Scanned from the collections of The Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation www.loc.gov/avconservation Motion Picture and Television Reading Room www.loc.gov/rr/mopic Recorded Sound Reference Center www.loc.gov/rr/record 1 I I Alert, lnt< MOTION PICTURE First in "TTLL. 51. NO. 1 m - NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1942 TEN CENTS 158 Demands In Arbitration For 11 Months Only 11 New Cases Were Filed in December Only 11 new arbitration com- plaints were filed during December in the industry's 31 local boards, bringing the total number of cases of record for the 11 months of the boards' operations to 158. Five of the December complaints were filed in Buffalo, three in New York and only three elsewhere. Two boards, Des Moines and Seattle, still have not had a sin- gle complaint in the 11 months since they were established. Of the total number of cases filed. 109 were disposed of during the 11 months, leaving 49 cases still pending before various tribunals. Of the 109 cases disposed of, 39 were withdrawn subsequent to their filing, usually on voluntary agreements or settlements (Continued on page 4) Daylight Time Seen U.S. Law in 1942 By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington", Jan. 1. — As one of the first steps of the new Congres- sional session which opens Monday, the legislators will be called upon to enact daylight saving legislation. The new session also will be called upon to finance a fifty-billion-dollar war effort. Final adjournment of the 1941 ses- sion will mean nothing more than a weekend recess. As the halfway point of the 77th Congress is reached, the score card shows no motion picture or radio legislation enacted, although the usual 1 run of bills — divorce, block booking. (Continued on page 4) W.B. and Stanley Officers Reelected Harry M. Warner, president, and all other officers of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and Stanley Company of America were reelected by the boards of directors this week. Officers of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., are : president, Harry M. War- ner ; vice-presidents, Albert Warner. Jack L. Warner, Herman Starr, Stan- leigh P. Friedman, Joseph H. Hazen, (Continued on page 4) Basson Loses 306 Election to Gelber Joseph D Basson, president of operators' Local 306 since 1935, was defeated for re-elec- tion on Wednesdav bv Her- man Gelber, 1,024 to 821. The result was an upset as Basson had been expected to win. Other officers elected are: Steve DTnzillo, vice-president ; Nat Doragoff, recording secre- tary; Charles Beckman, finan- cial secretary, re-elected; James Ambrosio, treasurer, re-elected. Bert Popkin and Jack Teitler were re-elected New York and Brooklyn busi- ness agents, respectively. British Exhibitors Again Vote Rooney Box-Office Leader British exhibitors voting in the an- nual Motion Picture Herald-Fame poll designated the 1941 box-office champion at English theatres to be Mickey Rooney, who also was voted number one money maker by exhibi- tors in the United States. Rooney repeated his victory of last year in the British poll. Here are the first 10 players, both British and AmT'^n, who scored most for the British ^rnvmen accord- ing to the poll, listed In accordance with the percentage of votes they re- ceived : 1. Mickey Rooney 2. Deanna Durbin 3. Spencer Tracy 4. George Formby 5. Jeannette MacDonald 6. Errol Flynn 7. Nelson Eddy 8. Gary Cooper 9. James Cagney 10. Bing Crosby British players most effective at the English box -office were voted in (Continued on page 4) IA Factional Fight Is Parley Problem The settlement of jurisdictional dis- putes involving IATSE studio unions will be the major problem before the labor negotiating meeting of company heads and studio union representatives which will begin here Monday after- noon at the office of Pat Casey, pro- ducers' labor representative. The photographers, grips, laborers and teamsters locals all have jurisdic- tional claims which are being pressed (Continued on page 4) RECORD HOLIDAY BOOMS BOX-OFFICE NBC and CBS Sued by U. S. As Radio Trust Chicago, Jan. 1. — Two civil suits to enjoin XBC and CBS from alleged monopolistic practices were filed here yesterday by the Department of Jus- tice in the Federal district court. RCA was made a party to the NBC action. Executives also were named. The suits aim to break up the sys- tem of ownership and licenses through which the chains allegedly dominate broadcasting, stated Daniel Britt, as- sistant U. S. Attorney General in charge of the anti-trust division here. Britt said the Government seeks to restrain the defendants from making exclusive contracts with radio stations, from signing station contracts for more than two years, and from bar- ring transcription manufacturers from access to studios to record programs for rebroadcasting. The NBC suit asks that the com- pany decide which of its networks, the Red or Blue, it will keep, and that a receiver be appointed to take over the other, which will be sold. The CBS suit asks that a receiver be appointed to take over the assets of all stations owned by CBS in cities having fewer than four stations of comparable facilities. These stations would be sold, the Government plans. U. S. Firms Fined In Argentine Case Members of the Argentine Film Pro- ducers' Association, including seven American major distributors, were found guilty of monopolistic practices and restraint of trade by Judge Luis Elizalde on Wednesday, according to newspaper dispatches from Buenos Aires. They were fined 20,000 pesos each ($5,000) with the alternative of two-year prison terms. Hector Bin, plaintiff in the trust suit, won damages of 100,000 pesos. The court found the association could close any theatre by withholding films and that the distributors fixed admis- sion prices. Defendants were United Artists, Warners, 20th Century-Fox, M-G-M, Columbia, Paramount and Universal. 'Louisiana Purchase' Tops Broadway Grossers at $25,000 in Single Day By SAM SHAIN Holiday business in the key the- atres of the principal cities of the United States, except in the West- ern and far Northwest regions affected by war conditions or ex- tremely inclement weather, was "terrific," according to reports. Reports from around the country indicate that while the big theatres in the large cities enjoyed unusual New Year's eve business, the customary holiday gaiety of the crowds was lack- ing. Audiences were quieter and sub- dued with the war in the minds of all. In Times Square, a gay, buoyant crowd of about 1,000,000 persons, old and young, thronged the area Wednes- day night and also helped keep the theatres filled. Rain hurt Broadway business yesterday. Official figures disclosed by the managements of just Wednes- day's business are: "Louisiana Purchase"— $25,000. "Babes on Broadway"— $23,000. "Remember the Day"— $20,000. Not all the returns for that day are in, but indications are that record- breaking patronage was attracted also by "Helzapoppin' ", "Shanghai Ges- ture," "The Man Who Came to Din- ner" and "Sundown." The figure chalked up by "Louisiana Purchase," at the Paramount Theatre, is declared by Bob Weitman to be a new record for the house, for a single day's gross. Gene Krupa's band is on the stage. The box-office was scaled to $1.85 for New Year's eve, and the theatre opened on Wednesday at 8:30 A.M., and closed at 4 A.M., Thursday, giving eight performances of the film and seven performances of the stage show, the last presentation of the stage show starting at 3 A.M. Los Angeles exhibitors faced un- favorable conditions what with the war and bad weather. Streets were deserted and the grosses slackened. (Continued 011 page 4) 1941 Stocks Review A review of motion picture stock movements during 1941 and a tabulation showing the prices of film securities com- paratively over a five-year period are on Page 8. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 2, 1942 Two New Plays Will Open Here Tonight Two new plays will open on Broadway tonight. "The Lady Comes Across," a George Hale musical with Jessie Matthews, Joe E. Lewis and Mischa Auer in the cast, opens at the Forty-fourth Street Theatre. "The First Crocus," a comedy by Arnold Sundgaard with Martha Hedman head- ing the cast, bows in at the Longacre. The producer is T. Edward Hambleton. Studio Post Dropped By Dave Fleischer Miami, Jan. 1.— The resignation of Dave Fleischer as general manager of Fleischer Studios, Inc., here was an- nounced yesterday. Sam Buchwald, who has been associated with the com- pany since its organization, was named to succeed him. Fleischer will retain his stock in the company. Dan Gordon was promoted to the executive production staff, headed by Seymour Neitel and Isadore Sparber. Additions to the story staff also will be made, it was said. Roddan Joins MPPDA Edward L. Roddan, former news- paperman, has been added to the pub- lic relations staff of the MPPDA. Personal Mention ARTHUR W. KELLY is sched- uled to leave for the Coast to- day. • Arthur A. Lee is expected back from a brief Florida vacation this weekend. • Neil Agnew and Robert Gillham left for the Coast last night. William Keegan, general mana- ger of William C. Hunt's theatres in Trenton, N. J., and Mrs. Keegan have left for an extended Florida va- cation, marking their 26th wedding anniversary. • Jack Thoma, Columbia publicity man in Chicago, is confined to his home with a throat infection. • Florence Hankein, secretary to George P. Aarons, secretary and general counsel for United MPTO. in Philadelphia, has resigned to take a Government position. • Ann Gross, secretary to J. T. Manfre, Paramount Des Moines manager, has left for a week's va- cation. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. Mickey KOONEY U & 6th Ave. . Judy GAKXAND BABES ON BROADWAY" An M-G ON STAGE: "THE Florence Rogoe's say phony Orch. under the 1st Mezzanine Seats M Picture BELLS RING OUT" — spectacular revue. Sym- direction of Erno Rapee. Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE PARAMOUNT Extra! DINAH SHORE TIMES SQUARE "Remember the Day" Claudette Colbert John Payne PLUS A BIG DAYV 7th Ave- STAGE SHOW R>^/V I & 50th St. AT LAST IT'S ON THE SCREEN il HELLZaPOPPIN 11 OLSEN & JOHNSON • MARTHA RAYE UNITED D I V ft I I BROADWAY ARTISTS III ▼ Will & 49th ST. MIDNIGHT SHOW. DOORS OPEN 9:30 A.M. ADOLPH ZUKOR is expected back from the Coast early next week. • A. H. Blank, president of Tri- States Theatres, Des Moines, has been elected to the national council of the Joint Distribution Committee. • Charles Zagrans, RKO branch manager in Philadelphia, has been named air raid warden for the Vine St. district, the city's film exchange row. • Earle M. Holden, manager of the Capitol Theatre, Atlanta, is in charge of the Red Cross membership drive in the industry in Atlanta. • Carl Harthill, manager of the Indianapolis branch of Monogram, is ill in Methodist Hospital, Indian- apolis. e Milton Goodman and Arthur Leak, Columbia salesmen in Des Moines, are on vacation. • John N. Keller of the Indianapolis Warner branch has been inducted into the Army. Plan Theatre Raid Defense for Phila. Philadelphia, Jan. 1. — Plans for cooperation of the theatres in the territory for air raid and civilian de- fense were formulated at a meeting called by Ted Schlanger, Warner Theatres zone chief. Instructions will be made available to all theatres in the area. The meeting was in Schlanger's of- fice. Among those present were John Nolan, Comerford Circuit; Joe Egan, Wilmer and Vincent Circuit; Sam Schwartz and Abe Einstein, Warner Theatres; William G. Mansell, War- ner branch manager ; Lewen Pizor, president of the United MPTO; Sid ney E. Samuelson, business manager of Eastern Pennsylvania Allied, and Jay Emanuel and Frank McNamee. Defense Bonds for Winners of Drive Scranton, Pa., Dec. 30. — Three $100 defense bonds will be given to each of the six managers and four dis- trict managers winning top prizes in the annual Comerford Theatres Man- agers drive, it was announced at the circuit's home office here. The bonds will be awarded in lieu of a planned all-expense trip to Hollywood, which has been called off because of the war. 96xAc Dividend on W.B. Preferred Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., has de- clared a regular dividend of 96K cents a share on the preferred stock, pay- able March 1 to stockholders of rec- ord Feb. 13. Mexican Group Aim Latin America Unity Mexico City, Jan. 1. — Unity of Latin America with regard to closer cooperation of picture interests, is the objective of an organization being organized here by producer Luis Man- rique and director Julio Bracho. This enterprise has the sympathy of the Mexican Government and is intended to have practical benefits, such as mutually reduced customs rates on pictures, as well as the development of film fraternity between Mexico and such countries as Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and the Argentine. Mexico Studios Set 50 Films This Year Mexico City, Jan. 1. — Despite the probable shortage of raw materials and equipment as a result of the war, Mexican producers and studios have arranged to increase and improve pro- duction during 1942. Present schedules call for the production of about 50 films, the most that Mexico has made in a year for some time. The stu/ are preparing to improve equiprm but the entire program depends upon just how much material the industry j can get from the United States. The production program features decisions to make 20 pictures by Jesus Grovas & Co., 12 pictures by Filmex S. A., one of which will be a new! version of "The Count of Monte« Cristo," to cost $105,000, one of the!? most expensive films ever made in Mexico; six by Felipe Mier &! Brother ; five by Mexico - Espafia ! Films, S. A., recently organized by! Gen. Juan F. Azcarate, former Mex-I ican minister to Germany ; and a| farcical presentation of "The Three Musketeers" by Posa Films, S. A.J of which Santiago Reachi is president.' 25,000 Xmas Baskets From Chicago Houses Chicago, Jan. 1. — Although no definite figures are available as yet, Jack Kirsch, co-chairman of the Chi- cago Christmas Basket Parties, esti- mates that between 25,000 and 30,000 baskets were made up and distributed this year from foodstuffs collected at theatres on Dec. 23. The Warner circuit reports that they made up 641 baskets from collections at their the- atres. B WAY & 47ih St. PALACE "HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY" WALTER PIDGEON MAUREEN O'HARA N. J. Allied to Meet Industry executives have been in- vited to attend a dinner of New Jer- sey Allied next Wednesday at the Roger-Smith Hotel, New Brunswick, N. J. The dinner will follow meet- ings of the unit's directors and mem- bership, at which annual committee reports will be presented. Harry H. Lowenstcin will preside. Staff of Hotel Astor Aids Defense Work Employes of the Hotel Astor, famed Times Square hotel, where people of show business meet, under the man- agement of Robert Christenberry, have signed a pledge to do everything pos- sible to aid the nation's defense pro- gram. Cooperating in the saving pro- gram, all employes are guarding against the waste of the materials which they use in their work. Will Enlist Ushers In March of Dimeti An effort will be made by the mo tion picture committee of the 1942, March of Dimes campaign to enlis some 50,000 ushers in the collectior drive, by which means it is believed possible to raise $100,000 for the cam paign from sources outside the 10,00' theatres which are expected to par ticipate. Nicholas M. Schenck, chairman o the industry committee, will award ; $100 defense bond to the usher wh< fills the largest number of coin cards Plans for the participation of Cali fornia theatres will be set at ; luncheon Monday at the Hotel Am bassador, Los Angeles, with Charle Skouras presiding. George Mann San Francisco, is chairman for th Northern California division, and A M. Bowles, vice-chairman. Robert B, Poole will assist Skouras in tn| Southern California division. Distribution of supplies for particil pating theatres has begun. Orders foii campaign books, buttons, collection cans, coin collectors, coin cards anf trailers are being accepted by Han- Brandt and C. C. Moskowitz, c chairmen of the industry committe Rites for N. J. Exhibitor Woodbine, N. J., Jan. 1. — Funeral services were held Tuesday for Sam- uel Levenson, 53, owner of the local Woodbine, who died suddenly at his home here. His wife and a son sur- vive. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday arff holidays by Quigley Publishing Compan T Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cente \ r New York City. Telephone Circle 7-310 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Ma i tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publishe Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gener Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vic President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James . Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Burea 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Nei Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Uni Life Building, William R. Weaver, Edito Leon Friedman, Manager; London Burea 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope WU liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubdj London." All contents copyrighted 1941 Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Oth, Quigley publications: Motion Pictij>( Herald, Better Theatres, Internatior Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. E tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 19 i at the post office at New York, N. 1 under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscr tion rates per year $6 in the Americas a $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. « M*t3 MBit, ANGLE! JBOTBOGfcRTl AFT* BATTLES Bison BovfDoesHe,LetGo! KILLER ne'... Gangland matching fforshotwit^ Gestapo! Humphrey CONRAD VEIDT OGART urn verne Bast yet; Beats 'Maltete Falcon' t CONRAD VEIDT E»^*^ a meui uiadmcp ncn; hit. At Ms best; CONRAD VTOi HGHT . ANDERSON INCENT SHERMAN! > A NEW WARNER BROS. HIT. JANE DARWELL- FRANK McHUGH PETER LORRE -JUDITH ANDERSON Directed by VINCENT SHERMAN scon caoscmr * j: y VINCENT SHERMAN/ , by Leonard Q. Ross and I , p,,» by LeonardSplgelgass & 5 Leonard StMgalgau If you've played — or are playing "Maltese Falcon", you know what to expect from this one. •••and 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 2, 1942 158 Demands In Arbitration For 11 Months {Continued from page 1) among the parties to the complaint. It is believed that a large number of such settlements brought some relief to the complaining exhibitor. Of the remaining cases disposed of, 70 were in the form of awards by arbitrators after conclusion of hear- ings. Of those, 37 awards were in favor of distributor respondents and 33 were in favor of exhibitor com- plaints. Eighteen of the 70 arbitra- tors' awards have been appealed and the appeals board has decided 14 of these. Eight appeals were decided against complainants and six in favor of complainants. The New York board, with 30 com- plaints of record, leads in number of cases filed. Philadelphia has 15, Chi- cago, 12, and Buffalo, 11, in that order. The average number of cases filed per month, for the 11 months, re- mained at through December, compared with an average of 16^2 per month prior to November. That month saw only nine new complaints filed, the fewest for any month since the opening of the boards last Feb. 1. Basil Files Complaint With Buffalo Board Buffalo's 11th arbitration complaint, and the fifth for the month of Decem- ber, was filed on Wednesday, accord- ing to a report to the American Arbi- tration Association headquarters here. Basil Bros. Theatre Co., operator of the Apollo, Buffalo, charges in the complaint that the 21 days clearance granted Shea's Elmwood over the Apollo is unreasonable and asks that the clearance be reduced to one day. Mull Academy Fete; W anger New Chief Hollywood, Jan. 1. — Possible reversal of the decision not to hold the annual awards dinner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be considered next week by the board of governors. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the board Tuesday night at which Walter Wanger was elected Academy presi- dent to succeed Bette Davis, who resigned after three months in the post. Wanger had held the office two years prior to Miss Davis' election. Grosses Boom Over U. S. on Big Holiday IA Factional Fight Is Parley Problem {Continued from page 1) for immediate settlement. The busi- ness representatives of the locals will arrive from the Coast today and to- morrow and are scheduled to meet Sunday to pave the way for a settle- ment of the jurisdictional claims which can be presented to the meet- ing with company representatives on Monday. Wage and working conditions de- mands are not regarded as a serious problem for the joint meeting. Agree- ments on these already have been reached with two of the 10 IA stu- dio locals and the same terms have been offered the other locals. {Continued from page 1) In Philadelphia, the traditional Mum- mers Parade brought crowds down town in the morning who stayed for the movies later. Light snow flurries failed to affect the box-office, it is reported. Despite a heavy rain, business in Chicago's Loop was reported big. A heavy blizzard dented Omaha's bo? office, Wednesday, only slightly but froze out yesterday's grosses in Ne- braska and Iowa. Traffic and business was reported practically at a standstill. Cold weather in St. Louis failed to hurt the theatre business. Everywhere on the big-time business was reported as "good." Newark reported capacity audiences, and from Baltimore word was that the box-office was record- breaking. Milwaukee suffered a 25 per cent drop in business yesterday because of heavy storms, and neighborhood busi- ness also was off after one of the big- gest New Year's eve. Montreal's matinee business yester- day was described as "generally dull" but picked up at night. Rain and the fact that virtually all Government offices were working con- siderably dampened theatre business in Washington yesterday. In Cincin- nati, Dayton and Columbus, however, new product, higher scales and mid- night shows helped boost business greatly. British Exhibitors Again Vote Rooney Box-Office Leader Press-Radio Hearing Delayed to Jan. 21 Washington, Jan. 1. — Resumption of the FCC's investigation of news- paper ownership of broadcasting sta- tions has been postponed from Jan. 8 to Jan. 21. The commission, however, announced its intention of completing the inquiry expeditiously, and to that end will hold hearings three days a week, in- stead of two days as heretofore. 'Flying' Is Omaha Winner at $7,200 Omaha, Jan. 1. — The only pre- Christmas business went to the Or- pheum, which grossed $7,200 with "Keep 'Em Flying" and "Major Bar- bara." Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 23-24: "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) "Two Latins from Manhattan" (Col.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $3,600 (Average, $4,000) "International Lady" (U.A.) "Broadway Limited" (U.A.) OM AHA — (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: M.400. (Average, $6,000) "Keep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) "Major Barbara" (U.A.) OH I'JJEUM— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $7,000) "Sergeant York" (W.B.) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (40c-5Sc) 7 days, lr z 5; < S3 cu xi o E o « ca go E^ * o ~ o"P~ .-I •a 2 £06* 2 a is-ass o 73 to oiH U o v 2>n^ M 3 Q v- ' S to S *- ■8 £Cq cq 32 ON-S to /-N S I « £o i S I a 2 5 e ■ta/ T7 'O ~ O^Q 0 o c52 co > v cB CM T ta ^-s * O ^P 2 •?fl J. 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CU - o ~ a «& !MCq 5 = 3 h-1 •3^ ^ 3 3p o ' ' B O X KB "2 E CO o to CU /~. 50 1- iS 2 o-8 .3 B ^* Vl cm o pq * in _, P k 5 a> o ** ^ E o o o« CO So o w O cu E O 00 M ca — 05 S _ a t w co -s; A (Ja 05 » o OW 3 §N cu -5 — o ■a 9^ C a t E S-^S ca P CO a « a o 530 >.W «*H^ (0 M "2 to bfl a .a7/-s s> MO §^ N— ^ CM Sfi ; CO^ g o « CO ca VO I4| A FAMILY RESEMBLANCE ALL three Eastman negative films have one all-important attribute in common — unvarying high quality. This uniformity has been character- istic of Eastman films ever since the first motion picture was made. Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood PLIJS-X SUPER-XX for general studio use when tittle light is available BACKGROCXD-X for backgrounds and general exterior work EASTMAN NEGATIVE FILMS Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 2, 1942 Film Stocks Strong In Adverse Year Motion picture shares gave a stellar performance in the face of adverse conditions on the New York Stock Exchange during 1941. Despite the fact that the general market dropped to the lowest average price levels since 1938, while trading volume was the smallest since 1918, the total mar- ket valuation of the 20 film company issues listed on the exchange rose $31,585,730 during the year to $583,- 430,050, compared with $551,844,320 at the end of 1940. Film stocks weathered the shock of the country's entry into war better than most other sections of the list. Record-breaking production of Ameri- ca's leading industries as they geared for an all-out war effort, with the consequent dwindling in the ranks of unemployed, augured well for the nation's box-offices. A factor also was the recognition that motion pic- ture entertainment would play a large part in easing war tension, as was at- tested by record-breaking box-office receipts in New York and other cen- ters during the Christmas holidays. Favorable motion picture company earnings reports and dividend actions also helped stimulate demand for their shares and furnished good support when the market going was rough. Among the features in this connection were an estimate by Warner Brothers officers that earnings for the 13-week period ended Nov. 29 would show about a 50 per cent increase over the corresponding period of 1940 ; Colum- bia's report of a net profit of $261,- 705 for the quarter ended Sept. 27 1941, against $153,878 for the corres- ponding quarter of 1940; a report that Universal's gross for the fiscal year ended Nov. 2 passed the $30,000,000 mark, a gain of $3,000,000 oyer the preceding year; an extra $1 dividend declaration by Loew's and recapitalization operations by Para- mount and Loew's that strengthened the financial structure of both com- panies. Paramount common stock, with a turnover of 1,496,500 shares, was the most active of the film issues during 1941 and also one of the strongest, showing a net gain for the year of AYz points, or $11,096,672 in market valuation, based on the number of shares of the stock outstanding. War- ner Brothers was a close runner-up in activity, showing sales of 1,243,800 shares and a gain of 2J^ points, bring- ing its total market valuation up to $19,893,358, against $11,103,270 at the end of 1940. Loew's, while not so active, was a strong feature, rising $9,025,493 in market valuation to a total of $63,588,593, which represented a gain of 5^8 points to a closing price of 38^. Some of the film stocV, which had been considerably depres in the general market weakness cr ing the year, staged strong rail near the year-end. Among these was Eastman Kodak, which dropped from a high of 145*4 to a low of 120J4 and finished at 137^. Motion Picture Stocks in 1941 High and Low in Stock and Bond Trading for 3 Year Period (Closing Prices Are as of December 30, 1941) New York Stock Exchange Stock and: Dividend Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures pfd. (254) Consolidated Film Consolidated Film pfd. (1A) Eastman Kodak (6B) Eastman Kodak pfd. (6) Gen. Theatre Equip. (1) Keith -Albee-Otph. pfd. (7) Loew's Inc. (2P>) Loew's, Inc., pfd. (614) Paramount (.90c) Paramount 1st pfd. (6) Paramount 2nd pfd. (.60) Radio-Keith-Orpheum 20th Century -Fox 20th Century-Fox pfd. (154) Universal Pictures pfd. (4A) Warner Bros Warner Bros. pfd. (3.85A) A — accumulated; B — including extras; C — this year 1941 — Net Change "rom '40 Close Sales High Low Last 71,000 m 4% 554 — 34 12,900 2sy2. 2154 2454 + 254 43,800 i% % 7/16 —1/16 56,000 n 7 7% - 54 114,000 14554 12054 13754 - 154. 2,580 18254 160 176 — 4 124,600 1654 954 nys - 54 850 12154 95 95 — 9 326,100 3954 28 3854 + SVs 13,300 110 105 10654 - 256 1,496,500 1651 10 iW + 454 48,000 11554 9554 111 +1354 198,500 1454 m 13% + 254 210,100 354 2 354 - 54 333,900 954 5 6H + 34 33,200 24 1654 1854 + 54 6,610 162 133 152 +24 1,243,800 654 254 554 + 256 6,300 77 53 70 +17 High 854 26 15-6 1054 16654 180 1356 109 3754, 10954 10% 99 1156 354 1354 2554 125 454 5654 Low 354 1454 54 5% 117 155 754 95 2054 97 454 64 654 254 5 14 59 2 30 1939 High Low 14 3054: 254 1254 18656 18354 1554 10054 5154 109% 1456 107^ 1354 2% 2654 3454 78 W> 58 754 1554 %> 754 13854 15554 856 85 3054 101*6. 654 72 756 154 1154 1954 4554 354 36 1938 High Low 16 3556 254 1254 187 173 1654 91 6254. 11154 13% 101% 1354 38 13% 2754 1 454 12154 157 854 63 33 99 554 65 654 154 1654 2554 2754 354 20 1937 High Low 39 4656 554 1854 198 164 3354 110 88% 110 2854 20054 2654 1056 4074 50 108 18 6954 39 2554 1 454 144 150 954 80 4354 9954 .tkt 854 8054 8 P 2% |b 1854 25 29 454 36 New York Curb Exchange 1941- Stock and Dividend Monogram Pictures Sentry Safety Control.... Technicolor Trans-Lux (.05A) Universal Pictures A — This year. Bond and Maturity Loew's 354s '46 Paramount-Bway. 3s '55 . Paramount 4s '56 , Warner Bros. 6s '48 Sales 368,000 146,000 1,462,000 639,000 115,000 High 154 54 11 1 3054 Low % 54 1454 Net Change Last from '40 Close 54 +54 5/32 —7/32 6Vs — 154 7/16 —7/16 26 +1154 1940 1930 1938 1937 High Low High Low High Low High Low 1 % 354 1 354 154 254 1 1J6 3/16 9/16 54 54 3/16 1% % 1656 854 2254 9% 2654 14% 34 14 154 54 254 1 354 154 554 154 1554, 4 954, 6 10 3 19 354 Bonds on Stock Exchange -1941- Sales $542,000 496,000 469,000 632,000 High 105 6054 IOO54 97 Low 10254 52 9854 92 Net Change Last from '40 Close 10254 — m 58 + 554 9954 new issue 9554 + 54 1940 High Low 105 10054 5254 40 '9754 '78 1939 High Low 10354 92 3754. 45% 92 7954 1938 High Low 10'254 9454 63 5654 9154 63% 1937 High Low 101% 9554 7554 59 10O54 70 Comparison of Valuation of Stock Issues — 1940-41 Stock Columbia Pictures Columbia Pictures, Consolidated Film Consol. Film pfd. pfd. Shares Outstanding 366,268 75,000 524,973 400,000 Eastman Kodak 2,476,013 East. Kodak pfd 61,657 Gen. Thca. Equip \ 586,087 Keith -Alb. -Orph. pfd 63,586 Loew's, Inc 1,665,713 Loew's, Inc. pfd 136,722 Paramount 2,465,927 Para. 1st pfd 134,190 Para. 2nd pfd 532,470 Radio-Keith-Orph 2,753,053 KKO nfd 128,170 20th Cent. -Fox | 1,741,995 20th Cent. -Fox pfd • 917'420 Universal Pic. pfd 20,000 Warner Bros 3,701,090 Warner Bros, pfd 99,617 Close 1940 554 22 54 754 139 180 12 104 3254 10854 1054 9754 1054 3-54 43 654 1854 128 3 S3 Valuation $2,014,474 1,650,000 262,486 3,100,000 344,165,807 11,099,260 7,033,044 6,612,944 54,563,100 14,854,337 25,275,751 13,083,525 5,724,052 10,323,948 5,511.310 10,769.719 16,857,592 2,560,000 11,103,270 5,279,701 $551,844,320 Close Dec. 30/41 554. 2454 7/16 7% 13754 176 \m 95 3854 10654 1454 111 1354 3% 47 674 1854 152 554 70 -Net Change- Valuation — 54 — $ 137,351 $1,877,123 + 254- + 187,500 1,837,500 —1/16 — 32,811 229,675 -54 — 200,000 2,900,000 - 154 — 3,714,020 340,451,787 — 4 — 247,328 10,851,932 - 54 — 73,261 6,959,783 — 9 — 572,274 6,040,670 + 554 + 9,025,493 63,588,593 - 254 — 310,535 14,543,802 + 454 +11,096,672 36,372,423 +1354 + 1,811,565 14,895,090 + 254 + 1,331,175 7,055,227 - — 1,376,526 8,947,422 + 4 + 512,680 6,023,990 11,976,215 + 54 + 1,206,496 16,972,270 + 54 + 114,678 5,040,000 +24 + 2,480,000 19,893,358 + 254 + 8,790,088 6,973,190 +17 + 1,693,489 $583,430,050 +$31,585,730 10 R Alert, to the lotion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY y^- si. NO. 2 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1942 TEN CENTS Canada Bars Subsidies to Film Houses Vo Financial Aid to Meet Higher Equipment Cost Toronto, Jan. 4. — The Federal L Government has announced no financial assistance will be given theatres, such as subsidies available to other industries, to offset the in- creased cost of certain imported rquipment, even though a wartime ceiling has been placed on admis- sion prices. Films, projectors, electrical equip- ment, radios, musical instruments and >rinted matter are all imported at :onsiderably higher prices than for- nerly. Other industries receive sub- -idies to relieve them of rising prices >n imported goods which cannot be rontrolled by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, but the film industry in he Dominion will have to absorb its nvn higher costs and a share may lave to be borne by exhibitors who •annot pass the increase along to the jublic. Further official information is that >rice stabilization against inflation % ill be maintained for an indefinite leriod after the war to guard against :haos in economic readjustment, which neans that theatres will continue with legged admissions probably for a long ime without financial protection from he Government. Many Increase Aid In Federation Drive David Bernstein, co-chair- man of the amusement divi- sion of the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philan- thropic Societies of New York and Brooklyn, revealed over the weekend that many con- tributors have made bigger contributions this year than in previous years in order to help make up the $1,750,000 additional needed to meet the increased cost of maintaining the institutions which the Federation helps to support. Barney Balaban, president of Paramount, and Major Al- bert Warner, vice-president and treasurer of Warner Bros., are co-chairmen with Bern- stein of the amusement divi- NBC Television Web To Link New York With Phila., Capital W ar conditions and priorities per- mitting, XBC plans to start a tele- vision network extending from Sche- nectady, X. Y.. to Washington during 1942, Xoran E. Kersta declared on Friday, when he assumed his new post as manager of the XBC television de- partment. He succeeds Alfred H. Morton, who resigned to head a new artists' management and concert busi- ness. The new web, it is planned, will be linked by ultra-high frequency relay stations, with no telephone lines em- ployed. The origination point for pro- grams will be XBC in Xew York, with the General Electric station in Schenectady picking up the telecasts and re-transmitting them to the Al- bany-Troy-Schencctady market and a general area of 60 miles north and west of Schenectady. XBC will also send its signals to Windmore, Pa., about 10 miles north of Philadelphia, where they will be picked up by an automatic relay point and sent to the Philco station in Philadelphia which will re-telecast them. From the Philco (Continued on pane, 4) Univ. Chiefs Confer At Studio This Week William A. Scully, general sales manager of Universal, is scheduled to arrive on the Coast on Wednesday for conferences with Xate J. Blumberg, president ; Cliff Work, production chief, and Matthew Fox, vice-presi- dent and executive assistant to the president. Joseph H. Seidelman, vice-president in charge of foreign sales, is due at the studio today from Xew York with Charles Prutzman, vice-presi- dent and general counsel. Peyton Gibson, secretary of the company, has also left for the studio conferences. Dismiss Screen Credit Suit A gainst 20th- Fox A $50,000 suit claiming damage to reputation brought against 20th Cen- tury-Fox by Eleanor Harris, who prepared a script, "Profits of Empire," upon which the film "Brigham Young" was based, was dismissed on Friday by Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard. Miss Harris, who sold the script to the defendant for $1,000 and subse- quently worked as a writer for the company, charged that her reputation was impaired because she did not re- ceive proper screen credit. Frederick Pride of Dwight, Harris, Koegel and Caskey represented 20th Century-Fox. New Trade Mark Made by Republic Hollywood, Jan. 4. — Repub- lic, with "Lady for a Night," has introduced a new trade mark, a modification of the present Liberty Bell and tower. The original lucite model cost $3,500 and $11,000 was spent photographing it, occupying a camera crew for six weeks. Nick, Weston Start Serving Sentences St. Louis, Jan. 4. — John P. Xick and Clyde A. Weston, ousted St. Louis projectionists' union officials, on Fri- day began their five-year terms for violation of the Federal anti-racketeer- ing law in a new Federal prison at Terre Haute, Ind. The pair surrendered at 4 A.M. Friday to a United States marshal and left shortly afterward in an auto- mobile for the prison, a new model institution designed for non-habitual criminals who have not committed violent crimes. The two were convicted of exacting $16,500 from St. Louis exhibitors to forestall exorbitant wage demands in behalf of operators. The U. S. Su- preme Court refused to review their conviction. 'Pride of Yankees' Gehrig Film Title "The Pride of the Yankees" has been selected by Samuel Goldwyn as the title of his forthcoming film based on the life of the late Lou Gehrig, it was announced. Production is sched- uled to start late this month. Gehrig will be played by Gary Cooper, and the only other actor set is Babe Ruth, who will play himself. Lefty O'Doul has been engaged as technical advisor. Leading contenders for the role of Mrs. Gehrig are Barbara Stanwyck and Theresa Wright, the Goldwyn office stated. Reelection of Loew Board Is Expected Reelection of the present 12 direc- tors of Loew's, Inc., is scheduled to take place at a special meeting of the company's stockholders called for Feb. 3 at the home office. The proxy statement notes that Xicholas M. Schenck's aggregate re- muneration as president for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 1941, was $334,- 204, and that his right to purchase 9,698 shares of common at $40 per share under an option contract involv- (Continiicd on page 4) Connors Starts Round Table Talks in Minn. Exhibitors Attend Parley In Minneapolis Today Tom J. Connors, personal assis- tant to Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, left Saturday for Minneap- olis to attend round -table confer e n c e s with the ex- hibitors of that territory. Ex- h i b i t o r s throughout the Minnesota k ^(■^*""9' area have been ^ invited by Dis- WL ^^Bfc^ tr'ct Manager |^ j| ^ M. A. Levy for this series of I. J. Connors meetings, the first of which will get under way today, it has been revealed. William Gehring, Central division manager, accom- panied Connors. The meetings are expected to end tomorrow. While in Minneapolis, Connors also (Continued on page 4) Franchise in Ohio Bought by Republic Republic Pictures has purchased the franchise agreement held by Xat L. Lefton of Cleveland, for the distribu- tion of Republic product in the terri- tories covered by Cleveland and Cin- cinnati, James R. Grainger, Republic president, announced on Friday. Lefton came here to conclude the deal, and will take a vacation. Grain- ger said the personnel of both branches will remain as it is, with no changes planned. Grainger expressed regret at severing business relations with Lefton. $320,000 Three -Week Gross at Music Hall Radio City Music Hall will have grossed approximately $320,000 in three weeks, starting Dec. 18 and end- ing next Wednesday, according to trade estimates, this figure being among the biggest of similar periods in the history of that theatre. Current at the theatre is "Babes on (Continued on page 4) Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 5, 1942 Personal Mention Not Wanted Chicago, Jan. 4 n EFORE the war with J3 Japan started, Warner Theatres here bought a batch of favors for their New Year's Eve shows, but after the Pearl Harbor incident, all of them, carrying Japanese trade- marks, were shipped back im- mediately to the jobbing com- pany for credit and managers were instructed to substitute American-made goods. S chine Men Honor Sliter with Dinner Gloversville, N. Y., Jan. 4. — More than 150 associates and friends held a farewell dinner here last week for Harold F. Sliter, Mohawk Valley dis- trict manager for the Schine Circuit. He has been promoted to district man- ager for the larger Ohio-Kentucky area, taking over with headquarters at Bellefontaine, O., tomorrow. The dinner was arranged by the Kiwanis Club, of which Sliter was an active member here. J. Myer and Louis W. Schine were among the dinner speakers. Decision to Cancel Awards Fete Stands Hollywood, Jan. 4. — Walter Wanger, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in a formal statement said on Friday that the Academy's board of governors had not changed its position on cancelling the annual awards dinner, due to the war. Wanger said in part: "Several pos- sibilities for the presentation of the awards are now being explored. Until these explorations have been com- pleted the results naturally cannot be announced. The Academy board is anxious not to anticipate or take chances of running counter either to specific Army regulations or general Government policies. These are not yet clarified and cannot be clarified this early for the event which ordin- arily takes place at the end of Febru- ary or early in March. Voting on the awards is in progress but a decision on the form of presentation will be kept open until the last minute for obvious reasons." BROADWAY PLAYS "GRAND-SCALE SMASH HIT! — Life Magazine GERTRUDE LAWRENCE In the Musical Play "LADY IN THE DARK" ALVIN, 52 8t. W. of B'way — Mats. Wed. & Sat. "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1& $1.50 NP0LUHS.GTHAEXR 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed., Sat. & Sun. 501 8eat« for Every Pert. 50e. EVGS. AT &:40 AL LICHTMAN left for the Coast on Friday by train. Harry Gold is in Miami on his yacht for a short vacation. • Walter Wanger left the Coast late last week for Washington. • Tom H. Hansen, operator of the Empress Theatre, Anchorage, Alaska, was a visitor in Chicago last week, his first visit to the Midwest in 17 years. • Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nizer have re- turned from Miami. • Monroe Rubinger has returned to Chicago from New York. Jack Cutting has returned to the Disney studio from South America. Exhibitor Wins N. Y. Labor Board Ruling In a decision reversing its trial ex- aminer, the New York State Labor Board has found for Julius Wolff, op- erator of the Livonia Theatre, Brook- lyn, against operators' Local 306. The board ruled that Wolff was not guilty of refusing to bargain collec- tively with the union, as charged, and is therefore not ordered to reinstate three projectionists who were called out on strike April, 1940, in a dispute over a new contract. The decision, however, ordered that a closed shop contract between Wolff and the Empire operators' union be set aside since it was made at a time when none of the Livonia employes was a member of that union. Rowland Producing 'Commandos* in N. Y. William Rowland announced on Friday that he will start production immediately of "The Commandos" at the Movietone studio in New York. The story, based on the operations of the British coastal raiders, was' writ- ten by Irving Shapiro and Stedman Coles. Rowland stated that he is awaiting from England actual films of the Commandos in action. Camera Crew Is Safe Hollywood, Jan. 4. — The 20th Cen- tury-Fox camera crew, headed by Di- rector James Havens, has arrived safely in San Francisco from Hono- lulu, where they had been caught by the Japanese bombing raid while shooting scenes for "To the Shores of Tripoli." Six men were in the crew. BEN KALMENSON, Warner gen- eral sales manager, is scheduled to arrive on the Coast today for his first studio visit since taking over his new post. • Adolph Johnson, operator of the Strand, Hamden, Conn., is at Miami Beach. • Robert Yentes, of the 20th Cen- tury-Fox New York exchange, has been recalled to active Army duty. He will report to Camp Upton as a ser- geant. • Frank Liberman of the Warner Chicago field publicity staff has joined the Army and is stationed at Fort Monmouth. • Gerald K. Rudulph was a visitor here over the weekend from Roches- ter. Some Run Complaint Filed in Cleveland A some-run complaint has been filed at the Cleveland arbitration board by the Park Theatre Co., operator of the Dueber Theatre, Canton, O., against all five consenting companies, the American Arbitration Association re- ported Friday. The complaint charges that the thea- tre has been unable to obtain some run of the five companies' product on terms not calculated to defeat the pur- pose of Section 6 of the decree. Named as interested parties in the complaint are the McKinley, Mozart and State, at Canton, and the Park, Valentine and Strand at Akron. Pressbook Is Issued For Dimes Campaign A pressbook for theatres has been issued in connection with the indus- try's participation in the 1942 March of Dimes drive, Jan. 22-28. The book outlines methods of lobby and audi- torium collection and suggests means of exploiting the drive both inside and outside the theatre. It was prepared by Ernest Emer- ling of Loew's advertising and public- ity department under the direction of Oscar A. Doob, in charge of public relations for the National Motion Pic- tures Committee. Cadoret Left $82,000 Rochester, Jan. 4. — An estate esti- mated at $82,000 was left by William H. Cadoret, general manager of Mon- roe Amusements, Inc., who died Dec. 20. Peebles Heads OPM Communication Unit Washington, Jan. 4. — Leighton H. Peebles, connected with the Depart- ment of Commerce, NRA and SEC since 1931, has been named head of the OPM Communications Branch, which will work in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commis- sion in handling material needs of broadcasters and other branches^ the communications industry. (jVL . . Peebles and his staff will be houi-"a in the FCC. Three engineers appointed by the Defense Communications Board will be assigned to him. The OPM soon will issue an order cutting radio set production for the first three months of 1942 by 25 per cent from the production total for the first quarter of last year, according to the Radio Manufacturers Association here. It is expected to provide an average of 675,000 receivers monthly for the three-months period. Phila. House Ties in With KYW for News Philadelphia, Jan. 4. — The first regular tieup between a local film house and radio station for news ser- vice has been effected between the Trans-Lux and KYW. The newsreel theatre is furnished with regular news flashes by the station throughout the day, presented on the screen at regu- lar intervals. In the past, the Warner theatres tied in with WCAU on elec- tion results of major importance. KYW call letters are used on the screen in connection with the news flashes and in lobby displays. Since the advent of war, the Trans-Lux has also added to its regular program of newsreels and shorts H. V. Kalten- born's question and answer analysis and Tex McCrary's "Your Ringside Seat" series. WGN Gross Is 23% Over 1940 Revenue Chicago, Jan. 4. — Station WGN here in 1941 enjoyed the best business year in its history, according to Man- ager Frank P. Schreiber. December, said William A. McGuineas, sales manager, was the 24th consecutive month in which the station has shown a gain over the preceding month in local billings. Gross revenue, which in 1940 was 17.9 per cent over that of 1939, will show an increase of about 23 per cent for 1941 over 1940. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidavs by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Eidtor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor^ James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. CORRECTION! M-C-M TRADE SHOWING (New York and New Jersey Only — At M-G-M Screening Room, 630 Ninth Ave., N. Y. City) "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" \ TUE$ JAN |3th and . > 9:30 A.M. "CHINA CARAVAN" ) 1:30 P-M- "WE WERE DANCING" WED., JAN. 14th 1:30 P.M. "Mnitp" Ifjere is a unitp plan in tfje mo tton picture inbustrp. 3t fja# been operating tuttfi grotoing success for Some six pears. 3ts name is Republic pictures. '^mt tfje enb of tfjis fateful pear of 1941, So torn tottf) strifes, internal anb external, Republic pictures finbs itself in fjappp anb profitable unitp tottb 12,000 exbibitor cus= tomers* bis attests to an unberstanbtng of mutualttp bettoeen Republic, probucer anb biStributor,tf)e exbibt tor anb tfjat great American public tofjicf) goes to tbe box office for its monep's toortb of entertainment %ob pictures - goob beal ==goob business === tfjat's Unitp. Republic pcture* Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 5, 1942 'Maltese Falcon' Minneapolis Best Minneapolis, Jan. 4. — "The Mal- tese Falcon" and "Target for To- night" drew a good $8,000 at the Orpheum, although other grosses during the pre-Chrismas week were off. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 25 : "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) STATE— (2,300) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $6,000) "Night of Jan. 16" (Para.) GOPHER— (998) (28c) 6 days. Gross: $2,100. (Average, $2,500) "Charley's Aunt" (Fox) WORLD— (350) (28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week.- Gross: $1,600. (Average, $1,600) "The Maltese Falcon" (W.B.) "Target for Tonight" (W.B.) ORPHEUM— (2,800) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $5,500) "Sun Valley Serenade" (Fax) CENTURY — (1,600) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $4,000) "Last of the Duanes" (20th-Fox) 3 days "Mr. Celebrity" (PRC) 3 days "Among the Living" (Para.) 4 days "Swing It, Soldier" (Univ.) 4 days ASTER— (900) (17c-28c) 7 days. Gross: $2,000. Average, $1,800) Connors Conducts Round Table Talks (Co7itimted from page 1) will hold staff meetings of branch personnel. Connors will discuss his company's new selling plans and policies with the exhibitors. Twentieth Century - Fox resumed selling in Minnesota during November under the State's anti-block-of-five law , after being granted a release from the New York case consent de- cree's restrictive provisions by Fed- eral Judge Henry W. Goddard. De- layed selling in Minnesota owing to that State's anti-consent decree law has created special problems and it is reported that part of Connors' pur- pose at these round-table meetings will be to help the exhibitors solve these matters. These meetings are the first to be held by 20th Century-Fox. Appeal Censor Ban On 'Outlaw', 'Baby9 Albany, Jan. 4. — A new appeal has been filed with the New York State Censor Board on "The Birth of a Baby," which was rejected three years ago. The Howard Hughes film, "The Outlaw," is the subject of an appeal to the Board of Regents, made by Al- bert Lodwick, vice-president of Hughes Production Co. The film will be screened by the Regents' film com- mittee shortly, and submitted to the full board on Jan. 16. MPTO of St. Louis Endorses Unity Plan Sr. Louis, Jan. 4.— The MPTO of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois has unanimously en- dorsed the all-industry unity program as drafted by the Motion Picture In- dustry Conference Committee in Chi- cago last month, Fred Wehrenberg, president, announced. Paper Drive Brings $128 Scrantox, Pa., Jan. 4. — More than 10 tons of wastepaper carried to eight Comerford theatres by an estimated 4,000 youngsters has been converted into $128.50 for civilian defense use. Review "Son of Fury" (20th Century-Fox) THE action, adventure and romance which crowd fast upon each other should make this film a favorite with the customers and, consequently, with exhibitors. It has an excellent cast, topped by Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney, and except for protracted scenes of brutality, which make it strong entertainment for the young, the film offers just about every- thing essential to a good picture. Power plays Benjamin Blake, deprived of his inheritance by his uncle and held as a bonded servant in the England of three centuries ago, because proof of his parents' marriage was lacking. Cruelly treated for years, the boy eventually runs away to seek a fortune with which he can return to England to obtain justice. The fortune he finds in pearls on a South Sea island, but before he is able to leave the place he is in love with the native girl, Gene Tierney. It is to her he returns after having established his name and heritage in England and turned over his prop- erties there to the servants. Further romance is furnished by Frances Farmer, as the daughter of the scheming uncle, in love with the servant boy. George Sanders is impressive as the uncle, as is Roddy McDowall, who plays Blake as a boy. Excellent characterizations are contributed by Dudley Digges, Harry Davenport, Robert Greig, John Carradine and Elsa Lanchester. John Cromwell's direction is excellent throughout. Darryl F. Zanuck produced and William Perlberg was associate producer. Running time, 100 minutes. "A."* Sherwin A. Kane *"A" denotes adult classification. Reelection of Loew Board Is Expected (Continued from page 1) ing an aggregate 48,492 shares was not exercised. The present directors and their beneficial ownership of securities, as listed in the proxy statement, are : George N. Armsby, 100 shares of Loew's common ; David Bernstein, vice-president and treasurer, 22,200 shares of common ; Leopold Fried- man, secretary, 712 shares of com- mon ; John R. Hazel, 100 shares of common ; Al Lichtman, vice-president, 100 shares of common; C. C. Mosko- witz, assistant treasurer, 1,000 shares of common ; William A. Parker, 600 shares of common, and is president of a corporation which owns 36,000 shares of common ; J. Robert Rubin, vice-president, 14,415 shares of com- mon ; Nicholas M. Schenck, 2,817 shares of common ; Joseph R. Vogel, 300 shares of common ; David War- field, 7,000 shares of common, and Henry Rogers Winthrop, 100 shares of common. NBC Television Web To Link Area in East (Continued from page 1) station various relay points will pick up the signals and send them down to Washington, where a second NBC station atop the Wardman Park Hotel will transmit the programs. Norman D. Waters, head of the American Television Society, in a telegram sent Friday to Will H. Hays, MPPDA president, stressed the need for industry films to supplement Gov- ernment defense films in television. F idler Sues Wilkerson Los Angeles, Jan. 4. — James Ma- rion Fidler, columnist, has filed a $1,000,000 damage suit against W. R. Wilkerson, publisher of the Holly- ivnod Reporter, charging defamation of character in stories connected with Fidlcr's testimony before the Senate film investigation subcommittee. M-G-M Tradeshows Set for New York The following corrections in trade- showings have been announced by M-G-M : in the New York and New Jersey territories, "Woman of the Year" and "China Caravan" will be screened Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the New York exchange. The films will be shown once in the morning, starting at 9 :30 and again at 1 :30 in the after- noon. "We Were Dancing" will be screened at the New York exchange on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 1 :30 P.M. $320,000 Three-Week Gross at Music Hall (Continued from page 1) Broadway," which officials estimate will gross about $118,000 for the week ending next Wednesday night, and "H. M. Pulham, Esq.," another M-G-M picture, in 13 days is esti- mated to have grossed about $202,000. Altogether, it is estimated that in three weeks the Music Hall shall have played to about 465,000 persons, of all Cagneys Plan Own Unit Hollywood, Jan. 4. — James Cag- ney and his brother, William, pro- ducer, have announced that they will form their own producing company after the completion of James' picture, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" for Warners. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York 510 W. 6th St. Los Angeles 'Corsican' $15,500; Capital Week Slow Washington, Jan. 4. — In a slack Christmas week, the lead was taken by "The Corsican Brothers" at Loew's Palace with $15,500. Estimated receipts for the week ended Dec. 24 : "New York Town" (Para.) WARNER'S EARLE - (2,200) (28c-39c- 55c-66c-77c) 6 days. On stage: Billy, Wolfe, Wliitey and Ed Ford, Eddie &A Evelyn Farney, Roxyettes. Gross: $9! - (Average, $12,500) "Swamp Water" (2*th-Fox) LOEW'S CAFITOL-(3,434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c -77c) 6 days. On stage: Bob Evans, Helene Denizon, Herzogs, Ted Lester, Rhy- tV?1«v?ockets- Gross; $11,000. (Average, "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) WARNER'S METROPOLITAN - (1,600) (28c-44c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $3,^00') "Dumbo" (RKO) RKO-KEITH'S-(l,843) (40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $10,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) LOEW'S PALACE — (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 days- Gross: $15,500. (Average, $15,000) Shadow of the Thin Man" (M.-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA-(1,250) (28c-44c) 6 days, return engagement. Gross: $3,200 (Average, $3,000) S chine Acquires Two in Maryland Gloversville, N. Y., Jan. 4.— With the shift of Spencer Steinhurst, Schine manager at Oneonta, N. Y., to Selby- ville, Del., it became known here that the circuit has acquired two addi- tional houses, the Diamond, at Sel- byville, and the Globe, Berlin, Md. Steinhurst is to manage both the- atres. He has recently recovered from in- juries suffered from a fall off a ladder while he was working at the Oneonta theatre. Sarnoff Heads New Defense Saving Unit David Sarnoff has been named di- rector of the newly organized Na- tional Defense Savings Minute Men Committee, composed of nationally prominent persons. Among the mem- bers of the committee are Neville Miller, president of the National As- sociation of Broadcasters, and Walter Gifford, president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. Du Pont Film Is Now Parent Company Unit Effective with the new year, the assets and business of Du Pont Film Manufacturing Corp. were acquired by its sole stockholders, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., and will be known as the Photo Products Department of the parent company, with G. A. Scan- Ian as general manager. V y IN PREPARATION "The Commandos" i WILLIAM ROWLAND FOX MOVIETONE STUDIOS v v • pensai to the Motion Picture Industry MOTION DAILY 51. NO. 3 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1942 TEN CENTS Value of Unity Is Stressed By Connors _ Meets with Exhibitors at Minneapolis Conference By ROBERT E. MURPHY Minneapolis, Jan. 5. — Tom J. Connors, personal assistant to Sid- ney R. Kent, 20th Century-Fox president, stressed the value of the unity movement in the industry, today, in a round-table conference with about 50 Twin-City and MPTO Backs Unity The MPTOA board of di- rectors has approved unani- mously the five-point unity program drawn up by the M. P. Industry Conference Com- mittee at Chicago last month, Ed Kuykendall, president, an- nounced yesterday. The direc- tors were polled by Kuyken- dall by mail and, in turn, they canvassed the sentiment of their local organizations be- fore approving the all-indus- try unity program. Northwest exhibitors, at the Nico- llet Hotel. Connors also presided at a luncheon. The meeting closed with indications expressed by many exhibitors that they believed the war would benefit theatre business and that the initial slump already shows signs of light- ening. Discussion of 20th Century-Fox company sales policies was general, since it was pointed out that the Min- nesota anti-five law pretty well covers that field. It was indicated, however, that should the Minnesota law be de- clared invalid, it would be incumbent upon the company to adhere to the New York case consent decree pro- (Continued on page 6) Stromberg Submits Resignation to MGM Hollywood, Jan. 5. — Hunt Strom- berg, M-G-M producer since 1925 and responsible tor a number of the studio's outstanding films, tonight confirmed reports of his resignation. Stromberg said he tendered his resignation several weeks ago but that the company had not yet acted on it. Because of this, he said, he cannot at this time discuss the reasons for his decision or comment on his (Continued on page 6) 1941 British Gross Equal to Pre-War Year, Says Harley By SHERWIN A. KANE Theatre business in Great Britain during 1941 was equivalent to that of a normal pre-war year and may even have been better than 1938, Francis L. Harley, 20th Century-Fox man- aging director for Great Britain, who is here for a home office visit, said yesterday. Harley forecast that this country will experience a similar boom in en- tertainment as the public grows more accustomed to the war situation. Motion pictures may be counted up- on to supply the greatest part of an increasing demand for entertainment, he said, just as the screen has done in Britain. The contribution of this country's motion pictures to British morale is "immeasurable," Harley said. Shortages of materials have begun to be noticed in the British film trade, he reported, but to date the only seri- (Continucd on pane 6) Studio Pact Talks Are Started Here Negotiations of new studio employ- ment contracts and discussions of ju- risdictional claims were begun yes- terday by major company heads with IATSE officials and representatives of eight I A studio locals. The meeting will be resumed today at the office of Pat Casey, producers' labor representative. Only the pres- entation of demands and a general discussion was completed at the ses- sion. Negotiators believe another two (Continued on page 6) See Quick Action on Daylight Time Laws Washington, Jan. 5. — Day- light Saving legislation today was listed by Majority Leader Barkley as one of the first matters to come before the new session of Congress. Senator Barkley said the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee would consider the matter promptly and indicated that the legislation will be pushed as rapidly as possible. A bill authorizing the Presi- dent to change time by not more than two hours was in- troduced by Senator Wheeler last month and is now before the committee, of which he is chairman. BVay Has Smash Weekend; 'Dinner' $40,000 in 4 Days Broadway showmen's happy New Year extended through the weekend as grosses mounted at a skyrocket pace — and this on the heels of the smash Christmas week and New Year's Eve business. Among the leaders is Warners' "The Man Who Came To Dinner," at the Strand, which, with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra on the stage, grossed an estimated $40,000 Thurs- day through Sunday. Jimmy Du- rante's "You're in the Army Now" with Will Osborne's orchestra during the week ending last Wednesday night brought the Strand an esti- mated $44,000. At the Paramount another record (Continued on page 6) Report Zanuck or Capra May Head U. S. Production of Defense Films Washington, Jan. 5. — Defense officials today refused to confirm reports that Darryl Zanuck or Frank Capra would head defense film production. Zanuck is working with the War Department in the production of training films in Hollywood, and has the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserves. He conferred with Army officials here last week. He is due here today from New York and will leave for the Coast after further conferences. Capra also was in Washington last week and held long talks with officials, presumably on plans for defense pictures. At present, film activities of the Office of Emergency Manage- ment are under the direct supervision of Robert L. Horton, head of the Information Division. The new office of Coordinator of Government films under Lowell Mellett has no plans for under- taking production. The production of training films is under the supervision of regular Army officers. There have been suggestions that all Government production for defense should be centralized, but no such plan has yet been developed. Senate Probe Is Formally Abandoned Clark Discloses Decision In Letter to Wheeler By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Jan. 5. — Aban- donment of the investigation of film and radio propaganda was formally announced today by Chairman D. Worth Clark of Idaho, chief of the Senate Interstate Commerce Com- mittee's subcommittee which held lengthy hearings on alleged motion picture propaganda last September. In a letter to Senator Wheeler, chairman of the full committee, Clark explained that his subcommittee was unanimous in its desire to be relieved of the investigation. , This desire, he said, is in view of the fact that the nation is at war "and hence some matters covered by Senate Resolution 152 are now moot, and in view of the further fact that other matters raised are quite controversial and it is believed that in the interests of national unity it would not be de- sirable to report in detail upon them at this time." Canada Is Made New U.A. Division The Canadian territory has been separated from United Artists' West- ern sales division supervision and made a separate division by Carl Les- erman, general sales manager. David Coplan, former Canadian representative for Columbia, has been named manager of the new United Artists division. The four Southern district ex- changes, Charlotte, Atlanta, New Or- leans and Dallas, which heretofore have been a part of the Eastern divi- sion under Harry L. Gold, have been transferred to the Western division (Continued on page 6) Six Reviews Today Reviews of "Young Amer- ica," "Mexican Spitfire at Sea," "Don't Get Personal" will be found on Page 4; "Call Out the Marines," "Hay Foot," "The Mad Doctor of Market Street," Page 7. NBC aids defense by tele- vision, Page 8. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 6, 1942 'Papa Is AW Opens At the Guild Tonight "Papa Is All," a comedy by Patterson Greene, produced by the Theatre Guild, opens tonight at the Guild Theatre. In the play are Jessie Royce Landis, Carl Benton Reid, Dorothy Sands, Celeste Holm, Emmett Rogers and Royal Beal. Para. Production Talks Under Way Hollywood, Jan. 5. — Neil F. Ag- new, general sales manager of Para- mount, Adolph Zukor, chairman of the board, and Robert Gillham, direc- tor of advertising and publicity, have arrived here to discuss distribution and exploitation plans on new films, and to preview finished films. A week of conferences are sched- uled with Y. Frank Freeman, vice- president in charge of production, and other studio executives, including B. G. DeSylva, Henry Ginsberg and George Brown. Raftery on Coast For U. A. Meeting Hollywood, Jan. 5. — Edward C. Raftery, United Artists president, has arrived from New York to attend management meetings of the company which will be resumed tomorrow with U. A. owner-partners. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. Mickey ROONEY . Judy GAKLAND "BABES ON BROADWAY" An M-G ON STAGE: "THE Florence Rogge's gay phony Orch. under the 1st Mezzanine Seats -M Picture BELLS RING OUT"— spectacular revue. Sym- d i recti on of Erno Rapee. Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE P ARAMOUN IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND Extra! DINAH SHORE TT TIMES * SQUARE "Remember the Day" Claudette Colbert John Payne PLUS A BIG DAYV 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW ItW^V I & 50th St. AT LAST IT'S ON THE SCREEN "HELLZaPOPPIN" OLSEN &, JOHNSON • MARTHA RAYE UNITEO B I l/ni I BROADWAY ARTIST8 K I ▼ W li I & 49th ST. MIDNIGHT SHOW. DOORS OPEN 9:30 A.M. B WAY & 47th St. PALACE "HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY" WALTER PIOGEON MAUREEN O'HARA Personal Mention LOUIS POLLOCK, Universal Eastern advertising and publicity manager, is scheduled to leave Fifth Ave. Hospital tomorrow. He was re- cently operated on for appendicitis. • Joel Levy of Loew's Theatres was in New Haven and Bridgeport over the New Year holiday. • Cal Young, assistant manager of the Levoy, Millville, N. J., became the father of a daughter last week. • I. M. Rappaport, owner of the Hip- podrome, Baltimore, will be in New York this week. JOHN McMANUS, manager of Loew's Midland in Kansas City, has been named assistant on public re- lations for civil defense in that city. • Irving Berlin has arrived in Holly- wood from the East. • Mrs. Morris Wolf, wife of the Warner Theatres attorney in Phila- delphia, has been appointed head of the entertainment division of the Philadelphia Defense Council. • Mildred Arnolds has been married to Steve Loewer of Warners. Names Variety Club Committees in Phila. Philadelphia, Jan. 5. — Chief Barker Edgar Moss of the local Variety Club, has appointed the fol- lowing committees for the year : Wel- fare— Ben Amsterdam, chairman ; Sam Gross, Oscar Neufeld ; charity — James P. Clark, chairman ; Frank McNamee, Charles Goldfine, Harry Biben ; membership — Jay Emanuel, chairman ; Earle W. Sweigert, Wil- liam Clark. Sam Gross : entertain- ment— Samuel Stiefel, Harry Biben ; house — E. O. Wilschke, chairman; Al Davis, Henry Friedman, William McAvoy, Jr., Irwin Charlap ; fixer — Victor Blanc ; pictures — Ted Schlanger, chairman ; John Turner, Jay Emanuel ; charity — E. O. Wil- schke, James P. Clark, Ben Amster- dam. Sears Winner at Rye Trap Shooting Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in charge of distribution for United Artists, was a double winner at trap shooting at the Westchester Country Club at Rye on Sunday. He took the handicap cup at singles by break- ing 50 straight targets, and at skeet shooting, he tied for the scratch cup with 48, and then won the trophy on a toss. In the handicap doubles shoot, Sears and Mrs. A. P. Gardiner were tied with 50, and Mrs. Gardiner won on a toss. Named Richards' Aide New Orleans, Jan. 5. — Gibbons Burke, local attorney, has been named assistant to E. V. Richards, president of Paramount-Richards Theatres. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles X;. Los Angeles • & Los Angeles • S£ Los Angeles • \c. Los Angeles • a 4-45 P111 4:30 pmand • am 1:28 ama^8-47am 7.47 am and »• THE MERCURY (Two Sections) THE THE SOUTHERNER THE SUM COUNTRY SPE t^&^ 5:25 po° 2:55 am 9:47 am 10:55 P»a 8:52 am 4:02 pm 6-.30 am 4:58 pm I ;04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 9«c. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS Company Staffs in Far East Are Safe Most or all of the major companies' Far Eastern representatives who were concentrated at Manila and Singapore at the outbreak of the war are believed to be either in Australia or India, or en route to those coun- tries, it was learned yesterday. Several home office foreign depart- ments have received definite advices from Far Eastern representatives they have arrived in Australia, «! - word that others are en route to In- dia. Communications from Malaya report that "up-country" theatre busi- ness is at a virtual standstill and that theatres have been requisitioned for British Army use, possibly for conversion into barracks. Foreign departments concede that the Oriental market, normally worth about $4,000,000 per year to the in- dustry may be regarded as lost. The large Eastern markets of Australia, New Zealand and India, however, are expected to become of increased im- portance. Otis Skinner Rites To Be Held Today Funeral services for Otis Skinner, 83, for over 50 years a prominent fig- ure of the American stage, will be held at noon today at the Church of the Transfiguration (Little Church Around the Corner), 1 East 29th St. He died here Sunday night of uremic poisoning. Burial will be in Wood- stock, Vt., where he had made his summer home. Although he had managed, directed and starred in scores of plays since 1877, Skinner worked in only two motion pictures during his career, both versions of one of his most famous stage plays, "Kismet." The first was made in 1920 by the Robertson-Cole company. The second, in 1930, was a talking version by First National. Skinner is survived by his equally famous daughter, Cornelia Otis Skin- ner, who has the lead in the currently running Broadway play, "Theatre." Rosenfield's Mother Dies Services for Mrs. Carolyn Rosen- field, mother of Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., 20th Century-Fox advertising copy chief, were held Sunday at Fresh Pond Crematorium. Other survivors are her husband and two other sons. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Eidtor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco. London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. II io New Year ever started so tappily! We're still counting ip but- roughly- business is ibout 4200fo over anything n history! You have to have a priority order to get a seat in he 414 theatres now cleaning ip with "The Man Who Came o Dinner -from WARNERS! 9:15 New Years Morning at the N. Y. Strand — They Went Without Breakfast To Get To "Dinner" ! 1 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 6, 1942 10 New Films Finished; 33 Now in Work Reviews Hollywood, Jan. 5. — Thirty -three pictures were before the cameras this week, as 10 finished and only one started. Twenty-nine are being pre- pared and 64 are being edited. Twentieth Century-Fox is cur- rently the busiest studio, with eight in work. The tally by studio : Columbia Finished : "Trinidad." In Work: "Camp Nuts," "Blondie's Blessed Event." Korda (U. A.) Finished: "To Be or Not To Be." M-G-M Finished: "Along Came . . . Mur- der," "The Courtship of Andy Hardy," "This Time for Keeps." In Work : "Monkey Delano," "Fingers at the Window," "Tarzan Against the World," "Tortilla Flat," "Ship Ahoy," "Rio Rita," "Mrs. Min- iver." Paramount Finished: "American Empire." In Work: "The Palm Beach Story," "Take a Letter, Darling," "Holiday Inn," "Mr. and Mrs. Cugat," "My Favorite Blonde," "Out of the Frying Pan." RKO In Work: "My Favorite Spy," "The Turtles of Tahiti," "The Mag- nificent Ambersons." Republic In Work : "Yokel Boy," "Sleepy- time Gal," "South of Santa Fe." Roach (U. A.) Finished: "About Face," "Cobana." 20th Century-Fox In Work : "Ten Gentlemen from West Point," "My Gal Sal," "Moon- tide," "This Above All," "Rings on Her Fingers," "Tales of Manhattan," 'To the Shores of Tripoli," "The Night Before the Divorce." Universal In W ork : "The Ghost of Franken- stein," "The Saboteur." Warners Finished: "In This Our Life." In Work : "Yankee Doodle Dandy." "Young America" (20th Century-Fox) Hollywood, Jan. 5 THIS Jane Withers vehicle is a full and competent screen presenta- tion of the work, ideals and objectives of the Four H Clubs of Amer- ica. Its appeal to the vast membership of these is direct and powerful. Support from this quarter and from persons and organizations interested in and sympathetic to the institution would appear a foregone conclusion. Miss Withers' associates in the picture are Jane Darwell, Lynne Roberts, William Tracy, Robert Cornell, Roman Bohnen, Irving Bacon, Ben Carter, Louise Beavers, Darryl Hickman, Sally Harper, Carmencita Johnson, Daphne Ogden, Charles Arnt, Myra Marsh and Hamilton MacFadden. The original screenplay by Samuel G. Engel takes Miss Withers, a spoiled city girl, to the country, where she learns about the Four H Clubs and joins the local unit, principally because she is attracted to its president, but is not won over to sincerity until a series of incidents which places her in the position of seeming responsibility for a breach of club ethics at the expense of a fellow-member. Quite a bit of story tension is built up before her conversion to the principles of the organi- zation occurs and a happy ending is brought about. Louis King directed for executive producer Sol Wurtzel. Running time, 73 minutes. "G"* Roscoe Williams 'Deny,' Band Gets $19,000, Phila. is Slow "Mexican Spitfire at Sea" (RKO) THIS differs from the previous "Spitfire" pictures in title and little else. Basically the same story is told with much -ado by the same players. It centers about Leon Errol who goes in one door as "Uncle Matt" and out the other as "Lord Epping." Errol is a clever comedian, but the comedy provided by him and the other players in the film is now no longer fresh. The farce takes place aboard ship where Lupe Velez continues her marital squabbles with Charles "Buddy" Rogers, who is still competing with Eddie Dunn for a .business contract. Miss Velez induces "Uncle Matt" to masquerade as "Lord Epping" and promote peace between herself and her husband. • This he does, of course, and arranges for Zasu Pitts to pose as "Lady Epping." Difficulties develop as the real "Lord" and "Lady" are aboard — the difficulties being reminiscent of the pie-flinging era. Leslie Goodwins gave the comedy a brisk direction. Cliff Reid produced. Running time, 73 minutes. "G"* Eugene Arneel 'Dumbo' and Band $14,500 in Buffalo Buffalo, Jan. 5. — "Dumbo" and a new theatre orchestra policy led here at the Twentieth Century with a big $14,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 27 : "The Chocolate Soldier" (M-G-M) "Glamor Boy" (Para.) BUFFALO — (3,489) (35c-55c) 6 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $12,0001 "One Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) "All- American Co-Ed" (U. A.) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (35c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $7,500) "Swamp Water" (ZOth-Fox) "The Devil Pays Off" (Rep.) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (35c-50c) 6 days. Gross: $7,400. (Average, $6,800) "Dumbo" (RKO) "The Tanks Are Coming" (W. B.) "The March of Time" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (35c- 55c) 7 days. Meyer Balsom conducting the orchestral ensemble in "A Christmas Fes- tival," with Gertrude Lutzi, vocalist. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $7,500) "Keep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) "Sing Another Chorus" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE — (3.000) f35c-50c) 6 days, 3rd week. Gross: $5,900. (Average, $6,300) "Don't Get Personal" ( Universal) Hollywood, Jan. 5 CAVE in that it supplies showmen with some names for marquee dressing on such an occasion as other material on the bill may lack them in adequate number, this comedy displays scant usefulness. It is a light affair that strives too hard to make commonplace material stand up as comedy in a vein that has been worked many times beyond the modest lengths explored by these craftsmen. Hugh Herbert in a characteristic performance gives the proceedings a spark of interest at points along a dull course which cramps his style. Mischa Auer, Jane Frazee, Anne Gwynne, Robert Paige, Richard Davies, Ernest Truex, Andrew Tombes, Sterling Holloway, Ray Walker, Eddie Waller and Tim Ryan are the other members of the cast. The script by Hugh Wedlock, Jr., and Howard Snyder, from a story by Bernard Frins, deals with an eccentric who attempts to arrange the lives of some radio people employed by an agency serving a business which he has inherited. It is a transparent tale unfolded in terms of situations and dialogue which fail to relieve the tedium of the telling. Ken Goldsmith is down as associate producer and Charles Lamont as director. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams 'G" denotes general classification. Legion Approves 8 Of 10 New Pictures The National Legion of Decency for the current week has approved eight of 10 new pictures, three for general patronage and five for adults, while two were classed as objection- able in part. The new films and their classification follow : Class A-l, Unobjectionable for General Patronage: — "Come On, Dan- ger," "Duke of the Navy," "Riot Squad." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults — "Confessions of Boston Blackie," "Harvard, Here I Come," "Johnny Eager," "Mr. and Mrs. North," "Today I Hang." Class B Objectionable in Part — "Shanghai Gesture," "Sullivan's Travels." Philadelphia, Jan. 5. — The war situation and pre-Christmas shopping proved too much, with the result that the pre-holiday slump was lower tJ^-» former years. The best business A . recorded at the Earle, taking in 000 with "Confirm or Deny" and Charlie Spivak's band on the stage. Estimated receipts for the week ended Dec. 23-26 : "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) ALD'INE — (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) days, 2nd run. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $2,600) "Shadow of the. Thin Man" (M-G-M) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $13,000) "Confirm or Deny" (ZOth-Fox) EARLE — (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Carol Bruce, Ray Bolger, Charlie Spivak's orchestra, Garry Stevens, Bunny Shawker and The Stardusters. Gross: $19,000. (Average, $14,000) "Sing Another Chorus" (Univ.) FAY'S— (2,190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-57c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Vicki Wells, Jack Anthony & Harry Rogers, Jean, Jack & Judy, Paul Rich, Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra. Gross: $5,800. (Average, $6,900) "Appointment for Love" (Univ.) FOX — (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $13,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) KARLTON — (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c). ;, 6 days, 2nd run, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $3,000) "It Started With Eve" (Univ.) KEITH'S — (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,500) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $14,000) "Swamp Water" (2flth-Fox) STANTON — (1,700) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $4,500) Indianapolis Gross Far Below Average Indianapolis, Jan. 5. — With all first runs below par, the week was slow. It was the worst of 1941, de- spite mild weather and slight competi- tion. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Dec. 24-25 : "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) CIRCLE — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $6,500) "Rise and Shine'' (20th-Fox) "Moon Over Her Shoulder" (20th-Fox) INDIANA — (3,200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,600. (Average, $7,000) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) "Sing for Your Supper" (Col.) LOEWS— (2,800) . (28c-33c-44c) 6 days Gross: $5,800. (7-day average, $8,000) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) LYRIC— (2,000) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $4,500) Resume Buffalo Shows Buffalo, Jan. 5. — Shea's Buffalo Theatre will return to stage and musical attractions, according to Vin- cent R. McFaul, general manager of the Shea circuit, opening with Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club or chestra on Friday. Basketball Tomorrow The Motion Picture Basketbal League will hold a basketball doubk, header and dance tomorrow evening1 at the Hecksher Foundation. The Un versal team will play Paramount, and M-G-M will meet International Pro jector, with dancing to follow. It SAMUEL GOLDWYN7 5 BALL OF FIRE" 3ROKE 12 NEW YEARS' RECORDS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 12 OPENINGS! 1. WASHINGTON 5. LOS ANGELES 9. KANSAS CITY 2. BOSTON 6. SAN FRANCISCO 10. LOWELL 3. CHICAGO 7. PROVIDENCE 11. SYRACUSE 4. COLUMBUS 8. OMAHA 12. DES MOINES - SAMUEL GOLDWYN presents M COOPER • BARBARA STANWYCK . ,8 I ^^^^ RADIO directed by HOWARD HAWKS produced by samuel goldwyn sr^sMSs 6 Motion Picture Daily n Tuesday, January 6, 1942 j Value of Unity Is Stressed By Connors {Continued from page 1) visions and the block-of-five clause. Connors told the exhibitors that 20th Century-Fox would operate fully under the provisions of the Minnesota law until such time as this law shall be proved unconstitutional. It was the consensus at the con- ference diat distribution costs have been increased for the consenting com- panies by the Minnesota law because it poses special problems and forces methods of operation different from those which they must practice in neighboring states in keeping with the New York case decree provisions. Present at the meeting were Wil- liam Gehring, Central division man- ager, who accompanied Connors from Xew York; M. A. Levy, district man- ager, and J. M. Podoloff, branch man- ager. Canada Is Made New U.A. Division (Continued from page 1) under Bert M. Stearn. Exchanges in Jack Goldhar's district have been re- aligned to include Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Pitts- burgh and are under Eastern division supervision. The Far Western district under W. E. Callaway also has been realigned and now includes the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Denver exchanges. Leserman left last night for Cleve- land where he will meet today with Goldhar and branch managers in that territory and tomorrow will go to Chicago to meet with Bert Stearn, Western division manager ; Charles Stern, Chicago district manager, and the branch managers of that territory. Moe Dudelson, Harris Dudelson, Nat Beier, G. R. Frank and James Hendel will attend the Cleveland meeting, and Ralph Cramblet, J. S. Abrose, Ben J. Robins, D. V. Mc- Lucas and William E. Truog, branch managers, will attend the Chicago meeting. BVay Has Smash Weekend; 'Dinner' $40,000 in 4 Days (Continued from page 1) was shattered on Saturday when "Louisiana Purchase" with Gene Krupa's orchestra rang up an esti- mated $15,000, the biggest Saturday since the theatre adopted its present policy. Sunday's business amounted to an estimated $14,000. The show- completes its first week tonight with an estimated $92,000 expected. "Remember the Day" with a stage show at the Roxy, after finishing its first week with an estimated $99,800, continued on to bring an estimated $48,300 Thursday through Sunday. And at the Radio City Music Hall, "Babes on Broadway" with the stage presentation drew an estimated $72,-. 500 Thursday through Sunday. This picture's predecessor, "H. M. Pul- ham, Esq.," took an estimated $104,- 500 during a six-day run. The week's total was brought to an estimated $127,000 with the first day's gross of "Babes on Broadway," estimated at $23,000. 'Woman,' 'Hellzapoppin,' Strong The new Greta Garbo film, "Two- Faced Woman," gave the Capitol an estimated $42,000 during its first five days ending Sunday night. "Hellz- apoppin" at the Rivoli was good for an estimated $11,500 Saturday and Sunday and is expected to complete its second week tomorrow night with an estimated $23,000. Business dur- ing the first week was estimated at $32,000. "The Mad Doctor of Market Street" did an estimated $2,400 Sat- urday and Sunday at the Rialto. At that theatre last week "The Wolf Man" grossed an estimated $6,900. "Unholy Partners" at the Globe gar- nered an estimated $3,600 Saturday and Sunday. The film, now in its sec- ond week, brought an estimated $14,- 000 during its first. Universal's "Paris Calling" is slated to open at the Globe Jan. 17. Studio Pact Talks Are Started Here Appeal Clearance Decision in St. Louis St. Louis, Jan. 5. — An appeal from the arbitrator's decision dismissing the clearance complaint of the Palm The- atre here against Paramount and 20th Century-Fox has been filed with the national appeals board by Victor Thien, the plaintiff. The arbitrator, J. Wesley McAfee, waived his $30 fee following the hear- ings and that amount will be deducted from the cost assessed against Thien. Chicago, Jan. 5. — Hayes McKinney, arbitrator, entered an order extend- ing the filing of briefs in the Oriental Theatre case to Jan. 15. Schneider in New Post William Schneider, formerly assis- tant to Robert Gillham, Paramount advertising and publicity director, is now handling exploitation tieups under Alec Moss. Benchley Moving To See Benchley Austin, Tex., Jan. 5. — There's a town 70 miles from here named Benchley, and it has no theatre. So tomorrow when Paramount holds the initial showing of Robert Benchley's short, "Nothing But Nerves," at the Paramount Theatre here, the "entire population," Paramount announced, will be moved to Austin for the show- ing. After the show the Benchley residents will be guests of Gov. Coke Stevenson of Texas at a Turkey din- ner. (Continued from page 1) or three days may be required to com- plete negotiations. At the session in addition to Casey were : Nicholas M. Schenck, Barney Balaban, Sidney R. Kent, Joseph Hazen, John J. O'Connor of Univer- sal, Reginald. Armour of RKO, Ar- thur Schwartz of Schwartz & Froh- lich, representing Columbia ; Richard Walsh, IA president ; Lou Krouse, I A secretary ; L. E. Thompson of RKO; Fred Pelton, Fred Meyers, Carroll Saxe, Charles Boren, Dave Garber, Al Speed, Harold Smith and Fred Jackman. The jurisdictional claims of the I A Studio Photographers Local 659 against the American Society of Cinematographers is regarded as -per- haps the most important subject on the meeting's agenda. The ASC has applied for a separate IA charter, contending that if it was forced to join Local 659 it would be outvoted on every issue by cameramen whose problems differ materially from their own. No charter has been granted the ASC yet, however. Benchley, Tex., is so small it doesn't rate a listing in available census rec- ords, but Paramount says the popula- tion is 115. Shumlin to Produce 'Rhine' for Warners Hollywood, Jan. 5. — Warners today completed a deal under which "Watch on the Rhine," anti-Nazi play by Lil- lian Hellman, will be brought to the screen under the guidance of Herman Shumlin, who produced the play on Broadway. Shumlin will continue at the studio under a term deal as a di- rector-producer. Coast Talent Unit Now 'Victory' Group Hollywood, Jan. 5. — The Holly- wood Coordinating Committee for Stage, Screen and Radio has changed its name to the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and Radio. Meanwhile, Louis J. Halper, gen- eral manager of Warner Theatres here, has been named alternate direc- tor of the Los Angeles Theatre De- fense Bureau by B. V. Sturdivant, di- rector. Exhibitors in the Greater Los An- geles area were notified by the The- atre Defense Bureau today to put radio receivers in perfect condition for the reception of emergency mes- sages and every important broadcast made by President Roosevelt. Other public gathering places were similarly advised. The talent group elected new offi- cers in addition to Fred W. Beetson, chairman, and Jock Lawrence, secre- tary. They include : Kenneth Thom- son, vice-chairman ; Bert Allenberg, treasurer; Howard Strickling, assist- ant secretary. The finance commit- tee includes Allenberg, E. J. Man- nix, Cary Grant and I. B. Kornblum. 1941 British Gross Equal To Pre- War Stromberg Submits Resignation to MGM (Continued from page 1) future plans in the event his resigna- tion is accepted. A studio spokes- man said the matter will have to be dealt with by the M-G-M board in New York. Stromberg's contract, under which he participates in profits, has until 1944 to run. (Continued from page 1) ous shortages are in raw stock and; paper. The paper shortage has re- stricted the use of photographs and posters to a large extent. Shoi^ "'>% of manpower for private industry,.'; J is unrelieved, Harley said, with me result that an increasing number of . women are being employed in key po- sitions in the British film industry. Production is continuing in Eng- 3 land, but becomes more difficult from- month to month, Harley said. Last year 20th Century-Fox completed "Kips," "Once a Crook" and "The Young Mr. Pitt." The next produc- tion planned is "La Libre Belgique." Military Films Increase Harley reported that the production of military instructional films has at- tained "very large scale proportions" in Britain and that the work is in charge of Paul Kimberley, former National Screen Service representa-i tive, in London. Ministry of Infor- mation subjects are given five minutes on every screen program, he said. Harley, who came here from Lon-' don and Lisbon by way of West Africa and Brazil, plans to remain several months. He was accompa- nied by Robert T. Kane, in charge of British production for 20th Cen- jju tury-Fox. ! \ ; Si Trade Officials Scout Reported British Figures Officials in the trade, in discussing British theatre business figures as re- ported in the New York Herald Tribune, yesterday expressed the opinion that they were inclined to be skeptical of the report as being some- what out of line. A copyrighted London dispatch to the newspaper reported a $60,000,000 increase in British theatre grosses and a 5,000,000 weekly increase in attend- ance in 1941 over the highest peace- time record. The account said the figures were obtained from a report of the Film Exhibitors Association. The 1941 gross, according to the story, was reported at $240,000,000, compared with a peace-time record of *i ,000,000, while weekly attendance l\ led frnm a nre-war nveracrp nf.t jumped from a pre-war average of 18,500,000 to 23,000,000 last year. The year's entertainment tax will exceed $42,000,000, or nearly double the high- est previous tax, it was said, and other taxes on the British film industry will exceed $60,000,000. Caddigan a Major Boston, Jan. 5. — Capt. James L. Caddigan, supervisor of the film de- partment at the Paramount exchange here, has been promoted to major on the staff of Brig. Gen. Edgar C. Erickson, Adjutant General of Mass- achusetts. He will be in charge of public relations. 2 Remodeled Houses Reopened in Frisco San Francisco, Jan. 5. — Two local theatres, closed in the first days after Japan's attack on Pearl Har- bor and the city's resultant air raid alarms, have reopened after remod- eling. The Fox-West Coast California Theatre, downtown, has been com- pletely done over, inside and out, and renamed the State. The other house to reopen is the Verdi, 2,000-seat neighborhood house operated in the North Beach district, heavily popu- lated bv Italians. esda>. January 6, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 1942's BIG NEWS about a BIG PICTURE Purchase' $14,000 .Minneapolis' High (Minneapolis, Jan. 5. — "Louisiana 'archase" drew a smash $14,000 at the . ite. , Estimated receipts tor the week ding Jan. 1 : i'amor Boy" (Para.) E ,OPHER-(99S) (2Sc) 6 di f 1 00. (Average. $2,500) kU That Money Can Buy" (RKO) .IfORLD— (350) (2Sc-39c-44e-55c) 7 $2,600. (Average. $1,600) isiana Purchase" (Para.) i-ATE— (2.300) (28c -49c -44c I 7 :*s: $14,000. (Average. $6,000) -oak Who's Laughing" (RKO) 'RPHEUM — (2.800) (28c-39c-44c) 7 oss: $7,500. (Average. $5,500) i. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) L'EXTL'RV— (1,600) (20c-39c-44c) 7 oss: $7,500. (Average. $4,000) harlie Chan in Rio" (20th-Fox) (3 days) Outlaws of the Desert" (Para.) (3 days) toad Agent" (Univ.) (4 days) 'rivate Nurse" (20th-Fox) (4 days) ASTER— (900) (17c-28c) 7 days. Gross: .200. (Average, $1,800) Reviews dross: da' dav- days. day: Swamp Water* Is High in New Haven New Haven, Jan. 5. — "Swamp ater" and "Small Town Deb" took :>.000 at the College. "Tarzan's Se- ct Treasure" and "Married Bache- r" at the Loew-Poli grossed $9,800. II grosses were strong. Estimated receipts for the >ding Dec. 31 : Swamp Water" (ZOth-Fox) imall Town Deb" (20th-Fox) COLLEGE— (1,627) (40c-50c) 7 oss: $6,000. (Average, $2,700) . arzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) Carried Bachelor" (M-G-M) I.OEW-POLI— (3.005) (40c-50c) 7 days, -oss: $9,800. (Average, $8,000) Wake Up Screaming" (20th-Fox) ►tarry the Boss's Daughter" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2.373) (40c-50c) 7 days, ross: $6,000. (Average. $4,500) r'ou're in the Army Now" (W. B.) 31ues in the Night" (W. B.) ROGER SHERMAN (JjCi-i l+V *l 7 vs. Gross: $6,700. (Average, $5,000) week days. *lans Raid Defense n N. H. Film District New Haven, Jan. 5. — In coopera- >n with the Committee for Civilian ■efense, John Pavone, manager of ' niversal, is working out a plan of r raid defense for the film district ,)d its employes. Rose Romanoff, in large of fire drills, will soon call r raid drills on Meadow Street, and i" raid wardens will be appointed in »ch exchange. "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) THOSE two marines — Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe — who fought through most of the first World War are back in uniform again, preparing for the second. Except for the fact that they have grown somewhat stouter and their hair is beginning to thin, the lads are still up to their old tricks, fighting between themselves but intensely loyal, competing for girls and shouting, "Sez you !" at each other. The picture was completed before the entrance of this country into the war and it makes no mention of our participation. Some audiences may object to a picture at this time depicting the Marines as a rowdy lot whose main interest is girls, but on the whole the story sticks pretty- close to peace time films about Marines and most film goers can be counted upon to understand that it was finished before the Japanese attack. The story begins with a reunion between the two buddies at a race track and their subsequent recall to the Marines. They start their duties vigorously but the scene soon changes to a nearby cafe where they start their usual arguments about girls. Meanwhile, Paul Kelly is engaged secretly in uncovering a spy plot, although he poses as a dismissed officer of the Marines. McLaglen and Lowe almost ruin the capture of the spies by their interference but Kelly straightens things out. Binnie Barnes gives a good performance as a cafe hostess, others in the ca^t including Robert Smith, Dorothy Levett, Franklin Pangborn, Corinna Mura and George Cleveland. The King's Men and Six Hits and a Miss offer songs by Mort Greene and Harry Revel. Several scenes make the picture unsuitable for children. Frank Ryan and William Hamilton directed, while Howard Benedict produced. Running time, 67 minutes. "A"* Edward Greif *"A" denotes adult classificati "Hay Foot" (Roach-United Artists) Hollytvood, Jan. 5 HP HE principal characters in Hal Roach's "Tanks a Million" continue * from where they left off at the close of that picture to deliver 48 minutes more of the same type of entertainment in "Hay Foot." It is perhaps the most completely direct continuation of a comedy ever ac- complished, and by the accuracy of its maintenance of the spirit of the fir^t picture it appears to have guaranteed an identical audience re- ception. William Tracy, the intellectual doughboy with the photographic memory is again the stone in the shoe of Joe Sawyer, the hardboiled sergeant, and James Gleason continues as the commandant with the quick temper. Elyse Knox is seen as his daughter, Noah Beery, Jr., as a sharpshooter, Douglas Fowley and Harold Goodwin as officers incidentally present. Produced and directed by Fred Guiol in the manner of the first picture, the second is strung upon a screenplay by Eugene Conrad and Edward E. Seabrook which supplies the players with plenty of incidents in the vein of "Tanks a Million" with which to entertain the customers. Running time, 48 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams lean, Kaufman Trial Scheduled for Jan. 19 I Federal Judge Simon H. Rifkind ;sterday set the trial of Nick Circella, lias Dean, and Louis Kaufman for Ian. 19. Dean, Giicago night club perator. and Kaufman, business agent f the Newark operators' union, are larged with conspiracy to extort |iore than $1,000,000 from film com- anies. I Handles Chaplin Reels Mort Sackett, president of Guaran- ed Pictures, Inc., announced yester- ly that his company is tN? only one ithorized by Herbert Silverberg, at- ■rney for Festival Films, Inc., to act 5 the exclusive distributor for the 12 utual-Chaplin two-reel comedies. Joseph Thibault Dies \ Ottawa, Jan. 5. — Joseph Thibault. '), once stage manager of the old ussell and Casino Theatres here, ed at his home here yesterday. "The Mad Doctor of Market Street" ( Universal) Hollyzvood ', Jan. 5 A N addition to the shock and shudder school of entertainment, this Paul Malvern production directed by Joseph H. Lewis from a script by Al Martin fills its running time compactly without setting precedents or hewing out new highways of melodrama. Par for the course about defines it. Lionel Atwill plays the demented scientist of the title, much as he has played many similar characters previously, performing his works and incidental murders this time in quest of a technique for restoring life to dead people who, he theorizes, will have been cured of their diseases during their temporary deaths. Others in the cast are Una Merkel. Nat Pendleton, Claire Dodd, Anne Nagel, Hardie Albright, Richard Davies, John Aldredge, Ray Mala, Noble Johnson, Rosina Galli, Al Kikute, Milton Kibbee, Byron Shores, Tani Marsh and Billy Bunkley. The picture opens in a city, probably San Francisco, where the doctor commits his first murder, moves aboard ship, where he commits his second, thence to a desert island where savages complicate his life and the lives of his shipwrecked associates, all of whom are saved by a plane which leaves him behind to meet death at the hands of the natives. Running time, 61 minutes. "G"* Roscoe Williams *"G" denotes general classification. HERE'S news about 1942's great NEW hit with the biggest cast OF stars Republic has ever ASSEMBLED. There's glamorous JOAN BLONDELL AS a Belle of THE old MISSISSIPPI IN the title ROLE of "LADY FOR A NIGHT." JOAN has NOT one— BUT two LEADING MENI- HANDSOME JOHN WAYNE is ONE of her HEROES AND suave RAY MIDDLETON is THE other. The story is as big and EXCITING as its stars. And REPUBLIC has spared no expense! IN making "LADY FOR A NIGHT" a vivid epic of life AMONG the fascinating people OF the old Southern ARISTOCRACY AND the colorful CROWD of DRAMATIC ROGUES who ply THE river for ROMANCE and < ADVENTURE-and WHO don't mind BREAKING hearts as they go. IN addition to its three big stars; YOU'LL see such FAMED BROADWAY PLAYERS as/ PHILIP MERIVALE, BLANCHE, YURKA, EDITH BARRETT, LEONID KINSKY, and MANY others. "LADY FOR A NIGHT' IS a picture for the years. It's A REPUBLIC PICTURE s Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 6, 194 NBC Is Aiding Defense Work Via Television XBC with an hour-long network television program last night made its first major effort to tie up television with the civil defense program. The Xew York police department and civilian defense groups cooperated in the first program of its kind here. The program consisted of "Fighting the Fire Bomb," a defense film pro- duced on a Government contract for the Office of Civilian Defense, and an illustrated lecture by Lt. William F. Maley, a police department expert. Three-City Coverage The program was seen and heard simultaneously in the New York, Philadelphia and Schenectady areas through the pickups and retelecasts by Philco and General Electric stations, respectively. In New York, Police Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine arranged to have selected zone, sector and post air raid wardens notified of the program at one of the designated 122 locations in 50 police precincts. Locations se- lected included places where television receivers were in operation in homes, radio dealers' stores or public places. Locations where liquor is served pur- posely were excluded, although most sets in public places are in barrooms. Large Area Served The NBC station covered New York City, Northern New Jersey, Poughkeepsie, Middletown and New- burgh ; the Philco station covered the Philadelphia and Camden area, while the G. E. station served Schenectady, Troy and Albany. Civilian defense groups in these areas also had war- dens present, it was reported. At the time the telecast was on the air, the OCD was showing the film in 81 schools to other groups of war- dens. Prints of the film in 16mm. are being sent all over the country and a shorter 35mm. print also is under preparation for theatrical use. A manual accompanies the picture and suggests a 75-minute program which includes an introductory talk, presentation of the film, a talk after the film, a question-and-answer period, and a repeat showing of the picture. B & K Station Offered Meanwhile, in Chicago, Balaban & Katz have offered their experimental television station W9XBK, complete with its manpower and technical facil- ities to the Civilian Defense Council of that city. In a special demonstra- tion last week before Mayor Kelly and Deputy Fire Marshal Anthony J. Mullaney, William C. Eddy, chief en- gineer of the station, showed how tele- vision can teach civilian workers. Eddy pointed out that television, with its limited radius, could remain on the air when other broadcasters were forced off during bombing raids. He also said that television could be used to instruct Chicago's large for- eign - language - speaking population. The defense zone system setup in Chicago would require only 88 re- ceivers to equip each one adequately, Eddy said. Off the Antenna MUTUAL will devote one minute each weekday to prayer, from 6-6 :01 P.M. The prayers to be read will be submitted by ministers, priests and rabbis of the various religious denominations and will be presented by the Mutual Radio Chapel, a non-denominational program heard over the network on Sundays. • • • Program News: West Disinfecting Co. is sponsoring "It Takes a Woman" over WABC Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:20-8:25 A.M. . . . Potter Drug & Chemical Co. has signed for five-minute spots over WEAF Sundays through Fridays. . . . Lewis Howe Co. has renewed "Treasure Chest" over 68 NBC-Red stations for an additional year. . . . Quaker Oats has contracted for three five-minute spots weekly on WJZ for 13 weeks. . . . Amierica-n Tobacco it'ill sponsor 76 Spot announcements weekly for 13 weeks over WHN. . . . General Foods has signed the "Aldrich Family" to a new six-year con- tract. . . . Kirkman & Son will sponsor "Can You Top This?" over WOR starting tonight. • • • CBS now uses a special tone signal to warn stations on the network about news bulletins which will follow or interrupt a program. Devised by Hugh A. Cowham, CBS commercial engineer in charge of traffic, the signal is added to the sounds of the program, just a little less loud than the program level. Five minutes before the program is to end, the tone signal is sounded. Three short dashes indicate that special bulletins will be heard. Five short dashes mean that the news to be heard is more than usually important. One long tone, sounded at any time during the broadcast, means an urgent announcement is to be made and the program is interrupted 10 seconds thereafter. • • • KSO, Des Moines, has notified NBC-Blue that it has increased its night power to 5,000 watts. • • • Purely Personal: Thomas C. Flynn, former CBS page boy, has been appointed collegiate editor for the netzvork's publicity department. . . . Walter Winchell will be master of ceremonies on Mutual tomorrow at 9:30 P.M. in a preview broadcast for the Joe Louis-Buddy Baer fight for the Navy Relief Fund. . . . Lee Bland, formerly stationed in Cincinnati, has joined the CBS staff here as production supemnsor. . . . F. C. Eighmey. manager of KGIO, Mason City, la., has' been named radio coordinator to represent the national defense committee of the National Association of Broadcasters. . . . Ken- neth Carpenter, of WHIP. Hammond. Ind., has been appointed by the Treas- ury as press and radio representative of the Midwest defense Savings staff. • • • CBS will start a Red Cross first-aid instruction class for its employes on Thursday. Jan Schimek, head of the music clearance and copyright department, will instruct the classes under the supervision of Charles Benzinger, a Red Cross first-aid instructor and assistant trade news editor for the network. The courses will be given Tuesdays and Thurs- days for 12 weeks and certificates will be awarded to those completing the course. • • • In Philadelphia: The Bob Hope show was voted the favorite radio pro- gram in a poll taken at the Pennsauken Junior High School. . . . Carl Will, formerly of the Philadelphia Record, has replaced Edward Mayer as WIP news editor. . . . Neil Harvey, former WCAU announcer, is now with WPEN. . . . Major Edward A. Davies, WIP vice-president in charge of sales, has been appointed head of intelligence and public relations in the city's civil defense setup. • • • The Radio Executives Club, which holds weekly luncheon sessions Wednesdays, has switched its headquarters to the Hotel Lexington. Illinois Allied to Discuss Radio Ads Chicago, Jan. 5. — Allied of Illinois will hold a general membership meet- ing at the Congress Hotel here on Wednesday. The proposed radio pro- gram in which it is planned that thea- tres buy time cooperatively for adver- tising is expected to be discussed, among other matters. Mexico Revue House Mexico City, Jan. 5. — Local the- atres are to have more stage competi- tion this month with the opening of a revue-comedy house in Villa Obregon, a fashionable local residential zone. This theatre is backed by Roque Cabal lero. 'Snow White's. A. Reissue RKO has announced that "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" has been reissued in Spanish, and will open Jan. 15 at the Excelsior The- atre, Lima, Peru. Largest Mexican Station Is Planned Mexico City, Jan. 5. — The largest official radio station in Mexico and perhaps the strongest in Spanish America is soon to be installed here by the Federal Government as part of its intensified publicity campaign for the spreading of news and propaganda for the democratic cause. It is re- ported that it will be about 250,000 watts, and will supplement the three official stations here. All radio stations in Mexico have dismissed every German, Italian and Hungarian on their staffs. The sta- tions have never employed any Japa- nese. Havre WIND Sales Head Chicago, Jan. 5. — Arthur F. Harre, for the past 10 years with Station WAAF here, the latter six as man- ager, becomes local sales manager of Station WIND, Gary, Ind., on Jan. 19. Roosevelt Message On Networks Today President Roosevelt is ex- pected to be heard on all net- works at 12:30 o'clock today when he addresses a joint session of Congress on "The State of the Union." His mes- sage will be short-waved around the world. He is ex- pected to give an account of the war to date. -i Qjj FCC Expected 16 Remain in Capita Washington, Jan. 5. — Decentral ization of Government activities t< secure needed room in Washingtoi for the defense agencies is not ex pected to involve the removal of th< Federal Communications Commissioi from the capital, FCC Chairmai James L. Fly said today. Several important agencies have been ordered to other cities, including the Securities and Exchange Com^ mission and the Patent Office, and i Congressional committee investigat ing the question studied the FCC situ' ation last month. Fly explained that the commission'' defense work is becoming "so mucl more extensive and intensive" and i requires close liaison with other de-1 fense agencies here. There is a pos-' sibility that a temporary building ma} be put up for the commission in near by Virginia, but Fly said he did no- expect the agency would be movec-ft out of the city. 'Fun to Be Free' Set For 2 Weeks Hen The Stage, Screen, Radio and Art: Division of Fight for Freedom wil present "Fun to Be Free" at a Broad way theatre for two weeks beginning Jan. 27. The decision was made b} the chairmen, Helen Hayes and Bur gess Meredith, at the request of Gov ernment agencies in charge of morale relief and defense bond sales. Performances will be given eacl night, and twice on Saturdays anc Sundays, with no Monday evening performance. All unions are co operating. Lee Shubert and Marcu Heiman are producers. Cantor Again Heads 'Dimes' Radio Drivi Eddie Cantor will act as chairmai of the "March of Dimes of the Air' in the infantile paralysis drive foi the third time. The two vice-chair: men will be Arch Oboler and Vicl Knight. The later two will write ant direct the radio programs, and witl Cantor will enlist the services oi i stage, screen and radio talent. Showing German Films Milawaukee, Jan. 5. — Joe Pastor' German Kino, showing German film here for the past five years, close< after the declaration of war by Ger many and was scheduled to reopei with American pictures, but instea< is again showing German non-politica films. Name of the house has beei changed to the Radio. In I'- ll Alert, Picture Industry REMOVE MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial life: 51. NO. 4 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1942 TEN CENTS Parley Bars Claims of LA. Jurisdiction Regarded as Strictly an Inter-Union Problem Jurisdictional claims of IATSE tudio unions will not be considered •y major company heads at the cur- Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y.! under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. B RO A D WAY TOPS "BOOM TOWN"! (Yes, at last the advanced-price record-holder is surpassed as M-G-M's new marvel sweeps America!) MICKEY ROONEY* JUDY GARLAND in "BABES ON BROADWAY" with Fay Bainter • Virginia Weidler • Ray McDonald Richard Quine • Donald Meek • Alexander Woollcott • Screen Play by Fred Finklehoffe and Elaine Ryan • Original Story by Fred Finklehoffe • Directed by BUSBY BERKELEY • Produced by ARTHUR FREED • An M-G-M Picture. March with the Industry! Enlist your theatre in the "March of Dimes/' week of January 22nd 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 7, 1942 'Dinner' Gets Big $22,500, Philadelphia Philadelphia, Jan. 6.— The holi- day season provided favorable grosses. The Boyd registered §22,500 for "The Man Who Came to Dinner." The Earle, with "Swing It, Soldier," and Woody Herman's band, grossed a heavy $28,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 30- Jan. 2: "H M Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) <\LDINE — (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 6 days, 2nd week. (Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) ARCADIA — (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $2,600) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) BOYD — (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-6Sc) 7 days. Gross: $22,500. (Average, $13,000) "Swing It, Soldier" (Univ.) EARLE — (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-5/c-68c) 7 days Vaudeville including Woody Her- man's orchestra. Lucille Ball, Desi Arnez, Billy De Wolfe, The Shyrettos, Bilhe Rogers, Carolyn Grey and Frankie Carlson. Gross: $2S,000. (Average, $14,000) "The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) FAY'S — (2,190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-57c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Tftza, Marty Bohn, Jed Dooley & Andree Evens, Max and his Gang, 6 Singing Diplomats, Gae Fosters' Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' band. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $6,900) "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) FOX— (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $13,000) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) KARLTON— (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $3,000) "Appointment for Love" (Univ.) KEITH'S — (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $4,500) "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) STANLEY — (2,700) (3Sc-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average, $14,000) "Swamp Water" (2flth-Fox) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $4,500) Reviews 'Soldier' and Raye $19,000, Cincinnati Cincinnati, Jan. 6. — "Swing It, Soldier," with Martha Raye heading the stage show at the RKO Shubert, gave that house $19,000. "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" pulled $7,800 at Keith's, while "How Green Was My Valley" registered $14,500 at the RKO Albee. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 31-Jan. 3: "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) RKO ALBEE— (3,300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $12,000) "Playmates" (RKO) RKO PALACE— (2,700 (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,200. (Average, $10,000) "Swing It, Soldier" (Univ.) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (33c-44c-60c) 7 days. Stage: Martha Raye and acts. Gross: $19,000. (Average, $10,000) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) "Target for Tonight" (W. B.) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $3,700. (Average, $5,500) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) RKO GRAND — (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) "Tan'fs a Million" (U. A.) RKO LYRIC— (1,500) (28c-33c-42c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,400. (Average, $4,500) "Confessions of a Nazi Spy" (W. B.) "Riot Squad" (Mono.) RKO FAMILY — (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,200. (Average, $1,200) "Mr. District Attorney in Carter Case" (Rep.) "Sailors on Leave" (Rep.) RKO FAMILY- (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $900. (Average, $800) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) KEITH'S— (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $5,000) "Joe Smith, American" (M-G-M) KEYED to the headlines in picturing the spirit of courage, determi- nation and loyalty which characterizes the American workman, this simple picture may well be destined for "sleeper" business. Based on a Cosmopolitan Magazine story by Paul Gallico and a screenplay by Allen Rivkin, it has only one cast name of box-office sig- nificance, Robert Young. He is excellent as the young married man, a valued technician in a Coast airplane factory. In good support are Marsha Hunt, as his wife; Darryl Hickman, his young son; Russell Hicks, as the president of the company, and others. Designated to work on the installation of a valuable bomb sight after thorough investigation by Government men. Young is pursued in his car, kidnapped, beaten horribly and threatened with death unless he reveals the bomb sight plans. As he suffers, an off-screen voice records his mental reaction, his urging to himself to keep up, to hold on and tell nothing. When he eventually escapes from a moving car, although blindfolded, he has recorded mentally the progress of himself and his captors, and after he is rescued, he leads the Government agents and police in tracking the kidnapper-spies. Interplay preceding the climax pictures the spirit of the nation in the words and actions of his school- boy son. As produced by Jack Chertok and directed by Richard Thorpe, the film moves rapidly and pointedly, and should serve admirably to picture the significant work of the unsung heroes who are the men behind the men behind the guns. Running time, 63 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson Short Subject Review "When Air Raids Strike" (March of Time— RKO) Another war subject pointing out I the perils of an inadequate system of I air raid defense and showing for our I edification the manner in which the I English function when an air raider is | sighted, this should be as welcome as I any of the better shorts on the sub- I ject. It covers the proper handling of incendiary bombs, shows the home defense forces rushing into action and the behavior of civilians during a r/ The point is further stressed with.- ^ showing of two "goofers" — as ttey I are called — who venture from the I shelter, endangering themselves and 1 others. In contrast, civilians here are seen preparing for what may come. J Running time, 20 minutes. Release, I Jan. 16, 1942. "A Gentleman at Heart" (20th Century- Fox) TJ ERE is light and amusing entertainment, which should fill the bill for *• most audiences in search of a chuckle or an hour's enjoyment. The yarn, taken from the Paul Hervey Fox story, "The Masterpiece," kids the old masters, art galleries and frenzied genius in likeable fashion. The cast is headed by Cesar Romero, Milton Berle, Carole Landis and J. Carrol Naish, and they give every evidence of enjoying themselves. Lee Loeb and Harold Buchman, who prepared the screenplay, and Ray McCarey, who directed for Producer Walter Morosco, have given the film humor and pace. Romero, big-time bookmaker, catches his employe, Berle, trying to pull a fast one, and so takes over the art gallery which Berle inherits, to square things. Romero's chief interest is the gallery's employe, Miss Landis, and he finds himself up to his ears in art and love with the girl. He engages in the "phony" racket, using the amazing skill of Naish in copying old masters, and very nearly finds himself headed for jail, but the situation is straightened in time. He gives the gallery to Miss Landis and her fellow-employe, Richard Derr, but she catches up with him at the close of the film. Berle demonstrates increasing skill in handling a comedy assignment. Running time, 66 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson *"G" denotes general classification. "Crimes at the Dark House (Times Pictures) Q OME of the murder melodrama staged in this is so unlikely that it ^ prompted chuckles among the patrons at the Central Theatre on Broadway. The fact is, however, that when the picture is in a more moderate vein it becomes less engaging. It was made in England with an all-British cast headed by one of England's chief exponents of whip-in-hand villainy, Tod Slaughter. Exploitation Pictures Co. imported the picture and the distribution is being handled by Times Pictures. Slaughter goes about masquerading as the Briton of note whom he murdered in the opening scene with the use of a hammer and chisel applied to the sleeping victim's skull. This and a number of other mur- ders he commits in a most casual manner and with fiendish delight. It takes place for the most part in the typical big and dreary house. Oddette King produced. Running time, 62 minutes. "A."* Eugene Arneel *"A" denotes adult classification. 'Corsican' to Capitol "The Corsican Brothers," Edward Small production released by United Artists, will open at the Capitol on Broadway, following the current en- gagement of "Two-Faced Woman." Chicago Club Luncheon Chicago, Jan. 6. — The Reelfellows Club of Chicago will hold a luncheon at the Congress Hotel on Jan. 11, at which time the newly elected officers will be installed. 'Tarzan' Captures Lead in Providence j Providence, Jan. 6. — In an upturn in business generally, "Tarzan's Se- cret Treasure" and "The Lone Wolf's Secrets" took $15,000 at Loew's State. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 31 : "Dumbo" (RKO) "An Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) RKO-ALBEE — (2,239) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,200. (Average, $6,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) "The Lone Wolf's Secrets" (Col.) LOEW'S STATE— (3,232) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $11,000) "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "Rise and Shine" (20th-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (28c -39c -50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,600. (Average, $7,000) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "Honolulu Lu" (Col.) STRAND — (2,200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $6,000) "Mob Town" (Univ.) FAY'S— (1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 6 days. Stage show with Erna Fairchild; Charles Banks and Eileen Faye; Shirley LaValle; Rod Rogers; Olive White; Ray Dolph; the Three Kings. Gross: $6,200. (Aver- age, $5,000) "Spooks Run Wild" (Mono.) METROPOLITAN — (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- 75c) 4 days. Stage show with Cab Callo- way's Orchestra; the Six Jivers; Paul, Slim and Eddie; Anice and Alland; Cozy Cole. Gross: $9,700. (4-day average, $5,- 000) "Escort Girl" (State Rights) "Swamp Woman" (P.R.C.) PLAYHOUSE— (1,378) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $2,500) "One Foot in Heaven" (W.B.) "Target for Tonight" (W.B.) CARLTON— (1,526) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,200. (Average, $3,500) "Sundown" (U.A.) (3 days) "Top Sergeant Mulligan" (Mono.) "You Belong to Me" (Col.) (4 days) "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" (W. B.) EMPIRE— (1.200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. Gross: $1,800. (Average, $1,800) 'Purchase' $13,000 Hit in Indianapolis Indianapolis, Jan. 6. — "Louisiana Purchase" and "Flying Cadets" at the Indiana took a smash $13,000 as first run business recovered. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 1 : "Playmates" (RKO) "The Night of January 16" (Para.) CIRCLE— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $6,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Flying Cadets" (Univ.) INDIANA— (3,200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $7,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) "International Lady" (U. A.) LOEW'S — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Cross: $9,200. (Average, $8,000) "Badlands of Dakota" (Univ.) "This Woman is Mine" (Univ.) LYRIC — (2,000) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,600. (Average, $4,500) THEY'RE MARCHING YOUR WAY! LISTEN You're a hero, too, Mr. Exhibitor! The folks in your town are saying it. There's fighting to be done on the home front — And your town is watching and cheering you! They're talking about your part in the "FIGHT INFANTILE PARALYSIS" campaign Sponsored by President Roosevelt. Burdened by the cares of his office, yet He has not forsaken the little ones in distress! Be proud that our united industry has enlisted; Show the free trailer, make lobby collections — Be with us the week of January 22nd! The folks are marching your way because Yours is the American way! Join today! Write to MARCH OF DIMES, Hotel Astor, N. Y. City Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 7, 1942 OPM Calls Exhibitors to Priority Meet (Continued from page 1) shortages of needed critical materials. Invitations to attend the conference were sent to George Schaefer, presi- dent of RKO ; Sidney Samuelson, di- rector of MPTO of New Jersey; Joseph Bernhard, vice-president of Warner Bros. ; Carter Barron, East- ern district manager for Loew's Thea- tres ; William Crockett, president of the MPTO of Virginia; Si Fabian, Fabian circuit; Abram F. Myers, general counsel for Allied ; Arthur Lockwood, MPTO of Connecticut; Frank Horning, MPTO of Maryland ; Charles A. Arrington, MPTO of North and South Carolina; Nathan Yamins, Fall River, Mass.; Knute Carskadon, Keyser, W. Va., and Ken- neth Duke, Leonardtown, Md. Kirsch Reveals Letters On Unity Group's Work Chicago, Jan. 6.— Jack Kirsch, temporary chairman of the M. P. In- dustry Conference Committee, today made public letters from George J. Schaefer and Joseph Bernhard per- taining to activities of the subcom- mittees of which they are acting chairmen. Bernhard on Priorities Bernhard's letter for the subcom- mittee on industry priorities expressed the belief that it would be unneces- sary to call a meeting of subcommit- tee members in view of the fact that he, C. W. Koerner, Si Fabian and Sam E. Morris have been functioning as a subcommittee of the War Activi- ties Committee-M. P. Industry, on the same subject for some time. The letter stated that the appointment of A. Julian Brylawski by the Govern- ment to handle priorities for the in- dustry already had been accomplished. This, it was stated, is the first step toward securing necessary materials and supplies for the operation of the- atres and studios. Bernhard's letter was addressed to Schaefer, Sidney Samuelson, Carter Barron and William Crockett, mem- bers of the subcommittee of the MPICC. Schaefer's Letter Schaefer's letter to members of the subcommittee on protecting the good name and integrity of the industry as a whole reads in part : "It is need- less for me to point out that this par- ticular problem was one of the most important on the agenda of the above conference. I believe it is most im- portant that the committee meet at an early date to select a permanent chairman and discuss the general ap- proach so that our committee may be prepared to carry through its respon- sibility and make a report to the MPICC. Will you please advise me if Saturday, Jan. 10, will be con- venient?" Kirsch pointed out that three of the five subcommittees probably will have held meetings and prepared re- ports prior to Jan. 21, when the main committee is scheduled to meet at the Warwick Hotel, New York. "Joan of Paris [R-K-O] {Continued from page 1) story of all free men who are willing to fight for the liberties they hold dear. The film has an unusual beginning. After the credits, the screen is blacked out and a voice simulates a radio announcement of British fliers who were downed. Henreid is cast as a squadron leader whose plane is forced down during a flight over -France. As a Frenchman now fighting with the Free French armies, he is liable to execution if caught, although his companions are liable only to imprisonment. Nevertheless, he feels responsible for their safety and attempts to contact British agents in Paris to arrange for the squadron's escape to England. The Gestapo discover his plans but releases him in the hope that he will lead them to the British espionage agents. Meanwhile, Henreid enlists the aid of a priest, Thomas Mitchell, and also is forced to call upon the aid of Miss Morgan, who is cast as a barmaid named after her patron Ste. Joan. After numerous efforts to shake off Gestapo agents who are trailing him, Henreid manages to effect a means of returning to England. The escape, however, is accomplished only with the aid of Miss Morgan who, like a modern Joan of Arc, goes to her death after aiding the Englishmen. There are many tender scenes between the two lovers and their final parting will bring tears to many in the audience. The performances are excellent throughout. Besides the three princi- pal characters, Laird Cregar, as the polished but cruel Gestapo head ; May Robson, as the efficient British agent, and Alex Granach, as the relentless Gestapo agent, give distinguished portrayals. Robert Stevenson directed with a fine balance between the action shots and the romantic interludes and the pace never lags. David Hempstead produced. Running time, 90 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "Sing Your Worries Away (RKO) CHILLED to the brim with good tunes and low comedy, "Sing Your *• Worries Away" is a merry, fast-paced musical which should mean good business in any town. Bert Lahr, as a song writer who has never had a number published, is always at ease with gag routines and he cues most of the laughs. One scene, in which he is aided by Buddy Ebsen, finds him alternating various kinds of drinks with gin under the im- pression that the gin is water. This episode, together with the conse- quent hangover scene, should take the minds of a lot of people off the war, as should an incident when Lahr dons a magician's coat by error. Besides Lahr and Ebsen, June Havoc, Patsy Kelly, Dorothy Lovett, Sam Levene, Margaret Dumont, Morgan Conway, Fortunio Bonanova and Don Barclay are on hand to help put over a song or play straight for Lahr. Alvino Rey and his orchestra provide the music and the King Sisters contribute the vocals. Mort Greene and Harry Revel wrote the music and lyrics. There is little to the plot, but what there is proceeds smoothly under the direction of A. Edward Sutherland and it helps to keep the whole thing together. Levene and Miss Havoc learn that Lahr and Miss Lovett are heirs to a $3,000,000 fortune, but don't know it. The idea is to have Lahr worry himself to death, thus leaving Miss Lovett as the sole heir and Levene plans to marry her to gain the inheritance. The plan doesn't work, of course, but the attempts to worry Lahr result in plenty of fun. Cliff Reid produced. Running time, 71 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif Right to the Heart (20th Century-Fox') AS the title suggests, the story of this film has to do with boxing and love. Men will like the "right" and women the "heart," and to- gether they should find a fair share of amusement in this unpretentious offering. Knocked out in a night club brawl, Joseph Allen, Jr., as a society play- boy, resolves to enter the best training camp available to prepare himself for a return engagement with his assailant, and thereby redeem himself in the eyes of his fiancee, Cobina Wright, Jr. However, he falls in love with Brenda Joyce, as the daughter of the training camp owner, but his wealthy aunt, Ethel Griffies, and Stanley Clements, as the prodigy of the camp, straighten out the tangled romances for Allen after he has taken care of the night club pugilist. Eugene Forde's direction has kept the film on a smooth, breezy course. Sol M. Wurtzel produced. Running time, 74 minutes. "G."* Sherwin A. Kane *"G" denotes general classification. Parley Bars Claims of LA. Jurisdiction (Continued from page 1) Cinematographers, is here from the Coast in an effort to win a separate charter for the ASC from the IATSE executive board, which would end/*" \\ jurisdictional dispute by establi(-: J I two IA locals in the cameramen s field. The negotiating meetings are scheduled to resume this morning at Casey's office. The general consid- eration of working conditions and terms is expected to be completed to- day, following which negotiations with individual locals will begin. 'Night of Dimes' in W.B. Circuit Jan. 23 (Continued from page 1) pet will be spread in front of the Strand on Broadway, and city offi- cials and notables will walk the length of the carpet with tin cups soliciting contributions, it is planned. The car- pet will remain for the rest of the week for contributions from passers- by. More than 600 new pledges were received by national headquarters of the drive yesterday bringing the total to 5,000 theatres which have pledged to make lobby or auditorium collec- tions during the week, the industry committee announced. Harry Shaw, New Haven chairman, reported 35 theatres signed in the first day of solicitation and George Peters, of Reading, Pa., said 20 theatres in that city have enrolled. H. S. Johnson, general manager of Pal Amusement Co., with houses in nine Georgia towns, offered cooperation of the cir- cuit. Connors Sees Boom In Theatre Grosses (Continued from page 1) the trend in this country was pro- gressing similarly as in Canada and England. He also ventured the opinion that as automobiles and tires were rationed or withdrawn from extreme popular use, the movement to theatres will be- come more pronounced. Connors was host to a number of exhibitors with whom he met in round-table conferences here on Mon- day. Today he held conferences with members of the local 20th Century- Fox branch sales force and with heads of exhibitor organizations. Ask Receiver for Pa. Theatre Firm Scranton, Pa., Jan. 6. — Stock- holders of Victor Amusement Enter- prises, Inc., of Shamokin, Pa., have petitioned the Federal court here for the appointment of a receiver. The action chiefly is based on alle- gations that L. J. Chamberlain, presi- dent of Amusements, Inc., Allentown, had obtained control of the Victoria concern and had jointly operated both companies to the benefit of Amuse- ments, Inc., while the Victoria's af- fairs suffered. Ei "Vednesday. January 7, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5,115 Houses in 1939 Drew 673,045,000: U. S. Census I Washington, Jan. 6. — The 15,115 lotion picture theatres listed in the J39 census of amusements had a total bating capacity of 10,029,009 in that fear and had a revenue of $13,600,000 fam sales of merchandise and other purees which, with their admissions ■fcfees of §059,445,000, gave them a W~L income of $673,045,000, it is own by final figures just compiled the Census Bureau There were 231 legitimate stage Ipd opera houses and theatrical pro- ductions with a total revenue of $32,- S 1,000, of which $31,945,000 was -om admissions and $443,000 from ther sources, it was reported. Reports issued last year by the bu- MOTION PICTURE THEATRES reau showed that the 15,115 motion picture theatres compared with 12,024 in 1935 and their receipts of $673,- 045.000 with $508,196,000. The number of legitimate theatres showed an increase of 73 over 1935 in number and $12,831,000 in revenue. Details of only 183 such theatres were disclosed, however, to avoid publish- ing details of specific establishments in states where there are only one or two. The following table shows the num- ber, seating capacity and total revenue of motion picture theatres by states, and number and receipts of legitimate theatres which have been made avail- ability : OTHER THEATRES labama rizona rkansas ilifornia dorado ...... _>nnecticut . . . tlaware C lorida ,eorgia Tlaho jlinois liana »\va :msas tntucky jouisiana "aine aryland Massachusetts ichigan innesota Tississippi iissouri Tontana cbraska evada J{ew Hampshire ew Jersey jew Mexico (ew York Forth Carolina . orth Dakota . . •liio klahoma i-egon innsylvania hode Island jouth Carolina . outh Dakota . . 1 ennessee fexas 'tah ermont I'irginia (, ashington A'est Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Seating Receipts M 1 1 mV\f»" 11 Villi U*ri Capacity Receipts V umber 302 106.629 75 40,231 2,686,000 202 86,357 3,820,000 S 1 .104 noo 891 747,715 T - Affi AAA 33,497,000 17 182 90,070 ( 0£.0 AAA 4,8oiv.JU0 163 163,350 12,180,000 30 23,106 1,349,000 59 49,936 7,601 ,000 242 154,442 8,743,000 267 152,197 8,107,000 139 7 rvlQ oca 810 646.051 50.456.000 9 2,964,000 425 276,278 16,927,000 519 214,851 11,763,000 in 166,801 6,325,000 237 128,060 6,787,000 251 146,805 8,703,000 141 78,952 4.137.0OO 4 66,000 193 138,249 9,369,000 345 " 357,644 27,237,000 8 1,106,000 528 383,123 24,625,000 5 540,000 447 217,248 12,087,000 178 84,701 3,838,000 446 287.164 15,312,000 S 900.000 149 58,729 2,945,000 284 121,305 4,758,000 34 14.041 868,000 66 43.113 2,704,000 320 349,185 28,467,000 4 351,000 71 35,192 2,391,000 1,153 1,201,156 114,129,000 94 i 21,716.000 344 171,696 9,398,000 153 47,943 1,941,000 776 531,773 35,649,000 10 898,000 381 186,848 7.764.000 192 107,433 6,029,000 1,010 52 779,734 55,121,000 10 763,000 52,088 4,283,000 154 72.276 3,908,000 153 53,720 2,153,000 215 128,290 7,661,000 923 490,200 26,503,000 8 174.000 118 59,518 3,115,000 59 33,489 1,699,000 279 158,580 9,577,000 273 153,392 9,394,000 6 115,000 246 121,199 6,814,000 351 232,278 13,262,000 56 26,330 1,644,000 Corsican9 $16,500 Gross in Baltimore Baltimore, Jan. 6. — Holiday week rought out the patrons. The "Corsi- an Brothers" took $16,500 at the I'entury while the New scored $12,- :W with "How Green Was My Val- for the week days. Estimated receipts nding Dec. 31 : The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) CENTURY — (3.000) (28c-44c) Iross: $16,500. (Average. $10,000) Birth of the Blues" (Para.) KEITH— (2.406) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 8 days. ross: $13,500. (Average. $8,000) How Green Was My Valiey" (ZOth-Fox) NEW — (1.581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days. ross: $12,000. (Average, $7,000) You're in the Army Now" (W.B.) STANLEY— (3.280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 lays. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $12,000) Dumbo" (RKO) HIPPODROME — (2,205) (15c-28c-39c-44c- ic-66c) 6 days. Stage show featuring Le tin Sisters, Gautiers Bricklayers, and thers. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $14,000) 1941 Tax Revenue in Ohio Hits $1,820,904 Columbus, O., Jan. 6. — Admission tax collections in Ohio for 1941, based on three per cent of gross receipts, amounted to $1,820,904, compared with $1,694,120 in 1940, $1,645,147 in 1937, according to figures released by Don H. Ebright, State Treasurer. The state collected $194,624 for censorship fees in 1941, while in 1940 the collections were $190,710 and $195,083 in 1939. Ice Show in Phila. Philadelphia, Jan. 6. — "Ice Fol- lies of 1942," opening a 10-day en- gagement tomorrow at the Philadel- phia Arena, again promises to offer major competition to the downtown film houses. BlUEBOOKof PROJECTION mm CMI«so.LOHOON $7.25 POSTPAID MOST ADVANCED TEXTBOOK ON MODERN SOUND REPRO- DUCTION AND PROJECTION SECOND REVISION SIXTH EDITION — SUPPLEMENTED WITH SOUND TROUBLE CHARTS and ALPHABETICAL INDEX ■ You will find this revised edition of F. H. Rich- ardson's Bluebook of Projection the most practical treatise of its kind and a sure solution to all the perplexing problems of projection room routine. Over 700 pages of up-to-the-minute text, diagrams and charts, this book is not only the greatest author- ity on sound reproduction and projection, but it is also a quick, certain trouble-shooter — a practical guide to swift repairs in any projection room emergency. ORDER THIS BOOK TODAY QUICLEY BOOKSHOP ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 7, 1942 Second Largest Day Audience Hears FDR President Roosevelt, in ad- dressing the 77th Congress yesterday, spoke to his second largest daytime radio audi- ence, it was estimated by the Cooperative Analysis of Broadcasting. CAB an- nounced that on the basis of a nationwide survey, it was found that 52 per cent of the nation's set owners inter- viewed at home heard the President deliver his address on the state of the Union. The speech was broadcast from 12:30 to 1:10 P.M. over all major networks. Although the audience was large for daytime, the Presi- dent has had more listeners on four recent occasions, it was stated. 13 Vaudeville Units On Circuit of U.S.O. To Open on Jan. 9 (Continued from page 1) ing 65 camps and stations on the Red, White and Blue Circuit. The vaudeville shows will open as follows : Jan. 9 at Fort Wadsworth, N. Y. ; Charlotte Air Base, Charlotte, N. C. ; Jan. 10, Fort Slocum, New Rochelle, N. Y.; Jan. 12, Fort Stevens, Astoria, Ore. ; Fort Clark, Texas ; Gardner Field, Taft, Cal. ; Langley Field, Va. ; Fort Dawes, Bos- ton ; Chanute Field, 111. ; Jan. 13, Cochran Field, Macon, Ga. ; Bangor Air Base, Bangor, Me. ; Jan. 15, Goodfellow Field, San Angelo, Texas ; Jan. 16, Fort Robinson, Craw- ford, Neb. Dismiss Three from III. Clearance Case Chicago, Jan. 6. — Paramount, M- G-M, Warners and Balaban & Katz have been dismissed from the arbitra- tion clearance complaint of the Don Theatre, Downers Grove, 111., by agreement of the parties. The case, hearings on which were concluded today before Thomas C. McConnell, arbitrator, is being continued against KKO and 20th Centurv-Fox. To Train Staffs of Rochester Houses Rochester, Jan. 6. — Local theatre managers have been urged to train their staffs in wartime emergencies. The plea came from city fire and de- fense officials. Emergency duties were discussed by Battalion Chief Frank Gallagher at a meeting with representatives of the 13 local Schine houses. Beery to Premiere Wallace Beery, who stars in M-G-M's "The Bugle Sounds," is expected to attend the premiere of the picture at the Loew's, Louisville, on Jan. 14, the company announced yesterday. He will also visit Fort Knox. Off the Antenna C^ECIL B. DeMILLE, producer of "Lux Radio Theatre," yesterday pre- -J sented two scrolls to Bob Hope during the latter's Pepsodent show over NBC-Red. The scrolls wrere awarded to Hope for being voted Champion of Champions and Best Comedian in the annual "Champion of Champions" radio poll conducted by Motion Picture Daily on behalf of Fame. • • • Purely Personal: Arthur Van Horn and Prcscott Robinson, WOR news- casters, have been added to the staff of Dave Driscoll, the station's director of special features and news. . . . Edward Tomlinson will cover the forthcom- ing Pan American Conference for NBC-Blue. . . . Frank J. Cuhel has been named Mutual correspondent in Batavia. . . . Lynn Farnol will be guest of Ilka Chase over NBC-Red Saturday at noon. . . . Otis P. Williams, WOR account executive, set a new record at the station by selling over a half mil- lion dollars of business in 11 months. . . . Richard Cook has joined the WHN sales staff. • • • New and renewal business at WNEW during the month of December set an all-time high for that month, it was reported yesterday. Contracts were signed with 21 sponsors for a total of 1,849 quarter-hour periods. 52 half-hour periods and 5,468 spot announcements. Most of the contracts are for 52-week periods, it was said, and 20 of the 21 sponsors are national advertisers. • • • WMFG, Hibbing, Minn., and WHLB, Virginia, Minn., owned by Head of Lakes Broadcasting Co., have joined NBC as supplementary outlets for the Red and Blue, it was announced yesterday. They will be available free to sponsors using WEBC, Duluth, until April 8, but thereafter the basic rate will be $140 for WEBC alone and $160 for the three stations. Both WMFG and WHLB operate on unlimited time with 250 watts. • • • Program News: Two nezv accounts and four rcnezvals for NBC-Red were signed yesterday. Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Co. will sponsor a war news program over 37 stations Saturdays', 5:45-6 P.M., beginning Jan. 17. "Family Party," an institutional variety show, will be sponsored by General Mills Saturdays, 10-10:30 A.M., beginning this week. Philip Morris renezved "Johnny Presents" over 98 stations; B. T. Babbitt renezved "David Harum" and added Seven stations for a total of 52; Sterling Products has renezved "Battle of the Sexes" over 57 stations, and CBC has renezved its contract for "Kraft Music Hall." . . . Philip Morris has added eight stations to the CBS hookup for "Johnny Presents" and six stations for "Crime Doctor." . .. . Bulova Watch Co. lias renezved its yearly contract for 10 daily time am- nouncements seven days weekly over WABC. • • • Madison Square Garden inter-collegiate basketball games, of which the final 15 minutes were broadcast formerly by CBS, will be heard exclu- sively over W71NY, the WOR FM station, beginning tonight. The final 15 minutes will be carried by Mutual over its standard broadcast network. Stan Lomax will handle the play-by-play description. • • • Spot sales have mounted recently for WMAQ and WENR, Chicago NBC stations, it was disclosed yesterday. Schulze Baking Co. ordered 998 an- nouncements over WMAQ and 500 over WENR during a 50-week period. American Cigarette & Cigar Co. contracted for 106 one-minute announce- ments over WMAQ during a six-week period and Beech Nut Packing Co. bought 78 announcements on the same station during a 13-week period. Royal to Handle Rio Parley Broadcasts John F. Royal, NBC vice-president in charge of international relations, will head a delegation of the net- work's short wave staff to Rio de Janeiro to handle coverage of the Pan-American Conference scheduled to be held there Jan. 15, it was an- nounced yesterday. Eli B. Canel, head of NBC's Span- ish section, will accompany Royal. All sessions of the conference will be covered and, whenever possible, eye witness accounts will be broadcast, it was said. Royal also stated he would take advantage of the opportunity to con- solidate and enlarge NBC's Pan- American network, which now con- sists of more than 100 stations. Para. Signs Joel McCrea Hollywood, Jan. 6. — Paramount has closed a deal with Joel McCrea for the actor to make two pictures annually during the next two years, with options for a third picture each year. Settle Contract Suit Against Warners A stipulation settling the $75,000 breach of contract suit brought by Alvin R. Harnes and Howard A. Gray against Warners and Vitagraph was filed in Federal District Court yesterday. The amount of the settle- ment was not disclosed. The plaintiffs claimed that they entered into con- tracts in 1936 and 1937 with the de- fendants whereby the latter were to pay for a plan to dramatize the life of Dr. Ehrlich. According to the complaint, the film, "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet," contained all the fea- tures of the plan but no compensation had been paid. Cut Price for Soldiers Indianapolis, Jan. 6. — The Can- tor circuit of neighborhood houses has reduced prices for men in uniform. Admission to service men is 17 cents at the Emerson, Rivoli, Sheridan and Esquire and 11 cents at the Parker. Power's Pact Extended Hollywood, Jan. 6. — Twentieth Century-Fox has extended the con- tract of Tyrone Power for two years. Showmanship Flashes Metro Has New Promotion On Outstanding Shorts The M-G-M advertising and pub- licity department, headed by Howard Dietz, has prepared a new type of short subject promotional service, called the M-G-M Shorts File, will go by mail to all accounts, n will be issued periodically — perhap" or 20 during the year — on shorts con- sidered worthy of special merchandis- ing attention. The files will contain special exploitation suggestions, pub- licity stories, ad lines and reproduc- tions of available accessories. The first file is on "The Tell-Tale Heart." Scene mats are to be furnished gratis on request. service. ■* I High School Ticket Stunt Plugs 'Started with Eve' Lebanon, Pa., Jan. 6. — A stunt with high school students helped Manager Jack Weber of the Colonial Theatre to plug "It Started With Eve." He distributed 500 numbered tickets to high school boys and the same number of corresponding tickets, to girls. When a boy found a girl with the same number as his both zvere admitted free to see the picture. W. B. Sends Out Items To Plug Sales Drive The Warner advertising and pub- licity department has prepared pro- motional material on the Vitagraph Drive, annual sales drive now under way, and running until next April. The items include a large mechani- cal pencil, a coat-hanger and a cal- endar, all designed to indicate sales drive effort. Elaborate Pressbook for 'Valley' from 20th-Fox An unusually large and complete pressbook has been turned out for "How Green Was My Valley" by the 20th Century-Fox advertising and publicity department under the direc- tion of A. M. Botsford. The book contains 44 pages in three sections, with an index on publicity material, listing the stories by subject matter. There is a 16-page ad section and an eight-page exploitation section pre- pared by the Hal Home organization. Shows London Film to Frisco Raid Wardens San Francisco, Jan. 6. — Manager Bucky Williams of the Newsreel Theatre showed "The Warning," British Government short of an actual raid on London, at a citywide mass meeting of nearly 10,000 air raid war- dens here. The film was used by Police Chief Charles Dullea and Army authorities to indicate the best means of warning against, and com- bating, an air raid. > > ■ Humor for Rumor Perkasie, Pa., Jan. 6. — An institutional campaign has been introduced here by Ber- nard Haines, manager of the Plaza. The slogan of Haines' drive is "Replace Rumor With Humor — Go to the Movies. Alert. InteHigei aha y Irvtepen sable to the^ cjtion Picture Industrv , — MOTION PICTURE DAILY NEW YORK, U. S. A., THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1942 TEN CENTS Washington', Jan. 7. — Sharp restrictions on the use of critical naterials for the manufacture of randy, cigarette and other vending machines were ordered today by Priorities Director Donald M. Nel- >>n. Vending machines are ex- ensively used in theatres. Immediate cuts of 25 per cent from onsumption during the 12 months nded last June were ordered in the ise of iron and steel and slug-rejector nechanisnis, and a 50 per cent cut in inc and certain other metals. Beginning Feb. 1, the rates will be aised to 50 and 75 per cent, respec- ively, and a total prohibition will be mposed on aluminum, stainless steel, iromium, copper, lead, nickel and tin. The order follows a cut in the pro- luction of "juke" boxes ordered last nontb. U.S. Orders 25% Vending Machine Cuts Priorities Unit to Make Further Reduction Pathe Laboratories Buys Control of PRC The purchase of the controlling in- vrest in Producers Releasing Corp. iy Pathe Laboratories, Inc., was an- imnced here yesterday by O. Henry Griggs, president of PRC. Briggs said the stock transfer does lot affect tbe territorial franchises or •perations of the 28 PRC exchanges, ''he present management, headed by 'riggs and Leon Fromkess, vice- • resident, will continue, it was in- Hcated. The stock was purchased liiefly from the franchise holders. (Continued on page 4) Little Progress in Labor Pact Talks Little progress was made yesterday >y major company officials and union epresentatives in their negotiations or new working agreements with ight IATSE studio unions at the ffice of Pat Casey, producers' labor epresentative, it was said. In the third all-day session this .eek, the negotiations did not pro- ress beyond the stage of general dis- ussions of working conditions. When lie general discussions have been con- luded, negotiations will be opened .ith individual studio unions. The egotiations had been expected to each that stage yesterday. Senate Passes Bill For Daylight Time Washington, Jan. 7. — The Senate today passed the Wheeler bill giving the Presi- dent power to change the time in any part or all of the coun- try by as much as two hours forward or backward for the duration of the war and for six months thereafter. The House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee today approved the Lea bill, providing mandatory Daylight Saving Time, effective 20 days after enactment and until six months after the end of the Milstein to Survey U.S. Training Films J. J. Milstein has been appointed by the W ar Department in a special ca- pacity to make a survey of the dis- tribution of training films at Army camps, and today will start on a week's assignment. After a visit to Fort Dix in his of- ficial capacity, he will go to Wash- ington where he will remain at the War Department for the balance of his assignment. Milstein will work in conjunction with Darryl Zanuck, who is in charge of producing train- ing films in Hollywood. His appoint- ment was by Colonel Schlosberg of the Armv Signal Corps. Resume Minn. Trial, Depinet a Witness St. Paul, Jan. 7. — Ned E. Depinet, RKO vice-president in charge of dis- tribution, took the stand in Ramsey County district court as trial of the criminal actions against RKO, Para- mount and 20th Century-Fox for vio- lations of the state's anti-consent de- cree law was resumed today after a recess. Depinet testified to the keen compe- tition in the industry for talent and story material and cited the difficulty which the Minnesota law places in the way of distribution companies which are committed to sell the pic- tures of outside producers separately. The state law requires the distributors to offer all of their season's product at one time with a 20 per cent can- cellation right to the exhibitor. The RKO official pointed out that his company frequenty distributed the pictures of independent producers and many of them were sold singly. He named producers such as Samuel Gold- ( Continued on page 4) 41-42 BOX-OFFICE TAX $122,600,000 OPM Weighs Conversion of Radio Plants Washington, Jan. 7. — Conversion of the radio manufacturing industry to full war-time operation, with rigid limitations on production of receivers for civilian use, is under consideration in the Office of Production Manage- ment, it was learned tonight. Currently being studied, it is under- stood, are proposals for the pooling of production facilities, to permit the quick manufacture of the tremendous amount of equipment which will be needed for the large army which will shortly be built up. The need for military equipment and the shortages of nickel, copper and other materials, it is believed, will be reflected in the near future in orders cutting off production for civilian con- sumption other than tubes and repair parts. Estimates of the time that would be required to retool the industry for war work vary from six weeks to six months. The latter period is believed to be the most realistic and, realizing that, OPM experts are understood to feel that no time should be lost in laying the groundwork for the change. St. Louis Complaint Dismissal Reversed The arbitration appeals board yes- terday handed down a decision revers- ing the dismissal of a some run com- plaint against Loew's brought by the Sosna Theatre, Mexico, Mo., at the St. Louis local board. Meanwhile, the M. F. Theatre Corp., operator of the Kisco Theatre, Mt. Kisco, N. Y., yesterday filed the 19th appeal, asking a review of the dismissal by Lloyd Buchman, arbitra- tor, of its clearance complaint against the five consenting companies. The board held in the Sosna case that the arbitrator erred in his find- ing that the complainant did not de- serve any relief, and held that the arbitrator should have made a finding that the theatre had been refused some run from Loew's and should then have made an award directing the dis- (Continued on page 4) Budget Estimate for '43 Fiscal Year Revenue Is $159,600,000 Washington, Jan. 7. — Admis- sion tax collections for the current fiscal year, which ends next July 1, are estimated at $122,600,000, but for the fiscal year 1943 will reach $159,600,000, it is indicated in the annual budget submitted to Con- gress today by President Roosevelt. No provision is made in the budget for the financing of Wil- liam Donovan's Office of Infor- mation, which this year is ex- pected to spend $1,590,260; the Office of Inter-American Affairs, spending $5,281,787, and the Of- fice of Production Management or the newly created offices of censorship and Coordinator of Government Film Activities. It is expected that these will be suported from funds to be pro- vided. The tax for part of the current fis- cal year is based on an exemption of (Continued on page 4) Unity Keynote of 306 Installation Mutual pledges of support and unity were exchanged yesterday by the de- feated and victorious slates of officers of operators' Local 306 here during installation ceremonies held at noon yesterday at the Manhattan Center. Joseph D. Basson, retiring presi- dent, who was defeated in the election held last week, officiated and installed his successor, Herman Gelber. Others (Continued on page 4) Federation Drive Luncheon Today A special luncheon meeting of the Amusement Division Committee of the Federation of Jewish Charities drive will be held today at the Hotel Astor. David Bernstein, co- chairman of the division, will preside. William L. Shirer will be guest of honor at the an- nual artists luncheon to be held soon, Bernstein said yesterday. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 8, 1942 Personal Mention 'Johnny on a Spot' Will Open Tonight "Johnny on a Spot," play by Parke Levy and Alan Lipscott, as revised by Charles Mac- Arthur, opens tonight at the Plymouth. The cast includes Keenan Wynn, Edith Atwa- ter, Will Geer and Joseph Sweeney. John Shubert is the producer. Scrolls to President, March of Dimes Plan Presentation to President Roosevelt of bound volumes of birthday greeting scrolls from individual theatres is planned in connection with the indus- try's March of Dimes drive, it was officially announced yesterday. Co- chairman C. C. Moskowitz expressed the hope that it would be possible to present the President scrolls from at least 7,500 theatres at the close of the drive. The scrolls will be printed in red, white and blue. The form is a birth- day greeting to be signed by every person on the theatre payroll. Op- posite each name will be the amount of the contribution. The committee hopes to present the signatures of some 50,000 theatre workers. Additional county chairmen named by E. J. Schulte, Wyoming chairman, include: Thomas Berta, Joseph Mc- Donald, O. S. Cleveland, William Roberts, Fred Curtis and E. J. Cor- der. Boston plans a March of Dimes parade at the opening of the theatre drive, Jan. 22, under the direction of Joseph P. Longo, Loew's publicity director. Coast Exhibitors Combine Campaigns Los Angeles, Jan. 7. — Circuit and independent theatre owners of South- ern California and Arizona at a meet- ing today voted to combine the Red Cross and Infantile Paralysis cam- paigns in their houses, and decided to take all collections from patrons inside the theatres instead of in the lobbies. Charles Skouras, Fox West Coast head, and Robert H. Poole, PCCITO executive secretary, were joint chair- men of the meeting, with Wayne Ball, Columbia district manager, represent- ing distributors. Para, to Show 4th Block on Jan. 15, 16 Paramount will hold trade show- ings on the fourth group of five films in all exchanges on Jan. 15 and 16. The films are : "The Lady Has Plans," "The Remarkable Andrew," "The Fleet's In," "Fly by Night" and "Torpedo Boat." BROADWAY PLAYS "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1 & $1.50 N0LUH8|GTHAER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at Ameriea'a Only Ice Theatre CaaUr Tliattrt, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Evn. neept Men. Matt. Wed., Sat. & Sun. HI SMta far tnry Pert. 50e. EVG3. AT 8:40 TOM J. CONNORS, personal as- sistant to Sidney R. Kent, presi- dent of 20th Century-Fox, is expected back from Minneapolis today. • M. G. Poller, head of the RKO playdate department, underwent aft operation yesterday at Royal Con- course Hospital. ■•— - Carrol Sax of the Warner studio is in town. • H. J. Schad, operator of the Strand and Astor, Reading, Pa., has been re- elected vice-president of the Reading Fair Association. • Charles Been, of the 20th Cen- tury-Fox exchange in Des Moines, has enlisted in the Army. • Florine Bower, of Loew-Poli, New Haven, has announced her en- gagement to Dr. Aaron Jacobs of Ansonia, Conn. Mexico Is Probing Prices of Admission Mexico City, Jan. 7. — The Minis- try of National Economy, acting on the request of a group of Federal Senators and Congressmen which for several months has been investigating charges that local theatres charge ex- cessive admission prices, has started to look into this question, on behalf of the Government. The complaints are that the charges of the exhibitors are exorbitant, for, it is said, the dis- tributors have not appreciably in- creased their rentals. The legislators have agreed with the complaint that rates of the first run theatres here, varying from 35 cents for mediocre pictures to 65 cents for better attractions, are too high. The exhibitors counter with the ar- gument that their costs, chiefly labor, have increased so much that they can make but a fair living, a matter of bigger grosses but smaller nets. Kornheiser Is USO Music Coordinator Sidney Kornheiser, general man- ager of Paramount's music subsidi- aries, Famous Music Corp. and Paramount Music Corp., has been appointed music publisher coordinator for the USO Camp Shows, Inc., by Abe Lastfogel, executive of the or- ganization, it was announced yester- day. Kornheiser will have charge of supplying the camps with music ma- terial and setting the musical pro- grams, the announcement said. 'Rhine' Charity Show Washington, Jan. 7. — Chairman J. Russell Young of the local Presi- dent's Birthday Ball celebration has announced that "Watch on the Rhine" has been chosen for the single "com- mand performance" at the National Theatre here Jan. 25. Net proceeds will go to the national infantile paral- ysis fund. Elrod in New Chi. Post Chicago, Jan. 7. — Ben Elrod, Para- mount country salesman here, has been assigned to city sales formerly handled by Tom Gilliam, who recently joined RKO here. Sam Tishman, former operator of the Paramount, Wheaton, 111., succeeds Elrod, RALPH McCOY, Warners South- ern and Midwestern sales man- ager, is expected here late this week frotft the field. • Louis Pollock, Eastern advertis- ing and publicity manager for Uni- versal, yesterday returned home from the Fifth Avenue Hospital following an appendicitis operation. • Howard Dunn, Joseph McGlynn and George Baumeister, M-G-M Des Moines salesmen, have returned from vacations. • R. M. Savini has returned from the Midwest. • Frank J. Homsher of Philadel- phia has been commissioned a lieu- tenant in the Navy. • C. A. Pratt, Des Moines salesman for Republic, is vacationing on the Coast. Haines to Conduct Boston Sales Meet Roy H. Haines, Eastern and Can- adian sales manager for Warners, and Arthur Sachson, sales executive, plan to leave for Boston tomorrow to con- duct an Eastern district sales meeting on Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Similar meetings have been held in other districts of Haines' territory. Those scheduled to attend include Norman Ayers, Eastern district man- ager and the following branch man- agers : William Horan, Boston ; Paul S. Krumenacker, Albany ; Max Roth, Buffalo, and Roger Mahan, New Haven. Plan Union Drive In Southern N. J. Philadelphia, Jan. 7. — A union- ization campaign of amusement places in southern New Jersey will be started next week, jointly by the musicians and actors unions. James Perri, investigator for the AFM lo- cal, and Richard Mayo, executive secretary of the AGVA chapter, will conduct the drive. Both unions have entered into a mutual assistance pact. Continue Picketing At Mansfield Theatre Picketing by Musicians Union, Local 802, continued yesterday before the Mansfield Theatre where "In Time to Come" is playing. The union is demanding a standby orchestra because the play is accompanied by recorded music. Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt on Tuesday night refused to cross the picket line and the price of her tickets was refunded. Increase Machine Fee Pittsburgh, Jan. 7. — The city li- cense fee for amusement coin ma- chines has been increased from $25 to $50 per year, by Council Ordinance. Revenue from the licenses during 1941 exceeded $115,000. Martin's Father Dies Samuel Martin, 65, father of Ralph R. Martin of the Columbia exploita- tion department, died suddenly follow- ing a heart attack yesterday morning. Fitzgibbons Cites FP Canadian Size Montreal, Jan. 7. — In an ar- ticle in the Montreal Gazette's Commercial and Financial Re- view for 1941, J. J. Fitzgib- bons, president of Famous Players Canadian Corp., said: "Famous Players Canadian is one of Canada's largest real estate operators. It owns property on which theatres are built; others it leases or 'i operates jointly with local ( jj owners. The seating capacity of Canada's theatres totals ap- proximately 658,174, of which more than 45 per cent is in theatres under the direction of Famous Players, a nation- wide organiation employing upward of 3,000 Canadians with an annual payroll of over $4,000,000. SPG and Columbia Agree in Principle An agreement in principle has been reached between Columbia and the New York Screen Publicists Guild and will be presented to the guild membership for ratification tonight, it was reported yesterday. RKO thus far has been the only company which has indicated that it may accept the same deal as Columbia. Warner Bros, has not participated in the conferences between the SPG and the home offices of the other major companies. Twentieth Century-Fox participated originally but withdrew later, and U. A. has sent only observ- ers to the meetings. The Guild will hold elections Jan. 15. On the administration slate are Joseph Gould for president; Larry Lipskin, first vice-president; Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., second vice-president ; Stephen L. Freeland, secretary, and Charles Wright, treasurer, unopposed. On the opposition slate are Carl Rig- rod, president, Morton Gerber, first vice-president ; Arthur Jeffery, second vice-president, and Leonard Daly, secretary. Plan Stamp Giveaway Providence, Jan. 7.— Dominick and Henry J. Annotti, operators of the Uptown here, plan a weekly "defense stamp night," with each adult patron getting a 10-cent defense stamp, be- ginning Friday. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sara Shain, Eidtor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Ouigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. It's a mighty Happy New Year for the 347 houses playing "Army" right now! They've topped last year's holiday business by an average of 30% — and there was nothing wrong with last year! YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW" JIMMY DURANTE* PHIL SILVERS* JANE WYMAN "NAVY BLUES SEXTETTE" • matty malneck & his orchestra Directed by LEWIS SEILER Original Screen Ploy by Paul Gerard Smith and George Beotty /lions 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 8, 1942 $122,600,000 Box-office Tax Set for '41-42 (Continued from page 1) nine cents, while the 1943 fiscal year will include the elimination of all ex- emptions, which became effective last Oct. 1. Calling for total expenditures of $59,000,000,000, the financing of the budget will call for an additional tax revenue of $7,000,000,000, the Presi- dent said. Details of the tax program will be laid before the House Ways and Means Committee next week by Treasury Secretary Morgenthau. The Federal Communications Com- mission is scheduled to receive $4,991,- 219, or §77,510 less than was appro- priated for this year, the reduction being due largely to the completion of equipment purchases. Of the total, S2,300,000 is for the regular work of the commission under the Communica- tions Act and $2,667,619 for its na- tional defense activities. Reviews St. Louis Complaint Dismissal Reversed (Continued from page 1) tributor to offer a run in accordance with Section 6 of the decree. In its decision, the appeals board criticized the arbitrator for recourse to "technical, legal objections" in ar- riving at his findings. The board reversed the dismissal of the com- plaint and directed Loew's to offer the Sosna a run under Section 6 provi- sions. Costs were assessed against the distributor. It was pointed out during the orig- inal hearing that Loew's had furnish- ed the Sosna a number of films but discontinued licensing it because of the theatre's 5- and 10-cent admission scale. The appeals board pointed out that a distributor may move for re- opening of a some run proceeding to obtain relief from an award which has the effect of reducing the distributor's revenue, after complying with such an aw^ard. Pathe Laboratories Buys Control of PRC (Continued from page 1) Robert Young represented Pathe Laboratories in the negotiations. Briges said yesterday that an ex- pansion of PRC operations probably will follow the completion of the deal. I lie PRC board of directors will meet here later this month. Adams Named PRC Milwaukee Manager Clevc Adams has been appointed manager of the Milwaukee exchange of Producers Releasing Corp. by J. N. Jovaney, Chicago franchise bolder, who controls the Milwaukee branch. Adams was formerly manager for Grand National in Milwaukee and also in Chicago. Brandt Takes Theatre The Gramercy Park Theatre, 127 East 23rd St., Manhattan, formerly a Rapf & Rudin house, has been taken over by P.randt Theatres. "Valley of the Sun" (RKO) BASED on a story by Clarence Burlington Kelland, which ran serially in the Saturday Evening Post, "Valley of the Sun" is a rip-roaring western filled with fighting Apaches on a rampage, crooked Indian agents, fisticuffs and a first rate cast. Included among the latter are Lucille Ball, James Craig, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Dean Jagger, Billy Gilbert, Peter Whitney, Antonio Moreno and Tom Tyler. Craig finds himself an outlaw after he aids an Indian to escape from the authorities who have given the Indian an unfair trial. Jagger refuses to permit Craig to ride on a stagecoach but the pair meet again just as Jagger is about to marry Miss Ball. The Apaches capture all three, together with Gilbert, the local judge. Craig arranges for their release on the promise that Jagger will return the loot he has swindled from the Indians but the latter double-crosses him and the picture ends with the Apaches staging a big raid, running Jagger out of town and leaving Miss Ball to marry Craig. The Apaches on the war path form the high point in the activity and it is well staged with hundreds of savages swooping down on the town. Other high spots include an Indian marriage ceremony, a test of strength between Craig and Tyler, and a fist fight between Craig and Jagger. Moreno is cast as a friendly Indian chief while Tyler is in the role of Geronimo. Hardwicke, an exiled Englishman, befriends Craig, as does Whitney, who is cast as a half-witted boy. George Marshall directed and Graham Baker produced. Running time, 84 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "Arizona Terrors" (Republic) THIS is about the swindling land grabber and the modern Robin Hood who comes to the aid of the victims. The western is nicely directed, well played and has a liberal amount of fast action. It's a good one for western audiences. In the principal role is Don "Red" Barry. With him are Lynn Mer- rick, Al St. John, Reed Hadley, John Maxwell, Frank Brownlee, Rex Lease, Lee Shumway and Tom London. In the story Hadley poses as a Spanish nobleman and claims owner- ship of the grazing land in the territory. After his claim is upheld in court, he imposes stiff taxes on the ranchers, evicting those unable to pay. Barry and St. John thereupon go about as the "Ghost Riders," rob the collectors and return the money to the ranchers. The two are jailed and sentenced to die. The sheriff, Shumway, fakes an execution and permits the two to escape. The big showdown comes and Hadley is exposed. George Sherman was director and associate producer. Running time, 56 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel 'Road to Happiness' (M onogram) Hollytvood, Jan. 7 JOHN BOLES' first picture in some time is of a kind and quality to set the customers complaining about his long absence from pictures. It is a story of a father and his son, Billy Lee portraying the latter, told with sincerity and considerable power in direct sequence. Boles matches his vocal proficiency, displayed in three songs, with an acting job of the best. Produced by Scott H. Dunlap, one of whose talents is the accomplish- ment of maximum results from minimum budgets, the film is a treatment by Robert D. Andrews of Matt Taylor's American Magazine story, "First Performance." Phil Rosen directed with sureness and essential simplicity a cast which includes Mona Barrie, Roscoe Karns, Lillian Elliott, Paul Porcasi, Sam Flint, Brandon Hurst, Byron Folger, Selmer Jackson, Harlan Tucker and Antonio Flauri. The picture opens with Boles, a singer with operatic ambitions and training, returning to New York from abroad to find that his wife has divorced him in favor of a millionaire and taken his son into her custody. He regains possession of the boy but cannot find employment, signing up finally as an actor in a radio serial and foregoing his operatic career, which the boy and coincidence ultimately bring into his grasp. It is a plain tale of family relationships told in terms suitable to the nature of the production and its sought market. Running time, 83 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams ■ *"G" denotes general classification. Mexico Produced 40 Pictures in 1941 Mexico City, Jan. 7. — Pro- duction in 1941 was 40 pic- tures, an improvement on 1940 when the output was only 27. Production this year is esti- mated at about 50. Only three of the 21 producers who be- long to the Association of Mexican Producers of Motion Pictures reported a 1941 prof- it. They were Posa Films, S. A., Jesus Grovas & Co., and Films Mundiales, S. A. Unity Keynote of 306 Installation (Continued from page 1) installed included Steve D'Inzillo, vice-president; Nat Doragoff, record- ing secretary ; Charles Beckman, fi- nancial secretary ; James Ambrosio, treasurer; Bert Popkin, New York business agent, and Jack Teitler, Brooklyn business agent. The last four named were reelected. Herman Gelber, newly elected president of Local 306 of the Motion Picture Projectionists Union, filed proceedings yesterday in N. Y. Su- preme Court against Matthew M. Levy, former attorney for the union, to compel Levy to surrender all of the union's legal papers in his posses- sion. According to the petition, Levy's retainer expired at the close of 1941, but the latter refused to sur- render the papers, claiming a lien of $27,500 for legal services. Gelber contended that only $2,000 is now due Levy. Nathan Frankel has been ap- pointed provisional attorney for the union by Gelber, the petition disclosed. NLRB Backs Reader Guild's Name Change The National Labor Relations Board has notified Paramount, 20th Century- Fox, RKO, Universal, Columbia and Loew's that unless objections are filed before Jan. 10 the name of the collec- tive bargaining agency for screen readers employed in home offices will be chajiged from Screen Readers Guild to Screen Office & Professional Em- ployes Guild Local 109, CIO. The SRG was certified on Sept. 17 but subsequently joined the CIO local and asked the NLRB to change the name. Resume Minn. Trial, Depinet a Witness (Continued from page 1) wyn, Walt Disney, Lang & Stephens, Jerry Brandt and others, whose prod- uct his company had sold separately. Depinet injected some humor into the proceedings when he told Judge Albin S. Pearson there is little glam- our in film production. "Don't let any- one fool you, your honor," he said. "A studio is just a good, old-fashion- ed workshop." The hearing will continue tomorrow. Riskin to Do Script Hollywood, Jan. 7. — Robert Riskin has been assigned to write the script of a new "Thin Man" film to star William Powell and Myrna Loy. ALL-OUT AMERICA! To answer the burning question, "Are we prepared for war?/' comes this vivid, vital report to the public on the state of our defenses, featuring Defense Chiefs William S. Knudsen, General George C.Marshall, Admiral Harold R. Stark.. .a factual, forceful screen survey of America's first line of defense — the production line ... and our fifty million defense workers who are meeting the challenge of Totalitarianism with Americanism . . . here is a picture to stir the heart of America ... to make them proud ... to make them strong ... to pack every theatre that shows it . . . M-G-M presents for immediate booking, the terrific two-reeler. . . MAIN STREET ON THE MARCH! narrated by JOHN NESBITT Directed by Edward Cahn Recommended for wide circulation by Eleanor Roosevelt in her nationally syndicated column! LOUISI Blt^JlngU Dav } ~ Vw "Louisiana Purchase" at *e Weitman to b •s declared by ^ house, ior ■** * new record ior box-offic? w day;Sdgtro° IliV ior New ^dnesday scaled to ^ ned on v M ? a^oS., and ^f'lrtnances °* tbe ftl snow, the last presen the f afteagSe0show starting at o{ the stage IMofio.Pi«-D«",y BOY, HOW THEY'RE FIGHTING TO PURCHASE THOSI "PURCHASE" TICKETS! Coast- to -coast the story' the same — Paramount's "show that has every thing" is cleaning up everything in sight! Smash ing records everywhere, holding over everywhere playing to SRO and sellout business day after day IT'S A HAPPY NEW YEAR for the boys who'v hitched their wagons to the hottest company in th business! Latch on — there's a place for you! ^ader in U., SolM $10,000 deader //hn,P,rr°yemem ae( ^ °' ^✓Y0x-office bells. * ss <* *° at the a^'sian* -?S Way LOUISIANA PURCHASE HOPE • 70RINA ViCTOR MOORI Irene Bordoni • Dona Drake - Raymond Walburn Dirtlcted by Irving Cumming- by Jerome Chodorov and Jos Comedy by Morrie RysVtnd •IN TECHNICOLOR • Screen Play tph Fields • Based on the Musical • From a Story by 8. G. DeSylva Music and Lyrics by IRVING BERLIN 'he rpUos for _ Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 8, 19 Warner Brothers Stock Purchases Reported by SEC Washington, Jan. 7. — The Securi- ties and Exchange Commission in its semi-monthly summary of transac- tions of corporation officials and di- rectors in the stocks of their com- panies, for November, reports that the three Warner Brothers added ma- terially to their holdings of Warner Bros, common. Albert Warner ac- quired 14,900 shares for a total of 74,548; Harry M. Warner 6,200 shares to give him 69,060, and Jack L. Warner 17,000 shares to make his total 142,860 shares. In the same stock, Joseph Bernhard, vice-presi- dent, acquired 2,500 shares to make his interest 3,000 shares. Para. Debenture Deal The report also showed the disposi- tion of §570,000 face amount of Par- amount Pictures 1947 debentures held by Maurice Newton, a director, through Hallgarten & Co. Heavy transactions were reported in Monogram Pictures common stock, with Trem Carr, director, reporting the disposition of 20,169 shares by- gift and 2,623 shares by sale, wiping out his holdings in that class, while W. Raj- Johnston, president, received 3.274 shares as payment on loan and purchased 1,714 shares, then dispos- ing of 959 shares by gift and 4,000 by sale, leaving him with 24,261 shares at the close of the month. Johnston also reported the acquisition of 3,429 shares through Monogram Pictures of Cincinnati, and subse- quently their sale, leaving his holdings unchanged at 3,285 shares so held, and Herman Rifkin, Boston, reported the acquisition of 500 shares to make his total 9,518 shares. Atlas Adds RKO Atlas Corporation continued active in acquiring Radio Keith Orpheum common to make its holdings 836,823 shares, and 1,500 shares of preferred to increase its total to 49,071 shares. Loew's, Inc., acquired another 86 shares of Loew's Boston Theatres common stock to make its holdings 118,774 shares, and Radio Keith Or- pheum acquired 30 shares of Keith Albee Orpheum preferred stock to give it a total of 7,506 shares. Preston Davie, director in both Universal Corporation and Universal Pictures, reported the acquiring of 500 common voting trust certificates of the former, to make his interest 4,900, and the sale of 50 shares of the latter's preferred, his entire holdings in that class. Briskin Buys Col. The final transaction reported was the purchase of 200 shares of Colum- bia Pictures common by Samuel J. Briskin, giving him a total of 2,000 shares. Marking the dissolution of Pathe Film under the plan recently approved by the commission for exchange of securities for Du Pont de Nemours stock, Allen P. Kirby, director, re- ported the exchange of 2,100 shares of Pathe common held direct, 5,600 shares held through three holding companies and 6,000 shares held through an estate, and Robert M. Mc- Kinney, director, reported the ex- change of 1 1 shares. Cordon E. Youngman, RKO attor- Off the Antenna EDDIE CANTOR on his "Time to Smile" show on NBC-Red last night presented scrolls to Dinah Shore and Harry von Zell betokening their designations in the annual "Champion of Champions" radio poll conducted by Motion Picture Daily on behalf of Fame. Miss Shore was voted Best Female Popular Vocalist. Yon Zell was voted Best Studio Announcer. • • o The planning and Advisory Committee of the* NBC-Red Network, meet- ing here, has adopted a resolution condemning the use of all four national networks simultaneously except for Presidential addresses, sudden emergencies or for military purposes. "Tying up four networks for one program is in effect attempting to coerce listeners and will fail in its purpose, and will not attract a maximum audience, neither will it spur competitive efforts for pro- gram quality," it was declared. "The interests and welfare of the nation can best be served by following the present pattern of independent separate net- work operation." • • • Program News: Three sponsors enlarged their CBS netvjorks yesterday. Pet Milk has added nine stations for "Experimental Kitchen" for a total of 73 \Celanese Corp. added five for "Great Moments in Music" for a total of 57, and Procter & Gamble added Florida stations for four of its shows, "Woman in White," "Life Can Be Beautiful," "Goldbergs" and "Lone Journey." . . . Anacin Co. will sponsor a variety show with Ray Nelson as master of cere- monies Saturdays 1 :30-2 P.M. over WJZ, starting this zvcek. . . . Chrysler Corp. has cut the Major Bowes "Amateur Hour" from a full hour to 30 min- utes, effective tonight. . . . Carter Products has renewed "Inner Sanctum Mystery" over 63 NBC-Blue stations. . . . Bayer Co. has renewed "Album of Familiar Music" over 68 NBC-Red stations. . . . Ward Baking Co. has re- newed the 8:45-8:50 A.M. ncivscast over WJZ Monday through Friday. • • • H. V. Kaltenborn, NBC commentator, is organizing a 20-Year Club consisting of veterans who have been in the industry for two decades or more. Kaltenborn started his own radio career in 1922. • • • NBC will contribute more than 100 broadcasts over WEAF and WJZ between Jan. 15 and Jan. 30 to aid the "Mile of Dimes" campaign, Niles Trammell, president, said yesterday. These broadcasts will be in addition to the touring collection booths which the network sends out annually. • • • An NBC executive order announced yesterday that KZRH and KZRC have been cancelled from the network as of Dec. 25. "Cancellation due to war" the order stated tersely. Both carried network slum's by recordings. They are located in Manila. • • • "WHAM wants to be prepared," William Fay, manager of the Roches- ter, N. Y., station, declared yesterday when he announced that 24-hour operation would start Monday. • • • KGW, Portland, Ore., Red outlet, has notified NBC that it has started night operation with 5,000 watts, while KCRC, Enid, Okla., Blue station, is now operating with 1,000 watts, day and night. • • • A nationwide talent hunt for young violinists is being sponsored jointly by NBC, the Juilliard School of Music and the National Federation of Music Clubs. 'Purchase* $8,800 Is High for Omaha Omaha. Jan. 7. — Louisiana Pur- chase took $8,800 at the Orpheum. the week's best. The weather was cold and snowy. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 30-31 : "Dumbo" (RKO) "Go West. Young Lady" (Col.) BR ANDETS— (1.200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,400. (Average. $4,000) "Kathleen" (M-G-Ml "Swine It Soldier" (Univ.) OMAHA— (2.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: W.700. (Average. $6,000) "LouisLara Purchase" (Para.) "SmaP Town Deb" (20th-Fox) ORPHEUM— (3.000) (30c -44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,800. (Average.^ $7,000) "Kfep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) "Marrv the Boss' Dauehter" (2Cth-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (3.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. "Flyinir." 2nd week. Gross: $4,100. (Aver- age. $5,000) ney, reported that he held no Keith- Albee-Orpheum securities when he became an officer of that company on Dec. 5. Matthew Fox, Universal vice- nresident, reported ownership of 6,000 Universal Corporation common vot- ing trust certificate warrants last Tune 30. 'Dumbo' Leads in Capital at $13,000 Washington, Jan. 7. — "Dumbo" drew |13,000 at RKO-Keith's in its second week. "Tarzan's Secret Treas- ure" and a stage show at Loew's Capitol did $17,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 30 : "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) WARNERS' EARLE— (2,200) (28c-3°c- 55c-66c-77c) 6 days. On stage: Jerry Cooper, Shea & Raymond. Tommy Trent, Helene Faye, Roxvettes. Gross: $11,700. (Average, $12,000) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) WARNERS' METROPOLITAN— (1,600) (28c-44c) 6 days. Gross: $3,900. (Average, $4,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) RKO KEITH'S — (1,843) (40c-S5c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $8,000) "Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $3,500) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3,434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c-77c) 7 days. On stage: Harriet Hoc- tor, Sid Tomack, Reiss Bros., Gautiers Toy Shop, Rockets. Gross: $17,000 (Average. $15,500) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) LOEW'S PALACE— (2.300) (39c-55c) 6 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $11,000) Mutual 1941 Gross Reaches New High Mutual gross billings for 1941 broke all records for the network with a total of $7,300,955, it was reported yesterday. The figure was 53.2 per cent ahead of the $4,767,054 total for 1940, which was the biggest year pre- viously. If the political busi- ness billed during 1940 is de- ducted, 1941 ran 63.2 per cer-V ahead of the previous t~J>; months. The December, 1941, total of $948,498 also set a record for that calendar month, being 64.4 per cent over the same month in 1940. Frequency Change Authorized by FCC Washington, Jan. 7. — The FCC has authorized Station KYOS, Mer ced, Cal., to change its frequenc; from 1,080 to 1,490 kilocycles and in crease its hours of operation from da: to unlimited. The commission also granted powe. increases to six stations, authorizin: WFTL, Ft. Louderdale, Fla., to in crease its power from 250 to 10,00* kilowatts and change frequency fron 1,400 to 710 kilocycles ; WINN, Louis ville.'Ky., to increase night power fron 100 to 250 watts; WHKY, Hickory ja N. C, to increase power from 25<-. s watts to 1,000 watts night, 5,000 watt r. day, and change frequency from l,40i to 1,290 kilocycles; WKWK, Wheel ing, W. Va., to increase power fron 100 to 250 watts ; WSFA, Montgom ery, Ala., to increase power from 50( watts night, 1,000 watts day, to 5,00( watts, and WMBD, Peoria, 111., tc increase night power from 1,000 t( 5,000 watts. Hearings were ordered on the ap plication of Mosby's, Inc., for a nev 1,230-kilocycle, 250-watt station a) Anaconda, Mont., and Donald Flamn for a new 620-kilocycle, 5,000-wat| station at New York. 0 J See No Rise in Tax On Mexico Station^ Mexico City, Jan. 7. — There is tc be no increase in taxes on Mexicai radio stations for some time at leas because the Senate and Congres when they concluded their 1941 ses sion Dec. 31 did not take any actioi on measures calling for raising thes< imposts. It does not seem likely tha any emergency session of the legisla _. ture to be held during the winter wil r' act on these taxes. The Government, President Manue Avila Camacho has announced, is do ing everything to prevent increases ii taxes. Mflj Rule Nazi Film Newsree Albany, Jan. 7. — "Victory in tin West," German film, is a newsreel aw no license is necessary for its ex hibition in New York State, the Ap pellate Division ruled here today, up holding the Commissioner of Educa tion in a suit for injunction brough by Richard R. Rollins. Ascap Shifts Sherwood Baltimore Jan. 7. — Edwin A Sherwood, Ascap district supervisor 'ias been transferred to Cleveland. j — Alert. InteiUgec anT^N to thel^ Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial . 51. NO. 6 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 1942 TEN CENTS 500 Reservations GOV'T CONTROL OF For* Fedei*ation's Dinner to Shirer RENTALS BLOCKED J.S. Censors Affirm Policy Of Free Films Mellett, Price Plan No Screen Supervision Washington, Jan. 8. — Xo censor- ip of features tor domestic exhibi- n is contemplated by Byron Price Lowell Mellett, it was disclosed lay as the two reiterated recent as- "tions of President Roosevelt. Both Price, Chief of the Censor- ;p organization, and Mellett, Co- linator of Government Film Activi- s who, together with Army and ivy representatives, are working in >se harmony, said they had no in- ition of exercising supervision over 'tion pictures. N'ewsreel filming of military and ival material is supervised by Army d Navy Officials, who also view _■ pictures before they are released, d no need is seen for anv additional titrol. This system has been in effect over (Continued on page 4) ]old Chills BVay, But 'Dinner' Is Hot Some Broadway theatremen got a -eathing spell this week as business n, >ped with the mercury. Other spots mingly were not affected to any rge measure by the cold spell which ^ps had the temperature during the *'jeek hovering about the 15 level, it 6 A. M. yesterday it went down *!'■ 4.8, the lowest in six years, but ' "adually increased to 15 in the after- noon. At the Strand, for one, the revenue "i'mtinued heavy. The theatre, play- hg "The Man Who Came to Din- (Continued on page 4) Soldiers Prefer Duals and Action Chicago, Jan. 8. — Men in the •med forces prefer double features, asculine stars and action pictures, •cording to figures released by Bala- am & Katz. '. In a breakdown of 2,400 passes is- !ied to uniformed men. through the musement and Recreational Division the Chicago Civilian Defense Com- mittee, in the first 22 days of Decern - ■r, 1941, 546 were used at the Roosevelt Theatre, 323 during the 14- ly run of "Unholy Partners" and (Continued on page 4) Eager to assure the success of the luncheon to be held on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Hotel Astor, in honor of William L. Shirer, writer and radio commentator on international events, members of the amusement division committee of the Federation for the support of Jewish Philanthropic So- cieties of New York City, yesterday subscribed to more than 500 reserva- tions. This record response by the committee members was made at a special meeting at which David Bern- stein, chairman of the amusement di- vision, presided. With this initial, large reservation order, officials are confident that the luncheon will be oversubscribed. Yes- (Continucd on page 4) Exhibitors Prefer Fishing to Work, Says Ned Depinet Report Success in U.S. Drive on Tax Washington, Jan. 8. — Success of a long campaign to enforce compli- ance with the admission tax provi- sions of the Revenue Law was an- nounced tonight by the Internal Rev- enue Bureau in its annual report. The Bureau disclosed that a num- ber of special investigations were con- ducted last year in "certain metro- politan areas" in connection with the taxes on admissions and excess charges for tickets. These campaigns, the report said, (Continued on page 4) St. Paul, Jan. 8. — "If the exhibitor didn't go fishing so much, he would have no trouble building up new at- tractions." S o testified today Ned E. Depinet, vice- president of RKO in charge of distribution, in the State court action f - testing the con- m ym^^^^J* stitutionality of the Minnesota anti - block -five law. Depinet re- ferred to the failure of ex- hibitors as a whole to aid in building up new stars, and said that the exhibitor's responsibility in the in- dustry is equivalent to that of the dis- tributor and producer. He told the court that RKO has few stars under contract and has had (Continued on page 8) Ned E. Depinet Asks Canada Government To Institute Trade Reform Theatres Will Hear Priority Data Today Washington, Jan. 8. — Serious problems which will confront the country's exhibitors as a result of shortages of strategic materials will be outlined to representatives of the Eastern theatres here tomorrow by A. Julian Brylawski and other OPM officials dealing with the question of materials priorities. OPM officials said today that the increasingly serious shortages of metals, rubber and other basic mate- rials will make it necessary for ex- hibitors to make their equipment last (Continued on page 4) Toronto, Jan. 8. — In a statement today, Henry Falk, appointed to represent unaffiliated Canadian exhib- itors on the industry's advisory com- mittee of the Prices and Trade Board, formally called on the Domin- ion Government to deal with distribu- tion problems and trade practices, in addition to ceilings on admissions and film rentals and tax measures related to the war. Falk is on the committee named to serve under R. G. McMullen of To- ronto, new Administrator of Theatres and Films with the Wartime Prices and Trade Board of Canada. Falk was named by the Independent Motion Picture Exhibitors Associa- tion, -which has been recognized by (Continued on page 4) Amendment by Senate to Price Control Bill Exempt Films Washington, Jan. 8. — Possible Federal control of film rentals was forestalled today when Senator Downey of California obtained ap- proval by the Senate of an amend- ment to the pending price-control legislation exempting motion pic- tures and placing them on a parity with newspapers and the radio. The amendment pointed out that great difficulty would be encountered in fixing prices on films and in operating under price ceilings. The measure now goes to the House for agreement on the Senate amend- ments. The bill, introduced in the House by Rep. Steagall of Alabama, was passed by that branch last No- vember without amendments. It is designed to stabilize prices against wartime inflation. Minor Points Agreed In IA Studio Parley Some minor working conditions have been agreed upon in the negotia- tions between major company officials and representatives of eight IATSE studio unions as the conferences enter upon their fifth day, today. The chances are, according to observers, that another week or more may be required to conclude discussions on the major problems. Pat Casey, producers' labor repre- sentative, said that the negotiations may last several weeks at their cur- rent rate of progress. Not only have no agreements been reached on any point, he said, but the negotiations still are concerned with general (Continued on page 4) 20th~Fox Employes Get Raid Training First aid courses, air-raid drills and general safety instruction have become part of the every-day business curricu- lum of 20th Century-Fox company employes, it was learned yesterday. At the home office, where the safety program was started, the company has arranged for the employment of ex- tra firemen and first-aid instructors and engineers to impart to the com- (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 9, 19' Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 8 A TELEVISION patent inter- change agreement between Don Lee Broadcasting System and RCA was announced today by Thomas S. Lee, head of the Lee organization. Covered are inventions of Harry R. Lubcke, Lee television director, re- lating to synchronization, scanning, cathode ray tubes and transmission, some of the methods going back to 1930. • The Los Angeles arbitration board today denied the plea of D. Lemucchi and James Banducci, operating thea- tres in Oildale and Arvin, for shorter clearance over Bakersfield. Arbitrator Eugene Breitenbach ruled the com- plainants had "inexcusably" delayed showing pictures when available, and that they had played 75 per cent of their product 72 days after availability. • John Leroy Johnston, veteran pub- licity man, today started as publicity director for Harold Hurley's Theatre Attractions, Inc., releasing through United Artists. • RKO today announced the purchase of an H. G." Wells story, "The His- tory of Mr. Polly," intended for Charles Laughton. • Floyd Simonton, Hollywood news- paperman, today joined the staff of Arch Reeve, secretary of the publicity directors committee of the Producers' Association. Goldwyn Buys Original Samuel Goldwyn has purchased "The Washington Drama," an orig- inal by Leonard Spiegelgass and Leo C. Rosten. It is spy melodrama with comic aspects, set in the national capital. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY 50th St. Mickey ROONET MUSIC HALL & 6th Ave. -Judy OAKLAND "BABES ON BROADWAY" An M-G ON STAGE: "THE Florence Rogge's gay phony Orch. under the 1st Mezzanine Seats M Picture BELLS RING OUT"— spectacular revue. Sym- direction of Erno Rapee. Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE P ARAMOUN IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND Extra! DINAH SHORE T TIMES SQUARE "Remember the Day" Claudette Colbert John Payne PLUS A BIG DA YY 7th Ave. STAGE SH0W"»^'»» ■ &. 50th St. B' WAY & 47th St. PALACE 'THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON' Errol Flynn — Olivia DeHavllland and 'BLUES in the NIGHT" Personal Mention WILLIAM A. SCULLY, Uni- versal general sales manager, arrived on the Coast yesterday. • R. J. O'Donnell is in town from Dallas. Leonard Gaynor is flying to the Coast today for about 10 days. • William Warner, Mayo Beatty and Gilbert Wells, Warner sales- men in Des Moines, have returned from vacations. RICK RICKETSON, head of Fox Intermountain, Denver, is a New York visitor. William Jenkins of Lucas kins is here from Atlanta. Jen- Max Weisfeldt, sales executive for Columbia in charge of short sub- jects, is due Monday from a vacation in Miami. • Leonard Picker of Columbia's legal department is at Miami Beach. Hale Musical Show Will Open Tonight The twice-postponed open- ing of the George Hale musical comedy, "The Lady Comes Across," is now set for tonight at the Forty-fourth Street Theatre. Evelyn Wyckoff will have the role originally sched- uled for Jessie Matthews, who was forced to withdraw be- cause of illness. Mischa Auer and Joe E. Lewis have the leading masculine assign- ments. B&K Starts All-Out Effort for Defense Chicago, Jan. 8. — Balaban & Katz is starting an "all out" drive for sup- port of the Government's defense pro- gram, it was announced today. De- fense bond subscriptions have been made and more than 600 employes have enrolled for civilian defense. All marquees in the circuit use the line, "Buy Defense Bonds — Give to Red Cross." Employes who join the armed forces receive $10 from the B. & K. Club on their birthdays. Many cash- iers and office workers have joined the Theatrical Red Cross Unit and it is expected that shortly all em- ployes will be buying bonds or stamps each week. Lytell Group Lauds Probe Abandonment The Stop Film Censorship Com- mittee yesterday issued a statement signed by 92 prominent Americans in which the formal abandonment of the recent Senate film probe was called "truly in the interests of national unity." The statement issued by Bert Ly- tell, president of Actors Equity and chairman of the committee, called for "the creation of all forms of culture which express the will of the people and their determination for victory." Pact 'Repudiation' Charged by SPG The New York Screen Publicists Guild announced last night that it had sent a telegram to the presidents of Loew's, Universal, Columbia, RKO and Paramount in which it was charged that they had "repudiated" a labor agreement including certain con- cessions by the SPG. In view of this, the SPG stated, the union would re- vert to its original demands in further negotiations. U.S. to Tax Frozen Cash at U.K. Rate Washington, Jan. 8. — Funds of American film companies held in "blocked accounts" in the United Kingdom are to be computed at the "official" exchange rate established by the British Treasury, in preparing income returns, it is held by the In- ternal Revenue Bureau. A ruling issued by Commissioner Guy T. Helvering requires that "blocked accounts" as related to in- come from British sources are to be reported on tax returns filed with the Bureau, together with British taxes paid with respect to any income included in such accounts and a valu- ation of British current assets at the begininng and end of the taxable year, for the purpose of determining in- come from the British branch of a domestic taxpayer's business. Where realization of British in- come or payment of British taxes can be shown to have been accom- plished at rates different from the "official" rate, the actual rate of con- version is to be used. O'Shea and Flynn To 'Bugle' Opening E. K. O'Shea, Eastern and South- ern sales manager for M-G-M, and J. E. Flynn, Central division mana- ger, are expected to attend the pre- miere of "The Bugle Sounds," Wal- lace Beery picture, at Loew's Theatre, Louisville, next Wednesday. William R. Ferguson, the com- pany's exploitation manager, will ar- rive in Louisville ahead of the pre- miere. He plans also to attend the company's exhibitor forums in Mem- phis next Tuesday and in St. Louis on Thursday. Capital Variety Club Backing Navy Show Washington, Jan. 8. — The open- ing night of "Ice-Capades" next Wednesday at Uline Arena will be sponsored by the Washington Variety Club as a benefit performance for the Navy Relief Society. Producer of the show is John Harris, national chief barker of the Variety Clubs of America. Frank Borchert Dies Milwaukee, Jan. 8. — Frank Bor- chert, 49, manager of the Door Thea- tre, Sturgeon Bay, Wis., died here today. The funeral will be Mon- day in Sturgeon Bay. Survivors in- clude his wife, mother, two sisters and two brothers. Newsreel Parade ALL nezvsreels in their zveekei -/i issues of course devoted a ma]- portion of their footage to Preside Roosevelt's historic message to Co, gress on "The State of the Union." tribute to the U. S. dead in Hawaii shown, as is a light item of anti-Na propaganda devised in England, reels and their contents follow. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 36— Roosev reports on the State of the Union. Industr production rallies to the call; bombers pi duced in Seattle; General Motors plant i ing war work. England shows "Na;| soldiers doing the Lambeth Walk. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 234— Roo: velt's report to Congress. Industry answi President's call for plane and tank prodi tion. United States honors Hawaii dead Honolulu. English show "Nazis" dancing Lambeth Walk. Chicago Bears beat A Stars in football farewell. Racing at Ag Caliente. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 39— Roosev calls for all-out military production and i dustry responds. Comedy wrestling bouts Washington. Enemy aliens turn in camei and radios on West Coast. Sally Rand m; ries. Navy rounds up Japs in Honolu Admiral Nimitz decorates U.S. fliers, Hoi lulu pays tribute to U.S. dead. English a ti-Nazi dancing stunt. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 39— Preside addresses Congress. Pay tribute to her dead in Honolulu. Flying fortress output 70 per cent at Boeing plant in Seatt Admiral Nimitz decorates heroes of Haw incident. Chicago Bears beat All-Stars final football game. English anti-Nazi pror ganda pictures "Nazis" dancing Lambei Walk. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 4S Roosevelt addresses Congress in histo message. Industry answers call: Gene Motors typical of plants turning out we; ons; Boeing plant in Seattle ahead of pla, production schedule. Honolulu honors v« dead. Mass induction into Navy at Po land, Ore. Jack Dempsey offers servic Brazilian Naval cadets graduate. "Naz dance to Lambeth Walk. s I Offers Special Show For Mrs. Rooseve< ( Otto Preminger, producer of tffll play, "In Time to Come," at the Ma field Theatre, has offered to present special performance of the play f^ Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt eitr^ here or in Washington at any ti The President's wife obtained a fund on tickets Tuesday night wh| she refused to cross a musicians' uni picket line to attend the play. Pre inger made his offer in a telegram Mrs. Roosevelt. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday ; holidays by Quigley Publishing Compa Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cent New York City. Telephone Circle 7-31 Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." M tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publish Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gene Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, V President; Sam Shain, Eidtor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bure 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Ne Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Un Life Building, William R. Weaver, Edit Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bure 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope V liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpul London." All contents copyrighted 1942 Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Ot Quigley publications : Motion Pict Herald, Better Theatres, Internatir Motion Picture Almanac and Fame, tered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 1 at the post office at New York, N. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subsc tion rates per year $6 in the Americas $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. JOEl McCREft • VERONICA LAKE - 511 111 VAN'S TRAVELS' with Roberf Warwick* William Demarest'Margaref Hayes* Porter Hall •Franklin Pangborn* Eric More A Paramount Picture 'Written and Directed by Preston Sturges 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 9, 1942 Asks Canada To Institute Trade Reform {Continued from page 1) McMullen as representing unaffili- ated theatres. Falk said: "A new situation has arisen in Canada today. The war emergency gave rise to the Wartime Prices and Trade Board primarily to stop profiteering and prevent infla- tion. Actually Government regula- tion of industry and commerce, in- cluding motion pictures, lias arrived in Canada." Says Reforms 'Overdue' He intimated that "some long over- due reforms" would be placed before the new Government board so that it could deal with complaints and diffi- culties and "give us relief in accord- ance with plans and policies which we may help to shape now." Falk asserted that self-regulating devices within the industry have failed, and a "day of reckoning always comes." 20th-Fox Employes Get Raid Training (.Continued from page 1) pany's workers and executives the necessary rules of conduct in time of emergency. Special equipment also has been installed. This program, it was revealed, will be extended through all of the com- pany's offices and exchanges through- out the country. Hugh Strong Directs Hugh Strong, director of person- nel, is in charge of the work, and un- der his supervision specialists in the work direct the activities. Firemen are now on duty at the home office 24 hours a day. The safety instruction is understood to be part of the plan of Sidney R. Kent, president, to have all employes and officials properly equipped men- tally and physically to cope with whatever war emergency may arise that would require their special civilian services. Reports Theatre Defense Progress in New England Henry Anderson, in charge of fire protection and safety for Paramount Pictures, returned yesterday from Boston, where he conferred with the theatre division of civilian defense authorities for that territory. He re- ported that plans for theatre coopera- tion in defense have progressed rap- idly under Sam Pinanski of M & P, who is in charge of theatre civilian defense activities in New England. To Collect for Dimes Drive in Auditoriums Most circuit and Broadway first run houses and many others in the New York area will make auditorium as well as lobby collections during the March of Dimes drive, Jan. 22-28, it was agreed at a meeting yesterday. Similar decisions have been made by the E. V. Richards and Wil- by-Kincey circuits in the South, Fox West Coast The- atres, and houses in St. Louis and Pennsylvania. Legitimate theatres also plan to make au- ditorium collections. A New York parade also is planned. Soldiers Prefer Duals and Action, B&K Study Shows (Continued from page 1) "Target for Tonight" and 223 during the eight-day run of "Henry Aldrich for President" and "Texas." Second preference was the Chicago Theatre, with class pictures and stage shows, with 531 admissions. "Ser- geant York" and "Keep 'Em Flying," as single features, drew 400 passes to the Garrick Theatre. Melodrama and musicals came next with 360 admis- sions drawn at the State-Lake The- atre during the runs of "Honky Tonk" and "Birth of the Blues." The Apollo drew 275 passes ; 39 during the eight-day showing of "Smilin' Through," 123 during the week of "Confirm or Deny" and 113 for the week's run of "Honky Tonk" after it had completed its playing time at the State-Lake Theatre. The United Artists Theatre took in 274 passes, 75 during the 10-day run of "Two-Faced Woman" and 199 during the 12-day engagement of "One Foot in Heaven." Shea Managers Get Fire-Fighting Lesson Buffalo, Jan. 8. — Managers of the city's Shea theatres met at fire head- quarters this week for a demonstra- tion of how to quell fires caused by incendiary bombs. Capt. Daniel R. Mahaney of the Fire Department and a member of the fire defense commit- tee, presided with Vincent R. McFaul, general manager of the Shea The- atres, in charge of the managers. Theatres Will Hear Priority Data Today (Continued from page 1) as long as possible and forego all but the most essential installations. There will be no "frills" for the ex- hibitors during the period of the war, it was said, but every energy will be invoked to keep existing installations in operating condition. To this end, most of the theatre equipment produc- tion permissable under the restrictions which are being applied to all com- modities will be devoted to the out- put of repair, replacement and main- tenance materials. The whole question will be can- vassed tomorrow, largely, it is said, with a view to acquainting the ex- hibitors with the situation and to ex- plain efforts of the OPM to deal with the problem. Lee to Carolina Meeting Claude Lee, Paramount public re- lations director, will attend the an- nual convention of the North and South Carolina Theatre Owners at Charlotte, Jan. 18 and 19, the com- pany announced. 500 Reservations For Federation's Dinner to Shirer (Continued from page 1) terday's announcement that Shirer will be the guest of honor at the annual luncheon given by the Federation's amusement division was the first offi- cial word about it. Stars and executives of all of the principal film companies and many of those now appearing on the legitimate stage and in the motion picture the- atres on Broadway are expected to attend the luncheon. Luncheon tickets will be scaled at $1.50. William Morris, Jr., head of the William Morris Agency, and Julius Stein of Music Corporation of Amer- ica are co-chairmen of the luncheon committee. Attorney Henry Jaffe is chairman of the committee on ar- rangements. Others to serve on these committees are to be announced later, officials state. Among those who attended yester- day's meeting were : John W. Ali- coate, Louis Bernstein, Max B. Blackman, William Brandt, Harry Buxbaum, J. W. Coffman, Max Cohen, Howard Dietz, Oscar Doob, Leopold Friedman, Leon Goldberg, Monroe W. Greenthal, Toby Gruen, Marcus Heiman, Arthur Israel, Jr., Malcolm Kingsberg, Milton Krasny, Bertram Lebhar, Jr., Joseph Lee, Nat Lefkowitz, Samuel Machnovitch, Louis Nizer, Eugene Picker, Sam Rinzler, Budd Rogers, Aubrey Schenck, Abe Schneider, Max Selig- man, Sam Shain, Charles Sonin, Na- than D. Spingold, Abe Waxman and Robert Weitman. Barney Balaban, president of Para- mount, and Major Albert Warner, vice-president and treasurer of War- ner Bros., are co-chairmen of the Amusement Division. Minor Points Agreed In IA Studio Parley (Continued from page 1) working conditions applicable to all unions. Not until the general condi- tions have been granted can the ne- gotiators begin their individual meet- ings with each of the eight locals, it was pointed out. Casey conceded that many of the 16 points introduced during the gen- eral discussions will be granted with- out question, since many of these were granted to the international unions which are signatories to the basic agreement during the negotia- tions here last September. However, he stated, no agreement has been concluded yet on any point. The sub- ject of wage increases has not yet been opened by the IATSE locals. The other studio internationals were given 10 per cent increases in Sep- tember, retroactive to last March. U.S. Censors Affirm Policy Of Free Films (Continued from page 1) a long period and has worked out to the satisfaction of both the news- ; reel companies and the Government i Probably the only censorship V^j feature films which Price will at- tempt, it was learned, will be on pic- | tures shipped abroad, and that chief- j ly for the purpose of detecting any dangerous material which may have , slipped in inadvertently and which, ! while of no moment when the pic- t tures were shown here, might be in- advisable for foreign disclosure. Cold Chills BVay, But 'Dinner' Is Hot (Continued from page 1) ner" with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra, had its biggest eight days on record with business up to Wednesday night estimated at $62,000. This covers the period beginning New Year's Eve when the picture played three shows with Will Osborne's orchestra. The following day Dorsey replaced Os- borne. An estimated $124,000 is what "Babes on Broadway" with a stage show brought the Radio City Music Hall with the stage presentation dur- ing that show's first eight days. This, too, is unusually high. "Remember the Day" with a stage show at the Roxy finished its second week Wednesday night with an esti- mated $58,500. This figure indicates a drop in business during the week from the strong weekend. The Capi- tol income also fell off some as "Two- Faced Woman" finished the week with an estimated $44,000. Both films are continuing. "The Mad Doctor of Market Street" winds up a week's run at the Rialto tonight with an estimated $4,- 900. "Bombay Clipper" goes in to- morrow. f Basil Withdraws Buffalo Complaint The clearance complaint of Basil Bros. Theatre Co., operators of the Apollo, Buffalo, against all five con- senting companies and Shea's Elm- wood was withdrawn at the Buffalo arbitration board yesterday after an agreement was reached by the parties involved. The case was filed 10 days ago. J! Report Success in U. S. Drive on Tax (Continued from page 1) "have produced excellent results, both with respect to the increased collec- tions and in securing greater compli- ance with the laws and regulations relative to the collection and return of the tax and the proper marking of tickets. "A number of convictions were ob- tained for failure to collect or report the proper amount of tax or other- wise comply with the laws and regu- lations," it was stated. Museum Expanding Defense Film Shows The Museum of Modern Art plans additional showings on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons of Eng- lish civilian defense films, under the general title of "Safety for the Citif zen." The two programs, which run 45 minutes each, include six short subjects each. Among the subjects are "Stop That Fire," "Mr. Proudil foot Shows a Light" and "Goofer Trouble." : [Friday, January 9. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 Flving9 Gets Good $7,000, ■ Leads Seattle Seattle, Jan. 8. — The holiday week ailed to register very strongly here. jThe second week of "Keep 'Em Fly- fcj" at the Orpheum drew $7,000. Jne weather was clear and cold. Estimated receipts for the week nding Jan. 2 : Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) •The Perfect Snob" (20th Fox) BLUE MOUSE— (950) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 . vs. 2nd week. Moved from Paramount, iross: $3,800. (Average, $4,000) Hew Green Was My Valley" (20th -Fox) FIFTH AVENUE — (2,500) (30c-42c-58c- d"c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $6,200. (Av- rage, $7,000) Ladies in Retirement" (Col.) Three Girls About Town" (Col.) LIBERTY — (1,800) (3Oc-43c-58c-70c) 6 .^ys, 2nd week. Gross: $3,300. (Average. 5.000) All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) Week- End for Three" (RKO) MUSIC BOX — (950) (30c -42c -58c -70c) 7 . ys. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,000) Keep 'Elm Flying" (Univ.) The Devil Pays Off" (Rep.) ORPHEl'M-(2,450) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, i d week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $6,000) Sierra Sue" (Rep.) PA LOMAR — (1.500) (20c-30c-42c-50c) 7 ;.ys. Stage: Vaudeville and "Holiday Kid- ies Revue." Gross: $5,300. (Average. 5.000) Dumbo" (RKO) Cadet Girl" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (3.050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 ays. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $6,000) Pulham' $13,500; Pittsburgh Is Dull j Pittsburgh, Jan. 8. — In a slow .eek, "H. M. Pulham, Esq." drew 13,500 at Loew's Penn and "I Wake . p Screaming" took $5,300 at the -enator. Estimated receipts for the week nding Dec. 31 : - Rise and Shine" (20th-Fox) FULTON— (1,700) (30c-S0c) 4 days, 2nd eek. Gross: $2,200. (Average. 7 days, .000) , H. M. Pulham, Esq.'" (M-G-M) LOEW'S PENN— (3,400) (30c-44c-55c) 7 r.iys. Gross: $13,500. (Average, $13,000) Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) RITZ— (800) (30c-44c-S5c) 7 days. 2nd eek. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $3,500) I Wake Up Screaming" (20th-Fox) SENATOR— (1,800) (30c-44c-55c) 7 davs. Iross: $5,300. (Average, $5,000) You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) J STANLEY— (3,600) (30c-44c-60c-66c). On tage: Martha Raye. Ted Weems orches- tra. Gross: $18,000. (Average. $20,000) Henry Aldrich for President" (Para.) Target for Tonight" (W. B.) WARNER — (2.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Iross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) Notes from Hollywood Corsican' Montreal Winner with $7,400 ■ Montreal, Jan. 8. — "The Corsi- ian Brothers" which opened here at he Orpheum Christmas Day took 7,400. "Dumbo," in its second week t Loew's took $7,000. Estimated receints for the week nding December 31 : ». The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) ! ORPHEUM— (1,000) (30c-40c-60c) 7 davs. Iross: S7.400. (Average, $4,000) Dumbo" (RKO) LOEW'S— (2.900) (35c-47c-67c) 7 days, nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $7,000) Appointment for Love" (Univ.) PALACE— (2,200) (30c-45c-62c) 7 days, iross: $7,000. (Average. $7,000) Birth of the Blues" (Para.) CAPITOL— (2.800) (30c-45c-62c) 7 davs. Iross: $6,000. (Average, $4,000) Unholy Partners" (M-G-M) Moonlight in Hawaii" (Univ.) PRINCESS— (2,200) (30c-40c-53c) 7 davs. iross: S3.50O. (Average, $2,500) Hollywood, Jan. 8 \\7 ARXERS is in the unusual position of planning to base a picture * * on the life of one of its former employes. It will be called "Pitts- burgh Pilot" and tell the story of Lieut. Boyd "Buzz" Wagner, first American ace in W orld War II who became a hero in the battles in the Philippines. Wagner was once employed as an usher in a Warner house in Pittsburgh. Ronald Rea- gan will play the title role, with Richard Travis and Joan Leslie supporting him. Charles Grayson lias been assigned to write the orig- inal screenplay. Paramount has extended the con- tract of Jimmy Lydon, the Henry Aldrich of the Aldrich Family pic- tures. . . . George Bruce has finished the script of "Annie Rooney," in which Edward Small will star Shirley Temple. . . . Grace Mc- Donald, dancer, has been signed for a featured role in Universal's "Wake Up and Dream." . . . Alfred S. Karlsen, who fought with the Dutch army at Amsterdam during the • in- vasion of Holland, has been set as technical advisor on Columbia's "H i g h 1 y Irregular," co - starring Franchot Tone and Joan Bennett. • • Vincent Sherman draws the directorial assignment on War- ners "The Hard Way," next Ida Lupino vehicle. . . . Edmund Grainger will produce "Yanks Over the Burma Road" for Re- public. . . . Bradbury Foote has purchased his writing contract back from M-G-M. . . . Charlie Ruggles mav draw an important role in RKO's "Little Pinks." Producer Ralph Dietrich has as- signed Lee Loeb and Harold Buch- man to write an original story based on an idea of their own. They are now' finishing "Dem Lovely Bums," story of the Brooklyn Dodgers, at 20th Century -Fox. . . . Richard Lane and George E. Stone, charac- ters in the Boston Blackie series at Columbia, each has been given new three picture deals. The next in the series, which stars Chester Morris, is "Alias Boston Blackie." • • Jack Oakie has placed under personal contract Joey Labord, son of the vaudeville act of La- bord and Chase. . . . Donald Crisp joins Humphrey Bogart, Brenda Marshall, Nancy Cole- man and Richard Travis in "Escape from Crime" at War- ners. . . . Alan Ladd will co-star with Brian Donlevy in Para- mount's "The Glass Key," Dashiell Hammett story. • • Betty Brewer joins the cast of "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," at Paramount. . . . Parts of Samuel Bronson's "British Foreign Legion" will be photographed in North Africa. Writer Burnet Hershey will as- semble a camera crew in London to make the expedition. . . . RKO has purchased "Battle Stations," Borden Chase's story which the Saturday Evening Post published twice. Islix Auster will produce. . . . Another purchase was Paramount's buying "True to Life," original by Ben and Sol Barzman and Bess Tafel as a possible Bing Crosby-Bob Hope pic- ture. Columbia has signed Stanford's football ace, Frankie Albert, to star in a football picture tentatively titled "Spirit of Stanford." . . . M-G-M has extended the director-writer con- tract of Wells Root. . . . Columbia's "Destroyer Men," story of the U. S. Navy, will include battle scenes in the Pacific area, Lieut. Commander Frank Wead completed the script be- fore reporting to active duty with the Navy Department. . . . Al Santell will use the Kalani Brothers, Poly- nesian depth swimmers and divers, for sequences in "Pearl of Paradise" at M-G-M. . . . Irving Cummings has brought 58-year-old Honey Wheeler, oldtime dancer, out of retirement to do his soft shoe routine for "My Gal Sal" at 20th Century-Fox. 'Tarzan' Scores $16,500 St. Louis St. Louis, Jan. 8. — Aided consider- ably by strong New Year's Eve bus- iness, Loew's finished the week with $16,500, with "Tarzan's Secret Treas- ure." Estimated receipts for week ending Jan. 1: "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) 'Miss Polly" (U. A.) LOEW'S— (3,162) (30c-40c-44c-56c) 6 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $13,000) "Nothing but the Truth" (Para.) "The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $11,500) 'How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "Cadet Girl" (20th-Fox) FOX— (5,032) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $11,000) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) "Target for Tcnight" (W. B.) MISSOURI— (3,514) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,000) "Tuxedo Junction" (Rep.) "Marry the Boss' Daughter" (20th-Fox) ST. LOUIS — (4,030) (25c-35c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $2,600) 'Purchase' $14,000 Strong in Toronto Toronto, Jan. 8. — "Louisiana Pur- chase" drew $14,500 for six days at Shea's and "The Alan Who Came to Dinner" grossed $14,000 at the Imperial. The second week of "Sun- down" at the Uptown accounted for $11,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 1 : "Girl in the News" (British) EGLINTON— (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) IMPERIAL — (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $9,000) "Shadow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2.074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $9,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $9,000) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) TIVOLI— (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $4,300. (Average, $3,900) "Sundown" (U. A.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,500. (Average. $9,000) Joins Mono. Exchange Philadelphia, Jan. 8. — Jerry Cal- lahan has joined the local Monogram exchange as salesman, coming from Boston. 'Purchase' at $31,000 Hitin Los Angeles Los Angeles, Jan. 8. — "Louisiana Purchase" and "Unexpected Uncle," at the Paramount, led here with a strong $31,000. "H. M. Pulham, Esq., drew well, with $9,000 at the 4 Star. Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 31 : "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "Blue, White, and Perfect" (20th-Fox) CHINESE — (2,500) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 6 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average, $12,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,518) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days, 2nd. week. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $17,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $3,250) "Citizen Kane" (RKO) HAWAH— (1,100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 11th week. Gross: $6,000. "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) "Three Girls About Town" (Col.) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $6,500) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "Blue, White, and Perfect (2ttth-Fox) LOEW'S STATE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $14,000) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) "Three Girls About Town" (Col.) PANTAGES — (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $7,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $31,000. (Average, $18,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) UNITED ARTISTS— (2,100) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,200. "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (Hollywood) — (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 6 days. Gross: $11,200. (Average, $14,000) "You're in the Army Now" (,W. B.) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (Downtown) — (3,400) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 6 days. Gross: $12,300. (Average, $12,000) 'Chorus' and Show $14,600, Milwaukee Milwaukee, Jan. 8. — Bolstered by New Year's Eve and New Year's Day business, the Riverside, only first run to hold its show over through Thursday, drew $14,600 with "Sing Another Chorus" and the stage at- traction "All Out for Fun." Estimated receipts for the week ending Dec. 31-Jan. 1 : "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Henry Aldrich for President" (Para.) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,600. (Average, $4,000) "Swamp Water" (2flth-Fox) "H. M. Pulham, Esq. (M-G-M) STRAND— (1,400) (44c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $1,500. (Average, $1,500) "You're in the Army New" (W. B.) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $4,500) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Private Nurse" (2ttth-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $5,500) "Sing Another Chorus" (Univ.) RIVERSIDE — (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) "All Out for Fun" Revue on stage. $14,600. 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FAME FAME FAME Edited by FAME TERRY RAMSAYE FAME FAME FAME FAME FAME FAME FAME A QUIGLEY PUBLICATION 8 Motion Picture Daily Off the Antenna STATIONS in Mexico have been ordered to refrain from making comments on war and other news and to broadcast only authentic information or stories furnished by news services approved by their Government. Heavy fines and other penalties will be assessed for violations, according to the order. • • • Purely Personal: Jack Wyatt, formerly with the NBC production staff, has joined WNEW as assistant to William McGrath, director of progranns and production. . . . Ian Wythe Williams, son of the WHN commentator, has joined the French staff on NBC short zvave. . . . Joseph Thompson, NBC producer for the Fred Waring show, was released from the Army yesterday under the 28-year rule. Although he will be re-inducted in three zveeks. Thompson returned to his NBC duties. He zvas at Fort Monmouth and/ worked with Garson Kanin on Army films. . . . Roberto I. Unanue, CBS Latin American news editor, has been s'ent to Rio de Janeiro to cover thd Conference of Foreign Ministers for CBS short zvave. • • • The Committee to Celebrate the President's Birthday has distributed 500 transcriptions to stations with appeals for funds by Edward G. Rob- inson, Madeleine Carroll, Ronald Regan, Tyrone Power, Buster Crabbe and Jane Withers. • • « In Philadelphia: William Smith, former announcer with WKNY, King- ston, N. Y., has joined WHAT. . . . Roger W. Clipp, vice-president and gen- eral manager of WFIL and W53PH, has been named chairman of the research committee of the National Association of Broadcasters. . . . Harry Schlegel, New York newspaperman, has been named WPEN publicity head. . . . KYW has applied for a State license to operate an artists' bureau. • • • Program News: When Edward G. Robinson's "Big Tovon" program on CBS shifts to 9 :30-10 P.M. Thursdays, effective Jan. 22, it will take over the spot made vacant by the shortening of Major Bowes "Amateur Hour" to 30 minutes. . . . The debut concert of the newly organised Boston String' Orchestra will be broadcast by W43B, Boston, and W39B, Mt. Washington, the Yankee Network FM stations'. . . . "Wings Over Jordan" will start its fifth year on CBS Sunday. • • • WFBR, Baltimore, has a new program, "Military Matinee," to which 50 soldiers are invited Sunday afternoons. Refreshments are served, tickets to film houses distributed and listeners are asked to invite the soldiers to dinner. Report NBC Plans Web Divorcement Outright divestment of the Blue and Red networks of NBC and the creation of di- rect competition between the two has been decided upon by the management of the RCA, parent concern of NBC, the New York Times reports to- day. The Blue network, with WJZ as the key station, is to be set up as an entirely new corporate organization and operated wholly indepen- dent of RCA control it was stated. Changes in the executive setup of NBC as a result of the reported divestment are imminent, it was further stated. 175 Film Subjects On CBS Television During the first six months of reg- ular operations, the CBS television station used 175 film subjects, rang- ing from one-reel shorts to full- length features, network officials said yesterday. Films were used an av- erage of about two and one-half of the 15 hours weekly on the air. Approximately 210,000 feet of film, both 35 and 16mm. were telecast. _ No complete films were obtained from major companies. Asks Patriotic Films Meanwhile, Norman D. Waters, president of the American Television Society, yesterday made public a re- quest addressed to Francis S. Har- mon, executive vice-chairman of the War Activities Committee-M. P. In- dustry, for major company films on patriotic themes which are being sought for television programs. Harmon said he had not received Waters' letter up to last night and if and when the request was received he would refer it to the Coordinating Committee of the industry's War Ac- tivities Committee for action. He pointed out that because of contract restrictions, many companies are le- gally restrained from making their films available to television. From Independent Sources With the exception of excerpts from "Citizen Kane" and "Dumbo," obtained from RKO for a special New Year's Day program, CBS tele- vision product has been exclusively from independent distributors, Gov- ernment sources and the British Library of Information, it was re- ported. Equipment at the studio for film transmission includes a 16mm. silent projector and 16 and 35mm. sound projectors. Many of the films are silents, which are presented "not so much for their entertainment value as for their edu- cational and historic value," it was said. CBS, it was added, is inter- ested in developing a new technique for live shows and films are used mainly to ease the work of the studio personnel. CBS has been experimenting with transmission of color films and during the first six months included 12 hours of such films. Especially made test subjects are used for this purpose. Koussevitsky Gets Permit from Petrillo James C. Petrillo, president of the American Federation of Musicians, has authorized members of the New York Philharmonic Symphony to play during the current centennial season under Dr. Serge Koussevitsky, con- ductor of the Boston Symphony, only major non-union orchestra in the country. Koussevitsky had been engaged to conduct six concerts later this month here, and Petrillo said he had made an exception to the strict rule forbid- ding union musicians to play under a non-union conductor out of consider- ation for Marshall Field, president of the Philharmonic Society, and in rec- ognition of the good relations which have existed with the orchestra. Ontario Drops Reel British News Quota Toronto, Jan. 8. — The requirement that all newsreels shown in the Prov- ince of Ontario contain a quota per- centage of British Empire news has been dropped quietly by the Ontario Provincial board of censors. The action was taken because of the substantial participation of the United States in actual warfare and because of the meager newsreel coverage from other parts of the Empire, it was learned. The policy heretofore had been to require that 25 per cent of each issue of the reels be devoted to British Em- pire or Canadian news items, but re- cent releases have been practically all American because of the great impor- tance of recent developments. Friday, January 9, 1942* Exhibitors Prefer Fishing to Work, Says Ned Depinet (Continued from page 1 ) "bad luck" in losing stars after devel- oping them. Depinet was on the stand in RanW sey County district court for the seH ond day in the trial of Paramounrr RKO and 20th Century-Fox for vio- lation of the State anti-decree law.* He testified that RKO does not favor the decree but prefers to sell as much J of its product at one time as possible, and preferably all. He said the State law worked a definite hardship in distribution be- 1 cause it prohibited split deals and s most spot booking, but that a Minne- sota exhibitor could still spot book from the 20 per cent of the films he i may cancel under the State law. Three-Picture Problem Depinet testified that RKO is hav-J ing difficulty booking Walt Disney's "Fantasia," "Bambi" and "Dumbo" in ; Minnesota because exhibitors are re-.; luctant to take all three. William ! Desmond, assistant Ramsey County attorney, elicited from him the admis- ; sion the exhibitor might, under the-i State law, cancel one of the three, | since they could be sold as the output j of one producer. The state law pro- [ vides for a 20 per cent cancellation right of the producer's entire season's' output. Depinet stated that film showings, at Army camps in Minnesota are im- periled by the State law, since most camp shows are spot booked. He said that camp revenue is increasing and; might aggregate $750,000 this year. Blackett Top Agency On Mutual Network Blackett-Sample-Hummert, which placed $1,443,442 in gross billings with Mutual during 1941, topped all advertising agencies placing business with the network during the year. Bayuk Cigars, with $786,315 in gross billings, led among the sponsors. Following B-S-H among the spon- sors were Ivey & Ellington, $854,410 ; R. H. Alber, $656,223 ; Erwin, Wasey, $497,088; J. Walter Thompson, $484,150; Federal, $407,576; William Esty, $353,568; D'Arcy, $301,857; Maxon, $281,620, and Hixson, O'Don- nell, $203,497. Second among sponsors was Gen- eral Mills with $662,273, followed^ by Gospel Broadcasting Association, $653,025 ; General Cigars , $455,406 ; Wander Co., $415,252; Pharmaco., $353,568; American Safety Razor. $344,513; Coca-Cola, $301,857; Gil- lette Safety Razor, $281,620, and R. B. Semler, $274,791. Musicians Ask FM Scale Philadelphia, Jan. 8. — A wage5 scale for musicians employed on FM stations will be set in negotiations be-j tween the local musicians' union and standard broadcast stations which 1 start Jan. 15. Stations whose con- tracts are expiring include WCAU, , WFIL and KYW, the first two also operating FM stations. 24,533 of 871,909 Radio Scripts In Year Given Special FTC Study Washington, Jan. 8.— A total of 24,535 out of 871,909 commercial radio broadcast continuities examined by the Federal Trade Com- mission during the fiscal year ended June 30, last, required more than cursory reading and an unspecified proportion led to com- plaints of false or misleading representations, it was disclosed tonight in the annual report of the commission. During the year, it was stated, the commission received copies of 857,890 continuities, amounting to 1,737,181 typewritten pages, comprising 1,197,199 pages of individual station script, 529,820 pages of network script and 10,162 pages of recorded script. The FTC review plan calls for individual stations to submit their scripts four times a year, but the frequency for individual broad- casters varies from time to time, dependent principally upon trans- mitter power, the service area and the advertising record of the stations. National and regional networks submit copies weekly for all programs involving two or more stations, and producers of transcripts submit monthly copies of all commercials in their recordings. MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial J^OL. 51. NO. NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1942 TEN CENTS Mutual Sues NBC, RCA on Trust Charge •>eeks$10,2? '5,000 Damages For'U nfair Com petition' Mutual and six of its affiliates filed $10,275,000 anti-trust suit against v'CA and NBC in Chicago Federal "ourt on Saturday, charging "an un- uvful combination and conspiracy" to i event Mutual from entering into free nd fair competition. The action charged that restrictive n BC contracts with stations prevented lutual from obtaining business in ities where there are fewer than four Li 11- time stations. Actual damages of 3,425,000 were alleged but the de- and was tripled under the Sherman rti-trust law. Mutual charged that xclusive contracts between NBC and ps affiliates prevented Mutual's com- lercial programs from obtaining ad- itional stations. Mutual's suit is the third arising rom network competition. NBC and "BS started suits in New York to It-strain the FCC from enforcing its ew rules, and this was followed by ii anti-trust suit brought by the Gov- rnment in Chicago against the net- crks. Mutual alleged that only a fraction f the time available is used by the (Continued on page 4) Depinet Comments On Minn. Testimony Ned E. Depinet, RKO vice- president in charge of distri- bution, in discussing his testi- mony in the Minnesota anti- block-of-five law trial on his return to New York Friday, said : "The correspondent must have been listening to someone else's testimony as much of the printed version was at variance with what I said. "Among other things. I was misquoted about RKO not favoring the consent decree, and I was particularly dis- turbed over the reference to my exhibitor friends pre- ferring fishing to work. What I actually said was that any exhibitor who didn't go fish- ing but took off his coat and went to work to put over pic- tures like 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois,' 'Quality Street,' 'The Informer' or 'Mary of Scot- land' could have successful engagements with them." Compromise Due on Daylight Time Issue Washington, Jan. 11 — With House passage of a bill mak- ing Daylight Saving Time mandatory throughout the country for the duration of the war and six months thereafter, conference com- mittees of the House and Senate will meet to reach a compromise on their meas- ures. The Senate bill gave the President authority to change time by sections at his discretion. The House bill was passed Fridav by a vote of 67 to 20. Levy Testifies on Minn. Anti-5 Law St. Paul, Jan. 11.— Of 500 open theatres in Minnesota, only 300 to 325 arc considered "possibilities" because the others are in competition, M. A. Levy, 20th Century-Fox district man- ager, testified on Friday at the State's anti-block-of-five violation trial here. Levy pointed out that frequently theatres in neighboring towns are in direct competition and may not be serviced with the same product. This works a hardship on the exhibitor, he indicated, since a distributor's product may not be split between two theatres and because the State law prevents spot booking from the rejected 20 per cent of a full season deal. Paul N. Lazarus of the United Art- ists home office testified as a distribu- tion specialist, although his company is not a defendant. O. P. M. BARS NEW THEATRE BUILDING U.S. Tax on Film Rentals Seen Likely W ashington, Jan. 11. — A tax on film rentals, probably embodied in an over-all national sales tax, is seen by observers as likely to be adopted by Congress in an effort to meet the President's demand for $7,000,000,000 in new tax revenue. A tax on film rentals was in effect during the first World War. Con- gessional circles believe that to de- velop a revenue far in excess of what the Treasury Department had contem- plated, it will be necessary to adopt all of the numerous tax suggestions heretofore put forward. It is expected that a five per cent payroll tax also may be enacted. The President's unprecedented re- quest for additional revenues is under- stood to have caught the Treasury un- prepared and several weeks may elapse before recommendations on new taxa- tion will be ready for submission to Congress, it is learned. Treasury of- ficials had been scheduled to present their suggestion to the House Ways and Means Committee this week, but it is probable only part of the program will be ready, at best. Local 306 President Sees Union Peace in N. Y. Soon Associates Induct New Officer Slate With James J. Walker as toast- master, the new officers of the Mo- tion Picture Associates were inducted on Friday at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor. Guest speakers paid tribute to the new president, Harry Buxbaum, and urged increased support of the or- ganization, the prime function of which, it was emphasized, is to pro- vide assistance for those of the in- dustry in need. Among the speakers were William Brandt, Joseph Lee, Sam Rinzler, Max A. Cohen, Louis Nizer and Joseph Higgins, Collector (Continued on page 4) Declaring that operators' Local 306, IATSE, and Empire State Motion Picture Operators Union are "not too far apart" in their demands, Herman Gelber, newly elected Local 306 presi- dent, declared Friday that negotiations for merging the two unions would be resumed soon. At a meeting of the 306 executive board tomorrow, the local is expected to appoint a nego- tiating committee. Neither union has made an "honest effort" to effect a settlement heretofore, Gelber asserted. Conflict between the two unions has been a recurrent source of strife in New York City for more than 10 years. At present, Local 306 is pick- eting the New Delancey and Empire (Continued on page 4) Materials Restriction for War Duration Told To Exhibitors By BERTRAM F. LINZ Washington, Jan. 11. — Con- struction of new theatres will not be permitted during the emergency and no mod- ernization o f equipment i n running order will be ap- proved, A. Ju- 1 i a n Brylaw- ski, in charge of film indus- try priorities, told represen- tatives of East- ern exhibitors at a meeting here on Fri- day. OPM restrictions were laid before the exhibitors at the first of a series of meetings which are to be held with theatre owners from various sections. On the basis of the meetings, Brylawski will make recom- mendations to the OPM for al- location of materials for thea- tre use, and later a program will be worked out to insure equitable distribution, it was said. Every effort will be made to keep theatre installations in operating con- (Continued on page 5) A. J. Brylawski Labor Talks Delay Rents Coast Trip Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, has post- poned his planned departure for the Coast owing to the studio labor conferences in which he is participating here. It is now believed that he will leave next week, accom- panied by his personal assis- tant, Tom J. Connors, if the labor conferences permit. Negotiations between major company officials and repre- sentatives of the eight IATSE studio locals enter a second week today without agree- ment on any major point. The first week of negotia- tions ended Friday with both sides still discussing general working conditions. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 12, 1942 See Referendum on Equity's 'Red' Ban Although Equity members on Friday adopted a constitu- tional amendment to bar sub- versive groups, the vote of 122 to 101 was less than the required two-thirds majority and a referendum on the ques- tion is therefore held likely. The amendment would pre- vent Nazis, Communists and Fascists and their sympa- thizers from holding office or being paid employes in the organization. A referendum is also indicated in the fact that amendments must be voted on by 750 members. Personal Mention S.M.P.E. Convention In Holly wood May 4 The Society of Motion Picture En- gineers will hold its annual Spring convention in Hollywood May 4-8, in- clusive, according to William C. Kunzmann, convention vice-president. He noted that the society reserves the right to cancel the convention pro- gram up to 30 days before the open- ing date if such action is deemed ad- visable in the national interest. Emery Huse, SMPE president, will preside at the opening luncheon to be held May 4 at the Hollywood-Roose- velt Hotel, convention headquarters. Nine technical sessions are scheduled. The 51st semi-annual banquet will be held Wednesday evening, May 6. Orders Majors Quiz In Jersey Trust Suit Hillside Amusement Co., operator of the Mayfair, Hillside, N. J., and plaintiff in an anti-trust suit againt five majors, on Friday was awarded by Federal Judge John Bright the right to examine the defendants before trial. Hillside claimed in the suit that the majors conspired to grant clear- ance preference to the Warner the- atres in the vicinity of the Mayfair and asked treble damages of $900,000. Korda Due Today; To England Soon Alexander Korda and Merle Oberon, his wife, are due here today from the Coast. Korda will remain here for a few days before flying to England, while Miss Oberon will leave for New Orleans to participate in a Red Cross rally. She then will report for a civilian defense post. Oswald Stoll Dies London, Jan. 11. — Sir Oswald Stoll, 76, theatrical manager and producer and interested in a number ni West End theatres, died Friday. BROADWAY PLAYS "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1 & $1.50 NPoLUHS|GTHAEXR 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravagan/.a It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre. Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Evet. except Men. Mat*. Wed.. Sat. & 8un. 501 8eat< for Every Pcrf. 50c. EVG8. AT 8:40 HJ. YATES is expected on the • Coast next week. Gradwell L. Sears has been con- fined to his home by illness. • Frank P. Rosenberg, exploitation director for Columbia, and Thelma Dorfman of New York are engaged. They will be married in March. • Carl Shalit, Columbia Central division manager, was here from Chi- cago for a visit late last week. • William Elder, manager of Loew's, Indianapolis, is the father of a son, born at St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis, last week. N.Y. Critics Present Annual Film Awards The New York Film Critics pre- sented their annual awards at a din- ner at Leone's restaurant Saturday night. The presentations were made on a 15-minute NBC broadcast. George J. Schaefer, RKO president, accepted on behalf of "Citizen Kane" and Joan Fontaine ; Mort B lumen- stock of Warners on behalf of Gary Cooper, and John Ford accepted his award for direction. Orson W elles and Joan Fontaine were then heard from Hollywood. Leo Mishkin, president of the critics' group, presided. Palace in Chicago Increases Prices Chicago, Jan. 11. — The Palace Theatre has raised admissions from 30 cents to 40 cents to 1 P. M., 40 cents to 50 cents to 6 :30 P. M. and 60 cents to 68 cents to closing plus tax. The increase started with the engagement of "Ball of Fire" and "The Gay Falcon." It is not definite yet, said Tom Gorman, RKO district manager, whether the increases will be con- tinued. Mainstreet Theatre In Kansas City Shut Kansas City, Jan. 11. — The Main- street Theatre, which was reopened Nov. 6, has closed. Albert Schoen- berg, one of the owners of the house, said the closing was caused by "cir- cumstances beyond our control." Schoenberg said that the theatre would reopen soon under different management. The theatre, seating 3,500, is the largest in Kansas City. Join U. S. Armed Forces Five employes of Loew's home of- fice joined the U. S. armed forces over the weekend, it was stated in a company announcement. The new de- fenders are Arthur Ehrlich, Sid Sa- litsky and Bennett Goldstein of the contract department ; Albert Cohen, mailing room, and Eddie Gelfand, pur- chasing department. Set Mayfair Roles Hollywood, Jan. 11. — Virginia Bruce, Broderick Crawford and Dick Foran have been set for roles in May- fair Productions' "Butch Minds the Baby," for Universal release. Craw- ford will replace Wallace Beery in the lead. ROBERT GILLHAM spent the weekend in Kansas City en route East from Hollywood. • Carl Burmele of Cooperative The- atres, Detroit, was a New York vis- itor at the weekeend. • George Weber, M-G-M office man- ager in New Haven, has returned from a motor trip to Miami Beach with his wife and daughter. • Lieut. Comm. Douglas Fair- banks, Jr., is expected here from Washington this week. • Sidney C. Davidson has left for the Universal studio. Boston Theatrical Post Sets Dinner Boston, Jan. 11. — The annual Past Commander's Dinner of the Lt. A. Vernon Macauley Post of the Ameri- can Legion here will be held Feb. 16. This post, known as the theatrical post, includes many prominent show- men. Harry Browning is chairman of the dinner committee, which includes : Harry Germaine, Marcel Mekelberg, Edwin Dobkin, Major Patrick Healey, Edward Kanter, Kenneth Forkey, William McLaughlin, Harry Smith and Harry Rosenblatt. Kalmine Holds W.B. Meeting in Cleveland Harry Kalmine, head of the War- ner Theatre circuit, left over the weekend for Cleveland to meet with Nat Wolf, Cleveland zone manager, and other circuit executives in that area. Accompanying Kalmine were Leonard Schlesinger, Harry Goldberg and Rudy Weiss, theatre department executives. 'Dimes' Auditorium Collection by 2,000 Nearly 2,000 theatres enrolled in the 1942 theatres March of Dimes drive will make collections in the audi- toriums of the houses, as well as in the lobbies, it was announced Friday. More than 10,000 theatres are ex- pected to enroll in the drive, accord- ing to Harry Brandt, co-chairman. NLRB Certifies W.B. Union at Home Office Washington, Jan. 11.— The NLRB yesterday certified Warner Bros. As- sociated Office Employees as the col- lective bargaining agency for the of- fice, clerical, secretarial and account- ing employees in the company's New York offices. W.B. Studio Bond Plan Hollywood, Jan. 11. — Warners has instituted a payroll allotment plan for the purchase of defense bonds by stu- dio employees, who may volunteer a weekly salary deduction. Rep. Plans Spy Serial Hollywood, Jan. 11. — Republic an- nounced that it plans a serial titled "G-Men Versus the Black Dragon," based on the expose of the Japanese espionage society. Ifs Barrows Again Boston, Mass., Jan. 11. — Thad C. Barrows has been reelected president of operators' Local 182 here for the 25th consecu- tive year. For years he has been national president of the Projection Advisory Council and active in the Society of Motion Picture Engineers. James F. Burke was reelected business representative. 2nd Metro Forum at [Memphis Tomorrow M-G-M will hold its second and third exhibitor forums in Memphis tomorrow at the Gayoso Hotel and in St. Louis on Thursday at the Coro- nado. The meetings will be devoted entirely to a discussion of methods of increasing theatre patronage. H. W. Richey, assistant to William F. Rodgers, M-G-M general sales man- ager, will preside at both sessions. Among the speakers will be Joseph X. Gooris, Western manager of the Bureau of Advertising of the Ameri- can Newspaper Publishers Associa- tion, and Besa Short, short subjects head for the Interstate Circuit. Wil- liam R. Ferguson, Metro exploitation manager, will address both meetings, as will Edward Salzberg, West Vir- ginia exhibitor. The Memphis session will be spon- sored by Metro, R. X. Williams, Ar- kansas, Mississippi and Tennessee MPTO, and M. A. Lightman, head of Malco Theatres. Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president, may attend. Bur- tus Bishop, Jr., will attend the Mem- phis session, with J. Frank Willing- ham, Memphis branch manager, in charge of arrangements. Brandt to Carolina Meet Harry Brandt, president of the New York ITOA, will address the convention of the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina in Char- lotte, N. C, Jan. 19, on national de- fense. Silver stein on USO Adolph Silverstein has left the Paramount advertising and publicity department to do USO-Camp Shows publicity for the Hal Home organi- zation. