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(THE
:SfeHEWSPAPER
oiTfilmdom
ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME
VOL. LI No. 1
Thursday, January 2, 1930
Price 5 Cents
Non-Theatrical Producers to Attend Conference
HAYS W INSIST ONIBRAMSON SUff| TRIAL
24 Columbia ^^tures Now Set for '30 Production
Bad Sound
-is synchronized murder
=By JACK ALICOATE^^^=
OF late we have received sd many letters from exhibitors in various stages of irrita- tion, heated resentment, ire and constant unrest that we have come at least to the temporary conclusion that- thev are entitled to speedy re- lief and consideration, now that tl J talkers are with us permanent- ly, from the exchange man that sends them prints and records unfit for use. Talking pictures are a little bit of hotsy totsy for the ex- hibitor when they are clicking mechanically and everything is running O.K. but, when in place of oi-dinary even projection you have a constant rain storm on the screen and instead of pleasing voices and tuneful melody you get from the loud speaker a symphony of squeaks, scratches and air pock- ets, the effect upon the customer regarding his future and continued patronage is apt to be most dis- couraging for the exhibitor.
The indictment before us that con- fronts the exchangeman aforemen- tioned is rather long and consists of several counts. Here are a few: Oily prints^Scratched prints — Prints out of sink — Poor patches — Broken sprocket holes — Old and worn out records, and divers and sundry other abuses too numerous to mention. The above is inserted as hearsay evi- dence merely as a matter of record. Seriously, here is a situation that no doubt is a grave problem to nine out of ten small town houses. It is a big enough thought to deserve the immediate attention and considera- tion of every sales manager and su- pervising exchange executive in the business. In former days an old print was bad enough but under the new order of things bad sound from either print or records is nothing short of synchronized murder.
1.
ictures Now in Work t Columbia Studio — Preparing Others
Two roadshow pictures, one from a David Belasco stage play and the other a Jack Holt starring vehicle, "Hell's Island," head the list of 24 features already scheduled for pro- duction by Columbia in 1930. Four of the pictures now are in work, while an equal number awaits cast- (Contitiued on Page 6)
"Weekly Film Review" Sold to Associated Pub.
Atlanta — "Weekly Film Review" has been consolidated with "Ex- hibitors' Tribune" as the Southeast- ern unit of Associated Publications, Inc. Anna Aiken Patterson, founder of "Weekly Film Review," continues with that publication in an editorial capacity.
DEPT. OF COMMERCE TO HOLD CONFAB ON FEB. 1
Washington Bureau of THE FILM DAILY Washington — Final arrangements have been completed for a confer- ence of leading producers and dis- tributors of industrial and education- al films to take place here Feb. 1, under the auspices of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, (Continued on Page 6)
Civil Service Examinations for Universal Chiefs
Branch managers and head book- ers of Universal will be given writ- ten and oral examinations, of the civil service type, to determine their fitness for promotion, it is announced (Continued on Page 6)
66
By Special Arrangement
JflEIEAVNiDlHIEAlP"
Br WILL M. HATS
Just Published — A Brief History of Motion Pictures and the Development of Sound.
T J-*^ Will Appear In Serial Form
EVERY DAY IN THE FILM DAILY
STARTING NEXT MONDAY
A Daily Feature of Universal Interest to Every- one In or Out of Pictures — Don't Miss It!
C. C. Pettijohn Replies to
Actions Seeking
$1,300,000
The Hays office will insist on trial of the suit filed Tuesday by Ivan Abramson and the Graphic Film Corp. against 47 corporations and individuals in the motion picture in- dustry, said C. C. Pettijohn, general counsel of the Hays organization. In the Abramson action, brought against 13 major companies, five im- portant executives, Film Boards of (Continued on Page 6)
72 DEAD, 150 il IN SCOTLAND FIRE PANIC
Paisley, Scotland (By Cable) — Seventy-two are known to be dead and about ISO injured in a fire panic at the Glen Cinema Tuesday. Most of the victims were children. The fire started in the projection room but did very little damage, the heavy casualties being mostly due to a wild rush from the balcony to the main floor.
IT'29 MAY REAC|$15,000,000
Earnings of Paramount for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 1929 are estabUshed at about $5,500,000, which is approximately 100 per cent greater than the net for the cor- responding peritod of 1928 when the (Continued on Page o)
Proposed K. C. Padlock
Ordinance is Killed
Kansas City — Proposed padlock ordinance to prohibit indecent shows has been defeated. It was believed that the measure was too drastic because it would repeal the present license ordinance and subsequently close local theaters.. Officials felt that the present ordinance and state laws are sufficient to regulate mat- ters.
