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MOTION PICTURE
HERALD
American Newsreels
Gird for War Coverage
as Polish Crisis Halts
Production in Europe
How Distributors Stand
on Their Promises of
1938-39 Pictures as
the New Season Begins
Spain Reopened as a
Motion Picture Market
Without National Bias
Mr. Murphy Qoes to Hollywood
VOL. 136, NO. 10
SEPTEMBER 2, 1939
Entered as second-class iinattcr , January 12, I9il, at the Post Office, at Nczo l'\ > -
act of March 3, 1879. Pi^ished weekly by Quigley Publishing Co., hK., at 1J70 Sixth Aicnm,
Rockefeller Center, Nea:., York. Subscription prices: $5.00 a year in the Americas, $10,00 <( yeay
Foreign. Single copy, 2'S- .ents. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Pubtishinp
THERE'S A
FORTUNE IN
YOUR PALM!
mmwm^
MASHEARl
Ror.c linc Russell in "THE WOMEN" with
Ma:y Boland • Paulette Goddard
l».Phyllis Povah • Joan Fontaine • Virginia
ll^eidler • Lucil^ Watson • From the
j^lay by Clore Boothe • By Arrange-
ment With Wax Gordon Plays and
Pictures Corpcrotion • Screen Ploy by
Anita Loos and Jane Murfin • Directed
|by George Cukor • Produced by
Wunt Stromberg
in "BABES IN ARMS" with Charles Win-
ninger • Guy Kibbee • June Preisser
Grace Hayes • Betty Jaynes • Douglas
McPhail • Rand Brooks • Leni Lynn
John Sheffield • Screen Ploy by Jack
McGowon and Kay Von Riper • Based
on the Play by Richard Rodgers and
Lorenz Hart • Directed by Busby
Berkeley • Produced by Arthur Fres3
i
The Previews of M^G-M's "The Women" and "Babes in Arms"
have been held!
When you see them for yourself you will understand the furore
they have created.
No season has ever, thus early, yielded two such sensational
attractions.
Previews of other early releases from M^G^M will be held shortly.
What you have heard is true. M'G-M is racing far ahead of the
entire field. The wise money is on Leo!
■^1
1^
-^1
<4
THE MERCHAK
FOR WARNER BROS
!■ We announced on March 14, 1939 that we would release 48 feature
<f^^M pictures, 104 short subjects and 48 trailers. We also stated that "Quality
is not a Passing Fashion". Our production performance since this date
and the pictures finished and available for release justify that statement
and announcement.
2a An exhibitor who licenses all feature motion pictures offered shall
have the right, if he be not in default, to eliminate proportionately among
the several price brackets, 20% of the total number of features licensed,
if the average of the license fees for all features shall not exceed $100.,
I and 10% if such average is in excess of $100.
W 3a We confirm our policy of long standing of allowing an exhibitor to
^ eliminate any feature which may be locally offensive on moral, religious
I or racial grounds.
1^ 4a We expect all top bracket pictures to be played on preferred play-
I ing time.
H 5a We will license a run designated by us of our features in any situation
■ to any exhibitor of good reputation as a theatre operator and customer,
M whose theatre is in good condition and who operates under a policy which
M will not substantially reduce our revenue from any other run, provided
^ such exhibitor and we can agree upon the number of features to be licensed,
I and other terms and conditions.
1^ 6a We confirm our policy of long standing and our intent to continue to
I license our pictures to our regular customers who prove to be satisfactory.
W 7b No exhibitor will be required to license short subjects, trailers or re-
M issues as a condition of licensing features.
M 8a No recording charge will be made in connection with the licensing of
M any of our feature pictures.
m\\m\
mill!!
lllllllilllllllllllllllllllllll
liiiiliill
ISING POLICY
1939-40 SEASON
9m To assist in the booking problems of our customers, and for the mutual
benefit of our customers and ourselves, it is our intention to hold a number
of test exhibitions of pictures in order fairly to establish their proper price
bracket allocation, and we will allocate features to particular price brack-
ets not later than 14 days after the national release date thereof, to
first run exhibitors in those cities which we may use as "Test Cities" and
to all others, on giving notice of the availability of each feature.
10a We have never at any time coerced or intimidated any exhibitor to
license our pictures by threatening to build or otherwise acquire a com-
peting theatre, and we will never do so. It is our belief that the quality of
our pictures and the high standard of our production create a demand for
our pictures.
11b For over five years it has been our policy to arbitrate with any cus-
tomer desiring so to do, all claims and controversies which may arise
under our license agreements, and our form of license agreement con-
tained an optional arbitration provision. We will continue to give to each
of our customers the option to arbitrate all such claims and controversies.
12h Clearance is an absolute necessity in the conduct of our business
and we therefore intend to continue our policy to negotiate with each of
our customers for clearance reasonable as to time and area.
This policy will apply for the motion picture season 1939-40 and to all
license agreements covering the 1939-40 products made after Jan. 1, 1939.
President, VITAGRAPH, INC.
Distributor of Warner Bros, and First National
Feature Pictures and Vitaphone S.hort Subjects
THE MAKING OF A GREAT PICTURE
Darryl F. ZanUCk, Vice-President in Charge of Production at 20th
Century-Fox, makes his production plans for THE RAINS CAME.
Author Louis Bromfield approves the screen treatment and casting
of his best-seller.
When Darryl F. Zanuck out-bid all
competitors to secure Louis Brom-
field's best-selling THE RAINS CAME
for 20th Century -Fox he determined to
screen the book with utmost fidelity.
Important step was to bring author
Bromfield to Movietone City for a series
of conferences with ace director Clarence
Brown, associate producer Harry Joe
Brown.
Hollywood's talent was fine-combed
for the one player best suited for each role,
down to the smallest bit parts. Some of
the choices: Myrna Loy as Lady Esketh,
Tyrone Power as Major Safti, George
Brent as Tom Ransome. For the impor-
tant role of Fern, 58 girls were tested.
Tentatively chosen, Brenda Joyce, a
newcomer, was given 15 additional tests
before a final decision was reached. Wit-
nesses of her work in the picture predict
Miss Joyce will make an instantaneous
hit, reach the heights of stardom.
Rare among Hollywood writing men
is praise such as the following, with
which author Bromfield greeted the
completed picture:
Director ClarenCS Brown, associate producer Harry Joe Brown, author
Bromfield, Darryl F. Zanuck iron out final details.
This is my story and these
are my characters. As a
novelist I am grateful for
the privilege of seeing
this book come completely
to life. In my opinion,
"The Rains Came" is a great
picture. I should like to
express my gratitude to
Darryl F. Zanuck and all
those at 20th Century-Fox
who helped recreate it with
such astounding fidelity.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
II
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-iir-Chicf and Publisher
Vol. 136, No. 10
September 2, 1939
BACKSTAGE
THERE Is more than a wisp of something new in the air
between Washington and the motion picture, most espe-
cially the institution that is hlollywood. The buildi ng of
a line of relation and communication, which would have
as little as might be to do directly with that other relation
signalized In the anti-trust suit, appears to be in nebulous
prospect.
Broadly It may be considered that h^ollywood is thinking
about getting at least a shade more intimate with the
New Deal.
Two developments most' recent may be taken to point more
than slightly in that direction.
The appointment, or assignment of Mr. James Roosevelt,
of a few months experience with the Soldwyn organization,
to a study of inter-studio relations, at the Instance of Mr.
Joseph M. Schenck, president of the Producers Association,
the Hollywood subsidiary of the Hays Office, and by courtesy
of Mr. Samuel Goldwyn, obviously brings a scion of the White
House into intimate relation with the institutional aspects of
the industry, for a wide angle view.
Without official declaration, which would in no event be
expected, Hollywood judges that young Mr. Roosevelt Is being
put into the first step of a process by which he may become
the president of the Producers Association, as the first executive
to make a full time job of It. The post of president, In the
prior practise of the organization, has been substantially a
chairmanship, with the work largely delegated. A conse-
quence has been that the job for the whol« has been under
the titular leadership and control of a dominant executive of
one of the parts. There appears to be that about the present
and future of the functions of the organization which would
indicate the desirability of more detachment, among other
considerations perhaps even more esoteric.
AGAIN impinging on the delicate threading of the loom
for a new fabric, comes the announcement of an excursion
of Mr. Fraak Murphy, the new United States Attorney
General, to Hollywood to attend, and maybe say something
at, a fu'nction held by the Motion Picture Democratic Com-
mittee, where there is to be awarded a scroll to the producer
of the picture which In the last year has done best in "service
to democracy."
Externally this might be a matter entirely between that
highly politically minded group, the "Committee", consisting
mostly of players and directors articulate about ideologies.
But it is to be noted that a considerable number of studios put
product in nomination, al! of Hollywood in fact save two, and
two Important, organizations. Also there has been that about
the background indicating that there was official "industry"
favor for the notion of inviting Mr. Murphy to preside at the
awarding In Hollywood.
There are those who fancy that possibly a pattern is forming
by which the government's anti-trust suit will belong entirely
to New York, while Hollywood carries on a Washington pro-
gram quite its separate own.
IF WAR or PEACE
IMPENDENCY of war brings speculation on its consequences
to the motion picture, specifically the American motion pic-
ture Industry. Most Immediately appears certainty of nar-
rowing market, territorially, and acutely restrictive attention of
censorships, alertly suspicious.
However, within its own national boundaries, and probably
In most of the territory that It might reach, the American film
could expect to find again as It did in the First World War
eager publics, employed and with buying power.
A war of any considerable duration would, too, most likely
largely interrupt and set back the now rising indigenous picture
arts of many lands, tending thus to continue, or renew, the
practical monopoly of production which the last war delivered
to Fort Lee and Hollywood just as the feature picture became
established.
But never again will the pattern of those years be completely
re-traced, for then the motion picture worked its way to a
larger destiny up through the masses and all but unrecognized
in its significance by statesmen, governments, politicians and
economists. True, there were the beginnings of film propa-
ganda then — "Tanks on the Ancre", "The Fighting Germans",
"Heroic Serbia", "Pershing's Answer" and "America's Bridge
of Ships", — but the screen was silent then, Now it has found
its voice, language, and with th=it lost a deal of its liberty
behind walls of nationalism.
It seems that it has been the acquisition of language, the
capacity to plead and argue, entreat and shout, to play fast
and loose with bluff and weasel words, that has made the
motion picture seem the more important to politics and state-
craft and more recently as much of a concern to the manipu-
lators of Ideologies as the printed word.
This must Inevitably have consequences to the motion picture
of entertainment, most certainly In International traffic.
WE have already seen conspicuous effort on the part of
Hollywood to address Itself much more directly to the
homeland audiences while dictators and wars have been
subtracting areas of what was once the "world market."
The process Is likely to continue.
And, for a demonstration of what comes after war, if af-
forded in Spain, where the clash of arms has just ceased. In
the news pages of this Issue of Motion Picture Herald will be
found declaration from official sources that Spain, while barring
the film products of no nation, insists that henceforth it Is to
weigh the cultural rather than the commercial aspects of Its
picture intercourse with other lands — and the while designing
a program of development of a Spanish screen industry, ad-
dressed Incidentally at leadership in the art for all Spanish
speaking lands.
There are likely to be as many programs like that as there
are nations when again the world has come to one of Its periods
of eq,uilibrium.
To the American showman all this means Importantly at the
moment Is that he is likely to find himself Hollywood's favorite
customer to a degree he has never enjoyed before.
— Terry Ramsay e
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Se ptember 2 , 19 39
This Week
y Com
Flickering Lights
As Europe continued its war preparations
this week, newsreels and radio networks
operated on a 24-hour basis, and newsreel
companies speeded their efforts to insure
coverage of any situation likely to arise,
although uncertainty prevailed as to just
what restrictions would be placed upon
them.
France imposed censorship on motion pic-
tures and radio and England made known
regulations governing the reopening of the-
atres which would be closed by war, as
film executives returned in increasing num-
bers from abroad.
French and British production are virtu-
ally at a standstill.
Continental offices of film companies, as
well as theatres in Paris and London and
production centers in those areas were
crippled by the loss of man-power due to
mobilization. Distribution was also hard
hit by the lack of transportation facilities,
v^fith trucks and busses commandeered for
troop movements and the evacuation of
civilians.
The story starts on page 15.
Universal Drive
The increased revenue, estimated at bet-
ter than $1,000,000, accruing to Universal
as a result of the exhibitor-sponsored testi-
monial drive, will be used by the company
for increased production values in the pic-
tures set for delivery during the three month
drive period of August, September and
October.
The company reported this week that its
income during the past four weeks, which
mark the first month of the drive, averaged
$75,000 weekly over normal. In addition to
the emergency budget of $200,000 set up last
week to insure prompt delivery of the last
two pictures on the drive release schedule,
Universal will increase the production
budgets of "The Tower of London" by
$300,000; "Destry Rides Again," "Green
Hell," and "The Invisible Man Returns" by
$200,000 each.
In addition, a minimum budget of $100,000
has been set aside for trade paper adver-
tising and consumer promotion campaigns.
New Product
As the 1938-39 motion picture year comes
to a close ten motion picture companies have
released to the exhibitor 454 pictures, in-
cluding westerns, and will release within a
short time eleven more pictures for the
same product year. Three of the eleven
pictures to come will be westerns, two from
Monogram and one from Republic.
Story on page 17.
Hays Sees Roosevelt
Speculation as to whether Will H. Hays
talked about the Government's motion pic-
ture suits during a brief conference he had
at the White House Monday with President
Roosevelt was set at rest by the latter the
following day when he said there was no
talk of that situation.
With a laconic "No," the President dis-
posed of the matter when he was asked,
during a press conference, whether Mr.
Hays had talked about the monopoly situa-
tion. He did not reveal what actually was
discussed.
Coming into Washington at a time when
the capital was concentrating on the
European situation, the film chief escaped
observation both as he entered and left the
Executive Mansion, where he was closeted
with the President for about ten minutes.
In some quarters the guess was hazarded
that Mr. Hays wished to ask Mr. Roosevelt
to intercede for the industry with the De-
partment of Justice ; in others, that he
called merely to assure the President that
the film industry was ready to give full sup-
port to the Government in the event of a
European war. The latter group pointed out
that motion pictures and radio would be
exceedingly important media for the main-
tenance of neutrality in the event of hos-
tilities abroad — that they could do much to
show the people the black side of war and
the desirability of remaining aloof.— Francis
L. BuRT^ Washington correspondent.
That Code
With Assistant Attorney General Thur-
man Arnold's body blow to the proposed
code of fair trade practices less than two
weeks old, the patient rallied strongly this
week, as Columbia came out with plans for
meeting exhibitors independently on trade
problems. Other distributors were uncertain
as to their plans on the subject; feeling that
they might be accused of acting "in concert."
Trust suits matters continued reasonably
quiet; with United Artists asking for a dis-
missal of the Government's New York case,
and RKO asking the courts for a dismissal
of suit against it in Kentucky.
Story on page 26.
Soviet Film Replaced
The anti-Nazi film, "Professor Mamlock,"
has been withdrawn from the Russian Pa-
vilion and replaced with "Lenia in 1917."
Officials at the Pavilion refused to confirm
the report that the withdrawal of the film
was in any way connected with the recent
Russo-German non-aggression pact, but,
they insisted, that it was just a routine
change of program. "Mamlock" has been
on exhibition at the Pavilion since early
August.
New Revenue
Under newly created royalty departments,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, for "The Wizard of
Oz" and Selznick-International's "Gone
With the Wind," and Paramount, for the
Fleischer cartoon, "Gulliver's Travels," are
tapping new sources of film exploitation for-
merly untouched on a large scale save by
Walt Disney, through the Kay Kamen or-
ganization.
A total of $660,000 is expected from the
three films in royalties accruing from prod-
ucts licensed to make use of the film's name
or characters: To date, 145 licenses have
been granted.
The story,' and a list of licensees, is on
page 18.
Equity
The basic agreement between Actors'
Equity and the League of New York The-
atres under which it was provided that
Equity would not seek more favorable work-
ing conditions if the stage producers made
"an honest effort" to enforce the ticket code,
was scheduled to be extended for 60 days
after its expiration on September 1st.
The Board of Governors of the League of
New York Theatres was to act on the re-
quest by Equity for a continuation, at a
meeting Wednesday in New York.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "(?'jigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. Rovelstad,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News; Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Ayenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancall, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosart, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Howorth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, manager;
cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, cable Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Coroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico
City, James Lockhart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szamos-utca 7, Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Colle San Gervasio #2, Son Gervosio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representotive. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sasazuka, Ichikawa-shi Chibo-Ken, Jopan,
Hiromu Tominaga, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brozil, L. S. Marinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thakur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo,
representative, coble Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Waalstraat, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schaapi representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Harry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengaorden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro al DIa, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
September 2 , 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
Crisis Extended
With, apparently, only one man — Ralph
Whitehead — as the issue, and this issue
apparently unresolvable, negotiations be-
tween the International Alliance of Theat-
rical Stage Employees, and the Associated
Actors and Artistes of America, were
broken oflf on Tuesday, in New York, three
hours after they had begun. Mr. Whitehead
is the executive secretary of the American
Federation of Actors. His union was ex-
pelled for mismanagement, from the Four
A's, and shortly afterward received a char-
ter from the Alliance, the move precipitating
the threat of war from the Four A's. George
E. Browne, president of the Alliance, told
the AAAA men at the conference that he
intended to stand by Mr. Whitehead, and
Mr. Whitehead's union. And he was also
represented by Four A's spokesmen as hav-
ing intimated his desire to control all actors
through Mr. Whitehead's union. The en-
tertainment unions war, if it comes, is ex-
pected to begin on Monday, with the sched-
uled opening of "Leave It To Me," in New
York. Sophie Tucker, president of the
AFA, may appear, despite her suspension
from Actors' Equity. This may bring a
strike by Equity cast members ; and that in
turn may bring retaliation by the stage-
hands, in support of Miss Tucker. The fight
may spread from there; but in what man-
ner, and how far, was at mid-week only a
matter of speculation — and worry.
See page 32.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page
7
This Week in Pictures
Page
10
The hlollywood Scene
Page
42
Managers' Round Table
Page
53
Release Chart
Page
69
Asides and Interludes
Page
37
Showmen's Reviews
Page
44
In the Courts
Page
68
Deaths of the Week
Page
68
In the Newsreels .
Page
68
Short Subiects on Broadway
Page
50
What the Picture Did for Me
Page
61
Monogram Profits
Monogram Picture Corporation's profit
for the first six months of this year, ending
June 30th, is expected by Wall Street
authorities to amount to $42,000, the amoimt
exceeding normal expectations, it was re-
ported this week.
At a meeting of the board of directors
held Monday a revised slate of directors was
selected for action by the stockholders ; the
annual stockholders' meeting being sched-
uled for October 5th.
The two changes in the board were the
replacement of Leon Fromkess, comptroller,
by Steve Broidy, Boston franchise holder,
and of William Rosenblatt by his partner
in the law firm of Rosenblatt and Jaffe. Mr.
Jaffe is replacing Mr. Rosenblatt due to the
pressure of business. Other directors include
W. Ray Johnston, president; Henry Briggs,
president of Pathe ; Thomas Loach, vice-
president of Pathe; Scott Dunlap, vice-
president in charge of production for the
company; Norton Ritchey, foreign manager,
Trem Carr and Joseph Sisto.
Grand National
It was a rosy future that Earl W. Ham-
mons, president of Grand National Pictures,
contemplated this week, in his New York
offices. The company is virtually free from
its financial worries, he said; shortly forth-
coming will be a $400,000 loan from the Re-
construction Finance Corporation, and
another of $1,000,000 from Felt and Com-
pany, Wall Street house. Grand National,
Mr. Hammons said, will pay off its old
debts, now amounting to about $260,000 ;
build a strong sales force ; finance better
grade independent producers, and begin im-
mediate distribution on the first three of
its scheduled 36 features and 18 westerns.
The company will have a full line, Mr.
Hammons pointed out; some of the features
being expected in color ; and shorts and
colored cartoons being contemplated.
His plans are on page 40.
Argentine Treaty
The United States intends to negotiate a
reciprocal trade treaty with Argentina as a
move to put American commerce with that
republic on a footing of equality with that
of European competitors, Sumner Welles,
Acting Secretary of State, said this week.
The motion picture industry has until Oc-
tober 4th to submit recommendations on pos-
sible changes in the tariff laws. The indus-
try's only interest will be on tariff on Amer-
ican films shipped to Argentina as films do
not appear on the list of products on which
the United States will consider granting
concessions to Argentina.
Construction Upturn
Contracts for theatre construction awarded
in July pushed the level for the first seven
months of this year over the corresponding
record for 1938. The total valuation of con-
tracts awarded for new or alteration work
in the theatre field in July was $2,278,000,
in the 37 states east of the Rocky Moun-
tains, according to the F. W. Dodge Cor-
poration. In 1938 the July total was
$1,555,000.
In addition to July, May was also ahead
of last year, the comparative figures being
$3,383,000 in 1939 and $1,514,000 in 1938.
So far May has been the best month for
new building.
At the close of the seven month period,
the 1939 contract level was at $13,916,000.
The corresponding 1938 valuation was $13,-
641,000. The Dodge summary reveals that
the number of projects and their total floor
area has paralleled the contract valuation
rise. A total of 474 projects were recorded
in the seven months, consisting of 1,749,000
square feet of floor space. For the same
period in 1938, 472 projects including 1,-
725,000 square feet had been contracted for.
Dodge Rej)orts emphasized the signifi-
cance of the July increase by pointing out
that after a general lag behind last year, a
gain can be regarded as encouraging.
Eastern Labor Aims
George Meany, president of the New
York State Federation of Labor, this week
said he has decided to put the entire pres-
sure of his organization behind a drive to
"compel" film companies to produce "at
least 10 per cent" of their product in New
York. This is in line with a resolution in-
troduced by Sol Scappa, head of the Studio
Mechanics Union, Local 52, which was
adopted at the recent Federation convention.
Mr. Meany plans to start the campaign
after Labor Day.
Contracts have already been signed in-
volving approximately $2,500,00 for pro-
duction at Eastern Service Studios and in-
dications are that another $2,500,000 will be
consummated before the end of the year.
RCA Appointment
J. Francis Harris has been appointed, by
RCA Communications, Inc., vice-president
in charge of Japan, Manchukuo and China.
Mr. Harris has been manager in Tokyo for
several years and is now on his way to
Japan after a brief visit to this country.
He will make his headquarters in Tokyo,
but the Shanghai office, hitherto independent,
will be placed under his supervision.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
T H
S
WEEK
VISIT TO THE OULD SOD, below. Her-
bert J. Yates, right, on a visit to Ireland
with Gene Autry, Is welcomed to Dublin
by Louis Elliman, operator of the Free
State's largest circuit.
Associated Press -Paramount News
DOTTED LINES OF WAR. In London the curb is painted to help the motorists and
pedestrians keep apart on "blackout" nights. London theatres have had experience
in the dark to prove that marquee lights are good for the box office. This is from a
Paramount News picture arriving this week by trans-Atlantic plane.
ESPRIT. The irrepressible French In the
face of marching legions, hold a conven-
tion party, above, and view the Cathedral
of Notre Dame de Paris, illuminated espe-
cially for the delegates to the RKO Radio
Continental sales meeting as "an advance
display for RKO's forthcoming 'Hunchback
of Notre Dame' " — or so the caption claims.
The party was given for the delegates by
Reginald Armour, European executive for
the company, at his estate near Paris. The
host is kneeling front and center.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
BACK TO THE MINES, right and below.
With the laurels of Hollywood on her
juvenescent head, Gloria Jean, new
found Universal star, is welcomed home
to Scranton, Pa., for the premiere of
her first vehicle, "The Under-Pup." In-
itiated by publicity men, the home-
coming and premiere was carried to a
spontaneous and roaring climax by thou-
sands of the child star's fellow citizens
who swamped the railroad station,
swarmed through the streets and
jammed the Comerford Strand to see
her in person and preview her first pic-
ture. The final touch that awed the
100 newspaper and magazine critics in-
vited by Universal to the premiere was
the declaration of a holiday strike by
the miners. The pictorial pattern at right
is part of the crowd of 10,000 children
who attended the Gloria Jean festivities.
By Cosmo-Slleo
Left. Gloria Jean,
seated on a throne
carved from a block of
coal, is crowned Queen
of Anthracite by
Mayor Fred J. Huester.
Right. John Nolan,
Comerford executive;
Graham McNamee
and Matthew Fox, Uni-
versal vice-president,
at the premiere.
THE AWARD OF MERIT, below, British film honor
decided by vote of English audiences, according to
Russell Birdwell's publicity agency, is presented to
Anna Neagle in Hollywood by Will H. Hays. The
picture coincides with the premiere of Miss Neagle's
first Hollywood film, the RKO "Nurse Edith Cavell,"
but the award is said to be for her "Queen of Destiny,"
her third Queen Victoria characterization.
DISCOVERY AND DISCOVERERS. Harry Rapf, left, MGM executive,
who began his career working for Gus Edwards, attends a testimonial
banquet for him with Weber and Fields, wrinkled veterans of the theatre,
who claim credit for discovering Edwards. The banquet preceded the
premiere in Hollywood of Paramount's "The Star Maker."
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
EXHIBITORS ABROAD
By staff photographer
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Adier, of the Adler Theatre Company,
Marshfield, Wis., with their two daughters.
IN THE RKO LOUNGE
Below. Ruth, Gordon, signed by RKO for the role of Mary
Todd Lincoln in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," meets Mr. and Mrs.
H. C. Orr of Coventry, England.
By staff photographer
Mrs. Henry Carley and her son, Robert, of
Holland, Mich., where Mr. Carley operates
the Carley Amusement Company.
By staff photographer
B. K. Beach, secretary-treasurer of Western Theatres, Ltd., of
Winnipeg; R. B. Beach, assistant manager of the Capitol in that
city, and Edie Newman, manager of the Lyceum, also in Winnipeg.
GUESTS OF PARAMOUNT
Below. Bolivar Hyde, city manager of the Sparks
circuit in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Roger Addmg-
ton, also of that city.
William Hissner, operator of the Academy, Lebanon, Pa., with his sons.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
AT THE MCM BOOTH
Above. Albert Cola-
giovanni, manager of
the Bijou, Providence,
and Mrs. Colagiovanni.
Left. S. D. Latchis,
owner of the Brattle-
boro, Brattleboro, Vt.
Below. H. W. Knutson, of Livingston,
Mont., with James Stephenson.
Lou Cox, Fox Kansas City; Milt Hassfeldt, Fox, New York; Jack Flynn,
MGM district manager in Detroit; John O'Connor, RKO executive;
Max Tellerman, RKO; Eddie Zabel, Fox, New York; Fred Meyer, RKO;
Frank Hensler, MSM branch manager in Kansas City, and Joel Bezahler,
MGM home office.
VISITORS AT THE STUDIOS
Above. Sam Freedman
of the Avalon, Indian-
apolis, and family meet
John Payne on the set of
Warners' "State Cop."
Left. M. E. Grossman,
Chicago exhibitor, and
Mrs. Grossman with Rose-
mary Lane on the set of
"Four Wives."
John Griffin of the Griffith Amusement Com-
pany, and Mrs. Griffin meet Dennis Morgan.
Frank C. Martin of the Royal theatre,
Morenci, Ariz., meets Gloria Dickson.
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
PUBLICITY. Lengthy items, with art, m
the public prints resulted from the inter-
view, right, between Frank N. Buchman and
Mae West at which the actress, dressed
and made up for the part she plays for her
public, said for the record, "For some time
I have been practising the philosophy of
Moral Re-Armament; I owe my success to
it." To which the cult leader replied, "You,
too, have been doing wonderful work. ..."
Miss West also mentioned W. C Fields,
with whom she is making a picture for
Universal to be produced by Lester Cowan,
shown with the interviewees. Captions
elaborated on the theme. Who got what
publicity was not decided.
GOOD WILL OUTING. Burtus Bishop,
Jr., Pittsburgh branch manager for MGM,
and Earle W. Sweigert, Paramount man-
ager in Philadelphia, meet at the Pennsyl-
vania inter-territorial party for exhibitors,
distributors and salesmen held by Paul O.
Klingler, hiarold D. Cohen and Ike Berney,
independent theatre operators of Lewlston.
By staff photographer
READY, left. Earl W. Mammons, president of
Grand National-Educational, outlines for the press
distribution plans now set and ready for operation.
He is interviewed on page 40.
STAR MEETS CRITICS, below. Gary Cooper with
John Moffitt, motion picture editor for the Kansas
City Star, at the cocktail party given by the star
for the fourth estate exclusively, at the Hotel Pierre
in New York.
Ky .stiilT ph'itosrupher
MEXICO IN PRODUCTION. A scene from "Papa's Misadventures," a first
attempt at sophisticated comedy, in which Chato Ortin prepares for his
night out. The film is reviewed on page 45.
September 2. 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
15
INDUSTRY HIT HEAVILY IN EUROPE;
NEWSREELS COMPLETE WAR PLANS
Production Halted in Engjbnd
and France; Censorship in
Paris; Distributors, Exhibitors
Lose Staffs in Mobilizations
While Europe, this week, continued its
frantic preparations for war, the effects of
those preparations continued to be felt in
America and on the motion picture and gen-
eral entertainment fields.
The newsreels, uncertain of their status
in a Europe at war, made such preparations
as they could, here and abroad, for the con-
tinuance of their services ; and Paramount
put out a "special" on the European situa-
tion made from film flown over the Atlantic
and distributed to theatres the next day.
Censorship Established
The French Government established a censor-
ship of motion pictures and radio broadcasts,
and England made known regulations affecting
the reopenings of theatres after their first period
of closing in war time.
Film executives and stars abroad returned
in increasing numbers as the situation became
ever more serious.
Theatre business in England and France was
'way off, with even more serious affects to fol-
low any "blackouts."
Production has been halted both in London
and Paris.
Australia has placed a ban on all money
going out of the country.
Distribution offices on the Continent are hard
pressed for transportation of films, with virtu-
ally all trucks, busses and other vehicles com-
mandeered to transport troops and fleeing resi-
dents. Too, their actual operations were placed
in serious state due to the sharp inroads made
by mobilization orders.
Theatres likewise were suffering from loss
of man power.
The radio networks operated on a 24 hour
schedule, with the Columbia Broadcasting Sys-
tem having presented 70 programs emanating
from Europe in the time from last Monday
through this Monday and the National Broad-
casting Company presenting broadcasts by 46
foreign commentators from 16 cities.
Uncertainty as to the censorship restrictions,
as to whether or not they will be permitted to
send men from this country to replace those
conscripted in the event of war, and even as
to whether the warring Governments would per-
mit newsreel coverage harassed heads of the five
newsreel companies this week.
Alternate Offices Prepared
However, certain plans in preparation for
"eventualities" are being carried through by
the companies, as the week's newsreels devoted
the majority of their footage to the tense
European situation.
Russell Muth, European director of Fox
Movietone News, arriving in New York Mon-
day on the "Normandie," confirmed the carry-
ing through of plans discussed by Truman Tal-
ley, producer of the newsreel. Movietone News'
plans for war are typical, as described by Mr.
Talley. He said:
"Movietone is ready with alternate offices
for every one of its production centers. By
this I mean we can move out of our present
quarters anywhere and continue to carry on
securing news and making prints for distribu-
FRENCH GOVERNMENT
BARS CODE MESSAGES
Western Union, Wednesday, advised
its clients in New York, including all
motion picture companies, that the
French Government has prohibited
code and cipher language in all cable-
grams to and from France, Algiers,
Syria and Madagascar, and that mes-
sages in plain language will be subject
to censorship.
tion. This is not a hit and miss proposition.
We have signed and sealed contracts with those
commanding facilities that would be compara-
tively safe in a war torn world. In addition,
we have our own alternate offices that offer
more security than those in the heart of cities
subject to air raids. Rest assured, we are
prepared, come wrack, come ruin ! We'll get
the news unless Europe sinks beneath sea level.
"One of our first moves after our newsreel
convention in Paris was to subdivide the Old
World into six sections, each with its own staff
under a competent and trustworthy supervisor.
"Section one is the British Isles under the
direction of General Manager Sir Gordon Craig
and Editor Gerald Sanger, with a staff of sixty
in this territory.
"Section two we call the Scandinavian-Baltic
group and in charge of coverage here we have
Supervisor William Murray, trained veteran of
General Manager Edmund Reek's American
newsreel force. With a staff of six Murray
covers Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuanian and Poland. The
explosive Polish Corridor and Danzig are in
this territory and Murray has lately covered
himself with glory by his reports on activities
there. Movietone News has scored world wide
beats on several crucial incidents in these
European 'hot spots' as the result of Murray's
enterprise and daring.
"Our third section takes in the greater Third
Reich, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria and Greece.
Herr Robert Hartmann, editor of Fox Tonende
Wochenschau, our German newsreel, supervises
the coverage of this vast expanse of territory.
In doing so he directs a staff of seventy. Movie-
tone News carries on in Germany exactly as it
does anywhere else, without sacrificing a whit
of its independence as an imbiased recorder of
events. In fact, during my visit to Berlin we
were assurred by a high Reich official that,
come what may, Movietone News will not be
denied the privilege of fulfiling its traditional
role as screen reporter.
"In our fourth subdivision we have France,
Belgium, The Netherlands and part of Switzer-
land. Coverage of this highly important terri-
tory is directed by Supervisor Frederic Fesneau,
one of the oldest, in point of service, employees
on our European newsreel staff. A staff of fifty
is necessary to do justice in a newsreel sense
to this small but fruitful news area.
Madrid Office Reopened
"Our Paris office also houses our Continental
Home Office presided over by European Di-
rector Russell Muth and his assistant, Arthur
De Titta, formerly our Washington, D. C,
Supervisor. It is the duty of Muth and De Titta
to co-ordinate the entire group of territories.
keep them producing and from working at cross
purposes.
"Spain and Spanish Morocco make i^p section
five in our new scheme of things. It was my
pleasant duty while in Europe to re-open our
Madrid office, closed during the Civil War.
Luis Diaz Amado, Continental and South Amer-
ican journalist of international reputation, is in
charge, of this territory and when I left Madrid
he already had a staff of ten working in pic-
. turizing the immense recovery program inaugu-
rated by Generalissimo Franco.
"Although we come to our sixth territory last
in this resume it should be understood that this
in nowise is its position of importance. In fact
the Mediterranean section ranks with any of
the above territories in every way, including as
it does Italy, Yugoslavia, Albania, Libya,
Tripoli, Egypt and Turkey. Ettore Villani is
Supervisor of our enterprises in this Mediter-
ranean section. He has a staff of eight to
assist him."
Over $100,000 in New Equipment
Mr. Talley said that while in Europe he saw
the final phases of his modernization project
take shape and that from a mechanical view-
point the British and Continental offices and
mobile units are now "as perfect as human
brains and ingenuity can make them." Over
$100,000 was expended on the Continent in this
re-equipping move, with $50,000 more spent by
British Movietone News. This $50,000 does not
include the outlay for the new English newsreel
Home Office in Soho Square. While Mr. Talley
was in London British Movietone News had
rounded out a year in the new building, the
most modern newsreel plant in the Old World.
The money went entirely into new cars, cameras,
lenses and other necessary picture making acces-
sories. Four specially built motor cars were
added to the British Movietone fleet. In
addition to top decks for high shots, there is
room inside for a camera set up and portholes
so that pictures can be made from any of the
four sides of the car, with even a special
adjustable rack for getting worm's eye-views.
They are also equipped with radios to keep in
touch with news broadcasts, most popular Brit-
ish programs. And should newspapers suspend
publication in an emergency these mobile units
can range anywhere and still be in touch with
things, he added.
Mr. Talley said that Sidney Kent, president
of Twentieth Century-Fox, had allowed an-
other entirely new appropriation to re-establish
the Madrid office and has given Mr. Amado a
free hand to bring this office up to the efficiency
of the other production centers of Movietone
News.
While in the French capital Mr. Talley also
conferred with members of the Daladier cabinet
and established an understanding regarding
French operations in the face of war.
Universal Using Foreign Staffs
Feeling, in the event of war, that the best
coverage will result from the work of native
cameramen behind either front, Universal News-
reel will not attempt to use men from the
United States unless unforseen opportunities
arise. Through affiliates in England, France,
Poland, Holland, Italy and Germany, the com-
pany will have more than 40 cameramen at its
disposal.
Protective equipment has already been flown
to staff cameramen in Poland and other central
European countries. Included are gas masks, a
new type of bullet proof vest, helmets and iron
(Continued on following page)
16
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 2, 1939
WAR MEASURES CUT PATRONAGE
(Continued from preceding page)
rations. Large supplies of film have already
been placed in strategic positions.
Films from all camermen will be rushed to
the United States by clipper planes, showing in
theatres in this country, the newsreel reports,
within two days after leaving Europe.
The matter of censorship, the editors feel, is
the "unknown element." If and when Germany
moves on Poland, they say, a delay and censor-
ship are expected from the German side, but
there is hope for comparative freedom from
Polish and French authorities.
Pointed out by RKO Pathe is the problem of
the conscription of foreign cameramen, which
happened a year ago, before Munich. Although
their men have not as yet been among the
groups which have been mobilized, Pathe has
already selected and forewarned men in this
country who may be sent as replacement.
Handling coverage in conjunction with Pathe
is Pathe Cinema in Switzerland, France and
Italy and Pathe Gazette in London. In the
event that foreign cameramen were not allowed
in countries abroad. Press Filmee, the French
Government organization, would handle cover-
age, as would UFA in Germany.
Paramount News and Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer's News of the Day point out the un-
certainties surrounding the situation as it stood
this week. The former brought out a special
this week which included more than 1,300 feet
of film. The pictures were flown across the
Atlantic aboard the Imperial Airways flying
boat "Cabot," landed at Montreal and re-shipped
to New York by American Airlines. Released
on Monday, the special war issue supplanted
the regular mid-week issue.
Shown are the emergency defense prepara-
tions of Britain, France and Poland ; the arrival
of foreign minister Joachim von Ribbentrop in
Berlin after the signing of the Russo-German
pact ; the first pictures of Chancellor Hitler's
private plane, called by the newsreel "a German
version of the new Douglas DC-4" ; the emerg-
ency session of Parliament ; the mobilization of
French reservists ; the fortification of the sub-
urbs of London ; the itinerary of the emergency
•evacuation of children ; the Nazis taking over
the free city of Danzig, and the hasty leave-
takings of Americans from Paris.
News of the Day has assigned Ariel Varges,
who has been in Ethiopia and Spain, to Paris
in the emergency. Although they had been in
China and Spain, cameramen may not be allowed
to attach themselves to armies if the crisis
should result in war, it is felt. In this case,
the armies may have their own newsreel men,
and use their film for propaganda purposes.
French Control Communications
The official journal of the French Govern-
ment, on Monday, established censorship of mo-
tion pictures and radio broadcasts. Jean
Giradoux, French dramatist recently appointed
propaganda chief, has been placed at the head
of the censorship bureau, which is being estab-
lished at the Hotel Continental, near the Place
Vendome.
Article one of the decree said: "Dating from
August 28th, 1939, printed matter, cartoons or
written matter of all kinds destined for pub-
lication, texts of all radio broadcasts and film
projections will be submitted to the preventive
control of the General Information Service,
wnich will have the right to forbid their pub-
lication, transmission or projection."
Article two said : "Exportation of all unde-
veloped photograph and moving picture films is
forbidden."
Article three said, in part : "Developed cinema
films may not be exported outside metropolitan
territory without the visa of the chief of the
Information Service or his delegate."
Regulations governing the opening, lighting
and staffing of places of entertainment, the
safety of their audiences and the training of
their staffs were issued Monday in London by
the British Home Ofiice for operation in the
event of emergency. Reopening permits will be
subject to local authorities and police in special
areas, film houses are required to provide facili-
ties for their audiences to reach a bomb cellar,
and the training, at the theatre's expense, of the
whole staff in first aid and anti-gas treatment.
Reopenings, after the first period, in which all
British houses would be compelled to close, for
an unspecified period, would start in the less
vulnerable areas and allowed on a basis of
safety.
The newsreels have already arranged for
printing to be done outside of the metropolis,
while most major distributors are ready at an
instant's notice to transfer their business outside
London to stations already prepared, if need be.
Major film organizations all have air raid pre-
cautions machinery ready to function, with their
staffs fully trained and sectionally divided
among firemen, nurses, decontamination squads
and Air Raid Precautions wardens.
Staffs Mobilized
With theatre business having fallen far be-
low normal, curtailment of staffs by mobiliza-
tion practically brought future production plans
to a standstill. Drilling and other precautionary
measures, both in Paris and London, took its
toll in theatre attendance as well as in the men
engaged in production, distribution and exhibi-
tion. In addition, the requisition of trucks and
busses in both France and Germany has made
film delivery a serious problem.
The war crisis brought many a cable to film
stars who were abroad, urging their return
home. Among those on the Normandie, which
reached New York Monday after a "black out"
at sea which caused passengers to believe that
war had already been declared, were: Sonja
Henie, Harry Cohn, Columbia president ; J. A.
McConville, Columbia foreign manager ; J. J.
Milstein, Edward Small eastern representative ;
Norman Krasna, Lee Shubert, Victor Orsatti,
George Raft, James Stewart, Josef von Stern-
berg, Constance Bennett, Roland Young, C. C.
Petti john, of the Hays ofiice and Russell Muth,
foreign director of Fox Movietone News.
Tyrone Power and his wife, Annabella, are
scheduled to arrive in New York Wednesday
VITAL STATISTICS
REFLECT NO FEAR
Overseas events affected no whit the
vital statistics of the studio sector
tvhere, at weekend, 42 pictures were
before the cameras, a gain of 4 over
the preceding weekend mark.
Pictures started are "The Man from
Montreal," "The Galloping Kid" and
"Green Hell," Universal; "Gambling
on the High Seas," Warner; "Campus
Wives," Paramount; "Reno," RKO-
Radio; and "Kansas Terrors," Re-
public.
Sent to cutting rooms were MGM's
"Another Thin Man," Columbia's
"The Main Trailers" and Monogram's
"Murder in the Big House."
morning aboard the Dixie Clipper.
Planning to leave the continent this week
are Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, Mr.
and Mrs, Jack Warner, Lili Damita and Zorina.
Now in England are Robert Montgomery and
Richard Thorpe, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Warner,
Merle Oberon, Donald Crisp, David Rose, Dan
Carroll, H. J. Yates and Gene Autry.
Also abroad are Norma Shearer, Bop Hope,
Helen Hayes, Charles Boyer, Madeleine Carroll.
Billie Burke and Gloria Stuart.
Arriving on the Aquitania Tuesday were Mr.
and Mrs. James Durbin, parents of Deanna
Durbin, while Thursday brought Mrs. Douglas
Fairbanks, Mona Barrie and Edna Best back
from Europe on the "Nieuw Amsterdam" ; and
Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Robinson and Mrs.
Elmer Rice, wife of the playwright arrived the
same day on the "Washington."
Seventy Programs Listed
Seventy European originations have been ef-
fected by CBS in the current crisis, from August
19th up to and including August 28th, as follows
— 34 from London ; 20 from Paris ; 14 from
Berlin ; two from Warsaw ; two from the
Vatican, and one each from Budapest and
Tokyo.
Speakers included His Holiness, Pope Pius
XII ; Premier Edouard Daladier of France ;
Lord Halifax, Foreign Minister of Great Brit-
ain ; Lord Snell, Opposition Leader in the
House of Lords ; Sir Archibald Sinclair, Eng-
lish Liberal Party Leader; William Stone, au-
thority on Foreign Affairs ; Hugh Baillie,
president of the United Press Association ; Emil
Lengyel, lecturer and expert on The Balkans —
also author of a forthcoming book entitled
"The Danube" ; Dematree Bess, Saturday Even-
ing Post writer; Richard Mowrer, Chicago
Daily News, and Melvin Whiteleather, of the
Associated Press.
Members of Columbia's European staff' par-
ticipating in these broadcasts were Edward R.
Murrow, director, in London; William L.
Shirer in Berlin ; Thomas B. Grandin and
Eric Sevareid in Paris ; W. R. Wills in Tokyo,
and H. V. Kaltenborn, CBS news analyst.
Elmer Davis, veteran author and corre-
spondent, analyzed these European broadcasts
from New York. He also served as a focal
point for the four and five-way telephone inter-
views picked up between New York, Washing-
ton and the European capitals.
Public Figures on Programs
The National Broadcasting Company's cover-
age of the European situation has included
broadcasts by 46 foreign commentators from 16
cities. In addition, there were exclusive broad-
casts by King Leopold of Belgium and Queen
Geraldine of Albania; as well as broadcasts by
Winston Churchill, former first lord of the
British admiralty; Pierre Flandin, former
premier of France; Anthony Eden, former
British foreign secretary, and Edouard Herriot,
former premier of France.
Other outstanding NBC broadcasts included
a statement of the Polish position by Count
Jerzy Potocki, Polish Ambassador to the United
States, a report on reactions in Moscow, by
John Gunther, given from London, and an
explanation of the Russo-German alliance, secre-
tary of the Communist Party in America.
The Associated Press, International News
Service and United Press, plus several Ameri-
can and foreign newspapers, cooperated by
permitting their correspondents to broadcast.
As the crisis reached its height NBC and its
staff went on a 24-hour schedule to provide its
listeners with up to the minute developments.
September 2, 19 3 9 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 17
TEN COMPANIES DELIVER 454 FILMS
FOR 1938-39; ELEVEN MORE TO COME
Schedule of Features Promised
And Delivered for 1938-39
Delivered to
To Be Delivered
Features Promised
September 1st
After September 1st
Distributor
(Including Westerns)
(Including Westerns) (Including Westerns)
COLUMBIA. . . .
56
49
1
MGM
44 to 52
52
MONOGRAM. .
42
42
4
PARAMOUNT. .
58
59
REPUBLIC
55
45
1
RKO •,
48
45
4
20THCENT.-FOX
52
57
UNITED ARTISTS,
30
15
UNIVERSAL
40
39
1
WARNERS
52
52
TOTALS
485 to 493
454
1 1
Season Will Show but 28 Less
Than Total Promised; 454 De-
livered to September ist;
Five Have Finished Lineup
Ten motion picture companies announced
the delivery of from 485 to 493 feature pic-
tures, including- westerns, for the year 1938-
39. Up to September 1, 1939, 454 pictures
have been delivered with eleven still to come,
making the total delivery 465 or 20 to 28
pictures short of the announced figure. Three
of the eleven pictures to be released after
September 1st, will be westerns.
Talent Rosters Full
Just previous to the opening of the 1938-39
motion picture season fifteen Hollywood pro-
ducers had under contract 615 players, 293
writers and 129 directors to appear in or pro-
duce the 485 to 493 pictures the companies had
announced. Of this figure a few score top-
notch players, writers and directors had not
signed contracts but preferred the status of
the freelancer to a contract.
Paramount had under contract, as the 1938-
39 season opened, the largest number of play-
ers of any studio with 107 stars and feature
players followed closely by Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox with 101 stars and feature players.
Fox also had at that time the greatest num-
ber of contract writers, 64 in all. Both Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer and Twentieth Century-Fox
each had signed 20 directors of the 129 under
contract in Hollywood.
Of the 615 players under contract to the
15 producers, 329, or 54 per cent were men
and 286, representing 46 per cent were women.
As the season advanced new players, writers
and directors were placed under contract.
Columbia announced in May, 1938 that it
would deliver to the exhibitor for the 1938-39
season a total of 56 feature pictures including
sixteen westerns. To date they have delivered
49 pictures, 15 of which are westerns. "Golden
Boy" will be released within the next few days
bringing their total deliveries for the season to
50 pictures or six less than the number prom-
ised prior to opening of the product year.
52 from MGM
For the same product season Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer announced the production of from 44
to 52 feature pictures. As the season came
to a close they had delivered 52.
At the sixth annual convention in Cincinnati
in May 1938, Monogram stated they would
deliver twenty-six features and sixteen west-
erns, a total of forty-two pictures. By No-
vember of the same year Monogram's presi-
dent, W. Ray Johnston, stated that the com-
pany was ahead of its production schedule by
one full month. As the 1938-39 product season
rapidly winds up Monogram has delivered 28
features and 14 westerns with two features and
two westerns to be released after September
1st. An increase of four over the announced
number.
Paramount held its sales convention in Wash-
ington at the Sherman Hotel in April 1938.
Twenty-seven home office, district and division
executives attended the conclave and it was
said at that time that 58 features would be
given the exhibitor for that motion picture
year. Up to September of 1939 Paramount
had completed its yearly release with 59 fea-
tures, one more than the announced number.
A total of $7,500,000 was budgeted for Re-
public's 1938-39 product of which a total of
55 features and four serials were to be pro-
duced. Of the 55 pictures, 22 features and
23 westerns have been delivered and one west-
ern, starring Gene Autry, will be released soon.
Republic will deliver nine pictures less than
its originally announced figure.
RKO Exceeds Promise
RKO Radio announced the delivery of 48
features. To date they have delivered 45 and
they will release four more after September
1st. This is one picture more than they had
announced would be released for the season.
A program of 52 pictures was to be pre-
pared for 1938-39 release by Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox. As the season came to a close 57
had been released to the exhibitor for that
period, five more than was first declared by
the company.
At the company's annual sales convention
at the Waldorf Astoria in New York in June of
1938, it was declared by United Artists that
it would deliver 30 features to be made by six
producers — Samuel Goldwyn, Alexander Korda,
David O. Selznick, Walter Wanger, Edward
Small, and Hal Roach. When their production
season ended, United Artists had delivered
only 15 pictures, one-half the number they had
announced.
To date Universal has delivered 39 of the
40 pictures for their 1938-39 motion nicture
year. One picture will be released after Sep-
tember 1st, to bring the figure up to the total
they had announced.
At the Baker Hotel in Dallas, Texas, in
May of 1938, Warner Brothers, in conjunc-
tion with First National, promised 50 for the
1938-39 season. A short time previous to that
they had announced they would have for the
38-39 season a total of 60 pictures. The re-
duction of pictures to be produced by War-
ner's did not, however, reduce their budget.
There are still to come two features and two
westerns from Monogram, four features by
RKO Radio, one western, a Gene Autry pic-
ture, from Republic, one feature from Univer-
sal and one feature from Columbia.
Warners To Start 25
Warner Brothers is rushing preparations on
25 "top-budget" pictures which will go into
work during the next six months. A new
schedule has just been completed following
conferences between Jack L. Warner and Hal
B. Wallis.
Productions and players assigned to them so
far are as follows :
The Sea Hawk, starring Errol Flynn with
Dennis Morgan.
Devotion, starring Bette Davis and Miriam
Hopkins with Geraldine Fitzgerald.
Invisible Stripes, co-starring James Cagney
and George Raft with Jane Bryan.
The Life of Alfred Bernhard Nobel.
The Patent Leather Kid, starring George
Raft and Priscilla Lane.
Sante Fe.
John Paul Jones, starring James Cagney.
Bridge of Sighs, with Ronald Reagan, Rose-
mary Lane and Gale Page.
Brother Rat and the Baby, with Eddie
Albert, Wayne Morris, Priscilla Lane, Jane
Bryan, Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan.
Desert Song, with Dennis Morgan and
Frank McHugh.
Edgar Allan Poe, based upon the life of
the poet.
The Fighting 69th, co-starring James
Gagney and George Raft with Priscilla Lane.
Forgotten Eagle, story of Governor John
Peter Altgeld of Illinois during the 1880's.
Guilty Women, with Jane Bryan and Ron-
ald Reagan.
The Holy Terror, starring Wayne Morris.
The Last Bad Man, featuring Dick Foran.
Lost Beauty, starring George Brent and
Geraldine Fitzgerald.
Mama Raviola, co-starring James Cagney
and Pat O'Brien.
Menace of the Sea, with Humphrey Bogart,
Ronald Reagan and Lya Lys.
Nevada, starring Errol Flynn.
The Poor Nut, featuring Eddie Albert.
Secrets of a Private Nurse, with Dennis
Morgan, Gloria Dickson, Ronald Reagan, Jane
Wyman and Margot Stevenson.
Torrid Zone, starring George Raft and Ann
Sheridan.
Underground, starring John Garfield, Ger-
aldine Fitzgerald and Lya Lys.
Timber Wolf, featuring Dennis Morgan,
(Continued on follotmng page, column 3)
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2 , 1939
METRO AND PARAMOUNT LICENSING
MANUFACTURERS, EXPECT $600,000
New Departments Handle Li-
censing on "Wizard of Oz",
"Gulliver's Travels", "Gone
with the Wind"; 145 Licenses
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, through its
. "Wizard of Oz" and David Oliver Selznick's
'"Gone With the Wind," which it will re-
lease, and Paramount, through its Fleischer-
produced cartoon, "Gulliver's Travels^" are
now actively engaging in the licensing of
rights to the titles and characters in those
films, with both companies having created
departments to handle the work done on such
a large scale by the Kay Kamen organiza-
tion for Walt Disney's cartoon films.
Special Departments Set Up
To protect themselves as copyright owners
as well as to further popularize the individual
picture through merchandising tie-ups, Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer has created a royalty depart-
ment under the supervision of Howard Dietz,
advertising and publicity head of the company,
while Paramount's department, of which Harry
Royster is in charge, is under the direction of
Lou Diamond, head of the short subjects depart-
ment. Both are innovations in the history of
the respective companies.
With 44 licenses already granted, and a total
of between 50 and 75 expected, Paramount's
contracts range from $2,500 down in advance
royalties, with a minimum of $200,000 expected
to accrue from the licensing agreements on
"Gulliver's Travels," and merchandise generally
planned to be on the market by the beginning of
next week. The film is planned for a Christmas
week release. In addition to the licensing ar-
rangements made for the picture, celluloids and
backgrounds will also be sold, as they have
been for the Disney pictures. The film has an
advertising budget of approximately $250,000.
Paramount-Fleischer Plans
Paramount plans to release one Fleischer
color cartoon a year, with licensing arrange-
ments handled as they have been on "Gulliver's
Travels."
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer reports advance royal-
ties of $19,500 from its licensees on "Wizard
of Oz," with 51 accounts to date. The total
from the film's licensing arrangements, which
were started later than is ordinarily the case,
is expected to reach $116,000.
"Gone with the Wind" now has close to 50
licensees, with advances of $34,325. Over 75
accounts, to bring in nearly $250,000 in revenue,
are expected by MGM on the Selznick picture.
While created on an international scale for
the first time in film history by the Kay Kamen-
Walt Disney offices, motion picture merchandis-
ing tie-ups were made as early as 1917 by
Charlie Chaplin through Ivan Kahn, with the
National Candy Company and other commercial
firms of the day. Shortly thereafter, Mary Pick-
ford effected a tie-up with Pompeiian Face
Cream.
The Paramount contracts to date, and the
products which they will license follow :
The Saalfield Pnblishing Co. — Books.
The Sun Rubber Co., Inc. — Toys.
Ira G. Katz — Hats.
Brian Fabrics Corp. — Scarfs.
Banner Bros., Inc. — Handbags.
Cohn & Rosenberger, Inc. — Jewelry.
Milton Bradley Company — Games.
Fuld & Company — Valentines.
FLEISCHER PLANS
SECOND FEATURE
Max Fleischer, who is currently pro-
ducing "Gulliver's Travels," feature
color cartoon, for Paramotcnt release,
is making plans for a second full
length cartoon feature, although no
story has yet been selected. "Gulliver's
Travels" is the second fidl length car-
toon feature to be made, the first
being Walt Disney's "Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs." Disney's second
cartoon feature, "Pinocchio," tvill be
released about the same time as
"Gulliver."
Einson-Freeman Co., Inc. — Masks, window dis-
plays.
Ivon Bear Co., Inc. — Lamps and accessories.
Ideal Novelty & Toy Co.— Dolls.
Hazel-Atlas Glass Co. — Glassware.
J. R. Brundage, Inc. — Stationery.
American Miniatures, Inc. — Postal card cut-
outs.
Decorative Ulitities Corp.- -Novelties.
Willard & Giles — Ribbon novelties.
Kerk-Guild Inc. — Character soap.
Joseph Love, Inc. — Children's dresses.
Gardner Displays Co. — Mechanical displays.
American Decalcomania Co. — Decalcomanias.
United Lithographing Corp. — Lithographed pic-
tures.
Zell Products Corp. — Coin banks.
Charms Company — Candies.
Perry Knitting Co. — Sweatshirts.
Rich Manufacturing Co. — Games and toys.
Apon Novelty Co. — Costumes and masks.
Brian Fabrics Corp. — Rayon goods.
Phoenix Manufacturing Co., Inc. — Cotton goods.
Meryle Publishing Co. — Greeting cards.
Eagle Pencil Company, Inc. — School Boxes.
J. Chein & Co. — Lithographed steel toys.
The Acheson Harden Company — Children's
handkerchiefs.
Famous Music Corp. — Sheet music.
S. R. Leon, Inc. — Merchandising and advertis-
ing campaigns.
Stereovue Corporation — Stereovues and Novel-
views.
Cyrus Clark Co., Inc. — Drapes and slip covers.
Whitney Manufacturing Corp. — -Paper tags and
labels.
G. Reis & Bro., Inc. — Woven tags and labels.
The Wira Company — Music boxes and musical
toys.
Cardinal Parfums, Inc. — Perfumes.
David Weil's Sons Lithographic Co. — Folding
boxes.
Gumakers of America, Inc. — Gum.
Natacha Brooks Associates — Premium give-
aways.
Strikalite Limited, Inc. — Molded wooden novel-
ties.
"Wizard" Licensees
Among the "Wizard of Oz" licensees are the
following :
W. L. Stensgaard & Associates, Inc. — Displays.
Brian Fabric Corp. — Scarfs and aprons.
Grosset & Dunlap, Inc. — Books.
Herz & Kory — Bags.
Robern Sportswear, Inc. — Skirts.
The Fair Maid Undergarment Company — Slips.
Gleitsman, Chopp & Sadowsky, Inc. — Dresses.
Reisman & Rothman — Coats.
L. Gidding & Company — Dresses.
Cinderella Hat Company — Hats.
Advance Manufacturing Co. — Silk prints.
Hollywood Advertising Company — Valances.
Ideal Novelty & Toy Co.— Dolls.
D. Bloom Boys Wear, Inc. — Belts and ties.
Gemal Handkerchief Co. — Handkerchiefs.
A. A. Burnstine — Rubber figures.
The Pioneer Rubber Co. — Balloons.
Dart Board Equipment Co. — Dart games.
M. Hardy— Stuffed Dolls.
Corning Glass Works — Glassware.
Whitney Manufacturing Company — Tags.
Einson-Freeman Co., Inc. — Masks.
Etched Products Company — Novelties.
Barnev Stempler & Sons, Inc. — Hangers.
Whitman Publishing Company — Games.
National Decalcomania Corp. — Decalcomanias.
Nashua Slipper Company — Slippers.
E. Simons & Sons — Masquerade costumes.
Newark Mask Co. — Masks.
10 Producers Make
454 of 38- '39 List
(Continued from preceding page)
Gloria Dickson, Ronald Reagan and Alan Hale.
We Shall Meet Again, co-starring Bette
Davis and George Brent.
British Production Promised
Meanwhile from London comes word that
Harry Warner has promised large scale pic-
tures at the Teddington Studio, where Warner
British product is produced. The larger films
will be made more or less on an experimental
basis, the executive said, but he would indicate
no numerical program.
The company at the moment is considering a
new treatment for "Disraeli," with special
reference to the Suez Canal and the position of
contemporary England. Warner indicated that
he hoped to persuade Claude Rains to play the
title role, perhaps with Edmund Goulding as
director. Alternatively, the company may make
a film on the life of Baron Reuter, and also is
considering a picture on the life of Cunard.
Mr. Warner frankly referred to the losses on
previous films made at Teddington, but ex-
pressed satisfaction with the current output,
which is ready for exhibition. He has booked
passage on the QiKen Mary, which sails from
Elngland on Wednesday and is due in New
York September 4, conditions permitting.
Monogram Plans
Monogram will release three productions dur-
ing September. Two are now in the cutting
room : "Mutiny in the Big House," starring
Charles Bickford and Barton MacLane ; and
"Sky Patrol," one of the Tailspin Tommy
series. The third is "Crashing Thru," first
of the "Renfrew" productions which Monogram
is releasing.
Set for the cameras during September are :
"His Father's Son" co-starring John Carroll
and Martin Spellman ; "Overland .Mail," Jack
Randall outdoor drama, scheduled to start
September 12th, "Roll, Wagons, Roll," Tex
Ritter musical western, set for September 28th;
"Mr. Wong at Headquarters," one of the
James Lee Wong series with Boris Karloff
starring.
"Scouts of the Air" (tentative title) is now
in production with John Trent, Marjorie Rey-
nolds and Milburn Stone.
DARRYl F. ZANUCK'S
Production of
by LOUIS BROMFIELD
Directed by
CLARENCE
a r r 1 no
M Y R N A
Maria
Brenda Joyce Nigel Bruce Ouspenskaya
GEORGE
Marjorie
Jane Darwell Rambeau Henry Travers H. B. Warner
Associate Producer Harry Jbe Brown
Screen Play by Philip Dunne and Julien Josephson
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
25
SPAIN AN OPEN NEUTRAL AMRKET
SAYS FILM CHIEF IN NEW YORK
Head of Motion Picture Ser-
vice Says Laws Governing
Film Imports Will Not Favor
Any Single Foreign Source
The status of the motion picture in Spain
and the poHcies which are to govern the op-
erations of the industry there were this week
stated and elucidated for the first time, by
Manuel Garcia Viiiolas, official in charge of
screen affairs for the Spanish government.
He is in New York to see the World's Fair.
It is the official observation that the Amer-
ican picture distributors are handicapping
their effort at recovery of the Spanish mar-
ket by insistence on offering old pictures,
shelved through the period of the civil war.
Declaration is made that Spain is to be an
open market, with no discrimination between
producers or nations.
Government In Control
Two separate Government departments at
present exercise control over the film industry
in Spain.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce
regulates from Bilboa all import and export ac-
tivities, as well as domestic production. The
Ministry of the Interior, in Burgos, deals with
censorship and trade policies through the Na-
tion Motion Picture Service, of which Senor
Garcia Vinolas is the head. It is expected
however, that upon his return to Spain these
two departments will be merged into one, under
the direction of the National Motion Picture
Service, whose authority, for reasons of State,
is now paramount in the country.
Although several tentative proposals have
been submitted by the Film Board to the Gov-
ernment, no law has as yet been promulgated
regulating imports and exports of film, accord-
ing to Senor Garcia Vinolas. Furthermore, he
adds, Spain has not entered, and does not intend
entering, into agreements with foreign producers
which may favor one source of material over
others.
"During the three years of the Civil War,
European pictures replaced those from Holly-
wood— which American producers were reluc-
tant to send to Spain — so that, although my
Government is completely impartial in its treat-
ment of motion picture problems, it will be an
up-hill struggle for the United States to replace
European producers," he said. ^
Old Pictures Pushed
This situation is further complicated — the
marked preference of the Spanish public for
American pictures notwithstanding — by the fact
that the American distributors who are already
operating in Spain, are trying to book old pic-
tures. In his opinion, this point becomes im-
portant because Spanish distributors, exhibitors
and public alike are quite familiar with release
schedules elsewhere and want new pictures.
This attitude on the part of the American pro-
ducers has provoked bitter complaints, he ob-
served.
Senor Garcia Viiiolas, who was one of the
first Spaniards to be elevated by Generalissimo
Franco to the rank of Commander of the newly-
created Order to the Yoke and the Arrows,
highest national decoration, is of the opinion
that the Spanish Government has been extreme-
ly lenient with the American motion picture in-
dustry in the face of its disaffection for the
Nationalist cause.
Even those American producers who, "de-
MANUEL GARCIA VINOLAS
liberately went out of their way to capitalize
on the tragedy of a people for the sake of cater-
ing to cheap sensationalism without regard for
the justice of Franco's cause," have been treated
with fairness and consideration, he said.
The Government, according to the head of the
National Motion Picture Service, fully realizes
the international role of the motion picture as
a means of creating friendship and goodwill
among the nations of the world, and is anxious
to avail itself of such a powerful vehicle.
"Cultural Ties" Factor
That is why the present plans of the Burgos
Administration call for a liberal code regulating
the imports and exports of films. Rather than
economic considerations, however, cultural ties
will be borne in mind in drawing agreements
with foreign producers, and the Spanish Govern-
ment will see to it, without actually acting as a
censor, that those pictures made in Spain reflect
Spanish life truly in order that they enhance the
prestige of the country abroad.
Concerning currency exchange, which is
"blocked," Seiior Garcia Vinolas said this policy
of the Government is due to the need of creating
funds for its purchases of materials abroad, and
It does not niean that the Administration will
adopt a discriminatory attitude towards certain
countries. All producers applying to send films
into Spain will be granted permits, although
the Government would prefer to deal with repre-
sentative bodies in each producing country
rather than with individuals. The State censor-
ship will limit itself to judging the moral value
of the productions. Political subjects, whether
pro- or anti-Franco, will be strictly banned.
Production Started
Domestic production has already started in
Spain. In Madrid and Barcelona some ten fea-
tures are now being completed, and it is hoped
that the pre-war figure of 60 pictures annually
will be reached just as soon as the country re-
turns to normalcy. The only foreign country
producing pictures in Spain at present is France.
It is hoped, however, that American as well
as European producers will avail themselves
of the facilities which the Spanish industry is
ready to offer them in order to produce in that
country.
Senor Garcia Vinolas, who plans to leave
for Spain next week, feels that the American
motion picture has a great potential market in
his country ; and he also feels that owing to its
racial and cultural influence in Latin America,
Spain will prove a deciding factor affecting
the expansion of American motion picture in-
terests in all Spanish-speaking countries.
American Distributors
Arrange for Imports at Once
A dispatch from Barcelona says that Ameri-
can producers and distributors operating in
Spain are preparing to coniply with the pro-
posed regulations to import films at once.
Universal, for instance, has shown its willing-
ness to accept the proposed regulations by pur-
chasing a Spanish-made production, "La Her-
mosa Beatriz" ("Beautiful Beatrix").
RKO is advertising for Spanish technicians
and talent to start local production immediately,
while Lacy W. Kastner, Continental sales man-
ager for United Artists, at present visiting
Spain, says that his company is ready to pur-
chase and also to produce Spanish pictures, since
United Artists is urgently in need of Spanish
language material.
Campaign Raises
""Oz ' Chicago Gross
"The Wizard of Oz," now at the United
Artists theatre in Chicago, is headed for a
first week's gross over the $20,000 mark,
which is big business. Average is $14,000.
Backed by one of the most elaborate local
exploitation campaigns since "Snow White,"
the film has received tremendous advertis-
ing. Tieups in all of the Loop department
stores and many neighborhood shops were
made to coincide with the opening. Mar-
shall Field, Mandel Brothers and other
stores ran advertising tied in with the film.
Wndow displays by the dozen were ar-
ranged and set up in many shops. Books,
toys, sheet music and many other articles
were tied in with the film showing. These
articles were in one way or another con-
nected with the characters in the film.
The advertising space bought prior to the
opening was about average. The major part
of the campaign on the film locally was
through exploitation.
Reports from theatre officials show that
about 60% of the attendance was adult.
This was considerably higher than expected
by the circuit executives who thought that
children would be the largest part of the
audience. Night business was excellent and
matinees were nearly record-breaking. The
opening day found a line ranging from a
block to a block and a half long waiting for
seats all during the morning and afternoon.
The National Foundation for Infantile
Paralysis, Inc., the permanent national or-
ganization, which supplanted the Warm
Springs, Ga., Foundation as the principal
beneficiary of the annual drives, has received
a gift of $50,000 from the Will Rogers Mem-
orial Commission, which distributed a like
sum among 25 chapters of the foundation in
25 cities for local use.
26
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
INDEPENDENT CODE ACTION SOUGHT
WEST COAST CHARGES FILED BY U. S.
Kuykendall Calls Warner Move
"Very Encouraging"; Other
Distributors Now Considering
Adoption of Code Features
This week, reports on trade practices were
heard from three fronts : William Rodgers,
chairman of the distributors' trade practice
committee, promised a definite announce-
ment relative to the code and commercialized
preview and move-over situation problems
by September 8th ; Warner Brothers, through
Gradwell Sears, sales manager, stated that
it would aid exhibitors in ironing out clear-
ance problems in which it is concerned, and
Columbia indicated that it would include in
its new season license agreements several
of the code provisions.
In addition, many of the majors are un-
derstood to be considering the same type of
action, although it is felt in some distributor
quarters that this, too, might be interpreted
as action "in concert" by the Department of
Justice, which declared the code illegal two
weeks ago.
Mr. Rodgers' announcement was made
known by Albert Galston, president of the
Independent Theatre Owners of Southern
California, following a conference held on
the coast, and will be in time for the annual
conference of the exhibitor organization.
Exhibitors Interested
Exhibitors are starting to express favorable
reactions to the Warner idea, Edward L. Kuy-
kendall, for the Motion Picture Theatre Own-
ers of America starting off with a statement
that it "is very encouraging." While the Warner
code does not cover all the angles MPTOA feels
should prevail, Mr. Kuykendall said "it is a
definite step forward in bringing about a happier
relationship between distribution and exhibition.
Mr. Sears showed the courage of his convic-
tions in making this announcement without the
entangling restraint of the code.
The ITOA of New York on Wednesday
passed a resolution urging other distributors to
incorporate code provisions in their policies.
Disclosure that Warners would work to
solve exhibitors' clearance problems came late
Friday when Max A. Cohen, president of New
York Allied, advised members of his organiza-
tion by special bulletin that "Grad Sears has
assured your president that he will favor con-
ciliation on clearance problems where Warner
Brothers is concerned and will step in actively
to iron out problems relating tO clearance in this
territory.
Sees Chance to Prove Seif-Reliance
"Conciliation now offers the exhibitor of this
state a marvelous opportunity to accomplish
progress even though, for the present, the matter
of the code is delayed," Mr. Cohen continued.
"Under the foregoing proposed method of op-
eration, there is no doubt but that many of the
other distributors will fall in line, and let's
try and make it a point to show the rest of the
country that exhibitors in New York state can
and do settle their problems without the neces-
sity of forced regulation."
Mr. Sears is reported to have said that the
same practice would be open to all territories ;
and, while not wanting to become involved in
a political scheme of conciliation, that he would
not refuse to attempt to make adjustments where
'DAILY MIRROR' ASKS
FOR ALL SHORTS
The Netv York Daily Mirror, one of
America's largest circulated tabloid
newspapers, last week observed that
theatres should occasionally show all-
short-subject programs "and win both
a handsome profit and the hearty ap-
probation of paying customers."
"A new revenue-producing use for
the short subject" was the description
given in Motion Picture Herald
last week, page 69, for a demonstra-
tion by the Interstate circuit of Texas
of an all-short-subject show at one of
its Dallas neighborhood theatres, the
Melrose, where the experiment drew
more than triple the average Thursday
business for the house.
In unique manner. Interstate con-
ducts a special short subject depart-
ment, conducted by Mrs. Besa Short,
who for years has been concentrating
on the development of the short as
an integral part of the circuit's pro-
grams.
he believed an exhibitor had a just complaint
on unfair clearance.
While other major distributors are weighing
plans for incorporating salient features of the
code in their new season license agreements, no
decisions have as yet been reached to do so by
any of the other distributors, one reason for
which is said to be the fear, on the part of the
distributors, that the Department of Justice
might draw the inference that the companies
were acting in concert.
It was indicated that Columbia has decided
to revise its new season sales policy by includ-
ing in its license agreements several clauses de-
signed to achieve some of the objectives of the
proposed trade practice code. These have not
been finally determined and may not be ready
for announcement to the trade for some time.
Neil F. Agnew, Paramount vice-president and
distribution chief, declined to state whether
Paramount contemplated any action affecting its
sales policy and license agreement, and stem-
ming from the proposed code of fair trade prac-
Universal officials said the matter has been
under consideration for several days but no
decision has been reached.
"I don't know what we will do or whether
we will do anything more than we already are
doing," one Universal executive said. "For
several years past Universal has not had a score
charge, the company does not force shorts or
newsreels, it has granted a cancellation privilege
and welcomes discussions of any grievances
arising from its contracts with customers. If
our sales policy can be further liberalized I
am sure we will do it."
No statements were forthcoming from either
20th Century-Fox or M-G-M due to the absence
from the city of Herman Wobber and William
F. Rodgers, sales heads of the companies.
RKO, indications are, will make some move
to salvage some of the features of the defunct
code for its customers by including them in
sales contracts.
There is no indication that United Artists'
(Contimied on foilozcinp page, column 2)
Arnold Accuses Circuit and
Distributors of Violating 1930
Consent Decree; Court Action
Climaxes Long Investigation
by FRANCIS L BURT
in Washington
The Department of Justice this week
initiated the long-anticipated West Coast
anti-trust case, announcing Wednesday night
that it had instituted criminal contempt pro-
ceedings based on activities alleged to be in
violation of the 1930 consent decree.
Filed in federal court for the southern dis-
trict of California, the proceedings were di-
rected against Fox West Coast Theatres
Corporation, Fox West Coast Agency Cor-
poration, Paramount, RKO Radio, RKO
Distributing Corporation, Universal Film
Exchanges, Warner Brothers, Vitagraph,
United Artists and 54 individual officers and
employees of the several corporations.
Arnold Gives Reasons
In announcing its action the Department
issued one of its now famous "statements of
grounds for action," explaining that an equity
suit was instituted by the Department in 1930
against Fox West Coast Theatres and certain
distributors, alleging a conspiracy to restrain
and monopolize trade in motion pictures.
"That suit," Thurman Arnold, assistant at-
torney general, said in the statement, "charged
that these distributors were granting preferences
to Fox West Coast Theatres over its competi-
tors, the independent exhibitors. These prefer-
ences included the right to select and contract
for pictures before the independent exhibitors ;
excluding independent exhibitors from exhibit-
ing pictures first run or in competition with
Fox West Coast Theatres ; and adopting and
enforcing zoning and clearance schedules which
granted Fox West Coast Theatres arbitrary and
unreasonable protection and clearance over in-
dependent exhibitors. The defendants consented
to the entry of a decree, in 1930, enjoining the
continuance of this conspiracy.
"During the past several years," the statement
continued, "the department has received numer-
ous complaints that the parties named in the de-
cree were violating its provisions. As a result
of these complaints a comprehensive field in-
vestigation was launched. In the course of the
investigation considerable evidence has been de-
veloped indicating that seven major distributors
have given to Fox West Coast Theatres Cor-
poration prior rights to negotiate for and to ex-
hibit pictures released by them ; that Fox West
Coast Theatres obtains such pictures on more
favorable terms than independent exhibitors and
is not required to purchase all pictures released :
that Fox West Coast Theatres Corporation de-
mands and receives adherence to zoning and
clearance schedules in favor of its theatres and
to the discrimination of independent theatres ;
and that such practices have resulted in the
monopolization by Fox West Coast Theatres of
first run and other early run theatres to virtually
every desirable location in southern California.
"If the evidence to be presented to the court
establishes that the decree has been violated,"
Mr. Arnold concluded, "the proceedings will
serve not only to punish the defendants for dis-
obeying the court's order, but also to recreate
a situation in which independent exhibitors may
(.Continued on following page, column 1")
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
27
Columbia Invites Exhibitors to
Talk Over Mutual Problems
Columbia Pictures Corporation will set out to promote a closer relationship between
the company and exhibitors through a series of conferences designed to bring the
theatre operator's viewpoint into production policy, it was announced Wednesday.
First of the conferences took place Wednesday morning at the home office where
several exhibitors discussed prodtiction and exhibition probelms with Harry Colm,
president; Jack Cohn, vice-president, and Abe Montague, general sales manager.
The exhibitors attending were Izzy Rappaport, Hippodrome theatre, Baltimore;
Charles Heyman, Lafayette theatre, Buffalo; Si Fabian, Fabian Theatres, New York;
Harry Arthur, St. Louis Theatres, and David Chatkin, Monarch Theatres.
"The conference will bring to Columbia first-hand views, from an exhibitor's angle,
of what audiences want in screen entertainment."
Columbia plans to hold several similar sessions, inaugurating a new idea in prO'
dncer-exhibitor relationship for Cohmbia.
(.Continued from preceding page, column 3)
compete on equal terms with Fox West Coast
Theatres Corporation."
United Artists Files Answer
Other fihn anti-trust suit matters this week
principally concerned United Artists asking the
Federal Courts for the dismissal of the Gov-
ernment's New York case, and RKO asking
for dismissal of a suit pending against it in
Kentucky.
United Artists filed answer Monday in the
U. S. District Court to the Government's anti-
trust suit against the majors, in vi'hich it asked
for a dismissal in behalf of itself, James Roose-
velt, Harry D. Buckley, Arthur W. Kelly,
Harry J. Muller, Dennis F. O'Brien, Edward
C. Raftery, Emanuel Silverstone and Theodore
Caruso, United Artists officers and directors.
The answer, last to be filed by a major com-
pany, disclaimed knowledge or information con-
cerning over 100 allegations of the complaint
covering, to a large extent, the history of the
industry, and Government charges of monopolis-
tic practices in the production and exhibition
field. United Artists also denied knowledge
of Government contentions that the majors and
circuit theatre owners resorted to coercive
methods in acquiring theatre properties from
independents.
In addition, parts of the complaint which had
charged harsh and coercive selling practices,
and all allegations which had generally claimed
monopoly in the industry, were denied complete-
ly. In respect to selling methods, the answer
conceded that United Artists "acting separately
and independently" made some contracts with
exhibitors in which it reserved the right to
designate play dates, provide for clearance, pro-
hibit the showing of pictures as part of a double
bill, impose a score charge, and provide for
minimum admission charges.
United Artists also, on occasion, made ad-
vertising allowances, reduced film rentals
where, in the opinion of United Artists such
reductions were warranted, and made agree-
ments for a move-over where, in its opinion, it
would mean more revenue, the answer stated.
RKO Asks Dismissal
Federal Judge Samuel Mandelbaum has au-
thorized the Irving Trust Company, as trustee
of RKO, to retain William Marshall Bullitt of
Louisville as attorney to apply to the U. S.
District Court in Kentucky for dismissal of the
suit for $75,000 treble damages filed there in
July by Harry Schwartz and George Myers,
operating as the New Theatre. RKO will ask
for a dismissal on the grounds that the court has
no jurisdiction of it in Kentucky.
Federal Attorneys Prepare Briefs
With the defendants in the Federal Govern-
ment's anti-trust suit against various theatre
chains and film distributing companies already
heard from, federal attorneys this week could
turn their attention to the preparation of briefs
outlining their side of the case at Oklahoma
City. The chains already have filed their briefs
supporting their motions for a bill of particulars
and more definite allegations from the Govern-
ment. When the motions were first argued at
Oklahoma City in July, Judge Edgar S. Vaught
allowed the film firms to August 20th to file
such briefs and allowed the government IS days
beyond August 20th to file briefs attacking these
motions.
In the preparation of the statement of the
government's case, Charles E. Dierker, federal
district attorney, will be aided by Seymour Si-
mon and Robert L. Wright, special assistants
from the attorney general's office in Washing-
ton.
The government claims that the chains, the
Griffith Amusement Co., the Consolidated The-
atres, Inc., R. E. Griffith Theatres, Inc., and
the Westex Theatres, Inc., and 10 major dis-
tributing agencies of the principal film pro-
ducers, have combined in illegal restraint of
trade.
MPTOJ Backs
Individual ^Codes '
(Continued from preceding page, column 2)
sales policy will undergo any change because
of the discarding of the code and the trend
toward individual sales policy revisions by com-
panies. A United Artists' spokesman said the
company believes its contracts already make
every concession to the exhibitor that it can
possibly afford, and that the new situation does
not alter the company's view in any respect.
However, no official statement was issued be-
cause of the absence in Hollywood of Murray
Silverstone, company head.
United Artists took no part in the code nego-
tiations of the past 14 months.
Back of the apparent hesitancy of individual
companies in making their decisions is believed
to be the fear of further prosecution by the
U. S. Attorney General's office. Several were
outspoken in asserting that they would incor-
porate every practicable feature of the code
in their license agreements if it were not for the
fact that the Department of Justice would be
certain to draw the inferences that the distribu-
tors were acting in concert.
Even if the concessions granted would differ
in individual company contracts, some similari-
ties would be inescapable and sufficient, in all
likelihood, to earn Department of Justice infer-
ences, it was said.
"There are only a certain number of evils in
the business," one official put it, "and the reme-
dies for them are all pretty much alike. There-
fore, even though the distribution companies act
separately to correct them, it is unavoidable
that they will reach similar conclusions. We
can only guess what the Government will infer
from this."
To Continue Study
The plans of the Department of Commerce to
aid the film industry in solving its problems
have not been affected by the Justice Depart-
ment's rejection of the proposed Code of Fair
Trade Practices, Department officials have said.
"We have not heard anything from the dis-
tributors and are proceeding with business as
usual," one Department official said. However,
no further meetings have as yet been set with
either distributors or exhibitors.
The Department made clear that it had not
looked upon the Code as the only possible meth-
od of solving the industry's problems, but rather
as one of a number of expedients which might
be developed to better relations among the vari-
ous groups. Officials are continuing with their
study of the factual material which has been
compiled as the basis for further discussions
with the various interests in the industry.
Canada To Shelve Film Board
The proposed National Film Board in the
Dominion has been shelved, it is understood,
with no definite action having been taken be-
cause of the uncertainty of the European situa-
tion and because of the early prospects of Fed-
eral elections in Canada unless war intervenes.
The proposed board has proved to be a high-
ly controversial subject, both before and since
the passing of the enabling act by Parliament,
and it is said that Government members are
averse to the putting through of the plan, with
its appointments, just prior to a general election.
In the meantime, the Canadian Government
Motion Picture Bureau, which was established
more than 20 years ago, continues to take care
of the official fihn requirements.
Independents Want Representation
An opportunity to have some say in "setting
up a governing body, if there is to be one, select-
ing our own representatives and setting up a
program," is cited as one of the chief purposes
in the Dominion-wide convention of independent
theatre owners to be held in Toronto September
7th, by J. O. Scott, chairman of the central com-
mittee of the Anti-Protection League. Mr. Scott
says that "We recognize clearance but not pro-
tection."
Ticket Agencies to
Buy Collectively
The Associated Theatre Ticket Agencies,
organization of the smaller Broadway ticket
brokers, this week announced their inten-
tion of making ticket purchases collectively
in an effort to oust the three major brokers
from control. Committees will be sent out
of town to catch previews and will make
recommendations for block purchases.
Since many of the smaller brokers have
requirements for only a few tickets for each
show, the present move will consolidate
their strength and may actually put them in
a position of dominance. Gustave A. Ger-
ber, ATTA attorney, said that the organ-
ization would refuse to consent to an ex-
tension of the present ticket code because
its request for revisions had not been an-
swered. Actors Equity council this week
recommended that the code be extended for
60 days pending study of amendments.
Newly elected officers of the ATTA are
Thomas Naughton, president; A. K. Lem-
mon, vice-president; William Deutsch,
treasurer ; Louis Schonceit, secretary, and
Philip Furst, sergeant-at-arms.
28
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
"VOICE OF HOLLYWOOD LIBERALISM"
CALLS ATTORNEY GENERAL MURPHY
Cabinet Member To Award
Scroll for Hollywood New
Dealers' Choice of Picture Ex-
pressing "Democratic Ideals"
by WILLIAM R. WEAVER
Hollytuood Editor
When U. S. Attorney General Frank
Murphy broadcasts nationally from the
Victor Hugo cafe in Hollywood on Septem-
ber 7th his presentation of an illuminated
scroll to the producer of the film which
"shall be judged to have made the most
valuable contribution to the democratic
ideal," the Motion Picture Democratic Com-
mittee shall have achieved national recogni-
tion as "the voice of Hollywood political
liberalism."
The quote is from the MPDC's enrollment
literature. So is this one: "If Franklin D.
Roosevelt favors his country with a third
sacrifice in its interests, he will have no
more devoted and dedicated fans than the
celebrities and rank-and-file of the MPDC.
A New Deal triumph in 1940 will be in
some small measure a triumph of Holly-
wood— a Hollywood reborn in the hearts of
its heroes."
The producer who accepts the scroll from
the Attorney General will be getting it be-
cause he made one of the following pictures :
"The Spirit of Culver" (Universal)
"Man of Conquest" (Republic)
"One Third of a Nation" (Paramount)
"Made for Each Other" (Selznick)
"Confessions of a Nazi Spy" (Warner)
"Juarez" (Warner)
"Young Mr. Lincoln" (20th Century-Fox)
"Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (20th
Century-Fox)
"Blockade" (Wanger)
"You Can't Take It With You" (Columbia)
These are the films entered in the com-
petition by the 8 studios which responded to
a general invitation. Each was invited to
nominate two. RKO-Radio and Metro-Gold-
wyn-Mayer, among the majors did not re-
spond.
Balloting Chiefly by Unions
Balloting on these films was conducted on
July 15th at the Roosevelt Hotel in Holly-
wood by "representatives of those profes-
sions and crafts which engage in the mak-
ing of pictures." This turned out to consist
principally of guilds and unions, although
invitation was also extended to the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners of Southern Cali-
fornia and the Association of Motion Picture
Producers. Among the organizations invited
to send delegates to the voting were the
Screen Actors Guild, Screen Directors
Guild, Screen Writers Guild, American
Society of Cinematographers, International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Artists
Managers Guild, Makeup Artists, Studio
Technicians, Sound Technicians, Studio
Photographers and Screen Playwrights. The
Association of Motion Picture Producers
NAZIS HEAR MARTIAL
MUSIC— NO NEWS
Martial music, consisting of the pre-
1914 marches of the old Imperial Ger-
man Army, was substituted without
explanation for the regular program
of news broadcasts last Friday night
by station DJQ, the combined
Greater Germany broadcasting trans-
mitter at Xeesen, near Berlin.
At 6:3 0 'New York time, the regu-
lar news broadcast was cut off and the
music substituted. At 7 •.17 New York
time, opera music was played.
Italy, meamuhile, continues with a
2A-hour schedule on its three giant
short-wave stations.
and the Screen Playwrights did not partici-
pate.
Ballots were turned over to the Charles
Goldring company, certified public account-
ants, to be opened at the presentation cere-
monies.
The Idea Has a History
Established in June of 1938 over a dinner
table by Dashiell Hammett, Miriam Hop-
kins, Melvyn Douglas and Philip Dunne
for the immediate purpose of helping Demo-
cratic candidate Culbert L. Olson defeat
Republican encumbent Frank F. Merriam
for the governorship of California, which
he did, the roots of the idea go six years
deeper into state and community history.
The diners had been reminiscing about the
"firm request" made of them in 1932 to
donate a day's salary to the Merriam cam-
paign fund for the purpose of defeating the
then front-page Upton Sinclair whose "End
Poverty in California" platform was giving
California a case of jitters comparable to
the current "Ham and Eggs" chills-and-
fever. It was agreed by those present that
they didn't like the six years of Merriam
so well either and that it was up to them
to do something about it. Thus the MPDC
was born.
Quick into the fight, Douglas and his
associates, joined speedily by Fredric March,
Franchot Tone, Gale Sondergaard, Donald
Ogden Stewart, Milt Gross, Dorothy
Parker, John Ford, Frank Tuttle, Elliot
Nugent, John Cromwell, Gloria Stewart,
Lillian Hellman and others, spoke before
clubs, unions and liberal groups up and
down the state. They took to the radio
and they wrote pieces. They produced a
20-minute film, "California Speaks," star-
ring their endorsed candidates, and got it
exhibited in lodge halls and auditoria, not
including the commercial cinema. The
state Democratic Committee bore most of
the cost of the production.
The voters elected Olson Governor.
With the Olson matter attended to, the
MPDC turned its attention to its homesite
and joined forces with organizations which
disapproved of the way Mayor Frank Shaw,
Republican, was running Los Angeles. This
involved supporting the New Deal Repub-
lican Judge Fletcher Bowron. Support was
given. A recall election unseated Shaw.
Bowron moved into office, but the council-
men were still there. A special election was
in the offing and the MPDC went to work
on that matter also. Mayor Bowron, who
recently appointed the screen writer and
former collector of the port, Alfred Cohn,
to a mayoral cabinet post, is running Los
Angeles now.
Partisanship — with a Difference
Self-described as "non-partisan in that it
is affiliated with no political party, yet
sharply partisan on the personalities and
issues of our time," the MPDC declares it
"respects and supports President Roosevelt,
Governor Olson and Mayor Bowron" and
goes on to declare that "it repudiates Jack
Garner and the Dies Committee, Merriam
and the Associated Farmers." Further, it
"cheers such truly democratic symptoms as
the Wagner Act, the Good Neighbor Policy,
the LafoUette Civil Liberties investigation
(and) the administration housing program."
Spokesmen for the organization are com-
pletely frank about their objectives. They
are not talking, yet, about the third-term
matter, save in their enrollment text, which
makes their position clear. They will not
talk until the President talks. But they are
looking squarely at 1940 and planning for it.
"Based upon a careful weighing of social
currents," they say, "the MPDC has con-
cluded that 1940 is the critical year of mod-
ern American life. In this next 12 months
will be decided the future of a generation.
1940 will reveal whether there will be a
terrible and catastrophic world war, or in-
definite peace ; whether there will be a con-
tinuation of the New Deal and an extension
of social benefits or a dark victory for greed
and selfish minority control. . . . The MPDC
aims to unite the entire film industry into
a muscular arm for its own defense, the
defense of Roosevelt and the New Deal,
which by helping to raise the living stand-
ards of America has aided so richly the
living standards of Hollywood."
The MPDC has about 1,800 members.
A general membership costs $3 the year, a
sustaining membership $15, and a patron
membership may be had for $50. There is
another course of revenue, a pledge, avail-
able to all members, by signing which one
agrees to pay $5 a month to the MPDC
until the national elections in 1940, so that
it may continue its fight for the preserva-
tion and extension of democracy."
Dashiell Hammett, writer of "The Thin
Man," is chairman of the MPDC. He's in
New York now. Philip Dunne, vice-chair-
man, carries on in his absence. Miriam
Hopkins is second vice-chairman, John Ford
third, Maurice Murphy is secretary and
Harold Buchman treasurer. Melvyn Doug-
las, generally regarded as spark-plugging
the organization since its formation, will
be chairman at the banquet, introducing the
attorney general to the ladies and gentle-
men present (Darryl Zanuck has reserved
40 seats) and the radio audience.
Why did HOTEL FOR WOMEN beat every 20th hit at
the Warfieid, San Francisco? top everything but
20th's four biggest at the Alvin, Pittsburgh?. come
within $100 of ''Alexander's'' at the Uptown, Kansas
City, and out-gross "Kentucky" for two weeks at the
Esquire? • • • lead such hits as "Second Fiddle" in a
smash two-week run at the New, Baltimore? do
similarly sensational business in a dozen other spots?
Ask yourself^ as a showman^ why?
THERE'S OILY OIE MSWER-
WHERE THEY WENT TO TOWN ON "H(
poster comP°^" , .*ee.s • • • ° ]
secured 9^ ^^^^neU
.omens ho«^°tca>HP>°^;^Jcro*d.. '
M Smo« enve»oP«'^,^o« cords ,hoV.n9
raying*' ° M thoosonos ^ „,-.a\ V*
f..4Q Oorne"' j.,ks, res'" impn"'* ■ "
mrte. 5'°'* I , envelopes. ""P..^Vork,
CV"^""::* cords, -e-"^
,Ho conto.n.n9 , cpec-ot P^^^
I envetoP^^- „, overlooked- SP«'
I ^M«°^'°:::i:ee°oco>^-'--'- ^
orronged on HH
OortJno, ^ ' *"»«' Oof L ""^office
"^-nJrf^ °"<»»«em ®""'*yJ
• '3; 4 J ""^ '"'i'lkity^'- '""■page e°^,'""-
FOB °"9edo„ "^^oi'orio;
fi^T^fN:::-f°p-eo„,^^,
«-> o/, o,, ° ""'''""^ °" S
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
THEIR PROFITS PROVE AGAIN WHAT INTELLI
fEL FOR WOMEN" THEY MOPPED UP!
J nub\»c dV oboo^ o ^ c\osea
>rOfAE^- >"^-':.„K,. ^''Vatve '^"'"^
°" a *ese s.-« a*. V'O*^"
HOTEL FOR
WOMEN
witti
Ann Sothern • Linda Darnell • James Ellison • Jean Rogers
Lynn Bari • Joyce Compton • Elsa Maxwell • Katharine Aldridge
June Gale • John Holliday • Alan Dinehart * Sidney Blackmer
Directed by Gregory Raloff
Associote Producer Roymond Griffith • Screen Ploy by Kolhryn Scolo ond Dorrell Woro
Boied on o story by EUa Maxwell ond Kothryn Scolo
A 20th Cenlury-Fox Picture ■ Darryl F. Zanuck In Chorge ol Production
A COSMOPOLITAN PRODUCTION
''SAfed. ''"Ploy, J'^I'lay pf 2nn ^""'Sn.
LINDA DARNELL
BECOMES A NEW
MARQUEE STAR!
Exhibitors, public and press all hail
Undo Darnell's performance. Use
her OS an imporlant part of your
campaign. And you'll build up to-
day's profits as well as tomorrow's.
ENT EFFORT AND SHOWMANSHIP CAN DO!
32
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
lA AND ACTORS TO FIGHT IT OUT;
NLRB MOVES FOR STUDIO ELECTION
Stagehands' Union and Four
A's Break Off Negotiations;
Crisis Seen as Threat of
Amusennent Field Tieup
The long feared war between the actors'
and stagehands' unions— one which may tie
up the entire entertainment industry, and
which all factors have been attempting to
stave off, even while they threaten to bring
it on — at mid-week appeared imminent, as
negotiations, in New York, on Tuesday, be-
tween representatives of the Associated
Actors and Artists of America and the In-
ternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees, were broken off.
As in the European bedlam, observers
were setting up "time-tables" and the start
of the union war was expected next Mon-
day. It is on that day that Vinton Freedley,
producer, is scheduled to reopen his "Leave
It to Me" at the Imperial Theatre, in New
York, with Sophie Tucker in the cast, de-
spite her suspension by Actors' Equity. The
Equity members of the cast are expected to
strike, if she does appear, and the stagehands
are expected to strike, if she does not. From
there, the struggle may extend to the coast,
to theatres, to projecting rooms, to the rest
of the stage, the radio, the night clubs, to
all forms of entertainment.
Negotiations Abandoned
As late as Tuesday morning, it had appeared
that the Four A's, parent actors' union, might
reach an agreement with the Alliance, in the
dispute which started when the Alliance issued
a charter to the American Federation of Actors,
expelled by the Four A's, and thus roused the
parent actors' group to a defense of their juris-
diction against what they termed an attempt by
the stagehands to "control" them.
A mass meeting of 4-A members will be held
Sunday evening at the Hotel Astor, New York,
and a similar meeting will be held at the same
time on the coast of 4-A members there.
Kenneth Thomson, executive secretary of the
Screen Actors' Guild, and Paul Dulzell, execu-
tive secretary of the Actors' Equity — both
groups being major factors in the Four A's —
met at the Park Central Hotel, New York, on
Tuesday, with George E. Browne, lATSE head.
This report was read to them by Ralph Mor-
gan, guild president ; Mr. Thomson, and Law-
rence Beilenson, guild attorney. The confer-
ence on the coast was held last Thursday with
the lATSE, under the sponsorship of the
American Federation of Labor, under whose
control both international unions are.
It was said that a basis for agreement had
been reached then by the Four A's with Frank
Stickling and John Gatelee, international Alli-
ance officers; but that the basis was subject to
Mr. Browne's approval.
After the conferences, the three guild officials
flew East with their report.
The break-up of the negotiations with Mr.
Browne — which were shrouded with secrecy —
was immediately followed by a declaration by
Four A's officials that they had proposed peace ;
and that, this being rejected, "the war was on."
They then issued an outline of the peace pro-
posals which, they said, they had submitted to
Mr. Browne. These were:
"PASS BROKERS"
ON BROADWAY
What is said to be a flourishing
Broadway business, that of selling
passes to legitimate stage plays, has
been discovered by the League of
New York Theatres, and the league is
taking steps to end it.
The "pass brokers" obtain passes in
the names of newspapermen, from
managers and from storekeepers who
display theatrical advertising, and re-
sell them at reduced prices. The
league has uncovered evidence that
some managers are working with the
"brokers".
1. That the lATSE withdraw from inter-
ference with actors' affairs.
2. That the variety field should be adminis-
tered by a non-partisan committee of 10 for 90
days.
3. That a fair election be held by the per-
formers in the variety field.
"Mr. Browne made it clear tcu us," the Four
A's statement said, "that his intention is to
reduce the actors to a vassal state."
Impasse Reached
The issues on this Tuesday apparently re-
mained the same : the Four A's still standing
for the revocation by Mr. Browne of the charter
he granted to the actors' federation, and for the
ousting of Ralph Whitehead, the federation's
executive secretary.
Mr. Whitehead, even more so than the AFA
president, Sophie Tucker, remained, at mid-
week, almost the sole issue preventing peace
on the entertainment labor front.
It was Mr. Whitehead's administration that
circumstantially, brought about the present
situation.
Early this year, after rumors of mismanage-
ment of the AFA, Mr. Whitehead called for
an investigation of his regime. This came, but
he was not cleared ; he was indicted, and ord-
ered to stand trial on July 10th, along with
other officers of the federation ; and the charges
most serious were those alleging his misuse of
the monies for personal and general union use.
Miss Tucker and Mr. Whitehead walked out
of the trial ; whereupon it proceeded, with the
finding that the AFA regime was guilty ; and
then the union was expelled from the Four A's.
A substitute union was set up, the American
Guild of Variety Artists.
After a week in which its status was doubt-
ful, the AFA received a charter from Mr.
Browne's Alliance ; and this impelled the threat
of a strike by the Four A's, and, most especially
by the Screen Actors' Guild.
The dispute was taken to the meeting of the
American Federation of Labor's executive coun-
cil, in Atlantic City ; and a proposal was made
by the council that the Four A's reinstate the
actors' federation, along with Miss Tucker and
Mr. Whitehead ; that Mr. Browne withdraw
his charter to the actors' federation ; and that
a new election of officers for the federation be
held within 90 days.
The compromise solution was rejected by the
Four A's, Mr. Whitehead being the issue ; the
AAAA did not want him, in any union activity.
(Continued on follozving page, column 2)
Government Body May Rule by
November I on 'Coercion' Is-
sue; September 21 Date for
Vote on Bargaining Agent
Coast unions continued this week to gain
ground on a dozen fronts, fronts sometimes
interlocking and revealing the larger sig-
nificance of the squabbles — moves pointing
toward complete union control, eventually,
of the motion picture industry. As apparent
highlights, there appear this week the follow-
ing developments :
That National Labor Relations Board, in
Washington, after hearing a report from its
Hollywood offices on the testimony during
the past two weeks on charges that the pro-
ducers "coerced" writers in violation of the
Wagner Labor Act, might render decision
by November 1st.
That the NLRB will hold the election to de-
termine the bargaining agent for Hollywood
crafts workers about September 21st. This will
virtually eliminate one of two contending
groups, the International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, and the United Studio Tech-
nicians' Guild ; the former an affiliate of the
American Federation of Labor, and the latter
reputedly receiving support from the Congress
of Industrial Organizations.
That the lATSE would rejoin the "basic"
agreement which the studios have with the four
other big international motion picture workers'
groups; and that its rejoining awaited the
NLRB election.
That the Screen Publicists' Guild has ap-
proved the five year contract with the producers,
for a closed shop, minimum $100 salary for
senior workers, and other items.
Say Blacklist Threatened
In the NLRB-writers' hearing, writers such
as Morrie Ryskind, Francis Faragoh, Charles
Brackett, Wells Root, Stephen Morehouse
Avery and others, testified that the producers
had threatened a "blacklist" of writers, if they
should affiliate with the Authors' League of
America, a move which, they said, the producers
feared would result in a monopoly of writing
sources by the two unions.
Among the numerous producers who had also
been cross examined was Charles Rogers, for-
merly vice-prexy of Universal.
Alexander Wilson, Jr., attorney for the
NLRB, closed his side of the case last Friday
before Trial Examiner J. Fitzpatrick.
Much of the testimony which detailed the
writers' side of the case dealt with the unsuc-
cessful negotiations between representatives of
the producers and the writers, with the pro-
ducers understood to be holding out for long
term contracts, and the writers opposing this
because they felt economic conditions changed
during long term contracts, leaving them at a
disadvantage.
It was also brought out during the testimony,
which occupied most of last week, that the
Screen Playwrights, Inc., formerly a rival of
the Screen Writers' Guild, had never had a ma-
jority of film writers as members. This testi-
mony was contributed by William Conselman,
a member of the organization.
The Screen Writers' Guild case before the
NLRB is the result of the breakdown in negoti-
ations with the producers, which began early
this year, but which were halted after the dis-
agreement over long term contracts, and also
(Continued on folloming page, column 1)
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
33
(Continued from preceding page, colitmn 3)
over the ownership by writers of material writ-
ten by them during layoffs.
The Guild has already been recognized, over
the Screen Playwrights, as the bargaining
agent for Hollywood writers.
In the NLRB election to determine the bar-
gaining agent for Hollywood studio crafts
workers, it is expected that the election will be
held before September 21st. The election
is the result of the vigorous campaign waged
by the United Studio Technicians, which has
the backing of C.I.O. unions, and which has
claimed jurisdiction and a majority of the mem-
bership of the estimated 12,000 studio crafts
workers, now under the domination of the
lATSE.
This union waged a campaign with circulars
to the public and telegrams to people of promi-
nence in the film industry and the government,
with the result that the labor board is impressed
enough to agree to an election.
lATSE Expects to Win Cut
The lATSE has consented to the election,
confident of victory, and the labor board's home
offices in Washington, D. C, last week gave
their assent to the election.
Joseph M. Schenck, chairman of the board of
Twentieth Century-Fox and head of the Pro-
ducers Association, and also head of its labor
negotiating committee, last week guaranteed a
fair election. Said he :
"It is the hope of the producers that the elec-
tion will lead to a solution of the present dis-
pute regarding the rights of representation be-
tween the contending grgiups."
The United Studio Technicians, in its mem-
bership, is said to have many of the Techni-
cians' Local 37, which fought a bitter court
battle with the lATSE during the past year.
The whole C.I.O. manoeuver has been described
as opportunist ; taking advantage of the disrup-
tion of the united front which the lATSE has
heretofore presented, and making use of the dis-
sident elements.
The meeting in Newark, New Jersey, this
week of producers' representatives and those
from the "Big Four" of the unions, resulted
only in an agreement to meet again. But it is
understood that the meeting will be held after
the NLRB Hollywood election for studio crafts
workers ; and that, after that the lATSE will
join the meeting, as one of the "Big Five," be-
cause the lATSE has already signed a pact
with the producers embodying most of the "basic
agreement" provisions, an indication it intends
to rejoin the agreement.
Basic Agreement Still in Effect
The Alliance withdrawal from the basic
agreement came last year, only after local unions
had demanded autonomy. Now, after long
drawn out squabbles in court and elsewhere,
with its Studio Technicians' Local 37, the
lATSE is ready to return, with its many local
unions, to the fold. The "basic agreement" in
contract has expired, and is now subject to re-
newal ; but it remains in effect anyway, until
renewal, as the result of a clause providing that,
whether the contract expires or not, its provi-
sions remain in effect.
The lATSE five year contract with the pro-
ducers, signed two weeks ago, and embodying
the basic agreement provisions, is expected to
culminate in a ten per cent increase in wages,
after, as noted, the NLRB holds its elections
to determine the proper studio workers' bar-
gaining agent.
In the Screen Publicists' pact with the pro-
ducers, the provisions are not only for a mini-
mum salary of $100 for senior workers, but also
for $50 weekly for junior workers during the
first year, these to receive $50 for the second
year and $60 for the third year.
There are other details ; but, this week, these
were being worked out.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, theatre own-
ers have protested to the government against
regulations requiring them to employ two-men-
in-booth. The Attorney General this week sug-
gested a round-table conference for owners and
projectionists.
Radio Actors Ask For ''One Big
Union''; Back Four A's In Fight
The American Federation of Radio Actors held its annual convention in Chicago
this week and last and, as in most conventions, certain suggestions of action came
forth, by vote of the membership. "One big union" of all actors, long hoped for,
was recommended; the action of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, in
suspending the American Federation of Actors and its condemnation of the Inter-
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees for giving the stispended union a
charter was upheld; and the AFRA reelected Eddie Cantor as president.
Lawrence Tibbett, president of the American Guild of Musical Artists, ivas re-
elected a vice-president and George Heller a treasurer.
Members were advised that the total membership is now approximately 8,600.
Other subjects discussed were sickness and unemployment benefits, Federal relief,
transcription problems, annual reports.
Internal fighting still persisted this week among those members of the Theatrical
Managers, Agents and Treasurers Union who want affiliation with the lATSE and
those protesting against such an alliance. It tvas rumored this week in New York
that Mr. Browne of the Alliance had already granted a charter, but this was denied
by the TMAT board.
In Chicago, officials of the Operators Union have announced they will ask for a
20 per cent w^ge increase in the new contract to be negotiated September 1st.
The Federal Theatre Project will be revived "without any isms", if the American
National Theatre Society has its way. The society met this week in Netv York and
started a drive for $1,000,000, with $150,000 claimed to have been pledged already.
I A and Actors End
Sessions^ Face J^V ar
(Continued from preceding page, column 2)
The dispute went back to the AFL executive
council, to William Green, labor federation
president, and to Matthew Woll, who had been
the head of the council's mediation committee.
Mr. Green and Mr .Woll had apparently worked
out a modification of the compromise, eliminat-
ing Mr. Whitehead, but this, in turn, was re-
jected by the AFL council, which insisted the
Four A's take the original compromise.
There have been, since then, various maneu-
vers and rumors, but the situation, essentially,
revolves about Mr. Whitehead, and also Mr.
Browne. Mr. Whitehead's resignation, as sug-
gested by "neutral" observers of the theatre or
Mr. Browne's withdrawal of the charter he gave
to Mr. Whitehead's union, are the two obvious
and immediate solutions.
The Four A's could accept Mr. Whitehead;
but, like European dictators, having declared,
by speech, by pamphlet, by press release, that
they never would accept the man they found
guilty of maladministration and treason and
everything else in the actors' lexicon for evil-
doing, they cannot retreat.
Hollywood Talks
The conferences last week in Hollywood were
between Screen Actors' Guild representatives
and international officers of the Alliance. Also
present were AFL executives. The meetings
were unusual for being so far from the seat of
all the verbal maneuverings, which has been
New York ; but logical in that they were held
in the probable theatre of war, Hollywood ; for,
if the Alliance proves unwilling to withdraw
its so-called attempt to dominate actors, the
Four A's will strike, and notably in Hollywood,
where 6,000 members of the Screen Actors'
Guild would make work impossible for the es-
timated 12,000 studio lATSE members.
One by-produc<: of the conflict has been the
suspension of Sophie Tucker by Actors' Equity ;
and it is this suspension which may create the
"blow-off," the long feared strike which will
tie up the whole entertainment world.
For Miss Tucker was to appear in Vinton
Freedley's "Leave It to Me," September 4th.
Now that she cannot, by Equity edict, appear
— -(she was suspended by Equity for "treason"
to her union and profession) — Miss Tucker has
become the cause for which Mr. Browne's stage-
hands can demonstrate their support of their
newly acquired union. Alliance stagehands can
walk out in protest, in all the legitimate theatres
of the country ; they can walk out in Hollywood,
too. But even if they walk out of the legiti-
mate theatres only, they may bring the trouble
to Hollywood ; for the Screen Actors may sup-
port Equity in the legitimate theatre, and pun-
ish the lATSE by striking in Hollywood.
Obviously, the angles are numerous. The
salient and dangerous factor appeared this week
to be the assurance of support which Miss
■ Tucker has had from Mr. Browne and from
James Brennan, vice-president of the Alliance,
who, at a New York convention two weeks ago,
of 55 local Alliance unions, declared that if
Miss Tucker was unable to appear in the show,
the stagehands would walk out.
Mobilization Begun
Both sides this week were mobilizing. The
Four A's has already received pledges of sup-
port from its components ; and, especially, finan-
cial support. It will publish a weekly newspa-
per for its 30,000 members, who up to now
had been kept informed by bulletin.
The lATSE appeared to be united ; though,
in the early stages of the crisis, it appeared that
division of sentiment existed among West Coast
lATSE affiliates.
The actors' federation appeared to have
funds ; and this week moved into larger quarters
in New York.
The actors themselves, in "variety" categories,
were said this week to be paying dues to the
American Guild of Variety Artists, the Four
A's_ union, and to the AFA ; a procedure which
ordinarily would call for suspension, but which,
in this instance, is being excused by Mr. White-
head for the AFA, and Miss Maida Reade for
the AGVA, to increase membership.
FIFTH AVENUE GIRLS THE B
That>g Thft Kind Wa M^ar
....FIRST FIVE DAYS $8,200
^ AHEAD OF "IN NAME ONLY
\ RADIO CITY'S THREE-WEEK
SUMMER SENSATION!
Held for another week of the astounding brand of
business RKO RADIO'S been giving the Music Hall
almost all summer long! - Two great weeks of
BACHELOR MOTHER . . . Three terrific weeks of
IN NAME ONLY (which gave the Hall its biggest
RKO RADIO opening In three years ^ until FIFTH
AVENUE GIRL walked In),,. and now a second week
of the show that's day by day zooming higher into
that select circle of SlOOfOOO-a-week attractions . . .
01
IN
"FIFTH AVENUE GIRL"
WITH
WALTER CONNOLLY • VERREE TEASDALE • JAMES ELLISON
TIM HOLT • KATHRYN ADAMS • FRANKLIN PANGBORN
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY GREGORY LA CAVA
PANDRO S. BERMAN IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION
SCREEN PLAY BY ALLAN SCOTT
36
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
arner -National
Theatres in Deal;
Increase Rentals
Film Critics Form National Organization
To ''Elevate Standards'' of Film Reviewing
A national organization of motion-picture critics and editors was formed and temporary
oiTicers were chosen in New York over the weekend by 100 out-of-town reviewers who
are in town as guests of Universal Pictures. Universal took them to Scranton, Pa., last
Thursday to preview its musical, "Under-pup," with Gloria Jean, the new child "find."
Designated as the Newspaper Film Critics
of America, it seeks to include all editors
and reviewers in its membership, to hold
annual conventions and distribute its own
awards for the "best" pictures of the screen
year. Its purpose, it was said, is to "elevate
standards of criticism and comment on
movies, cooperate toward the advancement
of the film department as an important factor
in the American press and cooperate in the
betterment of the film industry."
Harry Martin of the Memphis Coininer-
cial-Appcal was chosen temporary chairman
and Buck Herzog of the Milwaukee Sen-
tinel temporary secretary-treasurer. Serving
with them on the planning committee are
Keith Wilson of the Omaha World-Herald
and Merle Potter of the Minneapolis
Tribune and Northwest correspondent of
Motion Picture Herald who did much of
the pioneering in interesting the critics in
the idea. Permanent officers will be elected
at a meeting to be held in February. The
committee has been instructed to submit
drafts of a constitution and by-laws at that
time.
When Motion Picture Herald disclosed
the existence of the plan on July 29th, it
was explained that the organization would
be in no way a union or "guild" but that its
basic intention would be to impress not only
the publishers but also the public with the
significance and importance of film review-
ing service. It is the first national group
of its kind; there is a local film critics or-
ganization in New York, also an organiza-
tion of play reviewers.
The idea was born out of those many
junkets recently conducted for the press to
Dodge City, Kansas, for the opening of the
Warner picture of that name, to Omaha
Book Simplifies
Theatre Chores
"Theatre Management Record and Annual
Tax Register," a practical and simplified
method of theatre bookkeeping, compiled by
Theodore J. Sullivan and published by the
Quigley Publishing Company, is designed
for the use of managers or bookkeepers of
theatres seating up to 1,000.
Bound in heavy Dupont Fabkote, 13 by
10 inches in size, the book serves not only
to provide the operating facts and figures
of a theatre business, but also as a tax
record.
Important features of the book are the fol-
lowing :
A film clearance chart which eliminates
the necessity of a calendar in determining
clearance periods; an insurance record; an
equipment purchase record ; a fixed expense
apportionment sheet designed so that its in-
formation "feeds into" the profit and loss
sheet for each week; an income page to
contain all information about ticket num-
bers, prices, cash received, taxes and run-
ning times ; a payroll and bank record sheet ;
for the Paramount picture of "Union Pa-
cific" and elsewhere for other productions,
several of the more representative ladies and
gentlemen who write about pictures for the
press deciding that these periodical as-
semblages around the country were causing
them to acquire helpful contacts, knowledge
of the workings of their clan, and other
things besides forcing them to acquire a
spare shirt, a toothbrush and a sound
stomach ready for any emergency in gallop-
ing away to serve the cinema.
Sitting around the pullmans and club cars,
some of the critics came to the conclusion
that they should form some sort of a work-
ing organization. At Des Moines, the other
week, Dorothy Deer of the Chicago
American, Mr. Wilson, Barney Oldfield of
the Nebraska State Journal, Mr. Herzog,
Mr. Potter and others were diverting them-
selves at the expense of RKO and the open-
ing of its "Career" when the subject again
arose, taking concrete form when Mr.
Potter was deputized to select a group of
critics around the country for the beginning.
Besides the aforementioned reasons, the
critics would also work to have the critic
carry greater weight, compel greater atten-
tion from the producers in Hollywood, and,
importantly, increase the respect of their
editors and publishers for the motion picture
departments of newspapers. The motion
picture industry itself has down through the
years exerted strong effort to improve its
position in the news and feature columns of
the nation's papers. Despite a pronounced
trend toward increasing the amount of ad-
vertising space it uses in the newspapers —
increasing SO per cent in the past few years
—newspaper _ publishers have been steadily
hitting the industry by increasing lineage
rates.
a summary sheet ; contract record sheets, and
a holiday and important date record.
One of the most important features is a
simplification of the week's record so that
once the book is opened the complete week's
record is in view.
Republic Renews Cuban Deal
Morris Goodman, vice-president in charge
of foreign sales for Republic, this week said
he had extended for another year the dis-
tribution deal with Tropical Films of Ha-
vana, Cuba, for the company's entire 1938-
'39 program of features and westerns, and
four serials, "The Lone Ranger Rides
Again," VDaredevils of the Red Circle,"
"Dick Tracy's G-Men" and "Zorro's Fight-
ing Legion."
Alliance Announces Distribution
Budd Rogers, vice-president and general
manager of Alliance Films, has announced
that the 1939-40 Alliance program of fea-
tures and short subjects will be distributed
through the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Indi-
anapolis offices of Big Feature Rights Ex-
changes, Inc.
The Warner-National Theatres breach has
been healed ; a product deal having been
lined up for all but about 45 of the circuit's
450 theatres, the 45 being independent situa-
tions sold by W' arners during its controversy
with National Theatres over merchandising
policies. The independent deals are for one
year, and are with theatres scattered in the
midwest and on the coast.
Frankly admitting that they have in-
creased film rentals for the new year, War-
ner Brothers on Tuesday declared that,
despite this, they have closed 78 per cent
of their circuit new season product deals al-
ready.
Gradwell L. Sears, general sales man-
ager, listed the following major circuits as
among those lined up for the new year:
Mullins and Pinanski, Comerford Thea-
tres, R-K-0, Schine Theatres, Shea-Publix,
in Buffalo; Famous Players Canadian,
Maine and New Hampshire Circuit; Loew's
theatres in New York City; Wilmer and
Vincent, Gibraltar Enterprises in Colorado,
Interstate in Texas, Balaban and Katz, Fox-
West Coast, Red Wood Theatres in Cal-
ifornia, Consolidated Amusement in Hono-
lulu, Warner Brothers Theatres, Frisina
Amusement, Thalheimer Theatres in Rich-
mond, Manos Theatres in Western Penn-
sylvania, Robb and Rowley in Texas,
Blumenfeld Circuit in California, Sterling
Chain in Seattle, Fourth Ave. Amusement
in Louisville, and Libson Theatres.
Ahead of Last Year
The 78 per cent of circuit deals consum-
mated compare with 63 per cent closed for
the same period last season.
"Higher film rentals than ever before, are
being charged in order to meet the increase
in studio production costs," said the an-
nouncement.
Aided by an early selling start (Warners
began its new season activities immediately
following its sales convention in March),
Warners say they were able to close hun-
dreds of circuit deals for 1939-40 merchan-
dise by April 1st.
"Hundreds of new contracts have been
received over the weekend for home office
approval, with only a few deals remaining to
be signed before we will have attained our
maximum possibilities of exhibition ac-
counts," said Mr. Sears.
"We start our new season on September
1st with 377 simultaneous playdates on 'The
Old Maid,' initial release on the 1939-40
schedule," he added.
Einfeld Returns to Coast
Charles Einfeld, director of advertising
and publicity for Warner Brothers, left
Tuesday for the coast after conferences
with G. L. Sears, Carl Lesserman and Mort
Blumenstock in New York.
While in New York he set up merchan-
dising plans for "On Your Toes," "Dust Be
My Destiny," "A Child Is Born," "The
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex," "The
Roaring Twenties" and "We Are Not
Alone."
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
37
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
lOOKING OVER THESE BROAD-
I LANDS the other day, from the 3,500-
L. mile width of the east-west coasts to the
1,600-mile depth of the north-south bound-
aries, we came across some old favorite thea-
tre booking spots — the Goodwater theatre at
Goodwater, Alabama, and the Chloride, at
Chloride, Arizona; the Big Horn, at Grey
Bull and the Star at Guernsey, both in
Wyoming's cow country. And the theatres
at Mazomaniac, Oconomowoc, Peshtigo,
Tomahawk and Wauwautosa, in the old
Indian lands of Wisconsin.
Then there's Steamboat Shrimp, Colorado;
Okahumpka, Alabama; Thonotosassa, Flori-
da; Eucheeanna, Florida; Chagrin Falls,
Ohio; Bald Knob, Arkansas, and Flathead,
Montana; Love, Oklahoma and Loving,
Texas; Pretty Prairie, Kansas and Kit Kar-
son — of or Kit Karson, in Colorado.
Quite pertinent to today's headlines are the
theatre-towns of War and Welch, in West
Virginia. Also Gassaway, in the same state.
The theatre town of Snowflake, in Arizona,
reminds of Walt Disney, and that of Tomb-
stone, in the same state, of Walter Wanger's
"Send Another Coffin," coming up.
MGM's Adrian, who married Janet Gay-
nor only the other day, can look to the thea-
tre town of Adrian in Minnesota.
The Neptune theatre at Wachapreague, in
Virginia, is another booker's delight.
What is your favorite spot, your favorite
booking, town, or what have you?
V
How would some of you film bookers out
in the field film exchanges like to book films
into the Iceland cities of Reykjavik, Vest-
mannaeyjar, Akureyri, Hafnarf jbrdur, Isafyb-
dur, or Siglufjbrdur?
V
Can't Make Up Their Minds Department,
from a piece of Paramount publicity :
"Honeymoon in Bali" has been set as the
title for the Paramount production formerly
known as "My Love for You," "My Love for
Your's", "Free Woman," "A Love Story"
and "Are hlusbands Necessary?"
V
We don't remember whether it was ever sung
or played in a motion picture. It must have
been, though it makes no difference, for our
belief in the law of retribution was given a fine
hoisting the other day when we read that Irving
Conn, who wrote "Yes, We Have No Bananas",
still is trying to live it down.
V
Pennsylvania State's motion pictures are
censored by a woman, Mrs. Edna R. Carroll,
of Philadelphia. She views them officially
for eight hours a day — and then goes to the
movies at night for FUN.
V
Although not officially "Kid Week" in Ham-
ilton, Ohio, the Paramount, a Southio unit
there, played "Return of the Cisco Kid," and
a few days later, "The Kid From Kokomo,"
and followed almost immediately with "The
Oklahoma Kid."
V
The "transparent woman" polaroid and
three-dimensional movies "are among the
interesting items" announced by Columbia
Broadcasting for description by Robert Shaw
for CBS listeners in an "Adventures in
Science" broadcast.
To those exhibitors who are contemplating
booking its "Five Times Five," with the Dionne
Quintuplets, RKO is sending out a nice little
press sheet advising on certain Quintuplet mat-
ters, such as an exploitation stunt for the film
in the form of a lobby display of five dogs —
"but they must be the same size and breed" ;
and some "Dionne Facts" for newspapers, about
how the births of the first two of the five Quints
were handled by a midwife, but when a third
baby was imminent she hollered for Dr. Dafoe
RKO tells about how much of Papa Dionne's
"fan mail" consists of queries from anxious
mothers.
Old Pop Dionne, who has complained loud-
and-long over the "sinking" of the heavy Quint
income into bonds of the Province of Ontario,
himself rakes in quite a few Canadian dollars
autographing photographs at 50 cents per auto-
graph. The five babes have about $600,000
rolled up already — and they're only five.
According to the word of one girl, who
wrote to the Monitor, a local weekly. Jack
Copeland, manager of the Aladdin, has what
it takes. And with the 78,000 circulation of
the paper, Mr. Copeland is coming in for a
lot of kidding from Aladdin theatre patrons
and his co-workers in the Fox Circuit organ-
ization. The note was sent after some man
has extolled via the same medium the eyes
of the Aladdin cashier. The girl wrote:
"Please, Mr. Editor, don't let it entirely be
a man's world! L. W. writes to mention
the 'peepers' of the Aladdin's cashier — but it's
the manager who wins my money every time.
It's worth the price of admission alone to us
gals to go there and see the manager, who
stands out as at least ONE perfect example
(and there are so few) of the way a man
should look in a white suit. It's cooling just
to look at him. Always sartorially perfect —
neatness personified — fastidious in every way,
with a contrasting sun-bronzed complexion.
Just as if he'd stepped from a picture page
in Esquire. All man, and how he makes my
little heart go pitter-patter. And, girls, I un-
derstand he's single, too! — Ah, me! — F.
K. B."
V
Hollywood's Hungarian actress, Ilona Massey,
was born Ilona Haj massy.
V
Diplomacy Department, from the Rantoul,
Illinois Press :
NOTICE: Will the, person who
saved $50 in currency from the
cash drawer during the fire which
threatened the store Tuesday night
return the sanne at once. Moyer
hiardware Store.
Th^ANKS: The services which were
rendered by the volunteers in the
small blaze which threatened this
store Tuesday night are deeply ap-
preciated. Moyer Hardware Store.
V
Loew press agent Oscar Doob has been talk-
ing so much about "The Wizard of Oz" that he
nozv signs his name OZcar Doob.
THE Nazi magazine. Movement, in Berlin,
says that there is a Nazi way for a crowd
to indicate its collective opinion that a
show is inferior. The discussion of etiquette
arose became some Nazi leaders concluded
German students were applauding in a non-
Nazi manner. The students traditionally in-
dicate approval by stamping their feet to
achieve a thunderous roll of sound.
They indicate displeasure by scraping their
shoes across the floor making a swishing
sound like a thousand hisses rolled into one.
But this manner of indicating approval or
displeasure is "anonymous," the Nazi lead-
ers complained, pointing out that the feet
move under the chairs where no one can see
them, so that the person making the noise
escapes personal responsibility for it.
"How different where the sign for pleasure
is handclapping and the indication of dis-
approval is lusty shouting of 'pfui!'" the
magazine states. "That is honest, a public
declaration of one's opinion. One must ask
whether anonymity in this matter is worthy
of students.
"If we want to be political soldiers, if we
want to be honorable National Socialists, we
must tear away the veil of anonymity. We
want to assume responsibility for our opin-
ions in a manner that all may see."
And after they're seen, bango! biffo!
Nate Golden, Chief of the Motion Picture
Division of the United States Department of
Commerce, tells us that only a few months ago,
the Nazis commented adversely, but vocifer-
ously, on the success of Hollywood's cartoons —
principally those of Walt Disney's. "Germany
has not yet found it necessary to fall back on
fairy tales for our films," said Berlin news-
papers, at the time adding : "We still have ideas
of our own and audiences that can appreciate
them."
Now R. M. Stephenson, U. S. Commercial
Attache at Berlin, reports to Washington that
Germany has decided to produce animated car-
toons, and in color, and that their first anima-
tion will be based on a fairy-tale.
V
Half-way theatrical tinge appears in the
Rocky Mountain (Denver) News advertise-
ment which advertised: "LET'S SWAP,
Professional piano, voice harmony lessons
for tombstones. 2044 Glenarm."
V
William Lashley, down New Orleans way,
named his 1,000-pound Jersey btdl Ferdinand,
after W alt Disney's cartoon of flower-smelling
Ferdinand.
But Lashley's Ferdinand preferred cormmal
to flowers.
The other day the btdl nosed out the supply,
wedged himself half through a fence hole and
devoured a 100-pound sack.
Bloated, he then could go neither forward
nor back for the rest of the dav. Then Lashley
remembered the invigorating effect a bee's sting
had on the Disney Ferdinand.
V
Dr. D. F. Palmer, in San Antonio, is suing
Tol Teeters, of the Joy theatre in that city, for
allegedly backing down on the financing of a
"Torture Show" which the gentle Doc was to
put on at the Joy — with joy.
A murderer ... the girl whose lips
longed f or...aiid the man who knew his
secret, but who was powerless to
accuse!... Three in a cauldron of seeth-
ing emotional conflict! . . . Pile-driver
power to hit the heart- to attract and
enthrall the millions who demand their
^reen thrills hot from the dynamo!
SALLY
PSEP H
TA I I FT A
BARRY
npSERALD
PRODUCED BY ROBERT Sisl • DIRECTED BY JOHN FAR
40
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2 , 1939
GRAND NATIONAL SETS
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Government and Wall Street
Loans to Provide $1,400,000
Financing for New Season
Grand National soon will be able to start
distributing the first of its scheduled 36 fea-
tures, build up a new sales force, finance in-
dependent production of a "higher type,"
and become a new distribution factor, ac-
cording to E. W. Hammons, president.
Loan To Be Advanced
Mr. Hammons noted that the Reconstruc-
tion Finance Corporation would, within one
week or so, advance the company $400,000;
and that, three days after this loan. Felt and
Company, New York financiers, would ad-
vance approximately $1,000,000.
The original agreement for new financing
had been for Grand National to give the
Felt Company certain securities ; the new
arrangement is for these securities to go to
the RFC ; that has been the only reason for
delay, he noted.
Directors of the company last week voted
to carry through the refinancing plans, which
call first, for the payment of a $210,000
Hollywood studio lien, and a debt of $50,000
to Lloyd Wright, a trustee ; secondly, for ex-
penditure of about $140,000 for working
capital.
This money represents the RFC loan.
The Felt Company money will be used for
financing of GN, and the partial financing of
independent producers.
"We can get these independent producers
working more quickly than we could our-
selves," Mr. Hammons explained. "At the
present time, our plans call for 36 features
and 18 westerns. Some of the features will
be in color. There will also be eight colored
cartoons and some short subjects.
Three Pictures Ready
"I expect three new pictures to be dis-
tributed shortly, but I am sorry I cannot tell
their names. I will say, however, that they
are completed," Mr. Hammons continued.
"I am glad," he added, "that we don't have
to worry about money now. We can go
ahead and work. We hope to create a very
strong selling organization that will inspire
and attract good independent producers ; so
that they will release through us. We feel
that there is no place at the present time to
which a high class independent producer can
go — except to us ; and we propose to make
ourselves worthy of that position and trust.
We are leaving the doors wide open for
these men."
Mr. Hammons noted that the company's
29 exchanges were functioning ; GN's prod-
uct was being distributed regularly ; it was
a matter, he intimated, not of expansion, nor
of making the GN name known to exhibitors,
for, he added, that is already known well,
but a matter of implementing the GN sales
force themselves, and infusing them with
"cracker jacks."
Pictorial Films, 1650 Broadway, N. Y.,
has acquired exclusive world 16 mm. distri-
bution rights to "Fury and the Woman" and
"What Price Vengeance."
J UDELL OFFERING
FREE BOOKINGS
Producers Distributing Corporation,
headed by Ben Judell, is offering free
bookings on the initial release of "The
Sagebrush Family" group, entitled
"The Sagebrush Family Trails West,"
to theatres not currently booking
tvesterns or outdoor pictures. Mr.
Judell said this week that franchise
holders are being swamped with appli-
cations for the free booking offer.
"The Sagebrush Family" group of
eight tvill be produced at the Prescott,
Arizona, studios, as will the eight each
of the Tim McCoy westerns and "The
Tales of Billy the Kid" featuring
George Houston. Bobby Clark, the
junior cowboy champion, will be fea-
tured in the "Sagebrush" group.
Committees Named
For SMPE Meet
Committees for the fall convention of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers to be
held at the Hotel Pennsylvania, October 16-
19, have been announced by E. A. Williford,
of National Carbon Company, president of
the SMPE. Committee members are:
Reception and Local Arrangements : D. E.
Hyndman, Chairman ; M. C. Batsel, R. O.
Strock, G. Friedl, Jr., H. Rubin, O. F. Neu,
L. W. Davee, A. N. Goldsmith, H. Griffin,
L. A. Bonn, J. A. Hammond, J. H. Kurlander,
T. Ramsaye, P. J. Larsen, A. S. Dickinson,
V. B. Sease, E. I. Sponable, W. E. Green,
O. M._ Glunt.
Registration and Information ; W. C. Kunz-
mann, Chairman ; E. R. Geib, M. Siegel, F.
Holmesiter, P. Sleeman.
Hotel and Transportation : J. Frank, Jr.,
Chairman ; J. A. Norling, C. Ross, J. A.
Maurer, R. E. Mitchell, P. D. Ries, G. Friedl,
Jr., M. W. Palmer, J. R. Afanheimer, P. A.
McGuire.
Publicity : J. Haber, Chairman ; S. Harris,
F. H. Richardson, J. J. Finn, G. E. Mathews,
P. A. McGuire, J. R. Cameron.
Convention Projection; H. Griffin, Chairman;
M. C. Batsel, M. D. O'Brien, L. W. Davee,
G. C. Edwards, W. W. Hennessy, A. L.
Raven, F. E. Cahill, Jr., H. F. Heidegger, P. D.
Ries, J. K. Elderkin, H. Rubin, C. F. Horstman,
J. J. Hopkins, F. H. Richardson, B. Schlanger,
officers and members of Local 306, lATSE.
Banquet and Dance : A. N. Goldsmith, Chair-
man ; A. S. Dickinson, H. Griffin, J. A. Ham-
mond, L. A. Bonn, E. I. Sponable, J. H. Spray,
R. O. Strock, H. Rubin, D. E. Hyndman, E. G.
Hines, P. J. Larsen, O. F. Neu.
Ladies' Reception : Mrs. O. S. Neu, Hostess ;
Mrs. D. E. Hyndman, Mrs. H. Griffin, Mrs. J.
Frank, Jr., Mrs. E. J. Sponable, Mrs. R. O.
Strock, Mrs. A. S. Dickinson, Mrs. G. Friedl,
Jr., Mrs. E. A. Williford, Mrs. P. J. Larsen,
Mrs. L. W. Davee.
Roof Garden of the Pennsylvania will be the
site of the usual informal get-together luncheon,
Monday, October 16th, and the semi-annual
banquet, Wednesday evening, October 18.
Commission Voted
In Delaware for
Blue haw Study
The Delaware General Assembly ad-
journed sine die early Tuesday after an all-
night session that ended with the Senate's
adoption of the House concurrent resolution,
setting up a nine-member commission to
study the need of revising the Sunday blue
laws with recommendations to the 1941
legislature, and with the appointment of a
commission.
The Senate adopted the resolution shortly
after midnight by a vote of nine to seven with
one not voting, and selected Rev. Ralph L.
Minker of Wilmington, superintendent of the
Ferris Industrial School, as the ninth member.
The House later concurred in selecting Mr.
Minker.
Each branch of the legislature later adopted
separate resolutions, each naming four members
to the commission. The Senate named Senators
George R. Clark, Harold W. T. Purnell, Ben-
jamin F. Simmons and Paul P. Pinard, father
of the Sunday bill which was vetoed by Governor
Richard McMullen. The house selected Repre-
sentatives Henry C. Canby, George W. Rhoades,
Edward Knight and John L. Barr.
The fact that all eight members of the com-
mission are Republicans brought considerable
criticism from the Democrats.
Attorney General James R. Morford, who
last week delivered an ultimatum to the gov-
ernor and the legislature that unless immediate
action was taken toward the blue laws his
office would enforce them as they stand, has
requested the heads of the state police and the
Wilmington Police Department to list the
names and addresses of Sabbath law violators
on the next two weekends to be submitted to
his office. Whether or not arrests would follow
was not stated.
Other Legislation
The first application of the new Owens law,
passed by the New York legislature this year,
resulted in a victory for Sunday motion pic-
tures when the voters of Salem, N. Y., turned
out to pass the measure, the result of a petition,
by 260-104 count.
The Owens law, sponsored by Assemblyman
James E. Owens of Westchester County after
a similar bill which reached the order of pas-
sage in the Assembly had been withdrawn due to
opposition of the clergy, permits 20 per cent of
the eligible voters in any township to present
a petition to the Board of Trustees for a special
election.
A set of rules governing operation of sound
trucks have been incorporated in a new ordi-
nance passed by the Kansas City council. Sound
trucks cannot operate in the downtown business
district, on boulevards, by schools or hospitals,
or on Sundays or holidays, nor between 7 p. m.
and 8 a. m. Neither can they be used for
"announcing or discussing any religious, po-
litical or other controversial matter."
In Wisconsin, threats of possible theatre taxes
appeared somewhat mitigated as the result of
Senate action indicating it favored diversion of
$7,500,000 of highway funds for the next bien-
nium in order to balance the state budget.
Diversion of highway funds was recommended
by exhibitor leaders at past hearings as a means
of forestalling admission and occupational the-
atre taxes.
The RKO Keith Memorial Theatre prop-
erty in Boston has been purchased by the
B. F. Keith Corporation, the lessees, from
Harvard College. The property is assessed
at $1,700,000.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
41
BRITISH TRADE PREPARES PROTEST
ON "NON-FLAMMABLE" CONTROL
British Production
To Continue^ IV ir
Or No IV ar, Cohn
Report of Films Advisory Com-
mittee Arouses Exhibitors;
Move for Control of Free
Shows in Halls Is Demanded
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Though a comprehensive graph of reac-
tion is not yet practicable in this lingering
vacation period, it is nevertheless obvious
to close students of the trade scene that there
is widespread dissatisfaction with the Home
Office attitude to the non-flanamable free film
show, and that the forthcoming Autumn may
well see this dissatisfaction develop into
open revolt.
Exhibitors to Protest
The absence from the Advisory Committee's
recommendations, already reported in Motion
Picture Herald, of thorough safety precau-
tions, the shirking of a definition of "non-flam"
film, the refusal to consider censorship, and
the complete indifference to the trade's demand
for control, have provoked widespread discon-
tent in exhibitor circles. The Home Office
Advisory Committee, by their unwillingness to
recommend control, have, it is felt, done nothing
to help contest the increasing menace of the free
show. Even at this stage it is possible to fore-
cast that the CEA General Council will make
the Report one of the primary subjects of dis-
cussion at the September meeting. It is likely
that exhibitors will demand a reconsideration
of the Committee's findings before they trans-
late them into legislative regulations.
Already the Surrey County Council, inter-
preting the Report as supporting their view
that slow burning film comes within the pro-
visos of the 1909 Act, are laying plans for
applying control, probably in the region of
censorship. This, however, would be local
control.
The Amateur Cinematographers Association,
fearful of a restriction of their liberty of opera-
tion, talk ominously of a test case.
The Sub-Standard Association, whose manu-
facturer representatives are, of course, directly
mollified by the Report's kindly reference to
educational films, ask a fair deal from the rest
of the trade, deride as "absurd" the sugges-
tion that box office receipts are hurt by free
shows on "non-flam" film, demand to be left
alone to get on with their job.
Meanwhile, from Whitehall itself comes an
indication of what might be termed domestic
dissatisfaction with the Advisory Committee's
findings. At Burnley the regulations for show-
ing films in a school, passed as satisfactory by
the Home Office, have been adjudged insuffi-
cient and inadequate by another Whitehall de-
partment— the Board of Education !
Exhibitors and the trade at large are, natu-
rally, no less lacking in enthusiasm than the
educators for the practical furtherance of the
educational film and its distribution in schools.
This attitude intensifies rather than weakens
their discontent with the Committee for con-
tributing nothing towards countering the dan-
gers, both human and commercial, arising from
the wholesale and unrestricted distribution of
non-commercial films.
Non-theatrical Shows Increase
Of recent years, and more intensely of recent
months, the presentation of free film shows con-
taining not only advertising and sponsored films,
but purely entertainment productions, in public
TIME SUBJECT ON
AVERAGE FARMER
Licking County, Ohio, has been se-
lected by The March of Time as the
locale for a subject on the average
American farmer. The subject will
point out that American farm youths
of today are staying at home and not
migrating to industrial centers as
heretofore. Jack Glenn, formerly a
Texas newspaperman, is directing the
cameramen. The subject will be given
a premiere at Licking, the county seat,
in October.
house saloons, hotels, church halls and else-
where, all over the country, in rural areas and
industrial centres, has increased to an alarming
degree. These shows are not subject to the
safety requirements imposed on exhibitors, nor
to the normal trade stipulations regarding cen-
sorship. The Advisory Committee's Report
suggests nothing to change the situation to any
appreciable degree.
It is legally possible for almost anyone to
hire a hall, be it modern parish hall, or ancient
dilapidated barn, 1939 swimming bath or 1554
tavern, and show films there on a "non-flam"
base without any but the slightest safety stipula-
tions, and no requirements regarding censor-
ship.
Keen as is the competitive factor at present,
exhibitors are alive to its steady growth, fear-
ful that unless firm steps are taken to control
it they may be faced in the near future with
a real menace.
The Advisory Committee's Report is judged
to have shirked the issue of "non-flam" film by
ignoring its existence. The Committee discuss
only the film stock which they term "slow
burning," virtually dodge the problem by ignor-
ing the term "non-flam," are judged to have
complicated matters by not even considering or
off^ering a definition.
Authority to Be Defined
The publication of the Committee's Report
and the Home Office consultation thereon with
local authorities, will not then probably be the
last word. Already the Home Office is seeking
evidence from local authorities before publishing
a special leaflet of guidance on the precau-
tions to be adopted when "non-flam" shows
are given. These precautions, already recorded
in these columns, do nothing much beyond flirt-
ing with the question of fire prevention and
panic. They will, however, be a definition of
local authority's powers in controlling such
shows. Paradoxically, as the Act stands at
present, and as interpreted by the Committee,
local authorities have no power to enforce these
regulations, can only use their own judgment
in securing the collaboration of the organizers
of such screenings. As already stated in the
Report, some authorities believe that under the
Act, they have powers to apply it to slow
burning film shows.
The County Councils Association, representa-
tive of the many municipal bodies administering
the 1909 Act, will, in October, examine and
discuss the Report. In view of the fact that
in 1935 its Parliamentary Committee agreed in
favor of statutory powers to allow licensing
authorities to control "non-flam" shows, its
findings will be awaited with interest by the
trade.
Harry Cohn, the other brother in the
Cohn partnership that runs Columbia pic-
tures, came back from Europe on Monday,
aboard the Normandie, with some decided
opinions, and with the belief that the ride
he experienced on the boat (in the week
of war scare, the boat ran without lights)
was something to remember, but not to ex-
perience again.
Says Production Will Continue
The war fever was rife in Europe, certainly,
he admitted ; but Mr. Cohn insisted that Colum-
bia British production would proceed, war or
not.
He denied that most of the personnel of the
studios had been conscripted, declared that the
government had issued no instructions to change
place of production, to cease production, or to
modify it, and asserted:
"Irving Asher is starting a picture next
week, and most of the actors who were en-
gaged will be there."
A new contract will probably be signed with
Mr. Asher, Mr. Cohn said, and Columbia will
make a picture in England with Cary Grant,
and Wesley Ruggles (directing) on a budget
the size of those used by MGM for its British
pictures, Mr. Cohn st^ated.
The Asher contract is subject to discussions
Mr. Cohn will have at the New York home of-
fices, but is certain, inasmuch as Mr. Cohn's
statement was that, "we are very satisfied with
Mr. Asher."
(Irving Asher is production head for Colum-
bia in Britain.)
Mr. Cohn noted that the Asher picture to
start next week will be his fourth, and that
two more were scheduled. Asked whether the
new contract with Mr. Asher will specify more
pictures than the present six, Mr. Cohn re-
fused to say yes or no.
French Situation Different
The French situation? Mr. Cohn saw it as
equally satisfactory, and apparently not too
much affected by the war scare ; though it will
be affected, he admitted, by actual war.
He noted that Julien Duvivier had just com-
pleted "La Charette Fantoine," that it was a
good picture, and cheaply made — more gotten
for the money, he intimated, than could be
gotten in Hollywood.
But the schedule of French production? —
that Mr. Cohn shrugged away with the remark :
"Boy, we can't tell a thing until we hear
those cannons roaring, or hear that they won't."
While in France, he tried to sign a contract
with Sascha Guitry; but it was "no go," Mr.