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue. C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl. Hope Wil' liams. Manager, cable address "Quigpubco. London." All contents copyrighted 1942 b> Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Othei Quigley publications: Motion Pictun Herald, Better Theatres, Internationa Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second, class matter, Sept. 23. 193f at the post office at New York, N. Y. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip tion rates per year $6 in the Americas an< $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. * MILITARY * ACADEMY /// / 'I YOU ANOTHER T/MEIV M THE SAME SPLEA/D/P 7X4PmO¥/ ★ CADETS ON PARADE Iwm FREDDIE JIMMY BARTHOLOMEW * LYDON BARTHOLOMEW * LYDON Raymond Hatton • Minna Gombell • Robert Warwick Screen play by Howard J. Green • Directed by LEW LANDERS Produced by WALLACE MacDON ALD * A COLUMBIA PICTURE RELEASED JAN. 22ND IXHIBITORS: Join THE MARCH OF DIMES! Lobby collections, week of January 22nd. Sign that pledge now! Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 12, 1942 Mark Woods Separate Blue FromNBC-Red On February 1 By EDWARD GREIF NBC-Blue will start functioning as an independent network Thurs- day and all connections between NBC and the Blue will be severed by Feb. 1, it was disclosed over the weekend after RCA had filed incorpor- a t i o n papers Friday in Del- aware for Blue Network Co., Inc. The new company will be a wholly- owned subsid- iary of RCA, just as the National Broadcasting Co. is, but NBC will operate the only Red network. Niles Trammell will continue as NBC pres- ident but will also occupy the post of chairman of the executive committee of the Blue. Mark Woods President Marks Woods resigned as NBC treasurer to become president of the Blue. Edgar Kobak, formerly NBC vice-president in charge of Blue sales, will be executive vice-president and general manager. Other officers of the Blue will be: E. R. Borroff, vice-president in charge of Chicago; L. P. Yandell, vice-president and treasurer ; Keith Kiggins, vice-president in charge of station relations ; Phillips Carlin, vice-president in charge of programs ; L. MacConnack, secretary ; C. E. Pfautz, assistant secretary. Directors include Woods, Kobak, G. S. De Sousa, J. V. Heffernan, C. B. Jolliffe, and John Hays Hammond, Jr. David Sarnoff, RCA president, de- clared that the Blue will continue to function with the same programs and the same business. The first step will be to ask the FCC to transfer licenses for WJZ, New York; WENR, Chi- cago, and KGO, San Francisco, to the new company. The licenses for these stations were transferred temporarily from NBC to RCA. Sequel to FCC Order The action was in consequence of an FCC order issued last year re- quiring NBC to divest itself of one of its networks. _ The FCC suspended the order indefinitely to permit NBC to find a buyer without the pressure of a deadline. Blue affiliates will meet in Chicago on Thursday to ratify the new setup. NBC will aid in the operation of both networks until Feb. 1. Meanwhile, NBC officially denied that any negotiations had been con- ducted for the disposal of stock of the new company. In trade circles it was pointed out that the Securities & Ex- change Commission would probably refuse permission for floating a stock issue at a time when the whole net- work framework under FCC rules is so uncertain. Other factors which Local 306 President Sees Union Peace in N. Y. Soon (Continued from page 1) is counter-picketing Loew's Delancey. Gelber said the picketing would con- tinue for the present. Gelber declared that he was com- mitted to 100 per cent organization of the New York City housesj and that after the Empire situation was dis- posed of, other operator unions will be considered. He said that every ef- fort to avert strikes would be made but refused to state flatly that no strikes would be called in view of the war. He said, however, that if the industry should set up machinery for avoiding strikes by conciliatory meth- ods, Local 306 would abide by it. Local 306 officials are "studying" the Loew's situation which led to that company's suit against the union, Gel- ber said. He refused to commit him- self on what the local's policy would be toward the demand that Loew's cease deliveries of films to all inde- pendent houses not employing 306 pro- jectionists and that members not be required to handle any film not de- livered by IATSE members. Mean- while, the suit has been postponed to February. Gelber said that Matthew M. Levy, the union's attorney under the regime of Joseph D. Basson, had been dis- charged but had refused to deliver papers in the suit because of alleged unpaid fees. The new attorney, Na- than Frankel, succeeded in obtaining copies of the papers from Loew's on Thursday and there had been no op- portunity to study them, Gelber said. Frankel will receive a $10,000 an- nual retainer, inclusive of all fees and disbursements, Gelber said. Two hundred of the union's 2,155 members are unemployed, Gelber said. Union dues have been standardized at $50 a year. would make a sale at this time im- practical, it was said, are the war /situ-' ation and the fact that without sepa- rate bookkeeping systems it would be impossible to judge the Blue's earning power or value. Stations which now operate as both Red and Blue affiliates will continue in the same capacity, it was said. Ap- proximately 500 employes of NBC will be transferred to the Blue. Borroff Heads Blue in Chicago Chicago, Jan. 11. — Appointment of E. R. Borroff, sales manager of the NBC Central Division as a vice-presi- dent and Chicago manager of the new Blue Network Company, Inc., was announced here. Word as to how the 300 staff employees here will be di- vided between the Red and Blue net- works is awaited. WENR, trans- ferred from NBC to the new firm, is expected to continue to share time with WLS as a Blue outlet. Mutual Sues NBC, RCA on Trust Charge Permission Sought For 4 New Stations NBC Opposes FCC Move to End Suit Declaring that "substantially all" independent affiliates of NBC will can- cel their contracts with the network or refuse to adhere to contract terms unless an injunction against the new FCC network rules is granted, affi- davits were filed over the weekend on behalf of NBC in Federal court here asking that the FCC motion to dis- miss the suit be denied. A hearing on the NBC and CBS request for an injunction and the counter-motion for dismissal of the suit will be heard today by a three- judge statutory court. Frank E. Mul- len, NBC executive vice-president, in his affidavit, revealed the possibility of wholesale cancellations, and attached letters from 15 affiliates to prove his claim. Sidney N. Strotz, formerly NBC vice-president in charge of programs and now in charge of the West Coast, asserted that the new rules threatened the news services of radio which he termed an "imperative necessity" dur- ing war. Philip J. Hennessey, Wash- ington attorney, attacked the hearings on which the rules were based as leg- islative rather than judicial and con- tended that no evidence was taken during the hearings on the economic effect of the rules. Washington, Jan. 11. — Applica- tions for construction permits for four new broadcasting stations have been filed with the FCC. The projects were proposed by the American Network, Inc., New York, planning an FM station to operate on 47,900 kilocycles to serve a population of 12,526,151 ; Green Mountain Broad- casting Corp., Inc., seeking a 1,490- kilocycle, 250-watt station at Brattle- boro, Vt. ; J. A. Eisele, asking a 1,400-kilocycle, 250-watt station at Forth Worth, Tex., and W. J. Har- pole and J. C. Rothwell, planning a 1,400-kilocycle, 250-watt station at Plainview, Tex. Applications also were filed by Sta- tions WCBM, Baltimore, for change of frequency from 1,400 to 820 kilo- cycles and increase of power from 250 to 5,000 watts, and KFMB, San Diego, Cal., for change of frequency from 1,450 to 1,170 kilocycles and in- crease' of power from 250 to 5,000 watts, with move of transmitter from San Diego to Berrytown, Cal. Labor Representation On DCB Committees Washington, Jan. 11. — The De- fense Communications Board has an- nounced that labor in the communica- tions industry will participate in the planning work of its various commit- tees, including those dealing with do- mestic and international broadcasting. The action was taken in response to a request by the unions for representa- tion. WBRC Moves Studio Birmingham, Ala., Jan. 11. — Sta- tion WBRC has moved into new stu- dios in downtown Birmingham. The studios are complete with the latest improvements in sound treatment. Open Carolina House Charlotte, N. C, Jan. 11. — Benner Bros, have opened the Sunrise The- atre at Southern Pines, N. C. The Benners also operate theatres at Car- thage and Hemp, N. C. (Continued from page 1) Blue yet Mutual is barred. Fifteen cities were cited where there are three or fewer stations and where NBC con- trols two. These are Toledo, QjjB Miami, Fla. ; Jackson, Miss.; Houra ton, Tex. ; Birmingham, Ala. ; Tulsa/ - Okla. ; Salt Lake City, Utah ; Des : Moines, la. ; Charlotte, N. C. ; Colum- bia. S. C. ; Manchester, N. H. ; Mem- 1 phis, Tenn. ; Spokane, Wash. ; Provi- p dence, R. I., and Richmond, Va. Stations joining in the suit with Mutual were WGN, Chicago; WOR, New York; WOL, Washington; WGRC, Louisville; WHBF, Rock Island, and KWK, St. Louis. WBBM Free Course For Air Technicians? Chicago, Jan. 11. — In response to the National Association of Broad- casters' plea to radio stations to aid in the defense effort, H. Leslie Atlass, vice-president of CBS and head of the network's Chicago outlet, WBBM, has set up a tuition-free school to train radio technicians, telegraphers and operators. "Two types of trained men are be- coming increasingly important, radio telegraph operators and broadcast technicians, for the armed forces, for home defense and to maintain the broadcasting industry," Atlass said. "Already our Army and Navy are asking for more radio technicians and operators than can be supplied." More than 1,000 applications have been re- ceived for instruction in the 13-week course, which will be given by mem- bers of WBBM's engineering staff. it Associates Induct New Officer Slate (Continued from page 1) of Internal Revenue for the New York district. Higgins was advised by Walker;*- that the Associates will invest $5,000;f?c in defense bonds. The new officers in addition to; Buxbaum are Jack Ellis, first vice president; Matthew Cahan, second vice-president ; Moe Fraum, record ing secretary ; Charles Penser, finan cial secretary ; Saul Trauner, treas urer; Louis Kutinsky, sergeant-atn" arms, and Seymour Schussel and: Moe Kurtz, trustees. Acquire Buffalo Theatre |i Buffalo, Jan. 11. — The Twentieth Century Theatre, first run downtown house, is now under the management of a new corporation with Robert T.' PC Murphy as president and general manager. Nikitas D. Dipson, owner and operator of 24 other houses is' understood to have withdrawn. 'id Confirms Hakim Award N. Y. Supreme Court Justice Ed- ward R. Koch has confirmed an arn bitration award in favor of Raphael Hakim, producer of the French film, "The Baker's Wife," against the dis- tributor of the picture, The Baker's Wife, Inc. til. January 12, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 "hin Man' Is L,oop Leader In Big Week — hicago, Jan. 11. — Grosses were I'inous in the Loop. The Chicago > "Shadow of the Thin Man" and iiige show led with $58,000. The intal with "Three Girls About hi" and Ted Lewis' band, and the T-Lake with "Birth of the Blues" . $30,000 and $35,000 respectively, -timated receipts for the week he Jan- 1 : iky Took" (M-G-M) (5 days) (Sth reek in Loop «s on Broadway" (M-G-M) (2 days) OLLO— (1,400) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. $11,500. (Average, $5,000) dow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) • ICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Erskine Hawkins Band and The pots. Gross: $58,000. (Average, $32.- ■p 'Em Flying" (Univ.) RRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. week in Loop.) Gross: $11,000. rage. $5,000) - ee Girls About Town" (Col.) IENTAL — (3,200) (25c-35c-40c-50c) 7 Stage — Ted Lewis orchestra. Gross: •JO. (Average, $16,000) nbo" (RKO) expected Uncle" (RKO) (5 days, 2nd reck) 1 of Fire" (RKO) Gay Falcon" (RKO) (2 days) LACE— (2,500) (30c-40c-60c) 7 day s: $25,000. (Average. $13,000) as" (Col.) try Aldrich for President" (Para.) (S ays, 2nd week) ific Blackout" (Para.) zan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) (2 ays) >OSEVELfr— U.500) (30c-40c-59c) Gross: $20,000. (Average. $11,000) th of the Blues" (Para.) ATE-LAKE— (3.700) (40c-44c-55c-75c) ys. Gross: $35,000. (Average. $14.00 . Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) (S days, nd week) •es on Broadway" (M-G-M) ( 2 days ';ITED ARTISTS — (1,700) (30c-40c-59c) •ys. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $14,000 Reviews Jail House Blues {Universal) i Hollywood, Jan. 11 THE idea of convicts engaging in football and other sports within prison walls, considered amusing when first reported in the press, has been developed here to include the staging of a musical comedy by a convict who determines to stay in jail until the show has been held and then, on being pardoned, breaks into the penitentiary in time to make a success of the production without leave. It is a natural development of the idea and played with considerable force, realism and humor by Nat Pendleton, Warren Hymer, Robert Paige, who sings a pair of songs, Elizabeth Risdon, Anne Gwynne, Horace MacMahon, Samuel S. Hinds and a large cast. In the script by Paul Gerard Smith and Harold Tarshis, from an original by Smith, Pendleton is persuaded to leave the prison on pardon only after his rehearsed star has escaped and for the purpose of bring- ing him back to appear in the prison show. While seeking him, unsuc- cessfully, he engages in some rough and tumble adjusting of his mother's business, which is managing a crew of professional panhandlers. He returns to stage the show, to which his associates have forcibly brought New York dramatic critics, and it turns out to be a hit, at which point the picture ends abruptly. Albert S. Rogell directed for associate producer Ken Goldsmith. Their picture is a novelty within its bracket. Running time, 62 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams iffalo Is Strong; 'Purchase* $17400 L'ffalo, Jan. 11. — The holiday brought whopping grosses, rfhisiana Purchase" at the Buffalo T $17,400. "The Corsican Brothers" .ie Great Lakes drew $15,800. '; timated receipts for the week ,ig Jan. 1 : lisiana Purchase" (Para.) 1 FFALO— (3.489) (35c-55c) 7 days, lis: $17,400. (Average. $12,000) Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) - Foot" (U. A.) MEAT LAKES— (3.000) (35c-55c) 7 days, dfs: $15,800. (Average. $7,500) zan Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) 1 Against the Sky" (W. B.) ■■ -PRODROME— (2,100) (35c-50c) 7 days. $10,700. (Average, $6,800) nbo" (RKO) Tanks Are Coming" (W. B.) XJ'ENTIETH CENTURY— (3.000) (35c- ' days. 2nd week. Stage: Meyer Bal- & orchestra, soloists. Gross: $12,800. rage, $7,500) ;as" (Col.) f idie in Society" (Col.) j | FAYETTE — (3,000) (35c-50c) 7 days. *1: $8,700. (Average, $6,300) l| nerates Defense Night ■i i;nosha. Wis., Jan. 11. — Standard v. utres. Kenosha, Gateway, Vogue ■i>, Chief Theatres here, are operat- Defense Night each Wednesday, "sday and Friday, in connection , i which U. S. defense stamps and rfl ' s are being used as giveaways. :j] ne Takes N. J. House . iiladelphia, Jan. 11. — Joseph ^Li, veteran exhibitor, long active ^■xhibition, has taken over the I dbine, Woodbine, N. J. OPM Bars Building of New Houses "Man from Cheyenne" (Republic) HERE again are Roy Rogers and George "Gabby" Hayes and this time turning over rock and stone in an effort to discover who's rustling the cattle. Their new adventure stacks up as outdoor fare above the average. After a slow start, it picks up in both pace and interest with satisfying action and a few standard melodies injected into the proceed- ings. Rogers and "The Sons of the Pioneers" handle the musical chores. Others in the film are Lynne Carver, Sally Payne, Gale Storm, Wil- liam Haade, James Seay and Jack Ingram. It opens with Rogers returning to Cheyenne and finding that his former guardian, rancher Hayes, and his colleagues are baffled by the disappearance of their cattle. The story runs its course with the discovery that Miss Carver is the leader of the gang of rustlers. She and her men are taken in short order. It's another worthwhile offering from Joseph Kane, associate pro- ducer and director. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel "Broadway Big Shot" (Producers Releasing) HP HE ingredients of "Broadway *■ comedy and competent work Hollywood, Jan. 11 Big Shot" — novel plot, excellent in other departments — constitute highly acceptable entertainment anywhere. The story deals with a foot- ball playing reporter, who, upon being sent to prison as a ruse to get the story of a huge embezzlement, finds he can't get out when he wants to. So he coaches the prison football team, which hitherto has never won a game, falls in love with the warden's daughter, gets his story, and, as a climax, wins the annual game between the prison eleven and the profes- sional team owned by his publisher. Ralph Byrd, as the reporter, Virginia Vale, William Halligan, Dick Rush, Herbert Rawlinson, Tom Herbert, Stubby Kruger and Joe Oakie head the cast. The screenplay, by Martin Mooney, is full of sparkling dialogue and situations ; the direction, by William Beaudine, paces the elements tersely and effectively. Jed Buell produced, with Dick L'Estrange and Charles Wayne as his associates, and George R. Batcheller doing an over-all supervision job. Running time, 59 minutes. "G."* Vance King 'G" denotes general classification. Charge Games Swindle Buffalo, Jan. 11. — Four men and three women have been arrested here, charged with operating an alleged racket to swindle the operators of chance games. A tip to former May- or Frank X. Schwab, operator of the Old Vienna Theatre, led to the ar- rests. FPC Executive Enlists Toronto, Jan. 11. — L. M. Graburn, who has been prominent in Famous Players Canadian Corp. here, and at Regina, Halifax and Vancouver, has resigned to join the Canadian Army for duty overseas. He was a home office official here and also served as district manager for the circuit. (Continued from page 1) dition, it was promised, but the suc- cess of that effort will depend largely upon the cooperation of the exhibitors in getting the utmost possible service out of every piece of equipment and every part in their possession. There will be available for re- placement parts the equivalent- of something like 750 complete projection units, but no com- plete units are likely to be dis- tributed, since a far greater number of theatres can be serviced by the parts. Indications were given that on many things, such as radiotrons and iron, allocations to the exhibition branch of the industry will be in the neighbor- hood of 25 per cent of normal con- sumption. Freon gas may not be available after April 1 ; no motor cork at all will be available; projector car- bons may be drastically scarce ; there is no carbon tetrachloride for cleaning and other uses, and in three or four months there may be no wool avail- able for new carpet. In a few commodities, it is hoped to give the theatres a relatively high proportion of their normal requirements, pos- sibly two-thirds of the rubber hose, steel and copper, but whether this can be done will depend to considerable extent upon the degree to which other consumption of those products can be cut. Brylawski told the meeting that there are many materials which will have to be used exceedingly sparingly. Iron, steel, copper, rubber, radiotrons, wool and many other materials which are vital in theatre operation are short and there is little prospect of improved supply in the immediate future, it was declared. Kansas City Gives 'Purchase' $14,000 Kansas City, Jan. 11. — "Louisiana Purchase" scored a smash $14,000 at the Newman in a week of fairly strong grosses generally. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 1 : "Rise and Shine" (20th-Fox) ESQUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $2,400._ (Average, $2,200) "Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Married Bachelor" (M-G-M) MIDLAND— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 Gross: $8,600. (Average, $8,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 Gross: $14,000. (Average, $7,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) "Week-End for Three" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (30c -44c) 8 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average "Swing It, Soldier" (Univ.) TOWER— (2,200) (30c-50c) 7 days. days. days. days, $5,000) Stage: "Time of Your Life." Gross: $7,000. (Av- erage, $6,000) "Rise and Shine" (20th Fox) UPTOWN— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,000) "Riders of the Timberline" (Para.) MAIN'STREET— (3,500) (28c-44c) 7 Poleck Bros. Circus on stage. $12,000. days. days. Gross : Open New Orleans House New Orleans, Jan. 11.— The Nola Theatre, the latest addition to United Theatres, Inc., has opened. Modernis- tic in design, the theatre seats 990. edited by Terry Ramsaye A Q U I S LEY PUBLICATION O \^ r\y Cj M 1$ The eighth annual edition of the international appraisal of talent values is off the press. ^ The box office champions of 1941 presented with com- plete analysis and personnel credits — the money making stars of the season evaluated and reported upon by the exhibitor showmen of the world. The radio champions of 1941 as polled by MOTION PICTURE DAILY among the editors of the daily news- papers of America. vIORROW A FAMILY RESEMBLANCE ALL three Eastman negative films have one all-important attribute in common — unvarying high quality. This uniformity has been character- istic of Eastman films ever since the first motion picture was made. Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood PLCS-X SUPER-XX for general studio use when little light is available It M K4.KOI M»-\ for backgrounds and general exterior worh EASTMAN NEGATIVE FILMS MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial 51. NO. 8 NEW YORK. U.S.A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1942 TEN CENTS 'iscal Year Fax Total at $70,963,094 *% from Theatres Taxed For First Time [Washington, Jan. 12. — Box- ice collections accounted for $68,- 2.961 of the total of $70,963,094 Mected from the Federal admis- ms tax in the fiscal year ended ine 30, last, it is shown hy sta- Itics in the annual report of the jmniissioner of Internal Revenue. Seventy per cent of the box- office collections were from theatres not before in the tax- able class, on admissions from 21 to 40 cents. This group, on whose admissions taxes were levied at the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 1940, con- tributed $47,513,026, compared -with $20,789,935 collected on ad- missions in excess of 40 cents. JNew York, as usual, was the aviest source of admission-tax rev- (Continued on page 6) •a) light Time Law Is Due This Week [Washington, Jan. 12. — Final en- tment of Daylight Saving legislation fore the end of the week was fore- st today as both House and Senate •pointed conferees to iron out the (Terences between the two groups. The Senate named Senators YVhee- • of Montana, Wagner of New York, irkley of Kentucky, Bone of Wash- (Continued on page 7) Nazis Do a Lambeth 'THEATRE audiences were treated to surprise chuck- les over the weekend through a newsreel caricature, con- tained in all five reels, depict- ing Nazi soldiers marching and Adolph Hitler gesticulat- ing in time to the "The Lam- beth Walk" dance tune. The clip, about 160 feet in length, was contrived in England by the British Library of In- formation and released to all newsreel companies. The rigid — but rhythmyic — paraders advance a few steps and then go back, while Hitler salutes and makes sweeping gestures. Exhibitors in Albany And St. Louis Voice Decree Opposition Opposition to block-of-five selling under the consent decree came yes- terday from two sources, Albany and St. Louis. In the later city the MPTO of St. Louis, Eastern Mis- souri and Southern Illinois adopted a resolution urging the Department of Justice and Federal Judge God- dard to vacate the decree or revise it so "all the product of a distribu- tor shall be offered to an exhibitor at one time with a 20 per cent can- cellation privilege." It declared that the decree is "working a hardship" on theatres and has been of no benefit to them, and that it has increased rather than de- creased many of the "improper prac- tices of film distributors which it was designed to correct." In Albany, a poll of recent mem- bers of the New York State unit of Allied States, revealed by Leon- ard L. Rosenthal, executive secre- tary, resulted in an adverse comment on block-of-five selling under the de- cree. "The consensus was to the effect that the new selling system of blocks of five was impractical and that it resulted in increased film rentals," Rosenthal said, adding "an alterna- tive suggestion was buying under the old system the complete block for the year with a 20 per cent cancellation privilege." Allied States Will Elect January 22 Election of Allied States officers will be held at the organization's an- nual board meeting at the Warwick Hotel here Jan. 22, H. A. Cole, presi- dent, said yesterday. Cole said he is not a candidate for reelection and is "certain that a good man can be found" for the post. Trade observers believe, however, that the Allied president will be drafted for another term. Cole arrived from Dallas over the weekend to attend meetings of sub- committees of the Motion Picture In- dustry Conference Committee in ad- vance of the main committee meeting at the Warwick on Jan. 21. The first subcommittee meeting was held Saturday, that of the croup in charge of protection of the industry from outside attack. George J. Schaefer is chairman of the subcom- mittee. Spyros Skouras, chairman of the subcommittee on industry taxation, has called a meeting of his group for tomorrow. W. B. Signs Wallis As Unit Producer Hollywood, Jan. 12.— Hal B. Wallis, Warner Bros, execu- tive producer, today signed a contract with the company under which he will person- ally produce a number of im- portant productions each year as head of his own unit. The films will be known as Hal Wallis Productions. Wallis, it was said, will assume re- sponsibility for their comple- tion. Wallis leaves for New York at the end of the week He will start on his new deal upon his return. His contract as executive producer was to have expired in several months. NBC Charges FCC Authority Is 'Fictional' The FCC has built up "fictional au- thority" to bolster its proposed rules governing network broadcasting, John T. Cahill, NBC attorney, yesterday told a Federal statutory court com- posed of Judges Learned Hand, John Bright and Henry W. Goddard as ar- gument started on a motion by NBC and CBS for a temporary injunction against the regulations and on a cross-motion by the Government to iliMiiiss the suit. Arguments by coun- sel lasted all day and will be resumed this morning. Charles Evans Hughes, Jr., rep- resenting CBS, asserted that net- (Cgntinued on page 8) Decision on Schenck Appeal Is Reserved The U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday reserved decision after a full day of argument on the appeal of Joseph M. Schenck and Joseph H. Moskowitz from a conviction by a jury for alleged tax evasions. John W. Davis and former Judge Joseph M. Proskauer, counsel for the defendants, hammered at the claimed failure of the Government to substan- tiate a criminal intent on the part of the defendants which could justify a conviction. The Government had failed to impugn the good faith of the de- fendants and had at most made out a case for a civil suit for recovery of taxes, Proskauer told Circuit Judges (Continued on page 6) Film Rentals Are Pegged by Canadian Gov't Based on Prices During Sept. 15-Oct. 11 Period Toronto, Jan. 12. — Film rentals in Canada have been pegged at the terms prevailing during the basic period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 11, last, it has been announced by R. G. McMullen, Administrator of Thea- tres and Films under the Wartime Prices and Trade Board. The Price Board recently set a ceil- ing on admission prices, based on those in effect during the Sept. 15- Oct. 11 period. McMullen indicated that no devia- tion from the ceiling prices would be permitted by the Government. He declared the Government's policy would be to insure the equitable dis- tribution of films among all theatres and that the normal supply should be available to all exhibitors. McMullen said the Government is not concerned with the trade problems, (Continued on page 6) Circuit Tax Bill Is Foreseen in Albany Albany, Jan. 12. — Ready for intro- duction in the New York State legis- lature, in the near future, is a bill in- tended to levy a sliding scale charge of taxation against chain stores and circuit theatres. Assemblyman William T. Andrews, sponsored a series of anti-discrimina- tion bills, one of them intending to effectuate the present law against dis- crimination by public utilities to be broadened to include businesses af- fected with a public interest. Viola- (Continued on page 6) Schine Pre-Trial Quiz Next Week Counsel for the "Little Three" will begin preparation for trial of the Gov- ernment anti-trust suit against the Schine circuit, in which they are de- fendants, by launching the pre-trial examination of exhibitor witnesses for the Government in Cleveland early next week, it was learned yesterday. Louis D. Frohlich of Schwartz & Frohlich, counsel for Columbia, will accompany Government counsel to Cleveland next Saturday where the (Continued on page 6) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 13, 19 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 12 KENNETH M. YOUNG, chair- man of the board of Pathe Lab- oratories, Inc., of New York, has been elected president of Pathe Laboratories, Inc., of California. The post had not been filled heretofore. • Frank Carruthers, secretary of the Motion Picture Internationals com- mittee on studio labor, today was named coordinating chairman of the studio unions' efforts in the indus- try's Red Cross campaign. At a meeting presided over by Harry M. Warner, he pledged labor's support. • The Hollywood Victory Committee on Stage and Screen today notified Lowell Mellett, coordinator of U. S. films, of its plan to coordinate all con- tributions of free talent to patriotic and humanitarian campaigns. He was advised that the program has already been set in motion with personal ap- pearances of Carole Lombard, Mickey Rooney, Dorothy Lamour and Wal- lace Beery in various cities. Goldwyn Plans Film On Defense Workers Samuel Goldwyn plans to produce a comedy with music based on the ac- tivities of young defense workers em- ployed from 4 P. M. to midnight, it was announced yesterday. The film will be titled "Swing Shift." NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY 50th St. MUSIC HALL & 6th Ave. Mickey ROONEY . Judy GARLAND "BABES ON BROADWAY" An M-G ON STAGE: "THE Florence Rogge's gay phony Orch. under the 1st Mezzanine Seats -M Picture BELLS RING OUT"— spectacular revue. Sym- direction of Erno Rapee. Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND Extra! DINAH SHORE "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE "Remember the Day" Claudette Colbert John Payne PLUS A BIG D O Y Y 7th Ave. ' ■* w 1 & 50th St. STAGE SHOW* B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE 'THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON' Errol Flynn — Olivia DeHavilland and 'BLUES in the NIGHT' BIG WEEK MARGARET LOCKWOOD "QUIET WEDDING A UNIVERSAL RELEASE Personal Mention Y FRANK FREEMAN, Para- • mount studio head, is expected here next Monday for a week's visit. • Ben KalmensO'N, Warners gen- eral sales manager, is visiting in several cities on his way back to New York from the Coast. • David Rose, Paramount's manag- ing director for Britain, will leave for the Coast next week. He plans to leave for London early in February. • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Cohn, 2nd, are the parents of a son born at Lenox Hill Hospital yesterday. Jack Cohn is the child's grandparent. • David Lewis is expected from the Coast this week. • Col. Nathan Levin son is due to- day from the Coast. He plans to visit Washington. • Robert S. Benjamin is expected back from Hollywood today. • Roland Gelatt, artist for Tri- States Theatres, Des Moines, is at home with an infected hand. • Henry Plude, manager of the State, Cedar Rapids, la., and Mrs. Plude are the parents of a son. • William Elder, manager of Loew's Theatre, Indianapolis, and Mrs. Elder are the parents of a son, their first child. JACK COHN, Columbia vice-pres- ident, has returned from the Coast. • Robert T. Kane, in charge of British production for 20th Century- Fox, left for the Coast over the weekend for a studio visit before re- turning to London. • Morris Joseph, former manager of Universal's New Haven exchange, and Mrs. Joseph are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary at Miami Beach. • Charles Dutkin, veteran Phila- delphia exhibitor, has been discharged from the Naval Hospital after a five months' stay and is recuperating at home. • Lou Weinberg has returned from Florida. Richard Mayer, manager of the Studio, Philadelphia, is staying at his mother's home in Long Island after a nervous collapse. • Edwin Sherwood, transferred from Ascap's Baltimore office to Cleveland, was given a farewell party by the Baltimore Variety Club Saturday night. • George Rixner, manager of the Missouri Theatre in St. Louis, and Robert Brownstein, cashier at the Fox there, have enlisted in the Coast Guard. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles IMRCURY (Two Sections) THE THE SOUTHERNER For reservauon ^^"^gU*,. Bo«^-^ i ,, ket Otn<-<-v. ... Park 'vvl- 4£98$&a IS 42nd Street at ft. Los Angeles ■ Ar. Los Angeles ■ Los Angeles • 10:55 pm 8:52 am 4:02 P» 6:30 am 4:58 pm l_:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 9hc. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS See 10,000 Pledges In Dimes Campaign With pledges for theatre participation in the theatre drive for the 1942 March of 1 Dimes campaign already in excess of 9,000, Charles C. Moskowitz, co-chairman, said yesterday there was every in- dication the total would pass 10,000. Spencer Tracy has accepted the chairmanship of the Holjfl lywood studio committee owl the industry March of Dimes^ drive, according to Nicholas M. Schenck, national chair- man. Committees will be formed in each studio. Cantor to Be Host at Federation Rail)] Eddie Cantor will serve as host a 1 the luncheon in honor of William I Shirer sponsored by the Amusemen :| Division of the Federation for th I Support of Jewish Philanthropic So I cieties of New York, at the Hotel Astor Jan. 23. According to Henry Jaffe, chair man of the arrangements committee each film company has made reserva li tions for several tables. The arrangements committee inj eludes : Willard Alexander, Irvinj Berlin, Eddie Duchin, Benny Good man, John Golden, Joseph H. Hazer| Marcus Heiman, George Heller Harry Kalcheim, Milton Krasn>: Bert Lebhar, Nat Lefkowitz, Harr Levine, Harry Mayer, Charles Mill er, Sidney Piermont, Walter Reade Herbert I. Rosenthal, Marvii Schenck, Lee Shubert, A. P. Wax man and Robert Weitman. B. S Moss is treasurer of the luncheon. Warner Named to Denver U. Council Harry M. Warner, president oj Warner Bros., has accepted an ap pointment of the University of Den ver to serve as representative of the industry's production branch on th< university's Advisory Council of it: Library of Motion Picture Arts anc Sciences, Warner Bros, announcec yesterday. The university is estab lishing a liberal arts course on filn production and distribution and the- atre operation, it was said. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (.Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday anc holidays by Quigley Publishing Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100, Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera' Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L, Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron. Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl. Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres. International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second, class matter, Sept. 23. 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y. . under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. L SvN Or FURY, rightful successor to th# many groat 20th Cantury-Fox grossars, has boon duly acclalmodt "EXCITING HIT! POWERFUL ADVENTURE!" "DARRYL F. ZANUCK'S BEST SHOWMANSHIP!" "VASTLY ENTERTAINING BOXOFFICE SUCCESS!" "A BIG PICTURE! BACK IT UP! "A SUCCESS IN THE FIELD OF ADVENTURE!" "A FAVORITE WITH CUSTOMERS AND EXHIBITORS! fWBKi Ule Story of Benjamin 2$lt laxe SANDERS • FARMER • McDOWALL John Carradine • Elsa Lanchester • Harry Davenport • Kay Johnson • Dudley Digges Produced by DARRYL F. ZANUCK Directed by JOHN CROM WELL • Associole Producer W,lham Per/berg • Screen Ploy by Philip Dunne i 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 13, 1942 N. Y, Independents See Loew's 5-4-5 Plan Bringing Them Fresher Product The new booking arrangement to begin on an experimental basis Jan. 20 in Loew's theatres in the New York area, by which pro- grams will be changed three times in two weeks instead of the two changes a week, will be beneficial to the smaller subsequent- run houses, it was said yesterday by independent circuit officials. Under Loew's 5-4-5 plan, as it is called, one show will play five days, the second four days and the third five days, thus eliminating two-day runs. The move will be to the advantage of subsequents, observers feel, because the shows at the Loew's houses, while holding over the additional day or two, will provide less competition than a new show; the fourth show eliminated from the Loew's schedule will come to the subsequent spots as new, fresh material, and big pictures will go to the subsequents in less time. BVay Gross Fair As Cold Weather Hinders Business Though continued cold weather kept many New Yorkers at home, Broadway had a generally good week- end at the box-office, with mostly holdovers. New product making its entry this week includes "Pacific Blackout," which bows in at the Criterion to- morrow; Goldwyn's "Ball of Fire" at the Radio City Music Hall and "The Corsican Brothers" at the Cap- itol on Thursday; "I Wake Up Screaming" at the Roxy on Friday and "Paris Calling" at the Globe Sat- urday. The Paramount show, "Louisiana Purchase" and Gene Krupa's orches- tra, is continuing big, taking an es- timated $23,000 Saturday and Sun- day and finishing its second week to- night with an estimated $60,000 ex- pected. "Remember the Day" with a stage show at the Roxy brought an estimated $25,600 Thursday through Sunday and winds up a three-week run Thursday night. At the Music Hall, "Babes on Broadway" with the stage presenta- tion drew an estimated $50,000 Thursday through Sunday. It is now in its second and final week. "The .Man Who Came to Dinner" and Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra accounted for an estimated $32,000 Thursday through Sunday at the Strand and starts a third week Thursday. "Un- holy Partners" gave the Globe an es- timated $6,200 in its second week and is now in its third and final week. Collins Reel Contact With U. S. Agencies Claude Collins, formerly associated with Pathe News, has been designated Washington contact for the five news- reels. He will act as liaison between the reels and Government agencies with which the reels have official con- tact, and particularly with the Office of the Coordinator of Government Films, headed by Lowell Mellett. Collins, who has recently been en- gaged in industrial film production, met yesterday with news editors of the reels for general discussions of his new assignment and will meet today with Francis Harmon, executive chair- man of the War Activities Committee — Motion Picture Industry, and the newsreel heads for further discussions before leaving for Washington. Collins' assignment is designed to eliminate duplication of Governmental releases and requests to newsreels and to facilitate the coverage of official news for the reels with Government approval. Moran Succeeds Nick in St. Louis St. Louis, Jan. 12. — Elmer Moran has been appointed business agent of the St. Louis Stagehands Union, Local 6, IATSE, to replace John P. Xick, now serving a five-year Fed- eral prison sentence for racketeering. Moran was appointed by James Mc- Ginn, vice-president. His salary will be $125 a week, which is half the amount paid to Nick. Moran was a >tagehand at the Norside Theatre. The meeting at which the appoint- ment was made was stormy. RKO Stockholders' Meeting Postponed An annual meeting of RKO stock- holders has been postponed for the second consecutive time and probably will not be held until June, the com- pany announced yesterday following a meeting of its board of directors. Postponement of the meeting means that the election of new directors will not take place this month as sched- uled. The present directors were appointed for two-year terms expiring this month by the Federal court on RKO's emergence from reorganization in January, 1940. The company's by-laws provide for an annual meeting of stockholders in June, but the meeting was not called last June due to the fact that the terms of the directors had not expired then and there was no other urgent business to come before a meeting, the company notified the shareholders. At that time, it was stated, a special meeting probably would be called in December or January, approximating the expiration of directors' terms. Hollywood, Jan. 12. — Most of RKO current season's productions will have been completed in a period of less than nine months, for the first time in the company's history, Joseph I. Breen, studio head, said today_. Eight fea- tures remain to be made on this season's program and work on 1942- '43 product will be started in April, Breen said. Podoloff a Witness At Minn. Law Trial St. Paul, Jan. 12— Joseph M. Podoloff, 20th Century-Fox branch manager in Minneapolis, was today's witness in the State's anti-block-of- five test trial here. It appeared today that the trial will continue through next week. Podoloff testified that the Minnesota law was detrimental to both exhibitor and distributor because it eliminated spot booking and thereby deprived the exhibitor of a "stop gap" he fre- quently had occasion to use. He cited a large number of cases in which his company had permitted exhibitors to cancel a picture to which they objected and had spot booked another film to take its place. The State law, he said, would permit the exhibitor no such liberty after he had made his cancellations. N. J. Allied Meets Today Allied of New Jersey committees will submit their annual reports at a membership meeting today at the or- ganization's offices here. Grosses Cut 50% In Albany Blackout Albany, Jan. 12. — Albany's first trial blackout, starting at 7 :45 P. M. for 10 minutes, tonight cut theatre attendance in the Albany-Troy area by at least 50 per cent, it was esti- mated in a survey of circuit and in- dependent houses. As instructed, nearly every home kept tuned to sta- tions WOKO and WABY, which gave the "alert" and "all clear." Air raid wardens estimated that nearly 90 per cent of the homes were tuned in for the blackout program. The early hour of the test gave thea- tregoers an opportunity to attend the second show. Governor Lehman broadcast an eye- witness commentary from atop the 35-story State Office Building, speak- ing through the facilities of both radio stations. Harold E. Smith, general manager of WOKO and WABY, conceived the idea of uniting the stations for the test and the installation of a siren in the radio center building to warn radio listeners of the impending blackout. Miami Blackout Test Will Be Held Sunday Miami Beach, Jan. 12.— The Mi- ami area will have it's first blackout test Sunday night. The 15 houses of the Wometco Circuit, the 15 of Para- mount and the independents, in keep- ing with defense council requests, have prepared to carry on inside the thea- ters as usual, but with foyer, lobby and all outside lights darkened. Man- agers and ushers have been trained in air raid warden duties and will ad- dress the patrons as the alarm sounds. Set Blackout Rules For Phila. Theatres Philadelphia, Jan. 12. — -Theatre rules for blackouts and air raid pre- cautions, proclaimed by Mayor Ber- nard Samuel, provide that shows and programs may continue, but light locks must be provided so that the use of the entrance and exit facilities will not permit the escape of light to the outside. Para. Will Discuss ' Wild Wind' Policy Special sales handling of Cecil B. de Mille's "Reap the Wild Wind" will be discussed by Paramount home of- fice officials with Neil F. Agnew, vice-president and distribution chief, and Robert M. Gillham, advertising and publicity director, this week. Ag- new and Gillham returned from the studio yesterday after seeing the de Mille picture and other product. Del. Theatre Seeks Run from Loew's; File New Ind. Case Operators of a Newcastle, Del. theatre have filed an arbitration com plaint at the Philadelphia local boan seeking an award directing Loew's t( offer their theatre the same run whicli they have obtained from other tributors, American Arbitration^ } sociation headquarters here repcwjl yesterday. Indianapolis Actions The Arbitration Association al ( reported the filing of a complaint al the Indianapolis board and the with; dravval of another complaint there fol- lowing an agreement among the prin- cipals. The new case was filed b] William Rosenthal, operator of thi Irving Theatre, Indianapolis, agains Loew's. It seeks the reduction of I existing clearance and names Eaten Theatre Corp.'s Rivoli as an inteffl ested party. The complaint withdrawn was on involving some run, brought n Charles G. Bowles, operator of thi Grand, Elizabethtown, Ky., againi the five consenting distributors, oj Crescent Circuit's Ritz and a ne\ house under construction in Eliza bethtown. Bowles advised the In dianapolis board that the film con) panies have agreed to sell him prod uct. File Second Complaint Complainants in the Delaware cas are John and Grace Koczak, open tors of the Earle Theatre, Newcastle who acquired the house from Davi Silver last Summer. Silver initiate a some run complaint against M-G-2 and Loew's Parkway, Wilmingtoi last April. He received an awan which was appealed by M-G-M ar; affirmed by the appeals board in Oil tober. Meantime, the Koczaks wen substituted as plaintiffs. The new complaint charged tbj the run offered by Loew's in compll ance with the award was calculah to defeat the purpose of the some n section of the decree. The col) plainants also ask the same clearam from Loew's that their theatre r I ceives from other distributors, whii is 10 days after Wilmington. Seek Decree Views Before Allied Mee\ New Haven, Jan. 12.— Alii J States regional units are urged to pi their members for a formal expre sion on the consent decree prior to t national Allied board meeting in N( York, Jan. 22, in a letter prepared ' ! Allied Theatres Owners of Connec cut. The local organization recently coi pleted its own poll of independent e hibitors in this territory, whi showed that 98 per cent are oppos i to the decree. The Connecticut ui I has noted the possibility that an e tension of the decree escape clai beyond June 1 may be sought by t Government and believes that tl might be forestalled if exhibitor (I ganizations go on record immedia > as being overwhelmingly opposed the decree. HIGHEST EFFICIENCY IN SCREEN LIGHT PRODUCTION IS OBTAINED WITH THE ONE KILOWATT HIGH INTENSITY ARC • The phenomenal progress in efficiency of projection lighting is shown in the accompanying chart. For each watt of power purchased the modern "One Kilo- watt" high intensity arcs deliver approxi- mately 30 times as many screen lumens as the old condenser type low intensity arcs and from 2 to 3 times as many screen lumens as the later reflector type low intensity arcs. The THE NEW "ONE KILOWATT" ARCS USE "NATIONAL," "SUPREX" AND "OROTIP" CARBONS remarkable increase in efficiency of these modern high intensity arcs enables the owners of small theatres to offer their patrons the highest standard of projection in the industry. Installation and operating costs are low. If you are using low inten- sity projection it will pay you to ascer- tain what the new "One Kilowatt" arcs can do for you. Ask your dealer for a demonstration . The words "National,"" "Su/jrec," and "Orntip" are trade-marks of National Carbon Company, Inc. Carbon Sales Division, Cleveland, Ohio NATIONAL CARBON COMPANY, INC. eENERAL OFF(CES Unit of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation 30 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y. (fjjra BRANCH SALES OFFICES New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 13, 1941 Fiscal Year Tax Total at $70,963,094 (Continued from page 1) enue, returning §6,935,897 on admis- s.ons in excess of 40 cents, but nearly twice that much— $12,269,885— on ad- missions between 21 and 40 cents. Smallest taxpayer on admissions in excess of 40 cents was North Da- kota, with $9,063, but on admissions b.tween 21 and 40 cents, the record in the continental United States went i Xew Mexico, at $47,630, although for the nation as a whole, AlasKa returned the least of any subdivision — 12,556. Collections by states, plus Alaska and Hawaii, are shown in the follow- ing table : Slate Over 40 cents 21 to 40 cents Alabama $76,126 $286,659 Alaska 56,545 12,555 Arizona 31,126 159,877 Arkansas 40,444 267,479 California 2,779,004 3,778,023 Colorado 108,839 542,312 Connecticut 266,977 578,967 Delaware 15,553 98,278 D. of C 203,448 340,419 Florida 338,705 809,037 Georgia 103,263 501,422 Hawaii 157,111 258,215 Idaho 21,671 145,618 Illinois 1,719,812 3,142,203 Indiana 193,289 990,154 Iowa 120,018 803,805 Kansas 50,874 164,621 Kentucky 101,270 358,683 Louisiana 105,446 584,150 Maine 40,760 264,167 Maryland 303,881 702,098 Massachusetts .... 1,033.910 2,283,447 Michigan 768,344 2,018,386 Minnesota 203,703 987,104 Mississippi 17,023 52,482 Missouri 397,240 1,325,591 Montana 69,496 124,901 Nebraska 86,040 333,428 Nevada 21,005 63,168 Xew Hampshire .. 71,080 217,410 New Jersey 502,104 1,261,652 New Mexico 15,269 47,630 New York 6,935,897 12,269,884 North Carolina ... 81,649 581,233 North Dakota 9,063 99,203 Ohio S86.975 1,914,140 Oklahoma 79,200 426,561 Oregon 131,735 341,649 Pennsylvania 964,130 2,849,874 Rhode Island 179,390 214,548 South Carolina .... 66,397 232,283 South Dakota 11.138 106,286 Tennessee 68,408 531,835 Texas 460,437 1,396,124 Utah 30.561 226,215 Vermont 9,835 113,749 Virginia 167,061 743,743 Washington 382,309 668,312 West Virginia .... 38,571 396.759 Wisconsin 258,039 819,492 Wyoming 9,742 77,172 Total 20,789,935 47,513,026 Sales Personnel in Phila. Transferred Philadelphia, Jan. 12. — Several changes in the sales staffs at the lo- cal exchanges have been announced. W ilbur Grant, resigning from Uni- versal, is being succeeded by Jack Graham, RKO salesman in Pitts- burgh. At the same time, Ernest Lieberman, who has been with W arner theatres in Pittsburgh, joins Universal as student salesman. W'ally Howes, for many years buy- er and booker for Trans-Lux, joins Warners. At Columbia, Morton Gold- stein, who had been splitting the up- state Pennsylvania territory with Si Hell since returning from Army ser- vice, was shifted to the Buffalo ex- change of the company to sell in the Syracuse, X. Y., territory. Jerry Callahan, coming in from Boston, joined the Monogram sales staff. Busman's Holiday Hull, Que., Jan. 12 I1 HE Cartier Theatre here •*■ had an unusual audience the other day, jurymen in a murder trial, who sat in the rear row, separated by several rous from the nearest regular patron, and under the watch- ful eyes of special guards. The picture was "The Sheriff of Tombstone." Pre-Trial Schine Quiz on Next Week (.Continued from page 1) witnesses will be examined by both on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Trial of the Schine suit is set for March 3. The Federal court at Buf- falo has not ruled on a motion by Willard S. McKay, Schine counsel, to defer the trial until later. Frohlich returned from the Coast yesterday after preparing motion pa- pers to strike out certain allegations in the anti-trust suit against Ascap brought by Pacific Coast exhibitors, and to compel the plaintiffs to furnish a bill of particulars. The motions will be heard in Federal court, Los Angeles, next Monday. U tility Worker Terms Submitted to Parley General working conditions sought by the studio utility workers union were submitted to major company offi- cials yesterday as the negotiations with the IATSE studio locals entered their second week without agreements having been reached on any major point, according to Pat Casey, pro- ducers' labor representative. The negotiations are scheduled to continue today with presentation of demands by either the cameramen's or sound men's locals. Sweeping juris- dictional claims were made by the stu- dio laborers local at yesterday's meet- ing despite the fact that the company officials have stated repeatedly that the jurisdictional disputes will have to be settled by the unions involved outside of the negotiating meetings. St. Louis Defense Bureau Is Formed St. Louis, Jan. 12. — An Amuse- ment Defense Bureau has been formed here. Harry C. Arthur, Jr., vice- president and general manager of Fanchon & Marco, is chairman. Meetings are scheduled to demon- strate to theatre employes the proce- dure to be followed in the event of air raids. A committee to check on all amuse- ment enterprises includes : Fred Wrehrenberg, Louis K. Ansell, Thomas Graham, Harry Barco and Thomas Canavan. J. Leslie Kaufman and Herbert Washburn will handle public relations ; Sam Reingold, distributors ; Percy Gash, arenas and amusement parks ; Paul Beisman, outdoor the- atres ; Harold Koplar, floor shows ; Tony Scarpelli, night clubs and bowl- ing alleys, and William DeWitt and George Sisler, baseball. Decision on Schenck Appeal Is Reserved; Argue Computation (Continued from page 1) Thomas W. Swan, Harrie B. Chase and Jerome Frank. The circuit judges showed lively interest, evidenced by frequent ques- tions in the arguments raised by the defense attorneys and U. S. Attorney Mathias F. Correa, representing the Government. One of the chief points upon which the appeal will be decided, according to court observers, is the question of whether a computation of allegedly- improper business expense deductions submitted to the jury by Lawrence W. Gibney, Government witness, was based upon evidence in the case or was the unsupported testimony of the witness. The circuit judges agreed that it would be "terribly harmful" to the defendants' rights if no evi- dence to support these computations, which indicated that only $167 out of a total of $20,000 in deductions was proper. Proskauer pressed this, de- claring in rebuttal, "I am willing to rest my entire case on my contention that no evidence supported this com- putation." 'Correa Told Me So' He pointed out that Gibney when asked the basis of these computations answered, "Mr. Correa told me so." Another hotly disputed question was whether Schenck had sold stock in the Agua Caliente Hotel and Jockey Club as a legitimate transaction to take a tax loss. Both Proskauer and Davis contended that the transaction was proper in that the sale of the stock by Scttenck to his friends was properly mirrored in the fall in value of the stock. Correa contended that the transactions were improper, and that Schenck while, taking a check for the stock, returned the equivalent amount in cash in a "cover-up" deal. While defense attorneys maintained that the film business was such as to require lavish entertainment expenses to create goodwill among artists and writers, Correa countered with the argument that those expenses actually incurred for Schenck's company were separate and apart from the expenses deducted in the tax returns. Counsel clashed over the issue of whether Schenck was entitled to deductions for such things as flowers to friends, repairs for his home, and the use of a yacht to entertain guests. Other Exceptions Among other questions which the court was asked to pass on were the correctness of the court's charge to the jury; the right of the court to use the word "legitimate expenses" without explaining its meaning, and whether the jury had been properly guided in determining whether certain tax items were entered by mistake or for the purpose of defrauding the Government. Proskauer maintained that Schenck's books and records had been correctly and meticulously kept and that this was inconsistent with a conspiracy to evade taxes. Plan Club Dinners Cincinnati, Jan. 12. — Beginning next week, the local Variety Club will hold a dinner-meeting every Monday night in the club quarters, open to members and guests. Film Rentals! Are Pegged by? Canadian Gov't (Continued from page 1 ) jther than those which affect price eilings and conditions of sale. J. J. Fitzgibbons, president o: Famous Players Canadian, has lef Western Canada to discuss deve' ments with exhibitors there, and ClaTI ence Robson of Odeon Theatres hasl gone to the Atlantic Coast for a sim- j ilar purpose. Henry Falk, representative of in- I iependent theatres in dealings with | the Price Board, has left for New* York to confer with company officials ,1 on the situation. The new fndepen- i dent Exhibitor Association, which has j been recognized by the Price board,! has received assurances of cooperation j from exhibitors in the Maritime Prov- | nces and Manitoba. Circuit Tax Bill Is Foreseen in Albany (Continued from page 1) tions of the law would automatically become misdemeanors under the An- drews bill. Senator Frederic R. Coudert, Jr. and Assemblyman Abbot Low Moffat, introduced a measure enabling New York City to continue imposition of its tax on services from July 1, 1942 to June 30, 1943 for unemployment and old age pension relief. Senator Phelps Phelps has introduced a bill for a state lottery under state super- vision, with prizes in the form of de- fense bonds. Oppose W.B. Delay i On 'York' Release Columbus, Jan. 12. — P. J. W'ood,1 secretary of the ITO of Ohio, ob jects in a current service bulletin to W^arners withholding release of "Ser- geant York" from subsequent runs until July. 4. He contends that im- mediate release would inculcate pa- triotism, and suggests that Warners could make no greater contribution to the cause than to release the picture to subsequents now. ■ i A Warner home office spokesman commenting yesterday on W^ood's bul- letin, said : "There has been no change in our policy on the picture." 5 Premieres Set for 'Captains of Clouds' Warner Bros, plans simultaneous premieres of "The Captains of the Clouds" in New York, Ottawa, Lon- don, Cairo and Melbourne about the middle of next month, it was anl rounced yesterday. The film stars James Cagney and is a story of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It is in Technicolor. The New York pre- miere will be at the Strand. It was stated that arrangements are being made for a shortwave hookup by which Canadian fliers at all pre- miere points may be interviewed in connection with the openings. Prints are now en route to the overseas cities. c a is - I a ! i Lesday, January 13. 1^42 motion Picture daily 7 Reviews "Saddle Mountain Roundup" (Monogram) T-* HIS latest from the George Weeks production unit at Monogram *■ is a carefully developed mystery western with a few humorous bits and a couple of songs fitted in. S. Koy Ruby, the director, did a creditable job on the picture. Under his guidance, the action scenes have the required zest and are nicely counter-balanced by a share of suspense when the film slows down in pace. The principals are the '"Range Busters" — Ray Corrigan, John King and Max Terhune — and they have support by veteran Jack Mulhall, John Elliott, Lita Conway, Willie Fung, George Chesebro and others. The yarn has to do with the murder of a ranch owner, Elliott, and a plot to steal his money, which is hidden at the ranch house. The problem grows when a likely suspect, Chesebro, as the foreman, also is found murdered. The "Busters" finally close in on the guilty party, who turns out to be Elliott's attorney, Mulhall. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arxeel "The Green Pack" ( Times Pictures) T-* HIS is a rather inept film production of the Edgar Wallace murder *• yarn of the title, made in England apparently some time ago. English players, unknown here, appear in the picture, which was directed by T. Hayes Hunter. The main point of the story concerns the murder of one of four part- ners following a successful expedition to Africa for gold after the victim, who financed the trip, refuses to share the find as originally planned. The audience is led to expect that one of the three remaining partners committed the crime. It is later brought out that the guilty party is the father of the fiancee of one of the partners. Running time, 63 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel toerner Announces .:KO Circuit Shifts j h New York Area Charles W. Koerner, general man- Jer of RKO Theatres, was host yes- rday at a luncheon at Toots Shor's btaurant to managers of RKO the- H's in the New York area and embers of the home office staff, idwell L. Sears, vice-president of Cited Artists in charge of distribu- Jn, was guest of honor and princi- 1 speaker. New Division Managers (Koerner introduced newly ap- "inted division managers, John C. Iiearns and Michael Edelstein, who sume supervision of theatres for- erly supervised by Sol Schwartz, jw has been placed in charge of 5 newly created out-of-town division. It was announced by Koerner that larry Lyons, manager of the Aluen, naica, has been made city manager Vonkers and that Sigrid Wexo. a iager of the Strand, Far Rock- lay, becomes district manager for e Rockaways. r The meeting was the first of a se- ts which Koerner plans. Besides the ■'tire roster of RKO theatre mana- rs, division managers and publicity pii, those attending were Malcolm lingsberg, Leon Goldberg, Edward Iperson. Sen. J. Walters, W. B. -ngland, Harry Mandel, Tom Gor- tan, Chicago division manager ; mmes Brennan. New Jersey-Wash- gton division manager : Max Feller- . an. William Howard, John Red- ond, David Canavan, Al Dawson id Cliff Giesseman of the L'ptown, letroit. Other Changes Disclosed Other changes in the RKO Theatre tup were announced as follows : ■>hn Dewberry, assistant at the 86th reet, Manhattan, to manager. Park rill, Yonkers ; Al Pluchos, assistant, pxrtor's. Mount Vernon, will he- me acting manager of the theatre nding the return of Baker Shelton. ho has been recalled to military rvice : Thomas Johnston, assistant, ] rand, Yonkers. transferred to -'ictor's. Mount Vernon, as acting ] distant manager ; John Berger. I Btiager, Park Hill. Yonkers, to l janager. Strand, Yonkers ; Lee pken, manager, Keith's Richmond ill, replaces Harry Lyons at Alden. I maica ; Fred Smith, from Orpheum, -ooklyn, to Keith's Richmond Hill ; 1 d Maxwell Levine, manager, Col- \ ,ial, to manager, Orpheum. Brook- n. Raymond Malone will be in charge exploitation in Hearns' division J id Vincent Liguori will serve in the ■ (me capacity in Edelstein's division. 3ugley Will Open in Louisville Tomorrow •'Louisville. Jan. 12. — Wallace i eery, star of M-G-M's "The Bugle j mnds." is due here tomorrow from - ; Coast for the opening of the film ednesday evening at Loew's The- j ~--e. Beery will be met by a military ard and conducted to Fort Knox, nere he will be guest of honor at a • icheon. • A military parade, with a band, ldiers, tanks and jeep cars, will pre- de the premiere. "G" denotes general classification. Disney to Produce Income Tax Short Washington, Jan. 12. — Walt Dis- ney plans the immediate production of a Donald Duck cartoon with an in- come tax theme, designed to aid in- come tax collections in March, it is learned here. Disney left for the Coast over the weekend, after conferences here with Treasury Department and Navy offi- cials and other Federal authorities. The subject is expected to be ready for distribution to theatres within six weeks. Disney was here with his brother, Roy, and two of the Coast production staff. Roy Disney has re- turned to New York. Will Hays to Attend Indiana Bond Rally Indianapolis, Jan. 12. — Will H. Hays and Carole Lombard will be speakers at the nation's first state- wide war rally to boost the sale of defense bonds which will be held at Cadle Tabernacle here on Thursday. The meeting will be sponsored by the Indiana Defense Council and the Treasury Department. Governor Henry F. Schricker will participate. Hays was chairman of the Indiana Defense Council in the first World War. Fire in Hempstead House Fire caused between $7,000 and $9,000 damage to the stage, curtain and other stage equipment at the Skouras Rivoli in Hempstead, L. I., on Sunday. The theatre had not yet opened for the day. Pittsburgh Club's Banquet on Oct. 25 Pittsburgh, Jan. 12. — The local Variety Club's fourteenth annual banquet will be held Oct. 25, chief barker Joseph Hiller has announced. As in previous years, industry leaders will attend according to present plans. Committees named by Hiller for 1942 and their chairmen are: audit- ing, Ben Steerman ; advisory, Dr. L. Beinhauer ; entertainment. Brian Mc- Donald ; heart, Harry Hcndel ; house, Harry Hendel ; golf, Herb Green- blatt ; legal, I. Elmer Ecker ; member- ship. Harry Feinstein ; rules and regu- lations. I. Elmer Ecker; publicity, Walter F ramer ; shut-ins, Peter Dana. Daylight Time Law Is Due This Week (Continued from page 1) ington. White of Maine and Austin of Vermont. The House appointed Representatives Lea of California, Crosser of Ohio and Wolverton of New Jersey. The point in controversy is whether the President shall have the authority to impose changes of time in selected areas as provided in the Senate measure, or Daylight Saving be put into effect nationally, as stipulated by the House. 'U' Gets Air Award Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, president of Eastern Air Lines, has announced the award of a silver trophy to Uni- versal for its subject, "Cavalcade of Aviation." The award will be ac- cepted today by B. B. Kreisler, short subject manager. The film has been approved by the War Department. Studio Pace Gaining with 38 Shooting Hollywood, Jan. 12. — Thirty-eight pictures were before the cameras this week, an increase of five over last week's total, as 11 started and six finished. Twenty-nine are being" pre- pared and 65 are being edited. Twentieth Century-Fox is the busi- est lot, with 11, a record number, in production. The tally by studio : Columbia Finished : "Camp Nuts," "Blondie's Blessed Event." Started : "Highly Irregular," "Alias Boston Blackie." M-G-M Finished : "Rio Rita." Started : "Mokey Delano," "Fing- ers at the Window," "Tarzan Against the World," "Tortilla Flat," "Ship Ahoy," "Mrs. Miniver." Monogram In Work: "Mr. Wise Guy." Producers Releasing Started : "Girl Trouble." Paramount Finished : "Out of the Frying Pan." In Work : "The Palm Beach Story," "Take a Letter, Darling," "Holiday Inn," "Mr. and Mrs. Cugat," "My Favorite Blonde." RKO In Wcj-k : "My Favorite Spy," "The Tuttles of Tahiti," "The Mag- nificent Ambersons." Started : "Journey Into Fear." Republic Finished : "South of Santa Fe." hi Work: "Yokel Boy," "Sleepy- time Gal." Started : "Dusk on the Painted Desert." 20th Century-Fox Finished : "The Night Before the Divorce." In Work : "Ten Gentlemen from West Point," "My Gal Sal," "This Above All," "Rings on Her Fingers," "Moontide," "Tales of Manhattan," "To the Shores of Tripoli." Started : "Hearses Don't Hurry," "Secret Agent of Japan," "Sundown Jim," "Whispering Ghosts." Universal In Work: "Ghost of Frankenstein," "Saboteur." . Started : "Wake Up and Dream." Warners In Work : "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Started : "Escape from Crime." Legion Approves 8 Of Nine New Pictures Reviewing nine new pictures this week, the National Legion of Decency classified six as unobjectionable for general patronage, two as unobjec- tionable for adults and one as objec- tionable in part. The films and their classification follow : Class A-l, Unobjectionable for Gen- eral Patronage — "Arizona Terrors," "The Bugle Sounds," "Don't Get Per- sonal," "Lone Star Vigilantes," "Raiders of the West," "Treat 'Em Rough." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults — "Lady for a Night," "Road to Happiness." Class B, Ob- jectionable in Part — "Bedtime Story." Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 13, 194; Off the Antenna CONFIRMATION of the banning of Cecil Brown, CBS correspondent in Singapore, by the British military authorities was received by the net- work yesterday. Officials announced that the issue was being taken up with the "proper authorities" but the exact status remained in doubt. One of the puzzling aspects was the fact that although Brown was banned by British mili- tary authorities from broadcasting over Radio Singapore, he was left free to cable reports to CBS. According to advices received here, the ban was imposed because Brown's broadcasts during the past three weeks were "pessi- mistic." The matter has been taken up with Col. William J. Donovan. • • • Purely Personal: Albert J. Durante, formerly with the "Daily News," has joined the WOR press department. . . . Judith Cortada, formerly with "Adver- tising Age," has been named trade news editor for the Blue. . . . Prescott Rob- inson, WOR nezvscaster, is the father of twin girls. . . . Erskine Chase, radio and magazine witer, has joined the continuity staff of WGN and W59C, Chi- cago. . . . Dinah Shore has donated royalties on two new recordings to the Com- mittee for the Celebration of the President's Birthday. . . . Jimmy Powers, "Daily News" sports editor, has been signed to another year's contract as WMCA sports editor. . . . Carl Ruff, on leave from the WOR press depart- ment for Army service, will enter the Signal Corps Officers Candidate School at Fort Monmouth in March. . . . Frank Burke is the netv CKLW, Windsor- Detroit, publicity head. • • • WNEW and WMCA- have issued new rate cards, effective Feb. 15 and Feb. 1, respectively. The WNEW rates, which reflect the increase of power from 5,000 to 10,000 watts, increased the basic night time hourly rate to $645. The WMCA rates make no change in the existing one-time rate but discounts for use of the station for two to seven times weekly range from five to 30 per cent under the new rates. Costs for station break announcements have been increased to $60 per minute for all evening time and Sunday afternoons and to $35 for other times. • • • National Association of Broadcasters officers will be guests of the weekly luncheon of the Radio Executives Club at the Hotel Lexington tomorrow. Among them will be Neville Miller, NAB president; Frank E. Pellegrin, director of broadcast advertising; and Eugene Carr, WGAR, Cleveland; E. Y. Flanigan, WSPD, Toledo; George H. Frey, NBC-Red; Arthur Hull Hayes, WABC; Dietrich Dirks, KTRL, Sioux City; John M. Outler, Jr., WSB, Atlanta, and Linus Travers, Yankee Network, the last seven being members of the sales managers executive committee. A committee of 16 has been named by the club to award a plaque for the person or persons who have done most for the advancement of radio during 1941. • • • Program News: Sachs Quality Furniture has renewed its program on\ WMCA. . . . Sterling Products has renewed "Amanda of Honeymoon Hill" and "Orphans of Divorce" over the Blue. . . . Procter <& Gamble will sponsor "Hap Hazard" a new variety show, over 65 CBS stations Fridays', 10-10:30 P.M., beginning Jan. 23. . . . International Silver has renewed "Silver Theatre" over 32 CBS stations. Blue Network Plans Program Expansion Under a New Setuj 8 NBC Charges FCC Authority Is 'Fictional9 (Continued from page 1) works could not operate under the new rules and that all sustaining pro- grams would have to be cancelled. He said stations and networks would lower their standards on acceptable business and the rules would drive the smaller stations out of business because advertisers would insist on only high-powered outlets. Says Rules Are Necessary Telford Taylor, first of Govern- ment counsel to be heard, declared that the networks had no right to challenge FCC rulings, which could be done only by licensees. He said the new rules were necessary to per- mit the stations to choose which broadcasts to carry, something they cannot do under exclusive option clauses now in effect. Judge Bright interrupted Hughes to ask if radio stations were not de- prived of free speech by being lim- ited to one network. Hughes replied that newspapers are served by syn- dicates and still have free speech. Contends FCC Limited Cahill contended that the FCC was limited to governing electrical inter- ference between stations and had no jurisdiction over the business of broadcasting. "Broadcasting cannot survive the impact of the FCC order," Cahill stated. He said 50 affili- ates had forwarded cancella- tions to NBC and more were expected. Cahill asked that the court determine the "issue of fact" involved in the economic effects of the order. He said NBC spent $4,000,000 annually for telephone lines. Hughes declared that CBS spent $5,000,000 annually for sustaining programs, $800,000 for television, and $500,000 for Latin American pro- grams. All public service programs, including news services, would have to be discontinued if the FCC orders were to remain in effect and they would create a period of "economic opportunism," Hughes asserted. Taylor will continue tomorrow and will be followed by Thomas Harris and Seymour Simon, both of the Gov- ernment staff. Christenberry Again Heads B'way Group Robert K. Christenberry, vice- president and general manager of the Hotel Astor, on Sunday was reelec- ted president of the Broadway As- sociation at a meeting at the Astor. The term runs one year. Other officers are S. E. Lester, first vice-president ; Edwin S. Friendly, second vice-president ; Ray Whittaker, general manager of Shubert Theatri- cal Enterprises, third vice-president ; P. L. Ryan, fourth vice-president ; F. A. Burdett, secretary, and Walter G. Schaerer, treasurer. Among the board members elected for a three-year term is William Morris, Jr., president of the William Morris Agency. Rochester Dinner To Golden Planned Rochester, Jan. 12. — Jay Golden, recently named city manager for the Palace, Century, Temple, Regent and Capitol, will be honored at a testi- monial dinner at the Hotel Seneca here Jan. 20. The houses are pooled. In charge of arrangements for the affair are Howard Carroll of the Strand ; Lester Pollock of Loew's Rochester ; Bud Silverman, Schine city manager, and Arthur Krolich of the Century. Principal speaker will be Jacob Ark, state commander of the American Legion, with Jack Barry of WHEC serving as master of cere- monies for the floor show. Dietz on Publicity For Navy Society Howard Dietz, director of adver- tising and publicity for M-G-M, has been named chairman of publicity for the new Civilian Committee for the New York Auxiliary of the Navy Relief Society, it was announced yes- terday. Junius Spencer Morgan is chairman.. At a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor today, plans will be discussed for a Navy Relief show at Madison Square Garden March 10, with Mar- vin Schenck as chairman of the pro- duction committee. Two Firms Formed; 4 Are Dissolved Albany, Jan. 12. — Two new firms have been formed here. They are : Kayharr Attractions, Inc., by Lillian Schwarz, Sanford Green and -Jerome Edwards ; and Color Film Corp., by Max Levin, William Rosmarin and Seymour Weil. Showroom Previews, Inc., Paycock Productions, Inc., Trapeze Productions, Inc., and Tri- National Films, Inc., have been dis- solved. Drops Stage Shows Columbus, O., Jan. 12. — The RKO Palace, which several weeks ago adopted a stage show and picture policy, has reverted to straight pic- tures at the previous scale of 30 and 47 cents for matinee and night, re- spectively. There is a possibility that stage shows will be resumed later. Two Drop Stage Units Spokane, Wash., Jan. 12. — The Post Street Theatre has dropped vaudeville and contracted for second- run showings of Universal, RKO, Columbia and United Artists prod- uct. The Rex also abandoned its stage show policy and now has a straight film policy, with three changes week- ly. The Blue Network will encourage* new program ideas by permittinj producers to air them during sustain ing time, Edgar Kobak, executiv.^ vice-president of the new company^ declared yesterday. Many new prn: gram ideas are planned, Kobak <■' and will be put in effect shortly. The Blue affiliates' committee wil meet in Chicago tomorrow and a} affiliates will meet there on Thur/ day. Kobak said no major oppositioi to the establishment of the new com! pany is expected although he antici pates that there will be some hold outs. All affiliates must approve thei'i contracts with the new Blue Networ],.' Co. as their existing contracts ar with NBC. Niles Trammell, NBC president, {' S commenting upon the anti-trust suij brought by Mutual against NBC an \ RCA, declared that the action wa the culmination of a series of attack which followed NBC's refusal to se i important parts of the Blue to Mutusj two years ago. He referred to R. M| Macy & Co. and the Chicago Trbun as the "dominant interests" in Mr tual. To Use Television i MP In Raid Training Declaring that plans already arl" under way to install one or more tele ",■ vision receivers in police departmer classrooms in each of the city's ai raid zones, Noran E. Kersta, NB< manager of the television division, yei_ ^ terday told the Winter convention o,. the Institute of Radio Engineers ; . Hotel Commodore that receiver manv w facturers were cooperating to makr' television a key factor in traininl 300,000 air raid wardens. Kersta asserted that reports turned in by police and civilian defense off,!, cials after last week's experiment!,!., program on incendiary bombs hal started a movement for regular PTC.JL grams and receiver stations. Kersta declared that 22 per cent (iL the country's population lives withjlL range of stations now on the air BYINGTON THOMPSON 7> NEWLAND " DANIELS ' BORZAGE * * * * * ** * ******************************** IF HE TALKS-THEY DIE! FIRST FIERY STORY OF THE SECRET DANGERS ON THE HOME FRONT! " ****************** ****** TRADE TALK! "THE VANISHING VIRGINIAN" "A sleeper, capable of exceptional grosses. Will be talked about by critic and customer. Something which can be sold to countless seekers of a peace- ful and soothing hour by whoever has the knack of selling fine film wares. Comic, dramatic, excit- ing, touching." —DAILY VARIETY "Rich rewards are there waiting for real showmen. It will pay off in proportion to the exhibitor's ability to realize what he has in it and to communi- cate that realization to potential customers. What- ever the effort in this respect, the picture merits it and the exhibitor expending it seems destined to meet pleased patrons and new patrons." — M. P. DAILY "Engrossing, compelling story in pictures. Audi- ences will urge their friends to see it. Contains all the comedy, romance, tragedy and pathos that makes for an entertaining evening." — M. P. HERALD "A prestige picture for the industry. Proper exploi- tation may unearth surprise grosses." — VARIETY (Weekly) "A wholesome, radiant and thoroughly entertain- ing slice of Americana. Should engage the atten- tion of all types of families. A fine cast and able direction by Frank Borzage virtually guarantee it." — BOXOFFICE "Word of mouth is sure to be enthusiastic. Whole- some, homey, moving. Adroitly mixes laughter with honest sentimentality." —HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "JOE SMITH, AMERICAN "Strong, exciting, patriotic meller which is sure to score with fans everywhere. One of the '41— '42 season's most unusual photoplays. A smash box- office attraction, packing appeal for all types and ages of fans. Thrills, human interest and dynamic entertainment." —FILM DAILY "Keyed to the headlines. Destined for 'sleeper' business. Should serve admirably to picture the significant work of the unsung heroes who are the men behind the men behind the guns." — M. P. DAILY "Sturdy entertainment geared for popular recep- tion. Loaded with heart tug, drama and suspense." -DAILY VARIETY "Timely, inspired film entertainment. Here is a stirring hit. A story to arouse pride in our hearts that we can lay claim of being fellow Americans." —HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "Timely. Potent drama, well acted, suspenseful and moving." —VARIETY (weekly) Motion Picture Daily 4 Minn. Allied AsksWillkie's Aid on Terms {Continued from page 1) hibitors at the Nicollet Hotel yester- day. A number of outstate exhibitors also attended, however, and entered in the action. Exhibitors said they would close the doors of their theatres rather than ac- cept the deals offered them. Many, they said, have bought from Metro regardless of price because Metro was the only company having films avail- able here. Metro's supply of avail- able product here, however, runs out in about 10 days, and many exhibitors have no pictures to show after that, it was said. A telegram to Willkie asked him to represent the indepen- dents in trying to get "fairer deals." The wire said the dis- tributors, on the passage of Allied's Minnesota anti-block- of-five bill, "refused by common action to license pictures in this State for several months there- after, causing irreparable loss and injury to exhibitors and in- convenience to the public." "Since the resumption of licensing in this State," the wire went on, "by concerted action the terms demanded by the distributors are exorbitant, un- conscionable and punitive . . . and threaten the continued existence of the independent. . . . These monopolistic trade practices and terms are imposed without regard to ethics, equity or common decency." The telegram was signed by the "Minnesota Exhibitors' Committee," which was set up at the meeting to negotiate with Willkie and to press the drive for price control. Committeemen said they would ask independents of other states to move in favor of price control. Home office sales officials yesterday expressed surprise at the Northwest Allied action, several asserting that terms being asked in Minnesota are the same as those asked elsewhere and de- claring that very few formal com- plaints have been made by Minnesota exhibitors over new season contracts. Award on Clearance In Frisco Appealed An appeal has been filed with the national appeals board from the San Francisco arbitration award in the Piedmont Theatre clearance case which outlawed the practice in Oak- land of figuring first-run theatres' clearance from the last day of move- over engagements. The appeal was taken by 20th Cen- tury-Fox, Fox West Coast and So- lano Theatre Corp. The Piedmont clearance case involved all five con- senting companies and eight Oakland theatres. The award affected virtually every theatre in Oakland, however, as its effect would be to change the com- putation of clearance on all pictures which are given move-over engage- ments. The award also reduced the clear- ance of the fourth run Chimes and Grand theatres to one day over the Piedmont. 306 Meets Friday On Organizing N. Y. The executive board of Operators Union, Local 306, has called a special meeting for Friday to consider the question of 100 per cent or- ganization for New York City. At that time, a committee is expected to be named to re- sume negotiations with Em- pire State Motion Picture Operators Union for a merger of the two groups. Also scheduled for the meeting is the question of the disposition of Loew's suit against the union for an injunction against a threatened strike action. CEA Seeks More Booth Operators London, Jan. 13. — The Cinemato- graph Exhibitors Association, in a memorandum to the Board of Trade, pleads for the retention of at least one, and preferably two, first, and one second projectionist, plus one electri- cal engineer. The CEA general council will re- view the manpower situation at a meeting at Leicester tomorrow. The memorandum suggests that negotia- tions with the Labor Supply Depart- ment on other theatre help are pro- gressing satisfactorily. The Technicians Association has issued memorandum supplementing the recent manpower report, offers a plan to maintain industry efficiency at a high wartime level. Meanwhile, the Kinematograph Renters Society con- tinued discussions on trading policies, without reaching any definite decision. The Scotch booking combine policy of booking on a flat rental basis from certain distributors was discussed and action promised at the next KRS meeting. Blotchy Tells About Prints in Minn. Trial St. Paul, Jan. 13. — Ben Blotcky, Paramount district manager at Minneapolis, testified today as a de- fense witness in the State's anti- block-of-five violation trial here against Paramount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox. Supplying information on the case histories of prints, Blotcky cited those of "Northwest Mounted Police" as a typical example. He said the first print of the picture .was received here early in November, 1940, and was returned to New York more than a year later, having fulfilled its runs. He introduced photostatic copies of the record card showing the film's bookings and shipments, and told of the work of the inspection depart- ment. His testimony added further detail to the defense story of industry op- erations, which is designed to prove that the State law is an unjust bur- den on interstate commerce and un- constitutional. Monogram Sets Film Hollywood, Jan. 13. — Monogram plans to star Bela Lugosi in "Black Dragons," original by Robert Kehoe, dealing with a secret Jap sabotage group. Sam Katzman will produce. Review Policy Fails To Consider Press Covering Studios (.Continued from page 1) views outside of the metropolitan area. "The hardships to the studio per- sonnel involved in the necessity of having to travel long distances at night are evident," he said. But apparently, no such hardships to the press in the event of air raids, alarms, blackouts, etc., exist, for pre- views are still being held in Glendale, North Hollywood and in fact any other place which happens to be within 10 miles or so of traveling dis- tance for most of the reviewers. 80-Mile Schedule A reporter's neck and a studio of- ficial's neck should have the same ratio of value to their respective holders, it would seem, but M-G-M this week arranged a schedule which would require a minimum of 80 miles night traveling for each of the re- viewers by scheduling four previews at the Alexander Theatre, Glendale, favorite spot for previews come black- out or no, and also one of Fox West Coast's showplaces. All time high for somethting or other is held by RKO, whose preview map for a single night contained an isosceles triangle, one side of which represented the 10 miles from Holly- wood Boulevard and Vine Street to the Alexander Theatre, where one picture was shown to the press, and the other equal side the 10 miles frorn the same juncture to the Studio City Theatre, North Hollywood, where an- other picture was shown. And Those Tires— Another tiling worrying reviewers : the tire situation is dark, and the added driving at night to distant points helps wear down the tires, which aren't going to be easy to replace. At one time or other, there was a project to rent a centrally located Hollywood theatre especially for pre- view showings. That isn't talked about any more. Except by the reviewers. — V. K. Mellett to Meet Coast Film Group (Continued from page 1) that the Coordinator will reveal ways and means of implementing the com- mission assigned him by President Roosevelt which includes making ar- rangements for producing pictures re- quired by the Government. Disclosure of Mellett's plans for the duration of his stay and probably a series of meetings with studio heads and organization leaders were not forthcoming from spokesmen "acting under orders." Dr. Leo C. Rosten, who is expected to serve Mellett as resident represen- tative, was expected by his office to return from Washington next week. Fairbanks Plays Host Lt. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., will be host to 100 wives of Naval officers and enlisted men at the evening per- formance of "The Corsican Brothers" at the Capitol tomorrow. Fair- banks stars in the film. Wednesday, January 14, 1942 'I 1 No Production; Materials Cuts Now, Says U. S. (Continued from page 1) ducers have vast stores of properties' which can be drawn upon to give l them an almost infinite varietaifjlj.jf Some of the materials used iriHrf?* tual production will be short, it wail admitted, but the film industry is sell essential that it will not be permittee to die of materials starvation. Meanwhile the long-expected shake-t- up of the defense organization was li initiated tonight with announcement by President Roosevelt that he wil issue an executive order establishing a War Production Board, which wil take over the powers now held by th( j Supply Priorities and Allocations ). Board and have jurisdiction over alii" production agencies. Donald Nelson, now OPM director} of priorities, will be chairman of the if • board, in charge of the direction oi f the production program and with I general supervision over all produc-T tion agencies. Nelson's decisions, thr|» President said, will be final. Delay Ampa Dinner At Request of Hays (Continued from page 1) complishment that warrant that trust.... "However," he continued, "I do, (I, want earnestly to request that the occasion be delayed. My feeling con- ) tinues, which I have heretofore ex- pressed, that such an affair will bet: more timely and fitting if it be post-i: poned until we are further through i-_ this crisis. Without minimizing theL importance of what has been done,*-; without lessening at all our realiza-f 7 tion of its usefulness, every minute ' of everyone's time and, of course,!; everyone's thought is so much on what fc- is so vital today and tomorrow, thaifrrr I wish we could just put off thisjl'- event to a time when all those in their- industry who have worked so loyally | for the objectives may have oppor-f} tunity to foregather and record what the industry will have done in the u emergency, as well as what these1 " loyal workers have accomplished in the effort to discharge a public duty through two decades." c - Canada Film Policy h Is Not Determined (Continued from page 1) that the Government desired the rep-: ™ resentation of bona fide independent) exhibitors as well as distributors and! circuit operators for the work of or- ganizing basic policy and regulations for the motion picture industry. The Administrator declared the wish of the Government was that all (r( parties would remain in business andjl j precautions would be taken to insure ! f availability of product to all. Get Raid Instructions Scran ton, Pa., Jan. 13. — Air raid • instructions have been issued to all , employes of the Comerford Circuit, it ■ was revealed at the home office here. The instructions included preparations and conduct during actual raids. motion Picture daily Reviews "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) HP HIS is the sort of picture on which you can expect complaints from the customers that they couldn't hear all the dialogue because the audience was laughing all the time. It is an uproarious farce which moves swiftly from one hilarious scene to another. Katharine Hepburn is at her best as the newspaper woman who writes about international affairs, a woman with an outstanding mind who is voted "Woman of the Year," a woman who loves passionately, but a woman who gets so mixed up with her career that she almost loses her husband. Spencer Tracy turns in an excellent comedy performance as the first-string sports writer who finds himself in the bewildering posi- tion of husband of an important lady. Miss Hepburn at her first baseball game is something to see but she tops it with her execution of a kitchen scene where she undertakes to make her husband's breakfast while the waffles bubble mysteriously, the coffee boils over and the toast pops all over the place. In between Tracy contributes to the fun by wandering on to a stage in the midst of a women's meeting and permitting himself to be invited to a diplomatic gathering where nobody speaks English. Together, Miss Hepburn and Tracy engage in a bedroom scene on their wedding night with the cham- ber crowded with diplomats and ex-pugilists. Any one of these would make a bright spot in a good comedy but combined they make for a long continuous howl. Performances by Fay Bainter, Reginald Owen, Minor Watson, Wil- liam Bendix, Gladys Blake, Dan Tobin, Roscoe Karns and William Tannen are uniformly good but Miss Hepburn walks off with the acting honors. She and Tracy engage in a feud after she makes some disparag- ing remarks about baseball but they learn to love each other. They marry but Miss Hepburn is too busy for a home and Tracy finally walks out on her. It is only when she attends the wedding ceremony of Watson and Miss Bainter that she realizes her mistake and rushes home to her husband. After that kitchen scene, Tracy urges Miss Hepburn not to attempt domestic duties too suddenly and to effect a compromise between her interests and her home. With that final agreement there is a happy climax. The story, an original by Ring Lardner, Jr., and Michael Kanin, is kept moving smoothly by the fine comedy direction of George Stevens. Joseph L. Mankiewicz produced. Running time. 112 minutes. "A."* Edward Greif *"A" denotes adult classification. "A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) [" "I F.RE is another offering from M-G-M geared to mesh with the headlines, and as such offering the showman an exploitable film which should do well at the box-office, however lacking in marquee names it may be, and however unpretentious the production as a whole. It has much of melodrama, not a little suspense and enough action to keep it generally on the plus side, telling the story of the New York cabbie hero who bags a pair of gangsters, then takes charge of a Burma Road truck convoy of medical supplies designed for Chungking. Barry Nelson handles himself well as the cabbie, with Laraine Day supplying the romance, and Keye Luke and Sen Yung chiefly concerned in the Chinese support. Reference to Pearl Harbor, the opening of hostilities with Japan and the melodramatic turn given to the action by the revelation of the start of the Pacific war give added impetus to the timeliness of the film. When the news reaches the truck convoy, Nelson is spurred to action, and leading a guerrilla troop of Chinese soldiers, he succeeds in taking a key town from the Japanese. The girl, who had persuaded him to take her in search of her husband, flying for the Japanese, falls in love with him, and when he is killed in the battle, the way is opened for the romantic conclusion. The film has been given plenty of pace by Samuel Marx, producer, and George B. Seitz, director, from the original screenplay by Gordon Kahn, Hugo Butler and David Lang. Running time, 65 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson Wednesday, January 14, 1942 'Ferry Pilot s British Film, Hits Bullseye London, Jan 13. — The new Crown Film Unit production, "Ferry Pilot," previewed at Associated British Film Dis- tributors today, is another documentary bullseye. Dealing vividly with the work of the civilian pilots who move planes from factories to the RAF commands, it has — superlative camera work and I fluent editing. The most exciting sequences deal with a fight between a Spitfire and Heinkel bombers. FLANAGAN ra. Allied Approves Program of MPICC j Chicago, Jan. 13. — Allied Inde- indent Theatre Owners of Iowa and .Nebraska has approved the unity pro- ram of the Motion Picture Industry "onference Committee, it was revealed oday by Jack Kirsch, temporary nairman of the MPICC. - Other letters disclosed by Kirsch •ere from Ed Kuykendall, president i the MPTOA, voicing that organ- :ation's approval of the unity pro- ram, and another from Major Gen- ral E. S. Adams, Adjutant General i the War Department, expressing ne Secretary of War's appreciation ,f the committee's pledge of coopera- on in the war effort. U.A. to Release 12 \ Two-Reel Subjects > United Artists has closed a deal for ie release of 12 two-reel short sub- lets, titled "W orld in Action," Grad- yeU L. Sears, vice-president in harge of distribution, announced yes- >rday. i The subjects were produced by the i.'ational Film Board of Canada, >ominion Government film unit. ='hey are the first shorts to be dis- Hbuted by U. A. in about two years. "hree subjects already completed are: 'Churchill's Island," "The Battle for )il" and "The Strategy of Metals." Others are in production. itlanta Club Plans Recreation Center Atlanta, Jan. 13. — Harry G. Bal- ince, who took office yesterday as lief barker of the local Variety Club, as announced plans for the building f a recreation center for boys and lirls in a section of the city where nere has been considerable juvenile jt-linquency. , Work is to be started immediately Ath the expenditure of $25,000 for ,md and preliminary construction. ..dditions to the project are planned '"m time to time. rainsborough Year Profit Put at $60,200 Loxdox, Jan. 13. — Gainsborough ictures at a recent meeting reported i operating profit for the past year SI 5,070 (approximately $60,200), l increase of about $8,000 over the "evious year. It was indicated at the meeting, and that of Associated Talking Pic- rres, that the difficulty in obtaining aterials had slowed production. *"G" denotes general classification. Buffalo Larceny Charged Buffalo, Jan. 13.— First degree grand larceny charges have been placed against the seven persons ar- rested last week on charges of al- legedly operating a racket to swindle operators of chance games at local theatres. 'Parallel' Now 'Invaders' Columbia has changed the title of "The Forty-Ninth Parallel," produced by Ortus Films, London, to "The In- vaders" for American release. Road- showings of the picture in several keys are being contemplated, Colum- bia states. 5 'Ball of Fire9 Warms Loop As Cold Hurts Chicago, Jan. 13. — Several days of frigid weather cut into grosses. "Ball of Fire" and "The Gay Falcon" at the Palace drew $17,000. "Birth of the Blues" drew $18,000 in the sec- ond week at the State-Lake, and "Lady Scarface" and a stage show took $20,000 at the Oriental. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 8 : "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) APOLLO— (1,400) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $5,000) "Shadow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Stage — Xavier Cugat's band. Gross: $35,000. (Average. $32,000) "Keep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) GARRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week (4th week in Loop). Gross: S8.000. (Average, $5,000) "Lady Scarface" (Rep.) ORIENTAL — (3,200) (25c-35c-40c-SOc) 7 days. Stage — Art Jarrett's band, Ethel Shutta. Gross: $20,000. (Average, $16,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) PALACE — (2,500) (4Oc-50c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average, $13,000) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) (5 days) "Sundown" (U.A.) "Night of January 16th (Para.) (2 days) ROOSEVELT — (1,500) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $11,000) "Birth cf the Blues" (Para.) STATE-LAKE — (3,700) (40c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $18,000. (Aver- age, $14,C00) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $14,000) 4Babes on BVay' $23,000, St. Louis St. Louis, Jan. 13. — "Babes on Broadway" topped a good week, grossing $23,000 at Loew's, while "How Green Was My Valley," and "Nothing But the Truth," at the Mis- souri took $7,500. Estimated receipts for week ending Jan. 8: "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (3,162) (30c -40c -44c- 50c ( 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average. $13,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "Dcm't Get Personal" (Univ.) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (30c-4Oc-5Oc) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $11,500) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) "Henry Aldrich for President" (Para.) FOX— (5,038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $12,300. (Average, $11,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "Nothing But the Truth" (Para.) MISSOURI— (3,514) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $7,5C0. (Average, $4,000) "I Wake Up Screaming" (ZtHh-Foxi "Suspicion" (RKO) ST. LOUIS— (4,000) (25c-35c) 7 days. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $2,600) Tire' Draws $6,100 Despite Omaha Cold Omaha, Jan. 13. — "Ball of Fire" at the Brandeis pulled $6,100 despite zero weather. Cold weather hurt. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 6-7 : "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "A Date with the Falcon" (RKO) BRANDEIS — (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,100. (Average. $4,000) •'B:tbes on Broadway" (M-G-M) OMAHA— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,300. (Average. $6,000) "Confirm cr Deny" (ZOth-Fox) ORPHEUM — (3,000) (40c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Lou Breese and his orchestra. Gross: $13,400. (Average. $14,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) (2d week) "Perfect Snob" (ZOth-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,200. (Average. $5,000) 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 14, 194 Nets' '41 Gross $105,000,000 FCC Trial Told Gross billings on all networks in- creased about 10 per cent to a new all- time high of about $105,000,000 dur- ing 1941, Louis G. Caldwell, attorney for Mutual, declared yesterday dur- ing argument in the suit by CBS and XBC against the FCC for a perma- nenent injunction to restrain enforce- ment of the new network rules. CBS and XBC are seeking a temporary injunction pending a complete hear- ing, while the FCC and Mutual are asking for dismissal of the action. The court reserved decision on both motions after two days of hearings. Billings Compared Caldwell nlaced the network figures as $44,000,000 for CBS, $42,000,000 for NBC-Red and $12,000,000 for XBC-Blue. These three networks do not release their figures, although Mu- tual had previously released the fig- ure of $7,300,955 for 1941. In 1940. CBS gross billings were $41,025,549; XBC-Red, $39,955.322 ; XBC-Blue, $10,707,678, and Mutual, $4,767,054. The statutory court consists of Judges Learned Hand, John Bright and Henry W. Goddard. At the con- clusion, Judge Hand declared he was "impressed" by arguments on both sides. Caldwell charged that NBC started insisting on exclusivity in 1936 when Mutual became a nationwide network. He said there are 26 cities in which Mu- tual can book programs only during unfavorable hours or subject to 28-day cancellation clauses. He added that there were some cities where Mutual could not place its programs at all. Caldwell contended that the loss in these cities was pyramided because business was lost in other cities when advertisers insisted on a network pro- gram which would cover the entire country. Cites Mutual Loss Caldwell cited the Ballantine ac- count which Mutual lost to NBC- Blue because, he said, 10 of the 14 stations which were carrying the program but were also affiliated with the Blue received notice from the Blue that they would have to cancel the Mutual show to make way for another Blue show. He said the "March of Time" show was taken from Mutual by the Blue because the latter network insisted on the time and that the Blue is now attempting to take the Coca-Cola show away from Mutual. Caldwell declared that this last ac- count has gross billings of $2,250,000 annually, or almost one-third of the total for Mutual. He said that four or five Blue stations have already notified Mutual that they could not carry the Mutual show any longer and that eight or nine additional are refusing the Blue's demand for the time pending the court's ruling in the present suit. Thomas Harris, arguing for the Government, contended that the pres- ent suit by the two major networks Off the Antenna AXUMBER of promotions and changes in the WM'CA staff were an- nounced by Donald S. Shaw, general manager, yesterday. Alun W illiams, staff announcer, has been promoted to program manager ; Bob Bach has been named director of recorded music to succeed Paul Scheiner, now in the Army. Robert Goldstein has resigned as director of the artists' bureau. Hal Janis has resigned as director of sports and news to join the Rockefeller inter-American affairs committee. The news department is being consolidated with the department of publicity and special features under the direction of Leon Goldstein. Fayvelle Schulman has been promoted to assistant director of publicity and special features. • • • WJZM, Clarksville, Term.:, has joined Mutual to become its 195//; affiliate. WAYS zvill replace WSOC, Feb. 1, as the netzvork's Charlotte, N . C, affiliate. Another outlet, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has received FCC permission to increase its power from 250 to 10,000 u'atts and change its frequency to 710 kc. • • • Greta Garbo will make her first radio appearance over NBC, the Blue and Mutual Saturday, Jan. 24, 11:15 P.M. -12:15 A.M. Miss Garbo is donating her services for the program which will be known as "March of Dimes of the Air — Hollywood's Salute to the President." Arch Oboler is directing. Hollywood stars who will be heard include Clau- dette Colbert, Humphrey Bogart, Janet Beecher, Bing Crosby, Mary Martin, Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power, Jean Arthur, Jimmy Cagney, Thomas Mitchell and Ronald Colman. • • • John F. Royal, XBC vice-president in charge of international relations, has decided to cancel his trip to Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile XBC short wave has arranged a hookup so that when President Getulio Vargas of Brazil addresses the Pan American Conference in Portuguese, a translation in Spanish will be broadcast simultaneously from Xew York and Boston by short wave in Spanish. Eli Canel will be at Rio and will interpolate the translation while Vargas is speaking. His voice will be carried to Xew York by RCA radio- telephone and will be broadcast from here. Midnight Marquee Blackout Weighed Pittsburgh, Jan. 13. — Theatre mar- quees may be legislated into darkness, after midnight, if a proposed ordinance is passed by the City Council. Il- luminated store displays and lighted •■utdoor signs are also included in the measure, which requires that operators of signs must designate a custodian who shall extinguish the signs immediately upon call of a "blackout" period, in addition to the midnight close. The ordinance is one of the civilian defense provisions being considered by the council. On Canada Film Board Ottawa. Jan. 13. — Lester B. Pear- son, assistant under Secretary of State for External Affairs, has been ap- pointed a member of the Xational Film Board by order in Council, it was revealed in the Canada Gazette. His term will be for three years, as from Aug. 31, 1941. was "premature." He said that a test case should be brought by a sta- tion after it had been refused a re- newal of its license because of failure to comply with the new FCC network rules. Until there is such a refusal o renew the license, any suit is pre- mature, Harris argued. Xo hardship would be caused, he pointed out, be- cause the FCC has agreed that any station bringing such a test suit would have its license restored imme- diately if. after losing the suit, it complied with the rules. Telford Taylor, another Govern- ment attorney, admitted that networks would have some difficulty in signing up programs on a national basis with- out option time and exclusive con- tracts but said the other advantages of the new rules far outweighed this disadvantage. Bill Poster Ruled Theatre Employe A bill poster who received a flat payment of $2.50 per week to post bills at a theatre was held to be a theatre employe and therefore entitled to workmen's compensation for inju- ries sustained when he fell off a lad- der. The ruling was made by the X. Y. Court of Appeals in the case of Hamilton vs. Landau Amusement Corp. recently and is reported in vol- ume 287, X". Y. Reports. The defense pointed out that the bill poster received the same amount irrespective of the time spent on the job and that he worked for other the- atres at other times during the week, but the argument that he was an in- dependent contractor, rather than an employe, was overruled. Unemployment Aid Bill Filed in Albany Albany, Jan. 13. — A bill requiring the employer of even one person to pay unemployment insurance benefits was introduced in the State Senate today by Senator Phelps Phelps of New York City. The measure would include many small exhibitors who employ only a cashier and a projectionist. The bill was referred to the Labor and Indus- tries Committee. Emergency Defense Conference Tonight The second meeting of the Motion Picture Emergency Defense Confer- ennce, called by the Xew York Screen Publicists Guild, will be held tonight at the Hotel Edison. The Ampa will be host, it was announced. The an- nouncement stated the meeting will discuss the development of a program for united participation in the war effort. Mexican Film Banlv Will Begin Feb. 15, Capital at $510,00(] Mexico City, Jan. 13. — A mor , satisfactory operating basis for th] Mexican film industry is seen her| with the completion of plans for su tained financing by the Cinemat< graphic Bank, organized under ( ernment auspices and with the sonal influence of President AviT Camacho. The bank is the result of efforts o the part of industry leaders datin from 1936. It is to open about Fer 15, with a subscribed capital $510,000. National Bank Aids Much of the capital was put up b; the National Bank of Mexico, whici for some time has been making filn loans, and the Financiera Nacional Government fiscal agency. The banl is to support selected producers, dis tributors and exhibitors and some stu dios, and will assist in distribution ii the United States and leading Lath American countries. The Cinematographic Bank i headed by Antonio Espinosa de lo Monteros, president, and Carlos Car riedo Galvan, general manager Among the directors are Jesus Gro' vas, president of Jesus Grovas & CoJ producers; Mauricio de la Sernal producer and manager of the Cin I Teatro Alameda ; Alberto J. Pani, ex J Minister of Finance and Ambassado 1 to Spain ; Ricardo Pani, his son, whr| operates CLASA, the largest studi< in Mexico ; Agustin Legorreta, Jr. whose father is the managing directo of the National Bank, and Federic< Jiminez O'Farrill, local banker. Switch Personnel At WB York Housei York, Pa., Jan. 13. — Losses to th' defense industries have caused an- other switch in the personnel at th< local Warner theatres. Jerome Yai Brackle. Capitol assistant manager moved to the Strand as assistant, re placing Robert Gladfelter. Verh Boose, of the Capitol service staff, moves up into Van Brackle's vacatecl post, his spot filled by Warren Baltz ley, moving over from the Strand ser vice staff. In addition, John Kane* formerly with the Roosevelt, Phila delphia, has taken over the manager': post at the Ritz, succeeding A Myers, transferred to the circuit': Leader, Philadelphia. WB Home Office Has Raid Protection Unit Warners has organized a force of 40 men at the home office, equipped for firefight- ing, to be stationed on the roof of the building during air-raid alerts, it was an- nounced. Firefighting and first-aid units have been as- signed to each floor. Practice drills are held weekly, an alarm system has been in- stalled throughout the build- ing, and all employes have re- ceived detailed instructions, it was said. lert, tion MOTION PICTURE DAILY and Impartial L 51. NO. 10 NEW YORK. U.S.A., THURSDAY. JANUARY 15, 1942 TEN CENTS illkie Studies .W. Allied's leas for Aid Van Schmus, Music Hall Managing Director, Dies y Send Reply Today To Minn. Request Heart Ailment Fatal at 66; Funeral Services Set for Tomorrow .Vndell L. W'illkie, upon his re- { from Washington yesterday, armed receipt of a telegram m a group repioenting Xorth- t Allied and others in that ter- jry and said he is considering ■ Washington, Jan. 14. — Any ianee of including new pro- sions, such as a ceiling on film ntals as requested by North- Allied, in the pending price ntrol measure is prevented by e fact that the bill passed the iiate last Saturday with an nendment exempting motion ctures, it was said here today, tie only .Minnesota Congress- an available said no request om Northwest Allied for such move had been received. W illiam G. Van Schmus, managing director of the Radio City Music Hall since March 4, "ir request that he repre*ent them trying to obtain "fairer deals" n the distributors on product, "illkie indicated that he might jy to the telegram today. He said (Continued on page 3) idio Coordinator •reseen in Capital v'ashixgtox, Jan. 14. — Appoint- t of a coordinator for radio was tonight by observers here for the future as the OPM confirmed ious reports that sharp curtail- t and eventual discontinuance of iving-set production was to be or- d to enable set manufacturers to ert to war work. dministration officials believe that e is need for a radio organization liar to Lowell Mellett's office as {.Continued on page 9) \v. Vmi Schmus Funeral services 1933, died yes- terday at 1 P. M. at St. Luke's Hospital of a heart condition. He was 66 years old. Van Schmus had been ill for several months and entered the hospital on Dec. 30. The body is reposing at the Frank E. Campbell Fu- neral Church at Madison Avenue and 81st Street, will be held to- W, G. Van Schmus Church of the Avenue and P. M. Burial As- 10th will obber Salary $1,250 Week, SEC Reveals he Securities and Exchange Com- sion yesterday disclosed a 20th tury-Fox Film Corp. report on an 'loyment contract with Herman bber, director of distribution. The :ract, which was negotiated re- ;ly, is for five years, at a salary of 50 a week and with $12,500 a year ' expenses. morrow at the cension, Fifth Street, at 3:30 be private. Leaves Wife, Daughters He is survived by his wife, the for- mer Margaret Alice Mack of Toledo, O. ; three daughters, Mrs Samuel A. Smith of Summit, N. J. ; Mrs. Sam- uel R. Peale of New York, and Catherine W'illa Van Schmus, who lived with her parents at 24 West 55th Street. Also surviving are two brothers, Elmer E. Van Schmus, vice- president of the First National Bank of Chicago, and Albert E. Van Schmus of Napierville, 111., and three sisters, Flora Van Schmus of Chicago, Mrs. A. F. Duttweiler of Buffalo, and Edna Van Schmus of Princeton, N. J. Van Schmus came to the Music Hall and the exhibition of motion pic- tures after wide experience and a suc- cessful career in merchandising and in fields relating to contact with the public. Of Dutch Ancestry Van Schmus was born in Benson- ville. 111., suburb of Chicago, on Oct. 10, 1875, a descendant of Dutch an- cestors who came to Pennsylvania be- fore the Revolutionary War. He at- tended North Central College in Na- pierville, 111., of which his father was a trustee and his grandfather one of the trustees. After leaving college he was engaged in book publishing, being (Continued on page 9) G. Van Schmus made a re- markable impress/ upon the business of exhibiting motion pictures. Following a rich and extensive experi- ence in fields of merchandising and advertising he assumed, without pre- vious novitiate in the complexities of the motion picture business, the re- sponsibilities involved in the position of directing head of the world's great- est theatre. From the outset it became quickly apparent to the trade that a new vieiv- point had been brought to bear. Mr. Van Schmus had about him no atti- tude of cocksureness in his approach to the problems of shozvmanship. But neither zvas he quick to accept tradi- tional methods of the theatre as being necessarily the best of all possible methods. Quietly and in a manner of assuredness he explored and studied. And most especially, he listened. Not much time elapsed before there were many zvho came to give advice but re- mained to accept advice. The history of the industry discloses the name of no person who more quickly and thoroughly established for himself and his enterprise a reputa tion of respect and admiration. His influence pervaded not only metropoli tan exhibition but also reached into the councils of Hollywood, where he contributed invaluable suggestion and guidance. The Radio City Music Hall, under the aegis of Mr. Van Schmus, assumed institutional importance to the nation to the cdy and, in a very especial way, to the industry. It was developed into an example of quiet, orderly and sensi- ble operation which set for itself remarkable ideal of public service. The spirit of the managing director dominated the personnel organisation in a manner that was unobtrusive but exacting and meanwhile succeeded generating a high order of loyalty and enthusiasm. In tlie death of Mr. Van Schmus the business of motion pictures loses an outstanding personality who has been an exemplar of kindliness, in tegrity and wisdom. —MARTIN QUIGLEY Gov't Will Not Disturb Films, Mellett Says Assures Industry in Talk To Hollywood Leaders Hollywood, Jan. 14. — Indicat- ing that the present relations of the motion picture industry to the Gov- ernment in the making of films are not to be disturbed, Lowell Mellett, U. S. Coordinator of Films, today told industry leaders that Holly- wood's greatest war service is "to stay right here on the job making pictures." Mellett addressed a gathering of Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers executives, Guild officials, the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and Radio, and others. He reiterated that the Gov- ernment has no idea to censor the material that will go into films for public consumption. Rather, he said, his office will function primarily in an advis- ory capacity in transmitting to producers the Government's views of the international situa- tion as they relate to production of films. "Unless the Army, Navy or some other Government agency calls upon you for a specific task," Mellett told the meeting, "your greatest war serv- ice will be to stay right here on the job in Hollywood making pictures. We are hoping that most of you and your fellow workers will stay right here in Hollywood and keep on doing what you are doing because your mo- (Continued on page 3) U. S. Daylight Time Passage Due Today Washington, Jan. 14. — Final Congressional action on Day- light Saving legislation is ex- pected tomorrow following submission to both Houses to- day of a conference committee report accepting the House- approved measure. The committee rejected the Senate bill authorizing the President to change time in any area or nationally up to two hours, in favor of the House measure, which limits the advance to one hour na- tionally. The change is expected to start early in February. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 15, 1942 Coast Flashes Personal Mention Hollywood, Jan. 14 LEONARD GAYNOR, publicity and exploitation man formerly with major companies, has been ap- pointed Eastern representative for Frank Lloyd Productions, releasing through Universal. He plans to re- turn East next week. • Warner Bros, announced that to- morrow it will start its 3,000th film since the company began production in 1918 with its first feature, "My Four Years in Germany." Studio execu- tives and players will gather for cere- monies at the shooting of the first scene of "The Shadow of Their Wings." Of the total made since the start, 950 films have been features, the balance shorts, it was stated. • Persons with records of conviction on lewd show charges will not be per- mitted to obtain theatre licenses in Los Angeles under terms of a pro- posed ordinance sent by the City Council to the city attorney's office for drafting. Under the proposal, all houses, including film theatres, must be licensed by the Police Commission, which would have regulatory powers but not that of censorship over films. The measure is aimed mainly at stage presentations. Bookers Will Install New Officers Tonight The Motion Picture Bookers Club will install newly elected officers at a dinner tonight at the Cafe Loyale. To be inducted are Bernie Brooks, presi- dent ; Dan Ponticelle, vice-president ; Myron Starr, treasurer ; Louis Sol- koff, financial secretary; Pearl El- sohn, recording secretary ; Max Freid, Harold Klein, Archie Berish and Alex Arnswalder, directors ; Peter Saglem- beni and Ben Levine, trustees, and Robert Finkel, sergeant-at-arms. Minnesota Trial Is Adjourned for Day St. Paul, Jan. 14.— Trial of the State's criminal actions against Para- mount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox for violations of the Minnesota anti- consent decree law was adjourned to- day until tomorrow because of the death of a relative of one of the at- torneys in the case. To Honor Blotchy Minneapolis, Jan. 14. — The Twin City Variety Club next Monday at the Hotel Nicollet will hold a tes- timonial dinner for Ben Blotcky, who recently retired as chief barker. Com- mittee head is Maitland Frosch, new chief barker, with tickets handled by William Elson, Arthur Anderson and Max Torodor. BROADWAY PLAYS "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1& $1.50 uPoLU^n 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed.. Sat. &. Sun. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 MURRAY SILVERSTONE leaves for California tomorrow. • Cy Waxman, Atlantic City exhibi- tor, recently called up for active Navy duty, has been returned to Atlantic City to take charge of the new Navy recruiting station. Timothy O'Toole, Columbia New Haven exchange manager, is vacation- ing at Pinehurst. • Iline Fleischman of the Republic office staff in Philadelphia, and daugh- ter of the late Gilbert Fleischman, who was prominent in the local film industry, has announced her engage- ment to Horace Lean. Name Committees for Capital Variety Club Washington, Jan. 14. — Vincent Dougherty, new chief barker of the local Variety Club, has designated committees for the year. The com- mittees and their chairmen are as follows : Ways and means — Carter Barron and Sam Galanty ; welfare — Rudolph Berger, with A. E. Lichtman and John J. Payette, co-vice-chairmen ; house — John Allen ; entertainment — Sam Wheeler, with Gene Ford, as- sistant ; membership — Nathan Golden ; publicity — Hardie Meakin, with Dan Terrell, assistant ; tickets — Sidney Lust and Sam Wheeler ; special events — Arch Engel ; music — Morgan Baer and S. J. Kaufman. Sears, Leserman Leaving for Coast Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president of United Artists in charge of distribu- tion, plans to leave for the Coast to- day and Carl Leserman, general sales manager, is expected to leave tomor- row. They will confer with company pro- ducers on forthcoming product. Ed- ward C. Raftery, president, and Laudy Lawrence, vice-president, are remain- ing on the Coast to continue their meetings with company owners begun early last week. NL. NATHANSON will be in • town today. • Maxwell Gillis, Republic branch manager in Philadelphia, is back from a Southern vacation. • Ben Mancuso of Cosmo-Sileo has enlisted in the Navy. He has been accepted in the photo division and left Tuesday. • Harry Potter, manager of the B & K Norshore Theatre, Chicago, is the father of a son, born last week. • Sol Getzow, manager of Warners' Ogantz, Philadelphia, is recovering after a long illness. 'Bugle Sounds' Has Military Opening Louisville, Jan. 14. — In a military setting, provided by a number of Army and War Department officials attending, the premiere of M-G-M's "The Bugle Sounds" was held here tonight at Loew's Theatre. A parade to the theatre, planes above, and a WINN broadcast from the lobby gave the event colorful atmosphere. Among those present from M-G-M were E. K. O'Shea, Eastern and Southern sales manager ; John E. Flynn, Central division manager, and William R. Ferguson, exploitation manager. SPG Seeks Mediation Of Pact Controversy At the request of the New York Screen Publicists Guild, the N. Y. State Board of Mediation undertook yesterday to intervene in the bargain- ing dispute between the guild and the major companies. Paul Hayes, pro- fessor of law at Columbia University, was appointed mediator. Under its regular practice, the me- diation board asks both sides to ac- cept the services of a mediator to set- tle a dispute. The negotiations be- tween the SPG and the companies broke down last week. Says Distributors 'Sit Back' in Dispute Chicago, Jan. 14. — Comment- ing on the consent decree in the hearing of the Alcyon Theatre, Highland Park, 111., clearance case at the local ar- bitration board today, Aaron Stein, counsel for the inter- vening Teatro del Lago, Wil- mette, and the Glencoe Thea- tre, Glencoe, remarked: "I won't say anything for or against the decree, but in this case it has two independent exhibitors fighting against each other while the distribu- tors sit back and do nothing." Disney Reports Loss Of $789,297 in Year Hollywood, Jan. 14. — Net loss of $789,297 is reported by Walt Disney Productions, Inc., for the fiscal year ended last Sept. 27. The result com- pares with net loss of $1,259,798 for the year before. A profit of $210,703 was shown by the company prior to provision of $1,000,000 for excess cost of features over estimated income. In the year before, a loss of $259,798 was shown prior to a similar provision. Current and working assets at the close of the fiscal year were reported at $5,912,740, including $156,021 cash. Liabilities, including bank loans of $3,371,669, amounted to $4,278,942, in- dicating a net working capital of $1,633,798. Gross revenues were re- ported at $781,819, compared with $503,094 for the preceding fiscal year. Grainger Returns From Canada Trip J. R. Grainger, president of Repub- lic Pictures, returned from Toronto yesterday after attending a two-day sales meeting of Empire Films, Ltd,. Canadian distributor for Republic. Prior to his Toronto visit Grainger spent five weeks visiting the Republic studio and most of the company's branches. He reported good business conditions everywhere. Hamrick in Defense Post Seattle. Jan. 14. — John Hamrick, city manager of Hamrick-Evergreen Theatres, Inc., has been appointed coordinator of defense savings activi- ties for the theatres in the State. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cr&n, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue. C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Schaefer Announces New Appointments On Industry War Activities Committee George J. Schaefer, chairman of the War Activities Committee — Motion Picture Industry has announced the following new com- mittee appointments: Aloph Zukor, chairman, Drives Division; special events subcom- mittee, Charles W. Koerner, chairman, Max A. Cohen, S. H. Fabian, C. C. Moskowitz, Sidney Samuelson, to have final decision on mat- ters pertaining to theatres; talent participation subcommittee, to be chosen by Hollywood guilds; industry employe participation sub- committee, Abe Montague heading the New York group and a Hollywood chairman to be selected. Monroe Greenthal, chairman, division on advertising and pub- licity; Howard Strickling, vice-chairman for Hollywood. The New York committee includes Mort Blumenstock, Rodney Bush, Edward Churchill, Kenneth Clark, Al Wilkie, S. Barret McCormick, David Lipton, Charles Reed Jones, Louis Pollock, Si Seadler, Vincent Trotta, Armando, Joseph Gould. Arthur Mayer and S. H. Fabian have been named assistants to Francis S. Harmon, executive vice-chairman and coordinator. Don- ald E. Hyndman of Eastman Kodak Co., will serve for the next 90 days as assistant to Harmon on priority problems. The coordinating committee has been increased to 22 through the election to membership of Edward Arnold, E. L. Kuykendall, Abe Lastvogel, Abram F. Myers, R. H. Poole and Herman Robbins. Thursday Januar> 15, 1942 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 3 Gov't Will Not Disturb Films, Mellett Says Willkie Studies N. W. Allied's Pleas for Aid Reviews (Continued from page 1) that because of his unfamiliarity with the Minnesota situation, and his in- ability to study the request immedi- ately because of prior engagements, he could not make an immediate reply. In addition to soliciting Willkie's aid in obtaining more favorable rental terms, the Minnesota exhibitors were -eported to have sent a representative to Washington to ask Minnesota Con- gressmen to sponsor the inclusion of rilm rentals in the price control legis- lation now pending. Valve Shortage Hits Houses in England London-. Jan. 14. — A famine in valves has compelled picture houses in some districts in Britain to close for several days. The shortage is par- ticularly in rectifying valves for equipment supplying the arcs. Valves, naturally, fall into the cate- gories of technical equipment, the pro- duction of which has been affected by war conditions. The shortage is still acute, but joint examination of the problem is at present being given b> the C. K. A. and the Kinematograph Manufacturers' Association. It is likely that an appeal will be made to the Government for intervention. Notables Attend Ice Show for Navy Relief Washington. Jan. 14. — Notables of official Washington attended the opening tonight of "Ice Capades," held for the benefit of the Navy Re- lief Society. Dorothy Lamour made a personal appearance. In the audience were : Gen. George C. Marshall, chief of staff : Admiral Harold N. Stark, chief of Naval op- erations : Secretary of Agriculture Claude Wickard. and Attorney Gen- eral Francis Biddle. Wood Advocates Rise in Admission Columbus, Jan. 14. — Because the industry is faced with the possibility of increased Federal taxes on admis- sions, film rentals and seats to help meet the sum asked for in President Roosevelt's recent budget message, P. J. Wood, secretary of the I. T. O. of Ohio in a message to theatre owners advocates an increase in admissions, particularly at the first run houses, thus enabling the subsequents to re- vise their scales upward. "We Were Dancing" (M-G-M) Hollywood, Jan. 14 X] ORMA SHEARER, Melvyn Douglas and accomplished associates perform here with a measure of skill one of those well-dressed comedies of manners which amuse in the main by dint of dialogue. The script is by three screen playwrights who based it, quite remotely, upon Noel Coward's "Tonight at 8:30,'' which it recalls chiefly because the principal characters are similar to some of those in that collection of playlets and because attempt is made to simulate the light Coward treat- ment. Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, who also produced in collaboration with Orville O. Dull, the film is richly staged, expensively handled in every particular. Among the cast are Gail Patrick. Lee Bowman, Mar- jorie Main, Reginald Owen, Alan Mowbray. Florence Bates and Heather Thatcher, although only the leads manage to impart an impres- sion of realism to the proceedings in which they engage. Miss Shearer plays an impoverished Polish princess whose marriage to an American millionaire is interrupted by the arrival of Douglas, an Austrian baron living by his wits on the fringe of society, with whom she falls in love and with whom she elopes. They attempt to continue a career of polite social graft, but are ultimately divorced, after which she re-engages herself to the millionaire only to be re-won by her divorced husband, who has obtained a job by way of proving his reformation. The theme and the handling of it, in vogue on Broadway a few seasons back, have been dulled by world events which have deprived the artificiality which was once its charm of much of its interest. Running time, 94 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams 'Bombay Clipper" ( ( 'nivcrsal) COMBINING the elements of a newspaper yarn and a mystery melo- ^— ' drama, "Bombay Clipper," with William Gargan and Irene Harvey in the leading roles, should make good program fare. Direction by John Rawlings gives the film a smooth pace and. although the mystery fails to provide much tension, there is plenty of action. Current interest in the locale of the picture, Bombay, Singapore and Manila, should aid the box-office appeal. Gargan, top-flight newspaper man. returns from an assignment to find that his fiancee. Miss Harvey, is through with him because he has twice failed to keep an appointment to be married. She re-considers on his promise to quit and get a desk job in the States, but his editor induces him to cover just one more story on the promise to get him a job in Frisco. The story turns out to be a shipment of a fortune in diamonds from India to the United States for use in precision instruments. He keeps his promise to board the Bombay Clipper and marries Miss Harvey on hoard, but she does not know that he is still on the trail of a story. A murder on board complicates things, but Gargan gets his story and sev- eral others to boot. Marshall Grant was associate producer. Running time. 60 minutes "G."* Edward Greif "The Miracle Kid" (Producers Releasing) A LTHOL'GH this is a small scale production, its entertainment values ' * as developed by Producer George Batcheller are high. In such theatres as feature action fare, it should go over well. The cast performs adequately, the basic yarn is suitable and has incidental comedy which helps, and it develops well under the direction of William Beaudine. Tom Neal, Carol Hughes, Betty Blythe, Ben Taggert, Vicki Lester, Alex Callam and Thornton Edwards are in the cast. The story centers about the romance of Neal, a prizefighter, and Miss Hughes. The latter, while in the employ of Miss Blythe, operator of a school dealing in mental health, wins a beauty contest promoted by Miss Blythe's ex- husband. Taggert. engaged in physical health instruction. Callam is the double-crossing press agent who induces Neal to re-enter the ring and then has his opponents fold up. Neal discovers this, quits, and takes up where he left off with Miss Hughes. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel 20th-Fox Reel to Troops A compilation of newsreel shots of outstanding football games of the past season, prepared by Fox Movie- tonews, has been sent to U. S. troops in Iceland, Bermuda and Newfound- land, the company announced yester- day. Brigadier-General F. H. Os- born. chief of the morale branch of the Army, expressed appreciation. *"G" denotes general classification. Dismisses Piracy Suit Federal Judge Sidney Symes has dismissed the plagiarism action of Leo Sakardi against Dwight Deere Wiman. The court ruled that Wiman's musical, "I Married an Angel," was not a plagiarism. Raid Training Course New Haven, Jan. 14. — Theatre managers and assistants are enrolled in a 14-hour air raid emergency train- ing course, under the auspices of the Civilian Defense Council here. The course meets twice a week. (Continued from page 1) tion pictures are a vital contribution to the total defense effort. "Not only has the industry con- tributed greatly to national morale in keeping people happy with pictures but it has accomplished a great edu- cational feat. Some day some serious student of our day may figure out exactly how it was that the film in- dustry and its creators were able to see what was happening in the world with such great foresight and wis- dom." Will Appoint Coast Aide Mellett, it was said, will soon ap- point a Government assistant to make his office here as a clearing house for the Government's views to the pro- ducers. After the general meeting, Mellett went into a session with studio heads for a more detailed discussion. Both gatherings were closed sessions. He is scheduled to meet tomorrow with representatives of the actors', writers' and directors' guilds for further dis- cussion of their war efforts. Came With Harmon, Rosten Mellett arrived here this morning with Francis S. Harmon, executive vice-chairman and coordinator of the War Activities Committee-Motion Picture Industry, and Dr. Leo C. Ros- ten, who, it was reported, may be appointed the U. S. Film Coordinator's Hollywood representative. Order Termination Of RKO Proceeding Formal termination of the reorgan- ization proceedings of RKO and the discharge of the Irving Trust Co. as trustee was ordered yesterday by Federal Judge William Bondy in a final decree filed in the U. S. District Court. The decree, signed yesterday, fixed 11 years from its date as the time limit in which creditors may file claims and security holders present or surrender their securities in order to participate in the distribution of new securities under the plan of reorgan- ization approved in 1940. Warners Establish Exploitation Division A new home office exploitation division has been set up by Warners w ith Will Yolen, formerly of the stu- dio exploitation staff, in charge, it was announced yesterday. Mitchell Raw- son, Eastern publicity manager, will supervise the division. Assigned to Yolen's staff are Abe Kronenberg, Bill Berns and Reginald Rose. Conference Meeting Pledges Defense Aid The Motion Picture Emergency De- fense Conference meeting at the Hotel Edison last night adopted a program for participation in the war effort by local industry units, it was stated. The group plans to cooperate with the Office of Civilian Defense and the War Activities Committee - Motion Picture Industry. ■j,Yv° HELD OVER, ERROV^o WITH THE//? gfa ■THES ™ un~ ON" Pro^ding r11 L°S Angeles' Jacksonville Province Lincoln, Indianapolis and X other spot it's playing! 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 15, 1942 Short Subject Reviews Philadelphia Gives 'Babes' Big $29,000 Philadelphia, Jan. 14. — The down- town houses started the new year in good fashion. At the Stanley, "Babes On Broadway" accounted for a sensa- tional $29,000, and "How Green Was My Valley" at the Aldine drew $18,- 500. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 6-9: "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) ALDINE— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57e-68c) 7 days. Gross: $18,500. (Average. $9,000) "Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $2,600) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $13,000) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) EARLE — (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Count Basie's orchestra, Hattie McDaniel, Baby Law- rence, Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, Freddie Gordon & Timmie Rogers, James Rushing, Tab Smith, Earle Warren and Jo Jones. Gross: $24,000. (Average, $14,000) "Three Girls About Town" (Col.) FAY'S— (2,190) (15!c-2!9c-35c-46c-57c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Scarlet Kelly, Harry Savoy, Rex Weber & Francine La- marr. Tommy Trent, The Hoffman Girls, Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' band. Gross: $8,200. (Average, $6,900) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) FOX— (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $13,000) "Keep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) KARLTON — (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $3,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) KEITH'S— (2,200) (35c -41c -46c -57c -68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) "Babes on Broadway'" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $29,000. (Average, $14,000) "Swamp Water" (ZOth-Fox) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) 'Babes on BVay' Minneapolis Best Minneapolis, Jan. 14. — "Babes on Broadway" grossed $13,500 at the State, despite four days of continuous sub-zero temperature. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 8: "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (2,800) (28c-39c-44c) (55c New Years Eve show) 8 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $5,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) CENTURY— (1,600) (28c-39c-44c) 8 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $4,000) "Navy Blues" (W.B.) GOPHER— (998) (28c) 9 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $2,500) "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) WORLD-O50) (28c-39c-44c-55c) 8 days, 3rd week. Gross: $1,900. (Average. $1,600) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) STATE— (2.300) (28c-39c-44c) (55c New Years Eve) 8 days. Gross: $13,500. (Aver- age, $6,000) "The Smiling Ghost" (W.B.) (4 days) "Moonlight in Hawaii" (Univ.) (4 days) "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" (W.B.) (4 days) "Mexican Spitfire's Baby" (RKO) (4 days) ASTER — (900) (17c-28c) 8 days. Gross: $2,500. (Average. $1,800) Legitimate Theatre Has Emergency Unit An Emergency Council of the Legit- imate Theatre has been set up under the auspices of the League of New York Theatres. The Council will consider problems of the legitimate stage as they are affected by the war. All craft and performer unions, managers and dramatists will be rep- resented. "Evergreen Playground" (Ed Thorgersen's Sports Review) (20th Century-Fox) Here is a color travelogue of the vacation wonders of Britisn Colum- bia. Picturesque mountains and rivers, interesting shots of wild game, a visit to an Indian encampment, a cruise and a fight by a fisherman for an eight- pound trout are included. There are impressive shots of skiing. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Jan. 30, 1942. "Dutch Guiana" (The World Today) (20th Century-Fox) Lowell Thomas adds a timely com- mentary in this reel describing Dutch Guiana, recently placed under U. S. protection because of its valuable bauxite mines. Aside from the com- mentary, the reel proceeds along standard travelogue lines, with excel- lent shots of natives riding the rapids, conducting logging operations and en- gaging in native pastimes. Timely and interesting. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Jan. 2, 1942. "Happy Circus Days" (Terry-Toons) (20th Century-Fox) A little boy is awakened by his dog when the circus parade comes to town. They rush off to hear the barker de- scribe the wonders to be seen for a dime. Shown are the gigantic ape, the skating jackass, a trapeze artist, a wild man and a lion tamer, to say nothing of a host of clowns. After hearing the barker, the boy and dog agree they would rather go to the movies. It is in color, and fairly amus- ing. Running time, 7 mins. Release, Jan. 23, 1942. "New York's Finest" ( Panoramic ) (Columbia) The New York City police force and its intricate and varied activi- ties are described here. There is sufficient material to make it highly interesting and the reel is climaxed by a detailed description of the cap- ture of a gunman from the time the first alarm goes out until his record is completely traced and his guilt es- tablished. Very good. Running time, 10^2 mins. Release, Jan. 2, 1942. "Some More of Samoa" (Three Stooges) (Columbia) The Three Stooges set out in search of a mate for a rare persimmon tree and encounter a number of difficulties en route They are captured by can- nibals, almost roasted to make Stooge stew but finally manage to escape in a leaky canoe. There are only oc- casional laughs. Running time, 17 mins. Release, Dec. 4, 1941. "Rack 'em Up" (World of Sports) (ColiMnbia) Erwin Rudolph, the pocket billiard champion, demonstrates his wizardry with a cue. Bill Stern furnishes the commentary, describing the shots. The reel consists of a long series of trick shots which will keep the audi- ence gasping. Sure-fire with any kind of audience. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Dec. 26, 1941. "Men For the Fleet' (Adventures of the Newsreel Cameraman ) (20th Century-Fox) . The U. S. Navy is engaging every- body's attention these days, and this reel shows exactly what the young en- listee does during his training period. The rookie blue- jacket starts by get- ting the regulation haircut and issue of clothing. From that point, he is fol- lowed step by step through the training period until he leaves on a battleship as the band plays "Anchors Aweigh." A good, patriotic short subject. Run- ning time, 9 mins. Release, Jan. 16, 1942. "Red Riding Hood Rides Again" ( Color Rhapsody ) ' Columbia) A variation on the Red Riding Hood theme, in this cartoon Red Rid- ing Hood is saved from the wolf when the latter's draft number comes up. There are some scenes that may scare the kiddies but the rest of the reel may amuse them. The wolf tries to hitch a ride by disguising himself as a number of well-known screen stars. Running time, 7 mins. Re- lease, Dec. 4, 1941. "Sweet Spirits of Nighter" (All-Star Comedy) (Columbia) El Brendel, Tom Kennedy, Frank Lackteen, Lew Kelly and Duke York are seen in this comedy about two de- tectives who are assigned to capture some grave robbers. They encounter a crazy doctor who has succeeded in experiments to restore life to dead bodies. One of the "dead men" starts chasing the two detectives and scares them. There is not too much to it. Running time, 16 mins. Release, Dec. 11, 1941. "A Torrid Toreador" (Terry-Toons) (20th Century-Fox) An American cat touring through Latin America discovers a young senorita dancing the conga with the Carmen Miranda touch. He falls in love with her, but her father insists that he show his courage by fighting a bull. The cat conquers not only the bull, but a whole herd of them, by the American method of hitting them with his fists and anything else handy. A lively color cartoon. Running time, 7 mins. Release, Jan. 9, 1942. "Playtime in Hawaii' (Ed Thorgersen's Sports Review) (20th Century-Fox) It is no longer playtime in Hawaii, but this reel shows what a grand playland that island was before the war. The subject starts with native boys engaging in the sports of fish- ing, wrestling, fencing and football and then goes down to the beach to show the tourists indulging in their own sports. These latter amusements include surf-boarding and handling out-rigger canoes. The cameras picks up much of the excitement inherent in these sports and there is the usual bevy of bathing beauties. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Dec. 19, 1941. 'Fire' Takes Good$16,500, Leads Frisco San Francisco, Jan. 14. — Business showed well for the first time since the outbreak of war. "Ball of Fire," supported by a stage show, drew $16,- 500 at the Golden Gate, and "How Green Was My Valley" took $14,000 at the Warfield. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 5-7 : "Corsican Brothers" (U-A.) "Fiesta" (U.A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (35c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $7,500) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) FOX — (5,000) (15c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $15,900. (Average, $16,000) "Ball cf Fire" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (39c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $15,C00) "You Belong to Me" (Col.) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) ORPHEUM — (2,440) ( 15c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $8,200. (Average. $8,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) WARFIELD— (2,680) (15c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $12,000) "New York Town" (Para.) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (15c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week (Moved from Fox). Gross: $4,000. (Average. $4,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (2,740) (15c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $11,500) "The King" (French) CLAY — (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days. Gross: $700. (Average, $1,000) 1 Babes' Baltimore Winner at $22,500 Baltimore, Jan. 14. — Top honors went to "Babes on Broadway" which took $22,500 at the Century. "How Green Was My Valley" at the New Theatre scored $11,500 in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 8 : "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3.000) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $22,500. (Average, $10,000) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 7 days, "J 2nd week. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $8,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th- Fox) NEW — (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $11,500. (Average, $7,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) STANLEY— (3,280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $12,000) "Playmates" (RKO) HIPPODROME— (2,205) (15c-28c-39c-44c- 55c -66c) 8 days. Stage show featuring Mary Small, Sue Ryan. Jackie Miles and Six Willys.' Gross: $17,000. (Average, $14,000) Indianapolis, Jan. 14. — "Babes on Broadway" and "Mr. and Mrs. North" at Loew's took $14,000. "How Green Was My Valley" and "Marry the Boss's Daughter" did $9,800 at the Circle. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 7-8: "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) ''Marry the Boss's Daughter" (ZOth-Fox) CIRCLE— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7'/ days. Gross: $9,800. (Average. $6,500) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) INDIANA— (3.200) (28c-33c-44c) 8'/, days. Gross: $8,500. (Average. $7,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7'/, days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $8,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Flying Cadets" (Univ.) LYRIC— (2.000) (28c-33c-44c) 7'A days 2nd week. Cross: $6,000. (Average, $4,500) 'Babes' Captures Indianapolis Lead Again the spot-light is on GONE WITH THE WIND Naturally! VOTED BEST FILM OF THE YEAR in Film Daily's Annual Ten Best Poll of the Critics! 550 critics across the nation have told America! For the millions who have not yet seen it, for the millions who want to see it again, an impor- tant announcement will shortly be made regarding its new presentation. MOTION PICTURE DAILY'S BOOKING CHART WARNERS Y ou re in the Army Now (C) 113 Jimmy Durante (1941-42) They Died With Their Boots On (D) 114 Errol Flynn All Through the Night (D) 116 Bogart-Veidt 1 - 1 The Man Who Came to Dinner (C) 117 (1941-42) Wild Bill Hickok Rides (O) 118 Bennett-Cabot (1941-42) Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Vol. Hobson (1941-42) Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield (1941-42) Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Brcnda Marshall (1941-42) UNIVERSAL Melody Lane (C) Road Agent (D) (1941-42) Hellzapoppin' (C) 6046 Olsen-Johnson (1941-42) Don't Get Personal (C) 6037 Hugh Herbert ( 1941-42) Jail House Blues (C) 6032 Robert Paige (1941-42) Paris Calling (D) Randolph Scott (1941-42) North to the Klondike (D) Brod. Crawford (1941-42) Treat 'Em Rough (C) Eddie Albert (1941-42) Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Irene Hervey William Gargan (1941-42) Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 /. Mack Brown (1941-42) Ride 'Em Cowboy (C) Abbott-Costello (1941-42) Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) Atwell-Merkel (1941-42) The Saboteur (D) Priscilla Lane Robt. Cummings (1941-42) < Corsican Brothers (D) Dudes are Pretty People (C) (Streamliner) (1941-42) Twin Beds (C) Joan Bennett George Brent (1941-42) Shanghai Gesture (D) Gene Tierney Victor Mature (1941-42) 20TH-FOX Perfect Snob (C) 223 Lynn Bari Cornel Wilde (1941-42) How Green Was My Valley (D) 224 (1941-42) Remember the Day (D) 226 Colbert-Payne (1941-42) Blue, White and Perfect (D) 227 Lloyd Nolan (1941-42) Gentleman at heart (C) 228 Romero-Landis (1941-42) Right to the Heart (D) 229 a rendu Joyce (1941-42) fc>on of f ury (U) 230 Tyrone Power bene Tierney (1941-42) Young America (,C) 231 Jane Withers (1941-42) RKO RADIO Playmates (C) 212 Kay Kyser Band J. Barrymore (1941-42) A Date With the Falcon (D) 213 (1941-42) 1 Four Jacks and a Jill (C) 214 Ray Bolger (1941-42) Obliging Young Lady (C) 215 Joan Carroll (1941-42) Valley of the Sun (D) 216 Ball- Craig (1941-42) Riding the Wind (O) 283 Call Out the Marines (C) 217 (1941-42) Joan of Paris (D) 218 Michele Morgan T. Mitchell (1941-42) Sing Your Worries Away (M) 219 Bert Lahr (1941-42) Mexican Spitfire at Sea (C) 220 Errol-V elez (1941-42) REPUBLIC West of Cimarron (O) 163 3 Mesquiteers (1941-42) Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case (D) 112 (1941-42) Arizona Terrors (O) 174 Don Barry (1941-42) \ 0 1-1 13 M ~a -■ n> £ = '"' Man From Cheyenne (Q) 153 Roy Rogers (194)-4/> Pardon My Stripes (D) 122 William Henry (1941-42) Cowboy Serenade (O) 144 Code of the Outlaw (O) 164 (1941-42) A Tragedy at Midnight (D) 114 Lindsay- Howard (1941-42) South of Santa Fe (O) 154 Roy Rogers (1941-42) Stage Coach Express (O) 175 Don Barry (1941-42) PRC Law of the Timber (O) 215 Monte Blue (1941-42) Blonde Comet (D) 116 Robert Kent (1940-41) Texas Man Hunt (O) 251 Bill Boyd (1941-42) Lone Rider and Bandit (O) 263 George Houston (1941-42) Duke of the Navy (D) 206 Ralph Byrd (1941-42) Today I Hang (D) 214 Mona Barrie (1941-42) Broadway Big Shot (D) 207 Ralph Byrd (1941-42) Raiders of the West (O) 252 Lee Powell (1941-4Z; Billy the Kid Trapped (O) 259 Buster Crabbe (1941-42) PARA. 1 Among the Living (D) 4108 Albert Dekker (1941-42) Louisiana Purchase (M) 4136 Hope-Zorina (1941-42) (Third Block) Pacific Blackout (D) 4115) Robert Preston M. O'Driscoll Bahama Passage (D) 4111 Mad. Carroll Sterling Hayden Sullivan's Travels (C) 4112 McCrea-Lake No Hands On the Clock (C) 4113 Jean Parker Chester Morris Mr. Bug Goes to Town 4114 Fleischer Cartoon MONO. | Road to Happiness (D) John Boles (1941-42) Forbidden Trails (O) Rough Riders (1941-42) Freckles Comes Home (D) Johnny Downs (1941-42) Thunder River Feud (O) Here Come the Marines (D) (1941-42) Snuffy Smith, the Yard Bird (C) Edgar Kennedy (1941-42) Man From Headquarters (D) F. Albertson (1941-42) Below the Border (O) Rough Riders (1941-42) Law of the Jungle (D) Manton Moreland (1941-42) Frontier Law (O) Tom Keene (1941-42) Mr. Wise Guy (D) East Side Kids (1941-42) Rock River Renegades (O) Range Busters (1941-42) M-G-M 1 H. M. Pulham, Esq. (D) 212 Kathleen (D) 215 Design for Scandal (C) 213 Tarzan's Secret Treasure (D) 214 Babes On Broadway (M) 216 Rooney-Garland Dr. Kildare's Virtnrv (T)} 217 Lew Ayres Johnny Eager (D) 218 Taylor-Turner Mr. and Mrs. North (C) 219 Grade Allen The Bugle Sounds (C) 220 Berry-Main Joe Smith American (D) 221 Robert Young Marsha Hunt Woman of the Year (C) 222 K rn f> hn 11 I'll iv. 1 1 1 yv iw n Spencer Tracy The Vanishing Virginian (D) 223 Frank Morgan K. Grayson Yank on the Burma Road (D) 224 Laraine Day Barry Nelson COLUMBIA 1 Harvard, Here I Come (C) Riders of the Badlands (O) (1941-42) Bedtime Story (C) Fredric March Loretta Young (1941-42) Lone Star Vigilantes (O) Bill Elliott (1941-42) Confessions of Boston Blackie (D) Chester Morris (1941-42) Blondie Goes to College (C) West of Tombstone (O) (1941-42) Cadets On Parade (D) F. Bartholomew (1941-42) Close Call for Ellery Queen (D) William Gargan (1941-42) Man Who Returned to Life (D) John Howard (1941-42) The Lady Is Willing (C) Bullets for Bandits (O) (1941-42) Shut My Big Mouth (C) Joe E. Brown (1941-42) Adventures of Martin Eden (D) Trevor-Ford (1941-42) & V) § OS s vo 1-4 ft CO C O 3 CO >-» VO fe -£> en fe M fe ^ * « vo hursday, January 15, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 9 Burns Sues Para. In Answer to Suit Hollywood, Jan. 14. — In an answer to Paramount's Fed- eral court suit for $32,378 damages for his alleged fail- ure to appear in "Joan of Arkansas," Bob Burns today demanded §135,000 damages, declaring that the reason for his refusal to report for work in the film was that it carica- tured and ridiculed Arkansas hill folk. Burns declared he agreed to work in the picture upon receipt of the first draft of the story but balked when the final script was delivered be- cause the studio broke its al- leged promise to him not to subject the hill folk to ridi- cule. He asks $35,000 salary and $100,000 exemplary dam- ages. Off the Antenna BY mail from London come details of a stereoscopic color television dem- onstration by John L. Baird during the Christmas season. The important achievement is said to be that stereoscopy is accomplished without the use of spectacle devices to separate the images. At present, the image can be seen by only one viewer at a time, but Baird said he is perfecting a device which will permit several persons to see the image simultaneously. The method is reported to achieve stereoscopy on the principle of a separate picture for each eye. The scanning light is divided by means of mirrors to a degree of sepa- ration equal to that of the normal eye, the subject being scanned first from one angle and then from the other. The two pictures are served through the cathode ray tube and so handled that each eye sees its appropriate image, it was reported. • • • Purely Personal: F. A. Wankel has been named NBC Nczv York division engineer, succeeding G. O. Milne, who has been named chief engineer of the Blue. . . . H. M. Beville, Jr., NBC research director, has been ordered ta report for active duty as first lieutenant. Barry Rumple, chief statistician, mill take over his duties. • • • All three Rochester stations, WHAM, WHEC and WSAY, plan to combine their facilities six nights a week at 11:15 for five or six weeks to spur the local Red Cross drive. Local talent will be used for the shows. • • • Employes of KDKA, Pittsburgh , have signed up 100 per cent for payroll deductions for the purchase of defense bonds. Van Schmus, Music Hall Managing Director, Dies B&K Establishes Navy Radio School 1 Chicago, Jan. 14. — A new Navy school in ultra high frequency radio is to be established here under the lirection of Lt. William C Eddy, J.S.N. Retired, and now director of the Balaban & Katz television sta- tion, W9XBK. The announcement was made by Lt. R. C. McKee, at- tached to the local office of the Navy •>ublic relations department. The school will be located in the •State-Lake Building, where altera- :ions are being made for classrooms and the installation of equipment. The station and B&K will furnish :<> the Government without cost office i^pace, equipment and instruction staff. Eddy also will continue his duties at W9XBK. The course will require two months and 100 men will be en- tiled in each course. CBS Tests Jhows To Latin America The CBS short wave transmitters lave begun test broadcasts of pro- grams to affiliates of its Latin Amer- ican network and full scale operations [a ill. start shortly, Guy Hutcheson, \l BS engineer, revealed yesterday up- on his return from a six-month tour bf Latin America, where he visited \>9 of the 74 affiliates. Hutcheson said that since sets in .atin America are principally for .nng wave reception, rebroadcasts of LBS short wave programs by local ■tations on long wave will make "an Overwhelmingly larger audience" pos- sible. Service to Sponsor Stressed by Carr In view of the present war situa- | ion, the broadcaster must be prepared 10 give as much service as possible to (lie sponsor, Eugene Carr of WGAR, irieveland, chairman of the sales man- agers' executive committee of the Na- tional Association of Broadcasters, Jold the Radio Executives Club at its veekly luncheon yesterday. The NAB is prepared to cooperate in such ef- forts, he said. Erank E. Pellegrin, ^irector of the NAB board of broad- est advertising, also spoke. John Rymes presided. {Continued from page 1) associated with the original publishers of the "Oz" series and other ju- venile books. Then he became an executive for the Schlesinger and Mayer depart- ment store in Chicago, the May Com- pany in Cleveland and the George L. Dyer Co. in New York, of which he was treasurer and general mana- ger. Work in the industrial field, engineering and merchandising led to the formation with others in New York of the firm of Van Schmus, Mc- Dermid & Crawford, industrial en- gineers, specializing in sales and merchandising work. As this organi- zation expanded, among the larger companies which were his clients was Rockefeller Center, which he served in an advisory capacity. Appointed in 1933 Subsequently, he was asked to as- sume the post of managing director of the then new Radio City Music Hall, which had opened on Dec. 27, 1932. He took over the theatre po- sition on March 4, 1933, and also be- came president of Radio City Music Hall Corp. At his death he also was a mem- ber of the board of directors of Rockefeller Center, Inc., and of the board of RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., and president of the Center Theatre Corp. He was a member of the Union League Club, and for many years was a trustee of the Kent Place School for Girls at Summit, N. J. For his achievements in the world of culture, he was awarded a degree of Doctor of Humanity by Washing- ton and Jefferson College in 1935. He also was a former president of the National Retail Credit Association. Comments on Van Schmus' death from industry executives follow : Executives Comment Will H. Hays : "I am shocked and saddened by the death of Mr. Van Schmus. He had every quality of character and ability which made him valuable as an executive, a friend and an American. Honored and held in affectionate esteem by all who knew him, he will not only be a loss to the public he served so well, but to count- less individuals who knew his great understanding and kindness. Mo one better typified all that is best and finest in the motion picture industry." Sidney R. Kent: "I am terribly shocked and grieved to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Van Schmus. Here is a loss indeed— a real one for our industry. This kindly gentleman who conducted himself in such a dig- nified manner on all occasions, was a great example to our industry and a much needed one. He caused the highest of commerical standards to be set because of the manner in which he conducted himself, and I think all will agree with me that to do busi- ness with him was a genuine pleasure. "We extend our sympathy not only to his family but to that great insti- tution which will miss him — the Radio City Music Hall." Nicholas M. Sciienck : "It is a sudden shock to hear of the passing away of so eminent a showman and so snlendid a character as W. G. Van Schmus He will not be forgotten, nor will his contribution to the mo- tion picture industry." George J. Sc haefer : "Our industry has suffered a great loss in the pass- ing of Mr. W. G. Van Schmus. We have lost a very dear friend and one who can not be replaced. To me he has been more than a friend." Spyros Skouras : "W. G. Van Schmus, in his association with the motion picture industry, contributed to its advancement in prestige and dignity equally as much as his pion- eering predecessors. His memory should live long in the minds of his patrons and associates alike who have known his hospitality and his artistic showmanship in managing the fore- most motion picture theatre in the world." RCA Supplies $2,000,000 For Blue Web Chicago, Jan. 14. — RCA has provided $2,000,000 additional capi- tal for the operation of the Blue Network, Mark Woods, president of the new Blue Network Co., said here 'today. Woods and other officials are here for meetings of affiliates. The Blue affiliates' committee met today and all affiliates are scheduled to meet to- morrow. All affiliated stations must approve their contracts with the new network. Expects Higher Volume Woods stated that it is anticipated that the network's volume this year will be much higher than the $9,000,- 000 net in 1941, as it intends to in- crease competition with the Red net- work of NBC. He said union deals had been made eliminating NBC agreements from contracts, that employes are being separated from the Red as quickly as possible and the entire change should be accomplished by Feb. 1. Arrangements had been made to use NBC studios, on a time basis, for Blue broadcasts, he said. The idea of split- ting up the two networks had been suggested as far back as 1932, he said. Will Drop 'Red' Designation Niles Trammell, NBC president, said the Red Network would be known as such for the next few months but that it would eventually be known as the NBC Network. James L. Fly, FCC chairman, is ex- pected to speak at a luncheon tomor- row. An advisory committee of seven under the chairmanship of Howard Lane met today preliminary to a meet- ing tomorrow. Merritt R. Schoenfeld has been named sales manager of the Blue Cen- tral division here, it was announced. Jolliffe Is Named Sarnoff Assistant Dr. Charles B. Jolliffe, chief engi- neer of the RCA Laboratories, has been named assistant to the president of the company, David Sarnoff, presi- dent, announced yesterday. He will continue his duties as chief engineer. Jolliffe was appointed chief engi- neer of the Federal Radio Commis- sion in 1930 and continued in the same capacity when the FRC be- came the Federal Communications Commission in 1934. He resigned in 1935 to take charge of the RCA frequency bureau. Radio Coordinator Foreseen in Capital {Continued from page 1) Coordinator of Government Film Ac- tivities, to act as a liaison between the industry and the Government and to eliminate duplication of Government programs, possibly also to direct those programs along lines laid down by the defense policy-making group. Restrictions on manufacture of re- ceivers have been under consideration for some time. THE BEST PICTURE OF 1941 is rout BIST tox-omct BIT RIGHT NOW! THREE OF THE NATIONAL CRITICS' TEN BEST: "Citizen Kane," "The Little Foxes," and "Kitty Foyle" chosen by the votes of more than 500 critics of newspapers all over the country ii Film Daily's annual poll . . . FOUR OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW'S TEN BEST "Citizen Kane," "The Little Foxes," "Dumbo" and "Tom Dick and Harry' honored by the Committee of Exceptional Photoplays of the Natiom Board of Review as among the ten best pictures of the year. THE BEST ACTRESS OF 1941* JOAN FONTAINE for her appearance BRlT FONTAINE SIN % ft m with SIR CEDRIC HARDWICKE NIGEL BRUCE • DAME MAY WHITTY Screen play by Samson Raphaclson, Joan Harrison, Alma Reville fytMly ALFRED HITCHCOCK (* Awarded top honors by the New York Film Critics annual poll, nation- ally broadcast over NBC coast to coast network.) HAT A RECORD ONE COMPANY! MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF EVERYBODY'S FIRST TEN... AND FURTHER AWARDS ROLLING IN EVERY DAY!. reorge J. Schaefer, president of RKO, receiving the\ Jew York Film Critics' award plaques and certificates] m behalf of Miss Fontaine and Orson Welles. v. ATCH RKO RADIO IN 1942! ?4 weat 'SHouvhoh orator OPERATING THJATKsKA Des AAoirie^ 1? 1942 January ^# 2ft m Mr. VI, Corporation 20tn Century et 444 West 56tn flew YorVc City Dear Bill: carefully tne ^f^cited maKe better P be ,bW » orsan- I fee! ^ is tXcertaW «£M W-4 °f SC2S editor to get pitied to „e ization or an/ grosser. " lng8 and I be we S5 SSel; So so»e Sfto j-vyS r about it. SlVet»^ we are going feel about it, * ^lncerely ^ J ilert. MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial 51. NO. 11 NEW YORK, U. S. A,, FRIDAY. JANUARY 16, 1942 TEN CENTS I.S. to Order Drastic Radio iensor Rules ew Coordinating Unit Set Up By Roosevelt Washington, Jan. 15. — Censor- p rules for broadcasting, far re stringent than those imposed newspapers, will be issued to- rrow by the Office of Censor- p. it was disclosed today, hese rules will prohibit broad- ters from disseminating much of news approved for newspaper Plication, it was revealed. Meanwhile, by direction of 'resident Roosevelt, the Office f Facts and Figures tonight nnounced the creation of a adio division to serve as cen- Tal clearing house for Govern- ment news broadcasting. W. B. -ewis. formerly CBS vice-presi- ent in charge of programs, .as named division coordinator, 'he stiffer censor restrictions on idcasting, it was explained today (Continued on page 8) arietv Clubs Plan jNational Campaign \n announcement on behalf of the nal officers of the Variety Clubs America yesterday stated that an .anizing campaign will be under- en to establish clubs in New York- Chicago, and also Seattle, Port- d. San Francisco, Denver, Salt BEING TOLD IN "RAM XEVmi "Ace comedy chockful of laughs is a cinch for all ages and all types of trade... A belly laugh from start to finish!"— film daily "Sure-fire entertainment for the masses. Plenty of appeal for both sexes. Enter- tainment with a capital 'E'. A solid success in any spot!" —showmen's trade review "Maximum of entertainment!" — MOTION PICTURE DAILY "Audience gave manifest approval in sometimes rafter-shaking laughter!" — MOTION PICTURE HERALD "Wide-awake, racy, spontaneous farce- comedy that will get plenty of audience attention and reflect sustained entertain- ment factors in strong box-office returns!" — VARIETY "For Heaven's Sake, Keep Laughing!" —Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt J "They're r^J ing it at t Bijou, SprirJ "We're telli it with grossl at the Fo Philadelphia I'! S* success sroKY. . EVERYWHERE! "It's being re- told as a ho/d- ove r at the Rialto, Atlanta! We're devas- tating at the Denver ... in Denver!" "It's a great show story at the Colonial, Harris burg !" W "Superior busi- ness is the story at the Beacon in Superior!" 'Our story is wowing em at the Strand in Providence!" XT; . . . Audiences applaud it at the Palace in Canton !" Our story's good news at the Palace in Newport News!'' They love to hear it at the Empire in Birmingham)" . . . It's a gay session at the Senate ... in Spnngfield,lll." "One fan tells it to another at the Palace, Huntington \" & — "It's colossal the Colley iri Norfolk I" EVJJIPI Tfl D C Join THE MARCH 0F DIMES! Lobby collections, t A rf I U I I U Kb t week of January 22nd. Sign that pledge now! 6 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 16, 19' 'Hellzapoppin9 Seattle's Best, Takes $8,900 Seattle, Jan. 15— "Hellzapoppin" drew $8,900 at the Orpheum. "Babes on Broadway" at the Fifth Avenue drew $9,700. The weather was cold. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 9: "Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) "The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) BLUE MOUSE — (950) (30c-42coSc-/0c) 7 days 3rd week. Moved from Paramount. Gross: $3,S0O. (Average. $4^0011 "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) FIFTH AVENUE - (2,500) (30c -42c -58c- 70c) 7 days. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $7,000) "You Belong to Me (Col.) "The Blonde from Singapore ICoiJ LIBERTY — (1,800) (30c-42c-58c-/0c) 7 da vs. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $3,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "Cadet Girl" (ZOth-Fox) MUSIC BOX-(950) (30c-42c-58c-/0c) / days, 3rd week. Moved from Fifth Ave- nue. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $4,000) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (2,450) (30c-42coSc) 7 days. Gross: $8,900. (Average, $6,000) "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (Univ.) . . . , PALOMAR — (1,500) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville headed by Ulis & Clark. Gross: $5,600. (Average, $5,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) PARAMOUNT — (3,050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Gross: $8,200. (Average, $6,000) See British Theatre Manpower Assured London, Jan. 15. — The British Board of Trade has endorsed the recommendations with regard to the- atre personnel of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association, and has passed the recommendation on to the Ministry of Labor for appropriate ac- tion. The CEA general council today heard a committee report on the labor situation, which clarifies the situation and provides for appeals by local exhibitor groups to maintain their houses on a wartime basis. No calls for military service of first projec- tionists are expected before March, when the machinery will be in mo- tion for exhibitor appeals to retain the men. Plans are based on the training of women. Cashiers and women ushers apparently will not be taken for war service until sufficient time has elapsed for the training of older wo- men to replace them. The CEA has asked local boards to establish a uniform procedure on appeals. The exhibitor organization also decided on 100 per cent cooperation with the Army Home Guard and defense serv- ices. All British theatres will be loaned for lectures and film instruc- tion, and will persuade projectionists to join the Home Guard for tech- nical and film training duties. Reviews 'Wind' Reissue Not To Be Cut Version "Gone With the Wind," which will be released soon by M-G-M, will not reappear in a cut version, W. F. Rodgers, Loew's vice-president and general sales manager, said yesterday. Selling terms for the picture on its new release will be set in about a week, Rodgers said. "The Lady Has Plans" {Paramount) THE lady who is the chief concern of this picture does not have the plans, but certain developments give the other characters to believe that she has. Upon this misunderstanding has been built a melodrama of high order, written imaginatively by Harry Tugend with an eye on the box-office. Crisp excitement, tingling suspense, action and pace abound, and the dialogue is of the sophisticated sort which sometimes gives rise to double meaning. The melodramatic story moves swiftly, is played to the hilt and has top production values. For the marquee are the names of Paulette Go3- dard and Ray Milland, supported by Roland Young, Albert Dekker, Margaret Hayes, Cecil Kellaway and others. In New York, Addison and Miss Hayes, with plans for a Naval tor- pedo, plan her escape to Lisbon where Dekker, Nazi officer, is waiting. She intends to pose as Miss Goddard, assisting Milland, a radio corre- spondent, but the FBI frustrates the plan. The scene shifts to Lisbon, where Miss Goddard is taken to be the espionage agent by Dekker and Young, British Embassy attache. Swift and amusing complications ensue. Miss Goddard subsequently proves her identity and then plays into the hands of Dekker with a big scoop for Milland in mind. Miss Hayes and Richards pop up, however, and Milland and Miss Goddard are imprisoned at a Nazi "health" resort. They escape, make their way to the lobby of the hotel, and from a telephone booth Milland delivers his broadcast to America, disclosing the Nazi espionage tactics. At that point the police arrive. Running time, 72 minutes. "A."* Eugene Arneel *"A" denotes adult classification. <( Torpedo Boat" {Paramount) RICHARD ARLEN and Phillip Terry are buddies who have invented a new type of torpedo boat but lack the necessary cash to make a model for presentation to the Navy. They meet an old friend in the person of Dick Purcell who is general manager of a large shipyard but have difficulty in persuading him to turn from freighter building to torpedo boats. Through the intercession of the boss's daughter, Mary Carlisle, they get the model built. Meanwhile, Arlen falls in love with Miss Carlisle, although he knows her to be engaged to Purcell, and Terry falls in love with Jean Parker, although he knows her to be still very much in love with Arlen. This double triangle is resolved by the death of Terry after his marriage to Miss Parker and the decision of Purcell to step aside in favor of the romance between Arlen and Miss Carlisle. The plot frequently becomes highly involved and the desires of the characters are not always clear. Several motorboat sequences liven the action. The ending fails to resolve the future of the presumably shat- tered lives of Miss Parker and Purcell. John Rawlings directed and William Pine and William Thomas produced. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif A "North to the Klondike" { Universal) Hollywood, Jan. 15 CTION-PACKED melodrama of Alaska in the days of gold mining and the first agricultural settlers forms the basis for this film, which features Brod Crawford, Evelyn Ankers, Andy Devine and Lon Chaney. Suggested by Jack London's "Gold Hunters of the North," the script by Clarence Upson Young, Lou Sarecky and George Bricker moves swiftly through the story of an unscrupulous trader's attempts to cause settlers to abandon their homesteads in order that he might stage a claim to a gold mine. The climax comes with a fight between Crawford and Chaney, the inevitable last reel rough and tumble battle which seems to conclude all pictures of the north. Erie C. Kenton directed the picture, pacing its action and comedy neatly. As associate producer, Paul Malvern made excellent use of stock material to give the film an air of elaborate mount- ings. The offering is above par in its field. Running time, 58 minutes. "G."* Vance King *"G" denotes general classification. ' Spitfire' and Show Is Good Boston Drav Boston, Jan. 15. — "Mexican Sp fire at Sea" coupled with a sta show featuring Simone Simon a Carmen Amaya brought $18,900 the Keith Boston. "Babes on Br way" plus "Miss Polly" gave Lol Orpheum $19,000 and Loew's St; $15,600. Estimated receipts for the we ending Jan. 7-9: "Mexican Spitfire at Sea" (RKO) KEITH BOSTON— (2,697) (30c-40c-4 ! 55c-65c) 7 days. Vaudeville including mone Simon, Carmen Amaya, The C ' tinental Varieties, The South Ameri- Fiesta, Gill Lamb. Gross: $18,900. (Avj age, $8,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) KEITH MEMORIAL— (2,907) (30c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Aveea $16,000) "They Died with Their Boots On" (W. "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) METROPOLITAN — (4,367) (28c-30c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $17,700. (A\ age, $15,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "The Night of January 16" (Para.) PARAMOUNT — (1,797) (28c-30c-40c- 55c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,100. (A\ age, $7,500. "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "The Night of January 16" (Para.) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c-30c-40c-44c- 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $6,400. (Aver; $4,500) "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) "One Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) SCOLLAY— (2,500) (28c -30c -40c -44c- 7 days, 3rd run. Gross: $3,900. (Aver; ! $4,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) LOEW'S STATE— (3,000) (30c-40c- 55c) 7 days. Gross: $15,600. (Aver; $12,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) LOEW'S ORPHEUM— (2,900) (30c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Aver; $17,500) 300 Attend Metro Forum in St. Lou St. Louis, Jan. 15. — ■ More tl 300 exhibitors attended M-G-I third exhibitor forum at the Coron; Hotel here today, participating discussions designed to improve t; atre patronage. H. M. Richey, in charge of I hibitor relations for M-G-M, f sided. Fred Wehrenberg, presic of the MPTO of St Louis, East Missouri and Southern Illinois, operated in sponsoring the meet I John E. Flynn, Central division ml ager for M-G-M, was guest a J luncheon. Other M-G-M represei J tives were Harris P. Wolf berg, 1 trict manager ; John X. Quinn, bra 1 manager ; Irving Waterstreet, f I representative, and M. L. Simons the home office. William R. Ferguson, exploita manager, who also addressed forum, left for the home office to< Baltimore Theatres^ Ready for Blacko] Baltimore, Jan. 15. — Film thea i here announce they have met all quirements for a blackout test tc j scheduled by the Office of Civi Defense shortly. It has been nounced that shows may cont I provided no light escapes. All out electric signs will be darkened. Jday, January 16, 1942 motion Picture daily 7 Reviews "The Remarkable Andrew" (Paramount) JUT ERE is a novel and thoroughly entertaining picture, unpretentious, but possessed of a quality which should warm the hearts of all Amer- icans, and which should spread by word of mouth. Its basic theme is that of democracy and the manner in which it has been made to work, in terms of everyday living, and the honesty of a young man who keeps books in a small town, and whose idol is General Andrew Jackson. From the novel and screenplay by Dalton Trumbo, the film has been directed skillfully by Stuart Heisler, under the supervision of Richard Blumenthal as associate producer. There are no outstanding cast names, and the showmen's job is to get the patrons into the theatre. Once they are there, they and others will be sold. William Holden is the young bookkeeper, Ellen Drew his fiancee. When he uncovers a shortage in the books, obviously the work of city officials, from the Mayor down to the purchasing agent, he refuses to be bribed or to cover the situation, and is tossed into jail, charged with embezzlement. But before he is arrested the shade of General Andrew Jackson conies to him, invisible to all but Holden, and stands by his side. When the trial approaches, counsel is needed, and Jackson, played splendidly by Brian Donlevy, summons help in the form of the shades of Washington, Jefferson, Marshall, Franklin, Jesse James, and a plain soldier in the Revolution. With their help, Holden acts as his own counsel, borrows the words of the nation's great to explain what democ- racy means to him, and with evidence his invisible cohort uncovers, accomplishes the downfall of the false public servants. That is the story, but its telling fails to take into account the delightfully amusing byplay among the shades of yesterday who find themselves in the bewildering maze of today. Running time, 80 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson "College Sweetheart" (Monogram) HP HIS is a mild little musical comedy in whose narrative is worked *■ together the financial difficulty of a small town college and a reunion of a self-centered student and his mother, a veteran of the stage, who effects a change in character in her son, and prompts the staging of a musical show by the student body which lifts the mortgage on the college. Some bits of the music and comedy make for enjoyment, but the film generally is rather colorless. Playing the principal parts are Grace Hayes, as the mother ; Peter Lind Hayes, the son, who for the most part is unaware of the relationship ; Mary Healy, Miss Hayes' attractive assistant; Huntz Hall, another student; Skeets Gallagher, college dean, and Benny Rubin, Frank Elliott, Eddie Kane, Roland Dupree and Leonard Seus. William Nigh directed the Sam Katzman production. Running time, 62 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel Scattered Shenandoah, Pa., Jan. 15 FOUR ushers at the Strand Theatre enlisted in the U.S. Army more than a year ago in the hope of serving their enlistments together. However, at latest reports, James Dalton is in San Fran- cisco, Ed Tomcavage is in New Jersey, James Hammon sends his mail from Trinidad and Joseph Kalinowski is in Iceland. I irst Complaints at I >es Moines Board rought This Week (Continued from page 1) .1 gton, la. The Central States' Capi- J a first-run, was named respondent. 1 e complaint alleged that the Capitol icticed "broken" runs whereby it .light back pictures sixty days after Hr initial runs, thus extending the arance from the usual 120 days to x > days. ^ misses First ecific Run Case ■ The first specific run arbitration 'J >e to be decided was dismissed by -\ nuel W. Pringle, Pittsburgh ar- i -ator, on the ground that the com- dng house is "definitely better," icrican Arbitration Association * ^dquarters here was advised yester- it" ' I The case was filed last April by J vid Green, owner of the Beacon, H tsburgh, and named all five con- tting companies and Warners' jirrel Hill Theatre. Warners was 1 1 frequently dismissed as a defendant. !' the specific run provisions of the ree did not become operative until t Sept. 1. the complaint was not '. ird until December. i Finds for Warner House t; n his opinion, Pringle held that "'" he was required to determine was ether the refusal of the distributors grant the run requested by Green t s "arbitrary" and due to the fact ji t the Squirrel Hill was "a circuit atre." Pringle found, according to opinion, that the Warner house Jp "definitely better" than the com- n-inant's house and that the run uested by Green was refused for t reason and not because the com- ing house was a circuit theatre. V ariety Clubs Plan National Campaign (Continued from page 1) I i from Feb. 1 to Feb. 14, under the ection of John H. Harris, national ief Barker, and R. J. O'Donnell, •istant national Chief Barker, who. .was said, will make a tour in this : 'mection. . following the Variety Clubs na- nal convention some months ago it s stated that an organizing cam- : gn would get under way in a num- of cities. :The announcement gave the follow- r as the purpose behind the cam- -.ign: "While it is true that motion i ture people seek no undue credit, l£ fact remains that the industry is "en always to outside attack by jl>ery crackpot who seeks publicity. By not, then, get the proper credit ijjr what it does?" Buffalo House Aids i Blood Bank Service ., Buffalo, Jan. 15. — Members of the I ■nior group of the blood procure- ment service of the American Red A oss have a booth set up in the lobby Shea's Buffalo Theatre where they t.:ept names of blood donors. A r iler also is being shown at the Buf- o publicizing the work of the blood xurement service. *"G" denotes general classification. St. Louis Operators Conserving Copper St. Louis, Jan. 15. — Local 143 here of the operators' union has ini- tiated a plan of copper conservation. Copper plating is stripped off the ends of used projector carbons, and all copper drippings accumulated in the projector lamp houses are salvaged. It is turned over to local organiza- tions or sold to metal scrap dealers, and the proceeds donated to defense funds. Rep. to Make 'My Buddy' Republic has acquired the rights to the song "My Buddy" for the picture of the same title, on which prelim- inary work is in progress, and has started preparation of another picture, "Thumbs Up," James R. Grainger, president, has announced. Para. Exchange to Open Washington, Jan. 15. — Para- mount's new exchange building here is expected to be formally opened early next month. SPG Mediation Meet Scheduled Thursday Next Thursday has been set for the first meeting between major com- panies and the New York State Me- diation Board with reference to the board's invitation to mediate the dis- pute on an agreement with the New York Screen Publicists Guild. Bur- ton A. Zorn, attorney representing Loew's, has accepted on behalf of the company but other companies were reported still studying the matter. Mexico Plans Film Performers School Mexico City, Jan. 15. — Mexico is soon to have an official school for in- struction in screen acting. The school is to be started here about Feb. 15 by the Ministry of Public Education and the National Cinematographic Work- ers Union. The enrollment already totals 1,000 men and women. Julio Bracho, a new director, will direct the school and film stars have been signed as instructors. Business Fair at BVay Holdovers With mostly Christmas and New Year's attractions which had held over, Broadway theatres this week grossed fairly well. At the Strand, "The Man Who Came To Dinner" with Jimmy Dor- sey's orchestra on the stage went over nicely in its second week with an estimated $46,000 and continues into a third today. The Radio City Music Hall opened "Ball of Fire" yesterday after the second week of "Babes on Broadway" with the stage presentation drew an estimated $72,- 000. "Two-Faced Woman" gave the Capitol an estimated $25,000 during its last eight days and was replaced yesterday by "The Corsican Brothers." "Remember the Day" in its third week with a stage show at the Roxy grossed an estimated $35,200. The show held for an extra day yesterday and is to be followed today by "I Wake Up Screaming." "Bombay Clipper" finishes a week at the Rialto with an estimated $4,200 expected. "Treat 'Em Rough" goes in tomorrow. Hays Stresses Films Role as Defense Aid (Continued from page 1) porary release of the high tension under which ordinary life exists to- day, the motion picture is vital un- der the added strain of war. Not only is it recording history, not only is it aiding directly through information and visual instruction, but it admit- tedly is an essential factor in relaxing nerves too tightly stretched and in strengthening morale." "While other industries are mak- ing every effort to turn out the ma- chines we need and 'keep them fly- ing,' I can assure you the motion pic- ture industry is going all out to keep the national spirit soaring, and as one contribution to the American people will endeavor to 'keep them smiling'," Hays said. "Those who can laugh in the face of danger usually prove to be very tough fighters, indeed," he observed. Heads Showmen Club Philadelphia, Jan. 15. — Maurice Verbin, film advertising solicitor of the Philadelphia Record, has been elected president of the Showmen's Club, replacing Charles Goldfine. Handles English Film Astor Pictures has taken "George Takes the Air," English film starring George Formby, for distribution na- tionally, from Jack Barnstyn of the B. S. B. Corp. Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 16, 194. FCC Offers Aid to Blue, Backs Setup Chicago, Jan. IS. — Declaring that the FCC supports the separa- tion of the Blue network from NBC-Red and approves the new corporate setup, FCC Chairman James L. Fly told the new Blue Network Co. station affiliates meet- ing here today that he is prepared to assist them "in any way pos- sible." Fly deprecated reports being circulated that the separation of the Red and Blue was a mere "token separation" and asserted that he had been assured that the present corporate change is merely preliminary to the actual bona fide separation of owner- ship, control and management. Fly said the Blue is "an indispen- sable part of our broadcasting sys- tem," and said it should be sold as "a going concern" He promised that the FCC would do everything in its power to facilitate the transfer of the Blue as a unit to an independent man- agement. Network for Sale Mark Woods, president of the Blue Network Co., told the affiliates that a sale of the Blue is "very unlikely at present" although it was available for sale. Woods said reports that WJZ, New York; WENR, Chicago, and KGO, San Francisco, would be sold separately are untrue. He said that three fundamental conditions would have to be met be- fore the Blue could be sold by RCA, its parent company. It would be re- quired that interested buyers are of a proved character to insure future operation on a high ethical basis ; that the 113 affiliates approve, and that the buyers would not only have to pay an adequate price but they would have to show adequate resources for long-time operation of the web. Edgar Kobak, Blue executive vice- president, declared : "We are going to build, not only solidly for the Blue Network but also for the broadcast- ing industry." Philips Carlin, vice- president in charge of programs, said that the Blue will originate and accept new program ideas. Niles Trammell, NBC president and chair- Canada Halts Radio Set Output Jan. 31 Montreal, Jan. 15.— The Can- adian Munitions and Supply Department has announced officially that the manufac- ture of civilian radio receiving sets will be prohibited after Jan. 31, except under permit from Supplies Controller Alan H. Williamson. February production quotas for which permits wil4 be granted have not yet been de- termined. The order is de- signed to direct the produc- tive facilities of the radio companies in increasing meas- ure to the war effort. Off the Antenna FT\/I RECEIVERS in the New York area have reached a new high mark *■ -L^-l of 50,000 sets, FM Broadcasters, Inc., reported yesterday. The national total is close to the quarter million mark, it was said. The New England states have between 22,000 and 24,000 ; Chicago about 25,000 ; Phila- delphia, 12,000; Los Angeles, 15,000; Milwaukee, 6,500; Detroit, 12,000, and Pittsburgh, 8,000, it was reported. • • • Purely Personal: Merle Oberon, on behalf of the British American Ambu- lance Corps, will present six ambulances to the New York State Guard over WNEW this evening. . . . Adolph B. Chamberlain, CBS chief engineer, has been awarded an honorary engineering fellowship by the Institute of Radio Engineers. . . . Edzmrd R. Murrow, chief of the CBS European staff, hats been named "Man of the Year" by Kappa Sigma fraternity. . . . Jack Siegal has been named chief transmitter engineer and Woody Eberhardt assistant technical chief at WCHS, Charleston, W. Va. . . . Harold Desfor, account executive at David O. Alber Associates, has resigned to join the press division of RCA Manufacturing at Camden. ... WWVA, Wheeling, W. Va., expects to start full-time operation with 50,000 watts about April 1, and WNBC, Hartford, Conn., has begun operation with 5,000 watts nights, it was announced by the Blue yes- terday. • • • WHOM has set up a special department to handle defense activities, it was announced yesterday by Joseph Lang, general manager. J. M. Compter, formerly of the sales staff, will be director with Charles Baltin his assistant. From Nov. 7 to Jan. 5, a total of 3,096 defense announcements were made, in addition to the regular Government announcements, it was said. • • • The first in a series of weekly luncheon meetings of the American Tele- vision Society will be held at 12 :30 o'clock today at the Hotel Woodstock. "Television's Wartime Job" will be the subject. • • • As NBC sent out four touring "Mile O' Dimes" booths, the 1,470 em- ployes of WEAF and WJZ started the campaign with a contribution of $147, a dime apiece. man of the Blue executive board, also spoke. The station planning and advisory committee, consisting of representa- tives of affiliates from seven major sections, elected Howard Lane, of KFBK, Sacramento, chairman. Resolutions adopted included a rec- ommendation that all affiliates co- operate with the network manage- ment ; a pledge of confidence in the management ; a recommendation that a member of the committee be elected to the board of directors for one vear and not be eligible for reelec- tion, and disapproval of the linking of all four networks except for Presi- dential addresses or programs of ex- traordinary interest in the success of the war effort. Urges Mass Appeal Shows Also adopted was a resolution ap- proving extension of the foreign and domestic news services, and the pro- gramming of new shows of mass ap- peal. "The committee strongly urges," the resolution continued, "that the program resources of the Blue net- work be energetically directed to the fullest extent towards keeping listen- ers more fully informed on world events, and that programs shall be di- rected towards serving the most people at all times. We recommend that class or luxury programs, with limited audience appeal, be curtailed to the greatest extent possible, and that some be discontinued for the du- ration of the war. It is the further recommendation of the committee that the 'Farm and Home Hour' be imme- diately reduced to one-half hour." The resolution concluded with the observation that if resources were not conserved, it is possible that stations would be called upon in the future to pay line charges. Co-Author Shares in Renewal,CourtRules A copyright renewal of a musical composition obtained by a composer is for the benefit of his co-author as well even though the latter has al- lowed his rights to lapse, Federal Judge Vincent T. Leibell ruled yester- day. The court denied judgments sought in three cases by Edward B. Marks Music Corp. against Jerry Vogel Music Co., Inc., in which re- newal rights to the so— s, "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," "The Bird on Nellie's Hat" and "December in May," were involved. The Marks company claimed ex- clusive rights to one song's music and to the lyrics of another, claiming that it had filed copyright renewals cover- ing these elements. _ The court pointed out that the copy- right law provides that if a co-author copyrights a musical composition in his own name, he becomes a trustee for his co-author, because "the copy- right protects both the words and the music." Marks Suit Dismissal Is Sought by Ascap Application was filed yesterday in the N. Y. Supreme Court by Ascap and five of its composer members to dismiss the suit of BMI and Edward B. Marks Music Corp. for a declara- tory judgment in its test suit on three of Marks' songs. BMI is seeking a court determination that it owns the exclusive broadcasting rights on the ground that Marks as publisher has signed an agreement granting these rights. U.S. to Order Drastic Radio Censor Rules (Continued from page 1) by Byron Price, Director of Censor ship, are necessitated by the fact tha while newspaper circulation is limijjt broadcasts can be picked up far»; yond the confines of a stations' sen!5? area. As the censorship staff is devel; oped, Price said, incoming cable an< radio messages will be censored, in eluding the reports of network corre. spondents abroad for immediate re broadcast in this country. Bar Aid to Enemy The new radio regulations, gen erally, will provide that no materia which might be of any value to at enemy may be broadcast. This will in elude all of the subjects barred to the press and, in addition, news of loca military or defense activities. Douglas Meservy, formerly assist- ant to the NBC vice-president ir charge of programs, was appointee assistant to Lewis in the new coordi- nating division. Roosevelt Explains In a letter to Archibald MacLeish director of the Office of Facts anc Figures, the President explained thai it is not intended that the new divi- sion he had ordered shall in any waj conflict with the work being done b) Col. William J. Donovan, Coordina- tor of Information, or Nelson Rocke- feller, Coordinator of Inter-Americar Affairs, but since programs arrangec by the Office of Facts and Figures may be broadcast to the world al large, it was suggested that the three organizations should work on such; matters together "to avoid conflict and possible overlapping." Like Film Setup It is expected that the new division will work along the lines followed by Lowell Mellett, Coordinator of Gov- ernment film activities, to organize Government programs in an orderly..! fashion and act as liaison between the Government and the broadcasting industry. 1 $1,000,000 Surplus For Canadian Web Montreal, Jan. 15. — The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. had a surplus of $1,000,000 from operations during the period from Nov. 2, 1936 to March- 31, 1941, Major Gladstone Murray, general manager, told the Ottawa] Canadian Club yesterday. Murray urged the adoption of a code of good taste by all North American networks and asked for an improved ethical tone for many com- mercial programs. He referred to afternoon programming as the "war of the soap operas." "The business of selling by radio, important and indeed essential as it is to the economy of North Ameri- can broadcasting, must be envisaged as far more than mere selling if_ it is to be permitted to continue in in- telligent democracies," he said. 4lert, DO NOT R MOTION PICTURE DAILY EMOVE 1 IL. 51. NO. 12 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1942 TEN CENTS tadio Hails Censor Rules As 'Sensible' ebs See Little Difficulty In Full Compliance Network and station executives er the weekend hailed the new .dio censorship rules as "sensible" id "reasonable." The officials de- ared that there would be little fticulty in conforming because al- most all the provisions had been lopted voluntarily before their < mulgation late last week by the j. S. Office of Censorship. CBS declared that the rules were poth reasonable and intelligent." ilfred J. McCosker, WOR president id Mutual chairman of the board, lid they "reveal sound judgment and ^practical knowledge of radio opera- t>n." Clarence L. Menser, NBC pro- am manager, said the network was {Continued on pane 4) •lane Crash Kills Carole Lombard Hollywood, Jan. 18. — Carole Lom- ard, 32, film star and wife of Clark- able, was killed with her mother, Irs. Elizabeth Peters, and Otto YVink- tr, M-G-M publicity representative, lien a Westbound TWA plane in ■liich they were passengers crashed nd exploded Friday night near Las regas, New There were 22 persons n the liner. Miss Lombard was returning from ndianapolis where on Thursday she articipated with Will H. Hays, presi- ent of the MPPDA, in opening a rive to sell defense bonds. Gable flew to Las Vegas on Satur- (Continued on page 4) L. A. Patrons Hear Navy Recruit Talks Los Angeles, Jan. 18. — Navy recruiting from the stages of Los Angeles area theatres will get under way immediately, at the Navy's request. Plans have been approved by the local Theatre Defense Bureau. Ex- hibitors have been issued in- structions on providing facili- ties, proper program spacing and the introduction of en- listment speakers by the the- atre managers. Producers' Final Proposals to IA To be Made Today Major producers' representatives are scheduled to make final proposals for new working agreements with the eight IATSE studio locals when ne- gotiating sessions resume today after two weeks of discussion here. Negotiation of wages is expected to be taken up. So far only working con- ditions for the studio unions have been discussed, it is understood. Some agreements on working con- ditions were reached with grips, prop- erty workers and makeup artists at a session on Friday which was termi- nated early to permit the negotiators to attend funeral services for W. G. Van Schmus. Pat Casey, producers' labor repre- sentative, met all day Saturday and Sunday with major studio officials in an effort to have the producers' final (Continued on page 4) Trade Leaders at Van Schmus Rites Many leading industry executives were among the 600 persons who at- tended funeral services for W. G. Van Schmus, managing director of the Ra- dio City Music Hall, at the Church of the Ascension, Fifth Avenue and 1 Oth Street, Fridav afternoon. The Rev. Dr. Donald B. Aldrich, rector of the church, conducted the Protestant Episcopal service. Among the industry figures and others present were : George J. Schaef- er, Sidney R. Kent, Spyros Skouras, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Nicholas M. Schenck, Martin Quigley Jack Cohn, Pat Casey, Colvin Brown, Malcolm Kingsberg, T. J. Connors, Ned E. Depinet, Merlin H. Aylesworth, Lau- rance S. Rockefeller, David Bernstein, (Continued on page 4) Warners Cancel 'Kane' in Phila. Philadelphia, Jan. 18. — "Citizen Kane," scheduled for Warners' Boyd here this weekend, was withdrawn by the circuit after newspaper advertising announced the opening and local crit- ics had viewed the picture. The cancellation, it was said, came from the Warner home office. Charles Zagrans, RKO branch manager here, refused comment. "Citizen Kane" will be played by Warners in Philadelphia later, A. W. Smith, Jr., RKO general sales man- ager, said. He intimated that differ- ences over playing arrangements were responsible for the postponement. IATSE Volunteers 'Dimes' Overtime Richard F. Walsh, IATSE president, has informed the industry committee of the March of Dimes that members of the union will make no charge for overtime occa- sioned during the campaign by the showing of the appeal trailer or by collections in the auditoriums. The com- mittee, through Nicholas M. Schenck, chairman, has ex- pressed its appreciation to Walsh and union members. A print of the trailer, which features Clark Gable, was screened for President Roose- velt at the White House over the weekend. Talley, Executive Of Movietone, Dies Truman H. Talley, executive vice- president in charge of production of Movietone, Inc., for many years a leading figure in newsreel opera- tion, died Sun- day morning at Memorial Hos- pital. His age was 50. M o vie tone, Inc., publishes M o v ietonews and produces shorts for 20th Century - Fox, of which it is a subsidiary. Funeral ser- vices will be held at St. Thomas Church Fifth Ave. and 53rd St., Manhattan, at 11 A. M. tomorrow. The body is reposing at the sexton's chapel at 1 West 53rd St. Burial will be private. Survivors include the widow, the former Helen MacDonald of Newark ; a son, Truman M. ; a daughter, Helen (Continued on page 2) Truman Talley Minn. Law Hampers U. A., Says Cramblet St. Paul, Jan. 18. — United Artists business in this territory is seriously hampered by the Minnesota anti-block- of-five law and the company at one time considered closing the Minneap- olis exchange, Ralph S. Cramblet, manager of the branch, testified here Friday in the three-company violation trial. He said his company previously had licensed only single pictures and no cancellations were authorized, although (Continued on page 4) Col. Demands Gov't Amplify Suit Charges Files Queries in 'Little 3' Anti-Trust Action In what is regarded as the first move preparatory to trial of the Government's New York anti-trust suit against the "Little Three," Columbia on Friday filed 15 inter- rogatories to be answered by the Government in U. S. District Court here. The interrogatories seek amplifica- tion of the major charges contained in the Government's complaint against Columbia, United Artists and Uni- versal. Specifically, the Government is asked to state the nature and means of the conspiracy with which Columbia is charged, to name the stars under contract to itself and other companies in concert, to cite the manner in which independent producers were excluded by it from activ- ity and how it forced the main- tenance of minimum admissions. Also, how Columbia conditioned the licensing of one group of pictures on (Continued on page 4) Ed Weisl Is Host At Capital Preview Washington, Jan. 18. — Capital offi- cialdom— 1,000 strong — overflowed the Interior Department Building audi- torium here Friday night for a special showing of Paramount pictures. Ed- win L. Weisl was host on behalf of Paramount. Weisl, a member of the Paramount board, for the past five months has been serving here as assistant to Floyd B. Odium, director of the OPM Division of Contract Distribution. The main feature was a preview of "The Fleet's In," and, in addition, Arthur Menken's film, "The Battle of the Pacific," and a composite Para- mount newsreel on the war. The audience was considered by observers the most notable ever as- sembled here for the showing of a motion picture. Among those present were 70 U. S. Senators ; Attorney General Francis Biddle and other members of the cabi- net ; members of the general staff of the Navy and Marine Corps ; Admiral (Continued on page 4) 2 MOTION PICTURE DAILY Monday, January 19, 1942 Personal Mention M URRAY SILVERSTONE ar- rives in California today. Oscar A. Doob was the guest of Fred Schwartz at Lake Placid over the weekend. • Isador Rappaport, owner of the Hippodrome, Baltimore, and Mrs. Rappaport, are vacationing at Miami Beach. • Manny Gottlieb, Universal dis- trict manager in Chicago, visited in Minneapolis last week. • Irving Martin, publicist for the Stanley, Baltimore, has returned from a visit with his family in Richmond. • G. L. Carrington, vice-president and general manager of Altec Serv- ice, has left for the Coast. • William Webster of RKO is re- covering after an operation for appen- dicitis. Reviews Loew's Defendant In Stockholder Suit Loew's, Inc., and 28 of its officers and directors were named defendants Friday in a suit filed in the N. _ Y. Supreme Court by Marian Gottlieb, asserted owner of 100 shares of com- mon stock, which charged over-pay- ment of $14,250,000 to 14 Loew's offi- cers in bonuses. Loew's has countered with an ap- plication to dismiss the complaint on the ground that it fails to state a cause of action ; that many of the charges were decided in a previous consoli- dated stockholders' suit in which de- cision was made in 1939, and that some of the counts of the complaint are barred by the statute of limitations. The dismissal motion will be heard todav. Industry's Theatre War Group Meets A meeting of the theatre division of the War Activities Committee — Mo- tion Picture Industry was held at committee headquarters in the Para- mount Building on Friday for general discussion of theatre participation in committee activities. Among those attending were Joseph Bernhard, Leonard Goldenson, Si Fa- bian, Harry Brandt, H. A. Cole, C. W. Koerner, C. C. Moskowitz, Spyros Skouras and Sam E. Morris. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York 510 W. 6th St. Los Angeles The Fleet's In (Paramount) T_J ERE'S a lively and fast-stepping musical show, replete with sailors, *■ * girls, music and dancing, which should ring the bell on the box- office cash register. It has Dorothy Lamour for the top marquee spot, supported by William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton and Gil Lamb, plus Jimmy Dorsey and his band. Under the handling of Paul Jones, associate producer, and Victor Schertzinger, director, the show has plenty of snap and those comedy qualities which make for wide audience appeal. In the hands of Betty Hutton, Bracken, Lamb and Cass Daley, the comedy element is well taken care of. Holden, shy sailor, accidentally is kissed by a film star and becomes the envy of the fleet, and the sub- ject of wide betting that he cannot succeed in kissing Miss Lamour, star of a San Francisco night club, in public. To help his buddy, Bracken, out of a spot when he bets a watch not his own, Holden agrees, and the picture is concerned with his efforts to woo Miss Lamour. He falls in love with her in short order, she reciprocates, but the way of romance is tangled by a series of misunderstandings leading to a variety of scraps, brawls and general excitement, the whole interlaced with enter- taining musical turns. The authorship of the film includes quite a roster, credits going to Monte Brice and J. Walter Ruben, whose story was adopted by Walter DeLeon, Sid Silvers and Ralph Spence. Kenyon Nicholson and Charles Robinson wrote the play on which the film was based. Running time, 93 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson *"G" denotes general classification. Fly By Night" (Paramount) \ LTERNATING the tenseness of a good spy melodrama with broad Jry coniedy, Robert Siodmak, who directed "Fly By Night," has fashioned an entertaining film which has pace and timeliness. Its melo- dramatic moments reach a high degree of intensity and realism, but occasionally the humor becomes very broad, indeed. Nancy Kelly and Richard Carlson have caught the headlong spirit of the script and give fresh performances. Carlson is accosted by Martin Kosleck, who has just escaped from a lunatic asylum. Kosleck denies that he is insane and tells Carlson that spies have imprisoned him. Before Carlson can help Kosleck, the latter is found murdered and Carlson is accused. He escapes by kidnapping Miss Kelly who is clad only in a night- dress and coat. They are given a lift in a police car and Miss Kelly agrees to go through a marriage ceremony in order to protect Carlson, although she intends to get an annulment later. Ultimately, Carlson clears himself of the murder charge, captures the spies and wins the love of his wife. There is plenty of excitement and lots of laughs, not all of them are for children's eyes and ears. Sol C. Siegel was producer and the cast includes Albert Basserman, Walter Kingsford, Nestor Paiva, Edward Gargan, Mary Gordon, Oscar O'Shea, Miles Mander and several others. Running time, 74 minutes. "A."* Edward Greif 'A" denotes adult classification. Talley, Executive Of Movietone, Dies (Continued from page 1) M., and a brother, Victor, assistant Sunday editor of the New York Times. Talley joined Fox News in 1922. He became director-in-chief in 1924. In 1928 he was appointed personal representative of William Fox. In 1929 and 1930 he organized Britii Movietonews and divisions of Wi newsreel throughout the world. Talley had been associated with newspapers, beginning with the St. Louis Republic after his graduation from the University of Missouri. He was a native of Rockport, Mo. Talley worked for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, and held executive editorial posts with the New York Herald. He was director of the Herald bureau at the Paris Peace Conference after the World War. He wrote numerous articles for national magazines. Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, in a statement said: "The passing of Truman Talley at this time will be felt deeply in the in- dustry's war effort. As an outstand- ing authority on documentary motion pictures, his vast knowledge of the international scene made him a per- sonality we will find hard to replace. "To me personally his death is par- ticularly grieving. Our association extended beyond the office, where I found him a most warming friend. "Twentieth Century-Fox is indeed poorer by this occurrence, which takes from it one of its most capable ex- ecutives." "Treat 'Em Rough" ( Universal) Hollywood, Jan. 18 A PRIZE fighter who helps his oil magnate father uncover a band of oil thieves who sell the stolen oil to a "raider," unidentified on the screen, is the principal character of "Treat 'Em Rough." No ring scenes are shown in the film, nor are the location of the oil company, its docks and wells made known. _ Eddie Albert as the fighter, Peggy Moran as his sweetheart, Wil- liam Frawley, Lloyd Corrigan, and Mantan Moreland head the cast. Melodramatic in nature, the story moves with verve and numerous comedy incidents are used to season the movement. Made as supporting program fare, the picture fills the bill more than adequately, although failure to identify the men behind the crimi- nals may be noticed by war-conscious patrons. Ray Taylor, the direc- tor, Roy Chanslor and Robert Williams, who wrote the original screen- play, and associate producer Marshall Grant delivered well in their re- spective departments. Running time, 61 minutes. "G."* Vance King SPG Reelects All Officials But One The New York Screen Publicists Guild administration slate won three of four contests in the annual elec- tions, it was disclosed Friday. Arthur Jeffrey, the only victorious anti-ad- ministration candidate, defeated Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., incumbent, for the sec- ond vice-presidency, 110-107. Reelected were Joseph Gould, presi- dent, defeating Carl Rigrod, 115-102; Lawrence H. Lipskin, first vice-presi- dent, defeating Morton Gerber, 112- 105 ; Stephen L. Freeland, secretary, defeating Leonard Daly, 108-107; and Charles Wright, treasurer, unopposed, 216 votes. *"G" denotes general classification. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron. Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. /• task now is . . . to do our part towards contributing to the national morale by assuring that the American people shall continue to be the best informed people in the world. We have formulated no new policies with regard to the war. It is of the essence of radio broadcasting that it should be swiftly and flexibly responsive to the ever-chang- ing opportunities and ever-changing needs of a democracy. Many of the patterns of peace will, of course, continue in our broadcasting, but with a new significance. Religious programs will nourish the deepened need for spiritual values in the trying times ahead. Listening to great music will have, for millions, a new and richer meaning in a nation at war. Light and gay music, as well as programs of fun and frolic, will have their place too — perhaps a stronger place than ever, because buoyancy and laughter play a vital part in winning wars. Columbia will devote itself without stint to this oppor- tunity to serve the nation. From the annual statement of William S. Paley, President THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM Motion Picture Daily Off the Antenna NBC-RED is adhering to its policy of refusing to release its billings, al- though CBS and Mutual have done so. However, Roy C. Witmer, vice-president in charge of sales, reported that the average number of sta- tions used per night time program in 1941 was 73 as compared with 63 in 1940, and daytime shows averaged 62 stations, compared with 47 in 1940. • • • Purely Personal: William Murphy has been named assistant director of the CBS production department. . .H.J. Van Mook, Lt. Governor of the Dutch East Indies, will speak over CBS at 10 :30 tonight. . . . Bob Edge, WCBW television sports expert, has decided to drop all radio activities to aid in preparing television defense programs. • • • The second major automobile account on CBS to become a casualty of the war is the Ford "Sunday Evening Hour," it was learned over the weekend. The program will leave the air March 1 after 411 consecutive weeks on the network. It was heard on 58 stations. Chrysler Motors reduced the Major Bowes' "Amateur Hour" from 60 to 30 minutes last week. • • • CBS is offering its employes free courses in Spanish and Portuguese, and 182 have registered for the classes which start this evening. The network is underwriting the tuition costs. WBBM, CBS station in Chi- cago, started similar courses some time ago. The network is also offer- ing employes a payroll allotment plan for the purchase of defense bonds and treasury tax notes. 4 Radio Hails Censor Rules As 'Sensible' (Continued from page 1) "very glad to see this code announced and believe that it will have a salu- tary effect, especially among some of the smaller stations which have over- looked the importance of strictly ob- serving common sense censorship rules." Administration of the censorship code will be by John H. Ryan, assis- tant director of the Office of Censor- ship, who will be assisted by repre- sentatives selected from the industry and an advisory council of broadcast- ers to be appointed. Follows Voluntary Pattern Byron Price, Director of Censor- ship, stated the rules had been drafted after consultation with industry repre- sentatives and Canadian officials and that the code largely follows the prac- tices voluntarily adopted by the broad- casters. The code lays particular stress upon the importance of sup- pressing all news which might be of value to the enemy, al- though it is published in news- papers, Price explaining that broadcast programs cannot be stopped at national borders as can newspapers, magazines and letters. Precautions which might conceal code messages were included in the rules. Provisions dealing with "ad lib" programs suggest that no telephone or telegraphed requests for selections be accepted ; that mail requests for se- lections be held for an unspecified length of time before being honored, that replies to requests be staggered ; and that care be used in playing re- quested selections when a definite time is asked. Lost and found announcements should be accepted only by mail and thoroughly reworded by the station before broadcasting. Quiz Show Provisions Quiz programs are to be discontin- ued from points outside the studios and special care taken to safeguard audience participation shows, forums and interviews. It was recommended that audiences number at least 50 and that no volunteers be accepted. Some confusion was caused when news service reports from Washing- ton said that quiz programs must be discontinued, but this was quickly clarified. The rule, as given by Price, requires that such shows must originate in studios and care must be taken to guard against participation in them by enemy agents. "The broadcasting industry's great- est contribution to victory will be the use of good common sense," Price said, urging that doubtful material be submitted to the censorship office for review. "Free speech will not suffer during this emergency period beyond the absolute precautions which are necessary. Broadcasters are asked merely to exercise restraint in the handling of news that might he dam- aging." Trade Leaders at Van Schmus Rites (Continued from page 1) William F. Rodgers, J. Robert Rubin, Murray Silverstone, Charles C. Petti- john, Nathan Spingold, Samuel Levy, Monroe Greenthal, David Weshner, Jack Colin, Jr., Rene Racover and Lauritz Melchior. Members of the board of directors of Rockefeller Cen- ters, Inc., of which Van Schmus was a member, were present. Department heads of the Music Hall served as ushers, headed by Gus Eys- sell. They included R. V. Downing, Fred Cruise, George Hannaford, Erno Ranee, Leon Leonidoff, Russell Mar- kert, Fred Lynch, Jack McHale, Frank Steigerwald, Harry Newcomb, Sid Goldman, and Leif Jorgensorg. Col. Demands Gov't Amplify Allegations (Continued from page 1) the licensing of another group, and the licensing of one theatre on the licensing of another, how it discrimi- nated in favor of affiliated theatres as against independent theatres, how it used clearance in contracts to exclude competition rather than to protect the merchandising of its product, and how it unreasonably withheld prints. The Government also is asked to furnish the defendant with a list of its witnesses. Minn. Law Hampers U. A., Says Cramblet (Continued from page 1) sometimes substitutions were arranged. "Blockade" he cited as one film for which a substitute had to be provided since exhibitors in some territories re- fused to show it. U. A. is not a party to the action, but representatives of the company have been called as witnesses to tes- tify regarding distribution, with which the company is mainly concerned. Mirisch Joins RKO Harold J. Mirisch, associated with Warners for the past 15 years, most recently in Milwaukee, has joined the RKO Theatres film booking depart- ment, headed by Edward L. Alperson. Decree Opposition Shown in Northwest Minneapolis, Jan. 18. — Indepen- dent exhibitors in North and South Dakota and the western half of Wis- consin have revealed themselves as 98 per cent against block-of-five booking and trade showings as pro- vided in the New York case consent decree, according to Northwest Al- lied. The organization disclosed this in- formation as the result of a ques- tionnaire sent to exhibitors in the Minneapolis territory outside Minne- sota. Independent exhibitors in this State had previously registered strong- opposition to the decree in an Allied poll. The survey results indicated, it was reported, that the consent decree op- erations had tended to increase film rentals. Meanwhile, Ben Kalmenson, War- ner general sales manager, conferred here Saturday with a Northwest Al- lied committee concerning their pro- test on film rentals. Allied said that Neil F. Agnew, Paramount distribu- tion head, was expected here early this week for a similar conference. Ed Weisl Is Host At Capital Preview (Continued from page 1) Robinson of the TJ. S. Navy; Gen. Thomas Holcomb, commandant of the Marine Corps ; Air Marshal Harris of the RAF; John D. Hertz; Senator Walter George, of Georgia; military and naval attaches of the Russian em- bassy, and numerous other high offi- cials of the U. S. and foreign govern- ments. RKO Expected to Be in Black for '41 RKO, which reported net loss of $988,191 for 1940, will be in the black for 1941, according to Wall Street forecasts. The company's annual re- port, now being prepared, is expected to show an improvement of more than $1,000,000 over the year before. The company's report is not expected to be completed before March. Monday, January 19, 1942 Producers' Final j Proposals to IA I To be Made Today (Continued from page 1) proposals ready for presentation to the \ IA locals today. Every effort will be J made to reach agreements with all \ eight locals by tomorrow night, it was j said. £ ,j Company and labor officials {0 ticipating in the negotiations are^? ported desirous of concluding the dis- j cussions early this week so that they \ may keep other engagements. Sidney R. Kent, 20th Century- Fox president, who has participated in the j negotiations, is scheduled to leave for ' the Coast within the next few days. Richard Walsh, IATSE president, and Lou Krouse, secretary-treasurer, are scheduled to leave Wednesday or | Thursday for the IA executive board j meeting in Miami, slated to begin Sun- * day. Plane Crash Kills Carole Lombard; (Continued from page 1) day to join the posses searching foi the wreckage of the plane. Miss Lombard, whose real name* was Jane Peters, was a native of Fort Wayne, Ind. She was without- previous stage experience when she; began her screen career. Following* roles with Fox Film and as a Macks Sennett bathing beauty, she appeartdij in a long list of pictures, achieving' stardom as a Paramount contract play-i er in the '30's. Miss Lombard recently completed a] co-starring role opposite Jack Benny i in "To Be or Not to Be." The film,] produced by Alexander Korda, was scheduled for release by United Artist; I in February. She had signed with] Columbia to start Feb. 1 in "Hejj Kissed the Bride," opposite Melvyrj Douglas. Her most noted success was ir,; comedy roles. Among her films wenJ "My Man Godfrey," "Nothing Sacred,' ) "Made for Each Other," "In NameJl Only," "No Man of Her Own," "The> J Knew What They Wanted," "Mr. ancJI Mrs. Smith," and "True Confessions.' II She was the wife of William PoweHl before her marriage to Clark Gable. Cooke Services Today Services will be held this morning I at St. Malachy's Roman Catholic I Church, 239 West 49th St., for Ed- II ward G. Cooke, 73, general manageij of John Golden Theatrical Product tions, who died Friday of an intestina l disorder. He was a veteran of thi legitimate theatre. Burial will be if] the Actors' Fund plot at Kensicc Cemetery. His widow survives him i Col. Preferred Dividend Columbia Pictures directors on Fri- day declared a quarterly dividend o 6SH cents a share on the $275 con- vertible preferred stock, payable Feb 16 to stockholders of record Feb. 2. Pa. Exhibitor Killed Scranton, Pa., Jan. 18. — Edwir Davis, 61, owner of the first fjlrr house in Duryea, near here, was killec by a railroad train on Friday. to the fiction Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY RCMOV, and Impartial 51. NO. 13 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1942 TEN CENTS \ttendance in 1941 Is Put at 85,000,000 MPPDA Cites Weekly Figure in Compilation Average weekly theatre attendance a^t year increased 5,000.000 over "40 to a total of 85,000,000, accord- ing to "Film Facts." a directory of lie industry compiled by MPPDA, li-tributed yesterday. The average admission is es- timated at 25.2 cents in 1941. compared with 20 cents in 1922. Double features are exhibited in 59 per cent, or 10,349, United States theatres. Seventy-two per cent of the double featur- ing is in the Northeastern sec- tion and only 28 per cent in the South, according to the direc- tory. The total capital investment in the \merican industry is placed at $2,- )50,000,000. of which $1,900,000,000 is {Continued on pane 6) Republic Purchases Oklahoma Franchise Republic Pictures Corp. lias pur- chased the franchise agreement of Sol Davis and Morris Loewenstein, of Oklahoma, the company announced .esterday. The two handle the dis- .ribution of Republic product out of Oklahoma Citv. Raw Film Cans Shortage Danger .4 critical shortage of con- tainers for the shipment of raw film is threatened. Steel which is needed for the defense program is re- quired for the production of these film cans. No practical substitute for the type of con- tainers now in use has been found. Film manufacturers must therefore recover the cans now in use so there will be no let-down in the ship- ments of raw film to studio and laboratory. All persons in the industry who have anything to do with receiving and handling raw film cans are urged to see to it that the cans received are immediately returned to the manufacturer so that they may be re-used. New Pictures Open Well; 'Ball of Fire,' 'Brothers' Are Good Four new pictures opened to brisk business on Broadway late last week and over the weekend as mild weather Saturday and Sunday reportedly had a slightly favorable effect on grosses. Light rain yesterday helped the morning and afternoon shows, it was said, although business fell off some in the evening. Theatre business is expected to benefit this week, which is Regents Week in the high schools, during which students have free time. "Ball of Fire," Goldwyn-RKO film, at the Radio City Music Hall, with the stage presentation, scored a Thursdav-through-Sundav gross esti- mated at $64,000. The show will be held a second week. "The Corsican Brothers" registered an impressive upening weekend at the Capitol with an estimated $30,000 for Thursday through Sunday. "I Wake Up Screaming" with a stage show at the Roxy rang up an (Continued on pane 7) Freeman to Confer With Morgenthau Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount stu- dio head and president of the Associa- tion of Motion Picture Producers, who has arrived in New York, yes- terday was invited by the Treasury Department to attend a conference with Secretary of the Treasury Mor- genthau in Washington on Thursday. Because of this appointment, the luncheon to be given by Paramount in his honor at the Hotel Astor, which was scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed to Friday. Report Silverstone Seeking U. A. Stock Hollywood, Jan. 19. — It is reported here with the arrival of Maurice Silverstone, recent world-wide head of United Artists, that he is here for the purpose of conferring with Mary Pickford and Charles Chaplin regarding purchase of United Artists stock. Con- versations whereby Silver- stone would become a princi- pal owner in United Artists are understood to have been under way for several weeks. Schnitzer Resigns From Warner Bros. Edward M. Schnitzer, New York district sales manager for Warner Bros., has resigned, it was learned last night. His resignation is re- ported to be ef- fective in two weeks. His fu- ture plans are ex- pected to be dis- closed shortly. He has been with Warner Bros, four years and during that time has achieved a position as one of the lead- ing and best known distribu- tion executives in the business, according to observers. Sclmitzer's experience in the trade goes back two decades. He started (Continued on page 6) B. M. Sflinitzer "Captains of the Clouds" [Warners] Hollywood, Jan. 19 IF the Brothers Warner had known months ago that events of history were to weld the United States and Canada into a unit source of supply depended upon by the United Nations to furnish the planes depended upon the crush the Axis, and had set out to dramatize that unity in terms which the citizens of all nations could not misinterpret nor fail to thrill to, they could not have fabricated a film more finely fitted to the mood and need of the moment than "Captains of the Clouds." This is no mere waving of flags. It is a telling of a story about plain people who are caught up in the train of events and do what plain people are expected to do and are doing. This is no mere tale of two fliers in love with the same girl and fight- ing about it, with time out occasionally for some attention to official duty and fancy flying, until clinch-time and fadeout. It does tell of two fliers and a girl who, worthy of neither of them, is wedded by the (Continued on page 4) Name Eyssell As Director Of Music Hall Also Company President; Succeeds Van Schmus Gus S. Eyssell, assistant managing director of the Radio City Music Hall since January, 1933, immedi- ately after the theatre opened, yesterday was named president of the Radio City Music Hall Corp., and managing direc- tor of both the Music Hall and the Center The- atre. Eyssell suc- ceeds W. G. Van Schmus, who died last week. The an- nouncement of EysselFs appointment was made by Barton P. Turnbull, acting president of Rockefeller Cen- ter, Inc., at a gathering of Music Hall executives in the theatre's studio apartment following a meeting of the corporation's board of directors. Three new members elected to the board are Lawrence Kirkland, Van- derbilt Webb and Russell V. Down- (Continued on page 6) G. S. Kyssell N.W. Allied Says Rental Talks Fail Minneapolis, Jan. 19. — Northwest Allied officials in a broadcast mes- sage today notified independent ex- hibitors in this territory that confer- ences with company representatives regarding film rentals apparently had failed. The message asked all inde- pendent exhibitors to convey their attitude on the situation to the organi- zation. A special exhibitor committee con- ferred with Ben Kalmenson, Warner Bros, general sales manager, here over the weekend. Fred Strom, Northwest Allied secretary, said Kalmenson made "some concessions" but no definite agreement was reached. Strom said that the exhibitors' special committee on product con- ferred today with J. E. Flynn, Loew's Central division manager, who is rep- resenting W. F. Rodgers, vice-presi- dent and general sales manager of Loew's, and that conferences with Flynn may be resumed tomorrow. The (Continued on page 6) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 20, 194, Preliminary Pacts Set With 6 IA Units Preliminary agreements on many working conditions have been reached with six of the eight IATSE studio locals which are negotiating new agreements with major company heads at the office of Pat Casey, pro- ducers' labor representative, it was reported at the close of yesterday's negotiations. Indications were given that the ne- gotiations will be concluded by tomor- row, as many of the studio repre- sentatives already have made travel reservations for Thursday and Rich- ard Walsh, IA president, and Lou Krouse, secretary, are scheduled to leave the same day for Miami to at- tend the IA executive board meeting beginning Sunday. Locals with which preliminary agreements on conditions have been reached are property men, lamp op- erators, makeup artists, grips, ward- robe workers and soundmen. The conferences with the latter occupied most of yesterday and are scheduled to be concluded today. All discus- sions so far have been on working conditions. Wage increases have not been taken up yet although the pro- ducers are known to be prepared to offer the same 10 per cent increase that was given to the internationals which are signatories of the studio basic agreement in September. Aid Rochester Defense Rochester, Jan. 19. — Lester Pol- lock, Jay Golden and Bud Silverman, Rochester theatremen, have been named to the Citv Defense Council. Personal Mention HARRY BUXBAUM, 20th Cen- tury - Fox exchange manager here, was given a birthday party at Sardi's yesterday, with Charles Koerner and Edward A. Alperson among those present. George Weltner, Paramount as- sistant foreign manager, returned yes- terday from South America. Paul V. Phillips, city manager in Salisbury, N. C, for North Carolina Theatres, has been reelected president of the local Chamber of Commerce. Lige Brien, manager of the Belmar Theatre, Pittsburgh, is the father of a boy, born last week. Leon Stashin of Warners' home office will be inducted in the Army next week. Ira Beck of Loew's Rochester Theatre is visiting here. George Mackenna, manager of the Lafayette Theatre, Niagara Falls, has recovered from injuries sustained when he was struck by an automobile recently. • Ray Hughes, assistant at the Roger Sherman in New Haven, has enlisted in the Navy, and Jules Rus- kin, chief usher at the house, has joined the Army. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles VM (Two Sec1l°nl» THt SOUTHER^ W SUN COUNTRY SWCIM. -tinns. c Los Angeles • IV. Los Angeles ■ At. Los Angeles • \t. Los Angeles ■ M° pmtnd2:l8a£ l;28 am ana V:47 am and 8.4/ 5:25 pm . • • ' 2:55 am . • • ' 9:47 am 10:55 pm . . • • ' 8:52 am . . • 4:02 pm 6:30 ^ 4:58 pm . • • " \:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 3m* ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS HAL B. WALLIS is expected to leave the Coast today for New York. He is due here Friday. • Lou Pollock, Universal Eastern advertising and publicity manager, is back on the job following a recent op- eration for appendicitis. • James R. Grainger has left for Boston. Leonard Gaynor is due here to- morrow from Hollywood. • Oscar Shanken, manager of the Lyric, New Haven, is the father of a girl, born last week at Grace Hospital, New Haven. Selig Fish man of Fishman Theatres is the grandfather. • Robert Kinsley, manager of the Times Theatre, Cincinnati, has been recalled to the Army. • John W. Rogers, son of Charles R. Rogers, has joined the Signal Corps and will be stationed at Fort Monmouth with the Army film unit. • Jeanette Berliner, Republic booker in New Haven, has returned from Miami. Rites for Connelly Will Be Held Today Pittsburgh, Jan. 19. — Funeral serv- ices will be held here tomorrow from the Samson Funeral Home, for Eugene L. Connelly, former general manager for Harry Davis Enterprises, which controlled several local theatres. Connelly died on Sunday following a heart attack. He also was a vice- president of Harris Amusement Co. At the time of his death he was chair- man of the national Variety Clubs Humanitarian Award. He is survived by his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Louis L. Kaufman. Mishkin Selznick's Eastern Publicist Leo Mishkin, film critic for the Morning Telegraph and chairman of The New York Film Critics, has been appointed New York publicity representative for David O. Selznick Productions to work under Whitney Bolton, Selznick publicity director, it was announced yesterday. Mishkin will continue as critic for the Morn- ing Telegraph. Service for Talley Here This Morning Funeral services will be held at 11 A. M. today at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, for Truman H. Talley, Movietone, Inc., executive vice-president, who died Sunday morning after a long illness. The body reposed until the time of the service at the sexton's chapel of the church at 1 West 53rd Street. Burial will be private. Minn. Club Buys Bonds Minneapolis, Jan. 19. — The Twin City Variety Club has voted to de- vote $1,200 from its treasury to the purchase of defense bonds, bought in the name of the club. Further Clearanc Awarded on Appea Andora Amusement Corp., operate of the Liberty, Plainfield, N. J., whic was granted a clearance reduction la< September in arbitration proceeding at the New York board, won a furthe reduction on an appeal of the case in decision handed down by the appeal board yesterday. The board ruled that the clearkan Mm which will be produced and di- rected by Mala, F.skimo star. Off the Antenna V/l AN-IN-THE-STREET interviews from the lobbies of hotels and thea- <-Vl tres are being dropped by stations in conformance with the censorship rules. WJJD and WIND, Chicago, have cancelled "What's Your Opinion?" from the Telenews Theatre, and WGN in the same city has discontinued two interview programs, "Radio's Voice" and "Chicago at Night," from the front of the Chicago Theatre. The Marriage License Bureau interviews may also be affected, it was said. WBBM, Chicago, is considering making records of such interviews and airing them a month later when they would be of no value to spies. WKRC, Cincinnati, has ceased street interviews but WCPO will continue them under strict supervision pending more complete informa- tion, it was said. "America's Town Meeting of the Air" now has a staff of editors to examine questions during its forum. The questions will have to be in writing. If approved, they will be given orally. • • • Purely Personal: Louis Ruppel, CBS publicity head, leaves today for a tivo-wcck stay in Florida. . . . Gu:y C. Hutchenson has been named engineer in charge of shorhvavc broadcasting for CBS, with Eugene Fubini as his\ assistant. . . . Eugene S. Pulliam, WIRE, Indianapolis, news editor, has been ordered to active service. He is a reserve naval officer. . . . WGAR, Cleve- land, will sponsor the joint appearance of Edward R. Mnrrotu and William L. Shirer, CBS correspondents,, at the Cleveland Public Auditorium, with proceeds going to local civilian defense groups. . . . Alexander IVoollcott will be guest on "Information, Please" Friday over NBC. • • • Restrictions on sugar have caused Canada Dry to cancel "Michael and Kitty," heard Fridays at 9:30-9:55 P.M. over 96 Blue stations, after Feb. 6 broadcast. • • • Motion Picture Week of the 1942 "Fight Infantile Paralysis" campaign will be inaugurated this afternoon with a broadcast over CBS, 4:30-4:45. Those to be heard include Harry Brandt, Bea Wain, Barry Wood and Ted Straeter's band. • • • Program News: Procter & Gamble has added 25 CBC stations to the 54 CBS stations carrying "Life Can Be Beautiful." . . . Lever Bros, has rencived 30 CBC stations for "Lux Radio Theatre," now heard on 69 CBS outlets. . . . Swift & Co. has renewed "Breakfast Club" over 88 Blue stations and added nine for a total of 97. . . . Sun Oil has renewed Loivell Thomas for the lOf/i year over 21 Blue stations. ... P. Lorillard Co. urill shift the "New Old Gold Shozv" from Mondays to Fridays 8-8 :30 P.M. over 63 Blue stations. . . . Johnson & Johnson has increased the CBS hookup for Dorothy Kilgallen to 65 stations. She is now heard Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:15-6:30 P.M. . . . Terminal Barber Shops have signed for participations in the Arthur Godfrey show over WABC. . . . "Abie's Irish Rose" ivill be dramatised over "Knick- erbocker Playhouse" on the Red beginning Saturday. . . . Arch Obolcr will write a series of patriotic plays to be heard Sundays, 4:30-5 P.M. over the Red, beginning Feb. 1. • • • Because of the paper shortage, BMI announced yesterday that it had discontinued the customary insert in sales copies. • • • The Harris Newsreel Theatre in Pittsburgh now broadcasts two-minute news periods seven times daily direct from WCAE. While the newscast is on, a trailer advertises the regular WCAE news schedule. WCAE has also started weekly broadcasts from the studio featuring the Stanley Theatre orchestra. P.R.C. Plans Four Regional Sessions The first of four regional sales meetings of Producers Releasing Corp. will be held here Jan. 24 and 25, Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager, has announced. Franchise holders, branch managers, salesmen and bookers from exchanges in Phila- delphia, Boston, New Haven, Pitts- burgh, Albany and Buffalo will at- tend. Additional meetings are set for : Little Rock, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 ; Chicago, Feb. 7-8, and Los Angeles, Feb. 14- 15. 4-A Waives Dues on Performers for USO Branches of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America have waived dues for all members who are engaged in productions for the USO-Camp Shows, Inc., Frank Gillmore, interna- tional president, has announced. More than 400 performers are currently louring 225 Army camps and Naval stations. Shift Managers of Rochester Houses Rochester, Jan. 19. — Shifts in man- agers of four of the five theatres in the RKO-Paramount-Comerford pool were announced here today by Jay Golden, city manager. Golden named Francis Anderson manager of the RKO Palace, with James McAllister, formerly of Keith's Memorial, Boston, as assistant. Ar- thur Krolich becomes manager of the Century, and Harold Martz moves from the Capitol to succeed Krolich at the Regent. To the Capitol goes Wallace P. Folkins, formerly with Schine. Harry Partridge, chief of ser- vice at the Regent, goes to the RKO Temple as acting assistant manager. Partridge succeeds Ed Burton, re- called to the Army. Salesman's Wife Dies Chicago, Jan. 19. — Funeral services were held here today for Dorothy Weinshenker, wife of William Wein- shenker, Universal salesman, who died last week. Short Subject Reviews "Calling All Girls" (Broadway Brevities ) ( Warners) Opening with studio preparations for big musical pictures and following*; with memorable production number s- from successful musicals,, this V^"!) good, somewhat unusual subject, should add nicely to the program. The feminine applicants are summoned to the studio and selected. This leads to the musical scenes including "Shang- hai LiF " with James Cagney and; Ruby Keeler, "By a Waterfall" and others. Running time, 20 mins. Re- lease, Jan. 24, 1942. "Rhapsody in Rivets" (Merrie Melodies) ( Warners) A superior cartoon, this Leon Schlesinger item concerns a group of ; characters erecting a big building in time with the musical classic, "Sec- ond Hungarian Rhapsody." The rive- ; ter, carpenter and all concerned pro- vide amusing musical effects with j their implements of work. The anima- tion is unusually good. In color. Run- 1 ning time, 7 mins. Release, Dec. 6, 1941. "Tanks" (OEM Film Unit) A fine documentary film, this reel deals with the production of medium sized tanks for our Army and Allies. Orson Welles delivers an impressive commentary and Jack Schaindlin has provided an excellent musical score.! For the most part, the photography is first rate, especially in shots of vast assembly lines and glimpses of the caterpillar tread uncoiling. The film is available in 35 mm. for theatre book- ings as well as in 16 mm. for non-1 theatrical showings. Running time, 10 j "A Yarn About Yarn" (Terry-Toons) (20th Century-Fox) A little black sheep, who is causing mischief constantly for his mother and the rest of the family, suddenly discovers a wolf. He tries to warn his brothers and sisters, but they refuse; to listen and his mother is captured. Just as she is being shorn of her wool by the wolf, the black sheep gets a change of heart and rescues his mother, for which he is rewarded by a fairy who changes his color to white It is amusing. Running time, 7 mins. Release, Dec. 12, 1941. "Flying Fever" (Terry-Toons) (20th Century-Fox) With all the military spirit around nowadays, Gandy the Goose decides to learn flying. A peremptory rooster teaches him the tricks. There are a few laughs as Gandy is put into a testing machine, told to solo, and finally to bail out of his plane. Run- ning time, 7 mins. Release, Dec. 26, 1941. Form Production Firms Sacramento, Jan. 19. — Two produc- i tion companies chartered here are | North American Pictures Corp., by Irving Cohen, and Leo McCareyj.] Productions. r Alert. InteWiget and v I ruiis pen sal to theSiilrotion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial \L. 51. NO. 14 m1 Industry Unity On Permanent Basis Expected To Organize at Meeting In New York Today NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1942 TEN CENTS The Motion Picture Industry Con- ference Committee — the industry's in- clusive unity group — is expected to be organized on a permanent basis at a meetting at the Hotel Warwick here today, when reports of all subcom- mittees will be made to the main com- mittee. It is expected the temporary officers named at the Chicago meeting last month either will be confirmed or replaced. A financing plan for the com- mittee will be discussed and in- dications were given that a legal committee will be named to advise on trade practice pro- posals and matters of internal industry complaint which may affect companies subject to the consent decree. The subcommittees scheduled to make reports are those on industry [Continued on page 8) Executives Attend Service for Talley i Several hundred persons, including > many industry figures and Broadway . personalities, attended the funeral ' services yesterday morning for Tru- i man H. Talley, Movietone, Inc., ex- i ecutive vice-president, at St. Thomas : Protestant Episcopal Church at Fifth t Avenue and 53rd Street. The simple service was read by the Reverend Dr. Roelif H. Brooks, rec- | tor of the church. Among those in attendance were : Sidney R. Kent, Tom J. Connors, W. (Continued on page 8) Daylight Time to Be Effective on Feb. 9 Washington, Jan. 20. — Day- light saving legislation was signed today by President Roosevelt, to become effective at 2 A.M. Monday, Feb. 9. Under the measure orig- inally introduced in the House Jan. 6 by Representative Clarence F. Lea of California, time will be advanced one hour throughout the country for the period of the war and six months thereafter. Schine— 'Little 3 9 Trust Trial Set for April 28 at Buffalo Buffalo, Jan. 20. — Trial of the Government's anti-trust suit against the Schine Circuit and the "Little Three" today was set by Federal Judge John Knight for April 28 in U. S. District court here. The trial previously had been set for March 3 at the request of the Government but Willard S. McKay, counsel for the Schine Circuit, moved last month to have the trial date set back on the grounds that the Govern- ment's failure to answer interroga- tories put by him made it impossible for the defense to prepare its case in time for a March 3 trial. Judge Knight held that "it is now apparent that it is practically impos- sible for either party to be ready for trial at that date (March 3), and the soonest date thereafter at which this court can try the cases is April 28, and the date of trial is fixed for then." The Government's anti-trust suit against the "Little Three" is scheduled (Continued on page 8) To Release 'Wind' Third Time Feb. 13 The third release of "Gone With the Wind" will be launched Feb. 13 and 14 in five cities, M-G-M an- nounced yesterday. The picture will open Feb. 13 in Cleveland, Houston, New Orleans and Cincinnati, and Feb. 14 in Buffalo. The engagements are regarded as "test runs," William F. Rodgers, Loew's vice-president and general sales manager, said. The picture will be shown in its original full- (Continued on page 8) Report Cagney to Produce for U. A. Hollywood, Jan. 20. — Local trade reports have James Cagney producing for United Artists release providing a feasible arrangement with that company can be made. It is further reported that the possibilities of such an ar- rangement are being studied by the interested parties dur- ing the stay here of Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in charge of distribution, and Carl Leserman, general sales manager of United Artists. Report N.W. Allied To Ask Rental Meet Minneapolis, Jan. 20. — Northwest Allied will call on Allied States to hold a special meeting of members in Chicago within two weeks to thresh out the question of film rentals, it was understood here tonight. The regional organization has called its members to a special meeting to- morrow in order, it was reported, to obtain formal approval of its intended request to national Allied for a special conclave. It was understood further that con- ferences between Allied officers and representatives of the major com- panies failed to produce a solution (Continued on page 8) Canada Theatre Receipts In '40 Were $37,858,955 Agreements Reached With 7 Studio Locals Agreements were reported reached last night on working conditions, and probably wage increases, with seven IATSE studio locals in the negotiating sessions here between com- pany executives and officials of eight unions. Yesterday's meeting was con- tinuous for 13 hours, breaking up about midnight. Final negotiations are expected to be taken up today with the laboratory workers. Toronto, Jan. 20. — The report of the Canadian Government on the op- eration of theatres in the Dominion in 1940, just issued, shows total at- tendance for the year in the 1,232 the- atres was 152,137,277 for combined receipts of $37,858,955. This com- pares with 138,497,043 paid admis- sions in 1939, an increase of 10 per cent in patronage, and revenue of $34,010,115 for 1939, an advance of 11 per cent. There were 46 more theatres operating in 1940 than in 1939. The receipts for 1940 constituted a (Continued on page 10) Theatre Group To Make Plans For Air Raids National Program Being Set in Capital Washington, Jan. 20. — Ap- pointment of a permanent national advisory committee for the motion picture industry and a technicians' group to develop a program of safe- guarding theatre audiences during air raids and blackouts will be con- sidered here Friday at a meeting of theatremen with Office of Civilian Defense officials. Representatives of Washington thea- tre interests will meet tomorrow to discuss methods of handling such situ- ations. The meeting will be in the Warner Bros, office with John J. Payette, zone manager of Warner theatres, as temporary chairman. The group will report its plans to the OCD on Friday, on the basis of which a national program is expected to be developed. At a meeting yesterday of local theatremen with OCD officials, Maj. Gen. L. D. Gasser discussed the or- (Continued on page 8) $50,000 In Bonds Col. Drive Prizes Approximately $50,000 in defense bonds will be distributed among Col- umbia's sales forces as awards in the company's annual sales drive, Abe Montague, general sales manager, said yesterday. The drive will cover the first six months of 1942 and during its prog- ress emphasis will be placed on added playdates and speedier liquidations. "Our first duty is to help win the war," Montague said. "Columbia is happy to aid the war effort by the purchase of these defense bonds for distribution to its entire sales per- sonnel. It gives a two-fold purpose, (Continued on page 8) Painter Named Rep. Manager in Canada H. O. Painter has been named Re- public sales manager for Empire Uni- versal Films, Ltd., distributors of Re- public product in Canada, the com- pany announced yesterday. Painter has been with Empire Universal for the past two years, and before that was district manager for Warners in the Dominion. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 21, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollyzuood, Jan. 20 BV. STURDIVANT, director of • the Los Angeles Theatre De- fense Bureau, today appointed Joseph Buxton, British exhibitor, as advisor to the Bureau on precautions for pos- sible air raid bombings. Earl Rettig, assistant treasurer of the RKO studio, today assumed the added duties of studio manager. He succeeds Sid Rogell, resigned. • W. L. River, member of the Holly- wood Writers War Mobilization cen- tral committee, left today for Wash- ington to confer on the production of Army training films which are being made by the industry here. Blumberg Realigns 4IT Studio Posts Hollywood, Jan. 20. — Nate Blum- berg, Universal president, today an- nounced a studio realignment under which Dan Kelley, casting director, assumes charge of all creative talent such as artists, writers and directors. Martin Murphy will take on added duties and will be in charge of all op- erations including those of production and studio management. Robert D. Speers, assistant to John Joseph, advertising and publicity di- rector, has been made casting director under Kelley. Both Kelley and Mur- phy will work closely with Cliff Work, vice-president and general man- ager in charge of production. Among those on Kelley's staff will be Leonard Cripps, story editor, and Reginald Allen, scenario editor. Personal EK. O'SHEA, Eastern and • Southern division manager for M-G-M, has returned from a three- week trip through the South. • Joseph Seidelman, Universal vice-president and foreign manager, returned from the Coast yesterday. • Lou Singer, publicity manager of the Paramount Theatre in San Fran- cisco, and Mrs. Singer are parents of a daughter, born late last week. • Hank Linet was at home yester- day nursing a cold. • Jules Lapidus, Universal district manager, is in Philadelphia. • Norman Elson leaves today for Philadelphia and Washington. • T. L. Broderick, former assistant manager of the Irving Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has enlisted in the Air Corps. Raphaelson Play At Hudson Tonight Two new stage presenta- tions begin tonight on Broad- way. "Jason," a new play by Samson Raphaelson, produced by George Abbott with Alex- ander Knox, Helen Walker and others in the cast, opens at the Hudson. Opening at the St. James is a repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan and the Jooss Ballet. Mention MATTHEW J. FOX, Universal vice-president, has arrived from the Coast and will be at the home of- fice until Nate J. Blumbergjs return in a few weeks. • Paul Castello, Warner theatres' district manager in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Castello are parents of a son. • John Nirenburg, manager of War- ners' Northeastern, Philadelphia, has recovered from an illness. • John Scully, Universal booker in Philadelphia, leaves next week to join the Army. • Dr. Allan Sigmund Moritz, Jr., son of Allan S. Moritz, Cincinnati Columbia branch manager, and Eleanor Trumper of Montgomery, Ala., have announced their forthcom- ing marriage. Dr. Moritz is now stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. • Whitney Bolton has left for Cali- fornia. Film 'Dimes' Drive Starts Tomorrow With a total of 10,009' theatres in the country pledged to participate, the motion picture industry's drive in the March of Dimes paralysis campaign will get under way tomorrow. Stu- dios, home offices and exchanges also have been organized to aid. The drive will end Jan. 28. The New York drive will be her- alded today with a parade up Broad- way in the Times Square area at noon, with about 20 bands and ush- ers and usherettes from New York houses in the parade. Mayor La- Guardia will change the street mark- ers from Times Square to Dimes Square, and from a platform at 46th St., the amusement industry will present an outdoor show, with Ed Sul- livan as master of ceremonies. Wo- men volunteers will act as dime col- lectors along the line of march. Several thousand theatres in the country will make collections in the auditoriums as well as in the lobbies. March of Dimes headquarters in the Hotel Astor reported yesterday that every theatre in the St. Louis district has enrolled. WHN to Broadcast Arnstein9 s Address The address of Daniel Arnstein at the meeting of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith next Wednesday at the Hotel Edison will be broadcast over WHN at 9 :45 P.M. Arnstein will tell about his experiences as U. S. Commis- sioner to the Burma Road. George Hamilton Combs, WHN commenta- tor, also will be heard. May Open Mastbaum Philadelphia, Jan. 20. — Anticipat- ing a theatre boom this year as a result of the war, serious considera- tion is being given for the first time in many years by zone chief Ted Schlanger to reopening Warners' Mastbaum. The 5,000-seat house has been dark for a number of years. Newsreel Parade /t LL the reels have coverage of •SI Carole Lombard at the Indian- apolis defense bond rally a day before the airplane tragedy in Las Vegas. Paramount has pictures of the Free French occupation of the St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands' off Canada. Here are the contents: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 39— Flooa^- . Havana. Survivors of torpedoed tanker in New York. British mine sweepers in Far East waters. Atlantic clipper plane chris- tened in Stratford, Conn. Air cadets grad- uate at Kelly Field. Carole Lombard in Indianapolis. Stimson and General Marshall in Washington. General Emmons takes command in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor heroes decorated. Wavell and Hart in new posts. Films of General MacArthur. Latin-Amer- ica fair in New York. Ski-jumping in Wis- consin. Hialeah Park opens. Snow train in New Hampshire. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 237— Navy hunts U-boats off Atlantic coast. Carole Lombard in Indianapolis. New Atlantic clipper plane. Stimson and Marshall in Washington. Tanks at Fort Knox. Inter- national unity conference in Rio. Latin America fair in New York. Hialeah Park opens. Ski train in New Hampshire. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 42 — Hemi- sphere unity conference in Rio. Latin American exhibition in New York. New Atlantic clipper plane. Midgets at work in Newark plane plant. Ski maneuvers at Lake Placid. Carole Lombard in Indian- apolis. Free French coup in St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 42 — Pan- American conference in Rio. Latin Ameri- can fair in New York. Carole Lombard in Indianapolis. Hawaii set for battle. Vic- tims of submarine attack arrive in New York. First plane for new Atlantic airline. Labor board meeting in Washington. Floods in Havana. _ Ice show in New York to aid paralysis drive. UNIVERSAL. NEWSREEL, No. 51 — Hemisphere conference in Rio. Survivors of torpedoed tanker. Film of Wheeler Field, Honolulu, after Jap attack; Lieut. Emmons takes command; heroes decorated. Burma Premier U Saw before seizure. Marshall and Stimson in Washington. Christen new plane for Atlantic run. Car- ole Lombard in Indianapolis. Latin Amer- ican fair in New York. Water skiing in Florida. Ski meet in Wisconsin. Hialeah Park opens. O'Leary Aids Red Cross Scranton, Pa., Jan. 20. — John J. O'Leary, general manager of the Comerford Circuit, has been appointed chairman of the theatre division in the local Red Cross drive. George A. Nevins, manager of the Capitol, Danville, Pa., has been elected chairman of the board of the Danville Red Cross. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefsller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All eontents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Ouigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. FLY to LOS ANGELES over the BUSINESS ROUTE of the NATION More passengers, mail and express fly United's central, year 'round Main Line Air- way than any other coast-to- coast air route. 4 Mainliners to Los Angeles daily. UNITED AIR LINES Airlines Terminal: 80 E. 42nd St. 649 Fifth Ave. 69 Wall St. Hotel Pennsylvania MU-2-7300 or travel agents, hotels I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I 3 Para. Executives Buy $60,000 Bonds Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- dent; Stanton Griffis, chairman of the executive committee, and Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in charge of production, each purchased $20,000 in defense bonds yesterday at a special defense meeting of the Paramount Pep Club, made up of company em- ployes. About 800 club members heard a talk by Dorothy Lamour urging purchase of the bonds. Grif- fis discussed a payroll allotment plan for defense bonds. Griffis donated four $25 bonds to be awarded as prizes. Winners were Joseph Yantz, accounting department ; Marjorie Minscher, exchange con- tract ; Katherine Janz, budget, and Katherine K. Way, sales statistics. Roxy Holds 'Screaming' "I Wake Up Screaming" will be held for a second week at the Roxy, it was decided late Monday night, and will be followed Jan. 30 by "Son of Fury," which was originally sched- uled to open Friday. MILLIONS ■ <.■: TtH ■ ■ ■ BV J»l wtm 1 JOHNNY EAGER ! I isM-G-M's # HONKY BELOW: This is the type of T. N. T. advertising that's pulling them in from Coast - to - Coast ! THEY'RE DYNAMITE IN M-G-M's Johnny Eager A MERVYN LEROY Production with EDWARD ARNOLD Van NEFUN • Robert STERLING • Patricia DANE Glenda FARRELL • Henry O'NEILL • Diana LEWIS taut Pli> In I0HM LEE MAHIH «4 MMES COWARO GRANT ^"-,s Oltnrt»0r.Pl»jl0HH»f COMSIDIME. Ir. §. | A Metro-Gold'uiyn- Mayer Picture ^4, TON K" OF 1942! DYNAMITE BUSINESS EVERYWHERE! As predicted by (he critics! The customers who recently saw Miss Turner with Clark Gable will want to see the Taylor-Turner com- bination. Packed with entertainment of the sure-fire brand. LeRoy's direction is expert. — Daily Variety Hard-hitting and absorbing box-office hit. A top grosser. — Film Daily Inflammable combination of Robert Taylor and Lana Turner. Action for the men; romantic appeal for the women — Motion Picture Herald Smash box-office attraction. A top grosser. — Hollywood Reporter Torrid romance with two top stars. Full of action. Torrid love scenes. — Showmen's Trade Review The Taylor-Lana Turner starring duo is marquee volt- age for profitable biz. — Boxoffice Millions of shopgirls, collegiennes, clerks and house- wives will swarm to see Lana Turner swooning in the stalwart arms of Robert Taylor. Showmen sit back and watch the money roll in. — Variety (weekly) Motion Picture Daily 5 Short Subject Reviews "Jasper and the Watermelons" i Madcap Models) (Paramount) This is another of the George Pal shorts in which puppets instead of regular sketched characters ap- ..r. It is a fantasy relating with amusing effects the fable of a colored lad with a yen for watermelons, who is brought by a scarecrow to a land which abounds in the fruit. "Jasper" tastes one and he and the scarecrow are run out of town. Nicely done in color, the short is above the routine, should entertain any one. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Feb. 27, 1942. . i mi "Kickin' the Conga Round" (Popeye Cartoon) ( Paramount) Popeye is at it again with Bluto, battling for the love of a Latin copy of Olive Oyl. By way of variation this one brings in some conga dancing by the trio. It will doubtless go over big with the children. For the oldsters, it looks like mild cartoon fare. Running time, 7 mins. Release, Jan. 16, 1942. "Billion Dollar Limited" (Superman Cartoon) (Paramount) This version of "The Great Train Robbery" is quite a departure from the original. It involves a billion- dollar train shipment. Bandits in an armored car attempt to take over with dynamite, machine guns and other implements of persuasion. Superman speeds to the scene. When the bridge is blown up and the train goes toppling over, he dives down, gets a firm grip on it, and brings it back to the tracks. With bullets bouncing off his chest, he then tows it to the station. The bandits retreat. Apart from the short's obvious valut- as children's fare, it is so fantastic that adults too, should go for it. Running time, 8 mins. Release, Jan. 9, 1942. "At the County Fair" (Speaking of Animals) ( Paramount) Here's another laugh item in which animals are equipped to talk. A cow, hog, bull and others, with the assist- ance of a little sketching, talk back to the commentator. Although by now the trick is not entirely new, it continues to amuse. A running gag about a race horse and a sportsman is used in this one with the proper effect. Running time, 10 mins. Re- lease, Jan. 16, 1942. "King Salmon" (Sports Parade) (Warners) Here's an interesting, colorful ac- count of the way of life of the sal- mon, its trip to open waters after birth and its return three years later to spawning points upstream. As seen, the fish are hampered by commercial and amateur fishermen and are aided by ladders provided by the Govern- ment. The film is in color. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Dec. 27, 1941. Reviews "Born to Sing" (M-G-M) Hollywood, Jan. 20 EMLMED in the interests of humor, music and a roster of M-G-M's younger stars, this version of the tale about the staging of a show without benefit of funds contains many twists differentiating it from the others that have gone before and gets a bang-up job of entertaining- attended to before taking off into the realm of bombastic balladry. This final flight, which has scant connection with the picture proper, is a noble endeavor to dramatize America and Americanism in song, and meritorious on its own, but costly to the production in whole. Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler and Leo Gorcey, portraying three talented youngsters seeking to obtain justice for the girl's father, carry the story. Sheldon Leonard and Douglas McPhail, playing a racketeer and his protege, are the standouts among the adults. Others in the cast arc Rags Ragland, Henry O'Neill, Larry Nunn, Margaret Dumont, Beverly Hudson, Richard Hall, Darla Hood, Joe Yule, Lester Mat- thew n Ben Garter, Lee Phelps, Connie Gilchrist and Cy Kendall. The picture is at its best as to comedy when Gorcey is loosing a flow of wisecracks and when Leonard is talking gangsterese. It is at its best as to dancing when McDonald is extemporizing backstage in a success- ful attempt to attract a producer's attention and, later on, when he steps a white-tie routine in company with Miss Weidler. It is at its most en- tertaining, musically, when a number of junior prodigies are entertain- ing at the piano, vocally and otherwise, although a purist would be com- pelled to pronounce Busby Berkeley's magnificent staging of "Ballad for Americans," w ritten by Earl Robinson and John Latouche and sung by McPhail and countless associates, the musical triumph of the enter- prise. Produced by Frederick Stephani and directed by Edward Ludwig, the film is a workmanlike job technically. Harry Clork and Franz G. Spen- cer, who based their script on a story by Spencer, rate credit for giving an ancient plot enough new twists to obtain the effect of freshness. Words and music for the picture proper are by Earn Brent and the dance direction is by Sammy Lee. The film furnishes pleasant, light pa-time and promotes the fame of the several young stars participating. Running time. 80 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams "Salute to Courage" (M-G-M) CONRAD VEIDT is seen here in the dual role of a cultured, peace- loving German refugee and that of a Nazi consul carrying on espi- onage work in the United States up to the time Nazi consulates were ordered closed by this country. As Otto Becker, the lover of democracy, he is threatened by his twin brother, Baron von Detner, with exposure for entering the country ille- gally unless he agrees to become an espionage agent. Becker refuses and accidentally kills the baron in a struggle for a revolver. By shaving his beard, Becker looks exactly like his twin brother and undertakes to act as consul. From this point, the story becomes a routine spy melodrama with Becker ultimately exposing the entire ring. He is, of course, ultimately discovered himself, but he makes a deal whereby Ann Ayars, who was innocently involved with the ring, gains her freedom in return for his promise to return to Berlin. At the fadeout, Becker is shown saluting the Statue of Liberty. Jules Dassin directed and Irving Asher produced. Included in the cast are Frank Reicher, Dorothy Tree, Ivan Simpson, William Tannen, Martin Kosleck, Marc Lawrence and Sidney Blackmer. Running time, 82 minutes. "G."* Edwari> Greif "Cowboy Serenade (Republic) THIS is conventional Gene Autry western fare. The box-office per- formance of previous Autry pictures will serve as criterion in each exhibitor's evaluation of it. It is a present-day yarn about a young man, Rand Brooks, entrusted with a shipment of cattle to the market, who loses the cattle to card sharps aboard the train. Autry, as head of the cattle men's association, after investigation discovers the gamblers are aided by the operator of the rail line, Addison Richards. The gamblers finally are caught, Rich- ards is accidentally killed, and the ranchers receive their money. Others with Autry, who during the course of the film sings fre- quently, are Smiley Burnette, Fay McKenzie, Cecil Cunningham and Tristram Coffin, Harry Grey was associate producer and William Morgan directed. Running time, 66 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel *"G" denotes general classification. 'Valley' Gets Big $35,500, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Jan. 20. — "How Green Was My Valley" scored a total of $35,500 at the Chinese and Loew's State. "Ball of Fire" on a dual was strong in the third week at the Hill- street and Pantages. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 14 : "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) CHINESE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $12,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE-(1,518) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $6,800. (Aver- age, $17,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) 4 STAR — (900) (44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross:. $5,200. (Average, $3,250) "Citizen Kane" (RKO) HAWAII — (1,100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 13th week. Gross: $4,300. "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Secrets of a Lone Wolf" (Col.) HILLSTREET-(2,700) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. "Ball of Fire", 3rd week. Gross- $13,500. (Average, $6,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (20di-Fox) LOEW'S STATE-(2,700) (33c-44c-55-75c) 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Average, $14,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Secrets of a Lone Wolf" (Col.) PANTAGES-(3.000) (33k=- 44c -55c -75c) 7 days. "Ball of Fire", 3rd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $7,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 *,a/nAm3rd week> Gross: $".500. (Average, "Dumbo" (RKO) UNITED ARTISTS-(2,100) (33c-44c-55c- '5c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $5,000 They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) ,^RNER BR0S- (HOLLYWOOD) - (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,400. (Average, $14,000) They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (DOWNTOWN) - (3,400) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $12,000) 'Lady,' Stage Show $13,800, Milwaukee Milwaukee, Jan. 20.— With more seasonal weather experienced, business came back. "International Lady" and Laurel and Hardy on the stage of the Riverside drew $13,800. "Hold Back the Dawn" and Jack Teagarden's or- chestra at Fox's Wisconsin took $12,- 700. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 15 : "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "Ladies in Retirement" (Col.) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,000) "International Lady" (U. A.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Laurel and Hardy. Gross: $13,800. (Average, $6,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Private Nurse" (20th-Fox) STRAND— (1,400) (44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,700. (Average, $1,500. "Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $4,500) "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c -60c) I Stage: Jack Teagarden's orchestra. $12,700. (Average, $5,500) ' days. Gross: Pa, Censor Withholds Approval of 'Gesture* Philadelphia, Jan. 20. — The Pennsylvania censor board today with- held its approval of "Shanghai Ges- ture" and forwarded suggestions to United Artists, distributor of the pic- ture, for deletions or changes to be made before the film can be exhibited in the State. No local opening had been set for the film. BANG-UP SHOW! BANG-UP CROWDS IN NEW YORK! Held-over 2nd Week as 73,520 people see "The Corsican Brothers" in its first 4 days at the Capitol ! BANG-UP REVIEWS! "'The Corsican Brothers' is a Fairbanks treat., the stuff the public has been yelling for!" — Lee Mortimer, Daily Mirror "We can't think of anyone we'd rather see twice as much in one picture than Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Ruth Warrick as the love inter- est is lovely!" — Wanda Hale, Daily News "Entertaining blend of swashbuckling drama and romance!" — Robert W. Dana, Herald-Tribune "You should get a kick out of this Dumas story! The spectacle of the week is the sight of Doug fighting a duel with himself!" — William Boehnel, World-Telegram BANG-UP BUSINESS FROM COAST TO COAST! HELD OVER 4th week Montreal — 4th week San Francisco — 2nd week Washington — 2nd week New Haven — 2nd week Cleveland — 2nd week Norfolk — 2nd week Bridgeport — 2nd week Providence — 2nd week Seattle — 2nd week Hartford — 2nd week Toronto — 2nd week Toledo — 2nd week St. Louis — 2nd week Pittsburgh, with the Pittsburgh Sun-Tele- graph reporting " 'Corsican Brothers1 is hit at the Penn. Marty Burnett reports that he had to quit selling tickets for 45 minutes — first time that's happened in two years." Hold-overs coming in so fast that as this ad goes to press it's hard to keep pace with the hundreds of theatres throughout the country giving extra playing time to "The Corsican Brothers "! EDWARD SMALL presents AMAZING ADVENTURE ROMANCE 1 . ■ j n liifi Taped-off street l.nes Litol launched a hit. P i- „»d a foil house inside . UNITED ARTISTS Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 21, 1942 Theatre Group To Make Plans For Air Raids (Continued from page 1) ganization in the theatre, the equip- ment, training of personnel and the procedure to be followed in a black- out during an air raid and in the event of a direct hit. Other OCD representatives including Col. Walter P. Burn, chief of the training section, and Everett W. King, head of the training promotion unit, explained how their particular problems are being approached. The meetings with theatre men are part of a schedule of planning con- ferences with representatives of vari- ous industries dealing with large num- bers of people. Theatre representa- tives attending the conference included Carter Barron, Loew's Theatres divi- sion manager ; Hardie Meakin, repre- senting RKO Theatres ; H. G. Barbee, Jr., general manager for Lichtman theatres ; Sidney Lust, Lust circuit ; and Payette, Nat B. Browne, H. E. Lohmeyer, E. N. Read, A. J. Bach- rach and J. A. Pratt, of Warner Theatres. Marquee Blackout Ordered in Canada Ottawa, Jan. 20. — An order-in council published in the Canada Ga- zette has placed in immediate effect throughout the Dominion an order providing for the extinguishing of all outside lighting under the Defense of Canada regulations. This affects many of the Domin- ion's major cities, whose theatres will be required to darken all marquees, as well as all other types of exterior lighting. The Government has issued an order prohibiting the erection of any theatre marquees, neon signs or illuminated outdoor displays for the duration of the war. The order is effective at the end of March. Toronto, Jan. 20. — Officials of the theatres sub-committee of the ARP organization in Ontario have ar- ranged a series of private rehearsals of blackout arrangements at theatres in Toronto for the adoption of a standardized form of precautionary measures for theatres in Canada. The committee appointed for the theatres, after a conference with Gordon Conant, Attorney-General of Ontario, Chief ARP Warden for the province, comprises Jack Purves, manager of a Famous Players' thea- tre here; Chairman O. J. Silverthorne of the Ontario Board of Moving Picture Censors, and Fire Marshall W. J. Scott of the Provincial Gov- ernment. $50,000 In Bonds Col. Drive Prizes (Continued from page 1) to those who participate in the drive. Columbia is proud to be the first film company to utilize defense bonds for this purpose." Columbia's domestic sales in the last half of 1941 showed a substantial increase over the corresponding 1940 period, Montague said. Schine-'Little 3 9 Trust Trial Set for April 28 at Buffalo Report N.W. Allied To Ask Rental Meet (Continued from page 1 ) sufficient to meet the exhibitors' pro- tests of high film rentals since selling under the decree began. Ben Kalmenson, Warners general sales manager, returned yesterday from Minneapolis where he conferred with the Northwest Allied committee regarding film rentals. He would not comment other than the situation as it affects Warners had been discussed thoroughly. Neil F. Agnew, Paramount vice- president and distribution head, left last night for visits to exchanges at Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas and Chicago. His departure for the South removed the possibility that he would confer today with Northwest Allied at Minneapolis, as had been announced earlier this week by Fred Strom, Northwest Allied secretary. Executives Attend Service for Talley (Continued from page 1) C. Michel, William Kupper, William Sussman, William C. Gehring, Fe- lix Jenkins, Jack Sichelman, Martin Quigley, Father Hubbard, Joseph Moskowitz, Harry Buxbaum, Tony Muto, Earle W. Hammons, Irving Lesser, Jack McKeon, Edmund Reek, Lowell Thomas, Morris Gest, Mort Blumentock, Mike Clofine, Ed Hat- rick, Morris Kinzler, Roger Ferri, Earl Wingart and others, including the entire staff of Movietone News. The 20th Century-Fox home of- fice and Movietone office were closed yesterday from 10 :30 to 1 P. M., out of respect to Talley. To Release 'Wind* Third Time Feb. 13 (Continued from page 1) length version, at the same advanced minimum admission scales which pre- vailed during its last release, that is a 40-cent matinee minimum and 55- cent evening minimum, tax included. It will run three continuous perform- ances daily, without reserved seats. Rodgers declined to disclose the percentage being asked for the picture, asserting that the terms concerned only the company and its customers. The David O. Selznick production was roadshown during 1940, and last year was shown at popular prices. The distributor heretofore asked 75 per cent for the picture. Veteran Operator Dies Pittston, Pa., Jan. 20. — M. J. Buckley of the American Theatre, one of the oldest IATSE members in northeastern Pennsylvania, died of a heart attack as he was leaving the theatre. Survivors include a daughter and a son. (Continued from page 1) to be placed on the New York Fed- eral court calendar in mid-February and may be called before the end of the month. Local attorneys, however, see little possibility of either side be- ing ready for trial in that case at an early date and foresee conflict over the trial dates of the two actions. Denies Dismissal Motion Judge Knight today denied a mo- tion by McKay, also made last month, to dismiss the Government's com- plaint because of its failure to answer his interrogatories, or in the alterna- tive, to strike out certain allegations of the complaint by reason of such failure, or to require the plaintiff to answer such interrogatories and stay the trial for 60 days following the service of such answers. Judge Knight denied the motion be- cause, he said, "I have been advised that the defendant Schine is making an application in the District of Col- umbia court for an order authorizing the examination of certain representa- tives of the plaintiff concerning the matters involved in the' interroga- tories. In view of this fact and after consultation with attorneys for the respective parties, I deny the defend- ant's motion, with leave, however, to renew if so advised." Gets Deposition Order Judge Knight referred to writs ob- tained by McKay in Washington yes- terday authorizing him to take the depositions of Seymour Simon and Shelby Fitze, special assistants to the U. S. Attorney General, in charge of the Government's case, in connec- tion with 30 different subjects in- volved in the Government's com- plaint. 11% Cancellation Is Reported in Minn. St. Paul, Jan. 20. — The rate of cancellation of films under the Minne- sota anti-block-of-five law, which al- lows up to 20 per cent, has been run- ning from 11 to 13 per cent, according to W. H. Workman, M-G-M Minne- apolis branch manager. Workman testified today in the vio- lation trial here of three major companies. The defense is expected to complete its testimony tomorrow. Under cross-examination, Workman said M-G-M has 280 full-line con- tracts and 52 selective contracts in this district. Last year there were 1,132 eliminations and 132 cancella- tions, he said. Industry Unity On Permanent Basis Expected (Continued from page 1) protection, of which George J. Schaef- er is chairman ; on taxation, of which Spyros Skouras is chairman, and institutional advertising and goodwt| of which Howard Dietz is chairman* Joseph Bernhard's committee on priorities did not hold a meeting and will report that priorities affecting the industry are now in the hands of A. Julian Brylawski. Dietz's committee met yesterday at the office of Leonard Goldenson, Paramount theatre head. Internal industry problems are in charge of the committee of the whole and therefore, are to be discussed in the general meeting. It was reported that Nicholas M. Schenck and Sidney R. Kent may at- tend the meeting. Among those sched- uled to be present are Barney Bala- ban, George J. Schaefer, Spyros Skouras, H. A. Cole, Ed Kuykendall, Fred Wehrenberg, Lewen Pizor, Harry Kalmine, Max A. Cohen, Sid- ney Samuelson, Harry Brandt, Leo F. Wolcott, W. F. Rodgers, T. J. Con- nors, Abe Montague, Samuel Broidy, Leonard Goldenson, Joseph R. Vogel, Leo Brecher, Carter Barron, William Crockett, Roy Ftarrold and Martin G. Smith. Jack Kirsch is temporary chairman of the MPICC. Pegging of Canada Rentals Confirmed Toronto, Jan. 20. — Formal an- nouncement has been made by James Stewart of Toronto, Administrator of Services under the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, officially advising that "rental of films by exhibitors comes under the price control regula- tions." This official statement con- firms the previous information that stabilization of film rentals at the levels in effect during the period of Sept. 15-Oct. 11 would be enforced by the Dominion Government. Reduces Clearance From 7 Days to One Chicago, Jan. 20. — The seven-day clearance of the Westmont Theatre, Westmont, 111., over the Don, Down- ers Grove, was held unreasonable and reduced to 24 hours in an arbitration award handed down at the local board today by Thomas C. McConnell, ar- bitrator. The Don's clearance complaint in- volved only 20th Century-Fox and RKO, as Paramount, Warners and B & K were dismissed by agreement of the parties on Jan. 6. Costs were assessed against the two distributors and the Westmont, the intervenor. Meanwhile, a motion to dismiss the clearance case of the Alcyon, High- land Park, 111., was made by Aaron Stein, counsel for the intervening Tea- tro del Lago, Wilmette and Glencoe theatres at a hearing here today. Drennan J. Slater, arbitrator, is sched- uled to rule on the motion tomorrow. Rowe President of Carolina Exhibitors Charlotte, N. C, Jan. 20. — Roy Rowe was elected president of the Theatre Owners of North and South Carolina at the organization's annual convention at the Hotel Charlotte here yesterday. Other officers are: A. F. Sams, Jr., first vice-president; Boyd Brown, second vice-president, and Mrs. Walter Griffith, secretary and treasurer. The organization went on record in opposition to the consent decree, and in the resolution sought an alterna- tive plan for a return to block book- ing. Ed Kuykendall, MPT OA presi- dent, led a discussion session, and emphasized the need for unity among exhibitors. FAME EIGHTH ANNUAL EDITION IS NOW IN CIRCULATION The international index to production, talent and technical values in the world of entertainment . . . screen ♦ concert ♦ radio One Dollar the Copy EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAYE QUIGLEY PUBLICATIONS ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK 10 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 21, 19421 Club Pledges Bond Total of $200,000 Baltimore. Jan. 20.— The Variety Club here has pledged the purchase of $200,000 in defense stamps and bonds, ac- cording to J. Bernard Seaman, chief barker. That amount will buy a bomber, Seaman said. Tire Shortage Cuts Tours by Cowboys Hollywood, Jan. 20. — Wartime automobile and truck tire rationing has had an unusual effect on one section of Hollywood. It's cutting down the personal appearance tours of cowboy players. Traveling from small town to small town by automobile because many of the hamlets are off the beaten path of other transportation is being cur- tailed by the cowboy players, some of whom spend a total of four or five months "on the road" between pictures. Their usual deal is for one night stands at film houses, particularly those playing the pictures in which they appear. The tire shortage will cause re- routing of all of this type of personal appearance tour, with the possibility that many towns now on the routes may not see the players. Most di- rectly affected players are Republic's western players, Smiley Burnette, Don Barry and Roy Rogers, each of whom have separate acts for their respective tours. They have travelled in the past by automobile, truck and trailer, the latter usually carrying their horses. While under contract to the studio for 52 weeks a year, the players make their appearance deals with studio cooperation, retaining, however, all they obtain. Equity Names Lytell For Public Relations Because of increasing demands on the time of Bert Lytell, Actors Equity president, due to war benefits and shows, the union's council yesterday created the post of director of public relations and named Lytell to serve in that capacity until Oct. 1. It is un- derstood that he will receive $8,000 for this work but the position of pres- ident will remain an unpaid job. Lytell will serve as Equity's rep- resentative on the special committee of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, parent body of talent unions, which will pass on all war benefits, in addition to his other du- ties. Circulation of petitions calling for a national referendum on the adop- tion of a constitutional amendment banning Communists, Nazis and Fascists from offices or paid jobs with the union has begun, it was learned. The necessary 100 signatures had not yet been obtained and the petitions were not submitted to the council yes- terday. The council reconsidered its pre- vious vote and decided to grant the Myron Selznick agency an Equity li- cense. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the award for Best Daytime Serial in the annual "Champion of Champions" radio poll, conducted by Motion Pic- ture Daily on behalf of Fame, will be made this afternoon immediately before the "Vic and Sade" broadcast. Originating in Chicago, the broadcast will be heard over CBS at 1 :30 EST and on NBC-Red at 3:45 EST. • • • Sidelights on War: Sailors aboard warships' no longer can listen to radio programs. Enemy submarines are said to be equipped with devices which pick up the hum mode by tubes of radio receivers. . . . John Flora, assistant to Stan Shaw on JVNEJVs "Milkman's' Matinee" for seven years, finally got his "break" two months ago when the station went to full-time operation. He was then given charge of the program two days weekly. Yesterday Flora resigned to enlist in the Army. • • • Fred Allen will take over the 9-10 P.M. spot on CBS in March when the Ford "Sunday Evening Hour" leaves the air. • • • The total of Mutual's station affiliates neared the 200 mark when KWAL, Don Lee station in Wallace, Idaho, joined the network this week as No. 196. KWAL is operated by Silver Broadcasting Co., with 250 watts on 1,450 k.c. . . . WSFA, Montgomery, Ala., has notified NBC that it expects to be ready to operate with 5,000 watts full time about March 1. At present WSFA uses 1,000 watts day and 500 night. . . . KXYZ, Houston, Tex., has advised the Blue that it should be ready to operate with 5,000 watts, full time, in Sep- tember. • • • "Hollywood at War" will be the theme of the "Vox Pop" program over CBS Monday night at 8. Brian Donlevy, Joan Betvnett, Franchot Tone, Gregory Rataff, Joe E. Brown and Claire Trevor will be quizzed from a Columbia studio sound stage. • • • "Esso Reporter" programs yesterday dropped commercial announce- ments to pay tribute to the sailors killed on the Esso tanker "Allan Jack- son" which was torpedoed by an enemy submarine Monday. • • • Walter Damrosch's 80th birthday will be observed on the Blue, Saturday, Jan. 31, 9-10 P.M. His birthday is on Jan. 30 but the program was moved up one day to insure a larger audience. Leopold Stokowski, Dr. Frank Black, Gladys Swarthout, Richard Crooks, Joseph Hofmann, Albert Spalding, John Charles Thomas, Charles Kullman, Agnes Davis, the NBC Symphony Orchestra and the U. S. Army Band will participate. David Sarnoff, RCA president, will speak and Samuel Chotzinoff, NBC music division director, will be commentator. The program will originate in New York, Hollywood and Washington. Canada Theatre Receipts In '40 Were $37,858,955 (Continued from page 1) near-record, despite the fact that the war was in full progress, the greatest revenue having been registered in 1930 with $38,479,500. The total of paid admissions is not registered for 1930, so no comparison is available. The revenue of the film distributors in Canada during 1940 was $11,880,- 895, of which $11,445,167 was from film rentals, $385,504 from advertising material and $50,224 from miscellane- ous items. There were 72 film ex- change offices in operation in 1940, compared with 67 in the previous year, when the receipts totaled $10,315,500. Film exchange turnover exceeded the $10,000,000 mark in 1938 as well and receipts showed a gradual increase from 1931. Distributor revenue was $9,536,200 in 1930. A total of 462 theatres in 1940 showed single feature programs for a proportion of 37.5 per cent, the re- mainder offering double bills. This was practically the same ratio as in 1939. The Province of Quebec showed the highest proportion, 83 per cent, for double bills while the ratio for Ontario was 66.8 per cent. Canadians spent $3.35 for theatre entertainment in 1940 on the average, the per capita figure for 1939 being $3.03 and for 1938, $3.02, revealing that show attendance has increased during the war, although the record year was 1930, when the per capita expenditure was $3.77, this being the last year of the boom era. The theatres showed an efficiency of only 30 per cent in filling seating ca- pacity for all performances, although this ratio was up from 27 per cent in 1939. Toronto theatres were filled to the extent of 37 per cent for all shows, the ratio for the Province of Ontario being 33 per cent. Montreal revealed an efficiency of 26 per cent. ASC Vote Favors Separate Charter Hollywood, Jan. 20. — By a 6-to-l vote, the American Society of Cine- matographers has voted to seek a sep- arate charter from the IATSE and against affiliation with Photographers Local 659, I ATS I7., it was disclosed today. A total of 138 members voted. Miss Hussey to Opening Ruth Hussey, M-G-M player, will substitute for Kathryn Grayson, who is ill, at the opening of "The Vanish- ing Virginian" at the Paramount Theatre, Lynchburg, Va., Friday. Murdoch Joins Columbia Henry T. Murdock has joined Co- lumbia's home office publicity depart- ment. Theatre Lobby Is Recruiting Station St. Louis, Jan. 20.— The Fox Theatre lobby in St. Louis is being utilized by the Marine Corps as a recruiting station. The Marines were forced to seek other space because of the crowded conditions in its customary station in the St. Louis Federal Building, and Clyde Brown, manager of the theatre, offered the use of the lobbv. 111,307 at Museum Film Shows in Year I Attendance at film shows in the Museum of Modern Art during th< 1940-'41 fiscal year was 111,307, ac- cording to the Museum's annual re port released yesterday. John Hay Whitney is chairman of the Film Library committee of the Museum ; John E. Abbott is director and Iris Barry, curator. The Mu- seum sent 1,175 regular film pro- grams to 377 outside users, and 42 special programs. Among the feature films acquirer by the Museum during the year were ! "It Happened One Night," "A Nou; La Liberte," "Two Hearts in Walt; Time," "The President Vanishes,' "Confessions of a Nazi Spy,' ! "Ruggles of Red Gap," "Million Dol-i ' lar Legs" and Brazilian, British ; h Canadian, Finnish and American docu- 'l mentary films. In addition, there are in the fihJ library circulation department nint programs of Douglas Fairbanks films it 26 programs of American comedie: t produced during the past 40 years and 10 programs of D. W. Griffitl t films. Chicago Blue Net Personnel Named \ Chicago, Jan. 20. — E. R. Borroff > vice-president in charge of the Blue! Network central division, today an- nounced the appointment of William E Drips, as divisional director of pub lie service; Maurice Wetzel, product tion manager ; L. J. Edgley, conti f nuity editor ; Gene Rouse, supervisor of announcers ; G. A. Vernon, man ! ager of the research department, anc Anthony J. Koelker, manager of th i— i On £ ^ CO >t/-v _ * ^ CO & 2 •O.S3" § ft] s g « Q Ot O <-• J3 • co C- S 2 -C re HO n ^ ■Sao* on S> 2 .y I EC BJ re •S l-l Ol Q •*■ -"a - 00 tn > i-l , w 00 g O (R %| ^ rn-Sir-^ C Hi2! 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O M 0 o ,:- ■ ■ ^ a & a G Mag o 4-1 n»/ r/5 m CM y CM a •£ CM ^ - O /-N-a E^-t Hi 5 a g a g c gto^i e re .2 cm "=i fc- - CM .. ci ^a a a C ■fl c o ^ OpQ E19 w C V o C v> o o to O CD „ bo w v m u C 0 »-* 3 cu ^ fl 2 u go re M «2 « MO 3 0 cq * tq 2 o c m 2H. > re ■a a >-n Fi a f to d 3 to t7 to g-re 're s On J3 «N g o CJ o cN * * * * pictures/* an* they were made FOR EACH OTHER Madeleine Carroll and Stirling Hayden, the two most gorgeous stars on the screen! fT WAS MADE FOR. YOUR BOXOFF/CE Every movie-goer, from six to sixty, will go for the story of these two, alone on an is- land for twelve Technicolor days and nights! Thursday. January 22, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 9 Universal Net For Year Is 2,673,249 (Continued from page 1) feet on the industry of America's par- 1 '-'cipation in the war, it was stated, d belief was indicated that attend- nce, which fell off sharply imme- diately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, will return to normal, or ex- ceed that level. Current and working assets, exclud- ing blocked sterling, amounted to $14,- 139,817, with current liabilities of $3,651,592, a ratio of 3.9 to 1, the re- port said. In the previous fiscal year, current and working assets were $11,- 065,337, and current liabilities $4,241,- 774, a ratio of 2.6 to 1. Record British Business The company's domestic revenues last year totaled $19,008,495, compared with $17,554,261 in the 1940 fiscal year, and foreign business last year was larger than the year before, amounting to SI 1,275,028 against $10,- 123,366, and the amount of dollars re- ceived from foreign territories was greater. The volume of business done in Great Britain was the largest in the company's history, and now com- prises approximately half of Univer- sale foreign business. Gross reve- nues in Great Britain were £1,499,907, a gain of 14.8 per cent over the 1940 fiscal year. This was comparable to 250 per cent of the 1937 British busi- ness, the report stated. Sterling Fund Increase After deducting the blocked sterling estimated to be remittable on March 31, 1942, under the new agreement. Universale sterling balance at the end of the fiscal year, including accounts receivable, was approximately £504,- 000. This is equivalent at the present exchange rate to $2,030,000, and com- pares with £379.000 and SI. 524,000 re- spectively at the close of the previous year, according to the report. Universal continued to purchase its first preferred stock for the sinking fund during the year, and at present there are 9,229 shares outstanding. Dividends on this stock were resumed on July 1. 1941, after a lapse of nearly nine years, the report stated. Studios See Little Effect from DST Hollywood, Jan. 21. — Studio officials voiced the opinion today that the change to day- light saving time on Feb. 9 would have little if any effect on production. It was pointed out that DST was foreseen by the stu- dios which several weeks ago ordered all work stooped at 5 P. M., although this was taken directly as a blackout measure. It was regarded as possible that studio hours might be extended to 6 P. M., as the same amount of day- light would be provided. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, Jan. 21 C AMUEL GOLDWYN plans at least five pictures for 1942, release ^ of which has not been set. First on his schedule is "The Pride of the Yankees," starring Gary Cooper on the life of Lou Gehrig. "Spitfire," story of the late R. J. Mitchell, British plane inventor, has been completed in England. David Niven and Leslie Howard are starred, with the latter directing. "Treasure Chest," starring Bob Hope; "The Washington Drama," spy story with a Washington back- ground, and "Swing Shift," story of national defense workers with a musical treatment, are the others. Alan Campbell and Helen Deutsch have been signed to prepare the screenplay for "The Washington Drama." The War Department has re- laxed restrictions on using Los Angeles Harbor for film back- ground material. Columbia is sending a crew there for "Two Yanks in Trinidad" footage . . . Wallace Beery will be starred in M-G-M's "Salute to the Marines," which deals with a Marine sergeant drilling Filipino youths and thwarting Jap fifth columnists on the island of Luzon. • • M-G-M has bought "Men at Sea," story of Naval warfare by Allen Rivkin. Jack Chertok will pro- duce it. . . . Republic borrowed Dennis O'Keefe from RKO to star with Gloria Dickson in "Find Jimmy Valentine." . . . That studio also signed Marguerite Chapman, one of Warners' "Navy Blues" sextet, for the lead in a serial, "Spy Smash- ers" . . . Broderick Crawford will support George Raft in Universal's remake of "Broadway" ... At first assigned to Tyrone Power, the star- ring role of 20th Century-Fox's "Down to the Sea in Ships" now goes to George Montgomery . . . Patric Knowles gets the lead opposite Irene Dunne in "Sheltered Lady," Gre- gory LaCava production for Uni- versal. • • Basil Walker, 20th Century- Fox actor, finished 11 weeks of enacting the role of a Marine in "To the Shores of Tripoli." Then he joined the Navy . . . Robert Armstrong joins the troupe of RKO's "My Favorite Spy." • • Damon Runyon's "Little Pinks" is now called "It Comes Up Love" . . . Klondike Kate (Mrs. Kate Rockwell Matson) figure of the Yukon, has arrived to tell her life story to Columbia writers for picture material . . . Paramount has pur- chased "Henry Aldrich Gets Glam- our," original story by Aline Leslie . . . Edward Norris gets the lead in Monogram's "Shed No Tears, " which Phil Rosen will di- rect for A. W. Hackel, producer. Renewing Drive on Triples in St. Louis St. Louis, Jan. 21. — Renewing its campaign to eliminate triple features in St. Louis, the Better Films Council of Greater St. Louis has distributed cards to affiliated organizations to be signed by members of the respective groups, pledging cooperation in the drive. The card reads : "Recognizing the importance of quality programs in motion picture theatres, I promise to cooperate with the council in their efforts to eliminate the triple feature programs in cinema theatres. I shall protest the showing of three feature films and support that protest by re- fusing to patronize theatres showing such programs." 90% of Paramount 2d Preferred Redeemed More than 570,000 shares, or 90 per cent, of the second preferred stock of Paramount Pictures, Inc., were con- verted into common up to Tuesday, Stanton Griffis, chairman of the exec- utive board, announced yesterday. Ap- proximately 51,800 shares are still outstanding, and have been called for redemption on Feb. 3 at $10.06 per share. Neufeld Takes Studio Hollywood, Jan. 21.— Sigmund Neufeld, producer of westerns for Producers Releasing Corp., has leased a unit of the Chadwick studios._ A new building is being erected for him Bar Dropping Of Press-Radio Investigation Washington, Jan. 21. — A pro- posal of the Newspaper-Radio Committee that investigation of newspaper ownership of broadcast- ing stations be suspended until after the war was rejected today by the FCC as it resumed hearings after a long recess. The motion, filed by Harold Hough on behalf of the committee, was de- nied by Commissioner Paul C. Walk- er, acting chairman, as not presenting any new matter. Walker said that much time and money has been spent in preparing the case, including the compilation of a great deal of statistical material, much of which is of current value. He declared that "the Commission be- lieves that the war effort will be ad- vanced by completing this investiga- tion at the earliest possible moment." He dismissed Hough's contention that the inquiry will be a "definite hindrance" to a unified war effort. Judge Thomas Thacher, counsel for the committee, also objected to the investigation. He urged that the Com- mission approach its inquiry from the standpoint of recommending legisla- tion, and declared that otherwise the Commission has no authority to dis- criminate against newspapers any more than against any other type of business. Golden Honored at Rochester Dinner Rochester, Jan. 21. — Film and ra- dio executives and newspapermen paid tribute here last night at the Hotel Seneca to Jay Golden, new city man- ager for the RKO-Paramount-Comer- ford pool. Speakers included Lester Pollock, Howard Carroll, Michael Mungoven, Elmer Lux, Joseph Ro- senberg, Carl Hallauer, Louis Schine and Mayor Samuel Dicker. Among those present were a number of film men from Buffalo. Name Committees on Technical Awards Hollywood, Jan. 21. — Darryl F. Zanuck, Academy Research Council chairman, has named six committees to aid in appraising nominations for scientific and technical achievement Academy Awards for 1941. The com- mittees and their chairmen follow. Laboratory, Sidney Solow ; lighting, lohn Arnold ; acoustical, Homer Tasker ; sound, E. H. Hansen : special effects equipment, Farciot Edouart ; cine-technical, C. Roy Hunter. Theatrical Sauare Club Benefit Sunday Numerous film, stage and radio per- sonalities will make personal appear- ances at the annual benefit show and dance of the Theatrical Sauare Club Sunday evening- at the Manhattan Center. About 500 soldiers and sailors also will attend as guests of the club. CBS to Continue Policy on Rebate CBS intends to adhere to its peace- time policy of giving sponsors time and talent rebates when it becomes necessary to interrupt or reduce a commercial program, Paul W. Kes- ten, vice-president, has advised spon- sors and advertising agencies, it was learned yesterday. Pointing out that radio is the only medium which must sacrifice its ad- vertising revenue to render the pub- lic service of providing news, Kesten declared that "CBS accepts this para- dox as one of the problems of broad- cast operation and as a patriotic privi- lege in keeping America informed." He added that if recurring or con- tinuous news crises develop, it may be necessary to modify the policy. Kesten asserted that even in peace time, 65 per cent of the population de- pend primarily on radio for news, and that in times of crisis, it is the universal medium. During the first three days after Pearl Harbor, only eight of the 137 commercial programs were wholly preempted for war news broadcasts, he said, and urgent news bulletins were broadcast before the start of only 18 commercial programs, with an average length of 2 minutes and 8 seconds. In most of these cases, shortening of the program was ar- ranged in advance and two full-hour programs, additionally, were short- ened by four minutes each by pre- arrangement. Only one network com- mercial program was interrupted after it had begun. r Pa**'1*!, The Picture of the Hour! Listen! 44 44 THE BUGLE SOUNDS It sounds Louisville's success story! It sounds 325% biz at Loew's Theatre there! It sounds Louisville's great promotion campaign! It sounds the call to alert showmen to book it fast! It sounds timely thrills and robust fun for patrons! It sounds like — and is — money in the bank! "THE BUGLE SOUNDS" starring WALLACE BEERY with Marjorie Main • Lewis Stone • George Bancroft • Henry O'Neill Donna Reed • Chill Wills • William Lundigan • Screen Play by Cyril Hume • Based on a Story by Lawrence Kimble and Cyril Hume • Directed by S. SYLVAN SIMON • Produced by J. WALTER RUBEN • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture FILE COP' MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial DL. 51. NO. 16 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1942 TEN CENTS Unity Group Now 'United M.P. Industry' Meeting Names Trustees, Sets Temporary Budget The name of the all-industry unity irganization was changed from the Motion Picture Industry Conference Committee to the United Motion Pic- ure Industry at the organization's neeting at the Hotel Warwick here yesterday. The meeting is expected to conclude today after three days of sessions. The meeting designated Ned E. Depinet of RKO as a co- trustee for the organization representing distributors and Harry Brandt, New York ITOA president, as co-trustee for ex- hibitors. H. M. Richey of M-G-M was named alternate for dis- tributors and Max A. Cohen, president of Allied Theatre Owners of New York (Ml'TOA) alternate for exhibitors. Arrangements were made to establ- ish a $10,000 fund to finance the or- ( Continued on page 6) OCD to Get Theatre Raid Program Today Washington, Jan. 22. — Reconi; nendations for a nationwide theatre nr raid protection program which »vill be applicable to small houses as well as large metropolitan theatres 1 , ^ ill be submitted to Office of Civilian Defense officials here today. In -attendance at today's meeting from New York will be Si Fabian, Robert M. Weitman and John Eber- (Continued oil page 6) Freeman Pledges Aid on Bond Sales Washington, Jan. 22. — Y. Frank Freeman, head of the Hollywood section of the War Activities Committee — Motion Picture Industry, offered the group's fullest cooperation in the Government bond-selling program, in a conference to- day with Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau. Freeman was accompanied by Claude Lee, Paramount di- rector of public relations. The discussion centered about the most effective method of con- ducting the campaign, Treas- urv officials said. Talent In Ail-Out Appearances for Paralysis Drive Climaxing a campaign of several months, talent from the screen, radio, stage and television, will make ex- tensive contributions of their services for the next seven days on behalf of the President's Birthday Ball, which will be celebrated simultaneously in cities all over the country next Fri- day night in the drive against paralysis. Tomorrow night, 11:15 P. M.-12:15 A. M. over the combined networks of NBC, the Blue and Mutual, will be heard Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Deanna Durbin, Dennis Day, Fibber McGee & Molly, Spencer Tracy, Charlie Chaplin. Marlene Dietrich, Mary Martin, Tyrone Power, Wil- liam Powell, Walter Huston, Ronald Colman, Claudette Colbert and many others, with Gordon Jenkins and a 50- piece orchestra and a 16- voice choir. (Continued on page 8) DECREE ATTACKED IN GOV'T REPORT Shirer Luncheon Due to Attract 700 A total of 700 industry executives, Broadway personalities and others are expected at the luncheon at the Hotel Astor today in honor of William L. Shirer, sponsored by the amusement division of the New York and Brook- lyn Federations of Jewish Charities. The luncheon today is reckoned one of tlie highlight events in the amuse- ment division's annual campaign to assist the charity organization. David Bernstein and Major Albert Warner are co-chairmen of the division. Eddie Cantor will introduce Shirer, and George Z. Medalie, president of the New York Federation, will be the guest speaker. Justice Dep't Considers Amendments, Sees Divorcement as Remedy, Arbitration Deficient; Bars Block Booking Washington, Jan. 22. — Expressing sharp dissatisfaction with the operation of the industry New York case consent decree during its first year, Rohert L. Wright, head of the Department of Justice film unit, in a report on the decree issued today, disclosed that the Government is considering amend- ments to the decree in its present form. Revealing the extent of the depart- ment's dissatisfaction, the report as- serted that divorcement may still prove to be the only effective remedy for tin.- licensing discriminations inherent in the distributor ownership of the- atres. The report likewise stressed the in- adequacies of the arbitration system under the decree, and expressed doubt as to the legality under either the de- cree or the Sherman Act of distribu- tor theatre acquisitions since the de- cree became effective. Regarding the new selling method, Wright said that, despite numerous complaints, the department will not move to abandon it until the full year's trial period has elapsed in June, but that at that time any suggestion (.Continued on page 6) 'Black Year' Under Decree Says Myers The consent decree "has proven a lamentable failure" and is largely re- sponsible for "one of the blackest years" in exhibi- tor h i s t o r y, Abram F. Myers, chairman of the board and gener- al counsel of Al- lied States, de- clares in his an- nual report pre- sented yesterday to the organiza- tion's board of directors, meet- ing at the Hotel Warwick here. Declaring that higher terms are Abram F. Myers asked for pic- tures under the decree selling method, the report asserts that "unless there is (Continued on page 6) FCC Gets 26 For Illegal Washington. Jan. 22. — The FCC is playing an active part in the war effort, it was declared tonight by the Office of Facts and Figures in its first "report to the nation" on our prepara- tion for war. Since July, 1940, the O.F.F. said, more than 2,000 cases of illegal or subversive use of radio have been in- vestigated and 23 convictions secured. The FCC also has detected 75 radio (Continued on page 8) Convictions Use of Radio Eyssell Director of Rockefeller Center G. S. Eyssell, recently named man- aging director of the Radio City Music Hall and the Center Theatre, as well as president of the Radio City Music Hall Corp., has been elected to the board of directors of Rockefeller Center, Inc., it was an- nounced yesterday by the corporation. U. S. Report Alters Meeting Discussion The United Motion Picture Industry meeting at the Hotel Warwick was brought to a standstill yesterday when word reached it that the De- partment of Justice report on the decree expressed the Government's refusal to re- turn to block booking and blind selling. It was reported in advance of the disclosure of the De- partment's attitude that the distributors and exhibitors at the meeting had been dis- cussing the feasibility of a return to block booking with a 20 per cent cancellation in the event the block- of-five selling method lapses next June 1. With that pro- cedure blocked by the Govern- ment's views the meeting was caught without alternative proposals and spent the re- mainder of the afternoon dis- cussing the report. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 23, 1942 It's About Time Mexico City, Jan. 22 HT HE Municipal Govern- ■*■ ment is drafting a meas- ure requiring women theatre patrons to remove their hats, since requests on theatre pro- grams asking cooperation have met with failure. Organ- ized women's groups are pro- testing the measure as an in- sult. A local law compels civilian men to remove their hats in theatres. Friedl Testifies at Minn. 5-Block Trial St. Paul, Jan. 22. — John J. Friedl, president of Minnesota Amusement Co., affiliated with Paramount, was the first exhibitor witness today in the Minnesota anti-block-of-five violation trial here. His testimony touched mainly on clearance in the Twin Cities. He said separate clearance schedules are in effect for M-G-M product and that of other companies. Although a prosecution witness in the action against Paramount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox, George Gran- strom, St. Paul suburban exhibitor, testified under cross-examination that he believed spot booking to be to the exhibitor's advantage. He testified he favored the Neely anti-block booking bill. He is a member of Northwest Allied, which sponsored the Minnesota block booking law. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SAMUEL GOLD WYN'S PRODUCTION GARY COOPER BARBARA STANWYCK BALL OF FIRE The March of Time: "WHEN AIR RAIDS STRIKE" ON STAGE: "TURN BACK THE CLOCK" — Leonidoff's recollections of palmy days of yore. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE P ARAMOUN IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND Extra 1 DINAH SHORE T TIMES SQUARE Betty GRABLE Carole LANDIS Victor MATURE Laird CREGAR "I WAKE UP SCREAMING" A 20th Century- Fox Picture PLUS A BIG BSNW 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW KUAI & 50th St. PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. CLAUDETTE COLBERT in 'REMEMBER THE DAY' and 'CONFIRM OR DENY" DON AMECHE— JOAN BENNETT "A GREAT SHOW.' ' — Herald Tribune 50c, $1& $1.50 np0luhS.gThaeXr 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza |T HAPPENS ON ICE at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre. Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed., Sat. & Sun. 501 Seats for Every Perf. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Personal Mention EDWIN L. WEISL returns from Washington today. • Hall Wallis is due today from the Coast. W. J. Heineman returns today from a trip to the South. • Casey Robinson is expected today from Hollywood. • William Brown of the Pickwick Theatre, Greenwich, Conn., is on a week's vacation. • William Gerst, manager of Hunt's Rockland, Philadelphia, leaves today for Miami. WILLIAM A. SCULLY is ex- pected back from California on Monday. • Leonard Goldenson leaves today for Chicago. • Steve Broidy and George West leave Hollywood tomorrow for the Midwest. • Jack Sidney, formerly at the Poli, Bridgeport, Conn., and later at the National in Louisville, has enlisted in the Army. • Fred Saar, manager of Warners' Auditorium, Philadelphia, is back at his post after an illness. PRC Regional Meet Opening Tomorrow Producers Releasing Corp. will start the first of four regional sales meetings at the Hotel Astor tomor- row. O. Henry Briggs, president, will open the meeting and Arthur Greenblatt, genera! sales manager, will preside. Leon Fromkess, executive vice-president, and Joseph O'Sullivan, director of advertising and publicity, will be among the speakers. Present at the meeting will be : Harry Asher, Boston franchise holder, and Zippy Goldman, Max Farber and Sam Levine ; Bert Kulick, New York franchise holder, and Sidney and Larry Kulick ; Milton and Lew Lef- ton, Pittsburgh franchise holders, Godfrey Lefton and Jack Feurer ; George Gill, Washington franchise holder, John Kohler and Edward Golden ; Herb Given, Philadelphia franchise holder, and Ralph Unkes ; Jack Berkson and Bernie Mills, Buf- falo and Albany franchise holders, Leo Murphy and Sam Milberg. The next regional sales meeting has been called for Little Rock, Jan. 31. It was announced that PRC has signed Dixon Harwin to produce two pictures for 1942 release, with "The Ghost and the Guest" as the first. Jack Harrower has been named Hollywood publicity representative for Producers Releasing Corp., succeed- ing William E. Raynor, who has join- ed the Army. Harrower will leave today. Omaha Variety Club To Be Reorganized Omaha, Jan. 22. — A meeting has been called for Jan. 31 to reorganize the Omaha Variety Club on a "war- time basis." The club has been func- tioning only on a part-time basis since quarters were closed some months ago. Donald V. McLucas is slated to be elected chief barker for 1942. Plans are to lower the dues with no initia- tion fee and obtain a large member- ship among both exhibitors and film employes. Freeman Honored At Luncheon Today Paramount will be host at a lunch- eon to Y. Frank Freeman, vice-presi- dent in charge of production, at the Hotel Astor today. There will be a general discussion of product with home office executives and the trade press. SEC Reports Cowdin 'U' Stock Purchase Washington, Jan. 22. — Acquisition of 150 Universal Corporation common voting trust certificates by J. Cheever Cowdin, board chairman, through a holding company was reported to- night by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its final summary for November. The summary, however, included a delayed report showing that in Oc- tober Peyton Gibson, secretary of Universal Pictures, disposed of 220 shares of that company's first pre- ferred stock which he had held through Universal Corporation. Reports on holdings of persons be- coming officers in registered corpora- tions showed that no securities of their respective companies were held by J. Miller Walker when he became an officer in Keith Albee Orpheum Dec. 5, or Leon Goldberg when he became an officer in Radio Keith Or- pheum Dec. 15. Canada Rental Curb Disturbs U. S. Firms Toronto, Jan. 22. — American dis- tributors are concerned over the Ca- nadian regulation placing a ceiling on film rentals, Henry Falk, spokesman for unaffiliated Canadian exhibitors, reported on his return from a visit to the United States. Falk indicated that an advisory council for the film business in Can- ada is being organized to assist the Wartime Prices and Trade Board in preparing regulations for the price ceilings on rentals and theatre admis- sions. Final decisions, it was pointed out, will rest with Government offi- cials. I. A. Executives to Miami Board Meet Richard F. Walsh, IATSE presi- dent, and other officials of the union left yesterday for Miami where IATSE executive board meetings will start over the weekend. Among subjects to come up for discussion are the time and place of the next convention and a study of financial reports, especially the two per cent assessment fund ad- ministered by George E. Browne, con- victed former president. King to Head Air Patrol Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Henry King, 20th Century-Fox director, has ob- tained an indefinite leave of absence to establish and head a civil air patrol for California. 'Cafe Crown' Opens At the Cort Tonight "Cafe Crown," a comedy by H. S. Kraft, will open tonight at the Cort Theatre, presented by Carly Wharton and Mar- tin Gabel. Sam Jaffe and Morris Carnovsky head the cast. Elia Kazan directed. Film Priority Setup^V Remains Unchanged Washington, Jan. 22. — Establish- ment of the new War Production Board, elimination of the Office of Production Management and the gen- eral re-shuffling of the various defense activities will make no change in the status of A. Julian Brylawski, in charge of film industry priorities, it was said today. While there are changes in the or- ganizational structure, the several ac- tivities of the individual offices will continue as heretofore. Brylawski will be under J. S. Knowlson, Director of the Division of Industry Operations, one of the major organizations in the new setup. Heretofore, Brylawski's office and certain other similar groups have been unattached to any special division and under the general supervision of one of William S. Knudsen's aides. Fox to Pay $885,000 To Settle Bankruptcy William Fox will pay $885,000 on Feb. 10 to Hiram Steelman, trustee in the Fox bankruptcy in Atlantic City, in full settlement of all bank- ruptcy claims against him, certain of his relatives and the All-Continent Corp., it was learned yesterday from Herson & Bertini, attorneys for Fox Theatres Corp., one of the creditors. The settlement, so far as it affected the Fox Theatres Corp., was approved last Fall by the courts, it was said. Steelman will distribute the amount received from Fox to the various creditors. Claims in the Fox bank- ruptcy proceedings totaled about $70,000,000. Rejoins RKO Staff Omaha, Jan. 22. — Sol Yeager, re- cently with Universal, has rejoined the RKO sales staff here. He replaces IrvingGillman, who returned to Min- neapolis. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefsller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. JOEt McCREA • VERONICA LAKE SULLf in with Robert Warwick* William Demarest* Margaret Hayes* Porter Hall* Franklin Rangoon** Eric More A Paramount Picture 'Written and Directed by Preston Sturges II RKO RADIO, the award-winning company of 1941, presents its first candidate for 1942 honors— A great new drama made by the producer of "Kitty Foyle"— the first Hollywood production to bring to your screen the amazing talents and striking personality of gifted Mi chele Morgan, and the dashing, vivid romantic magnetism of that unforgettable star of "Night Train," Paul Henreid- — A hint of the avalanche of acclaim to come is found in the preview praise of the trade press— things like: "One of the finest," from Motion Picture Daily . ♦ . "A natural," Motion Pic- ture Herald . . . "Roundly exciting, entertaining," Film Daily . , . "Superb," Hollywood Reporter . . . "Suspense, high excite- ment," Hollywood Variety . . , "Powerful," Showmen's Trade Review . . . "Among the best," Box Office- World Premiere at the Rivoli Theatre, New York, Saturday, January 24. M I C H E L E MORGAN PAUL HENREID IN WITH THOMAS MITCHELL* LAIRD CREGAR MAY ROBSON Produced by DAVID HEMPSTEAD > Directed by ROBERT STEVENSON 6 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 23, 1942 Score Decree In Report by Justice Dep't {Continued from page 1) for a better plan will be considered. However, Wright said, the Govern- ment "will continue to oppose a re- turn to the system of season block booking and blind selling." On the basis of experience to date, Wright declared, the department has not attempted to make a final judg- ment of the decree's net result in solving industry problems. Up to Exhibitors This is also true of the selling pro- visions, but, he pointed out, "It is ob- vious that this new method of dis- tributing films cannot succeed unless the exhibitors themselves desire that it succeed, and its ultimate fate rests largely in their hands." The report cited a number of deficiencies in the arbitration system, including the fact that the lack of knowledge of the in- dustry by the arbitration per- sonnel, deliberately sought in an effort to secure impartiality, has given added weight to the su- perior presentation of their cases by the distributors. Other disadvantages which have developed are the use of technical de- fenses in the form of motions to dis- miss for want of jurisdiction, em- ployed by the distributors, and the limited character of the relief under the unreasonable clearance section which restricts the right of the arbi- trators to find that there is not suf- ficient competition to justify a clear- ance between two theatres. Responsibility for the failure of Section VIII on clearance to provide adequate relief in many situations, Wright said, "rests squarely upon the department and the consenting dis- tributors, and not the board." But amendment is impossible without the consent of the distributors, who are not unanimously agreed on such action at the present time. 150 Houses Acquired While some of the distributors have made few changes in their theatre holdings, others have acquired inter- ests in numerous additional houses, Wright reported, and all told have ac- quired interests in approximately ISO theatres, which exceeded by more than 100 the number of interests disposed of by them. In some areas, the distributor cir- cuits have invaded areas of indepen- dent competition to such an extent that the independents have been forced out entirely, and in other cases have apparently acquired independent houses as a means of preventing the prosecution of complaints by competi- tors through legal proceeding or ar- bitration. "Whether these activities may have violated the decree or the Sherman Act or both and the extent to which relief may be obtained under the De- cree and the Act if a violation has occurred are matters which are now under consideration by the depart- ment," he said. "The department has not given its approval to any acquisi- tions made by any defendant." Wright declared that the problem of seeing that independents secure the Review ft "Riders of the Badlands {Columbia) SEASONED with generous portions of action and a few moments of song is a yarn about an outlaw and a ranger who are identical in appearance, with the result that the wrong one is imprisoned and con- signed to the gallows. While the exact likeness of the two, the core of the story, would seem a strain upon credulity, that point and the picture generally are well presented and should entertain the fans. Charles Starrett plays the double role with the proper gusto, Cliff Edwards does well in an incidental assignment which includes a few melodies, and Russell Hayden also contributes as the other ranger who mistakes his colleague for the outlaw and then after discovering his error makes the proper corrections. Howard Bretherton directed. Running time, 65 minutes. "G,"* Eugene Arneel *"G" denotes general classification. 'Black Year' Under Decree Says Myers {Continued from page 1) an abrupt change of policy by the dis- tributors, this dizzy pace (of increas- ing the number of high bracket pic- tures) will be continued with disas- trous results to all concerned." Allied directors yesterday approved an amendment to the by-laws author- izing the holding of four directors' meetings annually, instead of two. The board will meet again today, with election of officers and designa- tion of a convention city for the an- nual convention scheduled. New Jer- sey Allied has entered a bid for the convention to be held in Atlantic City. Sees Arbitration Failure Myers' report criticized the results of industry arbitration to date, de- claring that the interpretation of rules and technical procedures has mini- mized the relief obtainable by exhibi- tors. "The number of cases filed each month," the report observes, "appears to be declining and unless life is in- jected into the system it soon will cease to merit the great expense of its upkeep." Allied has made a "bona fide" effort to cooperate in making the decree workable, Myers states, but despite this all the dire predictions it made in op- posing the decree before Fed- eral Judge Henry W. Goddard in 1940 "have come to pass" and "few, if any, of the claims made in support of the decree have been vindicated." "Those of us who have been work- ing for more harmonious relationships in the industry," Myers says, "have been shocked and discouraged by re- cent callous rejoinders in distributor circles to the effect that the present outcry against high film rentals is just the usual exhibitor squawk. . . . May- benefit of an expert presentation of their arbitration cases is one which the national and regional exhibitor as- sociations may be able to solve. "It does not appear to have been solved to date," he added. "This may be due in part to the fact that many exhibitor organizations have deliber- ately discouraged arbitration rather than furthering the use of the sys- tem." be some exhibitors have cried 'wolf when it was only a shadow, but there is no mistaking the danger that besets them now." The report cites terms contained in a film franchise made by certain Al- lied members with one of the con- senting distribution companies sub- sequent to June 8, 1940, which were later canceled by the distributor be- cause the decree exempted only those franchises entered into prior to that date. It compares those proposed terms with the allocations of current season's product actually made by the same distributor in its decree sales to the same exhibitors. Claims Percentage Increase "These accounts," Myers states, "have had to take double the number of 40 per cent pictures provided for in the franchises and almost two- thirds of the number of 35 per cent pictures provided for in the franchises, with the season less than half over. On the other hand, they have re- ceived only one-fourth of the C pic- tures, less than two-sevenths of the D pictures, less than two-fifths of the E pictures and less than one-third of the F pictures provided for in the franchises." Of arbitration the report says: "The appeal board has emasculated most of the awards in favor of exhibitors . . . has been diligent in upholding awards against independent ex- hibitors" and "to date, not a single exhibitor has secured re- lief under Section 10, refusal to license on the requested run." The development of a new selling method jointly by exhibitors and dis- tributors to replace the decree system was the principal objective which Al- lied States leaders had in mind in initiating the all-industry unity move- ment, Myers' report states. WB Employes Vote On Pact Monday A working contract drawn up by a committee of the Warner Brothers Associated Office Employes, indepen- dent union of Warner personnel, will be voted upon by the membership at a meeting Monday evening at the Capi- tol Hotel, and upon approval will be submitted to the company, it was said yesterday. The contract calls for higher wages in proportion to the po- sition of the employe, reduction in working hours, sick leave and a vaca- tion guarantee. Unity Group Now 'United M.P. Industry' {Continued from page 1) ganization until such time as a per- manent financing plan has been nftj into effect. The nine distribution ccHj panies participating in the unity move"-* ment, all of the national distributors except United Artists and Universal, will contribute $7,000 of the tem- porary fund. The three exhibitor divisions, Allied States, MPTOA and regional organizations, will contribute $1,000 each. Equal Cost Sharing Plans for permanent financing were not completed but it was agreed that exhibitor and distributor divisions will contribute equally under whatever plan is adopted. A financing commit- tee appointed yesterday by William F. Rodgers, chairman, includes Ned E. Depinet, Max A. Cohen, Leonard Goldenson, Jack Kirsch, H. M. Richey and William Crockett. The trustees will meet in the near future, probably next week, to arrange for the incorporation of the United Motion Picture Industry and to han- dle other details involving the placing of the organization on a permanent basis. Action is slated today on the ap- pointment of a smaller committee to handle questions arising under Point 5 of the unity program, which covers subjects of internal industry differ- ence, trade practices and the like. Heretofore, the committee of the whole was charged with handling Point 5. It is also believed likely that some action may be taken today on the designation of a full-time execu- tive secretary. Dietz Group to Report The committee on institutional ad- vertising, of which Howard Dietz is chairman, will meet this morning to consider further its plans for increas- ing theatre attendance before making a formal report to the main commit- tee. Dietz gave an oral report to the committee yesterday in which he dis- cussed the committee's idea for study- ing means of attracting some part of the estimated 50,000,000 nontheatre- goers in the United States to the mo- tion picture audience. H. A. Cole, Allied States president, advanced the suggestion that the Dietz committee, before completing its plans, give consideration to the inclusion of an industry canvass of audience tastes. OCD to Get Theatre Raid Program Today {Continued from page 1) son, who will confer with John J. Payette, Sidney Lust, Carter Barron and other Washington theatre men on recommenndations. Earlier meetings were held this week by the local men with OCD officials. It is expected that definite OCD rules for the procedure to be followed by all theatres in the country during blackouts and air raids will be forth- coming soon, when the suggestions of the theatre men are formulated in a specific program. Hie finest Picture MONOGRAM Has Ever Produced! Aimed straight at your heart! The moving story of a boy's love for his dad . . . and a father's devotion to his son.. .brought to you by a great star and a youngster you'll adore! Beaven- 0 Parson*, product o£ ^ g« FiIm D ' .Boles ^ "X-easure, -ores „ tailored to b»s ^ sUb- •nbeoneotthebiggest ^^^^sottWs-^ v^k office attract ^George F*Her, Mutual >etlC°rK ROAD HAPPINESS 99: W ith Mona BARRIE • Billy LEE Roscoe KARNS A SCOTT R. DUNLAP Production Directed by PHIL ROSEN Screenplay by ROBERT D. ANDREWS From the Famous AMERICAN MAGAZINE Story "FIRST PERFORMANCE" by Matt Taylor Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 23, 194 'Boots' Takes $44,000; Loop Grosses Rise Chicago, Jan. 22— Business in the Loop has improved. The Chicago Theatre with "They Died With Their Boots On" was best with $44,000. -Ball of Fire" and "The Gay Falcon" held up with $17,500 in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 15 : "Kathleen." (M-G-M) (5 days) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) (2 days) (3rd week in Loop) APOLLO — (1,400) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $5,000) "They Died With Their Boots On (W. B.) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Stage: Griff Williams Orchestra. Gross: $44,000. (Average, $32,000) "Shadow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) GARRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days (3rd week in Loop.) Gross: $6,000. (Aver- age, $5,000) . "Go West, Young Lady (Col.) ORIENTAL— (3.200) (25c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days Stage: "Meet the People" unit. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $16,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) PALACE— (2,500) (40c-50c-75c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $17,500. (Average, $13,000) "Sundown" (U. A.) "Night of January 16th" (Para.) ROOSEVELT— (1.500) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $11,- 000) "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) (5 days, 3rd week) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) (2 days) STATE-LAKE— (3,700) (40c-44c-5ac-75c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $14,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,000. (Aver- age, $14,000) WABC to Operate On 24-Hour Basis WABC, the key CBS station here, has decided on 24-hour operation, with classical recordings, instead of the customary swing music which has characterized other all-night opera- tions. The station has been operating all night since Monday with such re- cordings. Decision to continue was made yesterday. The rate for one-minute transcrip- tions is $25 for one day a week and $140 for seven days a week between 1 and 6:30 A.M. Costs of 100-word announcements are $20 once a week and $112 seven times. KNX, CBS Los Angeles station, has started a 1-5 A.M. show intended to interest defense workers who work irregular hours. 56,000,000 Radios In U. S. Last Year There were 56,000,000 radio receivers in use in the United States in 1941, according to a report yesterday by the Na- tional Association of Broad- casters. Of these, 30,600,000 were in homes and 9,000,000 in automobiles. The remain- ing 16,400,000 were in institu- tions, places of business or were additional receivers in homes. These figures showed an in- crease over 1940 of 1,300,000 sets in homes, 1,000,000 in au- tomobiles and 3,600,000 in in- stitutions, places of business or supplementary home re- ceivers. Talent In All-Out Appearances for Paralysis Drive (Continued from page 1) Arch Oboler will produce this show in Hollywood. Starting on all networks on the first minute of the President's Birthday from midnight to 1 A. M. will be heard Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shore, Kenny Baker, Ezra Stone, Keith Morgan, Carmen Miranda, Glenn Miller, Bert Gordon, Walter Win- chell, Larry Adler, Gertrude Law- rence, Maurice Evans, Fred Waring, Edgar Fairchild. This show will be carried by NBC, the Blue, Mutual and NBC short wave. Broadcast from London On the morning of Jan. 30, from London, over NBC 8:30-8:45, an RAF band will play and sing "Happy Birthday." Vladimir Horowitz will broadcast over the Blue, 10:15-10:30 P. M. Pickups from the balls all over the country will be featured when all four networks and short wave sta- tions join 11 :15 P. M. -12:15 A. M. on Jan. 30. Roosevelt is scheduled to speak. Locally, NBC will televise the ball at the Waldorf-Astoria from 10 :30 P. M. to midnight. WNEW will carry a "Dance Band Parade" from 9 P. M. until 5 A. M. with an hour's pause to pickup the main show at 11 :15. Martin Block will act as mas- ter of ceremonies and Fred Waring, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, Vin- cent Lopez, Charlie Spivak, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Orin Tucker, Dolly Dawn, Vaughn Monroe and Shep Fields will appear with their orchestras. Other local stations will pickup the 11:15 show. Film Players in Capital On Sunday, Jan. 25, a performance in Washington of "Watch on the Rhine" will donate proceeds to the Infantile Paralysis Fund. John Le- Roy Johnston and Lou Smith have been named by the Association of Motion Picture Producers to arrange for publicity for a party of Hollywood stars who will be present at the Washington ball at the Willard Hotel. Among those who will make appearances at hotels, theatres and restaurants will be Brenda Marshall, Judy Canova, Gene Raymond, Con- rad Thibault, Mickey Rooney, Jean Hersholt and Dorothv Lamour. Collections Start In Film Houses Collections in 10,009 theatres around the country were begun yesterday as the industry answered President Roosevelt's request for support of the March of Dimes drive to combat in- fantile paralysis. At most of these houses a trailer featuring Clark Gable appealing for donations was added to the program. Each screening was fol- lowed by the passing among audiences of collection containers. Winkler Service Held Hollywood, Jan. 22. — Funeral serv- ices were held today at the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memo- rial Park, for Otto Winkler, M-G-M publicity man killed in the plane crash in Nevada last week in which Carole Lombard and her mother perished. FPC Chief Foresees Rationing of Power Washington, Jan. 22. — Ra- tioning of power in theatres and other amusement places, as well as for all other civilian uses, is foreseen by Leland Olds, chairman of the Federal Power Commission, in testi- mony before a House com- mittee, which was reported today. He said the rationing, which would come "by the end of this year," would mean "a great deal more than simply the elimination of neon signs, ornamental street lighting, the use of radio in the homes or other essentially luxury uses." New Films Score In Good Broadway Week; 'Fire' Big New product scored with the Broadway show-shoppers this week as business all around was aided by between-semester school holidays. Topping the field was Sam Gold- wyn's comedy, "Ball of Fire," which finished its first week at the Radio City Music Hall, supported by a stage show, with an estimated $96,000. It started a second week yesterday. Also strong, "The Corsican Brothers" grossed an estimated $36,000 in its first week at the Capitol and holds over. At the Roxy, "I Wake Up Screaming" brought an estimated $43,600 with the stage show and be- gins a second week today. "All Through the Night" and Bob Chester's orchestra open at the Strand today following the three-week run of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and Jimmy Dorsey, which in its final week drew an estimated $37,000. "Treat 'Em Rough" finishes a week at the Rialto tonight with an esti- mated $4,800 expected and will be replaced tomorrow by "Call Out the Marines." "Joan of Paris" makes its debut at the Rivoli tomorrow. After that on the Rivoli's schedule is "Mister V," produced and directed by Leslie How- ard who also has the starring role. The film is a United Artists release. FCC Convicts For Illegal Radio Use (Continued from page 1) circuits operating between Germany and its agents abroad, a German- Japanese circuit, and an active trans- mitter in the German Embassy in Washington. As a result of the careful develop- ment of a defense communications program by the Defense Communica- tions Board, it was declared, commer- cial services are being subjected to few restrictions, although stations must go off the air if staying on will make them beacons to guide enemy planes. Broadcasters, the report said, have cooperated fully, among other things granting military and defense agencies all needed time on the air. Washington, Jan. 22. — An appro- priation of $4,991,219 for operations of the Federal Communications Commis- sion during the fiscal year beginning July 1, next, was approved today by the House Appropriations Committee. 'Eager9 Gets Neat $20,000,1 Philadelphia Philadelphia, Jan. 22. — In face o the competing engagement of tli "Ice Follies," business held up "Johnny Eager" drew $20,000 at-ft Fox, while "Suspicion" brought %, 000 to the Boyd. Estimated receipts for the wee ending Jan. 13-16: "How Green Was My Valley" (20th -Fox ALDINE— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average $9,000) "Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days 2nd run, 2nd week. Gross: $3,300. (Aver' age, $2,600) "Suspicion" (RKO) BOYD — (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $13,000) "Playmates" (RKO) EARLE— (4,000) (35c-41c-4Cc-57c-68c) days. Vaudeville, including Phil Spitalny' I Orchestra, Maxine, Evelyn, Vivian, Mar; McLanahan, Beatrice Howell and Rosa 1 linda & Lola. Gross: $18,000. (Average $14,000) "Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring" (Col. FAY'S— (2,190) 05c-29c-35c-46c-57c) days. Vaudeville, including Sally Keith Herman Hyde & Sally Burrill, Joe Phil lips & Yvonne Adair, Harry King & Ar lina, Monroe Bros., Gae Foster's Roxy ettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra. Gross $7,000. (Average, $6,900) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) FOX — (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 dav, Gross: $20,000. (Average, $13,000) "Keep 'Era Flying" (Univ.) KARLTON— (1,0C0) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) days, 2nd run, 2nd week. Gross: $4,000' (Average, $3,000) "Shadow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) KEITH'S — (2.200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) ! days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,000. (Average $4,500) "Babes or Broadway" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) ij days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average $14,000) "Swamp Water" (20th -Fox) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days 6th week. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $4,500, Hollywood Talent Open Camp Shows The first of a series of personal ap- pearances at Army camps and Naval stations by Hollywood talent will start today, Eddie Dowling, president of USO-Camp Shows, announced yester- day. First to make these trips will be Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Ann Miller, Joe E. Brown and Constance Moore: Operating from Hollywood's "talent: pool," these stars will make appear- ances in service clubs, mess halls and hospitals, as well as in camp theatres. Miss Garland, accompanied by her husband, Dave Rose, will appear at Fort Knox, Ky., today and tomorrow and then tour military posts in the- Midwestern corps area. Jolson will start a two-week tour of Southern camps beginning with the Jacksonville Naval Air Station Monday. Call Radio Part of Newspaper Growth Washington, Jan. 22. — Radio broadcasting is a part of the natural growth of newspapers, the FCC was told today by Dr. Frank Luther Mott, director of journalism of the Univer- j sity of Iowa. Appearing on behalf of the news- paper radio committee, as the com- mission continued hearings in its in- quiry into newspaper ownership of radio, Dr. Mott said any attempt to sever the relations between the radio and the newspaper would result in J hardship for each medium. to the Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY 2EMOVE First in J*SL. 51. NO. 1 NEW YORK, U.S.A.. MONDAY. JANUARY 26. 1942 TEN CENTS losenberg Is New President 3f Allied Stat es Producer Ass'n of Independents Being Organized, Report 1// Units Oppose Decree Selling Method ■ Morris A. Rosenberg, of Pitts- burgh, president of Ml'TO of W estern Pennsylvania, was elected ..resident of Allied States at the Organization's annual hoard meet- tag at the Hotel Warwick here Friday. Rosenberg succeeds H. A. j'ole of Dallas, who served three bonsecutive terms. Polls of all Allied units re- ported to the board were unani- mously opposed to the decree's block-of-five selling method and favored its discontinuance after June 1. The units will be polled to obtain their views on substi- tute selling methods. Abram F. Myers, chairman and neral counsel; Martin (i. Smith, {Continued on page 4) 50 Executives Due At Quigley Judging Final checkup of acceptances to the ."41 Quigley Grand Awards judging 'tt the Hotel Astor tomorrow indi- Lrates an attendance of more than 50 Industry executives to select the win- ders of the year's top awards. The Judging will start at noon, and the committee will be luncheon guests of /Martin Quigley. r The Quigley Awards, sponsored by Motion Picture Herald, through Man- (Continued on pane 8) Board Slashes Radio Receiver Output 40% Washington, Jan. 25. — Con- version of the radio industry to war production was initi- ated yesterday by the War Production Board in an order cutting by more than 40 per cent the allowable output of receiving sets and cutting the number of tube sockets per set. The reduction will be based on the volume of output dur- ing the nine months ended last September, and will be effective for 90 days, after which more drastic reductions are expected. Hollywood, Jan. 25. — Formation of an independent producers' association parallelling in some respects the As- sociation of Motion Picture Producers was in progress here over the week- end. Principals involved were re- ported to be discussing the plan with Loyd Wright, who is expected to head lie group as president. First information regarding the pro- posed new association was published in Motion Picture Daily last Oct. II. It was reported at that time that liscussions were under way with lames Allen of the Department of [ustice to head the association. Samuel ioldwyn, David O. Selzniek. Alexan- der Korda and Walter Wangcr were eported to be the principals in the move. New Group Sets $100,000 Budget A budget of $100,000 has been set for the United Motion Picture Industry, to be shared equally between participating exhibitor and distributor groups. Provision has been made to increase the budget should it become necessary. Meanwhile, Allied States was the first over the line with its contribution to the $10,000 temporary budget. Its $1,000 check reached the UMPI from Washington be- fore Friday's meeting ad- journed. National OCD Unit Named for Theatres Washington, Jan. 25. — A national advisory committee of theatre nun. enlisted "for the duration" to serve with the Office of Civilian Defense in developing air-raid protective plans, was set up here Friday with John J. Payette, zone manager for Warner Theatres, as chairman. Other members of the committee are John Eberson, theatre architect; Rob- ert Weitman. managing director of the Paramount Theatre, Xew York ; H. G. Barbee, Jr., general manager of the Lichtman Theatres: Sidney Lust of the Lust theatres; Hardie (Continued on pane 8) Admission Tax Revenue in '41 $87,819,799 Washington, Jan. 25. — Federal admission tax collections in 1941 w ere more than double those of the preceding year, largely as a result of the second change in the tax ba- sis in two years, which entirely eliminated exemptions, it is re- ported by the Internal Revenue Bu- reau. Collections for the year were $87,819,799 compared with $43,- 483,372 in 1940, the bureau's most recent report shows. In addition to the total elimination of exemptions last October, the 1941 collections reflected the full effect of the 1940 revenue bill which reduce.! (Continued on pane 8) Films for Morale Trade 's Main Task, Says Freeman Eliminate Clearance Between N.J.Towns The national appeals board on Fri- day modified an arbitrator's decision in the proceeding brought by Alvin Theatre Co.. operator of the Colony, Sayreville, X. J., for reduction of the clearance held by the Capitol, South River, X. J., and four first run houses in Perth Amboy, X. J., by eliminating all clearance in favor of the Perth Amboy houses. The reduc- (Continucd on page 7) By CHARLES S. AARONSON The greatest service the industry can render to the nation in wartime is to continue a steady flow of good product to aid in maintaining morale, Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in charge of Paramount production, de- clared here Friday. In an informal luncheon-interview with the trade press at the Hotel Astor, Freeman emphasized that Hollywood in all its phases stands ready at any time to do whatever it can in the country's war effort, but (.Continued on pane 7) Rodgers Gives UMPI 5-Point Trade Plan Subcommittee Charged to Work Out Solutions A five-point program for the solu- tion of industry problems was pre- sented to the subcommittee on internal industry affairs of the United Motion Picture Industry organization on Fri- day by William F. Rodgers, UMPI chairman. The program includes : 1. Plans for a better selling method than the decree's block- of-five system. 2. Development of an effec- tive curb on forcing shorts with features where the practice is found to exist. 3. Establishment of concilia- tion machinery to investigate and correct territorial disagree- ments. 4. Development of machinery for investigating and determin- ing individual complaints. 5. Development of a substi- tute for arbitration if it is found that arbitration is un- satisfactory. The subcommittee considering the program includes : Jack Kirsch, chair- (Continucd on page 7) $100,000 Given in Federation Drive More than $100,000 has been con- tributed to date by the amusement in-, dustry in the 1941 campaign of the Xew York and Brooklyn Federations of Jewish Charities, it was disclosed Friday following a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor sponsored by the Federation's Amusement Division. David Bernstein, Major Albert War- ner and Barney Balaban are co-chair- men of the division. About 700 per- sons of all amusement fields attended the luncheon. Bernstein said that the division (Continued on page 4) Films Unaffected by Price Control Bill Washington, Jan. 25. — Price con- trol legislation which is expected to be signed by President Roosevelt tlii> week will in no way affect motion pictures as a result of acceptance by the House of the Downey amend- ments. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 26, 1942 Personal Mention New Play by Hecht Will Open Tonight "Lily of the Valley," a new- play written and staged by Ben Hecht, opens at the Windsor Theatre tonight with Siegfried Rumann and Myron McCormick in the principal roles. Gilbert Miller is the producer. Wallis in New York, Seeks B'way Plays Hal B. Wallis, who recently was signed as a unit producer for War- ners, said here he is discussing film rights to "Watch on the Rhine," anti- Nazi play by Lillian Hellman, now current on Broadway. He is also con- sidering "The Corn Is Green," in which Ethel Barrymore appeared, he disclosed. The Warner studio announced Jan. 5 that the company had completed a deal whereby "Watch on the Rhine" would be brought to the screen under the guidance of Herman Shumlin, who produced the play. Wallis arrived here Friday from the Coast, accompanied by Casey Robinson and Philip G. Epstein, War- ner writers. He said he plans four or five pictures a year and will begin production on his return in about a week. His first picture will be "Des- perate Journey," with Errol Flynn and Ronald Reagan, which Raoul Walsh will direct. Large Cinema Lodge Meeting Is Expected Many industry figures are expected at the defense meeting of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith, at the Hotel Edi- son Wednesday evening, at which Daniel Arnstein, U. S. Commissioner to the Burma Road, will be the guest speaker. Arthur Israel, Jr., is presi- dent of the lodge. Rabbi Samson A. Shain of Sunny- side will deliver the invocation. Har- old C. Lewis, Arnstein's associate on the trip to the Far East, also will speak. Arnstein will show films taken on the Burma Road. The meeting is open to lodge members and friends. Raftery Elected to Board of MPPDA Edward C. Raftery, United Artists president, has been elected to the MPPDA board of directors. He re- places Arthur W. Kelly, vice-presi- dent, who was named to the board last Fall as temporary representative of United Artists. Award for 'U' Short The Universal short subject, "Doin' the Town," has been awarded a sil- ver plaque by the editors of the Uni versity of Pennsylvania's Daily Pcrm- sylvanmn as the outstanding band subject of the year. It will open ai the Capitol there Wednesday. MILLIONS a\ V WAITING TO SCI LAUDY LAWRENCE, Edward C. 1 Raftery and Gradwell L. Sears, U. A. executives, are due back from the Coast this week. Carl Leserman returned over the weekend. • J. Cheever Cowdin, W. A. Scully and Charles D. Prutzman, Univer- sal executives, are expected today from California. • Harry Feinstein, Warner Thea- tres executive, is here from Pitts- burgh for a few days. • Allen Tendil, Frank Higgins and LaRue Edwards, theatre men of Rochester, have been elected to execu- tive posts in the Masonic lodge there. • Fred Schanberger, III, son of J. Lawrence Schanberger, owner of Keith's, Baltimore, has become an Air Corps cadet. • Bernard Marsden, RCA represen- tative in New Haven, a reserve offi- cer, has entered active service. • Irving Yergin has returned to Chi- cago after a New York visit. ' Vanishing Virginian' Opens in Lynchburg Lynchburg, Va., Jan. 25. — "The Vanishing Virginian," M-G-M film, was given its premiere at the Para- mount Theatre here Friday evening, climaxing two days of civic celebra- tion. Ruth Hussey, M-G-M player, was a guest from the studio, substitut- ing for Kathryn Grayson of the film's cast, who was ill. The two-day celebration was fea- tured by a luncheon for Rebecca Yan- cey Williams, author of the story. Among those present were Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, Mrs. Kermit Roosevelt, Mrs. Robert Wright, presi- dent of the United Daughters of the Confederacy ; Mayor Lichford of Lynchburg, W. R. Ferguson, M-G-M exploitation director ; Rudolph Berger, district manager; J. S. Allen, Wash- ington branch manager, and Dan Ter- rell, Loew's publicity man in Wash- ington. Montague Leaves to Launch Sales Drive A. Montague, Columbia general sales manager, and Lou Astor, sales executive, left Friday for Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco to launch "Columbia's Victory Sales Drive" in which $50,000 in defense bonds will be distributed as prizes. Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Jerome Safron, Western division manager, held a meeting Saturday and yester- day of branch managers in his di- vision. Attending were Wayne Ball, Los Angeles ; Neal Walton, Seattle ; James Beale, Portland ; Jack Tillman. San Francisco ; William Seib, Salt Lake City ; R. C. Hill, Denver, and Mike Newman, publicity representa- tive. Report Thompson to U.A. T. R. Thompson, branch manager for RKO in Kansas City, is reported to have resigned. It is reported he will join United Artists in a sales capacity. SAM SCHNEIDER of Warners left for the Coast over the week- end. • Ben Kalmenson and Ralph Mc- Coy left Friday for Florida. • Arnold Picker of Columbia's for- eign department, has left for Mexico City and Cuba. • Morris Mechanic, owner of the New Theatre, Baltimore, spent the weekend here. • Pete Love, manager of the Seaside, Somers Point, N. J., has left to join the Navy. • Margaretha Magdalen Schaefer, daughter of Lou Schaefer, manager of the Paramount, New Haven, vyas married last week to Carl E. John- son of Glenbrook, Conn. • Joseph Vicedomini, manager of the World Playhouse in Chicago, is tak- ing a rest cure. • Harriet Young has resigned from the Motion Picture Herald staff to be married Feb. 7 to Paul E. Twiggs III. Milstein Sues Small, Claims $60,000 Due Jacob J. Milstein, formerly Eastern representative for Edward Small Pro- ductions, filed suit Friday in U. S. District Court here seeking $60,000 as a share of profits allegedly due him under an employment contract. Milstein charged breach of a con- tract made in Dec, 1938, which ex- pired last September, when he left the Small organization. His com- plaint said that under the contract he was to receive 5 per cent of the profits, in addition to salary, but that Small did not fulfill the profit ar- rangement. Small realized $1,200,- 000 profit during the period of Mil- stein's employ, according to the com- plaint. Hold Rivoli Party For 'Joan' Stars A cocktail party was held at the Rivoli Theatre Friday for Michele Morgan and Paul Henreid, stars of "Joan of Paris," and David Hemp- stead, producer of the film. The film opened Saturday, and the stars ap- peared at the house Saturday eve- ning. Among those at the party were Ned E. Depinet, Peter Rathvon, A. W. Smith, Jr., Frederic Ullman, Jr., A. M. Botsford, Malcolmn Kingsberg, Charles Koerner, Phil Reisman, S. Barret McCormick, Rutgers Neilson, Ha! Home, Richard Condon, J. J. O'Connor and Edward L. Alperson. NVA Benefit Show To Be Held Feb. 15 The 26th annual benefit of the Na- tional Variety Artists (NVA) will take place Sunday evening, Feb. 15, at the Imperial Theatre, it was an- nounced. For the past three years George M. Cohan was executive chairman, but this year Fred. Allen is handling the affair. 'Dimes' Collections Exceed Last Year's The first day's collections from patrons in the industry's March of Dimes campaign were in excess na- tionally of any similar collection in theatres, C. C. Moskowitz, co-chair- man, disclosed over the weekend. He said that Loew's houses in Greater New York reported close to $12,000 for the day, against $1,400 for- the first day last year. The amouijfj* he said, was equal to one-third of tttv circuit's collections in seven days last year, when only lobby solicitations were made. Collections this year are being made in auditoriums at many houses. Moskowitz said that Loew's the- atres out of town collected $14,000 the first day, and that reports from vari- ous sections indicate big increases. The drive, which started Thursday, will wind up Wednesday night. 700 Houses in Phila. Area Drive Philadelphia, Jan. 25. — Seven hun- dred theatres in this and surrounding areas are participating in the March of Dimes drive, it was announced by Ted Schlanger and Sidney Samuelson, territorial co-chairmen. "Flying squad- rons" have been assigned for special contact at neighborhood houses. Schlanger has received a telegram from Nicholas M. Schenck, national motion picture division chairman, commending the efforts of the local committee. Two New Def ense Shorts Now Ready Two new defense shorts, "Safe- guarding Military Information" and "Tanks," have been approved by the War Activities Committee and are now available through exchanges to exhibitors who have pledged them- selves to play the subjects recom- mended by the committee. "Safeguarding Military Informa- tion," made by Darryl F. Zanuck for the War Department, pictures the dangerous result of careless revelation of information. The other pictures the production of the armored units, and was made by the Office of Emergency Management. These two bring the total of defense shorts now available to 26. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address," Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, Londen Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications: Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c, LET THESE HEADLINES OF FIRST FEW DATES BE YOUR GUIDE LINES! 'Hellzapoppir 'Hellzapoppin' doing slic oang up in Seattle for ni is tov at the tv VAR1ETY- IIETY, JAN. 21 'HELLZA' TORRID $8,000 ON PORTLAND 2D WEEK Portland, Ore., Jan. 20. Outstanding this week, though, is the remarkable strength displayed by Hellzapoppin* at the Broadway. Olsen- Johnson comedy is not far off from the initial week which battled a blizzard to easily lead Portland biz. ■Helb'Bestljewcomer ;a„saS City, J*V*>. is probably Hem apopP"-n in houses. FLASH! "Hellzapoppin" breaks all box office records for mid-week openings at Or- pheum Theatre, San Francisco, Senate Theatre, Harrisburg and Astor Theatre, Reading, Pa.! FLASH! "Hellzapoppin" establishes new record at Denver Theatre, Denver! FLASH! "Hellzapoppin" breaks al ■M Palace Theatre, Rochester! records at Hellzapoppin" in record-breaking engagements in Toronto (held over), and amilton, Ontario! UNIVERSAL PICTURES present* HELLZAPOPPIN' starring OLSEN and JOHNSON MARTHA RAYE HUGH HERBERT • MISCHA AUER « JANE F RAZEE • ROBERT PAIGE SCHILLING • SHEMP HOWARD • The Six Hits • Slim and Slam • The Cor and me OUVE HATCH WATER BALLET Screenplay by N»t Pmin and Wum WiUon • Baud on an original Kory by Na Suggeartd by ttv« icage play "dun flc JohnsorVi Hrlljapoppin" • Directed by H. C A MAYFAIR PRODUCTION Aaaodate Producer., Gienn Ttyoa and Alex lOO KEY fITY ROftlflNft!? DAUIIlIN NftWI Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 26, 194*! Rosenberg Is New President Of Allied States (.Continued from page 1) treasurer, and Charles Olive, secre- tary, were reelected. Don Rossiter of Indianapolis was elected recording secretary, succeeding Arthur K. How- ard of Boston. Meyer Leventhal of Baltimore was elected financial secre- tary, filling a vacancy. All members of the executive com- mittee were reelected. They are : M. A. Rosenberg, H. A. Cole, Nathan Yamins, S. E. Samuelson, M. G. Smith, Jack Kirsch, Roy E. Harrold, and A. F. Myers, ex-officio member. AID Discontinued The board directed the Allied In- formation Department, which was es- tablished to gather and report infor- mation on performance of specific films, sales terms and the like, to dis- continue making its reports after issu- ance of the one now pending "until further orders" from the board. While the move was not officially explained, it was suggested within Allied circles that it was in the inter- est of the new industry unity move- ment, since complaints against selling practices uncovered by AID bulletins may be brought to the United Motion Picture Industry organization in the future. Approve Ascap Plan The board approved a plan for re- distribution of Ascap license fees, the basis of which would provide smallei theatres with lower fees, and author- ized a committee to present the plan to Ascap for its consideration. Allied has never sponsored anti-Ascap legis- lation, on the ground that the Fed- eral copyright laws provide for the collection of a fee for public per- formance and the organization be- lieves, according to Myers, that "the worst thing that could happen to ex- hibitors in the music licensing field would be to have Ascap eliminated." The board approved a resolu- tion calling for agreement in advance by sponsors of industry drives to render an accounting of receipts showing amounts raised by independent theatres. The board also approved offering the services and facilities of theatres as a group to the Office of Civilian Defense or other Federal agencies to any extent that they may be helpful. Seek Priorities Power A resolution calling for the center- ing of the industry's priorities activi- ties in the United Motion Picture In- dustry, instead of in the War Activi- ties Committee — Motion Picture In- dustry, was approved. Joseph Bern- hard is chairman of the priorities committees of both organizations. The board ratified the acts of Allied representatives in the United M. P. Industry, but postponed until the April board meeting a proposal to rotate AUied's representatives in that group to provide at least one vacancy to be filled by the board each year. Action on arrangements for Allied's annual national convention also was deferred to the April meeting. Con- sideration will be given at that time Reviews 'Brooklyn Orchid' (V. A. -Roach) . Hollywood , Jan. 25 HARACTER comedy, situation comedy and a minimum of slapstick ^ animate this item in Producer Hal Roach's series of Streamlined Features, which measures well up to the best of its predecessors. William Bendix, an import from the Broadway stage and from radio, makes his first screen appearance here as a character comedian mani- festly destined to go far in his new medium. Others in the cast, a well balanced personnel, are Joe Sawyer, Marjorie Woodworth, Grace Bradley, Skeets Gallagher, Florine McKinney, Leonid Kinsky, Rex Evans and Jack Norton. Bendix and Sawyer portray newly rich but roughneck owners of a taxicab line and the script, by Earle Snell and Clarence Marks, precipi- tates them into complications which accrue when a girl they rescue from a suicide attempt persists in placing her life future 'at their disposal despite the jealousy of their wife and fiancee respectively. A swanky musicale wdiich breaks up in a brawd and a sequence of events transpir- ing at a swanky country resort are principal sources of humor and animation. Direction by Kurt Neumann is highly effective and the dialogue is well above standard for this type of entertainment. Running time, 50 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams 'Snuffy Smith, Yard Bird' (Monogram) Hollywood, Jan. 25 HP RANSFERRING the principal .characters of Billy DeBeck's widely read comic strip to the screen, Producer Ed Gross has successfully created a farce replete with comedy peculiar to the screen. "Snuffy Smith, Yard Bird" "tells the story of a hillbilly from the great Smoky Mountains joining the Army to avoid the "revenoors" seeking his still, foiling a spy attempting to steal an artillery range finder invented by one of the mountain folk and enabling the "white" army to best the "blue" army in maneuvers. It's a laugh from start to finish, a credit to the efforts of director Edward Cline, veteran of comedy. His judicious use of footage showing- actual Army maneuvers gives the picture imposing stature. Bud Duncan plays the title role ; Edgar Kennedy, the "revenoor," who enters the Army and becomes a sergeant ; Sarah Padden as "Lowizie," and J. Farrell MacDonald, the. general. Romantic interest is supplied by Doris Linden and Jinunie Dodd. Two songs, "Time's A-Wastin' " and "The Yard Bird," are used. The picture has a wide range of exploitation possibilities, and the production itself justifies using them. The screenplay by John Grey, Jack Henley, Lloyd French and Doncho Hall makes use of every opportunity for comedy. Running time, 67 minutes. "G."* Vance King * "G" denotes general classification. to the availability of transportation facilities. Northwest Allied was not repre- sented at the meeting and no consider- ation was given by the national board to either the current product problems of the Minnesota exhibitors. Directors who attended the meeting, in addition to those named, included : Walter Littlefield and Arthur How- ard, New England ; Fred A. Beedle, Western Pennsylvania ; W. L. Ains- worth and Harry Perlewitz, Wiscon- sin ; Leonard Rosenthal, New York ; Lee Newbury, Harry H. Lowenstein, E. Thornton Kelly and Irving Doll- inger, New Jersey ; Ray Branch, Michigan ; W. R. Gingell, District of Columbia ; Joseph Reed, Maurice Shulfnan and Joseph Shulman, Max Alderman and Jack Fishman, Connec- ticut. Heads Buffalo Circuit Buffalo, Jan. 25. — Robert T. Murphy has assumed the post of president and managing director of Buffalo Twentieth Century, Inc., operating the Twentieth Century Theatre. Col. Plans to Make 'The American Way' Columbia has acquired film rights to "The American Way," the George Kaufman and Moss Hart play, and has assigned George Stevens to pro- duce and direct it, it was announced. Sidney Buchman has been assigned to the script. RKO, in association with Max Gordon and Harry M. Goetz, planned to produce the play in 1940, but sub- sequently relinquished the screen rights. Michon Remains Head Of Film Editors Guild John Michon has been reelected president of the Film Editors Guild for the third consecutive term, it was announced over the weekend. Other officers elected were Marc Asch, vice- president ; Joseph J. Vadala, secre- tary ; Morris Roizman, treasurer ; Os- car Canstein and Michael Prusch, ser- geant-at-arms. James Molini, Bud Pollard and Max Rothstein were named to the board of trustees. The Guild claims 242 members. $100,000 Already Contributed for Federation Drivr (Continued from pane 1) would continue to seek contributions tj increase the amount raised thus fa as it is less than the sum raised by j year and is short of the $150,000 Mfr Speakers at the luncheon incloHJ Bernstein, who opened the meeting Eddie Cantor, who was toastmastei'. George Z. Medalie, president of til New York Federation, and Williaii L. Shirer, CBS commentator, vM was the guest of honor. Officials on Dais Seated on the dais were B. S. Mos luncheon treasurer ; Herman Robbins! Henry Jaffe, chairman of the commit tee on arrangements ; William Mof ris, Jr., and Jules C. Stein, lunched co-chairmen; George J. Schaefej Paul Felix Warburg, chairman of thj business men's council of the Federal tion ; Commissioner of Licenses Pail Moss; Jack Cohn, Will Hays, GilbeJ Miller, John Golden, Albert D. La FROM THE DFEP, ROMANTIC SOUTH lOMES ANOTHER THRILLING DRAMA OF LOVE AND INTRIGUE! 6 REPUBLIC PICTURES Presents A Picture of Superb Quality and Matchless Entertainment JOAN BLONDELL JOHN WAY 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 26, 19-t 'Valley' Providence Leader, $11,200; 'Ball of Fire' Good Providence, Jan. 25. — "How Green Was My Valley" and "The Perfect Snob," dualled at the Majestic, brought $11,200, and "Ball of Fire," in its second week at the RKO-Albee, drew $9,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 14-15 : "Ball" of Fire" (RICO) "A Date with the Falcon" (RKO) RKO-ALBEE— (2,239) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $6,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEWS STATE— (3,232) (28c-39c-50c) 7 davs, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $11,000) "Hew Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "The Perfect Snob" (ZOth-Fox) "MAJESTIC — (2.250) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $11,200. (Average, $7,000) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "Sailors on Leave" (Rep.) STRAND— (2,200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. "Passage", 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Aver- age, $6,000) "South of Tahiti" (Univ.) FAY'S — (1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $7,100. (Average, $5,000) "Mountain Moonlight" (Rep.) METROPOLITAN — (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- 75c) 3 days. Stage show with Earl Car- roll's Vanities. Gross: $4,900. (Average, $5,000) "Hitler, Beast of Berlin" (PRC) "Reg'lar Fellers" (PRC) PLAYHOUSE— (1,378) (28c-44c) Gross: $3,200. (Average, $2,500) "They Met on Skis" (Mindlin) AVON— (519) (20c-33c) 4 davs. $400. (Average, $500) "They Died With Their Boots On' CARLTON — (1,526) (28c-39c-50c) 2nd week. Gross: $2,100. (Average, $3,500) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) (4 days) "Sing for Your Supper" (Col.) (4 days) "International Squadron" (W. B.) (3 days) "Great Guns" (ZOth-Fox) (3 days) EMPIRE — (1,200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. Gross: $1,800. (Average, $1,800) da Gross : (W. B.) 7 days, 'Dinner' at $7,200 Best in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Jan. 25. — "The Man Who Came to Dinner" drew $7,200 in its second week at the RKO Capitol, and "Glamour Boy" plus Teddy Pow- ell's orchestra on the RKO Shubert Stage, grossed $11,000. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 14-17 : "They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) RKO ALBEE — (3,300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Cross: $12,000. (Average, $12,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $10,000) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (33c-44c-60c) 7 days. Stage: Teddy Powell's orchestra and acts. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $10,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $5,500) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) RKO GRAND — (1,500) (13c -40c -50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,700. (Average, $5,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) KKO LYRIC— (1,400) (28c-33c-42c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $2,900. (Average, $4,500) "Read Agent" (Univ.) "Let 'Em Have It" (U. A.) KKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,000. (Average, $1,200) "Marry the Boss's Daughter" (20th-Fox) "Outlaw of the Desert" (Para.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $800. (Average, $800) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) KEITH'S — (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,900. (Average, $5,000) Boyer 'U' Producer Hollywood, Jan. 25. — Universal lias signed Charles Boyer as a pro- ducer and star under a term con- tract. No assignments have been made as yet. He will produce an undis- closed number of films. Critics9 Quotes "THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER" (Warners) A film that's just about as funny as the very funny original. — Nezvszveek. As fine a piece of cinema production as ever has come out of California, this movie retains all the spice and savor of the play that made Broadway history. — Lee Mortimer, New York. On the screen as on the stage, "The Man Who Came To Dinner" is riotous fun. — William Boehnel, Nezv York World Telegram. Funnier and quite as pungent as ever. . . . The lines seem even brighter, the principal character more poisonous, the plot more likely. — Eileen Creelman, Nezv York Sun. A brilliant stage comedy has been transcribed to the screen with rare skill ... a genuine delight. — Hoivard Burnes, New York Herald Tribune. It makes laughing at famous people a most satisfying delight. — Bosley Crowther, New York Times. It is getting a big play from the more spohisticated of the Broadway show shoppers, but it is a matter for speculation whether the country at large will find high comedy in the story. — Kate Cameron, New York Daily News. A far more amiable and uproariously amusing comedy than it was upon the stage. — Nelson B. Bell. Washington Post. It's still one of the funniest shows ever put together. — Don Craig, Wash- ington News. "BABES ON BROADWAY" (M-G-M) This musical cavalcade of youngsters in the theatre could be curtailed in its every department and still be a smash hit in popular estimation. — Nelson B. Bell, Washington Post. You could cut the picture in half and still have a ticket's worth by Holly- wood song 'n' dance standards. — Don Craig, Washington News. Bound to be highly successful. — Donald Kirklcy, Baltimore Sun. It should prosper exceedingly, although it is far from being a notable screen musical. — Hoivard Barnes, New York Herald Tribune. One of the happiest and sprightliest musical films I've seen in a long time. — Lee Mortimer, New York Daily Mirror. Has quantity and quality — a lot of humor, delightful and hilarious, a little pathos, a little patriotism — and many good songs and tunes, will within a plot that can be called reasonable for a musical picture. — Wanda Hale, New "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" (Paramount) As bright and handsome a musical as Hollywood has turned out in a long time. — Nezvszveek. A real show, with three popular Irving Berlin songs thrown in for good measure. — Eileen Creelman, New York Sun. Has all the ingredients of a successful entertainment. — Kate Cameron, Nezv York News. The only trouble with "Louisiana Purchase" is that the audience laughs so much, you miss half the gags. . . . Pace is fast, laughs come one after another, setting is beautiful, direction intelligent, gals so sensational that I actually put my glasses on to get a better look. — Lee Morimer, Nezv York Daily Mirror. A dressy, spicy and altogether delightful screen copy of its Broadway counterpart. — Robert W. Dana, New York Herald Tribune. A lively and leaping revelation of the screen in its best light operatic vein — an archly good-humored satire with just enough music and dancing to keep the froth on it, filmed in exquisite color and played right up to the rim. — ■ Bosley Crowther, New York Times. "I WAKE UP SCREAMING" (20th Century-Fox) A thrill-shocker of Police Gazette caliber has been given intriguing narra- tion ... 80 minutes of "nightmarish" suspense, comedy and heart throbs. — ■ W. E. Oliver, Los Angeles Herald-Express. It's the first murder story in years with a surprise ending that is com- pletely logical. It marks one of the few efforts in a thriller to build suspense out of character, and one of the most successful attempts, in a low budget picture, to make photography count for mood. — Virginia Wright, Los Angeles News. Somber and engrossing up to a certain point. . . . Without the stars it offers, and even with them, "Hot Spot" (former title) — material considered— can hardly qualify as above the "B" classification. — Edwin Schallert, Los Angeles Times. Good entertainment. It was a fair book, and it is a much better movie. It is a whodunit with distinction. — Wolfe Kaufman, Chicago Sun. "REMEMBER THE DAY" (20th Century-Fox) Not exciting, but it has a casual authenticity and charm. Its reconstruction of World War I society is very near to life. So are the performances of young Croft and Miss Colbert ... a peacock feather in Director Henry King's hat. — Time. May not win any fancy medals or Academy awards, but its a gentle, humanly written, beautifully played little film about the sort of American people we like and understand. — Philadelphia Inquirer. Out of the simplest of materials, "Remember the Day" constructs a senti- mental story that should beguile a great portion of our movie audience. — Philadelphia Ledger. "KEEP 'EM FLYING" (Universal) With their strongest supporting cast to date, the slickest script, sure-fire tunes and gag situations that will have you in spasms, it looks as if the sad- faced Lou and straight-face Bud should have Universal and the Palace Theatre chortling like the villain on a two-bit showboat. — Chicago Herald- American. In "Keep 'Em Flying" the screen's funniest comedians are at their funniest. They make the best — which is very good indeed — of a cleverly contrived script. — Chicago T ribunc. Showmanship Flashes . . . New Metro Promotion Aid For Smaller Situations A new exploitation service knowi as "Ideas of the Month," has beei launched by M-G-M, designed exclu sively to assisting theatres in sm; situations. Created by the comi exploitation department, the pro! tional aid will be issued twice monthly containing suggestions for campaign such as have been used in actual cam paigns. Film's Music on Radio Used in 'Dumbo' Promotion Chehalis, Wash., Jan. 25.— Willian Evans of the St. Helen's Theatn here, with the cooperation of Hani Howard, RKO exploiteer, arrange( a special radio music program t< highlight his campaign on "Dumbo.' The music from the film was uset in an arrangement with Statioi KELA in a 10-day campaign. Welsh Songs Feature Pittsburgh 'Valley' Plug Pittsburgh, Jan. 25.— For the rur of "How Green Was My Valley" at the Shea Fulton Theatre here, a re- served-seat premiere was sponsored by the Welsh societies of the area, community singing of Welsh songs by the audience was used, and displays were arranged in many department, stores, book stores and bank windows throughout the city. Use Photos from Film With 'Above All' Serial Twentieth Century-Fox has ar- ranged with newspapers publishing the serialization of "This Above All" to use photos from the company's picture. The serial already is running in the New York Daily Mirror and the Philadelphia Bulletin. 'Hellzapoppin* Big Indianapolis Lead Indianapolis, Jan. 25. — "Hellza- poppin" took $11,000 at the Indiana; in a good week. The weather was moderating after the Winter's sever- 1 est cold spell. Estimated receipts for the weeL ending Jan. 15 : "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Marry the Boss's Daughter" (20th-Fox) CIRCLE— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 8 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $6,500) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) INDIANA— (3,300) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $7,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" LOEWS — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. 2nd) week. Gross: $7,700. (Average, $8,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Flying Cadets" (Univ.) LYRIC— (2,000) (28c-33c-44c) 8 days, 3rd week. Cross: $4,000. (Average, $4,50(1) Two Companies Formed Albany, Jan. 25. — Two companies have been incorporated here. They are : Grant Theatres, Inc., Syracuse, and Excelsior Pictures Corp., New York. Cocalis Corp., Wickmar Film Productions, Inc., and Garrison Film Distributors, Inc., have been dissolved. Open 2 Camp Houses Indiantown, Pa., Jan. 25. — Two more theatres were opened at the military encampment here, bringing the total of houses now in operation to four. n >J.i\ Januar> 26, 1942 Motion Picture Daily liding Morale Pictures' Main Job: Freeman {Continued from faije I) -tiers to await Government instruc- Jni rather than act on its own initia- ls Thus, he declared, confusion is ided, and the most effective service be rendered. He stressed particularly that in no ay has the Government or any off i- ,al brought the slightest pressure to bar upon the production industry »r procedure in any direction He >inted out that Hollywood already ka;. produced many training films for ie War Department. He said there a likelihood a brief subject may be reduced on proper civilian procedure t the event of air raids or blackouts. >r showing in all theatres. Conferred in Washington Freeman, in his capacity as presi- ient of the Association of Motion icture Producers and chairman of ne Hollywood branch of the indus- ry's War Activities Committee, con- -rred Thursday in Washington with ecretary of the Treasury Morgen- nau and Lowell Mellett, coordinator f Government films, on industry co- p let hod of the consent decree, but de- la red he thought pictures in the past ■ear on the whole have been superior 1 quality to those of recent years. The possibility of shortages in ma- -'rials may bring about a concen- rated wave of minor economies in reduction. Freeman declared, citing or example, a reduction in shooting line and the number of "takes" on cenes as a method of conserving raw ■lock. Urges Showmanship Freeman said he believed exhibition's take in the industry to be in the ratio >f four to one as compared with dis- ribution and production, and stressed he necessity of exhibitors doing their itmost in selling their shows to draw he maximum box-office return. Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- knt, declared that distribution costs lave increased sharply under consent lecree selling, and that it takes twice te long to get income from produc- ions now as it did under block book- ing. Among those present at the lunch- on from Paramount, in addition to ■ reemen and Balaban, were : Austin Z. Keough, Claude Lee, J. J. Unger. Russell Holman. Milton Kusell and ^>bert Gillham. Rodger s Presents 5 -Point Trade Program to UMPI 'Valley' Biggest Film For 20th-Fox: Kent Nationwide business on "How Green Was My Valley" indicates the picture will be the largest grosser ever re- leased by 20th Century-Fox. Sidney R. Kent, president of the company, stated before leaving Friday night for Hol- lywood. He was accompanied by T. J. Connors. (Continued from page 1) man ; Ed Kuykendall, Joseph R. Vogel, Max A. Cohen, William Crockett, Robert White, Sidney Sam- uelson, H. A. Cole and Robert Poole, the latter substituting for Leo Wol- cott. The committee expects to have the solutions ready for presentation to the main committee or to its chairman by the end of this week, it was reported. The subcommittee, which replaces the committee of the whole in hand- ling subjects under Point Xo. 5 of the industry unity program, pertain- ing to internal differences, was in- structed to meet until it had devel- oped solutions for these problems. The committee was in session all day Friday and will resume again tomor- row after study of the program over the weekend. The task of designating a temporary executive secretary for UMPI and of establishing and staffing a New York office was turned over to a subcom- mittee consisting of Cole, Kuy- kendall, Ned E. Depinet and Harry Brandt. The committee will fix the salary of the secre- tary and outline his duties and functions. Loew's was asked to lend H. M. Richey, assistant to Rodgers in charge of exhibitor relations, for the post of executive secretary, but Rodgers pointed out that he will require Richey's services as assistant to the chairman and as Loew's representa- tive on several committees. Other names brought before the main com- mittee were tabled. Meanwhile, it was indicated that exhibitor organi- zations may be called upon to lend their executive secretaries temporarily. A legal committee was named con- sisting of Abram F. Myers, Felix Jenkins and Howard Levinson to in- corporate the UMPI as a non-profit organization. Jenkins and Levinson were designated to handle the meet- ing's minutes. A committee consisting of Harry Brandt and Rodgers was instructed to continue conversations with United Artists and Universal looking to the participation of those companies in the UMPI program. The subcommittee on institutional advertising elected Howard Dietz its permanent chairman and moved to co- operate with the committee for the protection of the industry's good name, headed by George J. Schaefer. Its plans for campaigns designed to increase theatre attendance will be perfected and reported to the main committee later. UMPI officials and individual members declined to make any com- ment on the Department of Justice report on the consent decree. How- ever, Rodgers, in advancing the five- point trade program, observed : "Because of the Department of Jus- tice statement, some may be inclined to consider these problems (in the five-point program) with one eye on June 1, but it seems to me that the entire spirit of this unity activity will be injured, if not lost, if we approach these problems from the angle of : 'We had better, or else — .' We should solve our problems in our own way." Priorities Serious Problem: Rodgers Materials priorities were the most important subject discussed at the UMPI meet- ing, William F. Rodgers, chairman of the organization, said Friday. He urged that exhibitors be informed of the seriousness of the supply situation for the industry, particularly distribution and exhibition. Only by doing so, he believed, will the neces- sary economies be effected to avert a crisis which some be- lieve may result in shorten- ing theatre running hours, theatre closings or elimina- tion of double features. Eliminate Clearance Between N. J. Towns (Continued from page 1) tion from 14 to seven days of the Capitol's clearance over the Colony was affirmed by the board. Wilbur Amusement Co., operator of the Capitol, took the appeal and Perth Amboy Raritan Operating Co., oper- ator of the four first runs in Perth Amboy, the Majestic, Ditmas, Strand and Crescent, filed a brief. Both Wilbur and Perth Amboy Raritan were interveners. The four defen- dants, RKO, Paramount, Vitagraph and 20th Century-Fox took no part in the appeal. The complaint pointed out that the Colony was subject to clearances of 14 days in favor of the Capitol, which in turn was subject to seven and 14 days' clearance in favor of first runs in Perth Amboy and New Brunswick. To Arbitrate Wage Demand in England London, Jan. 25. — The problem of a standard agreement on wages, hours and working conditions, deadlocked between the producers and the tech- nicians association, will go to arbitra- tion on Feb. 12. It is expected that the findings of the Government arbitration board will be accepted by both sides, and will be applicable to all studios and compa- nies. Producers insist on a 47-hour week, one of the chief points of con- tention. The National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employes will mfeet with the Cinematograph Ex- hibitors Association Jan. 30 on the employe request for a war bonus in- crease. Shift WB Managers In Phila. Theatres Philadelphia, Jan. 25. — Shifts in house managers at Warner theatres here were announced by zone chief Ted Schlanger as a result of Wilbur Grant, former Universal booker, re- turning to the circuit after an absence of two years to manage the Manor, and Harold Brason, manager of the Diamond, returning to the army. Fred Boas, Manor manager, moves to the Vernon ; Andrew Schectman switches from the Vernon to the Allegheny, and William Wolf goes from the Al- legheny to the Diamond. 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, January 26. 1942 Admission Tax Revenue in '41 87,819,799 {Continued from pac/e 1) the exemption from 40 to 20 cents in July of that year. December collections established a new record at $11,412,679, jumping $1,000,000 over the §10,411,198 re- ported for November and nearly $4,800,000 above the December, 1940, revenue of $6,653,971. The increase over November was entirely outside the Broadway area, the special report for the Third New York District showing collections of only §1,196,659 in December, against $2,600,829 the preceding month. Included in the Broadway collec- tions were $1,068,787 from box-office admissions against $2,502,017 in No- vember ; $14,556 on tickets sold by brokers against $9,875 ; $702 on per- manent use or lease of boxes and seats against §174; §112,613 on admissions to roof gardens and cabarets against $88,692 ; and nothing on tickets sold by proprietors in excess of established prices against $70. Monthly collections of the admis- sion tax in 1941, as compared with 1940, were as follows: 1941 1940 Jan $6,583,277 $1,486,534 Feb 6,495.283 1,852,763 -March 7,104,956 2,390,931 April 5.627,394 2,000,902 May 6.955,991 1,791.095 Tune 5,880,649 1,645.6a? July 6.760,861 1,650,162 Aug 7,330,283 4,407.097 Sept 6,444,950 5,851,655 Octo 6,812,275 6,628.429 Nov 10,411,197 7,124,'25 Dec 11,412,678 6,653,971 Total 87,819,799 43,483,372 Air Raid Lectures Set for Television Television will be used to instruct air raid wardens simultaneously in New York, Philadelphia and the Schenectady-Troy-Albany areas, be- ginning tonight, it was announced by Police Commissioner Lewis Valen- tine of New York. Eventually 18 lec- ture demonstrations will be telecast weekly, it is planned. During the next four weeks it is planned to install television receivers in New York police precinct class- rooms for the ARP. The sets will be supplied without charge by DuMont, General Electric and RCA and in- stalled by dealers without cost, it was said. NBC's television station will be the originating point for the pro- grams. Pending completion of the installa- tions, the police have arranged for the air raid wardens to view the lecture demonstrations in homes and dealers' stores equipped with receivers. The programs will be broadcast Monday nights while the police pre- cincts are being equipped. Later tin- programs will be broadcast three days a week, six telecasts daily. Office of. Civilian Defense films will be among the material used. The Philco station in Philadelphia and the G. E. outlet in Schenectady will be hooked up with the New York- broadcasts. Off the Antenna LISTENERS to network evening commercial programs have increased at least 13 per cent since the war, the NBC research department estimated over the weekend on the basis of Hooper ratings. The ratings revealed a 21 per cent increase between the first weeks of November and January but since there is a seasonal rise of about eight per cent between those months, it was reasoned that 13 per cent is probably due to the increased interest in war news. December figures were not used because the Pearl Harbor incident caused ratings to rise out of all proportion. The total for the four networks was 2,983 for the first week in November and 3,597 for the first January week, a gain of 614 Hooper "rating points," it was said. • • • Purely Personal: William Spier, director of the CBS script department, has been named producer of "Columbia Workshop" . . . Tom Connolly, CBS director of program promotion, will address the Boston Advertising Club to- night . . . Sidney J. Flamm, formerly assistant to the president of WMCA, has joined WBYN as vice-president in charge of sales. Edward F. Friendly and Fred Stengel have joined the sales staff . . . Cy Newman has joined WWRL as newscaster . . . Ernest Colling, NBC television producer, will dis- cuss the medium at Long University tomorrow night. • • • AFL and CIO officials made 74 talks on national network programs in 1941, according to an NAB report. • • • The CBS Latin American network has added two stations in Valencia, Venezuela, as its 75th and 76th affiliates, it was announced. The stations are YV4RE, on 1,138 k.c, and YV4RP, on 3,460 k.c. Dan Russell, CBS short- wave production supervisor, has been named field representative for the net- work. . . . NBC's Latin American web has added Radio Trujillo at Trujillo, Dominican Republic ; La Voz de la Sierra at Merida, Venezuela, and Emisora Electra at Manizales, Columbia, to make 120 affiliates. • • • Around the Country: WCHS, Charleston, W. !"»., has started daily sign- offs with one-minute transcribed prayers submitted by local clergymen . . . Wilfred Gunthcr, WLWO general manager, has been called to active duty with the Navy . . . }]7illiam R. Clinc, former WLS, Chicago, sales manager, has joined WIBC, Indianapolis, as assistant to the president . . . Michael Hinn, who left the WLW, Cincinnati, announcing staff to become CBS correspondent in Singapore but -was prevented from taking on the post because, of the Pearl Harbor attack, is back at WLW . . . Robert Grevcmbcrg, WWL, N ezv Orleans, engineer, is father of a boy. Robert Lawton, also engineer at WWL, has enlisted in the Navy. • • • The NBC Symphony concerts and the "NBC Music Appreciation Hour" will continue on the Blue but will retain "NBC" in their titles, it has been decided. Officials of both networks, it was said, believe that the names of both series are valuable and do not wish to change the designa- tions, even though the programs will now be heard on a network no longer identified with NBC. Next season, in all likelihood, both pro- grams will shift to NBC-Red, it was reported. Nominate Pictures For Art Direction Hollywood, Jan. 25. — First nomi- nations for awards in the current Academy 1941 competition have been announced in art direction. Nominated in the black and white division were : "Citizen Kane," "Flame of New Orleans," "Hold Back the Dawn," "How Green Was My Valley," "Ladies in Retirement," "The Little Foxes," "Sergeant' York," "Sis Hopkins," "Son of Monte Cristo," "Sundown," "When Ladies Meet." In the color division were : "Blood and Sand," "Blossoms in the Dust," "Louisiana Purchase." Sound recording nominations by studio sound departments include : "Appointment for Love," "Ball of Fire," "The Chocolate Soldier," "Citi- zen Kane," "The Devil Pays Off," "That Hamilton Woman," "How Green Was My Valley," "The Men in Her Life," "Sergeant York," "Sky- lark," "Topper Returns." 50 Executives Due At Quigley Judging {Continued from pof/c 1) agers Pound Table, invites theatre men to niter their outstanding ex- ploitation campaigns fur quarterly plaques, medals and citations. Those with the best quarter scores made (lur- ing the year are considered. Producers of Shorts Study British Report London, Jan. 25. — The Association of Shorts Producers has given con- sideration to the recent report of the Association of Cinema Technicians on manpower efficiency during the war, and has named a three-man committee to meet with three members of the technicians organization. The joint committee will study the report, and take steps to put its findings into ef- fect where possible in shorts produc- tion. Where matters concern the industry alone, action will be taken, and where they involve the Government, they will be brought to the attention of the proper Governmental authorities. Fea- ture producers virtually have ignored the report, but the Board of Trade has a copy and the Films Council will be asked to study and discuss it. 'Show Builder' in Ohio M-G-M's "show builder," mobile unit designed to assist smaller the- atres on patronage promotion, will continue its current Ohio tour during the rest of this month and the first week in February. Ken Prickett is in charge. Plans Louisiana House Alexandria, La., Jan. 25. — Rosen- thal, Inc., plans a new theatre here to cost §39,000. National OCD Unit Named for Theatres; Payette Is Chairman (Continued from parje 1) Meakin, manager of RKO's Keith's. Washington ; Edward Paul, represent- ing the legitimate theatres ; Carter Barron, division manager for Loew's Theatres here, and Nat B. Brow executive secretary for Warner T atres, as secretary to the chairman' The committtee was appointed at a meeting with OCD officials, to whom the temporary committee which has been studying the problem submitted recommendations for protective meas- ures to be taken by theatres against blackouts, air raids and possible di- rect hits. Also present at the conference was S. H. Fabian of New York, vice- chairman of the theatres division of the War Activities Committee-Motion Picture Industry. The recommendations for theatre protection will be studied by OCD experts and are expected to be incor- porated into a pamphlet for general distribution among the theatres of the country. License Shift to Blue 4pproved by F.C.C. Washington, Jan. 25. — The FCC on Friday approved the transfer of licenses from RCA to the Blue Net- work Co. for stations WJZ, New York; WENR, Chicago, and KGO, San Francisco. The stations were li- censed originally to NBC but were transferred to RCA temporarily when it was decided to split the Red and Blue networks. Following approval of the transfer, the sign-on and sign-off announce- ments on the three stations was changed to : "This station is owned and operated by the Blue Network Co , Inc." 7 Blue Division Heads Appointed Appointment of seven Blue netw ork division heads were announced Friday by Phillips Carlin, vice-president in charge of programs. Charles Barry was named Eastern division program manager ; Harry Frazee, manager of the production division ; Ron Fergu- son, script division manager ; Samuel Chotzinoff, music division head ; Ray Diaz, chief announcer ; Reginald Stan- borough, night announcing supervisor, and Grace Gunderman, program book- ing chief. William Abernathy, George Ans- brough, Milton J. Cross, Jack Frazer, George Hayes, George Hicks, Jack McCarthy, Hugh James, H. Gilbert Martin, Ray Nelson, Charles Nobles. Glenn Riggs, William Spargrove and Robert Waldrop were named Blue announcers. Ex-NBC Pages Killed Two former members of the NBC page boy staff, Don Crocker, a U. S. Navy flier, and Tean Tartrier, who was with the Free French forces, have been killed, it was learned at the network's offices here. Crocker was killed in Manila and Tartrier died while leading his company in fie assault on Damascus, it was said. 11/ Aleri, InteUigec MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial 6 L. 51. NO. IS NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, JANUARY 27. 1942 TEN CENTS relevision Net Extension to Capital Studied iumont to Build Station Using NBC Programs ] Extension of the Schenectady- ,'ew York City-Philadelphia tele- [sion network* to Washington is n.ler discussion among television vficials and Government agen- jes, it was learned yesterday. «nder plans being considered, Du- ll mt expects to construct a Wash- »gton station and use XBC pro- rams telecast from New York, it |as reported. If the plan goes through all major ■mipanies in the television manufact- ring and broadcasting field would be articipants in the network, which ould cover most of the Eastern sea- Da rd. DuMont officials refused to con- nn or deny the report but at XBC ' was stated that the network would elcome a Washington station to re- {Continued on page 10) f'way Grosses Fair; ird Week for Tire' Broadway's weekend business was |nr in some spots while at others the it-oss was substantial. Mild weather aturday and cold Sunday produced f noticeable effect on grosses, it was iid, although business slackened some st night because of rain. Ball of Fire" supported by the „age presentation at the Radio City ,Iusic Hall is continuing strong and (Continued on pane 8) . S. Seeks to Strike Out Col. Questions 1 The Government yesterday moved to rike out 15 interrogatories served an. 15 by Columbia in the New York ■ust suit against Columbia, Universal ad United Artists. The motion is •:heduled to come up for hearing be- >re Federal Judge Henry W. God- ard on Feb. 18. The Government listed five obiec- .ons to the interrogatories including ne fact that Columbia had filed an- ther group of interrogatories on Dec. . 1939, and that these questions had «en answered. It was also argued nat answering the interrogatories at lis time might delay trial of the ac- ion. Annual Judging in Quigley Awards at Hotel Astor Today Attendance at the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards judging at the Hotel Astor today will be featured by a record number of out-of-town judges in New York to participate in the ceremonies. Acceptances have been received from industry executives in Charlotte, Chicago, St. Louis, To- ronto. Buffalo, Gloversville and Al- bany. More than 50 distribution, advertis- ing and exhibition executives are slated to select the winners of the annual Silver and Bronze plaques, to be chosen from among theatremen who have been voted the quarterly interim honors during 1941. Martin Quigley will be host to the committees on con- clusion of the judging. The ceremonies today mark the eighth consecutive Awards judging for which the committee, sitting as a whole, convenes to choose the winners of the yearly Grand Awards. The competition was organized in 1934, to bring further recognition to theatre exploitation in the field. The 1941 Awards, climaxed by today's voting, proved outstanding in the number and quality of entries, according to A-Mike Vogel. chairman of Motion Picture Herald's Round Table, through which the Quigley Awards function. Schnitzer to Have Important U.A. Post Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Before departing for New York, Carl Leserman, general sales man- ager of United Artists, is re- ported to have dispatched in- structions by long distance telephone to the home office regarding the appointment of Edward M. Schnitzer to an important sales post with the company. Schnitzer recently resigned from Warner Bros., where he was New York Metropolitan district man- ager. Emanuel Silver stone Resigns Korda Post Jersey House Files Clearance Complaint The New York arbitration board's 31st complaint was filed yesterday by the Dunellen Theatre, Dunellen, X. J., against all five consenting companies. John L. Fioravanti and Carmen C. Reina, operators of the Dunellen, charge in their complaint that the seven days' clearance granted the Brook Theatre, Bound Brook, X. J., (Continued on page 9) Kmanuel Silverstone has resigned as executive representative here for Alexander Korda Films, it was learned last night. The resig- nation, it was re- ported, is to take effect in about two weeks. He was with the company more than eight years. His future plans have not been re- vealed. It was report- ed that Korda, who is sched- uled to leave for London this week, will re- main in England indefinitely look- ing after his British affairs and may resume production there. Korda has two unreleased pictures which he completed for United Artists recent- (Continucd on page 6) Emanuel Silverstone Enlarged Navy Film Equipment Cost To Rise Sharply in Next 18 Months Washington, Jan. 26.— Several hundred thousand dollars will be required in the next 18 months to provide film show equipment for the ships added to the U. S. Navy, it was indicated here to- day, as the House Appropriations Committee doubled its welfare and recreation appropriation for the Navy for the coming year. The House committee's Navy supply bill calls for $1,390,000 for welfare and recreation for the new fiscal year. The current ap- propriation of $750,000 will be increased by $225,000, to be available immediately, the report revealed. The bill did not indicate the proportion of these tunas to be spent on film service and equipment, but original estimates called for $125,000 for the motion picture service and a $40,000 increase was sought for immediate use. This amount, it is believed, will be increased many times by the requirements of the enlarged Navy. Umpi Group to Widen Scope Of Program Unit on Trade Practices Resumes Work Today The trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture In- dustry will consider a wide range of trade practices for possible ac- tion in addition to the five-point program recommended for its con- sideration last Friday by William F. Rodgers, LTnipi chairman, it was learned yesterday. The committee consists of representatives of all partici- pating national distributors in addition to three members each from Allied States, MPTOA and unaffiliated regional exhibi- itor organizations. While the committee regards the five-point plan as a major and integral part of whatever program it will develop, it does not consider itself limited to the problems advanced by the chairman, it was indicated. Jack Kirsch, chairman of the com- mittee, will arrive here from Chicago (Continued on page 6) See $250,000 State Film Tax Next Year Albany, Jan. 26. — Gov. Herbert H. Lehman today estimated state revenue from the motion picture review tax at $250,000 for the fiscal year beginning- next July 1, in his executive budget submitted to the state legislature; The estimate is a decrease of $50,000 compared with the current fiscal year ending next June 30, when a $300,000 revenue was estimated. The revenue for the year ended June 30, 1941, was (Continued on page 9) Virginia MPTO to Meet on Thursday Richmond, Jan. 26. — The MPTO of Virginia, of which William Crock- ett is president, will hold its annual convention here on Thursday. The meeting will be addressed by Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president, al- though the Virginia organization is not affiliated with the national exhibi- tor unit. Crockett came here this weekend from the United Motion Picture In- dustry meetings in New York to com- plete convention arrangements. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 27, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 26 WITH three other studios having stories about the Commandos in preparation, Republic today an- nounced that it would place "Make Way for the Commandos" in work next month in order to gain priority on the title. John Wayne and Ray Middleton will head the cast. The studio is also pushing plans for "Re- member Pearl Harbor," and expects to get it under way soon in order to protect the title. It is reported the script has been approved by the War Department. • A week of preparatory conferences on 1942-'43 product started today at 20th Century-Fox. Sidney R. Kent, T. J. Connors and Herman Wobber are conferring with Joseph M. Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck and Wil- liam Goetz. • Permission to shoot films inside Quentin Prison has been given, for the first time in history to Produc- ers Releasing, which will make "Men of San Quentin," it was announced by the company today. The story deals with the history of the prison from its establishment in 1851. Rites for Phila. Veteran Philadelphia, Jan. 26. — Funeral services were held today for Lou Meinenger, dean of the local stage electricians, who died suddenly last Thursday. He was employed for many years at Warners' Earle. Personal MR. AND MRS. THOMAS J. CONNORS celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Sun- day. • Arthur Lee returned from Toron- to yesterday. Carl Leserman, United Artists sales manager, and Monroe Green- thai, advertising and publicity direc- tors, are scheduled to arrive from the Coast tomorrow. Mort E. Singer was in New Or- leans late last week. Henri Ellman of Chicago leaves this week for the Coast. • Richard Mayer, manager of the Studio, Philadelphia, is in Florida recuperating from an illness. • David Law, Warners' exchange cashier in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Law, became the parents of a daugh- ter, Bonnie Marie, last week. On Va. Censor Board Richmond, Jan. 26. — E. F. Mc- Caughin of Roanoke has been named by Attorney-General Staples as a member of the State Board of Mo- tion Picture Censors. He succeeds Colonel Peter Saunders, who becomes executive secretary to the Governor. Mention NATE J. BLUMBERG, Universal president, is expected back from the studio early next week. • Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount studio head, will arrive on the Coast by train tomorrow following a visit in the East. • Mendel Silberberg is in town from the Coast. • Ted Schlanger, Warner theatre zone chief in Philadelphia, has left for Florida. • T. Irving Martin, Culpeper, Va., exhibitor, has been elected president of the local Chamber of Commerce. • Edgar Wolf, manager of the Wynne, Philadelphia, and Mrs. Wolf observe their 25th wedding anniver- sary this week. Edgar Wolf, Jr., their son, has enlisted in the Army air corps. • Robert Lowe, assistant manager of Tri-States' Des Moines Theatre, and Lois Herrick will be married shortly. O'Connor Named to Board of Universal John J. O'Connor, Universal Pic- tures Co. vice-president, has been elected to the board of directors of the company, and Anthony Petti and Adolph Schimel have been elected as- sistant secretaries of that company and of Universal Corp., the parent company, it was revealed yesterday in the company's annual report. Matthew Fox, vice-president of the pictures company, has been elected to the board of Universal Corp. The elections of O'Connor and Fox to the boards resulted from the resignation of Peyton Gibson from both boards last Fall. Gibson continues as secre- tary of the picture company and sec- retary and treasurer of the parent company. Honor Jay Emanuel In Phila. March 16 Philadelphia, Jan. 26. — A testi- monial dinner in honor of Jay Eman- uel, local exhibitor, will be held by the Motion Picture Associates here March 16 at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, to celebrate Emanuel's 30th anniversary in the industry. Alfred J. Davis is chairman of the committee, which includes Albert M. Cohen, Ely J. Epstein, Sam Gross, William C. Karrer, Nat Levy, Edgar Moss, Earle W. Sweigert, George Beattie, Sam Blumberg and Frank McNamee. RKO Passes Dividend The RKO board of directors yes- terday passed the quarterly dividend on the company's six per cent pre- ferred stock, due next Feb. 1. MILLIONS rtftl WAITING TOStl *U6t ftlLC Films As Important As Tanks: Reynolds Motion pictures are as im- portant as planes, guns, tanks and factories in winning the war, Quentin Reynolds, cor- respondent who has just re- turned from the front, de- clared last night at a dinner given by Colliers in his honor at the Waldorf-Astoria. "Motion pictures, maligned as they have been, and unjus- ly so, have proved this in England," he said. "Winston Churchill and Lord Beaver- brook are probably the world's two greatest film fans." Reynolds said Churchill had seen "That Hamilton Woman" six times, "and cried every time he saw it." Circuits Hold 'Dimes' Collection to Jan. 30 Circuits including Loew's and RKO nationally and the Brandt Theatres in New York, as well as others, will continue March of Dimes collections in their theatres through Jan. 30, al- though the theatre campaign is sched- uled to end Jan. 28, it was stated yesterday by the committee. Many exhibitors, it was said, have suggested to Nicholas M. Schenck, national industry chairman, that the collections be taken through Friday, President Roosevelt's birthday. The committee urged that theatres running the campaign trailer return it promptly at the close of the drive to the National Screen Service ex- change from which it was received. With about 10,000 trailers, totaling nearly 2,250,000 feet of film, in dis- tribution, the committee hopes to re- claim several thousands of dollars worth of silver, proceeds from which will be added to the industry collec- tions, it was announced. N.S.S. Distributing Treasury Subject The War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry has an- nounced that National Screen Service will distribute the Disney income tax subject, "The New Spirit," made for the Treasury Department. It was said that 250 of the 1,000 Technicolor prints are being shipped to exchanges this week. MOTION PICTUKJt DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sara Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles THE (Two Sections) "THE Los Angeles • Los Angeles • ^ Los Angeles • Los Arigeles • a 4-45 pffl 4; 30 P»"*a2:l8 am 1:28 am and £ 7.47 am and 8.4/ 5:25 pm . • • • 2:55 am . • • ' 9:47 am 10:55 pm . . • • * 8:52 am . . • • ' 4:02 pm 6:30 am • • ' 4:58 pm . • • 1:o4am THE SOUTHERNS COU W I » TraVRockef eller Center, Am yorker ■ym AMERICAN AIRLINES 4*c ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS EVERY TIME! They never busted a Bronc in their lives— but oh, what they're doing to America's box offices! STEP UP, POVNER! NATIONAL RELEASE IS FEB. 13th STEP UP-AHd CASH IN AS THE CROWD CRASHES IN/ and LOU COSTELLO em Cowoy with 99 DICK FORAN • ANNE GWYNNE • JOHNNY MACK BROWN SAMUEL S. HINDS °»< THE MERRY MACS • ELLA FITZGERALD THE HI-HATTERS • THE BUCKAROO BAND • THE RANGER CHORUS OF 40 Screen Play, True Boardman, John Grant • Adaptation, Harold Shumate • Original Story, Edmund L. Hartmann Directed by ARTHUR LUBIN • Associate Producer ALEX GOTTLIEB A UNIVERSAL PICTURE 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 27, 1942 Reviews "The Lady Is Willing" Hollywood, Jan. 26 (Columbia) T T'S a dressed up Dietrich in a frivolous fiction with a down-to-earth * finish that showmen have at hand to offer their customers as escape from the worries of the war, which is not mentioned in the story, and such other distresses as may afflict them at the moment. It's a picture for entertainment purposes only and satisfies most or all of them. Opposite Miss Dietrich, who fascinates first as an impractical foot- light favorite and later on as a most realistic foster-mother, is Fred MacMurray in a performance above his average as a doctor who co- operates in a marriage of convenience which turns orthodox. Supporting players who add much to the entertainment are Aline MacMahon, Stanley Ridges, Arline Judge, Roger Clarke, Marietta Canty, David James, Ruth Ford, Sterling Holloway, Harvey Stephens, Harry Shannon, Elizabeth Risdon, Charles Lane, Murray Alper and Kitty Kelly. Interesting, tradewise, as materialization of one of those "package deals" compounded by Charles Feldman, the production was directed by Mitchell Leisen, in top form, from a script by James Edward Grant and Albert McCleery based on a story by Grant. Miss Dietrich por- trays a Broadway favorite who takes possession of an abandoned baby, engineers a marriage of convenience with a doctor in order to legalize her adoption of the child, falls in love with him, as does he with her, after which they enter into a quarrel which is adjusted at the sickbed of the infant in a sudden switch of the narrative from comedy to bed- rock drama. Production is rich, tempo fast and appeal varied. Running time, 90 minutes. "G"* Roscoe Williams "Man from Headquarters" Hollywood, Jan. 26 (Monogram) DATRONS of crime melodrama, especially those in which newspaper - men beat the police to the rounding up of the criminals, will find "Man from Headquarters" in the groove, so to speak. A Lindsley Parsons production for Monogram, the picture has been given careful handling, which is evident, and the names of Frank Albertson and Joan Woodbury to garnish the marquee. Starting slowly, the story has Albertson, as the reporter who has been given an engraved gun by the police force as a token of appreciation for causing the arrest of a criminal, being in turn hunted down by the police of another city for a crime in which the gun figures. A nation wide crime ring is then exposed at the climax, action and comedy pre- dominating in the speedily moving latter half of the picture. Support for the top pair are Dick Elliott, Byron Folger, John Max- well, Robert Kellard, Mel Ruick, Gwen Kenyon, Jack Mulhall and others. Stuffy dialogue impedes the characterizations of some. Jean Yarbrough directed, with John Krafft and Rollo Lloyd doing the script and Edmond Kelso contributing some dialogue. Running time, 63 minutes. "G."* Vance King Umpi Group to Widen Scope Of Program (Continued from page 1) this morning and the committee will resume its work today. The session is expected to be continued tomorrow. A complete program, committee members indicated, may not be ready for several weeks, but efforts will be made to obtain tangible benefits for exhibitors in as short a time as pos- sible. It was indicated unofficially that this is essential in order to win national exhibitor support for the in- dustry unity movement and to justify their contribution of a full half of the initial $100,000 budget. Expect $3 to $5 Dues The exhibitor organizations plan to ask contributions toward the budget on the basis of seating capacity of the- atres operated by their members. The dues are expected to range from $3 to $5 per theatre a year. Umpi committees continued their parleys throughout the weekend and while no final decisions were reached it was reported that temporary head- quarters may be set up in the Astor Hotel and that the salary of the full- time executive secretary will be set at about $7,500. Several names familiar to the trade have been placed before the committee for the selection of an executive secre- tary. P.R.C. Names New Board of Directors A new board of directors for Pro- ducers Releasing Corp. was named over the weekend at a meeting imme- diately preceding the first of a series of regional sales meetings. The new board includes : O. Henry Briggs, president ; Leon Fromkess, executive vice-president; Robert Benjamin, Kenneth Young, George Bonwick, Harry Asher, Boston franchise holder, and George Gill, Washington fran- chise holder. The former board in- cluded Briggs and nine franchise hold- ers, of whom only Asher and Gill remain on the board. Fromkess plans to leave for Holly- wood next week for production con- ferences. Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager, has left for Pittsburgh, and will go from there to Little Rock for the second regional meeting next weekend. Briggs will leave tomorrow for Little Rock. The third meeting will be in Chicago, Feb. 7-8. Silver Joins PRC Staff Philadelphia, Jan. 26. — J. Stewart Silver, formerly in charge of motion picture advertising for the Evening Public Ledger, has joined the local Producers Releasing Corp. staff as a salesman. 20th-Fox Will Show Five Films Feb. 2, 3 Trade showings of five new 20th Century-Fox features in the eighth block will be held on Feb. 2 and 3, the company announced yesterday. The films and the dates of showing are: Feb. 2, "Castle in the Desert," "Roxie Hart" and "On the Sunny Side" ; Feb. 3, "Song of the Islands" and "The Night Before the Divorce." *"G" denotes general classification. Legion of Decency Approves 14 Films The National Legion of Decency this week has approved all of the 14 new pictures reviewed, nine for general patronage and five for adults. The new films and their classification fol- low. Class A-l, Unobjectionable for Gen- eral Patronage — "Broadway Big Shot," "Cowboy Serenade," "Hay Foot," "North to the Klondike," "The Remarkable Andrew^" "Right to the Heart," "Sealed Lips," "Thunder River Feud," "West of Tombstone." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults —"I Killed That Man," "Joan of Paris," "Niagara Falls," "Wolf Man," "Woman of the Year." Heads Musicians Union Wilkes-Bakre, Pa., Jan 26. — Don MacLuskie has been reelected presi- dent of Local 140 of the musicians union. Other officers are : vice-presi- dent, Robert E. Knecht ; financial secretary, Charles E. Williams ; treasurer, Peter J. Kleinkauff. Treasury Commends Col. Bond Prize Plan Eugene W. Sloan, executive direc- tor of the Defense Savings staff of the U. S. Treasury, yesterday com- mended Columbia Pictures' plan of awarding $50,000 in defense bonds as prizes in its forthcoming sales drive. In a telegram to Abe Montague, Columbia general sales manager, Sloan said in part : "We are in full accord with this plan which we hope will induce all those participating to aid their country by purchasing de- fense bonds and stamps on a regular basis." Chicago Stagehands Plan Opposing Slate Chicago, Jan. 26. — A slate of offi- cer nominees in opposition to the cur- rent administration is reported being developed by members of the local stagehands' union. The election will be held May 1. It is said some mem- bers of the union are seeking an in- vestigation by the IATSE. LA. Exhibitors Fear Raid Warning Effect Los Angeles, Jan. 26. — Local exhibitors, encouraged over the weekend by the best bus- iness since before the war started, today were apprehen- sive for the future because of a four-hour daylight air raid alert. The warning, from 6:40 to 10:35 A M., silenced all radio stations from Santa Barbara to Mexico, and ex- hibitors contemplated the business prospect should such 0 alarms recur. It was the 1 first daylight alert in Cali- fornia, and was given by the Interceptor Command because of "unidentified planes in the vicinity." Emanuel Silverstone Resigns Korda Post (Continued from page 1) ly, "Jungle Book," with Sabu, and "To Be or Not To Be," with Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Steven Pallos, Korda sales rep- resentative who is now in South America on a business trip, will man- age the producer's New York office in the future, it is reported. Silverstone entered the industry in 1931 as a member of the sales de- partment of the Samuel Goldwyn of- fice here. Subsequently, he joined United Artists and represented the company in Panama. He joined the Korda organization in 1934. In 1938 he became the producer's representa- tive on the United Artists board of | directors. In 1940 he was elected vice-president and director of Alex- ander Korda Films. U.A. Delays Release Of Lombard Picture Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in charge of United Artists distribution, said here today that "To Be or Not to Be," starring the late Carole Lombard, will not be released immediately. It was stated that in deference to the late star, an unspecified time will be allowed before release. Advance Matinee Hours Columbus, O., Jan. 26. — Loew's Ohio and Broad have advanced their weekly matinee deadlines from 5 to 6 P. M., following similar action re- cently by the RKO Palace and Grand. The change was made to enable store and office employees to avail them- selves of the matinee rate of 40 cents, which is effective at 1 P. M. Other- wise, the scales at these four first runs are 30 cents until 1 P. M., and 50 cents evenings. Phila. Theatre Deal Philadelphia, Jan. 26. — Settle- ment was made for the Stanley Com- pany of America with William I. Greenfield, president of the Riviera Amusement Co., for the purchase of Warners' Riviera here. The house, in recent years operated by Greenfield under lease by the Riviera company, was conveyed subject to a mortgage of $50,000. ,s0K OF 13 ths portrayal ~ Power 53 f think Tyrone ^ unqueS„ of Beniamx» Bl7 work of hxs 'ted career and 0^ distinguished entran0ing Tierney is a m Her 0Ourtship South Sea Eve. ^ en_ gagmg P^* stars are in pictures. x and supported exoell ^ ^ , ^0 is no que there J-& v_pox has +ietb Century Twenties ^ . other dinner t the famous best- Wed ^thor0tlJal(e" which in- seller "Benjom-n Btak rf ^ spired 20th'str.umPh AND KUDOS FROM THE NEW YORKER.' TYRONE POWER in "SON OF FURY" The Story of Benjamin Blake with GENE TIERNEY • GEORGE SANDERS • FRANCES FARMER • RODDY McDOWALL John Corradine • Else Lonchester • Harry Davenport - Kay Johnson Dudley Digges • Produced by DARRYL F. ZANUCK • Directed by John Cromwell • Associate Producer William Perlberg • Screen Play by Philip Dunne > Based on the Novel "Benjamin Blake" by Edison Marshall II I Son of Fury' shows us both Gene Tierney and Tyrone Power fo better advantage, perhaps, than we have seen them in any other picture! The story is romantic and adventurous and . . . there is a goodly quantity of action, scenery, sinning, and oving! s Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 27, 1942 \ 'Solitaire' Bows at Plymouth Tonight "Solitaire," a dramatization by John van Druten of a novel by Edwin Corle, makes its Broadway appearance tonight at the Plymouth. In the cast are Victor Kilian, Pat Hitch- cock, Sally Bates, Ben Smith, Frederic Tozere, Howard Smith, Tony Albert and others. Young Miss Hitch- cock is the daughter of Al- fred Hitchcock, the film di- rector. Dwight Deere Wiman is the producer. 100 Entertainers for Photographers' Ball More than 100 artists of the amuse- ment fields, including seven masters of ceremonies, are scheduled for the annual dance and entertainment of the Press Photographers Association of New York at the Hotel Astor, Feb. 6, it was announced. The masters of cere- monies scheduled are Harry Hersh- field, Joe E. Lewis, Bert Lytell, Eddie Davis, Phil Baker, Danton Walker and Ed Sullivan. Ampa Sends Condolences Ampa yesterday sent condolences to Mrs. Otto Winkler, widow of the M-G-M studio publicity representa- tive who was killed in the Nevada plane crash which also took the life of Carole Lombard. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SAMUEL GOLDWYN'S PRODUCTION GARY COOPER : BARBARA STANWYCK "BALL OF FIRE" The March of Time: "WHEN AIR RAIDS STRIKE" ON STAGE: "TURN BACK THE CLOCK" — Leonidoff's recollections of palmy days of yore. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 PARAMOUNT PRESENTS IN PERSON GENE KRUPA AND BAND Extra! DINAH SHORE TIMES SQUARE "LOUISIANA PURCHASE" IN TECHNICOLOR Starring BOB HOPE Vera Victor ZORINA MOORE PARAMOUNT Betty GRABLE Carole LANDIS Victor MATURE Laird CREGAR I WAKE UP SCREAMING" A 20th Century-Fox Picture PLUS A BIG W 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW RVA T & 50th St. B WAY & 47th St. PALACE CLAUDETTE COLBERT in REMEMBER THE DAY' 'CONFIRM OR DENY' DON AMECHE— JOAN BENNETT "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1& $1.50 NPoLUHS1GTHAExR 2ND YEAR — 2ND EFfTION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed., Sat. & Sun. 501 Seats for Every Perf. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Broadway Going Back 200 Years — to Buses With the eventual substitution of buses for all the remaining trolley cars on Broadway in the Times Square area, which should be accom- plished in the near future, the big street will return to bus transporta- tion. Return is the word, because buses of a sort were the means of transpor- tation in the very early days of New York, although, of course, horses supplied the horsepower. As a matter of fact the first ve- hicle for transportation of the public on Broadway was developed about 1740 — and they were ox-carts. They meandered slowly from the Battery to the outskirts of the town at Hous- ton St. In 1876 the legislature ranted to Isaac Van Wyck, Talmage Hall and John Kenny an exclusive 10-year franchise to erect "and drive stage wagons" between New York and Albany on the east bank of the Hudson. Other and shorter bus routes be- gan to spring up. One ran to Har- lem shortly after 1800. In 1816 a stage was operated from the Battery via Broadway to Greenwich, and three years later to Bloomingdale, a village on the upper west side. Kip & Brown operated these lines, and the firm was held in high esteem, for when its stables burned in 1848, a "gala benefit" was held at the orig- inal Broadway Theatre. It was in 1850 that a group of citi- zens obtained a Common Council franchise for double tracks from South Ferry to 57th St., for a horse car line. The Broadway and Seventh Avenue line was constructed and cars began to run on Broadway above Union Square in 1864. In the early 90's agitation arose for more modern transportation, and cable cars were introduced on the street. Later fol- lowed the modern trolley car, and, more recently, the buses. Weitman Sends Quiz Winnings to 'Dimes' Robert Weitman, manag- ing director of the Para- mount on Broadway, ap- peared on the "Double or Nothing" quiz show Sunday night, walked off with $37 in defense stamps, and yester- day mailed the award to Harry Holkman, production manager of the show, with the request that it be for- warded to the March of Dimes. BVay Grosses Fair; 3rd Week for Tire' Push 'Vacation City' Drive Despite War The nationwide campaign to "Make New York Your Vacation City" will be continued during 1942 despite the war situation, Robert K. Christen- berry, president of the Broadway As- sociation, declared in his annual mes- sage to members of the Association. Christenberry, who is the general manager of the Hotel Astor, said the campaign should be continued as the association's contribution to national defense. He declared that the con- struction of buildings in the theatrical zone and the trained personnel made the zone one of the safest places and pointed to the evidence of the pub- lic's confidence in such safety when more than a million persons thronged Times Square on New Year's Eve. The association, which was organ- ized on May 10, 1911, completed three decades of its existence in 1941. It has pioneered in many important im- provements for Broadway, including noise abatement, traffic reform, elimi- nation of street cars, advertising re- forms, regulation of burlesque shows, unification of subways and the like. The association publishes a month- ly bulletin and a legislative bulletin, conducts a merchandising and pub- licity and information bureaus, and sponsors business cooperation among members. Local 306 Benefit To Be Held Feb. 11 Operators Union, Local 306, of New York, will hold its 10th annual ball at the Manhattan Center Wed- nesday evening, Feb. 11. Proceeds of the affair are used to aid sick mem- bers. Max Rosenberg is chairman of the Sick Committee. Bernstein in from Field Abe Bernstein returned to New York yesterday after setting cam- paigns on "Hellzapoppin" in Ohio and with the Butterfield Circuit in Michigan for Jules Levey's Mayfair Production. Wrigley Sign Still B'way Show-Piece On the evening of March 8, 1936, was unveiled the world's largest elec- trical "spectacular," which is an ex- pensive word for an expensive and elaborate electric advertising sign. Nearing its sixth birthday, it still at- tracts wide attention. This spectacular is the Wrigley chewing gum sign extending over the entire block from 44th to 45th Streets on the East side of Times Square. A 10-story superstructure, the sign con- tains 1,084 feet of neon tubing, al- most 70 miles of insulated wire, 29,- 508 lamp receptacles and eight tons of galvanized sheet metal. The total weight of the sign is 110 tons. The electric current running the sign would serve a community of an esti- mated 10,000 persons. The fish design is the work of Dorothy Shepard. It is estimated the display is seen daily by more people than live in Toledo or Day- ton, O. (Continued from page 1) will be held for a third week. Now in its second week, the show brought an estimated $60,500 Thursday through Sunday. At the Strand, "All through the Night," which opened Friday with Bob Chester's orchestra, grossed more than $30,000 during its first three days, according to an official Warner release. The show will hold over. "Louisana Purchase" and Gene Krupa's orchestra leave the Para- mount tomorrow night after _ four weeks. The final week's gross is ex- pected to reach an estimated $45,000. ihe Saturday and Sunday gross is estimated at $21,500. "Sullivan's Trav- el's" goes in tomorrow with Glenn Miller's orchestra. "Son of Fury" opens at the Roxy J on Friday succeeding the current "I ,! Wake Up Screaming" which, with a • stage show, took an estimated $24,200 Friday through Sunday. The film is in us second week. "Design for Scandal," which was scheduled for the Capitol on Thursday, will open I'eb. 5. At that theatre, "The Cor- sican Brothers," now in its second week, drew an estimated $20,000 Thursday through Sunday. More Film Players Tour Camp Shows Mickey Rooney left last night for Fort Bragg, N. C, where he will appear with Clyde Lucas and the latter's band for three days under the auspices of USO-Camp Shows. Linda Darnell, Ann Miller and Joe E.Brown arrived here yesterday preparatory to starting tours of Army camps and Naval training stations. Miss Dar- nell and Brown started their series of personal appearances at Fort Mon- mouth, N. J., last night, and Miss Miller will leave today for Camp For- rest, Tenn. Sabu Aids Stamp Sale Washington, Jan. 26. — Sabu, boy- star of Alexander Korda films, has enlisted as a "minute man" in the Treasury Department defense saving campaign, it was announced here. He will tour the country with a pigmy elephant to aid newspaper carrier boys in their saving stamp selling drive. Wet Mi at THE ASTOR' Me HUNTING ROOM Army Names Coast Talent Committee Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Lieut. Gen. J. L. DeWitt, commanding general of the Western defense command and the Fourth Army, has issued an order designating the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and Ra- dio as the organization through which units of his command will make re- quests for Hollywood talent. Trop Forms Company J. D. Trop has formed Pro and Con, Inc., in which J. H. Hoffberg is associated, planning production of a series of short subjects. fTuesdav. January 27, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Studios Busy With 43 Films; 8 Completed Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Forty-three ctures were before the cameras is week as eight finished and seven arted. Twenty-seven are being pre- 'ared, and 54 are in the cutting rooms. Twentieth Century-Fox continues [to be the busiest studio, this week, having 11 pictures before the cameras. The tally by studios: Columbia Finished: "Alias Boston Blackie." In Work: "Highly Irregular." Started: "The Gentlemen Misbe- Ihave." M-G-M Finished : "Fingers at the Window." Suspended: •'Somewhere Til Find |You." In Work: "Sunday Punch," "Mo- Ikey Delano," "Tarzen Against the IWorld," "Tortilla Flat," "Ship Ahoy," "Mrs. Miniver," "Her Cardboard 1 1. over" (formerly "Love Me Not"). Monogram Finished: "Rock River Renegade." Started : "Black Dragon." Producers Releasing Finished: "Lone Rider in Chey- ' tune." Paramount Finished : "Holiday Inn." "Take a l etter, Darling." In Work: "Wildcat," "The Palm Beach Storv," "My Favorite Blonde." Started: "The Black Curtain." RKO In Work: "Journey into Fear," i "The Magnificient Ambersons," "The 1 Tuttles of Tahiti," "My Favorite Spy." Started : "Scattergood at the Races." Republic Finished : "Sleepytime Gal." In Work : "Stagecoach Express," I "Yokel Boy," "Dusk on the Painted Desert." Started: "Affairs of Jimmy Valen- tine." 20th Century-Fox In Work: "Tales of Manhattan." "Moontide," "My Gal Sal," "Rings on Her Fingers," "This Above All," j "Ten Gentlemen from West Point," I "Whispering Ghosts," "Sundown Jim," "Secret Agent of Japan," "Who Is Hope Schuyler?" (formerly "Hearses . Don't Hurry" ). Started: "Million Dollar Ghost." Universal In Work : "The Spoilers," "Shel- tered Lady." "Saboteur," "What's ' Cookin'?" (formerly "Wake Up and . Dream" ) . j Started: "Butch Minds the Baby." Warners In Work: "The Gay Sisters," "The Shadow of the Their Wings," "Escape from Crime," "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Operators Union Elects Pittston. Pa., Jan. 26. — William H. Blannett has been elected presi- dent of the operators union here. Others officers are : vice-president, Sydney Hertz ; financial secretary, Anthony Zukauskas ; corresponding and recording secretary, James A. Casalo ; treasurer, Michael Novitsky ; business agent, Xorman J. Saunders ; executive board, Henry F. Miller, Xorman J. Saunders, Simon Millis. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood , Jan. 26 WAR news this week had its effect on Hollywood production. Five of the eight story buys of the week had military or national de- fence themes. Active preparation such as casting, script completion and the like was made on at least a dozen others. Current United States Hying heroes will be immortalized by Warners in "The Young and the Brave," assigned to Producers Jerry Wald and Jack Safer. Dean Franklin Reisner is lining the script. Warners also bought "Peter Biddle, Air Warden," original idea by Edwin* Gilbert, who will do the script. It is scheduled for Ann Sheridan and Ronald Reagan and the plot is about a wealthy playwright pressed into service as a warden. Columbia grabbed off "The Com- mandos," by Elliott Arnold which tells of an American boy in the Brit- ish Commando Corps and a girl serv- ing as the active head of a Norwe- gian underground movement against the Nazis. It will be given a high budget. The book was bought from galley proofs; Duell, Sloan and Pearce. Inc., will publish in the Spring. • • Story buys on the non-military theme were : Acquisition by Paramount of "Storm." current novel by George R. Stewart which deals with the life story of a weather disturbance which is born on the Pacific Ocean and, growing, sweeps onto the coast, dis- rupting the lives of various persons. Purchase by Republic of an "original by George Carleton Brown, Broad- w ay Goes to College," which the stu- dio will make as a musical featuring all its young talent. Deal under which Columbia took "Just Call Me Darling," original by Margaret Lee. A light domestic com- edy, it will be placed on B. P. Schul- berg's production schedule. Describing it as a timely marine melodrama, M-G-M ac- quired Allen Rivkin's original, "Men at Sea," and because of the nature of the plot, is keep- ing it secret. Jack Chertok will produce. . . . Edward Small bought another old stage hit, "Friendly Enemies," by Samuel Shipman and Aaron Hoffman. Hit of both America and Eng- land in the last war, the story will be directed by Allan Dwan. Akim Tamiroff is due for one of the roles. • • Sidney Sheldon has completed the script of Monogram's "She's in the Army Now," story of women in de- fense. A Feb. 10 dateline has been set. . . Tom Brown and Jean Par- ker drew the top roles in Columbia's "Hello Annapolis," which is being set for early production by Director Charles Barton. 'Sundown' Is Boston Lead With $39,700 Boston, Jan. 26. — "Sundown" and "The Secrets of the Lone Wolf" grossed $18,000 at Loew's State and $21,700 at Loew's Orpheum for a total of $39,700. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 21-23: "Paris Calling" (Univ.) KEITH BOSTON — (2,697) (30c-40c-44c-55c- 65c) • 7 days. Vaudeville including the Folie International featuring Lambertie. Franklin D'Amour and the Shyrettos. Gross: $14,100. (Average, $8,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) KEITH MEMORIAL — (2.907) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $16,000) "AU Through the Night" (W. B.) "Marry the Boss's Daughter" (2flth-Fox) METROPOLITAN— (4.367) (28c-30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $19,200. (Average, $15,500) "Confirm or Deny" (20th-Fox) "Harvard, Here I Come" (Col.) PARAMOUNT— (1,797) (28c -30c -40c -44c- 55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $7,500) "Confirm or Deny" (Zflth-Fox) "Harvard, Here I Come" (Col.) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c -30c -40c -44c -55c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average. $4,500) "They Died With Their Bcots On" (W.B.) "The Body Disappears" (W.B.) SCOLLAY— (2,500) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd run. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $4,000) "Sundown" (U.A.) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) LOEW'S STATE— (3,000) (30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $12,000) "Sundown" (U. A.) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) LOEW'S ORPHEUM— (2,900) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $21,700. (Average, $17,500) See $250,000 State Film Tax Next Year (Continued from page 1) $316,096. The estimates "are predi- cated upon past behavior and in in- ference drawn from collections during the current fiscal year 1942," the budget message said. A sharp decrease in the number of foreign films offered for review is ex- pected to account for the decrease, it is said. The message recommended a flat re- duction of 25 per cent in the personal income taxes payable this Spring, and suggested a $5,000,000 reduction in ap- propriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1943. Jersey House Files Clearance Complaint (Continued from fane 1) over the Dunellen is unwarranted and should be eliminated since, they assert, no competition exists between the towns. Albany, Jan. 26. — Joseph Rosch. a former State Supreme Court judge and local attorney, was appointed ar- bitrator for the clearance complaint of Smalley Theatres, Cooperstown, N. Y., against the five consenting com- panies by the American Arbitration Association, following failure of the parties to the complaint to agree on an arbitrator. Schine Enterprises Corp. has inter- vened in the case. Hearings are scheduled to start Thursday. 10 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, January 27, 1942 Off the Antenna AMONG the incidental effects of the national Daylight Saving Time law, starting Feb. 9 will be permission for part time stations to remain on the air for an additional hour daily. These part time stations are required to go off the air when the sun sets in the city where the station with which they share is located. With the days growing longer in February, part time sta- tions will have V/2 hours of additional broadcast time during the month. • • • Purely Personal: Norman Corwin's best known radio plays have been collected and published by Henry Holt & Co. in a volume titled, "Thirteen by Corwin." Carl Van Doren has written the preface. . . . Phil Abrahams, formerly with WMCA and advertising agencies, has joined the WBYN sales staff. . . . Lee Grant has been named conductor of the WBYN house orches- tra. . . . Orson Welles will leave the Lady Esther show Feb. 4 to make a South American tour. • • • WHKY, Hickory, N. C., expects to begin operations with 5,000 watts days and 1,000 watts nights by July 1, according to information received by the Blue Network. The station will shift from 1,400 k.c. to 1,290 k.c. at the same time. WHKY now operates with 250 watts. • • • WFIL, Philadelphia, and the Philco television station in that city have arranged a tieup whereby some of WFIL's programs will be televised. The first series, "Our Future Admirals," will not be built especially for television but will be presented as a behind-the-scenes-in-radio idea. Other WFIL pro- grams, however, are being considered for modification to make them suitable to the new medium. W53PH, the WFIL FM station, is scheduled to return to the air Feb. 10 with 10,000 watts. e • • Program News: The Blue has decided to continue the "Captain Flagg and Sergeant Quirt" series as a sustainer beginning Feb. 1 when the Mennen Co. discontinues sponsorship because of shortages in alcohol and glycerine. . . . "In the Future," a new dramatic series from Louisville, began yesterday over Mutual. It will be heard Monday through Friday, 5:15-5:30 P.M. . . . Another dramatic serial, "Miss Trent's Children," from WGR, Buffalo, will start over Mutual next Monday and will heard Monday through Friday, 9 :45- 10 P.M. • • • Effective Feb. 1, there will be several changes in the executive person- nel of the NBC Western division, Sidney N. Strotz, vice-president in charge, has announced. Al Nelson, formerly manager of KGO and KPO, San Francisco, will manage KPO and handle network business originat- ing in San Francisco. William B. Ryan, formerly sales manager for both stations, will manage KPO and handle Blue network business from that city. Sydney Dorais will move to Hollywood to become Western division auditor for the Blue. Division of the remainder of the KGO-KPO per- sonnel, made necessary by the split of the Red and Blue, will be dis- cussed in San Francisco tomorrow by Strotz, Nelson and Ryan. Television Net Extension to Capital Studied (.Continued from page 1) telecast New York programs. Du- Mont has a construction permit for an experimental station in Washing- ton in addition to a permit for a New York commercial outlet. NBC also has a construction permit for Washington, but priorities have pre- vented erection of a station. Report DuMont Has Equipment Consummation of the plan would depend on DuMont being able to ob- tain the necessary materials. It is understood, however, that DuMont has the equipment. Another factor, it was said, would be obtaining prior- ities to construct radio relays from Philadelphia to Washington. At present. General Electric in Schenectady, NBC in New York and Philco in Philadelphia are carrying the NBC programs. Nothing Official, Say Engineers of F.C.C. Washington, Jan. 26. — FCC engi- neers here said they had heard re- ports of the proposal for a link be- tween General Electric, NBC, Philco and DuMont, but that no official com- munication has ever been received. They explained that no authority would be necessary from the FCC if land lines were to be used but that authorization would have to be se- cured for radio relays. It is understood here that the plan depends upon the granting of mate- rials priorities by the War Produc- tion Board, for which the FCC is acting as liaison, but no application for such priorities has been received, it was said. No Power Shortage Is Seen in Chicago Chicago, Jan. 26. — Despite the prediction of the Federal Power Com- mission in Washington, which in- dicated that electric power might have to be rationed, officials of the Com- monwealth Edison Co. here have stated that unless defense industries expand greatly, Chicago would have no shortage of electric power. Should rationing become necessary, one of the first things to be affected would be the operation of electric signs, display lighting of all kinds and outdoor advertising. Such an order would darken all theatre marquees and signs in Chicago, as in several Southeastern states. Stars Leave Coast For Birthday Ball Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Ten stars, the vanguard of the Hollywood troupe which will appear in Washington at the President's Birthday Ball on Fri- day evening, left today by train for the East. They include : Rosalind Russell, William Holden, Patricia Morison, Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville, Gene Raymond, John Payne, Carol Bruce, Brenda Mar- shall and Wayne Morris. Betty Grable and Gene Autry are scheduled to leave here tomorrow. Stahlman Appeal on FCC Hearing Denied Washington, Jan. 26. — James G. Stahlman, Nashville publisher, today lost his appeal from a district court decision affirming the authority of the FCC to subpoena newspaper publish- ers and executives to testify regarding newspaper ownership of radio stations. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, saying the commission was within its rights, and its action in subpoenaing Stahlman had not indicated any intention of bar- ring the joint ownership of papers and stations. Stahlman, called to testify during the hearings now in progress before the Commission, had refused to ap- pear and the Commission instituted court action to force him to testify. Stahlman contended that the FCC was illegally attempting to set up a policy of discrimination against news- papers as owners of broadcasting sta- tions. Ask Eckler Return Binghampton, N. Y., Jan. 26. — Em- ployes of the Agfa Ansco division of General Aniline and Film Corp. have petitioned the Treasury Department for reinstatement of Leopold Eckler, suspended recently as head of the lo- cal plant because of a "definite Ger- man background." Transradio Sues WCKY on Service A $6,812 breach of contract suit brought by Transradio Press Service, Inc., against L. B. Wilson, Inc., op- erator of WCKY, Cincinnati, was re- vealed in Federal Court here yester- day with transfer of the action from the New York State Supreme Court. The complaint alleged that Trans- radio agreed in July, 1937 to furnish a news srevice to WCKY and that the latter was to pay $50 weekly if the news was used as an auxiliary service and $100 weekly if used as a primary service. The complaint declared that part of the damages sought are for the difference between $50 and $100 when WCKY was using Transradio primarily and that the remainder of the damages is sought because Trans- radio was compelled to remove its equipment from the station last March. Heads Mexican Stations Mexican City, Jan. 26.— Col. Al- fonso Hernandez, former Federal Army Assistant Paymaster, has as- sumed his duties as managing direc- tor of radio stations XEUZ and XEFO, each of 10,000 watts, oper- ated here by the Party of the Mexican Revolution, the political organization that is back of the present Govern- ment. F.C.C. Authorizes New Iowa Station, Changes in Power Washington, Jan. 26. — A con- struction permit for a new 1,540- kilocycle, 50,000-watt station at Wa- terloo, la., has been granted by the FCC to the Josh Higgins Broadcast- ing Co. M The commission also granted appr cations of Stations WJW, Akron, for change of frequency from 1,240 to 850 kilocycles and increase of power from 250 to 5,000 watts, and KGDM, Stockton, Cal., for change of fre- quency from 1,130 to 1,140 kilocycles and increase of power from 1,000 watts day to 5,000 watts night and day, with extension of time from day to unlimited. Hughes Drops FM Plans At the request of the Hughes Tool Co., which explained that national de- fense activities necessitated confining its broadcast activities to television stations now building, the commission canceled construction permits for FM stations at San Francisco and Los Angeles and announced that the 44,500 and 44,900-kilocycle frequencies would be available to other applicants in those areas. A construction permit for a new FM station to operate on 45,300 kilo- cycles has been asked of the FCC by the Constitution Publishing Co., At- lanta. The Sikeston Broadcasting Co. resubmitted an application for a new 1,300-kilocycle, 250-watt standard day station at Sikeston, Mo. Applications also were received by the commission from Stations WOPI, Bristol, Tenn., for change of frequen- cy from 1,490 to 550 kilocycles, and WjHL, Johnson City, Tenn., for in- crease of day power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts. Academy Distributes 4,000 Award Ballots Hollywood, Jan. 26. — Nomination ballots for the 14th annual Academy awards competition were received to- day by members of the Academy and the writers,' actors' and directors' guilds. Four thousand ballots were distributed. They must be returned Feb. 4. Nominations for the prodc- tion, acting, writing and direction awards are expected to be announced the following weekend. Meanwhile, additional nominations were disclosed. For black-and-white photography were nominated: "The Chocolate Soldier," "Citizen Kane," "Dr. Jekvll and Mr. Hyde," "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," "Hold Back the Dawn," "How Green Was My Valley," "Ser- geant York," "Sundown," "Sun Val- ley Serenade," "That Hamilton Wo- man." For color photography were named: "Aloma of the South Seas," "Billy the Kid," "Blood and Sand," "Blossoms in the Dust," "Dive Bomber," "Louisiana Purchase." KARM Increases Power Fresno, Calif., Jan. 26. — Radio Station KARM, a basic unit in the Pacific Network of CBS, has a new transmitter with 20 times more power, 5,000 watts as compared with 250. It has a directional antenna with two 363-foot towers. XL\E OUT OF **TEV* NINE out of the Ten Best Pictures, se- lected in the Film Daily's critics poll for 1941, were made on Eastman Negative Films. This record reflects the strong pref- erence for these high-quality films shown by leading directors and cameramen. Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y. J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood PLIJS-X SUPER-XX for general studio use when little light is available BACKGROUXD-X for backgrounds and general exterior work EASTMAN NEGATIVE FILMS it Entertainment and morale go hand in hand . . . and advertising . . . the right kind of advertising... will play a more important part in tieing these two together than any other single factor except the motion picture itself. Advertising with a punch and a promise. Advertising with a message of confidence. Advertising that sells the big idea. Advertising that will make all people . . . in every phase oi our national life realize that this industry is doing its share to keep laughter, entertainment and enjoyment in the forefront of everyday commodities. ^ Yes1. — Roll up your sleeves. Get down to business. ^ Keep the American temperament on an even keel. ^ Tell them we're still making pictures for fun and relaxation. •jf Tell them with the most potent American modern implement . . . Advertising Tell them with NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE Prize Baby of the Industry! Alert, and V MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial NO. 19 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1942 TEN CENTS Skouras Cites Importance of ^uigley Award 'Jails It Inspiration at Annual Judging By SAM SHAIN "I know that I can speak for the industry when I say we are grate- ful to' Martin Quigley and the Quigley Publi- cations for creating t h e Q u i g 1 e y A- wards — this great medium o f showman- ship exchange which inspires and encour- ages the men in our busi- ness to greater and more con- s t r u c t i v e showman- ship." These are the words of Spyros ikouras, president of National Thea- (Continued on page 7) Spyros Skouras rthur Silver stone Resigns from U.A. Arthur Silverstone, New York metropolitan district sales manager of United Artists, has resigned. The cognation will become effective in bout two weeks, it is reported. Silverstone has been associated with jnited Artists for the past 18 years n both this country and Great Brit- ain. He was general sales manager >f the company's British organization nd assistant to its joint managing di- rectors in London until June, 1939. While in New York on a home of- fice visit at that time, he was ap- iointed assistant to U. A.'s Eastern general sales manager, and in 1940 was appointed metropolitan district nanager. Silverstone's future plans are not mown. Awards Pictures Pictures of some of the judges and speakers at the luncheon marking the Quigley Grand Awards selections at the Hotel Astor yesterday will be found on Page 6. Anti-5 Injunction Hearing Begins as Violation Suit Ends St. Paul, Jan. 27. — As trial of the criminal action against RKO, Para- mount and 20th Century-Fox for al- leged violation of the Minnesota anti- block-of-five law was concluded today, the trial of the civil suit brought by the five consenting companies and United Artists to declare the law un- constitutional and for a permanent in- junction was begun. Judge Albin Pearson reserved decision in the crim- inal prosecution. He is also presiding in the civil suit. The criminal action ended without the customary summations but the arguments on the criminal phase are expected to be included in the sum- mations for the civil suit. However, David Shearer, a defense attorney, dic- tated into the record a plea that the court find the defendants not guilty. A motion by the six companies for (Continued on page 8) Umpi Group Sees New Sales System Members of the trade practice sub- committee of the United Motion Pic- ture Industry, following all-day con- ferences at the Hotel Warwick yes- terday, expressed the belief that they would be able to develop a selling sys- tem as a substitute for the consent de- cree's block-of-five method. Exhibitor members of the subcom- mittee continued in session to a late hour last night and will rejoin dis- tributor representatives in another (Continued on page 7) Britain Sees More Newsreel Censoring London, Jan. 27. — Censor- ship of newsreel commentar- ies is contemplated by the Ministry of Information, it was believed here today, as a meeting of newsreel heads and Ministry officials was set for next Tuesday. Censor- ship of the photographic ma- terial, of course, has been in effect since the start of the To Apportion British Fund On Old Basis The same method of apportion- ing British remittances among the eight major distributors which has been used during the last two years will be applied this year as a re- sult of the waiving by Loew's of its objections to the formula, it was reported yesterday. The first quarterly remittance of $5,000,000 due under the current year's monetary agreement with the British Treasury was payable yester- day. The eight companies are au- thorized to withdraw $20,000,000 this year in equal quarterly amounts if earned. The formula for apportioning the remittances among the eight compa- nies has been a percentage based on each company's net billings in the (Continued on page 7) Cardboard Supplants Tin Cans for Shipment of Films 800 Due at Cinema Lodge Meet Tonight More than 800 members and guests of the Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith are expected to attend the organization's defense meeting at 8:30 tonight in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Edison. Arthur Israel, Jr., president, will pre- side. The meeting will open with an in- vocation by Rabbi Samson A. Shain of Sunnyside. On the program are addresses by Daniel Arnstein, former U. S. Commissioner for the Burma Road, and his assistant, Harold C (Continued on page 7) New prints from film laboratories to exchanges hereafter will be shipped in cardboard or fiberboard boxes in- stead of in tin cans, under new regu- lations just approved by the Inter- state Commerce Commission in Wash- ington, it was announced yesterday by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. The ICC granted the authority as a result of a petition submitted on be- half of the film industry by A. S. Dickinson, director of the MPPDA conservation department. The indus- try is turning to substitutes for tin, it was explained, because of the re- (Continued on page 7) Plans Weighed For Industry Goodwill Unit Legal Committees Study Public Relations Move The advisability of setting up machinery within the industry to handle special problems in public relations, including those resulting from operations of the Production Code Administration, is under study here by legal committees representing home offices and stu- dios, it was learned yesterday. Members of the New York committee are Joseph Hazen of Warners; J. Robert Rubin, M-G-M, and Austin C. Keough, Paramount. On the Hollywood committee are Mendel Silber- berg, Columbia; Maurice Benja- min, M-G-M, and Herbert Fres- ton, Warners. The six attorneys were in charge of the industry's defense during the Senate subcommittee hearings on al- leged film propaganda in Washington last Fall. The Eastern and West Coast com- mittee have been conferring here for (Continued on page 7) Loew's 12-Week Net Rises to $2,627,145 Loew's, Inc., yesterday reported net profit of $2,627,145 for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 20, last, constituting the first quarter of the company's current fiscal year. The result compares with net profit of $1,936,245 for the corre- sponding 12 weeks of the preceding fiscal year. The company's share of operating- profit for the quarter after subsidi- aries' preferred dividends amounted to (Continued on page 8) Drew Resigns MGM Post in Cleveland Cleveland, Jan. 27. — ■ Frank D. Drew, branch manager for M-G-M here, has resigned, it was learned to- day. He was with the company 16 years, joining as a special sales repre- sentative covering several Eastern ex- changes. In 1927 he was appointed branch manager in Charlotte and eight months later was transferred as branch manager in Cleveland. He re- mained here since. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 28, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 27 SEVEN British and United States government shorts and features have been entered in the documentary film division of the Academy awards competition. Others have registered four entries, bringing the total to 11 in this division, which was inaugurated this year. • Quentin Reynolds, magazine writer, today was signed by Walter Wanger to do the foreword and commentary for "Eagle Squadron," for Universal release. Reynolds is due here Friday from New York. • Al Piantadosi, song writer, today filed a copyright infringement suit seeking $1,400,000 against Loew's, M-G-M and Leo Feist, Inc., alleging that his song "That's How I Need You," was used without permission in the film "Barnacle Bill." • Having completed taking deposi- tions from Jimmie Fidler, gossip col- umnist, attorneys for W. R. Wilker- son, whom Fidler is suing for $1,000,- 000 charging defamation of character, were ordered to have their client ready Saturday morning for his deposition. Personal Mention 200 of RCAF Coming To 'Clouds' Opening Two hundred members of the Royal Canadian Air Force will come here Feb. 12 to attend the opening at the Strand on Broadway of the Warner film, "Captains of the Clouds," which concerns training of the RCAF. Fly- ing Officer T. C. McCall is here mak- ing arrangements for their reception. The airmen will place a wreath at the Eternal Light in Madison Square Garden and present an official RCAF flag to Mayor F. H. LaGuardia. They will demonstrate precision drill work at the Strand, accompanied by their band, before the film is shown. Indianapolis Office In UA Western Unit United Artists' Indianapolis ex- change has been moved from the East- ern to the Western division, it was announced yesterday by Carl Leser- man, general sales manager. Indian- apolis becomes part of the district of which Charles Stern is manager. Bert M. Stearn is Western division manager. TAMES R. GRAINGER is in «J Cleveland today and will stop off at Pittsburgh before returning here Friday. • A. H. Blank, head of Tri-States Theatres, Des Moines, is due here today. • R. J. Budd, operator of the Thea- torium, Lykens, Pa., and the Bandbox, Middleburg, Pa,, has been called up for active Army duty. • Lou Segall, manager of the Apollo, Philadelphia, and Edna Korn were married last week. • John McDermott of the Globe Theatre, Scranton, Pa., has enlisted in the Air Corps. • Norman Silverman, Republic salesman in Philadelphia, is going into the Army this week. • Thomas Evanko of the Refowich Theatre, Freeland, Pa., has joined the Army. Arnold Guest of Senator Barkley Washington, Jan. 27. — Edward Arnold, president of the Screen Act- ors Guild, was honored at a Capitol Hill luncheon here today. His host was Sen. Alben W. Barkley, majority leader. Arnold is here in connection v. ith the President's birthday ball, for which he will be master of ceremonies at the Willard Hotel on Friday night. Stacy Woodard Dies Stacy Woodard, documentary pro- ducer and editor, died here yesterday. With his brother Horace he produced "The Adventures of Chico," a feature, in 1938. He also made the "Battle of Fife" series for Educational and photo- graphed "The River," Government film. PRANK J. A. MCCARTHY, South- * em and Canadian sales manager for Universal, has left for Columbus. • Warren Weilland, vice-president of the Weilland-Lewis theatre circuit in Atlantic City, and son of George F. Weilland, circuit head, was elected a member of the board of the Board- walk National Bank. • Peter A. Maguzzi, owner of thea- tres in northeastern Pennsylvania, be- came the father of a girl born to Mrs. Maguzzi in Hazleton, Pa., State Hos- pital recently. • Leone Edna Benn, daughter of Allen Benn, Philadelphia exhibitor, is engaged to David Leventhal of Jacksonville, Fla. • Virginia Sallee, secretary to Louise Pollock at Universal, has re- signed. • Joseph Chernoski and Felix Swipes of the Shawnee Theatre, Plymouth, Pa., were inducted into the Army. Nightly Blackouts Begin in Panama Beginning last night, com- plete blackouts have been in- stituted in Panama from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M., Monogram's repre- sentative there has advised Norton V. Ritchey, the com- pany's vice-president in charge of export. The country has about 30 theatres, including those in the Canal Zone. Discrimination Bill Is Filed in Albany Albany, Jan. 27. — Senator Wil- liam T. Condon has introduced a bill making it a misdemeanor to exclude a citizen from a theatre by reason of national origin, broadening the present law which refers to race dis- crimination. Another Condon bill applies to discrimination by employ- ment agencies, and a third prohibits advertising indicating that discrimina- tion in employment is practiced. Assemblyman Harold B. Ehrlich is expected to introduce legislation amending the education, penal and labor laws to permit children to ap- pear in theatrical exhibitions or on radio programs, with the permission of educational authorities. The bill was vetoed last year as defective. Para. Men to MPTO Meet Claude Lee, Paramount director of public relations, left last night for Richmond, Va., to attend the MPTO of Virginia convention this evening and tomorrow. He will be joined in Washington by Earle Sweigert, Para- mount district manager, and J. E. Fontaine, branch manager. Maine Theatre Files Clearance Complaint A clearance complaint filed at the Boston arbitration board by Paul A. and Ruth M. Hunter, operators of the Playhouse, Gorham, Me., against all five consenting companies and three interested theatres was reported to American Arbitration Association headquarters here yesterday. The M & P circuit's Star Theatre, Westbrook, Me., and State, Portland, and Ralph E. Snider's Strand Port- land, are the theatres named as inter- ested parties. The complainants as- sert that customarily Portland first runs have 60 days clearance over the Playhouse and the Star has 30 days clearance, with the result that their theatre plays two to four months after national release and receives prints in worn condition. Terming the clearance unreasonable, the com- plaint asks that the Playhouse be permitted to play two weeks after Portland and one day after the Star. Newsreel Parade Club Aids Navy Relief Washington, Jan. 27. — Vincent Daugherty, chief barker of the Wash- ington Variety Club, has announced that the recent premiere of "Ice Capades" sponsored by the club real- ized a net of $2,200 for the Navy Re- lief Society. Expect $25,000 in la-Neb. for Dimes Des Moines, Jan. 27. — The first two-days' collection among Iowa and Nebraska theatres in the industry's March of Dimes drive is reported to be $10,000, with the full week's total expected to exceed $25,000. A. H. Blank, head of Tri-States Theatres, is chairman of the drive for Iowa and Nebraska, and under his supervision, every theatre in the Iowa- Nebraska territory is soliciting collec- tions in the drive. Albany Club Dimes Party on Saturday Albany, Jan. 27. — The local Variety Club will hold a Monte Carlo Night for the benefit of the March of Dimes campaign Saturday night at its Hotel Ten Eyck club rooms, accord- ing to Louis H. Golding, chief barker. Golding turned over 600 dimes, or a dollar for each year of President Roosevelt's life, to the March of Dimes booth committee for the Variety Club. C. A. Smakwitz and H. E. Smith are booth chairmen. H1 HE new issues have subjects from ■*- Rio, Moscow, Hawaii, Mexico and various other points, all dealing with the war. Here are the con- tents : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 41— Welles in^- Rio. Naval ensigns take oath in New/ ^ York. Jap sub studied in Hawaii. Link U. S. and Mexico defenses. Bomber forced down in Pennsylvania. Dress fashions. Hoppe plays billiards in Chicago. Pasa- dena coeds in archery class. Tuna fishing. Stars and Stripes subject. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 239— Moscow celebrates. Survivors of sub attacks in Atlantic. General DeWitt in Mexico. Balloon patrol on Pacific coast. Bergen's Charlie McCarthy on military matters. Rio parley. Auto circus in Chicago. Girl archers in Pasadena. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 44— Largest howitzer in Milwaukee. Dempsey in State Guard. New Mexico Indians trade metal for defense bonds. Sea lions in San Fran- cisco from Hawaii. Naval training school in Chicago. Films of Moscow, U. S. and Mexico unite defense measures. Clear forest in Hawaii. Pan American confer- ence in Rio. Survivors of torpedo attack in Atlantic. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 44— Welles addresses conference. General DeWitt in Mexico. Moscow subject. Feminine archers in Pasadena. Remove trees in Hawaii. Balloon patrol on Pacific coast. James Stewart meets Charlie McCarthy at Coast camp. Refugee seals from Hawaii. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. conferences. Army chief in Mexico. Harbor report. Jap sub salvaged in lulu. Forest in Hawaii cleared, coast defenses. Rickenbacker "Cavalcade of Aviation" short film, cow films. Winter carnival in St Archery class in Pasadena college circus in Chicago. 53— Rio Pearl Hono- Pacific praises Mos- Paul. Auto See Circuit Control Of CEA in England London, Jan. 27.— A bid by the cir- cuits for control of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association was seen by observers at the annual general meet- ing of the London and Home Coun- ties Branch here today, when only four of the 11 delegates to the Gen- eral Council represented independ- ents. Gaumont-British has five rep- resentatives on the council. The report on the CEA-Ministry of Labor manpower negotiations indi- cated almost certainly that first pro- jectionists in theatres would be ex- empt from military service, and calls on second projectionists are unlikely for some time, it was believed. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (.Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. -wWt! STOP THE COWr£sw THERE'S A NEW 1 * Art* ! JUST%+lfN BOX-OFFICE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST WAS GETTING HOT! Just when everybody thought that only a miracle could bring forth an attraction to challenge "Babes on Broadway" and "Johnny Eager" those record-breaking, extended-run sensations . . . the miracle happens and it's "WOMAN OF THE YEAR!" I Howard Barnes, N.Y. Herald-Tribune: "A challenging, exciting and magnificent motion picture ... As sheer enter- tainment, it is tremendously vital . . . Michele Morgan is so lovely and noble that she is certain to become a big star . . . Paul Henreid gives a sensitive and extremely sympathetic portrayal." Bosley Crowther, N.Y. Times: "A rigidly exciting and tenderly moving film . . . taut with fearful uncertainties and packed with sincere compassion." lee Mortimer, N.Y. Daily Mirror: "Full of thrills and tears . . . exciting and fast-moving . . . Paul Henreid and Michele Morgan powerful, bristling personalities." Kate Cameron, N.Y. Daily News: "Either Paul Henreid or Michele Morgan would have been qualified to carry the picture alone ... A moving and thrilling melodrama . . . filled with breathless suspense." William Boehnel, N.Y. World-Telegram: "Everything first-rate entertainment should have — romance, laughter, senti- ment, danger and surprise. And then there is Miss Morgan. She's the best thing that's happened to Hollywood in years." G. R., N.Y. Sun: "A picture that must be seen ... It marks the christening of two new stars and a new director on the American screen." Archer Winsten, N.Y Post: "Engrossing and carefully made.. .Audiences' sympathy is completely engaged." Rose Pelswick, N.Y. Journal-American: "Marks the Hollywood debut of Michele Morgan and Paul Henreid, and both give excellent accounts of themselves." NOW PLAYING AT THE LONG-RUN RIVOLI THEATRE, N.Y. Made by the Producer of "KITTY FOYLE" M I C H E L E MORGA One day for life . . One hour for love.. miT£*ROR stalked every precious minute! HENREID HENREID 4 WITH . . .. radio THOMAS MITCHELL* LAIRD CREGAR MAY ROBSON V Produced h OAVIO HEMPSTEAD • DJmted by ROBERT STEVENSON Screen Play by Chattes Bennelt and fills Si ioseph 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 28, 19' Flashes at Judging for Quigley Awards Colvin Brown chats with Ed Fay Martin Quigley addresses the guests, flanked by Spyros Skouras, left, Alex Manta of Indiana-Illinois of Providence. and Gus S. Eyssell of the Music Hall, right. Theatres, from Chicago. Stanley Kolbert of the Interboro Herman Robbins, National Screen Entries are studied by (left to right) Malcolm Kingsberg, RKO; Spyro Circuit, says hello. Service president. Skouras, Charles Koerner, RKO, and Charles McDonald, also of RKO, for ■ Photos by staff photographer Charles Reed Jones, director of advertising and publicity for Republic, listens carefully as Si Seadler, advertising manager of M-G-M, explains the why and the wherefore of something. Robert Gillham, advertising and publicity chief of Paramount, studies a campaign. A-Mike Vogel, chairman of th Round Table, discusses an entr in the competition. ednesday, January 28, 1942 MOTION PICTURE DAILY 7 Value of Quigley Awards Emphasized by Skouras To Apportion jiBritisli Fund [ On Old Basis L (Continued from page 1) I mted Kingdom. Loew's last year a change to a formula based j^Sross billings of the individual Bpanies, and when the others ob- eyed the matter was submitted to -bitration. Loew's proposal was re- acted by the unanimous decision of tree arbitrators. Following the closing of this year's greement with the British Treasury, toew's again advanced its proposal >r division of the funds this year rcording to gross billings and again ound itself championing that plan lone. Its decision to agree to con- i.nuance of the old method for an- other year is understood to have been ••jached after computations employ- rig both plans disclosed that there :',-ould be little, if any, difference in ie remittable net amounts to individ- tal companies due to the effect of jeavy war taxes in Britain. (Jmpi Group Sees New Sales System (.Continued from page 1) meting this morning. Indications are lhat the sessions will continue through omornnv. The exhibitor and distributor repre- entatives met separately yesterday to arry on their discussions of the first wo points of Umpi's five-point trade practice program and later gathered 0 a joint meeting to exchange views. A substitute selling method is cov- •red by Point 1 and forcing of shorts \>th features in Point 2. The exhibi- or delegation expressed the view that listributors had endeavored to comply [With the decree fully, despite the fact 1 hat instances of shorts forcing have xen reported. No formulae for either joint has been agreed upon yet. v The subcommittee consists of nine exhibitor members, three from each of the participating exhibition groups, and a representative of each partici- pating distributor. Cardboard Boxes Supplant Tin Cans (Continued from page 1) quirements for that metal in the war program. It is estimated that nearly 1,500,U0<) cardboard and fibreboard boxes will be used during the next year for film >hipments. Tests have shown, the MP PDA reports, that the cardboard containers, because of the insulating property of the material, are a slight- ly better protection against fire haz- ards than tin cans. 800 Due at Cinema Lodge Meet Tonight (Continued from page 1) Lewis ; the showing of films taken by Arnstein while in the Far East; an interview with Arnstein by George Hamilton Combs which will be broad- cast over WHN at 9:45, and a report of the defense activities of the lodge. (Continued from page 1) tres Amusement Co., Inc. (Fox-West Coast). Skouras was one of the prin- cipal speakers at the Quigley Grand Awards and the Judges' Luncheon held yesterday at the Hotel Astor, at- tended by more than 50 industry lead- ers from around the country. Martin Quigley was host. Urges Encouragement "We in New York," said Skouras, "should take greater part in instilling and encouraging the people of our business in participating in these awards. I have talked to many of the men who have been honored through these awards, and I know how prowd they are in achieving them." Skouras also spoke about the indus- try position in defense. He was intro- duced to the assembled guests by Martin Quigley, who expressed his thanks to the guests for their pres- ence and said : Quigley Lauds Skouras "I consider it a distinct compliment to those present in having among us one of the most distinguished leaders of our industry and one who also plays a leading part in important undertak- ings affecting the welfare of the coun- try at large." "The motion picture," Quigley further stated, "as we know it and as the public knows it through the theatre as an insti- tution is to be called upon to play an extremely important and more essential part in pub- lic welfare. In this period of na- tional defense and emergency it is important that we do the best possible job in the business of motion pictures. The Quigley Awards have been created to stimulate better and still better standards in the advertising of motion pictures. It is our view that unless recognition is given to these better standards, they cannot be made better." A-Mike Yogel, chairman of Motion Picture Herald's Round Table, through which the Quigley Awards function, also addressed the gathering. He re- ferred to the remarks of one of the judges that it was more difficult to judge the entries than in past years, and he expressed the belief that per- haps it was because a goodly number of entries had come down the "stretch" closer than heretofore. Vogel Quotes Definition Yogel explained the operations of the Motion Picture Herald's Round Table, and said that the entries this year represented a broad cross-coun- try reflection of advertising in the field. He paid tribute to these men by quoting a mid-Western operator who said. "The difference between a man- ager who manages and a showman is 25 per cent of the receipts." In the defense phase of his speech. Skouras spoke of the responsibility of motion pictures for maintaining the morale of the nation on the highest possible level during the war, and that- in this responsibility the industry was Derforming the most important task it had been called upon to undertake in all its history — a task which he said will dwarf all past performances. Quigley Awards Luncheon Guests Following is the list of guests, in- cluding the judges, attending the Quigley Awards luncheon at the Hotel Astor yesterday : E. W. Aaron, M-G-M ; Charles S. Aaronson, Leon J. Bamberger, RKO Pictures; A. M. Botsford, 20th Cen- tury-Fox ; Leo Brady, Colvin Brown, James Cron, Albert Deane, Para- mount; Michael Edelstein, RKO The- atres; H. R. Emdee, RKO Theatres; Gus Eyssell, Radio City Music Hall ; Edward M. Fay, Fay Theatres ; Her- bert Fecke, W. R. Ferguson, M-G-M ; Ray Gallagher, Robert M. Gillham, Paramount ; Harry Goldberg, War- ners ; Lou Goldberg, RKO ; John Healy, National Theatres ; John Hearns, RKO Theatres ; W. J. Heine- man, Universal ; Charles Reed Jones, Republic ; Dick Kearney, M. A. Shea Enterprises; Malcolm Kingsberg, RKO Theatres; Morris Kinzler, Kay- ton-Spiero Agency ; C. W. Koerner, RKO Theatres. Stanley Kolbert, Interboro Circuit ; Irving Lesser, Roxy Theatre; David A. Lipton, Columbia ; S. Barret Mc- Cormick, RKO; Charles B. McDon- ald, RKO Theatres; Harry Mand?l, RKO Theatres; Alex Manta, Indiana- Illinois Theatres ; Arthur Mayer, Ri- Plans Weighed For Industry Goodwill Unit (Continued from page 1) the past week. They have reviewed many special problems of the indus- try in public relations and, it is re- ported, have studied various sugges- tions for setting up machinery to han- dle them, as well as to provide a per- manent, central agency of contact for the over-all public relations of the industry. The work of these committees em- braces problems of the widest scope and basic matters of public policy, according to some of the conferees. The nature of the problems which they are exploring is such that there could be no conflict with the proposed activities of the United Motion Pic- ture Industry subcommittee on pro- tection of the industry's good name, of which George J. Schaefer is chair- man. alto Theatre ; Gertrude Merriam, John J. O'Connor, Universal ; Her- man Pincus, Louis Pollock, Universal ; Lew Preston, Interboro Circuit ; Mar- tin Quigley, Terry Ramsaye, Herman Robbins, National Screen ; Harry L. Royster, Netco Theatres ; Sol A. Schwartz, RKO Theatres ; Silas F. Seadler, M-G-M ; Sam Shain, Milton Silver, National Screen Service ; Al- bert E. Sindlinger, March of Time ; Spyros Skouras, National Theatres ; Floyd Stone. Theodore Sullivan, Vin- cent Trotta, National Screen Service ; A-Mike Vogel. 8 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, January 28, 194. Road Companies Hit Transport Problem In Shortage of Cars Possibility that road companies of legitimate stage plays, traveling carni- vals and circuses may be compelled to curtail their activities and cancel book- ings because of a shortage of railroad cars appeared yesterday when it was learned that the Southern Railway had notified the "Hellzapoppin' " company that it would not be able to supply baggage cars for transportation of scenery and might not be able to sup- ply coach accommodations for mem- bers of the company. Wartime condi- tions prevent, it was said. A special meeting of the Emergency Council of the Legitimate Theatre, or- ganization of producers and unions, was called yesterday to take steps to insure a continued supply of trans- portation. "Hellzapoppin' " was sched- uled to play in Richmond, Va., Friday, following an engagement in Wilming- ton, Del., tomorrow but may have to cancel the Richmond date. There are 80 actors in the cast, a large orchestra, stagehands and many others in the company. Asks Green's Assistance Declaring that the employment of 750 to 800 members of Actors Equity and Chorus Equity now on the road was jeopardized, Paul Dullzell, Actors Equity executive secretary, telegraphed William Green, AFL president, asking that he intercede with Governmental agencies or with President Roosevelt to prevent the loss "of thousands of jobs in all theatrical categories." "En- tertainment of the people of the nation is vitally important to morale during these critical times," Dullzell declared in the telegram. Two Named to Fill Ogilvie's BBC Post London, Jan. 27. — Sir Cecil Graves and Robert Foot took up their duties today as joint directors of the British Broadcasting Corp., following an- nouncement last night of the resigna- tion of Frederick Wolff Ogilvie as director general. Graves, formerly deputy director general, will direct policy and programs. Foot, formerly advisor on wartime organization, will direct organization and administration. Ogilvie resigned because of dis- agreements over BBC reorganization. Dolan Heads Blue Traffic Department Thomas J. Dolan, NBC general traffic superior, has been named traffic manager for the Blue network, Keith Kiggins, vice-president in charge of stations, announced yesterday. Blue appointments announced for the Chicago division include E. J. Huber. manager of the promotion de- partment ; Gil Berry, sales manager ; Rudi Neiibauer, member of the sales staff : Pav M. Neihenge, manager of sales traffic, and R. S. Peterson, audi- tor and office manager. 'New Wine' to Carnegie "New Wine," United Artists re- lease co-starring Ilona Massey and Alan Curtis, will have its New York premiere at the Little Carnegie on Saturday, it was announced. Pa. Unions Buying Defense Securities Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Jan. 27.— Operators unions here and in Scranton, and the exchange employes union here, are do- ing their share in the war effort. The local operators have bought more than $5,000 in defense bonds, the opera- tors in Scranton have bought $1,500 in bonds and offered their services in showing defense films, and the local exchange union has bought $1,500 in bonds and at the beginning of each quarter gives $1 in stamps to each member in good standing. 22 Shorts Nominated In Academy Contest Hollywood, Jan. 27. — Twenty-two cartoons and shorts have been en- tered in three divisions for short sub- ject Academy awards. Cartoons are: "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Com- pany B," Universal ; "Hiawatha's Rabbit Hunt," Warners ; "How War Came," Columbia ; "The Night Be- fore Christmas," M-G-M ; "Rhapsody in Rivets," Warners ; "The Rookie Bear," M-G-M ; "Rhythm in the Ranks," Paramount, "Superman No. 1," Paramount; two Walt Disney films as yet unnamed. One reel entries : "Army Cham- pions," M-G-M ; "Beauty and the Beach," Paramount ; "Forty Boys and a Son," Warners ; "Kings of the Turf," Warners ; "Of Pups and Puzzles," M-G-M ; "Sagebrush and Silver," 20th-Fox ; "Down on the Farm," Paramount. 1,000 to 3,000 feet: "Alive in the Deep," Woodward Productions ; "Forbidden Passage," M-G-M ; "The Gay Parisian," Warners ; "Main Street on the March," M-G-M, "The Tanks Are Coming," Warners. Deny Empire Quota In Reels Dropped Toronto, Jan. 27.— The Ontario Board of Moving Picture Censors has officially denied that the requirement for a quota of British Empire content in Ontario newsreels has been eased, as was recently reported. The quota rule still is in effect. Officials here indicated that the re- port probably arose because several topical newsreel editions gave con- siderable space to U. S. war develop- ments and speeches by President Roosevelt. Mrs. John Royal's Rites in Ky. Today Funeral services for Anne Kenny Royal, wife of John F. Royal, NBC vice-president in charge of interna- tional relations, will be held this morning at Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Mrs. Royal died here Monday after a long illness. '.loan' Capital Screening Washington, Jan. 27. — Film critics of Washington, Baltimore and Richmond newspapers will attend a screening of "Joan of Paris" here tomorrow evening. They will later be guests of RKO at a party at the Carlton Hotel. Michele Morgan, fea- tured in the film, will attend. Loew's 12-Week Net Rises to $2,627,145 {Continued from page 1) $5,778,132, compared with $3,805,255 for the 1940 quarter. Reserve for contingencies and depreciation was $1,736,370, compared with $1,257,564, making the company's share of profit before Federal taxes $4,041,762, com- pared with $2,547,691 for the 1940 period. Reserve for Federal income and excess profits taxes for the quarter amounted to $1,414,617, compared with $611,446 in the 1940 period. Re- sult was equivalent to $1.45 per share on the common, after deduction of preferred dividends, compared with $1.04 per share the preceding year. Webs Get More Time To Answer U. S. Suit The time for RCA, NBC and CBS to file answers in the Government's anti-trust suit brought in Chicago has been extended until Feb. 9, it was learned yesterday. Mutual, in its suit against NBC, also brought in Chi- cago, has likewise extended NBCs time to answer. John T. Cahill, former U. S. Attor- ney for the Southern District of New York, has been named head of the RCA legal department to succeed Col. Manton Davis, who resigned Dec. 31. Miller in New NBC Post William Burke Miller, who joined NBC 15 years ago, yesterday was named Eastern program manager for the network, C. L. Menser, program manager announced. Anti-5 Injunction Hearing Begins as Violation Suit End g (Continued from page 1) a temporary injunction was deniec last Fall when Judge Hugo O. Hanfl of the Ramsey County District Couri ruled the law constitutional. Fred Strom, secretary of Noa*^. west Allied, was the last State r.ujp;~ tal witness in the criminal suit, if{, testified about Allied's efforts to gel* a release of product during the days when the Minnesota law threatened an acute shortage and then told of a resolution in which Allied had asked exhibitors to take their 20 per cent cancellation permitted, under the law, from all brackets. Strom said all companies were notified of the resolution but L. E. Goldhammer RKO manager in Minneapolis, whe was called in rebuttal by the defense denied he had received word of it. Trial of the civil action began with the identification of various exhibits used in the criminal suit. Shearer said he would continue to represent the companies in the injunction suit, aided by Joseph Finley, of St. Paul. James F. Lynch, Ramsey County at- torney, told the court that he repre- sented himself, Ed J. Goff, Hennepin County attorney, and Thomas J. Gib- bons, Ramsey County sheriff, all of; whom were named as defendants in the injunction case. George B. Sjoselius, assistant State attorney general, said he would ob- serve the case with the intention oi filing a brief to represent the atti- tude of his office. MURDER IN THE DEATH HOUSE! * Surprise hit of the year! The sensation-packed story ...of a murder committed right before the eyes of a roomful of crime experts nd reporters/ THAT NAN" Produced by MAURICE KING Associate Producer FRANKLIN KING Directed by PHIL ROSEN Scmnpliy by HENRY BANCROFT • Original story by LEONARD FIELDS ana DAVID SILVERSTEIN WITH r Joan WOODBURY • Pat GLEASON MJ George PEMBROKE -Iris ADRIAN TTllTToFt DO NQ MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial 51. NO. 20 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 1942 TEN CENTS British Seeking fo Beat Axis to Neutral Screen 60 Prints Sent Weekly To 50 Territories London, Jan. 28. — The British linistry of Information is engaged i a concentrated effort to corner ^rte screens of all neutral nations igainst Axis film competition, it is disclosed in a Ministry report. Statistics just availaDle indicate the -hievement of the Ministry in the verseas distribution of British films :ws a result of the intensive campaign l neutral countries, Axis films have ecn largely eliminated, it is stated, l addition to handling its own films ic British Ministry is assisting in th< -istribution of American and British "Dmmercial films. An average of 160 prints weekly re sent to 50 territories by airmai1 jrface craft and RAF bombers, it is eported. American and British films re screened regularly, especially in weden, it is said. ■>ays Indp's Branch Workers Discharged Indianapolis, Jan. 28. — All mem- ers of Local B-35, Film Exchange Employes Union, have been dis- harged by local film exchanges, ac- ording to James A. Watson, attorney >r the local, which is affiliated with ne IATSE. Watson said the dis- harges were by all national compa- ies, and were effective last night. Watson said 103 employes were af- :cted, including film inspectors, ship- ers and poster clerks. The dis- (Continued on page 9) England Prohibits Use of Film 'Stills' London, Jan. 28.— The Board of Trade has issued an order, effective March 1, prohibiting all public display of motion picture still pictures, as was indicated in Motion Picture Daily recently. The order covers production and exhibition and applies to all places, including theatres and showrooms, but permits the use of stills in "business negotiations." 20th-Fox Schedules 50 Films for this Year, Says Wobber Hollywood, Jan. 28. — Twentieth Century-Fox will release a total of 50 pictures during the 1941-'42 season, Herman Wobber, general manager of distribution, said here today in the first definite announcement of the number of films the company is mak- ing for the first year's operation under consent decree selling. Twenty-seven features have been released, three have been trade shown and are awaiting release, seven are in the cutting rooms and 10 are in work, making a total of 47 thus far, he said. Wobber is here with Sidney R. Kent and T. J. Connors discussing next season's program with studio executives. He reported business booming ir theatres but expects a setback in March because of income tax pay- ments and the new draft. Army Takes Over Studios in Astoria Washington, Jan. 28. — Formally announcing the acquisition of Para- mount's Astoria studios, the War De- partment today said that the Signal Corps will take immediate possession of the plant, to which it will transfer the facilities and personnel now en- gaged in production of training films at Fort Monmouth, N. J. The department said that in addi- tion to production, photographic schools will be established for both still and motion pictures and personnel will be maintained at Astoria to pro- (Continiicd on page 4) Asks Exhibitors' Aid On Disney Tax Short Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau has ad- dressed a letter to all exhibi- tors urging them to show the Disney Donald Duck cartoon, "The New Spirit," made for the Treasury Department and stressing the importance of early income tax payments. The subject is being distrib- uted through the War Activi- ties Committee — Motion Pic- ture Industry by National Screen service. A reproduction of the letter and a review of the subject are on Page 4. Minn. Criminal Trial Evidence to Be Used In Injunction Action St. Paul, Jan. 28.— The civil and criminal actions testing Minnesota's anti-block-of-five law were closely linked today by agreement on pro- cedure, as proceedings in the in- junction suit were halted for the time being. All information entered in the record during the trial of the criminal action in which Paramount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox are charged with violating the law will be used also in considering the civil action, James F. Lynch, Ramsey County Attorney, said. Both actions involve the question of the law's validity. The five consent decree distributors and United Artists seek a permanent injunction on the (Continued on page 9) Theatres, Studios Would Be Insured by U.S. Plan Continue Unity Talks On Practices Today The trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Industry will continue its meetings at the War- wick Hotel here today and tomorrow, Jack Kirsch, chairman, reported at the close of yesterday's session. An adjournment for one week may be taken after tomorrow, it was said. The subcommittee reported further progress yesterday in its discussions of the five-point program outlined for its consideration by W. F. Rodgers, (Continued on page 4) Washington, Jan. 28. — Govern- ment insurance of theatres, studios, broadcasting stations and other pri- vate property against losses inflicted by air raid or other enemy action is provided for in a bill under con- sideration by the Senate Banking Committee. Jesse L. Jones, Federal Loan Ad- ministrator, today asked the commit- tee to approve plans to provide $1,- 000,000 for the War Insurance Cor- poration for the indemnification of citizens for property losses. The cor- poration was set up last month by the (Continued on page 4) Independents Organize New Producer Ass'n Loyd Wright Is President, James Allen Secretary Hollywood, Jan. 28. — Eight leading- independent producers have incorporated the Society of Inde- pendent Motion Picture Producers, Inc., it was announced here today. Loyd Wright, attorney, was elected president. James Allen, formerly public relations man for the FBI, was named executive secretary. Members of the group are Charles Chaplin, Walt Disney, Samuel Goldwyn, Alexander Korda, Mary Pickford, David O. Selznick, Walter Wanger and Orson Welles. [Motion Picture Daily last Oct. 31 published the first informa- tion regarding the new organiza- tion, including the fact that James Allen had been selected for an executive position.] Goldwyn and Wanger are members of the Association of Motion Picture (Continued on page 4) UA Names Schnitzer New York Manager Edward M. Schnitzer, who re- signed as Warners' Eastern district manager recently, has been appointed New York Metropolitan manager for United Artists. Schnitzer assumed his new post un- der Carl Leserman, United Artists general sales manager, yesterday. He succeeds Arthur Silverstone, who re- signed the post early this week. Majors to Withhold Lombard Reissues Major distributors having Carole Lombard productions have agreed not to reissue them at this time in the interest of good taste and as a matter of industry policy, it was learned yes- terday. The agreement was reached with the cooperation of MPPDA offi- cials, it was reported. Under the agreement, United Art- ists is not restrained from releasing the new Carole Lombard-Jack Benny production, "To Be Or Not To Be," but U. A. has decided it will withhold (Continued on page 9) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 29, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 28 RESTRICTIONS against pre- viewing films in Hollywood proper were discarded today when the studio publicity directors' com- mittee raised the ban which had lim- ited press screenings to remote sub- urbs and towns. The automobile and tire rationing situation was reported to have been a factor in the decision. • Monogram announced today it had acquired "Shadows of the Under- world," British film, for American distribution. It is a Pinebrook pro- duction starring Valerie Hobson and Barry K. Barnes. • Columbia today signed Sam Bisch- off to a new contract. His current pact expires March 1. • Universal today closed a deal under which it will share Samuel Goldwyn's contract with Jon Hall, who will be featured in Walter Wanger's "Eagle Squadron" for Universal release, a Richard Wilson, formerly with Re- public's legal department in New York, has joined the production de partment here. Personal Mention GEORGE J. SCHAEFER, RKO president, is scheduled to leave for the Coast tomorrow. • Stanton Griffis has left for Mi- ami. He will go to Tampico, Mex- ico, from there for a month's vaca- tion. • Harry H. Buxbaum, metropolitan district manager for 20th Century- Fox, and Mrs. Buxbaum have gone to Florida for a month. • Philip Gravitz, M-G-M booker in New Haven, is vacationing. • Edward Krapf of the Feeley Thea- tre, Hazleton, Pa., has joined the Army. • George DeGrosse of the Whitney Theatre, Hamden, Conn., has enlisted in the Signal Corps. R J. O'DONNELL of Interstate Circuit, Dallas, is in town. Adolph Zukor, Paramount board chairman, has returned from the Coast. • J. P. O'Loghlin, Canadian district manager for 20th Century-Fox, has returned to Toronto from Vancouver. • Jules Lapidus, Universal district manager, has left for Washington, and will go from there to Richmond. • Reino Maddough, booker at Para- mount's New Haven exchange, has joined the Army. • Michael Daly, exhibitor of Plain- field and Hartford, Conn., is in Miami. • Bert Brown has joined the Air Corps. MGM to Tradeshow Two Films Feb. 10 M-G-M has set Feb. 10 as the date for the next two pictures to be trade- shown nationally. The films are "This Time for Keeps" and "The Courtship of Andy Hardy." Court Reaffirms Fox's Jail Sentence Philadelphia, Jan. 28. — William Fox's sentence of a year and a day was reaffirmed for the third time here today by Federal Judge Guy K. Bard. Fox had applied for revocation of his plea of guilty, the sentence and in- dictment on the ground of dismissal of charges against co-defendants. He has also appealed to the U. S. Circuit Court. The conviction was in connec- tion with loans Fox is said to have made to Judge J. Warren Davis. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles (Two Sections) Ittl SOUTHERN© THE SUN Arr-. Los Angeles • trr. Los Angeles • %\ Los Angeles • A 4-45 Pm 1:28 am ana ^ y.47 aro and 8.4/ 5:25 P» . • • • 2:55 am . • • ' 9:47 am 10:55 pm 8:52 am 4:02 pm 6:30 am 4:58 pm \ -.04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 9«c. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS Report Silverstone Offer to Coward Hollywood, Jan. 28. — Murray Sil- verstone is reported to have offered Noel Coward a co-producership and a substantial financial consideration" for the screen rights to "Blithe Spirit," Coward play now on Broad- way. Should the deal be closed, the picture would be for United Artists release. Hollywood, Jan. 28. — The deal by which Harold Hurley was to have joined the United Artists' producers ranks was cancelled at the producer's request by the company today. Edward C. Raftery, U. A. presi- dent, and Gradwell L. Sears, vice- president and distribution head, are scheduled to leave for New York this weekend. Film Trade Board Officers Inducted David A. Levy, president, and other new officers of the New York Film Board of Trade here were inducted into office at a dinner party last night at the Lincoln Hotel. Robert S. Wolff, retiring president, presided. Installed with Levy were Clarence Eiseman, first vice-president ; Henry Randel, second vice-president ; Sam Lefkowitz, treasurer ; Robert Fannon, secretary, and Ralph Pielow, ser- geant-at-arms. Mishkin Resigns as Head of Film Critics Leo Mishkin, who recently became publicity representative here for Da- vid O. Selznick Productions, has ten- dered his resignation as chairman of the New York Film Critics. His letter, addressed to the secre- tary, Herbert Cohn, will be consid- ered at the next regular meeting. Mishkin is also critic for the Morn- ing Telegraph. Casey to Coast Monday Pat Casey, producers' labor repre- sentative, plans to leave for the Coast on Monday. Fred Pelton, as- sistant to Casey, left for California last night. In Chicago, he will joir Fred Meyer, 20th Century-Fox labor official, for the trip West. 'Hedda Gabler' in B'way Bow Tonight "Hedda Gabler," the Henrik Ibsen play as translated by Ethel Borden and Mary Cass Canfield, opens tonight at the Longacre. Katina Paxinou heads the cast which includes Ralph Forbes, Karen Morley, Cecil Humphreys, Margaret Wycherly, Henry Daniel and Octavia Kenmore. Luther Greene is the producer. Cinema Lodge Hears Address by Arnstein Daniel Arnstein's account of his ex- periences as U. S. Commissioner to the Burma Road, accompanied by films, featured the defense meeting of the Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith, at the Hotel Edison last night. About 800 members and guests attended. Arnstein also addressed a radio au- dience in an interview by George Hamilton Combs over WHN. His associate, Harold C. Davis, also spoke. B'nai B'rith defense efforts were reported by committee chairmen. Mon- roe Goodman, head of the Blood Donors' Committee, announced that a "Blood Donors' day" will be ob- served Saturday at the local Red Cross Blood Bank. A-Mike Vogel, chairman of the Metropolitan Council for the sale of defense stamps and bonds, spoke of "channelling" the ef- forts of the various lodges in the area, and S. Arthur Glixson, chairman of the Servicemen's Aid Committee, re- ported that a dance would be given by the Cinema Lodge for service men Saturday night at Temple Emanu-El. Arthur Israel, Jr., presided. Para. Executives Back from Chicago Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- dent ; Leonard Goldenson, head of the- atre operations, and Leon Netter. home office theatre executive, returned yesterday from Chicago where they attended a meeting of a number of the company's theatre partners in that area. Open Camp Theatre Baltimore, Jan. 28. — A theatre seat- ing more than 500 has been opened at Edgewood Arsenal near here. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor: Leon Friedman. Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. AIL I THROUGH THE \ INDUSTRY j -they're talking I about AL1THR0 THE NIGHT and -the terrific business its doinjf All through the country; ...And, of course, everyone's talking about WARNERS! HUMPHREY BOGART CONRAD VEIDT KAAREN VERNE "ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT" with JANE DARWELL • FRANK McHUGH PETER LORRE • JUDITH ANDERSON Directed by VINCENT SHERMAN Screen Play by Leonard Spigelgass and Edwin Gilbert . From a Story by Leonard Q. Ross & Leonard Spigelgass 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, January 29, 1942 Uncle Sam Needs Your Help TREASURY DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON January 28, 1942 Tc the Moving Ploture Exhibitor Addressed Dear Sir: Very soon you will be offered a new Donald Duok ploture In teehnloolor entitled "The New Spirit* which le very entertaining. It wae made especially for the United States Treasury by Walt Disney as a contribution to the nation's war effort. It carries a patrlotlo Message to every American, showing through the medium of Donald Duok how eaoh oltlten oan do his or her bit by paying his Inoome tax promptly. This ploture will have widespread publicity, and I believe your patrons will be looking for It eagerly. It will be offered to you free and I hope that you will aleot to show It. Slnoe Its greatest effeotlveneee will be between now and March 16, I further hope that you will show It as soon as you oan get It, and then send It along without delay so that the next exhibitor may show It promptly. tlon. I shall appreciate very much your ooopera- Smeerely yours, rC^yDFJENSE Above is a facsimile of a letter addressed by Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau to exhibitors, urging them to show the Disney income tax subject, "The New Spirit." Special permission has been granted by Morgenthau for reproduction of the letter, with signature, by exhibitors for advertising purposes. A review of the subject will be found in the adjoining column at the right. Theatres, Studios Would Be Insured by U.S. Plan Independents Organize New Producer Ass'n (Continued from page 1) Producers. However, Allen said that no conflict with the AMPP is antici- pated and that members of the Society are not expected to alter that status. The society issued a statement_ de- scribing its purpose as the recognition of the contribution of the independent producer "to the development of the motion picture as an art and an in- dustry." The organization, it said, assumes the three-fold responsibility of strength- ening and protecting the role and function of the independent producer. Problems in Common "As producers who do not own or control theatres we have many com- mon problems, artistic and economic, to which we can direct our collective, judgment," the statement said. "We recognize our share of responsibility for sound artistic and economic prac- tices in motion pictures. In establish- ing this society we do not seek to create a minority or opposition group within the industry. With the country at war this society should provide means for effective cooperation with other industry groups in carrying out whatever the Government may expect of us." Army Takes Over Studios in Astoria (Continued from page 1) vide a general reservoir to meet the photographic needs of the Signal Corps. It was pointed out that the acquisi- tion of stages will permit a better bal- anced program and assure mainte- nance of production activities when it is impossible to work outdoors. The studio will become the Eastern base photographic center for the Sig- nal Corps but there will be no change in the laboratory for production of training films at Wright Field at Day- ton, O., or in the utilization of West Coast facilities for the production of specialized films, it was said. No details were disclosed regarding the contract by which the property was acquired. Continue Unity Talks On Practices Today (Continued from page 1) Umpi chairman. Preliminary discus- sions on Points 1, 2 and 3 were com- pleted and discussion of Point 4 was begun yesteday. Points 1 and 2 cover a substitute selling method for the block-of-five decree system and de- velopment of a preventive for forcing of snorts with features. Points 3 and 4 cover establishment of machinery for the investigation and conciliation of territorial and individual trade com- paints. Krsch said that while the subcom- mittee's findings on the first three points are not yet ready for drafting, a definite report on the committee's views could be made at any time that a meeting of the Umpi was called. Browne Files Denial In Paramount Case George E. Browne, former presi- dent of the IATSE, yesterday filed a general denial in U. S. District Court here to the suit of Paramount Pictures which seeks to recover the $100,000 in extortion payments for which Browne and William BiofT were con- victed. Browne, who is in Leaven- worth, filed an appearance as his own attorney in the action. At the same time, N. Y. Supreme Court Justice Charles B. McLaughlin yesterday ordered the consolidation of the seven stockholders' action pending against 20th Century-Fox to compel an accounting of all sums allegedly paid to Browne and Bioff. Pending suits against Loew's, Paramount and Warners have already been consoli- dated. Alfred J. Talley was desig- nated as attorney to represent the 20th Century-Fox stockholders. He also represents stockholders of the other three companies. Further ac- tions by stockholders were enjoined I until the four suits are ended. (Continued from page 1) Reconstruction Finance Corporation with a temporary capital of $100,- 000,000. Plans have not been fully matured, Jones told the committee, but it is probable that insurance up to a cer- tain amount yet to be fixed will be granted without charge and that addi- tional insurance will be written at a reasonable rate. He told the committee that the Government has to enter this field be- cause the insurance companies have indicated they could not afford to do so. Certain limitations will be put up- on the property to be insured but it is believed all civilian-owned proper- ties, industrial and commercial as well as private, will be covered. Testimonial for Blofson Philadelphia, Jan. 28.