Vol il No. 1 , Jbmiii January 2, 1930 . Price 5 Cents
JOHN W. ALICOATE .
: Editor and Publishir
Published daily except Saturday and holidays at lt)50 Broadway, New York, N. Y., and copyright (1929) by Wid's Films and Film Folks, Inc. J. W. Alicoate, President, Editor and Publisher; Donald M. Mersereau, Secretary-Treasurer and General Manager; Arthur W. Eddy, Managing Editor. En- tered as second class matter. May 21, 1918, at the post-office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 1879. Terms (Postage tree) United Sutes outside of Greater New Vork $1U.UU one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign, $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order. Address all com- munications to THE FILM DAILY, 1650 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Phone Circle 4730 4737-4738-4739. Cable address: Filmday, New York. Hollywood, California — Ralph Wilk, 6425 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Granite 6607. London— Ernest W. Fredman, The Film Renter, 89-91 Wardour St., W. 1 Berlin— Karl Wolffsohn, Lichtbildbuehne, FrieUrichstrasse, 225. Pans— P. A. Harle, La Cuiematographie Francaise, Rue de la Cuur-des-Noues, 19.
NEW V ;...RKET
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.m. Seat. U^ 17H '.m 1.800
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loews Inc. 43^ 42^ 43 2,400
do pfd. WW (6/2) 87 87 87 100
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NEW YORK CURB MARKET
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DAILV
Thursday, January 2, 1930
SAYS MEXICO TO BE 12 P. C. WIRED IN 6 MONTHS
More than 12 per cent of theaters in Mexico will be showing sound pictures within the next six months, says George Pezet, Mexican sales representative for Pathe Internation- al Corp., now in New York. "There are about 500 theaters in Mexico, and of this number only 35 are wired. Four months ago only one house was wired in Mexico City whereas today 21 have sound equipment. Eight houses in Mexico City are equipped with Pacent, five with RCA Photo- phone, three with W. E., one with DeForest and others have various systems. In the Interior five have RCA and the rest are either DeFor- est or Pacent," declared Pezet.
Visugraphic Volume of Business Increases
An increase of 80 per cent over 1928 in total volume of business was recorded by Visugraphic Pictures, Inc., New York, for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 1929, according to the annual report to be presented to Its directorate today by Edward F. Stevenson, president.
The statement shows that the sur- plus earnings in 1929 were invested in the building and equipping of a modern sound and recording studio, the development of portable sound apparatus and for the expansion of the company's branches in Boston and Philadelphia.
Irving Rossheim Joins Thilly* Brokerage Firm
Irving Rossheim, former president of First National and the Stanley Co., has joined the Philadelphia brokerage firm of Newburger, Hen- derson & Loeb as a general partner. Rossheim remains an active director of the board of Warner Bros.
"Sally" For Boston Jan. 24
Boston — Plans already are under way for the opening of First Na- tional's "Sally" at the Publix, Wash- ington St., Olympia and Uptown the- aters Jan. 24.
Sargent at Strand
Waterville, Me. — George W. Sar- gent now is manager of the Strand here. He was last at the Haines.
COAST ENCINEERS PLAN TO STUDY DEVELOPMENTS
West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Ten meetings, run- ning through 1930, have been plan- ned by the Pacific Coast Section of the Society of M. P. Engineers for the purpose of studying the latest developments in the industry. The first discussion, already held at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, was devoted to light and color, and there will be further talks on color, wide film, laboratory pro- cedure, stereoscopic depth and tele- vision.
Canada Government Row Stops Sunday Premiere
Ottawa — A clash occurred between the Dominion Government and the Ontario Government here recently when the Ontario officials re- fused to issue a permit for the show- ing of "The Arctic Patrol," five-reel picture made by the Dominion Gov- ernment on a Sunday at the Ava- lon. Cancellation of the theater and operators' license was threatened, according to a notice pasted on the Avalon's doors. About 1,000 per- sons were awaiting the opening of the house. Back of the incident is trouble involving Blue Laws en- forcement.
Karl Freund Perfecting Color Process in N. Y.
Karl Freund, who photographed "Variety," "Metropolis" and "The Last Laugh," is perfecting a new color system, using the Paramount Long Island studio for his experi- mental work. The process is known as the Keller-Dorian color system and is said to bq the first to use the primary colors. Freund intends to make a color film entitled "New York."