Cohn said. Mr. Guitry, a versatile man, want-
ing to act, direct, write, and produce the pic-
ture.
Would "Chopin," a forthcoming Columbia
picture here, be made by Frank Capra? To
this, Mr. Cohn replied that it depended on
Capra's signing with Columbia ; and that, if he
did, he "likely" would direct the picture.
Mr. Cohn expected, on this Monday, to go
to the coast "soon."
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2. 1939
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Rowlands Recipe
On the day after Christmas, says Rich-
ard Rowland this hot August afternoon in
his air-conditioned studio bungalow, cameras
will start recording the story of "Miss
Bishop," first of two Rowland productions
to be released by United Artists on its 1939-
40 schedule. That dating seems to allow a
right smart piece of time for writers already
deep into it to complete a satisfactory script
of a story their employer has had as clear-
ly in mind as his home 'phone number for
six years, but the start of shooting is acute-
ly contingent upon that happy state of af-
fairs nevertheless.
No camera has ever been turned upon a
Rowland production until everything it
needed to have done to it, story-wise, had
been done to it on paper.
The "Miss Bishop" on which Rowland's
writers are at work was a favorite story
property of his mind's eye six years ago.
He has wanted to produce "Miss Bishop"
and another picture for six years and that
is why his United Artists commitment is
for two pictures. If he knew of a third story
he liked as well, it would be for three. He
thinks there's no use in making pictures
just to be making pictures, says too many
producers do that, at heavy cost to the in-
dustry's gross.
Rowland tells you the story of "Miss Bish-
op." He tells it two ways, both good. One
is the way it will be told if December 26th
dawns upon a certain state of world con-
ditions, the other as it will be told if upon
another. War has nothing to do with the
matter. Picture trends have. "Miss Bishop,"
told either way, is already written in Row-
land's mind.
One of the Rowland documentations of
his belief that the story's the thing per-
tains to his "Four Horsemen of the Apoc-
alypse." Anybody can tell you, now, that
this was one of the top stories of cinema
history. But his associates didn't believe him
then. A communication from one of them
on the subject, a name magic in the indus-
try, still sends up sparks when withdrawn
from its envelope. The expert who penned
it was wrong, $4,500,000 worth.
Out of another envelope comes another
communication signed by another great man,
one of the admittedly great minds of then
and now. This one flames like Inferno in
Technicolor — still. The subject of the com-
munication is "Cavalcade." This great mind
was wrong only $3,500,000 worth.
These are top cases — "The Four Horse-
men" is third and "Cavalcade" seventh
among the money-earning pictures of cinema
history — but the Rowland documentation
continues. Six stories in one First National
season made ranking stars of 10 unknown
players. There's an equivalent Fox record.
(There is also, to complete the documenta-
tion, some data disastrous in its relevancy
to the "pick-up-a-story-somewhere-but-don't-
pay-more-than-$500-for-it" school of pro-
duction thought.)
One of the Rowland documentations is
incomplete as yet, and painful, but convinc-
ing. The producer paid $1,000 for an op-
tion to buy a story for $12,000. He had faith
in it, but this time his associates managed
to keep him from going through with the
deal before his option lapsed. The story was
"Mutiny on the Bounty," final returns on
which are not yet in.
Better stake out a date for "Miss Bishop."
Name News
Edna Best, British stage star, will play
the wife and mother in RKO-Radio's "Swiss
Family Robinson."
Joe Yule, Mickey Rooney's father, makes
his MGM contract debut as a stagehand in
"Fast and Furious." (He played a bit in
"Idiot's Delight.")
Nigel Bruce has signed to play a top
role in David O. Selznick's "Intermezzo,"
final title of which will be, following a poll
on the question conducted by radio and else-
wize in the interests of publicity, "Intermezzo."
Ann Sheridan's next for Warner Broth-
ers will be "Dangerous Curves."
LoN Chaney, Jr., has an important spot
on Hal Roach's "Of Mice and Men," the
John Steinbeck play.
Wendell Niles of the airlanes becomes
an actor in Warners' "State Cop."
Wesley Ruggles will put Columbia's
"Arizona" into production next week with
Jean Arthur in the stellar niche.
Sidney Toler has signed an exclusive
long term contract to go right on playing
Charlie Chan in the 20th Century-Fox
series — so you can stop worrying about an-
other switch in that series.
Jean Cagney, sister of James and Wil-
liam, makes her screen debut in Paramount's
"Campus Wives."
Edgar Kennedy has finished a character
stint in Universal's "Listen Kids" and' gone
fishing.
Helen Gilbert, the studio cellist who
stopped traffic by her first screen perform-
ance, in "Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever,"
has signed a long-term M-G-M contract.
Members of the Jones Family in the 20th
Century-Fox series have incorporated as
The Jones Family, Inc., so that Jed Prouty,
president, can sign testimonial contracts (en-
dorsing this and that for advertisers) for
the whole family.
Virginia Weidler and Gene Reynolds,
two of MGM's more talented juveniles, will
be seen together in "Looking After Sandy."
George Raft has been sent in to bat for
James Cagney in Warners' "Invisible
Stripes" due to need of Cagney in "The
Fighting 69th." Humphrey Bogart and Jane
Bryan will stay in the Raft picture.
Pat O'Brien will contribute one of his
staccatto performances to Walter Wanger's
"Send Another Coffin," an upcoming United
Artists release.
Bonita Granville has a new MGM con-
tract.
Wallace Ford is slated to go to England
to direct "The Pickwick Papers" for Walter
Futter.
Michael Hogan, who came to Holly-
wood to write the screen play of "Nurse
Edith Cavell," took care of a similar chore
on "Intermezzo" while here and moved on
to Warners to do "Villa on the Hill," will
do "Disraeli" instead for that studio.
June Storey, Gene Autry's leading lady
in Republic pictures, has been lent to Uni-
versal for a Deanna Durbin picture.
Gilbert Roland has been signed bv
Warners for "Gambling on the High Seas,"
which was "Floating Trouble" and, under
any title, stems from the news interest in
the recently estopped 5". S. Rex palace of
chance.
William Frawley and Charlie Rug-
gles are to share the comedy responsibili-
ties in "The Farmer's Daughter," the
Martha Raye Paramount film.
John Payne, Gloria Dickson and Ron
ALD Reagan are to headline "Sabotage in
the Air," a Warner melodrama.
Boris Morros, former Paramount musi-
cal director and now United Artists pro-
ducer, will teach a cinematography class in
the Los Angeles college on the side this
season.
Victor Schertzinger has checked in at
the Paramount studio and will direct as his
first film the next Bing Crosby number,
"Road to Singapore."
Edward G. Robinson will play Tony
Pastor in Warners' "The Life of Tony
Pastor."
Gail Patrick, Anita Louise and Laura
Hope Crews are to be seen with Richard
Dix in "Reno," which Bob Sick will pro-
duce for RKO-Radio.
Film's Own Story
Trade showings for "Hollywood Caval-
cade," Twentieth Century-Fox color produc-
tion dealing with the history of motion
pictures, will be 'neld at exchange centers
on September 29. Invitations for these show-
ings will be sent to representative exhibitors,
newspaper critics and others in each terri-
tory.
Special publicity material will be avail-
able for exhibitors and the screenings will
be given advance publicity in each key city
by Charles E. McCarthy's department in the
eastern territory and by Harry Brand's staff
on the west coast.
Columbia has signed Del Lord to a new
one-year contract to produce and direct 13
two-reel productions. His first assignment
is an Andy Clyde comedy scheduled to go be-
fore the cameras Monday.
44
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
The Women
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer )
All-Feminine Comedy-Drama
To Mr. Terry Ramsaye, Editor, Motion Picture Herald —
Your California correspondent regrets to report that he has found it quite impossible
to compose an orderly and adequate Showman's Review of "The Women" for your
publication. You see, every time he tries to be orderly about it he discovers he's not
covering the subject adequately, and every time he sets out to cover the subject adequately
he finds himself using most disorderly figures and fashions of speech. Such as "tough spot,"
used here ag describing uncouthly your correspondent's predicament, but useful also for
defining the plight in which, he thinks, the showman who has to buck "The Women"
with some other motion picture is going to find himself. "The Women" is, I think, the
hottest box office attraction of 1939 up to and as of above date.
"The Women" is a self-selling, gate-building beyond possible complaint. They took out the
morsel spiced to the palate of any and all comers four-letter words but they left in the spark,
of any and all sexes except the juvenile, who They didn't kill the points, and they added some,
wouldn't understand it anyway and might as Some of the smirk went by the board but the
well be kept away so there'll be more seats to wit is still there. It's a better picture than it
sell at the adult figure. It's as full of show- was a play. For directing the mad jumble of it
manship as it is of women and that's capacity. all so adroitly that it's a coherent story without
Mortgages were made for pictures like this to ceasing to be a mad jumble, George Cukor rates
lift. the gratitude of everybody in the picture and
"The Women" is as sharply a departure from everybody who'll see it, which means, probably,
that thing you call norm as "Grand Hotel" or everybody.
"Dinner at Eight" was, neither of which it Speaking of coherence, as I was up there in
resembles otherwise. The cast is composed ex- that other paragraph, I seem to have run out of
clusively of women— and what women ! And same quite a way back. I knew that was going
what those women do! And say! Say to happen. That's why I coudn't write an
Rosalind Russell invites all the women in orderly and adequate showman's review of the
the world to sue her for damages to their mass picture. It's not a subject to be orderly about,
reputation and revels in the doing. Joan Craw- It's not an orderly picture. Quite the contrary,
ford dares all the shopgirls on earth to like But it's adequate, plus. Maybe it'll die standing
her agam after what she does to them here and up. I predict nothing. But if it does, with
makes a classic job of it. Mary Boland takes that string of names in an all-feminine cast
a dialogue beating no actress could love but playing the hottest pjot in years with the finest
bears up under same. Paulette Goddard de- technical facilities available in Hollywood, some-
fies gold-diggers and wives, in tandem, to body'd better get out a new and revised edition
ever come and see her again, making of the of the book of the show business,
chore her best film effort thus far. So it goes,
throughout that long cast listed down there in (Signed) William R. Weaver,
the fine print, but not so for Norma Shearer, Hollywood Editor.
which is another paragraph Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Miss Shearer is the good woman of the lot. Producer, Hunt Stromberg. Director, George Cukor.
target of all the bad women, victim of their Screen play by Anita Loos and Jane Murfin. Play
malice and, finally, malicious in reprisal. This ^L^tT ^^"v^l'. l^'°^°sr^P^e<l by Oliver T. Marsh
. . , , , and Joseph Ruttenberg. Fashion show sequence ni
was no bargain role, even for a Shearer, but Technicolor. Film editor, Robert J. Kern. P.C.A.
this turns out to be just what the doctor should certificate No. 5510, Running time, when seen in
have ordered for the lady right now. She S^i'^'^ri^'u"^ minutes. Release date, September 1,
, r 1 ^ l"-'9. Adult audience classification.
scoops up the pass from center, ducks more
tacklers than Notre Dame's got and drop- CAST
kicks goal from every yard-line in enemy terri- Mary (Mrs. Stephen Haines) Norma Shearer
tory. She is, of course, the one among the c7^-"'' .m"*^" ' ■ • V • ;• \" 9"^'"^°''^,
r , li . .1 ? ,1 Sylvia (Mrs. Howard Fowler) Rosalind Russell
many women of the cast that the women in the The Countess De Lave Mary Boland
audience who can't stand to identify themselves Miriam Aarons Paulette Goddard
with any of the others will pick out as their g^''^^ ^^fj^- Phelps Potter) Phyllis Povah
proto-type. That ought to make everybody f!^! .^^^^ ; ; J°„Ta WdXr
happy about the whole thing. Mrs. Morehead Lucile Watson
It is no secret to showmen that the studio Nancy Blake Florence Nash
was up against plenty of problems when it V.V.:.V.V.;V.;:.;;V.V.;;;V.V.;::V. "."!L?h"V' D^^^^^
got down to the serious business of filming this Exercise Instructress Ann Morriss
rowdy, bawdy stage play in terms a mass audi- J*'^^ Vi^atts Ruth Hussey
ence could assimilate and the Production Code Mfggie' °'Mary^Ce°cn
Authority could write okay on. It should be Miss Trimtnerback.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'f.' .'.Mary Beth Hughes
glad news to showmen that producer Hunt P^' Virginia Grey
Stromberg, in giving Anita Loos and Jane m"7v;Wah; 'r-'^Ml°^u^
■T.r r .1 • ^ • L II , Van Adams Cora Witherspoon
Murtin the script job, attended to that matter Dolly de Peyster Hedda Hopper
Stop, Look and Love
(20th Century-Fox)
Family Comedy
They could as well have called this "William
Frawley Goes to Town", because that salty
veteran of a thousand dumb-detective castings
does just that in it, and not as a flat-foot but
as a male head of as fit a film family as the
customers are accustomed to ask for. Other
members of this family are Minna Gombell as
the too talkative wife, Cora Sue Collins as the
minor daughter. Jay Ward as the son, Jean
Rogers as the grown daughter in the market
for marriage and Robert Kellard as (at picture
end) the son-in-law who supplies it. The cast
is as well balanced as a balloon on a seal's
nose and so's the story, one of those romantic
little things decked out with incidental humour
that keeps the chuckles coming.
Directed by Otto Brower for executive pro-
ducer Sol Wurtzel, the film flows as smoothly
as life in a middle class home, which is to say
un-smoothly, and leaves the impression that
there must be more to tell the customers about
this family. "The Family Upstairs," by Harry
Delf, is the story from which Harold Tarshis
and Sada Cowan derived the screen play, bring-
ing the family not only downstairs but down to
the ground in solid, earthly entertainment.
Previewed at the Upton theatre, Los Angeles,
where it kept a Friday night audience com-
pletely happy.— W.R.W.
Produced and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. Ex-
ecutive producer, Sol Wurtzel. Directeid by Otto
Brower. Screen play by Harold Tarshish and Sada
Cowan. Story by Harry Delf. Photographed by Lu-
cien Andriot. Film editor, Nick DeMaggio. P.C.A.
certificate No. 5497. Release date, undetermined. Run-
ning time, when seen in Hollywood, 60 minutes. Gen-
eral audience classification.
CAST
Louise Haller Jean Rogers
Joe Haller William Frawley
Dick Grant Robert Kellard
Dinty Eddie Collins
Emma Haller Minna Gombell
Dora Haller Cora Sue Cbllins
Willie Haller Jay Ward
Harry Neville Roger McGee
Rita Lillian Porter
Flight at Midnight
( Republic )
Air Adventure
Starring Phil Reagan, the singing cop from
New York, and with Jean Parker, Col. Roscoe
Turner, Robert Armstrong, Noah Beery, Jr.,
and Harlan Riggs in supporting roles, Repub-
lic's "Flight at Midnight" is an adventure film
of modern aviation.
Phil Reagan portrays the arrogant and ego-
tistical air-mail pilot and Noah Beery, Jr.,
is his assistant and constant companion. Rob-
ert Armstrong plays the government airport
inspector and Col. Roscoe Turner and Harlan
Riggs are the airport executives. Jean Parker
handles the female lead.
The Civil Aeronautics Authority sends "Jim
Brennan" to Norwalk Airport, run by "Pop
Hussey," to see that high-tension wires sur-
rounding the flying field are placed under-
ground. The airport, in financial difficulties,
cannot raise the necessary money. "Spinne
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
45
Magee" is grounded by "Jim" for reckless fly-
ing. "Spinner" starts his own flying school
and through a legal loophole disrupts the com-
mercial schedule of the field.
The plot reaches its climax when "Spinner"
prevents a transport plane, bearing visiting offi-
cials, from crashing by tearing down the wires
with his own plane. Funds for placing the wires
underground are made available and "Spinner"
is a hero.
Reviewed at a screening for the trade press
in Republic's projection room in New York.
— George Spires.
Produced and distributed by Republic. Associate pro-
ducer, Armand Schaefer. Directed by Sidney Salkow.
Screen play by Eliot Gibbons. From an original story
by Daniel Moore and Hugh King. Production manager
Al Wilson. Photographed by Ernest Miller. Supervising
Editor, Murray Seldeen, Film editor, William Morgan.
Art director, John Victor Mackay. Musical director,
Cy Feuer. Costumes by Adele Palmer. Special effects
by Howard Lydecker. Song: "I Never Thought I'd
Fall In Love Again" by Ralph Freed and Burtan Lane.
P.C.A. No. 5551. Release date, Aiigust 28, 1939. Run-
ning time, 66 minutes. General audience classification.
CAST
Spinner Phil Regan
Maxine Jean Parker
Ilimselt Col. Roscoe Turner
Jim Brennan Robert Armstrong
Torpy Noah Beery, Jr.
Pop Harlan Briggs
Josephine Helen Lynd
Mildred Barbara Pepper
Neary Harry Hay den
Bill Hawks Raymond Bailey
Death of a Champion
(Paramount)
Murder Mystery
The criminal apprehended in the closing
scenes of this film murders two men, a woman
and a dog before that point is reached, but the
killings and the finding out about who's guilty-
and-why are treated as background incidents for
comedy performances by Lynne Overman and
Donald O'Connor. Setting of the picture — in
and around a dog show — and the ways and
means of solving the mystery are unusual, but
no great melodramatic tension is attained.
Associate producer on the film was William
H. Wright, and direction is by Robert Florey.
Stuart Palmer and Cortland Fitzsimmons pre-
pared the screen play, which is from a story by
Frank Gruber. As reading matter, it may have
been more coherent and convincing than it is
as a picture. The Overman and O'Connor per-
formances are the film's principal bids for in-
terest.
Previewed at the Paramount studio. — W.R.W.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Associate
producer, William H. Wright. Directed by Robert
Florey. Screen play by Stuart Palmer and Cortland
Fitzsimmons. Story by Frank Gruber. P.C.A. cer-
tificate No. 5546. Release date, September 1, 1939.
Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 67 minutes.
General audience classification.
CAST
Oliver Quade Lynne Overman
Patsy Doyle Virginia Dale
Richie Oakes Joseph Allen
Small Fry Donald O'Connor
Lois Lanyard Susan Paley
Guy Lanyard Harry Davenport
Alec Temple Robert Paige
Ma Sloane May Boley
Coast Guard
( Columbia)
Maritime Melodrama
Any showman with screen sense can figure
out the design for the framework of this stereo-
typed salty saga if given the following table of
contents. Two boys, at the moment employed
as coast guard service men, desire the same
fair lass. With the customary logic peculiar
to her gender, the young lady chooses the Beau
Brummel of the barracks for better or worse
and for a while it looks as if she is to get the
last named result. The girl, who becomes fed
up on the daily ritual of keeping the evening
meal warm for her tardy spouse's return, walks
out on him to return to her granddaddy. Now
comes the picture's big punch moments. The
unsuccessful male in the combination is lost in
the arctic snows. What does the girl do when
faced with such a situation? Of course, she
runs right back to her hubby and persuades him
to fly to his rival's rescue.
The storm sequences, wherein the coastal
marines do their daily maritime good deed, are
passably exciting, if the spectator is indulgent
enough to overlook the patently "tank" and
miniature look of the setup. The finale's snow
snatch is eff^ected too patly and without enough
suspense for the spectator to become excited
over the proceedings.
The mid-afternoon audience j mostly on the
male margin, at the Globe theatre, lower price
main stem house, was mute in its reaction to
the "Rover Boys" rescue work. — Joseph F.
COUGHLIN.
Produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures. Pro-
ducer, Fred Kohlmar. Director, Edward Ludwig.
Screen play, Richard Maibaum. Albert Duffy, Harry
Segall. Cameraman, Lucien Ballard. Art director,
Lionel Banks. Film editor. Gene Milford. P.C.A.
Certificate No. 4943. Running time, 72 minutes. Re-
lease date, August 4, 19.^9. General audience classifi-
cation.
CAST
Speed Bradshaw Randolph Scott
Nancy Bliss Frances Dee
Lieut. Raymond Dower Ralph Bellamy
Tobias Bliss Walter Connolly
O'Hara Warren Hymer
Capt. Lyons Robert Middlemass
Comdr. Hooker Stanley Andrews
Lieut. Thompson Edmund MacDonald
Discoveries
(Grand National)
Radio Musical
Carroll Levis is Britain's equivalent to
America's Major Bowes. For some time past
his "Discoveries" has been a popular feature
of Britain's radio. His first film appearance
has been built to exploit that popularity, and
in so doing immediately commands for itself a
considerable public.
As a production effort it is obviously not
made on a multiple quota budget, and as a direc-
torial effort it is often as unpolished as the
performances of its "discoveries." Since its aim
is at a readymade public, it may be assumed
that the radio-fan-cum-picture-patron will over-
look the finer points in his or her readiness to
satisfy a natural curiosity about Mr. Levis, and
an interest in his brand of entertainment.
Levis plays himself, with a touch of idealism
about the role, that of a talent scout pestered
by would-be stars, who is sung to at the barber's
shop, whose waiter plays tricks with his poultry,
and who finds girl crooners under his bed
anxious for an intimate audition. Throughout
the film these potential stars of radio and vaude-
ville dance, imitate Laurel and Hardy, make
noises like motorbicycles and chant old Scot-
tish ballads — with variable results. Nor does
the script disdain a concession to sentiment by
weaving in a story of a Scottish mill girl who
wants an audition, but is run over trying to
save a child. Nor does the concession to senti-
ment stand in the way of concession to the
romantic — ^Mr. Levis rushes to hospital with an
eight piece band and gives her an audition in
the hospital ward!
Seen at a Cambridge Theatre preview the
film was received not unsympathetically, regis-
tered laughter at odd moments and was accorded
some applause at its conclusion. — Aubrey
Flanagan.
Produced and distributed by Grand National Pic-
tures. Directed by Redd Davis. Original story and
scenario, A. de Grunewald, Redd Davis and Cyril
Campion. Cameraman, Bryan Langley. Art director,
J. A. Carter. Editor, John Seabourne. General audi-
ence classification. Running time, 66 minutes.
CAST
Carroll Levis Carroll Levis
Cyril Levis Cyril Levis
Alfredo Afrique
Jim Pike Ronald Shiner
The Kitchen Maid Kathleen Harrison
P. W. Duggan Bertha Belmore
Miss Bella Brown Doris Hare
Mr. Schwitzer Issy Bonn
Mr. Spinelli Julien Vedey
Pearl Venters' Mother Barbara Everest
Susy Zoe Wynn
The Photographer Frank Atkinson
The Barbers The Three Ginx
The Hotel Manager Shayle Gardiner
What Would You
Do Chums?
(British National- Anglo American)
Low Life Cameo
A direct effort is made in this to recreate
the BBC's "Mr. Walker," of "Band Wagon"
fame, the "Junk Man Philosopher" who week
by week "wants to know" — ^"what would you
do, chums?" The throaty Cockney radio char-
acter actor here adopts for screen purposes the
personality and make-up which have, so be-
latedly in a talented career, endeared him to
some twenty million radio listeners. The pro-
duction, a characteristic John Baxter effort, is
sympathetic and has occasional flashes of
plebeian realism, but it is the endearing per-
sonality of the benignly throaty Mr. Walker
which is likely to pull them in.
The Junk Man's philosophising herein con-
cerns a girl living in the same tenements as he,
and who falls in love with a flashy youngster,
a distributor of counterfeit money and consort
of the pin table promoters. On her he lavishes
his lumbering affections, trying to persuade
her that she is backing the wrong horse. The
"What would you do?" element is saved to
the last, when Syd refuses to help the gangster
by telling the Judge a very easy lie, preferring
to send him to gaol and save the girl from
marital mishap. It all brings out the genial
rough-diamond personality created by Walker,
and results in a character to which the fans
will be endeared. .
An all trade audience at the Cambridge Thea-
tre preview showed obvioiis appreciation of the
film not only of the Cockneyisms and low life
atmosphere,' but of the Junk Man's homespun
philosophising. It was generally agreed by ex-
hibitors and others that the picture had ready-
made box office elements in its exploitation of
the angle of radio reputation.— Avrbey Flan-
agan. . , , . ,
A British National Film. Distributed by Anglo-
American. Produced by John Corfield. Directed by
John Baxter. Screen play, David Evans. Comedy
dialogue. Con West and Geoffrey Orme. Film editor,
Reginald Mills. Photography, James Wilson. Adult
audience classification. Running time, 75 minutes.
CAST
Syd Walker Sy<i Walker
Lucy ^'^"^ "^'"'^
Mike v. • Cyril Chamberlain
Tnp Jack Barty
=rom Wally Patch
Mossy V-J"''";," n^Y^"^^-^
Ernie Lenard Morns
Pqp Andrea Malandrinos
Sir Dougla"s Gci^on; ' K.C .Peter Gawthorne
jjarry Gus McNaughton
Slim " Arthur Finn
Inspector Wedge George Street
Los Enredos de Papa
(Papa's Misadventures)
(Miguel Zacarias)
Modern Mexican Comedy
A new slant on the lighter aspects of Mex-
ico today is given by this smooth and sparkling
comedy written, directed and produced by Mi-
guel Zacarias, a practiced scenarist but a com-
paratively new producer. There is no folklore
in the story, a manifestation of the trend away
from the outdoor adventure that has been rather
overdone in Mexico pictures. There is plenty
of amusement; but it is not of the good, clean
fun kind. Indeed, this one is subtlely spicy. The
whole picture, including its sharp points, is of
such universal appeal and humanness that it
could be put over well with English titles.
The neat, fast moving tale concerns what
happens when Chato (Pug Nose) Ortin, one
of the best of Mexican comedians, goes to
town to make merry use of the considerable
coin of his home spun wife, Sara Garcia, own-
er of a prosperous ranch, and gets tangled up
with his gay student son, Julian Soler, and
Victoria Blanco, Mexico City revue artiste.
The acting is of a high order. The best work
(Continued on page 48)
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
{Continued from page 45)
is done by Ortin, Soler, La Garcia and Miguel
Monte Mayor, who plays Ortin's other son.
Photography and sound are excellent.
Viewed at the select Cine Teatro Alameda,
Mexico City, where in two weeks it drew
$15,400, a new high gross for a Mexican pic-
ture. This theatre is patronised by the better
class Mexicans and Americans and other for-
eigners. It was noticeable that among those
who enjoyed it the most were many Ameri-
cans, residents as well as tourists. — James
LoCKHART.
Produced in Mexico by Miguel Zacarias. Running
time, 98 mins. Cameraman, Alex Phillips. Sound, Ing.
J. B. Carles.
CAST
Don Crisoforo Chato Ortin
Petra Sara Garcia
Margarita Victoria Blanco
Fernando Julian Soler
Lalito Miguel Monte Mayor
Lupita Blanca Rosa Otero
Pomposo. Angel T. Sala
Gertrudis Natalia Ortiz
Young Man's Fancy
(CAPAD-ABFD)
Victorian Romance
There may be a suggestion of escapism in this
Victorian pastiche, trailing its bustles and bric-
a-bric across the grim preoccupations of the
day, drowning the rumble of distant cannon in
the lusty music-hall ballads of the last century.
It comes conveniently at a moment when Vic-
torian vogues and traditions are, significantly,
fashionable.
The background against which Stevenson has
laid his fairy tale is the mid-Victorian London
of naughty noblemen and lusty music halls, and
the Paris of the Franco-Prussian War. Fanci-
ful and frail as is his Cinderella romance, his
picture has a slick period touch and his sense
of detail, whether in drawing room deportment
or Dundreary whiskers, is much of the picture's
entertainment value.
The Cinderella of the story, a young woman
who is shot from a gun every night in a Lon-
don music hall, goes to Paris with a nobleman's
son, to help him kill a loveless marriage. They
are caught in the Siege of Paris, caught, too,
in the toils of an inevitable love. Back in Lon-
don, however, his Ducal mother plots and all
but succeeds in ending the romance, until the
wily old father counterplots and reunites Cin-
derella with her fairy Duke.
It is insubstantial stuff, treated in a fanciful
vein, with Cinderella interpreted by the petite
Anna Lee. Seymour Hicks' genially rakish old
nobleman is a stereotyped conception, but Hicks
is amusing enough. Billy Bennett, in an all too
scant role as Miss Lee's military impresario, is
a Victorian W. C. Fields with an English
accent. Martita Hunt as the starchy Duchess,
Felix Aylmer and Morton Selten in pompous
English roles, Aimos as the acquisitive tramp,
are some of the artists who help give the
mossaic touches of personal interest.
Shown to a trade audience at the Cambridge
Theatre, the film was accepted without any
apparent discomfort. Laughter was reserved in
the main for Hicks' genial mountebankery. —
Aubrey Flanagan.
A CAP AD Production. Distributed by Associated
British Film Distributors. Produced by Michael Bal-
con. Directed by Robert Stevenson. Associate pro-
ducer, S. C. Balson. From a story by Robert Steven-
son. Dialogue, Roland Pertwee. Additional dialogue,
E. V. H. Emmett and Rodney Ackland. Photography,
Ronald Neame. Art direction, Wilfrid Shingleton.
Editors, Charles Saunders and Ralph Kemplen. Run-
ning time, 77 minutes. Adult audience classification.
CAST
Lord Alban ..Griffith Jones
Ada Anna Lee
Duke of Beaumont... Seymour Hicks
Duchess of Beaumont Martita Hunt
Gray Edward Rigby
Miss Crowther Meriel Forbes
Sir Caleb Crowther Felix Aylmer
Captain Boumphrey Billy Bennett
The Tramp Aimos
Blackbeard Francis L. Sullivan
Esmee Phyliss Monkman
Soames Aubrey Dexter
Mr. Fothergill Morton Selten
Mr. Trubshaw Allan Aynesworth
Chairman George Carney
I Killed the Count
(Grafton — Grand National)
Murder Mystery
For the British market this early presenta-
tion on Grand National's British program has a
ready-made box office appeal, for its star, Syd
Walker, has already mustered considerable radio
fame by his "Mr. Walker Wants to Know"
features. Fans who have hitherto been in ig-
norance of Mr. Walker's 20 years' allegiance to
stage and screen should by this time, with new
fame and popularity achieved, leap readily to
the chance of seeing him in a picture built to
exploit his beefy Cockney inquisitiveness. For
the wider market "I Killed the Count," made
in a pocket studio on unspectacular but polished
lines, has the appeal of a neatly devised, well
developed, murder mystery with a narrative
twist and a great deal of quiet character
comedy.
Though ostensibly a "whodunnit?" the film
transpires rather to be a "whodidnotdoit?" for
no less than four people confess to have mur-
dered Count Mattoni, each of them with a
plausible motive. As Inspector Davidson of
Scotland Yard, called to the job on the day
he is retiring to devote himself to his poultry.
Walker pieces together his clues, only to find he
has too many murderers — three of them were
would-be's. It is conventional enough in its
piecing together of evidence and counterevi-
dence, but it has a great deal of wit in its
treatment and the laughs are as frequent as, if
more credible than, the thrills. Walker's per-
sonality registers unusually well, though there
seems not much reason for his Hendon College
foil, adequately handled by Terence de Marney.
All the action unfolds in the block of flats
where the murder has been committed, but
Zelnik has given the film movement enough
to prevent any impression of stuffiness.
Seen in a West End house, with a popular
clientele, the film was obviously enjoyed from
start to finish and provoked much laughter in
the right places, if a little in the wrong places.
Interest in Walker was undisguised. — Aubrey
Flanagan.
A Grafton Production. Distributed by Grand Na-
tional. Produced by I. Goldsmith. Directed by Fred
Zelnik. From the play by Alec Coppel. Adaptation,
Laurence Huntington. Cameraman, Bryan Langley.
Film editor, Sam Simmonds. Art director, James
Carter. Running time, when seen in London, 89 min-
utes. Adult audience classification.
CAST
Det. Inspector Davidson Syd Walker
Bernard Froy Ben Lyon
Det. Raines Terence de Marney
Renee La Lune Barbara Blair
Lord Sorringtou Athole Stewart
Louise Rogers Antoinette Cellier
Count Mattoni LesHe Perrins
Diamond Dave Burns
Polly Kathleen Harrison
Martin Gus McNaugJiton
Mullet Ronald Shiner
Tohnson Aubrey Mallalieu
Chief inspector Robert Adair
The Phantom Creeps
(Universal)
Serial
Bela Lugosi, Robert Kent, Dorothy Arnold
and Regis Toomey are cast in the feature roles
of the latest Universal serial. It is produced
on the fantastic side, but is an absorbing work.
Lugosi portrays a scientist who creates a chemi-
cal element capable of inducing suspended ani-
mation to whole armies. He also has discovered
a means by which he can appear and disappear
at will. A former colleague, realizing the
danger of such elements in the hands of an
enemy, notifies the Military Intelligence depart-
ment. Robert Kent is a captain in the depart-
ment. Regis Toomey his assistant. The two
are sent to the scientific laboratory to prevent
him from selling his secrets to a foreign power.
The scientist escapes, and the hunt provides
many exciting adventures. Dorothy Arnold
portrays the newspaper reporter who has
stumbled onto the case. — Running time, 21 min-
utes per chapter.
Overland with Kit Carson
( Columbia)
Serial
This has the requisites of a good serial : hard
riding, much shooting and fighting, action al-
most every minute, an adequate love interest.
As a hero. Bill EUliott, who plays Kit Car-
son, is tall, good looking, toothily pleasant.
Iris Meredith, the heroine, will please, but does
not obtrude too much into the action of the
story, which will be good news to the children
and adolescents. The first episode, seen in a
New York projection room, details the efforts
of a band of "Black Raiders" to prevent settle-
men of the wilderness west of the Mississippi.
With Indian aid, they rob, murder. Their lead-
er is "Pegleg," who thinks the "empire" will
be his, if the settlers can be scared away. But
Kit Carson and Lieutenant Brent, of the United
States Army, are detailed to end the depreda-
tions. They save a wagon train from annihi-
lation by avalanche, as the first episode ends.
— running time, first episode, 28 minutes.
Three Minute Fuse
(Vitaphone)
Floyd Gibbons' "True Adventure"
Another thrill punch from the Floyd Gib
bons' "Your True Adventure" shockers is this
tension tickler about a building of a well and
a three minute dynamite fuse. The story is
simple and plausible and carries in its finale
an amount of high grade excitement that will
have any gathering clutching the edges of the
seat in vicarious and nervous participation.
An Oklahoma farmer is biulding a well and
meets a bed of rock, which he decides to blast
An ordinary three minute rope fuse is ignited.
The signal is given to raise the workman but
in the course of hoisting the man the rope
breaks and he falls unconscious to the bottom
of the pit. In the meantime the fuse is steadily
and ominously growing smaller. The com-
panions of the worker effect a contact with
the limp body of the man and drag him to
safety in the slimmest nick of time. So grip-
ping is the melodrama that the spectator does
not feel that the three minute fuse is a bit pro-
longed in causing the explosion. — Running
time, 11 minutes.
The Birth of Icebergs
(20th Century -Fox)
Father Hubbard Alaskan Adventure
In this first in a series of short travelogues
depicting the scientific studies of the "Glacier
Priest," Father Hubbard, in the Alaskan ice
fields, is studied the genesis of icebergs, ex-
ploding the popular contention that falling ice
is the start of the bergs. According to the
Jesuit explorer's pictorial record, the reason is
the breaking off of the berg from the bottom
of the mass as a result of pressure of tons of
ice above and the subsequent rise of the iceberg
to the position of being one-seventh above the
water and six-sevenths submerged. This con-
clusion is substantiated by the camera work.
The accompanying lecture is done easily, en-
tertainingly and thrillingly by Father Hubbard
and his quizzer, Lowell Thomas. — Running
time, 11 minutes.
Breaking the News
( Paramount )
Madison Square Garden
Ted Husing takes the audience to the great-
est sporting arena in Manhattan, Madison
Square Garden. News is constantly in the
making at the Garden, as the camera shows,
with horse shows, track meets, ice carnivals,
vaudeville shows, dance contests, fights, hockey,
tet?nis and many other events that constantly
make the headlines in the newspapers. Here
is an interesting subject revealing all that
happens in the sporting center. Running time,
10 minutes.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
49
James Roosevelt
Accept Bid to
Survey Studios
James Roosevelt, vice-president of Sam-
uel Goldwyn, Inc., has accepted writh res-
ervations the invitation of the Association
of Motion Picture Producers to study prob-
lems confronting Hollywood producers, in-
cluding inter-studio relationships.
Invitation from Schenck
The invitation came from Joseph M. Schenck,
president of the Producers Association, who,
in announcing the issuing of the invitation,
said: "Such a study, it is believed, will further
the common aim of the entire industry. Samuel
Goldwyn, with whose studios Mr. Roosevelt is
associated as vice-president, has graciously as-
sented to place the services of his associate at
our disposal for the purposes of this survey.
"In inviting Mr. Roosevelt to make this
study I wish to emphasize for both myself
and the producers that this action has reference
solely to local problems and has no relation
or bearing on any problems affecting certain
producers and the Federal Government."
Mr. Roosevelt accepted the invitation with
the following understanding: 1. that the study
would not involve a commitment to make spe-
cific recommendations unless such recommenda-
tions seemed advisable to Mr. Roosevelt.
2. That it was understood by the Producers
Association that Mr. Roosevelt was free to con-
tact any and all members of the industry dur-
ing the course of the studies.
3. That no stipulation of secrecy should be
attached to the investigation or its results.
Mr. Roosevelt stressed to Mr. Schenck that
he fully realized the vastness of the problems
involved and hoped it would be understood that
due to Mr. Roosevelt's unfamiliarity with many
aspects of the industry, such a study will re-
quire a considerable period of time.
To Head Producers Group?
The announced assignment of James
Roosevelt is being interpreted in Hollywood
as an initial step in the direction of estab-
lishing Roosevelt in the position of head of
the producers' association.
While no official word on the subject has
been thus far made available it is acknowl-
edged by persons in a position to know that
the Roosevelt assignment to conduct a sur-
vey of studio conditions and inter-studio re-
lations is a grooming operation intended
eventually to lead to his retirement from
the Goldwyn organization and his appoint-
ment as chief executive of the Association
of Motion Picture Producers, Hollywood.
The executive work of the association
has long been in the hands of Fred Beetson
as secretary-treasurer. The presidency of
the association has been largely a chair-
manship position, occupied by a leading
production executive. The present incum-
bent is Joseph M. Schenck who, two years
ago, succeeded Louis B. Mayer, who had
been president for seven years.
On various occasions there has been an
agitation among association members for a
so-called working executive who would de-
vote his whole time to administration of
the afYairs of the association. It is now
understood that interest has become cen-
tered on young Roosevelt for this position
and_ that he will proceed there after com-
pleting the preliminary survey work.
California Analyzes Wages,
Employment In The Studios
Motion picture indtistry employees receive an average income more than twice that
of employees in other California industries, it is shown in a study made by that
state's Department of Employment and embodied in a booklet entitled "Careers".
The motion picture industry statistics are provided by J. Russell Franks, assistant
statistician of the department.
In noting the high income of the studio workers, compared with other types,
Mr. Franks points out, first, that the state's employers' payroll during 193 8 was
$1,997,300,000, and that the payroll of the industry was $144,663,000, or approxi-
mately 7.2 per cent of the state total; but that the industry employed only 3.3 per cent
of the total working in all state industries.
Mr. Franks notes that the monthly wages in the industry during 193 8 averaged
$12,500,000 and that during December these reached $15,323,000. Christmas bonuses
were assigned as the reason for the December increase.
That there is a "marked" decrease of employment during July, August and Sep-
tember in the motion pictures is also noted, and it is explained as:
"... probably due, for the most part, to the concurrent reduction by the motion
picture companies of operations during this period. Some of it may be due to a
slight redjiction in theatre employment during the summer months. It is well known
that motion picture companies at times reach a peak in their production schedules
concurrently."
No Lottery Found
In Mansfield Case
A decision considered of importance to
Ohio exhibitors because of the precedent in-
volved was handed down by Marian Ward,
city solicitor in Mansfield, in his refusal
to issue an affidavit against Grattan John-
son, manager of Warner's Madison, for vio-
lation of the Ohio lottery law in operation of
Bank Night, as requested by Police Chief
Meade K. Bates, whose request was predi-
cated on the first award to a patron hold-
ing a paid admission ticket. Arrests have
continuously been threatened since the game
was recently inaugurated.
Gambling Attacked
"In reading cases involving lotteries and
schemes of chance it is apparent that the pur-
pose of the law and consequently the duty of
this office is to prosecute types of gambling and
lotteries involving moral turpitude and the
lure of gambling to the extent that men's
wages are fleeced, families deprived of food,
clothing and shelter, and not to prosecute gift
awards operated solely for the purpose of pro-
moting business, was the written opinion of
the city solicitor.
"Three elements must be present to consti-
tute a violation of the state lottery law. These
are a prize, an award and a consideration. The
first two elements were definitely present, but
there is nothing in the report to indicate that
money was paid, or an amount added to the
admission price to participate in the game,
or constitute a fund from which a prize would
be given," the report continued.
In commenting on the decision, and declar-
ing that no further steps would be taken, Chief
Bates said: "It was the duty of the police de-
partment to place the matter before the city
solicitor who represents the city in all legal
matters and who prosecutes cases. All we can
do is abide by his decision. There will be no
effort on the part of the police department to
interfere with Bank Night in any theatre as
long as it is conducted as it has been in the
past."
The Ohio, a sister house, has more recently
inaugurated Bank Night, and Sol Bernstein,
manager of the independent Ritz, announced
that his house now will conduct the game. The
Park, an independent unit, has been featuring
Pay-Off Night, which in all essentials is simi-
lar to Bank Night.
Other Developments
All drawings in theatres, games of chance,
including Bingo, and other forms of gambling
have been banned by the Sussex County, N.
J., prosecutor. Similar bans were put into
effect in recent months by the prosecutors in
Passaic, Bergen and Morris counties, all situ-
ated in the northern part of New Jersey.
An injunction restraining city officials in
Chicago from stopping "Dr. I. Q.," radio show
at the Chicago theatre, has been upheld by
Daniel Cavelli, master-in-chancery. City offi-
cials apparently have dropped the suit as they
did not file answers when due. The National
Broadcasting Company on Monday started
broadcasting of "Dr. I. Q." from the
stage of the Stanley theatre in Pittsburgh.
Hearing on the petition of Charles W.
Trampe, head of Film Service, Inc., Milwau-
kee, for an injunction to restrain Bingo in
Bahn Frei Hall, has been set for September
11th by Daniel W. Sullivan, circuit judge.
Edward Goldstein, owner of the Bank Night
franchise for New York and New Jersey, has
won a verdict by the supreme court of New
Jersey, enforcing a Bank Night contract against
the Barclay Amusement Corporation, owner
of the Ramsey at Ramsey, N. J.
Star Yiddishe Bande
The Yiddishe Bande, Polish- Jewish art
troupe, who made their American debut on
Broadway last season, will be starred in
"Kol Nidre," a new Yiddish feature picture
which is now being produced and directed
by Joseph Seiden at the Cinema studios at
Palisades, N. J.
Plan Pastor Rim
Warner Brothers have announced plans
to make a film of the life of Tony Pastor.
50
Oklahoma Allied
Sets Convention
The organizing- board of Allied Theatre
Owners of Oklahoma has made arrange-
ments for the first annual convention of the
organization September 26th and 27th at
the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, ac-
cording to Orville Von Gulker, chairman.
Discussion will center around legislation,
monopoly practices and the problem of the
small independent exhibitor. The conven-
tion delegates are expected to take action on
a buying pool for Oklahoma independents
and on a constitution for Allied in Okla-
homa. The organization is under the laws
of the state of Oklahoma.
R. J. Hiehle, president of the Independent
Theatre Owners of West Virginia, has
announced that the annual convention of
the organization which was originally sched-
uled for only one day, September 26th, has
been extended several days due to the num-
ber of matters of importance to bfe dis-
cussed and voted upon at the convention.
Election of officers will be one of the
features of the meeting of this new Allied
unit. Irving Daniel Davis, chairman of the
convention committee, is preparing an elab-
orate program for the entertainment of all
who attend, and exhibitors have been in-
vited to bring their wives as well as any
other guests.
Survey of Sales Policies
The ]\Iotion Picture Theatre Owners of
Western Pennsylvania has instituted an-
other survey of product to determine the
actual sales policies of the various film dis-
tributing organizations and when an accu-
rate analysis has been completed it will
be available for its members at the Pitts-
burgh headquarters.
M. A. Rosenberg, president, and Fred J.
Herrington, secretary, have issued a bulle-
tin requesting exhibitors to attend an im-
portant meeting to be held early this month
in preparation for the MPTO's annual
convention in October by which time they
expect to have the trade survey completed.
Kansas-Missouri Group
To Hold Series of Meetings
A series of regipnal meetings for inde-
pendent exhibitors is planned for September
by the Kansas-Missouri Theatres Associa-
tion, according to Frank Cassill, St. Joseph,
Mo., president.
Purpose of the meetings will be to discuss
the problem of trade practices, and, if pos-
sible, to work out some plan of campaign
that will result in adoption by the industry
of practices more satisfactory to exhibitors
than the present. Turning down of the code
by the U. S. Justice Department has left the
situation in a state of uncertainty. Exhibitors
feel that some course of action should be
outlined, Mr. Cassill said.
There will be six meetings in Kansas,
four in Western Missouri, with dates and
places to be set shortly.
Levy Leaves MPTOA
The resignation of Edward G. Levy of
New Haven as general counsel of the Mo-
tion Picture Theatre Owners Association
has been announced by Ed Kuykendall, pres-
ident. Mr. Levy was recently convicted of
conspiring to defraud the city of Waterbury,
Conn.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of August 26
CRITERION
Jitterbug Knights Columbia
Sons of Liberty Vitaphone
Feature: Death of a Cham-
pion Paramount
MUSIC HALL
Sea Scouts RKO Radio
Stranger Than Fiction, No. Universal
67
Big Fish Columbia
Feature: Fifth Avenue Girl. . RKO Radio
PARAMOUNT
Paramount Pictorial, No. I I . Paramount
Death Valley Thrills Paramount
Yip Yip Yippy Paramount
Feature: Our Leading Citizen . Paramount
RIALTO
Riding the Crest RKO Radio
The Old Mill RKO Radio
Feature: Conspiracy RKO Radio
RIVOLI
Sea Scouts RKO Radio
Pack Trip RKO Radio
Feature: "When Tomorrow
Comes Universal
ROXY
Conquering the Colorado .. 20th Cent.-Fox
The Golden West 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: Hotel for Women .20th Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Remember When Vitaphone
hIare-Um Scare-Um Vitaphone
Feature: Old Maid First National
Patel Arrives Here
To Survey Studios
Baburao Patel, president of the Film Jour-
nalists' Association of India, arrived in New
York on the Normandie Monday. Mr. Patel,
who is also a member of the Central Board
of Governors of the Indian Motion Picture
Congress and editor of Filmindia, is making
a five month tour of the leading motion
picture studios of the world to study condi-
tions and methods of work. He has already
visited France, Germany and England and
represented India at the International Film
Journalists' Conference in Brussels.
National Decency Legion
Classifies Nine Films
Of nine pictures reviewed and classified
by the National Legion of Decency in its
current listing, five were approved for gen-
eral patronage. The list follows :
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "Conspiracy," "Death of a
Champion," "Jones Family in Quick Mil-
lions," "Oklahoma Terror," "Smuggled
Cargo." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for
Adults: "Fifth Avenue Girl," "Golden
Boy." Class B, Objectionable in part : "I
Demand Payment," "The Man They Could
Not Hang."
Forest Service Subject
Emerson Yorke, independent short sub-
ject producer, will produce "Big Game in
Alaska," short subject, for the United States
Forest Service.
September 2, 1939
Urges ''A'' Films
For Argentina
American distributors must eliminate the
"B" or at least the "C" product from the
Argentine market and export only their big
pictures if they want to hold that territory
and particularly the second run theatres,
Clemente Lococo, Buenos Aires circuit op-
erator, said this week in New York.
Mr. Lococo said that Argentine films con-
stitute real competition to Hollywood pic-
tures, although their production is greatly
limited in quantity. He said the Argentine
studios are making progress in improving
quality of their output.
In addition to the heavy play time given
to domestic films in the Argentine interior,
neighborhood houses in the large cities are
increasing their bookings on Spanish lan-
guage pictures, he said.
The Argentine studios will produce 50
features this season and plan to boost the
figure to 60 in 1939-'40. Mr. Lococo, who
operates 13 theatres, is a joint managing
director of the EFA studio in Buenos
Aires. This company plans to make eight
features this year.
Mr. Lococo also visited Hollywood and
while there signed Tito Guizar, Mexican
player who has been under contract to
Paramount, to star for EFA. Guizar has
invested a substantial sum in the company
and will be an executive, acting as associate
producer. He will leave Hollywood in
February to make two films for the Argen-
tine company.
The South American exhibitor signed
Hollywood studio technicians and purchased
equipment in New York for EFA. He
sails Friday on the Uruguay for Buenos
Aires.
Lorenzen Granted Patent;
Callaghan to Market It
A patent has been allowed to Robert
Lorenzen, which claims cover natural color
in television. That is, the primary colors in
combination with a cathode ray will repro-
duce upon the screen the televised pictures
in natural colors.
George H. Callaghan, joint owner with
Mr. Lorenzen, will market the patent.
Long-Term Lease
Quimby Theatres, Fort Wayne, Ind., has
taken a long-term lease on the Paramount
theatre there. It will be operated as a first
run house along with the Emboyd and the
Palace and the Jefferson and Riley as second
run. The theatre will be opened under the
changed policy around the middle of Sep-
tember.
Plan South American Visit
Following completion of their current
feature comedy "The Flying Deuces," which
Boris Morros is producing for RKO Radio,
Laurel and Hardy plan a series of personal
appearance tours followed by a visit to South
America. According to Laurel, an Argen-
tine producer wants the comedy team to
make a picture with Spanish dialogue.
Goldstone Joins Times Pictures
Harry Goldstone is now associated with
Times Pictures, Inc., New York Exchange.
The Killers Sneered
at the Hangman,
yet'** a doctor^ s needle sent them
screaming to their doom!
A powerful theme
A trail-blazing scientist attempts to cure
crime by inoculations of untainted blood
serum and glandular extracts!
An engrossing story in return for their freedom, eight assorted
public enemies submit their bodies for a
fugitive doctor's bizarre experiments !
Breath-taking melodrama As the hard-boiled human "guinea pigs '
^ — become panic-stricken and mutiny, turn-
ing a palatial floating laboratory into a
charnel house of flowing blood!
"TORTURE SHIP"
Suggested by the story, "A Thousand Deaths/^ by
JACK LONDON
With this magnificient box-office cast
IRVING PICHEL
LYLE TALBOT
EL BRENDEL
JACQUELINE WELLS
SHEILA BROMLEY
ANTHONY AVERILL
RUSSELL HOPTON
Screenplay by
George Sayre
Directed by
VICTOR HALPERIN
PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION
1436 No. Beach wood Drive, Hollywood, Calif
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September 2 , 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
53
MANAGERS
ROUND TABLE
oin international association of showmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
QP
In Pf^hich Is Told a Tale of Magic
The traveler, weary with the look of the world, after many
years of wandering in the lands over the sea, had returned to
the tribal home. His garb was shabby, his eyes bright.
"I have seen many wonders among the Infidels," he declared
before the night campfires.
The tribe was unmoved. "What wonder have you seen we
know not of?" sneered the Magician, as with rapid hands he
caused elephants to disappear, dross to turn to gold, water
to wine.
"Tell me, Magician," queried the wanderer: "If the Great
Presence in his infinite wisdom blessed our Chieftain with a
son, how quickly would the glad tidings be known in every
far corner of the kingdom?"
The Magician thought but for a moment. "With our royal
racing camels, fleet as the winds, but weeks would elapse be-
fore His Majesty's subjects all would come bearing gifts."
The traveler smiled. "I have seen a magic, my brothers,
whereby one who was nothing at the sun's setting became
favored in th© eyes of millions in every corner of the land
before the next dawning."
Disbelief crowded the night. Derision smote the ears of the
speaker. "By the beard of the Prophet," the Magician shouted,
"the lad is touched by the moon. He speaks of camels with
wings." The tribe howled in glee.
The wanderer sat patiently. When laughter died, he told
this strange tale:
In the far-off land of Scranton, in the high mountains of the
Poconos, lived a girl-child, fair of face and form, who sang
for the sick, danced for the weary. Known first only to friends
and family, her talents soon became famed far beyond the
border. In due time, summoned to the fabulous paradise of
Hollywood, the child bid fond farewells and went her way.
For many moons she sang and danced, her image limned on
magic film, her golden voice captured for posterity. Word
soon seeped fortji that here was something. Prophets stormed
her door. Only guarded replies were made.
A prophet is without honor only in his own country, but not
in Hollywood, my brothers. And thus to the Chieftain of Scran-
ton was made known the girl would return to her native land
to celebrate the 'great tidings. Then went the clarion call to
the hills, the mines, the pastures. Then came legions to pay the
girl homage.
From the canyons of Manhattan to the farthest reach of the
land, messages were tapped out bidding the prophets to
gather. By giant bird through the skies, by iron camel train
they came. Processions held forth until the night. All was
feasting and rejoicing.
Then from magic boxes were brought forth the image, the
golden voice. The multitudes gazed, listened, were pleased.
Praise filled the civic scrolls. The prophets tapped words — thou-
sands and thousands of words that boomed through the valleys
and forests, that rode the mountains to all parts of the king-
dom. By dawning, every distant place in the land knew of the
girl, waited the coming of her image and song.
The wanderer finished. He faced the listening throngs
hushed with the unfolding of such magic from the skies.
Silence was broken by the raucous mirth of the Magician.
"A likely tale," he snorted, as again his graceful fingers brought
forth elephants where there were none, gold from dross and
wine from water.
But now none paid him heed. They crowded about the wan-
derer. "By what name is known this magic?" they urged.
"Motion picture publicity," was the simple answer.
V V V
That's a cute trick described by Art Wartha on his recent
visit here. On a large wallboard prominently placed in his
office, Wartha pins tear sheets of current merchant tie-ups
where they can immediately be seen by other store owners
who drop in to visit with the Round Tabler. More times than
not, according to Art, a tie-in hanging in the balance or one
suggested by the visiting merchant is put over then and there.
54
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
Placed in the lobby of the Lyceum Theatre in Duluth,
Minn., by Manager George Irwin was a ballot box used
during run of Stanley and Livingstone". On top was
copy reading: "Do you think that Spencer Tracy de-
serves the Academy Award for his portrayal of Stanley
in the picture you have just seen?" Patrons were pro-
vided with ballot slips with the same copy asking them
to register their vote.
Round Table
n Pictures
Created by Manager Harold B. Lyon and publicity director, Lionel Was-
son, was the tombstone stunt erected in front of the Capitol Theatre in
Burlington, Iowa, for "Frontier Marshal". Lionel reports the gag as most
effective and creating plenty of word-of -mouth comment.
Here Lies The Guy
Who Thought He
was faster On The
Locating a missionary who had lived in Africa for years who was the
owner of a very good collection of authentic specimens, J. S. Thomason,
Kitz, McPherson, Kan., promoted him for use of material which was used
as illustrated above for his date on "Tarzan Finds a Son".
Created by Manager Charlie Bierbauer of the Wilmer (3 Vincent Colonial
Theatre in Allentown, Pa., was the cutout standee of Donald Duck in
"Donald's Cousin Gus". Standing at the left of the setpiece may be seen
Nick Todorov, assistant to Bierbauer.
Se pte m b e r 2 , 19 3 9
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
55
Growing more popular among the-
atremen for promotional purposes is
the new Bantam car. Reproduced at
right may be seen how Milt Harris,
director of publicity for Loew's Cleve-
land Theatres, street ballyed his "Man
in the Iron Mask" date at Loew's
State. Car, appropriately bannered,
was driven about town by man wear-
ing a mask and was also ridden into
the Potdtry Congress then in session
locally. Holding the flagpole, center,
is United Artists' exploiteer, Ed Fisher,
who aided Harris on the date.
fmm ag^
}Vm SAJUAffl
mmm.
HAJLEY
Shown at left is part of the attractive lobby
display conceived by Manager Maurice K.
Gable of the Boyd Theatre in Philadelphia for
"The Wizard of Oz". The display was erected
in the lobby four weeks in advance of play-
date. As part of the campaign, the four mid-
gets who appeared in the picture, along with
the costumes ivhich the studio furnished, were
used in a ballyhoo in which they toured the
entire city of Philadelphia ahead of run of
picture.
'Novel and inexpensive are the at-
tention-compelling fronts used by
H. A. Doman of the Harris-DuBois
Theatre in DuBois, Pa. Theatreman
passes the idea along to readers who
have a Carrara or other type glass
front. Doman promotes the local
paint store for sufficient wallpaper to
cover his front. This is put on right
over the glass by use of ordinary
powder wallpaper paste. Then his
artist, Stan J. Sekula, whom Doman
credits with the idea, goes to work
adding his lettering, etc. Theatreman
says, to remove these fronts, merely
wet the paper with a hose, let it soak
a few moments and then peel off.
56
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 2, 1939
LOEW POLI DIVISION
SET FOR NEW SEASON
HARRY F. SHAW
Motor Caravan Tied in with
Crosley Autos; Governors
Endorse Elaborate Campaign
Even more pretentious than past perform-
ances will be the new season movie activities
of the Loew Poll New England circuit of
theatres comprised of
fourteen houses in
Worcester, Spring-
field, Hartford, Mer-
i d e n , Waterbury,
New Haven and
Bridgeport, Harry F.
Shaw, division man-
ager and Lou
Brown, division
publicity chief, have
just announced.
This year, to offi-
cially open the 1939-
1940 season, the ac-
tivities will form a
motor caravan, officially known as the
"Loew Poli Movie Hit Parade-Crosley
Motor Cavalcade."
Cars Driven by College Girls
Through a promotion with the Crosle}^
Company, arrangements have been made to
use ten of the new cars, specially constructed
and painted pastel shades, which will form
the main body of the caravan. Each car will
be driven by a college girl recruited from
one of the Connecticut colleges, snappily
attired in abbreviated costumes of collegiate
swing outfits, designed to attract the eye.
In addition each car will be bannered with
pennants both front and back.
The magnitude of this year's event is
greater than previous ventures. This year
the caravan will officially start off in Boston,
where the Governor of Massachusetts will
fire the starting gun. A tour of Boston will
be made, in which Loew's State and Or-
pheum will participate. From Boston the
cavalcade will move to Worcester for a
similar celebration and then to Providence
where Eddie McBride, manager of Loew's
State will arrange a one day celebration.
From Providence the caravan will move to
Springfield and then through Connecticut.
Activities in Boston are being handled by
H. M. Addison, division manager and Joe
DiPesa, publicity representative.
Caravan Disbands at Fair
By far the most outstanding incident of
this year's event is the fact that after the
caravan leaves Bridgeport, it will journey
into New York and to the World's Fair and
will be disbanded at the Crosley exhibit
there, following a celebration in which
Grover Whalen and Crosley officials will
participate.
The caravan will get under way in Boston
on Thursday, September 7th. It will be seen
in Worcester on September 8th ; Providence,
September 9th; Springfield, September 11th;
Hartford, September 12th ; Meriden and
Waterbury, September 13th; New Haven,
September 14th; Bridgeport, September 15th
and the World's Fair on September 16th.
In every town to be visited, local man-
agers are completing plans for parades
with numerous bands and in which they
will feature their current and coming attrac-
tions on banners. Local merchants have
been asked to cooperate by putting in floats,
decorating their windows and using cooper-
ative ads. The mayors of the various towns,
as well as the Governors of Massachusetts,
Rhode Island and Connecticut will sign a
special scroll congratulating the theatres on
their civic activities and honoring the golden
jubilee of motion pictures. Theatres will be
gaily decorated and a holiday atmosphere
will prevail in each town. Special escorts of
state and city police will travel with the
caravan.
Managers participating in the activities of
various towns include Matt Saunders, Mor-
ris Rosenthal and Harry Rose of Bridge-
port; Bob Russell, Sam Bandamo and Bill
Elder of New Haven; Ed Fitzpatrick of
Waterbury; Joe Samartano of Meriden;
Jack Simons and Lou Cohen of Hartford;
George Freeman of Springfield; Monk
Maloney, Joe Amstead and Bob Portle of
Worcester; Howard Burkhardt and Fred
Greenway of Boston; Eddie McBride of
Providence, and Elliott Kronish of the Loew
Poli office.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Novel Contest Lands
Floyd Full Co-op Page
Asking readers of the Daily Argus-
Leader, Sioux Falls, S. D., to name the five
who came back in the thriller "Five Came
Back," Manager Joe Floyd of the Holly-
wood Theatre won the house a full co-op
page. Four hundred persons entered. Repro-
duced photos of the leading characters were
spotted in the various advertisements. One
was headed "They All Come Back," copy of
a local printing company.
Floyd hooked up with a radio station. Five
names were selected from the Sioux Falls
telephone directory each day and announced
in the evening over the air, these being ad-
mitted free. All parties who came to the
theatre in groups of five were admitted for
four admissions.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Daughters Contest Staged
On "My Darling Daughter"
A contest directed at local daughters was
planted recently in local paper by Harry
Salisbury, as his advance on "Yes, My
Darling Daughter" at the Time Theatre, in
Rochester, Minn. Open to girls between
the ages of 18 and 25, a complete list of
questions was run in the cooperating news-
paper, including queries on ambitions, in-
terests, attitudes toward a movie career,
etc., etc.
Contestants were also asked to write 100
words on a problem a mother and daughter
face in the picture, provided they saw it, if
not then they could write something on
"Should a daughter marry against the
wishes of a mother?" Contest ran for a
week with paper coming through with stor-
ies and art work ahead and during run.
Town Celebrates
Boy Scout Return
and Bill Bows In
Recently prominent in the nation's head-
lines, Donn Fendler, the Boy Scout res-
cued by the good folk of Millinocket, after
eight days of wandering in the Maine woods,
passed up the state-wide celebration in his
honor to personally thank the community
for finding him. The announcement of
Fendler's return made just a day ahead of
his appearance gave Bill Johnson, of the
Opera House in that spot an opportunity to
take over the celebration and roll up his
biggest single day's summer grosses, in-
stead of being lost in the shuffle during the
festivities.
Secures Newsreel Shots
When the news broke, Johnson burned
up the wires to get the Paramount news-
reel shots of the rescue for the big day.
After plenty of booking and other head-
aches it was accomplished, and with only
a few hours to work. Bill went to town.
First, he had printed the first and only
life-time pass to the Opera House and ar-
ranged for the First Selectman to present
it at the official reception. Then, the Round
Tabler had flyers printed and distributed
announcing the newsreel showings. Wel-
come banners, out front and screen notices
were also run.
For the parade of welcome, the Opera
House was the only spot in town decorated
for the occasion due, of course, to Bill's fast
work, as was the giant street welcome ban-
ner arranged by the committee and made
possible by the theatreman's cooperation.
The flash, later displayed over the stage
during the official reception, at the request
of the Scout's father, was autographed by
every resident of Millinocket and presented
to the lost boy as a permanent souvenir. In-
vited to be the first signer. Bill passed up
the honor in favor of the Mayor but of-
fered the use of his lobby for the official
autographing which went on for a number
of days.
Official Party Attends Show
As directly concerns the theatre's grosses,
Johnson had the entire official party over
to see the newsreel shots, their first oppor-
tunity to do so since he was playing the re-
lease some two weeks ahead of date. This
made for capacity attendance and also for
every showing during the day. Much good-
will was engendered.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Cardboard Thermometers Help
Fitzpatrick on "Andy Hardy"
Made up by Manager Ed Fitzpatrick at
the Poli Theatre in Waterbury, Conn., were
several giant cardboard thermometers with
copy reading " 'Andy Hardy Gets Spring
Fever' and his temperature soars higher than
the mercury." Cut of Mickey was included
with copy below on cast, playdates, etc.
These novelties were planted prominently at
local beaches, amateur fight stadium and
spots wherever crowds congregated.
September 2, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
57
Big-League Short
Secured by Baker
On Baseball Tieup
NEW AWARDS RECORD
With the sensational total of 45 Fortnight Appointments for 44 entries, a record
number of honors in the Preliminaries of the Quigley Awards is established. The
Third Fortnight of the Third Quarter thus marks a new high for the 1939 Competi-
tions. There now remain four further Fortnight periods before the Quarter ending.
WALLY ALLEN
Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.
R. J. BAKER
Dixie, Rochester, N. Y.
GEORGE BANNAN
Van Wert, Van Wert, O.
RAY BELL
Loew's, Washington, D. C.
LIGE BRIEN
Prince, Ambridge, Pa.
HARRY BROWN
Loew's Cameo, Brooklyn, N. Y.
JOHN BURHORN
Gayety, Chicago, IN.
WALLY CALDWELL
Loew's Valentine, Toledo, O.
LOUIE CHARNINSKY
Capitol, Dallas, Tex.
MOON CORKER
Palace, Athens, Ga.
WALLACE COWEN
Princess, Modesto, Cal.
MARLOWE CONNER
Rhodes, Chicago, III.
H. A. DOMAN
Dubois, Dubois, Pa.
ERNIE EDENEAL
Paramount, Mitchell, S. D.
ED FITZPATRICK
Poli, Waterbury, Conn.
EDDIE FORESTER
Omaha, Omaha, Neb.
LOU GOLDEN
Orpheum, St. Paul, Minn.
FRANCIS GOOCH
Uptown, Bath, Me.
MILT HARRIS
Loew's, Cleveland
THOR HAUSCHILD
Paramount, Marion, Ind.
R. S. HELSON
Napier, Napierville, III.
GEORGE IRWIN
Lyceum, Duluth, Minn.
BILL JOHNSON
Opera House, Millinocket, Me.
A. J. KALBERER
Indiana, Washington, Ind.
GEORGE KRASKA
Fine Arts, Boston, Mass.
GUS LAMPE
Keith's, Syracuse, N. Y.
HADDEN MAHHEWS
69th Street, Upper Darby, Pa.
HOMER McCALLON
Loew's, Houston, Tex.
BRYAN McELLIGOn
Capitol, Aberdeen, Minn.
RUSS McKIBBON
Royal, Guelph, Ont., Canada
RALPH PHILLIPS
State, Sioux Falls, S. D.
JIMMIE REDMOND
Bonham, Fairbury, Neb.
MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
HARRY SALISBURY
Time, Rochester, Minn.
CHARLES SCHLAIFER
United Artists, San Francisco
DWIGHT SEYMOUR
Kermit, Kermit, Tex.
TOM SORIERO
United Artists, Los Angeles
CHARLES B. TAYLOR
Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.
STUART TOMBER
Fargo, Sycamore, III.
WALTER VAN CAMP
DON ALEXANDER
Paramount, St. Paul, Minn.
FRANK VENNETT
Opera House, Bath, Me.
ERLE WRIGHT
Paramount, Syracuse, N. Y.
BILL YEARSLEY
Circle, Philadelphia, Pa.
CHARLES ZINN
Uptown, Minneapolis, Minn.
While the Awards now point to the halftvay point in the Third Quarter, the race
for the annual honors is still wide open. Newcomers to the Competitions have time
enough to roll iLp an impressive total before the end of the year, else they are left
far behind by theatremen tvho have been consistent wimters since the beginning.
Produced under the supervision of Lew
Fonseca, former big league star, and now
head of the American League Professional
Baseball Club, there is available to juve-
nile organizations a baseball reel called "The
First Century of Baseball," the cost under-
written by Fisher Body Corporation. Show-
ings are restricted to only those situations
where the reel is screened free of any admis-
sion charges and thus it was quite an ac-
complishment for Manager R. J. Baker of
Schine's Dixie, in Rochester, to obtain the
film for showing at his theatre.
Baker was successful in getting Oliver
French, manager of the Rochester Red
Wings to cooperate in running Knothole
Gang Day in the 10 local Schine theatres
on a Saturday when the Red Wings were
out of town. French also gave each of the
theatres four official baseball bats, four of-
ficial league baseballs, regulation Knothole
uniforms and gloves, all autographed by the
stars of the Red Wings, as well as plugging
the event over the air and giving announce-
ments over the public address system while
at the local stadium. A local pop manufac-
turer was contacted to provide free drinks
for the kids. Planted in front of his theatre
by Baker was an old fashioned fence with
knot holes, on which was a message ad-
dressed to the kids, plugging the reel and
scene stills from the picture.
Baker says aside from the fact that the
film can be secured gratis, the idea can be
worked in any town that has a baseball
club, either professional or amateur.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Jacobson Gets Merchants
To Sponsor Kiddie Picnic
Sponsored by local merchants, several
thousand programs were distributed among
kids by Eddie Jacobson of the Rainbo The-
atre, in Detroit, informing them that the
first 300 attending a Saturday matinee would
receive a free invitation to a picnic to be
held at nearby isle. Arrangements were
made with local cab company to furnish
transportation. The first stop was at the
City Hall, where Mayor Reading gave a
safety talk to the children, after which they
proceeded to the picnic. Cabs which were
properly bannered were escorted by police
department safety car and two motorcycle
officers.
At the island, kids received promoted
candy and ice cream, in addition to prizes
which were awarded in connection with vari-
ous games.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Smith's Stencilled Footprints
Small stencilled footprints preceded by a
giant one were planted in the lobby of the
Paramount Theatre, in Hot Springs, Ark.,
by Clyde Smith for "Gracie Allen Murder
Case." All prints pointed toward the inner
lobby, larger footprint carried copy on the
title and playdates, while the small ones
simply bore the imprint of a question mark.
Albertson Ties Old Songs
To "Castles" Engagement
With a local resident having a hobby of
collecting old songs. Jack Albertson, at the
Indiana, Indiana Harbor, for "The Castles,"
promoted him on the idea of displaying his
hobby in conjunction with the showing of
the picture. Jack then sold town's largest
furniture store on a stunt whereby they
agreed to display the songs together with
two large cutouts of Astaire and Rogers in
their best window week in advance of play-
dates. Cooperating newspaper ran stories
on the tieup with due credits to the picture.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Lightman Reports
Recent Activities
On all stop lights within a radius of 25
miles of the Paramount Theatre, in Jackson,
Tenn., Manager M. A. Lightman, Jr., hung
signs reading: "Don't run red light, 'Only
Angels Have Wings' " ; signs were also
planted at all dangerous street crossings.
Window tieups were numerous, in which
miniature displays of airplanes, helmets, and
other paraphernalia were featured. Model
airplane contests were planted in cooperating
newspaper, bumper strips were used week
in advance, as were cards on backs of all
cars, and for his marquee, LightiTian hung
model airplanes. On "Tarzan Finds a Son,"
the theatreman covered his entire front with
dense foliage to resemble jungle, 24-sheet
was mounted on roof of marquee and circus
heralds were distributed. For his street bal-
ly, Lightman promoted a truck on which
Tarzan, his son and a "native" beat a tom-
tom as the entourage covered the town.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Grott's Unique "Angels" Lobby
Promoted through the courtesy of the
Cunard White Star Line was a 10 foot high
and eight foot wide model of the Queen
Mary which was used as a lobby display
by Harold Grott at the Met Theatre, in Bal-
timore, in connection with "Only Angels
Have Wings." Inside the ship were five
SO-w^att bulbs, which made every detail stand
out, down to the smallest port hole. At the
top of the display were the title letters and
at the bottom, "Your dollars are your wings
that will take you to the land of your
dreams," etc.
58
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2 , 1939
UNITED ARTISTS
POLICY TRAILER
Good trailer copy sells extra tickets,
as indicated by Schlaifer in his article
on this page. Your Round Table wel-
comes further opportunity to bring to
the attention of readers other success-
ful trailer material used by members.
Have you turned out anything snappy
lately?
Thank you.
V
San Francisco.
V
Through the past several years we exclu-
sively have presented single attractions in
spite of the fact that other theatres show
double features. . . . Your support as evi-
denced by your patronage has proven to
us that there are thousands of discriminat-
ing moviegoers in San Francisco.
V
It is therefore with pardonable pride that
we look back at our record and with the
confident feeling of knowing what you — the
public — want that we now inaugurate our
V
Greatest year of the finest pictures ever
presented in any theatre.
V
Exclusive entertainment as you like it.
V
Our pictures are so big that they play
single feature only.
V
Actions speak louder than words. ... So
we shall allow our pictures to speak for
themselves.
V
The greatest array of producers ever as-
sembled under one banner — United Artists
— combine to bring you these great pic-
tures . . .
V
Hit after hit.
V
{Individual frames plugging each picture —
producer, title, cast, etc.)
V
And that is Just the beginning of United
Artists' greatest year.
V
In addition, we will continue to present the
finest selection of news pictures . . . car-
toons . . . featurettes . . .and novelty sub-
jects.
V
Exclusive entertainment as you like It In
the United Artists Theatre.
V
San Francisco's finest motion picture enter-
tainment.
Single Bill Plan
Stressed in Drive
to Launch Season
by CHARLES SCHLAIFER
Ad Head, United Artists, San Francisco
We recently introduced our "New Season"
and it was so successful that I thought
perhaps readers might be interested in what
we did.
First of all, our opposition lowered their
prices, what with our being the only single
feature house in town we really had to do a
job of selling. You will note from the news-
paper advertising that we handled it in the
following manner : No mention was made of
the difference in price. We only sold the
fact that we were opening our new season
and listed the pictures to prove it. Secondly,
that this first picture was a "Great Begin-
ning To Our Greatest Season of Hits."
We inferred that every one wanted single
features by using the lines, "Entertainment
As You Like It, With Pictures So Big We
Present Single Features Exclusively." And
by using another line which proved our
most successful one and which we have in-
corporated into our sig cuts, "Everyone
Knows Big Pictures Always Play Single
Bill."
We listed in our ads along with the above
several of the coming attractions, then we
sold this campaign in newspaper ads, spe-
cially written stories, a very comprehensive
radio campaign and through our screen and
lobby.
Advertising Trailer Applauded
Incidentally, I had a genuine thrill when
for the first time in the many years I have
been in the picture business I heard and saw
an advertising trailer applauded. (Copy to
left.) We received so many comments and
compliments from our patrons. The copy
does not illustrate the special backgrounds
and effects we used on our trailer but it all
worked to build it up to a really great
climax. Our first picture, "Man In The Iron
Mask", did a really terrific business and then
we came back with "They Shall Have
Music" to the biggest opening we have had
in more than a year and a half.
The quick success of this plan should help
to prove what Mr. Herman Cohen, who
owns this theatre, and I feel, that single
features are and can be successful. This is
in addition, as I mentioned above, to the
higher prices charged by. the other motion
picture theatres here. Our evening price is
still 55 cents against 40 cents.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
McWhorter Promotes. Programs
To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the
Warner Beverly Theatre, in Chicago, As-
sistant Manager Jerry McWhorter went out
and promoted five pages of advertising for
the special souvenir program gotten out for
the occasion. Entirely solicited by Jerry, the
merchants' ad paid entire cost of printing
and distribution. Front cover of book car-
ried cut of the theatre, inside spread fea-
tured photos of Zone Manager James E.
Coston, and Ted Turrell, manager of the
Beverly.
DISPLAY ADS
ON NEXT PACE
The appeal of this department's ad
page layouts comes from the fact that
displays used are exclusively those for-
warded by theatremen. All ads are
eligible for publication providing cre-
ators detail the various "reasons-why"
behind the advertisements in qtiestion.
(No. I) Background and overletterlng
symbolized the title in this air-brush re-
verse treatment for "Dark Victory" at the
Emboyd, Fort Wayne, Ind. Display re-
ceived many comments, reports Harry S.
Hogan, Quimby Theatres vice-president.
Size: 98 lines on 3 col.
V
(No. 2) The cashier tells the tale in this
cartoon idea forwarded for "Chips" at
the Omaha, Omaha, Neb., and forwarded
by Tri-States zone ad head, Ted Emerson.
Reverse title panel below emphasized the
balloon comparison copy. Size: 75 lines
on 2 col.
V
(No. 3) Special ads for the double date
on "Women" and "Marshal" at Loew's
Poll, hiartford, from Lou Brown, zone ad
head, emphasized benday decoration for
the former and white-on-black to sell the
action of the latter. Size: 85 lines on 3 col.
V
(No. 4) Institutional copy pointed with
reverse slugs was the successful motif
employed by Manager Joe Clements to
announce his new double feature policy
at the Egyptian, Sioux Falls, So. Dak. Ex-
ample Illustrated, I 10 lines on I col., cre-
ated comment, says Joe.
V
(No. 5) The opening gun in the cam-
paign to inaugurate the new season policy
of single features at the United Artists,
San Francisco, as detailed on this page
by ad head, Charley Schlaifer. Body of
space plugged coming shows as well. Size:
I 73 lines on 5 col.
V
(No. 6) In addition to explaining to his
public just what constituted a "sleeper"
for the benefit of "Man to Remember",
State, Sandwich, 111., Manager George Rice
added a panel of guarantee-copy for the
return date. The 125 lines on I col. packed
a lot of selling.
V
(No. 7) A World's Fair background was
aimed for In the art for this reverse on
"Clouds Over Europe" at the Colonial,
Allentown, Pa., created by Nick Todorov,
assistant. Copy was topped by a bit of
remember-selling for the two leads. Size:
I 30 lines on 3 col.
September 2, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
59
REPRESENTATIVE NEWSPAPER ADS
>7 ROBERI DDNAT .,
g I GREER CARSON
I ^/ O M AHA W wiTHEiis •BpyniiniPl
NEXT ROBERT TAYLOR ♦ HEDY LAMARR
illrjclisn in "LADY OF THE TROPICS '-
DO YOU KNOW . . .
I
ECVPTIAN TBEATnK
DO YOU KNOW .
DOUBIE FEATURE PROGRIM
DO YOU KNOW .
i.Mii:injf\;ii:Hj^H:nn
I IM . . . Dotb
DO YOU KNOW . .
U Is 3. NTtY LOW AD-
MISSION PRICE . . .
for th* . . .
DOUBLE FEHUREPROfiRlMl
MATIXEES
20c
EVENINGS
25c
And new . . , W* Aik Ten .
Don ! Veu ■■[«! (bil . . . "
Tba CnlerlftLhESFnl Barr^lo
«l BIODi Fsltal"
fGYPTiAllI:
Iz GREAT HITS IN HARTFORD'S BIGGEST SHOW!
/^"ea^POLIHIlliil
e,„Ls
who go to your head . . . w^'V ^>
GIRLS who go lo your h«itt...^>|i
SIRLS on the mil.e tot Ismo...
HOTEL FOR
WOMEN
ANN SOTHERN
LINDA DABNELL
Jamei Elliton • Jian Rogiii ■ Jpnig (ompron
4 Lynn Boi • Q» Montcll • Alon Dinehort
■-(^ICalliunne AldnilgB ■ iuni Gcte , ^
"1" J-
^ ^ ;;5vTtO ARTISTS' GREATfsTlfTT*"*-^
-t;;rup\CTURES^SO BfG^^^^^"
"1
Market Near 7th St.
Phone UNderhill 1478
WHAT IS^
A
SIEEPERT
In the language ot Xhe^
movie business, a-sleeper" H
I is a picture thai comes J
through the studios un-
heralded, unpress-agented
'— almost unnoticed - AND
TURNS OUT^O BE A BIG-
GER SENSATION THAN THE
"SirpER-COLOSSflLSf
Soch a picture Is "A Man
To Remember," in wtilch
Htm Shirleir, Edviard Ellii,
and other great troupen
bring rou the ttory of •
coantri doctor — simple la
iU elements— TREMEK-
OOUS IN ITS POWER TO HIT
THEHEARTI
We join Hollrwooffs critlci
in urging yon not to mlu Itl
WILMEK a»t«( VINCENT 'S
TOMORROW! 9'^ 1^'^'
OPAY — Lo«t Tim** > ANDY HAPPY CtTS IPBIHG FEVtR plut MEWS IS MAPC AT NIGHT
A MAN TO
REMEMBER
IINNESIIiEY-MEaiS
lEBOUJN-WllllAMHBUll
^HlMPORTANT!HHi
If you missed this splen-
did picture when it phtytd
here tlie first lime, it was
our fault! Perhaps we didnt
"sell" it to you- as we should.
BUT THIS TIME
irS YOUR FAULT
IF VOU MISS ITt
I'll Pay For Your Tii*ct
If You Can TruUifoUy
Say It Isn't Great!
George Riee, Mgr.
A WORLD'S FAIR. OF ENTERTAINMENT, COMES TO AILENTOWN ,1
60
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2 , 1939
PAST "FORTNIGHT" EXPLOITATIONS
Lampe Engages in Street Ballys
As Advance on "Bachelor Mother"
Street ballys were the order of the day
so far as Gus Lampe's campaign on "Bache-
lor Mother" at Keith's, in Syracuse, was
concerned. Two donkeys on a truck were
driven about town, banners on each read-
ing: "If I miss the picture, you know what
I am" and "You'll get a bigger kick than I
can offer when you see," etc. Seven peram-
bulators were wheeled through the streets,
each carriage with one word and the entire
aggregation spelling out "See 'Bachelor
Mother' now playing at Keith's Theatre."
Peep-hole barrel was planted on main street
with sign reading "You'll have a barrel of
fim when you see." Dog house was set up
in front of five and ten advising all that
they would be in the dog house if they didn't
go to Keith's. And through tieup arranged
with local diaper service, theatre was sup-
plied with 2,500 baby talk booklets which
were sniped with picture and playdate copy.
Newspaper tiein included a sour puss con-
test, classified ad asking for the grouchiest
people in town to attend the show as guests
of the management if they could keep a
straight face during the picture. Second
contest was in the nature of a cartoon strip
run in paper, with entrants asked to give
original titles.
Rose Puts Pressure Behind
Fletcher Personal Appearance
For the personal appearance of Tex
Fletcher at Loew's Poll, Globe, in Bridge-
port, Conn., Harry Rose used a special lobby
display consisting of the original costume
worn by Tex in "Six Gun Rhythm," which
had played the theatre a few weeks previous,
with a background of pennants which car-
ried the photo of the star, title, playdates,
etc. An automatic phonograph was also used
playing Tex records.
To tie in with the American Legion Con-
vention then in progress, Tex visited the
Kiwanis luncheon on his opening day where
he was guest of the Legion heads. Stage
announcements were made two weeks in ad-
vance, entire staff wore imprinted sashes,
Fletcher sundaes were featured at chain
druggist and 35-piece boys' band in full cos-
tume paraded main streets to theatre where
they met the star and played a half-hour
concert.
Staff Present at Waukegan Premiere
Aid in Exploiting Local "Man" Date
Capitalizing on the fact that three mem-
bers of the service staff of the Paramount
Theatre, in Kankakee, 111., had worked on
the Waukegan world premiere of "Man
About Town," City Manager William T.
Langdon, for that picture's opening, printed
up 3,000 cards carrying cuts of these lads
and their personal endorsement of the pic-
ture. Since the young men are all localites,
Langdon arranged for them to personally
distribute the cards in business district and
to patrons attending theatre. Day ahead of
opening, newspaper came through with good
sized story on the theatre page using pho-
tos of the boys with their endorsements.
Promoted from local florists were bache-
SAMARTANO FEATURES
LOCAL ''SWING NIGHTS"
As a follow-up on his recent jitter-
bug Jamborees on the stage of the
Loew Foil Palace, in Meriden, Conn.,
Manager Joe Samartano is now holding
what he chooses to call his weekly
"Slicing Night".
Besides local bands, these nights will
also feature entertainers local or other-
wise and three cash prizes are awarded
weekly to the singers, dancers and in-
strumentalists who participate. To
sell the special entertainment, Samar-
tano planted stories in the local news-
papers and distributed tinted mimeo-
graphed heralds with art tvork invit-
ing one and all with talent to enter
the contest.
lor buttons, attached to which were small
tags with the following copy: "You are a
'Man About Town,' compliments of Blank
Florist, see," etc. Attractive girl carrying-
tray of these flowers stood at busy street cor-
ners and put them in the lapels of men
passing by. Climax of campaign was sta-
tioning young man on chair in front of the-
atre day ahead, carrying large black um-
brella with copy to the effect that he was
waiting for the boxoffice to open.
Hollister Invites Scouts
To See "Scouts to Rescue"
On the serial, "Scouts to the Rescue,"
C. L. Hollister, at the Babcock, Wellsville,
N. Y., arranged with the Scout Master to
hold a screening for the boys on the morning
of the opening episode. Advance advertis-
ing consisted of trailer on screen, week in
advance, one-sheet frame on sidewalk and
announcements from the stage at the kid
shows. Included in the theatre ad were the
names of various patrons, and to those dis-
covering their names, guest tickets were
awarded.
Hov/es Gives "No Limit" Trophy
At Leading Salisbury Track
With Salisbury, England having its own
motorcycle grass track at which meetings
are held monthly with estimated crowds of
5,000 attending, Manager G. A. Howes at
the Picture House ran a special race for the
George Formby "No Limit" cup as advance
publicity on that picture. Motor club coop-
erated by announcing the theatre race on all
their bills, programmes and over the public
address system at the track, in addition to
special streamers which were prominently
displayed.
Promoted from the club was a cycle which
was displayed in the lobby together with the
cup to be presented to winner. Military
Police were also tied up, permitting the
planting of signs at their recruiting stations
reading "There is 'No Limit' to the possi-
bilities if you join," etc. etc.
Letter to Stone from Governor
Used by Grundy for "Spring Fever"
As his advance on "Andy Hardy Gets
Spring Fever," Melvin Grundy at the Ri-
voli, in Muncie, Indiana, contacted his local
newspaper to run a story on the fact that the
governor of the state, as well as local mayor,
had signed a letter to Lewis Stone in an at-
tempt to bring the picture to Indiana. Let-
ter was photostated, blown up and displayed
in lobby week ahead along with a register
which patrons were asked to sign, as a re-
minder that the picture would start soon.
Grundy reports thousands of signers.
Through tieup effected with five and ten,
chain featured a Hardy sundae; big window
display consisting of cutouts and stills and
counter displays were also used throughout
the stores. For his street bally, clown on
street distributed straw flowers to ladies
and carried on chatter about the picture
cast and play dates.
Grimes Brings Invalided Localite
To Theatre in Ambulance to See Show
Much goodwill and newspaper publicity
was garnered by Ken Grimes of the Warner
Theatre, in Erie, Pa., when he arranged for
a localite to be brought to the theatre in an
ambulance to witness showing of "Man
About Town." Man in question has been
newspaper material for the past 25 years,
because of some unusual malady with which
he is affected. For week ahead, papers came
through with stories and art work of the
man arriving at the theatre with his attend-
ants, in all of which publicity, the theatre
and picture were prominently mentioned.
Girl Distributes Candy Kisses
from "Maisie" for Millspaugh
An attention-getter was the attractive
young lady who walked up and down the
busiest streets of Muncie, Ind., day in ad-
vance of Manager Frank A. Millspaugh's
"Maisie" opening at the Strand Theatre.
Girl distributed 10,000 candy kisses which
were promoted from five and ten. As she
handed out each confection she said "Have
a kiss from Maisie", same was printed on
tray containing the candies. Kisses were
wrapped in small heralds containing plug
for picture and store. In addition, store
plugged the tiein on their counters and
window displays.
Manuel Ties Local Playgrounds
To "Tarzan" Athletic Contest
Six of the playgrounds of Delaware, Ohio,
each ran a series of contests to determine
their entry for Johnny Manuel's "Tarzan
Finds a Son" contest in connection with that
picture's opening at the Strand Theatre.
Twenty boys competed in each playground
in all kinds of athletic contests. Elimina-
tions were held, with three entrants from
each group landing in the finals. The win-
ner was acclaimed "Son of Tarzan" for
Delaware in addition to being given the
title, he was awarded with promoted prizes
and guest tickets. Local dailies covered the
contest from start to finish with due picture
and theatre mention.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
ADVENTURE IN SAHARA: Paul Kelly, Lorna
Gray — Very good action picture and can be really
sold in larger locations. Played June 2-3. — Elmer A.
Slaybaugh, Park Tlieatre. Mountain Park, Okla.
Small town and rural patronage.
BLIND ALLEY: Chester Morris, Ralph Bellamy,
Ann Dvorak, Joan Perry, Rose Stradner — Very in-
teresting. Don't pass it up but be sure to stress the
psychiatry angle. It's different. Played July 28-29.
—Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
BLIND ALLEY: Chester Morris, Ralph Bellamy,
Ann Dvorak, Rose Stradner, Joan Perry — If your
patrons like heavy pictures with a sordid story, here
is one right up your alley. The picture is out-
standing in the acting of these two, Morris, Bellamy.
A very good picture but not for small towns as
there is no action or comedy. Running time, 71 min-
utes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
FLIGHT TO FAME: Charles Farrell, Jacqueline
Wells — Very low gross on this one but comment re-
ceived was favorable with few exceptions. The port-
able ray machine was superior to the stationary one;
very ingenious. Played May 30 — June 1. — Elmer A.
Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla.
Small town and rural patronage.
I AM THE LAW: Edward G. Robinson, Wendy
Barrie, Otto Kruger, Barbara O'Neil — This is a good
production but played it late, and, therefore did not
do very well. Moves along rapidly with Edward G.
Robinson giving a capable performance. — Theodore J.
Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General
patronage.
IN EARLY ARIZONA: Bill Elliott— Dear Columbia,
Bill Elliott hit the spot. Let's have more of him.
Running time, 55 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe
Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
LADY AND THE MOB, THE: Fay Bainter, Ida
Lupino, Lee Bowman — Amusingly different. Failed
to get this one across for some reason. Played
June 20-21.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Moun-
tain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
LADY AND THE MOB, THE: Fay Bainter, Ida
Lupino, Lee Bowman, Henry Armetta — A very good
program picture that had plenty of laughs and action
throughout. Direction is capable and our patrons
seemed to enjoy this one. — Theodore J. Friedman,
Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
LONE STAR PIONEERS: Bill Elliott, Dorothy Gul-
liver— This series is not popular here. The acting is
forced and the action seems to lag. Much room for
improvement. — Theodore J. Friedman, Strand The-
atre, Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
MISSING DAUGHTERS: Richard Arlen, Marian
Marsh, Rochelle Hudson — Arlen is new to our patrons
but was well received. The picture should be seen
by all girls who are intent on making their own
way around. Played August 8-10. — Elmer A. Slay-
baugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage.
MY SON IS A CRIMINAL: Alan Baxter. Jacque-
line Wells — Very good. The father vs. son angle was
deeply stirring. Played June 6-8. — Elmer A. Slay-
baugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage.
NORTH OF SHANGHAI: Betty Furness, James
Craig — This is a timely subject which had too many
newsreel shots. Just a filler. — Theodore J. Friedman,
Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
ONLY ANGEI^ HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell— A
truly wonderful picture. Not as stupendous as we
were expecting but we might have been inflated a
bit too much. Played July 25-27.— Elmer A. Slay-
baugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant. Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell —
Played to fair business but, perhaps, it was because
I played it too late. — Charles Rossi, Strand Theatre,
Schroon Lake, N. Y. General patronage.
SPOILERS OF THE RANGE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers — Another good
western with Starrett and the Sons of the Pioneers.
Their music is excellent. The plot and the picture
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
forma-nce of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Pichire Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
is just fair but the music pulls it out of the hum-
drum class. Running time, 58 minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
TEXAS STAMPEDE: Charles Starrett, Iris Mere-
dith, Sons of the Pioneers — This series from Columbia
can be rated as good western film fare. The singing of
the Sons of the Pioneers is good and the direction
the same. Will be liked by kids and adults alike.
— Theodore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern,
N. Y. General patronage.
THUNDERING WEST, THE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers — Good western.
Sons of the Pioneers help this series along very much.
Seemed to give good satisfaction. Running time, 56
minutes. — Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa.
General patronage.
First National
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G.
Robinson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas — We didn't
break any records with this picture because we have
a lot of Germans in this community but the picture
did average or better and was well liked by most
of the patrons. It is worth a play-date but not on
your best time. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess
Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G, Rob-
inson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas — This was a dud
at the box office. Satisfied those who came. Tied up
with "The Gorilla". Plenty good combination. Run-
ning time, 101 minutes. Played Aug. 20-21.— A. Gold-
son, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G. Rob-
inson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas — I heard this pic-
ture would not draw so I played it two for one. Drew
fairly well but did not please. Played Aug. 15. — E.
M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald — Here is a
wonderful picture that did only fair at our box office.
Our patrons have never been eager to lay it on the
line to see this star, but the fans who like her are
faithful enough and we have to satisfy them some
way. It is worth a date and on your best time and
the price is right. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess
Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald— A master-
piece of its kind. Bette Davis wonderful; when it
comes to acting, Bette has them all cheated. Running
time. 106 minutes.— P. G. Held, New Strand Theatre,
Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
DAUGHTERS COURAGEOUS: Lane Sisters, Gale
Page, John Garfield, Claude Rains. Fay Bainter, Jef-
frey Lynn, Dick Foran, Frank McHugh, May Rob-
son — Very good picture; good business. Played Aug.
16-17. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: Games Cagney, George Raft,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — George Raft turns out
a great performance in this one and, although the
picture itself played to good business, I didn't need
a wheelbarrow to take home the profits. Played Au-
gust 10-12.— Charles Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon
Lake, N. Y. General patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien, Joan Blondell, May Robson— Morris in an-
other "Kid Galahad" role. An entertaining and
pleasing picture throughout and satisfied the cus-
tomers. Average Sunday business. Running time,
92 minutes. Played August 20-21.— R. A. Moore,
State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien, Joan Blondell, May Robson — A programmer
that rates a good playdate. It seemed to have a lot
of everything that my patrons like in a picture.
May Robson is a grand old trouper and really steals
the show. There is action in the prize ring and
fun outside which goes to show that they can make
them good enough when they have time. — Mayme
P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas.
Small town patronage.
SWEEPSTAKE WINNER: Marie Wilson, Johnnie
Davis, Allen Jenkins — It has its moments of hilarity
and does well enough as the other half of a double
bill or bargain night offering. — Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
SWEEPSTAKES WINNER: Marie Wilson, Johnnie
Davis, Allen Jenkins — Pretty good program picture.
Running time, 67 minutes. — P. G. Held, New Strand
Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
YES, MY DARLING DAUGHTER: Priscilla Lane,
Jeffrey Lynn, Fay Bainter, May Robson, Roland Young
— We didn't break any house records with this picture,
but it pleased an average mid-week crowd. Worth
a playdate if you can buy it at program prices. Not
a special and it won't do that kind of business. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann
Rutherford, Helen Gilbert — Grand show and clicks
all the way. For any house in any spot. Running
time, 85 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden,
Ann R,utherford, Helen Gilbert — The best of the
Hardys and worth all the time you can give it.
Again it is clearly demonstrated why MGM is the
"No. 1" company in the business for without fuss
or fanfare Miss Helen Gilbert is made a star in just
one picture. Watch this girl as she is tops. If any
other company had such a star, she would be ex-
ploited to the ends of the earth but not MGM. They
let the public make their stars and we were asked
by a great many patrons "who is the little school
teacher?" Do not muff this great picture as it is
absolutely tops. Running time, 85 minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
BRIDAL SUITE: Robert Young, Annabella, Walter
Connolly, Billie Burke — Bridal "Sour" would suit it
much better. That goes double for the box office.—
C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural
and small town patronage.
BRIDAL SUITE: Robert Young, Annabella, Walter
Connolly, Billie Burke — Did usual bargain night busi-
ness with no complaints so guess they were satisfied.
Played it one night only. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore — Another good example to the moguls that you
don't have to spend a million dollars to make enter-
tainment. Running time, 86 minutes. — C. H. Collier,
Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town
patronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore — We do very well with this series. They
draw and Metro has a price on them that will allow
you to eat something besides soup. Worth a play-
date on your best time and will please. — Mayme P.
Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas.
Small town patronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore — Would call this a good average "B" picture.
It did a bit better than average at the box office and
seemed to give satisfaction to the patrons. Running
time, 86 minutes. Played August 11-12,— Dr. G. A.
Van Fradenburg, Valley Theatre, Manassa, Colo.
Farming community patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer
(Continued on following page)
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
(Continued from preceding page)
Garson — An excellent picture but just a trifle too
heavy for small towns. For those who like their
drama heavy with a decided English accent, you
could not finj a better picture. For those who don't
like such, stay away from it. This picture has built
up for us after the opening day and is doing better
than average the second day. What it will do the
last day is problematical. Running time, 114 min-
utes.—A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer Gar-
son — A slow moving, uninteresting B feature filled
with unreasonable, never happened school situations.
No action, no comedy. Pleased very few if any. Run-
ning time, 113 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand The-
atre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
HARDY'S RIDE HIGH, THE: Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Ruther-
ford— About our best bet and they all do above average
business. Metro seems able to get enough entertain-
ment in their pictures to please and draw, which is
a lot better than many other producers can do.
Maybe when the horse racing season ends, they'll
start making something worthwhile. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman. Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Ruth-
erford— Went over considerably better than average
pictures but not as well as either of the former pic-
tures in this se-.ies. Without a doubt, at least one
more of these will do a better than average business
at our box ofifice. Running time, 81 minutes. Played
August 13-14.— Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley
Theatre, Manassa, Col. Farming community pat-
ronage.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Ruth-
erford— Definitely a box ofllice attraction. Rooney
tops as usual, as is the entire down-to-earth Hardy
family. Notice the picture magazines accuse Rooney
of "mugging". Let him mug; he pays the film ren-
tal. 1000% vote here for the Hardy pictures. Run-
ning time, 81 minutes. Played August 13-14. — R. A.
Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patron-
age.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Ruth-
erford— This series is a small town natural and should
be very popular in the cities as well. It has every-
thing and, while Mickey may be slipping in popu-
larity because of his antics, he still draws a lot of
laughs here. Let's put a big word in for Ann Ruth-
erford, too. She is entitled to a big opportunity.
Running time, 81 minutes. Played August 13-14.—
Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs,
Neb. Small town patronage.
HONOLULU: Eleanor Powell, Robert Young,
George Burns and Gracie Allen — Very good picture
that should please all. Running time, 80 minutes.- — C.
H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and
small town patronage.
HONOLULU: Eleanor Powell, Robert Young,
George Burns and Gracie Allen — This picture drew
extra business and was very well liked. Picture
little misleading as there is not near the hula dancing
the title would make you believe there is. Running
time, 83 minutes. Played August 18-20.— Otto W.
Chapek, Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural
and small town patronage.
ICE FOLLIES OF 1939: Original Ice Follies Cast,
Joan Crawford, James Stewart, Lew Ayres — Good
show that didn't make film rental. They don't go
for Crawford any more. Running time, 84 minutes.
— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural
and small town patronage.
ICE FOLLIES OF 1939: Original Ice Follies Cast,
Joan Crawford, James Stewart, Lew Ayres — Ice skat-
ing very good, rest fair. Joan Crawford was O.K.
yesterday but today is another story. Running time,
82 minues. Played August 11-13.— Otto W. Chapek,
Annex Theatre, ■ Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small
town patronage.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: James Stewart,
Claudette Colbert — We ran it hot but didn't finish in
the black. Pretty ' good picture but not what Metro
would have you think. Buy it right if you play it
or lay off. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
KID FROM TEXAS, THE: Dennis O'Keefe, Flor-
ence Rice — Our patrons liked this outdoor action pic-
ture and we did average business with it on our week-
end double bill. Would be swell for a bargain night
offering but not big enough for your best spot. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
MAISIE: Robert Young, Ann Sothern— I wish all
of the producers would take a look at this one. I
didn't notice any big names in the cast; there wasn't
a fortune spent in making it but here is one of the
best pictures of the year from a purely entertain-
ment point of view and it is worth a date on your
best time. A little bit of everything mixed up into
a picture that will make you rave. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY: Clark Gable, Charles
Laughton, Franchot Tone — Burdened myself with too
much additional rentals but came out on top due to a
swell reception. Lots of people evidently saw it
again. A wonderful picture, superbly played by all.
Played July 2-5.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park The-
atre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
ON BORROWED TIME: Lionel Barry more, Bobs
Watson, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Beulah Bondi, Una
Merkel — This picture will cause more comment than
anything you'll run and they will argue about it but
will not do average business. A kind of a "Topper"
or "Outward Bound" that keeps them wondering
and hard to follow unless you see the start of it.
Can be passed without much loss. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
SAN FRANCISCO (reissue): Clark Gable, Jeanette
MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, Jack Holt — Sure rattled
the bushes on this one. Never knew we had so many
Friday-Saturday patrons. Had a pleasant dream in-
stead of the usual nightmare. Played August 18-19.
—Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
6,000 ENEMIES: Walter Pidgeon, Rita Johnson—
About all we've been getting lately is prison stuff and
this is no exception but is a pretty good picture with
a good cast. Worth a bargain night date and will
please that kind of patron. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
SOCIETY LAWYER: Walter Pidgeon, Virginia
Bruce, Leo Carrillo — Very poor draw for a picture
with a good story and very capable cast. Running
time, 77 minutes. Played August 2-3. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb.
Small town patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON: Johnny WeismuUer,
Maureen O'Sullivan, John Sheffield— It's the same old
story, not enough seats for Tarzan. Pretty much
the same with the exception of the son, who really
did a swell job of acting and how my patrons go
for these. Paid up a lot of overdue bills and made
the first decent profit of the summer. Play it and
don't forget to put out plenty of paper; the picture
will back you in ah ways. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt
— One of those little "B" pictures that packed a lot
of entertainment that really pleased on a bargain
night. Better than some of the big specials that
cost a lot of dough. Play it and give your bargain
seekers a treat. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess
Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
WITHIN THE LAW: Ruth Hussey, Paul Kelly
— Another picture that means nothing at the box
office. Running time, 65 minutes. — C. H. Collier,
Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town
patronage.
Monogram
LITTLE PAL (reissue): Mickey Rooney, Ralph Bel-
lamy, Karen Morley — Pretty good. Running time, 60
minutes. — P. G. Held, New Strand Theatre, Griswold,
Iowa. General patronage.
Paramount
AMBUSH: Gladys Swarthout, Lloyd Nolan— If it's
a gangster picture, Paramount's in town. Running
time, 61 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew,
Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
GRAND JURY'S SECRETS: John Howard, Gail
Patrick — Good picture. Running time, 64 minutes. —
P. G. Held, New Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa.
General .patronage.
I'M FROM MISSOURI: Bob Burns, Gladys George
• — Did not care very much for this one. Rather slow
and missed fire. Audience thought the same. — Theo-
dore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y.
General patronage.
KING OF CHINATOWN: Akim Tamiroff, Anna
May Wong — Leave this one in the can. It did not
please here and will not please anywhere. Nothing
to it but six reels of film. Running time, 55 minutes.
Played August 11-12.— Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre,
Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY: George Raft, Ellen
Drew, Hugh Herbert, Zasu Pitts — Very good pro-
gram picture which gave wonderful satisfaction. Had
more favorable comments on this one than on any of
the bigger pictures I've played. Lots of thrills, com-
edy and drama. Good anywhere, anytime. Running
time, 76 minutes. Played August 13-15. — Don Blox-
ham, Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patron-
age.
MIDNIGHT: Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, Fran-
cis Lederer, John Barrymore, Mary Astor — You're
right, Mr. Jackson, it's a good show but it's one
of the very few. Running time, 94 minutes. — C. H.
Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. " Rural and small
town patronage.
NEVER SAY DIE: Martha Raye,_ Bob Hope— Very
good comedy which seemed to satisfy a fair sized
audience. Lots of good laughs. Play it; they'll
like it. Running time, 81 minutes. Played August
9-10. — Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa.
General patronage.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: Shirley Ross, Bob Hope,
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Una Merkel — Very
good light entertainment. Did fair business. Running
time, 65 minutes.— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew,
Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
UNION PACIFIC: Barbara Stanwyck, Joe McCrea,
Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy, Akim Tamiroff, Lynne
Overman— Here is the best of the epics but lack of
color and lateness in releasing cost plenty in grosses.
It you can buy this picture at a fair rental, run it
because there is still an audience who haven't seen
It. If we can get a date on this picture, will run
=i&ain and do better than most of the later releases.
—Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
Republic
BLUE MONTANA SKIES: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette, June Storey— Autry is losing a bit of his
popularity. This production is just fair. If not for
Smiley Burnette, could not say very much for it.
Nevertheless, it's a fair horse opera with trimmings.
—Theodore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern,
N. Y. General patronage.
BLUE MONTANA SKIES: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette, June Storey— Good old Gene, in spite of the
heat, they still came out to see you. A real good
western.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Tlieatre, Tilbury,
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
DESERT PATROL: Bob Steele, Marian Weldon-
A.ccepted this as a substitute for another picture. Fair
picture, fair business but print in bad shape. Played
August 18-19.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
FRONTIER PONY EXPRESS: Roy Rogers, Mary
Hart — This series featuring Rogers started off pretty
well, but it seems that they are getting into a rut
and something should be done about lifting them.—
Theodore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y.
General patronage.
HOME ON THE PRAIRIE: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette— My first Autry but it surely won't be my
last. Best week-end business in months. More power
to you, Gene, keep up the good work. I can't wait
till I play your next one. Running time, 57 minutes.
Played August 11-12.— Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre,
Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
HOME ON THE PRAIRIE: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette — We don't seem able to sell this Autry in
a big way but our regulars like him and when we
satisfy our week-end patrons, that means they will be
back more often when they get some cash. Our
Friday and Saturday business is definitely off be-
cause our farmers are broke and don't come to the
show. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
IN EARLY ARIZONA: Gene Autry, Smiley Bur-
nette, Shirley Deane — Dear Gene, this is a good west-
ern, but you're getting too modern. "Thanks for the
photograph. Smiley. Running time, 57 minutes. —
C. H. ColHer, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural
and small town patronage.
MAN FROM MUSIC MOUNTAIN: Gene Autry,
Smiley Burnette, Carol Hughes — Good entertainment
but only for double bills. What a good producer
could do with this star if he was in feature length
productions. My patrons enjoy the singing of this
star, also the orchestra; the little lady playing the
bells was a big hit but not enough of her playing to
suit my crowd. Running time, six reels. Played
August 10. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Ben-
gough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small town
patronage.
MAN OF CONQUEST: Richard Dix, Edward EUis,
Gail Patrick, Joan Fontaine — A splendid production
coming from Republic. Business not what we ex-
pected and audience reaction was fair. — Theodore J.
Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General
patronage.
MYSTERIOUS MISS X.: Michael Whalen, Chick
Chandler, Mary Hart. Another programmer from
Republic. This picture can be used just as a filler
in, nothing more. Republic is way off in the allo-
cations.— Theodore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suf-
fern, N. Y. General patronage.
WOMAN DOCTOR: Frieda Inescort, Henry Wil-
coxon, Claire Dodd, Sybil Jason — A fair program pic-
ture that certainly did not deserve the classification
that Republic put it in. Audience reaction fair but
business way off. — Theodore J. Friedman, Strand
Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
RKO Radio
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David
Niven, Charles Coburn — Grand, grand show. An
Ail-American picture that everyone will love. The
best picture ever produced by RKO. Running time,
82 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old
Town, Maine. General patronage.
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David
Niven, Charles Coburn — The femmes flocked in on this
one and patronage from the fair sex was more than
generous. Did very well on it and had to hold over.
Miss Rogers and the rest of the cast deliver every-
thing that the audiences expected from them. — Charles
Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
WAY DOWN SOUTH: Bobby Breen, Sally Plane,
(Continued on page 64)
NOW IN CIRCULATION
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The Who's Who section alone, records
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INTERNATIONAL
MOTION PICTURE ALMANAC
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64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
(.Continued from page 62)
Alan Mowbray — No one liked this and I didn't
blame them. And you won't like it, I don't believe.
Running time, 63 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
ARIZONA WILDCAT: Jane Withers, Leo Carrillo,
Pauline Moore, Henry Wilcoxon — The customers went
for this in a big way. Above average at box office.
Running time, 69 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe The-
atre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers, Richard Bond, Ar-
leen Whalen — We did the best business on this picture
that we have ever done on Jane Withers, but ran it on
a bargain night and think that accounts for it. A
good show with a lot of comedy and fast action that
had them wore out at the finish. Pla;y it and get
that satisfied feeling when you know they're being
entertained. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess The-
atre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
EVERYBODY'S BABY: Jed Prouty, Shirley
Deane, Spring Byington — Tliis series serves as good
program film fare. They constantly satisfy and the
audience reaction is good.— Theodore J. Friedman,
Strand Theatre, Suffern, IM. Y. General patronage.
EVERYBODY'S BABY: Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane,
Spring Byington — Our patrons have never fallen for
this family and while Fox thinks they are plenty
hot, we just can't see it. Usually they are good
enough to fill in on a double bill but maybe we should
put them on bargain night. Not good enough for
Sunday. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
GORILLA, THE: Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise,
Patsy Kelly, Bela Lugosi — Slapstick that was just
what the Ritz boys excel in. Plenty of belly laughs.
Pleased our customers. Running time. 66 minutes.
Played August 20-21.— A. Goldson, Plaza Theatre,
Chicago, 111. General patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Rich-
ard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel
Bruce — The only reason the cowboy from Wahoo made
this one was for trading purposes and that is just
what you should do with it. Trade it for a cartoon
and let them keep the cartoon. You can't under-
stand it and you can't see it,- so leave it alone. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Rich-
ard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel
Bruce — Here is a good picture with all the thrills
you can expect but it did the smallest business under
favorable weather conditions since last May. Didn't
seem to have what it took to get them in. Maybe
our people are not acquainted with Sherlock Holmes.
Running time, 80 minutes. Played August 11-12. —
Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs,
Neb. Small town patronage.
INSIDE STORY: Michael Whalen, Jean Rogers-
Good little program picture for Bargain Night. My
crowd liked it. Running time, 61 minutes. — Don Blox-
ham. Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patron-
age.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU: Stuart Erwin,
Gloria Stuart — One of Fox's better "B" pictures that
pleased an average week-end audience. Play it and
be convinced that occasionally the producers do make
one that didn't cost a million but was full of en-
tertainment.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess The-
atre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
LITTLE PRINCESS, THE: Shirley Temple, Rich-
ard Greene, Anita Louise, Ian Hunter, Cesar Ro-
mero, Arthur Treacher — A good Shirley Temple but by
no means one of her best. Reaction fair. — Theodore
J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Lynn Bari, Henry Hull, Cesar Romero — There
was something wrong with this picture. Maybe it
was the title or the dialect, but we tried it on a
week-end on a single bill and did the worst business
of the summer and Fox poured it on by allocating
it up among pictures that should get money. It is
worth western prices and no more; any cowboy will
beat it. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Alice Faye,
Tyrone Power, Al Jolson — We did average business
on this musical and our patrons enjoyed it for a
change. One of those percentage things that paid
of? for Ross Federal and Fox donated to the cause.
Weren't satisfied with their cut but if you buy this
right, play it. Much better than a lot of their pic-
tures.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, THE:
Don Ameche, Henry Fonda, Loretta Young — A really
grand picture that did not seem to have any box
office appeal. I cannot understand why this reaction
seems to prevail for all that saw it enjoyed it im-
mensely.— Theodore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre,
Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING: Adolphe Menjou,
Jack Oakie, Jack Haley, Arleen Whelan. Tony Mar-
tin— Very pleasing little picture. Running time, 79
minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss.
Rural and small town patronage.
WIFE, HUSBAND AND FRIEND: Warner Bax-
ter, Loretta Young, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes —
The Herald is certainly the
'Showman's Bible'. — M. Vimi-
NiTZ, Manager, Roxy Theatre,
Watrous, Sask., Canada.
A great cast was really wasted on this picture. Ex-
pected much more but was disappointed. — Theodore
J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
WIFE, HUSBAND AND FRIEND: Warner Bax-
ter, Loretta Young, Binnie Barnes, Cesar Romero —
Tlie picture didn't do average business on our best
days and my patrons didn't lavish any praise on
the merits of the production. Allocated much too
high for any chance of profit. Very easy to pass
and it will never be missed. You can use this date
for some thing that will net a profit; this one
won't. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
WINNER TAKE ALL: Tony Martin, Gloria Stu-
art, Henry Armetta, Slim Summerville — A delightful
little program picture that entertained our patrons.
This is just a programmer but it's a good one! — The-
odore J. Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y.
General patronage.
WINNER TAKE ALL: Tony Martin, Gloria Stu-
art, Henry Armetta — Here was just a repeater of the
dual string which satisfied all who came but no one
came. Armetta had a swell role and the fans liked
Martin also. Running time, 62 minutes. Played
August 9-10. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
WINNER TAKE ALL: Tony Martin, Gloria Stu-
art, Slim Summerville, Henry Armetta — Enough action
for the other half of your double bill and not priced
high enough to hurt. Play it on your off night. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess 'Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan — This was a
very good picture that did only a fair Sunday busi-
ness and I don't know why people won't buy this
kind of product because it has everything that goes
to make entertainment. We gave it a good date and
a good plug but couldn't get them in to see it. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan-
sas. Small town patronage.
United Artists
CAPTAIN FURY: Brian Aherne, Victor McLag-
len, June Lang, Paul Lukas — Played to good busi-
ness. A great picture for the action fans. — Charles
Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
FOUR FEATHERS: John Clements, June Duprez,
Ralph Richardson, C. Aubrey Smith — Another para-
lyzing blow from England to the false prestige of our
own Hollywood. Saying that this picture broke the
house record without the necessity of undue exploi-
tation is putting it mildly. I held over and am re-
peating it again in two weeks. This film is a strik-
ing example of how great a picture can be when it
is devoid of the usual Hollywood hokum. With the
embellishment of color at its best this film captures
the beauty of the Nile and the Sudan and it was a
great pleasure to note that this picture did not have
to resort to the usual type of trick and process
photography which nowadays is so common in every
picture. With every member of the cast doing a great
job on a great story. I believe myself correct in pre-
dicting that this will be one of the year's greatest
films. Played August 6-7.— Charles Rossi, Strand
Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y. General patronage.
MADE FOR EACH OTHER: Carole Lombard,
James Stewart, Charles Coburn, Lucille Watson-
Good picture, good acting and directing. Running
time, 94 minutes. — P. G. Held, New Strand The-
atre, Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
MAN IN THE IRON MASK, THE: Louis Hay-
ward, Joan Bennett, Warren William, Joseph Schild-
kraut, Alan Hale — Did very well on this in spite of
the fact that this picture had some stock shots which
have been in a dozen other pictures of its type. Hay-
ward turns in a topnotch performance and is ably
assisted by Joan Bennett and Warren WiUiam.
Played August 3-5. — Charles Rossi, Strand Theatre,
Schroon Lake, N. Y. General patronage.
PRISON WITHOUT BARS: Corinne Luchaire, Edna
Best — Interesting. English pictures just don't go
over with us. Running time, 80 minutes. — P. G.
Held. New Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General
patronage.
STAGECOACH: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, George
Bancroft, Andy Devine, Thomas Mitchell, I/Ouise
Plat — We didn't break any records with this picture
on our best change but the faithful saw a pretty
good picture and were satisfied. — Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
THERE GOES MY HEART: Frederic March, Vir-
ginia Bruce, Patsy Kelly — A very funny picture that
seemed to satisfy the audience that came. Very
poor drawing power.— Theodore J. Friedman, Strand
Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General patronage.
WINTER CARNIVAL: Ann Sheridan, Richard Carl-
son, Helen Parrish, Robert Armstrong — The needle,
Rastus. The grand picture to sleep on. But you
may have bad dreams. Running time, 90 minutes.
— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine.
General patronage.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Merle Oberon, Laurence
Olivier, David Niven, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Flora
Robson — This picture has had enough kind words said
of it by newspaper and magazine reviewers that we
had a good house for one night on it but it is my
opinion that about 75% of our patrons felt that they
ought to have their money back. Our patrons do
not care how artistic a picture is or how much it
costs to produce. They want to be entertained and
this sort of a picture does not satisfy them. Run-
ning time, 104 minutes. Played August 6-7.— Dr. G.
A. Van Fradenburg, Valley Theatre, Manassa,
Farming community patronage.
ZENOBIA: Oliver Hardy, Harry Langdon, Billie
Burke, Alice Brady, James Ellison, June Lang, Jean
Parker — The kids went for this in a big way but
there is almost too much "screwy" hokum in it to
please serious minded adults. It should probably
be double featured to get it by satisfactorily. Run-
ning time, 73 minutes. Played August 4-5.— Dr.
G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley Theatre, Manassa,
Col. Farming community patronage.
ZENOBIA: Oliver Hardy, Harry Langdon, Alice
Brady, Billie Burke, James Elllison, June Lang,
Jean Parker— Good comedy full of laughs. Some-
thing different. Running time, 73 minutes. — P. G.
Held, New Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. Gen-
eral patronage.
Universal
CODE OF THE STREETS: Frankie Thomas,
Harry Carey, "Little Tough Guys" — Entertaining pic-
ture. Harry Carey draws well here, being remem-
bered since old western days. Please, Lard, (via
Universal) give us another "Trader Horn." Played
August 1-3.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
age.
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN: Bing Crosby, Joan
Blondell, Mischa Auer, Baby Sandy— Well received
and brought a few people that were never in our
house before or since. Bing's radio popularity sells
the picture. Played July 11-13.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh,
Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
EX CHAMP: Victor McLaglen, Tom Brown, Nan
Grey, Constance Moore — A fair melodrama that drew
less than average for us at the box office. A picture
that men will like but will not go over with the
women. Running time, 72 minutes.— A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patron-
age.
I STOLE A MILLION: George Raft, Claire Trev-
or, Dick Foran, Henry Armetta, Victor Jory — A good
picture with a good cast but didn't draw as well
as it should have in spite of the great performance
which Raft and Miss Trevor turned out. Played July
27-29. — Charles Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake,
N. Y. General patronage.
MY MAN GODFREY (reissue): Carole Lombard,
William Powell, Gail Patrick, Alice Brady; OLD
DARK HOUSE (reissue): Boris Karloff, Charles
Laughton, Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart— Did pretty
well considering we played it on Preview Sunday-
Monday, hard days being dark house for this town
as we can't make the grade with preview Sunday-
Monday days. Two programs is our policy. Played
July 16-17.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
age.
PHANTOM STAGE: Bob Baker, Marjorie Rey-
nolds— Seemed to satisfy the western fans. Played
June 16-17.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
age.
SPIRIT OF CULVER: Jackie Cooper, Freddie
Bartholomew, Andy Devine, Henry Hull, Jackie
Moran — Grossed less than "Newsboys Home." Pleased
the Cooper fans. Played June 27-29. — Elmer A. Slay-
baugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage.
THREE SMART GIRI^ GROW UP: Deanna
Durbin, Nan Grey, Helen Parrish, Robert Cummings,
Charles Winninger, William Lundigan — This picture
did all we expected it would do. Very entertaining.
Played June 13-15.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Thea-
tre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
UNEXPECTED FATHER: Mischa Auer, Baby
Sandy — A sure sleeper, this will lend itself to great
exploitation for it delivers the goods in a down to
earth story with the entire cast showing champion-
ship form. Sandy, of course, steals the show, even
from a scene snatcher like Auer. Played July 23-24. —
Charles Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y.
General patronage.
WHEN TOMORROW COMES: Charles Boyer,
Irene Dunne, Barbara O'Neil — Most of us exhibitors
in playing a Stahl picture take it for granted that
we should do good business on Mr. Stahl's pictures.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
65
so much so that we are not surprised to have had
to hang out the SRO sign. To those exhibitors who
may face stiff opposition, throw this picture against
anything you may be opposed with. Boyer and Dunne
come through as usual with a stellar performance,
ably supported by Barbara O'Neil who steals the
picture in spite of the limited footage given her and
the masterful way in which she interprets a rather
diiTicult role will be a contributing factor to the box
office potentiality of this picture. — Charles Rossi,
Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y. General patron-
age.
YOU CAN'T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN: Edgar
Bergen, "Charlie McCarthy," W. C. Fields— We have
read adverse reports on this picture but couldn't be-
lieve these stars could fail. But this did very or-
dinary business for us. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patron-
age.
YOU CAN T CHEAT AN HONEST MAN: W. C.
Fields, Edgar Bergen, "Charlie McCarthy "—Not so
hot. Only a good program picture with a weak
story. Only fair at the box office. Running time,
79 minutes.— P. G. Held, New Strand Theatre, Gris-
wold, Iowa. General patronage.
Short Features
Columbia
Warner Brothers
DEVIL'S ISLAND: Boris Karlofif, Nedda Harri-
gan — Did real well on a week-end double bill. A bit
gruesome but it takes some red-blooded action to
satisfy our chewers and spitters that infest the place
on Friday and Saturday nights. — Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Swell picture and satisfied audi-
ence but business way oft of what it should have
been. Will please most any audience. Liked here
better than "Union Pacific" but did not have "U.
P.'s" drawing power. Running time, 104 minutes. —
Don Bloxham, Palace Tlieatre, Exira, Iowa. General
patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Very good and did standout
business. Am a bit late in reporting on this but
feel justified in recommending it to anyone who
has not yet dated it. Will try to get a re-run on
it and know that this picture will do better than
some of their punks. Was out to the preview and
saw plenty of people who were interested in the
movies. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Very good picture, indeed. Run-
ning time, 104 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre,
Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
INDIANAPOUS SPEEDWAY: Pat O'Brien,
John Payne, Ann Sheridan, Gale Page — Plenty of
action in this one. A little heavy in spots but did
okay business on it. Played August 9. — Charles
Rossi, Strand Theatre, Schroon Lake, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
JUAREZ: Bette Davis, Paul Muni, Brian Aherne,
John Garfield, Claude Rains — A lavish and so-called
colossal production with outstanding characteriza-
tions by Muni, Davis and Brian Aherne. With all
its bigness, it's definitely not for small towns. Busi-
ness poor. Running time, 127 minutes. Played Au-
gust 16-17.— R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence,
Iowa. Rural patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien, Joan Blondell, May Robson — A very good
comedy with May Robson supported by a weak cast
consisting of Pat O'Brien, Wayne Morris, Joan Blon-
dell. Plenty of action but a picture that will not
draw any extra business. Robson is the whole show.
Running time, 88 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan, Gale Page, Ronald Reagan, Helen Broderick —
Just put sleeping cots in your auditorium and when
your audience wakes up, assure them that they
haven't missed a thing, except the most boring pic-
ture that our audience ever sat through and that
"my friends" is their reaction unanimously, almost.
If there is any credit due anyone, it is not Powell
and it is not Sheridan. It is a little lady by the
name of Broderick. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre,
Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
OKLAHOMA KID, THE: James Cagney, Rose-
mary Lane, Humphrey Bogart — Just up our alley
for a small town; best business this year. Play it
in any small community and for once get out of
the depression. Lots of action and good entertain-
ment. Running time, 84 minutes. Played August 17.
—A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sas-
katchewan, Canada. Rural and small town patron-
age.
THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL: John Garfield,
Ann Sheridan, "Dead End Kids," Claude Rains — The
box office said "no." 'Nuf said. Running time, 90
minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss.
Rural and small town patronage.
TORCHY RUNS FOR MAYOR: Glenda Farrell,
Barton MacLane — Very good picture for Saturday
double bill. Running time, 58 minutes. — C. H. Col-
lier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small
town patronage.
A-DUCKING THEY DID GO: Three Stooges—
They can't get enough of these Stooge comedies.
Plenty good like all others in this series. Running
time, 17 minutes. — D'on Bloxham, Palace Theatre,
Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
BERMUDA-ISLE OF PARADISE: Columbia Tours
— Interesting pictorial subject. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh,
Park Tlieatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
BIG TOWN COMMUTERS: Columbia Tours— Con-
sidered just fair. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
COMMUNITY SING: No. 5, Third Series— A nice
job of photography. The singing was okay but it
seems that the photographer tried to steal the show. —
Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town patronage.
INSIDE THE CAPITOL: Washington Parade, No.
3 — Very fine! — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
KNOW YOUR HISTORY: No. 1— Might prove to
be interesting series. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park
Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
KRAZY'S BEAR TALE: Krazy Kat Cartoons— Can
O. K. this one. A few complained that the story
varied which was what it obviously intended to do. —
Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
KRAZY'S SHOE SHOP: Krazy Kat Cartoons-
Lacked human interest. Purely mechanical. Re-
minded us of a musical and we don't like musicals.
— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
MONTMARTE MADNESS: Harry Stockwell—
Leave this one in the can. Audience reaction was
terrible. Running time, 10 minutes. — Don Bloxham,
Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
MUTINY ON THE BODY: Broadway Comedies—
The poorest comedy we ever had from Columbia. This
is something unusual for them. Pass this one up.—
Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
NIGHT AT THE TROC: Music Hall Vanities—
O. K. for the jitterbugs, or to put spice into a sordid
program. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Moun-
tain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
SCRAPPY'S SIDESHOW: Scrappy Cartoons— Good
for the kids and that is all. Just average. Running
time, six minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS: No. 7— Well received as
they always are. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS: No. 8, Series 18— Very
good skating interest. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park
Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
TERMITES OF 1938: Broadway Comedies— Brothers,
believe us when we tell you this is a comedy that
your mother-in-law would enjoy. Flay it. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
TROUBLE FINDS ANDY CLYDE: Andy Clyde—
When good comedies are made, Columbia makes them.
This one is excellent. Plenty of laughs for the crowd.
Running time, 17 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Thea-
tre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WE WANT OUR MUMMY: Three Stooges—
Rather funny, but the ending came rather abruptly. —
Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
WORM'S EYE VIEW, A: Scrappy Cartoons— A
good cartoon. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
age.
YES, WE HAVE NO BONZANA: Three Stooges—
The best Stooge we have run this season. Give it
extra billing. Running time, 18 minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
Educational
NATURE'S SONGSTERS: Treasure Chest— No
entertainment value. Have yet to get a reel from this
company of any value. Prints terrible at all times.—
A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Saskatche-
wan, Canada. Rural and small town patronage.
TRUE STORIES FROM ALTEC FILES
O. A. KAFER
Manager,
Masonic Theatre,
New Bern, N. C.
Sound, AcousticSf
^ ^Periscope, Aid
Oldest U. S. House
NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA— "With the
exception of three years during the civil
war, our theatre, the oldest in America, has
been in continuous operation since 1812,"
said O. A. Kafer, manager of the Masonic
Theatre here. "We also have one of the old-
est sound equipments in use.
"The new Altec modification plan, ap-
plied to our sound system in the last few
months, has brought about a very noticeable
improvement in the high and low frequen-
cies, and we notice a new clarity in both
music and voice.
"When we remodeled our auditorium
recently, our Altec inspector, M. F. Harrod,
gave us invaluable assistance, in planning
the proper acoustical treatment, lighting ef-
fects and wiring changes.
"Also, the observation port holes in the
projection room are only 30 inches from the
floor. Harrod designed a periscope consist-
ing of a system of mirrors, which permits
a full view of the screen at standing height
for our projectionists."
• • •
Without obligation to yourself, the Altec in-
spector in your vicinity will gladly explain how
the quality of sound reproduction from the
equipment now in your theatre can be improved.
MGM
ART GALLERY: Cartoons — Pretty good cartoon in
color. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
(Reports continued on following page)
THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION
OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
(Continued from precedinq page)
BEAR THAT COUUJN'T SLEEP, TrtE: Cartoons
—Very good cartoon in colors.— E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
CULINARY CARVING: Pete Smith Specialties-
Very interesting and instructive subject. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
FOLLOW THE ARROW: Pete Smith Specialties-
Stepped back a ways for this one. A most remark-
able exhibition of archery skill but seeing is believing.
—Elmer A. SUybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
GREENER HILLS, THE: MGM Miniatures— Too
far fetched for us. Just average. Running time, nine
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
GREENER HILLS, THE: MGM Miniatures— Very
interesting short on the guy who's always dissatisfied
with his lot. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
HELP WANTED: Crime Doesn't Pay Series— A
"Crime Doesn't Fay" that deals with crooked employ-
ment agencies and their racket. Worth a date be-
cause these always please our patrons and your
patrons are no dif?erent. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kanstas. Small town pat-
ronage.
HOW TO EAT: Robert Benchley— Entertaining.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla
Small town patronage.
HOW TO SUBLET: Robert Benchley— Not so hot,
especially for patronage like we have here. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb.
Small town patronage.
PICTURESQUE UDAIPUR: FitzPatrick Travel
Talks — Average travel talk. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
PRESTO CHANGO: Merrie Melodies— Not so hot.
Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
RADIO HAMS: Pete Smith Specialties— The ama-
teur radio operators and how they have helped in
emergencies. Play it.— Mayme P. Musselman, Prin-
.cess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
SINGAPORE AND JAHORE: FitzPatrick Travel
Talks — FitzPatrick has yet to make a poor travel talk
and the color sets these off to the enjoyment of our
patrons. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
WANTED: NO MASTER: Cartoons— Just a car-
toon that fills in running time. — Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
Paramount
ALADDIN AND HIS WONDERFUL LAMP: Fop-
eye the Sailor Special — Swell. Boy, they really went
for this one. Drew better than the feature. Play it
by all means. Running time. 22 minutes. — Don Blox-
ham. Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
BARNYARD BRAT: Color Classics— Fair cartoon.
Have seen them much better. Running time, seven
minutes.— Don Bloxham, Palace Tlieatre, Exira, Iowa.
General patronage.
CIRCUS CO-ED: Paragraphics — Very good novelty
reel of training circus riders. They'll like this one.
Running time, 10 minutes.— Don Bloxham, Palace
Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
FAREWELL VIENNA: Paragraphics — Disap-
pointed our patrons. Strictly for those interested in
heavy overtures. Running time, 10 minutes.— A.
Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General pat-
ronage.
RKO Radio
ARCADE VARIETIES: Lillian Roth— Very good
musical reel with a wealth of good talent. Pleased
very well. Best in this series so far. Running time,
11 minutes.— Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira,
Iowa. General patronage.
FOX HUNT: Walt Disney Cartoons— This one is
O. K. Old but still Dlenty funny. Running time,
seven minutes.— Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira,
Iowa. General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 9— A credit to the
industry. For young and old alike, both educational
and entertaining. Running time, 18 minutes. — A. L.
Dove, Bengongh Theatre, Bengough, Saskatchewan,
Canada. Rural and small town patronage. ■
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 10— Extra good. On
the South.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Onta rio, Canada. General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 10-Properly ex-
ploited O. K. in larger towns. Definitely not here.
Running time, 20 minutes. — R. A. Moore, State Thea-
tre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 11: War, Peace
and Propaganda — Audience reaction very poor to this
one. Skip it. Running time, 19 minutes. — Don Blox-
ham, Palace Theatre, Exira Iowa. General patronage.
READIN', RITIN' AND RHYTHM: Nu-Atlas
Productions — Nothing outstanding here. Not even a
good musical. Running lime, one reel. — R. A. Moore,
State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
«
STYLES AND SMILES: Nu-Atlas Productions-
Just a fair reel. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre,
Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small
town patronage.
Twentieth Century-Fox
AFRICA SQUAWKS: Terry-Toons— Kids liked it
but that's about all. Poor cartoon. Running time,
seven minutes. — Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira,
Iowa. General patronage.
GANDY THE GOOSE IN THE FRAME UP:
Terry-Toons — Just a filler cartoon as are most of
them. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Magic Carpet Series— Swell
travelogue beautifully photographed. — Horn and Mor-
gan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Magic Carpet Series— Ex-
cellent travel reel with swell photography. Give this
your best time. Running time, 11 minutes. — Don
Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
HUNTING DOGS: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)— Good
reel for dog lovers. Get your hunters interested and
they will come out to see this one. Very good. —
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
PRIZE GUEST, THE: Terry -Toons— Average car-
toon. It's different. Running time, seven minutes. —
Don Bloxham, Palace Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General
patronage.
1
SAND HOGS: Adventures of the Newsreel Cam-
eraman— Entertaining one reeler. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
Universal
GOING PLACES: No. 62— Not so interesting as
some, but it passes O. K. — Elmer A. Slaybough, Park
Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural
patronage.
MARCH OF FREEDOM: Special— If you got the
same deal that I did, you will have to play it; if not,
play it anyhow. It's your American duty and privi-
lege to do so. — Elmer A. Slaybough, Park Theatre,
Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and rural patron-
age.
i,
MARCH OF FREEDOM: Special— 100% propa-
ganda and the public hates to pay to see propaganda
as much as the exhibitor hates to pay to run it. If
you don't play it, you will not have missed anything.
Running time, 20 minutes. — Don Bloxham, Palace
Theatre, Exira, Iowa. General patronage.
ONE ARMED BANDIT: Lentz Cartunes— A real
reel. A neat ending. — Elmer A. Slaybough, Park
Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small town and
rural patronage.
STRANGER THAN FICTION: No. 63— Here is a
"Stranger Than Fiction" that is really good. Do not
be afraid of this one, as it is better than average.
Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
Vitaphone
CHICKEIN JITTERS: Looney Tunes— One of the
best of the black and white cartoons this season.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
CHICKEN JITTERS: Looney Tunes— Excellent.
Everyone liked it. Running time, seven minutes. —
A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
CLYDE LUCAS AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — Very fine short. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
CLYDE McCOY AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — A Nice band act. No different than all the
others. Running time, one reel. — R. A. Moore, State
Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
DETOURING AMERICA: Merrie Melodies— War-
ners had something here but muiTed it. As a result,
it is only fair. Running time, eight minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town pat-
ronage.
GADGETEERS: Vitaphone Varieties— No entertam-
ment value and the sound on the print terrible. Why
have to pay for them to produce such bunk? Run-
ning time, one reel. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre,
Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small
town patronage.
HUMAN BOMB, THE: Floyd Gibbons' "Your
True Adventure" Series — Most of these Floyd Gib-
bons "True Adventures" are very good and our
patrons like them. Can use on any spot. — Mayme P.
Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
JOHNNY SMITH AND POKER HUNTAS: Mer-
rie Melodies — Good cartoon in color. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
LINCOLN IN THE WHITE HOUSE: Historical
Technicolor Featurettes — Swell featurette that will
certainly please any audience and should be run by
every theatre owner regardless of location. — Mayme P.
Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
LIVES IN PERIL: Floyd Gibbons' "Your True
Adventure" Series — Very good with plenty of sus-
pense. Does extra business when advertised. Run-
ning time, 11 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre.
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
MERLE KENDRICKS AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Melody Masters — Good band reel. Enjoyed by my
patrons. Running time, one reel. — A. L. Dove, Ben-
gough Theatre, Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Rural and small town patronage.
OLD GLORY: Merrie Melodies— Pleasing to the
eye but not much comedy. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
OLD GLORY: Merrie Melodies— One of the best
cartoons in its class. While not intended to be funny,
it is timely. Very good for patriotic holidays. Run-
ning time, 10 minutes. — A. Goldson, Plaza Theatre,
Chicago, 111. General patronage.
POLAR PALS: Looney Tunes— A fair cartoon.
Running time, seven minutes. — A Goldson, Plaza
Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
RITA RIO AND HER ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — She can't dance, she can't sing, and why
put Miss Rio in pictures is beyond me. Just fair.
Running time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
ROBBIN' GOOD: Vitaphone Varieties— Interesting
reel exposing gambling tricks. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
WARDROBE GIRL: Lester Allen, Ginger Manners
— A fair Brevity, but Allen was given second place to
Miss Manners, who is not so hot. We have seen
Lester Allen on the stage and know what he can do.
Give him full swat once and we will have a Brevity
worth showing. Running time, 17 minutes.- — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
YOU'RE NEXT TO CLOSING: Cross and Dunn-
Just no talent nor appeal. Shelve it. Running time,
18 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier,
Ind. Small town patronage.
SERIALS
Republic
DAREDEVILS OF THE RED CIRCLE (Episode
1): Herman Brix, Charles Quigley — This new serial
is starting oS good. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Releasing New Film
Imperial Pictures will release "The Dicta-
tors Lullaby," in September with a first
run on Broadway scheduled. Frank P. Dono-
van wrote and directed the picture which
features Johnny Dale, Libby Blair and a
large cast. The photography was the work
of Billy Bitzer, early D. W. Griffith camera-
man.
New Monogram Managers
Monogram has appointed Wm. M. Dug-
gan, Jr., to succeed F. Howard Butler as
manager of the San Francisco exchange and
Walter Wessling in place of Cecil Fames
in Portland, Ore. Mr. Wessling had been
branch manager for GB in Portland and
Seattle for five years.
Small Signs Buchanan
Edward Small Productions, Inc., has ap-
pointed Buchanan and Company, Inc., New
York, to handle the advertising on the forth-
coming Edward Small production, the title
of which will be announced shortly.
September 2, 1939
Projectionists Set
For JV irld 's Fair
Joseph Basson, president of lATSE Local
306, New York, reports that "Projectionist
Day," New York World's Fair, September
Zth, at the Little theatre. Special Events
Building, has received the approval of a
large number of L A. locals throughout the
United States and Canada. In addition to
those who will be present on this occasion,
a large delegation is due in New York.
Among those who will address the meet-
ing or be present as guests are: President
George E. Browne of the lATSE; U. S.
Commissioner General Edward J. Flynn; N.
Golden, U. S. Department of Commerce;
Earle Hines, president of International
Projector Corporation : also from Interna-
tion Projector Corporation; Herbert Griffin,
vice-president, and E. L. Worfolk, comp-
troller, and A. E. Meyer, general sales man-
ager. Also: A. J. Palmer, Dr. A. N. Gold-
smith; E. A. Williford, president of the
SMPE.; F. H. Richardson; J. J. Finn;
Walter E. Green, president of National
Theatre Supply, and James Frank and Will
Smith of the New York branch of National
Theatre Supply.
Making arrangements for "Projectionist
Day" are H. Oppenheimer and L. Kaufman,
Local 244; Harry Rubin, director of projec-
tion for Paramount Pictures; Frank Cahill,
Warners; Charles Horstman, RKO and
Charles Muller, Radio City Music Hall ; Joe
Basson, president of Local 306; Thad Bar-
rows and Jimmy Burke of Local 182, Boston ;
Victor Wellman of Cleveland Local 160;
Arthur Martens and Dick Hayes of Local
650, Westchester County; Frank Cummings,
W. Nagengast and J. Engle of Long Island
Local 640; G. Edwards; O. Kafka; C. Eich-
horn and P. A. McGuire.
The purpose is to give recognition to the
projectionist as a citizen and technician who
has made a contribution to the success of
the motion picture.
Addresses and motion pictures which will
be shown will historically cover the indus-
•try during the past forty years. Also present
will be William Reed, who was the first
"operator" of whom there is any authentic
record.
Improve Al+ec System
Altec Service Corporation has announced
that as a result of new developments in Al-
tec's system of laboratory and field life tests,
vacuum tubes supplied for theatre sound sys-
tems by the company will receive a ten-fold
increase in life guarantee. Western Electric
tubes previously guaranteed for 100 hours'
service will now receive six months' uncon-
ditional guarantee. The large 50-watt size,
now carrying a full guarantee of 100 hours'
service, will be subject to an extended pro-
rated guarantee on any tubes which fail
within 1,000 hours.
An attempt on the part of Columbus, Ohio,
exhibitors to organize a booking combine
has been abandoned for the time being, it is
reported. Virgil Jackson was head of the
proposed organization.
The fall convention of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers will be held Octo-
ber 16-19 at the Hotel Pensylvania in New
Y'ork.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
B^esuming the
Bluebook School
Based on the new Second Revision of
the Sixth Edition of F. H. Richardson's
Bluebook of Projection, the Bluebook
School, conducted in the Herald for
many years by Mr. Richardson, is resumed
with the first question of the series, sub-
mitted below. The method will represent
some departure from past practice, how-
ever; projectionists are asked to submit
answers, as formerly, but the answer ulti-
mately published often will be that of
Mr. Richardson himself, or of other spe-
cialists In projection and sound, rather
than an answer submitted by a projec-
tionist "student". This, It Is felt, will serve
the real purpose of the "school", which Is
to encourage and assist In study, and at
the same time facilitate preparation of
effective answers.
The first question Is as follows:
QUESTION NO. I: What is feedback?
Reverse feedback? Interelectrode capaci-
tance? Oscillation?
Answers will begin to appear as soon
as several questions have been submitted.
Republic Sells 1940
Product to Griffith
Griffith Amusement Company's 42 towns
in Oklahoma and 35 in Texas have bought
Republic Pictures' entire 1939-40 product,
one of the largest deals closed this year by
the distributor.
William Underwood, Texas franchise
holder ; Sol Davis, Oklahoma franchise
holder, and Clair Hilgers, southern district
manager, represented Republic, and Horace
Halls the Griffith circuit.
67
Broadcasters Seek
Free Music Market
Ed Kirby, director of public relations for
the National Association of Broadcasters,
said this week that the NAB is "not neces-
sarily trying to put the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers out
of business, but we are trying to establish
a free market from which we can purchase
our music." The statement followed a NAB
subcommittee meeting in New York.
The Broadcasters are meeting September
15th to determine what might be done to
develop other and less expensive sources of
musical material. Neville Miller, president
of the association, charges that $4,000,000 a
year, paid by broadcasters, is "too stiff" a
price to pay ASCAP for its music rights.
The meeting this week considered tentative
plans submitted by Sidney Kaye and Stuart
Sprague, attorneys who were retained to
draft proposals to be submitted to the Sep-
tember 15th meeting in Chicago.
Regardless of concessions which ASCAP
may make, the NAB will continue its efforts
for new sources, Mr. Kirby said. The com-
mittee will have further meetings to formu-
late a definite program.