— Al Blof- son, head of National Penn Printing Co., and former Star of the Show- men's Club, will be tendered a testi- monial dinner by the club on Feb. 23. Meyer Adeltnan of the New Jersey Messenger is chairman of the sponsor- ing committee. Short Subject Reviews "The New Spirit" (Disney — Treasury Dep't.) DISTRIBUTED through National Screen Service, under the spon- sorship of the War Activities Com- mittee— Motion Picture Industry, this Donald Duck Technicolor cartoojfc produced by Walt Disney for Treasury Department, serves its pur- pose well. Done in traditional Dis- ney style, it emphasizes the need for paying income taxes as early as pos- sible. As Donald complies with speed, aided by pen, ink and blotter, the film dissolves into a colorful presentation of the mountains of coins, then the screeching factory whistles and the guns, planes, tanks and ships pouring out to beat the Axis. Color, music and entertainment combine to convey and idea with graphic effect. Running time, 8 mins. Release, immediate. "Historic Maryland" (Fitzpatrick Traveltalk) (M-G-M) Here's another visit to the U. S. Naval Academy and historic sites in Baltimore and Fort McHenry. At the last point named, the commenta- tor tells about Francis Scott Key and the "Star Spangled Banner." Handled in the regulation Fitzpatrick manner, the film is about standard for the pro- ducer's travel subjects. In color. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Dec. 27, 1941. "The FieldWouse" (Cartoon) (M-G-M) Moderately entertaining cartoon fp.re, this is about a family of field n ce forced to abandon their home at harvest time. "Grandfather" and little "Herman" get mixed up in a thresh- ing machine and after fairly amusing experiences return to the family. In color. Running time, 9 mins. Re- lease, Dec. 27, 1941. ''Fighting Fish" (Sportscope) (RKO-Pathe) Here's another rod and reel adven- ture, this one with Kip Farrington, sportsman, and his wife off the coast of Chile. The fish are big and put up a good fight, but Farrington pulls in a swordfish and Mrs. Farrington con- quers a marlin. The commentator, however, goes overboard in his ex- cited description. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Dec. 26, 1941. "The Art of Self Defense" (Disney Cartoon) (RKO)_ This is a history of the art of self defense, done in burlesque fashion, of course, and leading up to the present- day fisticuffs as demonstrated by The Goof. The treatment is typical Dis- ney. Running time, 8 mins. Release, Dec. 26, 1941. Charter Theatre Firm Sackamento, Jan. 28. — New Fill- more Theatre Co., has been incorpor- ated here to operate a circuit with headquarters in San Francisco. Di-( rectors are R. J. Nasser, George Nasser, James Nasser, Elias Nasser and Maria B. Dolliver. The Gayest Merry -Go-Round Of Love And Laughter That Ever Made Audiences Roar! ALINE MacMAHON • STANLEY RIDGES ARLINE JUDGE • ROGER CLARK Screen Play by James Edward Grant and Albert McCleery Directed by MITCHELL LEISEN T A Charles K. Feldman Group Production * A COLUMBIA PICTURE .c OOOfi00 n*s ft0 0-1* t" Wrectetf by MITCHELL LEISEN * COlUMi|A f ICTUII APPEARING IN SCREEN GUIDE • MOVIE-RADIO GUIDE > STARDOM MODERN SCREEN • PHOTOPLAY- MOVIE MIRROR SCREEN ROMANCES • HOLLYWOOD • MOTION PICTURE MOVIE STORY • MOVIE LIFE • MOVIES • FOf//? CHARM MO VIE STA RS' PA RA DE • SCREEN LA ND • S/Z, SCREEN RELEASED FEB. 12th hursua>. Junuur> 29, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Tarzan' Hits Good $8,000, Philadelphia Philadelphia, Jan. 28. — Continued runs and holdovers dominated the ! downtown scene. Of the two new filings, "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" fche Stanton took $8,000. "Johnny ger" continued big at the Fox with S 16,000 for a second week. Estimated receipts for the week mding Jan. 20-23: • How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) ALDINE— (1,400) 35c-41c-46c-57c-6Sc) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $9,000) H. M. Pulham. Esq." (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 2nd ■un. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $2,600) Suspicion" (RKO) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) / lays, 2nd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average. J 13,000) Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) EARLE— (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 ■lays. Vaudeville including Claude Thorn - lull's orchestra, Larry Adler. The Lime Trio, Lillian Lane, Dick Harding, Bob Tenny, Nick Fatool, Conrad Gozzo & Rusty Dedrick and Buddy Stewart & Martha Wayne. Gross: $17,500. (Aver- in $14,000) The Mexican Spitfire's Baby" (RKO) FAY'S — (2190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-5/c) 7 Jays. Vaudeville including Ciel Vondell, Wesson Brothers, 5 Cracker Jacks, Dave Seed & Lillian White, Ming & Lee, Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' or- chestra. Gross: $6,600. (Average, $6,900) •Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) FOX— (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,000. (Average: $13,- ■tt» •A Bedtime Story" (Col.) KARLTOX— (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-6Sc) 7 Jays, 2nd run. Gross: $3,500. (Average, S3,000) 'The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) KEITH'S — (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 Jays, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,500) 'Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) STANLEY-(2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $14,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) STAXTOX— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $4,500) Minn. Criminal Trial Evidence to Be Used In Injunction Action 'Hellzapoppin' Does $11,500, Kansas City Kansas City, Jan. 28. — "Hellza- poppin"' scored $11,500 at two houses, with $4,500 at the Esquire and §7,000 at the Uptown. Estimated takings for the week end- ing Jan. 22 : "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) ESQUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $2,200) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) "International Lady" (U. A.) MIDLAXD — (3,600) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: S7.500. (Average, $8,500) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) XEWMAX — (1,900) (30c-44c> 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average. $7,000; "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "A Date With the Falcon" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $5,000) "Tuxedo Junction" (Rep.) TOWER — (2,200) (30c) 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $6,000. (Average. $6,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $4,000) (Continued from page 1) claim that the statute is unconstitu- tional. The three companies charged with violating the law make the same claim in their defense. Judge Albin Pearson in district court adjourned the injunction suit to March 1, pending filing of briefs, ex- pected in about two weeks. After they have been filed, the attorneys will con- fer with the court to determine whether sufficient information on which to base a decision has been made available. The court is not expected to make a decision in the criminal action, hear- ings on which have been completed, until after or about the same time that he decides the civil case. Upstate House Wins Reduced Clearance The Cuba Theatre, Cuba, N. Y., won a reduction of clearance from four consenting companies in a con- sent award given by the Buffalo ar- bitration board, American Arbitration Association headquarters here was ad- vised yesterday. The Cuba, operated by Xunzio Tantillo, Sarah Tantillo, Rose M. Soura and Nina C. Montesano as a co-partnership, named 20th Century- Fox, Loew's, RKO and Paramount in its complaint, charging the distrib- utors with granting unreasonable clearance to the Palace, State and Haven theatres at Olean, X. Y. The award set the maximum clearance which may be granted the three houses over the Cuba at 14 davs. Says Indp's Branch Workers Discharged (Continued from page 1) charges, he said, were an upshot of a controversy over negotiations fo: a new contract. The union has filed court suits and charges with the XLRB, it is understood. Home office executives could not be reached last night for comment. Majors to Withhold Lombard Reissues (Continued from page 1) release of the picture until the end of February. The company also has "Xothing Sacred" and "Made for Each Other," both Carole Lombard films, but like M-G-M, Paramount and Universal, will not reissue them. Columbia announced yesterday that Joan Crawford will play the role in "He Kissed the Bride" which was in- tended for Miss Lombard, and she will donate her entire salary of $112,500 to charitable organizations. The Red Cross will receive $50,000, the Infan- tile Paralvsis Fund and the Motion Picture Relief Fund $25,000 each, and the Navy Relief Fund $12,500. M-G-M gave Miss Crawford leave to play in the film. Conn. House Trains Feminine Operator Saybrook, Conn., Jan. 28. — Leo Bonoff, operator of the Saybrook Theatre here, has begun the training of a woman projectionist, follow- ing the drafting of several of his employes. This will be the first woman projectionist in this area, it is believed. 'York' Is Capital's Lead with $24,000 Museum Is Showing Program on Serials The Museum of Modern Art Film Library currently is showing daily its program on "The Serial Film — 1915- 1940," which will continue until Feb. 1. Part of the library's Cycle of 300 Films, the serial program includes Pearl White in "The Exploits of Elaine," of 1915, and two of today's serials, "Buck Rogers" and "The Ad- ventures of Red Ryder." "Films for Latin America" will be shown Feb. 2-7, and "American De- fense Films" will be shown Feb. 8-14, thus completing the cycle, which will start again on Feb. 15. W ashington, Jan. 28. — Excellent business prevailed here. "Sergeant York" at Warners' Earle, with a stage show, took $24,000. In its third week at RKO-Keith's, "Ball of Fire" drew $14,000. Estimated receipts for the week ended Jan. 21-22: "How Green Was My VzJley" (20th-Fox) LOEW'S PALACE — (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average, $15,000) "Target for Tonight" (W. B.) "A Date With the Falcon" (RKO) WARXER'S METROPOLITAN — (1,600) (28c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,600. (Average, $3,500) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) RKO-KEITH'S — (1,843) (40c-50c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average. $8,000) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3.434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c -77c) 7 days. On stage: Paul Draper, Hoo Shee, Jim Wong Troupe, Rhythm Rockets. John Hoysradt. Gross: S15,50O. (Average, $15,500) "Skylark" (Para.) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $3,500) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) WARNERS' EARLE— (2,200) (40c-55c- 66c) 7 days. On stage: Larry Blake, Carol King, Roxvettes. Gross: $24,000. (Average. $15,000) 'York' in Toronto Takes Big $14,000 Toronto, Jan. 28. — "Sergeant York" at the Imperial took $14,000. The fourth week of "Louisiana Pur- chase" netted $9,500 at Shea's. The weather was mild. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 24: "Citizen Kane" (RKO) EGLIXTON— (1.086) (18c -30c -48c -60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,700. Return engagement. (Average, $4,500) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average. $9,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Married Bachelor" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2.074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $9,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) SHEA'S — (2.480) (18e-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. 4th week. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $9,000) "Keep 'Em Flying" (Univ.) "Burma Convoy" (Univ.) TIVOLI— (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $3,900) "On the Beat" (Empire) UPTOWN— (2.761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $9,000) 'Valley' Gets Big $28,000, Chicago Best Chicago, Jan. 28. — Business in the Loop was on the upgrade. The State- Lake with "How Green Was My Val- ley" gathered $28,000. Laurel and Hardy in person and "Bombay Clip- per" did $22,000 at the Oriental. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 22 : "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) APOLLO— (1,400) (30c-40c-59c.) 7 days. (4th week in Loop) Gross: $6,500. (Average, $5,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Stage— Griff Williams Orchestra. Gross: $35,000. (Average, $32,000) "Shadow of the Thin Man" (M-G-M) GARRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days (4th week in Loop) Gross: $5,000. (Average. $5,000) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (25c-35c-40c-50c) 7 days. Stage — Laurel & Hardy. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $16,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) PALACE— (2.500) (40c-50c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $13,000) "Sundown" (U.A.) "Night of January 16th" (Para.) 5 days, 3rd week. "International Squadron" (W.B.) "The Body Disappears" (W.B.) 2 days ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $11,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (Z0th-Fox) STATE- LAKE— (3,700) (40c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. Gross: $28,000. (Average, $14,000) 'Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (30c-40c-59c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $14,000) Altec Managers to Meet Here Feb. 3 Altec Service Corp. will hold a conference of managers from branches throughout the country, at the Park Central Hotel here Feb. 3-5. L. W. Conrow, president, and G. L. Carring- ton, vice-president and general man- ager, will preside at the sessions, to be attended by about 50 men, includ- ing home office executives. 'Dinner' Holds Up Well in Cincinnati Cincinnati, Jan. 28. — "The Man Who Came to Dinner" had $6,800 in the third week at the RKO Capitol, and "Go West, Young Lady," with Ted Lewis's orchestra and acts on the RKO Shubert stage, drew $13,000. "Johnny Eager" pulled $11,000 at the RKO Palace. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 21-24: "A Bedtime Story" (Col.) RKO ALBEE— (3.300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,200. (Average, $12,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $10,000) "Go West, Young Lady" (Col.) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (33c-44c-60c) 7 days. Stage: Ted Lewis orchestra and acts. Gross: $13,000. (Average. $10,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) RKO CAPITOL — (2,000) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $5,500) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) RKO GRAND— (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,300. (Average, $5,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) RKO LYRIC— (1.400) (28c-42c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,500) "Great Guy" (State Rights) "Sierra Sue" (Rep.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,100. (Average, $1,200) "Flying Cadets" (Univ.) "Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring" (Col.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $8C0. (Average. $800) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) KEITH'S— (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 davs. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $5,000) Honor Club Chaplain Baltimore, Jan. 28. — A fund for establishment of a private room in Sinai Hospital here in honor of the late Dr. Edward Israel, former Balti- morean, has been donated by the lo- cal Variety Club. Dr. Israel was chaplain of the club. xn < CO K > i— i < X o I H o CM They Died With Their Boots On (D) 114 Errol Flynn All Through the Night (D) 116 Bogart-Feidt The Man Who Came to Dinner (C) 117 Bette Davis Monty IVooley Wild Bill Hickok Rides (O) 118 Bennett-Cabot Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Val. Hobson Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Brenda Marshall Don't Get Personal (C) 6037 Hugh Herbert (1941-42) Jail House Blues (C) 6032 Robert Paige (1941-42) Paris Calling (D) 6014 Randolph Scott Eliz, Bergner North to the Klondike (D) Brod. Crawjord (1941-42) Treat 'Em Rough (C) Eddie Albert (1941-42) Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Jungle Fury (D) Ride 'Em Cowboy (C) Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 What's Cookin' Soldier (C) Gloria Jean Andrew Sisters Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) Una Merkel Lionel A twell •20 £ « o £5 o ■M O M' to 0.3 S Cq on or to » i ^ i o Si- 3: a Icq 5 «U ■ •aQ a|_ « 3 CO U §. fe ° ^ Pi MO «a a 3 <3 o S >,CM | Obo Roxie Hart (C) 233 Ginger Rogers Adolph Menjou Castle in the Desert (D) 234 Sidney Toler Arlene Whelan Night Before the Divorce (C) 235 Lynn Bari Mary B. Hughes Song of the Island (M) 236 Mature-Grable Jack Oakie Joan of Paris (D) 218 Michele Morgan Paul Henried (1941-42) Riding the Wind (O) 283 Tim Holt Sing Your Worries Away (M) 219 Bert Lahr Mexican Spitfire at Sea (C) 220 Errol-V elez (1941-42) The Bashful Bachelor (C) Lum & Abner < O re <-> ft *» CM >u -Is -2* to rt 4> to p ^ . PQ w Ph r3 * fc CO § N Q 44 i-i , cd 8 03 gO 2 o o S MC OH) toco O §§■ D CO " (ui3,-, o 3 OO •a „ <3S 3 "S CO »H O 3 > a « : T3 o H >.C- cq .§ u XI K pqco ^ 4) CM "S 4) w 3* I. ^1 o o o ~. ■So -/^ a •So .5 § o S ° i-io ^ < < Oh /-n 3 a ~ 4) a re =2 ^ to^-^^ ■s pq ^ Ou 2 *• v-5 3 & h o' o o ^ a O 4) Ih to W . 4) u C 4>T3 •S ^ 3 g. C 4> 9" 3 to ■SS H co -a Ih 3 co^g 6ih a 4> ? tH H ^ 4> . IS ^ 53 pqpq -a 2> o a o ol j j»'3j a 5 c ° ^ 'I s o M O 4) D£ C « 3 bfl re C I w 4> jH I O c O 5 CM re i- 03 CQ CM , 4> *o re & rs w ^ M >> t, . o Q5 4) M bfl S re » ^ gP ° i fa . 01 in cm a c > s o u ^2 ^> a 3-Ocm ^ Mg i H cq 1i C3.^^ co « 4) Ih ^ J> O «> •© )5 ^1 Xi ^ ft o /"s"? U fH •SP « a a" 5» g re .2 cm M a . 4) Ih Xi 17" 4> -o -.a o npq pq o o re w cq '3 •2 „ CJ 00 w <2 re cm o C ;H o ^ o pQ n S v MM hU ^ c a ^ a O O r= O 4,^ ^ O Ofl O ^ MS n o ou 3 o H CO 1) « re S 8 Si 5 S: "a sit cq I fee I S3gB u a t/1 4) I— ' ■ ~ 5w ^ ■a 4) c is 9 - SB' 41 ^> to o ft"-' re bco H.2ro 4) bfl MO +4 3 3 O Cq "=! o n 4> 4) W 3 cP re r1 4> c H to a ?a ts ci ^ § » g o fa fa o at N NOW WERE TALKING ON THE LEVEL SHOWMEN EVERYWHERE WILL REVEL IN THE TAKE OF S0l/£> FROM THIS LATEST SMASH Ht ALLY TRAVEif SMASHES ALL HOUSE RECORDS for a solid first week at the Michigan Theatre, Detroit . . . grosses 65% better than "Birth of the Blues" and 100% above «L^^--; Sturges' last hit, "The Lady Eve," for opening day at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston! l>ment. It is already in preparation. Usually an his- torical milestone, of such signifi- cance, is observed with joyous cele- brations, testi- monial dinners and banquets. Paramount, how- ever, in its tradi- tional good-taste and with its famed considera- tion for its cus- tomer-friends, all over the world, feels that it can Adolph zukor Dest observe this most important !event in its history by "delivering to :the motion picture theatres of the world the best pictures it ha*, ever ■made." The quoted portion of the above is taken from a statement made to- day by the founder of Paramount, Adolph Zukor. He also announces that the company has selected Cecil B. de Mille's "Reap ^the Wild Wind," technicolor produc- tion, as Paramount' s 30th Anniversary Picture. Ray Milland, John Wayne and Paulette Goddard are co-starred in the picture, with Raymond Massey, Robert Preston, Susan Hayward, (Continued on page 4) Stoltz, Bickerstaff Are Quigley Award Winners for 1941 Arnold Stoltz, manager of the W arner Circuit's Avon Theatre in Utica, N. Y., and Frank Bickerstaff, manager of the Lucas & Jenkins houses in Athens, Ga., and particu- larly of the Palace Theatre there, were named the Quigley Silver and Bronze Grand Award winners, re- spectively, for 1941, in the eighth an- nual competition conducted by the Managers Round Table of Motion Picture Herald. The winners, selected for consistent excellence in exploitation activity over the year, were named by a group of 40 industry executives, acting as judges, at the Hotel Astor on Tues- day. Ranking distribution, advertising and exhibition executives, the judges were luncheon guests of Martin Quig- (Continued on page 4) IA Suspends Indp's Films Branch Local Indianapolis, Jan. 29. — Richard F. Walsh, president of the IATSE, has notified Local B-35, Film Exchange Employes Union here, that it has been suspended for "refusal to abide by rules and regulations." Employes of the nine exchanges which have closed their inspecting, shipping and poster departments here have been offered jobs in five other cities, according to a statement by George S. Dailey, attorney, issued on behalf of the companies. These developments are upshots of a controversy between officials of the local and exchanges which has brought (Continued on page 4) Monogram 26-Week Net Profit $86,802 Monogram Pictures Corp. and subsidiaries yesterday re- ported a net profit of $86,- 802.07 for the 26 weeks ending Dec. 27, 1941. This was after a deduction of $55,814.09 for Federal income taxes. Ad Directors To Assist on Goodwill Plan Advertising and publicity directors ol the major companies were enlisted yesterday in the new effort to improve the industry's over-all public relations which is being mapped by committees of New York and Hollywood lawyers. Members of the lawyers' committees addressed the advertising and publicity heads at a meeting at MPPDA head- quarters yesterday and outlined to them the reasons for and objectives of tlit new design for improved public relations. They were also advised of the part they may play in the gen- eral industry plans now being shaped by the East and West committees. Mendel Silberberg. Maurice Ben- jamin and Herbert Freston, Holly- wood members of the committee, will leave for the Coast tonight after final conferences with the Eastern lawyers today. On their way West they will draft a report of the results of their two weeks meetings here and submit it to the Association of M. P. Pro- ducers, by whom they were retained, at the annual meeting of that organ- (Continued on page 4) Joint Shorts Tradeshows Is Planned by Producers New War Taxes Are Seen by Kuykendall Richmond, Jan. 29. — Ed Kuyken- dall, president of the MPTOA, fore- sees increased taxes in the event of a long war, he said in addressing the annual Winter convention of the MPTO of Virginia at the John Mar- shall Hotel here today. He outlined the effect of the war on the industry. Kuykendall praised the spirit of co- operation evident at the recent unity (Continued on page 4) Hollyw ood, Jan. 29.— Joint monthly trade showings of outstanding short subjects of the various companies are planned by producers in an effort to widen the interest of exhibitors and patrons in the product, it was learned today. Working through the short subjects branch of the Academy, producers have named Pete Smith of M-G-M, Gordon Hollingshead of Warners and Jules White of Columbia as a com- mittee responsible for setting up the review procedure, in which all com- panies will participate. The idea orig- (Continned on page 4) U.S. Sues to Divorce Some Major Houses Theatres Among Those Newly Acquired An action to require separation of 28 of the 40 theatres acquired by 20th Century-Fox (National Theatres) since the start of the Gov- ernment's New York case consent decree and 16 of the 197 houses ac- quired by Paramount was filed in the U. S. District Court here yes- terday by the Department of Jus- tice. These acquistions had been reported to the Department under the provi- Washington, Jan. 29.— Exhibi- tor leaders now in New York, attending unity trade practice conferences, have asked for a meeting with Robert L. Wright, special assistant to the U. S. At- torney General and other De- partment of Justice officials in reference to discussing possible amendments to the New York Case Consent Decree. Except to confirm that such a request had been made no other com- ment has been forthcoming from authoritative sources. sions of the decree. The theatres which the Government asks the com- panies to divest themselves of repre- (Continued on page 4) Wide Trade Support Given FDR Birthday There are 12,540 birthday parties for President Franklin D. Roosevelt scheduled for today. In nearly all of these, film, radio and stage players be- sides those from the concert and opera worlds will participate. In New York, the principal event will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, with a ball at which 14 of the most famous bands and orchestras will perform, in addi- tion to numerous players from the legitimate theatre, the films and radio. The most important of all of the birthday parties, of course, will be held in Washington. An all-star ban- quet at the Hotel Willard, besides dinner dances at the Hotels May- flower, Shoreham, Wardman Park and Hamilton, will be held. Edward (Continued on page 4) Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 30, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Jan. 29 HERBERT J. YATES, chairman of Republic, will be honored at a testimonial dinner given by the Mas- quers here Sunday night. Edward Earle is in charge of arrangements. • Jack Benny's next picture for 20th Century-Fox will be "The Meanest Man in the World." It will be based on the play produced by George M. Cohan in 1920. William Perlberg will produce and Morrie Ryskind is pre- paring the adaptation. • M-G-M today set Robert Taylor and Hedy Lamarr to co-star in "Dis- tant Valley," from the novel "For- ever" by Mildred Cram. • Lewis Milestone has been signed to a Warner Bros, contract as director, Jack L. Warner announced today. /. M. Schenck Asks Steuer Estate Refund Joseph M. Schenck has filed in Surrogate's Court a petition to order the executors of the estate of Max D. Steuer, attorney, to pay a claim of $75,000 and interest from Aug. 21, 1940, the date of Steuer' s death. It is claimed that Schenck paid Steuer to represent him in Federal Court proceedings. Steuer died be- fore the trial began. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SAMUEL GOLD WYN'S PRODUCTION GARY COOPER : BARBARA STANWYCK "BALL OF FIRE" ON STAGE: "TURN BACK THE CLOCK"— Leonidoff's recollections of palmy days of yore. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 JOEL McCREA VERONICA LAKE "SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS" In Person GLENN MILLER AND BAND Lorraine &. Rognan PARAMOUNT times SQUARE TYRONE POWER SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century-Fox Picture PLUS A BIG n/\vV 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW KvAT & 50th St. B WAY & 47th St. PALACE "THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER'' Bette Davis — Ann Sheridan "THE BODY DISAPPEARS" "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1& $1.50 NPoLUHS,GTHAEXR 2ND YEAR — 2ND EPITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed.. Sat. &. Sun. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Personal Mention SAM LEFKOWITZ, recently named Warners' New York Metro- politan district manager, will be hon- ored at a luncheon today by local branch personnel. • Herman M. Levy, executive secre- tary of the Connecticut MPTO, is deputy air raid warden for the first zone at Hamden, Conn. • L. W. Conrow, president of Altec Service, has returned from a trip through the South and Midwest. • Robert Lowe of Tri-States' Des Moines Theatre and Don Knight of the Paramount, Des Moines, have en- tered the Air Corps. RICHARD ETTLINGER, office manager, and C. E. Rosemeyer, booker, at the RKO exchange in Port- land, Ore., have joined the Air Corps. • F. E. Judd, Monogram Des Moines manager, is back at his desk after an attack of bronchitis. • Thomas Philbin of M-G-M's New Orleans exchange, has joined the Army. • Leo Ricci of the Capitol Theatre, Meriden, Conn., has been ill with the grippe. • Milton Harris celebrates a birth- day on Sunday. RCAF Marshal Due For 'Clouds* Opening Air Marshal Billy Bishop of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Air Marshal L. S. Bradner, Chief of Staff, it has been announced by War- ner Bros., will head the company of RCAF fliers who are expected here Feb. 12 for the opening of "Captains of the Clouds" at the Strand on Broadway that evening. A luncheon will be held in honor of the visitors at the Waldorf-As- toria following their arrival. Other Canadian military and Government of- ficials are expected to attend, it was stated. 'Clouds' Showing for Phila. Bomber Fund Philadelphia, Jan. 29. — "Captains of the Clouds" will be given a spe- cial showing by Warners at the Earle here Feb. 15, with proceeds go- ing to the "Buy a Bomber" fund of the Philadelphia Inquirer, it was an- nounced. Eisele Honored at 20th-Fox Luncheon George Eisele, assistant to Edgar Hollander, ad sales manager for 20th Century-Fox here, was tendered a luncheon by employes yesterday at the Hotel Woodward, honoring him on his 25th anniversary with the com- pany. He joined the company in January, 1917, as a student salesman in New York. Earl Wingart, publicity manager, was toastmaster at the luncheon. In addition to Hollander and the ad sales staff, present were : William C. Gehring, Isidore Lincer, Jack Bloom, Harry Reinhardt, David Orn- stein, Nat Brower, Maurice Goodman, Morris Breggin, W. E. Sennett, Read Simonson, Jerry Novat and Lou Shanfield. Form Plan to Revive Club in Des Moines Des Moines, Jan. 29. — E. J. Tilton is chairman of a committee composed of D. C. Kennedy, Claude Pratt, Mar- vin Godwin and Wayne Dutton, which is working on plans for revival of the Des Moines Variety Club. It ceased functioning two years ago. A luncheon meeting is to be held at the Savery Hotel next Monday where discussions of plans and proba- ble organization will be completed. Shows to Continue In Phila. Blackout Philadelphia, Jan. 29. — All film and legitimate theatre programs will continue uninterrupted during the first practice blackout in this area, sched- uled for next Tuesday, between 10 :30 and 10 :45 P. M. All patrons of amuse- ment places will be required to re- main inside the theatres during the blackout. Theatre fronts will be darkened, and light locks are being installed at entrances and exits to prevent light escaping to the street. Outside box- offices in the downtown district equipped with specially approved lights will be permitted to remain lighted. Radio stations will continue to op- erate during the practice blackout, although they would be required to remain silent during an actual air raid. The test blackout will embrace seven adjoining counties, including three in New Jersey, in addition to Philadelphia proper. Theatre men have expressed the opinion that be- cause it is the first such blackout in this area, it is likely to have a depressing effect on the box-office that night. During the test no ve- hicles except police, fire and emer- gency apparatus may move in the city. To Push New Miss. Sunday Picture Bill Jackson, Miss., Jan. 29. — -Despite the defeat in the Mississippi House last week of a bill to lift the century- old ban on nublic Sunday amuse- ments, House backers of the measure indicate another attempt will be made soon. Defeat of the bill came after a three- hour debate during which Represen- tative George F. Woodliff, one of the bill's authors, urged enactment so service men could see Sunday motion pictures instead of "pounding the pave- ments or going to pool halls," and a member of the opposition asserted that "this could lead to other things which could lead to moral decadence." Schine Promotes Ross Rochester, Jan. 29. — Tobias Ross, manager of the Elmwood Theatre in Pennyan, N. Y., near here, has been transferred to Corning, N. Y., as city manager for the three Schine theatres. Newsreel Parade /M addition to the war material, thei new issues have some light items,: including ice skating, skiing and a California beauty contest. The con- tents follow: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 42— Stalin signs pact with Poland; Russian army a* the offensive. Hemisphere conference eifl* in Rio. General MacArthur honored hei^ Assistant Attorney General Harrison ont alien registration. Beauty contest in Venice, Cal. Hollywood stars pledge blood donation; others in naval service. Ski jumping in Washington State. Ice skating! in St. Paul. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 244— Timber topping on West coast. Pan-American! conference in Rio. Medals for war metal in New York. Birthday cake for the President. Aliens instructed to register. War fashions. Beauty contest in Cali- fornia. Skating in St. Paul. Boxing in Brooklyn. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 45— Skating championships in St. Paul. Metal -salvage campaign in New York. Dartmouth stu- dents knit sweaters for Britain. Alien registration discussed in Washington. Douglas MacArthur honored. Giant bas- ketball team from Texas in New York. Poland signs with Russia; Red drive in Tula area. New York youth invited to White House. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 45— Russian troops in drive; Poland and Russia sign pact. Message to aliens from Washington. War knitting at Dartmouth. The sugar shortage. Birthday cake for Roosevelt. Naval air natron on East coast. Skating at St. Paul. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 54— Pan American conference ends in Rio. Films of General MacArthur. Naval patrol in the Atlantic. Soviet troops advance in Tula. Instructions for aliens. New am- bulance stretcher in New York. California beauty contest. Skating in St. Paul. Dog racing in Miami. Amateur boxing in Ridgewood, N. Y. Skiing in Washington State. Allen Developing Canadian Circuit Toronto, Jan. 29. — Ray Allen, who is developing a theatre circuit after lengthy service as supervisor of 35 theatres in Ontario operated by Jules and J. J. Allen, his father and uncle, has opened the Queen's Theatre at Hespeler, Ont., which has been re- modelled. The manager is Fred Scholes, formerly with the Hollywood Theatre, Toronto. The Mavety Theatre, in the West End of Toronto, is being reopened by Allen, after alterations. It has been dark for a long period. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (.Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Ouigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. PARS a O LYKTCHBUR LISTEN! Biggest Premiere since Atlanta's "Gone With The Wind"! Lynchburg (5th day as we go to press!) equals "GWTW" and trebles best previous gross of other pictures! A GREAT PICTURE DID IT! "THE ■VANISHING VIRGINIAN The picture with a heart and soul! Put yours into your campaign. GET FROM M-G-M BRANCH COMPLETE MANUAL OF LYNCHBURG's MASTERFUL SHOWMANSHIP! A. "THE VANISHING VIRGINIAN" with FRANK MORGAN • KATHRYN GRAYSON • Spring Byington Natalie Thompson • Douglass Newland • Mark Daniels • A FRANK BORZAGE PRODUCTION • Screen Play by Jan Fortune • Based on the Book by Rebecca Yancey Williams • Directed by Frank Borzage Produced by Edwin Knopf • A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 30, 1942 FDR Birthday Fetes Get Nation- Wide Trade Support U.S. Sues to Divorce Some Major Houses {Continued from page 1) sent additions of which the Govern- ment does not approve. The action, in addition to the order of divestiture, seeks a permanent in- junction restraining the two compa- nies from acquiring additional theatres under circumstances cited by the Gov- ernment. Industry attorneys in New York expressed the view yesterday that the action would provide the Government with a test of its affiliated theatre di- vorcement theories in miniature and that, if it was successful, actions to require the divestiture of other the- atres could reasonably be expected to follow. Hearing on the Government's action was set for Feb. 18 before Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard. The Government charges that Par- amount and 20th Century-Fox vio- lated the consent decree provisions governing theatre acquisitions in ac- quiring a number of theatres since the entry of the decree. Of the totals assertedly acquired, it charges that 16 of the Paramount acquisitions and 28 of the 20th Century-Fox (National Theatres) acquisitions have the effect of reducing or eliminating competition and are in violation of the decree pro- visions. The two companies are di- rected to show cause why they should not be required to divest themselves of such theatres. Of 197 theatres acquired by Para- mount, 110 involved only the acquisi- tion of a partial interest in the Sparks Circuit in Florida. No objection to that acquisition is made by the Gov- ernment. During the same period, the complaint states, Paramount re- linquished its interest in 21 theatres, of which five are located on Staten Island. Houses which the Govern- ment seeks to force the company to relinquish are listed as located in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, California and Kentucky. Paramount theatres are decentral- ized and are mostly operated by local owner-partners. The houses which 20th Century- Fox is asked to relinquish are in Wis- consin, Colorado, Missouri, Cali- fornia, Washington, Illinois, New Mexico, Montana and Michigan. The company relinquished 10 theatres dur- ing the period involved, the complaint states. The Government asks for divesti- ture of theatres where they were ac- quired by the two companies in com- munities in which they had no theatre interests before; where the new ac- quisitions resulted in the elimination of all theatre competition in the town ; where the acquisition of an entire cir- cuit is involved ; where the acquisition followed complaints from the Depart- ment of Justice relative to a local li- censing situation, or where the acqui- -itions followed an arbitration pro- ceeding. The Government's action is brought Wider the original anti-trust suit in Federal District court here and charges violations of Section 11, sub- division 5 of the decree, which reads: Stoltz, Bickerstaff Are Quigley Award Winners for 1941 {Continued from page 1) ley. A-Mike Vogel is Round Table chairman. Arrangements are now being made for the formal presentation of their awards to the two winners. The awards competition was estab- lished by the Round Table in 1934, designed to provide recognition for outstanding theatre showmanship. In the beginning the awards were made monthly for the best complete cam- paigns on pictures. This was later changed to quarterly competitions with the awards voted for consistent showmanship over each three-month period. In 1940 the rules again were changed, to emphasize the effective- ness of the best single promotions on individual campaigns. The Grand Awards are held yearly to select from among the interim winners the two men whose work was considered best by the Quigley Awards Committee, sitting as a whole. Stoltz, winner of the Silver Plaque, has been a contributor to the Round Table for many years. IA Suspends Indp's Films Branch Local (Continued from page 1) a multitude of lawsuits filed on behalf of the union. Representatives of the local and the film companies met today with Thomas R. Hutson, Indiana State Labor Com- missioner. Dailey's statement on behalf of the exchanges follows : "On Jan. 27, all nine of the Indian- apolis exchanges were compelled, for reasons beyond their control, to close the inspecting shipping and poster de- partments and to dispense with the services of the employes of these de- partments. "A letter is being sent tonight to employes of these three departments of each of the nine companies who were in good standing as of the close of business Jan. 27, offering them em- ployment at other exchange branches in five other cities." "For a period of three years fol- lowing the entry of this decree, no consenting defendant shall enter upon a general program of expanding its theatre holdings. Nothing herein shall prevent any such defendant from acquiring theatres or interests therein to protect its investment or its com- petitive position or for ordinary pur- poses of its business. Proceedings based on a violation of this subdivi- sion shall be only by application to the court for injunctive relief against the consenting defendant complained against, which shall be limited to re- straining the acquisition, or ordering the divestiture, of the theatres or in- terests therein, if any, about to be ac- quired, in violation of this section." (.Continued from page 1) Arnold, president of the Screen Actors Guild, will be master of ceremonies at the banquet, assisted by Art Brown. Film stars, accompanied by studio rep- resentatives, members of the Wash- ington Variety Club, drama and film critics and Washington newspaper correspondents will make appear- ances at these various hotel planned functions. Major radio network facilities are to be devoted for a full hour this eve- ning from 11:15 P. M. to 12:15 A. M., to the President's birthday and the "Ad arch of Dimes" paralysis cam- paign. The high point will be an ad- dress by the President himself. From midnight last night until 1 A M., on Mutual, NBC Blue, NBC shortwave, and Mutual, a special show was broadcast to greet the President. Ad Directors To Assist on Goodwill Plan (Continued from page 1) ization in Hollywood next month. It is understood that their report will call for the establishment of a central agency within the industry as a point of contact on over-all public relations and subjects of institutional industry nature, as was indicated in Motion Picture Daily on Wednes- day. The advertising and publicity heads were urged to give more time and thought to the industry's broader pub- lic relations problems, to meet regu- larly and more frequently than here- tofore for the development and ex- change of ideas for a new order of industry public relations, and to make regular recommendations to the heads of their companies whose cooperation was assured them regardless of cost wherever a vigorous defense of the in- dustry might be involved. WE Sues Wire Firm, Claims Infringement Western Electric yesterday filed a patent infringement suit in the U. S. District Court against Radio Wire Televison, Inc., of New York. An injunction and an accounting of profits are sought. Four patents involved in the suit cover electrical amplifying ap- paratus and are described in the com- plaint as a system of space discharge devices, energizing electron tube, transmission system and electrical wave translating system. Producers to Show Short Films Jointly (Continued from page 1) inated through producer meetings^ on rules for Academy short subject awards. The proposal received further im- petus this week when Academy mem- bers and guests, with the board of governors and the awards commit- tee, viewed nine subjects at the first judging. The plan is not under Academy auspices. Paramount to Observe 30th Anniversary (Continued from page 1) Lynne Overman and Charles Bick- ford. The film is based on Thelrm Strabel's novel which ran in the SaT urday Evening Post. In developing the company's sales plans on the picture, Neil Agnew, vice-president in charge of distribu- tion, started with a special screening of the film in Chicago for a number of Paramount's theatre associates. Among these were Karl Hoblitzelle, John Balaban, Robert O'Donnell, Robert Wilby, Martin Mullin, Samuel Pinanski, Abraham Blank, Ralph Branton and Walter Immerman. Zukor further stated, in connection with Paramount's plans to deliver "the best pictures it has ever made," that: "I believe that Paramount has made a good start in that direction with 'Louisiana Purchase,' 'The Fleet's In,'' 'Bahama Passage,' 'Sullivan's Travels' : and 'The Remarkable Andrew' — the ! pictures that are now released or about to be. But as good as these films are, Paramount will deliver even ! better pictures in the months to come. ' This I can safely predict, for I have just returned from the studio where ; I saw 'Holiday Inn,' 'My Favorite Blonde,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Cugat,' 'Take a Letter Darling' and 'Tombstone' — excellent entertainments high in show- manship and big in box office. "Of all the productions that I looked at, however, there was one that stood head and shoulders above the rest. This was Cecil Be de Mille's 'Reap the Wild Wind.' It is so outstand- ing that I have asked to have it named Paramount's Thirtieth Anni- versary Picture. You will hear more about our plans for 'Reap the Wild Wind' at a later date." New War Taxes Are Seen by Kuykendall (Continued from page 1) meetings between exhibitors and dis- tributors in New York. He declared the consent decree is bad as a whole, and must be changed to help the ex- hibitor. William F. Crockett, president, was reelected, as were the other officers :i Ben Pitts, vice-president; Harold Wood, secretary, and Sam Bendheim, Jr., treasurer. s Crockett gave the meeting a report on his activities with the trade prac- tice committee of the United Motion Picture Industry, and also reported on the recent Washington meetings on priorities. Col. Robert Barton, organization counsel, reported that owing to a surplus of $13,000,000 in the Virginia State treasury., no new tax measures are expected to be in- troduced in the present General As- sembly. David Palfreyman of the MPPDA;: Roy Rowe, president of the MPTO1 of North and South Carolina; Claude Lee of Paramount, and Morton Thal- heimer, former Virginia MPTO' president, also spoke. Friday, January 30, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Showmanship ashes . . . Bonds to Babies Used in "Babes on B'way' Stunt Sunbury, Pa., Jan. 29. — The pres leutation of a $25 defense bond to the Jirst baby born during the run of the picture featured the campaign on , Babes on Broadway" by Manager iloyd Hause of the Strand Theatre i addition he tied up with a milk company for collars on milk bottles and also made connections with soda fountains to feature displays on Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland Coloring Contest in Campaign on 'Dumbo' Portland, Ore., Jan. 29. — Manager Frank Kncman of the Orpheum here i.ith the cooperation of Hank Ho%i>- ard, RKO field representative, staged 0 six-day coloring contest as the high- light of his campaign on "Dumbo.' The contest ran in the "Portland Journal" and was sponsored by the J mtnal Juniors, an organization of J nui-gstcrs. Billiard Parlor Tieups On Columbia Short Columbia has arranged a tieup with Brunswick-Balke-Collender for billiard parlor advertisements on the Columbia "World of Sports' short subject, "Rack 'Em Up." Two color posters are being distributed throughout the country. Bonds Are Prizes in Cooperative Contest Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Jan. 2V.— Man- ager Paul Tighe of the Penn Theatre offered three $25 defense bonds in a ^cooperative contest with the Wilkes- Barre Record on "Kathleen." Con- testants had to list the eight ads A\hich included the letters of the pic- ture's name and also write a state- ment of not more than 25 words on ' W hy I Should Buy Defense Bonds iand Stamps." Defense Ball Marks 'Hellzapoppin' Opening Baltimore, Jan. 29. — To mark the ^opening of "Hellzapoppin" at Keith's here, a "Hellzapoppin Defense Ball" [was held in the ballroom atop the theatre. Purchase of a defense stamp of $1 or more admitted the buyer to the ball and he was allowed to retain .the stamp. 'Dawn' Gets $14,000; Baltimore Improves Baltimore. Jan. 29. — Substantial attractions brought up box-office fig- tires for the week. "Hold Back the •Dawn" took $14,000 at Keith's. "The Man Who Came to Dinner" at the Stanley took $16,000. Estimated receipts for the week- ending Jan. 22: 'Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) CENTURY — (3.000) (28c-44c) 7 davs. Gross: $13,500. (Average. S10.000) "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) KEITH'S — (2,406) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 7 davs. Gross: $14,000. (Average. $8,000) "How Green Was My Va'ley" (20th- Fox) NEW— (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 davs, 4th week. Gross : S7.500. (Average, $7,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) STANLEY— (3.280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 •:..:..:..:..:. BALLYHOOED TO THE NATION'S MILLIONS BY A WEEK'S BUILD-UP ON KATE SMITH'S NOON HOUR SHOWS . . . CLIMAXED BY THE KATE SMITH HOUR AT 8 P. M. (EST) FRIDAY, FEB. 6 OVER CBS! THE FIRST MAJOR NETWORK BROADCASTS EVER TO EMANATE FROM MIAMI! ENTIRE RADIO PRODUC- TION UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF TED COLLINS! X4-4.4-4.4.4-4.4.4-4.4-XXX4.4.4.X XXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX XXX X XXXXX X XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX X4-XX4- 4- 4- 4^4-X 4-X4.XX4,X X4.XXJ.AXXX I 2TTY GRABLE 1CK OAKIE as Kate Smith's guest stars and ev2S If ^ guests of honor at premiere! m Each daily Kate Smith show has approximately 10,000,000 listeners! The Friday night Kate Smith Hour is heard by approximately 25,000,000 people over 91 stations! A tremendous aggregate audience ... pre-sold! iTEN IN! WATCH THOSE BOXOFFICE REPORTS!/ VEL IN 20TH CENTURY-FOX'S SHOWMANSHIP! NOS" TRADE SHOWINGS FEB. 3""! 12 Motion Picture Daily Friday, January 30, 1947 Off the Antenna FIRST cooperative show on the Blue will be a Monday-through-Friday com- mentary from Washington by H. R. Baukhage. It will be heard 1-1 :15 P. M. and available to Blue stations for local sponsorship. It will start Monday and will continue for two weeks as a sustainer. The Blue will also attempt a novel approach to network promotion Sunday on "Behind the Alike," when the history of the web will be traced from its birth in 1927 as part of NBC to its incorporation as a separate network this month. Transcriptions will be made for use by affiliates which are unable to carry the program at the time of its broadcast. • • • Purely Personal: Marion Wallace Myles mill join the NBC sales pro- motion staff Monday, Charles B. Brown announced yesterday. . . . Lenore Ulric will make her debut on radio Sunday, F There is much warmth, and appe ing of the story, at the Studio Cit an invited audien< the theatre and in siastic approval ( MOTION PICT CAPABLE OF ING MOV Republic has solidly enters masses in th gambling quce wherever John tentment are < 1, PRODUCTION LAYOUT, HIGH BUDG Tins is one of the ReP^^Son budget obvious » v-XTST Wayne dose , S°on a ou TJ high budget are apparent. Joan BLONDELL- John Y F@Sl ^ f4 RAY MIDDLETON PHILIP MERIVALE • BLANCHE YURKA • EDITH BARRETT • LEONID KINSKEY LEIGH JASON — Director • Original screen play by Isabel Dawn and Boyce DeGaw • ERTAIN- VSSES apable of >vie - going Memphis aid do well ui and con- ^•ration. ILM DAILY J ith apped les the top ibling and Produe- V VKIKTV ALL JOHNSON CHOIR a story by Garrett Fort BUY U. S. DEFENSE BONDS fa*0 ,0ryofBttn; SANDERl IN HEAVY SNOW STORM, BROKE EVERY WEEK-DAY OPENING RECORD SINCE "JESSE JAMES" 3 YEARS AGO! SAME SNOW STORM- SAME 3-YEAR WEEK-DAY RECORD SMASHED! ST LOWS NECK AND NECK WITH "YANK" OPENING, AND HEADED FOR THE BIGGEST BUSINESS IN 5 YEARS! POWER'S POWER PROVED! BIGGEST OPENING SINCE "YANK IN THE R.A.F." CflfCAOO TOPPING THE BIG ONES —THREATENING THE RECORD-HOLDER! 1 1 l$GOk It HOW v4/Vp TAKBA I 3-VV££K WINTER. VA<~A-T/Otf/ to the^ Picture Industry tion MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial DL. 51. NO. 23 NEW YORK. U.S.A.. TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 3, 1942 TEN CEN i b 3ee Solution Of Minn. Film Problem Soon Sorthwest Allied Group Conferring Here By SHERWIN A. KANE A solution for the product diffi- ulties of Minnesota exhibitors is •xpected to result from conferences u-ld here during the past few days ov a delegation of Northwest Al- ied officials and home office sales Executives, Fred Strom, executive secretary of Northwest Allied and i member of the delegation, re- ported last night. The group met yesterday with Ben xalmenson. Warners' general sales manager, following meetings last Fri- day with Neil F. Agnew. Paramount .ice-president in charge of distribu- i. in, and W. F. Rodgers, Loew's vice- resident and general sales manager. Strom and Harold Field, chairman Of the exhibitor group, will visit Ned E. Depinet, RKO vice-president and (Continued on pot)'' •*) Republic Schedules Regional Meetings Republic has set three regional sales meetings this month, to be held at the studio, in Chicago and in New York. James R. Grainger, president, will preside at all the sessions. He left by plane last night, planning several stops en route to the Coast. The first meeting will be held at the studio Feb. 16-17, the second at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, Feb. 19-20. and the last at the New York- Athletic Club here Feb. 25-26. The studio session will be attended by J. T. Sheffield. Northwestern franchise holder; M. J. Siegel. studio head; and Ed Walton. F. A. Bateman and Sid Weisbaum. branch managers in Seat- (Continued on page 4) Percival L. Waters, Film Pioneer, Dies Percival Lee Waters. 74. president of the Triangle Film Co. from 1919 to 1923. who died Saturday in the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Cen- ter here, was cremated yesterday at Ardsley-on-the-Hudson. Waters also had been associated with Fox Film (Continued on page 4) 'Sullivan's Travels' Leads BVay Parade With $75,000 Week Although business over the week- end was mild at most first runs, the Paramount continued at a fast pace with its hit combination of Preston Sturges' new film, "Sullivan's Travels," and Glenn Miller's orches- tra on the stage. The gross reached an estimated $31,000 for Saturday and Sunday. The first week, which ends tonight, is expected to garner an es- timated $75,000. Another mighty box-office perform- er was "Son of Fury" at the Roxy. Supported by the theatre's standard stage presentation, that picture rolled up an estimated $43,200 for its first four days beginning Thursday, which puts it in a class with "A Yank in the R. A. F." and other top drawing attractions at the Roxy. Steady rain Saturday was said to have been a box-office detriment at the other Broadwav first runs. The Radio City Music Hall's "Ball of (Continued on page 7) Producers Ass'n Reelects Officers Hollywood. Feb. 2. — All officers of the Association of Motion Picture Producers were unanimously reelected today for a third term at the annual meeting. Reelected were Y. Frank Freeman, president ; E. J. Mannix, first vice-president: Cliff Work, sec- (C-ontinued on page 6) Willkie to Address Academy Banquet Wendell L. Willkie said yes- terday that he had accepted the invitation to be honor guest and chief speaker at the 14th Annual Academy Awards Banquet on Feb. 26 at the Biltmore Bowl in Hollywood. The affair, at first cancelled because of the war, was an- nounced over the weekend by Walter Wanger, Academy president, who said the War Department had no objection. It will be informal, with tickets at $10 plus $1 tax, in- stead of the usual $25. Lesser, McDonough Leaving RKO Lot Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Sol Lesser, executive producer at RKO, has made known his resignation, and reportedly plans to resume production for United Artists. He will leave his RKO post sometime in March, when "The Tut- tles in Tahiti," now shooting, is com- pleted. He has a commitment to pro- duce "Strange Victory" for U. A., which he sidetracked in order to ac- cept the RKO post. Meanwhile, James R. McDonough resigned as producer, effective tomor- row. McDonough. who has been in several executive capacities at the studio, was made head of the low budget unit several months ago. Joseph I. Breen, vice-president in charge of production, indicated he would revamp the entire unit setup on small budget pictures. Criterion Assessed at $6,625,000, TV. Y. Highest 'Kings Row9 Opens At Broadway Astor With a power-conserving absence of kleig lights, Warners opened "Kings Row" at the Astor Theatre on Broadway last night before an audience of celebrities. David Lewis, associate producer. and Brenda Marshall, William Holden and Mischa Auer were among those present. The film opens a popular-priced engage- ment this morning. Among the ticketholders were : Ben Kalmenson, Mort Blumenstock, Harry Kalmine. Leon Schlesinger. Sam Mor- ris. Tames A. Farley, William F. Rodgers, E. K. O'Shea, Ed Weisl, Barney Balaban, Ed Saunders, Neil (Continued on page 4) The Criterion, a Loew's house on Broadway seating 1,700, again has the highest valuation of Greater New York theatre real estate, with an as- sessment of $6,625,000, it was dis- closed in the tentative assessment rolls for 1942-'43 released over the weekend by the City Tax Commission. The amount is a reduction of $100,- 000 from last year. The tentative valuation of the Paramount Theatre and the Radio City Music Hall is included in the assessment of the building in which each theatre is housed. The Para- mount Building is listed at $10,900,- 000, and the RKO Building ( Music Hall) at $11,700,000. Among the other legitimate and (Continued on page 7) 'IP to Release 53 Features Next Season 3 By Outside Producers, Scully Announces Universal will release a total of 53 features for the 1942-'43 season, of which three will be made by outside producers, it was announced (yesterday by William A. Scully, vice- president and general sales manager. Additional de- tails of next season's pro- gram will be announced shortly, Scully declared. He returned last week from pro- duction confer- ences with other executives at the Universal studio. Among the forthcoming features scheduled for release during the bal- ance of the current season, Scully named the following with release dates : Abbott and Costello in "Ride 'Em Cowboy," Feb. 13; "What's Cookin'?" with the Andrew Sisters, Jane Frazee (Continued on page 4) VP. A. Scull, Place Chairman of Red Cross Film Unit Hermann G. Place, chairman of the executive committee of 20th Century- Fox, is now serving as chairman of the Motion Picture Division of the entertainment group in the New- York Red Cross War Fund appeal. It is reported that the radio division, under Edward Klauber, executive vice-president of CBS, as chairman, has already realized more than 20 per cent of its quota. Reelection of Loew Board Due Today Reelection of all members of the board of directors of Loew's, Inc., is expected at the annual meeting of the company's stockholders at the home office today. ' The board is scheduled to meet fol- lowing the stockholders' meeting to reelect all officers, headed by Nicholas M. Schenck, president, 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 3, 1942 j Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 2 TJ. COXXORS, executive assist- • ant to S. R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, and Herman Wob- ber, general distribution manager, leave tomorrow to visit all company exchanges in the United States. Kent plans to remain at the studio two more weeks. .Nominated today for Academy film editing awards were "Citizen Kane," "Dr. Jekvll and Air. Hyde," "How Green Was My Valley," "The Little Foxes" and "Sergeant York." • Orson Welles leaves tomorrow for Washington where he will confer with officials on two feature films he plans to make in Latin America for RKO release. He plans to fly to Rio de Janeiro in connection with one film, "It's AH True," which will encompass four separate stories dealing with Latin America. The other picture has a Mexican background. Gov. Culbert L. Olsen and heads of the Los Angeles Fire Department to- day commended the work of the Los Angeles Theatre Defense Bureau in setting up an air raid and blackout precautions system for all theatres and other amusement places. • Norman Rivkin of the Universal publicity staff, who was released by the Army because of the age limit, has been called back to active duty as ser- geant. Personal Mention \/l ARTIX QUIGLEY left yester- 1.V1 day for California. • Maurice Silverstone has returned from California. • William Keegan, general mana- ger of Hunt Theatres, Trenton, X. J., is back from Florida. • Lou Golding, Albany Variety Club chief barker, has been elected a director of the Albany Boys' Club. • Harold Libros of Philadelphia is the father of a boy born last week. • Jack Vittelo, artist at Loew's Rochester, has joined the Army Air Corps. • Frank P. Rosenberg of Columbia has left for Providence and Buffalo. • Harold J. Sommons was a visitor here yesterday. HARRY CHESTER ARTHUR, son of Harry C. Arthur, Jr., has enlisted in the Naval Air Force. • A. A. Schubart of RKO has re- turned from a three-week trip. • Abe Einstein, executive of Warner Theatres in Philadelphia, has been named to the local Red Cross drive Committee. • Si Bell, Columbia salesman in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Bell, became the parents of a son last week. • James B. Lansing is in New York from the Coast. Richard Conners was in from Al- bany over the weekend. • Jack Waxmann of Waxmann Theatres, Atlantic City, is recuperat- ing from an operation at Jewish Hos- pital, Philadelphia. Douglas Will Head O.C.D. Information Washington, Feb. 2. — Melvyn Douglas, film player, today was named director of information of the Office of Civilian Defense. The appointment was announced by James M. Landis, OCD executive, who said that Douglas will devote his full time to the job, and will have complete charge of the OCD's motion picture, radio and press activities. 5 SERVICES DAILY VIA THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE TO Los Angeles NllRCURX ,t...~ Sections) 1 1 (Two Sections) THE THE SOUTHERNER THE SUN COUNTRY SPECIE Z. Los Angers • Ar. Los Angeles • Los Angeles • 10:55 P«n 8:52 am 4:02 pm 6:30 am 4:58 pm 1:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 9«*. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS Elect Millhauser To Board of RKO DeWitt Millhauser was elected to the RKO board of directors yesterday as an RCA representative to serve during the unexpired portion of the term of General James G. Harbord, resigned. Millhauser was a member of the RKO board for a number of years prior to the company's reorgan- ization. George J. Schaefer, RKO president, delayed his departure for the Coast to attend the board meeting. Indiana Theatre Held Up Columbia City, Ind., Feb. 2. — Two bandits held up Arthur Hancock, manager of the Columbia Theatre here, last night and escaped with $268. overlooking another sack containing an equal amount. NOW PLAYING B h K CIRCUIT Great States ( Chicago) and other big circuits MILLIONS ARE WAITING TO SEC 1AJT 0ll€ For Bookings — See Henri Elman John Mangham - M. Mekelburg M. Blachschleger M. M. Jacobs - N. Wolfe H. V. Gilbert C. Harthill S. K. Decker C. D. Koehler - Moe Herman M. H. Schwarz - P. Patterson Teddy Shull W. W. Wintroub -Chicago -Atlanta -Boston -Cincinnati -Cleveland -Denver -Detroit -Indianapolis -Los Angeles -Milwaukee -N.Y.C. -Phila. -San Francisco -Washington, D.C. —Kansas City C. E. A. to Resume Annual Banquet London, Feb. 2.— The Cine- matograph Exhibitors' Asso- ciation has decided for the first time since the war to hold an annual banquet and ball. It will take place in London on March 17 follow- ing the association's annual meeting. Proceeds will go to the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund. Ill Soldiers Prefer I 'Escapist' Themes Washington, Feb. 2. — Comedy mystery, occasional Westerns anc other "escapist" themes are the choici of soldiers in Army camp hospitals, ac- cording to a report of the Hospita Motion Picture Service of the Ameri can Red Cross. More than 200,000 soldiers an shown the latest films through tin service, in 67 camps with equipmen costing $300,000. At present 169 dif ferent features are in the Red Cros: motion picture library. Theatres ii the camps seat from 145 to 500, anc bed-ridden soldiers are wheeled tiki the theatres by nurses. Of the houses 38 are in the East, 18 in the Midwes and 11 in the Far West. Puerto Rice and Alaska each have a theatre. Pettijohn Borrows From Mark Twain Commenting on published report:! that he planned to tender his resignaj tion as MPPDA general counsel at meeting of the organization's board yesterday, C. C. Pettijohn said he wa: constrained to borrow Mark Twain'' remark concerning an unfounded re port of his death. "It's slightly exaggerated," Petti- john said. "I'm not planning to re sign and even if I were I couldn't give the resignation to a board meeting to day. There is no board meeting anc Will Hays is on his way to the Coast so it is not likely there will be one foi some time." Benedict Joins 'U' Hollvwood, Feb. 2. — Howard Ben edict, who resigned as an associate producer at RKO last week, ha' joined the Universal production staff MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday anc j holidays by Quigley Publishing Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address. "Quigpubco. New York." Mar tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker. Vice President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L Finestone, Managing Editor; James Af Cron. Advertising Manager: Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill: Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor Leon Friedman. Manager; Londojj Bureau: 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco London." All contents copyrighted 1942 bj Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Othei Quigley publications; Motion Picture' Herald, Better Theatres. Internationa Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 193£ at the post office at New York. N. Y. under the act of March 3. 1879. Subscrip tion rates per year $6 in the Americas anq $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. ( DEpARTMENT WASHINGTON Jwuary 28, 1942 *ar Bir; Obiter K,dre.ee<, •04 I b.11 * Ploturt will v y* 4.h°* It m goon Sreh l6' * IW&i1;6116" «U1 t* Jon. « *U ^eu, ^ _ _ BUY Please accept the Play-date designated. Thanks for your co-operation. 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 3, 1942 Review "Koxie Hart" (20 th Century-Fox) Hollywood, Feb. 2 Z^1 INGER ROGERS, Adolphe Menjou, George Montgomery, Lynn Overman, Phil Silvers, William Frawley, Spring Byington, Sara All- good, Nigel Bruce, Iris Adrian, Milton Parsons and associates play with zest and a complete freedom from personal inhibition the colorful, force- ful and mainly rowdy characters of Maurine Watkins' stage play, "Chi- cago," a comedy of manners and the lack of them as of Chicago in the riotous year of 1927. Showmen familiar with the Chicago of then, or with the sensational newspaper accounts of the goings-on which took place there, will recall that 1927 marked the peak of the Capone era, of fantastic legal and extra- legal activities, of gun molls and husband-killers and of journalism ram- pant upon a field of crime glorified as never before nor since in this world. It is as a "bird brain" wife of a timid killer that Miss Rogers, departing from a style of her recent castings, appears in this all-out telling of the Watkins tale as produced and written by Nunnally Johnson and directed by William A. Wellman, both of whom appear to have enjoyed the assignment immensely and both of whom arranged for that enjoyment to come through to the audience via the screen. Lynne Overman portrays the reporter who, knowing the girl to be in- nocent, persuades her to pretend guilt so that he, aided by Adolphe Men- jou as a publicity-prosperous criminal lawyer, can run the gamut of head- line tricks, which, true to their planning and to the setting and time rep- resented, bring about her acquittal by a jury which ignores the evidence but not her display of hosiery, coquetry and allied charms. The proceedings are handled for laughs throughout and include many a humorous touch and bit of by-play which enliven the realistically in- credible narrative. Miss Rogers is given opportunity, incidentally, to dem- onstrate her skill in dancing the then popular Black Bottom, which is what Miss Rogers was in fact doing, and winning contests which got her onto the stage in Paul Ash's Oriental Theatre presentations and thence on her way professionally, in Chicago in the era which the picture depicts. In 1927 and doubtless now, the non-Chicago population of the nation consisted of two kinds of people — those who believed what they read about Chicago and those who didn't. But there was none who didn't read with fascination the reports of Chicago's fantastic way of life. It would seem to follow that there are none save the very young, who will not find much to interest them in this loose and lively revival of the period and place. And some of the stuff in it is not designed for the very young, anyway. Running time, 74 minutes. "A" * Roscoe Williams See Solution Of Minn. Film Problem Soon (Continued from page 1) distribution chief, today. Strom de- scribed this meeting as "social" rather than a part of the Minnesota product discussions. Strom and Field plan to leave for Minneapolis this afternoon. Ben Friedman, Clarence Kaake, Wil- liam Frank and Sidney Yolk, other members of the exhibitor delegation, left New York yesterday, following the meeting with Kalmenson. No 'Little 3' Problem Strom said that similar discussions had been held with T. J. Connors, personal assistant to Sidney R. Kent, 20th Century-Fox president, and Wil- liam C. Gehring, Western division sales manager, during their recent visit to Minneapolis. There is no problem in Minnesota involving the product of Columbia, United Artists or Universal, Strom said. The exhibitor representative reported that there is little dan- ger now of theatres in the State being forced to close for lack of product, and that the principal problem now is to effect the waiving of clearance schedules in metropolitan centers to make pictures available to subse- quent runs immediately, wherever they are in real need of product. Playing terms are not considered too difficult, Strom said, although per- centage demands on some pictures are regarded by the exhibitors as "not in line with conditions." "However," Strom added, "our dis- cussions with the distributors made us aware that they have their problems, too. For example, none of them know how many percentage pictures to allo- cate to Minnesota contracts for the entire season, since they do not know in advance how many pictures of that type they will have. The Minnesota exhibitor wants to give the distribu- tors their full share of their pictures' earnings. Confident of Solution "I am convinced," he said, "that with the understanding we reached with the distributors everything will work out all right. We will cooper- ate with them to the best of our abil- ity and, I am sure, if things do not work out satisfactorily we will be able to obtain adjustments later." Strom said that Minnesota exhibit- ors do not regret their sponsorship of the State's anti-block-of-five law which was the origin of their present difficulties, and no move for its repeal is to be expected from exhibitors. He said a recent poll showed that more than 90 per cent of Northwest Allied members still are opposed to the block-of-five method. The five consenting companies were unable to sell in the State until they had been relieved of compliance with the decree's sales provisions by the U. S. District court here. M-G-M, the last of the five to obtain that re- lief, did so only last month. In the interim, the product supply of the Minnesota exhibitors was nearly ex- hausted. "A" denotes adult classification. 'Kings Row' Opens At Broadway Astor (Continued from page 1) F. Agnew, Charles Reagan, Joseph Unger, Ned E. Depinet, A. W. Smith, Walter Branson, Robert Mochrie, Carl Leserman, Gradwell L. Sears, Harry Gold, William Kupper, Wil- liam Sussman, William A. Scully, William J. Heineman, Abe Montague, Jack Cohn. Edwin W. Aaron, Lowell Calvert, Arthur Loew, Mort Spring, Arthur W. Kelly, Stanton Griffis, M. A. Schlesinger, Gus Eyssell, Colvin Brown, Jack Alicoate, Sam Shain. Oscar Doob, Robert Weitman, Spy- ros Skouras, George Skouras, E. L. Alperson, Harry Arthur, Harry Brandt, Ed Grainger, Leonard Gold- enson, A-Mike Vogel, Ed Sullivan, Louis Sobol, A. J. McCosker, Mrs. Hattie Silverman, Oscar Serlin and Elliott Nugent. Two Companies Formed Albany, Feb. 2. — Two new com- panies have been chartered here. They are : The Manfrel Theatres Corp., New York, and R-F Motion Picture Corp., New York. Dorian Pictures, Inc., has filed change of capital, and Suffern Amusement Co., Inc., Suf- fern, has filed a change of directors. Percival L. Waters, Film Pioneer, Dies (Continued from page 1) Corp. and General Film Corp. A sis- ter, Mrs. E. A. Park, survives. Waters was associated with the first efforts in this country to produce and distribute motion pictures. In the early 1890's in association with Raff & Gammon he produced films in a roof studio on 28th St., Manhattan, and in 1895 assisted in the development of the first exchange. In 1901 he obtained a contract to make and show films for the Tam- many campaign in New York. When the campaign was over, he had a large supply of Edison projectors on hand. He offered these second-hand ma- chines for about $85 each. "They sold rapidly, and spreading over the coun- try became an important agency in the spread of the industry," according to Terry Ramsaye's "A Million and One Nights." As executive of Triangle, he was one of the founders of the MPPDA. Weekly Club Affair Set Cincinnati, Feb. 2. — The local Variety Club has designated every Friday night as "Performer's Night," when stars and members of traveling companies playing local houses are guests of the club. 'IT to Release 53 Features Next Season (Continued from page 1) and Gloria Jean, Feb. 20; "Ghost of Frankenstein" with Lon Chaney March 6; Alfred Hitchcock's "The Saboteur" starring Robert Cummin^ and Priscilla Lane, a Frank Llo™ production, March 20 ; an Irene Dunne production, produced and di- rected by Gregory La Cava with Patric Knowles, Ralph Bellamy and Eugene Pallette, April 3 ; "The Spoil- ers" with Marlene Dietrich, Randolph Scott, John Wayne and Richard Bar- thelmess, a Frank Lloyd production, April 17. Republic Schedules Regional Meetings (Continued from page 1) tie, Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively. The Chicago meeting will be at- tended by franchise owners R. F. Withers of Kansas City and Gilbert Nathanson of Minneapolis. Also branch managers F. R. Moran, Des Moines ; C. F. Reese, Omaha ; Will Baker, Chicago ; J. G. Frackman, M ilwaukee ; L. W. Marriott, Indian- apolis ; Nat Steinberg, St. Louis ; Lloyd Rust, Dallas ; Sol Davis, Okla- homa City; J. H. Dillon, Charlotte; Merritt Davis, Atlanta; W. M. Snel- son, Memphis ; L. V. Seicshnaydre, New Orleans, and Harold Laird, Tampa. The New York meeting will be at- tended by franchise owners J. H. Alexander and S. A. Fineberg, Pitts- burgh, and Jake Flax, Washington, D. C. Also branch managers Arthur Newman, Albany; Jack Bellman, Buffalo ; M. E. Morey, Boston ; Sam Seletsky, New Haven ; Morris Ep- stein, New York ; Max Gillis, Phila- delphia, and Sam Seplowin, Detroit. Also George Flax of Washington, D. C, and home office executives. William Daly Rites Set for Tomorrow Funeral services for William J. Daly, 75, a pioneer in exhibition, who died Sunday, will be held tomorrow at the Sacred Heart Church, Bayside, L. I. Daly had been associated with the William Morris theatrical agency for a number of years. He became an ex- hibitor in the nickelodeon era. Dur- ing the last 10 years he had been with the Skouras circuit, serving as a relief manager. Surviving are a widow, two sisters and two daughters. Dean, Kaufman Trial Postponed to Feb. 16 Trial of Nick Circella, also known as Nick Dean, and Louis Kaufman, business agent of the Newark oper- ators' union, on charges of having ex- torted $1,000,000 from motion picture companies, was adjourned to Feb. 16 by Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe when the case was called for trial yes- | terday. Judge Coxe said there was no judge available for assignment. IMPORTANT NOTICE Eastman Motion-Picture Film Cans and Cores MUST BE RETURNED WAR requirements have sharply curtailed the supply of metal and plastics needed to manufacture 3 5 -mm. motion-picture film cans and cores. Conse- quently, the Eastman Kodak Company urges the prompt return of these essential supplies. They must be used over and over again. Help maintain the supply of motion-picture film by seeing to it that all Eastman cans and cores are kept in good condition, collected, and shipped to the Kodak Park Works, Rochester, N. Y. By doing your part in this emergency, you help yourself and everyone connected with the motion-picture industry — as well as all those who depend more than ever on the screen for vital information and entertainment. Write for prices and detailed shipping information. Motion Picture Sales Division EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, ROCHESTER, N. Y. Motion Picture Daily Short Subject Reviews "Far East Command (March of Time) ( RKO ) Something of the strategic impor- tance of Singapore, as the key to the defense of the Western Pacific, of the importance attached to the Mala}' Peninsula, chiefly as a source of the materials of war for the invading Jap, and the difficulty of the jungle terrain of Malaya, are indicated graphicall}' and with skill in this issue. Obvious- ly it has a timeliness which is almost unlimited, .with the siege of Singa- pore already underway. The reel stresses the fact, however, that how- ever much the Japs have gained through early aggression, they in the long run face defeat by superior pow- er. Much of the reel is devoted to Australia and New Zealand, which have aided the fight for freedom time and again on foreign soil, and now find their advanced civilization men- aced directly by armed force. It is an excellent subject. Running time, 17 mins. Release, Feb. 13, 1942. "Screen Snapshots, No. 6" (Anniversary Snapshots ) (Columbia) A Hollywood subject, this is about average of its type. The film fol- lows Alan Mowbray around the town, to a doughnut shop, to Slapsie Maxie's, and finally to a baseball game played for laughs by the comed- ians and the leading men of the screen. Mowbray is on the phone most of the way describing the scene to his lady friend. A number of film personalities pass before the camera. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Feb. 2, 1942. "The Tangled Angler" (Fable Cartoon) (Columbia) A contented pelican casts his line and draws the attention of a smart- alec fish. They tangle and one chases the other all over the place. The fish finds himself in a frying pan after some exercise, escapes and again they tangle. It becomes tiresome after the first tangle. Running time, 8 mins. Release, Jan. 2, 1942. Reviews "Castle in the Desert" (20th Century-Fox) CIDNEY TOLER, as Charlie Chan, is called to a mysterious castle in ^ the desert where a replica of a medieval fortress is inhabited by a multi-millionaire historian (Douglas Dumbrille) and his wife (Lenita Lane), a descendant of the ancient Borgia family. The mystery centers around two important circumstances, one that Miss Lane may have inherited the tendency to poison her enemies from her ancestors ; an- other, that Dumbrille is required to avoid all notoriety if he is to main- tain management of a $20,000,000 estate. Dumbrille, who is engaged in research, insists that the castle be main- tained in primitive state without lights, telephones or similar conveni- ences, so that he can learn how people who inhabited such homes lived. There are mysterious torture chambers, suits of armor which suddenly start to walk, and the like. Suspicion rests on almost everyone in the cast, including Edmund MacDonald, Dumbrille's attorney ; Arleen Whelan, his wife ; Steve Garay, the family physician ; Richard Derr and Watson King, guests. Sen Yung, as Chan's "No. 2 son," aids his father in solving the mystery. The direction by Harry Lachman maintains a good pace, and the pro- duction should please the Charlie Chan fans. Ralph Dietrich produced. Running time, 62 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "On the Sunny Side" (20th Century-Fox) '"p'HIS is an unpretentious picture whose timely subject, that of a British lad staying with friends here, is developed simply and warmly. The lad is Roddy McDowall, whose performance in "How Green Was My Valley" won plaudits from press and public and upon which a selling point is well established. With him chiefly is Freddie Mercer, his new American pal, who entertains a typical child-like jealousy when McDowall impresses the other youngsters. Jane Darwell, Katharine Alexander and Don Douglas are others prominent in the film. The picture's highlight is a shortwave talk between British children here and their parents in England, which also is a valuable selling point. The story relates McDowall's experiences in a new home, his meeting with the "gang" and his general adaptation to a different life. He meets it all in a nicely told manner which culminates in an amusing fray in which he and Mercer take care of two toughs. Howard Schuster di- rected. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel 'G" denotes general classification. Sues RKO for $25,000 A $25,000 breach of contract suit by Beatrice D. Mindlin, as assignee of E. R. Conne, against RKO was re- vealed yesterday when the action was transferred to the Federal Court from N. Y. Supreme Court. The plaintiff claims that RKO failed to use its best efforts in distribution of "A Family of Nations" in British territories. THE GIRL WHO DIDN'T MARCH IN THE "MARCH OF DIMES" Somewhere in the industry there may be a spot for a courageous girl who has won her fight against infantile paralysis. Age 26, young, pretty and cheerful she has worked her way through college in a wheel-chair! She has done writing, research, reference, indexing, typing; at all of which she is skilled. Do you know of a job for her? Box 204, MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Rockefeller Center, New York. Producers Ass'n Reelects Officers {Continued from page 1) ond vice-president ; Fred W. Beetson, executive vice-president and secretary- treasurer. Directors were reelected. The directors \pproved the forth- coming appointment of a Hollywood coordinator to work with Francis S. Harmon, coordinator of the War Ac- tivities Committee-Motion Picture In- dustry, and heard a report by Beetson on war aid activities. It was voted to return the studios to a 9 A. M.-6 P. M. work day sched- ule under Daylight Saving time, be- ginning next Monday. Monogram Is Sued In Contract Action Louis Solkoff and Hugo Maienthau, who do business as Metropolitan Film Distributors, filed a $100,000 breach of contract suit in New York Supreme Court yesterday against Jam Handy Picture Service, Inc., Monogram Pic- tures Corp. and Monogram Distribut- ing Corp. Metropolitan claims that it had a contract for distribution of Jam Handy pictures but that Monogram induced Jam Handy to breach its con- tract and turn over distribution to Monogram. Tuesday, February 3, 194', -J Eleven Films Are Finished; 41 on Stages Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Forty-one pic- tures were before the cameras this week as 11 finished and nine started. Twenty-three are being prepared, and 65 are in the cutting rooms. d Having finished four this weel^ 20th Century-Fox is still the busiest lot, with seven remaining on the shooting stages. The tally by studio : Columbia Work : "Highly Irregular," "The Gentlemen Misbehave." Started : "Ellery Queen and the Living Corpse," "Hello Annapolis." i, M-G-M "Tarzan Against the Finished : World." In Work : "Sunday Punch" "Mokey Delano," "Tortilla Flat," "Ship Ahoy," "Mrs. Miniver," "Her Cardboard Lover." Monogram In Work : "Black Dragons." Started : "Klondike Victory." Producers Releasing Started : "Dawn Express." Paramount Finished : "Wildcat," "My Favorite Blonde." In W ork : "The Palm Beach Story," "The Black Curtain." Started: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." RKO "The Magnificent Ara- Finished : bersons." In Work : "Journey into Fear," "My Favorite Spy," "The Tuttles of Tahiti," "Scattergood at the Races." Started : "Mexican Spitfire" No. 3. Republic Finished : "Stagecoach Express," "Yokel Boy," "Dusk on the Painted Desert." Work : "Affairs of Jimmy Val- entine." Started : "Riders of the Range," "The Girl from Alaska." 20th Century-Fox Finished: "Sundown Jim," "Secret Agent of Japan," "Who Is Hope Schuyler?" "Ring on Her Fingers." In Work : "Tales of Manhattan," "Moontide," "My Gal Sal," "This Above All," "Ten Gentlemen from West Point," "Whispering Ghosts," "Million Dollar Ghosts." Universal Work : "The Spoilers," "Shel- tered Lady," "Saboteur," "What's Cookin'?" "Butch Minds the Baby," Started: "Eagle Squadron." Warners Z/i JVork : "The Gay Sisters," "The Shadow of their Wings," "Es- cape from Crime," "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Local 306 Invites Soldiers Operators' Local 306 has donated 100 tickets for its 10th annual dance to the USO for distribution to men in the armed services. The affair will be held at the Manhattan Center Feb. 11. •jic>day. February 3. 1942 Motion Picture Daily lieatre Wing Plans labaret Canteen in imes Square Area A unique entertainment spot for sn in the armed forces will be ^xiied shortly in the Times Square djea by the American Theatre Wing Var Service. Inc.. it was learned i^terday. A "cabaret canteen." with Moor show provided by professional "cut and aarc»c> serving ;t> host- i«ses, is planned. Leases have been signed but the lo- jation of the cabaret will not be re- lealed until later this week, it was bid. The purpose of the cabaret is :j provide something more than the isual clubhouse facilities for visiting loldiers and sailors, but the policy las not yet been completely deter- mined. One of the policies being stud- ed is whether or not to admit the reneral public. The latter, of course, vculd be expected to pay, but there s some doubt about whether it would K in keeping with the general plan. Raising $100,000 Fund The Theatre W ing was originally tart of the British War Relief but became an autonomous group when Ihe United States entered the war. \ $100,000 fund is now being raised lo finance the Wing*s activities. Al- though most of the membership is irum the legitimate stage, it covers Ihe entire amusement industry. Mem- ,oers knit for men in the armed forces. *ew garments for families of Navy jnen, operate a speakers' bureau in -ooperation with the Treasury De- partment and civilian defense groups, feive first aid classes for those in the Industry, provide radio guest stars for ivar and defense programs, help pub- licize the Red Cross blood donor drive and conduct similar activities. , At the Hotel Lombardy tonight, a urmal supper cabaret party will be sponsored by Geraldine Conelly and Mary Michael in association with Marjorie Anderson and Katherine imery, with proceeds to the Theatre Wing. It will be called. "British "riends Reciprocate" and British '•»nd American performers are ex- occted to attend. "MEET ME AT THE AST01? Criterion Assessed at $6,625,000, N. Y. Highest {Continued from page 1) film theatres high on the tentative rolls in Manhattan are these : Roxy, $3,950,000; Loew's State, $3,795,000; Strand. $3,200,000: Rialto. $2,825,000; Capitol. $2,245,000; Gaietv. $2,150,- 000; Winter Garden, $2,125,000; Astor. $1,700,000; Mavfair, $1,690,- 000; Rivoli, $1,425,000; Times Apollo, $1,315,000; Al Jolson, $1,300,000; Palace, $1,275,000; Hollvwood, $1,- 100,000; Booth-Shubert, $1,100,000; Ziegfeld. $1,000,000; Globe, $1,000,- 000; Lincoln Square, $925,000; New Amsterdam, $920,000. Legitimate Houses Listed Forty-fourth Street. $835,000; Em- pire. $830,000; Guild, $655,000; Ma- jestic, $640,000; Imperial, $638,000; St. James, $580,000; Martin Beck, $575,000; Music Box, $550,000; Fortv-Sixth Street, $530,000; Barry- more. $525,000; Morosco, $525,000; Belasco, $505,000 ; Ambassador, $500,- 000 ; Lvceum, $500,000 ; Fulton, $465,- 000; R'oyal, $440,000; Henrv Miller, $430,000 ; Broadhurst, '$430,000 ; Mansfield, $415,000; Windsor, $410,- 000; Cort, $400,000; Forrest, $390,- 000; Plavhouse, $350,000; Biltmore, $340,000; Vanderbilt. $295,000; Tohn Golden, $290,000. The Metropolitan Opera House is assessed at $4,600,- 000, and Carnegie Hall at $1,900,000 In Brooklyn, the Paramount The- atre and Office Building is evaluated at $3,070,000. Other theatres in that Navy Day' at Ampa Meeting Thursday Ampa's luncheon meeting next Thursday at the Hotel Edison has icen designated as "Ampa's Date with 'the Kavy." Lt. Comm. John T. Tut- Ijnill will be the principal speaker. Among others scheduled on the pro- gram are Bert Lytell, president of Actors Equity ; Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville and Patricia Peardon. borough high on the list are : Fox, $3,000,000; Albee, $1,675,000; Loew's Kings, $1,040,000; Loew's Metropoli- tan, $950,000; Strand, $525,000; Ti- voli, $350,000; Majestic, $225,000; Star, $205,000; St. George, $187,000. Bronx theatre assessments include the Paradise, $1,257,000; Grand, $975,000; Keith Fordham. $815,000; Valentine, $600,000. Paramount Studio Assessed In Queens, the Lasky Famous Players Studio, Long Island City, is assessed at $665,000. Larger Queens theatres are assessed as follows : Va- lencia, Jamaica, $1,060,000; Merrick, Jamaica, $885,000; Keith, Flushing, $750,000; Madison, Ridgewood, $615,- 000; Alden, Jamaica, $430,000. Tentative valuations in Richmond include the St. George Theatre and Office Building. $590,000, and the Paramount Theatre, $350,000. 'Sullivan's Travels' Leads B'way Parade With $75,000 Week Reduce Assessment on Philadelphia Houses Philadelphia, Feb. 2. — Allow- ances made for depreciation, realty assessments of the downtown film houses here were reduced, the Fox from $1,459,000 to $1,451,000; Mast- baum, $1,226,200 to $1,239,700; Er- langer, $605,700 to $567,800, and the Stanley from $685,000 to $677,000. Both the Mastbaum and Erlanger are dark. Newspaper Recalls Dubinsky Stock Co. St. Joseph, Mo., Feb. 2.— "Sweet memories" of 25 years ago when "Handsome Ed" Dubinsky and his brothers, Maurice. Irvin and Barney, operated and acted in legiti- mate stock company are re- called in an editorial in the St. Joseph \ews-Press. Today the brothers are no less prom- inent in this area as opera- tors of film theatres, but their stock company, which was widely known, remains a legend in these parts. Coward to Produce British Naval Drama Loxdox, Feb. 2. — Noel Coward, at a press reception tomorrow, will launch formally production on a new Two Cities Films naval drama, "In Which We Serve," which will be made with Admiralty cooperation. It w ill dramatize the work of the British Navy in the present War. Production will start next week at Denham. with Coward as producer, star and co-director. Financing is said to have been completed, with the cost put at £150,000 (approximately $600,000). Neither British nor American distribution has been set as yet. Major Arthur M. Sassoon. chairman of Two Cities, has announced a minimum of three films annually for the company. Long term leases have been taken on two Denham stages, he said. New York Seeking Agencies of Gov't Representatives of no less than 25 civic and commercial organizations in New York held a luncheon at the May flower Hotel in Washington on Saturday, to which Congressmen were invited. Headed by Robert Christenberry, general manager of the Hotel Astor, and president of the Broadway Asso- ciation, the group sought to present Xew York's reasons for the removal of certain of the Governmental agen- cies from over-crowded Washington to Xew York. It was pointed out that New York's available office build- ing space, living quarters and enter- tainment and amusement facilities ex- ceed any other city in the country. It was pointed out as well that be- cause the City of New York annually contributes more than half a billion dollars in taxes it is entitled to its fair share of Government offices. Theatres Double Red Cross Quota The Theatre Division of the Greater New York Red Cross War Fund Appeal has more than doubled its quota of $10,000 to date, Brock Pemberton, division chariman, has re- ported. The recent Sonja Henie benefit per- formance at Madison Square Garden added $17,700 to the appeal, going to- ward the Greater New York total goal of $7,330,000. The American Theatre Wing has contributed $3,174 in collections, it is announced. {Continued from page 1) Fire" with the stage presentation grossed an estimated $54,500 Thurs- day through Sunday. The film, now in its third week, will be replaced Thursday by M-G-M's "Woman of the Year." Three other new pictures are slated to make their Broadway appearance this week. "Design for Scandal" goes into the Capitol Thursday fol- lowing "The Corsican Brothers," which, now in its third week, drew an estimated $13,200 Thursday through Sunday. "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" goes into the Strand Friday with Frankie Masters and his orches- tra to succeed "All Through the Night." The latter, in its second week with Bob Chester's orchestra and Georgie Price, accounted for an estimated $16,500 Friday through Sunday. "Jail House Blues" opens at the Rialto Saturday after two weeks of "Call Out the Marines," which brought an estimated $2,200 Satur- day and Sunday. "Paris Calling," now playing a third week at the Globe took an estimated $4,100 Sat- urday and Sunday. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SAMUEL GOLDWYN'S PRODUCTION GARY COOPER : BARBARA STANWYCK "BALL OF FIRE" ON STAGE: "TURN BACK THE CLOCK"— Leonidoff's recollections of palmy days of yore. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 Paramount presents JOEL McCREA VERONICA LAKE "SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS" PARAMOUNT sl'ffi In Person GLENN MILLER AND BAND Lorraino & Rognan TYRONE POWER SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century- Fox Picture PLUS A BIG ft/'WV 7th Ave- STAGE SHOW KVAT & 50th St. B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE "THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER" Be+te Davis — Ann Sheridan "THE BODY DISAPPEARS" "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1 & $1.50 N0LUHIGTHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre. Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed., Sat. &. Sun. 501 Seats for Every Perf. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Motion Picture Daily Off the Antenna FOUR stations have been added to the NBC Pan American Network, bring- ing the total number of affiliates in the 20 Latin American republics to 124, it was announced. The additions, XEBA, Guzman; XEBX, Sabinas ; XEDE, Saltilo, and XEDF, Los Mochis, are all in Mexico. NBC now has 31 affiliates in that country. • • • Purely Personal: Arthur Zipser, formerly of the Paramount story depart- ment, has joined the NBC script staff . With Barbara Frank, Zipser zvill study new program ideas submitted by the public . . . Dr. D. Lawrence Jaffe, CBS television engineer, will conduct courses on television and FM at Columbia University . . . James Todd, formerly with KVOO, Tulsa, Okla., has joined the NBC announcing staff in Chicago . . . Douglas MacKinnon has been ap- pointed assistant to Dr. Walter Damrosch, Blue music counsel. He succeeds Lawrence Abbott, who resigned to become music editor of "Time" . . . John Dillon, sports and special events head at WFAS, White Plains, N. Y ., has been named assistant to Bill Stern, NBC director of sports . . . Philip Fuhr- man, formerly with WMCA, has joined the Blue national spot sales staff. • • • Two Blue stations will begin operations on higher power later this month, the network disclosed yesterday. WMBC, Richmond, Va., ex- pects to boost its power to 5,000 watts night sometime this month. KGA, Spokane, Wash., will begin broadcasting with 10,000 watts day and night about April 1. • • • Program News: ''They Live Forever," termed "not a defense show" but de- signed to show America on the offensive, will start on CBS Sunday, 10:30-11 P. M. . . . Irene Kuhn of NBC's general promotion staff has left for Mexico to confer with officials about "Down Mexico Way," a series of public service programs which start on the network Saturday, Feb. 28 . . . American Home Products Co., on behalf of Kolynos toothpaste, has added WNEL, San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the NBC short wave network carrying "America the Free." • • • In Philadelphia: William J. Bailey, former NBC announcer in New York, has joined KYW . . . The entire staff of WHAT has submitted to finger- printing in the interests of national defense . . . Samuel Ettinger, formerly with the "Evening Ledger," is the new W1P news editor, succeeding Carl Will . . . Charles Hartman, WCAU engineer, has joined the Army . . . Hal Seville is the new sales manager at nearby WJEJ, Hagerstown, Md, He was formerly with WBA'X, Scranton, Pa. • • • The Navy's "E" pennant has been awarded to RCA Manufacturing Co. for "outstanding results in the production of Navy material vital to our war effort," Secretary Frank Knox advised George K. Throckmorton, RCA president. s Gov't Radio Series To Begin on Feb. 14 Saturday, Feb. 14, will be the start- ing date for the most extensive series in radio history, it was announced yes- terday. Called "This Is War," it will be produced and broadcast by all four major networks, with the Office of Facts and Figures, the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs and the Co- ordinator of Information cooperating. 13-Week Series The 13-program series will be broadcast for the Eastern and Central sections at 7 P.M. each Saturday and re-broadcast for the West at 12 :45 P.M. It will be the first program series ever produced to be carried by all networks. The networks will share the expense and responsibility of pro- ducing the programs, which will be shortwaved around the world. H. L. McClinton, vice-president of N. W. Ayer & Son, now on leave of absence, will head the production unit created by the networks. Norman Corwin will direct the series. Na- tionally known writers and perform- ers will participate. On Defense Themes The first program will be "America at War." Others will be "The White House and the War," "Your Army," "Your Navy," "America in the Air," "The War of Economy," "No Dan- ger: Men at Work," "Exit Inflation," "The Curbstone Colonel," "A Day in the Life of a Defense Bond," "On Our Side," "United We Stand" and "After Victory." CBS Sued on Show By Opera Theatre The Opera Theatre filed suit in Federal Court here yesterday against Young & Rubicam, Inc., CBS, Man- agement Charles L. Wagner, Inc., Celanese Corp. of America, Frederic W. Wile, Jr., Charles L. Wagner, Edward W. Snowdon, Camille Drey- fus, George Sebastian and Jean Ten- nyson. The complaint states that in March of last year the plaintiff cre- ated an original idea for presentation of opera in a half-hour radio program and that on Jan. 6, 1942, a series was started over WAAF, Chicago. On the next day, "Great Moments in Music" was started over CBS under the sponsorship of the Celanese Corp. The plaintiff claims a "conspiracy" to deprive it of its rights and seeks an injunction and an accounting of profits. House Resolution Asks F.C.C. Probe Washington, Feb. 2. — A thorough investigation of the FCC by a select House committee was sought today by Rep. E. E. Cox of Georgia in a reso- lution "to determine whether or not such Commission, in its organization, in the selection of personnel, and in the conduct of its activities has been, and is, acting in accordance with law and the public interest." In the House, Cox told members that FCC Chairman James L. Fly is making efforts to block the measure. 'Voice of Experience' Dies Hollywood, Feb. 2. — Marion Sayle Taylor, 53, known as radio's "The Voice of Experience," died of a heart attack here Saturday. Hearing in 'Little 3* Suit Here Thursday Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard has set hearing for Thursday on the action to have 15 interrogatories served on the Government by Colum- bia stricken out in the anti-trust suit against the "Little Three." The Gov- ernment had sought a hearing on Feb. 18. The Department of Justice charged the interrogatories were designed to delay progress of the suit. Columbia, through its counsel, Louis D. Froh- lich of Schwartz & Frohlich, re- sponded yesterday by suggesting that hearings be held two weeks earlier than the Government suggested. The court accordingly set the earlier date. Maurice M. Davis Dies in Montreal Montreal, Feb. 2. — Maurice M. Davis, 48, pioneer Montreal film man, died yesterday at Jewish General Hos- pital here. He was supervisor of the Amherst and Belmont theatres for United Amusements. Survivors in- clude his wife, two sons, Richard and Howard; his mother, Mrs. Miriam Davis, and a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Stein. He was a native of London, Eng- land, and came here about 25 years ago. Starting with Malone Enter- prises, he later formed Davis Amuse- ments. He was associated with Equity Pictures and Regal Films. Theatres Urged to Speed Dimes Checks Exhibitors and theatre managers were urged yesterday by Si Fabian, national treasurer of the industry's March of Dimes campaign, to speed reports on collections and checks to the treasurer's office at the Hotel Astor. Theatres were also asked to return immediately the drive trailers to the National Screen Service exchange from which they were received, and to forward to the committee at the Hotel Astor names of the theatre em- ployes who have filled in the greatest number of birthday coin cards, who will receive defense bonds as prizes, as well as the birthday greeting scrolls which are to be presented to President Roosevelt. File N.O. Complaint; Buffalo Case Decided A some-run complaint has been filed by the Lakeview Theatre, New Or- leans, against Paramount, RKO and Warners at the New Orleans arbitra- tion board, the American Arbitration Association was advised yesterday. At the Buffalo tribunal an award was entered in the clearance complaint of Dipson's Bailey Theatre, which found that the clearance granted the Kensington Theatre over the Bailey is "unreasonable" and reduced it to a maximum of three days. All five consenting companies were involved in the case. Tuesday, February 3, 1942"* WHIP in Chicago Is Bought by Field Chicago, Feb. 2. — Marshall Field, III, is purchasing WHIP, Hammond, ' Ind., and Chicago, it was confirmed today by Dr. G. F. Currier, WHIP president. The station will be the of- ficial outlet of the Chicago Sun, which Field publishes, it was learned, although Sun officials could not be. reached for comment. It is planned to increase the po\« N of WHIP from 5,000 to 50,000 wa™ which will give the station a power! equal to that of WGN, owned by thef Chicago Tribune. WHIP already has received permission from the FCC for the power boost. There are unconfirmed reports that Field is anxious to acquire the call letters WSUN if the City of St. Pe- tersburg, Fla., which operates a sta- tion with those call letters, can be in- duced to relinquish them. The entrance of Marshall Field, III, into radio comes after months oi i rumors that he would do so. Field ! has used heavy radio schedules tci promote both his papers, PM and the ! Sun. There also have been frequent reports, all denied, that Field is in- terested in the purchase of the Blue Network. When Mutual brought its suit against NBC last month, Nile* Trammell, NBC president, disclosed that a group headed by the Chicago Tribune and R. H. Macy & Co. (WOR) had attempted to purchase the Blue two years ago. Seek Agreement in Phila. Music Figki Philadelphia, Feb. 2. — The twc^ weeks grace in contract negotiations between KYW and the local musi- cians union ended on Saturday anc\ both parties agreed that the studic orchestra continue indefinitely at the station pending the return of A. Rex Riccardi, union secretary, who left foi Florida to confer with James Petrillo AFM president, on the local impasse While the station is agreeable tc the continuance of its orchestra, nego- tiations have been deadlocked since Jan. 17, when the contract expired over minor issues involving an in- creased wage scale and the re-hiring of certain staff musicians. Reel Cameramen's Pact Talks Continue Negotiation of a new two-year con- tract between the five newsreels anc Photographers Local 644, IATSE which were begun late last week ai the office of Pat Casey, producers labor representative, will be concludec by heads of the newsreels here follow-( ing Casey's departure for the Coas'j last night. , The photographers asked a 30 pei- cent wage increase, a $20,000 insur-f ance policy for every man assigned tr a war zone and numerous adjustment' of working conditions. It is reporter they are being offered the same 1( per cent increase given Holly wooc studio unions recently. CBS Publicity Man Diei David C. Teague, 29, a member "I the CBS publicity staff, died here yes- terday. He was a Chicago newspa- perman before joining CBS 5s months ago. MOTION PICTURE DAILY L. 51. NO. 24 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1942 TEN CENTS Banks, CFI and U. A. to Finance Selznick Prod. $3,150,000 Additional to U.A.'s $450,000 Hollywood, Feb. 3. — Bankers Trust Company of New York, the Security First National Bank of Los Angeles and Consolidated Film Laboratories, besides United Art- ists Corp., will figure in the financ- ing of David O. Selznick Produc- tions' new films for United Artists •release, it is reported. The Bankers Trust Company and Security First National, ac- cording to authoritative sources, will provide about $3,000,000 and U. A. about $450,000, while con- solidated Film Laboratories is to provide about $150,000 in a cash loan. The banking syndicate, namely Bankers Trust and Security First Na- {Continued on page 7) Capital Talks Weigh U.S. Decree Change W ashington, Feb. 3. — Effects of ::lie consent decree on exhibition and • :he prospects of changes materializir.? in the sales provisions of the decree .\ere discussed here today by Harry Brandt, president of the New York Independent Theatre Owners Associa- .ion, with Robert L. Wright, head of he Department of Justice special film jnit. Brandt was accompanied by Milton Z. Weisman, counsel to the ITOA. Asserting that a number of exhib- tors have been "dropping in" to see (Continued on page 7) RKO CircuitRealigns Booking Department The RKO Theatres film booking lepartment will function in the future vith Max Fellerman in charge of netropolitan New York bookings and "iarold Mirisch supervising all out- >f-town bookings, Charles W. Koer- ler, general manager of the circuit, nnounced yesterday. | Fellerman previously had charge of -cokings for the entire circuit, with dirisch as his assistant. Both func- tion under Edward L. Alperson, di- ector of the film booking depart- ment. Stockholders Give Loew's Management Vote of Confidence The management of Loew's, Inc., headed by Nicholas M. Schenck, president, was given a vote of "confidence and gratitude" by the annual meet- ing of the com- pany's stock- holders held at the home office yesterday. All directors of the company were reelected for another year at the meeting, with- out dissenting votes or other n o m i n a - tions, and all officers of the company were reelected at the board meeting which followed. C. C. Moskowitz, in charge of metropolitan theatre operations; Jo- seph Vogel, in charge of out-of-town theatre operations, and Howard Dietz, advertising and publicity director, were elected vice-presidents at the board meeting. J. Robert Rubin, vice-president and general counsel, presided at the stock- (Continued on page 7) 'Wild Wind' to Be Sold Separately "Reap the Wild Wind," Paramount film which has been designated as the com- pany's "30th Anniversary Pic- ture," will be sold separately, Neil F. Agnew, vice-president in charge of distribution, an- nounced yesterday after the picture had been screened for home office executives and theatre operators. New York and Hollywood premieres are being planned for the Cecil B. DeMille production, Agnew said. N. M. Schmck Report McCarthy to Pan-American Unit Washington, Feb. 3. — Charles E. McCarthy, former advertising and publicity director of 20th Century- Fox Film Corp., it is reported, will shortly be actively associated as press chief for the John Hay Whitney branch of the Office of Coordinator of Commercial and Cultural Relations Between the American Republics. Ascap Completes Reorganization of Branch Office Setup Completion of a reorganization of all Ascap branch offices to place them under direct supervision of John G. Paine, general manager, was an- nounced yesterday. All independent lawyer - representative offices have been eliminated. The new setup is composed of 20 branch offices, divided into four geo- graphical districts with a supervisor in charge of each district. A number of promotions and transfers have been made and all offices are now operated by employes of Ascap, it was said. The Western district is supervised by Robert J. Powers, who has charge of four branch offices. These are Den- ver, managed by Harry O. Berg- kamp ; Portland, Herman Kenin ; San Francisco, Harry A. Levinson, and Hollywood, which will be managed by Powers. R. W. Rome supervises the Midwestern district, which in- cludes Minneapolis, with Dwain M. Ewing as manager ; Detroit, Gros- (Continued on page 8) NAB Code Group Meets Friday on Commercials Used in Newscasts Washington, Feb. 3. — The National Association of Broadcasters today announced a special meeting of its code compliance com- mittee will be held here Friday on improvement of radio adver- tising in connection with war news broadcasts. NAB policy is that news should never be used as a springboard for commercials. The importance of Friday's meeting is high- lighted by the fact that news broadcasts, as a group, have been found by surveys to be radio's most popular features. Members of the code committee are Earl J. Glade, chairman, Salt Lake City; Edgar L. Bill, Peoria, 111.; Gilson Gray, New York; Hugh A. L. Halff, San Antonio; Henry P. Johnston, Birmingham; Janet Macrorie, New York; William B. Quarton, Cedar Rapids, la.; Edney Ridge, Greensboro, N. C, and Calvin J. Smith, Los An- geles. Phila. Blackout CutsBox-office By 10 Per Cent Thousands Remain Home For 15-Min. Test By M. H. ORODENKER Philadelphia, Feb. 3. — Film box-offices were off about 10 per cent throughout this evening in the entire Philadelphia area, according to the managers, as thousands re- mained in their homes for the great- est practice blackout held on the East Coast. The blackout was from 10:30 to 10:45 P. M. A total of 275 theatres in the city and an additional 125 houses in participating counties was affected. Theatre box-of- fices were closed and dark long before the first alert signal was sounded at 10:25 P. M. While business was light beginning with the early supper show, the black- out did not have the depressing effect (Continued on page 7) N.Y. Blackout Bill Protects Theatres Albany, Feb. 3. — Of importance to theatres and places of public assembly in a bill introduced to implement the . Governor's defense recommendations is a section granting immunity from liability during blackouts, air raid drills and the like. Another bill would permit municipali- ties to acquire by purchase or lease property "for the protection of citizens against attack." Both bills supplement Governor Lehman's suggestions cover- (Continued on page 7) To Be or Not to Be' Release on March 6 The world premiere of "To Be or Not To Be," the new United Artists production starring the late Carole Lombard and Jack Benny, has been set for Feb. 19 in three Los Angeles theatres, Gradwell L. Sears, vice- president in charge of distribution, an- nounced yesterday. - Nation-wide openings of the pic- ture are being set for March 6, and among these will be several involving two-theatre engagements in a single city. Theatres selected for the Los Angeles premiere are Loew's State, Grauman's Chinese and Carthay Circle. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 4, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 3 FREELANCE publicity agents mobilized formally today to aid the industry's war effort and named Victor Shapiro as delegate to the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and Radio. Jack Mel- vin was named temporary secretary of the freelancers' committee at the session, which was addressed by Fred W. Beetson, chairman, and Kenneth Thomson, Vice-Chairman of the Vic- tory Committee ; I. B. Kornblum, of Equity and Theatre Authority, and Jock Lawrence of the Producers' As- sociation. • John Helms, regional director of the ninth area, Office of Civilian De- fense, said today he would recom- mend to Washington executives that the pattern of the Los Angeles The- atre Defense Bureau be adopted for a national organization. The bu- reau was the first to be formed in the United States. • The third picture of the Frank Lloyd-Jack Skirball production com- bination for Universal release was announced today as "The Invisible Spy." George Waggner, will be as- sociate producer. The unit now has "The Spoilers" and "Saboteur" in work for Universal. • Louis D. Lighton, for the last three years producer at M-G-M, resigned today to devote his full time to cattle ranching in Arizona. • Twentieth-Century-Fox today an- nounced the purchase from Warners of the story titled "Annabelle Lee," to be retitled "The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe," and plans to feature Linda Darnell and John Shepperd in the top roles. Bryan Foy will pro- duce. Love joy Named Trustee Rochester, Feb. 3. — Frank W. Lovejoy, board chairman of Eastman Kodak Co., has been reelected a trus- tee of the Eastman Dental Dispen- sary. Personal Mention NATE J. BLUMBERG, Universal president, is expected back from the Coast early next week. • Emerson Yorke left yesterday for Washington. • Dan Terrell, head of the Loew publicity staff in Washington, and Mrs. Terrell, have left for a vacation at Sun Valley, Idaho. • Carl Singer, publicity manager for Waxmann Theatres, Atlantic City, and Eleanor Stoller have announced their engagement. e Anne Craftsow of Paramount's Philadelphia exchange, and Private Bernard Aberson, formerly with Warner Theatres there, were married on Monday. LOUIS PHILLIPS, Paramount at- torney, plans to leave for Florida at the end of the week. • John H. Harris of Pittsburgh has recovered from a recent fall. • Morris Finkel, Pittsburgh exhib- itor, is the father of a son, Jan, born last week. • Stanley Hand of Altec Service has returned from the South and Midwest. • Harry L. Moller, manager of the Daw Theatre, Tappahannock, Va., has been named president of the local Lion's Club. • James Connell, manager of the Cinema, Atlantic City, has recovered from an operation. Charter Members of Chicago Tent Named A charter has been granted for the formation of a Variety Club tent in Chicago. Following is a list of char- ter members, as released yesterday by the National Variety Club; John Bal- aban, Jules Rubens, Henri Ehnan, Walter Immerman, Jack Osserman, Sam Gorelick, Nate Piatt, Joseph Kaufman, Sam Shirley, W. E. Ban- ford, Charles Stern, Sid Spiegel, Sid Rose, Jack Donahue, Alex Halperin, Barney Rose, Phil Dunas, Clyde Eck- hardt, Edward Grossman, Henry Stickelmaier, David Wallerstein and J. Charles Hirsch. Conn. House to Loew's Norwich, Conn., Feb. 3. — The Loew-Poli Broadway here has been taken over by Loew's following the expiration of a Warner lease, and will be remodeled and reopened Feb. 20. Joseph S. Boyle, formerly assistant at Loew's State, Syracuse, has been named manager. Ed Dowden of the Loew publicity staff, is assisting Harry Shaw and Lou Brown of Loew-Poli on the opening campaign. a :< ;< :< :< :< a :< a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a I a a a a a a a a a a a n a 20th CENTURY-FOX ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW TRADE SHOW DATES FOR INDIANAPOLIS EXCHANGE TERRITORY FEB. 9 at 10 A.M. FEB. 10 at 10 A.M. ' CASTLE IN THE DESERT & 'ON THE SUNNY SIDE" & ROXIE HART" "NIGHT BEFORE THE DIVORCE' & "SONG OF THE ISLANDS" at the ARTCRAFT THEATRE FRANKLIN, INDIANA Honor Birthday of Harry Arthur, Sr. Anaheim, Cal., Feb. 3.— Harry C. Arthur, Sr., was honored at a surprise testimonial birthday party at the Elks Club recently by 100 friends on his 78th birthday. The lead editorial in the Anaheim Bulletin was devoted to a eulogy of Arthur's civic activities and philanthropies during the 13 years he has been here. He is manager of the Fox Theatre, and a past president of the local Chamber of Commerce. He is the father of Harry C. Arthur, Jr., vice-president and gen- eral manager of Fanchon & Marco, and Milton Arthur, also an F. & M. official, and the grandfather of Harry Chester Arthur II of Camelot Farms, near Peekskill, N. Y., now in training in the U. S. Navy air force. Douglas Will Head OCD Arts Council Washington, Feb. 3. — Correcting an erroneous announcement, the Office of Civilian Defense today said that Melvyn Douglas, film player, will be director of the Arts Council of the OCD information division, instead of director of information, as was an- nounced yesterday. The latter post has not yet been filled. Essaness Closes For Para. Product Chicago, Feb. 3.— Essaness Thea- tres, neighborhood circuit here, has closed with Paramount for all avail- able product for its 27 theatres, it was said here today. UNIVERSITY FILM PRODUCTIONS, INC. Edward A. Golden, President Announce the Acquisition of "EDUCATION FOR DEATH" By Gregor Ziemer To be made into a motion picture under the title of "HITLER'S CHILDREN" Newsreel Parade HP HE newsreels unanimously treat- ■*■ ed the celebration of the Presi- dent's 60th birthday as the outstand- ing _ news event on the home front, while abroad they all gave attention to the return of Prime Minister Church- ill and a battle in the Mediterranean ■ i between sea and air forces. The com tents : \ MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 43— President's birthday celebrated. Battle between Axis Plane and British ship in Mediterranean. Churchill returns home. Boys urged to turn out model planes. Quads celebrate third birthday in Galveston, Tex. Snow fashions. Miami amateur golf tournament. England vs. Scotland in soccer game Skating races at la Crosse, Wis. Water skiing off Miami. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 241-Air bat- tle at sea in Mediterranean. President's i birthday celebrated. Churchill back in Lon- J don. Atlanta convicts praised for war work. . Pearl Harbor widows work in California plane factories. Water skiing in Florida. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 46.— Roose- velt's birthday celebrated. Guard against tire thefts in Seattle. Atlanta convicts praised for war work. Pearl Harbor widows in _ coast plane factories. Torpedoed freighter reaches dry dock on Pacific Coast. Survivors of torpedoed boat reach Puerto Rico. Lieut. Alexander Nininger, Philippine hero. Turkey prepares for war. Churchill returns to England. British ship downs Nazi plane m Mediterranean. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 46.-Presi- dent's birthday celebrated. Mediterranean fight between plane and warship. Churchill returns from U. S. War widows in Cali- fornia plane factories. New Zealand's Min- ister in the United States. Convicts lauded for war work. Ski fashions shown in New Hampshire. Water skiing off Miami. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 55- Celebrate Roosevelt's birthday. Mediterra- nean fight between plane and warship Churchill reaches England. New Zealand Minister greeted in Washington. Torpe- doed freighter repaired on West Coast. Atlanta convicts win praise for war effort War widows in California plane plants. [ Quads have third birthday in Galveston. England vs. Scotland on soccer field Wa- I ter skiing in Miami. Ice skating in La Crosse, Wis. Seek No Change in Peru Trade Treaty Washington, Feb. 3. — The treat- ment now accorded American films by 1 Peru is entirely satisfactory and no changes in the proposed reciprocal trade agreement which would disturb the existing situation are desired by the industry, Carl E. Milliken, MPPDA secretary, told the Commit- tee on Reciprocity Information at a hearing here today. ! MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, J New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. J Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco. London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. '1 INTRODUCING WOMAN OF THE YEAR tO THE BOYS! 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 4, 1941 Reviews "Song of the Islands" (20th Century -Fox) Hollyivood, Feb. 3 T T'S Betty Grable and Victor Mature, it's Technicolor and it's Ha- *• waiian, which is what the young folk for whom it is designed will want to know first about this item in the 20th Century-Fox sequence of musicals. It has Jack Oakie, Thomas Mitchell, George Barbier, Billy Gilbert, Lillian Porter, Hal K. Dawson and the imported and ponderous Milo Hattie as additional inducements to attendance, and it's got Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiians in charge of six musical numbers by Mack Gordon and Owens, plus dances which run the gamut of hula variations under direction of Hermes Pan. It's an eyeful and frequently an earful and in many sections it's a load of laughs. It moves fast and it makes merry on all occasions, whether with slapstick, gagline, dropped coconut or thrown vegetable matter. Dignity is not in it nor intended to be, and it's for fun in all directions. It's a production by William Le Baron directed by Walter Lang from a script put together by Joseph Schrank, Robert Pirosh, Robert Ellis and Helen Loman. Miss Gable's fans can be informed that she dances a lot, sings a lot, displays a lot, acts some and comes to romantic grips now and again with Victor Mature. Running time, 75 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams "Night Before the Divorce" (20th Century-Fox) A N offering in a minor key, this film puts the accent on comedy, but bogs down through too repetitious plot structure which results in an unimaginative and not too entertaining picture. An adaptation from a play by Gina Kaus and Ladislaus Fodor, it has all the earmarks of a marital comedy play transplanted to the screen, and in consequence lacking the movement essential to screen material. The story concerns a wife, Lynn Bari, whose competence in every- thing so annoys her husband, Joseph Allen, Jr., that he is brought to the verge of divorce. The other woman in the case is Mary Beth Hughes ; Truman Bradley is the detective friend who succeeds by trickery in can- celling the divorce, and Nils Asther has a minor part as a band leader with whom Miss Bari pretends to be infatuated, as part of her attempt to recapture her husband. The cast works hard against the obstacle of weak material. Jerry Sackheim is credited with the screenplay, Ralph Dietrich pro- duced and Robert Siodmak directed. Running time, 65 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson "Code of the Outlaw" (Republic) A LTHOUGH handled in no unusual fashion, this yarn, centering about a youngster who alone knows the whereabouts of hidden loot, has more plot than the average western. Riding and fighting action is present in sufficient quantity to satisfy the western fan. The "Three Mesquiteers" have top billing, but the picture's important figure is the youngster, Bennie Bartlett, who does well with his assign- ment. In the story, his father is killed after a payroll robbery. The "Mes- quiteers"— Bob Steele, Tom Tyler and Rufe Davis — and a member of the late outlaws' gang, Dortald Curtis, seek to learn the hiding place of the money. The trio adopt the boy and win his friendship, but, when about to divulge his secret, he suspects their kindness. Curtis turns up, obtains the payroll, and attempts to make a quick exit. The "Mesqui- teers" catch up, Bartlett realizes his mistrust and a fourth "Mesquiteer" is added. John English directed. Running time, 65 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel 'Boots' Pulls Neat $19,500, Frisco's High San Francisco, Feb. 3. — "They Died With Their Boots On" at the Fox, soared to $19,500. "Hellazapop- pin" and "Ellery Queen and the Mur- der Ring" opened to $12,900 at the Orpheum. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 26-28 : "Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Fiesta" (U. A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $7,500) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (44c-49c-59e) 7 days, 4th week, itage: Vaudeville. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $15,000) "Heliazapoppin" (Univ.) "Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring" (Col.) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (15c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $12,900. (Average, $8,000) "Tney Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) FOX— (5,000) (15c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $19,500. (Average, $16,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (20th-Fox) WAKFIELD— (2,680) (15c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $12,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (15c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. (Moved over from Fox.) Gross: $5,200. (Average, $4,500) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) PARAMOUNT— (2,740) (15c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $11,500) "40 Thousand Horsemen" (Foreign) CLAY— (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days. Gross: $1,400. (Average, $1,000) Says IndpVs Union to Seek Inspection Law Indianapolis, Feb. 3. — James A. Watson, attorney for Local B-35, Film Exchange Union, whose mem- bers were discharged by the nine local exchanges last week, said that an or- dinance will be introduced in the City Council requiring the exchanges to inspect film here. Film inspectors were among the ex- change employes discharged. Film shipments to the Indianapolis ex- change territory now are being made by five nearby exchange cities where, distributors say, the films are now inspected. Local B-35 was suspended from the IATSE as a result of its conduct in the course of negotiations with the distributors. Unable because of their master agreement with the IA to deal with a suspended union, the exchanges offered their B-35 employes work at other branches. The local now is en- deavoring to obtain its reinstatement. The Indiana State Labor Division has attempted to iron out the dis- pute but no meetings between the par- ties have been held and none appear to be definitely scheduled. Theatre Veteran Dies Mansfield, O., Feb. 3.— W. A. Partello, 68, former legitimate, vaude- ville and circus performer, and later manager of the Majestic, Grand and old Opera House here, died in Mans- field Hospital after a six-week ill- ness. His widow and one son survive. Walker,0' Lear y AidC hest Scranton, Pa., Feb. 3. — Postmaster General Frank C. Walker and John J. O'Leary, general manager of the Comerford Circuit, have been re- elected trustees of the Community Chest here. * "G" denotes general classification. No Word on Italy Grab of Para, Firm Paramount home office officials said yesterday they had received no official notification that Paramount Films of Italy had been taken over by the alien property custodian in Rome, as re- ported in news dispatches from Berne. Paramount has shipped no films to Italy for several years and its phy- sical property there is confined to only a small number of prints and the Italian lira that has been blocked for years, the company's foreign depart- ment officials stated. Raises Sunday Price Hamilton, O., Feb. 3. — The Para- mount, largest of the three local Northio units, has advanced its Sun- day evening orchestra price from 45 to 50 cents. Sunday balcony admis- sions have been increased from 30 to 33 cents for matinee, and from 33 to 40 cents evenings. Named PRC Salesman Charles Howard has been named a salesman for Producers Releasing Corp. in Minneapolis by Charles M. Weiner, franchise holder. 'Night' Leads ] Philadelphia I With$19,00C| Philadelphia, Feb. 3. — "Alfjl Through the Night" at the Stanle'J led with $19,000. "The Corsica ;| Brothers" gave the Boyd $18,000. - Estimated receipts for the wjffjl ending Jan. 27-30 : "Haw Green Was My Valley" (20th-FoxJ ALDINE— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) j days, 4th week. Gross: $10,500. (Averagfl $9,000) "H. M. Pulhatn, Esq." (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) I days, 2nd week, 2nd run. Gross: $3,8CX (Average, $2,600) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) days. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $13,000) "Cadet Girl" (ZOth-Fox) EARLE— (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) days. Vaudeville including Eddie Bracker 1 Louis Prima's orchestra, Sol Marcus, Leo 'I Prima, Lily Ann Carroll, Roy Davis, Burn I Twins & Evelyn. Gross: $17,000. (Averagi I $14,000) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) FAY'S— (2,190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-57c) days. Vaudeville including Boots Burns ,1 Britt Wood, Maude Hilton & Co., Falls ; I Reading & Boyce, Martin Bros., Gae Fos I ter's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra I Gross: $6,200. (Average, $6,900) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) FOX— (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days'fl 3rd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $13,000 I •The Prime Minister" (W. B.) KARLTON— (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) i! days. Gross: $2,500. (Average, $3,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.i, KEITH'S — (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) * days, 2nd week, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000 1 (Average, $4,500) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) \ days. Gross: $19,000. (Average. $14,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" M-G-M) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) I days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average' $4,500) 9 New Pictures Are Approved by Legion The National Legion of DecencjF this week has approved nine of 1( new films, six for general patronagi and three for adults, while one hasj been classed as objectionable in part'' The new films and their classification follow : Class A-l, Unobjectionable foil General Patronage — "Billy the Kic-J Trapped," "Bullets for Bandits,' "Frisco Lil," "Mississippi Gambler,' "Torpedo Boat," "A Yank on thej Burma Road." Class A-2, Unobjec- tionable for Adults — "Fly by Night,'J "The Man who Returned to Life,'* "The Strange Case of Dr. X.' Class B, Objectionable in Part — "Thd Lady Has Plans." Zucker President Of Cleveland Cluty Cleveland, Feb. 3. — Lester Zuckeij has assumed office as chief barker of the Cleveland Variety Club. He suc^ ceeded Bert Stearn, who left recently after promotion by United Artists. Others who took office with Zucker were Harry H. Goldstein and Charles; Albert, first and second assistant chief! barkers, respectively ; Edwin R. Berg-i man, secretary, and I. J. Schwartz reelected treasurer. Aid St. Louis Bond Sale 1 St. Louis, Feb. 3. — Pat O'Brien, Carol Bruce and Patricia Morisoi stopped off for three hours in St, Louis last Sunday, to sell defense stamps and bonds. WALT DISNEY for l NEW The Donald Duck U. S. Treasury Department pic- ture, which every exhibi- tor in America will be proud to play, and which will help gross billions of dollars for Uncle Sam. RKO RADIO PICTURES Distributed under the aus- pices of the War Activities Committee, Motion Picture Industry, by National Screen Service, Herman Robbins, president. © Walt Disney Productions Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 4, 1942 j 'Marines' and Gray $22,000 Boston Draw Boston, Feb. 3.— Stage shows fea- tured the top grosses. "Call Out the Marines" plus a stage show including Glen Gray and his orchestra and Connie Boswell grossed $22,000 at the Keith Boston. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 28-30: "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) KEITH BOSTON— (2,697) (30c-40c-44c- 55c -65c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Glen Gray and orchestra featuring Kenny Ser- geant and Connie Boswell. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $8,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) KEITH MEMORIAL— (2.907) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. 4th week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $15,500) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) METROPOLITAN — (4,367) (30c-40c-50c- 75c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Harry James and his orchestra featuring Helen Forrest, Virginia Austin and Pat O'Brien. Gross: $24,500. (Average, $15,500) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "Down in San Diego" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (1,797) (28c-30c-40c-44c- 55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $7,500) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "Down in San Diego" (M-G-M) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) "Confirm or Deny" (20th-Fox) "Lydia" (U. A.) SCOLLAY — (2,500) (28c-30c-40c-44c-S5c) 7 days, 3rd run. Gross: $3,100. (Average, $4 000) "two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) "Confessions of Boston Blackie" (Col.) LOEWS STATE— (3,000) (30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $17,900. (Average, $12,000) "Two-Faced Woman," (M-G-M) "Confessions of Boston Blackie" (Col.) LOEWS ORPHEUM— (2,900) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $18,900. (Average, $17,500) 'Boots' Is Omaha's Winner With $5,800 Omaha, Feb. 3. — Theatre grosses took an upswing here. "They Died With Their Boots On" at the Bran- deis drew $5,800. The weather was clear and warm. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 27-28 : "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $5,800. (Average, $4,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Cadet Girl" (20th-Fox) OMAHA— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,100. (Average, $6,000) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (40c-55c-65c) 7 days. Stage: Ink Spots and Erskine Hawkins or- chestra. Gross: $15,400. (Average, $14,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) 3rd Week "Unfinished Business" (Univ.) 2nd week PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $4,000) Club Sponsors Show St. Louis, Feb. 3.— "The Roller Follies of 1942," described as the world's first professional roller skat- ing musical show, opens an indefinite engagement at the St. Louis Munici- pal Auditorum tomorrow under the sponsorshp of the Variety Club. The cast of more than 50 has been re- hearsed by Gae Foster. The show previously played Cleveland. Fined for Crowded Aisles Ottawa, Feb. 3. — For allowing the aisles and passageways of the Im- perial Theatre here to be overcrowd- ed, the management was fined $40 and costs in City Magistrate's Court. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, Feb. 3 Tp IGHT literary properties were purchased by Hollywood studios last *-* week, and three of them had themes encompassing World War II. Republic bought the three war stories and one other, being the most active in the literary market. "Suicide Squadron," original by Douglas Darrow of the Polish fliers in the RAF; "Yanks Over Singa- pore," story of American fliers aiding the defense of Malaya ; and "The Fly- ing Tigers," by Charles M. Ross, dealing with American fliers in the Chinese army, are the three military stories. An original by Charles G. Booth, "Eleven Were Brave," was purchased for Don Barry, who will be placed in features as well as west- erns by Republic. Columbia acquired the rights to "The American Way," by George Kaufman and Moss Hart, and signed George Stevens to produce and direct it. Warners bought "The Edge of Darkness," novel by William Woods, from galley proofs. M-G-M purchased "Gentle Annie," MacKinlay Kantor story of frontier days, and "The First Sob Sister," by Jack Pollexfen. • • M-G-M has given William Lud- wig, writer, a new contract . . . Pa- tricia Morison will support Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake in Paramount's "I Married a Witch." Lucile Fairbanks and William Henry have been cast to support Edmund Lowe in Monogram's "Klondike Victory." . . . Jerome Cowan, Robert Barrat, Mala and Francis McDonald have been cast in support of Ray Middleton and Jean Parker in Republic's "Girl from Alaska." . . . Walter Bren- nan and Dan Duryea join the "Pride of the Yankees" cast for Gold- wyn. • • S. Sylvan Simon's next direc- torial task at M-G-M will be "Once Upon a Thursday." . . . Irving Cum- mings has been retained to direct another Paramount picture. He guided "Louisiana Purchase." . . . John Huston will direct "Across the Pacific," formerly titled "Aloha Means Goodbye," at Warners. Humphrey Bogart will star. . . . Gregory Ratoff has signed Patrick Owens, former University of Mis- souri football star, to a role in 20th Century-Fox's "Down to the Sea in Ships." • • Universal has signed the Ritz Brothers for three pictures a year. . . . Lynn Bari will appear opposite Henry Fonda and Don Ameche in "The Magnificent Jerk," 20th Century-Fox. . . . Support of Robert Stack and Diana Barrymore in Universal- Wanger's "Eagle Equadron" will include Evelyn Ankers, John Loder, Lief Erickson, Eddie Al- bert and Nigel Bruce. • • Bryan Foy has writer George Bricker working on a story "Little Tokio, U.S.A." . . . Clarence Brown, M-G-M director, is leaving that studio to freelance. . . . Sam Coslow has been signed by Paramount to produce a series of 12 musical shorts for next year. . . . John Archer gets the romantic lead in "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," the remake, at Paramount. . . . Rudy Vallee has been set by Paramount for "Happy Go Lucky." • • William Holden, Frances Dee and Marguerite Chapman top the cast of Columbia's "Something Bor- rowed," which Alfred Green will direct and Robert Sparks produce. . . . John Loder has been given a term contract at Warners. . . . Lewis Milestone, director, is assured of a long stay at Warners under his new contract. . . . Columbia plans a sequel to "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," to be titled "Hell Bent for Mr. Jordan." 'Havana' and Show Lead Minneapolis Minneapolis, Feb. 3. — "Week-End in Havana" with a stage show grossed $17,500 at the Orpheum to lead a week of good receipts. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 31 : "Week-End in Havana" (Fox) ORPHEUM— (2,800) (28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days. With Clyde McCoy orchestra on stage, Condos Bros., Carroll & Howe, Adri- ana & Charlie. Gross: $17,500. (Average, $5,500) "The Little Foxes" (RKO) STATE — (2,300) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $6,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) CENTURY— (1,600) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,000) "New Wine" (U. A.) WORLD — (350) (28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $2,300. (Average, $1,600) "Wild Geese Calling" (Fox) GOPHER— (998) (28c) 7 days. Gross: $3,400. (Average, $2,900) "Dressed to Kill" (Fox) 3 days "Jail House Blues" (Univ.) 3 days "Riders of the Purple Sage" (Fox) 4 days "Weekend for Three" (RKO) 4 days ASTOR— (900) (17c-28c) 7 days. Gross: $2,400. (Average, $1,600) 'Dinner9 at $9,500 Indianapolis Best Indianapolis, Feb. 3. — "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and "Steel Against the Sky" did $9,500 at the Indiana. The weather was mild. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 28-29 : "Confirm or Deny" (Zsal which will be discussed at a int meeting Feb. 10. j raumont Unit Seeks i Stoll Circuit Control I. London, Feb. 3. — General Theatres ■ orp., a subsidiary of Gaumont-Brit- is negotiating for control of the I :oll Theatres Circuit. The latter is a ■ "cuit of 14 vaudeville and legitimate ■ eatres with a capital of £2,100,000 ■ ipproximately $8,400,000). Film Row in Phila. Is Facing Ouster Philadelphia, Feb. 3.— The local Film Row seems des- tined to be forced to seek other quarters. The City Council has approved an or- dinance calling for the widen- ing of Vine Street into a six- lane approach to the Dela- ware River Bridge. The pro- ject will cost about $8,000,000. Capital Talks Weigh U.S. Decree Change (Continued from page 1) Wright since his report on the first year of the decree was made public, Department spokesmen said there was no special significance in today's meeting. Wright said there have been no new developments in the situation as a result of the exhibitor confer- ences. Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president, was here last weekend and is believed to have been another of the Wright callers. [Motion Picture Daily re- ported exclusively on Jan. 30 and Feb. 2 that national exhibitor leaders had requested meetings with Wright to discuss possible amendments to the decree and cither phases of its provisions, as a result of the disclosure in his report that the Department is dis- satisfied with the first year's re- sults under the decree and has considered the possibility of amending it.] It is believed that exhibitor lead- ers are particularly interested in ob- taining Department reaction to sev- eral of the proposals which have been advanced for new sales methods to replace the block-of-five system in the deliberations of the trade practice- subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Industry. Chicago House Files $300,000 Trust Suit Chicago, Feb. 3.— A $300,000 anti- trust suit has been filed in U. S. Dis- trict court here by the Ken Theatre, neighborhood house. The action charges 20th Century- Fox, RKO, Universal, Columbia, United Artists, Schoenstadt & Sons, local circuit operators, and Arthur Schoenstadt with conspiring to pre- vent the Ken from obtaining pictures within a reasonable time after their release. According to Alvin Landis, counsel for the Ken, the consent decree offers the plaintiff no relief. To Honor Mahan in Albany Next Monday _ New Haven, Feb. 3. — Representa- tives of all branches of the industry in this state will gather at the Hotel Taft next Monday for a testimonial dinner to J. Roger Mahan, Warner manager here for the past two years, recently promoted to New York man- ager. At the same time, Philip Sherman, new manager at New Haven, and directing the Toronto branch for the past three years, will be welcomed. Barney Pitkin is chair- man of the dinner. Stockholders Give Loew's Management Vote of Confidence (Continued from page 1) holders' meeting and Leopold Fried- man, secretary, assisted. In response to an inquiry by a stockholder, Rubin reported that the following sums had been paid officials of the company for 1940 in accordance with the percentage of compensation arrangements included in their contracts : Rubin, $100,308; David Bernstein, $122,522; Schenck, $204,204; Ben Thau, $60,989; Al Lichtman, $91,484; Hunt Stromberg, $77,409; Sam Katz, $121,979; E. J. Mannix, $121,979; Louis B. Mayer, $548,425 ; Lawrence Weingarten, $30,494; Harry Rapf, $30,494, and B. H. Hyman, $30,494. An inquiry by a stockholder con- cerning the Browne-Bioff case went unanswered by Rubin on the grounds that comment would be improper while the case is still before the courts. There were approximately 1,250,000 shares of stock, both common and preferred, represented at the meeting. Carter Barron, Loew's Washington representative, was commended by a shareholder for his work on behalf of the industry there, and was de- scribed as the "industry's best ambas- sador." British Reels See Censorship Plan London, Feb. 3. — Brendan Bracken, Minister of Information, today dis- cussed with heads of the English newsreel companies what was officially described as "improvement of news- reel service." However, observers are of the opinion that the Ministry is sending out "feelers" looking to news- reel censorship. Bracken advised the newsreels that "technical experts" now in the Minis- try are available for consultation, which was suggested. It is believed in some quarters that the newsreels feel this to be an opening wedge toward censorship and are unlikely to accept the suggestion. Raw Stock Demand Rises in England London, Feb. 3. — Although mem- bers of the Kinematograph Renters' Society, following an appeal from the raw stock manufacturers for economy, had decided to cut down consumption of film, demands for stock actually increased during December. The rise is felt by distributors here to be due to the excessive demands of the Ministry of Information and the services film units. Meanwhile the Ministry of Supply have asked the distributors to be less generous in their use of paper, par- ticularly on campaign sheets sent to exhibitors. Golden to Produce 'Hitler's Children' Edward A. Golden, president of University Film Productions, Inc., yesterday announced he had acquired screen rights to the book "Education for Death" by Gregor Ziemer. A film will be made under the title, "Hitler's Children," it was said. Ziemer is a commentator for Station WLW, Cin- cinnati. Phila. Blackout CutsBox-office By 10 Per Cent (Continued from page 1) at the box-office that exhibitors first feared it might. The sirens plunged into darkness the nation's fourth largest city and seven surrounding counties of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, embracing a popula- tion of 3,000,000. The metropolitan area is a shipbuilding and war in- dustries center. The theatres were all in readiness. All fronts were darkened and light locks placed on entrances and exits to keep light from escaping to the outside. Theatre advertisements in the news- papers called attention to the black- out rule that no patrons are per- mitted to leave the theatre until the "all-clear" is sounded, and announced programs would be continuous as usual. None of the 10 radio stations in the area was silent, although they will go off the air in an actual raid. In fact, to keep citizens off the streets and informed, the public was told that radios could be played and was urged to tune in WCAU and WFIL between 10 :25 and 10 :45 when de- fense officials described progress of the tests. While the public was warned not to go outdoors unnecessarily during the blackout, the test was instrumen- tal in keeping people at home all evening. Moreover, more than 50,000 persons were on air raid defense duty in Philadelphia, more than 700 on duty in Camden and thousands more in the communities and local areas participating. N.Y. Blackout Bill Protects Theatres (Continued from page 1) ing air raids and the like, as well as recommendations of the State Defense Council and the legislative committee on interstate cooperation. The immunity section in the Delany- Page bill, which is expected to receive approval, whether in its present or amended form, reads : "Neither the State nor a municipal- ity thereof, nor their agents or repre- sentatives, nor any members of a municipal or volunteer agency, nor any individual, partnership, corpora- tion, association, trustee, receiver or any of the agents thereof, in good faith carrying out, complying with or at- tempting to comply with any law or duly promulgated rule, regulation or order relating to blackouts, air raid drills, or other activities connected with protection of the civilian popula- tion from air raids or enemy attack, shall be liable for any injury or death to persons or damage to property as the result of such activity." Blackout violations would be "in- fractions" punishable by a $25 fine or five days in jail, or both. Giving a false air raid alarm, however, would be a misdemeanor as would an act of persons or corporations wilfully violat- ing or disobeying any promulgated rule having the effect of menacing or endangering the security of the civilian s Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 4, 1942 FCC Orders Time Changes on Radio Washington, Feb. 3. — The FCC today took cognizance of wartime daylight saving and notified stations that the times of sunrise and sunset not specified in licenses would be advanced one hour, effec- tive Feb. 9. Following the suggestion of President Roosevelt, the net- works announced yesterday that all publicity releases after Feb. 9 will designate time zones as EWT, CWT, MWT and PWT— the "WT" meaning "war time" instead of standard. Off the Antenna FOR the first time since it joined NBC in 1927, WJZ, now part of the Blue, will have its own manager and its own local sales staff. The pur- pose of the move is to fit its program service more closely to the New York area. John H. McNeil, who joined the NBC sales staff in 1936 and Blue sales in 1940, will be manager. The sales staff will consist of Robert Garver, formerly with WOR ; Gordon Lloyd, formerly with WNEW, and Luellen Stearns, formerly with Reinhold Publishing Co. The Blue will represent the station in the national spot field. WJZ was established in 1921, the first station in New York. • • • Purely Personal: Lyman Bryson, newly appointed, head of the CBS educa- tional department, Davidson Taylor, assistant to the vice-president in charge of broadcasts, and Arthur T. Jersild, CBS consulting psychologist, will be the CBS representatives at the Federal Radio Education Committee meeting in Washington on Monday. . . . Niles Trammell, NBC president, who entered the Roosevelt Hospital last Wednesday for an appendicitis operation, yesterday was reported "out of danger and condition improving ." . . . Arthur Menken, Paramount Newsreel cameraman, will be guest on NBC television Tuesday ivith films on the bombing of Nanking. . . . Four WOR account executives Otis Williams, Thomas Hamilton, Jack Lowe and Robert Mayo, have been awarded bonuses for exceeding their quotas for the last quarter of 1941. . . . Jack Woods and F. Lawson Bennett have joined the WINS sales staff. . . . J. R. Poppele, IVOR chief engineer, will leave Saturday for Florida. • • • Dave Driscoll, WOR director of news and special features, will broad- cast his reactions while donating blood at the American Red Cross Donor Station, Saturday, 2:45-3 P. M. The purpose of the broadcast, it was said, is to prove that there are no ill effects or pain from such experiences. • • • When priorities on glycerine, alcohol and tin forced the Mennen Co. to cancel sponsorship of "Capt. Flagg and Sgt. Quirt," the Blue decided to con- tinue the show as a sustainer. Then, priorities forced Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. to discontinue giveaways of airplanes on "Wings of Destiny" over the Red. So, yesterday, the Red announced that the latter show would be dropped and Brown & Williamson will sponsor "Capt. Flagg and Sgt. Quirt" over the Red, Tuesdays, 10-10:30 P.M. Edmund Lowe will continue as the sergeant but Victor McLaglen will drop out of the program. • • • Program News: Lady Esther, Ltd., has renewed its Monday night period, 10-10:30, over 65 CBS stations. Freddy Martins orchestra will replace the Orson Welles show next week. . . . Smith Bros, is now sponsoring two 15-minute nezvs periods over W ABC instead of three five-minute newscasts. . . . IVOR recording division will place on sale today records of President Roosevelt's request for a declaration of war against Japan and Prime Min- ister Churchill's address to the joint session of Congress. . . . WQXR's, "Treasury of Music" program, heard Mondays through Saturdays 7:30- 8 P.M., has been renewed for three of the nights by Stromberg-Carlson and purchased on the other three by Savarin coffee. • • • Tay Garnett, film producer, has organized Tay Garnett Radio Pro- ductions and will enter the radio field with "Three Sheets to the Wind" over NBC, Sunday, Feb. 15. John Wayne and Helga Moray will play the leading roles. • • • Around the Country: Manuel Avila, announcer on WLWO, the Crosley short-wave station, has been appointed honorary Mexican consul in Cincin- nati. . . . Special Sales, Inc., has been formed by WLW, Cincinnati, to supply trained salesmen to grocery and drug manufacturers who sponsor programs on the stations. . . . Richard B. Biddle, WBAX, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., is recuperating from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. . . . Frederick Russell has joined the WLW continuity staff. • • • WMBG, Richmond, Va., will begin operations with 5,000 watts poiver nights this month, NBC announced yesterday. Dr. Angell of NBC Also to Serve Blue Dr. James Rowland Angell, NBC public service counselor, will serve in a similar capacity for the Blue Network as well, Mark Woods, Blue president, announced yesterday. At the same time, Angell made known the appointment of Thomas D. Rish- worth as director of public service programs for NBC, and Dwight B. Herrick as Rishworth's assistant. Since May, 1941, Rishworth has been assistant director for public service programs for the NBC Eastern divi- sion. Angell also appointed Dr. Harrison B. Summers as director of public ser- vice programs for the Blue, with Grace M. Johnson as his assistant. Summers will work mainly in the East, although he will maintain na- tional supervision of public service programs. William E. Drips was named head of the central division. A Western director will be appointed later this week, Angell said. Summers formerly was director of public service programs for NBC in charge of educational and religious programs in the Eastern division. NAPA Suit Against WPEN Is Dropped Philadelphia, Feb. 3. — The suit brought by the National Association of Performing Artists against WPEN to restrain the station from playing phonograph recordings made by its members, scheduled to come up for trial on Feb. 17 in U. S. District Court here, was dropped by the NAPA. The case has been pending since Feb. 15, 1940. NAPA asked WPEN's agreement to permit the case to be voluntarily discontinued by NAPA without costs and the station agreed with the understanding that it was making no commitments or agree- ments of any kind with respect to its future conduct. Film Editor Joins Birmingham Paper Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 3. — Mir- iam Rosenbloum, film editor of the Chattanooga News-Free Press, has joined the city staff of the Birming- ham Post. Miss Rosenbloum was the Free Press" original theatre editor when it was established as a daily afternoon and Sunday morning paper in 1936. Coin Machine Fee In Milwaukee Seen Milwaukee, Feb. 3. — The proposed licensing of film machines, dormant for the last several months, has been revived with a suggestion for a fee of $10 per year for operators and $25 per year for up to 25 machines for distributors and $2 for each additional machine. The original ordinance proposal also called for the licensing of mer- chandising machines, many of which are located in lobbies of local the- atres. Under the revised ordinance, such machines would not be licensed. Promoted by Agency Doris Jones of the media depart- ment of Weiss & Geller, Inc., has been named assistant media and radio director of the agency, under Sidney G. Alexander. Heads Musician Union Hazleton^ Pa., Feb. 3. — Ray War- ren has been elected president and Joseph Fescina vice-president of the musician's union here. Other officers are: Nick Fescina, financial secretary and treasurer ; Anthony Ferdinand, business agent ; Joseph Capece, Con- rad Benner, Anthony Trombino, Vic- tor Fescina, Bernard Koloski, John Stanziola, Roy Schneider, executive board. Dismisses Damage Suit N. Y. Supreme Court Justice Louis A. Valente has dismissed the $10,000 damage suit of Kurt Pilzer against Loew's, Inc., for failure to state a cause of action, l-'ilzer, as assignee of Walter Reisch Film Gesellschaft, Austrian film company, claimed that Loew's purchased the film "Silhouet- ten" in 1936 and failed to pay for it. Ascap Completes Reorganization of Branch Office Setup (Continued from page 1) ner & Burak ; St. Louis, Frank H Hemby ; Cleveland, Edward A. Sher- wood ; Des Moines, John C. Wooden, and Chicago, which will be managed by Rome. I. T. Cohen supervises fo«j- branches in the Southern district, M eluding Dallas, managed by Philip CC Alexander ; New Orleans, Stanley Shepard ; Cincinnati, Samuel Feld- man, and Atlanta, managed by Cohen. F. C. Erdman supervises six branches in the Eastern district, including Bos- ton, Samuel Berkett ; Philadelphia, H. A. Brown ; New York, Erdman ; Pittsburgh, William J. O'Brien, Jr.; Baltimore, Arthur Rothkranz, and Rochester, Lawrence B. Schlums. Radio to Assist in Canada Loan Drive Montreal, Feb. 3. — Every station in Canada will be organized for the! most complete and expensive radio coverage ever attempted in the Do- minion to provide the radio back- ground for the second Victory Loan campaign starting the middle of this month, according to the Victory Loan Provincial Committee, which made its plans known here. Starting Feb. 9, six different radio series in English and an equal num- ber in French will be presented over individual stations and national net- works for the duration of the cam- paign. In addition to these national series, special radio programs will be developed by provincial and metropol- itan committees. In Montreal and Quebec province, dramatic, musical and speakers' programs are being' set. Permits Sought for Two New Stations Washington, Feb. 3. — Construc- tion permits have been asked of the F.C.C. by KTOP, Inc., for a new, 1,400-kilocycle, 250-watt station at: Topeka, Kan., and Charles F. Eden for a 730-kilocycle, 1,000-watt day. station at Providence. Applications also were received from Stations WIOD, Miami, for in- crease of day power from 5,000 to 10,000 watts, and KTSW, Emporia, Kan., for change of frequency from 1,400 to 1,490 kilocycles. St. Louis Municipal Opera Opens June 2 St. Louis, Feb. 3. — The Municipal Opera, large outdoor theatre in St. Louis, will go on as usual this Sum- mer despite the war and Daylight Saving time, officials have announced. The season will open June 2 and con- tinue through Aug. 30. The difficulty presented by Daylight Saving time will be overcome by moving up the opening time of 8:15 P.M., and reduc- ing the intermission periods. FPC to Pay Dividend Toronto, Feb. 3. — A dividend of 25 cents per common share has been de- clared by Famous Players Canadian Corp., payable Feb. 27. Alert. to the^J Picture Industry tion MOTION PICTURE DAILY Accurate and Impartial 51. NO. 25 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1942 TEN CENTS 39 Income of 168 Producers $254,370,000 S1J2,279,000 Gross for 2,056 Theatre Firms Washington, Feb. 4. — A total of (■8 film producing companies of all itinds had aggregate receipts of $254,- [570,000 and net income of $26,615,000 « 1939, the Treasury Department re- ported today. These companies were arms which had net income subject io Federal taxes on business in that pear. The 168 companies were out of a •otal of 616 producing firms of all lassifications. The Department also aported that 2,056 out of 3,995 the- _tre corporations had net income sub- ject to tax in 1939. The theatre corporations which paid tax had aggregate receipts of §442,279,000 and net income of $43,263,000, paying in- come taxes of $6,399,000 and ex- cess profits taxes of $38,000, and paid dividends amounting to $22,812,000. The producers reported on paid in- line taxes of $3,818,000 and excess 'profits taxes of $15,000 on their 1939 (Continued on pane 5) •yet 8 UA Releases For Next 14 Weeks Carl Leserman, general sales inana- tr of United Artists, yesterday an- ounced the release dates of eight pict- ures for the period from Feb. 6 to rlay 15. The schedule for the 14- eek period follows : "The Shanghai Gesture," Feb. 6 ; Heliotrope Harry," Feb. 27 ; "To Be t Not to Be," March 6 ; "Mister V," larch 20 ; "Jungle Book," April 3 ; The Cold Rush," April 17 ; "Twin feds," April 24 ; "Ships With Wings," lay 15. Loew's Now Has 11 Vice-Presidents The roster of Loew's vice- presidents was increased to 11 with the addition this week of C. C. Moskowitz, Joseph Vogel and Howard Dietz to the list. The company's other vice- presidents are David Bern- stein, Arthur M. Loew, J. Robert Rubin, E. A. Schiller, W. F. Rodgers, E. J. Mannix, Sam Katz and Al Lichtman. Arbitrator's Award Sets Precedent on Affiliates' Clearance The contention that Section 17 of the consent decree relieves a dis- tributor of liability in arbitration cases in which its affiliated theatres are involved was rejected by W. H. Cloud, arbitrator, in an award made public yesterday involving all Kansas City first run theatres. This ruling sets a precedent, authorities stated. Section 17 provides that the dis- tributor may sell to its own theatres under any terms or conditions satis- factory to itself. The complaint was brought by the Dickinson Theatre, Mission, Kan., against all five consenting distribu- tors. It asked that the 56 days clear- ance of Kansas City first runs over the Dickinson be reduced to 14 days. The arbitrator reduced the first run clearance to 28 days and the clear- (Continued on page 5) Report Allen to Be Mellett Coast Aide Hollywood, Feb. 4. — James Allen, who recently was named executive- secretary of the new Society of Inde- pendent Motion Picture Producers, has been appointed Hollywood repre- sentative of Lowell Mellett, Coordi- nator of Government Films, it is re- ported here. It is understood he has resigned his post with the producers group. He (Continued on page 5) Ask Clearance Be Waived on Tax Film The War Activities Com- mittee — Motion Picture In- dustry has requested that ex- hibitors waive clearance on the Disney income tax short for the Treasury Department, "The New Spirit," and that they permit playdates to be set by National Screen Ser- vice, which is distributing the subject nationally. The request is designed to expedite showings so that the picture may be played in all theatres before March 15. Para. Sells 2,476 Contracts in Week With Paramount selling its first two blocks of five away from metropolitan Skouras Theatres, feature contracts closed by the company nationally last week reached a total of 2,476, a new weekly high under decree selling, Neil Agnew, vice-president in charge of distribution, reported yesterday. The result was 45 per cent ahead of the week before, which was the pre- vious record for the season, Agnew said. Paramount's selling in the New York metropolitan area was delayed by unusually lengthy negotiations with Loew's and then with the Skouras metropolitan circuit, it was said. Ne- (Continucd on page 5) Late News Flashes from the Coast Hollywood, Feb. 4 C AM UEL GOLDWYN announced today that Bill Dickey, famed New York ^ \ ankees catcher, has been signed to appear in "The Pride of the Yankees," Gary Cooper starring film based on the life of Lou Gehrig. Dickey was Gehrig's roommate and closest team friend. He is due here tomorrow, and Babe Ruth, who will also play himself in the picture, is expected over the weekend. The film starts shooting Monday. • • The Los Angeles Times beginning tomorrow has dropped Jimmy Fidler's Hollyw'ood gossip column. "A matter of space" was given as the reason by L. M. Hotchkiss, managing editor. • • Warner Bros, has signed Norman Krasna to write original screenplays and direct them. His first film scheduled is "Princess O'Rourke." • • M-G-M today set William Powell and Hedy Lamarr to co-star in "Cross- roads," the story of a French diplomat before the start of the war. • • Paramount announced signing the writing team of Karl Tunberg and Dar- rell Ware, effective on termination of their six-year tenure with 20th Century- Fox on April 1. • • Rita Hayworth, 20th Century-Fox player, plans to leave next week on a personal appearance and Hollywood goodwill tour in Brazil, beginning in Rio de Janeiro Feb. 14, the studio announced today. Lawyers Work On Changes in Film Relations Discuss Breen's Return As Head of PC A Designation of a permanent head of the Production Code Adminis- tration as well as complete revision of MPPD A legislative and legal adminis- tration is re- portedly be- ing advocated by the indus- try attorneys' committee o f six, which has taken in hand the task of improving the , industry's \ ^ over - all pub- lic relations. Joseph I. Breen It was reli- ably reported yesterday that the com- mittee will recommend the return of Joseph I. Breen to his former post as Production Code Admini- strator. George J. Schaefer, RKO president, is scheduled to leave for (Continued on page 5) Gus Eyssell Greets New York Critics It was critics' day at the Radio City Music Hall yesterday. For the first time since he assumed the of- fice of president and managing direc- tor of the theatre and its associated playhouse, the Center, Gus S. Eys- sell, officially greeted the film review- ers of all of the metropolitan daily newspapers. The critics were the guests of Eyssell at a luncheon served in the theatre's dining room, and following the luncheon attended a special preview of "Woman of the (Continued on page 5) 20th-Fox Opening at Miami Beach Tonight Miami Beach, Feb. 4. — Twentieth Century-Fox will hold the premiere of "Song of the Islands" at the Lin- coln Theatre here tomorrow evening. The opening night's receipts will be donated to the Navy Relief Fund. Betty Grable and Jack Oakie, stars (Continued on page 5) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 5, 1942 Review "Duke of the Navy" (Producers Releasing) A N unpretentious comedy effort concerning two sailors and a treasure hunt, this, despite some inanities in story development, appears to be diverting" fare and may prove moderately satisfying in minor sit- uations. Ralph Byrd and Stubby Kruger are the two tars, who occupy a fashionable hotel suite for their 30-day leave, then become involved with a swindling "retired general," Herbert Corthell, who assumes that Byrd is wealthy. Veda Ann Borg poses as the general's daughter in an effort to lure Byrd into partnership in a search for pirate treasure. They set out as the general's fictitious map directs and actually find a treasure. At that point the general's cohorts attempt a double-cross, but this fail- ing they surreptitiously board the plane which is to take the party back to the mainland. A battle starts and the treasure chest slips out of the plane. Running time, 66 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel Personal Mention JACK COHN, Abe Schneider, Joseph McConville and Leo Jaffe are scheduled to arrive on the Coast today. • George J. Schaefer, Ned E. Depinet and C. W. Koerner are scheduled to leave for the Coast at the weekend. • Isador M. Rappaport, owner of the Hippodrome, Baltimore, and Mrs. Rappaport, have returned from a vacation in Florida. • Ben W. Feldman, manager of the B & K United Artists Theatre, Chi- cago, an artillery captain in the Illi- nois National Guard, has left for active duty. • Harry M. Warren, general man- ager for Central States Theatre Corp., Des Moines, and Mrs. Warren have returned from a motor trip to Mexico. • Robert Mochrie, Eastern sales manager of RKO, is on a trip to the Southwest. • Francis L. Harley, 20th Century- Fox British managing director, is in Hollywood. • Max Westebbe, RKO branch man- ager in Albany, is visiting in New York. McLucas Will Head Omaha Variety Club Omaha, Feb. 4. — D. V. McLucas has been elected chief barker of the local Variety Club. Other officers are : C. W. Allen, first assistant; Sol Francis, second assistant ; M. L. Stern, treaurer ; Edward Shafton, re- elected secretary. Thirty new mem- bers have joined since the start of the club's intensive membership drive, with dues reduced to $6 a year. Press Photographers To Dance at Astor Stars of screen, stage and radio will make personal appearances at the an- nual dance of the Press Photogra- phers of New York tomorrow evening at the Hotel Astor. Seven masters of ceremonies will handle the entertain- ment program, and two orchestras, Eli Dantzig's and Dolly Dawn's, will provide dance music. Cooper Is Named to Seattle Censor Unit Seattle, Feb. 4. — The addition of Joseph Cooper to the board of theatre censors has been announced by Mayor Earl Millikin. Cooper is manager of the Northwest Film Club, and pub- licity director for Republic Pictures in the Pacific Northwest territory. Mexico Changes 'Dawn' Mexico City, Feb. 4. — The first American film to run afoul of the Federal Film Censoring and Super- vision Department in 1942 was "Hold Back the Dawn." Before approving this picture the department insisted upon the deletion of one sequence. *"G" denotes general classification. Defense Bureau in Seattle Organized Seattle, Feb. 4. — Formation of a theatre defense bureau to cooperate with the Seattle Municipal Defense Commission has been announced here. The bureau will be headed by Clar- ence R. Innes, Seattle attorney, and will be composed of representatives of theatres, ballrooms, night clubs and other amusement and entertainment places. Other members of the bureau are: James M. Hone, executive secretary of the ITO; William Hamrick, Le- roy V. Johnson, Guy Navarre, Neil Walton, Joseph Rosenfield, Hugh Beckett, Ted Harris, Jack Fasse and Basil Grey. Perlman Is Chicago Bookers9 Club Head Chicago, Feb. 4. — Irving Perlman, Essaness Circuit, has been elected president of the Film Bookers' Club of Chicago. Other officers are: George Topper, PRC, vice-president ; Al Teplitz, Meyers' Theatres, treas- urer ; Charles Davidson, B & K, sec- retary, and Max Facter, Universal, sergeant-at-arms. Conn. Allied Meets Monday on Decree New Haven, Feb. 4. — Dr. J. B. Fishman has called a special meeting of Allied Theatre Owners of Connecti- cut for next Monday to attempt to evolve an alternative selling method for the present block-of-five, which the group has found entirely unsatis- factory, according to a recent poll. Korda Leaves to Return to England Alexander Korda left New York last night for Montreal on the first leg of his scheduled return to Eng- land. From Montreal he planned to go to Newfoundland from where he is scheduled to fly across the Atlantic. Skouras to Preside At National Meeting Spyros Skouras, head of National Theatres, is scheduled to leave for the Coast shortly. He will preside at the annual meeting of the circuit's divi- sion managers and film buyers to be held in Los Angeles starting Feb. 19. Seek Admission Cut For Children in N. O. New Orleans, Feb. 4. — Represen- tatives of the New Orleans Federation of Clubs and theatre managers are meeting here relative to the federa- tion's request that children under 12 be admitted to theatres for 10 cents, those from 12 to 16 for IS cents. The clubs hold that higher admis- sion prices because of increased taxes make it difficult for parents to give children the price of admission and that a reduction would result in in- creased attendance by children. Award Nominations Made for Scoring Hollywood, Feb. 4. — Recommend- ing a special award for Disney's "Fan- tasia" because of its unique music achievement which does not fit into regular awards categories, the Acad- emy music branch today announced nominations for musical scoring. Ten nominations were made for the best scoring of dramatic pictures and 20 for the best scoring of musical films. New Jersey Allied To Meet Monday State legislation affecting the indus- try will be brought up at a state-wide meeting of New Jersey Allied at the Hildebrecht Hotel, Trenton, on Mon- day. Harry H. Lowenstein, president, will preside. Other business slated is a discussion of new product and sell- ing practices. Schlaifer Handling Goldwyn Promotion Charles Schlaifer has been engaged by Samuel Goldwyn to do special pro- motion work on Goldwyn productions in certain localities. Schlaifer has gone to Florida where he will work on "The Little Foxes" and "Ball of Fire." PRC to Meet in Chicago Producers Releasing Corp. will hold the third of a series of sales meetings in Chicago on Saturday and Sunday, at the Congress Hotel. Home office executives and personnel from Mil- waukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indian- apolis, Minneapolis, Detroit, Omaha, Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago are scheduled to attend, it was an- nounced. New Connelly Play Will Open Tonight "The Flowers of Virtue," a new comedy written by Marc Connelly and starring Frank Craven, opens tonight at the Royale. Cheryl Crawford is the producer. With Craven are Isobel Elsom, Vladimir Soko- loff, Leon Belasco, Virginia Lederer, S. Thomas Gomez, Kathryn Givney and others. I Mexico Sees Better Deals in Argentina Mexico City, Feb. 4. — Efforts to obtain better deals in the Argentine have been increased by Mexican pro- ducers now that films of that country have gained a definite foothold in Mexico with the establishment here of an exchange by Argentina Sono Film and Lumiton and the leasing by these companies of the Cine Iris, first run theatre here. The exchange is functioning as Continental Films, S. A. It was founded and the Iris deal made by Jose M. Rodriguez, agent of both companies. The Iris contract, it is said, calls for 12 releases this year. Mexican producers expect now to end what they have long called the inequality of treatment of their films in the Argentine and of Argentine pictures in Mexico. Argentine pictures have been exhibited in Mexico at the rate of about 25 a year, whereas only about two Mexican films are exhibited annually in the Argentine. The Ar- gentine customs duties on Mexican films are about 10 times higher than are Mexican imposts on Argentine pictures. New Picture Club Planned for Iowa Des Moines, Feb. 4. — More than 80 film exchange men, exhibitors and others interested in the industry met at the Savery Hotel here this week for a luncheon meeting and made plans for a state organization to be known as the Iowa Motion Picture Club. The meeting had been called by a committee headed by E. J. Tilton, Warner manager, for organization of some form of club and it was thought the Iowa Motion Picture Club would fill the need. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. i CANADIAN AIR FORCE 4; CAPTAIN THE CLO CAST:^ COLOR* DENNIS" '^'bRENDA MORGAN MARSHALL ALAN HALE • GEORGE TOBIAS COMPANY: REGINALD GARDINER • REGINALD DENNY Directed by MICHAEL CURTIZ Screen Play by Arthur T. Horman, Richard Macaulay, Norman Reilly Raine ^^^LBe^h ^^em_^^e« ^^riK0Ek. From a Story by Arthur T. Horman and Roland Gillett efi^e^l^^ ^r^^^^ Muiic by Max Steiner • A Warner Bros.- First National Picture PHOTOGRAPHED . IN TECHNICOLOR Thursda\. February 5. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 39 Income of! If. C. Award Sets Precedent 168 Producers $254,370,000 (Continued from page 1) I ret income, the Treasury Department ; r.isclosed. These companies also paid '^vidends. other than in stock, of I^lVooo.ooo. Of the producer corporations, 69 were inactive and the remaining 379 reported receipts of $118,657,000 but , 1 ad a deficit of $7,099,000. ^ They laid dividends amounting to $1,595,- 000. Among the exhibition companies, 832 were inactive and the remaining 1.813, with aggregate receipts of $121,078,000, reported a deficit of $6.- 410,000. They paid dividends of only $242,000, the report showed. In the broadcasting field, 320 of 633 corporations paid taxes, having total receipts of $126,727,000 and net income of $20,223,000 on which they i. aid $3,389,000 in income and $26,000 In excess profits taxes. They paid dividends of $11,615,000. Another 236 corporations, with aggregate re- ceipts of $11,214,000, showed a deficit pf $1,503,000. They paid only $17_,- O'X) in dividends. The remaining 77 corporations were inactive. On Clearance for Affiliates Para. Sells 2,476 Contracts in \S eek (Continued from page 1) gotiations with the latter on the first two blocks were terminated recently and selling to other neighborhood cir- cuits was begun. In the last few days deals on the first two blocks were set with the Randforce, Brandt and J -J circuits and numerous independent operators around Skouras houses, com- pany officials stated. A comparison of gains made by the company nationally in its various blocks revealed last week's sales in Block 1 representing a gain of 163 per cent over the previous week ; W Block 2 showed an improvement of 48 per cent ; Block 3, 18 per cent, and (Block 4, 425 per cent. (Continued from page 1) ance of the Aztec, Shawnee, Kan., an intervenor, to one day over the Dick- inson. Interveners in the case included Fox Kansas City Corp., operator of the Brookside, Plaza, Uptown, Es- quire and Isis ; Kansas City Oper- ating Corp., operator of the New- man ; Missouri Orpheum Corp., oper- ator of the Orpheum, and A. Orear, operator of the Aztec at Shawnee. Cite Theatre Interest All of the defendant distributors except Warners contended at the hearings that they had interests in one or more of the theatres involved and that, therefore, under Section 17 of the decree they were entitled to arrange for the exhibition of their product in such theatres on terms and conditions satisfactory to the distrib- utor. On that ground, motions were made by Loew's, Paramount, RKO and 20th Century-Fox that they be dismissed from the case. In denying the motions, Cloud held : "The provisions for the arbitra- tion of controversies as to clearance would be rendered futile, not only in this exchange area but in many others, if the language of Sections 8 and 17 is given the construction which the defendants would place upon it. Furthermore, I consider the decree to be remedial in nature. It was entered in a proceeding complain- ing of monopolistic practices. If the decree is to be construed in the man- ner contended for by the defendants, then there is nothing to prevent the distributors from imposing on an ex- hibitor such as the complainant a clearance of one year or five years, and regardless of whether such a clearance was reasonable or- unreason- able, not only would he be without remedy by way of arbitration, but it is possible that the decree might be considered a legalizing of such a practice. Distributors Overruled "Surely no such result was con- templated in a proceeding having for its purpose relief to independent ex- hibitors from alleged monopolistic practices by the distributors." Cloud also overruled the distribu- tor contention that any change of the Dickinson's clearance would result in a change of its run, thereby exceed- ing the arbitrator's authority under the decree. He asessed costs equally against distributors and the Dickin- son. Lawyers Work On Changes in Film Relations Visitors Subject to Mexico Income Tax Mexico City, Feb. 4.— Under the revised Mexican income tax law, film players, technicians and others who come to Mexico to work for monetary .igain are subject to the tax. Such visi- tors are required to settle their tax account with the Treasury Depart- ment before leaving the country. Their agents and employers are held responsible for the payments. The in- come tax in this country has fewer exemptions and a lower base than in the United States. More Film Players Tour Army Camps Rosalind Russell, Deanna Durbin, Jackie Cooper and Phyllis Brooks will join the Hollywood players touring Army camps and Naval training sta- tions this week, it was announced yesterday by the motion picture divi- sion of USO Camp Shows. Miss Russell will tour with "Fun- zafire" in five Texas camps, her first appearance being scheduled at Camp Bowie on Tuesday. Miss Durbin will appear with "Razzle Dazzle" at six camps in the second corps area, start- ing Tuesday at Camp Edwards. Cooper and Miss Brooks, with the "All Amer- ican Girl Revue," will tour for two weeks among four Southern camps, beginning with Camp Livingston, La., today. Linda Darnell and Joe E. Brown have added Fort Eustis and Fort Story, Va., to the itinerary of their "Sunshine Unit" along the At- lantic seaboard. Shift 'U' Personnel Des Moines, Feb. 4. — Jerry Slut- zky, Universal booker here, has been transferred to the St. Louis office and Jean Post, who has been assistant booker, will become head booker, with William Dippert, now shipper, as as- sistant. 20th-Fox Opening at Miami Beach Tonight (Continued from page 1) of the film, are scheduled to attend the premiere. In attendance from New York will be A. M. Botsford, director of ad- vertising and publicity for 20th Cen- tury-Fox ; Harry Ballance, Southern district manager ; Paul Wilson, At- lanta branch manager, and Rodney Bush, exploitation manager. Pin Competition St. Louis, Feb. 4 ~\JEARL Y 6,000 women belong -L » t o bowling leagues in this city, according to a survey by the Post-Dispatch. The sport provides a severe form of competition to local theatres, exhibitors have long declared. The paper says the total of feminine bowlers is expected to rise to 6J00 in a few months. Col. Payroll Bond Plan Columbia has established a payroll allotment plan by which the company's New York officials and employes may purchase defense bonds through regu- lar payroll allocations, the company announced yesterday. Gus Eyssell Greets New York Critics (Continued from page 1) Year," in the theatre's special pro- jection room. Critics present were : Kate Cam- eron, Wanda Hale and Dorothy Masters, Daily News; Bosley Crow- ther, Tom ' Pryor and Ted Strauss, New York Times; Arthur Folwell, Herald Tribune; Kenneth McCaleb, Mirror; Eileen Creelman, Sun; Archer Winsten, New York Post; William Boehnel, World-Telegram; Rose Pelswick and G. E. Blackford, Journal American; Leo Mishkin, Morning Telegraph; Martin Dick- stein, Brooklyn Eagle; John Mc- Manus, PM ; Kelcey Allen, Women's Wear; Jesse Zunser, Cue. Retires as Union Head Allentown, Pa., Feb. 4. — Harold A. Bortz, projectionist at the Cinema, after serving for the past 18 years as president of Local 585, projection- ists union, retired, and H. J. Brown was elected to succeed him. Other officers are : John Spankovitch, vice- president ; Harold C. Conrad, secre- tary ; Walter W. Wehr, financial sec- retary ; Richard Hartman, treasurer. (Continued from page 1) the Coast this weekend and during his stay there, it is believed, a de- cision may be reached on the release of Breen from his contractural com- mitments as RKO studio head, should he be willing to return to his former post. Geoffrey Shurlock has been tem- porarily in charge of the PCA on the Coast since Breen's withdrawal last year. Report Willkie Sought It was also reported that the com- mittee, consisting of three Eastern and three West Coast attorneys, have ad- vocated the retention of Wendell L. Willkie on as permanent a basis as may be acceptable to him as a special industry representative. The committee includes Joseph Hazen, J. Robert Rubin, Austin Keough, Maurice Ben- jamin, Mendel Silberberg and Herbert Freston. In this connection, the com- mittee advocated the retirement of C. C. Pettijohn, MPPDA gen- eral counsel for 20 years and legislative contact for the or- ganization during that time. Pettijohn will leave the MPPDA on its 20th anniversary, March 5, and will resume private law practice. It is reported that he will receive a retainer from MPPDA thereafter and may handle special assignments for the organization. On Monday, Pettijohn denied re- ports that he would retire. Bert New, MPPDA Washington contact for many years, also will be retired, it is reported. West Coast legislative contacts have been reported in line for the industry's new Wash- ington organization. Wide Authority Given Sweeping authority has been given the lawyers' committee, according to reliable industry reports, to probe any situation having a bearing on the in- dustry's public relations and they have been assured the support of all top ex- ecutives. A first report of the results of the committee's two weeks of delibera- tions here is scheduled to be given to the Association of Motion Picture Producers in Hollywood in the near future and, after discussion by that body, a final report is expected to be made to the annual meeting of MPPDA here on March 5. Action on the report is expected to be taken at that time. Report Allen to Be Mellett Coast Aide (Continued from page 1) formerly was public relations repre- sentative for the Department of Jus- tice. Washington, Feb. 4. — Lowell Mel- let's office refused today either to con- firm or deny the report of the appoint- ment of James Allen as Hollywood representative of the Coordinator. 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 5, 194 Seattle Gives 'Boots' High $8,500 Gross Seattle, Feb. 4.— "They Died With Their Boots On" at the Orpheum took a strong $8,500. "Corsican Brothers" took $6,200 in the third week at the Liberty. The weather was clear and mild. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 30 : "Suspicion" (RKO) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) BLUE MOUSE — (950) (30c -42c- 58c -70c) ? days 2nd week. Moved from Fifth Ave- nue. Gross: $3,700. (Average, $4,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "A Gentleman at Heart" (2flth-Fox) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,500) (30c-42c-58c- 70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $7,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) " rm. \ LIBERTY— (1,800) (30c-42c-58c-/0c) 7 days 3rd week. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $5,000) "Louisiana Purchase' (Para.) MUSIC BOX — (950) (3Oc-42c-58c-70c) 7 days 4th week. Moved from Paramount. Gross: $3,100. (Average, $4,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) ORPHEUM— (2,450) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Gross: $8.5CO. (Average. $6,000) "Melody Lane" (Univ.) "Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case (Rep.) PALOMAR — (1,500) (2Oc-30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville. Gross: $5,300. (Average, $5,000) "Swamp Water" (2Cth-Fox) "Glamour Boy" (Pare.) PARAMOUNT— (3,050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $6,000) 'Valley' Captures $ll,600,Milwaukee Milwaukee, Feb. 4. — Best take for the week, $11,600, was turned in by "How Green Was My Valley" and "Gentleman at Heart" at Fox's Wis- consin. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 29: "Birth" of the Blues" (Para.) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) PALACE— (2.4C0) (44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,000) "Target for Tonight" (W. B.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: "Meet the People" Revue. Gross: S7.000. (Average. $6,500) "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) STRAND— (1.400) (44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,500. (Average. $1,500) "Look Who's Laughirg" (RKO) "Unexpected UncV (RKO) WARNER— (2. 400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $8,800. (Average, $4,500). "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "Gentleman at Heart" (20th-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross. $11,600. Average, $5,500 New Haven Leader Is 'Eager/ $10,600 New Haven, Feb. 4. — The Loew- Poli led with "Johnny Eager" and "Unexpected Uncle," taking $10,600. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 29: "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) COLLEGE— (1,627) (39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $2,700) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) LOEW-POLI— (3,005) (39c- 50c) 7 days. Gross: $10,600. (Average. $8,000) "The Stars Look Down" (M-G-M) "Flying Cadets" Uriv.) PARAMOUNT— (2,373) (39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) "All Through the N ght" (W. B.) "Sing Another Chorus" (Univ.) ROGER SHERMAN— (2,076) (39c-50c) 7 clays. Gross: $6,700. (Average, $5,000) Off the Antenna U1 OLLOWING the Government ruling against quiz programs from remote *■ points, WABC is originating "The Missus Goes A-Shopping" from its studios. Formerly, customers were quizzed in grocery stores, the answers were recorded, and the transcriptions broadcast later. . . . CBS is collecting 50,000 lbs. of waste paper monthly for defense. Old newspapers, scripts, copy paper, envelopes and the like are being saved. • • • Purely Personal: Kenneth E. Greene has been named assistant director of research for NBC. J. Robert Myers has been promoted to chief statistician, with John Williams of the research department transferred to the office of Noran E. Kersta, director of television. . . . Harold P. See, NBC engineer, has been appointed senior television supervisor for the network. . . . Jack Gerber, head of the CBS listening post in New York, has returned from San Francisco where he inspected listening post equipment. . . . James Boozer, formerly of the "Washington Nezvs," and Edward Wallaee of Associated Press have joined the NBC news and special events staff, replacing Bob Eiscnbach and Paul Husserl, zvho have joined the Army. . . . Marine Keith will return to WOV Monday as commentator. . . . Eli Canel, NBC Spanish commentator, returned to Nczu York from Rio de Janeiro yesterday. • • • The Blue is soliciting original program ideas and scripts from new or established writers. Scripts and ideas must be accompanied by the regu- lar release form before consideration will be given. • • • In an effort to inject showmanship into record shows, WMCA in about two weeks will include a short signoff transcribed message from the recording artists. Most of the bandleaders and vocalists will include an appeal for the purchase of defense bonds, it was said. • • • Program News: Lchu & Fink have renewed participations on Arthur Godfrey's WABC show. . . . "March of Time," sponsored by "Time" on 119 Blue stations, will shift from Thursday to Friday, 9 :30-9 :55 P.M., on the same hookup. . . . Manhattan Soap Co. will sponsor Don Goddard's nezvscasts over NBC, 12-12:15 P.M. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning A4 arch 2. . . . Piel's Beer will sponsor Jack Dempsev on a sports quiz over WOR Saturdays, 8:30-9 P.M., beginning Feb. 14.'. . . Langendorf United Baking will sponsor "Red Ryder" a new dramatic serial, over nine Pacific Blue stations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30-8 P.M., beginning next week. • • • After 183 consecutive dinner table discussions, "People's Platform" will be suspended by CBS following this Saturday's broadcast to make way for '"This Is War," the four-network show for the Government. 'Fire' and Show at $12400 in Buffalo Buffalo, Feb. 4. — "Ball of Fire" and a show at the Twentieth Century drew $12,400. "How Green Was My Valley" continued big in a second week at the Buffalo with $16,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 31 : "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) BUFFALO— (3,489) (35c-5Sc) 7 days,_ 2nd week. Dr. I. O. on stage Monday night. Gross : $16,000. "(Average, $12,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (35c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,800. (Average, $7,500) "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) "Mercy Island" (Rep.) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (35c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $6,800) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY — (3,000) (30c- 35c-55c) 7 days. Meyer Balsom and or- chestral ensemble, with Elisse Cooper and the Rhythmites, and Lennie Gale. Gross: $12,400. (Average, $7,500) "Three Girls About Town" (Col.) "Mystery Ship" (Col.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (35c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $6,300) Para. Gets Judgment Chicago, Feb. 4. — Paramount has obtained judgment in Municipal Court here against James Polodna, operating the Palace Theatre, for unpaid film rentals. The firm of Spitz & Adcock represented Paramount. Show New Chair Today American Seating Co. will present details of a new theatre chair at a re- ception this afternoon at the Hotel Viol-. H. M. Taliaferro, president of tin- company, will be host. 'Dinner' at $8,000; Washington Strong Washington, Feb. 4. — Good busi- ness continued. "The Man Who Came to Dinner" scored $8,000 in a return engagement at Warners' Met- ropolitan. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 28-29: "Sergeant York" (W. B.) WARNERS' EARLE— (2,200) (40c-S5c- 66c) 7 days, 2nd week. On stage: Larry Blake, Carol King, Singing Boy Friends, Roxyettes. Gross: $17,300. (Average. $12,- 000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross : $6,000. (Average. $3,500) "The Mem Who Came to Dinner" W. B.) WARNERS' METROPOLITAN — (1,600) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $4,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) RKO KEITH'S— (1,843) (40c-59c-65c) 7 lays, 4th week. Gross: $12,5C0. (Average, ;7,00O) 'How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) LOEW'S PALACE— (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 lays, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $12,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3.434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c-77c) 7 days. On stage: Cross & Dunn. Paul Gerrits, The Coltons, Hector & Pals. Harry King & Arlina. Gross: $18,500. (Av- erage, $15,500) Enroll for Film Course New students are enrolling this week at the Institute of Film Tech- niques at City College. Three courses are given: "Film at Work," "Funda- mentals of Film Production" and "Trends in Film Progress." Short Subject Reviews "Loco Boy Makes Good' (All Star Comedy) (Columbia) The Three Stooges continue to rui'l about in their inimitable manner. Iu this case they come to the aid of aij aged hotel owner unable to pay^jr the mortgage. After considerable sense and excitement their enterprise is successful. Running time, 17 minsj Release, Jan. 8, 1942. "Three Blonde Mice" (All Star Comedy) (Columbia) Alan Mowbray is the star perform er in this unsubtle comedy about ; suspecting wife and her hapless hus- band whose every innocent turn lead: into more difficulty. The story it, strenuously played, but is rather shy on laugh-provoking comedy. Running time, 16 mins. Release, Jan. 22, 1942 "A Hollywood Detour" ( Color Rhapsody) ( Columbia) A cartoon satire, this inspection trij takes in the Brown Derby, Grauman': Chinese Theatre, Santa Anita anc other spots around the film capital The treatment is short in the humoi department. Running time, 8 mins Release, Jan. 23, 1942. Golden Soldier Tax Plan Studied by U. S John Golden, head of the Officer: Service Committee, which furnishe: junior officers in the armed forces witF Broadway legitimate theatre tickets a half rates, yesterday received ac knowledgement from the Treasury De partment on his request that the fa? be eliminated on such tickets. Th< Treasury Department stated that i would take the matter under advise ment. The OSC provides tickets at halt rates for Army officers up to the rank of captain and Navy officers up to thtj rank of lieutenant. Half the tax charged for the officer's ticket" and thtr full tax for a companion's ticket. Gol-i den addressed his inquiry to Presides Roosevelt, who referred it to the Treasury. Harris Leaves FCC For Post with OP A Washington, Feb. 4. — Thomas E Harris, assistant general counsel ol the FCC, has resigned to become assistant general counsel of the Office' of Price Administration, it was an-^ nounced today. Harris joined the FCC last May tc' succeed Joseph L. Rauh, who had1 joined the Lease-Lend Administration Kaufman on 'Rolling' George S. Kaufman will be master of ceremonies of the "Keep 'em Roll- ing" show over Mutual Sunday night, as the first guest in place of Clifton Fadiman. CBS Meeting Delayed The meeting of the board of direc- tors of CBS, scheduled for yesterday to take up the matter of a dividend. was postponed to Wednesday. MOTION PICTURE DAILY j^)L. 51. NO. 26 NEW YORK. U.S.A.. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1942 TEN CENTS " ' ■" •: Further Delay Seen for Trial Of 'Little 3' Adjournment of Motions Indicated by Goddard Federal Judge Henry W. God- lard declared yesterday that he had no date in mind yet for trial of the Government's New York anti-trust >uit against the "Little Three" and that it was still uncertain whether the case would go to trial here in the Spring. The statement was made from the bench during a hearing on a motion by Columbia to speed up consideration on the Government's objections to inter- rogatories filed by the company. Louis Frohlich, representing Colum- bia, withdrew the motion and said he would make an effort to reach an agreement with Government attorneys (Continued on page 7) 138 FWC Employes In Armed Forces Hollywood, Feb. 5. — Charles P. Skouras, president of Fox West Coast, yesterday disclosed that 138 employes of the circuit are now in the armed forces of the United States. Announcing promotions and realign- ments affecting managers and assist- ' ants made necessary by the enlist- ments, Skouras said that "in line with the policy of our company to build f from within its own organization, all 1 vacancies resulting from men joining (Continued on page 8) Connolly Reel Head For Whitney Group Washington, Feb. 5. — Jack Con- nolly, long engaged in newsreel work with Pathe News and one-time Washington representative of the MPPDA. has been named director of iiewsreels in the John Hay Whitney branch of the Rockefeller Office of Coordinator of Latin American Af- fairs. He will have his headquarters in New York. Connors and Wobber Due in Frisco Today Sax Francisco. Feb. 5. — Tom J. Connors, personal assistant to Sid- ney R. Kent, president of 20th Cen- tury-Fox. is expected here tomorrow from Hollywood, accompanied by Her- man Wobber, general sales manager for the company. Freedom Rally in Skouras Houses To Aid Red Cross By SAM SHAIN "Stamp Out the Menacing Jap," is the slogan of a unique freedom rally show, at which admission will be by dtfense stamp only, and which will be held at all Skouras theatres, on the morning of Monday, Feb. 23. George Skouras is president of the circuit and the inspiring force behind this uTiusual patriotic performance. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. The rally is also for the purpose of promoting the sale of war saving stamps. Admission scale for children will be a 10-cent savings stamp and for adults, a 25-cent savings stamp. Nicholas M. Schenck, chair- man of the industry's March of Dimes campaign, yesterday re- ceived a report and a check from George Skouras on behalf of Skouras Theatres in the amount of $29,800 collected in the circuit's houses during the drive. The stamp of admission to the rallies will be pasted by the patron personally on a huge lobby easel which' will be fashioned in the form of a caricature of a Japanese. The show which is planned will consist of a two-hour program, entirely apart from the regular program in the theatres. To create customer interest in this (Continued on page 7) Caution N.Y. Houses On Ad Display Rules With license renewals due shortly, theatres in Greater New York have been cautioned on revisions of the adminis- trative code which place new restrictions on advertising and decorative displays. The regulations, enacted last Spring, have only recently been strictly enforced, accord- ing to Arthur Benline, Man- hattan Building Department Commissioner, who points out that license renewals depend upon conformity with the re- vised code. Cold and Rain Hit Grosses on BVay Broadway business during the week was checked by severe cold Monday thiougli Wednesday and rain yester- day. In spite of this the full week's tally at some spots was good, due to the strong weekend turnover. After taking an estimated $43,200 over the four-day weekend, the Roxy show, "Son of Fury" and the stage presentation, finished its first week with an estimated $57,800. It began a second week yesterday. The third week of "Ball of Fire" with the stage show at the Radio City Music Hall was good for an estimated $77,000 and the film was followed yesterday by (Continued on page 7) Metro Led Expenditures On Magazine Ads in 1941 M-G-M led all film companies in combined advertising expenditure in magazines and farm papers during 1941, according to a compilation in the Feb. 6 issue of Printers' Ink. The company's aggregate total for these media was $520,215. The tabu- lation does not include newspaper ad- vertising, but is inclusive of radio advertising as one of the three media studied. The compilation included onl}- those companies which spent more than $100,000 during the year in the three media. The M-G-M total, which com- pared with $641,147 in 1940, included $452,501 in magazines and $67,714 in farm papers, with nothing for radio. Paramount in 1941 spent $392,919 on the three media, compared with $236,820 in 1940. The 1941 total in- cluded $379,649 in magazines, $7,070 in radio, and $6,200 in farm papers. RKO's 1941 expenditure was $163,937, against $77,497 in 1940, with no ex- penditure for radio or farm papers. Twentieth Century-Fox spent a to- tal of $125,750 on the three media in 1941, compared with $143,045 in 1940, with no expenditure for radio or farm papers during the year. Warners' expenditure for 1941 amounted ■ to $111,589, against $119,805. The entire 1941 total was expended on magazine advertising, with no use of radio or farm papers. Eastman Kodak spent $501,060 in 1941. against $539,365 in 1940, with the full 1941 amount placed with magazines. Lawyers Urge New MPPDA Contact Setup Contemplate Spokesmen On Both Coasts Establishment of a new public relations policy for the MPPDA and the augmenting of its labor re- lations staff is contemplated, in ad- dition to legislative and Production Code Administration changes, under the recommendations of the law- yers' committee of six, it was re- liably reported yesterday. The public relations plan con- templates 4;he designation of authoritative spokesmen on both Coasts to speak for the industry whenever occasion requires. The lawyers are said to feel that the lack of such spokesmen, together with the past MPPDA policy of mak- ing no public comment on anything controversial, has been disadvanta- geous to the industry's press relations. The lawyers' committee also is re- (Continued on page 8) Indianapolis Union Files Inspection Bill Indianapolis, Feb. 5. — The Film Employes Union, Local B-35, intro- duced before City Council an ordi- nance which would require inspection of films by exchanges here and pro- viding penalties of fines up to $300 and imprisonment up to 180 days for violations. The council will vote on the proposal Feb. 16. The introduction of the ordinance was forecast earlier this week by the attorney for the union, whose mem- bers were discharged by the nine lo- cal exchanges last week. Film inspec- tors were among those discharged. Film shipments here are made from nearby exchanges, where films are now inspected. * 'War Time' Monday At 2 A. M. on Monday the nation's clocks all will be turned ahead one hour, that being the effective date of the new daylight saving time, des- ignated by President Roose- velt as "War Time." By law the the new time will include the entire country and will re- main in effect for the duration of the war and for six months thereafter. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 6, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 5 A PLAN under which stars or fea- tured players who travel across the country would place themselves at the disposal of the Treasury Depart- ment to aid in bond sales was dis- closed today by Fred W. Beetson, chairman of the Hollywood Victory Committee. Edward G. Robinson will be the first player under the project, leaving tomorrow by plane and making stops en route to New York. • Will H. Hays, who arrived today from the East, addressed the weekly meeting of the studio publicity direc- tors' committee. He praised the work of the organization and paid tribute to the late Carole Lombard for her ser- vices in the defense bond campaign in Indianapolis. • Nine songs were nominated today for the best written motion picture number in the Academy awards. At the same time Walter Wanger, Academy presi- dent, appointed a board of 26 techni- cal experts to the special effects awards committee. Walsh Back from Miami Richard Walsh, IATSE president, returned yesterday from Miami where he attended executive board meetings of the union. NEW YORK THEATRES -3ADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th Street & 6th Avenue Spencer Tracy . Katherine Hepburn "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Dir. by Geo. Stevens . An MGM Picture On Stage: "Words and Music" by Cole Porter — Leonidoff's colorful tune-filled revue. Symph. Orch., dir. of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Res. Circle 6-4600 Paramount presents JOEL McCREA VERONICA LAKE "SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS" PARAMOUNT In Person GLENN MILLER AND BAND Lorraine &. Rognan TIMES SQUARE TYRONE POWER "SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century- Fox Picture PLUS A BIG IIMVV 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW KUAT & 50th St. B WAY & 47th St. PALACE Betty Grable - Victor Mature 'I WAKE UP SCREAMING' and SWAMP WATER' "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 NO^HIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza I T HAPPENS ON ICE at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Sat., Sun. 4. Feb. 12 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Personal Mention J J. FITZGIBBONS, president of • Famous Players-Canadian Corp., is here from Toronto. • Steve Pallos, Alexander Korda representative, is expected back from South America early next week. • Abram F. Myers, Allied States chairman and general counsel, was a visitor here from Washington yester- day. M ARTIN QUIGLEY arrived in Hollywood yesterday. Francis L. Harley, British man- aging director for 20th Century-Fox, is expected from the Coast on Mon- day. • Harry Fishman, operator of the Community Theatre, Fairfield, Conn., leaves Feb. 15 with his family for Miami Beach. U.A. Host to Circuit Heads at Screening United Artists was host to circuit officials and exhibitors at a lunch- eon in the home office yesterday, fol- lowed by a screening of Charlie Chap- lin's new issue of "The Gold Rush." Among those present were : Eu- gene Picker, John Murphy and Os- car Doob of Loew's ; Harry Rosen- quest, Clayton Bond and Harry Kal- mine of Warners ; Leonard Golden- son, Leon Netter, Sam Dembow and Edward Hyman, Paramount ; Edward Alperson, Charles W. Koerner, Max Fellerman and Harold Mirisch, RKO ; Spyros Skouras and William Powers, National Theatres ; George Skouras and John Benas, Skouras Theatres; Sam Rinzler, Randforce ; Fred Schwartz, Century Circuit ; E. C. Grainger and A. J. Kearney, Shea Chain; Walter Reade and Leo Jus- tin, Walter Reade Enterprises ; Mor- ris Jacks, Henry Rosen, Lowell Cal- vert and Ed Peskay. United Artists officials present in- cluded : Gradwell L. Sears, Carl Leserman, Arthur W. Kelly, Harry D. Buckley, Paul Lazarus, Monroe Greenthal, David Weshner and Al Margolies. 5,345 Members in 25 Variety Clubs There are 5,345 members in the 25 existing Variety Clubs of the country, according to an announcement by Paul Short, executive assistant to John H. Harris and R. J. O'Donnell, gen- eral chairmen of the Variety Clubs' national membership drive. The cur- rent campaign is designed to increase the membership of the 25 clubs to 8,800, and ends Feb. 28. Of the present total, 4,579 are ac- tively engaged in the film iniustry, 3,702 represent actual theatre oper- ation ; 877 represent production and distribution, and 766 are in allied in- terests, including theatre supply, ad- vertising accessories, radio, orchestras, arenas and the like. Chicago Exhibitors In Defense Session Chicago, Feb. 5. — Division No. 7 of the Chicago Civilian Defense organ- ization, representing all theatre oper- ators in the downtown district, met here today in the screening room of the Balaban & Katz Circuit. A discussion was held on plans in connection with the participation of the theatre operators in any emer- gency which may arise. Loew's Bond Sales Plan Loew's, Inc., yesterday announced a payroll allotment plan for the purchase of defense savings bonds by weekly salary deductions. Chicago Board Gets 2 Clearance Cases Chicago, Feb. 5. — Two clearance complaints were filed today with the arbitration board. The Rio Theatre, Hammond, Ind., filing against the consenting com- panies, named the Parthenon, Para- mount, Orpheum and Calumet in Hammond and asks for maximum reasonable clearance between the thea- tres involved in all future contracts. The SN Theatre Corp., a George T. Valos company operating the Whea- ton, Wheaton, 111., filed a complaint naming the five consenting distributors and the Arcadia. St. Charles, 111. The complaint charges that the lat- ter house, operated by the Fred An- derson Circuit, has six weeks' clear- ance over the neighboring Wheaton, which it contends is unreasonable and should be reduced. Col. Sales Meet in Atlanta Tomorrow A two-day sales conference of Columbia's Southern division branch managers will be held at the Ainsley Hotel, Atlanta, this weekend with Rube Jackter, assistant sales manager, presiding. Among those who will attend are : Sam Moscow, Southern division man- ager, and the following branch man- agers : R. J. Ingram, Atlanta ; Joseph Gins, Charlotte ; J. B. Underwood, Dallas ; J. J. Rogers, Memphis ; C. A. Gibbs, Oklahoma City, and H. Duvall, New Orleans. The meeting is on behalf of the company's sales drive in which the company has posted approximately $50,000 in defense bonds as prizes. Painter to Continue At Empire-Universal Toronto, Feb. 5. — Harry O. Painter, who was recently appointed Canadian sales manager for Republic Pictures, will continue in the capacity of Toronto branch manager of Em- pire-Universal Films, Ltd., it is an- nounced. Painter will direct the sales promotion work of Republic and will carry out the duties of branch man- ager of Empire-Universal, which dis- tributes Republic as well as Univer- sal product and British features. New Haven Air Raid Conference Is Held New Haven, Feb. 5. — On conclud- ing the regular air raid warden course attended by most theatre representa- tives in the city, 35 theatre men met for a special theatre air raid meet- ing. The importance of installation of telephones by all neighborhood the- atres not already so equipped was stressed. Newsreel Parade rTyHE first film account of the Pearl ■*• Harbor attack, released by the Navy Department, is in all five issues. It shows a hangar in flames, planes smashed, the "Arizona" enveloped in smoke and other shattered wreckage. These pictures were taken by Al B\ of Movietone and released through Navy to all reels under the roto tt. erage arrangement. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 44— Nipponese^ diplomats in Washington; films of Pear' Harbor. Marines commissioned at Quan tico. Girl machinists in training on Lonjs | Island. Skating carnival in Madison Squar< j Garden. Girls in Miami. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 242— Pear : Harbor films. Pacific fleet on the move New marines at Quantico. FBI rounds uj ! Jap aliens. Girls training for war jobs 1 Ski jumps at Salisbury Mills, N. Y. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 47— Skating 1 at Madison Square Garden. Girl lift-1 gurds at Venica, Cal. Congressman Bishof | and his "victory suit" in Washington -1 Pearl Harbor films. RKO: PATHE NEWS, No. 47— Pearl Har-j bor films. Hawaii civilians receive ga< \ masks. Congressman Bishop models "vie- I tory suit" in Washington, Fort Slocum N. Y., soldiers present musical show. IctJ show at Madison Square Garden. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. SS-Pear. :| Harbor films. FBI rounds up Jap aliens I Sumner Welles in Rio. Girls in Miami. 1 Soldiers at Fort Slocum, N. Y., stage musi-dl cal show. Madison Square Garden ict I show. Skiing at Salisbury Mills, N. Y. | Miami Beach Has 'Islands' Premiere > Miami Beach, Feb. 5. — "Song of! the Islands," 20th Century-Fox pic- ture, was given a premiere at the' Lincoln Theatre here tonight with! Betty Grable and Jack Oakie, co- starred in the film, attending. Among those attending were Harry H. Buxbaum, John Harris, Sidney Meyer, Ted Schlanger, Harry Brandt, A. M. Botsford, Orson Welles, Kate: Smith, Rodney Bush, Lou Holtz,J Harry Richman, Lou Costello, PhiW Regan and Benny Fields. The premiere ; was for the benefit of the Navy Re- lief Fund. 1 DeBra Addresses Clubs Arthur DeBra of the MPPDA ad-,, dressed a meeting of the State Fed-, eration of Women's Clubs at the! Hotel Astor yesterday. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue. Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher? Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L.' Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor: Leon Friedman, Manager; London. Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpabco. London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Frida\, February 6. 1W2 Motion Picture Daily 3 Ingenuity Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 5 nERT LEIGHTOX, man- -Z5 ager of Warners' Grand, jumped into the breach when a break of an electric cable the other night left his the- atre without power for 55 minutes. All he had were two phonograph records and his sound system to till in the gap, plus some ingenuity. He ad the operator play the ecordings over and over again, and he made three speeches. Few left the house. Woman' at $16,000 Providence Lead Providence, R. I., Feb. 5. — "Two- rviced Woman" and "Confessions of Boston Blackie" at Loew's State Irew $16,000 in a good week. Estimated receipts for the week •nding Jan. 28-29: •Ball of Fire" RKO) •A Date With the Falcon" (RKO) RKO-ALBEE — (2,239) (28c-39c-50c) 7 lavs. 4th week. Gross: $8,500. (Average. 'tf.bOO) -Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) Confessions of Boston Blackie" (CoL) LOFAVS STATE— (3,232) (28c - 39c - 50c ) 7 iays. Gross: $16,000. (Average. $11,000) 'Swamp Water" (20th -Fox) •We Go Fast" (ZOth-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (28c-39c-S0c) 7 days, iross: $9,200. (Average, $7,000) 'Major Barbara" (U. A.) Lady For a Night" (Rep.) STRAND — (2,200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Jross: $6,300. (Average, $6,000) •Blue, White and Perfect" (2»th-Fox) FAY'S — (1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 7 days. •Stage show. Gross: $6,800. (Average. W.OOO) •The Miracle Kid" (P.R.C.) METROPOLITAN— (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- •"5c) 4 days. Stage show with Orrin Tucker .iid orchestra. Gross: $8,500. (Average, ;5.000) How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) •The Perfect Snob" (ZOth-Fox) CARLTON— (1,526) 28c-39c-50c) 7 days, • r.l week. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $3,500) /Blues in the Night" (W. B.) (3 days) "Small Town Deb" (ZOth-Fox) (3 days) 'Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) (4 days) Target for Tonight" (W. B.) (4 days) " EMPIRE— (1,200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. ^ross: $1,900. (Average, $1,800) Woman' Toronto Winner at $12,800 Toronto, Feb. 5. — "Two-Faced A'oman" at Loew's Theatre drew ;i 2,800, while "49th Parallel" at Shea's took 812,500. Estimated receipts for the week nding Jan. 31 : 'Ladies in Retirement" (Col.) EG LINTON— (1,086) (18c-30c-48e-60c) 6 iays. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $4,500) Sergeant York" (W. B.) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 ays, 2nd week. Gross: $11,500. (Average, .9.000) Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) 3 LOEW'S — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 lays. Gross: $12,800. (Average, $9,000) -'4»th Parallel" (Col.) SHEA'S— (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 i ays. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $9,000) 'The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "^'Highway West" (W. B.) TIVOLI— (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. :ross: $3,500. (Average, $3,900) Paris Calling" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 Ivays. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $9,000) Review Approve Sunday Films Etowah, Tenn., Feb. 5. — Sunday Johns in Etowah have been approved ;iy the City Commission, it was an- icunced by Mayor Cantrell. H. V. banning, Etowah theatre owner, is a 'nember of the commission. 'Pardon My Stripes' {Republic) WHAT goes on here, however improbable, is done for laughs, and tills that bill. It opens with a football game in which the central character carries a helmet instead of a football, and follows that with a flow of similarly absurd situations. Bill Henry, Sheila Ryan, Edgar Kennedy, Harold Huber, Paul Hurst Cliff Nazarro, and Tom Kennedy are the chief players. They and the director, John H. Auer, meet with success in providing a measure of fun for the patron of the less polished type of comedy. After his gridiron blunder, Henry is assigned to carry a bag of money for a betting syndicate chief, Huber, whose counsel is Henry's uncle. In traveling, the money falls from the plane and lands atop a tree in the state prison grounds. In an effort to find it, he allows himself to be convicted of embezzlement. The rest takes place in prison where Ken- nedy is the warden. As it develops, the news that the money is about starts a mass search among the convicts and, when it is found, a wild scramble to obtain it. Miss Ryan is a reporter who at first suspects Henry of having thrown the game, then discovers her error and tries to adjust matters. Running time, 64 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel *"G" denotes general classification. 'Johnny Eager* Is Best in Baltimore Baltimore, Feb. 5. — Although three of the attractions were hold- overs, substantial business was re- ported. "Johnny Eager" scored $16,- 500 at the Century. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Jan. 29: "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3,000) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $10,000) "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $8,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $6,000. (Average. $7,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) STANLEY— (3,280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Aver- age, $12,000) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) HIPPODROME - (2.205) (15c-28c-39c- 44c-55c-66c) 7 days. Stage show featuring Three Stooges; also Dick Todd; Lou Breese and Orchestra. Gross: $18,500. (Av- erage, $14,000) 'Valley9 at %10y000 Paces Pittsburgh Pmtsburgh, Feb. 5. — "How Green Was My Valley" at the Fulton with $10,000 in the fourth week, paced the field. Estimated receipts for the week- ending Jan. 21 : "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) FULTON — (1.700) (30c-S0c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $5,000) "Suspicion" (RKO) LOEW'S PENN— (3,400) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $13,000) "Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) RITZ— (800) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $3,000) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) SENATOR— (1,800) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $6,000) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) STANLEY— (3,600) (30c-44c-60c). On stage: Cab Calloway unit. 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average, $20,700) "Johrny Eager" (M-G-M) WARNER— (2,000) (30c -44c -55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,300. (Average, $5,000) 'Army' and Dorsey $22,700, Cleveland Cleveland, Feb. 5. — Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra on the stage of the RKO Palace with "You're in the Army Now" drew a smash $22,700, while "Louisiana Purchase" in its sec- ond week at Loew's Stillman gar- nered $7,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 30-31 : "Wolf-Man" (Univ.) ALLEN— (3,000) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $5,200. (Average, $4,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3,800) (33c-39c-47c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,900. (7-day average, $11,000) "One Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) WARNERS' LAKE— (900) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $2,300. (Average, $2,500) "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) RKO PALACE— (3,100) (40c - 50c • 55c) 7 days. Jimmy Dorsey 's Orchestra and show on stage. Gross: $22,700. (Average, $17,500) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (3,500) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $11,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) LOEW'S STILLMAN— (1,900) (33c-39c- 47c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Av- erage, $4,000) Form Theatre Firm Hartford, Conn., Feb. 5. — Certifi- cate of incorporation has been filed for Birchman Enterprises, Inc., oper- ator of the State Theatre, New Ha- ven, now being renovated, naming Arthur E. Birchman, president, treas- urer and agent; Benjamin M. Chap- nick, vice-president, and Lillian Sha- piro, secretary. Coin Film Machine Is Legal in Chicago Chicago, Feb. 5. — Assistant Corpo- ration Counsel Martin H. Foss has advised Police Commissioner Allman that coin film machines may be in- stalled legally in taverns here or other business places on payment of a fourth-class amusement license, cost- ing $200 annually. Up to this time, in- stallations have been held up for clarification of the license situation. Owners of 14 coin film machines have been notified officially by Ser- geant Joseph H. Healy, in charge of the Police Motion Picture Censor Board, that they must purchase city licenses. The films used in the ma- chines are subject to the same cen- sorship and permit system as are reg- ular theatrical films. Permits cost $3 per reel of 1,000 feet, the same charge as for 35 mm. film. Omaha Artist Dies Omaha, Feb. 5. — Gordon S. Ben- nett, 54, commercial artist who some years ago worked as a sign painter for several local theatres, died here. 'Suspicion' at $31,000 IsHit, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Feb. 5. — "Suspicion" on a dual scored a strong total of $31,000 at the Hillstreet and Pantages, with $14,500 at the former and $16,- 500 at the latter. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 28: "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) CHINESE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $12,000) "Dumbo" (Disney-RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE — (1,518) (33c-44c-55c- 75) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $4,100. (Av- erage, $17,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $3,250) "Citizen Kane" (RKO) HAWAII— (1100) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days, 15th week. Gross: $3,800. "Suspicion" (RKO) "Never Give a Sucker An Even Break" (Univ.) HILLSTREET— (2.700) (33c-44c-55c-7Sc) 7 days. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $6,500) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $19,700. (Average, $14,- 000) "Suspicion" (RKO) "Never Give a Sucker An Even Break" (Univ.) PANTAGES— (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $7,000) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $18,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) WARNER BROS. (Hollywood) (33c-44c- 55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $14,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) WARNER BROS. (Downtown) (3,000) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. 'Average: $12,000) "The Wolf Man" (Univ.) "The Mad Doctor" (Univ.) VOGUE— (900) (33c-44c-65c) 6 days. Gross: $5,000. St. Louis Slips But 'Dawn' Hits $6,400 St. Louis, Feb. 5. — Business slumped, despite mild weather, but the Missouri with "Hold Back the Dawn" and "The Men in Her Life" grossed $6,400 in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week ending Jan. 29 : "Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) LOEW'S— (3,162) (28c-40c-44c-56c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,300. (Average, $13,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) AMBASSADOR— (3,018) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $12,400. (Average, $11,500) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) "You're in the Army" (W. B.) FOX— (5,038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $12,100. (Average, $11,000) "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) MISSOURI— (3,514) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,400. (Average, $4,000) "The Maltese Falcon" (W. B.) "How Green Was My Valley" (2 i— i All Through the Night (D) 116 Bogart-Veidt The Man Who Came to Dinner (C) 117 Bette Davis Monty Wooley Wild Bill Hickok Rides (O) 118 Bennett-Cabot Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Val. Hobson Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Brenda Marshall Jail House Blues (C) 6032 Robert Paige Paris Calling (D) 6014 Randolph Scott Eliz. Bergner North to the Klondike (D) 6023 Brod. Crawford Treat 'Em Rough (C) 6039 Eddie Albert Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Jungle Fury (D) Ride 'Em Cowboy (C) 6002 Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 What's Cookin' Soldier (C) Gloria Jean Andrew Sisters Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) Una Merkel Lionel Atwell Ghost of Frankenstein (D) Lon Chaney, Jr. Bela Lugosi Frisco Lil (D) Irene Hervey Kent Taylor The Saboteur (D) Priscilla Lane Robt. Cwtnmings < 8 a? acq CO ^ j G 3 cd 3 a -S „ 53 0 U>£ pq > u 3, Cd •c s 5 CM ■» Bv a 3 a o >,cm *a EJco 5 •? 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N 4> . s CCM S . o P.H^ > C Q o «S >.gN^^ M 52 ™ J3 C W O) J5 ft 8 . vo p>. a o «> V) 00 it cm d °^ CO ^ 10 o Q t- o o UPQ <|B 4J 4) O JJ 4) co 11 co ^ e oo o 5 H cfl u CO ™ cd o ft cq 1 ~h 3 «*> CO o> I— I o so cd bflS «3 "> PQ^ H PQ PQO co^* o s 4) (fl "O Ut ■ 3 § T3 3 Hw -si 13 GS ft o Ez-s O H 4> c rfg^g ft 5 « S S £J 1 2H •§ 4> c o N "cd C cd O ^1 t? a c I1 C rrj cq S e ^0 c o fa rX5 (T\ (2 ° fa v- d vo i5 «n c3 riday, February 6, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 Further Delay Seen for Trial Of 'Little 3' {Continued from page 1) 9 the interrogatories before the ob- jections are heard on Feb. 18. ■j^Mge Goddard, who is presiding at H| "prolonged trial of enemy spies, .id he might not have time to con- dor the motion on Feb. 18 and indi- ited that it might be necessary to tljourn the Government's motion to imipel Paramount and 20th Century- tox to divest themselves of certain leatres acquired since the date of the i>nsent decree. The latter motion is so scheduled for hearing Feb. 18. The "Little Three" case is due to opear on the trial calendar Feb. 16, t/o days before the motions, but •obably will be adjourned, it was in- cited. Plan Capital Conference Frohlich, in withdrawing the motion accelerate the hearing on the ob- ctions pointed out that the Govern- ent had objected to the interroga- ries because they had been served close to the trial date and then had needed to give 25 days' notice of sections. However, after hearing iat Judge Goddard did not intend to t the case down for trial immedi- ely, Frohlich said he and Benjamin ■epper, representing United Artists v\ Universal, would go to Washing- n to try to get an agreement on the terrogatories. Frohlich said that he ould be satisfied if the Government ovided an exact list of situations here it was contended that Columbia ad violated the anti-trust laws. Pepper, who has served interroga- tries on behalf of U. A. and Uni- rsal, said that the principal obstacle an agreement was that the Govern- ent contended it was not subject to ring interrogated. The interroga- tes served by Pepper are almost entical with those propounded by rohlich and are subject to the same oj ections. May Delay All Motions Judge Goddard. in closing the hear- g, said it might be necessary to post- cine all motions until the spy case is ;»mpleted. Joseph P. Quinnan repre nted the Government but took no irt in the proceedings except to ex- ain that he was unfamiliar with the se. Under the "escape clause" of the nsent decree, the five consenting mpanies may be relieved from the ovisions for trade showings and les in blocks of five unless the "Lit- t Three" are brought within the lovisions of the decree before June 1. Suitable Gift Mexico City, Feb. 5 FILM celebrities are join- ing the movement started by Rafael Munoz to raise money for the purchase of 1,000 of Mexico's best cigars to be shipped to Prime Min- ister Churchill of England with the compliments of the people of Mexico. Freedom Rally in Skouras Houses To Aid Red Cross (.Continued from page 1) novel event, the Skouras theatres, everywhere, will show a trailer for 12 days previous to the freedom rally. Additionally, Lew Brown, at the request of George Skouras, has com- posed a special song for the occasion, which is to be sung to the music of "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching :" Stamp, stamp, stamp and keep on stamping, Uncle Sam is in a scrap If you want our boys to win Now's the time to pitch right in You can do your bit by stamping out a Jap! Stamp, stamp, stamp, STAMP OUT A JAP, boys, Help preserve our Liberty Hev there, Yankee Doodle-do I'LL STAMP OUT A JAP for you Won't you let me see you stamp one out for me? Stamp, stamp, stamp and keep on stamping. We'll all be Okeedokee oh, Every time you see a Jap Stick a stamp right on his map And then, stick another on his Tokyo! Cold and Rain Hit Grosses on BVay (Continued from page 1) "Woman of the Year," M-G-M pic- ture. "The Corsican Brothers" finished its third and final week at the Capitol with an estimated $20,000 and was followed yesterday by "Design for Scandal." The Strand brings in "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" with Frankie Masters orchestra today. "All Through the Night" with Bob Ches- ter's orchestra and Georgie Price ended its second week at the Strand with an estimated $34,500. "Mister V," produced in England by Leslie Howard and released here by United Artists, will open at the Rivoli Feb. 12. That theatre's present tenant, "Joan of Paris," concludes its second week with an estimated $17,500 and will be held until then. Baltimore Club Sets Banquet March 28 Baltimore, Feb. 5. — The Variety- Club here has set March 28 as the date for its annual banquet. J. Louis Rome is in charge of a special ar- rangements committee. In the meantime, the club is spon- soring a drive for members as part of the nationwide Variety Clubs' campaign for increased membership. A local committee includes Bernard Seaman, chief barker, and Lauritz Garman as co-chairman ; William Myers, H. P. Rome, Gordon Contee, Morton Rosen ; Sam Soltz and J. Lawrence Schanberger. Gordon Con- tee and Morris Oletsky have been named co-chairmen of a Maryland State Membership Committee. '•"'"'^Rmi BLUEBOOKof PROJECTION mm vw°°=-c,c«So. $7.25 POSTPAID MOST ADVANCED TEXTBOOK ON MODERN SOUND REPRO- DUCTION AND PROJECTION SECOND REVISION SIXTH EDITION — SUPPLEMENTED WITH SOUND TROUBLE CHARTS and ALPHABETICAL INDEX 1 You will find this revised edition of F. H. Rich- ardson's Bluebook of Projection the most practical treatise of its kind and a sure solution to all the perplexing problems of projection room routine. Over 700 pages of up-to-the-minute text, diagrams and charts, this book is not only the greatest author- ity on sound reproduction and projection, but it is also a quick, certain trouble-shooter — a practical guide to swift repairs in any projection room emergency. ORDER THIS BOOK TODAY QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK 8 Motion Picture Daily Off the Antenna WITH full-scale operations over its three shortwave transmitters sched- uled to begin on Lincoln's Birthday, CBS has revised its shortwave schedule effective that day. The transmitters will be beamed to Europe during the morning and afternoon and to South America in the evening. The new schedule will permit two weeks of testing before the start of operations for the CBS Latin American network which is set for early next month. WCBX, with 50,000 watts, will be beamed to Europe from 6:15 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. and to the East coast of South America from 4 until 11 P.M. WCRC, also 50,000 watts, will be directed to Europe 6:15 A.M. -3 :30 P.M. and to the West coast of South America, 4-11 P.M. WCDA, with 10,000 watts, will be beamed to Europe 3 :30-4 :45 P.M. and to Mexico and Central America 5-7:45 P.M. and 8-11 P.M. • • • Purely Personal: Benson Pratt of the Blue publicity staff has resigned to start a personal management business. . . . Henry J. Taylor has been added to the WHN war commentator staff. . . . Noel Jordan, of the NBC personnel office, has been named manager of office sermces. • • • An early decision on motions in the action brought by CBS and NBC against the FCC in the statutory court here was seen as a possibility yesterday when Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard, during the course of a hearing in another case, mentioned that he had completed his memo- randum in the FCC suit. • • • "Buy a Defense Bond" week, inaugurated and promoted by WJRD, Tus- caloosa, Ala., was so successful, the Government is preparing a brochure on the campaign for distribution to all U. S. stations, according to J. E. Rey- nolds, station manager, and James R. Doss, Jr., owner, who were called to Washington recently to outline the details. • • • Program News: Starting its fifth year on CBS, Philip Morris has renewed the "Philip Morris Playhouse" over 100 CBS stations. . . . Terminal Barber Shops will increase its business with WABC Feb. 17 when it ivill start par- ticipations on "Woman's Page of the Air." . . . Two Brown & Williamson Tobacco shozvs on NBC are szmtching their time. "Plantation Party" will move to the Friday 9:30-10 P.M. period, while "Uncle Walter's Dog House" ivill change to Wednesdays, 8 :30-9 P.M. . . . Sterling Products has! added 13 stations for "Walts Time" on NBC starting in March. P&G Tops '41 Radio Outlay At $9,401,353 Procter & Gamble Co. led all ad- vertisers in expenditure on radio during 1941, with a total of $9,401,- 353, according to a study published in Printers' Ink for Feb. 6, based on copyrighted figures of Publishers' Information Bureau, Inc. The 21 companies which spent more than $1,000,000 each during 1941 had a total expenditure of $69,372,036. General Foods Corp. was listed as second in 1941 radio expenditures, with $7,189,761. Other companies which spent more than $1,000,000, listed in the order of expenditure, fol- low: Sterling Products, Inc., $6,992,342; Colgate-Palmolive - Peet, $5,353,719 ; Lever Brothers Co., $4,499,837 ; Camp- bell Soup Co, $3,770,291; Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co, $3,729,897; American Home Products, $3,473,- 108; General Mills, Inc., $3,456,337; Brown & Williamson Tobacco, $2,- 856,059 ; American Tobacco Co, $2,- 755,714; Miles Laboratories, $2,346,- 943 ; R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, $2,324,677; Texas Co, $1,782,271; Philip Morris & Co, $1,755,950; Na- tional Dairy Products, $1,692,135; Wm. Wrigley, Jr., Co, $1,470,860; Standard Brands, Inc., $1,227,706; Chrysler Corp, $1,118,569; Bristol- Meyers Co, $1,112,213; Jergens- Woodbury, $1,060,274. The publication also reports that CBS in 1941 spent $219,925 on maga- zine advertising for itself, while NBC spent $4,898. Protests Restriction On Press- Air Tieup Washington, Feb. 5. — Ernest An- gell, head of the Council for Democracy, today told the FCC that maintenance of freedom of speech and the press without interference from the Government was a very important factor in the successful continuance of a democracy, particularly now when Democracy is "on trial." "Freedom of the press and speech," he testified at the Commission's hear- ing on newspaper ownership of radio stations, "represents a form of guar- antee of liberty. Any proposal to create a classification between those who may or may not own a radio station is fraught with danger." Dr. Herman Hettinger, professor of the Wharton School of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, also testified. Delay Bonds Trailer The War Activities Committee. Motion Picture Industry, has an- nounced that the release of the two- minute Technicolor trailer, "Any Bonds Today," originally set for Feb. 2, has been delayed. No new date has been set as yet. Spencer in Ad Po :t Atlaxta, Feb. 5. — Perry Spencer, formerly with Republic here, has been named advertising and sales pro- motion manager for the Wil-Kin The- atre Supply Co, Tnc, here. Plea for Navy Relief Features Ampa Meet A plea for support of the Navy Re- lief Society and for attendance at the benefit show for that organization on March 10 at Madison Square Gar- den, featured the Ampa luncheon meeting at the Hotel Edison yester- day. Chief speaker was Lieut. John T. Casey, who made the appeal. He sub- stituted for the scheduled speaker, Lieut. Com. Henry T. Tuthill, who was called to Washington. It was dis- closed that Will H. Hays, the dinner in whose honor has been indefinitely postponed, donated $500 to the Ampa Relief Fund. Yesterday's meeting heard a tribute to Otto Winkler and Carole Lombard, killed in the recent plane crash in the West. Introduced . at yesterday's meeting were Bonita Granville and Paul Henreid. The next meeting will be held Feb. 19. Ask FCC Approval For Station in Mo. Washington, Feb. 5. — The Sikes- ton Community Broadcasting Co. has applied to the FCC for a construc- tion permit for a new 1,300-kilocycle, 250-watt daytime station at Sikeston, Mo. The commission also received ap- plications from Station WHEB, Portsmouth, N. H, for change of hours from limited to day and in- crease of power from 1,000 to 10,000 watts, and Station WNOE, New Or- leans, for change of frequency from 1,450 to 1,060 kilocycles and increase of power from 250 to 50,000 watts. Screen Readers Pact Parleys Break Down Negotiations between the Screen Office & Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO, on behalf of the screen readers broke down this week, it was learned yesterday. Differences on minimum wage provisions and a union recognition clause were the principal causes, it was stated. The union sought a $60 weekly minimum for readers, while the com- panies offered $40. The union also originally asked for a closed shop but later offered a compromise in the form of a "maintenance of union" provision. This clause also was re- jected. An offer by the union to arbitrate the differences was rejected by 20th Century-Fox. Paramount, Loew's, RKO, Columbia and Universal said they would study the proposal, and the union asked for a definite reply by Feb. 12. The SOPEG is participating in NLRB hearings here to have itself designated as collective bargaining agency for clerical workers at the 20th Century-Fox home office. A date for an election by clerical work- ers at Loew's and Columbia will be set by early next week by the NLRB, it is expected. 138 FWC Employes In Armed Forces (Continued from page 1) the ranks are filled from within the company." Sfcouras also said : "A plan is being formulated whereby we can make ar- rangements to pay the Government rate on the same amount of insur- ance we carry, under one group insur- ance plan." Lawyers Urge New MPPD^ Contact Setu (Continued from page i) ported to favor the designation oi new aide to Pat Casey, labor rep sentative, to provide resident imjjfr' labor contacts on both Coasts H times. Heretofore, Casey has p? obliged to divide his time between I East and West coasts. Urge Permanent PCA Head The prompt designation of a p' manent head of the Production Cc' Administration and complete reorg; ization of the legislative contact < partments of the industry also ; being urged by the lawyers' committ Better coordination of East a West Coast publicity efforts, includi those of studio and home office pi licity and advertising departments, being sought in the lawyers' comm tee's efforts to improve the over- public relations of the industry, part of this phase of the committe recommendations, heads of advert ing and publicity departments on tx Coasts have been asked to hold poll meetings at frequent intervals. Confirmation on Pettijohn Meanwhile, the resignation of C. Pettijohn as general counsel MPPDA as of next March 5 W. confirmed yesterday by the Hays 6 fice, which stated that he will be "fl tained as a consultant and advise after returning to private law practi Will H. Hays, MPPDA preside now in Hollywood, paid tribute Pettijohn for his 20 years of serv: with the organization. His success has not yet been designated. Stress Conservation At Altec Confer em The increasingly urgent need ) conservation of essential materi; used in projection rooms, and the I tensive development of service ma: tenance methods as an integral p; of the theatre conservation progra were the highlighted theme of t Altec Service managers' natior conference held at the Park CentL Hotel here this week. Closing the meeting, a dinner w held last night at Leone's. Prese at the conference were : L. W. Conrow, president ; G. Carrington, vice-president and genei manager; H. M. Bessey, secretaj treasurer ; E. Z. Walters, comptrolle R. Hilton, L. J. Hacking, jF. C. Dicke B. W. Ardell, E. O. Wilschke, P. Thomas, A. J. Rademacher, D. Peterson, W. W. Simons, B. Sanfor M. G. Thomas, H. Wengler, H. Morris, A. L. Rubinstein, T. H. Ca penter, A. Fiore, D. L. Turner, '\ Conner, S. M'. Pariseau, S. W. Har H. B. Moog, T. B. Lansing, R. Gray, G. E. Wiltse, C. S. Perkit E. C. Shriver. Farnsworth Net $205,94 Farnsworth Television and Rad Corp. has reported net profit for tl six months ended Oct. 31, last, $205,944, compared with a net loss $94,592 in the same period of the pr vious year. Alert. n r^ispensable o theiytation 3icture ndustry MOTION PICT0RE DAILY 51. NO. 2? NEW YORK. U.S.A., MONDAY. FEBRUARY 9, 1942 TEN CENTS itrikes Ban Backed by IA For Duration idorses Stand of AFL, Walsh Discloses By EDWARD GREIF The IATSE executive board at - recent meeting in Miami in- irsed the position of the American ederation of Labor opposed to trikes for the duration of the war, ichard Walsh, I A president, de- bred on Friday. Walsh stiid he ias one of the International union Hollywood. Feb. 8.— In its first open membership drive in the studios since 1939. the CIO is organizing among office work- ers, it was learned over the weekend. I'nited Office & Pro- fessional Workers of America, Local No. 9, has enrolled 50 members in the industry. This is about equal to the AFL mem- bership in Screen Office Em- M I ployes Guild, Local 852. of the Painters International. I Nominations for Academy Awards of '41 Disclosed residents who favored this stand t an AFL meeting and that his (Continued on page 4) W. B. 13 -Week Net :P to $2,079,601 Warner Bros, reports net profit of 2.079,601 for the 13 weeks ended \Tov. 29, 1941, after all charges, in- luding amortization, depreciation and inrmal Federal income taxes but with- nit provision for excess profits taxes. The result compares with net profit jot $1,276,316 for the corresponding (Continued on page 4) Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Nominations for the annual Academy Awards of 1941 were announced here today. Prize winners will be announced at the annual banquet at the Biltmore Bowl here on Feb. 26. The nomina- tions follow : Outstanding Production — "Blossoms in the Dust," M-G-M; "Citizen Kane," RKO; "Here Comes Mr. Jor- dan," Col. ; "Hold Back the Dawn," Para. ; "How Green Was My Valley," 20th Century-Fox; "The Little Foxes," Goldwyn-RKO; "The Mal- tese Falcon," Warners ; "( )ne Foot in Heaven," Warners; "Sergeant York," Warners; "Suspicion," RKO. Best Performance by Actor — Gary Cooper in "Sergeant York" ; Cary Grant in "Penny Serenade ;" Walter Huston in "All That Money Can Buy" ; Robert Montgomery in "Here Conies Mr. Jordan" ; Orson Welles in "Citizen Kane." Bette Davis Nominated Best Performance by Actress — Bette Davis in "The Little Foxes"; Joan Fontaine in "Suspicion" ; Greer Gar- son in "Blossoms in the Dust" ; Olivia de Havilland in "Hold Back the Dawn"; Barbara Stanwyck in "Ball of Fire." Best Performance by Supporting Actor — Walter Brennan in "Sergeant York" ; Charles Coburn in "The Devil and Miss Jones"; Donald Crisp in "How Green Was My Valley" ; James Gleason in "Here Comes Mr. (Continued on page 4) Discuss Film Labor Post for Dykstra, Bryson in Legal Job Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Realign- ment of key positions in the indus- try's public relations upon the rec- emmendation of the lawyers' com- mittee of six reportedly brought to the fore the names of Dr. Clar- ence A. Dykstra, president of the University of Wisconsin, as a special labor counsellor and Jack Bryson, California legislative contact for the industry, as successor to C. C. Petti- john. Pat Casey will continue in his present post as chief labor contact for the industry. Dr. Dykstra's name figured prom- inently in discussions pertaining to the augmenting of the industry's labor relations. I'ryson's name is being linked with the post of national legislative contact, fonnely held by C. C. Pettijohn. He has been the industry's representative at Sacramento for several years. Bry- (Continued on page 4) Film Industry Gets 'Essential' Rating in Draft Deferment Possible for 'Necessary Workers' Schaefer Will Get New Five-Year Pact Hollywood, Feb. 8. — George J. Schaefer, it is authorita- tively reported, will shortly sign a new five-year contract with RKO, of which company he is president. Schaefer is here for studio conferences and to supervise operations during the forthcoming ab- sence of Joseph I. Breen, studio head, who leaves soon for a vacation in Mexico. Bamberger in Umpi Job; Calvert Rejects Leon J. Bamberger, sales promotion manager for RKO. has been appointed executive secretary of the Motion Picture Industry organization and will assume his new post next Monday, it was announced. The post of executive secretary had first been proffered to Lowell V. Cal- vert, jgeneral manager in charge of sales for Selznick-International Pic- tures, Inc., producers of "Gone With the Wind," and formerly sales man- ager for Frank Capra productions, such as "Meet John Doe." Calvert de- clined the post. Thereupon the sub- committee, composed of Ned E. Depi- net and Harry Brandt, named by William F. Rodgers, Umpi chairman, (Continued on page 4) Expect Ad Group to Set Executive Head A full-time executive secretary is expected to be appointed by the home office advertising and publicity direc- tors' committee organized to coop- erate with the lawyers' committee of six in bringing about improved public relations for the industry. The proposal was made and re- ceived favorably at a meeting of major company advertising and publicity (Continued on page 4) U. S. S chine Move Is Denied by Court Buffalo, Feb. 8. — Federal Judge John Knight, on Friday, denied a mo- tion by the Government for inspection of certain documents purported to be in possession of Schine Theatres de- fendants claimed to constitute or contain evidence material to matters involved ~ in the anti-trust action in U. S. District court here. The Government, without specifica- tion, asked discovery of all inter-office (Continued on page 4) By SAM SHAIN The motion picture business has been designated as an "essential in- dustry" in the national war effort. By this ruling, the industry will re- ceive protection against disruption of its production activities through the calling of "essential" workers into the draft. The ruling was made by Brigadier General Louis B. Hershey, Director of Selective Service. Thus certain "irreplaceable" studio men, actors, directors, writers, pro- ducers, cameramen, sound engineers and other technicians, who may be subject to the draft will receive con- sideration for deferment — unless called upon by either of the armed services or other governmental agency for a specific task. The ruling, it is said, is in line with the position taken by the government in the last war. Responsibility for making and pre- senting claims for deferment is upon the industry. The determination of "necessary" men is one for the local draft boards and appeal agencies. Without revealing what machinery the industry intends to set up for the task, George J. Schaefer, chairman of the trade's War Activities Committee, says that the industry does not intend to ask for blanket deferments and that those sought will be only for a "negligible number." He further states : "This recognition by our govern- ment of the essential nature of motion pictures in wartime should encourage every person in the industry to feel that he or she is doing a necessary job in sharing in the drive for total victory." General Donovan, California State Director of Selective Service, already has been notified of General Hershey'r. ruling. The ruling followed the cer- tification of the motion picture busi- ness as essential in the country's war effort by Lowell Mellett, Co-ordi- nator of Government Films, in a letter to General Hershey. His certification states : "As a civilian activity, I believe the industry is essential to the national health, safety and interest, through the maintenance of the national morale. As a war activity, I believe the industry is essential to the pro- (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 9, 194: Priorities Pointers Given to Exhibitors Specific factors which must be watched carefully by the exhibitor due to the present or impending scarcity of certain supplies and equipment are cited in a bulletin of Allied Indepen- dent Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania. Based on the priorities situation to date, the following- rec- ommendations are made : General and extensive alterations will not be permitted. Only altera- tions required for the safety of the public will be allowed. Machinery should be repaired now and put in first-class condition. Onlv projectors and sound equip- ment which are are damaged beyond repair may be replaced. Screens will be scarce. If one is needed, order it immediately. Save electric tubes when used in order to replace them. Only rubber for fire hose is obtainable. Repairs may be made but no new seats will be available. It is expected that when purchasing new carbons, theatres will be required to turn in a certain amount of copper and butts. No freon gas will be available after April 1. Eliminate waste and pur- chase a sufficient amount of gas for Summer operation of cooling system. Supervise use of tetrachloride, clean- ing solvents and soaps. Chicago Theatres to Organize OCD Unit Chicago, Feb. 8. — A committee of downtown Chicago theatre men will be appointed, it was decided at the first civilian defense meeting of these theatre operators here. It was fur- ther determined that a set of rules for procedure in the event of an emer- gency will be drafted. The member- ship of the committee has not yet been divided. The group will work in cooperation with the local officials of the Office of Civilian Defense. About 25 man- agers or their representatives attended the preliminary meeting, with Walter Immerman, general manager of Bala- ban & Katz, serving as temporary chairman. SPG Engages CIO Aide in Pact Fight Ray Torr, publicity director for the National Maritime Union for the past five years, and most recently with the Greater New York Industrial Union Council, CIO, has been engaged by the Screen Publicists Guild as "activ- ities administrator in connection with the guild's dispute with the major film producers in contract negotiations," it was announced Friday. In 1935-'37, Torr was chairman of the strike com- mittee of the New York local of the Newspaper Guild. Joseph Curran is president of the maritime union. NSS Aids Marines In Film Instruction National Screen Service has placed at the disposal of the Marine Corps its complete facilities for instruction in camera animation, the company has announced, at the request of Capt. W. M. Nelson of the Marine Corps Pho- tographic Section at Quantico, Va. Three enlisted men are working at the NSS home office under the guidance of company officials. Personal Mention HENRY GINSBERG, vice-presi- dent and general manager of the Paramount studio, is due here from the Coast next weekend. • Arthur A. Lee has left for the Coast. • Harold Bernstein, owner of the Plaza, Cincinnati, and Mrs. Bern- stein are the parents of a boy. • Pare Lorentz and Tom Atkins have left New York for the Coast. • Milton Marx, Warner home of- fice artist, has a picture on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Alfred Ceike of the Warner art staff will exhibit there in the Spring. WILLIAM A. SCULLY, Univer- sal vice-president and general sales manager, has left for Cincinnati and a two-week tour of exchanges. • Zelig Fishman of Fishman The- atres, New Haven, has another grand- child, a girl, born to Dr. and Mrs. John Chasnoff. • Norman Ayers, Warner district manager, has returned to Boston from Gloversville, N. Y. • Terry Turner returns today from Chicago. • Joseph B. Stone of Denver has been called to active service in the Field Artillery. Jersey House Wins Clearance Change The Liberty, Freehold, N. J., won an adjustment of the clearance sched- ules with respect to two Asbury Park houses, while the clearance of three others over the Liberty was upheld as reasonable in an award late last week by John K. Watson, New York arbitrator. The case involved RKO, War- ners and Walter Reade's Mayfair, Paramount, St. James, Savoy and Lyric in Asbury Park. Watson de- cided that the 14 days clearance of the Mayfair, Paramount and St. James was reasonable. He reduced the 12 and 14 days clearance of the Savoy over the Liberty to one day, and the 12 and 14 days of the Lyric over the Liberty to three days. Twin City Circuit To Increase Prices Minneapolis, Feb. 8. — Minnesota Amusement Co. has announced price increases for its Twin City theatres, bringing admission prices to even figures, tax included. Prices previously at 44 cents go to 50 cents, 17-cent admissions to 20 cents, 28 cents to 30 cents, 22 cents to 25 cents, 38 cents to 40 cents, and so on. Children's admissions remain at 10 cents plus one-cent tax. The changes are effective on dif- ferent dates at various houses during the next two weeks. Other theatres are expected to follow. Monogram Acquires Its Present Studio Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Monogram has acquired the International Stu- dios, which it has leased for the last two years, from Martha J. and Ralph M. Like. The announced price was $250,000. This is the first time the company has had its own studio prop- erty. The company has taken an option on adjoining property, making a total of two acres. Geo. Batcheller Married Hollywood, Feb. 8. — George Bat- cheller, supervisor of production for Producers Releasing Corp., and Adele Palmer, Republic studio stylist, were married yesterday at Santa Ana. B. F. Keith Corp. To Reduce Capital Albany, Feb. 8.