First German Talker Arrives The first German talker feature, "Because I Love You" produced by Aafa Film Co. at the Tobis studios in Tempelhof, Germany, has arrived in New York and will be released by American General Film Co. after the first of the year. The cast includes Mady Christians, Hans Stuwe and Karl Platen. Music is by Ed May.
Let Us Solve Your Frohlems I
Over 20 Years of Experience Qualifies Us as Specialists in MOTION PICTURE INSURANCE
Stebbins, Leterman & Gates
INCORPORATED
1540 B'WAY N.Y.C. telephone bryant 3040
The Industry's Date Book
Jan.
Opening of "No, No, Nanette" at Mark Strand, New York City. AMPA Luncheon at the Paramount Hotel, New York City.
Jan. 15 Warner Coast studio to resume ac- tivity.
Jan. 25 Fourth annual frolic of Fox Athletic Club, Hotel Commodore, New York City.
Paramount Pep Club annual ball at the Astor, New York.
Feb. 19 Annual Benefit Show of Catholic M. P. Guild at Los Angeles.
June 2-7 International Cinema Congress at Brussels.
Jan.
Feb. 7
Gourdeau in N. Y. E. R. Gourdeau, managing direc- tor of Australasian Films, (East), now in New York, has received a cable announcing the first installa- tion of RCA Photophone in Java in Sourabarga. Talking pictures are getting across successfully, he says.
AD -VANCE -AD
"I can say that your trailer service has been very satisfactory."
— Glendale TIteater Glenwood, Ark.
AMALGAMATED
VAUDEVILLE
AGENCY
Attractions for Picture Tlieatret
Standard Vaudeville Acts
1600 Broadway, New York City Phone Penn. 3580
"WE NEVER DISAPPOINT"
\CASOmOM
INCORPORATED
220 WEST 42^-° STREET
NEW YOPK
Phone: Wisconsin 6876
ALLAN A.LOWNES.CEN.MCR.
1930 comes in
a LION!
RAMON NOVARRO in
DEVIL MAY CARE
Thrilling Musical Romance S. R. O. at $2 Astor, N. Y. "The Pagan" was a winner, but wait till they see this !
CHARLES KING BESSIE LOVE in
CHASING RAINBOWS
The "Broadway Melody" pair click again in another road-show'Size audi- ence hit! With Technicolor.
DUNCAN SISTERS in
ITS A GREAT LIFE
A grand show of loves, lau^s, tears and Well songs. With Technicolor.
NORMA SHEARER in
THEIR OWN DESIRE
It's got the class of "Mrs. Cheyney" plus a box office quality that Norma gave you in "His Secretary." Sure-fire!
WILLIAM HAINES in
NAVY BLUES
All the fun of Bill Haines combined with the strongest dramatic love story he's ever had !
VAN & SCHENCK in
THEY LEARNED ABOUT WOMEN
These Big Time headliners in a thrill- ing romance of the baseball wQrld. How these boys sing! A natural !
And More Big Ones on the Way!
Happy METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER New Year
DAILY
Thxirsday, January 2, 1930
Timely Topics
A Digest of Current Opinion
€
•
THEIR FIRST JOBS
PAUL STEIN
engagement with Max
Reinhardt in Berlin
A British Plea for Product To Keep Unwired Houses Open
WHAT strikes the big men of the industry as a matter of secondary importance, the sup- ply of siLent pictures for the houses which are not yet wired, is actually, to the halls concern- ed, a question of life or death. The big circuit houses and the leading kinemas throughout the country are running talkies; those of the next rank of impor- tance are installing equipment as quickly as ever they can. What remains? A tremendous number of small houses which have not the slightest prospect of being able to afford the ex- pense of a high-class equipment. What we have to recognize is that these halls are really en- titled to continue. Their pro- prietors form the majority of the C.E.A. membership, and they are essentially the people who need its protection most. Until they can be provided with sound installations of good quality and low price they must run on si- lent films.
"Kinematograph Weekly,"
London
Screen Has Gained, Not Lost, By the Addition of Sound
THE vast majority of intelli- gent observers, who go to the movies regularly and appre- ciate them, will now cheerfully concede that not only has the screen lost nothing by the ad- dition of sound but it has gained a great deal and stands to gain a great deal more. Hollywood has had to work terrifically hard to achieve this recognition, and be it said that Hollywood has work- ed with thoroughly unexpected and uncharacteristic intelligence. Robert E. Sherwood in "New York Evening Post"
Along The Rialto
with Phil M. Daly, Jr.