The judiciary committee of the Alabama
State Senate last week gave a favorable re-
port to the Stakely bill aimed at the asserted
song monopoly of ASCAP. The bill was
urged by Alabama radio stations, many
hotels and other businesses which the com-
mittee was told have suffered heavily be-
cause of charges for broadcasting and for
orchestra playing of ASCAP songs.
The Stakely measure would require the
society to pay a three per cent annual state
gross receipts tax and would prevent the
society from charging broadcasters and
others a flat fee of from $500 to $1,000 a
year, plus five per cent of the gross revenues
of any company playing the copyrighted
music.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Sep! ember 2 , 1939
IN COURTS
Dionne Newsreel
Causes Dispute
A dispute between the guardians of the
Dionne Quintuplets and the Newspaper En-
terprise Association, Cleveland, involving
the picture rights for the girls, has been
referred to Judge J. A. S. Plouffe for hear-
ing at North Bay, Toronto, this month.
The NEA has refused to pay further
amounts under a |20,000 a year contract be-
cause newsreels and still cameramen took
pictures of the Quintuplets when they met
the King and Queen at Toronto. The camera-
men were said to have been members of the
newsreel pool covering the royal tour under
the jurisdiction of the Canadian Govern-
ment. The NEA claims the exclusive
privilege and claims the contract has been
broken.
Twentieth Century-Fox holds the exclu-
sive right to make feature length pictures
in which the Dionne girls appear and this
contract is said to have one more year to
run with the unexpired privilege of two
more feature productions.
Pacific Files Answer
Pacific National Theatres, Inc., has filed
an answer in the New Castle County court
of chancery, Wilmington, Del., to the bill
for the appointment of a receiver under
Section 43 of the General Corporation Law,
brought on July 7th by Margaret M. Stev-
ens and W. Ernest Choate, the complain-
ants. The company denies the inability
to carry on business and asks the court that
complainants take nothing by reason of
their bill of complaint, and that respond-
ents be granted its costs and disbursements
incurred in defending this action, and such
further relief the court deems proper.
Warner Brothers this week obtained from
Samuel Mandelbaum, federal judge, in New
York a one week extension of time to an-
swer the $5,000,000 suit of Fritz Kuhn,
which charges libel in "Confessions of a
Nazi Spy."
Thomas Noonan, New York supreme
court justice, this week denied the applica-
tion of Leo Manton and Eleanore Ninor,
known as Ninor and Manton, for an order
directing Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc.,
and Vitaphone Corporation to appear for
an examination before trial. Ninor and
Manton 'seek $25,000 damages, injunction
and accounting against Warners and Vita-
phone charging illegal use of the title "Si,
Si, Senorita" in a short subject.
Thomas Noonan, New York supreme
court justice, this week directed Darryl F.
Zanuck to submit to examination before
trial in Los Angeles in connection with
the suit of Robert E. Sherwood and The
Playwrights Producing Company, Inc.,
against Twentieth Century-Fox Film Cor-
poration. Plaintiffs must pay costs of the
examination under the order. The suit
charges unfair competition with the Sher-
wood play "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" in the
film "Young Mr. Lincoln."
Seeks New Trial
In Patent Suit
An application was filed on Friday in the
United States district court in New York
by Virgil C. Crites for a new trial before
a different judge of his suit against War-
ner Brothers Pictures, United Research
Corporation, Radtke Patents Corporation
and Albert A. Radtke. On July 7th Mor-
timer W. Byers, federal judge, dismissed
the suit, which charged infringement of a
patent called "method and means for opti-
cally reproducing sound," after a two weeks'
hearing. The application will be heard
Tuesday.
Deny Libel Charges
Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., has filed
an answer in the U. S. district court in
New York denying generally the complaint
of Katherine Moog and demanding a trial
by jury. Miss Moog is plaintiff in a suit
for $75,000 damages against Warners,
charging libel in the picture, "Confessions
of a Nazi Spy."
Alperson Details Ordered
Edward L. Alperson this week was di-
rected by Samuel Mandelbaum, federal
judge, to file a bill of particulars in his
suit for $135,000 damages and 10,500
shares of Grand National stock charging
breach of an employment contract. Grand
National Pictures, Inc., Educational Pic-
tures, Inc., and Earle W. Hammons are
named defendants in the suit.
IN NEWSREELS
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 100; Vol. 21.— Open "Sea
Floor" post office in the Bahamas Portuguese Pres-
ident pays visit to East African colony .... Fall hat
fashions... .Mount Olympus filmed. . . .Australian
teams battle for U. S. Doubles tennis title.... La Jolla
swimming meet held Sheep dog contest in Sydney
Lew Lehr.
.MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 101, Vol. 21.— The world
crisis in Germany, Danzig, Italy, France. England,
Washington and the White House. .. .Army bombers
at Langley Field give demonstration. .. .Lew Lehr
American women retain Wightman Cup. .. .Golf. .. .
Water skiing.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 298, Vol. 10.— War crisis
special !.... First class of fledglings to complete air
school training graduate Latest style trend in
jewelry. .. .Australian teams battle for U. S. Doubles
tennis title. ... Walter Stewart leads field of amateur
swimmers in La Jolla contest.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 299, Vol. 10.— The war
crisis in Britain, France, Danzig-Polish border, Ger-
many and in .'\merica U. S. women retain Wight -
man tennis cup.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 111.— European crisis as it
pertains to America. .. .Music for masses attracts
225,000 in Chicago. .. .Tango and jitterbug dance con-
tests held in New York Dixie Clipper files latest
New York fashions across Atlantic for British style
show. ... Dewey visits Owosso, Mich., his home town.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 112.— Aspects of Eu-
ropean crisis with scenes from Berlin, London, Paris,
Danzig, Gibraltar and reactions in the United States.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 11, Vol. 11.-10,000,000 men
under arms in Europe as the Zero Hour neared....
Free concert by Lawrence Tibbett draws 250,000 in
Chicago. ... New auto glass a boon to vision Two-
mile rough water swim on coast National doubles
tennis titles.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 12, Vol. 11.— U. S. takes
steps to meet war crisis America honors Luxem-
burg's royalty African war dance for "white
chief" Texan wins women's U. S. golf crown
Armv bombeis hold target practice.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 880, Vol. 11.— Army
air cadets graduated Cobb drives "368 mph on
Utah Salt Flats British gird for war in air New
safety glass aids drivers. ... Mexicans hail 1914 revolt
Old and new fashions shown Marlene Dietrich
iDack in U. S 16 year old boy wins La Jolla swim
....Baby parade. .. .Australians wins U. S. tennis
doubles.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 881, Vol. 11.— War
moves grip Europe Scranton fetes new film starlet,
Gloria Jean Ballet dancers in novel race Ameri-
can women tennis stars defeat British women for
Wightman Cup.
OBITUARIES
Sidney C. Howard^
Playwright^ Dead
Sidney Cole Howard, playwright, was
killed at his summer home at Tyringham,
Mass., August 23rd, when a tractor he was
cranking in a garage started up and crushed
him to death. He was 48 years old.
Mr. Howard had put in a morning of
work on a new play based on Carl Van
Doren's "Benjamin Franklin" and, as was
his custom, was going to seek relaxation in
physical work on his 700-acre estate. The
chore he had set for himself was harrow-
ing a 28-acre field which he had recently
bought to extend his property.
Mr. Howard was one of the country's
major playwrights and film scenarists and
a leading force in the contemporary theatre.
He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1925 for his
play, "They Knew What They Wanted."
He and four other leading American
playwrights banded together in what is
known as the Playwrights Company, and he,
alone of the five, had no offering on Broad-
way. The company planned to open the
season with Mr. Howard's "Madam, Will
You Walk?" which . he described as "a
cock-eyed version of the Faust legend." The
other members of the company were Rob-
ert E. Sherwood, Elmer Rice, Maxwell
Anderson and S. N. Behrman.
Most of his obituary notices in the press
called attention to his criticism of Holly-
wood for a lack of standards and taste. Al-
though a critic of the industry, Mr. Howard
wrote many screen plays including the much
discussed "Gone With the Wind," from
Margaret Mitchell's novel. Other screen
plays of his included "Dodsworth" and
"Arrowsmith," adaptations of Sinclair
Lewis' novels. He also wrote the screen
versions of his plays, "The Silver Cord"
and "Christopher Bean."
Mr. Howard's widow, Leopoldine Blaine
Damrosch, is the daughter of Walter Dam-
rosch.
Mark Vance Dies
Mark Vance, theatrical newspaperman,
died August 22nd at Saranac, N. Y., after
a long illness. Mr. Vance at various times
was editor of Shozv World, editor of NVA
News, and a member of the staff of Variety.
Floyd Tomes, United Artists representa-
tive in San Antonio, died there August 21st
of an internal hemorrhage.
Alliance Extended to Canada
Budd Rogers, vice-president and general
manager of Alliance Films Corporation, has
extended his distribution territory to include
the Dominion of Canada and the Maritime
Provinces.
United Detroit Theatres is dropping the
price of children's admissions on all 17
houses. At the Michigan and Palms-State,
first runs, the admission drops from 25 to 15
cents, while at the second runs, it drops
from 15 to 10 cents.
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Conu-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Com. -Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlotk Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Frontier, 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Ambush, 3820, Mel Para
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces. The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona, Mel. (C) Col
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid, West ...Rep
Arizona Legion, 982. West RKO
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Com 20th-Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms. Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932. Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Company. Mel Univ.
Bad Lands. 333, West RKO
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863. Mel Para
Beau Geste. Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking. 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade. Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Beware Spooks. Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail. Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley. Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby. Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss. Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation. Com Col
Blue Montana Skies, 844. West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend. 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820. Mel Mono
Boy Slaves. 911. Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824. Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Bronze Buckaroo, Mel St. Rts.
Brother Orchid. Mel WB
Burn 'Em Up O'Connor, 919, Com.-Mel.. MGM
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
0
Cabira, Mel Foreign
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Campus Wives, Mel Para
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The, Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th -Fox
Charlie Chan in Honolulu, 928. Mel..20th-Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno. 948. Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees, Com.-Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Cvm 20th-Fox
Child Is Born, A. Mel WB
Children of the Wind. Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U. West Univ
Chump at Oxford. Com UA
Cisco Kid, No. 1, 012, Mel 20th-F6ii
City in Darkness, Mel 20th-Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. Rts.
Code of the Fearless, West St. Rts.
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Convict's Code, 3822, Mel Mono
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Crossroads. Mel Foreign
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, Com MGM
Dark Victory, 354. Mel FN
Daughters Courageous. 360. Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept. The. 002, Com... RKO
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade. Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, West Univ
Devil's Island. 313. Mel WB
Diamonds Are Dangerous. Mel Para
Disbarred, 3818, Mel Para
Disputed Passage. Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops. Mel Para
Dodge City. 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime In the Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864, West Mono
Drifting Westward, 3853, West Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Duke of West Point, Mel UA
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel.20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Espionage Agent, Mel WB
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everything's on Ice, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Fast and Furious, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Feud of the Range, West St. Rts.
Fifth Avenue Girl. 934, Com RKO
Fighting Gringo, 986 West RKO
Fighting Thoroughbreds, 821, West Rep
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
Fisherman's Wharf. 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dogan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight. 911, Mel Rep
Flirting with Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces. 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Ren
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers. Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Girls in White, 921, Mel MGM
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Frontiers of '49, West Col
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Galloping Kid, West Univ
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gang Smashers. Mel St. Rts.
Geronimo. Mel Para
Ghost Town Riders, 3054, We«t Univ
Girl and the Gambler. 926, Met RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio. 3825. Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Going Places. 359. Com.-Mel FN
Golden Boy. Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It. Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Graeie Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel. .. Para
Grand Jury's Secrets, Mel Para
Great Man Votes, 913, Com RKO
Green HeM, Mel Univ
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, Wett St. Rts.
Harvest. Mel Foreign
Hatred. Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights. Mus Univ
Headline News, Mel Rep
Heart of the North, 362, Mel. (C) FN
Heart of Paris. Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence, Mel.
20th- Fox
Hell's Kitchen. 312, Mel WB
Henry Gees Arizona. Cem MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com ;.. Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes of the Desert, 7118 West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power, Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
Hitler— The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts
Hobby Family. The, 376. Com FN
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West. Rep
Homicide Bureau, Mel Col
Honeymoon in Bali, Com Para
Honolulu, 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages. The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Bakersville, 936, Med.. .20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
Idiot's Delight, 920, Com.-Mel MGM
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway. The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936, Mel RKO
In Old Montana, 847, West St. Rts.
In Old Montana. West St. Rts.
In Old Moneterey. 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 20th-Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck. Mel Mono
I Stole a Million. 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel.. .20th-Fox
It's a Wonderful World. 936. Mel MGM
Itto. Mel Foreign
I Was Made a Convict. 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, Mel Para
Jesse James. 921, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Jones Family in Quick Millions, Com.
20th -Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 346, Com.20th-Fox
Jaurez. 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maximilian. Mel St. Rts.
K
Kansas Terrors. West Rep
Kid from Kokomo. The, 363. Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
King of the Underworld, 317, Mel WB
Knights of the Range, West Para.
Konga, The Wild Stallion, Mel Col
Kreutzer Sonata, Mel Foreign
L
Lady and the Knight. The, Mel. (C) WB
Lady and the Mob. The, Com Col
Lady Dick. Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics. 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel... Para
Lady Takes a Chance. The, Com.-Mel GN
Lady Vanishes, 8011, Mel. GB
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Cem Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West Cel
(.Continued on following page)
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
rrUE I2ELEASE CHACT—INCEX CONT'D]
(^Continued from preceding page)
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West C*l
Legion ef Lest Flyers, Mel Unlv
Let Freedem Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
Listen Kids, Mel Unlv
LIttI* Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
LIftI* Princess, The, 932, Mel. (C) . .2ath-Fox
Llanic Kid, Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
L*ne Wolf Spy Hunt, The, Mel Col
Ling Shot, The, 313, Mel GN
Lett Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron, The, 994, Mel RKO
L«VB Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Maisie, 940, Com.-Mel MGM
Mamele, Com Foreign
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oltlahoma, West St. Rts
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Ctnquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The, Mel Col
Man Trailer, The, West Col
Man Who Dared, 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers at the Circus, Com. Mus. -Com.
Medicine Show, West Para
Mexican Kid, 3741, West Mono
Mickey the Kid, 814, Mel Rep
Midnight, 3828, Mel Para
Mikado, The, Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel GN
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Unlv
Mr. Moto in Danger Island, 937, Mel.20th-Fox
Mr. Mote's Last Warning, 926, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes ts Washington, Com Col
Mr. Wong at Headquarters, 3808, Mel, ..Mono
Mr. Wong in Chinatown, 3807, Mel Mono
Mothers of Today, Mel Foreign
Mountain Rhythm, 845, West Rep
Murder in Sohe, Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House, 3803, Mel. ..Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, Mel Univ
Mutiny on tha Bounty, 536, Mel MGM
My Song of Love, Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mysterious Miss X, 809, Mel Rep
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The, 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel. ..Univ
Mystery Plane, 3809, Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com. -Mel Rep
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shteter, 324. MeL.WB
Naughty But Nice, 311, Cem.-Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832, Com Para
New Frontier, 868, West Rep
Newsboys Home, 3015, Mel Univ
News Is Made at Night, 953, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Night on the Danube, Com.-Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South, Mel Foreign
Night Work, Com Para
Ninotschka, Mel MGM
No Place to Go, Mel FN
North ef Shanghai, Mel Col
North of the Yukon. Mel Cel
Northwest Passage, Mel. (C> MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, DDI, Mel RKO
Off the Record, 314, Cnn,-Mel WB
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Unlv
Oklahoma Kid, 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Man*
Old Bones ef the River, Com Foreign
Old Maid, The, Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com.-Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus WB
One Hour to Live, Mel Unlv
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown, Com ., Para
One Wild Night. Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Outsider, The, Mel Foreign
Overland Mall, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep.
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
Pacific Liner, 914, Mel RKO
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com.. .20th-Fox
Panama Lady, 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Paris Honeymoon, 3821, Mus.-Com Para
Parole Fixer, Mel Para
Peasant Wedding, Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons In Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Philo Vance Returns, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033, Mel Univ
Poisoned Pen, Mel Foreign
Port of Hate, Mel St. Rts.
Pride of the Navy, 822, Mel Rep
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Prison Without Bars. Mel UA
Pygmalion, 980, Com.-Mel MGM
Queen of Destiny, 061, Mel. (C) RKO
Queer Money, Mel WB
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Range War, West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember, Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Trail, West Para
Reno, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return ef the Cisco Kid, Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2, West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Unlv
Risky Business, 3029. Mel Univ
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Rolling Westward, 3863. West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods. Mel Col
Rookie Cop. Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
School for Husbands, Com.-Mel Foreign
Scouts of the Air, 3816, Mel Mono
Second Fiddle, 949, Com.-Mel 20th-Fex
Secret Service ef the Air, 320, Mel WB
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Salty, 018, Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Simple Life, The, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Singing Charro, The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm, WI-19, West GN
6.000 Enemies, 938, Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smiling Along, 300, Com 20th-Fox
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein, 3004, Mel Univ
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House. 924. Mel RKO
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave. 813. Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho 855, West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931. Mel RKO
Spies of the Air. Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Unlv
Spoilers of the Range, West. Col
Spy In Black, Mel Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stand Up and Fight, 918, Com.-Mel MGM
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th- Fox
Star Maker, The, Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Steeplechase, Mel WB
Stolen Life. 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The,
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The,
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Strange Faces. 3035, Com.-Mel Univ
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802. Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire. Mel MGM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot. 3814, Mel Mono
Sudden Money, 3829. Com.-Mel Para
Sued for Libel, Mel RKO
Sundown in Helldorado, West Col.
Sundown on the Prairie. 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets, Mel Unlv
Sunset Trail, 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties, 954, Com-Mel.
20th. Fox
Swanee River 017, Mus. (C) 20th -Fox
Sweepstake Winner, Com FN
Swing, Sister, Swing, 3021, Mus Unlv
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Saint in London. 929. Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back. 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues. 3822. Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede. 863. West Rep
San Franelsoo, 636, Mel MGM
Tail Spin, 925, Mel 20th-Fex
Tarzan Finds a SonI 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats, West. St. Rts.
They All Come Out 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948, Mel MGM
They Asked for It 3040, Mel Unlv
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Ma a Spy, 921. Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal, 307. Mel WB
They Shall Have Music. Mel UA
This Man In Paris. 3865. Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus.-Com.. .20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus-Com.
Unlv
Three Sons, 004, Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat Mel MGM
Thundering West The, West Col
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th-Fox
Topper Takes a Trip, Com UA
Torchy Blane In Chinatown, 371, Mel.... FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite, 326, Mel...WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts
Tower of London, Mel Unlv
Trade Winds, Com.-Mel UA
Trapped In the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Pals, WI-13, West GN
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Unlv
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds, West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours. 917, Mel RKO
20.000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon. Mel Para
U
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under-Pup, The, Mel Unlv
Unexpected Father, 3008, Com Unlv
Union Pacific, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Pan
Untamed, Mel Para
Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Vigil in the Night 007, Mel RKO
W
Wall Street Cowboy, West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St Rts
Ware Case, Mel 20tb-F«X
Waterfront, 325, Mel WB
Water Rustlers, Wl-I, West GN
Way Down South, 947, Mus. RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel WB
Western Caravans. West. Col
What a Man I Com Foreign
When the Husband Travels. Mus.-Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes. 3003, Cora. -Mel. .Unlv
Where's That Fire, Mel 20th-Fox
While New York Sleeps, 022, Mel...20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies, Mel Col
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Csm.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy. 309. Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus.-Com 20th- Fox
Winter Carnival. Mel UA
Witch Night Mel Foreign
With a Smile. Mus.-Com Foreign
Within the Law. 928, Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes, The, Mel Unlv
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808. Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A., Mel Col
Women, The, Com.-Mel MGM
Women In the Wind. 316, Mel WB
Wonder World, Mel GN
World Moves On, The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Unlv
You Can't Get Away with Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Zaza, 3819, Mel Para
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The 812, Mel Rep
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
7!
(THE I2ELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk {*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals, for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Behind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy- Jacqueline Wells ••July 28,'39 62. Aug. 28, '39
Blind Alley (G) Ciiester Morris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May 1 1, "39 71. Apr. 29,'39
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)..P. SIngleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms..Mar. 8,'39 74. Feb. 25,'39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 68.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G).P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms..July 20,'39 71. July 22/39
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier-Valerie Hobson. .Juno 20.'39 79. Mar. Il,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 67.)
Coast Guard Randolph Scott- Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connolly. .Aug. 4,'39
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows-Dorothy Peterson . .Aug. 22,'39
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs.. Apr. I2,'39
Frontiers of '49 Bill Elliott-Luana De Aleanlz. . Jan. ig.'39
(See "California Cavalcade," "In the Cutting Room," Nov. I9,'38.)'
Good Girls Go to Paris (G)..Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June 3a,'39 78. June 24,'3«
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 66.)
Homicide Bureau (G) Bruce Cabot-Rita Hayworth Jan.
Lady and the Mob, The (G) . . F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Eillott-Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr. I6,'39..
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb. 28,'39..
Lane Star Pioneers Bill Elliott- Dorothy Gulliver Mar. I6,'39 56
Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, The (G). Warren William-lda Lupino-
Virglnia Weidler Jan.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox.. Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh.. .May 22.'39 59. June 24,'39
My Son it a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wellt.. ..Feb. 22.'39 59
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig Feb. I0,'39 59
(See "la the Cutting Room," Nov. I2,'38.)
North of the Yuken Chas. Starrett- Linda Winters Mar. 30,'39 64
Only Angels Havo Wings (G)..Cary Grant - Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May 25.'39. . . . 121 . May 20.'39
(Exploitation: June 24,'39; p. 75: July I5,'39, p. 62; July 29.'39, p. 69; Aug. 5.'39, pp. 100.
101. 102; Aug. I2,'39. p. 70; Aug. I9,'39. p. 72.)
Outside Thes* Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June 29.'39 58
Parents on Trial Jean Parker • Johnny Downes •
Noah Beery, Jr. May 4,'39 59
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27, '39.)
Illdera of Black River Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug. 23,'39
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Blekford Mar. 30,'39 67
Spoilers of the R^nge Charles Starrett-lrls Meredith. . .Apr. 27,'39 58
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-lrls Meredith Feb. 9,'39 57
Thundering West, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Jan. I2.'39 57
Trapped In the Sky (G) Jack Holt-Katherine DeMllle June l,'39 61. Feb. I8.'S9
.62.
.54.
5,'39 59 Feb. 11,'M
3,'39 66. Mar. Il,'39
.58.
.69. Feb. I8,'39
27.'39 71. Jan. 28,'39
I5,'39.
I7,'39.
.59.
Title
Western Caravans
Whispering Enemies (G)
Woman Is the Judge, A.
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
...Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June 15, '39 58
...Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar. 24,'39 61. Feb. IB,'39
...Frieda Inescort-Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July I0,'39 62
Coming Attractions
Arizona Jean Arthur-Warren William
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct. 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L, Simms
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis *65.Aug. 5,'39
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Helden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolpho Menjou-Jos. Callola. .Sept. 5,'39. . . '100. Aug. I9,'39
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept. 7,'39t. . .*60.May 27.'39
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Konga. the Wild Stallion Fred Stone-Rochelle Hudson Aug. 30,'39
Man Trailer, The* Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbe- Eugene Pallette Oct. I5,'39t
Outpost of the Meunties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith.. Sept. .4.'39t. . . .63
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Sept. 30,'39t
Spy in Black (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson 82. Apr. I,'i,'39
Sundown in Helldorado Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith. . Sept. 2I,'39t
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Disfribufed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Matthews, Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'38
Lady Vanishes, The (A) SOI I .. Margaret Lo«kwood-Paul Lukas-
Michael Redgrave-Dame May
Whitty Jan. e,'39 88. Sept. 3,'38
(Exploitation: June I0,'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
GRAND NATIONAL
Running Time
TItU
Star
Rel. Date
Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26,'39
31, '38
25,'S9
2I,'39
20,'39 53. Jan.
3I,'39 57
Long Shot, The (0) 313 Marsha Hunt-Gordon Jones Jan. e.'39 60. Dec.
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters. . . May 20,'39 69. Feb.
Ride 'Em Cowgirl (G) WI-2. . Dorothy Page Jan.
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9..Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May I3,'39 57. Feb.
Trigger Palo (G) WI-13 Art Jarrett-Lee Powell-AI St.
John Jan. I3,'39 55. Jan.
Water Rustlers Wl-I Dave O'Brien-Dorothy Page Jan. 6,'39 56
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barclay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild* Joan Valerie-Silver Wolf
Full Speed Ahead
Isle of Destiny W. Ford-J. Lang-W. Gargan
Lady Take* a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
I8.'38
2I,'3»
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
The (G) 928 Mickey Rooney - Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
Ingram Feb. I0,'39 92. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. I8.'39, p. 72; Apr. 7.'39, p. 73; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; June 24,'39,
p. 77; July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July 21, '39 85. July I5,'39
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. 12,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26, '39,
p. 86.)
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly .. May 26,'39 70. May 27,'M
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 .. Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan. .. .Apr. 7,'39. . . . 1 13. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39. p. 81.)
Bum 'Em Up O'Connor (G)
919 Dennis O'Keefe-Cecilia Parker-
Harry Carey-Nat Pendleton. . .Jan. I3,'39 86. Apr. 29,'39
Calling Dr. Klldara (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr. 28,'39 86. Oct. I7,'3I
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201 . W. Berry-J. Cooper-I. Rich June 2,'39 86. Apr. 29,'39
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Rebt. M*ntgomery-R. Russell. ... Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. 18,'W
Four Qlrli In Whit* (Q) 921 .. Florence Rlee-Kent Taylor-Ann
Rutherford Jan. 27,'39 73. Feb. 4,'Jf
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 54; Apr. 22,'39, p. 61; May I3,'39. p. 66.)
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2. 1939
(THE I2ELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
4,'39
10, '39 82. Mar. Il,'39
p. 60.)
I4.'39 71. Apr.
1 1. '39 91. Aug.
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945.. Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39 1 14. May 20,'39
(Exploitation: July l,'39. p. 59; July 22,'39. p. 80; July 29.'39, p. 67: Aug. 5.'39, pp. 101,
102: Aug. I2.'39, p. 74; Aug. 26, '39, pp. 86, 88.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr. 2I,'39 81. Apr. 22,'39
(Exploitation: May 20,'39, p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65: June 24,'39, p. 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb. 3,'39 S3. Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 82; Apr. I5,'39, p. 84; May 6,'39, pp. 61, 64; May I3,'39,
p. 67; June 24,'39, pp. 74, 77; July I, '39, p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22/ 39, p. 82;
Julv 29.'39. p. 69: Aug. I2,'.39. p. 70.)
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Original Ice Follies Cast-
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 20,'39, p. 61; June t0,'39,
Idiot's Delight (A) 920 Norma Shearer - Clark Gable -
Edw. Arnold-Burgess Meredith. .Jan. 27,'39 109. Jan.
It's a Wonderful World (G)
936 James Stewart-Claudette Colbert. .May I9,'39 86. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, The (G) 929. Dennis O'Keefe-Florence Riee Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug.
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926 N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold • G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb. 24,'39 87. Feb.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 79; Apr. 29, '39, p. 74; May 27,'39, p. 68.)
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Loy May 5,'39 81. Apr.
(Exploitation: Aug. I9.'39, p. 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. .June 23,'39 74. July
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 61; July 8,'39, p. 51; July I5.'39, p. 61; July 22,'39,
Aug. 5.'39. p. 98; Aug. 1 2. '39, p. 74: Aug. 26,'39. p. 85.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull. .... .Aug.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone. ..May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wioke-B. Watson-U. Merkei-
Beulah Bondi July
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar.
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, pp. 68, 70; Feb. 25.'39, p. 67; Mar. 4,'39, p. 70; Mar. 25,'39,
p. 83: Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 22,'39, p. 64; May 6,'39, p. 62; May I3,'39, pp. 68, 70;
July 8,'39. p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gable- J. MacDonald-S. Tracy.. May 27,'39 115. July
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar. 24,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39. p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 72; May 6, '39, p. 63; May 20,'39,
May 27.'39, p. 65; June I0,'39. p. 59; July 8,'39, p. 51.)
5.000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon- Rita Johnson June 9,'39 62. May 27, '39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrille .Mar. 31, '39 78. Apr.
Stand Up and Fight (G) 918.. Robert Taylor - Wallace Beery.
Florence Rice - Helen Brod-
erick - Barton MacLane Jan. 6.'39 97. Jan.
(Exploitation: Jan. 21, '39, p. 52; Jan. 28,'39, p. 60; Feb. 4,'39, p. 85; Feb. I8,'39, pp. 68,
70.)
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter Pidgeon. .June 30,'39 78. June
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939.. J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sullivan June I6,'39 82. June
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 49; Aug. 5. '39, pp. 98, 100; Aug. I9,'39, pp. 67. 70.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May I2,'39 69. May
These Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Loulse-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan ...Aug. I8.'39 80. Aug. I9,'39
They All Come Out (G) 943... Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July I4,'39 70. July 8,'39
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar. I7,'39 65. Mar. I8,'39
Wizard of Oz 949 (G) Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
B. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug. 25,'39 101. Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, pp. 84, 87.)
Women, The Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. .Sept. I,'39t...l34
(See "In the Cutting Room," June I0,'39.)
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Loy • William Powell -
Ruthy Hussey- Virginia Grey
Babes in Arms Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland-
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room." July I, '39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger • Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2.'39.)
Blackmail Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Dancing Co-ed Lana Turner-Richard Carlson Sept,
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19, '39.)
Fast and Furious Ann Sothern- Franchot Tone Sept.
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss Sept.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2.'39.)
Marx Brothers at the Circus. .. Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Ninotschka G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8,'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy- R. Young-W. Brennan
Remember R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy
Thunder Afloat W. Beery-C. Merris-V. Grey Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I, '39.)
Title
Title
Star Re
MONOGRAM
star
Date
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
28,'39
6,'39
I, '39
I2,'39
I8,'39
29, '39
I, '39
p. 89;
4, '39 71. Aug. 5,'39
5,'39....l33.Nov. 9,'35
7,'39 99. July l,'39
3, '39 87. Sept. I0,'38
4,'36
83. Mar. I8,'39
p. 62;
I, '39
7, '39
4,'39
3,'39
I3,'39
I2,'39
.Sept. 8,'39t.
29,'39t.
29,'39t.
I5,'39t.
27,'39
I3,'39
1 1, '39
I8,'39 62. June 24,'39
25,'39 55
7,'39 62
.60
I,'39 70. July 22,'39
I8,'39
25,'39
I8,'39
25,'39
I6,'39
I,'39 55. Apr. I,'39
I0,'39 61
22,'39 62. Apr. 15/39
I2,'39 73.Apr. 8,'3(
l,'39... .61. July
8,'39 59
22,'39 60
5,'39 64
I9,'39 65
18, '39 67. May 20/39
19, '39t
22,'39 58. Aug. 26,'39
.ll2.Jan. IS,'35
Across the Plains (G) 3655... Jack Randall Apr. 30,'39 59. May
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankle Darro-Grant Withers May l,'39 61. May
Convicts' Code (G) 3822 R. Kent-A. Nagel-S. Blackmer.. .Jan. I8,'39 62. Feb.
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex RItter-Mary Brodell May
Drifting Westward 3853 Jack Randall-Edna Duran Jan.
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movlta-Warren Hull Aug.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July 21 ,'39
Mr. Wong in Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorle Reynolds. .Aug
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree Mar. 8,'39 66. Mar.
Mystery Plane (G) 3809. ..... .John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds Mar. 8,'39 60. Feb.
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr. 29,'39, p. 72.)
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers Feb. 8,'39 60. Feb.
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall Aug.
Riders of the Frontier 3866 Tex Ritter Aug.
Rolling Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter Mar.
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull June
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room," June I7,'39.)
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt Feb.
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman. . Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stons..July
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter Feb.
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall Mar.
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shlrley Deane Apr.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...Apr.
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll May
Coming Attractions
Crashing Thru' J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Sept.
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Purcell Aug.
Mr. Wong at Headquarters
3808 Boris Karloff Nov. I0,'39..
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane. .Sept. 30,'39..
Overland Mail 3857 ...Jack Randall Oct. 6,'39..
Scouts of the Air J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone. .Oct. 4,'39..
Sky Patrol 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. Sept. I2,'39..
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
PARAMOUNT
Title Star Rel,
Ambush (G) 3820 Gladys Swarthout- Lloyd Nolan. ..Jan.
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford ..Apr.
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-EIsa Lanchester. . Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 65.)
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland. ... Feb.
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard- Heather Angel June
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard-Heather Angel Apr.
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22/39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion Lynno Overman-Susan Paley Sept. I, '391
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5,'39.)
Disbarred (G) 3818 Gail Patrick - Otto Kruger -
Robert Preston Jan. I, '39.
Grade Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Grade Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor- Ellen Drew June 2,'39.
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick June 23/39.
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods... June 23,'39.
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland May I2,'39.
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830.. Bob Burns-Gladys George Apr. 7,'39.
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; Aug. 5,'39, p. 99.)
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray June I6,'39.
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. ..Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn..July 28,'39.
King of Chinatown (G) 3827. .Anna May Wong-A. Tamlroff . . . . Mar. I7,'39!
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts Apr. 28,'39.
Magnifiicent Fraud, The (A)A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
3847 son July 2|,'39.
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold. .July 7,'39.
(Exploitation: Aug. 12/39, pp. 69. 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 70.)
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer - John Barry-
more - Mary Aster Mar. 24,'39.
(Exploitation: May 27,39, p. 68; June 3,'39, p. 66; July l,'39, p. 58.)
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley •
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Caogan..July I4,'39.
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye Apr. 14, '39.
Night Work (G) Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles. .. .Aug. 4/39.
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson Feb. 24,'39.
Our Leading Citizen (G) Bob Burns-Susan Hayward Aug. 1 1, '39.
Paris Honeymoon (G) 3821.... Bing Crosby - Franciska Gaai •
E. E. Horton - Shirley Ross •
Akim Tamlroff Jan. 27,'39.
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39, p. 73.)
l/3t
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
20/39 62. Jan. 21/3*
21, '39 85. Apr. I5,'39
10. '39 88. Nov. 26,'38
I7,'39 74. Feb. 4/39
30,'39 57. July 8,'39
I4,'39 55. Apr. 8,'39
3,'39 76. Feb. 11/39
60.
.Jan.
14/3*
.. 74.
May
20,'39
.. 68.
June
I0,'39
....74.
Mar.
I8,'39
May
I3,'39
....80.
)
Mar.
25/39
...,95.
May
13/39
....64.
Aug.
5,'39
....57.
Mar.
I8,'39
....77.
.Apr.
I5.'39
.. . 78.
July
22, '39
.. .,85.
June
17, '39
....94.
Mar.
18/39
July
8,'39
Mar.
11/39
Aug.
I2,'39
Feb.
18, '39
Aug.
5,'39
,.. 85
.Dee.
17/38
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT't))
3,'39 87. Jan. 28/39
31, '39 68. Feb. II, '39
Running Time
Titl6 Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Persons In HIdIno (G) 3823. ..L. Overman-Patricia Morlson Feb. I0,'39 70. Jan. 28,'39
Renegade Trail W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes . Aua. I8,'39
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In ftio Cutting Room," Dec. 3I,'38.)
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Noian-D. Lamour-T. Gulzar. .Feb.
(Exploitation: June i7,'39, p. 76.)
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858... Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 7.'39, p. 53.)
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837... Gene Krupa and Orch.-Shlrley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel.. .May i9,'39 64. May I3,'39
(Exploitation: June I0,'39, p. 54: June 17. '39. p. 77: Aug. 26, '39, p. 85.)
Star Maker, The (G) Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug. 25,'39 94. Aug. 26, '39
Stolen Life (A) 3864 Elisabeth Bergner - Michael
Redgrave May 26,'39 92. Feb. I8,'39
Sudden Money (G) 3829 B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar. 3I,'39 62. Mar. 25,'39
Sunset Trail (G) 3857 Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes. .Feb.
This Man in Paris (A) 3865... Barry K. Barnes - Valerie
Hobson Aug.
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840 L. Nolan-J. 0. Nalsh-H. Angel.. June
Union Paclfle (G) 3835 Joel McCrea-Barbara Stanwyck-
Aklm Tamirofl-Robt. Preston . May
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Mar. I8,'39, p. 73: May 27,'39,
p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65; June 10, '39, pp. 54, 59, 60; June I7,'39, p. 75; June 24,'39,
p. 76; July 8,'39. pp. 50, 51; July 15, '39, p. 61; Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Unmarried (G) 3838 Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees. . . . May 26,'39 65. May 27.'39
Zaza (A) 3819 C. Colbert-H. Marshall-B. Lahr. .Jan. 13, '39 86. Jan. 7,'39
(Exploitation: July I5,'39, p. 62.)
24,'39 68. Oct. 22,'38
I8,'39 86. July 8,'39
9,'39 65. June 3.'39
5,'39....l25.Apr. 29.'39
Coming Attractions
Beau Geste (G) Gary Cooper - Ray Mllland -
Robert Preston-Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept. I5,'39t. . . I l4.July 22,'39
Cnmpus Wives* J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dole
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Dec. I,'39t
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda-George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Aklm Tamlrofl-
John Howard Oct. 27,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 20,'39.)
Dr. Cyclops Albert Dekker- Janice Logan
Emergency Squad W. Henry- R. Paige-L. Campbell
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew. ..Nov. I0,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. I5,'39.)
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-0. Bradna-R. Young
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Honeymoon in Bali Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roil-Helen Broderick Oct. 29,'39t
(See "Are Husbands Necessary," "In the Cutting Room," Aug. i9,'39.)
Jamaica Inn (A) Charles Laughton-Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara - Emiyn
Williams Oct. I3,'39t. . . 99. May 27,'39
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna Nov. 3,'39t
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupine
Llamo Kid Tito Gulzar-Gale Sondergaard Nov. I7,'39t
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden
$1,000 a Touchdown Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Balnter-Frank Craven
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige... Dec. 8,'39t
Range War (G) William Boyd-Russell Hayden Sept. 8,'39t 66. Aug. 5, '39
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondl-EIIza-
beth Patterson
Rulers of the Sea Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. . Mar't
Lockwood-WIII Fyffe Nov. 24,'39t
(See "Ruler of the Seas," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. FieId-0. Kruger
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19. '.'i9.)
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett. . Oct. 20,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour- Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Miiland-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff
Victor Herbert A. Jones-M. Martin-W. Con-
nolly
What a Life Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 20,'39.)
REPUBLIC
Title Star Rel.
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844. ..G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .May
Colorado Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe July
Fighting Thorougbreds (G)
821 R. Byrd-M. Carlisle-R. Allen Jan.
Flight at Midnight 9il Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong. . Aug.
Ferged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang Feb.
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Apr.
Home on the Prairie (G) 842.. Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Feb.
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane- Beverly Roberts. . Mar.
In Old Callente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes June
in Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes .Aug.
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gall Patrick-Ed-
ward Ellis-Jean Fontaine May
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64. 68; July IS,'39. pp. 60, 66.)
Mexican R»M (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Mar.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
4, '39 56. May 6, '39
31, "39 64. Aug. 5, '39
6,'39 65. Jan. 21, '39
28,'39t....66
24,'39 61. Feb. 1 1, '39
I9,'39 58. Feb. Ii,'39
3. '39 58. Apr. 15, '39
6,'39 65 . Feb. 25,'39
19, '39 57. July 22,'39
14, '39 73. Aug. i2,'39
15. '39 97. Apr. I5,'39
27,'39 58. Apr. I, '39
Title Star Rel.
Mickey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasn
Pitts-Tommy Ryan July
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. . .June
Mysterious Miss X (G) 809 M. Whalen-M. Hart-C. Chandler. .Jan.
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell. .Mar.
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrlgan-R. Hatton .Aug.
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesqulteers-Ruth Rogers.. Apr.
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Regan-Jean Parker July
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816 Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell - Marie Wilson - Tommy
Ryan July
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rocheile Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
S.O.S.-Tldal Wave (G) 813. ..Ralph Byrd- Kay Sutton Juno
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
Street of Missing Men (G) 811. Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
Three Texas Steers (G) 866. ..Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis..May
Wail Street Cowboy R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton. Sept.
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort-Henry Wllcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jasen Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Coming Attractions
Arizona Kid Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Calling All Marines D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer..,
Headline News C. Grapewin - A. Whelan - G.
Oliver
Kansas Terrors* 3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueline Wells.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
3, '39 .
65
.July
l,'39
9,'39..,
, ,59.
July
l,'39
I0.'39...
...65
.Jan.
I4.'39
20,'39..,
...65.
Mar.
4.'39
10, '39...
..57.
Aug.
I9,'39
I2,'39...
...58.
.Apr.
8,'39
23,'39..
...65.
.Jan.
21, '39
I3,'39,.
. 58
Mar.
25, "39
I2,'39 ,
66
.June
24,'39
26, '39 65. July I5,'39
2I,'39 62. Aug. 26,'39
2,'39 61. June 3,'39
I9,'39 58. June
28,'39 65. Apr.
I2,'39 57. June
1.'39
I0,'39
29,'39
I7,'39
6,'39 65. Feb. 4,'39
27,'39 56. July I5,'39
26,'39 65. May 27.'39
sept. 28.'39t.
RKO RADIO
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title Star
Almost a Gentteman (G) 920.. James Ellison-Helen Wood Mar.
Arizona Legion (G) 982 George O'Brlen-Laralne Johnson. .Jan.
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn.. . Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39. p. 70: Aug. 26, '39, p. 84.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug.
Beauty for the Asking (G) 915. L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb.
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb.
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept.
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844 B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrlllo, . Feb.
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morrls-W. Barrle-L. Ball June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weldler Apr.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr.
pp. 61, 62; June 24,'39, p. 72.)
. S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt June
The (G) 928. Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June
The (G) 913. John Barrymore - Katharine
Alexander - Peter Holden •
Virginia Weldler Jan.
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant - Victor McLaglen -
D Fairbanks, Jr. -J. Fontaine. . Feb.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, p. 72: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Mar. 25, '39, p. 84: Apr. 8,'39,
Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; Apr. 29, '39, p. 77; May 6,'39, p. 61; May
3I,'39 65. Mar.
20.'39 58. J an.
4,'39 82. July
ll,'39 70. Aug.
24,'39 68. Jan.
I0,'39 72. Jan.
7,'39 80. July
l,'39 59. Aug.
3,'39 72. Jan.
23,'39 75. Juno
21, '39 68. Jan.
25,'39
I4,'39
I, '39
I9,'39
28,'39
I4,'39
8,'39
26, '39
28,'39
I0,'39
28,'39
7,'39 72. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: May 20. '39,
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926.
Girl from Mexico,
Great Man Votes,
I6,'39 63. June
2,'39 71 May
I0.'39
20,'39
I3,'39.
72. Jan. I4,'39
I7,'39 107. Jan.
28,'39
p. 82;
I3,'39,
I8,'30 94. Aug.
I7,'39 73. Feb.
p. 65: May 27,'39, p. 66; June 3,'39, p. 68; June I0,'39, p. 60; July I, '39, p. 62; July
22, '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 . . C. Lombard-C. Grant- K. Francis. .Aug.
Lost Patrol (re-Issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford.. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-Issue)
McCrea-R
Dunne-C
80; Apr.
5.'39
3,'34
(G) 994 J.
Love Affair (G) 916 I.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p.
p. 68.)
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L.
Pacific Liner (G)
DIx-M.
Boyer-L.
15, '39, p.
Astor July
Bowman. Apr.
82; Apr. 29,'39
14,'39 79. Mar.
7, '39 89. Mar.
. pp. 72, 74; June
5,'32
I8,'39
3,'39,
Dee.
.July 14, '39 83. July 7,'34
6,'39 59. Aug.
I2,'39 65. May
26,'39 62. June
28, '39 60. May
30,'39 72. July
I9,'39 64. Feb.
5,'39 64. Apr.
28,'39 69. July
Howard-B. Davls-F
914 Victor McLaglen-Chester Morris-
Wendy Barrle Jan.
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Mar]orie Rey-
nolds - Ray Whitley May
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas. .Apr.
Saint in London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June
Saint Strikes Back, The (G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrle Mar.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley-James Ellison May
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Read-P. Knowles. . .July
Star of Midnight (re-Issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell. .. Feb.
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 938 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogets'
Edna May Oliver ■ Walter
Brennan Apr. 28,'39 93. Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 81; May I3,'39, p. 68; June I7,'39, p. 76.)
They Made Her a Spy (G) 921 .Sally Eilers-AIlan Lane Apr. I4,'39 69. Mar.
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-MarJorie Reynolds. .June
Trouble in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brlen-R. Keith-R. Whlttey..Mar.
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard Olx-Lucille Ball Mar.
Way Down South (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray. .July
Coming Attractions
R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard. . Nov.
John Wayne-Clalre Trevor-Brian
Donlevy-George Sanders Oct.
6, '38
I3,'39
3,'39
I3,'39
I, '39
I8.'39
22,'*.
29.'3f
I7,'39 90. Apr. 6,'3B
l,'3»
30,'39 50. June
24,'39 60. Mar.
3,'39 64. Feb.
21/39 63. July
23, '39
24, '39
18/39
I8,'39
22.'39
Abe Lincoln in Illinois 009...
Allegheny Frontier 006
24,'3«t.
27,'39t.
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date [Minutes Reviewed
Day the Boolties Wept, The
002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. I5,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 22, '39.)
Everything's on (ce 946 Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct. 13. '39
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29, '39.)
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26. '39
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept. 8,'39 59. Aug. 26, '39
Flying Deuces 010 Laurel and Hardy Oct. 20.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. (9, '59.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Eilers Sept. 8,'39t. . . .73 Aug. 26, '39
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-Sir 0.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
IHitchell - B. Rathbone
IVIarshal of Mesa City 081 George O'Brien-Virginia Vale. . Nov. 3,'39t
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001 Anna Neagle-Edna May Oliver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders-Z. Pitts Nov. 3,'39t. . • 95.Aug. 26, '39
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith Nov. 3,'39t. . . .95.0ct. 29,'38
(Reviewed under the title. "Sixtv Glorious Years.")
Reno* R. Dix. G. Patrick-A. Louise
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
Three Sons 004 E. Ellis- W. Gargan-K. Taylor. . .Oct. 6,'39t
Vigil in the Night uu/ . . . . . Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne Nov. I0,'39t
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Slierlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce. . Sept. l.'39t . . ."73.Aug. 26, '39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3, '39 69. Nov. I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond-
Arleen Whalen May I9,'39 72. May I3,'39
Charlie Chan in Honolulu (G)
928 Sidney Toler-Phyllis Brooks Jan. I3,'39 68. Dec. 24,'38
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Cortez. . . . June I6,'39 71. June 3, '39
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari May 5,'39 60. Jan. I4,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. I l,'39t. . . .64.Aug. I9,'39
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4,'39t 83. Aug. 5,'39
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane..Mar. 24,'39 62. Nov. 26.'38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951 . Randolph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romere-Binnie Barnes. . .July 28.'39 71. July 29,'39
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Hound of the Baskervilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Nigel Bruee Mar. 31, '39 80. Apr. I,'39
(Exploitation! June 17. 39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalan-Jean Rogers Mar. I0,'39 61. Oct. 22.'38
Inspector Hornleigh (A) 945. ..Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 2I,'39 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30,'39 65. June I7,'39
Jesse James (G) 921 Tyrone Power- Henry Fonda-
Nancy Kelly-Randolph Scott.. ..Jan. 27,'39 106. Jan. I4,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 63: Jan. 21, '39, pp. 52, 54; Feb. 4.'39, p. 83: Feb. M,'39,
pp. 58, 61: Feb. 25,'39, pp. 69. 70: Mar. 4,'39, p. 70; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56: Apr. I. '39.
p. 76: Apr. 29.'39, pp. 75, 76; May 6, '39, p. 65; June 24, '39, p. 74.)
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington. . . . June 2.'39 60. May 27.'39
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington Aug. 25,'39t. . . .61 .Aug. 12, "39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple- Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero- Arthur Treacher . . Mar. I7,'39 93. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15, '39, pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Moto in Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff.... Apr. 7,'39 70.Mar. IB,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto's Last Warning 926.. Peter Lorre - Geo. Sanders -
R. Cortez - Virginia Field Jan. 20,'39 71
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 24,'38.)
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre - Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Scfiildkraut. .. .July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21, '39 73. July 15,'39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Bari ..68. Nov. I9,'38
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Bari-Henry. . Feb. 24,'39...
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28,'39 71. Apr. 22,'39
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2.'39 86. May I3,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 62; May 6. '39, p. 64; June 24, '39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee July I4,'39 87. July 8,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Smiling Along (G) 933 Gracie Fields - Mary Maguire -
Roger Livesey Jan. 20,'39 83. Oct. 22,'38
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy- R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn •
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke.. .Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39, p. 67)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60: May 6. '39, p. 60: May I3,'39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June 17, '39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott. .June 23,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 69: Aug. 26. '39. p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye • C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . Feb. 10, '39 84. Feb. 4,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, p. 69: Mar. 18,'39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. I, '39. p. 76; Apr. 8,'39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-Binnie Barnes Feb. 17.'39 73. Feb. 1 1, '39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 2I,'39 72. Dec. 31, '38
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury. .Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27,'38
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Binnie Barnes-Cesar Romero. .. Mar. 3.'39 80. Feb, I8,'39
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta Apr. 21, '39 62. Feb. 25,'39
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947 Henry Fonda-Marjorie Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Alice Brady June 9,'39. ... 101 .June 3.'39
(Exploitation: July 29. '39. p. 67: Aug. I2,'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26,'39
Cisco Kid No. I 012 Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes Oct. 20,'39t
City of Darkness Sidney Toler
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon • Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0,'39t
Escape, The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond Oct. 6,'39t
(See "East Side. West Side," "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 22, '39.)
Girl Must Live. A (A) Lilli Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May 13, "39
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence Jean Rogers-Glen Ford
Here I Am a Stranger 009 Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. .Sept. 29,'39t
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Hollywood Cavalcade 007 Alice Faye - Don Ameche •
Stuart Erwin-Butter Keaton Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2.'39.)
Pack Up Your Troubles 014.... J. Withers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Nov. 3,'39t
Rains Came, The Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. I5,'39t
Shipyard Sally (G) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard Oct. 20,'39t 80. July 29,'39
Simple Life* M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Stop, Look and Love 008 Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t. . . .57
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19, ',39.)
Swanee River* 017 D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds... Nov. 24,'39t
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis .Nov. I7,'39t
20.000 Men a Year 013 Randolph Scott-Mary Healy Oct. 27,'39t
Where's That Fire* (G) Will Hay 74. Aug. I9,'39
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Aherne-Victor McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6,'39
Duke of West Point (G) Louis Hayward-Joan Fontaine-
Richard Carlson Dec. 29,'38. . . . 109. Dec. I7.'38
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez-
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t....M5.May 6.'39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'38, p. 64; Feb. 4, '39, op. 82, 84: Feb. II. '39, p. 59; Feb. 25. '39,
p. 68: Mar. 4. '39, pp. 70, 72.)
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello. . Feb. I7,'39 88. Feb. II. "39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn.. Feb. 10, '39 94. Feb. 4, '39
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett -
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug. I l,'39t. . . 1 12. July I, '39
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 59; July 22, '39. p. 80; Aug. 12, '39, p. 69; Aug. 19, '39. p. 66;
Aug. 26, '39. p. 85.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchaire-Edna Best Mar. I0.'39 79. Apr. 15, '39
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devine -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar. 3,'39 96. Feb. Il,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 81: Apr. I, '39, pp. 72, 75: Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39.
P. 67: May 20. '39, p. 60; July I5,'39, p. 60; July 22,'39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Music (G) Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds -
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug. I8,'39t ■ . 101 . July I5,'39
(See musical analysis, July 22. '39, p. 54.)
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett-Roland Young-
Billie Burke-Alan Mowbray Jan. I2,'39 80. Dee. 31, '38
(Exploitation: Feb. 4,'39, p. 82: Mar. I8,'39, p. 73.)
Trade Winds (G) Fredric March - Joan Bennett-
Ralph Bellamy-Ann Sothern ... Dec. 22.'38 95. Dec. 24,'38
(Exploitation: Jan. 21, '39, p. 54: Feb. 18.'39, p. 69: Apr. 8, '39, p. 79.)
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan-Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July 28,'39t. ..100. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 5. '39, p. 98; Aug. 19, '39. p. 67: Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7, '39. . ..104. Apr. I,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 2,'39. p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68; May 27,'39, p. 65.)
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
75
(THE RELEASE CHACT--C€NyD)
Title
Zenobia (G)
Star
.Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke • Alice Brady -
James Ellison • June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
2I.'39 73. Mar. I8.'39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David Niven -
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts,. Oct. 6,'39t.
(Exploitation: July 22.'39. p. 81.)
Housekeeper's Daughter Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou. . . . Oct. I2.'39t.
Intermezzo, a Love Story L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best Sept. I5,'39t.
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chancy,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon • Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Real Glory, The G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven. , . Sept. 29,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I, '39.)
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane - Tom Brown -
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer.
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaolen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore..
Family Next Door (G) 3020... Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quiltan.
For Love or Money (G) 3030. .June Lang-Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Ghost Town Riders 3054 Bob Baker- Fay Shannon
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038. .Irene Hervey-William Gargan...
Inside Information (G) 3039... J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.,
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G).R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore..,,
Mystery tof the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. I8,'39.)
Newsboys Home 3015 Jackie Cooper • Wendy Barrie -
Edmund Lowe - "Little Tough
Guys"
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. I7.'38.)
Phantom Stage, The 3036 Bob Baker- Marjorie Reynolds...,
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3, '38.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent,..
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey....
Son of Frankenstein, The
3004 Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39, p. 67: Mar. 4,'39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78; Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 6,'39. p. 64; June 24.'39. p
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devine-H. Hull-J. Moran,
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Strange Faces 3035 D. Kent-F. Jenks-A. Devine
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr.. .
Swing, Sister, Swing (G) 3021. Ken Murray - Ernest Truex -
Kathryn Kane-Johnny Downs...
They Asked for It (G) 3040. .. Michael Whalen • Joy Hodges -
William Lundigan
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
(G) 3001 D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
Under-Pup, The (G) Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillls
Unexpected Father (G) 3008... Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 62.)
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen -
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Apr. 21, '39 66. Apr. 22,'39
.Apr. I4,'39 69. Feb. «,'39
.Apr. 7.'39 88. Apr. 8,'39
.May I9,'39 72. May 20,'39
.Mar. 31, '39 61. Apr. I5,'39
.Apr. 28, '39 67. May 6,'39
.July 7,'39 67. July I, '39
.Jan. 20,'39 62. Aug. 20,'38
.Dec. I6,'38 54
.Jan. 13, '39 58
June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
.June 2,'39 62. June I0,'39
July 21, '39 80, July 22, '39
.Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. I0,'3B
Sept. I,'39t 61. Aug. 12, '39
Mar. I7,'39 57.
Dec. 23, '38 73.
Feb.
Feb.
Mar.
Feb.
Jan.
Mar.
73.)
I0,'38.
3,'39.
.57.
.61.
3,'39...67i/2-Mar. II, '39
24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
I3,'39 94. Jan. 21, '39
25,'39, p. 80; Apr. 8,'39,
Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4, '39
Dec. 2,'38 65, Nov. I2,'38
June 9, '39 96, June I0,'39
Dec. 16, '38 67. Dec. 17, '38
May 26, '39 61. July I5,'39
Mar. 24, '39 87. Mar. 25,'39
Sent.
July
l.'39t 88. Aug. 26, '39
14, '39 78. July 15, '39
Aug. 1 1, '39 92, Aug. 19, '39
Feb. I7,'39 79, Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Bad Company Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew Sept. I5,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Call a Messenger* Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-Mary
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Doris Weston Nov. 24,'39t
Desperate Trails, The John Mack Brown - Bob Baker •
F. Robinson • F. Knight Sept. 8,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-S. By-
Ington Sept. 29,'39, . . .'65. Aug. I9,'39
Title
Galloping Kid*^
Green Hell*
Hero for a Day
Hawaiian Nights (G)....
Legion of Lost Flyers
(See "In the Cutting Roo
Listen Kids
Man from Montreal*^
Mikado, The (G) 0904
(Exploitation: July 22, '39
Missing Evidence
Oklahoma Frontier
One Hour to Live
(See "In the Cutting Roo:
Rio
Tower of London
Tropic Fury
(See "In the Cutting Room,
Witness Vanishes, The
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran,
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett-J. Howard-A. Hale-
G. Sanders - G. Bancroft - V.
Price
Charles Grapewin-Anlta Louise-
Dick Foran Oct. I3,'39t
J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle, Sept. 8,'39t. . .*65. Aug. I9,'39
R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel
m," Aug. 19, '39.)
C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy
R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne
Kenny Baker-Jean Colin 91. May 20,'39
p. 82; Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
John Mack Brown- Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20,'39t
0. Bickford- D. Nolan- J. Lite!
m." Aug. I2.'39.)
Sigrid Gurie-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carillc Sept. 22,'39t
Basil Rathbone-Boris Karloff-
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter, Oct. 6.'39t
R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts. .Oct. I3,'39t 62
," July 29,'39.)
Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
First National Pictures
Title Star
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids" — B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26,'39 86
(See "Battle of City Hall," "In the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfield-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar. 25,'39 71. Mar. ll,'39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan- Rosella Towne. ..May 27,'39 58. May 20,'39
Comet Over Broadway (G) 370. Kay Francis-Ian Hunter Dec. 3,'38 69. Dec. I7,'38
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May 6,'39 102, Apr. 2'9,'38
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39 56
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dark Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22,'39. . . , 106. Mar. II, '39
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66: June 10, '39, p. 55; June 24,'39, pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July 22,'39. ... 107. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72.)
Each Dawn 1 Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan -
George Raft-George Bancroft. . .Aug. I9,'39 92. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 72.)
Going Places (G) 359 D. Powell-A. Louise-A. Jenkins .. Dec. 31, '38 84. Dec. 24,'38
Heart of the North (G) 362 D. Foran-Gale Page-G. Dick-
son-J. Chapman-A. Jenkins Dec. I0,'38 85. Dec. I7,'38
(Exploitation: Jan. 21, '39, p. 53; Feb. 4,'39, pp. 83, 84; Feb. 25, '39, p. 70.)
Hobby Family, The 376 Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26,'39
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robsen. . . . June 24,'39 92. May 27,'39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60. Apr. 8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. I8,'39 68. Feb. 4,'39
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins, .. May 20,'S9 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane . , Feb. 4,'39 58, Feb. Il,'39
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane • Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young. .. Feb. 25,'39 86. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Apr, I5,'39, p. 80; Apr. 29, '39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Begart-Gale Page May 20,'39 75. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t. . ,*85.Aug. 19, '39
No Place to Go F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t
Old Maid (A) Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson. . Sept. I,'39t *95.Aug. 5,'39
Warner Brothers
star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-William Gargan, ..Mar. I8,'39 58. Feb. II, '39
Devil's Island (G) 313 Boris Karloff-Nedda Harrigan. . . . Jan. 7,'39 62. Jan. 7,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. 1 1, '39, p. 59; Feb. 25,'39, p. 69; Mar. 4,'39, p. 69.)
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Dodge City (G) 304 Erroll Flynn-Olivia de Havllland
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory...Apr. «,'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25.'39, p. 82; Apr. 22. '39, p. 61; May 20.'39, p. 61; May 27,'39,
pp. 65. 68; June 3, '39, p. 64; June I0,'39, p. 59; June 24.'39, p. 76. 77; July B,'39,
pp. 48. 50; July 13, '39. p. 61; July 22.'39, p. 81; Aug. I2,'39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay-Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8,'39 81. July 8, '39
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien • John Payne -
Ann Sheridan-Gale Page Aug. 5,'39 82. July 22,'39
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni • Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Ralns-J. Garfield. .. .June I0,'39. . . . 127. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July I5,'39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81;
Aug. 5. '39, p. 102; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
King of the Underworld (A)
317 Kay Francis-Humphrey Bogart. . . Jan. I4,'39 69. Jan. I4,'39
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.Sept. I,'39t
Nancy Drew, Trouble Sheoter
324 B. Granvllle-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.June I7,'39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I. '39 90. July I, '39
Ott the Record (G) 314 Pat O'Brien-Joan Blondell Jan. 21, '39 71. Jan. 28,'39
Cklahema Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. 1 1, '39 80. Mar. 18, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Apr. I, '39, pp. 74, 75; Apr. 29,'30, pp. 74, 75; May
13, '39, p. 67: June 10, '39, p. 60: July I5.'39. p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 Jahn LItel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. I.'39 61. Mar. 25. '39
Secret Service »f the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-l. Rhodes-J. LItel Mar. 4,'39 61. Mar. Il,'39
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield - Ann Sheridan •
"Crlms School Kids"-C. Reins. .Jan. 28.'39 92. Jan. 7,'39
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug. I2,'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322. Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane..May I3,'39 60. Apr. t,'39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson . .July I5,'39 59. July 22,'39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-0. de Havilland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. II, '39 89. Jan. 21. '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, p. 85; Feb. 1 1, '39, p, 61; Feb. 25,'39, p. 69;
Apr. 25.'39. pp. 75, 77; May 20, '39. p. 64; Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Women In the Wind (G) 316. .K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39 65. Feb. 4,'39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Cam« True
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris • Gale Page
Child Is Born, A Geraldine Fitzgerald • Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George Sept. 30,'39t
(See "Give Me a Child." "In the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
City of Lost Men, The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien •
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Litel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29, '39.)
Enemy Agent Boris Karloff-Margaret Lindsay
Espionage Agent Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall-
Jeffrey Lynn- Frank McHugh
(See "Career Man," "In the Cutting Room," July 22. '39.)
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains -J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
Gambling on the High Seas*...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
Kid Nightingale J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Lady and the Knight, The Bette Davis • Erroll Flynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Price
(See "In the Cutting Room," June I0,'39.)
Lady Dick Jane Wyman-DIck Foran
No Place to Go F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t
On Your Toes Zorina- Eddie Albert-A. HaU-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Philo Vance Returns.. J. Stephenson-Marget Stevenson
Queer Money R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson
Return of Dr. X Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Roaring Twenties, The Jas. Cagney- Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn
State Cop* D. Morgan-J. Payne- G. Dickson
Steeplechase Edith Fellows-James MoCallion
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Llndsay-
Rosella Towne
We Are Net Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan • Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
STATE RIGHTS
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Bronze Buckaroo. The Negro Cast Sack Jan. I, '39
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory Feb. 25, '39
(See "In the Cutting Reora," Jan. 14,'39.)
Code of the Fearless (G)..Fred Scott Record Jan. 5,'S>. . .56. Jan. 2I,'39
Feud on the Range Bob Steele Webb Jan. I3,'S9
Gang Smashers Negro Cast Pepkin Jan. I, '39
Harlem Rides the Range. .. Negro Cast Sack Feb. I, '39
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb. 6,'39
Port of Hate Stock Cast Webb Jan. I5,'39
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Reform School (G) Louise Bearers Million Apr. 27,'39. .'BO.May 6,'39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0.'39
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) .William S. Hart Astor May 2a,'39. . .88. May I3,'39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5/39
Hitler— The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers DIst Oct. I5,'39
Juarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres *95.Apr. 22, '39
Lure of the Wasteland (G).. Grant Withers *55.Mar. 18, '39
Man from Oklahoma* George Houston Producers Dist Oct. 29, '39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers DIst Oct. 8,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKInney.DomIno 56. July 1/39
Torture Ship Producers DIst Oct. I, '39
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 22.'39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5,'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29,'39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Luclen Baroux Francinex 85. May 27,'39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-lnt'l Mar. 20,'39. . .85. Apr. I, '39
Black Limelicht (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July 8,'39
Bosquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. 1 1, '39
Boys' School E. Von Strohelm Columbia June 5, '39. . .90. June I7.'39
Cablria Brodie Feb. 3,'39. ..85
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39.. .85
Champs Elysees (A) Sascha Guitry Tri-National Feb. 27,'39. . .89. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks, The CLe
R^cif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. Il,'39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39.. .96. Mar. 25,'39
Crossroads (A) Charles Vanel Tri-Natlonal 80. Dee, 3I,'38
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3,'39. . .85. Apr. 29,'39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams.... Alliance Aug. I5,'39. . .70.July 29,'39
Double Crime In the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Franeen Tower 83. Apr. 22,'39
Down Our Alley (G) Hughle Green British Screen 65. Aug. I2,'39
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24,'39
40 Little Mathers (A) Luclen Baroux National May 2,'39. . .94. Dee. 31, '38
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc, British 78. Apr. I, '39
Harvest* (A) Gabriel Gabrlo French Film Center .80. Aug. 5,'39
Hatred Harry Baur World Feb. I5,'39.. .80. Aug. 5,'39
Heart of Paris (A) Raimu TrI-Natlonal Jan. I2,'39. . .85. Jan. I4,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. 17, '39. . .87. Apr. I. '39
Heroes of the Marne (A).. Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22,'39. . .88.Apr. 29,'39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3,'39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22,'39
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I5,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 110. Apr. I, '39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Apr. 29,'39.. .80. May I3,'39
Itto Native Cast World Feb. 30,'39
Kreutzer Sonata (A) Gaby MorUy Foreign Cinema.
Arts Feb. 1/39... 87. Jan. 7,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. . United Artists 95. July 22,'39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupine Lane MGM 84. Apr. 22,'39
Mamele Molly Picon Sphinx Jan. '39.. 102
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex.. .Mar. 27,'39. . .80. Apr. 15,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellalse Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30,'39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. Il,'39
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field Apex Feb. 27.'39.. .92. Mar. Il,'39
Murder In Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
My Song of Love Tito Schlpa World
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July l,'39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 2I,'39
Outside. The (A) Mary Maguire Assoc. British 91. Feb. 2S,'39
Peasant Wedding Amer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25,'39
School for Husbands (A). .Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. 6/39.. .70. Feb. I8,'39
Singing Charre, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).TIto Gulzar Paramount 77. June S,'39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich ....World Mar. 1/39. . .66. Jan. 23,'37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. 0. Torres Atlas Jan. 24,'39. .108
Song of the Street* (A)...V. Sokoloii Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. I ,'39. . .75. Aug. 26,'39
So This Is London (A)... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent-Fox 85. Feb. 4,'39
Spain In Arms (A) Film Facts 86. Mar. I8,'39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes Assoc. British 77. May 6,'39
Street Without a Name...Pola lllery World Mar. 15/39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D 83. June 24,'39
They Drive by Night (A).. EmIyn Williams ...First National 84. Jan. 28,'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vodis 90. May I3,'39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Alloc. British 87. Mar. Il,'39
What a Manl (G) Sydney Howard ....British Lion 74. Feb. I8,'39
When the Husband
Travels M. Phlllipides Brodie Mar. 'St. ..95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
With a Smils (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Malraar Feb. 4,'3»...79.F*b. I8,'39
Youth In Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May l5.'M. .9e.Mw X7,'i»
September 2 , 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
(TtlE RELEASE CHACT— CONT'D)
$^OI?T
riLMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
iriff title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.}
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Oucking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7,'39. 16I/2 . .
(3 Stooges)
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39. 171/2 . .
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs 1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7i/2. .
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5, '39. 18....
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
9438 Aug. 1 1 ,'39. .2 ris.
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. I0,'39. 171/2 . .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. .June 2,'39.I7
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l8i/2..
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June I6,'39.I9
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. 151/2. .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Bell (8-12-39)
9408 June 30,'39.I7
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2. .
Charley Biiase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 2I,'39. 17. . . .
(All Star)
Static in the Attic 1422... Sept. 22,'39tl9
Walter Catlett
Swing, You Swingert
9428 Jan. 20, '39. 1 8/2. .
Andy Clyde
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6,'39.I6....
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39.IS
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39.I7
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May I9,'39.I6
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22,'39t. I rl. .
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507.... Feb. 24,'39. .8. . . .
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 31, '39. .7
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28, '39.. 8
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. I4,'39. .7. . . .
Jitterbug Knights 1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7
Little Match Girl (re-
Issue) (11-27-37) 8502. ..Dec. I6,'38. .8V2. .
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39..7
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39..7
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct. 20,'39t . I rl . .
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. I6,'39..8
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39..9
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t . I rl. .
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39. .9. . . .
(Frisco Fair)
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. 101/2 . .
Sojourn In India 9555 July 7,'39. .9'/: . .
COMMUNITY SING
N». 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27,'38.I0
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs).. Feb. 24,'39. lO'A . .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .9'/2 . .
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 21, '39.. 8
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June I6,'39. 10. . . .
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9....
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t .91/2. .
(Old Time Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 (Ellas Howe) 1602. .Oct. 6,'39MrI..
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,'39. lO'/j. .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. 10'/2. .
No. 3 9473 Apr. 2I,'39.II
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. l7,'39,.7'/2..
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2,'39. .6. . . .
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) June 30,'39. 10'/2. .
Night In a Music Hall, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20,'39.IO'/2..
Night at the Tree 9962 Mar. 2,'39. 10'/2. .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9964 May I9,'39. 10. . . .
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The 1701.. Sept. I,'39t.l rl..
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. 10, '39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39. .6'/2 . .
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6....
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754... Mar. 3,'39..7
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39. .7. . . .
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3, '39. .9....
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. IQi/j. .
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . .
No. 8 ( 4-29-39) 9858 ....Apr. 8,'39. .91/2. .
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 ....May I2,'39. 10. . ..
No. 10 9860 May 26, '39. 10
No. II 9861 June 15,'39. 10. . . .
No. 12 (8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39. 10. . . .
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 1852 Oct. 20,'39t.l rl..
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish 9810 Aug. I8,'39.I0
Bows and Arrows 1801 Sept. 29,'39t. I rl. .
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 2I,'39. 10. . . .
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39. .91/2 . .
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jan. 6,'39.II
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .9'/2 . .
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. I0,'39. lO'A. .
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39 . . 8'/2 . .
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July IS,'39.IOi/2..
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House). ..Feb. 2I,'39. 1 1 . . ..
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capital) Apr. 28,'39.I0
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'39.I0
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributee^ through
Gran(d National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. I
El-I Jan. 6,'39..9....
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
El -2 Jan. 20,'39..9...
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Captain's Christmas, Th«
(12-24-38) W-692 Dec. I7,'38. .8. . . .
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. Il,'39..9...
Petunia Natural Park
W-693 Jan. I4,'39..9...
(Color)
Seal Skinners W-881 Jan. 28.'39..8...
(Sepia)
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W -886. May I3,'3*..9...
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June 10,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The W-889 Aug. 26,'39..1rl.
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..JuIy I5.'39.ll...
Jitterbug Folllei (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. I5,'39..8...
(Color)
Wanted: No Master W-884. Mar. I8,'39..8...
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 20— "The Wrong Way
Out" (I-2I-39) Dec. 24,'38.I7...
Linda Terry-Kenneth Howell
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-8I2 Mar. II,'39.ZI...
Alan Dinehart-Paul GuIIfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5.'39.2I...
Dick Pureell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0,'39.21...
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39. .9...
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27,'39..9...
Day on Treasure Island, A
T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0...
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. I5,'39..9...
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8,'39..8...
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. I8,'39..t...
Picturesque Udalpur
(7-15-39) T-861 May I3,'39..8...
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39..9...
Singapore and Jahore
T-855 Dec. 31, '39. .9...
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) 1-854 Dec. 3,'38..9...
MGM MINIATURES
Great Heart, The (2-4-39)
M.875 Dec. 31, '38. 1 1...
Tom Neal
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.1l...
Emmett Vogan- Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbles
(6-17-39) M-878 May 13,'39.10...
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. II,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. 18,'39.il..,
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39.ll...
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll...
(Sepia)
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20...
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apr. I5,'39.20...
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Men of Steel (1-28-39)
R-801 Dec. I7,'38.2I...
Doris Weston
Once Over Lightly (2-4-39)
R-802 Dec. I7,'38.I9...
Dixie Dunbar-Johnny Downs
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29,'39.2I...
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll...
Auto Antics C-942 July 22,'39.i0...
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Data MIn.
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29,'39.I0...
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.July l,'39.ll...
Duel Personalltlei
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. II, '39. 10...
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39.I0...
Practical Jokers (2-18-39)
C-934 Dec. I7,'38..9...
Tiny Trouble (3-25-39)
C-936 Feb. I8,'39.I9...
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 ...Jan. 28,'39.I0...
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923 ..Feb. 18,'39.ll...
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924 ..Mar. 18,'39.I0...
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925 ..May 20,'39.I0...
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (S-17-39) K-92B ..June 17,'39..*...
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Towa)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 Juno 24,'39.ll...
No. 8— Story That Couldn't
Be Printed K-928 July 22,'39.ll...
No. 9 — One Against the
World K-929 Aug. 19, '39. 1 1...
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26. '39. 1 1...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. 14, '39.. 8...
(Sepia)
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. II.'39.I0...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. 1 1, '39.. 9...
(Color)
Penny's Picnic (I-I4-39)
S-906 Dec. 17,'38.I0...
(Color)
poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20,'39.l«...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.IO...
Take a Cue S-9II Aug. I2,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May I3,'39.10...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. 18,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0,'39.IO...
How to Sublet (2-4-39)
F-954 Jan. 28,'39..8...
Mental Poise (2-4-39)
F-953 Dec. I0,'38..7...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineer*
(5-27-39) T8-3 May I2,'39..7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
On With the New
(12-17-38) T8-3 Dee. 2.'38..7...
Pudgy in Thrills and Chills
(2-4-39) T8-5 Dec. 23,'38..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 3I,'39..I rl.
Yip Yip YIppy (7-29-39)
J8-6 ,..July 28,'39..7...
COLOR CLASSICS
Always KIckIn' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
08-5 June 30,'39..7...
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I,'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21, '39. 10...
Costa Rica (12-10-38)
K8-3 Dee. 2,'38.te...
Ecuador K9-t Sept. I,'39t.l rl.
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2 , 1937
(THE RELEASE CHART—CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...IVlay 26,'39. 10. . . .
Land of the Inca IVI emeries
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39. 10. . . .
Republic of Panama KS-S.Mar. 24,'39. . I rl . .
HEADLINERS
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Walk (3-4-39)
A-8 Mar. 3, '39. 10....
Hal Kemp and His Orch.
A8-5 Dec. 2,'38..lrl..
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3,'39.ll
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Artie
Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8, '39110
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5,'39.I0....
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6,'39.I0....
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments A8-I2 Aug. 1 1,'39. . I rl. .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II June 2, '39. 10
Richard Himberand Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7,'39..l rl..
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News J8-l2..Aug. 25,'39..l rl..
Circus Co-ed (3- 1 1 -39)
V8-8 Mar. I0,'39. 10. . . .
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23.'39. 10. . . .
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. I4,'39. . I rl. .
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6.'38. 10. . . .
Public Hobby No. I VQ-I..Segt. 22,'39t.l rl..
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. I3,'39.I0
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 May '9,'39.I0
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. I0.'39, 10. . . .
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 5— (12-3-38) P8-5 Dec. 9,'38..lrl..
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3,'39..lrl..
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8....Mar. 3,'39.I0....
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9....Mar. 3I,'39. 10. . . .
No. P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-ll..June 2.'39.I0....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 7,'39. 10
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7,'39.22
(special)
Cops Is Always Right
(1-21-39) E8-5 Dec. 30,'38. .7. . . .
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27,'39. .7. . . .
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June I6,'39. .7. . . .
Hello How Am I?
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July 14, '39. .7
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-il July 28. '39. .7
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'38..7
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 4— J8-4 Mar. I0,'39. . I rl. .
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5....May I2,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 *uq. 4. '39. II
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 58 — Frolicking Frogs
R8-6 Dec. 23, '38. .1 rl. .
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7...Jan. 20,'39.[0
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. I7,'39. 10. . . .
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7.'39.I0
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. I4,'39. 10. . . .
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(63-3-99) R8-II May I2,'39. 10. . . .
No. 63— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.I0
No. 64— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39 R8-I3.... July 7,'39.I0....
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 65 — Hydro-Maniacs
R9-I Sept. I,'39tl0....
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 3— (2-4-39) L8-3 Dec. 2, '38. 1 1....
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4....Feb. 3,'39.I0....
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4,'39, 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6....June I6,'39. 10. . . .
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Crime Rave 93,703 Jan. 13, '39. 18
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. I0,'39.20
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5,'39. 17
Ring Madness 9370 June 30,'39.I9
Wrong Room 03,701 Sept. 22,'39t.2 ris.
HEADLINERS
No. 2 — Romancing Along
93.602 Dec. 30. '38. 2 1
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93.603 Feb. 24,'39.I7
No. 4— Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2, '39. 17
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6,'39t.2rls.
Baby Daze 93,405 May I9,'39. 15
Clean Sweep, A, 93,402. . . Dec. 2,'38.I7
Clotk Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24,'39. 18. . . .
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39. .2 rIs.
Kennedy the Great 03,402. .Dec. I,'39t.2rls.
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27,'39.I8
MARCH OF TIME
1938-39
No. 5 — The Refugee — Today
and Tomorrow (12-24-38)
93,105 Dec. 23,'38.I8
No. 6 — State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93,106 Jan. 20,'39. 18. . . .
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,(07 Feb. I7.'39. 19. . . .
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. [7,'39. 18. . . .
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. 14, '39. 19
No. 10— Dixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May I2,'39. 19
No. 1 1 — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9, '39. 19
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7, '39. 22....
No. 13 — Metropolis — 1939
(8-5, '39) 93,113 Aug. 4,'39.I8....
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May I2,'39.ll
Lillian Roth
Cafe Rendezvous (12-3-38)
94,205 Dec. 23,'38. 1 0. . . .
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
George Jessel
Readin' Ritin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. I7,'39.I0
Lucky Miilinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208. .Mar. I7,'39. . I rl . .
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20, '39. 10
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Coat Tails 03.202 Nov. I7.'39t.2rls
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28,'39.I8
Pan-Domonium 03,201 Oct. 20,'39t.2 rIs.
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3,'39.I6
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 21, '39. 16
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 rIs.
Cupid Rides the Range
03,501 Sept. 8,'39t.2rls.
Prairie Pappas 93,502 Dec. I6,'38.I8
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7.'39.I7....
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504. June 6, '39. 19
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar. I0,'39. 10....
Gold 94,606 Feb. I0,'39..l rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39) '
94,612 July 12, '39.. 9
Newsreel (12-31-38) 94,604. Dec. 9,'38.I0....
Pack Trip 94,613 Aug. I8,'39..9
Pilot Boat 94,605 Jan. 20,'39..9
Soldiers of Sea 94,608 Apr. 7,'39..9
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5, '39.. 9
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39. .8. . . .
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611 June 23,'39. .9. . . .
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612 July 21 ,'39. .9. . . .
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 21 ,'39. .9. . . .
Blue Grass (12-17-38)
94,304 Dec. 2,'38.I0
Bow Strings 94,306 Jan. 27,'39. .9. . . .
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 June 16, '39. .9
Gun Play 04,301 Sept. I,'39t.l rl..
On the Wing 94,305 Dec. 30,'38.I0
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July I4,'39. .9. . . .
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May I9,'39. .O'/j . .
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24,'39..l rl..
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24,'39..9
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,1 16. . .Sept. I, '39. .8
Beach Picnic (5-27-39)
94,114 June 9,'39..8
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113 May I9,'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107 Jan. 13,'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. 1 1 ,'39. .8. . . .
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110 Mar. 17,'39. .8. . ..
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110 Mar. I7,'39..7
Merbabies 94,105 Dec. 9,'3B..8....
Mother Goose Goes Holly-
wood (10-38) 94,106 Dec. 23,'38. .7iA..
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Practical Pig, The
(I0-I-38) 94,109 Feb. 24,'39
Sea Scout 94,115 June 30,'39..8
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108 Feb. 3,'39..8
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111 Apr. 7.'39..8
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Hug. I8,'39tll
Daily Diet of Danger, A
9203 Dec. 9, '38.. 9
Filming the Fleet 0202. ... Oct. 27,'39t. I rl. .
Sand Hogs 9205 May I2,'39.I0
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 2
(12-31-38) 9602 Dec. 23, '38. 10
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7,'39. .1 rl. .
Fashion Forecasts, No. 5
0601 Sept. 15,'39t.l rl..
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Birthplace of Icebergs 0101. Aug. 4,'39tll
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Craziest
People 0401 5ept. 29,'39t . I rl. .
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20,'39.ll...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 3ct. 13.'39t . I rl. .
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3,'39.ll....
Mystic Slam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17,'39. 10. . . .
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.ll....
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39. 10. . . .
Title Rel. Date MIn.
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June .30,'39. .7. . . .
Barnyard Baseball 9517.. July I4,'39. .7. . . .
Barnyard Egg-cltement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5,'39..7....
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'39..7
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy Goose In a Bully
Romance 9515 June I6,'39..7
Gandy Goose In G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. I0,'39..7
Gandy the Goose In the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Gandy Goose In Doomsday
9524 Dec. I6,'38. .7
(color)
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25.'39t.
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8,'39t.
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May I9,'39.
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39.
(color)
One Gun Gary In Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27,'39.
Orphan Duck, The 0553 Oct. 6,'39t.
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. I3,'39.
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2,'39
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t.
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 2I,'39.
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39.
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. Il,'39t
Village Blacksmith 9506... Dec. 2,'38.
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301... Sept. I,'39t
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.
Shooting for Par 9302 ....Jan. 6,'39.
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date
Arabian Bazaar (12-31-38) . Sept. I, '39.
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 21, '39.
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) Jan. 3,'39.
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May I, '39.
Labanon Coast Dec. I,'39.
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. I, '39.
Rome Symphony (12-31-38). Feb. I5,'39.
River Thames (4-15-39) ... Nov. I, '39.
Ruins of Palmyra Oct. I, '39.
Wanderers of the Desert. .. July I,'39.
7...
I rl.
.7...
.7...
.7...
rl.
7...
.7...
I rl.
.7...
.7...
.7....
.7....
I rl..
II....
II....
II....
II ....
MIn.
10....
10....
10...,
10....
10....
10....
10....
10....
10....
10....
UNIVERSAL
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26,'38..9
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357... .Jan. 30,'39..9
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39. .9'/a . .
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359 Mar. I3,'39. .9. . . .
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360.... Apr. I0,'39..9
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .91/2. .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362.... June 26,'39. .91/2. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.... July I7.'39. .9. . ..
No. 66— Sept. 25,'39t.l rl . .
No. 67— Oct. 16,'39t.l rl..
LANTZ CARTUNES
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7-15-39) (Color) V/i..
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(B-26-39) 3259 July 3I,'39..7
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. I9,'38..l rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7....
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'39..7Va..
Bola Mola Land (3-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39. .7. . ..
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24,'39..7
Crack Pet Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .SVi. .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(I-2I-39) 3248 Jan. 23,'39. .7. . ..
Little Blue Blackbird
(I2-I0-38) 3246 Dee. 26,'38. .7.. . .
September 2, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
(THE I^ELEASE CHACT"C€NT'D)
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. !3,'39. .7. . . .
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3.'39. .7'/j. .
Nellie of the Circus
(5-20-39) 3255 May 8.'39..7
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39..7
Silly Superstition 3262 Aug. 28.'39. . i rl . .
Slap Happy Valley 3261. ..Aug. 21 ,'39. . I rl . .
Snuffy Skunk's Party 3260. Aug. 7,'39..l rl..
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9,'39..7
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3. '39. .7
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5.'39.I9. . . .
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2,'39. 17
Ray Smeck &. Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July 1 2,'39. l7'/2 . .
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38.I8
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. 1 1. '39. 19
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May 17, '39. 18
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. I5,'39. .2 Ms.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanatorium (5-20-39)
3231 June I4,'39.I8
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. I5,'39.I9
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9, '39. 17
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 57— Novelty (12-17-38)
3368 Dec. 5,'38. .9
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2, '39. .91/2 . .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39. .9
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6, '39.. 9
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39. .9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I, '39. .9
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39..9
No. 64— Novelty 3375 July 3, '39.. I rl..
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39. .91/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty Sept. I8,'39t.l rl..
No. 67— Novelty Oct. 9,'39t.lrl..
TWO REEL MUSICAL
Boy Meets Joy Sept. 6, '39. 17
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Star Dust (12-3-38) 4015.. Dec. I2,'38.22. . . .
Benny Davis
Boarder Trouble 4016 Dec. I7,'38. .2 ris.
Joe and Asbestos
Swing Time in the Movies
(1-7-39) 4003 Jan. 7,'39.20. ...
Fritz Fold (color)
Hat« and Dogs 4017 Dec. 3I,'38.20
Wlnl Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 2I,'39.20. . . .
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25,'39. .2 rIs.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls.
Arthur and Case
Small Town Idol, A
(3-11-39) Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Ben Turpi n
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39. .2 rls.
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Johnny Perkins
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Rollin' in Rhythm 4025 Apr. I5.'39. .2 rls.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29,'39. .2 rls.
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3.'39..2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(6-17-39) 4028 Juno 3,'39.20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July I, '39. 20....
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June I7,'39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26. '39. 20
Red Skelton
COLOR PARADE
Nature's Mimics (2-4-39)
4604 Dec. 3, '38. 10
Points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25,'39. 10. . . .
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25,'39.ll
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,'39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.IO
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June I7,'39..l rl..
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July I5.'39.10
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5. '39. .1 rl. .
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
Treacherous Waters
(12-17-38) 4304 Dec. I0,'38. 10. . . .
The Human Bomb
(1-28-39) 4305 Jan. 7,'39.I2
High Peril (3-4-39) 4306.. Feb. I8,'39. 12. . . .
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308.... Apr. 1/39.12....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6,'39.I2
Haunted House (6-24-39) .. June 3,'39.I2
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39
Three Minute Fuse 4312. .July 29,'39. . I rl. .
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39. . I rl . .
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Declaration of Independence,
The (10-15-38) 4002.... Nov. 28,'38. 19. . . .
John Lltel (color)
Lincoln in the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. II, '39. 20
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20,'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20, '39. 20
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights 4007 Aug. I9,'39t .2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 62— Porky the Gob
(12-31-38) 4805 Dec. I7,'38. .7. . . .
No. 63 — The Lone Stranger
and Porky 4806 Jan. 7,'39..7
No. 64— It's an III Wind
4807 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39..l rl..
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809.. Mar. 1 1,'39. .7. . . .
No. 67— Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39. . I rl. .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 4811... Apr. I,'39..7....
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May I3,'39..l rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7....
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24,'39..l rl..
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39..l rl..
No. 73 — Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7
MELODY MASTERS
Music With a Smile
(7-30-38) 4705 Dec. 3,'38.I0....
Dave Apollon and Orch.
(12-17-38) 4706 Dec. 24,'38.ll
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.I0....
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 21, '39.. I rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39..l rl.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25,'39.10...
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl.
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.I0...
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29, '39. 10...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39..l rl.
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.I0...
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. .. July l,'39..lrl.
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0. . . .
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. I2,'39..l rl.
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 71 — Count Me Out
(12-31-38) 4507 Dec. I7,'38..7...
No. 72— The Mice Will
Play 4508 Dec. 3I,'38..7...
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4S09 Jan. I4,'39..7...
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39..7...
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. II, '39. .7...
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. Il,'39..l rl.
No. 78 — Presto Chango
4514 Mar. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 79 — Bars and Str'tpes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..lrl.
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39..7
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6.'39..l rl..
No. 82— Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39..1 rl..
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39..l rl..
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June I7,'39. .7. . . .
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July l,'39.10....
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July I5,'39..l rl..
No. 86 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29,'39..l rl..
<Jo. 87 — Hare-Um Scare-Ura
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. 12, '39. .7
No. 88 — Detouring America
4525 Aug. 26,'39..l rl..
No. 89— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2. '39.. I rl..
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. I8,'39..l rl..
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..l rl..
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9...,
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
Robbin' Good (12-3-38)
4904 Dec. I9,'38. 10
Luis Zingone
Ski Girl (1-28-39) 4905... Jan. I4,'39. 10. . . .
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl . ,
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..1 rl..
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. 15,'39..l rl..
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39.I0. . . ,
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July l,'39..9....
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..l rl.,
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19, '39. 10
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33....
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I,'39.22
Warning, The (4-1-39) Aug. I, '39. 32
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II....
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Title Rel. Date Min.
Little Journeys to Distant Lands
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17....
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10
CIVIC
City, The (5-20-39) 44....
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10....
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10....
G. P. 0.
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) .10....
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8....
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4.000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls.
WORLD
Andante et Dondo
Ave Marie
Children's Corner
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Les Berceuses
Song of Ceylon
Valse Brilliante
WPA
Shock Troop of Disaster
(2-25-39) 10
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each URieu Otherwise Specified
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Flying G-Men (2-18-39).. Jan. 28,'39. 18. . . .
James Craig-Lorna Gray
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6, '39
Warren Hull -Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson.. July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) June I0,'39.I8. . . .
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again.. Feb. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Robert Livingston-
Chief Thunder Cloud (each)
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. 1 1, '39, p. 55.)
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. 1 1, '39
Buster Crabbe
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581 July 4,'39.2I....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The Oct. I7,'39
Bela Lugosi-Dorothy Arnold
Scouts to the Rescue
(12-31-38) 3781-92 Jan. 17/39
Jackie Cooper- Vandell Darr
(Exploitation: Jan. 14/39, p. 65.)
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 2, 1939
CLASSiriEE) E
ADVERTISING
the great
national medium
for showmen
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count Initials, box number and address. Minimum Insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
SMALL AUDITORIUM WITH STAGE LARGE
enough for production. Prefer one in summer resort
and appealing to little theatre patronage. Will lease
for long period if terms and community warrant it.
BOX 1177- A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
FOR LEASE^SO SEAT 2ND RUN HOUSE IN
Mattoon, Illinois Oil Center. Population 18,000. New
Building. OWNER, BOX 133, Shelbyville, Illinois.
FOR SALE— FULLY EQUIPPED THEATRE.
Town of 1500. New York State. Small investment.
BOX 1187, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
FOR SALE— MICHIGAN — BEAUTIFUL THEA-
tre. 600 seats; modern; air conditioned; well located;
good business. Poor health compels sale. No agents.
BOX 1188, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
THEATRE WANTED— LEASE OR BUY. NEW
England or New York. BOX 872, Springfield, Mass.
350 SEAT COLORED SHOW FULLY EQUIPPED,
Macon, Georgia, available December 1st, possibly
sooner. Fixtures and improvements, $4500 cash; assume
lease $75 per month. Write MURPHEY, TAYLOR &
ELLIS, Macon, Georgia.
THE UPTOWN THEATRE, LOCATED ON
Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island, "One of New
England's Most Beautiful," is for sale or exchange.
The construction is of steel, concrete and brick, with
land area of 20,080 square feet. The total seating
capacity of 1423 is as follows: Orchestra 890; mezzanine
189: balcony 296; loges 36 and boxes 12. Fully
equipped with Western Electric sound system, large
stage and dressing rooms, to produce any stage play.
Theatre is now operating daily as a second-run house,
and has been since the first opening, in the year of
1926, formerly managed by the Keith -Albee Amuse-
ments Corp. Theatre has been recently reseated by the
American Seating Company and recarpeted by the
National Theatre Supply Company, it must be seen
to be appreciated. UPTOWN THEATRE, Providence,
Rhode Island.
WANTED T€ BUT
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
jector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditorium that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PCSITICN WANTED
PROJECTIONIST — 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
Prefers small town. BOX 737, Flagstaff, Arizona.
EISEO GENEI2AL
E€LIIPMENT
DO YOU NEED CHAIRS? WE'VE GOT 12,423
good used veneer and upholstered seats, 75c up. Write
for free list now! S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.,
New York.
SOME THEATRE CAN USE YOUR OLD EQUIP-
ment. A little ad here will reach thousands of poten-
tial customers. Only ten cents a word to tell the
world, what you have to sell. Try it today. MOTION
PICTURE HERALD, Rockefeller Center, New York.
10,000 FULLY UPHOLSTERED SPRING SEAT
chairs, American Seating Company make, $1.00 up.
Going fast, act at once. ALLIED SEATING CO., Inc.,
36-38 West 13th Street, New York.
600 SPRING UPHOLSTERED THEATRE CHAIRS.
Good condition. $2.00 each. AMUSEMENT SUPPLY
CO., Inc., 341 West 44th Street, New York.
CLOSING OUT 2,000 USED UPHOLSTERED,
spring cushion seats; popular makes, bargain prices.
CINEMA SEATING, 4431 Kimball, Chicago.
NEW GENERAL
ECUIPMENT
REAR SHUTTERS FOR SIMPLEX, $29.50! HERE'S
value — while they last. Take advantage — modernize
your Simplex by installing Rear Shutters. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR:
Re-equip using S.O.S. Easy Time Payment Plan —
available on quality Theatre Equipment. Write S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
BIG FALL SALE— NOW— DUO SOUND MASTER
sound heads, amplifiers, two-way horn systems, com-
plete sound systems. Write for prices. THE BALLAN-
TYNE CO., 222 No. 16th St., Omaha, Nebraska.
NEW COMPLETE S.O.S. SOUND SYSTEM,
$239.50, for 400 seat theatre! Includes 2 Cinemaphone
soundheads, G.E. motors, drives, 15 watt amplifier,
Jensen concert speaker, baffle, monitor, etc. Guaranteed
and ready for immediate shipment. S. O. S. CINEMA
SUPPLY CORP., New York.
HELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS— EVERY STATE-
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING-547
pages; illustrated; covers every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
gineers explain every detail of apparatus and its ar-
rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center. New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well as
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP,
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just oS the press! A second revision of the Sixth
Edition of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection with a
complete section of Sound Trouble-Shooting Charts as
well as a host of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
DDINTING SERVICE
WINDOW CARDS— 14 x 22"— 100 8-ply white, 2-col-
ors ink, $3.50. Samples. SOLLIDAYS QUICK PRINT,
Knox, Indiana.
5,000 SMALL ENVELOPES, $8.90; 5,000 LARGE,
$13.40; 10,000 giveaway tickets, $6.00; 20,000, $10.00.
Send for samples. M&M PRINTING CO., West
Frankfort, 111.
BOOrrEEDING
SYSTEM
THEATRE ACCOUNTING BY WILLIAM F.
Morris, is still the best bookeeping system for thea-
tres. It not only guides you in making the proper
entries, but provides sufficient blank pages for a com-
plete record of your operations for each day of the
year. Notable for its simplicity. Order now — $4 post-
paid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center.
New York.
PRESS OF
C. J. O'BRIKN. INC.
NEW
FAVORITES
EASTMAN'S three great new films back
up their special characteristics with typ-
ical Eastman reliability and uniformity.
Worthy successors to earlier Eastman
emulsions, they are the new raw-film fa-
vorites of the motion picture industry.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,
N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors,
Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAN
PLIJS-X SUPER-XX
for general studio use tor all difficuH shots
BACKGROUND-X
for backffroutBds and general exterior trork
A
1
UNION PACIFIC^' I
Paramount's
20% ahead or
^ ...»M\ON
30<
Oh
Or.
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
SAN FRANCISCO
"THE STAR MAKER
topping "MAN
ABOUT TOWN,"
"MIDNIGHT" and
neck and neck
with "UNION
PACIFIC"
80% ^T^^KBR
cv
..♦nr..
WAR!
Conflict boffles up last I
for Hollywood films.
43 features on war subjects now available or
in production in America.
Censorship of films, newsreels, radio and press
covers wide area.
17,010 theatres^ 192 producers and 124 dis-
tributors in war lone.
Canadian theatres' receipts turn upward after
sharp decline at opening.
British trade petitions Government to reopen
theatres^ estimating $4,500,000 weekly loss.
Action by Washington to bar propaganda pic-
tures from abroad is seen.
Hollywood studies possible effects on budgets;
Executives look to Latin America for widened
Foreign stars called up.
VOL 136, NO. 11
SEPTEMBER 9, S939
While M^GM's magic wonder show "WIZARD OF
OZ" winds up the 1938-39 season in a blaze of glory^ the
year '39-' 40 has opened up with all eyes on Leo the Lion!
YOUR ITCHING PALM!
there's a fortune in it!
We told you how the Previews of "THE WOMEN"
and "BABES IN ARMS" created a furore! We
pointed out that no season had ever yielded two such
sensations to begin with. Now "N I NOTCH K A"
has been previewed ... it is phenomenal! And
"BLACKMAIL" and "THUNDER AFLOAT" have
been previewed! They are smashing entertainments!
Did we hear somebody say: "Pictures talk!"
After the
broadcast
that further
illustrates the
extraordinary,
importance of
this subject,
bookings
are being
accepted by
WARNER BROS.
p you announce it, a special 40" x 60"
! color, from luhich the above 'was
•d, is available at your exchange
[Last Thursday night over all
NBC stations 35,000,000
listeners were told 'Every
American must see this filmT
Program sponsored by famed Institute of Human Relations'!^
There never was a shor^with ^^^ffg^^,. reason
to be shown! Play it immediately-
We don't like
to gossip but
h
IS A SWEETHEART
PieK your spot and
check for yourself!
It's bigger than
Warners' biggest!
UHN GAKMtLD
nd his 'Daughters Courageous' Sweetheart J
miLLA LANE <
n the first starring show all their own
— their greatest by miles!
)ROS.
JEST!
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 136, No. I I
OP
September 9, 1939
WAR w SCREEN
THIS week the American motion picture sat with furrowed
brow facing a world at war, considering the status of an
industry grown to world dominion now turned back upon
itself, confronted with the problems of an international
institution in a market which is narrowing in toward national
boundaries.
Reactions were as many and diverse as typical of this sensi-
tive, whimsical business of the motion picture, ever equally
spectacular in its darings and in its conspicuous, tremulous
conservatisms and indecisions.
Opinions of the outlook varied from foreboding of woe to
anticipations of a new burst of prosperity In a market of publics
seeking escape from the stress of war.
First reactions were adverse. Wall Street bought up on
Industrials of what it deemed "war baby" promise, and sold
down on amusement stocks anticipating loss of at least half of
the revenues for film overseas. Also chiefs of the motion
picture industry in New York went into solemn conclave to
talk of devices for living within the income of a shrinking
market, discussing, most tentatively, moves ranging from
sharply reduced production budgets for hiollywood to
horizontal payroll cuts across the industry, including alike pro-
duction and distribution machinery.
The mood of the pessimists was accentuated somewhat by
the fact that the anticipated restrictive effect of war was
superimposed upon the already long evident trends of Influence
manifest through the recent months, and years, of preparation
for war in wide European areas. The war seemed to them a
push on a rolling ball.
ADDITIONALLY, the stresses of the period found unmis-
takable but somewhat indirect expression In fanning
strifes entirely within the American Industry, with the
pressures tending to strain thin spots in alleged bonds of ap-
proximate unity. But that is another story, probably of many
chapters to come.
The optimists — and most of them of abundant prior experience
of motion picture operation through the days of the First World
War — pointed back to the prosperity of the screen in the strife-
torn world of 1914-1918.
That was the period in which the Allies bought abundantly
of the output of Fort Lee and hlollywood, when the American
film industry became the world industry. In that period
Famous Players - Lasky and its Paramount rose to dominance.
Adolph Zukor became the overlord. Dramatic, picturesque
Lewis J. Selznick drove from the management of World Films
into spectacular magnate status under his own flag. The per-
sistent muddle-genius of Carl Laemmie made Universal a
world success. The Brothers V/arner, less conspicuously, started
carving a niche that was to grow into a castle. As a single, if
special but Indicative specimen case, it may be observed that
the Allies in the spring of 1916 paid a million cash dollars
to access of the two-reel product of one single comedian,
Charles Chaplin. William Fox, In the period, built an inde-
pendent domain which was destined to write its story In
major millions.
THE "Million Dollar Mystery", made by the Thanhouser
studios at New Rochelle, was In Its eighth episode when
Germany marched into Belgium, and went romping
through its fifteen installments to a final profit of 700 per cent.
"Cabiria", famous spectacle picture from Italy, and the last,
was flaming in trade attention under the ministrations of
Harry Raver. Pathe News had a daily release, and Warners
were offering "Across the Border", which was In "three thun-
dering parts", and announcing Immediately "The Battling
British".
Chemically the world had been dependent on the German
dye trust and speculation in hydroquinone and metol, impor-
tant In film development, started at once. Jules Brulatour's
Paragon Laboratories in Fort Lee were said to be seeking a
corner on the American supply of metol. Today America is
chemically independent.
Officers and employees of the French Invasion of the
American field. Eclair, Pathe and Gaumont, were being called
to the colors and sailing for la Patrie. That was the last of
French production influence in America. With the war of 1914
came substantial surrender of the world to the American
motion picture.
THIS week's tidings from Hollywood and reports upon its
plans for production, recorded In the news pages of this
issue of Motion Picture Herald, Indicate that the
confusion of impact of war has passed almost as swiftly as it
came, and that the production organizations are leveling off
Immediately on a program of meeting the changed market
outlook with output geared to the prospects.
Meanwhile, as the weekend neared, New York began to take
a calmer view and lay plans for doing business — regardless.
Just as Hollywood began to concentrate on programs of mak-
ing pictures for the home market. New York began to look
a bit more intensively at the selling of that market.
Thursday's message to Hollywood from New York urged
acceptance of the obvious necessities of the day as occasion
for a long desired revision of production costs to figures
consistent with the state of the world map.
There will continue to be customers — and pictures for them
to look at.
AAA
ARDENT student of the arts of the screen, Mr. B. A.
Aughlnbaugh, director of visual education for the state
of Ohio, reports on an examination of the dictionary
revealing that 90 percent of the nouns of our language are
visual, verbal pictorializations, while only about 5 percent per-
tain to sound. The eyes. It seems, have it.
— Terry Kamsaye
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
This Week
Thunder of Guns
As sinister war machines moved toward
raging catclysm in Europe last week the
fihn industry withstood the first shocks of
conflict and settled back to take stock, plan
for operation as usual for the duration, and
seek out whatever bright spots the situa-
tion might offer. Late in the week the
picture was varied. Light and dark facets
listed below are detailed in the stories in
this issue.
Most immediate and obvious was the fact
that the beginning of hostilities had choked
ofif the market in England and France, last
large market remaining in Europe. Hope
was held out that theatres ordered closed
might reopen, at least in England where
trade officials petitioned the Government for
permission to resume, estimating a loss of
$4,500,000 weekly. Production, of course,
was suspended. There were 17,010 theatres,
192 production companies and 124 dis-
tributing companies in the war area. A gen-
eral story on Europe and the war starts on
page 15 and on pages 32 and 33 are pic-
tures of executives of American companies
in the war areas.
A survey of the Hollywood studios
showed a full inventory, the fortuitous result
of the building of a backlog of product with
the threat of an industry strike in mind, a
threat since removed. At the start of the
war 82 pictures, an unprecedented total,
were ready for release; 41 were in various
stages of shooting or cutting, and 22 were
scheduled to start within two weeks. Holly-
wood's preparedness and the reaction of ex-
ecutives through which, incidentally, ran
predictions that the industrial upturn in this
country will have a happy effect on box of-
fice receipts, are detailed on page 18.
In tune with the times 43 features on
war subjects are available or in production.
See page 23.
In Canada, pledged to support the Crown
in the war against Germany, distribution
and exhibition executives were cheerful.
They foresaw a dull period of about two
months followed by substantial increases in
attendance and revenue. By-line stories
from the Dominion are on page 31.
Newsreel companies were still uncertain
as to what restrictions would govern their
coverage of the hostilities but it was expected
that strict censorship now in force would be
continued. See page 25.
Buying Pool
The buying pool plan for independent ex-
hibitors, which was temporarily tabled in
the Spring, will be revived at the convention
of the Allied Theatre Owners of Oklahoma
in Oklahoma City, September 26-27, accord-
ing to Orville Von Gulker, head of the Al-
lied organization.
Test in Illinois
Two test cases filed in Illinois courts in
recent days may have vital effect on the
status of the Sandquist bill to regulate the
length of motion picture programs in the
state, vetoed by Governor Henry Horner
last month. Both cases challenge the valid-
ity of a veto announced more than ten days
after submission of a bill to the state ex-
ecutive. The circumstances apply in the
case of the Sandquist measure which was
designed to eliminate double features by
limiting programs to a definite time.
The test cases and their probable effect
on the motion picture measure are described
on page 52.
Jubilee Plans
Headquarters of the Golden Jubilee com-
mittee in the New York offices of the Mo-
tion Picture Producers and Distributors of
America announce that 213 circuits and
scores of individual owners in every section
of the country have reported plans for ex-
tensive campaigns in observance of the 50th
anniversary date, October 1st to 7th. Since
the first announcement the observance has
received favorable editorial and news story
notice in 80 newspapers.
Progress of the observance is reported on
page 56.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. Rovelsta*,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News' Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancall, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosart, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Haworth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, manager;
coble Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, coble Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Caronclni 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico
City, James Locbhart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szamos-utca 7, Budapest I, Hungary, Endre HevesI, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Colle San Gervasio j5f2. Son Gervasio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sasazuka, Ichikawa-shi Chibo-Ken, Japan,
HIromu Tominago, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Marinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thakur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo,
representative, coble Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Waalstraot, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schoap, representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Horry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengoarden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro ol Dta, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
ASCAP
Wednesday saw the- defeat of the bill at-
tempting to restrict the operations of the
American Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers in the state of Alabama.
Passed last week by the Senate, the House
ways and means committee defeated the
measure by a vote of five to three. The
legislature adjourns Saturday, so the bill,
at week's end, has practically no chance of
being revived. Supported by radio stations
and hotels, the measure would have required
the Society to abandon its licence fee of
five per cent of the music users' income in
favor of payment on a "per use" basis, with
composers and publishers being required to
fix the amount of the fee on each composi-
tion.
Louis Frohlicli of the law firm of
Schwartz and Frohlich, counsel for ASCAP,
will go to Lincoln, Nebraska, next week to
prepare for trial of the Society's action
testing the constitutionality of that state's
anti-ASCAP law. Trial is scheduled for
federal court at Lincoln on September 18th.
That Code
The code of fair trade practices continued,
this week, as expected, in the recumbent
position in which the industry has found it
since the blow it received at the hands of
Mr. Thurman Arnold of the U. S. Depart-
ment of Justice recently. Officially, it is re-
maining "in status quo," according to Wil-
liam F. Rodgers, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
general sales manager and chairman of the
distributors' code committee. Mr. Rodgers
said that he "had nothing new to report,"
and would be obliged to so advise the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners of Southern Cali-
fornia at its convention on Friday, despite
the fact that when in California recently,
Mr. Rodgers had told Alfred Galston, presi-
dent of the California ITO group, that he
would have a statement for the group at its
meeting Friday advising them of the code
situation.
Mr. Rodgers conferred on Wednesday and
Friday with Ed Kuykendall, MPTOA presi-
dent, at the former's New York office. Mr.
Kuykendall, in addition to discussing the
status of the code since the Department of
Justice declared it, too, a violation of the
law because it perpetuated existing prac-
tices is making efforts to induce individual
distribution companies to put basic trade
practice concessions into effect.
"There are certain ordinary trade prac-
tices which every company can safely make
a part of its film selling policy, and the
MPTOA will insist that this be done," Mr.
Kuykendall said.
Trade problems of the industry zvere the
subject of several exhibitor meetings this
week, as reported on page 44.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Munich Settlement
The raucous war involving talent guilds
and unions and plain old line unionism as
represented by the projectionists and stage-
hands in the International Alliance of The-
atrical Stage Employees was ended abruptly
this week in a ^lunich settlement reached
only a few hours before a strike call was to
have been issued which threatened to engulf
the entire amusement industry in strife. Un-
der the agreement, arranged, it was reported,
in great part by William Bioff, who returned
to active union life after a year's retirement,
the lATSE revoked the charter which it
had granted to the American Federation of
Actors when that group was ordered dis-
solved by the parent Actors' union, the
Four A's ; Ralph Whitehead, head of the
Federation and storm center of the entire
dispute, was abandoned to his own devices,
and Sophie Tucker, who had defended Mr.
Whitehead vigorously, was reinstated.
Annoiinccnient of the agreement and the
story of its arrangement are in the article on
page 61, foUoived by a resume of the dis-
pute.
The Associated Actors and Artistes of
America on Thursday designated the execu-
tive secretaries of its six major branches
as a committee to work out plans for a "one
big union" setup. The move which had
been considered on and off for several years
is apparently a reply to recent criticism
from the executive council of the American
Federation of Labor.
The committee consists of Paul Dullzell,
Actors Equity ; Kenneth Thomson, Screen
Actors Guild ; Ruth Richmond, Chorus
Equity : Emily Holt, American Federation
of Radio Artists ; Leo Fisher, American
Guild of Musical Artistes, and Maida Reade,
of the American Guild of Variety Artists.
Columbia Election
Stockholders of Columbia Pictures will
hold their annual meeting at the company's
Xew York home offices on September 20th.
There will also be a meeting of voting trust
certificate holders Harry Cohn, Jack Cohn,
and A. H. Giannini. Scheduled as business
for the stockholders will be election of seven
directors for the coming year ; three year
contract extensions for Harry and Jack
Cohn : approval of the issuance to Samuel
J. Briskin of an additional option for 2,500
shares of common stock ; approval of the
company's absorption of Columbia Pictures
Corporation, Ltd., of California, and Colum-
bia Pictures Distributing Corporation, a
Delaware concern.
Columbia showed a net profit of $2,000 for
the 52 weeks ended July 1st, after provision
for federal and other taxes. This compares
with a net profit of $183,392 for the com-
parable 52 week period last year.
Questionnaire
The Department of Justice, pursuing its
preliminary tactics in its suit in equity in
New York against major producers and dis-
tributors this week asked the court to order
the defendants to submit answers in full
to a questionnaire which, if authorized,
would be the granddaddy of all question-
naires. A total of 68 main and 89 sub-
questions are submitted covering every con-
ceivable phase of corporate organization,
production, pooling and lending of talent and
production assets, distribution, exhibition
and the defendants' histories. The answers,
gathered together in one place, would con-
stitute the greatest survey of motion picture
company organization and business secrets
ever assembled.
The nature of tlie questions is discussed
on page 55.
One More
The list of 40 odd anti-trust suits at pres-
ent pending against circuits and major
distributors in various sections of the coun-
try was increased this week with the addi-
tion of one filed in Dallas by L. L. Dunbar
against the Texas Interstate circuit. Rapid
moves were indicated in the criminal con-
tempt action brought by the Department of
Justice against Fox West Coast and dis-
tributors when the district court at Los An-
geles fixed October 16th as the preliminarv
hearing date.
Nezvs of these and otiier anti-trust actions
is on page 54.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page
7
This Week in Pictures
Page
10
The Hollywood Scene
Page
38
Managers' Round Table
Page
69
Release Chart
Page
79
Asides and Interludes
Page
39
Showmen's Reviews
Page
46
In the Courts
Page
60
Deaths of the Week
Page
60
In the Newsreels
Page
60
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page
58
British Studios
Page
37
What the Picture Did for Me
Page
65
In the Cutting Room
Page
59
UA Resigns
United Artists Corporation last Thursday
forwarded its resignation to the Motion Pic-
ture Producers and Distributors of Amer-
ica, Inc.
On Tuesday morning, first and exclusive
disclosure of the fact was published by Mo-
tion Picture Daily, which indicated that the
procedure was a consequence of dii¥erences
between United Artists and Balaban and
Katz Corporation, Illinois theatre circuit,
over product bargaining. B&K is Para-
mount's largest theatre partner.
On Thursday, while another New York
trade daily was publishing a denial from
the Hays office of United Artists' resigna-
tion, a spokesman in Hollywood said to Wil-
liam R. Weaver, Hollywood editor of Mo-
tion Picture Herald, that "the affair is a
price issue between UA and B&K which
could be ironed out."
'Voice" Muted
The Motion Picture Democratic Commit-
tee did not achieve national recognition as
"the voice of Hollywood political liberalism"
Thursday evening, as expected, because
United States Attorney General Frank
Murphy, who had been called to Hollywood
by the Committee to award a scroll to the
producer making "the most valuable con-
tribution to the democratic ideal," begged
off, temporarily, "due to the war situation."
He set September 18 as the tentative date.
Hollywood Probe
The impaneling of a special grand jury to
hear evidence on motion picture cases with-
in two weeks was announced Thursday by
Charles Carr, assistant U. S. attorney gen-
eral, studying income tax and labor racket-
eering charges in Hollywood. William
Bioff, former lATSE official, has been no-
tified, Mr. Carr said, to hold himself in
readiness for a subpoena to go before the
grand jury. Attorney General Frank
Murphy will be present to address the jury
on the film cases. When Mr. Murphy was
last in Hollywood he presented evidence to
the grand jury resulting in a mail fraud
indictment.
The scope of the investigation is de-
scribed in a story on page 61.
Answers Kuhn
Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., on Tues-
day in federal court in New York answered
the $5,000,000 libel suit brought by Fritz
Kuhn, head of the German-American Bund,
by conceding that "Confessions of a Nazi
Spy" was based upon the activities of the
bund and stating that they would prove that
scenes of spying and perversive activity por-
trayed there are true.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Sept
ember
9 3 9
GUESTS of W. G. Van Schmus and the Radio City Music Hall
staff In the studio apartment of that theatre are Nate B. Splngold,
Harry Cohn, president of Columbia Pictures, who presently is
visiting the New York office, and William Holden, star of
Columbia's "Golden Boy," opening at the Music Hall this week.
By Cosmo-Sileo
AUTHOR AND ADVISER leave New York for the
studios. Norman Reilly Raine and Captain John T.
Prout, engaged In those capacities for Warner's
"The Fighting Sixty-Ninth," depart for Burbank.
HERE AND THERE
FROM TEXAS R. E. Griffith; center below, president of the
Griffith Amusement Company, drops in at the United Artists
home office in New York. With him are J. J. Mllstein, eastern
representative of Edward Small Productions, and Harry L. Gold,
United Artists vice-president.
HONORING L. E. Goldhammer, recently promoted from
branch manager to district manager for RKO in Min-
neapolis, the exhibitors and film executives above
gathered with nearly 150 others in the Nicollet Hotel at
a testimonial dinner. The guest of honor is seated at the
right with William Elson, Minneapolis exhibitor and toast-
master, and Bennle Berger, head of the Berger Amuse-
ment Company. Standing are Sol Lebedoff; Fay Dressel,
RKO branch manager, and Sidney Volk.
PREMIERE ON THE CAPE, left. Ernest W. Links, man-
ager of the Cape Cinema at Dennis, Mass., proudly
escorts Sally Eilers and Glenda Farrell at the opening of
"The Wizard of Oz," a premiere attended by stage and
screen stars vacationing or playing In summer stock in
Cape Cod resorts.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
By staff photographer
By Cosmo-Sileo
FLEEING from the war in Europe,
Harry M. Warner and Bob Hope
arrive safely with thousands of
others and relate, for the news-
reel cameras, a tale of a tense
crossing.
PROTESTING what he terms the
slander of his people in several
recent films, Barburao Patel, left,
editor oi Filmindia and a governor
of the Motion Picture Congress
of India, is carrying to this country
the vigorous campaign he has
been waging against American
producers who, it is his thesis,
are helping "British imperialism
strangle India" by production of
certain films. On a lecture tour
Mr. Patel will address meetings of
the Film Audiences for Democracy
in several cities.
FORTY YEARS of service with
the Eastman Kodak Company
and of making friends in the
industry are marked for George
Andrew Blair, above, export mo-
tion picture film sales manager.
By staff photographer
WELCOME HOME, right. Bruno
Cheli, RKO Brazilian manager,
is interviewed in Rio de Janeiro
on his return from New York by
S. S. Marinho, Motion Picture
Herald correspondent.
LAURELS FROM MEXICO. William Rowland, head of
Spanish productions for RKO, shows Ben Y. Cammack in the
home office a cup he was awarded in Mexico City for his
direction of "Perfidia," judged the best Spanish language
picture for I 939.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS in the Screen Directors'
Guild, symbols perhaps of the new labor peace, are pre-
sented to D. W. Griffith and Mabel Walker Willebrand,
seated above. Mr. Griffith will produce "1,000,000 B.C."
for Hal Roach. Mrs. Willebrand is counsel for the Guild.
Standing behind the new members are Frank Capra, J. P.
McGowan, Frank Strayer, W. S. Van Dyke II, William Wyler,
and Rouben Mamoulian.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
"Hollywood Cavalcade" attends to the social side of the business
with portrayals of premieres, parties and the testlmonal dinner
above at which Mack Sennett Is proposing a toast.
Below. Glamour, in the feminine gender, is introduced with the
bathing beauties, and comedy with the Keystone cops, right.
The movies make the acquaintance of the muse of comedy and ple-throw-
Ing becomes a symbol of screen comedy. Above, the situation leads up to
a custard barrage and, right, the after-effect.
Hollywood
does a
Biography
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
NOSTALGIC reminiscence, common to those of
humble origin who have struggled and fought
their way to success in the fierce competition
of the world, has motivated various efforts to tell the
story of the screen on the screen. It has its latest
expression in a feature-length production by Darryl
Zanuck for Twentieth Century- Fox in which is told
the story of the motion picture's rise from an amuse-
ment enterprise conceived "across the tracks" to a
giant art-industry comparable with other modern busi-
nesses from a product not more substantial than a
shadow and as intangible as the fame it engenders.
"hHollywood Cavalcade" traces the industry through
its lusty, brawling youth, following the thread of a
story spun from the distilled essentials of all Holly-
wood stories. The trials and successes, hopes and dis-
appointments of the director and actress who are its
protagonists are a generalized picture of a hundred
careers, many of which now are legend, many of which
are still in the making. In the unfolding, the history
of motion picture production is told, not through an
excursion to the movies' attic relics but through re-
creations of the classic episodes of screen history,
portrayals of how they were conceived and made.
Thus in the telling is shown the evolution of screen
comedy through the Keystone cops and the pie-throw-
ing episodes which have become symbols of its earliest
manifestations. Similarly the first and immediately
successful experiments with glamour, in the feminine
gender, are shown. Authenticity Is lent by the
presence of Mack Sennett whose name is welded to
the tradition of these symbols. The autobiography
continues through the production emphasis on the
fast-moving adventures known universally then and
now as westerns, and the profligate trend toward lavish
spectacle. It concludes with the achievement by the
screen of a voice, a point symbolized by Al Jolson re-
enacting his singing of the "Kol Nidre". The whole
is filmed in color with black and white inserts where
necessary to preserve the atmosphere of the periods
re-created.
The parallel technical evolution is recorded by the
inclusion In the cast of a cameraman whose share
in the hero's triumphs is given proper value, below.
Important points in motion picture history were marked by emphasis In
turn on ridin' and shootin' melodrama, above, and lavish spectacle, below.
"Cavalcade" concludes its history with
the coming of sound, marked by the
scene, below, in which Al Jolson re-
peats his singing of the "Kol Nidre."
The bit player next to Stuart
Erwin cannot but be identi-
fied as impersonating Cecil
B. DeMille, a name looming
as large in film history as any
of the fictional characters
portrayed.
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
Exhibitors Afield
Guy P. Collier, Mitchell, Ind., ex-
hibitor, with Lola Lane on the set
of "Four Wives."
Mrs. Elsl L. 'Blessing, of the Royal
in Danville, Ind., with May Robson
at the Warner studios.
Mrs. Marion C. Sinift, above right, operator of
the Delmar and Daly theatres in Los Angeles,
with friends on the set of "Four Wives."
VISITING NEW YORK
hiarry Hadfield, nnanager of the Belpark in Chicago,
and Mrs. Hadfield visit Frank Craven on the set of
"Our Neighbors, the Carters." Mr. Hadfield played
with the Paramount star's father in the Castle Square
stock company in Boston 40 years ago.
By staff photographer
IN THE RKO LOUNGE. E. I. Myerson, manager
of the Davis Square, unit of the E. M. Loew cir-
cuit in Somerville, Mass.
IN PARAMOUNT'S RECEPTION ROOM, right.
Grayson Poats, manager of the Ritz in Colum-
bia, S. C.
Cliff Miller, operator of the Royal theatre, Lehi, Utah,
and Mrs. Miller pay Frank McHugh a visit.
Earl Westland of the Mercy
circuit, Walla Walla, Wash.
N. W. Huston, operator of the Liberty in
Columbus, Kan., visits Claude Rains.
Below. Carl Spellman of the Amuzu
theatre in Oakland, Ind., visits Para-
mount's World's Fair lounge.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
15
WAR HALTS HOLLYWOOD'S
LAST BIG EUROPEAN MART
But Executives See Widened
Market in Latin America;
Newsreels, Radio and Press
Closely Censored Overseas
The film industry virtually the world over
turned this week from the first flush of ex-
citement attending the mobilization and first
casualities of Europe's armies in the second
"World War," to the stark realization of
their possible effects on the creative and
economic structure of the motion picture.
Production, distribution and exhibition in
the warring nations of England-France-Po-
land and their German adversary were at a
standstill, with it anyone's guess as to when
they might move again.
As late as Wednesday dispatches said a
few theatres were still operating in Warsaw.
With the warring countries unavailable
as customers for Hollywood's product, even
if only temporarily, not a single large coun-
try in Europe is open for U. S. motion pic-
tures : Russian has not bought our films for
years ; Germany was practically closed when
Adolf Hitler took over, extending his in-
fluences filmwise and all ways to Austria
and Czechoslovakia; Italy witnessed the
withdrawal of U. S. majors last New Year's;
Spain is still to be reopened following its
Civil War.
$4,500,000 Called Weekly Loss
Estimating the weekly loss to the industry
through accumulating overheads to be |4,500,-
000, a joint British trade deputation represent-
ing the Kinematograph Renters' Society and
the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association on
Wednesday asked the British Home Office to
consider the reopening of motion picture houses
in England.
The deputation claimed that film entertain-
ment was a public service, and that motion pic-
ture houses were safer than many other places
in which the public was now assembling.
The following cable from London was re-
ceived in New York Thursday by George J.
Schaefer, president of RKO Radio, from Ralph
Hanbury, United Kingdom's managing director
for RKO Rafto Pictures, Ltd., London.
'AH cinemas closed by Government decree,
but the chief constable in each city has been
empowered to reopen some or all cinemas in
his district according to the experience gained
in the vulnerability of air raids. This in my
opinion means that districts far away from the
large centers will be permitted to reopen short-
ly, but to a limited degree and with the pos-
sibility of restricted screening hours and of a
restriction of the number open in each dis-
trict. . . ."
All of this caused the motion picture industry
of both Broadway and Hollywood Boulevard to
"face the war," mindful that the countries now
engaged represent an estimated 30 per cent of
the world revenue of American distributors, and
about 60 per cent of their foreign revenue.
With a rapidity equaling only that which
plunged Europe into conflict last week, the mo-
tion picture and the radio, like press and cable
transmitters, were abruptly engulfed in a maze
of censorship and other restrictions, from Eng-
land across to France and into Germany and
Poland, down to Spain and across to Canada,
''WILL HOLLYWOOD STOP
SENDING FILMS ABROAD?
closing of theatres in England and
France, a temporary condition during
the first days of war scare, according
to cables from both London and Paris,
has brought up the question in New
York and Hollywood as to the extent
of business later in the war zone for
Hollywood films following this first
curtailment.
Walter J. Hutchinson, foreign sales
chief for Twentieth Century-Fox, in
an interview conducted for one of the
industry's short wave institutional
broadcasts to Latin America, this week
set at rest some of the speculation by
citing the continuance of exhibitions
during the Spanish Civil War and pres-
ently in the Sino- Japanese War, al-
though showings were interrupted for
a time in a particular locality by mili-
tary operations.
on to Australia and New Zealand, even to our
own Capital, where Washington concluded that
propaganda films from abroad and others now
here, or to be made, might be barred under the
new neutrality proclamation. Radio broadcasts
will not be interfered with — unless and until they
strike at one of the belligerents, again coming
under the aims of neutrality, announced the
President's secretariat.
Outstanding this week in the attempt to con-
duct a normal motion picture business on these
shores was the inability of the managements of
both major distributors and their newsreel affil-
iates to obtain from the war shores news of the
status of their own operations and personnel.
Stock Tendency Upward
On Tuesday, the first day of stock exchange
business after the long Labor Day holiday, and
the day on which hostilities had actually begun,
film stocks dropped, probably in anticipation
of a loss of revenue from abroad, and in large
contrast to the gains made by other issues,
notably the "war babies."
However, film stocks and bonds showed
mixed gains and losses Wednesday with the
general tendency upward. A number of the
securities regained the losses suf¥ered on
Tuesday. The gains continued Thursday.
There was some talk in New York quarters
of foreign film executives that the war might
bring a revision of England's Quota Act, favor-
able to the U. S., in view of the undeterminate
cessation of British production. There is said
to be, however, quite a supply of product from
all sides now reposing in the vaults of London's
renters.
Many in the U. S. remember that it was as
a result of the last war that Hollywood attained
world domination of the screen, due to the
worldwide warring nations giving attention al-
most solely to guns and gunnery and related
subjects.
Money Restrictions Feared
One of the more serious anticipated effects
of the present conflict is restriction on the trans-
fer of earned funds by LT. S. companies to this
country from the war zone. The British Con-
sular Office in New York said Wednesday that
it had not been informed of any such orders as
yet. It will be remembered that the majors'
suffered heavily from monetary transfer restric-
tions in the Spanish Civil War and in the Sino-
Japanese undeclared war.
Limited Activity
However, despite the menace of Nazi bomb-
ing, nightly blackouts and depleted staffs, Brit-
ish production is showing signs of limited
activity.
The Denham Studios, now housing the Lon-
don Stock Exchange executives, also is the
scene of the final production touches on Alex-
ander Korda's "The Thief of Bagdad" and
work on a semi-official Royal Air Force pro-
duction.
Gainsborough Pictures, Gaumont British sub-
sidiary, continues work on "The Band Wagon"
at Shepherd's Bush Studio, and Michael Balcon
is making "David Goliath" at Ealing. With
Mario Zampi reshooting war sequences of "Live
and Let Live," David Rose, head of Paramount
production in England, promises continuation
of production for Paramount.
Studios at Walton-on-Thames, Elstree and
Highbury either are continuing or planning to
continue shooting.
Information from Paris concerning production
and distribution has been scarce since the out-
break, but from London's Wardour Street came
word that the staffs of studios and distributors
were heavily depleted, and that virtually all of
the windows of those establishments stood be-
hind sandbags.
The major studios there already have ar-
ranged to transfer their heaquarters outside the
possible bombing areas. Some offices already
are operating from beyond London.
Pinewood Studio already has been taken over
by Lloyds and certain other studios are sched-
uled for Government requisition. The Cinemato-
graph Exhibitors Association will move its
headquarters to Reading and the K.R.S. to
Slough.
Columbia plans to move to Tunbridge Wells,
Pathe and Associated British Pictures Corpora-
tion to Welwyn, United Artists to Gerrards
Cross, Gaumont British to Devonshire, etc.
Film distribution will be centralized through
a Kinematograph Renters' Society clearing
house at Willesden on the outskirts of London.
No complete emergency trade policy or pro-
gram has been formulated as yet and there is
some criticism current concerning the lack of
organization and the widespread distribution to
various houses.
Trade showings of films present a potential
problem, with a possible need for revision of
details of the Films Act.
Elsewhere in this issue, Motion Picture
Herald reports on Hollywood facing the war;
identifies U. S. distribution chiefs in the war
zone ; lists some 43 war or related features now
available or in production for U. S. screens ;
discloses the nature of the strict censorship of
motion pictures and radio in many places ; gives
the reactionss of the war on nearby Canada ;
lists the production, distribution and ex-
hibition structure of each of the countries in
the war zone, and discloses Washington observa-
tions on the possible effect of the U. S. neutral-
ity law on propaganda films in this country,
among other war-film subjects.
Morris Goodman, Republic's vice-president in
charge of foreign sales, and Ben Y. Cammack,
assistant general foreign sales manager for
RKO, hold the opinion that, although while
(.Continued on following page)
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
EXPECT THEATRES TO REOPEN
Little Change in Tn
Japan as Result of
Recent events in Japan, precipitated
by the Russo-Serman non-aggression
pact which left Nippon out in the cold
and brought about the formation of a
new government, are seen in Washing-
ton as having little effect upon our
trade relations with that country, in the
immediate future at least.
Some time will elapse before the
U. S. Administration will consider the
negotiation of a reciprocal trade agree-
ment with Japan, at best. At less than
best, there will be no change whatever
in the Administration's aftitude that
Japan, having discriminated against
American commerce, having interfered
with it also in China and having sub-
sidized exports to this country, is not
entitled to either preferential treatment
or any benefits which might be derived
from trade agreements with other
countries.
The United States has never had a
trade agreement with Japan, in the
sense of the reciprocal treaties which
have been negotiated with a number of
other countries. It did have a commer-
cial treaty, which was denounced.
It might be pointed out that Presi-
dent Roosevelt also made similar moves
against Germany, depriving that coun-
try of the benefits of the reciprocal
trade agreements and refusing to nego-
tiate such a treaty with the Nazi gov-
ernment.
Officials in Washington, naturally, are
not discussing the Japanese situation
very freely. Diplomatic matters, actu-
ally, are talked about only when the
government of the talker has something
to gain thereby. In the present state
of the world, officials are more close-
lipped than ever — as a matter of fact,
they are not at this moment interested
In trade agreements, but are concen-
trating their thoughts and energies to
keeping this nation aloof from a war-
mad Europe.
At the same time, a mere change of
government in Japan will have no effect
in changing the Washington attitude on
trade relations. Japanese governments
ide Relations with
Nazi-Russian Pact
have changed before, but not neces-
sarily for the better, so far as their
attitude toward the United States is
concerned.
But the new course which Japan must
map out for herself In world affairs may
eventually bring about a closer coopera-
tion with the United States, England
and France, who for months have borne
the brunt of her hatred for the white
race.
American, British and French trade In
China has been demoralized, their in-
vestments Imperiled and their property
destroyed by the Japanese in the course
of their undeclared war. German prop-
erty, trade and investments did not
suffer, because Japan was a party to
the anti-comlntern pact to which Ger-
many, Italy and Hungary also were
parties.
Japan looked to Germany for sup-
port, first. In her rape of China and,
then, in a struggle with Russia for
domination of Asia. Germany signed a
pact with Russia, and Japan was not
only left out on a very weak limb, but
faced the certainty that, if Russia aided
Germany in Hitler's war for control of
Europe, Germany certainly would aid
Russia against the "Yellow Peril" of
Asia.
So, it is expected, one of the first
efforts of the new Japanese government
will be to woo the three countries it has
been slapping around. It can safely be
said that Japan will not ask for a trade
agreement with the United States until
our resentment over her treatment of
our nationals, the stripping of our
women for searching, the destruction of
American plants and the coldly con-
sidered campaign against all things
American, English or French, has been
abated.
It is too early to talk about trade
pacts, officials in Washington believe,
for Japan does not need trade con-
cessions nearly as badly as she needs a
friend. And, today, Japan has not a
friend In the world.
iContimtcd from preceding page)
maybe not in the immediate future, the war is
bound to have a favorable reaction on the play-
ing time of American pictures in Latin America,
when present stocks of French and other foreign
pictures are depleted.
Mr. Goodman, who recently conducted a sur-
vey of Latin America, feels that the competition
of French pictures had become acute in those
territories, particularly in the larger cities, de-
spite efforts of the American producers to ap-
peal to their Southern neighbors by means of
special story treatment and casting notwith-
standing. Accordingly, he is of the opinion that
the European War should afford an opportunity
for the American industry to cultivate that field
further, provided more attention is paid to the
requirements of the market insofar as stories
and casts are concerned.
Independents in Stalemate
Another anticipated development from the new
war is the stalemate of the dozens of independent
distributors who handle European pictures for
domestic and export consumption from New
York.
The equipment manufacturers, on the other
hand, are highly optimistic. It is no secret in
U. S. equipment quarters that German products,
due mainly to trade agreements with Latin
America, have been enjoying widespread busi-
ness in South America. Now it is felt that
Germany will be unable to carry out its sound
and projector commitments.
While foreign sales executives of the motion
picture companies, in New York this week, af-
fected an optimism over U. S. film prospects
abroad, based upon the wars in China and Spain,
when many continued to patronize theatres, they
will have to contend with difficulties in expedi-
tion, transportation, and insurance of films to
the warring countries.
The immediately imposed censorship in Po-
land, France, Great Britain, Germany and else-
where has hampered the foreign departments of
the U. S. companies in doing business.
Sees Exchange Restrictions
At RKO on Tuesday, it was said the home
office had received no word from its foreign
representatives since last Saturday ; at that time,
a cable from London stated that RKO's London
headquarters had been transferred to Boreham-
wood. It was said that foreign sales chief Phil
Reisman, on board ship frorn Buenos Aires to
New York (expected to arrive in New York
on September 18th) was attempting to com-
municate directly with RKO's offices in the af-
fected countries.
Walter J. Hutchinson, foreign distribution
manager of Twentieth Century-Fox, expected
no complete cessation of business in Europe,
but saw exchange rates and restrictions as the
chief difficulties to be expected.
Monogram's foreign sales chief, Norton
Richey, on Tuesday, knew only that Mono-
gram's prints in France, had been moved to
"somewhere outside of Paris."
' He saw closing of theatres in France and
Great Britain as "a blow to us, and to all the
companies" ; but he also saw their reopening
soon, "because theatres are necessary to morale."
Prints of the company's "Wolf Call" and
"Rose of the Rio Grande" were en route to
Poland this week, Mr. Richey said, adding that
he did not know what had happened to them.
The company's Paris office will remain open,
Mr. Richey insisted. Its manager is a Swiss,
over 40 and married ; and its assistant manager
is a Russian ; so the two are not expected to
be called for military service.
An increase in South American business was
foreseen also by Mr. Richey, a view concurred
in by other foreign sales executives, all for
identical reasons : "French production will stop,
if it hasn't already — and they are our biggest
competitors in South America. I don't believe
any of the European countries at war can carry
on with production — their studios are too good
targets for air raiders."
Arthur Kelly, of United Artists, said that
shipments were not being held up by his com-
pany, and that theatres eventually will try to
open in Europe, their closings being merely
temporary. United Artists, he noted, has an
interest in the Odeon circuit of Great Britain ;
and one of its chief producers, Alexander Korda,
is in that country.
At MGM this week, it was stated that the
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
FOREIGN DEPARTMENTS HAMPERED
company stood to lose 60 per cent of its foreign
revenues, and 24 per cent of its entire world
gross, if all the four warring groups remained
closed to its films.
London Offices Transferred
On Tuesday, it was said that the company's
last word from abroad had been on last Thurs-
day from England. This was that the London
headquarters had been transferred to Rickmans-
worth.
Aletro has onl^' one theatre in Great Britain,
the new Empire in Leicester Square, London.
It also has a two story office building, in Paris.
In the offices of Arthur Loew, head of the
company's foreign organization, the company's
viewpoint on the conflict was expressed thus :
"We think that, at the start, there will be a
slight diminution of business, but, after that, we
think of the future with optimism. This is based
upon our experience with the wars in Spain and
China, where strangely enough, there was a
great rise in attendance at movies in large cities.
The reasons for this rise seem to be the many
soldiers on leave, the large amount of money
in circulation, and, above all, the desire of the
people to forget. The theatre is valuable to a
government that desires to keep up morale."
Money Transfer Question
At Columbia Pictures, Joseph McConville,
foreign distribution chief, who returned last
week from Europe, expressed uncertainty over
the status abroad.
"No one knows whether money will come out
of Europe, or not," he said. "If it should happen
that the money will be permitted transfer, busi-
ness will be very good, in spite of the war, be-
cause the war doesn't mean the theatres will
remain closed. However," he added, "the
chances are that revenue will be cut off. We
did a lot of very good business in Spain during
that war ; but it didn't do much for us ; we
couldn't get any money out."
Mr. McConville estimated that the four war-
ring groups gave 25 per cent of the company's
total revenue ; and 50 per cent of the company's
foreign grosses.
Called to Arnns
Many of Columbia's personnel in England
have been called for military service, Mr. Mc-
Conville said, but he also felt certain that the
offices would carry on.
The London offices had been transferred to
Wardhurst Castle, about 50 miles from the city,
the Columbia foreign manager said, and noted
that it was a place he had picked himself, before
leaving for America.
In Paris, the Columbia offices are remaining
SOUND FILMS CHEER
GERMANS AT FRONT
The Germans are using portable
sound pictures to bolster the morale
of their soldiers in Poland, Louis Loch-
ner, Associated Press correspondent,
reported on Wednesday from "some-
where in Poland."
Mr. Lochner, the only American
newsman allowed with the German
front line troops, reported the use by
them of portably printed newspapers,
copies of which are bought by soldiers
in "trade": loaves of bread and
cigarets.
WILL SEEK TRADE
IN LATIN AMERICA
The United States is looking to-
xvards Latin America wondering what
trade could be diverted to this coun-
try from European countries noiv en-
gaged in war. A Department of Com-
merce spokesman said this week that
experts here and abroad would try to
determine what commodities were
most affected by the war, and what
European orders for merchandise from
Latin America would be canceled. He
added that officials were considering a
suggestion that they call a general
conference of leading business organ-
izations to consider the problem.
England and France, next to the
United States, were the major dealers
in Latin America last year. German
barter agreements have been a source
of concern in Washington in recent
years.
In 193 8 the United States exported
$5 04,000,000 worth of merchandise to
20 leading Latin American republics
and imported $5 54,000,000 from the
same countries.
open under the Continental supervisor Alex
Stein. A Paris ordinance had required the
transfer of prints to a point outside of Paris,
he noted.
Columbia's Continental sales manager, Nick
Perry, is carrying on from Stockholm.
Mr. McConville explained that the disposition
of affairs in Europe was in the hands of Colum-
bia's European men, and, in the lack of informa-
tion there wasn't much that the home office
could do. He said, on Tuesday, that no word
had been received from England, France, or
Poland. H. Wundheiler is the franchise holder
in Warsaw ; and Mr. McConville did not know
what his plans were.
Production Realignment Doubted
No realignment of production, because of the
European v\'ar, is expected at Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox, Herman Wobber, the company's dis-
tribution chief, said this week.
"We have already sold, and are selling, a
program to exhibitors that will not be changed
in any respect," Mr. Wobber said, and added
that U. S. business was good, new records
were being set, and the only difficulties his com-
pany, and others, might expect immediately from
the war situation were those encountered in ob-
taining British players. He concluded :
"Naturally, all companies are watching the
European situation with the gravest concern, but
at this time it is virtually impossible for any
one to reach a long range opinion as to its
effect."
Censorship In Britain
From England, the report is that the re-
opening of British studios, if and when, will
be attended by rigid censorship, and the making
of pictures only for propaganda. Alexander
Korda, United Artists' producer, is reported
conferring with British officials on the making
of "patriotic" subjects.
When theatres in England reopen, it will be
only at certain hours, by Government and local
stipulation, under certain lighting and other re-
strictions, and only in certain locations.
The American newsreels, employing the na-
tionals of the countries served, have had to send
outside reinforcements to their crews in Britain
and France.
American companies were shipping film to
France and Great Britain up through last Sat-
urday— and, according to sales executives, will
at least attempt to do so throughout the con-
flict. American boats, of course, are preferred
as carriers.
Australian Money Control
Regulations gazetted this week in Australia
give the Treasurer control of all overseas ex-
change transactions in order to insure the con-
servation of exchange for "legitimate purposes
only," according to a cable from the Australian
Department of Commerce received Tuesday by
the Australian Trade Commission in New
York.
Control is vested in the Commonwealth Bank
and trading banks have been appointed as
agents in this connection.
The regulations provide for the prohibition
of the export of money except through tlie
above channels, and for such transactions to
be at prescribed rates of exchange.
Stars and Execu-Hves
Speed Homeward
Scores of film stars and studio and home office
executives were among the thousands of Amer-
icans speeding homeward this week from the
war zone, and a large number were still stranded
at the piers — even as the first large group of
American "refugees" were being rescued from
the sinking of the British steamer Athenia, in
which more than 100 were lost.
Among those arriving this week, by Clipper
and steamer were Harry M. Warner and his
wife, Tyrone Power, Annabella, Norma Shearer,
Grace Moore, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and Mrs.
Fairbanks, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hope, Madeleine
Carroll, Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Robinson,
Helen Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Yates and
Gene Autry.
When the torpedoed Athenia went down
among those rescued were Nikola Lubitsch, 10
months old daughter of film director Ernst
Lubitsch, and the little girl's governess.
Among those who arrived from abroad last
week were Sonja Henie, Harry Cohn, J. A.
AlcConville, J. J. Milstein, Edward Small, Nor-
man Krasna, Lee Shubert, Victor Orsatti,
George Raft, Russell Muth, James Stewart,
Josef von Sternberg, Constance Bennett, Roland
Young, C. C. Pettijohn, Charles Boyer and
Gloria Stuart.
SHAW CALLS THEATRE
CLOSINGS "STUPID"
George Bernard Shaw in a letter to
The London Times protests against the
British Government order closing all
theatres. He calls the decision "a
master stroke of unimaginative stupid-
ity." Mr. Shaw wants to know how
the government proposes to amuse the
soldiers on leave and keep hundreds of
thousands of evacuated children out of
mischief and traffic dangers.