— B. F. Keith Corp. has filed a certificate with the Secretary of State here for reduction of its capital stock. It was learned that the corporation plans to elimi- nate 6,000 shares of 8 per cent con- vertible preferred stock amounting to $600,000, reducing its authorized cap- ital to $19,400,000, represented by 194,000 shares of $100 par value com- mon stock. Samuel Goldwyn, Inc., filed a cer- tificate for "change of purposes and elimination of provisions" in its orig- inal 1924 incorporation, permitting the company to widen its operations. Chicago Operators Renominate Officers Chicago, Feb. 8. — Present officers of the local operators' union have been nominated for reelection. They are : Peter Shayne, president ; Glenn Sweeney, vice-president ; Neil C. Bishop, secretary, and John P. Smith, business manager. Frank Korte, prime mover in the recently an- nounced "rebellion" against the pres- ent administration, has not announced an opposition slate, but it is said that several nominated have declined. Denies Suit Plea to Drop Browne, Bioff New York Supreme Court Justice Ferdinand Pecora on Friday denied a motion in a stockholder's suit against Warners for the elimination of George Browne and William Bioff as party defendants. However, Justice Pecora denied the motion without prejudice to its renewal in the con- solidated suit of all complaints aris- ing from the Browne-Bioff extortion transactions. Weiss Is Manager Of Kirsch Theatres Chicago, Feb. 8. — Joseph Weiss, formerly general manager of the GCS Circuit here, has been appointed general manager of Jack Kirsch's group of four houses. He replaces Charles Cooper, who has enlisted in the Army Air Corps. 20th-Fox Signs Ben Hecht Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Ben Hecht has been signed by 20th Century-Fox as writer, director and producer. Winners Named in B&K Circuit Drivt Chicago, Feb. 8. — Winners of tb three-month Y. Frank Freeman driv< among managers of the Balaban b Katz circuit were announced heri yesterday by Walter Immerman, gen eral manager of the circuit. The con test was for the greatest business gaii and general operation of the theatres William Holden and Charles Cottlai managers of the Chicago and Roosef' velt theatres, respectively, tied foi first place in the Loop division. Th> "A" house division was led b\ George Bryant, Tivoli ; "B" houses Harry Odendahl, Congress, an< Charles Nesbit, Tower ; "C" houses Waldo Bail, LaGrange Theatres, anc Jerome Winsberg, Senate Theatre. Al Leonard of the Lakeside won in the first week general release class. Al. winners received $500 defense bonds as prizes, except in the Loop, when the prize was divided. Awards also will be made to the advertising staff for its work on the drive. Winners are James Savage Edward Sequin, Archibald Herzoff Dorothy Deere, Jack Gerber and Her- bert Lyons. Accept Resignation Of Hunt Stromberg Hollywood, Feb. 8. — M-G-M has! formally accepted the resignation oi i Hunt Stromberg, producer, which was! tendered Dec. 13, according to a spokesman for Stromberg. Finalizatioi of severance of the 17-year associa- tion was reported effected in a meet-J ing between Sol A. Rosenblatt, attor- ney, who flew from New York, rep- resenting Stromberg, and Louis B. Mayer, with Nicholas M. Schenck in contact by long distance telephone from New York. Stromberg's contract had three years to run. He is expected to make known a new affiliation after an ex- tended vacation. Corbett Rites Held Chicago, Feb. 8. — Funeral services were held last week for Harry J. Corbett, former Warner theatre ex- ecutive here, and later one of the organizers of Standard Theatres, Inc., of Wisconsin. He left the business two years ago. He is survived by his wife, a son and a sister. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address. "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau. 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman. Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco. London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. out "KINGS ROW... (and everybody is!) heard daily over 165 stations of the Mutual Broadcasting System "\ am nominating KINGS ROW' as the first picture of 1942 to be among the ten best of the year. It is one of the greatest milestones in motion picture history. You'll find yourself going to see it more than once." TO ANN SHERIDAN ROBERT CUMMINGS RONALD REAGAN BETTY FIELD •kings"row" with CHARtES COBURN Claude Rairo • Judith Anderson- Nancy CoJeman KAAREN VEINS MAtIA OUSPENSKAYA HABRY DAVENPOBT Directed by SAM WOOD Screen Play by Cater Babintan From ttm Novel by Henry Bellaman Myilc by Erich WoHgang Komgold pic of*6 »»!. tile fas M L tk«s Eluded 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 9, 1942 Review "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Universal) HP HIS time that pair of unquenchables, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, go West to a dude ranch and get themselves entangled with cattle, cowboys, Indians and romance, and it all adds up to first rate entertain- ment for any audience as the laughs come thick and fast. Of course, it is Abbott and Costello all the way, with the accent on the corpulent Costello. The fun-pace never lags when they are on the screen, which is most of the time, and although the story complications in which they are enmeshed are of minor league caliber, that makes no difference, the whole thing being a peg on which to hang the Abbott- Costello brand of humor. Produced by Alex Gottlieb and directed by Arthur Lubin, the film's screenplay was by True Boardman and John Grant, with adaptation by Harold Shumate. In support are Dick Foran, as the singing cowboy who learns to be a real one because of his love for Anne Gwynne, cow- girl daughter of a dude ranch owner in the West. Johnny Mack Brown, the Merry Macs and Ella Fitzgerald contribute to the general enter- tainment, which includes dude ranch settings for several lively song and dance numbers. Peanut venders at an Eastern rodeo, Abbott and Costello accidentally get aboard the rodeo train heading West, and at the ranch get into and out of one scrape after another, all done hilariously, while assisting the romance of Foran, at the ranch to prove his worth, and Miss Gwynne. Running time, 86 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson Talk Dykstra, Bryson in Film Contact Posts (Continued from page 1) son is now in Washington, presumably preparatory to establishing himself there or at MPPDA headquarters. Dykstra became president of the University of Wisconsin in 1937. He was made head of Selective Service on Oct. 17, 1940, and later became chairman of the National Defense Board. He returned to the presi- dency of the University of Wisconsin last July. U.S. Schine Move Is Denied by Court (Continued from page 1) memoranda and other written com- munications, correspondence with ma- jor film distributors with respect to negotiations and agreements over a nine-year period, concerned with many theatres in different locations, opening and closing of theatres, operating policies, purchase of theatre leases, remodeling, demolition and construc- tion of theatres. "It seems to me," Judge Knight said in his opinion, "the documents purported to be sought are not suf- ficiently designated and it is not made to appear that any such documents are in the possession of the defendants or are in existence . . . and that the requests are too broad. The motion must be denied with, however, the right to renew upon further showing by the plaintiff." Expect Ad Group to Set Executive Head (Continued from page 1) directors here last week, but no final action was taken. The group voted to hold luncheon meetings once weekly, patterning its organization after that of studio publicity directors' committee. Robert M. Gillham of Paramount was elected chairman for the first six months. Howard Dietz, M-G-M, and David Lipton, Columbia, were named to an executive committee. These posts will bt refilled every six months. Film Industry Gets Rating as 'Essential' (Continued from page 1) duction of training and instruction films for the armed services, as well as educational and informational films for the civilian population." Hollywood, Feb. 8. — Y. Frank Freeman, chairman of the Hollywood branch of the War Activities Com- mittee, today issued a statement which said in part : "Determination of those men whose work is indispensable to our activities in carrying out the duties assigned to us by the Govern- ment will be carefully guarded in each individual case. There can be no thought of requesting categorical de- ferments." "G" denotes general classification. Nominations for '41 Awards Announced (Continued from page 1) Jordan" ; Sydney Greenstreet in "The Maltese Falcon." Best Performance by Supporting- Actress — Sara Allgood in "How Green Was My Valley" ; Mary Astor in "The Great Lie" ; Patricia Collinge in "The Little Foxes" ; Teresa Wright in "The Little Foxes" ; Mar- garet Wycherly in "Sergeant York." Best Direction — Orson Welles for "Citizen Kane" ; Alexander Hall for "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" ; John Ford for "How Green Was My Val- ley" ; William Wyler for "The Little Foxes" ; Howard Hawks for "Ser- geant York." 2 Screenplay Groups Best Written Screenplay (regard- less of whether developed from pub- lished material or from an original by some other writer or writers) — Sidney Buchman and Seton I. Miller for "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" ; Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder for "Hold Back the Dawn" ; Philip Dunne for "How Green Was My Val- ley" ; Lillian Hellman for "The Little Foxes" ; John Huston for "The Mal- tese Falcon." Best Original Screenplay (the writer or writers of screenplay must also have been the sole author or authors of the original) — Herman J. Mankiewicz and Orson Welles for "Citizen Kane" ; Norman Krasna for "The Devil and Miss Jones" ; Abem Finkel, Harry Chandlee, Howard Koch and John Huston for "Sergeant York" ; Karl Tunberg and Darrell Ware for "Tall, Dark and Hand- some" ; Paul Jarrico for "Tom, Dick and Harry." Screen Stories Cited Best Original Motion Picture Story — Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder for "Ball of Fire" ; Harry Segall for "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" ; Monck- ton Hoffe for "The Lady Eve" ; Richard Connell and Robert Presnell for "Meet John Doe" ; Gordon Wel- lesley for "Night Train" (British). Bamberger in Umpi Job; Calvert Rejects (Continued from page 1) selected Bamberger, who has been as- sociated with Depinet for many years. There were many others mentioned for the post before the offer to Cal- vert was made, according to report, including Pete Wood, Maurice Berg- man, Charles E. McCarthy, Elmer Pearson, John Wright and John C. Flinn. Temporary national headquarters of the Umpi will be at the Hotel Astor, it was announced. Bamberger has been sales promo- tion manager of RKO for the last 10 years and has been in charge of direct mail promotion. He was president of Ampa in 1940-41. His duties as sales promotion manager will be divided among other departments, it was said. W.B. 13-Week Net Rises to $2,079,601 (Continued from page 1) quarter of the preceding fiscal year. During the 13-week period ending last Nov. 29 there was an additional provision for contingencies i'i the amount of $300,000 in respect of net assets of subsidiaries operating in foreign territories. Net profit for the period before charges for amortization and depreciation and normal Federal income taxes amounted to $4,383,092. Gross income for the 13 weeks was $28,586,534, compared with $24,934,448 for the . corresponding 1940 quarter Cash on hand amounted to $9,064,967 on Nov. 29, last, compared with $7,- 431,248 as of Aug. 30, 1941. Douglas Churchill Dies Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 8. — Douglas W. Churchill, 42, Hollywood corre- spondent of the Nezv York Times and film editor of Red Book, died here yesterday from a heart attack. He had been ill since November. The body will be taken to Hollywood to- morrow. Strikes Ban Backed by IA For Duration (Continued from page 1) own executive board adopted his view at the meeting. ^ Walsh said this stand is now tl* official position of his union "unlesf something comes along which we can't control." He said he is preparing a letter to all locals urging the conser- vation of supplies and the purchase of defense bonds. Exchange Union Impasse Walsh disclosed that the Indian- apolis film exchange union's charter had been suspended because it at- tempted to enforce a limitation on the number of reels each worker was to inspect daily, and would remain sus- pended until responsibility is fixed for the local's action. The whole question of ex- change workers' contracts is be- ing negotiated locally all over the country, with five per cent increases offered by the com- panies and the locals demand- ing from 10 to 60 per cent in the various categories. An im- passe has been reached, Walsh said, and the locals have asked the IA for advice. All new con- tracts will be retroactive to Dec. 1. No effort is being made by the IA to organize clerical workers in the ex- changes, but the union is backing the efforts of an AFL affiliate to unionize them, Walsh said. As for "front of the house" employes in theatres, Walsh said a drive to organize them is continuing, particularly in New York. Sees ASC Solution Walsh asserted that there has been no definite decision about a separate charter for the American Society of Cinematographers in its dispute with Local 659 but said he was "very op- timistic that both sides will be satis- fied." He said he would go to the Coast to help iron out the situation. Walsh said he was "confident" that Laboratory Workers' Local 702 would be recognized at the Paramount Long Island laboratory shortly. Charter for ASC Up at Coast Meet Hollywood, Feb. 8. — The question of a separate charter for the American Society of Cinematographers will be put before a special meeting of Pho- tographers Local 659, and ASC mem- bers will be given an' opportunity to be heard at the meeting. Fred Jackman, A.SC president, so advised his mem- bership in a letter upon his return from Miami where he attended the TATSE board meeting. Richard Walsh, IA president, will be present at the meeting, Jackman said. The ASC has about 200 members, Local 659 about 660. Cincinnati Club Party Cincinnati, Feb. 8. — The local Varietv Club will hold a Valentine Party Feb. 14, to which the admission of members and guests will be one or more valentines, which will be sent to the children at local institutions. MS / Brother -you &erBoyoFF/c£ FROM A 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 9, 1942 Off the Antenna THE NBC Thesaurus immediately will begin recordings containing music controlled by several Ascap publishers, it was announced over the week- end. C. Lloyd Egner, vice-president in charge of recording, explained that transcriptions were not included when the networks settled their dispute with Ascap and that they were compelled to negotiate directly with the publishers. Although names of publishers who have released their music to NBC The- saurus were not given, it was reported that the Warner Bros, subsidiaries are the principal ones. Egner said the deal was a long term one and would not be restricted to six-month or one-year periods as previously. He added that stations which have not taken Ascap licenses would be permitted to use the recordings temporarily on sustaining programs. This, however, does not include Nebraska stations. • • • Seven salesmen have been named to the Eastern sales staff of the Blue by George M. Benson, Eastern sales manager. They are D. R. Buckham, Donald Campbell, G. T. C. Frey, Charles Holbrook, Charles E. Phelps, W. D. Rob- erts and Dudley Rollinson. All except Holbrook and Fry were with the Blue prior to its creation as a separate company. • • • WOR will broadcast pre-season baseball games of the Yankees and Giants, beginning Feb. 28. No deal has been set, however, for the regu- lar season games of these teams. No sponsor has been obtained for the pre-season broadcasts. Dodger games, carried by WOR last year, will be broadcast by WHN this season. • • • WJHO, Opelika, Ala., will join Mutual today to become the network's 198th affiliate. The station operates on 1,400 k.c. with 250 watts days and 100 nights. • • • The recent address by H. V . Kaltenborn over NBC concerning the Roberts report on responsibility for the failure of defenses at Pearl Harbor, was inserted in the Congressional Record in an extension of remarks on the subject by L. Mendel Rivers, Representative from South Carolina. Code Changes Approved for Commercials Washington, Feb. 8. — The NAB code compliance committee has approved a list of reforms, gen- eral objective of which is to im- prove the quality of commercially sponsored news broadcasts. The code committee recommended that the nation's broadcasters put the approved reforms into effect at once. Shepard Submits List Proposed by John Shepard III of the Yankee Network and chairman of the Broadcasters' Victory Com- mittee, the recommendations are : Delivery of both the news and the commercial should be in a calm voice, with excited inflec- tions and emphasis of exclu- siveness barred. The leadoff commercial, if one is used, should be very brief, and clever leadins and teasers taboo. A commercial should not come im- mediately after news, of say, a dis- aster or catastrophe. Better to sand- wich in another news or sports item or let a second announcer take the commercial. Bar 'Panic' Copy The NAB group, which debated the reforms at an all day meeting Fri- day presided over by Earl J. Glade, chairman, also urged elimination cf "scary" advertising copy, avoidance of such news terms as "flash" and "bulletin" in commercials and aboli- tion of the practice of saying that the newscast is "through courtesy of" or "made possible by" so-and-so. To say it is "a service of the XYZ Co." was held to be preferable. WNEW, Daily News In Program Tieup The second major newspaper-radio tieup in New York City was disclosed yesterday when the Daily News and WNEW announced a setup whereby the News will furnish WNEW with a five-minute news period every hour on the half-hour, 24 hours daily, seven days a week. WNEW will drop all other news periods, but will retain its commentators. The News periods will be unsponsored. WMCA broadcasts bulletins from the New York Times every hour on the hour from 8 A.M. to 11 P.M. daily with four broadcasts Sunday. Name Clarke WHIP Financial Counsel Chicago, Feb. 8. — John W. Clarke, head of a securities firm here, has been appointed financial counsel to Station WHIP here. He also has been elected a vice-president and treasurer of Hammond - Calumet Broadcasting Corp., owner-operator of WHIP. It was announced that facilities designed to make the station the largest independent outlet in the U. S. are under construction. Mar- shall Field III obtained control of the station last week. RCA Manufacturing Has Executive Board The RCA Manufacturing Co. board of directors on Friday created an ex- ecutive committee to render immedi- ate decisions between meetings of the board. George K. Throckmorton, president, was elected chairman of the committee and Robert Shannon, ex- ecutive vice-president, was named president of the company to succeed Throckmorton. Members of the executive commit- tee include David Sarnoff, RCA pres- ident; James G. Harbord, RCA chair- man of the board ; Throckmorton, Shannon, Gano Dunn, DeWitt Mill- hauser and O. S. Schairer. The RCA board, which also met Friday, declared a quarterly dividend of 87^ cents a share on the first pre- ferred stock and $1.25 a share on the "B" preferred. These dividends are for the period from Jan. 1 to March 31, 1942 and will be paid April 1 to stockholders of record March 6. Press-Radio Probe Hearing Recessed Washington, Feb. 8. — The FCC on Friday recessed indefinitely its hearings on newspaper ownership of broadcasting stations after hearing Roscoe Pound, dean emeritus of the Harvard Law School, assail any Gov- ernment control of the press or free- dom of speech as the beginning of au- tocracy. The last witness to be presented by the newspaper radio committee, Dean Pound argued that the Commission should pass on applications on their merits and not adopt any hard and fast rule which would prohibit papers from acquiring stations. Waxmann in Civic Post Atlantic City, N. J., Feb. 8. — Harry I. Waxmann, head of Wax- mann Theatres here, has been ap- pointed a member of the city's Sinking Fund Commission. School Show Plan Hit by Musicians Local 802 of the Musicians Union here has refused to permit its mem- bers to play without pay at musical comedies and operettas included in the School Theatre Program, under which the city's high school students attend Broadway shows at special low cost matinees. William Feinberg, union secretary, declared the union will permit mu- sicians to contribute their services as in the past for dramatic shows with incidental music, but not when full or- chestras are needed. Feinberg said his understanding last Spring when the program was begun was that it would not include musical comedies and op- erettas. See Production in Mexico Increasing Mexico City, Feb. 8. — There are indications that production this year will be nearer 70 than the 50 that producers calculated a little earlier. The studios here, about all there are in Mexico, completed 10 films in January and will make at least six this month. The producers indicate they can easily account for from six to eight pictures a month from March to De- cember. Government aid and more money available as well as a better outlook for foreign business, particu- larly American and some Spanish American, have encouraged the pro- ducers to work on a larger scale. Seattle Weekend Policy Seattle, Feb. 8. — Hamrick-Ever- green Theatres, Inc., are again at- tempting to accommodate heavy weekend patronage in this defense area by reopening the Music Hall for extended run engagements every Fri- day, Saturday and Sunday. The pol- icy was attempted last Fall but was not successful. Admission is 30 cents, 42 cents and 58 cents. Mutual Jan. Gross Sets Month Record January gross billings for the Mutual network totaled more than double the same month last year and repre- sented the first month in Mu- tual's history when a single month's billing exceeded the million dollar mark, it was stated over the weekend. January's gross was $1,024,- > 512, an increase of 102.8 per / cent over the $505,231 grossed M in January, 1941. The highest previous one-month figure was reached in November, 1941, when billings totaled $958,935. House Bars Funds For Disney Tax Film I Washington, Feb. 8. — The House I on Friday voted to eliminate an $80,- I 000 allotment to pay the cost of the I Disney cartoon, "The New Spirit," I made for the Treasury Department tc I urge early filing of income tax re- I turns. The House also voted to for- I bid the use of civilian defense funds ] for "instruction in physical fitness b>| dancers, street shows, theatrical perJ formances or other public entertain! ment." The vote was aimed at the appoint-:; ment of Melvyn Douglas, actor, and Mayris Chaney, dancer, to OCD posts) However, Administration forces hope I to upset the votes when full Demo-j cratic strength is mustered in the! House tomorrow. Miss Chaney saicj she was hired by John B. Kelly, Na-| tional Director of Physical Fitness for the OCD, and not by Mrs. Roosel velt, as has been indicated. New Restriction on Building in Canadol Toronto, Feb. 8. — The Government* Priorities Board has made a further! cut in the limit of cost for construe 4 \ tion purposes or remodelling for all j classes of businesses, including the- atres, but not for munition plants, i This limit has been reduced from $10,- 000 to $5,000 for any new construction! : or alteration of existing buildings i The exemption applies to Government projects or any structures to be! financed by the Government. A license j must be obtained from the Govern-1 ment, under the new ruling, by anyi company or person intending to erect! any addition or make any improve-l j ments to buildings. The cost of new machinery or f equipment of any kind has been lim-| I ited to $5,000, including installation.! f Films on Wheels for J Camps in Northwest \ Sacramento, Feb. 8. — Men in iso-l lated Army and Navy posts in Cali-J fornia, Oregon and Washington \ soon will have motion pictures brought to them by recreation halls on wheels, the United Service Organ-e izations have announced. Each unit will be equipped witlu B motion picture projector, screen ancr ' films. Coffee and sandwiches also will 1 be available in the mobile theatres, Ten of the outfits, being manufactured 1 in Detroit, have been donated to USQl | by Edsel Ford. FROM THE DEEP, ROMANTIC SOUTH COMES ANOTHER THRILLING DRAMA OF LOVE AND INTRIGUE! DRAMATIC t ANY PICTURE YOUU PLAY THIS YEAR U Watch Its Two-Coast Premiere on Lincoln's Birthday at the Rivoli, New York City, and the Four Star, Los Angeles! This is the first ad to appear in the trade papers on "Mister V" . . . but you've probably heard a lot about it already. It's getting the most amazing word-of-mouth build- up in months ... a build-up that started with the first exhibitor who saw itl Watch "Mister V" pack dynamite into every box-office engagement. It's the most romantic, exciting role Leslie Howard ever played! as EDWARD SMALL •presents LESLIE OWARD in his greatest role since "PYGMALION" MARY MORRIS • FRANCIS SULLIVAN • HUGH McDERMOTT Directed and Produced by LESLIE HOWARD RELEASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS I Alert. InteW&ei sable to the^ otion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First In and Impartial 51. NO. 28 NEW YORK. U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1942 TEN CENTS) Silverstone, Stromberg in Talks on Deal ombination to Seek UA Stock Participation Hollywood, Feb. 9. — Maurice ilverstone, former world-wide lief of United Artists Corp., and hint Stromberg, recently resigned -oduction executive of Metro- pldwyn-Mayer, are discussing a lerging of interests towards estab- shing a financing-producing unit ith the purpose of purchasing a ock interest in United Artists, it as learned tonight. Attorneys Sol Rosenblatt and William Jaffe, of the New York firm of Rosenblatt and Jaffe, are representing Stromberg, while Silverstone is represented by Attorney Charles Schwartz of the New York law firm of Schwartz and Frohlich. Negotiations between Stromberg id Silverstone are understood to ave begun definitely only yesterday 1 word was officially received in ade circles that M-G-M had granted tromberg his requested release. Silverstone is now in New York (Continued on page 7) British Reels Agree To Gov't Approval Of Commentaries London, Feb. 9. — Despite snags in- herent in the acceptance of the prin- ciple oi newsreel censorship, the news- reel companies have agreed to the sug- gestion of the Ministry of Information that all reel commentaries be approved by service experts before issue. Still remaining to be completed is the machinery for putting the plan in- to effect, with the newsreels appar- ently unwilling to submit their mate- rial directly to the Ministry, preferring consultation with their own established experts. Certain reels, including Paramount, already submit all material and com- mentaries, if they concern the Navy, Army or RAF, to the appropriate ser- vice Ministry. The majority of the reels insist they do not fear censor- ship but all agree the problem is ex- tremely difficult because the dividing line between news and propaganda is so narrow. The agreeement does not bind the newsreels, but it is apparent to observers that the Ministry of In- formation will have the last word. Hollywood Victory Group Aids Canada Hollywood, Feb. 9.— The Holly- ;ood Victory Committee for Stage, >creen and Radio, at the request of le Canadian Government and with tie sanction of the U. S. Government, .ill cooperate in launching a new $6,- 00,000 Canadian '"Victory Loan" rive. Janet Gaynor will inaugurate a se- jies of star appearances in Toronto, "riday, and will be heard on a CBC rogram. Other appearances of stirs (Continued on page 10) loew, Col. Workers To Vote on Union Clerical employes of Loew's and Columbia home offices will participate i an NLRB election tomorrow to ote on whether or not they desire to e represented by the Screen Office & 'rofessional Employes Guild, Local 9, CIO, as collective bargaining gency. The voting at Loew's will ike place between 11 A.M. and P. M. and at Columbia, from 2:30 p 5 P. M. Mention Smith for Ad Committee Post Lou Smith, Columbia advertising and publicity executive on the Coast, has been mentioned, it is reported, for the post of executive secretary of the advertising and publicity directors' committee cooperating with the "Big Six" committee on industry public re- lations. Conn. Allied Votes Selective Buying New Haven, Feb. 9. — The membership of Connecticut Allied today voted unani- mously for a selective method of film buying, based on the furnishing of information by the producer of star, story and director, in place of the pres- ent consent decree five-block sales. The organization previously had voted for a return to block booking with a 20 per cent cancellation, but the Gov- ernment has indicated it will oppose a return to that method. Weekend Grosses Good on Broadway; 'Woman' Is Strong Broadway theatres had a weekend on the average as business stepped up after the lag during the early part of last week. M-G-M's "Woman of the Year" opened very well with a stage show at the Music Hall with an estimated $64,000 Thursday through Sunday and will start a second week Thursday. "Sullivan's Travels" with Glenn Miller's orchestra on the stage will be held for a third week at the Para- mount beginning tomorrow. The show brought an estimated $28,000 Saturday and Sunday and is expected (Continued on page 6) Sen. Downey Lauds Douglas; Disney Cites Tax Film Loss Defending his production of the Donald Duck short subject, "The New Spirit" for the Treasury Department, Walt Disney yesterday pointed out that the group of Congressmen who had attacked charges for his film had overlooked the fact that he had lost $6,000 to $7,000 in the production and stood to lose an additional $50,000 to $60,000 in bookings. The $80,000 which he was to receive for the short, Disney explained, failed to pay for all overtime costs and other extra expenses by about $6,000. The cost of making 1,100 prints, also done on overtime, boosted costs, he pointed out. In addition to a loss on the pro- duction, Disney continued, he is losing playing time for his regular product. As an example he mentioned the (Continued on page 7) Washington, Feb. 9. — Senator Sheridan Downey of California today came to the support of Melvyn Doug- las, declaring he was sacrificing a "fabulous income" to aid the defense movement. The statement lauding Douglas fol- lowed action by the House in pressing its attack on the Office of Civilian De- fense in which Douglas recently as- sumed a post. The House climaxed its criticism of the employment of Douglas by including in the OCD ap- propriation bill a provision that no funds shall hereafter be spent for "fan dancing, theatricals" or other forms of entertainment. The measure then was sent to the Senate. Downey also praised the industry generally for its war work and the (Continued on page 7) Canada Trade Forms Council On War Prices To Advise Government on Industry Ceilings Toronto, Feb. 9. — Twenty offi- cials of circuits and independent theatre owners from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan attended a meet- ing here today, called by the To- ronto Board of Trade to organize the exhibitor section of the advis- ory council on price ceilings, under R. G. McMullen, Administrator of Theatres and Films in Canada's Wartime Prices and Trade Board. Nat Taylor, president of the Independent Theatres Associa- tion of Ontario, and head of the 20th Century Theatres, acted as chairman for the long meeting, to which the press was not ad- mitted. An announcement was made that a distributor's section of the advisory board already has been formed, with eight general managers as members and with the independents reportedly (Continued on page 7) Republic Sets Films To Complete Season Following a series of production conferences between M. J. Siegel, Re- public production head, and Herbert J. Yates, Republic yesterday released its program of the final 22 pictures which will round out the 66 on the company's 1941-'42 schedule. The last group will consist of 11 features, 10 westerns and one seriaL Included among the features are "Flying Tigers," with John Wayne and Ray Middleton ; "Lazy Bones," with Judy Canova ; "Remember Pearl Harbor," with Don Barry ; "Moon- struck," a musical with Betty Kean, and "Road to Mandalay." Others are (Continued on page 7) Depinet, Koerner To Coast Parleys Ned E. Depinet, vice-president and distribution head for RKO, and Charles W. Koerner, head of RKO theatre operations, left over the week- end for the studio on the Coast. They will participate with George J. Schae- fer, president, and other executives, in conferences on next season's produc- tion. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 10, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 9 FRANK CAPRA leaves Wednes- day to join the U. S. Army Signal Corps in Washington. • A new series of Army camp shows was announced today by the Holly- wood Victory Committee. Constance Moore will open a three-week tour at Salt Lake City tomorrow; the Ritz Brothers leave Friday for Ft. Leon- ard Wood in Missouri to begin an- other tour, and Charles Butterworth leaves Thursday for Indianapolis. • Paramount today extended the asso- ciate producer contracts of Paul Jones and Fred Kohlmar. • Universal has acquired the rights to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sher- lock Holmes" stories for a contem- plated series of pictures with Basil Rathbone and Niegel Bruce_, who en- act Holmes and Watson, respectively, on the air, in the leading roles. • The Academy of M. P. Arts & Sciences today issued a correction for the writing awards issued yesterday. Billy Wilder and Thomas Monroe are now listed as writers of the orig- inal story for "Ball of Fire," nomi- nated in the best original motion pic- ture awards division, in place of Charles Brackett and Wilder who were credited incorrectly. Personal Mention SIDNEY R. KENT and Mrs. Kent left by train from Holly- wood for New York yesterday. • Norman Ayres, Warner Eastern district manager in Boston, is at the home office for a few days. • David Milgram, head of the inde- pendent Affiliated Theatres circuit in the Philadelphia area, is in Florida. • Ely Epstein, Motion Picture As- sociates president in Philadelphia and RKO salesman, is back at his desk after a short illness. • Charlotte McGuigan, secretary to Harry F. Shaw, Loew-Poli divi- sion manager in New Haven, was married recently and has resigned. Florine Bouer succeeds her. GEORGE SCHAEFER arrived in Hollywood yesterday. • Robert T. Kane, accompanied by Mrs. Kane, left by train for New York from Hollywood yesterday. • J. E. Watson of M-G-M, who re- cently underwent an operation in a Columbus, O., hospital, is recuperat- ing at his home there. • Lester Pollock of Loew's Roches- ter Theatre, Rochester, is in town. • Maurice Sherman, Monogram salesman in Philadelphia, became a grandfather for the second time last week. • Lou Pearson, projectionist at War- ners' New Palace, Philadelphia, has left for the Army. Poole to New York Hollywood, Feb. 9. — Robert H. Poole, Pacific Coast Conference I.T.O. executive secretary, will leave Saturday for New York to attend the Umpi meeting Feb. 17. Bob White, PCCITO trustee, will leave Portland on the same day for New York. 'Invaders' to Capitol "The Invaders," Columbia release made by a British company, will open at the Capitol on Broadway Feb. 26. Robb & Rowley Meeting Corpus Christi, Tex., Feb. 9. — The managers' convention of the Robb & Rowley Circuit and partners will be held here tomorrow and Wednesday at the Plaza Hotel. 6 SERVICES DAILY via THE SOUTHERN SUNSHINE ROUTE to Los Angeles Los Angeles • £ Los Angeles • j£ Los Angeles ■ /fx, Los Angeles ■ %. Los Angeles 4:30 P<»fndd 2a8 am 1:28 am ana 4 7:47 am and 8.4/ 5:25 pm . • • • 2:55 am . • • ' 9:47 am THE NVtRCURY (Two Sections) THE PlMNSIAAN THl SOUTHtRNtR TUGHT 37 T«V^tC\M -^leS ' ' HAvemeyer 6-5000. COUNTRY SWC1W T-j-^^^JfSa 10:55 pm 8:52 am 3:57 pm 10:00 pm 8:33 am 4:58 pm 6:30 am 4:58 pm 1:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES A*. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS Indianapolis Local Fights Charter Loss Indianapolis, Feb. 9. — Representa- tives of Local B-35, the film exchange employes union which is in a contract controversy with the nine Indianapolis exchanges, met tonight with the Cen- tral Labor Council, the AFL coordi- nating body, to seek the council's aid. The local plans to open its battle against the suspension of its charter by Richard Walsh, IATSE president. James A. Watson, attorney for the local, asserted that the bylaws of the union provide that a local must be given notice of the charges against it and a date must be set for a hearing before the charter can be suspended. "Mr. Walsh gave no advance notice whatsoever of this suspension," Wat- son declared. Industry representatives met last week with Clem R. Smith, state fire marshal, in an appeal from his ruling that films must be inspected. Exhib- itors maintained it was not up to them to bear the expense of inspections. Representatives of exchanges ex- pressed the opinion that inspection re- sponsibility lies with the theatres rather than with the exchanges. Smith gave each side five days to file briefs. ITO of Washington Will Meet on Feb. 17 Seattle, Feb. 9. — The annual meet- ing of the ITO of Washington, Idaho and Alaska will be held here Feb. 17 at the New Washington Hotel. A one-day business session and dinner meeting is planned by James M. Hone, executive secretary, but the usual evening public entertainment will not be held this year. It is expected that a number of the independent operators from Oregon also will be represented at the session. Legislation Subject Of N. J. Allied Meet General discussions of state legis- lation affecting theatre operation and an address by Assemblyman A. N. Stackhouse of Burlington County featured a state-wide meeting of New Jersey Allied yesterday at the Hiide- brecht Hotel, Trenton. Harry H. Lowenstein, president, was chairman. Stackhouse spoke of the industry's importance as a morale builder. 3 New Arbitration Panels Are Named Three new panels of arbitrators, for Washington, Chicago and Cleve- land, have been appointed by the American Arbitration Association to act in deciding disputes as provided by the consent decree. Panels are appointed for one-year terms and, as the periods of the original appoint- ments are now expiring, new panel are being set up in the various arbi tration cities. About 10 per cent of the arbitrator personnel is being changed, it was said at the A. A. A. offices yesterday. These changes are due to inability of arbitrators to function, calls to Gov- ernment service and some connection with the industry during the past year, it was explained. The Washington panel of 60 in- cludes 39 attorneys and 21 professional and business men ; the Chicago panel of 48, 17 attorneys and 31 others; and Cleveland, 48 including 26 attorneys and 22 others. Appointments of panels in other cities will be released from time to time this month, it was said. Buffalo Theatre Files Complaint on Clearance Buffalo, Feb. 9. — M. M. Koncza- kowski, operator of the Regent, has filed a cleanance complaint against Loew's, 20th Century-Fox and RKO with the arbitration office here, ask- ing that the seven days' clearance granted to the Apollo be declared un- reasonable. The complainant sets forth that Loew's and 20th Century-Fox, in previous contracts, never granted the Apollo any clearance and that the Re- gent has no contracts with RKO be- cause of the latter's insistence upon the clearance provision. Named as in- terested parties, although not as def- endants, are Paramount and Warners. Goldberg Opposing Chicago Union Slate Chicago, Feb. 9. — Herman Gold- berg will head the opposition ticket in the forthcoming elections of the operators union here. He is running against John P. Smith, administration candidate, for the post of business manager, which pays a salary of $20,- 000 annually. Elections will be. held March 5. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Buigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other ..uigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. fluesday. February 10, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 3 Review "Mr. Wise Guy" (Monogram) Hollywood, Feb. 9 THIS outing of the East Side Kids is a bit longer than usual, a bit stronger as to story, a bit faster in its movement and considerably more exploitable in terms of adult names. Guinn Williams, Billy Gilbert, Benny Rubin, Douglas Fowley, Jack Mulhall, Ann Doran and Warren Hymer are among the grownups. Leo and David Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Sid Miller, Sunshine Morrison, Bill Lawrence, Bobby Stone and Dick Ryan are the others. The story by Martin Mooney, adopted by Sam Robins, Harvey Gates and Jack Henley, takes the kids from a start in New York slums to a reformatory and back to the city to bring to eleventh-hour justice a killer for whose crime a brother of one of the kids is about to be executed. It's a sketchy tale and far-fetched in whole, but the incidental business in which all players participate provides entertainment in itself. Barney Sarecky served Producer Sam Katzman as associate and William Nigh directed with his usual forthright skill. Running time, 70 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams ^Suspicion' in Los Angeles Gets $22,000 Los Angeles, Feb. 9. — "Suspicion" 3U a dual held its strong pace, taking f22,000 at the Hill street and Pantages •ombined, with $10,000 at the former Vl $12,000 at the latter. "The Man Who Came to Dinner" took $15,800 at the Hollywood and $15,200 at the Downtown. Estimated receipts for the week end- ,ng Feb. 4: "The Shanghai Gesture" (U.A.) •The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) CHINESE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 Bays. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $12,000) 'Dumbo" (RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1.518) (33c-44c-55c- f5c) 7 days, 7th week. Gross: $3,000. (Av- erage: $17,000) 'The Vanishing Virginian" (M-G-M) 4-STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: rc.200. (Average: $3,250) •Citizen Kane" (RKO) HAWAII— (1.100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, I th week. Gross: $3,000. Suspicion" (RKO) 'Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" (Univ.) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 I:iys. 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average: K.500) 'The Shanghai Gesture" (U.A.) 'The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) LOEWS STATE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c- I5c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average, $14,- 'Suspicion" (RKO) 'Never Give a Sucker an Even Break" (Univ.) PANTAGES— (3,000) (33c-44c-S5c-75c) 7 (lays, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, 7. 000) •Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) 'Torpedo Boat" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 „:.ys. Gross: $18,500. (Average, $18,000) •The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) • WARNER BROS. (Hollywood) (3,000) '.33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,800. (Av- rage: $14,000) The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) WARNER BROS. (Downtown)— (3.000) ,3Jc-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,200. (Av- rage, $12,000) The Wolf Man" (Univ.) 'The Mad Doctor" (Univ.) VOGL'E— (900) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd veek. Gross: $3,700. Valley' at $9,900 Leads New Haven ' New Haven, Feb. 9. — The Loew- raB with "How Green Was My 'alley" and "Hay Foot" grossed $9,- 30. The Roger Sherman, with "Sus- icion" and "Mexican Spitfire's Baby" |Ko did well, taking $6,500. Three lays of severely cold and wet weather )ok their toll. Estimated receipts for the week iding Feb. 5 : Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) COLLEGE— (1.627) (35c-50c) 7 days, 2nd •eek. Gross: $3,300. (Average, $2,700) How Green Was My Valley" (20th -Fox) Hay Foot" (U. A.) : LOEW-POLI— (3,005) (35c-50) 7 days. Ijoss: $9,900. (Average, $8,000) Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) 3acific Blackout" (Para.) PARAMOUNT — (2.373) (35c-50c) 7 days, -oss: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) Suspicion" (RKO) Mexican Spitfire's Baby" (RKO) KOGER SHERMAN— (2,076) (36c-50c) 7 lys. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $5,000) Raise Spokane Prices Spokane, Wash., Feb. 9.— Price in- eases from 45 to 50 cents for evening id Sunday afternoon admissions at e Fox, State and Orpheum theatres, "st-run Evergreen houses, have gone to effect. Week-day matinees remain 30 cents. The 50-cent ticket includes i eight-cent tax. The Granada, in- pendent first run, remains 45 cents. *"G" denotes general classification. 'Weekend' and Show $17,300, Cincinnati Cincinnati, Feb. 9. — Laurel and Hardy on the RKO Shubert stage and "Weekend for Three" drew $17,300. "Ball of Fire" gave the RKO Capitol a $7,200 second moveover week, and "The Bugle Sounds" drew $11,000 at the RKO Palace. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 4-7 : "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) RKO ALBEE— (3,300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $12,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $10,000) "Weekend for Three" (RKO) RKO SHUBERT— (2,150) (33c-44c-60c) 7 days. Stage: Laurel and Hardy and acts. Gross: $17,300. (Average, $10,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) RKO CAPITOL-(2,000) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $5,500) "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) KKO GRAND— (1,500) (33c-40c-SOc) 7 days. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $5,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U.A.) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (28c-33c-42c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,500) "Forbidden Trails" (Mono.) "Mr. Celebrity" (P. R. C.) RKO CAPITOL— (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,200. (Average, $1,200) "A Date with the Falcon" (RKO) "The Stork Pays Off" (Col.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $900. (Average, $800) "Confirm or Deny" (Z0th-Fox) KEITH'S— (1.500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $5,000) Legion Approves 8 Of Twelve New Films Of 12 new pictures reviewed by the National Legion of Decency this week, eight were approved and four were classed as objectionable in part. Of those approved five were called unob- jectionable for general patronage and three for adults. The films and their classification follow : Class A-l, Unobjectionable for General Patronage — "Man from Headquarters," "The Prime Minister," "Ride 'Em Cowboy," "Snuffy Smith, Yard Bird," "Song of the Islands." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults— "Fiesta," "The Fleet's In," "Sing Your Worries Away." Class B, Objectionable in Part — "Confes- sions of a Cheat," "The Lady Is Willing," "Roxie Hart," "We Were Dancing." 'Bahama Passage' $10,000 in Denver Denver, Feb. 9. — "Bahama Pass- age" at the Denham drew $10,000. "The Chocolate Soldier" at the Or- pheum took $8,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 3-7 : "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) ALADDIN— (1,400) (25c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,200. (Average, $2,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) BROADWAY— (1.040) (40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,800. (Average, $2,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) DENHAM— (1.750) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $6,400) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) DENVER-(2,600) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $8,100. (Average, $6,700) "The Chocolate Soldier" (M-G-M) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) ORPHEUM— (2,600) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $&,500. (Average, $6,700) "Wolf Man" (Univ.) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) PARAMOUNT-(2,200) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $4,800. (Average, $3,800) "Hellzapoppm" (Univ.) "Man from Headquarters" (Mono.) RIALTO— (900) (25c-40c) 7 davs, 3rd week. Gross: $2,600. (Average, $2,100) 'Remember' $8,600 Leader for Omaha Oma ha, Feb. 9. — Top money of a fair week went to the Orpheum, where "Remember the Day" was good for $8,600. The weather was clear and warm. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 3-4 : "They Died With Their Boots On" (W. B.) BRANDEIS— (1.200) (30c-44c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $3,700. (Average, $4,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) OMAHA— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,300. (Average, $6,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) ORPHEUM — (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 davs. Gross: $8,600. (Average. $7,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c -40c) 6 days. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $3,500) To Show Edison Films Three historic Edison films, "The Great Train Robbery," "The Execu- tion of Mary Queen of Scots" and "The Dream of a Rarebit Fiend," will be shown beginning tomorrow at the New York Museum of Science and Industry in commemoration of Thomas Edison's birthday. Studios Start 9 New Films; 40 Shooting Hollywood, Feb. 9. — Forty pictures were before the cameras this week, as nine started and 10 finished. Twen- ty-two are being prepared, and 59 are being edited. The tally by studio : Columbia In Work : "Hello Annapolis," "Highly Irregular," "The Gentlemen Misbehave," "Ellery Queen and the Corpse." Started : "Just Another Dame." M-G-M In Work: "Sunday Punch," "Ship Ahoy," "Mrs. Miniver," "Her Card- board Lover." Finished: "Mokey Delano," "Tor- tilla Flat." Monogram Finished: "Black Dragons." Started : "Man With Two Lives." Producers Releasing Finished : "Dawn Patrol." Started: "Gun Shy." Paramount Finished: "The Palm Beach Story." In Work: "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," "The Black Curtain." Started: "The Forest Rangers," "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." RKO Finished : "Scattergood at the Races." In Work : "Journey Into Fear," "My Favorite Spy," "The Tuttles of Tahiti," "Mexican Spitfire and the Ghost." Republic In Work : "Riders of the Range," "Girl from Alaska," "Affairs of Jimmy Valentine." Started: "Shepherd of the Ozarks." Small (U. A.) Started : "Friendly Enemies." 20th Century-Fox Finished : "Whispering Ghosts," "Tales of Manhattan," "Million Dollar Ghosts." In Work : "Moontide," "My Gal Sal," "This Above All," "Ten Gentle- men from West Point." Universal Finished : "What's Cookin' ?". In Work : "Eagle Squadron," "The Spoilers," "Saboteur," "Butch Minds the Baby," "Lady in a Jam" (formerly "Sheltered Lady"). Warners In Work : "The Gay Sisters," "The Shadow of Their Wings," "Escape from Crime," "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Started: "Desperate Journey." Cincinnati Cinema Club Induction Set Cincinnati, Feb. 9. — The Cinema Club of Cincinnati, a social organiza- tion of film and accessory salesmen, will hold its annual installation dinner in the Variety Club quarters Feb. 20, when the following officers will be inducted : Rudy Knepfle, president ; Albert Kolitz, first vice-president ; L. J. Bugie, second vice-president and Peter Niland, treasurer. Trustees, in addition to the officers, are : Irving Sochin, Milton Gurian, Joseph Mc- Knight, William Devaney, J. E. Eifert and Ross Williams. RELEASED NATIONALLY MARCH 6 th WORLD PREMIERE Us Angeles, February 19th, Simultaneously at Three Theatres — Loew's State, Grauman's Chinese and Carthay Circle In response to an unprecedented demand Irom exhibitors, United Artists announces the early release of Carole Lombard s last picture. An exciting romantic comedy, keyed to an ever-mounting tempo of suspense. Jack Benny at his best in a surprisingly different comic role. Here is a Lubitsch picture — brilliant in its acting . . . spectacular in its scope. lejcanJe/- tj^^orda preoentd QaroL LOMBARD * BENNY ,, ERNST LUBITSCH' S TO BE OR NOT TO BE witli ROBERT STACK • FELIX BRESSART . LIONEL ATWILL STANLEY RIDGES . SIG RUMAN Produced and Directed by ERNST LUBITSCH Original story by Ernst Lubitsch and Mekhior Lengyel Screenplay by Edwin Justus Mayer 1A1 ■ilfliHIllfc S^u^dru UNITED ARTISTS 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 10, 1942 Weekend Grosses Good on Broadway; 'Woman' Is Strong {Continued from page 1) to complete its second week with an estimated $54,000. "Son of Fury" with a stage presentation at the Roxy opened its second week nicely with an estimated $34,800 Thursday through Sunday but will not be held for a third. "Roxie Hart" is scheduled to open Thursday. 'Clouds' Opens Thursday "Captains of the Clouds" will have its premiere Thursday night at the Strand to follow the current "Wild Bill Hickok Rides." The latter opened Friday with Frankie Masters and grossed an estimated $24,400 dur- ing its first three days. Other open- ings this week include Republic's "Lady for a Night" at the Criterion tomorrow, "Mr. V" at the Rivoli Thursday, "Frisco LiT " and "Our Russian Front" at the Rialto also on Thursday, and "Lady in Distress" at the Globe Saturday. In its week at the Rialto, "Jail House Blues" grossed an estimated $2,400 Friday through Sunday, and at the Globe, "Paris Calling" drew an estimated $3,800 Saturday and Sun- day. That film, now in its fourth week, ended its third week Friday night with an estimated $7,700. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL- 50th Street & 6th Avenue Spencer Tracy . Katherine Hepburn "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Dir. by Geo. Stevens • An MGM Picture On Stage: "Words and Music" by Cole Porter — Leonidoff's colorful tune-filled revue. Symph. Orch., dir. of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Res. Circle 6-4600 %J0L:L McCREA w VERONICA LAKE ; PARAMOUNT TYRONE POWER "SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century- Fox Picture PLUS A BIG W 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW KUAT & 50th St. PALACE B WAY & 47th St. Betty Grable - Victor Mature 'I WAKE UP SCREAMING' and 'SWAMP WATER" WALTER HU ST ON - WALTER BRENNAN "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 npoLUSh1gThaeXr 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves. •■>•' [.i Mon. Mats. Thurs.. Sat. & Sun. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Golden Has 6 Plays Over 425 Showings When his production of. "Claudia" chalks up its 426th showing on Thursday, John Golden will become the first Broadway producer to have sponsored six plays each of which endured for more than 425 performances. The play, a comedy by Rose Franken, now at the Booth Theatre, opened Feb. 12, 1941. The other five are "Lightnin"' (1,291 per- formances), "The First Year," "Seventh Heaven," "Three Wise Fools" and "Turn to the Right." The Shuberts, Sam Harris and George Abbott each had five plays which held on for 425 showings or more. Theatre Unit to Run Services Canteen Comedy Leads List Of Long Run Shows Looking over current plays, it ap- pears that comedy's the thing. The' four leaders of the field in point of longevity are comedies while second best are musicals. Only one drama, "'Watch on the Rhine" is near the top. "Life With Father" is first, having opened Nov. 8, 1939. Following are these : "My Sister Eileen," Dec. 26, 1940; "Arsenic and Old Lace," Jan. 10, 1941 ; "Claudia," Feb. 12, 1941 ; "Watch on the Rhine," April 1, 1941 ; "Lady in the Dark," Sept. 2, 1941 ; "Best Foot Forward," Oct. 1, 1941 ; "Let's Face It," Oct. 29, 1941 ; "High Kickers," Oct. 31, 1941 ; "Blithe Spir- it," Nov. 5, 1941, and "Spring Again," Nov. 10, 1941. Navy Show May Run More Than 6 Hours With the list of entertainers pledged to appear in the Navy Relief show at Madison Square Garden on March 10 steadily increasing, it is now expected that the show will run about six and one-half hours, according to Marvin Schenck, chairman of the entertain- ment committee. New names added to the talent ros- ter include : Benny Goodman, Rosario and Antonio, Dick Powell, Jimmy Dorsey, George Murphy, Guy Lom- bardo, Fred Waring, Chico Marx, Freddy Martin, Ethel Merman, Kate Smith, Danny Kaye, Vaughn Monroe, Lou Holtz, Ed Wynn, Blue Barron and Tallulah Bankhead. Scheduled . to open within a fort^ night, a "Stage -Door Canteen" will be operated by the American Theatre Wing as its contribution to men. in the armed forces who are in town for relaxation. This canteen will be operated in cabaret style from 5 P. M. to mid- night daily, and will feature dancing, a floor show and refreshments. It will be free to men in the uniform of any of the Allied countries and will be serviced entirely by the volunteer services of people in the various pro- fessions and crafts in the amusement industry. About 200 actresses have registered to act as hostesses or dancing partners and performers from stage, screen and radio have promised to attend from time to time. The entertainment will consist of a floor show with talent recruited from a large list of volun- teer professional performers. The canteen will be located in the premises of the former Little Club, beneath the 44th St. Theatre. Lee Shubert, owner, has waived the rent and will also provide the heat main- tenance without charge. Even cook- ing and dishwashing will be done by volunteer theatre folk. The new decorations will be con- tributed by the various crafts and unions from the industry, with all services, material and equipment donated. Broadway restaurateurs will act in an advisory capacity for the canteen committee of the American Theatre Wing. In charge of the work for the can- teen committee are Jane Cowl and Selena Royle, who are acting as co- chairmen. 2 Plays to Open on ■ BVay This Week; Four Others Close Show Defense Films At Museum Library A cross-section of recent American documentary films on defense are be- ing presented currently at the Mu- seum of Modern Art Film Library. This is the last program in the library's "Cycle of 300 Films," and will continue through next Saturday, after which the entire cycle will be repeated. Among the defense films are : "Bomber," "Eyes of the Navy," "Safeguarding Military Information," "Fire-Prevention and Control" and "Tanks." Film Composer Dies James F. Hanley, 49, song com- poser for 20th Century-Fox from 1931 to 1934, and author of a number of hit tunes for Broadway musical shows, died of a heart attack at his home in Douglaston, Queens, on Sun- day. Mahan Honored at New Haven Dinner New Haven, Feb. 9. — More than 100 Connecticut and out-of-state film men gathered for the testimonial din- ner to J. Roger Mahan tonight at the Hotel Taft, here. Mahan, recently promoted to the manager of the New York Warner exchange after two years as New Haven manager, was presented a farewell gift. At the same time, the guests wel- comed Philip Sherman, new manager here, who has spent three years as manager in Montreal for the company. Barney Pitkin, RKO manager, was chairman of the dinner, Harry F. Shaw, Loew-Poli division manager, was toastmaster, and Samuel Selet- sky, Republic manager, treasurer. Attending from the Warner home office were : Roy Haines, Arthur Sachson, Sam Lefkowitz, Harry Decker, Gus Solomon, Leo Jacobi, Irving Rothenberg, Lee Mayer, George Waldeman and Joseph Ver- gessslich. Two new plays open on Broadway this week, while four others drew ^their finarxurtam on the street during the weekend. On Friday, at the Mansfield Thea- tre, "They Should Have Stood Bed" will make its bow. A farce Leo Rifkin, Frank Tarloff and Davl Shaw, it concerns a prizefighter and four promoters. Produced by Sam H. Grisman and Alexander H. Cohen, it presents Tony Canzoneri as the fighter, and Grant Richards, Sanford Meisner, Edwin Philips, Jack Gil- ford and Florence Sundstrom. It was originally scheduled to open last night. 'Heart of a City' Due On Thursday evening, Gilbert Mil- ler will present at Henry Miller's Theatre the play, "Heart of a City," by Lesley Storm, about backstage life in a London music hall during an air raid. In the cast are : Gertrude Mus- grove, Richard Ainley, Beverly Rob- erts, Margot Grahame and Dennis Hoey. The four which closed, one abruptly, were: "Brooklyn, U. S. A.", "The Flowers of Virtue", "Hedda Gabler" and "Clash by Night." Closed on the road were : "Claudia," in Kansas City, and "White Cargo," in Detroit. Crime Show Closes "Brooklyn, U. S. A." closed sud- denly Saturday night after 56 per- formances. It concerned a crime syn- dicate, and was written by John Bright and Asa Bordages. "The Flowers of Virtue" was closed by Producer Cheryl Crawford after only four performances. The play had returned Marc Connelly to Broad- way, after a four-year absence, as author and director. Frank Craven was featured. "Hedda Gabler" left the Longacre after 12 performances, and "Clash by Night" shut up shop after having finished its 49th perform- ance. Churchill Rites Held Hollywood, Feb. 9. ■ — Funeral services for Douglas W. Churchill, veteran New York Times correspond- ent who died Saturday at Phoenix, Ariz., were held here this afternoon at the Cunningham & O'Connor Chapel. Interment followed in the Rosedale cemetery. Pallbearers were Gabe York, Perry Leiber, John Jo- seph, Hubbard Keavy, D. A. Doran, Carlyle Jones, George Penney, and Andy Hervey. Ina Claire Refund $98,205 Last Year Washington, Feb. 9. — Ina Claire overpaid her income tax by $98,205 and received a refund of that amount last year, it was disclosed today in the Treasury's annual report of tax re- funds, filed with Congress. Beatrice Lillie was shown to have received $3,733, while Fred Astaire got back $721 and Mary Boland $471, among the several thousand individ- uals and concerns listed for a total of more than $54,000,000. -WE ASTOZ HUNTING ROOM ■ Tuesdax. Februarv 10, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Babes' High Chicago Tally With $20,000 Chicago, Feb. 9. — "Babes on Broad- way" and "The Corsican Brothers" led with £20,000 at the United Artists as K^bad weather hurt local business. |VSmall Town Deb" and Clyde Mc- ^Coy's band at the Oriental took $18,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 7: "Sundown" (U.A.) "Night of January 16th" (Para.) 1 days (Jrd week in Loop) "Babes On Broadway" (M-G-M) 6 days (6th week in Loop) APOLLO— (1,400) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $5,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) CHICAGO-(4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Stage- Variety Bill. Gross: $34,000. (Aver- age, $32,000) •'They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) GARRICK (1,000) (35c -55c -65c -75c) 7 days. 2nd week. (4th week in Loop) Gross: $5,000. (Average, $5,000) "Small Town Deb" (20th-Fox) ORIENTAL— (3.200) (25c-30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Stage-Clyde McCoy's Band. Gross: $18,500. (Average, $16,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) PALACE — (2,500) (40c-50c-68c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $13,000) "International Squadron" (W.B.) "The Body Disappears" (W.B.) S days, 2nd week. "Rise and Shine" (20th-Fox) "Blue. White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) 2 days ROOSEVELT-U.500) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (x\verage, $11,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) STATE-LAKE— (3,700) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $14,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) 1 day, 6th week "The Corsican Brothers" (U.A.) 6 days. UNITED ARTISTS — (1,7000) (35c-55c-65c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Average, $14,000) 'Truth' Milwaukee Winner at $8,800 Milwaukee, Feb. 9. — "Nothing But the Truth" and "Buy Me That Town" drew $8,800 at the Palace. "The Gay Falcon" and Ted Weems' orchestra on the stage turned in $12,- 700 at the Riverside. Estimated receipts for the week end- J ing Feb. 3-5 : "Hold Back the Dawn" (Para.) 'Bedtime Story" (Col.) STRAXD-(1,400) (44c-65c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: 1,000. (Average, $1,500) '■Nothing But the Truth" (Para.) "Buy Me That Town" (Para.) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 7 davs. S,800. (Average, $4,000) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) RIVERSIDE — (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) Stage: Ted Weems. Gross: $12,700. age. $6,500) "Suspicion" (RKO) "The Mexican Spitfire's Baby" (RKO) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 davs. Cross: $8,000. (Average, $4,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) "Gentleman at Heart" (20th-Fox) WISCOXSIN-(3.200) (44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd •veek. Gross: $7,300. (Average. $5,500) Gros> 7 days. (Aver- Silverstone Talks Stromberg Deal (Continued from page 1) but is expected to return to California shortly in order to close with Strom- berg. It is further reported that New York and British financial interests are back of the Silverstone negotia- tions. Sen. Downey Lauds Douglas; Disney Cites Tax Film Loss (.Continued from page 1) Radio City Music Hall where the booking on one of his regular short subjects had been reduced from two weeks to one to make room for the income tax short. The same thing is happening all over the country, Disney said, with the result that about $50,000 in bookings will be lost completely. Costs Not Included Disney declared that he made no allocation in the costs for his own time, nor for the publicity staff which is exploiting the reel. He added that National Screen Service is distributing the reels free, the War Activities Committee of the industry is aiding in exploitation, and that Technicolor not only made the prints at a lower price than is usually charged, but also held up prints of other features in order to complete the Treasury prints. 'Beat the Promise' "If 1 had been asked to make this short in my regular schedule," Disney observed, "I would have done it for nothing. But I was asked to complete a subject in six weeks which would normally take my studio six months. 1 put everything else aside and 'beat the promise' by having it ready Feb. 1." "I'm not running the war," he con- tinued. "The Treasury asked me to do a job and I did it. The Govern- ment is paying nothing for mats, stills and a publicity campaign. The motion picture industry has always done its part and it's time that somebody took a stand." The free playing time on 12,000 screens in the nation cannot be bought, Disney declared, but is given voluntarily to the Government. Had No Contract Disney said he expects to be paid and is working now on more stories for the Treasury. He had no contract for "The New Spirit," just a letter. He said he will preview "Bambi" which RKO is releasing, as soon as he gets back to the Coast. He is leav- ing lor there tomorrow. "Peter Pan" is in work and should be ready shortly before Christmas. Other stories Dis- ney is working on include Sinclair Lewis' "Bongo," "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland' and "Wind in the Willows." He is also making shorts for the Rockefeller Committee, the Navy and* Canada. Republic Sets Films To Complete Season (Continued from page 1) "Suicide Squadron," "Yukon Patrol," "Secret Agent No. 39," "Big Top," "Roaring Timber" and "Ten Nights in a Barroom." There will be three Gene Autry productions, including an "Autry Spe- cial," which will be "Belle of Capis- trano," and the other two will be "Sing, Ranger, Sing" and "South of the Rio Grande." The two Roy Rog- ers pictures will be "Sons of the Pio- neers" and "Sunset Serenade." "Phan- ton Plainsmen" and "Frontier Days," both writh the Mesquiteers, and "Bad Men of Butte" and "Code of the Desert," both with Don Barry, com- plete the western schedule. "Perils of Nyoka," planned as a followup to "Jungle Girl," will be the serial. (Continued from page 1) training and other films it has pro- duced. "To the making of these films have gone the talents of Hollywood's foremost directors, actors, producers, writers and technicians, free," he said. "These men whose services usually command imposing salaries have vol- unteered to do this job." On the other hand, Senator Wiley of Wisconsin attacked the OCD, de- claring it should stick to its primary objective of civilian defense and should get its staff from existing agencies interested in matters which come within the scope of the organ- ization. SPG Meets Tonight On Contract Fight A special meeting of the Screen Publicists Guild representative council will be held tonight "to establish cam- paign activities," the SPG announced yesterday. The guild yesterday dis- tributed leaflets in front of the home offices of major companies accusing the companies of "stalling" and call- ing upon other employes to support the SPG stand. The guild also disclosed that offi- cials of the New York local of the Newspaper Guild had sent telegrams to home office and Coast executives of the companies involved, in which the Newspaper Guild expressed com- plete support for the SPG and urged producers to reach "an immediate agreement." Canada Trade Forms Council On War Prices (Continued from page 1) invited to organize a nationwide asso- ciation to provide central representa- tion. It has been intimated that the Gov- ernment will take no steps to freeze film rentals until the advisory board is formed for formal discussions. It is understood no final decision was reached at today's meeting, pending approval by several independent groups regarding suggested develop- ments at subsequent meetings. Montreal, Halifax, St. John, Win- nipeg, Brampton and Prince Albert were represented at today's meeting. Famous Players Canadian was repre- sented by Morrow Stein and Ben Geldsaler, and the Odeon circuit by Clarence Robson and T. J. Bragg. The new Independent M. P. Exhibi- tors Association was represented by Barnett Laxer, president ; L. E. Far- row and Henry Falk. The conference adjourned without reaching an agreement. The conferees are scheduled to meet again next Tues- day. New Denver Club Officers Denver, Feb. 9. — Frank H. Ricket- son, president of the Rocky Mountain Screen Club, has appointed J. H. Ashby first vice-president and assistant secretary, and Robert Cain to fill the post on the board of directors vacated by Jack Langan. o» f\ccrsr ..ctf*0* ef0^ « .ode** „ ***** V °* 10 Motion Picture daily Tuesday, February 10, 1942 DCB Studies Parts Need of Broadcasters Washington, Feb. 9. — A survey of spare parts for transmitting equipment held by broadcasting sta- tions has been initiated by the De- fense Communications Board with a view to determining the prospec- tive needs of the industry for the immediate future. DCB officials said they had no definite program designed to fol- low the inquiry, which is being made through questionnaires sent the broadcasters. They explained that suggestions have been made by industry interests for the "pooling" of repair and main- tenance equipment so that stations could obtain needed parts immediately and without the difficulty and delay of priority applications. Sees More Curtailment The question of curtailment of con- struction of television and FM sta- tions is due to be taken up in the near future, it was disclosed today by FCC Chairman James L. Fly, who indicated that orders paralleling those recently issued to halt construction of standard broadcasting stations would be promulgated. Fly referred to the recent move to have labor participate in the activities of the DCB and said that both man- agement and labor have been "most cooperative." Radio Aids Blackout In Albany Raid Test Albany, Feb. 9. — All radio stations in the capital district gave a pre- view of the nation's wartime use of the radio tonight as Stations WGY, Schenectady, WOKO and WABY, Albany and WTRY and WHAZ, Troy, banded together for the army command's trial blackout. A business decline of about 30 per cent at downtown theatres and from 35 to 40 per cent in the neighborhoods in the 25-mile territory around Albany accom- panied the blackout, according to managers. The test took place from 8 :35 to 8 :55 P.M. It was estimated that more than 80 per cent of the population in the area were tuned to the radio sta- tions. For the first time in local history, the competing stations had their own little network from the time of pick- ing up the air raid alarm from inter- cepting offices, through sounding of air raid sirens as they interrupted regular programs and carried defense officials on the network to explain to people what they should do in case of a real blackout. After cessation of the blackout, the local network carried its listeners to the State Office Building, where Major General John F. O'Ryan, in charge of the State Defense Council, broadcast his impressions of its suc- cess. Gov. Herbert H. Lehman also went nn the air to tell of the black- out's effects. Off the Antenna FOODS and food beverages, accounting for 24.8 per cent of WOR's busi- ness during the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, was the leading classification of sponsored products, it was reported yesterday. Other classifications and their respective contribution to the station were drugs and toilet goods, 21.7; wines and beer, 9.3 ; retail establishments, 8.6 ; tobacco, 6.7 ; soaps and household supplies, 6.1; confections and soft drinks, 5.9; jewelry and silverware, 3.6; financial and insurance, 2.3 ; gas and oil, 1.5; house furnishings, 1.3, and radios and musical instruments, .3. Ruthrauff & Ryan was the agency placing the most business with the station, followed, in order, by Young & Rubicam ; Compton ; Erwin Wasey ; Neff- Rogow ; Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborne ; William Esty ; Maxon ; Knox- Reeves, and Charles W. Hoyt. • • • Purely Personal: Joseph J. Weed, station representative, is m Montreal to attend the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. . . . William Stedman is sales representative for W71NY. . . . Victor A. Bennett has joined the WOR sales staff. . . . Alfred Hitchcock will be guest on the Chase & Sanborn shozv Sunday. . . . Helen TwelvetreeH zvill make her debut on a regular series over WMCA beginning Monday. It zvill be called, "Helen Tzvelvetrees Goes to the Movies." . . . Joseph Littau, formerly NBC staff conductor and conductor of the Roxy orchestra, has returned to NBC as director of the international diznsion's" musical library. • • • CBS will conduct demonstrations of radio's use in education before 20,000 principals and other school executives at the annual meeting, Feb. 21-26, of the American Association of School Administrators in San Francisco. • • • The Radio Executives Club will launch a new series of luncheon meetings at the Hotel Lexington tomorrow, each of which will honor an independent New York station. First will be WNEW, with Kathryn Cravens, Eddie Dooley and Zeke Manners and his gang as guests. . . . WNEW will tender a luncheon to Newark advertising executives at the Newark Athletic Club today. Speakers will be Dr. Paul S. Lazarfeld, director of the Office of Radio Research of Columbia University, and Walter Duncan, Herman Bess, Sidney Fishman, Jack Banner and Alvin Sommerfield, of WNEW. • • • The course in radio broadcasting zvill start for the third semester at Long Island University this evening. It will be conducted by Jo Ranson, radio editor of the "Brooklyn Eagle," and A. L. Simon, WHN publicity head. The allied course in script writing and production zvill start Thursday night and zvill be giz'en by Frank Danzig, CBS producer and assistant director. • • • Limited by priorities as to the number of radio receivers it can sell, Stromberg-Carlson has announced its intention of using its sales force to follow every receiver sold into the home of the purchaser and to give instructions on use of the set. See Film Inspection On East, West Coasts Indications are that the Treasury Department will authorize the inspec- tion of films prior to export at the ports of New York and Los Angeles, rather than at all ports about the country, under the recently imposed regulations of the Enemy Trading Act of 1917, it was learned over the week- end. Shipments to Canada are included in the Federal regulations designed to insure that exported films contain no material likely to be injurious to the nation during wartime, or of assistance to the enemy. Presumably, New York will be the inspection point for films destined for shipment to Canada. The industry's request that the two norts be officially designated as the inspection points is under considera- tion by the Treasury Department. Hollywood Victory Group Aids Canada (Continued from page 1) are scheduled for Feb. 20, 27 and March 6. A special meeting of the commit- tee has been called for Thursday night to meet the newly appointed liaison officers, Col. E. Evans, of the Army; Lt. Commander A. J. Bolton, Navy; and Lt. Commanders Walter Winchell and John S. Tuttle, Jr. Name Committees of Indianapolis Club Indianapolis, Feb. 9.— Kenneth T. Collins, chief barker of the local tent of the Variety Club, has completed appointment of 1942 committees. Fol- lowing are the committees and then- chairmen : Wade Willman, heart fund ; Larry Shubnell, films for the shut-ins ; Carl Niesse, publicity, and Harry Hayes, entertainment. Wives of Indianapolis barkers have knitted 200 sweaters for British War Relief. The club rooms in the Lyric Theatre building have reopened after being closed one week for renovation. L. J. McGinley will head the committee arranging the tent's annual banquet, to be held late this month. 450 at Reelfellows Party in Chicago Chicago, Feb. 9. — More than 450 persons attended the second annual dinner-dance given by the Reelfellows Club of Chicago at the Congress Hotel last Friday. Proceeds will go to the club's charity fund for the re- lief of destitute film people in Chicago. A large portion was donated to the American Red Cross. Eddy Howard's orchestra furnished music for the dancing and a 10-act floor show headed by Morton Downey, was a feature of the evening. Canadian Radio Men Hear Defense Talks At Montreal Meeting Montreal, Feb. 9. — The Canadian Association of Broadcasters convened today at the Windsor Hotel here for a three-day session and heard ad- dresses by Herbert Lash, Director of Public Information at Ottawa; B. W. Keightley of Montreal, and J. Clark, Director of Public Relatioilf.V for the Army and Air force. Lash warned that "we are facing the most dreadful year of our history." He advised that broadcasters should prepare to play a part in maintenance of public morale. He suggested that radio owners in the Association would be well advised to keep an "off the record" correspondent in Ottawa to keep them in touch with matters of national policy not yet available for public release but important to them. Nearly 100 representatives of 60 broadcasting stations in Canada were present. Glen Bannerman, association head, estimated that $760,291 worth of radio time was donated to public services in Canada in the last year. Keightley declared that the most important consideration of all business on the continent was winning the war. Clark outlined the task of establishing a press service to interpret the Army and Air Force to the public in Can- ada and build confidence in both services. Winners Named in Drive of Tri-States Des Moines, Feb. 9. — Tri-States Theatres' Y. Frank Freeman drive has closed with Robert K. Fulton, man- ager of the Des Moines, and Jack Kolbo, manager of the Esquire at Davenport, tied for first place in the "A" group and Bernard Cohen, man- ager of the Zephyr at Ottumwa, win- ner in the "B" group. Joseph Deitch, booker, won first in the office execu- tives drive and A. G. Stolte, manager of the Des Moines district, was the winner among the district managers. The three winning theatre man- agers were also each awarded a $100 defense bond. Al Davis, manager of the Englert, Iowa City, who lost by a very narrow margin in the "A" group, was also given a $100 defense bond. Killed in Navy Action Seattle, Feb. 9. — The news has been received here of the death of Ron Kelley, former manager of Ham- rick-Evergreen's Music Box Theatre, in action with the U.S. Navy. Kelley was a petty officer aboard the Navy tanker Neches, sunk by an enemy sub- Musicians-WFIL Pact Philadelphia, Feb. 9. — The local musicians' union concluded a new con- tract with WFIL, local Blue Network station. Retroactive to Jan. 17, the con- tract provides a $4 weekly increase per man and 45 weeks' employment as compared to 39 weeks of the past two seasons. Guaranteed Gets Release Guaranteed Pictures, of which Mort Sackett is president, has acquired world rights to the serial, "The Last Frontier," formerly released by RKO. They thtnk >ifs swell— "I am writing you in regard to getting fillers for the Product Digest as you know the new film year is coming along very shortly. I would like to get two of the grey booking fillers and one of the yel- low availability and playdate record fillers. Please send as soon as possible and bill me whatever the cost may be. "I swear by this method. I really think it is swell. One of the best systems I have ever seen. I person- ally know that all the managers in our circuit use them and feel the same about them as I do." Edward Walker, Manager, Havana and Lawford Theatres, Havana, Illinois. "If you have a holder for your Product Digest, kind- ly send me one. Send a bill and I will send a check. I don't know why I spend money for half a dozen motion picture publications — the HERALD is the only one I ever read. "I have been an exhibitor since September, 1904. With all the faults in the business, I think it is a great business." Edward A. Jeffries, Jeffries Roxboro Theatre, Roxborough, Philadelphia Product Digest— now published every week in MOTION PICTURE HERALD Alert, In^eWigei In4i5pensal to theS^ction Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY "Y)L. 51. NO. 29 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1942 TEN CENTS Canada Price Council Setup Is Completed Compromise Reached on Exhibitor Personnel Toronto, Feb. 10. — A compromise is reached today on the naming of trsonnel to the exhibitor section of le industry advisory council on price filings for the Canadian Wartime 'rices and Trade Board at a special leeting of circuit and exhibitor offi- ials from all parts of the Dominion. The meeting, which had adjourned the American Federation of Musicians.) and the American Guild of Musical i Artists has been settled and the law-| suit between them now pending in the | State Supreme Court has been dis- continued, it was announced yesterday in a statement signed by James C.I Petrillo, president of the federation, I and Lawrence Tibbett, president of s1 the guild. . Equity Referendum Set on Subversives Actors Equity council yesterday or- I dered a referendum on a constitutional amendment which would bar Com- munists, Nazis and Fascists from of- fice in or employment by the union. The amendment failed of adoption when it received a majority short of the required two-thirds at the last an- nual meeting. The ballots will be I mailed this week and are returnable before midnight, March 20. Stahlman to Testify At Press-Radio Quiz Washington, Feb. 10. — After last week postponing indefin- itely its hearings on newspa- per ownership of radio sta- tions, the FCC announced to- day that it will hold a further hearing on Thursday. James B. Stahlman, Nashville pub- lisher, is expected to testify. He recently lost a court ac- tion challenging the right of the FCC to compel his testi- mony. Thousands of Service Men See Chicago Shows Free P/IB /T ON/ a*td Sbtf /Mere £e#fc Don't whisper . . . shout. Don't wait until the last minute » Don't fa^ a penny^ pincher « . . be a dollar-maker* No business this world has ever seen flourishes so well as motion pictures under the guiding hand of advertising. And that's n Advertising show • . . it's got to be. mess Flamboyant . . . glamorous . . . colorful • . . attention-arresting • • • |^2fc£22^22e * * • trailers • . • Standard Accessories • • , Special Accessories. Use them, you lucky stiff, and make money doing it . • • Alert, InteUiget to theiyktion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY — i First in and Impartial 51. NO. 30 NEW YORK. U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1942 TEN CENTS Ul Houses in England Seen Raising Price 'o Follow Granting of Employe Bonuses London'. Feb. 11. — Action taken by e general council of the Cinemato- •aph Exhibitors Association indi- ces that all film houses in England ill increase admission prices in the •ar future. The step followed the granting of icreased war bonuses to all theatre nployes. The council discussed the latter today and decided to advise 1 local branches to examine the sit- »tion and report to the general coun- 1 meeting next month. Tt was agreed it is no longer possi- t to stabilize the business by fur- icr economies, but "present wartime osperity affords an opportunity not vviously existing for putting the in- lstry on a proper basis." The Kinematograph Renters So- ty today protested the attack of the (Continued on page 3) sew York Ad Group 0 Work with Umpi Methods of coordinating the work of ic Committee of New York Adver- ting and Publicity Directors with •at of the United Motion Picture In- □stry were explored at a meeting of 1 committee at the Hays office yes- xday. The group took no action on the ■fignation of a permanent executive cretary and establishment of office jarters due to the absence of Robert Gillham, chairman, who is in IcHywood. David Lipton of Colum- la presided at the meeting. The group will meet every Thurs- iy and will function on much the (Continued on parte 3) Service Today for Mrs. Higginbotham Funeral services will be held this orning at Maiden, Mass., for Mrs. »hn Higginbotham, mother-in-law of dney R. Kent, president of 20th ;ntury-Fox. and of Robert T. Kane, charge of English activities for the Tnpany. Services will be held from the M. . Cowan & Sons Funeral Chapel in alden. Mr. and Mrs. Kent and Air. id Mrs. Kane are expected back :m Maiden tomorrow. Quigley Awards to Be Presented at Ampa Next Month The winners of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards in exploitation will re- ceive their awards at a "Theatre Showmanship Show," to be held by the Ampa some time next month, ac- cording to Vincent Trotta, Ampa president. An executive planning committee of circuit heads cooperating with the Ampa on the event includes : Spyros Skouras, National Theatres; J. R. Vogel, Loew's ; Charles R. Koerner, RKO ; Harry Kalmine, Warner The- atres, and Leon Netter, Paramount. The award winners, Arnold Stoltz of Warners' Avon, Utica, N. Y.t and Frank Bickerstaff of L & J Theatres, Athens, Ga., will be brought here as guests of Motion Picture Herald, which sponsors the Managers Round Table contest. The Ampa event also will feature an exhibit of outstanding exploitation material entered in the Awards competition during 1941. Mexico Rejected 3 Of 1,015 Films in '41 Mexico City, Feb. 11. — Although it did not start work until March, the Federal Film Supervision and Censor- ing Department handled 1,015 pictures of all lengths in 1941 and rejected only three of them. One was Ameri- can, "Kit Carson," rejected on the ground that it had characters that offend Mexico, one was Mexican and one Spanish. Forty films were banned for exhibition to children. The ban was lifted on "Kit Carson" last Fall. But the prohibition con- tinues on the other two. the Mexican, (Continued on page 7) $10,000,000 Seen Para. Net for '41 Wall Street sources esti- mate Paramount's 1941 net in the neighborhood of $10,000,- 000, as against $6,400,000 earn- ed in 1940. Also, the com- pany's position in production and theatre operation seems to warrant the belief that even larger earnings will be rolled up in 1942. Warner and RKO Transactions in SEC Dec. Report Large transactions in Warners and RKO securities during the month of December were among the more than one dozen film transactions reported by the Securities and Exchange Com- mission yesterday for that month. The report revealed the acquisition by Albert Warner of 28,100 shares of Warner Bros, common, giving him a total of 102,648 shares, and the pur- chase by Jack L. Warner of 19,000 shares of common and sale of 29,400 shares, which reduced his holdings to 133,460 shares. In the same company Samuel Carlisle reported the sale of 400 shares of common, leaving him with 600 shares. Atlas Corp. increased its interest in RKO during December by 161,200 shares of common and 2,000 of pre- ferred, giving it a total of 1,266,253 shares of common and 51,071 shares of preferred. Also in RKO, L. Law- rence Green, a director, sold 2,000 shares of common, reducing his inter- est to 250 shares. A number of acquisitions were re- (Continued on page 3) Late News Flashes from the Coast Hollywood, Feb. 11 TUT ERBERT J. YATES, chairman of the Republic Pictures board, tonight flew to Houston to attend the opening of Gene Autry's "Flying A Ranch Rodeo." He is expected to return here Saturday with James R. Grainger, president, prior to a regional sales meeting to be held here Mon- day and Tuesday. • • News of the death of Mrs. Amy Carr, 75, mother of Trem Carr, executive in charge of Monogram production, at her home in Trenton, 111., was re- ceived here today. Carr left yesterday by plane but arrived shortly after his mother died. • • Walter E. Thiele, screen writer, today filed an action in Superior Court, Los Angeles, against Columbia and Gregory Ratoff, asking $150,000 dam- ages for the alleged misappropriation of his story, "The Black Dove," in the film "The Men in Her Life." • • Robert Stevenson was assigned today to direct "Jane Eyre" for David O. Selznick. Landis Lauds Industry for Effort in War Chief of O.C.D. Defends Naming of Douglas Washington, Feb. 11. — Dean James M. Landis, who has succeed- ed Mayor LaGuardia as director of the Office of Civilian Defense, to- day unstintingly praised the enter- tainment industries for the aid al- ready given the Government's cam- paigns. Speaking at his first press conference in his new post, Lan- dis pointed out that film and radio personalities at great secrifices had thrown themselves into the selling of defense bonds and stamps, and that the film industry had produced impor- tant pictures for training and other purposes. Landis accepted the responsibility for the appointment of Melvyn Doug- las, actor, to an OCD post. Doug- las, Landis said, will "funnel" the en- (Continued on page 3) Foreign Publicists Organize WAC Unit Foreign department publicity man- agers yesterday formed an interna- tional publicity committee as an extension of the industry War Activi- ties Committee and pledged coopera- tion to representatives of the Coordi- nator of Information and the Com- mitte on Cultural and Commercial Relations Between the Americas. Monroe Greenthal, United Artists advertising and publicity director ; Charles R. Jones, Republic advertis- ing and publicity director, and Ken- neth Clark of MPPDA represented the main publicity committee of the industry War Activities Committee at the meeting. The new interna- (Continued on page 3) Broidy Will Be Host At Lunch Tomorrow Samuel (Steve) Broidy, general ales manager for Monogram, will be host tomorrow to trade press editors at an informal luncheon at Toots Shor's Restaurant. Broidv will leave here on his return to the Coast on Saturday. With Broidy at the luncheon from Monogram will be Harry Thomas and Norton Ritchey. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 12, 1942 Drama of London Will Open Tonight "Heart of a City," a present- day drama about backstage life in a London theatre, writ- ten by Lesley Storm, opens tonight at Henry Miller's Theatre. The Gilbert Miller production has in its cast Gertrude Musgrove, Richard Ainley, Beverly Roberts, Mar- got Grahame and others. Launch Iowa Film Club in Des Moines Des Moines, Feb. 11— The Motion Picture Club of Iowa was launched here this week at a luncheon meeting; at the Savery Hotel with approxi- mately 75 persons from the film indus- try attending. W. H. Eddy, exhibitor, was elected president of the club and Joseph Ancher, Warner booker, secretary and treasurer. The executive council elected were : W. P. Grossman, Mil- ton Goodman, Myron Blank, J. T. Manfre, H. E. McKinney and Emil Franke. The club was formed for coopera- tion in Government drives, distribu- tion of Government films and other emergencies caused by the war. A. M. Hill was chairman of the committee that drew up bylaws and procedure for the club. 'Dimes' Collection $350,000 to Date Additional collections of $65,000 for the industry's March of Dimes fund were received yesterday from theatres around the country and reported by Si Fabian, treasurer. This brings to about $350,000 the total amount re- ceived to date. Yesterday's largest check was for $65,000, sent in by Michigan the- atres. The Wilby-Kincey circuit, Charlotte, turned over contributions of $5,000 and the Julian Joelson cir- cuit, New York, sent a check for $1,800. Stuber Is Appointed E. K. Vice-President Rochester, Feb. 11. — Adolph Stub- er today was promoted from assist- ant vice-president to vice-president of Eastman Kodak Co., and Thomas J. McCarrick was named an assistant comptroller. At the same time, the board de- clared a quarterly dividend of $1.50 on outstanding stock. Stuber joined the company in 1912, and since 1930 has been assistant vice-president in the sales and advertising departments. Para. Buys Musical Paramount has purchased the screen rights to "Let's Face It," the Broad- way musical written by Herb and Dorothy Fields, with music by Cole Porter, and produced by Vinton Freedley, it was disclosed yesterday. Bob Hope will play the role taken on the stage by Danny Kaye. Approve Sunday Films Victoria, Va., Feb. 11.— The City Council has voted unanimously to per- mit Sunday films in Victoria. Personal DAMON RUNYON has left the Coast by plane for a 10-day stay in Miami. • Gloria Joy Casanave, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Casanave, and Robert William Cease were married at Mamaroneck last week. • Angela De Angelis, daughter of Jessie and the late Phil De Angelis, will be married on Saturday to Corp. William Confer of Fort Hancock, N. J. • Norman Elson leaves for Boston today. • Jack Kurs of the M-G-M publicity department was inducted into the Army yesterday. CIO, ANG Support SPG Pact Demands Resumption of negotiations tomor- row between the Screen Publicists Guild and home office representatives is under consideration, it was reported yesterday. Meanwhile, the SPG drew pledges of support from the American Newspaper Guild and the CIO Great- er New York Industrial Council. S. B. Eubanks, ANG executive vice-president, sent a telegram to the MPPDA, urging resumption of nego- tiations, while Saul Mills, secretary of the CIO council, wired company executives stating that the council stands "ready to support the SPG in any action it may be forced to take in advancing its organization." Michigan Pioneers Guests at Banquet Detroit, Feb. 11. — The local Variety Club will sponsor a banquet for 12 industry pioneers of Michigan at the Book-Cadillac Hotel here next Thursday. John Howard is general chairman of the affair. Tames J. Walker is scheduled to be toastmaster, and Senator Claude Pepper is ex- pected to speak. The pioneers to be honored include : Paul Schlossman, Robert Peltier, Ray Branch, Oliver Brooks, Edward Kirchner, Fred De Lodder, Edward Beatty, James Ritter, Harlan Starr, Glenn Cross, Thomas Ealand and Jacob Stocker. Raftery to New York After Coast Parleys Hollywood, Feb. 11. — Ed Raftery, president of United Artists, left today by train for New York, after prelim- inary conferences here on the new management setup of the company. He is expected to return here in four or five weeks for resumption of dis- cussions and planning of new prod- uct. N. Y. Senate Gets Juvenile Actor Bill Albany, Feb. 11. — Proposed legis- lation on the employment of children under 16 years in motion pictures, radio programs and stage shows, re- introduced yesterday by Assemblyman H. B. Ehrlich, was sponsored in the Senate today by Senator William Hampton of Oneida County. Mention SAMUEL ROSEN, Conecticut cir- cuit operator at New Haven, has enrolled for a navigation course at Yale. • Matt Saunders, manager of the Loew - Poli Theatre, Bridgeport, Conn., is recuperating from the grippe. • Henry Needles, Warner Theatres district manager in Hartford, Conn., has returned from a Southern vaca- tion. • Neil Welty, manager of the Pal- ace Theatre, Stamford, Conn., will leave in two weeks for a vacation in Texas. • Charles Light has returned from Colorado Springs. Esquire Forms Own Canadian Company Toronto, Feb. 11. — Esquire Films, Ltd., Canadian distributor of British films, has separated from Empire- Universal Films, Ltd., and effective next Monday will open its own branch offices in Canadian key cities, according to Archie Laurie, head of the company. I. H. Allen, former general sales manager of Empire- Universal, has been appointed man- ager of the new Esquire branch at Winnipeg, and Larry Druxerman, Empire-Universal salesman at Mon- treal, is manager of the new office in that city. Esquire has acquired two more British franchises for the Canadian market and will continue to have the distributing contracts with other Brit- ish studios. The new agreements are with Pathe Pictures of London and British National Films. For the pres- ent, Empire-Universal will continue to handle physical distribution but selling and booking will be done at the new Esquire offices. Stresses Value of Institutional Ads ; Merchandising of advertising is more important in these days of emer- gency problems than ever before, H. Ford Perine, merchandising director of Life, told members of the Spring- field, Mass., Advertising Club this week. Advertising messages today have a four-fold purpose, Ford said. They are : to keep dealers happy with less goods, to keep the advertiser informed of sales developments, to keep the product name before the public, and to state company policy in preparedness. He stressed the value of institutional advertising messages. Levy, Michalson on Trip Nat Levy, captain of the RKO Ned Depinet sales drive, and Harry Michalson, short subject sales man- ager, will leave Saturday for a tour of exchanges in this country and Canada. They are due back at the home office March 19. Get Screen Voice Award Loretta Young and Clark Gable have the best screen voices, according to a 1941 nationwide vote conducted by the American Institute of Voice Teachers. Exhibitors Win Two Arbitration Awards Exhibitors won decisive victories in two arbitration awards, one involving the right of a theatre to a specific run, which were reported to American Ar- bitration Association headquarters here yesterday by New Orleans and Detroit boards. The specific run award, the first in an exhibitor's favor, was made bjj Former Governor Wilber M. Bruckfl of Michigan as arbitrator in the corrr* plaint of Erving A Moss, operator of the Parkside, Detroit, against the con- senting companies and United Detroit Theatres, Aloma Theatre, Inc., Rivola Theatre Co., Inc., and William A. London, doing business as the Admiral Theatre. Orders Separate Deals Brucker held that the Parkside, an I independent house, was entitled to the run it sought and prohibited the con- I senting companies from licensing the 1 Aloma, Admiral, Rivola or Alger .■ theatres, circuit houses, on that run. j The distributors were directed to make separate deals with the theatres in- volved and not to condition terms of a \ deal for any of the theatres on deals 1 with any other theatre. In making the award, Brucker also rejected Paramount's contention that under Section 17 of the decree it was entitled to sell United Detroit thea- fifes, its affiliate, on any terms or con- \ ditions it chooses. In the New Orleans case, Philip E^ James, arbitrator, reduced the 60-day J clearance of the Poplar over the Ash- ton to 10 days. William A. Fonseca & Sons, operator of the Ashton, was J plaintiff in the case which originally involved all five consenting companies. Twentieth Century-Fox was elim- inated from the case after voluntarily eliminating the clearance. War Fund Aided by Toronto B'nai B'rith Toronto, Feb. 11. — President B. E. Laxer of the Independent Motion Pic- ture Exhibitors Association officiated t at a ceremony here in which the To- i ronto Lodge of B'nai B'rith presented i $520 to a Toronto fund in aid of war i victims in Great Britain, this being a part of the war charity work of the < lodge. Laxer is president of the Bilt-" ( more Theatres in Oshawa and Kings- ' ton. MOTION PICTURE DAI LY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, j Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; Leon Friedman, Manager; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Wil- liams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copyrighted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Other ' Quigley publications; Motion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. En- tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rate's per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Thursday, February 12, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Landis Lauds Industry for Effort in War — ill* {Continued from page 1) tertainment industries' aid to the de- fense agency. As an example of the manner in which this aid could be (sed, Landis suggested that film, radio Ind other talent could arouse the pub- lic to the necessity for sugar ration- ing and other steps taken by the Gov- ernment. More than 400 members and guests of the National Press Club today heard Douglas' explanation of the work of the Arts Council of the OCD, currently under Congressional at- tack. Guest of honor at an "off the record" luncheon, Douglas outlined the program of the council, which is to act as a clearing house for talent of all sorts desiring to cooperate in Government campaigns to enlist the country in an all-out war effort. Foreign Publicists Organize WAC Unit (Contmi'd^ H u o o PQ ►J I— ( Q w PS p H Q E o o CO K H K > S -a * S2o X! cfl HO to to S ™ X3 00 53 m«~ g •O J«3 ^ on 5s co > H 3 CM oh5 <-< In P^ ** to .8 •SUP cfl O CQ ^ ^ S. a) Q ^ 2 | 3 rj /-\ 53 O •SP to cfl ^ -2 i— i ID Co "J £H »— | Q) rt<=> O , «3 . 0= X! '-o £ C oo 2tf So fe ^ O >— 1 j=0 " !?0 U OIO » So HI uo .-si*5 £.3 10 u PQ •S 2 oC-^-5 to ; o p *• cfl (S o *i o 2 to SP to -1 I •a a™ o ► < o I H o CM < O 2 S fit." « 3 - too S >- ^ « « |.| KM ? v ° o -] CO 5u +3 -4-> o a SP^s w 53 -» CM He «CM Cv 3 O SN 1 I w 53 0w^S 4-> V O Cfl CO ffi 50 CM "SO o ^ to o ^> S ° CU CO J3 CM .gQh ^ z ~ 3. 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In . o In Q.2 > In CU cfl 00 WcM CP o CCM c cfl . S 0 cu M "CM 3 13 cm to C g c co 2 1 E to f» c<^ cu _C CM ^ "5 cm a to O ^N-O t-I co lQ XI w CO ' 3 5 co .2 CM > 3 > £ & cfl CM 05 o o< Qs; pq ►J o o It — In 0) H NN O . Sf^ 8 1 iO o c — tO CU 50 . « cfl UPh to" O 3 co t! Q ■ cu " • o uto cu «NN ■3 3 " co FN 4^ CU to o to PQ 8 SO 10 I— I o *3 t— cfl MO «2 to j co o .3 rH 3 CO i-n Xt 35 MO 4N 3 3 O CO ^ o 53 to "53 Adventures of Martin Eden Claire Trevor Glenn Ford Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (C) Lawless Plainsman (O) Canal Zone (D) Chester Morris John Hubbard Two Yanks in Trinidad (D) Pa? O'Brien Brian Donlevy Alias Boston Blackie (D) North of the Rockies (O) & S • 2 t| CO % " 1 0 2 N i » < e en S 0 ^ vo W rJ rO CJ IX, o fi hursday. February 12. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 11th HOUR NEWS about a BIG PICTURE Corsican' Is Boston Lead With $39,500 Boston. Feb. 11. — "The Corsican (Brothers" coupled with "Blondie Goes ko College" gave Loew's State and (Orpheum a total gross of §39,500. #on of Fury" plus "Right to the JLeart" brought the Metropolitan j:.'3.000. Estimated receipts for the week ■ending Feb. 4-6 : All that Money Can Buy" (RKO) KEITH BOSTON — (2,697) (30c:40c-44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Ray Kinney and his Hawaiian orchestra, Paul Haakon and Patricia Bowman. Gross: $16,010. (Average. $8,000) ' Ball of Fire" (RKO) •Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) KEITH MEMOR1AL-(2.Wi ( .'>"c -40c - 44c-55c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $16,000. (Average. $16,000) " Son of Fury" (20th- Fox) ' Right to the Heart" (20th-Fox) METROPOLITAN — (4.367) (28c-30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average. ($15,500) •Kathleen" (M-G-M) Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT — (1.797) (2Sc-30c40c-44c- >5c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, B7.500) 'Kathleen" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $4,000) • Lock Who's Laughing" (RKO) '•Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) SCOLLAY — (2,500) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. 3rd run. Gross: $4,000. (Average. M.OOO) "The Corsican Brothers" (U.A.) ' Blcrdie Goes to College" (Col.) LOEW'S STATE — (3.000) (30c-40c-44c- 55c) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average, $12,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U.A.) ' Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) LOEWS ORPHEUM-(2.9oint program to be sent to IATSE members in theatres by Richard Walsh, president, follozvs: 1. Keep your projection rooms and equipment clean. Dirt causes wear and tear. 2. Lubricate properly all equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 3. Make only necessary replacements to conserve spare parts. 4. Burn carbons at minimum current specified by the manufac- turer. Use carbon savers where available. 5. Clean lenses of optical systems with soft tissue and protect condensers and reflectors. 6. Service regularly all electric current distribution points, such as: motors, generators, bus bars, fuses, switches, resistors and con- densers. 7. Allow sufficient warming-up period for all vacuum tubes. Burn tubes at specified ratings of equipment manufacturers. 8. Inspect, thread and rewind film very carefully; keep it clean. 9. Handle reels and film containers with care; these cannot be replaced. 10. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY. KEEP all worn out parts and metal coated carbon stubs; collect copper and other carbon drippings. Keep all burned out or broken vacuum tubes and incandescent lamps. You will receive instruc- tions as to the proper disposal of this salvaged material. 6 Studio Unions Hit Draft Exemptions Hollywood, Feb- 12. — A conference of six studio AFL unions, headed by H. K. Sorrell, last night sent a tele- gram of protest to Brig. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey on the latter's ruling to grant draft exemptions to film work- ers. The wire read : "Conference of studio unions rep- resenting 6,000 workers in the motion picture industry appreciates and un- derstands your effort to keep intact forces in war industry, and agree with you fully that motion pictures will play an increasingly important role in war by building morale and bring- (Continucd on page 4) Treasury Plans to Reimburse Disney Washington, Feb. 12. — A Senate appropriations subcommittee today tentatively refused to give the Treas- ury $80,000 to pay for Walt Disney's Donald Duck tax cartoon but Treas- ury officials said Disney would be compensated for his work. The subcommittee heard Secretary Morgenthau explain the purpose be- hind the picture, but did not appear sympathetic. Assistant Secretary Sullivan said that if the Senate did not restore the item, which was kicked out by the House, payment could be made from funds previously appropriated for collecting taxes. OCD Gets First National Theatre Protection Plan Premiere of 'Clouds* Held at B'way Strand "Captains of the Clouds," Warner film concerning the Royal Canadian Air Force and starring James Cag- ney, had its premiere at the Strand on Broadway last night. The audi- ence included officers of the RCAF, Canadian Government officials and 200 members of the RCAF, who also participated in a round of Lincoln's Birthday events during the day. Si- multaneous premieres were held in (Continued on page 3) The first plan on a national scale for the protection of film houses and other places of public gathering against air raids and other war risks is under study by executives of the Office of Civilian Defense in Wash- ington, it was learned yesterday. The national plan was submitted by the Los Angeles Theatre Defense Bu- reau, through John Helms, OCD di- rector for the Ninth Area, who, in turn, sent the plan to Washington. Gov. Culbert L. Olsen of California has praised the plan. Complete de- (Continued on page 3) See Crescent Case Deciding Stand on Umpi Anti-Trust Suit Verdict To Guide Univ., U.A. Universal and United Artists will reconsider their stand on partici- pation in the United Motion Pic- ture Industry program in the light of whatever decision is handed down in the Government anti- trust Crescent suit in Federal court at Nashville, company officials stated yesterday. Trial of that suit was completed last November and a decision is be- lieved imminent. Meanwhile, the two companies have not altered their decision to remain outside Umpi for the time being, de- spite the fact that renewed efforts have been made to win their partici- pation since the last meeting of Umpi. Neither company will be rep- resented at the meeting of the Umpi trade practice subcommittee here next Tuesday. Universal and United Artists have based their decision not to participate in Umpi primarily on the fact that (Continued on page 3) 'Reap Wild Wind' to Open on March 19 The world premiere of Paramount's "Reap the Wild Wind," Cecil B. De- Mille color production, will be held at the new Paramount Theatre, Hollywood, on March 19. The production has been selected as Paramount's 30th anniversary picT ture and its premiere will inaugurate (Continued on page 3) Report Cagney, U.A. Agreement on Pact Hollywood, Feb. 12.— It is reported that James Cagney and United Artists Corp. are agreed as regards a deal whereby the star will make three pictures a year for that company's release. Ed- ward Raftery, president of U.A., is reported to have con- cluded arrangements for the transaction early this week, before leaving for New York. An announcement is expected in the near future. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 13, 1942 Prize Fight Farce Will Open Tonight "They Should Have Stood in Bed," farce concerning prize fighters and marking the stage debut of Tony Canzo- neri of ring fame, opens at the Mansfield Theatre tonight. Produced by Sam Grisman, it was written by Leo Rifkin, Frank Tarloff and David Shaw, and has in the cast Grant Richards, Sanford Meisner, Florence Sundstrom and others. British Reported to Plan Film Controller London, Feb. 12. — Reports here indicate that the Government is con- templating the naming of a Controller of Kinematography, probably in April. Such a director would offi- ciate through the Board of Trade. It is believed the purpose of such an appointment would be to control raw materials, supplies and the like. Last GCS House Sold Chicago, Feb. 12. — The Revue Theatre is now owned by Ted Reisch. The house is the last of six theatres formerly operated by the GCS Cir- cuit to be disposed of since Jan. 1. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. &. 6th Ave. SPENCER TRACY . KATHARINE HEPBURN "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Directed by George Stevens • An M-.G-M Picture ON STAGE: "WORDS AND MUSIC" BY COLE PORTER — Leonidoff'c colorful tune- filled revu?. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 |J0ni McCREA F VERONICA LAKE J PARAMOUB8T < TYRONE POWER "SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century- Fox Picture PLUS A BIG B^VV 7,h Ave- STAGE SHOW RUAT & 50th St. PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. 10 tim«< funnier nn ':h- --r-en! OLSEN & JOHNSON HELLZAPOPPIN "OBLIGING YOUNG LADY" Joan Carroll — Edmond O'Brien "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 NnLU HIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It HAPPENS ON ICE at America's Onlv Ice- Theatre Center Theatre. Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Fv • except Mon. Mats. Sat., Pun. & Wr-d. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS AT 8:48 Personal Mention NATE J. BLUMBERG, Universal president, will arrive from the Coast bv train today. • Harry Anger and Fred Thomas, managing director and manager, re- spectively, of the Earle in Washing- ton, have joined the capital's Auxil- iary Police. Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager of Producers Releasing Corp., is touring the Midwest. E. T. Gomersall, Western sales manager for Universal, left yesterday for the Midwest. AL DAFF, Universal's Far East- ern manager, is en route back to this country after evacuating from Java several weeks ago. • Lieut. Col. E. P. Curtis was in New York from Washington yester- day. • Charles McGowan of the Warner exchange in Washington has returned from Florida. C. C. Margon, Universal's Latin American supervisor, has returned from a two-month trip to South America. Newsreel Parade Warners Establish New Sales District Ben Kalmenson, Warner general sales manager, has realigned and di- vided the Midwest district, naming Hall Walsh manager of a new Prairie district. Walsh has been St. Louis branch manager, and will maintain headquar- ters there. Rud Lohrenz, Midwest district head, will handle Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Minne- apolis, while Walsh will be in charge of Omaha, St. Louis, Des Moines and Kansas City. Kalmenson yesterday concluded a two-day home office meeting of dis- trict managers, discussion centering about the second half of the company's ^ales drive. Kalmenson, Norman Moray, short subject sales mana- ger ; Roy Haines, Eastern sales man- ager, and Mort Blumenstock, adver- tising head, addressed the session. The meeting was attended by Ar- thur Sachson, A. W. Schwalberg, Norman Ayers, Robert Smeltzer, Harry Seed, Rud Lohrenz, Fred Jack, Henry Herbel, Sam Lefkowitz and Hall Walsh. Committee Is Named For Awards Dinner Hollywood, Feb. 12— Plans for the annual awards dinner of the Acad- emy of M. P. Arts and Sciences here Feb. 26 has been placed in charge of a committee headed by Rosalind Rus- sell with Mervyn LeRoy as co-chair- man. Mail distribution of 10,000 ballots started tonight and polls will close midnight, Feb. 23. Results will be announced at the Biltmore Hotel on the night of the dinner. Others on the committee include Frank Capra, James Hilton, Jane Murfin, Henry Fonda, Bob Hope, Nat W. Finston, Y. Frank Freeman, David O. Selznick, E. J. Mannix, S. Charles Einfeld, Howard Strickling, Gordon Mitchell, John LeRoy John- ston and Donald Gledhill. Little 3, U.S. Fail to Agree on Questions Efforts on the part of "Little Three" attorneys to obtain an agree- ment with the Government on inter- rogatories propounded by the compa- nies have failed. The Government's objections to the questions will be ar- gued before Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard on Wednesday, it was learned yesterday. The Government contends that it is not subject to interrogation and that the interrogatories have been sub- mitted so late as to interfere with a trial date. The New York anti- trust suit against the "Little Three" is scheduled to make its first appear- ance on the trial calendar Monday but will be postponed. When the question of the interroga- tories was discussed before Judge Goddard last week, he recommended that attorneys attempt to reach an agreement on the interrogatories sub- mitted. However, it has been re- ported, when company attorneys com- municated with the Attorney Gener- al's office an appointment for a con- ference was not granted. Camtal Aids Navy Relief Washington. Feb. 12. — Vincent Dougherty, chief barker, has an- nounced that a luncheon of the local Variety Cub will be held on Mon- day at which a check for $2,237 will be presented to the Navv Relief So- ".i<*ty. The amount represents pro- ceeds of an "Ice-Capades" benefit ''eld here on Jan. 14. RKO Takes Phila. Aldine for 'Kane' Philadelphia, Feb. 12. — The Warner circuit today arranged with RKO for the company to take over Warners' Aldine Theatre for the showing of "Citizen Kane." The film twice before has been booked into a Warner house here and then can- celled without explanation even after advertising had appeared. . The film will open some time in March, and the advertising will say that the house is being operated by RKO for the duration of the run. THE nezvsreels fallow up their bl, fire story of earlier in the week with views of the former French line) Normandie capsized at her pier, whili experts study the salvage problem Contents of the weekend issues follow NVA Benefit Show Is Set for Sunday The 26th annual benefit show of the National Variety Artists will be held at the Imperial Theatre Sunday eve- ning. Fred Allen is executive chair- man of the affair. Many personalities of stage, screen and radio are expected to appear. Among them are : Belle Baker, Joe E. Lewis, George Jessel, Maxine Sul- livan, Bobby Clark, Bill Robinson, Willie Howard, Dannv Kaye, Johnny Green, Leon Janney, Noble Sissle and his orchestra, and others. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. M—Nor? capsized. Films of Singapore. Pacifii on patrol. Detroit auto industry in work. Mass production of uniforms ii Philadelphia. Boxing in New York. Racini at Hialeah. Notre Dame -Navy basketbal in Chicago. Stunt diving in Miami. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. Z44— Pacifi fleet on patrol. Auto plants in war produc tion. Test new incendiary -extinguishin liquid in Glendale. California childre finger-printed. Normandie overturnec Racing at Hialeah. Diving in Miami. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 49— Holly wood stars in Evacuation Corps. Manhat. tan police confiscate pinball machine! Springfield, Mass., students in statue game; Pacific fleet on patrol. Knudsen on wa production. Consider Normandie salvage Pandas in New York zoo. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 49— Normand; capsized. War work in auto plants. U. S \ Brazil rubber talks in Washington. Evaci, ation Corps in Hollywood. Anti-incendiar liquid tested in Glendale. Diving in Miam Pacific patrol. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 58 -1 Pacific fleet. Normandie studied. Aut. industry in war work. Hotel fire in Chicago Incendiary extinguisher tried in Glendali Fashions in New York. Basketball i Chicago. Horse racing in Miami. Wins Balaban Trophy Chicago, Feb. 12. — Harry Odend hal, manager of the Congress, wo i the John Balaban Trophy for the las quarter of 1941 together with a $10 cash prize. The trophy, a circulatin prize, is awarded quarterly for th best special effort. Odendhal has wo:| it three times consecutively. Metro Signs Vila Hollywood, Feb. 12. — M-G-M ha! signed Alberto Vila, Argentine star] to a term contract, effective after h j completes one film for RKO. He ha a Paramount contract but it expire j without his making a film. Would Cut Vending Ta. Wilkes Barre, Pa. Feb. 12. — ft revised draft of a new licensing ordii nance here reduces the proposed arj nual tax of $10 on vending machine to $5 annually. The measure is no\ before the City Council. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday ai' holidays by Quigley Publishing Compan Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cente New York City. Telephone Circle 7-310- Cable address. "Quigpubco, New York." Mai tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publishe Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gener Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vic President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James Cron. Advertising Manager; Chicago Burea 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Nei Manager; Hollywood Bureau Postal Uni< Life Building, William R. Weaver, Edito l.e"n Friedman, Manager; London Bureai 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope W liams. Manager, cable address "Quigpubc London." All contents copyrighted 1942 1 Quigley Publishing Company, Inc. Oth Ouiorley publications; Motion Pictu Herald, Better Theatres. Internation Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. E tered as second class matter, Sept. 23, \9'. at the post office at New York, N. under the act of March 3, 1879. Suhscri tion rates per year $6 in the Americas at $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Motion Picture Daily Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, Feb. 12 E\Y contracts and extensions of old ones for directors, writers and ^ actors made the principal news of Hollywood production this week. M-G-M gave new contracts to Spring Byington, Philip Reed, Philip Dorn and Jean Rogers, all players, and extended the pact of Van Heflin, who goes into the lead of "Grand Central Murder" with Virginia Grey, Patricia Dane and Donna Reed. . . . Owen Crump, short subject writer, has been given a directorial pact at Warners which also extended the contract of Vin- cent Sherman. YY. Zollev Lerner, who made his debut as director on "Who Is Hope Schuyler" at 20th Century-Fox has been given a new contract and a new name — Thomas Z. Loring. . . . Lee Garmes was given a cinematograph- er's contract at 20th Century-Fox. . . Republic picked up its option on Billy Shirley's future services and Paramount signed Arthlr Ross, U.C.L.A. graduate, as a junior writer. Universal plans a sequel to the serial, "Junior G Men," to be known as "Junior G Men of the Air," with Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell and Bernard Punsley, again heading the cast. Henry MacRae will produce it for next season. • • Story purchases of the week in- cluded the following: "The Crime of Laura Sarelle," English novel by Joseph Shearing, by RKO, for pro- duction by Reeves Espy. . . . "Alaska Road," original by Mortimer Brause, by Edward Gross, independent pro- ducer. . . . "Mr. Elms of Brighton," Hakold Mason novel, by George Stevens, producer director. . . . "The Last Flight," story of the final Pan-American Clipper from the Far East just after war broke out by Nat Tanchuk and Sam Nf.uman, by Ed Finney, who will produce it for Monogram Pictures release with Georgie Rony as associate producer. . . . "Over There," story by Edgar Poste of an American Expeditionary force, by Republic. • • Basil Rathbone inaugurates his new M-G-M contract by supporting William Powell and Hedy Lamarr in "Crossroads". . . . Eddie Foy. 1r . will play the role of Eddie Foy, Sr., in Warners' "Yankee Doodle Dandy" . . . John Farrow has been signed by Paramount to direct "Wake Island," witli Robert Preston, Macdonald Carey and Richard Denning in the leads . . . Barney Sarecky has been set as the associate producer on "Aunt Emma Paints the Town," to be pro- duced by Lindsley Parsons at Monogram. Waldo Salt is writing the script for Warners' "Humor- esque," remake of Fannie Hurst's story . . . Clarence Brown is negotiating for rights to "Gran Chaco," Leslie Thorn- ton's South American adventure story. . . . Tess Slesinger and Frank Davis, writing team, are back at Paramount to do the script of "Six from Coventry." . . . Byron Morgan and Harrison Orkow are set to do the screen- play for the story of the Boy Scouts of America that Jesse L. Lasky will produce for Warners. • • Hope Blackwood, rodeo star, has been engaged for the feminine lead opposite Tom Keen in "Arizona Roundup," Monogram . . . Jill Es- mond, English actress, goes into M-G-M's "Her Cardboard Lover"... Eugene Pallette has been added to the cast of "The Forest Rangers" at Paramount. "The Corpse Vanishes" will be Bela Lugosi's next picture for Mono- gram. Sam Katzman will produce. . . . Edward H. Griffith, Paramount producer-director, is seeking to bor- row George Murphy from M-G-M for "Frenchmen's Creek." . Charles Ruggles and Charles Winninger, Sharon Douglas have the top roles in Edward Small's "Friendly Enemies." . . . Betty Field has been assigned to star opposite Joel McCrae in Paramount's "Tri- umph Over Pain," which Preston ^turges will direct. b>ida\. February 13, 1942 , See Crescent Case Deciding Stand on Umpi {Continued from fane 1) jthey are defendants in four Govern- i merit anti-trust suits which allege jfcynracy and concerted action. Col- 1 J—f\3t. won a dismissal from the Gov- ernment's Nashville suit at the close ■I of the trial, but Universal and United Artists must await the court's deci- I sion before learning the disposition i, uf the case insofar as they are con- cerned. While a decision in favor of the | defendants in the Nashville case might i pen the way for the participation of the two companies in the program, uther considerations also are in- " volved. United Artists, for example, cl would have to consider participation Jin the light of whether or not any I new selling system sponsored by , Umpi would be permitted under its distribution contracts with its pro- ducers. Theatre Protection Plan Is Before OCD (Continued from page 1) tails of the procedure have not been made public. It was pointed out that the bureau i lias concentrated on keeping all places of amusement open, if they are of >afe construction, and that as a result of its foresightedness none of the the- atres or other places of amusement on the Coast was required to close < tiring the initial period of confusion which followed the Pearl Harbor at- tack. The bureau has also maintained instruction courses for employes, a clearing house for requests for use of theatre screens, courses for im- promptu entertainment of audiences in the event of raids, and has pre- pared a manual covering conduct in emergencies. Bureau Membership Members of the Los Angeles bu- reau include B. V. Sturdivant. direc- tor; Tom W. Baily, L. E. Behymer, i Maurice M. Cohen. Sherrill C. Cohen, i Benjamin Decker, Marco Wolff, Louis |J. Halper, Nat Holt, Clayton T. Lynch, Rodney A. Pantages, S. D. Perkins, Robert H. Poole, Charles F. Prickett, Charles P. Skouras and Gene Towne. Bureaus in Massachusetts, Chicago. Seattle, and many other points have prepared manuals and defence plans but these bureaus have concentrated on local problems. Reau Wild Wind' to Open on March 19 (Continued from page 1) the company's anniversary events. Motion Picture Daily's special is- sue commemorating the Paramount anniversary will be published at about that time The All-Year Club of Snutherr California and regional chambers of commerce will assist Paramount in making the premiere a notab'e event, the fir=t of its kind to b° arrang°d for the Coast since the outbreak of war. Proceeds of the performance will be (donated to the Navy Relief Society. 'Parallel' Scores $15,000 in Toronto Toronto, Feb. 12. — "49th Parallel" was outstanding with $15,000 at Shea's. "Babes on Broadway" at Loew's grossed $14,000. "Sergeant York" in the third week at the Im- perial drew $10,800. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 7 : "Onn Foot ir Heaven" (W B.) "Trrget for Tonight" (W.B.) EG LINTON — (1 086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: S4.300. (Average, $4,500) "Scrrean*. York" (W.B.) IMPERIAL— (3.3731 (18c-30c-42c-GO--90c1 6 days. 3rd week. Gross: $10,800. (Aver- age. S9.0CC) "Babe' on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S — (2.0741 (18c-30~-42c-60c-78'-) 6 days. Gross: S14.000. (Average, $9,000) " !9* ParilM" 'Col.l SHEA'" -<2W ('8^.T0--"'>--6r> "i--) 6 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $9,000) T t M r> Wo C i — * > Dri er" (W.B ) "Ki^wav We t" (W.B.) TIVOLI— (1.434) (1?--iSc-30--48c) 6 davs 2n-l week Gr~": S3 50. Coverage. $3,900) "Shirrs With Wir °s" (Esa*iirex UPTOWN— (2 7*11 (18c-30c-42c-60r-90c) 6 days. Goss: $12,000. (Average, $9,000) 'Valley' Pittsburgh Winner at $7,200 Pittsburgh, Feb. 12. — "How Green Was My Valley" scored the best comparative gross, $7,200, in its fifth week at the Fulton. "The Man Who Came to Dinner" took $15,000 at Loew's Penn. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 5 : "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) FULTON— (1.7'fli (30c-50-) 7 d->vs. 5th week. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $5,000) "The M-in Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) LOEW'S PENN— (3,400) (39c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $13,500) "Jrhnny Eager" (M-G-M) RITZ — (800) (3Cc-44c-5Sc) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: J* (TO 'Avnw, $3,0C0) "Confirm or Deny" (20th-Fox) SENATOR — (1,800) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: S4.6CO. (Average. $5,000) "Taiwan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) STANLEY — (3 600) (30c-44c-66c). On -tage: George Murnhy, Block & Scully Faludy Troupe. Three Swifts, Lecfr Om-in. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $20,000) "0-i=p.V.i'-p" (RKO) WARNER— (2.000) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $6,000. (Average. $5,000) 3 'Clouds' Premiere Is Held at Strand; Holiday Gross Big (Continued from page 1) London, Cairo, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. Warners reported the Strand was sold out by 8 P.M. Meanwhile, as clear weather helped bring out the crowds, strong holiday business was experienced at most the- atres along Broadway yesterday. The Radio City Music Hall had a lockout shortly after noon, while at the Rialto, at the other end of the first-run area, the SRO sign was displayed much of the day. An estimate of the dav's business at the Music Hall, which has "Wo- man of the Year" and a stage show, was about $18,500. The show fin- ished its first week Wednesday night with an estimated $101,500. 'Fury' in Third Week At the Roxy, "Son of Fury" with a stage show had a big day estimated at $13,000. The show finished its second week with an estimated $44,000 and began a third yesterday. "Mr. V" opened impressively at the Rivoli yesterday with the day's "take" estimated at $6,000. "Joan of Paris" drew an estimated $10,000 during its last five days at the theatre. The Rialto yesterday started a new show consisting of "Frisco Lil' " and "Our Russian Front." The premiere of "Captains of the Clouds" at the Strand followed a day of ceremonies and events. Lucy Monroe opened the premiere program by singing "The Star Spangled Ban- ner" and "God Save the King." She also sang at a party at the Starlight Roof of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel following the premiere. Major Warner Chairman Major Albert Warner was chair- map _ at a luncheon yesterday for the visiting Canadian officials and airmen at the Waldorf-Astoria. The pro- gram, with Lowell Thomas as master of ceremonies, was aired over Mutual. Speakers were : Leighton Mc- Carthy, Canadian Minister to Wash- ington; S. L. de Carteret, Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defense for Air and Air Marshals L. S. Breadner and W. A. Bishop. Colvin Brown and Jack Alicoate were among industry representatives present. Chicago Grosses Up 10% on Holiday Chicago, Feb. 12— Business in the Loop area was up approximately 10 per cent today despite bad weather. The regular weekday admissions pre- vailed. British Houses Win Sunday Film Terms London, Feb. 12.— The revolt of British exhibitors against distributor threats to dictate terms on Sunday bookings succeeded when the Kinema- tograph Renters Society de- cided to take no action on the matter. It was agreed in a KRS meeting today that it is too late now to change the situa- tion. 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 13, 1942 'Laughing' Is Seattle Best With $8,200 Seattle, Feb. 12. — 'Look Who's Laughing," at the Paramount with $8,200, and "H. M. Pulham, Esq.," at the Fifth Avenue with $7,900, were the top grossers of the week. The weather was mild and clear. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 7 : "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "A Gentleman at Heart" (ZOth-Fox) BLUE MOUSE— (950) (30c -42c -58c -70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Moved from Fifth Avenue. Gross: $3,800. (Average. $4,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,500) (30c-42c-58c- 70c) 7 days. Gross: $7,900. (Average, $7,- 000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) LIBERTY — (1,800) (30c-42c-5Sc-70c) 5 days, 4th week. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $5,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) MUSIC BOX— (950) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 days, 5th week. Moved from Paramount. Gross: $3,100. (Average. $4,000) "They Died with Their Boots On" (W. B.) ORPHEUM— (2,450) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,900. (Average, $6,000) "Road to Happiness" (Mono.) PALOMAR— (1,500) (20c-30c-42c-S8c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville. Gross: $5,200. (Average, $5,000) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) PARAMOUNT — (3,050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Gross: $8,200. (Average, $6,000) 'York' Minneapolis Hit, Takes $15,500 Minneapolis, Feb. 12. — "Sergeant York" broke a record at the State by drawing $15,500. All houses had good grosses. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 6 : "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) ORPHEUM — (2,800) (28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days. With Les Brown orchestra, Gil Lamb, Sybil Bowan, Betty Bonny on stage. Gross, $13,000. (Average. $5,500) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) STATE — (2,300) (36c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross,' $15,500. (Average, $6,000) "One Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) CENTURY— (1,600) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days. Gross, $8,700. (Average, $4,000) "The Little Foxes" (RKO) WORLD— (350) (28c39c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross, $2,200. (Average, $1,600) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) GOPHER — (998) (28c) 7 days. Gross, $3,400. (Average, $2,500) "South of Tahiti" (Univ.) 4 days "A Date with the Falcon" (RKO) 4 days "Moon Over Her Shoulder" (20th-Fox) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) 3 days ASTER— (900) (17c-28c) 7 days. Gross. $2,600. (Average, $1,800) 'Eager9 at $10400 Indianapolis Lead Indianapolis, Feb. 12. — "Johnny Eager" and "Blondie Goes to Col- lege" drew $10,400 at Loew's in a week of cold weather. "Bahama Pas- sage" and "Pacific Blackout" took $8,500 at the Indiana. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 5-6 : "All Through the Night" (W. B.) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) CIRCLE— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,300. (Average, $6,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) INDIANA — (3,200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average. $7,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) LOEW'S— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $10,400. (Average, $8,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) LYRIC— f 2,000) r28c-33c-44c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $3,300. < Average. $4,500) Off the Antenna THE Cooperative Analysis of Broadcasting report which will be issued today shows Fibber McGee & Molly continuing in the top spot with a rating of 40.8. It is the highest weekday (not Sunday) half -hour rating ever recorded by CAB. Two other programs, the Jack Benny show and Edgar Bergen's Charlie McCarthy, passed the 40 mark, with 40.4 and 40.2 re- spectively. • • • Purely Personal: Scth Dennis, John V. Sullivan and Joseph Seiferth have been added to the Blue sales promotion staff. . . . Ray Forrest, the first regular television announcer who has been on NBC regularly since January, 1940, left yesterday to join the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, N. J., where he will work with a film production unit. . . . Jack Lescoulie has replaced John Flora as associate master of ceremonies on WNEW's "Milkman's Matinee." Flora enlisted in the Army. . . . Thomas Rishworth, NBC public service division director, will speak at the 72nd annual convention- of the American Association of School Administrators in San Francisco Monday. . . . Thomas D. Connolly, CBS director of program promotion, will leave today for a tour of four mid- west stations. He will speak before the advertising club in each city he visits. . . . Richard E. Redmond, assistant to Robert A. Schmid, Mutual director of sales promotion, has resigned to join Pan-American Airzuays in Equatorial Africa. • • • Mutual has turned over the entire "Helen Holden, Government Girl" series to the exclusive use of the American Red Cross. The serial is heard Mondays through Fridays, 1:15-1:30 P.M., and the time ordinarily devoted to commercial announcements will be used by the Red Cross. Around the Country: WLW Promotions, Inc., Cincinnati, has organized a speakers' bureau to make available lecturers for meetings. . . . When em- ployes of WIND and WJJD, Chicago, received their paychecks, they found a bonus in defense bonds and stamps equivalent to the amount they had pur- chased through the stations' payroll allotment plan. . . . KOA, Denver, lost three of its announcers to the armed forces this month. Starr Yelland to the Navy, Robert Young to the Army, and Ed Brady to the flying force. . . . Reita Brown has been placed in charge of the WEEl, Boston, music clearance department. . . . William Kuntz, engineer, and Naomi Woolridge, stenographer, both working at the Balaban & Katz television station in Chicago, have been married. . . . Jay Wesley, WEEI special events head, is giving a course in radio at Harvard University Extension. Newspapers Surpass Air News: Stahlman Washington, Feb. 12. — Declaring that 99 out of 100 newspapers gave a better presentation of news events than do radio stations, James G. Stahl- man, publisher of the Nashville Ban- ner, today told the FCC that he was definitly opposed to sponsored news broadcasts. Stahlman, who appeared before the FCC as hearings on its investigation into newspaper ownership of stations were revived for a one-hour session, outlined the early history of radio and newspaper difficulties, emphasizing that from the beginning it had been obvious that unity was necessary be- tween the two mediums of news dis- semination. The publisher testified that he pro- posed that newspapers furnish stations with news when it became apparent that there was widespread "theft" of items gathered by the papers and press associations. Following his brief testimony, the hearings again were suspended in- definitely. DCS Extends Ban To Existing Grants (Continued from page 1) WPB that no critical materials be allocated for the construction, under outstanding authorizations of the FCC, of any new stations or changes not necessary to provide initial pri- mary service in the area to he cov- ered. WNYC Plea Denial To Go to LaGuardia Morris Novick, general manager of WNYC, said yesterday that, he would take up the denial by the FCC of additional operating time for the station with Mayor LaGuardia "with- in the next few days." Pending a discussion with the Mayor, Novick said, there would be no decision on the filing of a protest. WNYC, which shares the 830 k.c. channel with WCCO, the CBS station in Minneapolis, sought permission to operate from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. in- stead of being compelled to sign off when the sun sets in Minneapolis. The FCC pointed out that WCCO oper- ates on a clear channel and that simul- taneous operation by both stations during night hours would result in interference detrimental to both. The FCC on Wednesday listed the appli- tion among "proposals to deny" and it will be denied without further ac- tion unless WNYC files a protest. Commissioner George H. Payne dis- sented. 6 Studio Unions Hit Draft Exemptions (.Continued from page 1) ing to the people who work a great- er understanding of war aims. How- ever, we protest your ruling and re- ject the idea of blanket exemptions in this industry as we would in any other industry, since we believe that exemption from armed service should be based solely on the merits of each individual case judged by already ex- isting rules set up by selective service boards." LA. Outlines Program for Conservation (Continued from page 1) letins in their projection rooms and abide by the rules. In a message which will accom the printed program, Walsh ( "Our country is at war. Here's )I5\v you can help. Every type of material is required in America's war effort. Many materials which you handle every day are scarce. Spare parts are hard to get. Your theatre may have to close unless the equipment that yot handle is cared for and conserved. "It is vitally important to maintair your projection, sound and stage equipment in good operating condition Only this way can your theatre be kept open to do its vital job of main-|i taining morale. Conserve, Salvage Eliminate Waste." Raoul, Fabian Leaders W. P. Raoul represented the IATSE in the conferences leading tc the 10-point program and Simon H Fabian headed the subcommittee o: technical experts from all branches o: the industry. Others on the commit tee were Arthur Mayer ; Donale Turner, Elmer Wilschke, A. L. Ru- binstein, Altec Corp. ; Henry Heideg ger, C. F. Alexander, Internationa Projector; William L. Jones, Adolpl Goodman, RCA; Charles Horstmami RKO ; Lester Isaacs, Harry Mosko witz, Loew's Theatres ; Harry Rubin Paramount ; J. A. Hammond, E. A Williford, National Carbon ; Doi Hyndman, Eastman Kodak ; Fran) Cahill, Warners, and Samuel Rosen Fabian Circuit. 1 'Glamour' and Show $17,500, Kansas Cit Kansas City, Feb. 12. — "Glamou j Boy" with Erskine Hawkins and hiM band on the stage of the Newmai brought a strong $17,500. "The Bugl^ Sounds" on a dual at the Midland drew $12,500. Estimated receipts for the weel ending Feb. 5 : "Remember the Day" (2(fth-Fox) ESQUIRE — (800) (30c-44c) 9 days. Gross $3,500. (Average, 9 days, $3,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "You Belong- to Me" (Col.) MIDLAND— (3,600) (30c-44c) 7 days Gross: $12,500. (Average, $8,500) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (30c-40c-50c) 7 day! Stage, 4 Ink Spots, Erskine Hawkins an his "Tuxedo Junction" orchestra. Gross $17,500. (Average, $7,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "A Date with the Falcon" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (40c-50c) 7 days. 5t: week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $5,0Q0) "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) TOWER— (2,200) (30c) 7 days. Stag show. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $6,000) "Remember the Day" (20th- Fox) UPTOWN— (2,000) (30c-44c) 9 dav; Gross: $3,500. (Average, $4,000) Open New Illinois Houst Harvey, 111., Feb. 12. — The nev Brandt Theatre here has opened. Th' house was built and is under the man agement of Nat Bernstein, operato of the Homan Theatre, Hammonc Ind., and the Times Waukegan, 111. W w J Alert. tion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in Rhn-ant [Radio Accural and Impartial L. 51. NO. .>2 NEW YORK. U.S.A.. MONDAY. FEBRUARY 16. 1942 TEN CENTS Army and Navy Laud Studios' Win War Effort Officers Pay Tribute at Coast Meeting \ Hollywood, Feb. 15. — Liaison i-fricers of the Army and Navy paid tribute to the service rendered by i!he Hollywood Victory Committee ■ Inu-etini; of the committee mem krship with the service officers at he M-G-M studio, j Col. A. E. Evans of the Army said : il;or what you have done all America hould be proud of you." Lieut. Com. jl. J. Bolton of the Navy declared : II don't believe any other group of «<>ple are devoting more time, effort, alent and desire to helping the Gov- ernment in this serious hour." Chairman Fred W. Beetson of the pctory Committee pledged, "We will |0 what the Army and Navy wants (Continued on page 3) Umpi to Seek New Selling Method at Meeting Tomorrow The trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Industry will endeavor to agree upon a new selling method and proposed solutions for other trade practice problems at meetings beginning here tomorrow. MPTOA, Allied States and unaffil- iated regional exhibitor organizations have canvassed their directors and. in several instances, their membership, for preferences among the several sales methods proposed as substitutes for the blocks-of-five system. With these expressions at hand, the subcom- mittee of which Jack Kirsch is chair- (Continued on pane 3) Protests to FBI on "Nazi Film Exhibition Protests against the showing of all - ■erman programs in four local the- tres have been made to the Federal ureau of Investigation and to Li- cense Commissioner Paul Moss by .;sidents of the theatre neighbor- hoods, it was learned over the week- end. The FBI office here confirmed re- fept of the protests. Houses which have recently re- ptned with German films are the lozart and Wagner, Brooklyn, and nt Yorkville Casino and 86th Street =arden. Manhattan. I ierman films disappeared from lo- d theatres after the declaration of far, but their exhibition has been turned in recent weeks. Salute Signal Corps At Ampa Thursday Lieut. Col. Melvin E. Gillette, in wrge of the Army Training Film roduction Laboratory at Fort Mon- outh, N. J., will be guest of honor the Ampa luncheon at the Hotel dison on Thursday. The luncheon, to be known as the Salute to the Signal Corps" will be iddressed by Gillette on "The Use of totion Pictures in America's New rmy." A delegation from Fort Mon- -jouth will accompany him. Gillette augurated the film unit at the camp 1937. It now comprises a staff 275. Cammack New RKO Southwest Manager Ben Y. Cammack, formerly South American supervisor for RKO, was named Southwestern district manager in the company's domestic sales or- ganization by Ned E. Depinet, vice- president in charge of distribution, on Friday. The appointment is effective today. Canunack's headquarters will he in Dallas, where the post which lie takes over has been vacant for some time. Cammack recently returned from Buenos Aires, where he was last sta- tioned. R. L. Hawkinson, assistant foreign manager, is filling the South American post until a successor to Cammack is appointed. Phil Rcisman foreign manager, is en route to Buenos Aires. Air Programs in 29 Foreign Languages Washington, Feb. 15. — Pro- grams in 29 foreign languages were broadcast by 200 U. S. radio stations in the 30 days after Pearl Harbor, the FCC reports. The total number of such programs was 6,776 dur- ing- the period, compared with 6,843 in the preceding 30 days. Polish was broadcast by the largest number of stations, 84. Italian was next on 66, follow- ed by Spanish on 58, and Ger- man on 25. The number of Italian and Spanish programs increased after the outbreak of the war, but those in Ger- man fell off. There were five programs in Japanese in the 30 days before Pearl Harbor, but all were discontinued after the attack. IA Waives Overtime On Gov't Film Shows Following up its issuance of a 1(1- point program for conservation of ma- terials in theatres, the IATSE today will announce waiving of all overtime pay resulting from the screening of Government films in theatres. The de- cision was made known in a letter sent by Richard F. Walsh, IATSE president, to George J. Schaefer, chairman of the industry's War Ac- tivities Committee. Walsh in his letter referred to the fact that exhibitors receive no remun- (Continued on parte 3) Composer Bound by Renewal Assignment, Court Declares Defense Boosting Frisco's Grosses San Francisco, Feb. 15. — With in- creasing numbers of service men in the city and civilian defense employ- ment calling for many workers, thea- tre grosses here have increased sharp- ly. Saturday nights, particularly, have been very good at all theatres. Service men get reduced prices. Joseph Blumenfeld, operator of the Blumenfeld circuit of neighborhood houses, is considering leasing the old Tivoli Theatre downtown as a sub- sequent run house. The downtown Orpheum Theatre, Blumenfeld house, is giving 500 free tickets to service men each week, distributed through Red Cross hospitality centers. The U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a composer or author is bound by his assignment of renewal rights to his original copyright, al- though the estate of the composer re- tains the rights to the renewal if the composer dies during the term of the original copyright. This ruling, in the belief of film at- torneys, will affect not only music but stories and films as well. The ques- tion has been a moot one for over a hundred years, according to attorneys. The Circuit Court upheld the con- tention of M. Witmark & Sons, a sub- sidiary of Warner Bros., in a dispute with George Graff, Jr., composer of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." Graff assigned his rights in the orig- inal copyright to Witmark, at the (Continued on page 4) See Conversion Not Reducing Air Audience Industry on Within 4 War Basis Months Executives of networks over the weekend said there will be little, if any, effect on the size of the listen- ing audience as a result of the War Production Board order to convert the entire radio manufacturing in- dustry to a war basis within the next four months. It was pointed out that there are now an estimated 55,000,000 sets in the hands of the public, a substantial stock is on hand to meet normal demands, and production of replacement parts will be permitted to continue. R. R. Guthrie, chief of the War Production Board bureau of industry branches, on Friday told a gathering of 55 set manufacturers that their (Continued on page 4) Yitagraph Names 3 Vice-Presidents Roy Haines, Warners' Eastern and Canadian sales manager, Arthur Sach- son, home office sales executive, and A. W. Schwalberg, supervisor of ex- changes, have been elected vice-presi- dents of Vitagraph, Inc. Ben Kal- menson, general sales manager of Warners, who is president of Vita- graph, announced the election. Al Oxtoby, San Francisco sales- man, and formerly Seattle branch manager for Warners, has been named St. Louis branch manager, it was announced. He succeeds Hall Walsh, recently appointed manager of the newly formed Prairie district. Thomas Heads Sales In East for Mono. Harry H. Thomas, head of the wholly-owned Monogram exchanges in New York, Philadelphia and Wash- ington, has been named Eastern sales manager of the company, it was an- nounced on Friday by Samuel S. (Steve) Broidy, Monogram general sales manager. The announcement was made at a luncheon at Toots Shor's Restaurant, at which Broidy and Thomas were hosts to representatives of the trade press. Norton V. Ritchey, vice-presi- dent in charge of foreign distribution, was present. Motion Picture Daily Monday, February 16, 194. Indpl's Case Filed; Settle Buffalo Case A clearance complaint was filed at the Indianapolis arbitration board on Friday, while a consent award was made in one Buffalo case and an ap- peal was taken from another award at the same tribunal. S. S. Stephens, operator of the Re- gal, Indianapolis, charged all five con- senting companies with granting un- reasonable clearance to the Walker, Park and Lido theatres over the Re- gal, and asked that the 30 days clear- ance of the Walker be reduced to seven, the 14 days clearance of the Park to one day and the Regal's clear- ance over the Lido be increased to 30 days. A consent award was entered at the Buffalo tribunal in settlement of the clearance and some run complaint of Ryan's Ithaca Theatre, Ithaca. The award dismissed the some run com- plaint and fixed the maximum clear- ance to be granted the Strand, State and Temple at 30 days over the Ithaca. Dipson's Bailey Theatre, Buffalo, which won a clearance award against the five consenting companies two weeks ago, filed an appeal on Friday seeking additional relief. Senate Bill Minus Cost of Disney Film Washington, Feb. 15. — The Sen- ate Appropriations Committee has sent the first deficiency appropriation bill to the Senate floor, minus the $80,000 item for the Treasury to pay for Walt Disney's tax picture, "The New Spirit." Treasury officials indicated their in- tention to pay for the Disney subject out of funds previously appropriated. The committee also sustained all of the restrictions imposed by the House on the activities of the Office of Ci- vilian Defense and added a provision requiring the OCD to report on its operations every 60 days. Personal Mention EK. O'SHEA, Central division • manager for M-G-M, returns to- day from Charlotte and Washington. • Edward C. Raftery, United Artists president, arrived from the Coast by train Saturday. • Monroe Greenthal, United Artists advertising and publicity director, is scheduled to leave for the Coast to- day. • Reginald Rose of Warners' pub- licity staff and Barbara Langbart have announced their engagement. • J. Frank Durkee, circuit operator in Baltimore, is vacationing in Flor- ida. • Steve Loewer and V ictor Streibel of Warners leave for the Army this week. • Trem Carr returns to Hollywood today from Illinois. Heads Civic Group For 'Wind' Opening Hollywood, Feb. IS. — Judge John G. Palmer has been named chairman of the general committee in charge of the civic events centering about the premiere of the Paramount-DeMille film, "Reap the Wild Wind," and the opening of the new Paramount Thea- tre where the premiere will be held March 19. The Chamber of Com- merce is sponsoring the affair. Bergman on Coast For iUy Assignment Hollywood, Feb. 15. — Maurice Bergman arrived here Friday from New York to undertake a special ad- vertising assignment for John Joseph, Universal advertising and publicity director. a v L- THIS O. SOG-LOW GEORGE SPIRES, a member of the staff of Motion Picture Herald, has left for the Army. • William K. Saxton,' city manager for Loew's in Baltimore, spent several days in New York. • Mr. and Mrs. William Dieterle are here from the Coast. • William J. Heineman and Jules Lapidus will return today from New- England. Fred Schanberger, for Keith's Baltimore, the weekend. Jr.. publicist was here over Mort Goldberg, Chicago exhibitor, has left for Florida. Irving Martin, publicist for the Stanley in Baltimore, spent the week- end with his family in Richmond, Va. SPG Discussions Resume Tomorrow Resumption of negotiations between the New York Screen Publicists Guild and the home offices are set for to- morrow, it was announced Friday by the union. The Guild has set up a campaign committee and authorized it to insti- tute "picketing, boycott and any other economic measure necessary to secure an equitable contract." The commit- tee consists of the executive council and the negotiations committee, and about 12 sub-committees have been set up. Ray Torr, recently employed as "activities administrator," will work with the campaign committee. Col. Executives Due From Coast Today Jack Cohn, Columbia vice-president ; Abe Montague, general sales mana- ger; Abe Schneider, treasurer, and Leo Jaffe, assistant to Schneider, are due here today from the Coast. They left the studio on Friday following the conclusion of conferences on new product. Warner Checker Dies Milwaukee, Feb. 15.— Jacob A. Israel, 51, a checker for Warners here for a number of years, died at Sol- diers' Home Hospital. Israel was a World War veteran. He is survived by his wife, his mother, a sister and two brothers. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. C0.T INC. INSURANCE Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York Pick Same Leaders^ In W-T, Daily PolL Comparison between results of th annual New York W orld-Telegraf radio poll and Motion Pictur Daily's "Champion of Champion^ poll on behalf of Fame reveals th; with one exception these are identic; in the selection of top names in corr parable classifications. The sing; exception was Lily Pons who f< chosen the best concert singer in m m World-Telegram vote while Glatfj! Svvarthout won the honors as Be.j Female Classical Vocalist in Mono Picture Daily's poll. Favorite program, best comedia j quiz program, popular orchestra, ma j popular singer, girl popular singe: sports announcer, news commentate I studio announcer, dramatic prograr i children's program and outstandir new star selections were identical both polls. President Roosevelt's declaration war speech was named the outstandii single broadcast of 1941 in the Worl | Telegram poll. This program cou j not be included in the Motion PiJ ture Daily vote because the balk j were already being counted. Mrs. Dorothy Griffis Dies in Ariz. Resoi Mrs. Dorothy Nixon Griffis, form] wife of Stanton Griffis, chairman the Paramount executive committi died on Thursday in Tucson, Ari it was learned here over the weeket Griffis, informed of the death in Be, Raton, Fla., while vacationing, fl< to Tucson. Mrs. Griffis is survh by her mother, two children, a sis and a brother. S. F. Aids Red Cross San Francisco, Feb. 15. — A che for $6,200 has been presented the BjJ Cross as a contribution of local tl atres, their executives and personr A. M. Bowles, vice-president of Fc West Coast Theatres, was chairrr of the film division of the drive he Promoted by Schine Cincinnati, Feb. 15. — John W< berg, local booker for the Sch Circuit, has been named city man^: at Lexington, Ky. He is succeeded booker by Herbert Brown, from home office in Gloversville, N. Y. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday *J holidays by Quigley Publishing Compil Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cer New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3 ( Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." f I tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publis , Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gen;lri Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, VP President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred! Finestone, Managing Editor; James j Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bur 1 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'N Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Ua Life Building, William R. Weaver. Edi ■ London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. Loi M WI, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addjB "Quigpubco. London." All contents c< ■ righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Ci-4 nany. Inc. Other Quigley publications; -J Hon Picture Herald, Better Theatre-., li national Motion Picture Almanac and F.eH Entered as second class matter, Sept.B 1938 at the post office at New York. N. H under the act of March 3. 1879. Subsi'B tion rates per year $6 in the Americas U $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. |Monda\. Februar\ 16. 1942 Motion Picture Daily Army and Navy Laud Studios' Win War Effort (Continued from page 1 I us to do whenever and wherever they ! want it." k Charles K. Feldman, chairman of ic talent subcommittee, disclosed that rTiore than 100 stars have made per- >onal appearances or broadcasts for patriotic purposes within the last 28 i clays. Other reports were read by James Cagney, Kenneth Thomson and Jock Lawrence. The resources of the com- mittee were made available for the ; Navy Relief Fund show at Madison Square Garden in New York on March 10. Lieut. Com. Walter Winchell, here t. in behalf of the Navy Relief show, :j told the committee: "I already have • told my commanding officer you peo- le in Hollywood would stand watch I with us and play the part you have ; always played." Thomson Named Head Of Victory Committee Hollywood, Feb. 15. — Kenneth Thomson, vice-chairman of the Holly- wood Victory Committee and execu- tive secretary of the Screen Actors' ' iuild, on Friday was elected chair- man of the Victory Committee. He succeeds Fred \V. Beetson, who re- signed because of increased duties as executive vice-president of the Pro- ducers' Association. Howard Strickling, chairman of the Publicity Directors' Committee, was named vice-chairman of the Victory Committee. Beetson was elected to the executive committee. Umpi to Seek New Selling Method at Meeting Tomorrow (.Continued from patje 1) man, is expected to make its choice this week. The method agreed upon will be recommended by the subcommittee to l'mpi and. if approved by the main committee, will stand as the favored sales method of the united industry. Although insofar as is known no pro- cedure has been decided upon beyond that point, observers believe that there- after an L'mpi committee will be desig- nated to present the plan to the De- partment of Justice with the aim of an agreement being reached on its be- ing embodied in the decree. It is reported that all exhibitor polls to date reveal a marked prefer- ence for a sales plan offering a 20 per cent unconditional elimination right with the purchcase of as large a number of pictures as possible at one time. A return to full line selling, however, is regarded as unlikely in view of the Government's opposition to that method expressed in the report of Robert L. Wright, head of the mo- tion picture unit of the Department of Justice. Amendment of the decree to estab- lish a new sales method would render the escape clause, effective June 1, meaningless, since the clause provides only for the elimination of trade show - ings and blocks of five sales in the event the Government has not won a court victory or decree from the three non-consenting companies by that time. The decree amendment thus would be expected to relieve the pressure for trial of the Government's suit against the Little Three before that date. 4Eager' Captures $24,000 in Capital Washington, Feb. 15. — Drawing $24,000, in conjunction with a stage show, "Johnny Eager" was held over for a second week at Loew's Capitol. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 4-5 : "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA — (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $3,500) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) WARNERS' EARLE — (2,200) (28c-39c-44c- 66c-77c) 7 days. On stage: Sammy Kaye and his orchestra. Gross: $22,300. (Average, $15,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) LOEWS PALACE— (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,500. (Average, $10,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) WARNER'S M ETROPOLITAN — (1,600) (28c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week, return engage- ment. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $3,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) RKO- KEITH'S — (1,843) (40c-50c-65c) 7 davs, 5th week. Gross: $10,500. (Average. $6,000) "Johrmy Eager" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3.434) (28e-39c-55c- 66c-77c) 7 davs. On stage: Carmen Amaya. Cass Dalev. Dean Murphy. Gross: $24,000. (Average, $15,500) Para. Debentures Ready Paramount's four per cent deben- tures, due 1956, are ready for distri- bution and will be exchanged for the temporary debentures when the latter are surrendered to the trustee, Manu- facturers Trust Co., it was announced. "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) HIPPODROME— (2.100) (35c-50c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $(>.80<>) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) TWENTIETH CKNTLRY-(3.000) (30c- 35c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Meyer Balsom and orchestral ensemble, with Elisse Cooper and The Rhythmites and Lennie Gale. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $7,500) 'Son of Fury9 Hits $23,000, Philadelphia Philadelphia, Feb. 15. — While a blackout held down business, business was uniformly good. "Son of Fury" gave the Fox a big $23,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 3-6: "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) ALDINE— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 5th week. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $2,600) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average. $13,- 000) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RICO) EARLE — (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Eddie Duchin's orchestra. Gross: $20,000. (Average, $14,000) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) FAY'S — (2,190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-57c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Dorothy Henry. Gaby Leslie, Princess Loo Auana, Al Gordon and his Racketeers, The 4 Samuels, Canfield Smith & Snodgrass, Wayne & Marlin, Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra. Gross: $7,600. (Average, $6,900) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) FOX— (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $23,000. (Average, $13,000) "Suspicion" (RKO) KARLTON — (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 8 days, 2nd run. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $3,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) KEITH'S— (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. 3rd week. Gross: $4,800. (Average, $4,500) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $4,500) 'Fury' in St. Louis Garners $19,500 St. Lot'is, Feb. 15. — "Son of Fury" >cored $19,500 at the Fox in a week- narked by fair business. Estimated receipts for the ending Feb. 5 : Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) "Sing for Your Supper" (Col.) LOEW'S— (3,162) (28c-40c-44c-56c) iross: $14,000. (Average. $13,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. AMBASSADOR— (3.018) (30c-40c-50c) •lays. Gross: $12,200. (Average, $11,500) 'Son of Fury' (ZOth-Fox) 'Gentleman at Heart" (20th-Fox) FOX— (5.038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: ^19.500. (Average. $11,000) Playmates" (RKO) "AH That Money Can Buy" (RKO) MISSOURI— (3.514) (30c -40c -50c) 7 days. 'Jross: $5,500. (Average. $4,000) "Maltese Falcon" (W. B.) 'How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) ST. LOUIS— (4,000) (25c-35c) 7 days. 'Jross: $4,000. (Average. $2,600) week ' days. B.) Dean-Kaufman Trial Will Be Postponed The trial of Nick Circella, also known as Nick Dean, and Louis Kauf- man, business agent of the Newark 'perators' union, on charges cf ex- torting about $1,000,000 from major nlm companies is scheduled to be postponed again for two weeks when called in Federal Court here today. U. S. attorneys who will try the case are engaged in other actions, it was tated. Extend Unit Heads' Pacts at RKO Studio Hollywood. Feb. 15. — Joseph Hreen, studio head at RKO, has ex- tended the contracts of six department heads. They are : Walter Daniels, production manager ; John O. Aal- berg, sound department ; Constantin BakaleinikifT, music department ; Al- bert D'Agostino, art; Verne Walker, camera effects; Darrel Silvera. prop- erty. I A Waives Overtime On Gov't Film Shows (Continued from paf/e 1) eration for showing Government short subjects and trailers and declared that the projectionists wish to contribute their services in event of such over- time. Walsh stated that the union's gen- eral executive board voted the over- time waiver unanimously. 'Fire' and 'Dinner' Strong in Buffalo Buffalo, Feb. 15. — "Ball of Fire" in a second week at the Twentieth Century and "The Man Who Came to Dinner" at the Great Lakes were leaders here, each with $14,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 7 : "Two-Faced Woman" (M-G-M) "B'ue, White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) BUFFALO— (3,489) (35c-55c) 7 days. Dr. I. Q. on stage Monday night. Gross: $12,- 000. (Average, $12,000) 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday. February 16, 1942 Report Trade Opposition to US Shortwave Though nothing official is being- said, radio officials are reported op- posed to the move by the Govern- ment to take over all shortwave broadcasting, a move reported to have been initiated by the Coor- dinator of Information's office^ Officials pointed out the short- wave field has involved a heavy investment and that Govern- ment operation at this time might not only injure this in- vestment but might destroy the effectiveness of the medium. News, it was said, is the principal program item because it has estab- lished a reputation for impartiality. If the Government takes it over, it was declared, U. S. news will fall into the same "propaganda" category which characterizes enemy shortwave broadcasts."- This . will result, it was pointed out, even if the Government broadcasts exactly the same news which private broadcasters would send. Considerable doubt was also expressed about the Government's ability to prepare general entertain- ment programs with the competence of private broadcasters, even if the latter extend full aid as they are prepared to do. See Move as Subsidy On the other hand, several ex- pressed the opinion that shortwave broadcasting was conducted at a con- siderable loss and if the Governmetai- were to take it over "for the duration" it would be, in effect, a subsidy. Such a subsidy would be most welcome al- though there is always the possibility that the Government might decide to enter broadcasting after the war, it was pointed out. There are 11 shortwave stations operating with a total power of 515,- 000 watts, and it is reported that this will be increased to 2,500,000 watts if the Government takes over. Under the plan of Government operation, it was said, the Coordinator of Informa- tion would control all programs ex- cept from 4 P.M. to midnight, when programs are beamed to Latin Amer- ica. The latter would be under the control of Rockefeller committee. Mono, to Improve Its Studio Property Hollywood, Feb. 15. — Monogram announced over the weekend that it plans to spend about $250,000 to im- prove the studio property it bought recently. Improvements planned are new stages, a new administration and writers' building, cutting rooms, street sets and quarters for craft depart- ments. That Man's Back Jimmy Fidler, whose Hollywood gossip and film criticism program was canceled from Mutual Nov. 27, will return to the air Monday, March 2, 7-7:15 P.M., over 100 Blue stations and 20 Canadian stations. Carter Products will sponsor on behalf of Arrid, a perspiration deodorant. Academy Dinner on Columbia Coast Web Los Angeles, Feb. 15. — KNX and the Columbia Pacific Net- work announced it had been granted exclusive broadcast rights to the 14th annual Academy Awards dinner, Feb. 26, and would present Wendell Willkie's address from 10 to 10:30 P.M., P.W.T., and names of the Awards winners as ob- tained. Marking a departure from the usual Academy proce- dure, which heretofore barred early radio disclosure of the winners, KNX will be permit- ted to broadcast names of winners in its 11 P.M. news period and in station breaks thereafter. . Omaha Station Sues Ascap for $298,319 Omaha, Feb. 15. — Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, owner of WOW, filed a $298,319 damage suit against Ascap and Eugene N. Blazer, Ascap representative here, in District Court. The amount represents three times what WOW paid Ascap for music from May, 1937, when the Ne- braska anti-Ascap law was passed, un- til the present time, and is claimed un- der a triple damage provision of the law. Nebraska ballroom operators are expected to join the fight and have set up a preliminary organization un- der the leadership of Joseph Malec of Omaha. The' WOW petition is brought -en behalf "of all others simi- larly situated in Nebraska" who may enter the suit as interveners. Claims of intervenors would bring the total damages to about $1,000,000. Ascap Now Out of Nebraska Ascap recently released all its mem- bers for Nebraska and urged them to make separate deals for their music in that state. John G. Paine, Ascap general manager, on Friday said Ascap had not been served in the suit and that he knew nothing about it. He added that he had no comment to make about anything in Nebraska be- cause the society "has no rights in that state" and has no interest in it. Paine explained that W OW had an Ascap license up to Dec. 31, 1940 and that it was to be "presumed" that the station was paid up under the license. Baltimore Engineers Get Wage Increase Baltimore, Feb. 15. — Union thea- tre engineers here have signed a new three-year contract granting them a slight increase in wages. The contract also provides an additional increase each year that the three-year agree- ment is in effect, according to Wil- liam K. Saxton, city manager of Loew's in Baltimore. KFEQ to Join Blue Net KFEQ, St. Joseph, Mo., will join the Blue as a basic supplementary out- let March 15, it was announced. The station operates with 5,000 watts on 680 k.c. See Conversion Not Reducing Air Audience {Continued from page 1) facilities are needed for the manufac- ture of military and naval equipment and that unless the conversion was completed within the specified time it would be necessary "to break down the organization of unconverted plants, and shift their labor and equipment to other parts of the economy." Manu- facture of civilian sets will stop by April 22, it was stated. Spokesmen for manufacturers indi- cated that they would comply. West- inghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. is on a 100 per cent war footing already, an official said. RCA de- clared that 80 per cent of unfilled or- ders at the end of the year were war orders, the entire research laboratories are engaged in Government work, and a new tube factory will be built for war uses. An executive representing the Radio Manufacturers Association said the conversion would be speeded by ex- pediting the war orders. He added, however, that the present progress of such orders gave little indication of complete conversion before July. Guthrie asserted that those manu- facturers whose products cannot be used for war purposes would have to convert their factories to manufacture "unrelated" to radio but for war needs. CAB Tables Plan to Standardize Rates Montreal, Feb. 15. — Members of the Canadian Association of Broad- casters tabled discussion of a plan to standardize advertising time rates for radio stations for a year at the three- day convention at the Windsor Hotel here. Glen Bannerman, of Toronto, was reelected president and general man- ager. Elected as directors for 1942 were Col. Keith S. Rogers, CFKY, Charlottetown ; N. Nathanson, CJCB, Quebec ; Phil Landone, CKAC, Mon- treal ; Jack Cooke, Northern Broad- casting Co., Toronto ; E. T. Sandell, CKTB, St. Catherines; Harry Sedg- wick, CFRB, Toronto; H. R. Carson, CFAC, Calgary ; A. A. Murphy, CFQC, Saskatoon ; George F. Chan- dler, CJOR, Vancouver, and J. W. B. Browne, CKOV, Kelowna, B.C. Renewal Assignment Is Declared Binding {Continued from page 1) same time assigning his rights to the renewal. After the original copyright term of 28 years expired, Graff as- signed the renewal to Fred Fisher Music, Inc., and Witmark brought suit for an injunction. In upholding the injunction by a two-to one vote, the Circuit Court pointed out that the author is bound by his agreement if he survives the original term. Judge Jerome Frank, who dissented, said that it was the intention of Congress to disenable the author from transferring renewal rights until the first 28-year term ex- pired. You've got to be WIDE-AWAKE to catch a | SLEEPER! Read this report from Variety Wednesday, January 21. l'M-2 Globe (Brandt) (1,180; 28-35-55)— 'Paris Calling' (U). A sleeper that's on the way to a golden $14,000 at this small-seater and holds over. ->. 4 BIG WEEKS! A "MUST" says Boston Traveler "PULLS HO PUNCHES" says Danton Walker, N. Y. Daily News "BRISTLES WITH SUSPENSE" says Pittsburgh Su n-Te le graph "A large-scale THRILLER" says Baltimore Sun MOTION PICTURE DAILY and Impartial L. 51. NO. 33 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1942 TEN CENTS Umpi Weighs Adjudication Of Complaints Will Consider Machinery At Meeting Today The development of machinery for investigating and adjusting complaints within the industry will be attempted during the week by the trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Indus- try, which resumes its meetings at the Hotel W arwick here today. While an agreement by the com- mittee on a new sales method to re- place the decree's blocks-of-five sys- tem is regarded as the most impor- tant objective of the meeting-, the sub- ject of handling internal industry complaints comprises two-thirds of the committee's program. Some phase of it is covered in three of the five points presented for the subcommittee's con- sideration by William F. Rodgers, Umpi chairman. Indications are that the committee favors utilization of existing exhibitor (Continued on page 4) Ad Men Get Duties In War Committee The Publicity and Advertising Di- vision of the War Activities Commit- tee-Motion Picture Industry, of which Monroe Greenthal is chairman, has assigned committee members to spe- cific responsibilities. Oscar Doob, Harry Mandel and Rodney Bush will handle publicity in out-of-town newspapers. Al Wilkie, assisted by Joseph Gould, will handle publicity for New York newspapers and trade papers. Wilkie will work in cooperation with Martin Quigley, chairman of the trade paper division. Mort Blumenstock will act as radio contact. Armando will be in charge (Continued on page 4) Holman Named RKO Manager at Studio Hollywood, Feb. 16. — William S. Holman has been appointed RKO studio manager, succeeding Sid Rogell, who resigned several weeks ago. Hol- man was Frank Capra's production manager for a number of years, and recently has been serving as pro- ducers' representative on the Screen Actors Guild standing committee on extras. U. S. Firms' Losses In Far East Called Moderate by Daff War losses of American film com- panies in the Far East are believed to be moderate, consisting principally of prints which were in captured ter- ritory and blocked funds in Japan, Al Daff, Far Eastern supervisor for Uni- versal, who arrived in New York from Java late last week, said yesterday. Daff is the first American film representative to arrive from the Far East since the outbreak of war. He was en route for about six weeks on a freighter. He had little information of other American film men in the Orient, due to the length of his journey. At the request of Federal officials he is not discussing his experiences in detail. He believes most American film men in Shanghai and Hong Kong (Continued on page 4) Trade's Dimes Fund Exceeds $600,000 Collections in the industry's March of Dimes fund as represented by checks reached more than $600,000 last night, Si Fabian industry cam- paign treasurer, reported. The largest single contribution was a check for $180,000 from the Loew's Theatre circuit. The amount also included a check for $11,000 from the Brandt Theatres. Some 4,000 theatres of the more than 10,000 enrolled have reported so far. Fabian urged theatres which have not sent in their checks to do so imme- diately. Theatres to Resist Stagehands Demand The Stagehands Union, Lo- cal 1, IATSE, it is reported, has made a demand for a 15 per cent wage increase in ad- dition to changes in certain working conditions. The de- mand will affect Broadway film houses as well as the legitimate stage theatres. Managers of the film houses are prepared to resist this de- mand, it was said, and the League of New York Theatres, organization of legitimate stage houses, will also fight the proposal. Lent Not Expected To Affect Grosses; B' way Weekend Big Theatre business on Broadway and in the neighborhoods is not expected to be seriously affected by Lent, which starts tomorrow, in the opinion of executives of Broadway houses and the circuits. It was indicated, how- ever, that business probably will de- cline during the Lenten period in such cities as Baltimore and New Orleans, which are predominantly Catholic. Meanwhile, Broadway's theatres en- joyed unusually strong business over the weekend. "Sullivan's Travels," with Glenn Miller's orchestra, completes its third and final week at the Paramount to- night with an estimated $45,000 ex- pected. It drew an estimated $21,000 Saturday and Sunday. "Bahama Pas- (Continued on page 6) Canadian Industry Under More Strict Regulation Brooklyn House Files Clearance Complaint The New York arbitration board's 32nd complaint was filed yesterday by Kant Amusement Corp., operator of the Crown, Brooklyn, and was the first complaint from that borough. The complaint names all five con- senting companies and charges that the 21 days clearance granted the Carroll and the seven days granted the Utica over the Crown are un- reasonable. It asks that the Crown be permitted to play day and date with the Carroll and Utica, Randforce (Continued on page 4) Montreal, Feb. 16. — No premises that were not actually used for the public exhibition of motion pictures for profit on Jan. 31, 1942, may here- after be used for that purpose except with the written authorization of James Stewart of Toronto, Adminis- trator of Services for the Canadian Wartime Prices and Trade Board. It was announced last night that the Administrator is empowered also to prescribe the terms and conditions under which motion picture films are distributed and exhibited. The exhibition of films was one of the services brought under a price (Continued on page 4) U. S. to Decide On Restricted Studio Supply Production Heads Expect List in 3 Weeks Hollywood, Feb. 16. — The War Production Board in Washington is studying the matter of materials which will be available for film pro- duction and a decision concerning future stocks of materials which are considered to be critical is ex- pected within three weeks, studio executives indicated here today. At the request of the Govern- ment, production companies re- cently listed the amounts of the various materials used during 1940, and estimated their re- quirements for production dur- ing the current year. About a month ago, Government defense officials declared they saw no reason to believe any insurmountable difficulties were ahead in film produc- tion for the current season as a re- sult of shortages of materials. However, at that time, producers were urged to exercise the greatest (Continued on page 4) Customs to Censor Exported Ad Matter Advertising and publicity material intended for export must be submit- ted to the U. S. Customs office here or in Los Angeles for censorship, along with all export films, under the Trading with the Enemy Act, foreign department publicity managers were informed yesterday by Carl E. Milli- ken of the MPPDA. The disclosure was made at a meeting of the Inter- national Publicity Managers' Com- mittee. The group was organized recently as an extension of the publicity com- mittee of the industry's War Activi- ties Committee and will cooperate with the Coordinator of Inter-American (Continued on page 4) Harold Johnson New (U' Omaha Manager Harold B. Johnson, a Universal salesman and former manager of the company's Minneapolis exchange, has been appointed branch manager at Omaha by W. A. Scully, general sales manager. He succeeds William H. Sherman, resigned. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 17, 1942 Trade's Red Cross Total Is $400,000 Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Film personnel have already con- tributed $400,000 of a $500,000 quota in the American Red Cross Emergency War Fund drive, according to a report of Harry M. Warner, chairman of the Motion Picture Divi- sion here. Warner said the industrv^ would "continue its contribi tions to the Red Cross unti. the war is over." Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 16 DUE to wartime restrictions against a single studio using facilities for the production of two sea films simul- taneously, 20th Century-Fox today postponed filming "Down to the Sea in Ships" until after completion of "Black Swan." Gregory Ratoff, who was to direct "Black Swan," has been assigned instead to "Strictly Dyna- mite." « Ronald Reagan, listed in Motion Picture Herald's exhibitor poll nam- ing "Stars of Tomorrow," has been given star rating by Warner Bros. • Abbott and Costello today announc- ed a personal appearance tour of the nation in April which they plan to continue until the proceeds equal the cost of a bomber. They will turn the money over to the Government. • Louis Astor, Columbia home office executive, and Jerome Safron, West- ern division supervisor, leave tomor- row for San Francisco for a meeting of Western division branch managers. • Four more stars, Brian Aherne, Greer Garson, Sir Cedrick Hardwicke and Adolphe Menjou, have been as- signed to aid Canada's Victory Loan drive and will broadcast from Toronto on successive weeks, it was announced by Kenneth Thomson, chairman of the Hollywood Victory Committee. Laurence W. Beilenson, Screen Actors' Guild attorney, and Victor Shapiro, Independent Publicists Asso- ciation chairman, have been elected to Victory Committee membership. ★ Personal LEO SPITZ arrived in town yes- terday. • Adolph Schimel, attorney for Uni- versal, is the father of a second daugh- ter, born to Mrs. Schimel Friday night at Lenox Hill Hospital. • Ed Kuykendaix, MPTOA presi- dent, arrived from Columbus, Miss., last night. • W. J. Heineman, assistant general sales manager for Universal, is in Washington today. He is due back here Thursday. • Spencer Tracy arrived in town yesterday. • Ned E. Depinet and Charles W. Koerner of RKO arrived on the Coast yesterday. • David Hempstead is in town from the Coast. Lewis Breyer, manager of the Art Theatre, Bronx, is recuperating at home from injuries sustained in a re- cent automobile accident. • Lucy Flack, former operator of the Capitol, Milford, Conn., has re- turned from a motor trip. Johnston to Warners Hollywood, Feb. 16. — John LeRoy Johnston has joined the Warner studio publicity department as assistant to Alex Evelove. Mention TTENRY GINSBERG, vice-presi- A -I dent and general manager of the Paramount studio, arrived here yes- terday from the Coast. • F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal Southern and Canadian sales manager, has left for Dallas. • H. M. Richey has returned from Florida. • H. A. Cole arrived from Dallas yesterday. • Ginger Rogers arrived yesterday from Hollywood. • Robert Gillham, Paramount ad- vertising and publicity director, re- turned from California yesterday. • Walt Disney arrived on the Coast yesterday from New York and Kansas City. • Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., ad copy chief of 20th Century-Fox, is the father of a son, Jonas III, born to Mrs. Rosenfield at the Lying-in Hospital on Saturday. • Robert T. Kane has returned to Hollywood from the East. Rep. Starts Regional Meetings on Coast Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Following a Republic regional quarterly sales meet- ing here today and tomorrow, Herbert J. Yates and James R. Grainger will leave for Chicago where they will con- duct a similar meeting Thursday and Friday. A New York meeting has been set for Feb. 25 and 26. M. J. Siegel, production head, left today for the Chicago session. Budgets and grosses were reportedly discussed at today's meeting. Attending the sessions here, among others, are J. T. Sheffield, Pacific Northwest franchise holder, and the following branch managers : James Sheffield, Portland ; Sid Weisbaum, San Francisco ; Ed Walton, Seattle ; Gene Gerbase, Denver ; E. M. Loy, Butte, and Francis Bateman, Los Angeles. Pittsburgh, Denver Houses Are Robbed Pittsburgh, Feb. 16. — The Stanley was robbed of $8,000 today when two armed men bound and gagged Charles Eagge, manager, as he entered his office at 9 A.M. The men escaped. The loss was covered by insurance. Denver, Feb. 16. — Mickey Gross, manager of the RKO Orpheum, was held up in his office Sunday night and the robbers escaped with $2,000. Assigned to 'Fantasia' Ted Wynn, RKO publicity repre- sentative in the Buffalo and Albany territories, has been assigned to work with the Disney office here on "Fan- tasia" engagements. Rodney Ames will handle exploitation on "Fantasia" in Baltimore and Washington, it, was also announced. Texas Club Donated $262,000 During '41 Dallas, Feb. 16.— A total of $262,- 000 in charity was contributed by the Variety Club of Texas during 1941, according to a report of R. E. Griffith, chief barker. This compares with $3,728 contributed during 1935, the year the tent was organized. The membership in that year was 48 and now totals 480, the report indicates. The tent's 1942 plans call for a con- tinuation of the support for its char- itable activities, and a concentrated drive to promote the sale of defense bonds and stamps. Committee chairmen named by Grif- fith include : defense stamps, John Adams ; stamp honor roll, Herman Beiersdorf ; Heart of Variety, William O'Donnell and Don Douglas ; boys' camp, Claude Ezell ; hope cottage, James O. Cherry ; Freeman Clinic, W. G. Underwood ; finance, W. G. Un- derwood ; house, Charles Rader ; pur- chasing, Clyde Hoover ; new members, Jack Underwood ; sick committee, Wallace Walthall ; associate barkers, Jacob Lutzer ; membership, Hiram Parks and F. W. Allen; golf, Burt King and Duke Evans. Dean, Kaufman Trial Now Set on March 2% Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe yes- terday again postponed the trial of Nick Circella, also known as Nick Dean, and Louis Kaufman, business \ agent of the Newark operators' local, on extortion charges, this time to March 2. Attorneys who are to pros- ; ecute the case are engaged in other trials. MOTION PICTURE DAI LY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco. London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23. 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c, ENJOY Los Angeles nd .45 pin I 1 Ar . Los Angeles • Ar. Los Angeles • % Los Angeles • Ar. Los Angeles £ Los Angeles • 4.30 pma"£2 l8am 1:28 am ana I 4? ^ 7:47 am ana o- 5:25 pi» . • • • 2:55 am . • • * 9:47 am (Two Sections") THE THE SOUTHERNER RIGHT 37 10:55 pm 8:52 am 3:57 pm 10:00 pm 8:33 am 4:58 pm 6:30 am 4:58 P"1 v_.fj4am I f°c '"offices- 18 W. W= "Avenue; Loboy, AMERICAN AIRLINES ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS 4 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 17, 1942 Umpi Weighs ReVieWS Adjudication Of Complaints "What's Cookin'?" ( Universal ) (Continued from page 1) organizations for the investigation of trade complaints by individuals, with reports and recommendations to be made by them to Umpi ; and that ter- ritorial" complaints, such as the one which arose this season in Minnesota, should be investigated by special sub- committees appointed by Umpi, which also would report back to it for action. Study Wider Arbitration A third phase of the industry's judicial program being studied by the Umpi subcommittee involves the ex- tension of the industry's arbitration system to additional matters other than those assigned to it by the decree and the amplification of arbitration, if believed necessary, by additional ma- chinery of a conciliation or mediation nature. The fourth consideration, the development of a new selling plan, appears to incline toward an unconditional cancellation right of 20 per cent on as large a block of pictures which the Department of Justice might agree to authorize consenting distributors to sell at one time. The fifth point of Rodgers' five- point program, a solution for the forc- ing of shorts with features, already has been settled. The subcommittee has advocated, and distributors have agreed, to dispatch letters to exhibitor accounts disclaiming any desire to force shorts and offering to adjust any complaint of that kind made to the distributor. Committee Members Arrive Jack Kirsch, chairman of the trade practice subcommittee, arrived from Chicago yesterday, as did most other members of the committee of 18. Ex- hibitors have nine representatives on the committee, consisting of three from each of three exhibitor divisions, and nine participating distributors have one representative each. All of the committee's recommenda- tions will have to be passed upon by Umpi. Future meetings probably will be held at the Astor where Umpi opened its headquarters yesterday with Leon Bamberger as executive secre- tary. Legion Approves 10 Of 11 New Pictures The National Legion of Decency for the current week has approved 10 of 11 new films, eight for general patronage and two for adults, while one film has been classed as objec- tionable in part. The new films and their classification follow. Class A-l, Unobjectionable for General Patronage — "Born to Sing," "Castle in the Desert," "Code of the Outlaw," "Invaders," "Law of the Jungle," "On the Sunny Side," "Sons of the Sea," "Wild Bill Hickok Rides." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults — "Gambling Daughters," "A Tragedy at Midnight." Class B, Objectionable in Part — "Laburnum Grove." Hollywood, Feb. 16 LIGHT, lively, full of song, dance and humor, with never a serious moment to impede its progress, this amassing of names and talents makes its 69 minutes seem like less and keeps them all pleasant. Mature names and talents available for billing are Billie Burke, Leo Carrillo, Charles Butterworth, Franklin Pangborn and, carrying the background romance, Robert Paige, and Jane Frazee. The Andrews Sisters are given top billing and dominate the singing. Leading a younger contingent on its merry way through a film de- pendent upon it for verve and sparkle is the gifted Grace McDonald, whose dancing is a highlight of the proceedings. Donald O'Connor and a group of 'teen-age singers and dancers billed as The Jivin' Jacks and Jills round out this vital cast element, with Gloria Jean's singing a standout item. Woody Herman and his orchestra supply a wealth of musical strength. Fourteen musical numbers, from many sources and of several varie- ties, principally the popular, are performed in various production num- bers, impromptu and formal, with zest and effectiveness. Production by Ken Goldsmith and direction by Edward Cline give all hands ample opportunity for display of their talents against attractive settings by Jack Otterson. The screenplay by Jerry Cady and Stanley Roberts, from a story by Edgar Allen Woolf, has to do with the framing of a radio program and is sufficient for the purposes of the project. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams 'South of Santa Fe" (Republic) A LL things considered, "South of Santa Fe" is top-notch smoking-gun melodrama, and should be a good box-office performer where west- erns are played. James R. Webb's yarn has more than an adequate share of interest and excitement and Joseph Kane has given it a consistently smooth direction. Kane is also associate producer. The chief performances, which are uniformly good, are by Roy Rogers, George "Gabby" Hayes, Linda Hayes, Paul Fix and "The Sons of the Pioneers." The last named group punctuate the narrative with several entertaining musical numbers. The story has to do with the abduction of three wealthy financiers invited by Rogers to "Whittaker City" ostensibly for the annual vaquero ride but really to interest them in Miss Hayes' undeveloped mine. In a tense, well-staged climax, the abductors, big city gangsters, are rounded up, and all goes well again. Running time, 55 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel U. S. Firms' Losses In Far East Called Moderate by Daff (Continued from page 1) were evacuated before the capture of those cities. However, due to the scarcity of travel accommodations in the Far East, he believes it likely that many in Manila were unable to leave and may be interned there now. /'"fc'.lj He was aware that many other fit ™ men in the Far East planned to leave Singapore and Java for Australia, when evacuation from those places be- came necessary. Daff reported that theatres were open thoroughout the Far East at the time of his departure and that they were doing business in Shanghai and Hong Kong when both cities were under fire. Business remained nor- mal, he reported, except when air raid alarms occurred at the theatre hour. Then attendance would drop off badly. However, an alarm after the theatres were filled in the evening meant noth- ing so far as business was concerned, he said. The theatres operated to 9:30 P. M. "Films are regarded as essential there," he said, "and they will con- tinue as long as a print is available and there is a place to show it." Daff said he believed that shipments of film to Australia, New Zealand and India would continue. *"G" denotes general classification. Ad Men Get Duties In War Committee (Continued from page 1) of art layouts in publicity and adver- tising. S. Barrett McCormick will handle publicity from the local division office designed for out-of-town papers, and will supervise planting of photographs. David Lipton will be in charge of re- lease dates on defense films. Si Sead- ler will direct ad copy, slogans and trade paper layouts, and Kenneth Clark and Charles Reed Jones will serve as contact with the Rockefeller Committee and the Donovan Commit- tee, which are cooperating with the War Activities Committee. Brooklyn House Files Clearance Complaint (Continued from page 1) houses, on the grounds that they are not in competition with each other. At the Chicago board, an appeal was taken by William Pearl, operator of the Alcyon, Highland Park, 111., from the dismissal last month of its clearance complaint against Para- mount, RKO, 20th Century-Fox and neighboring theatres. Urge Protestants Work With Legion Buffalo, Feb. 16. — A suggestion that Protestants "may well cooperate with our Roman Catholic friends of the Legion of Decency" is contained in a statement on "moral conditions of our city" released by the Council of Churches of Buffalo and Erie County "The motion picture industry is of great influence," the statement de- clares. "In these days it offers a legit- imate escape from the tensions of life. Because of this contribution to morale, it deserves to be kept on a high moral plane." Customs to Censor Exported Ad Matter (Continued from page 1) Affairs and the Coordinator of In- formation. Kenneth Clark of the MPPDA is serving as chairman of the group, and Joel Swensen of the MPPDA as sec- retary. Clark reported to the meeting on discussions which have been held with Harry W. Frantz, director of the press section of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, on ways in which the group can cooperate. Victory slogans for use in friendly foreign countries will be suggested by members of the group for considera- tion at its next meeting on March 2. Tighten Regulation Of Canadian Trade (Continued from page 1) ceiling in the maximum prices regula- tions of last December and placed under the jurisdiction of the Service Administrator. The new order has been promulgated to effectually regu- late the supply, distribution and ex- hibition of motion pictures, it was explained. The powers of the Administrator are now defined and amplified in an order of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, effective Feb. 12, last. Albany Bills Would Restrict Billboards Albany, Feb. 16. — The first bill- board and outdoor advertising control bills of the current session have been introduced in the New York legis- lature by Senator Thomas C. Des- mond and Assemblyman Dutton S. Peterson. One gives municipal and county authorities the right to regulate and restrict billboards and outdoor adver- tising devices. The other would set up state regulation to protect road- ways, with administration by the State Superintendent of Public Works. U. S. to Decide on Production Supply (Continued from page 1) economy in the use of materials which might be placed on a critical list. It was indicated then, also, that in view of the "essential" character of the film industry, the likelihood was that materials would be provided to pre- vent any serious production problems. K OS day, February 17, 1942 Motion Picture Daily doast Editing »62 New Films; 38 Shooting I Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Thirty-eight ictures were before the cameras this leek, as 11 finished and nine started. v.jmy-three are being prepared and fi^tsbeing edited. r tally by studio: Columbia "wished: "Ellery Queen and the living Corpse," "Hello Annapolis." In Work: "Just Another Dame," Highly Irregular," "Three's a >rowd" (formerly "The Gentlemen ■isbehave"). Started: "Meet the Stewarts." M-G-M Finished: "Ship Ahoy," "Mrs. Min- ►er." In Work: "Sunday Punch," "Her Cardboard Lover." Started: untitled "Dr. Kildaire." .Monogram in Work: "Klondike Fury," "Man rith Two Lives." Started : "Arizona Roundup," Ghost Town Law." Producers Releasing i In Work : "Gun Shy." Started: "Shake Hands with Mur- ter." Paramount In Work: "Mrs. Wiggs of the labbage Patch," "The Forest Ran- ters," "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." The Black Curtain." RKO ' Finished : "My Favorite Spy," "The "uttles of Tahiti." In Work : "Mexican Spitfire and tie Ghost," "Journey into Fear." Republic Finished: "Riders of the Range." In Work : "Shepherd of the Ozarks," Ciirl from Alaska," "Affairs of Jimmy Valentine." Started: "Sunset on the Trail," Jesse James, Jr." Small (U. A.) i In Work: "Friendly Enemies." 20th Century-Fox Finished : "Moontide," "This Above All." : In Work: "My Gal Sal," "Ten ijtntlemen from West Point." Universal Finished : "Unseen Enemy," "Butch \Iinds the Baby." In Work: "Eagle Squadron," "The Spoilers," "Lady in a Jam," "Sabo- teur." Started : "Broadway." Warners In Work : "Desperate Journey," 'The Gay Sisters," "Shadow of Their Wings," "Escape from Crime," "Yan- kee Doodle Dandv." Short Subject Reviews "Captain Midnight" (Serial) (Columbia) The popular radio serial, "Captain Midnight," has been converted into a chapter play by Larry Darmour, pro- ducer, with able direction by James W. Home. Judged on the basis of the first of its 15 episodes, it has time- liness, pace and excitement and should have a strong appeal for the juvenile trade. Capt. Midnight, in the person of Dave O'Brien, is engaged in track- ing down saboteurs. Although the war is not mentioned directly, bombings of domestic factories and the presence of Army officers impart a strong martial flavor to the plot. Included among the cast are Doro- thy Short, James Craven, Sam Ed- wards, Guy Wilkerson, Bryant Wash- burn, Luana Walters, Joe Girard, Ray- Teal, George Pembroke, Charles Hamilton and Al Ferguson. Craven, espionage master mind, is directing the bombings and seeks an invention of Washburn. The latter's daughter, Miss Short, sees her father abducted and enlists the aid of O'Brien and Girard, an Army major. Running time, first chapter, 30 mins ; others, 20 mins. Release, Feb. IS. "Lure of the Surf" (Sport light) (Paramount) Recreation at a number of beach resorts from Montauk Point to Wai- kiki, with the sun-tanned girls of Miami of course included, makes for an entertaining Grantland Rice reel. Nicely prepared, the short offers views of sand-boating at Sea Island, bicycling at Daytona, gymnasts at Santa Monica and the like. Running time, 10 mins. Release, Feb. 20. "Blunder Below" ( Popeye Cartoon ) (Paramount) This makes sport of a Jap sub- marine attack and is done with mild effect. As it goes, Popeye becomes bewildered when his captain spouts jaw-breaking technical phrases in an effort to acquaint the men with gun handling. A periscope appears. Pop- eye dives in, diverts torpedoes, wres- tles with the sub, and finally hauls it on the deck of his ship. The one about the grinning Jap apologizing after firing is included, but might well not have been. Running time, 7 mins. Release. Feb. 13. "Hidden Hunger" (Federal Security Agency) Produced by the American Film Center and presented by the Federal Security Agency, this is a subject whose "message" is delivered in an entertaining manner. Walter Bren- nan appears in it along with Lloyd Corrigan, Leonard Clark and others. In its story, Brennan, as a farmer, undertakes to make the country more conscious of proper food diet. Done in flashback, he tells, in court after being arrested, of his experiences. Running time, 21 mins. No release date set. 'Spare Time in the Army' (Panoramic) (Columbia ) Put this short subject down on the "must" list. It is the best kind of patriotic reel, tying up genuine enter- tainment with a real message, and de- serves good playing time. There are lots of laughs but the ending will leave many eyes moist. It was con- ceived and produced by Privates Franklin Coen, Bob Churchill and Bernard Rubin at Fort Monmouth, N. J. Churchill plays the part of the typical "Private Potts" and he is real- ly funny as he tries to show what a private does with his spare time. At the end, Churchill explains how lone- some many of the boys are and urges the audience to provide the boys with letters and news from "back home." Should have a strong appeal and will probably have good word-of-mouth advertising. Running time, 13 mins. Release, Feb. 12. "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood, No. Zl-3" (Paramount) A subject that should provide an agreeable interlude, this begins with a school in which dogs are trained for screen work and Army service, and follows with Gary Cooper, Er- nest Hemingway and others hunting. Miss Hopper scores with this. Run- ning time, 10 mins. Release, Feb. 20. "Unusual Occupations, Ll-3" (Paramount) The first half of this is routine ma- terial, showing a Minnesota farmer and his wind gadget collection, a youngster bowling and skating like a veteran, a Shetland pony farm in Texas, and a Texas girl who makes wearing apparel from cactus. The second and better half takes a peek behind the scenes of the Amos 'n Andy radio shows, with Charles Cor- rell and Freeman Gosden preparing for a broadcast and inventing a new character. Running time, 11 mins. Release, Feb. 2. "College Champions" (World of Sports) (Columbia) This reel gives brief glimpses of most of the major sports in the colleges and universities of this country. Track, crew, swimming", water polo, basket- ball, skiing, ice hockey and, of course, football. The reel is well-edited and the shots are picked from the most exciting moments of the best contests. It is fast and will appeal particularly to the men in the audience. Bill Stern does the commentary. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Feb. 12. Spokane Theatres Increase Prices Spokane, Wash., Feb. 16. — Admis- sions have been raised five cents by local houses. Circuit first runs now I are getting 50 cents at night, and sub- sequent runs from 35 to 23 cents. Tnese prices include taxes. The small louses eliminated the 10-cent ticket up to 2 P.M., and now get 15 cents plus three cents tax until 5 P.M. The only independent first run raised mat- inee prices five cents but held the : night price to 45 cents. "Kitchen Quiz No. 3" (Quiz Reel) ( Columbia) The radio team, Ed East and Polly, present the third in their series of household hints and helps. This one tells how to make candy of rose petals, how to mail cookies to soldiers, and how to keep bacon from curling, among other things. Lively and in- formative. Running time, 9 mins. Re- lease, Feb. 12. Release Anthem Subject Twentieth Century'-Fox will re- lease nationally to theatres for their nermanent use and possession a sub- ject, "The Star Spangled Banner," first issued in Movietone News on Jan. 31. The subject, running 123 feet, features the national anthem, sung by Merrill Miller, with a film back- ground illustrating the lines. 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 17, 1942 Meeting to Study Running Time of Navy Relief Show A meeting of the entertainment committee for the Navy Relief show at Madison Square Garden on March 10 will be held today in the office of Marvin Schenck, chairman of the committee. Plans will be considered to keep the show within a reasonable length. Attending today's meeting will be : Sidney Piermont, Robert Weitman, George Jessel, Jesse Kaye, John Shubert, Nat Kalcheim, Harry Kal- cheim, Arthur Knorr, Larry Puck, Fred Roehrenbeck, Phillip Bloom, Ed Sherman, Harry Romm, Lester Isaacs and Don Albert. Labor Unions Support Ticket sales for the show have gained additional impetus through the ^support of organized labor groups. Both A. F. of L. and C. I. O. affili- ates and the Department of Labor, un- der the direction of a Labor Commit- tee, have under way a campaign to sell $10,000 worth of tickets. Co-chairmen of the committee are Thomas Lyons, A. F. of L. president in New York; Gustave Strebel, state director of the C. I. O., and Elinor Herrick, director of the State Labor Relations Board. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SPENCER TRACY . KATHARINE HEPBURN "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Directed by George Stevens > An M-G-M Picture ON STAGE: "WORDS AND MUSIC" BY COLE PORTER — • Leonidoff's colorful tune- filled revue. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 IJOEL McCREA VERONICA LAKE! TYRONE POWER "SON OF FURY" with GENE TIERNEY A 20th Century-Fox Picture PLUS A BIG W 7th Ave. STAGE SHOW KUAT & 50th St. PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. OLSEN & JOHNSON HELLZAPOPPIN AND "OBLIGING YOUNG LADY" Joan Carroll — Edmund O'Brien "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 NOLUHIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Wed.. Sat. &. Sun. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 U. S. Offices Start Move to New York The offices, equipment and personnel of the Wages and Hours Division of the Department of Labor yesterday began its move from the nation's capi- tal to New York, under the super- vision of the Office of Decentralization Service of the Public Buildings Ad- ministration in Washington. Result of Campaign The removal was seen by observers as the first results of the effort to bring Government offices here, initiat- ed by the Broadway Association, of which Robert K. Christenberry is president. A committee which he headed recently went to Washington to present the case for New York before Government officials. Christen- berry is vice-president and managing director of the Hotel Astor. The transfer begun yesterday is part of the relocation of 15 Federal bureaus and agencies in various parts of the East and Midwest, to release about 1,600,000 square feet of office space in Washington for use by war- workers, to relieve the congestion there. Bring 2,200 Persons Here Later this month, the offices and personnel of the Employes Compen- sation Commission of the Department oft Labor also will be moved here. The two transfers will bring here about 2,200 persons, occupying 1,000 homes or apartments, and space at 1560 Broadway and 295 Madison Ave. Five-year leases have been taken on the office space. Theatrical Women In First Aid Course A total of 47 actresses and other women prominent in the theatrical field have completed a course in Red Cross first aid instruction given un- der the auspices of the American Theatre Wing, Mrs. Brock Pember- ton, chairman, announced. The at- tendance is said to have established a record, as of 54 who started the course, 47 completed it. Normally, at least 20 per cent drop out, it was said. Among those who received certifi- cates were Gertrude Lawrence, Peggy Wood, Judith Anderson, Ilka Chase, Mady Christians, Erin O'Brien- Moore, Arlene Francis, Peg La Centra, Margot Stevenson, Aline Bernstein, Theresa Helburn, Armina Marshall and Mrs. Pemberton. Astor Is Lining Up Spring Roof Shows The Hotel Astor, of which Robert K. Christenberry is managing direc- tor, already has lined up plans for the reopening of the Astor Roof, which currently is being redecorated. The 14-week season will open May 19, with Tommy Dorsey and his orches- tra as the first attraction. The band will play the Roof for six weeks, and will be followed by Alvino Rey and his orchestra, including the King Sis- ters. Under option to follow that group is Harry James and his band. W. B. Signs Massey Hollywood, Feb. 16. — Raymond Massey has been signed to play a supporting role to Erroll Flynn and Ronald Reagan in Warners' "Des- perate Journey." Actors Fund Benefit At Imperial Sunday The 60th annual benefit show of the Actors' Fund of America will be held at the Imperial Theatre Sunday eve- ning. Vinton Freedley is chairman of the event. Among the stars of screen, stage and radio who will contribute their talents are virtually every leading player on Broad- way. The Fred Waring Glee Club, the Jooss Ballet and a Lambs Club sketch will be among the acts. One New Play is Set To Open this Week Only one new play is slated to open on Broadway this week, "Plan M," by James Edward Grant, at the Be- lasco on Friday. In the cast are Len Doyle, Lumsden Hare, A. P. Kaye, Margery Maude and Anne Burr. Marion Gering is the director. Continuing with the repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan and the Jooss Bal- let, the St. James beginning tonight for one week will present "The Pi- rates of Penzance" along with "The Prodigal Son" by the ballet company. Meanwhile other productions are preparing to leave the scene. "Watch on the Rhine," which opened March 1, 1941, will depart from the Martin Beck Saturday night. The Rose Franken comedy, "Claudia," will bow out of the Booth in about three weeks to begin a road tour. "The Rivals" will leave the Shubert on Feb. 28 for a road tour to begin March 2 at the Grand Opera House, Chicago. An- other, Maurice Evans' revival of "Macbeth," will check out of the Na- tional in about two weeks. New Barry Comedy Due Here in March "Without Love," a new comedy by Philip Barry, which features Katharine Hepburn and Elliot Nugent in the top roles, will have its premiere Feb. 26 at the Shubert Theatre, New Haven, and after a month's tour of Eastern cities will open on Broadway the week of March 23. The show will run three days in New Haven, will play the week begining March 2 at the Colonial, Boston, the week beginning March 9 at Ford's, Baltimore, and from there will move to the" National, Washington, for a week. Robert B. Sinclair is the director. Two in Serlin Play Otto Kruger and Ralph Morgan have been signed by Oscar Serlin to appear in "The Moon Is Down" which the producer plans to open on Broadway late in March following a week's out-of-town engagement, Ser- lin's office announced. The play is by John Steinbeck. Serlin is now in Hollywood. Yorke Does Defense Reels Emerson Yorke, independent pro- ducer, has completed eight one-reel shorts on technical training for de- fense work for the Office of Education of the Federal Security Agency, his of- fice announced yesterday. Lent Not Expected To Affect Grosses; B'way Weekend Big (Continued from page 1) sage" goes in tomorrow with Alvino Rey on the stage. Leslie Howard's "Mr. V," a United Artists release, at the Rivoli, is said to be topping the box-office perform- ance of the theatre's previous hit films. Opening Thursday, it garnered a/ timated $26,000 during the first V days. This and all other shows, of course, were benefitted by the Lin- coln's Birthday holiday on Thursday. Warners' "Captains of the Clouds" at the Strand also opened to healthy business. The picture, after the pre- miere Thursday night, grossed an es- timated $27,000 Friday through Sun- day. Blue Barron's orchestra is on the stage. The second weekend of "Woman of the Year" with the stage presentation at the Radio City Music Hall went above the first. Business Thursday through Sunday amounted to an es- timated $68,000. The show will start a third week on Thursday. In its third week at the Roxy, "Son of Fury" with a stage show grossed an estimated $28,000 Friday through Sunday. It will be followed Thurs- day by "Roxie Hart." At the Rialto, the combination of "Frisco Lil" and "Our Russian Front" also is doing well, taking an estimated $5,000 Saturday and Sunday. The show will finish its first week tomor- row with an estimated $11,000 ex- pected. "Lady in Distress," which opened at the Globe on Saturday, brought an estimated $4,300 over the two-day weekend. National Theatre Reelects Officers The National Theatre and Academy of America has reelected all officers for one year, and directors, whose terms had expired, for three-year terms. Officers are Robert E. Sher- wood, president ; Edith J. R. Isaacs, first vice-president ; J. Howard Reber, second vice-president ; Stanton Griffis, treasurer ; Brooks Atkinson, secre- tary ; A. Conger Goodyear, chairman. Reelected directors are : Atkinson, Clayton Hamilton, Mrs. Frances Anita Crane, Vinton Freedley, Mrs. Isaacs, Anne Morgan, Sherwood and Lucrezia Bori. Sign Scenic Designer Harry Horner, scenic designer, has been signed by Cheryl Crawford and Richard Krakeur to create the settings for "A Kiss for Cinderella. TWEET ME AT THE ASK? br every projectionist F.H. Richardson's BLUEBOOKof PROJECTION F. H. RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION UP-TO-THE-MINUTE with SOUND TROUBLE CHARTS AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX The revised Bluebook does a threefold job: (I) It gives a detailed description of the construction, wiring and functioning of every piece of sound and projection apparatus used in a modern projection room. (2) It gives careful instructions on the operation and maintenance of this equipment. (3) It is a quick and effective trouble- shooter, with sound trouble-shooting charts that enable the projectionist to spot and repair sudden breakdowns both in the projection and sound apparatus. It is handy to keep and handy to use, with an alphabetical index system for quick, easy reference. You will find the revised Bluebook the most complete treatise of its kind and a sure solution to every projec- tion problem. ORDER TODAY $7.25 POSTPAID QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP ROCKEFELLER CENTER - NEW YORK QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP I ROCKEFELLER CENTER - - NEW YORK j Here's my check for $7.25. Please send me a copy of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection. (Revised Sixth Edition.) Name Address City State 8 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, February 17, 194 Off the Antenna WGY, Schenectady, will celebrate its 20th anniversary Friday but there will be no elaborate ceremonies. Several programs this week will call attention to the anniversary. WGY started with 1,500 watts, moved up to 5,000 the next year and in 1925 became the first 50,000-watt station. • • • Program News: W MPS, Memphis, has obtained the first local sponsor for Fulton Lewis, Jr.'s, new cooperative show, "President's News Conference" Bill Bcms is now heard daily over WBYN with film news and reviews. . . Hecker Products has renewed "Lincoln Highway" over 76 NBC stations, ef- fective March 14 . . . CBS yesterday started a new sports show, "Ted Husing's Scoreboard," 6:10-6:15 P.M. It will be heard over the network, except WABC, Mondays through Saturdays for two weeks and then will be avail- able to the entire web, including WABC, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the same time . . . Socony-l'acuum which sponsors a 15-minute nczvscast over WABC Mondays through Saturdays, will add three more periods weekly beginning Monday . . . The Government of Puerto Rico's Department of Agri- culture is sponsoring 15 minutes on WBYN's daily Spanish program, and a half hour on the station's Sunday Spanish show on behalf of Puerto Rico coffee. . . D. L. Clark Co. will shift "Service With a Smile" to 8 P.M. Thursdays on the Blue, beginning Feb. 26. • • • CBS short wave has added an eleventh language to its daily program schedule. Raif Erisken will broadcast in Turkish, Mondays through Fridays from 11:45 to noon. • • • WAGE, Syracuse, will join the Blue as a basic affiliate March 1. The station operates with 1,000 watts on 620 k.c. WAGE's rate will be $220 per evening hour. • • • Purely Personal: Harry F razee, Blue production division manager, yester- day announced the appointment of Cyril Armbrister, Joseph Bell, Norman Dickc-n. Devere Engelbach, Aldo J. Ghisalbert, Gene Hamilton, Richard Leonard, Roy Lockwood, W. Leroy Marshall, Edward Pola, Frank Shinn, Madge Tucker, Robert Tormey. Charles Warburton, Fred Weihe and Edivard Whitney as production directors . . . James M. Gaines, formerly with Ruth- rauff & Ryan, has joined the NBC station relations department . . . William B. Lodge, CBS engineer in charge of the radio frequency division, has been given a leave of absence to work for the National Defense Research Council. ". . . William Blacksher. WBYN, engineer, has resigned to join WQXR . . . Patricia Lochridge of the CBS news and special events^ department will lec- ture at N.Y.U. on news gathering and reporting for radio. • • • A total of 1,312 persons around the country, including 840 newspaper- men, heard the private censorship talk given by Byron Price, director of censorship, on Jan. 21, according to figures released yesterday by Wil- liam S. Hedges, NBC director of station relations. All stations of the Red and Blue webs carried the talk on the private lines, and newspaper and radio men were invited to studios in the various cities to hear it. • • • The Mexican Government has issued a statement declaring that listener interest in that country is growing. The 106 Mexican stations are operating with a pledge from workers that there will be no strikes during the present period of stress. Theatre Changes Canada Copyright Fee Raised in 1942 Ottawa, Feb. 16. — Music copyright organizations will collect an increased total of radio fees in 1942, a ruling of the Copyright Appeal Board showed today. On the basis of the number of licen- sed receiving sets in Canada, the Can- adian Performing Rights Society, Ltd., may collect $116,337 in 1942 against $107,612 in 1940. The basis of calculation is an allowance of eight cents for each of the 1,454,717 licensed radio sets. BMI Canada, Ltd., may collect one cent for each licensed radio set or a total of $14,547, against $13,451 in 1940. Paid by Stations The fees are paid by the broadcast- ing stations. Each year the organi- zations holding music copyrights pre- sent a schedule of proposed fees and hearings are held by the Copyright Appeal Board. The board rejected a proposal for a general license for the use of copyright music on coin- operated machines. The Performing Rights Society suggested an annual fee of $10 for each such instrument. The society was permitted to col- lect an annual fee of $1 for each 16 mm. film with a sound track used for commercial purposes and containing any musical work in respect of which the society is empowered to grant a license. Other fees for bands, exhi- bitions, dance halls, restaurants, stores, skating rinks, sports grounds, hotels, parks, steamships, theatres and for musical transmission by means other than broadcasting remain un- changed in the 1942 schedule. Twin City Club Sets Red Cross Benefit Minneapolis, Feb. 16. — The Twin City Variety Club will sponsor a spe- cial Red Cross midnight benefit show at the Orpheum Theatre here March 10. Attractions for a two-hour show will be recruited from orchestras and acts playing in Minneapolis on that date, headed by Sammy Kaye and his band, current then on the Orpheum stage. Tickets will sell at $1.10, boxes go- ing at $5.50. All material and talent will be donated. Abe Kaplan and Charles Rubenstein are in charge of ticket sales. Majors Adopt Wage Stamp Savings Plan All eight major companies and the Minnesota Amusement Co., Para- mount theatre affiliate, have adopted the payroll savings plan for defense stamps and bonds, the New York De- fense Savings Committee reported yesterday. Theatres and film exchanges outside New York are asked to contact their local Defense Savings Committee if interested in the payroll savings plan. McGill to San Francisco Earle McGill, CBS director, leaves today for San Francisco where he will conduct program demonstrations on behalf of the network before the Na- tional Education Association conven- tion. He will also handle special broadcasts in conjunction with the meeting. He will visit Hollywood be- fore returning here. Loew's Promotes Manager Arthur Egberts, assistant manager at Loew's Jersey City Theatre, has been named manager of Loew's White Plains, replacing Frank Goodale, vet- eran Loew manager, who becomes re- lief manager. Manages Newburgh Theatre Harry J. Friedman has become manager of the Academy, Newburgh, N. Y., since the theatre passed into receivership. Reopens After Renovation La Crosse, Wis., Feb. 16.— The La Crosse Theatre Company's Riviera Theatre here has been reopened after being closed to permit the installation of new seats and carpeting. Managers Switch Posts Spokane, Feb. 16.— J. B. Reisman, manager of the Liberty, and James Keefe, manager of the State, have switched positions, according to Al Baker, city manager of Evergreen Theatres. Switch Montana Managers Butte, Mont., Feb. 16. — Clyde An- derson, manager of the American Theatre here, has been transferred to the Babcock in Billings. James Bowns, former manager of the Fox in Butte, now manages the American. Jack Casey has been transferred from the Wilma in Missoula to manage the Fox here. Reopens Theatre in Iowa Cresco, la., Feb. 16. — William Leef- ers of Fayette, la., has reopened the Mode Theatre here, closed a short time ago. The theatre was formerly managed by Paul Swanson. Close Kansas City House Kansas City, Feb. 16. — The Fox- Midwest organization, which has op- erated the Madrid here for several years, and bought the property last November, has closed the house. Close Cedarhurst House The Playhouse, Cedarhurst, Long Island, has closed. State Dep't Picture Program Approve* Washington, Feb. 16. — Approv; of the State Department's motion pit ture program for the development < cultural relations with foreign coui4 tries was given today by the House < Representatives in passing on the Di partment's appropriation bill for tl coming fiscal year. The bill provided $6,700 for th" acquisition of films, $12,500 f fc» r< I cording and reediting, and V ■ .t I sums for the purchase of equipmen | transportation, and the like, makin 1 a total of $25,150. Cooperate With Rockefeller i During hearings before the Hou?: Appropriations Committee, represei tatives of the Department explaint that they are cooperating with tl Rockefeller Office in the Latin-Ame ican field but are active independent in other areas, citing as an outstani ing example negotiations under wal for the distribution of non-theatric films in Great Britain. Department officials pointed out th no funds have been provided for tl radio field, in which a great de could be accomplished. As a resu' they said, radio activities have ben confined to such matters as can lj worked out in cooperation with tl; broadcasters in the international fiel; To Appeal Montana Decision on Game Helena, Mont., Feb. 16. — Sta! Attorney General John W. Bonn, has announced that a District Cot decision favoring "Defense Bo: Nights" in Great Falls, Mont, th atres will be appealed to the Sta. Supreme Court. Cascade County Attorney Jo Spafford enlisted Bonner's aid wh the district court refused to grant h J an injunction restraining theatres Great Falls from offering the "Bo I Nights." ■ Expect Later Shows, In Omaha Territor Omaha, Feb. 16. — Theatres in t area probably will run later shows 1, \ cause of war time, Ralph Branton Des Moines, general manager of T : States Theatres, said here. Branton met with 18 managers J Tri-States theatres in the Omaha a1 1 to discuss the war's effect on the tli atre business. He said the Tri-Sta# circuit is studying ways for furtl I participation in the war effort. Coin Machine Tax Passed in Lima, < Lima, O., Feb. 16.— The City Cod cil has approved a proposal to tax coin-operated machines $15 per yell with an additional tax of $1 on e; [ table-side coin-operated receptaj connected with the machine. Pass;| of the levy, which will be forme I submitted this week, is practically sured. The taxes will add an estim ed $3,000 a year to the city treasi Sweeney on Blue Sale Los Angeles, Feb. 16. — Ke Sweeney, formerly with CBS ; KNX, today was named Western d sion sales promotion manager for Blue Network, succeeding David L ley, who has been drafted. MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in Accurate! and Impartial NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1942 Alert. Picture Industry |yL. 51. N . 34 U. S. Divorce Hearing to Be HeldMarchl8 Counsel Will Ask Goddard For Month's Delay . Hearing on the Government's ac- \ ion to require Paramount and j20th Century-Fox to divest them- selves of 38 theatres acquired since die entry of the industry consent pecree, which was scheduled to he leld today before Federal Judge Henry VV. Goddard. will be post- poned for one month. . Attorneys for 20th Century-Fox, it ivas disclosed, recently agreed with department of Justice officials to post- one the hearing to March 18 and, fcith Paramount's approval, will ask tor that date before Judge Goddard -'oday. ' Hearing on Government objections o interrogatories propounded by Col- mbia, Universal and United Artists n the Government's New York suit gainst the Little Three is also (Continued on page 8) Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 17 3 KO executives including George J. ^ Schaefer, Joseph I. Breen, Ned ! i. Depinet, Reginald Armour and Charles Koerner, have withdrawn to -a Quinta for conferences scheduled g> continue through Friday. All phases f the company's procedure are un- l erstood under discussion. • Max Baer has been signed to a ontract by Hal Roach, it was an- ounced today. His first picture will a "streamlined feature." Raer has ot been in films in several vears. • Republic disclosed plans to make ;'The Great Northwest," saga of vlaska from its purchase in 1867 from iussia to the present. • David O. Selznick today engaged i'>nald Colman to star in "Jane Eyre" i the role of Edward Rochester. • Robert W. Service, author identi- Jied with the Klondike, has been igned by Frank Lloyd to play hinT- elf in "The Spoilers." • Columbia today signed Harry Lang- on on a deal for three or more shorts year. Young Persons Best Patrons for 'Wind,' Report Poll Reveals Hollywood. Feb. 17. — Preliminary findings so far reported to have been made in an uncompleted poll on "Gone with the Wind," for M-G-M and David Selznick are said to show that the picture's most consistent custom- ers range from 12 to 17 years and that the best trade at higher admis- sion prices comes from the moderate and so-called poorer classes — rather than the so-called rich. The new poll has been especially undertaken by the distributor and the producer of the picture in order to gauge the probable intake if the film on its scheduled new release. Also, it is reported that the film's better market has been in the Midwest and Far West. Among the factors which the poll is supposed to reveal to interested (Continued on page 8) Spragg Coordinates R.I. Defense Work The State Council of Defense of Rhode Island has concentrated all civilian defense activities of the amuse- ment industry in the State under a coordinator, with William E. Spragg named to that post. A similar plan was recently put in effect in Massa- chusetts, with Sam Pinanski of the M & P Theatres named coordinator. The order of the State defense council in Rhode Island certified that the Amusement Industry Coordinator has been appointed under the Protec- tion Division of the State Council of Civilian Defense and authorized him to direct the development and execu- tion of all protection activities in the industry. With the State divided into four divisions, Spragg will name deputies for each. It is believed in exhibition circles (Continued on page 8) Para. Anniversary To Recall History Hollywood, Feb. 17. — The principal landmarks in Holly- wood associated with the founding of the industry will be marked in connection with the observance of the 30th an- niversary of Paramount, it was announced today. These ceremonies will be part of the anniversary program culmi- nating in the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "Reap the Wild Wind" and the opening of the new Paramount Holly- wood Theatre on March 19. Networks Meet with Radio Coordinator Washington, Feb. 17. — Representa- tives of the four national networks met today with W. B. Lewis, Co- ordinator of Radio for the Office of Facts and Figures, for a discussion of problems arising from wartime conditions and the expansion of Gov- ernment defense programs. The meeting was held behind closed doors, but was said to have covered matters referred to by Archibald MacLeish, director of the OFF, last month when he announced the ap- pointment of Lewis to cooperate with the industry in handling wartime pro- grams. New Haven Blackout Cuts Box-Office 50% New Haven, Feb. 17.— Theatre managers reported that tonight's test blackout here, from 9 to 9 :30, cut business 50 per cent or more below normal. Neighborhood houses were reported affected mostly. Those who would have been theatregoers either thronged the downtown district or re- mained home close to their radios, it was believed. TEN CENTS Umpi Group In Agreement On Solutions 3 of 5 Points Are Sent to Drafting Unit Proposals to set up conciliation machinery to adjust individual and territorial complaints were agreed upon yesterday by the trade prac- tice committee of the United Mo- tion Picture Industry, which re- sumed its meetings at the Hotel Warwick here. With the proposal for preven- tion of short subject forcing which was agreed upon earlier, the committee sent the agree- ments on three of the five points of its trade program to a draft- ing committee. Members of the drafting commit- tee are : Howard Levinson of War- ners ; Felix Jenkins, 20th Century- Fox ; H. A. Cole, Dallas, and Max A. Cohen, New York. This commit- tee will put all proposals in final form for presentation to Umpi at its next meeting. The problems remaining for the committee to agree upon are a substi- tute sales method for the blocks-of- five system and the expansion of the industry's arbitration machinery to embrace complaints other than those (Continued on page 8) Deny Exhibitor Plea To Enjoin 20th-Fox Boston, Feb. 17. — Federal Judge Wyzanski today denied from the bench the application of Abraham Garbose, operator of theatres at Athol and Orange, Mass., for a tem- porary injunction against 20th Cen- tury-Fox. Garbose sought to compel the dis- tributor to deliver pictures under con- tracts made in the Summer of 1940. Jacob J. Kaplan of Boston and John F. Caskey of New York repre- sented 20th Century-Fox as counsel. George Ryan represented the plain- tiff. Skouras Leaves for Circuit Heads' Meet Spyros Skouras, head of National Theatres, left for the Coast yesterday with William T. Powers and Aubrey Schenck to conduct the annual meet- ing of the circuit's division managers, film buyers and other executives in (Continued on page 9) Resolution in N. Y. Assembly Asks Free Admissions for Service Men Albany, Feb. 17. — Assemblyman Stephen Jarema of New York in a resolution introduced today called on the Legislature to request theatre owners and operators in the State to grant free admission to any member of the nation's armed forces for the duration of the national emergency. The resolution declared that the morale of the armed forces is of the utmost importance and that free entertainment and recrea- tion is possibly the best means of maintaining high morale. Most theatres in New York State as well as other parts of the country for some time have been admitting service men at greatly reduced admissions, the amount of reduction varying with in- dividual localities and theatres. Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 18, 1942 Overtime Dispute Settled in England London, Feb. 17. — The Board of Arbitration today made known its de- cision following hearings in the dis- pute concerning overtime work be- tween the National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employes and the British Film Producers Associa- tion. The decision virtually sustains the position of the producers, and was greeted by the union with the asser- tion that it is unsatisfactory but not surprising. The award grants over- time pay to those earning up to £10 weekly on the basis of a 47-hour work week, and to those earning up to £15 weekly based on a 54-hour week. No overtime is allowed for those earning more than £15 weeklyr. The award is less than the produc- ers offered last December, but the union declares that stabilization of the wage and hour position is better than the previous unstandardized basis of operation. Personal Mention HAYS GARBARINO, manager of Dipson's Lackawanna Theatre, Buffalo, has joined the Marines. • Betty Goldsmith left for Florida yesterday. • Maurice Rosen, Monogram's Phil- adelphia office manager, has recovered from a throat infection. • Harry Fried, Philadelphia exhib- itor, has recovered from a leg in- jury. • Jerome M. Jackson, Cincinnati ex- hibitor, is ill at Holmes Hospital there. • Joseph Melan, Jr., former mana- ger of the Columbia Theatre, Blooms- burg, Pa., has joined the Army. TAMES R. SAVAGE of Balaban & «J Katz, Chicago, leaves Saturday for a two-week vacation in Cuba. • Paul Tighe, manager of the Penn Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., is the father of a daughter, born last week to Mrs. Tighe at Pittston, Pa. • George Lukides, assistant manager of Loew's Rochester Theatre, has en- listed in the Army Air Corps and been succeeded by Arthur White. • William Hornung, manager of the Egyptian Theatre, Philadelphia, has left for Florida. • John Greaney, former assistant manager of the Strand, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., is now in the Army. Newsreel Parade Dr. Dale of Ohio U. Joins Mellett Staff Columbus, O., Feb. 17. — Dr. Ed- gar Dale of the Ohio State Univer- sity Bureau of Educational Research here, and author of several books on motion picture appreciation, has been appointed an advisor on the pro- duction and distribution of Govern- ment morale-building films, at Wash- ington. He will be associated with Lowell Mellett, Coordinator of Gov- ernment Films. Approve Sunday Films Clarksville, Tenn., Feb. 17. — The City Council has approved an ordi- nance for Sunday film shows. 'Dimes' Collections Near $750,000 Total The theatres' March of Dimes col- lections yesterday moved close to the $750,000 "mark with the receipt of ad- ditional contributions from around the country, it was announced by the com- mittee. The legitimate theatre divi- sion, headed by Lee Shubert, sent in a check for $30,000. The Loew's Theatres circuit total was increased by an additional $9,000 to $189,000. The E. M. Loew circuit of New England presented a check for $5,300. The fund is expected to be in- creased substantially when checks are received from several large circuits, including RKO Theatres, which are reported to have collected about $80,- 000, the Fox West Coast group and others. St. Louis Club Plans Expanded Program St. Louis, Feb. 17. — The member- ship committee of the St. Louis tent of the Variety Club has launched a three-point program to stimulate more interest in the club. It is planned to hold meetings twice a month — -the second and fourth Fri- day of each month — instead of month- ly. Arrangements will be made to have guest speakers at alternate meet- ings. A third point is the arrange- ment with the Coronado Hotel — where the club has its quarters^to set aside a table in its restaurant daily for luncheon meetings of club mem- bers and guests. Meanwhile, the en- largement of the club's quarters in the hotel will be held in abeyance until Chief Barker Harry C. Arthur returns. The committee consists of James Arthur, chairman ; Lou and Joe Ansell, J. Leslie Kaufman, Harry Crawford, Rex Williams and Joseph Smith. CEA Unit Approves Admission Increase London, Feb. 17. — The first move in the direction of increased admis- sions for English theatres, forecast re- cently as a result of increased war bonuses for theatre employes, has been taken here. The London and Home Counties Branch of the Cinematograph Exhib- itors Association has unreservedly supported the plan in principle, and has decided to leave the final decision to the CEA general council. Variety Club Drive Extended to Feb. 28 The membership drive of the na- tional Variety Clubs has been ex- tended through Feb. 28, it has been announced by the national headquar- ters of the organization. John H. Harris, national chief barker, said the decision was made following requests from local units for additional time. Rites for Cinecolor Head Hollywood, Feb. 17. — Funeral ser- vices were held here yesterday for Allen L. McCormick, 58, founder and president of Cinecolor, Inc. He in- vented the two-color process used by bis company. Survivors are his widow, Elsa; a son, Allen L., Jr., of Akron, and a daughter, Mrs. Hermine King. rl 1 HE midweek reels have the first ■*■ pictures of the U. S. Navy's at- tack on the Japanese-held Marshall 4 and Gilbert Islands in the Central Pa- J cific. The action was recorded for I all five reels by Mervyn Freeman of Pathe. who was stationed on a cruiser, and Joseph Ruckcr of Paranwu^i. aboard an aircraft carrier, during i"W^e| battle. The contents of the issues: MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 47— Marshall and Gilbert attack. Third draft registra- tion. Launch new cruiser in Camden, new sub chaser in Brooklyn. Congressional Medal presented to Alexander Nininger, Sr., father of war hero, at Tampa, Fla. Bomber crew honored in New York. Dog show in New York. Baseball stars play golf in Miami. Bathing beauties at Long Beach, Cal. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 245-TRaid on| Central Pacific islands. Draft registration. Bomber crew honored in New York. An-| alysis of Singapore's fall. Willkie on the| Tap danger. New York dog show. Base- ball players play golf in Miami. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 50— Ordnancel school in Aberdeen, Md. Cruiser commis-l sioned, two destroyers and sub chaserl launched. Films of Singapore. Notrel Dame-N. Y. U. basketball in New York.l Draft registration. Navy raids Centrall Pacific islands. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 50 — U. S.| fleet raids Jap bases. Third draft regis- tration. Ordnance school at Aberdeen! Md. Baseball stars in golf tournament. | RCAF members in New York. Bobsled championships at Lake Placid. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 59- Navy raids Jap islands. Draft registration.! Two destroyers launched in Philadelphia.! Highest award for Lt. Alexander NiningerJ Tr., Army hero. Canadian air cadets visit! New York. Baseball stars in golf tourna-1 raent. Notre Dame-N. Y. U. basketball irj New York. Dog show in New York. Warners Schedule Showings on 5 Films Warners has scheduled exhibitoi trade showings on five new pictures ir all exchanges in the country on Marcl 2 and 3. The films are: "Bullei Scars" and "The Male Animal," show ing on March 2, and "This Wai Paris," "Always in My Heart" am "Larceny, Inc.," on March 3. Arnold to Be At Opening Edward Arnold will attend th< opening of the new Loew-Poli Broad way Theatre at Norwich, Conn., to morrow evening. A street parade wil be a feature of the opening cere monies. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) er ce Published daily except Saturday, Sunday ani holidays by Quigley Publishing Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gener Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vic- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred D Finestone, Managing Editor; James A Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unioi' Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor' London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. Londoi Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addres: •'Quigpubco, London." All contents copy! righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com, pany, Inc. Other Quigley publications; Mo! tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter! national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip tion rates per year $6 in the Americas an $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. fa GEORGE STEVENS Production with Fay Bainter • Reginald Owen • Original Screen Play by Ring Lardner, Jr. and Michael Kanin Directed by George Stevens • Produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz An M-G-M Picture HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME! LIT HI WcJnc>da\. Fehru.irN IS. 1942 Motion Picture Daily Short Subject ReVieWS Reviews "Shut My Big Mouth" ( Columbia ) Hollywood, Feb. 17 ' I VL'KXED loose as a tenderfoot in such a Wild W est as never was, *- except for purposes of 'comedy, Joe E. Brown spoofs the West, its Injuns, bad men, himself and the whole institution of outdoor melodrama in this combination of shoot-'em-up, satire, slapstick and straight comedy. Shown to a Friday night audience in Glendale, which corresponds to a Saturday night audience everywhere else, the film had the kids in stitches, the young folk laughing merrily and many of their elders amused, although a sprinkling of the latter left before it was all over. The screenplay by Oliver Drake, Karen DeWolf and Francis Martin, from a story by Drake, brings Brown and his valet (Fritz Feld) to a bandit-ridden West and gets him appointed sheriff against his will. His attempt to escape by donning women's wear winds up in a hilarious dance sequence, later in a mock-scalping which wins him the friendship of the Indians, finally in a victorious finish. The humor in this section is a la "Charlie's Aunt." and the plot in whole goes back to "The Lamb," which nobody in the interested audience is old enough to remember anyway. Adele Mara, Victor Jory, Don Beddoe, Will Wright. Russell Simpson. Pedro de Cordoba and Joan Woodbury are among the other players. Production by Robert Sparks and direction by Charles Barton are in the spirit of the enterprise and for laughs exclusively, all the way. Running time, 70 minutes. "G."* Roscok Williams 'Lady in Distress' {Times Pictures, Inc.) D RODUCED in England by Josef Somlo, this is an engaging melo- * drama which will hold an audience absorbed. It tells of the plight of two unhappily married couples whose collective lives become entangled with each other. One of the couples — Michael Redgrave and Patricia Roc — though they love each other tenderly are together only on Sundays because he works days and she, nights. The second couple — Paul Lukas and Sally Gray — are unhappy because the husband, an unemployed magician, is extremely jealous of his wife, who is his stage assistant. Although the plot never builds to a big climax of suspense or tension, Herbert Mason has directed it with considerable deftness and it is a gripping film nevertheless. All principals turn in smooth performances and there are several bit parts which are capably handled. The lives of the four cross when Redgrave, riding to work on the sub- way, thinks he sees Lukas stabbing Miss Gray. He jumps out of the car and rushes to the police. The magician is really rehearsing but he leads Redgrave to believe that they were considering suicide. Redgrave be- comes a minor hero until a fellow worker discovers that the knife was only a stage prop. Angered, he returns only to find that the publicity has won a job for the stage couple. Miss Gray begs his forgiveness and be decides to aid her to overcome the jealousies of her husband. Unfortunately, the latter becomes worse and, in a fight, Redgrave pushes Lukas into a river. There follow some frantic moments when Redgrave believes himself a murderer. Lukas turns up alive and there is a joyous reunion between him and Miss Gray, but be gets another fit of jealousy and murders his wife. Meanwhile, Mi>s Roc succeeds in getting daytime employment and she and Redgrave find their problems solved. Running time. 62 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "Gang Busters" (Serial) ( Universal) WELL-COXTRIYK1) action is essence of this chapter-play in 13 parts, which is patterned on the "Gang Busters" radio series. Ex- ^■rieticed players and keen direction Wa\e derived the maximum from tile melodramatic, imaginative story. W hile its radio prototype is a series >i dramatizations of actual police and underworld encounters, this is fic- tional, but judging from the first three chapters, it is a good show for the melodrama fans. Credit Ray Taylor and Noel Smith tor the direction, and Kent Taylor, Robert Armstrong. Irene Hervey, Ralph Morgan and others for fine handling of the acting assignments. It's about the crime wave of a "Pro- fessor Mortis" and his "League of Murdered Men." a band of outlaws, on record as dead, hut who, through the professor's "scientific" devices, are quite active. In a welcome departure, the lengthy routine prologue which usually open* each chapter of such >creen fare is dispensed with. The tirst episode runs 27 minutes, subse- quent issues run 2tl minutes. Release, March 9. 'Hants That Couldn't Be Cured" (Swing Symphony) i I nizeral) Tuneful and amusing and one of the 'letter of the Walter Lanz cartoons, this, in color, certainly should add zest to the show. It has the wolf ihout to be hanged but his "last v<>rd" gives the folks to believe that the three pigs and not he were the wrong-doers. He pictures himself as a meek music teacher and they as the ^wing-minded pupils who blow his house down. Running time. 7 mtns. Release. March 9. 'Worries' and Show $20 ,000 in Baltimore Baltimore, Feb. 17. — Business con- tinues to hold its recent gains here. "Sing Your Worries Away." with Martha Rave in person, at the Hip- podrome, took S20.000. "All Through the Xight" drew $15,500. Estimated receipts for the week t-nding Feb. 12 : 'Jce Smith, American" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3.100) (28c -He) 7 davs. Cross: $10,500. (Average. $10,000) 'Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) KEITH'S — (2.-106) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 7 davs. -'nd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average. $8,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) NEW — (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c> 7 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $7,000) 'All Through the Night" (W.B.) STANLEY— (3.2SO> (15c -28c -39c -44c-55c) 7 lays. Gross: $15,500. (Average. $12,000) "Sing Your Worries Away" (RKO) hippodrome— (2.20s) (i5c-28c-39c-44c- ;5c-66c) 7 days. Stage show featuring Martha Rave and Revue. Gross: $20,000. Average. $14,000) "Nieht rf J.->ruary 16" (Para.) MAYFAIR-(l.OOO) (20c-40c) 7 days. Cross: $6,000. (Average. <6.000) Buy Story for Short Hollywood, Feb. 17. — Warners has ourchased the article. "The World's Greatest Soldier." by Robert Bruck- ner. Warner producer, for use in an historical short. It concerns Peter Francisco, Revolutionary War hero. *"G" denotes general classification. 'Dinner' in Omaha Draws Big $9,700 Omaha, Feb. 17.— "The Man Who Came to Dinner," at higher prices, pulled $9,700 at the Omaha. The weather was snowy and cold. Estimated receipts for week end- ing Feb. 10-11 : "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) ADMIRAL— (950) (35c) 7 days. Gross: $1,000. (Average, $1,000) "All Through the Night" (W.B.) "Week-End for Three" (RKO) BRANDEIS — (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $4,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) OMAHA — (2,000) (40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $6,000) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "You're in the Army Now" (W.B.) ORPHEUM— (3.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,100. (Average, $7,000) "Remember the Day'' (20th-Fox) 2nd week "Target for Tonight" (W.B.) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $3,800. (Average. $4,000) 'Fury' Kansas City Winner with $10,000 Kansas City, Feb. 17. — "Son of Fury" scored $10,000 at two theatres, w ith $4,500 at the Esquire and $5,500 at the Uptown. Estimated receipts for week end- ing Feb. 12: "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) ESQUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average. $2,400) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "Ellery Queen and the Murder Ring" (Col.) MIDLAND — (3,600) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,0C0. (Average, $8,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1.900) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $7,000) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 davs. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) "Blue, White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) TOWER— (2.200) (30c-50c) 7 days. Stage: Ted Lewis, with his orchestra and stage show. Gross: $12,000. (Average. $6,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) UPTOWN— (2.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,000) 'Eve' Scores Big $24,800, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Feb. 17. — "It Started With Eve" and "Treat 'Em Rough" scored $24,800 at two houses, with $12,800 at the Hillstreet and $12,000 at the Pantages. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 11: "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) CHINESE— (2,500) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 clays. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $12,000) 'Dumbo" (RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,518) (33c-44c-5Sc- 75c) 7 days, 8th week. Gross: $2,200. (Av- erage, $17,000) "The Vanishing Virginian" (M-G-M) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 davs, 2nd week. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $3,250) "Citizen Kane" (RKO) HAWAII— (1,100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 17th week. Gross: $3,100. "It Started With Eve" (Univ.