You know, a good number of years ago if some fellow made a name for himself in a big way or other, the community or other generally named a cigar, a street or avenue after the dear fellow — but in these modern times it's different. Fannie Brice, in the U. A. "Be Yourself," pitches Otto Kahn the berry in the form of labelling a soHg after him, titled "Is Something
the Matter With Otto Kahn?" Monte Blue and Joe E.
Brown, two of Hollywood's favorite sons, are still lingering
around Jimmy Walker's city
4> * * •
Again she is going to blossom forth, but not on the screen this time, Marilyn Miller, that gorgeous morsel, will attend the premiere of F. N.'s "No, No, Nanette" at the Strand, tomorrow.
Vina Delmar has been corraled by Warners to write
originals for Vitaphone specials and will shortly shove off for the Coast
* * • *
Two Mack Sennett comedies are playing on Broadway with indefinite run pictures, "Scotch" with Bevan and Clyde is at the Geo. M. Cohan with "Blaze O'Glory" and "Uppercut O'Brien" with Andy Clyde and Harry Gribbon is doing its
stuff with "Party Girl" at the Gaiety Harold J. Mirisch,
formerly with the Warner home office, has been transferred to the Metropolitan division under Harry L. Charnas, general man- ager. Mirisch will work on booking for Warner houses
* • • •
Eddie Dowling, whose second picture, "Blaze O'Glory" is the attraction at the Geo. M. Cohan, is one of Rhode Island's favorite sons. Little Rhody, the smallest state in this great big land of ours, hasn't fallen down on the job of producing actin' material, providing Geo. M. Cohan, Ruth Clifford, Jane Winton, Kate Price, Rae Samuels, etc., etc
* • • •
One of the snappiest house organizations which Uncle Sam's mailmen bring into our office with regularity is "Now," edited by Eddy Eckles, with K W. Calvin as ye associate ed. Frank Whitbeck, director of advertising for West Coast Theaters, whose publication it is, keeps a watchful eye over the works.
* * * *
George K. Arthur has left St. Louis and now is on the last lap of a vaudeville tour upon completion of which he is sched- uled to trek to Europe. The dashing George last appeared in M-G-M's "Chasing Rainbows."
* * * *
Word penetrates Times Square from Paramount's Long Island studio that "He Was Her Man" is the new title given Gilda Gray's two-reel talker produced as "Frankie and Johnny."
Dudley Murphy did the megaphoning Harry Green, who
plays the title role in "The Kibitzer," will send his voice over the ether via the Columbia system Saturday night during the Paramount-Publix hour
* 4' « 4i
BET YOU COULDN'T GUESS WHAT COMPANY GAR-
NERED THE BIGGEST YEARLY NET?
THE FINANCIAL SECTION OF THE FORTHCOMING
FILM DAILY YEAR BOOK HAS THE DOPE.
JANUARY 2-MANY HAPPY RETURNS
Best wishes and congratula- tions are extended by THE FILM DAILY to the foUow- ing members of the industry, who today are celebrating tiieir birthdays
Walter Futter D. W. Griffith
W. Ray Johnston Allene Ray
-AND THAT'S THAT
By PHIL M. DALr
FRANK WILSTACH has garner- ed his ninth annual crop of the best similes of the year and shoots us an advance copy. Frank gets as great a kick out of collecting 'em as everybody does in reading 'em. And that's our simile for enjoyment. Now tear into a few pips culled from his "Dictionary of Similes," and get your
share of enjoyments.
* * *
About as safe as leaving your wife in the Navy Yard — Fred Allen.
As happy as an old maid being held for ransom. — Anon.
Innocent as a bee on a paper flower. — Arthur (Bugs) Baer.
No more use than a Roxy pass at the Paramount theater — Jack Ali- coate
Final as a period. — Louis Monta Bell.
As superfluous as a shooting gal- lery in Chicago. — Ibid.
Busting along with all the speed of a spavined snail. — Kenneth Camp- bell.
Overworked as a floorwalker's in- dex finger. — I. Elinson.
Shut up as tight as a tabloid col- umnist at five a. m. — F. P. Adams.
Dull as an illustrated lecture on Barnacle Breeding. — Pere Lorentz.
Married people have labels . . . just like a trunk on a railway that belongs to somebody. — D. H. Law- rence.
As futile as skywriting in Pitts- burgh.— Life.
He made a clatter like a shower of feathers. — O. O. Mclntyre.