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1937
CAMERAS SHOOT HOLLYWOOD INTO
COMPLETE PRODUCT PREPAREDNESS
More and More Executives Say
Industrial Boom Will Increase
Theatre Receipts to Help
Offset the Foreign Closings
by WILLIAM R. WEAVER
Hollywood
Any similarity between Hollywood's re-
markable state of preparedness for the war
and a result of intuition, foresight or in-
side information is, as the phrase goes,
purely coincidental. Studios had been fever-
ishly piling up a backlog of completed pic-
tures in preparation for quite another kind
of war, the local variety waged with strikes,
now fortuitously averted bv intervention of
William Bioff, lATSE minister without
portfolio. (See page 54.) This backlog-
numbered 82 pictures, inclusive of most of
the highly-budgeted features on the 1939-40
schedules, on the Sunday morning when
England's Neville Chamberlain came to the
end of his appeasement policy.
41 More Shooting
With 41 additional pictures in various stages
of shooting and 22 more slated to start within
the fortnight, not even the most pessimistic
among the producers woh went into secret ses-
sion with their cabinets on Tuesday morning
could work up a state of tingling suspense re-
garding the effect of overseas hostilities on the
exhibitor's supply of product, quantitively or
qualitatively, as of the next six to nine mOnths.
The optimistic, who by Wednesday night had
won most of their gloomier confreres over to
their point of view, argue that with reasonable
caution on the cost side there need be no im-
portant deviation from charted course this side
of this time next year, by which time steps
can have been taken.
Pessimists and optimists alike agreed, unani-
mously but not for quotation, that retrenchment
is mandatory in view of a thus far unpre-
dictable curtailment of foreign distribution. Op-
posed to this, however, and gaining supporters
steadily as the week wore on, was the con-
tention, bulwarked by Wall Street's interpre-
tation of the economic prospect, that an in-
dustrial boom in this country will increase box
office receipts in such degree as partially to
neutralize the effect of foreign theatre closings.
Brought forward quickly, too, was the argument
that British and French governments shortly
would arrange for the opening of theatres under
conditions enabling their populations to partake
in safety of cinema entertainment regarded as
essential to national morale. That production
in those countries is impracticable under war-
time circumstances, necessitating reliance upon
American films, is accepted in Hollywood as
self-evident.
Two producers to whom an outbreak of war
in Europe is not a new experience broke the
otherwise solid front of executive reticence on
Wednesday.
Says Box Office Always Rises
Richard Rowland said, "It calls for tighten-
ing our belt, but there's no cause for panic.
It may mean loss of 50% of the foreign revenue,
which was about 25% of the total gross. On
the other hand, Spain, which was closed, is
opening up, and receipts in this country are
bound to go up in whatever wave of prosperity
HOW HOLLYWOOD
STANDS ON PRODUCT
The sfatus of representative Holly-
wood studios with respect to product
at outbreak of war last weekend was
as follows:
Columbia had five pictures com-
pleted, three shootiiig and two ready
for the camera. Goldwyn iMd one
ready for preview and one shooting.
MGM had four awaiting preview and
five on the stages. Monogram had
one ready for release and five ready
to start. Varamount had nineteen com-
pleted films in its vaults, nine on its
stages and two in preparation. RKO-
Radio had three films ready for release,
five shooting and two slated for im-
mediate start. Republic had tloree in
hand, one shooting and four in prep-
aration.
we experience. Box office receipts always go
up in wartime. The situation may result in
cutting out some of the costly mistakes made
at the top and in cutting down costs of some
of the million dollar pictures that ought not to
cost that much anyway. And it may give some
new talent a break.
Hal Roach announced that there will be no
deviation of any kind from his announced pro-
duction schedule, either as to pictures made,
casts or budgets. His "Captain Caution," early
reported as about to be abandoned, will be made
as announced.
Certain anticipated developments didn't de-
velop.
No New Regulations
Joseph I. Breen, Production Code Adminis-
trator, said on Wednesday no new regulations
governing subject matter or manner of pre-
sentation have been proposed, inside or outside
the industry, and that no word on the matter
had been received or was expected from Wash-
ington.
Tom Bailey, chief of National Screen Service
in Hollywood, which makes trailers for Amer-
ican and British use and United Artists trailers
for France, said no cancellations or curtail-
ments have been ordered.
Central Casting Bureau said no players regis--
tered there had checked out for military service
abroad.
Charles Chaplin reaffirmed that his feature
comedy, "The Dictators," subject of much
speculation before the outbreak of war and
more since, would go before the cameras this
weekend.
S. Charles Einfeld, Warner director of ad-
vertising and publicity, said new conditions
would not bring about curtailment of his com-
pany's extensive national advertising campaign.
He voiced the same opinion held by others.
Talent agents, in line to feel direct effects
of talent salary adjustments, declined to dis-
cuss potentialities.
Act to Maintain Wages
Contrariwise, the executive board of Inter-
national Photographers Local 659 addressed a
letter to William Bioff, former personal repre-
sentative of the I.ATSE president,' George
Browne, and lately spotlighted as mediator in
the A AAA's about-face adjustment of its dif-
ferences with that organization, requesting him
to represent the local in negotiations with pro-
ducers. A Local 659 spokesman said the other
lATSE locals are expected to make duplicate
requests. The move is interpreted locally as
the first step toward forestalling possible pro-
ducer proposals to adjust wage scales down-
ward.
Product announcements directly due to the
outbreak of war have been few.
Samuel Goldwyn, who halted production of
"Raffles" on Saturday, because his star, David
Niven, was going to war, and resumed on
Thursday when it turned out he wasn't, has an-
nounced "Blackout over Europe," the first film
to be inspired by the conflict. Jo Swerling has
been assigned to write the story, which will be
about air raids over an unidentified European
metropolis, and James Basevi, who achieved
the earthquake in "San Francisco," and the
hurricane in "Hurricane," will handle the spe-
cial effects depicting devastation.
Substitute Maugham's "Outpost"
Warner Brothers has abandoned "The Sea
Hawk," for which a tank stage was in ex-
pensive construction, and substituted the more
timely titled "Outpost," by W. Somerset
Maugham, as a vehicle for adventurous Errol
Flynn, who will not be going to war either.
Twentieth Century-Fox has shelved "Uncen-
sored," formerly titled "Scotland Yard," and
will substitute a story as yet unchosen. It is
understood, although unconfirmed officially, that
"Johnny Apollo," a scheduled Tyrone Power
vehicle, also may be abandoned.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has completed all its
big pictures scheduled for release between now
and February, and is required to go ahead im-
mediately on its less costly features only. Men-
tioned as in executive discussion and possibly
slated for postponement is the company's ex-
pensively geared "Quo Vadis" and two other
high budgeted films. MGM. also started to re-
duce studio personnel.
Paramount's Status Similar
Paramount is in similar position with regard
to its upper bracket committments. "Rulers
of the Sea," and other heavy negative cost
projects have been completed and are awaiting
release. A parallel circumstance prevails at
RKO-Radio, where "Hunchback of Notre
Dame" is nearing completion, and the always
prepared Warner studio has 27 finished pictures
in its vaults. In line with established Warner
policy, however, some of the films announced
for future production may give way to subjects
of more timely and topical character, the studio
affirms. It was decided to rush two high
budgeted films and nine comedies.
Columbia's Harry Cohn arrived in town on
Monday and went into session with his staff on
plans for such elaborate announced projects as
"Tree of Liberty," "Arizona" and "His Girl
Friday." At press time no statement as to
whether these would be proceeded with as
planned or tempered with economy was obtain-
able.
David O. Selznick started production of "Re-
becca," an expensive venture, and said his studio
would proceed along the lines previously drawn.
Monogram's Scott Dunlap said previously an-
nounced increase of budgets for certain named
films would be maintained, possibly expanded.
Republic operations were unchanged pending
arrival next week of Herbert Yates, company
head, for conferences.
Ben Judell, who stresses "Hitler — the Beast
(Coiifiiit(ed oil page 26. cohiniu 3)
. VOU PROUD OF THE ANSWERt
house top'. J»« cW "* * °7tvic ^
other eogaB" ^^ce w®"
Theft jgp
his is your black
white guarantee
lat one company
imes througli!
hat company is
FOUR DAUGHTERS • THE SISTERS
VALLEY OF THE GIANTS • ANGELS
WITH DIRTY FACES* BROTHER RAT
DAWN PATROL • DEVIL'S ISLAND
THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL* YES,
MY DARLING DAUGHTER* WINGS
OF THE NAVY* OKLAHOMA KID
DARK VICTORY * CONFESSIONS
OF A NAZI SPY* JUAREZ * DODGE
CITY* ANGELS WASH THEIR FACES
HELL'S KITCHEN * DAUGHTERS
COURAGEOUS* EACH DAWN I DIE
THE OLD MAID
(Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins, George Brent,
Donald Crisp)
ON YOUR TOES
(Zorina, Eddie Albert, Alan Hale, Frank McHugh,
James Gleason, From the Rodgers and Hart stage hit)
PRIVATE LIVES of ELIZABETH AND ESSEX * ^""■'^
DUST BE MY DESTINY
(John Garfield, Priscilla Lane, Alan Hale)
THE FIGHTING 69TH
(James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, George Brent
Wayne Morris)
(Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Donald
Crisp, Alan Haie, Vincent Price. In Technicolor.)
THE ROARING TWENTIES
(James Cagney, Priscilla Lane, Humphrey Bogart,
Gladys George, Jeffrey Lynn. Story by Mark Hellinger)
THE SEA HAWK
(Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Alan Hale)
(Geraldine Fitzgerald, Jeffrey Lynn, Gladys George,
Gale Page, Spring Byington)
THE CITY OF LOST MEN
(John Garfield, Ann Sheridan, Pat O'Brien,
Burgess Meredith)
THE STORY OF DR. EHRLICH
(Edv/ard G. Robinson)
ffeep On Your foes - v/aUh them keep rolling along
ESPIONAGE AGENT
(Joel McCrea, Brenda Marshall, Jeffrey Lynn,
George Bancroft)
THE SPIRIT OF KNUTE ROCKNE
With one of the biggest casts of all time, headed for
the outstanding success in the history of Warner Bros.)
THE DEAD END' KIDS ON DRESS PARADE THE PATENT LEATHER KID
AND IT ALL CAME TRUE
(James Stewart, Ann Sheridan, Humphrey Bogart)
BROTHER RAT AND A BABY
(By the authors of the sensational stage show.
Eddie Albert, and the same great 'Brother Rat' cast.)
DEVOTION
(The lives of the immortal Bronte Sisters Written
especially forthe screen by James G. (Mr. Chips) Hilton.
Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins, Geraldine Fitzgerald)
PRIDE OF THE BLUEGRASS
(Starring the famous blind horse. This will be one of
the most unique and most gripping dramas of
Warner Bros', entire career.)
THE STORY OF
CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER
(Based on the great novel!
Starring Errol Flynn and Geraldine Fitzgerald)
TWO SONS
(Starring John Garfield, Jeffrey Lynn, Priscilla Lane)
INVISIBLE STRIPES
(To star George Raft and
William Holden)
George Raft, Priscilla Lane)
FOUR WIVES
(With "The Four Daughters", Claude Rains, Jeffrey Lynn,
May Robson, Dick Foran, Frank McHugh)
NEVADA
(Epic Technicolor follow-up to 'Dodge City.'
Starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland)
DANGEROUS CURVES
(Ann Sheridan will display all the 'oomph' in the world
in her first important starring vehicle!)
MARRIED, PRETTY AND POOR
(Ann Sheridan teamed with George Raft!)
BROTHER ORCHID
(From the great Collier's Story.
Starring Edw. G. Robinson, Olivia de Havilland)
UNDERGROUND
(To star John Garfield, George Brent,
Geraldine Fitzgerald)
WE ARE NOT ALONE
(Paul Muni, Jane Bryan, Flora Robson.
By the author of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips', James Hilton)
JACK L.WARNER In Charge of Production • HAL B.WALLIS Executive Producer
Come on over to
September 9, 1939
43 WAR OR
AVAILABLE
I
Features and Shorts Rushed
by Studios to Supplement
Reissues and Product Re-
. leased in the Past Season
I Forty-three war or related subjects are
I now available or are in production, from
I majors and independents of Hollywood, alert
' to popular interest in topical events.
; The United States government has ap-
proved MGM's "Thunder Afloat," which
tells a story of how Yankee fishing smack
[ and tug boat men frustrated a German U-
boat invasion of the Atlantic Seaboard in
the last big war. As newspapers were
j screaming the latest European war develop-
ments, MGM received from the U. S. Navy
Department official approval of "Thunder
Afloat." It is planned to rush the picture
into distribution at once. Simultaneously co-
operation was indicated for 20th Century-
Fox's forthcoming "20,000 Men a Year."
The substance of this story is the develop-
ment of an American military aviation re-
serve by the training of young men in col-
leges.
Others Ready for Distribution
Other pictures ready for distribution whicli
have war backgrounds are Paramount's "Dis-
puted Passage," the setting of which is the
China-Japanese conflict ; its "The Television
Spy," a tale of international intrigue for the
possession of military secrets, and the Goldwyn
picture, "The Real Glory," which concerns war-
like events ensuing after the Philippine Insur-
rection. Meanwhile other war pictures are be-
ing charted for production while work con-
tinues on several more.
For weeks Charlie Chaplin has been work-
ing on "The Dictators," the story of which
satirizes the modern totalitarian rulers. More
directly to the point, Ben Judell has announced
that "Hitler, The Beast of Berlin" will be the
most expensive feature of the current season
of the newly formed Producers Distributing
Corporation.
With the exception of Columbia and Uni-
versal, every other major organization has plans
for war stories. Winfield Sheehan's first pro-
duction for MGM will be "Florian," and though
the background action pertains to the 191-1-
1918 war, the locale is Austria and the point
of the story turns on the experiences of the
horse and man in war time. MGM also will
make a new version of the famous war story,
"Journey's End" and, with "Balalaika" prac-
tically finished, there is a distinct possibility
that "I Had A Comrade," theme of which
deals with happenings inside Nazi Germany,
will be set for quick production.
Paramount Considers Two More
Supplementing its two completed productions.
Paramount is reconsidering the production of
"Air Raid" and "Navy Nurse," themes of
which are identified by the titles. Both stories
have been in possession of the studio for some
time awaiting an appropriate time for produc-
tion.
This week 20th Century-Fox started "20,000
A'len a Year," the story of which was inspired
by President Roosevelt's plea for young Ameri-
cans to learn flying in the Army, Navy and
Marine Corps. Also 20th will proceed with
the production of "Fr. Duffy of the Fighting
69th" while ^^"arner Brothers remains firm in
MOTION PICTURE HERALD 23
RELATED SUBJECTS NOW
OR ARE IN PRODUCTION
Capital Sees Possible Barring of
Propaganda Pictures by Neutrality
President Roosevelt's neutrality proclamation, effective at 1 :36 P. M. (E.S.T.),
Tuesday, Is seen in Washington as possibly raising barriers against the entry into
this country of propaganda films from abroad, which may be bolstered by definite
orders as the Adnninistration announces its plans to make neutrality effective.
At the same time, the President's call on September 3rd for neutrality of action
by the citizens of the United States is seen as a tacit ban on the showing of such
pictures, and this, too, may later be provided for by definite ruling.
For many months. Administration agencies have been at work formulating
policies to be adopted in the event of war in Europe. Assured that such a war
would come, sooner or later. Government officials sought to develop a program
which would minimize the dislocation of the normal routine of industry, agriculture,
finance and shipping — a program which might readily be developed into a war
economy in the case of emergency.
In preparing for the state of neutrality in which the country now finds itself,
these officials were forced, for the first time, to give consideration to radio,
developed since the World War, and to foreign propaganda films in the produc-
tion of which many countries have engaged in the past few years.
Just what definite action will be taken with respect to motion pictures has not
yet been disclosed. Undoubtedly, there will be a sharp tightening up of the
regulations concerning the inclusion of Army and Navy material; Army posts and
forts, Naval bases and shore establishments will probably become forbidden ground
for motion picture cameras. But that there will be any interference with regular
production schedules at the present time is highly doubtful.
Under the application of the President's neutrality policy, it Is probable that
production of Charles Chaplin's planned "The Dictator" might be undesirable;
the showing of foreign films from warring countries may be banned, and the
exhibition of American-produced war pictures, such as "All Quiet on the Western
Front", might be affected.
But State Department officials refuse to comment on Individual cases under
present circumstances where the orders amplifying the neutrality proclamation are
still under consideration. The film situation, they point out. Is only one of a number
involved in the general question and will be dealt with at the proper time.
However, they hold that the motion picture industry and everyone else In the
country are aware of the Administration's policy and can readily decide what is
proper and what Is not for furtherance of that policy.
its determination to make "The Fighting 69th."
The subject matter of both concerns the chap-
lain of the famous New York regiment during
the World War.
As recently as this week in a national maga-
zine Walter Wanger reaffirmed his intention
to produce a picture based on Vincent Sheean's
novel, "Personal History," a great deal of
which concerns the author's experiences and
observations connected with the late Spanish
revolution.
Six Warner Stories
Warner Brothers has six stories including
"The Fighting 69th," on its current production
program. Two of these, "Underground" and
"The Bishop Who Walked With God," have
their locales in and deal with events that are
momentarily significant in Germany. The first
named will deal with anti-Nazi activities in
Germany, while the second has to do with the
career of the submarine commander, Martin
NiemoUer, who became a clergyman after the
war and subsequently was sent to a concentra-
tion camp for his anti-Nazi preachments. Two
of the pictures have war aviation backgrounds
with "Eyes of the Army" making use of how
planes, blimps and balloons are operated in
scouting and combat operations, and "Sabotage
In The Air," telling a story of how the na-
tion's safety is menaced during war time. The
sixth contemplated production, "Stuff of
Heroes" will tell a story of the doughboy in
the trenches and on the fighting line.
While this survey was made on September
1st, it is reasonable to expect that other com-
panies will announce additional pictures in-
spired by current events.
Past Season Subjects
During the past season, as the motion pic-
ture companies realized the deep interest the
public were taking in international affairs, such
pictures as Warner's "Confessions of a Nazi
Spy," Columbia's "Clouds Over Europe,"
MGM's "Idiot's Delight," United Artists'
"Blockade," Paramount's "Beau Geste," RKO's
"Conspiracy" and many others were readied
for release. In each of these pictures war,
espionage, sabotage and general spy activities
have been the main theme or an important
factor that was woven through the plot.
Short subjects, too, have been utilized to re-
(.Continued on following page)
24
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
TITLES OF PRODUa NOW AVAILABLE
(Coiitiuucd from preceding page)
veal to the theatre audiences the impending
dangers to democracy that dictatorship affords.
In the Crime Does "Not Pay series AIGM re-
leased "While America Sleeps" a twenty-one
minute subject of the practice of espionage in
an airplane factory. March of Time, producers
of current event subjects, have produced such
films as "Inside the Maginot Line," "Uncle
Sam the Good Neighbor," "The Refugee — To-
day and Tomorrow," "Background for War :
The Mediterranean," "Japan : ^Master of the
Orient," and "War, Peace and Propaganda"
along with others that deal with the current
international crisis.
March of Time Subject
Said by RKO to be "The first complete and
authentic motion picture story of the U. S.
Air Corps," America's new independent arm
of national defense now being built up at a
cost of more than $300,0000,000, is presented
in the latest March of Time entitled "Soldiers
\\'ith \Mngs."
Filmed with the full cooperation of the Air
Corps, it gives a pictorial answer to the na-
tional question of the importance of an Air
Corps in the United States.
March of Time cameramen spent weeks at
each of the Army's 11 major air bases through-
out the United States.
The subject illustrates the influence of rap-
idly growing air fleets in Europe, and shows
how the United States Army's "Soldiers With
Wings" are being recruited and trained today.
For purposes of this analysis, omission was
purposely made of such socalled "war propa-
ganda" films as "Spain in Flames," "Spanish
Earth," "The Four-Hundred Million" and
others used for political purposes in connec-
tion with the Sino-Japanese war and the Span-
ish Civil War.
Universal Reissues
Universal will lead the field in releasing the
first group of war-film reissues with plans
being made to re-distribute "All Quiet on the
Western Front" and "The Road Back." RKO
has had on its re-issue list for some time "The
Lost Patrol'' and "The Lost Squadron" both
dealing with war, the first, a story of three
Foreign Legion members who become sep-
arated from their battalion and the second a
war story of American and German combat
planes during the World War. Other com-
panies have not as yet made plans for the re-
issuing of any pictures but with the continent
of Europe again the arena for hostilities mo-
tion picture companies will probabh" delve into
their vaults for films showing the horrors of
war and dangers of espionage.
War Films Available
Following is a list of most of the war or
related subjects now available, by reissue, cur-
rent or recent release, or in production or con-
templated :
"Clouds over Europe" : An Irving Asher
Production made in England and distributed
by Columbia. Released June 20, 1939. A story
concerning sabotage to English airplanes by a
foreign government.
"Confessions of a Nazi Spy" : Produced and
distributed by Warner Bros. Released, May 6,
1939. Concerning Nazi spy activities in the
United States.
"Double Crime on the Alaginot Line" : A
Tower production. Released in the United
States during the spring. The picture deals
with the famed Maginot line of France.
"Heroes of the Marne" : A Spectrum Pic-
ture. Released in the United States, April 22,
1939. A presentation of a story of a bourgeois
family of France during the World War.
BRITISH, FRENCH
SET IMPORT CURBS
Motion picture film or camera or
projector equipments were not barred
in the restrictions set up Tuesday by
the British and French on imports into
the respective countries. They may,
however, require import licenses.
The United Kingdom made effective
an import control system upon a wide
-range of products, which, while not
mentioning motion pictures or picture
equipment, did specify prints and
photographs, some of which is sent
abroad by major distributors for re-
production for films to be released.
The French, however, have sub-
jected all imports into France to a li-
cense system.
Film companies, like uses, transport-
ing gold or currency in enemy ships,
are warned that Britain has ruled both
as contraband and subject to seizure.
Little, if any monies is believed to be
transported by U. S. companies in the
ships of Germany, althotigh some of
the U. S. majors still operate in that
country.
Majors in New York at press time
tcere awaiting word as to what, if any,
money export restrictions will be set
by England or France. The majors
suffered from such restrictions in the
recent Spaitish War.
"Hitler— The Beast of Berlin": PDCs pro-
duction concerning the activities of Adolph
Hitler and the Nazi regime. To be released
October 15, 1939.
"Hostages" : Produced in Paris by Chronos
Film and distributed by Nero Films. Released
in April, 1939. A story of German refugees
in Paris.
"Idiot's Delight" : Produced and distribu-
ted by MGM. Released January 27, 1939. Con-
cerning a group of stranded variety artists in a
worn torn country.
"Blockade" : Produced by Wa'lter Wanger
and distributed by United Artists. Released
June 17, 1938. A story of the recent Spanish
war.
International Spies
"Lone Wolf Spy Hunt" : Produced and
distributed by Columbia, Released January 27,
1939. A story of international spies and gov-
ernment secrets.
"Magnificent Fraud" : Produced and dis-
tributed by Paramount. Released July 21, 1939.
A story of a dictator in a South American
country.
"Na\-y Secrets" : Produced and distributed
by Monogram. Released February 8, 1939. A
spy story concerning the nav\'.
"Nurse Edith Cavell" : An RKO Radio Pic-
ture, to be released November 3, 1939. Life
of a war nurse.
"Panama Patrol" : Produced by Fine Arts
and distributed by Grand National. Released
IMay 20, 1939. Concerning Orientel spy activi-
ties and their designs on the Panama Canal.
"They Made Her a Spy": An RKO Radio
picture released April 14, 1939. A story of the
Military Intelligence Department in Wasliing-
ton, D. C.
"The Dictators" : Being produced by Char-
lie Chaplin for distribution by United Artists.
A satire on dictatorship.
"Beau Geste" : Produced and distributed by
Paramount. To be released September 15,
1939. Dealing with the French Foreign Legion.
"Grand Illusion" : Distributed by World
pictures. A story of the French and German
armies in the World W'ar.
"Four Feathers" : Produced by Alexander
Korda and Distributed by United Artists. Re-
leased, August 4, 1939.
"Battalion of Death" : To be produced and
distributed by Paramount.
"Thunder Afloat" : Being rushed through
production by AIGM. Concerning the Yankee
fishing fleet and tugboat captains who held off
the invading enemy submarines during the
World War.
"Disputed Passage" : A Paramount picture
still in production dealing with the China-
Japanese conflict.
"Television Spy" : A Paramount picture
concerning an international spy plot.
"The Real Glory" : Sam Goldwyn's latest
picture for United Artists dealing with the
Phillipine insurrection.
"Florian" : MGM's latest picture with a
World War setting in Austria.
"Journey's End" : To be remade by !Metro-
Goldwyn-AIayer.
"Balalaika" : Another in MGM's product
concerning war that is still in production.
"I Had a Comrade" : An MGM picture
dealing with activities inside Nazi Germany.
"Air Raid" : A Paramount picture with a
war background.
"Navy Nurse" : A Paramount picture soon
to go into production, dealing with the life of
a nurse in wartime.
On Aviation Training
"20,000 Men a Year" : A 20th Century-Fox
picture to go into production. Concerning
miltary flying instruction for young Americans.
"Fr. Duffy of the Fighting 69th" : Soon to
be produced by 20th Century-Fox. A story of
the Chaplain of the 69th Regiment during the
World War.
"The Fighting 69th" : To be produced by
Warner Brothers. A war story of New York's
own regiment.
"Personal History" : To be produced by
\\'arner Brothers.
"Underground" : A new Warner Bros., pic-
ture soon to go into production concerning ac-
tivities inside Nazi Germany.
"The Bishop Who Walked With God" : A
Warner picture about to go into production
concerning the persecution of Cardinal Nie-
moeller by the Nazi regime.
"Eyes of the Army" : Warner Bros., are
planning to put this picture into production
soon. It concerns aviation during war-time.
"Sabotage in the Air" : A Warner Bros.,
picture that will soon start production telling
the story of how a nation's safety is menaced
by air-bombardments.
"Stuff of Heroes" : A Warner Bros., pic-
ture about to go into production concerning
the doughboys in the trenches during the war.
"The Warning" : An Alliance three-reel
production revealing the dangers of air raid
bombardments on large cities.
"Blackout Over Europe" : Sam Goldwyn pro-
duction for United Artists release.
"The Tanganyika Exploit" : Twentieth Cen-
turv-Fox.
"The Ramparts We Watch": First March
of Time feature.
"U-Boat 29," Columbia. Release date, Sep-
tember 30th.
Sepfember 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
25
NEWSREELS AWAIT WAR RESTRICTIONS;
STRICT CENSORSHIP IN MANY PLACES
Increasingly Severe Regulations
Awaited in Film News Cov-
erage; Limitations Stiffen
under U. S. Neutrality Act
Uncertaintj' as to the specific restrictions
on newsreel coverage of the European war
continued through this week, although "more
and more severe restrictions" are expected.
Three of the five newsreels, in Wednes-
day's issues, were exclusively on the war.
Subject to Censorship
All footage remained completely subject to
censorship on the part of the country in which
it was taken, while all five newsreel companies
continued to make use of the transatlantic
"Clipper" plane service for transportation of
their "war" lavenders to New York, both Eng-
lish and American planes being used.
Details of the newsreels' completed mobiliza-
tion plans were reported last week, on page 15.
The radio networks, Tuesday night, went off
the 24-hour schedule on which they had been
operating during the beginning of the war's out-
break.
Censorship restrictions on newsreels, radio
and press, the lack of knowledge as to whether
the newsreels will be permitted to "shoot" actual
war-front scenes, and under what conditions and
restrictions, remained outstanding problems
facing the newsreel managements in New York
this week.
Uncertain of Restrictions
Indicative of the uncertainty of the newsreels'
position this week is the fact that three of the
five companies, in answer to queries, added that
they themselves would welcome information on
censorship restrictions.
Paramount News continued to send querying
cables abroad (the cables themselves subject to
censorship), but this week brought still no defi-
nite word as to the extent of the restrictions.
In France, there was to have been a super-
vision by the Government, and a pooling of
film on the part of all companies, but no veri-
fication had been received here.
Universal reported that all footage is "com-
pletely subject to censorship," while RKO
Pathe expects no clarification of the existing
situation for a week or two.
MGM News of the Day pointed out that its
men, like the others, still are not attached to
any of the actual armies, but, in common with
the other newsreels, have been, for the most
part, devoting their efforts of filming the frantic
preparations and evacuations.
Fox Movietone reported that severe restric-
tions are expected on the part of the four major
powers at war.
All five companies, this week, used the trans-
atlantic plane service provided in the twice-
weekly service of Pan American Airlines and
the once a week service of Imperial Airways.
Thus, screenings were held in New York some
50 hours after the films left Europe. Besides
the effects of censorship, another factor slowing
the transportation of the newsreels is that the
Clipper planes are now using Lisbon and
Foynes, Ireland, as European bases.
No Floodlights on Piers
As America invoked the socalled Neutrality
Act, Tuesday, this country's regulations affect-
ing the newsreels stiffened. No floodlights,
usually part of the regular equipment of the
newsreel cameraman, were permitted on the
New York piers as incoming liners, led by the
Queen Mary which docked Monday with 2,331
NO U. S. RADIO
CENSORSHIP
while broadcasting will be closely
watclxd, lest by favoring one side in
the second "World War" it abridges
the spirit of neutrality, no censorship
of radio is planned by the President
in carrying out his program to main-
tain American neutrality in the Euro-
pean war, it was declared Wednesday
by White House Secretary Stephen
Early.
"No restrictions will be placed on
broadcasting unless they become neces-
sary," Mr. Early said
passengers, continued to bring in crowds of
refugees from the war.
Additionally, no close-ups were permitted of
the U. S. Army's new mechanized "cavalry bri-
gade," now at the New York World's Fair
after its participation in the Plattsburg "war
games," held recently. Also, no filming of
U. S. Navy bases or Army posts were permitted.
However, there have been no other restric-
tions, to date, on the shipping of supplies for
newsreel purposes from this country to Europe.
The National Broadcasting Company, the Co-
lumbia Broadcasting System and the Mutual
Broadcasting System went off the 24-hour
schedules they had maintained and returned to
their normal closing time of 2 A. M. on Tues-
day night.
Five major reasons prompted the move: The
huge expense involved in continuous coverage
of the news ; the "dearth of unbiased news ;"
the fear that commercial accounts, sponsoring
programs, would resent the continuous disloca-
tion and interruption of their programs ; the sus-
tained drain on the vitality of the staff members
under the continual pressure, and the possibility
of a public reaction against the stream of news
reports. The extra time had cost the New York
stations between $3,000 and $5,000 apiece each
night, it is reported.
In addition, there will not be any pick-ups
from Europe scheduled in advance. The in-
crease on the propaganda content of the news
broadcast from European sources had been criti-
cized in many quarters, although admittedly un-
avoidable in most cases.
Three Types of Coverage
The networks had covered the European situ-
ation in three separate methods : using the three
newspaper wire services. Associated Press,
United Press and International News Service ;
these admittedly being the "backbone" of radio
coverage ; the using of foreign correspondents,
such as John Gunther, Pierre Van Paassen and
Wallace Deuel, and the recording of short wave
news broadcasts.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, also
on Tuesday, advised its New York offices that
it had returned to normal programming oper-
ations, with occasional broadcasts of war news
of importance.
Last weekend saw a military guard placed
around the network's units, while it is expected
that all shortwave radio licenses would be re-
voked. All material is now open to the censor-
ship of the BBC before going out on the air.
Germany has issued a decree providing the
death penalty for the broadcasting of "false re-
ports" by foreign radio stations.
The Nazis have forbidden their nationals to
listen to foreign radio stations.
Dozen Nations Establish Rigid
Control over Newsreel
Filming, Broadcasting and
Newspaper Communications
Censorship of newsreel filming, radio
broadcasting, newspapers and cable trans-
missions as imposed with the declaration of
war late last week in England, France, Ger-
many and Poland, spread this week over
wide areas, in North America and Spain,
and even into the Far East in Australia and
New Zealand.
The British on Tuesday effected full cen-
sorship in Australia and New Zealand.
Censorship has been established in Switz-
erland and in French Morocco, where the
same conditions apply as in France, also in
Palestine.
Code Messages Barred
In many cases, the restrictions will apply
for the time being to the sending and re-
ceiving of cable messages, effecting motion
picture companies as others. Codes in mes-
sages are strictly prohibited, as in Englaiid,
France and Germany.
The motion picture business, again, like
others, are effected by the cutting of tele-
phone service in Europe and between the
Continent and United Kingdom.
Canada on Saturday clamped down an
ironclad censorship over all forms of news
dissemination, radio, motion pictures, mail,
telephone and telegraph.
Spain, to protect its neutrality, invoked
censorship.
Films Must Be Submitted
Censorship has been established to and
from Portugal, according to a report re-
ceived from Western Union in New York
Thursday.
Completing organization of censorship in
London, governing reporters and newsreel
cameramen, the Government on Monday es-
tablished headquarters in a special building,
wdiere stories and films must be submitted.
The machinery for the censorship of all
films, for home showing and export, was
outlined in new regulations issued by the
government.
The system will be voluntary for films to
be exhibited in England, with the British
Board of Film Censors operating the cen-
sorship machinery. The compulsory censor-
ship will be reserved for use only if the
present system is found to be an insufficient
safeguard.
All fihris for export, including sound track,
records and the like will be subject to com-
pulsory censorship. The BBFC will issue
an additional security censorship certificate
carrying the approval of the Ministry of
Information.
Newfoundland's government has establish-
ed censorship.
Spence Pierce, manager of the Midwest
theatre in Oklahoma City, Okla., said this
week he had dropped the "Midwest Variety
Hour" which has been presented each week
for the last two months.
26
Pro jectionists In
Limelight for Day
At fVorld's Fair
The projectionist had his day, Thursday,
at the New York World's Fair. It was
■'Projectionists' Day," and some 300 New
York projectionists, fihri union leaders, trade
paper editors, and technicians crowded into
the little theatre of the Hall of Special
Events, on the Fair grounds, for the occa-
sion. The gist of the tributes was that the
recognition of the projectionist as an "un-
sung hero," had been delayed too long. It
was the projectionist, they all agreed, upon
whom the success of the whole billion dollar
industry depended, in finality.
Perfection Norm, Says Ramsaye
As Terry Ramsaye, one of the guest speak-
ers, remarked :
"It has always been an indirect, if not too
fully appreciated, compliment to the projection-
ist, that perfect projection is taken as the
norm."
Among" other guest speakers were Nathan
Golden, chief of the Motion Picture Division
of the United States Department of Commerce ;
E. A. Williford, president of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers ; Dr. Alfred N.
Goldsmith, a past president of the SMPE ;
F. H. Richardson, a writer on projection for
the IMoTiON Picture Herald and Better The-
atres, and author of proj ection textbooks ; and
Joseph Basson, president of the New York
lATSE proectionists' Local 306. Mr. Basson
introduced the speakers.
Air. Ramsaye described the job of the pro-
jectionist as a "hot spot of the industry — or,
you might say, the 'needle's eye' of this busi-
ness."
The vast equipment and the billion dollars
of investment in the industry were of no use,
if the picture on the screen was faulty, Mr.
Ramsaye emphasized, and likened the projec-
tionist to a "lighthouse keeper."
"Yes," he said, "it is appropriate that the
limelight should now turn on the projectionist,
inasmuch as he's been standing behind it for
about 30 years."
Dr. Goldsmith urged projectionists not to
worry about their future, feeling sure, he said,
that they would be able to keep pace with all
developments, however startling.
SMPE Cooperation Reaffirmed
Mr. Willford, speaking for the SMPE, of-
fered the projectionists the continued coopera-
tion of the Society, and praised them for keep-
ing abreast of technical problems.
Mr. Richardson, noting that because records
were not kept in early projection days, it was
hard to describe mechanisms of those days,
nevertheless depicted a few of his memory ; then
traced the development of the projection ma-
chine into the present precision instrument.
He introduced William Reed, "the oldest liv-
ing projectionist," who started with Thomas A.
Edison, at the inception of motion pictures.
Representatives spoke for George Browne,
president of the lATSE, and for Edward J.
Flynn, United States Commissioner General to
the World's Fair.
The ceremonies concluded with a screening
of March of Time's "The Movies March On!"
In charge of the arrangements were P. A.
McGuire, of International Projector Company,
G. C. Edwards, O. Kafka and C. F. Eichborn.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
BROADWAY THEATRES
DARK 20 YEARS AGO
Twenty years ago last weekend —
that weekend during which Ixistilities
Ix'twcen actors' and stagehands' unions
threatened to darken Broadway and
the nation's theatres — Broadway's
playhouses ivere in fact darkened. On
August 29th, 1919, the 1,132 actors,
stagehands, and chorus folk of the
Hippodrome theatre, in New York,
struck, marking the list theatre to
be closed during an actors' strike.
Atlas RKO Offer
Ends; SEC Joins
Case; Stirn Loses
Developments in the RKO reorganization
proceedings this week were three-fold. The
limit for acceptance of the Atlas Corpora-
tions ofifer to underwrite $1,500,000 of
new RKO common stock at $4 per share
has expired and has not been extended. Atlas
spokesmen said. The Securities and Ex-
change Commission became a party to the
reorganization and the U. S. circuit court
of appeals denied an application of Ernest
W. Stirn, stockholder, for an opportunity
to reargue the decision of the circuit court,
made on July 18th, which upheld the con-
firmation of the plan for reorganization by
William Bondy, federal judge.
It was pointed out that the Atlas offer
was contingent upon its acceptance by the
federal court and the company on or be-
fore August 29th, and that when it was
not accepted on that date the offer auto-
matically expired. Atlas, it was learned,
has given no formal notification of its pres-
ent position in the matter to the federal
court, the company, the RKO reorganiza-
tion trustee or other interested parties.
Presumably, the indefinite status of the
underwriting will delay completion of the
RKO reorganization unless future develop-
ments both in Europe and here justify re-
establishment of the offer within a reason-
able length of time.
The entrance of the SEC as a party to
the reorganization indicates another pro-
tracted delay in RKO's emergence under
Section 77B of the Bankruptcy Act. It
was explained that at the request of Judge
Bondy the Commission filed a notice of its
appearance in the proceedings on August
14th.
In his application Mr. Stirn has asked
the appeals court for a rehearing, claiming
that the court was in error in ruling that
he had delayed too long in appealing from
a number of Judge Bondy's decisions. Mr.
Stirn charged that proponents of the plan
were directly responsible for any delay
caused. The court gave no opinion in de-
nying the application.
The board of directors of Loew's, Inc., on
Wednesday declared a regular dividend of
50 cents per share on the corporation's com-
mon stock, payable to stockholders of record
September 13th, on September 30th.
September 9, 1939
Gains to Offset
Foreign Losses
Seen on Coast
(.Contiinicd from page IS J
of Berlin" as outstanding among his announced
60 Producers Pictures Corporation productions,
declared, "As far as I can foresee, the European
situation will not have a detrimental effect on
our production. In fact, in some instances, it
may even prove beneficial. In the case of 'Hit-
ler— the Beast of Berlin,' which we announced
for release October 22nd, we have moved this
up to October 8th and are preparing to start
active production on it at once."
Dr. A. H. Gianinni, banking authority, on
Thursday said, "The immediate effect will be
to make banks proceed cautiously with financ-
ing now in negotiation. The ultimate attitude
will be influenced primarily by overseas deci-
sion as to whether theatres are to remain closed.
Another vital factor will be regulations govern-
ing the flow of money from Europe. Naturally,
any invasion of the territory depended upon for
grosses will seriously affect banking calcula-
tions. Likewise, important will be the exchange
rate for the pound sterling."
Few Going Overseas
Most surprising among the immediate devel-
opments of the European situation — unofficial
Hollywood even finds it ironically amusing — is
the abrupt disclosure that all those heroes the
fan press and columnists have been listing as
ready to join the colors at a moment's notice
aren't going to join, for several interesting rea-
sons. Some, including a number of romantic
leading men, are too old to make the 18-to-41
classification. Others are not so sound of wind
and limb as they appear to be in their heroic
activities before the camera. Some are too
burdened down with dependencies and some, be-
lieve it or not, are just not going. A final and
conclusive reason is a set of laws about enlist-
ment of recruits for foreign armies on American
soil. And still another is the pronouncement
of local British Consul Gilbert Holliday to the
effect that Britain's need just now is not for
soldiers.
David Niven is the single British officer in
Hollywood subject to call, and present laws
prevent his being taken. Richard Greene, John
Loder are the other two actors on whom the
British army has direct claim. Among those
who might be called to the colors some time,
if developments and legislation were to make it
practicable to call them, are James Stephenson,
Laurence Olivier, Wilfred Lawson, Victor Mc-
Laglen, Cecil Hardwicke, Charles Laughton,
Brian Aherne, Raymond Massey, Walter Pid-
geon, Ian Hunter, Nigel Bruce, Cary Grant,
Errol Flynn, Alan Mowbray and Donald Crisp.
However, members of the British Equity As-
sociation in Hollywood have received wartime
instructions from that organization. By ar-
rangement with Hollywood's Screen Actors
Guild, a registration for British actors has been
set up in Hollywood.
Blumberg Reports on "U"
Nate Blumberg, president of Universal in
Chicago Thursday on his way to New York,
said his company planned no retrenchment as
a result of the war situation. "We will make
all 60 pictures we promised," he said, adding
that "30 of the 60 have been completed or are
nearly so."
Mr. Blumberg believes the picture business
will resume a more normal keel.
He said there was considerable retrenchment
talk in Hollywood when he left but that Uni-
versal would not have to undergo stringent
changes.
"A fine picture... amazing the way it holds
interest . . . audience profoundly moved . . . Anna Neagle
gives an inspired performance."
— Louella A. Parsons, Iniernafional News Service
"Definitely on the 'must see' list . . . Holds
you every minute of the way . . . Anna Neagle is certainly
a living lesson to some of the better-known actresses."
— Erskine Johnson, King Features Syndicate
"It remains one of the finest pictures to
come to the screen ... No other actress could have
achieved the role of Edith Cavell as perfectly as Anna
Neagle." —Paul Harrison, NEA Service
"Herbert Wilcox will be able to present
with pride his first picture made in America ... A film of
quality, dignity and great interest . . . You feel as if you
were viewing the actual happenings with real persons
instead of actors . . . Anna Neagle's portrayal by all odds
one of the finest of the year . . . worthy of consideration
for Academy honors."
— Edwin Schallerf, Los Angeles Times
"Miss Neagle's performance ranks her
among the major film actresses."
— Meyer Levin, Esquire
"A beautiful picture with a powerful theme
. . . Anna Neagle is one of the finest actresses of the
screen." —Whifney Bolton, N. Y. Morning Telegraph
"The drama of Cavell is powerful . . .
Thought-provoking drama with a stellar performance of
the highest calibre."
— Harrison Carrol, Hollywood Herald & Express
"Outstanding among the year's pictures
. . . Anna Neagle reaches a new high in bringing dignity
and grace to the screen."
— Hedda Hopper, Jones Syndicate
"One of the most imposing films to come
out of Hollywood . . . Intensely moving in its subdued
tones, ruthlessly violent in its brutal moments . . . Will
prove itself a potent box-office factor."
— Hoifywood Reporter
I
"Begets a sure suspense which holds audi-
ences spellbound . . . Anna Neagle gives a superb con-
ception of the Cavell role." — Hollywood Variety
1
"Without question, the motion picture
event of the year . . . Anna Neagle's portrayal is defi-
nitely an Academy award performance . . . Everyone must
see 'Nurse Edith Cavell'."
— >l/ice Tildesley, Phila. Ledger Syndicate
"A powerful dramatic picturization . . .
gripping, stirring production." — Film Daily
"Intense drama ... A tale of sacrifice and
devotion, appealingly told." — Motion Picture Daily
"One of the greatest productions ever to
come from any studio . . . Should hold all audiences
through every brilliant moment . . . The best that is
Hollywood's and England's is here combined in a single
glorious production."
— Elizabeth Wilson, Screen/and and Silver Screen
'I have never been more moved by any
notion picture ... It is one of the truly great pictures
)f all time . . . The tender and poignant performance of
\nna Neagle rates the highest honors filmdom can
lestow." — Ruth Waterbury, Phofoplay
'Here is a picture so perfect that a most
ninute examination reveals not a single flaw . . . Will
itand for years as the high water mark in Hollywood
iroduction ... I join what certainly must be a chorus in
Jeclaring that Anna Neagle has turned in an Academy
\ward performance."
— Mayme Ober Peak, Boston Globe
"A film beautifully done ... It has a sus-
pense that is remarkable . . . There is a nobility about the
picture which is almost above tears."
— Jessie Henderson, Philadelphia Bulletin, Baltimore Sun
"I loved it . . . Miss Neogles performance
and Herbert Wilcox, producer, made of the picture a
triumphant occasion that will be long remembered."
— Harry Mines, Los Angeles Daily News
"A profoundly stirring picture . . . Don't
miss it . . . and make a small bet that Anna Neagle will
be up for an Academy Award."
— George Fisher, Mutual Broadcasting's
Hollywood commentator
"*Nurse Edith Cavell' will go down in
screen history as one of Hollywood's greatest pro-
ductions." — John ScAwartzkopf, Fawcett Pub/i'cations
"A strong dramatic picture with Anna
Neagle seen in one of the finest dramatic performances
to originate in Hollywood . . . Herbert Wilcox's produc-
tion and direction is tops with Hollywood's own aces."
— Clarke Woles, Detroit Free Press
"An impressive picture that puts over a
smashing message . . . Anna Neagle is terrific . . . She
gives an inspired performance."
— Eric Ergenbrig/it, McNaught Syndicate
"From the opening scene to the final one
the audience was held spellbound . . . Outclasses every-
thing I have seen in the way of a picture . . .Nothing else
like it ... It is superb . . . Comes nearer to being a mas-
terpiece than anything I have seen for a long while . . .
Anna Neagle gives a performance that places her beside
Sarah Siddons and Ellen Terry."
— Col. R. A. Duckworth-Ford, London Times
"Superbly knit story . . . perfect character
casting and pungent direction . . . Anna Neagle's perfor-
mance places her beside Hollywood's greatest tragedi-
ennes in international screen importance . . . Nurse Edith
Cavell impresses me as an all-around candidate for
Academy honors."
— W. H. Mooring, London Daily Herald and Film Weekly
"A magnificent and impressive picture . . .
Great page of history brought vividly to the screen."
— Harold Salemson, Paris Soir and Pour Vous
"In this opus Anna Neagle. beautiful, quiet-
mannered English star, hits Hollywood like o bombshell."
— Ella Wickersham, Los Angeles Examiner
II I
Nurse Edith Cavell' is a picture which
will live long in the memory of everyone who sees it."
— J. Maurice Ruddy, Daily Sketch,
Sunday Graphic, London
"The most powerful film ever to reach the
screen ... In the title role Anna Neagle gives a superb
conception of the martyred Nurse Cavell ... A perform-
ance of Academy calibre . . . The picture is destined for
universal triumph with every kind of audience."
— Guy Austin, London Daily Express
"Herbert Wilcox has made a great film . . .
Anna Neagle's 'Nurse Edith Cavell' is a masterpiece . . .
No other screen artist save Charles Chaplin has such
pantomimic genius."
— Ray Lewis, Canadian Motion Picture Digest
with
R K O
KADIO
EDNA MAY OLIVER
GEORGE SANDERS
MAY RODSON
ZASU PITTS
H. B. WARNER
SOPHIE STEWART
MARY HOWARD
ROBERT COOTE
IMPERADIO PICTURES, LTD.
A HERBERT WILCOX PRODUCTION
DISTRIBUTED BY RKO RADIO PICTURES, INC.
SCREEN PUY BY MICHAEL HOGAN
"A beautiful and moving recital of \
story of the English nurse ... It is an important film 1
with direct simplicity . . . Miss Neagle's performanci
brilliant in its quiet sincerity . . . She makes the marty
nurse a credible human person."
— Robin Coons, /Issociated P/
" This film is one of the screen's few auth(
tically great and significant tragedies . . . The produci
is as nearly perfect as Hollywood ingenuity and BrW
thoroughness could make it ... I am willing to belil
that Miss Neagle's conception of the role is as the m
tyred nurse would have wanted it." ^
— Philip K. Scheuer, Los Angeles Sunday Tn
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY
HERRERT WILCOX 1
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
CANADA BUSINESS OFF, BUT UPTURN
IS EXPECTED; CENSORSHIP AFFECTED
Part of Sharp Decline Already
Recouped; Hollywood Ex-
pected to Offset Reduced
British and French Product
by COLIN R. HAWORTH
in Montreal
Despite the war members of the motion
picture industry in Canada are surprisingly
cheerful about the prospect of business.
Exhibition and distribution executives inter-
viewed by this reporter united in the opinion
that "'things will be much like they were in
the last war."
Expect Pickup after Brief Slump
Practically unanimously they look forward
to a bad spell for the first two months, with
business picking up gradually afterwards. "In
1914," it was said by Arthur Hirsh, president
of Consolidated Theatres, "we were hit very
badly at first. The first 60 days business fell
off tremendously, then as the country as a whole
settled down mentally to the fact that we were
at war, the need for entertainment again began
to make itself felt."
This time again, trade members concurred,
there will probably be a marked drop in busi-
ness within the first few weeks.
One general effect of the war, it was felt,
will be a tightening up of the censorship of
newsreels and films, radio and press. To a
certain extent this has already been felt, for
Paramount's "Beau Geste" was recalled after
being passed by censors, to have a few altera-
tions made. Apparently the French govern-
ment, through its local consul, wished it made
quite clear that the real Foreign Legion was
entirely dissimilar to the film variety.
Considerable censorship, too, is expected in
the handling of newsreels. Now being shown
here four days after they are filmed, these
reels may undergo a slightly longer delay if
the Canadian government decides to impose a
national censorship upon them. Deletions or
alterations to make the films presentable to
the Canadian public will probably be made as
they were in the last war.
Film Board Named
It is pointed out, however, that the Ottawa
government the other day finally appointed the
members of the National Film Board, created
some time ago by act of parliament.
Consisting of six members, three govern-
ment men and three others, the board is com-
prised of : James G. Parmelee, deputy minister
of trade and commerce ; Col. V. I. Smart,
deputy minister of transport ; R. S. Hamer,
general executive assistant, Department of
Agriculture ; Professor Walter Murray, former
head of University of Sasketchewan ; Charles
G. Cowan, Ottawa business man, and Edmond
Turcotte, French-speaking journalist from
Montreal.
With this board now appointed and lacking
only the selection of a government film com-
missioner, which post it is deemed probable
will be filled by Captain Frank Badgley, pres-
ent director of the Government Film Bureau,
propaganda films could be turned out for dis-
tribution throughout Canada and the United
States.
One of the board's first tasks will be the
organization of a centralized distribution center
for government work. That done, it may turn
to the production of propaganda films either
17,010 Theatres, 192 Producers and
124 Distributors Are in the War Zone
IMPORTERS AND
COUNTRY THEATRES PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTORS EXPORTERS
Danzig 24 None None None
England 5,300 66 39 17
France 4,600 72 (a) (a)
Germany 6,317 40 33 40
Poland 769 14 52 6
TOTALS 17.010 192 124 63
(a) Not available.
All eight majors operate distribution companies in England, France and Poland.
Only Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Twentieth Century-Fox and Paramount remain in
Germany.
with the present government equipment and
stafif or with the aid of commercial film com-
panies.
Early in the World War Canada initiated film
work, becoming the first government to make
such a move.
Censorship over Radio
The government's hand has already been felt
wielding censorship on radio. From Ottawa it
was announced that the Canadian Broadcast-
ing Corporation had ordered strict surveillance
of all news and commentary broadcasts of
foreign origin, most of these "foreign" pro-
grams being received from the United States.
It was first ordered that private stations in
Canada receiving such broadcasts from the
United States should notify the CBC which
speakers were scheduled to talk and what they
were to say. With the situation changing every
few minutes none could prophesy what the
news commentators would say so it was or-
dered all such programs from the United States
had to be piped to their private station destina-
tions in Canada, through CBC's studios in
Toronto. With this ruling now in effect CBC
controls all radio news entering Canada on
long wave. On several occasions lately Ameri-
can commentators, either speaking from New
York or from overseas, have been cut off when
on the verge of statements considered likely to
be unacceptable here. Short wave, however has
not been hindered and programs are being re-
ceived as usual. One night this week excel-
lent reception was had in Montreal, of a pro-
gram in English originating in Germany, and
blaming the outbreak of hostilities on Great
Britain. The program added that the British
had themselves sunk the Athenia in order to
lay the onus of responsibility on Germany. The
program was received in Montreal with con-
siderable amusement.
Exhibitors expected a drop in availability of
British films and of French pictures too.
Though there is said to be a large surplus of
French product being held for release it is not
believed they will last long at the local con-
sumption rate of over 100 a year. In Montreal
alone several theartes show nothing but French
pictures.
One house manager predicted that in Holly-
wood, "with the entire European market cut
off, there will be a drop in the production of
A pictures, and the same turnout of B films."
25% Attendance Drop
Is Reduced to 10%
by ALLISTER GROSART
in Toronto
Theatre attendance across Canada has de-
clined seriously but the fall-off is now being
reduced. At first the attendance fell 25 per
cent, but now that the period of uncerta.inty
is over the decrease has been reduced to 10
per cent.
Distribution machinery has not been affected.
There is an expected curtailment, however, in
French-made and British-made films.
A chief censor has been appointed — Walter
Thompson, press agent of the Canadian Na-
tional Railways — but to date the action has not
brought any drastic restrictions. They may be
expected, however, as actual war-scene news-
reel coverage arrives in Canada. Undoubtedly
the newsreels already will have been gone over
by the British censors.
The outbreak of the war did not cause can-
cellation of the Dominion-wide conference of in-
dependent theatre owners, held at the King Ed-
ward hotel in Toronto this weekend under the
auspices of the Anti-Protection League.
No Filnn Shortage Is
Anticipated: Fitzgibbons
J. J. Fitzgibbons, director of theatre opera-
tions of Famous Players Canadian, in a tele-
phone report from Toronto to Motion Picture
Herald in New York Wednesday, said that
no shortage of film is anticipated in Canada,
and that American product will be sufficient
to take care of the needs of Canadian theatres.
Mr. Fitzgibbons, however, does anticipate an
immediate drop in the number of British and
French pictures available. It was pointed out
that other companies, which go in more heavi-
ly for French product, will feel this more than
will Famous-Canadian.
Anna Neagle, in a recent interview in Toron-
to, said that she understood that all studios
in England would be taken over by the Gov-
ernment, making it unlikely that, there will be
many new English films available in Canada.
It was not anticipated that any propaganda
films would be made in Canada.
32
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
U. S. DISTRIBUTION CHIEFS
Sam Eckman, Metro - Goldwyn -
Mayer, United Kingdom general
manager, London.
L. L. Lawrence, Metro-Soldwyn-
Mayer, European general man-
ager, Paris.
H. Wundheiler, Co-
lumbia franchise
holder, Warsaw.
Max Thorpe, Colum-
bia, London sales man-
ager.
WITH England and France at war with Germany
the distribution offices of major American dis-
tributors in London and Paris, the key points
through which most of the European market has been
handled in recent months, have virtually suspended
operations. Top executives of the staffs in these two
capitals and in Berlin and Warsaw are pictured here.
Other executives of the American branches not
shown here are listed below by companies:
MGM: James Squire, assistant general manager,
London; Alan Byre, Paris; F. L. D. Strengholt, Berlin;
M. Gojchrach, Warsaw. Paramount: C. G. Dickinson,
European sales manager, Paris; Douglas Abbey,
London; M. F. Jordan, Warsaw. RKO Radio: William
Jay, London; Harold Possner, London. Twentieth
Century-Fox: R. S. Dawes, London; E. Balk, Paris; A.
Wesson, London; A. Rimbault, Paris; G. Joffe,
Warsaw; E. Schmidt, managing director, Berlin.
United Artists: David Harris, London. Warner Brothers:
J. W. Brown, London; A. Saltiel, European general
manager, Paris; T. Bellini, Paris; B. Jankolowicz, Warsaw.
Joseph Friedman, Columbia, man-
aging director Europe, London.
Alex Stein, Columbia, continental
supervisor, Paris.
Above. David Rose,
Paramount, United
Kingdom managing
director, London.
Right. Maurice Poir-
ler. Paramount, gen-
eral sales manager,
Paris.
Left. Fred W. Lange, Paramount,
general foreign representative for
continental Europe, Paris.
Below. Paul Thiefes, Paramount,
general manager for Germany,
Berlin.
September 9 , 19 39
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
33
IN THE CAPITALS OF WAR
RKO British, European and Polish- executives. Left, Ralph hianbury. United
Kingdom general ..manager, London; center, Reginald Armour, European
general manager; and, right, M. Czaban, Warsaw sales manager.
Francis L. hiarley, Twentieth Century-
Fox, United Kingdom managing
director.
Benjamin Miggins, Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox, European manager,
Paris.
E. T. Carr, joint managing director for United
Artists in Great Britain.
George Archibald,
United Artists, joint
managing director,
England.
Georges Rouvier,
United Artists, man-
aging director in
France.
W. W. Jay, Universal, special
representative in the United
Kingdom.
Ernest Koenig, Universal,
European general manager,
Paris.
Max Milder, Warner
Brothers, United King-
dom general manager.
Robert Schless, Warner Broth-
ers, managing director in
Paris.
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL GROSSED
WAY OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS
ON THESE THREE RKO RADIO
PICTURES
THESE THREE SHOWS
are the talk of the box-office world . . .
playing preferred time, earning hold-
overs, reaching top openings from
pre-release to subsequent runs!
BACHELOR MOTHER!
he sd<^ker6o of the subsequent runs! . . . Ran
two weeks at the Music Hall . . . swept through
every first run . . . Now pulling the kind of busi-
ness you dream about!
IN NAME ONL
fVery report from a key run opening a rave
for its pulling power and BUILDING POWER . . .
Just getting started on the sweep for box-office
results to make your head swim!
Just finished its second week at Radio City
Music Hall, after a first week that shot it way
over that charmed circle of $100,000-a-week
hits . . . Now readying for more of the same
kind of pre-release runs!
THAT'S the kind we mean
when we say BIG ONES from RKO RADIO!
36
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
PRODUCTIONS IN WORK
TITLE
COLUMBIA
"Beware Spooks"
"The Incredible Mr.
Williams"
"Blondie Brings Up Baby"
METRO-GOLD WYN -MAYER
"Remember"
"Northwest Passage"
"Fast and Furious"
"Broadway Melody of 1940"
"Patsy"
PARAMOUNT
"Campus Wives"
"Typhoon"
"Victor Herbert"
"Emergency Squad"
REPUBLIC
"Abraham Lincoln Boggs"
RKO RADIO
"Reno"
"The Hunchback of Notre
Dame"
"Alleghany Frontier"
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois"
TWENTIETH CENT.-FOX
"High School"
"The Simple Life"
"Swanee River"
"20,000 Men a Year"
UNITED ARTISTS
"Of Mice and Men"
(Hal Roach)
"Send Another Cofifin"
(Walter Wanger)
UNIVERSAL
"Man from Montreal"
"The Galloping Kid"
"Green Hell"
"Tower of London"
WARNER BROTHERS-
FIRST NATIONAL
"Gambling on the High Seas''
"We Are Not Alone"
"Four Wives"
"State Cop"
WRITER AND DIRECTOR
Director: Edward Sedgwick.
Director: Alexander Hall.
Director: Frank Straj-er.
Director: Norman McLeod.
From the novel by Kenneth Roberts. Director:
King Vidor.
Director: Busby Berkeley.
Director: Norman Taurog.
Director: William Thiele.
Director: Kurt Neumann.
Director: Louis King.
Director: Andrew Stone.
Director: Edward Dmytryk.
Origmal. Hsrry Hamilton. Adaptation, Devery
Freeman. Screen play, Joseph Krumgold. Rob-
ert Presnell. Director: Dudley Murph}-.
Original story, Ellis St. Joseph. Screen play,
John Twist. Director: John Farrow.
From the novel by Victor Hugo. Screen play,
Bruno Frank. Director: William Dieterle.
From the novel by Neil Swanson. Screen play,
P. J. Wolfson. Director: William Seiter.
Pla3- and screen play, Robert E. Sherwood.
Director: John Cromwell.
Director: George Nichols.
Director: William Beaudine.
Screen play, John Taintor Foote, Philip Dunne.
Director: Sidney Lanfield.
Director: Alfred E. Green.
From the pla\' and novel by John Steinbeck.
Screen play, Eugene Solow. Director: Lewis
Milestone.
From the novel by F. G. Presnell. Screen play,
John Lay, Robert Tallman, Ken Englund.
Director: Tay Garnett.
Scren plaj% Owen Francis. Director: Christy
Cabanne.
Director: Ray Taylor.
Original story and screen plaj', Frances Marion.
Director: John Whale.
Original storv, Robert N. Lee. Director: Rowland
V. Lee.
Director: George Amy.
From a novel by James Hilton. Screen play,
Milton Krims. Director: Edmund Goulding.
Story, Maurice Hanline. Screen play, Julius
and Philip Epstein. Director: Michael (^urtiz.
Original screen play, Oiarles Belden. Director:
Terry Morse.
CAST
Joe E. Brown, Mary Carlisle, Marc Lawrence, Frank M.
Thomas, Lorna Gray, Clarence Kolb, Joseph Downing,
Don Beddoe, Eddy Laughton.
Joan Blondell. Melvyn Douglas, Ruth Donnelly, Clarence
Kolb, Donald MacBride, Don Beddoe, Robert Middle-
mass, Ed Brophy.
Pennv Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, Jonathan
Hale.
Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Lew Ayres, Billie Burke,
Reginald Owen, George Barbier, Sara Haden.
Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, Walter Brennan, Laraine
Day. Regis Toomey, Isabel Jewel, Truman Bradley.
Ann Sothern, Franchot Tone, Ruth Hussey, Virginia
Gray, John Miljan, Cliff Dark.
Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, George Murphy.
Virginia Weidler, Gene Reynolds, Reginald Owen. Henry
Hull, Elizabeth Patterson, Ian Hunter, Russell Hicks.
Joseph Allen, Jean Cagney, Virginia Dale, Peter Hayes,
Janet Waldo, Joyce Mathews, Bettj- Moran.
Dorothy Lamour, Robert Preston, Lynne Overman, J.
Carroll Naish.
Allan Jones, Mary Martin, Walter Connolly, Susanna
Foster, Jerome Cowan.
William Henry, Robert Paige, Richard Denning, Louise
Camobell.
Edward Ellis, Anita Louise. Robert Baldwin. Clem
Bevans, Margaret Hamilton, Willard Robertson, Har-
old Huber.
Richard Dix, Barbara Read, Gail Patrick, Anita Louise,
Laura Hope Crews, Claire Dodd.
(Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, Sir Cedric Hard-
wicke. Spencer Charters, Edmond O'Brien, Walter
Hampden, Thomas Mitchell, Basil Rathbone, Alan
Marshall Etienne Girardot, Fritz Leiber, Rod La-
Rocque, Kathryn Adams, Dorothy Lovett.
John Wayne, (Claire Trevor, Brian Donlevy, George
Sanders, John F. Hamilton, Moroni Olsen, Wilfred
Lawson, Chill Wills, Robert Barrat, Eddie Quillan,
Ian Wolfe.
Raymond Massey, Gene Lockhart, Ruth Gordon, Mary
Howard, Dorothy Tree, Harvey Stephens, Minor
Watson, Alan Baxter, Howard da Silva, Aldrich
Bowker, Maurice Murphy, Louis Jean Heydt, Clem
Bevans, Harlan Briggs.
Jane Withers, Paul Harvey, Lillian Porter, Giles V.
Kellogg.
Marjorie Weaver, Stuart Erwin, Hobart Cavanaugh,
Russell Hicks, Alice Armand, (Thick Chandler, Patric
Knowles.
Don Ameche, Andrea Leeds, Al Jolson, George Reed,
Felix Bressart, Richard Oarke, C^ick Chandler, Rus-
sell Hicks.
Randolph Scott, Mary Healy. Margaret Lindsay, Kane
Richmond. Maxie Rosenbloom.
Burgess Meredith. Lon CJhaney. Jr., Betty Field, Charles
Bickford, Noah Beery, Jr., Roman Bohnen.
Pat O'Brien, Ruth Terry, Broderick Crawford. Edward
Arnold, Douglas Dumbrille. Howard Hickman, Alan
Dinehart, Phyllis Brooks, Eve Arden, Claire Dodd.
Richard Arlen, Andy Devine, Anne Gwynne.
John Alack Brown, Bob Baker, Fuzzy Knight, Peggy
Moran.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Bennett, John Howard.
Alan Hale, George Sanders, George Bancroft, Vincent
Price.
Basil Rathbone, Boris Karlofl, Nan Grey, Barbara
O'Neil, Ian Hunter, John Sutton.
Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman, Gilbert Roland, John Litel,
Roger Pryor, John Gallaudet.
Paul Muni, Jane Bryan, Flora Robson, Una O'Connor,
Raymond Severn.
Priscilla, Rosemary and Lola Lane. Gale Page, John
Garfield, Eddie Albert, Jeffrey Lynn, Claude Rains,
Dick Foran, Frank McHugh, May Robson.
Dennis Morgan, John Payne, Gloria Dickson, Julie
Stevens, George Reeves, DeWolf Hooper.
STAGE OF
PRODUCTION
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
IN THE BRITISH
STUDIOS
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
The news from British studios de-
tailed below lists the activities under-
way last week before tear was de-
clared. Since that time ivord has been
received here that all production has
sharply curtailed. Late reports indi-
cated that at the Denham Studios,
where the London Stock Exchange
executives were housed, final produc-
tion touches were proceeding on
Korda's "The Thief of Bagdad."
Gainsborough continued work on "The
Band Wagon" at Shepherds Bush and
Michael Balcon u-ith "David Goliath."
Underground
Production staff and stars have now left
daylight on "The Stars Look Down" at the
Twickenham Studios, and have gone below
ground where scenes are being shot at the coal
face of what is supposed to be an English mine.
Here the disaster, which is the climax of the
picture, occurs.
Over 50 tons of coal have been delivered to
the studios to provide special dressing for the
scenes, and the plaster department has collabo-
rated to build coal up into a realistic resem-
blance of the galleries and scenes of a character-
istic British pit.
Standing in the studio grounds is a set rep-
resenting mine cages and ramps of the Sleesdale
Mine, faithfully reconstructed from measure-
ments taken at one of the Cumberland pits.
Electric hauling gear has been installed to raise
and lower cages from ground level — into the
empty water tank — with its cargo of dead and
half drowned men.
Pit ponies brought from Cumberland have
been having a holiday in the studio, filling in
their time now and again by appearing before
the cameras.
Elsewhere in the studio a ^et of miners' cot-
tages, replicas of houses in Great Clifton near
Workington, still stand and are used to match
up with actual shots taken on location.
Largest Outdoor Set
Britain's record location is currently being
used at Denham for exteriors on "The Thief
of Baghdad." Previous largest Denham loca-
tion. City Square, built on 650,000 feet of con-
crete, was used for "Things to Come." "The
Thief of Baghdad" set covers nearly half as
much again. Baghdad Bridge, scene of a pro-
cession in the film, is 300 yards long.
The procession,' which forms a spectacular
sequence in the film with 400 extras taking part
in it, included native archers, followed by native
riders, barefooted Indian musicians playing na-
tive instruments, giant Negroes carrying a
howdah with a cheetah in it, dozens of donkeys
carrying gilded cages of parrots, horses with
girls in decorative panniers, and one pink ele-
phant.
Three Technicolor cameras with full crews
were used to film the set.
Around the Baghdad set, too, is the Sultan's
Palace with its deep blue minarets and domes,
and gates sixty-eight feet high lacquered in
gold.
American director, Havvy Luchmaii, returns to England, where he made his prse
picture, to direct Will Fyffe in a Twentieth Century production, "They Came by
Night". With him and the Scotch comedian in the picture is Phyllis Calvert, lead-
ing lady.
Melting Pot
V '^idt Signs
A cosmopolitan cast which includes an In-
dian, a Frenchman, a Spaniard, a Swede, two
Italians, two Russians, two Americans, a Jap
and sixty-two Britishers, is the unusual make-up
of "Traitor Spy," the John Argyle production
presently being filmed for Pathe at Welwyn.
The film is a topical story of foreign spy
activity in Britain and is being directed by
Walter Summers.
Heading the cast is American Bruce Cabot,
who has come to Britain to play the part of
Healey, young weak-willed Britisher who be-
comes a traitor to his country by selling in-
formation to Britain's enemies.
Marta La Barr, Tamara Desni, Edward Lexy
and Romilly Lunge are other prominent mem-
bers of the cast.
The producers claim that "Traitor Spy" is
"Britain's equivalent of America's 'Confessions
of a Nazi Spy,' " with a story that shows how
ordinary men and women, shop assistants, street
hawkers and domestic servants are often in the
pay of secret agents.
A contract to make one picture annually over
a period of several years has been signed by
Conrad Veidt with Irving Asher Productions,
Ltd.
The first of the Irving Asher productions
starring Veidt has already been tentatively
titled "The Modern Pimpernel." It has an
unusual theme and concerns a millionaire who
has an obsession of "man's inhumanity to man,"
and who spends his life trying to right the
wrongs he finds throughout the world.
Asher is bent upon starring Veidt in other
roles than the somewhat sinister characters and
spy portrayals with which he has been associated
of late. "The ^Modern Pimpernel" gives him
the role of a romantic adventurer.
Veidt is now a naturalized British subject.
Itemized
Compact Set
A set designed on the honeycomb principle
and permitting easy and immediate camera set-
ups in a comparatively small studio, is to the
credit of art director Holmes Paul, working on
the Dan Birt production "The Girl Who For-
got" (formerly "The Young Person in Pink").
In limited studio space Paul has, by his careful
arrangement, built sets representing the interior
and exterior of a West End mews, with con-
verted garages and an entire apartment, the
home, in the film, of Enid Stamp Taylor. Even
a Lagonda in the garage, is included.
Three top-flight features are to be made
annually in Britain by RKO Radio, stated Ralph
Hanbury, British chief, at his company's Con-
vention this month.
^
With the filming of a motor smash supposedly
on a Welsh mountain road, but actually in the
Teddington Studios, work came to a close last
week on the new David Macdonald picture
"The Midas Touch," in which Barry K. Barnes
plays the leading role.
* * *
Britain's new Militia is the inspiration for
"The Boys of the New Brigade," a British
Consolidated film to take the floor at Elstree.
Directing the picture will be Maurice Elvey,
director of "Sons of the Sea". The new film
will, as with the Naval subject, be made in
Dufaycolor.
38
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
September 9, 1939
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Production Tip-toes
Contemplating a "Der Tag" of its own
last weekend with a long-talked-about actor
strike which did not eventuate, Hollywood,
nevertheless started nine and finished ten
pictures as the month of August closed.
Columbia started two, "The Incredible
Mrs. Williams," in which Joan Blondell and
Melvyn Douglas will be reteamed, and
"Blondie Brings Up Baby," a series pic-
ture.
MGM launched "Broadway Melody of
1940," wherein Fred Astaire will return
to the studio in company with Eleanor Pow-
ell and George Murphy.
Samuel Goldwyn started ''Raffles," in
which David Niven and Olivia de Havil-
land will be featured. (Work was sus-
pended next day due to war prospects.)
Don Ameche, Al Jolson and Andrea
Leeds began work on "Swanee River," 20th
Century-Fox, while Randolph Scott, Mar-
garet Lindsay, Marv Healv and Kane Rich-
mond started "20,000 Men'a Year."
Republic's new work is "Abraham Lin-
coln Boggs," which will co-feature Edward
Ellis and Anita Louise, and Walter Wang-
er's crew of Pat O'Brien, Ruth Terry,
Broderick Crawford and Edward Arnold
turned their attentions to "Send Another
Coffin."
Republic's three finished pictures are
"Headline News," "The Arizona Kid" and
"Kansas Terror." MGM checked "Bala-
laika" ofif the active list and RKO-Radio re-
moved two from its shooting schedule,
"Marshal of Mesa City" and "Sued for
Libel." Twentieth Century-Fox finished a
pair, "Drums Along the Mohawk" and a
Jones Family number, "Too Busy to
Work." "Scandal Sheet" wound up at Col-
umbia and "Listen Kids" was marked done
by Universal.
Name Nezvs
William Morrow and Edmund Beloin,
writers for Jack Benny, started work at
Paramount on the comedian's forthcoming
"Buck Benny Rides Again." Director
j\L\RK Sandrich will start production about
October 15th.
^ *H ^
Broderick Crawford's outstanding work
in "Eternally Yours" won the young actor
a long term contract with Walter Wanger
Productions and the second lead in ''Send
Another Coffin."
^ ^ ^
Barrett Kiesling, MGM's traveling-
press representative, returned to the studio
after five months of contacting newspaper
editors in all parts of the United States and
Canada. During his tour Mr. Kiesling visit-
ed more than 80 key cities.
C. B. DEMILLE'S
66TH PRODUCTION
Cecil B. DeMille came out of the
mists of the Pacific, listened to a
story, ordered it rewritten, repro-
visioned his 106- foot Gloucester
schooner, Seaward, and sailed toward
the horizon again to await the re-
writing.
The story he came back to listen to
was the first rough draft of "Norfh-
tcest Mounted Police" which is to be
his 66th production. He heard the
tale from his writers, Alan LeMay,
Commander Frank Wead, U.S.N, re-
tired, Jesse Lasky, Jr., and Jeanie
MacPherson, edited it and, after a
series of conferences, ordered a series
of revisions.
Completing a month's vacation in Hawaii,
Lewis Stone, accompanied by his wife, ar-
rived home and was slated to begin work
in "Judge Hardy and Son" immediately.
George B. Seitz resumes directing the
Hardy Family series with this picture.
^ ^ ^
Samson Raphaelson has completed the
screen play for "The Shot Around the Cor-
ner" which Ernst Lubitsch will produce
for MGM. The story, which Lubitsch de-
scribes as a "little Grand Hotel." will fea-
ture a multi-star cast, with the studio's
top flight players in the seven leading roles.
^ ij; sjc
With a backlog of 12 pictures awaiting
release and eight now in work. Paramount
plans to put half a dozen productions be-
fore the cameras during the month of Sep-
tember.
Edwin Justus Mayer has been signed
by MGM to work on the screen play of
"Not Too Narrow, Not Too Deep," which
Joseph Mankiewicz will produce.
* * *
Returning from New York, where he su-
pervised the photographing of background
shots, director Henry King announced that
shooting on "Little Old New York," 20th
Century-Fox, would start September 18th.
Fred MacMurray has been borrowed from
Paramount for an important role in the film
with Alice Faye and Richard Greene.
^ ^
Quick upon his memorable performance
in "Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women,"
20th Century-Fox signed John Halliday
for an important role in "Daytime Wife,"
which will star Tyrone Power and Linda
Darnell.
^ ^ ^
A dozen Warner players left Hollywood
Wednesday on a week's good will tour of
the Pacific Coast. The trip was planned to
help independent exhibitors exploit the
Warner product.
^ ^
Alfred Newman, formerly musical di-
rector for United Artists and recently with
MGM and Warners, has signed a contract
with 20th Century-Fox as musical director.
He succeeds Lou Silvers.
* * *
Sol Lesser has signed Kent Taylor for
the supporting lead in Bob Breen's next
picture, "Escape to Paradise."
* * *
Paramount on Wednesday will launch its
exploitation caravan for Frank Lloyd's
"Ruler of the Seas," when a fleet of trucks
and trailers embarks on a transcontinental
tour carrying a three-master clipper and a
replica of the first steamship to cross the
Atlantic.
^ ^ ^
The first assignment for Howard Bene-
dict since his elevation to a producer's
berth will be "Curtain Call."
All signs point to the selection of Joan
Fontaine for the title role in Selznick
International's Rebecca."
^ ^ ^
Spencer Tracy's next picture for MGM
will be "Sea of Grass," MervYn LeRoy
production, which will start shooting imme-
diatel)- upon completion of "Northwest
Passage."
^ ^ ^
Ruby Keeler returns to the screen for a
part in Warner's "Invisible Stripes," with
George Raft.
^ ^ =J=
Jackie Coogan has accepted $126,000 as
his share of what remains of what he esti-
mates to be $4,00D,000 from the days when
he was a star in silent films. His mother
received a similar amount.
Officers Elected
Sol Lesser this week in Hollywood was
elected president of Ernst Lubitsch Produc-
tions, Inc. Ernst Lubitsch was elected vice-
president and secretary and Louis Lurie,
treasurer. Dr. A. H. Giannini has been
added to the board of directors. Mr. Lu-
bitsch will produce and direct his own pic-
tures under the new setup, and release
through United Artists. He joins Sol Lesser
early in January after he completes "Shot
Around the Corner" for Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer.
Mr. Lesser arrived in New York on Fri-
day from the coast for a vacation and con-
ferences with Thornton Wilder, whose play,
"Our Town," will be produced by Mr.
Lesser. He will also motor through New
England to select sites for backgrounds in
the filming of the picture.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
39
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
Milt Harris, director of publicity for
Loew's Theatres in Cleveland, picked the
right time to get into the used-stamp busi-
ness. He now has a part interest in a stamp
insured for $50,000, although it cost only
$3.50.
The §50,000 insurance policy is the largest
ever issued on a single stamp, Mr. Harris
said.
"I don't know much about stamp-collect-
ing," he explains, "but my sister and her
husband in Brooklyn, N. Y., are experts and
make their living as stamp dealers. A short
time ago, they asked me to lend them money
to make some purchases at stamp auctions or
to become their partner in the purchases.
"I became a partner in the deals and for
§3.50 my sister bought this particularly valu-
able stamp. It is a United States variety
two-cent 'Black Jack' of 1862 with a 'Z' grill.
As I understand it, this 'Z' grill is rare
enough but the one on this stamp has an
extra row of pyramids which makes it ex-
ceptional.
"My sister and brother-in-law bid on the
stamp because it looked like a good clean
specimen of a stamp they were familiar with.
It wasn't until after they purchased it as an
ordinary stamp that they discovered what
they had."
The pyramids or grills referred to by Mr.
Harris were used by the government to
break the fiber of the paper so that the can-
cellation ink would soak through and make
it impossible to clean the stamp again.
V
Ray Johnston's Monogram Pictures has an
actor in Hollywood named Milbimi Stone, who
is quite ambitions. The other day, playing his
part in a new "Tailspin Tommy" picture, the
director shouted "Action!" and told Stone to
jump into 50 feet of water in Santa Monica Bay.
He jumped, but couldn't szvim a stroke, and the
next 20 minutes were spent fishing actor Stone
out of the water and pumping the Bay out of
him.
V
Darryl Zanuck, head man for Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox at Movietone City, in California, has
sent Edwin Bloom, writer, to Pikevile, Ken-
tucky, to obtain material for a scenario from
John Marvin Yost, vice president and head
cashier at the First National Bank there, who
pursues the unique practice of loaning money
to young people unable to afford higher educa-
tions. The only security required is honesty.
Nor can they spend the money on gold-fish
swallowing.
V
An audience at Keith's, in Cincinnati, wit-
nessed a bit of realism not on the program,
but which nevertheless furnished an example
of perfect timing.
At precisely the moment the picture di-
rector's platform fell in a sequence of "Quiet
Please," the house curtain and fittings
crashed to the stage, with a vortex of dust
rising from the debris and a lot of noise.
V
The engineers of Electrical Research Prod-
ucts beg leave to digress for a moment from
their regular business of making sound repro-
ducers for theatres to announce that they have
developed a gadget to detect flaws in running
machinery. The gay old birds call it a "tin
ear."
BLOND, CURVACEOUS MAE WEST of
the stage and screen, is all for moral re-
armament. Yes, sir, she says its philosophy
has been a great help to her, and she thinks it
would be valuable also to her current picture
partner, W. C. Fields, she told Dr. Frank N.
Buchman, leader of the moral rearmament
movement.
Miss West and Dr. Buchman had quite a
tete-a-tete in her apartment. She was attired
in a pink negligee.
"It is a wonderful work," Miss West said of
the MRA crusade. "I owe my success to the
fact that I have been practicing that philosophy
in recent years.
"Early in my career, before I discovered the
importance of correct thinking and correct con-
sideration for others, it was a hard and bitter
struggle to get ahead."
As they posed for photographs together, Dr.
Buchman remarked he was somewhat an ama-
teur at "this sort of thing" (meaning the pos-
ing).
But Mae drawled: "You're doing fine, Doc."
Miss West and Fields are to be starred to-
gether soon in a picture for Universal (free
advt.).
"Have you met Bill Fields yet?" she asked
Dr. Buchman.
"No, but I'd love to meet him."
"This (MRA) is just what Bill needs," Mae
exclaimed. "By all means meet Bill and tell
him all about moral rearmament. And please
get him before we start this picture. I want
him to be full of it."
V
The average life of a star in Hollywood is
two years, five months, and three days. The
average male star lasts two years, five
months, and eighteen days; whereas the av-
erage female star lives in that position only
two years, four months, and fourteen days.
There is only one star in films today who
was a star 20 years ago, reports The Com-
mentator magazine, and that is John Barry-
more. Others who have managed pretty long
careers are Wallace Beery, Richard Dix,
Harold Lloyd, and Jack Holt. The female
star of longest standing is Norma Shearer.
The children, however, have had their
heroes for many years. George O'Brien has
starred in horse operas since 1921; Ken
Maynard began back in 1924; Hoot Gibson
in 1921; and Buck Jones reached stellar
heights in 1920.
And, of course, there is that group of pa-
thetic "used-to-be's" whom you see every
once in a while in bit roles. If you look
around — and look fast — in almost any picture
you will see the bygone stars here and there,
filling in.
V
John A. Schwalm, manager of the Rialto, a
Southio unit at Hamilton, Ohio, is responsible
for this one.
A lady telephoning the theatre to find out
what feature was being shown, was informed
that it was "Dark Victory."
"I'm tired of seeing Joe Louis on the screen,"
came the reply, as she banged the telephone re-
ceiver.
V
Remarking on the state-of-the-nation, motion
picturewise, one old Broadway film philosopher
observed the other cocktail hour that, "One
should never allow their little enemies to be-
come big ones."
An old man, looking every day of 75, of
French-Canadian descent, visited J. A. Tan-
ney, in his Sales on Sound theatre equipment
offices, in New York, the other day, to place
an order for equipping his son's theatre up
in the wilds of Newfoundland.
The old man certainly didn't look the part,
for he was ragged and unkempt, and carried
an old battered suitcase, which had seen far
better days. He left the case in Mr. Tanney's
place and spent the afternoon selecting the
items needed, signed the order, and promised
to return the next day and make payment.
There was some doubt that he would return,
what with his appearance being in his dis-
favor.
On the way out, he was reminded that he
was leaving his suitcase behind, but he said,
"Just never mind, I'll leave it here over-
night."
Next day, bright and early, the old man
returned and when told the amount of his
bill was some $900, he took his old, decrepit
suitcase and from it counted out $900 in
Canadian money from a big roll.
It seemed that the aged Canadian was not
so dumb after all. Being afraid of pick-
pockets on his first visit to the Big City, he
conceived the idea of putting his money in
the battered luggage, feeling that a smart
city slicker would never stoop to stealing
what looked like such trash.
V
Warner Brothers' George Raft, just back
from Europe, probably doesn't know that the
Chicago police were looking for him a few
weeks ago and the reason was this : When
"Each Dazi'n I Die" came to the Loop, the
Warner ballyhooers sent sandwich men into the
streets, hearing photos of Mr. Raft and Mr.
Cagney with the caption, "WANTED DEAD
OR ALIVE." The next morning Mr. Raft
passed through Chicago on his way to the Nor-
mandie here. On his way through the hotel
lobby, a South Bend (Ind.) visitor caught a
glimpse of him and called the cops. The Chi-
cago gendarmerie was innocent of the Warner
stunt, so a cordon of officers was thrown
around the hotel and an armed detachment
entered in search of their man.
V
The motion picture business has been
chortling of late about all of the wonderful
inventions and scientific advances which it
has made as it approaches its Golden Jubi-
lee, citing the inventions that have gone
into the motion picture during its 50 years,
starting with Edison's Kinetoscope, back in
1889. Only the other day Will Hays came out
with a statement boasting of the technical
progress of the motion picture. But we can't
seem to find any mention of all of these
wonderful things down at the Inventors Ex-
position in New York, where as many as 500
different inventions are on display, from vir-
tually every state in the union, and embrac-
ing virtually every item imaginable.
There is, for instance, a tearless onion-
peeler, a wingless airplane and a dunking
doughnut with the handle baked in. There's
a transparent bung that reveals the contents
of a beer keg to save that drop in the spirits
of man when the tap fails unexpectedly. Also
displayed is a leatherette brief case that
should appeal to tired film salesman. Un-
folded, it can be used as a sort of camp stool
for watching parades.
TWO PAGES ARE N
LIONEL ATWILL
LYNN BARI
BINNIE BARNES
WARNER BAXTER
SPRING BYINGTON
JUNE CARLSON
EDDIE COLLINS
ALAN CURTIS
LINDA DARNELL
JANE DARWELL
5 HOLD THEM ALL! CONTINUE!..
An un-
precedented
arrayl . . .
and seven of
the First Ten
Money Mak-
ing Stars are
included!
ANDREA LEEDS
Courtesy Samuel Coldwyn
JEAN ROGERS
CESAR ROMERO
MAXIE ROSENBLOOM
ANN SOTHERN
CHARLES TANNEN
WALLY VERNON
MARJORIE WEAVER
ARLEEN WHELAN
GREAT PERSONALITIES FO
GEORGE SANDERS JOSEPH SCHILDKRAUT
SHIRLEY TEMPLE SIDNEY TOLER
RITZ BROTHERS FLORENCE ROBERTS
RANDOLPH SCOTT ROBERT SHAW
SEN YUNG
20th s GREATEST YEAR!
44
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
ALLIED TAKES UP TRADE PROBLEMS;
CANADIAN OWNERS IN AAASS MEETING
Eastern Regional Gathering Fol-
lows New Jersey Session
at Atlantic City; ITOA Asks
for the Adoption of Code
The first large exhibitor gathering to turn
attention to the problems of distribution and
exhibition since Thurman Wesley Arnold,
assistant United States attorney general,
virtually killed the majors' trade practice
program, Eastern Allied this week met at
Atlantic City, N. J., and examined plans to
eliminate double features, by voluntary
agreement among the state's showmen.
Would Advance Neely Bill
Delegates from New England, New Jersey,
East t'ennsylvania, Maryland and the District
of Columbia convened in Atlantic City Thurs-
day, listened to a financial report, and discussed
plans to further the adoption by Congress of the
Neely anti-block booking bill and the future
trend of film rental prices due to the European
war.
Colonel H. A. Cole, National Allied's chief
excutive, urged a united front in the battle
against the monopoly which he said exists in the
industry. He made clear the Government po-
sition and pointed out that the law suits were
directed at monopoly in exhibition but not in
production or distribution. He declared that
the Neely Bill was the only hope for release
predicting its passage by Congress at its next
session if it is taken out of committee.
The membership in closed session made a pro-
duction survey among its members to determine
the trend in the buying of 1939-'40 contracts.
H. M. Richey, RKO exhibitor contact, made
public for the first time a statement from RKO
defining its policy towards exhibitors. He
said that RKO would, if exhibitors desired it,
mcorporate arbitration provisions in its new
contracts.
Mr. Richey said that the European war could
not in any way affect the quality of produc-
tion of RKO pictures, and that in the event the
European war necessitated the lowering of
budgets in production, a- smaller number of
pictures would be made while retaining the
quality.
A nominating committee was appointed by
President George Gold to present a slate of
officers at the membership meeting Friday for
the annual election of officers. A banquet was
held Thursday night.
The meeting opened on Wednesday, with the
convention of Allied Theatres of New Jersey,
and on Friday 200 exhibitors, exchangemen and
others from the East were to attend the Eighth
Annual Eastern regional conference of Na-
tional Allied,
Cole Warns of Monopoly Problem
Colonel Henry Albert Cole, president of the
Allied States Association, told the 80 state dele-
gates that his experience had taught him re-
garding double features, that "the public will
always accept a banquet at the price of a ham
sandwich — when the banquet is offered."
He warned, however, that there were "more
important problems," such as the necessity for
breaking up the "monopoly of exhibition."
Sidney Samuelson, president of Allied of
Eastern Pennsylvania and a national director,
agreed with the Colonel. He also reviewed the
wartime situation facing the motion picture
industry.
In side remarks Colonel Cole reiterated his
and Allied's stand for the "right to buy," di-
MPTOA CONVENTION
MAY BE CANCELLED
The national convention of the Mo-
tion Picture Theatre Owners of Amer-
ica may not be held, due to the in-
ability of the ITOA of Northern
California to complete arrangements
for the proposed national convention
at San Francisco next month.
H. V. Harvey, president of the
Northern California group, said that
the dates which had been tentatively
set, late in October, were unsatisfac-
tory, and that the visitors to the San
Francisco Fair had made diffiadt the
completion of arrangements for suit-
able accommodations.
vorcement of theatres by all majors and the
breaking of the "monopoly" held by both major
and independent circuits.
Speakers invited to the convention included
Governor Harry Moore of New, Jersey, Mr.
Cole, Nathan Yamins, president of the Inde-
pendent Exhibitors, Inc., and former president
of National Allied, Mr. Samuelson, M. A.
Rosenberg, of Pittsburgh, Arthur Howard of
Boston and Herman Blum of Maryland.
Product Discussed
The first day of the convention included trade
showings and inspection of exhibits in addition
to the first general session in the afternoon and
a supper-dance at the 500 Club.
The next two days' programs were as follows :
Thursday, Sept. 7 — Committee Meeting, Trel-
lis Room, 10 a.m. ; Eastern Regional Directors
Meeting, Gold Room, 11 a.m.; Luncheon for
Eastern Regional Directors, Dining Room Log-
gia ; Second General Session, Trellis Room, 2
to 5 p.m. ; Ladies' Beach Party, 2 :30 p.m. ;
Official Photographs, Iowa Ave. entrance of
Ritz Carlton, 5 :30 p.m. ; Allied Cocktail Party,
Exhibit Hall, 7 :45 p.m. ; Annual Banquet, Main
Dining Room, 8 :30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 8 — Third General Session, 3rd
Floor, 11 a.m., business including Product Sur-
vey Results, Good and Welfare Committee Re-
ports, and Final Adjournment; Bathing Beauty
Pageant Parade, Boardwalk, 3 p.m.
Two Courses Open, Writes Myers
Abram F. Myers, National Allied counsel,
was on a cruise and so unable to attend the
convention. However, in a written message to
the convention, Mr. Myers said, after reviewing
Allied's participation in the trade practice con-
ferences, "The major companies have two
courses open to, them. They can abandon all
efforts to settle the industry's troubles within
the industry and concentrate on defending the
numerous Government and private suits. Or
they can study the record made by their sales
managers and lawyers in the latest attempt at
self-regulation and make a new and better effort.
"The lessons of the recent experience are not
hard to find. They teach that if the industry
is to practice self-regulation successfully it must
be on a basis of respect for the independent
exhibitors, their chosen leaders and their rights.
There must be a real purpose to remedy abuses
and not merely to tide over an emergency.
There must be recognition of the demands of
the Government and of the many public groups
who have interested themselves in industry af-
fairs. Above all there must be candor and the
utmost good faith."
The convention late Thursday in closed ses-
sion passed a resolution urging producers to
keep their pledges not to cut standards on future
production in order to compensate for possible
foreign losses resulting from the war in Europe.
Canadian Independents
Convene in Toronto
The first all-Canada convention of independ-
ent exhibitors, held Thursday at the King Ed-
ward hotel in Toronto behind closed doors,
drew few from outside the Toronto district
because of the war excitement.
Under the chairmanship of J. O. Scott, of
the Anti-Protection League of Canada, which
sponsored the gathering, a plan was adopted
for the setting up of regional grievance boards
on clearance and priority runs. These boards
would submit unusual cases to a proposed na-
tional board for negotiations with distributors.
The campaign committee suggested that the
regional boards haev two independent represen-
tatives, one circuit representative and one ex-
change representative, to negotiate with ex-
changes and theatre circuits. Colonel John A.
Cooper appointed a committee comprising Mr.
Scott, N. A. Taylor, Harry Alexander of To-
ronto and A. J. Mason of Springfield, Nova
Scotia.
Two Ontario Legislature meetings have been
set for September 19th to decide upon war
measures, but the honorable Harry Nixon, pro-
vincial secretary, has said that a resumption of
the amusement ta.K is not contemplated for the
present and that theatre performances in Ontario
cities will continue.
He intimated, however, that the length of the
war and the resultant financial burden would
determine whether a war levy would be neces-
sary. Ontario started the ticket tax idea in the
last war.
ITOA Asks Code Adoption,
Action on Arbitration
The Independent Theatre Owners of America,
of which Harry Brandt is president, last week
adopted a resolution demanding that the major
distributors put the proposed trade practice code
into effect, and also went on record as request-
ing the distributors to institute an arbitration
policy similar to the one recently announced by
Gradwell Sears, Warner Brothers' general sales
manager.
The ITOA has sent letters to Columbia,
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, Paramount, RKO,
Twentieth Century-Fox, United Artists and
Universal asking the inclusion in the 1939-40
license agreements of a clause relegating all
claims and controversies to arbitration.
The resolution on the code said, in part, "It
would , be a serious mistake on the part of the
distribfition companies not to make the code
efi^ective immediately."
West Virginia Managers
Now Members of MPTOA
The West Virginia Theatre Managers' Asso-
ciantion, at their fifth annual convention, at
White Sulphur Springs last week, voted unani-
mously to join the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of America.
It was also resolved that all distributors be
(Continued on opposite page)
September 9, 1939
Exhibitors Tackle
Trade Problems
(Continued from offositc faiic)
asked to adopt the trade practice code at once,
while another resokition condemned the Neely
Bill.
All the officers of the Association were re-
elected, headed by S. J. Hyman, president.
Among" others, Ed Kuykendall, national presi-
dent of the MPTOA, addressed the convention.
California ITOA
Holds Meeting
The Independent Theatre Owners Association
of Southern California, headed by Alfred A.
Galston, was scheduled to meet over the week-
end.
Oklahonna Allied
Arranges Convention
The organizing board of the Allied Theatre
, Owners of Oklahoma met this week to make
arrangements for the first annual convention of
the organization which is now definitely set for
September 26th and 27th at the Biltmore Hotel
in Oklahoma City, according to Orville Von
Gulker, Okeene, Okla., exhibitor, and organiz-
ing board chairman.
Subjects of talks and discussion will center
around film legislation, monopoly practices, and
the problems of small independent exhibitors in
competing with the large circuits. The conven-
tion delegates will be expected to take action
on a bm'ing pool for Oklahoma independent
operators in Oklahoma, the adoption of a con-
stitution for Allied in Oklahoma and the in-
corporation of the organization under the laws
of the state of Oklahoma.
Kansas-Missouri Group
Plans Regional Meets
A series of regional meetings is planned for
September by the Kansas-Missouri Theatres
Association, according to Frank Cassil, presi-
dent.
Trade practices will be discussed, and, if pos-
sible, a plan will be worked out resulting in
the adoption of practices more satisfactory to
the exhibitor than at present.
There will be six meetings in Kansas and four
in Western Missouri, with dates to be set
shortly.
Indiana Allied
Meets in October
The Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana,
affiliated with Allied States Association, will
hold its 13th annual convention at the Antkers
Hotel in Indianapolis on October 23rd and 24th.
Philadelphia Allied Leaves
Buying to Individual Members
At the meeting of the Eastern Pennsylvania
Allied unit in Philadelphia last week, 1939-40
buying was left up to individual members. At
the meeting, rentals, interchange of allocations,
clearance and buying were discussed.
Famous Players Dividend
Reports on business in the second quar-
ter of 1939 received at a directors' meeting
of Famous Players Canadian Corporation,
presided over by N. L. Nathanson, president,
resulted in the declaration of another divi-
dend of 25 cents on each of the common
shares, payable September 30th to stock-
holders of record September 15th.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
U. K. TAKES CONTROL
OF EMPLOYMENT
Motion l)ictiirc producers, distrib-
utors and exhibitors are, like all other
employers, subject to the rules promul-
gated Monday in London prohibiting
employers throughout the United
Kingdom from engaging or reengaging
employees luithout the consent of the
Ministry of Labor.
Also affecting the motion picture
business, as others in the country, xvas
a bill passed by Parliament on Monday
requiring all persons in Great Britain
to register for national service of one
kind or another.
Lower Admission Prices
The first change in admission prices in
three years in Spokane, Wash., was made
last week" when the Evergreen lowered
matinee prices five cents at the State and
Fox. The new scale for both theatres is
25 cents until five p. m. weekdays ; 25 cents
to two p. m. Saturday and Sunday, and 35
cents from two to five p. m. Saturday and
Sunday. Evening prices remain at 40 cents
plus two cent state tax.
Set Yiddish Film Opening
Joseph Green, president of Sphinx Films
Corporation, said this week that his fourth
feature length Yiddish picture entitled "A
Brivele Der Mamen," starring Misha and
Lucy Gehrman, has been booked into the
Waldorf theatre, New York, and will open
the middle of September. Mr. Green also
produced and distributed the Molly Picon
pictures "Yiddle with His Fiddle" and "Ma-
mele."
Reopening Portable Circuit
A circuit of five towns, operated with
portable equipment, is being reopened for
the Autumn and Winter season by the Rev-
erend O. Martorell of San Luis, Col. Be-
sides San Luis, Rev. Martorell operates
in Chama, Ft. Garland, San Pegro and
Capulin, all in Colorado.
Paralysis Ban Hits Theatres
Theatres in Atchison, Kan., have been
hard hit by the local infantile paralysis ban,
which included prohibition of children at
films. However, Dr. W. K. Fast, health
officer, has announced that the ban would
be lifted this week.
Declare Dividend
Twentieth Century-Fox's board of direc-
tors on Thursday declared a cash dividend of
37j^ cents a share for the third quarter of
1939 on the outstanding preferred stock of
the corporation, payable on September 30th
to stockholders of record September 18th.
The board decided not to declare any com-
mon stock dividends now because of the for-
eign situation.
Sets Kraska Deal
A deal has been closed by Oliver Unger,
sales manager of J. H. Hoffberg Company,
with George Kraska, operator of the Fine
Arts theatre, Boston, for the company's
1939-'40 product lineup.
45
Mexicans Seek
Argentine Outlet
by JAMES LOCKHART
in Mexico City
Thirty pictures made in Mexico are lying
on the shelves because of their unsuitability
for exhibition. Some producers hope to
alleviate this situation by encouraging a
demand in the Argentine for Mexican pic-
tures.
However, the Argentine producers are
seeking a market in Mexico, 21 films having
arrived with plans for wide exhibition.
The Mexican producers resent this "foreign
invasion."
F'rench pictures have come into popu-
larity, and even the Japanese are attempting
to make inroads, the legation having
screened a dozen films for exhibitors.
Nevertheless, Hollywood need not worry.
Nearly 96 per cent of the pictures shown in
this country are American.
V
A theatre for children, intended to com-
bat what it describes as the evil influence
of pictures shown at Sunday morning
cinema shows, has been opened in Mexico
City by the general direction of Civic Ac-
tion, a semi-ofhcial uplift organization. The
theatre functions once a fortnight. It is
soon to go on a once-a-week basis.
.Some newspaper film critics are taking
jabs at this theatre, contending that some
of its presentations, such as those dealing
with the Spanish Inquisition, are hardly
proper for children.
V
The success of film revivals in the United
States has prompted Pedro Calderon, pro-
ducer-distributor, to book for Mexico sev-
eral of these films, including some very early
Chaplins, "The Eagle" with Rudolph Valen-
tino, and Paul Muni's "Scarface."
V
Organization has been completed here of
Mundial Films to distribute French pictures.
It is headed by A. Signoret, proprietor of
a large local department store. This firm
has brought in three French pictures and
has booked "Janosek," made in Czecho-
slovakia.
Compiles Theatres Directory
Miss Emma Abplanalp, former secretary
of the Chicago Film Board of Trade, has
compiled a directory of theatres in the Chi-
cago trade territory. She lists 931 houses in
the area, of which 806 are in Illinois, two
in southern Michigan and the balance in
northern Indiana.
Booking B&K Vaudeville
Sam Herman, vaudeville booker for Ba-
laban & Katz, Chicago, is booking five acts
of standard vaudeville into the B&K
Congress and North Shore theatres. He
predicts more stage shows will be used this
fall in Chicago than in several years.
Maryland Censor Board
The Maryland State Board of Motion
Picture Censors now consists of George R.
Mitchell, chairman ; Holmes M. Alexander,
vice-chairman; Marie W. Presstman, secre-
tary, and Helen L. Odom, chief clerk.
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
The Rains Came
(20th Century-Fox)
Melodrama
Drawing his talent from hither and yon and pouring into the film all the technical
skill of a picked staff, Darryl Zanuck has made of Louis Bromfield's best selling novel
an always solid and sometimes tremendous entertainment.
Showmen can sell it on any or all of a Produced and distributed by Twentieth Century-
. ^ . . , J i. i Fox. Producer, Darryl F. Zanuck. Director, Clar-
vanety of angles, a name-laden cast that ence Brown. Associate producer, Harry Joe Brown,
includes also a first-timer in a principal Screen play, Philip Dunne and Julien Josephson Based
, . , , 1 1. 1 -11 • J 11 o" novel by Louis Bromfield. Music by Alfred New-
role, a widely read book, a million dollar man. Special effects scenes staged by Fred Sersen.
investment, or a super-spectacle. It con- Director of photography, Arthur Miller, ASC. Art
^ . ' , , 1 ju 1 director, William Darling and George Dudley. Set
tains an earthquake, a cloudburst and a decorator, Thomas Little. Film editor, Barbara Mc-
flood, all stupendous, in addition to plagues, Lean. Costumer, Gwen Wakeling. Sound engineers,
1 , ' K • 4.U U A Alfred Bruzlin, Roger Heman. P.C.A. No. 5582. Re-
elephants and more rain than anybody ever lease date, September i5, 1939. Running time, when
saw on screen or off. It is very sound en- seen in Hollywood, 102 minutes. General audience
tertainment, diversion in the correct sense classification. cAST
of a word that means more than usual just Lady Edwina Esketh My ma Loy
Major Rama Safti Tyrone Power
now. Tom Ransome George Brent
Tyrone Power has one of his better assign- fern Simon.. ^1;?!^'^=^ l^y^^
• rjj- uu i„ j Lord Albert Esketh Nigel Bruce
ments as a native of India who has leartied Maharani Maria Ouspenskaya
medicine and culture with a view toward help- Mr. Bannerjee Joseph Schildkraut
ing the population of a province he will one day M'^s MacDaid. .. .... v^^'^l. ^^^Jl
T.i<- TDiU A c ^ WT^ Aunt Phoebe (Mrs. Smiley) Jane Darwell
rule, but George Brent, borrowed from War- ^rs. Simon.... Marjorie Rambeau
ners for the film, is no less prominent as the Rev. Homer Smiley Henry Travers
rum-loving Britisher who is his friend, and Maharajah ... H. B. Warner
Myrna Loy, borrowed from MGM. is the effi- ^k'^ch^fd^lf K^ht""^.:\\\\\\\\\\\\\-^ Royle
cacious center of interest save when she yields General Keith Montague Shaw
footage to Brenda Joyce, Hollywood school R^v. Elmer Simon H^^T^ Hayden
girl making her first film appearance as the joh" th;' BaptVst:'.V.;:;;::V.;:V.;;:;;'.AbnJr ""b^^^^^
missionary S rebellious daughter with a yen for Mrs. Bannerjee Mara Alexander
the Briton. Maria Ouspenskaya and Nigel Mr. Das William Edmunds
Bruce have highly developed supporting roles.
The Bromfield story is about a woman of BIQCKITIQII
unprincipled past, now respectably married, who
sets out to captivate a handsome young East (MGM)
Indian and isn't doing very well at it when an (Melodramal
earthquake followed by a cloudburst and flood » tt • oa ' • r , j
precipitates a condition so calamitous that she ^^fe 80 minutes of as punchy and exciting
goes into hospital service, her husband being melodramatic entertainment as anyone has seen
conveniently killed in the disaster, and has her- I", ^ [""S ^ime. Blackmail is a grim picture,
self honestly in love with the young man, and ^ the story of a brave, desperate and danger-
vice versa, by the time she dies of the plague. '"^^ w'"^ 1^^™ ^^"le for the good
Meanwhile the disaster has also made such a ^^'^^^ ,P ^'^^ which he is entitled. While
changed man of a dissolute Englishman who is 'f.^ ""^^^^^"^ 9^^^^^ P"^^^^ ^° ^^^^
one of her former lovers that he decides to essentia s that appeal to sympathetic emo-
marry the young innocent currently fascinated = and there is comedy counterbalancmg
by his reputed wickedness. ^^^^e relentlessness. ^ ^ ^ ^.
mrvi .1. 1 • J r 1 1 . 1 . The picture presents Edward G. Kobinson in
With that kind of a plot to work with ess ^ ^ole that parallels his best performances. It
able writers than Philip Dunne and Julien ^as Gene Lockhart portraying a role of villainy
Josephson, a less able producer and director that equals his work in "Algiers." "Blackmail"
than Harry Joe Brown and Clarence Brown, j^^g Williams his best opportunity in
could have turned out a pretty sultry, even sor- ^^nihs. For further name value it features
did picture, these gentlemen did the opposite R^^h Hussey and Bobs Watson,
thing. They put the woman s sins in the past Excitement, suspense and power are the sub-
tense and stressed the building of character ^^^^^^^ original story prepared by Endre
under pressure of disaster, the interplay of blunt Bohem and Dorothy Yost, and these elements
reality and pallid sophistication. They turned have been convincingly amplified in the screen-
out a film sound enough and strong enough to p, o^ve Hertz and William Ludwig. The
make its observers forget the headlines and quality of the production's supporting action in-
radio broadcasts for at least the duration of its corporated by the producer, John W. Considine,
exhibition, clean enough for family consumption, j^.^ especially the two oil well fires, the brutality
rich enough in names and audience values to ^ chain gang camp, the hero's daring escape
support a showman in a comprehensive exploita- ^nd vicious fight make for sensationalism vividly
tion campaign carrying his personal promise of accentuating the basic drama,
satistaction. "Ingram," fugitive from justice yet for years
Previewed tn a studio projection room. — an expert oil well-fire fighter, is double crossed
William R. Weaver. by a thief, "Ramey," who committed the crime
for which he was jailed. Returned to the chain
gang, robbed of home, family and fortune, brutal
penal tortures shatter his courage but do not
dim his resolution for revenge. As "Ramey"
grows rich on the profits of the oil well dis-
covered by "Ingram," his ("Ingram's") wife is
driven to poverty and worry. "Ingram," a mad
man, smashes loose from captivity, and eluding
pursuit over half a nation catches up with the
blackmailing "Ramey," and on the brim of a
blazing oil well inferno forces him to confess.
Where the screens need a strong story, ex-
pertly written, acted and directed and one whose
essence is sensational realness, "Blackmail" is a
showman's show that should satisfy almost any
kind of audience.
Previewed at the village theatre, Beverly
Hills, Cal., the audience respoVided to the pic-
ture with rousing applause. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Director, H. C. Potter. Producer, John Considine, Jr.
Associate producer, Albert E. Levoy. Screen play,
David Hertz and William Ludwig. Story by Endre
Bohem and Dorothy Yost. Second unit director,
Charles Dorian. Musical score, Edward Ward and
David Snell. Recording director, Douglas Shearer.
Art director, Cedric Gibbons. Associate, Howard
Campbell. Set decorator, Edwin B. Willis. Ward-
robe, Dolly Tree. Director of photography, Clyde de
Vinna, ASC. Film editor, Howard O'Neill. P.C.A.
No. 5523. Running time, 81 minutes. Release date,
September 8, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
John R. Ingram Edward G. Robinson
Helen Ingram Ruth Hussey
William Ramey Gene Lockhart
Hank Bobs Watson
Moose McCarthy , Guinn Williams
Diggs John Wray
Rawlins Arthur Hohl
Sarah Esther Dale
The Angels Wash Their
Faces
(First National)
Angelizing the "Dead End Kids"
In this day and age of worldly change, either
backwards or forwards, according to one's
point of view, it was a little too much to hope
that the slugging, slamming school of the
"Dead End Kids" would remain the same un-
spoiled rough, tough hoodlums. In their pres-
ent production, the lads don't go to the other
extreme, but in comparison with their past per-
formances the youngsters seem almost to sprout
the beginnings of wings. Yet this transforma-
tion does not in any way water down the enter-
tainment punch. In fact, the shift may increase
the saleability appeal of the film.
The picture does not bear any connection
with its pictorial predecessor of angelic appella-
tion, "Angels with Dirty Faces."
The player panel gives foremost mention to
Miss Ann Sheridan, but the limited assignment
calls for no display of her "oomph." Addition-
al supporting names of recognized merit include
Bonita Granville, Frankie Thomas, Ronald
Reagan, Henry O'Neill, Margaret Hamilton
and Marjorie Main. The menace side of the
story is supplied by Eduardo Ciannelli and Ber-
nard Nedell. Ray Enright directed from the
triumvirated pens of Michael Fessier, Niven
Bush and Robert Buckner and gave the pro-
ceedings a fast, funny and felicitous timing.
"Gabe Ryan" (Frankie Thomas) is framed on
(.Continued on page 48)
THE NEXT BIG M-G-M HIT!
ft
Watch the trade papers! M-G-M's in the headlines! M-G-M's
delivering one sensation after another! And it's just the start of the
new year! When you see "BlackmaiP' you'll take our tip: Advertisel
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(.Continued from payc 46)
an incendiarism charge by a neighborhood
racketeer. The boy's pals, (the "Dead End
Kids"), banded in a local club known as the
"Termites," crusade to exonerate their fellow
member. They effect this step by having one
of their fellows (Billy Hallop) selected as
honorary Boy Mayor for Boys' Week activi-
ties. The juvenile executive thereupon ap-
points his young friends to various prominent
civic posts and in this setup they proceed to
gatiier incriminating evidence that will convict
the real firebugs. The incidental romance is
handled by Miss Sheridan and Ronald Reagan.
Seen at an afternoon performance at the
Globe Theatre on New York's Broadzmy, ivhere
a crotvded gathering, composed chiefly _ of nms-
ciUinc components, ivas vocally audible in relish-
ing the antics of the "Kids," especially during
the comic situations of the Boys' W eek busi-
ness.— Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced and distributed by Warner Brothers-
First National. Director, Ray Enright. Screen play,
Michael Fessier, Niven Busch, Robert Buckner. From
an idea by Jonathan Finn. Cameraman, Arthur L.
Todd. Film editor, James Gibbons. Soundman,
Dolph Tliomas. Musical director, Leo F. Forbstein.
Gowns, Milo Anderson, Art director, Ted Smith,
Dialogue director, Hugh Cummings. P,C,A, Certifi-
cate No, 5224. Running time, 86 minutes. Release
date, August 26, 1939. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Joy Ryan Ann Sheridan
Billy Shafter Billy Halop
Sleepy Arkelian Bernard Punsley
Leo Finnegan Leo Gorcey
Huntz Huntz Hall
Luigi Gabriel Dell
Bernie Bobby Jordan
Pat Remson Ronald Reagan
Peggy Finnegan Bonita Granville
Gabe Ryan Frankie Thomas
Remson, Sr Henry O'Neill
Martino Eduardo Ciannelli
Mayor Dooley Berton Churchill
Kroner Bernard Nedell
Shuffle Dick Rich
Alfred Goomplatz Jack Searl
Miss Hannaberry Margaret Hamilton
Mrs. Arkelian Marjorie Main
Maloney Minor Watson
Haines Cyrus Kendall
Gildersleeve Grady Sutton
Turnkey Aldrich Bowker
Simpkins Robert Strange
Mr. Smith Egon Brecher
Mrs. Smith Sarah Padden
Riders of the Frontier
( Monogram )
Western Plus Songs
Herein Tex Ritter again portrays the upright
Westerner who masquerades as a desperado,
joins the cut-throat band engaged in despoiling
a prosperous ranch and, having acquired neces-
sary proof of the outfit's guilt, brings the out-
laws to justice. It is not importantly unlike
countless westerns that have preceded it, many
of them more convincingly worked out.
On the plus side of the film are three songs
by the star, one in company with the dusky
Mantan Moreland, also a cattle stampede and
some handsome mountain terrain used as the
scene of a running gun fight. On the other side
are implausibilities which only dyed-in-the-wool
western fans might be expected to overlook.
It's an original screen play by Jesse Duffy and
Joseph Levering directed by Spencer Gordon
Bennett.
Previezved in studio projection room. —
W. R. W.
Produced and distributed by Monogram. Producer,
Edward Finney, Screen play by Jesse Duffy and
Joseph Levering, Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennett,
Photographed by Marcel A, Le Picard, Edited by
Fred Bain. P.C.A. certaificate No. 5543. Release
date, August 16, 1939. Running time, when seen in
Hollywood, 59 min. General audience classification,
CAST
Tex Tex Ritter
Bart Lane John Rutherford
Buck Hal Taliaferro
Sam OHn Francis
Gus Nolan Willis
Ed. Carter Roy Barcroft
Boney Merrill McCormick
Chappy Mantan Moreland
Doctor Edward Cecil
Marshal Bruce Mitchell
Martha Jean Joyce
Sarah Marin Sais
Goldie Maxine Leslie
Wall Street Cowboy
(Republic)
Western
Marking a slight departure from the usual
western story but having the other ingredients
that constitute these outdoor melodramas this
latest of the Roy Rogers' series is good enter-
tainment, not only from the standpoint of west-
ern adherents but of others who like a lot of
comedy in their films. This has a lot of comedy
and although credit probably is due all along"
the production line most of it surely belongs to
Raymond Hatton and George Hayes, both of
whom have been around a long time and like
wine they improve with age,
Rogers sings several songs, in fact he sings
on the plains, in a baggage car of an east bound
train and in a night club on the Merrick Road
on Long Island, Other members of the cast
are Ann Baldwin, who makes her debut here ;
Pierre Watkin, a Wall Street financier and
Craig Reynolds and Ivan Miller, the inevitable
"bad men," The film was directed by Joseph
Kane from a screen play by Gerald Geraghty
and Norman Hall,
The story opens at the Rogers' ranch, which
has been left him by his father. A mortgage on
the farm is soon due and Rogers attempts to
get an extension but the crooked loan company
refuses as it intends to foreclose. The upshot
of this sends Rogers and his two buddies,
"Gabby" and "Chuckwalla", to New York for
financing when "Gabby" pretends he has found
gold on the ranch. The nugget contains no gold
but is rich in molybdenum. There is a wild
scramble for control of the ranch involving
gangsters on Long Island and kidnapping on the
ranch but the ending is as expected.
Reviewed in a projection room in New York.
— Paul C. Mooney, Jr.
Produced and distributed by Republic. Associate pro-
ducer-director, Joseph Kane. Screen play by Gerald
Geragthy and Norman Hall. Original story by Doris
Schroeder. Production manager, Al Wilson. Photo-
graphed by Jack Marta. Editor, Lester Orlebeck.
Musical director, Cy Feuer. P.C.A. Certificate No.
5569. Running time, 66 minutes. Release date, Septem-
ber 1, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Roy Rogers Roy Rogers
Gabby George "Gabby" Hayes
Chuckwalla Raymond Hatton
Peggy Ann Baldwin
Hammond Pierre Watkin
Herself Louisiana Lou
Tony Craig Reynolds
Niles Ivan Miller
Bainbridge Reginald Barlow
Gillespie Adrian Morris
Ducky Jack Roper
McDermott Jack Ingram
Calling All Marines
(Republic)
Action Melodrama
As long as there is plenty of action in the
picture, most persons who like exciting en-
tertainment don't care very much whether or
not the motivating story is plausible. Republic
has had success with such a premise before,
and has made use of it in "Calling All Marines."
The picture is not a war story. Rather it is
a combination service-gangster-spy-plot yarn.
Some of it is pretty hokey. Yet there is enough
legitimate stuff to make it satisfactory sustain-
ing entertainment.
"Blackie," gangster-spy ring minion, gets into
the Marines by fraud. Disrespectful, unwilling
to be disciplined, he does everything to make
himself disliked, and in general plays hob with
all Marine Corps traditions. A smart guy, he
does, however, begin to take some pride in
himself. He saves the life of "Sergeant Fox,"
who beat him up. Yet he unintentionally in-
volves "Fox" in a spy plot. Deserting while
under arrest, after being caught a traitor, he
learns that "Big Joe's" mob has double crossed
him.. Becoming a true Marine, he prevents his
onetime gangster pals from stealing a military
secret in an action-loaded finale.
Romance is but a secondary quality. Comedy
contrasts the melodrama.
For names the picture offers the newcomer
Donald Barry, Warren Hymer, Robert Kent,
Cy Kendall, and Helen Mack in lead roles.
G. McC.
Produced and distributed by Republic Pictures. As-
sociate producer, Armand Schaefer. Director, John
H. Auer. Screen play, Earl Felton. Original story
idea by Harrison Carter. Production manager, Al
Wilson. Photographer, Ernest Miller. Supervising
editor, Murray Seldeen. Film editor, Ernest Nims. Art
director, John Victor Mackay. Musical director, Cy
Feuer. Costumer, Adelc Palmer. P.C.A. No. 5506.
Release date, September 28, 1939. Running time, when
seen in Hollywood, 65 minutes. General audience classi-
fication.
CAST
Blackie -. Donald Barry
Judy Helen Mack
Snooker Warren Hymer
Marvin Fox Robert Kent
Big Joe Cy Kendall
Murdock Leon Ames
Col. Vincent Selmer Jackson
Pat Janet McLeay
Capt. Chester Walter McGrail
Gordon George Chandler
Lefty Jay Novello
Sergeant Smith James Flavin
Everything's On Ice
(RKO Radio -Sol Lesser)
Skating Novelty
The skating ability of Irene Dare— a minia-
ture Sonja Henie on the ice — plus a lot of
hokum comedy with Edgar Kennedy and Ros-
coe Karns serving as field marshals of the fun-
making forces, and a triangle romance concern-
ing Lynne Roberts, Eric Linden and George
Meeker, are the entertainment and commercial
assets of "Everything's On Ice."
A family attraction in which there is much
to amuse and a few features that amaze, pro-
ducer Sol Lesser molded the show, which stars
his newest child prodigy, from an original screen
play by Adrian Landis and Sherman Lowe.
Victor Young, Paul Webster, Milton Drake and
Fred Stryker composed the music numbers
which provide the melody for the well mounted
and picturesque solo and chorus skating episodes
staged by Dave Gould. Erie C. Kenton's direc-
tion makes for an equitable balance of demon-
strations of six year old Irene's exceptional
athletic talent and mirth-provoking fun.
Previezved at the RKO theatre, Los Angeles.
The audience applauded the young skater each
time she completed a routine. — G. M.
Distributed by RKO' Radio. Produced by Sol Lesser.
Directed by Erie C. Kenton. Screen play by Adrian
Landis and Sherman Lowe. Songs by Victor Young.
Paul Webster, Milton Drake and Fred Stryker. Lud
Gluskin musical director. Ice numbers staged by Dave
Gould. John Sherwood assistant director. Arthur Hil-
ton, film editor. Photographed by Russell Metty.
P.C.A. certificate number 5519. Running time, 65
minutes. Release date: October 13, 1939. General audi-
ence classification.
CAST
Irene Irene Dare
Felix Miller Roscoe Karns
Joe Barton Edgar Kennedy
Jane Barton Lynne Roberts
Leopold Eddington Eric Linden
Elsie Barton Mary Hart
French Bobby Watson
"Harrison Gregg George Meeker
Miss Tillifcr Mary Currier
Hat Check Girl Maxine Stewart
Just William
(Associated British)
Juvenile Comedy
The works of Richmal Crompton — "Just Wil-
liam," "More William," "William Again"—
light-hearted, superficial studies in mischievous
childhood, best sellers in their time, have still a
public in England. This free and easy variation
on the "William" theme, for it owes no al-
legiance to any particular book, aims at exploit-
ing the title with a juvenile public. With that
in view, the producers apparently have aimed at
a low target, not lost any sleep in concern about
high technical qualities. The childish humors
and boyish prankery of the comedy may not
arouse the critical enthusiasm of the intel-
ligentsia, but there must be a wide audience
mainly of juveniles, and of unsophisticates, who
enjoy such lowbrow fare.
There is a strangely vaudevillian story about
William's father and a bid for mayor, a share-
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
49
pushing crook, and an upstart woman neighbor
who seems to carry all the local influence. It is
probably less important than the adventures of
redheaded William and his three playmates.
Teddy Lupino, selected with care for the role,
is a chubby and self possessed William, but there
is a picture stealer in the person of a Scots child,
Norman Robinson, whose laconic comments
punctuate the film in the manner of a Cale-
donian Ned Sparks. Basil Radford is best of
the adult cast as a proud parent, while Fred
Emney plays his opposite number in the music
hall manner, but gets the laughs.
Slumni to a trade audience at the Cambridge
Theatre, London, the film was received ivith a
sustained smile. Exhibitor opinion at a post
trade sliou' i-eception inclined to the feeling that
the indifference of the sophisticates might be
anticipated, but that the film made an interesting
bid for a tcide juvenile public. — Aubrey Flan-
agan.
Producerl and distributed by Associated British.
Director of production, Walter C. Mycroft. Directed
by Graham Cutts. From a story by Richmal Cromp-
ton. Screen play, Graham Cutts and Doreen Mont-
gomery. Additional dialogue, Ireland Wood. Photog-
raphy, Walter Harvey. Settings. Cedric Dawe. Film
editor, E. B. Jarvis. Running time, 75 min. General
audience classification.
CAST
William Dicky Lupmo
Ginger Roddy McDowell
Douglas Norman Robinson
Henry Peter Miles
Mr. Brown Fred Emney
Mrs. Brown Iris Hoey
Mr. Sidway Basil Radford
Mrs. Bott Amy Veness
Montague Bott David Tree
Marmaduke Sidway Eric Searle
Ethel Brown Jenny Laird
Robert Brown Simon Black
SHORTS
Soldiers with Wings
(March of Time - RKO)
Army Air Corps
.Amid Europe's torpedoings and shellings
The March of Time is releasing "Soldiers with
Wings," the first issue of volume six.
Handled with the skill and embracing cover-
age common to The March of Tiftie, the film
was made with the full cooperation of the
United States Army Air Corps. The action
opens in London, shifts to Paris and other Eu-
ropean cities, all in imminent danger of being
bombed ; shows preparations now going on for
air raid precautions, pictures the air forces
of the leading powers, and then shifts to Amer-
ica and the Army Air Corps with the cap-
tion: "The United States is in fact the only
great power in all the world whose people do
no live in daily fear of air raids and destruc-
tion."
Included in its coverage of the Air Corps are
the recruiting of pilots, mechanics and tecn-
nicians ; intensive primary training at privately-
owned aviation schools ; intricate tactics of
mass formation and aerial warfare and bomb-
ing of targets. A deal of the filming is of air-
planes in the air, light pursuit ships, recon-
naissance ships and all the other types of mili-
tary planes, not forgetting the great "Flying
Fortresses." Running time, 20 minutes.
Rhumba Rhythm
(MGM)
Musical Miniature
The story of two little girls who went to
Hollywood to see the local sights, saw a gal-
lery of movie personalities and conquered in
a rhumba contest staged in one of the screen
capital's night spots, is the import of this much
ado about nothing from the Miniature side-
lines. The payofl: is when the lasses are pre-
sented with an exorbitant bill from their danc-
ing partners, who, unknown to them, are pro-
fessional instructors. Off the record shots of
some of the film personalitici include George
Murphy, Chester Morris, Frank Albertson,
Lana Turner, June Lang and Marsha Hunt.
Eduardo Chavez and his rhumba band from the
Hollywood La Conga supply the torrid tunes.
— Running time, 10 minutes.
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(Vitaphone)
Interesting
Color is the high-light of this interesting col-
lection of facts. Four subjects make up the
reel. First, the cutting and polishing of precious
stones from their original and crude shape until
they are ready for the customer. The manufac-
ing of English chinaware is shown secondly
with the intricate process clearly described.
Polarized glass is the third subject and finally
the last sequence reveals the painting of large
outdoor billboards from the time when it is
first sketched by the artist until it is finished
to herald its message to the public. — Running
time, 10 minutes.
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 64
(Universal)
Oddities
Universal has an assemblage of interesting
persons and facts in the latest Stranger Than
Fiction. In Washington there is a pawn shop
operated for Indians exclusively. Mrs. Fireda
Bax of New York has a love bird that follows
her wherever she goes. Along the shores of the
Pacific Ocean glass globes of various sizes are
picked up by the residents and used for lawn
decorations. These globes have been carried
by the strong currents from Japan where the
fishermen used them for net markers. The re-
mainder of the reel concerns a miniature Merry-
Go-Round, pin-head electric motors one-eighth
of an inch in size that actually work, a horse
nine feet high reputed to be the largest horse
in the world, and finally a dog that deposits
money in the bank and runs errands for its
master. — Running time, 10 minutes.
Big Fish
(Columbia)
Sport Subjects
Marlin fishing in the Pacific Ocean, of? the
Mexican coast, is presented here in interesting
fashion. The struggle between the fisherman
and the game and powerful marlin is one easy
to watch for the marlin in an effort to escape
leaps far out of the water. Running time, 10
minutes.
Sweet Moments
( Paramount )
Musical Variety Program
In the latest issue of Paramount's musicale
headliners program Russ Morgan introduces
four new songs especially written for this sub-
ject. The songs, "Old Heart of Mine," "Holi-
day in Toyland," "Am I Proud" and "Sweet
Moments" are sung by Claire Martin, Mort
Curtis, and Carolyn Clarke. Clever direction
and excellent lighting enrich the presentation
of the tunes. Running time, 11 minutes.
Mooching Through Georgia
( Columbia)
Keaton Comedy
Buster Keaton here portrays a would-be spy
in the Civil War. It's never quite clear as to
which side Buster is spying for but that is an
unimportant consideration, for the whole thing
is all in fun. The dead-pan comedian with the
help of Monte Collins and Bud Jamison carries
on his own little war in a farm house and barn
in Kentucky. Buster is captured and sentenced
to be shot but he delves into his bag of tricks
and singlehandedly disposes of the detachment
of troops quartered in the farm house. Running
time, 19 minutes.
Detouring America
(Vitaphone)
Merrie Melody Cartoon
This is one of the better and more amusing in
the Merrie Melody series. It is a cross-coun-
try tour of the United States occasionally re-
verting back to a "human fly" climbing up the
side of one of New York's tallest buildings.
On the tour the audience visits, in many amus-
ing situations, the prairies of the west, the
land of Dixie, Yellowstone National Park and
other points of interest each having its own
amusing situation. — Running time, seven min-
utes.
Jitterbug Knights
( Columbia )
Color Cartoon
A cartoon in color, this tells the story of the
birth of an heir to a king. The king, overjoyed
at the birth of a son, invites the Three Wise
Fairies to come to the palace and bestow their
good wishes on the new born prince. The prince
has his own ideas as to what favors he wants
bestowed. He wants to be a jitterbug. He gets
his wish, with the result all the palace atten-
dants join in a general jitterbug jamboree. Run-
ning time, 7 minutes.
Hydro-Maniacs
( Paramount )
Sportlight
Narrated by Ted Husing this short is a sequel
to "Aquabats" made two years ago by Para-
mount. Like "Aquabats" the short deals with
outboard motorboat racing in Florida waters.
The racers run thrills and dangers to win the
race by steeplechasing over water barriers, on
dangerous hair-pin turns, skidding over land
and racing through fire. The short ends with
the racers being caught by two ambulance doc-
tors and taken to the local asylum. — Running
time, 10 minutes.
Community Sing No. I
( Columbia )
Crosby Hits
With this Community Sing a new series is
begun. It marks the fourth year of the subjects
and presents Gene Morgan as master of cere-
monies and the King Sisters, a quartette, as the
singers. The songs included in this reel are
songs made popular by Bing Crosby. They are
"One Two Button My Shoe," "Pennies from
Heaven," "Love in Bloom," "I'm an Old Cow-
hand from the Rio Grande" and "Blue Hawaii."
Running time, 9 minutes.
The Charm Bracelet
( Columbia)
Cartoon
This is the first subject in a new cartoon
series in which new characters will be intro-
duced. Margie, a little girl, receives a bracelet
from Scrappy attached to which are an assort-
ment of charms. At night after Margie has gone
to sleep the charms come to life. With the dawn
the charms return to the chain. Running time,
six minutes.
Calling All Curs
(Columbia)
Stooges Comedy
The three stooges, Moe, Curly and Larry,
are veterinarians in this one, operators of a
swanky dog hospital. One of their patients is
a pedigreed dog and much esteemed by its
owner. The dog is stolen and held for ransom.
The manner in which the Stooges find the dog
and dispose of the "dognappers" is in the tradi-
tion of previous comedies in their series. Run-
ning time, \7y2 minutes.
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52
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
TEST CASES IN ILLINOIS WILL AFFECT
VETOED BILL FIXING PROGRAM LENGTH
Rejection of Two Measures by
Governor After Expiration of
Ten Day Period Challenged;
Trade Awaits the Decisions
by KENDALL OLDS
in SpritigfieU
Two Illinois court tests challenging the
veto power of Governor Henry Horner may
affect the status of numerous pieces of legis-
lation approved by the recent general as-
sembly, but vetoed by the Governor, includ-
ing the Sandquist bill to limit moving pic-
ture performances to two hours arid fifteen
minutes and aimed at the halting of double
bills.
Ten-Day Delay Questioned
A suit has been filed in the Cook county
Superior Court at Chicago challenging the
governor's right to veto a bill creating a pension
system for employes of the state and a similar
suit has been filed in the Illinois supreme court
at Springfield testing the chief executive's power
to veto a measure amending a law regulating
the optometrist's profession.
Both test cases question the governors' power
to act on bills after ten days (excluding Sun-
days) from the end of the legislature. Of the
52 bills vetoed by the governor, 41 were acted
upon after expiration of the ten-day period in
question.
In both suits, it is contended that the two
measures on which they were based would have
automatically become law at the end of the ten
day period whether the governor had acted on
them or not. The basis for this is a provision
of the state constitution which reads :
"Any bill which shall not be returned by the
Governor within ten days (Sundays excepted)
after it shall have been presented to him shall
become law in like manner as if he had signed
it, unless the general assembly shall, by their
adjournment prevent its return, in which case
it shall be filed with his objections, in the
office of the secretary of state, within ten days
after such adjournment, or become a law."
The Governor holds that the ten day period
means ten days after the day upon which he
he receives a bill from the legislature. A ma-
jority of the bills he vetoed were received from
the legislature, however, after the expiration
of ten days, making it impossible for him to
have acted on these bills.
The governor bases his contention on a ruling
in 1937 by the attorney general of Illinois hold-
ing that the governor had ten days to act on all
legislation regardless of the time which it
reached his desk.
No direct test of the governor's veto has ever
reached the courts before in Illinois, and legis-
lative leaders are anxiously awaiting outcome
of the present litigation.
Movie Bill Affected
The Sandquist movie bill, which in efifect
would ban double features in Illinois, was
vetoed by Governor Horner on July 26th — 14
after expiration of the ten day limit under
question.
He withheld his approval from the legislation
on the grounds that it was unconstitutional in
that the legislature had no power to pass laws
for such regulation. His decision said the
STEFFES PREDICTS .
FLOOD OF DUALS
A. W. Sfeffes, president of North-
west Allied, said last week at the
hearing on the proposed ordinance to
limit film programs in Minneapolis to
2 hours and 15 mimites that every
independent is unanimously in favor
of the ordinance. He predicted that
unless it is adopted the city within a
short time would be flooded with
double and even triple bills.
The rumored Chicago ordinance for
restricting film shows to 2 hours and
15 minutes has been tabled for the
present, according to sponsors of the
measure.
power of the general assembly to regulate a
lawful occupation extends only to such measures
as are "reasonably necessary and appropriate
for the accomplishment of a legitimate object
within the domain of the police power," and
that the police power cannot be invoked unless
the purpose to be attained "has a rational and
clear relationship to the public health, morals,
safety or welfare."
He said the bill contained no reference to the
quality or character of motion picture films
exhibited, and consequently, was not intended
to protect public morals, safety or welfare.
Should the Sandquist bill become law by
virtue of a court ruling it probably would not
be enforced immediately because of the question
of its validity. Should it be enforced, however,
it carries a penalty for violation of a fine of not
less than $100 or more than $500 or imprison-
ment in the county jail for not more than six
months, or both, in the discretion of the court.
Sign Wisconsin Bill;
Other Legislation
Julius P. Heil, Governor of Wisconsin,
has signed the Rubin bill which provides for
stricter penalties for discrimination against
persons in inns, hotels, places of amusement,
etc., because of color or creed. The amend-
ment to the state law increases the minimum
damages to which violators are liable from
$5 to $25.
The Oshkosh, Wis., common council has
adopted an ordinance which provides for the
appointment of an electrical inspector whose
duties include the inspection of wiring and
electric installations of all film theatres at
least once every three months. Under the
measure, theatres would be required to make
necessary repairs or changes as stipulated
by the inspector within 15 days after notice.
As a result of a special election held in
Walton, N. Y., this week, a victory for Sun-
day motion pictures was won with the voters
casting 848 votes for and 77\ against the
proposition. The referendum brought out
the second highest registration in the city's
history.
Sunday motion pictures for Lake City,
Tenn., were approved this week by a three
to one vote of the board of alderman.
Screen Expresses
Democracy^ Says
Dietz at Forum
Motion pictures represent a broad propa-
ganda for the "American dream of equality
and opportunity for all," while the box ofiice
functions as the ballot box of public taste,
said Howard Dietz, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
advertising and publicity director, in a speech
on "The Movies and Propaganda for
Democracy," made at the Williamstown In-
stitute of Human Relations last week.
The meeting at Williamstown, an annual
event, had as one of its leading topics the
effects of propaganda on democracy. Meet-
ing from August 27th to September 1st, the
forum had among its speakers, in addition
to Mr. Dietz, Worthington Miner. Theatre
Guild director ; Brock Pemberton, theatrical
producer ; Alfred Harding of Actors' Equi-
ty ; Dr. Frank Kingdon, president of the
University of Newark; Dr. Everett Clinchy,
director of the Institute ; and Professor Rich-
ard Lewis of Glendale Junior College.
Citing the Italian banning of foreign films
as "perhaps the greatest business mistake of
the Italian Government," Mr. Dietz said that
"American films convey throughout the
world a broadness of understanding which
we in America, so accustomed to the true
atmosphere which they find mirrored, do not
always recognize."
"I do not hold," continued Islx. Dietz,
"that the boxofiice is a criterion of what is
to be preferred in motion pictures, but an
organic understanding of the position now
occupied by the motion picture would give
considerable weight to the boxoffice which
functions in its own critical fashion in a
democratic way analagous to the ballot box."
Mr. Deitz added, "When one discusses
'The Movies and Propaganda for Democ-
racy,' one implies that the movies may be
used for a purpose as a message. The fact
is, however, that movies are an expression
of democracy and they find their greatest
success when they are a true expression of
it. . . . As for contemporary social prob-
lems which bring us closer to our thoughts
about democracy, the makers of movies have
to be extremely careful not to misrepresent
those problems."
Mr. Pemberton said that "nothing is as
dull on the stage as politics, because politics
is an intellectual concept and the soul of
drama is emotion." He ended by asserting
that "dictatorships in recent years have
furnished indisputable proofs that the drama
is better off under democratic forms of gov-
ernment. A free theatre is a vital theatre ;
a censored theatre is on its way out."
The legitimate theatre was characterized
as"highly undemocratic" by Mr. Miner. He
said that the theatre was "for the rich in
the richest city of this country, and I believe
this situation is deplored by every author,
actor and manager in the business."
54
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
NEW TRUST SUIT; COAST HEARING
OCT 16; MOMAND CHARGES DENIED
L. L Dunbar in Dallas Accuses
Interstate Circuit of Con-
spiracy to Force Up Prices
in Second Run Theatres
Add to the growing list of 40-odd anti-
trust actions by government and independent
against circuits and the majors the suit filed
this week in Dallas by L. L. Dunbar against
Interstate Circuit and Karl Hoblitzelle, its
president.
Unusually quick action is being taken with
the suit filed last week by the United States
against Fox West Coast Theatres and the
majors, the U. S. district court at Los An-
geles on Tuesday fixing October 16th as the
hearing date for the criminal contempt
action.
All defendants among the majors in the
Momand trust action in Oklahoma City filed
denials this week, a week which also saw
the closing of the Government's case against
Balaban and Katz and the majors in Chi-
cago, and extension of the time to answer
in the New York case of FoUey Amuse-
ments vs. distributors and the Baltimore case
of Westway vs. the majors.
Dunbar Asks
Triple Dannages
L. L. Dunbar, operator of the Cliff-Queen
theatre in Dallas, filed suit in federal court
last week against the Interstate Circuit and
Karl Hoblitzelle, its president, charging con-
spiracy to force up prices in second runs,
and asking triple damages of $54,443 and
attorneys' fees.
Mr. Dunbar charged that the circuit had
put pressure on distributors causing "the
latter to demand that second run films be
shown for an admission of not less than
25 cents," whereas his price had long been
20 cents.
In addition, he charged that the defendants
"had brought about a ban against double
bills," and that he had operated his house
since 1925 with average annual profits of
about $6,000 "until the restrictions were
placed on operations."
Hearing on West Coast
Action Set for October
The criminal contempt action filed last
week by the Department of Justice against
Fox West Coast, the majors, except Colum-
bia, and 54 individual defendants, charging
violation of a 1930 consent decree, is to
be heard before U. S. District Judge George
Cosgrave on October 16th.
Among the violations of the decree
charged are the following : that as a result
of the defendants' practices, many unaffiliated
exhibitors were forced to sell their theatres
to Fox West Coast, or enter into arrange-
ments granting the circuit a controlling in-
terest in their theatres, and that the circuit
had been permitted by distribuors to deduct
costs of ^veaways or stage shows from
gross receipts.
The individual defendants named were:
HAYS ALSO CONFERS
WITH FRANK MURPHY
Will H. Hays, president of the
Motion Picture Producers and Dis-
tributors of America, not only visited
President Roosevelt last week at the
White House htU also conferred with
Attorney General Frank Murphy in
Washington shortly thereafter.
In neither case, it was said, was the
Government's anti-trust suit against
the film industry discussed. President
Roosevelt, while denying that the
trust suit had been mentioned, did
not disclose, at his press conference,
ivhat had been discussed.
Mr. Murphy said that the meeting
with Mr. Hays was for the purpose of
discussing a "formula" to be followed
by the producers in making films in-
volving Department of Justice activ-
ities. Department officials, it is said,
have not been pleased at the depiction
of their activities in some recent fihns.
Fox West Coast organizations (three) :
Spyros P. Skouras, Charles P. Skouras,
William T. Powers, Charles A. Buckley, Al
Hanson, John B. Bertero, J. J. Sullivan,
Larry Kent, Thornton Sargent, Cullen Es-
py, Dick Dickson, George Bowser, B. V.
Sturdivant.
Loew's and M-G-M Distributing Corpora-
tion: Nicholas M. Schenck, Al Lichtman,
William F. Rodgers, Edward M. Saunders,
George A. Hickey, Clayton T. Lynch.
Paramount: Barney Balaban, Neil F. Ag-
new, Charles M. Reagan, Myke H. Lewis,
George A. Smith, Carroll N. Peacock.
Warner Brothers, Vitagraph : Harry M.
Warner, Albert W. Warner, Ben Kalmen-
son, W. E. Calloway, Gradwell L. Sears,
N. H. Brower.
United Artists : Murray Silverstone, Ben
Fish, George J. Schaefer, E. W. McLean,
L. J. Schlaifer.
Universal : Nathan J. Blumberg, J. Cheev-
er Cowdin, William A. Scully, Charles J.
Feldman, William J. Heineman, James R.
Grainger, A. J. O'Keefe.
RKO: Leo Spitz, Ned E. Depinet, Jules
Levy, Cresson E. Smith, Harry Cohen,
George J. Schaefer, N. P. Jacobs.
Twentieth Century-Fox: Sidney R. Kent,
Joseph M. Schenck, W. J. Kupper, John N.
Dillon, Herman Wobber.
It was pointed out by the Department that
the penalty for criminal contempt is fine
or prison or both.
Momand Defendants
File Denials
Answers materially denying specific alle-
gations were filed this week by the 16 de-
fendants, including the majors, in the $4,-
500,000 anti-trust suits of A. B. Momand,
in Federal District Court in Oklahoma City.
The answers to the amended complaint
state that the complaint fails to state a cause
of action against the defendant upon which
relief can be granted, that Momand is not
the real party in interest, deny that the de-
fendants are violating any section of the
Clayton Anti-Trust act, and deny each and
every material statement, averment or in-
ference in the complaint of any combination,
agreement, contract, monopoly or conspiracy
on the part of the defendants.