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. Gross: $12,800. (Average, $6,500) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) LOEWS STATE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $14,000) "It Started With Eve" (Univ.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) PANTAGES— (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $7,000) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "Torpedo Boat" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 6 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average, MN.Uhn "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) WARNER BROS. (Hollywood) (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $16,200. (Average, $14,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W.B.) WARNER BROS. (Downtown) (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,900. (Average, $12,000) "The Wolf Man" (Univ.) "The Mad Doctor" (Univ.) VOGUE— (900) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,400. 'Attorney' and Band Strong in Milwaukee Milwaukee, Feb. 17. — "Mr. Dis- trict Attorney in the Carter Case," coupled with Law-rence Welk's or- chestra, turned in $14,000 at the Riv- erside. "Hellzapoppin" and "Bombav Clipper" hit $9,800 at the Warner. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 10-12 : "Birth of the Blues" (Para.) "Ladies in Retirement" (Col.) STRAND— (1.400) (44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,600. (Average. $1,500) "Nothing But the Truth" (Para.) "Buy Me That Town" (Para.) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 6 days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,000) "Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case" (Rep.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Lawrence Welk orchestra. Gross: $14,000. (Average. $6,500) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 davs. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $4,500) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c -60c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $5,500) Negotiate Exchange Pact in Philadelphia Philadelphia, Feb. 17. — Film Ex- change Employes Union, Local B-7, has entered into negotiations with the local exchanges for a new con- tract. The union is seeking a 10 per cent wage increase, retroactive to last December. The exchanges, it is un- derstood, have offered a five per cent increase. A compromise is expected. This Award is given each month to the film receiving the highest number of votes by the members df the Na- tional Screen Council, whose selection is governed by out- standing merit and suitabil- ity of the film to whole-fam- ily entertainment. Members of the Council include motion picture editors of leading newspapers through- out the country, motion pic- ture reviewing committee of the International Federation of Catholic Alumnae, and state motion picture chair- men of the General Fed- eration of Women's Clubs. FIRST IN THE LONG RU W HONOR FOR THE FILM THAT HAS WON SO MANY! ft ****** ^ ****** ** **** I*** **** *** HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY MITER PIDGEON "•* MAUREEN O'HARA DONALD CRISP • ANNA LEE RODDY McDOWAll JOHN LODER • SARA AUGOOD «««Y fITZOSRAlD . PATRfC KNOWUS - «« BASm F. ZANUCH ■ Scr*** Way by Wu/*p Owmi* ***** 8 motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 18, 1942 Umpi Group In Agreement On Solutions (Continued from page 1) defined in the consent decree. Indica- tions are that a definite agreement on both is expected by committee mem- bers during the next few days. Thereafter the proposals will be sub- mitted to Umpi for approval, and when this has been obtained the pro- gram will be submitted to heads of individual participating companies or their boards of directors, and to the membership of participating exhibitor organizations. If approved by these, an Umpi committee will be designated to present the plan to the Depart- ment of Justice and, if approved as a basis for amendments to the decree, an Umpi negotiating committee will be designated to work out the formal agreement with the Government, it is said. The distributors, represented by William F. Rodgers, Umpi chairman, will present their recommendations for a sub- stitute sales plan to the trade practice committee either today or tomorrow. Exhibitor sug- gestions are ready for the com- mittee's consideration. The exhibitor members of the com- mittee met yesterday to correlate the large number of suggestions received for expansion of arbitration, and will report back to the whole committee today with recommendations on this subject. It was agreed at yesterday's meet- ing that the distributor letter disclaim- ing intent to force short subjects and offering redress to complainants may be sent, at the distributor's option, direct to exhibitors, or to exhibitor organizations, or to branch mmagers to be sent out by them. NTS Issues Booklet National Theatre Supply Co. has issued a booklet, "What to Do — When to Do It," to aid theatre own- ers and projectionists in maintaining equipment efficiently during the emergency. W. E. Green, president, stressed the importance, of a general conservation program in theatre opera- tion, in announcing the booklet. Full Trade Practice Committee Present The full trade practice com- mittee membership of Umpi with the exception of Ned E. Depinet of RKO, who is on the Coast, attended yester- day's committee meeting at the Hotel Warwick. A. W. Smith represented Depinet. Among those present were: Jack Kirsch, chairman; Ed Kuykendall, Max A. Cohen, Fred Wehrenberg, William Crockett, Robert Poole, Robert White, Sidney Samuelson, H. A. Cole, H. M. Richey, Felix Jenkins, A. W. Smith, Howard Levinson, Harry Thomas, Wil- liam F. Rodgers, James R. Grainger, C. J. Scollard and Abe Montague. Critics9 Quotes . . . "BALL OF FIRE" (Goldwyn-RKO) Saturated with some of the juciest, wackiest, solid American slang ever recorded on celluloid. The plot is not as fresh as its idea, but the picture will do. — Time. The film is certain to be accepted as hugely satisfactory entertainment and may be considered the best film success of the year. — Garrett D. Byrnes, Providence Journal. "Ball of Fire" is in no sense a distinguished film, but it has a comical cen- tral idea and enough production finish to make it highly satisfactory enter- tainment.— Hozvard Barnes, New York Herald Tribune. As usual in a Samuel Goldwyn picture, the production is excellent, and Howard Hawks has kept the whole thing moving at accelerated pace for nigh two hours ... a very nice comedy. — Bosley Crowther, New York Times. A delightful comedy that has the audience chuckling from beginning to end — Kate Cameron, New York News. Very excellent comedy drama. — Chicago Tribune. "SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS" (Paramount) It's a little early in the year to start tossing the adjective "best" around, but I think it will be a long time before another comedy, mingled with such pul- verizing tragic-melodrama, comes along to top, much less equal, Preston Sturges' "Sullivan's Travels." — William Bochnel, New York World-Telegram. A rather curious mixture in that it starts out as hilarious satire, suddenly skips into stark tragedy and then begins to shuttle between reality and bur- lesque. For the most part, however, it's slick entertainment. — Rose Pel'swick, New York Journal American. In essence as well as in detail the picture is a charming and cheering experience which should be missed by nobody. — Archer Winsten, New York Post. It has the blessing of Mr. Sturges's artful comic comment, and it crackles with extraordinary humor for most of its 90-minute length ... a picture which is expertly made and acted. — Bosley Crowther, New York Times. The audience howled continuously, and at the end applauded vigorously. — Lee Mortimer, New York Mirror. "THE CORSICAN BROTHERS" (Small-U. A.) Picture is a little overlong and frequently quite bumpy, but it's so much the "escape" stuff the public has been yelling for, that if it doesn't go over, Heaven save us from an epidemic of Steinbeck. — Lee Mortimer, New York Mirror. It is very well done in every way. And entertaining if you like this sort of fantasy. — Wanda Hale, New York News. One of the best of the cinema's romantic melodramas ... an imposing struc- ture of exciting drama, vivid characterization, throbbing love and fraternal conflict. — Nelson B. Bell, Washington Post. Fiction at its most fanciful and of a variety to please the male armchair adventurer. — Elsie Finn, Philadelphia Record. Heavy-handed, uninspired direction and all the corny hokum that accom- panies the routine Hollywood romantic picture. — Time. "SON OF FURY" (20th Century-Fox) The picture is a rousing romantic tale and it is crammed with adventure, excitement, bitterness, violence, treachery and cruelty of assorted varieties. Tyrone Power and George Sanders head the expert cast, and their perform- ances give the story the life and zest it demands. — Doris' Arden, Chicago Daily Times. Of its type "Son of Fury" is the perfect picture. It's only shortcoming is the absence of Technicolor, which it positively cries for. — Chicago Herald- American. The warmth generated by the torrid love antics of handsome and dynamic Tyrone Power, and svelte, sarong-clad Gene Tierney, plus the excitement provoked by thrilling action of a heroic adventurer, certainly make "Son of Fury" a topnotch film. — Harry Bortnick, Philadelphia Daily News. Outstrips most of its fellow costume adventure screen romances in the matter of entertainment. — Elsie Finn, Philadelphia Record. Static and dull, a clumsy relic of the old ten-twenty-thirty melodrama minus the excitement, speed and unpretentiousness of those thrillers. — William Bochnel, New York W orld-T elegram. Solid acting, a lavish production and first-rate fisticuffs make "Son of Fury" a highly entertaining adventure melodrama. — Hozvard Barnes, New York Herald Tribune. Tots up a pretty good score as popular entertainment. — Newsweek. "JOAN OF PARIS" (RKO) All in all, "Joan of Paris" is a picture that must be seen. — Nezv York Sun. A magnificent war melodrama. ... As sheer entertainment, it is a tre- mendously vital and exciting film. — Howard Barnes, New York Herald Tribune. The picture has much that is admirable. It is regrettable that it could not have been cut and pared to the cold bone of underground action. — Archer Winsten, New York Post. A good war melodrama made to seem even better than it is by the brace of good performances. Lovely and talented Michele Morgan and Paul Hen- reid contribute this illusion. — William Bochnel, New York W orld Telegram, A rigidly exciting and tenderly moving film. It will do as a tribute to high courage until the lamps of Paris burn once more. — BoSlcy Crowther, New York Times. "THE BUGLE SOUNDS" (M-G-M) Early portions are slow and over-weighted with bumbling Beery comedy. But excitement and interest pick up in the second half and there are plenty of thrills in the frenzied finale. — Mildred Martin, Philadelphia Inquirer. A good, lively movie — in spite of the fact that many of its situations and characters are overly familiar. — Philadelphia Record. U. S. Divorce Hearing to Be HeldMarchl8 (Continued from page 1) scheduled for hearing by Judge God- dard today. Because of the importance of the- Government's theatre divorce actioitf1' which industry attorneys view as a1 test of many of the Department's theo- ries on the matter, both sides agreed that additional time was needed to pre- pare their case. Company attorneys, it was learned, will be obliged to go into the field and obtain the facts sur- rounding most of the questioned thea- tre acquisitions from operators of the circuits involved and will have to pre- pare defenses on the basis of individual theatre situations. Wright, Goddard Occupied The Government approved the post- ponement as well, it was reported, due to other affairs which have engaged Robert L. Wright, special assistant in charge of the Department's motion picture division, and because Judge Goddard still is presiding at an es- pionage trial. The Government is endeavoring to have Paramount directed to divest itself of 16 theatres and 20th Century- Fox of 22 on the ground that circum- stances involved in the acquisition of the theatres violate the provisions of Subdivision 5 of Section 11 of the consent decree. Bars General Expansion That provision prohibits the con- senting companies from embarking on a program of general theatre expan- sion during the first three years of the decree's existence, but does not pre- vent them from acquiring theatres to protect investments, its competitive position or for ordinary purposes of business. Young Persons Best Customers for 'Wind9 (Continued from page 1) parties, it is said, is whether the cus- tomers are attracted to see the picture through advertising, the reading of the book, recommendation by others who have seen the picture or just natural fan curiosity. Also, the probable potential new audience and how many possible re- peat customers might be anticipated for the film, which so far on its new release is playing in several especially selected test spots in the Midwest and South and which number will soon be increased, at admissions similar to those of picture's previous release. Spragg Coordinates R.I. Defense Work (Continued from page 1) that the creation of the post which Spragg occupies will relieve the thea- tres of the inconveniences which have prevailed in the efforts of the theatres to become a part of the general civil- ian defense setup. Spragg is connected with M & P Theatres, supervising the Strand in Pawtucket, Strand in Newport, Sta- dium in Woonsocket and about 10 other houses. Wednesday, February 18. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 9 'Woman' Hits Good $2 1,000, Philadelphia Philadelphia, Feb. 17. — '"Woman of the Year" gave the Boyd a big $21,000, and "Hellzapoppin" at the Mauley drew $10,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 10-13: How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) ALDl.NK— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $7,0U0. (Average, $9,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 7 days, 2nd run. 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Aver- age, $2,600) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) BOYD- ■ (2.400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Cross: $21,000. (Average, $13,000) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) EARLE- (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Hob Chester's ■ >rclicstra, Hetty Bradley. Cene Howard, Cv Baker, Mischa Auer, Kay-Katya & Kay. Cross: $17,000. (Average, $14,1)00) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) FAY'S — (2,190) (15c;29c-35c-46c-57c) 7 ■ lays. Vaudeville including Sammy Cohen, Eleanor Sheridan, Mirk Dawson, Lewis & Van, Jay James. Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra. Gross: $7,200. (Average. $6,900) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) FOX- (3.000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Cross: $15,500. (Average, $13,000) "All Through the Night" (W.B.) KARI.TOX (1.000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Cross: $4,500. (Average, $3,000) "Jchnr.y Eager" (M-G-M) KEITH'S— (2.200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) STANLEY— (2.700) (35c-41c-4oc-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $16,000. (Average, $14,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 davs, 2nd week. Cross: $6,500. (Average, $4,500) Alien Registration Expires on Feb. 28 Aliens of German, Italian or Japa- nese nationality over the age of 14 must apply for certificates of iden- tification before Feb. 28, under a rul- ing of tlie Department of Justice. The ruling applies to the entire country with the exception of eight Western states where the time for application already has expired. These certificates must be carried by the alien at all times. Applications are to be made in the first-class, sec- ond-class or county-seat postofhec nearest the alien's place of residence, except that he may make the applica- tion at the nearest postoffice if he is temporarily away from home during the period of registration. Aliens of the three countries under 14 need not register, nor do Austrians, Austro-Hungarians and Koreans, who registered under the 1940 Act. The aged or infirm who are confined to homes, asylums and institutions need not file applications so long as they remain confined, but children must register as soon as they reach 14 and the bedridden aliens must register as soon as they leave the places where they are confined. $1,200 to Bomber Fund Philadelphia, Feb. 17. — The spe- cial premiere of "Captains of the Clouds" at Warners' Earle on Sunday night, added approximately $1,200 to the "Buy-A-Bomber" fund being raised by the Philadelphia Inquirer. About 1,000 persons attended the spe- cial benefit performance. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, Feb. 17 ARTHUR HORNBLOW, Jr.. Paramount producer, will leave the lot in May, having been with the company since 1933. He will join another major studio following a short vacation. . . . Jack Moffitt is developing a story idea at Warners. It concerns a girl singer who is hired as a Western Union is lured as a messenger to deliver greetings in song form. She becomes a musical comedy star in the process. . . . Lee Loes and Harold Buchman, 20th Century-Fox writing team, are working on the script of "Ground Pilots," story of the ground crews. . . . Lucille Ball will play opposite Henry Fonda in "It Comes Up Love," Damon Rcnyon production at RKO . . . Jean Gabin's next picture for 20th Century-Fox will be "The Night the World Shook," from Steven Wendt's story, "800 Convicts March on Caraibo." • • Don Terry replaces Dick Foran in "Escape from Hong Kong," Universal picture which features Leo Carrillo and Andy Devine. . . . The contract of Faye McKenzie at Republic has been extended and she goes into the lead opposite Autry of "Home in Wyomin'." . . . John Payne w ill appear opposite Son- ja Henie in 20th Centurv-Fox's "Iceland." • • Arnold Pressburger, having taken an option on Frank Capra's story property, "Tomorrow Never Comes." 'Hellzapoppin' Gets $16,400 in St. Louis St. Louis, Feb. 17. — "Hellza- poppin" scored an impressive $16,400 at the Fox. Grosses at houses were up despite weather. Estimated receipts for ing Feb. 12: "H. M. Pulham, Esq.' "Mr. and Mrs. North' LOEWS - (3.162) days. Cruss: $14,500. "Skylark" (Para.) "Weekend for Three' AM HASSA DOR— (3,154) (30c-40c-50c) days. Cross: $9,600. (Average. $11,500) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) FOX— (5.038) (30c-40c-50c> 7 davs Cross $16,41)0. (Average, $11,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Playmates" (RKO) MISSOURI — (3.514) (30c-40c-50c) 7 davs Cross: $6,500. (Average, $4,000) "North to the Klondike" (Univ.) "Sierra Sue" (Rep.) ST. LOUIS— (4.00O) (25c-35c) Cross: $3,800. (Average, $2,600) the other inclement week end- ' (M-G-M) ' (M-G-M) (28c -40c -44c -56c) (Average. $13,000) (RKO) day: Skouras Leaves for Circuit Heads' Meet (Continued from faiir 1) Los Angeles which starts tomorrow. Division managers expected to at- tend include Harry E. Huffman, Fox Greater Theatres, Denver ; Frank Ricketson, Jr., Fox Intertnountain Theatres, Denver ; E. C. Rhoden, Fox Midwest, Kansas City; Charles Skouras, Fox West Coast, Los An- geles, and H. J. Fitzgerald, Fox Wis- consin, Milwaukee. Modernize 'U' Exchange Chicago, Feb. 17. — Extensive alter- ations are underway at the Universal exchange here, under the direction of Barney Rose, branch manager The entire office space is being modernized. has a tentative deal with Carv Grant to appear in it. . . . Universal has extended the contract of Johnny Mack Brown, its western hero, for another year. . . . Columbia will have eight pictures in work by the end of this month. . . . Warners has extended the contract of Roland Drew. . . . Monogram has changed the title of "Snuffy Smith, Yard Bird" to "Pri- vate Snuffy Smith." Grace McDonald, featured in Uni- versal^ "What's Cookin'," has been given a term contract because of her work. Others from the same cast given pacts are Peggy Ryan, Donald O'Connor and also Bomn Sheerer, who appear as the Jumping Jives; and Tagalong Levine. . . . Jill Esmond has been borrowed from M-G-M to appear in Walter Wanger's "Eagle Squadron." • • John H. Acer has been assigned to produce and direct "Secret Agent No. 38" for Republic, as a sequel to "The Devil Pays Off," and also to produce "Moonlight and Mas- querade," a Betty Kean musical. . . . Republic has received War De- partment approval on the revisions of the script for "Remember Pearl 1 [arbor." Republic to Enlarge Its Studio Property Hollywood, Feb. 1 7 . — A studio building and expansion program was announced to- day by Herbert J. Yates, Re- public board chairman, at the concluding session of a two- day quarterly regional sales meeting here. The announce- ment said the project would cost $2,500,000. Negotiations are nearing conclusion for a 1,000-acre lo- cation site at Chatsworth on which will be erected a com- plete Western city and studio sets. On existing studio prop- erty will be built a new sound stage, garage and music build- ings. Yates stated that priorities on material for the sound* stage have been granted. 3 Companies Given California Charters Sacramento, Cal., Feb. 17. — Three companies have been formed in the state, one to produce and two to operate theatres. The New Fillmore Theatre Co. has been incorporated by the Nasser Brothers, and the Benicia Theatre Co. has been formed by L. S. Hamm, B. E. Kragen and F. E. Cannon, both to operate circuits, with headquarters in San Francisco. P. R. Duinen, Edgar G. Ulmer and Andre Dumonceau, all of Los Angeles, have formed Atlantis Pictures Corp., to produce in Hollywood. HOWARD • LINDSAY ROSCOE LUKE BARRIE KARNS JOSEPH SANTLEY • Director — Screen Play by ISABEL DAWN • Original Story by HAL HUDSON and SAM DUNCAN BUY U. S. DEFENSE BONI Motion Picture Daily Off the Antenna THE FCC has issued a warning against unlicensed operation of 2j4-watt and five-watt ultra high frequency transmitters.. It was pointed out that many operators of such sets believe themselves excluded from the Commis- sion's jurisdiction . The FCC statement referred to a decision 10 days ago b}r Federal Judge Emmerich Freed of Ohio that all radio transmitters must be licensed. The defense, in this case, argued that their low-powered set could not be heard outside the State and therefore was not subject to Federal law. The transmitter, in this instance, was being used to signal "tips" from a horserace track. • • • Purely Personal: Edward R. Murrow, CBS chief European correspondent, will zvind up his lecture tow at Charleston, W. Va., Friday. . . . Joseph Har- rington of the CBS newsrootn has been accepted as an aviation cadet. . . . Griffith B. Thompson, vice-president and general manager of WBYN, has received a contract extension for three years and has been elected a director of the corporation. . . . George S. Kaufman has been named master of cere- monies on Mutual's "Keep 'Em Rolling." . . . Irwin H. Hermann and Leslie E. Ruark have joined WBYN's sales staff. • • • WIND, Chicago, will go on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis begin- ning March 1. Night programs will be built to attract defense workers. • 90 WBNX is aiding in the celebn tion of "Brotherhood Week" by broadcasts in eight languages. The FCC lists the following languages heard on U. S. standard broadcast stations, in the order of their frequency : Italian, Polish, Spanish, Yiddish, German, Portuguese, Czech, Lithuanian, Hungarian, French, Greek, Ukrainian, Finnish, Swedish, Slovak, Chinese, Croatian, Norwegian, Russian, Rumanian, Danish, Serbian, Arabic, Japanese, Dutch, Syrian, Albanian, Armenian, Slovene and Mesquakie. Japanese programs have been dropped since the war. Mesquakie is the language of the Sac and Fox Indians in Iowa. • • • Around the Country: Parker Gibbs, formerly a member of Ted Wecms' orchestra, has joined the NBC central division production department. . . . Personnel changes at the Russel M. Seeds' agency include the appointment of Watson Humphrey as radio director; transfer of Monte Randall to the public relations division, and the transfer of Mel Williamson and Del King to the Coast offices from Chicago. . . . WKRC, Cincinnati, has added the Press Association news service to the regular zvires of the Associated Press in its newsroom. • • • WRNL, Richmond, Va., and KGKO, Fort Worth, Tex., have notified the Blue that they are now operating with 5,000 watts, day and night. • • • WOR had 264 sponsors in the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, it was reported yesterday. This is the largest number ever recorded by the station in a 12-month period, it was said. In 1940 there were 205 sponsors. Some 84 different kinds of foods were advertised last year. Among the sponsors were the State of Rhode Island and the Old County Trotting Association, which sponsors trotting races on Long Island. • • • In Philadelphia: Dick Hooper, television promotion, head for RCA Manu- facturing Co., has been shifted to a war industry division at the Camden, plant. . . . Stoney McLinn, WIP sports director, has been named sports pro- gram coordinator for the third Civilian Defense area. . . . Fred JVood, former WFIL announcer, has joined WJNO, West Palm Beach, Fia. . . . Leonard Bunkin has returned to the WIP sales staff. 1(1 Showmanship Flashes . . . McCarthy Lobby Figure In 'Laughing' Campaign Lawrence, Kan., Feb. 17. — For his campaign on "Look Ji'ho's Laughing," Stanley Schwahn, manager of the Granada Theatre here, made his own Charlie McCarthy as a- ballyhoo. Spotted in the lobby in a booth, "Char- lie" extended greetings to patrons by means of a rubber hose, running back to an usher in the rear of the booth, 'whose voice appeared to come from the figure. Horse and Buggy Stunt Features 'Dumbo' Ballyhoo Madison, Wis., Feb. 17. — A horse and buggy stunt was employed in the exploitation of "Dumbo" by M. M. Connor, manager of the Capitol Theatre here. The horse and buggy, used on the street, were covered with banners pointing out the the- atre's attraction. Man in Shadow Costume Highlights 'Thin Man' Plug Anderson, Ind., Feb. 17. — A man wearing a "shadow" costume and car- rying a small black bag toured the streets here as the highlight of the promotional campaign for "Shadow of the Thin Man" by Mel Blieden of the State Theatre here. Also a messenger boy paged "Mr. Thin Man" at numer- ous spots throughout the city prior to the film's opening. Contest on Tall Stories Used to Plug "Laughing" Aberdeen, Wash., Feb. 17. — For the film, "Look Who's Laughing," Joseph Kelly, manager of the Warner The- atre here, tied in with the Daily Washington, off a five-day fib con- test. Guest tickets were awarded for the best tall story submitted. Anderson President Of WMCA Company Following authorization of the transfer of WMCA's license from Knickerbocker Broadcasting Co., Inc., to WMCA., Inc., it was disclosed yes- terday that Earl E. Anderson is presi- dent of the latter corporation ; Don- ald S. Shaw, vice-president ; C. Nich- olas Priaulx, secretary-treasurer, and Harry L. Morgan, Jr., assistant secre- tary-treasurer. The board of direc- tors consists of Edward J. Noble, Earl E. Anderson, Shaw and Priaulx. Televise ARP Instruction NBC will start a regular series of air warden instruction over televi- sion, to be broadcast 18 times week- ly, beginning Monday. Half-hour lessons will be telecast on Mon- days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Philco will retransmit the programs in the Philadelphia area. It is planned to extend the network to Schenec- tady. E. M. Royle Rites Today Funeral services for Edwin Milton Royle, 79, author of a number of plays including "The Squaw Man," from which one of the first motion pictures was adapted, will be held at 2 P.M. today at The Little Church Around the Corner. He died Monday. He was the father of Selena Royle, actress. Music Union Fights Official in Baltimore Baltimore, Feb. 17. — The musi- cians union here, affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians, has placed Fred R. Huber, Municipal Di- rector of Music, on the black list. Unless Huber is removed from of- fice, concerts scheduled for Saturday morning and Sunday night by the Baltimore Symphony, directed by Howard Barlow, will be cancelled by the union. It is also said the Union's stand will eliminate the Metropolitan Opera Co.'s season here in March if Mayor Jackson refuses to replace Huber who has protested the scale of pay de- manded by the union for municipal concerts. Edwin Mordant Dies The death in Hollywood on Mon- day of Edwin Mordant, 73, actor who had appeared in films since 1932, has been made known here by the Actors Fund of America. A widow survives. Prior to his film work, Mordant had been on the stage for years. 1,974 Newspapers In Country in 1941 Philadelphia, Feb. 17. — A total of 1,974 newspapers were published in the United States during 1941, ac- cording to the 74th edition of N. W. Ayer & Sons Directory of News- papers and Periodicals. Although the total is 24 less than 1940, the circula- tion last year of all English language daily papers averaged 42,485,807, an increase of 1,612,870 over the previous year. Meadow Is Subject Of Coronet Article Noel Meadow, publicist of the Stanley Theatre here, is the subject of an article, "Screwballs, Inc.," pub- lished in the March issue of Coronet Magazine. The article was written by Howard Whitman, New York Daily News reporter, and deals with, the "Society of Screwballs," founded by Meadow some years ago, and includ- ing many personalities of the stage, screen and radio. Wednesday, February 18, 1942* Theatre Changes . . . Buys House in Chicago Chicago, Feb. 17. — The Ridge J Theatre, operated for 13 years by the"! Devon Amusement Corp., subsidiary jj of the Jacob Lasker & Sons circuit,]] has been sold to the Bartelstein j Brothers circuit. J Take Toronto Theatre Toronto, Feb. 17.— The Radio from the city forced the postponemen it was stated. MOTION PICTURE DAILY FILE COPT vlQT RCMOV First in and Impartial teL. 51. NO. 3S NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1942 TEN CENTS Canada Not to Disturb Trade Practice Setup WUm Unit Meets Price Board Monday Toronto, Feb. 18. — The Cana- li m Government has no intention nf upsetting or reorganizing trade practices in the industry in the Dominion, it was intimated today V R. (i. McMullen, Administrator V Theatres and Films. McMullen announced the first meeting of the Film Advisory Council with the Wartime Prices and Trade Board for next Monday here, for the for- mal presentation of the new Government control order, and to acquaint "all branches of the industry with the general policy." McMullen declared a decision has «en reached to maintain priorities in ne releasing of pictures to theatres as fljey existed during the basic period nd no distributor or exhibitor could '»ake any change in the sequence of |uns without the permission of the (Continued on pane 4) Jrylawski Gets List )f Production Need s Washington. Feb. 18. — Essential ;cds of the film industry for scarce laterials were reported today to A. jlian Brylawski, film industry con- stant to the War Production Board, .• Donald E. Hyndman, assistant to rancis Harmon, executive secretary the War Activities Commit- e-Motion Picture Industry. Hynd- an brought to Washington the re- alts of inquiries on material needs hich have been made during the past 'iree months by that committee. Harmon is expected here tomor (Continued on page 4) hiery 'Clouds' Trip in Canada Commons Ottawa, Feb. 18. — Trouble looms the Canadian Parliament in much e same manner as an issue developed the United States Congress over ■e employment of artists for National efense duties involving the expendi- j> re of public funds. . An inquiry as to the cost of send- ig a representative unit of the RCAF id Canadian officials to the recent (Continued on page 4) Discuss 16mm. Films For Military Camps Major distributors yester- day conferred with Army of- ficials on supplying military centers with 16mm. versions of all releases for wider dis- tribution and recreation op- portunities among the serv- ices. The meeting was held at headquarters of the War Ac- tivities Committee — Motion Picture Industry, with Francis Harmon, executive secretary, presiding. No statement was issued following the meeting, and it was not learned what decision was reached. Reek Named Head Of Movietone News Succeeding Talley Edmund Reek, who has been with Fox Movietone News since 1919 and general manager of the reel for the past four years, has been appointed vice-president and producer of the newsreel, Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, announced yes- terday. Reek succeeds the late Truman Talley as vice-president. He had been jperating head of the reel for the past year during Talley's illness. Kent indicated in announcing the appointment that the reel would con- tinue to operate under Reek as it had under Talley, and that there would be no radical changes in the person- nel. Kent said in his statement : "Mr. (Continued on page 4) U. S. POSTPONES 'LITTLE 3' TRUST SUIT INDEFINITELY Concedes It Cannot Try Case Before June 1, When Escape Clause May Be Operative At 'Big 5' Option Unless Extended The Government conceded in Federal Court yesterday that it could not bring its New York anti-trust suit against the "Little Three" to trial before June 1 and consented to having the case stricken from the trial calendar, where it had been all week. The case will be transferred to the foot of the general District Court calendar. Under the terms of the con- sent decree with the "Big Five," the "escape clause" will become operative as to the selling pro- visions of the decree at the elec- tion of the consenting com- panies unless an extension is obtained beyond June 1. The de- cree provided that the consent- ing companies could escape from the block-of-five and trade show- ings clauses should the Govern- ment fail to obtain a consent decree or court judgment against the non-consenting companies — Universal, Columbia and United Artists — before that date. Special Assistant Attorney General Robert L. Wright, head of the motion picture division of the anti-trust de- partment, said after the hearing be- fore Judge Henry W. Goddard that it (Continued on page 4) Sales Plan Ready Soon Distributors' proposals for a substi- tute sales method for the block-of- five system may be ready for submis- sion to the trade practice subcommit- tee of the United Motion Picture In- dustry today or shortly thereafter, William F. Rodgers, Umpi chairman and spokesmen for distributors, told the subcommittee yesterday. Due to the absence from the city of several of the major company gen- eral sales managers and other top executives, distributors have been un- able to complete their suggestions for a new sales method as promptly as have the exhibitors. The trade practice subcommittee, of which Jack Kirsch is chairman, will (Continued on page 4) Allied Head Urges 20% Nationwide Price Boost NSS Will Distribute Metro Accessories National Screen Service will take over distribution of M-G-M acces- sories beginning March 1 under a long term agreement, M-G-M announced yesterday. The personnel involved will be ab- sorbed mutually by the two compa- nies, it was said, with some poster clerks and other ad accessory men remaining with M-G-M and others transferring to National Screen. The (Continued on page 4) Pittsburgh, Feb. 18. — A 20 per cent increase in admission prices si- multaneously throughout the nation is urged by M. A. Rosenberg, president of Allied States Association, in a bulletin made public at his office here today. Pointing out that steadily increas- ing operating costs and higher taxes more than offset the gains being made in operating income, Rosenberg re- calls that the business has been "un- dersold in recent years." "Now, in order to show a profit and remain in business, it must be equal- ized in grosses as against overhead, (Continued on page 4) Hearing on 'Divorce' Delayed to March 19 The Government's motion to com- pel Paramount and 20th Century-Fox to divest themselves of a total of 38 theatres acquired since entry of the consent decree was adjourned yester- day by Federal Court Judge Henry W. Goddard until March 19 with con- sent of all parties concerned. The adjournment was taken to per- mit attorneys to agree on all the facts in the case, thus avoiding a lengthy trial and paving the way for a decision solely on the law. Judge Goddard stated from the bench that he would probably send the case to a referee for a decision if there is no agreement on the facts. Both sides told the court that pre- liminary conversations have shown that there is no dispute on the facts and that a stipulation should be reached. Arguments on the law, how- ever, are expected to be lengthy and (Continued on page 4) Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 19, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 18 FOR the first time in the history of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award dinners, reserva- tions have been sold out nine days in advance. Thirteen hundred seats, the largest sale in the organization's his- tory, have been sold. The seating ca- pacity for paid admissions, excluding the press, is 1,30,0. This is 100 more than last year due to use of the Bilt- mo're Bowl dance floor for taoles. • The Studio Publicity Directors Committee today inaugurated a news service to more than 400 post news- papers published in training camps. The service will be dispensed directly by the committee and feature news of particular interest to men in the armed forces, such as of films de- signed for their purposes, and dealing with matters pertinent to their activi- ties. • Tom J. Connors and Herman Wob- ber, 20th Century-Fox executives, re- turn tomorrow from San Francisco for three days of further conferences at the studio before starting a national tour of exchanges. • M-G-M announced today that Jean- ette MacDonald's next picture would be "Shadow of a Lady," a story by Ladislaus Fodor about Egypt in the present war. Personal Mention DAVID ROSE, Paramount man- aging director for Great Britain, will return from the Coast Monday. He is scheduled to leave for England Wednesday. • Ben Kalmenson and Roy Haines 'eft last night for Boston. • David Yaffee, Philadelphia exhib- itor and counsellor of the Philadel- phia Showmen's Club, became the father of a daughter last week. • Norman Moray was in Cleveland yesterday. • Charles Stiefel, theatre operator in Philadelphia, leaves for a Florida vacation this week. • J. Arthur Gross, former mana- ger of the Capitol and Park, Stone Harbor, N. J., enlisted in the Coast Guard and is stationed at Charleston, S. C. • Charles H. Moyer, manager of Warners' State, Hanover, Pa., was elevated to the presidency of the local Kiwanis Club, which he served as vice-president. BERT M. STEARN, United Art- ists Western division manager, left for Chicago yesterday. He will also visit other cities. • Stanton Griffis, chairman of the Paramount executive committee, has returned from the South. • Allyn Butterfield of Washing- ton was in town yesterday. • Richard Mayer, manager of the Studio, Philadelphia, has recovered from a recent illness. • Harry M. Bessey, secretary-treas- urer of Altec Service Corp., has re- turned from Philadelphia and Rich- mond. • Mrs. F. E. Judd, wife of the Mon- ogram manager in Des Moines, was injured this week when the car in which she was riding with her hus- band crashed into a telephone pole. • Lieut. Russ McKibbin, former manager of the Royal Theatre, Guelph, Ont., has arrived in England with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Gabin Party Tomorrow Twentieth Century-Fox has sched- uled a cocktail party for Jean Gabin. the French star, tomorrow afternoon in the Perroquet Suite of the Wal- dorf-Astoria Hotel. Miss Bankhead Resting Tallulah Bankhead entered the Lenox Hill Hospital yesterday to rest from a recent illness. Reagan and Lee to Detroit for Banquet Charles M. Reagan, Paramount as- sistant sales manager, and Claude Lee, public relations contact for the com- pany, left last night for Detroit to at- tend the pioneers banquet of the Var- iety Club tonight at the Book Cadillac Hotel. James J. Walker will be toastmaster of the affair, which will honor the 10 ioneer showmen of Michigan. Sen- ator Claude Pepper and Lee will be the chief speakers. The proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross. Virginia House Wins Award on Clearance Washington, Feb. 18. — A clear- ance award in favor of the Bayne Theatre, Virginia Beach, Va., was handed down here today by John E. Laskey, Sr., arbitrator, in a complaint involving Vitagraph (Warners) and the Newport Theatre, Norfolk. The award reduced the 21 -day clear- ance of the Newport over the Bayne to five days, pointing out that the the- atres are 20 miles apart and that the clearance reduction would not lower Vitagraph's revenue. William F. Crockett, president of the MPTO of Virginia, is vice-presi- dent of the Bayne-Roland Co., which operates the complaining theatre. English Government Eases 'Still' Problem London, Feb. 18. — Still photo- graphs made prior to Jan. 26 may be issued by film distributors and dis- played by exhibitors, if they have the official certification of the Board of Trade. That decision was reached today following; conversations among rep- resentatives of distributors, exhibitors and the Board of Trade, in an effort to provide some solution to the prob- lem resulting from the recent Gov- ernment order banning the use of stills. Players Aid Canada Victory Loan Drive Ottawa, Feb. 18.— Many Hol- lywood players are in Canada now, assisting in the current three-week Second Victory Loan campaign for $600,000,- 000. In its second day the total is reported at $84,000,000. Greer Garson, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and James Melton are expected here Friday/^ Others taking part includ<^Te"N' Olsen and Johnson, Brian "T Ahern, Gracie Fields, Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Janet Gaynor. Ampa's Relief Fund Has $1,536 Balance The Ampa relief fund had a cash balance of $1,536 and total assets of $1,638 at the end of 1941, after ex- penditures of $922 during the last eight months of the year, according to a report made public yesterday by David O'Malley, treasurer. The fund is exclusive of Ampa's own accounts, which showed cash in bank of $475 and total assets of $1,302 at the end of the year. Luncheon re- ceipts for the final eight months were $1,796, dues $675 and jubilee dinnei receipts $569. Total receipts for the period were $3,671 and expenditure $3,196. Lt. Col. M. E. Gillette, commanding officer at Fort Monmouth, N. J., train- ing film production laboratory, will hi guest of honor at Ampa's luncheor meeting at the Hotel Edison today. Hi will speak on the use of films in thi Army. Jean Gabin, Joan Edwards Harry Hershfield and Jimmy Duranti are scheduled to appear. Meet on New Haven Variety Club Plans New Haven, Feb. 18. — An organi- zation luncheon for a Connecticut Va- riety Club was held today at the Ho- tel Garde, with representatives of all branches of the industry in attendance. John Harris, national chief barker, and Martin Mullin, Boston club chief barker, were guest speakers. Invita- tions were issued by Herman M. Levy, Connecticut MPTO executive secretary, with cooperation of a com- mittee including I. J. Hoffman. Dr. J. B. Fishman, Connecticut Allied president, and others. Reels to Carry Clips Urging Bond Salei The newsreels have pledged them selves to present short clips in cur rent releases urging the purchase c defense bonds and stamps, George J Schaefer, chairman of the War Ac tivities Committee — Motion Pictur Industry, announced yesterday. Till reels will act in cooperation with thl Treasury Department and the com mittee. l: The first clip will be carried h) News of the Day and the second b Movietone News. Each clip has bee especially prepared for local use. ■ MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday ai, . holidays by Quigley Publishing Compam [ Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cente New York City. Telephone Circle 7-310 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." M; tin Quigley, Editor-in-Cbief and Pubhshe Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genei Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, VW President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Burea 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Nei Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Um Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editc London Bureau; 4 Golden Square. Lond Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addrt "Quigpubco, London." All contents cot righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Coi pany, Inc. Other Quigley publications; M tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inti national Motion Picture Almanac and Fan. Entered as second class matter, Sept. i 1938 at the post office at New York, N. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscr tion rates per year $6 in the Americas a $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. i m. ^§1 > .4, ' -.. & We weren't kidding when we called "Captains of the Clouds" the "Sergeant York" of 1942! What business it's doing at the N.Y. Strand! It's SROver everything in years! / *jt»teo mthieR. bws! 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 19, 1942 1 Allied Head Urges 20% Nationwide Price Boost Canada Not to Disturb Trade Practice Setup U.S. Puts Off 'Little Three' Trust Action (Continued from page 1) has not been decided whether or not to ask the consenting companies for an extension of the escape clause. This decision, it is expected, might be determined by the Government's atti- tude toward the proposals for new sales provisions now being drafted by the United Motion Picture Industry. One of the principal reasons for the organization of Umpi was to propose an alternative for block-of-five sell- ing. If a program suitable to the Government is put forth, it would, of course, provide for a trial period for the new plan and automatically void the present escape clause, in the opinion of observers. Denied Limitation The Government's conceding that it was not ready for the "Little Three" trial and could not be "for some time to come," came after a denial of Wright's plea that the Gov- ernment be permitted to limit the trial to the questions of block book- ing and blind selling. Counsel for the defense, who were Louis Frohlich for Columbia and Benjamin Pepper for United Artists and Universal, said they were willing to have the case narrowed to these issues if the Gov- ernment agreed to drop all the other charges. Wright contended that this could not be done and Judge Goddard de- nied the motion to split up the trial. "I don't think the court should al- low the Government to pick out cer- tain issuei over the objections of these defendants," said Judge Goddard. "If you try the two issues, the remaining issues will be hanging over their heads." Judge Goddard added that he would like to see the selling provisions of the decree suc- ceed as much time had been spent formulating them. Wright replied that the success would depend on the cooperation of the consenting companies, add- ing that it was still too early to tell whether or not the new selling methods were desirable. The ruling came indirectly as the result of a motion by the Government to strike out certain interrogatories served by the three companies. Wright explained that the motion to strike out could not be decided unless it were first determined on what issues the Government was to proceed in the trial. He admitted that there was no legal authority for splitting the trial but that it was a matter directed to the court's "discretion." Judge Goddard replied that he could not "in fairness to the defendants" split the issues unless the defendants consented. Conspiracy Alleged Besides block booking and blind selling, the complaint alleged a con- spiracy to restrain trade, and it was tin's charge which the Government was unwilling and unprepared to try at this time. Following the ruling, the motion to strike out the interrogatories was ad- journed indefinitely and the attorneys will make an effort to agree on the terms. Reek Named Head Of Movietone News Succeeding Talley (Continued from page 1) Reek is a thorough newsreel execu- tive who has had well-grounded ex- perience in all branches of newsreel operation, and we are happy to have him become the head of 20th Century- Fox Movietone News, which has made such an enviable record in gath- ering world-wide news since its incep- tion." Reek was born in New York May 18, 1897. He served in the last war and was one of the first employes of the newsreel formed by Fox Film Corp. in 1919, serving as feature di- rector. Later he became a camera- man, serving in that capacity for seven years. He was made news edi- tor by Talley when the latter became producer in 1927 and was named gen- eral manager in 1938. Hearing on 'Divorce' Delayed to March 19 (Continued from page 1) Judge Goddard set aside an entire court day for hearing them. The date may have to be postponed, how- ever, as Judge Goddard may be en- gaged in other cases. The Government contends that Par- amount acquired 16 houses and 20th Century-Fox 22, in violation of Sub- division 5 of Section 11 of the decree. This subdivision bans a general thea- tre expansion by consenting companies for the first three years of the decree's existence but does not prevent acqui- sition of theatres to protect invest- ments, the companies' competitive po- sition or for ordinary purposes of their business. Brylawski Gets List Of Production Needs (Continued from page 1) row for further discussions of the report with Brylawski and other War Production Board officials. The survey made by the industry's War Activities Committee constitutes an inventory of the minimum require- ments of the studios for copper, steel, rubber and a large number of other materials and products which are lim- ited. On the basis of this informa- tion, the WBB is expected to assign to the industry amounts of these ma- terials which it believes will keep pro- duction going. CFI 25-Cent Dividend Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., has declared a dividend of 25 cents a share on the $2 preferred stock, pay- able on account of accumulations on April 1 to stockholders of record March 10. Arrears on April 1 will be $10.25. (Continued from page 1) and an increase in admissions is a possible solution," Rosenberg's bul- letin states. "It is estimated that a 20 per in- crease in admission charges would be sufficient to absorb the increased op- erating costs and leave the average theatre owner with a slight profit," the Allied head continues. "Very likely the larger chains, and particu- larly those which are incorporated, will find it necessary to increase ad- missions beyond 20 per cent, due to higher costs which generally prevail in key cities, and due also to the drastic increase in corporation taxes of all kinds." Favors Start at Keys "In order that an increase in ad- missions may be put into effect with the least impairment of good will," Rosenberg says, "it must have simul- taneous action by as many theatres as possible, and it must start from the key runs, who have protection and priorities in run over the subsequents. Not only would the public react more favorably to a general price increase as compared with sporadic increases by individual theatre owners in scat- tered zones, but the ratio of increase could (and should) be considerably higher than it would be if each theatre acted alone." Rosenberg points out that few ex- hibitors increased admissions in 1941, yet operating costs were appreciably higher in that year, as were taxes. During the coming year, he reminds theatre operators, both items will be even higher and new taxes may have to be faced as well. NSS Will Distribute Metro Accessories (Continued from page 1) latter has expanded its organization to handle the 12,000 M-G-M accounts and will work in close cooperation with M-G-M's advertising depart- ment, it was stated. W. F. Rodgers, vice-president and general sales manager of M-G-M, said : "I am confident that our cus- tomers will receive even greater co- operation under this new accessory setup. Naturally, as always, we wel- come any suggestion for improving our service to exhibitors. With the many important attractions available for production, it is necessary that every effort be made toward merchan- dising perfection." Query 'Clouds' Trip In Canada Commons (Continued from page 1) premiere of "Captains of the Clouds" in New York has been brought about by J. H. Blackmore, independent mem- ber of the House of Commons from Cardston. Blackmore has given notice that he will force information from the Gov- ernment regarding the department head who was responsible for the de- cision for the trip and the cost to the Dominion Treasury for the expenses of the unit and "the other individuals." (Continued from page 1) administrator, thus maintaining the status quo. McMullen intimated that it mi^e^j not be necessary to institute the actuWlj pegging of film rentals but distribu- S tors would be required to give all ex- I hibitors a fair share of product under terms in keeping with conditions dur- -; ing the basic period of Sept. 15 to Oct. 11, 1941. The Wartime Prices and Trade Board now has complete and legal control over the motion picture industry in Canada, fol- lowing the recent announcement of the Government that James Stewart of Toronto, Administra- tor of Services for the board, has full say over distributors and exhibitors and how the the- atres are to be operated — as well as how many can operate. * The naming of the Administrator of Services as the controlling hand, with full power to make decisions, had come somewhat as a surprise in trade i circles because of the previous ap- pointment of McMullen to the office of Administrator of Theatres and Films in the Prices and Trade Board. The exhibitors and distributors engaged in forming an advisory council had been : looking to McMullen as the official 1 with whom they would have dealings and to whom they would submit official recommendations in behalf of the trade. Authority to Stewart Stewart, as Administrator of Ser- vices, has now been given the au-jj thority. The relation between the two I officials has not been clarified offi-M cially, but it is presumed that the in- f dustry's representatives will continue I in close touch with McMullen while I Stewart will be the arbiter or final I referee in behalf of the board. The powers of the administrator are; now defined, "in order effectually to' regulate the supply, distribution and 1 exhibition of moving picture films.". He has also been given power over ] I theatre construction, as a matter of I control of the industry, which was i held previously by C. Blake Jackson, j I Controller of Construction in the De- j I partment of Munitions and Supply. Sees Substitute Sales Proposal Ready Soon (Continued from page 1) complete its work as soon as agree- ments have been reached on a new sales method and on extension of ar-j bitration to cover trade practice grievances not mentioned in the con- sent decree. The group was occu- pied with the latter subject yester- day and will continue with it this morning. To Handle Fund Film Metropolitan Film Distributors will distribute the film for the 1942 cam- paign of the Greater New York Fund, which starts in about three weeks. The film runs eight minutes. Motion Picture Daily Reviews "To Be Or Not To Be" (Korda-United Artists) AX effective combination of farce comedy and straight, serious drama, "To Be Or Not To Be" emerges as high-grade entertainment which should be headed for a high spot on the credit side of the exhibitor's ledger. This is true in part by reason of the starring personalities, and in part because of the amusing qualities of its theme. Ever-apparent is the keen and subtle touch of Ernst Lubitsch, who produced and directed the film for Alexander Korda from a screenplay by Edwin Justus Mayer based on an original story by Lubitsch and Melchior Lengyel. The exhibitor has for marquee purposes the names of Jack Benny and ihe late Carole Lombard, both of whom give smartly turned perform- ances. For selling purposes, tell the potential patrons that this picture kids Shakespeare, with Jack Benny chief kidder, and kids the Nazi Gestapo, with Benny and company handling that assignment. Benny, Miss Lombard, as his wife, and Lionel Atwill, Felix Bressart and several others make up a stock company in Warsaw in 1939. When the Nazis march into Poland, the company becomes actively involved in Gestapo intrigue, as they come to the aid of the Polish underground movement in attempting to trap a German spy en route from England with information for the Gestapo which would wreck the anti-Nazi movement. Comedy dominates the film, alternating with phases of occasionally sharp and suspense-laden drama, as Benny impersonates the trapped and dead spy, has more than one narrow escape, and the entire stock com- pany escapes the country through a ruse based on impersonation of Hitler, which is quite too good to be true, but nevertheless is amusing. And through it all, are the entertaining Hashes of Benny's jealousy of his wife's filirtations. Running time, 99 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson 'Below the Border" y Monogram ) Hp HE "Rough Riders" series continues in familiar fashion. This latest * edition has the trio of law officers — Buck Jones, Tim McCoy and Raymond Hatton — maneuvering and battling on behalf of righteousness in their usual style, and what comes of it is fair western entertainment. The marshals in this cope with a band of outlaws down Mexico way who have murdered their colleague. Posing as strangers they work together surreptitiously most of the way and when the crisis arrives they ride together and capture the gang in short order. Linda Brent in the top feminine role, that of the fair senorita who is robbed of her father's jewels, is not especially convincing. Charles King, Dennis Moore, Bud Osborne and Ted Mapes are suitable enough as the outlaws. Howard P. Bretherton directed. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel Thursday. February 19, 1942 'Lady,' Powell Take $22,000, Lead Chicago Chicago. Feb. 18. — "Lady for a Might" with Dick Powell in person ■ t the Oriental drew $22,000, best of ather slow week. "Bahama Pas- e" and a stage show took $36,000 mt the Chicago. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 12: ' Babes an Broadway" (M-G-M) I APOLLO— (1,400; (35c-55c-65e-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. (7th week in Loop) Gross: $5,500. ; Average, $5,000) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) I CH1CAGO-(4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Stage — Harold Stokes orchestra. Gross: $.!6,000. (Average, $32,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) (2nd week in Loop) "Cadet Girl" (20th-Fox) GARR1CK— (1,000) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 i clays. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $5,000) • Lady for a Night" (Rep.) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (25c-30c-40c-50c) 7 | clays— Stage Dick Powell. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $16,000) ' Bali of Fire" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) 5 days, 6th week. "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) 2 days. PALACE— (2,500) (40c-50c-68c) 7 days, (iross: $12,500. (Average, $13,000) "Ride and Shine" (20th-Fox) "Blue, White and Perfect" (20th- Fox) S days, 2nd week. ' Blues in the Night" (W.B.) "You're in the Army Now" (W.B.) 2 days ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 clays. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $11,000) How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) STATE-LAKE— (3.700) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 clays, 4th week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, >;4.(.«»» "The Corsican Brothers" (U.A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (35c-55c-6Sc- if 75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $15,000. (Av- erage, $14,000) Pathe Now Owns PRC Stock 100% Hollywood, Feb. 18. — Pathe now ■ aviis all of the stock of Producers Re- ' leasing Corp., having added to the 68 (per cent interest obtained recently, Leon Fromkess, vice-president, dis- closed here today. He said that consent decree selling i by the "Big 5" has helped PRC since .the year-round selling season has opened up new possibilities. He said I that the company's business has im- 'proved greatly since last year and jthat it expects to service SO per cent (more theatre situations this year than Mast. Fromkess said that Pathe, Ltd., of England will make "Angel of Mercy" Ifor PRC, and George Quigley of New \ ork plans a musical to be made at the Ideal Studios in New Jersey. PRC next season will have not less than 24 features and 18 westerns, the same as the present season, he said. 'The annual sales convention will be ;in May. PRC— Great States Deal Producers Releasing Corp. has ^closed a deal on the 1941-42 product with the Publix-Great States The- atres, according to Arthur Greenblatt, 'tgeneral sales manager, who is on a t"ur of the Midwest and East. Replacing Old Theatre Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 18.— -The Royal Theatre, one of the oldest here, 'will be torn down and be replaced by la new house. It is owned by Acme Theatres, of which Frank V. Mer- fritt is general manager. *"G" denotes general classification. Rep. Opens Chicago Sales Meeting Today Chicago, Feb. 18. — Republic will open a quarterly regional sales meet- ing at the Drake Hotel here tomorrow with H. J. Yates, James R. Grainger and M. J. Siegel presiding. Company representatives will attend from St. Louis, Kansas City, Indian- apolis, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Dallas, New Orleans, Omaha, Des Moines, Atlanta, Memphis, Oklahoma City and Minneapolis, as well as the Chicago office. Plans for the new quarter and a re- view of the present period will be dis- cussed. Esquire in Winnipeg Toronto, Feb. 18. — A. J. Laurie, president of Esquire Films, Ltd., han- dling British features in Canada, is in Winnipeg to supervise the open- ing of his company's branch there un- der the management of I. H. Allen, formerly with Grand National Films, Winnipeg. Lou Rosefield, formerly with exchanges in Montreal and To- ronto, has been added to the Esquire sales staff here. Albert P. Terhune, Noted Author, Dies Funeral services for Albert Payson Terhune, 69, noted author whose works included about 30 screenplays, will be held Saturday at Pompton Lakes, N. Y., where he died yesterday of a heart ailment. Burial will be in the Dutch Reformed Cemetery there. Terhune gained prominence through his numerous stories about dogs. In addition to these and his film work, he had written poetry, novels, and had been a newspaper sports editor. His last film story was "The Mighty Treve," produced in 1937 by Univer- sal. He had been in retirement in the last five years. His widow and a daughter survive. Frank Packard Dies Montreal, Feb. 18. — Frank L. Packard, 69, writer of detective stories and author of "The Miracle Man," which twice was made as a film, died in Lachinej near here, last night. "The Miracle Man," his most noted work, was produced by Paramount in 1919 and in 1932. 5 'Purchase' at $24,000 Best Boston Gross Boston, Feb. 18. — "Louisiana Pur- chase" coupled with "Pacific Black- out" gave the Metropolitan $24,000. Eddy Duchin and his orchestra plus "Two Latins From Manhattan" drew $19,000 at the Keith Boston. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 11-13: "Two Latins From Manhattan" (Col.) KEITH BOSTON— (2,697) (30c-40c-44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Eddy Duchin and orchestra with Tony Leonard and Johnny Drake. Gross: $19,000. (Aver- age, $8,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) KEITH MEMORIAL—(2,907) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $16,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) METROPOLITAN— (4,367) (28c-30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $24,000. (Average, $15,500) "Sons of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (1,797) (28c-30c-40c-44c- 55c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,500. (Av- erage, $7,500) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (20th-Fox) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,900- (Average, $4,500) "All Through the Night" (W.B.) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) SCOLLAY— (2,500) (28c-30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd run. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $4,000) "The Chocolate Soldier" (M-G-M) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) LOEWS STATE-(3,000) (30c-40c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $12,000) "The Chocolate Soldier" (M-G-M) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) LOEWS ORPHEUM— (2,900) (30c-40c- 44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Average, $17,500) $99,087 from FWC For March of Dimes Los Angeles, Feb. 18. — Fox West Coast Theatres patrons contributed $99,087 in the recent March of Dimes campaign, Charles P. Skouras, presi- dent, announced today. This is 55 per cent more than last year, he said. It is estimated that collections in California film theatres totaled about $175,000. Independent film theatres amassed $22,148 in Southern Cali- fornia and an estimated $33,000 in Northern California. The Warner circuit in California collected $5,433. Other reports were Paramount Theatre, Los Angeles, $1,852; Pantages, Hollywood, $2,142, and RKO Hillstreet, $1,841. Phila. Trade Gives $40,000 to 'Dimes' Philadelphia, Feb. 18. — More than $40,000 was collected from film and legitimate theatres and film exchanges in the March of Dimes drive here, it was disclosed. Of this amount, $28,- 000 was collected by Warner Thea- tres. The circuit's houses here ac- counted for $500 last year, when no auditorium collections were made. Independent houses collected $12,- 000 as against $5,000 last year. Legit- imate houses turned in $1,000 and ex- changes $650. Total collections from all sources in the city were $100,000, compared with $60,000 last year. Charles Bierbauer, manager of the Colonial, Allentown, who headed the collection there, reported a total of $3,300 from the 19 theatres in the district. CO « < The Man Who Came to Dinner (C) 117 Bette Davis Monty Wooley Wild Bill Hickok Rides (O) 118 Bennett-Cabot Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Val. Hobson Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Brenda Marshall Bullet Scars (D) 123 Regis Toomey Adele Longmire Always in My Heart (D) 124 Gloria Warren Franc is-Ho uston Murder in the Big House (D) 125 Faye Emerson The Male Animal (C) 126 0. De Havilland Henry Fonda North to the Klondike (D) 6023 Brod. Crawford Treat 'Em Rough (C) 6039 Eddie Albert Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Jungle Fury (D) Ride 'Em Cowboy (C) 6002 Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 What's Cookin' (C) Gloria Jean Andrew Sisters Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) Una Mcrkel Lionel Atwell Ghost of Frankenstein (D) Lon Chaney, Jr. Bela Lugosi Frisco Lil (D) Irene Hervey Kent Taylor The Saboteur (D) Priscilla Lane Robt. 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(Thursday, February 19, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 Off the Antenna ~\A BC plans the most extensive shortwave hookup it has ever had for Presi- dent Roosevelt's speech next Monday. The NBC Pan American Net- work will transmit the program to its 120 affiliates in Latin America and RCA Communications will relay it around the world. A Portuguese transla- tion will be transmitted to Brazil by RCAC and other countries will hear it in Spanish over NBC shortwave, as the President is speaking. Later, a transcription of his voice will be broadcast. Starting at 1 :30 A.M. Tuesday, translations in nine different languages will be beamed to Europe and trans- mission the entire day will be devoted to such translations. • • • Purely Personal: Dwight Herrick has been named assistant to Thomas D. Rislworth, director of the NBC public scn'icc division, it was announced yesterday by C. L. Mcnser, program manager. Other appointments included Judith Waller, public service director for the Central division, and Jennings Pierce, director for the Western division. . . . William E. Meredith has joined the W LW , Cincinnati, continuity staff. • • • WLBZ, Bangor, Me., has notified NBC that it expects to increase its power from 1,000 watts day and 500 night to 5,000 day and night, on April 15. WTMA, Charleston, S. C, expects to increase its power to 1,000 watts, unlimited time, on April 1. It now operates with 250 watts. • • • NBC's television department personnel yesterday tendered a testimonial dinner at Stouffer's restaurant to Alfred H. Morton, formerly vice-president in charge of television, who resigned to head the artists' management service purchased from the network. • • • Program News: Arthur Godfrey will shirt a new program over CBS. Monday, "Victory Begins at Home." The program, to be heard Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11-11 :15 A.M., will discuss consumer news and will be available for sponsorsliip. . . . Bosch Radio Productions has sold "It Takes a Woman" to Hafner Coffee which zeill use it five times weekly over KQV , Pittsburgh. The program is also heard over WABC and KXOK, St. Louis, for West Disinfecting Co A series of civilian defense programs is being broadcast by three Omaha stations, KOWH, KOIL and WOW. It is pre- pared by the Omaha Defense Council. • • • Douglas F. Storer was named manager of the Blue's commercial pro- gram department yesterday. According to the announcement by Phillips Carlin, vice-president in charge of programs, Storer's department will act as a clearing house for ideas and talent worthy of commercial spon- sorship. In some cases, it is planned to introduce novel programs on a sustaining basis to stimulate sales to sponsors. WPB Cuts Musical Instrument Output Washington, Feb. 18. — The War Production Board today issued an order restricting the use of vital war metals in the production of all musical instruments, including pianos, band and orchestral instru- ments. Production will be cut as much as 75 per cent on some items. The industry is ^estimated to employ about 15,000, with annual factory sales of from $40,000,000 to $50,000,000. Seek FCC Permit on Houston FM Station Washington, Feb. 18. — The Hous- ton Printing Corp., Houston, Tex., lias filed an application with the FCC for a construction permit for a new IFM station to operate on 46,500 kilo- cycles. Applications also were received trom Stations WJHL, Johnson City, Tenn., for increase of day power from 1.000 to 5,000 watts, and WADC, Tallmadge, Ohio, for change of fre- quency from 1,350 to 1,220 kilocycles iand increase of power from 5,000 to 50,000 watts. Issue Construction Permit A construction permit for a new 1.230-kilocycle, 250- watt broadcast station has been issued to Edwin A. Kraft, Kodiak, Alaska, and Station JKGIW, Alamosa, Col., was granted permission to increase power from 100 to 250 watts. Acting on a number of applications, •the commission ordered hearings on the requests of the Chambersburg I'.roadcasting Co. for a new 1,340- kilocycle, 250-watt station at Cham- bersburg. Pa. ; William L. Klein fol- ia new 1,490-kilocycle, 250-watt sta- tion at Oak Park, 111., and the Mur- [reesboro Broadcasting Co., Murfrees- boro, Tenn., Andrew L. Todd, Mur- freesboro, and the Nashville Radio Corp., Nashville, Tenn., for new 1.450-kilocycle, 250-watt stations in 'their respective communities. Carroll Show Ruled 'Unfair' by A.G.V.A. Hollywood, Feb. 18. — The Los An- geles local of the American Guild of Variety Artists last night placed the Karl Carroll Roadshow Enterprises, which planned nationwide tours for appearances in film theatres, on the unfair list. The action compelled can- cellation of the first unit of "Vanities" at the Orpheum, San Diego, this week. AGVA officials said the move was made because Carroll refused to sign the standard roadshow contract which provides for a minimum of $60 weekly for principals, first-class trans- portation for principals, $15 weekly for chorus girls rehearsals, a limit of 30 performances weekly and other conditions. Carroll has the standard AGVA contract for his theatre restaurant here. Under the rules of the Asso- ciated Actors & Artistes of America, of which AGVA is a branch, no mem- ber of other talent unions may work for the Carroll roadshows. WPB Sets Up Visual Education Committee Washington, Feb. 18. — The War Production Board today set up a vis- ual education projection subcommittee of the photographic equipment industry to act in an advisory capacity to the Division of Industry operations. The group will consult witn WPB officials trom time to time. The subcommittee consists of 17 representatives of equipment com- panies, laboratories and visual educa- tion societies, including A. J. Brad- ford, manager, Motion Picture En- gineering Co., Detroit ; Ellsworth C. Dent, RCA ; E. B. DeVry, president DeVry Corp., Chicago ; G. P. Foute, president, Raven Screen Corp., New- York; Louis B. Fisch, president, Mo- tion Picture Screen & Accessories Co., New York; J. C. Heck, presi- dent, Da-Lite Screen Co., Chicago ; W. S. Vaughan, Eastman Kodak ; and Alexander Victor, president, Victor Animatograph Corp., Davenport, la. Columbus Stage Show Columbus, Feb. 18.— The RKO Palace, which several weeks ago switched from a combination to a straight picture policy, will play "Meet the People," a revue, for a week start- ing Friday. Metro Unit to Tour Ky. M'-G-M's "show builder" mobile unit for aiding exhibitors in increas- ing attendance will begin a tour of 72 Kentucky cities on Feb. 24 with visits at Falmouth and Williamstown. 200 Operators Offer Service for Defense More than 200 members of Opera- tors Union, Local 306, have volun- teered to serve without salary for showing of films sponsored by defense agencies for educational and morale purposes, it was stated by the union yesterday. A committee has been set up to coordinate defense activities within the union with Stephen D'ln- zillo, vice-president, as chairman. In addition to the purchase by the local of $50,000 in defense bonds, indi- vidual members have purchased al- most $400,000 more, it was disclosed. Arrangements are being made for the sale of bonds at union headquarters and negotiations are under way for voluntary weekly salary deductions for the purchase of stamps. Other de- fense activities include a drive for blood donors, air wardens and volun- tary firemen, it was said, and, as al- ready revealed, no charge is made for overtime when required for running defense films in theatres. Home of Old Israel Show Next Monday The annual benefit show of the Home of Old Israel, institution for aged folk, will be at Madison Square Garden next Monday evening. The proceeds will go to the institution's $100,000 building fund drive. A large program of entertainment has been arranged. Joseph T. Higgins is chair- man of the benefit, assisted by a large committee of notables. CBS Imposes Rigid Sponsor Rules on News CBS yesterday issued drastic regulations covering sponsors' mes- sages on newscasts. Gilson Gray, commercial editor, in making the new rules known, declared that both network and sponsor share "full recognition of the immense responsibility radio bears in its handling of news broadcasts under war conditions." Principal effects of the new stand- ards are to reduce by 20 per cent the amount of time devoted to commer- cials on newscasts as compared with other types of programs, to bar lengthy oneiiing commercials, to give the network discretion to eliminate middle commercials and to ban them entirely from programs of less than five minutes, to make certain that .•ommercial announcements are distin- guished from news content, and to surround the newscast with a proper decorum. Time Limit Set Opening commercials are limited to 40 seconds for 15 and 10-minute pro- grams and to 25 seconds on five-min- ute shows ; the commercial must be given in a way to tell the listener it is a commercial, not a news item; neither opening commercial nor any other is to be in the form of a jingle or any other device manifesting undue gaiety, humor or excitement; the technique of giving a few headlines and then an opening commercial must be abandoned. A middle commercial is allowed only on newscasts of 10 minutes or more ; it must be preceded by at least three minutes of news ; it may be eliminated by the network if news warrants, and may be set back in the program to avoid interruption of an item. Must Differ from News All commercials, except opening commercials which are obviously from the sponsor, must be set aside from the news content either by use of a different voice, which is regarded as preferable, or by a pause or appropri- ate phrase, such as "now a few words from our sponsor." Words like "flash" or "bulletin" to introduce a commer- cial are banned. Commercials must be temperate and restrained and appropriate to the spirit of the program. Too rapid de- livery or over-emphatic selling is banned. CBS has reserved the right to im- pose further restrictions in the fu- ture. Minn. Circuit Cuts Service Men Price Minneapolis, Feb. 18. — Minnesota Amusement Co. today put reduced rates for service men in uniform into effect in 14 of its Minneapolis theatres. The reductions are equivalent to ap- proximately 5 per cent of the prices prevailing previously, bringing them to 25 cents for Loop houses and 10 cents in neighborhood and suburban houses for the service men. Other local theatres are expected to make similar reductions. EDWARD SMALL w .HOPKINS- PtfST0N F0M in with , cioria Hotden ... uuber • Ph«'»P Reed • ^ Har°W Se • Sharon Douglas * Douglass Oumbniie ^ ^ BBed°n. j " jig Aieri, InteUigei ana \ irvaispen sable to the ojtion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY )L. 51. NO. 36 NEW YORK, U.S.A.. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1942 TEN CENTS Public Contact Committee Set Up by Industry HomeOffice, Coast Groups Form Organization The organizations of home office nd studio advertising- and pub- xity directors will be coordinated nto Eastern and Western divisions f a single national organization to arry out new public relations poli- ces for the industry at the sugges- ion of the special committee of six rttorneys. The name of the new national organization is the Public Rela- tions Committee of the Motion Picture Industry. The name was decided upon at a Ecent meeting of Robert M. Gill- am of Paramount with the studio ublicity directors' committee in EoUywood, at which it was agreed to jordinate the work of the East and ♦ est groups. Gillham. chairman of te Eastern division, reported back to (Continued on page 3) Theatre Precautions o OCD Next Week Washington. Feb. 19. — Final draft the proposed blackout and air raid gulations for theatres is expected to ! submitted to the Office of Civilian etense early next week, it was stated •day by John J. Payette, chairman the committee in charge of the pro- am. Payette said suggestions for meas- ~es to be taken by exhibitors have been :bmitted from many sections of the mntry. In some areas definite steps ive been taken to put safeguards in- effect, even before promulgation (Continued on page 3) National Theatres Starts Coast Meet Los Angeles, Feb. 19.— The annual eeting of executives of National •heatres and affiliated circuits started •re today with Spyros Skouras, pres- ent, in charge of the sessions. Tom J. Connors and Herman Wob- r. 20th Century-Fox executives, are tending. Also present are Charles e escape clause of the consent decree would become operative on June 1, re- lieving the five consenting distributors jf further compliance with the trade Showing and blocks of five provisions. ;l If joint proposals agreed upon by .Umpi and the Department of Justice do not prevail, observers say, each distributor will be free to return to ti e sales policy of his own choice after HJune 1. However, industry attorneys say, an ideal arrangement for introduction of i new sales method would be one which included the Department of [Justice, since all organized exhibitors .are participating in the Umpi move- ment with distributors and this might (be cited as concerted action at the end tof the decree's three-year trial period 'tin the event it did not have the sanc- ittion of the Department. — ' ' Report 'Wind' Deal With British Circuit London, Feb. 19.— It is understood Ihere that M-G-M is negotiating with Mhe Associated British Circuit for the jsliowing of "Gone With the Wind." The film originally was boycotted by 'the Cinematograph Exhibitors Asso- ,ciation because of a dispute over rental U-rms. 11 -.It is said that the film is to be shown igii certain key spots on the Associated British circuit in two parts, one each 1 week. Review Deal Not Known Here The M-G-M home office said yes- terday that nothing was known of the Associated British Circuit deal for "Gone With the Wind." It was said, however, that the film would not be shown in England or anywhere else on a two-part basis. With reference to the boycott, it was said here that the film had played 17 situations in England up to Sep- tember, 1940. The home office declared that fur ther bookings were refused in En sjland and the film withdrawn in the Fall of 1940, because during that per „i<>d of the heaviest air blitz against 1 Kngland grosses were lagging badly 'Frisco Lil" ( Universal) THE basic story of this film has a fair amount of interest but its treat- ment is not as vigorous as it might have been, with the result that the melodrama is a degree short of par. It concerns the frameup of an honest gambling casino proprietor by his crooked associates. The victim's daughter, a law student, leaves her nance, who also is her instructor, and undertakes to even the score by posing as a card sharp and going to work for the new management, eventually tricking them into exposing themselves. This is done with the assistance of her fiance and his father. Irene Hervey is the young lady in the case, Kent Taylor her fiance, Samuel S. Hinds is the father and Jerome Cowan plays the leader of the crooked gambling gang. Erie C. Kenton directed. Running time. 60 minutes. "G."* Eugene Arneel !"G" denotes general classification. BVay Expects Boom On 3-Day Weekend; Grosses Are Strong (Continued from page 1) an estimated $31,000 and began a second week yesterday. Heavy business is continuing at the Radio City Music Hall with "Woman of the Year." The film, with the stage presentation, finished its second week with an estimated $103,000 and yes- terday began a third week. "Captains of the Clouds" at the Strand with Blue Barron's orchestra also had a good opening week, esti- mated at $42,000, and begins a second week today. That figure does not in- clude the business of last Thursday night when the premiere was held. "Son of Fury" wound up its third and final week at the Roxy with an stimated $42,500 and was followed yesterday by "Roxie Hart." The pic- ture was supported by the stage pres- entation. Columbia's "The Invaders" is scheduled to open at the Capitol on March 5. M-G-M's "Johnny Eager" bowed in at that theatre yes- terdav. Supplies to Service Men Cincinnati, Feb. 19. — At a meet- ing of the Cinema Club of Cincinnati, the first shipment of cigarettes, razor blades and similar commodities to local exchange and theatremen in the armed forces was reported. The or- ganization plans to continue these shipments at regular intervals. Operates Only Weekends Washington, Conn., Feb. 19. — Joseph Reed has reduced operating time of the Bryan Memorial Theatre 1 1 Saturdays and Sundays only. Theatre Precautions To OCD Next Week (Continued from page 1) or recommendations by the OCD, he said. The plans worked out by the com- mittee, he said, will incorporate the best of the many suggestions sent in and will be so framed that they will be adaptable to the smallest theatre in the most remote community as well as the large houses in metropolitan cen- ters. Raise Weekend Price Baltimore, Feb. 19. — Loew's Cen- tury and Keith's, both downtown first run houses, have raised prices for the weekends. Top admissions for orches- tra seats will be 55 cents instead of 44 cents during evening on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Balcony prices will remain at 44 cents. Joins RKO Sales Staff Philadelphia, Feb. 19. — Herman Black has joined the local RKO ex- change as salesman. He comes here from New York. SPG Negotiators Resume Parleys Negotiations between the New York Screen Publicists Guild and the home offices were resumed yesterday and will continue today. L. E. Thompson of RKO is chairman of the companies' negotiating committee and Joseph Gould heads the SPG group. The meetings are being held in the RKO board room. Rites for Me. Manager Port Fairfield, Me., Feb. 19. — Fu- neral services were held here for Grosvenor E. LeTarte, 52, manager of the Paramount Theatre here for the past 12 years. Public Contact Committee Set Up by Industry (Continued from page 1) his group at a meeting at MPPDA headquarters here yesterday. Approval of top company execu- tives of expenditures by the commit- tee for a permanent executive secre- tary was reported at yesterday's meeting and a choice is scheduled to be made soon. An offer has been made to one prospect who, however, may not be available. The names of other candidates were presented for consideration as alternates at yester- day's meeting. Headquarters will be maintained at the Hays office. Plan Festival for Para. Anniversary (Continued from page 1) of the Hollywood production indus- try. The former barn, on the site of the present studio gymnasium, will be marked with a commemorative plaque. It was there that DeMille made "The Squaw Man," first Paramount film, in 1913. The observance is also De- Mille's 30th anniversary in the indus- try. Invitations to attend the commemo- rative luncheon have gone out to stars of the early era of the industry. 8v *f r rfe 4 Motion Picture Daily Friday, February 20, 1942 Off the Antenna WIBA, Madison, Wis., has increased its power to 5,000 watts day and night, NBC was advised yesterday. . . . Another NBC outlet, WSFA, Montgomery, Ala., has postponed indefinitely construction on the new 5,000 transmitter which was authorized by the FCC Jan. 14. Priorities is the cause. . . . The 50,000-watt transmitter of W55M, the Milwaukee Journal's FM station, will be dedicated Sunday. The dedication was set originally for last Sunday but delay in delivery of equipment forced postponement. • • • Purely Personal: Helen Payne has joined the CBS television department as program department assistant. . . . The WHOM staff will give a farewell party tomorrow to Edward Kosoivics, a Polish announcer with the station for three years, prior to his Army induction Monday. The program will be broadcast over WHOM at noon. • • • Twenty-seven stations represented at the District 6 meeting of the National Association of Broadcasters in New Orleans Wednesday adopted a resolution of support for BMI and resolved to sign the new BMI contract. • • • Program News: Procter & Gamble will use 70 CBS stations for the new Shirley Temple show, "Junior Miss," which starts March 4. It will be heard Wednesdays, 9 :30-10 P.M. . . . General Electric will sponsor its first program on CBS starting March 3. Frazier Hunt has been signed as an exclusive G. E. commentator and will be heard Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 6-6:15 P.M. . . . Roma Wine Co. has purchased 12 15-minute programs, three five-minute shows and 30 announcements weekly for a period of one year on WNEW, effective Sunday. . . . Ballantine's has shifted "Three Ring Time" over the Blue from Fridays to Tuesdays at 8 :30 P.M. Film Transactions In Several Stocks Reported by SEC Washington, Feb. 19. — Purchase by Harry Cohn, Columbia Pictures president, of 2,700 shares of Columbia common stock in December and the disposition of 2,400 shares, 1,600 of them by gift, following the purchase of 1,000 shares in November, was re- ported tonight by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its final 1941 summary of transactions of film company officers and directors in the stocks of their corporations. Cohn Buys Preferred The report showed that Cohn also purchased 100 shares of the company's preferred stock, and at the close of the year held 75,249 shares of com- mon and 100 shares of preferred. The SEC also reported the pur- chase of 200 shares of Consolidated Film Industries common stock by Walter P. Stevens, Scranton, Pa., di- rector, who held 1,600 shares at the close of the month, and the sale by Stanton Griffis, chairman of the ex- ecutive committee of Paramount Pic- tures, of 2,700 shares of Paramount common held direct and 5,700 shares held through four trusts, leaving him with 4,800 shares held direct and 172,- 000 held through the trusts. Report on Universal A report on Universal Corporation showed the sale of 100 common voting trust certificates by Daniel M. Sheaf- fer leaving him with 20,400, and the receipt of 3,000 voting trust certifi- cate warrants by Matthew Fox, vice- president, director, as compensation, giving him a total of 12,000. Reports on the stock interests of persons becoming officers or directors of registered corporations showed that Albert W. Lind held 200 shares of Consolidated Film Industries part pre- ferred stock when made a director Jan. 15. Reports showing no stock holdings were filed by Garrett Van Wagner, who became an officer in Radio Keith Orpheum Dec. 22, and Arthur J. Palmer, made a director in General Theatres Equipment Corp. Jan. 28, and Robert T. Rinear, elected an officer in the same company Jan. 1. 5 New Theatres Will Open in Mexico City Mexico City, Feb. 19. — Although theatre business here is not very bright now, the end of this Winter will see five more theatres in opera- tion in the city. Two of these the- atres will be in the business section, the others in residential districts. Of the latter, one will seat 4,000 and be the largest of the five. These theatres will bring to 72 the number of houses here. One of the new theatres will feature 16 mm. pictures and be the first of the kind in Mexico. It is to specialize in such pictures made by amateurs and o]j<'i-.-ii<- on ;i "continuous" program, 12 hours daily, at prices of 10 cents dur- ing the day and 15 cents at night. This theatre is being built by John R. Piatt, Melchor Ortega, former Governor of Guanajuato State, and Epigmenio Ibarra. It is in one of the principal business streets. Churchill's Speech Set Sunday Record Prime Minister Churchill established a record for Sun- day afternoon radio audiences last Sunday, with a rating of 41 per cent of all sets in the country tuned to his speech, it was reported yesterday by Co- operative Analysis of Broad- casting. Churchill's broadcast address before the joint ses- sion of Congress on Friday, Dec. 26, received a rating of 44.7. Three earlier addresses by Churchill, all on Sunday after- noon, were rated, as follows: Feb. 9, 23.7 ; June 22, 16.5, and Aug. 24, 26.1. 'Purchase' Scores $8,500, New Haven New Haven, Feb. 19. — The Para- mount led with "Louisiana Purchase" and "Moon Over Her Shoulder," taking $8,500. The Roger Sherman, with "Hellzapoppin' " and "A Shot in the Dark," took $6,900. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 12 : "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) COLLEGE — (1,627) (40c-50c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,100. (Average, $2,700) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) LOEW-POLI— (3,005) (40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $8,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Moon Over Her Shoulder" (2flth-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2,373) (40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $4,500) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "A Shot in the Dark" (W.B.) ROGER SHERMAN — (2,067) (40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,900. (Average, $5,000) Shift Ontario Managers Galt, Ont, Feb. 19.— James Mc- Donough, manager of the Grand here, has been shifted to the Guelph Royal, which had been temporarily managed by Vern Hudson, in charge of the Palace. James Simmons, manager of the Grand Theatre, London, has been transferred to the Grand here. 'York' Washington Gross Hits $9,600 Washington, Feb. 19. — Outstand- ing event of an average week was the $9,600 taken by "Sergeant York" in a return downtown engagement at the Metropolitan, playing at slightly ad- vanced prices. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 11-12 : "Sundown" (U. A.) LOEWS PALACE — (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $15,000) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) WARNER'S EARLE— (2,200) (28c-39c-55c- 66c -77c) 7 days. On stage: Harris. Claire & Shannon, Maxellos, Al Gordon's Racketeers. Diane Davis, Roxyettes. Gross: $16,700. (Average, $15,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3,434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c-77c) 7 days, 2nd week. Oh stage: Car- men Amaya, Nelson Novelettes. Reed and Mack, Ray English, Cass Daley. Gross: $16,500. (Average, $15,500) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $3,500) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) WARNER'S METROPOLITAN — (1,600) (40c-55c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $9,600. (Average, $5,000) 'Hellzapoppin' with $13,000 Buffalo Best Buffalo, Feb. 19. — "Hellzapoppin' " drew a smash $13,000 at the Lafay- ette. "Son of Fury" and an added fea- ture at the Great Lakes took $14,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 14 : "Remember the Day" (20th- Fox) "A Gentleman, at Heart" (20th-Fox) BUFFALO— (3,489) (35c-55c) 7 days. Dr. I. 0- on stage Monday night. Gross: $12,- 000. (Average, $12,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (2ie Victory Production Drive which gins this week. The broadcasters were told that leir cooperation is essential to the mpaign and that radio is the best eans of informing the public of the Dvernment's war activities. , The fact that the industry has aired e great amount of Government ma- rial which has been tendered them, IFF officials said, demonstrates the operation the administration has *n receiving. Among those attending the confer- ice were Neville Miller, NAB tsident ; John Shepard, Broadcast- is Victory Council, Eugene Pulliam, etwork Affiliates ; George Storer, ational Independent Broadcasters ; thn Fetzer, chairman of the NAB M'ense council, and James Shouse, presenting the clear channel group. 'rosley Personnel Changes Are Made Cincinnati, Feb. 23. — James D. louse, vice-president of the Crosley ^rp. in charge of broadcasting, has nounced the following changes : ;ewey Long, from manager of WSAI 're to manager of the WLW sales ice in Chicago. Archie Grinalds, lei manager of WSAI, moves into ong's former post. No successor s been named for Grinalds. Walter Callahan, formerly niana- r of the WLW Chicago office, is insferred here as assistant to Rob- it E. Dunville, general sales mana- t of the Crosley broadcast division. :-rnard Musnik, of the WLWO les staff in New York, has been insferred to the WLW sales staff WCKY Starts Earlier [Cincinnati, Feb. 23. — WCKY. •al CBS affiliate, operated by L. Wilson, has started signing on 5 instead of 6 A.M., EWT. The riod from 5 to 8:10 A.M. is used ' music and news, the latter aired I 15-minute intervals. mm m£ at the Aswr Off the Antenna P AUL WHITE, CBS special events and news head, has advised all * affiliates to make recordings of Presidential speeches and other vital talks so that they can be broadcast later if the station is forced off the air by an air raid. The suggestion was directed particularly to West Coast stations. • • • KBOX will be third full time Omaha station when it starts operations March 1. The station's tewzr length will be 1,490 k.e. with 250 watts. KBON will be a Mutual affiliate and the netivork will drop KO'IL, which it shared with CBS. . . . WIS, Columbia, S. C, expects to boost its power to 5,000 zcatts, day and night, about April 1. . . . KPRC, Houston, Tex., has ad- z-ised NBC that it will be at least enwther month before it can start night operations on 5,000 watts. . . . WSYR, Syracuse, will become a part of the Basic Red n*h.i-ork of NBC March 1. • • • CBS has added a 12th language, Arabic, for its short wave broadcasts. The programs will be transmitted Mondays through Fridays, beamed to the Near East. Court Finds for Lord In Plagiarism Suit Judge Ferdinand Pecora in N. Y. Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the alleged "idea theft" action of Alonzo Deen Cole against Phillips H. Lord, Inc., after a five-week trial. This was the third trial of the suit. The court held that Phillips Lord's program, "Mr. District Attorney," on NBC. did not use any idea or formula evolved by the plaintiff for proposed programs which he had submitted to Lord. John Royal of NBC, Julius Seebach of WOR "and Prof. William Lyon Phelps of Yale University were among the witnesses. Louis Nizer represented Lord and Jay Rothschild represented Cole. Youth Theatre Show Wins Critics' Praise The dramatic critics of New York's daily newspapers greeted "Of V We Sing" with moderate praise, and the effort of the American Youth Theatre is reported enjoying good business at the Concert Theatre at 58th St. and Seventh Ave. The musical revue, on the style of "Pins and Needles." was produced with the financial backing of Alexander Cohen. Robert Sylvester of the Daily News said: "All in all, you can't go wrong at the price." Louis Kronen- berger of PM commented : "There is a pleasant and disarming quality about it." The World-Telegram's Morton Mockridge said of the cast, "They're a fairly engaging lot." Guild to Close 'Pana'; Tour Planned in Fall "Papa Is All," the Theatre Guild production, will check out of the Guild Theatre next Saturday and according to an announcement will be taken on tour next Fall of cities where it did not play earlier in the season. The show opened on Broad- way Jan. 6. Dean Harens has taken over the role of Jake in the production. Em- mett Rogers, who originated the part, has entered the Armv. WIBA Increases Power Madison, Wis., Feb. 23. — Station WIBA has moved its night power un to 5.000 watts and is now located in its new brick, steel and concrete trans- mitter bulling here. Carroll Sues AGVA In Contract Action Los Angeles, Feb. 23. — Earl Car- roll, operating as the Hollywood The- atrical Corp., has filed suit in Supe- rior Court here for $215,890 damages against the American Guild of Variety- Artists and 23 of its officers and mem- bers. Carroll charges breach of con- tract. According to the complaint, Carroll entered into a contract with AGVA for a roadshow unit which was to have started a national tour in film houses last week, but the union with- drew from the agreement, seeking in- creased wages, limited number of per- formances weekly and other condi- tions. Prior to filing of the suit, AGVA had placed Carroll's roadshow on the unfair list, declaring that he had re- fused to sign the standard roadshow contract. Theatre Unit Weighs Stagehand Contract The board of governors of the League of New York Theatres will meet today to consider a report of its negotiating committee on the status of the new contract with Stagehands Un- ion, Local 1. The local is demanding a 15 per cent wage, increase and changes in working conditions. Also on the agenda are the demands of cleaners and porters, a local of the Building Service International. The League committee met with both groups last week. New Player, Director Pacts by Univ. Studio Hollywood, Feb. 23.— Michele Mor- gan, French actress, and Jean Re- noir, French director, have been signed by Universal to do one picture or more a year. The studio at the same time ex- tended the contracts of Robert Cum- mins, Lon Chaney, Jr., players ; George Waggner, producer-director ; Ford Beebe, director ; John Fulton, head of the special effects department, and Milton Krasner, cinematographer. OEM 'Tanks' Short Opens in NY Houses "Tanks," a 10-minute war produc- tion film subject produced by the Of- fice for Emergency Management's Film Unit, has opened in 28 houses in New York City and 17 in northern New Jersey. The film pictures tank- production in Detroit. 'Guest in House' To Open Tonight A new play, "Guest in the House," by Hagar Wilde and Dale Eunson, opens at the Plymouth tonight with Pert Kelton, Katherine Emmett, Leon Ames and Mary Ander- son in the cast. Stephen and Paul Ames are the producers. USO Campaign to Seek $32,000,000 United Service Organizations will launch a campaign on May 11 to raise $32,000,000 for operating ex- penses during this year. The cam- paign will be under the direction of Prescott S. Bush. This is about triple the quota set in 1941 when $10,765,000 was sought. Donations last year, however, netted the organization $14,000,000, exceeding the quota. Walter Hoving, board chairman, has revealed that LI SO operations will be greatly expanded due to the war. The USO now has 25 camp shows on tour and recreational facilities are being provided for service men in Alaska, Newfoundland, the West In- dies, the Canal Zone and Hawaii. Discussions are in progress on this year's operating program. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SPENCER TRACY . KATHARINE HEPBURN "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Dirocted by George Stevens • An M-G-M Picture ON STAGE: "WORDS AND MUSIC" BY COLE PORTER — Leonldoff's colorful tune- filled revue. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 Paramount Presents Madeleine Stirling CARROLL-HAYDEN in 'BAHAMA PASSAGE' IN TECHNICOLOR! IN PERSON ALVINO REY AND BAND KING SISTERS Extra GIL LAMB PARAMOUNT TIMES SQUARE Ginger ROGERS Adolphe MENJOU Geo. MONTGOMERY ROXIE HART' STAGE SHOW ROXY & 50th St. B'WAY & 47th St. PALACE GARY COOPER BARBARA STANWYCK BALL OF FIRE "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 N0 HIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Sat., Sun. & Wed. 501 Seats for Every Perf. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 4- FOR THE BOXOFFICE ITS And here's why . . . You book the picture. You set the play-date.( You know the angles. Now, all you have to do is get the people in. And when you've got your TRAILER... you're well on the way. That's advertising . . . that's first aid . . . the basis of most theatre adver- tising campaigns. And now for the transients ... the shoppers . . . the once-in-a-whiles. You've gof a sell- ing job to do there. You need help. So what do you do? You call for first-aid . . . outside advertising. The kind of advertising that will STOP walkers . . . talkers . . . people on the move. Standard Accessories is that kind of first-aid advertising . . . Special Accessories is that kind of first-aid advertising . . . SERVICE Alert. tion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY or remove: First in 51. NO. 38 NEW YORK. U.S.A.. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1942 TEN CENTS W. F. Rodgers Seen Joining Whitney Unit Will Be Consultant on Film Distribution Washington-, Feb. 24.— Strength- ning of the South America film divi- Bon of the Office of Co-ordinator of Commercial and Cultural Rela- tions between the American Republics b y Nelson Rocke- rr^m feller is seen in C» ' the contem- plated appoint- ment of an in- ^ dustry leader, ■ N^^flKPPI such as William | .^rH^BBH Rodgers, vice - president in charge of distribution o f Loew's, as spe- cial consultant in the Govern- itnt unit of which John Hay Whit- ey is chairman. Rodgers also is chairman of the Jnited Motion Picture Industry or- anization (Umpi). It is understood that Rodgers has (Continued on page 6) 'ara. Theatre Total n 'Dimes' $200,000 The March of Dimes collection in le country's theatres is about to pass le $1,250,000 mark, as returns from tie Paramount Theatres partners nd associates, it is reported, indicate nat upwards of $200,000 will be jrthcoming from these sources alone. So far, among the larger amounts eceived, are Loew's, $193,000 ; RKO. ,■98,250; Connecticut theatres, $42.- P0{ film studio employes, $17,700; (Continued on page 6) DeMille Week9 on Coast March 15-21 Drop Admissions to USO Service Shows Washington, Feb. 24. — Ad- mission fees for soldiers, sail- ors and Marines attending performances of USO - Camp Shows, Inc., will be abolished after March 8, the War and Navy Departments announced today. The charges are being dropped at the request of the entertainment organization, it was said. Starting with four units last November, Camp Shows now has 26 groups touring military posts and naval stations, offering shows for service men. Fox Is Named Aide To Nathan, Head of WPB Planning Unit Matthew Fox, vice-president and assistant to Nate Blumberg, president of Universal Pictures, Inc., has been named an assis- tant to Robert Nathan, chair- man of the Planning Com- mittee of the W .i 1'mcliK'- "* ' tion Board in W a s h i n gton. This committee, it is said, is charged with the all-impor- tant task of re- moving bottle- necks in the Matthew Fox arms produc- tion task which confronts the country. Selection of Fox for such a job is (Continued on page 6) Aliens Permitted to Retain Stage Names Washington, Feb. 24.— Persons of alien enemy nationality engaged in professional or other work under "stage'' names will be permitted to retain their assumed names under regulations issued by Attorney Gen- eral Francis Biddle. Justice Department officials would not indicate how many persons af- fected by the ruling are in the film business, but explained that the pur- pose of the order is to permit concert and other artists to continue under the names with which they have come to be identified in the public mind, where such permission is not detrimental to the national security. U.S. WEIGHS RENTAL TAX; RAW FILM CUT WPB Will Allot Stock on Basis of Produced Footage in 1940 Washington, Feb. 24. — The amount of raw stock to be allowed the film industry is expected to be based on a percentage of the foot- age produced in 1940 or 1941, War Production Board officials indi- cated today. The result would be a cur- tailment of production as com- pared with the total number of films produced in any of several recent years, a certain reduc- tion and a probable elimination of double features for the dur- ation and a possible reduction in the number of prints made of any production, it was in- dicated. However, WPB officials revealed that it may be weeks before formal orders are issued defining the curtail- (Continued on page 6) B' way Tax Receipts Show Big Increase Washington, Feb. 24. — The first three months of the new Federal ad- mission tax, without exemptions, which added $13,000,000 to the na- tional total, showed an increase of approximately 50 per cent for the Third New York (Broadway) District, the Internal Revenue Bureau has reported. The New York increase was from $1,196,659 to $1,774,444. The impact of the increase was felt in box-office collections, which jumped from $1,- 068,787 to $1,648,360, but collections on tickets sold by brokers also increased, from $14,556 to $20,076, and $30 was collected on tickets sold by proprie- tors in excess of the established price. NY Building Dep't Calls Circuit Meet Arthur J. Benline, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Buildings in New York City, has called a meeting of circuit representatives for tomorrow after- noon in the office of Commissioner William Wilson. The meeting will discuss conditions existing in theatres and lobbies in relation to defense preparations and protection. The session is supple- mentary to a meeting on the same subject held several weeks ago. Morgenthau to Announce Position on Tax at Hearing March 3 Washington, Feb. 24. — Whether or not a tax on film rentals will be included in the new Federal rev- enue bill is expected to become known March 3, it was learned here today. At that time Secretary Mor- genthau will appear before the House Ways and Means Com- mittee at the opening of hear- ings on the 1942 revenue bill. He is expected to make known then the Treasury's position with re- spect to the general sales tax and the possible inclusion there- in of a levy on film rentals. Secretary Morgenthau will lay be- fore the committee the Treasury's recommendations for the raising of seven billion dollars in new taxes, asked by President Roosevelt in Jan- uary. Details of the Treasury's pro- posals are being kept secret so that no mass opposition may be developed to any phase of the program before it is fully explained to the committee. Estimate 61,365,000 Heard FDR Speech Washington, Feb. 24. — An esti- mated 61,365,000 adults heard the President's speech Monday night, it was stated at the White House today. This represented 78.1 per cent of the total possible adult audience, it was said, as compared with the all-time record of 79 per cent set Dec. 9. After the Dec. 9 speech, C. E. Hooper estimated the total U. S. audi- ence at 90,000,000, but the difference is probably accounted for in part by the fact that the White House esti- mate yesterday was limited to adults. CBS television on Monday preceded (Continued on page 10) Connors Returns From Studio Visit Tom J. Connors, personal assistant to Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox, returned to the home office yesterday from the Coast. While in Hollywood, Connors was engaged in a series of studio con- ferences relative to production plans for next season. 2 Motion Picture daily Wednesday, February 25, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 24 GEORGE J. SCHAEFER, Ned Depinet, Joseph Breen, Charles Koerner and Edward Alperson, RKO executives, have returned from a week of conferences at La Quinta on all phases of company operation, and are continuing their sessions at the studio. Kenneth Thomson, executive secre- tary of the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of the Hollywood Victory Committee, in a report to Guild mem- bers today declared the "record will show that actors are giving the na- tion's war effort its voice." He de- fended the actors against "Congres- sional shooting" and reviewed the numerous activities of actors in the war effort. • Jack Hively, Paramount director, left tonight to join the Army at Wright Field, Dayton, O., where he will direct training films. Paramount has signed Raoul Pene Du Bois, Broadway set and costume designer, to a contract. He is due here from New York tomorrow. Don Hartman has been signed by Samuel Goldwyn to a five-year con- tract as a writer and production as- sistant. He will start with Gold- wyn on the termination of his Para- mount contract in July. He- has been with Paramount seven years. Rouben Mamoulian has completed his contract as director at 20th Cen- tury-Fox and left the lot. Personal Mention FLY to LOS ANGELES over the BUSINESS ROUTE of the NATION More passengers, mail and express fly United's central, year 'round Main Line Air- way than any other coast-to- coast air route. 3 Mainliners to Los Angeles daily. UNITED AIR LINES Airlines Terminal: 80 E. 42nd St. 649 Fifth Ave. 69 Wall St Hotel Pennsylvania MU-2-7300 ^ or travel agents, hotels noteis j NATE GOLDSTEIN of Western Massachusetts Theatres is in town from Springfield. • F. J. A . McCarthy, Universal Southern division manager, left New Orleans yesterday for Atlanta. • Ben Kalmenson, Warner general sales manager, is in the Midwest. • Leonard McLaughlin, manager of the Maryland Theatre, Baltimore, is spending the week here. • J. Wesley Himmler, owner of the Himmler Theatre, Dallas, Pa., has been appointed to the Dallas School Board. • Rita McGarry, secretary in the Comerford home office in Scranton, Pa., and John P. Mackin were mar- ried last week. LOUIS PHILLIPS, Paramount home office attorney, returned from Florida yesterday. • Monroe Greenthal returned from the Coast yesterday. • Walter Immerman, general mana- ger of Balaban & Katz, Chicago, has been confined to his home with a se- vere cold. • Jerry Becker, manager of the Trans Lux Theatre, Philadelphia, and Beth Luhr were married recently. • Gil Golden has left for Louisville. Harry Lefko, son of Sam Lefko, RKO salesman in Philadelphia, has joined the Army. • John Rorick, assistant at the Rialto ill Scranton, Pa., has been drafted. Pa. Exhibitors Will Meet on High Rents Philadelphia, Feb. 24. — A meeting of independent exhibitors in this ter- ritory has been called for March 3 at the Broadwood Hotel here to pro- test against high film rentals and other alleged price discriminations practiced in this area by distribution companies. The meeting is an outgrowth of a luncheon conference at the Warwick Hotel today sponsored by Eastern Pennsylvania Allied and attended by 38 exhibitors representing over 140 independent theatres, who constituted themselves a committee of the whole to sponsor the meeting. Sidney E. Samuelson presided at today's meeting and quoted statistics which showed that film rentals being asked in the Philadelphia territory are five to 15 per cent higher in the per- centage group and that the number of percentage pictures are two to three times as many as elsewhere. Samuel- son is one of the three national Allied representatives on the United Motion Picture Industry, currently attempting to work out an industry harmony pro- gram in New York. Mandel Acquires Mono. Franchises Chicago, Feb. 24.— Irving W. Mandel, former Republic franchise holder here and at Indianapolis, has acquired the Monogram franchises for the same territories, effective with the new season, he stated today. Mandel will take over May 31. Henri Elman, the present franchise holder, has just returned from con- ferences with Monogram officials in Hollywood. He had no comment to make. Metro Sets Trade Shows for 5 Films M-G-M has set dates for trade shows on the next group of five fea- tures. The five films and the dates of showing follow : "Kid Glove Killer" and "I Married an Angel," March 10 in 16 exchange cities, balance on March 12; "Rio Rita" and "Fingers at the Window," March 13, and "Mokey" on March 20. Rep. Opens Sales Meet Here Today The regular two-day quarterly sales meeting of Republic for the Eastern and Central districts will get under way this morning at the New York Athletic Club. H. J. Yates and New York executives will be in attendance. Among franchise holders and branch managers who will be present are J. H. Alexander and Sam A. Fineberg, Pittsburgh franchise holders ; Jake Flax and George Flax, Wash- ington franchise holders ; Arthur Newman, Albany branch manager ; M. E. Morey, Boston ; Jack Bell- man, Buffalo; Sam Seletsky, New Haven ; Morris Epstein, Sidney Pick- er, New York ; Sam P. Gorrel, Cleve- land ; George H. Kirby, Cincinnati ; Sam Seplowin, Detroit, and Max Gil- lis; Philadelphia. Three Are Fined for Copyright Violation Federal Judge Alfred C. Coxe yes- terday fined Louis Colasuono $1,000 and placed him on probation for a year, and fined Antonio Cardillo and Sol Jaffe $100 each after the three had pleaded guilty to an indictment charging criminal violations of the Copyright Law in the unauthorized exhibition of films. Convictions of the three followed a national investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Copy- right Protection Bureau of the circu- lation of so-called "hot" films in 39 cities throughout the country, accord- ing to Jack H. Levin of the latter organization. Qualifies Plea for Free Admissions Albany, Feb. 24. — Assemblyman Stephen Jarema stated here last night that his resolution introduced in the N. Y. State legislature last Tuesday asking that theatres be requested to admit service men free of charge, is designed to apply only during slack periods, such as Monday nights. He said, "It would be absurd to ask the theatre people to provide free seats on weekends, for instance, when such action would directly cut into their livelihood." Newsreel Parade PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S address is the principal subject of the midweek issues, which also have coverage on the submarine at- tack on a tanker near Aruba, the de- stroyer Shaw reaching the West Coast from Pearl Harbor and the A. E. F. en route to Ireland. Her are the contents : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 49— Roose- velt's speech. Sub attack in Caribbean. U. S. troops at sea. Destroyer Shaw on West Coast. Train Chinese pilots in Ari- zona. Ice -boating in Michigan. Chicago girls work off excess pounds. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 247— Nazis shell West Indies. Roosevelt speech. Troop ships to Ireland. Trains collide in Flor- ida. Chicago girls take reducing exercises. Ice-boating in Chicago. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 52— Winni- peg stages sham invasion. Sub attack in Caribbean. Pre-War French leaders on trial. Pearl Harbor hero writes home. President Roosevelt speaks to the nation. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 52— President Roosevelt addresses the country. Sub at- tack in Caribbean. Troop' convoy to Ire- land. Destroyer Shaw reaches port. Track meet in New York. UNIVERSAL. NEWSREEL, No. 81— Tanker attacked in Carribbean. Destroyer Shaw reaches West Coast. Twin destroyers launched in Boston. A. E. F. to Ireland. Train collision in Florida. "Invasion" staged in Winnipeg. Defense drive in Concord, Mass. President Roosevelt's speech. Stoltz Is Honored By Ad Club of Utica Utica, N. Y., Feb. 24.— Arnold Stoltz, manager of Warner's Avon Theatre and winner of the 1941 Quig- ley Award for showmanship and ex- ploitation, was honored here by the Utica Advertising Club. On hand for the dinner honoring Stoltz were C. J. Latta, Warner zone manager, and Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner zone publicity director. Col. Promotes Harnick Toronto, Feb. 24. — Harvey Har- nick, former branch manager of Co- lumbia Pictures at Calgary, has been appointed assistant at the Canadian home office here to Sam Glazer, who recently became sales manager after long affiliation with United Artists in Canada. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- j national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. I ORCHIDS for NORMA SHEARER MELVYN DOUGLAS in WE WERE DANCING with GAIL PATRICK • LEE BOWMAN • MARJORIE MAIN • REGINALD OWEN • ALAN MOWBRAY FLORENCE BATES • Screen Play by Claudine West, Hans Rameau and George Froescnel • Based in Part on "Tonight at 8:30" by Noel Coward • Directed by ROBERT Z. LEONARD • Produced by Robert Z. Leonard and Orville O. Dull • An M-G-M Picture Wednesday, February 25, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 'V at $7,200 In Slow Week, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Feb. 24. — Grosses generally were slow here. "Mister V" scored $7,200 at the 4 Star. "Son of Fury" and "A Gentleman at Heart" took $13,500 at the Chinese and $19,- 500 at Loew's State. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 19 : "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) "A Gentleman at Heart" (ZOth-Fox) CHINESE— U.500! uvc-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average, $12,000) "Dumbo" (RKO) CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,518) (33c -44c -55c- 75c) 6 days, 9th week. Gross: $2,300. (Average, $17,000) "Mister V (U. A.) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $3,250) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) HAWAII— (1,100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. • It Started With Eve" (Univ.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) HI LLSTREET— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,500. (Aver- age, $6,500) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "A Gentleman at Heart" (ZOth-Fox) LOEW'S STATE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $19,500. (Average, $14,000) "It Started With Eve" (Univ.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) PANTAGES — (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $7,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) "Mr. Bug Goes to Town" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $18,000) "New Wine" (U. A.) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (HOLLYWOOD) — (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $11,100. (Average, $14,000) "New Wine" (U. A.) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) WARNER BROS. (DOWNTOWN) - (3,400) (33c -44c -55c -75c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $12,000) "The Wolf Man" (Univ.) "The Mad Doctor" (Univ.) VOGUE— (900) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $2,500. Legion Approves 10 Of 14 New Pictures Of 14 new pictures reviewed and classified for the current week by the National Legion of Decency, 10 were approved, six for general patronage and four for adults ; two were classed as objectionable in part and two were condemned. The new films and their classification follow. Class A-l, Unobjectionable for Gen- eral Patronage — "Below the Border," "Lone Rider in Cheyenne," "Mister V," "Nazi Agent," "South of Santa Fe," 'This Time for Keeps." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults — "Captains of the Clouds," "Girls Town," "Shut My Big Mouth." "Too Many Women." Class B, Objection- able in Part — "Lady in Distress," "Night Before the Divorce." Class C, Condemned — "Fighting the White Slave Traffic," "Nine Bachelors" (French). Injured by Picket San Francisco, Feb. 24. — Manager Fred Wade of the Tower Theatre, Nasser Brothers house here, suffered a brain concussion when he was struck by a picket during a three-hour un- authorized janitors' strike yesterday, prior to the reopening of the remod- eled theatre. The strike was called off pending settlement talks over the hiring of one or two janitors. Reviews The Adventures of Martin Eden {Columbia) Hollyzvood, Feb. 24 'T* HIS Samuel Bronston production of a Jack London novel succeeds in transferring to the screen the spell and power of the sea-story writer's works. It is a film in which violent action and contrasting inter- ludes conspire to set up a tension which persists without flagging from opening to close. Glenn Ford as the title character turns in a convincing performance, with Ian MacDonald, as his lifelong adversary and frequent opponent in battle, supplying a strong counter-balance. Claire Trevor and Evelyn Keyes give realism to the two feminine leads, while Stuart Erwin and Frank Conroy command secondary leads. Others in the cast are Dixie Moore, Rafaela Ottiano, Pierre Watkin, Regina Wallace and Robert J. McDonald. Production by B. P. Schulberg is in the Jack London tradition and direction by Sidney Salkow emphasizes force without over stress, power without excessive display of brutality. The story deals with Ford's deter- mination to prove that a shipmate imprisoned on a charge of mutiny has been unjustly convicted. He is met by discouragement on every hand, finally by temptation to abandon his mission, but pushes through to suc- cess. Running time, 88 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams "The Man Who Returned to Life" {Columbia) Hollyzvood, Feb. 24 ' I v 1 1 K story of Columbia's "The Man Who Returned to Life" deals *• with community prejudice in a small Maryland town, the effort of a Southern girl to force a Northerner to marry her, her death and his being blamed for it, his escape and the sentence to death of her brother for his "murder." John Howard, as the Northerner who extricates himself from his tangle by fleeing and then has his past catch up with him; Lucile Fair- banks, the California girl whom he marries ; Ruth Ford, Marcella Mar- tin, Roger Clark, Elisabeth Risdon and Paul Guilfoyle head the cast. Gordon Rigby, who adapted the story by Samuel W. Taylor, made a tightly knit, excitingly told screenplay of the material, and director Lew Landers made effective use of the flashback method in unfolding the drama, utilizing every moment of screen time to good advantage. Wallace MacDonald produced. Standout of the cast is Miss Martin, a comparative newcomer who show's much promise. Exhibitors south of the Mason-Dixon line would do well to examine the film before screening in view of possible "touchy" topics, such as North-South relationship and lynching. Running time, 60 minutes. "G."* Vance King "Professor Creeps" {Consolidated National Film Exchanges) Hollywood, Feb. 24 17* MPLOYING an all-Negro cast headed by a duo whom they could ^ but do not bill as the "sepia Abbott & Costello," producer Jed Buell and director William Beaudine supply here a comedy which had a house- ful of customers in Los Angeles' "Harlem" screaming without letup throughout its running time. F. E. Miller and Mantan Moreland are the comedians whose por- trayals of would-be detectives borrow nothing from the Abbott-Costello style, but produced an equivalent effect upon this preview audience. Distributed by Consolidated National Film Exchanges, with the South's 400 Negro-patronage theatres as its special market, the film is a natural for that field and, additionally, a picture to command attention of ex- hibitors elsewhere as a novelty attraction for a time when laughs are at a premium. Relying upon situation and surprise for most of its laughs, but con- taining many a dialogue laugh as well, the film presents Miller and Moreland as flat-broke detectives for a section of Amos-Andy type office humor, then takes them via a dream into a house of mystery where events fantastic and funny occur in occult and entertaining profusion. Others in the cast are Arthur Ray, Florence O'Brien, Maceo B. Sheffield, Margaret Whitten, Shelton Brooks, Jesse Vryer and Billy Mitchell. Running time, 63 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams "G" denotes general classification. Films in Work Drop Sharply; 31 on Stages Hollywood, Feb. 24. — Production ebbed to its lowest point in recent months this week when the number of pictures in work dropped to 31, as 15 finished and eight started. Forty are being prepared and 63 are in the cutting rooms. Universal is the busiest lot, with six in work. The tally by studio : Columbia Finished: "Just Another Dame," "Highly Irregular." In Work : "Meet the Stewarts," "Three's a Crowd." Started: "Sweetheart of the Fleet." Goldwyn (RKO) In Work: "The Pride of the Yankees." M-G-M Finished: "Sunday Punch." In Work: Untitled Dr. Kildare, "Her Cardboard Lover." Monogram Finished : "Arizona Roundup," "Klondike Fury," "Man with Two Lives." In Work : "Ghost Town Law." Producers Releasing Finished: "Gun Shy," "The Pan- ther's Claw" (formerly "Shake Hands with Murder"). Paramount Finished: "The Black Curtain." In Work : "The Forest Rangers," "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." Started: "Henry Aldrich, Editor," "Across the Border," "The Glass Key." RKO Finished: "Mexican Spitfire and the Ghost." In Work : "Journey into Fear." Republic Finished: "Jesse James, Jr.," "Shep- herd of the Ozarks," "Affairs of Jimmy Valentine." In Work : "Girl from Alaska," "Sunset on the Trail" (formerly "Pal O' Mine"). Small (U. A.) In Work : "Friendly Enemies." Started: "Annie Rooney." 20th Century-Fox Finished: "My Gal Sal." In Work : "Ten Gentlemen from West Point." Universal In Work : "Eagle Squadron," "The Spoilers," "Lady in a Jam," "Sabo- teur," "Broadway." Started: "Escape from Hong Kong." Warners Finished: "Escape from Crime." In Work : "Desperate Journey," "The Shadow of Their Wings," "The Gay Sisters," "Yankee Doodle Dandy." New Orleans Gross Shows Sharp Upturn New Orleans, Feb. 24. — Theatres here report a sharp increase in busi- ness since Dec. 15, with attendance figures showing a steady climb since the sharp slump that followed the out- break of war. Many of the city's larger theatres have piled up record grosses. 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, February 25, 1942 U. S. Studies Allotment of Film Supply (Continued front page 1) merit of raw stock usage by the indus- try. Conservation orders also are ex- pected to be issued for the curtailment of the use of steel, rubber, copper and other strategic materials. The industry's essential character in the war effort will be an important factor in any curtailment order, it was said, and assurances were given that studios would receive sufficient neces- sary materials to maintain the flow of films to exhibitors. It was explained that control of film industry needs, planned for several months as part of the program to reduce civilian con- sumption, has awaited the completion of studies under way in both Govern- ment and industry circles and just re- cently completed. The first draft of the official order, based on these stud- ies, now is being written but it is ex- pected several revisions will be neces- sary to deal with all problems before the formal order is given to the indus- try, it was indicated. Para. Theatre Total In 'Dimes' $200,000 (Continued from page 1) Interstate Circuit and Texas Consoli- dated Theatres, $8,876; Colorado and West Nebraska theatres, $6,398, and Augusta, Ga., theatres, $2,145, accord- ing to official announcement from headquarters. Nicholas M. Schenck, chairman of the industry committee, in this an- nouncement stated that 50 per cent of the amount collected will go direct- ly to national headquarters of the drive and 50 per cent will be turned over to the local community commit- tees. NY Discrimination Bills Are Opposed Albany, Feb. 24. — The legislation committee of the Citizens Union, New York City reform group, has gone on record as opposed to two of As- semblyman William T. Andrews' bills concerning discrimination by businesses affected with a public in- terest. While approving in principle the intent of the legislation, the Citizens Union says the extension to "busi- nesses affected with a public interest" is "too vague to have definite mean- ing and would lead to extensive litiga- tion." Furthermore, it recommend- ed that punishments by imprison- ment be eliminated. The committee gave "strong approval" to the Phelps- Emma bill, strongly opposed by small exhibitors, to extend unemployment insurance benefits to employers of one or more persons instead of the present provisions which include these bene- fits for employers of four or more employes. John F. Cook Dies Indianapolis, Feb. 24. — John F. Cook, auditor and general manager of the Circle Theatre Co. here, died at his home last night following a heart attack. He was 67 years old. F & M Bond Drive Brings in $532,101 St. Louis, Feb. 24.— The de- fense bond drive in connec- tion with the ceuemony at the re-naming of the Mikado Theatre here to the Victory Theatre netted $532,101, it is reported by Fanchon & Mar- co, which operates the house for the St. Louis Amusement Co. The drive extended for three weeks. Employes of the circuit conducted the drive, which culminated in the thea- tre ceremonies. Fox Is Named Aide To Nathan, Head of WPB Planning Unit (Continued from page 1) looked upon by observers as a tribute to the film industry with which Fox has been closely associated most of his life, with what is termed as unique and uncommon success. That Fox had gone to Washington to help the Government was revealed only last night through an announce- ment by Universal that he has been granted a leave of absence for the duration of the war. He began his duties about a week ago. Born in Racine, Wis., Feb. 4, 1911, Fox entered the motion picture busi- ness first in 1926 as a booker for Tif- fany-Stahl, in Milwaukee. Later he became a theatre manager and for a time served as publicity man and as- sistant manager of the Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee. Was With Skouras He joined the Skouras Theatres staff in 1932, becoming manager of the Rivoli Theatre, Hempstead, L. I. In 1934 he was appointed' manager of the Academy of Music in New York by George Skouras. He became film buyer and assistant to Skouras in 1936, and in 1938, when Blumberg was named president of Universal, Fox joined that firm. Minn. Amusement Raises Price Scale Minneapolis, Feb. 24. — Minnesota Amusement Co., has announced price increases, "leveling off" admission prices at even figures, for 30 theatres in 11 cities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. In one other instance, an admission price was reduced from 45 to 40 cents. Changes become effective this and next week. South Dakota theatres of the company were not affected. The change followed a similar move in 14 Minneapolis theatres of the company, after which, with f£w exceptions, Minneapolis independents increased prices to conform. 3 New Producers Are Signed by PRC Three new producers have been signed by Producers Releasing Corp., and their product will be included in the current season's list, Leon From- fless, vice-president, declared on his return from the Coast. The producers are Atlantis Pictures, headed by P. R. Van Duinen ; Lester Cutler, and Dixon I Harwin. 3 Complaints Filed 2 Are Dismissed, One Appeal Taken Three new arbitration complaints, decisions dismissing two other com- plaints and one appeal were reported to American Arbitration Association headquarters here by local boards over the holiday weekend. The complaints dismissed were those of Joseph Shulman, operator of the Plaza Theatre, Windsor, Conn., and Julius D. London, operator of the Booth Theatre, Detroit. George P. Murdock, arbitrator in the Shulman case at the New Haven board, dis- missed the clearance complaint against the consenting companies and the Windsor Theatre after holding that counsel for distributors "obstructed and delayed the presentation of evi- dence by the complainant during a portion of the proceedings and there- by made it necessary for the arbitra- tor to protect the complainant by al- lowing him somewhat greater latitude in admission of evidence than might otherwise have been justified." Costs were apportioned half to the complain- ant and half to the distributors. First Detroit Complaint The London case at Detroit was filed more than a year ago having been the first complaint received at the local board there. It was a clear- ance complaint and named Warners and Paramount. Costs were appor- tioned equally among the parties by the Jerome D. Thomas, arbitrator. The new complaints are as follows : Lyle Carisch and Raymond Lee of the Wayzata Theatre Co., Wayzata, Minn., charged in a clearance com- plaint at the Minneapolis board that the 56 days' clearance granted by Loew's to Minneapolis first runs over Wayzata and Excelsior, Minn., is un- reasonable and ask that it be reduced. Springfield, Mass., Case At the Boston board, the Camelot Theatre Corp., Springfield, Mass., filed a some run complaint against Paramount, alleging that it was un- able to obtain a run from that com- pany for its Art Theatre, Springfield. The Olga Theatre Corp., operating the Rialto, Hannibal, Mo., filed a clearance complaint at the St. Louis board charging that Paramount, 20th Century-Fox and Warners have not set definite clearance for the Orpheum and Star, Hannibal, with the result that the Rialto cannot obtain avail- ability dates and is forced to wait un- reasonably long periods for pictures. At the Kansas City board, Fox Kansas City Corp. filed an appeal to the national appeals board from the recent award of W. H. Cloud, arbi- trator, reducing the clearance of Kan- sas City first runs over the Dickinson Theatre, Mission, Kan., from 56 to 28 days. Warner Manager Dies Philadelphia, Feb. 24. — Harry Torrante, 35, manager of Warner's Boyd Theatre here, died today at Mount Sinai Hospital following an appendix operation. He had been with the Warner circuit a number of years. His widow and two children survive. W. F. Rodgers Seen Joining Whitney Unit (Continued from page 1) been asked to consider a post with the Whitney division of the Rocke- feller office as advisor on distributio matters, particularly with relation problems and methods of distributing the South American films which the Rockefeller office intends to market in this country, as part of the good- will program with the Latin-Americas. Rodgers, it is said, conferred on this proposal several weeks ago, coming up from Florida to meet Whitney in Washington. A formal announcement of the Rodgers' appointment, in the event that he accepts the Rockefeller suggestion, is expected to follow. It is understood that Rodgers will serve without pay, and that the work which he will undertake for the Rockefeller division will not impinge upon his duties at Loew's. FPC Victory Loan Total Over Million Toronto, Feb. 24. — Gross receipts of all Famous Players Canadian thea- tres in Canada for the six days end- ing Feb. 21, plus an addition from the home office, were devoted to the pur- chase of Victory Bonds as a feature of the current Government loan cam- paign and it is believed that, when final returns are compiled, the cir- cuit's investment will exceed $1,000,- 000. Last year the company made a single purchase of bonds totaling $1,000,000. The total receipts of 35 theatres in the Allen circuit, the 25 houses in Greater Toronto of the B. & F. group and the theatres in Ontario owned and operated by 20th Century Thea- tres were also devoted to bond pur- chases as the circuits' share of sup- port for Government loan financing. The theatres also cooperated with screen announcements, lobby displays and advertisements. National Theatres Concludes Meeting Hollywood, Feb. 24. — The annual meeting of executives of National Theatres was concluded here yester- day, with plans and policies formulated for the operation of theatres under war conditions. It is understood also that considera- tion was given to the replacement of drafted theatre employes with women, and the possibility of increasing ad- mission prices. 'DeMille Week' on Coast March 15-21 (Continued from page 1) with Judge Harlan G. Palmer, chair- man of the General Citizens Commit- tee, in charge. Bob Hope will act as master of ceremonies. DeMille has accepted an invitation to present the Academy Award for the best film di- rection of 1941 to the winner at the annual dinner of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Thursday. I' C7 • .liis suggestion from Buffalo theatre >wners. The opposition, it is re- ported, appeared in the form of com- munications to both Hammer and ither members of the Buffalo legisla- (Contintted on page 4) [Talk Sales Policy At Republic Meet Discussion of sales and production policy for the fourth quarter of the :urrent season yesterday featured the ■pening session of Republic Pictures' iiuarterly Eastern regional sales meet- iing at the New York Athletic Cluh. ■ Tentative plans were also discussed lor the first quarter of the 1942-'43 reason. A program which will include patriotic, action, light comedy and ^musical themes was considered. H. J. Yates and J. R. Grainger, .ompany president, head the group of New York executives attending the meeting. M. J. Siegel, president of {Continued on page 4) ! Labor Peace Seen In Mexico Houses Mexico City, Feb. 25.— The theatre employes' union has closed contracts with 69 ex- hibitors, and the members have agreed to abstain from any act which would create a labor problem. The con- tracts call for uniform sal- aries and working hours in first run and subsequent the- atres. The deal is viewed as indicating the union's will- ingness to cooperate in the Government plan to eliminate labor problems as a wartime measure. Weather Reports Ban Hits Location Plans of Studios Hollywood, Feb. 25. — The ban by the Fourth Interceptor Command on long range weather forecasts last week played havoc with location schedules as fog blowing in from the sea and a storm caused cancellation of outdoor shooting. Hardest hit by the prohibition on weather forecasts are the producers of western pictures, which of necessity must be shot outdoors for the most part. Restrictions have been relaxed somewhat since the first order ban- ning the forecasts, but producers now can only get forecasts on weather con- ditions which might be caused by in- land forces. This is of little aid, how- ever, in view of the great part that air pressure and other conditions at sea play on weather on the Pacific Coastal plain. With war on, the U. S. Weather Bureau service has no "weather ships" on the Pacific reporting atmospheric conditions which, sweeping inward, would change the course of the weather. Nor are regular commer- cial ships reporting weather con- ditions on the Pacific due to the war- (Continued on page 4) N. J. House Appeals Award on Clearance The Liberty Theatre, Freehold, N. J., yesterday filed notice of appeal at the local arbitration board from the award in its clearance complaint against RKO, Warners and the Wal- ter Reade Asbury Park theatres. The award was made early this month by John K. Watson, arbitrator, and granted partial relief to the com- plainant. Watson reduced the 12 and 14 days clearance of the Savoy over the Liberty to one day, and the same clearance of the Lyric was reduced to three days over the Liberty. The 14 days clearance of the Mayfair, Para- mount and St. James, however, was (Continued on page 4) Max Goosmann Dies; With Snaper Houses Max Goosmann, 53, an executive with the David Snaper circuit of New- Jersey, died of a heart attack yester- day morning outside the Sardi Build- ing, 234 West 44th St., where the cir- cuit has its office. Goosmann had been in the industry since 1913, with Snaper the last two years. He had been with various companies, including Paramount, Uni- versal, United Artists and 20th Cen- (Continued on page 4) 'Pleasure-as-UsuaV Out for Englishmen London, Feb. 25. — A pleas- ure-as-usual attitude will not be countenanced by the Brit- ish Government, Sir Stafford Cripps, new Lord Privy Seal, told the House of Commons today in his first speech as a cabinet member. He called dog racing and boxing not within the "solid and serious intention of this country to achieve victory," and said a move would be made to halt these sports. Academy Oscars to Be Awarded Tonight Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Wendell L. Willkie will be the principal speaker and honor guest at the fourteenth an- nual Academy Awards dinner at the Biltmore Hotel here tomorrow eve- ning. About 1,300 persons are ex- pected to attend. Walter Wanger, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will introduce Willkie, and various industry personalities will pre- sent the awards in the various classi- fications. In view of the war situation, the banquet, usually a formal affair with tickets priced at $25 each, this year will be informal, with the tariff re- duced to $10. There will be no danc- ing, which had been a feature of pre- vious banquets. Earlier in the year, the banquet had been entirely aban- doned, but subsequently, with the ap- proval of the War Department, it was decided to hold it. Approximately 10,000 studio work- ers have participated in the voting in the various classifications, the prin- cipal ones of which are for the best picture, best actor and actress per- formances, best supporting perform- ances, best direction and best screen writing. Loew Clerical Staffs Designate CIO Unit By a vote of 324 to 138, clerical em- ployes of Loew's, Inc., and the Mar- cus Loew Booking Agency at the home office designated the Screen Office & Professional Employes Guild, Local 109, CIO, as collective bargain- ing agency. The election, ordered by the NLRB, was conducted under the supervision of William O'Laughlin. field examiner. A similar vote among clerical em- ployes at Columbia also was held yes- terday but the ballots were not tabu- (Continued on page 4) L.A. Grosses Off Following 'Raid' Alarm Public Remaining Home; Studios Unaffected Hollywood, Feb. 25. — While production was unaffected today following what was believed an at- tempted air raid on Los Angeles early this morning, theatre business experienced a drop tonight with the public staying close to their homes. [In Washington, Secretary of the Navy Knox said it was "just a false alarm."] Exhibitors generally feared that adverse effects at the box- office might continue and are speculating on what continued blackouts and alerts might bring for night business. One of the possible results talked about is a shift of the bulk of patron- age from the downtown first-runs to neighborhood theatres. With no physical damage done, Hollywood was composed today. The (Continued on page 4) Umpi Discussion on Sales Plan Continues Exhibitor and distributor groups on the trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture Industry were reportedly far from agreement on a new sales plan to replace the decree's blocks-of-five method as meetings of the subcommittee were resumed yes- terday at the Warwick Hotel after an interval of five days. Spokesmen for the group declined to comment on the status of the dis- cussions at the end of the day. Mean- while, reports persisted that exhibitors were becoming impatient over the de- lays in agreement upon basic pro- visions of a new sales system. The meetings will continue today. RCAF 'Clouds' Trip Question Dropped Ottawa, Feb. 25. — A question in the Canadian Parliament as to the ex- penses of sending a RCAF unit and Canadian officials to New York for the premiere of Warners' "Captains of the Clouds" was dropped after brief comment by Air Minister Power. " Power said certain members of the air force and a band were permitted to visit New York to assist in cere- (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture daily Thursday, February 26, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, Feb. 25 ARRIVING home after midnight ■ Tuesday following pressures of arranging the Academy Awards din- ner, Donald Gledhill, Academy exec- utive secretary was notified of the raid alarm and spent the rest of the night patrolling the community in line of duty as chief air warden for the first Hollywood district. He went from there to the Academy office and picked up where he had left off. • John P. Miles, publicity director for Arnold Productions, releasing through United Artists, today was appointed publicity director for Loew-Lewin Productions, Inc., which shortly starts shooting on "Moon and Sixpence," starring George Sanders and Herbert Marshall, for U. A. Miles will con- tinue with Arnold Productions. • The Los Angeles local of the Amer- ican Guild of Variety Artists has of- fered to arbitrate differences with Earl Carroll over his roadshow unit which has been placed on the unfair list. No Release Set on 'Pride of Yankees' Samuel Goldwyn has not yet set the releasing arrangements on "The Pride of the Yankees," feature starring Gary Cooper and concerning the life of the late Lou Gehrig. "Ball of Fire" was released by RKO, but Goldwyn made only a one-picture deal with that company. Douglas Croft has been cast in "Pride of the Yankees" to play Gehrig as a boy. Dr. Conrado Traverso, Argentine consul general here, will receive the Lou Gehrig Award, to be presented to the winner of the Argentine Baseball League by Goldwyn, at a ceremony at the Argentine consulate in Rocke- feller Center this afternoon. Cut Assessment on WB House in Phila. Philadelphia, Feb. 25. — Ad- ditional tax assessment reductions certified by the Board of Revision of Real Estate Taxes, reduced the 1942 valuation of Warners' Keith Theatre to $528,100 from $583,500 last year. The 1941 figures were continued for the circuit's Karlton at $980,600 and Aldine at $549,000, and the Academy of Music, concert hall, at $1,025,000. Jersey Allied Unit To Meet March 3 Film buying and State legislation affecting the industry will be taken up at a meeting of the Southern division of New Jersey Allied set for March 3 at the Walt Whitman Hotel, Cam- den, it was announced yesterday. E. Thornton Kelly will preside. Plan Newsreel House Oakland, Cal., Feb. 25. — Fox- West Coast Theatres have leased a portion of the Tapscott Building, and will remodel it for a 560-seat news- reel theatre immediately. The cir- cuit also is planning a new theatre for Richmond. 10 miles north of here, because of the great increase in ship- building there. Personal Mention EDWARD ALPERSON left Cali- fornia last night for New York. • Edward A. Golden has returned here from a trip to the South, West and Midwest. • Milton M. Krueger of United Art- ists' Indianapolis branch is in Florida. • Henry Starr Richardson, former member of the Pennsylvania Board of Motion Picture Censors, is ill at the Germantown Hospital, Philadelphia, following an operation. • Al Stiefel, manager of the Roxy and Boro, Philadelphia, and Sylvia Pearlman have announced their en- gagement. JOSEPH R. NELSON, 20th-Fox »J sales manager in Indianapolis, is vacationing here. • Herbert Weiner, son of Harry E. Weiner, Columbia branch manager in Philadelphia, has joined the Army. • R. M. Savini is in the Midwest. L. W. Conrow, president of Altec Service Corp., has returned from the Southwest. • John Menzies, assistant manager of the Century Theatre in Rochester, N. Y., has joined the Army. • Toni Spitzer leaves for Florida this weekend. Rationing Cuts Phila, Visits by N. J. Public Philadelphia, Feb. 25. — Although downtown theatre business does not reflect it, a drop in night traffic over the Delaware River Bridge from Southern New Jersey is attributed to the fact that the people in the ad- joining Jersey communities are no longer coming here for their amuse- ments and theatricals. Since tire and auto rationing began, Joseph K. Costello, chairman of the Delaware River Bridge Commission, has reported that there is a drop in evening bridge tolls. "It indicates," he said, "that the people are no longer driving to Philadelphia for their movies and amusements, instead, patronizing such places close to their homes because of the tire and auto rationings." Chicago Approves Revised 'Roxie Hart' Chicago, Feb. 25.— "Roxie Hart," 20th Century-Fox film, given an "adults only" permit by the local censor board last month, has been approved for general showing follow- ing the submission of a new print. Instead of cuts being made here, it is understood the picture was returned to Hollywood, where the studio dubbed new dialogue into the scenes to which the censor objected. The procedure is said to have saved con- siderable cutting on the film locally. Miss. Sunday Film Measure Up Again Jackson, Miss., Feb. 25. — The proposal to repeal Mississippi's ban on Sunday films twice defeated in the House probably will be argued again this week on the floor of the Senate, which has received a new bill to allow theatres within 30 miles of Army establishments to operate on Sunday. K.C. Theatres Get Defense Measures Kansas City, Feb. 25. — A letter outlining precautionary measures for theatres has been sent to managers here by John McManus, manager of Loew's Midland, acting for the thea- tres division of the Department of Plant Protection of the local unit of the Office of Civilian Defense. Victory Committee Forms Talent Unit Hollywood, Feb. 25. — Marshalling of all of the industry's star talent for army camp entertainment and other patriotic work, a new subcommittee of the Hollywood Victory Committee was appointed today from the ranks of talent agents and casting directors. Charles K. Feldman will be chairman. Members are Jules Stein, Walter Kane, M. C. Levee, Al Kingston, Frank Vincent, Arthur Lyons, Bill Woolfenden, agents ; Steve Trilling, Max Arnow, Fred Datig, Lew Schrei- ber, William Meiklejohn, Ben Piazza, Robert Speers, Bob Mclntyre, Bobby Webb, casting directors. Toronto Opening Set For 'Hatter's Castle' "Hatter's Castle," Paramount's lat- est British production, is scheduled to have its American premiere in To- ronto next week, opening here later, David Rose, managing director for England, said here yesterday. He will go to Toronto for the opening. Following his return to England in about two weeks, Rose will confer with Government officials on coopera- tion in the production of the next Paramount English production, "Chan- nel Port," story of the Commandos. Cincinnati Club's Installation Held Cincinnati, Feb. 25. — Approxi- mately 125 attended the third annual installation dinner of the Cinema Club of Cincinnati in the Variety Club quarters. Addressing the meeting were Mayor James G. Stewart and Judge John W. Hausserman of New Richmond, O., former Judge-Advo- cate in the Philippines, and S. H. Nelson, of the local F.B.I, staff. Williams to Cincinnati Cincinnati, Feb. 25. — Ross Wil- liams, West Virginia salesman for RKO, has been named Cincinnati city salesman. He succeeds Albert Ko- litz, recently named Denver mana- ger. Joins RKO Sales Staff Kansas City, Feb. 25. — Laurel C. Ringler has joined the sales staff of the local RKO exchange, of which James Lewis is manager. Hanger Matinee Hazleton, Feb. 25 FIFTEEN wire coat hang- ers in good condition were accepted for admission to a special matinee show held for children by Manager Carl Pfeil at the Family Thea- tre. The show was held in conjunction with a local cleaning and dyeing firm. The firm later reimbursed the theatre for the admissions at full price. 49 Foreign Pictures Seen by Pa, Censor Philadelphia, Feb. 25. — During 1941, the Pennsylvania Board of Mo- tion Picture Censors reviewed 2,025 Q pictures. Of these only 49 were in f foreign languages, it was disclosed by jj Mrs. Edna R. Carroll, chairman of the board. In the past three years, \\ the board has had pictures in 19 different languages, including Chinese j and two in Arabic. Mrs. Carroll said that American I films are definitely superior to foreign j films and emphasized that motion pic- j tures are important to the morale of j the whole United States. "We just |i cannot live too close to reality and \ survive, we have to have romance and a sense of adventure," she said. ! "Through movies we travel all over j, the world. They are a source of education as well as of escape." Labor Concession For Mexican Lab Mexico City, Feb. 25. — The con- cession of a guarantee of freedom from labor troubles, a most impor- tant concession in Mexico, has been given by authorities to Alfredo Lasso de la Vega for the establishment of a film developing laboratory in San Luis Potosi City. The guarantee has been given by the state of San Luis Potosi. De la Vega operates an im- portant circuit in the state, and his plant, scheduled to open April 1, will be in the annex of the Cine Azteca. Theatre Pioneer Dies Oakland, Cal., Feb. 25. — Allen E. King, owner of the Moulin Rouge Theatre and a pioneer exhibitor here, died after a brief illness. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres. Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. A Difference of Opinion about "KINGS ROW.:. Syndicated Hollywood columnist of the N. Y. Daily News KINGS ROW will certainly be one of the Ten Best Pictures of 1942. NLWYOKKEK writing on films in The New Yorker magazine KINGS ROW is plainly too good for the Ten Best Pictures of 1942. ANN SHERIDAN ROBERT CUMMINGS RONALD REAGAN BETTY FIELD in "KINGS ROW" with CHARLES COBURN Claude Rains -Judith Anderson • Nancy Coleman KAAREN VERNE MARIA OUSPENSKAYA HARRY DAVENPORT Directed by SAM WOOD Screen Play by Casey Robinson From the Novel by Henry Bellaman Music by Erich Wolfgong Korngold ...And, best of all, the paying customers at the Astor Theater, New York, think it's terrific! 1 WARNERS! 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, February 26, 194J Theatre Changes L.A. Grosses Off Following 'Raid' Alarm (Continued from page 1) studio workers arrived at work sleepy- eyed but in the main punctually. The studios, prepared for just such an emergency, reported no disturbance to the night's routine except the late arrival ot some air-raid wardens. B. V. Sturdivant, chairman of the Los Angeles Theatre Defense Bureau, stated: "Nothing which happened last night creates any problems we have not foreseen." The Bureau membership at a meet- ing last night approved a series of 10 instructional trailers which will be made available to theatres in this area at cost by National Screen Service. Designed to inform the public on the procedure to follow in emergencies, the trailers will have a cartoon back- ground and feature the slogan, "Your Theatre Is Your Haven of Concrete and Steel." Weather Reports Ban Hits Studios (Continued from page 1) time restrictions on the use of the radio. Last week, conditions seemed favor- able for outdoor location work. Re- public sent its "Sunset on the Trail" company to a distant location and ran into a heavy rainstorm there. The next day, the process was repeated, and a heavy fog blew in from the sea. Friday was a beautiful day for out- door work. • Saturday, it rained heavily. One of the results of the restric- tions on weather information may be the revision of western scripts, in order to supply the characters with action that takes place principally in- doors or on the companies' already built outdoor western street sets, which are on their back lots. Largest location company to be sent out since the start of the war is Universal's "Lady in a Jam," and that is encamped near Phoenix, Ariz. Arizona officials and citizens are undertaking a drive to have the in- dustry move into its state, but no dislocation appears possible. How- ever, the state may attract western location jaunts. RCAF 'Clouds' Trip Question Dropped (Continued from page 1) monies there and as a matter of reci- procity. He said the company which made the picture dealing with Cana- dian civilian and military flying had spent more than §1,000,000 on the un- dertaking. He suggested the question raised by the New Democracy leader, J. H. Blackmore, be dropped. Missouri Exhibitor Dies JOPLIN, Mo., Feb. 25. — Ensley Bar- bour, 52, theatre operator in this area many years, died near here today. Services will be held in Springfield. Mo., Friday. Burial will be in Prague, Okla. Circuit Men Are Shifted Indianapolis, Feb. 25. — Claude Al- lison, who has been manager of the Emerson of the Cantor Circuit here, will become assistant to Dudley Wil- liston, owner of the Walker, Park and Lido, here, as well as several other Negro houses in Louisville, Ky. George Lewis, now assistant manager of the Oriental of the Olson circuit, is to become manager of the Emer- son. Reopen Theatre in Frisco San Francisco, Feb. 25. — The Tower Theatre, formerly the Majes- tic, has been opened in the Mission district after expenditure of $50,000 by the Nasser Brothers for remodel- ling. Fred Wade has been named manager. Renovates Conn. Theatre Willimantic, Conn., Feb. 25. — ■ Steven Panora plans to renovate the Strand, 640-seat house here, planning a new marquee and recovered seats. Remodel House in Iowa Davenport, la., Feb. 25. — The Lib- erty Theatre here has reopened after having been completely renovated. Hugh Mack is the manager. Named Theatre Manager Arcade, N. Y., Feb. 25. — Virginia Blakely has been promoted from chief ticket seller to manager of the Arcade Theatre here, succeeding John C. Hartley, who lias enlisted in the Coast Guard. See Toronto Signs Hit in Power Lack Toronto, Feb. 25. — Restrictions on illuminated signs and the lighting of outdoor advertising generally for the Toronto district have been threatened several times for blackout and other reasons, all without definite action, but it now appears that limitations will be prescribed because of a short- age of 300,000 horsepower in the in- dustrial area. Because of the growing need for current for war production, Chairman Thomas Hogg of the Ontario Hydro- Electric Commission has officially an- nounced that a partial ban will be imposed within a few weeks. The new regulations will eliminate the illu- mination of all advertising signs, all window display lighting and the use of electric air and water heaters. Similar restrictions enforced in Ottawa for a permanent blackout were lifted after many protests — but the electricity shortage has been classed as another matter. Max Goosmann Dies; With Snaper Houses (Continued from page 1) tury-Fox. From 1923 to 1926 he was disbursement manager in the 20th Century-Fox foreign department. He was with Nu-Art Films in a sales capacity in 1938 and 1939 prior to joining the Snaper circuit. Goosmann was born in Bremen, Germany, and attended high school and college in Hanover. He leaves a son and a daughter. Woman Manages Theatre Buffalo, Feb. 25. — Dorothy Moore has been named manager of Dipson's Amherst Theatre, succeeding John Finley, who has enlisted in the Marine Corps. Miss Moore previously was secretary to Andrew Gibson, general manager of the Dipson circuit. Open Mississippi House Gulfport, Miss., Feb. 25. — The new American Legion theatre has opened here. Ed Ortte is manager. Reopens New Orleans House New Orleans, Feb. 25. — The Cin- ema Theatre, formerly the Casino, has reopened following complete renova- tion and redecoration and an enlarge- ment of the seating capacity to 1,100. Two California Houses Bought Colusa, Cal., Feb. 25. — George M. Barnes has purchased the Williams Theatre. In a second Colusa County transfer, Francis Hassler purchased the Arbuckle Theatre from Benjamin Burke, who moved to Oakland. Raises Balcony Price Rochester, Feb. 25. — Loew's Re- chester has increased its balcony ad- mission price from 30 to 33 cents after 5 P.M. Drops Midweek Shows Victor, la., Feb. 15. — Joseph Fauver, owner of the Strand here, has closed his house for midweek shows and will be open on Saturday and Sunday nights only until the warm weather. Seeks Writ to Halt Operator Picketing Scranton, Pa., Feb. 25. — A hear- ing on an action for a preliminary injunction against operators' Local 329, will be held in the Lackawanna County Court. The action was start- ed by Wallace Prestwood, president, Frestwood Speed Photo Service, Inc., to restrain officers and members of Local 329 from picketing the firm's establishment or otherwise interfering with its business. Prestwood contends he entered into an oral contract with the union by which the union agreed to permit Prestwood's own employes to present exhibitions of certain types of motion pictures. Loew Clerical Staffs Designate CIO Unit (Continued from page 1) la ted because mail ballots from ab- sentee employes had not arrived. John J. Stanley, secretary-treasurer of the United Office & Professional Workers of America, the parent union, who conducted the drive for SOPEG, said that steps to open negotiations would be taken immediately. Aiding Raid Wardens Philadelphia, Feb. 25. — Cecil Felt, operator of the Bluebird Theatre, is giving a special midnight show next Saturday to raise funds for equipment for the air-raid wardens in the im- mediate neighborhood. Free Tickets For Servicesj Are Proposed (Continued from page 1) tive delegation from circuit and smal exhibitors of that city. Hammer told Motion Picm| Daily : "It certainly is not my irrV to embarrass the theatre industry. B is my further intention to confer wit exhibitors in an effort to find a work1 able solution." Many letters received by the Bui falo legislative members emphasize' that theatres should no more be ed pected to provide their services with out charge than restaurants, cafes o other such enterprises, Others, point ing out that exhibitors already ar participating in more patriotic effort than most comparable small busines men, said that the provisions of th proposed bill might force many thea tres in the state to close. Assemblyman Stephen Jarema ha already introduced a resolution en bodying a request that theatres adm: service men free, but designed to appl only on slow days. N. J. House Appeal Award on Clear anc (Continued from page 1) declared reasonable by the arbitral and was not altered. The complainant had also sougll reduction in the clearance of thos houses over the Liberty. Smalley Complaint Heard in Albany Albany, Feb. 25. — Hearing of tl clearance complaint of Smalley Th< atres was begun here today, contii ued into the night and will be r< sumed tomorrow. The circuit seel a reduction of the 14 days held h Schine's Colonia, Norwich, N. Y over Smalley's Sidney. Joser Rosch, former N. Y. Supreme Cou [ justice, is the arbitrator. Talk Sales Policy At Republic Mee (Continued from page 1) Republic Productions, is present fro the Coast. In addition to franchi holders and branch managers, hon office executives present inclui Grover C. Schaefer, Morris Goodma Walter Titus, Charles Reed Jonc Harry Marcus, J. J. O'Connell, Borus and A. L. Pindat. A. W. Perry, general manager Empire Universal Films, Ltd., and 1 O. Painter, Republic Canadian sal; manager, are also attending. T meeting will end today with a lunc eon at the Athletic Club. Join RKO Pathe News Donald and Robert Jacques, sons I Stanley Jacques, RKO branch ma ager in Cincinnati, have been trail ferred from the RKO studio to po: tions with RKO Pathe News here. Buy Supply Company St. Louis, Feb. 25. — Cooperati Sound Service and Supply Co., m here, has been purchased by Sow Systems of St. Louis. SIR CEDRIC RALPH HARDWICKE • BELLAMY LIONEL BELA 1 • EVELYIr! ATWILL • LUGOSI • ANKERS The new master character creator Screenplay by W. Scott Darling Directed by ERLE C KENTON and LON CHANEY as Frankenstein's Monster Original Story by Eric Taylor Produced by GEORGE WAGGNER A UNIVERSAL PICTURE WARNERS Wild Bill Hickok Rides (O) 118 Bennett-Cabot Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Val. Hobson Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Brenda Marshall Bullet Scars (D) 123 Regis Toomey Adele Longmire Always in My Heart (D) 124 Gloria Warren Francis-Houston Murder in the Big House (D) 125 Faye Emerson The Male Animal (C) 126 O. De Havilland Henry Fonda UNIVERSAL Treat 'Em Rough (C) 6039 Eddie Albert Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Jungle Fury (D) Ride 'Em Cowboy (C) 6002 Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 What's Cookin' (C) Gloria Jean Andrew Sisters Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) 6042 Una Merkel Lionel Atwell Ghost of Frankenstein (D) Lon Chaney, Jr. Bela Lugosi Frisco Lil (D) 6027 Irene Hervey Kent Taylor The Saboteur (D) Priscilla Lane Robt. Cummings You're Telling Me (C) Hugh Herbert Robert Paige Lady in a Jam (C) Irene Dunne Patrick Knowles Unseen Enemy (D) Irene Hervey Don Terry The Spoilers (D) Marlene Dietrich * Randolph Scott < Shanghai Gesture (D) Gene Tierney Victor Mature Brooklyn Orchid (C) (Streamliner) William Bendix Heliotrope Harry (D) Miriam Hopkins Brian Donlevy To Be or Not to Be (C) Carole Lombard Jack Benny Dudes Are Pretty People (C) (Streamliner) M. W oodworth Mister V (D) Leslie Howard Mary N orris Jungle Book Sabu Joseph Calleia The Gold Rush (C) (Reissue) Charles Chaplium 20TH-FOX Son of Fury (D) 230 Tyrone Power Gene Tierney Young America (C) 231 Jane Withers On the Sunny Side (C) 232 Roddy McDowall Jane Darnell Roxie Hart (C) 233 Ginger Rogers Adolph Menjou Castle in the Desert (D) 234 Sidney Toler Arlene Whelan Night Before the Divorce (C) 235 Lynn Bari Mary B. Hughes Song of the Island (M) 236 Mature-Grable Jack Oakie Rings on Her Fingers (C) 237 Gene Tierney Henry Fonda The Remarkable Mr. Kipps (D) 238 M. Redgrave Secret Agent of Japan (D) 239 Foster-Bari To the Shores of Tripoli (D) 240 Payne-O'Hara Randolph Scott Who Is Hope Schuyler? (D) 242 /. Allen, Jr. Mary Howard RKO RADIO Obliging Young Lady (C) 215 Joan Carroll Valley of the Sun (D) 216 Lucille Ball James Craig Call Out the Marines (C) 217 Edmund Lowe V. McLaglen Joan of Paris (D) 218 M ichele Morgan Paul Henried Riding the Wind (O), 283 Tim Holt Sing Your Worries Away (M) 219 Bert Lahr Mexican Spitfire at Sea (C) 220 Errol-V elez The Bashful Bachelor (C) Lum & Abner The Magnificent A-mbersons (D) Dolores Costello Joseph Gotten Fantasia 291 Disney Feature Land of the Open Range (O) 284 Tim Holt Syncopation (M) Adolph Menjou Jackie Cooper REPUBLIC Cowboy Serenade (O) 144 Code of the Outlaw (O) 164 A Tragedy at Midnight (D) 114 Lindsay- Hoivard South of Santa Fe (O) 154 Roy Rogers | j Stage Coach Express (O) 175 Sleepy-Time Gal (C) 102 Heart of the Rio Grande (O) 144 Yokel Boy (C) 115 Raiders of the Range (O) 165 3 Mesquiteers Affairs of Jimmy Valentine (D) O'Keefe- Terry Jesse James, Jr. (O) Sunset on the Desert (O) Shepherd of the Ozarks (O) The Weavers Girl from Alaska (D) Ray Middleton Jean Parker PRC Today I Hang (D) 214 Mona Barrie Broadway Big Shot (D) 207 Ralph Byrd Virginia Vale Raiders of the West (O) 252 Lee Powell Billy the Kid Trapped (O) 259 Buster Crabbe Too Many Women (C) 210 Neil Hamilton June Lang Girls Town (D) 202 June Storey Edith Fellows Lone Rider in Cheyenne (O) 264 Rodeo Rhythm (O) 270 The Strangler (D) 229 Judy Campbell Sebastian Shaw Dawn Express (D) 211 Michael Whalen Anne Nag el House of Errors (C) 208 Harry Langdon Marion Marsh PARA. (Third Block) Pacific Blackout (D) 4115) Robert Preston M. O'Driscoll Bahama Passage (D) 4111 M. Carroll Sterling Hayden Sullivan's Travels (C) 4112 Veronica Lake Joel McCrea No Hands On the Clock (C) 4113 Jean Parker Chester Morris Mr. Bug Goes to Town 4114 Fleischer Cartoon (Fourth Block) Torpedo Boat (D) Arlen-Parker The Remarkable Andrew (D) Holden-Drew The Lady Has Plans (C) Goddard-Milland Fly by Night (D) Nancy Kelly Richard Carlson The Fleet's In (D) Lamtour-H olden MONO. Below the Border (O) Rough Riders Law of the Jungle (D) Manton M or eland Western Mail (O) Tom Keene Jean Trent Mr. Wise Guy (D) East Side Kids Rock River Renegades (O) Range Busters Black Dragon (D) Bela Lugosi Arizona Roundup (O) Klondike Fury (D) Edmund Lowe L. Fairbanks Ghost Town Law (O) Rough Riders The Mesquite Kid (O) Range Busters M-G-M Joe Smith American (D) 221 Robert Young Marsha Hunt Woman of the Year (C) 222 A., iiepuurn Spencer Tracy The Vanishing Virginian (D) 223 Frank Morgan K. Grayson Yank on the Burma Road (D) 224 Laraine Day Barry Nelson We Were Dancing (C 225 Norma Shearer Melvyn Douglas Born to Sing (M) 226 V . W eidler Ray McDonald Nazi Agent (D) 227 Conrad Veidt This Time for Keeps (C) 228 Robt. Sterling Ann Rutherford Courtship of Andy Hardy (C) 229 Rooney-Stone COLUMBIA Close Call for Ellery Queen (D) 3031 IVilliam Gargan Man Who Returned to Life (D) 3034 John Hoivard The Lady Is Willing (C) 3007 Bullets for Bandits (O) Shut My Big Mouth (C) 3021 Joe E. Brown Adventures of Martin Eden Claire Trevor Glenn Ford Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (C) Lawless Plainsman (O) Canal Zone (D) Chester Morris John Hubbard Two Yanks in Trinidad (D) Pat O'Brien Brian Donlevy Alias Boston Blackie (D) North of the Rockies (O) Blondie's Blessed Event (C) P. Singelton Arthur Lake Strange Case of Murder (D) Anton IValbrook Diana Wynyard e o 3 en i— > b & ° -O in. s M i o S i *■ < DTiursdav, February 26, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 ^Suspicion' at $18,500 Holds Frisco Pace 9 Sax Francisco, Feb. 25. — Business jntinued brisk under influence of jod weather and continued defense "vity. "Suspicion" took §18,500 in second week at the Golden Gate, id "Bugle Sounds" and "Mr. and Irs. North" pulled $15,900 in the cond week at the Fox. Estimated receipts for the week nding Feb. 17-19: Suspicion" (RKO) GOLD EX GATE— (2,850) (44c-49c-65c) 7 lays, 2nd wetrk. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: 8,500. (Average, $15,000) Bedtime Story" (Col.) Go West. Young Lady" (Col.) ORPHEUM— (2,440) (20c-35c-40c-S5c) 7 Gross: $8,800. (Average, $8,000) Men in Her Life" (Col.) Three Girls About Town" (Col.) CXITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (20c-35c-40c- :) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,000. Vverage, $7,500) The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) FOX— (5,000) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 davs, 2nd ■ek. Gross: $15,900. (Average. $16,000) Bahama Passage" (Para.) The Night of January 16" (Para.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (20c-35c -40c-55c) 7 ys, 3rd week. (Moved over from Para- )unt). Gross: $4,800. (Average. $4,500) Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) The Perfect Snob" (20th- Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2.740) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 ys. Gross: $12,400. (Average, $11,500) Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) Road to Happiness" (Mono.) WARFI ELD— (2,680) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 vs. Gross: $12,800. (Average. $12,000) Forgotten Village" ( Mayer- Burstyn) ."LAY— (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days. Gross: 100. (Average, $1,000) Wind' Cincinnati Smash at $13,700 Cincinnati, Feb. 25. — "Gone With le Wind" pulled a big $13,700 at the KO Capitol at advanced prices, -ouisiana Purchase" had an excel- nt $6,800 second moveover week at «.ith's. Estimated receipts for the week ding Feb. 18-21: iahama Passage" (Para.) kKOALBEE — (3.300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 ys. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $12,000) on of Fury" (20th-Fox) uisiar.a Purchase" (Para.) lEITH'S— (1.500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 davs. 2nd Mc Gross: $6,800. (Average, $5,000) 3 days. dropping Stage Shows CINCINNATI, Feb. Is. When Irtmy Kay and his orchestra closes current engagement at the 2,150- R RKO Shubert this week, the 3se will discontinue stage shows. I play straight pictures. Off the Antenna T NSTALLATION has started on the 100,000-watt shortwave transmitter in A San Francisco formerly operated by General Electric in Schenectady. From its new location, the transmitter, under the call letters, KWID, will be beamed to Japan. Associated Broadcasters, operators of KSFO, San Francisco long- wave station, will operate KWID. G. E. has a 50,000-watt station, KGEI, in the same city, and is completing another 100,000-watt transmitter for Schenec- tady. • • • Purely Personal: Raymond Gram Swing, Mutual commentator, will start a belated vacation April 6. John Gunther will substitute for three weeks. . . . Bob Marks, CBS page boy, has been promoted to the post of official timer for the network's television programs. . . . Ed Paid has been named program director of WCFL, Chicago. . . . Peter Grant, chief announcer for WLW- WSAI, Cincinnati, will start military service March 8. . . . Jose Crespo has joined the CBS Spanish language staff. . . . Syd Cornell has been named program manager for U'KRC, Cincinnati, to succeed Brad Simpson who resigned to enter the advertising agency business. • • • WKBW and WGR, Buffalo stations, have gone on a 24-hour basis with late night and early morning programs designed for defense workers on late shifts. • • • WISE, Asheville, N. C, has joined Mutual as the 199th affiliate. The station operates on 1,230 k.c. with 250 watts. KFXJ, Grand Junction, Colo., another Mutual affiliate, has notified the network that it has raised its power from 250 to 1,000 watts and changed its frequency to 1,230 k.c. • • • Program News: The Blue zsill offer a second nczi-s show from Wash- ington for cooperative sponsorship. The series with William Hillman and Ernest K. Lindley -will be heard Mondays through Fridays 7:30-7:45 P.M. It will become available for local sponsorship on March 16 but will start on a sustaining basis Monday. Tlie H. R. Baukhagc scries, the first Blue coopera- tive show-, noii' has 12 local sponsors. It started Feb. 16. . . . Prominent historians will be Iteard in a new sustaining series, "Living History" which will be heard over CBS Tuesdays. 4:15-4:30 P.M. starting next week. . . . Lynton IVells will start a new commentary series, "The World This Week," over CBS television tomorrow. It will be heard Fridays 8-8 :30 P.M., with appropriate visual aids on the television screen. . . . Andrew Jcrgens Co. has renewed "The Thin Man" over 78 NBC stations for an additional year. Da Dow Je Bun! ~D LUE Network announcers have begun signing off re- mote and sustaining programs with catch phrases in Spanish and Chinese as a goodwill ges- ture. Phrases like "Tsao Shun" (Chinese for "Good Morn- ing"), "Hasido un gran gusto" (Spanish for "Ifs been a great pleasure"), and "Da dow je bun!" ("Down with Japan!"') are being aired by the an- nouncers with the Chinese supplied by the local Chinese consulate. Not to keep listen- ers mystified, the translations also are given. Working on Plan for N. Y. Opera Company Everett Crosby, talent manager, Edward Arnold, film actor, Frank Chapman, husband of Gladys Swart- hout, and one or two others are re- ported working together on a propo- sal to establish an opera company in New York which would replace and substitute for the Metropolitan, pro- viding the financing for such a proj- ect can be arranged. The group's plan is reportedly based on the premise that the war may trim the Metropolitan to a point where it may cease to function a year from now. The group has approached certain Broadway theatre interests in the matter but their project has not yet become definitive, it is said. 'Scandal' Garners $9,500, New Haven New Haven, Feb. 25. — The Loew- Poli, with "Design for Scandal" and "The Bugle Sounds," took $9,500. and the Roger Sherman drew $6,400 with "Dangerously They Live" and "Sing Your Worries Away." Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 19: "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) COLLEGE— (1.627) (40c-50c) 7 days, week. Gross: $2,700. (Average. $2,700) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) LOEW-POLI— (3.005) (40c-50c) 7 days Cross: S9.500. (Average. $8,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Mccn Over Her Shoulder" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT — (2.373) (40c -50c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average. $4,500 "Dangerously Thev Live" (W. B.) "Sing Ycur Worries Away" (RKO) ROGER SHERMAN— (2.067) (40c-50c) 5 days. Gross $6,400. (Average. $5,000) "Major Barbara" (U. A.) SHUBERT— (1.680) (40c-55c) 7 days. Gross $4,200. 4 BIG WEEKS AT THE N.Y. GLOBE THEATRE 2nd Seeks Permit for Station in Topeka Washington, Feb. 25. — The Jay- hawker Broadcasting Co., Inc.. has asked the FCC for a construction per- mit for a new 940-kilocycle. 1.000- watt station at Topeka, Kan. The commission also was asked by Station KXO, El Centre Calif., to authorize a change in frequency from 1,490 to 1.230 kilocycles and increase of power from 100 to 250 watts. 3 Companies Formed Albany, Feb. 25. — Three companies have been formed here. Thev are Studio Theatre Corp., Theatre Crafts, Tnc. and "V" Newsreel Corp., all Manhattan companies. I Call It 1 jayi LEE MORTMAER, Doily Mirror^ TOPS normal business oy w *1 PARIS CALLING You ve "got to be I be DEFYING THE NAZI HEELS! A Charles fC Feldman Group fVopeakers with Herman Wob- b e r, general >ales manager, at the get-to- gether meet- ings and sales conferences of 20th Century- Fox, which are being held at the Blackstone Hotel here. The meetings have been given added emphasis by the fact that the Darryl Zanuck production, "How Green Was My Valley," was named as the most outstanding picture of the year by the Academy of Motion Picture (Continued on page 12) Siilm Para, to Trade Show 5 Films March 16-17 Paramount will trade show its fifth block of five pictures in key city ex- changes on March 16 and 17. Screenings for the group will be as follows : "This Gun for Hire," '"Henry and Dizzy" and "The Great Man's Lady" on March 16; "True to the Army" and "My Favorite Blonde," March 17. "Under Cover Man," a new Hopalong Cassidy Western, also will be screened March 17. In connection with Paramount's 30th anniversary observance, Ampa is planning a special luncheon to honor (Continued on page 12) Five New Showings Are Set By Warners Warners will trade show five fea- tures on April 6 and 7 at screening rooms now being scheduled by the sales department. The five to be shown are : "In This Our Life" and "Murder in the Big House," April 6, and "Juke Girl," "I Was Framed" and "Ladv Gang- ster," April 7. Quigley Awards to Be Made at Special Ampa Meet March 17 The 1941 Quigley Grand Awards will be presented at a special meeting of Ampa on Tuesday, March 17, at the Hotel Edison, a date selected by the Ampa board to accommodate showmen in the metropolitan area. Winners of the grand awards, Arn- old Stoltz of Warners Theatres, Utica, and Frank BickerstafT, Lucas & Jen- kins Theatres, Athens, Ga., will attend as guests of Motion Picti rf. Herald. Vincent Trotta, Ampa president, has appointed the following to a commit- tee on arrangements which will aid the Ampa executive committee in staging the affair : George Dembow, Oscar Doob, Ernest Emerling, Alec Moss, William Ferguson, Walter Reade, Harry Goldberg, Harry Mandel, Lou Pollock, Monroe Greenthal, Harry- Brandt, S. Barret McCormick, A. M. Botsford and Charles Reed Jones. Others will be added to the commit- tee shortly. FixedLightingRuled Out in Coast Regions Washington, March 1.— Blackout of all exterior theatre lights that can- not be turned off at a moment's notice was ordered over the weekend in all coastal regions. Telegrams were sent by James M. Landis, director of the office of Civilian Defense, to regional officials on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts to strip all external industrial and busi- ness lighting to a point where black- outs can be accomplished without de- (Continued on page 12) London to Phone B'way Audience Laurence Olivier and Les- lie Howard will talk by trans- Atlantic phone from London directly to the audience at the opening of "The Invaders" at the Capitol, Thursday night at 9 P. M. Michael Powell, director of the picture in which the two are starred, also will be on the program. Nets Plea For FCC RulesTest Termed 'Fair' Declaring that a proposal by the networks for a series of "test cases" to determine the validity of the FCC network rules seemed "emi- nently fair" although rejected by the FCC, Circuit Judge Learned Hand, with Federal Judges Henry W. Goddard and John Bright, re- served decision Friday on an appli- cation for continuation of a stay against the FCC rules pending an appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court. Permission to appeal to the Su- preme Court will be granted as a mat- ter of right, the court stated. How- ever, the question of a further stay pending such appeal was taken under advisement. Unless an extension is granted, the stay will expire Monday. However, if the extension is denied before that time, the networks will have the opportunity to appeal to Su- preme Court Justice Robert Jackson. (Continued on page 14) Women Seen for Booth And Management Posts Theatres over the country are fac- ing a possible reduction in projection- ists and theatre managers as a result of the war, according to reports. In some cases it is reported that theatre owners are resorting to the training of women to replace manpower in the event that present booth employees and management employees are draft- ed into the armed services. Many owners, it is said, foresee the eventual employment of women pro- jectionists all around the country as a result of the draft requirements for (Continued on page 12) McNutt Lauds Cut Scales for Services Washington, March 1. — Film the- atres which offer reduced admissions to service men and organizations in various cities which are distributing free tickets were praised today by Fed- eral Security Administrator Paul V. McNutt, in a review of the activities of his Office of Defense, Health and Welfare Services. "Theatre managements are making (Continued on page 12) Umpi Group Develops New Sales Method Will Submit It To U. S., Exhibitors Soon The trade practice subcommittee of the United Motion Picture In- dustry has formulated a plan for a new- selling method to replace the hlock-of-five system. The subcommittee adjourned Friday after two weeks of sessions here and will present the plan to organized exhibitor groups and the Department of Justice during the next two or three weeks for their reactions. Thereafter, the subcom- mittee will report back to Umpi at further meetings here, dates for which have not been set yet. Umpi officials declined to discuss1 the new sales plan pending its sub- mission to the Department of Justice and exhibitor groups but it was learned that it is based upon offerings of both completed and uncompleted pictures for sale in substantially larger groupings than is now the case. It was said that the plan, not yet fully agreed upon, would reduce the selling procedure from the decree's present seven to 10 buying experiences per season to not more than three or four block offerings per season. It was also reported that cancella- (Coutinued on page 12) Verdict for Defense In S. D. Trust Suit Sioux Falls, S. D., March 1. — A $523,000 monopoly suit against six Sioux Falls theatres and all major producers and distributors ended in U. S. Court Friday afternoon when Judge A. Lee Wyman directed a ver- dict for the defendants. Arthur R. Johnson, Granada The- atre manager, and J. P. Hartman, for- merly associated with Johnson in the- atres at Aberdeen, S. D., were the plaintiffs. The defendants included the Min^ nesota Amusement Co., which oper- ates five theatres here, and the Well- worth Theatres, which operates the Hollywood. Johnson and Hartman brought the suit under the Clayton Anti-Trust Act, contending a combination was formed to force independent operators out of business. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 2, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollyzvood, March 1 REPUBLIC executives who had purchased a minute of the news- reel clip showing Japanese Emissary Kurusu for the opening shot in "Re- member Pearl Harbor," forthcoming feature, have decided that the hissing- would last that long and therefore have bought two more minutes in order that the hubbub could subside before start of the story. • Harry M. Warner, chairman of the Industry Red Cross campaign here, has set March 15 as the deadline for reaching the quota. He said that do- nations are still $100,000 short of the goal and directed drive colonels to give special attention to 250 individuals in high salary brackets who have not made contributions. e David Bader has relinquished his post as general manager of George Pal Productions and has left for New York where he is expected to an- nounce future plans. The Pal organ- ization produces puppet shorts for Paramount release. • M. L. Jones, chief auditor for Re- public, is scheduled to be inducted in the Army tomorrow. Leser Nelson is replacing him at the studio. SPG Is Victor in Loew Circuit Vote Loew's Theatres publicists, by a vote of eight to five, named the Screen Publicists Guild of New York as their collective bargaining agency. The SPG had previously been named for Loew , and other major company home office publicists in NLRB elections and ne- gotiations have been under way. The Guild said it would ask immediately for the start of negotiations on behalf of the circuit publicists. Ad Group Nominates Secretary Candidates Nominations for the post of full- time executive secretary to the Public Relations Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, Eastern division, are under consideration. Because of the number of names placed in nomination a selection may not be made for some time, it was in- dicated. Shift RKO Feature The RKO feature, "Syncopation," originally scheduled for the fifth group, with a trade showing set for March 16, has been placed in the sixth group. "The Tuttles of Tahiti" will replace it at the trade showing March 16. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York Personal Mention E K. O'SHEA left over the week- end for Buffalo. Harry Cohn, Columbia president, is expected from the Coast today or tomorrow. • W. A. Scully, vice-president and general sales manager of Universal, is in Florida for a vacation. • Steve Pallos, Alexander Korda representative, returned at the end of the week from an extended South American business trip. • Frank P. Rosenberg, Columbia exploitation manager, was married yesterday to Thei.ma Dorfman of this city. Irving Reiner of Warners reports for Armv service today. BARNEY BALABAN, Paramount president, returned from Toronto over the weekend. • Paul .Nathanson, A. W. Perry and W. Painter of Empire Films, Toronto, were visitors here at the weekend. • Irving B. Rubinstein was given a surprise party by friends last night on his 50th birthday. Tyree Dillard, is expected back at his office today after a week's ill- ness. . • Leo Pillot left for Quebec last night. • Irving Browning leaves shortly for the Coast. Boulevard Display To Honor PeMille Hollywood, March 1. — Holly- wood Boulevard will be hung with banners and otherwise decorated on March 19, in tribute to Cecil B. DeMille, whose 30th anniversary will be marked by the premiere of his latest Paramount film, "Reap the Wild Wind," at the new Hollywood Theatre, which will open on that date. Funeral Rites Held For Thomas Lamb Funeral services for Thomas W. Lamb, 71, prominent architect, who died suddenly on Thursday, were held Saturday at the Universal Chapel, 52nd St. and Lexington Ave. Inter- ment was at Elizabethtown, Essex County, N. Y. Lamb, president of Thomas W. Lamb, Inc., designed scores of thea- tres and other buildings around the world, including India, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, England and Canada. Among the theatre struc- tures which he planned in Manhattan are the Capitol, Strand, Rivoli, Rialto, Ziegfeld, Cort and the State. He had to his credit the designing of the Mad- ison Square Garden among other buildings. Lamb resided at 1 East 88th Street, Manhattan. Surviving are a widow, five sons and a daughter. Seattle Independents Favor Block Booking Seattle, March 1. — Independent theatre owners of this region, meet- ing here, have gone on record favor- ing block booking with 20_ per cent cancellation. The meeting ratified air raid and blackout regulations which have been adopted by the I. T. O. of Washington, Northern Idaho and Alaska. British Film for Univ. Universal has acquired American distribution rights to the British pro- duction, "A Girl Must Live," starring Margaret Lockwood. The film will open at the Little Carnegie here March 16. Set Wartime Rules For Coast Premieres Hollywood, March 1. — Despite the war and the consent decree Hollywood still may be able to indulge itself with elaborate premieres, but subject to Army regulations. This developed last week when George Glass, Western exploitation chief for United Artists, emerged from a conerence with Army and local civilian defense authorities over premiere arrangements for Charlie Chaplin's "The Gold Rush" with the following rules : Searchlights may be used but their beams must not be pointed skyward. Floodlights, ditto. An attendant must be present at all times to extinguish lights immediately in the event of an air raid alarm. Crowds must be re- stricted to 5,000 and adequate policing must be furnished. All streets and other public thoroughfares must be kept open. Defense Unit Needs 16mm. Projectors An urgent need for 16 mm. sound projectors to be used for screening defense subjects throughout the city has been reported by the Film Bureau of the Civilian Defense Volunteer Of- fice. Owners of such projectors who are willing to place them "on call" for occasional use have been requested to communicate with Mrs. R. Gug- genheimer, Civilian Defense Office, 93 Park Ave., in New York. Subjects shown at these screenings teach proper behavior during black- outs, air raids, how to fight fire bombs and similar defense topics. Ginsberg to Coast After Confabs Here Henry Ginsberg, vice-president and general manager of the Paramount studio, left for the Coast by train on Friday. Ginsberg was in the East for about two weeks conferring with Par- amount home office officials. Honor Albert Kolitz Cincinnati, March 1. — The local Variety Club tendered a farewell din- ner in the club quarters to Albert F. Kolitz, RKO salesman, who will leave shortly for Denver as manager of the company's branch there. 1,000 British Houses To Increase Prices London, March 1. — Approximately 1,000 houses of three major British circuits already have decided to in- crease admissions beginning April 1, as suggested by the CEA general council because of increased theatre employe war bonuses and operating costs. Despite hesitancy by some cf units, it is expected all of them shonM* ly will set plans for the price increase. The increase by the major circuits is expected to be based on a six-penny minimum, with nine-penny tickets raised to one shilling, and one shill- ing two-pence tickets to one shilling and sixpence, and so on. ITO of Washington Reelects Director si Seattle, March 1. — Reelection of A the entire board of the Independent Theatre Owners of Washington for the ensuing year was announced at the annual convention here at the New Washington Hotel. James M. Hone, executive secretary, who presided,; was reappointed. The group elects no officers. Robert White was chosen to! represent the Washington group in] Umpi meetings. Membership of the board for 1942 j is as follows : Leroy V. Johnson, L. 0 Lukan, Paul Westlund and Ben F.J Shearer, all of Seattle ; H. D. McBride and Cecil Miller, Spokane; Mikel Barevic. and S. P. Dean, Tacoma; Charles Grieme, Wenatchee; Al St. John, Ceritralia ; W. G. Ripley, Long- view ; Eugene Groesbeck, Enumclaw ; Ed Hallberg, Pert Angeles ; Fred Mercy, Jr., Yakima ; Milburn Ken- worthy, Moscow, Idaho. Exhibitors of Eastern Washington held an auxiliary session in Spokane _ j earlier, with Hone presiding. 'Big Six* Report to MPPDA This Weekl The "Big Six" committee report oni public relations contacts in the in-p dustry is scheduled to be presented to( the MPPDA at a meeting this week. The report was adopted by the Asso- ciation of Motion Picture Producers in Hollywood on Feb. 20. Will H.I Hays is scheduled to arrive here to-k |i morrow from the Coast and will at tend the meeting. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday anc holidays by Quigley Publishing Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center. New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L Finestone, Managing Editor; James A Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unioi Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, Londoi Wl. Hope Williams, Manager, cable addres "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com! pany. Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Moi Hon Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Yi under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrif Hon rates per year $6 in the Americas ant, $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. T COLUMBIA ANNOUNCES THE PR! AT THE CAPITOL THE ON THURSO LAURENCE L OLIVIER * HOI with ANTON WALBROOK • ERIC PORTMAN and introdi •ICTURES JERE ENGAGEMENT IE, NEW YORK CITY MARCH 5th RD RAYMOND MASSEY s GLYNIS JOHNS •K*E,iNmL- A Columbia Picture 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 2, 1942 Critics9 Quotes . . . "TO BE OR NOT TO BE" (Korda-United Artists) Even if it were not Carole Lombard's last picture, Ernest Lubitsch's new production, "To Be or Not To Be" would stir up a gale of comment . . . packed with surprises. . . . And I want to assure you on one point. After the first shock, you are able to enjoy her playing, just as if "To Be or Not To Be" were an ordinary picture. — Harrison Carroll, Los Angeles Herald-Express. Her last picture is her best. — Louella 0. Parsons, Los Angeles Examiner. Uproarious and exciting, but surveyed in retrospect, will leave many who see it unsatisfied. — Edzvin Schallert, Los Angeles' Times. The Lubitsch hand in all this is more restrained than usual ; as a result this is his best picture in a long time. — Virginia Wright, Los Angeles News. "SONG OF THE ISLANDS" (20th Century-Fox) It's gorgeously beautiful in photography, highly entertaining in theme, and excellently acted. . . . Don't be misled, however, by its ostentation. It's not a great drama and it never could be material for consideration in choosing academy awards. — C. Marlin Lundry, Miami Beach Daily Tropics: On the credit side of a pretty tiresome flicker might be mentioned really delightful technicolor photography and the face and figure of Betty Grable. — Jack Kofoed, Miami Daily News. A splendid production of song, dance and beauty, but lacking a screen play of sufficient mirth and merit. — Bob Fredericks, Miami Herald. "BEDTIME STORY" (Columbia) Time-honored plot . . . but it is bedecked with so much bright writing, clever acting and well-sustained suspense that it may be set down as a comedy of large dimensions. — Donald Kirkley, Baltimore Sun. There are, to be sure, moments of high and surefire comedy. But for the most part the situations are never credible and consequently beyond rescue by the valiant players. — Bemie Harrison, Washington Times-Herald. Don't expect too much of this airy fable but be assured that it is worth going for if your aim is light entertainment. — W. E. Oliver, Los Angeles Herald-Express. "ROXIE HART" (20th Century-Fox) For all its obviousness and broad slapstick, it's fast and fairly funny. — Philadelphia Bulletin. Her performance (Ginger Roger's) ... is very funny and so is the film. — Elsie Finn, Philadelphia Record. The film is even funnier than the 1926 footlight original in which Francine Larrimore appeared. — Mildred Martin, Philadelphia Inquirer. A sure enough click for sophisticated Broadway audiences. — Lee Mortimer, New York Daily Mirror. There are many laughs to be had . . . with Ginger and Menjou accounting for most of them. — Kate Cameron, New York Daily News. "JOHNNY EAGER" (M-G-M) Good entertainment . . . while Robert Taylor and Lana Turner have the leading roles a great deal of its dramatic value comes from the outstanding performance of Van Heflin. — Pat Pretlow, Washington Daily News. It is about as good a gangster picture as any of them that came off the line after Joe Von Sternberg's "Underworld." — Nelson B. Bell, Washington Post. If the story is a little on the fabulous side and the plot style slightly pre- war, never mind. "Johnny Eager" has what it takes to keep audiences both interested and entertained. — Elsie Finn, Philadelphia Record. A film replete with good performances as well as exciting action. — Harry Bortnick, Philadelphia Daily News. "CAPTAINS OF THE CLOUDS" (Warners) A virtual must on everyone's list . . . "Captains of the Clouds" is a thor- ough examination and an always visually beautiful one of the excitement that inheres in aerial activity. — Jay Carmody, Washington Star. There are scenes without number in this film which you will find yourself remembering at odd times. — Maxine Cook, Washington Daily Star. In some respects the best of the flying melodramas produced since prepa- rations for defense began. — Donald Kirkley, Baltimore Sun. "Captains of the Clouds" is long. But it's a good show, a stunning pro- duction and a bureau of information about the training of army aviators. — Elsie Finn, Philadelphia Record. An excellent, worthwhile film of today's war-time actions in other nations. — Harry Bortnick, Philadelphia Daily News. "RIDE 'EM COWBOY" (Universal) The team's fifth co-starring picture doesn't measure to some of their earlier efforts ... is funny enough for most specialists in low comedy. — Newszveek. They don't pull anything new but they certainly give the old stuff a funny workout. — Norman Clark, Baltimore News Post. Call it anything you wish and you needn't be flattering. But it's a hit just the same. — Gilbert Kanour, Baltimore Sun. 'Men' Scores $5,700, Best Seattle Gross Seattle, March 1. — "The Men in Her Life" took $5,700 at the Liberty, and the second week of "All Through the Night" drew $5,800 at the Or- pheum. The weather was mild. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 21 : "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "The Gay Falcon" (RKO) BLUE MOUSE — (950) (30c -42c -58c- 70c) 7 davs, 3rd week. Moved from Paramount. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $4,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "Fiesta" (U. A.) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,500) (30c-42c-58c- 70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,400. (Av- erage, $7,000) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) "Go West, Young Lady" (Col.) LIBERTY — (1,800) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 days. Gross: $5,700. (Average, $5,000) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) "A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) MUSIC BOX— (950) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 days, 3rd week. Moved from Fifth Avenue. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,000) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) ORPHEUM— (2,450) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,800. (Average, $6,000) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) "We Go Fast" (ZOth-Fox) PALOMAR— (1,500) (20c-30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville. Gross: $5,300. (Average, $5,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (3,050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Gross: $5,400. (Average, $6,000) 'Lady' and Powell $14,400, Milwaukee Milwaukee, March 1. — Sub-zero temperatures slowed down business. Dick Powell in person at the Riverside with the film, "Lady for a Night" drew $14,400. "Gone With the Wind" at Fox's Palace grossed $9,200. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 17-19 : "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Henry Aldrich for President" (Para.) STRAND— (1.400) (44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $2,100. (Average, 1,500) "Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $9,200. (Average, $4,000) "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Dick Powell. Gross: $14,400. (Aver- age, $6,500) "Dumbo" (RKO) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $4,500) "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "Blue, White and Perfect" (ZOth-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $5,500) 'Babes' Captures $12,000, Montreal Montreal, March 1. — "Babes on Broadway" chalked up $12,000 at Loew's. "How Green Was My Val- ley" drew $9,700 at the Palace. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 19 : "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) ORPHEUM— (1,000) (30c-40c-60c) 7 days. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $4,000) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S — (2,900) (35c-47c-67c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $7,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th -Fox) PALACE— (2,200) (30c-45c-62c) 7 days. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $7,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) CAPITOL— (2,800) (30c-45c-62c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $4,000) "The Wolf Man" (Univ.) "Jail House Blues" (Univ.) PRTNCESS — (2,200) (34c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $4,300. (Average. $2,500) Is Circuit Head's Aide Indianapolis, March 1. — James R Newton Jr., has been named assistant to the general manager of the Foun- tain Square Theatre Co., which op- erates the Fountain Square, Granada and Sanders, South Side neighborhood houses here. Delay Buffalo Trial Buffalo, March 1.— Supreme Court Justice Almon W. Lytle has ad- journed the trial of Old Vienna, Inc., on chance game charges until March 16. The action was taken because of the illness of former Mayor Frank X. Schwab, president of the corporation. 'Hellzapoppin' Gets $12,000, Providence Providence, March 1. — "Hellza- poppin" and "Father Takes a Wife" took $12,000 at the RKO-Albee, and business elsewhere was satisfactory. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 18-19: "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Father Takes a Wife" (RKO) RKO-ALBEE — (2.239) (28c-39c-50c) days. Gross: $12,000. (Average. $6,000) "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Mr. District Attorney in the Carter Case" (Rep.) LOEW'S STATE— (3.232) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $11,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Young America" (ZOth-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2.250) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $7,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) STRAND— (2,200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $6,C00) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) FAY'S— (1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 7 days. Stage show with The Benders: Charles and Dupree; Miriam Johnson; Ted Adair; Paul Williams; Stanley Fisher; Paul Lake. Gross: $5,200. (Average, $5,000) "Double Trouble" (Mono.) METROPOLITAN— (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- 75c) 3 days. Stage show with Chico Marx and orchestra; Martha Raye and Mickey Freeman; Gil Lamb and Tommy Sanford; Sue Perkins; Ziggy Lane. Gross: $10,200. (Average, $5,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) CARLTON— (1,526) (8c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $3,500) "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) (3 days) "Cadet Girl" (ZOth-Fox) (3 days) "They Died with Their Boots On" (W. B.) (4 days) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M--M) (4 days) EMPIRE— (1,200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. Gross: $2,000. (Average, $1,800) 'Woman' Garners $22,000 in Capital Washington, March 1. — The week's strongest attraction was "Woman of the Year," with $22,000 at Loew's Palace. "Sergeant York," in the sec- ond week of a return engagement at Warners' Metropolitan, drew $7,300. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 18-19: "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3,434) (28c-39c-55c- 66c -77c) 7 days. On stage: Lew Parker, Jay and Lou Seiler, Ken Davidson and Hugh Forgie, Dorothy Keller, Khythm Rockets. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $15,500) "The Lady Is Willing" (Col.) WARNERS' EARLE— (2,200) (28c-39c- 55c-66c-77c) 7 days. On stage: Alan Carney, Kav, Katya and Kay, Park and Clifford, Roxyettes, Three Arnolds. Gross: $15,400. (Average, $15,000) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) WARNERS' METROPOLITAN— (1,600) (40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week, return engage- ment. Gross: $7,300. (Average, $4,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S PALACE — (2,300) (39c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $15,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $3,500) Ask Early Matinees To Ease Rush Hour The New York Commerce and In- dustry Association has sent question- naires to legitimate theatres asking whether weekday matinee time can be moved forward to 2 P. M. in order to lessen strain on traffic facilities during rush hours. Department stores also are being asked to open at 10 A. M. instead of 9. To Handle Re-Issues Ben Price, former salesman at Uni- versal's local exchange, has entered independent distribution here, and will deal in re-issues. To Darryl F. Zanuck, who produced the Academy Award winning picture * of 1941, rrHow Green Was My Valley". . . the salute of the industry! 1942 will be remembered for his new Technicolor achievement, To the Shores of Tripoli'! at be*1 a< >Ionda\. March 2. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 11 ^ hid" at 818,000 Leads Cleveland Cleveland, March 1. — "Gone With he W ind" in its return showing at _oew's State drew 818,000. "Son of •"ury" in its second week at the Allen md "Design for Scandal" in its sec- md week at the Stillman earned 16.500 each. Estimated receipts for the week end- EFeb. 19-20: Wki cf Fury" (20th-Fox) ALLEN— (3.000) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. 2nd ►eek. Gross: $6,500. (Average. $4,000) Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3.803) J?c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Av- i-age, $11,000) Call Out the Marines" (RKO) WARNERS' LAKE— (900) (33c-39c-47c) Jross: $1,400. (Average, $2,000) Wild BL1 Hickok" (W. B.) RKO PALACE — (3,100) (40c-50c-55c> 7 lavs. Sammv Kave's orchestra on stage. &'oss: $16,000. (Average. $17,500) Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) I OEWS STATE — (3.500) (40c-55c) 7 |rs. Gross: $18,000. (33c -39c -47c.) Aver- se, $11,000) Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) I OEW'S STILLMAN — (1,900) (33c-39c- tc< 7 dav« 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Av- fage. $4,000) Showmansl Slang Contest Features 'Ball of Fire' Campaign Grand Junction, Col., March 1. — Ed Vaughn, manager of the Mesa The- atre here, staged a modern slang con- test as the highlight of his campaign on the film, "Ball of Fire." A commit- tee of students from Mesa College acted as judges, with cash and theatre tickets to the winners. The local newspaper publicized the contest and the film. Army Recruiting Tieup 'Bugle Sounds' Stunt San Francisco, March 1. — For the entire run of "The Bugle Sounds" manager Herman Kersken of the Fox Theatre arranged a tieup with the Army recruiting office, whereby an Army recruiting sound truck ap- peared in various parts of the city carrying banners mentioning the film and the theatre. Five hundred officers and non-coms were guests of the theatre during opening week. tip Flashes Anniversary Celebrants At Theatre's Birthday Columbus, O., March 1. — In cele- bration of its first anniversary, W. C. Bozman, manager of the suburban Beechwold, local unit in the Louis E. Wiethe circuit, invited to a theatre party all persons in the city and vicinity who indicated that their birthdays or wedding anniversaries fell on that date. Gifts were presen- ted the guests, with special prizes going to the oldest and youngest among the celebrants. Additionally, special programs of double features were shown throughout the week. Persons Named 'Eager' Guests at Film Show Boston, March 1. — As promotion for "Johnny Eager" at Loew's State and Orpheum Theatres, the first 25 per- sons surnamed "Eager" were admitted as guests of the management. All that was necessary to gain entrance was the presentation of identification. Short Subject Reviews 'This Is Blitz" (World in Action) (United Artists) HpHE strategical aspects of the X world at war are to be observed in this series of war shorts released through United Artists. One a month is planned but as yet the release date of this, the first, has not been determined. "This is Blitz" deals with the light- ning movement of the Nazi war ma- chine, and although it provides rather sketchy coverage of the subject, some of its actual battle scenes are stand- out. Made up, it is understood, of material from the British Ministry of Information, from seized German films and from other sources, the short de- picts Reich leaders charting a course of action, invasion, war-smitten refu- gees on the march and preparedness here. It is effective. Stuart Legg edited the material. Lome Greene delivers the commentary. Running time, 20 mins. "The Battle for OW (World in Action) (United Artists) This number of the new "World in Action" series undertakes to analyze the vital importance of oil to warring nations, and does so effectively. The Warwick Pictures' short, edited by Stuart Legg, with commentary by Lome Greene, has scenes of Nazi panzer units on the move, stresses its point with statistics concerning the amount of oil consumed by tanks, ships, etc., and the number of gallons produced at various spots around the globe. Running time, 20 mins. Re- lease, undetermined. 'Colorful North Carolina" (Fitzpatrick Traveltalk) (M-G-M) Average travel material was found by James A. Fitzpatrick in North Carolina and the filming, in color, is up to the Fitzpatrick standard. Travelogue fans will enjoy it. Run- ning time, 9 mins. Release, Feb. 21. Clouds' in Toronto Still High at $15,500 Toronto, March 1. — "Captains of e Clouds" scored heavily at Shea's |r its second week with a take of 5.500. "Sullivan's Travels" grossed 2.000 at the Imperial. Estimated receipts for the week ■ding Feb. 21 : Tie Men in Her Life" (Col.) E'JLI.N TON— (1.086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 Ss. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) ullivan's Travels" (Para.) fMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-9Cc) Mays. Gross: $12,000. (Average, S9.0UO) ■abes on Broadway" (M-G-M) -OEW'S— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c> 6 3rd week. Gross: $8,000 (Average. aptains of the Clouds" (W. B.) 1 SHEA'S — (2.480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 2nd week. Gross: $15,500. (Average, ahama Passage" (Para.) ; creed Landing" (Para.) "1VOLI— (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. 0>s: $3,500. (Average. $3,900) ide 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) JPTOWN— (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) >ys. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) 7ury' Hits $9,500, Indianapolis' Best Indianapolis, March 1. — "Son of 'try" and "Right to the Heart" did ■500 at the Indiana, while "Ball of -e" and "A Date With the Falcon" k $5,000 in the second week at the Tic. estimated receipts for the week ling Feb. 18-19 : •e Wolf Man" (Univ.) .ke Box Jennie" (Univ.) IRCLE — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 davs. ss: S6.50O. (Average, $6,500) m of Fury" (20th-Fox) sht to the Heart" (ZOth-Fox) ■."DIANA— (3.200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. >;: $9,500. (Average. S7.00O) ctime Story" (Col.) 2 Smith, American" (M-G-M) OEW'S — f2.8C0) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. s = : $7,000. (Average. $8,000) Jl of Fire" (RKO) Date With the Falcon" (RKO) I ^"RIC— (2.000) (2Sc-33c-44c) 7 davs. 2nd \k. Gross: $5,000. (Average. $4,500) lanson Back to Coast t- H. Hanson, head of technical Ivities at the 20th Century-Fox lio, has left for the Coast after 'ferring here with E. I. Sponable, pnical supervisor of Movietone vs. 'Night,' Stage Show $13,800 in Buffalo Buffalo, March I. — "All Through the Night" and a stage show with Meyer Balsom's orchestra took $13,- 800 at the Twentieth Century. "The Shanghai Gesture" and "No Hands on the Clock" drew SI 1,700 at the Great Lakes. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 21 : "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "Castle in the Desert" (20th-Fox) BUFFALO— (3.489) (35c-55c) 7 days. Dr. L Q. on stage Monday night. Gross: $12,- 600. (Average. $12,000) "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "No Hands cn the Clock" (Para.) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (35c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $11,700. (Average, $7,500) "Sen of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) "R^ght to the Heart" (20th-Fox) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (35c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,700. (Average. $6,800) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3.000) (30c- 35c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Meyer Balsom & orchestra. The LeAhn Sisters. John Stur- gess, baritone, and the Arthur Murray Dancers. Gross: $13,800. (Average, $7,500) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (35c-50c) 7 days, "Hellzapoppin". 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average. $6,300) 'Fire' in Baltimore Scores Big $18,500 Baltimore, March 1. — "Ball of Fire" plus a stage show, took in $18,500 at the Hippodrome. "The Bugle Sounds" did $12,500 at the Century. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 19 : "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) CENTURY — (3,000) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $10,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (15c-28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $8,000) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $7,000) "All Through the Might" (W. B.) STANLEY— (3,280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,500. (Average. $P 000) •Ball of Fire" (RKO) HIPPODROME — (2,205) (15c-28c-39c-44c- 55c-66c) 7 days. Stage show with Wally Brown; Britt Wood, Paul Remos and other. Gross: $18,500. (Average, $14,000) "Go West, Young Lady" MAYFAIR — (1.000) (20c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $6,000) 'Eve,' Lewis Show Omaha Best, $15,100 Omaha, March 1. — Top money went to a stage-screen bill at the Orpheum where Ted Lewis and "It Started with Eve" were good for $15,100. The weather was clear and cold. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 17-18: "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "A Close Call for Ellery Queen" (Col.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,300. (Average, 4,000) "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) "Right to the Heart" (ZOth-Fox) OMAHA— (2.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $6,000) "It Started with Eve" (Univ.) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (40c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Ted Lewis orchestra. Gross: $15,100. (Average, $14,500) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3.000) (40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $4,000) Altec-Interstate Deal Altec Service Corp. has closed a deal with the Interstate Circuit of Texas to handle sound and projection equipment servicing in the 154 theatres of the circuit. Karl Hoblitzelle, presi- dent, and R. J. O Donnell, vice-presi- dent of the circuit concluded the deal with Altec. U. S. Again Seeks to Delay Newark Case Another postponement will be asked in the trial of Nick Circella, also known as Nick Dean, and Louis Kauf- man, business agent of the Newark operators' union, today in the Federal Court, on charges of having extorted about $1,000,000 from major film com- panies, it was said on Friday by Boris Kostelanetz, assistant U. S. Attorney. Goldwyn Signs Lamour Hollywood, March 1. — Samuel Gold- wyn has signed Dorothy Lamour to --o-star with Bob Hope in "Treasure Chest." on which Goldwyn expects to start shooting in April. On Conn. Society Board New Haven, March 1. — Maxwell Alderman, executive secretary of Con- necticut Allied, has been elected to the board of the Jewish Family Society here. 'Gesture' at $8,000; Kansas City Slumps Kansas City, March 1. — Grosses ' pre fell off sharply for the week. "The Shanghai Gesture" and "Hay Foot" came closest to average business, scoring $8,000 at the Midland. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 19 : "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) ESQUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $1,700. (Average, 5 days, SI. 500) "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) MIDLAND— (3.600) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average. $8,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) NEWMAN— (1.900) (30c-44c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average, 5 days. SS.OCO) "They Died With Their Boots On" (W.B.) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (30c-44c) 8 days; 2nd week for "Thev Died With Their Boots On." Gross: $4,500. (Average. 8 days. SS 000) "A Gentleman at Heart" (70th-Fox) TOWER— (2.200) (30-1 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,700. (Average, $6,000) oon ot r ury (^utn-roxj UPTOWN— (2.CC0) (30c-44c) 5. days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,500. (Average, 5 days, $2,800) 12 Motion Picture Daily Monday. March 2, 1942 Umpi Group DevelopsNew Sales Method (.Continued from page 1) tion of a percentage of uncompleted pictures bought by an exhibitor might be provided for, whereas there would be no cancellation of completed pic- tures which an exhibitor would have the opportunity of seeing before buy- ing- Any plan finally agreed upon and approved by the Department of Jus- tice would be added to the consent decree as an amendment. A similar procedure will be followed in the event Umpi, its subcommittee and the Department agree upon improvements in the decree's arbitration process and enlargement of arbitration's present scope. Congressmen Still Hot About Douglas Washington, March 1. — Charging that the Office of Civilian Defense had flouted the expressed desires of Con- gress by continuing to engage in edu- cational and entertainment projects de- spite restrictions on funds for such activities in the OCD appropriation bill, a joint Congressional committee on Friday demanded that Dean Landis OCD director, complete reorganization of the Agency in 30 days. Employment of Melvyn Douglas and radio experts and the purchase of 500 prints of a fire bomb film for $13,200 were among the activities criticized by the committee. Landis testified at hearings that Douglas would receive only $10 a day while working and traveling expenses. Landis also said that two proposed radio programs were under consideration but the only expenses incurred would be traveling expenses and the per diem pay for di rector and script writer. Give Library Fund Honoring Freeman Hollywood, March 1. — A fund for the erection of the Y. Frank Freeman Library as an addition to the Motion Picture Relief Fund Country House at Woodland Hills has been contrib uted by a committee of Paramount theatre partners headed by E. V Richards, R. J. O'Donnell and A. H Blank. The contribution was made as an expression of the esteem in which Freeman is held by the Paramount theatre associates and follows comple tion of the recent Paramount Theatre Patronage Drive. Freeman had pre viously donated a cottage to Country House in honor of his wife, Mrs Margaret Freeman. Para, to Trade Show 5 Films March 16-17 (Continued from page 1) Cecil B. DeMille, who also is celebrat ing his 30th anniversary. The lunch eon will be held in New York, Apri 2, in connection with the premiere of "Reap the Wild Wind," which ha: been designated by Paramount its 30th anniversary picture. Like Mother Made Chicago, March 1 THE girls along Chicago's film row have designa- ted every Friday, beginning March 6, as "Film Row Cake and Cookie Day." The girls will bring either cakes, cook- ies or both on those days, home-made or otherwise, to a central collection spot for distribution on the weekend at the Chicago Service Men's Center. ITOA Protests Bill For Free Admissions Asserting that the bill to grant men in uniform free admission to New York theatres impugns the patriotism of state exhibitors who, already, are giving generously of their services, the ITOA at the weekend wired a protest to Assemblyman Fred Ham- mer of Buffalo requesting him not to present the proposed bill. The wire asserted that New York City theatres "are cooperating 100 per cent with the Mayor's Recreation Committee" and have issued more than 600,000 passes to men in uni- form to date. "We resent a bill being introduced," the wire said, "that at one time would impugn our patriotic motives and at the same time give our business away. There is no other industry in America doing as many things for free as the motion picture industry." 20th-Fox National Meet Hears Policy (Continued from page 1) Arts and Sciences. Zanuck is ex- pected in New York this week. The present meetings are described as among the most important to be held by the company so far this year in view of the presence of both Kent and Connors. It is expected that at these meetings both men will discuss policy, with Connors placing emphasis upon the sales end. For many of the assembled dele- gates who will be here from every part of the country it will be the first time that they will have seen or heard Connors since he joined the company. All of the company's branch mana- gers, district managers, division man- agers, and their assistants are here for the conferences. Altogether in attendance there will be about 75. Sidney R. Kent is scheduled to ar- rive tomorrow morning and will ad- dress Monday's session, returning to New York thereafter. The meetings opened Saturday and will be con- cluded tomorrow. 'Klondike' and; Show $20,500, Boston's Lead Women Seen Doing Work in Theatres (Continued from page 1) men with mechanically trained back- grounds and mechanical knowledge of machines of various kinds. Women it is said are expected to play a great- er role particularly in the less skill- ful of the mechanical jobs. In Atlanta, Georgia, for instance, Fred Coleman, a suburban theatre op- erator, has started a theatre manager's and operator's school for women, and it is said this movement is spreading to other parts of the country. The projectionist's job requires no physical strength, it is said, and therefore is considered suitable for women, while the demand for skilled mechanics in the armed forces is such that the thea- tre booths around the country are ex- pected to be hard-hit because of the war. Rochester Theatres To Set Up Raid Unit Rochester, March 1. — An air raid precaution organization for all thea- tres in the city will be set up here at a meeting in the Regent Theatre to- morrow morning. Managers, assistants, operators, stagehands and maintenance men will attend the meeting. Lester Pollock, Jay Golden and Bud Silver- man are in charge. Fixed Lighting Ruled Out in Coast Regions (Continued from page 1) lay. This includes theatre signs, mar- quees and the like. A system of using one or two small blue lights to indicate that theatres and stores are open for business is being set up to be tried out in Wash- ington in a 10-hour test blackout on Tuesday. Plans for blacking out Times Square have been perfected for some time. Air raid wardens and members of Local 3 of the I.B.E.W., and Local 1, Stagehands Union, will cooperate. The electricians are on call for turning off small signs. For each of the larger displays, a man is stationed at all times who can turn off the sign by operating a few switches. The stage- hands will turn off outside theatre lights and marquees. Chaplin U.A. Stock Held Subject to Tax Washington, March 1. — The Board of Tax Appeals has held that amounts accumulated on United Art- ists stock held in escrow for Charles Chaplin, as guarantee for the delivery of pictures, were dividends when turned over to him, rather than ordin- ary income, and subject to income tax as such. The decision settled a controversy in which the Commissioner of Inter- nal Revenue held there was a de- ficiency in Chaplin's 1935 income tax in the amount of $65,208 and the actor claimed he had overpaid his tax by $24,938. Wins Story Prize Walter Doniger, Hollywood writer and son of Harry E. Doniger, owner of the Embassy Theatre, Bayonne, N. J., and the Colony, Union City, N. J., has been awarded Liberty Mag- azine's $500 second prize for the best short story published by it during 1941. The prize was awarded for Doniger's "Nothing's Wrong." Show Training Films In British Theatres London, March 1. — The plan for using British film houses to show civil defense and Army training films will go into operation immediately, follow- ing CEA approval of the lending of theatres. The Odeon Circuit already has adopted the policy of cooperation, and it is expected all houses in the country will do likewise by the middle of April. Boston, March 1. — "North to tht Klondike" and a stage show featuring Duke Ellington and his orchestra wj Ethel Waters grossed $20,500 at Keith Boston. "Louisiana Purch and "Pacific Blackout" grossed 500 at the Metropolitan. Estimated receipts for the weel ending Feb. 19-20: "North to the Klondike" (Univ.) KEITH BOSTON— (2,697) (30c-40c-55c 65c) 7 days. Stage: Duke Ellington am orchestra, and Ethel Waters. Gross $20,50C (Average, $8,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) METROPOLITAN— (4,367) (28c-30c-40c 55c) 7 days. Gross: $18,500. (Average, $15, 500) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th- Fax "Niagara Falls" (U. A.) KEITH MEMORIAL— (2,907) (30c-40c 55c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Averag. $16,000) "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEW'S ORPHEUM— (3,000) (30c-40( 55c) 7 days. Gross: $17,800. (Average, $12 000) "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (2,900) (30c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $12,000) "Dangerously They Live" (W. B.) "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) PARAMOUNT — (1,797) (28c-30c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $9,200. (Average, $7,500) "Dangerously They Live" (W. B.) "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) FENWAY— (1,320) (28c -30c -40c -55c) 7 day Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) "Son of Fury" (2©th-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (2»th-Fox) SCOLLAY— (2,500) (28c-30c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $5,300. (Average, $4,000) 'Clouds' Leads N. H. In Big Holiday Wee* New Haven, March 1. — Aided 1 holiday price scales over the Wasl ington's Birthday weekend downtow theatres rolled up their biggest gross in months. "Captains of the Cloud: and "Obliging Young Lady" at tl Roger Sherman took $12,000 and being held over. The Loew-P( grossed $11,500 with "Woman of tl Year" and "Four Jacks and a Jill." Estimated receipts for the week en ing Feb. 26 : "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) COLLEGE— (1,627) (40c-50c) 7 days, 2 week. Gross: $2,700. (Average, $2,700) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) LOEW-POLI— (3,005) (40c-50c) 7 da- Gross: $11,500. (Average, $8,000) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT— (2,373) (40c-50c) 7 da- Gross: $10,000. (Average, $4,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) ROGER SHERMAN — (2,067) (50c-60c) days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $5,000) McNutt Lauds Cut Scales for Service (Continued from page 1) generous contributions to the ent< tainment of soldiers, sailors rr rines," McNutt said. "Men in u: form are admitted to motion pictt theatres at reduced rates in virtua all cities." McNutt pointed out that the N> York City entertainment commit distributed about 11,000 free legitimi and film tickets weekly and that v; ious types of this service are practk across the country. Sincere Thanks and Appreciation to the Academy and to the Members of the Industry IRVING THALBERG AWARD SHORT PRODUCTION "Lend a Paw" SCORING OF MUSICAL PICTURE "Dumbo" — Oliver Wallace — Frank Churchill "FANTASIA" Special Award for SOUND Walt Disney — William Garity John A. Hawkins, RCA Special Award for New FORM Of Visualized Music to Leopold Stokowski and Associates GENERAL RELEASE RKO-Radio Pictures, Inc. April 3rd, 1942 Walt Disney and Staff 14 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 2, 194; Nets Plea For FCCRulesTest Termed 'Fair' (.Continued from page 1) The three- judge court indicated a prompt decision would be made. Disclosure of the offer to prepare a series of test cases came during the argument for the stay. Charles Evans Hughes, Jr., attorney for CBS, and John T. Cahill, counsel for NBC, said that Telford Taylor, FCC attorney, had been so approached a week ago when dismissal of their case on juris- dictional grounds was had. Hughes told the court that he of- fered to withdraw the appeal and test the FCC rules before the Commission and later also before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, if the FCC would agree to hold the rules in abeyance pending a final court deci- sion. The FCC refused to withhold the effective date any longer, however. Taylor argued that the public inter- est, also other stations and Mutual, were involved and that the rules should go into effect at once. Asks About 'Urgency' Judge Goddard inquired why the rules had become "urgent so sudden- ly." Taylor replied that a great deal of care had gone into the making of them. Hughes said that they were promulgated at a "leisurely" pace, and cited that they first came up in 1938, and were not placed on the books until October, 1941. Judge Bright, who previously had written a lengthy dissenting opinion, took no part in the colloquoy. Argument on the stay itself centered on the contention of the networks that "irreparable damage" would be caused if the rules were to go into effect im- mediately. Hughes stated that 28 li- censes would come up for renewal April 1, and 19 more on June 1. Al- most all these stations, he said, would repudiate their present contracts under an escape clause with the networks, as they would not challenge the FCC, and that even those stations which did not have licenses expiring imme- diately would make use of the same escape clauses. Taylor said that since the court had ruled it had no jurisdic- tion in the case it therefore should not assume jurisdiction to grant a stay. Doubt Early Hearing Both Hughes and Taylor expressed the view that there was some doubt about the ability to get a hearing be- fore the Supreme Court this Spring. Judge Hand said he would, in no event, grant an extension beyond June although the Supreme Court would have the power to extend the stay over the Summer. Donald C. Beelar. attorney for Mutual, asked the court to refuse an extension of the stay. He declared that Mutual was losing im- portant markets now and that con- tinuation "of the status quo is causing Mutual irreparable damage." File on Two Companies Albany, March 1— Eagle Pictures Corp., originally a Delaware company, has filed designation here to do busi- ness in New York. Gregory Club, Inc., of Rochester, has been chartered here by William A. Hartell, George C. Rehberg and James W. Sprague. Off the Antenna CBS HAS RELEASED a chart showing how the listening audience varied during the 36 minutes President Roosevelt spoke last Monday. According to the survey, which was conducted by C. E. Hooper, the President started with approximately 72 per cent of the nation's 81,818,000 adult radio listeners. The rating rose to 79 after nine minutes and wavered between 79 and 78 until 18 minutes were gone when it dropped to 75. At the 21-minute mark it started a gradual climb back and closed at 78 per cent at 10:36 P.M. The overall average was computed at 61,365,000 adults, somewhat lower than the estimated 62,100,000 on Dec. 9, the all-time record. RCA Reports Net oi $10,192,716 for '41 Purely Personal: WOR's Uncle Don left Saturday for a Florida vacation but he left six transcribed programs to be broadcast while he is away. He returns next Monday. . . . Thomas D. Connolly, CBS director of program promotion, will leave next Monday for a trip to four Midwest stations: . . . Three CBS television performers have received Broadway assignments. They are Tamara, Joan Edwards and Ann Francis. . . . George A. Putnam, free- lance announcer, is the father of a boy. . . . Don Roberts has joined the CBS sales department. . . . Oscar Katz, CBS supervisor of statistical records', has resigned to join the Office of Facts and Figures. • • • The Omaha City Council has ordered the removal of a 150-foot tower erected by KB ON atop a downtown building. The city engineer declared that the tower had been erected without a permit and added that other stations in that city had been refused permission to maintain towers in the crowded sections of the city. • o • Chicago Notes: WBBM is the second station to increase its operating schedule and has started continuous programs from 5:15 A.M. to 1:30 A.M., except Fridays and Saturdays when the station remains on the air until I A.M. As part of a defense program, the WIND transmitter plant has been floodlighted with 22 1,000- watt lights. A high steel fence has been constructed around the transmitter and a watchman armed with a rifle is constantly on dutv Howard Peterson, WLS staff organist, is the father of a gin-.-.- • E A Stockmar, formerly assistant to Floyd Van Ettern, NBC central division traffic manager, has been named to succeed the latter who has entered the Navy. E. C. Cunningham, night manager, was appointed Stockmar s assistant. • • • Program News: Pure Food Co. has purchased participations on ■•Woman's Pace of the Air" over WABC. . . . Bristol-Myers Co. has canceled repeat broadcasts for the Eddie Cantor and "Mr. District Attorney programs on 11 Coast stations The West will hear the programs Simultaneously i*nth the Fast in the future Johannes Steel, commentator, has been signed to a new mo-vear contract by WMCA Don Dunphy and Stan Lomax have been stoned bv WOR to handle the preseason baseball games of the Giants ana Y9ankeesy . Duauesne Brewing. Co. has signed a contract for sponsorship of a series of programs by the KDKA, Pittsburgh staff orchestra. The lS-minute programs will be heard six times weekly and will also be carried by WWVA, Wheeling. • • • Another station shift as the result of the separation of the Red and Blu "networks was disclosed Friday by NBC. Effective Aprd 1 WROL Knoxville and WAPO, Chattanooga, will change from Blue to Red fffiliation Both WROL and WAPO will continue to be available as Blue -supplementary stations but will be subject to a 28-day recapture, Neither station will change its rate. • • • In Philadelphia: WCAU has issued the first rate card for its FM affiliate W69PH Spot announcements are restricted to 30 words and are acceptable Zll at station breaks . . . Charles Stahl, formerly general manager for WKNY Kingston, N. Y., has joined the WDAS sales staff. . Work has begun on new studios for WIBG, which are expected to be ready June .1 , . . ■ Ethy? Foster has been named radio director of the Sohs S. Cantor agency. RCA earned a net profit after al deductions of $10,192,716 in 1941 an increase of $1,079,560, or 12 pe: cent, over 1940, David Sarnoff, presi dent, disclosed in his annual report. Total gross income was $158,695, 722, an increase of $37,256,215, or 3 per cent. Federal taxes increa $12,128,302, or 258 per cent, over 1 while State and local taxes rose $7 347 to $3,417,250. Total earned sur plus was $27,963,975 at the end o 1941, a rise of $4,310,961. Income from the Red and Blue net works of NBC rose 6.9 per cent ii 1941 to $48,488,171, an increase of $3, 109,864. The report stated that RCA hold 44,757 and 106/1000 of RKO preferre stock; 316,328 and 2/24 RKO com mon, and 555,253% option warrants. Ascap Nominates 12 for Directorate The Ascap nominating committe has named 12 candidates for for vacancies in writer directorships an eight candidates for publisher d: rectorships. Those elected will serv three years from April 1. Ballots wi be mailed March 4, must be returne by March 19, and results will be ai nounced at the annual general meetin at the Ritz Carlton, March 27. Wri er members will hold a special mee ing at the Hotel Astor tomorro' to meet their candidates. Rube Bloom, Sam H. Stept, Verne Duke, Ray Henderson, Sam Lerne Al Lewis, Howard Hanson and A bert Stoessel were named to n against the writer incumbents, Ger Buck, Jerome Kern, George Mey( and Jeoffrey O'Hara. Sam Fox, Ma Winkler, Edwin H. Morris and Doi aid Gray were named to run again publisher incumbents, Max Dreyfu Jack Mills, John O'Connor and J Walter Kramer. Aid Canada's Second Victory Loan Drive Ottawa, March 1.— Greer Garson, Sir Cedric and Lady Hardwicke and James Melton are being featured in personal appearances and broadcasts here in connection with Canada's sec- ond Victory Loan campaign of $600,- C00 000. The drive, which has another week to go, is nearing the $500,000,000 mark. Parks Johnson and Wally Butter- worth of Vox Pop arrived here over the weekend to prepare for then- broadcast program of interviews at No 2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands from 8 to 8:30 P.M. to- morrow. The Uplands Airport was the locale for some of the shots used in "Captains of the Clouds." Plan Mandamus Suit On Burlesque Permits A mandamus action to compel issu ance of licenses to the Gaiety, Eltinge and Republic, burlesque theatres, may be started early this week, Morris L. Ernst, their attorney, stated Saturday The houses have been forced to close because License Commissioner Paul Moss refused to renew their licenses. The League of New York Theatres, organization of legitimate theatres while stressing that it was not inter- ested in the burlesque field, has in- structed its own attorney, Milton R Weinberger, to file a brief in the suit opposing what it termed this "form of censorship." Similar action by the American Civil Liberties Union also is believed likely. Permit Granted for Texas FM Statw Washington, March 1. — Constru tion permit for a new FM station, operate on 45,100 kilocycles, has be< granted by the FCC to the Amaril Broadcasting Corp., Amarillo, Tex. The commission also granted an a' plication of Station WSJS, Winstoi Salem, N. C, for increase of pow from 1,000 to 5,000 watts, and orden hearings on the applications of tl McKeesport Broadcasting Co.. Iro for a new 730-kilocycle, 1,000-wa day station at McKeesport, Pa., at Drohlich Bros., for an 800-kilocycl 1,000-watt day station at Jeffersc City, Mo. Applications filed with the commi sion included a request from Statu KOL, Seattle, for change of frequem from 1,300 to 880 kilocycles and i crease of power from 1,000 wat night, 5,000 watts day, to 10,000 watl Using Stage Shows Toronto, March 1.— Douglas Keyf newly appointed manager of the Grai Theatre, London, Ont, now operat by 20th Century Theatres, has c ganized stage shows for the last hi of each week, using a considerar proportion of local talent includu a chorus line which he has tabbed t "Grand Cadets." GARY COOPER BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS GRATEFULLY MARY ASTOR MANAGEMENT SAM JAFFE AGENCY ACADEMY of MOTION PICTURE ARTS and SCIENCES Congratulations to all of the ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS OF COURSE Eastman Negative Eastman Sound Recording Film Eastman Release Positive was used in the making of HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY THAT HAMILTON WOMAN and the Technicolor Production BLOOD and SAND FORT LEE J. E. BRULATOUR, INC. (Distributors) CHICAGO HOLLYWOOD t 7 "\90W ^^e^ academy «* J 1 , ye« W V^tatte"- «° bave *p'S WINNER mum "«E 55- """L= I. THE 1942-43 INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC IS NOW IN PREP- ARATION, THIS WILL BE THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S WORLDWIDE FACTUAL AUTHORITY AND WILL PROVIDE THE MOST UP-TO- THE-MINUTE SCREEN REFERENCE. EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAY E QUICLEY PUBLIC AT IONS ROCKEFELLER CENTER NEW YORK CHURCHILL'S ISLAND' wins as the Best 2-Reel Documentary Motion Picture A REMARKABLE TRIRUTE to United Artists' First Release in its Amazing New Series Watch for the next thrilling release, THIS IS FILE COPY Alert. to the Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in FUm-anc [Radio An Accurate and Impartial L. 51. NO. 42 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1942 TEN CENTS luling Seen Bearing On Browne Case Ugh Court Decides Laic Does Not Cover Labor ■ The Federal anti-racketeering w does not apply to "ordinary :tivities" of labor unions or offi- tals of such unions, the U. S. Su- -eme Court ruled yesterday. By a j-to-1 decision, the court upheld ie Second Circuit Court of Ap- pals which had previously re- ersed a conviction in the case of eamsters Local 807 and 26 indi- >dual members. Attorneys for George E. Browne, former IATSE presi- dent, and William Bioff, IA or- ganizer, in arguing for admis- sion of their clients to bail, relied heavily on this case, it was re- called. At the time of the argu- ment, it was pointed out that the activities complained of (Continued on page 7) CC Web Rules Stayed to May 1 A three-judge Federal statutory court •sterday granted the motion of CBS id NBC for a stay of the new FCC Rvvork rules until May 1 in order to irmit both networks to appeal to the I S. Supreme Court. The statu- ary court, consisting of Judges earned Hand, Henry W. Goddard 1 d John Bright, had ruled on Feb. 21 at it had no jurisdiction to decide e injunction suit. CBS immediately notified its affil- KS of the stay, declaring that it "is e most constructive news to date in (Continued on page 8) Wild Wind' Trade Shows on March 18 Paramount will hold trade show- gs of Cecil B. DeMille's "Reap the ild Wind" on March 18 in New ark, Los Angeles and Charlotte, ,-il Agnew, Paramount vice-presi- nt and general sales manager, said sterday. The showings will precede ; three scheduled premieres of the rture in Hollywood, New York and larleston, March 19, April 1 and >ril 19, respectively. The De Mille production has been signaled Paramount's 30th anniver- W picture. Exhibitors' Meeting Friday to Learn of Plans for Air Raids J. Henry Walters has called a meet- ing of all exhibitors in New York City for 2 :30 P.M. Friday to discuss fur- ther plans for setting up air raid and alarm procedure in New York thea- tres. The meeting will be held in Walters' office on the 12th floor of the RKO Building. He is chairman of the circuit exhibitors' committee. Walters said yesterday that all thea- tre operators in the city, whether cir- cuit or independent, are invited to the session, which will be a follow-up to the sessions held recently by the De- partment of Housing and Buildings of New York City, with Arthur J. Benline, Acting Deputy Commissioner, presiding. It is expected, Walters said, that at Friday's meeting a committee will be (Continued on page 7) Allied Head Scores Film Blind Checking Pittsburgh, March 2. — The prac- tice of blind-checking on pictures not playing on percentage is unfair and unreliable and should be discontinued by distributors at once, Morris A. Rosenberg, president of Allied States, declares in a bulletin issued here today. "The figure obtained through a blind-check is used merely as a 'club' to force higher film rentals," Rosen- berg says. "It further creates a weapon hitherto unknown and may act as a gentle and persuasive 'black- mailer' by the possessor. The prac- tice does not induce good will and amicable relationship in the industry." Umpi Plan Not Yet Submitted to U. S. Washington, March 2. — No proposal by the United Mo- tion Picture Industry for a substitute sales method has as yet been submitted to the Department of Justice, nor does the Department know what the plan involves, Rob- ert L. Wright, head of the Department's film unit, said here today. He questioned whether it was in shape for presentation and would not indicate what position the Department would take if it were submitted. It was indi- cated that approval of ex- hibitor groups should be ob- tained before any steps are taken to amend the consent decree. Non-Decree Firms Exempt In Umpi Plan Non-decree companies which are par- ticipants in the United Motion Pic- ture Industry program are not com- mitted to accept the new sales plan agreed upon last week by the trade practice subcommittee of Umpi, it was learned yesterday. Columbia, Republic and Monogram are the non-decree companies partici- pating in the Umpi program. United Artists and Universal are non-partici- pants. Whether or not any of the first three elect to offer the new selling plan if it is finally approved and adopt- (Continued on page 7) Losses of Negatives by Enemy Action Slight Since Start of War Film companies' losses in negatives shipped to England since the start of the war in September, 1939, through submarine or other enemy action have been negligible, it is indicated in a report by M-G-M yesterday at a meeting of the International Publicity Committee. Only three negatives of a total of 108 shipped by that company have been lost, according to David Blum, Loew's foreign publicity director, and the losses of other companies are believed to be in the same ratio. The report said that in footage only 30,000 feet out of a total of more than 1,000,000 feet shipped, or approximately three per cent, has been lost. The report was based on figures supplied by Sam Eckman, Jr., managing director of M-G-M in Great Britain. The committee discussed cooperation with the Coordinator of In- formation and Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs and brought its list of foreign correspondents up to date. The group's next meeting is scheduled for March 16. Tom Connors Is 'Alter Ego; KentDeclares Full Authority in Sales In Kenfs Absence Chicago, March 2. — Sidney R. Kent today told the asembled dele- gates at the 20th Century-Fox sales meeting at the Bla ckstone Hotel that M IHard, has advised the industry's Ad- visory Council that consideration will >e given officially to admission pre- niums even though giveaways do not actually come under the heading of admission prices. McMullen has asked the Advisory T"uncil to deal with the proposal, the Council to provide information and uggestions for the attention of the (Continued on page 6) New Commons Move For Probe of CBC Montreal. March 4. — Another Dove has started for a Parliamentary ommittee to examine the affairs and idministration of the Canadian Broad- casting Corp. by Conservative Leader B. Hanson. Premier Mackenzie jxing replied he agreed that CBC af- fairs, as well as those of other Gov- :niment bodies, should be examined rjr Parliament through a committee. Premier King added, however, that le wanted an opportunity for further onsultation with his Cabinet before naking a final reply to Hanson's re- luest. The latter pointed out that day- o-day management of CBC had been •emoved from Government control, mt that policies of that organization laecessarily reflected Government policy. For that reason, members of he House should have an opportunity >f reviewing CBC operations and poli- ces. Hanson said. Notables to Attend 'Invaders' Opening The premiere of Columbia's "The nvaders" at the Capitol tonight will le attended by a large number of Army and Xavy officials from this irea. in addition to civic, social and >rofessional figures. The opening will be the first Kleig- ighted event on Broadway since America's entry into the war. The (Continued on page 6) Foreign Demand for News on Hollywood Increases Sharply Hollywood, March 4. — The de- mands for Hollywood news made by their chiefs on the 64 foreign corre- spondents here has increased sharply since the United States entered the war. according to a report of the foreign department committee of the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers. The correspondents now here serve a total of 914 outlets, and file approxi- mately 50,000 words weekly. The United Press, in addition, is setting up a special Hollywood serv- ice for Latin America, with Neil Burkhardt assigned to check studio foreign departments daily for news with a Pan-American slant. Countries which receive regular service include England, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, India, Scot- land, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti. Colombia, Venezuela, (Continued on page 6) 20th-Fox Will Show 7 Films Next Week Twentieth Century-Fox has sched- uled trade showings of seven pictures, to be held at the company's exchanges on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The films are: "Who Is Hope Schuyler" and "Secret Agent of Japan," Monday morning ; "To the Shores of Tripoli," Monday after- noon ; "The Remarkable Mr. Kipps" and "Rings On Her Fingers," Tues- day morning and afternoon, respec- tively ; "Sundown Jim" and "The Lone Star Ranger," Wednesday morning and afternoon, respectively. British Gov't Cites War Value of Films London, March 4. — Replying to a question in the House of Commons today, a Govern- ment official insisted the Gov- ernment is doing everything possible to maintain British production on a high level. He said the Government regards film production as an impor- tant part of the war effort and that films had proved their value in presenting the British case abroad and in- forming the public at home. Australian Censor Banned Six in 1941 Canberra, Australia, March 4. — Only six films — all American — were rejected by the Commonwealth Film Censor, Walter C. O'Reilly, of the 461 features imported during 1941, it has been announced. Six others were passed on appeal or following revision. The rejections represented 1.3 per cent, as compared with 2.5 per cent in 1940. Although the percentage of British films requiring eliminations was still recorded as high, with 21.3 per cent, 1941 was the first year since 1932 that no British films were re- jected. The total number of films of all types imported in 1941 was 1,838, compared with 1,630 in 1940. O'Reilly spoke highly of the Australian out- put of short subjects during the year, of which 1,599 were exported, repre- senting an increase of 57 per cent over 1940. The increase was chiefly at- tributable to the war, it was said. The figures were contained in the official report for the year. Will Hays-20th Anniversary TWENTY years ago today (March 5, 1922) Will H. Hays, follow- ing his retirement from the Presidential Cabinet as Post- master General, assumed the presidency of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. The following industry executives attended the initial meeting of the trade association: The late William E. Atkinson, R. H. Coch- rane, Rufus Cole, William Fox, Samuel Goldwyn, Will H. Hays, Earle W. Hammons, the late Marcus Loew, the late Carl Laemmle, the late Lewis J. Selznick, Myron Selznick, Winfield R. Sheehan, Courtland Smith, J. D. Williams and Adolph Zukor. Expected at the 20th annual meeting of the directors of the association, scheduled for March 30, are the following: Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blumberg, George Borthwick, Jack Cohn, Cecil B. DeMille, Earle W. Hammons, E. B. Hatrick, Will H. Hays, Sidney R. Kent, Edward Raftery, Hal Roach, George J. Schaefer, Nicholas M. Schenck, Walter Wanger and Harry M. Warner. New Sales Plan Not Given to Justice Dep't U.S. Withholds Comment Pending Full Study Washington, March 4. — The new sales plan formulated by the United Motion Picture Industry has not yet been submitted to the Department of Justice for consider- ation, it was said today by Depart- ment officials, although the Umpi trade practice subcommittee made Umpi's taxation committee met yesterday to discuss its re- port to be made to the main committee. No action is recom- mended, it is understood, due to the fact that no Federal legis- lation inimical to the industry has been proposed. At the meet- ing were Spyros Skouras, chair- man; Ed Kuykendall, H. A. Cole, Joseph Vogel, Harry Kalmine and Harry Brandt. the proposals public yesterday in New York. Robert L. Wright, in charge of the Department's film unit, said he had received no official information re- (Continued on page 6) Greenfield Elected Cinema Lodge Head Irving Greenfield, assistant general counsel of Loew's, Inc., was elected president of Cinema Lodge, B'nai B'rith, at a membership meeting at the Piccadilly Hotel last night. He suc- ceeds Arthur Israel, Jr., of Para- mount. Vice-presidents elected were : Rob- ert Weitman, managing director of the Paramount on Broadway ; Edward M. Schnitzer, U. A. Eastern dis- (Continued on page 6) Order Westchester Blackout on Sunday Seventeen communities in South- eastern Westchester County will be blacked out at 9:03 P.M. Sunday for 15 to 30 minutes in a practice demon- stration, according to orders yesterday by defense officials. The blackout area will embrace the larger cities in the county. The following Sunday the entire county, with a population of 575,000, will be subjected to a black- out. 