Disconcerting as a cross-eyed mud- dle-winker.— Sidney Munde.
Cheerful an' uncomplainin' as a California grape farmer. — Abe Mar- tin.
Meek as a glass-eyed wooly lamb. • — Don Marquis.
She is thin enough to do hand- springs in a flute. — Edward Schack- ner.
About as happy as a toothless guest at a peanut brittle party. — Raymond S. Tompkins.
TEN YEARS AGO TO-DAY
IN
Herbert Hoover's American Re- lief organization film, "Starvation" to open Jan. 9 in New York.
C. B. Price, Inc., secures Ameri- can distribution of German subma- rine film.
A. S. Black to build new Portland, Me., house.
Mary Marsh Allen, prominent English actress, arrives in New York.
Effective January 1, 1930
WEEKLY FILM REVIEW
of Atlanta, Georgia is consolidated with
EXHIBITORS' TRIBUNE
of Atlanta, Georgia
as the Southeastern Unit of Associated Publications, Inc*
Anna Aiken Patterson,
founder of the Weekly Film Review,
will continue in an editorial
capacity with this unit.
ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS, INC
National in Scope '^m Local in Service
FILM TRADE TOPICS, San Francisco; MOTION PICTURE TIMES, Dallas; MOVIE AGE, Minneapolis; THE REEL JOURNAL, Kansas City; MOTION PICTURE DIGEST, Chicago; MICHIGAN FILM REVIEW, Detroit; EXHIBITORS' FORUM, Pitts- burgh; THE OHIO SHOWMAN, Cleveland; NEW ENGLAND FILM NEWS, Boston; EXHIBITORS' TRIBUNE, Atlanta.
"EACH IN ITS FIELD — THE EXHIBITOR'S HOME PAPER"
THE
-SBim
DAILY
Thursday, January 2, 1930
It's PublixAve. Nozv
Portland, Ore. — In honor of Publix Theaters, property owners here have petitioned the Portland City Council to change the name of Main St. and Broadway, where the Publix theater stands, to Pub- lix Ave. The move for a change came about when a complaint was registered that the present name typified an idea of a small town village street.
DEPT. OF COMMERCE TO HOLD CONFAB ON FEB. I
(.Continued from Page 1)
according to E. I. Way, of the mo- tion picture section of the Dept. of Commerce. Among the problems to come up for discussion are: coopera- tive sales efforts, sound pictures, in- dustrial advertising and production policies.
At present there are more than 375 companies in this country using or producing and distributing non- theatrical pictures, either for adver- tising of educational purposes, ac- cording to Way.
Civil Service Examinations for Universal Chiefs
(Continued from Page 1)
by Carl Laemmle. The written test will be sent to each exchange man- ager and booking chief for comple- tion, after which the papers are to be returned to Lou B. Metzger.
Oral examinations then will be conducted at the home office by an examining board composed of Metz- ger and other high officials of the company. Average of the combined tests will constitute the promotion rating of each man.
Bids Taken for Philly House
Philadelphia — Bids have been taken for the new 4,000-seat theater Samuel Shapiro is building at Alle- gheny and Kensington Aves. The estimated cost of the structure is $650,000. The house will be named Midway.
Rosenthal at Duluth House
Duluth, Minn. — M. Rosenthal has been appointed manager of the Ly- ceum, a Publix house. Before com- ing to this city Rosenthal managed theaters for the past IS years in the East where he also conducted a vau- deville booking agency.
Warner Revises Plans
Ridgewood, N. J. — Construction on new Warner theater to be built here has temporarily been held up due to a revision of plans which are being made by the company's architects.
Install Phonofilm at Aberdeen Aberdeen, Miss. — DeForest Pho- nofilm has been installed at the Tem- ple here, according to Manager El- kin.
Hays Organization to Insist on Ivan Abramson Suit Trial
(Continued Trade and the Hays office, damages amounting to $1,300,000 are sought. Allegation is made that the "lead- ing producers in this country en- gaged the services of William H. Hays for the purpose of organizing the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America, Inc., and the various Film Boards of Trade. for the unlawful purposes of destroy- ing competition of the independent producers and of monopolizing for their own benefit the exhibition of motion pictures." The plaintiff al- leges that members of the Hays or- ganization control "not less than 95 per .cent of all picture production in the United States and supply 22,000 theaters" with product.
from Page 1)
The Pettijohn statement, replying to the action, in part, follows:
"The allegations in the complaint are so ludicrous that notice of the filing of the suit would be taken if it was not for the interesting fact that Senator Smith W. Brookhart appears as trial counsel. In all of his agitations against the orderly conduct of the motion picture industry the Senator has professed that his interest was to en- courage wholesome entertainment.