While the answers were the same, each
defendant company filed a separate paper.
Schines Ask for
Suit Dismissal
A motion to dismiss the Government anti-
trust suit complaint against the Schines in
Buffalo federal court was filed Tuesday by
Willard S. McKay, attorney for the de-
fendants. The motion, which will be argued
September 18th, asks dismissal on the ground
that the court lacks jurisdiction because the
Schine circuit is not engaged in interstate
commerce. Additionally, the motion claims
that the complaint fails to state facts on
which any judgment can be based and that
no facts are set forth which show violation
of the Sherman anti-trust law.
Defendants are Schine Chain Theatres,
Inc., Schine Circuit, Inc., Schine Theatrical
Company, Inc., Schine Enterprises Corpora-
tion, Schine Lexington Corporaiton, Chesa-
peake Theatre Corporaiton, J. Meyer Schine,
Louis Schine and John A. Kay.
U. S. Closes
B & K Case
The Government in Chicago Wednesday
closed its case against Balaban and Katz and
the majors for alleged violation of a consent
decree. The defense was expected to im-
mediately file a motion to strike out portions
of the evidence or to dismiss the case.
Edgar Eldredge, master-in-chancery, was
to hear the motions before the weekend.
The case then is expected to be postponed
for one week, the defense starting its evi-
dence on September 25th.
Columbia Gets Extension
To Answer Folley Suit
A stipulation extending the time of Colum-
bia Pictures to December 20th to serve and
file its answer to the suit of the Folley
Amusement Company was filed in U. S. Dis-
trict Court last week.
No reason for the extension was given.
Extension of Time
For Westway Defendants
Counsel for the defendants in the suit of
the Westway theatre, Baltimore, versus the
Edgewood theatre and major companies, this
week moved in federal district court, Balti-
more, for a motion of extension of time.
Judge W. Calvin Chestnut granted the
motion, extending the time for filing answers
to complaints to September 13th.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
55
U.S. ASKS AAAJORS TO ANSWER FOR
EVERY MOVE MADE IN EIGHT YEARS
68 Main and 189 Sub - Ques-
tions Cover Every Phase of
Film Activity; Details Sought
on Lending Stars
The United States Government, in ex-
tending, through the courts, its interest in
the operation and conduct of the motion pic-
ture industry, has asked the federal court
to order the eight major company defendants
and subsidiaries and affiliates, to answer for
every financial, corporate, management and
operating move made individually by them in
the last eight years.
68 Main and 189 Sub-Questions
The demand took the form of a petition filed
last Friday in the U. S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York, in the key
equity suit in New York for the answers to
and full explanation of 68 main and 189 sub-
questions governing every conceivable phase of
corporate organization, production, pooling and
lending of talent and production assets, distribu-
tion, exhibition and defendant's history.
Thurman Arnold, U. S. assistant attorney
general, in charge of anti-trust suit cases and
prosecutor of this case, signed the petition, to-
gether with his aides who are participating in
the case : Paul Williams, Robert L. Wright,
John F. Clagett and Shelby Fitze, as his special
assistants and Seymour Krieger, J. Cunningham
and Seymour Simon, special attorneys. John T.
Cahill, U. S. Attorney for the Southern Dis-
trict of New York, signed the petition.
It is at the discretion of the court to grant
or refuse the Government's petition, and the
major defendants are virtually certain to oppose
the demand, which, if granted, would put into
documentary form probably the greatest insight
into individual company and industry structure
ever written. While it is customary under the
new rules of federal court procedure for the
court to order the defendants to answer ques-
tions contained in such a Department of Justice
petition, the defendants can move to vacate.
By agreement with Mr. Williams, for the
Government, the defendants will be given an ex-
tension of 30 days beyond September 15th to
answer the Government's petition.
See Trial Delay
The Government's demand may make the start
of trial of the suit before the first of next year
a physical impossibility, regardless of the pend-
ing Federal court action on the Government's
application for a preferred place on the calendar.
Some companies, it is believed, will contest the
Government's right to some of the information
sought and others will question the propriety and
relevancy of other parts of the interrogations.
Both procedures will be time-consuming and,
attorneys assert, a month or more may be re-
quired to obtain the information sought by the
Government and prepare it for submission.
Gross and Net Returns
Each defendant is required to state its gross
income and net earnings or losses for 1935-36-37
and 1938. The questions seek information of
the names of all concerns and individuals in
which the particular defendant owns "any finan-
cial interest, directly or indirectly, through sub-
sidiaries or otherwise" in the production, dis-
tribution and exhibition fields. In each instance
the defendant is asked to set forth the form of
the organization, capital invested, number and
location of offices, amounts of stocks and bonds
held by defendants, date of acquisition, and
PARAMOUNT CARAVAN
WILL TOUR COUNTRY
A caravan sponsored by Paramount
will leave Los Angeles September litb
for an 8,500-fnile tour of the United
States. It will consist of one three-
masted clipper ship, 67 feet long,
mounted on a truck and trailer; a
second ship, replica of the first steam-
vessel to cross the Atlantic, 57 feet
long; two special de luxe btises in
in which film players and their guests
will travel from city to city, and a
5 -ton supply truck and an advance
truck containing two-way radio com-
munication with the main caravan and
two sedans.
The vessels are quarter-scale replicas
of those used in the Paramount pro-
duction, "Riders of the Sea".
names of persons from whom acquired. These
details are also asked as to ownership of any
business "related to the motion picture industry
other than production, distribution, or exhibi-
tion."
Similar data is required as to ownership in the
defendants of a financial interest by an outside
concern. Defendants must supply in addition
information as to their relationship with holding
companies.
Incorporation Details
Defendants are required to supply date and
state of incorporation and the purpose of in-
corporation. A list of the addresses of prin-
cipal executive officers and of exchange officers
with the names and duties of managers and
assistants is asked for. A list of the names and
addresses of directors and officers, a statement
of the outstanding stock, total amount of in-
debtedness and current loans, and identification
of creditors in the sum of $10,000 or more must
be furnished.
The U. S. also seeks a list of the 20 largest
stockholders of record of each class of stock,
and also seeks the names of corporate defendants
who either own securities of a company, or are
creditors of it, and details concerning the re-
lationships, such as participation in the manage-
ment of the company.
Also asked are a number of questions as to
pooling arrangements or joint ventures, financial
details and manner of operation. Separate data
was also asked for on pooled theaters held in
Philadelphia, New York City, Dallas, Kansas
City, New Orleans, Boston and Seattle. Details
on box-office receipts from first-run and sub-
sequent-run theaters was asked for specifically.
History of Defendants
Four questions are presented on. the history of
the defendants and made inquiry into reorgani-
zation, mergers, stock or asset acquisitions and
consolidations. In respect to these questions,
information was also asked about the acquisition
of ownership of companies operating more than
10 theatres. Names and addresses of persons
supplying the information must be set forth, the
notice stated.
Separate information is sought as to film
rentals received from theatres in New York
City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, Los
Angeles, and Cincinnati.
The Government requires the name and loca-
tion of every theatre in the U. S. which has
purchased for exhibition any feature picture, ex-
cluding spot bookings, distributed by the de-
fendant or a subsidiary during 1937-38, and to
group these according to zones and protection.
Also required is information on the protection
aff^orded to each theatre, and the number of per-
sons employed by the defendant or its subsid-
iaries in the distribution field.
Questions asked about exhibition include
complete information on the names and financial
arrangements of subsidiaries and of pooled the-
ater holdings. Details are requested as to the
nature of the interest, date of acquisition, and
from whom acquired since Jan. 1, 1930.
If a company subsequently divested itself of
a theatre, details are wanted.
Shorts and Newsreels
A list of short subjects and newsreels dis-
tributed over the same period, with details as
to titles, cost of production, release date, name
of producer, and total film rental, is demanded.
Lists are also wanted of short subjects and
newsreels distributed to affiliates of the five
major producer-exhibitors. The notice asked
that each defendant submit any charts or com-
pilations available on the subject of the propor-
tion of total domestic revenue that it received
from any one feature picture in any particular
city or geographical subdivision.
Particular information is sought on exhibition
in cities of Milwaukee, Chicago and Cleveland.
Each defendant must itemize a list of its fea-
ture pictures, produced either by it or its sub-
sidiaries, from 1919 through 1938, including the
titles, names of stars, approximate costs, and
name of distributor. The number of sound
stages owned, leased or operated by a company,
with its location and size is asked for.
Companies must list the number of short sub-
jects and newsreels produced, commencing with
1919, stating the cost of production for each sea-
son. Each company also must furnish informa-
tion as to the number of persons now employed
by it and its subsidiaries in production.
A number of questions are directed to the
practice of lending talent and production assets-
Stars and Loans
The government also wants to know the
names of the first five persons in the categories
of star, featured player, director, or technicians
loaned to other producers ; the names of the
producers, and date of the loan. Complete de-
tails are sought on all loans made since Jan. 1,
1933, and whether profits were shared when a
loan was made. Companies must also state
identical information concerning the borrowing
of personnel.
The Government also asked questions con-
cerning the lending of production sets, sound
stages or other equipment, and a list of each
instance since Jan. 1, 1933.
Distribution activities were covered by 12
main questions, first of which was a demand for
a list of all feature pictures distributed by the
defendant or its subsidiaries from 1935 through
1938. In regard to this list, complete informa-
tion is sought on the title, name of producer,
names of stars, cost of production, national re-
lease date, total number of theaters in U. S. to
which picture was distributed, total film rental,
a separate list of film rentals from theaters affil-
iated with the five major producer-exhibitors,
film rentals from first-run theaters, with a sep-
arate statement from first-run affiliates and from
subsequent-run affiliates.
A new 1,000 seat theatre is to be built in
Brentwood, a suburb of Pittsburgh, by John
P. Moss, who also operates the Melrose the-
atre in Carrick.
56
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 9, 1939
213 CIRCUITS COMPLETE CAMPAIGNS
FOR "GOLDEN JUBILEE" IN OCTOBER
Committee Points to Mention
in Editorials in 80 Newspa-
pers; Public Library's Collec-
tion To Be Made Available
Two hundred and thirteen circuits, large
and small, and scores of individual owners
from east to west, have notified the "Golden
Jubilee" committee at headquarters in the
offices of the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America, in New York, that
they have actually launched or are about to
launch campaigns in behalf of the industry
and their box offices in observance of the
motion picture's 50th anniversary during the
week of October 1st to 7th.
Combining their own promotional initia-
tive with the plans and ideas set down by
the committee (detailed in Motion Picture
Herald on August 5th, page 33), from the
amplified press book specially prepared for
the occasion, circuit executives, managers
and individual owners now are completing
the form which the observance will take in
their respective operations, embracing pa-
rades and proclamations, ballyhoo of every
kind and description and the more quiet
styles of theatre exploitation.
Editorials in 80 Newspapers
Since the first announcement, on August 15th,
the observance has received favorable attention
in editorials in 80 newspapers, besides news
stories filling many press books, the commit-
tee reports.
The largest collection of motion picture
bibliography, posters, press sheets and other
material, both old and contemporary, in any
public institution, now reposing in the New
York Public Library, will be turned over to
the "Golden Jubilee" campaign by George
Freedley, director, who will set up the material
for public study during the celebration week.
In the committee's special press book there are
detailed numerous forms of accessories avail-
able and special press material obtainable for
local press use by exhibitors.
Cooperation of civic, club, library and school
leaders has been enlisted in many places. Mrs.
Malcolm Parker MacCoy, chairman of the De-
partment of Motion Pictures of the New York
State Federation of Women's Clubs, has sent a
letter to all local motion picture chairmen in
the state suggesting that they take the initiative
in local observances. The Federation program
includes a suggestion to local chairmen that
they call together all agencies in their com-
munities which have an active motion picture
program, such as women's clubs, YMCA's,
YWCA's, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, representa-
tives of schools and public libraries.
She enclosed a three-page outline of activities,
including library, school, radio, newspaper co-
operation, and a luncheon, dinner or mass meet-
ing under sponsorship of the Federation to ob-
serve the 50th anniversary, week of October 1-7.
RKO's Tieup
Many individual phases are being developed
in theatre campaigns. RKO Theatres have tied
up the Golden Jubilee with the 50th anniversary
of RKO Theatres. A trailer is now running
which uses the combined anniversaries as a news
peg for the announcement of new screen attrac-
tions. Theatres are decorated and many spe-
cial celebration stunts are being planned, ac-
CLEVELAND HURT
BY NIGHT BASEBALL
Cleveland is another city added to
the growing list of those playing night
baseball games with the resultant fall-
ing off in theatre business. The games
in the Staditnn have drawn crowds of
15,000 to 50,000, causing a drop of
20 per cent in receipts in the average
house.
Municipal and private tennis courts
also have been equipped for night play-
ing, a situation true of other sports
and sporting events. Cleveland has
gone back to the old-fashioned picnic
this year also and few large picnics
have been postponed because of rain.
cording to Harry Mandel, director of adver-
tising. "RKO salutes motion pictures' Golden
Jubilee of hits," and "This RKO theatre proud-
ly joins in celebrating motion pictures' Golden
Jubilee," are among the slogans being used.
National Theatres are using the anniversary
in connection with their fourth national drive.
Spyros Skouras returned to New York from
a tour, in the course of which he canvassed the
entire Fox West Coast circuit, making the 50th
anniversary a part of the campaign he outlined
before a series of six sectional meetings which
included managers, bookers, maintenance men,
treasurers, district and division managers in the
Alilwaukee, Kansas City, Denver, Northwestern
and California areas.
Eastern Skouras Theatres are making general
use of the anniversary in programs, trailers and
advertising. Public relations departments of
both eastern and western divisions are making
wide use of 50th anniversary material in con-
nection with schools, universities, library and
club cooperations.
The Paramount campaign is decentralized,
each partner's organization handling its own
campaign.
Circuit and Theatre Plans
One of the earliest campaigns to get underway
was that launched by the Schine Circuit (de-
tailed by the Motion Picture Herald of Au-
gust 19th). Gene Curtis, director of advertis-
ing, developed a trailer which opens with the
May Irwin-John C. Rice kiss made by the
Edison Company in 1896, Mary Pickford in
"The Good Little Devil," and John Bunny as
Mr. Pickwick. It outlines a "Movie Line Con-
test" and the new pictures for the season.
F. F. Vincent, of Pioneer Theatre Corpora-
tion, in Minnesota and Iowa, has planned a
series of special luncheons in each of his 12
towns.
Allied Theatres of Michigan is planning to
celebrate the 50th anniversary in connection
with its own 20th anniversary. Miss P. M.
Sprott, business manager, is preparing special
material for the convention program in Kalama-
zoo, October 2nd to 4th.
C. W. Anderson, publicity manager of Civic
Theatres, Denver, has already used Mr. Hays'
announcement and the first of the -four install-
ments of the highlights of motion picture his-
tory, in the Civic News, distributed as a week-
end section of The Monitor. The paper is now
running an editorial series of special articles on
various phases of the industry.
John F. Burhorn, manager of the Gayety
theatre in Chicago, has arranged an extensive
publicity campaign on the Fiftieth Anniversary
with the cooperation of The Daily Calumet.
The observance is reported to be industry-
wide. All exhibitor organizations are cooperat-
ing, including MPTOA, Allied and other in-
dependent groups, according to the committee.
The combined Loew's "Movie Hit Parade and
Crosley Motor Cavalcade," which celebrates
both the "Golden Jubilee" of motion pictures
and the annual Loew-Poli inauguration of the
new film season, started from Boston September
7th with a parade of the ten Crosley cars, driven
by college girls, and a specially-constructed
Loew float, visits to the Governor and Mayor,
radio broadcasts and a theatre celebration.
Harry F. Shaw, Loew-Poli division manager,
accompanies the cavalcade from Boston t(?
Springfield, Providence, Worcester, Hartford,
Meriden, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport,
and the windup at the N. Y. World's Fair.
Tri-States Outing Held;
Variety Clubs Set Dates
Tri-States and Central States theatre of-
ficials, headed by A. H. Blank, were hosts
to approximately 150 men of the office force
of both corporations, and managers, sales-
men and bookers of the Des Moines and
Omaha film exchanges, at a golf outing fol-
lowed by a steak dinner and social evening
at the Hyperion Club in Des Moines last
week.
The Milwaukee Variety Club is sponsor-
ing an all-day outing Friday at the Tripoli
Country Club. The committee in charge
includes L. F. Gran, Frank Clark, Charles
W. Trampe, E. J. Weisfeldt and B. J. Miller.
George Baker, head of the Kansas City
Variety Club, has appointed Earl Jameson
as general chairman of the 1939-'40 Charity
Ball, and Frank E. Ritter and T. R. Thomp-
son as co-chairmen of the annual golf
tournament, which will be held some time
this month.
The Annual Golf Tournament and Din-
ner Dance of Exhibitor-Variety Club of
Philadelphia will be held at LuLu Country
Club September 29th. Milton Rogasner is
chairman of the committee arranging the
affair.
The Atlantic City Variety Club held a
jubilee dinner at the Hotel Traymore there
on Tuesday, with P. Mortimer Lewis and
Frank R. Gravatt, presideiit of the Atlantic
City Steel Pier Company, acting as Kings-
for-a-Day.
William K. Jenkins, vice-president of
Lucas and Jenkins Theatres and chief barker
of Atlanta's new Variety Club, has an-
nounced that all plans have been completed
for the charter night presentation of the club
which will take place September 21st at the
Henry Grady Hotel.
Louis B. Mayer, vice-president in charge
of production for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
has accepted honorary chairmanship of the
annual charity baseball game of Hollywood
stars to be played in San Francisco Septem-
ber 17th.
Warner Brothers annual home office golf
tournament will be held September 19th at
Glen Oaks Country Club at Little Neck, L.
L Jerry Keyser is chairman of the golf
committee.
Just
POSTPAID
Compiled by
THEODORE J. SULLIVAN
THE MOST
SIMPLIFIED
THEATRE
BOOKKEEPING
SYSTEM
YET DEVISED
Book is I3"x 10" In size, printed on a spe-
cial green stock that is particularly easy on
the eyes. Covers are sturdy, with bronze
"wire-o" binding, holding ledger sheets firmly
and keeping them absolutely flat. Designed
so that a flip of the sheet gives the exact
page wanted.
This Record and Accounting System has been compiled to meet the urgent need for an up-to-date and easy
method of theatre bookkeeping. It is a complete but simplified record of fiscal facts ... a repository of
operating data that is a miracle of convenience.
Individual sections include: (I) Holiday and Important Date Record, (2) Film Clearance Chart, (3) Insurance
Record, (4) Equipment Purchase Record, (5) Annual Charges, (6) Weekly Operating Facts, (7) Summary,
(8) Contract Records.
TEAR OUT
AND MAIL
COUPON
TODAY
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
Here is my check for $2.00. Send me "Theatre Management Record."
Name
Add
ress
i City and State
I
Theatre
58
Many Theatres
Unsatisfactory^
Says SMPE
"Probably the most striking results" of
an investigation by the projection committee
of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers,
consisted in the finding that of 600 repre-
sentative theatres examined only about 16
per cent proved to have satisfactory condi-
tions for all the basic considerations of
proper visual and acoustic motion picture
presentation, according to M. Rettinger, of
RCA :\Ianufacturing Company, Hollywood.
While this analysis included theatres buih
before sound, the number of satisfactory the-
atres erected since that time was not greatly
larger, being about 27 per cent, disclosed
Mr. Rettinger.
The Research Council of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has issued
a supplement to the previously issued tech-
nical bulletin of October 10, 1938 (Third
Revision, Standard Electrical Character-
istics for Two-Way Reproducing Systems in
Theatres) containing specifications for stan-
dard electrical chacteristics for International
Projector Simplex "four-star" sound sys-
tems.
Use of these standard electrical charac-
teristics, said the Council, will permit the
theatre to derive the maximum advantage
from the latest studio sound recording prac-
tices "and ^\\\ result in a more uniform
sound quality in all theatres using these sys-
tems." These standards, adopted by the
Council after holding a number of listening
tests in several theatres in the southern Cali-
fornia areas, are a continuation of the work
of the Council's theatre standardization com-
mittee to further the coordination between
the theatre and studio groups.
These characteristics, in conjunction with
previously issued standard electrical charac-
teristics for Mirrophonic and RCA systems
cover a majority of modern sound reproduc-
ing equipments as currently installed in the-
atres.
In addition, the Council also is issuing
supplementary instructions calling attention
to the fact that to obtain high quality sound
reproduction in the theatre it is necessary
to install adequate audio-frequency power,
depending on the size of the theatre audi-
torium under consideration.
Eastern Franchises
Awarded by Judell
Ben Judell, president of Producers Dis-
tributing Corporation, has awarded a Phila-
delphia franchise to Edward Boreth of Mas-
terpiece Film Attractions and a Washing-
ton, D. C, franchise to George J. Gill of
Trio Productions.
With B. N. Judell, Inc., exchanges to be
opened by October in Kansas City, Atlanta,
Charlotte, Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas,
Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, all terri-
tories will have been opened.
Robert M. Lury sailed this week for Japan
to assume charge of Universal's Japanese
office.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of September 2
CAPITOL
Romance of Celluloid MGM
Feature: The Wizard of Oz. MGM
CRITERION
Every Sunday MGM
Mooching Through Georgia . Columbia
Lives In Peril Vitaphone
Feature: Flight at M/(/«;;?A/. Republic
MUSIC HALL
Sea Scouts RKO Radio
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 67. Universal
Big Fish Columbia
Feature: Fifth Avenue Girl. . RKO Radio
PARAMOUNT
Paramount Pictorial, No. 12. Paramount
Ecuador Paramount
Hydro-Maniacs Paramount
Feature: Star Maker Paramount
RIVOLI
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 67.U niversal
Hocky Champ RKO Radio
Feature: Under-Pnp Universal
ROXY
Evergreen Empire 20th Cent. -Fox
Hook, Line and Sinker 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: Adventures of Sher-
lock Holmes 20th Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Remember When Vitaphone
Hare-Um Scare-Um. ...... .Vitaphone
Feature: Old Maid First Nat'l
Tinne Planning Subject
On Catholic Church
The March of Time is planning a subject
on the Catholic Church, especially concern-
ing its functioning in the United States.
Camera crews have been at work for some
little time at the Vatican, shooting general
material for use in the subject.
It is said that a large portion of the
footage will be shot in this country. At the
present time the subject is expected to be
ready for release in about six months, al-
though it is possible it will be released
earlier.
Acquire Yamins Theatres
Nathan Yamins' Durfee and Empire thea-
tres in Fall River, Mass., have been taken
over by Interstate Theatres Corporation.
Mr. Yamins will continue to operate the
Park, Strand and Capitol in Fall River.
William J. Canning, manager of the Durfee
until about a year ago, will return to man-
age the Empire for Interstate. The Durfee
will be managed by Christopher Joyce of
Plymouth.
"Rains Came" Premiere
A special premiere of "The Rains Came"
will be held at the Ohio theatre -in Mans-
field, Ohio, on Saturday. The premiere of
the Twentieth Century-Fox film will be in
honor of the author, Louis Bromfield, whose
home is in Mansfield, and will follow by one
day the world premiere at the Roxy theatre
in New Yoi-k. (Reviewed on page 46.)
September 9, 1939
Talk of Ban Adds
To Publicity for
''Gone with IVind'
After nearly two years of first-class, first-
page newspaper attention, pending the start
of production, David Oliver Selznick's
"Gone with the Wind" had been getting very
little press and public notice of late, as the
cameras have been grinding around it, until
last week when the North and South went at
each other again with a press agent's delight
in attack and defense of the story of the
Civil War.
The oldtimers of the Grand Army of the
Republic last Thursday voted an absolute
boycott; the South quickly rallied to the res-
cue, and the newspapers once more went
back to the subject of Mr. Selznick's film.
The word battle over the film was begun
by the Daughters of Union Veterans, an
auxiliary, and was taken up by the GAR
when the resolution of Thomas Ambrose,
Sr., vice-commander of Illinois, was adopted
by 100 representatives of the 2,700,000 men
who enlisted in the Union Army in the Civil
War. The Daughters, meeting in conjunc-
tion with the 73d annual encampment of the
GAR, held in Pittsburgh, charged that the
Hollywood version of the novel was "an
outrageous attempt" to "smirch the reputa-
tion" of General William T. Sherman.
The Ambrose resolution charged the film
version of the Margaret Mitchell novel
would portray a Union soldier as "a hideous
maurauder, attacking women," and urged
that the GAR "absent themselves" from any
theatre showing "this defamatory film."
Mrs. Walter D. Lamar, president-general
of the United Daughters of the Confederacy,
in Macon, Ga., said the resolution "may
cripple the fine relations between the Grand
Army of the Republic and the Confederate
veterans, but not for long."
"They cannot affect the staging of a truth-
ful, impressive account of that strife between
brothers," she said, adding, "they may nul-
lify the good of the Gettysburg reunion."
Mrs. Edna R. Carroll of Philadelphia,
chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of
Motion Picture Censors, said this week that
the book "left me with a definite feeling that
the invading forces were held up in a bad
light. But that's history. I don't think there
is any basis for banning a picture on those
grounds."
Incidentally the film is to be released by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Bracker Leaves Paramount
^Murray Bracker, who has been associated
with Harry Royster, of Paramount's "Gul-
liver's Travels" license division, has re-
signed to become associated with the Bakers
Research Bureau, division of Bud Fox En-
terprises, Inc., New York, as director of
sales.
Appointed Sales Director
Myke Lewis, Paramount sales executive,
has been made director of sales for Harry
Sherman Productions, with Hollywood
headquarters. He will leave soon on a trip
to all Paramount ex.changes in the United
States and Canada.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
59
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Hunchback of Notre Dame
(RKO Radio)
Melodrama of Devotion
Few works of qiiasi-fact and fiction are as
universally well known as Victor Hugo's time-
less novel, "Notre Dame de Paris." The cur-
rent screen boasts very few, if any at all,
better actors than Charles Laughton. "The
Barretts of Wimpole Street," "Mutiny on the
Bounty," "Ruggles of Red Gap," "The Beach-
comber" and "Jamaica Inn" substantiate that
fact This powerful story of medieval Paris
and its great cathedral narrates the doglike de-
votion of a deformed outcast to his masters,
his revolt against one who ruthlessly perse-
cutes a beautiful gypsy girl. It also tells of
the girl's romance with a young poet. This
moving story, when made with Lon Chaney the
star, was one of the most notable pictures of
its generation.
The whole RKO Radio organization, pro-
ducer Pandro S. Berman and director William
Dieterle, maker of a great many outstanding
Warner films, are making every effort to
insure that this production will maintain all
its fine traditions. A great deal of money has
been spent. Great and impressive sets will
be seen ; thousands of extras will participate.
When it comes to names, little is left for any
exhibitor to desire. With Laughton there
will be Sir Cedric Hardwicke, now in "Stan-
ley and Livingstone" ; Thomas Mitchell, out-
standing in "Hurricane" and "Stage Coach" ;
Maureen O'Hara, Laughton's co-star in "Ja-
maica Inn" ; Walter Hampden, one of Amer-
ica's ablest actors; Alan Marshall, Katherine
Alexander, Harry Davenport, Minna Gombell,
Rod LaRocque, George Zucco, Fritz Leiber and
Etienne Girardot.
At RKO Radio, where the 1939-40 prod-
uct looks considerably stronger than was the
1938-39 program, there is a strong feeling of
confidence that the "Hunchback of Notre
Dame" will prove to be a better audience and
money attraction than was "Gunga Din."
Release date: To be determined.
Rio
(Universal)
Melodrama and Romance
The production which John Brahm is di-
recting will offer a carefully chosen and ex-
ceptionally well balanced cast. All the prin-
cipals are name players, with dependable Basil
Rathbone, Victor McLaglen and Leo Carrillo
assigned important roles. In addition there is
Sigrid Gurie. First seen in "Marco Polo" with
Gary Cooper, the definite impression she made
in "Algiers" was furthered by her able work
in "The Forgotten Women." Yet the im-
pression prevails at the studio that with "Rio,"
Miss Gurie will take her place among the
screen's most glamorous stars. Another evi-
dence of showmanship casting is seen in the
selection of Robert Cummings, who after sev-
eral years in so-so pictures came into his own
in "Three Smart Girls Grow Up." Irving
Bacon and Maurice Moscovich will be the
principal support.
With locales in Paris, Brazil and a jungle
penal colony, the story has a strong basic plot
and several arresting counterplots. Melodrama
is the essence of all that occurs. Prison is
the fate of Rathbone when his financial em-
pire, built on fraud, collapses. His wife (Sigrid
Gurie) and their old servant McLaglen go to
South America to be near him. There the
wife meets young American Cummings, and
inspires him to rehabilitate himself. They fall,
in love. Meanwhile her husband, aided by Mc-
Laglen, contrives to escape. Beating a tortu-
ous way back to his wife, he finds her and the
American in love. In blind fury he threatens
to kill, but, realizing that more unhappiness
would be the result and that a return to prison
horrors would be inevitable, he prevails upon
his faithfully obedient servant to kill him.
Release date: Sept. 22, 1939.
OurNeighbors— TheCorfers
(Paramount)
Family Sentimentality
"Our Neighbors — The Carters" will tell the
story of a typical American family, the kind
that everybody knows. It traces a brief but
critical chapter in the family's history, pictur-
ing its joys and sorrows, hopes and disappoint-
ments, tragedies and triumphs, and promises to
be human interest screen entertainment.
The Carters are forced to face two problems.
Losing his drug store lease to a chain, Carter,
Sr., denied the management of the unit, launches
another personally directed business, only to
face the discouraging competition of big busi-
ness. Secondly, one child who has been a crip-
ple, needs an operation, but the money secretly
saved for this has been spent to finance the
new store.
A Charles R. Rogers production, the picture
is being directed by Ralph Murphy, who was
associated with Mr. Rogers several years ago
in connection with "Song of the Eagle" and
"Golden Harvest."
Frank Craven and Fay Bainter will be pre-
sented as the heads of the Carter household,
with Gloria Carter, Benny Bartlett, Donald
Brennon and Scotty Beckett, the children. Ed-
ward McWade will be the town banker and Ed-
mund Lowe and Genevieve Tobin the family
friends.
Release date : To be determined.
Missing Evidence
( U nicer sal )
Crime Melodrama
This picture's name value will be represented
by Preston Foster and Irene Hervey, who were
cofeatured in "Society Smugglers," Chick
Chandler, Inez Courtney, Noel Madison, Joe
Downing, Oscar O'Shea, Ray Walker, Matty
Fain and Robert Strange.
The time of "Missing Evidence" is the pres-
ent and New York City is the general locale.
The theme, which is supported with action and
excitement, has to do with the exploits and
adventures of a fast-thinking, ready-fisted FBI
agent who exercises his racket busting talents
by smashing a ring that has been distributing
counterfeit sweepstakes tickets and wins the
affections of a girl who assisted him.
The story is an original by Stuart and Dor-
rell McGowan, which Arthur T. Horman
transcribed to the screen. It is being directed
by Phil Rosen.
Release date : To be determined.
Th ree Sons
(RKO Radio)
A Family Story
A while ago RKO-Radio produced "A Man
to Remember," a picture which still is being
talked about in many quarters. Since that time
Robert Sisk, producer, has been searching for
a story of similar emotional and commercial
appeal. He finally decided upon Lester Cohen's
novel, "Sweepings." It may be remembered
that Radio made this picture in early 1933 with
Lionel Barrymore in the leading role. Now,
with Edward Ellis, starred in "A Man to Re-
member," succeeding Barrymore, the charac-
ter of the story, with John Twist credited with
the screen play, has been considerably changed,
though the basic plot has been retained.
The general setting is Chicago and 40 years
elapse in the story, which concerns a man's be-
lief in his city, his store and his family. The
store prospers and so does the city, but the
family proves a disappointment. Money, the
thing he has striven for, destroys his children.
The boys grow up spendthrifts. Only when the
old man is at the point of death, when he
visions his dynasty crumbling, does the young-
est show signs of willingness to carry on his
dreams.
The cast supporting Ellis will feature, as his
children in the story, Kent Taylor, Dick Hogan
and Robert Stanton, who with Virginia Vale
won the second Jesse Lasky "Gateway to
Hollywood" radio talent quest. William Gar-
gan \vill be his brother, Katherine Alexander
his wife, and J. Edward Bromberg the store
manager. Additional players listed are Grady
Sutton, Barbara Pepper, Adele Pearce and
Alexander D'Arcy.
Release date: October 6, 1939.
Another Thin Man
(MGM)
Comedy-Mystery
Probably most exhibitors, when it comes time
to exploit "Another Thin Man," will be content
to broadcast the announcement that William
Powell and Myrna Loy again will be seen with
their dog Asta, in a picture that contains the
full appeal of an amusing domestic comedy
and an exciting detective mystery. In the
majority of cases that bare announcement
would probably be enough, for it will recall
the happy memories of "The Thin Man" and
"After the Thin Man." The married couple
will have a baby this time, eight months old
William Paulson.
For other name value the cast will include
C. Aubrey Smith and Otto Kruger. Besides
a trio of MGM's younger players, Virginia
Grey, Ruth Hussey and Tom Neal, others
featured are Patric Knowles, Horace Mac-
Mahon, Phyllis Gordon, Sheldon Leonard
and Harry Bellover.
It is_ to be a Hunt Stromberg production
and William Van Dyke II is the director.
Release d<ite: To be determined.
New Cummings Con+racf
Jack Cummings, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
producer, has been signed to a new long-
term contract by the company.
60
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 9, 1939
IN COURTS
Court Denies Application
For "Lynton" Rehearing
The application of Edward Shelton and Mar-
garet Aj^er Barnes for reargument of the ap-
peal to the United States circuit court of ap-
peals, which reduced an award of $532,000
against Loew's, Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Pictures Corporation, MGM Distributing Cor-
poration and Culver Export Corporation to
one-fifth of the net profits of the picture, "Letty
Lynton," was denied by the court this week.
The plaintiffs previously had obtained the
award from Vincent L. Leibell, federal judge,
for plagiarism of their play, "Dishonored
Lady," in "Letty Lynton." The previous deci-
sion of the circuit court, which the plaintiffs
sought to reopen, had ruled that the plaintiffs
were not entitled to obtain the entire net profits
as damages and apportioned damages at one-
fifth of the net
The plaintiffs had contended on the applica-
tion for reargument that the award was im-
proper and inadequate and that stories were of
greater value as box-office attractions than
stars.
Seek Krellberg Examination
Producers Laboratories, Inc., has filed appli-
cation in the New York supreme court for an
order directing Sherman S. Krellberg, as presi-
dent of Joan of Arc Pictures, Inc., to appear
for examination before trial. Joan of Arc Pic-
tures is plaintiff in a suit against Producers
Laboratories in which it seeks rescission of a
contract under which it purchased distribution
rights to the films, "I Conquer the Sea" and
"Revolt of the Zombies."
Arnstein Files Appeal
Ira B. Arnstein has filed notice of appeal to
the circuit court of appeals from a decision of
Edward A. Conger, federal judge, made on
July 12th which dismissed his suit for an in-
junction, accounting and damages against the
American Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers, Warner Brothers, Columbia Broad-
casting System, National Broadcasting Com-
pam- and a large number of music publishing
houses. l\Lr. Arnstein claimed infringement of
over 50 of his songs.
File Salisbury Suit
Robert W. Dallas, trustee in bankruptcy of
George L. Hoppes and Sons, this week filed
two suits in chancerj' court in Salisbuo', Md..
asking the return of the Wicomico theatre and
its equipment to the trustees in bankruptcy. The
suits charge the theatre building and equipment
were transferred "to hinder, delay and defraud
creditors" in the collection of debts. Defendants
are Milton R. Hoppes, his wife, Edna Mae, of
Chester, Pa., in whose name the building is
held; J. Crisfield Davis and May D. Hastings,
holders of a mortgage, and Wicomico Theatre
Corporation, which holds a 10-year lease on the
building.
Application Denied
The application of Katherine ^loog to ex-
amine ^Milton Krims, Charles Einfeld and Lj^a
Lys as witnesses in her suit for $75,000 dam-
ages against Warner Brothers Pictures. Inc.,
was denied this week by Samuel Mandelbaum,
federal judge. The plaintiff claims the War-
ner picture, "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," li-
beled her and violates the Civil Rights Law.
Reserve Decision
Judge P. B. O'Sullivan in Alilford, Conn.,
has reserved decision in the case of 12 residents
against the ^Nlilford Drive-In theatre, seeking
a permanent injunction because of noise.
IN N E W S R E E L S
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 102. Vol. 21.— Navy
bombers hop to Alaska bases Howard Hughes
tests new plane Squalus sinks again after ap-
pearing on surface Strengthen Mississippi River
bank New British envoy tc U. S. visits White
House Dewey visits home town Admiral Yar-
nell decorated by President Airline hostesses en-
list in Army Nurses Reserve Walter Hagen re-
tires Cobb drives 368 mph Olympic stars give
diving exhibition Lew Lehr.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 103, Vol. 21.— Entire issue
given to coverage of the war situation.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 300, Vol. 10.— Liners
searched in New York port in war scare mystery
New British envoy arrives in U. S Poland's
Army moves to borders Navy presses Squalus
salvage Harvest Moon Ball Betty Jameson
wins golf crown,
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 301, Vol. 10.— Entire issue
on war situation,
PA_RAMOUNT NEWS— ^lo. 1.— War crisis. .. .Na-
. tional Rifl.e and Pistol Matches held at Camp Perry,
Ohio Salvation Army elects successor to General
Evangeline Booth, .. .Hollywood stars at dog show
....Walter Hagen retires from tournament golf,
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 2.— War situation....
Coast-to-coa.'^t resume of Am.erica's reaction.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 13, Vol. 11.— U. S. agents
detain loreigti ships Canada guards against sabot-
age Russia tests factory defense units. .,, German
youth drafted for harvest Admiral Yarnell decor-
ated by President Sir Ronald Lindsay sails for
England New British envoy visits White House
Army engineers bolster Mississippi River banks
Squalus rises, then sinks again.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 14, Vol. 11.— War situation
...American tourists flee war zone President's
address Mrs. Roosevelt christens new liner
Australia wins Davis Cup.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 802, VoL 11.— U. S.
officials hold up sailings Airplane factories rush
foreign orders Air stewardesses join Army Nurses
Reserve Canada looks to its defenses British
envoy arrives, former envoy boards liner for Eng-
land Squalus sinks for third time Racer killed
in crack-up President honors Yarnell Bathing
beauty contest All-kid circus parade Olympic
diving trv-outs,
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No, 803, Vol. 11.— Entire
issue on war situation.
Producers Pictures Buys
Three Original Stories
Producers Pictures has purchased two
original stories for its "Sagebrush Family"
series to feature 13 year old Bobby Clark
and his trained cowpony, "Chief." The Sage-
brush Family Trails West," by William
Lively is being readied for production at the
company's new studio in Prescott, Ariz.
"The Sagebrush Famih' Rides On," by John
Rathmell. will be the second of the group.
"Strength to Live," an original by W^illiam
A. Ulman, Jr., also has been bought for the
current season's program.
Russell Coller has been signed as casting
director by Producers Pictures. "Torture
Ship," Producers Pictures production, will
go before the cameras September 6th at the
Grand National studio. Victor Halperin will
direct the film, which is based on the Jack
London story, "A Thousand Deaths."
Reopen Seattle Theatre
John Danz will reopen his Uptown thea-
tre in Seattle on Saturday under its former
foreign film policy. He has appointed Frank
Jenkins as manager.
Consents to Examination
Booth Tarkington this week filed a stipula-
tion in federal court in New York consenting
to an examination before trial in his suit for
$100,000 damages, an injunction and- an account-
ing against Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc. The
author claims misappropriation of his literar>'
property by the defendant in its film "Penrod
and His Twin Brother." \\'arner Brothers are
counter-claiming for S18,750. charging that cer-
tain stories sold to the company were in the
public domain.
OBITUARIES
W. L. Landers, Arkansas
Theatre Owner, Dies
W. L. Landers, owner of the Landers the-
atre, Batesville, Ark., died there September
1st. ilr. Landers helped organize the In-
dependent Theatre Owners of Arkansas in
1920 and was a past president of the Tri-
State theatre organization. It is said he
had been in the motion picture business
longer than any person in Arkansas.
W. F. McWillia ms Dead
W. F. ^NlcWilliams, 58, vice-president of
the Clark-McWilliams Amusement Enter-
prises and El Dorado Enterprises, operators
of several theatres in southern Arkansas,
died from a heart attack August 23rd while
on a vacation trip to Flint, Mich.
James Felton Buff
James Felton Butt, president of Local 507,
projectionists local in Macon, Ga., died
there August 19th. Mr. Bufif, 48, was a
projectionist at the Ritz theatre in Macon.
He had been employed in Macon theatres
for the past 25 years. Mr. Buff was active
in labor affairs and was a former vice-
president of the Georgia Federation of
Labor,
Catherine Ellen Crandall
Mrs. Catherine Ellen Crandall, 62, widow
of Harry M. Crandall, W^ashington, D. C,
former theatre operator, died there August
31st, following a six months' illness. One
of her three daughters, Dorothy, is the wife
of John J. Payette, general zone manager
for Warner Brothers,
Lucy Levin
Lucy Levin, 32, star of the Yiddish mu-
sical comedy stage, died September 4th at
the Beth Israel Hospital in New York.
Warner Stars on
Goodwill Tour
Some 12 to 14 Warner Brothers players
left Los Angeles W'ednesday on a week's
good will tour to aid coast independent ex-
hibitors who bought the company's product
when it was recently sold away from Fox
West Coast theatres. Traveling in a special
car, the stars and featured players are ac-
companied by an elaborate balhdioo which
will be staged in about a dozen cities.
Warner Brothers began its new season
this week with 381 simultaneous engage-
ments on "The Old Maid," initial release on
the 1939-40 schedule. The picture has been
held over in six special pre-release situations
to date. At the Paramount, BrookhTi, where
the film is staying a second week, the film
broke every existing record for the house
in its first week, according to the company.
Similar business was reported in other hold-
over spots including the Stanley, Baltimore ;
the Ea,rle, ^^"ashington ; the W^arner, Atlan-
tic City; W'arner, Bridgeport, and the
Strand, N. Y. At the latter theatre the
feature is staying a fourth week.
W. P. (Pat) Garyn, who is handling in-
dependent pictures in the South, has sold
the Hoffberg Zane Grey "Rangle River" to
Interstate and Griffith circuits.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
U.S. WIDENS ITS HOLLYWOOD PROBE;
PEACE FINALLY SETTLES ON ACTORS
Attorney General's Assistant Be-
gins Investigation of Actors'
Guild, lATSE, Executives' In-
come Taxes, and 20th-Fox
The Screen Actors Guild — as well as the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees, the income taxes of movie mag-
nates, and the organzation of Twentieth Cen-
tury Fox Film Corporation — is being inves-
tigated by the United States attorney gen-
eral's office, it was learned this week.
Charles Carr, assistant to Attorney Gen-
eral Frank Murphy, is in Los Angeles to
conduct the general probe of industry condi-
tions, and revealed his investigation into
complaints by members, against the Guild's
leadership.
Follows Tilt with "Four A's" . .
The charges apparently are an outgrowth of
the war between the Associated Actors and
Artistes of America, of which the Guild is a
powerful member, and the International Al-
liance of Theatrical Stage Employes. Some
of the complainants are dancers, members of
the American Federation of Labor and of the
guild, who claim they were forced to join the
American Guild of Variety Artists, the organi-
zation that supplants the American Federation
of Actors as the "variety" unit of the Four A's.
There are also charges that the senior mem-
bers of the Guild negotiated with producers
for an extra players' contract, without letting
the latter have a voice.
Another Hollywood development was the
resignation of Jeff Kibre from Studio Techni-
cians' Union, Local 37. Mr. Kibre faced trial
by an lATSE trial board, for creating dissen-
sion within the union. He had been the spear-
head in the drive by Local 37's dissidents
against the international officers, a drive more
than a year old, which resulted in charges
against the officers, of unaccounted and exces-
sive dues, and of "racketeering" and "autoc-
racy" ; and counter charges by the officers
against the union rebels, of "communism," and
efforts to aid the CI.O. by destroying the
lATSE, an AFL affiliate.
Mr. Kibre, in resigning from Local 37, de-
clared he would do everything possible to drive
from union life George Browne, lATSE pres-
ident, and William Bioff, his personal repre-
sentative on the coast.
NLRB Election September 2!
Briefs were being written this week by at-
torneys for both sides, in the battle before the
National Labor Relations Board, between the
producers and the Screen Writers Guild. Hear-
ings closed last week. It had been charged
by the writers that they had been "threatened"
by the producers ; and by the producers that
they feared monopoly of writing sources. The
writers' charges were also denied by the pro-
ducers. Both sides, early this year, before the
NLRB hearings, had failed to agree on con-
tract terms, after long negotiation.
Meanwhile, the lATSE was preparing this
week to reenter the "basic agreement" with the
studios ; its reentrance to depend upon winning
the NLRB election on September 21st to deter-
mine the bargaining agent for Hollywood studio
workers. The Alliance officials confidently ex-
pected victory over the LTnited Studio Tech-
nicans' Guild, the membership of which, they
assert, is over-estimated.
The Alliance re-entrance into the basic pact
PROJECTIONISTS
TALK CONTRACTS
officers of Local 306, New York
Projectionists Union, and those of
New York circuits met this week in
New York on new terms for next two
years, with a 25 per cent wage increase
understood to be part of Jinion de-
mands.
In Chicago, the Operators Union
is asking for a \Q per cent salary in-
crease.
Chicago Stagehands officers are also
meeting theatre executives on terms.
The dispute in St. Louis between
the operators of the Bremen & O'Fal-
lon theatres and two lATSE unions
has been ended, by agreement.
lATSE projectionists in Kansas City
have renewed contracts with first -ncn
theatres.
In Detroit, renetval of tivo-year con-
tracts between local projectionists and
most of the city exhibitors was antici-
pated.
would probably be in October, at the next
meeting of the other "Big Four" entertainment
industry unions with the producers' representa-
tives. The "Big Four" met with producers'
representatives two weeks ago in Newark,
New Jersey ; but nothing was done, presumably
because of the lATSE inability to act until its
certification by the NLRB.
The other unions, known as the "Big Four,"
are the American Federation of Musicians, the
Brotherhood of Teamsters and Chauffeurs, the
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.
The lATSE withdrew from the basic pact
last year, after its Hollywood locals demanded
bargaining autonomy. The pact itself, with all
the unions, is up for renewal.
The lATSE has already signed, with the
producers, a closed shop agreement, subject
to ironing out the details, which in substance,
embodies the basic pact provisions.
Order "Wrath" Removed
The Kansas City. Mo., Board of Educa-
tion has ordered 13 copies of John Stein-
beck's "The Grapes of Wrath" removed
from the shelves of the Kansas City public
library. The novel has been bought by Dar-
ryl Zanuck for a picture.
A three reel film, "Plums of Plenty," has
been filmed to be shown in answer to "The
Grapes of Wrath," by the Kern County, Cal.,
Chamber of Commerce.
Mitchell Wolfson, of the Wometco Thea-
tre Corporation, Miami, has taken his seat
on the Miami Beach city council following
a recount of ballots in the election of June
6th.
Settlennent Provides That lATSE
Revoke Actors' Federation
Charter; Recognize Four A's;
Sophie Tucker Is Reinstated
In a "Munich settlement" which abruptly
and mysteriously jettisoned Ralph White-
head and his American Federation of Actors
— a man and cause for which it had, until
last Saturday, been willing to tie up the
entire entertainment industry — George E.
Browne's International Alliance of The-
atrical Stage Employees, early Sunday
morning, reached an agreement with the
Associated Actors and Artistes of Amer-
ica. The settlement granted the actors' par-
ent union virtually everything it had de-
manded, and averted a strike which would
have engaged actors and stagehands in a
war involving the motion picture industry.
Revoking Charter
The settlement provided that the lATSE re-
voke the charter it gave to Mr. Whitehead's
union, expelled some time ago from the Four
A's ; that Sophie Tucker, president of the AFA,
be reinstated into Actors' Equity, which she
was, early this week ; that the Four A's work
closely with the Alliance and the American
Federation of Musicians, in furtherance of the
"one big union" idea of all in the entertain-
ment industry; that the lATSE recognize that
the four A's has jurisdiction over all perform-
ers; that the lATSE notify its locals every-
where that they assist and recognize the Amer-
ican Guild of Variety Artists (Four A's union
which was formed by that body as a substitute
to Mr. Whitehead's AFA) as the only unit
for "variety" performers ; that all litigation or
contemplated strikes by parties concerned, be
withdrawn ; that the suspension of Harry Rich-
man, by Actors' Equity, be withdrawn ; that
both sides (lATSE and AAAA) respect each
other's jurisdiction; and that the AGVA ad-
mit all members of the actors' federation with-
out discrimination, or payment of dues.
Mr. Whitehead said at midweek that he was
"glad to be the instrument through which these
conditions (he referred to the contemplated
strike by the AAAA against the Alliance at-
titude) were averted, even at a painful personal
sacrifice.
"My relief and joy," he continued, "that
there will be no strike, are equalled only by
my feeling of gratitude toward Sophie Tucker
and the thousands of other loyal AFA mem-
bers who stood by me staunchly through all
the false statement and accusations and through
all the vicious and unwarranted attacks on our
organization."
Whitehead "Indisposed"
Mr. Whitehead urged former AFA members
to join the AGVA, but warned that they were
being placed in the hands of a group "who
have pointedly ignored and misunderstood our
people for more than 20 years" — he was here
referring to the other units of the- Four A's,
with whom he had fought, and whom he had
charged with "framing" the case against him
and his union, and causing his and his union's
expulsion several weeks ago for "mismanage-
ment."
At midweek, Mr. Whitehead was "indis-
posed," a term which was rumored a mild col-
lapse, inasmuch as it was reported that the
settlement of the conflict came as a complete
(.Continued on following page)
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
FOLLOWS EXTENDED NEGOTIATIONS
(Continued from preceding page)
shock to him. Over the weekend, while Four
A's leaders and Alliance heads were con-
ferring on the settlement in Hollywood and
New York, Mr. Whitehead and his actors'
federation aids had been planning an organiza-
tional drive, under tiieir new charter from the
lATSE, which granted them jurisdiction over
all performers.
The action came as a climax to long nego-
tiations which had begun in early August, when
the American Federation of Labor executive
council met in Atlantic City to consider Four
A's protests against the issuance by Mr.
Browne's lATSE of a charter to Mr. White-
head's AFA, a union which they had expelled ;
and which were climaxed last week with
threats of a national strike by the Four A's.
The AFL's mediation efforts failed, Mr. White-
head being the sole issue. All compromise deci-
sions insisting upon his retention, along with Mr.
Browne's revocation of the AFA charter, were
rejected by the Four A's; and all compromises
dropping Mr. Whitehead were rejected by the
AFA council, and by Mr. Browne, who as-
serted loyalty to the executive secretary of his
newly acquired actors' union.
CIO Timber
Mr. Browne's loyalty to Mr. Whitehead was
also said to be tempered with the fear that the
newly orphaned actors' federation, if left
orphaned by the Four A's, or if cut adrift again
by him, would become material for John L.
Lewis' Congress of Industrial Organizations —
and Mr. Browne was having enough of that
organization these current weeks, with the
United Studio Technicians in Hollywood attack-
ing his lATSE, and reported backed by the
C.LO.
The fight against Mr. Whitehead started
back this year, when Mr. Whitehead asked for
an investigation of his secretaryship of the
AFA by the international board of the Four
A's, to "clear up ugly rumors." He got the
investigation, but not the clearance. He and
other AFA officers were ordered to stand trial
for undemocratic management, misuse of relief
monies, and other charges, on July 10th. He,
Miss Sophie Tucker, the president, and other
officers, walked out of that trial. They were
found guilty in absentia, they and their union
expelled, and a substitute set up, the American
Guild of Variety Artists which this week ab-
sorbs the whole AFA in final victory. One
week later, Mr. Browne handed a charter to
Miss Tucker's and Mr. Whitehead's orphaned
union, thereby precipitating the storm which
culminated last week in the threat of a na-
tional strike.
The Four A's took their protest to the At-
lantic City AFL council session, charging that
Mr. Browne's granting of a charter to the AFA
(a charter which granted that union jurisdic-
tion over all performers) was an invasion by
"stagehands."
Prepared for Strike
When the mediation efforts failed, prepara-
tions were made for a strike ; all units of the
Four A's, some 30,000 actors, pledged support,
unity, and money ; and Sunday night meetings
-in New York and Hollywood were to herald
the decision on the strike; that is, the member-
ships last Sunday, in Hollywood and New
York, were to vote for the strike.
Instead^ actors at both meetings heard the
peace settlement ; for which they were obvi-
ously, to all observers, glad, inasmuch as it
represented almost a complete victory for them.
The^ cause for the strike was to have been,
ostensibly, and immediately, the appearance of
Sophie Tucker, the AFA president, in the
leading role of Vinton Freedley's "Leave It
To Me" in New York's Imperial Theatre, on
GRIFFITH PRODUCING
HAL ROACH PICTURE
David Wark Griffifb, who recently
joiued the Hal Roach organization
after an absence from production for
eight years, xvill produce " 1 ,000,000
B.C." for Hal Roach Productions and
United Artists release. The picture,
which will be a story of a prehistoric
man and woman in their struggle for
existence against the monsters that
surround them, is scheduled to go be-
fore the cameras following the com-
pletion of the Hal Roach production
of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and
Men".
this Monday night. Backed by the stagehands,
Miss Tucker, two weeks ago suspended by
Actors' Equity, a Four A's powerful union,
was to have appeared, and the actors, all of
them Equity members, were to have walked
oft'. This was to have provoked retaliation by
the stagehands in other legitimate theatres in
New York. And this retaliation was to have
provoked counter-action by Four A's members
in Hollywood, in the studios, where 6,000 of
the actors are Screen Actors' Guild members.
And, in turn, the lATSE stagehands' union
would have called out its 12,000 studio workers.
And so on down the line, with the whole en-
tertainment industry to be tied up.
Followed Settlement
Miss Tucker's desertion of Mr. Whitehead's
cause, if that is what it was, came after the
settlement, and not before. By her reinstate-
ment in Actors' Equity she was allowed to
appear in the New York show, which she did.
Mr. Whitehead's statement of defeat mentions
Miss Tucker gratefully. Through the whole
struggle, she had not been attacked personally,
but merely as one misguided by her trust in
Mr. Whitehead. In most of her public state-
ments. Miss Tucker emphasized her belief in
Whitehead's innocence, and repeatedly declared
she would not let him down. She was a pow-
erful factor in keeping the AFA membership
behind her and Mr. Whitehead and in counter-
acting the natural public support of the numer-
ous actor stars of the Four A's, as all factors.
The reasons for the settlement appeared nu-
merous this week, and equally speculative. The
fact that they are speculative and that they are
numerous is a consequence of the suddenness of
the settlement, and the fact that, for the lATSE
at least, it represented virtually an about-face.
The settlement is reported to have been made
in Hollywood, in the early hours of Sunday
morning, after Ralph Morgan, Guild president,
and Kenneth Thomson, executive secretary of
Guild, a factor in the Four A's, had gone into
conference with lATSE international officers,
and with William Bioff, personal representative
of Mr. Browne on the coast, at Mr. BiofT's
home.
The settlement is supposed to have been
reached about five o'clock in the morning, coast
time, and agreed upon as a secret until an-
nouncement at the actors' meetings Sunday
night in New York and Hollywood.
While the conferees were negotiating, Four
A's leaders in New York were constantly ap-
prised of the progress, by telephone. Their
agreement settled the pact.
The entrance of Mr. Bioff into the nego-
tiations introduced a speculative note, inasmuch
as his admitted police record had been con-
sistently attacked by the Four A's in public
statements, in their endeavor to show "what
kind of an organization" they were fighting ;
and inasmuch as the Actors' Guild in a public
letter to Mr. Bioff had praised his assistance
in ending the conflict. This letter, over Mr.
Thomson's signature, said :
"Through the intervention of AFL officials,
your services were made available to the end
that a just and equitable solution of existing
differences has been effected.
"Because we feel that industrial peace and
harmony are essential at this time, and should
be paramount to all other considerations, we
are glad to assure you the assistance you ren-
dered is appreciated by the AAAA."
Mr. BiofT is the former lATSE leader who
was said to have borrowed $100,000 from a pro-
ducer, while in 1937 studio labor troubles were
in progress.
A movement to return Mr. Bioff, who has
been inactive for about a year, to a regional di-
rectorship of the lATSE in Hollywood got un-
der way Wednesday, following the mailing of a
letter sent to Mr. Bioff by the executive board
of International Photographers Local 659 asking
his aid in negotiations with producers.
The role which the United Studio Techni-
cians' Guild played, is also a matter for specu-
lation. This union is reported backed by the
C.LO. ; some of the C.I.O. coast harbor unions
are known to have contributed money to it.
It will contest for the bargaining power for
Hollywood crafts workers in a National Labor
Relations Board election this month. It is re-
ported to be growing. And, further, it fiad
been reported that the Screen Actors' Guild,
battling for the Four A's in the proposed in-
dustry strike, would have tied up with the
USTG, against their common enemy, the Al-
liance.
The settlement of the strike ends for the
lATSE the prospect that the new union would
be backed by the resources not only of the
C.I.O. but of the Screen Actors Guild, and the
whole of the Four A's.
Peace Sought by Producers
Another reason imputed as cause for the set-
tlement is the desire of the producers to see
peace ; and their threat, personally conveyed to
the Four A's, but most especially to Mr.
Browne, that, unless the two AFL international
unions settled peacefully, the studios would
shut their doors for 60 days.
Mr. Browne himself, in a typically muddy
opinion, asserted that now was not the time
to have arguments within the entertainment
industry ; and that the agreement would bene-
fit all concerned.
The announcement of the settlement came
completely as a surprise to the actors, who as-
sembled in New York's Hotel Astor, and
Hollywood's Legion Stadium.
In the Astor, there were no speeches. Frank
Gillmore, president of the Four A's, read the
terms of the settlement. The audience cheered,
each point.
In Hollywood, Ralph Morgan read the peace
agreement, which was wildly cheered as an
actors' victory.
A meeting of the AFA executive council was
held Wednesday, but no action was taken on the
dissolution of the union. Formal action is ex-
pected soon. In preparation, the American Guild
of Variety Artists has set up new and larger
New York offices, with Jean Muir, actress, in
charge.
One result of the settlement is to increase the
probability of a realignment of Four A's units
organization and dues collecting, with the "one
big union" idea predominating. The need for
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
THREE-WAY AGREEMENT IS SOUGHT
(Continued from oft>ositc I'lifjc)
united action in the recent crises, and the
various formalities necessary to secure this, is
said to have convinced Four A's officers of the
necessity of reorganizing the association to some
extent.
Officials of the Four A's this week were re-
ported working on a three-way "mutual as-
sistance" agreement with the IATSE and the
American Federation of Musicians, as provided
by the settlement — a pact similar to that ex-
isting between the Alliance and the AFM.
As the smoke cleared, the cost of the whole
struggle was estimated to have been borne
mostly by the Four A's. Their use of chartered
airplanes, of hotel ballrooms, stadiums, of press
agents, and the like, is said to have cost more
than $15,000. The IATSE is said to have
spent much less than this, and the AFA bore
most of whatever expenses were incurred. The
latter union was reported this week to have no
general funds left, but a considerable amount in
death benefits.
However much the Four A's campaign may
have cost, it gained them public support.
Throughout the conflict, and in spite of the
favorable way in which reporters and photog-
raphers handled Sophie Tucker for the AFA-
IATSE forces, the public acclaim, and cer-
tainlv that of commentators, was for the
Four A's.
• Pegler Attacks Alliance Record
Notable in condemnation of the Alliance's
record, tactics, and aims in the fight, was West-
brook Pegler, columnist for the Scripps-How-
ard newspaper chain, who devoted several col-
umns to the subject, and also brought up the
Biof? police record, and the payment of IATSE
dues.
A result of the settlement was to end asso-
ciated fights in night clubs and theatres of
Boston, Chicago and New York, where actors'
federation members fought members of the new
AGVA.
Though the AFA existed at mid-week merely
on paper, the Theatre Authority's case against
it was scheduled to have a hearing on this
Thursday before that body's council. The AFA
has already withdrawn from the TA. It was
charged with misuse of TA money.
Libel Suit in Doubt
The fate of Ralph Whitehead's suit for libel
and $100,000 against leaders of the Four A's,
which was instituted in New York Supreme
Court last Thursday, was in doubt at mid-week.
The suit alleges that a publicity release of
the Four A's, issued on August 18th, during
the Atlantic City hearings, and referring to the
charges against him by the Four A's, is li-
belous.
The AGVA advertised in the trade papers
this week, asking variety artists to join, stat-
ing that the organization was supported by all
of the Four A's unions, and also by the IATSE,
that AFA members with paid-up cards would
receive full credit, and that no initiation fees
would be asked of AFA members now in ar-
rears.
The AGVA drive was said this week to be
centered on the inclusion of all "variety" actors,
in all cities. Its officials claimed their mem-
bership drive would not be confined to "key"
cities, as they claimed Mr. Whiteliead's AFA
membership drives were. At the time of its
expulsion, the AFA claimed 15,000 members.
The AGVA this week has offices in Chicago,
New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
U. S. ARMY AIR CORPS
AWARDS RADIO ORDER
The U. S. War Department has
placed what is reported to be the
largest order for radio equipment in
peace time history, with the awarding
of a $2,678,8 5 2 contract with the
General Electric Company for trans-
mitting equipment and accessories for
the Army Air Corps.
Two contracts were awarded, one
for equipment for new heavy and
light bombardment airplanes and an-
other for equipment for observation
and short range liaison planes.
If It Isn V One
It 's Another
As the motion picture industry complac-
ently contemplated the settlement of the act-
ors-stagehands fight, it was faced this week
by the threat of a strike affecting many
theatres, out of the conflict between the
Theatrical Managers, Agents and Treasur-
ers Union and the International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees, for jurisdic-
tion over theatre treasurers.
Get IATSE Charter
The treasurers' division of the TMAT last
week broke away from its parent, and received
a charter from the Alliance. Gustave Gerber,
attorney for the TMAT, and its officials,
charged this constituted treason, formation of a
"company union" and that it was an invasion
by the IATSE of TMAT jurisdiction.
The New York State Labor Relations Board
this week was considering the case, but it was
not known at mid-week whether it would act,
inasmuch as its policy has been that in cases
involving two American Federation of Labor
unions, such as the two in conflict are, it is up
to that body to decide.
It appears likely that the dispute will be set-
tled, however. The union on Wednesday opened
negotiations with the League of New York
Theatres for a contract covering press agents
and company managers. If an agreement is
reached there would be nothing to bar the
IATSE from holding the treasurers.
Doubts Strike
Mr. O'Connor belittled the strike threats, and
said that the agreement between the TMAT
and the IATSE, of long standing, had been for
the treasurers to join the stagehands' union
whenever the latter was ready to receive them.
The TMAT still faces division within its
ranks, with members of its motion picture divi-
sion reported anxious to join the Alliance.
Another factor this week was the result of the
demands by the TMAT upon the members of
the League of New York Theatres, that they
raise wages of "front office" employees.
What the Four A's, having over the week-
end signed an armistice with the Alliance, would
do over the new situation, at mid-week was
questionable. They were reported favoring help
to the TMAT, against an "invasion of jurisdic-
tion" like that which they claimed to have faced,
and which ended in the peace pact.
Mr. O'Connor, leader of the treasurers who
seceded from the TMAT to join the Alliance,
claimed over 200 members this week. This
number was denied by TMAT officials.
Most in Legitimate Theatre
Effect upon motion picture houses was a mat-
ter for speculation, at mid-week. The treasurers
affected are mostly in the legitimate theatre.
However, should the TMAT decide to harm
the IATSE in all houses in which it, and they,
have members, the strike possibly would close
many motion picture theatres in the Eastern
states.
The attitude of the actors was to be de-
termined by a Four A's meeting late this week;
if they should decide not to cross TMAT picket
lines, the Broadway legitimate and film-stage
shows would definitely be closed.
The State Labor Relations Board this week
indefinitely postponed hearing of the TMAT
application for certification as the bargaining
agent for the Rugoff and Becker circuit, and
set next Tuesday as the hearing date for its
appeal for certification as the bargaining agent
for the Raybond Theatres.
The union this week reached a tentative agree-
ment v^'ith the Vogue, Metro, and Congress
Theatres, in the Bronx, New York City. This
provides for a two year closed shop and re-
employment of all striking employees ; and is
provisional upon purchase of the houses by Max
Felder, Sig Wittman, and P. Block.
RKO Dinner Held for
Anna Neagle and Wilcox
RKO Radio held a dinner in the Empire
Room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel last
Thursday night in honor of Anna Neagle
and Herbert Wilcox, star and producer, of
"Nurse Edith Cavell." George J. Schaefer,
president of RKO, was toastmaster. Among
the speakers were Miss Neagle, Mr. Wilcox
and Charles Hallert, Belgian vice-counsul.
About 200 attended the dinner, which fol-
lowed a special screening of the film at the
Lexington Avenue Trans-Lux theatre.
The guests included Will H. Hays, presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America; Mr. and Mrs.
Terry Ramsaye, Sam Shain, Mr. and Mrs.
Jules Lev}^ Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ehr-
man, W. G. Van Schmus, Richard C. Pat-
terson, Sir Louis Beale, Jack Alicoate, Don
Mersereau, Ned Depinet, M. H. Ayles-
worth, Malcolm Kingsburg, Leon Goldberg,
Major L. E. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Wil-
liam Mallard, Leo Mishkin, William Boeh-
nel, Bide Dudley, Kelcey Allen, Al Fine-
stone, Andrew Christiansen, S. Barret
McCormick, Gus Eyssell, Bob Wolff and
Frank Nugent.
Complete Script of Time Film
The final shooting script for "The Ram-
parts We Watch," first full length feature
to be produced by The March of Time has
been completed, Louis de Rochemont, pro-
ducer, announced this week. The film will be
distributed by RKO Radio and sold as an
individual attraction.
Variety Film Distributors has moved its
offices to new and larger quarters at 33
West 42nd Street, New York. Joe Mazer
has joined the organization.
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
REOPEN FIGHT ON FILM STARS ON AIR;
J. L FLY TAKES OVER AS FCC CHAIRMAN
Independent Exhibitors Say
Broadcasts "Put Stars
Through Wringer, Then Dis-
card Them Like Worn Rags"
Exhibitors this week reopened their "war"
against radio appearances of motion picture
stars as guests and otherwise, complaining
that many sound Hke high school students
reciting in squeaky voices, and demanded
immediate bans by the producers on the
ground that the appearance of their players
are both in competition to box offices and
a blow to the popularity of the player.
Independents Reopen Fight
The fight was reopened, after lying dormant
for months, by the Independent Theatre Own-
ers Association of the east, headed by Harry
Brandt, which sent an ultimatum direct to
Hollywood, charging "bad faith" of some pro-
ducers who had agreed to keep their stars off
the air. At one time or another virtually every
city, state and national exhibitor organization
has attacked the practice.
The new action came within a week of
publication by Motion Picture Herald, on
August 26th, of the lineup of air shows for
the new radio season, starting September 1st.
The network broadcasters disclosed that Holly-
wood again will be the major source of supply
of name talent for their sponsored shows, list-
ing 17 "big-name" programs as coming from
Hollywood in the new season.
Says Exhibitors Demand Change
This week the ITOA warned Hollywood,
"The time to call a halt to this practice has
come, and theatre owners have banded together
for the purpose of protecting that which takes
their time, money and effort to build up. The-
atre owners no longer intend to sit idly by
while their investments are depreciated, not
through their own doing, but by the thoughtless
action of our stars. Stars who gain promi-
nence through the studios and the producers,
and then refuse to make more than one or
two pictures a year, must stop appearing week-
ly on radio programs.
"So few stars have radio personalities that
it is safe to say that the screen receives no
benefit whatever from radio. We admit readily
that a broadcast of the type held last year on
behalf of 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' helped the
business of that picture. But it must likewise
be observed that broadcasts of the type we
decry put our stars through a wringer and
then discard them like worn out rags."
"Tired of Honeyed Words"
"You stars in Hollywood should carefully
check on the names that appeared on the radio
last year and which will not appear this year
■ — and then ask yourselves the reason why,"
advised the ITOA.
"We are tired of listening to honeyed words
about what will be done. We are tired of be-
ing agreed with and then left in midair with
no action taken. We are tired of bringing to
the attention of these stars and their producers
the fact that agents are playing the old hit-
and-run game with them. The agents' motto is :
'Get as rnuch as possible out of Johnny Jones
today while the getting is good, for tomorrow
we'll have to get another Johnny Jones.'
"Theatre business is terrible, due, to a great
degree, to the fact that many stars now appear-
ing in pictures have killed their value by
convincing the public, through the radio, that
they haven't the glamour the screen has built
up for them. We .are purposely refraining
from mentioning names at the present time for
we feel that this article should come under
the head of being a fair warning. We do not
intend to pull our punches and unless this
warning is heeded, not only will names be
given, but actual proven figures.
"No More Waiting"
"Several of the producers have promised that
they will not permit their stars to appear on
the radio. Two companies have not — and this
is intended as a fair warning to those compa-
nies as well as to their stars. We will not
tolerate the willful dissipation of box office
names, names theatre owners have worked hard
to build up into money-making personalities.
There will be no more waiting about a sub-
ject as serious as this.
"We intend doing what any sound business
men would do when their business is bad and
we will no longer condone the silly mistakes
of our stars, the vacillating acts of the pro-
ducers and the avariciousness of the agents.
We are definitely moving towards the removal
of picture stars from radio and to that end
we intend working with the means at our
disposal. This is no open declaration of war.
This is no threat. It is a clear, logical exposi-
tion of what must be done to maintain the
drawing power of our stars and keep the
movie business healthy.
"We issue fair warning we are going to fight
for these things. We should not have any op-
position. If there should be any, let those per-
sons handing it out, be just as well prepared to
take it."
Personnel Changes
In Famous Canadian
Famous Players Canadian Corporation
has transferred R. S. Roddick of Toronto,
former district supervisor of theatres in the
London, Ont., territory, has been transferred
to Halifax, N. S., where he will have super-
vision over theatres in the Maritime
Provinces. Mr. Roddick takes over the
management of the Capitol in Halifax in
succession to L. Graburn, who returns to
the home office at Toronto.
Jack Arthur, manager of the Uptown
theatre, Toronto, has been promoted to dis-
trict manager for western Ontario. Fred
Trebilcock, assistant manager, has been
promoted to . manager of the Uptown.
The transfer of Mr. Roddick to the Mari-
time Provinces zone marks the virtual re-
tirement of Clarence Robson, who has
served many years as eastern division super-
visor, and who is seriously ill. It is under-
stood that Morris Stein of Toronto, central
Ontario district manager, will take over the
eastern Ontario territory temporarily.
"Arizona," which Columbia will put into
work this month, will be the company's
first full length feature to be made in color.
Wesley Ruggles will direct the film, based
on Clarence Budington Kelland's Saturday
Evening Post story and novel.
Welcoming banners were draped over
Universal City streets last Thursday to
greet L. J. McGinley, former Seattle branch
manager, who recently was appointed as-
sistant to William J. Heineman.
Successor to McNinch Says
Any Further Changes Would
Come Only After Thorough
Study by the Commission
In sharp contrast to his predecessor,
Frank R. McNinch, who aired strong views
against newspaper ownership, monopoly and
other radio matters promptly upon assuming
the chairmanship of the Federal Communi-
cations Commission, September 1st, James
Lawrence Fly, let it be kno.wn that he is
not prepared to make any immediate moves
toward further reorganization of commission
personnel or policies.
Only After Long Search
Mr. Fly made this clear within a few hours
after he was sworn in, when he told newspaper-
men that such steps would be taken only after
thorough study and consideration by the full
commission.
Likewise, he had nothing to say at the time
regarding plans to control radio in the event
of necessity during the European crisis, al-
though it is known generally that the Admin-
istration has ready very complete plans, which
will be invoked should an emergency arise.
He indicated, however, that, for the time being
at least there will be no interference with
the ordinary operations of broadcasters.
While Chairman Fly refused to discuss the
situation, it is known that the Administration
has given considerable thought to the radio
problem created by the European situation,
which has unleashed a torrent of propaganda
directed at this country by the Government-
controlled short-wave stations of all the pow-
ers involved. How to deal with that propa-
ganda, as well as quash any attempts that may
be made toward its dissemination over the air
from domestic stations, is one of the most seri-
ous questions to be faced by President Roose-
velt in carrying out his avowed intention of
keeping the United States neutral.
Filling Prall's Term
Chairman Fly, appointed by the President to
fill the unexpired term of the late Commissioner
Anning S. Prall, will serve to June 30, 1942,
providing he does not lose out in the anticipated
reorganization of the commission asked last
winter by Mr. Roosevelt and due to be taken
up by Congress next session.
The new FCC head was born at Seagoville,
Dallas county, Texas, on George Washington's
birthday in 1898, was graduated from Dallas
High School in 1916, went through the United
States Naval Academy at Annapolis and served
in the Navy from 1920 to 1923.
Resigning from the naval service, he entered
law school at Harvard, receiving his degree in
1926, and then joined the law firm of Burling-
ham, Veeder, Maston and Fearcy in New York
City. In 1929, he severed his connection with
that firm and became a special assistant attor-
ney general, acting as Government counsel in
actions involving restraint of trade under fed-
eral anti-trust laws and regulatory measures
under commerce power.
From the Department of Justice, Mr. Fly in
1934 went to the Tennessee Valley Authority
as general solictor and head of the legal depart-
ment, where in 1937 he became general counsel
of the TVA.
The new FCC chairman is married and the
father of two children. He is also, according
to a biographical sketch issued by the communi-
cations commission, a Democrat.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
65
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE MEETS THE BOSS: Penny Singleton,
Arthur Lake, Larry Simras — This seemed to please an
average sized audience. Played August 5. — C. W.
Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patron-
age.
BLONDIE MEETS THE BOSS: Penny Singleton,
Arthur Lake, Larry Simms — Quite as good as the first.
Unfortunately, no draw for us, however. Played Aug-
ust 29. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H.
General patronage.
HOMICIDE BUREAU: Bruce Cabot, Rita Hay-
worth. — Well received. Suitable for a dual bill. — Har-
land Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
NORTH OF THE YUKON: Charles Starrett, Linda
Winters — A dandy Saturday action picture of the
northwest mounties. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Ana-
mosa, Iowa. General patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant,
Jean Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell
— One of the really fine pictures of the year. — C. L.
Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
THUNDERING WEST, THE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers — A fair western.
Fair business. Played August 12.— C. W. Mills, Ar-
cade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
WHISPERING ENEMIES: Jack Holt, Dolores Cos-
tello — About the poorest I have had from Columbia this
year. Not really bad but was definitely intended for
the lower half of a double bill. — L. V. Bergtold, West-
by Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
First National
COWBOY QUARTERBACK: Bert Wheeler, Marie
Wilson. Gloria Dickson — Fair picture; fair business.
Just gets by. Played August 25-26.— E. M. Freibur-
ger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
DAUGHTERS COURAGEOUS: Lane Sisters. Gale
Page, John Garfield, Claude Rains, Fay Bainter, Jef-
frey Lynn, Donald Crisp, Dick Foran, Frank Mc-
Hugh, May Robson — Again Priscilla Lane is the show.
This is not a picture that men will especially enjoy
but a sweet little drama that will do slightly better
than average business. Not better than "Four Daugh-
ters." A good picture for the women. Rtnming time,
105 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier,
Ind. Small town patronage.
DAUGHTERS COURAGEOUS: Lane Sisters, Gale
Page, John Garfield, Fay Bainter, Donald Crisp, Jef-
frey Lynn, Dick Foran, Frank McHugh, May Robson
— We did above average business on this one and
everyone enjoyed it but it doesn't come up to "Four
Daughters" standard. Small town patrons will enjoy
it. Running time, 107 minutes. Played August 3-4. —
Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla.
Small town patronage.
YOU CAN'T GET AWAY WITH MURDER:
Humphrey Bogart, Gale Page — Not bad at all, though
still another in the ceaseless chain of crime pictures.
Played August 15. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre,
Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer
BRIDAL SUITE: Robert Young, Annabella, Walter
Connolly — Here's one that didn't click with us. The
swell cast did all they could but it just didn't seem
to be in the cards and did not do any business. Run-
ning time, 70 minutes. Played August 16-17. — Horn
and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb.
Small town patronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lionel Barry more, Lew
Ayres, Lana Turner, Laraine Day — Now there's a
picture! Has everything, cast, story, direction and
box office value. You couldn't find a better man
than Barrymore, and Ayres fills the bill also. Where
does Metro find all these swell girls? Turner and
Day sure are destined for bigger things. Running
time, 86 minutes. Played August 18-19. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
IN this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore— Not as good as the first Kildare and hardly
up to standard for a Sunday opening, three-day run.
Personally, was rather disappointed in it, and I am
not saying that because business was below average. —
L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer
Garson — From a box office standpoint, we did poor
business on this picture and I think the reason is
because our patrons do not like the English accent
nor have they seen enough of Robert Donat to be-
come excited. I would not be fair, however, if I did
not praise it from another point of view. It is too
long and a little slow at the beginning, but Robert
Donat does a superb piece of acting throughout the
whole picture. Greer Garson is good and I hope we
see more of her. Those who saw it were keenly
touched and loud in their praises. The whole picture
has quiet dignity that leaves a satisfied feeling. I
would say play it for its merit. Running time, 114
minutes. Played August 17-18.— Mrs. W. A. Wight,
Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Lewis Stone, Mickey
Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden. Ann Rutherford
— Personally think this not up to the standard of the
other Hardys. — L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, West-
by, Wis. General patronage.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: Claudette Colbert,
James Stewart — Nothing but praise for this. Grossed
as much as either of the last two Hardys we ran and
had a big Softball Tournament tmder the lights for
competition the last two nights. Stewart is certainly
coming up fast and Claudette is better than ever. — L.
V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. General
patronage.
LUCKY NIGHT: Robert Taylor, Myrna . Loy—
Above average for our raid -week change. Fair pic-
ture with rather a weak story held up by "name"
cast. Running time, 81 minutes. Played August 23-
24. — R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa.
Rural patronage,
ON BORROWED TIME: Lionel Barrymore, Sir
Cedric Hardwicke, Bobs Watson, Beulah Bondi, Una
Merkel — Good picture; good business. Not a picture
for shallow minds. Running time, 99 minutes. — E. M.
Freiburger. Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
ON BORROWED TIME: Bobs Watson, Lionel
Barrymore, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Beulah Bondi. Una
Merkel — This is one of the most unusual pictures we
have ever played and the audience reaction was the
most outstanding. No one criticized its impossible
story. It was so well done they found themselves be-
lieving it in spite of unreality. At times our audience
was so intrigued with it I doubt if someone hollered
"fire" they would have heard it. For days after its
run, we heard it being discussed. It will leave you
with a feeling you can't shake of! nor can you forget
it very soon. Lionel Barrymore has surpassed himself
as "Gramps." His performance is magnificent, and
Bobs Watson can easily claim the child acting honors
of any year. We were pleased with our business but
better yet were proud to be able to present such a
picture to our audience. I say to every exhibitor run
it and give your patrons something to think about !
Running time, 133 minutes. Played July 30.— Mrs. W.
A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small town
patronage.
ON BORROWED TIME: Lionel Barrymore, Bobs
Watson, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Beulah Bondi, Una
Merkle — Here is a masterpiece. The grandest Sunday
picture ever produced. Stand alone in any spot and
believe McPhee 'cause he knows. Running time, 99
minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
PYGMALION: Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller— The
most idiotic and uninteresting nightmare I have play-
ed. Should have just paid for it and played something
else. Business way below average. Any one who
could get out of town went. Running time, 87 min-
utes. Played August 20-22.— Guy G. Black, Plaza
Theatre, Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
6,0(10 ENEMIES: Walter Pidgeon, Rita Johnson—
Fairly good picture of jail life which failed to draw.
Played August 13-14. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
6,000 ENEMIES: Walter Pidgeon, Rita Johnson—
A darn good little B picture that will entertain all
the way. Running time. 62 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre. Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny WeissmuUer,
Maureen O'Sullivan — Excellent picture to good busi-
ness. Perhaps, not quite up to previous Tarzans due
we feel to lack of romantic scenes between Tarzan
and Jane. Played August 18-19. — L. A. Irwin, Palace
Theatre, Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt—
Very good. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook,
N. H. General patronage.
THEY ALL COME, OUT: Rita Johnson, Tom Neal
— We expected this to be another program "fill-in"
picture but were agreeably surprised. While we did
only average business, we were glad to hear so many
say it was a "good" picture. O. K. for small towns.
Running time, 70 minutes. Played August 16. — Mrs.
W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small
town patronage.
WITHIN THE LAW: Ruth Hussey, Paul Kelly—
This interesting picture didn't have a big name in
it, but what a swell group of coming stars, all of
whom did their respective parts well. We like Ruth
Hussey very much. Running time, 65 minutes.
Played August 4-5. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star
Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
WIZARD OF OZ, THE: Judy Garland, Frank
Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie
Burke, Margaret Hamilton — A perfect picture in every
way and one of the world's masterpieces in picture
making and one of the leading pictures of the year.
Judy Garland was grand and did her part perfectly,
of course. Frank Morgan and supporting cast were
each excellent and good entertainers. The picture is
good for a return date any old time. — William Noble,
Criterion Theatre, Oklahoma City, Okla. General
patronage.
Miscellaneous
SKY DEVILS (reissue): Spencer Tracy, William
Boyd — Thank you. Jimmie Davidson, for a real hit.
We did extra good business to a nice buildup the
second night. Brother exhibitors, this may be old
but it's got lots of "timph" at the box office. — Har-
land Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can-
ada. General patronage.
Paramount
BULLDOG DRUMMOND'S BRIDE: John Howard,
Heather Angel — When you got to fill a date, you got
to fill a date, so you show them this shoddy, cheap
production and then duck your audience when they
exit. — A. E. Hancock. Columbia Theatre, Columbia
City, Ind. General patronage.
GRACIE ALLEN MURDER CASE: Gracie Allen,
Warren William, Kent Taylor, Ellen Drew — Second
half in the big towns. Gets by in the small towns
O. K. Running tiine. 75 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
HERITAGE OF THE DESERT: Evelyn Venable,
Donald Woods — Satisfactory enterainment to good
business when cofeatured with "Invitation to Happi-
ness,"— L, A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H.
General patronage.
INVITATION TO HAPPINESS: Irene Dunne, Fred
MacMurray — Satisfactory entertainment to good busi-
CContinued on following page)
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(Continued from preceding page)
ness when cofeatured with "Heritage of the Desert."
Played August 1314.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre,
Penacook. N. H. General patronage.
LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY, THE: George Raft,
Ellen Drew, Hugh Herbert, Zazu Pitts— Very good.
Suitable for any day of the week. This did well at
the box office. Running time, 77 minutes. — P. G.
Held, Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
MAGNIFICENT FRAUD, THE: Akim TamirofI,
Patricia Morison, Lloyd iNolan- Another palooka which
failed to draw on two-for-one night. Running time, 85
minutes. Played August 22.— E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
MAGNIFICENT FRAUD, THE: Akim Tamiroff,
Lloyd iNolan, Patricia Morison— This picture will not
appeal to small town audience and it fell flat for us
on Sunday and Monday. I think the title as well as
the setting had lots to do with it. It is farfetched,
rather impossible and leaves much to be desired.
There are no real bo.x ofTice names and Akim Tami-
roff will not bring them in here. Put this one on your
double bill, or leave it alone. Running time, 78 min-
utes. Played August 6-7.— Mrs. \V. A. Wight, Rex
Tlieatre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester.—
A very good show in which Jack Benny shows him-
self a good actor. Pleased those that came but no
draw.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester. —
Grand show. Benny at his best and will click all the
way. Remember McPhee knows. Running time, 85
minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
NEVER SAY DIE: Bob Hope, Martha Raye—
This drew above average mid-week business, which
was a surprise. I didn't see the picture but the favor-
able comments were much more numerous than the
kicks, so I presume it was O. K. — L. V. Bergtold,
Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
NEVER SAY DIE: Martha Raye, Bob Hope-
Only so-so. A good playdate wasted. Played August
9-10.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H.
General patronage.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross,
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Una Merkel — A Jit-
terbug picture that was liked quite well. Running
time, 60 minutes. — P. G. Held, Strand Theatre, Gris-
wold, Iowa. General patronage.
SUNSET TRAIL: William Boyd, Russell Hayden,
George Hayes — Tliesc Hopalong Cassidy westeuis are
tops in the horse opera field. Well produced, good
direction, action aplenty to satisfy the most critical.
Running time, 68 minutes. Played August 25-26. — R.
A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural
patronage.
Republic
BILLY THE KID RETURNS: Roy Rogers, Lynn
Roberts, Smiley Burnette — Went back quite a spell
to pick up this one, due to the fact that "Frog Mill-
house" was in it. "Millhouse" is the guy who packs
'em in anytime. Print received was rather poor. —
Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
COME ON, RANGERS: Roy Rogers, Mary Hart-
Only average Friday-Saturday biz. Played August
11-12.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain
Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
I WAS A CONVICT: Barton MacLane, Beverly
Roberts — Crime pictures are ordinarily taboo for this
location. This one pulled through, perhaps, aided by
serial. Narrow-minded or biased people will disagree
with the possibility herein depicted. Played June 23-
24. — Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain
Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
MAN OF CONQUEST: Richard Dix, Gail Patrick,
Joan Fontaine, Edward Ellis — The biggest efifort to
come from Republic Studios to date. A remarkable
action picture. But never contract for an increase in
rental. It makes you lose too much sleep wondering
if everything will pan out all right. Played August
22-4.— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain
Park, Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
MEXICALI ROSE: Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette—
Tried this one on mid-week date and perhaps lost a
little revenue. Friday and Saturday would have been
much better. Had a terrible time getting a date on
this one and the radio had worn out the songs before
I got them. P. S. : a hint. Played August 15-17.— El-
mer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
NIGHT RIDERS: Three Mesquiteers (John Wayne,
Ray Corrigan, Max Terhune). Doreen McKay, Ruth
Rogers — Ever since Robert Livingston left this trio,
it seems to be lacking something. This series is
good but there is room for improvement. — Theodore
J. Friedman. Strand Theatre, Sufifern, N. Y. Gen-
eral patronage.
PRIDE OF THE NAVY: James Dunn, Rochelle
Hudson, Gordon Oliver — We were somewhat disap-
pointed with this one. Rochelle definitely don't exhibit
much "oomph" in this type of role. I suggest a
change of directors or something, which will give
iliss Hudson more conspicous roles. Played July 6-8.
— Elmer A. Slaybaugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park,
Okla. Small town and rural patronage.
SHINE ON HARVEST MOON: Roy Rogers, Lulu
Belle and Scotty — This rather inconsequential show
gave us our fifth highest gross of the year and set
an all time high for Friday -Saturday. Lulu Belle and
Scotty brought them in and put on a show the farmers
like to see. My date book is wide open for these en-
tertainers.— L. v. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby,
Wis. General patronage.
SOUTHWARD HO!: Roy Rogers, Mary Hart— We
had a beauty contest on this picture and never had
such business since "Jesse James." One "Miss Til-
bury" and Roy Rogers really helped us pay our
taxes. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
STREET OF MISSING MEN: Charles Bickford,
Tommy Ryan. Harry Carey, Nana Bryant — Bickford
in a swell role. Average a little above par on Re-
public features. Played August 4-5. — Elmer A. Slay-
baugh, Park Theatre, Mountain Park, Okla. Small
town and rural patronage.
WOMAN DOCTOR: Frieda Inescort, Henry Wil-
coxon, Claire Dodd, Sybil Jason — Tliis one pleased my
week-day patrons. Republic's B pictures are on a par
with the major companies B pictures. You check the
box office and see. Business normal for this time of
week. Running time, 65 minutes. — E. I. Hawkins,
Hawkins Theatre, Newellton, La. Small town patron-
age.
RKO Radio
ALMOST A GENTLEMAN: James Ellison, Helen
Wood — A dandy story of a man and his dog. Failed
to draw very well. Played August 25-26. — L. A. Irwin,
Palace Theatre, Penacook. N. H. General patronage.
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David Ni-
ven. Charles Coburn — A comedy riot. One of the best
comedies of the year. Give it your best playing time.
— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General
patronage.
FIVE CAME BACK: Chester Morris, Lucille Ball,
Wendy Barrie, C. Aubrey Smith — Here's an RKO pic-
ture that could have been a big hit with a little more
buildup. This picture has lots of action and drama.
Good from every angle. Give it lots of advertising and
should do swell business. Running time, 75 minutes.
Played July 27.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity,
Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural pat-
ronage.
FIXER DUGAN: Lee Tracy, Virginia Weidler—
Good over Friday-Saturday. Crowd enjoyed this very
much. Running time, 60 minutes.— P. G. Held, Strand
Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
GUNGA DIN: Gary Grant, Victor McLaglen, Doug-
las Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Fontaine— Although I person-
ally thought this a good production, it somehow
missed fire. The trailer spoiled this, as the women
stayed away. Complaints were "it's too gruesome."
Just fair B. O. Running time, 107 minutes. Played
July 13.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity, Sas-
katchewan, Canada. Small town and rural patronage.
STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE,
THE: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers. Edna May Oliver,
Walter Brennan— Good picture. V^ery fine dancing.
The title hurts the picture. Fred Astaire is slipping.
Ginger Rogers is getting better in every picture.
Running time, 91 minutes. —P. G. Held, Strand Thea-
tre, Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE,
THE: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edna May Oliver,
Walter Brennan — Pleased all Astaire and Rogers fans.
Trouble is I didn't have enough of them. However,
business was O. K. and it's a good picture. Running
time, 93 minutes.— E. I. Hawkins, Newellton, La. Small
town patronage.
TWELVE CROWDED HOURS: Richard Dix, Lu-
cille Ball— Pretty good. Running time, 65 minutes. —
P. G. Held, Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General
patronage.
Twentieth Century-Fox
ALWAYS IN TROUBLE: Jane Withers, Jean
Rogers, Arthur Treacher, Robert Kellard— Played this
with "Nurse from Brooklyn." Had to double bill
these pictures on account of length and what a B. O.
headache. Why Fox persists in giving Jane Withers
such rank pictures beats me. She should gross as
much as Shirley Temple if she's given a decent pic-
ture. Jane is very popular here. I hope she gets a
break. Running time, 69 minutes. Played August 15.
— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity, Saskatche-
wan, Canada. Small town and rural patronage.
CHICKEN WAGON FAMILY: Jane Withers, Leo
Carrillo, Marjorie Weaver — This is one of Jane With-
ers' worst pictures. Our patrons have always given
her a big hand but this one is too unbelievable and
the whole picture is choppy and noisy. We ran it on
Sunday-Monday and Tuesday to average business, but
expected more. Just so-so. Running time. 74 minutes.
Played August 13-15.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Thea-
tre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
ELSA MAXWELL'S HOTEL FOR WOMEN: Ann
Sothern. Linda Darnell, James Ellison, Elsa Maxwell —
We booked this one for bargain night, but it is well
worth a mid-week date at full price. Our patrons en-
joyed the comedy and Ann Sothern does her part to
perfection. W^e did a little above average business
and everyone came out of the theatre with a smile on
their faces. It will surprise you on its merit. Played
August 8-9.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Kon-
awa, Okla. Small town patronage.
ELSA MAX-WELL'S HOTEL FOR WOMEN: Ann
Sothern, Linda Darnell, James Ellison, Elsa Maxwell —
Classy, interesting, something different. Stand alone
in any spot for extended time. Running time, 82
minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
INSIDE STORY: Michael Whalen, Jean Rogers,
Chick Chandler — One of the roving reporter series
that is fairly good entertainment. This series is
nothing pretentious but does serve as good light
entertainment for use on double bills. — Theodore J.
Friedman, Strand Theatre, Suffern, N. Y. General
patronage.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU: Gloria Stuart.
Stuart Erwin — A nice little program picture that
pleased. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
LITTLE PRINCESS, THE: Shirley Temple, Rich-
ard Greene, Anita Louise, Ian Hunter, Cesar Romero,
Arthur Treacher — Fox outdid themselves on this one
of Shirley's. Although we find Temple fans on the
wane, this picture brought them in and what's im-
portant they sure were satisfied. Very lovely color
and good vehicle for Shirley. Running time, 93 min-
utes. Played July 6. — Mrs. Ann Stone. Star Theatre,
Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural
patronage.
UTTLE PRINCESS, THE: Shirley Temple. Rich-
ard Greene, Anita Louise, Ian Hunter, Arthur Treach-
er. Cesar Romero — A good picture but they're not so
hot for Shirley any more. Running time, 92 min-
utes.— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss.
Rural and small town patronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Lynn Bari, Henry Hull. Cesar Romero — ■
Good action picture for week-end but I made the
mistake of using it on a Sunday change and it failed
to please. Running time, 70 minutes. Played Au-
gust 6-8. — Don Blo.xham. Palace Theatre, Exira,
Iowa. General patronage.
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I^See our exhibits at the two great Fairs f^Zl
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
67
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Tyrone
Power, Alice Faye, Al Jolson — This did not live up to
expectations, although it did more than average busi-
ness. Pleased about 50-500^. Running time, 86 min-
utes. Plaved August 6-7. — Horn and Morgan, Inc.,
Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Edna May Oliver, Rudy Vallee— A grand picture. One
of the good ones.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Ana-
mosa, Iowa. General patronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee, Edna May Oliver— Good but not special
calibre as expected when they star Miss Henie op-
posite Tyrone Power. Music good and it's worth the
admission just to see good old Edna May Oliver again.
Played August 20-21. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre,
Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, THE:
Don Ameche, Loretta Young, Henry Fonda— We
weren't ashamed of this picture, but it certainly didn't
do any business. Was way below our average take
on Sunday and never did pick up. Fox has it priced
out of line but if they'll price it right, get a date
and satisfy your patrons. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple, Randolph Scott, Margaret Lockwood— About all
we can say for Shirley is that the kids still go for
her but ten cent tickets don't pay Fox what they
think she is worth or for what they're stuck on a
contract. We just don't do business on this star any
more and guess we are not alone. Hope they put
her on a vacation next year, sbc months, twice a
year.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Tlieatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple, Randolph Scott, Margaret Lockwood— He who
quibbles over this picture has tasted sour grapes.
It's plenty okay in our opinion. Played August 6-7. —
L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H. Gen-
eral patronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple, Randolph Scott, Margaret Lockwood— We had
better business on this picture than we had on "Little
Princess," but it still was not good. I believe Shirley
Temple is outgrowing her popularity. She is a good
little actress and has a sweet manner but it is my
opinion her wave of popularity is over. After so
many years people want new faces and it is notice-
able that even the kids do not come to see her. Maybe
it is just in this locality but I am inclined to believe
it is general. Running time, 78 minutes. Played
August 22-23.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Kon-
awa, Okla. Small town patronage.
THREE MUSKETEERS, THE: Don Ameche, Ritz
Brothers, Gloria Stuart, Binnie Barnes — This was
doubled with a Hopalong. The customers all stayed
through the Cassidy but walked out plenty on this.
Plenty of effort was made to produce a worthwhile
show, but it just wouldn't jell.— L. V. Bergtold, West-
by Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
UP THE RIVER: Slim Summerville, Arthur Trea-
cher, Preston Foster, Tony Martin, Phyllis Brooks —
Just an ordinary comedy that did very little business.
Running time, 77 minutes. Played August 3.— Mrs.
Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity, Saskatchewan, Can-
ada. Small town and rural patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan— Played this
on Bank Night and very well liked by our patrons.
Excellent picture.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Ana-
mosa, Iowa. General patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan— Almost be-
yond words to describe Fonda's acting in this. He
was more Lincoln than any other player we've ever
seen enact the role of America's great president of
the Civil War days. Picture fine. Played August 11-
12.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H.
General patronage.
United Artists
COWBOY AND THE LADY, THE: Gary Cooper,
Merle Oberon, Patsy Kelly— Smart picture from U. A.
but not much B. O. Running time, 99 minutes. Play-
ed July 20-22.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity,
Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural patron-
age.
KING OF THE TURF: Adolphe Menjou, Dolores
Costello. Roger Daniel— This was the "silent partner"
with "Shine on Harvest Moon." Wasn't mentioned
in the marquee nor was there any paper out in front.
We packed them in with "Moon" and sent them out
praising "King of the Turf." Had I seen this, it
would have been given a single booking. All in all,
an excellent program picture. — L. V. Bergtold, West-
by Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
KING OF THE TURF: Adolphe Menjou, Dolores
Costello, Roger Daniel— Very good picture of its kind.
Played to only fair business. Somehow we can't make
anything on UA product this year. Running time,
88 minutes. Played July 31.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star
Theatre, Unity, Saskatchewan. Canada. Small town
and rural patronage.
PRISON WITHOUT BARS: Corinne Luchaire, Edna
Best — Au English picture that went over much better
than the average British production. We doubled
with an Autry and had only a couple of walkouts,
which is really something for this class of picture.
Rather drab plot but the better class will find it
quite satisfactory film fare. — L. V. Bergtold, Westby
Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
THERE GOES MY HEART: Fredric March, Vir-
ginia Bruce, Patsy Kelly — Well received. Patrons
liked it very much. The skating scene seemed to
register 100 per cent. Business above average. — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can-
da. General patronage.
TOPPER TAKES A TRIP: Roland Young, Con-
stance Bennett, Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray— The
theme is somewhat objectionable in a good church
town. I thoroughly disliked the show but had a few
say they liked it. Gambling, drunkenness and bedroom
scenes and not an especially tasteful use of the super-
natural are the subjects that the story is built around.
No elimination with U. A., so we had to use it or pay
the rental.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby,
Wis. General patronage.
TRADE WINDS: Fredric March, Joan Bennett,
Ralph Bellamy, Ann Sothern — This is a very smart
picture. Trailer on this not peppy enough. Good in
every respect but B. O. Running time, 95 minutes.
Played August 10.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre,
Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural
patronage.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Merle Oberon, Lau-
rence Olivier, David Niven, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Flora
Robson — Sunday business was far below average, but
Monday and Tuesday did nicely and the total came
up to a good average. Comments were plentiful and
the kind the exhibitor loves to hear. Should easily
rate as one of the 10 best for 1939. — L. V. Bergtold,
Westby Tlieatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
Universal
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN: Bing Crosby, Joan
Blondell, Mischa Auer, Baby Sandy — One of the most
satisfactory pictures we have played this year. We
personally recommended it and our business was a
little above normal. Played August 9-10. — C. W.
Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patron-
age.
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN: Bing Crosby, Joan
Blondell, Mischa Auer, Baby Sandy — Everybody en-
joyed this picture. The baby made a big hit also. I
cannot understand any exhibitor complaining about
this picture. Our public ate it. It's definitely Crosby's
best picture. Business extra good. Play it by all
means. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theare, "Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
LITTLE TOUGH GUY: "Dead End Kids," Robert
Wilcox, Helen Parrish — Received very good comments
on this from those who saw it. Just fair B. O. Run-
ning time, 83 minutes. Played August 7. — Mrs. Ann
Stone, Star Theatre, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
NURSE FROM BROOKLYN: Sally Eilers, Paul
Kelly— Played this with "Always in Trouble." Had
to double bill these pictures on account of length and
what a B. O. headache. "Nurse from Brooklyn" pretty
good entertainment. Running time, 66 minutes. Play-
ed August 1.5.— Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity,
Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural patron-
age.
RACE OF PARIS, THE: Danielle Darrieux, Doug-
las Fairbanks, Jr., Helen Broderick, Louis Hayward,
Mischa Auer— Very poor business on this picture.
The trailer spoiled this one. Didn't seem to interest
the customers. Consequently, on one came. In short,
a colossal buildup for a terrific letdown. Running
time, 76 minutes. Played August 21. — Mrs. Ann Stone,
Star Theatre, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada. Small
town and rural patronage.
SECRETS OF A NURSE: Dick Foran, Helen Mack,
Edmund Lowe — Very good picture. Well liked by our
Friday-Saturday crowd. Running time, 72 minutes. —
P. G. Held, Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General
patronage.
SPIRIT OF CULVER: Jaqkie Cooper, Freddie
Bartholomew, Andy Devine, Henry Hull, Jackie Mo-
ran — Nothing to rave about. Running time, 90 min-
utes.— P. G. Held, Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa.
General patronage.
SUN NEVER SETS, THE: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,
Basil Rathbone — Only fair. It drags as entertainment.
It draws as box ofifice. Played August 27-28.— L. A.
Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H. General pat-
ronage.
THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP: Deanna Dur-
bin. Nan Grey, Helen Parrish, Robert Cummings,
Charles Winninger, William Lunigan — A very satis-
factory performance to a little better than normal
business. Played August 2-3. — C. W. Mills, Arcade
Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
UNEXPECTED FATHER: Micha Auer, Baby
Sandy — Another good picture from Universal with
Baby Sandy. Pleased all.— C. L. Niles, Niles Thea-
tre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
Warner Brothers
DAWN PATROL, THE: Errol Flynn, Basil Rath-
bone, David Niven, Donald Crisp — Another Warner's
hit that did swell business. Some even liked it better
than the original. Very good acting by David Niven
and Donald Cnsp and Basil Rathbone. Splendid pic-
ture all around. Running time, 103 minutes. Played
August 17. — Mrs. Ann Stone, Star Theatre, Unity,
Saskatchewan, Canada. Small town and rural patron-
age.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Excellent in every way. It is
hard to say which one is the best, "Union Pacific" or
"Dodge City." We played these five days and a
matinee and this rolled up one of the biggest grosses
(Continued on followinq page)
TELEGRAMS
are featvsre length storiesi^
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(Continued from preceding page) -
we have had. Good business all five days. Give us
more like it. Running time, 104 minutes.— P. O. Held,
Strand Theatre, Griswold, Iowa. General patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruec Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hngh, Victor Jory— Hats off to Warners. Very, very
good. Pleased all and did swell business. They gave
Miss Sheridan a very small part, her beuig the
"oomph" girl of the day. Running time, 104 minutes.
— E. 1. Hawkins, Hawkins Theatre, Newellton, La.
Small town patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory— This is one of the "Big Three
for 1939 (the others: "Jesse James" and "Union Pa-
cific"). Swell picture, swell color, swell story, swell
business, swell everything! Thanks, Vitagraph.— L. V.
Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. General
patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victory Jory— This picture is tops from all
angles. Lots of action. Good color and splendid
sound. This is a small town exhibitor's idea of a
smash hit. Warners are doing fine this year. Run-
ning time. 104 minutes. Played June 29.— Mrs. Ann
Stone, Star Tlieatre, Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
HELL'S KITCHEN: Margaret Lindsay, Ronald
Reagan, "Dead End Kids"— Tliis picture showed these
tough kids in a sympathetic role and the picture was
well liked by the audience. Did normal business
which in the state of the nation is something.— A. E.
Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind.—
General patronage.
HELL'S KITCHEN: "Dead End Kids," Margaret
Lindsay, Ronald Reagan— Good picture; good business.
Played August 23-24.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY: Pat O'Brien, Ann
Sheridan, Gale Page, John Payne— As poor as
"Naughty But Nice" was, "Indianapolis Speedway"
is just the opposite. This picture for thrills and act-
ion is a knockout. Do not waste this honey as it
should do extra business. A swell show and it will
draw them in. The best automobile picture of the
season. Running time, 82 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crys-
tal Theatre. Ligonier, Ind. ■ Small town patronage.
INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY: Pat O'Brien, Ann
Sheridan, John Payne, Gale Page— This is just pro-
gram fare that is neither too good or too bad. We
ran it on Sunday and Monday but our patrons were
just lukewarm about it. Running time, 82 minutes.
Played August 20-21.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Thea-
tre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
JUAREZ: Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne,
John Garfield, Claude Rains— Not for small towns.
Picture is very fine with a grand cast headed by
probably the two best stars in the business today,
but that doesn't mean a thing at the box office when
the picture is not the type people want. Poorest
Sunday-Monday business. Running time, 127 minutes.
Played August 20-21.— Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star
Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
JUAREZ: Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne,
John Garfield, Claude Rains— They billed Muni and
Davis and featured Brian Aherne. Any good poker
player could have played Muni's part. Business not
so good. Running time, 127 minutes. — E. I. Hawkins,
Hawkins Theatre, J^ewellton, La. Small town patron-
age.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell. Ann Sheri-
dan, Gale Page — Why a company can waste such a
cast on such a picture is beyond all comprehension.
This one was terrible. A few like this and all Ann
Sheridan's buildup will drop like a thud. Just no
good. Play it on Bargain Night. Running time, 90
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan. Gale Page, Allen Jenkins, Helen Broderick — Your
audience will go to sleep waiting for this to start and
when they wake up they won't have missed a thing.
It won't do Dick Powell any good or Ann Sheridan.
You can have my end of them after this opus. And
I think the audience will support me. The single sav-
ing grace is the music in the picture and, if there
are any bouquets to hand otit, it goes to Helen Brod-
erick. I just can't conceive a producer turning out
so weak a story and using a cast as expensive as this
evidently is. There is just nothing to it. It is Shake-
speare's "Much Ado About Nothing." This sums it
up as far as this situation is concerned. — A. E, Han-
cock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. General
patronage.
TWO JOIN RANKS
OF CONTRIBUTORS
Two more exhibitors this week join
the ranks of contributors to the What
the Picture Did for Me Department.
They are:
Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb.
William Noble, Criterion Theatre,
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Ke ports also have been received,
after a considerable lapse from:
Beatty and Johnston, Capitol Thea-
tre, Red Deer, Alberta, Can.
Kead the reports from these and
other exhibitors in these columns.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan, Gale Page — Entertaining B picture. Second half
for big spots. Stand alone in the sticks. Running
time, 90 minutes.- W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Gale Page,
Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan — Very funny. Fair
draw. Played August 25-26. — L. A. Irwin, Palace
Theatre, Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
WATERFRONT: Marie Wilson, Dennis Morgan,
Gloria Dickson — We played this on bargain night to
a small audience. O. K. for a double bill. Just a
lot of rough stuff for nothing. No box office draw.
Running time, 59 minutes. Played August 1-2. — Mrs.
W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small
town patronage.
4HRS.M%
COMMUTER AIR SERVICE!
TO CHICAGO?,,^
FASTEST COAST-TO -CO AST
Short Features
Columbia
COMMUNITY SING: No. 8— A little different. Sort
of a classic. Well received. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patron-
age.
LUCKY PIGS: Color Rhapsodies— Not so hot. Just
a fair cartoon. Running time, eight minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
NOW IT CAN BE SOLD: Broadway Comedies-
Andy Clyde is always well received by our week-end
customers. Columbia has the laughs in their comedies
all right. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
SAP TAKES A WRAP, THE: Broadway Comedies
— A good two-reel slapstick comedy. — C. L. Niles,
Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS, NO'. 12: Noah Beery— This
Screen Snapshot showing the old timers makes Jimmy
Fidler's Personality Parade of last season look like
amateur photography. Here is a honey; do not waste
it. Excellent. Running time, nine minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
YANKEE DOODLE HOME:*Music Hall Vanities—
A very good short, especially for exhibitors in U. S.
A. — Harland Rankin, Plaza 'Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
COLORFUL CURACAO: FitzPatrick Travel Talks
— As we have always contended, these are tops and
this one is no let down. Excellent. Running time, 10
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Tlieatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
COLORFUL CURACAO': FitzPatrick Travel Talks
— A very fine travel picture — C. L. Niles, Niles Thea-
tre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
CULINARY CARVING: Pete Smith Specialties— A
good reel on carving the Sunday dinner. — C. L. Niles,
Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
DARK MAGIC: Robert Benchley— Another good
Benchley.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
HOME EARLY: Robert Benchley— Fairly good
short for those who like subtle comedy. — E. M. Frei-
burger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
JOY SCOUTS: Our Gang— Entertaining Our Gang
comedy. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
POETRY OF NATURE: Pete Smith Specialties-
Here is a good short with a crow as the leading role
and other animals of the forest in the cast. Excellent.
Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
TINY TROUBLES: Our Gang— Would like these
better in two reelers. Running time, one reel. — R. A.
Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural pat-
ronage.
WHILE AMERICA SLEEPS: Crime Doesn't Pay
Series— Very good.— L. A. Irwin, Palace TTieatre, Pen-
acook, N. H. General patronage.
Paramount
CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF LAWRENCE WELK:
Headliners— A very fine band act.— C. L. Niles, Niles
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
CIRCUS CO'-ED: Paragraphics— Not bad; not good.
— L. A. Irwin, Palace 'Dieatre, Penacook, N. H. Gen-
eral patronage.
COLUMBIA: Color Cruises— A fine travel reel.
Educational and enjoyed by all.— C. L. Niles, Niles
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
DEATH VALLEY THRILLS: Grantland Rice
Sportlights— Okay.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Pen-
acook, N. H. General patronage.
POPULAR SCIENCE: No. 5— Interesting— E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
RHYTHM ON THE RESERVATION: Betty Boop
Cartoons — These Boops not so hot. — C. L. Niles, Niles
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
WATCH YOUR STEP: Grantland Rice Sportlights
— A dandy sport reel showing the walk and step of
animals and humans.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre,
Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
YIP, YIP, YIPPY: Betty Boop Cartoons— Could be
worse or else lots better. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre,
Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
YIP, YIP, YIPPY: Betty Boop Cartoons— Enter-
taining Betty Boop comedy. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
DONALD'S LUCKY DAY: Walt Disney Cartoons—
A topnotch cartoon, as are all the Disneys. Running
time, one reel.— R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence,
Iowa. Rural patronage.
GOOD SCOUTS: Walt Disney Cartoons— Another
Disney home run. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
GOOFY AND WILBUR: Walt Disney Cartoons—
Okay.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Penacook, N. H.
General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME: N
or propaganda. Most tim
put out a better subject,
more than proud to give
cash customers and more
of both the United States,
British Empire. — Harland
bury, Ontario, Canada.
o. 11 — This dealt with peace
ely. Don't think they could
Play it at once. We were
this education treat to our
than ever it made us proud
our good neighbors, and our
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til-
General patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
INSIDE BASEBALL: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)—
Good sport reel. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
United Artists
JERUSALEM: World Windows— A very excellent
travel reel. Should be played by all theatres. Educa-
tional and pleasing. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Ana-
mosa, Iowa. General patronage.
Universal
PATIO' SERENADE: Mentone Musical Comedies-
Good but overheavy on vocalizing. — L. A. Irwin, Palace
Theatre, Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
PATIO SERENADE: Mentone Musical Comedies—
A fair two reel musical. As a one reeler would have
been a knockout. Too much sameness and each act
too long. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
STUBBORN MULE: Lantz Cartunes— A very good
black and white cartoon. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre,
Anamosa, Iowa.
Vitaphone
BELIEVE IT OR ELSE: Merrie Melodies— Very
good Merrie Melody cartoon in color. — E. M. Frei-
burger, Paramount 'Theatre. Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
BLUE BARRON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — Verj- smooth. — L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre,
Penacook, N. H. General patronage.
CLYDE McCOY AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — Excellent. This series has run hot and cold
for us and this one is hot. Very, very good. Running
time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
PORKY AND TEABISCUIT: Looney Tunes— Aver-
age black and white comedy. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre. Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
MANAGERS*
ROUND TABLE
<tjin international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
OP
NO NEED TO SEEK
In reporting a novel and inexpensive idea for front decora-
tion, reproduced here last week, Manager H. A. Dofnan of
the Harris-Dubois In Dubois, Pa., explains why he has con-
tributed infrequently: "because he Is not much of a publicity-
seeker". And we suppose just so long as there is a Round
Table, many ace Ideas created by sincere theatremen who
fear the label of "three-sheeter" will be lost to the member-
ship for reason of It.
Is it not evident by this time that all sectors of the industry
regard contributions of the members to these pages as highly
vital to the grosses? As a result there can now be little dis-
sent that this department is the clearing house of the business
for promotional ideas of definite, proven worth.
Your Round Table Is supported by the cooperation of mem-
bers who eagerly assume an obligation to tell each other what
they are doing to lengthen those lines out front. It may be
in so doing that theatremen of talent receive publicity — but
essentially publicity of value to build important personal pres-
tige. That comes without seeking.
V V V
"We are following the policy of advancing men from within
the company to more responsible positions," writes J. J. Fltz-
glbbons, Famous Players Canadian headman, Informing this
department of recent promotions, detailed elsewhere. For-
tunate are R. S. Roddick, L. M. Graburn, Jack Arthur, Fred
Trellcock, to serve under a leadership definitely committed to
so sound a procedure. Congratulations!
V V V
RIGHT INTO THE MIDDLE
The previous Issue told how Bill Johnson moved his theatre
right smack into the center of the Mlllinocket, Maine, celebra-
tion in honor of young Donn Fendler, the lost Boy Scout. A
few hours before, Johnson was "absolutely stranded for a good
Idea". But when the news broke, the Round Tabler was on
hand to grab the brass ring. Sez he:
"It was a big day, by far the biggest event that has taken
place here In years. And by jumping right into the middle
of things we got for ourselves the biggest day's gross of the
summertime Instead of being completely forgotten during the
overwhelming events of the occasion."
The difference between profit and no profit can often be
measured by how far "Into the middle of things" the manager
engages himself. The smart lad can't go far wrong by en-
deavoring to funnel adaptable community activities In the
direction of his ticket-window.
V V V
IT STILL REMAINS A PASS
It's a stunt reported here by the home office admen of the
company represented and executed by a theatreman known
for his promotional ability. To stimulate interest in a coming
picture, one accepted generally as among the better of the
current crop, the manager distributed to 1 ,000 of his mailing
list negotiable checks, good for 10 cents in cash until the clos-
ing date of the run. With each check went a note from the
showman reading: "The check's purpose Is to call your atten-
tion to the next paragraph of this note." The paragraph was
a strong personal endorsement.
Allow, if you will, for peculiarities of the local situation,
time of the year, sluggish business and other uncontrollable
conditions. The promotion still remains a form of free admis-
sion. The returns may have well served the manager's pur-
pose for that particular engagement. But the offer still comes
under the heading of "passes and their evils".
For what It gives, today's motion picture program is the
fairest buy, if not the biggest bargain in town. No matter
how ingenious, any promotion that invites patrons to expect
yet more for full value received is economically unsound.
V V V
On August 25, 1904, the stage show, "The Wizard of Oz",
opened a date In Davenport, Iowa. Thirty-five years later, to
the day, the picture bowed In at the Capitol, In the same spot.
The startling coincidence uncovered by his assistant, Francis
Gillon, reports Manager Dale McFarland, proved newsworthy
enough to land an advance three-column "remember when"
story on behalf of the date.
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
Round Table in Pictures
GREYS
DONALD
WOODS
EVELYN
VEIABIE
HERITAGE OF
THE DESERT
lySSElL f*
HAVDEN
In exchange for a few diccats, the Boys' Club of Syracuse, N. Y., was
promoted by Round Tabler Frank Murphy of Loev/s State for the
street bally on "Andy Hardy Gets Sprhig Fever." Ahead and during
run, boys each carrying title letters paraded the business district in
varying formations, winding up in front of the theatre where they posed
for newspaper pictures.
Several thousand patrons of Warner's Circle Theatre, in Philadelphia,
signed a giant scroll wishing Lionel Barrymore a happy 6lst birthday as
part of Manager C. L. Yearsley's advance publicity campaigfi for "On
Borrowed Time." This icas but part of the huge lobby display, scroll was
later sent to Barrymore in Holhuood and local papers picked up the stunt
jvith stories and art.
Above left is reproduced front of the Capitol, in
Dallas for Louis Charninsky's "Heritage of the Desert"
date. Animatio7i was provided by electric cow whose
head and tail moved, mouth opening and closing also.
Mounted wolf dog, snakes, turtles, etc., completed the
display. . . . Above lobby set piece was created by Man-
ager W. M. Shields and publicist Van Roberts for
"Hotel for Women" at the Arcadia, Tyler, Texas, con-
sisting of six-sheet cutout of girl dressed in blue and
silver cellophane silk to sell the girl and glamour angle
of the picture. Billing aimed to sell best local angles
of cast, etc.
Sepf-ember 9, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND lABLE
71
4%
Somn BARS
■■k- XAO £N3
HHrt hllCHIN
Two attractive young girls attired in sports outfits and
carrying skis and ski poles to which were attached pen-
nants xvith copy reading "We are on our way to sec
'Winter Carnival' at the Roosevelt Theatre," paraded the
entire loop district of Chicago in advance and during run
of that picture. Stunt was arranged by Bill Hollander's
Balaban and Katz publicity department.
Staged by Columbia Pictures was the "Golden Boy"
Day held at the World's Fair at which a drawing was held
among women guests, the winner having the pleasure of
lunching at the French Building with William Holden
and Adolphe Menjotc, appearing in the picture. At right
may be seen the stars with the lucky girl who was in-
cluded in the entire day's festivities.
Three young service staff men costumed in exact repro-
ductions of the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Lion
paraded through downtown shopping district with picture,
theatre and play date copy on their backs as part of Wally
Caldwell's advance publicity on "Wizard of Oz" at
Loew's Valentine, in Toledo. Tieup was also effected with
vioonlight boat trip three days ahead whereby lads en-
tertained and plugged the picture throughout the eve-
ning. Boys also distributed gas filled iml>rinfed hallonns
on shopping zone corners.
For his recent engagement of "Hell's Kitchen" at the Schine Rialto,
in Lockport, New York, Round Tabler Ronald Failes sent six lads out
on streets representing the "Dead End" kids supporting cell-replica. Copy
overhead carried title, play dates, etc.
COPYRIGHT 1939 M.P.CO.
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Every beguiling quality which
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and a degree of value that com-
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74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
THEY'RE AT HOME. Realistic is the domestic scene portrayed in the lobby of the
Palace, Athens, Ga., created by Moon Corker for his "Bachelor Mother" date. Cutout of
Ginger Rogers was planted in left window, while in right, the figure of David Niven rocked
a baby. House was constructed by staff with stip plies promoted from local builders.
Baby Bathing Beauty Contest
Held on Stage by Conner
Instead of having the usual bathing beauty-
contest, Marlowe Conner at the Rhodes, in
Chicago decided to use real babies instead.
Therefore, two weeks in advance applica-
tions were solicited for girls between the
ages of two and five. Each week, 25 of
them were presented on the stage dressed
in bathing suits, three winners selected by
audience applause and each awarded a cash
prize donated by local merchant.
Preliminaries were run for four weeks
followed by the finals with all previous win-
ners present. Newspapers were generous
with stories ahead, during run of contest
and winding up with human interest story
and list of winners.
Another stunt engineered by Conner was
the clipping of the best numbers from six
different band reels which were made into
a 20-minute short and played along with his
Saturday night show. Theatreman also
saw to it that there were several couples
of jitterbug dancers in the aisles to pep up
the jamboree. Idea was sold via trailer and
mimeos, plus word-of-mouth campaign from
local jitterbugs.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Letter- Writing Slant Sells
Meakin's "In Name Only"
A letter-writing contest entitled "Why I'd
Like to Be in the Movies," conducted
through the Washington Jimes-Herald,
highlighted the exploitation arranged by
Hardie Meakin, manager of the Keith
Theatre in the Capitol city for 'Tn Name
Only." Contest was arranged in honor of
Peggy Ann Garner, little six-year-old miss
who appears in an outstanding role in the
lilm. Contest was open to girls between the
ages of six and 11, giving them an oppor-
tunity to express themselves.
Prizes were awarded the first five best let-
ters, consisting of hand-paintings in oils on
ivory of miniatures. In addition 25 passes
were given to runnersup as additional prizes.
"LETS HEAR FROM YOU"
Jitterbug Idea Held
At Park by Granara
A jitterbug contest, held at Norumbega
Park, Boston, largest and most popular
amusement park in New England, high-
lighted the exploitation of Jack Granara,
publicity director of the Keith Memorial
Theatre, for "Bachelor Mother." The con-
test, held the night before the opening of
the picture, attracted the masses from a
radius of fifty miles. First prize was a beau-
tiful silver cup, while runners-up received
twenty-five pairs of guest tickets.
Other features included stories and art
lay-outs in the daily newspapers ; a banner,
announcing the picture across main street.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Cupp Takes Group to Fair
A Popularity contest staged at each of the
theatres in the McCollum Circuit came to a
close August 12. The successful candidates
were rewarded by a seven-day trip to the
World's Fair at New York with all ex-
penses paid. Cooperation of local news-
papers and officials of the World's Fair cre-
ated a keen interest and a large amount of
enthusiasm for the entire affair.
The party left Chicago, August 20 for the
World's Fair. Elmer C. Cupp, manager of
the Lorraine Theatre in Hoopeston, Illinois,
had charge of the group.
Milking Contest
Builds Patronage
from Farm Draw
One of the most direct contacts between
theatre and farm-folk in the drawing area
has proven to be the "cow milking" contest
employed profitably in various sectors and
currently as reported by Manager Andy Roy
of the Warner Strand, in Albany and C. L.
"Holly" Hollister at the Babcock, in Wells-
ville, N. Y.
In Roy's plan, contacts were made with
the farm clubs, such as Granges, Bureaus,
etc., and with civic groups interested in
youth, particularly in the 4-H groups and
health groups. With all radio stations hav-
ing farm programs at noon, their coopera-
tion was enlisted for plugs on the stunt.
The contest itself was a scientific exhibit
and the contestants in Albany were 4-H boys
elected by each of the nine 4-H Clubs in the
county. Roy explained the contest and in-
troduced each contestant who was given two
minutes to milk. The person getting the
greatest number of pounds of milk was de-
clared the winner. Judges were representa-
tives of civic or farm organizations, the
whole program taking but 30 minutes.
Mayor Proclaims Milk Day
The cows were prize bovines that had
been exhibited before so that they were used
to crowds and there was no danger of
stampeding. A tarpaulin was spread over
the stage with shavings. Various milk com-
panies were contacted and cooperated gen-
erously on the contest. The Mayor declared
a Milk Day, with parade of the contest. Dis-
play was planted in lobby week ahead show-
ing the processes through which feed be-
comes milk, different breeds of cows, etc.
All milk companies bannered trucks with tie-
in copy, milkmen placed collars on all bottles
delivered to customers and the prizes for
winners were promoted from cooperating
merchants.
Hollister Entrants Fill Quart Bottle
"Holly" Hollister's recent contest is detailed
as follows : Advertising consisted of window
cards distributed predominantly through
more rural parts of trade area; trailer on
screen week ahead, newspaper readers and
ad space and announcements from stage.
Promoted from the cooperating dairy were
two cows, cash prize money and transporta-
tion of the cows to theatre and back.
Contacting the Farm and Home Bureau
agents, "Holly" secured most of his contest-
tants. Other contacts were schools, stores^
and cheese factories. The contest itself was
conducted by means of having each entrant
milk until a quart milk bottle overflowed.
Contestants were not furnished stools, being
required to stoop, holding the bottle in one
hand and milking with the other. Both cows
were milked continuously during the con-
test, which was entirely against time, a judge
with stop watch clocking each milker, the
time being announced to the audience.
Hollister reports it is his experience milk-
ers do not flock to apply, but that it is neces-
sary to go out and make a t<in(( rtc(l effort
to round up applicants.
September 9. 1939 MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
75
NEW SEASON DRIVES ARE SPEEDED
AS THEATREMEN CO "BOOM BOOM
Twin Cities Call It Greatest;
"Happy New Movie Year"
Slogan of Oklahomans, in
Campaigns on Coming Shows
Further reports in various sectors to
speed the new season on its way spotlights
the activities of the Minnesota Amusement
Company theatremen in the Twin Cities, St.
Paul and Minneapolis, and the campaign put
out in Oklahoma City by the Standard The-
atres staff, both of which are set down
herewith.
Since the summer outdoors opposition in
those parts is doubly strong, the Minnesota-
men in the Twin Cities district jumped their
opening- a month ahead and started their sea-
son under the title of "Greatest Movie Sea-
son" in August. According to E. E. Seibel,
district ad head, in Charlie Winchell's de-
partment, the keystone of the advance cam-
paign was that motion pictures are the
finest entertainment at the lowest cost for
the masses, used as a catchline in all copy.
The 20 theatres concerned sold the plan
under the supervision of Barry Burke, dis-
trict manager, the advance beginning the
early part of July with processed 40 by 60
lobby posters carrying general copy and
space for individual attractions. Pennants,
die-cuts, stars and streamers all carried the
line "Greatest Movie Season — 1939."
Thealremen Appear On Radio
Trailers were used starting two weeks
ahead and were followed through appropri-
ately into August with new copy used to
identify the month as the start of the sea-
son. Trailers were made up so that each
theatre could sell coming shows. Same
thought was carried out in all lobby dis-
plays in advance and current. Newspaper
advertising was given special attention, all
the "Season" ads carrying identifying stars.
By use of guest tickets, individual theatres
promoted gratis publicity and ads in weekly
and neighborhood papers in a 25-mile area.
Radio promotion was especially effective.
In St. Paul, the theatres landed seven 15-
minute gratis periods over KSTP each
week. Spot announcements were obtained
on WMIN and KSTP. In Minneapolis,
WCCO contributed four spot announce-
ments daily in addition to individual the-
atre listings. WDGY and WTCN also
cooperated.
Minnesota managers and publicists were
used on the broadcasts for round table talks
on the coming product. Managers were also
introduced and interviewed on other pro-
grams using guest speakers.
Cities Divided Into Zones
Mechanics of the plan was handled by
portioning off zones in each city with mana-
gers in each zone selling the coming attrac-
tions to industrial plants, manufacturing
concerns, stores, etc. Theatre parties, block
tickets and other devices were successfully
employed to work up other interest. Similar
idea was carried out in contact with local
clubs and in St. Paul, business association
sent out a bulletin to members. Minneapolis
civic and commerce association cooperated
likewise.
Special committee of managers in each
city plugged the plan at picnics, band con-
certs, boat races, etc., and in both situa-
tions theatremen formed tourist and conven-
tion committee which proved highly success-
ful. Conventions listed for the Twin Cities
in August were contacted and induced to
include theatre parties on their programs.
As a followup, uniformed guides stationed
about the city by the chamber of commerce
to assist out-of-town visitors were furnished
with list of attractions at the theatres.
Rubber Stamp Found Effective
One of the most effective ideas, reports
Seibel, was the use of a four-by-four rub-
ber stamp containing "season" copy, by the
staffs of all theatres in stores and markets.
Started ten days ahead, over 200,000 bags
were stamped by opening day, with a goal
of a half-million indicated by coverage in
outlying sections as well as local contacts.
Interest was kept high among the theatre-
men by a drive dedicated to John J. Friedl
for the duration of the project, with each
manager striving to top August grosses of
last year.
Mayor Opens St. Paul Season
Featured was the Greater Movie Sfeason
campaign at the Paramount, in St. Paul,
Minn., guided by Manager Walter Van
Camp and ad head Don Alexander. Much
was made of this in the newspapers and
civic cooperation was obtained by having
Mayor Fallon open the new season by being
the first to enter the theatre on the date for
"Bachelor Mother". His Honor, greeted in
the lobby by Van Camp, was photographed
for the newspapers.
Another newspaper tiein had to do with
the widely read "Hawf and Hawf" column of
the local Dispatch, which cooperated on a
campaign in which tickets were given to
those writing the best answers to the ques-
tion "What would you do if you found a
baby on your doorstep ?" The contest was
featured a week ahead and much unusual
publicity obtained as a result.
Chamber of Commerce Cooperates
Another ingenious promotion was effected
through the local Chamber of Commerce
with a letter from the Secretary to members
stressing the Greater Movie Season idea, as
a vital improvement in the downtown dis-
trict. The letter described the entire promo-
tion, naming all the Minnesota theatres in-
volved. Also mentioned were the names of
the outstanding coming pictures, members
being urged to attend theatres during this
time wherever possible.
The featured newspaper promotion was a
one ad tiein with the Pioneer Press which
plugged the tieup in page one boxes and
also two column type on the classified page.
Prizes were given for those who completed a
sentence having to do with the Season and
who forwarded 25 word letters on their fav-
orite want ads.
{Continued on following page)
Standard Theatres
Color Co-op Pages
Stress ''New Year'
New product shown during the last Aug-
ust weeks and in all of September was sold
by Standard Theatres, of Oklahoma City,
under the drive title of "Happy New Movie
Year," used widely in all the campaign ad-
vertising and publicity, as reported here by
Pat Patchen, circuit ad head.
Unusual in the newspaper promotion was
the use of color pages, the slogan, in re-
verse red streamer, topping the page which
was mainly a layout of scene and star cuts,
in color, from the coming attractions.
Layout was mortised to provide for type
captions illustrating each cut. Cooperating
merchants were listed below under a "Best
Wishes" head for the new season.
Mailing Piece Features Drive
Further stressed was a mailing piece dis-
tributed to thousands of local names, an
offset three-fold job, the front page given
over to scene cut on Bob Taylor and Hedy
Lamarr. Inside spread included star and
scene cuts, each numbered and explained in
identifying type panel. Two folds on back
page were similarly decorated with third
fold providing for names and mailing ad-
dresses, topped by the "new year" slogan.
Trailers were made up with typical New
Year music and sound effects. Same idea
was carried out for radio spots, with "Auld
Lang Syne" for background music. Lobby
and front decorations all carried out the
New Year's thought, including bells hung
from the marquee, and all incoming phone
calls answered "Happy New Movie Year."
In all, the campaign reacted advantage-
ously, Patchen reports, much being done to
bring strongly to local attention that there
were many good pictures shown currently
and on tap for future release.
PARKING METERS TIED
TO "BORROWED TIME"
Week ahead of and during his date
on "Borrowed Time," Manager Mad-
den Matthew, 69 Street Theatre, Up-
per Darby, Pa., had boys on street
searching for cars in parking meter
spaces displaying violation flags. When
one was spotted, boys put penny in
meter good for 12 additional minutes.
Under windshield, card same color as
police cards were inserted, copy call-
ing attention to the extra penny in
meter, and headed "You're parking on
Borrowed Time. We hope this will
save you a fine." Theatre credits fol-
lowed.
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
MORE ^^MINNESOTA
(Continued from preceding page)
In addition to the "season" activities,
Minnesota-men in other sectors of the cir-
cuit are keeping up their end with sus-
tained promotions of various kinds. What
some of the boys have done recently is de-
tailed below, from campaigns forw^arded
here by circuit ad head, Charlie Winchell.
In Duluth, Manager George Irwin at the
Lyceum reports a fancy job of work on
"Goodbye Mr. Chips", prominent in which
was special screening for newspaper critics
and select list, which brought rave advance
reviews in all papers. Irwin also planted the
"How many ways can you say 'Goodbye Mr.
Chips ?' " pressbook contest and another pro-
motion was built around invitation perform-
ance to group of local retired school teach-
ers. In addition, George landed a scrambled
letter contest which netted much gratis space
in exchange for a few ads.
On behalf of "Four Feathers", Irwin con-
centrated on what he terms a test preview
campaign wherein leading locals were in-
vited to ah advance screening, their opinions
used in newspaper advertising in addition
to a personal endorsement frorn the Round
Tabler, examples of both advertisements re-
produced on the following page.
Edeneal Ties Stores to "Chips"
For his "Goodbye Mr. Chips" date at the
Paramount, Mitchell, S. D., Ernie Edeneal
was able to plant small reverse panels con-
taining the title in ads of leading stores.
For street work, he had a costumed Santa
Claus working the downtown district and
carrying sign reading "150 days till Christ-
mas, but you can see 'Mr. Chips' " etc., etc.
Prominent in the lobby display was a 40 by
60 illustrated with photos of Robert Donat
in his past successes carrying copy reading
"Remember him?" Another interesting out-
standing stunt was the placing of the title
in giant cutout letters on the face of an em-
bankment in a popular resort.
For house-to-house distribution, Ernie had
a herald made up head reading "Pardon me,
may I have a minute of time?" followed by
strong personal endorsement copy on the
picture.
On "Hotel for Women" at the Orpheum,
St. Paul, Lou Golden promoted a five-
column-150 line display ad sensationally pro-
claiming the endorsement of the Theatre
and Movie Committee of the Women's In-
stitute of St. Paul and reproduced on the
following page.
In addition to the plug for the date, the
ad contained a photo of the heads of the
women's organization and comments on the
attraction from Elsa Maxwell herself.
Salisbury Favors Teaser Cards
Ingenious teaser cards were found effec-
tive by Harry Salisbury for "On Borrowed
Time" at the Time Theatre, in Rochester,
Minn. Using as a theme, the title of the
picture, Salisbury had small cards made up
in various colors which contained a tag line
and illustration which were widely distrib-
uted. These, too, are shown on the next
page. Harry also mailed special postcards to
the doctors and executives of the Mayo
Clinic, civic organizations, industrial plants,
etc.
Tying in with the State American Legion
Convention in Minneapolis, coincident with
the date of "Unexpected Father", Charles
Zinn at the Uptown had a young man in
Legion hat push a bannered baby carriage
around the downtown area. The "Legion-
naire" made it his business to join up with
all of the Legion activities and in the course
of his travels led bugle and drum corps
parades and had his picture taken innumer-
able times with the visiting Conventioners.
Bryan McElligott played a prominent part
in the selection of a local girl for the "Miss
America" title in Aberdeen. Cooperating in
the voting were leading merchants to find
the winner. The successful entrant was an-
nounced and her award made from the stage
of the Capitol Theatre. Local papers ran
front page stories on the event in which the
theatre and manager were prominently men-
tioned.
Phillips Hooks to Marathon
An excellent example of newspaper "of-
fice" ad was the tieup made for "Lady of the
Tropics" at the Garrick Theatre, in Duluth,
in which the value of personal appearance
was stressed in publicizing the local adver-
tisements. Full figure of Hedy Lamarr was
used in the three-column promotion and il-
lustrated on the following page.
With Stations KSOO and KELO promot-
ing a piano marathon approximately 18 days
in advance of Ralph Phillips, "Chips" open-
ing at the State, in Sioux Falls, S. D., the
theatre tied in by planting a huge picture dis-
play in the window adjoining theatre where
the marathonist was performing. Stunt was
put over the air thrice daily for 30-minute
programs and on each, Phillips received a
plug. In addition to the crowds that gath-
ered to watch the player seeing the picture
setpiece in the window, they heard through
public address system that was set up plugs
on the current and coming "Chips" engage-
ments.
Before screening the picture, Phillips
made arrangements with the local movie
commentator on KSOO to see the picture
and give a five-minute review on it. In ad-
dition, the theatreman secured cooperation
of various bookstore merchants for window
displays of the books, scene stills and other
advertising for the date.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Town's Four Daughters
Hosted by Fretwell
To stimulate his boxoffice on "Four
Daughters," Jack Fretwell, at the State, in
Harrisonburg, Va., ofi^ered guest tickets to
the four daughter families in his community.
Several responded, which brought newspaper
breaks with credits to picture and playdates.
Gratis Priscilla Lane fan photos were dis-
tributed to first matinee patrons through
courtesy of Auto-Lite spark plugs.
On "Only Angels Have Wings," Fret-
well had a plane from nearby airport drop
heralds over 10 county towns and the city.
The entire campaign was tied in with the
"Boost the Harrisonburg Airport" cam-
paign, thereby receiving full cooperation
from the Chamber of Commerce.
Fete Smith Shorts
Effect Ace Tieins
In JVtde Campaign
Intensive exploitation and publicity shorts
campaign put behind the Pete Smith spe-
cialties by M-G-M for national attention
began with "Culinary Carving" in which
the company tied up with the National Live
Stock and Meat Board, an organization of
1100 packers and 200,000 retailers. One
hundred and fifty thousand cards advertis-
ing the picture were distributed to markets
throughout the country. Mats and stills
from the picture were sent to 7200 news-
papers and meat markets for advertising.
This was supplemented by "Meat Goes to
the Movies" bulletins regarding the picture.
Live stock and medt publications received
news material and art and exhibitors ar-
ranged special previews for meat packers.
A similar tie-up was made with Bruns-
wick-Balke-Collender Company to promote
"Take a Cue" and "Set 'Em Up." Stills
on billiard and bowling instruction were
supplied for newspapers, shop windows,
billiard parlors and bowling alleys.
Billiard Champ Tours Colleges
Charles S. Peterson, the billiard expert
in "Take a Cue" toured the universities
giving billiard instructions as a side exploita-
tion stunt, with a great deal of newspaper
space resulting for the picture.
Andy Varipapa and Ned Day, the bowling
wizards appearing in "Set 'Em Up," like-
wise staged an exhibition tour in conjunc-
tion with the bowling Specialty. On the day
the picture was released, Day played in a
tournament and set a world record of 834
for three games, bowling a perfect score of
300 for his first game and having 21 conse-
cutive strikes. That timely feat broke "Set
'Em Lfp" into the sports pages.
All bowling publications carried art and
publicity sent out by Brunswick-Balke-Col-
lender and many exhibitors awarded regional
Pete Smith trophies' for bowling tourna-
ments. From Hollywood, the campaign was
given impetus by a luncheon for sports and
news syndicate writers given by Smith.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
OFFERED ON ''MUSIC
Tiein ^vith the local Press and mu-
sic school by publicist, Homer Mc-
Callon, on behalf of "They Shall Have
Music" brought gratifying daily breaks
and co-op ads for the date at Loew's
Houston, Texas, reports Manager
Francis Deering. Scholarships were of-
fered talented juvenile musicians, win-
ners selected at a public audition on
stage of theatre.
Paper ran daily entry blanks and
two-column stories xvith generous art
spreads as competition progressed.
Over 200 entered with 24 scholarships
given, instead of the 1 5 originally
agreed upon.
September 9, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
77
PAST "FORTNICHr EXPLOITATIONS
Local Beauty Search Tied
To Two Houses by Burhorn
Conducted in Chicago's subsequent Gayety
and first-run Commercial, by Manager
John Burhorn was his beauty search to
select "IMiss Southeast Chicago of 1939."
At a regular meeting of the South Chicago
Chamber of Commerce, a resolution was
passed approving the campaign and agree-
ing to abide by Burhorn's selection, in
addition to featuring the winner at any civic
function during the ensuing year.
Four local merchants were promoted for
$200 each, there were four preliminary con-
tests at each theatre and one final. Appli-
cation blanks were run in cooperating news-
paper and interest was kept alive by stories
together with photos of entrants which were
run daily. Cooperating merchants plugged
the search in their ads and storewide, Bur-
horn distributing heralds, programs, etc., in
addition to trailer and lobby copy.
Most Popular Teachers and Pupils
Hosted by Taylor for "Mr. Chips"
Running ten days ahead in local daily
which Charlie Taylor says does not usually
favor contests, was the stunt he planted
for the "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" opening at
the Buffalo Theatre, in Buffalo. With daily
newspaper coverage, the campaign was cli-
maxed with a dinner at a leading hotel to
which the five winners and the folks who
nominated them were invited. Contest was
ushered in with story in which readers were
asked to name the best local teacher they
ever had and who the teacher was in their
opinion who exerted the most influence on
the lives of prominent Buffalonians. Best five
letter -writers were chosen together with
their choice for the reception.
Newsies Sell Extrys for FItzpatrIck
Wearing "Stanley and Livingstone" Hats
With all the daily newspapers publishing
extras on the verdict given in the Water-
bury, Conn, million dollar conspiracy trial,
Manager Ed Fitzpatrick hopped aboard and
garnered some additional publicity for his
"Stanley and Livingstone" engagement at
the Poll Theatre. As soon as the papers
were on the streets, theatreman covered all
newsstands and corners where newsboys took
up their posts, by outfitting the attendants
and more than 200 newsies with white sun
helmets around each of which was an im-
printed band carrying title, theatre and play-
date copy.
Postcard Scenes of Villa's Raids
Used by Seymour for "Juarez" Date
One week in advance of "Juarez" at the
Kermit, in Kermit, Texas, Manager Dwight
Seymour borrowed from a local man a set
of 75 authentic postcards of the raids that
Pancho Villa had made around El Paso.
These were mounted on black mat boards
and planted on easel in lobby ahead and
during run of picture. Lobby display also
featured Mexican souvenirs including col-
ored pottery water jugs, man riding a horse
which was made of straw, Mexican felt
hats, two strings of dried vegetables and
other material.
PATRONS' COMMENTS
RECORDED BY CONNER
While the picture ivas playing at the
Warner Avalon, Chicago, in advance
of his date on "Dark Victory" at the
Rhodes, Marlotce Conner placed an
electric recording machine in the lobby
of the Avalon and invited patrons to
record their comments.
Conner then inaugurated his ad-
vance campaign by playing the record
over his house p.a. system. It tvent
this way:
"How do you do, ladies and gentle-
men. This is the Voice of the Lobby,
speaking from the lobby of the Avalon
Theatre. The picture, 'Dark Victory',
is just over and we are going to ask
you for a few comments picked at
random. Sir, you just saw 'Dark Vic-
tory', starring Bette Davis; what did
you think of it?" This ivas followed
by patrons' comment.