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 5, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 4 HOLLYWOOD'S radio activity in the war effort will be the sub- ject of a conference here Saturday be- tween W. B. Lewis, Coordinator of Radio, and the executive and radio committees of the Hollywood Victory Committee for Stage, Screen and -Radio. Collaboration in air shows for Government agencies will be dis- cussed. • William Pine and William Thomas today signed a new deal with Para- mount calling for them to produce six films in the year starting next Aug. 1. The first will be "Hell Divers" with Richard Arlen and Jean Parker tentatively set for the leads. • Republic's "Home in Wyomin' " will have what is believed the first direct appeal in a feature picture to audiences to buy defense bonds and stamps. Gene Autry will sing "Any Bonds Today?" and make a speech urging bond purchases, with the cam- era moving about to make it appear Autry is addressing the audience di- rectly. • Charles L. Brookheim, 63, for many years Far Eastern representative for the late Carl Laemmle, died last night. He was ill several years. His widow will leave Friday with the remains for New York, where the funeral will be held. Gregory Completes Mercy Circuit Deal Seattle, March 4. — S. J. Gregory and associates of Chicago have com- pleted their deal for the Fred Mercy circuit in eastern Washington, which they have been operating under op- tion for the last few months. At the same time, it was announced that the Gregory group also has acquired Clar- ence Farrell's Audion and Mid-State theatres in Ellensburg, and Farrell has been retained to manage these and Mercy's former Liberty and Pix in the same city. Gregory, John Doer, booker, and Julian Levi, attorney, spent several days here completing the deal with Fred Mercy, Jr., who will remain as general manager of the entire circuit. 50 St. Louis Houses 'Level-Off' Admission St. Louis, March 4. — Additional local second and third run houses are adopting the leveling-off policy on ad- missions. Approximately 50 theatres thus far have altered prices to elimi- nate the odd-change situation result- ing from Federal admission taxes. Exhibitors report that patrons appear satisfied with the change, although it increases most prices by a few cents. Breen Names Armour A ssistant Studio Head Hollywood, March 4. — Reginald Armour was appointed assistant gen- eral manager of the RKO studio to- day by Joseph I. Breen, executive vice-president in charge of produc- tion. Armour is executive assistant to George J. Schaefer, president of the company. Personal Mention H OWARD DIETZ has been con- fined to his home with a cold. H. A. Cole has left for Dallas. Saul Jaffe will enter the Army on Saturday. • Edith Danziger, - daughter of Henry Danziger of the New York Film Board of Trade, has announced her engagement to Jerry Lerner. • Frank Rosenberg leaves for Flor- ida tomorrow. • Alton Dureau of Columbia's New Orleans exchange has been called to the Army. • John Mendonca, assistant to Ben Leo at the State Theatre, Springdale, Conn., will be inducted in the Army next week. • Thomas O'Brien of Monogram's Boston exchange is in New Haven. AH. BLANK, Mrs. Blank and • their son, Raymond, have re- turned to Des Moines from a month's stay at Hollywood, Fla. • Edgar Moss, 20 th Century-Fox district manager in Philadelphia, leaves this week for Hot Springs, Ark. • Ed Hinchy of Warner Theatres in Philadelphia has left for Florida. • Ernest L. Miller, Indianapolis ex- hibitor, and Mrs. Miller are parents of a son. Harry A. Samwick has returned from Florida. F. J. A. McCarthy, Universal di- vision sales manager, has left for Cincinnati. • William Levy, United Artists salesman in Chicago, has joined the Army. Percy Barr succeeds him. 2 Clearance Cases Brought in Indp's Indianapolis, March 4. — Two new clearance complaints have been filed at the local arbitration board, bring- ing the total to five, four of which were filed since the first of the year. The Eaton Theatre Corp., operator of the Rivoli, charged Paramount, Vitagraph, RKO and 20th Century- Fox refused to grant the Rivoli rea- sonable clearance over the Irving. In the other complaint, the Marlene The- atre Corp., operating the Emerson, alleged it would be injured in the event the Irving is given clearance over the Emerson. Its complaint named the same four distributors. Twin Bookings Set By Warner in Phila. Philadelphia, March 4. — Warner Theatres here on Sunday will inaugu- rate a plan whereby a top grossing film at one of the Warner first runs will be shown simultaneously on Sun- days also at the Earle. The latter normally is closed on Sunday because the state blue laws forbid its stage shows. It is believed the Earle will catch the overflow from the original house and bring increased downtown Sunday patronage. Prices will be the same at both houses. Disney Tax Short Sets WAC Record "The New Spirit," Walt Disney's Treasury Department short, has been given 7,764 bookings to date, exclusive of the as yet unreported Salt Lake City territory, the War Activities Committee-Motion Picture Industry reported yesterday on the basis of fig- ures supplied by Herman Robbins, National Screen Service president. The bookings represent a domestic record for subjects approved by the committee, it was stated. 'Male' Opens March 12 The premiere of Warners' "The Male Animal" originally scheduled for March 20 at the Palace in Columbus, O., has been moved up to March 12. LaGuardia Will Be Seen in 'Yankees' Mayor LaGuardia of New York has given permission to Samuel Goldwyn to use newsreel pictures of him in "The Pride of the Yankees," based on the life of Lou Gehrig. Closeups may be filmed here espe- cially for the film, if LaGuardia's time permits. Bill Stern, NBC director of sports, has been signed to appear as a sports announcer in the film, and will leave next week for the Coast. Trade to Support British RAF Fund London, March 4. — It is under- stood that efforts are being made to organize a wide film industry cam- paign for the RAF Benevolent Fund, which cares for the dependents of RAF members killed in action. The CEA has formed a committee which plans to arrange for screen use and the circulation of trailers appeal- ing for public support for the RAF organization. It is expected the group also will seek the cooperation of the distributors in the nationwide effort. Cohen Toastmaster For Emanuel Dinner Philadelphia, March 4. — Albert M. Cohen, local attorney, will be toastmaster at the testimonial dinner in honor of Jay Emanuel, local ex- hibitor, marking his 30th year in the industry. It will be held at the Ben- jamin Franklin Hotel on March 16. The committee in charge is headed by Samuel Gross and Alfred J. Davis, 20th Century-Fox branch and sales manager, respectively. Columbia Club Holds Dinner Dance Apr. 11 The Columbia Club, social organi- zation of the Columbia home office employes, will hold its annual dinner dance April 11 at the Waldorf-As- toria. Net proceeds will be donated to the Navy Relief Society. Capital Business Good in Blackout Washington, March 4.— The- atre business, which had been expected to drop sharply dur- ing last night's blackout here, was better than usual for the city as a whole, according to John J. Payette, assistant chief air raid warden in charge of theatres. He ex- pressed satisfaction with the results of the city-wide blacky out which lasted from 8 P-M^l yesterday to 6 A.M. today. Shift W. B. Managersl In Philadelphia Zone] Philadelphia, March 4. — Tedl Schlanger, Warner Theatres zone manager here, has announced changes! in house managers. Ben Blumberg| moves from the Lane to the State, succeeding Martin Goldenberg, who resigned after being with the circuit for 18 years. Goldenberg joined the William Goldman independent circuit as manager of the Bandbox here, James McHugh moves from thf Frankford to the Lane and Nat War- shaw, assistant manager of the Key stone, is the new manager of th> Frankford. In addition, the circui loses to the Army Dick Parks, mana-| ger of the Harrowgate, and Al Blum-f berg, of the Midway. No replace ments have been named as yet. Move Warner Circuit Managers in Chicago Chicago, March 4. — The drafting of John Maloney, manager of War ners' Grove Theatre, has necessitated several manager changes in the circuit The changes are as follows : John] Field, from Ogden to Grove ; Rober Kennedy, Symphony to Ogden ; Al Blasko, Oriental, Milwaukee, to Sym phony, Chicago ; Joseph Reynolds,] National, Milwaukee, to Oriental, Milwaukee ; Waldon Ryan, Hamilton, Chicago, to Delavan, Delavan, Wis.J and E. Sedlock, assistant manager at the Hamilton, to manager. Consider 'Wind' forAstor M-G-M is considering returning "Gone With the Wind" to the Astor on Broadway following the run otf "Kings Row" at the theatre. No final decision has been made yet as to an opening date or policy, it was said. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company] Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar] tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera] Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice] President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L,' Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. 7 WARMERBROS Kings ROW xi ;■).- 1 i Co\e Rob' CQ4e'' .6e\\an>0<\ Ad When it comes to hits / ^ the daddy off 'em all is • . • L^## WARNER RROS. * An IMPORTANT Message To the Theatre Manager About FANTASIA: The opportunity to offer Walt Disney's FANTASIA to his patrons is an honor recognized by every alert and progressive showman. To be able to see and hear this glorious attraction at a theatre's regular popular price scale is a privilege that will be recognized and applauded by your entire community. FANTASIA is no ordinary motion picture. Its coming to your theatre is an event of extraordinary interest and it is hoped that every showman will avail himself to the full of the opportunities it presents. Unlike most motion pictures FANTASIA has a great plus audience waiting to see it . . . those hundreds and thousands of alert, educated and prosperous people in every community who are not regular theatregoers but whose patronage is so sorely needed by every theatre. These people are your plus audience for FANTASIA. FANTASIA stands today perhaps the most widely publicized and discussed pic- ture in screen history. Its box office career is well known to you — well into a second year with more than 1,000 performances on Broadway — record road show runs in large cities at $2.20 prices — brilliant premieres and engagements thruout the free world, an avalanche of acclaim by critics and public. FANTASIA is the picture that has earned for Walt Disney the highest tribute in the motion picture industry — THE ACADEMY'S IRVING THALBERG AWARD . . . also the SPECIAL ACADEMY AWARD for "outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of FANTASIA," and the SPECIAL ACADEMY AWARD to Leopold Stokowski and his associates for their unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music — three awards in all! Both the regular picture audience and the plus audience are ready for your pre- sentation of FANTASIA . . . both need only to be told of its local engagement. In addition to the record publicity that has been given in magazines, newspapers, columns, reviews, and on the radio, great bodies of cultural groups thruout the nation have been advised by letter and appropriate literature of the national re- lease of FANTASIA. Women's clubs, music clubs and associations, high school and college teachers and other influential people in your community, people eager to extend the success of FANTASIA, will help you round up this vast new plus audience, if you but give them a chance. Therefore we urge every theatre manager, every theatre publicity man, every showman who knows the value of good will and public relations to make the most of the opportunity that the showing of FANTASIA presents. FANTASIA is a picture of Prestige and Profits — get both by going after both those vital audiences — the regulars by increased advertising in your newspapers, on the air, on billboards, and the plus audience by direct contact with the influen- tial leaders of local groups whose memberships can pack to overflowing the largest auditorium in any city, town or village. RELEASED APRIL 3... 20 TECHNICOLOR FEATURE THE SHOWMAN'S PERFECT EASTER WEEK ATTRACTION! Distributed by RKO-Radio Pictures, Inc. 6 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 5, 1942 Reviews "Sleepytime Gal" (Republic) HP HE versatile and entertaining Judy Canova is responsible for con- siderable of the zest in this comedy effort, which has several saleable elements worthy of special exhibitor attention. Since the story is built around a national contest for the lead singer on a radio program, the exhibitor should be able to do much with that as an exploitation idea. Also, featured in the picture are Skinnay Ennis and his band, a regular part of the Bob Hope radio show, and Jerry Lester, who has acquired recent popularity on the Bing Crosby program. In support of Miss Canova are Tom Brown and Mildred Coles, for romantic interest ; Billy Gilbert, Ruth Terry, Thurston Hall, Harold Hubert and Elisha Cook, Jr. Albert J. Cohen was associate producer, and Albert S. Rogell directed from a screenplay by Art Arthur, Albert Duffy and Max Lief. Brown, bell captain in a Miami hotel, and Gilbert, head chef, seek to induce Miss Canova, a pastry assistant, to compete in Ennis' contest, Brown hoping to act as her manager if she should win, thus enabling him to marry. Her effort to win is complicated by the fact that Huber, racketeer, has forced Ennis to see to it that Huber's girl, Miss Terry, Chicago club singer, is declared the winner. Brown's efforts cause innumerable amusing complications, most entertaining of which is the imprisonment of Miss Canova and Lester in the hotel's refriger- ator. Running time, 84 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson "Black Dragons" (M onogram) Hollywood, March 4 HpIMELINESS is the principal if not sole asset of this fantastic melo- *■ drama dealing with the war activities of the Japanese prior to Pearl Harbor and now. The original story and screenplay by Harvey Gates set up and drama- tize the possibility that American business men, bankers, etc., who impeded America's preparedness measures, were in reality Japanese whose faces had been altered by a Nazi surgeon in such fashion as to enable them to masquerade as Americans. It further sets forth that the Japanese war lords, having got the Nazi surgeon to perform these opera- tions, decided to do away with him but he got loose and came to America to exterminate the masqueraders in person and in turn, which he does to the tune of six murders, including his own death. It's a bit fantastic to be taken seriously, even for purposes of melo- drama, but it does get a lot of killing inside the running time. Performances by Bela Lugosi, Joan Barclay, George Pembroke, Clay- ton Moore, Bob Frazer, Max Hoffman, Jr., Irving Mitchell and the ethers are not equal to the task of making what happens seem plausible. Production is by Sam Katzman and Jack Dietz, with Barney A. Sarecky as associate producer. Direction is by William Nigh. Running time, 64 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams Canada Weighs Giveaway Ban For Theatres {Continued from page 1) board before the step is taken. The jurisdiction of the council is to study various phases of the business and serve in an advisory capacity, which it is asked to do in this matter. McMullen has issued an order for- bidding any theatre to make any change in its service charge arrange- ments for giveaways, effective im- mediately. Under this ruling, no theatre is permitted to inaugurate a service charge if it is not doing so, be- cause this move would be a technical deviation from the admission price maintenance policy of the board. No theatre will be allowed to raise its service charge for a premium for the same reason. The Administrator has also issued a warning that the re-allocating of seats with respect to admission scales will be considered an offense against the regulations, the specific ruling be- ing that no exhibitor may decrease the number of seats in "lower price ranges" to the end that the cost of any admission would be raised. There was an intimation that seating plans would be checked to insure against deviation from arrangements during the basic period of Sept. IS to Oct. 11. Sales Plan Not Yet Presented to U. S. (Continued from page 1) garding the industry's proposals, but that Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA presi- dent, wired him this morning that he would be in Washington tomorrow, although he did not say he was com- ing to discuss the plan. No indication of the Department's attitude toward the Umpi plan was forthcoming in view of the fact that nothing was officially under consid- eration, and it was indicated that no expression would be made until after the plan had been thoroughly studied and the Department's decision com- municated to its proponents. Umpi officials said yesterday that copies of the plan probably would not be forwarded to the Department of Justice until it had been ratified by exhibitor organizations and Umpi it- self, since the plan will have no offi- cial status until that time. They expressed the belief that ex- hibitor reactions to the plan will be reported back to Umpi for final action in about two weeks and, if approved, the program would then be sent to the Department officials for study. The plan is being formally prepared now by Umpi's drafting committee. Print by Pony Express Dallas, March 4. — A print of "Unusual Occupations No. 3" was sent from the Paramount exchange here to Denton today by pony express to demonstrate methods of tire con- servation, in exploiting the subject, fiovc-rnor Coke Stevenson, officials of both cities and communities along the route participated. *"G" denotes general classification. Big Foreign Demand For Hollywood News (Continued from page 1) Trinidad, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Para- guay, Brazil and Panama. The languages in which the news is told are many, one correspondent writing in Esperanto for publications in Wellington, New Zealand, and Rio De Janeiro. Since the Pearl Harbor attack, the report said, newsmen representing Latin American outlets have been asked to almost double the Hollywood news output. A Sydney paper cabled its correspondent the day after the Jap attack on Darwin to file immediately 1,000 words on "what's new in Hollywood." Since the war, all correspondents representing newspapers in enemy countries have been taken off the list of accredited newspapermen. ATO Adds 10 Members Indianapolis, March 4. — The As- sociated Theatre Owners of Indiana recently added 10 members. Greenfield Elected Cinema Lodge Head (Continued from page 1) trict manager ; William Sussman, 20th Century-Fox Eastern division man- ager ; Victor G. Blau, Warner Bros. ; A. Ralph Steinberg; A-Mike Vogel, Motion Picture Herald; Leon Gold- berg, treasurer of RKO ; Leo Jaffe, Columbia assistant treasurer, and Adolph Schimel of Universal. Max Blackman was elected treas- urer ; Julius Collins, recording secre- tary ; Jerome Hyman, corresponding secretary ; Hal Danson, monitor. A. W. Schwalberg, Arthur Israel, Jr., A. Ralph Steinberg and Leonard Finder were elected delegates to the national convention in Montreal in May. Hold Rites for Alvord Camden, N. J., March 4. — Funeral services were held today for George E. Alvord, 61, who had been man- ager of the old Lyric Theatre here for 28 years. His widow, a son and a sis- ter survive. 'Eager' High Boston Gross With $40,000 Boston, March 4. — Grosses for the week were high. "Johnny Eager," coupled with "Hay Foot" drew $40,000 at Loew's Orpheum and State com- bined. "How Green Was My V ley," in its second week at Kei Memorial, drew $23,500. Estimated receipts for the week mding Feb. 26-27 : "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) LOEWS ORPHEUM — (3,0CO) (30c-44c- 55c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Average, $12,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) LO'EW'S STATE— (2.900) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $12,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Niagara Falls" (U. A.) KEITH MEMORIAL — (2,907) (28c-33c- 44c -55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $23,500. (Average. $16,000) "Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) M ETRO POLIT AN— (4,376 ) (28c • 33c - 44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $21,500. (Average, $15,500 "Whaf s Cookin' " (Univ.) KEITH'S BOSTON— (2,697) (28c-33c-44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Stage show with Susan Miller, Dave Apollon, and Al Siegel. Gross: $19,500. (Average, $8,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (1,797) (28c-33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $7,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) FENWAY — (1,320) (28c-33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $4,500) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) "Sundown" (U. A.) SCOLLAY — (2,500) (28c-33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $4,000) Kansas City Gives 'Woman9 Big $15,000 Kansas City, March 4. — "Woman of the Year" at the Midland led with I a strong $15,000, while "The Man Who Came to Dinner" scored $11,000 at the Newman. Estimated receipts for the week ,; ending Feb. 26 : "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) ESQUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 9 days. Gross: j $4,000. (Average, 9 days, $3,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) MIDLAND— (3,600) (30c-44c) 7 days. !| Gross: $15,000. (Average, $8,500) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) ; NEWMAN— (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $7,000) "Forty Thousands Horsemen" (Goodwill) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) ORPHEUM— (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 days.!; Gross: $6,000. (Average, $5,000) "Melody Lane" (Univ.) TOWER— (2,200) (30c) 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $6,000) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) UPTOWN— (2,000) (30c-44c) 9 days.'! Gross: $3,500. (Average, $4,000) Notables to Attend 'Invaders' Opening (Continued from page 1) proceedings will be broadcast over WNEW beginning at 8:45 P. M. A scheduled feature of the broadcast will be a pickup of a trans-Atlantic i phone call from London at 9 P. M. by Laurence Olivier and Leslie How- ard, stars of the film, and Michael I Powell, its director. Their talks also j will be amplified for the audience. Columbia will be host to a number of officers and crew members of mer- chant ships sunk off the Atlantic Coast by Nazi submarines at dinner at the Hotel Astor, following which they will attend the opening. A REPUBLIC PICTURE TOM BROWN BILLY GILBERT * RUTH TERRY THURSTON HALL • ELISHA COOK, JR. • JERRY LESTER • MILDRED COLES HAROLD HUBER and SKINNAY ENNIS AND HIS BAND ALBERT S. ROGELL — Director BUY U. S. DEFENSE BONDS Screen Play by Art Arthur, Albert Duffy and Max Lief Based on a Story by Mauri Grashin and Robert T. Shannon 8 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 5, 194; 'Remember' at $43,000 Best Gross in Loop Chicago, March 4. — The Chicago, with "Remember the Day" and the Andrews Sisters on the stage, grossed $43,000 and the United Artists took $18,000 with "H. M. Pulham, Es- quire." Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 26: "Bahama Passage" (Para.) 3rd week in Loop) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) APOLLO— (1,400) (35c-S5c-65c-75c) 7 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $4,300. (Average, $5-000 . , 1 „ „ "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Stage — Andrews Sisters. Gross: $43,000. (Average, $32,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) (2nd week in Loop) "No Hands on the Clock" (Para.) GARRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $5,000) "Moon Over Her Shoulder" (20th-Fox) ORIENTAL — (3,200) (25c-30c-40c-50c) 7 davs. Stage — Ramon Navarro. Gross: $20,- 000. (Average, $16,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) PALACE— (2,500) (40c-50c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Average, $13,000) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) "You're in the Army Now" (W. B.) 5 days, 2nd week "A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) 2 days ROOSEVELT— (1,500) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $11,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) STATE -LAKE — (3,700) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days, 6th week. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $14,0C0) "The Ccrsican Brothers" (U. A.) 1 day, 4th week "H. M. Pulham, Esq.," (M-G-M) 6 days UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (35c-55c-65c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $14,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) WOODS— (1,200) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000 Review "The Gold Rush" (Chaplin-U. A.) , _ , „ Hollywood, March 4 THE flavor, the charm, the pathos and the warmth of "The Gold Rush," first released in 1925 and now refurbished with music and narrative dialogue, have become enhanced with age. The Charles Chap- lin opus offers the added attractions of nostalgia for elder customers and novelty for the younger. The rich, ever-popular combination of humor and sentiment which has marked the Chaplin tramp character proved, at its preview showing, as effective now as in 1925. Chaplin narrates the story of the little prospector who finds fame, fortune and romance in Alaska, giving voice to the other characters as well as the one he plays himself. But no attempt is made to synchronize the sound with the action, the pantomime being predominant. Highlights of the film included the scenes showing the starving pros- pector (Chaplin) and his friend boiling and eating one of the former's shoes; the hallucination of "Big Jim" that his little friend is a chicken and his attempts to kill and eat him ; the prospector's preparations for a New Year's Eve dinner which the dance-hall girl he loves does not attend; the prospector's "dance of the rolls," in itself a classic; and the cabin, 'in which the prospector and his partner are staying, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Chaplin, who produced, directed and wrote the silent version, com- posed an outstanding music score for this version, in addition to writing the narration and delivering it. Photographically, the picture is good, the effects of the 60-feet-per- minute projection speed being handled in such a way as to eliminate virtually all jerkiness. Running time, 72 minutes. "G."* Vance King Northwest Allied to Meet on March 17 Minneapolis, March 4. — The an- nual convention of Allied Theatre Owners of the Northwest will be held here March 17 and 18. It will be the first meeting of the entire Northwest organization since January, 1941. Harry Brandt, president of the New York ITOA, is scheduled as one of the speakers. The United Motion Picture Industry program and the new Federal tax proposals will be the principal topics for discussion. Fred Strom, Northwest Allied sec- retary, said that the product situa- tion in Minnesota still presents some problems but that the emergency has passed and the situation is much im- proved. License 'Birth of Baby* A license for exhibition of "The Birth of a Baby" in New York State with the actual birth scene eliminated has been granted by Irwin Esmond, censor head. The film, produced by the American Committee on Maternal Welfare, was banned about three years ago and the courts upheld the action. "G" denotes general classification. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, March 4 M-G-M has announced plans for two ambitious pictures. The first is "Dragon Seed," novel appearing in the current Collier's Maga- zine as a serial, and written by Pearl S. Buck. No production plans were announced for it. Advance Child Actor Bill Albany, March 4. — The Assembly todav advanced to the order of final reading the Erhlich bill to permit the- atrical appearances of children under 16 years when approved by local edu- cational authorities. The second is "The Man on Amer- ca's Conscience," story of the life of Andrew Johnson, with Van Hef- lin playing the role of Johnson and Lionel Barrymore playing Thad- deus Stevens, the seventh presi- dent's arch political enemy. • • Ronald Reagan, Warners star, has turned to screen writing, putting the final touches to his original "They Ride to Glory," story of horse cavalry active with General MacArthur on Bataan Peninsula . . . Roger Pryor has been set for Mono- gram's "Aunt Emma Paints the Town," with Zasu Pitts . . . Forty-seven new members have joined the Screen Writers Guild during the last two months. • • Robert Florey has been assigned to direct Warner's "The Desert Song," in which Dennis Morgan and Irene Manning will have the top roles . . . Scott R. Dunlap is preparing "The Blonde Bomber" for Monogram . . . Ralph Staub starts his 10th year with Columbia as producer-director of "Screen Snapshots," with his 551st reel in the cutting rooms . . . The late Douglas Fairbanks' bequest to the Motion Picture Relief Fund of $10,000 will be used for a lounge in the Motion Picture Country House. • • Paramount has given Betty Field a new term deal . . . That studio also has signed Sidney Lanfield to guide another picture . . . Bill Roberts, band leader and singer, has been set at M-G-M on a term contract . . . "Nightmare of a Jerk" will be the title of Sam Coslow's first musical short in his series for Paramount. . . Monogram has the highest per capita donation to the current Red Cross drive — $304.92 per person. • • Jeffrey Lynn, Warner star, was inducted into the Army last week . . . Claudette Colbert will be co-starred with Fred MacMurray in Para- mount's "No Time for Love" .• . . Billy Wilder, writer, gets his chance to become a director with Para- mount's "The Major and the Minor," Ginger Rogers-Ray Milland vehicle . . . Joan Leslie and Jack Carson go into cast of "The Hard Way," Warner vehicle for Ida Llipino . . . Veronica Lake replaces Patricia Morison in Paramount's "The Glass Key." New Radio Device To Black Out Signs General Outdoor Advertis- ing Co. will install 1,000 radio control devices which will automatically black out 3,000 New York illuminated signs when radio stations go dead during air raids, it was an- nounced yesterday. As an add- ed precaution, the company's signs have been rewired to permit them to be extinguish^ ed from the ground by hanjl switches. Winchell in Fight With Capital Paper Walter Winchell, New York DailA Mirror columnist, has declared that h( will not renew his contract with Kinf| Features Syndicate when it expire Nov. 15 unless the syndicate discon tinues selling his column to th Washington Times-Herald. Thij paper is published by Eleanor Patter i son, sister of Joseph Patterson, pub lisher of the New York Daily News and a cousin of Robert McCormick publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Winchell's column recently has bee: cut by the Times-Herald, or placed i obscure parts of the paper, or kille> entirely. Winchell ran an advertise ment in yesterday's Washington New asking readers to buy the Daily Mir- ror if they wanted to see the colum in full. Winchell was reported pre ferring the Washington Post as th paper to publish his column in tha city. The Times-Herald has a con tract with King Features until 194? it was said. Chicago Exchange Union Contract Set Chicago, March 4. — A compromise agreement has been reached here be- tween officers of the Film Exchange Employes Union, Local B-45, and dis- tributor representatives. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The new contract will run for two years, with increases retroactive as of Dec. 1, last. A. W. Schwalberg of Warners and J. S. McCloud, M-G-M, represented the distributors in the ne- gotiations. Benny Air Contract Renewed Two Yean Jack Benny has been renewed b General Foods for an additional tw:: years, effective on the expiration c his present contract in June, it wa| announced yesterday. Benny was re ported to have received a $4,000 week ly increase over his present salary, re ported at $18,500. The product, Jellc may be changed after the present se ries is completed if the sugar priorf ity situation becomes acute, it we said. Benny started in radio in 193- and started work for his current spor sor two years later. He is heard o NBC. Young & Rubicam is th agency. WJZ to Accept 1-Min Spot Announcement WJZ yesterday announced a di parture from its long standing polk and will accept one-minute spot ai nouncements during certain progranj between 7 A. M. and 6 P. M., Mot- day through Saturday. Only one ai nouncement will be permitted for ot [ product during each program perio Time signal announcements are al;' being offered in packages of seve one a day each day, for $350. change in rate for the period fro 10:30 to 11 P. M. has been ma< and charges reduced from $720 $360. RKO Tries Singles RKO is experimenting with sing features instead of duals at the 23i Street Theatre on Friday, Saturd: and Sunday, with duals the rest the week. Irvriispensa to the^ Picture Industry tion MOTION PICTURE DAILY 1. 51. NO. 45 NEW YORK. U.S.A., FRIDAY. MARCH 6, 1942 TEN CENTS Wild Wind' Is Easter Picture At Music Hall B'way Grosses this Week Hold Strong Level 1 "Reap the Wild Wind." Cecil B. DeMille's new production which 'I has been designated by Paramount 4;is its 30th anniversary picture, will ' have its Xew York premiere at the ,J Music Hall beginning March 26, it 3\vas announced jointly yesterday by (ius Eyssell, managing director of the Music Hall, and Charles M. Reagan, Paramount assistant sales manager. The picture will play concurrently ' with the Music Hall's annual Easter , program. Meanwhile, despite variable weath- :er along Broadway this week and ; holdovers in most of the first runs, grosses maintained a good level. "Woman of the Year," with an es- timated $85,000 for the fourth week, yesterday moved into the select group of four films which have run five weeks or longer at the Music Hall. At the Roxy, '"Roxie Hart" grossed Kan estimated $44,000 for its second week and was held over. The third week of "Captains of the Clouds," with Blue Barron's orchestra heading the stage show, brought an estimated S26.500 to the Strand. '•Mr. V" took an estimated $19,000 for the last eight days of a 22-day run at the Rivoli, where "To Be or Xot to Be" starts this morning. "Our Russian Front," double-billed with ' Frisco Lil" at the Rialto, drew an estimated $5,300 for the third week and was held for a fourth, with "Mr. Wise Guy" substituted for "Frisco Lil" as the second feature. JJA Sales Meeting Opens on Monday Gradwell L. Sears, United Artists I vice-president in charge of distribu- tion, will be the principal speaker at the company's first sales meeting since its distribution department reorganiza- tion, to be held in Chicago Monday through Wednesday at the Blackstone Hotel. Carl Leserman. general sales manager, will preside. District and branch managers will attend. From the home office will be '.also Harry L. Gold, Eastern division manager ; David H. Coplan, Canadian division manager, and Monroe W. (Continued on page 3) Trade Pays Tribute To C. C. Pettijohn For Long Service Tribute for 20 years of "unac- claimed" service to the motion picture industry was paid to Charles C. Pet- tijohn by Will H. Hays and members a n d guests of Ampa at the organiza- tion's luncheon meeting at the Hotel Edison yesterday. Pettijohn end- ed his tenure as general counsel of MPPDA on his 20th anni- versary in the post yesterday, C. r. Pettijohn a n d was the guest of honor of Ampa, of which he has been a member also for 20 years. The day also marked Hays's 20th anniversary in the industry. "Pettijohn is not leaving the indus- try," Hays said at the close of a glow- ing tribute to his lieutenant of long standing. "He was serving the indus- try before I arrived to make its wor- ries mine, and he will be serving it for many years to come. "I want to publicly praise and per- sonally acclaim his services to this in- dustry. That valuable service which he has rendered was of a nature which could not be acclaimed when it was done. His loyalty in his work and in his friendship have marked him and will be remembered." Pettijohn, responding, admonished the industry to guard the public trust and confidence it holds. "Of the 15 biggest industries in this country," he said, "all but the press and this one are run by some Govern- ment board in Washington. This in- dustry has been trusted by the people (Continued on page 3) /-/ Arbitration Case Suspended Hearings in the arbitration clear- ance complaint brought by J -J The- atres against RKO, Warners, 20th Century-Fox and the Skouras Val- entine Theatre were suspended at the local board yesterday when Charles Siegel, attorney for Julius Joelson, the plaintiff, withdrew from the case fol- lowing an altercation with his client. Colonel William P. Cavanaugh. ar- bitrator, will continue the hearings later. Joelson is seeking a reduction of the Valentine's clearance over his Avalon, Jerome, Oxford and Kings- bridge theatres. Kuykendall, Wright Confer on Sales Plan Washington. March 5. — Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president conferred here today with Robert L. Wright, chief of the film unit of the Department of Justice, on Umpi's proposed selling plan. The conversa- tions were described as "pure- ly informal" and it was said that nothing definite was laid before the Department for consideration. It was indicated that the plan will not be submitted here until reactions of all ex- hibitor organizations have been obtained. Botsford to Act as Ampa Toastmaster At Showman Show A. M. Botsford, advertising and publicity director for 20 Century-Fox, will be master of ceremonies at the Ampa Theatre Showmanship Show at the Hotel Edison March 17, accord- ing to Vincent Trotta, Ampa presi- dent. Winners of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards for exploitation, Arnold Stoltz and Frank Bickerstaff will receive their awards at the luncheon. They will be in New York as guests of Motion Picture Herald. Stars of stage and screen are expected to attend. A showmanship display at the hotel will contain outstanding exploitation campaigns of the year. It will be under the supervision of A-Mike Yogel, chairman of the Managers' Round Table of Motion Picture Herald. The arrangements committee in- cludes : Harry Goldberg, Si Fabian, (Continued on page 3) 'Invaders' Premiere Is Held at Capitol A score of captains and seamen who survived torpedoings of their ships off the Atlantic Coast in recent weeks were guests of Columbia, along with numerous civic, social and professional figures, at the premiere of "The Invaders" at the Capitol last night. A highlight of the premiere was a six-minute telephone conversation from London to the Capitol audience and a WNEW broadcast by Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard and Michael Powell. An American Legion band greeted the invited celebrities on their arrival at the theatre and its Kleig- lighted lobby. Four Exhibitor Units Approve New Sales Plan Expect Action by Others In Next Few Days Four exhibitor organizations have ratified the proposed new selling plan of the United Motion Picture Industry as of yesterday and meet- ings of other organizations to con- sider the plan have been scheduled for the next few days. The plan has been approved by Allied Theatre Owners of Maryland, Allied of Illinois, Al- lied Theatre Owners of Indiana and the ITOA of New York. All organized exhibitors are sched- uled to act on the proposal within the next 10 days in order that a report may be made to Umpi by approxi- mately March 20, at which time the organization will take final action. Its approval then would clear the way for its submission to the Department of Justice. Allied Theatre Owners of Connec- ticut will meet at New Haven Mon- day to act on the proposal and the Pacific Coast Conference of Indepen- dent Theatre Owners' board of trus- tees will meet at the Empire Hotel, San Francisco, today and tomorrow, to consider it. Copies of the plan were sent to all members of the MPTOA board of directors by Ed Kuykendall, president, before he left for Washington yester- day. Meetings of the regional affili- ates of that organization will be held during the next week or 10 days to take action on it. Report Flinn to Be Ad Unit Secretary John C. Flinn is reported to have been selected as executive secretary of the Public Relations Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, East- ern division. The New York group, which in- cludes the advertising and publicity directors of the major companies, is understood to have made the selec- tion at its meeting yesterday. The choice will be submitted to the MPPDA directors for ratification, it was said. Flinn, who has been in the indus- try since 1914, has held several ex- (Continued on page 3) Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 6, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 5 M-G-M today decided to revise "I Alarried An Angel" and ordered prints previously shipped to New York to be returned to the cutting- room. No indication has been given whether new scenes will be shot. • The first camera crew to be sent out of the United States, except to contiguous territory, since the out- break of the war will be a Republic crew. Background shots will be taken in Alaska for "The Great Northwest Frontier." The crew will leave in a month. • Monogram announced today that Ed Gross would produce a second pic- ture based on the comic strip, "Barney Google." It will be called "Hillbilly Blitzkrieg." The first was "Private Snuft'v Smith." NLRB to Hear Claim Of RKO Clerical Unit Hearings will start Monday before the NLRB on the petition of the Screen Office & Professional Em- ployes Guild, Local 109, for designa- tion as collective bargaining agency for clerical workers at RKO. The Guild has requested the start of negotiations with Loew's, where the SOPEG won an NLRB election Feb. 25. ieTORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SPENCER TRACY . KATHARINE HEPBURN "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" COLE PORTER — Leonidoff's colorful tune- fllled revus. Symphony Orchestra, direction ot fsTVetzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 Paramount Presents Bay Paulette MILLAND GODDARD in "THE LADY HAS PLANS" PARAMOUNT IN PERSON IN ARAY HUTTON AND BAND JOAN EDWARDS HAL LeROY EXTRA JACK HALEY TIMES SQUARE : PALACES TYRONE POWER "SON OF FURY" MICHELE MORGAN "JOAN OF PARIS" Ginger ROGERS Adolphe MENJOU Geo. MONTGOMERY ROXIE HART' PLUS A BIG Q STAGE SHOW fl \J . V 7th Ave. 'AT &. 50th St. "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 no HIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Sat., Sun. & Wed. 501 Seats for Every Pert. 50o. EVGS. AT 8:40 Personal Mention LAUDY LAWRENCE plans to leave for England as soon as Clip- per accommodations can be obtained. • Ned E. Depinet is scheduled to arrive from the Coast today. • Robert Yodice of Loew's State, Cleveland, is on a three-week motor trip through the South. • Phil Engel is in Providence. • Arthur Greenblatt has returned from a trip through the East and Mid- west. • Nate Spingold left for Florida yesterday. Harry Cohn is scheduled to leave for Florida tomorrow. MARTIN MULLEN and Sam Pinanski are in town from Boston. Loyd Wright is here from the Coast. Norman J. Ayers, Warner eastern district manager, is in Albany. • Robert Taplinger is scheduled to leave for the Coast over the weekend. R. B. Wilby is in town from Charlotte. Jules Lapidus, Universal district manager, left yesterday for Boston, and B. B. Kreisler, short subject manager, went to Albany. Two Quebec Houses Show French Films Quebec, March 5. — With reversion of the Victoria Theatre, to English language double bills, there remain only two houses in Quebec City show- ing French films exclusively. These are the Canadian in the Upper Town, and the Cinema de Paris in the Lower Town section. Harold Vance, manager of the Cam- brai Theatre, is now also directing the Victoria. Theatres showing English films exclusively are the Capitol, the Empire, Imperial, Victoria, Cambrai and Princess. The Francais and Rialto vary their program sometimes run- ning double bills of one English, one French picture. Carroll-AGVA Arbitrate Earl Carroll's "Vanities," a road ^company, opened yesterday at the Flatbush, Brooklyn, after Carroll and the American Guild of Variety Art- ists agreed to arbitrate their differ- ences. The American Arbitration Association will conduct the arbitra- tion. M-G-M TRADE SHOWINGS POSTPONEMENT • All Trade Showings of the production "I MARRIED AN ANGEL" as previously pub- lished are postponed. NEW DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED! Operator Arrested In Stench Bombings James Orlando Smith, projection- ist, was brought here from St. Louis this week by police, ending a five-year search for the last of the five men who placed stench bombs in New York film houses during 1936 and 1937. Smith is under a seven-count in- dictment. Lieut. James A. Pyke, head of the New York Police Bomb Squad, said Smith had admitted being a member of the gang, and that he had been working in a St. Louis theatre under the name of Charles Brown. Sentenced in Bombing Meridian, Miss., March 5. — Leo Schwartz, projectionist and union sec- retary, was sentenced to 10 years in prison here for the bombing of the Royal theatre in which six persons were injured. Bandits Get $3,000 In Chicago Holdup Chicago, March 5. — Two bandits waylaid Chester Amberg, assistant manager of the Oriental, during the early afternoon rush today. After forcing him to open a box containing $3,000 in cash, the bandits mingled with the crowds and escaped. John Hunt, manager, and Robert Trailer, chief of service, were forced into a washroom when they attempted to come to Amberg's aid. Newsreel Parade 'T1 HE landing of American troops -*■ in Northern Ireland attracted uniform newsreel attention in the weekend issues. Likewise getting wide attention zvas the presentation of the new tax program, and the storm zvhich lashed the New England coast. The reels' contents follow : , Para. Sets 'Fleet's In9 Promotion on Mutual Paramount has purchased a Mutual hookup of about 75 stations to pro- mote "The Fleet's In." The broad- cast will be heard 9:45-10 P. M., Friday, March 27, immediatelv pre- ceding the broadcast of the Louis- Simon world heavyweight champion- ship fight on the same network. Miss. Tax Revenue In Feb. at $42,740 Jackson, Miss., March 5. — Admis- sion tax collections in Mississippi in February totaled $42,740 as compared with $35,027 for the same month of last year. Collections, on slot vending machines, dropped $1,194 from last year's $5,727. MOVIETONE NEWS, No. SZ^Surv; of destroyer sunk off Jersey. Russian" troops continue advance. Supply ships con- voyed in Pacific. American troops in Ul- ster. Morgenthau presents tax program.* Storm hits New England coast. Sergeant Lockard, Pearl Harbor attack hero, here for officer training. Bombs shown at War College in Washington. Yankees train Florida. Bowling tourney in Columbus. Golden Gloves boxing in New York. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 250^Dawn patrol of planes over Hawaii. American troops in Ireland. President starts 10th. year in office. Morgenthau offers new tax1 program. California prisoners in war pro-' duction. Storm hits Eastern coast. Russian troops drive ahead. Baseball teams training in South. Bowling tournament in Columbus. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 55— Mexican constitution's anniversary celebrated. Amer- ican volunteer killed in air over Burma;; Storm lashes New England coast. Roose- velt starts 10th year as President. Mis- souri trout season opens. Russians con- tinue attack on Nazi positions. Americar. troops in Ireland. Air patrol over Hawaii^ RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 55— Roosevelt starts 10th year in office. Air patrol activf over Hawaii. Pearl Harbor hero here foi officer training. Russians press attack American troops in Ireland. Congressmen buy defense bonds. Chrysler home Great Neck is maritime school. U. S. and; Brazil sign mutual aid pact. Bombs testec at War College in Washington. Storm hits East coast. Yankees in training in Florida UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 64— Rus sians press attack on Nazi troops. Ameri can troops in Ulster. Morgenthau offer: new tax program. Air patrol over Hawaii Pearl Harbor hero here. U. S. and Brazi sign mutual assistance pact. Bombs dem onstrated at War College. Storm strikes ai New England coast. Bowling tourney Columbus. Yankees in training in Florida Biscayne Gay Regatta off Miami. Frisco Marquees Are Lighted Again San Francisco, March 5. — Relax ing the stringent precautions intro* duced after the city's first blackou; alarms, police and civilian defense auii thorities are again permitting theatre! marquees to be lighted nightly, _ a; brightly as before. Special electrical installations are required, however) making possible one-switch turnoff: in event of future alarm. MOTION PICTURE DAILY {Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday an holidays by Quigley Publishing Company Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cente: New York City. Telephone Circle 7-310 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Ma: tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publishei Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Generi Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Via President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred I Finestone, Managing Editor; James P Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureai 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neil Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unio Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editoi London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, Londo Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addres "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Corr pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mc tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Intel national Motion Picture Almanac and Farm Entered as second class matter, Sept. 2 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscri tion rates per year $6 in the Americas ar $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. fridav, March 6, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 3 Seattle Gives 'Son of Fury9 $8,800 Gross Seattle, March 5. — "Son of Fury" t the Paramount drew $8,800, and The Man Who Came to Dinner" at rpheum scored $8,700. The r was cool and rainy, estimated receipts for the week tuding Feb. 27 : 'Tanan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) •Kathleen" (M-G-M) 1 BLUE MOUSE— (950) (30c-43c- 58c-70c) 7 mys, 2nd week. Moved from Paramount. Gross: $3,200. (Average, $4,000) 'Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) ■Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) FIFTH AVENUE — (2,500) (30c-42c-58c- H>c) 7 days. Gross: $8,100. (Average, krdoo) •The Lady Is Willing" (Col.) 'Confessions of Boston Blackie" (Col.) LIBERTY — (1,800) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 lays. Gross: $5,200. (Average, $5,000) •Ball of Fire" (RKO) MUSIC BOX— (950) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 lays, 3rd week. Moved from Fifth Ave- jbue. Gross: $3,300. (Average, $4,000) 'The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) •Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) OR PHEUM— (2,450) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, yross: $8,700. (Average, $6,000) 'North to the Klondike" (Univ.) 'Pardon My Stripes" (Rep.) PALOMAR— (1.500) (20c-30c-42c-58c) 7 jLvs. Stage: Vaudeville headed by Lee €>>nn. Gross: $5,400. (Average, $5,000) 'Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) 'Blue, White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (3.050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 *k-iys. Gross: $8,800. (Average, $6,000) 'Eager' St. Louis Best with $18,000 St. Louis, March 5. — "Johnny Eager" led the city with $18,000 at Loew's, with "Ride 'Em Cowboy" diking $16,000 at the Fox. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 26: J'Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) p LOEW'S (3,162) (28c-40c-44c-56c) 7 leys. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $13,000) Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (30c-40c-50c) 7 'Jays. Gross: $13,500. (Average. $11,500) 'Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) 'Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) FOX— (5.038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: r.6,000. (Average, $11,000) The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) 'Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) MISSOURI— (3.514) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Dross: $6,000. (Average, $4,000) Mad Doctor of Market Street" (Univ.) 'Road Agent" (Univ.) ST. LOUIS — (4,000) (25c-35c) 7 days. Cross: $3,000. (Average, $2,600) NBC to Short-Wave To Armed Services Under an arrangement with the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, NBC on Saturday will start to shortwave 10 of its major programs to men in the armed forces. They will be transmitted by WRCA, WNBI and WBOS, 50,000-watt out- lets. Programs selected for transmission by transcription to the battlefronts are Al Pearce, Fibber McGee & Molly, "National Barn Dance," Tallulah Bankhead, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, "Aldrich Family," Burns & Allen, Ellery Queen, Bill Stern, with others to be added later. Trade Pays Tribute To C. C. Pettijohn For Long Service (Continued from page 1) of the nation. Don't do anything to injure that trust. Keep the screen free." Telegrams of greeting were received by Pettijohn from J. Edgar Hoover, head of the Federal Bureau of Inves- tigation, and Governor Matthew Neely of West Virginia, among others. Governor Neely, former U. S. Sena- tor, was the perennial author of Fed- eral bills to outlaw blind buying and block booking. In his wire he said: "In spite of his ( Pettijohn's) long- continued efforts in opposing my measures, I consider him one of the ablest and most likeable attorneys ever to appear before a United States Sen- ate committee." On the dais at the luncheon, in ad- dition to Pettijohn and Hays, were: Edward Schreiber. Ampa vice-presi- dent, who presided; Vincent Trotta. Ampa president ; Martin Quigley, Jack Alicoate, Maurice Kann, John C. Flinn and Louis Nizer. MBS Gross for Feb. 112% Over Year Ago Mutual's gross billings for February were $938,185, it was reported yesterday. This total is 112.1 per cent greater than the same month last year. Billings for the first two months of 1942 were $1,962,- 697, an increase of 107.2 per cent over the same period last year. Botsford To Act as Ampa Toastmaster (Continued from page 1) Harry Brandt, George Dembow, William Ferguson, Alec Moss, Harry Mandel, Max Cohen, Oscar Doob, Walter Reade, Fred Schwartz, Louis Frisch, Irwin Gold, Morris Miller, Standlev Kolbert, William White, Mort Biumenstock, Monroe Greenthal, Lou Pollock, Charles Reed Jones and Barret McCormick. UA Sales Meeting Opens on Monday (Continued from page 1) Greenthal, advertising and publicity director. The following District Managers will at- tend : Edward Schnitzer, New York ; John Dervin, Boston; Jack D. Goldhar, Detroit; C. E. Peppiatt, Atlanta; T. R. Thompson, Jr., Kansas City; Charles Stern, Chicago; \V. E. Callaway, Los Angeles. Branch Managers include: Clarence Eise- man, New York; H. G. Bodkin, Philadel- phia; Fred Rohrs, Washington; A. I. Weiner, Boston; Lou Wechsler, New Haven; Sydney Lehman, Buffalo; Moe Dudelson, Detroit; James Hendel, Cleve- land; Harris Dudelson, Cincinnati; Morton Magill, Pittsburgh; T. L. Davis, Atlanta; J. S. Moreland, New Orleans; Earl Collins, Dallas; Frank Drew, Charlotte; William E. Truog, Kansas City; Ben J. Robins, St. Louis; D. V. McLucas, Omaha; Ben Eisen- berg, Chicago; G. R. Frank, Indianapolis; J. S. Abrose, Milwaukee; Ralph Cramblet, Minneapolis; Cresson E. Smith, Los An- geles; Bernard McCarthy, Denver; Clar- ence Olson. Salt Lake City; G. William Wolf. San Francisco; Frank M. Higgins, Seattle. Report Flinn to Be Ad Unit Secretary (Continued from page 1) ecutive advertising and publicity posts as well as other positions. He was executive secretary of the NRA Code Authority. Edward Roddan, new Washing- ton press representative for the MPPDA, was introduced to commit- tee members at the meeting, held at MPPDA offices. Committee Is Named For N. H. Raid Safety New Haven, March 5. — George Weber, M-G-M office manager, in charge of air raid safety for the film exchange district, has appointed on his committee Hugh Maguire, RKO booker ; Angelo Lombardi, Warner booker, and Alex Bookspan of Fish- man Theatres. The committee has made an inspection of the Film Build- ing and is formulating suggestions for safety measures and precautions. 'Woman' Garners $17,500 in Buffalo Buffalo, March 5. — A healthy week here was led by "Woman of the Year" at the Buffalo with a big $17,- 500. "Gone With the Wind" at the Great Lakes scored $13,400. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 28 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Young America" (ZOth-Fox) BUFFALO — (3,489) (3Sc-5Sc) 7 days. Gross: $17,500. (Average, $12,000) "Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (35c-5Sc) 7 days. Gross: $13,400. (Average, $7,500) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) HIPPODROME — (2,100) (35c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $6,800) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (30c- 35c -55c) 7 days. Martha Raye and The Condos Brothers on stage, with Meyer Balsom and the Twentieth Century Theatre Orchestra. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $7,500) "The Lady Is Willing" (CoL) "Secrets of the Lone Wolf" (Col.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (35c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $5,900. (Average, $6,300) License Fee for House Columbus, 0-, March 5. — The vil- lage council at nearby Grandview Heights has passed an ordinance, un- der an emergency measure, imposing a license fee of $100 per year and a closing restriction of 12:30 A. M. for local amusement places. This will af- fect the Grandview, the only theatre in the town. 'Captains' Is $21,000 Lead, Philadelphia Philadelphia, March 5. — "Cap- tains of the Clouds" at the Stanley drew $21,000 while the Fox had $19,000 with "Roxie Hart." The "Ice- Capades of 1942" at the Arena pro- vided competition. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 24-27: "Duunbo" (RKO) ALDINE— (1,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) ARCADIA— (600) (35c-46c-57c) 5 days, 2nd run. Gross: $1,500. (Average, $2,600) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) BOYD— (2,400) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $13,- 000). "The Lady Is Willing" (Col.) EARLE — (4,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Tommy Tucker's orchestra, Amy Arnell, Donald Brown, Ker- win Summerville, Voices Three, Four Arn- aut Bros. & Sister Nellie and Hally Chester & Harris Berger. Gross: $19,000. (Aver- age, $14,000) "Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) FAY'S — (2,190) (15c-29c-35c-46c-57c) 7 days. Vaudeville including Noel Toy, Hoo Shee, Brooks & Philson, Paul Sidell & Spotty, Bryan, Court & Grey, Gae Foster's Roxyettes and Billy Klaiss' orchestra. Gross: $6,900. (Average, $6,900) "Roxie Hart" (ZOth-Fax) FOX — (3,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $19,000. (Average, $13,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-F«x) KARLTON— (1,000) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $3,000) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) KEITH'S — (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run, 2nd week. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $21,000. (Average, $14,000) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,500) Gold's Son an Officer Andrew L. Gold, son of Alfred E. Gold, Movietone News cameraman, has been graduated with honors from the Army Officers' School at Fort Monmouth, N. J., and has been com- missioned a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps. Club Dance April 12 Boston, March 5. — The local Variety Club will hold its annual dinner dance at the Mayfair here on April 12. Chief Barker M. J. Mullin is in charge of arrangements. Harry Browning, Arnold Van Lear and William Erbb are in charge of the year book, presentation of which is a feature of the event. 'Fury' Denver High, Scores Big $11,500 Denver, March 5. — "Son of Fury" on a double bill at the Fox Denver drew $11,500. "H. M. Pulham, Esq." took $10,600 at the Orpheum. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 24-27 : "They Died With their Boots On" (W.B.) ALADDIN— (1,400) (25c-40c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,500. (Average, $2,000) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKOi) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) BROADWAY— (1,040) (40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $2,100. (Average, $1,775) "No Hands on the Clock" (Para.) DENHAM— (1,750) (25c-35c-40c) On the stage — Ted Lewis "Rhythm Rhapsody Revue" 7 days. Gross: $9,800. (Average, $6,400) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "The Perfect Snob" (2ftth-Fox) DENVER— (2,600) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average. $8,700) "H. M. Pulham, Esq." (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) ORPHEUM— (6.7C0) (25c-35c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $10,600. (Average, $8,700) "A Gentleman at Heart" (20th-Fox) "North to the Klondike" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT — (2,200) (25c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $4,800. (Average, $3,800) "You Belong to Me" (Col.) "Men in Her Life" (Col.) RIALTO— (900) (2Sc-40c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $2,500. (Average, $2,100) Kraska Gets Film George Kraska, president of For- eign Pictures, Inc., of Mass., Bos- ton, has acquired for national release the film, "African Love," featuring Josephine Baker and Albert Projean. < X o o o PQ P H O WARNERS Sons of the Sea (D) 119 M. Redgrave Val. Hobson Dangerously They Live (D) 121 John Garfield Captains of the Clouds (D) 112 James Cagney Rrenda Marshall Bullet Scars (D) 123 Regis Toomey Adele Longmire *t s >>CM S O S~ | § •Sq ^ to Bt: -8 | s. « ° ? This Was Paris (D) 129 Ren Lyon Ami Dvorak Gambling Lady (D) 127 (Reissue) Kennel Murder Case (D) 128 The Male Animal (C) 126 0. De Havilland Henry Fonda Murder in the Big House (D) 125 Faye Emerson King's Row (D) 120 . In a Sheridan Robert Cummings g |f TO O = i to ^ -~ TO Q -c: • ^ UNIVERSAL — Bombay Clipper (D) 6031 Cowboy (C) 6002 Stagecoach Buckaroo (O) 6064 What's Cookin' (C) Gloria Jean Andrew Sisters Mad Doctor of Market St. (D) 6042 U na Merkel Lionel Atwell Frisco Lil (D) 6027 Irene Hervey Kent Taylor Ghost of Frankenstein (D) Lon Chaney, Jr. Bela Lugosi Butch Minds the Baby (C) Virginia Bruce Juke Box Jenny (M) 6026 Harriet Hiiliard Ken Murray The Saboteur (D) Priscilla Lane Robt. Cummings Unseen Enemy (D) 6053 Strange Case of Dr. RX (D) 6035 Mississippi Gambler (D) 6034 Kent Taylor Frances Longford Lady in a Jam (C) Irene Dunne < Shanghai Gesture (D) Gene Tierney Victor Mature Brooklyn Orchid (C) (Streamliner) William Rendix Heliotrope Harry (D) Miriam Hopkins Brian Donlevy To Be or Not to Be (C) Carole Lombard Jack Renny Dudes Are Pretty People (Streamliner) M. Woodivorth Mister V (D) Leslie Howard Mary N orris Jungle Book Sabu Joseph Calleia The Gold Rush (C) (Reissue) Charles Chaplin ** CQ ~ PQ Co = .s H 20TH-FOX | Young America (C) 231 Jane Withers On the Sunny Side (C) 232 Roddy McDowall Jane Darzvell Roxie Hart (C) 233 Ginger Rogers Adnlph Menjou Castle in the Desert (D) 234 Sidney Toler Arlene Whelan Night Before the Divorce (C) 235 Lynn Rari Mary R. Hughes Song of the Island (M) 236 Mafure-Grahle Jack Oakie Rings on Her Fingers (C) 237 Gene Tierney Henry Fonda The Remarkable Mr. Kipps (D) 238 M. Redgrave Secret Agent of Japan (D) 239 Foster-Bari To the Shores of Tripoli (D) 240 Payne-0'Hara Randolph Scott Who Is Hope Schuyler? (D) 242 /. Allen, Jr. Mary Howard RKO RADIO Valley of the Sun (D) 216 Lucille Rail James Craig Call Out the Marines (C) 217 Edmund Lowe V. McLaglen Joan of Paris (D) 218 Michele Morgan Paul Henried Riding the Wind (O) 283 Tim Holt Sing Your Worries Away (M) 219 Bert Lahr Mexican Spitfire at Sea (C) 220 Errol-Veles The Bashful Bachelor (C) Lum & Abner The Magnificent Ambersons (D) Dolores Cosfello Joseph Cotten Fantasia 291 Disney Feature Land of the Open Range (O) 284 Tim Holt Syncopation (M) Adolph Menjou Jackie Cooper Scattergood Rides High (C) Guy Kibbee Dorothy Moore REPUBLIC A Tragedy at Midnight (D) 114 Lindsay- H oward South of Santa Fe (O) 154 Roy Rogers Stage Coach Express (O) 175 Sleepy-Time Gal (C) 102 Heart of the Rio Grande (O) 144 Yokel Boy (C) 115 Raiders of the Range (O) 165 3 Mesqniteers Affairs of Jimmy Valentine (D) O'Keefe-Terry Jesse James, Jr. (O) Sunset on the Desert (O) Shepherd of the Ozarks (O) The Weavers Girl from Alaska (D) Ray Middleton Jean Parker PRC Broadway Big Shot (D) 207 Ralph Byrd Virginia Vale Raiders of the West (O) 252 Lee Powell Billy the Kid Trapped (O) 259 Buster Crabbe Too Many Women (C) 210 Neil Hamilton June Lang Girls Town (D) 202 June Storey Edith Fellozvs Rodeo Rhythm (O) 270 Lone Rider in Cheyenne (O) 264 Dawn Express (D) 211 Michael Whalen Anne Nag el The Strangler (D) 229 Judy Campbell Sebastian Shaw House of Errors (C) 208 Harry Langdon Marion Marsh The Panther's Claw (D) 217 Sidney Rlackmer Ricki Vallin Rolling Down the Great Divide (O) The Rambler Art Davis PQ s=! 1 rT r- W l-H _ TO ^ gQ • «~fe TO pa =2 g> toO c TO > „ rl« CO h H Oo -3.* co fefe V. O o i o: bfl 3 PQ pq 3 o to TO O PQ I0* Si , jit u' C8 B 4> - s.'S; a 2 C o TO 3 4> o 3 «7 O K $ M TO O 0) (V C OS s o a ° 2 IS" CQ o PQ « H •73 (L) C TO 3 g Wto o s 3^ c 2 oors ■a & -s O TO s ■5 >, .s I 01 < CO 0) <-? w y = TO 3 JhPQ IT bB C "B B Z fe; go-s^ H «>^fe; 10 OoO « <0 jC o 5 ° kj< fe o CO B v. to. TO £Q to The Lady Is Willing (C) 3007 Bullets for Bandits (O) Shut My Big Mouth (C) 3021 /o£ E. Brown Adventures of Martin Eden (D) Claire Trevor Glenn Ford Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (C) Lawless Plainsman (O) Canal Zone (D) Chester Morris John Hubbard Two Yanks in Trinidad (D) Pat O'Brien Brian Donlevy Alias Boston Blackie (D) North of the Rockies (O) Blondie's Blessed Event (C) P. Singelton Arthur Lake Not a Ladies' Man (D) Wray-Kelly Down Rio Grande Way (O) b ^ £ ° r£> IN. * 2 s H i o 2 i t» •a co < < < * April 24 \ Alert. linage* and y to the^gtion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY — * NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1942 TEN CENTS V. Y. Theatre iroup to Study W ar Protection ommittee Named to Plan Coordinated Program About 40 representatives of cir- its and independent theatres in reater New York on Friday set in otion machinery to coordinate ans for the protection of theatres d patrons in war emergencies. The theatre representatives met in ; office of J. Henry Walters of kO. They agreed to set up a plan it will be put in effect throughout : metropolitan area. ■\ committee was appointed to col- 1 the necessary material and infor- tion to coordinate activities with tal and national civilian defense ".horities. Dn the committee are : Robert Weit- n. Paramount Theatre ; Harry Mos- (Continued on page 8) lstant Switch-offs Ordered for Signs Theatres and other business estab- iments in New York City having side illumination or inside lights ible from the street must prepare on for immediate blackout by .rch 17, under an order issued by :rick Quilty, Commissioner of Wa- Supply, Gas and Electricity. The •er, affecting all forms of illumi- ion, was effective Saturday, but a day period was allowed those af- :ed to rewire signs and notify the (Continued on page 8) Chicago Tightens Child Regulations Chicago, March 8. — Police Commissioner James P. All- man has ordered precinct cap- tains to warn theatre man- agers against the admission of unescorted children during school hours. The Commis- sioner stated his attention has been called by the board of education to "the lax policy -and non-cooperation" of many motion picture theatres and ordered strict compliance with the regulations. The order fol- lowed the recent fatal shoot- ing of a high school girl in a local theatre. UA Seeks Single Deal to Include Goldwyn, Disney Hollywood, March 8. — United Art- ists has made renewed overtures to Samuel Goldwyn for a distribution deal and also has opened discussions with Walt Disney, it was learned to- day. Indications are that the discussions center around a single deal for the product of the two producers and would include Disney's short subjects as well as features. Edward C. Raft- ery, United Artists president, is ex- pected here at the end of the week or early next week to further the ne- gotiations. It is also reported that RKO and 20th Century- Fox are interested in the Goldwyn-Disney combination deal. United Artists' negotiations with James Cagney to release the output of his projected production unit are (Continued on page 8) Discuss Coast Radio Series to Aid U. S. Hollywood, March 8. — The possibility of a coast-to-coast radio show from Hollywood to stimulate defense bond sales and other war activity was discussed over the weekend at conferences between W. B. Lewis, Coordinator of Radio, and the Hollywood Victory Committee. The show, ac- cording to the discussions, would be a weekly program in which Hollywood talent would participate. It would be called "Hollywood's Victory Hour." SPG Sets 'Deadline' Tomorrow on Pact The New York Screen Publicists Guild has set 11 A. M. tomorrow as the deadline "for ratification by par- ticipating companies of an agreement reached last Monday between the ne- gotiating committees of the compa- nies and the Guild," according to a statement by the employes' group. All major companies with the excep- tion of Warner Bros, were said to be involved. The statement indicated that a pick- eting organization has been set up and is ready to go into action, with pick- eting units to meet tonight. Mexico Production Loans at $125,000 Mexico City, March 8. — Loans totaling $125,000 have already been made to film producers to enable them to step up and improve their pictures this year, by the Banco Cinemato- grafica, the bank organized by the Government and the industry, which has begun business here. While details of this financing have not been announced, it is understood that these loans are for rather long terms for Mexico, five years each, and at very reasonable rates of inter- est. These loans have been made to a select list of producers who have demonstrated that they are capable of making good pictures, from business and artistic standpoints. The bank- began business with a paid-up capital of $515,000, contributed by the busi- ness, the Government and some pri- vate banks here. WA C Field Publicity Men Named for 41 Key Centers Penick, 'Uy Director, Resigning for Army J. Dabney Penick, a member of the Universal board of directors for the past four years, will resign at the end of the week to enter military service. Penick's successor on the directorate will be elected at the company's an- nual meeting of stockholders at Wil- mington next Monday. All other di- rectors are scheduled to be reelected. Penick had been identified with court actions against the company management in recent years. Appointment of field publicity repre- sentatives of the War Activities Com- mittee— Motion Picture Industry was announced on behalf of the committee on Friday by Monroe Greenthal, ad- vertising and publicity director of United Artists, who is in charge of this phase of the committee's publicity activity. The appointments cover 41 centers, including all distribution territories. With alternates in some situations, the list follows : Akron, Frank Hanson, Loew's Theatre ; Albany, Larry Cowan, Palace Theatre ; Atlanta, E. E. Whitaker, Fox Theatre Building ; (Continued on page 6) Report Britain Lifting Bars to Blocked Funds Free Flow of Earnings to U.S. Seen by Fall Washington, March 8. — Re- moval by Britain of all restrictions now applied to the American film industry's withdrawal of earnings from the United Kingdom is report- ed as a possibility in informed quarters here. This may take place before expiration of the present monetary agreement next Fall, it is reported. The eight major companies which are parties to the agree- ment will have an estimated $16,000,000 in Britain after April 1. By the end of the current agreement, next November, an estimated $35,000,000 will have been blocked. A payment of $8,000,000 from the blocked British funds is due to the eight companies at the end of March. Their second quarterly remittance, totaling $5,000,000, will be due April 27 under this year's agreement. It is said that the entry of this country in the war has strengthened the desire of the British Treasury to contribute to the free flow of industrial funds between the two allies, and that this is a factor in the current discus- sions concerning lifting the restric- tions. N. J. Allied Directors To Act on Umpi Plan The board of directors of Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey will meet at its local offices today to take action on the proposed new selling plan of the United Motion Picture Industry. A general membership meeting will be held immediately after- ward. Harry H. Lowenstein, presi- dent, will be in charge of both meet- ings. Officers Reelected By Illinois Allied Chicago, March 8. — Jack Kirsch, president, and all other officers and directors of Allied Theatres of Illinois were reelected unanimously at a meet- ing at the Congress Hotel here Friday. Van Npmikos was reelected vice- president ; Richard Salkin, secretary- treasurer ; Louis L. Abramson, record- ing secretary ; Harry Nepo, sergeant- (Continued on page 6) 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 9, 1942 63 Gold Stars Des Moines, March 8.— Tri- States Theatres has hung a service flag in the reception hall of the office here, with a gold star for each manager of Tri-States or Central States theatres that has entered the armed forces. There are now 63 stars on the flag, for 27 Central States managers and 36 Tri-States managers. Chicago Operators 'Rebellion9 Fizzles Chicago, March 8. — The adminis- tration ticket of the Chicago opera- tors' union, Local 110, was elected by landslide proportions, union officials reported yesterday. The opposition group, which forecast a "rebellion," failed to muster enough strength to win a single office. A total of 384 of the union's 417 members voted, with 210 voting the straight ticket. Elected for five-year terms in the election held Thursday were: Peter Shayne, president ; Glen Sweeney, vice-president ; John P. Smith, busi- ness manager, and a new secretary- treasurer, Clarence Jalas, who re- placed Neil Bishop on regular ticket. Executive board members are Rob- ert Burns, James Sisco, George Karg and Joseph Berinstein. Trustees are Edward H. Schulze, Louis Sbarbaro and John Piotrowsky. IATSE dele- gates will be John C. Mulvaney, Peter Shayne, Glen Sweeney and John P. Smith. Sam Klugman was elected sergeant-at-arms. The election was reported as one of the most peaceful in many years and opposition candidates expressed them- selves as satisfied that the election and counting of votes were conducted in an unimpeachable manner and that they were not discriminated against in any way. UA Heads to Leave Friday for Meeting United Artists home office execu- tives are scheduled to leave here next Friday to attend the first general sales meeting since the sales reorganization of the company. The meeting will be held next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Chicago. Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in charge of distribution ; Carl Leserman, general sales manager ; Harry Gold, Eastern division manager ; Bert M. Stearn, Western division manager, and Monroe W. Greenthal, advertis- ing and publicity director, will be in the N. Y. group, while David H. Cop- Ian, Canadian division head, will leave for Chicago from his headquarters in Toronto on the same day. Plan Harris Reel House Pittsburgh, March 8. — The Fam- ily Theatre of the Harris Circuit here will be converted into a news- reel house, effective March 15. It is regarded as an experiment, and may be replaced by a policy of news plus one feature. The Harris Palace here is also a newsreel house. Reorganize Company Baltimore, March 8. — A petition for the reorganization of Keith's Theatre here has been granted to the Maryland Theatrical Co., owner of the theatre. Personal Mention E DWIN L. WEISL arrives in Hollywood today. William J. Heineman, assistant sales manager of Universal, returns from New Orleans today. • Margaret Leczer, secretary to W. F. Rodgers, has left for Florida. • William C. Hicks, circuit operator in Baltimore, has returned from Flor- ida. Harry F. Shaw, Loew-Poli divi- sion manager in New Haven, and Mrs. Shaw are in Miami Beach. • Nat Rubin, manager of the Lyric, Bridgeport, Conn., and Herbert Al- pert, assistant at the same house, will be inducted into the Army soon. • Leo Cantor, Pittsburgh salesman for Universal, has joined the Navy. • Edward Kennedy of the RKO home office will join the Army Air Corps today, reporting to Mitchel Field. LEONARD GOLDENSON, head of Paramount theatre operations, and Sam Dembow, home office execu- tive, leave today for the Midwest. • William Hebert is due here from Hollywood today. • William Dozier is here from the Coast. Sam Shain is scheduled to arrive in Hollywood today. • George Spires, formerly of the Mo- tion Picture Herald staff, has been assigned to the First Armored Divi- sion at Ft. Knox, Ky. • Irving Dollinger, Linden, N. J., exhibitor, and Mrs. Dollinger, have returned from Florida. • Anatole Litvak is due here today from the Coast. • Bert Yazell, assistant manager of Loew's Parkway, Baltimore, has en- listed in the Navy. Tri-State Moves Several Managers Des Moines, March 8. — A number of Tri-States Theatres managers here have been promoted with the leaving of Harry Holdsberg, Paramount The- atre manager, who has been drafted. Marvin Graybeal, manager of the Roosevelt, is now manager of the Paramount, with Rodney McCulloch, formerly manager of the Ingersoll, as house manager. Tony Abramovich, Strand manager, goes to the Roosevelt and Edwin Smith, Garden manager, to the Ingersoll. W. B. Beckley, former manager of the Strand, who left the Tri-States organization over a year ago to go to Arizona, has returned to manage the Strand and Garden. Victoria State Will Stagger Closings The Air Raids Precaution Commit- tee of Victoria State, Australia, has agreed on a system of staggered the- atre operating hours, according to word received in film circles here over the weekend. Each city theatre will close at a different time in order_ to avoid street crowding during air raids. Melbourne is the largest city in the State. Cooper Confirmed In 'Bell Tolls' Lead Hollywood, March 8. — Paramount over the weekend officially confirmed that Gary Cooper will play the role of Robert Jordan in "For Whom the Bell Tolls." He will report to Para- mount next month immediately after he completes work in "The Pride of the Yankees" for Samuel Goldwyn, to whom he is under contract. Beetson on Calif. USO Hollywood, March 8.— Fred W. Beetson, executive vice-president of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, has been named to repre- sent the association on the California committee of the USO. Defense Matinees In Conn, Houses New Haven, March 8. — The Loew- Poli, downtown first run, starts morn- ing defense shows next Thursday, making the third house in town to try this policy, aimed at factory workers and others whose leisure time has been curtailed. The Paramount has been running these shows for the past three weeks on Thursdays and Fri- days, and the Warner Roger Sher- man has also tried Wednesdays for a few weeks. In addition, the Loew-Poli houses in Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Meriden and Worcester are now on a regular schedule of weekly or semi- weekly morning shows. Warner houses in Bridgeport, Ansonia and Hartford open early, in addition to the New Haven house. At present the indication is that attendance is rap- idly building. The West End, Bridge- port, operated by Jack Schwartz, is one of the first neighborhoods to try the new plan. Pinanski Heading Salvage Committee Boston, March 8. — Samuel Pinan- ski, head of the M. & P. Circuit, has been appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts as chairman of the Brookline Salvage for Victory Com- mittee, which will undertake the salvage of waste paper, metals, rags and other materials. Brazil Approves' NaziS py' "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," War- ner Bros.' film, has been approved for showing in Brazil after being held up by the censor in Rio de Janeiro, the company announced. The film was released here in 1939. Smart on School Board Charlotte, N. C, March 8. — Roy L. Smart, in charge of theatre opera- tions for North Carolina Theatres, Inc., has been elected a member of. the Charlotte City School Board, his term to expire in May, 1943. Sosna Files Third Complaint on Run St. Louis, March 8. — A some run complaint has been filed at the local arbitration board by the Sosna The- atre, Mexico, Mo., against Warners, 20th Century-Fox, RKO and Para- mount. A similar complaint was won by the same plaintiff against Loew's last year when the appeals board reversedf the local arbitrator and made a^ award in Sosna's favor. The new complaint alleges that the theatre will be forced to close unless the four distributors offer some run of prod- uct to the plaintiff on terms not cal- culated to defeat the purpose of the some run section of the consent de- cree. The case is Sosna's third and the eighth for the local board. His first case was withdrawn because of im- proper filing. Hammond Clearance Complaint Dropped Chicago, March 8. — The clearance complaint of the Rio Theatre, Ham- mond, Ind., against the five consent- ing companies and the Parthenon, Paramount, Orpheum and Calumet in Hammond, was withdrawn at the local board Friday. A settlement on terms which were not disclosed was reported to have been reached. It has been indicated that the Orien- tal Theatre's clearance case, scheduled for tomorrow, will be postponed again. James S. Shepard, attorney, has been appointed manager of the Indianapolis film arbitration board by the Ameri- can Arbitration Association, succeed- ing Lloyd Littell, resigned. Warner Men to Army Hollis Kennehan, Warner Bros.' trade paper contact here, has resigned to join the Army. Sam Weissman of the advertising department and Jules Goldman of the theatre department, are also entering the service. Don Gillette will take over Kennahan's work. Para. Signs Sandrich Hollywood, March 8. — Mark Sand- rich, producer-director, has signed with Paramount to make four pic- tures a year in the next two years. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sara Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas ana $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Monday, March 9, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 3 Short Subject Reviews Reviews "Almost Married" {Universal) Hollywood, March 8 jP\ ERIVING most of its comedy from dialogue and situation, relative to an unconsummated marriage, "Almost Married" is a farce in which Universal has placed Jane Frazee, Robert Paige, Eugene Pal- iette, Elizabeth Patterson and others. The plot concerns what happens when a night club singer pretends to be married to a wealthy young man in order to aid him getting out of an unwanted betrothal, and then turns about and uses his name to get herself jobs. Because of the threatened scandal, they marry and intend to divorce each other publicly, but find they really are in love. Miss Frazee sings three songs, "After All These Years," "Take Your Place in the Sun" and "The Rhumba," and the colored team of Slim and Slam contribute two. Charles Lamont directed from a screenplay by Hugh Wedlock, Jr., and Howard Snyder, who adapted the original story by Theodore Reeves. Ken Goldsmith was the associate producer. Seen at a pre-release opening in Hollywood, the picture drew a con- siderable number of chuckles and laughs at a matinee showing. Running time, 65 minutes. "A."* Vance King *"A" denotes adult classification. "Heart of the Rio Grande" (Republic) SOMEWHAT slower-paced than most Gene Autry pictures, this one, nevertheless, has considerable to recommend it in freshness of story and good performances. Autry, foreman of a dude ranch, is trying to make the place a financial success for its widowed owner whose first guests are the pupils of an Eastern girls' school. Among them is Edith Fellows, as the spoiled daughter of wealthy Pierre Watkin. Bent on having her own way, the -nl\ wilfulness and deceptions result in near-tragedies which might have ruined the reputation of the ranch as a vacation place for the younger element. Autry's horsemanship saves the child from her own mischievousness on several occasions, while his patience eventually makes a better indi- vidual of her. Fay McKenzie, as the girls' chaperon, adds romantic interest, while Smiley Burnette and Joe Strauch, Jr., contribute the comedy. Nine songs, most of them good Western tunes, brighten the picture. Running- time, 70 minutes. "G."* Sherwin A. Kane The Argentine Question' March of Time (RKO) Argentina's problem of trying to remain neutral in the midst of the world conflict while remaining loyal to he theories of hemispheric solidarity and sympathetic to the United Nations is here given understanding treatment by both camera and commentary. The latter is supplied for the most part by an Argentinian commentator, so that audiences will see the problems in- volved through the eyes of a native. The subject is good pictorially and as a contribution to inter-American understanding. It pleads the case for Argentina not only with respect to her old world ties but also to past inci- dents in her relations with the United States which have a bearing now on the course she is pursuing in foreign affairs. Running time, 19 minutes. Release, March 11. "The Arctic Giant" (Superman Cartoon) (Paramount) There is unquestionably a large reader following for this comic strip miracle man of muscle. The young- sters and undoubtedly many adults who follow his fantastic exploits avid- ly will be duly impressed by the man- ner in which he rescues a city from the ravages of an escaped prehistoric monster of gigantic proportions. Run- ning time, 9 mins. Release, Feb. 27. 'Popular Science, No. J 1-4' {Paramount) Highlight of this interesting num- ber in color is the exacting procedure followed in turning out a photographic reconnaissance flight by an Army bomber at a Western training center. A portable laboratory goes to a rendez- vous in the field, and when the camera work in the air is completed, the sealed negative is dropped by para- chute, and the laboratory develops the pictures within 12 minutes. Then the bombers raid their target successfully. Also shown is a miniature railway of amazing complexity, used in testing new safety devices. The development of fine roses is an interesting item. Running time, 11 mins. Release, April 3. "The Sky Princess" (Madcap Models) (Paramount) The stylized puppets of George Pal make for another interesting subject with fascinating color effects. Devel- oped basically on the Tschaikowsky "Waltz of the Sleeping Beauty," the subject is set in a fantastic cloud castle, where the sleeping beauty is wooed and won by the prince as the witch who guards her is cast down tj destruction on a bolt of lightning. It is different and skillfully novel. Running time, 8 mins. Release, March 27. "Carnival in Brazil" ( Headliners ) (Paramount) This number of the series, in the nature of a travel subject, concentrates on the annual Mardi Gras which fea- tures the pre-Easter season in Rio de Janeiro. Without the color, the bright *"G" denotes general classification. and gay festival of dancing and sing- ing is suggested effectively. Scenes of the beaches and the beautiful natural setting in which the city is situated conclude the subject. Running time, 10 mins. Release, March 6. "The Witness1' (Benchley Comedy) (Paramount) The inimitable Robert Benchley, as Joe Doakes, is annoyed at the treat- ment of witnesses by committees, and practices what he would do, and that is shown in entertaining fashion. Then a researcher enters his home, and his belligerency is strangely lacking. It is an amusing subject. Running time, 9 mins. Release, March 20. 3 Companies Formed Albany, March 8. — Three new companies have been chartered here. They are: Richard Kollmar Produc- tions, Inc., New York ; Allied At- tractions, Inc., New York, and Official Films, Inc., also New York. K. C. Club Aids Navy Kansas City, March 8. — The local Variety Club has come to the assist- ance of the local Navy recruiting station in promoting use by exhibitors of naval recruiting reels — supplied free by the local station. 'Woman' Strong in Cleveland, $17,000 Cleveland, March 8. — "Woman of the Year" was tops here, earning a strong $17,000 at Loew's State. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 26-27: "Son of Fury" (HHh-Fox) ALLEN— (3,000) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,700. (Average, $4,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3,800) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Aver- age, $11,000) "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) WARNERS' LAKI^(900) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $1,500. (Average, $2,000) "Bed Time Story" (Col.) RKO PALACE— (3,100) (40c-50c-55c) 7 days. Connie Boswell, Woody Herman's orchestra on stage. Gross: $16,100. (Aver- age, $17,500. "Woman, of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATEr-(3,500) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average, $11,000) "Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STILLMAN— (1,900) (40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,800. (Average at 33c-39c-47c: $4,000) Ottawa Manager Fined Ottawa, March 8. — Leslie Jeffries, manager of the Roxy Theatre here, was fined $40 and $2 costs for allow- ing as aisle in his theatre to be ob- structed. 'Woman' Hits Frisco Lead With $17,000 San Francisco, March 8. — "Woman of the Year" and "Pacific Blackout," paired drew $17,000 at the Fox, while "The Man Who Came to Dinner" got off to fine start at the Warfield, get- ting $12,800 in first week. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 24-26: "Suspicion" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (44c-49c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $13,500. (Average, $15,000) "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "Go West, Young Lady" (Col.) ORPHEUM — (2,440) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,400. (Average, $8,000) "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (20c-35c-40c- S5c) 7 days. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $7,500) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) FOX — (5,000) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $17,000. (Average, $16,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) "Road to Happiness" (Mono.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (2Oc-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. (Moved over from War- field.) Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Foix) "The Perfect Snob" (ZOth-Fox) PARAMOUNT — (2,740) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,800. (Aver- age, $11,500) "Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) WARFIELD— (2,680) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $12,800. (Average, $12,000) "Forgotten Village" (Mayer-Burstyn) CLAY — (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $1,000. (Average, $1,000) Minneapolis Gives 'Valley' Big $9,000 Minneapolis, March 8. — "How Green Was My Valley" captured $9,000 at the State in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 28: "The Cor&ican Brothers" (U. A.) ORPHEUM— (2,800) (28c-39c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $5,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (2»th-Fox) STATE — (2,300) (30c-40c-50) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $6,000) "One Foot in Heaven" (W. B.) WORLD1— (350) (30c-40c-50c-55c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $1,600) "Rise and Shine" (2©th-Fox) GOPHER — (998) (30c) 7 days. Gross: $2,800. (Average, $2,500) "Sergeant York" (W. B.) CENTURY— (1,600) (30c-45c-55c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $4,000) "Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) 4 days "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) 4 days "Marry the Boss' Daughter" (20th-Fox) 3 days "Riding the Wind" (RKO) 3 days ASTER— (900) (20c-30c) 7 days. Gross: $2,200. (Average, $1,800) 'Fury' Omaha Best Capturing $8,700 Omaha, March 8. — "Son of Fury" grossed $8,700 at the Orpheum. Estimated receipts for week end- ing Feb. 24-25 : "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,400. (Average, $4,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) OMAHA— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,600. (Average, $6,000) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Blue, White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) ORPHEUM— (3,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $8,700. (Average, $7,000) "Badlands of Dakota" (Univ.) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c -44c) 7 days. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $4,000) fl> J> ^ 6 o o c >3 > * 5* * ■ "O ® • * s a o a O • > « « r o / 5 c E o> P w o» .~ «- — i **- "D .£ . ° r c „ « P ° -2 3 x £ x c c S c * ; c * » ^ c o a o; a o -o m * « J5 c • 01 O o *■ • ttl J! » S „ U c " J* O £ * C * O 1 I I 5 < m ot o X (A 3 fig D O o Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 9, 19-1 } 'Woman' at $18,000 Leads Providence Providence, March 8. — "Woman of the Year", teamed with "Kathleen," brought Loew's State a big $18,000. Business elsewhere was good. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 25-26: "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) "Father Takes a Wife" (RICO) RKO-ALBEE — (2,239) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $8,CO0. (Average, $6,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (3,232) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $18,0CO. (Average, $11,000) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) "On the Sunny Side" (ZOth-Fox) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $7,200. (Average, $7,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) STRAND— (2,200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $4,700. (Average, $6,000) "Castle in the Desert" (ZOth-Fox) FAY'S — (1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 7 days. Stage- show with Georgia Mae; Felipe De Flares; Mary Marlow; the Leslies; Don Barry; Goodrich and Nelson; Hectors and His Pals. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $5,000) "The Man From Headquarters" (Mono.) METROPOLITAN — (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- 75c) 4 days. Stage show with Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom; Micha Auer; Clyde Lucas and Orchestra; Primrose and Gold. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $5,000) "This Woman Is Mine" (Univ.) (1st run) "Wings Over Honolulu" (Univ.) (revival) PLAYHOUSE— (1,378) (28c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,700. (Average, $3,000) "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) "Young America" (ZOth-Fox) CARLTON— (1,526) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $3,400. (Average, $3,500) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) (3 days) "The Perfect Snob" (ZOth-Fox) (3 days) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th- Fox) (4 days) "The Body Disappears" (W.B.) (4 days) EMPIRE— (1,200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. Gross: $2,000. (Average, $1,800) 'Blondie 'with Show $12,700, Milwaukee Milwaukee, March 8. — "Blondie Goes to College" on the screen and Del Courtney's orchestra on the stage took $12,700 at the Riverside. "Gone With the Wind" drew $7,300 in its second week at Fox's Palace. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 24-26: "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "Blue. White and Perfect" (ZOth-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c-60c) 5 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $5,500) "Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,300. (Average, $4,000) "Blondie Goes to College" (Col.) RIVERSIDE— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Del Courtney's orchestra. Gross: $12,700. (Average, $6,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Henry Aldrich for President" (Para.) STRAND— (1,400) (44c-65c) 9 days. 2nd week. Gross: $1,600. (Average, $1,500) "All Through the Night" (W.B.) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W.B.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $4,500) Officers Reelected By Illinois Allied {Continued from page 1) al-arms. Directors are Ben Bartel- stein, Joseph Stern, Charles Nelson, Jack Rose, Benjamin Lasker, Ludwig Sussman, Harry Reckas, Abe Gum- biner, Verne Langdon, S. Roberts, Carl Goodman, Nate Wolf, Kirsch, Nomikos and Salkin. Heads Reading Musicians Reading, Pa., March 8. — George S. Haller has been elected president of the Reading Musicians Protective As- sociation, filling the vacancy left by the recent death of Frank L. Diefen- derfer. WA C Field Publicity Men Named for 41 Key Centers (Continued from page 1) Boston, Harry Browning of MulHn & Pinanski, Joseph Long, Loew's State Theatre, and Jack Granara, Keith's Memorial Theatre ; Buffalo, William Brereton, Shea's Buffalo Theatre ; Canton, Walter Kessler, Loew's Theatre ; Charlotte, Roy Smart, 120 East 3rd Street; Chicago, W. K. Hollander, Balaban & Katz. Cincinnati, E. V. Dinerman, RKO Palace ; Cleveland, Ed J. Fisher, Loew's State, George Mitchell, RKO Palace, and Knox Strachan, Warners ; Columbus, Russell Bovim, Loew's Ohio Theatre ; Dallas, Frank Starz, Interstate Theatre Circuit ; Dayton, Nate Wise, Keith's Theatre ; Des Moines, Dale McFarland ; Detroit, Alice Gorham, United Detroit The- atres ; Gloversville, Seymour Morris, Schine Circuit ; Harrisburg, Sam Gil- man, Loew's ; Houston, Homer Mc- Collom, Loew's ; Indianapolis, William Elder, Loew's Theatre ; Kansas City, Jerry Zigmond, Newman Theatre ; Los Angeles, Thornton Sargent, Fox West Coast. Louisville, Sam Musselman, Rialto Theatre, Tompkinsville ; Nashville, W. L. Crull, Loew's Vendome ; New Haven, Lou Brown, Loew's Poli The- atre ; Omaha, Ted Emmerson, Omaha Theatre Building ; Philadelphia, Ever- ett Callow, Warner Theatre ; Pitts- burgh, James Totman, Warner The- atre; Portland, M. M. Meshner, Ever- green Theatre ; Providence, Bill Mor- ton, RKO Albee. Rochester, Charles Harris, RKO Palace ; Richmond, Allen Sparrow, Loew's ; St. Louis, L. Kaufman, Fox Theatre ; Salt Lake City, Helen Gar- rity, Inter-Mountain Theatres ; San Francisco, Phil Phillips, West Coast Theatres ; Seattle, Vic Gauntlett, Evergreen Theatre ; Syracuse, Frank Murphy, Loew's State Theatre ; To- ledo, Ralph Lawler, Paramount Thea- tre Bldg. ; Trenton, Jim Brennan, RKO ; Washington, Hardie Meakin, Keith's Theatre, Don Terrell, Loew's Capitol, and Frank LaFalce, War- ner's Earle ; Wilmington, Edgar J. Doob, Loew's Aldine. 'Hellzapoppin' Hits ,500, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, March 8. — "Hellza- poppin" gave the Fulton $9,500, and a holdover of "Woman of the Year" was worth $13,000 to Loew's Penn. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing Feb. 26 : "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) FULTON— (1,700) (30c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $9,500. (Average, $5,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S PENN — (3,400) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $13,000) "Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) RITZ— (800) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $2,500. (Average, $3,000) "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) SENATOR— (1,800) (30c-44c-55c) 4 days, 3rd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, 7 days, $5 000) "Men in Her Life" (Col.) "A Gentleman at Heart" (ZOth-Fox) SENATOR— (1,800) (30c-44c-S5c) 4 days. Gross: $3,500. (Average, 7 days, $5,000) "Blues in the Night" (W. B.) STANLEY— (3,600) (30c-44c-60c-66c). On stage: Lawrence Welk's orchestra, Allen Carney, George Rogers Dancers. 7 days. Gross: $20,000. (Average, $18,500) "Dumbo" (RKO) WARNER— (2,000) (30c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $5,000) 'Woman' at $12,500 Indianapolis High Indianapolis, March 8. — "Woman of the Year" and "Hay Foot" took $12,500 at Loew's. "Ride 'Em Cow- boy" and "Bombay Clipper" grossed $10,500 at the Indiana. The weather was cold. Estimated receipts for the week ending Feb. 25-26 : "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) CIRCLE — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,200. (Average, $6,500) "Ride 'Em, Cowboy" (Univ.) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) INDIANA — (3,200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $7,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Hayfoot" (U. A.) LOEW'S — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $8,000) "Son of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (ZOth-Fox) LYRTC— (2,000) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,500) 'Captains' Toronto Winner With $11,000 Toronto, March 8. — "Captains of the Clouds" in the third week at Shea's drew $11,000. "How Green Was My Valley" at the Imperial took $11,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 1 : "I Wake Up Screaming" (ZOth-Fox) "Right to the Heart" (ZOth-Fox) EG LINTO N — (1,086) (18c -30c -48c -60c) 6 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average, $9,000) "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $9,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W.B.) SHEA'S— (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 3rd week. Gross: $11,000. (Average, $9,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Night of January 16" (Para.) TIVOLI— (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,500. (Average, $3,900) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) UPTOWN — (2,761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $9,000) 'Fury' Is Detroit Smash, $30,00( 'Son of Fury* Gets $10,000, Baltimore Baltimore, March 8. — Milder weather helped business. "Son of Fury" drew $10,000 at the New, and "Woman of the Year" took $12,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 5 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) CENTURY— (3,000) (28c-44c and 55c weekends) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $10,000) "Ride 'Em, Cowboy" (Univ.) KEITH'S— (2,406) (15c -28c -33c -44c, and 55c weekends) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $8,000) "Sen, of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) NEW— (1,581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $7,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) STANLEY— (3,280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,500. (Average, $12,000) "The Lady Is Willing" (Col.) HIPPODROME— (2,205) (15c-28c-3>9c-44c- 55c-66c) 7 days. Stage show featuring George Olsen and his orchestra and revue. Gross: $15,500. (Average, $14,000) "A Gentleman at Heart" (ZOth-Fox) MAYFAIR— (1,000) (20c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $6,000) Detroit, March 8. — The Fox re ported $30,000 with "Son of Fury! and "Night Before the Divorce," an the Michigan $14,000 with "Louisian Purchase" in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week enri ing Feb. 26 : "Hellzapcppin" (Univ.) "South of Tahiti" (Univ.) ,(i ADAMS— (1,600) (15c-39c-44c-55c) 7 dfc ■ Gross: $6,500. (Average, $5,500) "Honky Tank" (M-G-M) "New York Town" (Para.) FISHER— (2,700) (15c-39c-44c-55c) 7 day i Gross: $6,800. (Average, $7,000) "Sen of Fury" (ZOth-Fox) "Night Before the Divorce" (ZOth-Fox) FOX — (5,000) (20c-44c-55c-65c) 7 day Gross: $30,000. (Average, $15,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "No Hart^s on the Clock" (Para.) MICHIGAN— (4,000) (15c-39c-44c-55c-65c! days, 2nd week. Gross: $14,000. (Averai; , $12,000) "They Died With Their Boots Oh" (W. B "Father Takes a Wife" (RKO) PALMS— (2,000) (20c-39c-44c-55c) 7 day Gross: $7,500. (Average, $7,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (2,800) (20c-39c-44 55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Averag $10,000) 'Virginian' Show $22,500 Capita Washington, March 8. — Bris business was general. "The Vanisl ing Virginian" and a stage show Loew's Capitol took $22,500, followf; closely by "Captains of the Cloud: and vaudeville at Warner's Earl with $20,100. Estimated receipts for the week enc ing Feb. 25-26 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S PALACE — (2,300) (39c-55c) days, 2nd week. Gross: $17,500. (Averag $12,000) "Bedtime Story" (CoL) 3 days "AW Through the Night" (W. B.) 4 days WARNER'S METROPOLITAN — (1,6( (28c -44c) 7 days, both return engagemen Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) days, return engagement. Gross: $5,0( (Average, $3,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) WARNER'S EARLE— (2,200) (28c-39 44c-66c-77c) 7 days. On stage: Don Arr< Helene and George, Walter Wahl, Pepi and Lucia, Roxyettes. Gross: $20,100. (A erage, $15,000) "The Vanishing Virginian" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (3,434) (28c-39c-55! 66c-77c) 7 days. Oh stage: George Murph Fred Sanborn, Anita Boyer, O'lson Shirle Rhythm Rockets. Gross: $22,500. (Ave age, $15,500) 'Bahama Passage* $8,800 in Montrea Montreal, March 8. — "Baharr Passage" at the Capitol here toe $8,800 among several holdovers whic also did fair business. "Babes c Broadway" in its second week : Loew's grossed $7,800. Estimated receipts for the week en< ing Feb. 26: "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) ORPHEUM— (1,000) (30c-40c-60c) 7 day 2nd week. Gross: $3,000. (Average, $4,0C "Babes on Broadway" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (2,900) (35c-47c-67c) 7 days, 2i week. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $7,000) "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) "Playmates" (RKO) PRINCESS — (2,200) (27c-34c) 7 day Gross: $2,700. (Average, $2,500) "How Green Was My Vauey" (20th-F( PALACE— (2,200) 30c-45c-62c) 7 days, 2t week. Gross: $6,300. (Average, $7,000) "Bahama Passage" (Para.) "No Hands on the Clock" (Para.) CAPITOL — (2.800) (30c-45c-62c) 7 day Gross: $8,800. (Average, $4,000) 4$ THE 1942-43 INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC IS NOW IN PREP- ARATION, THIS WILL BE THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S WORLDWIDE FACTUAL AUTHORITY AND WILL PROVIDE THE MOST UP-TO- THE-MINUTE SCREEN REFERENCE. EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAY E. OP QUICLEY PUBLIC AT IONS ROCKEFELLE R CENTER NEW YORK 8 Motion Picture daily Monday, March 9, 1942 NBC Heads to Advise Stations On War Effort NBC executives will hold nation- wide meetings beginning next Mon- day and ending April 1 to confer with all the network's affiliates on radio's role in the war. The groups will confer with the seven regional representatives of affiliates as well as all station executives. The first of the two-day conferences will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria here next Monday and Tuesday. Frank E. Mullen, vice-president and general manager of NBC, will speak on "Radio's First War." He will be followed by Clarence L. Menser, pro- gram manager, who will discuss NBC's wartime program policy. Dr. James Rowland Angell, public service counselor, will outline the programs of the public service division, and Wil- liam S. Hedges, vice-president in charge of stations, will speak on NBC station relations during the war. Open Forum Talks The afternoon of the first day and the entire second day will be devoted to open forum discussions. Paul W. Morency, of WTIC, Hartford, first district representative on the advisory committee, will preside. The discussions at meetings in other cities will follow the New York pat- tern. On March 18-19, a meeting will be held at Netherlands-Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, with James D. Shouse of WLW as chairman ; March 20-21, Biltmore Hotel, Atlanta, Harry Stone, WSM, chairman; March 23-24, Baker Hotel, Dallas, O. L. Taylor, KGNC, chairman ; March 26-27, Drake Hotel, Chicago, Stanley Hubbard, KSTP, chairman, and March 1-April 1, San Francisco, Arden X. Pangborn, KGW, and Ed Yocum, KGYL, co-chairmen. Large Group on Tour Hedges will head the group of ex- ecutives making the tour, which will include Menser and Dr. Angell. Others will be Roy C. Witmer, vice- president in charge of sales ; Kenneth Dyke, promotion director ; Charles Brown, Dyke's assistant; Sheldon Hickox, Jr., manager of station rela- tions ; Albert E. Dale, director of in- formation ; James M. Gaines, of sta- tion relations ; Jules Herbeveux, pro- gram manager of the central division ; Frank M. Russell, vice-president in charge of the Washington division ; Harry Kopf, vice-president in charge of the central division, and Sidney N. Strotz, vice-president in charge of the Western division. CBS-WGEA Extend Shortwave Coverage Wider coverage of European areas for six news programs in German and Italian has been effected by the CBS shortwave division through a tieup with WGEA, the Gen- eral Electric shortwave sta- tion in Schenectady. WGEA will broadcast CBS programs simultaneously with the net- work. Off the Antenna AMOS 'N' ANDY — Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll — will celebrate their 14th consecutive year as a coast-to-coast network feature on March 19. During the 14 years, they have been on the air twice a day, five times a week without a letup and have written their own scripts. They claim their show is the first all-talking radio program and the first serial on the air. For two years before that, they were on the air as Sam and Henry. Currently they are on CBS for Campbell's Soup. • • • Purely Personal: Kenneth E. Raine has resigned from the CBS legal staff to become general attorney for the Columbia Recording Corp. . . . Bill Pen- nell, formerly with Paramount News and the Fleischer studios, has joined the CBS production department as announcer. . . . George Hamilton Combs, WHN commentator, is author of a new book, "Himmler, Nasi Spider Man." . . . William Neel has been named news editor of the NBC Washington office. . . . Roger Bower, senior WOR producer, is the father of a girl. . . . Ernest de la Ossa, formerly with R. H. Macy, has been appointed assistant personnel manager for NBC. . . . Sidney L. Dixon, sales manager of the NBC Western division for the past five years, has been named national spot sales manager for the division. • 9 • With air-raid warden lessons preempting the NBC television studio space, sports will predominate the schedule this week. In all, there will be about nine hours of sports televised, the largest sports schedule yet. Basketball, track, boxing and wrestling will be included. • • • James Lawrence Fly, FCC chairman ; Byron Price, Director of Censor- ship ; Roy Larson, president of Time magazine ; Raymond Gram Swing, Mutual commentator, and Dwight Marvin, president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, yesterday participated in a discussion of "Free Speech and Censorship in Wartime," a presentation of the "American Forum of the Air," over Mutual. • • • Program News: Martinson's coffee, oldest sponsor on WQXR,will sponsor "Treasury of Music" Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The company has been a continuous sponsor on the station since it was established six years ago. . . . Trimount Clothing will Sponsor Dorothy Thompson over 65 Blue stations, Thursdays, 8 :45-9 P.M. beginning March 19. . . . Golden State Co. will sponsor "Dave Lane, Songs," on three CBS Pacific stations, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays "-, 3-3:15 P.M. starting today. . . . Effective April 1, General Cigar will sponsor William Winter, commentator, over three CBS Pacific stations Wednesdays and Sundays, 9 :30-9 :45 P.M. . . . Beginning tomorrow, "Three Ring Time" will be heard Tuesdays, 8 :30-9 P.M. . . . Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co. will sponsor "World's Most Honored Music" on WJZ Monday through Friday 10:30-11 P.M. beginning next week. . . . Of the 21 local sponsors of "Baukhage Talking," over the Blue, there are four banks, five department stores, two milling companies, three bakeries, a Sugar refinery, mattress manufacturer, coal company, automobile dealer, laundry, gasoline refiner, floral company and a furrier. Four NBC shows have been renewed for an additional year by their sponsors. The renewals are "Carnation Contented Program," sponsored by the Carnation Co. over 59 stations; "Alka Seltzer's News of the World" by Alka Seltzer over 32 stations; "When a Girl Marries," and "Portia Faces Life" by General Foods over 74 and 85 stations, respec- tively. • • • Around the Country: William Nelson, WIND, Chicago, continuity editor, has joined the Navy. Fred Willson, of the sales department, has succeeded him. . . . Brooks Connally has been named WIND news editor. . . . Howard Brown has been promoted to night supervisor at WIP, Philadelphia. . . . Charlene Bisch, formerly of KOY, Phoenix, has joined the WLS, Chicago, promotion department. . . . Harold Carr, production manager of WLW and WSAI, Cincinnati, has taken over supervision of the announcing departments of both stations in addition to his other duties. Says Unlisted Ascap Music Free in Neb. Omaha, March 8. — The sole pur- pose of the newly-organized Nebraska Music Users' Association "is to see that the State's anti-Ascap law is en- forced," declared W. J. Hotz, the group's attorney, after the association's meeting here. Hotz said there is no reason why any radio station or public place in Nebraska should not use unregistered songs composed by Ascap members. He expressed the view that if songs written by Ascap members are not registered at Lincoln, as provided by the anti-Ascap law, they may be used without paying any fees. However, some stations using such Ascap-controlled music have indicated a desire to avoid the possibility of legal action. WJZ Sets 24-Hour Operation Schedule WJZ, next Monday, will join the ranks of New York Stations operat- ing 24 hours a day. Recorded music will be broadcast from 1 to 7 A. M., except for three minutes each hour for newscasts. Station break an- nouncements, time signals and all commercial announcements will be set to music. Teichner Is Named Treasurer of NBC The board of directors of NBC on Friday elected R. J. Teichner treas- urer of the company to succeed Mark Woods, who is now president of the Blue. John H. MacDonald was named assistant secretary and Harry F. McKeon comptroller. N. Y. Theatre Group to Study WarProtection (Continued from page 1) kowitz, Loew's ; William England, RKO ; Harry Black, Fabian circuit ; John Manheimer, Bernard Brandti New York ITOA; Louis Weberfe Skouras Theatres ; Samuel Handler, Interboro circuit; Z. A. Epstin, War- ner Theatres ; James F. Reilly, execu- tive secretary of the League of New York Theatres, organization of legiti- mate theatres, is also a member of the group. Deputy Inspector Wallander of the Police Department and Chief O'Dona- hue of the division of Public Assem- bly addressed the meeting on ap- proved safety precautions. Instant Switch-off s Ordered for Signs {Continued from page 1) Housing and Buildings Department that the work had been done. All lights inside and outside build- ings that can be seen from the street must be extinguished at the close of each business day unless some person remains on duty with the responsi- bility for turning off the lights. Quilty said that unless lights were extinguished at the end of the busi- ness day, methods of turning them out must be submitted to him in writing for his approval. Those who choose to continue illumination after the close of business are required to send the names of employes who remain on duty to the Housing and Buildings Department, with a diagram showing the location of the control switch and a drawing showing any remote-con- trol extinguishing device that may be in use. William Wilson, Commissioner of Housing and Buildings, said that fail- ure to comply with the new regula- tions would result in revocation of sign permits. The decree will not mean the dark- ening of Broadway's huge electrical display because the companies oper- ating the big signs already have worked out systems for instant switch- outs. Theatres have taken similar pre- cautions, it was said. U. A. Seeking Single Goldwyn, Disney Deal (Continued from page 1) reported ready for closing and the deal may be signed on Raftery's ar- rival. The company also is reported to be negotiating with several other producers for its new season lineup. Goldwyn has five productions planned for the coming season, one of which would be a collaboration with Disney on the life of Hans Chris- tian Andersen, employing many ani- mated sequences by Disnev. RKO's deal with Disney expires this year. Kansas City Theatre Sold Kansas City, March 8. — -The old Auditorium Theatre here has been sold to P. H. Smith, who plans to re- model it to open next June as a film house seating 2,500. Alert, InteWgenl /j> — \\ o to the^to tion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY 51. NO. 47 NEW YORK, U.S.A., TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1942 TEN CENTS See U.S. Going Io Trial With Schine Action Majors Subpoenaed for April 28 Date , That the Government definitely l;ms to proceed to trial with its ,nti-trust suit against the Schine Circuit, Columbia, Universal and United Artists on April 28, as cheduled, appeared certain yes- erday with the serving of sub- toenas on major distributors here irecting them to produce numer- ius books and records pertaining i the case in Federal court at Buf- alo on that date. In addition, notice was served by the Government to defen- dants to prepare information concerning their dealings in 17 Schine situations, to be on hand by the trial date. New York attorneys interpreted ne moves as definitely indicating that (Continued on page 6) t Complaints Filed; 3 Others Dismissed Two new arbitration complaints ave been filed in Los Angeles and bards dismissing cases have been en- •red in New York, Minneapolis and U>s Angeles, American Arbitration sociation headquarters here re- nted yesterday. The new Los Angeles complaints ere brought by L. W. Allen, opera- •r of the Southgate Theatre against 1 five consenting companies and the "gue Theatre, and by California rive-In Theatres against Loew's, .'arners, Paramount and RKO and pe Major, Magnolia and Loma The- ' res. Both are clearance complaints. (Continued on page II) Urike of WB Studio Drivers Threatens Hollywood, March 9. — The pos- bility of a strike this week of trans- irtation workers at Warners was -en today as a result of charges of scrimination and blacklisting al- ged by Studio Transportation Driv- s Local 399, whose international is a gnatory to the studio basic labor creement. Members of the local yesterday lanimously authorized a strike jf (Continued on page 11) 24,000,000 Weekly See Government's Pictures in Britain London, March 9. — An audience in England of 24,000,000 weekly is seeing Ministry of Information films, as a result of the voluntary agreement worked out and the cordial relations between the industry and the Minis- try, it is said in the annual report of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Asso- ciation. The report, for the 12 months of 1941, surveys one of the most difficult years in the history of British exhibi- tion, a "year of extreme difficulty and solid achievement. Patronage last year ranged from a depression to new high levels," the report stated. The adjustment of quotas is hailed as a step in the right direction, but is said still to leave the exhibitor in an unsatisfactory position. The CEA ap- preciation for the assistance of the Board of Trade in the matter of ex- emption of manpower from military service is expressed, and its gratitude for the cooperation of the Ministry of Labor in deferring industry labor. "No useful purpose can be served," the report declares, "by exchanging the uncertainty of the Films Commis- sion for the present friendly adminis- tration of the Board of Trade." Gates S.A. Agent for Goldwyn and Disney Bernard J. Gates has been signed by Walt Disney and Samuel Gold- wyn as their special representative in South America. Gates will leave by clipper in a few days for Buenos Aires, where he will maintain head- quarters. Gates formerly was manager for Columbia in Spain, where he opened its offices, and has represented M-G-M in Mexico, Central America and Argentina. This is the first time either Disney or Goldwyn has had a South American representative. Zukor Speaker at Ampa Theatre Show Adolph Zukor will be chief speaker at the Ampa "Theatre Showmanship Show" at the Hotel Edison, Tuesday, March 17. Zukor will discuss show- manship progress, bearing on the presentation of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards, feat- ure of the meeting. Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey yesterday voted full membership support of the Ampa meeting. 'Woman' Gets Sixth MusicHallWeek; Broadway Strong "Woman of the Year" yesterday be- came the third picture to run six weeks at the Radio City Music Hall when it was announced that it will be held over after the picture completes its fifth week tomorrow. The only other films to enjoy six-week runs at the Music Hall were "Rebecca" and "Philadelphia Story." Although balmy Spring weather prevailed on Broadway over the week- end, grosses were big at all first-runs. "To Be or Not To Be" which opened at the Rivoli Friday is re- ported to have topped all attendance records of any United Artists' picture to play the house when it attracted 36,000 for the first three days. Its estimated gross was $20,000. The first four days of the fifth week for "Woman of the Year" brought an estimated $53,000 to the Music Hall. At the Paramount, "The Lady Has Plans," with Ina Ray Hutton's band on the stage, grossed an estimated $21,000 over Saturday and Sunday and should finish the week tonight with an estimated $47,000. "The Fleet's In" will go into the Paramount tomorrow, (Continued on page 6) Army Official Praises Industry's Contribution to Nation's War Effort Hollywood, March 9. — Major General Dawson Olmstead, Chief Signal Officer of the U. S. Army, at a weekend luncheon tendered by the industry here, expressed the appreciation of the War De- partment "for the outstanding contribution which the motion^ pic- ture industry is making in the national effort toward victory." "You offered the vast facilities of your industry to us without thought of profit," he said. "Through your War Activities Com- mittee and the Academy Research Council you have established an organized method of handling the production of training films. I am extremely proud that the Signal Corps has been the agency of the War Department associated with you in the production of these films." Jersey Allied Rejects Umpi Sales Method Illinois and Conn. Units Suggest Changes The board of directors of Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey yesterday rejected the proposed new selling plan of the United Mo- tion Picture Industry and in so do- ing advanced new proposals which would meet its objections, Harry H. Lowenstein, president, an- nounced yesterday. The organization is the first to reject the Umpi sales plan, although a membership meeting of Allied Theatre Owners of Illi- nois in Chicago last Friday and (Continued on page 6) Priorities Order Hits Sound Service Hollywood, March 9. — Motion picture companies were informed last week that Erpi and RCA would be able to furnish materials for main- tenance and repair of sound equip- ment only if studios have priority numbers, it was learned today. It appears likely that no new sound equipment can be obtained. When the survey of the industry's war time needs was made some time ago sound equipment was not included, the studios having been under the im- pression that servicing of the leased (Continued on page 11) Material Offensive To S.A. Eliminated Washington, March 9. — Offensive treatment of themes revolving about the Latin American Republics has been "entirely eliminated" through the ef- forts of the Motion Picture Society for the Americas, it was declared to- day by the coordinator of Inter-Amer- ican Affairs. In a summary of its activities, the coordinator's office said its "psycho- logical warfare" against the Axis has been intensified since the United States entered the war and both fea- ture pictures and newsreels are being extensively used. The MPSA, it said, represents the coordinator upon various committees within the industry ; correlates, re- views and disseminates information and ideals dealing- with film activities (Continued on page 11) 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 10, ll Analyze Proposed British Price Rises London, March 9. — An analysis has been made of the proposed new admis- sion scales, planned by the circuits, and to be presented to the general council of the Cinematograph Exhib- itors Association next week. On seats up to one shilling, which form the bulk of exhibitor revenue, the Government would net an extra .71 of a penny per seat, or an all- round increase of 55.5 per cent. The exhibitor would increase net revenue by 1.57 of a penny per seat. Victory Committee Asks U. S. Liaison Hollywood, March 9.— The Holly- wood Victory Committee of stage, screen and radio talent, held a con- ference here over the weekend with W. B. Lewis, Government Radio co- ordinator, and asked that he appoint a liaison here to determine "priori- ties" on free talent requests from va- rious official bodies. The committee pointed out that only a limited amount of name talent is available, and that scores of requests for appearances have been made. Lewis left by plane for Washington last night. Rites for Mrs. Tooker Funeral services will be held to- morrow at Tennant, N. J., for Mrs. Dora Mather Tooker, wife of Joseph H. Tooker, president of the Tooker Lithographing Co. Personal WILLIAM HEINEMAN, assis- tant general sales manager for Universal, has returned from New Orleans. • E. T. Gomersall, Western division manager for Universal, left yesterday for a three-week trip, during which he will visit exchanges and the studio. • Steve Broidy, Monogram general sales manager, returned to the home office on the Goast yesterday. • Rube Jackter, Columbia assistant sales manager, returned from a Flor- ida vacation yesterday. • Irving Mack and Mrs. Mack are spending a three-week vacation at Miami Beach. • Adolphe Eisner, manager of the Pantheon Theatre, Ghicago, and Mrs. Eisner are vacationing at Miami Beach. NLRB Orders Vote At 20th-Fox Here Washington, March 9. — The Na- tional Labor Relations Board today ordered an election among the cleri- cal employes in the New York of- fices of 20th Century-Fox and Movie- tone News to determine whether they elect to be represented for collective bargaining purposes by the Screen Office and Professional Emploves Guild (CIO). Mention ABE MONTAGUE, general sales manager of Columbia, returned yesterday from Boston. • J. C. Burge, M-G-M exploitation representative in Oklahoma City, has enlisted in the Coast Guard. • Raymond Bill and Lawrence Green have arrived on the Coast for a visit. • Mrs. Minnie Frideman, owner of the Franklin, Allentown, Pa., is a patient at the Allentown Hospital. • Manny Reiner returned from Dal- las yesterday. • George Kurlansik, owner of the Towne, Allentown, Pa., has gone to Florida for several weeks. • Edgar Wole, Jr., son of Edgar Wolf, operator of the Wynne, Phil- adelphia, has enlisted in the Air Corps. To Honor Thurber At 'Male9 Premiere Festivities for the world premiere of Warners' "The Male Animal" at the Palace in Columbus, O., Thursday night will center around the home- coming of James Thurber, co-author with Elliott Nugent of the stage play. The local Variety Club, in conjunc- tion with Warners, has arranged for a "Male Animal Ball" tomorrow night, honoring Thurber. On Thurs- day, Ohio State University, of which Thurber is an alumnus, will tender a faculty luncheon and Mrs. Howard Bevis, wife of the president of the University, will give a tea. At a campus rally, Thurber will address the student body on "Our War Effort Needs More Rah Rah." Thurber will crown Jack Graf, Ohio athletic star, as the "Typical Male Animal" and Peggy Posez, co-ed from nearby Western College, as "Female of the Species." Drumm, Gittleson in New RKO Positions Frank L. Drumm, assistant to Rob- ert Wolff, RKO New York branch manager, has been promoted to as- sistant to Robert Mochrie, Eastern sales manager, and Harry Gittleson, editor of Flash, house organ, has been named assistant to Walter Branson, Western division head. Both are new posts, according to the announce- ment of Ned Depinet, vice-president. Jack Level of the publicity depart- ment has replaced Gittleson as editor of Flash. Bausch & Lomb Profit Rochester, March 9. — Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. here has reported net profit of $1,152,696 for 1941 and earnings per common share of $2.74. The net profit in 1940 was. $1,433,742 with earnings per common share of $3.41. RKO Signs O'Brien Hollywood, March 9. — Pat O'Brien has been signed by RKO to star in three pictures on the 1942-'43 pro- duction schedule. The first will be "Pay to Learn," to be produced by Islin Auster. Coast Flashes \ Hollywood, March 9. — Milton B I has asked for his release as an M-Gij associate producer and will check 1 the lot this week. • RKO has signed Sol Lesser to p duce two Tarzan pictures starr) Johnny Weismuller and Maur O' Sullivan for next year. Lesl who resigned as RKO executive p ducer recently, will make the p^Kl independently, releasing throughv^J on a deal similar to the one he )j with the company several years a • Also at RKO, Tim Holt's contJ was extended for six more westa next season and Herman Schlom, J merly an associate producer at Repl lie, was signed as a producer. I first assignment will be "Sil Spoon," from the Clarence Buding Kelland story. Peter Godfrey direct. • Richard F. Walsh, IATSE pi ident, arrived here today to part pate in conferences concerning jurisdictional dispute between C; eramen's Local 659 and the Am can Society of Cinematograph* claims of the IBEW over ceo groups of sound men now meml; of Sound Technicians Local ( and parleys between committees the IA's Studio Laborers' Lc 727 and Studio Utility Emplo Local 724, belonging to the Cc mon Laborers' International. • James Cagney and his prodr brother, William, left the War lot today with the expiration their contracts after 12 years v the studio for the star and two the producer. Their tentative c for United Artists release may decided following the arrival h late this week of Edward C. R ery and Gradwell L. Sears fr New York. e Joseph I. Breen, RKO studio Ik; is due back from vacation Apri according to an announcement m today. Charles W. Koerner, R theatre head, is filling in dui ' Breen's absence. Joins UA Phila. Bran\ Philadelphia, March 9. — Ma Marcus has joined United Artists change here as a salesman. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday holidays by Quigley Publishing Comp Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cei New York City. Telephone Circle 7- Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." ! tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publis Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Get Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, A President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bui 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. 0'I> Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal U Life Building, William R. Weaver, Ed London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, Loi VV1, Hope Williams, Manager, cable add "Quigpubco, London." All contents a righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing C pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: I tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, In! national Motion Picture Almanac and F; Entered as second class matter, Sept. 1938 at the post office at New York, N. under the act of March 3, 1879. Sub* tion rates per year $6 in the Americas $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. ENJOY ~Tlie S?outhetn ^unl/iine ?-2oute. to Los Angeles THE NMRCURY (Two Sections) THE THE SOUTHERNER FLIGHT 37 THE SUN COUNTRY SPEOM Xr. Los Angeles ■ Ar. Los Angeles • end 4:45 Pm 4 30 pm a°,%-l8am 1:50 am and Z. • 8..02 am ana o 5:25 pm . • • • 2:55 am c>:44 am ir. Los Angeles • Xr. Los Angeles • Ar. L°s Angeles 10:10 pm 8:25 am 3:33 Pm 10:55 pm 8:52 am 4:47 pm 6:30 am 4:58 pm l-.04am |MW >""~ Travel Age"1 or 3g*r < AMERICAN AIRLINES 9. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS Held over Chicago Theatre, Chicago. Brea B0Dy Held over Chicago Theatre, Chicago. Breaks Saturday attendance record Rivoli, New York City... held over. Holds over in Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Buffalo. Moves over from Lincoln and Surf to Miami and Mayfair Theatres in Miami. Plays three theatres simultaneously in Los Angeles and then continues at three additional theatres. Breaks record in Allentown. It's a sure-fire click everywhere! PRCSCNTS "An important production with suspense, excitement and humor. Everyone will want to see it!" CAROLE LOMBARD JACK BENNY u ERNST LUBITSCH'S — * TO BE OR NOT TO BE with ROBERT 5 TACK • FELIX BRESSART . LIONEL ATWILL STANLEY RIDGES • SIG RUMAN Produced and Directed by ERNST LUBITSCH Original story by Ernst Lubitsch and Melchior Lengyel Screenplay by Eduin Justus Mayer More news tomorrow... for the records are pouring in hour by hour! THE INVADERS" TAKI CAPITOL THEATRE OPENING AN El ROADWAY BY STORM! r OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE! v,e-goer can ~u ' nc P°ss it Up,« can afford to °eN'f miss m P *adlines,/ °s Sorrow's an«*sfci//.'w!;lma*l'na- oc«on „ l . °nc' exei«»- fc?'<"y C? fctery COu'd A big and • sw^^S picture 4 MUST' p , fo' and exJ£y s«Pense. "FA^MOV,NG u drama" — hm«V me/o? Bating "r- de''Vered ^ ^'^'v 6 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 10, 194 See U.S. Going To Trial With Schine Action (Continued from page 1) the Government plans to start the trial on the date now scheduled and that no effort will be made to bring the New York anti-trust suit against the Little Three to trial until after the Schine case has been completed. It is generally believed that would not be before next Fall at the earli- est. Reviews U. S. Asks Fact Admission In Schine Case Move Buffalo, March 9. — In a move apparently designed to expedite the remaining pre-trial filings, the Gov- ernment today filed a request for ad- mission of facts by Schine defendants in trial of the anti-trust suit here, which has been set for April 28. The request for admissions lists the number of features released by major distributors within certain periods and what financial interests in theatres the defendant exhibitors had in these same periods. Given in great detail are names of theatres, nature and ex- tent of Schine interests in them, dates acquired, other interests, if any, and the extent thereof ; and if they are no longer owned by Schine the date of disposals, seating capacities, etc. At the same time, Federal Judge John Knight filed a supplementary opinion on interrogatories, ruling that the plaintiff is required to state instances in which it is claimed that Schine threatened to deprive another exhibitor of desirable product in case of his failure to sell or lease his the- atre to said defendants. In another separate opinion on four of the interrogatories, Judge Knight ruled the defendant is not required to state the approximate percentage of features leased from the defendant distributors and the percentage of features leased from the distributors other than defendant distributors and exhibited by the defendant during the years specified in the interrogatory. "Secret Agent of Japan" (20th Century-Fox) AS one of the first spy dramas from Hollywood based on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, there is good exploitation material here which will be competently fulfilled by the picture. Nazi-Jap espionage, and the counter-espionage of British and Chinese agents, abetted by Preston Foster, an American adventurer in Shanghai, keep interest at a high pitch throughout a well-acted, produced and directed picture. The action takes place in Shanghai shortly before the attack on Hawaii. Nazi-Jap agents are preparing to take over the International Settlement the moment 'they hear that plans for the attack in the Pacific have been completed. Lynn Bari, as a British agent, obtains possession of the message advising of the plans only to lose them to Foster who believes her to be in the service of the Japs and who wants it only for re- venge on the head of the Japanese secret service in Shanghai, responsible for the seizure of Foster's lucrative gambling place. While attempting to regain his property as the price for the message, Foster falls into the net of the Nazi- Jap agents, along with Miss Bari. The latter appeals to his Americanism to escape with the message, but their freedom comes too late to frustrate the attack. Ingenious code and espionage devices are employed ; the Nazi-Jap menaces are effectively depicted and the result is a field day for action fans. Sol M. Wurtzel produced and Irving Pichel directed from an original screenplay by John Larkin. Running: time, 68 minutes. "G."* Sherwin A. Kane Who Is Hope Schuyler?' (20th Centutalns cf the Clouds" (W. B.) "Cb'igir.g Young Lady" (RKO) ROGIiR S HERMAN— (2.067 ) (50c- 60c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $5,000) Parks at Astor Hotel Robert K. Christenberry, vice- president and general manager of the Hotel Astor, signed Bobby Parks and his orchestra, which opened in the hotel's new Columbia Room last night. New Charity Revue Starts Rehearsals The first of the Broadway wartime revues, the all-star spectacle extracted from the charity spectacle, "Fun to Be Free," has gone into rehearsal at the Adelphi Theatre. Created from the combined talents of show business on Broadway, the revue will divide all profits among war charities. An all-star cast of entertainers will work for a fraction of their usual salaries. Louis Schaeffer, who is in charge of production, said that stars generally receiving $5,000 and $3,000 weekly have volunteered to work for as little as $150 a week for limited periods. Among the contributors are Howard Dietz, Edna Ferber, Jerome Chodorov, Russell Crouse, Moss Hart, George Kaufman, Howard Lindsay, Bella and Samuel Spewack, Oscar Hammerstein, Will Irwin and others. 4Roxie' Is St. Louis Winner at $12,800 St. Louis, March 9. — Holdovers enjoyed moderate success in St. Louis last week, but were outpaced by "Roxie Hart," at the Fox, which drew $12,800. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 5 : "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) LOEWS— (3,162) (28c-40c-44c-56c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $13,- 000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) "Tough as They Come'' (Univ.) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,700. (Average, $11,500) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) "What's Cooking" (Univ.) FOX— (5,038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: f-12.800. (Average, $11,000) "Ride 'Em Cocap offices will be equipped to han- lle radio problems instead of sending :ciem to New York for decision.^ it jiras said today as a two-day meeting ,if the Ascap field staff at the Ham- - ton Hotel was concluded. John G. °aine, Ascap general manager, pre- .•i'led. . Ascap has abandoned its iron-clad fcolicy of hunting for infringements frnd collection methods, Paine said. The policy has been changed from a irotective one for its members to a rales policy, he declared. ' "Some music users, not familiar faith the necessity for copyright law, -bought it was a racket," Paine said. In those days, our primary' responsi- ility was to the composers, authors nd publishers, rather than to the msic lovers. Now we are looking or better ways in which to serve our licensees." Thirty-three district managers, field nen and home office executives of i\scap were m attendance. Problems f office procedure and questions aris- ing under the consent decree also were iscussed. Two Toronto Firms ] Declare Dividends : Toron'to, March 10. — Marcus Loew's Theatres, Ltd., operating j.oew's Yonge Street Theatre and the ^ptown here, has declared a dividend -or the first quarter of 1942 of \Y\ ">er cent on the outstanding preference Ftiares of the company, to be paid Llarch 31. All dividend arrears on Nhis stock were cleaned up at the close f 1941 and payments are now cur- ent. 1 Hamilton United Theatres, Ltd.. ubsidiary of Odeon Theatres of 7anada which operates the Capitol, Palace and Savoy in Hamilton, Ont.. las announced payment of regular , ividend on the preferred shares for he current quarterlv period on March ,1. \mpa Will Designate Nominations Group The Ampa will hold a closed mem- ership meeting at the Hotel Edison Jmorrow to elect a nominating com- littee which will select a slate for the nnual elections scheduled for April 0. The nominating committee is cheduled to return its slate March 26. * "A" denotes adult classification. * "G" denotes general classification. IT A of Ontario Hits Makeup of Council Toronto. March 10. — Nat Taylor, president of the Independent Theatres Association of Ontario, has prepared a resolution to be submitted to James Stewart, Administrator of the Services of the Canadian Wartime Prices and Trade Board, protesting that the per- sonnel of the nine-man industrial ad- visory council is not representative of independent exhibitors as a whole and requesting the board to give considera- tion to reorganization of the council. J. J. Fitzgibbons of Famous Play- ers Canadian is chairman of the coun- cil. The charge was made that the selection of independent exhibitors was not made at a properly constituted meeting of such exhibitors, and that the method employed did not guarantee fair representation of all independents. Janitors Win Increase Sax Francisco, March 10. — A threatened strike of janitors and watchmen in 52 northern California Fox West Coast theatres, including seven here and 13 in East Bay, was settled when the workers received a wage increase of $1 a day. Mary Boland Barred In Equity Suspension Actors Equity yesterday temporarily suspended Mary Boland until a deci- sion is reached on charges preferred against her by the Theatre Guild. A hearing is set for March 31. The Guild charged that she left the cast of "The Rivals" in Chicago last week in violation of her "run of the play" contract. The Guild seeks the equivalent of four weeks' salary for Miss Boland as a penalty. The sus- pension, however, was based on the fact that Miss Boland failed to com- municate with Frank R. Dare, Equity's Chicago representative, de- spite his request that she do so before leaving the city. Under the terms of Equity's work- ing agreements with other talent unions, Miss Boland will be barred from the screen, radio and other en- tertainment fields until her suspension is lifted. WE Dividend Declared The Western Electric board of di- rectors has declared a dividend of 50 cents a share on the common stock, payable March 31 to stockholders of record March 26. Production in Rise; 43 Films Now in Work Hollywood, March 10. — Production climbed to 43 before the cameras this week, as 14 pictures started and five finished. Twenty-four are being pre- pared and 54 are being edited. The tally by studio : Columbia In Work : "He Kissed the Bride," "Submarine Raider," "Sweetheart of the Fleet," "Meet the Stewarts," "Three's a Crowd." Started : "Return of the Rough Riders." Goldwyn In W ork : "The Pride of the Yan- kees." M-G-M In W ork : "Somewhere I'll Find You," "Once Upon a Thursday," "Get Rich Quick Maisie," "Secret Operator," "Grand Central Murder," "Her Cardboard Lover," untitled Dr. Kildaire, "Crossroads." Started: "Jackass Mail." Monogram Started : "Aunt Emma Paints the Town," "Marshal of Sundance." Producers Releasing Started: "Rogues in Clover," "Men of San Quentin," "Rolling Down the Great Divide." Paramount In Work : "Henry Aldrich, Editor," "The Glass Key," "The Forest Rangers," "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cab- bage Patch." Started : "The Road to Morocco." RKO W ork : "The Magnificent Jerk," Republic Finished: "Girl from Alaska." In Work : "Home in Wyomin'." Started : "Westward Ho !" Small (U. A.) Finished: "Friendly Enemies." In Work : "Miss Annie Rooney." 20th Century-Fox In Work : "The Magnificent Jerk," "Ten Gentlemen from West Point." Started : "It Happened in Flatbush." Universal Finished : "Escape from Hong Kong." In Work : "Broadway," "Eagle Squadron," "Lady in a Jam." Started: "Half Way to Shanghai," "Pardon My Sarong." Warners Finished: "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Wings for the Eagle" (formerly "The Shadow of Their Wings"). In Work : "The Constant Nymph," "The Gay Sisters," "Desperate Jour- ney." Started : "The Hard Way," "Across the Pacific." Amend NY Bill on Child Performers Albany, March 10. — The Ehrlich- Hampton bill to repeal restrictive prohibitions in the law on theatrical employment of children under 16 was amended on third reading in the New- York Assembly today. The amend- ments chiefly relate to radio, with no change in the film phase of the meas- ure. The Assembly is expected to pass the bill next week.,. AT THE ASTOR, NEW YORK ANN SHERIDAN ROBERT CUMMINGS RONALD REAGAN BETTY FIELD In "KINGS ROW" with CHARLES COBURN Claude Rains 'Judith Anderson • Nancy Coleman KAAREN VERNE MARIA OUSPENSKAYA HARRY DAVENPORT Directed by SAM WOOD Screen Ploy by Casey Robinson From the Novel by Henry Be llaman Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold Vat's 8 Alert. W~99 W» Intemgei amf~y Irv^ispen sable to the^l qtion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First In and Impartial If 51. NO. 49 NEW YORK, U.S.A., THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1942 TEN CENTS OCD Blackout Rules to Name Theatre Duties Will Put Responsibility On Exhibitors Washington, March 11. — Black- tut regulations for theatres soon to Oe issued by the Office of C ivilian Defense will impose "specific re- sponsibilities" upon exhibitors as Lei] as outline the steps to be taken o insure the personal safety of uidience and employes, it was earned today. These "specific responsibilities" are xpected to include : Provision of mechanical means by vhich air raid warnings will be rc- cived promptly and transmitted im- mediately to personnel and audience. Assurance that the blackout of the leatre can be effected rapidly and vill be complete. Preparation of an emergency light- rig system which will not affect the (Continued on page 4) Eastman's 1941 Net Up to $21,588,790 Rochester, March 11. — Eastman \odak Co. and subsidiaries today eported net profit for the year ended >c. 27, 1941, of $21,588,790 after all barges including taxes, compared villi net of $20,076,739 for 1940. The 941 profit was equal to $8.57 per ommon share, compared with $7.96 or 1940. The report indicated that invest- lents and receivables in enemy and Demy-occupied countries amounting 0 $13,978,528 were written off in 1941 1 gainst a reserve for contingencies ap- (Continued on page 4) L & J Houses Urge Church Attendance Savannah, Ga., March 11. — Lucas & Jenkins Theatres here ran half-page ads in Sa- vannah newspapers recently pointing out the significance of the community churches in wartime and urging the pub- lic to attend Sunday services. The advertisement was placed as a civic contribution and for its goodwill value. Amusements in N. Y. Give 50,000 Tickets Weekly to Services The New York City Defense Rec- reation Center is distributing between 50,000 and 60,000 free tickets to serv- ice men in this area each week, it was learned yesterday. The principal con- tributors are Broadway first run film houses which send approximately 15,- 000 tickets to the Center weekly. Since it opened on July 7, the Cen- ter has been visited by 410,346 serv- ice men and has distributed 725,242 tickets to various entertainments. Vis- itors to the Center receive only one ticket but others are distributed by morale officers at camps and bases in the Second Corps Area and Third Naval District. Enlisted men in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps of this country or allied nations may obtain rickets at the Center. Commissioned officers are not eligible for the cour- tesy. Radio contributes alxuit an equal (.Continued on page 4) SPG Strike Vote to Be Sought Tonight A vote empowering the action com- mittee of the Screen Publicists Guild to call a strike will be sought tonight at a membership meeting at the Pic- cadilly Hotel, Joseph Gould, president, said yesterday. The decision to seek a strike vote was reached by the action commit- tee, Gould said. The SPG is seeking a 15 per cent wage increase and other conditions. The guild served an ulti- matum on the companies last week, requiring a definite answer on propo- sals set forth by the guild, but the companies did not meet the ultimatum. The guild said 300 publicity men and artists employed in the home offices would be affected. Writ Granted in Burlesque Fight License Commissioner Paul Moss was ordered yesterday by N. Y. Su- preme Court Justice Aaron J. Levy to show cause why the Gaiety Theatre on Broadway should not be relicensed. A hearing will be held next Wednesday. Permission to reopen the theatre last night and continue operation until the matter is adjudicated was denied. The show cause order followed suit filed yesterday by Bonserk Theatre Corp., operator of the Gaiety, against Moss to compel a license. The Gaiety is one of three burlesque houses in the (Continued on page 7) Will Aid Exhibitors Called Into Service Philadelphia, March 11.— The Motion Picture Associ- ates here has volunteered the services of its members and facilities of the organization to all exhibitors in the area who may be called into the armed services. It is thought some may be called without having time to make provision for operation of their houses. Every effort will be made, it is said, to continue operation without loss of patronage. Atlas Boosts RKO Holdings to 287,230 Shares of Common Washington, March 11. — Few trades by film company officers and employes in the stocks of their cor- porations were undertaken in Janu- ary, it was disclosed, today by the Se- curities and Kxchange Commission in its first 1942 summary of such trans- actions. The largest operation reported was a series of buys by the American Company, a subsidiary of the Atlas Corp., by which it increased its in- terest in Radio Keith Orpheum com- mon stock by 2,300 shares, raising its holdings to 287,230 shares. Atlas Cor- poration itself reported the purchase of 100 shares of convertible preferred stock, giving it 51,171 shares. Loew's, Inc., continued its program of acquiring Loew's Boston Theatres common, picking up 181 shares during (Continued on page 4) Sears to Coast for Producer Parleys Gradwell L. Sears, United Artists' vice-president and distribution head, left for the Coast by plane last night. He will confer with company produc- ers on forthcoming product and with company officials on the status of ne- gotiations for distribution deals with new producers. Sears will make a report to the company's three-day national sales meeting in Chicago, starting Monday. He is scheduled to leave the Coast by plane for Chicago on Saturday. Edward C. Raftery, United Artists' president, arrived on the Coast yes- terday. He is expected to remain there indefinitely for conferences on new producers' deals, including those under discussion with Samuel Gold- wyn, Walt Disney and James and William Cagney. Allied Seeks Common View On Umpi Plan Board Meeting March 24 To Decide Stand Washington, March 11. — With divergent views already expressed by Allied States units on the pro- posed new selling plan of the United Motion Picture Industry, and with many units still to take action, Abram F. Myers, Allied chairman and general counsel, has called a special meeting of the organiza- The Umpi's proposed new sell- ing plan has been unanimously rejected by three more exhibitor organizations, ITPA of Wiscon- sin, Texas Theatre Owners, Inc.* and the MPTO of Maryland, the latter favoring the purchase of a full season's output with a 25 per cent cancellation right. A fourth, Allied of Michigan, gave the plan only qualified approval. tion's national board for March 24 in New York. The meeting, Myers said today* is for the purpose of "reconciling, if pos- sible, the widely divergent views of exhibitors on the proposed plan, and to enable Allied negotiators on the (Continued on page 4) Tex. Theatres Want Cancellation of 20% Dallas, March 11. — Umpi's pro- posed new selling plan and the. de- cree's original blocks of five method were scored by nearly 100 members and the board of directors of Texas Theatre Owners, Inc., at a meeting at Mineral Wells today. The organization approved a rec- ommendation to the Department of Justice calling for the adoption of a semi-annual selling plan with a straight 20 per cent cancellation. Among those attending the meeting of which Henry Reeve, president, was chairman, were R. J. O'Donnell of Interstate Circuit; C. B. Akers, Oklahoma manager for the Griffith Amusement Co., Oklahoma City ; ahd D. F. Strickland, Mission, Tex., ex- hibitor, and Mike Rice, attorney. O'Donnell advocated industry unity and said that much good could come (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 12, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 11 CLAUDE BINYON today was named by the Screen Writers Guild executive board to head the new SWG public relations com- mittee. In addition to supervising the Guild's public relations policy, the Binyon group will collaborate in edit- ing the monthly Guild bulletin. • Val Lewton, story editor here for David O. Selznick, today was signed by RKO as an associate producer. • Walter MacEwen, who resigned this week as an associate producer for Warners, will join Paramount April 3 in an executive production capacity. • Andy Kelly, formerly Hollywood manager for the J. Sterling Getchell advertising agency, has joined the public relations committee of the As- sociation of Motion Picture Producers as assistant to Arch Reeve. • Possibility of a strike of Warner Bros, studio drivers was averted last night when executives agreed to ad- just alleged practices objected to by Studio Transportation Drivers Local 399. Business in South Mixed, Says Netter Theatre business in Florida is sub- stantially below the normal seasonal level but elsewhere in the South is exceptionally good in localities cen- tering about military camps or de- fense industries, Leon Netter, Para- mount theatres executive, said yester- day following a tour of the South. The situation in that region, he said, illustrates why general admis- sion price increases are not possible now. Local conditions vary too much within the same territory, and price increases must be guided wholly by local business and competitive condi- tions, he said. Paramount operators have closed nine theatres one month or more ear- lier than usual in such Florida resort centers as Daytona, Orlando, Winter Park, Fort Lauderdale, St. Peters- burg and Deland, Netter said. In St. Petersburg, the Theil has been closed and the Drive-In is operating only on weekends. Business in strictly agricultural areas is "slow," he reported. Goldenson to Attend Coast 'Reap' Opening Leonard Goldenson, head of Para- mount's theatre department, will at- tend the Hollywood premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "Reap the Wild Wind," Paramount's 30th anniversary picture, at the Hollywood Paramount Theatre March 19. Sam Dembow, Jr., will also attend. Both are now in the Midwest conferring with Paramount theatre associates. Named Evergreen Buyer Seattle, March 11. — Frank Chris- tic, for the last several years head booker for Hamrick-Fvergreen cir- cuit houses in this city, has been pro- moted by General Manager Frank L. Newman to film buyer for all Ever- green State theatres in Washington and Oregon. Personal Mention THOMAS P. DURELL, a member of the RKO board, left Holly- wood yesterday for New York. • Ben Kalmenson, general sales manager for Warners, has returned from the Coast. • Fred Van Doren, operator of the Hamilton and Tower, Waterbury, Conn., is recuperating from a tonsil operation. Jack Hahn of the Horlacher Film Delivery Service, Philadelphia, and Mildred Kain, secretary at the Col- umbia Philadelphia exchange, have announced their engagement. • Emilio Azcarraga, Mexico City exhibitor, is recovering following an appendix operation. JOHN A. SCHWALM, manager »J of the Northio Rialto, Hamilton, O., is in Florida. • Richard Scheinbaum, with the Paramount district office in Chicago, has left for a vacation at Tucson, Ariz. • James Ascher of M-G-M's Chi- cago branch leaves for the Army to- morrow. • Robert Gustafson, assistant to Howard Sexton, LaPorte, Ind., city manager for Central Theatres, has left for Florida. Robert E. Schless, Warner for- eign manager, arrived yesterday in Colombia, where he will be joined by Peter Colli, Central American manager. St. Louis Films Unit Protests Dual Bills St. Louis, March 11. — More than 800 pledge cards, endorsing the move- ment of the Better Films Council of Greater St. Louis to eliminate multi- ple bills, have been signed by members of women's organizations affiliated with the council, according to Mrs. Jacob M. Lashly, president. The cards contain the pledge that the signer will protest the playing of double and triple features at the neighborhood theatre. Mrs. Lashly indicated that when all the cards are in the total will be given to ex- hibitors. Mrs. Lashly said only one woman objected to signing the card, offering the explanation "it was un- democratic." Four Companies Are Chartered at Albany Albany, March 11.— Four new com- panies have been chartered here. They are: Regent Theatre Dunkirk, Inc., Dunkirk; Screenad Exchange, Inc., Binghamton; Lesajo, Inc., New York City, and General Amusement Corp., New York City. Papers of dissolution were filed for the Criterion Theatre Corp., New York. The original incorporation papers were filed by an officer of Loew's, Inc. It was explained at the home office here that the dissolution of Criterion Theatre Corp., has no significance other than the abandonment of an in- active corporation. St. Louis Club Aids Navy Relief Drive St. Louis, March 11. — The St. Louis tent of the Variety Club is making arrangements to take up collections in local theatres in behalf of the Navy Relief Society, beginning March 18, according to Edward Arthur, chair- man of the committee in charge. Other members include J. Leslie Kaufman, George Wiegand, Fred Wehrenberg, Lou Ansell, Matt Schu- ler, Palph McGowan and E. L. Mur- phy. The committee is also planning other projects to aid the society. Virginia House Files Arbitration Appeal The Bayne-Roland Corp., operator of the Bayne Theatre, Virginia Beach, Va., yesterday filed an appeal with the national arbitration appeals board from an award by John E. Laskey, Sr., Washington arbitrator. The award granted partial relief to the Bayne, plaintiff in a clearance case against Warners and the New- port Theatre, Norfolk. Laskey's award reduced the 21 days' clearance of the Newport over the Bayne to five days, on the grounds that compe- tition between the houses was slight. William F. Crockett, president of the MPTO of Virginia, and head of the Bayne-Roland Corp., had asked that all clearance between the houses be eliminated. Phila. Warner Club Sets Defense Party Philadelphia, March 11. — The eighth annual dinner dance of the office division of the Philadelphia Warner Club, comprising office em- ployes of the Warner theatre circuit, will be celebrated this year as "de- fense bond party." To be held May 8 at the Cedarbrook Country Club, the affair is under the supervision of the J. Ellis Shipman, circuit executive. Al Zimbalist, president of the club, and Jack Brodsky are co-chairmen, and Milt Young is in charge of enter- tainment. Schreiber Luncheon Host Columbus, O., March 11. — Harry Schreiber, city manager for RKO Theatres here, tendered a luncheon today for James Thurber, Herbert Anderson, Ohio State University offi- cials and others who will attend the opening of Warners' "The Male Ani- mal" at the Palace here tomorrow evening. A ball was held this evening, sponsored by the Variety Club. Joins Republic Staff Philadelphia, March 11. — William Bethel, once with Columbia here, has joined the local Republic exchange as salesman. He replaces Norman Sil- verstein, who went into the Army. 'Dimes' Fund Now Totals $1,297,204 The national total collected in the "March of Dimes" campaign in the- atres increased yesterday to $1,297,- 204 with several hundred independent theatres and small circuits still unre- ported, Si Fabian, treasurer, an- nounced. A check for $14,416 was received yesterday from circuit and indepe^fci ent theatres in the St. Louis I through Harry C. Arthur, Jr., chair man. M. J. Mullen, Massachusetts chairman, reported an additional $5,119. Announcements of ushers, projec- tionists and other staff members who have won defense bonds for their part in the drive will be made when drive contributions are compleled. Talent Pool Formed For Chicago Center Chicago, March 11. — A talent pool, designed to create more efficiency in the clearing of talent for appearances at the Chicago Service Men's Center, has been formed, according to the latest monthly report issued by the executive committee of the Amuse- ment and Recreational Division of the Chicago Commission on National De- fense. The pool is composed of the1 heads of five theatrical guilds here, Virginia Payne of AFRA ; Frank Dare of Equity ; Jack Irving of AGVA ; Glenna O'Toole of AGMA ; Raymond Jones, secretary of AFRA, and Hal Halperin, member of the ex- ecutive committee of the Amusement and Recreational Division. Secretary A. J. Gallas of the center reported that about 1,000 tickets daily have been distributed free to men in uniform, of which 850 represent free admissions to motion picture theatres. The balance was for boxing matches, hockey games, bowling alleys, the opera, recitals, etc. About 10 per cent of the 850 tickets are for legiti- mate shows. Gauker New M-G-M Indp's Branch Heai Indianapolis, March 11. — Fosterl Gauker has been named branch man-j ager for M-G-M here, succeeding! Wade W. Willman, who has beenl given lighter duties because of ill] health. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and I holidays by Quigley Publishing Company.^ Inc.. 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar J tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher: Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice* President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L; I Finestone, Managing Editor; James A-)!' Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau: 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unior Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor: London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addrese "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quig.ey Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame, Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas anfl *12 foreign. Single copies 10c. 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 12, 1942 Allied Seeks Common View On Umpi Plan (Continued from page 1) Umpi trade practice committee to pro- ceed with assurance" when the Umpi group reconvenes in New York the following day, March 25. The proposal had been rejected earlier by the Pacific Coast Confer ence of Independent Theatre Owners, Allied of New Jersey and New En- gland Allied. Qualified approval was given the plan by Allied of Illinois and Allied of Connecticut. Myers said that as of this morning the plan has been approved by six Allied units and rejected by three. All units either have expressed dis- satisfaction with the plan or have sub- mitted counter proposals, he said. The Allied board chairman ex- pressed the hope that all of the re- gional units will have taken action by the time the national board meets "so that all points of view may be repre- sented." "Allied," he said, "has never offi- cially approved any plan except the Neely bill and seeks only to develop a plan that will satisfy a majority of the exhibitors." The national Allied board meeting on the sales plan was proposed by the New England unit and was called when the suggestion was approved by nine other Allied units. Reviews Eastman's 1941 Net Up to $21,588,790 (Continued from page 1) propriated in previous years from earned surplus. The net profit for the year was the highest since 1937, when the net was $22,347,345. Outside of that year and $22,014,916 for 1929, the 1941 profit was the highest in the history of the company, dating from 1902. . The balance of earned surplus at the end of 1941 was given at $42,- 569,721, compared with $38,697,282 the previous year. Total sales for 1941 amounted to $181,831,909, com- pared with $130,896,780 for 1940: In- come from operations before taxes and other deductions for 1941 amounted to $51,758,743, which com- pares with $28,752,448 the year be- fore. "Rio Rita" (M-G-M) Hollywood, March 11 HERE they are again, folks, in some more of that same — the Messrs. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in the brand of comedy to which they have accustomed the theatre-going public at large in a degree profitable to all concerned. The House of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has put somewhat more mate- rial around them than they are accustomed to having, some more in the way of production values and supporting talent, but this drops out of notice when the boys turn on the gags and let the laughs pop where they may, which is everywhere. Two of the song numbers from the original "Rio Rita" remain and register as solidly as when new — "Rio Rita" and "The Rangers' Song"— and the singing of these and others is accomplished with distinction by Kathryn Grayson and John Carroll, who also play out a romance in the script. The screenplay, prepared by Richard Conned and Gladys Lehman, has to do in a light and amusing way with the machinations of some Nazi plotters who try to start a fifth column activity of some kind which, however, never proceeds beyond the point of supplying story points on which to hang comedy. Production by Pandro S. Berman is rich without going gaudy, and direction by S. Sylvan Simon is commonsense enough to sidetrack story and such at frequent intervals to give the comedians elbow room for then- gag sequences, which are many and potent. Eros Volusia, the Brazilian dancer, supplies a solo number that is a highlight of the proceedings. The preview audience, which witnessed the initial public unreeling at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, where all the Abbott-Costello pictures have been previewed, gave this one the same kind of unroarious reception it gave all the others, which would appear to constitute tenable grounds for expecting equivalent response in sub- sequent exhibitions. Running time, 91 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams 50,000 Free Tickets Weekly to Services (Continued from page 1) number of tickets to broadcasts nor- mally distributed free of charge- through dealers and sales agencies. The three major league baseball teams in the city will contribute 600,- 000 tickets this Summer for distribu- tion by the Center. Last year, the clubs attempted to set up their own distribution system but found the method unsatisfactory. The Center also distributes weekly about 3,500 tickets to legitimate stage plays ; about 2,500 for sporting events, mostly at Madison Square Garden ; and the remainder for concei ts, operas, "Sundown Jim3 (20th Century-Fox) BASED on a novel which ran in Collier's, "Sundown Jim" lays con- siderable stress on gunplay and there is lots of it going on constantly. Sundown Jim, in the person of John Kimbrough, is a slow-talking U. S. Marshal who is quick on the trigger. _ Kimbrough comes to the town of Reservation, Arizona, to find it split into two feuding factions. The Barr family has found it necessary to import a gangster (Joseph Sawyer) to protect them from the opposition, led by another bad man (Don Costello). The Marshal soon realizes that Sawyer and Costello are promoting the feuds. He exposes the crooks and peace is restored. Virginia Gilmore is the daughter of a man murdered in the long feud, and Arleen Whelan provides the romantic interest as the daughter of the Barr family. It should maintain interest for Western fans. James Tinling directed. Running time, 53 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "The Lone Star Ranger" (20th Century-Foxy ZANE GREY'S story of a Texas Ranger and a band of cattle thieves serves as. the introductory vehicle for All-American John Kim- brough in Western films. He has an attractive personality and makes a believable action hero. The plot, however, is well worn. Aside from the unusual prominence given the leading lady — engagingly played by Sheila Ryan — it is the old story of cattle-rustling directed surreptitiously by eminently respectable townsmen. The fact that the latter are the uncle and prospective fiance of an attractive young woman does not deter the Texan in pursuit. Jonathan Hale, George E. Stone, William Farnum and Truman Brad- ley are included in a competent cast. Running time, 57 minutes. "G."* * "G" denotes general classification. OCD Blackout Rules to Name Theatre Duties observation roofs, Radio City tours and the like. In addition, free meals are given service men at restaurants, night clubs and hotels and inexpensive hotel rates are arranged. The Center's activities started last July, did not get into full swing un- til November but have increased steadily ever since then. Men from 257 different Army camps and Navy posts have been accommodated. Operates 24 Hours Philadelphia, March 1L — War- ners' Center Theatre is the fourth lo- cal house to go to 24-hour daily opera- tion in an effort to meet the increas- ing patronage after midnight from night shifts in various defense work. Warners' Family and Savoy and Wil- liam Goldman's News have been ODerating all night for some time. (Continued from page 1) blackout but provide a necessary min- imum of light to prevent confusion. Preparation of signs and directj^fc;. that patrons and personnel can foJ to "safety zones," which are to be cer- tain areas with comparative immunity from the effects of bombing. Organization of emergency com- munications, signaling and messenger systems, both within the building and to the "zone warden." Development of safety provisions for furnace boilers, gas tanks and vital points. Appointment of a theatre "defense team" for personnel, to be trained and provided with necessary equipment. The OCD pamphlet to be issued to theatres will contain instructions for the organization of the defense team and outline its duties before and dur- ing an air raid, and also will include descriptions of the effect of incendiary bombs and methods for their control. Tex. Theatres Want Cancellation of 20% (Continued from page 1) from Umpi in leading the way for the industry throughout the country. The meeting agreed that the decree in practice is not fulfilling its pur- pose, that short subjects still are be- ing forced, that one good picture is being made to carry a block of five, that arbitration "has smoked out a lot of soreheads" but otherwise has done some good, that film costs to the exhibitor have been increased by the decree and that trade showings are oi no value to exhibitors. The plight of the small town the- atre operator in communities whicli have neither defense industries nor Army camps, and are losing popula- tion to industrial centers was dis- cussed. Reeve was authorized to ap- point an emergency committee of twe distributors, two affiliated exhibitors and three independent exhibitors tc aid in easing distributor relations anc technical and financial problems of th< theatres. Atlas Boosts RKO Common Holdings (Continued from page 1) the month to raise its total to 1 18,98- shares, it was reported. The only other film transactions re ported were in Paramount, when Austin C. Keough reported the pur chase of five shares of second pre ferred and the exchange of 10 share: for nine shares of common, wiping out his holdings in preferred and-giv ing him 1,946 shares of common, whili Maurice Newton reported the pur chase of 17 shares of second preferrec and exchanged 20 shares for 18 o common, of which he had 10,66! shares at the close of the month an< one-fifth share of preferred. A report on Columbia Broadcastinf Sytem showed that Isaac D. Levy dis posed of 939 shares of Class B com mon by gift to his wife and children leaving him with 21,880 shares. IMPORTANT NOTICE Eastman Motion-Picture Film Cans and Cores MUST BE RETURNED WAR requirements have sharply curtailed the supply of metal and plastics needed to manufacture 3 5 -mm. motion-picture film cans and cores. Conse- quently, the Eastman Kodak Company urges the prompt return of these essential supplies. They must be used over and over again. Help maintain the supply of motion-picture film by seeing to it that all Eastman cans and cores are kept in good condition, collected, and shipped to the Kodak Park Works, Rochester, N. Y. By doing your part in this emergency, you help yourself and everyone connected with the motion-picture industry — as well as all those who depend more than ever on the screen for vital information and entertainment. Write for prices and detailed shipping information. Motion Picture Sales Division EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, ROCHESTER, N. Y. H < X o o o PQ < Q w p H O E o H O a < m > -h 3"!N OKI -i Ih -a v •SUP a o ft*3 toEa cq ftCM *: 1 — . to to CO ■5 n >~ ^ ^P § a ' CQ 8 X ^ H *? 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CO ^ bfl.r m v C fc« co c-o^ CO CM O CO CM ^ a m 00 lO 8 **3 w kO CO q co J3 « i B 5 8 CO * S co "» ^; •3 0 co *-* ^. $ x q ft WW ^ 5 , I 1 cQ "5h$ *h w v o 03 co —1 co - CO .3 a 0< §k5 c-*l ^ b h2 S EC >, to 1 to O Ph Ph £ CM 5. >-J C0< as ca -a -a CO 33 Ih CO^ o EN o o a "2 EH CM o o fn cm ■So O -a E u A cm 0 O CO \J O Ph .So Ph Ih" CO 1 C CM gft 1-1 1_) co a CO ^ CO M ^ as! §• cpl I 3 ^-a a co P ^ Ih ~ g bflo* CSS CO CM Ih %s CO • -3 Eh -a ,5; a 8 G-S ^| ^3 -a ■ Co CO CM Ph « CO -3^2 HO 8.8 -cs rS a « ■2 Ex ft^5 e v O ^:>S(2Q 3h3m Ph H CO g hh oo a CO CM coO ^ 13^ a < Ph < Ph — 2 8 O a o oi25 .•3 O Q K — (C fl ^ r~ ^3 "-'-a b-1 o a CO (V Ph ^ co bfl co co : Ph * §0 CO \^ CO pq o coO e *c w ^ .5 co OO ^ O ■-! a <" f1Ht> 00 Ih H Ex ECO^a £x ^ 2 Ih O § cS E ft-a S e (5 to- co JS H ' O 2 O a s J< CO o bfl O co Qi C HH Ph a^ a a Oh c pq O CO — c « o ft N 3 < i o o •a I I a S -a S-2 HQ ^ as a^ fe"S.4 3 c i? oO^ H— ft; *• t> -a 10 > o « y •S hI a O c< 5 >, c E — |h CO |cm? IS I >° oz-v-S .a _ a 1^ ri*. C3co^< b /-v-a 5 co ■ CO .2 cm > E N « •a a to •C'»C co B« O CO E c c co o coO a bfl 2 ^ a, .£ . v a c "w ^ 3c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $:5.300. (Average. $12,000) "Flying Cadets" (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) VOGUE— (900) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. <.ro>>: $2,000. 4 Woman' $16,300 Cincinnati's High Cincinnati, March 11. — "Woman of the Year" led the field with a smash $16,300 at the RKO Albee, and "Paris Calling" did $5,800 at the RKO Shu- bert in the first week of straight pic- tures at this house. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 4-7 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) RKO-ALBEE — (3,300) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $16,300. (Average, $12,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) RKO PALACE— (2,700) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $8,300. (Average. $10,000) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) RKO SHUBERT — (2,150) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $5,800. (Average, $5,000) 'Gone With the Wind" (M-G-M) RKO CAPITOL— (2,000) (44c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $4,800. (Average, at 33c- 40c-50c, $5,500) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) RKO GRAXD— (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,300. (Average, $5,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) RKO LYRIC— (1,400) (28c-43c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $2,900. (Average, $4,500) "Her Enlisted Man" (Popular) "Today I Hang" (PRC) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. Gross: $1,200. (Average, $1,200) "Blue, White and Perfect" (20th-Fox) "Sing For Your Supper" (Col.) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. Gross: $900. (Average. $800) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) KEITH'S— (1,500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,300. (Average, $5,000) Writ Granted in Burlesque Fight (Continued from page 1) "I imes Square area which have been ■refused license renewals. The suit, filed by Morris L. Ernst attorney for the Gaiety, charged that I Moss' action was "arbitrary, tyranni |*al, prejudiced, unreasonable and based on false information." The pet tion set forth that a renewal may not be denied on grounds of indecency A "prelicensing and precensorship" authority, it was said, is prohibited under recent constitutional interpreta- tions of the U. S. Supreme Court and ' was an authority "too vague and in- definite to be constitutionally ap- plied." Moss was said to have a "long- standing prejudice against burlesque" and that he had abdicated bis discre- tion in favor of the Mayor. NTS Booklet Urges Care of Equipment National Theatre Supply Co. has prepared a booklet for distribution to exhibitors, titled "How to Conserve ^ our Theatre Equipment." The book- let contains suggestions for the care and handling of projectors and sound systems, screens, seats, floor cover- ings, metal furniture, ticket registers and other types of equipment. BBC Is Object of Attack in Commons London, March 11. — The wartime functioning of the British Broadcast- ing Corp. was the subject of attack in the House of Commons today, with critical questions asked of the Gov- ernment. One member suggested the appointment of an investigating com- mittee of Commons to inquire into the BBC expenditure of money and the use of manpower. The Government representatives in Commons rejected the suggestion, in- sisting that the work of the BBC is of national importance, and stated fur- ther that the Government had asked the BBC to expand its wartime serv- ices. New WABC Card Includes 'E' Rate WABC issued a new rate card yes- terday, effective as of March 1. The principal changes are the inclusion of a new class "E" rates from 1 to 6 A. M. daily. The basic rate for this period is $150 per hour. Sunday afternoon periods have been moved from "C" to "B," thus effecting an in- crease. Daytime rates, formerly "D," are now "C," and Class "D" is the period between midnight and 1 A. M. and 6-9 A. M. NBC Occupies New Building in Frisco San Francisco, March 11. — XBC station's KPO and KGO, with the exception of their artists and en- gineers, have moved into the new NBC building here. Making the shift were sales, auditing, press, pro- motion and production staffs. Pro- grams will emanate from the old stu- dios for about one more month. In WB Branch Post Indianapolis, March 11. — Edward Carrol is the new manager of the ad- vertising accessories department of the Warner exchange here. SHOWMANSHIP ON PARADE! AMPA'S Theatre Showmanship Show Featuring presentation of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards to ARNOLD STOLTZ Warner's Avon Theatre Utica, New York FRANK BICKERSTAFF Paramount's Lucas & Jenkins Palace Theatre, Athens, Georgia The SHOWMEN of the YEAR Guest of Honor ADOLPH ZUKOR • Toastmaster A. M. BOTSFORD • Theatre Exploitation Exhibit Mezzanine I 1:00 to 3:00 This is the show of exhibitors, for exhibitors. Come and meet your exhibitor friends. It'sTUESDAY, March 17, '42 instead of customary Thursday Grand Ballroom, Hotel Edison W. 47th, B'dway. & 8th Ave. at 12:45 noon Secure your reservation now through Blanche Livingston, Sec'y., 1270 Sixth Ave. David O'Malley, Treasurer, 729 Seventh Ave. Members $1.00 Guests $1.25 ' POWERFUL IN CHICAGO. A BIG WINNER. A ROUSING $50,000!" IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE IN NEW YORK AT $37,000 !" 'HAS THINGS ITS OWN WAY IN KANSAS CITY. STRONG $14,000!" 'TOP ENTRY THIS WEEK IN PORTLAND!" 'HOT IN LINCOLN. SPLENDID $4,000!" 'GETTING BIG MONEY. SMASH $15,000 IN DENVER!" 'A SMASH IN OMAHA. FANCY $11,000!" 'BIG IN MEMPHIS. $7,200!" 'STRONG IN BUFFALO. GOOD GOING FOR SWANKY $13,000!" 'BIG $14,000. CLEVELAND. DRAWING LOMBARD FANS. HYPOED BY BENNY'S NAME!" 'STRONG $12,000. IN LOUISVILLE. BIZ IS PLENTY BOFFO!" PRtSlNTS LOMBARD JACK BENN ERNST L UBITSCH'S _* TO BE OR NOT TO BE wl.k ROBERT STACK . FELIX BRESSART . LIONEL AT WILL STANLEY RIDGES • SIG RUMAN Produced and Directed by ERNST LUBITSCH Original tlory by Emu Lnbilich and Melchior Lengyel Screenplay by Edwin lutlu< Mayer FOR DEFENSE ★ Buy United States Savings Bonds and Stamps AlerJ, InteWgei sable to the^l otion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY T| j-L. 51. NO. 50 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1942 TEN CENTS Missouri Unit, Ohio ITO Back New Sales Plan Both Want Cancellation 20% Outright The MPTO of Eastern Missouri ind Southern Illinois and the Inde- >endent Theatre Owners of Ohio '•esterday disclosed approval of the Jmpi's substitute selling plan, each Kith two exceptions. The ITO of Ohio directors in Columbus pro- oosed that each group of pictures ontain a minimum of 12 and an un- e>tricted 20 per cent cancellation )rivilege. The MPTO, with headquarters in St. Louis, also advocated an outright 10 per cent cancellation for all groups ■ pictures, not just specific ones, Fred A ehrenberg, president, revealed. The organization also took exception to the requirement that customers {Continued on page 6) Schaefer Heading Drive for Yeshiva The fourth annual campaign for •.cliolarship funds for refugee students )f Yeshiva College, sponsored by the motion picture industry, will get under way today, with George J. Schaefer. RKO president, as chairman of the industry scholarship fund. Each year the drive enables 10 stu- dents to live and study at the college. In the past the industry has raised 55,000 annually. This year the drive is being intensified to provide for a greater number of students. Grants at the college have been es- tablished by such industry figures as (Continued on page 6) Publicity Unit Takes /Vo Secretary Action The Public Relations Committee of the Motion Picture Industry, Eastern division, of which Robert M. Gillham is chairman, took no action at its weekly meeting yesterday on the se- lection of a permanent executive sec- retary'. John C. Flinn, who was the unani- mous choice of the committee for the post, was found to be unavailable and I new prospects are now being given : consideration. Eastern members of I the lawyers' committee of six, on whose recommendation the public re- lations committee was formed several weeks ago, attended the meeting. U.S. Expects to Call About 100 Schine Trial Witnesses 450 Reservations For Ampa Event More than 450 reservations have been received for the Ampa "Showmanship Show" at the Hotel Edison next Tuesday. The 1941 Quigley Grand Awards will be pre- sented by Ned E. Depinet to Arnold Stoltz and by Barney Balaban to Frank Bickerstaff. All film companies, circuits in the metropolitan area and ra- dio networks will be repre- sented. Malcolm Kingsberg will be host to RKO theatre managers and division heads. New Pictures Boom Grosses on B'way; 'Invaders' Strong New pictures brought strong gross- es to Broadway first runs this week. At the Capitol, "The Invaders" drew an estimated $43,000 while "To Be or Not to Be," another leader, grossed an estimated $36,000 at the Rivoli. Both continue their runs. Pleasant Spring weather aided the box-office with large crowds throng- ing the Times Square area during afternoon and evening hours. Holdovers also maintained good levels. The fifth week of "The Wo- man of the Year" brought an esti- mated $79,000 to the Radio City Mu- sic Hall, with the stage show, and the film started its sixth week yester- day— the third picture to play the house for six consecutive weeks. (Continued on page 6) Buffalo, March 12. — The Gov- ernment expects to call approxi- mately 100 witnesses for the trial of its anti-trust suit against the Schine Circuit, Universal, Colum- bia, and United Artists in Federal district court here April 28, it re- vealed in filing additional answers to defendants' interrogatories today. Its prospective list of witnesses is much larger, it was revealed, but a re- examination of the list resulted in the statement that it expects to limit the number to 100. The Government's answers claimed distributors, in licensing features to theatres in Schine towns, are forced to disregard local competition because, the Government said, the Schine Cir- cuit compels the distributors to meet its demands in competitive situations as a condition for licensing their films in the rest of the circuit, involving non- competitive locations. "The result of this practice," said Seymour Simon, Special Assistant At- torney General, "is that even where a local exhibitor may afford an out- let for the distributor's films in his locality which is more desirable and (Continued on page 6) 20th-Fox Resumes Common Dividend A dividend of 25 cents a share on the 20th Century-Fox common stock was declared by the company's board of directors yesterday. The dividend is the first on the company's common to be voted since June, 1939. The board also authorized payment of the regular quarterly dividend of 37l/2 cents a share on the preferred stock. Both dividends are payable March 31 to stockholders of record on March 23. U. S. Troops in Northern Ireland Complain About Out -Dated Films London, March 12. — American troops, who have been arriving in Northern Ireland in increasing numbers, have complained about the out-dated films provided for their entertainment. They claim they were promised they would be able to see current American releases. As a result of the complaint, the exhibitor and distributor or- ganizations in England plan to explore the question, with a view to providing American and British troops with new films. Meanwhile, in Commons today, Herbert Morrison announced new restrictions on such public sports as horse and dog racing, boxing and the like, but said there was no intention to further restrict film theatre operation. Distributors have expressed alarm over the call of women to war work, claiming it is difficult to operate their business with drastic curtailment of feminine employes. Studios to Aid One Another In Event of Blitz Plan Is Arranged to Keep Production Going Hollywood, March 12. — Air raid damage to any one studio will not disrupt production activity be- yond immediate and momentary consequences, according to an agreement entered into by members of the Association of Motion Pic- ture Producers at its last meeting, it was learned today. In view of the possibility that a bombing or other act of war might put an individual plant out of action, plans have been made for placing space, equip- ment and facilities of other stu- dios at the disposal of the dis- tressed company immediately. Due to the wide geographical spread of the studios it is felt only the most thorough blitz would be likely to af- fect more than one plant at a time. Cognizance also was taken of the availability of a number of rental stu- dios to which the companies owning their own plants could move in case of emergency. Meanwhile, two representatives of the War Production Board are here from Washington making the rounds of studios interviewing technicians with a view to discovering technical talent qualified to assist the WPB in devising methods of breaking bottle- (Continued on page 6) SPG Authorizes Action on Strike The Screen Publicists Guild last night authorized its action committee to call a strike at its discretion. The members then began distribution of a circular in front of Broadway theatres. It was announced that the strike vote, taken at a meeting at the Picca- dilly Hotel, was unanimous, and that about 200 members participated in the circular distribution. The circulars, stressing that no strike or picket line was in force, set forth the claim of the Guild in its attempts to negotiate a bargaining contract with major com- panies and asked the public to "write Will H. Hays." The Guild said that the circulars were distributed in front of the Radio City Music Hall, Capitol, Paramount, Rivoli, Palace, Loew's State, Astor and Roxy. 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 13, 1942 1 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 12 THE Hollywood Victory Commit- tee will send 30 film players and a 15-piece orchestra to Ensenada, Mex- ico, March 22, to provide a two-hour show for Mexican soldiers stationed there. Correspondents for Latin- American newspapers will accompany them. This is the second such junket undertaken in the interests of hemi- spheric solidarity. • Margaret McDonnell today replaced Val Lewton as story editor here for David O. Selznick Productions. • Cliff Reid has resigned as RKO producer and will leave the lot Satur- day. He has not disclosed his future plans. • Republic is seeking permission to insert newsreel films of President Roosevelt's declaration of war against Japan in "Flying Tigers." The studio is using the same clips as the climax of "Remember Pearl Harbor." Per- mission must be given by the White House. • RKO has signed Tim Holt for a new series of six outdoor action pic- tures to be produced in 1942-'43. Bert Gilroy will be in charge of production, as on the two earlier series of Holt films. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. SPENCER TRACY • KATHARINE HEPBURN "WOMAN OF THE YEAR" Directed by George Stevens • An M-G-M Picture ON STAGE: "WORDS AND MUSIC" BY COLE PORTER — Leonldofl's colorful tune- filled revue. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mezzanine Seats Reserved Circle 6-4600 DOROTHY WILLIAM EDDIE JIMMY LAMOUR • HOLDEN • BRACKEN • DORSEY n ., AND BAND in Paramount s THE FLEET'S IN -IN PERSON CONN EE 30SWCLL LES BROWN Paramount s s PALACE 4 ms? HUMPHREY BOG ART "All Through the Night" KAY KYSER 1 JOHN BARRYMORH 1 "Playmates" | Betty Victor Jack GRABLE . MATURE • OAKIE 'SONG of the ISLANDS' ROXY PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW 7th Ave. & 50th St. "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50c, $1 & $1.50 NO HIGHER 2ND YEAR — 2ND EDITION of the Sensational Musical Icetravaganza It happens on ice at America's Only Ice Theatre Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Mats. Sat., Sun. & Wed. 501 8eats for Every Perf. 50e. EVGS. AT 8:40 Personal Mention SI SEADLER arrived in Holly- wood yesterday after a week's stay at Palm Springs. • W. K. Hollander, Balaban & Katz, Chicago, publicity head, has left for the Coast. Bill Slater, sports commentator for Paramount News, has been called to active duty as a major in the Army. • Jay C. Flippen was in town yes- terday from Boston. HARRY M. KALMINE, assist- ant general manager for Warner Theatres, has returned from Cleve- land. • Jose Raventos, circuit operator of Costa Rica, and Mrs. Raventos are visiting in New York. • Carlos Fletcher, exhibitor of San- tiago, Chile, is in town. • Edward Solomon, 20th Century- Fox exploitation man in Chicago, will be inducted into the Army next week. R.I. Managers Get Data for Air Raids Providence, March 12. — William E. Spragg, coordinator for the amuse- ment industry in the State Council of Defense, today told 58 managers gathered in the Metropolitan Theatre here to get in touch immediately and thereafter cooperate fully with local ARP organizations in their respective communities. The meeting, the third statewide session of managers to discuss raid work, also was addressed by W. Gur- nee Dyer, assistant director of the state council. The managers were given copies of the "Manual for Theatres" issued by the state council. This publication is based on a similar manual issued in Massachusetts. Spragg said Gov. J. Howard Mc- Grath had agreed to the preparation by the state of special air raid trail- ers. When ready, managers will be expected to buy them and keep them ready for use at any time. E. J. Sullivan Dies; Dallas Theatre Head Dallas, March 12. — Edward J. Sullivan manager of the Majestic Theatre here, died suddenly last night while on duty at the'theatre. He never fully recovered from injuries suffered in an automobile accident two years ago. A native of Chicago, he began his career with Balaban & Katz there. He was assistant manager of the Para- mount Theatre on Broadway in New York before coming here. He was 37 years old. Ampa's Nominating Committee Selected An Ampa nominating committee to present a slate of candidates for the organization's annual elections April 30 was named yesterday. The committee, consisting of the same members that made up the nom- inating group last year, includes John C. Flinn, chairman ; Ray Gallagher, S. Barret McCormick, Charles Ali- coate, Ed McNamee, Hortense Schorr and Joel Swensen. Morris Heads Agents William Morris has been elected president of the Theatrical Artists' Representatives Association. Other officers elected are Martin Jurow, first vice president ; Walter Batchelor, sec- ond vice-president ; Jane Broder, third vice president ; Olga Lee, secretary ; Eve Gincher, treasurer. 'Male AnimaV Has Columbus Opening Columbus, O., March 12. — "The Male Animal," Warner Bros, film, was given its premiere at the Palace Theatre here tonight. Leading figures in attendance were Gov. John W. Bricker of Michigan and Mayor Floyd Green of Columbus. The local Variety Club and the Ohio State Uni- versity faculty and student body con- tributed to the festivities. The first showing of the film was preceded by a stage show in which the college band, cheer leaders and glee club participated. A student rally this afternoon honored James Thur- ber, co-author of the stage play from which the film was made, who is an Ohio State alumnus. A dinner before the showing was given at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel for guests and the press, with Harry Schreiber, city manager for RKO Theatres, as host. A buffet supper and party followed the showing. KAO Stockholders To Meet on April 8 The annual meeting of Keith-Al- bee-Orpheum stockholders will be held at the home office April 8 to elect directors. D. K. David and John J. McCaf- rey have resigned from the board fol- lowing consummation of the purchase by RKO of the M. J. Meehan pre- ferred stock holdings in K-A-O. The vacancies have not been filled and there is a possibility that the board may be continued as now constituted. The present directors are: George J. Schaefer, N. Peter Rathvd"n, Malcolm Kingsberg, Monroe Goldwater and L. P. Yandell. However, if the vacancies are filled, it is believed that RKO will name the two new directors, giving effect to its new holdings of K-A-O' preferred. Farewell Luncheon Given for Muchnic George Muchnic, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer of RKO Ra- dio Pictures, who resigned this week to accept a captaincy in the Army Signal Corps, was tendered a farewell luncheon by co-workers at Toots Shor's yesterday. Ned E. Depinet was toastmaster and among those on the dais were : Malcolm Kingsberg, N. Peter Rath- von, Richard C. Patterson, Leon Goldberg, Garret Van Wagner, Rob- ert Mochrie, Robert Wolff and J. Miller Walker. Newsreel Parade 'T'HE results of the U-Boat attach -*' on several merchant ships, chiefly tankers, and the testing of a new giant transport plane on the West Coast, are the chief news events uniformly covered in the weekend issues of the\ newsreels. The contents : side, MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 54— Presid says all of America is on the war front More United States troops arrive in Ice- land. Half a ship reaches Newport News Va., after submarine attack. Survivors o I sunken Brazilian ship. Torpedoed tankei ! sinks off New Jersey. Giant Army trans port plane tested at Santa Monica, Cal j Sixty-four-year-old veteran enlists in Arm; again. Navy Relief Show in New York Ski-jumping at Brattleboro, Vt. Joe Loui: and Abe Simon train at Fort Dix, N. J\ Baseball teams in training. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. 252— U. S| troops on the alert at Forto Rico. Roose velt finds nation awake to its war duties Giant transport plane is tested in California U. S. seamen keep them sailing despiti sinkings; ships go down off New Jersey an< 1 Newport News. Hawaii prepares for eventuality. Navy Relief Show in Nev j York. Joe Louis prepares at Fort Dix fo" his coming bout with Abe Simon. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 57— World'; greatest transport plane is tested for tin Army in California. Navy high commanc changed, with Admiral King in top position Nazi spies found guilty in New York. U. S] outposts are on the alert in Iceland, Porti Rico and Hawaii. California resident pre I pares for air raids. Abe Simon and Jo. , Louis tune up for bout. West Point de feats Canadian military college at basket ball. Paramount News sports announcer i Bill Slater, enters Army. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 57 — Iceland] and Porto Rico are two American outpost , on the alert for trouble. Hawaii digs in) Fleet command goes to Admiral King U. S. Navy shakeup. Canada interne ] Japanese fishing fleet for duration. War time rubber is produced from the guayuL plant. California family defies air raids | Joe Louis works out at Camp Dix for forth coming bout with Abe Simon. Giant trans port plane tested for Army in California UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 66— Port.) Rico prepares with U. S. troops on th alert. Admiral King takes over commanc of the Navy in shakeup. More U. S. troop j arrive for defense of Iceland. Half shiil arrives in Newport News, Va., after sub J marine attack. Giant transport plam tested on Coast. Women in Cairo engag j in war work. Navy Relief show in Nev York. Trout season opens in Missouri Joe Louis and Abe Simon tune up for bout IC4A track meet in New York. Circuit Man in Army Chicago, March 12. — Stanley Butte booker and film buyer for the Schoen stadt & Sons Circuit here, has joine( the Army. His place has been takei by Joseph Abramson. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday an; holidays by Quigley Publishing Compan; Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cente New York City. Telephone Circle 7-310 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Ma' tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publishei Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Generi Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Via President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred I Finestone, Managing Editor; James A Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureai 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neil Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unio Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editoi London Bureau: 4 Golden Square, Londo Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addre; "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy righted 1942 by Quig.ey Publishing Com pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications: Mc tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Intet national Motion Picture Almanac and Farm Entered as second class matter, Sept. 2 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscril at trie o»y , «l«ritv »01 Jimmy uorsey * , i ^Uoxa/ was Bombs! _of the show " down the Motion, who b'o09"rr_v Taoght house with U^^ZaJL Me Dancing '« a hH tunes', numbers among these friJay, March 13, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 Short Subject Reviews Under the Shedding Chestnut Tree' fable Cartoon) Kohtmbia) '■ In a black and white cartoon sub- i " Petey Pelican runs a blacksmith j Y>. Petey is annoyed by the chest- which constantly drop from the (ree. He decides to dynamite the tree, |ut in the mixup, his shop goes up in moke while the tree remains stand- pg. Amusing. Running time, 9 mins. Release, Feb. 2. 'The Great American Divide" Columbia Tour) Columbia ) Andre de La Yarre here provides a wiir of several of our national parks, -kginning with the Petrified Forest, tie camera travels to the Grand Teton Aational Park, the Rocky Mountain (National Park and Yellowstone. There are striking shots of the can- tons and "Old Faithful," the Yellow- notte geyser. It should command at- ention. Running time, 11 mins. Re- .ease, Feb. 12. 'The Merry Madcaps" Xame Band Musical) [Universal ) Nat Brandwynne and his orchestra jffer a collection of popular melodies n the modern fashion, with the evi- Icnce on swing. For those of the au- llience who like their musical enter- tainment with zip, this should be :kasing. Grace Costello, tap-dancer ; the Swinghearts, girl trio ; the Three Aces, adagio trio, and Jerrie Kruger, /ocalist, offer specialties competently. Running time, 16 mins. Release not bet. 'Pussycat Cafe" Stranger Than Fiction) (Universal) This number of the generally inter- esting series entertains. A wide range A items includes the feeding of cats di- "ectly from cow to cat, a remarkable .lock which depicts a Biblical story with moving figures, the pitcher who las built a fence of bats used by fa- nous ball players, a unique collec- tion of World War relics, and an uuazingly large collection of match Boxes collected by a Missouri fireman. Running time, 9 mins. Release, April 20. 'Captains' at $11,500 Indianapolis' Best Indianapolis, March 12. — "Cap- tains of the Clouds" and "Swing It, Soldier" took $11,500 at the Indiana. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 4-5 : "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) "Torpedo Boat" (Para.) CIRCLE — (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $6,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) "Swing It, Soldier" (Univ.) INDIANA— (3,200) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days. , Gross: $11,500. (Average, $7,000) Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Hayfoot" (U. A.) LOEWS— (2,800) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 2nd (week. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $8,000) Ride 'Em, Cowboy" (Univ.) "Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) LYRIC— (2,000) (28c-33c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,800. (Average, $4,500) Review "A Gentleman After Dark (Eduvrd Small-United Artists) Hp HE many and varied dramatic elements of the Richard Washburn Child crime story, "A Whiff of Heliotrope," are exploited to the full in this Edward Small production. Customers who like a dash of sentiment with their underworld action will find it tailored to their measure and others will find it an absorbing and finely performed motion picture. Brian Donlevy's performance as "Heliotrope Harry" is outstanding. It overshadows the too melodramatic incidents, where they occur, and bridges interludes in the story which might otherwise have impaired narrative continuity. As the gentleman crook who resolves to reform for love of his new-born daughter after a final job, he establishes a sympathy for the character early in the picture which never flags. He is double-crossed on the final job by Mirian Hopkins, as his faith- less wife who is unwilling to forsake crime, and her lover, Philip Reed. Outwitting the police, he kills Reed, places his daughter in the care of his boyhood friend, Preston Foster, a detective, and surrenders himself for life imprisonment for the murder. In later years when the daughter, played by Sharon Douglas, has been legally adopted by Foster and is about to be married to Bill Henry, the mother reappears and attempts to blackmail Foster with the threat of exposing the girl's background. Donlevy escapes from prison and in a series of swift-moving incidents, which contribute to an engrossing finish, he drives the mother to her destruction. Foster's performance is flawless and the work of those in lesser roles is noteworthy, particularly Harold Huber, as a life-long friend of Helio- trope Harry ; Douglas Dumbrille as an unscrupulous attorney, and Reed as the double-crossing partner in crime. Miss Hopkins' performance lacks conviction at the outset, but rises to the emotional opportunities of the closing sequences. Edwin L. Marin directed from the screenplay by Patterson McNutt and George Bruce. Running time, 74 minutes. "A."* Sherwin A. Kane * "A" denotes adult classification. 'Klondike' and Show $11,200, Milwaukee Milwaukee, March 12. — "North to the Klondike" and Les Brown's orchestra snared $11,200 at the River- side. "Roxie Hart" and "On the Sunny Side" were good for §10,000 at Fox's Wisconsin. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 5 : "New York Town" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) PALACE— (2,400) (44c-60c) 7 days. Gross- $4,000. (Average, $4,000) "North to the Klondike" (Univ.) RIVERSIDE — (2,700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Les Brown's orchestra. Gross: $1 1,200. (Average, $6,500) "Nothing But the Truth" (Para.) "The Men in Her Life" (Col.) STRAND— (1,400) (44c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $1,500. (Average, $1,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) "Niagara Falls" (U. A.) WARNER— (2,400) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $9,600. (Average, $4,500) "Roxie Hart" (20th- Fox) "On the Sunny Side" (20th-Fox) WISCONSIN— (3,200) (44c-60c) 9 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $5,500) Aids Child Stamp Sale Egg Harbor, N. J., March 12. — Sam Frank, operator of the Colonial, and Joseph Privitera, manager, through a tieup with the local school, presented a special show at which each child had to show a 10-cent defense stamp, and was given a booklet to put it in. These stamps were bought at the school for 11 cents, the show costing the youngsters only one cent. Time Net $3,748,908 Time, Inc., of which March of Time is a subsidiary, has reported net profit for 1941 of $3,748,908, compared to net profit of $3,494,590 for 1940. 'Uncle' with Show $15,200 in Buffalo Buffalo, March 12. — "Unexpected Uncle," aided by a stage show led with $15,200 at the Twentieth Century. "Sullivan's Travels" at the Great Lakes drew $10,000. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 7 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Young America" (20th- Fox) BUFFALO— (3,489) (35c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,800. (Average, $12,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) GREAT LAKES— (3,000) (35c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $7,500) "Gone with the Wind" (M-G-M) HIPPODROME— (2,100) (40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $6,900. (Average, $6,800) "Unexpected Uncle" (RKO) TWENTIETH CENTURY— (3,000) (30c- 35c -55c) 7 days. Eddie Duchin and his or- chestra on stage, with Lew Sherwood, June Robbins, Tommy Wonder and Betty, Tony Leonard, Bob Neller and Jean, Jack & Judy. Gross: $15,200. (Average, $7,500) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) "Badlands of Dakota" (Univ.) LAFAYETTE— (3,000) (35c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,300. (Average, $6,300) "Let 'Em Have It" (U. A.) "I Cover the Waterfront" (U. A.) MERCURY— (299) (25c-35c) 7 days. Gross: $2,000. (Average, $1,000) Coto President of Cuban Film Board Francisco Alvarez Coto, manager of Zenith Films, Havana, has been elected president of the Cuban Film Board of Trade, according to word re- ceived here. Other officers are: Ignacio Blanco, vice-president ; Octavio Gomez Castro, secretary ; Nestor Sanchez, treasurer ; Dr. Manuel Pellon, general counsel, and Justo Suarez and Eladio Novo, representative. Short Subject Reviews "Thrills of the Deep" (Variety Views) ( Universal) Sail fishing offers plenty of action and excitement for the fisherman, and should provide a vicarious thrill for the film audience, especially the fish- ermen among them. The harpooning of a giant ray offers an extra meas- sure of exhilaration to the sporting venture, which is smartly photo- graphed, and graphically narrated by Graham McNamee. Running time, 9 mins. Release, March 30. "Cactus Makes PerfecF (Three Stooges) (Columbia) With their customary robust hu- mor, the Three Stooges turn gold prospectors. Aided by a mechanical device which shoots an arrow to the nearest gold deposit, they set out to di scover a "lost" mine which they have purchased. After some misad- ventures Curly tumbles down the shaft of the mine, where he finds the gold tumbling out of a "jackpot" slot. Their troubles don't end there because some prospectors attempt to take the gold away from them. Running time, 17 mins. Release, Feb. 26. "Screen Snapshots, No. 7" (Columbia) Charlie McCarthy is the star of this reel and the fans should like seeing the little fellow. He is up for court martial before Major Lynn S. Chapman, of the West Coast Air Corps Training Center, on charges of having joined two branches of the armed services. Lt. James Stewart conducts the un- successful defense. In the opening se- quence, Janet Blair sings "Nothing Can Stop the Army now." Should please. Running time, 10 mins. Re- lease, March 6. "Wacky Wigwams" (Color Rhapsody) (Columbia) This color carton is a takeoff on some of the travelogues about Indians. There are some clever gags and good animation. Fun is made of Indian rug weaving, pottery making, medi- cine men and the like. Running time, 8 mins. Release, March 22. "Tune Time" (Name Band Musical ) (Universal) Music of the popular variety is pre- sented with backgrounds appropriate to the various numbers and vocaliza- tions which for the most part are good, in this number, featuring Jan Garber and his orchestra. Two of the hit melodies of the day, "The White Cliffs of Dover" and "Elm- er's Tune," are rendered effectively. This should prove entertaining. Run- ning time, 15 mins. Release, March 18. New York Fund Short The Greater New York Fund has completed a short subject, "Where Victory Begins," for its 1942 cam- paign. It will be given to theatres without charge. Edward Arnold is featured. 6 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 13, 194 U.S. Expects to Call About 100 Schine Trial Witnesses Missouri Unit, Ohio ITO Back New Sales Plan (Continued from page 1) maintain their theatres in "a modern manner." Wehrenberg advocated that this clause should read "a reasonably modern manner." Wehrenberg disclosed that 90 ex- hibitors in this area approved a reso- lution condemning these two clauses. "We'd rather go back to the selling method in force before the consent de- cree anyway," he declared. N. E. Allied Favors Five-Block, Cancellations Boston, March 12. — Continuation of blocks-of-five selling and trade shows— but with a cancellation privi- lege of one picture to a block — is advocated by the Independent Ex- hibitors of New England, Allied States affiliate, in counter proposals _ for a new selling method made public here today. The organization previously had re- jected the Umpi proposal in its en- tirety. The counter proposals call for sales of completed pictures in blocks of five after trade showing and the offering of an addition block of uncompleted pictures which, together with the first five, shall not exceed 25 per cent of the distributor's season's output, the latter group of pictures to be "rea- sonably identified." The exhibitor would have the option of contracting for either or both of the blocks but the sale of one must not be contingent upon sale of the other. Would Cancel One in Five Exhibitors would have a one pic- ture cancellation privilege in each block, regardless of film rental paid, it was urged,, and provision would be made to prevent penalizing exhibitors for exercising their cancellation privi- lege. "At the time of the execution of a contract for any block the price or terms of each indivi- dual picture in that block shall be definitely specified and no change or reallocation shall be permitted without the written consent of both parties," it was advocated. The New England organization characterized the Umpi plan as "a distinctly retrogressive step in the matter of industry relations." It con- demns the proposed cancellation privi- lege of the Umpi plan as "without merit" because it excludes "exhibitors paying over $200 average film rental, who provide from 75 to 85 per cent of total film rentals" and gives in- adequate cancellation to those paying less than $200. It was also charged that under the Umpi plan distributors could dispose of all inferior pictures by placing them in the non-cancellable five-block group, while filling out the remaining block of uncompleted pictures to which the cancellation privilege applies with pic- tures which most exhibitors would not cancel. The organization also opposed the continuation under the Umpi plan of the distributor's right to reallocate (Continued from page 1) attractive than that offered by the Schine theatre in that locality, the dis- tributor licenses its product to the Schine theatre instead of the local operator in order to prevent the exclu- sion of its films from the numerous localities where the Schine theatres have no opposition." The answers were filed pur- suant to an order of the court of Feb. 27. One of them claims the Government is not now ac- curately advised of the exact number of "first class" pictures released by the eight principal distributors during the past 10 years. On the basis of present knowledge, however, the Gov- ernment estimates them as fol- lows: Paramount, 15 to 30; Loews, 25 to 40; RKO, 5 to 15; Vitagraph, 20 to 35; Universal, 5 to 10; 20th Century-Fox, 20 to 35; United Artists, 5 to 20, and Columbia, 5 to 10. It was also charged that rejection privileges accorded to Schine have been greater than those accorded other Service Men Prefer Films, Stage Shows Chicago, March 12. — When the boys in the armed forces go amuse- ment hunting in Chicago's Loop they prefer stage shows with their films first and double features and action pictures secondly, according to figures released by Balaban & Katz. Of a total of 4,320 passes issued last month through the Amusement and Recreational Division of the Chicago Commission on National Defense, 1,134 were used at the Chicago, which has stage shows and pictures, and 796 were turned in at the Roosevelt, where a double feature action policy prevails. USO Camp Shows, Inc., will open a Chicago office in the Woods The- atre Building shortly. A committee will be formed under Hal Halperin. New Product Booms Broadway Business (Continued from page 1 ) "Bedtime Story" will open at the Music Hall next Thursday. The Strand grossed an estimated $25,000 for the fourth week of "Cap- tains of the Clouds" with Blue Bar- ron's band heading the stage show. "Always in My Heart" opens at the Strand today. The fourth week of "Our Russian Front," double-billed with "Mr. Wise Guy," at the Rialto, grossed an estimated $5,000 and was followed Wednesday by "North to the Klondike." prices and terms after a contract is signed and to sell certain pictures on an individual basis. It also alleged that the Umpi plan would result in lowering the quality of the average picture and would discourage exhibi- tors from supporting their trade or- ganizations. New England's counter plan will be urged upon the Allied States board of directors at the March 24 meeting in New York. exhibitors and that Schine has been given a longer period of time in which to exercise them than have inde- pendent exhibitors. Listed are names and locations of theatres which allegedly have been re- fused second or subsequent runs in opposition to a Schine theatre and theatres which the Government be- lieves have licensed films greatly in excess of their reasonable exhibition requirements. The Government defined the term "desirable product" as used in the complaint and listed theatres operated by Schine which it believes cut ad- mission prices, but declared it was unable to state the names of Schine houses which resorted to "unusual and costly games and giveaways" as al- leged in part of the complaint. Also listed are Schine nouses which allegedly have been granted unreason- able clearance and towns in which it is claimed Schine has restrained and monopolized the exhibition of motion pictures, and also some theatres that charge they were unable to obtain product because of the alleged monopoly. Clearance Complaint Is Dismissed Here A clearance complaint was with- drawn at the New York arbitration board yesterday following a settle- ment, while another was dismissed at the Boston board after hearings. The case withdrawn here was that of the Loren Theatre Co., operator of the New Paltz, New Paltz, N. Y., against Loew's, the Broadway Thea- tre, Kingston, and Loew's Bradwin, Poughkeepsie. In Boston the complaint of E. M. Loew's Strand, Boston, against 'Para- mount, RKO, 20th Century-Fox and Warners and the Baylies and Rialto theatres, Boston, was dismissed by Harry R. Tosdal, arbitrator. Tosdal held that the clearance complained of by the Strand is not unreasonable. British Trade RAF Drive Easter Week London, March 12. — The Kinemat- ograph Renters Society will produce 500 trailers for use in the nationwide drive which the British film industry will launch Easter Week on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund. The Cinematograph Exhibitors As- sociation has undertaken to show the trailers and to make lobby collections in theatres for the fund, which aids the families of fliers killed in the war. Employs Girl Ushers Miami, March 12.— C. E. Potter, manager of the Mayfair Theatre of the Womentco circuit here has added girl ushers. It is the first theatre in this area to make the change, due to the number of men drafted for the service. Defense Worker Shows Rochester, March 12. — Midnight shows for the city's defense workers have been started at the RKO Palace here. The complete program for the show, which will be repeated every Saturday night, starts at 12 midnight. Studios to Aic One Another Ir Event of Blifa (Continued from page 1 ) necks in various branches of am; manufacture. A checkup of studi tool equipment, machinery and jjfl chanical devices also is being mU Resourcefulness of studio techniciai in fabricating a wide variety of intr cate mechanisms for screen purpost prompted the WPB to send the repn. sentatives to investigate the possibilit that this technological versatility ca be turned to national advantage in til war effort. It is reliably reported the investig; tors are favorably impressed and wi recommend that the WPB invite ouf standing cinema technicians to unden take a solution of mechanical prol| lems slowing war production. Tl I WPB men will remain here sever days completing their mission. Schaefer Heading Drive for Yeshiv, (Continued from page 1) Barney Balaban, Paramount presl dent; Nate J. Blumberg, Universj president ; Jack Cohn, Columbia vio president ; Warner Brothers, Geor^i P. Skouras and others. "Today couii try after country is excluding JewiSj youth from all opportunities to find place for itself in the world," Schaef KEITH'S— (2,200) (35c-41c-46c-S7c-68c) 7 days, 2nd run. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $4,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W.B.) STANLEY— (2,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $14,000) ,i I "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) STANTON— (1,700) (35c-41c-46c-57c-68c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) 'Roxie Hart' Frisco Lead With $19,400 San Francisco, March 12 — "Roxie Hart" and "Castle in the Desert" hit $19,400 in the first week at the Fox, with "A Date With a Falcon," aided by Tommy Dorsey's band on stage, getting $18,500 at the Golden Gate. Estimated receipts for the week end- March 3-5 : "A Date With the Falcon" (RICO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (44c-49c-65c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville. Gross: $18,500. (Average, $15,000) "The Lady Is Willing" (Col.) "Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (2,440) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $8,000) "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,200) (20c-35c-40c- 55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,800. (Aver- age, $7,500) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) "Castle in the Desert" (20th-Fox) FOX — (5,000) (20c-35c-4Oc-55c) 7 days. Gross: $19,400. (Average, $16,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) ST. FRANCIS — (1,400) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. (Moved over from Fox.) Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,500) "Son of Fury" (Zflth-Fox) "The Perfect Snob" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (2,740) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average. $11,500) "Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) WARFIELD— (2,680) (20c-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $10,200. (Average, $12,000) "Forgotten Village" (Mayer-Burstyn) CLAY — (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $900. (Average, $1,000) Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, March 12 jV/T -G-M is considering making a series out of the characters used in 1V1 "The Kid Glove Killer," formerly known as "Along Came Mur der."_VAN Heflin will be the principal character, that of a scientific detective. . . . Sidney Buchman, Screen Writers Guild president, has been appointed to represent the Guild on the War Committee of the Au- thors League of America. . . . Ed- ward Arnold, Fred W. Beetson and Mark Sandrich have been named to the board of directors of the Los An- geles U. S. O. . . . The $10,000 do- nation from Major W. S. Van Dyke II to the Motion Picture Relief Fund will provide a four-unit cottage at the Woodland Hills Country House, now being erected. . . . Paramount has changed the title of "The Black Cur- tain" to "Street of Chance." • • "Lazybones" will be the next picture for Judy Canova at Re- public . . . Dean Franklin Reis- ner has been given a term writ- ing contract at Warners . . . Robert Preston will be starred in "Sky Over China" at Para- mount . . . William Keighley draws the directorial assign- ment on Warners' "The Widow Wouldn't Weep" which will star Jack Benny . . . Columbia pro- ducer Edward Kaufman has on his schedule "Smitty," "Defense Town," "Miss Grant Takes Richmond," and "Hell Bent for Mr. Jordan," the latter being a sequel to "Here Comes Mr. Jordan." • • Twentieth Century-Fox has pur- chased "Death from the Sanskrit," murder mystery by Lawrence G. Blochman. Ralph Dietrich will produce. . . Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are planning a non-profit corporation to handle the funds of their theatre tour during which they will contribute the money received to a bomber fund. . . . Joe Pasternak's first film at M-G-M will be "The House of Seven Tulips," which Frank Borzage will direct. Van Heflin, Ann Rutherford, Kathryn Grayson and Marsha Hunt will have the top roles. . . . William Lundigan will play opposite Donna Reed in "Apache Trail," based on the Ernest Haycox story, "Stage Sta- tion," at M-G-M. Columbia is incorporating footage of Pearl Harbor in "Submarine Raider, which stars John Howard and Mar- guerite Chapman. . . . John Gar field's next picture at Warners, to follow his current personal appearance tour, will be the re-make of "The Pat ent Leather Kid." . . . Samuel Gold wyn has received a print of all but final scenes of "The First of the Few, being made in England with Leslie Howard and David Niven starred and Howard directing. Charles Brackett has been given a new term contract as a writer at Paramount . . . Greg- ory Ratoff will use Four Black Aces, Harlem quartet, for a Harlem jam session in 20th Century-Fox's "Strictly Dyna- mite" . . . Liberty National is completing the script on its first special, "The White Goril- la," and Peter Lorre and Bela Lugosi are being sought for the top roles. H. H. Hoffman will produce. Jean Parker has been held for three more pictures by Pine-Thomas. . . . Victor Moore, Betty Hutton and Eddie Bracken have been set for Paramount's ."Thumbs Upr" musical. . . . Marta Eggerth will be featured with Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in "The Big Time," M-G-M. . . . Par- amount is seeking Helen Hayes for the top role in "Miss Appleby Gets Her Answer," story by Val Burton. . . . M-G-M has acquired "If Winter Comes," novel by A. S._ M. Hutchin- son. . . . Edward Cianelli has been set by Warners for "The Constant Nymph." . . . "The Big Shot" is the new title for "Escape from Crime," Warners. . . . Charles E. Ford, pro- ducer and former newsreel executive, has left for Brazil to aid in the pro- duction of Monogram's "Catch 'Em Alive," which Clyde Elliott is pro- ducing. 'Roxie Hart' $9,800 Kansas City's Best Kansas City, March 12. — "Roxie Hart" drew a total of $9,800 at the Esquire and Uptown, while "The Man Who Came to Dinner" scored $8,000 at the Newman. The weather was warm. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 5 : "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) ESOUIRE— (800) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,800. (Average, $2,400) "Mister V" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) MIDLAND— (3,600) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $8,500) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) NEWMAN— (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $7,000) "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) "All That Money Can Buy" (RKO) ORPHEUM — (1,900) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $5,000) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) TOWER— (2,200) (30c) 7 days. Stage show. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $6,000) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) UPTOWN— (2,000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $4,000) 'Valley' in Toronto Takes Good $12,000 Toronto, March 12. — "How Green Was My Valley" at the Imperial in the second week drew $12,000. Fourth week of "Captains of the Clouds" at Shea's was good for $11,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 7 : "Suspicion," (RKO) EGLINTON— (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) 6 days. Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) IMPERIAI — (3,373) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 2nd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average, $9,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEW'S — (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-78c) 6 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $9,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) SHEA'S — (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) 6 days, 4th week. Gross: $11,500. (Average, $9,000) "Playmates" (RKO') "The Corsican Brothers" (U. A.) TIVOLI — (1,434) (12c-18c-30c-48c) 6 days. Gross: $4,600. (Average, $3,900) "The Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) UPTOWN— (2,761) (18c -30c -42c -60c -90c) 6 days. Gross: $8,500. (Average, $9,000) 'Night,' Show Big $44,000, Chicago Best Chicago, March 12.— The Chicago Theatre, with "All Through the Night", Lou Breese's orchestra and the Andrews Sisters gathered $44,000. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 5 : "Bahama Passage" (Para.) (4th week in Loop) "Glamour Boy" (Para.) (Combination 5 days, 3rd week) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) (2 days) APOLLO— (1,400) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $S,000. (Average, $5,000) "All Through the Night" (W. B.) CHICAGO—(4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 days. Stage— Lou Breese orchestra. Gross: $44 - 000. (Average, $32,000) "Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) (3d week in Loop) "No Hands on the Clock" (Para.) GARRICK — (1,000) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $4,500. (Average, $5,0C0) "Honolulu Lu" (RKO) ORIENTAL — (3,200) (25c-30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Stage— Count Basie Band. Gross- $19,000. (Average, $16,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) PALACE— (2,500) (40c-SOc-68c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average, $13,000) ' A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) "Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) 5 days, 2nd week "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (Para.) 2 days ROOSEVELT-(1,500) (3$c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $ll,O0OV How Green Was My Valley" (2*th-Fox) 5 days, 7th week "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) 2 days. STATE-LAKE-(3,700) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $15,000. (Average, $14,000) H. M. Pulhain, Esquire" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS-(1,700) (35c-55c-65c- 75c) 7 days, .2nd. week, Gross-i $12,000. (Average, $14,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) WOODS— (1,200) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $7,100 'Cowboy' and Show Seattle Best Grosser Seattle, March 12. — "Cowboy Ser- enade" at the Palomar had the best comparative gross, with $6,200. The weather was clear and mild. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 6 : Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. arid Mrs. North" (M-G-M) BLUE MOUSE— (950) (30c -42c -58c -70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Moved from Fifth Avenue. Gross: $3,900. (Average, $4,000) "Design for Scandal" (M-G-M) 'Dr. Kildare's Victory" (M-G-M) FIFTH AVENUE— (2,500) (30c-42c-58c-70c) days. Gross: $6,800. (Average, $7,000) Hay Foot" (U. A.) A Close Call for Ellery Queen" (Col.) LIBERTY — (1,800) (30c -42c -58c -70c) 7 days. Gross: $4,850. (Average, $5,000) Ball of Fire" (RKO) MUSIC BOX— (950) (30c-42c-58c-70c) 7 days, 4th week. Moved from Fifth Avenue. Gross: $3,100. (Average, $4,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) Treat 'Em Rough" (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (2,450) (30c -42c -58c -70c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,950. (Average, $6,000) "Cowboy Serenade" (Rep.) "Man at Large" (2flth-Fox) PALOMAR — (1,500) (20c-30c-42c-58c) 7 days. Stage: Vaudeville. Gross-:-- $6,200. (Average, $5,000) "Son of Fury" (2flth-Fcx) "Blue, White and Perfect" (2flth-Fox) PARAMOUNT — (3,050) (30c-42c-58c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,400. (Average, $6,000) COME AND MEET THE SHOWMEN OF THE YEAR! Guest of Honor ADOLPH ZUKOR Toastmaster A. M. BOTSFORD Presentation of the Grand Awards by BARNEY BALABAN NED E. DEPINET Theatre Exploitation Exhibit Mezzanine I I to 3 RESERVATIONS ALREADY MADE BY THE FOLLOWING Paramount Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer 20th Century-Fox Warner Brothers Universal Columbia United Artists RKO-Radio Republic Monogram National Screen Service Loew's Theatres RKO Theatres Paramount Theatres Warner Theatres Slcouras Theatres Fabian Theatres Brandt Theatres National Theatres Interboro Theatres Randforce Theatres Lucas & Jenkins Theatres Rugoff & Becker Theatres Century Theatres Hecht Theatres Allied Theatre Owners of N. J. Altec Service — and they're still coming. MAKE YOURS NOW! at AM PA'S "Theatre Showmanship Show" Featuring Presentation of the 1941 QUICLEY GRAND AWARDS to ARNOLD STOLTZ Warner's Avon Theatre, Utica, New York FRANK BICKERSTAFF Paramount's Lucas & Jenkins Palace Theatre, Athens, Georgia THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BALLYHOO It's a salute to the exhibitors who help put showmanship into show business. Join your friends and make new ones! It's TUESDAY MARCH 17, 1942 (instead of customary Thursday) GRAND BALLROOM • HOTEL EDISON West 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue Make Your Reservations: Blanche Livingston, Sec'y David O'Malley, Treasurer RKO Theatres, CO 5-6500 Columbia Pictures, BR 9-7900 GUEST TICKETS $1.25 10 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 13, 19421 Off the Antenna A COMMITTEE of film directors will present a testimonial to Cecil B. DeMille on the occasion of his 30th anniversary as motion picture director and producer during the "Lux Radio Theatre" broadcast over CBS Monday night at 9. • • • Purely Personal: Jules Dundee, W ABC sales promotion manager, is the father of a girl. . . . Alvin Josephy, W OR assistant director of special events, will leave tomorrow to join the Office of Facts & Figures. . . . James S. Tyler, formerly with the Bureau of Advertising and CBS, will join Mutual Monday as assistant director of advertising and promotion, . . . Alan Hale will aid Red Barber on the WHN baseball broadcasts. . . . Bill Stern, NBC sports director, arrived in Hollywood yesterday for his role in the Samuel Goldwyn film on Lou Gehrig's life, "The Pride of the Yankees." . . . Jack Swift has joined KDKA as newscaster and editor. • • • Racing results broadcast over WHN will be discontinued after today to make way for the play-by-play descriptions of the Dodgers baseball games. • • • Starting March 23, afternoon programs on the Blue will stress news, Charles Barry, Eastern program manager, said yesterday. The reshuffling of afternoon programs was made possible by the shift of four daytime serials from 3-4 P. M. to 11 A.M. -noon. In addition to Baukhage's commentaries, started Feb. 2, there will be a 15-minute newscast at 2:30 P. M., and a five- minute summary with a 10-minute feature story by George Hicks will be aired 3 :30-3 :45 daily. • • © Program News: Studcbaker Corp. is sponsoring Eric Sevareid's news pro- gram over WABC and WJSV, Washington. Sevareid is now heard four times weekly. . . . Effective Tuesday, General Mills is shifting the "Gold Medal Hour" heard Monday through Friday on NBC. "Light of the World," for Kix, will be aired 2-2:15; "Arnold Grimm's Daughter," for Kitchen Tested Flour, 2:15-2:30; "Guiding Light," Wheatics. 2:30-2:45, and "Hymns of All Churches," Monday through Thursday, and "Betty Crocker," Friday, 2:45-3. Products for the latter shows have not been selected. . . . Bell Telephone has renewed "The Telephone Hour" over 85 NBC stations for another year, effective April 27. It will switch its time to Mondays, at 9 P. M., starting April 6. Morris Plan Industrial Bank has renewed "Nezvsreel Theatre of the Air" over WHN for an additional 13 weeks. The program is heard from 11 P. M. to midnight seven days weekly. . . . J. B. Williams Co. has renewed "True or False" over 68 Blue stations, effective April 6. . . . "The Shadozv" and "Adventures of Bulldog Drummond" will fade from Mutual March 22. • • • Television in Philadelphia will be the subject of discussion at the meet- ing of the American Television Society at the Hotel Woodstock next Friday night. F. J. Bingley of Philco Radio & Television Corp. will be the principal speaker. • • • WSJS, NBC outlet in Winston-Salem, N. C, expects to start operations on 5,000 watts by June 1, the network has been advised. At present, the sta- tion has 250 watts power. • • • Six new studios, including one three stories high built specially for am organ, will be formally dedicated by the Yankee Nehvork in Boston next Friday. • • • WSB, Atlanta, the first station in the South, will observe its 20th anni- versary Sunday. This spot announcement will be aired throughout the day: "WSB today begins its 21st year of broadcasting in the public interest." Seats-for-Doormen Measure Hits City Albany, March 12.— In the wake of the killing in com- mittee of the Moran measure to provide a seat for doormen in all theatres in New York State, a new bill was intro- duced today along that line but confined to New York City. It would supplement and amend the present labor law. Today's measure was co- sponsored by Assemblyman Edgar F. Moran and Senator Peter T. Farrell. To Weigh Hearing On Broadcast Bill Washington, March 12. — The House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce will meet next Tuesday to consider whether to hold hearings on the Sanders bill revising the procedure of the Federal Commu- nications Commission and other meas- ures having to do with the regulation of broadcasting. Proposes Two Divisions The Sanders bill would set up two divisions in the FCC, one dealing with private and the other with public com- munications, the latter including broadcasting, and would establish the manner in which the commission would handle various types of appli- cations. The measure also would have the commission study and report to Con- gress whether legislation should be en- acted regulating contractual and other relations between networks and sta- tions, whether networks should be licensed and whether membership in networks should be limited. Move on FCC Inquiry The House Rules Committee also turned its attention to radio today. Opening hearings on a rule sought by Representative Cox for quick action on his resolution for an investigation of the organization, personnel and ac- tivities of the FCC. Representative Wigglesworth, long a foe of the Commission, told the com- mittee that criticism of the FCC is mounting, leading to doubt whether it is attaining any of the objectives of the Communications Act. FCC Chair- man Fly declared that Congressional attacks on his agency are unwarrant- ed. Tomorrow the committee may reach a decision whether the House should be asked to approve the in- vestigation. Musicians Get Raise At Station in Phila. Philadelphia, March 12. — Negoti- ations for a new music contract with KYW, which found the station and the musicians union deadlocked for two months, were finally settled with the studio musicians conceded a $5 weekly increase in pay. There was no walkout at the sta- tion when the contract expired early in January, the union permitting the musicians to remain pending settle- ment of wage difference. During the impasse, KYW canceled most of the musical shows it originated for the NBC network to avoid a national issue. FCC Grants Power Rise for 2 Stations Washington, March 12. — The FCC has authorized Stations WAAB and WNAC, Boston members of the Yan- kee Network, to increase their power to 5,000 watts. The commission's action was based on findings that the former has on hand all the necessary materials and the changes of the latter will involve no use of new critical materials. At the same time, however, the FCC ordered hearings on a number of ap- plications for new stations and im- proved facilities to determine whether they will meet the test of its recently- announced regulations barring the use of strategic materials for develop- ments which will not provide primary service for areas not now receiving such coverage. Separate Crosley Studios and Plant Cincinnati, March 12. — The stu- dios and manufacturing activities of the Crosley Corp., housed in the same building at suburban Camp Washing- ton, will be separated, it was an- nounced by James D. Shouse, vice- president in change of broadcasting. An offer, said to involve more than $200,000, has been submitted for the Elks Temple in the downtown sector to be used as studios, and is under con- sideration by the Elks lodge. "The manufacturing division re- quires all available space, and rather than divide the work on Government contracts, we propose to move the stu- dios," Shouse said. Slesinger Due from Coast Stephen Slesinger is due here to- day from the Coast with an audition recording of Guy Kibbee as "Major Hoople," comic strip character. Showmanship Flashes . . . Columbia Arranges 'Cover Girl' Tieup Columbia has arranged a tieup on the Rita Hayworth film, "Cover Girl," involving 15 leading magazines and a like number of models. Each of the magazines is conducting a poll to sa~- lect its "cover girl," who will app£ in the picture. Large blowups of fflSl publications will be a feature of the film. The girls selected will be given Columbia contracts. Chorus Girl 'Pickets' In 'Ball of Fire' Stunt Akron, O., March 12.— A picket stunt was staged by Sid Holland, manager of the Palace Theatre here, for the engagement of "Ball of Fire." Chorus girls "picketed" the theatre, with signs declaring that Barbara Stanwyck of the film was unfair to burlesque artists. Distribute 'Diplomas' to Boost Kyser Picture Syracuse, N. Y '., March 12. — In pro- motion on the film "Playmates," star- ring Kay Kyser, Richard Feldman, manager, distributed 5,000 "diplomas" as a throwaway stunt. They were handed out by a feminine usher dressed in conventional student cap and gown, in the theatre lobby and about the campus of Syracuse Uni- versity. 'Kings Row' Stunt Aids Victory Book Campaign Boston, March 12. — During the showing of "Kings Row" at the Met- ropolitan Theatre, all persons dona- ting a copy of John Bellaman's book, "Kings Row," to the Victory Book Campaign were admitted free. Pre- sentation of the books was made at the box-office and all books so collected were turned over to the Victory Book Campaign. RKO Issues Manual On Shorts Exploitation RKO's publicity and advertising department, headed by S. Barret McCormick, has issued a manual of short subject exploitation. The manual contains publicity material, practical exploitation suggestions, and institutional copy devoted to the promotion of the short subject generally. Marine Recruiting Tieup Used on 'Call Out Marines' Omaha, March 12. — William Singer, manager of the Brandeis Theatre here, i tied in with the local Marine Corps recruiting office as the highlight of) his campaign on "Call Out the Ma-i]- rines." Printed heralds were attached^ to Marine advertising boards in front of the Post Office. All Marines in uni- form were invited to attend the open- ] ing night's performance. Drawing Contest via Radio 'Dumbo' Stunt Philadelphia, March 12. — George Balkin, manager of the Aldine Thea- tre here, tied in with Station WIP here on a children's program, for a drawing contest in connection with the run of "Dumbo" at the theatre. Tick- ets went to youngsters whose draw- ings most nearly approximated the de- scriptions of the characters as heard on the program. Alerj, tion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY SI NO. 51 NEW YORK. U.S.A.. MONDAY. MARCH 16. 1942 TEN CENTS Fly to Appear At Hearing on FCC Inquiry House Committee Session Opens Tomorrow Washington, March 15. — James Juiwrence Fly, chairman of the Federal Communications Commis- >ion, and members of Congress in- terested in the proposed investiga- tion of the FCC, will be heard as witnesses by the House Rules Com- mittee on Tuesday on the Cox reso- lution to authorize the inquiry. The committee held a hearing Thursday at which Representative Wigglesworth urged that the House he given an opportunity to vote on whether or not the investigation >hould be held. A further hearing :-cheduled for Friday, however, was postponed until Tuesday. At Thurs- day's hearing, Fly defended the Com- mission and the FCC hearings on (Continued on page 8) UA Opens Meeting In Chicago Today Chicago, March 15. — United Art- ists' first general sales meeting under its new distribution regime headed by < Iradwell L. Sears, vice-president, and Carl Leserman, general sales man- ager, will get under way at the Black- -tone Hotel here tomorrow and con- tinue through Wednesday. Sears arrived from the Coast by train today after a check-up with company producers on releases for the coming months and their plans for the new season, which will be relayed to (Continued on page 8) Ampa DeMille Lunch To Be Held March 26 The luncheon planned by the Ampa to honor Cecil B. DeMille on his 30th anniversary in the industry has l>een advanced from April 2 to March 26, Vincent Trotta. president of the Ampa, announced. The luncheon will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel during De- Mille's visit here for the Eastern pre- miere of "Reap the Wild Wind," Par- amount's 30th anniversary picture, at the Radio City Music Hall on March 26. DeMille is scheduled to leave the Coast for New York following *he premiere of his film at the new Hollywood Paramount Theatre on March 19. arriving here March 22. N.Y. Exhibitor Meet Called to Increase Defense Films Use Exhibitors in the Xew York ex- change territory have been asked by an exhibitor-distributor committee to meet with distribution officials at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor on Thursday to discuss methods for achieving better cooperation with the Government in the showing of de- fense reels. The meeting is under the auspices of the industry's War Activities Com- mittee. About 200 persons are ex- pected. Arrangements for the meeting fol- lowed recent checkups by the War Activities Committee which revealed that, while most Xew York metropol- itan theatres have signed up to co- operate in the showing of the defense films, many neglect to do so at all performances and others do so only (Continued on page 5) Consider Contest on Jap Money Overdue New delay in the payment to major distributors of the final half of the special Japanese revenue fund segre- gated by the San Francisco branch of the Yokohama Specie Bank ap- peared likelv at the weekend. Pav- ment of $240,000 is past due. Reports reaching some home of- fice foreign departments were that the Yokohama Specie Bank, Xew York, lias entered a preferred claim on the San Francisco bank's assets which would result in tying up the funds earmarked for the distributors. Cnder an agreement made in 1938 Japan set aside a $480,000 fund in the (Continued on page 8) British Exhibitors See Higher Taxes London. March 15. — British exhibition circles anticipate that higher theatre taxes will be sought in the new budget, expected in the middle of April. This fear is believed to have led to the decision of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association to suspend fur- ther action on admission in- creases until the budget is an- nounced. Meanwhile, the cir- cuits, which had indicated they are ready with plans to raise prices, will retain them at present levels for the time being. J. J. O'Connor Heads Catholic Fund Drive John J. O'Connor, Universal vice- president, has been named chairman of the Motion Picture Committee for the 1942 Catho- 1 i c Charities Drive in Great- er Xew York. The til m group will co- operate with the A r c h b ishop's Committee o f the Laity, of w li i c h former Governor A 1 - fred F. Smith is chairman, Post- master General Frank C. Walk- er is treasurer, and George J. Schaefer. RKO president, is assistant treasurer. Arch- bishop Francis J. Spellman inaugu- (Continued on page 6) John O'Connor Army Plans Informative Documentaries for Troops Technicolor Earned $942,912 for Year Xet profit of $942,912 after all charges and provision of $560,937 for Federal income taxes was reported by Technicolor, Inc.. and its subsidiary. Technicolor Motion Picture Corp., for 1941. This compares with net profit of S882.125 for 1940. The company's report shows cur- rent assets as of Dec. 31, 1940. of $4,- 351.440 and current liabilities of $891.- 275. The cash balance was $3,402,777 (Continued on page 8) Washington, March 15. — Plans for the production of a series of "'orientation films," to be made by the Army under the direction of Major Frank Capra of the Signal Corps during the next 12 months, were disclosed today by the War Department. The pictures will be for Army use only, and are designed to supplement informative pictures which are now given troops. They will be "news and documentary films to inform our (Continued on page 8) Umpi Plan Is Opposed by MPTO Units 'Strong Objection' Cited By Kuykendall Columbus, Miss., March 15. — Strong opposition to the proposed sales plan of the United Motion Picture Industry has developed among regional units associated with the MPTOA, Ed Kuykendall, president of the national organiza- tion and a member of the Umpi trade practice committee which de- veloped the plan, disclosed today. Kuykendall declined to enumerate the MPTOA units which have ac- Seven regional exhibitor or- ganizations have given qualified approval to the Umpi plan, seven have rejected it and two have voted unqualified approval, ac- cording to an unofficial checkup at the weekend. cepted or rejected the Umpi plan on the grounds that he did not feel it was 'good policy" to do so in view of the (Continued on page 6) Schine Competitors To Testify for U.S. Buffalo, March 15. — The Depart- ment of Justice presumably will de- pend almost entirely on operators competing with Schine theatres in local situations for its exhibitor wit- nesses in the anti-trust suit scheduled to start in Federal court here on April 28, it was revealed with the filing of Government answers to defense inter- rogatories late last week. The list of witnesses furnished by the Government is comprised of about (Continued on page 6) Jersey House Files Clearance Complaint The Xew York arbitration board's 34th complaint was filed on Friday by the Majestic Theatre, Paterson, X. J., against the five consenting compa- nies. Filed under the clearance sec- tion of the decree, it asks that the Majestic be permitted to play day and date with Brandt's State, Paterson. A similar complaint was filed last April by Louis Martin, operator of the Majestic, but was withdrawn sev- eral months later. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 16, 1942 Coast Flashes Personal Mention Hollywood, March 15 JOCK LAWRENCE has resigned as assistant to Y. Frank Freeman, president of the Association of Mo- tion Picture Producers, "to devote himself to war work in Washington," it was announced. The exact nature of his new duties were not disclosed, but he will have a Government post. He will also resign as secretary of the Hollywood Victory Committee and the War Activities Committee here. • Sol C. Siegel, Paramount producer, will soon become a member of the B. G. De Sylva unit, the studio an- nounced. Siegel's present duties as supervisor of lower budgeted pictures will be taken over by Walter Mac- Ewen, who joined Paramount last week after leaving Warners: • Paramount has signed Bruce Cabot to a contract. His first assignment will be in "Red Harvest." • Walter Lang has been given a new director contract at 20th Century-Fox. He will direct "The Meanest Man in the World," Jack Benny vehicle. 3 Far Eastern Men Are Reported Safe Three Far East representatives of major companies have been reported safe in Japanese-occupied territory, their home offices learned from official sources over the weekend. James Perkins, Paramount Far Eastern manager, is reported in Man- ila. Robert Perkins, his son, who is Far East representative of Universal newsreel, is reported in Shanghai. B. W. Palmeretz, Universal manager at Shanghai, is reported in Hong Kong. Sileo Has 20 Entries In Photo Exhibition Jimmy Sileo has more than 20 pho- tographs in the seventh annual exhibit of the New York Press Photogra- phers Association being held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Rockefeller Center. The photos in- clude shots of motion picture stunts and events of the past year and scenes of the Radio City Music Hall stage shows. The exhibition will continue until April 12. Anderson to Speak Henry Anderson, in charge of fire protection and safety matters for Paramount Pictures, will address the assembly of Hunter College on Wed- nesday on civilian defense. MITCHELL MAY, Jr. CO., INC. INSURANCE • Specializing in requirements of the Motion Picture Industry 75 Maiden Lane, New York NATE J. BLUMBERG, Universal president, has left for the Coast. • Arthur W. Kelly is at Hot Springs, Ark. H. M. Richey returns today from Cincinnati. • Sam Dembow, Jr., arrives today on the Coast. Damon Runyon is due today in Hollywood from New York. Albert Nathan is entering the Officers' Training course at Ft. Dix. • Milton Crandall is on a fishing trip to Florida. ARP Training Film Starts in Hollywood Hollywood; March IS. — The start of the first civilian defense film by the Research Council of the Academy of M. P. Arts & Sciences has been announced by Darryl F. Zanuck, chairman. The film, "Instruction for the Air Raid Warden," will set forth in de- tail the warden's duties and will be used in training wardens throughout the country. It is being made at the M-G-M studio. Mervyn LeRoy is directing, assisted by Syd Sidman. Harry Cohen is unit manager ; Jackson Rose, director of photography ; Urie McCleary, art di- rector ; Joe Dietrick, film editor, and James Brock, sound technician. Lt. Col. Charles S. Stodter will act as War Department liaison officer and Lt. Col. Walter P. Burn, of the Office of Civilian Defense, will be technical advisor. Seek to Arbitrate Agents-Equity Pact The Theatrical Artists Representa- tives Association has proposed to Actors Equity that the TARA re- quest for a basic agreement with the union and for changes in the union's licensing policy for agents be sub- mitted to arbitration. Members of TARA were instructed by that or- ganization to pay the required $25 annual licensing fee to the union "un- der protest." The proposal probably will be submitted to the Equity coun- cil tomorrow. Trans-Lux Reports $22,603 Net Profit Trans-Lux Corp. and wholly-owned subsidiaries for the year ended Dec 31 has reported net profit of $22,603, after all charges, equal to three cents a share. This compares with $76,083, or 10 cents a share, for 1940. Assets as of Dec. 31 were $232,585 and liabilities $36,023, compared with assets of $224,121 and liabilities of $45,153 at the end of the preceding year. 'Saboteur' Final Title Hollywood, March 15. — "Saboteur" has been set as the final title of the Frank Lloyd production to be released by Universal. Alfred Hitchcock directed, and Jack H. Skirball- was associate producer. EDWIN W. AARON has left for Florida. Norman Moray is expected on the Coast today. A. W. Schwalberg of Warners is due back early this week from a field tour. Morris Mechanic, owner of the New Theatre, Baltimore, is visiting his brother, William Mechanic, • at Miami Beach. John Harkins and Josephine Caldwell have been married. 