"The issue is clean-cut — shall exhibitors of the country be encouraged or required to show pictures of the kind Mr. Abramson produced or shall they not? This associa- tion and exhibitors' associations and all the responsible factors of the industry are against it. We welcome the showdown.
"Whatever misfortune and cessation of importance has come to Mr. Abramson in the motion picture industry has come entirely through the type of picture which he per- sistently produced and offered for exhibition."
24 Columbia Features Already Set for Production in 1930
(Continued
ing or a chance to begin shooting, and several more are in preparation. Only one, "Mexicali Rose," is ready for release, while "Murder on the Roof" is in the cutting room.
Following is the list as it now stands, with additions to be made in the course of the vear:
A David Belasco stage drama with a well- known woman star, directed by Frank R. Capra. Now being adapted.
Jack Holt in "Hell's Island." directed by Frank R. Capra. Preparing to go in work.
Three specials starring Evelyn Brent. First storv being written.
"The Melody Man" (Technicolor sequen- ces), by Herbert Fields. T.orenz Hart and Richard Rodcers; with William Collier, Jr., Alice D.TV. John St. Polis; directed by R. William Neil. Practically completed.
"For the Love o'l.il," from Liberty Mag a?ine's cover serial; with Johnnv Arthur. Sallv Star. Lee Kohlmar, John T. Murray and Vivian Oakland; directed by Victor Heer- man. In work.
"Murder on the Roof." from the mysterv serial in Liberty, with Porothv Revier. Mar- "Jiret Livintrston, Raymond Hatton. William V. Monc. Virginia Brown Faire; directed bv <^eorge B. Seitz. In cutting room.
from Page 1)
"Sweethearts on Parade," based on the popular song.
"The Squealer," from the Broadway stage play.
"Mexicali Rose," with Barbara Stanwyck. Sam Hardy and Arthur Rankin; directed by Erie C. Kenton. Ready for release.
"Vengeance," drama of Belgian Congo. with Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, Philip Strange; directed by Archie Mayo. Almost finished.
"Last of the Lone Wolf," by Louis Joseph Vance.
"Borrowed Love," from the play by Bide Dudley.
"Ladies Must Play," marriage drama.
"Jazz Daughters".
"Sisters." starring Molly O'Day and Sally O'Neil. Story in work.
"The Black Sheep," melodrama of an exiled youth. Going in work.
"Paris Nights," drama with singing and dancing background.
"Prince of Diamonds," by Gene Markey Storv in work.
"Temptation," social drama.
"Private Property," triangle drama. Ready for shooting.
"Around the Corner," drama of New York: directed by Karl Brown and A. H. Van Buren.
"Personality." with a popular woman star.
Bert Naus at Granada; Other Puhlix Chansfes
IVert Cnnst Bnreau, THE FTTM DAILY
San Francisco — Bert F. Naus, man- ^£rer of the Rialto, Portland. Ore.. now is manadng the Granada here for Publix. Jack Gault. former otib- 1'Vitv and advertising director of the Rialto, has been apnointed manager of the house with Max Shane, for- merly of the Paramount in Los Ang- eles, assuming Gault's former duties.
Richmond Biiou Opens With W.E.
Richmond — Paramount's "The Vir- srinian" inaugurated the talker policv at the Bijou which was recentlv equipped with Western Electric ap- paratus. Georfire Kitzmiller, for- merly of Norfolk, is manager.
Saturday Change for Caoitol, Va.
Richmond— Ivan I. Rosenbaum, manager of the Capitol here an- nounces the bill hereafter will open on Saturdavs instead of Mondays, as previously.
Abe Markowitz I.«aves RKO's 'Frisco Exchange
We^t Con^. Bureau, THE FIT.M DAILY
San Francisco — Abe Markowitz manaeer of the RKO exchanere here has resigned and William G. Wolf formerly of Denver, has replaced him.
Loew's Festival Tieuo
Loew's Inc. has lined up about 25 Chambers of Commerce to and in celebration of "Loew's January Fes- tival." Tie-ups with Chambers and nierch-THts have been made in Svra- (-tise. Rochester, Reading. Davton Fvansville. Jamaica, Bronklvn. Bronx. Jersey Citv. Houston, Mem- phis and other cities.