Airplane Contest at Bennett Field
hield by Brown on "Angels Have Wings"
A flying model airplane contest of no
mean proportions was staged by Manager
Harry Brown and publicist S. Leonard
Mayer for "Only Angels Have Wings" at
Loew's Cameo, in Brooklyn. Run in ad-
vance of the picture, eliminations were held
at Marine Park where trophies and medals
were awarded to winners in various groups,
with the finals at Floyd Bennett Airport,
trophies there being presented by officers
of the Naval Air Corps on duty at the field.
Presentation broke in two Brooklyn papers
with a monster parade scheduled for open-
ing night. Band assembled in front of
theatre and gave a concert at which time
200 pigeons were released from the mar-
quee.
One sheet was stationed out front through
which medium all families bearing the name
"Angel" were invited as guests of the man-
agement, special radio broadcast over
WCNW was held, window secured from
local model airplane store and motor for
demonstration purposes was planted in front
of boxofifice, with appropriate picture and
playdate tiein copy.
Novelty Heralds Distributed by Allen
In Advance of "Wizard of Oz" Date
Used mainly to call attention to the tre-
mendous amount of money expended on the
"Wizard of Oz" production, Wally Allen at
Schine's Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., issued
gag checks in the amount of $3,000,000,
drawn on the Bank of Entertainment to the
order of Kentucky Theatre patrons. Re-
verse side carried copy stressing cost of
picture and the fact that the picture could
be seen for 10 to 40 cents at his house. These
were distributed ahead of opening as were
puzzle heralds, on which guest tickets were
offered to the first 25 submitting correct so-
lutions.
Brian Drops Heralds from Sky
In Advance of "Angels" Date
In the third-run Prince Theatre, Am-
bridge. Pa., Round Tabler Lige Brien for
"Only Angels Have Wings," week ahead
planted an easel out front advising patrons
to watch the sky on opening day at which
time costless heralds were dropped from
plane plugging the opening. Various or-
ganization heads were contacted by post-
cards which were mailed from New York,
sidewalks were stenciled with "Don't jay-
walk, only angels have wings" copy and
through tieup with local power plant, pay
envelopes were stamped with picture and
playdate copy.
For his kid patronage, Brien distributed
feathered Indian hats on which were im-
printed the title, youngsters thus providing
a walking billboard for the theatreman, and
an electrical transcription that reproduced
sounds of a plane in the sky was played
over marquee during run.
Bannan Conducts Newspaper Search
For Van Wert's Local "Mr. Chips"
Five prominent school teachers in as many
towns were selected as local "Mr. Chips"
as part of George Bannan's campaign on
that picture at Schine's Van Wert, Van
Wert, Ohio. The local newspaper in each
instance selected the man most deserving in
their town to be honored by the theatre as
a guest of the management and at a ban-
quet which was held opening day. Classi-
fied ad was run for two days asking for
a review by some local person who had
seen the picture out-of-town, passes were
given for the best review, which was used
for out-ifiront display under the heading
"local woman raves about 'Goodbye, Mr.
Chips.' "
Bench was planted out front with copy
"For those waiting to see," etc., etc., two-
foot cutout title letters were used on trav-
eler, cashiers telephoned telephone subscrib-
ers and bookstore and library displays were
featured.
Hauschlld Heads Committee
To Choose "Leading Citizen"
Since Marion, Ind., was chosen as one
of the 100 cities to receive a bronze plaque
to be presented to the town's leading citizen
in conjunction with the opening of "Our
Leading Citizen" at the Paramount Theatre,
Manager Thor Hauschild contacted the
service clubs two weeks ahead, urging each
to select one of their members to meet as
a group to choose Marion's leading citi-
zen.
Strange part of it was that Billy Con-
nors, for 27 years manager of the other
first run house in town, was selected to
receive the plaque. The unusual aspect of
one theatre rrianager honoring his competi-
tor made excellent newspaper copy. Streets
were bannered as were merchants' stores
and theatre. Numerous organizations were
contacted such as Boy Scouts, American Le-
gion, etc., all of which cooperated in put-
ting over the show. Kids on entering the
theatre were handed Pledge of Allegiance
and National Anthem cards which they re-
cited and sang at an appointed time.
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
FRANK M. BOUCHER
for the past six months manager of Schine's
Glove, in Gloversville, has been promoted
to a position in the executive office of the
theatres, while LOU HART, manager of
the Schine Hippodrome, succeeds Boucher
at the Glove.
V
ALBERT PICKUS
has acquired the Annex, in New Haven,
Conn.
V
JERRY CALLAHAM
is managing the new house in Askadown,
Ark., opened by the K. Lee Williams The-
atres Enterprises.
V
ARCHIE McCLEESE
has been named manager of the Olentangy
in Columbus, Ohio.
V
A. T. VINSON, JR.
assistant manager of the Martin Theatre, hi
Opelika, Ala., has been transferred to Flo-
rala, Ala., as manager of the Martin Theatre
in that city.
V
BEN BENDA
manager of the Isis, Boulder, Colo., is now
at Sterling, relieving CHET MILLER who
is on an extended vacation. Taking Benda's
place is ED KING, city manager at Wal-
senburg. HAROLD WOODS has been
promoted from assistant at Helena, Mont.,
to King's position at Walsenburg where he
will manage the Valencia and Rialto.
V
JAMES KENNEDY
former manager of the Apollo and B. F.
Keith's, Indianapolis, has returned to be-
come manager of the St. Clair.
V
MARVIN WARREN
is managing the reopened Strand, in Mont-
gomery, Ala.
V
WILLIAM HERMAN
has acquired the Hawthorne, in Hawthorne,
N. J.
V
HAROLD SNYDER
manager of Shea's Bexley at Dover, Ohio,
has been transferred to Lancaster, Ohio, as
manager of the Lyric.
V
DAVE SCHNEIDER
has taken over the operation of the Cameo,
in the Bronx.
V
H. C. PATTERSON
has purchased the Oakland, in Marion, Ohio,
from L. J. FLAUTT.
V
OTTO REINKE
has bought the Dysart, Dysart, la., from
HOWARD POLLARD.
V
PHILLIP DAVIDSON
manager of the Grove, Beech Grove, Ind.,
will manage the Settos newly acquired Irv-
ing. RICHARD NIEMAN, assistant at the
Ohio, replaces Davidson, with HAROLD
FLEMING assistant at the Ohio.
V
CHARLES DE PAUL
of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has opened the
rebuilt Princess.
BARBARA LOUISE, born Satur-
day, August I2th, to Mr. and Mrs.
B. V. Samuels. Daddy manages the
Colonial Theatre in Detroit, Mich.
V
ERLE WRIGHT
manager of the Paramount, in Syracuse, has
been transferred to the Strand. Other RKO-
Schine changes include PAT McGEE from
the Eckel to Wright's spot. IRVING CAN-
TOR, chief of service at the Keith, goes to
the Strand as assistant manager, and
GREGORY PEGGS, chief of service at the
Paramount becomes assistant at that house.
JOE GOLDSTEIN, assistant at the Para-
mount, gets the same job at the Eckel, and
RICHARD WHITAKER becomes chief of
service at Keith's.
Birthday
Greetings
Lawrence P. Albanese
Glenn C. Lazar
Carl Anderka
Woolf Levy
Jean Armand
Lester Lockwood
C. F. Benefiei
Manville C.Mc Alexander
Leonard Berkowitz
Edward H. McBride
James S. BIggers
Fred E. McSpadden
Samuel Bleiweiss
Morton Maius
C. O. Braun
Vern Manning
Stephen G. Brenner
E. T. Mathes
Henry W. Brown
Richard Miller
Roy C. Bruder
Walter Morris
John F. Burhorn
Ray L. Niles
Charles F. Burns
John F. O'Halloran
Gordon E. Carson
George N. Phillips
J. D.Chaffin
H. J. Quartemont
Herbert D. Cluley
Harsukhray L. Raval
Lawrence P. Coe
Fred Reeths
Clayton S. Cornell
Bob Richardson
Arthur Egberts
Daniel Richetelli
M. A. Ellsworth
Henry M. Rogers
Earle Eveiand
J. E. Ross, Jr.
James G. Fair
Bernard E. Schnager
Charles F. Feinhals
Charles F. Sherrin
John N. Fendley
Howard Schuster
Abe Frank
Martin J. Shearn
William F. Gerst
David Sidman
Sol Greenberg
Ray G. Stevens
Herbert D. Grove
Wesley L. Tefft
Barney Burnette
Ira W. Thompson
Philip H. Hayward
John W. Tripp
W. B. Henderson
Herbert Vitriol
Bennie Henning
Burgess Waitmon
R. J. Jerabek
R. E. Wanamaker
Nick Karl
Marion B. Warrick
Gus Kerasotes
Robert M. Wertman
Nyman Kessler
Edgar A. Weimer, Jr.
John T. Krieger
Cecil G.Winstead
Harry Kriegsman
A. H. Yeomans
HAROLD SNYDER
manager of Shea's Bexley, at Dover, Ohio,
has been transferred to Lancaster, Ohio, in
charge of the Lyric.
V
EDDIE FORESTER
manager of the Omaha, in Omaha, Nebras-
ka, has resigned that post to enter the writ-
ing field. Forester and his family have
moved to California.
V
CHARLES BARNES
has moved from the Linwood, Kansas City,
Mo., to the Granada, Kansas City, Kan.
HARRY BEDERMAN, former assistant
at the Uptown replaces Barnes. JACK
WINNINGHAM returns to assistant man-
ager of the Uptown, and JIMMY CHAP-
MAN is the new manager at the Waldo.
V
HOBSON JOHNSON ■
former manager of the Pal Theatre, in Mil-
len, Ga., has been named general manager
of the Pal Theatres, Inc., headquarters in
Vidalia, Ga.
V
T. E. HUTCHINS
has purchased the Tuttle, in Tuttle, Okla.
V
O. M. DURHAM
has taken over the Mission, in Mount Ver-
non, Wash.
V
H. B. NEUN
formerly manager of the Royal at Wood-
stock, Ont., of the Famous Players Circuit
has been placed in charge of the Granada,
Chatham.
V
HENRY BARDEN
has taken over the Warfield, Cleveland,
from NATE SCHULTZ.
V
DOC HOWES
will act as manager of the Metropolitan
Theatre, in Seattle, Wash., when the house
is operated by HERMAN ROESNER.
V
HANK HAROLD
advertising artist for Standard Theatres,
Oklahoma City, Okla., has resigned and re-
turned east. JULIUS KIRSCH, manager
of the Warner, has been transferred to the
booking department and PAUL TOWN-
SEND, manager of the Liberty, will hence-
forth also manage the Warner
V
R. S. RODDICK
who has been district supervisor of Famous
players Canadian theatres in western On-
tario has been appointed district supervisor
of the theatres in the Maritime Provinces
with headquarters at the Capitol, Halifax,
N. S., under the direction of Clarence Rob-
son, eastern division supervisor. Other
changes include LARRY GRABURN, pres-
ent manager of the Capitol, Halifax, trans-
ferred to the Toronto office to handle spe-
cial assignments. JACK ARTHUR, mana-
ger of the Uptown Theatre, Toronto, suc-
ceeds R. S. Roddick as district supervisor
of theatres in Western Ontario, headquar-
tering in the Toronto office and FRED
TREBILCOCK, present assistant manager
of the Uptown, Toronto, takes over man-
agement of his ace first run house.
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
THE RELEASE CHART
INDEX
Abraham Lincoln Boggs. Mel Rep
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Com. -Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321. Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Frontier, 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Ambush. 3820, Mel Para
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com. -Mel MGM
Arizona, Mel. (C) Col
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid. The, West Rep
Arizona Legion, 982, West RKO
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Com 20th- Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mui.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 913, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Bess, Com Col
eiondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com. -Mel MGM
Broadway IVIelody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Bronze Buckaroo, Mel St. Rts.
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Burn 'Em Up O'Connor, 919, Com. -Mel. .MGM
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
Cabira, Mel Foreign
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Campus Wives, Mel Para
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The, Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Honolulu, 928, Mel..20th-Fox
Charlie Chan In Reno, 948, Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees, Com. -Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, C«m 20th-Fox
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
Child Is Born, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wind, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
Cisco Kid, No. I, 012, Mel .20th-Fox
City in Darkness, Mel 20th- Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel ^...Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. Rts.
Code of the Fearless, West St. Rts.
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset. 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935. Mel RKO
Convict's Code, 3822, Mel Mono
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Crossroads, Mel Foreign
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, Com MGM
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com... RKO
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, West Univ
Devil's Island, 313, Mel WB
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Disbarred, 3818, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime In the Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864, West Mono
Drifting Westward, 3853, West Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel.20th-F«x
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Espionage Agent. Mel WB
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th- Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everything's on Ice, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Fast and Furious, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Feud of the Range, West St. Rts.
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fighting Gringo, 986 West RKO
Fighting Thoroughbreds, 821, West Rep
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
Fisherman's Wharf, 844. Mus RKO
Five Came Back. 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan. 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight. 911, Mel Rep
Flirting with Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces, 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Reft
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Girls in White, 921, Mel MGM
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal. West 20th-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Frontiers of '49, West Col
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003. Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
Galloping Kid, West Univ
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gang Smashers, Mel St. Rts.
Geronimo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Going Places, 359, Com.-Mel FN
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com. -Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Grade Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel. .. Para
Grand Jury's Secrets, Mel Para
Great Man Votes, 913, Com RKO
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RKO
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, West St. Rts.
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hatred, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, Mus Univ
Heart of the North, 362, Mel. (C) FN
Heart of Paris, Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence, Mel.
20th- Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes of the Desert, 7118 West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power, Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
Hitler— The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts
Hobby Family, The, 376, Com FN
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West Rep
Homicide Bureau, Mel Col
Honeymoon in Bali, Com Para
Honolulu, 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Bakersville, 936, Med.. .20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter. Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The. Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
Ice Follies of 1939. 925, Com.-Mel MGM
Idiot's Delight, 920, Com.-Mel MGM
1 Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936, Mel RKO
In Old Montana. West St. Rts.
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 20th-Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel...20th-Fox
It's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
Itto, Mel Foreign
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
Jamaica Inn, Mel Para
Jesse James, 921, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Jones Family in Quick Millions, Com.
20th. Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Com.20th-Fox
Jaurez, 301, Mel WB
Juarez and Maximilian, Mel St. Rts.
Kansas Terrors, The, West Rep
Kid from Kokomo, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
King of the Underworld, 317, Mel WB
Knights of the Range, West Para.
Konga, The Wild Stallion, Mel Col
Kreutzer Sonata, Mel Foreign
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Col
Lady Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel.. .Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
Lady Vanishes, 8011, Mel GB
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West 0»l
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
(Continued on following page)
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
rrHC CCLCASE CHACT—INDEX CONT'D]
(Continued from preceding page)
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
Listen Kids, Mel Unlv
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Princess, The, 932, Mel. (C) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, The, Mel Col
Long Shot. The. 313, Mel GN
Ust Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron. The, 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Maisie, 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Mamele. Com Foreign
Man About Town, 3845. Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man In the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The. Mel Col
Man Trailer, The, West Col
Man Who Dared, 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers at the Circus, Com. Mus. -Com.
Medicine Show, West Para
Mexican Kid. 3741, West Mono
Mickey the Kid, 814, Mel Rep
Midnight, 3828, Mel Para
Mikado. The, Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel GN
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mol MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Mote in Danger Island. 937, Mel.20th-Fox
Mr. Mote's Last Warning, 926. Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Com Col
Mr. Wong at Headquarters. 3808. Mel, ..Mono
Mr. Wong in Chinatown, 3807, Mel Mono
Mothers of Today, Mel Foreign
Mountain Rhythm, 845, West Rep
Murder in Soho, Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House. 3803, Mel. ..Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 536, Mel MGM
My Song of Love, Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mysterious Miss X, 809, Mel Rep
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The, 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel. ..Univ
Mystery Plane, 3809, Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter, 324, MeL.WB
Naughty But Nice, 311. Com.-Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832, Com Para
New Frontier. 868, West Rep
Newsboys Home, 3015. Mel Univ
News Is Made at Night, 953, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Night on the Danube, Com.-Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South, Mel Foreign
Night Work, Com Para
Ninotschka, Mel MGM
No Place to Go. Mel FN
North of Shanghai. Mel Col
North of the Yukon. Mel Col
Northwest Passage, Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, 001, Mel RKO
0
Off the Record. 314. Com.-Mel WB
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Unlv
Oklahoma Kid, 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Maid, The, Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com.-Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus WB
One Hour to Live, Mel Unlv
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown, Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen. Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Outsider, The, Mel Foreign
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep.
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
P
Pacific Liner, 914, Mel RKO
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com.. .20th-Fox
Panama Lady. 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Met GN
Papa's Misadventures. Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Paris Honeymoon, 3821, Mus. -Com Para
Parole Fixer, Mel Para
Patsy. Com MGM
Peasant Wedding, Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons In Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back. Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033, Mel Univ
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Port of Hate. Mel St. Rts.
Pride of the Blue Grass. Mel WB
Pride of the Navy. 822. Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars. Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The.
Mel.. (C) .-. WB
Pygmalion. 980. Com.-Mel MGM
Q
Queen of Destiny, 061, Mel. (C) RKO
R
Racketeers of the Range. 984. West RKO
Rains Came. The, Mel 20th- Fsx
Range War, West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember. Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Trail, West Para
Reno, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid, Mel 2ath-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2, West GN
Riders of Black River. West Col
Riders of the Frontier. West Mono
Rio. Mel Univ
Risky Business. 3029, Mel Univ
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Rolling Westward, 3863, West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Mario, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942.
Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
8
Sabotage, Mel Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Saint in London, 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822, Mel Para
Santa Fo Stampede, 863, West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
School for Husbands. Com.-Mel Foreign
Scouts of the Air. 3816. Mel Mono
Second Fiddle. 949, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Secret Enemy, Mel WB
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin, Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com Para
She Married a Cop. Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally, 018, Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Simple Life, The, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Singing Charro, The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm, Wl-19, West GN
6,000 Enemies, 938, Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smiling Along, 300, Com 20th-Fox
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Met Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein, 3004, Mel Univ
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring. Mel WB
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave, 813. Mel Rep
So This Is London. Com Foreign
Southward Ho 855. West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Spy in Black, Mel Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stand Up and Fight, 918, Com.-Mel. ... MGM
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker, The, Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Met Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life, 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell. The,
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The,
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802, Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire, Mel MGM
Student Nurse, Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814, Mel Mono
Sudden Money, 3829, Com.-Mel Para
Sued for Libel, Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie, 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets, Mel Univ
Sunset Trail, 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties, 954, Corn-Met.
20th- Fox
Swanee River 017, Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner, Com FN
T
Tail Spin, 925, Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West, West Cot
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats, West St. Rts.
They Alt Come Out, 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girts, 948. Met MGM
They Asked for It. 3040. Mel Univ
They Drive by Night. Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy. 921. Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal, 307. Mel WB
They Shall Have Music. Mel UA
This Man in Paris. 3865. Mel Para
Those High Grey Walts, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus.-Com.. .20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus-Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004, Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat. Mel MGM
Thundering West, The, West Col
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th-Fox
Topper Takes a Trip, Com UA
Torchy Blane In Chinatown, 371, Mel FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite, 326, Mel...WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322. Mel WB
Torture Ship. Mel St. Rts
Tower of London, Mel Unlv
Trapped in the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Pals, WI-13, West GN
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble In Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds, West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours, 917, Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Two Bright Boys, Mel Univ
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U
Undercover Agent, .3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under-Pup, The, Mel Unlv
Unexpected Father, 3008, Com Unlv
Union Pacific, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed. Mel Para
V
Victor Herbert. Mus Para
Vigil in the Night. 007. Mel RKO
W
Wall Street Cowboy, West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rti
Ware Case, Mel 20th-Fox
Waterfront, 325. Mel WB
Water Rustlers. Wl-I, West GN
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel WB
Western Caravans, West Col
What a Man! Com Foreign
What Do You Think, Chums? Met Foreign
When the Husband Travels, Mus.-Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes. 3003, Com.-Mel.. Unlv
Where's That Fire, Mel 20th-Fox
While New York Sleeps, 922, Met...20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies, Mel Col*
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy, 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus.-Com 20tli-Fox
Winter Carnival. Mel UA
Witch Night. Met Foreign
With a Smite, Mus.-Com Foreign
Within the Law, 928, Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes. The. Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz. 949. Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doetor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A., Mel Col
Women, The, Com.-Mel MGM
Women in the Wind, 316, Mel WB
Wonder World, Met GN
World Moves On, The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Y
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away with Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Z
Zaza, 3819, Mel Para
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The 812, Mel Rep
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
(THE RELEASE CHACT— CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture Is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Beliind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells.. July 28, '39 62. Aug. 2C,'39
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris-Ralpli Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May II. '39 71. Apr. 29,'39
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms. . Mar. 8.'39 74. Feb. 25/39
(Exploitation: May 13. '39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G).P. Singieton-A. Lake-L. Simms . . July 20.'39 71. July 22,'39
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson. .June 20, '39 79. Mar. II, '39
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 67.)
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Waiter Connolly . .Aug. 4,'39 72. Sept. 2, '39
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson .. Aug. 22,'39
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs., Apr. I2,'39 62
Frontiers of '49 Bill Eiiiott-Luana De Aleaniz. . Jan. I9,'39 54
(See "California Cavalcade," "In the Cutting Room," Nov. I9,'38.)
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphe MenJou-Jo9. Callela. .Sept. 5,'39. . . MOO. Aug. I9,'39
Good Girls Go to Paris (G)..Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June 30,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept
Homicide Bureau (G) Bruce Cabot-Rita Hayworth Jan.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone- Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G) . . F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr,
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott-Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
7,'39t.. .*60.May 27.'39
5, '39 59 Feb. 1 1, '89
30,'39.
3,'39.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott-Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, The (G). Warren William-Ida Luplno-
Virginia Weidler Jan.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox.. Aug.
I7,'39
66
Mar.
II, '39
Feb.
18,'39
71
Jan.
28,'3S
59
June
24.'39
... .121.
May
20,'39
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells. ... Feb. 22,'39.
North of Shanghai Betty Fumess-James Craig Feb. I0,'39.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Nov. I2,'38.)
North sf the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Llnda Winters Mar. 3
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant - Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May 25,'39.
(Exploitation: June 24,'39; p. 75; July I5,'39, p. 62; July 29.'39, p. 69; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 100,
101, 102; Aug. 12, '39, p. 70; Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. 2. '39, p. 57.)
Outside Thest Walls Dolores Costelio • M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June 29,'39.
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes •
Noah Beery, Jr May 4,'39.
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 27, '39.)
Riders ef Black River Chas. Starrett • Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug. 23,'39
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar. 30,'39 67..
Spoilers of the Rtinge Charles Starrett-lrls Meredith. . .Apr. 27,'39 58..
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-lrls Meredith Feb. 9,'39 57..
.58.
.59.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.61. Feb. IB.'SS
.58.
Title Star
Thundering West, The Chas. Starrett-lrls Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Jan. I2,'39 57.
Trapped In the Sky (G) Jack Holt- Katherlne DeMllle June I, '39.
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June 15, '39.
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costelio Mar. 24,'39 61. Feb. I8,'3»
Woman Is the Judge, A Frieda Inescort-Rocheilo Hudson-
Otto Kruger July I0,'39 62
Coming Attractions
Arizona Jean Arthur-Warren William
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct. 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis •65. Aug. 5,'39
incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Man Trailer, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains • Guy
Kibbe-Eugene Paiiette Oct. I5,'39t
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-iris Meredith .... Sept. i4,'39t 63
Scandal Sheet 0. i<ruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Sept. 3D,'3St
Spy in Black (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson 82. Apr. Iii,'39
Taming of the V/est Bill Elliott-iris Meredith
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith. . Sept. 2l,'39t
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Distribufed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Matthews, Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'38
Lady Vanishes, The (A) 801 1 .. Margaret Lockwood-Paul Lukas-
Miehael Redgrave-Dame May
Whitty Jan. 6,'39 88, Sept. 3,'38
(Exploitation: June I0.'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
Running Time
6,'39 60. Dec.
20,'39 69. Feb.
20,'39 53. Jan.
3I.'39 57
I3,'39 57. Feb.
GRAND NATIONAL
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes R
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug.
Long Shot, The (G) 313 Marsha Hunt-Gordon Jones Jan.
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters. . . May
Ride 'Em Cowgirl (G) WI-2. . Dorothy Page Jan.
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9..Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May
Trigger Pals (G) WI-13 Art Jarrett-Lee Powell-AI St.
John Jan.
Water Rustlers Wl-I Dave O'Brien-Dorothy Page Jan.
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barclay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Isle of Destiny W. Ford-J. Lang-W. Gargan
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
eviewed
26,'39
31, '38
25,'39
2 1, '38
13, '39 55. Jan.
6.'39 56
IB.'SS
21, '38
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
Star
Rel.
0,'39 92. Feb.
pp. 74, 75; June
21, '39 85. July
19,'39, p. 66; Aug.
8,'39t....8l
Title
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney - Walter Con •
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
Ingram Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. I8,'39. p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29,'39
p. 77; July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. 12,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug
p. 86; Sept. 2,'39, pp. 56. 6C.)
Blackmail Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. .Sept,
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22, '39.)
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly .. May 26,'39 70. May
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan. .., Apr. 7,'39.
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, p. 81.)
Bum 'Em Up O'Connor (G)
919 Dennis 0' Keefe-Ceoilia Parker-
Harry Carey-Nat Pendleton. . .Jan.
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr.
Champ, The (reissue) (Q) 201. W. Berry-J. Cooper-I. Rich June
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell. ... Feb.
Four Girls In White (G) 921 .. Florence Rloe-Kent Taylor-Ann
Rutherford Jan. 27,'39 73. Feb
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 54; Apr. 22,'S9, p. 81; May I3,'39, p. 66.)
1 1, '39
24,'39,
I5,'S9
26.'39,
13. Apr.
13,'39 86, Apr.
28,'S9 86. Oct.
2,'39 86. Apr.
I7,'39 79. Feb.
27,'3»
8,'39
29,'39
17, '3I
29,>39
18, '39
4,'39
82
!
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(THE CELCASC CHACT—CCNT'D)
21. '39 81. Apr. 22, '39
p. 76.)
4,'39
13, '39,
p. 82;
1 1. '39
27,'39....l09.Jan. 28,'38
I9,'39 86. May 6, '39
I4,'39 71
■39.
.91
Apr.
Aug.
1, '39
2, '39
..87. Feb. I8.'39
Running Time
THI, Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945.. Robert Donat-Greer Carson July 28,'39 1 14. May 20,'39
(Exploitation: July l.'39, p. 59: July 22. '39, p. 80: July 29,'39, p. 67; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 101,
102: Aug. I2.'39. p. 74; Aug. 26. '39, pp. 86. 88.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone- F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr.
(Exploitation: May 20.'39, p. 64; June 3. '39, p. 65; June 24,'39,
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb. 3,'39 83. Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 82; Apr. I5.'39, p. 84; May 6,'39, pp. 61, 64; May
p. 07; June 24, '39. pp. 74, 77; July I, '39. p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22. '39.
Julv 29. '.H9. p. 69: Aug. 12, '39. P. 70.)
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Original Ice Follies Cast —
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. I0,'39 82. Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 20.'39, p. 61; June ia,'39, p. 60.)
Idiot's Delight (A) 920 Norma Shearer - Clark Gable -
Edw. Arnold-Burgess Meredith. .Jan.
It's a Wonderful World (G)
938 James Stewart-Claudotto Colbert.. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas. The (G) 929. Dennis 0' Keefe-Florence Rice Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug.
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926 N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold - G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8.'39. p. 79; Apr. 29, '39. p. 74: May 27,'39,
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Ley May
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39. p. 67.)
Malsie (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. .June
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 61; July 8,'39. p. 51; July I5,'39,
Aug. 5, '39, p. 98; Aug. 12, '39. p. 74: Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Spet. 2.'39.
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull Aug. 4, '39
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone... May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bond! July
Pynmallon (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hlller Mar.
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,"39. pp. 68, 70: Feb. 25. '39, p. 67; Mar.
p. 83; Apr. I, '39. p. 76; Apr. 22,'39, p. 64; May 6,'39,
July 8.'39. p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day —
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; Apr. 29, '39, p. 72; May 6,'39.
May 27,'39, p. 65; June I0,'39, p. 59; July 8.'39, p. 51.)
5.000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrillo .Mar.
Stand Up and Fight (G) 918.. Robert Taylor - Wallace Beery.
Florence Rice - Helen Brod-
erick - Barton MacLane Jan.
p. 52; Jan. 28,'39. p. 60; Feb. 4,'39, p. 85; Fob. I8.'39, pp. 68,
24,'39...
p. 68.)
5,'39 81. Apr. 29,'39
23,'39 74. July
p. 61; July 22.'39.
p. 60.)
71 .Aug.
.'39
89;
5.'39
5,'39....l33.Nov. 9.'35
7.'39 99. July I, '39
3.'39 87. Sept. I0.'38
4,'39. p. 70; Mar. 25,'39,
62; May I3,'39. pp. 68, 70;
.May 27,'39.... 115. July 4.'36
.Mar.
24,'39 83. Mar.
p. 63; May 20, '39,
9,'39 62. May
3I,'39 78. Apr.
I8,'39
p. 62;
27,'39
I, '39
6,'39 97. Jan. 7,'39
Virginia Bruce-Walter PIdgeon. . June
J. Welssmuller-M. O'Sulllvan. . . . June
p. 49; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 98, 100; Aug.
30,'39 78. June 4.'39
I6,'39 82. June 3,'39
I9,'39, pp. 67, 70; Sept.
I2,'39 69. May I3.'39
I8.'39 80. Aug.
I4,'39 70. July
17, '39 65. Mar.
I9,'39
8,'39
I8.'39
25, '39.... 101. Aug. I2,'39
l,'39t...l34.Sept. 2,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 21 ,'39,
70.)
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939.
(Exploitation: July I, '39,
2. '39. P|J. 54, 60.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May
These Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Loulse-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan ...Aug.
They All Come Out (G) 943. ..Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar.
Wizard of Oz 949 (G) Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug.
(Exploitatien: Aug. 2i;,'39. pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55.)
Women. The (A) Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. .Sept.
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myma Ley - William Powell -
Ruthy Hussey-Virginia Grey
Babes in Arms Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland-
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room." July I, '39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger • Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2.'39.)
Broadway Melody of 1940* E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Dancing Co-ed Lana Turner-Richard Carlson Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19. '39.)
Fast and Furious Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Sept. 29,'39t
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12. '39.)
Marx Brothers at the Circus. .. Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. ... Oct. 20,'39t
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Nlnotschka G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire. . .Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy- R. Young-W. Brennan
Patsy Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds . .Oct. 27,'39t
Remember R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 112. Jan. I8,'35
Thunder Afloat W. Beery-C. Morris- V. Grey Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I, '39.)
MONOGRAM
Title Star
Across the Plains (G) 3655... Jack Randall
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankle Darro-Grant Withers..
Convicts' Code (G) 3822 R. Kent-A. Nagel-S. Blackmer...
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell
Drifting Westward 3853 Jack Randall-Edna Duran
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movlta-Warren Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankle Darro-DIck Purcell...
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Rittor
Mr. Wong In Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorie Reynolds..
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds...
(Reviewed under the title. "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall
Riders of the Frontier 3866 Tex Ritter
Rolling Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room." June 17,
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorle Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman..
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.,
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane....
(See "In the Cutting Room." Apr. 8.'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. 30,'39 59. May 27,'39
May I, '39 61. May 13, '39
Jan. I8.'39 62. Feb. Il,'39
May I8.'39 62. Juno 24,'39
Jan. 25, '39 55
Aug. 7, '39 62
Aug. 22.'39 58. Aug. 26,'39
July 21, '39 60
Aug. I, '39 70. July 22. '39
Mar. 8,'39 66. Mar. I8,'39
Mar. 8, '39 60. Feb. 25.'39
29,'39, p. 72.)
Feb. 8, '39 60. Feb. 18, '39
Aug. 25, '39
Aug. 16,'39
Mar. I,'39 55. Apr. I,'3S
June I0,'39 61
'39.)
Feb. 22,'39 62. Apr. I5,'39
Apr. I2,'39 73. Apr. 8.'3»
July l.'39... .61. July l,'3S
Feb. 8.'39 59
Mar. 22, '39 60
Apr. 5,'39 64
Apr. I9,'39 65
May I8,'39 67. May 20.'S9
Coming Attractions
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Sept. I9,'39t
Mr. Wong at Headquarters
3808 Boris Karlotf Nov. I0,'39
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane. .Sept. 30,'39
Overland Mall 3857 Jack Randall Oct. 6,'39
Scouts of the Air J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. Oct. 4,'39
Sky Patrol 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. Sept. I2,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
PARAMOUNT
Title Star
Ambush (G) 3820 Gladys Swarthout- Lloyd Nolan.
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester.
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 65.)
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland...
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard-Heather Angel....
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard-Heather Angel....
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39. p. 57; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) Lynno Overman-Susan Paley
Disbarred (G) 3818 Gail Patrick - Otto Kruger .
Robert Preston
Grade Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. Jehn Howard-Gail Patrick
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable-Donald Woods.
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830. . Bob Burns-Gladys George
(Exploitation: May I3.'39, p. 66; Juno 10,'39, p. 55; Aug.
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray..,
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848... Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn
King of Chinatown (G) 3827. .Anna May Wong-A. Tamiroff...
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts
Magnifiicent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold,
(Exploitation: Aug. I2,'39, pp. 69. 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p.
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert- Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer • John Barry-
more - Mary Astor
p. 68; June 3,'39, p. 66; July I,'
. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye ,
Night Work (G) Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles...
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson
Our Leading Citizen (G) Bob Burns-Susan Hayward
Paris Honeymoon (G) 3821.. ..Bing Crosby - Franciska Gaal -
E. E. HortoR - Shirley Ross •
Akim Tamiroff
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39, p. 73.)
Persons In Hiding (G) 3823. ..L. Overman-Patricia Morlson...
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Jan. 20,'39 62. Jan. 2I,'3»
.Apr. 21, '39 85. Apr. I5,'3»
.Mar. I0,'39 88. Nov. 26/38
Feb. 17, '39 74. Feb. 4,'3»
.June 30,'39 57. July 8,'39
.Apr. I4,'39 55. Apr. 8,'39
.Mar. 3.'39 76. Feb. Il,'39
.Sept. I,'39t...*67.3ept. 2,'39
.Jan. I, '39 60. Jan. i4.'3t
.June 2,'39 74. May 20, '89
.June 23,'39 68. June I0,'39
.June 23,'39 74. Mar. I8,'39
.May I2,'39 80. May I3,'39
.Apr. 7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
5.'39, p. 99.)
70.)
(Exploitation: May 27,39,
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.
39, p. 58.)
.Aug.
,'39
95
May
I3,'39
Aug.
5,'39
57
Mar.
IS,'39
77
Apr.
IS,'39
78
July
22,'39
June
I7,'39
94
Mar.
I8,'39
July
8,'39
Mar.
II. '39
Aug.
12. '39
Feb.
I8,'39
88
Aug.
5,'39
85
Dee.
I7,'38
70
Jan.
28.'3B
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
83
(THE I2ELEASE CHAKT—CCNT'C)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Sept. 8.'39t....66.AuB. 5,'39
Aug. 18,'39
'38.)
Feb. 3,'39 87. Jan. 28,'39
Mar. 31, '39 68. Feb. 11/39
May 19/39 64. May 13/39
26/39, u. 85.)
Aug. 25,'39 94. Aug. 26, '39
May 26.'39 92. Feb. I8,'39
Mar. 31, '39 62. Mar. 25. '39
Feb. 24,'39 68. Oct. 22,'38
Aug. I8,'39 86. July
June 9.'39 65. June
8,'39
3,'39
May 5,'39....l25.Apr. 29,'39
ar. I8,'39, p. 7S: May 27,'39.
une I7,'39, p. 75: June 24,'39.
39. p. 102.)
May 26, '39 65. May 27. '39
.Jan. 13, '39 86. Jan. 7, '39
Title Star
Range War (G) William Boyd-Russell Hayden...
Renegade Trail W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 31,
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Gulzar.
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 76.)
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858... Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes
(Exploitaticn: Jan. 7, '39, p. 53.)
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837... Gene Krupa and Orch.-Shlrley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel..
(Exploitation: June I0.'39. p. 54; June 17, '39. p. 77: Aug.
Star Maker, The (G) Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware
Stolen Life (A) 3864 Elisabeth Bergner - Michael
Redgrave
Sudden Money (G) 3829 B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles.
Sunset Trail (G) 3857 Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.
This Man in Paris (A) 3865... Barry K. Barnes - Valerie
Hobson
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840 L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel.
Union Pacific (G) 3835 Joel McCrea-Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroff-Robt. Preston.
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; M
p. 64; June 3, '39, p. 65; June 10, '39, pp. 54. 59, 60; J
p. 76: July 8,'39, pp. 50, 51: July I5.'39. p. 61: Aug. 5,'
URmarried (G) 3838 Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees. . .
Zaza (A) 3819 C. Colbert-H. Marshall-B. Lahr.
(Exploitation: July I5,'39, p. 62.)
Coming Attractions
Beau Geste (G) Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston-Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept. I5,'39t. . . 1 14. July 22, '39
Campus Wives J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dole
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Dec. I,'39t
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda-George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Aklm Tamlroff-
John Howard Oct. 27.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 20,'39.)
Dr. Cyclops Albert Dekker-Janice Logan
Emergency Squad W. Henry- R. Paige-L. Campbell
Geronimo P- Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew. ..Nov. I0.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. I5,'39.)
Happy Ending P. O'Brlen-0. Bradna-R. Young
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring." "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Honeymoon in Bali Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roll-Helen Broderick Oct. 29,'39t
(See "Are Husbands Necessary," "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Jamaica Inn (A) Charles Laughton-Leslle Banks-
Maureen O'Hara - Emiyn
Williams Oct. I3.'39t 99. May 27.'39
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna Nov. 3/39t
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-i. Lupino
Llamo Kid Tito Gulzar-Gale Sondergaard Nov. I7,'39t
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden
$1,000 a Touchdown Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter-Frank Craven
Parole Fixer W. Henry- V. Dale-R. Paige Dec. 8,'39t
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mae-
Murray-Beulah Bondl-Eliza-
beth Patterson
Rulers of the Sea Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. . Mar't
Lockwood-WIII Fyffe Nov. 24,'39t
(See "Ruler of the Seas," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. Field-0. Kruger
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19. '39.)
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett ... Oct. 20.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5. '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour-Robert Preston
Untamed Ray M illand-Patricia Morlson-
Akim TamirolT
Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin -
Walter ConnoHy
What a Life Jackie Cooper - Betty Field •
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 20.'39.)
KbKUbLIU
Running Time
Title
star
Rel.
Date
Minutes Reviewed
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844...
, G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey.
. May
4,'39,
. , 56
, May
6,'39
Colorado Sunset (G) 846
Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe
July
3 1, '39
64.
Aug.
5,'39
Fighting Thorougbreds (G)
821
R. Byrd-M. Carlisle-R. Allen...
.Jan.
6,'39.
....65,
.Jan.
21, '39
Flight at Midnight (G) 911...
Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong.
Aug.
28,'39t
... .66.
Sept.
2, '39
P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang....
.Feb.
24,'39.
....61
Feb.
II, '39
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854.
Feb.
II, '39
Home on the Prairie (G) 842.,
Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette
.Feb.
3,'39.
58.
Apr.
15, '39
1 Was a Convict (G) 824
Barton MacLane-Beverly Roberts.
.Mar.
6.'39.
....65
Feb.
25,'39
In Old Caliente (G) 856
R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes...
.June
19, '39
57
.July
22.'39
In Old Monterey (G) 847 . .
G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes.
.Aug.
14, '39.
....73,
Aug.
I2,'39
Richard DIx-Gail Patrlck-Ed-
I5,'39.
....97,
.Apr.
I5,'39
(Exploitation: May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; July 15/39, pp. 60, 66.)
Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
Mar.
27.'39.
... .58.
Apr.
l,'39
Miekey the Kid (G) 814
Bruce Cabot- Ralph Byrd-Zasu
July
3,*39
65
.July
1/39
Title Star Rel.
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .. June
Mysterious Miss X (G) 809 M. Whalen-M. Hart-C. Chandler. .Jan.
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell .. Mar.
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton..Aug.
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers.. Apr.
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Regan-Jean Parker July
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816 Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell - Marie Wilson - Tommy
Ryan July
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
S.O.S. -Tidal Wave (G) 813. ..Ralph Byrd- Kay Sutton June
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 . Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
Three Texas Steers (G) 866. ..Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis .May
Wall Street Cowboy R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton .Sept.
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort-Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Running Time
Date
Minutes Reviewed
9,'39.
59. July
l,'39
I0,'39.
65. Jan.
I4.'3a
20,'39.
....65. Mar.
4,'39
10, '39.
57. Aug.
I9.'39
I2,'39.
58. Apr.
8,'39
23, '39.
65. Jan.
21, '39
I3.'39
58. Mar.
25,'39
12, '39
66. June
24,'39
26, '39 65. July
21, '39 62. Aug.
2,'39 61 .June
I9,'39 58. June
28,'39 65. Apr.
I2,'39 57. June
6, '39 66
I5,'39
26, "39
3, '39
I0,'39
29,'39
I7,'39
6, '39 65. Feb. 4.'39
27,'39 56. July I5,'39
26, '39 65 . May 27. '39
Coming Attractions
Abraham Lincoln Hoggs* Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Arizona Kid, The Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Calling All Marines D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer Sept. 28,'39t.
Kansas Terrors, The 3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueline Wells
Sabotage Chas. Grapewin-Arlcen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver
RKO RADIO
Title Star
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920 . James Ellison-Helen Wood
Arizona Legion (G) 982 George O'Brien-Laraine Johnson
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn.
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 70; Aug. 26. '39, p. 84; Sept. 2, '39, p. 60.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. Il,'39...
Beauty for the Asking (G) 915. L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb.
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb.
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley- Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept.
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept.
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844 B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrlllo. . Feb.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Mar. 31. '39 65. Mar. 25,'39
Jan. 20.'39 58. Jan. I4,'39
Aug. 4.'39 82. July I. '39
.72. Jan. I4.'39
28,'39
5. '39
3.'34
5,'32
...70. Aug. I9,'39
24,'39 68. Jan. 28,'39
I0.'39 72. Jan. I4,'39
7, '39 80. July 8.'39
I, '39 59. Aug. 26, '39
8, '39 59. Aug. 26, '39
3, '39 72. Jan. 28.'39
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23,'39 75. June I0.'39
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weldler Apr. 21, '39 68. Jan. 28,'39
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr. 7,'39 72. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: May 20,'39, pp. 61, 62; June 24.'39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Eilers Sept. 8,'39t 73. Aug. 26,'39
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt June 16, '39 63. June 10. '39
Girl from Mexico. The (G) 928. Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June 2, '39 71. May 20,'39
Great Man Votes, The (G) 913. John Barrymore • Katharine
Alexander - Peter Holden •
Virginia Weldler Jan. I3,'39.
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant • Victor McLaglen •
D Fairbanks, Jr.-J. Fontaine. . Feb. I7,'39. . . . I07.jan.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Mar. 25, '39, p. 84; Apr. 8,'39, p. 82;
Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39. p. 77; May 6, '39, p. 61: May I3.'39.
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66; Juno 3,'39, p. 68; June I0,'39, p. 60; July I, '39, p. 62; July
22, '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 . . 0. Lombard-C. Grant- K. Francis. Aug. I8.'39 94. Aug.
Lost Patrol (re-Issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford. . Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re- Issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea-R. Dlx-M. Aster July 14, '39 79. Mar.
Love Affair (G) 916 I. Dunne-C. Boyer-L. Bowman.. Apr. 7,'39 89. Mar. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 80; Apr. I5,'39, p. 82: Apr. 29,'39, pp. 72, 74; June 3, '39,
p. 68.)
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee. July
Pacific Liner (G) 914 Victor McLaglen-Chester Morris-
Wendy Barrie Jan.
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marjorle Rey-
nolds-Ray Whitley ..May 26.'39
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas. .Apr,
Saint in London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June 30.'39 72. July
Saint Strikes Back, The (G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrio Mar. I0,'39 64. Feb,
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley-James Ellison May
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Traey-B. Read-P. Knowles. . .July 28,'39
Star of Midnight (re-issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell. .. Feb,
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 938 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver ■ Walter
Brennan Apr. 28,'39 93. Apr. I,'3»
(Exploitation: Apr. 8.'39, p. 81; May I3,'39, p. 68: June I7.'39. p. 76.)
They Made Hera Spy (G) 921. Sally Eilers-AIlan Lane Apr. I4,'39 69. Mar. 25,'39
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-Marlorie Reynolds. .June 30,'39 59. June 24, '39
Trouble in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brlen-R. Keith-R. Whitley. . Mar. 24,'39 60. Mar. 18/39
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard DIx-Lucille Ball Mar. 3,'39 64. Feb. I8.'39
Way Down South (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray. .July 21. '39 63. July 22,'39
I4,'39 83. July 7,'34
6,'39 59. Aug. 6.'38
12, '39 65. May I3.'39
.62. June
28. '39 60. May
3,'39
I3,'39
I. '39
I8,'39
5,'39 64. Apr. 22,'3'.
69. July 29,'3(
I7,'39 90. Apr. 6,'35
84
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September ?, 1939
(THE RELEASE CH ACT— CONT'D)
Title
13, '39.
Running Time
Star Date IMInutes Reviewed
Coming Attractions
Abo Lincoin in lliinois 009. .. R. Massey-R. Gordon-IVi. Howard. . Nov. 24,'39t ...
Ailcgiieny Frontier 006 John Wayne-Claire Trevor-Brian
Oonievy-George Sanders Oct. 27,'39t
Day the Bookies Wept. The
002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. i5.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Everything's on Ice 946 Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29, '39.)
Fifth Avenue Giri (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - James Ellison-
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26,'39
Flying Deuces OiO Laurel and Hardy Oct. 20,'39t
(See "in the Cutting Room," Aug. 19, '39.)
Hunchbacli of Notre Dame, The C. Laughton-iW. O'Hara-Sir C.
Hardwicice - W. Hampden - T.
IVIitchell - B. Rathbone
iVlarshal of Mesa City 08i George O'Brien-Virginia Vale. ..Nov. 3.'39t
Nurse Edith Caveli (G) 001 Anna Neagie-Edna May Oiiver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders-Z. Pitts.. Nov,
Queen of Destiny (G) 06i Anna Neagie-Anton Waibroolc-
C. Aubrey Smith Nov.
(Reviewed under the title. "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 R. O'w. G. Patricl(-A. Louise Nov. I7,'39t
Sued for Libel Kent Tayior-Linda Hayes
Three Sons 004 E. Eiiis-W. Gargan-K. Taylor. .. Oct. 6,'39t
Vigil in the Night 00? Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne Nov. I0,'39t
3,'39t. . .*95.Aug. 26, '39
3,'39t 95. Oct. 29,'3B
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX Runnin,
Star
Rel. Date
IVIi
Title
Adventures of Sherkictt Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce. .Sept. I.'39t ..
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrilio -
Pauline Moore-H. Wiicoxon . . . . Feb. 3,'39...
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond-
Aricen Wheian May i9,'39...
Charlie Chan at Treasure
island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t..
Charlie Chan in Honolulu (G)
928 Sidney Toler-Phyilis Brooi<s Jan. I3.'39...
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brool<s-R. Cortez. . . . June I6.'39...
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari May 5,'39...
Chiclien Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrilio -
Mariorie Weaver Aug
Eisa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) OOi Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Eisa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4.'39t..
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane..Mar. 24.'39...
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951. Randolph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romere-Binnie Barnes... July 28,'39...
(Exploitation: Sept. 2,'39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39...
Hound of the Baskervilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Grccne-Basii Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Nigel Bruce Mar. 31, '39...
(Exploitationi June i7,'39. p. 75: July I, '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen-Jean Rogers Mar. I0.'39...
Inspector Hornleigh (A) 945. ..Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 2I,'39...
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30,'39...
Jesse James (G) 921 Tyrone Power - Henry Fonda-
Nancy Kelly-Randolph Scott. .. .Jan. 27.'39...
(Exploitation: Jan. i4.'39, p. 63; Jan. 21. '39, pp. 52, 54: Feb. 4,'39, p.
pp. 58, 61: Feb. 25,'39, pp. 69, 70: Mar. 4.'39, n. 70: Mar. 1 1, '39, p.
p. 76: Apr. 29.'39, pp. 75, 76; May 6,'39, p. 65; June 24, '39, p. 74.)
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington. . . . June 2,'39...
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-SprIng Byington Aug. 25.'39t..
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple- Richard Greene-
Anita Louise • Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero- Arthur Treacher. .Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 15, '39, pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Mote in Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff..
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto's Last Warning 926.. Peter Lorre - Geo. Sanders -
R. Cortez - Virginia Field Jan.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 24,'38.)
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorra - Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schlldkraut. . . . July
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21. '39..
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Bari Feb. 24,'39. .
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Barl-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28. '39..
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2.'39..
(Exploitation: Apr. 22.'39, p. 62: May 6,'39, p. 64: June 24,'39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henle-T. Power-R. Vallee July I4,'39..
(Exploitation: Aug. 26,'39, p. 88.)
nutes
.*73
..69
. .72
. .74.
Time
Reviewed
Aug. 26,'39
.Nov. I9,'3B
.May I3,'39
Aug. 26,'39
.Dec. 24,'38
.June 3,'39
.Jan. I4,'39
ll,'39t 64. Aug. I9,'39
. .83
..62
Aug. 5.'39
.Nov. 26,'38
.71. July 29,'39
.66. May 27,'39
..80. Apr. I,'39
.61
.76.
Oct. 22,'38
Apr. 22,'39
.65. June I7,'39
.106
83:
56:
.60
.61
Jan. I4,'39
Feb. Ii.'39,
Apr. I, '39,
May 27. '39
Aug. 12, '39
I7,'39.
.93. Feb. 25, '39
Apr. 7,'39 70. Mar. I8,'39
20, "39 71
7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
.73.
.68.
.71.
.86.
.87.
July I5,'39
Nov. I9,'38
Apr. 22,'39
May I3,'39
July 8,'39
Title Star
Smiling Along (G) 933 Gracie Fields - Mary MaguIre -
Roger Livesey
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy- R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke..
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39, p. 67.)
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young- Young Sisters..
(Exploitation: Apr. 22.'39, p. 60: May e,'39, p. 60; M
pp. 64, 68; June I7,'39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple- Randolph Scott..
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69: Aug. 26,'39. p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett - Nancy
Keily-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell..
(Exploitation: Feb. i8,'39, p. 69; Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73, 74;
• pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-Blnnle Barnes
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Olive Brooks-Jane Baxter
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury..
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Binnie Barnes-Cesar Romero...
..Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta....
..Henry Fonda-Marlorie Weaver-
Arleen Wheian- Alice Brady....
(Exploitation: July 29. '39. p. 67: Aua. I2,'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Cisco Kid No. i 012 Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes
City of Darkness Sidney Toler
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon • Edna May
Oliver
Escape, The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond....
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lilll Palmer-Margaret Lockwood.
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence Jean Rogers-Glen Ford
Here I Am a Stranger 009. ... Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George..
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Hollywood Cavalcade 007 Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton
(See "in the Cutting Room," Aug. I2.'39.)
Pack Up Your Troubles 014 J. Withers-Rltz Brothers-Lynn
Barl-Stanley Fields
Rains Came. The Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent
Shipyard Sally (G) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard...
Simple Life M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles.
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008.. Jean Rogers-Robert Keliard
Swanee River 017 D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds..
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis .
20.000 Men a Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay..
Where's That Fire (G) Will Hay
Winner Take All (G) 939..
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947..
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Jan. 20,'39 83. Oct. 22,'38
Aug. 18,'39t. . .101 .Aug. 5,'39
Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. 8,'39
ay 1 3, '39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
June 23, '39 78. June 24,'39
Feb. I0,'39 84. Feb. 4,'39
Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 8.'39,
Feb. i7.'39 73. Feb. 1 1, '39
July 21, '39 72. Dee. 3I,*38
Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27,'38
Mar. 3,'39 80. Feb. I8,'39
Apr. 21, '39 62. Feb. 25,'39
June 9,'39... .101. June 3,'39
Oct. 20,'39t.
Nov. 10,'39t
Oct. 6,'39t....62
92. May 1 3. '39
Sept. 29,'39t.
Oct. I3,'39t.
Nov. 3,'39t
Sept. I5,'39t
Oct. 20,'39t....80.July 29,"39
Sept. 22.'39t....57.Sept. 2,'39
Nov. 24.'39t
Nov. 17.'39t
Oct. 27,'39t
74. Aug. I9,'39
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (Q) Brian Aherne-Victor McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6.'39
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez-
C. Aubrey Smith- Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t.
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'38, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, dp. 82, 84; Feb. 11,'39, p,
p. 68: Mar. 4,'39, pp. 70, 72.)
King of the Turf (G) A. Mcnjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett •
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug. 1 l,'39t. . . 1 12. July
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22, '39, p. 80; Aug. 12, '39, p. 69; Aug. 19, '39,
Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Sept. 2, '39. p. 55.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchalre-Edna Best
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devlne ■
John Wayne-George Bancroft.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 81: Apr. I, '39, pp. 72, 75
P. 67; May 20,'39, p. 60; July I5,'39, p. 60; July 22,'39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Mu'Ie (G) . . . . Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds -
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds..
(See musical analysis, July 22,'S9, p. 54.)
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett-Roland Young-
Billie Burke-Alan Mowbray..
(Exploitation: Feb. 4,'39, p. 82; Mar. I8,'39, p. 73.)
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan-Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrlsh-R. Armstrong.
(Exploitation: Aug. 5, '39, p. 98; Aug. i9,'39, p. 67; Aug
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7.'39..
(Exploitation: Apr. 2,'39, p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68: May 27,'39, p. 6S.)
Zenobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon •
Billle Burke • Alice Brady •
^ I ~" ' , : - , -r— 1^ James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr. 2I.'39 73. Mar. I8,'39
..1 15. May 6,'39
59; Feb. 25, "39,
.Feb. I7,'39 88. Feb. 11, '3S
.Feb. I0,'39 94. Feb. 4,'39
I. '39
p. 66;
....Mar. I0,'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
.Mar. 3,'39 96. Feb. Il,'39
Apr. I5.'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
.Aug. I8,'39t.. .101. July I5,'39
..Jan. I2,'39 80. Dee. 31, '38
.July 28.'39t..
26,'39, p. 86.)
.100. July 22,'39
.104. Apr. I, '39
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
85
(THE CELC/ISC CHART— CONT'D)
Running Time
Titte Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Coming Attractions
Ciiump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David Niven •
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. 6,'39t
(Exploitation: July 22,'39, p. 8i.)
Housei<eeper's Daugliter Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct. I2.'39t
Intermezzo, a Love Story L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best .Sept. I5,'39t
Of IVlice and IVIen Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Fieid-Chas. Bicl<ford..
Over tiie Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Real Glory, The G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven. . . Sept. 29,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." July I. '39.)
Send Another Coflin* Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ici< Crawford- Edward Arnold
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
UNIVERSAL
■ Tom Brown
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room." July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer..
(Exploitation: June 3. '39, p. 6G.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore...
. Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan..
.June Lang-Robert Kent
Family Next Door (G) 3020.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. 2I,'39 66. Apr. 22,'39
Apr. I4,'39 69. Feb. 4,'39
Sept. 8,'39t.._.
Apr. 7.'39 88. Apr. 8,'39
May I9,'39 72. May 20,'39
For Love or Money (G) 3030.
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Hawaiian Nights (G) J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle.
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038.
Inside Information (G) 3039..
I Stole a Million (G) 3007...
Last Warning, The (G) 3027..
.Irene Hervey- William Gargan...
.J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
. George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
.P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.
Mikado, The (G) 0904 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin.
Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth.
Mar. 18/39.)
(Exploitation: July 22. '39, p. 82; Aug. 26. '39. p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G).R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B.
(See "In the Cutting Room,"
Newsboys Home 3015 Jackie Cooper - Wendy Barrie •
Edmund Lowe - "Little Tough
Guys"
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. I7,'38.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker- Marj'orie Reynolds...
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3, '38.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy-Dorothea Kent..
Mar. 31. '39 61. Apr. I5,'39
Apr. 28,'39 67. May 6,'39
July 7,'39 67. July I, '39
Jan. 20.'39 62. Aug. 20,'38
Sept. 8,'39t. . . .65.Aug. I9,'39
.Jan. I3,'39 58
.June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
.June 2,'39 62. June I0,'39
.July 21, '39 80. July 22.'39
.Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. 10, '38
Sept. 8.'39t 91. May 20,'39
Sept. l,'39t....66.Aug. 12, '39
Mar. I7,'39 57
Dec. 23, '38 73.
Feb.
Feb.
I0,'38.
3,'39.
.57.
.61.
Society Smugglers (G) 3024.
Son of Frankenstein. The
3004
.Preston Foster-Irene Hervey.
..Basil Rathbone - Boris KarlofI •
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39, p. 67; Mar. 4, '39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78; Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devlne-H. Hull-J. Moran..
,'39, p. 56.)
(Exploitation: Mar.
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr..
They Asked for It (G) 3040.
. Michael Whalen • Joy Hodges ■
William Lundigan
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
(G) 3001 D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
Under-Pup, The (G) Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillis
Unexpected Father (G) 3008... Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
(Exploitation: July l,'39, p. 62.)
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3003 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen •
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Mar. 3,'39... 671/2. Mar. 1 1, '39
Feb. 24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
Jan. I3,'39 94. Jan. 21, '39
Mar. 25,'39, p. 80; Apr. 8,'39.
. 73.)
Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4,'39
June 9,'39 96. June I0,'39
May 26, '39 61. July I5.'39
Mar. 24, '39 87. Mar. 25,'39
Sent.
July
l.'39t. ...89.Aug. 26, '39
I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
Aug. II, '39 92. Aug. I9,'39
Feb. I7,'39 79 . Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-Mary
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Deris' Weston Nov. 24,'39t
First Love Deanna Durbin- Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-S. By-
Ington
Galloping Kid John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft-Vincent Price Oct. 20,'39f.
Sept. 29,'39....*65.Aug. I9,'39
I3,'39t.
.58.
Title star
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewln-Anlta Louise-
Dick Foran Oct
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I9.'39.)
Listen Kids c. Moore-J. Oowns-E. Kennedy
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Dcvlne-G. Gwynne
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20.'39t
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. Litel
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12. '39.)
Rio Sigrld Gurle-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carillc Sept. 22,'39t
Tower of London Basil Rathbone-Boris Karloff-
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter.. Oct. 6,'39t
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts. .Oct. I3,'39t 62..
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Two Bright Boys Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew Sept. I5.'39t. . . .70. .
(See "Bad Company," "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5,'39.)
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie Oct. 3,'39t. . . .66.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
First National Pictures Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids" — B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26, '39 86
(See "Battle of City Hall," "in the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
Biackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar. 25,'39 71. Mar. Il,'39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Roagan-Rosella Towne. ..May 27,'39 58. May 20,'39
Comet Over Broadway (G) 370. Kay Francis-Ian Hunter Dec. 3,'38 69. Dec. I7,'38
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May 6,'39 102. Apr. 29,'38
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39 56
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3,'39.)
□ ark Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis • George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22,'39. . . . 106 . Mar. II, '39
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66; June 10, '39, p. 55; June 24,'39, pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July 22, '39 107. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 72.)
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan •
George Raft-George Bancroft. .. Aug. 19, '39 92. July 22, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39. p. 72.)
Going Places (G) 359 D. Powell-A. Louise-A. Jenkins .. Dec. 31, '38 84. Dec. 24,'38
Heart of the North (G) 362 D. Foran-Gale Page-G. Dick-
son-J. Chapman-A. Jenkins Dec. 10, '38 85. Dee. 17, '38
(Exploitation: Jan. 21, '39, p. 53; Feb. 4.'39, pp. 83, 84; Feb. 25,'39, p. 70.)
Hobby Family, The 376 Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26,'39
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robson. . . . June 24,'39 92. May 27,'39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60. Apr. 8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. I8,'39 68. Feb. 4,'39
Old Maid (A) Bette Davis-Miriam Hepkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson. . Sept. I,'39t *95.Aug. 5,'39
Sweepstakes Winner 373 IM. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'39 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell-Barton MaeLano . . Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb. Il,'39
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young. .. Feb. 25,'39 86. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; Apr. 29,'39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,'39 75. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfleid-Prisciiia Lane Sept. I6,'39t. . .*85.Aug. I9,'39
No Place to Go F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t
Warner Brothers Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-William Gargan. ..Mar. I8,'39 58. Feb. Il,'39
Devil's Island (G) 313 Boris Karloff-Nedda Harrlgan. . . . Jan. 7,'39 62. Jan. 7,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. il,'39, p. 59: Feb. 23.'39. p. 69; Mar. 4,'39, p. 89.)
Dodge City (G) 304 Erroil Flynn-Olivia de Havllland
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory... Apr. 8,'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 82; Apr. 22, '39, p. 61: May 20,'39, p. 61; May 27,'39,
pp. 65, 68; June 3, '39, p. 64; June I0,'39, p. 59; June 24,'39, p. 76, 77: July 8, '39,
pp. 48. 50: July I5,'39, p. 61: July 22,'39, p. 81; Aug. 12. '39, p. 72.)
86
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(TtiE RELEASE CHART—CONT'D)
Running Time
jitig Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Hell's KItclien (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay-Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8.'39 81. July 8, '39
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Slieridan-Gale Page Aug. 5.'39 82. July 22.'39
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Rette Davis - B.
Aiierne-C. Rains-J. Garfield June i0,'39 127. Apr. 29/39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39. p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July 15. '39. p. 66: July 22,'39. p. 8i:
Aug. 5. '39. p. i02: Aufl. 26, '39. p. 86.)
King of the Underworld (A)
3(7 Kay Francis-Humphrey Bogart. . . Jan. I4.'39 69. Jan. I4.'39
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase B. Granville-F. Thoraas-J. LiteL.Sept. I,'39t
Nancy Drew. Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granvliie-F. Thomas-J. Litel. .June I7,'39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 3li Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan- Ann Sheridan July I. '39 90. July I, '39
Ofl the Record (G) 314 Pat O'Brien-Joan Biondeli Jan. 2i.'39 71. Jan. 28.'39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. Ii,'39 80. Mar. 18. '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 11. '39, p. 57: Apr. i.'39, pp. 74. 75; Apr. 29. '30, pp. 74. 75; May
i3,'39, p. 67; June i0,'39, p. 60; July i5,'39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. i.'39 61. Mar. 25. '39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Litel Mar. 4.'39 61. Mar. II. '39
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield - Ann Sheridan -
"Crime School Klds"-C. Rains.. Jan. 28.'39 92. Jan. 7. '39
Torehy Plays with Dynamite
328 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug. i2.'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322. Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane..May 13, '39 60. Apr. I,'39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-IM. Wilson . .July 15. '39 59. July 22.'39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-0. de Haviliand-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. II. '39 89. Jan. 21. '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4.'39. p. 64; Feb. 4.'39. p. 85; Feb. 1 1. '39. p. 61; Feb. 25.'39, p. 69;
Apr. 25.'39. pp. 75. 77: May 20. '39, p. 64: Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Women In the Wind (G) 316.. K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15. '39 65. Feb. 4.'39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It Ail Came True
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
IVIorris - Gale Page
Child Is Born. A Geraldine Fitzgerald - Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George Sept. 30,'39t
(See "Give Me a Child." "In the Cutting Room." May 6, '39.)
City of Lost Men, The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John LItel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School." "In the Cutting Room." July 29. '39.)
Espionage Agent Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall-
Jeffrey Lynn- Frank McHugh
(See "Career Man." "In the Cutting Room." July 22.'39.)
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains -J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
Gambling on the High Seas*...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
Kid Nightingale J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Lady Dick Jcne Wyman-Dick Foran
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8.'39.)
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson- Margot Stevenson
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, The Bette Davis - Erroi Flynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Price
(See "The Lady and the Knight," "In the Cutting Room," June 10, '39.)
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8.'39.)
Roaring Twenties. The Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn
Secret Enemy Boris Karioff- Margaret Lindsay
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G.Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Lindsay-
Roseila Towne
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
STATE RIGHTS
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Bronze Buckaroo. The Negro Cast Sack Jan. I. '39
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory Feb. 25,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Jan. I4.'39.)
Code of the Fearless (G)..Fred Scott Record Jan. 5.'39. . .56. Jan. 2I,'39
Feud on the Range Bob Steele Webb Jan. I5,'39
Gang Smashers Negro Cast Popkin Jan. I.'39
Harlem Rides the Range. .. Negro Cast Sack Feb. I. '39
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb. 6,'39
Port of Hate Stock Cast Webb Jan. I5.'39
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27,'39. .*80. May 6,'39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0.'39
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) .William S. Hart Astor May 20.'39. . .88. May I3,'39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 6,'39
Hitler— The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers Dlst....Oct. 15, '39 ...
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
luarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres •95. Apr. 22,'39
Lure of the Wasteland (G) . .Grant Withers *55.Mar. I8.'39
Man from Oklahoma* George Houston Producers Dist Oct. 29.'39 .
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers Dist Oct, 8.'39
Straight to Heaven (G)....Nine May McKlnney. Domino 56. July l,'39
Torture Ship Lyie Talbot Producers Dist.... Oct. 1 5, '39
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 22.'39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5.'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29.'39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Lucien Baroux Franclnex 85. May 27.'39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvot Lenauer-lnt'l Mar. 20.'39. . .85. Apr. I. '39
Black Limelicht (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July 8,'39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. Il,'39
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim Columbia June 5, '39. . .90. June i7.'39
Cabiria Brodie Feb. 3,'39. ..85
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39.. .85
Champs Elysees (A) Sascha Gultry Tri-National Feb. 27,'39. . .89. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks. The CLe
Rficif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. Il,'39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39.. .96. Mar. 25,'39
Crossroads (A) Charles Vanel Tri-National 80. Dec. 31. '38
Curtain Rises. The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3.'39.. .85.Apr. 29,'39
Dead IVIen Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams Alliance Aug. I5,'39. . .70. July 29,'39
Discoveries* Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept. 2.'39
Double Crime In the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22,'39
Down Pur Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen 65. Aug. I2.'39
Four Just Men. The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24,'39
40 Little Mothers (A) Lucien Baroux National May 2, '39. . .94. Dee. 31, '38
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc, British 78. Apr. I, '39
Harvest* (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center .80. Aug. 5.'39
Hatred Harry Baur World Feb. 15. '39.. .80. Aug. 5,'39
Heart of Paris (A) Raimu Tri-National Jan. I2.'39. . .85.Jan. I4,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. I7,'39. . .87.Apr. I, '39
Heroes of the Marne (A). .Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22,'39. . .88. Apr. Z9,'39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3.'39
Hostages. The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22.'39
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I5,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 1 10. Apr. I,'39
1 Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept. 2.'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Gultry Tri-National Apr. 29.'39.. .80. May I3,'39
Itto Native Cast World Feb. 30,'39
Kreutzer Sonata (A) Gaby Morley Foreign Cinema.
Arts Feb. I,'39.. .87. Jan. 7,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. . United Artists 95. July 22,'39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupine Lane MGM 84. Apr. 22.'39
Mamele Molly Picon Sphinx Jan. '39. .102
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex. ..Mar. 27,'39. . .80. Apr. 15,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30,'39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffo Grand National 77. Mar. (I, '39
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field Apex Feb. 27,'39.. .92. Mar. Il.'39
Murder In Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
My Song of Love Tito Schlpa World
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July I, '39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 21, '39
Outside, The (A) Mary Maguire Assoc. British 91. Feb. 25,'39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A)...Chato Ortin Zacarias 98. Sept. 2,'39
Peasant Wedding Araer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan. The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25, '39
School for Husbands (A). .Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. e,'39. . .70. Feb. 18, '39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tlto Gulzar Paramount 77. June S,'39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwlch World Mar. I, '39. . .66. Jan. 23, '37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres Atlas Jan. 24.'39. .108
Song of the Street* (A)...V. Sokolon Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. 1. '39. . .75. Aug. 26.'39
So This Is London (A)... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent.-Fox 85. Feb. 4, '39
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. 18. '39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes Assoc. British 77. May 6,'39
Street Without a Name...Poia lllery World Mar. 15,'39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D 83. June 24,'39
They Drive by Night (A)..Emlyn Williams ...First National 84. Jan. 28.'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedis 90. May 13, '39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. British 87. Mar. II, '39
What a Man! (G) Sydney Howard British Lion 74. Feb. I8,'39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American 75. Sept. 2, '39
When the Husband
Travels M. Philllpldes Brodie Mar. '39... 95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Malraar Feb. 4,'39. . .79. Feb. I8,'39
Young Man's Fancy (A). ..Anna Lee Assoc. British.... .77. Sept. 2, '39
Youth In Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May I5,'30. . .90. May 27,'39
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
87
(THE RELEASE CHACT— CCNT'D)
SH€I3T
EIL/HS
INumbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.^
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date MIn.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7.'39 . 16'/! . .
(3 Stooges)
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39. ITVi..
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs 1401 Aug. 25.'39tl7'/2 . .
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5,'39.I8
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
9438 Aug. 1 1,'39. .2 rls.
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. I0.'39. 17i/a . .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. .June 2. '39. 17
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t. 181/2..
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June 16, '39. 19
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. 151/2 . .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Bell (8-12-39)
9408 June 30,'39. 17. . . .
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2 . .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 2I,'39.I7
(All Star)
Static in the Attic 1422... Sept. 22,'39tl9
Walter Catlett
Swing, You Swingers
9428 Jan. 20,'39.l8'/j. .
Andy Clyde
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6,'39.I6
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39.I8
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39. 17. . . .
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May I9,'39.I6
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22.'39t. I rl. .
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507 Feb. 24,'39..8
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 31, '39. .7
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39. .8. . . .
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. I4,'39..7
Jitterbug Knights 1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7
Little Match Girl (re-
Issue) (11-27-37 ) 8502. ..Dec. I6,'38. .81/2 . .
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39..7
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39..7
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct. 20,'39t. I rl . .
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. 16,'39..8
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39..9....
Holland 1551 Sept. 15,'39t.l rl..
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26, '39.. 9
(Frisco Fair)
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. 101/2 . .
Sojourn In India 9555 July 7,'39. .9</2 . .
COMMUNITY SING
N*. 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27,'39. 10. . . .
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs).. Feb. 24,'39. IO1/2 . .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hiti) Mar. 24,'39. .9'/2. .
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Musle) Apr. 21, '39.. 8
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9,'39.I0
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June I6,'39. 10. . . .
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t.9'/2. .
(Old Time Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6.'39t.lrl..
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. 1 (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 (Ellas Howe) 1602. .Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,'39. lO'/j . .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. lO'/j. .
No. 3 9473 Apr. 2I,'39.II
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. I7.'39. .7'/j. .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6.'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2,'39..8....
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) June 30,'39. lO'/j. .
Night In a Musle Hall, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20.'39. IOV2 . .
Night at the Tree 9962.... Mar. 2.'39. lO'A. .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9964 May I9.'39.I0
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet. The 1701.. Sept. l,'39t.l rl..
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. I0,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3.'39. .6'/2 . .
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6....
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754... Mar. 3, '39. .7
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39. .7. . . .
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3.'39..9
No. 6 9856 Feb. 17.'39. lO'/,. .
No. 7 9857 Mar. 17, '39. 10
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9858 Apr. 8,'39. .91/2. .
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May I2,'39. 10.. ..
No. 10 9860 May 26.'39.10
No. II 9861 June I5.'39.10
No. 12 (8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39. 10. . . .
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. I5.'39t.l rl..
No. 2 1852 Oct. 20,'39t.l rl..
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish 9810 Aug. 18,'39.I0
Bows and Arrows 1801 sept. 29,'39t. 1 rl. .
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 2I,'39. ID. . . .
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39. .9'/j . .
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jan. 6,'39.ll
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .ft'/j . .
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. I0.'39. lOVi. .
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30.'39. .B'/j. .
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 1 5, '39. 101/2..
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House). ..Feb. 21, '39. II
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0....
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'39.I0
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributed through
Grand National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. I
El-I Jan. 6,'39..9
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
El -2 Jan. 20,'39..9...
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. 1 1,'39. .9.. . .
Title Rel. Data MIn.
Petunia Natural Park
W-693 Jan. I4,'39..9...
(Color)
Seal Skinners W-88t Jan. 28,'39..8...
(Sepia)
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886. May I3,'3». .9. . .
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June I0,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The W-889 Aug. 26, '39.. 9...
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5,'39.ll...
Jitterbug Follies (3-23-39)
W-883 Feb. 25,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. I5,'39..8...
(Color)
Wanted: No Master W-884.Mar. I8,'39..8...
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 20— "The Wrong Way
Out" (I-2I-S9) Dec. 24,'38.I7..,
Linda Terry- Kenneth Howell
No. 21 — Money to Lean
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. II,'39.2I..,
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5,'39.2I..,
Dick Purcell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0,'39.2I..,
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24— Think First P-815. Sept. 9,'39.21...
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39. .9...
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27,'39..9..,
Day on Treasure Island, A
T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0..
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 15. '39.. 9..
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. 18,'39..8..
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. I8,'38..8..
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May I3,'39..8..
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39..9..,
Singapore and Jahore
T-855 Dec. 31, '39. .9..,
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3,'38..9..
MGM MINIATURES
Great Heart, The (2-4-39)
M-875 Dec. 31, '38. 1 1..
Tom Neal
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.1l..
Emmett Vogan-Graco Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May I3,'39.10..
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 1 1, '39. .9..
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39.ll..
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39.ll..
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm M-71 Sept. 2.'39tll..
(Sepia)
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20..
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apr. IS, '39. 20..
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Men of Steel (1-28-39)
R-801 Dec. I7,'38.2I..
Doris Weston
Once Over Lightly (2-4-39)
R-802 Dec. I7,'38.I9..
Dixie Dunbar-Johnny Downs
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29,'39.2I..
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll..
Auto Antics C-942 July 22,'39.I0..
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5.'39.I0..
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29.'39. 10
Dog Daze (7-29-39) 0-941. July l,'39.ll
Duel Personalltle*
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. II, '39.10....
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39.I0
Practical Jokers (2-18-39)
C-934 Dec. I7,'38..9
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8,'39.I0
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 ...Jan. 28,'39. 10. . . .
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923 ..Feb. I8,'39. 1 1 . . ..
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924 ..Mar. I8.'39. 10. . ..
(Story of Or. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925 ..May 20,'39. 10. . . .
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-928 ..June I7,'39. .9. . ..
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 Juno 24,'39.ll...
No. 8 — Story That Couldn't
Be Printed K-928 July 22.'39.ll...
No. 9 — One Against the
World K-929 Aug. 19, '39. II...
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26, '39. 1 1...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. I4,'39..8...
(Sepia)
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. II, '39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. Il,'39..9. ..
(Color)
Penny's Picnic (1-14-39)
S-906 Dec. I7,'38.I0...
(Color)
poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20,'39.I0...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.I0...
Take a Cue S-9II Aug. 12,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May 13, '39. 10...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0,'39.I0...
How to Sublet (2-4-39)
F-954 Jan. 28,'39..8...
Mental Poise (2-4-39)
F-953 Dec. I0,'38..7...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-3 May I2,'39..7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
On With the New
(12-17-38) T8-3 Dec. 2,'38..7...
Pudgy in Thrills and Chills
(2-4-39) T8-5 Dec. 23,'38..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-10 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 31, '39.. I rl.
Yip Yip YIppy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7...
^ COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30.'39..7...
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I,'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21, '39. 10...
Costa Rica (12-10-38)
K8-3 Dec. 2,'38.I0...
Ecuador K9-1 Sept. l,'39t.Irl.
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-1 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
88
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...May 26.'39.I0
Land ef the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39. 10. . . .
Republic of Panama KS-S Mar. 24.'39..l rl..
HEADLINERS
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Weti( (3-4-39)
A-8 Mar. 3,'39.I0
Hal Kemp and His Orch.
A8-5 Dec. 2.'38. . I rl. .
Music Thr»uoh the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3,'39.il
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Artie
Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8,'39tl0
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-i0 May 5, '39. 10
Song Is Born, A (I2-24-38)
A8-6 Jan, 6, '39. 10
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet iVIoments A8-I2 Aug. I i,'39. . I rl. .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II June 2.'39.I0....
Richard Himber and Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7,'39. . 1 rl. .
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breal<ing the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 i\ug. 25, '39. 10
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. iO,'39. 10. . . .
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23,'39.I0
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. I4,'39. . I rl. .
Oh Say. Can You Si<i
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6,'38.I0
Public Hobby No. I V9-l..3eBt. 22,'39t.l rl..
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. I3,'39.I0
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 May <9,'39.I0
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. I0,'39. 10. . . .
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3.'39..lrl..
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8 Mar. 3,'39.I0
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9 Mar. 3l,'39.i0
No, 10— P8- 10 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-II..June 2, '39. 10....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 7/39.10
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7, '39. 22
(special)
Cops Is Always Right
(1-21-39) E8-5 Dec. 30.'38. .7. . . .
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27.'39. .7. . . .
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June i6,'39. .7. . . .
Hello How Am I?
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July I4,'39..7
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II July 28, '39. .7
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'38. .7. . . .
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..Irl.,
No. 4— J8-4 Mar. I0,'39. . I rl. .
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May 12, '39. II
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 ^ug. 4. '39.11
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 58 — Frolicking Frogs
R8-6 Dec. 23,'38..i rl..
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7...Jan. 20,'39. 10
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. I7,'39. 10, . . .
No. 61— The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. i7,'39. 10. . . .
No. 62— Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. I4,'39. 1 0. , . .
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(63-3-99) R8-il May i2,'39.i0
No. 63— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-I2.june 9. '39. 10
No. 64— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39 R8-I3 July 7.'39.I0....
5. '39. 17...
30, '39. 19. . .
22,'39t.2 ris
30,'38.2I...
24,'39.I7...
2,'39.I7...
I9,'39. 15...
2, '38. 17...
24,'39. 18...
I4,'39. .2 ris
l,'39t.2 rIs
27.'39.I8...
23, '38. 18.
20,'39. 18.
I7,'39.I9.
17, '39. 18.
14, '39. 19.
12, '39. 19..
9, '39. 19..
7. '39. 22.
4. '39. 18..,
I2,'39.ll.
23, '38. 10.
14, '39. II...
17, '39. ID...
I7,'39..l rl
20,'39.IO...
Title Rol. Date MIn.
No. 65 — Hydro-Maniacs
R9-i Sept. I,'39tl0
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 3— (2-4-39) L8-3 Dec. 2,'38.ll....
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39.I0
No. 5— (5-5-39) L8-5 Apr. I4.'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6....June I6,'39. 10. . . .
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Crime Rave 93,703 Jan. 13, '39. 18...
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. 10, '39. 20...
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May
Ring Madness 9370 June
Wrong Room 03,701 Sept.
HEADLINERS
No. 2 — Romancing Along
93.602 Dec.
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93.603 Feb.
No. 4 — Sales Slips 93,604.. June
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6,'39t.2rls
Baby Daze 93,405 May
Clean Sweep, A, 93,402. .. Dec.
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar.
Feathered Pests 93,406 July
Kennedy the Great 03,402.. Dec.
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan.
MARCH OF TIME
1938-39
No. 5 — The Refugee — Today
and Tomorrow (12-24-38)
93,105 Dec.
No. 6— State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93,106 Jan.
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb.
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar.
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93.109 Apr.
No. 10— Dixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93.110 May
No. 1 1 — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6- 10-39)
93,111 June
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July
No. 13 — Metropolis — 1939
(8-5, '39) 93,113 Aug.
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May
Lillian Roth
Cafe Rendezvous (12-3-38)
94,205 Dec.
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr.
George Jessel
Readin' Ritin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb.
Lucky Miliinderand Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208.. Mar.
Luba Maiina
Tropical Topics 94,206. .. .Jan.
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. I7,'39t.2rls
Marriage Go-Round 93.204. July
Pan-Domonium 03,201 Oct.
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb.
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr.
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 ris.
Cupid Rides the Range
03,501 Sept.
Prairie Pappas 93,502 Dec.
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr.
Sagebrush Serenade 93.504. June
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar.
Gold 94,606 Feb.
Title
Rel.
Date Min.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94.612
July
12. '39. .9
Pack Trip 94,613
Aug.
18, '39. .9
Pilot Boat 94,605
Jan.
20,'39..9
Soldiers of Sea 94,608
Apr.
7, '39. .9
Television (5-6-39) 94,609
May
5, '39. .9
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610
May
26, '39.. 8
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611
June
23, '39.. 9....
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612
luly
21, '39. .9....
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64,309
Apr.
2i,'39..9....
Blue Grass (12-17-38)
Dec.
2,'38.I0....
Jan.
27,'39..9
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94,311
June
16, '39. .9....
Gun Play 04,301
Sept.
I,'39t.l rl..
On the Wing 94,305
Dec.
30,'38.I0..,,
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
July
I4,'39..9....
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94,310
May
I9,'39..9IA,.
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94,307
Feb.
24,'39..l rl..
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
Mar.
24,'39..9
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,1 16. . .Sept
l.'39..8....
Beach Picnic (5-27-39)
94,114
June
9,'39..8....
Donald's Cousin Gus
May
I9,'39.,8....
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107
Jan.
13. '39. .8....
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
Aug.
Il,'39..8....
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94, in
Mar.
I7,'39..8....
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
Mar.
I7.'39..7....
Dec.
9,'38..8....
Mother Goose Goes Holly-
wood (10-38) 94,106
Dec.
23,'38..7i/j..
Officer Duck 04,101
Sept.
22.'39t.l rl..
Practical Pig, The
(iO-l-38) 94,109
Feb.
24,'39
June
30.'39..8....
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108
Feb.
3.'39..8....
Ugly Duckling, The
(I0-I-38) 94,111
Apr.
7,'39..8....
28. '39. 18
20, '39t.2 ris.
3,'39.I6....
21, '39. 16
8.'39t.2 ris.
i6,'38.l8....
7, '39. 17....
6,'39.I9....
I0,'39. 10...
I0.'39..l rl.
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 4ug. I8.'39tll
Daily Diet of Danger, A
9203 Dec. 9,'38..9
Filming the Fleet 0202 Oct. 27,'39t . I rl . .
Sand Hogs 9205 May 12, '39. 10
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 2
(12-31-38) 9602 Dec. 23.'38.I0
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31. '39. ID
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7,'39..l rl..
Fashion Forecasts, No. 5
0601 aept. I5,'39t.l rl..
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll....
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Craziest
People 0401 5ept. 29,'39t . I rl . .
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20,'39.ll...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 ■. Oct. i3,'39t.l rl..
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39. 1 1 , . . .
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3, '39. II....
Mystic Siam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17. '39. 10
Tempest Over Tunis 9107. .June 9, '39.11...,
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39.I0
Title Rel. Date MIn,
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June .30,'39. .7, . . .
Barnyard Baseball 9517.. July 14, '39. .7
Barnyard Egg-cltement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5, '39.. 7
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'39..7
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39. .7
Gandy Goose In a Bully
Romance 9515 June I6,'39..7
Gandy Goose In G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. 10, '39.. 7
Gandy the Goose In the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Gandy Goose In Doomsday
9524 Dec. I6,'38..7
(color)
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7....
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8,'39t.l rl..
Nick's Coffee Pol 9513 May 19, '39. .7
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24, '39.. 7
(color)
One Gun Gary In Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27, '39.. 7
Orphan Duck, The 0553 Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. I3,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2, '39. .7
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21. '39.. 7
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39..7
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 ....Aug. I l,'39t.7. , . .
Village Blacksmith 9506... Dec. 2, '38.. 7
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301.. .Sept. I,'39t.lrl..
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.ll....
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39. 1 1 , . . .
Shooting for Par 9302 Jan. 6,'39.ll
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39. 1 1 . . ..
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Arabian Bazaar ( 12-31 -38) . Sept. I, '39. 10....
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 21 ,'39. ID. . . .
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) Jan. 3, '39. 10
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May I, '39. 10....
Labanon Coast Dec. I, '39. 10
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. I,'39.I0
Rome Symphony (12-31-38). Feb. 15, '39. 10
River Thames (4-15-39) ... Nov. I, '39. 10....
Ruins of Palmyra Oct. I, '39. 10..,.
Wanderers of the Desert. .. July I,'39.I0....
UNIVERSAL
COLORED CARTOONS
Life Begins for Andy PandaOct. 9,'39t.l rl..
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
Title Rel. Date Min.
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26,'38..9
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357.... Jan. 30,'39..9
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39. .9Vs . .
No. 61 — (4-15-39) 3359.... Mar. I3.'39. .9. . . .
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360 Apr. I0,'39..9
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .9'/2 . .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362.... June 26,'39. .9</a. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.,.. July I7,'39..9
No. 66—4351 Sept. 25,'39t.l rl..
No. 67—4352 Oct. I6,'39t.l rl..
LANTZ CARTUNES
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7-15-39) (Color) Sept. 4, '39. .71/2. .
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 31, '39. .7
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. I9,'38..1 rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'39..7>/i..
Sola Mela Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39. .7. .. .
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24,'39..7
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .6</i. .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23/39. .7. . ..
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26,'3«..7....
September 9, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
89
(THE RELEASE CHAI5T"C€NT'D)
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Little Tough iVlice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. 13,'39. .7. . . .
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3,'39. .7'/i. .
Nellie of the Circus
(5-20-39) 3255 May 8,'39..7....
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39..7
Siiiy Superstition 3262 Aug. 28.'39. . I rl . .
Slap Happy Valley 3261. ..Aug. 21 .'39. . I rl . .
Snuffy Skunk's Party 3260. Aug. 7,'39..l rl..
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9.'39..7
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3. '39.. 7
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5.'39.I9
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. 12, '39. 17
Ray Smeck & Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July i 2.'39. 171/2 . .
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'3S.I8
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. II, '39. 19
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May 17, '39. 18
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15,'39. .2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanatorium (5-20-39)
3231 June I4,'39. 18
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. I5,'39.I9
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39f20....
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39. .9'/a . .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39. .9
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6,'39..9
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39. .9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May 1,'39..9
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5, '39.. 9
No. 64— Novelty 3375 July 3,'39..l rl..
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7, '39. .91/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. I8,'39t.l rl . .
No. 67— Novelty 4372 Oct. 9,'39t.lrl..
TWO REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Swing Hotel 4222 Oct. I8,'39t.2 rIs.
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Star Dust (12-3-38) 4015.. Dec. 1 2,'38.22. . . .
Benny Davis
Boarder Trouble 4016 Dec. I7,'3B. .2 rIs.
Joe and Asbestos
Swing Time in the Movies
(1-7-39) 4003 Jan. 7,'39.20....
Fritz Fold (color)
Hats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 31, '38. 20
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 21, '39. 20
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39.. 2 rIs.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls.
Arthur and Case
Snail Town Idol, A
(3-11-39) Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Ben Turpin
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39. .2 rls.
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Johnny Perkins
Rollin' in Rhythm 4025 Apr. 15, '39. .2 rls.
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29, '39. .2 rls.
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May 13, '39.. 2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(6-17-39) 4028 June 3, '39. 20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July 1,'39.20....
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June I7,'39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20
Red Skelton
COLOR PARADE
Points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25, '39. 10
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25,*39.ll
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,'39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June I7,'39..l rl . .
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July 15.'39.10....
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5,'39..l rl..
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
Treacherous Waters
(12-17-38) 4304 Dec. I0,'38. 10. . . .
The Human Bomb
(1-28-39) 4305 Jan. 7. '39. 12
High Peril (3-4-39) 4306. . Feb. 18,'39. 12. . . .
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4.'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308 Apr. I,'39.I2....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6,'39.I2
Haunted House (6-24-39) .. June 3, '39. 12
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39.1rl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.ll
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..1 rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Declaration of Independence,
The (10-15-38) 4002.... Nov. 28,'38. 19. . . .
John LItel (color)
Lincoln in the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20, '39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20. . . .
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights 4007 Aug. I9.'39t.2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 62 — Porky the Gob
(12-31-38) 4805 Dec. 17,'38. .7. . . .
No. 63 — The Lone Stranger
and Porky 4806 Jan. 7,'39..7
No. 64— It's an 111 Wind
4807 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 Feb. 18,'39, . 1 rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809.. Mar. 1 1, '39.. 7
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39..l rl..
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 481 1... Apr. I, '39.. 7....
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus. Jr. 4812 May 13,'39..1 rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3, '39.. 7
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24,'39..l rl..
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39..1 rl..
No. 73 — Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39. .7
MELODY MASTERS
Music With a Smile
(7-30-38) 4705 Dec. 3,'38.I0
Dave Apollon and Orch.
(12-17-38) 4706 Dec. 24,'38. 1 1 . . . .
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.ID
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 21. '39.. I rl..
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39..l rl..
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25, '39. 10...
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl.
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.I0...
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29,'39. 10...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39..l rl.
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.I0...
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716... July I, '39.. I rl.
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0. . . .
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. 12,'39..l rl.
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 71 — Count Me Out
(12-31-38) 4507 Dec. I7,'38..7...
No. 72— The Mice Will
Play 4508 Dec. 31. '38. .7...
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. I4,'39..7...
No. 74— Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28.'39..7...
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. II, "39.. 7...
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. 1 1. '39.. I rl.
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..lrl.
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39..7...
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39..l rl.
No. 82— Naughty But Mice
4519 May 10,'39..l rl.-
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3, '39.. I ri..
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June I7,'39. .7. . . .
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I,'39.I0....
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July I5,'39. . I rl. ,
No. 86 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29.'39..l rl.
Mo. 87 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. I2,'39. .7. . . .
No. 88 — Detouring America
4525 Aug. 26.'39. . 1 rl..
No. 89— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39.. I rl..
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. 18,'39..l rl.
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..l rl..
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9...
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
Robbin' Good (12-3-38)
4904 Dec. 19, '38. 10...
Luis Zingone
Ski Girl (1-28-39) 4905. ..Jan. I4,'39.I0...
"Gadgcteers" 4906 Feb. I8,'39..lrl.
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. 18.'39..l rl..
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. I5,'39..l rl.,
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27.'39. 10. . . ,
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July I, '39.. 9...,
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29. '39.. I rl.
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19, '39. 10
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...,
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. 1,'39.22
Warning, The (4- 1 -39) . . . . Aug. I, '39. 32....
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II...
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Little Journeys to Distant Lands
Travel Talks
Title Rel. Date Mln.
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35....
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10
CIVIC
City. The (5-20-39) 44
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10
G. P. 0.
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8....
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls.
WORLD
Andante et Dondo
Ave Marie
Children's Corner
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Les Berceuses
Song of Ceylon
Valse Brilliante
WPA
Shock Troop of Disaster
(2-25-39) 10
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Specified
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Flying G-iVlen (2-18-39) .. Jan. 28,'39.I8
James Craig-Lorna Gray
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) June I0,'39.I8
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 mln.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again.. Feb. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Robert Livingston-
Chief Thunder Cloud (each)
(15 episodes) ( 1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. II, '39, p. 55.)
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. II, '39
Buster Crabbe
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4.'39t2l....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. I7,'39t2l . . . .
(each)
Bela Lugosi-Dorothy Arnold
Scouts to the Rescue
(12-31-38) 3781-92 Jan. 17,'39
Jackie Cooper-Vandell Darr
(Exploitation: Jan. 14,'39, p. 65.)
90
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 9, 1939
CLASSiriED
ADVECTISINe
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
THEATRES
SMALL AUDITORIUM WITH STAGE LARGE
enough for production. Prefer one in summer resort
and appealing to little theatre patronage. Will lease
for long period if terms and community warrant it.
BOX 1177-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
THEATRE WANTED— LEASE OR BUY. NEW
England or New York. BOX 872, Springfield, Mass.
THE UPTOWN THEATRE, LOCATED ON
Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island, "One of New
England's Most Beautiful," is for sale or exchange.
The construction is of steel, concrete and brick, with
land area of 20,080 square feet. The total seating
capacity of 1423 is as follows: Orchestra 890; mezzanine
189: balcony 296; loges 36 and boxes 12. Fully
equipped with Western Electric sound system, large
stage and dressing rooms, to produce any stage play.
Theatre is now operating daily as a second-run house,
and has been since the first opening, in the year of
1926. formerly managed by the Keith -Albee Amuse-
ments Corp. Theatre has been recently reseated by the
American Seating Company and recarpeted by the
National Theatre Supply Company, it must be seen
to be appreciated. UPTOWN THEATRE, Providence,
Rhode Island.
WANTED TC BUr
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
jector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditorium that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A. MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PCSITICN WANTED
PROJECTIONIST — 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
Prefers small town. BOX 737, FlagstaflF, Arizona.
THEATRE MANAGER WILL INVEST $500
with service. 12 years' experience. Married. Resi-
dent of Illinois, go anywhere. BOX 1189, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
COLLEGE GRADUATE, 32, EXPERIENCED
manager, assistant or lease, anywhere. E. STANCYK,
S.SO Logan, Denver, Colorado.
ATTENTION! EXHIBITORS, MANAGERS. GET
reliable investigated help from new agency. Projec-
tionists, managers, combination men. Go anywhere.
Send for list. Strictly confidential. No charge. H.
JAMES, 4C08 Clarendon Ave., Chicago.
PROJECTIONIST— WITH PRESENT EMPLOYER
five years. Desires change. Young married man.
Twelve years' experience. Prefer Wisconsin, Illinois
or adjoining states. BOX 1191, MOTION PICTURE
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chairs, American Seating Company make, $1.00 up.
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600 SPRING UPHOLSTERED THEATRE CHAIRS.
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2 LATE TYPE REBUILT SIMPLEX PROJEC-
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IF IT'S CHAIRS YOU NEED— WRITE S.O.S.
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equip using S.O.S. Easy Time Payment Plan. Avail-
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only $279.50 for 60O to 900 seat theatre. Brilliant,
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S.O.S. sound is simple, modern and economical to
operate. S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New
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OPERATORS AND MANAGERS— EVERY STATE—
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MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— 547
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rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of tha
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
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postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well as
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP,
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just oflf the press! A second revision of the Sixth
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the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
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DDINTING SEDVICE
WINDOW CARDS— 14 x 22"— 100 8-ply white, 2-coI-
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HERALD
''The American
Theatre Owner Has
A Right to Expect, . .
99
by MARTIN QUIGLEY
VOL I 36, NO. 1 2 In Two Sections — Section One SEPTEMBER 1 6, 1 939
Zniered as second-class matter, January 12, 1931, at the Post Office, at New York, N. Y., under the act
of March 3, 1879. Published weekly bv Quigley Publishing Co.. Inc., ctt 1270 Si.rth Avenue. Rockefeller
Center New York. Subscription prices: $5.00 a year in the Americas. $10.00 a year Foreign. Single
copy, 25 cents. All contents copyright 19" -y Quigley Pitblishiftg Company.
TO OUR FRIENDLY|
CUSTOMERS!
Each year at this time M-G-M takes oppor-
tunity to address a heart-to-heart message to
its customers-
Your confidence and faith, for which we are
so deeply grateful have already been answered
in practical terms.
M-G-M answers your loyalty with the most
optimistic studio outlook of any past period.
We reaffirm what has been known for years:
The Friendly Company policy of fair selling,
friendly dealing in all phases of operation.
Our new product is literally the Talk of the
Industry.
THE WOMEN" has established itself in its
{Continued above)
(Continued)
first engagements as a glorious box-office hit!
"BABES IN ARMS'^ is already rated in the
trade the most sensational attraction which
has ever launched a new year.
"NINOTCHKA", "BLACKMAIL", "THUN-
DER AFLOAT" won trade acclaim in previews.
They are smashing entertainments, each one
of them!
They are just beginning!
We will not side-step our responsibility to bring
glamour, magic, spectacle to the screen . . . the
inspiration that lifts the motion picture from
the humdrum and keeps public interest alive.
Only M'G-M with its willingness to dig deep
into its resources does it!
The new season begins auspiciously. Your en-
couragement spurs us on. Your success is
necessary to our success.
To Our Friendly Customers we dedicate
ourselves. ^'AGEm"'
F
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' ' rr EDMUND GOULDING
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Zo« AUn» ond the Novel^ by pi„„re
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'38-
yeai
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JOEL McCREA
and
BRENDA MARSHML
• ESPIONAGE AGENT-
mm LVNN ;Gf0RGE BANCROfT
From on Notional Picture
^4
C
JACK L.WARNER in Charge of Production
HAL B.WALLIS Executive Producer
j;^ first for the new year beats Warners' biggest of
Six weeks at Strand N. Y. — first attraction in 6
go over 4 weeks! Paramount B'klyn registers big-
eeks of all time and goes a 3rd! Frisco, L A., New
everywhere the same sensational boxoffice story!
g first starring show for John Garfield and
^far the biggest show they've had to date. Written
by the author of 'Each Dawn I Die'! No 'ifs', 'ands',
~ everything that M Am a Fugitive' meant to your
for 1932 this will mean in 1939! Get set for it now!
OUST BE
most timely, most revealing, most true-to-today
Ir! First picture of the U. S. Foreign Service — and
it as strong an entertainment as the great Warner
pictures' of the past, it's Brenda Marshall's starring
nd a big shot that will be heard 'round the industry!
I
ESPIONAGE
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QVIGLEY, Edilor-in-Cbief and Publisher
Vol. 136, No. 12
September 16, 1939
''The American Theatre Owner
Has a Right to Expect . . . "
By MARTIN QUIGLEY
rHE war in Europe has highlighted a state
of emergency in the affairs of the American
motion picture industry.
The emergency is a challenge to the man-
agement of the industry, demanding that it face the
realities of the situation and take, promptly and
thoroughly, those steps which are imperatively nec-
essary for the welfare of the industry and those who
live by it.
Happily for this, an American industry, the situ-
ation is not desperate. It is not even alarming, pro-
vided only that those measures which judgment and
foresight dictate are introduced and applied.
The immediate effect of the war in Europe is to
illuminate a condition which has been asserting itself
for some time. This condition comprises the lessen-
ing of revenues accruing to the American industry
from overseas distribution. The condition comes not
as a new development incident to the war. It has
been an obvious fact for a considerable period of
time; obvious also has been the indication that a
continuance of this downward trend is inevitable,
due to influences at work in the various foreign
markets.
The trend steadily has been toward rendering less
profitable to the American producer his activities
abroad. This is being brought about through vari-
ous devices, including quotas, restriction against the
exportation of money, mutiplication of duties, fees
and licenses and, the nationalistic aspirations of the
various governments.
It cannot of course be said that foreign demand
for American films threatens to vanish. The essential
merit of Hollywood product as entertainment and
its deep-rooted popularity with the various foreign
publics are such that a continuing demand is assured.
But it must be said that its opportunities have dimin-
ished in extent and in profit.
yf GAINST the darkening cloud of this threat-
^^/jf ening condition the industry management has
just whistled — and hoped that somehow the
trend would reverse itself. In the meantime the in-
dustry has whirled along its perilous course, facing
increasing costs on one side and diminishing returns
on the other.
The incidence of the European war increased ma-
terially the acuteness of the situation. It did not
create it. Even in the absence of a war in Europe
the security and welfare of the industry required
things to be done which have not been done.
Now there is indeed no choice left.
Either the industry must proceed promptly and
thoroughly toward putting its affairs on a sound
business basis or disaster inevitably will overwhelm it.
This business as an American industry, blessed as
it is with a domestic market of such great possibili-
ties, is at this critical juncture in world affairs in a
most fortunate position. Immediately available and
almost equally assured are certain foreign markets,
Canada, Latin-America, Scandinavia and other lesser
territories. There are here opportunities for a con-
tinuing great and even more prosperous industry.
T~) UT — most emphatically — the industry will not
be able to continue as either great or prosperous
if it continues foolishly to assume that it is to
enjoy revenues which will not be realized and on the
basis of this assumption allows its cost of doing busi-
ness to remain unadjusted to realities.
It is probably true that European revenues may
after a few weeks be restored in part. They may
even at times assume dizzy peaks of a war-made
and consequently an artificial prosperity. But it
would be the height of bad business procedure for
[Continued on folloiving page]
8
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
September 16, 1939
''Production costs may be... reduced . . . "
[Continued from preceding page]
the industry to allow its costs to remain unadjusted
against the fantastic speculation that its economic
problems would be miraculously solved by a war-
impoverished Europe.
There is but little point at this time in discussing
how and why motion picture production costs
reached, and were allowed to reach, present levels.
It is enough that everyone knows that the cost of
making motion pictures in Hollywood has reached a
height that is without the sanction of reason, neces-
sity or good business. However, it has been possible
— but just barely possible — previously to support the
prevailing costs. Every informed person now knows
that it is no longer possible to do so.
Those in Hollywood who have contributed to the
development of the American motion picture to its
present artistic and entertainment standard have per-
formed an accomplishment that has rightly won for
them the laurel wreath of world acclaim. They have,
as the whole world knows, been well-paid for what
they have done. They have, it would seem, been dealt
with royally.
But now in face of world conditions affecting the
motion picture and in face also of new economic
concepts applying not only to industries but to in-
dividuals as well, the time, which is indeed at long
last, has arrived for production costs to be adjusted
to levels which the traffic can bear.
ITH no violence whatsoever either to the
individuals concerned or the quality of the
pictures, production costs may be substan-
tially reduced. No informed person denies that
senseless competition in the midst of what may be
briefly mentioned as the Hollywood merry-go-round
alone accounts for compensation figures that tran-
scend all reason and have never been approximated
any time or place in the memory of man. Well over
fifty percent of the cost of an average motion pic-
ture represents salaries and wages. Wage levels, that
is, the compensation of craftsmen, artisans, clerks
and laborers, cannot be lowered on account of union
agreements. They should not be lowered even if
there were no agreements. There have been no great
extravagances there. But elsewhere in the cost of
personnel together with the many incidental extrava-
gances— amongst which may be included an army of
figureheads, fixers and fakers — lies ample room for
the needed readjustments.
The American theatre owner is decidedly a party
at interest. He has a right to expect the necessary
volume of product to supply his requirements. He
has a right to expect that, irrespective of what con-
ditions may obtain in foreign markets, he receive
pictures of a calibre and quality which will afford
satisfaction to his patrons. There can be no as-
surance of either the necessary quantity or quality of
film unless production h placed on a basis which
reasonably justifies with the ordinary principles of
sound economics.
Beneficiaries of the increasingly high cost system
of production would like to have it understood that
any lessening of production costs necessarily means a
lowering of quality. This argument is wholly false.
It is true that the production of a motion picture
is a costly process. But costs are relative. No one
sensibly expects an important motion picture to be
produced for little money. But no explanation has
ever yet been made of the present levels of produc-
tion costs except that they just grew out of the fer-
tile soil of the Hollywood system.
Another pertinent concern of the theatre owner In
the present condition is that he shall not be depended
upon to supply additional revenues to offset dimin-
ished returns from foreign markets.
Unless production costs are adjusted to meet exist-
ing conditions the theatre, owner inevitably faces,
(1) a product shortage; (2) a lower quality in the
production delivered or, (3) higher rentals. It is
therefore clear that exhibitor opinion inevitably
stands solidly behind the demand for adjusted pro-
duction costs.
Out of the American market and such foreign
markets as continue assured to the American pro-
ducer a great and prosperous industry in all branches
may be maintained.
If this is to be done it must be done by acting on
the realities of today — not the conditions of yester-
day or the visions of tomorrow.
Ticket Taxes
Admission taxes collected by the Federal
Government in the fiscal year ended June
30th, last, aggregated $19,470,801.85, a loss
of $1,329,977.64 from the $20,800,779.49 col-
lected in the fiscal year 1938, it was reported
this week by the Internal Revenue Bureau.
The figures were disclosed by the bureau in
a compilation of tax collections for the fiscal
year, which, from all sources, totaled $5,-
181,573,952 as compared with $5,658,765,314
in the preceding year.
Stories
Fourteen producers bought 33 stories and
plays during the month of August, com-
pared to the 93 properties acquired last year
in the same month. Universal led with five
purchases, while originals led all other types
of material bought.
In 1937, 1938 and 1939 to date, 32 stag;e
plays have been bought through the facili-
ties of the Dramatists Guild for film usp.
August purchases and the plays bought
from 1937 on are listed on page 68.
Tax Assailed
The Memorial Auditorium in Louisville,
Ky., earned less than half its $16,771.34 op-
erating cost in the last fiscal year. J. C. En-
gelhard, city controller, said that "excessive
state amusement taxes" were partially to
blame. "Operating income could be in-
creased materially if the excessive state tax
on dramatic and musical entertainment
could be repealed," he said. Non tax-oper-
ating revenues totaled $8,044.61 in the fiscal
year.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
This Week
Reaction
Following a wave of rumors, mostly tinged
with black, which boiled out of Hollywood
upon the first impact of war news, the film
industry seemed agreed that retrenchment
was necessary, that such retrenchment would
be undertaken so as not to impair final
screen product either in quantity or quality,
that there were some bright spots, even
grounds for considerable optimism, in the
outlook for the future. Executives of the
business rushed into print with emphatic re-
assurances to exhibitors that they would de-
liver the quality pictures they have promised
and that there would be no tampering with
release schedules. Some refused to make
definite commitments, advising a policy of
"wait and see."
England has granted permission to theatres
in zones outside of central London or the
populous industrial areas to reopen ; the order
affecting approximately 65 to 70 per cent
of the country's theatres, providing that they
adhere to prescribed safety regulations as
set up by the Government. Protests by dis-
tributors, exhibitors and the press were seen
as having led to the Government's orders,
which became effective last Saturday. Ac-
tion on the British Films Act is expected
shortly.
A survey of industry action and opinion
as zuell as detailed reports from the zvar
affected areas start on page 12.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center.'New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Wotterson R. Rothacker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. Rovelstafl,
Managing Editor; Jannes P. Cunningham, News Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postol Union Life Building,
Boone Mancall, manager, Vi'illiam R. Weover, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canoda. Allister Grosart, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Haworth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope V/illlams, manager;
cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de BerrI,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, cable Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Caroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, Austrolia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico
City, James Lockhart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szamos-utca 7, Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Calle San Gervasio #2, San Gervasio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sasazuka, Ichikawa-shi Chibo-Ken, Japan,
Hiromu Tominaga, representotive; Rio de Joneiro Bureau,
Coixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Marinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thokur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Poul Bodo,
representaUve, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Waalstraot, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schoap, representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Horry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengoarden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other 9yigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro a! Dta, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
The Legal Front
Withd
rawa
A. B. Momand, one-time Oklahoma cir-
cuit operator, whose $4,500,000 anti-trust
suit against the majors and the Griffith
Amusement Company, in the Oklahoma ter-
ritory, is one of the oldest on record and
still pending, last week filed another suit
against the same defendants, asking the Fed-
eral Court to make the film companies sell
second run pictures at equitable prices, to
his Odeon Theatre, in Shawnee, same state,
asking injunctions against alleged discrimi-
nation, and asking for "relief" and costs.
In Chicago, trial of the Government con-
tempt suit against the majors and Balaban
and Katz, charging violation of a 1932 con-
sent decree, was to be resumed next Mon-
day, after the Government finished its case.
The defense is expected to reply vigorously.
Other suits, and Chicago's whole clearance
system, await Federal decision on this case.
In New York, consensus was that the
code, ruled "illegal" by the Government,
would emerge in company contract provi-
sions.
News from the litigation front starts on
page 15 and a map showing the points of at-
tack is on pages 16 ayid 17.
Unions to Decide
Approximately 7,500 Hollywood studio
workers are to choose the United Studio
Technicians' Guild or the International Al-
liance of Theatrical Stage Employees, as
their bargaining agent, at an election next
Wednesday, in Hollywood, under the Na-
tional Labor Relations Board.
In Hollywood a Federal Grand Jury was
set to start a probe of alleged film labor
racketeering and income tax evasion next
Wednesday. The first witness to be sub-
poenaed was William Goetz, 20th Century-
Fox executive. Charles H. Carr, assistant
attorney general, said subpoenas also would
be issued for William Bioff, lATSE minister
without portfolio, and Joseph M. Schenck.
Earlier union nezus is on page 64.
Bond Theft
The court of chancery at Wilmington,
Del., has been notified of the arrest of three
men in New York on charges of theft of
twenty $1,000 General Theatre Equipment
six per cent gold debenture bonds from the
files of the court in 1935. The securities
were recovered about five months after the
theft but the men were not arrested until
last week. The three men arrested by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation and accused
with participation in the bond theft and
others in various parts of the country are
George Turnley, Peter Burns and Chester
G. Bollenbach.
James Roosevelt, vice-president of Sam-
ual Goldwyn, Inc., this week announced his
withdrawal from an undertaking to study
means of bringing about "closer coordina-
tion of inter-studio relationships." In a
letter to Joseph M. Schenck, president of
the Motion Picture Producers Association,
Mr. Roosevelt said he was abandoning the
project after a preliminary survey because
he felt the task required "full time devotion
... .by a person thoroughly steeped in the
knowledge and tradition of the industry."
He suggested, however, that the objective
seemed to require "the creation of a strong,
centralized body to decide jurisdictional
questions and questions of inter-relationship
. . . ." and urged that consideration be given
to the revitalization of the Motion Picture
Academy of Arts and Sciences as a com-
mon meeting ground for all branches of
the industry among whom, he said, there
appears to be a lack of understanding.
The letter of withdrawal came a week
after Mr. Roosevelt spent the Labor Day
holiday with his father in Washington.
Postponed
The date of the Motion Picture Demo-
cratic Committee banquet at which U. S.
Attorney General Frank Murphy is to
present a scroll to the producer of the film
judged to have "contributed most to the ideal
of democracy," has been moved forward from
September 18th to September 25th at the re-
quest of Mr. Murphy.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page 7
This Week in Pictures
Page 10
Box Office Champions
Page 55
The HollywoocI Scene
Page 31
Managers' Round Table
Page 81
Release Chart
Page 89
Asides and Interludes
Page 61
Showmen's Reviews
Page 39
In the Courts
Page 56
Deaths of the Week
Page 56
In the Newsreels
Page 63
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page 62
What the Picture Did for Me
Page 75
From Readers
Page 71
In the Cutting Room
Page 62
Productions in Work
Page 53
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
IN THE
NEWS
DIRECTING operations for News of the
Day in war torn Europe is Captain Ariel
L. Varges, below, who saw newsreel
camera service in the first World War
for Hearst-Selig, and in Ethiopia, Spain
and China.
By Staff Photx)graDher
ABOVE THE SKYLINE. Universal
lunches its executives and the
press in the Rainbow Grill, 65
stories up In the RCA Building,
Radio City. Nate Blumberg, presi-
dent; Matthew Fox, vice-president;
William Scully, sales executive, and
Cliff Work, executive in charge of
production.
By Staff Photographer
THE PROJECTIONIST in the World of Tomorrow. The
men upon whom depends the final quality of all motion
picture production gather at the World's Fair in the New
York and hear their past efforts lauded and their present
importance emphasized. In an interlude between ad-
dresses, above, are Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, past presi-
dent of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, who
minimized the possible effects of such developments as
television; Terry Ramsaye, editor of Motion Picture
Herald, who said the projectionist was the lighthouse
keeper of the industry, and Joseph Basson, president of
Moving Picture Machine Operators Union Local 306. At
right are William Reed of the Colonial theatre, Atlantic
City, for whom is claimed the distinction of being the
oldest living projectionist, and F. H. Richardson, writer on
projection for Motion Picture Herald and Better Theatres.
ROBERT SISK, above, choice of George Schaefer,
president of RKO Radio, for the job of supervis-
ing the company's more Important feature pro-
ductions. He is presently engaged on "Full
Confession."
By Staff PhotograDher
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Vacation ^
Visitors
By Staff Photographer
Annabelle Ward of the Elliott-Ward
Enterprises, Lexington, Ky., visits the
Managers' Round Table in the Quig-
ley Publications office, Radio City.
John Nolan, general manager of the
Comerford circuit of Pennsylvania, and
Sigrid Gurie on the set of Universal's
"Rio" in the connpany's Universal
City studios.
mi f^mmsiM
F. C. Stough, owner-man-
ager of the Davidson in
Davidson, N. C, registers
at the MGM booth in
Times Square.
C. W. Jones, E. H. Rowley,
Jr., and E. H. Rowley, of
the Robb & Rowley Texas
theatres, with C. E. Kess-
nich at the MGM World's
Fair booth in Times Square.
Below. Jack and Thomas Bey-
non, operators of a circuit
in South Wales, Britain, visit
the foreign department in
the MGM New York office.
By Staff Pliotographer
M. A. Lightman, president
of the Maico Theatres of
Kentucky., Tennessee,
Arkansas and Mississippi.
Below. C. B. Wolf and Ben-
jamin Beck of Pimlico the-
atre in Baltimore, Md.,
visit the RKO World's
Fair lounge in Radio City.
Fred V. Cannata, exhibitor of
Houston, Texas, Mrs. Cannata and
their two sons, meet Wayne Morris
at the Warner studios in Burbank.
Left. Martin Hirsch, operator of
the Hirsch Amusement Company,
Philadelphia, and Jane Wyman
watch the filming of a scene in
"Gambling on the High Seas."
Right. Jeffrey Lynn and William
Bell, of the Interstate in Texas.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD September 16, 1939
STUDIOS KEEP SCHEDULES,
STUDY SAVING; FRENCH,
BRITISH HOUSES OPEN
Producers Assure Exhibitors of
Sufficient Product at Same
Standards; Report Personnel
Reductions Affecting 1 ,500
Production schedules for the present sea-
son will not be affected vitally in the way of
either quality or quantity but retrenchment
in the direction of cutting unnecessary costs
and waste will be seriously studied, it became
evident this week as production executives
rushed into print with emphatic pledges to
exhibitors that they need have no fear of a
product shortage or of a lowering of produc-
tion standards because of the European war.
By midweek Hollywood had digested un-
official but undenied reports of studio per-
sonnel reductions totaling some 1,500 em-
ployees, principally in the low wage brackets
and labor groups frequently affected to this
extent by normal production fluctuations.
Early excitement had subsided and the feel-
ing generall}' was that the studios were
adopting a watchful waiting attitude. News
of theatre reopenings abroad gave added
impetus to a spreading belief that beyond a
probable brief readjustment period, produc-
tion activity and studio employment will
level off at a higher pitch than prior to the
outbreak of armed conflict, with continuing
economies consisting chiefly of savings
achieved by streamlining scripts, expediting
preparation processes generally, and by
severe application of efficiency measures of
long standing, none too strictly adhered to
heretofore.
Oppose Drastic Cuts
General executive opinion in both the New
York home offices and in HoUyvvood is that
whatever loss in revenue from the war areas
becomes evident can be allowed for in a gen-
eral paring of expenses rather than by drastic
cuts in production budgets or personnel. In
some quarters it was pointed out that it is not
at all certain that the war will cut off all Euro-
pean revenue. In support of this it is argued
that the American industry profited enormously
in the last war from the distribution of pictures
to the warring nations, and that while Euro-
pean production certainly will be suspended,
theatres will reopen as governments realize the
value of entertainment in maintaining morale.
America, in that case, would be the only source
of film supply.
A total of 609 pictures were produced in Eu-
rope last year and if the nations which at pres-
ent are remaining neutral maintain their 1938
production level only 173 pictures will be made,
mostlj' suited only for local distribution.
Hope for increased revenue from the South
American market based on the expectation that
American product will be left virtually alone
in that field because of the suspension of Euro-
pean production was expressed in New York
(.Contimicd oi' opposite paar)
Film Stocks
And JVar
In the face of a stock market which
was bringing joy to the Bulls and
causing weeping and gnashing of teeth
among the Bears, as it continued to
soar in anticipation of American trade
increases due to the War, film stocks
and bonds hovered unsteadily around
their pre-War averages, reflecting
slight losses rather than the tremen-
dous gains shown by such "war babies"
as steel, wheat, and the like, this week.
The first losses sustained by film
stocks, as the vision spread of motion
picture companies deprived of the
European market tvhich supplies ap-
proxivtately 30 per cent of world rev-
enue, were gradually made up last
week, as optimism grew, and it tuas
recalled that Hollyivood's domination
of the world market came as a result
of the last War.
V V
Indicative of the situation tvas the
difference in volume of shares traded
between the "war babies" and film
stocks.
Last Friday U. S. Steel had a turn-
over of 84,100 shares. Republic Steel
70,000, New York Central 67,000,
and General Motors 64,000. Among
film stocks, Warner Brothers common
had a vobune of 10,000 shares for the
day; Loew's com77W7t 4,800; Eastman
Kodak 3,100, Technicolor 1,200.
V V
0« Tuesday, U. S. Steel had a vol-
ume of 112,500 shares; Cnrfiss-
Wright 67,300; Aviation Corporation
46,700, and General Motors 70,200.
This tvas in a day when for the first
time since the start of the "war
boom," profit-taking threatened to cut
the gains which had been registered.
Hoiuever, final returns showed gains
again, in "war babies."
Trading in film stocks reflected a
slight rise in volume, practically no
change in price. Warners had a vol-
ume of 11,900 shares; Eastman Kodak
3,400; Loew's 6,800, and Technicolor
1,300.
England's Government Permits
65% of Theatres to Resume
Showings; Canadian War
Taxes Hit Dominion Industry
The Government of England, settling into
the new routine called for by what it expects
to be "a three year war," gave in to pressure
applied by its own people last Saturday and
reopened between 65 and 70 per cent of its
film theatres in neutral zones. Permits were
granted by the Home Office on Friday.
The Home Office had been petitioned by
a joint deputation of English distributors
and exhibitors last week; and the press,
especially Lord Beaverbrook's Evening
Standard, had urged the reopenings in its
editorial columns.
Theatres Close Early
Among other restrictions, the reopened
British theatres are to close at 10 P. M.
Adjustment of the present British Eilms
Act (the quota) to a war basis is indicated.
The Soviet Government, as a consequence
of its recent rapprochement with Germany,
has ordered the withdrawal of anti-Nazi
films from Moscow, while in Mexico, the
Confederation of Mexican Workers has or-
dered a ban on all exhibitions of German-
made films.
The war budget announced by the Canadian
Government affects all branches of the film in-
dustry in the Dominion. An eight per cent
sales tax on electric light and power bills is
to be levied and the tax on companies, incor-
porated or not, is to be raised to 18 per cent
on total returns. In addition there is to be
a sliding tax of from 10 to 60 per cent on
profits above five per cent. There is no addi-
tion to the present tax on surplus funds sent
out of Canada by film exchanges. A 20 per
cent surtax has been added to the personal
income tax, affecting all the lower income
brackets. The tax on electricity used is en-
tirely new and will mean the necessity of econ-
omy in theatre lighting with reduction of mar-
quee and sign lighting.
Safety Regulations Prescribed
Under the permits issued by the British Gov-
ernment, theatres will continue to operate until
further notice, but with the proviso that they
adhere to the safety regulations prescribed for
all theatres in the emergency by the Govern-
ment. These include adequate provision for
ready access by audiences to bombproof shelters,
and the maintenance of attendants to be on the
lookout for air raid warnings.
Permission to reopen was not granted houses
in central London or in the populous industrial
areas such as the eastern coastal towns. In all
however, theatres jn only about 100 towns have
not received permission to reopen.
In an editorial in the "Evening Standard,"
(Continued on page .i2)
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
PRODUCERS SAY VALUES MUST STAY
Newsreels' War Status Still
Uncertain; French Make Reel
The American newsreel companies, this week, continued doubtful as to their exact
status in a European war the details of which remained shrouded in official restriction
and censorship. Still relying primarily on transportation by trans-Atlantic plane,
with duplicates being sent from abroad by boat, there was many a tale of lost or
mysteriously missing prints in the five American newsreels' home offices in New York
during the week.
However, an increasing optimism was noticeable, with the feeling generally being
that censorship restrictions will be eased to some extent in the warring countries.
The French Government, it is reported, has started to issue a reel on its war activi-
ties, which is expected to appear weekly and to be used by the American companies.
Called the " Journal de la Guerre" {"Journal of the War") the first issue was to have
been ready last Friday, but no reports on it had been received by mid-week in New
York. The French Government is believed using for this work many of the newsreel
cameramen connected with the European affiliates of the American companies who
have been conscripted. During the last war, the French put out a similar reel called
"Annals de Guerre" {"Annals of the War").
Truman T alley, producer of Fox Movietone News, said that "Both the English and
the French will relax their restrictions somewhat as things reach a state of "war
normalcy" from the feverishness of the first period of adjustment." Mr. Talley also
said that his company had its first shipment of actual war film "on the way."
At loathe News, it was reported that no phone calls from- New York to London
had been accepted since the start of the war. German film is being shipped through
adjacent neutral capitals. Company spokesmen also say that they expect a reel, similar
to that being prepared by France, from England.
MGM News of the Day says that there is no longer any word directly from War-
saw, and that most newsreel cameramen are concentrated on the Folish-Koumanian
border. In company with the other newsreels, they will continue to use plane service
as long as possible.
Both Paramount and Universal News report that they, too, are using plane service
across the Atlantic, while the former adds that it finds restrictions on communica-
tions "loosening up."
One reason advanced for the expected easing of restrictions by the French and
British is that, allowing few if any pictures to be sent out, they have left the way
clear for German pictures of battle action to virtually monopolize papers in the neu-
tral countries, this awarding a chance for the spread of propaganda.
(Continued from opposite page, column 1)
this week. This hope was bolstered by news-
paper reports of a 50 per cent increase in
orders from Latin America listed by exporters
specializing in such products as textiles, steel,
machinery, tools, processed foods, naval stores,
technical orders for plant equipment and for
ship repairs and automobiles. Cabled inquiries
and orders were received, too, from Australia
and South Africa for goods not usually pur-
chased here by those countries.
Story Change Expected
Even though the pledges of producers are fol-
lowed to the letter it is believed at present that
the 1939-40 schedules will be altered slightly
to include a greater concentration of light stories
and comedies calculated to counteract the ef-
fects of the war. It is probable that budgets
will be changed to include these by cancelling
or postponing elaborate spectacles and costume
pictures. Also expected, according to opinion
in Hollywood, are increased advertising and
exploitation efforts, designed to make the most
of the confined market for pictures.
For the present, however, publication of defi-
nite plans for more than the immediate future
was confined to strongly worded promises by
production company executives to exhibitors
that all release dates will be met and that no
quality sacrifices would be made. This week
such promises were on record from every major
company.
At Columbia the only change announced was
a temporary postponement, for 60 days, of "Ari-
zona." Harry Cohn, president, said, "We are
not pulling in any horns. As a matter of fact
we are spending fully $5,000,000 more on Colum-
bia product this year than at any time in our
organization's history." He added that Septem-
ber 14th had been approved as the starting
date for "His Girl Friday," one of the com-
pany's higher budgeted pictures, to be produced
and directed by Howard Hawks.
MGM To "Await Developments"
Speaking for Loew's and Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer, Nicholas M. Schenck on Wednesday
said he and his company would await develop-
ments before making definite decisions on future
plans. "At this moment," he said, "it is foolish
for anyone to think that our company — or any
other major company — will curtail production
or lower the quality of pictures, for the reason
that the producing companies are themselves
large exhibitors and have three to four times
as much capital invested in theatres as in pro-
duction. If we are to operate our theatres suc-
cessfully, we must have outstanding pictures and
plenty of them.
"Furthermore, I believe that the orders clos-
ing theatres in England and France will gradu-
ally be relaxed as conditions permit, so as to
make possible the furnishing of needed enter-
tainment to the civilian population of the war-
ring countries. However, should our foreign
losses exceed present expectation, we will at
that time consider ways and means of meeting
the emergency."
Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-president
in charge of production, told a sales meeting in
Chicago last weekend, "Absolutely no deviation
from the announced 1939-40 program is planned.
There will be no reduction of budgets or elimi-
nation of pictures. Our production program
was so carefully planned many months ago and
is so far ahead of schedule at this time that it is
both unnecessary and impractical to attempt to
revise it because of the situation created by the
European war. This company has the greatest
backlog of pictures ready for release in motion
picture history. We have 26 completed feature
pictures, eight more before the cameras and 17
definitely scheduled for production within the
next few months. All were cast, budgeted and
planned with the possibility of the war crisis
in mind and not one of them will be dropped
from our schedule nor will there be any budget
revisions on any of these."
Advises Waiting
Returning on the Manhattan from England
this week, Herbert J. Yates, president of Con-
solidated Film Industries, cautioned agamst
alarm or retrenchments by film companies. A
clear picture of the effect of the war on film
business will not be had for 60 or 90 days, he
said. Pointing out that Republic will not suffer
as much in the loss of European revenue as
other companies because its position on the
continent was not so well consolidated as that
of the major companies, he emphasized that the
company plans no budget cutting or other re-
trenchments but will be guided by the course of
events.
Mr. Yates said he believed that British quota
restrictions would be tacitly ignored for the
time being and that American fi_lm_ imports
would be permitted without restriction.
Twentieth Century-Fox officials, taking their
cue from an official statement released by
Joseph M. Schenck, said the company has de-
cided to effect certain economies without af-
fecting the quality or quantity of product. It
was emphasized, however, that the company
would adhere to the schedule announced for
1939-40.
Included in the economies will be elimination
from the payroll of unnecessary employees in
certain studio departments. The need for such
action had long been apparent, according to the
company, but the step was not regarded as finan-
cially necessary until the present emergency.
Sees 60 Per Cent Loss
Mr. Schenck's statement said that while re-
trenchment in studio overhead was necessary,
no salary cuts would be made and nothing
would be done to impair the quality of produc-
tion. None of the big pictures planned by
Darryl F. Zanuck would be eliminated, he said.
Estimating that the industry faces the immedi-
ate loss of 60 per cent of its revenue, Mr.
Schenck said, "This company has always had
economical and efficient organization and opera-
tion, but now drastic economy will be necessary
if we are to continue to operate in the face of
the loss of vital foreign income. . . .
"In recognition of the emergency which has
arisen," the statement concluded, "the directors
of Twentieth Century-Fox have just voted to
pass up the quarterly dividend on the company's
(Cotifi:u<ed oti following page)
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
SEE FILM DEMAND FROM OVERSEAS
(Continued from preceding page)
common stock. This was considered necessary
for the protection of the company's cash position
in the light of newly arisen difficulties."
Later reports from Hollywood indicated that
an unannounced number of employees had been
dropped at the Twentieth Century-Fox studios.
It was believed that they numbered approxi-
mately 10 per cent of the regular payroll roster
of 3,000.
The Twentieth Century-Fox directors, _ m
passing the common stock dividend, and assign-
ing the war as the cause, said that it would be
"not wise to declare any dividend at this time."
Previous dividends were 50 cents each on June
30th and March ISth, of this year.
J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of the board
of Universal, took occasion to comment on the
war emergency in a letter to stockholders which
amiounced the voting of a dividend of 37 cents
on the preferred stock and the passing of a com-
mon stock dividend.
In his letter, Mr. Cowdin remarked that it
was "still too early" to gauge the effects of the
European war on the company's business.
"There is no indication, as yet," he wrote, "of
any reaction on motion picture attendance in
this country as a result of the war. However,
if, as a result thereof, there is a stimulation
of general business, it might be expected to
lead to an upturn in motion picture business
rather than otherwise."
The Foreign Market
The letter reviewed the' foreign market, in
brief, thus :
In England, about 70 per cent of the theatres
are operating ; and the war will bring a de-
mand for entertainment.
In Germany, the company has not been dis-
tributing.
In France, the peace-time restrictions on busi-
ness have been such that war finds Universal
little affected.
In other European countries, Universal has
been receiving more business, especially from
Holland, Belgium and Switzerland. The cutting
of other European production is expected to
help Universal and American companies.
In Latin America, in Canada and in the other
British Dominions, Universal has been making
progress, he said.
Nate Blumberg, president of Universal, add-
ed his reassurance to that of the other com-
panies at a luncheon given for Cliff Work, pro-
duction executive, in the Rainbow Grill of the
RCA Building, Radio City, last Monday. "Uni-
versal announced 61 pictures for this year, and
will deliver 61," Mr. Blumberg said. "There
will be no lay-offs in the studio or in the home
office. There will be no cuts in salaries. Uni-
versal has been having a dress rehearsal for this
crisis for the last year and a half and now that
the curtain is up we are fully prepared.
Roach, Goldwyn, Chaplin Active
Hal Roach announced there would be no de-
viation from announced plans for the produc-
tion of six features and four Laurel and Hardy
comedies for United Artists distribution in
1939-40. Samuel Goldwyn resumed production
on "Raffles" this week with David Niven con-
tinuing in the lead role. The picture was sus-
pended last week when it was thought possible
that the star, a British reserve officer, might be
called to service. A news release from Charlie
Chaplin announced that rehearsals have begun
for his forthcoming film to be known under
the working title of "Production No. 6" until a
final title is selected. Previous announcements
scheduled a film to be called "The Dictators."
In New York Murray Silverstone, executive
head of United Artists, said he had received
word from Alexander Korda in London that
the war would not interfere with the completion
POMMEK WONDERS
IF HE'S STRANDED
Erich Pommer, who arrived in this
country from London for a brief visit
shortly before the outbreak of war in
Europe, wonders whether he isn't more
or less permanently stranded in the
United States.
Mr. Pommer, a German citizen, is
traveling with a German passport. He
is uncertain whether the United States
will permit him to leave the country
and, if so, whether England will admit
him.
Mr. Pommer believes it will be sev-
eral weeks before his status is clarified.
He had planned to begin production in
England of a new picture starring
Charles Laughton late next month.
of "The Thief of Bagdad." All shooting on the
picture has been completed, it was said.
Statements issued last Friday by Harry M.
Warner in New York and Jack L. Warner at a
press conference in Hollywood denied reports
that production would be curtailed and empha-
sized promises that all the large scale pictures
planned would be released on schedule. Predict-
ing a probable loss of 25 per cent resulting
from the closing of European theatres. Jack
Warner said the company's production schedule
would not be affected. On the contrary, he said,
the company will release 10 top quality pictures
in the four months and plans more, rather than
fewer features than were announced.
No salary or wage cuts will be instituted and
no curtailment of personnel will take place, Mr.
Warner added, although a general tightening
of operations to eliminate unnecessary expense,
such as the previously contemplated expansion
of the studio laboratory facilities, is expected.
No pictures similar in character to "Confessions
of a Nazi Spy" will be made, he said. Produc-
tion of "Underground" has been stopped.
Independent states rights producers also
joined the general denials that the war would
force them to curtail schedules. Budd Rogers,
vice-president and general manager of Alliance
Films, said his company would release 12 pic-
tures, one feature a month, as originally planned.
W. Ray Johnston, president of Monogram,
said his company would institute no reductions
in salaries or personnel. He is studying plans
to increase budgets on major pictures which,
it is believed, can be sold in territories and the-
_ atres not formerly available to Monogram.
A warning to exhibitors to keep foreign war
propaganda off the screen features a bulletin is-
sued bv the Independent Theatre Owners of New
York.
Code Interception
Laid to JVMCA
While radio broadcasters were taking
stock of their war coverage to date, and
three networks had agreed to curtail and
temper their war news, the Knickerbocker
Broadcasting Company, Inc., operators of
New York's station WMCA, were asked by
the Federal Communications Commission to
show cause Friday why they should not lose
their license for intercepting, and then de-
coding and sending out as news, code mes-
sages between the German and British gov-
ernments, and their respective military and
naval forces, a practice expressly prohibited
by agreement between the United States and
those countries.
Agreement on Coverage
Neville Miller, president of the National As-
sociation of Broadcasters, which meets in an-
nual convention at Chicago this Friday, on
Monday night announced that an agreement
on war coverage had been tentatively reached
between the three major networks, the Mutual,
the National Broadcasting Company, and the
Columbia Broadcasting System.
Among the agreements' provisions were :
1. That horror, suspense, or undue excitement
be avoided.
2. That the broadcasters will try to "be
temperate, responsible, and mature in selecting
the manner in which they make the facts of
war and its attendant circumstances known to
the public."
3. That radio audiences be clearly informed
so, if the news is censored.
4. That broadcasts from Europe be by Ameri-
cans, as far as possible.
5. That news broadcasts be under the control
of the broadcasters, whether or not sponsored.
Air. Miller said the agreement was reached
last Thursday, but was not made public until
James Fly, chairman of the Federal Communi-
cations Commission, had been informed.
He said that its principles would be discussed
by the convention, although the three networks
were primarily those affected.
Radio Service Commended
Mr. Fh' this week praised the radio's cover-
age of the war as a "public service."
Last week, before the agrement among the
three networks, the Broadcasters' Association
cautioned its 500 members to handle war news
carefully. It suggested that the "public con-
troversy" plank in the new code of fair practice,
a code not yet in effect, be followed "as a safe
guidepost."
All the networks noticeably curtailed their
war news about one week after the start of hos-
tilities. The clamping down of censorship, the
expense, and the complaints from sponsors
whose programs were eliminated or broken into
for war bulletins and broadcasts from Europe
or Washington, were the reasons. There was
also the fear of censorship.
No Censorship "At Present"
Stephen Early, secretary to the President,
said there was no danger of censorship "at
present," but this qualification was considered
enough of a warning. And, also, Mr. Early's
remarks that radio was a "rookie" in handling
war news, and that it must learn to behave "as
a good child" were ominous.
The NBC this week set up a rigid war news
schedule, for the Blue and Red networks. This
provides for six European pickups each week-
day, and five such on Sunday. There will also
be 19 newsperiods on week-days, and 11 on
Sundays. There will also be a nightly round-
up and analysis by John B. Kennedy, NBC
special commentator, and Colonel Frederick B.
Palmer, U. S. A., retired.
CBS issued a memorandum to its staff stress-
ing the need for complete editorial impartiality
and the necessity for honesty and sincerity in
the presentation of war news.
Septemberl6, 1939 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD 15
MORE CONCESSIONS INDIVIDUALLY
ON CODE LINES SEEN; ANOTHER SUIT;
NO LET-UP ON MONOPOLY: ARNOLD
Kuykendall Lists 17 Points on
Agenda of MPTOA Board
Oct. 23; Commends Warner
Move; RKO Arbitration Offer
The motion picture industry's code of fair
trade practices, as formulated by a distribu-
tors' committee and company attorneys, re-
mained in "status quo" this week, with the
thought prevaiHng in film companies' home
offices in New York that out of the code, in-
operative since being declared "illegal" by
Thurman Arnold of the U. S. Department of
Justice, would come, in addition to those
already offered by Warner Brothers, a se-
ries of concessions along code lines offered
the exhibitor by other distributors, acting
individually.
William F. Rodgers, Metro-Golwyn-May-
er general sales manager and chairman of
the distributors' code committee, said early
this week that the code remained "in status
quo so far as any knowledge which I have
is concerned." Mr. Rodgers conferred last
week with Ed Kuykendall, president of the
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America,
on the buyer-seller relationship, the code,
and the possibility of individual conces-
sions by the distributors. Mr. Kuykendall
left over the weekend for Columbus, Miss.
Warner Ac+ion Commended
Warner Brothers' action in offering ex-
hibitors an independent trade practice pro-
gram is praised in the latest MPTOA bulle-
tin, while RKO, through a statement read at
the New Jersey Allied meeting last week by
H. M. Richey, director of exhibitor rela-
tions, said that its new contract "will include
an optional arbitration clause which the ex-
hibitor can he sign if he so desires."
Mr. Kuykendall, before leaving New York
Saturday said:
"Trade reforms are not going to be
thrown into the discard because of Govern-
mental dissapproval of the Code. There are
certain of its provisions that easily can be
inserted in contracts ; and I am convinced
that, as an alternative, this will be don<
generally."
Paramount, according to Neil F. Agnew,
vice-president in charge of distribution, has
been incorporating in its new season con-
tracts many of the concessions proposed in
the code, including cancellation privileges
ranging from 10 to 20 per cent, depending
upon rental averages, and score charge elimi-
nation.
The Board's Agenda
Mr. Kuykendall last week released a bulle-
tin containing the points to be taken up by
the MPTOA board of directors at White
Sulphur Springs, Va., on October 23-24.
These points are :
1) Can the industry work out a practical
(Continued on page 18, column I)
War Time Trust
Policy
by FRANCIS L. BURT
Anti-trust policies of the Depart-
ment of Justice are being revamped
to meet new conditions resulting from
the European War, but there will be
no let-up in the campaign against
monopoly, The National Petroleum
Association Annual Convention, in
Atlantic City, was told today by As-
sistant Attorney General Thurman
W. Arnold.
Already flooded by protests
against profiteering in food and
other industries, Mr. Arnold said, the
Anti-Trust Division is preparing to ask
Congress for a great increase in its
appropriation.
While there will be no change in
the underlying philosophy of the De-
partment, he told the oil men, cog-
nizance will be taken of the fact that
industry faces different problems in
time of war, and action will be
guided thereby. However, Mr. Arn-
old added, while the department will
view those problems sympathetically,
it will continue unabated its drive
against monopoly wherever found.
"In the present emergency, posi-
tive regulation of some industries
may be necessary," he pointed out.
"However, we think that a vigorous
anti-trust policy in time of war will
make active price control less neces-
sary and more limited ..."
"Therefore, it is now more neces-
sary than ever before to attack bottle
necks which restrain trade through
artificial price levels. If we are to
maintain a balanced economy under
the expanding market of a great way,
we must not permit the profits of
that expanding economy to become
the tools for furthering industrial ag-
gression on the part of a few
groups."
Mr. Arnold made no reference to
motion pictures directly in his speech,
but his reference to "bottle necks"
and his announcement of continuance
of the anti-trust campaign were seen
as indicative of a determination to
continue the fight against the film
industry.
Momand Files Additional Ac-
tion, Against Majors and
Griffith Circuit, Charging
Freeze-out of Product
The battle of the independents goes on.
A new suit in equity, not interfering with
his long standing suit for $4,500,000 against
the majors, was filed last week by A. B.
Momand, Oklahoma theatres operator, in
Oklahoma City federal district court, against
the same defendants.
In Chicago, the trial of the Government
contempt suit against Balaban and Katz and
the eight majors will be resumed next Mon-
day, after a postponement for one week at
the request of the defendants.
Demands Product
The new Momand suit asks that the film
companies be made to give his Odeon the-
atre, at Shawnee, in Oklahoma, second-run
pictures at the same prices charged in Other
locations of similar population ; asserts that
the majors are forcing him out of the
situation by giving pictures only to the
Griffith Amusement Company theatres there,
and asks for temporary and permanent in-
junctions against the alleged discrimination.
Defendants are Twentieth Century-Fox
Film Corporation, Paramount Film Dis-
tributing Corporation, Columbia Pictures
Corporation, Universal Film Exchanges,
RKO Radio Pictures, Vitagraph, Inc.,
Loew's, Inc., and the Griffith Amusement
Company.
Earlier Suit Still Pending
Hearing on the injunction petition was
scheduled for October 2nd before Federal
Judge A. P. Murrah.
The suit also provides for the awarding
by the court of "relief" as it may deem
proper, and asks that costs be recovered for
the plaintiff.
Mr. Momand's $4,500,000 suit against
these defendants and others is still pending.
It is of long duration. It charges conspiracy
to put him out of business. Mr. Momand
once operated 28 theatres in the state. He
now operates only the Odeon, in Shawnee.
In Shawnee there are five theatres. The
Griffith circuit owns three.
Government Closes Argument
The Government completed its case in its
contempt suit against the majors and the
Balaban and Katz circuit last week. It con-
sisted of schedules of the Chicago picture
release dates and playing times ; also in-
troduced as evidence were the circuit's rental
figures and letters between circuit officials
and those of the distributors in the Chicago
exchanges and in New York.
The defense, unsuccessfully,^ last week, at-
tempted to have certain testfmony stricken
(Continued on page 18, column 3)
16 MOTION PICTURE HERALD September 16, I9j9
WHERE MAJORS FACE FIR
Or
/ .' —
\
I
'"9^0^
J
S
i
I
• -1^
^i'Oc/Q
SotffhVak-ofQ
J
WILLIAM UTTLEJOHN
vs.CE.HUlSH ENTER-
PRISES AMo MAJORS
KINNA-MISSIONTUEATRES
vs. FOX W.COftST ,SUNB£AM
AND MAJORS
1
I
I
I
f
f
L
t
J-—..
/
Twenty exhibitors
vs. PARAMOUNT
U.S. vs. FOX WEST COAST
LAUREL THEATRE INC.
vs. FOX W.COAST THEATRES
WESCO CORP., NATIONAL
THEATRE .CHASE NWIONAL
BANK AND MAJORS
I
I
I
/
Co/orac/o
U.S. vs. GRIFFITH AMUSEMENT
CONSOLIDATED THEATRES, WBTEX
THEATRES amo MAJORS
f-
-*
I
I
THAT part of the motion picture busi-
ness called "the organized industry",
comprising the eight large companies,
stands today the target of attack un-
precedented in the screen's 50 years,
as defendants in the nation's courts on
the complaint of the Government and
of independent exhibitors who are at
the same time the customers of the
majors and the competitors of their cir-
cuits. The charge is violation of the
U. S. anti-trust laws governing trade
practice and procedure.
In the last two years, the majors and
large circuits have been named in 41
trust actions. Within the past few days,
two more were filed. More are coming,
the U. S. promises. Only nine have
been disposed of — settled, dismissed or
decision given.
This map shows the geographical
spread of actions pending.
A.B. MOMANO
vs. MAJORS
GRIFFITH AMUS.