500 Due at Dinner To Emanuel Tonight Philadelphia, March 15 — Ap- proximately 500 industry members, in- cluding a large delegation from New York, are expected to attend the testi- monial dinner Monday night in honor of Jay Emanuel, local exhibitor. The dinner, sponsored by Motion Picture Associates, will be held at the Ben- jamin Franklin Hotel and will mark Emanuel's 30th year in the business. Louis Nizer, attorney, of New York, will be a principal speaker. Albert M. Cohen, local attorney, will be toast- master. City and state leaders will be on the dais in addition to industry heads. Among those from New York ex- pected to attend are : George Dembow, Joe Eagen, William F. Scully, A. W. Smith, Jr., Charles Reagan, Robert Gillham, E. K. ( VShea. H. J. Yates, William F. Rodgers, Edward Alper- son, Herman Robbins, John Eberson, S. Barret McCormick, Robert Mo- chrie, Arthur Mayer. E. A. Williford, John Harris, S. S. Krellberg, Charles Lewis, Arthur Greenblatt, Paul Terry, F. L. Friedman, Jules Lapidus, Jack Levin, Barney Balaban, Harry Brandt, Jack Cohn, Ned E. Depinet, Harry Gold, Leonard H. Goldenson, Ben Kalmenson, Jules Levey, Theo- dore J. Sullivan, William Sussman and others. Wisconsin Pioneers Die Milwaukee, March 15. — Ferdinand Trottman, 78, associated with theatres in Milwaukee since 1911, and operator of the former Gem, is dead here. He managed other amusement enterprises in the city before the advent of films. La Crosse, Wis., March 15. — Albin Albert, 85, pioneer in the motion pic- ture industry, is dead here. Albert started with the old lantern slide shows, then the carbon type films and later the gas type. He had been re- tired for many years. Shifted by Warners Pittsburgh, March 15. — Yaro Mil- ler, formerly cashier at the Warner Cincinnati exchange, has become office manager here, succeeding Joe Minsky, recalled to Army service. Mitchell B. DeGroot, Jr., radio newscaster, lias been named assistant in the War- ner Theatres' advertising department. I Legitimate Season Good in Cincinnati Cincinnati, March 15. — Despite \ war conditions, the legitimate season I here has brought an imposing list of I productions, which have been well patronized. Opening with Ed Wynn in "Boys and Girls Together," the plays to appear , here were "Hold On to Your Hat>«s. ' with Al Jolson; "Hellzapoppi(>lW with House and Garr ; the eighth ay* j nual visit of "Tobacco Road" ; Henry I Hull in "Play With Fire"; Sir Guy I Robertson in "My Sister Eileen" ; !] Margot Gillmore in "Life With I Father" ; Alan Dinehart in "In Sep- j arate Rooms" ; Katharine Cornell in I "Rose Burke" ; Cornelia Otis Skin- ner in "Theatre," and Sylvia Sidney with Victor Jory in "Angel Street." There have been three Theatre I Guild plays, "The Rivals," with Mary I Boland and Bobby Clark; "Claudia" I with Ellane Ellis, and "Candle in the I Wind" with Helen Hayes. Those yet I to come on the subscription list are : I "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Laura I Hope Crews, Effie Shannon and Eric I von Stroheim ; "The Watch on the Rhine" with Paul Lukas and Lucille Watson, and "The Corn Is Green" with Ethel Barrymore. 3 Defendants to Be Dropped in III. Suit Chicago, March 15. — First Na- tional Pictures, Tnc, Paramount Film Exchange and Frank J. Reif will be dismissed as defendants in the $1,000,- 000 anti-trust suit pending in State court here in which Thomas Murray charges numerous companies and in- dividuals forced him to give up the Thalia Theatre here. Dismissal of the three defendants was agreed to by Lester Murray, prosecuting attorney. A pre-trial examination in the ac- ] tion was held on Warner's motion to quash service on the grounds the com- pany is a New York corporation and not liable to suit in Illinois. Danzig in Navy Service Jerry Danzig, WOR publicity di- rector, will go on a leave of absence today, to start active duty as a Navy lieutenant in the radio section of the public relations division of the third Naval district. Richard Pack of the publicity staff will become acting pub- licity director. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing- Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address. "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L, Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres. Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y,, under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Unveiled tefore your wondering eyes Tfte romance of mystic India * . . Tlte savage jungle s secret cKarms in tfiis new kind of motion picrarefe (This page is an exact reproduction of the ad in Good Housekeeping. Page 1 of this insert is the Life ad — and other startling | pieces of copy in many additional national publications, including a sensational adventure-strip in the Metropolitan Comics!) J CawPalfln vlond^. March 16. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 'Woman' Captures i,500, Cincinnati Cincinnati, March 15. — "Woman i.f the Year" had an excellent $6,500 >econd week at the RKO Capitol, and Dangerously They Live" did §6,200 ;it the RKO Grand. "Song of the Islands" gave the RKO Albee $12,300. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 11-14: i g of the Islands" (20th- Fox) *«SO AI.BEE-(3.300) <33c-40c-50c) clays. dross: $12,300. (Average. $12,000) ■We Were Dancing" (M-G-M) RKO PALACE — (2,700) (33c-40c-50c) 7 alv Gross: $9,500. (Average. $10,000) •What's Cookin' " (Univ.) KKO SHU BERT — (2,150) (33c-40c-50c) / lays. Gross: $3,600. (Average, $5,000) Woman, of the Year" (M-G-M) RKO CAPITOL — (2,000) (33c-40c-50c) 7 .lays, 2nd week. Gross: $6,500. (Average, •Dangerously They Live" (W. B.) RKO GRAND — (1.500) (33c-40c-50c) 7 ays. Gross: $6,200. (Average. $5,000) Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) RKO LYRIC-O.400) (28c-33c-42c) 7 days, ■rd week. Gross: $2,800. (Average. $4,500) • A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) Law of the Jungle" (Mono.) RKO FAMILY — (1,000) (15c-28c) 4 days. < iross: $1,100. (Average, $1,200) ' Bombay Clipper" (Univ.) ObSgmg Young Lady" (RKO) RKO FAMILY— (1,000) (15c-28c) 3 days. ,ro>s: S900. (Average, $800) Lady for a Night" (Rep.) KEITH'S — ( 1.500) <33c-40c-50c) 7 days, iross: $2,800. (Average. $5,000) 'West,' Stage Band $13,700, Milwaukee Milwaukee, March 15.— Biggest take was turned in by Griff Williams and his orchestra and the film "Go West, Young Lady," with $13,700 at the Riverside. The only other house to clear average was Fox's Palace with $5,200 on "Skylark" and "Sulli- van's Travels." Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 10-12: "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) Niagara Falls" (U. A.) WARNER — (2.400) (33c -44c -55c) 5 days. Jnd week. Gross: $4,000. (Average, $4,500) We Were Dancing" (M-G-M) "Nazi Agent" (M-G-M) WISCONSIN — (3,200) (44c-60c) 6 « iross: $5,500. (Average. $5,500) Skylark" (Para.) Sullivan's Travels" (Para.) PALACE — (2,400) (44c-60c), 7 i iross: $5,200. (Average, $4,000) Go West Young Lady" (Col.) RIYERSIDE-(2.700) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Stage: Griff Williams. Gross: $13,700. Average, $6,500) "Remember the Day" (ZOth-Fox) "New York Town" (Para.) STRAND— (1,400) (44c-65c) 7 .lavs M.500. (Average, $1,500). Critics9 Quotes days day! Gros To Be' Is Omaha's Winner With $10,100 Omaha, March 15. — "To Be or Not to Be" hit $10,100 at the Omaha and was moved to the Paramount for a ^econd week with a new second fea- ture. The weather was cool and rainy. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 10-11 : The Ladv Is Willing" (Col.) "WUd Bill Hickok Rides" (W. B.) BRANDEIS— (1,200) (30c-44c) 7 .lavs. Gross: $4,200. (Average, $4,000) "To Be or Not to Be" (U. A.) "Brooklyn Orchid" (U. A.) OMAHA— (2.000) (30c-44c) 7 days. Gross: -10,100._ (Average. $6,000) "Appointment for Love" (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (3,000) (40c-55c) Stage: Jan Savin's orchestra. S12.300. (Average, $14,500) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fooc) "Castle in the Desert" (20th-Fox) PARAMOUNT— (3,000) (30c-44c) Roxie" 2nd week. Gross: $3,700. age, $4,000) days. I in.--: ! days (Aver "CAPTAINS OF THE CLOUDS" (Warners) Aviation background has the timeliness of a war bulletin from the South Pacific. ... It also has a touch of authenticity. . . . Recommended for its Technicolor photography. . . . Some of its shots stand as the most beautiful ever seen on the screen. James Cagney is as dynamic as ever. — Neil Ran, Los Angeles Examiner. The use of Technicolor is smart. The natural scenery is at times almost beyond compare. . . . Cagney's portrayal is good in the old reliable, cocksure, peppery way. — Edwin Sehallcrt, Los Angeles Times. The Royal Canadian Air Force should be proud of Warners. In "Captains of the Clouds," a picture rich in color and incident, the producers give the two most stirring sequences not to their own players, but to the young pilots in training there and to a squadron of Hudson bombers. — Virginia Wright, Los Angeles News. "ROXIE HART" (20th Century-Fox) An uproarious satire, but somewhere between the writing and production, "Roxie Hart" goes overboard into the realm of ludicrous burlesque. Ginger Rogers, in the title role, extends herself too much. . . . The comedy is best when kidding the courtroom procedure of that era. — Virginia Wright, Los Angeles News. A sharp-edged, hilarious satire on the court procedure and sub-sister jour- nalism of a fabulous era. ... It also should make some faces red, even tonight. — Harrison Carroll, Los Angeles Herald-Express. The play, "Chicago," becomes a broad, obvious farce in its 1942 motion picture version. Laughs there are aplenty. Ginger Rogers does a noteworthy job as the cheap, obvious Roxie Hart. . . . The whole story is a robust out- and-out comedy with no subtleties. — Louella O. Parsons, Los Angeles Exam- iner. Totally lacking in finesse, even crude in its burlesque of life in the '20's, "Roxie Hart" nevertheless appears to garner laughs. — Edwin Schallert, Los . Ingeles Times. "THE REMARKABLE ANDREW" (Paramount) In nearly every detail, the film is as delightful as the book. . . . William Holden is ideally cast. . . . The film is something really remarkable. Vir- ginia Wright, Los Angeles Nezvs. An engaging little fable. . . . The film has moments which are amusing. . . . William Holden is sympathetic and Ellen Drew is charming. — Philip K. Scheuer, Los Angeles Times. This story strongly sounds the theme of Americanism and states the prin- ciples of democracy, very entertainingly in its fantastic setting. . . . William Holden docs a moving job. — W. E. Oliver, Los Angeles Llerald-Express. Here is a delightful comedy-fantasy with a tremendous entertainment wallop along most unusual lines. . . . William Holden and Ellen Drew headline, but everyone connected with this picture deserves a bow. . . . Incidents throughout are swell. — Dorothy Manners, Los Angeles Examiner. "SONG OF THE ISLANDS" (20th Century-Fox) The youngsters went ga-ga. . . . There never was a more auspicious back- ground.— Peggy Doyle. Boston American. It is all very gay and escapist and brilliantly colored. . . . Much more musical comedy in type than almost any motion picture ever produced. . . . There are all the customary types and situations. — Boston Globe. Warm weather entertainment. ... It is brightly colored, full of shapely Hawaiianish maidens in the Hollywood substitute for grass skirts. . . . The audience laughed their collective heads off. — Boston Herald. Hollywood's idea of a Hawaiian island may not be authentic, but it provides a colorful setting for "Song of the Islands." Along with its Technicolor beauty, there is Jack Oakie contributing a good deal of broad comedy, and the attractive team of Betty Grable and Victor Mature to supply romance. It all adds up to a gay musical comedy with much appeal. — Prunella Hall, Boston Post. "JOAN OF PARIS" (RKO) "Joan of Paris" succeeds in snaring and holding the interest, but its plot is punctuated by too many incredibilities. . . . There are scenes which tingle the spine and some which chill the marrow, and occasionally the spectator is drawn to the edge of his chair with apprehension and excitement. — Gilbert Kanour, Baltimore Evening Sun. Two imported stars of considerable potential drawing power, Michele Morgan and Paul Henreid. . . . They make a personable team. . . . The cast a-, a whole is good. — Donald Kirkley, Baltimore Sun. "ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT" (Warners) Melodrama, with splendid acting, and apt direction, and hands the audience quite a lot of laughs. ... It has considerable audience appeal. — Chicago Tribune. If you like excitement, "All Through the Night" is the picture that dishes it out in generous quantities. . . . It's a queer conglomeration of propaganda, patriotism, gangster melodrama and clowning. — Chicago Sunday Times. A perfect travesty of a meller thriller. . . . Production has taken so much liberty with credibility that soon the whole thing begins to look strictly coun- terfeit. . . . Climaxes come with spaced regularity. — Chicago Herald- American. An okay action melodrama without the slightest bit of sense but with a lot of chills and thrills. ... A pleasant hour and a half's worth of entertainment The acting is uniformly good in the traditional manner, with nothing especially startling. — Wolfe Kaufman, Chicago Sun. 'Valley' Gets Neat $27,500 Boston Gross Green third drew at the The for the week Boston, March 15. — "How Was My Valley," playing a week at Keith's Memorial, $27,500. "Song of the Islands" Metropolitan took $25,000. weather was rainy. Estimated receipts nding March 5-6 : 'How Green Was My Valley" (ZOth-Fox) "Niagara Falls" (U. A.) KEITH MEMORIAL— (2,907) (28c-33c- 44c-55c-65c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $27,- 500. (Average, $16,000) Seng of the Islands" (20th-Fox) "No Hands on the Clock" (Para.) METROPOLITAN— (4,376) (28c-33c-44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Gross: $25,000. (Average, $15,(100) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) KEITH'S BOSTON— (2.679) (28c-33c-44c- 55c-65c) 7 days. Stage show including Dick- Powell. (iross: $24,300. (Average, $8,500) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) LOEWS ORPHEUM— (3,000) 55c-65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross (Average. $12,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Hay Foot" (U. A.) LOEWS STATE— (2,900) (33c-44c-55c- 65c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $18,700. (Average, $12,000) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) PARAMOUNT— (1.797) (28c-33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Average, $7,500) "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (W. B.) "Steel Against the Sky" (W. B.) FENWAY — (1,320) (28c-33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $4,500) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) SCOLLAY — (2,500) (28c -33c -44c -55c) 7 days. Gross: $7,600. (Average, $4,000) (33c- 44c- $22,500. 'Woman' Strong in Cleveland, $9,900 Cleveland, March 15. — "Woman of the Year" drew an excellent $9,900 in its second week at Loew's Stillman, while "The Bugle Sounds" at the State earned $12,600. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 5-6 : days.. "Dangerously They Live" (W. B.) ALLEN — (3,000) (33c-39c-47c) 7 Gross: $4,800. (Average, $4,000) "Captains of the Clcuds" (W. B.) WARNERS' HIPPODROME — (3,800) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days, 2nd week. -•;«; Gross : $8,500. (Average, $11,000) "Son of Fury" (20±h-Fox) WARNERS' LAG E— (900) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $1,300. (Average, $1,500) "What's Ccokin' " (Univ.) RKO PALACE— (3.100) (40c-50c-55c). 7 days. Meet the People Revue on stage. Gross: $17,200. (Average. $17,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (3,500) (33c-39c-47c) 7 days. Gross: $12,600. (Average, $11,000) "Woman, of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STILLMAN— (1,900) (33c-39c- 47c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $9,900. (Aver- age, $4,000) Exhibitors to Meet On Defense Films (Continued from page 1) occasionally. A Broadway checkup recently showed that only two houses were snowing the defense films. Tickets of admission have been mailed to exhibitors and all have been impressed with the importance of the discussion. The committee in charge of arrangements consists of Harry Brandt, Si Fabian, Louis Frisch, Fred Schwartz and Arthur Mayer. Robert Wolff of RKO is in charge of distrib- utor attendance. 6 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 16, 1942 J. J. O'Connor Heads Catholic Fund Drive (Continued from page 1) rated the annual campaign last week. O'Connor headed the film committee for the drive last year. Approxi- mately 50 representative members of the film and allied industries make up O'Connor's committee. The personnel includes : Jack Alicoate, Joseph Bernhard, Nathan J. Blumberg, Major Edward Bowes, Harry Brandt, Steve Broidy, Harry Buckley, Pat Casey, Tom J. Connors, H. M. Doherty, G. S. Eys- sell, Si Fabian, E. C. Grainger, J. R. Grainger, Al Hovell, John Kane, Maurice Kann, Austin C. Keough, Joseph McConville, Charles B. Mc- Donald, Joseph P. McLaughlin, Jos- eph E. McMahon. Also, William Morris, James A. Mulvey, John Murphy, Senator Wil- liam J. Murray, Leon Netter, John Nolan, Dennis F. O'Brien, John O'Connell, Charles L. O'Reilly, P. A. Powers, William T. Powers, Martin Quigley, Charles Reagan, Phil Reis- man, Herman Robbins, William F. Rodgers, Bert Sanford, George J. Schaefer, William A. Scully, George Skouras, Spyros Skouras, A. W. Smith, Jr., Frank C. Walker, William White. Approve Station Shift Youngstown, O., March 15. — The FCC has approved transfer of con- trol of WKBN here from W. P. Wil- liamson to his son, Warren P. Wil- liamson, Jr., through the gift of 450 shares of stock. Reviews "Fingers at the Window" (M-G-M) T T ERE is a thriller which should keep the youngsters on the edge of *■ their seats most of the way along, and at the same time should be found entertaining by those of the patrons who like their films with action of the murder variety, plenty of suspense, and a dash of romance. Lew Ayres of "Dr. Kildare" fame, and Laraine Day, share the leads, and offer competent performances, while the able Basil Rathbone is properly sinister as the astute criminal who uses incurably insane persons as his tools. They go about murdering persons with axes, as it develops later, in a plan of Rathbone to seal the lips of those who knew him in Paris, where he had taken a noted doctor's name and fortune. Miss Day is one of those intended victims. Ayres, actor out of work because of the axe-murder wave which has ruined theatre business, comes upon the young lady in distress, and by devious means succeeds in uncovering the criminal, winning thus a large reward, and a wife in Miss Day. His tangles with the unsubtle police add to his difficulties. Charles Lederer directed with accent on suspense and thrill action, and with good results. Irving Starr produced. Running time, 80 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson 'Stagecoach Express" (Republic) THIS is one the youngsters are going to like. There's some good action, plenty of he-man fighting, and enough comedy situations and romantic implications to please the older Western fans. The plot involves the machinations of a bandit gang in the town of Dorado, during the days when the Texas Panhandle was unorganized territory and the bailiwick of outlaws. Unsuspecting to the townpeople but principally to the owner of the stagecoach lines, Charles Haney, manager of the lines for Ellen Bristol, played by Lynn Merrick, aims to steal her line franchise and operate the stagecoach himself. The sus- picions and forthright detection of Don "Red" Berry and his pals, Robert Kent and Al St. John, upset that scheme. Running time, 57 minutes. "G."* *"G" denotes general classification. Andy *Ys: WHAT HAVE V** GLAMOUR GUYS GOT THAT I HAVEN'T GOT IN PARAMOUNT S THE REMARKABLE ANDREW ? The surprise hit of the year! You're right, Andy, The Daily Variety Says: "Absorbing screen drama, earmarked for excellent reception in all playdates... fine performances, humor, production and direction keynote the picture for broad satisfaction!". 'Burma' and Show $22,000 in Capital Washington, March 15. — "A Yank on the Burma Road" took $22,000, in combination with a stage show at Loew's Capitol. Otber downtown at- tractions did well. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 4-5 : "AH Through the Night" (W. B.) WARNERS' METROPOLITAN — (1,600) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $4,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S PALACE — (2,300) (40c-60c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,500. (Average. $10,500) "Remember the Day" (20th-Fox) LOEW'S COLUMBIA— (1,250) (28c-44c) 7 days, return engagement. Gross: $5,500. (Average, $3,500) "A Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) LOEW'S CAPITOL— (28c - 39c - 55c - 66c- 77c) 7 days. On stage: Earl Carroll's Vanities, with the Slate Bros., Buster Shaver, Olive & George, Al Norman, the Wiere Gros. Gross: $22,000. (Average, $15,500) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) WARNERS' EARLE — (2,200) (28c-39c- 55c-66c-77c) 7 days, 2nd week. On stage: Don Arres, Helene & George, Walter Wahl, Pepita & Lucia, Marqueta & Pancho, Roxy- ettes. Gross: $13,600. (Average, $12,000) Umpi Plan Is Opposed by MPTO Units , Still ■ 6 (Continued from page 1) fact that MPTOA's poll of national directors and their regional units is incomplete. He stated, however, that "strong^ position" to the plan has developed on j the basis of returns so far. Announcement was made earlier by heads of the MPTO of Eastern Mis- souri and Southern Illinois and the ITO of Northern California, both of which are MPTOA units, that changes in the plan are desired. Schine Competitors To Testify for U. S. (Continued from page 1) 80 exhibitors in competition with Schine theatres in New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland and Michigan. Although the Department of Justice was directed by the court to supply a complete list of witnesses not a single distribution official or home office executive is named. Units' Action Taken So Far Units which have voted the Umpl sales proposals qualified approval in-T elude Allied of Illinois, Michigan Al-j lied, ITO of Ohio, Allied of Mary-J land, MPTO of Eastern Missouri and] Southern Illinois, Connecticut Allied] and Eastern Pennsylvania Allied! Those which have endorsed it without qualification are ITOA of New York and Allied of Indiana. Units which have rejected the plan entirely are New England Exhibitors, Allied of New Jer- sey, PCCITO, Texas Theatre Owners, ITPA of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, MPTO of Maryland and ITO of Northern California. All regional exhibitor organizations are scheduled to act on the plan before! March 25 when the Umpi trade pracT tice committee is scheduled to consider! the exhibitor reaction to the new sales; proposals. Allied States units are slated to act before March 24 whenl the organization's national board will! meet in New York to reconcile the! divergent views of the indi\ idual unitsj and determine Allied's stand. It is believed likely that, as a resultl of the divergent views on tne plan also! developing among MPTO A units! that organization s national ooard may be compelled to meet in advance of the | Umpi meeting to instruct its repre- sentatives before negotiations are re- sumed. Expect N. W. Allied Action on Sales Plan Minneapolis, March 15. — North- west Allied is expected to take action on Umpi's proposed new sales plan at its annual convention to be held here Tuesday and Wednesday. Governor Harold E. Stassen of Minnesota is scheduled to address the convention. Others listed as speakers] are Jack Kirsch, chairman of the: Umpi trade practice committee which] developed the new sales plan ; Harry? Brandt, president of ITOA of Newj York, and John G. Paine, Ascap gen- eral manager. Paine will be in Minneapolis en route to a business meeting at Bismarck, N. D. Abernathy Reelected Pittsburgh, March 15. — Leo Aber- nathy, president of the International Allience of Billposters, Billers and Distributors, has been reelected for his fifth term as president of the Pittsburgh Central Labor Union. THE MAN WITH THE GREATEST NEWSPAPER FOLLOWING OF THE THE SCREEN WITH HIS BEST FUNNIEST STORY! • Millions of Damon Runyon newspaper and magazine read* ers have met Butch and his pals ♦ • . now they're going to sit in with them in the most human yarn he "BLINKY" Sweeney . . . easy dough is the only thing he can see. Philly "THE WEEPER"... jovial sort of mug who likes a good laugh. 8 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 16, 1942 Off the Antenna "FLOWER lights and marker beacons on CBS transmitters will remain l lighted during test blackouts, even if radio stations are ordered off the air because of the presence of unidentified aircraft, E. K. Cohan, head of the net- work's engineering department, said Friday. Cohan said he was acting on orders of the FCC, Civil Aeronautics Authority and the Defense Communica- tions Board. Building and ground lights and station identification signs will be blacked out, however. The purpose in keeping transmitter lights on is to prevent injury to domestic aircraft. A standby crew will extinguish all transmitter lights if it is known definitely that enemy bombers are over the area involved. • • • Purely Personal: Ralph L. Atlas's, WJJD, Chicago, president, has ap- pointed John E. Pearson national sales representative. . . . Sayre M. Ramsdell has resigned as Philco vice-president in charge of advertising and sales pro- motion and has organised his own advertising agency. . . . Florence Ballou of WICC, New Haven, has been appointed state chairman of the Connecticut Federation of Music Clubs' junior division. . . . Sherman Marks has joined the continuity staff of WJJD, Chicago. • • • Television Notes: The Thomas S. Lee television station, W6XAO, Los Angeles, has begun spot announcements on sound film for defense bonds. ... In New York, CBS on Friday started a new series urging conservation by consumers. Because Price Administrator Leon Hen- derson could not be present to launch the series, sound film was used to present the administrator and his remarks. • • • Management of KPO, San Francisco, has been placed directly in the hands of Sidney N. Strotz, NBC vice-president in charge of the network's Pacific division, under the terms of an order issued by Frank E. Mullen, NBC vice-president and general manager. • • • Program News: "Valiant Lady" will replace "Hymns of All Churches" and "Betty Crocker" for General Mills on CBS. . . . With the sale of George Putnam's 6:15 A.M. neivscaJts last vueek, all of WEAF's local 15-minute newscasts are now sponsored. There arc 32 such programs weekly. . . . H. R. Baukhage noiv has 24 local sponsors on his Blue cooperative news commen- tary. . . . Procter & Gamble will use one-minute transcriptions for Lava soap on WJZ. • • • WIBG, Philadelphia, will broadcast all home games of the National League Phillies and the American League Athletics this season. Atlan- tic Refining Co. and General Mills will sponsor. Byrum Saam and Taylor Grant will handle the microphone assignments. • • • WGN, Chicago, is devoting 10.1 per cent of its broadcast time to national defense programs, according to Frank P. Schreiber, manager of the station. This is equivalent to 25 per cent of the station's sustaining time, Schreiber said. • • • Under a plan advanced by civilian defense authorities, WNYC will s'erve as the official broadcast station in the event of air raids to direct aid to parts of the city hit by bombs. Taxis are to be rebuilt, according to the plan, to be readily convertible to two-man ambulances. Guided by instructions from WNYC they could converge quickly at points of disaster. Army Plans Informative Documentaries for Troops BBC 1942 Budget Up to $40,000,000 London, March 15. — The British Government has granted for operation of the British Broadcasting Corp. during 1942 a total appropria- tion of £10,000,000 (about $40,- 000,000), an increase of £3,100,- 000 over last year. Mexico Regulation Of Radio Is Upheld Mexico City, March 15. — Radio Station XENT, local commercial sta- tion of 10,000 watts, lost its suit to upset a fine of $200 ordered by the Ministry of Communications and Pub- lic Works and the demand that it re- duce its frequency to 815 kilocycles from 1,115, when the Supreme Court refused it an injunction. The station argued that its concession allows a high frequency. The court ruled that the Ministry was justified in fining the station and ordering its frequency re- duced as it had been interfering with broadcasts from the United States and Canada. This case was considered of par- ticular interest because it is the first time that the Supreme Court has re- garded as constitutional the Ministry's war emergency regulation of radio. The court decided that the action of the Ministry in this case was in strict accordance with war measures the Mexican Government- has adopted. , UA Opens Meeting In Chicago Today (Continued from page 1 ) the company's district and branch managers at the meeting. The home office delegation, headed by Leserman, includes Harry L. Gold, Bert Stearn, Paul Lazarus, Monroe Greenthal, David Weshner, Steve Pal- los, representing Alexander Korda ; L. J. Schlaifer, representing Edward Small ; Ed Peskay for Hal Roach, and Harry Brash for Arnold Pressburger, and Harry D. Buckley. 'The Jungle Book' For Easter Week Hollywood, March 15. — Gradwell L. Sears, before leaving for the United Artists meeting in Chicago, set an Easter Week release for Alexander Korda's "The Jungle Book." Edward C. Raftery, president of U. A., will remain here about a week. NLRB Cites KVOR For Interference Washington, March 15. — A pro- posed order requiring Station KVOR, Colorado Springs, Colo., to cease in- terfering with the rights of its em- ployes to organize was made public over the weekend by the National Labor Relations Board. Investigation of charges filed by the International Brotherhood of Electri- cal workers in December, 1940, and July, 1941, an examiner's report said, developed that the company had in- terfered with employes' efforts to or- ganize but had not been guilty of an unfair labor practice in refusing to bargain with the IBEW on behalf of four technicians. (Continued from page 1) troops about what is going on in their world today," the department said. Beginning about May 1, two pic- tures will be issued monthly, covering the events from the Japanese seizure of Manchoukuo to the present time. It was said the films will cost only one-fourth as much as the usual com- mercial picture because writers, di- rectors and actors will donate their services and all the newsreel com- panies have offered the use of their libraries at cost. A second series of pictures on our enemies and our allies and their meth- ods and aims will be produced simul- taneously and will be issued weekly. For these films the libraries of the March of Time, Museum of Modern Art and the newsreel companies will be used for historical background ma- terial. Major Capra will go to Hollywood this week to arrange for the produc- tion staff to make the films, and next Monday Brigadier General Frederick H. Osborn, Chief of the Special Serv- ices Branch, will speak to Hollywood producers on their cooperation in the project. Seven Hollywood script writers are now at work in Washing- ton on the scenarios for the films, which will be made here, in Holly- wood, New Y6rk and Fort Monmouth, N.J. Fly Will Testify At FCC Inquiry (.Continued from page 1) newspaper ownership of radio stations. Fly, however, asked for a further opportunity to be heard on alleged mispractices of the FCC administra- tion and its alleged circumvention of the Federal Communications Act. Hearings on the Sanders bill to set up two divisions of the FCC, one for private and the other for public com- munication, are expected to open be- fore the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee on April 14. Consider Contest on ! Jap Money Overdue ■ (Continued from page I) San Francisco bank to be paid the eight major companies on their Japa- 1 nese revenue for that year. The first , two of four equal payments were | made last September and November. The third and fourth payments due in December and February were halted when the alien property cust^k u ian took over the San Francisco bstl !| after the outbreak of war. Comply nies have since been advised that the j bank is now in the hands of the Cali- fornia superintendent of banks. A legal committee for the foreign departments is investigating the report i of the New York bank's claim against , the San Francisco branch with the ( idea of contesting it on the grounds > that the distributors' funds were in escrow and constituted a preferred 1 claim. Technicolor Earned $942,912 for Year (Continued from page 1) and net current assets were $3,460,164. Footage of Technicolor positive prints increased from 80,632,168 in 1940 to 97,014,757 in 1941. Net sales amounted to $6,390,289 last year com- pared with $5,103,404 in 1940. Last year, the company's 16mm. department showed a profit for the first time and Technicolor, Ltd., British affiliate, re- ported a small profit after a loss the preceding year of more than $40,000. In his annual report to stockhold- ers, Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, presi- dent, cited Government work being done by the company in photography and prints ; improvements made in aircraft camera mounts, and ad- vances in stage lighting for color pho- tography. Legion Approves 15 New Pictures The Legion of Decency has ap- proved all 15 films reviewed and clas- sified this week, 10 for general pat- ronage and five for adults. The films and their classifications follow : Unobjectionable for general patron- age— ^'Always in My Heart," "Canal Zone," "The Dawn Express," "Fin- gers at the Window," "Heart of the Rio Grande," "House of Errors," "Lawless Plainsman," "Scattergood Rides High," "Stage Coach Express" and "Sundown Jim." Unobjectionable for adults — "Drums of the Congo," "The Kennel Murder Case," "Sleepytime Gal," "We Were Dancing" and "Who Is Hope Schuy- lur?" Essaness Shifts Managers Chicago, March 15. — The Essaness circuit has switched three managers. Richard Zeller is now managing the Devon Theatre, succeeding Harry Irons, who has been transferred to the Southern, Oak Park, 111. Howard Burns, formerly at the Southern, is now at the Davies, where he suc- ceeded Zeller. Two to Open in St. Louis St. Loujs, March 15— The Brent- wood and Merry Widow Theatres, owned by Sam Komm, will be opened in St. Louis shortly. . .. Both seat 700 and are subsequent run houses. The Merry Widow will be located opposite a new slum clearance project. .4 ftpYTIME^V A REPUBLIC PICTURE TOM BROWN • BILLY GILBERT RUTH TERRY THURSTON HALL • ELISHA COOK, JR. JERRY LESTER • MILDRED COLES HAROLD HUBER and SKINNAY ENNIS AND HIS BAND ALBERT S. ROGELL— Director Screen Play by Art Arthur, Albert Duffy and Max Lief Based on a Story by Mauri Grashin and Robert T. Shannon ? BUY U. S. DEFENSE BONDS eft Good Fellows Get Together, On March 1st, National Screen Service began to sell and distribute all M-G-M Standard Accessories through its 31 branches . . . and on the same rental basis that has already proved so popular and economical. • We wel- come this new association and know that it will provide benefits for all. • It's a NATURAL for better business! nononoL C^Cftee/l SERVICE i^/ PRIME imrir OF THE mOUSTRV , Aletf, (InteWgei sable to the*$ ation Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY i L. 51. NO. 52 NEW YORK, U.S.A.. TUESDAY. MARCH 17, 1942 TEN CENTS High Court Has Jurisdiction in FCC Rules Suit \ BC, CBS Appeal Move Expected Shortly Washington, March 16. — The Supreme Court today ruled it had orobable jurisdiction in the suits jrought by NBC and CBS chal- enging the validity of the FCC network regulations, clearing the Lay for the filing of briefs by those > mpanies in their appeals from the lecision of the New York Federal District Court. In the New York court the :< mpanies sought a preliminary unction against application of prder by the Commission which •notion of the Commission was missed for want of jurisdiction. In its petition, CBS told the ireme Court that as a result of the (Continued on page 8) two in- the , on dis- Su- BVay Films Strong, Fleet's In' a Smash New films on Broadway proved •strong grossers over the weekend de- spite a constant downpour on Satur- day and unsettled weather Sunday. "The Fleet's In," with Les Brown's orchestra and Connee Bos well on the stage, at the Paramount, led the pa- rade with an estimated $24,000 during the two days. The first week, which ends tonight, should be good for a smash $60,000. The show is holding over. At the Roxy, another new film. "Song of the Islands," drew an esti- mated $30,500 for the first five days and should close its first week tonight (Continued on page 7) Rubin Named Aide Of N. Y. Fund Drive J.Robert Rubin, vice-president and general counsel of Loew's, Inc., will serve as vice-chairman of the 1942 campaign of the Greater New York l und, it has been announced by John W. Hanes, former Under-Secretary of the Treasury, who is chairman. Rubin has served as chairman of the fund's motion picture committee since the first campaign of the fund. Hanes lias succeeded James A. Farley as chairman. The campaign raised a (Continued on page 6) Sears, Leserman See War Benefits For Small Towns Chicago, March 16. — The effect on the box-office of shifting populations due to wartime industries and the effects of tire and gasoline ra- tioning on film business were discussed b y G r a d w e 1 1 L. Sears, United Artists vice- president in charge of dis- «»■ tribution, and ^^■L Carl Leserman. general sales H meeting of U. wfll A- district and branch man- Oradwell sear* agers and home office officials which opened at the Blackstone Hotel here today. The meeting will continue through Wednesday. The executives expressed the belief that tire priorities and the impending gasoline rationing in the East and Northwest are destined to bring about shifts in theatre attendance which will benefit small town theatres. The change in thcatregoing habits, said Leserman, would mean more rev- (Continned on page 7) Appoint Bannon 'U' Cincinnati Manager William A. Scully, general sales manager for Universal, yesterday an- nounced the appointment of Jack Bannon as branch manager in Cin- cinnati for the company, succeeding Harry Young. Bannon formerly was a special Universal sales representa- tive working out of the Cincinnati exchange. 'Wind' Will Reopen At Astor March 31 "Gone With the Wind" will reopen March 31 at the Astor on a continuous run, popular price policy, M-G-M announc- ed yesterday. It will be the third Broadway engagement for the Selznick picture. The first was a dual engagement opening Dec. 19, 1939, and run- ning 43 weeks at the Astor and 11 weeks at the Capitol. The film returned to the Capi- tol Jan. 23, 1941, and ran three weeks. Thus far the picture has played 57 weeks on Broad- way. 22 Schine Houses Are Named by U.S. In Buffalo Answers Buffalo, March 16. — The Govern- ment names 22 Schine Circuit theatres which it alleges have been given un- reasonable clearance over competitors in its answers to interrogatories of the circuit and the "Little Three," which were filed in U. S. District court here. All of the theatres are located in upstate New York with the excep- tion of the Viv, Corbin, Ky., and the Van Wert, Van Wert, O. The answers also name 38 upstate New York cities and towns in which it alleges Schine theatres "have re- strained and monopolized the exhibi- tion of motion pictures," and 17 Ohio situations, eight Kentucky situa- tions, seven in Maryland, two in Delaware and one in Virginia, of which the same allegation is made. The Government also lists 19 Schine theatres in various locations which it "believes cut admission prices." New York I A Union Council to Act On Eastern Production Matters Unions in New York affiliated with the IATSE and concerned with production have formed the Motion Picture Production Union Council to act on mutual problems, it was disclosed yesterday. Herman Gelber, president of Operators' Local 306 has been elected chairman. At an organizational meeting held last week, unions and their representatives were Local 306, Gelber and Steve D'Inzillo, acting business agent; Laboratory Technicians, Local 702, John Rugge, president, and William Vermont, secretary; Cameramen, Local 644, Walter Lang, president, and Studio Mechanics, Local 52, George Ackerson, president, and Sal Scappa, business agent. While specific purposes of the newly-formed council were not disclosed, it is believed that production matters in the East affect- ing all the unions involved will be considered and possibly ways and means of increasing employment in Eastern studios. Arguments in Minn. Action Set for April 6 Final Briefs Submitted By Distributors St. Paul, March 16. — Final oral arguments in the action of the major distributors contesting the Minnesota anti-block-of-five law have been set for April 6 in Ram- sey County District Court here by Judge Albin S. Pearson. Final briefs in the case were submitted by the distributors today. Citing nearly 80 decisions as precedents involving the consti- tutionality of the State law, the distributors contended that the statute interferes with the Fed- eral copyright laws and with interstate commerce and is not a valid exercise of the State's police power. It was also charged that the meas- ure grants exhibitors censorship pow- ers and is discriminatory. "We hold," the distributors' brief said in the latter connection, "that the (Continued on page 7) 600 Expected at Award Luncheon More than 600 tickets have been sold for the Ampa Theatre Showman- ship Show luncheon at the Hotel Edi- son today which will be featured by presentation of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards to Arnold Stoltz and Frank Bickerstaff, according to the reservation committee. ■ Among the circuits reserving tables are Loew's, RKO, Warners, Skouras, National Theatres, Century, Interboro, Rugoff & Becker, and Fabian. Rep- resentation is also scheduled from all (Continued on page 7) Phila. Meet Proposes Ceiling on 40% Films Philadelphia, March 16. — A pro- posed buying plan with "a ceiling for 40 per cent pictures" was announced here today at a meeting of independent exhibitors in this territory, the second called to protest high fiim rentals. It was said that the plan is based on earnings, taking into consideration overhead, profit percentage and other factors. Efforts will be made to test the idea in the next two weeks, it was stated, and a report will be made at the next meeting March 30. Motion Picture Daily Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 16 GEORGE S. KAUFMAN has been signed to a producer-direc- tor-writer contract by Warner Bros., it was announced today by Jack L. Warner. He is to report at the studio May 15. • Richard F. Walsh, president of the IATSE, left here last night for Houston, Tex., to attend a state IATSE meeting. • Fredric March was signed today by Paramount to star with Veronica Lake in "I Married a Witch," taking over the role refused by Joel Mc- Crea. • Bert Allenberg, president of the Artists' Managers Guild, today was announced as the new chairman of the industry's permanent charities committee here, effective May 15. He will succeed Edward Arnold. The chairmanship is rotated annually be- tween the four major guilds and the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers. • Warners announced that it will pro- duce "Air Force," telling of the ex- ploits of the U. S. Air Corps, with Hal B. Wallis producing and How- ard Hawks directing. Albany Club Plans Ball Albany, March 16. — The local Variety Club plans a charity ball in the near future. Negotiations have been opened by Lou Golding, chief barker, for the appearance of Guy Lombardo and his orchestra. Personal SPYROS SKOURAS returned yesterday from California. • David Moss, manager of Warners' Parker, Darby, Pa., and Mrs. Moss have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. • David Barrist of Philadelphia and Edith Lazar were married last week. • Harry and Neil Hellman, ex- hibitors in Albany and Troy, have left for Miami Beach. • Nate J. Blumberg arrived on the Coast yesterday. • William Murphy, Warner booker in Atlanta, yesterday was inducted into the Army. Rochester Sets Up Air Raid Committee Rochester, March 16. — Local thea- tres are pushing ahead with their air raid precaution program, setting up a five-man theatre authority to handle plans. On the five-man board are Jay Golden, Lester Pollock, Bud Silver- man, Michael J. Mungovan and Fred Boekhart. This group will meet with all managers at Hotel Seneca Friday to adopt further defense measures. A communications system will be es- tablished and an office set up in the Keith Building here. Mention WALTER VINCENT has gone to Florida. Ralph L. McCoy, Southern and Midwestern sales manager for War- ners, has returned from a tour of his territory. • Harold Miller of Warners' Grand, Lancaster, Pa., and Mary Shaub were married recently. • Private Jack Harris, former Philadelphia theatre manager and son of Ben Harris, exchange head there, and Muriel Goodman were married last week in Baltimore. • Richard Jacocks, son of Abel Jacocks, operator of the Capitol in East Haven, Conn., is in the Canadian Black Watch regiment. Jay Emanuel Dinner Held in Philadelphia Philadelphia, March 16. — Jay Emanuel, veteran local exhibitor, was honored by several hundred members of the industry here tonight at a ban- quet at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. The dinner was for the benefit of the relief fund of the Motion Picture As- sociates of Philadelphia, Inc., com- posed of film and allied salesmen. Many industry executives from New York were in attendance. It was an informal, stag affair. The dinner marked Emanuel's 30th anni- versary in the film business. Louis Nizer, attorney, of New York, was the principal speaker, and Albert M. Cohen, local attorney, was the toast- master. City and state leaders at- tended. SPG Files Petition On RKO Theatres The New York Screen Publicists Guild has filed with the National Labor Relations Board a petition for certification as collective bargaining agency for home office publicists of the RKO circuit. It claims 90 per cent of the employes involved. The RKO circuit is the second where designation has been sought. The NLRB recently certified the SPG for the Loew's theatres. Coast Group Supports SPG Hollywood, March 16. — Members and officers of the Conference of Studio Unions, said to represent about 6,000 Hollywood workers, over the weekend distributed leaflets in front of leading theatres here, calling the public's attention to the dispute of the Screen Publicists Guild of New York with the major companies over a bar- gaining contract. About 10,000 leaflets were reported to have been distributed. To Name Speakman President of C.E.A. London, March 16. — Councillor W. J. Speakman, Liverpool exhibitor and municipal representative there, is ex- pected to be elected president' of the British Cinematograph Exhibitors As- sociation, at the exhibitor organiza- tion's annual meeting here tomorrow. Speakman will succeed Sidney Lewis, elected for the first time last year, who will retire from the post. Tuesday, March 17, 194; Screen Directors in Tribute to DeMille Hollywood, March 16. — A j tribute to Cecil B. DeMille on his 30th anniversary as a pro- ducer took place tonight on his Lux Radio Theatre pro- gram on CBS. A committee representing the Screen Di- rectors Guild, headed by George Stevens, president, and including Mark Sandrich and Edward H. Griffith, presented^ him a plaque signalizing hi* services to the industry. De Mille's latest production is "Reap the Wild Wind," desig- nated as Paramount's 30th an- niversary picture. Publicists Discuss Foreign Prograir I Plans for an institutional public rt lations program in the foreig markets still open to the industry wer discussed yesterday at a meeting c the International Publicity Commit tee, including publicity managers c major company foreign department: at MPPDA headquarters. Leslie Whalen of 20th Centur) Fox was appointed to represent thj Eastern committee in discussion:, looking to better cooperation wit. the West Coast foreign publicity man agers' committee. He will leave fcj the Coast soon to confer with Cai; Schaefer, chairman of the Coast con; mittee, on the plans for a closer work ing relationship between the two con mittees. Lavene Honored At Buffalo Dinne Buffalo, March 16. — J. C. Laven operator of the Academy Theatre hei and twice elected national director < the Variety Clubs of America, Wc honored at a testimonial dinner t(, night in the local Variety Club quai ters. The affair was sponsored by tl, Buffalo tent, of which Lavene thr& times has been president. Mayc Joseph J. Kelly was toastmaster. Ah at the speakers' table were Vincent F McFaul, of Shea Theatres, and Crj Judges John D. Hillery, Christy Buscaglia, Michael and Harry Zin mer. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday a holidays by Quigley Publishing' Compai Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Cent'j New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3Kj Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." M; ' tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publishi Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Gene \ Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vi President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred Finestone, Managing Editor; James Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bure; j 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Ne Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Uni ; Life Building, William R. Weaver, Edit( London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, Lond Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addn "Quigpubco, London." All contents co[ I righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Co l pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; W tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Int national Motion Picture Almanac and Fan' Entered as second class matter, Sept. '. 1938 at the post office at New York. N. ' under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscr tion rates per year $6 in the Americas a I $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. ENJOY ~Tke. ^outketn ^un5kine ?Qoute. to Los Angeles THE (Two Sections) THE PlMNSIKM* THE SOUTHERNER 37 THE SUN LAVr£uaI0F?Y0rth-. aV. Los Angeles . At. Los Angeles ■ \t. Los Angeles ■ Ar. Los Angeles • a 4-45 Pm 4:30 pm ann%'.i8am 1:50 am and £ 4 am 8:02 am ana o 5:25 pm . • • " 2:55 am . . • • 9;44 am counirv snow 10:10 pm 8:25 am 3:33 pm 10:55 pm 8:52 am 4:47 pm 6:30 am 4:58 pm 1:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES 9™. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS fuesday, March 17, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 3 Short Subject Reviews 'Mickey's Birthday Party" Disney Cartoon) RKO) A surprise party lor Mickey Mouse I .L his birthday provides the occasion |l> a great deal of hilarity and con- jMon in which all of the better nown Disney characters have a part, "he subject measures up to the Dis- ey standard of something to amuse 11 ages. Running time, 8 mins. Re- ease date, Feb. 7. 'Pluto Junior" Disney Cartoon) RKO) Pluto, Jr., a very engaging puppy, lakes his screen debut auspiciously »ere, with Papa Pluto relegated to a i-tinctly supporting role. The pup's uriosity lands him in a succession of imculties, the final one requiring the siistance of Pluto in extricating him rom it. It would seem that Pluto, r., should be a valuable and popular ddition to the Disney gallery of fun- ters. Running time, 7 mins. Re- ease date, Feb. 28. Reviews 'Hollywood War Efforts" Picture People) I RKO) The various volunteer defense ac- 1 ivies of Hollywood personalities are lepicted in this subject, No. 6 of the 3icture People series. The activities >ictured are of a routine nature, the larration is undistinguished and the •eel's chief interest would seem to de- t Broadcasting As Usual Is 'Out': Mullen Declaring that " 'broadcasting as usual' belongs to the same limbo as "business as usual'," Frank E. Mullen, NBC vice - president ' jjf ' ^llk ;i 11 g e n e r a 1 w* ■ Wk manager, yes- terday told more than 100 radio executives at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel that the Ax net wi >rk- and ^^S^ Jj[ their affiliates ^^/^jg tare |2k H problem. The Ml Tfv rm meeting u;is the first of a series Frank e. Mullen 0f regional con- ferences with NBC station heads. An open forum discussion will be held today. Mullen pointed out that this is radio's first war and that "not for one moment since the fateful day of Dec. 7, 1941, has radio hesitated before the burdens and responsibilities which every new day has brought." The two outstanding facts in the present situation, Mullen said, are that broadcasters are not "sufficiently realistic" about the war, and that even mare contributions from radio are needed. "Profits may seem vital to us, but they will be impor- tant only as funds to finance the war," Mullen declared. "On one hand, the Government and people of the United States must have a broadcasting service second to none in helping to win the war ; and, on the other, the broadcasting structure to survive must find the financial support to render whatever service is properly demanded of it. In this we face the dilemma of increasing demands against diminishing returns. None of us can foresee exactly what will be required of us as the Government program de- velops and our war efforts get into high gear." Paul Morency Presides Paul W. Morency, manager of WTIC, Hartford, who presided, open- ed the meeting. "The full conscious- ness of the present situation has not been realized by the American people," he said. "While the spirit of our armed forces is at fighting pitch, the( same cannot be said of the man behind the man behind the gun. We must be jolted out of our complacency. Radio is out to do exactly that. "Today's meeting," he continued, "is to serve notice that our only obliga- tion is to promote the war effort." Others who spoke were Frank M. Russell, vice-president; A. L. Ashby, general counsel ; Clarence L. Mens~r program manager ; Dr. James R Angell, educational counsellor; Roy C. Winner, vice-president in charge of sales ; Ken R. Dyke, director of sales promotion; Albert E. Dale, director of the department of information, and William S. Hedges, vice-president in charge of stations. Off the Antenna ACTIVITY in Mutual's news commentary programs was reported yester- • day. John B. Hughes, West Coast commentator, will be heard Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10-10:15 P.M., beginning next week, over 79 stations, under a 52-week sponsorship contract by Anacin. Raymond Gram Swing will shift to Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 10-10:15 P.M. The Monday and Thursday periods will continue under the sponsorship of General Cigar Co. Hughes will continue his Monday through Friday noonday talks on a sustaining basis. Gabriel Heatter's Sunday night talks have been renewed by Barbasol on 15 outlets for another year. The news department also reported the addition of Owen Cunningham as correspondent in Hawaii and the arrival of Elizabeth Wayne, former Batavian correspondent, in Trinidad. • • • Purely Personal: G. S. McAllister, CBS director of construction and build- ing operations, left for Itasca, III., yesterday to check on progress of the new transmitter for WBBM, Chicago. . . . Ruth Barnard, Don Lee traffic manager, has resigned to enter Government service. . . . Leopold Stokowski will return to direct four more concerts of the NBC Symphony starting next week. . . J Rolfe Sedan, Hollywood character a-ctor, has joined the cast of "Tom Wins- low." . . . John B. Kennedy, WNEVV commentator , has been voted favorite radio commentator at Fordham University. . . . Bill Bivens has taken over the announcing job on Fred Waring's "Pleasure Time." • • • Many stations and networks will carry the start of the third selective service lottery tonight but no effort will be made to cover the entire drawing. Such coverage was attempted on the first lottery but it was discovered that the long list of numbers makes poor radio news. • • • Program News: WKRC, Cincinnati, will carry the baseball games of the Cincinnati Reds this season under the sponsorship of Burger Brewing Co. and Wagner Bottling Co. Waite Hoyt, former Yankee pitching star, will describe the play-by-play. Pre-season games will start on the station next Monday, but on a sustaining basis. . . . Herb-Ox will participate on the Mary Margaret McBride program five days weekly on WEAF, beginning tomorrow. . . . Select Theatres ( Shubert ) has started a campaign of one minute spots, 12 :04 A.M., six times weekly over WEAF, for "Sons o' Fun" and "Priorities of 1942." . . . Jacob Ruppert Brewery has renewed Stan Lomax on WOR Tuesdays and Thursdays for 52 weeks. . . . Bill Berns will start a series of film commentaries over WNEW at 1 :45 P.M. today. He will be heard Tues- days, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kaltenborn Head of New Analysts Group The Association of Radio News Analysts has been formed here by a group of radio news commentators. H. V. Kaltenborn is president ; Ray- mond Gram Swing and Elmer Davis, vice-presidents, and Quincy Howe, secretary-treasurer. The constitution of the organization states the purpose "to bring together United States citizens who are en- gaged in the personal analysis and broadcasting of news for American radio stations in order to cooperate more effectively in the United Nations' war and eventual peace efforts ; to achieve international understanding : to establish and maintain a code of ethics which shall govern their pro- fessional conduct ; and for other pur- poses which will advance their pro- fessional welfare and improve the standards of analytical news broad- casting." Commentators who read their own commercial announcements are not •licible for membership, which, is re- stricted to those who prepare their own broadcasts. Hold Rites for Operator Philadelphia, March 16. — Funeral services were held today for Robert I. Taylor, 57, who died last Friday. He was a motion picture operator since the inception of the industry here more than 30 years ago and during the hist World War served as film super- visor for the Y.M.C.A. camp service. I lis wife survives. Mo. Theatre Denied Relief on Clearance Substanital relief was denied the Louis Theatre, St. Joseph, Mo., in its arbitration clearance case at the Kansas City board by Henry M. Shu- gart, arbitrator, on the ground that the theatre, which caters to colored patronage, is not in direct competi- tion with the white patronage theatres named in its complaint. To reduce the clearance of the other theatres over the Louis, consequent- ly would have no effect on its attend- ance, the arbitrator held. He set the maximum clearance of the Missouri and Orpheum over the Louis at 133 days. The complaint had set forth that clearance of St. Joseph first runs formerly was 119 to 143 days and asked that it be reduced to 30 days. Paramount, Loew's, 20th Cen- tury-Fox and Warners were named in the complaint and costs were di- vided evenly among all parties by the arbitrator. A consent award was entered at the Buffalo board yesterday by George W. Wanamaker, arbitrator, setting the maximum clearance of the Mar- lowe over Irving Cohen's Allendale at seven days. Cohen's complaint had asked only that "reasonable" clearance be set. Costs were divided evenly among the parties. High Court Had Jurisdiction in FCC Rules Suit 'U' Featurette Premiere "Menace of the Rising Sun," Uni- versal featurette, will be given a pre- miere at the Keith Theatre, Baltimore, March 27, the company announced. Lawrence Schanberger, manager (if the theatre, has invited officers of the Naval Academy and Army and Navy units. (Continued from page 1) issuance of the FCC regulations, staj tions will not negotiate for, enter int< J or renew their affiliation contrarff through fear of the loss of their brof casting licenses, and "as a result of thj regulations, have threatened to cance'J and repudiate their affiliation coni tracts." Many stations, it was de clared, have notified the company thaJ because of the regulations they wil not be bound by their affiliation con tracts after regulations become effec I tive. Attack on Regulations "The regulations impair serious! the ability of the plaintiff to compet,; for national advertising, and plaintiff' ability to maintain its identity and th public goodwill which it has built |ij since its inception, and the ability o | the plaintiff to render a wide publi [ service of informing, educating an> entertaining the public," the court wa told. "The regulations will make th I operation of the plaintiff's busines.; burdensome and more costly, reduc its earnings, compel the plaintiff ti] change the fundamental character oj its business and render its propert; and business less valuable. A network system of broadcasting, such as presj ently operated by the plaintiff, anrJ based upon the affiliation contracts containing the provisions alleged, 1 essential to the public interest, con, venience and necessity, and indis^ pensable to the fullest and most effec tive use of the radio facilities of th country." Claim Order is Illegal The complaint further alleges thaj the FCC order is "illegal and voici and beyond the statutory power o ; authority of the Commission" and tha the company would suffer "irreparabl injury" if the regulations are hel< valid. ,, The Commission regulations ouri lawed exclusive affiliation contracts limited contracts to one year, mad stations free to reject programs, pro: hibited networks from interfering witkj rates charged by stations and proF hibited any chain from owning mor. than one network. Gravatts Dismissed From Trust Actiorl Camden, N. J., March 16. — Federa,B Judge John Boyd Avis in Federa; District Court here has permittc three of the 13 defendants to with draw from the anti-trust suit brough last Fall by the operators of the Em press Theatre, Atlantic City, seekii^ $690,000 triple damages. Those released are the S.C.A. Co and Frank Gravatt and Mrs. Flor Gravatt, officers of that company. Th other defendants are seven major dis tributors, the Ventnor Realty aiv Leasing Co. and the Wielland Lewi circuit. It was alleged that the Gravatt agreed with the Wielland circuit t prevent the Empress from obtainin; first run films. ' InteJUgec /> — n\| ' TT )I to the^jl ation Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY — JL. 51. NO. 53 NEW YORK, U.S.A., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1942 TEN CENTS NBC Affiliates Demand Good Taste on Radio Stressed as Important to National Morale Radio humor of questionable taste was outspokenly condemned yesterday by the group of execu- tives of 11 NBC network affiliates who concluded a two-day meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria yesterday. Speaking for the group, Paul W. Morency, chairman of Region One of the NBC advisory and planning board, declared : "We are specially desirous of increasing the value of radio for national morale. Good taste in programs is a cardinal point and we express grave concern over the current tendency on the part of certain comedians and comic show writers to use situa- tions, inferences and 'double en- tendres' not consistent with good taste. "The seriousness of the feeling is in- dicated by the attitude of the stations that unless this philosophy of program content is remedied, they cannot be (Continued on pane 8) Darmour Dies on Coast at Age of 47 1 Hollywood, March 17. — Lawrence J. (Larry) Darmour, producer, 47, died of a heart attack early this morn- ing at California Lutheran Hospital, where he had been for three months following an abdominal operation. Born in Flushing, Long Island, and educated in Flushing schools, Darmour in 1915 joined Gaumont as a film in- 1 spector, becoming a Gaumont News I camerman, in which capacity he cov- ered the Ford Peace Ship voyage. He (.Continued on page 7) 1,276 Free Prints To Be Given Army Washington, March 17. — A total of 1,276 prints, four or five of each feature or short, will be delivered without cost to the Army for foreign bases in 16mm. under the program an- nounced recently by the War Activi- ties Committee of the industry, it was announced today by the War Depart- ment. The prints will be of the better pro- (Continued on page 8) Universal Quarter Operating Profit Is Up to $1,518,315 Operating profit of $1,518,315 before taxes and other charges for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 31 was reported yes- terday by Uni- versal Pictures, Inc., of which Nate J. Blum- berg is presi- dent. The pe- riod constitutes the first quarter of the company's fiscal year. The profit re- ported is more than double the operating profit, similarly com- puted, for the corresponding quarter of the preceding year, which was reported at $703,795. After provision for Federal income and excess profits taxes amounting to (Continued on page 7) Nate •). Blumbers Roach Plans 8 Films He Tells U.A. Meet Chicago, March 17. — Hal Roach plans eight more "streamlined" fea- tures for United Artists release, he told the U. A. sales meeting at the Blackstone Hotel here today. Two will be based on the Hitler theme, he said, the first being "Hitler's Valet," featuring Bobby Watson. There also will be two comedy Westerns with Jimmy Rogers and Noah Beery, Jr., based on Donald Hough stories in Collier's; two with William Bendix and Grace Bradley, (Continued on page 7) Posters for Studios Urge Conservation Posters cautioning studio employes against waste of scarce or irreplaceable ma- terials have been prepared by the War Activities Committee of the industry for prominent display in all studios. The warning urges workers to conserve especially lumber, metals, tools, hardware, nails, film, chemicals, paint, brushes, electrical and sound equip- ment and office supplies. The posters impress workers with the fact that uninterrupted production activities may de- pend upon conservation of materials now on hand. Postpone Hearing On Divorce Action A hearing on the Government's ac- tion to compel Paramount and 20th Century-Fox to divest themselves of a total of 38 theatres acquired since entry of the consent decree, which was scheduled to be held today before Fed- eral Judge Henry W. Goddard, will be postponed for about two weeks. Agreement to ask the court today for the additional time was reached by attorneys for the Government and the two companies as a result of the fact that neither side is fully prepared to proceed with the case. A hearing date between April 1 and 10, agreeable to the court, will be asked. Attorneys for both sides are in the field now interviewing operators, former owners and others on details of the theatre acquisitions and the rea- sons for them. The companies will endeavor to show that the acquisitions were made in accordance with provi- sions of the decree permitting expan- sion under specified conditions. Television Fate During War to Be Decided at FCC Meeting on April 9 Washington, March 17. — The fate of television during the war may be decided April 9. Companies holding television permits and licenses, as well as representatives of the Radio Manufacturers Association, today were called by the FCC to meet at an informal conference on that date for a discussion of wartime television problems. The commission said it called the meeting with a view to de- termining policies to be followed regarding television broadcasting during the emergency. In an effort to keep the conference small, the FCC announced that attendance at the meeting will be restricted to not more than two representatives of any television station or organization. The conference is expected by the industry to settle conclusively the future course for television for the duration of the war and to set at rest considerable speculation which has arisen as a result of priorities and similar matters. Quigley Award Winners Given Trade Tribute 600 Attend Presentations At Ampa Luncheon By SHERWIN A. KANE Tribute to the championship showmen of 1941, Arnold Stoltz, manager of Warners' Avon The- atre, Utica, N. Y., and Frank Bickerstaff, city manager for the Lucas & Jenkins Circuit, Athens, Ga., winners of the 1941 Quigley Grand Awards for exploitation, was paid by the industry yesterday at the "Theatre Showmanship Pictures of the Ampa Theatre Showmanship Show yesterday at the Hotel Edison, when the Quig- ley Grand Awards were presented, will be found on Page 4. Show" luncheon of the Ampa at the Edison Hotel. A capacity gathering of more than 600 persons which overflowed the grand ballroom and occupied balco- nies and the stage witnessed the awards presentation by Barney Bala- ban, president of Paramount, and Ned E. Depinet, vice-president of RKO. With A. M. Botsford, director of advertising and publicity of 20th Cen- tury-Fox, as toastmaster, the show- (Continucd on page 5) Sellout for 'Reap' Opening on Coast Hollywood, March 17. — Para- mount's new Hollywood Theatre has been completely sold out for its open- ing performance, the world premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "Reap the Wild Wind" tomorrow night. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Navy Relief Society. The premiere marks DeMille's 30th anniversary in the industry and his new production has been designated Paramount's 30th anniversary picture. Paramount will hold a reception and cocktail party in honor of Cecil B. DeMille, on Sunday afternoon in the Perroquet Suite of the Waldorf-As- toria Hotel at 5 P. M. DeMille is coming to New York for the Eastern premiere of "Reap the Wild Wind" at the Radio City Music Hall on March 26. 2 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 18, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 17 BV. STURDIVANT, director of • the Los Angeles Theatre Defense Bureau, has left for Fort Worth, Chi- cago and Detroit to discuss theatre defense precautions with exhibitors. Louis J. Halper will substitute for Sturdivant during his absence. • Deanna Durbin's return to Univer- sal will be in "Three Smart Girls Join Up," a story of women in defense in- dustries which will go in production shortly. Bruce Manning will pro- duce. • M-G-M announced today that Clark Gable will be starred in "Shadows of the Wing," story of the Army Air Corps to be directed by Victor Flem- ing and produced by Sam Zimbalist. • The Freelance Publicists Guild will meet tomorrow night to act on a pro- posed constitution and bylaws and a change in name more suitable to the organization's aims. • The New York Times has taken quarters in the Postal Union Life Building here for Thomas Brady, for- merly assistant to the late Douglas Churchill, who succeeds him as the newspaper's Hollywood representative. Aller Resigns As Executive of CFI Hollywood1, March 17. — Joseph Aller, vice-president and a director of Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., resigned yesterday after 20 years with the company. A decision to retire from business was given as the reason for his resignation. He was head of the company's West Coast laboratory. At the home office it was said yes- terday that no decision had as yet been made relative to a successor to Joseph Aller on the Coast. The an- nual meeting of the stockholders of Consolidated Film Industries will be held here on March 26. Personal Mention St. Louis Club Plans Aid for Navy Relief St. Louis, March 17. — Determined to raise $20,000 as part of St. Louis' quota of $89,000 for the Navy Relief Society, the local Variety Club will launch several fund-raising campaigns. The club's drive was started last Friday with a Navy Day luncheon at the Coronado Hotel. Today about 90 theatres in the city are turning over 25 per cent of their gross receipts for the day and night to the campaign and up until March 24 collections will be taken up in theatres, heralded in advance by special trailers. The com- mittee in charge of the drive is headed by Edward Arthur, chairman, and in- cludes Les Kaufman, Lou Ansell, Fred Wehrenberg, George Wiegand and E. I.. Murphy. Annual Meeting of 20th-Fox April 21 Annual meeting of stockholders of 20th Century-Fox will be held at the home office on April 21. All directors of the company are scheduled to be reelected by the stockholders at the meeting. WILLIAM C. GEHRING, Cen- tral division manager for 20th Century-Fox, left last night for a trip to Chicago, Des Moines and other Midwestern cities. Oscar A. Doob is in Florida. Edward Hinchy, chief film buyer for the Warner Theatres, Philadel- phia, is back from Florida. • Robert Lynch, M-G-M branch manager, Philadelphia, is on vacation in Florida. • Morris Nunes of the Shubert and Lincoln Theatres, New Haven, lias left for two weeks in Miami. • Charles Segall, Philadelphia ex- hibitor, and Mrs. Segall are vaca- tioning at Miami Beach. • Frank Alexander, assistant mana- ger of the Penn, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has entered the Army. • Harry Dressler of the 20th Cen- tury-Fox Philadelphia exchange, has joined the Marines. PETER SCULLY, Universal play- er, and son of John J. Scully, Universal Buffalo manager, has joined the Army and is at Fort Bragg. • Frank Rosenberg, Columbia ex- ploitation head, and his bride, the for- mer Thelma Dorfman, are honey- mooning at Miami Beach. • Hal Seidenberg, manager of War- ners' Earle, Philadelphia, will enter the Army at the end of the month. • Mrs. Minnie Friedman, owner of the Franklin, Philadelphia, has left the hospital, having recovered from a spinal injury, and is convalescing at home. • Edward Michelson of the Warner home office publicity department and Lillian Passman will be married on Saturday. • Edward Pitcavage, of the home office staff of Comerford Theatres, Scranton, Pa., has been called into the Army. • Norman Moray has arrived in Hollywood. New House Barred, Money Buys Bonds Birmingham, Ala., March 17. — Unable because of priorities to obtain materials for the drive-in theatre planned here, H. H. Waters and R. M. Ken- nedy, officers of the company, have bought $30,000 worth of defense bonds with the money intended for the new theatre. They plan to construct the theatre after the war ends. NLRB Certifies SPG, Office Guild at Loew's Washington, March 17. — The Na- tional Labor Relations Board today certified the Screen Office and Profes- sional Employes Guild and the Screen Publicists Guild of New York as the collective bargaining agencies, respec- tively, of the clerical employes and the advertising and publicity employes in the New York offices of the Marcus Loew Booking Agency and Loew's, The board's action was predicated on elections in which the Office Guild received 324 of 462 votes and the Pub- licists Guild eight of 13 votes in bal- loting Feb. 25 and 26. Pery Is Columbia Chief in Australia N. P. Pery has been named man- aging director of the Australia-New Zealand territory for Columbia with headquarters at Sydney, the company announced yesterday. Pery replaces Cecil Mason, who re- signed the post recently, and will con- tinue as supervisor of the Far East territories still operating, in addition to handling his new post. He was formerly home office supervisor of Australasia and the Far East. W.B. to Release Next U. S. Shorts Chicago, March 17. — The next Government defense shorts for dis- tribution through the industry, "Any Bonds Today?" and "Ring of Steel," will be handled by Warner Bros., under the arrangement whereby each company in rotation will distribute three Government-produced films. This has been revealed here by Monroe Greenthal, a member of the War Activities Committee. After Warners, films will be released by M-G-M and United Artists. "Ring of Steel" was produced by Garson Kanin with commentary by Spencer Tracy. Hollywood, March 17. — A special showing of selected Government films for industry leaders within two weeks is being arranged by the Motion Pic- ture Public Relations Committee, Western Division. The films will be a cross section of those being distrib- uted to theatres by the War Activities Committee. Newsreel Parade Hold Rites Today For Sylvia Miller Funeral services will be held today for Sylvia Miller (Mrs. Louis Brooks), 37, secretary to Pete Har- rison of Harrison's Reports, who died Monday night after an illness of sev- eral months. Miss Miller had been Harrison's secretary for 12 years. Services will be at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 76th St. and Amsterdam Ave., at noon. She is survived by her husband, her mother, two sisters and a brother. Burial will be in Cedar Park Ceme- tery, Cedar Park, N. J. Col. Film to Capitol Columbia's "The Lady Is Willing" is scheduled to open at the Capitol next Thursday, following the third and final week of "The Invaders." /7~T HE return of a Commando unit -*- after a raid on French territory is uniformly covered by all the reels in the midweek issues, as is the awarding of medals to two American _ war heroes'. On the lighter side, the M reels covered the opening of Nf York's flower show. The contents f low : MOVIETONE NEWS, No. 55-Com- mandos return from raid on French coast. Convoy attacked by planes in Mediterra- nean. War miners kept healthy in Eng- land. Wooden tires demonstrated in New Jersey. Lockard and Taylor, war heroes. I are honored. Lloyd Corrigan in bomber H ferry service. USO opens new unit at H Camp Dix, N. J. Basketball game in Chi- U cago. Golf tournament in Miami. NEWS OF THE DAY, No. Z5S-Britishl Commando unit returns from raid. Uncle H Sam takes scrap metal from Indiana junk H yard. Wooden tires demonstrated in New I Jersey. Press Photographers open New H York show. Lockard and Taylor, U. S. ■ war heroes, honored. Convoy attacked in H Mediterranean. USO opens new unit at I Camp Dix, N. J. Flower show opens in I New York. Red Cross asks nation's help. H McMitchell wins mile race in New York. ■ Basketball game in Chicago. PARAMOUNT NEWS, No. 58-Mickey Harris, baseball pitcher, now in Army in Panama; Douglas Corrigan in bomber ferry service; Sergeant Lockard receives DSM. Jap exodus speeded on West Coast. USO opens new club house at Camp Dix. N. J. Florida models take to bicycles. Canadian forces put American bombers through tests in England. Commandos return from raid on European coast. Mile run thrill of track meet in New York. RKO PATHE NEWS, No. 58— USO now has 570 units in operation. Commandos raid French coast. American tanks in Eng- land. Press Photographers display their skill in New York. Wooden tires tried out in New Jersey. Red Cross pioneers hon- ored at Arlington, Va. U. S. wins scrap with Indiana junk man. McMitchell wins mile race in New York. UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL, No. 67- Commandos back in England after raid on French coast. Red Cross pioneers are hon- ored at Arlington. Junk dealer gives up scrap to Uncle Sam. USO opens club at Camp Dix, N. J. Lockard and Taylor, two war heroes, are honored in Washington. First aid training in Washington. Press Photographers show work in New York. Flower show opens in New York. Mickey Harris of baseball fame with Army in Panama. Basketball game in Chicago. Booking Agent Dies Cincinnati, March 17. — Morris Jones, 61, booking agent and formed vaudeville performer, died in Jewish Hospital last night of pneumonia. His wife and five stepchildren survive. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 2.'. 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Only three times in all its fabulous years has Radio City Music Hall held a picture for six weeks. Twice this honor came to M~G'M; previously for "Philadelphia Story" and now for the box-office triumph "WOMAN OF THE YEAR." Congratulations to all who took part in its making: SPENCER TRACY, KATHARINE HEPBURN in a GEORGE STEVENS production with Fay Bainter, Reginald Owen. Original screen play by Ring Lardner, Jr. and Michael Kanin. Directed by George Stevens. Produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. A Metro'Goldwyn-Mayer Picture. 4 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 18, 1942 Views Taken at Ampa Showmanship Show A. M. Botsford, who acted as toastmaster at the luncheon. Left to right: Barney Balaban, Frank Bickerstaff, Bronze Grand Award winner; Martin Quigley, Arnold Stoltz, Silver Grand Award winner; Adolph Zukor and Ned E. Depinet. Don Jacocks, division manager for Warner New Jersey Theatres. Ernest Emerling, second from left, assistant to Oscar Doob at Loew's, and a group of managers of Loew Theatres, Ken Grattan, Paul Levi, Sam Pearlman and James Bruno. Martin Quigley, left, and Adolph Zukor, in animated conversation on the dais during the "Showmanship Show" luncheon. I'hotos by Staff Photograph A general view of the "Theatre Showmanship Show" exhibit of the campaigns of Quigley award winners, in connection with the Ampa luncheon which featured the presentation of plaques to the winners of the Quigley Grand Awards for 1941. Si Fabian, head of the Fabian Circuit, an interested luncheon guest. ^dnesdjy. March 18, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 5 — Quigley Award dinners Given Trade Tribute (Continued from page \) hiiship theme predominated in the ntation remarks and in brief ad- es by Martin Quigley and lph Zukor. (Juigley touched upon the purpose the annual awards, sponsored by c Managers' Round Table of !'c/u>»i Picture Herald. Stresses Showmanship ''No motion picture, however great, capable of obtaining, unaided and i its own resources, alone, the great- it possible public acceptance," Quig- y said. "Many motion pictures if ft unaided and on their own re- 'nirces, alone, are bound to suffer a ick of attention which may in no lay be justified by an insufficiency of fcrft. "The obvious reason for this is that every motion picture faces a condition under which there is great competition for the public's interest and atten- tion. Unless a motion picture is so presented and so adver- tised as to command the pub- lic's interest and attention, it is certain to fail to rise over the competing interests which surround it and. consequently, fail to obtain the public ac- ceptance to which it is entitled. Thus, rightly presenting and right- advertising motion pictures to the ublic is an essential requisite for a uccessful industrv and it is a func- on which the public has a right to xpect from the industry. "This luncheon event is a gratify- >ig recognition of the industry's ap- rcciation of the vital and essential huracter of the function of advertis- lg to the public. "For Motion Picture Herald and .> staff, I wish to express thanks to le Associated Motion Picture Ad- .ertisers for the invitation to make 'lis luncheon the scene for the pres- ntation of the annual awards for ltritorious performance on the part If exhibitors in advertising to the I ublic. The purpose of this contest, .hich has been conducted for the past ight years by Motion Picture Her- ald, is to encourage better perform- nce in this work and to make ap- ropriate recognition of especially 'uccessful performance. Congratulates Winners And, finally, now I wish to offer ny personal congratulations to the Winners of the 1941 contest, who later •n in this program will receive ■laques attesting to their successful ccomplishments." Balaban, inconvenienced by laryn- Htis, was obliged to forego his pres- entation talk in presenting the -.ronze Grand Award to Bickerstaff. Ls message of appreciation and pride n the winning of an award by a mem- ber of the Paramount theatre organi- ation was read for him by Botsford. In presenting the Silver Grand Ward to Stoltz. Depinet stressed the practical value to the industrv of the heatre men who, by their own efforts md ability, succeed in operating •rofitably those theatres which have neither the advantages of prestige nor the choice of first run product. "The exhibitor who, week in and week out, has to meet a payroll, is the exhibitor who works the hardest," Depinet said. "Failure to sell individual pictures to the limit of their possibilities costs the industry a fortune every year." "Only the top cream is taken off picture revenues by many exhib- itors," he said. "The waste involved is enormous. Too little thought is given to the dollars that get away. The theatre without an abundance of product, the house which habit- ually makes the most of what is avail- able to it, does the best with the in- between pictures." Depinet credited Motion Picture Herald and A-Mike Vogel of Mana- gers' Round Table with encouraging operations of the type referred to. "They are lifting theatre mana- gers out of the rut of regimentation and are helping to give them the im- portance that is rightfully theirs," he said. "There are men still in the business who can do the important job that exhibitors used to do. The industry for too long has minimized the importance of the individual man- ager. Let's take the shackles off of him." In making the presentation, De- pinet described Stoltz as a manager who "on his vveek-to-week record did Class A business with Class B pictures throughout the year." He referred to the fact that Stoltz's house is not the Warner Circuit flagship in Utica. Zukor, who was given a rising trib- ute by the assemblage following his introduction by Botsford, recalled ad- vertising and exploitation methods of the pioneer days of the industry. Com- paring them with the present, he pointed out the vast advantages in tacilities, resources, trade journals and in pictures themselves available to the showmen of today, which the industry pioneers did not have at their command to aid them in winning patrons. "Use your head," Zukor admon- ished. "Sell the picture. Don't ex- pect the picture to do the work you should do." The Paramount founder and board chairman closed his re- marks with a plea to the indus- try and its theatres, to do a full-time job of selling America and its message of liberty to the public. "The industry has a tremendous opportunity now to show the public what it can do for the country," Zukor said. On the dais, in addition to the speakers and the awards recipients were Gus Eyssell, Colvin Brown, Terry Ramsaye, Vincent Trotta, Leon Bamberger and Paul Lazarus, Jr. William K. Jenkins, vice-president of Lucas & Jenkins Circuit. Atlanta, Ga., headed a group of that circuit including E. E. Whitaker, district manager, and Hudson Edwards, I. R. Shields and Lamar Swift, city mana- gers. Among others from out of town were : J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous Players Canadian ; John May and Seymour Morris, Schine The- atres, Gloversville, N. Y. ; C. J. Latta, Warner Theatres division man- ager in the Albany zone, and Charles Smakwitz, Albany district manager ; Harry- Lowenstein, Lee Newbury and Irving Dollinger of Allied Theatre Owners of New Jersey; L. Wolfe Gilbert, Hollywood, Ascap director. Quigley Awards Luncheon Guests Among those present at the Quigley Awards presentation luncheon at the Edison Hotel yesterday were: Sam E. Morris, John W. Hicks, W. C. Michel, Neil F. Agnew, F. J. A. McCarthy, L. E. Thompson, Si Fabian, Jack Alicoate, Louis Phillips, S. Bar- ret McCormick, Arthur Israel, Jr., Harry Brandt, Ed Zabel, George Weltner, C. J. Scollard, William Fer- guson, H. M. Richey, David Palfrey- man, Stanton Griffis, Harry Kalmine, David Lipton. Leon Netter, Russell Holman, Ernest Emerling, John Murphy, Wil- liam White, Ed Rugoff, Glendon All- vine, Earle Wingart, Harry Arthur, Jack Partington, Morris Kinzler, Irv- ing Lesser, Homer Harman, Bert Sanford, William Sussman, Lew Pres- ton, S. R. Kunkis, Milton Silver, Charles Curran, Madeleine White, G. B. J. Frawley, Maurice Kami, Abel Yigard, Edward Schreiber, Maury Ashman, David O'Malley, Don Jacocks, Irving Gold. Joseph McConville, Claude Lee, Lou Barbano, Rube Jackter, Lou Weinberg, Lester Cowan, Max Weisfeldt, Harold Rinzler, Rutgers Neilson, Joel Swen- sen, Charles Alicoate, Sidney Rechet- nik, Rudy Kuehn, Ben Grimm, Her- bert Berg, Theodore Sullivan, Paul Terry, Leo Brady, Herbert Foster, A. E. Meyer, Edwin Hartley, E. A. Williford, E. Bruce Johnson, Art Schmidt, Eddie Dowden. Robert Weitman, Nick Tronolone, H. D. Bradbury, Ray Gallo, Charles Zenker, Douglas George, Jack Thall, James Cron, Dennis Murray, Rod- ney Bush, Ray Gallagher, Gertrude Merriam, Lawrence Beatus, Toni Spitzer, Harry Blair, Joe Shea, Al Seligman, Max Michaelson, George .Morris, Arthur James, H. Levy, R. C. Bosch, Monty Salmon, Earl Wedge, Harry Bessey, E. Z. Walters, A. J. Radamacher, Glenn Pinckney, Don L. Turner, Robert Shapiro. Malcolm Kingsberg, Oscar Morgan, Charles M. Reagan, Mort Blumen- stock, Leon Goldberg, Fred Schwartz, Harry Mandel, Charles McDonald, William England, H. M. Emdee, Max Fellerman, James Brennan, Joseph Gallagher, Al Stocker, Jack Wein- stein, Mike Degal, Dick Trettler, Wally Smith, William Applegate, Al Greene, Edwin Breuer, William Price, Paul Binstock, Michael Edelstein, Al Dawson, Jack Lewis, Hortense Schorr. Lester Gottlieb, Dick Pack, Leif Eid, Charles Benzinger, Ralph Glea- son, Judith Cortada, John McTighe, Sid Eiges, Wallace West, Edward Greif, Herman Pincus, Herbert Fecke, Fredericka Eidelsberg, Isabelle Aus- tin, Aileen St. John Brenon, Rosita Wilder, Isabelle Austin, Louis Chap- man, Harry K. Brown, Wilfred Simon, Harvey Everette. Herman Starr, John Benas, Murray Stahl, Paul Berke, Janice Rentschler, Harold Janecky, Jack Harris, Dee Kreps, Notis Kamise, Dick Carnegie, George Ritch, Ben Katz, Nate Simon, Gus Kessler, Sam Rose, Fred Lynch. Previous Grand Awards winners present included Morris Rosenthal, Loew's Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn. ; Harry Goldberg, Warner Theatres ; Lester Pollock, Loew's, Rochester, N. Y. ; Ray Bell, Loew's ; Lige Brien, Warners' Belmar, Pittsburgh, and Everett C. Callow, Warner Theatres, Philadelphia. fBen says: 5 THE BRIGHTEST EVENT SINCE I DISCOVERED LIGHTNING . . • WHAT? THE REMARKABLE ANDREW,'* OF COURSE " The surprise hit of the year! You're right, Ben, The Hollywood Reporter Says: "A brilliantly novel comedy, sharply off the beaten path \" 6 Motion Picture Daily Wednesday, March 18, 1942 ' Cowboy' Big With$26,400, Los Angeles Los Angeles, March 17. — "Ride 'em Cowboy" and "Weekend tor Three" scored a strong $26,400 at two houses, with $14,800 at the Hillstreet and $11,600 at the Pantages. "Johnny Eager" and "Mr. and Mrs. North" drew well at the Chinese and Loew's State. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 12 : "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) CHINESE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $13,000. (Average, $12,000) "To Be or Not to Be" (U.A.) 3rd week. "The Night Before the Divorce" (20th-Fox) 2nd week. CARTHAY CIRCLE— (1,518) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $4,600. (Average. $17,000) "Mister V" (U.A.) 4 STAR— (900) (44c-55c) 7 days, 4th week. Gross: $3,800. (Average, $3,250) "Hellzapoppin' " (Univ.) HAWAII— (1,100) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. 4th week. Gross: $6,000. "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) "Weekend for Three" (RKO) HILLSTREET— (2,700) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $14,800. (Average, $6,500) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEW'S STATE— (2,500) (33c-44c-55c- 75c) 7 days. Gross: $18,000. (Average, $14,000) "Ride 'em Cowboy" (Univ.) "Weekend for Three" (RKO) PANTAGES— (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. Gross: $11,600. (Average, $7,000) "The Lady Has Plans" (Para.) "The Remarkable Andrew" (Para.) PARAMOUNT— (3,595) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 7 days. 2nd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $18,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W.B.) WARNER BROS. (Hollywood)— (3,000) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 5 days, 3rd week. Gross: $8,800. (Average, $14,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W.B.) WARNER BROS. (Downtown (3,400) (33c-44c-55c-75c) 5 days. 3rd week. Gross: $11,100. (Average, $12,000) "Pituri" "Black Dragons" (Mono.) VOGUE— (900) (33c-44c-55c) 7 days. Gross: $3,500. Reviews 'Purchase' Scores $15,500 in Baltimore Baltimore, March 17. — Top busi- ness of the week went to "Louisiana Purchase," which broke house records for Sunday at Keith's and scored $15,500. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 12 : "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) CENTURY — (3,000) (28c-44c, and 55c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $13,500. (Aver- age, $10,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) KEITH'S — (2,406) (15c-28c-33c-44c, and 55c weekends) 7 days. Gross: $15,500. (Aver- age, $8,000) "Sen of Fury" (20th-Fox) NEW— (1.581) (15c-28c-35c-55c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $7,000. (Average, $7,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) STANLEY — (3,280) (15c-28c-39c-44c-55c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $12,000) "Jean of Paris" (RKO) HIPPODROME — (2,205) (15c-28c-39c-44c- 55c-66c) 7 days. Stage show featuring Adrian Rollini Trio; Dick Robertson. Gil Lamb and others. Gross: $13,000. (Aver- age, $14,000) "Lady for a Night" (Rep.) MA YFAIR — (1,000) (20c-40c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $6,000) U. S. to Release Short The two-reel short subject, "Hidden Hunger," an official film of the Na- tional Nutrition Program, will be re- leased directly to film theatres by the Federal Security Agency, of which Paul V. McNutt is Administrator, it was announced yesterday. "The Mayor of 44th Street" (RKO) Hollyivood, March 17 <* ' I v HE Mayor of 44th Street" is about as entertaining a combination -*- of music, melodrama, romance and comedy as has come out of Hollywood. Featuring George Murphy, Anne Shirley, William Gargan and Richard Barthelmess, with Freddie Martin and his orchestra, the picture packs a smash wallop with a meaty story, novel in the extreme, and aroused much applause at its Hollywood preview where it was un- announced and unadvertised. Suggested by a Collier's Magazine article by Luther Davis and John Cleveland, the story by Robert D. Andrews and, the screenplay by Lewis R. Foster and Frank Ryan deal with a leader of a group of boys and girls of teen age who attempts to blackmail the manager of a group of dance halls and orchestras by creating disturbances. Taken into the firm, as a gesture toward rehabilitation by the man- ager, the boy is influenced by a paroled racketeer to make further shakedowns, and after a series of complications, matters round them- seVes out. Supporting the top four are Joan Merrill, singer who does three numbers well ; Rex Downing, who does exceptionally as the young gang leader ; Millard Mitchell and Mary Wickes, in comedy roles, and others. Alfred E. Green directed the film, extracting the maximum of enter- tainment from every situation and line of dialogue. With an effective screenplay supplied by Foster and Ryan, an impressive investiture by producer Cliff Reid, able direction by Green, and excellent music, the picture is an entertainment natural. The music used in the picture is "Piano Concerto," played by Miller and his band ; "A Million Miles from Manhattan," "Heavenly, Isn't It?" and "You're Bad for Me," sung by Joan Miller, and "When There's a Breeze on Lake Louise," sung by Anne Shirley. Running time, 85 minutes. "G."* Vance King 'Klondike Fury" (Monogram) Hollywood, March 17 C ECOND of the King Brothers productions for Monogram release, ^ "Klondike Fury" depicts the regeneration of a doctor who, through a fatal operation, loses confidence in himself. The physician, faced with the necessity of performing a similar operation, proves his theory con- cerning the delicate bit of brain surgery, thus restoring to health a youth doomed otherwise to a lingering illness and regaining for himself his position in the medical world. v Edmund Lowe, as the physician who takes to ferrying bombers when his colleagues and patients alike scorn him; Bill Henry as the youth warped by his illness, and Lucile Fairbanks as the girl of the backwoods, head the cast. Supporting are Ralph Morgan, Robert Middlemass, Jean Brooks, Mary Forbes, Vince Barnett, Clyde Cook, Marjorie Wood and Kenneth Harlan. William K. Howard directed from a screenplay by Henry Blankfort, who adapted the story, "Klondike," by Tristram Tupper. A remake of "Klondike," produced by Monogram in 1932, the pro- duction has been given careful attention by Producer Maurice King and his associate, Franklin King, whose work manifests itself on the screen. Their third picture since their production career began, it appears to be one of the better forthcoming Monogram offerings. Running time, 68 minutes. "G."* Vance King "Scatter good Rides High" (RKO) Hollywood, March 17 C ATURATED with the homey type of comedy that its film predeces- ^ sors and the radio program from which it is taken possess, "Scatter- good Rides High," fourth of the Jerrold T. Brandt productions for RKO release, this time takes the squire of Cold River into an adventure dealing with trotting horses. The story concerns a youth whose horse farm and livestock are sold at auction to satisfy his late father's debts and his attempts to buy them back from the family that acquired them. The climax comes when he rides his own horse to victory in a high stakes race. Scattergood again is played by Guy Kibbee, with Jed Prouty, Dorothy Moore, Charles Lind, Kenneth Howell, Regina Wallace, Frances Car- son, Arthur Aylesworth, Paul White, Phillip Hurlic, Walter S. Baldwin, Jr., and Lee Phelps competing the cast. Christy Cabanne directed from a screenplay by Michael L. Sim- mons. Frank Melford was the associate producer. Running time, 66 minutes. "G."* Vance King *"G" denotes general classification. 'Lady', Heidt Frisco Lead With $19,400 San Francisco, March 17.— "Obliging Young Lady," with Horac< Heidt's band on the stage, drew $19,- 1 400 at the Golden Gate. Also standing was $15,800 at the Pi mount for "Vanishing Virginian" an< "Yank on the Burma Road." Estimated receipts for the weel ending March 10-12 : "Obliging Young Lady" (RKO) GOLDEN GATE— (2,850) (44c-49c-65c) days. Stage: vaudeville. Gross: $19,4fX (Average, $15,000) "Paris Calling" (Univ.) "Swing It Soldier" (Univ.) ORPHEUM — (2,440) (20c-35c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $8,000) "Shanghai Gesture" (U. A.) "Miss Polly" (U. A.) UNITED ARTISTS — (1,200) (20c-35c-4Cc 55c) 7 days, 3rd week. Gross: $7,00( (Average, $7,500) "Castle in the Desert" (20th-Fox) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) FOX— (5,000) (2Oc-35c-40c-55c) 7 days, 2n week. Gross: $13,700. (Average, $16,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Pacific Blackout" (Para.) ST. FRANCIS— (1,400) (20c-35c-40c-55c) da vs. 3rd week. Gross: $5,000. (Averagi $4,500) "Vanishing Virginian" (M-G-M) "Yank on the Burma Road" (M-G-M) PARAMOUNT— (2,740) (20c-35c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $15,800. (Average. $11,500) "We Were Dancing" (M-G-M) "Joe Smith, American" (M-G-M) WARFIELD— (2,680) (20c-35c-40c-55c) days. Gross: $14,200. (Average. $12,000) "Forgotten Village!" (Mayer-Burstvn) CLAY— (400) (15c-35c-45c) 7 days, 4ti week. Gross: $800. (Average, $1,000) 'Woman' at $20,00( Leader in St. Louii St. Louis, March 17. — With "Worn an of the Year," Loew's enjoyed one c its most profitable weeks in man months last week, grossing $20,000. Estimated receipts for the week .end ing March 1 1 : "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) LOEW'S— (3,162) (28c -40c -44c -56c) 7 day Gross: $20,000. (Average, $13,000) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) AMBASSADOR— (3,154) (30c-40c-50c) days. Gross: $10,000. (Average, $11,500) "You're Telling Me" (Univ.) "Song of the Islands" (20th-Fox) FOX— (5,038) (30c-40c-50c) 7 days. Gros«! $13,600. (Average, $11,000) "Roxie Hart" (20th-Fox) "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (Univ.) MISSOURI— (3,514) (30c-40c-50c) 7' day; Gross: $5,200. (Average, $4,000) "Son of Fury" (2ttth-Fox) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W.B.) ST. LOUIS— (4,000) (25c-35c) 7 day: Gross: $3,200. (Average. $2,600) 'Ball of Fire' Takes $8,600, New Haver New Haven, March 17.— "Ball c Fire" and "The Body Disappears" a the Roger Sherman grossed $8,60( Five days of "The Wolf Man" an vaudeville, headed by The Four In Spots, at the Paramount took $6,00f Estimated receipts for the week end ing March 12: "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) COLLEGE— (1,627) (40c-50c) 7 days, 3i week. Gross: $2,400. (Average, $2,800) "Son of Fury" (20th-Fox) "Niagara Falls" (U. A.) LOEW-POLI— (3,005) (40c-50c) 7 day. Gross: $9,200. (Average, $8,000) "The Wolf Man" (Univ.) PARAMOUNT — (2,373) (50c-65c) 5 dav; Gross: $6,000. (Average, $4,600) "Ball of Fire" (RKO) "The Body Disappears" (W. B.) ROGER SHERMAN— (2,067) (40c-50c) days. Gross: $8,600. (Average, $5,200) Jnesdav. March 18. 1942 Motion Picture Daily 7 Reviews "My Favorite Blonde" {Paramount) T> OB HOPE is back with a laugh-provoking, gag-filled spy melodrama *-* guaranteed to take troubled minds off the war — at least for the moment. Teamed with Madeleine Carroll, Hope keeps the pace fast and furious as the unwilling aide of a beautiful British agent. More than once the laughter of an audience drowned the dialogue, especially at several of the surprises. Among the latter were the sudden appearance of Bing Crosby as an extra and the astonishment of Hope when he turns on the radio and gets the Pepsodent show. With Gale Sondergaard as an enemy agent, the film starts in a heavy -atmosphere of fog and mystery. Miss Carroll is given a pin in the form of a scorpion which contains secret flying instructions for R. A. F. flyers. Trailed by a host of enemy spies, she is required to get the pin to Los Angeles within a specified time. The melodrama, however, soon becomes a farce when Miss Carroll accidentally encounters Hope. He is a vaudeville actor whose chief asset is a trained penguin. Hope makes several attempts to get out of the mess he is embrsiled in but ultimately decides that Miss Carroll's blonde hair is too much for him to resist. Hope's portrayal of the ham actor, his attempts to argue with his con- science, his behavior as Miss Carroll alternately woos him and slaps him, and his efforts to get out of a coffin are highspots in the 78 minutes of solid entertainment. Also slated for big audience laughs is an argu- ment between two Irishmen about Hope's identity. Sidney Lanfield directed the comedy to make the most of the laugh situations and the film has been edited down to a tight and compact feature which has something happening every second. Running time, 78 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif "The Great Man's Lady" (Paramount) A TENDER and sensitive story, with frequent tugs at the heart strings, this is a picture which should have strong box-office appeal for women. Told in a narrative style, with frequent flashbacks, its epi- sodic quality creates sharp definition for a finely etched character study. Barbara Stanwyck gives a brilliant performance, sketching the life of a grand old lady from the time she was young enough to be spanked, through the early years of a happy marriage and the subsequent years of heartbreak after she loses her husband to the time, at the age of 109, when flashes of her youthful verve are still to be seen despite the feeble- ness of old age. Joel McCrea, the "great man," and Brian Donlevy, a common gambler, are the men in Miss Stanwyck's life. The theme is that there is fre- quently a story of sacrifice by a woman behind a great man's success. The plot unfolds with the dedication of a statute to a champion of the common people. Reporters set out to discover whether Miss Stanwyck was in fact married to McCrea. She refuses all interviews but finally i> won over by Katherine Stevens, who is writing a biography of the great man. Miss Stanwyck tells how she first met McCrea and how they eloped to be married on the prairie. Together they set out to found a great city but when that fails to work, they go further West in search of gold. En route, they pick up Donlevy, who fell in love with Miss Stanwyck and befriended here thereafter. McCrea found silver instead of gold but he deserted his wife when he became suspicious of her innocent relationship with Donlevy. In her desire to see her husband succeed, she does not even tell him that she is about to have a child. Some years later, when she is about to rejoin him, at Donlevy's insistence, she is caught in a flood and her twin children drown. McCrea, thinking that his wife was also dead, remarries. W hen subsequent fortunes tempt McCrea away from his early ambi- tion, Miss Stanwyck returns to set him straight but relinquishes her status as wife to prevent scandal. She does not see him again except when he returns to her home to die. William A. Wellman did a splendid job as producer-director. Running time, 90 minutes. "A."* Edward Greif 441 W.B. Employes In Armed Services Warner employes in the .ountry's armed forces to date total 441, exclusive of actors and other studio personnel, ' the company announced yes- terday. With other departures scheduled in the near future, the total is expected to pass 500 before the end of the month. Seventy-five have been ^-railed from the home office ^alone. British Ticket Tax Increase Is Seen London, March 17. — The Cinemato- ,raph Exhibitor Association general ouncil tomorrow is expected to hear A report on the Treasury conversa- tions which led to postponement of the blan to raise admissions. It is now tnerally believed that the Chancellor M the Exchequer will increase theatre axes in the new budget, thus afford- ng the exhibitors a legitimate rea- ■on for raising prices on a nation- wide basis. At today's annual CEA meeting, W'. J. Speakman of Liverpool was ■lected president, succeeding Sidney Lewis, as was indicated in Motion Picture Daily yesterday, and Henry Simpson of the West Lancashire Branch of the CEA was elected vice- - president. Tribute was paid to Lewis for his year of service, with speakers stress- ling his ability and common sense, and readiness to accept criticism. Speak- , nan, in accepting the presidency, de- clined to make any promises, to avoid later "having to eat his words." Tomorrow afternoon, the CEA and the Kinematograph Renters Society will confer regarding the overhauling and stabilization of the system of sup- ply of films for American troops in mrthern Ireland. The L'. S. Army had complained of getting old pictures. The discussion will cover the supply of films for all troops as well as American. Darmour Dies on Coast at Age of 47 {Continued from page 1) was assigned to the U. S. Army Sig- nal Corps when America entered the war, and served in France for 18 months, covering considerable action and the Peace Conference. After discharge from the service, he joined Lewis J. Selznick as editor of 1 Selznick News, and later came to Hol- lywood in 1925 to establish his own J company. Standard Cinema. He estab- lished the present Larry Darmour i Studio on Santa Monica Boulevard in l'^26, where he continued production •ever since. He produced about 300 two-reel comedies, including the Mickey Mc- Guire series, which introduced Mickey Rooney to films. In the past five years he produced 20 Jack Holt fea- tures, six Ellery Queen melodramas and a number of serials for Columbia. He is survived by his widow, his mother, Mrs. James F. Darmour of Flushing, and three sisters. No funeral arrangements have been set as yet. "G" denotes general classification. *"A" denotes adult classification. Raises Admission Price Rochester, March 17. — A price in- crease has gone into effect at the Capi- tol here. Sunday afternoon balcony price has been raised from 20 to 25 cents, while the Saturday and Sunday night balcony price has been raised from 22 to 25 cents. Form Theatre Company New Haven, March 17. — Lincoln Theatre of New Haven, Inc., has filed a certificate of incorporation here, naming Morris A. Nunes, Louis Mos- cow and Bertrand Salzman of New Haven as incorporators. The new corporation operates the Lincoln. Universal Quarter Operating Profit Is Up to $1,518,315 (.Continued from page 1) approximately $440,556, after a credit of approximately $45,000 of Federal taxes provided for in a prior year, and after provision of $231,818 for write- off of equities in foreign subsidiaries, profit for the current fiscal year's period amounted to $845,941. After providing for Federal income taxes of $150,000 during the preceding year's corresponding period, net profit for that quarter amounted to $553,795. The company's gross revenues for February were well ahead of a year ago, J. Cheever Cowdin, Universal board chairman, stated in the report. Reports Attendance High Theatre attendance throughout the country is holding to the high levels established in mid-December, Cowdin said, completing the pattern of a brief slump following the outbreak of war followed by a quick recovery, which was experienced in England in 1939. He predicted further increases in at- tendance will be recorded in this coun- try as war increases the need for the entertainment "while at the same time it limits the opportunities for diver- sion." In this connection he cited restrictions on the use of automobiles as offsetting a seasonal factor that normally operates to reduce Summer theatre attendance. "The industry faces a very real re- sponsibility in meeting this public need for entertainment," Cowdin said. "Its success in discharging this responsi- bility will have an important bearing on public morale ,a circumstance which has been recognized in the classifica- tion of the industry by Government authorities as essential. Already many members of the industry are in mili- tary or naval service and only a bare handful, if any, of those otherwise eligible for such service will be classi- fied as essential to the operation of the industry," he said. Roach Plans 8 Films He Tells U.A. Meet (Continued from page 1) and two Army films with William Tracy and Joseph Sawyer. Comedy, said Roach, "is the greatest thing in the world for morale." Gradwell L. Sears, vice-president in charge of distribution, and Carl Leser- man, general sales manager, assured the district and branch managers present that they are "kings" in their own territories. Sears said the James Cagney deal was near completion. Harry D. Buckley spoke on exchange operations. Other speakers were Harry .Gold, Bert Stearn, Dave Coplan and Paul N. Lazarus. The meeting will end to- morrow. Hollywood, March 17.— With com- pletion of "Miss Annie Rooney," Shir- ley Temple vehicle, this month, Ed- ward Small Productions will suspend activities until late Fall Small an- nounced today. He said he plans no further production for United Artists release until November. The studio is scheduled to close March 28, accord- ing to notification to the staff. 8 Motion Picture Daily i Wednesday, March 18, 194 Reviews "The Bashful Bachelor" (RKO) Hollywood, March 17 ' I ''HIS is a virtually exact translation of the Lum and Abner radio program from air to screen, Chester Lauck and Norris Goff por- traying the Pine Ridge storekeepers precisely as via the kilocycles in a story of their own devising. It would appear a film cut to the measure of those radio listeners who tune in the comedians and, conversely, a matter of disinterest to those who do not. The adventures in which the comedians entangle themselves consist of two attempts to stage rescues which will make Lauck seem a hero, by way of winning a spinster he's too bashful to propose to, and a county fair horse race won by GofT astride a horse for which he has traded the partners' delivery wagon. All of these and other in- cidents are handled for comedy only and net quite a lot of it. Jack William Votion produced the picture and Malcolm St. Clair directed from a script by Chandler Sprague based on the Lauck-Goff original. Zasu Pitts, Grady Sutton, Oscar O'Shea, Louise Currie, Con- stance Purdy, Irving Bacon, Earle Hodgins and Benny Rubin round out the cast. Running time, 77 minutes. "G."* Roscoe Williams "The Panther's Claw" {Producers Releasing) Hollyzvood, March 17 THIRST of the "Thatcher Colt"-Anthony Abbott stories to reach the A screen, "The Panther's Claw" adopts the manner of the Fulton Oursler stories, being a murder mystery in which little physical action takes place and the crime is solved orally through science and deduction. Sidney Blackmer as "Colt" is the outstanding figure in the cast, which includes Byron Foulger, Ricki Vallin, Herbert Rawlinson, Gerta Rozan, Lynn Starr, Barry Bernard, John Ince, Martin Ashe, Joaquin Edwards and Walter James. An opera singer, announcing that she is going to South America, assumes a new identity and remains in America. Her murder involves a number of suspects, including two wigmakers and members of her opera troupe. Colt and his secretary solve the crime without resort to much movement. William Beaudine directed from the script by Martin Mooney, who departs from his usual vigorous style. Lester Cutler was the producer, with T. R. Williams his associate. The picture is exploitable as an "Anthony Abbott" crime story, which may influence the many readers of that type of fiction. Running time, 70 minutes. "G."* Vance King NBC Affiliates Demand Good Taste on Radio (Continued from page 1) expected to continue the offending shows." The meeting was the first in a series of regional conferences with NBC station affiliates to consider radio's role during the war. No comedian or comedy show was mentioned by name. The second meeting in the series opens in Cincinnati today. Dr. James Rowland Angell, NBC public service counselor, asserted that "accurate and disinterested" news "should be one of the most sensitive concerns of the broadcaster. Once permit the public to acquire serious distrust of the reliability of radio, and both the public and the broadcasters will be the sufferers." An "ignorant or indiscreet" commentator, Angell said, "can do untold damage to radio as well as to the nation." Discusses Cultural Programs Radio programs dealing with sci- ence, technology, history, biography and literature have had varying suc- cess, Angell pointed out. "Undoubt- edly, more persons are likely to be in- terested in professional wrestling and prizefighting than in a sketch of the life of Lincoln or Franklin or in the reading of any of the great poets. Whether the public served in the one case is more important than the other from the point of view of the advance- ment of a stable national life and cul- ture may well be debated. I am, how- ever, personally not ready to subscribe to the doctrine that the relative im- portance of the two and the relative obligation of the broadcaster is in such a case to be determined by a mere count of listeners." Heavy Morale Schedule Ken R. Dyke, promotion director, said the people "and even the Govern- ment have no conception of the time turned over to the Government by NBC for the promotion of civilian morale." He pointed out that between Dec. 7 and March 15, NBC and its managed and operated stations, broad- cast 751 programs, consuming 230 hours, in addition to 6,242 announce- ments. "This is a contribution of which we may well be proud. Yet we are willing to go even further in doing everything within our power to help Uncle Sam," he concluded. 49% of Set Owners Heard FDR, Wallace Forty-nine per cent of radio set owners heard President Roosevelt, Vice-President Wallace and Secretary of Agriculture Wickard March 9 dur- ing the celebration of the ninth anni- versary of the farm program, accord- ing to Cooperative Analysis of Broad- casting. The speeches were given lit- tle advance publicity, and the percent- age shows the smallest radio audience for the President since the outbreak of war. Wolf in Altec Post Philadelphia, March 17— Martin Wolf has come here as the new Altec credit manager for this territory. He replaces D. M. Kerby, who was shifted to the Cincinnati office. *"G" denotes general classification. CBS Renewal for N.Y. Philharmonic CBS has renewed its contract for exclusive broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony concerts for an additional five years, it was dis- closed yesterday. The CBS broad- casts started October, 1930. It was pointed out that about 10,- 000,000 persons hear the concerts by radio each week and that this number is about 1,000,000 more than the total which has heard the music in the con- cert hall in the 100 years of the or- chestra's existence. 1,276 Free Prints To Be Given Army (Continued from page 1) ductions and will be contributed by the industry for free exhibition at foreign bases not supplied with 35mm. service. Deliveries of the prints were started last month. In addition, the Department said, all the distributors have agreed that pic- tures rented for showing at Army posts, camps and stations in this coun- try will be made available within 30 days of the national release dates. K. C, Exchange Union Wins Rise in Wages Kansas City, March 17. — A flat $2.50 wage increase was the chief fea- ture of the new working contract agreed upon between distributor repre- sentatives and Film Exchange Union, Local B23 here. Poster clerks, inspec- tors and shippers win the increase. The new contract was concluded following recent conferences, the earlier agreement having expired last Nov. 30. The increases are retroactive to last Dec. 1. Phila. Exchange Union Negotiations at Impasse Philadelhia, March 17. — The Philadelphia Film Exchange Employes Union, Local B-7, has reached an im- passe in negotiating a new contract with the local exchanges. Negotiations had been carried on with the operating heads in New York, and according to union officials, unless the stalemate is broken soon, the National Labor Rela- tions Board will be asked to mediate the matter. It is understood that the exchanges offered a 10 per cent wage increase, but the union is asking for a 25 per cent increase. House Unit Defers FCC Probe Action Washington, March 17.— The 3 House Rules Committee today again deferred consideration of the Cox resolution for an FCC investigation. The committee will meet to- morrow to consider several measures and members said the Cox resolution might be taken up, but there was no de- 1 termination today whethafl! FCC Chairman James L. Fj would be called to testify. Orders 'Lights Out Sign on N.Y. Houses Theatres have been ordered by Ne\ York City authorities to place a dur able sign on entrance doors of the atres with this notice "Illumination i required to be extinguished befor'l these premises are closed to business. The order has been jointly issued b; the departments of Housing ami Buildings, and the Water Supply, Ga and Electricity, to all theatres hav; ing sign permits in the five boroughs It has been announced by Nationa Theatre Supply Co. that cardboan signs for this purpose are availabl free at the New York branch. Use of self-luminous ticket bootl; signs to reduce the adverse effect o' blackouts on theatre admissions ha t proved effective in two trials made b; RKO Theatres. The experiments wer ■; made during blackouts conducted [i Westchester County, first in the cSa of Yonkers, and last Sunday nigh throughout the county. In the Sunday night test, at Proc ! tor's Theatre in New Rochelle, a flu orescent sign was used, stating tha tickets were on sale in the lobby. Ill Yonkers the sign, bearing the sanr! message, was of luminescent type| which has to be activated by lighj before use in darkness. The latter re tains its luminosity about 30 minutes whereas the fluorescent kind is self i luminous for an indefinite time. Th tests were made in collaboration witl| National Theatre Supply. Equity Names Three To Nominating Groui Patricia Collinge, Dudley Digge and Leon Ames, were named to th ; nominating committee by the counci of Actors Equity yesterday. The ad j ditional six members of the committe : will be elected at the first quarter!' meeting to be held at the Hotel Asto March 27. Nearly 300 members, of approxi mately 1,000 eligible are in the armei services, the current issue of Equity, the union's official organ, states. Abou ' eight to 10 are joining each week] Equity says. WB Ad Sales Drive Week of March 24 Warners has designated the wee! of March 24 to April 4 as the fiftl annual ad-sales week, with the driv( under the direction of Bernard R Goodman, sales manager for advertis- ing accessories. The week is the final one of the company's annual sales drive. Alert, to the lyfqtion Picture Industry MOTION DAILY First in Film^ar Radio ; 1 Accurst < i and Impartial ■QL. 51. NO. 54 I Charge FCC Has 'Gestapo' Denied by Fly In Sharp Exchange With Cox at Hearing Washington, March 18. — Rep. E. E. Cox of Georgia today charged the FCC with setting up a Gestapo" and said that the Com- i mission's staff of investigators has as their chief purpose the "terror- izing" of small broadcaster;. The charge was emphatically denied by FCC Chairman James L. Fly. The charges and denials took place be- lore the House Rules Committee on on the Cox resolution for an inves- tigation of the FCC. Fly said there was complete cooperation between Commis- sion members on general policy, although there was some dis- sension on individual decisions. "It there is anybody in the world who has the small broadcasters* inter- ests at heart." Fly said, "it is the Commission. The Commission's re- cent monopoly report was. in my opin- {Continucd on page 4) NEW YORK. U.S.A.. THURSDAY. MARCH 19, 1942 TEN CENTS War Dep 9t Voices Thanks For Films to Combat Units The motion picture industry's volun- tary pledge to supply without charge not less than 1,200 film programs of features and shorts to run 90 minutes each in length, during the current year, has been acknowledged with gratitude by Brig. Gen. F. H. Osborn, Chief of the Special Services Branch of the War Department. This was disclosed yesterday by Francis S. Harmon, executive vice- chairman of the industry's War Ac- tivities Committee. The War Depart- ment has announced that the industry will supply 1,276 prints on 16mm. of the best of the year's pictures for free showing to Army forces on foreign duty and bases not supplied with 35mm. service. General Osborn's letter of apprecia- tion was addresed to diese company executives : Barney Balaban, Para- mount; Nate J. Blumberg, Universal; I James R. Grainger, Republic ; O. Henry Briggs, Producers Releasing ; Jack Cohn, Columbia ; Joseph H. Hazen, Warners ; Edward Raftery, United Artists ; Sidney R. Kent, 20th Century-Fox ; W. Ray Johnston, Monogram; Nicholas M. Schenck, (Continued on page 3) Metro, GB in Fight With CEA on 'Wind' Loxdox, March 18.— M-G-M and I Gaumont-British have become involv- I ed with the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association in a dispute after reported ■ bookings of Metro's "Gone With the ' Wind" in certain Gaumont houses. Some time ago, when the film was ' offered here at increased rentals and 1 advanced admissions the CEA organ- ized a general boycott of the film : which, the CEA claimed, was effective with few exceptions. Arthur Jarratt, ! Gaumont executive, claimed the book- ing was not at variance with CEA 1 policy but declined to reveal the terms. CEA officials today were instructed '• to approach the circuit and Sam Eck- (Continued on page 3) Sponsor Committee For DeMille Event A committee of prominent indus- try executives has been designated by Ampa to sponsor the luncheon honor- ing Cecil B. DeMille on his 30th an- niversary in the industry at the Wal- dorf-Astoria, March 26. Members of the committee are : Nicholas M. Schenck, Adolph Zukor, Sidney R. Kent, Barney Balaban. (Continued on page 3) Word from Aussies The following radio message was received yesterday from Eric Solomon, of Film Weekly, Sydney, Australia: "All sections of the film in- dustry in Australia thrilled with appointment of General MacArthur as supreme com- mander of Anzac area. All in Aussie are flat out to welcome your men of the fighting forces who join with Anzac troops to defend our common institutions and heritage. This nation geared for an all-out war effort. Deeply appreciate U. S. cooperation." Australian Houses Reported Closed The closing of all theatres in Aus- tralia by Government order "during the present emergency" was reported yesterday by International News Serv- ice from Melbourne. The order was reported to apply also to sports gath- erings. Home office foreign departments had no confirmation of the reports from their representatives in Australia up to late yesterday. There are an estimated 1,200 thea- tres in Australia and the territory ac- counts for $7,000,000 to $10,000,000 annually in distribution revenue to the American companies. Twentieth Cen- (Continucd on page 4) Commons Hits BBC Treatment of News Loxdox, March 18. — The British Broadcasting Corp. again today came up for criticism in the House of Com- mons. The broadcasting network's treatment of news material, it was said on the floor, is inaccurate and of poor quality. Brendan Bracken, Min- ister of Information, declared in reply that reforms are being undertaken. "Reap the Wild Wind 99 [DeMille-Paramount] THE roaring, hurricane-swept waters off the treacherous Florida Keys, in the year 1840, when sailing ships were the backbone of American commerce and steam was just coming over the horizon, form the vast background for this newest of the Cecil B. DeMille sagas of the screen. It is a showman's picture from the word go. Done in rich and handsome Technicolor, perfectly adapted to the rug- ged grandeur of the sea, and the delicate finery of the men and women of the South of that era, the picture is endowed with those qualities of pictorial ornamentation which characterize the DeMille product, and which promise a public reception which should make itself felt unstint- ingly at the box-offices of the country, whether small town or big. It tells a story of vigor and excitement, the fight of honest shipowners to bring to an end the piracy of unscrupulous salvage men, who deliber- ately plot the wreck of merchant ships on the reefs of the Keys, in order (Continued on page 2) 'Big 5' Content With 5-Blocks Selling: Kirsch Answers Umpi Critics at N.W. Allied Meet Minneapolis, March 18. — Stat- ing that he has "reason to believe" the five consenting distributors are "entirely satisfied" with the blocks- of-five selling system, Jack Kirsch, chairman of the Umpi trade prac- tice committee which is attempting to evolve a substitute for that method, replied to critics of the Umpi sales plan in addressing the convention of Northwest Allied here today. The convention pledged its support to Umpi proposals and recommended that the mediation provision be car- ried out "in the spirit of equity and MPTOA analyzes Umpi's pro- posed sales plan pro and con. See Page 4. fairness to all parties concerned." An- other resolution, however, in reference to Umpi's proposed block-of-12 sales plan, said that the Minnesota anti- block-of-five law speaks for itself and (Continued on page 3) Col. 6-Months' Net Is Up to $737,749 Columbia Pictures Corp. yesterday reported net profit for the six months ended Dec. 27, 1941, of $737,749, after income and excess profits taxes. This compares with a net profit of $307,- 006 for the corresponding period end- ing Dec. 28, 1940, after Federal taxes. Net income for the 1941 half-year amounted to $1,514,712 after all charges except tax provision, which (Continued on page 3) Dean Pleads Guilty To Extortion Charge Nick Circella, alias Nick Dean, for- mer official of the Chicago projection- ists local of the IATSE, yesterday pleaded guilty before Federal Court Judge Grover Moscowitz to charges of having extorted about $1,000,000 from major film companies. He will be sentenced April 7 by Judge John C. Knox, who conducted the trials of George E. Browne and William Bioff, (Continued on page 4) 2 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 19, 194; "Reap the Wild Wind" {Continued from page 1) to gain by cargo salvage. The honest salvage ship masters are power- less, lacking the evidence to prove that ships are sunk by design and not by accident. Here, too, is a triangular romance, made sharp and dra- matic against the background of fighting seamen and wreckage. The cast is impressive — and expert. Ray Milland is in line to head the great Devereaux ship line, John Wayne one of its captains, Paulette Goddard the girl of the Keys who accidentally sets the two men against one another, Raymond Massey chief of the pirate salvage men, Robert Preston his brother, Susan Hayward Miss Goddard's cousin and in love with Preston, and Lynne Overman Miss Goddard's uncle, an honest sal- vage master, who aids in the fight to rid the Keys of Massey. The screenplay was by Alan LeMay, Charles Bennett and Jesse Lasky, Jr., based on a Saturday Evening Post story by Thelma Strabel. William Pine was associate producer. It tells of the wrecking of Wayne's ship through the connivance of his mate, one of Massey's men. Wayne and Miss Goddard fall in love, and when she visits Charleston, Milland falls in love with her. There follows the inevitable conflict between the two men, against a background of vigorously active incident, with fists and bloodshed and humor intermingled for a powerful entertainment com- bination. The climax comes when Wayne, thinking Milland is trying to do him out of the master's berth of the new Southern Cross, the line's proud steamship, conspires with Massey to wreck the Cross on the reefs of the Keys, so that they both may profit by the salvage. Unknown to him, Miss Hayward is aboard. Milland tries to stop him, with Overman's help, but Miss Goddard prevents him, and becalmed, they watch the Cross pile up, and Miss Hayward is drowned. During the dramatic trial, it is revealed that the woman was aboard, and Massey challenges Milland to go down to prove it. Wayne volunteers to go along, and the climax of action comes below the sea, as the two divers find their evi- dence, and wage a death-fight with a giant squid, which ensnares them with its tentacles. Milland comes up alone, Wayne having given his life to save him, and Milland and Miss Goddard are brought together, as Massey and his brother kill each other. Running time, 124 minutes. "G."* Charles S. Aaronson "Yokel Boy" (Republic) r> ASED on the Broadway musical of the same name, "'Yokel Boy" is a broad satire on Hollywood film production. Catering to the public conception that nothing is so crazy it cannot happen in Hollywood, it tells of the hiring of a notorious gangster, just released from prison, to play himself in a gangster picture. Lots of fun develops when the rack- eteer starts taking over. It is the kind of film which should do well at the box-office. Albert Dekker makes a highly plausible racketeer and Joan Davis, as his sister, is as funny as ever. She has a number of opportunities for her specialty, trick dancing, and is joined in some of the routines by Eddie Foy, Jr., who is cast as a "typical movie fan," imported by the studio as a publicity stunt. Alan Mowbray performs ably as the pro- ducer constantly harried by "calls from New York," and there are good portrayals by Roscoe Karns, Mikhail Rasumny, Lynne Carver, and Marc Lawrence and Tom Dugan, Dekker's trigger men. Foy is feted upon his arrival in Hollywood and immediately picks Miss Carver to play the leading role in a big crime production. When no actor will risk his career to play opposite her, Foy goes to Chicago to get Dekker to play himself. The latter comes to Hollywood with his entourage and ousts the studio authorities from most of their control. Tilings get more and more complicated, the climax coming when Law- rence and Dugan really rob a bank during a shot on location. The financial backing for the film is lost but Dekker saves the day by pro- ducing a hoard he had saved from his rum-running days. Robert North was associate producer and Joseph Santley directed. Running time, 69 minutes. "G."* Edward Greif Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 18 EDWARD C. RAFTERY, United Artists president, since his arrival here last week has been in daily con- ferences with members of the U. A. production committee. No announce- ment has been forthcoming as yet on the results of the meetings. George Bagnall is committee chairman. Other conferees are Daniel T. O'Shea and Loyd Wright. Arthur W. Kelly, the fourth member, is in New York. • Superior Judge Frank Swain today ordered W. R. Wilkerson and the Hollxivood Reporter to file an answer within 10 days in the $1,000,000 libel suit of Jimmie Fidler, film gossiper. A demurrer was denied. Its principal contention was that calling anyone "Lord Haw Haw" was not libelous, but the court held that the appellation had come to signify "traitor." Fid- ler's attorney said he would seek an early trial. • Pete Smith, short subjects producer and commentator at M-G-M since 1931, today was given a new three- year contract. • Olivia de Havilland was set today to play opposite Jack Benny in "George Washington Slept Here," Warner Bros. film. Dinner Party Given For L&J Visitors Ben Kalmenson, Kalph McCoy and others were hosts last night at dinner at Toots Shor's restaurant for the Lucas & Jenkins representatives from Atlanta who came to New York to attend the Ampa Theatre Showman- ship Show on Tuesday at which the Quigley Grand Award presentations were made. In the group were Col. William K. Jenkins, vice-president of the circuit ; E. E. Whitaker, district manager, and Hudson Edwards, I. R. Shields and Lamar Swift. Following the dinner the party attended "Best Foot Forward" at the Barrymore Theatre. Mil grim Adds Six To Circuit in Pa. Philadelphia, March 18. — David E. Milgrim, head of Affiliated The- atres, today announced the acquisi- tion of six more theatres, bringing the circuit to 25 houses and making it the largest independent circuit in the area. The six new houses, all in upstate Pennsylvania, include : the Shaver, Shavertown : Bandbox, Middleburg ; Diamond, Hazelton, and the Favini theatres in Scranton, Jessup and Peckville. Mono. Manager Called Seattle, March 18. — William Dug- gan, Jr., has resigned as manager of the Monogram branch office here, and next week will enter the U. S. Army. He has been succeeded by Ralph Ab- bott, formery associated with Mono- gram in Los Angeles. W. B. Capital Ball Set Washington, March 18. — The local Warner Club will hold its annual ball next Wednesday at the Wardman Park Hotel. *"G" denotes general classification. United Artists Ends Chicago Sales Meet Chicago, March 18. — United Art- ists' three-day sales meeting here wound up today with district confer- ences presided over by Carl Leserman, general sales manager. Home office executives left for New York today. Leserman, accompanied by E. J. Peskay, left for Detroit and will return to the home office from there. Phila. Church Unit Raps Sunday Films Philadelphia, March 18. — The motion picture industry was scored in a resolution which was adopted at the annual Philadelphia Area Methodist Conference, representing 323 churches and missions in this area. The fact that the industry condones Sunday showings was declared in the resolu- tion to be contrary to the spirit of Sabbath observance. Personal Mention ROY HAINES, Warner Eastern and Canadian sales manager, left yesterday for New Haven. James R. Grainger is in the field. Josephine Langfelder of the N(^ York Film Board of Trade is engag-. lO Dr. Mortimer Flamer. Russell Gackenbach, former man- ager of the State, Allentown, Pa., and Betty Smead, will be married in Wilmington, Del., on March 28. Assembly Considers N.Y. Chain Tax Bill Albany, March 18. — A proposal for the taxation of chain stores, among which theatres are specifically included by definition, went before the New York State legislature today, spon- sored by Assemblyman Bennett. Applications for licenses, under the provisions of the bill, would be made to the Department of Taxation and Finance. The fees would include $100 on more than five and not more than 10 units, $250 from 11 to 25, and $1,000 on each unit in excess of 25. The Assembly Rules Committee will take over consideration of pending leg- islation tonight. Committee held their final meetings today, and many bills are expected to die in committee. Darmour Rites to Be Held Tomorrow Hollywood, March 18. — Requiem mass will be said Friday morning at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament for Larry Darmour, pioneer produc- er, who died yesterday. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited tomorrow night at the Pierce Brothers Holly- wood Chapel. Pallbearers will be Joseph J. Nolan, John Speaks, Ralph Cohn, Rudolph Flothow, Ernest B. Schoedsack, James Hogan, James W. Horne and James Brown. The Rev. John H. McCum- miskey will read mass. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company. Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill. Manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor: London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter. Sept. 23. 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. Motion Picture Daily hursdj>. March 19. 1942 Big 5' Content With 5 -Blocks Selling: Kirsch (Continued from page 1) fciterated the organization's belief that is superior to any proposal under i^iideration. 2» The convention decided to or- ganize a Central States Confer- ence of Independent Exhibitors embracing organizations in Min- nesota, \\ isconsin. Iowa, North and South Dakota and Nebraska. Resolutions pledged the organiza- ion to wage campaigns against the Weekly payment lor short subjects Jpd '"unfair" percentage demands. ' Among the speakers were William kinsworth, president of the \\ iscon- Im Independent Theatre Owners As- ociation ; Leo WolCott, president of allied Independent Theatre Owners of ^iowa and Nebraska, and John G. Jaine. general manager of Ascap. Meeting Bars Press The press was barred from the two- 4iy meeting. A report was given to he press tonight several hours after .tic convention closed, i The task of the exhibitors on the iJnipi trade practice committee, Kirsch minted out, was to persuade the dis- Tibutors "to give up something that kras satisfactory to them in favor of ■omething more to the liking of the inhibitors." I In this, he said, the exhibitor dele- jates were handicapped in having no •lan to propose which had the backing W a clear majority of the exhibitors •f the country, whereas the distribu- or representatives on Umpi ad- ^ 'a need the plan as representative of he best they were able to offer, jj "I regret to say this," Kirsch re- narked, "but the distributors appar- ently know what they want and the •xhibitors do not." The new proposals were not "fully" •atisfactory even to the exhibitor members of the Umpi committee, Kirsch said. They have not been ac- cepted but, viewed as less objection- tble than the decree method, it was igreed to submit them to regional inhibitor organizations to determine .vhether they preferred it to the exist- Dg blocks-of-five method. Disregard Proposals Instead of making the choice be- :\\een the two systems, however, Kirsch continued, many organizations sent in their own sales proposals. This necessitated the calling of a meeting Jbt Allied's national board for next ^Tuesday in New York to reconcile .he varying suggestions and devise ■unified proposals. "I have no doubt Allied will evolve some reasonable plan which all Allied units will sup- port," Kirsch said. "We can only hope that others will fall in line." ; He urged the local organization to renounce its present insular role and take its place once more in the ac- tivities of national Allied and the in- dustry as a whole. He pointed out that Umpi's arbitration, conciliation and industry protection measures af- jfect all exhibitors and that the war Col. 6-Months' Net Is Up to $737,749 (Continued from page 1) compares with net income of $374,216 for the 1940 period before taxes. For the more recent period Federal in- come and excess profits taxes amount to $776,963, compared with $67,210 [or the 1940 six-month period. The report indicated that as a re- sult of the Japanese invasion, invest- ments in branches in China, Malaya, Dutch East Indies and the Philippines have been written down to $1 each by a charge against current profits. Profits in such countries as Spain and Denmark where it is impossible to convert into dollars have not been included as income. Danville, III., House Files on Clearance Chicago, March 18. — A clearance complaint naming the five consenting companies and virtually all Danville, 111., theatres was filed at the local arbitration board today by Gust Con- stan, operator of the Times Theatre, Danville. The complaint charges that the clearance granted the Fisher Palace. Lincoln and Tivoli over the Times is unreasonable and asks that it be re- duced. Albany, March 18. — Complain- ants' testimony was completed in to- day's resumption of the arbitration hearing in which Smalley Theatres seeks a reduction in clearance for its house in Sidney. Among Smalley witnesses were Steve Tarbell and William Fagan. Schine Enterprises started rebuttal testimony tonight. A spectator was Assemblyman William Webb, who managed the Sidney house. St. Louis. March 18. — Wilbur B. Jones, local attorney, has been named arbitrator for the clearance complaint of the Olga Theatre Corp., Hannibal, Mo., against Paramount, Warners and 20th Century-Fox. Hearing has been scheduled for early April although theatres named as interested parties have not yet intervened. Sponsor Committee For DeMille Event (Continued from page 1) George Schaefer. Will H. Hays, Alar- tin Quigley, Jack Cohn, Edward C. Raftery. Herman Robbins, Jack Ali- coate. Nate J. Blumberg, H. J. Yates, Leonard Goldenson, Spyros Skouras, William Paley. John Flinn, Maurice Kami. Jesse Lasky, Terry Ramsaye, W. Ray Johnston, Wralter Wanger, Stanley Resor, Neville Miller, John Golden, Gilbert Miller, Walter Hamp- den. Jay Emanuel, Ben Shlyen, Don Mersereau, Harry Brandt and Charles Lewis. problems of priorities and transporta- tion concern all. Northwest Allied has been inactive in national exhibitor affairs since en- actment of the State's anti-consent de- cree law which the organization spon- sored. The Umpi sales plan, even if adopted by the industry, could not bp emploved here except in violation of the State law. Harry Brandt, president of ITOA of New York, scheduled to address the convention today, was not present. Should Have Luck Providence, March 18 AS a stunt for "Ride 'Em SI Cowboy," George E. French, manager of the RKO- Albee, offered free admission to anyone arriving at the theatre either on horseback or with a pair of horseshoes. No riders appeared but French now has more than 1,000 horseshoes in the basement. French plans to give the horseshoes to a defense scrap iron collection. Metro, GB in Fight With CEA on 'Wind9 (Continued from page 1) man, M-G-M head here, to explore the situation, and to learn on what terms Metro will rent the film to inde- pendent exhibitors. The CEA and distributors discussed the matter of newer films for troops in northern Ireland, including Amer- ican. It was said the matter was complicated by the fact that Ulster does not have releases current with London and other large English cities. It was indicated during the CEA meeting today that the Treasury defi- nately is considering the industry as a source of additional revenue in the new budget. Milwaukee Club Party Milwaukee, March 18. — The Reel- Fellows Club, including local film salesmen, will hold its first social event, an Easter dinner-dance, at the Pfister Hotel on April 4. 3 War Dep't Voices Thanks for Films (Continued from page 1) Loew's, and George J. Schaefer, RKO. General Osborn's letter said in part : "Your generosity in making available to the Army 16mm. prints of the in- dustry's current motion pictures is en- ormously appreciated by the War De- partment .... Now that you have pre- sented us with 1,200 programs in 16mm. size under the condition that they are to be used for non-admission shows, under War Department aus- pices, to military personnel serving in overseas theatres of operation, an ex- pression of thanks from the Special Services Branch or from the War Department would seem entirely in- adequate. Only the thanks of the American soldiers facing hardship and danger in foreign lands, who will en- joy the entertainment provided, would be adequate to your generous gift. Of their thanks you may be assured." It is planned to make four prints each of about 300 current features this year together with the short subjects required to fill out the 90-minute pro- grams. O. C, Houses to Admit 150 Selectees Daily Oklahoma City, March 18. — T. B. Noble, Jr., manager of the State, and Ivan Hoig, manager of the Criterion and Midwest, have completed arrange- ments for free admission to their the- atres of ISO selectees daily while the latter are in the city awaiting removal to Army reception centers. Jesse James soys: "IF YOU MISS THE REMARKABLE ANDREW'* TAKE IT FROM ME YOU'VE BEEN ROBBED! You're right, Jesse, The Motion Picture Herald Says: "Showmen who have found the combination of fantasy, fiction, romance and comedy a profitable adventure in 'Mr. Jordan' need not be afraid to spend a little time and money exploiting this \" 4 Motion Picture Daily Thursday, March 19, 194 MPTOA Analyzes Umpi's Sales Plan Pro and Con An analysis of Umpi's proposed, sales plan giving its advantages and disadvantages is made for MPTOA members in an organization bulletin released yesterday by Ed Kuykendall, president. At the same time the MPTOA bulletin takes an unqualified stand against a 20 per cent in- crease in admission scales na- tionally, criticizes certain types of publicity regarding the "pa- triotic efforts" of those in the industry and again urges ex- hibitor support in the showing of Government defense films. should be determined by the competi- tive market in individual localities, and that exhibitors first should exhaust all possible means of increasing at- tendance in order to offset higher costs before resorting to price in- creases. "If the industry is going to do the important job of supplying mental relaxation and refresh- ing diversion to the largest pos- sible number of workers and civilians on the home front, this is no time to raise prices on theatre tickets," the MPTOA states. Two Billion WPB Program Set for Radio Washington, March 18. — A $2,- 000,000,000 program for production of communication equipment for the mili- tary services is awaiting the halting of production of civilian radios April 22, it was disclosed today by the War Production Board. By the end of the year, board of- ficials said, the converted radio indus- try should be producing at a rate in excess of $125,000,000 a month, with half of its production detector equip- ment, 20 per cent aircraft and naviga- tion equipment, 20 per cent tank sets, walkie-talkies, etc., and the remainder telegraph, telephone and miscellaneous equipment. Involves 55 Set Firms Conversion to war production will bring 55 set manufacturers, backed by 250 firms making parts and 500 to L000 concerns making switches, stampings, screws, etc., into the pro- gram. Of the set manufacturers, 21 had experience last year in making mili- tary equipment, with orders worth $10,000,000, which, however, was only about five per cent of their total vol- ume. Contracts awarded so far this year total $500,000,000 and went to about 40 concerns, but only 11 have so far booked war business in excess of the 1941 civilian business. A few of the plants, with limited technical facilities, will probably not get communication-equipment orders, but will receive contracts to assemble gas masks, machine gun clips, first aid kits, etc., it was said. McCarthy Named PR Ass't Sales Manager Leo J. McCarthy has been named assistant general sales manager in charge of the Western division for Producers Releasing Corp., Arthur Greenblatt, PRC general sales man ager, announced yesterday. McCarthy will have direct super- vision over the Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, Des' Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco exchanges of PRC, and will generally assist Greenblatt in na- tional sales. Advantages of the Umpi sales plan are listed as follows : it is an improve- ment over the decree's trade showings and blocks-of-five requirements ; it al- lows a limited cancellation privilege for theatres too weak in buying power to bargain for a selective contract; it reduces seasonal buying from eight to 10 operations to three or four ; as a voluntary plan rather than a decree or statute, it is open to future modi- fication by negotiation, and it provides for identification of uncompleted pic- tures which should • prevent unfair price juggling by the distributor after the contract is made and the with- holding of pictures for reasale in a succeeding block at a higher price. Disadvantages Are Listed The plan's disadvantages are de- scribed as : the continuation of the decree system on 20 pictures annually from each company ; the five pictures which may not be cancelled in each block of five, it is indicated, will be the five highest priced and not neces- sarily the first five released of the 12; its provisions for trade showns, syn- opses and identification of pictures in contracts are superfluous ; the cancel- lation provision amounts to only 16.7 per cent of the block of 12 in the highest group and 8.3 per cent in the lowest, instead of the 20 per cent sought by exhibitors, and distributors reserve the right to sell any number of pictures singly as specials. The report cites other features of the Umpi proposals, including the right to arbitrate complaints against circuits which buy product away from an individual exhibitor and establish- ment of mediation facilities. 'No Time to Raise Price Scales' Discussing price increases, the MPTOA asserts that price scales Austrian of RCA Is Joining WPB Ralph B. Austrian, assistant vice- president of RCA Manufacturing Co., has been granted a leave of absence to accept a post with the Planning Board of the War Production Board in Washington. WCAM Head Is Dead Camden, March 18. — Funeral ser- vices will be held here tomorrow for Fred S. Caperoon, director of WCAM, who died Monday. He had been head of the local station since 1927, was a musician and for the past 10 years headed the local musicians' union. The suggestion for a 20 per cent national increase in scales was made several weeks ago by M. A. Rosen- berg, president of Allied States. • Hits Publicizing Film Patriotism Questioning whether the publicizing of the "patriotic efforts" of the in- dustry and its personalities does the business any good, the MPTOA sug- gests that some way of curbing the press agents when they depart from commercial fields may be needed. "Self-effacement is sometimes a greatly admired virtue ; self-proclaim- ed patriotism doesn't impress the av- erage American very much," the bulle- tin observes. "There are recent in- stances and many past episodes where 'smart' movie publicity has left plenty of scars on the industry's face. It is said the movies have the best press agents in the world but . . . we wonder if their judgment of public opinion and public reaction is to be trusted" in such matters. Commends War Effort Among the efforts commended are showing of Government films, use of the screen for selling war bonds and collecting money for Government-ap- proved agencies and the voluntary participation of talent and theatres in camp entertainment and benefit per- formances. The MPTOA calls for greater thea- tre cooperation with the industry War Activities Committee in the showing of defense subjects. "Imagine only 12,000 theatres out of 16,590 agreeing to do this little bit." the bulletin remarks. The other 4.590 should bury their heads in shame." The bulletin hits at "cheap politi- cians" who urge legislation to pro- vide free theatre admissions for serv- ice men. Report Australia Closes Theatres (Continued from page 1) tury-Fox has a large interest in the extensive Hoyt's Circuit in Australia. Speculation in home offices centered about the possibility that the report, if authentic, may be based on an order for temporary closings until such time as wartime regulations have been com- pleted and theatre operators have been instructed. This is the procedure that was followed in England at the out- break of war in 1939. Theatres there were closed only a short time. Charge FCC Has 'Gestapo' Denied by Fly (Continued from page 1) ion, a virtual declaration of independ= ence for the small broadcasters." . J Fly admitted that the FCC was no regarded favorably by the public If" . added that criticism had not \ more than against any other Govern ment agency which regulated an in! dustry. While stating that he hai no objection to the proposed investi gation, Fly urged the committee t< consider it in the light of defensi work now engaged in by himself an< the FCC. He pointed out that thi, Commission had been forced to de cide that there would be no furthei' action on the super-power questioi , because of the general war effort. The FCC has practically concluded the newspaper-radio investigation, Fh j said, and newspaper-owned station: have nothing to fear. He added tha he did not know what recommenda tions would come from that investiga-; tion. At the close of the session, Co?' asked when the committee wouk consider his resolution again and wa: | told by Chairman Sabath that thi] committee would "get around to i some day." Reserves Decision In Burlesque Cast Supreme Court Justice Aaron J Levy yesterday reserved decision or ! the motion of the operators of th( Gaiety, a burlesque house, to compe;; License Commissioner Paul Moss tc. grant them a renewal of license. Morris L. Ernst, attorney for tht Gaiety, charged that the hearing be j fore Moss was routine and "unfair.' Milton R. Weinberger representee! the Committee Against Censorship ir the Legitimate Theatre, which wai formed Tuesday by representatives o: organized groups interested in th$ legitimate stage. Weinberger asserted that the cas^ would decide "great property rights') involved in the operation of theatre; i and dramatic productions and wheth- 1 er they would be placed in the jeop-' ardy of destruction without the right of trial upon a perfunctory hearing by the license commissioner." The Gaiety and three other bur-; lesque houses were compelled to closd last month when Moss refused to re- new the licenses. Dean Pleads Guilty \ To Extortion Charge (Continued from page 1) now serving sentences upon convictior j under the anti-racketeering statute. The trial of Louis Kaufman, busi- ness agent for the Newark operators; local and co-defendant with Dean, hai: been set for April 6. Dean and Kauf- man were charged with having con- spired with Browne and Bioff to ex- tort money from the film companies I but Browne and Bioff were not namecj as co-defendants with Dean under the indictment to which he pleaded guilty Dean was continued on $25,000 bail ■ on which he has been at liberty sincf his arrest last December. Asks Tax on Radio And Newspaper Ads Washington, March 18.— The imposition of a tax on radio and newspaper advertising and a ceiling on salaries was pro- posed to the House Ways and Means Committee today by Representative Sauthoff of Wisconsin, as preferable to a general sales tax. He said no man should re- ceive a greater salary than the President, and estimated $90,000,000 could be recovered from newspaper advertising. He made no estimate of the yield from a tax on radio ad- vertising, which he said has a "special privilege from the Government." Alert, InteWgei sable to the^l otion Picture Industrv MOTION PICTURE DAILY >\OL. 51. NO. 55 NEW YORK, U.S.A., FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1942 TEN CENTS [MPTO Fails To Approve Umpi Selling Looks for New Method, Says Kuykendall The MPTOA will not approve Ithe proposed sales plan of the United Motion Picture Industry and looks forward, instead, to the development of a new selling plan when the Umpi trade practice committee resumes its meetings liere next week, Ed Kuykendall. MPTOA president, stated yester- day. Kuvkendall revealed that the poll of MPTOA directors and affiliated regional units, just completed, revealed an insis- tence upon a straight 20 per cent cancellation privilege on whole picture groups "in what- ever numbers they are sold." "This is the only fair way and the only way unity can be brought about," Kuvkendall said. The MPTOA units, he reported, feel that the limited cancellation privi- (Continued on page 2) •Woman' Third High Film at Music Hall "Woman of Year" rolled up the , third highest gross in the history of ♦ the Radio City Music Hall during the I course of its six-week run, with a total ' of $538,336, according to Music Hall records. The two top grossers were • 'Philadelphia Story" with $590,472 ' and "Rebecca" with $556,910, the thea- (Continued on page 2) Sec'y Morgenthau To Herman Robbins: Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau, in a letter to Her- man Robbins, National Screen Service president, has expressed gratification with the "extraor- dinary job" of the company in booking Walt Disney's "The New Spirit," it was revealed yesterday. "With limited time to accom- plish nationwide distribution, your cooperation has contrib- uted largely to the success of the project," Morgenthau wrote. Working with 1,000 prints, 11,795 bookings were obtained in six weeks for the film, which urged prompt payment of in- come tax. 'Plav Defense Reels At Each Show,' N.Y. Exhibitors Are Told Exhibitors in the New York metro- politan area were admonished to play all defense subjects sent them at every show by officials of the War Activities Committee at a luncheon meeting at the Hotel Astor yesterday. "Do it voluntarily now or be com- pelled to do it by Government authori- ties later," was the substance of the message given the approximately 150 exhibitors present. The meeting was the second of a series which will be held eventually in every exchange center to bring the same message to every exhibitor in the country. The first was held in De- troit recently and plans were formu- ( Continued on page 2) S. R. KENT'S DEATH SHOCKS INDUSTRY A Leader Passes SIDNEY R. KENT WAC Asks Minute Of Silence for Kent A request that all branches of the industry, theatres, exchanges, studios and home offices, cease operations for one minute at 2 P.M. local time on Monday as a tribute to Sidney R. Kent was made by the War Activities Committee of the industry yesterday. Kent initiated the movement for for- (Continued on page 3) Divorce Hearing Is i Postponed to April 7 Hearing of the Government's appli- cation to compel Paramount and 20th Century-Fox to divest themselves of a total of 38 theatres allegedly acquired contrary to consent decree provisions for theatre expansion was set for April 7 by Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard in U. S. District court here yesterday. The postponement was asked by Fred Pride of Dwight Harris, Koegel & Caskey, counsel for 20th Century- ] Fox, by agreement with the Depart- ment of Justice to allow both sides additional time in which to complete preparations. Executives Pay Tribute To Leadership of Kent TRIBUTES to the memory of Sid- ney R. Kent were voiced yesterday by virtually every executive in the film business. Among them were the following : WILL H. HAYS : The death of Sid- ney Kent is a public loss and a per- sonal grief. Others must continue his work, but no one can take his place. He was immensely loyal in friendship, wise and upright in busi- ness and a great American. Always he retained qualities of the solid strength of the Midwest where he was born and of the invigoration of Wyoming, where he spent his early life. In that pioneer country men built their own roads and, later in life, no one did more than Sidney Kent to build the road by which the motion picture industry has reached its present heights. His personality and achievements form a lasting monument. POSTMASTER GENERAL FRANK C. WALKER: I am grieved to learn of the passing of (Continued on page 3) Funeral Services Set for 11 O'clock Monday at Riverside Church Funeral services for Sidney R. Kent, 20th Century-Fox president, who died at his home here early yesterday, will be held at the River- side Church, 122nd Street and Riverside Drive, at 11 A. M. Mon- day. The body will lie in state at the Frank E. Campbell funeral church, 81st Street and Madison Avenue, Sunday afternoon and evening. Honorary pallbearers will include Darryl F. Zanuck, Joseph M. Schenck, Spyros Skouras, Tom J. Connors, Herman Wobber, Nicholas M. Schenck, Adolph Zukor, Will H. Hays, George J. Schaefer, Hermann G. Place, William Goetz, Sol M. Wurtzel, W. C. Michel, A. M. Bots- ford, George Skouras, Sydney Towell, Watterson Rothacker, Julian Johnson, Otto Koegel, Charles Skouras, Walter Hutchinson, Al Boyd, Jack McKeon, Dr. Edgar Meyer, Elmer Short, Hugh Strong, Senator Daniel O. Hastings and Frederick W. R. Pride. Joseph and Nicholas Schenck, Wob- ber, Goetz, Charles SkouraSj Wurtzel and Schaefer are expected from the Coast to attend the services. Zanuck, who is in Washington, will arrive this weekend. The family has requested that no flowers be sent. Kent is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lilyan Kent, and a daughter by his (Continued on page 3) Hollywood Turnout For 4Reap' Premiere Hollywood, March 19. — The film production capital's first gala pre- miere since Pearl Harbor, the open- ing of Cecil B. DeMille's Paramount picture, "Reap the Wild Wind," at the new Paramount Theatre here last night, drew street crowds estimated at 3,000 spectators, who clogged Hollywood Boulevard. A capacity audience of professional, civic and social leaders witnessed the world premiere. Part of the proceeds of the $5.50 admission were donated to the Navy Relief Society. The event was executed with a full complement of ceremonies and adorn- ments, save that the searchlights (Continued on page 2) 2 Motion Picture Daily Friday, March 20, 194; Personal Mention LIEUT JACK FITZGIBBONS U. S. A., son of J. J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous Players Canadian Corp., has arrived in a war zone in the Western Pacific. • James Lynch, manager of the Run- nymede Theatre, Toronto, is recover ing from a recent illness at the Chris- tie Street Military Hospital in To- ronto. . • Mitchell Rawson, Eastern public- ity manager for Warners, leaves today for Hollywood. • Garnet Heatherly, manager of the new Park Theatre, Sarnia, Ont., has enlisted in the Canadian Army. Winchell, NBC Sued By Eleanor Patterson Washington, March 19. — Eleanor Patterson, publisher of the TimeH- Herald here has filed a $400,000 defamation suit against Walter Win- chell, NBC and Andrew Jergens Co., his sponsor. The action seeks $100,- 000 compensatory damages from each and an additional §100,000 punitive damages from Winchell. NEW YORK THEATRES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 50th St. & 6th Ave. FREDRIC MARCH . LO R ETTA YOUNG "BEDTIME STORY" Directed by Alexander Hall • A Columbia Picture ONSTAGE: "MUSIC ALBUM" — Leon i doff 's revue with Tschaikowsky's immortal melodies. Symphony Orchestra, direction of Erno Rapee. 1st Mewanine Peats Reserved Circle fi-4finn DOROTHY WILLIAM EDDIE JIMI.'.T IAM0UR • HOLDEN ■ BRACKEN • DORSEY . _ ,, AND BAND in Paramount s "THE FLEET'S II -UN PSRSON- LES BROWN $S> • CONNEE BOSWELL Paramount s PALACE B'WAY & 47th St. GINGER ROGERS 'ROXIE HART' and BRUCE CABOT-CONSTANCE BENNETT 'WILD BILL HICKOK RIDES' Betty Victor Jack GR ABLE • MATURE • 0AKIE 'SONG of the ISLANDS' PLUS A BIG STAGE SHOW ROXY 7th Ave. &. 50th St. "A GREAT SHOW." — Herald Tribune 50C, $1 & $1.50 NOLUHIGTHER SECOND YEAR — SECOND EDITION Now Thrilling its SECOND MILLION |T HAPPENS ON ICE Sensational Musical Icetravaganza Center Theatre, Rockefeller Center. CO. 5-5474 Eves, except Mon. Matt. Sat., Sun. & Wed. 501 Seat» for Every Perf. 50c. EVGS. AT 8:40 Tlay Defense Reels At Each Show,' N.Y. Exhibitors Are Told (Continued from page 1) lated there under the direction of Earl J. Hudson of United Detroit Theatres and Edward Beatty of Butterfield The atres for checking on the playing of the subjects through exhibitors and film salesmen throughout Michigan. Francis Harmon, executive vice chairman of the War Activities Com mittee, in addressing the meeting, re- called that the industry's national de- fense organization, now the War Ac- tivities Committee, was formed June 5, 1940, at the suggestion of Sidney R. Kent. At that time, Kent admonished the industry to "do the job of cooperat- ing with the Government as we would do it for ourselves, for, in fact, we will be doing it for ourselves." He emphasized how well Kent's words summed up both the spirit and the purpose of War Activities Com- mittee cooperation. Gov't Wants Report Harry Brandt, chairman of the meeting, disclosed that the office of Lowell Mellett, Coordinator of Gov- ernment Films, had requested a report on the actual showing of the Govern- ment films in theatres following a checkup which revealed that some subjects were not being shown at all and others only at one performance a day. Two new subjects, "Ring of Steel" and "The Star Spangled Banner," were shown at the meeting. On the dais in addition to those mentioned were : Arthur Mayer, Si Fabian, Robert Wolff, Sam E. Morris, Harry Kalmine, Max A. Cohen, Sam Rinzler, C. C. Moskowitz and Walter Reade. Wolff, chai rman of the distribution committee, reported that 900 metro- politan exhibitors out of a maximum of 950 to 1,000 have pledged coopera- tion. Projectionists will be instructed to play every reel bearing a War Ac- tivities Committee label which comes into the theatre. Checkup will be made by exhibitors and film salesmen. Hollywood Turnout For 'Reap' Premiere (Continued from page 1) which bathed the boulevard in bril- liance were not permitted to be pointed skywards, as a wartime pre- caution. The picture started its regular run at popular prices and continuous per- formances this morning, backed by a record exploitation campaign based on DeMille's 30th anniversary in the industry and the fact that the produc- tion has been designated as Para- mount's 30th anniversary picture. DeMille, accompanied by his associate, Lou Harris, and Ted Bonet, publicist, left today for New York, where they are due on Sundav. O'Donnell Toastmaster At DeMille Luncheon R. J. O'Donnell. general manager of the Interstate Circuit, Dallas, will be toastmaster at the Ampa luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria next Thurs- day, honoring Cecil B. DeMille on his 30th anniversary in the industry. 3-City Screenings For Defense Films Screenings of outstanding defense films will be held in Washington, Hollywood and here shortly for Government and military officials, industry executives and talent guild officials, the Public Relations Committee of the Motion Pic- ture Industry announced yes- terday following a meeting of the Eastern division of the organization. The first will be held at the Filmarte Theatre, Hollywood, April 1. Eastern showings will be in charge of Monroe Greenthal, A. M. Botsford, David Lipton and Mort Blu- menstock. 'Woman' Third High Film at Music Hall (Continued from page 1) tre's records show. The last week drew an estimated $70,000. Broadway grosses maintained a steady level throughout the week. The typically variable ■ weather of March affected box-offices somewhat. How- ever, the St. Patrick's Day parade up Fifth Avenue had relatively little ef- fect as a counter-attraction, according to managers, because many who came downtown to see the parade later vis- ited the theatres. "Bedtime Story" followed "Woman of the Year" as the Music Hall fea- ture with the stage presentation and will be held for only one week as Cecil B. DeMille's "Reap the Wild Wind" is scheduled as the Easter Week attraction, opening Thursday. The stage show to accompany the lat- ter picture will be divided in two parts, one the traditional "Glory to Easter" and the second a patriotic spectacle, "To the Colors !" At the Capitol, the second week of "The Invaders" brought an estimated $26,500, and at the Rivoli, the second week of "To Be or Not to Be" grossed an estimated $25,000, both strong and both held over for third weeks. The Strand drew an estimated $22,000 for the first week of "Always In My Heart" with Charlie Spivak's band on the stage and is also held over. "North to the Klondike" took an estimated $5,000 at the Rialto. "To the Shores of Tripoli" will open Wednesday at the Roxy. The next picture set for the Rivoli is "Tungle Book." Adolph Eisner Rites In Chicago Today Chicago, March 19. — Funeral ser- vices will be held here tomorrow for Adolph M. Eisner, 53, manager of the Balaban & Katz Pantheon Theatre here, who died at Miami Beach on Tuesday. His widow and two broth- ers survive. Eisner was a film pioneer here, and had been with B. & K. since 1928. Dinner for Austrian A farewell dinner was tendered at the New Yorker Hotel last night to Ralph B. Austrian, granted a leave of absence as assistant vice-president of the RCA Manufacturing Co. to take a post with the WPB. Bernard Sholtz was toastmaster. MPTO Fails To Approve Umpi Selling (Continued from page 1) lege of the proposed Umpi plan result^ in a selling method "not much bette than the objectionable blocks-of-fij* 1 now forced upon us . . . and streng^ ens rather than restricts the seller' ' market that now prevails." _ "We are sure the distributors ar sincere in their efforts to bring abou a happier relationship between exhibi tion and production that we may sta;; out of the courts and legislative en! tanglements," the MPTOA presiden said. "This can only be done by al of us doing some giving and taking oi a live-and-let-live basis. I am encour aged to believe that in future meeting the unity committee will work ou a fair selling plan." The regional units are agreed tha Umpi has made "much progress" ii its efforts to eliminate many objec tionable trade practices, Kuykendal said. However, they are of the opiniof that the plan is unsatisfactory because it provides no cancellation privilege oi the block of five in each 12-pictur' group, because the cancellation privi ' lege on the remaining seven is inade | quate and because the distributor permitted to sell any outstanding pic I ture as a special outside of the regu | lar groups. SPG Plans Picket Action at Theatres The New York Screen Publicist Guild announced yesterday that it; members would start picketing 20tl Century-Fox and Paramount first-rui theatres here today and that picketin; of those companies' theatres was unde way in Hollywood yesterday by labo groups. Meanwhile, the War Labor Boar< has intervened by the assignment ov James FitzPatrick of the staff of Johij I. Steelman, director of the U. S. Con ciliation Service. FitzPatrick met witl SPG officials yesterday and may con fer with company representatives to day. The SPG has been attempting to obtain bargaining contracts with thi home offices. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday an I holidays by Quigley Publishing Companj Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100 Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." -Mar, tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Colvin Brown, Vice-President and Genera Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred I1 Finestone, Managing Editor; James A Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Unio: Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, Londoi Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable addres I "Quigpubco, London." All contents copy righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Corn,1 pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mc ' tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame j Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23 1 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y. I under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip tion rates per year $6 in the Americas an' $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. fr day. March 20, 1942 Motion Picture Daily 3 Death of Sidney R. Kent Shock to Industry Film Leaders Praise Kent's Fine Record (Continued from page 1) ny good friend Sidney Kent. Over the years I held him in high esteem and real affection. We of the in- dustry have suffered a distinct loss and shall miss him greatly. Kent Rose Through Ranks To High Place in Industry JOSEPH M. SCHENCK: I was deeply grieved and shocked to learn - of the sudden passing of Sidney R. • Kent. To me he was more than the respected president of the 20th 8 Century-Fox Company. He was a personal friend of rare warmth and and sincerity. As a motion picture executive, the years and wisdom he gave to the industry helped to make :•' it one of the great progressive forces in the world of today. He had the attributes of wisdom and diplomacy that raised him from the ranks to the leadership of a com- - pany he helped to build, and the 20th Century-Fox Company stands today as a monument to his ability. SPYROS SKOURAS: The death of Sidney R. Kent will call forth from leaders of the motion picture indus- try all over the world sincere ex- pressions regarding the tremendous loss the industry has suffered at his passing. In his case, every cue of the words written or uttered will be unqualifiedly and completely true. This industry could not possibly suffer a greater loss than it has suf- fered in the passing of Sidney Kent. In all branches of our busi- ness his personality, his integrity, his honesty and tremendous ability have made themselves felt for many years. For myself, it is impossible to put into words my personal feel- ing. He was my friend through many long years in this business and no words of mine could pos- sibly convey the feeling of irrepar- able loss that is mine today. (Continued from page 1) first marriage, Mrs. Peggy Ann Wil- son. His daughter is due here today from California. Kent's first wife, the former Mabelle Eaves, died recently. News of Kent's death shocked the industry. It has been generally known that he was not in ^ood health for years as a result of a heart ailment, first manifested about five years ago. Since that time, and on the orders of his physicians. Kent spared himself as much as possible. He took several ex- tended rests and at lengthy intervals worked at his office for a half-day only. Regaining strength this winter, he made a business trip to the studio in February which was interrupted when he returned East on the death of his mother-in-law. On March 2 he attend- ed a meeting of the company's sales force in Chicago and addressed the gathering. Since then he had been at his office almost daily and was plan- ning to go to Boca Grande, Fla., for a brief vacation. As the leader in many move- ments to bring about trade practice reforms in the indus- try, beginning with the historic 5-5-5 Conference of 1931, Kent probably was the best known film executive in the industry. He worked tirelessly for form- ulae which would eliminate in- ternal dissention in the indus- try and, not discouraged by the failure of one attempt, he was in the forefront of every subse- quent trade practice conference until 1937, when his physical condition forced his withdrawal from such activities. Nicholas schexck: in the passing of Sidney Kent I have lost one of my dearest friends and the motion picture industry one of its most inspiring leaders. He was a man of great vision and energy and his pioneer efforts contributed tre- mendously to the development of the screen. My heart goes out in deepest sympathy to his family. ADOLPH ZUKOR: During the many years of our close association Sidney Kent won my unqualified (Continued on Column 4. This Page) WAC Asks Minute Of Silence for Kent (Continued from page 1) niation of the industry defense com- mittee on June 5, 1940. That unit later became the War Activities Com- mittee. The 20th Century-Fox home office will be closed all day Monday and all company branches throughout -the world will close at 11 A.M. for the dav. Humble Start Led To Successful Career Sidney Kent's authorised biography as published. in the 1941-'42 edition of the International Motion Picture Al- manac, is as follows: Sidney R. Kent was born in Lin- coln, Neb., and at 14, after he had finished grammar school, got his first job stoking boilers in a greenhouse at $5 a week. From this humble begin- ning he developed a business career which was one of the most strikingly successful ones in the annals of the pic- ture industry. Before he was 20 years old he had pushed up in Wyoming and was occu- pying a responsible position with Colo- rado Fuel and Iron Co. He was one of an engineering company, and he and five other men were sole inhabitants of 36 miles of desolate country. They built their own roads and pipelines, es- tablished camps and literally opened up territory to civilization and busi- ness activity. In 1912 he went to the Pacific Coast with the American Druggists' Syndi- cate. Shortly afterwards he returned East, where he became a salesman at $50 a week. Three months later he was the company's assistant sales man- ager, then assistant to the president, and for three and one-half y-ears he was virtually in charge of the entire business. A friend talked to him enthusiasti- cally of the motion picture business. He liked its prospects and cast his lor with the films with the old Yitagraph Co. It was not long after that General Film Co. was indicted under the Sher- man law and buried under judgments ao-orregating $25,000,000. Frank Hitch- cock had the job of unraveling the tangle and he called Sidney Kent to help him. Joined Adolph Zukor The job was cleaned up and Kent walked into the office of Adolph Zukor, president of Famous Players, and sold his services, but not at a price. That was to be determined if and when he made good. He went to work in the company's administration bureau, and at the end of eight months was get- ting $250 a week. His first work, in the distribution department, was as special district manager of the terri- tory which included the Kansas City, St. Louis, Omaha and Des Moines of- fices, which position he held until May, 1919, when he was called to the home office to become sales manager. On January 8, 1921, Zukor appoint- ed him general manager of distribution and a year later he was elected to the company's board of directors. In 1927 he was named general manager of Paramount. He was also vice-presi- dent. Fox President in 1932 In January, 1932, he resigned to be- come Fox Film Corp. president. He was largely instrumental in merging Fox Film Corp. with Twentieth Cen- tury Pictures, Inc., in August, 1935, into Twentieth Century-Fox Corp., of which he was president. As general manager of Paramount and president of Twentieth Century- Fox, Kent was responsible for the sale and world-wide distribution of many of the film industry's greatest pictures, including "The Covered Wagon," "The Ten Commandments," "Beau Geste," "The Sheik," "Wings," "Cav- alcade," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "The Grapes of Wrath" and "How Green Was My Yalley." He was re- sponsible for the world-wide fame of such screen personalities as Wallace Reid, Gloria Swanson, Thomas Meigh- an, Clara Bow, Rudolph Valentino, Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper, Will Rogers, Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power and Shirley Temple, to mention only a few of the hundreds of outstanding Wisdom and Integrity of Kent Lauded (Continued from Column 1) admiration and respect. He was a great leader, a brilliant executive and a fine and honorable man. With all due respect to the other leaders of the industry, Sidney Kent's death is unquestionably the motion picture industry's greatest loss. As a leader and as a friend, we mourn his pass- ing. BARNEY BALABAN: Although I had known Sidney Kent for many years, I came to know him real well during the past half-dozen years when we worked close to- gether on numerous industry prob- lems. When important questions of industry policy arose we all looked to Sidney Kent as the firm and un- selfish advocate of the wise and the just course. He stood for all that is clean and decent and honorable in this business and in life. His death is an irreparable loss to our industry and to us all. GEORGE SCHAEFER: In the passing of Mr. Kent our industry has lost a great man. He was al- ways found in the ranks of those championing the constructive move- ments, but more often he was the leader. He leaves many monu- ments in the worthwhile things he accomplished, both for the indus- try and the public as a whole. It is difficult to feel that the business can ever be the same without him. For more than two decades he has been my dear personal friend and during that time we have stood to- gether and shared our sorrow on many sad occasions. It never occur- red to me that we would not always be able to share our joys and sorrows and that I would be left to express these sentiments to a man who had such rare devotion and loyalty to friends and associates. His pass- ing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. Studios to Pause In Brief Tribute Hollywood, March 19. — The board of directors of the Association of Mo- tion Picture Producers today adopted a resolution expressing sorrow in the loss of Sidney Kent and announced that all studios will suspend operations for a silent tribute of one minute at the time of the funeral services Mon- day. HARRY WARNER: Words are in- adequate to express the loss to the industry of Sidney Kent. I know that every man and woman in the business shares my grief and my regret. The Sidney Kents come not even once in a generation. When they leave us there is a niche that is almost impossible to fill. NATE J. BLUMBERG: In the death of Sidney Kent our industry has lost one of its finest men. He probably did more for the motion picture business than any other one man among our contemporaries. His fine knowledge of the problems as relating to distribution, produc- tion and labor were always of in- estimable value and our business will ever be grateful to him. I knew Mr. Kent for many years so that from a personal standpoint, as well, his death is a great loss. (Continued on page 7) HENRY FONDA LIVIA De HAVILLAND JOAN LESLIE ^THE MALE ANIMAL"*!^ CK CARSON . EUGENE PAUETTE HERBERT ANDERSON ■ Directed by ELLIOTT NUGENT reen Play by Julius J. and Philip ©. >rtein and Stephen Morehouse Avery From the Play by James Thurber and Elliott Nugent Produced by Herman Shumlin Warner 8ros. First National Picture z < ■Oh _ 9 8.9 & re u §1 is 8«r> 5 3~ S> m *1 ft; ^ •=Q .2 re o a (0 1-1 (8 -a: M ^ a CD s E~~ re e . *■« 2 n 5 o SSI* ore P ^ E£ « a'^; w ft ,200 e •J < CO W > •S J! 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O e -« »S cm ^ 0 MCMv PQ O O 0 1 It 3 OK ^ % nO 8 Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (C) Lawless Plainsman (O) Canal Zone (D) Chester Morris John Hubbard Two Yanks in Trinidad (D) Paf O'Brien Brian Donlevy Alias Boston Blackie (D) North of the Rockies (O) Blondie's Blessed Event (C) P. Singelton Arthur Lake Hello Annapolis (D) Down Rio Grande Way (O) Highly Irregular (D) Joan Bennett Franchot Tone A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen (D) Gargan-Lindsay S " 1 0 2 * § v. < 1 < < I50 & 8 1^ 5 xo Friday, March 20, 1942 Motion Picture Daily Industry Mourns Passing of Sidney R. Kent {Continued from page 3) FRANK FREEMAN: In the death of Sidney Kent the industry has lost its outstanding leader of the last 15 years. He had an intimate knowledge and understanding of all phases of the business and of the people in it. His leadership was the kind of leadership real men like to follow. Honesty was para- ^ mount in his every thought. All of us who were associated with him knew this and trusted him. The place he occupied in the hearts of everyone can never be taken by anyone else. LOUIS B. MAYER: The motion picture industry has suffered a deep loss in the death of Sidney Kent. I feel keenly the loss of my friend whose leadership brought inspira- tion and confidence into the hearts of the countless men who were as- sociated with him. DARRVL F. ZANUCK: In the passing of Sidney Kent, the entire world has sustained a great loss. Not only to us who knew, ad- mired and respected him will this loss be deeply felt, but millions of people who did not personally know him will keenly feel the effect of his passing. For he, more than any other individual in the motion pic- ture industry, sponsored all that is truly democratic in motion pictures. He stood for the very ultimate in entertainment and his influence on the American motion nictnre was a profound contribution to free peoples everywhere. We of 20th Century-Fox have lost an inspira- tional leader. HERMANN G. PLACE: With the death of Sidney R. Kent, an out- standing leader has departed from the motion picture industry. Much of its greatness and its quality stand as a monument to his untiring ef- forts and unselfish devotion over many years. He was a man en- dowed with unusual and brilliant qualities of mind and heart. Where he labored, things were made bet- ter. All who knew him respected his extraordinary ability and loved him for his unique sense of what was right and fair. So deeply has his personality been impressed upon his company and the industry that it will long remain as an influence for constantly better things. RICHARD C. PATTERSON, JR.: It is difficult to appraise Sidney Kent as he had so many fine quali- ties. He was never boastful. He was never servile. He despised flattery and pretense and his loyal- ty to his friends was an outstanding atribute. HARRY BRANDT: The loss of Sidney Kent is an immense blow to the motion picture industry, for not alone was he one of its most able executives, but his constructive ef- forts to raise it to a still higher stature were invaluable. Mr. Kent's clear-headed vision and wise coun- sel will most assuredly be sorely missed by his friends and associ- ates. With Sidney Kent's untimely passing, I have lost a dear personal friend, whose absence will be felt more as time goes on. Executives Pay Tribute To Leadership of Kent ABRAM F. MYERS: In behalf of the Allied board of directors and myself may I express our deep sor- row at the passing of Sidney R. Kent. At the Trade Practice Con- ference in 1927 I recognized Kent as the outstanding figure in the indus- try. In all the intervening years I have held to that view. We crossed swords on the Neely bill but he kept his rapier clean. He was sometimes blunt, always sincere and never stooped to pettiness. He was always available for discussion, never failed to answer a letter and did all in his power to promote friendly relations. It was no secret that I admired him greatly and I believe he held me in some esteem. I hope that the breadth of vision and sound prin- ciples that characterized Sidney Kent will be perpetuated by his successors as a monument to him. HARRY COHN : Sidney Kent's death has removed a figure of great stature from the motion picture in- dustry, which it can ill afford to lose. His counsel and thinking will be greatly missed. ED KUYKENDALL: Sidney Kent was an outstanding industry leader. He was held in the highest regard and respect by all branches of the industry. No one ever misunder- stood him. His word was his bond and exhibitors everywhere held him in the highest esteem. I have lost a fine personal friend and the indus- try loses one of its greatest leaders. HARRY M. KALMINE: The death of Sidney Kent is a great loss to the industry. He was a big man in every way. He had vision, heart and a warm personality that made everybody his friend. With his death, the industry loses one of its giants. JACK COHN : If ever there was_ a man in this industry absolutely ir- replaceable, that man was Sidney Kent. It is for this reason I am so profoundly moved by his passing. . . . Many are the men in this in- dustry who owe everything they are, or have, to him. Quick to rec- ognize ability in those about him, his faith in them remained unshaken thereafter. . . . There never was, and probably never will be, a bet- ter film man. The motion picture industry has every reason to mourn the loss of Sidney Kent. NEIL AGNEW: To those of us who have worked for and with Sidney Kent during the many years of his association with Paramount, his passing affects us much as I im- agine General MacArthur's loss would affect the men under his com- mand. Kent was that rarest of rare men — a real leader and a gallant gentleman. Every member of the Paramount sales force joins with me in mourning his death. TOM J. CONNORS: In the too short time I was associated at 20th Century-Fox with Mr. Kent I was privileged to see at first hand what I had known for many years — that here was a man of real character, one of the outstanding business fig- ures of our time, as honest and hu- man as any friend one could possibly wish for ; as energetic, able and talented as any executive in any industry in our country. To say that the loss of such a man is deeply felt is inadequate. I know of no figure in the motion picture business whose standard of conduct, whose forthright honesty and whose executive qualities could be spared less than Mr. Kent's. His passing is one of the keenest sorrows I have ever known. GRADWELL L. SEARS: Words cannot express my feeling at the news of the passing of Sidney R. Kent. The motion picture indus- try, in which he occupied a position of admiration and affection of all who knew him, will miss him. The years which he gave to the industry will be his monument. JOSEPH H. HAZEN: Sidney R. Kent was a pillar of strength to the motion picture business. His fear- less leadership, the wide scope of his knowledge of industry affairs, his grasp of intricate problems and his clear views were a source of constant inspiration to all of us. He will be keenly missed. BEN KALMENSON: Few men worked harder than Sidney Kent, or accomplished as much as he did. in building up the sales and dis- tribution machinery of the motion picture business from crude begin- nings to an efficient basis. He was a real leader, and his passing is a distinct loss to the industry. STANTON GRIFFIS : Sidney Kent was and represented the finest type of man in the motion picture indus- try. His mould was single. His loss is absolutely irreplaceable. His genius consisted of its own mixture of integrity, vision, a capacity for hard work and his inspiration of other men. We shall not see his like again. J. ROBERT RUBIN : I know of no one in the motion picture world who does not feel a deep loss in the death of Sidney Kent. During the many years of his association in the industry his influence and his activities have always been on the constructive side. ... I am proud to add my name to the list of his friends and terribly distressed that we must today mourn him. W. A. SCULLY : It is with heartfelt regret that I learned of Mr. Kent's death. The industry has sustained an irreparable loss ; a wise and hu - man leader is gone from it. HERMAN WOBBER: To have known Sidney Kent was to have loved him ; and when the history of motion pictures is finally written, his name will head the list of those who contributed most. He laid down his life to win its battles, and died as he would have desired — with his boots on. I loved him as a brother and the ties of our many years of close friendship will never be broken. His devoted wife has my heartfelt sympathy. JOSEPH H. MOSKOWITZ: I am shocked at the untimely passing of Mr. Kent. We who have known him have lost a leader whose wis- dom and sincerity will ever be re- membered. A. M. BOTSFORD: No person in the motion picture industry, wheth- er his position was great or small, ever had a truer friend than Sid- ney R. Kent. His friendship was not only for those in high places, nor only for those in his own com- pany ; it was for all the people in all branches of the industry. W. C. MICHEL: I have known Mr. Kent for the past 25 years and have been most closely associated with him for the past 10 years. These 10 years with him have been real highspots in my life. This loss extends beyond the use of words ; I know everyone who ever had any association with him has the same feeling. ... I thank Almighty God that I had the privilege of knowing and being associated with him and his family. WILLIAMi GOETZ: Sidney R. Kent was one of the truly great leaders and builders of the motion picture industry. His passing is an irreparable loss to those of us who were privileged to share his friend- ship. His passing leaves us all in- debted to his memory. NED E. DEPINET: Today we mourn the passing of a good friend and a fine and just man, Sidney Kent. Loyal to his beliefs and courageous in his actions he has contributed much to an industry honored by his presence. ABE MONTAGUE: The many friends of Sidney Kent, both of and outside the trade, have suffered a great loss. Sidney Kent was defi- nitely a part of the greatness of our industry. . . . His memory will be an inspiration for the rest of us to carry on with ... an inspiration for honesty, fair-dealing and the love for a fellow man. A. W. SMITH, JR.: Sidney Kent was the Douglas MacArthur of the motion picture industry. His abil- ity, his integrity and his gift for leadership were outstanding. He has always been a tower of strength in the industry. . . . His is a great loss and the industry will suffer. Statements of sorrow were also re- ceived from Jack Warner, Henry Ginsberg, Charles Koerner, Major Albert Warner, Carl Leserman, Arthur W. Kelly, John J. O'Connor, W. J. Heineman, Earle Hammons, Francis Harmon, Sam Briskin, Louis Nizer and Harold Lloyd. NEW YORK Hetatb aftibuue Yearns for Old Andy ^Although he probably would disagree with im immediately, so that coffee and pistols for two would result, William Allen White, through his newspaper, "The Emporia Gazette," expresses a fervent wish for return of "Old Boots and Whiskers," Andrew Jackson. The Inyitation to that turbulent spirit to revisit the glimpses of the moon is phrased in heart- felt terms: "Good Lord! How we need Old Andy Jackson — boots and whiskers, courage and wisdom combined — that rare amalgama- tion that makes for common sense, the horse sense that has guided the destiny of this nation for 150 years! Come back, Old Andy Jackson; come back to your country, reincar- nate yourself in some man's heart, and wade in where glory waits!" As even the sansuine Mr. White may reaj that this reincarnation is not like^to he offers an alte" consideration, ariSepsHI is Republican party. "If only the Republican party that gave us Lincoln," he sighs, "would forget its hatred of Roosevelt, get rid of its bias toward plu- tocracy, get back to the grass roots and the hearts of the people and draw up one bill ruthlessly cutting the fat out of the deadly corpulence of American government; then put that bill in the hopper and stand for it four- square and without amendment. How the Republicans would sweep this land! Instead of which Republican leaders are trying to pump up courage to be isolationists at the end of this war for freedom. If only the Republican party had some of Old Andy's good copper guts, what a land this would be for the free and the brave!" It is a pleasure to lead the applause. lift*0*1 "THE «KBtf ANDRE ^ vntfc ELLEN *rlt *° 9*Ve .thenar1. 3ted bV STUA*T HEISI** Alert, tion Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY First in and Impartial * 51. NO. 56 NEW YORK, U.S.A., MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1942 TEN CENTS Trade to Pay Last Respects To Kent Today \Leading Executives Will Attend Services The film industry today will pay its last tribute to Sidney Raymond [Kent, president of 20th Century- vox, who died last Thursday, at funeral services to be conducted at 11 A.M. at the Riverside Church, 122nd St. and Riverside Drive. Service in London London, March 22. — The en- tire British film industry will be represented at memorial services for the late Sidney R. Kent, president of 20th Cen- tury-Fox, to be held on Tues- day morning. The services will be held at Saint George's Church, Hanover Square, Mayfair. Executives from all over the coun- try are expected. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick will cmduct the service. The body will be placed in a vault at the Ferncliff Cem- etery, Ardsley, N. Y., where a private service will be held. Many paid their respects to the ev- tcutive while the body reposed yester- (Continued on page 4) NBC to Give Option Under FCC Ruling Cincinnati, March 22.— XBC has made plans to give its stations "first refusal" on network programs which will be revocable if the station does not accept a large proportion of pro- prams offered, in the event the courts uphold the FCC network rules ban- ning option time, it was revealed here Friday. William S. Hedges, vice-president in charge of station relations, disclosed X'BC's tentative plans at the close of a two-day regional meeting with affili- ates here. Under the new FCC rules, which have been held up pending a decision from the U. S. Supreme Court, it will be possible for a net- work to offer a station "first refusal" on programs offered but it will not be possible for a station to option its time to the network. "We are talking over plans — if the suit is lost, which I do not believe it (.Continued on page 8) U. S. Tax Revenue $9,769,398 in Feb., Drops $1,500,000 Washington, March 22. — Federal admission tax collections in February dropped $1,500,000 under the preced- ing month, from $11,355,639 to $9,769,- 398, but were more than $3,270,000 above the $6,495,284 reported for Feb- luary, 1941, it was announced over the weekend by the Internal Revenue Bureau. The bureau report disclosed that in the first four months of application of the present tax §42,948,914 was col- lected as compared with $26,856,758 in the corresponding period a year ago when the 20-cent exemption was in effect. While national collections declined in February, the special report for the Third New York (Broadway) Dis- trict showed a slight increase over the preceding month, with a revenue of (.Continued on page 4) May Alter Quota on Propaganda Films London, Marcli 22. — The Ministry' of Information is understood to have discussed with the Board of Trade aspects of the Quota Act which may result in amendments, probably con- cerning propaganda films. It is aimed to obtain wider distribution of such films, now ineligible for quota credit because of low cost. The Metro film "Wavell's 30,000" was not counted for quota and the Ministry is studying the situation following Metro repre- •entations. Meanwhile, active exhibitor resent- ment is flaring over the Gaumont Cir- cuit deal with Metro on "Gone With (Continued on page 4) All Marquees Dark Along Jersey Coast Theatre marquees in Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Long Branch and other New Jersey coast municipalities have been extinguished for the duration of the war by order of Leonard Dreyfuss, State Director of Civilian Defense, acting on in- structions from the Army and Navy as a measure to protect off - shore shipping. Twenty theatres in Atlantic City are affected. All towns 10 miles inland were ordered to reduce or extinguish lights visible off-shore or face complete blackouts. 10% Wage Increase For Newsreel Staffs Wage increases of 10 per cent for newsreel cameramen, sound techni- cians and electricians were agreed upon at a negotiating meeting of news- reel editors and union officials at the office of Pat Casey here on Friday. The newsreels' 12 war correspond- ents on assignments outside the Con- tinental United States were granted a bonus of $25 per week, in addition to the 10 per cent increase. The $25,000 insurance policies which the newsreel companies voluntarily obtained for war correspondents some time ago were made a part of the new agree- ment. Walter Lang of the New York cameramen's union and William Straf- ford of Chicago represented the cam- eramen in the negotiations. Sal Scappa of the studio mechanics union represented the technicians and elec- tricians in the negotiations with the executives of the five reels. They are (Continued on page 4) Mexican Exhibitors Seek Relief on Wages, Taxes in Box-OMce Slump Mexico City, March 22. — A theatre slump throughout Mexico, with business in the doldrums especially in the larger cities, has focused exhibitors' attention on high operating expenses, chiefly wages and taxes. The exhibitors are preparing a petition to the Government and the unions asking some relief. The situation is especially acute in Mexico City, affecting chiefly the seven first runs and the better subsequents. Mexicans are observing Lent more strictly this year, which is one reason for the poor business. In addition, the public is reportedly not tak- ing well to the new pictures, American as well as Mexican. These circumstances have cut receipts of some of the larger first runs here by more than half in comparison with other times, according to theatre operators. Meanwhile, the Federation of Musical Composers insists that ex- hibitors pay a five per cent royalty on all music used in exhibited films, foreign as well as domestic. Entire Umpi Group to Hear Sales Views Rodger s Calls Meeting Here for Thursday A meeting of the committee of the whole of the United Motion Picture Industry has been called by William F. Rodgers, chairman, for Thursday morning at the Astor Hotel to review progress made to date on the organization's program and to hear a report on exhibitor reaction to the new sales plan pro- posals. Umpi's trade practice committee, of which Jack Kirsch is chairman, will meet Wednesday to receive the views of the exhibitor representatives on the sales plan developed by the committee. The meeting is expected to correlate the various views of the exhibitor representatives on the committee and prepare them for a report to the meet- ing of the whole the following day. The two meetings will determine whether an agreement on a new sales plan is possible, it is believed. Rodgers expressed optimism on Fri- (Continued on page 4) Schenck, Moskowitz Conviction Upheld The U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Saturday upheld the conviction by a jury last Spring of Joseph M. Schenck and Joseph H. Moskowitz on income tax evasion charges. Schenck was sentenced to three years in prison and $20,000 fine, and Moskowitz to one year and $10,000 fine. It could not be learned over the weekend whether a further appeal would be taken. Hollywood to Honor Army Morale Chief Hollywood, March 22. — Brig. Gen. Frederick H. Osborn, Chief of the War Department's Special Services Branch — the Army's morale division — will address a luncheon of industry groups at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel here Tuesday. The luncheon in his honor is being given by the War Ac- tivities Committee, Hollywood Vic- tory Committee and the Public Rela- tions Committee. Major Frank Capra of the Signal Corps will be a special guest Y. Frank Freeman will pre- side. 2 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 23, 1942 Coast Flashes Personal Mention Hollywood, March 22 HARRY SHERMAN has signed William Boyd to a new two- year contract for 12 more "Hopalong Cassidy" pictures for Paramount re- lease. Boyd has made 42 "Hopa- longs" in the last seven years, setting what is believed a record for portray- ing a single character in films. • Frank Ross, Inc., has signed to pro- duce two films for RKO release. The first scheduled is "Another Dawn" and the second is expected to be a Jean Arthur vehicle. Ross is Miss Arthur's husband. • Jules Seltzer has resigned as adver- tising and publicity director for Hal Roach Studios and has joined the Navy. Jerry Dale, publicity repre- sentative for Alexander Korda, will succeed him. • The Great Gildersleeve, radio comic whose name is Harold Peary, has been set by RKO to star in two films, the first to be titled "The Great Gilder- sleeve." • Universal announced signing How- ard Hawks to produce and direct one special production a year for three years. He will report to Universal when he completes "Air Force," War- ner film. Ehrlich Bill Passed; Doorman Bill Killed Albany/ March 22. — The Ehrlich bill, providing for child performances under the supervision of educational authorities, has passed the New York State Assembly without debate or dis- senting vote. The Moran bill requiring seats for film theatre ticket takers in New York City has been defeated in the Labor and Industries Committee of the As- sembly. The Assembly also passed and sent to the Senate a bill by Assemblyman Washburn extending the civil rights law to include punishment for discrim- ination against persons by theatres be- cause of national origin, extending the present law which forbids discrimina- tion due to race, color or creed. Jersey Allied Names Convention Group Harry H. Lowenstein, president of Allied of New Jersey, has named Lee Newbury, Irving Dollinger and George Gold as a convention commit- tee to prepare for the organization's 23rd annual convention and Eastern regional conference of exhibitors, in Atlantic City in June. The Allied unit will meet in Newark on Thurs- day afternoon, with a dinner scheduled for the evening, to which the industry lias been invited. Levy Back from Tour Nat Levy, captain of the RKO Ned Depinet sales drive, and Harry Michal- son, short subject sales manager, re- turned on Friday from a tour of ex- changes in this country and Canada- The final meeting was held Saturday at the New York exchange, headed by Robert Wolff. The drive will end May 8. AH. BLANK, of Tri-States Thea- . tres, Des Moines, is in town. William Hebert has returned to the Coast from New York. Alfred Hitchcock is due from Hollywood late this week. • Melvin Kinkead, manager of the Pioneer Theatre, Jefferson, la., has entered the Iowa Home Guard, leav- ing his theatre post. • Oscar Blum, with the Warner music companies, has enlisted in the •Navy. • B. J. McKenna, general manager of the Griffith Amusement Co., was injured in an automobile collision in Oklahoma City. • John G. Paine and Herman Fink- elstein returned from South Dakota over the weekend. • Ray Axelrod, city booker for War- ners in Chicago, reports for Army service today. Delay DeMille Party In Memory of Kent The Paramount cocktail reception for Cecil B. DeMille scheduled for yesterday at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel was postponed in respect to the late Sidney R. Kent. It will be held Wednesday at 5 P.M. in the Jade Room of the hotel. DeMille arrived yesterday from the Coast. The Ampa committee in charge of the special luncheon honoring De- cline's 30th anniversary in the indus- try, to be held Thursday at the Wal- dorf-Astoria, announced that arrange- ments are being made to have as guests film players who were given their start by DeMille. The luncheon will coincide with the opening of "Reap the Wild Wind," Paramount's 30th anniversary picture, at the Radio City Music Hall. Managers in Phila. Plan Organization Philadelphia, March 22. — Prelim- inary plans for the organization of a benevolent association of independent theatre managers here were made at a meeting at the Broadwood Hotel. It was planned to create purely a benevolent body for the express pur- poses of interchanging ideas> for sell- ing pictures for the betterment of the industry, to create a benefit fund, pro- vide sickness benefits and group in- surance. Further details will be dis- cussed at a meeting March 30 at the Broadwood. Lurie Here from Orient Robert Lurie, former Singapore manager for Universal, has returned to the home office. Lurie went to Australia from Singapore several months ago and returned to America recently aboard an evacuation vessel. Reception for Briton The Museum of Modern Art Film Library will give a cocktail party to- morrow afternoon for Thomas Baird, of the British Ministry of Information. He will discuss wartime film produc- tion in London. LEONARD GOLDENSON and Sam Dembow are scheduled to return from the Coast and Dallas at the end of the week. • Phil Reisman arrived from South America on Friday. T. Newman Lawler is confined to his home by illness. • Lou Levy, manager of Universal's Des Moines exchange, has left for a two-week vacation in the South. • Oscar N. Solbert, former assistant to the vice-president of Eastman Kodak, is with the Military Intelli- gence branch of the General Staff at Washington. • Ralph L. McCoy, Southern and Midwestern sales manager for War- ners, leaves today for a tour of his territory. • William Webster of the RKO home office publicity department has enlisted in the Army and leaves the company next Friday. Saugerties Operator Seeks Clearance Cut Thornton Theatres, Inc., operator of the Orpheum, Saugerties, N. Y., has filed a complaint with the Albany ar- bitration board against the consenting companies asking for reduction of the 14 days' clearance held by the Broad- way and Kingston at Kingston, N. Y., according to notification received by the American Arbitration Association here. In Cleveland, J. Virgil Cory, arbi- trator, dismissed the some run com- plaint of the Park Theatre Co., oper- ating the Dueber, Canton, which named the consenting distributors and the McKinley, Mozart, State, Valen- tine and Strand in Canton. The Cleveland board has received a complaint by Tuscawaras Theatre Co., operating in Uhrichsville and Den- nison, 0., against the consenting com- panies. It asks elimination or reduc- tion of 14 days' clearance held by the Union and New Quaker at New Phil- adelphia, the Bexley and State at Dover, and the Shea Chain. Sandrich,Buchman in Victory Group Posts Hollywood, March 22. — Mark Sandrich, representing the Directors Guild, and Sidney Buchman, repre- senting the Writers Guild, were an- nounced here as elected ranking officers of the Hollywood Victory Committee. Howard Strickling has resigned the vice-chairmanship to take over the post of secretary vacated by Jock Lawrence, who has been com- missioned a major in the Army. Law- rence will be stationed in Washing- ton. Rites for I A Leader Ottawa, March 22. — Funeral serv- ices were held here yesterday for Hec- tor Ladouceur, 54, president of the local IATSE unit and stage manager of the Capitol, who died Thursday of a heart attack. Burial was in Notre Dame Cemetery here. Companies Return to London; Dare 'Blitz' London, March 22.— Despite the seriousness of the war sit- uation and the possibility that with the coming of Spring the Nazis will resume air attacks on London, film companies in increasing numbers are re- turning to the city from their evacuation headquarters. In the last few weeks, the Gaumont-British main officer Z have been moved from Credi L ton in Devon back to London, and RKO Radio, the major part of which organization has been at Elstree for some time, has transferred activi- ties back to their original Dean Street offices here. An- glo-American, a leading inde- pendent distributor, which has been quartered at Salis- bury, plans to move to a site nearer London. Picketing by SPG Delayed to Today The New York Screen Publicists Guild on Friday announced that it had delayed picketing action here and in Hollywood until today. The group announced Thursday that picketing of theatres playing Paramount and 20th Century-Fox pictures would start the following day. It was stated that the postponement was at the request of James Fitz- Patrick of the U. S. Conciliation Service who has been assigned to the situation. The conciliator conferred Friday with Guild officials and L. E. Thompson of RKO, who represents the companies in the dispute. Guild members over the weekend continued distribution of leaflets in front of theatres calling the public's attention to their demands. To Fete Seidenberg Philadelphia, March 22. — Hal Seidenberg, manager of Warners' Earle here, who will enter military service at the end of the month, will be given a farewell party by the local entertainment fraternity this week. Seidenberg has been associated with presentation house management for the past 18 years. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (.Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Quigpubco, London." AU contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. A STATEMENT TO THE EMPLOYEES OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES, INC., DELIVERED BY ITS PRESIDENT, HARRY M. WARNER "One hundred feet of wasted film may cost the life of an American soldier who may be your own son or brother. "I am not asking you to eliminate waste merely because of its dollar and cents value, but because of the materials involved. It makes no difference if you're in the picture business or the grocery business. Every foot of lumber, every nail and every bit of material is vital to the war of production that our country is waging with our enemies. It is this all out marshalling of our resources that is going to prove the decisive factor in this struggle for freedom. Therefore, it is up to every individual to save, save and save on materials so that our war machinery will have the materials to forge into munitions, ships, guns, tanks and planes. "One sheet of paper wasted may appear insignificant. But unfortunately there may be 130 million sheets of paper wasted in a single day throughout the United States. Think of what that means in terms of machinery tied up and labor employed that could be utilized for war production. "A take is ruined because a 'mike' shadow was cast upon the face of a player ... or the player missed his lines. It is just a hundred feet or so of wasted film. The dollar value is trivial, but the material value is great. For just multiply the wasted takes throughout the in- dustry, and we have a staggering total of film material lost. Once again, the manpower and material and machinery needed to replace that waste could be freed for war production. "Who would have thought just a few months ago that tin cans would be so important in the film business? Yet, unless we can return empty film cans we can't get any new film, because of the shortage of tin for our war machinery. "We have not as yet, and when I say we I mean the American people, gotten down to all- out war effort. It isn't enough that we buy defense bonds, act as air raid wardens, help in civilian defense, or our sons go off to camp. It is up to every single man, woman and child to start thinking and practicing wartime economy at home and in business. And that doesn't mean merely the saving of dollars. It means the sav- ing of our nation's resources, the conservation of materials and the absolute elimination of waste. "We in the motion picture business use tremendous amounts of materials of every de- scription. Materials that today are of vital importance in our national defense. Let us, by our almost fanatical devotion to the elimination of waste, make free this saving of materials for war purpose. "Waste is criminal at all times but in times of war it is worse than the sabotage of enemy agents. After all, saboteurs can destroy only so much, but with 1 30 million people daily wasting materials, the aggregate loss is staggering. And, conversely, the saving can be enormous. "Therefore, I again urge everyone to help America win this war by constant vigilance against waste." 4 Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 23, 1942 Entire Umpi Group to Hear Sales Views (Continued from page 1) day for the chances of an ultimate agreement. Explaining that he has not had access to the exhibitor reports and alternate proposals which followed their consideration of the Umpi plan, Rodgers said that on the basis of what he has read of them in the trade pa- pers he is confident that the publicized views are not irreconcilable and that further discussion within the commit- tee can result in some solution being reached. Expect Basic Revision Trade observers, however, are of the opinion that the Umpi plan will have to undergo basic changes in order to satisfy the main exhibitor criticisms expressed during the past few weeks, the most numerous of which have been directed at the cancellation provisions. Whether a cancellation provision which would be satisfactory to a ma- jority of exhibitors as well as to the five consenting distributors can be de- vised is considered doubtful in many industry quarters. In this connection, it is known that two of the five decree con- senting distribution companies were persuaded to accept the cancellation provisions of the Umpi plan only after consider- able effort. The MPTOA has taken a stand for a straight 20 per cent cancellation on all groups of pictures in whatever number sold. A majority of Allied States units also have voiced dissatis- faction with the provisions and several have rejected the plan in its entirety, as have several unaffiliated regional exhibitor organizations. Allied Board to Meet The Allied board of directors will meet at the Warwick Hotel here to- morrow in an attempt to reconcile the divergent views of the organization's various units and devise from them a unified program of proposals for Wednesday's meeting of the trade practice committee. MPTOA, presumably, already has determined its program of counter pro- posals for Wednesday's meeting. Iowa ITO Wants 20% Cancellation Des Moines, March 22. — The ITO of Iowa and Nebraska, an unaffiliated unit, favors twice-yearly picture sell- ing and a straight 20 per cent cancel- lation on all pictures bought, instead of the proposed Umpi sales plan, Leo F. Wolcott, president, has disclosed. The organization's board of direc- tors, however, has taken no definite action on the Umpi plan yet but prob- ably will neither reject nor approve that plan, Wolcott said. Its counter proposals contemplate the trade showing of five to 10 fea- tures at the beginning of each six months' period, but with the cancel- lation provision applicable to those pictures as well as all others bought. Notes from Hollywood Hollywood, March 22 TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX has done some" high powered cast- ing. Setting Gene Tierney to play the title role in "China Girl," to be written and produced by Ben Hecht, the executives assigned George Sanders, Thomas Mitchell and Laird Cregar as supports of Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara in "The Black Swan." Frank Craven was signed for the top role in "Mystery Story," Sol Wurtzel production. Milton Berle's next was designated as "Death from the Sanskrit" ; Virginia Gilmore, to "The Loves of Edgar Allen Poe," and Jane Wyman borrowed from War- ners for "Strictly Dynamite." Republic is planning another musi- cal, to be titled "Hit Parade of 1942." . . . Diana Barrymore gets the role opposite Robert Cummings in "Love and Kisses, Caroline," new title for "Boy Meets Baby," which Henry Koster will direct. . . . Albert Bas- serman has been cast in "Moon and Sixpence," Loew-Lewin. . . . Albert Dekker has been signed by Republic to support John Wayne and Binnie Barnes in "In Old California." • • Ginger Rogers reports to RKO June 22 for a David Hemp- stead production, not yet titled. . . • Eugene Forde will direct 2 0th Century - Fox's "Little Tokio, U.SA." ... Joe E. Lewis has been given a term contract at Universal. . . . Irving Pichel will direct 20th Century-Fox's "The Pied Piper," which will feature Roddy McDowall and Monte Woolley. . . . Diana Lewis and Douglas MacPhail get fea- tured roles in "Tulip Time," Joseph Pasternak production. • • Luana Walters, Gladys Faye and Carol Crane have been added to the cast of Monogram's "The Corpse Vanishes," which stars Bela Lugosi. Vince Barnett, Kenneth Harlan, Gwen Kenyon and Joan Barclay already were assigned. Wallace Fox will direct for producer Sam Katzman. . . . M-G-M is planning "The War Against Mrs. Hadley," being written by George Oppen- heimer, to show the impact of war- time conditions on Americans in gen- eral. Irving Asher will produce. . . . Dorothy Comingore has been loaned by Mercury Productions to Para- mount for a role in "The Major and the Minor," which will star Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. Billy Wilder will direct, from his and Charles Brackett's screenplay. • • Columbia is pushing preparations on "The American Way," which will be produced and directed by George Stevens. Harry M. Goetz and Max Gordon, who headed the former Max Gordon Plays and Pictures Corp., are both on the Columbia lot at present, but will have no connection with the filming of "The American Way." . . . Lloyd Nolan, Bruce Cabot and Ann Ayars have been sef in support of John Carroll and Ruth Hussey in "Pierre of the Plains," M-G-M. • • Helen Costello, sister of Dolores and one time film star in her own right, has a role in Samuel Gold- wyn's "The Pride of the Yankees." . . . Hal Roach has started shooting on "Hitler's Valet," a comedy in which Bobby Watson plays Hitler, Joe Devlin plays Mussolini and George E. Stone plays a character named Suki Yaki. Gordon Douglas is directing and Glenn Tryon is pro- ducing. . . . Freddie Bartholomew has signed at Columbia to do two pic- tures in a year, first of which will be "Junior Generals," juvenile service yarn being written by Jerry Breck- enridge and Robert Lee Johnson. • • George Murphy goes into one of the top roles of "Me and My Gal," formerly titled "The Big Time," at M-G-M. Judy Gar- land, Marta Eggerth and Gene Kelly are the other principals. Busby Berkeley will direct and Arthur Freed will produce. . . . Mickey Rooney's next picture at M-G-M will be "A Yank at Eton," in which he will play the role of an American boy who finds himself enrolled in Eton when his mother re-marries an Englishman. Edmund Gwenn has a featured role in it. Nor- man Taurog will direct the John Considine, Jr., production. . . . Paramount is planning to film "Ready Money," James Mont- gomery stage hit of 25 years ago, as a musical, with Fred Kohlmar as associate producer. • • George Stevens has acquired film rights to "Are You There, Mr. Wayne?," Collier's Magazine story by Hamilton Tracy. . . . Betty Jane Rhodes, Johnny Johnston, Ann Miller, Jerry Colonna and Vera Vague have been set for Paramount's musical "Priorities of 1942." . . . Pine-Thomas is continuing the serv- ices of Richard Arlen for four more pictures ; Jean Parker for three, and Chester Morris for at least two more. . . . Evelyn Keyes gets the femenine lead in Columbia's "He's My Old Man," in which Pat O'Brien and Glenn Ford will be starred. The picture has an aviation background and will be directed by Sidney Sal- kow. Ona Munson has been named official Hollywood hostess for 1942 by the Hollywood convention and tourist bureau of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. May Alter Quota on Propaganda Films (Continued from page 1) the Wind." It is understood Gaumont is paying 50 per cent but not increas- ing admissions on the film to the point originally asked by Metro. Bookings start in July here. It is understood that for independent exhibitors the terms are 50 per cent up to the highest figure of any pre- vious Metro film, and 80 per cent for all above that. Extended runs and admission increases are understood in- cluded. The belief is expressed by exhibitors that those terms actually may net Metro more than the 70 per cent originally asked. Wide inde- pendent booking of the film is antici- pated, despite exhibitor resentment. Trade to Pay Last Respects To Kent Today (Continued from page 1) day at the Frank E. Campbell funeral church. Among those who have come fntfii the Coast to attend the funeral^Tpj Joseph M. and Nicholas M. Sche*fc, Herman Wobber, William Goetz, Charles Skouras, Sol M. Wurtzel and George J. Schaefer. Many theatres in the metropolitan area planned to observe a minute or two of silence at 2 P. M. today. At. the Randforce houses, operated by J Frisch & Rinzler, the managers will I make an announcement to the audi- 1 ences in tribute to Kent. At Skouras j theatres, patrons will be notified as j they enter the theatre that the per-| formance will be interrupted briefly in | respect to his memory. The Roxy Theatre will suspend thei show about 2 P. M. and a tribute to I Kent will be spoken. The 20th Century-Fox home office will be closed all day today and branches of the company throughout the world will close for the day ati 11 A.M. All studios on the Coastl will suspend operations for a silent^ tribute of one minute at the time of the funeral services. Feb. Tax Revenue Totals $9,769,398 (Continued from page 1) $1,638,707 compared with $1,591,157. Box-office collections in the district, it was shown, increased from $1,507,- 634 in January to $1,516,470 last month ; tickets sold by brokers, from $15,593 to $17,368; tickets sold by pro- prietors in excess of the established price, from nothing to $824, and ad- missions to roof gardens and cabarets, from $67,402 to $103,851, while rev- enue from permanent use or lease of boxes and seats declined from $527 to $192. Allot $25,000 Weekly] For Defense Savings Purchases of defense stamps and bonds under the home offices' payroll allotment plan average $25,000 weekly, Stanton Griffis, metropolitan amuse- ment division chairman of the De- fense Savings staff, has reported. All New York film companies are using the plan. 10% Wage Increase For Newsreel Staff (Continued from page 1) A. J. Richard, Paramount ; Thomas Meade, Universal ; Walton Ament, Pathe ; Ed Reek, Movietonews, and Michael Clofine, Metrotone. The meeting on Friday was halted for a moment of silence in tribute to Sidney R. Kent. Settle Tulsa Strike Tulsa, March 22. — A three-weeks' strike of projectionists at the new Uptown here has been settled and a new contract has been signed with the union by the house. PAGE FURY FOR YOUR MARQUEE! Every American will want to see this story of DOUBLE DECADE OF DOUBLE DEALING! TO SEE How Japs planned for years to stab U. S. in the back! TO SEE How Jap militarists played their filthy game of treachery ! TO SEE How Japs repaid kindness with ruthless murder! 1S1NC SUN Universale White Hot Special! - NOW BOOKING SITUATIONS World Premiere, Keith Theatre, Baltimore ! There's ingenuity in the writing, the direction is snappy, and the principals do their stuff with gusto. There's laughs and entertainment in the proceedings.— BOXOFFICE Combination of music and fun makes this grand entertain- ment. It will bring joy to every member of the family. Pure, unadulterated fun heavily trimmed with music — the kind that carries popular appeal. —FILM DAILY Judy Canova's inimitable style of acting dominates the pic- ture and her fans will welcome her in this production as they have in her past successes. There are plenty of good laughs in the picture. With Judy alone, "Sleepytime Gal" would be boxoffice. But it is given added drawing power ... a bang- up cast. —SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW The action is very fast, and most of the gags provoke laugh- ter . . . the music is lively . . . the picture has been produced lavishly. —HARRISON'S REPORTS The versatile and entertaining Judy Canova is responsible for considerable of the zest in this comedy effort, which has sev- eral saleable elements worthy of special exhibitor attention. —MOTION PICTURE DAILY Judy Canova offers a variety of comedy routines and a num- ber of musical numbers, the last one something of a sizzler. —MOTION PICTURE HERALD UoY OMOVA * tfntlVS GREATEST C0MED/fNNf ^ TOM BROWN • BILLY GILBERT • RUTH TERRY THURSTON HALL • ELISHA COOK, JR. • JERRY LESTER • MILDRED COLES HAROLD HUBER and SKINNAY ENNIS AND HIS BAND ALBERT S. ROGELL — Director Screen Play by Art Arthur, Albert Duffy and Max Lief Based on a Story by Mauri Grashin and Robert T. Shannon REPU8UC PICTURE Bu$ U. 1 defense Beads Motion Picture Daily Monday, March 23. 194 NBC Will Give Options Under Ruling of FCC (.Continued from paye 1) will be — under which we will give you first refusal of our time but it will be revocable if you do not accept a large proportion of the programs we offer," Hedges declared. He said that it would be a "simple matter" for a sta- tion to reject a program from another network and keep the time clear for a program from NBC. Hedges, referring to testimony given by Niles Trammell, president, pointed out that a national advertiser could buy a "super network" of 60 stations and cover the country under the new rules by eliminating regional and local stations. The second best network would have only 65 per cent of the "super network" but would cost more, and the third best, also costing more, would have barely half the national coverage, Hedges said. "It is in your power to deter- mine the effect of the rulings," Hedges said. "It will be most disastrous to the American sys- tem of radio if you do not hold together. We are going to oper- ate in good faith and try to sell our stations even if they are not the most powerful in each local- ity. But the Commission says you are being emancipated, so you can refuse any business you do not want to take." C. L. Menser, national program di- rector, said that a "farm system" sim- ilar to that in use by major baseball clubs should be used in exchanging personnel between network and station instead of losing valuable personnel to other networks. He said that pro- grams designed especially for men might be successful between 4 and 6 P.M. because of defense shifts. The station representatives present expressed the opinion that good pro- grams late at night were more desir- able than dance bands because the pur- chasing audience is not composed of "jitterbugs." Robert Dunville of WLW presided in the absence of Harry Stone, the regular chairman. Petrillo to Chicago On Mutual Dispute Following difficulties between WSIX, Nashville, and WGRC, Louis- ville, and the locals of the American Federation of Musicians in those cities, James C. Petrillo, AFM presi- dent, left for Chicago over the week- end to confer with William Macfar- lane, Mutual president. Both WSIX and WGRC are Mutual affiliates. Petrillo said that if their differences with the AFM locals were not settled all musicians would be ordered to stop work on Mutual programs. The alternative offered was that Mutual discontinue feeding programs to the two stations affected by the locals' action. Petrillo's order would affect not only sustaining programs but sponsorerl shows as well. RKO Signs Lupe Velez Hollywood. March 22. — I.upe Velez has been signed to a three-picture deal by RKO. Off the Antenna MUTUAL in a broadcast at 10:15 tonight is expected to announce renewal for another year of exclusive broadcasts of prizefights staged by Mike Jacobs, with Gillette Safety Razor Co. continuing as sponsor. The network will be host to newspapermen, sports figures and representatives of the sponsor and the 20th Century Sporting Club at a party from which the broadcast will be made. • • • Purely Personal: H. V. Kaltenborn, NBC commentator, on April 4 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first appearance before a microphone. . . . G. W. Johnstone, Blue director of news and special features, starts Ills' 20th year in radio this morning. . . . Robert E. Howard and Arthur Poppenberg have joined the NBC sales staff. . . . Irene Davis, WNEW commercial traffic manager, left for California over the zueekend to be married. She was suc- ceeded by Leila Palm. . . . Irving Strouse has been appointed WINS produc- tion and program director, succeeding Robert L. Cotton who resigned to form Cotton & Tunick Productions with Irve Tunick. . . . Rodian Slipyj, WBYN Ukrainian program director, has joined the Army. Luba Kowalska succeeds him. • © • KVOO, Tulsa, has started a local news service for Bristow and Drum- right, Okla., following suspension of daily newspapers there. Corre- spondents are forwarding items to Ken Miller, KVOO news editor. Similar service is also being given to Wagoner and Tahlequah and may be extended to other localities. • • • Program News: Andrew Jcrgens Co. has renewed Walter Winchell and "Parker Family," adding one station for a total of 98 Blue outlets. The repeat show, formerly heard at midnight, has been moved forward to 10:30 P.M. . . . General Baking Co. has renewed its spot campaign on W ABC. . . . Mutual Benefit Health & Accident will spons'or participation on the Arthur Godfrey show on WABC. . . . John Opits, Inc., will participate on Nancy) Craig's' "Woman of Tomorrow" program on WJZ beginning Thursday. . . . Richard Hudnut has renewed "Hollywood Show Case" on the CBS Pacific hookup. . . . R. L. Watkins will add 28 NBC stations next Sunday for "Man- hattan Merry-Go-Round" for a total of 67. . . . Beginning April 15, Nedick's it-/// sponsor Bert Lee's "Today's Baseball" on JVHN. . . . Campbell Soups Co. has renewed Lanny Ross on 58 CBS stations. Peoria Firm Asks FCC Station Permit Washington, March 22. — Applica- tion for a construction permit for a new 1,290 kilocycle, 1,000 watt broad- casting station has been filed with the Federal Communications Commission by the Grand View Broadcasting Co., Peoria, 111. The FCC announced withdrawal by the Yankee Broadcasting Co., New York, of its application for a new 620 kilocycle, 1,000 watt station in that city. The commission ordered hearings to determine whether the restrictions of its construction-curtailment order will be met in the application of the Ken- nebec Broadcasting Companv for a new 1,400 kilocycle, 250 watt station at Augusta, Maine, and the requests of Stations WLAV, Grand Rapids, Mich., and WAPO, Chattanooga, Tenn., for increases in power. Crosley 1941 Profit Rises to $1493,135 Cincinnati, March 22. — The Cros- ley Corp., operating WLW, WSAI and shortwave station WLWO and manufacturing radio receiving sets and other electrical appliances, earned net profit, after all charges and taxes, of $1,493,135 in 1941, compared with net loss, after depreciation, of $1,589,- 288 in 1940, Powel Crosley, Jr., presi- dent, reported to stockholders. Net sales in the manufacturing division were the highest in the company's his- tory, being 60 per cent over the pre- vious year. Arias Leaves Modern Henry R. Arias has retired from Modern Film Corp.. he announced Friday. George Barnett, his partner, will continue to operate the company. 'Captains' $7,100 Providence Gross Providence, March 22. — A week with several holdovers found all houses running close to average, with "Cap- tains of the Clouds" and "Jail House Blues" at the Majestic drawing $7,100 in the second week. Estimated receipts for the week end- ing March 11-12 : "Fantasia" (RKO) "Mexican Spitfire at Sea" (RKO) RKO- ALB EE — (2,239) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average, $6,000) "Mister V" (U.A.) "Fiesta" (U.A.) LOEWS STATE— (3,232) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $11,500. (Average. $11,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W.B.) "Jail House Blues" (Univ.) MAJESTIC— (2,250) (2Sc-39c-50c) 7 davs. 2nd week. Gross: $7,100. (Average, $7,000) "Paris Calling" (Col.) "Melody Lane" (Univ.) STRAND — (2.200) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. Gross: $6,500. (Average, $6,000) "Sealed Lips" (Univ.) FAY'S-^(1,800) (20c-33c-44c) 7 days. Stage: Diana Ellsworth and Edward Fair- childs; Jay Palmer; Toe Arena and Spotty: Walter Behr; Fielder and Harriet; The Saxons. Gross: $5,700. (Average. $5,000) "Criminals Within" (PRC) METROPOLITAN— (3,045) (30c-39c-55c- 75c) 3 days. Stage: Dick Powell; Ray Kin- ney and Orchestra; Will. and Gladys Ahern; Martin Brothers. Gross: $7,800. (Average, $5,000) "Woman of the Year" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) CARLTON — (1,526) (28c-39c-50c) 7 days. 3rd week. Gross: $2,900, (Average. $3,500) "Keep 'em Flying" (Univ.) (3 days) "Blue, White and Perfect" (Zflth-Fox) (3 days) "Ball df Fire" (RKO) (4 days) "You're in the Army Now" (W.B.) (4 days) EMPIRE— (1.200) (20c-28c) 2nd run. Gross: $2,000. (Average, $1,800) RCA Closes 2 Deals RCA service contracts have been signed with Interstate Theatres, Bos- ton, for 35 houses, and Ritz Enter- prises, Baltimore, for six theatres. 'To Be' Draws High $52,000, Hit in Chicagc Chicago, March 22. — "To Be o: Not to Be" topped all grosses wit!" $52,000 at the Chicago. "Louisiana Purchase" drew a fine $25,000 in^Jj first week at the State-Lake, whihSSI Oriental, with Ted Weems' orchesWi and "A Tragedy at Midnight" grossec a nice $21,000. Estimated receipts for the week end ing March 12: day. days (Av days 7 days- "How Green Was My Valley" (20th- Fox (8th week in Loop) APOLLO— (1.400) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 Gross: $9,000. (Average, $5,000) "To Be or Not to Be" (U. A.) CHICAGO— (4,000) (35c-55c-75c) 7 Stage— Varietv Show. Gross: $52,000. erage. $32,000) "All Through the Night" (W.B.) "Mr. Wise Guy" (Mono.) GARRICK— (1,000) (35c-55c-65c-75c) days. Gross: $6,100. (Average, $5,000) "A Tragedy at Midnight" (Rep.) ORIENTAL— (3,200) (25c-30c-40c-50c) days. Stage — Ted Weems band. Gross $21,000. (Average. $16,000) "Hellzapoppin" (Univ.) "Sealed Lips'" (Univ.) 4 days, 4th week. "Look Who's Laughing" (RKO) "Call Out the Marines" (RKO) 3 PALACE— (2,500) (40c-50c-68c) Gross: $13,000. (Average. $13,000) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) 5 days 2nd week. "Bedtime Story" (Col.) "Wild Bill Hickok Rides" (W.B.) 2 days. ROOSEVELT— (1.500) (35c-55c-65c-75c) ! days. Gross: $9,000. (Average, $11,000) "Louisiana Purchase" (Para.) STATE-LAKE— (3.700) (35c-55c-6Sc-75c) I days. Gross: $25,000. (Average, $14,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) UNITED ARTISTS— (1,700) (35c-55c-65c 75c) 7 days. Gross: $18,500. (Average $14,000) "Playmates" (RKO) "Four Jacks and a Jill" (RKO) 3 days, 3rc week. "Paris Calling" (Univ.) "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break' (Univ.) 4 days. WOODS— (1,200) (35c-55c-65c-75c) 7 days Gross: $6,000. 'Valley' Holds Pace In Toronto, $12,000 Toronto, March 22. — "How Greer Was My Valley" in its third week at the Imperial took $12,000. "Captains, of the Clouds," at Shea's for a fiftl week, drew $10,500. Estimated receipts for the week ending March 14 : "Suspicion" (RKO) EGLINTON — (1,086) (18c-30c-48c-60c) f days, 2nd week. Gross: $5,000. (Average. $4,500) "How Green Was My Valley" (20th-Fox) IMPERIAL— (3,373) (18c-3Oc-42c-60c-9Oc> ( days, 3rd week. Gross: $12,000. (Average $9,000) "Johnny Eager" (M-G-M) "Mr. and Mrs. North" (M-G-M) LOEWS— (2,074) (18c-30c-42c-60c-"8c) ( days, 2nd week. Gross: $8,500. (Average. $9,000) "Captains of the Clouds" (W. B.) SHEA'S— (2,480) (18c-30c-42c-60c-9Oc) t days, 5th week. Gross: $10,500. (Average, $9,000) "49th Parallel" (Col.) "Sing for Your Supper7 (Col.) TIVOLI— (1.434) (12c -18c -30c -48c) 6 days. Gross: $3,000. (Averaire. $3,900) "The Bugle Sounds" (M-G-M) "Kathleen" (M-G-M) UPTOWN— (2.761) (18c-30c-42c-60c-90c) ( days. Gross: $8,000. (Average, $9,000) Expand Gilroy's Duties Hollywood, March 22.— Bert Gil- roy's production duties at RKO have been expanded to include six features in addition to his six Tim Holt west- erns and the short subjects produced here. Milton E. Hoffman has been appointed Gilroy's associate. Alert, to the faction Picture Industry MOTION PICTURE DAILY and Impartial 51. NO. 57 NEW YORK. U.S.A., TUESDAY. MARCH 24, 1942 TEN CENTS Single MPTO Unit Approved Umpi Method Kuykendall Calls Special Meeting Today Only one MPTO A unit gave un- jualified approval to the proposed •ales plan of the United Motion Picture Industry, Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA president, said yesterday ri amplification of his statement of riast week that the MPTOA would l it approve the proposed plan in its oresent form. Kuykendall has called a special neeting of the MPTOA representa- ives on the Umpi trade practice com- mittee for today to prepare a program if uniform recommendations for a new .ales plan based on the reactions of the organization's affiliated units to the -"mpi plan. Their proposals will be 'presented to the meeting of the Umpi (Continued on page 8) BVay Gross Good; 3 Pictures Are Held The majority of film shows on !Broadway fared well over the week- end. Three films will hold over, two :<>r a fourth week and one for a third. "To Be or Not To Be" at the Rivoli Jrew an estimated $13,000 Saturday and Sunday and the film, now in its tliird week, will continue for a fourth. Also staying for a fourth week is "The Invaders" at the Capitol. At the Paramount, "The Fleet's In" (Continued on page 7) Studios' Red Cross Donations $526,768 Hollywood, March 23.— More than one-fourth of the total contributed to the Los An- geles Red Cross emergency drive was given by the indus- try's 30,000 members, accord- ing to Harry M. Warner, chair- man of the industry commit- tee, who turned over total do- nations of $526,768. Although no definite quota had been fixed, the film indus- try had been expected to reach the $450,000 mark. The largest single donation was $112,420 from Joan Crawford, repre- senting her salary for Colum- bia's "He Kissed the Bride." Three Complaints Name Schine Units; U.S. Claims Threat Three clearance complaints, all nam- ing Schine Circuit houses as inter- ested parties, have been filed at the Buffalo arbitration board against the five consenting companies, the Ameri- can Arbitration Association reported yesterday. The complaints also named the Uiree non-consenting companies, Universal, United Artists and Colum- bia. The first complaint was filed by Waterloo- State, Inc., operator of the State at Waterloo, N. Y.. and seeks elimination or reduction of the clear- ance over it held by the Strand at Seneca Falls and the Geneva and Re- gent at Geneva. The complaint sets forth that the State is required to play 30 days after the Strand which, in turn, has 14 days' clearance over the Geneva and Regent. The second complaint was filed by Town Hall Homer Theatre Corp., (Continued on page 8) Gen. Osborn Lauds Films' Cooperation Hollywood, March 23. — Brig. Gen. Frederick H. Osborn, Chief of the Special Services Branch of the War Department, at a luncheon tendered him here today by the industry's War Activities Committee, expressed the Army's "deep appreciation to the film industry for all it has done in the war emergency." One hundred industry representatives attended the luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. General Osborn said the War De- partment was appreciative for such (Continued on page 10) INDUSTRY IN FINAL TRIBUTE TO KENT Gov't Foresees Television Big Post-War Field Washington, March 23. — Televi- sion may be an important factor in preventing a post-war depression and administration officials, looking ahead to the return of peace, will seek to keep that branch of the radio indus- try alive during the emergency, it was disclosed today by James L. Fly, chairman of the FCC. Executives in television will meet in Washington at the request of the FCC on April 9 to consider the status of television during the war. Fly said that television may be the "big" post-war industry. While much of its development will have to be suppressed during the war, he de- clared, every possible assistance will be given to experimentation and prog- gress. "For the post-war period television will be of great benefit, not only to the American people as a whole but to the radio industry generally," he said. "Two decades ago, broadcast- ing provided the fillip that brought the country out of a depression." Administration officials. Fly indi- cated, foresee a possible similar role for television during the transition (Continued on page 10) Jersey Coast Houses Report Normal Business inBlackout KAO 1941 Net Profit Equals $738,095 Keith- Albee-Orpheum Corp. and subsidiary companies yesterday re- ported net profit for the year 1941 of S738.095, after all charges, including provisions for income taxes of $260,- 940. For 1940, the corresponding net profit was $780,004, after all charges, including provision for income taxes of $219,932. No provision was made (Continued on page 6) Theatres in New Jersey coastal towns, including Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Long Branch, operating with completely blacked out marquees and outside displays, have had no ill effects at the box-office since the dimout order was issued on Friday by the State Defense Council, a checkup yes- terday revealed. Walter Reade houses in Long Branch and Asbury Park and Warner theatres in Atlantic City reported nor- mal weekend business. The order called for a reduction in lighting to eliminate a glare in the sky which silhouettes off-shore shipping. (Continued on page 10) 1,000 at Services Here; Lauded by Fosdick At Church Rites Nearly 1,000 persons from all walks of life and all branches of the industry attended funeral services for Sidney R. Kent at the Riverside Church, 122nd St. and Riverside Drive, yesterday. During the day, the industry throughout the country and 20th Century-Fox branches through- out the world paid a last trib- ute to Kent. At home offices, studios, exchanges and many theatres a moment of silence was observed at the time of the serv- ices or, as requested by the War Activities Committee, at 2 P.M. The 20th Century-Fox home office was closed the entire day and the com- pany's exchanges everywhere closed for the day at 11 A.M., when the serv- ices here started. The church services were conducted by Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick. A private service was held in the after- noon at Ferncliff Cemetery, Ardsley, N. Y., where the body was placed in a vault. Dr. Fosdick in his eulogy dwelt on the contributions made by Kent to the industry he served, and to the social status of the motion picture. "Occupying a position of dominant influence in one of the most important (Continued on page 8) $13,000,000 RKO Budget to Board RKO's new season production budget, aggregating more than $13,- 000,000, is reported to have been sub- mitted to the company's board of di- rectors by George J. Schaefer, presi- dent, at a special meeting yesterday. Schaefer, who has been conferring on the Coast, arrived here over the weekend. It was also reported that the board was informed that Charles W. Koer- ner, who has been theatre operations head, has been given a permanent assignment as general manager of the studio under Joseph I. Breen, execu- tive vice-president in charge of pro- duction. Schaefer could not be reached for comment on the reports following the meeting yesterday. Edward L. Al- person has been supervising theatre operations during Koerner's absence. 2 Motion Picture Daily Tuesday, March 24, 1942 Coast Flashes Hollywood, March 23 GENERAL LAZARO CARD- ENAS, in voicing his apprecia- tion for an entertainment put on by Hollywood for troops and sailors in Ensanada, Mex., yesterday said that it was impressive proof of Inter- American solidarity. A group of 36 personalities accompanied by news- papermen went to Mexico in a five-car train chartered by the Hollywood Vic- tory Committee and the Motion Pic- ture Society for the Americas. John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Ran- dolph Scott and Nancy Kelly, prin- cipals of "To the Shores of Tripoli," 20th Century-Fox film, and nine other film personalities and the press will go to San Diego tomorrow for the world premiere of the picture in three thea- tres. The party will be guests of the Marine Corps at the Marine Base, where the picture was filmed. Mary Pickford today donated use of Pickfair, her estate, for one day a week for the duration to the United Service Organizations for entertain- ing members of the services. James Cagney will be master of ceremonies at a luncheon tomorrow of the Advertising Club of Los Angeles honoring the Hollywood Victory Com- mittee. Speakers will include Y. Frank Freeman, Kenneth Thomson, Personal Mention HERBERT J. YATES arrived in Hollywood yesterday from New York. He is due back here Thursday. • Jules Lapidus has left for Florida. Jack Goldsmith, with Warners in Atlanta, is visiting ..here. • Harry Rolnick is in town fronr Texas. • Nat Rubin and Herbert Alpert, manager and assistant at the Lyric in New Haven, enter the Army this week. • William Sirica, Newington The- atre, New Haven ; Frank Toth and Harry Kaplan, Colonial, Bridgeport, and Sam Sorenson, Capitol, Bridge- port, have joined the Army. • Moses Gumble of the Warner music department leaves for the Coast tomorrow by plane. Joseph Leon, Universal salesman in Philadelphia, and Frances Eat- man have announced their engage- ment. HARRY F. SHAW, Loew-Poli division manager in New Haven, has returned from Florida. • James Mahoney, general manager of Interstate Theatres, Connecticut, leaves this week for Florida. • William H. Saxton, city manager for Loew's in Baltimore, is spending a few days here. • Leonard Gaynor will be in Wash- ington today. • Angelo Lombardi, booker at the Warner New Haven exchange, is ill at home. • Irving Cooper of Universal's ex- change in New Haven leaves shortly for the Army. • Raymond T. England, manager of the Colonial Theatre, Southington, Conn., has left for Army service. • Nick Gentile, assistant manager of the Rialto, York, Pa., returned to his post after an illness. W anger to Do 'Nights* Hollywood, March 23. — Walter Wanger will produce "Arabian Nights," in Technicolor, as his next production. It will be released by Universal. Jon Hall, Maria Montez and Sabu already have been cast. Sabu has been signed to a term con- tract by Universal, his contract with Alexander Korda having expired. ENJOY ~The ^outketn ^unlkine ?Qoute to Los Angeles 4:45 pm tactions) (Two Sections) THB THE RIGHT 37 « SUN «n % Los Angeles • Ar. Los Angeles • ir. Los Angeles • Ar. Los Angeles . Ar. L°s Angeles • COUNTS 4:30 pm ^2-18 am I -50 am and 8 41 am 8:02 am ana o 5:25 pm 2:55 am . . • * 9:44 am 10:10 pm . . • • - 8:25 am 3:33 Pm 10:55 pm . . • • • 8:52 am 4:47 pm 6:30 am , . • • • 4:58 pm . • • ' 1:04 am AMERICAN AIRLINES One. ROUTE OF THE FLAGSHIPS All Companies Set at DeMille Ampa Lunch All major companies will be repre- sented with one or more table reserva- tions at the special Ampa luncheon on Thursday in honor of Cecil B. De- Mille, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, according to Vincent Trotta, Ampa president. The event will honor De- Mille's 30th anniversary in the indus- try, and will coincide with the opening of the Paramount 30th anniversary film, "Reap the Wild Wind," produced by DeMille, at the Radio City Music Hall, Thursday evening. The Ampa luncheon will be broad- cast over WNEW from 1 :45 to 2 P.M. The Quiz Kids will appear on the program. PRC Plans Meeting In Hollywood May 4 Producers Releasing Corp. will hold a national convention of franchise holders at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hol- lywood, May 4-7, it was announced. Leo J. McCarthy, assistant to Arthur Greenblatt, general sales manager, has left for a tour of exchanges across the country. He will arrive on the Coast in time for the meeting. All-Year Operation Is Upheld in Court Tallahassee, Fla., March 23. — A circuit court ruling that the Mayfair Theatre of Miami, must operate here- after on a year-around basis has been upheld by the State Supreme Court. Owners of the property contended that the theatre should remain open all year since its rental is based on percentage of annual income. Cancel Ohio State Fair Columbus, March 23. — Upon ad- vice from Undersecretary of War Robert P. Patterson, to make the grounds available for war factories, Gov. John H. Bricker has cancelled the Ohio State Fair, which has been held annually in the Fall for the past 92 years without interruption. Dispensation Providence, March 23 /T required two acts by the Rhode Island legislature to get Gene Autry permission to present Sunday performances of his travelling rodeo here in May. The first act abrogating the State Sunday theatrical law was erroneously drawn to include surrounding towns, but a second act, to provide solely for the Sunday in Autry's week-long engagement at thesis R. I. Auditorium here, was^. passed by both houses and has been signed by Gov. J. How- ard McGrath. Industry Praised at Dinner to Dr. Poling Three thousand persons heard praise of the industry as a social force at a Fellowship Dinner in honor of Dr. Daniel A. Poling, editor of the Chris- tian Herald and Philadelphia minister, at the Roosevelt Hotel last night. Dr. Poling in his address announced a contribution of f 10,000 by Harry M. Warner to the work of the Christian Endeavor Societies. In his laudation of the industry he included the War- ner film "One Foot in Heaven," the story of a minister. Dr. Poling praised Warner's humanitarian work. Will H. Hays, who was toastmaster, praised Dr. Poling for his support of the industry's Production and Adver- tising Codes. Among those present were Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Francis S. Harmon, Carl E. Milliken, Mort Blumenstock and Mayor F. H. La Guardia. WB Sales Meet in Detroit This Week Roy Haines, Eastern and Canadian sales manager for Warners, and Arthur Sachson, sales executive, left yesterday for Detroit to conduct a two-day meeting for the sales force in that territory. They are expected to return late this week. Company Dissolved Albany, March 23. — Papers of dissolution have been filed for the Albee Amusement Corp., Brooklyn. MOTION PICTURE DAILY (Registered U. S. Patent Office) Published daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays by Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. . Cable address, "Quigpubco, New York." Mar- [ tin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice- President; Sam Shain, Editor; Alfred L. Finestone, Managing Editor; James A. Cron, Advertising Manager; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, Manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building, William R. Weaver, Editor; London Bureau; 4 Golden Square, London Wl, Hope Williams, Manager, cable address "Ouigpubco, London." All contents copy- righted 1942 by Quigley Publishing Com- pany, Inc. Other Quigley Publications; Mo- tion Picture Herald, Better Theatres, Inter- national Motion Picture Almanac and Fame. Entered as second class matter, Sept. 23, 1938 at the post office at New York. N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. Subscrip- tion rates per year $6 in the Americas and $12 foreign. Single copies 10c. NATION-WIDE RELEASE, APRIL 3rd) IN ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S (THE MAN BEHIND YOUR BACK) with Norman LLOYD Otto KRUGER Alan BAXTER Alma KRUGER Dorothy PETERSON Clem BEVANS Original screen play, Peter Vierlel, Joan Harrison, Dorothy Parker A UNIVERSAL PICTURE Directed by Associate Producer ALFRED HITCHCOCK jack h. skirball uesdav. March 24, 1942 Motion Picture Daily To Be' Holds Chicago Pace With $39,000 Reviews Chicago, March 23. — "To Be Or N'ot To Be" led the grosses again at the Chicago Theatre with $39,000 the second week. The Oriental ^> strong with $18,500 showing "The j^oad to Happiness" and a stage -how. Intimated receipts for the week