Talk-A-Phone for Three Houses Clpveland, Tex. — In addition to the Palace here and Rex. Madison- ville, the Colonial at Clarksville. Tevns, has been equipped with Talk- A-Phone sound apparatus. All three houses opened with sound pictures Christmas Dav.
IT'29Ei MAY REflCIU15,000,000
(Continued from Page 1) net income of $2,727,318 represented the best fourth quarter's earnings in the history of the company, accord- ing to the Wall St. News, in a state- ment from Los Angeles credited to Adolph Zukor. The company's earn- ings for the entire year of 1929 should exceed $15,000,000 which compares with $8,713,063 in 1928 and $8,057,- 998 for 1927, continued the publica- tion. At this rate earnings of over $15,000,000 would be equal to over $5.65 a share on 2,647,326 shares of common stock outstanding on Sept. 30 last, or $2.65 a share in excess of the current $3 annual dividend rate.
Films to be Discussed at Rollins College Talks
Winter Park, Fla. — The role that motion pictures play in public opin- ion is considered to be of such im- portance by officials of Rollins Insti- tute here that a round table discus- sion on the subject will take place throughout the week of Jan. 6 when the college will hold its second an- nual institute of statesmanship. Among those listed to participate in this discussion are: Huston Thomp- son, formerly with the Federal Trade Commission, as chairman; Carl Mil- hken, of the Hays organization, Ab- ram F. Myers, head of Allied States Ass'n and Dr. William Sheafe Chase, of the International Reform Federa- tion.
In discussing pictures, "The Role of the Movie in Public Opinion" will focus attention on the coming influ- ence of the cinema in public opinion and the question of its control and direction.
Rippard Gets Richmond House Richmond — W. H. Rippard of Washington, has completed arrange- ments to take over the management of the Echo theater at Farmville. The house formerly was owned by the community.
Eddie Wright at Harlingen House Harlingen, Tex. — T. B. Noble, dis- trict manager of Publix, has appoint- ed Eddie Wright, former manager at Welasco, Tex., manager of the Ar- cadia, succeeding Jack Pickens.
W. E. For Wilmington House Wilmington, Del. — Western Elec- tric sound apparatus has been in- stalled at the Park here, according to Joseph De Terio, manager.
Bonner Manager at Midland, Tex. Midland, Tex. — John S. Bonner now is manager of the Yucca which recently opened here.
Publix Gets Portland House Portland, Me. — The Strand has been taken over by Publix, accord- ing to an announcement.
Harry Stone at Fox Butte House Butte, Mont. — Harry Stone is manager of the new Fox house here.
there is no mystery about advertis- ing ^ many of our greatest business enterprises have been built upon its foundation ^ successful adver- tising is simply a question of dean, honesty eye arresting copy placed in those mediums that are read by the greatest number able to buy that ivhich you have to sell ic in the mo- tion picture industry the film daily reaches ninety percent of the buying poiver of a great business that spends millions every month ^ that's ivhy this publication is proving itself every day a profitable advertising medium for those ivho use its col- umns regularly -k ask anyone of importance in the industry ivhether or not he reads the film daily regularly * a test ivill tell *
"UgfM
MMmmar
says
LZuinn Maitin
h, NY. World
"HELL'S HEROES
is the hardest-hitting melodrama . . . that has come this way since the talking films have been with us . . . first rate entertainment." — Quinn Martin, N. Y. World.
"HELL'S HEROES
is the most impressive picture to be played at the Colony since this house turned talkie. ... It brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. . . . The Colony should house it for at least several weeks." — Irene Thirer, N. Y. Daily News.
"HELL'S HEROES
is an interesting and realistic bit of characterization." — N. Y. Times.
"HELL'S HEROES
PETER B. KYNE'S first storv in sound. With Charles Bickford, Raymond Hatton, Fred Kohler, Fritzi Ridgeway. Directed by William Wyler. Presented by
CARL LAEMMLE
is a dandy drama. . . . Charles Bickford's performance stands out brilliantly." — Bland Johaneson, N. Y. Daily Mirror.
"HELL'S HEROES
takes its place with the best films of the month . . . done with an extraordinarily impressive and sincere dignity. . . . Director William Wyler's understanding and thrill- ing treatment of the story holds one absorbed. . . . There's nothing conventional about this . . . don't miss it!" — Rose Pelswick, N. Y. Evening Journal.
"HELL'S HEROES i
is a thrilling talkie . . . excellent version of Peter B. Kyne's story, 'The Three Godfathers.' The important members of the cast are Charles Bickford, Fred Kohler and Raymond Hatton . . . each excels in his own particu- lar sequence." — Regina Crewe, N. Y. American.