Texas
L.L. DUNBAR vs.
INTERSTATE ORCUIT
KARL HOBUTZELLE
INTERSTATE ORCUIT
vs. MAJORS andTEXAS
CONSOLIDATED CIRCUIT
\
\
\
\
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
)F U. S AND INDEPENDENTS
AETNA AMUStMEMT.COMMOHWEALTH
AMUSIMEW .NASHUA THtATRES.ELlTE
AMUSEMENT .BD£L AMUSEMENT
STANDARD AMUSEMENT, A.f^ W .
vs. MAJORS .M N.H.THEATRJ5
COLONIAL THEATRES
ORAKGB CO. THEATRES mc
vs. EUGENE LEVY, GEORGE
WALSH, NETCO THEATRES CORP.
BIG'U' FILM EXCHANGE
JOSEPH LEE , MAJORS
U.S. vs. SCHINEaho MAJORS
MILLINOCKET THEATRE
vs. MAJORS, GRAPHIC OR.
KENNETH M.GORHAM
vs. SAMUEL KURSOM
AND MAJORS
FRANK FORD vs.
MAJORS. B.t»K..
S.MYERSTHEATRfS
u/a
GARY THEATRE CO.
vs. MAJORS. B.t^K. ^ .
WARNER BROS.THEMRES/ IllinOtS
GARBO AMUSEMENT CO
vs.
EDMUND G.POLLARt)
vs. MAINE ^ NEW HAMP-
SHIRE THEATRES CO. <wo
MAJORS^
— *r"><0^ MORSEL
9 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS,
i. MAJORS, BAUBANerKATZ
I PEERLESS AMUSEMENT
vs. MAJORS. CRESCENT
\kkansas CHEROKEE AMUSEMENT
«
I
I*' •» DC
^'
Tennessee ^
fjorthCardind
ROTHENBERG,
^"N^^^ vs. MAJORS
MOBELL ENTERPRISES
vs. CENTURY CIRCUIT
FOLLEY AMUS.
vs. MAJORS
QUEMOS THEATRE CO. INC.
vs. MAJORS
r ,
'-.--^
f- : \
\Geor(fia
Alabama
I
; Mississippi
— f
H.^L PERELMAN
vs. MAJORS
! Louisana
LEGEND
GOVERMENT SUIT
INDEPENDENT SUIT
WASUIN6T0N OPERATING CO.
GARDEN OPERATING CO. vs.
MAJORS, PARAMOUNT ENTER.
WOMETCO THEATRES
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
PREDICTS FURTHER AID TO EXHIBITOR
Kuykendall Cites
Board's Subjects
Momand Charges
Films JVithheld
(Continued from page 15, column 1)
trade practice program under present
conditions ?
2) Will the Dept. of Justice really try to
block a practical, effective solution of
trade practice problems?
3) Would a Code (any Code) solve the
existing situations ?
4) Do exhibitors (and distributors) pre-
fer to settle disputes and grievances on
unreasonable clearance and overbuying
to deprive a competitor of pictures by:
a) Mediation and voluntary agreement?
b) Enforceable decisions of an arbitra-
tion board ?
c) Lawsuits, intervention of public
prosecutors, boycotts and reprisals?
Clearance Standards
5) Is there any fair, impersonal, and prac-
tical standard for clearance between
theatres?
6) Do exhibitors want a simplified exhibi-
tion contract ?
7) Should short subjects, newsreels and
trailers be a part of every product deal ?
8) Would exhibitors prefer to get trailers
direct from each company or through
the medium of a complete service from
a trailer company ?
9) Will buying combines solve the buying
problem of the individual exhibitor ?
10) Do we want the Neely Bill, or any
other law to prohibit and prevent any
distributor from offering" better prices
and terms in order to induce the ex-
hibitor to buy more than one picture?
Non-theatrical Problem
11) Should non-theatrical showings of the-
atrical motion pictures be curbed and
confined to non-competitive situations ?
12) Should radio competition of motion pic-
ture talent and material be curbed?
13) What should be done about double fea-
ture competition, give-aways, premiums,
lotteries, cut-rate admissions, etc ?
14) What can exhibitors do about the music
tax extortion by ASCAP ? Why doesn't
the Government prosecute its four-
year-old anti-trust suit against ASCAP ?
15) Should exhibitors in this country refuse
to show any propaganda pictures fa-
voring either side in view of the pres-
ent European war and the expressed
determination of this country to keep
out of it?
16) What can exhibitors do to strengthen
their defenses against the coming on-
slaught of state legislation, singling out
the theatres for drastic regulation, spe--
cial taxation and admission taxes?
17) What organized and unified effort
should be directed by exhibitors and
exhibitor organizations to combat the
the adverse publicity against the in-
dustry ?
The bulletin also commended Warner
NEW ARMY THEATRE
IS DEDICATED
A new theatre, seating 900, was
dedicated Sunday night by the U. S.
Army Motion Picture Service at Fort
Jay, Governor's Island, New York.
Housed in a building which cost
$150,000 to construct, the theatre
will show first-run films seven nights
a week.
The Service operates theatres in
about 100 other Army posts.
Brothers for offering an individual trade
practice program.
"This is a great step forward," the bulle-
tin says, "in the face of the present confu-
sion and dismal outlook. Every responsible
exhibitor who is sincerely interested in
bringing order and fair dealing into our
business should give it every encourage-
ment."
"There are indications," it continues,
"that some of the other companies, if pro-
perly encouraged to do so, may voluntarily
modify their sales policies in such a way
that many of the trade practice proposals
will be accomplished."
Mr. Kuykendall pays tribute to the dis-
tributors' efforts to reach some solution.
"The distributors' committee has not been
dissolved," he said, "and a practical solu-
tion to at least part of our problems may
yet be found through earnest effort of those
who are working toward these ends."
No MPTOA Convention
There will be no MPTOA convention this
year. "Uncertainties within and without
the industry" are assigned as the reasons.
The RKO offer of an optional arbitration
clause in contracts was defined by H. M.
Richey, company director of exhibitor re-
lations, in an address to the New Jersey
Allied last week, thus :
"RKO has delayed any announcement of
its future course on code provisions because
of its conviction that, while a restatement
of the trade practice provisions of the code
to which we and our theatres have already
subscribed might be desirable, we know of
no plan where the arbitration provisions of
the code can accomplish their purpose, un-
less it be a uniform plan subscribed to and
put into effect by the combined industry.
Particularly does this apply to problems of
over-buying, clearance, etc. While optional
arbitration between the company and its
customers is desirable in case of disputes
between the two, it does not solve the prob-
lem where a third party is involved.
"We feel it is much more desirable to
make a class and brand of product that
satisfies, and to treat our customers with
understanding, and thus make even that
type of arbitration unnecessary. There will
be included in our new, shortened contract
an optional arbitration clause which the ex-
hibitor can sign if he so desires."
(Continued from page 15, column 3)
from the records, and to have the case dis-
missed.
It is expected the case will last about two
weeks longer. Master in Chancery Edgar
Eldredge, before whom the testimony has
been presented, is then expected to give
his conclusions to Federal Judge Woodward.
Two Other Actions Wait
Two other suits, against substantially the
same defendants, await this decision. One
is that by 101 independent theatre operators ;
the other is by Frank Ford, Evanston ex-
hibitor.
It is anticipated that, if the Government,
in the present case, proves that the consent
decree of 1932 has been violated, and its
ends are achieved ; that is, the enforcing of
that decree; the basis for the other suits
having been dissolved, they may be dis-
missed.
The clearance system in Chicago — al-
legedly giving Balaban and Katz a product
monopoly — is the chief point of criticism.
Resumption of the case on Monday will
see approximately 20 attorneys representing
the defendants — an indication to observers
that the defense will be vigorous.
New season product sales in the Chicago
area are static ; independent exhibitors,
especially, are trying to hold out till the
resolution of the case. They anticipate great
clearance practice changes, if the Govern-
ment wins.
It was expected, after the admission by
Mr. Eldredge last week that the record
shows no case against them, that RKO and
Universal might be eliminated from the
Government case.
Trial Set for Septennber 26th
Trial of the suit by the independents
against the same defendants has been sched-
uled for September 26th. It will probably
be postponed, inasmuch as attorneys for the
defendants are now engaged in the contempt
suit by the Government, and because the out-
come of this suit will bear on the inde-
pendents' suit.
Defense attorneys in the New York anti-
trust action, by the Government against
the majors, filed affidavits on Tuesday urg-
ing Federal Judge John C. Knox to defer
his decision on the Government's applica-
tion for trial calendar preference.
Willard McKay, attorney for the Schine
circuit of upper New York State, which
is being prosecuted by the Government,
along with the majors, for violation of the
anti-trust laws, filed a motion for a bill of
particulars in Buffalo Federal Court, on
Tuesday.
In Newark, the Quemos Theatre Com-
pany, former operator of the Mosque theatre
there, prevented last week the dismissal of
its $3,500,000 suit against the majors.
The suit, expected to have a fall hearing
in federal court, charges restraint of trade.
THEY'VE MOVED
THANKSGIVING
AGAIN!
it starts right now!
THE TALK OF THE
INDUSTRY! PREVIEWED
AND READY FOR S.R.O.!
1939-40
l^4TERNAT/ONA^.
MOTIOH
PICTUB/I
cs>
''Look ahead Mister
Exhibitor! M-G-M
is writi ng the
history of '39-'40!"
Never before has any company {including M-G-M/)
started a season with such a barrage of established hits!
NORMA SHEARER • JOAN CRAW-
FORD • Rosalind Russell in "THE
WOMEN" with Mary Boland
Poulette Goddord • Phyllis Povah
Joan Fontaine "Virginia Weidler
Lucile Watson • From the Play by
Clare Boothe • By Arrangement with
Mox Gordon Plays and Pictures
Corporation • Screen Ploy by Anita
Loos and Jane Murfin • Directed
by George Cukor • Produced by
Hunt Stromberg.
A Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer Picture
MICKEY ROONEY & JUDY GARLAND
in "BABES IN ARMS" with Charles
Winninger • Guy Kibbee • June
Preisser • Grace Hayes • Betty
Jaynes • Douglas McPhail • Rand
Brooks • Leni Lynn • John Sheffield
Screen Play by Jack McGowan and
Kay Van Riper • Based on the Play
by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz
Hart . Directed by Busby Berkeley
Produced by Arthur Freed.
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
EDWARD G. ROBINSON in "BLACK-
MAIL" wif/i Ruth Hussey • Gene
Lockhart • Bobs Watson • Screen
Play by David Hertz and William
Ludwig • Directed by H. C. Potter
Produced by John W. Considine, Jr.
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
WALLACE BEERY rn "THUNDER
AFLOAT" Mfiih Chester Morris
Virginia Grey • Screen Play by Wells
Root and Commander Harvey Haislip
Directed by George B. Seitz • Pro-
duced by J. Walter Ruben.
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
"DANCING COrED" with Lana
Turner . Richord Cprlson . Artie
Show and his Band • Ann Rutherford
Lee Bowman • Thurston Hall • Leon
Errot • Directed by S. Sylvan- Simon
Produced by Edgar Selwyn.
A Metro-Goldwyn«Mayer Picture
ORETA GARBO in "NINOTCHKA"
with Melvyn Douglot • Ina Claire
An Emit Lubitsch Production • Di-
rected by Erntt Lubitsch « Produced
by Sidney Fronklin.
A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
(more next page)
FRONT PAGE NEWS
It's so BIG they put it on Page One and
here^s what they say:
"Roll out the barrel the world's been singing about,
Showmen, and get ready to need it to hold the
money when the first houseful in to see *The
Women' get to a phone to tell their friends the
news . . . THE WOMEN is one of those terrific
box-office attractions. ^ -iVlOTION PICTURE DAILY
'THE women's success is a foregone conclusion. Superlatives are in order.
Audiences may be expected to turn out in droves."— BOX OFFICE MAGAZINE
'THE WOMEN is one of the smash hits of the season. Extended runs,
hold-overs and top-grosses will be the rule." —VARIETY
"THE WOMEN is the hottest box-office attraction of 1939 ... a self-selling,
gate-building morsel spiced to the palate of any and all comers."
-MOTION PICTURE HERALD
'THE WOMEN solid triumph with top box-office punch . . . M-G-M has
a top hit! Boys and girls, here is one that should break records."
-HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"THE WOMEN is sure-fire screen fare." —FILM DAILY
THE WOMEN is for the women, and that
[leans that they'll drag the men with them/'
-SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW
THE WOMEN is a solid smash hit."
—Ed Sullivan, DAILY NEWS
Column Syndicated Nationwide
THE WOMEN is a bold, glittering and enor-
nously funny film. I urge you to run to it the mo-
nent it is exhibited in your part of the country."
— Beau Broadway, MORNING TELEGRAPH
This bath-tub scene is not the
one in "The Women/'
HOLDING
OMEN
FOR ANOTHER RECORD WEEK!
Here's why! It'« M-G-M't screen version of (he\^Iay (hat shocked and ihrilletl all New
York! It'* the pictur« thac has nuide ihe whott lowiv gjy wiih bughtt^ . , . ii'i the piiiurv
thai give* you. a peek Inio beauly parlors and bououin. Port Avenue homes diid Rrno
Kop-oven . . . ihe picture (hal telU and lelLi jnd lellsli And \\\ jll good fun!
NORMA JOAN \
SHEARED CRAWFORD russell
ABOUT MEN'tft
-»k MAtY BOIAND PAULETTE GODDARO ■ PHYLLIS POVA^H JOAN FONTAINE
VIRGINIA WEIDIER lUClLE WATSON ■ now Plo, CiARE BOOTHE
■r Arr(He(>n*iir Willi MAX
OOIIDON ftAVt 1 NaUBES
coir. - Icr*« Pby ANITA
LOOS hihJ JANf MURFIN
DMtrf OEOROE CUKOV
*r*du»dby HUNT STROMBE HC
An M-O-M Pktura
Gef ready for
Extended Runs!
"THE WOMEN has all the elements of a smash suc-
cess. Absorbing entertainment, exciting, provocative
and pictorially decorative. The season's stand-out
offering ' -DAILY VARIETY
"THE WOMEN is not only adult, but extremely sophis-
ticated." —Louella Parsons, LOS ANGELES EXAMINER
"THE WOMEN will certainly bowl over the matinee
trade, and go quite a bit beyond that."
—Edwin Shallert, LOS ANGELES TIMES
"THE WOMEN is going to be one of the smash hits
of the year." Harrison Carroll,
LOS ANGELES EVENING HERALD AND EXPRESS
AND NOW THE HEADLINES BEGIN!
(Just the first few, as
we go to fness, from
VARIETY):
"vuicu WU,UUU
Paces OK Cincy;
European wt^^hm""-
FLASH! "THE WOMEN" S.R.O.!
Watch those dames bring in the dough!
Start. '^g- 40 with"The Women" and get the
hit hahit early. Eyes on Leo! Keep going!
WRITE
BECAUSE of
our own sincere
belief after
having previewed
"Babes In Arms" in
several widely
different theatres—
BECAUSE of the
hysterical enthusiasm
of the audiences in
each instance—
BECAUSE of the
grape-vine comments
already started by
the newspaper
representatives
and columnists
of Hollywood—
WORD O^OUTH
IS MAK^I^NG IT
FAAAiifUS ALREADY!
MICKEY ROONEY & JUDY GARLAND
in "BABES IN ARMS" wUh Charlei
Winninger . Guy Kibbee • June
Preisser • Grace Hayes • Betty
Jaynes • Douglas McPhail • Rand
Brooks • Leni Lynn • John Sheffield
Screen Play by Jack McGowan and
Kay Van Riper • Based on the Ploy
by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz
Hart . Directed by Busby Berkeley
Produced by Arthur Freed.
^ ^a^^v ^^p- ^^^^^v- rroauceo oy Arinur rreea.
^^^^^^r ^^^r ^^^L A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
Hi
BABES IN ARMS' WILl
I
MKKEY
ROONEY
JUDY
GARLAND
and hundreds of entertainers
in the gala musical comedy
stage hit, the most discussed
film of the new season:
i
w
VIAKE SCREEN HISTORY '
^ou^ll predict it tool There^s another Babe in Arms on next page!
DID PAPA SIGN
HIS M-G-M
CONTRACT YET?
YES, PAPA
SIGNED HIS
M-G-M CONTRACT!
He believes in security. He knows that grade "A^' pictures
mean grade ''A'' milk for baby and new furs for Mama, He
knows that year after year, when all is said and done, there's
just one safe bet for the family, The Friendly Company!
{More wonderful news follows :)
//
EYES ON
LEO
Last year M-G-M ser-
viced the largest number
of theatres and had
the largest number of
accounts in its entire
history! To them we say:
"Your faith and loyalty
is reflected in M-G-M's remarkable new product!"
M'G'M s Fall line-up is literally The Talk of the In-
dustry. While "The Wizard of Oz" continues to set
new marks in extended-runs and while the life-saving
Summer hits of M-G-M are still fresh in memory:
"Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever", "Goodbye Mr.
Chips", "Lady Of The Tropics" etc. etc., the season
'39-'40 begins triumphantly! "The Women" and
"Babes In Arms" are already celebrated on every
Film Row! Also previewed and acclaimed are the
four great attractions shown on the next page.
GARBO
laughs in
NINOTCHKA
(don't pronounce it — see it!)
with
MELVYN DOUGLAS
INA CLAIRE
An ERNST LUBiTSCH Production
Garbo laughs! Garbo loves! Garbo in
a gay comedy of OO-la-la Parcel Slyly
Directed by Famed Ernst Lubitsch!
Produced by Sidney Franklin
>MW <, GEORGE B. SEITZ ..^^....^
PICTtJP.
Get hot! Get HQppyl
It's the new season's
first big romance in
youth-time I
ARTIE SHAW
> a»^A^d. BAND
c^RUTHERFORD
' BOWMAN
'WuMi&n.HAlL
aCeon. ERROL
»*«a.^^S.SYlVAN_SlMOI* '
{continued)
Many others near completion
and the advance tip-off is:
"More Big Ones on the way!"
M'G'M is racing far ahead of
the field!
There's no comparison — and
remember this is just the
beginning! Just Sept. and Oct.!
Eyes on Leo!
all together now:
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER'S
THE ANSWER TO YOUR PRAYERS
PRINTED IN U.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
31
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Production Notes
If production activity means anything, Holly-
wood is at peace with the world — at least those
parts of it wherein the community believes its
distribution branch can continue to sell pictures.
The threatened strike flopped, a war started, and
Labor Day holiday intervened; still Hollywood
started 10 pictures and finished 14. That's
about par for any first week in September in
normal times.
Columbia launched "Renegade Trail," a
western, which will feature the Charles Starrett-
Iris Meredith team. Monogram began work
on "Scouts of the Air," fourth in the "Tailspin
Tommy" series, with Dennis Moore added to
the feature cast. Republic's new work is
"Jeepers Creepers," a comedy which will present
Roy Rogers with the Weaver Brothers and
Elviry. Universal started "Little Accident"
with Baby Sandy, Hugh Herbert, Richard Carl-
son and Florence Rice as the top performers.
Warners gave "Livisible Stripes" the starting
signal. It will feature George Raft, William
Holden and Humphrey Bogart, with a heroine
yet to be named. As we write this, word comes
from Universal that work on "Destry Rides
Again" is now underway. It will mark the re-
turn of Marlene Dietrich to the screen and pre-
sent James Stewart, Charles Winninger, Mischa
Auer and Brian Donlevy.
Two pictures were started at Paramount.
Martha Raye, Charles Ruggles, Joseph Allen,
Jr., William Frawley and John Hartley will be
featured in "Farmer's Daughter." Ellen Drew,
Robert Paige and Judith Barrett head the
"Strange Money Cast."
"Rebecca" was started by Selznick Interna-
tional. Lawrence Olivier, Joan Fontane, Regi-
nald Denny, George Sanders, Phillip Winters
and Gladys Cooper are the principals. 20th
Century-Fox, after a day or two of delay, put
"Blue Bird" before the cameras. Shirley Tem-
ple is the star. Spring Byington, Eddie Collins,
Sybil Jason, Nancy Kelly, Gale Sondergaard
and many others also will be seen in it.
Three studios divided nine of the 14 com-
pleted pictures. The Warner trio includes
"Roaring Twenties," "We Are Not Alone" and
"State Cop." Paramount checked "Diamonds
Are Dangerous" off the active list and the
two color productions, "Dr. Cyclops" and "Un-
tamed." "Rio," "The Man from Montreal"
and "Galloping Kid" are Universal's three.
Two pictures were finished at 20th Century-
Fox, "High School" and "The Simple Life."
Columbia wound up "Beware, Spooks" and
MGM completed "Fast and Furious." RKO-
Radio concluded "Allegheny Frontier."
Candidates for Fame
Every year, as the new season gets under
way, producers assemble regiments of nev^ act-
ing talent. The producers know, by experience,
that much of their raw material will fail to
develop. Yet all the seedlings are candidates
for fame; they will be the crop from which it
is hoped a few stars will be harvested. This
year, in contrast to the last few years, there
are only one or two foreign importations among
the hopefuls ; the maj ority are of domestic stock.
Some are utter novices. Some are recruited
from the stage. Quite a few already have tested
their wings in pictures.
Columbia's hunt for an unknown to play the
TROOPS PREVIEW
ARMS FOR GOLDWYN
Soldiers equipped with the latest
fighting equipment took over a sector
of near -Holly ivood Monday night.
Advancing east from Beverly Hills, a
full company of anti-aircraft coast
artillerymen from Fort Mc Arthur cap-
tured Warners' Beverly theatre to the
wild cheering of hordes of civilians
who were ogling glamorous motion
picture stars entering the house to see
the press premiere of "The Real
Glory".
Attendance of the soldiers at the
initial showing of the Goldwyn pic-
ture was the result of a suggestion
made by officers and soldiers at the
fort, some of whom saw service against
the Moro nation- — the theme of the
picture.
lead in "Golden Boy" struck a promising lode.
Not only was William Holden uncovered, but
Richard Fiske and Robert Sterling were staked
out. Warner Brothers recognized Holden's
promise by borrowing him for "Invisible
Stripes." The company has placed under con-
tract Linda Winters, whom Charlie Chaplin
discovered, and now feels that Iris Meredith,
after completing her rudimentary training with
Charles Starrett in westerns, is ready for bigger
things. The company also is training Stanley
Brown and Lorna Grey.
From the looks of things at the moment,
MGM, which a year ago specialized in foreign
imports, is going to place its main dependence
on already established names. Yet executives
there are going to make sure that Rand Brooks,
Alice Eyland, Jo Ann Sayres, Mary Beth
Hughes, Ann Morris and June Pressier are
properly fittted to fill in if any replacements
are necessary.
Paramount looks optimistically upon its
"Golden Circle" membership. Ellen Drew,
Susan Hayward and Judith Barrett already
have risen above the common level. Joseph
Allen, Jr., Muriel Angelus, Tom Coley, Virginia
Dale, Betty Field, William Henry, Evelyn
Keyes, Janice Logan, Joyce Matthews, Betty
Moran and Robert Preston are being kept ac-
tive. Supplementing the elite group. Paramount
of course has Charles R. Rogers' discovery,
Linda Ware. It is anticipated that Susannah
Foster, another 14-year-old girl who has been
kept under wraps, will be acclaimed when she is
seen and heard in "Victor Herbert." Then it
has Peter Hayes, now in "What a Life," Richard
Denning, Albert Dekker recruited from the
stage for "Dr. Cyclops," John Hartley. The
company believes it has a real sensation in
4-year-old Carolyn Lee, whom audiences went
for in a big way at the "Honeymoon in Bali"
previews.
RKO-Radio is setting great store by the
winners of Jesse Lasky's first two "Gateway
to Hollywood" talent quests, John Archer, Alice
Eden, Robert Stanton and Virginia Vale. It
is confident that Linda Hayes, who was in
"Conspiracy," Katherine Adams, a "My Fifth
Avenue Girl" player, Beth Dynes and Diane
Hunter, to be featured in "The Hunchback of
Notre Dame," will prove to be something more
than experiments.
The prize discovery at 20th Century-Fox un-
questionably is Linda Darnell, who was out-
standing in "Hotel for Women." She, and
Brenda Joyce, now featured in "The Rains
Came," the much publicized Mary Healy and
Dorris Bowdon, who had a part in "The Young
Mr. Lincoln," but has a bigger one in "Drums
Along the Mohawk," will be the ones upon
whom the studio will concentrate.
Universal presented a promising pair, Billy
Lenhart and Kenneth Brown, in "The Under-
pup," from which the nugget Gloria Jean was
mined. Similar success is anticipated for Rob-
ert Stack and Lewis Howard, who will be seen
in "First Love." Robert • Cummings drew as
much attention as Ann Sothern in the past year
and he, with John Sutton, who has attracted
attention by his work in the presently filming
"Tower of London," will be given plenty to
do in the coming season.
Eight aspirants have aroused more than ordi-
nary enthusiasm at Warners. Executives feel
that in John Payne, Eddie Albert, Jane Bryan,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Lya Lys, Dennis Morgan,
Margot Stevenson and Maris Wrixon they have
good stock with which to fortify the star roster.
Walter Wanger discovered 19-year-old Ruth
Terry singing on the New York stage, signed
her to a contract, gave her a feature role in
"Send Another Coffin," and is including her in
his future production plans. Likewise he took
on Broderick Crawford, who, although he had
been around Hollywood for some time, had
gone almost unnoticed until "The Real Glory."
From the ranks of community theatre players
Hal Roach rounded up John Hubbard and Vic-
tor Mature. Both will be seen in "The House-
keeper's Daughter," and both have become fix-
tures on the Roach contract list.
Almost alone, in that she is an importation,
Swedish Ingrid Bergman, brought over by
David O. Selznick for a lead role in "Inter-
mezzo— a Love Story," convinced the producer
that she should be signed to a permanent con-
tract. Selznick's other new probable star is
Phillip Winter, a stage graduate who will be
seen in "Rebecca."
Following the preview of "Everything's on
Ice," Sol Lesser announced that the 6-year-old
skating marvel, Irene Dare, would be starred in
a group of pictures. Meanwhile, Producers
Pictures Corporation, headed by Ben Judell,
will make a series of westerns, "Sage Brush
Family Trails West," in which 13-year-old
cowboy champion Bobby Clarke will be starred.
Name News
The last picture for Warner Baxter under
20th Century-Fox contract will be another
"Cisco Kid."
* * *
Robert Taplinger continues as head of the
Warner Studio publicity department under a
new two year contract.
* * *
The Hal Roach "Of Mice and Men" com-
pany returned to the studio after three weeks on
location.
Rufus LeMaire resigned as casting direc-
tor at RKO Radio.
32
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
CANADIANS OFFER USE OF SCREENS
(Continued from page 12, column 3)
last Thursday, before permits to reopen were
granted, attention had been called to an increase
in the amount of drinking in London, as a con-
sequence of the lack of more "innocent amuse-
ments." The editorial recalled David Lloyd
George's comment, in the war of 1914, to the
effect that "drink is doing more damage in the
war than all the German submarines put to-
gether." The editorial added that "we will
fight none the worse for an occasional glimpse
of Ginger Rogers, and even the voice of Deanna
Duibin will not distract us from our duties."
"Madrid," the "Standard" also said, "watched
Charlie Chaplin while Franco was beating at the
gates of the city, so why not here?"
A joint deputation of the Cinematograph Ex-
hibitors Association and the Kinematograph
Renters Society, with each represented by its
president, had called on the British Home Office
last week to protest the closing of theatres.
Quota Suspension Talk
The reported intention of the Government to
suspend the quota called forth protests from
British producers and labor representatives, and
a provision was considered likely to be made
to safeguard some nfieasure of production and
emplojTnent, even though the present legislation
will probably be virtually suspended.
Last Saturday, producers and labor represen-
tatives met with the Board of Trade, and further
consultations were scheduled for this week. It
was virtually promised that conditions would
not be allowed to duplicate those during the last
war, when the U. S. "captured" the British film
market with its product.
The first of the new British propaganda films
is now believed to be in work at the Denham
studios, starring Merle Oberon and Ralph Rich-
ardson.
In addition to the Denham studios, other
outlying studios such as Welwyn, Shepperton,
and Ealing are continuing to operate with, of
course, greatly reduced staffs due to the calling
of many to the colors.
However, in France, production is virtually
at a standstill, and the demand for films is cur-
tailed due to the early closing of theatres.
Indications that operations of distributors in
France were not far below normal came this
week in a telephone message from Ben Mig-
gins, Twentieth Century-Fox European man-
ager, to Irving Maas, foreign service manager,
in which Mr. Miggins reported that the com-
pany was maintaining near normal service in
60 per cent of the Paris area. Gaps in the
office personnel are being filled by women.
In Mexico it was reported that the strength-
ening of the peso since the outbreak of the
war had been of considerable benefit to Ameri-
can distributors there.
Western Canada
To date no effect other than the taxes has
been felt of Canada's declaration of war with
Germany so far as motion pictures are con-
cerned on Canada's Pacific coast.
Last weekend found all theatres enjoying good
business with grosses, in most cases, at least
equal to those of the same period last year.
On the Pacific Coast no general instructions
have been issued for blackouts or other emergen-
cy rneasures in event of air or other raids, sug-
gesting that this eventuality is not considered
of any consequence.
Uncertainty in Business
There is a general feeling of uncertainty in
all lines of business as to the probable effects
of Canada's participation, it is reported. Sug-
gestion is made in some quarters that the coun-
try's part will be more in the supply of materials
and food, than in men. If such is the case, in-
dustry may hum in the production of war sup-
Finesse
Observers of the increasingly com-
plicated politics of the motion picture
in its international arena were this
week regarding with a certain sardonic
interest a "situation" growing out of
the recent Venice Film Festival, Italy's
annual competition for the art of the
screen.
It seems that motion picture rela-
tions between America and Italy being
what they were, and are, the American
producers leaned a willing ear to "sug-
gestions" from British and French that
it would be just as well not to submit
entries in the Venice competition.
So it cam^ that American pictures
did not go to Venice. But, — who
would have guessed it — six French and
four British pictures were submitted.
Thereby it came that the American-
Italian film situation was left in cold
status quo, and colder, and with
America getting none of the attentions
for its wares which might make Italy,
even if not getting them, want them
the more. Meanwhile, France and
Britain had no competition from pre-
eminent Hollywood. The technique is
sometimes called "continental" .
plies, more than offsetting the curtailment of
ordinary overseas export trade, on which Can-
ada depends so largely. British Columbia,
Canada's most western province, has been a
large supplier of basic products, from the mines,
field and forest.
The general uncertainty of business may be
expected to restrict somewhat the production
of commercial films, whose volume has been
steadily mounting, particularly in the 16 mm.
field, during recent years.
No plans have yet been made public for the
production of propaganda films, though facili-
ties are available in Canada for such purpose.
Associated Screen News of Montreal has a
Dominion-wide organization, and could have
crews on the job in any section of the country.
Newsreel crews are now known to be shoot-
ing stories of defense activities. Similar negative
could be made available to the Canadian govern-
ment for both 35 mm. and 16 mm. prints. If
sizeable training camps are established on the
scale of 1914-18 war time, there will probably
be a large demand for 16 mm. entertainment
film for camp showing.
So far, theatre distribution and exhibition on
the Pacific coast is watching the trend of events,
while retaining its optimism for "business as
usual," it is said.
Theatres and Screens Offered
The Anti-Protection League of Canada, spon-
sored by the Independent Theatres Association,
has offered the use of its members' theatres and
screens to the Government, and independent
exhibitors are prepared to screen any film for
patriotic purposes, such as the furtherance of
war loans or for recruiting purposes.
Famous Players Canadian Corporation has
not altered its slogan for the Fall selling cam-
paign. The slogan, "Fall Time is Movie Time,"
is being launched in more than 200 houses.
The Dominion Government has appointed a
Wartime Prices and Trade Board, and indica-
tions are that the sales tax may be raised from
eight to 10 per cent. This would affect imports
of films, advertising accessories and theatre
equipment.
The immediate installation of emergency light-
ing systems in all Ontario theatres has been
ordered by O. J. Silverthorpe, chairman of the
Board of Motion Picture Censors and director
of the theatre branch. Mr. Silverthorne said
that a panic might easily result, due to present
unsettled conditions, if the ordinary lighting
system failed. Theatres have until September
30th to comply with the order ; with the emerg-
ency equipment to be approved by Government
inspectors.
Amusement Tax Doubted
The Ontario legislature will meet September
19th to vote upon war measures, but the Hon-
orable Harry Nixon, provincial secretary, has
said that resumption of the amusement tax is
not contemplated for the present. During the
last war, Ontario had adopted a ticket tax
measure.
Such anti-Nazi films as "Professor Mam-
lock," "The Oppenheim Family" and "Alexan-
der Nevsky" have been withdrawn from circu-
lation in Moscow in order to avoid friction
with the Germans, it is reported.
Reissues Are Set
On JV w Topics
That the second "World War" will leave
its mark on the American motion picture the-
atre was indicated this week as major and
independent distributors put plans into work
to revive or reissue films which by virtue of
their war themes become highly topical.
In addition to the 43 films with war or re-
lated subjects now available or in produc-
tion, as reported in last week's Motion Pic-
ture Herald, Universal, Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer, Grand National, Jewel Productions
and Astor Pictures have definite plans for
reissues, remakes or revivals.
Universal, next week, will release "All
Quiet on the Western Front," so re-edited
that the company will bill it as the "uncen-
sored version" of the film. In a trial run
which started last Friday at the St. Louis
theatre, St. Louis, the picture had grossed
three times the normal week's take three
days after opening, according to a Univer-
sal announcement. The same company's
"The Road Back" will be similarly brought
up to date and then released.
Metro-Goldwryn-Mayer plans a new ver-
sion of "Journey's End," while Astor Pic-
tures is now shipping out new prints on
three Howard Hughes' reissues, "Cock of
the Air," "Sky Devils" and "Hell's Angels.''
Grand National will again set for release
its "231^ Hours Leave."
RKO reports that the March of Time two-
reel subject, "Inside the Maginot Line," is
being re-booked; while Jewel Productions
is reissuing its "Forgotten Men" under the
title of "It Can Happen Again."
Monogram will release J. J. Milstein's
"Fight for Peace," which has a commentary
by Hendrik Willem Van Loon, a new pic-
ture.
Principal Films is releasing "The Dead
March," produced in 1937.
The selection of Leo, Jr., was
the biggest national publicity
stunt ever staged for a short
subject. A nation-wide hunt
by International Lions Clubs!
The winner at Lions' interna-
tional convention at Pittsburgh!
Crowned at ISIewYork World's
Fair! The flight to Hollywood
to become the living symbol
of M-G-M's superior short
subjeas.
THEY CAN'T HOLD
LEO, JR.! He's roaring to go!
Here are a few of his new shorts!
U ^ (-> o ,
^ C c o o u o o
Q o o o o O Q a-P'S'P
0
o o O o
0 e o
S_0 O'
FOOTBAIL THRILLS
PETE SMITH'S annual review of U. S. gridiron clossics
Coast to Coos. Release date Sept. 16.
o O O It ft rt O Ci K
SET 'EM UP
PETE SMITH bowls 'em over with a natural for exploitation.
(Remember "Strikes and Spares"!)— Release date Sept. 30.
O o
«nreed to fop"H;/ ^ ' ^^ve mr-ii
0~ _
'/'
/ /I
34
New York Court
Views ''''Ecstasy''
The appellate division of the New York
supreme court in Albany on Monday re-
served decision on the appeal of Eureka
Productions, Inc., for a discontinuance of
the ban on the exhibition of "Ecstasy" in
New York State, in the film's revised ver-
sion. It was the second time the appellate
division had viewed the picture. At the
court showing in September, 1937, the ban-
ning of the film by Irwin Esmond, censor,
and Frank P. Graves, commissioner of edu-
cation, was upheld.
Henry Pearlman, attorney for Eureka,
told the court that the picture had been
materially revised since its rejection by the
court two years ago, with the objectionable
scenes, in which Hedy LaMarr (Keisler)
swims in the nude, as well as cabin and
hose scenes, had all been toned down or
eliminated. Mr. Pearlman said that the state
motion picture division was "reading" mean-
ing into the film, which was not intended or
reasonable.
Charles A. Brind, Jr., appearing for the
Board of Regents, said the new version did
not remove the objections of the censors.
He quoted the court decision in which
Pennsylvania judicial bodies recently upheld
the ban on "Ecstasy," placed by the Penn-
sylvania Board of Censors.
Mr. Pearlman's brief stated that the film
had been shown in Boston "in the original,
without objection," Massachusetts, Washing-
ton, D. C, New Jersey, California, Connec-
ticut, Missouri, Florida, Nevada and many
other states and denied that the film in its
present form was "obscene."
Loew Office Manager Honored
Anna D. Ellmer, office manager of the
Loew's New York advertising and publicity
departments, and a veteran of 25 years' Loew
service, was guest at a testimonial luncheon
Tuesday, in the Hotel Edison, New York, by
her co-workers. It was Miss Ellmer's 25th
anniversary with the company. She received
a desk set. Among the 40 present were Os-
car Doob, Ernest Emerling, Eddie Dowden,
Art Schmidt, Gene Murphy, and Pete Mc-
Carthy.
Sullivan Trial Dismissal Denied
New York Supreme Court Justice Felix
Benvenga has ordered the libel suit by Wal-
ter Wanger and Walter Wanger Produc-
tions for $1,000,000 against Ed Sullivan and
the News Syndicate Company, Inc., to be
brought to trial. On this Tuesday he denied
the defendants' motion to dismiss the case.
MPPDA Meets September 27th
The Motion Picture Producers and Dis-
tributors of America board of directors will
hold their quarterly meeting at the New
York offices on September 27th. Will Hays,
president, is expected to return from the
coast in time for the meeting.
Upholds Right to Sue
A San Francisco federal judge, A. F. St.
Sure, has uphold, in a recent ruling, the right
of an individual to sue broadcasting com-
panies and sponsors for invasion of privacy.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
'WO AKT RIVALRY
AMONG NATIONS"
The hope that scholarship and art
might be preserved and that they
might take their place as a significant
aspect of international amity was
stressed Monday at the opening meet-
ing of the first international congress
of the American Miisicological Society
in New York. The war caused the
delegates from France and Germany to
be absent but otherwise the congress
had a full complement of delegates and
guests.
In a letter to the congress Romain
Kolland, French novelist and musician,
wrote: "In the field of art there is not
— there should not be — any rivalry
among nations. The only combat
worthy of us is that which is waged,
in every country and at every hour,
between culture and ignorance, be-
tween light and chaos. Let tis save all
the light that can be saved! There is
none more refulgent than music. It is
the sun of the inner universe."
Oregon Theatre Plans
For Fall Announced
Oregon theatre men are planning to an-
nounce, in the near future, construction plans
for the last quarter of 1939. Among the
changes will be the operation of the Or-
pheum Theatre of Portland by the Sterling
Theatres, Inc.
Built by Pantages, the theatre was opera-
ted by RKO and later, by Hamrick-Ever-
green. Under the Sterling corporation, the
house will offer vaudeville and screen at-
tractions.
Condemn "Leading Citizen"
Two labor organization actions against
Paramount's "Our Leading Citizen" has
been taken in New Haven and in New York.
The executive board of the New Haven Cen-
tral Labor Council passed a resolution con-
demning the film as unfair to labor. The
executive board of Local 16, United Office
and Professional Workers of America also
passed a resolution condemning the film.
Start Jamaica Film
Lenwal Productions, Inc., have started
shooting on a feature in Jamaica, British
West Indies, tentatively titled "Daughters
of the Isle of Jamaica." Arthur Leonard is
the producer of the film, which is based on
a story by George Twillinger. George O.
Walbridge, II, is president and treasurer
of the company.
Fleischer Adding Artists
More than 50 young artists will be added
to the Fleischer studio stafif as soon as they
have completed preliminary training at a
Miami art school, bringing to more than 600
the number of persons employed in produc-
tion of Paramount's "Gulliver's Travels,"
color cartoon version of the Jonathan Swift
classic.
French Cinema Center, Inc., will distrib-
ute "Aux Jardins de Murcie" and "L'Or
dans la Montagne" in the United States.
September 16, 1939
Defer Hearings
On Atlas Pla
The European war having unsettled mar-
ket conditions, the hearings on the Atlas
Corporation's plans to underwrite $1,500,000
of new RKO common stock, have been sus-
pended for "two weeks or a month," George
W. Alger, special master, announced in New
York last Friday.
The Atlas offer was to have been ac-
cepted by the court and the company on Au-
gust 29th, and was to have expired on that
date; however, it was not withdrawn; and
it was said by lawyers this week that Atlas
was "marking time" to gauge the effects of
the war on the motion picture industry and
RKO.
Atlas Corporation officials refused to say
whether the expiration was final.
Paramount and Lucas-Jenkins
Continue Negotiations
Negotiations for a renewal of the deal by
which Lucas and Jenkins operate 38 theatres
in Georgia and Alabamia for Paramount
which were discontinued last weekend will
be resumed either in New York or in At-
lanta, possibly next week.
Arthur Lucas, head of the operating com
pany, has returned to Atlanta from New
York. William Jenkins is remaining in
New York for a few more days. The op-
erating agreement has been continued in
force since its expiration last July, pending
the outcome of the renewal negotiations.
Revive Vaudeville Policy
Harry Kalmine, general manager of the
68 Warner theatres in the Tri- State area,
said this week that the Stanley, Pittsburgh,
soon will return to a vaudeville and picture
policy.
Schlom Quits Republic
Herman Schlom, associate producer at
Republic for the last three years, has asked
for and received his release from contract
and will leave the lot. Inability to get to-
gether on satisfactory terms was given as
the reason for Mr. Schlom's departure.
Seek Tax Reductions
Six motion picture distributors in New
Orleans have asked the Orleans parish board
of liquidators to reduce their property assess-
ments for 1939 state tax purposes. Each are
assessed at $50,000 but the distributors point
out that these assessments are based on the
cost of producing a picture in Hollywood
and "not on the worth of the film of the
agencies themselves."
Bell Moves to Hollywood
Russell Bell, head of the Monogram art
department, has transferred his offices to the
studio in Hollywood. Mr. Bell was tendered
a luncheon last week, before he left for a
motor trip to Hollywood, by executives of
the company.
Orson Welles' first picture assignment for
RKO, on which he will serve as actor,
writer, director and producer, will be "Heart
of Darkness," story by Joseph Conrad.
I
Aug. 4
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Aug. 25
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September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
39
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who Is
to purvey it to his own public.
Rulers of the Sea
(Paramount )
Maritime Melodrama
Dependable producer-director Frank Lloyd here supplies showmen with a fit com-
panion picture to his two great sea successes : "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "The
Sea Hawk," films distinguished alike in trade history as production masterpieces and
box office triumphs.
Exhibitors basing their exploitation cam- sum total of a finely balanced acting and direct-
paigns on promiseful reference to these past i"g Job. But it is the Fyffe portrayal that
achievements may proceed in complete con- stands out as the picture passes and remains
fidence that the Lloyd hand has wrought as •» memory afterward
solidly and surely this time as before. Previewed at the Carthay Circle theatre
Mr. Lloyd's present offering may be counted Zt^ZAl JJ ''/"'"'^J^f'i "'"^'"Y
uoon additionally to satisfy the snerial interest resenting the profession and the press expressed
upon, aclditionaU} , to satisty tlie_ special mterest appreciation m unmistakable terms.— William
in maritime affairs prevalent just now as a R Weaver
result of the news about what's happening to the
merchant marine on the high seas. "Rulers of Produced and distributed by Paramount. Produced
tU„ " ^^-^^^ , „„J ...f :c„^4. ^"d directed by trank Lloyd. Story and screen play
the Sea, a screen play and story of manifest by Talbot Jennings, Frank Cavett and Richard Col-
authenticity by Talbot Jennings, Frank Cavett lins. Assistant director, William Tummel. Film editor,
and Richard Collins, deals with the rivalry be- Pa"' Weatherwax. Art director, Hans Dreier and
twppn sailino- vp«i;p1<; anH <;tpamslnin<: q rpntnry J""" Coodman. Photographer, Theodor Sparkuhl. Pro-
tween sailing vessels ana Steamsnips a century auction Code No. 5-168. Release date, November 24,
ago, culminating in the first steam crossing Ot 1939. Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 95
the Atlantic in 1838. It is timely material im- minutes. General audience classification.
pressively presented, honest entertainment ex- CAST.
pertly set forth. David Gillespie Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
In common with most big pictures based on Mary Shaw Margaret Lxickwood
historical record, this film stresses its factual IfJtJ^^nuV.: r '^b
., , , Captain Uhver George Bancroft
aspects more powerfully than the personal story Malcolm Grant Montagu Love
told. Uncommon in every way, however, is the Donald Fenton David Torrence
powerful performance of Britain's Will Fyffe J""'"^ Smith v'^''"^? 9^'^''
^ ^, 1 • 11- r I • 1. Lt- Com. Roberts Lester Matthews
as the Scottish engineer who lives for his be- colin Farrell Alan Ladd
loved engine and dies by it. Douglas Fairbanks, 2nd Mate Evans David Clyde
Jr., is compeUing as the sailing man who aids • ^}^<' Driscoll
i, '. i H4- iTi j- 1 • Mrs. Ogilvie Mary Gordon
the inventor; Margaret Lockwood is charming ^iTst Secretary Lionel Pape
as the daughter the young man marries and Second Secretary ivan Simpson
George Bancroft makes the hard-bitten sea Third Secretary Olaf Hytten
captain a powerful character. So do Montagu ^Ai^-\::\V:::^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Love, David Torrence and others add to the importer Guy Bellis
The Real Glory
(UA-Goldwyn)
Historical Adventure
"The Real Glory" is a romantically treated documentary historical story that cul-
minates in many minutes of actionful excitement. It is another demonstration of
Samuel Goldwyn's embarkation on a new adventure, unique even for him, and never
permitting those fetters which chain rivals to routine to shackle him.
There's love interest, which at times at-
tains the plane of heroic devotion, in the
story. Still love is a secondary quality.
The comedy in the theme is limited and
the one who supplies it meets a tragic
end. Pulse tingling thrills, suggested in
dialogue and situations, but very real in
actuality, provide the picture's prime
entertainment quality.
The historical incidents that inspired the
story never were well known. If they were,
they have been generally forgotten. Funda-
mentally, "The Real Glory" details how the
peaceful majority of the Philippine Island
natives, terrorized by superstition and the
marrow-melting fear of savage Moros, at-
tained a national unity.
Especially, from a commercial viewpoint, the
ageous, one indecisive, officers of the American
army, the daughter of one, and the natives, who
became the Philippine constabulary, turning to
things which have a more meaningful signifi-
cance.
Especially, from a commercial viewpoint the
picture offers dependable Gary Cooper, Andrea
Leeds, who has attained a measure of popularity
since "Stage Door," David Niven, now very
much a subject of popular attention because of
recent picture accomplishments and the fact that
he may have to go to real war any day, Brod-
erick Crawford and Vladimar Sokoloff, as draw
names.
While the author, Charles Clifford, on whose
novel the story was based, has no screen story
prominence, the screen playwrights Jo Sterling
and Robert Presnell have accounted for many
stirring photoplays. Director Henry Hatha-
way's name means something because he di-
rected "Lives of a Bengal Lancer," "Souls at
Sea," "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and other
profitable pictures.
While fear of "Alipang's" Moros sickens the
timid natives, the quick killings of the two com-
manding officers panic their successor, "Captain
Hartley," yet stiffen the determination of the
medical officer, "Canavan" (Gary Cooper), and
Lieutenants "McCool" and "Larsen," to wipe
out the enemy of civilization.
Previewed at the Beverly theatre, Beverly
Hills, Cal., the audience, in which invited guests
and a detachment of regular U. S. Army sol-
diers predominated, sat quietly through the pro-
ceedings until the slambang action of the last
two reels stirred them up. They applauded
imldly when the lights zvent on. — Gus McCar-
thy.
Produced and distributed by United Artists. Pro-
ducer, Samuel Goldwyn. Associate producer, Robert
Riskin. Director, Henry Hathaway. Screen play by
Jo Swerling, and Robert R. Presnell. From the novel
by Charles L. Clifford. Art director, James Basevi.
Cinematographer, Rudolph Mate, A. S. C. Associate
director, Richard Talmadge. Assistant director, Eddie
Bernoudy. Musical director. Alfred Newman. Cos-
tumes, Jeanne Beakhurst. Set decorations by Julia
Heron. Special effects cinematography by R. O.
Binger, A. S. C, and Paul Eagler, A. S. C. Technical
adviser, Col. William H. Shutan. Film editor, Daniel
Mandell. Sound technician. Jack Noyes. Production
code number 5441. Release date, September 29, 1939.
Running tim.e, when seen in Beverly Hills, California,
95 minutes. General audience classification.
CAST
Doctor Canavan ....Gary Cooper
Linda Hartley Andrea Leeds
Lieut. McCool David Niven
Capt. Hartley Reginald Owen
Lieut. Larson Broderick Crawford
Mrs. Manning Kay Johnson
Capt. Manning Russell Hicks
The Datu Vladimir Sokoloff
Miguel Benny Inocencio
Lieut. Yabo Ruby Robles
Alipang Tetsu Komai
Col. Hatch Roy Gordon
The General Henry Kolker
The Day the Bookies Wept
(RKO Radio)
Comedy
This farcical race horse story is sturdy, rough
woven comedy. In less nervous days than these
"The Day the Bookies Wept" would probably
be considered ridiculous. But its audience
amusement value rated a high assayal in the
estimation of a mixed crowd observing the pre-
view. The whole thing is a case of anything
for a laugh and the sillier the anything the
better.
Laugh provoking lines and situations tumble
over one another as the hilarious story proceeds
at a giddy pace. Wisely, writers Bert Granet
and Robert Jeske provided screen clowns Joe
Penner, Richard Lane, Tom Kennedy and
Thurston Hall, working with Betty Grable and
Bernardene Hayes for feminine embellishment,
(.Continued on page 42)
20" CENTURY-FOX f
SPECIAL GALA THEATRI
OF HOLLYWOOD CAW
LEADING EXHIBI
EXCHAN
The date — Mon., Oct. 2^ or
Tues., Oct. 3 — will be set lo-
cally by each exchange.
Previews will be held in
motion picture theatres, not
projection rooms.
Admission by invitation only.
All seats will be reserved.
NNOUNCES
LCADE FOR
EU.S.
and
mm
New York
Washington
New Haven
Cleveland
St. Louis
Dallas
Denver
Previews in the following cities:
Salt Lake City
Chicago
Milwaukee
Omaha
St. John
Philadelphia
Albany
Buffalo
Kansas City
Atlanta
Memphis
Des Moines
Calgary
Toronto
Winnipeg
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles g^^^^^
Seattle Cincinnati
Detroit Charlotte
Oklahoma Ci
New Orlean;
Portland
San Francisc<
Indianapolis
Minneapolis
Montreal
Vancouver
GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EXCHANGE AT ONCE
AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION!
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
{Continued from page 39)
with type characterizations and dialogue. With
Director Leslie Goodwins holding only a light
rein on them, they went gaily about the business
of providing amusement.
Thirsting for revenge on bookies, taxi drivers
headed by "Firpo" and "Brophy" decide to buy
a horse and condemn "Ernest" to be its pur-
chaser and trainer. The horse is always a
happy last, but when sweetheart "Ina" learns
he is a glutton for beer, she provides him with
a barrel of it. After he consumes it, he runs
better than Man o' War ever did and the
bookies weep copiously.
Previewed at the Alexander theatre, Glen-
day, Cal. They couldn't help but laugh. — Gus
McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by RKO-Radio Pictures.
Producer, Robert Sisk. Director, Leslie Goodwins.
Screen play by Bert Granet. Art director, Van Nest
Polglase. Associate art director. Field Gray. Director
of photography, Jack Mackenzie, A.S.C. Special ef-
fects by Vernon L. Walker, A.S.C. Gowns by Renie.
Recorded by Richard Van Hessen. Film editor, Des-
mond Marquette. Production code No. 5517. Release
date, Sept. 15, 1939. Running time, when seen in Glen-
dale, 64 minutes. General audience classification.
CAST.
Ernest Simpson Joe Penner
Ina Betty Grable
Firpo Richard Lane
Brophy Tom Kennedy
Colonel March Thurston Hall
Patsy Carole Hughes
Harry Jack Arnold
Hiccup's jockey Teddy Manjean
Auctioneer Earl Hodgins
Maxie Billy Newell
Margie Bernadene Hayes
Motor Cop Emory Parnell
Race Judge Edward Earle
Photographer Lynton Brent
Taxi Drivers —
Max Wagner, Harry Bowen, Frank Marlowe, Eddie
Borden, Ronnie Rondell.
Honeymoon in Bali
(Paramount)
Comedy Romance
It can be accepted as a certainty that between
now and its release date Paramount will ignite
a lot of red fire and shoot resounding salvos of
superlatives to make the public at large "Honey-
moon in Bali"-conscious. But, in advance, it
seems to the writer that it would be a good idea
to get out the thesaurus and look up all the
synonyms for smartness. It would be well to
do this for, if you believe the word of others
or happen to see a pre-release trade showing,
you'll probably want to stand outside your
theatre and shout to adult passersby to come
in and see "Honeymoon in Bali." You may
wish that you could take each one by the
hand and drag him in to see it. You'll find
use for those synonyms then.
Difficult as it was to take our attention away
from the screen, we watched the audience
watching the preview. The result of watching
the picture and the patrons is conviction that
"Honeymoon in Bali" will royally entertain
sophisticates, smart folk, pseudo-smart folk, the
moderns, even the hillbillies and almost every-
body else who wants to be amused.
It's a fresh, new and surprisingly different
love story, intended for mature audiences. The
sense of dialogue of the character actor Akim
Tamiroff sums it up. It's the love story of a
"guy," "a gentleman" and a business woman
who wishes to remain mistress of her own des-
tiny. But for something more comparative than
descriptive, go back a few years. Remember
the original "Holiday," which E. H. Griffith
also directed. That picture set a standard
which rival directors since have been striving
to equal. Mr. Griffith's "Honeymoon in Bali"
sets a new standard.
The picture is lavishly produced in ultra
modern settings. Fred MacMurray and Made-
leine Carroll, together in "Cafe Society," are
the stars and Allan Jones is the other man.
Miss Carroll is the sophisticated, beautiful, love-
smart girl of the story. MacMurray is the
debonair yet relentless young lover. Jones is
the suave and polished man of the music world,
a gentleman who knows when he's licked. Then
there is Osa Massen, the cunning other woman
in MacMurray's life, besides Akim Tamiroff in
a delightfully unique comedy role for him,
Helen Broderick and four-year-old Carolyn Lee,
who several times legitimately steals the show
from her elders.
Virginia Van Upp's screen play, which com-
bines stories by Grace Mason and Katharine
Brush, is a satin smooth job of writing. Her
zippy dialogue, the way she brings her charac-
ters together and the situations in which she
involves them are eye and ear openers that make
little action necessary. It's a new high for
Jeff Lazarus, producer.
Previewed at the Village theatre, Hollywood,
saying that the audience was satisfied is ptitting
it mildly.— Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Jeff Laz-
arus producer. Directed by E. H. Griffith. Screen
play by Virginia Van Upp. Based on stories by
Grace Mason and Katharine Brush. Roland Asher
assistant director. Edith Head film editor. Photo-
graphed by Ted TetzlafT. P.C.A. certificate No. 5480.
Running time, 95 minutes. Release date, Sept. 29,
1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Bill Burnett Fred MacMurray
Gail Allen Madeleine Carroll
Eric Sinclair Allan Jones
The Window Washer Akim Tamiroff
Miss Lorna Smith Helen Broderick
Noel Van Ness Osa Massen
Rosie Carolyn Let.
Fortune Teller Astrid Allwyn
Miss Stone Georgia Caint
Man John Qualcn
Secretary Fritzi Brunette
Store Detective William B. Davidson
Messenger Boy Bennie Bartlett
Heartbeat
(French Motion Picture Corp.)
French Peasant Family
A French importation, this Marcel Pagnol
production is one more attempt to make a rather
trite theme interesting. It doesn't succeed in
either story or production values.
Based on Jean Giono's novel, "Un de
Baumugnes," the film details the story of a
French peasant family. The daughter of the
house, swept off her feet by the village roue,
runs away with him to Marseilles and degrada-
tion. When "Saturnin," the faithful family
helper, finally finds her and takes her and her
out-of-wedlock child home, the reception is
mixed.
The mother receives her with open arms, but
the father hides her and the child in the cellar
lest the villagers discover the family's disgrace.
Although she is shut off from the outside world
and further guarded from any visitor by her
father, a young man, who met the girl but
once, seeks her out and convinces the father
of his honorable intentions.
Reviewed at the Little Carnegie Playhouse,
New York. A small afternoon audience viewed
the unfolding of the drab story in silence. —
Paul C. Mooney, Jr.
Distributed by French Motion Picture Corporation.
Produced by Marcel Pagnol. Based on Jean Giono's
novel "Un de Baumugnes." English dialogue titles.
Running time, 90 minutes. Release date, September 4,
1939. Adult audience classification.
CAST
Angele Orane Demazis
Clarius, her father Henri Poupon
Philomene, her mother Toinon
Saturnin Fernandel
Albin Jean Servais
Amedee Edourd Delmont
Louis Andrex
The End of a Day
(Juno Films)
"Stage Door" Exit
Whereas the American rendition of the
Shakespearean sophism that "all the world is
a stage," as voiced in "Stage Door," pictured
a bevy of budding Bernhardts poised for a
hopeful entrance into the world of make-believe
and grease paint, a domain where "angels fear
to tread," this distinguished French importation
views with a realistic and debunking eye the
last act exit of a group of aged Gallic thespians.
housed in an old actors' home and waiting amid
their memories and off-stage performances for
their final curtain call.
The production is headed for enthusiastic
acclaim from those sections of bilingual picture
patrons who raved about previous French suc-
cesses, "Mayerling," "Grand Illusion" and "Un
Garnet de Bal." There is an exceptionally well
penned collection of superimposed English titles
to help translate the witty lines.
Julien Duvivier's directorial imagination is
manifest throughout.
Actors playing characters from their own
profession have an histrionic field day. The
trio of male leads, each name a stellar fixture
in French acting circles, offers a beautiful ex-
ample of individual and group work. Special
commendation should be given to the moving
musical background.
Cleverly has M. Duvivier manipulated the
strange assortment of characters and persuasive-
ly does his band of players follow his instruc-
tions.
A specially invited audience attended the eve-
ning premiere of the film at the New York
Filmarte theatre, which was sponsored by a
gallery of famous actor names for the benefit of
the Actors' Fund of America. In sympathy
with the cause and the plot, the gathering re-
warded the film with its respectful if biased
attention and applause. — Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced by Regina. Distributed by I. E. Lopert,
Juno Films, Inc. Director. Julien Duvivier and
Charles Spaak. Cameraman, Christian Metras. Music,
Maurice Jaubert. _ Sets, Jacques Krauss. English
titles, Herman Weinberg and Milton Doushkess. No.
P.C.A. Certificate number. Running time, 94 minutes.
Release date, October 1, 1939. Adult audience classi-
fication.
CAST
Marny Victor Francen
St. Clair Louis Jouvet
Cabrissade Michael Simon
Jeannette Madeleine Ozeray
Mme. Chabert Gabrielle Dorziat
Director Arthur Devere
Mr. Lucien Arquilliere
Mme. Tusini Sylvie
Mr. Philemon Joffre
Mme. Philemon Mme. Lherbay
Delormel Jean Coquelin
Mr. Laroche Pierre Magnier
Deaubonne Granval
Victor Jean Ayme
Pierre Tony Jacquot
Danielle Gaby Andreu
Innkeeper Gaston Modot
And: Boverio, Gaston Jacquet, Secretan, Maurice
Schulz, Beuve, Fernand Liesse, Gabrielle Fonton,
Mme. Marty, Emilie Lindey, Louise Marquet, Hen-
riette Moret, Mme. Yzelle, Blanche Denege, Cailloux,
Nassiet, Romain Bouquet, Odette Talazac, Bergeron,
Martial Rebe and Escofi'ier.
The Housekeeper's
Daughter
(Hal Roach -U A)
Murder Comedy
There's no defining the Hal Roach comedy
touch and less denying it. This is a comedy
directed by the producer himself in rare form,
a comedy of murders and gangsters and report-
ers such as never was approximated save in
part by Warners in their "Slight Case of Mur-
der," and this is funnier and, sometimes louder.
Showmen can tell the customers that if they
don't think a sequence of murders can be a
completely efficacious cure for war jitters, mel-
ancholia, economic ennui or plain washday blues,
they'd better come and see.
Adolphe Menjou and William Gargan carry
the brunt of the comedy for quite a stretch, as
a pair of free drinking reporters. Donald Meek
comes in somewhat later as a dyspeptic city
editor, and Marc Lawrence joins on as a gang-
ster nobody takes seriously. Joan Bennett lets
out the emotional stop slightly as a good girl
fresh from the rackets and John Hubbard makes
a bit of history for himself as a wealthy young
man who wishes himself into the reporting pro-
fession and blunders into a series of phoney
scoops that turn out to be real and get him all
but killed. The whole affair winds up in a
skyrocket duel culminating in a happy solution
of seemingly insoluble difficulties and every-
(Continued on page 46)
&WL.
giving a great performance in a great role ... in a great dramatic picture!
mm DIX
(another triumpFi for the star of "Man of Conquest"!)
(sensational discovery of "The Rains Came-'!)
and
Roland
Gladp
(star of "Topper" pictures in a great\ /her first real dramatic role since "Valiant^
characterization! / \ Is the Word for Carrie"! /
Katharine ALDRIDGE • Russell GLE ASON • George
ZUCCO . Edward NORRIS • Henry KOLKER
Directed by Roy Del Ruth
Associate Producer Harry Joe Brown • Screen play by Milton Sperling and Sam Hellman
Based on a story by Gordon Malherbe Hillman • "The StafFord Song" "by Mack Gordon
& Harry Revel • Dorryl F. Zanuck in Charge of Production
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
{Continued from page 42)
body's happy, except the numerous unimportant
dead.
Rian James and Gordon Douglas whipped up
an adroitly jointed screen play from material
found in a novel by Donald Henderson Clarke.
A lot of upper bracket performances are con-
tributed by a lot of players, but it's the Hal
Roach touch that blends it all together and
makes it effervesce. He hasn't forgotten a trick.
Previewed at the Village theatre, W estwood,
Cal., on a Saturday iiight, which is no night to
get the critics out for less than a 'quake, but a
night on ivhich they laughed their heads off in
complete harmony with the paying guests. —
W. R. W.
Produced by Hal Roach. Distributed by United Art-
ists. Directed by Hal Roach. Screen play by Rian
James and Gordon Douglas. Novel by Conald Hender-
son Clarke. Photographed by Norman Brodine. Edited
by William Ziegler. P.C.A. certificate No. 5605. Re-
lease date, October 12, 1939. Running time, when seen
in Westwood, 76 minutes. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Hilda Joan Bennett
Deakon Maxwell Adolphe Menjou
Robert Randall John Hubbard
Ed O'Malley William Gargan
Benny George E. Stone
Olga Peggy Wood
Editor Wilson Donald Meek
Floyd Marc Lawrence
Gladys Lillian Bond
Lefty Victor Mature
Professor Randall John Hyams
Mrs. Randall Leila Mclnty re
Veroni Louis Alberni
Mrs. Veroni Rosina Galli
Two Bright Boys
(Universal)
Comedy Melodrama
Behind the insouciant title of "Two Bright
Boys" Universal has a delightful comedy melo-
drama of wide appeal. It is a story of the
Texas oil fields told from the standpoint of a
widow, and a boy's struggle against an oil
baron seeking to steal their property. On to the
scene come a glib English forger and his son,
both of whom live by their wits. They compli-
cate and then fix up matters, and change them-
selves in the process.
The title roles are played by Jackie Cooper
and Freddie Bartholomew. They are supported
by Melville Cooper, Dorothy Peterson, Alan
Dinehart, Willard Robertson, J. M. Kerrigan,
Eddie Acuff, Hal K. Dawson, Harry Worth and
Eddy C. Waller.
The original screenplay by Val Burton and
Edmund L. Hartmann is concise and contains
unusually effective dialogue. Joseph Santley
directed the Burt Kelly production.
Preznewed at the Alexander Theatre, Glen-
dale, Cal., to an enthusiastic audience. — V. K.
Produced and distributed by Universal. Director,
Joseph Santley. Associate producer, Burt Kelly. Screen-
play, Val Burton and Edmund L. Hartmann. Camera-
man, Elwood Bredell. Film editor, Phil Cahn. Sound
supervisor, Bernard B. Brown. Technician, Robert
Pritchard. Art director, Jack Otterson. Technical ad-
visor, "Brownie" Johnson. Production Code No. 5586.
Release date, September 15, 1939. Running time, when
seen in Glendale, Cal., 73 minutes. General audience
classification.
CAST.
Rory O'Donnell Jackie Cooper
David Harrington Freddie Bartholomew
Bill Hallet Alan Dinehart
Hilary Harrington Melville Cooper
Kathleen O'Donnell Dorothy Peterson
Mike Casey J. M. Kerrigan
Clayton Willard Robertson
Washburn Eddie AcufF
Boswell Hal Dawson
Sheriff Eddy C. Waller
Public Hobby Number One
(Paramount)
Postal Paragraphic
Although opinion may be divided as to just
what is "public hobby number one," it is the
contention of this Pargraphic that such an
honor should go to the fad of stamp collecting.
Whether this conclusion is logical or not, it
must be admitted that the philatelists comprise
a large cross section of the country's population
and any screen subject devoted to this avoca-
tion should be welcome news to the stamp sec-
BROADWAY GROSSES
CONTINUE UPWARDS
Theatres on New York's Broadway
continued over the weekend to show
an tipsiirge in business over recent
weekends with Twentieth Century-
Fox's "The Rains Came" leading the
way. At the Koxy, where the film
opened Friday to the accompliment of
a cloudburst, the film is reported by
the company to be rivaling the grosses
of "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and
"Jesse James" and is expected to set
an all-time high for the house. The
attendance for the first four days
neared the 100,000 mark.
"The Star Maker" at the 'Paramount
started its third week Wednesday and
Paramount says the film is drawing the
biggest attendances of the year at that
theatre.
"The Old Maid" at Warner Broth-
ers' Strand theatre is starting its sixth
week with record attendances reported.
Columbia's "Golden Boy" on Thurs-
day started its second week at the
Radio City Music Hall with excellent
■business reported for the first week.
tions. In addition to the coverage of the field,
the material has been given extra attention by
the inclusion of special scenes showing the
manufacture of government stamps, an experi-
ence made possible through the cooperation of
the United States Secret Service, the Post Of-
fice Department and the Bureau of Engraving.
As stamp collecting recognizes no financial, cul-
tural or gender barriers, the appeal of the mate-
rial is practically universal. Wise words are
sounded in the commentary on the business of
stamp gathering and production. — Running time,
11 minutes.
A Desert Adventure
(Paramount)
Grantland Rice Sportlight
Episode two detailing further adventures of
Ken and Walt Wilhelm finds the bow and ar-
row brothers giving additional evidence of their
skill and daring, first evidenced in "Death Val-
ley Thrills." The horseplay that the boys put
on in their first installment is offered again,
together with conclusive evidence by way of
the slow motion camera technique of their adept-
ness with the blow gun and the dart. An ex-
citing, suspenseful sequence is shown when one
of the men in the act of bagging a wildcat
slowly backs into a none too cordial rattlesnake.
An arrow well aimed from the string of the
other brother's bow removes the threat to the
Wilhelm family. The business is different and
is handled with a sound sense of what it takes
to keep an audience interested. — Running time,
10 minutes.
The Bill of Rights
(Vitaphone)
Historical Color Featuret
Following the color subjects dealing with the
history of the United States that have met with
so much success comes another in this series
entitled "The Bill of Rights." In Williams-
burg, Virginia, several American patriots pro-
test against King George's high handed de-
crees against the colonists. The colonists meet
secretly at Raleigh's Tavern in Virginia and
prepare the first rough form of the Bill of
Rights. Patrick Henry fires the patriots into
action against the British representatives in
America and forces them to leave the colony.
After a long struggle among themselves, the
colonists finally incorporate the Bill of Rights
in the federal constitution. An excellent color
subject on one phase of the history of the
United States. — Running time, 20 minutes.
Catching Whoppers
(Paramount)
Grantland Rice Sportlight
A Grantland Rice Sportlight about the deep
and the snaring of some of its finny residents
offers a celluloid catch of superior film fare in
excitement and entertainment. The initial field
of casting is in the waters off the coast of
Guaymas, Mexico. It is in this locale that the
camera is credited with photographing for the
first time the spectacle of a school of whip ray
fish performing their pattern of leaping far out
of the water. A quick change centers the fisher-
men in the district of Cat Cay off the shoreline
of Florida. A tuna tournament is being held
and a quartet of champion reelmen is shown
landing some big ones. The material is easy
bait for hooking the amateur and professional
fisherman. For those who interest in fish is
limited to the table, the first rate camerawork
and the general atmosphere of the rod and reel
contest should compensate. — Running time, 10
minutes.
Five Times Five
(RKO Pathe)
Dionne Quintuplets
The quintuplets of Callander, Ontario, reached
their fifth birthday last May and so the yearly
record of their growth and personalities is dis-
played once more by Pathe. The years have
treated the Dionne girls well ; they're chubby,
gay and full of life. In "Five Times Five," they
have the inevitable birthday party with Doctor
Allan Roy Dafoe, but this time they have an-
other famous guest in the rotund personage of
Alexander WooUcott and his voice, as narra-
tor, adds much to the enjoyment of the film.
Produced by Frederic Ullman, Jr. Directed
by Frank Donovan. Running time, 20 minutes.
Take a Cue
(MGM)
Pete Smith Specialty
Even if one's knowledge of the game of bil-
liards runs only to the recognition that the
expression, "behind the eight ball," comes from
pool parlance, the most uninitiated in the cue
line should be entertained with the trick shot
exhibition by Charles C. Peterson. Mr. Peter-
son's tricks are many. Pete Smith supplies a
combination of comic-serious commentary and
one of Mr. Smith's stooges supplies the dumb
moments and laughs. Camerawork comple-
ments the genius of Mr. Peterson's dexterity.
— Running time, nine minutes.
Vote Trouble
(Vitaphone)
Political Comedy
With the election season nearing and voting
practically the topic of conversation Vitaphone's
latest comedy in the "Grouch Club Series" is
timely and will go well in most any spot. Ron-
ald Girtch, a local plumber in a small town,
is persuaded to run for alderman against
Gleyus. When hanging campaign posters
around his home a hammer accidentally falls on
his wife's head. His son spreads the rumor
around town that his father beat his mother
with a hammer and the contending political
party takes advantage of this and base their
campaign on belittling Girtch. The newspa-
(Continued on page 54)
There will be absoli
NUMBER oi
Paramount Pictures
f What effect will the European War
have on picture production?
2 Will production schedules
be curtailed?
\ Will product be cheapened?
These are the most important ques-
tions in the picture business today!
OKAY, Mr. Exhibitor
. . . here^s Paramount* s answer I
ely no change in the
QUALITY o€
[iromised for 1939-40
f None of Paramount's huge line-
up of pictures for 1939-40
will in any way be affected
by the foreign situation!
2 Paramount will not back down
• • . on Paramount promises!
^ No Paramount picture is, or will
be, cheapened in production!
On the next two pages we proudly print Paramount's
amazing product story for tiie 1939-40 season. Read it
and you*ll know wliy the European War cannot hand
any Paramount exhibitor the PRODUCT JITTERS!
Your insurance against a shortsj
PARAMOUNT PRODUCTIci
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The Paramount Seal is
Your GUARANTEE of
QUALITY of PRODUCT
QUANTITY of PRODUCT
This Year
More Than Ever Before!
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
53
PRODUCTIONS IN WORK
TITLE
COLUMBIA
"The Incredible Mr.
Williams"
"Blondie Brings Up Baby"
"Renegade Law"
METRO-GOLD WYN-MAYER
"Remember"
"Northwest Passage"
"Broadway Melody of 1940"
"Patsy"
MONOGRAM
■'Scouts of the Air"
PARAMOUNT
"Campus Wives"
"Typhoon"
"Victor Herbert"
"The Farmer's Daughter"
"Strange Money"
REPUBLIC
"Abraham Lincoln Boggs"
"Jeepers Creepers"
RKO RADIO
"Reno"
"The Hunchback of Notre
Dame"
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois"
TWENTIETH CENT.-FOX
"Swanee River"
"20,000 Men a Year"
"The Bluebird"
UNITED ARTISTS
"Of Mice and Men"
(Hal Roach)
"Sfnd Another Coflfin"
(Walter Wanger)
"Raffles"
(Samuel Goldwyn)
"Rebecca"
(David Selznick)
UNIVERSAL
"Green Hell"
"Tower of London"
"Little Accident"
"Destry Rides Again"
WARNER BROTHERS-
FIRST NATIONAL
"Gambling on the High Seas"
"Four Wives"
"Invisible Stripes"
WRITER AND DIRECTOR
Director: Alexander Hall.
Director: Frank Strayer.
Director: Joe Lewis.
Director: Norman McLeod.
From the novel by Kenneth Roberts. Director:
King Vidor.
Director: Norman Taurog.
Director: Wiiliam Thiele.
Based on a cartoon strip by Hal Forrest. Screen
play, Byron ilorgan. Director: Howard
Bretherton.
Director: Kurt Neumann.
Director: Louis King.
Director: Andrew Stone.
Director: James Hogan.
Director: Robert Florey.
Origmal, Harry Hamilton. Adaptation, Devery
Freeman. Screen play, Joseph Krumgold, Rob-
ert Presnell. Director: Dudley Murphy.
Original screen play, Dorrell and Stuart Mc-
Gowan. Director: Frank MacDonald.
Original story, ElUs St. Joseph. Screen play,
John Twist. Director: John Farrow.
From the novel by Victor Hugo. Screen play,
Bruno Frank. Director: William Dieterle.
Play and screen play, Robert E. Sherwood.
Director: John Cromwell.
Screen play, John Taintor Foote, Philip Dunne.
Director: Sidney Lanfield.
Director: Alfred E. Green.
From the play by Maurice Materlinck. Di-
rector: Walter Lang.
From the play and novel by John Steinbeck.
Screen play, Eugene Solow. Director: Lewis
Milestone.
From the novel by F. G. Presnell. Screen play,
John Lay, Robert Tallman, Ken Englund.
Director: Tay Garnett.
Screen play by John Van Druten. Director:
Sam Wood.
From the novel by Daphne DuMaurier. Di-
rector: Alfred Hitchcock.
Original story and screen play, Frances Marion.
Director: John Whale.
Driginal story, Robert N. Lee. Director: Rowland
V. Lee.
Director: Charles Lamont.
Director: George Marshall.
Director: George Amy.
Story, Maurice Hanline. Screen play, Julius
and Philip Epstein. Director: Michael Curtiz.
Original screen play, Warden E. Lawes, Jonathan
Finn. Director: Lloyd Bacon.
CAST
Joan Blondell, Melvyn Douglas, Ruth Donnelly, Clarence
Kolb, Donald MacBride, Don Beddoe, Robert Middle-
mass, Ed Brophy, WiUiam Hall, Walter Miller, Wilkin
Forrest.
Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms, Jonathan
Hale.
Charles Starrett, Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers.
Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Lew Ayres, Billie Burke,
Reginald Owen, George Barbier, Sara Haden.
Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, Walter Brennan, Laraine
Day, Regis Toomey, Isabel Jewel, Truman Bradley.
Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, George Murphy.
Virginia Weidler, Gene Reynolds, Reginald Owen, Henry
Hull, Elizabeth Patterson, Ian Hunter, Russell Hicks,
Guy Kibbee, Ann Todd, Douglas Maydore, Mickey
Kuhn.
John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds, Milburn Stone.
Joseph Allen, Jean Cagney, Virginia Dale, Peter Hayes,
Tanet Waldo, Joyce Mathews, Betty Moran, Kitty
Kelly.
Dorothy Lamour, Robert Preston, Lynne Overman, J.
Carroll Naish.
Allan Jones, Mary Martin, Walter Connolly, Susanna
Foster, Jerome Cowan.
Martha Raye, Cliarlie Ruggles, Joseph Allen, William
Frawley, Thomas Coley, John Hartlej-.
Ellen Drew, Robert Paige, Judith Barrett.
Edward Ellis, Anita Louise, Robert Baldwin, Clem
Bevans, Margaret Hamilton, Willard Robertson, Har-
old Huber.
Weaver Brothers and Elviry, Roy Rogers, Thurston
Hall, Lorefta Weaver, Billy Lee, Lucien Littlefield.
Richard Dix, Barbara Read, Gail Patrick, Anita Louise,
Laura Hope Crews, Claire Dodd.
Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara. Sir Cedric Hard-
wicke. Spencer Charters. Edmond O'Brien, Walter
Hampden, Thomas Mitchell, Basil Rathbone, Alan
Marshall Etienne Girardot, Fritz Leiber, Rod La-
Rocque, Kathryn Adams, Dorothy Lovett.
Raymond Massey, Gene Lockhart, Ruth Gordon, Mary
Howard, Dorothy Tree, Harvey Stephens, Minor
Watson, Alan Baxter, Howard da Silva, Aldrich
Bowker, Maurice Murphy, Louis Jean Heydt, Clem
Bevans, Harlan Briggs.
Don Ameche, Andi'fea Leeds, Al Jolson, George Reed,
Felix Bressart, Richard Qarke, Chick Chandler, Rus-
sell Hicks.
Randolph Scott, Mary Healy, Margaret Lindsay, Kane
Richmond, Maxie Rosenbloom.
Shirley Temple, Spring Byington, Eddie Collins, Sybil
Jason, Gale Sondergaard, Nancy Kelly, Laura Hope
Crews, Nigel Bruce, Johnny Russell, Leona Roberts,
Jessie Ralph.
Burgess Meredith, Lon Chaney, Jr., Betty Field, Charles
Bickford, Noah Beery, Jr., Roman Bohnen.
Pat O'Brien, Ruth Terry, Broderick Crawford, Edward
Arnold, Douglas Dumbrille. Howard Hickman, Alan
Dinehart, Phyllis Brooks, Eve Arden, Claire Dodd,
Tanet IJeecher, Evelyn Keyes.
David Niven. Olivia de Havilland, Dame May Whitty,
Douglas Walter, Dudley Digges.
Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson,
Reginald Denny, George Sanders, Gladys Cooper,
Philip Winters, Nigel Bruce, Edward Fielding, Flor-
ence. Bates.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Bennett, John Howard,
Alan Hale, George Sanders, George Bancroft, Vincent
Price.
Basil Rathbone, Boris Karlofif, Nan Grey, Barbara
O'Neil. Ian Hunter, John Sutton.
Babv Sandv, Richard Carlson, Florence Rice, Hugh
Herbert, Joy Hodges, Kenneth Brown, Bill Lenhart,
Howard Hickman, Kathleen Howard.
Marlene Dietrich, James Stewart, Charles Winninger,
Mischa Auer, Brian Donlevy, Una Merkel, Irene
Hervey. Warren Hymer, Billy Gilbert.
Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman, Gilbert Roland, John Litel,
Roger Pryor, John Gallaudet.
Priscilla, Rosemary and Lola Lane, Gale Page, John
Garfield, Eddie Albert, Jeffrey Lynn, Claude Rains,
Dick Foran, Frank McHugh, May Robson.
George Raft, William Holden, Humphrey Bogart, Jane
Bryan. Tully Marshal, Leo Gorcey, Frankie Thomas.
STAGE OF
PRODUCTION
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Editing
Editing
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
Shooting
54
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
SHOWMEN'S REVIEWS OF PRODUCT
(.Continued from page 46)
pers send reporters and photographers to the
Girtch home and frame him into posing with
a hammer about to beat his wife. Nothing but
trouble follows, but during the voting, by a
freak turn of events, Girtch beats out his op-
ponent and v^fins the election. By this time he
doesn't want the job and sends his application
explaining the whole story to the Grouch Club.
An entertaining comedy with many amusing
asides. — Running time, ten minutes.
One Againsf the World
(MGM)
Passing Parade
A chapter from the progress of medical prac-
tice is portraj-ed in this installment from the
Passing Parade group. Particularly concerned
with the case of one Dr. Ephraim AlacDowell,
medico who settled in the district of Dan-
ville, Kentucky-, around the beginning of the
nineteenth centur}^, the story is told of the first
major operation performed in medical history.
What makes the case more spectacular is the
detailing of the opposition and local supersti-
tions that the doctor had to surmount. The
subject is especially good in painting this at-
mospheric business. The tribute depicted to
Dr. MacDowell's bravery and skill should be
worthwhile for the average audience to wit-
ness, if for no other reason than to realize
the great advances made in surgical practice.
— Running time, 11 minutes.
Slapsle Maxie's
(Vitaphone)
Broadway Brevity
"Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom, after having
feature parts in "Going Places" and "Each Dawn
I Die" as well as in other pictures, returns to
star in his own two-reel subject. The first
locale is Max's night club on the Coast. Here
Max entertains his customers with a burlesque
of Harry Richman that is A-1 in comedy. At
the club he discovers the amazing footwork of
Johnnie "Scat" Da"\ds and trains him to be-
come a fighter. The final sequence, is the
championship fight between Johnnie and the
chamo in which Tohnnie wins with tlie aid of
Maxie on the sidelines. — Running time, 17 min-
utes.
The Story That
Couldn't Be Printed
(MGM)
Passing Parade
Always appropriate but particularly so in
these days when the freedom of the press is an
uppermost subject of discussion, this Passing
Parade item_ becomes important screen material
for any audience. Concerned with the history
of Peter Zenger, pre-Revolutionary War print-
er and newspaper publisher, the picture high-
lights the sequences of his sto^5^ Zenger was
persecuted, arrested and tried for publishing re-
ports concerning the crookedness of His Ma-
jesty's colonial representative in his township.
Zenger was acquitted by the stirring last min-
ute appeal of his attorney and from his ac-
quittal came the beginnings for the inclusion
in the American Constitution of the freedom
of the press clause. The subject is made to
order for school showings and the oratorical
delivery of Zenger's la^'i'yer should produce
loud applause from_ any general gathering. —
Running time, 11 minutes.
WHY THE BRITISH
GOT SHOWS BACK
Indicative of the desire of the Brit-
ish people for motion picture fare was
the sign posted by a London theatre
before theatres in nejitral zones were
allowed to reopen.
The sign read: "Closed. The nearest
cinema open is at Aberystwyth, 239
miles away."
No records were kept as to the
number of Londoners who attended
the Aberystwyth showing.
The Bookworm
(MGM)
Color Cartoon
A hodgepodge of literature and fantasy in
this color cartoon serves to brew bright and
fairly amusing pen point entertainment. The
three witches from "Macbeth" need a worm
to finish off their devilish stew and the "Raven"
from Edgar Allan Poe volunteers to supply the
girls with their missing ingredient. Then fol-
lows the chase business with the black winged
bird pursuing a harmless bookworm. However,
some righteous fictional and not so literary per-
sonages, from "Paul Revere" down to the Boy
Scouts, prevent him. The animation of many
classical and popular story characters should
stimulate interest from general audiences, par-
ticularly the book reading divisions. At one
spot, however, the Bookvvorn comes upon a
volume entitled "Art Studies" and his reaction
to the pages is of the ogling, smirking peep-
show character. Perhaps this will be over the
heads of the 3-ounger element. — Running time,
nine minutes.
Swing Styles
(Vitaphone)
Variety Program
Vitaphone's latest variety program is an as-
semblage of man}"- artists. The Frazee Sisters
sing and Charles Troy and Zoe Lynn dance to
the musical accompaniment of the Adrian Rol-
lini Trio, the Milt Herth Trio and Tito and
Swingette. This is one of the better subjects
in the musical variety programs.- — Running
time, 10 minutes.
Auto Antics
(MGM)
Our Gang
A junior edition of the Indianapolis Speed-
way'' auto racing classic is run off in this Our
Gang subject. The heart interest behind the
contest is the fact that the kids need to win the
five dollars in order to obtain a license for their
canine pal. Previously, Butch, the local tough,
squealed to the neighborhood dog snatcher that
the mutt carried no permit, in order to remove
the hound from watching the kids' machine.
The menace does some sabotage work on the
Gang's car but he cannot tinker with the chil-
dren's ingenuity and spirit of fight. Consequent-
\y, the 3-oungsters are the victors, the dog
gets his license and the villainous rivals get
a good ducking in a pond. The humor setup
is naturally pointed to the soapbox derby, and
the kids play the situations up to the hilt to
make this Gang contribution one of the best
to date — Running time, 10 minutes.
Nevada Unlimited
(RKO Pathe)
Reelism
In this Pathe Reelism the sparsely settled
state of Nevada is the subject of a camera
study. Once, before the discovery of the Corn-
stock Lode, the state numbered less than 1,000
inhabitants and even today it is the least popu-
lated of all the states, due in part to the arid
or semi-arid country. The Government is now
reclaiming much of the land through Boulder
Dam. Chance games have been legalized in
Nevada, which is considered a "wide open"
state. The camera also explores Nevada's most
publicized city, Reno, the city of divorces. Pro-
duced by Frederic Ullman, Jr. Supervised by
Frank Donovan. — Running time, 8 minutes.
Popular Science, J, 9-1
( Paramount )
Interesting
A variety of the latest scientific improve-
ments for this period of progress is briefly in-
spected in the current number from the Popular
Science category. The newest use of cotton is
revealed as material for the laying of new roads.
For the women there is a tantalizing peek into
a modern and mechanically up-to-the-minute
kitchen. A visit is made to a British hospital
and medical school for the training of feminine
medicos. The air minded will be interested in
inspecting the workings of a giant streamlined
Pacific clipper. A bit of madcap humor is in-
jected by the demonstration of an inventive
genius' contraption that utilizes the energy of
gum chewing to maintain a private and auto-
matic cooling S3'stem in the nature of a cranial
fan. Color vivifies the proceedings. — Running
time, 10 minutes.
Remember When
(Vitaphone)
Minstrel Show
Complete with end-men in their usual gaudy
costumes an old time minstrel show is produced
in an old fashioned saloon. During the course
of the evening's entertainment The Eaton Boys
sing. The Three Wiles dance, Joe Sodja plays
the banjo and Rags Ragland performs in a com-
edy skit about baseball. An interesting gay
90's program — Running time, 20 minutes.
Ecuador
(Paramount)
Color Cruise
Down to the South American country close
to the Equator goes the travel--\vise camera of
this Color Cruise number. The usual items for
screen globe trotting are included and number
shots of the mountainous country, its town life,
churches, gardens and market places. The peo-
ple of the land are shown in their picturesque
habits and costumes, especially in arranging a
child betrothal. Audiences with a grain of
wanderlust in their collective makeups should
enjoy this carious excursion into a strange
land. — Running time, 10 minutes.
Pack Trip
(RKO Pathe)
Reelism
A Pathe Reelism, this subject concerns a
horseback tour from a ranch through the beauti-
ful Sun Valley in Idaho. The party puts up for
the night by a stream. The guides prepare sup-
per for the wearj"- travelers and set up the
tents. The most interesting feature is the
country itself. — Running time, 9 minutes.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
55
JULY CHAMPIONS
at the
BOX OFFICE
William S. Yan Dyke U, director,
"Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever'-
Michael Curtiz, director,
"Daughters Courageous" .
Sam Wood, director,
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips'
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER:
Pro"duced and distributed by MGM. Direc-
tor, William S. Van Dyke II. Screen play,
Kay Van Riper. Cameraman, Lester V/hite.
Cast: Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Cecilia
Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Rutherford, Sara
Haden. Release date, July 21.
DAUGHTERS COURAGEOUS: Pro
duced and distributed by Warner Brothers.
Executive producer, Hal B. Wallis. Asso-
ciate producer, Henry Blanke. Director,
Michael Curtiz. Screen play, Julius J. and
Philip S. Epstein. Cameraman, James
Wong Howe. Cast: John Garfield, Claude
Rains, Fay Bainter, Donald Crisp, Priscilla
Lane, May Robson, Rosemary Lane, Lola
Lane, Gale Page. Release date, July 21.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Produced and
distributed by MGM. Producer, Victor
Saville. Director, Sam Wood. Screen play,
R. C. Sherriff, Claudine West, Eric Masch-
witz. Cameraman, F. A. Young. Cast:
Robert Donat, Greer Carson, Terry Kl!-
burn, John Mills. Release date, July 28.
MAISIE: Produced and distributed by
MGM. Producer, J. Walter Ruben. Direc-
tor, Edwin L. Marin. Screen play, Mary C.
McCall, Jr. Cameraman, Leonard Smith.
Film editor, Frederick Y. Smith. Cast:
Robert Young, Ann Sothern, Ruth Hussey,
Ian Hunter. Release date, June 23.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Produced and
distributed by Paramount. Producer,
Arthur Hornblow, Jr. Director, Mark Sand-
rich. Screen play, Morrie Ryskind. Cast:
Jack Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Edward
Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Monty Woolley,
Isabel Jeans. Release date, July 7.
ON BORROWED TIME: Produced and
distributed by MGM. Producer, Sidney
Franklin. Director, Harold S. Bucquet.
Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Sir Cedric Hard-
wlcke, Beulah Bondi, Una Merkel, Bobs
Watson, Nat Pendleton, Henry Travers,
Grant Mitchell. Release date, July 7.
SECOND FIDDLE: Produced and dis-
tributed by Twentieth Century- Fox. Asso-
ciate producer. Gene Markey. Director,
Sidney Lanfield. Screen play, Harry
Tugend. Music, Irving Berlin. Cast: Sonja
Henle, Tyrone Power, Rudy Vallee, Edna
May Oliver, Mary Healy, Lyie Talbot,
Alan Dinehart, Minna Gombell, Stewart
Reburn. Release date, July 14.
Edwin L. Marin, director,
"Maisie".
Mark Sandrich, director,
"Man About Town".
Harold S. Bucquet, director,
"On Borrowed Time".
Sidney Lanfield, director,
"Second Fiddle".
56
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
HUGO RIESENFELD DIES;
MUSICIAN OF THE FILMS
Contributed to the Rothatel
Tradition at Rialto and
Rivoli of Broadway
Hugo Riesenfeld died, after a long period
of ill health, at his home in Hollywood
September 10. He was in his sixtieth year.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mabel
Dunning- Riesenfeld, and their daughter,
Janet.
Mr. Riesenfeld was an important contribu-
tor to the motion picture as a composer and
conductor, and by way of encouragement of
improving standards of both production and
exhibition. Through his years on Broad-
way he was the foremost musical figure of
the motion picture. He came to Broadway
as the musical director for the Rialto theatre,
under the regime of the late Samuel L.
Rothafel, and soon extended his attentions to
the Rivoli. He was an important component
of the Rothafel organization and succeeded
Mr. Rothafel as the managing director.
Under Riesenfeld tutelage there arose an
array of the musicians subsequently to
come to fame on screen and radio, including
Erno Rapee, Nathaniel Finston, Emanuel
Baer, and David Mendoza.
In the Rothafel Tradition
In his earlier years in the service of the
Rialto and Rivoli, Riesenfeld contributed im-
portantly to the Rothafel tradition and the
uplifting of the status of the screen theatre.
It was Mr. Riesenfeld and his associations
which brought the names that the Metro-
politan Opera has made famous to glamour
the motion picture presentations, including
Adolph Bolm, ballet master ; John Wenger,
set designer, and Josiah Zuro.
As a theatre director Mr. Riesenfeld was
among the first to advocate long runs in
metropolitan presentations. He continued
his directorship of the Rialto and Rivoli
after they were taken over by Paramount
and for that organization included super-
vision of the Criterion.
For years he was known about the motion
picture world as "Dr." Riesenfeld — and
through no intent of his own. It chanced
that one day Mr. Rothafel was examining a
copy of the Rialto theatre house program and
meditated on the fact that it proclaimed that
the organist at that theatre was Dr. Firmin
Schwinnen. It irked Roxy to consider that
the organist was decorated with the swank
of a doctorate while the head of his musical
organization was just plain Hugo Riesenfeld.
He sent for Hugo forthwith.
"Have you ever been to school — a uni-
versity?" Roxy demanded.
"Yes, a few," Hugo responded, "including
the University of Paris," etc., etc.
And So It Was — For a Time
Roxy called the publicity department on
the telephone, immediately and heatedly.
"Hereafter it will be 'Dr. Hugo Riesen-
feld.' " And so it was and Hugo could do
nothing about it, for a long time.
On that day when word came to the
Rialto-Rivoli organization that Roxy had re-
HUGO RIESENFELD
signed, Hugo's first act was to call that same
publicity department.
"There will be no more 'Doctor' Riesen-
feld, please — effective now," he stipulated
firmly. "I'm tired of' having everybody at
the Lambs club ask me what to do for a
cold."
From the Old Vienna
Mr. Riesenfeld was a native of Vienna —
the old Vienna that was — and began his
musical career there in his boyhood. He
became concert master at the Vienna Opera
house under Gustav Mahler. He came to
the United States in 1907 and was concert
master at Oscar Hammerstein's Manhattan
Opera House, continuing there through
1911. Next he spent years as a conductor
with Klaw & Erlanger and in 1915 became
conductor for the Century Opera company,
going thence to his post at the Rialto.
Overlapping and ensuing upon his career
in the motion picture theatre Riesenfeld
scored many silent, and later sound, pictures,
including notably "The Covered Wagon,"
"Humoresque," "Beau Geste," "Old Iron-
sides," and "Tabu."
Beyond most musicians of high status and
accomplishment, Hugo enjoyed an abundant
sense of humor, both keen and robust. He
insisted, to the alarm and annoyance of con-
temporaries, in calling a violin a fiddle —
and he had fiddled his way to fame.
— Terry Ramsaye
IN COURTS
Schine Brokerage
Suit Dismissed
A suit for $35,000 brokerage fees against
Meyer Schine, Louis Schine and the Schine
Enterprises Corporation, claimed due for
the purchase by Schine Enterprises of four
Rochester theatres, was dismissed this week
by J. Sidney Bernstein, New York supreme
court justice, on the ground that the plain-
tiff^, Carl E. Erikson, had failed to state a
cause of action.
Mr. Erikson recently brought suit against
the .Schines and Fenyvessy Enterprises, Inc.,
claiming that the latter had retained him in
May, 1937, to procure a purchaser for five of
its theatres.
Auten Plea Denied
Application by Harold Auten for an ex-
amination before trial of officers of Societe
Pathe Cinema, S. A., was denied this week
by J. Sidney Bernstein, New York supreme
court justice. The application was made in
connection with Societe Pathe's action for
$350,000 which it claims is due it from dis-
tribution revenues on certain of its pictures.
Mr. Auten has entered a counter-claim
against the company for $17,5000.
Settle Tampa Suit
A suit over rent on the Tampa theatre has
been settled by a decree of Florida Circuit
Judge Parks, holding that the theatre could
not deduct as operating expense the cost of
operating Bank Night and Screeno, out-
lawed recently by the Florida supreme court.
Files Damage Suit
Hugh Herbert has filed suit in Los An-
geles for $67,500 damages for injuries he
claims he received in an auto collision De-
cember 20th. He charged that a truck owned
by Consolidated Film Industries struck his
car.
New Goulding Contract
Edmund Goulding, director, has been
awarded a new long term contract by War-
ner Brothers. He is currently directing Paul
iMuni's latest starring film, "We Are Not
Alone," based on the novel of the same name
by James Hilton.
Charles Loewenberg Dies
Charles Loewenberg, 52, who handled ex-
ploitation for Twentieth Century-Fox, Uni-
versal and other companies in Chicago, Mil-
waukee and elsewhere, died at his home in
Cincinnati September 7th.
William H. White
William H. White, 69, who had appeared
in many musical comedies and operettas in
New York and Boston, died September 7th
in New York. He was a native of Wey-
mouth, Mass.
Kathryn Kidder
Mrs. Kathryn Kidder-Anspacher, 72, wife
of Dr. Louis Kaufman Anspacher, dramatist
and lecturer, died September 7th in New
York. She was known to the stage of an
earlier day as Kathryn Kidder.
Pulse-firing action drama of America
in the Philippines presenting GARY
COOPER in a roaring, fighting role and
confirming the stardom of m9's
most exciting new player, DAVID NIVEN
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
CHARLES DARNTON, writing from Hol-
lywood, observes the vicarious resuscitation
of the good old two-a-day vaudeville in
"Babes in Arms," which films the plight of
variety people when the screen foreclosed on
their means of livelihood, and he takes the oc-
casion to reminisce a bit on some of the old
vaudevillains.
Haughty they were, too_, he remembers, giv-
ing classic proof of their attitude in Irene
Franklin when she straightaway canceled her
booking at the then great Broadway Palace
rather than share top billing with Sarah Bern-
hardt. For her part, the prudent Sarah, unduly
skeptical of vaudeville's financial standing, re-
fused to stir a leg unless paid daily in advance
— and in gold. So it was that every afternoon
$1,000 in shining metal went clinking to her
dressing room, where the thrifty French actress
counted it herself.
Many anecdotes were retold by members of
the "Babes in Arms" cast sitting around at
M-G-M swapping yarns of the vaudeville that
was. For one, there was that day when Duffy
and Sweeney failed to show up for a matinee
performance at the Palace. Frantically the
manager telephoned their hotel only to be told
by an exceedingly drowsy Mr. Duffy, "Don't
worry, we'll telephone our act over to your
theatre."
Equally unpredictable was Johnny Stanley.
A vaudeville comedian, he also wrote material
for George M. Cohan, who kept him on his
weekly pay roll. George M. had neither seen
nor heard from Stanley for 10 or 12 well paid
weeks when he happened to run across him on
Broadway.
"Johnny 1" cried George M. Cohan. "How's
the kid and how're things going?" throwing his
arms about the long-lost one's shoulders and
slapping him on the back.
"\\''hat is this?" austerely demanded Stanley,
drawing awav. "A touch?"
V
Radio, No. 1 competitor for public attention,
is now taking credit for increasing the nation's
milk s^ipply, citing the results achieved by Rob-
ert Adams, down at New Bern, North Carolina,
who, two years ago, installed a radio in his
dairy barn for milking-time concerts.
But it was the milker, not the cow, who steps
up the supply.
"The mu^ic," said Mr. Adams, "does not in-
crease a cow's milk production, but it does
bring the rhythm of happiness to the milker and
that increases the output because he turns in a
better job."
V
Add to oddities in town names the places
of Frugality, Pa.; Boiling Point, Ore.; Rack-
et, W. Va.; Difficulty, Wyo.; Troublesome,
Colo.; and four Edens, one each in Califor-
nia, Kentucky, Montana and Washington.
However, there are still 15 other Edens left.
Tightwad, Mo., tried to have its name
changed to Edgewood but didn't succeed.
Love, Ark., has become Ash Fat.
V
hi these days of bargain-hunting. United Art-
ists' copy writers are out to convince the movie
theatre prospect that he stands to get a lot for
his money in "Four Feathers."
"Not one feather" shouts their poster copy,
"Not two feathers . . . Not three feathers . . .
BUT FOUR FEATHERS!"
All of the endless precautions taken these
days on all sides militaristically reminds of
the letter Albert Deane, of Paramount's for-
eign sales publicity department in New York,
received from the British branch, last July,
on the matter of still photographs blown-up
to large size. Said the letter:
"We should like to know at your con-
venience about the possibility of renaming,
for invoicing purposes only, the 40x60
Blowups. In these sinister days, the name
Blowup could be interpreted by the Customs
ofRcials over here as something of a slightly
explosive nature.
"We hjve always referred to the Blowups
in this country as Giant Coloured Enlarge-
ments. Would it be possible, without caus-
ing any inconvenience at your end, to refer
to them as such when sending future sup-
plies to this country."
V
Down in the Ozark Mountain country of
Pineville, Missouri, Uncle Jake Mathis admits
that maybe his hay wasn't pitched or his corn
shucked but, gol darn it, he had put a stop to
galoots running through the cave those picture
folk made famous in the Twentieth Century-
Fox movie "Jesse James."
It was his cave and there wasn't enough hard
cash in Pineville to buy him off, he said.
. He threw up a barricade around the entrance
several days ago and just "sot down" behind
it, much to the embarrassment and chagrin of
Pineville citizens who had been reaping a hand-
some income from the tourist trade.
It was the cave where Tyrone Power, as Jesse
James, hid out from the law and a lynching
party. It had been a potent magnet for tourists.
Uncle Jake's grievance wasn't against the
citizens, he said, but against the tourists who,
"gol dang them, didn't know how to behave."
Some of them scared his mules. The mules
bolted and threw him into the creek that skirts
the cave entrance.
"People didn't used to act like that, not
until those picture takers came down here,"
said Uncle Jake, who, though seventy-six, can
handle a shotgun or pitchfork expertly.
"I know they say I got a gun and clubs and
that I chase people with a pitchfork," he said.
"But it's my property, the stream and all, and
I won't be bought off or scared off."
V
Washington is taking such an interest in busi-
ness codes and conduct these days — not for-
getting the motion picture. Only recently the
Federal Trade Commission effected trade prac-
tice codes for the putty manufacturing industry
and the infant's and children's wear line. Then
they turned right around, as if to show ofiE their
diversity, with trade programs for the ripe olive
industry, sardine canners and curled hair people.
V
The more esthetic of theatricals in New
York will please note that the Ballet Russe
de Monte Carlo will open its annual engage-
ment at the Metropolitan Opera House on or
about Tuesday evening, October 10th. One
of the numbers will be a surrealist ballet by
surrealist Salvatore Dali. He's the young
gentleman who kicked in the Fifth Avenue
department store window of Bonwit-Teller
after he had worked all night on a surrealist
display therein and the management changed
it, to his dissatisfaction.
MR. FLOYD ODLUM'S Atlas Corpora-
tion, known in the motion picture busi-
ness as one-half owner of RKO, is also
generally known to have quite a portfolio of
stock-and-bond certificates in other lines — assets
$60,000,000. But, not generally realized is the
wideness of diversification of Mr. Odium's port-
folio interests.
For example, his Atlas, at the last account-
ant's counting, had $1,500,000 worth of barges
running up and down the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers, and large chunks of sugar (Utah-Idaho
Sugar Company) ; fruit (United Fruit) ; radia-
tors (American Radiator) ; cigarettes (Philip
Morris) ; and 125 different blocks of railroads,
power and light, gas and electric, oils and pe-
troleum, machinery and equipment, department
store, aviation and automobile issues — a neat
little package.
V
Those far-inland junkets conducted by the
large companies for mass previewing atten-
tion of critics of news and trade press to the
scene of original action causes one to wonder
when someone is going to produce "Dante's
Inferno."
V
Columbia Broadcasting had a cute little pro-
gram not so long ago in which one Percy Dove-
breath rendered in song as the piece de resist-
ance his own original dramatic version of "I
Will Tear Up Your Zinnias Tonight, Mayme."
V
Besa Short picks the shorts for Bob
O'Donnel's Interstate Circuit in the south.
V
Loew's Ohio, in Hamilton, Ohio, after playing
"The Wizard of Oz" for a single bill, returned
to double features with the dual bill : "Four
Feathers" "They All Came Out."
V
Ben Marden is writing to a list of prospec-
tive customers inviting business to his Rivi-
era nightclub just across the Hudson on the
Jersey side: "Bon Voyage," he pens, "The
Gayety of Europe Is But Minutes Away."
V
Schine's Fox Theatre, at Corning, New York,
advertised a Saturday morning matinee for kid-
dies itfith a "Kiddie Kartoon Karnival of Six of
the Best and Funniest Cartoons — In Addition
to Hedy Lamarr and Robert Taylor in 'Lady
of the Tropics' "■ — where "Their Exciting Lips
Meet in the Rush of a Deep Purple Night."
V
After serving two weeks as a first lieuten-
ant with the Nebraska National Guard in its
annual encampment, Barney Oldfield, MO-
TION PICTURE HERALD'S correspond-
ent in Lincoln, was given a "superior" rating
officer on his efficiency report.
Which gives a fair idea of the shape of our
national defense.
V
Mr. Walter Selden, of these parts, scanning
through some back numbers of the paper of our
colleague. Motion Picture Daily, bent on some
research, happened across the following little
item :
WARSAW, POLAND, May 25— The Polish
Government today banned all newsreels
showing picture of Adolph Hitler, following
boos at local theatres.
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16
19 3 9
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Eternally Yours
(L'A-Wanger)
Comedy Romance
Novelty and comedy will be the tilings to play
up when it comes time to exploit "Eternally
Yours." Basically, tlie storv", a product of the
combined headwork of Gene Towne and Graham
Baker, is comedy romance tliat runs into many
complications. But the whole thing is laid
against the weird wiorld of magic. Many
baffling illusions, all performed witliout the
aid of camera tricks, will be featured, and as the
whole conjurer's list of tricks is exercised, there
will also be a dab or two of mystif^-ing mind-
reading.
Sketcliily the story w-ill picture what happens
when a j-oung woman attends the magician's
performance to question him about her ap-
proaching marriage. Instead of marr\-ing the
man she intended, she weds the magician. Be-
coming his assistant she accompanies him on
tours, but liis escanades witli otlier women and
the interfering relatives and friends force a
divorce. The distraught magician searches for
her, finds her the night she marries her first
choice, and by tricks and ruses keeps bride and
groom apart until he convinces the divorcee that
he still loves her.
Loretta Young wUl be seen as the girl. David
Xiven, recentl3' featured in "Dav.Ti Patrol,"
"Wuthering Heights" and ''Bachelor Alother,"
is the magician and Broderick Crawford is the
other man. The comedy crew of Hugh Her-
bert, Billie Burke, Zasu Pitts and Raymond
Walbum have been given plenty- of opportunity
to function, and C Aubrey Smith, Mrginia
Feld and Eve Arden have important parts.
Taj- Gamett. who did such comedies as "Joy
of Living," "Stand In" and "Love Is News,"
is the director.
Release date : 1 o to be determined.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois
(RKO Radio)
Personal Biography
There '-.j.ve : c e:: r.:a;:y biographies of Abra-
ham Li:-::'..:: :e -:as bee:i the central figure
of r.v.::.; : .:- ::: vels, plays and motion pictures.
The ' h graphies have been the occasion
of ma:-}- ce ::troversies ; the legends that have
grown up about the man, though foimded in
many cases on reality, have, nevertheless, taken
on the guise of fiction. The RKO-Radio pro-
duction of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," based on
Robert E. Sherwood's stage play and adapted
by him for the screen, will endeavor to give an
accurate description of the man from the time
to went to Illinois as a lad of 21 years to the
day he left Springfield to become the president.
\\Tiile the author made use of the preroga-
tives of dramatic license, the story told will
trace the Lincoln career as the majorify of
historians agree it transpired. Though events
aiid associations, the influence of which cul-
minated in his election to the presidency, will
be accurately and authentically detailed, the
real meat of the story will concern the man
himself. It will not present Lincoln as a super-
man or a demigod, rather as a moody, indeci-
sive, incop.sistent, melancholy, lonely backwoods-
man with the soul of a dreamer who feared
responsibility and dreaded public attention, and
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Wit/c of September 9
CAPlTCL
i'e Bcccvorm MGM
Think First MGM
Feature: Lady of the Tropics MGM
CRITERION
Mooching Through Georgia . Columbia
Every Sunday MGM
Lives in Peril Vifaphone
Feature: Flight at M«^»i^ibf. Republic
MUSIC HALL
March of lime. No. I RKO Radio
Feature: Golden Boy Columbia
PARAMOUNT
Paramount Pictorial, No. 12. Paramount
Hydro-Maniacs Paramount
Feature: Star Maker Paramount
RIALTO
Horrors of War Jewel
Feature: Trop-c Fury Universal
RIVOLI
Stranger Than Hction, No. 67. Universal
~::'<SY Champ RKO Radio
lestuTe: Star Maker Universal
ROXY
Filming the Fleet 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: The Rains Cj»;e. . .20th Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Reinember When Vitaphone
Ha»e-Um Scare-Um. Vitaphone
Feature: Old Maid First NafI
a man who, in all honesty, did not want to be
president.
Fact, and legend bom of fact, it appears, have
been combined to evolve the theme. Thus it
will show the yoimg Lincoln eager to study
law. His voyage down the Mississippi brings
his first antipathy toward slavery and is the
beginning of his affection for Ann Rutledge.
His later business failure and the death of Miss
Rutledge drive him to a moroseness which is
relieved by his entry into state politics and his
initial platform brushes with Stephen A. Dotg-
las. Ensues his romance with Mary Todd, ro-
mantic and political rivalry with Douglas, elec-
tion to congress, retirement from public life
which was followed by prosperous years.
Then, as dissension between the North and
South builds to the danger point, Lincoln re-
turns to politics. Defeated by Douglas for the
Senate, Lincoln nevertheless wins national
recognition. Nominated for the presidency by
the Republicans, he defeats Douglas for the
oSce.: -With cheers ringing in his ears, Lincoln
leaves for Washington, meanwhile smiling at
the friends and neighbors he never will see
again.
The role of Lincoln will be played by Ray-
mond MassQT, who played it in the stage ver-
sion. He is probably best remembered for his
parts in "The Hurricane" (the island gov-
ernor), and "Prisoner of Zenda." Two other
members of the stage cast, Howard daSyh-a
and Herbert Rudley, -^rill be seen. Other parts
will be taken by a carefxilly chosen group of
screen and stage plavers. Gene Lockhart will
be seen as Douglas and Ruth Gordon, one of
the stage's foremost actresses, as ^Nlarj- Todd.
Mar\' Howard, last in "Nurse Edith Cavell,"
will be Ann Rutledge. Others prominent are
Dorothy Tree. Harvey Stephens. Minor Wat-
son, Alan Baxter, ilaurice Murphy. Louis
Heydt, Clem Bevans. Harlan Briggs. Elizabeth
Risdon, Charles iliddleton and Roger Imhoff.
The picture is being produced by Zslax Gor-
don, who presented it on the stage, and Harrj-
Goetz. It is being directed by John Cromwell,
who directed ".Algiers." "Prisoner of Zenda"
and the earlier "Of Himian Bondage." "Spit-
fire" and "The Silver Cord. '
Release date: November 24, 1939.
Here I Am a Stranger
C20th Century -Fox)
Family Melodrama
Quite a list of important names will be avail-
able in "Here I am a Stranger." For in-
stance, there wUl be Richard Green, whose three
latest pictiu-es are "The Little Princess,"
""Hound of the Basken-illes" and "Stanley and
Livingstone," and Brenda Joyce. Darrvl Zan-
uck's latest screen find, whose debut picture is
"The Rains Came." Then there will be Richard
Dix, who has made screen history from "Cimar-
ron" to "Man of Conquest" They are the
principals. Gladys George and Roland Young
are the featured players. The support includes
Katherine Aldridge, RusseU Gleason. George
Zucco, Edward Norris, Richard Bond, Henry
Kolker, Jan Duggan and Minor Watson, and
others.
The basis of the production is a stor>- by
Gordon Halherbe which appeared recently in
McCalls' Magasine. The screen play is credited
to Milton Sperling, who did "Return of the
Cisco Kii" and Sam Hellman, whose latest
work the 'Trontier Marshal" screen story.
Direction is in the hands of Rov Del Ruth, who
did "Tail Spin" and "My Luckf Star" for 20th-
Fox last season.
Romance and sacrifice, a story of broken
homes and r^eneration are the keystones of the
theme. In fact, three stories, all cohering, wtII
be told. One concerns a mother who divorces
her lovable but irresponsible husband and re-
marries; another concerns their son, who grows
to manhood, rediscovers his real father and
helps rehabilitate him. The tHrd is that of
the man who found himself in his son's friend-
shin and affection.
Release date: Sept. 29, 1939.
Torture Ship
(Producers Pictures Corp.)
Melodrama
"Torture Ship," first production of Producers
Pictures Corporation will inaugurate the newly
formed company's series of thrill-action melo-
dramas. Already nationally advertised the pic-
ture will be given further institutional exploita-
tion upon and after its release date.
As in the case of all new companies, it is to
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
63
be expected that in this every effort will be
made to insure that the picture's thematic, pro-
duction and technical qualities will be of such a
grade as to create a market for future releases.
The screen play, prepared by George Sayre,
who has many exciting action stories to his
credit, was suggested by one of Jack London's
most widely read novels, "A Thousand Deaths."
In this circumstance exhibitors automatically
have a readymade exploitation asset. Its sub-
stance is melodramatic action, gripping situa-
tions, romance and thrills galore during a
bizarre voyage of an ocean going yacht. Di-
rectly it concerns the unsuccessful experiment
of a medical scientist to cure dangerous crimi-
nals by the injection of serums. Revolt and
mutiny bring on horror from which the hero
rescues an innocently implicated girl as the
surviving criminals are returned to custody.
Featured names available are Irving Pichel,
Lyle Talbot, Jacqueline Wells, Anthony Averill,
Sheila Bromley with the supporting troupe in-
cluding Russell Hopton, Eddie Holden, Wheeler
Oakman, Adia Kuznetzoff and Stanley Blystone.
The picture is being directed by Victor Hal-
perin.
Release date: October 15, 1939.
The Escape
(20th Century -Fox)
Melodrama
For the entertainment of melodrama devotees
"The Escape" will picture a slice of life as
lived in those crowded tenement sections of New
York in which previous pictures have shown us,
live some good people, a few with whom we
may sympathize and a lot who are thoroughly
bad. Thus the picture will be what is called a
character and action production. Consequently,
we will have a fine young policeman who joins
the force to avenge the death of his policeman
father; the jailbird-gangster; his sister whom
the young cop loves ; the honest, hardworking
father ; the poor courageous woman and her
ailing daughter, who, of course, has to be secret-
ly married to the jailbird, and a flock of street
gamins who, adventurously, become involved in
criminal goings on. Everything will look pretty
black for everyone for a while. There will be
robberies, killings and others bits of inhumanity
as well as the battle in the dark. But those who
should get their just desserts will get them and
those who should be handsomely rewarded will
be so recompensed.
To supplement the regular attractiveness of
the theme and the fast breaking production de-
tail which will amplify it, exhibitors will have
the name value of Kane Richmond, Amanda
Duff, June Gale and Edward Norris, all studio
contract employees ; Henry Armetta, Frank
Reicher, the juveniles Scotty Beckett, Jimmy
Butler and Roger McGee, and sundry others.
Robert Ellis and Helen Logan prepared the
original screen play, which Ricardo Cortez,
maker of "Inside Story" and "Chasing Danger"
is directing.
Release date : To be determined.
Exercises Option
Famous Players Canadian Corporation,
Ltd., has advised the Montreal Stock Ex-
change that N. L. Nathanson and his nom-
inees have now exercised their options to
the extent of 6,000 shares, reserving the
right in each case to exercise their options
in respect of the balance, namely, 5,000
shares, at anv time between now and Jan-
uary 15, 1940.
Free Film Delivery
Three hundred and ten Chicago theatres
will receive one week free film delivery from
the Film Carriers' Association as the Car-
riers' contribution toward cutting down
theatre expenses this month.
IN N E W S R E E L S
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 104, Vol. 21.— U. S. Seal
placed on Neutrality Proclamation Plan U. S.
drive on foreign spies Sandbags placed around
U. S. Embassy in Paris New Turkish Ambassador
to Paris Children fit gas masks English navy
reservists take posts Britain's Hindu troops
strengthen outpost General Smuts heads South
African Government U. S. troops sail to reinforce
Panama Canal Atlantic City beauty contest
Turner wins Thompson Speed Trophy Plighlights
from Davis Cup play Lew Lehr Wall Street
boom.
jMOVIETONE news— No. 1, Vol. 22.— Canada enters
the war U. S. troops leave for Puerto Rico to
strengthen defense Sailors of U. S. Navy get gas
mask practice orders Army flyers in training
Secretary Wallace says country has plenty of food
Miss America chosen Lew Lehr All-Star
football game won by New York Giants Army,
Dartmouth and Notre Dame football teams in train-
ing.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 3«2, Vol. W.— French
bombers sweep skies over Paris British force
lands on French soil Holland mobilizes against
war. .. .America acts to maintain neutrality First
convoy ship arrives at U. S. port Wall Street
has busiest week in years. .. .Colonel Turner wins
Thompson Trophy at Cleveland air races.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 303, Vol. 10.— Action on
western front. ... Canada joins conflict. .. .U. S. de-
fends Neutrality Ickes warns on profiteering....
Floods in Far East.... Miss America chosen.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 3.— Consequences of the
war in England: towns evacuated; air raid precau-
tions; women, children, aged and sick flee danger
areas.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 4.— War time test of Lon-
don air raid precautions French children get their
gas masks. .. .Athenia survivors tell of experience
Notre Dame, Tennessee and Army football teams
shown in training. ... New York Giants defeat All-
Stars in football.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. IS, Vol. 11.— U. S. imposes
stiicl neutrality. .. .Coast Guard Cutter loads supplies
for trip to mid-ocean to meet City of Flint, carry-
ing Athenia survivors. .. .Coast airplane factories
rush production Canada acts to stand by Empiie
....Turner wins 3rd Thompson Trophy Gold rush
builds Mexican boom town.... New record set for
Pike's Peak race. .. .Horse racing.
RKOi PATHE NEWS— No. 16. Vol. 11.— Red Cross
organizes in Poland. ... War machines change map of
Europe. ... Nazi, Allied ships flee open seas. .. .Ickes
warns a.^ainst profiteering. .. .Last lap spurt wins
U. S. bicycle race Army, Notre Dame football
teams Mary Pickford crowned queen of tobacco
fete.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEI No. 804, Vol. 11.— U. S.
Neutrality measure is signed War refugees arrive
in New York. .. .Children seek shelter in England....
Polish president receives American flag from Am-
bassador Biddle German tanker in Boston harbor
....Canadians prepare to fight for Great Britain.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 805. Vol. 11.— War-
saw resists Nazi thrust. .. .Canada declares war on
Germany. .. .U. S. Army planes in mass flight
Big tanks aid French advance Panama defenses
reinforced Americans flee the war zone....U. S.
acts to enforce embargo. ... Miss America crowned
Army and Notre Dame football teams Bicycle
race.
Can+or Gefs Two Houses
Joseph Cantor, operating three theatres
in Indianapolis, has acquired two more with
the purchase of long term leases on the
Parker and Golden theatres there. The Gol-
den was leased from Herman Golden who
built the house in 1937. The Parker was
leased from Ben Mansfield who operated
the house until Mr. Cantor leased it.
Open Telenews Theatre
The Telenews theatre, San Francisco, was
scheduled to be opened sometime this week.
The theatre is operated by Pacific Coast
Newsreel Theatre Corporation. Ellis Levy
has been named manager. The Telenews
will be devoted exclusively to showing of
newsreels and selected short subjects.
Joseph Q. Riznik, of the Call-Bulletin,
Hearst newspaper in San Francisco, has
joined Columbia to adapt two stories, one
his own book, "Girl of the Gayway," with
an exposition setting, and "March of Crime."
The Ohio censor board reviewed 593 reels
in August, and ordered 17 eliminations. The
previous month, from 452 reels, it eliminated
nine items.
Pictures Free of
Distortion Asked
by JAMES LOCKHART
in Mexico City
That pictures produced in the Americas
shall not distort history is the gist of a
resolution fathered by Manuel Arocha,
Venezuelan Minister to Mexico, which was
unanimously adopted by the 27th annual
international convention of Americanists,
students of all phases of American affairs,
held here. Minister Arocha was the Vene-
zulean delegate to the session, which was
attended by about 400 other representatives
of the United States, Mexico, other Ameri-
can and some European countries.
"Efforts must be made to prevent mo-
tion pictures from making ridiculous carica-
tures of outstanding figures in public life
of American countries as this will danger-
ously influence the opinion of this and other
generations regarding history, besides serv-
ing to discredit the people who shaped our
nations and our nationalities," the resolution
read.
Oil Question
Mexico with the aid of the government of
California is planning to present her side of
the oil question in the form of a picture, says
an official Mexican Government announce-
ment. Charles A. Page, private secretary to
the Governor of California, is here making
arrangements for the picture, which, says
the announcement, will involve Paul Muni,
Ralph Bates and George Stevens. The state-
ment asserts that a $30,000 fund has been
gathered to finance the film which is in-
tended to "counteract the calumnious and
perfidious campaign against Mexico that
some American oil companies are waging."
Press "Juarez" Action
Although Warner Brothers won a point
in the controversy involving "Juarez," in
which Porfirio Diaz, Jr., son of the late
president of Mexico, claimed the film de-
fames his father, the plaintiff has asked for
an injunction from the Mexico City district
court, to upset the federal prosecutor's re-
jection of the plaintiff's complaint. He
claims his charges are justified and that he
has an abundance of proof to substantiate
them.
Air Shipments Gain
Air express shipments nationally for June
totaled 71,527, an increase of 28 per cent
over June, 1938, the Railway Express
Agency reports. The motion picture indus-
try is a large user of air express. Gross
revenue for June, this year, was up 34
per cent. Shipments for the first six months
of the year totaled 392,679, an increase of
23 per cent over the 1938 period.
Williams Acquires Theatre
K. Lee Williams, president of the theatre
company bearing his name in Oklahoma
City, Okla., has acquired the American
theatre at Wilburton, Okla., from John
McGinley, who will enter the oil business.
The Williams circuit is also building a new
house at Fordyce, Ark.
64 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD Septemberl6,l939
AaORS' FEDERATION REFUSES TO DIE;
7,500 STUDIO EMPLOYEES TO VOTE
Whitehead's Aide Hints Or-
ganization May Find a Honne
with CIO. Attacicing Fed-
eration in Amusement Field
The peace on the "actors' front," a week-
old peace, achieved only when the Interna-
tional Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em-
ployees agreed with the Associated Actors
and Artistes of America, upon dissolution of
the American Federation of Actors, faced
disruption this week when officials of the
Federation not only gave no signs of sur-
render but said they would keep operating
and might even join "another" labor unit —
meaning John L. Lewis' Congress of Indus-
trial Organizations, which has been attack-
ing the American Federation of Labor-
lATSE-AAAA domination of the entertain-
ment industry, from Hollywood to New
York.
Hints at Home Outside AFL
Speaking in the absence of Ralph Whitehead,
AFA secretary, who has been ill, Harold
Koenigsberg, his assistant, this week told news-
men that his organization was not being liqui-
dated, because the members did not want it so ;
and he hinted that the now orphaned unit might
find a home outside the AFL.
Still ill, Mr. Whitehead advised his member-
ship by letter on Tuesday that "the battle is
not over by any means" and that the federa-
tion's executive council had decided to fight
for control of actors.
This insurgent sentiment was confirmed by
Abraham Halprin, attorney for the actors' fed-
eration, who said that it never had recognized
the settlement between the Four A's and the
lATSE.
Under the terms of this settlement, the lATSE
gave up its charter to the AFA, and the Feder-
ation was to dissolve voluntarily, giving its
membership over to the American Guild of
Variety Artists, a unit set up some months ago
by the Four A's, after it had expelled Mr.
Whitehead and his AFA union.
Sophie Tucker Silent
Sophie Tucker, who had been president of
the AFA up to the week of its expected disso-
lution, refused to say at mid-week whether she
still considered herself an officer. She did not
resign. She had been reinstated by Actors
Equity, a Four A's unit, on the expectation that
the Federation would dissolve. Its continued
operation, and her refusel to disavow it, might
again bring about her expulsion from Equity,
and another crisis, in which she would be sup-
ported by the remaining AFA members, and be
attacked by A AAA units, and the lATSE.
The American Guild of Variety Artists this
week reported that about 3,000 former members
of the actors' federation had joined, under the
settlement terms, which provided for their trans-
fer without payment of dues, and without dis-
crimination.
However, the AFA, before the conflict, had
claimed about 15,000 members ; and Variety Art-
ists officials said this week that the enrollment
of these was slower than had been expected.
While the threat of CIO to the control by
the American Federation of Labor was consid-
ered to have been weakened somewhat in the
settlement last week of the threatened fight (it
had been rumored that the Four A's might with-
draw from the AFL to join the CIO) and to
be strongest on the Coast, where the United
Studio Technicians Guild battles the lATSE
TELEVISE INTERVIEW
ON CLIPPER'S FLIGHT
Mrs. Ogden Keid, of the 'New York
Herald Tribune, and William Yan
Dusen, of the Pan-American Airways,
were interviewed Thursday from the
National Broadcasting Company's tele-
vision studio in New York, on the first
flight over the North Atlantic route
by the Yankee Clipper, which started
from Fort Washington, L. I., early in
July.
This was the first description of that
flight to be televised.
in a National Labor Relations Board election,
Mr. Lewis' organization is attempting to invade
the amusement business in the East.
The CIO has granted a wide charter to the
United Theatrical and Motion Picture Service
Employees, in the New York City area. The
new union already has petitioned the State
Labor Relations Board for recognition as the
bargaining agent in the RKO New York houses,
and in the Rugoff and Becker circuit. True to
the CIO's "vertical union" philosophy, the Ser-
vice Employees union takes in projectionists,
stagehands, operators, doormen, porters, and
cashiers. Its hope for progress is said to lie in
the smaller, independent houses. Most theatres
in the New York territory have contracts for
projectionists, with Local 306, an lATSE af-
filiate, and many are negotiating with the Thea-
trical Agents, Managers and Treasurers Union,
the treasurers of which already have broken
away and joined the lATSE. The motion pic-
ture division of this union favors affiliation
with the lATSE.
The break-away of the TMAT treasurers
from the parent union was effected two weeks
ago, and has aroused resentment among the of-
ficers of the union, who are expected to appeal
to the American Federation of Labor conven-
tion, in October.
O'Connor Heads Treasurers
The treasurers have been given an lATSE
charter, and the officers who have been elected
are Walter O'Connor, president; George Ashby,
vice-president ; James J. Murphy, secretary ; and
Morrie Seamon, business agent.
The TMAT also has appealed to the State
Labor Relations Board. A hearing was sched-
uled for this Thursday, but observers predicted
that the board, because of its policy of referring
labor's inter-union disputes directly to the parent
union, would place the matter before the AFL.
Negotiations of the TMAT with various New
York legitimate theatres have been hampered
by the defection of the treasurers. It also was
considered likely that the organization would
reorganize, dropping from its name the final
"T" designating treasurers.
This week and last, committees from each of
the Four A's components were working on a
"one big union" plan to simplify assessment of
dues, and to facilitate emergency action for all
unions.
The first issue of the parent actors' union
newspaper, "The Actors' News,'! appeared on
Monday of this week, with Edward Harrison
as editor. It contains news of the settlement
of the strike, of growing membership for the
AGVA; a note of jubilation in the victory over
the lATSE "stagehands" ; and a plea by Law-
rence Tibbett, president of the American Guild
of Musical Artists for "one big union."
Hollywood Workers Will De-
termine Whether CIO - Fa-
vored Technicians Guild or
lATSE Will Represent It
Approximately 7,500 Hollywood studio
workers will vote in the Gilmore Stadium,
there, next Wednesday, to elect, as their
bargaining agent, either the United Studio
Technicians Guild, or the lATSE. The
guild is reported favored by the CIO; and
the Alliance is an affiliate of the AFL. The
election is under the National Labor Rela-
tions Board.
The date of the election was fixed at a
conference in the offices of William Walsh,
labor board attorney. John Gatelee, Lew
Blix and Frank Strickling represented the
lATSE; A. H. Peterson, the AFL; and
Howard Robertson and H. I. Besbeck, the
guild.
Bioff Refuses
lATSE locals had asked William Bioff, known
as Alliance president George E. Browne's per-
sonal representative on the Coast, to represent
them in negotiations. He first declined, saying
that since he had "withdrawn voluntarily^' from
union activities, he feld "reluctant" to assume
them again but later accepted the chairmanship
of a negotiating committee for 11 locals.
The lATSE has been expelling its members
and officers known to have guild sympathies.
Mr. Robertson, president of the guild, said
the expulsions meant nothing "because there
won't be any lATSE here, after the election."
He added that he would charge the producers
with violations of the Wagner Labor Act, if
they refused to employ the expelled men.
Carpenters Win Raise
Studio carpenters have won a 10 per cent
wage increase, retroactive to September 1, it
was revealed last week. The raise was the re-
sult of the meeting, in Newark on August 2Sth,
of the representatives of the "Big Four" unions
and the producers, on possible renewal of the
"basic agreement." The next meeting will be
on December Sth, it is said.
In Boston, a strike by the lATSE theatre
union against the M. and P. Theatre Corporation
houses has been settled, with partial victory for
all. There will be no closed shop, but there will
be no discrimination against union members.
Union scales, in varying degrees according to
theatre location, have been granted.
The financial report of the Laboratory Tech-
nicians' Local 702, made public in its organ,
"The Magazine," reveals that the union treas-
ury's receipts stood at $5,839 above expendi-
tures in the past year, ending July 31st.
Conferences in St. Louis between operators
of the O'Fallon and Bremen theatres and two
lATSE unions, the Local 6 and 2A, were ex-
pected this week, following the return, from his
honeymoon, of Clarence Kaimann, North St.
Louis theatre owner.
In Detroit, the projectionists' local 199 last
week renewed contracts with Co-operative
Theatres and with members of Allied theatres.
There are wage and overtime increases, retro-
active to September 1st.
The New York chapter of the American Fed-
eration of Radio Artists will meet, in annual
session, at the Edison hotel, on September 28th.
With the addition of 18 theatres in the
past year Ontario theatres now total 372.
Emphatically —
NOT A NEWSREEL!
NOT PROPAGANDA!
NOT HATE-INSPIRED!
BUT AN ELOQUENT AND TIMELY, PICTORIAL
DRAMA OF COURAGEOUS GERMANY STRUGGLING
UNDER THE IRON HEEL OF NAZI DESPOTISM!
Adapted from Shepard Traube's ''GOOSE STEP"
II Directed by SHERMAN SCOTT
The FINEST EXPLOITATION PICTURE EVER MADE
with THE GREATEST BOX-OFFICE TITLE EVER DEVISED
with an Immense Cast of Renowned Players
A FOUR-STAR SPECIAL PRODUCTION
OCT. 8-WIRE FOR PRE-RELEASE BOOKINGS!
PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION
1436 NORTH BEACHWOOD DRIVE -HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
EXCHANGES EVERYWHERE
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
CASEY MINIMIZES THREAT OF CIO
TO CAIN FOOTHOLD IN HOLLYWOOD
Producers' Representative Says
New Guild is Too Small to
Exert Much influence; Doubts
Support of National Units
Pat Casey, labor contact for the major
producers, leaned back in his chair on a re-
cent morning at his offices in 1600 Broad-
way, New York City, and put out his right
hand — with the thumb down.
Mr. Casey was summing up the chances
of John L. Lewis' Congress for Industrial
Organization in Hollywood. Some observers
have thought that this group of "vertical
unions" might enter the industry in a large
way through the new United Studio Tech-
nicians' Guild. The guild is supported by
CIO harbor unions, claims a large member-
ship among Hollywood crafts workers, will
battle for certification as their agent in forth-
coming National Labor Relations Board
elections, and openly challenges the domina-
tion in Hollywood of the International Al-
liance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
Five-Year Pact Signed
Mr. Casey returned to New York awhile ago,
from the coast, where he sat in on the con-
ferences which resulted in the signing by the
producers and the lATSE of the five year
closed shop agreement, patterns on wage and
hour conditions in the basic agreement between
producers and the big union groups. He had
been besieged by pleas from the technicians'
guild not to let the agreement be signed with-
out the NLRB election; and it now appears
that, though the agreement is signed, the up-
ward adjustment of wages and rectification
of conditions awaits the election, to be held
within one month.
"There will be no C.I.O. domination of the
industry ; nor even its representation by a
powerful union," Mr. Casey said.
Sees lATSE Victory
"I think the lATSE will win the election,"
he added. "I think the Guild is too small ;
I think its membership is small, and that it has
very little money.
"Remember this ; that it is not supported by
the CIO ; it is backed in a small way by the
harbor unions in Los Angeles, which are CIO.
But the national CIO is not going to back it
until it wins the election, if it does. The CIO
wouldn't risk a defeat in prestige for such a
small unit," Mr. Casey asserted.
"The fact that the USTG has no money
leads one to believe that they have no member-
ship," Mr. Casey continued. "Sure, they have
a lot of cards — but the treasury is the tip-off.
"Anything May Happen"
"If 12 or so union fellows go on the street
and give people cards to sign, and the cards
are free — those people will sign. Naturally.
There are a lot of men in Hollywood playing
both ends against the middle, and hoping to be
on the right side when that side wins. Sure,
they'll sign.
"But with it all," Mr. Casey said, "I don't
think the USTG has half the members it claims,
and I think it claims about 3,000."
Mr. Casey then added this qualification :
"Of course," he said, "no one can really tell.
When you come to a secret election, anything
may happen."
The protests which the USTG made re-
peatedly against the "closed shop" agreement
of the producers with the Alliance, were un-
By staff Photographer
PAT CASEY
tenable, Mr. Casey indicated, and put it this
way:
"If the CIO wins the election, what do you
think they'll ask for?"
The Alliance has not presented any wage
and hour demands, though the five year pact is
signed, Mr. Casey said — it is waiting for the
NLRB election.
The lATSE will re-enter the basic agreement,
Mr. Casey feels ; its reentrance also awaits the
NLRB election.
(The lATSE withdrew last year from the
basic agreement with the studios, after the local
lATSE unions demanded autonomy. Repre-
sentatives of the four other big international
unions met with Mr. Casey and other pro-
ducers' representatives last Friday in Newark,
New Jersey, to discuss renewal of the basic
agreement. They adjourned without result,
and are expected to meet again after the NLRB
elections.)
Living costs have not risen appreciably in
Hollywood, during the past five years, Mr.
Casey observed. In remarking about Holly-
wood conditions, he noted that about 75 per
cent of the organized workers were members
of the American Federation of Labor — and that,
therefore, the chances of the CIO lay, not in the
organized workers, but in the large number of
unorganized. Los Angeles has many open
shops, he noted.
The Screen Actors' Guild will never affiliate
with the CIO, Mr. Casey feels. The rumor
that it might was a consequence of the juris-
dictional fight which the actors' organization,
as part of its parent, the Associated Actors
and Artistes of America, has been having with
the American Federation of Labor and the
Alliance.
Confer on Sales Drive
Nine independent managers conferred
with C. L. Theuerkauf, Seattle branch man-
ager for Universal, on the details of the
Universal exhibitors sales drive.
William Holden, star of Columbia's
"Golden Boy," is currently on a personal
appearance tour which will include New
York, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
BufTalo, Detroit and Chicago.
Skouras Awards
Total $75,000
National Theatres managers by the end of
this year will have received an available
maximum of $75,000 in cash awards for
business increases under a system whereby
the circuit shares profits with employees.
A total of $25,000 was distributed in the
Spyros Skouras Showmanship Campaign
which ended July 5th. In the fourth annual
National Theatres drive which started last
week, $25,000 will be distributed to district
and theatre managers and another $25,000
has been set aside as bonuses for exceeding
quota.
Last year the circuit gave away $15,000
in the Fall business drive. The present
campaign started September 3rd and will
continue 16 weeks to December 23rd. Thirty
districts in the six divisions are competing
and awards will go to the 12 high ranking
districts and their house managers.
Up to this year National Theatres con-
ducted its business increase drives on a
divisional basis. It has been found, how-
ever, that campaigns conducted on the small-
er district unit basis are more effective.
Intensive supervision is applied from the
home office and a committee in contact with
the field.
The committe includes H. C. Cox, treas-
urer ; Sumner Gambee, vice-president ; Ed-
ward Zabelj^ William T. Powers, J. J. Sulli-
van, Milton Hossfeld, Irving Barry and Au-
brey Schenck.
Middlesex Open All Year
The Middlesex Theatre, in Middletown,
Connecticut, which formerly was darkened
during the Summer, is now open all year,
and is the "A" house of the town. The Capi-
tol, which is also under Morris Pouzzner's
operation, will increase its schedule from
three days a week to a full week, with the
opening, this Fall, of Wesleyan College.
Ralph DePalma Corporation has been
licensed with 1,000 shares of stock at Al-
bany, N. Y., to conduct a motion picture
and theatrical business. Directors are Ralph
DePalma, John B. Mezey and Walter Van
B. Claussen.
Sidney Toler, who succeeded the late War-
ner Gland as "Charlie Chan," in the Twen-
tieth Century-Fox detective story series, has
been signed to a long-term contract to con-
tinue in the role indefinitely.
Jefferson Pictures, Inc., has been char-
tered at Albany, with Al and Joseph Rosen
and Mabel Hudson as directors. Capitaliza-
tion is $30,000.
Rufus LeMaire, executive assistant to
Pandro S. Berman at RKO, has resigned.
He was an executive at Universal before
joining RKO.
THE PUBLIC
IS BEING TAUGHT TO DEMAND
SiGHTiAVlMS
%f VISION
LIGHTING
1.
MORE LIGHT is the slogan of the day. From news-
papers and magazines, the lecture platform and the
school, the public is being taught the sight saving value
of plenty of light.
Put your theater in step with this upward trend in
light intensity. It has popular appeal. People like to
enter a theater in which they can see their way to their
seats. And they can do just that in the many theaters
Write for a free ropv of the booklet. "'The
that are now equipped with high intensity projection.
Think this over if you still have low intensity pro-
jection. Those first minutes of blindness result from the
low level of general illumination necessitated by lack of
light on the screen. Don't let poor lighting drive your
patrons to other theaters. Install Simplified High
Intensity projection and attract that growing body of
theater-goers who appreciate plenty of light.
Eternal Triangle in Picture Projection.^'
SIMPLIFIED
PROJECTION
vnODDDODDOODDaaD
^
WITH NATIONAL "SUPREX
/poo ooao QOQDOoQUDuuooQ D □ Q q □ □ Q DDaoaoQP
The words '"National"'^ and "Suprex^^ are trade-marks of National Carb,>n Company^ Inc
JHO MODERN {
ARBON COMPANY, INC.
Unit of Union Carbide |im and Carbon Corporation
CARBON SALES DIVISION, CLEVELAND. OHIO
General Offices: 30 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y.
BRiSCOilES OfFJCES.v_ IIEW UU PJIISBlUfil CHlOlfiO Sig FHiSClSCO.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
33 STORIES PURCHASED IN AUGUST;
PLAYS BRING $760,000 IN 1938-39
Universal Adds Five Originals;
MGM Buys Oscar Wilde
Story; Originals Again Ac-
count for Most Acquisitions
Fourteen producers purchased 33 stories
and plays for use in the new season's prod-
uct, in the final month, August, before the
production year got under way.
Far less than the number bought in the
same month last year, when 20 producers
acquired 93 properties, the month's pur-
chases nevertheless represent a substantial
increase over the 26 bought in July.
Universal Leads
Universal led the list with five acquisitions,
all originals ; while Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer,
United Artists and Producers Pictures had four
apiece. The MGM purchases included two ori-
ginals, a book and a French film ; UA had two
originals and two books, and Producers Pictures
had four originals.
For the 13th consecutive month, originals led
all other types of material bought ; accounting
for 58 per cent of all properties with a total of
19 out of 33 purchases.
Among the outstanding acquisitions were
"The Canterville Ghost," a short story by Oscar
Wilde, bought by MGM ; "Battalion of Death,"
an original by John Monk Saunders, purchased
by Paramount for a reported $25,000, and
"Dynasty of Death," a novel by J. T. Caldwell,
on munitions manufacturers, purchased by Wal-
ter Wanger.
The Purchases
The month's purchases, with all available pro-
duction credits, follows :
And So Goodbye, original by Mildred Cramm
and Adele Commandini, purchased by Lee
Garmes.
Babar, novel by Jean de Brunholf, purchased
by General Film Company.
B.\TTALi0N OF Death, Original by John Monk
Saunders, purchased by Paramount.
Blackout Over Europe, original by Jo Swerl-
ing, purchased by Samuel Goldwyn (United
Artists).
Canterville Ghost, The, novel by Oscar
Wilde, purchased by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Cisco Kid, The, character from novel by Syd-
ner Porter (O. Henry) to which rights were
acquired for use in two films based on stories
written by staff writers.
Dynasty of Death, novel by J. T. Caldwell,
based on munitions barons, purchased by Wal-
ter Wanger (United Artists).
For All of Our Lives, novel and McCall's
magazine story, by Ursula Parrott, purchased
by Columbia for Eastern production.
Forbidden Islands, original by Maurice Tom-
bragel, purchased by Universal.
Forgotten Girls, original by Martin Mooney
and Alex Gottleib, purchased by Republic.
Forty Little Mothers, French scenario and
films, purchased by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
for Eddie Cantor, from National Pictures.
Fourteen Uncles, original by Bertram Block
and Peter Arno, purchased by Arcadia Pic-
tures.
War Subject
Goose Step, original by Shepard Traub, pur-
chased by Producers Pictures. The film will
be titled "Hitler, the Beast of Berlin."