"HELL'S HEROES
has something new and original in its method of telling a story in dialogue set entirely out of doors. . . . For the picture connoisseur, this is one to see!" — Marguerite Tazelaar, N. Y. Herald-Tribune.
PICTURES— NOT PROMISES/
GREATER UNIVERSALIS NEW SELLING SEASON STARTS NO^^^?
iTHE
o/^FILMDOM
ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME
VOL, LI No. 2
Friday, January 3, 1930
Price 5 Cents
Western Electric Will Appeal German Injunction
FILM ^CKS REU-^LY STEADYJN 1929
Six Roadshows Among Tiffany's Output for 1930
A Cinema Opera
— and other comment
==iBy JACK ALICOATB==
MASCAGNI, best known as the composer of "Cavalleri Rusticana" has just an- nounced from Rome that his fu- ture efforts will be directed toward the writing of an operatic score exclusively for the cinema. It was only recently that the maestro first heard the talkers in Paris and im- mediately became impressed with the possibilities of this internation- al medium for quickly reaching masses. This is but another straw indicating rather definitely in which direction the amusement wind is blowing. Nothing can now stop the invention of sound from re- volutionizing the art, industry or business of amusing the peoples of the world.
Stepping Out
Once more the industry steps right up into the front row to be counted along with the press and radio as an important influence on the minds, habits and sentiments of a collective nation. Several representative pic- ture folk including Gov. Carl Milliken and Abram Myers have been invited by Rollins Institute of Winter Park, Florida to attend its second annual institute of statesmanship and sit 'round the table for the pow wow on "The Role of the Movie in Public Opinion." Next to the Williamstown conference each Spring this is prob- ably the most formidable annual forum for the discussion of world's problems and public opinion in Amer- ica. A fine and dignified tribute to (Cimtinued on Page 2)
Six Features Completed
and Similar Number
in Work
Six roadshows, "Journey's End," "Resurrection," "Mamba," "The Lost Zeppelin," "Party Girl" and a South Sea Technicolor talker, top the pro- duction schedule of Tiffany for 1930, it is announced by Executive Vice- President Grant L. Cook. In addi- (C(mtinued on Page 2)
2,000 tiBfranchise
4
More than 2,000 Tiffany franchises have been signed to date, Oscar Han- son, general sales manager, announc- ed yesterday. The Tiffany plan was launched by Grant L. Cook and Han- son at a meeting held in Chicago last August in conjunction with Al- lied States.
Edwin Carewe Cancels Negotiations with Pathe
West Coast Bureau, THE FILM DAILY Los Angeles — Edwin Carewe has discontinued negotiations with Pathe to become production chief of that organization and will shortly an- nounce another affiliation.
Trend of Amusement Shares Last Year Was Favorable by Comparison
Motion picture stocks gave a relatively good account of themselves in 1929, according to financial statistics of the year as compared to other lines of business. Although film shares, like all others, joined in the collapse dur- ing the latter part of the year, they came through the period very creditably
considering the additional bearish factors that descended on this group as a result of several unfortunate factors not applying to the industry in general. Despite this fact, the av- erage depreciation in motion picture stocks was less than the decrease in such basic industries as foods, auto- mobiles, motor equipment, rubber, (.Continued on Page 7)
Delays Chain Plan
Montreal — Delay in the es- tablishment of the N. L. Na- thanson chain is attributed to its sponsors awaiting the court decision expected Jan. 17 in the dispute with Famous Play- ers Canadian. The case pend- ing involves possession of an important downtown theater site here.
RAPEE JOINS WARNERS AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Erno Rapee, for the past 12 years associated with Roxy as orchestra leader, has been signed by War- ner Bros, as general musical direc- tor at its Coast studios. Jack War- ner announces. He leaves for the Coast in about two weeks. Joseph Littau, identified with the Roxy for some time, succeeds him in his post there.
German Sound Group Scores in Patent Infringement Suit
MCDONALD WITH FUHER AS GENERAL MANAGER
Charles McDonald, recently re- signed as vice-president and general (Continued on Page 2)
Western Electric will appeal the decision of a Berlin court in which a permanent injunction is granted Klangfilm Tobis restraining the American concern's apparatus in Ger- many, it was stated by W. E. in New York yesterday. The decision eman- ates from a patents infringement {Continued on Page 2)
HAWKS AND NINE OTHERS KILLED IN 'PLANE CRASH
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