STORY PURCHASES
OF YEAR COMPARED
Month Originals Books
September, 1938 39 10(a)
October 23 28(b)
November 34 19(c)
December 27 I4(cl)
January, 1939 42 14(e)
February 33 21(f)
March 30 15(g)
April 47 12(h)
May 29 15(1)
June 24 I5(i)
July 19 5(k)
August 19 13(1)
TOTALS FOR
12 MONTHS
Plays Totals
2
I
6
2
8
7
I
4
2
51
52
59
43
57
55
53
66
45
43
26
33
(g)
(h)
(k)
(I)
366 I8l(m) 36 583
(a) Including 2 published nnagazine stories and
I newspaper connic strip,
(bj Including 4 published magazine stories,
(c) Including 13 published nnagazine stories,
(dj Including 12 published nnagazine stories.
(e) Including 7 published nnagazine stories and
1 radio program.
(f) Including I published magazine story and
2 radio programs.
Including 4 published magazine stories.
Including 3 published magazine stories.
Including 4 published magazine stories,
3 films and I radio program.
Including 3 published magazine stories and
2 radio scripts.
Including 2 published magazine stories.
Including 3 published magazine stories and
I film.
(m) Including 64 published magazine stories,
I comic strip, 6 radio programs
and 4 films.
Harvest Moon, original by Ed Sullivan, pur-
chased by Universal.
June Mad, stage play by Florence Ryerson and
Colin Clements, slated for Broadway produc-
tion in the fall, purchased by Columbia for
Edith Fellows.
Life Begins Tomorrow, original by Margaret
LeVino and Katrin Holland, purchased by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Manhattan Holiday, original by Polan Banks,
purchased by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Martin Eden, novel by Jack London, pur-
chased by Samuel Bronstein, who has also
taken an option on all London stories not
filmed, and on his life story.
Middle Window, The, novel by Elizabeth
Goudge, purchased by B. P. Schulberg.
Miss Susie Slagle's, novel by Augusta Tucker,
about medical students in a boarding house,
purchased by Paramount.
Moving Day, original by Eric L. Ergenbright,
purchased by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Mutineer, The, Cosmopolitan magazine story
by Vaughan Elston, purchased by Warner
Brothers.
No Power on Earth, original by Wallace Sul-
livan and Richard K. Polimer, purchased by
Universal.
Western Subject
Outlawed Marshal, The, original by Ford
Beebe, purchased by Universal.
Sagebrush Family Rides on. The, original
{Continued on page 70)
Film Oompanies Have Bought
32 Stage Plays in 1937. "38
and So Far in '39; 14 Plays
Sell for a Total of $760,000
Thirty-two stage plays have been pur-
chased by film companies in 1937, 1938 and
1939 to date through the facilities of the
Dramatists Guild. These plays have lasted
three weeks or longer on Broadway. Plays
which are unproduced or do not have a run
of at least three weeks may be purchased
outside the Guild.
In the 1938-39 season, motion picture com-
panies paid a total of $760,000 for 14 plays,
compared to a total of $700,000 for 12 plays
during the 1937-38 season. The average
price during the more recent season was
$54,285 per play, while during 1937-38 it
was $58,333.
$100,000 Average for 17 Plays
Prices paid for individual plays are not re-
leased by the Guild because film companies in-
sist that their own publicity offices be permitted
to handle these aspects of play purchases.
In pointing out that the present mimimum
basic agreement between the film companies and
the Guild on the purchase of stage plays has
not restricted the purchase of motion picture
rights, the Guild says that in the 1936-37 sea-
son, the first in which the agreement was opera-
tive, $1,750,000 was paid for 17 plays, for an
average price of over $100,000 apiece.
Negotiations for modifications of the present
agreement have been under way for some time
among J. Robert Rubin, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
vice-president ; Sidney Fleisher, Guild attorney ;
Luise Sillcox, executive secretary of the Guild,
and Jake Wilk, Warner Brothers' story editor.
The Titles
A list of the plays purchased during 1937 and
1938, and in 1939 to date, follows :
1939
Philadelphia Story
The American Way
Susan and God
Elizabeth the Queen
Let Freedom Ring
1938
How to Get Tough
About It
What a Life
Golden Boy
On Borrowed Time
I Married an Angel
1937
The Women
Yes, My Darling
Daughter
Having a Wonderful
Time
Miss Quis
Excursion
You Can't Take It
With You
Of all these plays, "The Philadelphia Story"
is the only one to be purchased on a royalty
basis completely.
Abe Lincoln in Illi-
nois
Of Mice and Men
Our Town
Blind Alley
The Night of January
16
Whatever Goes LTp
Fly Away Home
Babes in Arms
Room Service
Howdy, Stranger !
Yellow Jack
Boy Meets Girl
Night Must Fall
Jezebel
Swing Your Lady
Double Dummy
Robert Hoyt has resigned as president and
general manager of Telco Corporation, color
film process organization. He will take a
vacation before announcing new plans.
Finest
55
Motion Picture
Herald^ $5.00 a year
Domestic; $10.00 For-
eign; 52 issues with which
is combined Better The-
ATRES^ 13 issues yearly.
IN MY ESTIMATION
THE MOTION PICTURE HERALD
IS THE FINEST PUBLICATION THE
INDUSTRY HAS AND I HAVE
ALWAYS FOUND IT A GREAT
AID IN SO MANY WAYS."
iSi 91
CLARENCE F. WALL
Manager
BAY THEATRE
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
ROCKEFELLER CENTER • NEWYORK
70
Story Purchases
Rise in Month
(Continued from page 68, column 2)
by John Rathmell, purchased by Producers
Pictures.
Sagebrush Family Trails West, The, ori-
ginal by William Lively, purchased by Pro-
ducers Pictures.
Strength to Live, original by William A. Ull-
man, Jr., purchased by Producers Pictures.
Sweetheart of Turret One, original by Com-
mander Frank Wead, about the U. S. Navy,
purchased by Samuel Goldwyn (United Art-
ists).
Three Cheers for Miss Bishop, novel by Bess
Streeter Aldrich, purchased for Barbara Stan-
wyck by Richard Rowland (United Artists).
Tugboat Annie, series of magazine stories, by
Norman Reilly Raine, purchased by Warner
Brothers.
Untitled Original, by Edward Eliscu, pur-
chased for Charlie McCarthy by Universal.
Untitled Original, about John Marvin Yost,
Kentucky banker, purchased by Twentieth
Century-Fox.
You Ha\te to Learn Sometime, magazine story
by Richard Wormser, purchased by Warner
Brothers.
A tendency towards "real life, social problems,
history and biography" is seen in original film
stories by Alice Ames Winter, of the community
service of the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America.
Among the originals cited by Mrs. Winter
are "Ruler of the Seas," "Geronimo," "Victor
Herbert," "Intermezzo," "Hollywood Caval-
cade," "The Roarin' Twenties," "Swanee Riv-
er," "Brigham Young" "Little Old New York"
and "The Dictators."
Epstein in New York
Jack Epstein, Universal manager for
Mexico, has arrived in New York for a
short conference with J. H. Seidelman,
vice-president in charge of foreign affairs,
on the new Universal product and its dis-
tribution in Mexico. Mr. Epstein has been
associated with Universal for 13 years, the
last nine in his present post.
Building Houston Theatres
Four new theatres will be constructed in
Houston, Tex., in the near future. Inter-
state Circuit is erecting one to cost $125,000;
Hugh Potter will build one at an estimated
cost of $100,000, which will be managed by
P. P. Scott of Dallas; W. V. Ratcliff will
build a $60,000 house, and Gass Theatres
Corporation will erect the Studewood at a
cost of $25,000. R. W. Glass formerly
operated in Dallas.
Alliance Franchise
Popular Pictures, owned and managed by
Ben Rogers with headquarters at 48 Melrose
Street in Boston, has secured the New Eng-
land franchise for the Alliance Films Cor-
poration's program of 12 features for 1939-
'40. The first release is "Dead Men Tell No
Tales," starring Emlyn Williams.
Bettinson Representing Rialto
Ralph Bettinson, Hollywood representa-
tive of Pathe Pictures, Ltd., of England
at Monogram, has been appointed Holly-
wood representative of the British film com-
pany, Rialto Productions. Rialto releases
through Pathe in British Isles.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
"THE OLD MAID"
TOPS "VICTORY"
In the first 20 reports on Warner
Brothers' "The Old Maid" the film in
each case has exceeded the receipts of
the previous Betfe Davis starring pic-
ture, "Dark Victory". There have
been 27 holdovers of the film for the
third week in key cities, according to
Warners. The following table is for
the first seven days of the run:
The Dark
Theatre Old Maid Victory
Warner, Bridgeport $6,939 $5,247
Earle, Washington 22,512 21,541
Warner, Worcester 8,955 7,736
Capitol, Springfield, Mass.... 8,125 7,213
Roger Sherman, New Haven. 10,508 8,614
Paramount. Brooklyn 31,825* 24,020
Stanley, Jersey City 19,025 17,590
Fabian, Paterson 12,294 8,705
Montauk, Passaic 9,052 8,106
Warner, Memphis 9,084 8,984
Warner, Milwaukee 12,926 11,254
Branford, Newark 20,567 16,976
Mary Anderson, Louisville 6,063 5,767
Victory, Dayton 6,151 5.871
Stanley, Baltimore 13,301 12,437
Boyd, Philadelphia 21,759 18,573
Strand, Albany 8,683 8,252
Warner, Youngstown 7,638 6,817
Ohio, Canton, Ohio 4,567 4,192
Astor, Reading 7,858 7,492
*New house records.
"The Old Maid" this weekend enters
its sixth week at the New York Strand,
the first attraction to hold more than
four weeks at this house in over six
years. In the six tveeks it is expected
to gross more than $250,000.
Set Warner Club Elections
The annual election of the board of gov-
ernors and officers of the National Warner
Club, Inc., will be held at the Warner home
office September 30th. Delegates from all
branches of the club will take part in the
election.
George A. Crouch has been elected presi-
dent of the Warner Club of Washington,
D. C John J. Payette continues as honorary
president of the club, which is affiliated with
the national organization of Warner Clubs.
Harry E. Holnieyer, Fred Thomas, Fred
McMillan and C. E. McGowan were named
vice-presidents; Nat B. Browne, secretary,
and George Larkin, treasurer.
Charles Ryan has been elected president
of the Warner Club of Chicago. The board
of governors now includes James E. Coston,
Mr. Ryan, Alex Halperin, Larry Stein, Tom
Gilliam, Henry Herbel, H. W. Wheeler,
H. A. Turrell and I. H. Barron.
Command Performance
Joe E. Brown has received an invitation
for the "command performance" sponsored
by King George and Queen Elizabeth for
the annual cinematograph Trade Benevolent
Fund October 18th in London. The comedian,
whose latest film is Paramount's "$1,000 a
Touchdown," said he will attend if screen
and radio commitments permit.
Closes "Sudan" Deals
Mitchell Leichter has closed deals on
"Sudan" with Jack Adams for Texas and
Oklahoma; Majestic Film Exchange for
California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico,
Hawaiian Islands and Alaska, and Tom
Branon, Atlanta, for nine southern states.
September 16, 1939
JSCJP Plans
Free Concerts
A music festival, free to the public, to be
held at New York's Carnegie Hall, is
planned for the week of October 1st to 7th
by the American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers, holder of copyrights on
music played in theatres, over the radio, and
in places of public entertainment. Film and
radio personalities will be featured.
Announced in New York by Mayor Fio-
rella La Guardia on Sunday as "a monument
dedicated to art and to peace," and designed
to offset "the gloom of European events,"
the concerts will present works of the So-
ciety's members presented by a variety of
orchestras, to embrace American music from
"symphony to swing." Included are two
concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra
under the direction of Serge Koussevitzky ;
a presentation of light operas by Frank
Black; an evening devoted to the creative
works of Negro composers; an evening de-
voted to Symphonic Jazz, Melody and
"Swing," with Paul Whiteman and his or-
chestra, Benny Goodman and his band and
Fred Waring and his orchestra and choir ;
an evening devoted to band music, presented
by Edwin Franko Goldman's Band and
others, and an evening devoted to popular
songs written by composers of the Society.
This will feature Rudy Vallee and his or-
chestra, and some of the leading composers
will sing and play some of their own works,
such as Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan,
Richard Rodgers, Cole Porter, and others.
"There's going to be no profiteering on
sorrow and anxiety," Mayor La Guardia
said. "I know of no better way to get this
message across than through music."
The cost of the program, which is esti-
mated at several hundred thousand dollars,
will be met by the Society as a method of ob-
serving its own 25th anniversary. Tickets
will be issued by ASCAP in the order in
which requests are received at its New York
office in Rockefeller Center.
Finish Yiddish Film
Production on "Mirele Efros," Yiddish
drama, produced by Roman Rebush for
Credo Pictures, has been completed at the
Film Art studios under the direction of
Josef Berne.
Krieger Opens Office
Louis Krieger, who entered the motion
picture business 31 years ago but has not
been active in the industry for several years,
has opened an office in Pittsburgh for In-
ternational Pictures Distributing Company.
Reese Promoted
Carl Reese, Republic salesman, has been
appointed manager of the Omaha office of
Republic Pictures. Formerly, Mr. Reese had
been with Fox for 10 years and with Uni-
versal for 12 years.
Lowe in Johannesburg
A. A. Lowe, managing director for United
Artists in South Africa, has arrived in
Johannesburg and formally opened the com-
pany's offices there, which will be the head-
quarters of United Artists operations in the
territory.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
71
FROM READERS
WANTS BRAIN POWER
MASSED AT STUDIOS
To THE Editor of the Herald
Let us call this "What the Motion Picture
Companies Don't Do for Me." I would like
to take this opportunity to put in my two bits
worth on just what is the matter with the
motion picture business today.
I believe the story emanated from some
A'IGM executive's office, to wit, "That there is
nothing wrong with the motion picture business
but what a good picture won't cure."
That is true, but who is doing what about
it?
Every company in the business is screaming
big budgets and wanting more money for the
new season, this in the face and eyes of one of
the most serious motion picture slumps since
1932. They promise great money making pro-
ductions. You have to mortgage your house to
pay some of the film rentals. Then, what hap-
pens? Eighty- five per cent of approximately
every contract you play is inferior, stereotyped
junk and you can't make enough on the other
15 per cent to pay the loss on the junk, let
alone pay the said mortgage ofT. It seems to
me that the film producers should take time
off to think that the saturation point of peak
film rentals was reached in the 37-38 film sell-
ing season, so why try to cram down the
throats of the little fellow prices that are pro-
hibitive.
Why not concentrate in their production de-
partment the brain power they are concentrat-
ing in their selling departments, figuring out
new tricks to take more money from the exhibi-
tor?
If the chief concentration was on making;
good pictures, the prices would adjust them-
selves. I imagine we are all a little sick of
the usual guff, such as "Our Greatest Season
in History" or "greatest budget ever," etc.,
etc. Why not a plain statement of fact, plus
an emphasis on fair prices to all. I am sure
the result would be amazing, as I know I am
an average exhibitor and if I am making a fair
return on my investment, I am sure I, as well
as every other exhibitor, would push the prod-
uct he is selling a little harder.
This is a bad condition and reflects itself
on the entire industry. I say to you, producers,
quit trying to hold us up with prices that are
spelling suicide for the entire film business.
Try and get closer to the men who have their
problems in exhibition and make your price
policy more elastic, so that your own men in
your branches can regulate from year to year
the price increase or decrease, as they are in
closer touch with the individual.
This idea of setting a national policy of prices
is as antiquated and ridiculous as dressing for
summer weather at the North Pole, just be-
cause it might be July.
To give you an idea of what I mean, let
me cite a case that happened to me. A year
and a half ago, a major catastrophe happened
in my town. A coal mine that had operated
31 years, employing hundreds of men, closed.
I was buying an contract at the time,
and told the salesman I could not pay as much
for the as the year previous. He wired
the information to his New York office. The
answer that came back was absolutely amaz-
ing in its sympathy and understanding. (Quote) :
"Absolutely will not take a penny less than
last year and will you please tell us what a
coal mine closing down has to do with the
price of ." That, my friends, is com-
plete understanding of the conditions that might
exist by your average company official.^ — Fred
Curtis, Managing Owner, Tepee Theatre,
Thermopolis, Wyo.
Bromfield at Mansfield for
Premiere of "Rains Came"
Louis Bromfield made a trip to his home
town, Mansfield, Ohio, to help in the ex-
ploitation of the picture from his novel,
"The Rains Came," for its world previere
there simultaneously with the first showing
of the picture at the Roxy in New York.
The picture played in two theatres for the
Mansfield opening last Friday night. More
than 3,200 persons crowded into the Ohio
theatre and the Madison theatre for a show-
ing at advanced admission prices.
The little town of Mansfield staged a reg-
ular Hollywood opening night with lights
and a banquet at the Mansfield-Leland hotel
preceding the screening. Mr. Bromfield was
guest of honor at the dinner and was intro-
duced to the guests by Mayor Harry M.
Hunter. The banquet was attended by 278
of the town's leading citizens. In his speech
Mr. Bromfield heaped praise on Mansfield
and said it was the best home town any
man could have. He also praised Darryl
Zanuck for the faithful reproduction of his
novel.
Hickey Gets Publicity Job
Duke Hickey, former trade writer and
editor, who has recovered after an illness of
almost two years duration, has been appoint-
ed by Johny Mednikow, in Chicago, to han-
dle special publicity, advertising and ex-
ploitation of "When Germany Surrendered,"
rights to which Mr. Mednikow holds for
Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Missouri.
Mr. Hickey was for more than a decade an
exploitation man in the field for Universal.
Should HE divorce his wife,,.,
or was this new romance merely an
I
\
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
UA Production
Called at Peak
LEE NEWBURY HEADS
NEW JERSEY ALLIED
Advisory Board To Head
Southern California ITO;
Two Groups Set Dates
Two exhibitor meetings, one in the east
and one on the coast, were concluded this
week and two more, one in the south and
one in the midwest, were set for the week
after next.
In the east, Allied of New Jersey con-
cluded a three day convention at Atlantic
City electing Lee W. Newbury of Belman,
president, to succeed George Gold, Newark,
who was elected a director for one year. On
the coast, the Independent Theatre Owners
of Southern California meeting at Los
Angeles abolished the offices of president and
directors and created an Advisory Board to
govern the policies of the organization.
R. H. (Bob) Poole, business manager,
was made executive director, while Albert A.
Galston, past president ; Jack Berman, R. D.
Whitson, Mrs. Jenne Dodge, C. A. Ferry,
Al Gore, H. W. Bruen and Mr. Poole com-
prise the Advisory Board.
Two Set Dates
The Tri-State Theatre Owners set Sep-
tember 24th and 25th in Memphis and the
Independent Theatres Protective Association
of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan set Sep-
tember 27th and 28th in Milwaukee as their
convention dates.
Other officers elected by New Jersey
Allied include Maurice J. Miller of Passaic
and Ralph Wilkins of Pitman, vice-presi-
dents; Harry H. Lowenstein of Newark,
secretary, and David Snaper of New Bruns-
wick, treasurer ; Harry H. Hecht of Passaic,
Mrs. Helen B. Hildinger of Trenton, Harry
Kridel of Newark, Jacob Unger of Hillside,
and Mr. Gold, directors.
A product survey among members showed
very little change from last year in the film
rental charges, except that more percentage
deals were being demanded. The member-
ship saw dangers in additional major com-
panies producing trailers. Members con-
tended that this service should be left to
trailer companies.
A complete report of past officers at the
Southern California ITO convention was
unanimously approved by the membership,
which gave the new board "complete au-
thority to continue the fine progressive poli-
cies established by the association during
the past year."
A statement on the trade practice agree-
ment and local situation concessions,
promised by William F. Rodgers, co-chair-
man of the distributor-exhibitor negotiating
committee on the code, was not received be-
cause, ITO officials said, Mr. Rodgers lacked
time.
Tri-State Owners
Set Convention
The Tri-State Theatre Owners, an af-
filiate of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of America, embracing Arkansas, Missis-
sippi and Tennessee, will hold its convention
at the Hotel Gayoso in Memphis, September
24th and 25th, according to R. X. Williams,
Jr., president.
The Tri-State directors will meet Septem-
ber 24th at the hotel immediately prior to
the opening of the regular sessions. A golf
tournament will be a feature of the enter-
tainment phase of the convention. M. A.
Lightman of Memphis, chairman of the
board, is in charge of the program.
Wisconsin ITPA To
Meet September 27th
A variety of problems, including film buy-
ing and unhealthy competition from free
shows and 16 mm. films, are expected to be
discussed at a two day meeting in Milwau-
kee September 27th and 28h of the Inde-
pendent Theatres Protective Association of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.
Exhibitors in the area have done little
film buying with few contracts for new
product reported closed. New officers for
the ensuing year will also be named at the
convention.
Republic Closes
Five Product Deals
Republic Pictures has closed deals witli
tlie Schine circuit and the Publix-Great
States circuit, covering 75 theatres in Illi-
nois and Indiana, for 1938-'39 product. The
Schine deal covers 122 houses in New
York, Ohio, Maryland and Delaware. The
deal was closed in Gloversville, N. Y., with
James R. Grainger, president, signing for
Republic, J. Meyer Schine, Louis Schine,
George Lynch and Louis Goldstein acted
for the circuit.
Republic has set "Man of Conquest" in
the Panama territory with bookings at the
Tropical in Panama City and the Rex at
Colon.
A
Republic has closed a new season product
deal with Warners Pacific Coast theatres.
A
Republic has closed a contract with the
Minnesota Amusement Company, operating
80 theatres in Minnesota, North and South
Dakota and Wisconsin.
Leroux Acquires Rights
Leroux Film and Trading Corporation,
New York, has closed a deal for the North
and South American distribution rights to
"La Route Heroique," which is being pro-
duced by the French SIPEC company in
Paris.
Peerless to Make Series
A series of action melodramas, calling
for a maximum of eight and a minimum of
six pictures, will be produced for the state
rights market by Peerless Pictures, Inc., it
was announced this week by Sam Efrus.
S. J. Francis, who recently acquired the
Monogram franchise in Omaha, has moved
the exchange to new and larger quarters on
Film row. He also operates the American
Distributing Corporation, handling films and
portable equipment.
With the coming half year conceded to be
the "most important" in years. United Art-
ists shortly will reach the highest peak of
activity in 20 years, Murray Silverstone,
chief executive of the company, said over
the weekend, in New York.
Six of the United Artists' pictures are in
front of the camera; five are completed and
this week were awaiting release. Four more
are in release.
Among new productions in work are "Re-
becca" at Selznick International; "Send An-
other Coffin," Walter Wanger, and Samuel
Goldwyn's "Raffles." Charles Chaplin has
begun rehearsals of his tentatively designated
"Production No. 6"; Alexander Korda's
"Thief of Bagdad" is nearing completion and
Hal Roach is well along with production of
"Of Mice and Men."
Completed productions include Selznick's
"Intermezzo"; Goldwyn's "The Real Glory";
Walter Wanger's "Eternally Yours"; Hal
Roach's "The Housekeeper's Daughter," and
Korda's "Over the Moon."
New season pictures already released are
Wanger's "Winter Carnival," Korda's "Four
Feathers," Edward Small's "The Man in the
Iron Mask" and Goldwyn's "They Shall
Have Music."
Approves Beacon Lease
John C. Knox, federal judge, this week
approved a four-year lease on the Beacon
theatre. New York, by the Beacon Theatre
Corporation for an annual rental of $40,-
000. The Beacon was formerly operated
by the Beacon and Midway Corporation
which filed a petition in the United States
district court in New York for a reorgani-
zation in May, 1936. Under the terms of
the lease payment of rental is guaranteed
by subsidiaries of RKO, Loew's Inc., and
Skouras Theatres Corporation.
New Michigan Houses
The quarterly report of Allied Theatres
of Michigan reveals that seven new houses
have been added in Michigan. They are the
Rainbow, Detroit; Albion, Albion; "B,"
Charlotte ; New Century, Coopersville ; Flat-
roc, Flat Rock; New Garden, Garden City,
and the New Milan, Milan. Two theatres
in the state are reported closed, the Wol-
verine and Times Square, both of Detroit;
six houses upstate and one in Detroit
changed hands in the period.
Collins in Legion Post
Tom Collins, nephew of the late M. E.
Comerford and an official of the Comerford
circuit, has been nominated without opposi-
tion for post commander of the Koch-Conley
American Legion post.
The Dearborn theatre in Chicago, oper-
ated by Jones, Linick and Schaeffer, is the
latest addition to the Allied Theatre group,
according to Jack Kirsch, Allied of Illinois
president.
A Yiddish film, "A Brivele der Mamen,"
released by Joseph Green's Sphinx Film
Company, opened at the Waldorf theatre,
New York, Thursday.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
Warner Stars at
Palomar Opening
Several Warner Brothers stars and fea-
tured players were to have attended the
opening of the Fall season at John Danz's
Palomar theatre in Seattle this week when
the Warner-First National product has its
initial showings there. "The Old Maid" will
be the screen attraction.
Included among the players expected to
appear are Hugh Herbert, Gloria Dickson,
John Payne, Ronald Reagan, Dennis Mor-
gan, Claire Windsor, Lya Lys, Jane Gilbert,
William Lundigan, Jean Parker, Maris
Wrixson, Sella Bromley, Lucille Fairbanks
and Nanette Fabares.
Post Foreign Rights
Post Pictures Corporation will continue
to handle foreign rights to the single reel
color short subjects, "Popular Science"
and "Unusual Occupations," produced by
Jerry Fairbanks and Robert Carlisle. The
agreement covers the 1939-'40 output on the
two series.
Set Distribution Deal
J. H. Hoffberg, president of the J. H.
Hoffberg Company, has closed a deal with
Sam Nathanson, general sales manager of
Coast Pictures Corporation, to handle PIof¥-
berg's entire program in Southern Cali-
fornia and Arizona. Coast Pictures was re-
cently organized by Mr. Nathanson, form-
erly with Columbia ; Maurice L. Fischer
and Irwin E. Meyer.
Griffith Circuit
Personnel Changes
The Griffith Amusement Company has
made the following changes in personnel in
cities that it operates theatres: E. R. Slo-
cum, operator of the El Caro theatre in El
Reno, Okla., has taken charge of all Griffith
theatres in that city including the Criterion,
Empress and Royal in addition to the El
Caro, which the circuit acquired from him.
Mr. Slocum has become a Griffith partner in
El Reno.
Kenneth Blacklidge, who had been manag-
ing the El Reno theatres, has been trans-
ferred to Okmulgee, Okla., where he is now
city manager for the circuit in charge of the
Yale and Orpheum theatres. Turner Morri-
sett, city manager in Claremore, Okla., in
charge of the Yale and Palace theatres there,
has resigned and has been replaced by Calvin
Council, who formerly managed the Welling-
ton, Tex., theatres for the circuit.
W. L. Turk, city manager at Sunray,
Tex., has been transferred to the Welling-
ton theatres. Charles Oliver, assistant man-
ager at Pampa, Tex., for Griffith, has been
promoted to city manager of the Sunray,
Tex., houses.
Ritter Continues Tour
Tex Ritter is continuing his personal ap-
pearance tour through the South and West,
in which he visits Alliance, Ohio ; Parkers-
burg and Moundsville, W. Va. ; McConnell-
ville, Nelsonville, Chillicothe and Galipolis,
Ohio ; Martin, Ashland and Cynthiana, Ky.,
and Ironton, Ohio. He returns to Holly-
wood and the Monogram studios September
20th.
National Decency Legion
Classifies 27 Pictures
Of 27 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in the past
two weeks 19 were approved for general
patronage, five were listed as unobjection-
able for adults and three were cited as ob-
jectionable in part. The films and their
classification follow.
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "The Adventures of Sherlock
Holmes," "The Angels Wash Their Faces,"
"Babes in Arms," "Charlie Chan at Treas-
ure Island," "Death Rides the Range,"
"Everything on Ice," "Fighting Gringo,"
"Flight at Midnight," "In Old Monterey,"
"Konga, the Wild Stallion," "The Man Who
Dared," "Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase," "Nurse Edith Cavell," "Okla-
homa Frontier," "Perpetual Sacrifice," "She
Married a Cop," "The Television Spy,"
"Torchy Plays with Dynamite," "The
Under-Pup." Class A-2, Unobjectionable
for Adults : "Blackmail," "Dust Be My Des-
tiny," "News Is Made at Night," "One
Hour to Live," "The Witness Vanishes."
Class B, Objectionable in Part: "Midnight
Menace," "Royal Divorce," "The Women."
Loew Shifts Ad Men
Gene Murphy of the Loew's circuit ad-
vertising and publicity staff, is now handling
newspaper contacts for the New York cir-
cuit and Loew's State advertising. George
Sharf, who has been handling the State, has
been placed in charge of Brooklyn news-
paper contacts and Loew's Metropolitan
publicity under Edward Dowden, Brooklyn
publicity director.
Should SHE surrender everything
for his love? Or was it just an
'1
^ •It'-'
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
Pa+he History Reviewed
In Brokerage Survey
Josephthal and Company, New York
brokerage house, in a statement this week
on the current financial position of Pathe
Laboratories, Inc., reviews the history of
the company, which was formed in Feb-
ruary, 1939, to take over the business and
assets of Pathe Fihn, with the exception of
that company's holdings of du Pont Film
Manufacturing Corporation stock, in accord-
ance with a plan for segregation of assets
approved by stockholders.
At the present time, according to the
statement, Pathe Laboratories, is engaged in
developing and printing motion picture films.
It holds a five year contract running to
January 1, 1942 to handle exclusively all
news printing, negative developing and rush
work of Pathe News, Inc. Another contract
with Monogram extends until April, 1943.
In addition the company does work for some
of the small independent motion picture
producers.
The statement said that to expand Pathe's
sources of income the management has en-
deavored to expand by manufacturing or
distributing other products which would
utilize its present laboratory and negative
printing facilities. The statement listed the
miniature movie camera called "Movie
Viewer" and the "Pathe Film Recorder,"
an automatic, high-speed document camera
for microfilming loose sheet papers of vari-
ous sizes, as new developments to be ex-
ploited.
Second Series of Meetings
In Kent Drive Are Begun
The second series of branch meetings for
the S. R. Kent sales drive for Twentieth
Century-Fox was begun in Los Angeles a
week ago with Herman Wobber, general
sales manager, and M. A. Levy, Minneapo-
lis district manager and drive leader, con-
ducting the rally.
The meetings will wind up at the New
York exchange September 19th. Division
and district managers will accompany Mr.
Levy on his visits around the country. Mr.
Wobber will attend the sessions at San
Francisco, Portland, Salt Lake City and
Denver.
William J. Kupper, western division head,
will join Mr. Levy at Denver, and W. C.
Gehring and William Sussman, division
managers, will accompany him in the cen-
tral and eastern sections, respectively. The
meetings will be attended by sales stafifs,
bookers and ad sales managers, with staffs
from two to four exchanges present.
Cosmic, Friedman and
Documentary Formed
New incorporations at Albany, N. Y.
this week were : Cosmic Theatrical Agency,
Inc., 200 shares, no par value, directors
Tony Kobrin, Max Tepperman, and Al-
bert Leving; Documentary Film Produc-
tions, Inc., motion pictures, by John W.
Cosgrove, Edwin Lindgren, and David
Jackson; and Friedman Theatrical Enter-
prises, Inc., Newburgh, authorized to issue
$100,000 of capital stock. Directors of this
organization are Theodore J. Friedman, of
Suffern ; Harry J. Friedman, of Newburgh ;
and Rose Friedman, of the Bronx. Papers
were submitted by Joseph Friedman, of
Catskill.
Jack Cohn To Tour
South American Cities
Jack Cohn, vice-president of Columbia,
plans a tour of the company's South Ameri-
can exchanges in the fall. He will be ac-
companied by Joseph A. McConville, foreign
manager. The two will go first to Buenos
Aires to attend the company's convention
there, in October.
Following that session, Mr. Cohn and Mr.
McConville will undertake an extensive tour
of the Columbia Latin American America
offices, visiting Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo,
Caracas and other Latin American centers.
The South American trip marks a final
stage in a series of visits by Mr. Cohn to the
company's exchanges in foreign countries.
He recently toured offices in England and
France.
Paramount Trailers
To Start January 5th
Paramount's announcement last May, at
its sales convention, that it would with the
new season start producing its own trailers,
which up to now have been produced and
distributed by National Screen Service, was
followed Tuesday by a decision to make the
first Paramount trailer available for the
feature to be released January 5, 1940.
In the announcement it was stated that the
company believes that a trailer planned, made
and distributed by the men who make the
pictures can be packed with more showman-
ship, more originality, and more right-on-
the-picture selling power than a trailer made
any other way. Paramount plans to issue
two styles of trailer for each picture, a De
Luxe trailer for first-run houses and a regu-
lar trailer for subsequent runs.
Free Films Hurting
Wisconsin Theatres
Wisconsin exhibitors are searching for
some means of controlling the showing of
free 16 mm. films by outdoor amusement
parks, resorts and even dairy and ice cream
stands. While producers and distributors
claim they have no jurisdiction over these
films, state exhibitors in resort territories
are finding the competition serious.
One exhibitor operating theatres in a town
of 5,000 population reports at least seven
resorts and parks in his area showing free
films and attracting as many as 25,000 per-
sons. Competition from jackrabbit opera-
tors in Wisconsin has always been bad but
this added opposition presents a serious prob-
lem for exhibitors.
AT&T Reduction on
Leased Wire Rate
The long lines department of the American
Telephone and Telegraph Company an-
nounced this week that it had filed a new
rate schedule with the Federal Communica-
tions Commission, reducing charges for cer-
tain of its private line services. The reduc-
tion will total slightly more than $1,000,000
a year and is filed to become effective on
September 16th.
The security business, it was announced,
will be the chief beneficiary of the proposed
new rate setup, but it will also affect some
industrial companies and transportation ser-
vices Some 700 to 800 clients of the long
lines department will gain by the reduction.
Muzak wired music uses the service.
Batsel Completes
Tour of Midwest
Max C. Batsel, RCA Photophone's chief
engineer, has returned to Camden, N. J.,
from a tour of several midwestern cities
where he visited more than a score of ex-
hibitors and circuit operators to obtain
their viewpoints on the practical operating
phases of motion picture sound recording
and reproducing.
"The research and development laborato-
ries have been making better and better re-
cording methods available to the industry,"
Mr. Batsel said, "and they have matched
these advances with comparably improved
reproducing equipment for the theatre, with
which to pass on to the public the full
measure of entertainment which Hollywood
puts into the music and the dramatic sound
effects of the modern motion picture.
"I found that some exhibitors are not
getting anywhere near the full entertain-
ment value out of their pictures or their
sound equipment. Often, when the sound in
a picture begins to work up to a dramatic
climax, they turn down the volume, either
out of ignorance or because their obsolete
reproducing equipment does not have the
power. Either way, all Hollywood's efforts
to advance the art with effective, dramatic
sound are stopped at the very point of sale
to the public."
WPA Writers Project
Continues in New York
The Federal Writers Project, which,
according to Congressional decree, was to
dissolve by September 1st unless spon-
sored locally, will be continued next year in
New York State outside of New York City,
under the sponsorship of the Bureau of State
Publicity of the State Department of Con-
servation. One of the Project's works is a
bibliography of the motion picture business,
being compiled in conjunction with Iris
Barry of the Museum of Modern Art Film
Library.
The main effort of the New York State
Writers Project has been devoted to the
preparation of "The Guide to the Empire
State," the manuscript of which is reported
to be in the "pre-final" stage before publica-
tion.
Film Industry Hearings
On Belgian Trade Treaty
The motion picture industry, in common
with other business, will have an opportunity
to file briefs in support of or in opposition to
tariff concessions as proposed in the new
trade treaty with Belgium which will be ne-
gotiated by the U. S. Department of State.
The committee for reciprocity information
has set September 16th as the closing date
for filing briefs, and has announced that
hearings relative to the new treaty will be-
gin October 2nd.
On the list of products to be negotiated on
are sensitized but not exposed or developed
motion picture film having a width of one
inch or more, and photographic films sensi-
tized but not exposed or developed having a
width of less than one inch.
Ray Higdon has been retained by Part-
nership Theatres, Inc., Dallas, Tex., as con-
tact man in an expansion program. At pres-
ent he will work in Arkansas, but his activi-
ties will include Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska
and Arizona.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
75
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE and BLONDIE MEETS THE BOSS:
Penny Singleton, Artliur Lake, Larry Simms — We used
these two pictures on bargain nights to get them in-
troduced but are promoting tlie rest of the Blondie
series to better and bigger nights. For real entertain-
ment for all the family you can't beat them. And we
were afraid of them. Running time, 71 minutes.
Played August 28-29.— M. L. DuBose, Majestic The-
atre, CotuUa, Texas. Small town and country patron-
age.
CLOUDS OVER EUROPE: Laurence Olivier, Va-
lerie Hobson, Ralph Richardson — Entertaining pro-
gramer. Pleased generally. The title will draw too.
Running time, 70 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
FLIGHT TO FAME: Charles Farrell, Jacqueline
Wells — A very good action picture for a dual bill.
Saved our face as we double billed it with "Storm in
a Teacup." — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury.
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
GOOD GIRLS GO TO PARIS: Melvyn Douglas,
Joan Blondell, Walter Connolly — A clever little comedy
with Walter Connolly the whole show. Was well re-
ceived but will not stand extended runs. Running
time, 78 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Li-
gonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Cary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthel mess, Phomas Mitchell — An-
other top picture from Columbia. However, we had
too much competition to rate it. Jean Arthur and
Cary Grant turn in fine performances and I am sure
everyone is glad to welcome Richard Barthelmess back.
If your patrons like aviation epics out of the ordinary,
they will go for this one. Running time, 127 minutes.
Played September 1-2.— R. A. Moore, State Theatre,
Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
SMASHING THE SPY RING: Fay Wray, Ralph
Bellamy — Fine for any situation that likes action.
Played it on weekend with western. Did average busi-
ness. War tension reacted on box office. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
First National
ANGELS WASH THEIR FACES: "Dead End
Kids," Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan, Bonita Gran-
ville, Frankie Thomas — This picture is a decided dis-
appointment if one is to compare it with "Angels with
rWrty Faces," and since the title would suggest a
comparison, it should have been a much better picture.
However, we did above average business on Sunday
and Monday but our patrons were expecting it to
measure up >o "Angels with Dirty Faces." There are
some amusing situations but the payoff comes when
they dig up laws as "spitting on the sidewalk" and'
"bowling on Sunday" to catch the tough crooks who
would shoot to kill at the bat of an eye. It looks like
silly, childish stuff to me. Ronald Reagan is coming
to the front and gives a smooth performance. Ann
Sheridan is supposed to be the "oomph" girl but she
has a hard time showing much "oomph" in this at-
mosphere. Warner Brothers have the edge on other
producers on such shows as this and they make it
believable in spite of weak story. It has its amusing
situations and some exciting scenes, but you will
hear your customers trying to compare it with "Angels
with Dirty Faces" and the answer is "No. that fine
picture is hard to beat!" Running time, 86 minutes.
Flayed August 27-28.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Thea-
tre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G.
Robinson, _ Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas— I was kind
of disappointed in the picture and the majority of the
patrons were, too. It was drawn out and while it was
fairly interesting, there wasn't enough to it to round
out the story. No one walked out but there were a
lot that didn't care for it. I think a better job could
have been done on the material they had to produce it
with. Running time, 100 minutes. Played August 11-
13.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash.
General patronage.
COWBOY QUARTERBACK, THE: Bert Wheeler,
Marie Wilson, Gloria Dickson— A little early for the
football season but the picture has its funny moments
and the usual weekend crowd got a big kick out of the
comedy.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess 'Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the 'Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald— This picture
was very well taken and drew extra business. The
acting of Bette Davis is superb. Running time, 106
minutes. Played August 25-27.— O. W. Chapek, An-
nex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small town
patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: James Cagney, George Raft,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — Here is a swell picture
that will stand up in any spot. True, it is one of
those gangster and penitentiary pictures that Warner
Brothers have flooded our theatres with, but it is
definitely a much higher type picture. It is sordid,
brutal and cruel but it will hold interest from begin-
ning to end. James Cagney gets better with every
picture and he and George Raft turn out excellent
performances. The jailhouse scenes, which constitute
most of the picture, are the best I have ever seen on
a screen and all the supporting players handle their
parts to perfection. You can't go wrong on this one.
It has box office appeal outside and customer appeal
inside. I could not say many nice things about
"Angels Wash Their Faces" but this powerful and
frank melodrama certainly deserves all praises. Hats
off to Warner Brothers for this one! Running time,
92 minutes. Played August 29-30.— Mrs. W. A. Wight,
Rex Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: James Cagney, George Raft,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — One of the best of the
Cagneys from Warner. — B. C. Brown, Vernon and
Temple Theatres, Viroqua, Wis. General patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann
Rutherford — We did a very nice business on this pic-
ture for two nights, then ran into one of those cham-
pionship soft ball games and the third night was just
a washout. The picture pleased about as good as any
but Metro slapped percentage on this after allocating
at flat rental. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Thea-
tre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden,
Ann Rutherford — This may be heresy but on this
series, although they do business, they are getting into
a rut and liable to bog down, if they don't get away
from the stereotyped scenarios that have been the
last three pictures. Base story and here it is; check
me, if I am wrong. Stone gets into financial difficul-
ties, pulling out okay at the last moment. Mickey falls
in love and does a lot of mugging and believe it or
not, the man to man stuff is getting slightly rasp-
berry. There is just the deadly sameness to them and
the audience is beginning to realize it. However, they
have not slipped yet. But, I don't see how Metro
can continually use this same old routine and keep
the Hardys on top. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Thea-
tre, Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden,
Ann Rutherford — Good picture; good business. Played
August 30-31. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
BAD MAN OF BRIMSTONE: Wallace Beery, Vir-
ginia Bruce. Dennis Morgan — Played in place of
"Broadway Serenade," and while we didn't break any
house records, it saved us a loss on the other picture.
It is still about as good as any of the big outdoor
epics, and if you can get a print, 1 would say book it.
— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
BROADWAY SERENADE: Jeanette MacDonald.
Lew Ayres, Frank Morgan, Ian Hunter — Feature had
its points but very few. The songs were up to stand-
ard but nothing to go with them. This girl is not
much of a draw without her old screen sweetheart,
Eddy. Could have done better with another Tarzan
picture. Running time, 112 minutes. Played July 23-
24.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash.
General patronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore— Not as good as the first but it took well.
Seems to me that there could and should be more
action in these. They sort of saunter along from one
situation to another and never get any real action
sequence as the general public visualize a hospital.
Running time, 88 minutes. Played July 30-31.— G. R.
Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General
patronage,
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer Gar-
son — Don't expect this to lift the mortgage but it's
a swell show. The magazines give it a good boost
but Metro's trailer will kill it for you. If I were
playing it again, I wouldn't run the trailer. Every-
body reads the movie magazines and they have been
full of praise for this picture. Run it any time.
Running time, 114 minutes. Played August 23-24.—
M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, CotuUa, Texas.
Small town and country patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer Gar-
son — A very artistic production that held interest from
beginning to end. It pleased generally. Played Au-
gust 27-28.— B. C. Brown, Vernon and Temple Thea-
tres, Viroqua, Wis. General patronage.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Mickey Rooney,
Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann Ruther-
ford—Not so good as "Out West with the Hardys"
but still very good entertainment. Mickey, as usual,
is a riot and all other members of the cast give an
excellent performance. Running time, 81 minutes.
Played August 11-13.— Gladys E. McArdle, Owl The-
atre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patronage.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: James Stewart,
Claudette Colbert, Guy Kibbee, Nat Pendleton — James
Stewart gets better in every role he plays and he
was plenty good to start. Claudette Colbert is very
good while Guy Kibbee and Nat Pendleton never fail
to furnish _ the comedy. Goofy story but pleased.
Running time, 96 minutes. Played August 25-27. —
Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas.
Small town patronage.
KID FROM TEXAS, THE: Dennie O'Keefe, Flor-
ence Rice — We ran this bargain night and what a
bargain. Good any time. Plenty of action and loaded
with comedy. Running time, 70 minutes. Played
August 22.— M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla,
Texas. Small town and country patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Lamarr — Classy. The lady has "oomph." Picture en-
tertaining. Extended runs in any spot and it's click-
ing. Running time, 68 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Lamarr — We did only fair with a big bally on Hedy,
and while the picture isn't so much a record breaker,
we did have a lot of favorable comments on the most
beautiful star in pictures. Metro have their sights
set pretty high, seemingly thinking that there is just
as much business as ever and they can't change. You
can do all right with this one, if they'll allocate it
right, but don't pay top prices. — Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
LET FREEDOM RING: Nelson Eddy, Virginia
Bruce. Lionel Barrymore. Edward Arnold, Guy Kib-
bee. Victor McLaglen — Very fine picture which did
not draw the rural patronage we thought it should.
You'd be surprised the number of people who do not
come to see a Nelson Eddy picture because they think
he is going to sing some of those operatic numbers.
This picture had a wonderful ending which all Ameri-
cans should see at this particular time. Running time,
87 minutes. Played September 1-2. — Horn and Mor-
gan, Inc.. Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
LUCKY NIGHT: Myrna Loy, Robert Taylor— Ex-
cellent entertainment with plenty of comedy, which
is what they want. Myrna Loy is one of the best
(Continued on follozinn/j page)
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(Continued from preceding page)
stars on the screen and Robert Taylor is always good.
Very good supporting cast. Running time, 81 minutes.
Played August 8-12.— Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Thea-
tre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patronage.
LUCKY NIGHT: Myrna Loy, Robert Taylor— A
fine show that was well liked. It has a few dead
spots but there is enough else to please most everyone.
Lots of good laughs and comedy situations. Running
time, 83 minutes. Played August 13-14.— G. R. Borden,
Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General patron-
age.
LUCKY NIGHT: Robert Taylor, Myrna Loy— Weak
story which was well played but did not draw worth
a darn. In fact, was the weakest Sunday-Monday
program in weeks. Running time, 81 minutes. Played
August 27-28.— Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
MAISIE: Ann Sothern, Robert Young— Tops in
comedy with Ann Sothern coming into the niche she
so richly deserves. Very, very good for a short run.
Running time, 74 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
MAISIE: Ann Sothern, Robert Young— Excellent.
Have had requests from people who missed it to have
it back again and it only played five days ago. The
picture just has everything. Running time, 75 min-
utes. Played August 20-21.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-
BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny Weissmuller
Maureen O'Sullivan— There is no need to go in length
on the box oflfice merits of this picture. If you haven t
run it, grab it, give it your best playing time, go
heavy on the advertising and your customers will do _ ■ .,
the rest! It's a box office natural for any town, large KePUDlIC
or siriall. Running time, 82 minutes. Played J"ly 23- '
24— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex Theatre, Konawa, Ukla.
Small town patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Rochester, Jack Benny, Dor-
othy Lamour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes — Note
the heading of the cast. Well, that tells the tale.
His stooge took the ball away from Benny and made
a touchdown. Yes, sir, that's what he did, and hence
it was a good picture with Rochester committing
plain larceny. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre,
Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester —
Good picture; good business. Rochester steals the
show. Played August 27-28.— E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross,
Una Merkel, Gene Krupa and His Orchestra — Played
with "Charlie Chan in Reno." Made a fairly entertain-
ing program. They won't walk out. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Towne, Maine. General patron-
age.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross,
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Una Merkel — Pro-
duced for the younger generation. Sadly disappointed
in Bob Hope in this picture as he usually does well
here. However, Gene Krupa helps a lot. Business
way below average. Running time, 64 minutes. Played
August 30-31.— R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Qarence,
Iowa, Rural patronage.
UNMARRIED: Buck Jones, Helen Twelvetrees—
Buck Jones fans were surprised and pained to find him
cast as a prize fighter instead of a western star. Just
a program picture. Played September 1-2. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt
—This one surprised me. It turned out to be a swell
little mystery story with action and suspense. Very
fine mid-week or Friday -Saturday picture. Running
time, 68 minutes. Played August 15-17.— G. K. Bor-
den, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General
patronage.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt
—Here is a dandy little program picture. Lots better
than most of the big specials. Melvyn Douglas at
the head of a large newspaper does a very nice job
as an amateur detective. The story is interesting
and will hold attention of the theatregoers from start
to finish. Running time, 69 minutes. Played August
25-26.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Mary Boland,
Joan Fontaine— This picture is slow starting and the
action is slow but there are some of the best lines m
it that any picture can boast of in the past few years.
Rosalind Russell practically steals the show and it
you can sell the title, the picture will satisfy. It s
plenty long, so cut out the shorts. Played September
3-5.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
BLUE MONTANA SKIES: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette, June Storey — They seem to keep coming to
these Autrys, proving that he is popular. — B. C.
Brown, Vernon and Temple Theatres, Viroqua, Wis.
General patronage.
THREE TEXAS STEERS: Three Mesquiteers (John
Wayne, Ray Corrigan, Max Terhune), Carole Landis
— Everyone seemed to like this. No raves. Played
during war tension, which reacted on box office. — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
RKO Radio
Monogram
MYSTERY OF MR. WONG, THE: Boris Karloff,
Dorothy Tree— Not as entertaining as the first Mr.
Wong picture. This series seems to go pretty well
here. They aren't big but they certainly hold your
interest as well as having unusual plots. Running
time, 66 minutes. Played July 28-29.— G. R. Borden,
Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General pat-
ronage.
Paramount
HERITAGE OF THE DESERT: Donald Woods,
Evelvn Venabl^Above average western that did a
fair 'business. Most people remember the original
story of this but it wasn't the show it could have
been. Played it double bill and got by nicely. Run-
ning time, 73 minutes. Played July 21-22.— G. R.
Borden. Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General
patronage.
INVITATION TO HAPPINESS: Irene Dunne, Fred
MacMurray— An entertaining B picture that got by
nicely. No extended runs. Running time, 95 minutes.
— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine.
General patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester— I
may be a little late reporting on this picture as we
ran it in July. Top billing should have gone_ to that
colored boy, Rochester, who packs a wallop in every
scene and steals the show from Jack Benny, although
I must sav after his bad break in "Artists and Models
Abroad," Jack Benny proves himself a much better actor
with more amusing situations. In my opinion, Dorothy
Lamour does not sing as well as she did and a lot of
my patrons back me up on this. We did a good busi-
ness on this picture and I repeat, watch this Rochester
boy because he knows his stufif! Running time. 85
minutes. Played July 27-28.— Mrs. W. A. Wight, Rex
Theatre, Konawa, Okla. Small town patronage.
FISHERMAN'S WHARF: Bobby Breen, Leo Car-
rillo, Henry Armetta — Bobby Breen is no good in this
town at all. The fishing fleet was in and a few of
them turned out and walked out. Didn't do any
business; played it straight percentage and they got
the lowest rental I have paid this year. Running time,
71 minutes. Played August 18-19.— G. R. Borden, Jr.,
AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General patronage.
STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLED.
THE: Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Edna May Oliver,
Walter Brennan — While not as lavish or spectacular as
other Rogers and Astaire productions, it's good enter-
tainment. If you can get 'em inside, they will talk
it up 100 per cent. The oldtime songs everyone en-
joys. Running time, 93 minutes. Played September
3-4. — R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa.
Rural patronage.
TWELVE CROWDED HOURS: Richard Dix, Lu-
cille Ball — Poorest business in years. Did not make
film rental. Just poor B product. Running time, 70
minutes. Played August 24.— A. L. Dove, Bengough
Theatre, Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural
and small town patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers, Richard Bond, Ar-
leen Whelan — Not up to the last couple of Withers
pictures. It got a lot of laughs and still beat any
Shirley Temple show I have seen. This little gal has
what it takes and is well liked and we can use more
of her. Running time, 72 minutes. Played August 4-
5.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash.
General patronage.
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers, Richard Bond, Arleen
Whelan— Hardly up to Withers standards but did some
extra business at the box office. Running time, 72
minutes. Played August 25-26.— Horn and Morgan,
Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town
patronage.
CHARLIE CHAN IN RENO: Sidney Toler, Phyllis
Brooks, Ricardo Cortez — Played with "Some Like It
Hot." Made a fairly entertaining program. They
won't walk out.— W. E. McFhee, Strand Theatre, Old
■Town. Maine. General patronage.
CHARLIE CHAN IN RENO: Sidney Toler, Phyllis
Brooks, Ricardo Cortez — A good picture that pleased
a bargain night crowd and worth a date on your off
nights. Patrons seem to like Toler about as well as
Oland, but the series never was a record breaker for
us. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
FRONTIER MARSHAL: Randolph Scott, Nancy
Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes — This is a good
picture that pleased but we couldn't get many in to
see it. The price made us use it on a single bill
and on Friday and Saturday biit this class of patron-
age is noticeable by its absence. Takes more than
a "Frontier Marshal" to get them in. — Mayme P.
Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
FRONTIER MARSHAL, THE: Randolph Scott,
Nancy Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes — A better
than average outdoor picture. Played too soon after
the other big outdoor pictures and against "Each
Dawn I Die." Both did well, however. — B. C. Brown,
Vernon and Temple Theatres, Viroqua, Wis. General
patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Rich-
ard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel
Bruce — Didn't know so many people read books till
we played this. They liked it and they came out to
see it fairly well, considering the weather. Running
time, 80 minutes. Played August 9-10.— M. L. DuBose,
Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Texas. Small town and
country patronage.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU: Gloria Stuart.
Stuart Erwin — Willie, get the hammer; there's a fly
on baby's head. Running time, 68 minutes. — W. E.
McPbee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General
patronage.
NEWS IS MADE AT NIGHT: Preston Foster,
Lynn Bari— A mighty good programmer that is just
full of action and comedy. We used it on a double
with "Waterfront" and had plenty of stuff to please
a small Friday and Saturday crowd. Played Septem-
ber 1-2. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
NEWS IS MADE AT NIGHT: Preston Foster.
Lynn Bari — Just another picture; not strong enough
to stand alone. Played August 29. — E. M. Freiburger.
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Cesar Romero, Lynn Bari, Henry Hull — A
good Friday-Saturday or bargain night picture but
definitely not a Sunday picture. That was our mis-
take. Fox didn't sell it to us for a Sunday picture
but it has entertainment value and you'll need about
three shorts to fill out a program. Running time, 70
minutes. Played August 27-28.— M. L. DuBose, Ma-
jestic Theatre, Cotulla. Texas. Small town and
country patronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Lynn Bari, Cesar Romero, Henry Hull — Pic-
ture is pretty fair but wish I had played a good Gene
Autry instead. Would have done twice the business
and realized more profit. Running time, 70 minutes.
Played August 22-24.— G. R. Borden. Jr., AM-BC
Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General patronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Lynn Bari, Cesar Romero, Henry Hull-
Not a bad little picture. Enjoyed by all who saw
it. Did not do so well because of Burt County Fair
at Oakland. Running time, 71 minutes. Played Au-
gust 23-24.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Tyrone Pow-
er, Alice Faye, Al Jolson— I would not say better
than "Alexander's Ragtime Band" but will say just
as dog-gone good. Enjoyed by the young as well as
the older folks. We sure would like to see a lot more
of Al Jolson in the future. Running time, 71 minutes.
Played August 27-29.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
United Artists
I MET MY LOVE AGAIN: Henry Fonda, Joan
Bennett — Although on old picture, it really isn't bad.
Have seen much worse films. Henry and Joan make
a nice little team. Running time, 78 minutes. Played
August 30-31.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
STORM IN A TEACUP: Vivien Leigh, Rex Har-
rison— Brother exhibitor, if I ever gave you an honest
tip, "don't play this one." They don't come much
worse. So bad I was ashamed to meet our customers.
Made customers one week and lost them the next
week. Such film waste is a detriment for the film
industry. Don't ask us what we did because we didn't
do. The trailer was enough. If it were a free show,
I doubt if they would come in, even to get away from
their mother-in-law. — Harland Rankin, Plaza "Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
STAGECOACH: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy
Devine, George Bancroft, Thomas Mitchell, Louise
Piatt— Very good show that would have been just as
good if it would have been twenty minutes shorter.
Not enough action for the length. Running time, 96
minutes. Played September 1-3. — O. W. Chapek, An-
nex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small town
patronage.
TRADE WINDS: Fredric March, Joan Bennett,
Ralph Bellamy, Ann Sothern — An entertaining picture
that did not deserve the beating it took at the box
office. Took a nose dive that left my poor dog,
Michael, wondering where the next bone was coming
from. Fredric March is a forgotten man so far as
my patrons are concerned. Joan Bennett is very good
but the real star is Ann Sothern. That girl is headed
for stardom. She is even better in this than she was
in "Maisie." Pleased the very few who came. Run-
ning time, 95 minutes. Flayed September 1-3. — Gladys
E. McArdle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
I September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
WINTER CARNIVAL: Ann Sheridan, Richard Carl-
son, Helen Parrish, Robert Armstrong — Sheridan may
have "oomph" but the picture didn't. It is very-
poor and the chill wind not only blew over Dartmouth,,
it blew over the audience, and they hurried out of
the storm through the exits. — A. E. Hancock, Colum-
hia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Laurence Olivier, Merle
Oberon, David Niven, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Flora
Robson — Split decisions on this. The elite were en-
thusiastic and the common run not so certain. In
fact, they were very doubtful if it was worth their
money. The acting is tops and the recording just so-
so. It is very heavy and no comedy relief. And I
am frank in saying that it is not a picture that has
much chance of doing business the second day in a
rural town. That was true here. — A. E. Hancock,
Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. General pat-
ronage. 1 I I
Warner Brothers
DEVIL'S ISLAND: Boris Karloff, Nedda Harrigan
—Well, this held up to average for mid-week but the
trailer drove people away instead of increasing busi-
ness. They put all the gruesomeness they could find
in the trailer and the people are not looking for that
these days. Running time, 62 minutes. Played August
.1O-3I.— Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay
Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
DODGE CITY: Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn,
Ann Sheridan, Alan Hale, Bruce Cabot, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Nothing can be added to the many
favorable reports that have appeared. It was a small
town natural for us. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
HELL'S KITCHEN: "Dead End Kids," Margaret
Lindsay, Ronald Reagan — Excellent entertainment for-
my crowd and thoroughly enjoj'ed by all. Many com-
plimentary remarks, which helps in these days _ of
depression in our line. Play it by all means. Running
time, 80 minutes. Played September 7. — A. L. Dove,
Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Rural and small town patronage.
HELL'S KITCHEN: "Dead End Kids," Margaret
Lindsay, Ronald Reagan — This time it's hockey and
what a game. About on a par with their best ef-
forts. Some like them and on a bargain night this
picture really pleased. — Mayme P. Musselman, Prin-
cess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan. Gale Page — Powell didn't sing enough for most
people. They said they wanted to hear more from
him. The picture has lots of laughs. There is pep
most of the time and most everyone will get a kick
out of it. Running time, 91 minutes. Played August
6-7.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine,
Wash. General patronage.
SECRET SERVICE OF THE AIR: Ronald Rea-
gan, John Litel, Irene Rhodes — An excellent action
drama with several old time airplane shots that made
this picture one that was well taken by the audiences.
Running time, 61 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WATERFRONT: Dennis Morgan, Gloria Dickson,
Marie Wilson — This new boy has some good looks and
ability but the rough spots need smoothing off. The
picture has action and' that is what it takes to please
the weekend patrons, if you can get them in. We
can't — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
Short Features
Me+ro-Goldwyn-Mayer
COUSIN WILBUR: Our Gang— Better than most
of the recent Gang comedies. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Tlieatre. Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
DARK MAGIC: Robert Benchley— This is one of
the good Benchley shorts. He buys his kid a lot of
parlor tricks but they don't work so good. — Mayme
P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas.
Small town patronage.
DOG DAZE: Our Gang — The usual Our Gang laugh
riot. Running time, one reel. — Gladys E. McArdle,
Owl Tlieatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patron-
DUEL PERSONALITIES: Our Gang— A good com-
edy but this series is getting a trifle worn and thread-
bare. Running time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Cry-
stal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
GIANT OF NORWAY: Passing Parade, No. 7—
Entertaining. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey. Okla. Small town patronage.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Car-
toons— We have set this twice, have advertised it,
then Metro pulled it out and substituted. That don't
make us any friends and what a disappointment to
the kids. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Tlieatre,
Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
HAPPILY BURIED: Musical Comedies— Excellent
two-reel musical. Running time, two reels. — Gladys
E. McArdlc, Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
HOLLYWOOD HOBBIES: MGM Miniatures— Pret-
ty good but I couldn't make my patrons believe that
a new-born colt could be so frisky. — Mayme P. Mus-
selman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
HOW TO EAT: Robert Benchley— Entertaining
single reel. Running time, one reel. — Gladys E. Mc-
Ardle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
LITTLE GOLDFISH, THE: Cartoons— Excellent.—
Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs,
Neb. Small town patronage.
SEAL SKINNERS: Cartoons— My patrons cannot
see these sepia cartoons after the wonderful cartoons.
No good.— Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
TINY TROUBLES: Our Gang— Metro went back to
the old midget gag for this one but it is very good.
Drew a lot of laughs and they all enjoyed it. Run-
ning time, 10 minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
WANTED: NO MASTER: Cartoons— Wanted: no
more of these sepia cartoons. Not worth the electri-
city it took to run it. — Gladys E. McArdle, Owl The-
atre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patronage.
WHILE AMEUtICA SLEEPS: Crime Doesn't Pay
Series — A short on the spy ring activities in this
country that should be repeated if you have already
run this one. Excellent. Running time, 18 minutes.
— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
YANKEE DOODLE GOES TO TOWN: Passing
Parade, No. 6— An excellent reel and timely. — C. L.
Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
Paramount
DATE TO' SKATE, A: Fopeye the Sailor— Good
Popeye and if you have ever learned to skate, you
will appreciate it. Running time, six minutes. — G. R.
Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General
patronage.
FROLICKING FROGS: Grantland Rice Sportlights
{Continued on following pac/e)
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(Continued from preceding page)
—Some of the ladies didn't like frogs but the subject
is very fine and interesting. Running time, eight min-
utes.—G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blame,
Wash. General patronage.
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL: No. 12— Interesting
filler,— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS: No. 6— Entertaining.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
BROTHER GOLFERS: RKO Pathe Sportscope—
No entertainment value. Fancy having to pay for
such bunk to entertain educated people. Running
time, one reel— A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Ben-
gough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small town
patronage.
CLEAN SWEEP, A: Edgar Kennedy Comedies-
Kennedy is always good for laughs. This one is aver-
age and they like it. Running time, 16 minutes. — G. R.
Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General
patronage.
CRIME RAVE: Leon Errol Comedies— Little better
than the average from this company. Running time,
18 minutes.— A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Ben-
gough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small town
patronage.
MARCH OF TIME: No. 12— This is the best in a
long time. Our patrons are getting very tired of
the war subjects in March of Time this year.— Horn
and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb.
Small town patronage.
POINTER, THE: Walt Disney Cartoons— A fair
Disney cartoon.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa,
Iowa. General patronage.
SEA SCOUTS: Walt Disney Cartoons— A perfect
picture cartoon.— L. A. Irwin, Palace Theatre, Pena-
cook, N. H. General patronage.
TALENT AUCTION: Nu- Atlas Productions— Good
single reel. Running time, one reel. — A. L. Dove,
Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Rural and small town patronage.
UGLY DUCKLING, THE: Walt Disney Cartoons
— Next to "Ferdinand the Bull," this is one of Dis-
ney s best cartoons. Lots of laughs. Running time,
eight minutes. — M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre,
Cotulla, Texas. Small town and country patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
GANDY THE GOOSE IN DOOMSDAY: Terry -
Toons — Better than some cartoons but still not up to
average short subject entertainment. Running time,
seven minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
GANDY THE GOOSE IN DOOMSDAY: Terry-
Toons — Color cartoon that is quite good. Based on a
fable, it goes well with everyone. Running time, seven
minutes.— G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine,
Wash. General patronage.
GANDY THE GOOSE IN G-MAN JITTERS: Ter
ry-Toons — Just another cartoon. Why don't some film
company make a few good comedies. These animated
affairs are a waste of time and money. Running time,
seven minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
HOUSEWIFE HERMAN: Terry -Toons— This is a
very poor cartoon. The kids wouldn't even stay to
see the second showing. Running time, eight minutes.
— M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Texas.
Small town and country patronage.
HUNTING DOGS: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)— If you
have any hunters or dog lovers, this will go over big.
Running time, 11 minutes. — M. L. DuBose, Majestic
Theatre, Cotulla, Texas. Small town and country
patronage.
HUNTING DOGS: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)— Men
will like this reel on trailing dogs. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
MOVIETONE NEWS: Unquestionably the best.—
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
OLD FIRE HORSE: Terry -Toons— Good black and
white cartoon. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, D'ewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
TEMPEST OVER TUNIS: Magic Carpet Series-
Would be OK if you have plenty of short subjects
with it. Running time, 10 minutes. — Guy G. Black,
Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
YOUTH IN THE SADDLE: Ed Thorgersen
(Sports) — For horse lovers, very good. Running time,
W/i minutes.— Guy G. Black. Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
Universal
GOING PLACES: No. 63— This is a trip through
the Adler Planetarium of Chicago and is a very dry
subject for a small town. Running time, eight min-
utes.—A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
HAWAIIAN CAPERS: Mentone Musical Comedies
— Very poor. Running time, 18 minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
STRANGER THAN FICTION: No. 63— Very good
with plenty of diversification. Running time, seven
minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
Vitaphone
BLUE BARRON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters— Another band act that seemed to please.—
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
CLYDE LUCAS AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters— Most of these Melody Masters are okay.
Some have enough variety to be different.— Mayme
F. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas.
Small town patronage.
GOLD RUSH DAZE: Merrie Melodies— A good col-
ored cartoon and worth a date.— Mayme P. Mussel-
man, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
KNIGHT IS YOUNG: Hal LeRoy— Another one
from Vitaphone that isn't so good. Got quite a few
remarks on how fine the shorts were but when we
came to this one it let the program down again.
Running time, 18 minutes.— G. R. Borden. Jr., AM-BC
Tlieatre, Blaine, Wash. General patronage.
LITTLE PANCHO VANILLA: Merrie Melodies-
One of the cutest cartoons we have ever run. including
Disneys. If your audience know anything about
Mexicans or their language, they'll get a big kick
out of this. Running time, seven minutes.— M. L.
DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Texas. Small
town and country patronage.
MERLE KENDRICKS AND HIS ORCHESTRA:
Melody Masters— Just fair.— Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre. Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
MINUTE FROM DEATH, A: Floyd Gibbons' "Your
True Adventure" Series — Good as any of these True
Adventures. Will make you sit up and take notice in
spots.' — Mayme P. Musselman Princess Theatre, Lin-
coln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
MIRACLES OF SPORT: Color Parade-The print
on this was so bad that we only tried to run it one
time, then canned it and shipped it back. Would have
been all right if we could have kept it in the machine.
— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT MICE: Merrie Melodies — Good
cartoon in color. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
NIGHT WATCHMAN: Merrie Melodies— Good c9lor
cartoon. These cartoons are one place where Vita-
phone really do us some good. Running time, six min-
utes.—G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC Theatre, Blaine,
Wash. General patronage.
PORKY AND TEABISCUIT: Looney Tunes— A
good cartoon that pleased the kids. — Mayme F. Mus-
selman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small
town patronage.
PORKY AND TEABISCUIT: Looney Tunes— One
of the best black and white cartoons this season. Run-
ning time, six minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
PORKY'S MOVIE MYSTERY: Looney Tunes-
Good black and white cartoon. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
RAY KINNEY AND HIS HAWAIIANS: Melody
Masters — Very fine. Play it. Orchids to Warners. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
ROBBIN' GOOD: Vitaphone Varieties— A good ex-
pose of the crooked gamblers, and worth a date.—
Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
ROBIN HOOD MAKES GOOD: Merrie Melodies—
Another colored cartoon that did fill in some running
time. Kids like these and after all they rate some
consideration. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Thea-
tre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town patronage.
SEEING SPOTS: Broadway Brevities— Very ordi-
nary. Running time, 20 minutes. — Horn and Morgan,
Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town
patronage.
SMALL TOWN IDOL, A: Broadway Brevities— Be
sure to date this one. It will bring back a lot of
memories and it really is funny. All about the movies
of Mack Sennett days. It will do you good to hear
them laugh at this old timer. — Mayme P. Musselman,
Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas. Small town pat-
ronage.
SNOW MAN'S LAND: Merrie Melodies— A clever
little cartoon that was well received. Running time,
eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier,
Ind. Small town patronage.
STAR DUST: Benny Davis — Have had no luck
with most of Vitaphone shorts in black and white.
Running time, 16 minutes. — G. R. Borden, Jr., AM-BC
Theatre, Blaine, Wash. General patronage.
TAX TROUBLE: Vitaphone Varieties — A very
good Grouch Club. Plenty of laughs for all. Run-
ning time, seven minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
THUGS WITH DIRTY MUGS: Merrie Melodies—
A very good cartoon with plenty of laughs. Running
time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
TWO' SHADOWS: Broadway Brevities— Just fair
entertainment. Print on this not so good. Running
time, 18 minutes. — A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre,
Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small
town patronage.
WITNESS TROUBLE: Vitaphone Varieties— Just
ordinary. Running time, 10 minutes. — Horn and Mor-
gan, Inc.. Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
Serial
Columbia
SPIDER'S WEB, THE: Warren Hull. Iris Mere-
dith— We have just run the ninth episode and are us-
ing it on bargain night, so get them back each week.
They make plenty of fun of this serial but go to see
it on that account. Think maybe they are right. —
Mayme P. Musselman. Princess Theatre, Lincoln,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
Cedric Worth, screen writer; Robert
Richards, former managing editor of the
March of Time radio program, and Peter
Lyon, radio writer, have been added to the
staff of The March of Time, according to
Louis de Rochemont, March of Time pro-
ducer.
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"ZZZSee our exhibits at the two great Fairs /"^Z.
September
19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
UNIVERSAL NET IS IMPROVEMENT
OF $1,743,102 FOR NINE MONTHS
Pathe and Telephone Company
Both Show Profit; Paramount
Votes Dividend, Twentieth
Century-Fox on Preferred
In the midst of the war news came the an-
nouncement this week that Universal Pic-
tures earned a net profit of $989,955 for the
nine months ending on July 29th of this
year.
Two other corporations, allied with and
in the motion picture industry, Pathe Film
Corporation, and American Telephone and
Telegraph Company, issued financial figures,
Pathe disclosing less profit this year than
last, and the A. T. & T. showing an im-
provement over its income one year ago.
Taking a "long view," and citing "the
present uncertainty of revenue from foreign
markets," the directors of Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox Film Corporation passed the divi-
dend on the company's common stock. How-
ever, they voted a dividend of ZlYi cents
per share, on the outstanding preferred.
The Universal figures were for the con-
solidated profit, after all charges, but before
federal income taxes. They were contained
in a letter by J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman
of the board, to the stockholders.
$1,743,102 Improvement
The figures represent an improvement of
$1,743,102 over the same nine months in 1938
and an improvement of $2,126,964 over the same
period in 1937. In 1938, the company had a
loss of $753,107; in 1937, a loss of $1,136,968.
In 1936 the company showed a loss of $812,-
473 for a similar period. The new profit figures
represent an improvement of $1,802,469.
Dividend on Preferred
At the same time, the company's directors
voted a dividend of 2ny2 cents per share for the
third quarter of 1939 on the outstanding pre-
ferred stock, payable September 30th to stock-
holders of record on September 18th.
The Pathe Film Corporation financial report
shows a decline in net profits, thus : $35,310 for
the six months ended June 30th, 1939, against
$51,679 for the same period in 1938.
The consolidated income account for the six
months, compares with previous years, as fol-
lows :
1939 193S 1937
Income from film develop-
ment, rents, etc $173,477 $483,974 $705,436
Costs and expenses 201,475 511,956 680,057
$ 27,982 *$ 25,379
80,821 84,224
Operating loss $ 27,998
Other income 71,501
Total income $ 43,503 $ 52,839 $109,603
[nterest. etc 8,193 1,160 5,054
Net profit $ 35,310 $ 51,679 $104,549
*Profit.
The A. T. & T. report shows a large im-
provement for the seven months of this year up
to July 31st, amounting to a net income of
$80,673,486, against $75,881,172 a year ago. This
includes dividends received from subsidiary and
other companies.
Directors of Western Electric on this Tuesday
voted a dividend of 75 cents per share on its
common stock. This is payable on September
30th, this year, to stockholders of record on
September 22d, 1939.
The directors of Paramount Pictures, Inc.,
Columbia Films' Consolidated
Statement for 53 Weeks Period
Columbia Pictures, in the 5 3 xveeks ended July 1, 1939, shoived a net profit of
$2,046.76, after provisions for federal and other taxes, as reported in Motion Pic-
ture Herald last week. The company's consolidated statement of operations and
earned surplus account follotvs:
Gross income from rentals and sales of film and accessories $19,413,794.83
Deduct :
Amortization of production costs $ I! ,57 1 ,37 1 .02
Share to producers and participants 762,529.04
Cost of accessories and prints 396,443.25
General, administrative and selling expenses.
Net operating profit
12,730,343.31
$ 6,683,451.52
6,663,946.52
$ 19,505.00
Other income. Including discount on purchases,
excess duties recovered, Interest Income, re-
coveries from obsolete prints, etc $ 91,149.55
Other deductions. Including profit and loss on
foreign exchange (net). Interest expense, etc.. . . 21,753.63
Interest on debentures of Columbia Pictures Corporation
Provisions for Federal taxes:
Income taxes (estimated) $ 7,500.00
Capital stock taxes 17,375.00
69,395.92
$ 88,900.92
61,979.16
$ 26,921.76
24,875.00
Net profit $ 2,046.76
Earned surplus at June 25, 1938 $4,098,680.16
Deduct: Additional assessments of taxes ap-
plicable to prior years (net) 25,677.26
4,073,002.90
Deduct — Dividends:
On $2.75 preferred convertible stock $ 206,261.74
On common stock (In stock) 120,148.34
$ 4,075,049.66
326,410.08
Earned surplus at July I, 1939, per balance sheet (including un-
distributed profits of foreign subsidiary companies of approx-
imately $256,000.00) $ 3,748,639.58
The statement includes operations of foreign subsidiary companies for the 12 months
ended May 27, 1939, converted at prevailing rates of exchange, save for depreciation
of fixed assets, tvhich are valued at dollar cost.
on Tuesday declared the regular quarterly divi-
dend of $1.50 per share on first preferred stock
and the regular quarterly dividend of 15c per
share on the second preferred stock. These
dividends are payable on Oct. 2, 1939, to stock-
holders of record at the close of business on
September 22, 1939.
Marcus Loew's Theatres, Ltd., in Toronto,
operating Loew's Yonge Street and leasing the
Uptown to Famous Players Canadian Corpora-
tion, has declared a further payment of dividend
arrears on the preferred shares of the company,
the latest distribution, payable September 30th.
being the interest of 3^ per cent for the half
yearly period ending June 30, 1937.
NOW READY
THE MOST SIMPLIFIED THEATRE
BOOKKEEPING SYSTEM YET DEVISED
SECTIONS
Holiday and Date Record
Film Clearance Chart
Insurance Record
Equipment Purchase Record
Fixed Expense Apportionment
Income (Ticket Numbers, Prices, Cash,
Taxes, Costs of Features, Shorts)
Payroll and Check Record, Bank Record,
Social Security Tax Deductions by
Individual and complete listing of all
expenses
Profit & Loss, weekly and cumulative
Summary Sheet
Contract Record for each exchange
Compiled by THEODORE J. SULLIVAN
$000
^^^1 POSTPAID
FEATURES
Running Times
Entire Week's Transactions on one page
Complete Contract Information
Complete yearly and departmental sum-
maries
Vari - colored stock throughout for
speedy reference
DuPont Fabkote Cover
Hammermill Paper
Special "Wire-o" Binding that holds
sheets firmly and keeps them abso-
lutely flat
Size of Book is 13" x 10 "
Entire book a miracle of convenience
and simplicity
ALL SECTIONS ARE DEVISED SO THAT FULL
TAX INFORMATION IS READILY AVAILABLE
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK I
Here Is my check for $2.00. Send me "Theatre Management Record", j
Name I
Add
ress.
City and State
Theatre
L.
TEAR OUT
AND MAIL
COUPON
TODAY
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
8!
MANAGERS
ROUND TABLE
<LAn international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
OP
ABOUT THE WAR
One member writes that, in an endeavor to bring war-curious
patrons away from their radios to the theatre, he is using the
house p.a. between breaks to announce important moves on
the European front. The service is carried in newspaper copy
and, according to the Round Tabler, is appreciated by his
patrons.
At this stage of the conflict, obviously, the war is crowding
everything else off the front page. It can be reasoned that
the newness of the situation has created a desire for spot news
and the manager who aims to satisfy it is merely doing his job.
There are also those who say that folks are looking to the
theatre for entertainment to relax from the menace of what is
happening overseas. They argue that the manager can con-
tribute importantly to that relaxation by soft-pedaling within
reason aspects of war that do not concern his immediate
program.
There can be no arbitrary regulation to fit every theatre,
hlow much of it is to pass under the general heading of enter-
tainment will be determined by the individual situation. At
the present, it would seem a safer bet to restrict war stuff
to the screen.
V V V
It was a tremendous storm that hit New York in the late
afternoon of the opening day of "The Rains Came" at the
Roxy. And immediately, the office wits declared it an exploita-
tion stunt on behalf of the picture. Which prompted Gert
Merriam to declare that if it was, the timing was perfect, since
the rains came only during the supper show at the theatre.
V V V
SALVAGING LOST GROSSES
That his situation is a 15-cent fourth-run, dependent mainly
upon return dates, is not the reason why Woodrow Fraught is
praised here for his profitable handling of the Empress, in
Rochester, Minn. The bow is extended to the manager for
the ingenuity used in presenting his wares within the confines
of a tiny budget without cutting in on the other Minnesota
Amusement houses in the same spot. Instances of these ,
.exploitations are detailed elsewhere in the pages to indicate
the Round Tabler's precision in this direction.
It is expected that business missed on a date In one situa-
tion often will be picked up by a subsequent-run playing the
same program. Praught's showmanship is distinguished for
salvaging from a potential patronage of transient trade those
extra grosses that otherwise might completely be lost to the
local theatres.
V V V
BOXOFFICE FOR EVERYONE
Whether or not the weather at this writing points to it,
the recent all-star benefit games announce that football is once
again in the sport spotlight. Which is not set down as a re-
minder to knowing theatremen that pigskin tieins are now in
order. By now, a lot of boxoffice hookups are in process of
arrangement. As reports arrive on what they are and where,
the members will be told.
Increasing interest in the professional game and continued
popularity of the amateurs, college and high school, make
football the Number One publicity tiein on the sports page
of every newspaper. No matter what size his community, the
manager who realizes this interest can declare himself in.
V V V
COMPILED BY A THEATREMAN
Any volume that eases the business of keeping readily under-
stood theatre records is obviously to be welcomed by the
many exhibitors who seek a simple and airtight system. Thus,
your Chairman is pleased now to put in an honest plug on
behalf of "Theatre Management Record and Annual Tax Reg-
ister", compiled by Ted Sullivan, Quigley Publishing Company
comptroller, and distributed by this organization.
In addition to being a fancy figure-man, Mr. Sullivan is a
kind of "rare bird", by instinct and experience a showman
who knows all the bookkeeping answers. That should be recom-
mendation enough.
82 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD Sep + emberl6,l939
Round
Table
In Pictures
At right are the managers of the Chakeres-Warner
Theatres who met in Springfield, Ohio, to attend a two-
day convention presided over by Phil Chakeres, general
manager, with Mike Chakeres, city manager, in charge of
the program. Speakers included Frank Collins, district
manager in Ohio, and Charles Fry, contact manager.
Fifty of the cards reproduced below were distributed
around Miami by Alfred Weiss, Jr., as advance on
"Bachelor Mother" at the Olympia. Cards good for
admissions had to be presented at the boxoffice by a red-
headed girl and could not be rolled or folded in any way.
Another street bally used by Al was man in dress suit
and top hat pushing bannered perambulator.
Entire front of the Colonial Theatre in Detroit was converted into cell
effect by Manager B. V. Samuels for his date on "Blackwell's Island". Con-
sisting mostly of 30 by 40 inch black-and-white blowups, title letters were
silhouetted against a simulated brick wall. Scene stills were also profusely
spotted. . . . Novel lobby display two weeks ahead of opening of "The Man
in the Iron Mask" was created by Round Tabler William Waldron at the
Hollywood Theatre in East Orange, N. J. Cross-sabres and shield were
planted at base of blowup with suit of armor and accoutrements at left.
September 16, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
83
Selling local lumber company on the idea of building a
bungalow in the lobby of Loew's in Houston, Texas, Homer
McCallon, publicist, proceeded to plant blowups of stills from
new season hits inside the house. Doors at each end permitted
patrons to walk through the display. Total cost to theatre-
man u'as for carpenter's time.
An "Upside-down Man" street gag was used by Round
Tabler Billie Popham for his engagement on "Wrong Way
Corrigan" at the Roxy Theatre in Saskatoon, Sask., Canada.
With feet protruding from the top of a 24-sheet sandwich
sign, and walking on his "hands" with head hanging down,
the man covered business districts and wherever crowds
congregated.
Chief stunt in advance of "Maisie" at the Princess in Sioux City,
Iowa, was the street bally illustrated above by Warren Butler. Girls
distributed visiting cards to passersby reading: "For the grandest show
you've ever seen, make a date to see 'Maisie' ".
Stunt conceived by Maurice Gable of the Boyd in Philadelphia for
"The Wizard of Oz" is reproduced above. Costumes were promoted
from the Studios and the group toured the town distributing heralds.
Colonel Casper, shown in the photograph, actually worked in the pro-
duction.
Contacting the Hella Temple Shrine in Dallas, Louie Charninsky
at the Capitol got them to hold a special show at his house for ladies
and kiddies of the Shrine. In the foreground may be seen Louie on
hand to greet his guests. Cost was met by organization.
84
Summer Campaign
Raises Grosses At
Fourth-Run House
The Empress, in Rochester, Minn., a "C"
situation depending mainly upon repeat dates
during the summer months, enjoyed a suc-
cessful season nevertheless, according to
Charlie Winchell, Minnesota Amusement ad
head, who reports highlights of the summer
merchandising campaign executed by Man-
ager Woodrow Fraught, and aimed directly
for new business from transients.
Since the theatre does not afford a cool-
ing plant, Fraught overcame this handicap
by giving the house the effect of coolness
especially out front. Lighting, in and out,
was in keeping. Effective, also, was a price
campaign, featured by a two-dollar rubber
stamp marked "Attend the 15c Empress The-
atre Tonight" with which the doorman
stamped paper bags, meal checks, etc., morn-
ings before house opened. The price angle
was also emphasized with the use of dollar-
bill cellophane covers used for distribution
to .patrons in change. Covers were marked :
"This dollar will buy dVi adult admissions
to the Empress Theatre, approximately 133^
hours of perfect summer entertainment."
The reverse side contained dates on coming
attractions, the low admission price again
emphasized.
Mailing Service Offered
Visitors were further encouraged with a
lobby "Guest Book," card inviting out-of-
towners to sign names and addresses. Copy
also announced that cashier w^ould on re-
quest furnish free postcards to be mailed
back home. Address side contained theatre
greetings with reverse left blank for mes-
sage. Additionally, and at cost of few passes,
Fraught tied in with local shopping news to
run on front-page list of coming attractions
and to offer passes to readers whose initials
correspond with those of any pictures listed.
Fronts Draw Transient Trade
The Round Tabler leaning heavily upon
his front to attract transients, did very well
with "Heart of the North" by transforming
the lobby into a trading post background,
the effect heightened by use of real bear
skins, deer antlers, etc. Under canopy was
suspended a bannered canoe and real pad-
dles used in the lobby panels. Entire cost,
including painting of salvaged material,
came to some twelve dollars. House-to-
house distribution of flashy heralds also
aided.
"Boys' Town Is Coming Back," the cam-
paign theme for the return of that date, was
used in many ways, as circular stickers, on
window cards, in ads. Ingenious was type-
written copy on the picture enclosed in regu-
lar eight by ten frames and suspended from
the canopy right in the path of passersby. ,
It received a surprising amount of attention,
says Woodrow. "Submarine Fatrol" return
dat-e was sold b\- tieing in with recent sub
disasters in front and in ads. On "Too Hot
to Handle," Fraught hung a regular window
shade out front with small card below in-
viting passersby to "pull down for a present
surprise." Copy on shade told about picture.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MANAGERS ANNOUNCE
BULLETINS OF WAR
As is to be expected, theatremen are
employing various devices to tie war
news to their programs. In Washing-
ton, Ind., A. J. C'Kal") Kalberer has
promoted a radio from local dealer
over which important reports are an-
nounced, but only during breaks. The
tiein has hel ped keep grosses tip to nor-
mal, "Kal" says.
In Sotith Norwalk, Conn., Al Ham-
ilton promoted the Empress into the
special edition, announcing the war, of
the local Sentinel, the only daily in
that sector to put out a Sunday issue
for the occasion. Hamilton bought
5 00 copies for distribution at the the-
atre, in return for front-page box
plugging first-run newsreel war pic-
tures. Al also delivered papers in stir-
rounding toicns.
Many Ingenious Gags
Ennployed by Leighton
Novelt}^ heralds on "Four Feathers" were
distributed by Bert Leighton of the Grand,
in Lancaster, Pa. in the form of firecrack-
ers. Rolled and wrapped in red cellophane
the words "It's Dynamite" in bold letters
showed through. On opening, herald con-
tained cut of scene still together with pic-
ture copy, title, cast and playdates.
Another good stunt used by Leighton on
"Miracles for Sale," w-as a miniature float-
ing lady illusion working all day in
front of the theatre. Display was a small
cabinet with glass front and back so that
the curious could look right through. In
the middle, apparently unsuspended was a
cutout of a girl lying on a small couch, girl
continually floated through the air in a cir-
cular motion. Apparatus was borrowed
from a local baking company who used it
for advertising purposes.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Visitors Snapped at Fair
Invited to "Name Only"
A tieup with the Ohio State Fair, asking
visitors to identify themselves and worked
out with the aid of the Columbus Citizen,
highlighted the exploitation arranged by
Manager Harry Schreiber, of the Falace, in
Columbus, for his date on "In Name Only."
Run daily in the cooperating paper were
blowups of photographs of some of the Fair's
visitors and to those identifying themselves,
guest tickets were awarded. The paper in
return devoted a daily news column to the
stunt, large banners were spotted around the
Fair grounds for the entire week crediting
the theatre, attraction and playdate, and Sta-
tion WKKC carried a special daily half-
hour broadcast in connection with the con-
test.
Street Broadcast Featured
Other features included a man-on-the-street
program over WCOL which asked the ques-
tion : "What should a woman do who sud-
denly discovers she is a wife in name only?"
This 15-minute program was broadcast day
in advance and continued opening day, in
this connection passes also were presented
to those participating.
September 16, 1939
' 'Loew Moviegoer
Published by Bell
Is Self' Sustaining
Already established firmly in the atten-
tions of the capital city's theatre patrons is
"Loew's Moviegoer," distributed gratis to
patrons of the Capitol, Falace and Columbia
theatres in Washington, originated, pub-
lished and edited by Ray Bell, Washington
Loew Theatres publicist. It is being printed
by the Daily News and the format is the
same as that tabloid. Size runs eight pages.
25,000 copies are printed each two to three
weeks, while distribution is accomplished
principally by ushers in each of the three
houses, supplemented with distribution of
four to five thousand by magazine counters
of local five-and-tens.
Ratio of three pages of ads to five of edi-
torial content is to be maintained, object is
to be self-sustaining, thus only enough ads
to defray cost are sought. Space is based
at $25 the full column including the usual
agency commission. Cost per issue averages
$300. Two initial issues have each been self-
sufficient. Bell does not publish until there
is ad space to defray full cost. Fublicist
has himself solicited ads from merchants
who have been cooperative in the past, and
one of the town's largest laundries will oc-
cupy back page either every issue or every
other issue. Ray is now working on six-
month and year contracts.
Guest Columns Regularly Featured
Bell writes all local stories plus editorial
column. Other material is obtained directly
from major studios. ^I-G-M and the Loew
home office are regularly shooting in mate-
rial especially designed for the publication.
Each issue also has a guest column contribut-
ed either by local critic or person of promi-
nence. Fublication also features contests
with either theatre or producer providing
prizes. For instance, in next issue Bell will
feature "My Son, I\Iy Son" casting contest
for which United Artists is donating ten
copies of the novel.
Bell is lining up several capable writing
youngsters at nominal cost who will periodi-
cally do research work for original articles.
While mats are obtained from the studios,
Ray desires to use original engravings
wherever possible.
Trailers will announce each issue, sug-
gesting that patrons ask ushers for free
copy when leaving the theatre. One-sheets
are stationed in each lobby, readers mailed
to drama editors and three radio commenta-
tors have likewise discussed the publication
on their programs.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Van Dyck's Lobby Artist
Lobby stunt arranged by IManager Eric
Van Dyck for "These Glamorous Girls"
at Loew's 83rd Street, New York City, was
artist in lobby week ahead of opening paint-
ing oil portraits of Lew Ayres and Lana
Turner. In addition, the finished drawings
were offered to the two best entries sub-
mitted on a one word title for Lana Turner,
such as "Oomph Girl," etc., etc.
September 16, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
85
Leand Inaugurates
Baseball Party
For Revere Youth
Conceived by Harold Leand of the Revere
Theatre, in Revere, Mass., was a slant to
send as many local boys as wanted to go,
to a big league ball game in nearby Boston,
permission secured from Bob Quinn, presi-
dent of the Boston Bees to bring the boys
in free. Cooperation of the Revere Journal
was sought by the theatreman and received.
It then became solely a matter of transpor-
tation to get the boys to the game and back.
The Revere and Boulevard Theatres, an-
other unit in the same circuit, started things
off witli a contribution equivalent to the cost
of four buses with the paper donating two,
local organizations, service clubs and city
officials following suit.
Coupon was run in the cooperating paper
for boys to fill out, giving credit to the the-
atre as co-sponsor. Parents' permission had
to be given by signature on the coupon,
which boys brought to either theatre. Regis-
tration was then made and each lad given
a numbered bus ticket, said tickets being
numbered to enable Leand to keep a check
on the number of buses which would finally
be required. Publicity emphasized that boys
did not have to buy an admission ticket to
the theatre to register.
Leand Writes Publicity
To insure the theatres getting a fair break
in the newspaper publicity, Harold wrote
all the newspaper stories as per agreement
with the paper. From a local market, Leand
promoted bags of popcorn, and since he was
over-subscribed on buses, additional funds
were available for other goodies for the kids.
Day of the game, boys met at the two local
theatres, where an amateur contest was held
in order to keep them quiet while waiting
time for departure. Passes were awarded to
participants. Prominent men acted as chaper-
ones, and entourage was led by police escort
as they paraded through all parts of the city.
Buses, needless to say, were properly ban-
nered. At the end of the game all boys were
checked back into the buses and all declared
it a banner day, so much so that it has al-
ready been decided to make it an annual
event.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Street Bally and Contest
Aid Wright on "Million"
Teaser bally was used by Erie Wright be-
fore leaving Schine's Paramount for the
Strand, in Syracuse, as an advance on "I
Stole a Million." Man dressed in shabby
clothing crouched in doorways with his face
hidden. As forlks approached he displayed
a cardboard sign on which was printed
"They hunt me like a beast of prey because
I stole a million." For window contest,
money bags were planted stuffed with fake
money, guest tickets went to those coming
closest to guessing amount contained.
On "Leading Citizen," Wright arranged
for the Mayor's office to appoint a committee
to select the leading citizen who was
presented with the Bob Burns plaque, ar-
rangements were handled through the
Chamber of Commerce.
TWO PERIODS LEFT
Thirty-seven "Fortnighfers" share the 36 Appointments in this, the fourth prelim-
inary period of the Third Quarter, as the iviitniitg theatremen wash up the suiumer
business with an exact barrage of seasonal showmanship. As usual, tcho they are and
where from is listed belotv.
IVAN D. ANDERSON
Liberty, N. Wilkesboro. N. C.
RAY BELL
Loew's, Washington, D. C.
MOON CORKER
Palace, Athens, Ga.
WALLACE COWEN
Princess, Modesto, Calif.
E. E. CRABTREE
Fischer, Danville, III.
JULIUS DANIELS
Strand, Perth Amboy, N. J.
FRANCIS DEERING
Loew's, Houston, Tex.
E. V. DINERMAN
RKO Palace, Cincinnati, O.
ED FITZPATRICK
Poli, Waterbury, Conn.
BOB FULTON
Paramount, Waterloo, la.
AL HAMILTON
Empress, South Norwalk, Conn.
KEN HOEL
Alvin, Pittsbugh, Pa.
GEORGE HUNT, JR.
Loew's, Louisville, Ky.
GEORGE IRWIN
Lyceum, Duiuth, Minn.
MAYNARD JOINER
Capitol, Vancouver, B. C.
A. J. KALBERER
Indiana, Washington, Ind.
BOB KESSLER
Penn, Philadelphia, Pa.
GUS LAMPE
Keith's, Syracuse, N. Y.
HAROLD LEAND
Revere, Revere, Mass.
JACK LEXEY
Broadway, Philadelphia
P. E. McCOY
Georgia, Athens, Ga.
PAT McGEE
Paramount, Syracuse
HOMER McCALLON
Loew's, Houston, Tex.
R. J. MENDENHALL
Pinney, Boise, Idaho
ED MILLER
MANNY PEARLSTEIN
Hippodrome, Cleveland
HARRY L. MINOR
Gaiety, Ronan, Mont.
KAY P. NIELSEN
M-G-M, Copenhagen, Denmark
CARMON PHILLIPS
Lea, Eunice, N. Mex.
RALPH PHILLIPS
State, Sioux Falls, So. Dak.
LES POLLOCK
Loew's, Rochester, N. Y.
MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
TOM ROGERS
Loew's, Valencia, Jamaica, L. I.
BERNARD STEWART
Gorman, Framingham, Mass.
RALPH TULLY
Central, Biddeford, Me.
AL WEISS, JR.
Olympia, Miami, Fla.
A. K. VEACH
State, Uhrichsvilie, O.
At tins writing, there still remain two Fortnights before the ending of the Third
Quarter, the date set being October 14th. Entries received witljin that time will also
be eligible for consideration for the Quarter-Master Plaques, Medals and Certificates.
Blondes Race Brunettes
In Advance of "Name Only"
A foot race against time and obstacles be-
tween a dozen beautiful blondes and as many
attractive brunettes was the climax to the
exploitation campaign arranged by Manager
Don Cottrall at the Chief Theatre, Colorado
Springs, for "In Name Only." Race was
between neighboring resort cities to deter-
mine whether a blonde could outdistance a
brunette or vice versa. All contestants car-
ried cards reading "Racing to see" etc. etc.
and stunt was covered by local newspapers.
Other features included distribution of
heralds to auto camps, restaurants, filling
stations and other tourist gathering places
crediting the attraction, theatre and play-
dates. Special attractive window displays
were secured, numerous spot announcements,
in additional to lobby and hotel displays.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Relative of Houston
Guest at "Conquest"
Reported by Perry Spencer, director of
publicity for Republic Pictures of the south-
east, is the campaign executed on "Man of
Conquest" by James Howell, manager of
the Riviera Theatre, at Knoxville, Tenn.
Additional newspaper coverage was secured
through the invitation extended to a cousin
of Sam Houston, a local city judge. Rela-
tive was invited to the opening and much
was made over the event. Papers also de-
voted a front-page spread to Richard Dix as
Houston and another page on the "Fall of
the Alamo."
Station WROL got into the spirit by run-
ning a man-on-the-street broadcast, guest
tickets to those correctly answering questions
pertaining to the picture. Numerous book
windows were secured, mill district was can-
vassed with catchy heralds, and display of
old and up-to-date guns were featured.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Tree Stationed in Lobby
Aids "On Borrowed Tinne"
Carrying out the theme of "On Borrowed
Time," Manager Henry Sutton at the Re-
gent, in Pittsburgh planted a tree in his
lobby two weeks ahead spotted on which
were seven snipes which carried appropriate
tiein copy. Also stressed by the theatreman
throughout his campaign was the fact that
the picture should be seen from the begin-
ning. Postcards were mailed to doctors and
nurses, trailer was run three weeks ahead
stating that because of the unusual theme
and ending no one would be seated during
the last 15 minutes and in front of his house,
Sutton pasted a 24-sheet with two arrows
pointing to it.
86
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
Exploitation Briefs
Here & There
Before transferring from Schine's Hippo-
drome to the Glove, in Gloversville, Man-
ager Lou Hart on "East Side of Heaven"
tied up local milk company for some space
ads tying in Sandy and the picture. In ad-
dition, dairy distributed milk bottle hangers,
which they paid for, and gave away ice
cream at the theatre on a lucky number gag.
V
On "Four Girls in White" a teaser cam-
paign was engaged in by Wayne Sweeney
at the La Porte, in La Porte, Ind. Pre-
view was held for nurses, the morning ahead
of opening, any local nurse invited to at-
tend in uniform if desired. For his street
stunt, Sweeney dressed four girls in nurses
uniforms and had them cover downtown
area with appropriate tiein copy.
V
Highly laudatory letter over the signature
of Fred E. Forry was sent out by him for
the engagement of "Young Mr. Lincoln"
at the Colonial Theatre, in Lancaster, Pa.
Appealing to American youth and educa-
tors, the theatre man sent his letter to a
special list, urging them to see the picture
and recommend it to their friends.
V
For his showing of the golf short "Smooth
Approach," William Briemann, at the Am-
bassador, in Baltimore, sent special letters
of commendation to the secretaries of vari-
ous clubs around Baltimore and the vicinity
urging each of those addressed to bring the
short and the bulletin enclosed to the atten-
tion of their membership.
V
On "Only Angels Have Wings," Frank
Shaffer, Dixie Theatre, Staunton, Va.,
printed up several thousand tinted heralds
which were distributed and inserted in the
Sunday Washington Post, and given to fac-
tory workers. Throwaways were made up
with special permission received from local
newspaper to use their masthead. Mailing
list was covered by postcards which were
sent from New York, local restaurants aided
by plugging the date on their menus and
special lobby display was set up for the
occasion with scene stills, cutouts, etc.
V
Anyone passing the Broadway in Bal-
timore couldn't help but know that "Wuther-
ing Heights" was opening, since Manager
Robert Marhenke pasted a 24 sheet to the
sidewalk in front of house and then var-
nished over it. Bob planted it two days
ahead and during run where it drew much
comment from his patrons.
V
Some additional newspaper publicity was
garnered by Mike Carroll of the American
Theatre, in Bridgeport, Conn., when he re-
cently arranged for a local aged woman who
had never seen a movie to be guested by
him at the opening of "Wuthering Heights."
Papers took up the stunt and wrote human
interest stories in all of which the theatre
and picture were prominently mentioned.
Chicago Warnermen
Report Activities
Numerous are the activities engaged in
by the various managers in the Herbert
Wheeler-Charles Ryan sector of the Warner
Theatres in Chicago and below are detailed
some of their doings.
To exploit "On Borrowed Time," Mana-
ger Fred Reeths at the Sheboygan, in She-
boygan, Wis., the first big mailing list of
the summer to all the lake cottages and
surrounding country was put out, using the
theatre special list to appeal to the class
trade. In addition, on opening day a fur
fashion show was staged with the coopera-
tion of local dry goods company. Special
invitations, radio advertising and telegrams
on the morning of the opening were sent
out.
Arranged for by Marlowe Conner, at the
Rhodes in Chicago was a lobby display of
Mexican mementos from the collection of a
local merchant and used in advance of
"Juarez." In addition, the Paul Muni
plaque was on advance display in window
of cooperating merchant, later moved to the
theatre lobby during run of picture.
Sedlack Holds Archery Contest
Contacting local archery range, E. Sed-
lack at the Shore, in Chicago for "Return
of the Cisco Kid," sold them on the idea
of having a target made up with picture of
Warner Baxter and title of picture. A card
was placed next to the target offering passes
to those hitting a bullseye. Archery spon-
sor was supplied with seven passes a day,
four days in advance.
On "Union Pacific," Manager R. O.
Dunn at the Orpheum in Hammond, Ind.,
secured the cooperation of local paper on
a classified ad page contest. Idea was to
have the readers pick out the stations along
the "Union Pacific" route, the names of the
stations being hidden among the classified
ads. Winners received guest tickets.
Field Dresses Staff for "Conquest"
Renting a frontiersman costume which
was donned by house usher, J. P. Field, at
the Grove in Chicago sent the lad out with
rifle and back sign selling "Man of Con-
quest." Usher visited all soft ball game
courts and covered business districts and
other spots where crowds congregated.
Field also sent a letter to local librarian sell-
ing the idea of having her patrons read the
story of "The Life of Sam Houston, Savior
of Texas" and then see the picture at the
Grove. This was secured in exchange for
two passes to the librarian.
While for "Ex-Champ," Field promoted
show store in his neighborhood on a stunt
whereby guest tickets were given to every
father and son purchasing shoes at a cer-
tain time on a certain day. Picture was well
tied into the stunt.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Spieler Sells "Rapture" for Johnson
Borrowing a stuffed pachyderm from a
localite, Don Johnson planted the animal
outside the Vic Theatre, in Indiana Harbor.
Ind., as his advance on "Dark Rapture."
Mounting it on a base which was covered
with artificial grass, the elephant created
plenty of attention during run of picture.
Opening night, man in tropical uniform per-
formed with a whip and continued a spiel
about the show.
Rules for the
Quigley Awards
Awards are now voted on single ex-
ploitations and not on complete cam-
paigns as formerly. This includes
goodwill and institutional ideas as
well as those on pictures.
V
Each Quarter is divided into two-
week preliminary contests.
V
Winners In each preliminary are
appointed Fortnighters.
V
Entries of Fortnighters in each
Quarter are judged for Quigley
Quarterly Plaques, Medals, Citations.
V
Quarterly Plaque, Medal and Cita-
tion Winners are appointed Quarter-
masters.
V
Entrants registering the best rec-
ords of Quigley Plaques, Medals and
Citations In the four Quarters will be
eligible for the Grand Awards judg-
ing.
V
There are no classifications of
population or situation. Everyone
starts from scratch.
V
Every theatreman everywhere Is
eligible to compete.
V
All product is eligible — features,
shorts, serials. Also stage shows,
amateur presentations, etc.
V
More than one Idea may be In-
cluded In one entry but Preliminary
Awards will be voted for best Indi-
vidual Idea.
V
No fancy entries are necessary.
With the usual "evidence", submit
brief description and "reasons why"
an entry should be considered.
V
At this writing, two two-week Fort-
night periods still remain In the Third
Quac^er, the ending of which Is set
for October 14th. It Is to be kept In
mind that, with everything else equal,
theatremen who score more often In
the Fortnighters will receive greater
consideration In voting the Quarter-
Master Awards.
September 16
9 3 9
KiANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
87
It Takes Lots of Savvy
to Operate a Theatre
Which Is Indicated in Addresses by Schine-men at the Recent Convention
The most important meetings at the Au-
gust managers' conference of the Schine
Theatres in Gloversville, had to do with
intracircuit discussions on vital phases of
operation. Pithy talks were made by home
office heads and men in the field. From ver-
batim reports recently received is set down
in part what the boys had to say about what,
as follows :
V
by LOUIS GOLDSTEIN
Head Booker, Home Office
It is recognized that intelligent booking
is our life blood, consequently, very great
thought and discussion is given to every pic-
ture before it is booked. Every feature pic-
ture and a large number of shorts are
screened in the private screening room at
home office.
A committee consisting of Mr. L. W.
Schine, George Lynch, all Bookers, and the
Publicity Department, usually eight of us,
look at each picture and hand in a confiden-
tial written report. These reports are then
studied and thoroughly discussed before a
single booking is made. No one man's judg-
ment is taken or acted upon. We try in
every way to book the product in such a
way as will give maximum results. When
we are in doubt we try out a picture in five
or six spots to get the public's reaction be-
fore booking it generally.
After all this is done each Booker gives
each individual situation close study and con-
sideration based upon these discussions plus
past experience and upon what the picture
has done elsewhere in towns of similar kinds.
V
by LEW HENSLER
District Manager in Kentucky
Big ballyhoo emanates from the source
of the film production but the reputation of
the theatre depends upon the local theatre
manager.
Merchandising the theatre therefore seems
one of the natural business elYorts any thea-
tre man would put forth. If the name of
the theatre itself has gained real prestige,
the manager operating it has something upon
which he can bank for patronage come great
films or poor ones.
The theatre must be regarded as a com-
munity institution, just as the City Hall,
bank, civic center, etc. This needs the con-
stant build-up by aggressive showmanship
to sell the theatre itself as an attraction.
Prestige and a loyal following of resident
patronage is what keeps the successful com-
munity theatre operating profitably even
when the screen attractions do not have a
star or story drawing power.
The theatre realizes its greatest business
building efficiency when it is tied up inti-
mately to the community through constant
cultivation of the neighbor to neighbor spirit
in its publicity advertising and public rela-
tions.
by JIM LEVINE
District Manager in Ohio
It is an indisputable psychological fact that
if you leave people standing for any length
of time with their tickets in their hands, the
urge upon the more impatient ones to leave
the theatre and use their tickets some other
day is much greater than if their tickets have
been already taken from them. Further-
more, less impatient ones seeing the others
leave, will often also leave, because of mass
psychology.
It is more important, therefore, to try to
get as many people past the doorman as
you possibly can by moving the doorman out
further into the lobby than where he norm-
ally stands. We would call this "position
No. 2," and where you have a double set of
doors, it would be at the outer set. In some
of our theatres, there are three sets of doors
(or two sets with considerable space be-
tween the inside doors, and where the door-
man usually stands) so that the doorman
can even take up a third position if neces-
sary. By moving him from his normal sta-
tion to the second position, and finally out
to the third position, most of the patrons
waiting in the lobby will have given up their
tickets and are thus less liable to walk away.
Even though we have received the money at
the box-office the first night, we lose on sub-
sequent nights if people buy tickets, walk
away and use the tickets later. In other
words, we get only one admission instead
of two.
Says Keep Line Moving
Another psychological fact is that people
are usually satisfied to stand even for long
periods if the line is moving, be it ever so
slowly. People willingly stand in line for
two hours or more to see the General Motors
Exhibit at the World's Fair just because
the line is always slowly moving. It's the
same in the theatre. The Manager and
floor staff should use all their ingenuity to
keeping the lobby standees moving even if
they let in only two patrons at one time in
short but frequent intervals. This can be
usually accomplished by posting an usher at
the entrance to the foyer. As soon as he sees
a few people being ushered to seats, he will
open the door and admit two more people to
stand in the foyer. At the same time, this
usher can announce in a pleasant voice that
"seats will be available shortly" or some
other reassuring message to those still stand-
ing outside.
V
by MARSH GOLLNER
District Manager in Maryland
I am not interested in mere artistry, but
in the showmanship which makes money for
the theatre. If you cannot get back with a
profit every dime you spend on the effects
we discuss, do not use them. Don't spend
company money to gratify your own artistic
ambitions, or only to get what looks good
when reported in the trade paper. The only
test of practical showmanship is the box of-
fice. This is cold turkey, but we like it
sliced that way. Any other slicing would
be just baloney.
The better a showman you are, the more
you can do with less money. It is the way
you use your show-sense rather than the way
you spend money that counts. Some of the
most attractive effects are gotten with pen-
nies. Some of the dullest have been the most
expensive. Spending is no substitute for
show-sense.
*
Every holiday or local celebration gives
you an opportunity for showmanship. At
such times your patrons are in the mood of
the holidays. They will respond to appeals
that are focused on the sentiment of the oc-
casion. Your community is anxious to cele-
brate in the spirit of the holiday and it is the
theatre that gives the right setting. On
patriotic holidays, besides displaying the flag
or bunting or insignia, you can have some
patriotic number on your program — even if
it is only a soloist. The enjoyment of a pro-
gram is enhanced by this timeliness.
V
by WILLIAM HEISS
District Manager in Northern Ohio
It is your duty to analyze your business
and prove that a change is necessary, if you
think it is. Do not, however, suggest
changes just because you have a hunch that
a change would be better. You have got to
back up your arguments with cold, logical
facts. This can only be done if you learn
to intelligently analyze your business.
You must learn to draw conclusions from
the figures available. You have enough re-
cords in the theatre to give you the neces-
sary data on past experience and by making
comparisons of comparable periods, you will
be able to intelligently diagnose any trouble
you may have.
For example, three months ago, you may
have had a change of policy from a 3-2-2 to
a 2-2-2-1. To analyze the results of the new
policy, it is necessary to figure out the aver-
age business each day that you have done
since the inception of the new policy and
compare it with the average daily business
for the same period before the change, tak-
ing into consideration, of course, any natural
seasonal fluctuations. You will then be able
to see over a respective period what effect
the policy has had on each day's receipts and
form your conclusions accordingly. '
Analyze your attendance. Study the hour-
ly box office statement. Don't just be a
manager of a theatre. Develop an analyti-
cal mind. Don't be satisfied with the surface
impressions. Dig down into the guts of
your business and discard from your mind
all non-essentials.
88
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
PAST "FORTNICHr EXPLOITATIONS
Forester Hosts Organization Heads
At "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" Opening
Dressing the old telegram gag up and
wording it in a sincere and convincing man-
ner, Eddie Forester, at the Omaha, in
Omaha, Nebraska, addressed his message to
the heads of approximately 200 small groups
such as sewing circles, bridge clubs, etc.,
copy reading "Critics have said 'Goodbye,
Mr. Chips' is the greatest motion picture
ever produced. Knowing your organization
is interested in good things, we wish to
say that this very human masterpiece starts
at the Omaha on blank date. This telegram
admits yourself and one as our guests on the
opening day." Telegrams were timed to
dovetail right in after Forester's private
screenings. In addition, a 15-minute gratis
broadcast was received over W OW by the
Better Homes editor, who was one of the
invited guests.
Prison Implement Exhibit Planted
By Lampe for "Each Dawn I Die"
Implements used by convicts of the Onon-
daga Penitentiary in attempted and success-
ful escapes from imprisonment were ob-
tained from the superintendent by Gus
Lampe for display at the Keith Theatre, in
Syracuse for "Each Dawn I Die." At-
tached to each article was a self-explana-
tory card. Entire exhibit was placed in
display case in front of theatre with large
card reading : "Look ! Here are some of
the methods used to escape prison. See
how George Raft escapes to freedom in,"
etc., etc.
Permission was received to park two
wrecked cars on the streets three days ahead
with copy : "When two runaway cars col-
lide, it's like Cagney meeting Raft in," etc.
Usher dressed in convict's garb with tiein
back copy paraded streets, and a turn table
with amplifier was planted in front of the-
atre playing a record of an angry mob, giv-
ing the same sound effect used in the pic-
ture's prison rioting scenes.
Cowen Builds Atmospheric Front
As Advance on "Frontier Marshal"
A complete false front selling the western
thrills and also emphasizing the name
Tombstone was built by Wally Cowen for
his date on "Frontier Marshal' at the Prin-
cess Theatre, in Modesto, Cal. 24-sheets of
Randolph Scott and Nancy Kelly were
mounted over the title, also cut from a 24-
sheet and mounted atop marquee. This was
lighted by large spotlight each evening. An
usher hidden behind a cutout fired blank
shots throughout the day and at each break
of show.
Through the cooperation of Station
KTRB, a "Man on the Street" broadcast
was held and 12 spot announcements were
secured • gratis. Teaser campaign was
launched in the newspapers, heralds were
distributed within a radius of 20 miles, win-
dow cards distributed throughout business
district and lucky numbered badges were
distributed to kids, guest tickets lo those
holding numbers corresponding to +hose
posted in lobby.
"MILLION DOLLARS,"
SAYS JIM REDMOND
The terms of the policy were not
revealed in his report, hut it's Jimmie
Redmond, the ground-covering pub-
licist of the Bonham in Fairbiiry, Neb.,
who claims promotion of a million-
dollar insurance on the limbs of the
winner as buildup for a beautiful legs
contest on behalf of "Million Dollar
Legs". Tiein was good enough to land
page one in the local dailies.
In addition to the respectable
amotmt of "gam" coverage, the lucky
damsel also received a complete ward-
robe from twelve cooperating mer-
chants who plugged the deal in ads
and windows.
Search for "Miss Washington"
Instituted by Kalberer
Through cooperation of the Washington
Herald, A. J. Kalberer, manager of the In-
diana Theatre, in Washington, Ind., held a
contest on his stage to choose the local "Miss
Washington." With the judging done ac-
cording to points, popularity, beauty, figure
and poise each meriting 25 points, all con-
testants were graded accordingly. Local
prominents acted as judges, with Mayor
Hugh Cox ofificially crowning the winner on
stage and bidding her good luck in her com-
petition in Michigan City. Girl was pre-
sented with gifts promoted from merchants,
and was guested by leading hotel and pro-
vided with expenses for herself and cha-
perone paid by the cooperating paper for
a three day trip. Paper involved carried
daily stories and art work ahead and during
life of contest.
Booking Special Athletic Films
Tomber Puts on "Sports Night"
A special show, dubbed "Sports Night"
was recently staged by Stuart Tomber at
the Fargo, in Sycamore, 111. All local or-
ganizations were contacted to publicize
the event, p. a. announcements were made
at meetings and posters were erected at
parks and golf courses. The shorts booked
by the theatreman for the occasion included
baseball, swimming, golf, fishing, dogs and
hobbies. For the evening, a Chicago news-
paper sports editor was invited to act as
master of ceremonies, introducing all the
leading sports figures of the counties who
were also guests of Tomber's. Sports mer-
chandise was promoted from merchants and
awarded as door prizes.
The recent AP wire story in the Boston
papers about the bridal couple whose honey-
moon came to a dead end in Bali with the
groom said to have succumbed to the lure of
that country's fascinating "topography," was
used as a reprint in herald form by George
Kraska at the Fine Arts Theati'e in Boston
to perk up added interest in the re-run of
"Lagong," the Bali story filmed in that spot
some years back by Henri de la Falaise.
Gooch Features Campaign
On Theatre's First Birthday
The Uptown Theatre, in Bath, Maine re-
cently celebrated its first anniversary and
Manager Francis Gooch staged a birthday
party at his matinee. Through promotion
effected with local dairy, the theatreman re-
ceived enough ice cream for distribution to
all attending. Opening gun was fired in the
house program, entire back page of which
was devoted to a teaser ad on the party.
These were distributed through regular
mailing list, at the theatre and with parcels
at 12 stores which tied in on the event.
Special "anniversary week" window cards
were posted about town, and featured on the
marquee during the week, stage announce-
ments made and a special kid show arranged
for the younger element. Special letters
were also mailed to each person who had
submitted a name for the theatre in the con-
test held before opening.
Board of Trade Brochure Prepared
By McKibbon for Visitors to City
Since Russell McKibbon, manager of the
Famous Players Royal Theatre, in Guelph,
Ontario is Chairman of Publicity for the
local Board of Trade, he recently created
a four page brochure, which was made
available by the Board to visitors. With the
front page carrying banner, "Welcome to
Guelph," inside spread was devoted to list
of places of interest. Much goodwill was
created through the theatreman's efforts on
behalf of the Board.
Hotel Cooperates with Wright
On "Hotel for Women" Date
Tying up with one of Syracuse's hotels,
Erie Wright before leaving the Paramount
for the Strand there arranged for guest
tickets to "Hotel for Women" to be given
to the first 50 women dining on given nights.
Stunt was played up in lobby of the hotel
and roof garden broadcast. Planted in se-
lected bars and cafes were cards directed
to men only carrying a list of telephone
numbers, to those identifying their numbers
guest tickets were distributed. Through
tieup effected with local shoe store, imprinted
lucky number theatre ticket stubs were
available, hosiery going to winners. And
for restaurant distribution small envelopes
containing spices were available with copy
on outside reading: "The spice contained in
this envelope is mild compared to" etc., etc.
Newspapers Cooperate with Vennett
On Advance Publicity for "Union"
Local papers of Bath, Maine, were gener-
ous with their stories when Manager Frank
Vennett of the Opera House recently went
to South Boston to be on hand to greet the
stars who arrived on the "Union Pacific"
train. Since the theatreman was playing
the picture a few weeks later, the timely
publicity aided to ushering in the engage-
ment. Photos were also planted showing
the manager with various celebrities and
stressed in stories was the fact that Joel
McCrea, the male lead, was due to visit
relatives in Bath.
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
89
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted bg the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classiRcation. Thus: Conu-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abraham Lincoln Boggs, Mel Rep
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009, IVIel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventurer, The, 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures of Hucldeberry Finn, The, 923
Com.-Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Frontier, 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Ambush, 3820, Mel Para
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The, 367, Mel,. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid. The, West Rep
Arizona Legion, 982, West RKO
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Com 20th- Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mus,-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 38 33, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933. West RKO
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre Bizarre, Com Foreign
Biiiy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondls Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Bluebird, The, Com 20th-Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West. Rep
Beuquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Bey Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Bey Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Burn 'Em Up O'Connor, 919, Com.-Mel.. MGM
Bulldog Drummond'i Secret Police, 3631,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
C
Cabira, Mel Foreign
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Gail a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Campus Wives, Mel Para
Captain Fury. Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The, Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure island, Mel.
20th -Fox
Charlie Chan in Honolulu, 928, Mel..20th-Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948, Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees, Com.-Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com 20th-Fox
Child Is Born, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wind, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
City In Darkness, Mel 20th-Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. fits.
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Convict's Code, 3822, Mel Mono
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, Com MGM
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com... RKO
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales. Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ.
Devil's Island, 313, Mel WB
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Disbarred, 3818, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr, Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, MeL (C) WB
Double Crime In tho Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864, West Mono
Drifting Westward, 3853, West. Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel.20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everything's on Ice, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fighting Gringo, 986 West RKO
Fighting Thoroughbreds, 821, West Rep
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Pepperi and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting with Fate, 914, Com.-Mel.. .. MGM
Flying Deuces. 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Ren
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Girls in White, 921. Mel MGM
Four Wives. Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Frontiers of '49, West Col
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Galloping Kid, West Univ
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Geronimo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, MeL (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Con. -Mel.. .. MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Grade Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel. .. Para
Grand Jury's Secrets, Mel Para
Great Man Votes, 913, Com RKO
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, We«t St. Rts.
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hatred. Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, Mus Univ
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence, Mel,
20th- Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes of the Desert, 7118 West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power, Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
Hitler— The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts
Hobby Family, The, 376, Com FN
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West Rep
Homicide Bureau, Mel Col
Honeymoon in Bali, Com Para
Honolulu, 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Bakersville, 936, Med.. .20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
Idiot's Delight, 920, Com.-Mel MGM
I Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
Incredible Mr. Wi4iiams, Com.-Mel Cel
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936, Mel RKO
In Old Montana, West St. Rts.
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 20th-Fox
intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel... 20th- Fox
It's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
Itto, Mel Foreign
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, Com Rep
Jesse James, 921, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Jones Fami-ly in Quick Millions, Com.
20th-Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Com.20th-Fox
Jaurez, 301, Mel WB
Juarez and Maximilian, Mel St. Rts.
Just William, Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, West Rep
Kid from Kokomo, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
King of the Underworld, 317, Mel WB
Knights of the Range, West Para.
Konga, The Wild Stallion, Mel Col
Kreutzer Sonata, Mel Foreign
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Col
Udy Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Me! MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel. ..Para
Lady Takes a Chance. The, Com.-Mel GN
Lady Vanishes. 8011. Mel GB
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West Col
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
Listen Kids. Mel Univ
(Continued on following page)
90
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
ITHE I^ELEASE CHACT— INCEX CONT'D]
(Continued from preceding page)
Little Accident. Com Univ
Llttl« Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Princess, The, 932, Mel. (C) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
London After Dark, Mel Para
Lone Star Pioneers. West Col
Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, The. Mel Col
Long Shot, The. 313, Mel GN
Lest Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Sfluadron, The. 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel OA
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Maisie. 940. Com. -Mel MGM
Mamele. Com Foreign
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma. West St. Rts
Man from Montreal. Mel Univ
Man from Sundown. The West Col
Man from Texas, 3865. West Mono
Man In the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang. The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared. 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers at the Circus, Com. Mus.-Com.
Medieine Show, West Para
Mexican Kid, 3741, West Mono
Mickey the Kid, 814, Mel Rep
Midnight. 3828. Mel Para
Mikado. The. Mus. <C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel GN
Miracles for Sale, 946. Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Moto in Danger Island, 937, Mel.20th-Fox
Mr. Mote's Last Warning, 926. Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, 952, Mel.
20th. Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Com Col
Mr. Wong at Headquarters, 3808. Mel,.. Mono
Mr. Wong In Chinatown, 3807, Mel Mono
Mothers of Today, Mel Foreign
Mountain Rhythm, 845, West Rep
Murder in Soho, Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House, 3803, Mel. ..Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 53S, Mel MGM
My Song of Love, Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mysterious Miss X, 809, Mel Rep
Mystery of Mr. Wong. The, 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel... Univ
Mystery Plane. 3809. Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter, 324, MeL.WB
Naughty But Nice, 311, Com.-Mel WB
Navy Secrets. 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832, Com Para
New Frontier, 868, West Rep
News Is Made at Night, 953, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Night on the Danube. Com.-Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South, Mel Foreign
Night Work, Com Para
Ninotclika, Mel MGM
No Place to Go, Mel FN
North of Shanghai, Mel Col
North of the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passage, Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, 001, Mel RKO
Off the Record. 314. Com.-Mel WB
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Univ
Oklahoma Kid, 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Maid, The. Mel FN
On Borrowed Time. Com.-Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus WB
One Hour to Live, Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown, Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mountles Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Outsider, The. Mel Foreign
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep.
Over the Moon. Mel. (C) UA
Pacific Liner. 914, Mel RKO
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com.. .20th- Fox
Panama Lady. 925. Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures. Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Paris Honeymoon. 3821, Mus.-Com Para
Parole Fixer, Mel Para
Patsy. Com MGM
Peasant Wedding, Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons In Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056. West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back. Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies. 3033. Mel Univ
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass. Mel WB
Pride of the Navy. 822. Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars. Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The,
Mel.. (C) WB
Pygmalion. 980. Com.-Mel MGM
Queen of Destiny. 061, Mel. (C) RKO
Racketeers of the Range. 984. West RKO
Raffles. Mel UA
Rains Came. The, Mel 20th- Fox
Range War, West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts
Remember, Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law. West Col
Renegade Trail. West Para
Reno. 008. Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid, Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2, West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business, 3029, Mel Univ
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Rolling Westward, 3863, West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
Scandal Sheet. Mel Col
School for Husbands, Com.-Mel Foreign
Scouts of the Air, 3816, Mel Mono
Second Fiddle, 949, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin, Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally, 018, Com Foreign
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Simple Life, The, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Singing Charro, The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm, WI-19, West GN
6,000 Enemies, 938, Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smiling Along, 300, Com 20th-Fox
Smuggled Cargo, 825. Mel Rep
Society Lawyer. 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein, 3004, Mel Univ
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring. Mel FN
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave. 813, Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho 855, West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931. Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Spy in Black, Mel Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stand Up and Fight, 918, Com.-Mel MGM
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th- Fox
Star Maker, The, Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop. Mel WB
Stolen Life, 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008. Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The.
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Strange Money, Mel Para
Stranger from Texas. The. West Col
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802, Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire, Mel,; MGM
Student Nurse, Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814, Mel Mono
Sudden Money, 3829, Com.-Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie, 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets, Mel Univ
Sunset Trail, 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties, 954, Com-Mel.
20th- Fox
Swanee River 017, Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner, Com FN
Sabotage. Mel Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West. ..St. Rts
Saint in London. 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822, Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede, 863, West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Tail Spin, S25, Mel 20th- Fox
Taming of the West, West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy. Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35. Mel MGM
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats, West St. Rts.
They All Come Out, 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948, Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040, Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal. 307, Mel WB
They Shall Have Musle, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus.-Com.. .20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up. 3001, Mus-Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004, Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West. Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat, Mel MGM
Thundering West, The, West Col
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th.Fox
Topper Takes a Trip, Com UA
Torchy Blane In Chinatown, 371, Mel.. ..FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite. 326. Mel...WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St, Rts
Tower of London. Mel Univ
Trapped in the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Pals. Wl-13. West GN
Trigger Smith. 3854. West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds. West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours. 917, Mel RKO
20.000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Two Bright Boys, Mel Univ
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under-Pup. The. Mel Univ
Unexpected Father. 3008. Com Univ
Union Pacific, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed, Mel Para
Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Vigil in the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wall Street Cowboy, West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rti
Ware Case, Mel ZOth-F«
Waterfront, 325. Mel WB
Water Rustlers, Wl-I, West ON
Way Down South. 947. Mus. RKO
We Are Not Alone. Mel WB
Western Caravans, West Col
What a Man! Com Foreign
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When the Husband Travels. Mus.-Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com. -Mel. .Univ
Where's That Fire. Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies. Mel Col
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Cam.20th.Ftx
Wings of the Navy, 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus.-Com ZOth-Fox
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Witch Night, Mel Foreign
With a Smile, Mus.-Com Foreign
Within the Law, 928, Mol MGM
Witness Vanishes, The, Mel UnW
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (0) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Men*
Woman Doetor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A., Mai Col
Women, The, Com.-Mel MOM
Women In the Wind, 3I«. Mai WB
Wonder World, Mel GN
World Moves On, The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw. 867. West Rap
Yes, My Darling Daughter. 357. Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man. 300S.
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away with Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel.... Foreign
Zaza, 3819, Mel Para
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The 812, Mel Rap
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
91
(THE CHART—CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Runnlns Tim*
Title < Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Behind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells-.JiiIy 28,'39 62. Aug. 25, '39
Blind Alley (G) Cliester IHorris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May 11/39 71. Apr. 29/39
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)..P. SIngleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms..Mar, 8/39 74. Feb. 25/3t
(Exploitation: May 13, '39. p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G).P. SIngleton-A, Lake-L. Slmms..July 20,'39 71. July 22,'39
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier-Valerie Hobson..June 20,'39...
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 67.)
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott- Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connolly. .Aug.
Five LIttIa Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson . .Aug. 22,'S9.
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roherts-J. Downs.. Apr. I2,'39.
Frontiers of '49 Bill Elliott-Luana Do Alcaniz. .Jan. I9,'33 54.
(See "California Cavalcade," "In the Cutting Room/' Nov. I9,'38.)
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphs Menjeu-Jos. Callela. .Sept. 5,'39. . . . 101 . Aug.
Good Girls Go to Paris (G)..Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June 30,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept. 7,'39t . . .*60. May 27.'39
Htmlcide Bureau (G) Bruce Cabot-Rita Hayworth Jan, 5,'39 59 Feb.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone-Rochelie Hudson Aug. 30,'39.
Lady and the Mob, The (G) . . F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elllott-Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulll-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott-Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, The (G). Warren William-lda Luplno-
Virginia Weidler Jan.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wlleox..Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh.. .May
My Son Is a Criminal . Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells. ... Feb. 22,'39.
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Nov. I2,'38.)
.79. Mar. II, '39
4,'39 72.Sept. 2,'39
.62.
19, '39
ll.'U
I6,'39
27.'39
I5,'39
I7,'39
.Feb. I0,'39
.. 66
Mar.
II. '39
69
Feb.
I8,'S9
71
Jan.
59
June
24,'S9
64.
....121.
May
20,'39
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant - Jean Arthur-
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May 25.'39.
(Exploitation: June 24,'39: p. 75: July I5.'39, p. 62; July 29.'39, p. 69: Aug. 5. '39. pp. 100.
101, 102; Aug. 12, '39, p. 70; Aug. 19, '39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39, p. 57; Sept. 9, '39, pp. 76,
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett- Iris Meredith. .. .Sept. I4,'39t 63
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June 29,'39 58
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May 4,'39.
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27,'39.)
RIden of Black River Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug. 23, '39.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Biekford Mar. 30, 'S9..
.59.
.67.
Title
Thundering West,
Runnin
g Time
Star
Rel.
Date
Minutes Reviewed
Charles Starrett- Iris Meredith.
.Apr.
Chas. Starrett-lrls Meredith...
Feb.
9,'39
..57
Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers
. Jan.
..57
Jack Holt-Katherine DeMIIIe..
.June
Chas. Starrett - iris Meredith -
15, '39 ..
..58
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar. 24,'39 61. Feb. I8,'S8
Woman Is the Judge, A Frieda Inescort-Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July I0,'39 62
Coming Attractions
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct. 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Slngleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms
Fugitive at Largo (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis *65.Aug. 5,'39
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbe-Eugene Pallette Oct. I5,'39f
Renegade Law* Chas. Starrett- Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-O. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Sept. 30,'39t
Spy in Black (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson 82. Apr. 15, '39
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith. . Sept. 21, '391
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Disfributed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewea
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Matthews, Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28, '39 71. Dee. 17,'38
Lady Vanishes, The (A) 801 1 .. Margaret Lockwood-Paul Lukas-
Michael Redgrave- Dame May
Whitty Jan. 6,'39 88. Sept. 3,'38
(Exploitation: June I0,'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
GRAND NATIONAL
Title
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May
Long Shot, The (G) 313 Marsha Hunt-Gordon Jones Jan.
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters. . . May
Ride 'Em Cowgirl (G) WI-2. . Dorothy Page Jan.
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) Wl-19..Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May
Trigger Pals (G) WI-13 Art Jarrett-Lee Powell-Al St.
John Jan.
Water Rustlers Wl-I Dave O'Brien-Dorothy Page Jan.
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barclay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Isle of Destiny W. Ford-J. Lang-W. Gargan
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25, '39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
27,'39 71. Aug. 26,'39
6,'39 60. Dee. 31, '38
20.'39 69. Feb. 25,'39
20,'39 53. Jan. 2I,'39
31, '39 57
13,'39 57. Feb. 18,'SS
3, '39 55. Jan.
6,'39 56
21, '39
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Title Star
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey
nolly
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Rooney - Walter Con -
Lynne Carver - Rex
Ingram Feb.
p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29,'39,
.Sept.
. . May
(Exploitation: Mar. 18.'39,
p. 77; July I. '39. p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July
(Exploitation: July 8, '39, p. 52; Aug. I2.'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug.
p. 86: Sept. 2/39. pp. 56, 60; Sept. 9, '39. p. 70.)
Blackmail (G) Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly
Broadway Serenade (G) 93I..Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan..
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, p. 81.)
Bum 'Em Up O'Connor (G)
919 Dennis O'Keefe-Cecilia Parker-
Harry Carey-Nat Pendleton .. .Jan.
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr.
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Berry-J. Cooper-1. Rich June
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell .... Feb.
Four Girls In White (G) 921 .. Florence Rice-Kent Taylor-Ann
Rutherford Jan.
I0,'39 92. Feb,
pp. 74, 75; June
21, '39. .
9, '39, p.
.85. July
66; Aug.
1 1, '39
24,'39,
I5,'39
26, '39,
8,'39t....8I.Sept.
26,'39 70. May
9, '39
27. '3»
Apr. 7, '39 1 13. Apr. 8,'39
I3.'39 86. Apr.
28, '39 86. Oct.
2,'39 86. Apr.
17,'39 79. Feb,
29,'39
17, 'SJ
29,'39
IS.'M
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 54; Apr. 22.'39. p. 61; May 13, '39, p. 66.)
27,'39 73. Feb. 4.'39
92
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Running Time
fifl. Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945..Rebert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39 1 14. May 20,'39
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 59; July 22. '39, p. 80; July 29,'39, p. 67; AuB. 5,'39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. I2.'39, p. 74: Aug. 26, '39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39, p. 76.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr. 2I,'39 81. Apr. 22,'39
(Exploitation: May 20,'39, p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65; June 24,'39, p. 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell- Robert Younj.
Burns and Allen Feb.
3,'39..
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 82; Apr. I5,'39, p. 84; May 6,'39, pp. 61
p. 67; June 24,'39,
July 29,'39. p. 69:
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925...
..83. Feb. 4.'39
64; May I3,'39,
p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22.'39. p. 82;
M,'39
27,'39....109.Jan. 28,'39
pp. 74, 77; July I. '39
Aup. 1 2, '39. p. 70.)
Original Ice Follies Cast —
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. 10, '39 82. Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 20,'39, p. 61; June I0,'39, p. 60.)
Idiot's Delight (A) 920 Norma Shearer - Clark Gable •
Edw. Arnold-Burgess Meredith.. Jan.
It's a Wonderful World (G)
936 James Stewart-Claudette Colbert.. May
(Exploitation: Mar. Il,'39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, The (G) 929. Dennis O'Keefe- Florence RIee Apr. I4,'39 71. Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug. 1 1, '39 91. Aug.
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926 N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more • E. Arnold - G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 79: Apr. 29,'39, p. 74; May 27,'39,
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Ley May
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothem-R. Hussey .June 23,'39 74. July
(Exploitation: July l,'39, p. SI; July 8,'39, p. 51; July 15.'39, p. 61; July 22,'39,
Aug. 5,'39, p. 98: Aug. 12.'39. p. 74: Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Spot. 2,'39. p. 60.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone... May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-SIr C. Hard-
wIoke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beuiah Bond! July
(Exploitation; Sept. 9. '39, pp. 75, 76.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18,'39, pp. 68, 70; Feb. 25,'39, p. 67; Mar.
I9,'39 86. May 6,'39
I, '39
I2.'39
24,'39 87. Feb. 18/39
p. 68.)
5,'39 81. Apr. 29,'39
I, '39
p. 89;
Aug. 4,'39 71. Aug. 5,'39
5,'39....l33.Nov. 9, '35
7,"39 99. July l,'39
3,'39 87. Sept,
1,'39, p. 70; Mar.
I0.'38
25.'39.
p. 83; Apr.
July 8,'39, p.
1,'39, p. 76; Apr. 22,'39,
51.)
p. 64; May 6,'39, p. 62; May I3.'39, pp. 68, 70;
(reissue) (G)
24,'39 83. Mar.
p. 63; May 20,'39,
9,'39 62. May
3I,'39 78. Apr.
I8.'39
P. 62;
27,'39
I. '39
6,'39....
85; Feb.
97. Jan. 7.'39
I8,'39, pp. 68,
30.'39 78. June 4,'39
I6,'39 82. June 3,'39
19,'39, pp. 67, 70; Sept.
I2.'39 69. May I3,'39
IS.'39 80. Aug.
14/39 70.July
17/39 65. Mar.
i9,'39
8.'39
I8,'39
San Francisco
636 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy.. May 27,'39. . .. 1 15. July 4,'36
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laralne Day Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 72; May 6, '39,
May 27,'39, p. 65; June I0,'39, p. 59; July 8,'39, p. 51.)
S.OOO Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrllle .Mar.
Stand Up and Fight (G) 918.. Robert Taylor - Wallace Beery-
Florence Rice - Helen Brod-
eriok - Barton MacLaJle Jan.
(Exploitation: Jan. 21 ,"39, p. 52; Jan. 28,'39, p. 60; Feb. 4,'39, i
70.)
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter PIdgeen. . June
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939.. J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sulllvan. . . .June
(Exploitation: July l,'3g, p. 49; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 98, 100; Aug.
2, '39, pp. 54, 60.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May
These Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Loulse-
T. Brown- R. Carson-J. Bryan ...Aug.
They All Come Out (G) 943... Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar.
Wizard of Oz 949 (G) Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley. .. .Aug. 25,'39 101. Aug. 12/39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2, '39. p. 55: Sept. 9,'39, pp. 71, 77.)
Women, The (A) Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. . Sept. l,'39t...l34.Sept. 2.'39
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myma Loy - William Powell -
Ruthy Hussey-Virginia Grey
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9. '39.)
Babes In Arms Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland-
Charles Winnlnger-Henry Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 1/39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger - Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
Broadway Melody of 1940* E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Dancing Co-ed Lana Turner-Richard Carlson Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19. '39.)
Fast and Furious Ann Sothcrn- Franchot Tone Sept. 29,'39t
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2.'39.)
Marx Brothers at the Circus. .. Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. ... Oct. 20,'39t
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Ninotchka G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire. . .Oct. t3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy- R. Young-W. Brennan
Patsy Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds. .Oct. 27,'39t
Remember R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643.. Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 112. Jan. I8,'35
Thunder Afloat W. Beery-0. Merrls-V. Grey Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Reom," July I, '39.)
MONOGRAM
Title Star
Across the Plains (G) 3655... Jack Randall
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankle Darro-Grant Withers...
Convicts' Code (G) 3822 R. Kent-A. Nagel-S. Blackmer..
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell
Drifting Westward 3853 ...Jack Randall-Edna Duran
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movlta-Warren Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Diek Purcell
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter
Mr. Wong In Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorle Reynolds.
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds...
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr.
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter
Rolling Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room," June I
Sky Patrol 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2.'39.)
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorle Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shlrley Deane...
(See "In the Cutting Reom," Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne..
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll
Coming Attractions
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. HuII-M. Stone....
Mr. Wong at Headquarter*
3808 Boris Karloff
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane.
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall
Scouts of the Air 3816 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Apr. 30/39 59. May 27,'39
.May l,'39 61. May I3,'39
.Jan. I8,'39 62. Feb, 11/39
.May I8,'39 62. June 24/39
.Jan. 25,'39 55
.Aug. 7,'39 62
.Aug. 22,'39 58. Aug. 26/39
.July 21 ,'39 60
.Aug. I,'39 70. July 22.'39
.Mar, 8,'39 66. Mar. 18/39
.Mar. 8.'39 60. Feb. 25/39
29,'39, p. 72.)
.Feb. 8/39 60. Feb. 18/39
.Aug. 25,'39
Aug. l6,'39....»59.Sept. 9,'39
Mar. I,'39 55. Apr. I,'3S
June I0,'39 61
7,'39.)
.Sept. I2,'39
.Feb. 22,'39 62.Apr. 15/39
.Apr. I2,'39 73. Apr. 8/39
.July l,'39 62. July I,'39
.Feb. 8/39 53
.Mar. 22,'39 51
.Apr. 5,'39 56
.Apr. I9,'39 62
.May I8,'39 60. May 20,'39
Sept. I9,'39t.
.Nov. 24, '39...
Sept. 30,'39...
.Oct. 13,'39...
.Oct. 4/39...
PARAMOUNT
Title Star
Ambush (G) 3820 Gladys Swarthout- Lloyd Nolan..
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863. ... Chas. Laughton-Etsa Lanchester,
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) Gary Cooper - Ray Milland •
Robert Preston -Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland...
Bulldog Drummond's Brida
(G) 3844 John Howard-Heather Angel
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard-Heather Angel
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) Lynne Overman-Susan Paley
Disbarred (G) 3818 Gail Patrick - Otto Kruger -
Robert Preston
Grade Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Grade Allen- Warren William-
Kent Taylor- Ellen Drew
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 ....Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods..
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830.. Bob Burns-Gladys George
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; Aug.
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray...
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. ..Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn,
King of Chinatown (G) 3827. .Anna May Wong-A. Tamlroff...
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts
Magniflicent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold.
(Exploitation: Aug. 12,'39, pp. 69, 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p.
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer • John Barry-
more - Mary Astor ,
(Exploitation: May 27,39, p. 68; June 3,'39, p. 66; July I,'
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley •
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye
Night Work (G) Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles..,
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney- Leif Erikson
Our Leading Citizen (G) Bob Burns-Susan Hayward
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Jan. 20,'39 62. Jan. 21/39
.Apr. 21, '39 85. Apr. 15/39
.Mar. I0,'39 88. Nov. 26/38
Sept. I5,'39t.. .114. July 22,'39
Feb. 17, '39 74.Feb. 4/3»
June 30,'39 57. July 8,'39
Apr. I4,'39 55. Apr. 8,'39
Mar. 3/39 76. Feb. II/3S
.Sept. l,'39t...*67.Sept. 2,'39
.Jan. I,'39 60.Jan. I4.'3I
.June 2,'39 74. May 20,'39
.June 23,'39 68. Juno I0,'3(
.June 23,'39 74. Mar. I8,'3B
.May I2,'39 80. May 13, '39
.Apr. 7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
5,'39, p. 99.)
.June 16/39 95. May 13/39
.July 28,'39 64. Aug. 5/39
.Mar. 17, '39 57. Mar. I8,'39
Apr. 28/39 77. Apr. I5,'39
.July 21, '39 78. July 22,'39
.July 7,'39 85. June I7,'39
70,)
.Mar. 24,'39 94. Mar. 18/39
39, p. 58.)
..July I4,'39 65. July 8,'3S
..Apr. I4,'39 82. Mar. Il,'39
■ Aug. 4,'39 62. Aug. 12, '39
.Feb. 24,'39 76. Feb. 18, '39
.Aug. 1 1, '39 88. Aug. 5,'39
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
93
(THE Cf LEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
Paris Honeymoon (G) 3821...
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39,
Persons In Hiding (G) 3823..
Tltls
Range War (G)
Renegade Trail
(See "Arizona Bracelets,"
St. Louli Blues (G) 3822....
(Exploitation: June I7,'39,
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858..
(Exploitation: Jan. 7, '39,
Some LIks It Hot (G) 3837..
.BIng Crosby • Franclska Gaal -
E. E. Horton - Shirley Ross .
Akim TamlrofT Jan.
p. 73.)
.L. Overman-Patrlela Morlson Feb.
Running Tim*
27, '39.
.85. Dee. I7.'38
I0,'39 70. Jan. 28,'39
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Sept. B.'39t....66.Aug. 5,'39
8,'39
3,'39 87. Jan. 28.'39
(Exploitation: June 10, '39.
Star Maker, The (G)
I9,'39 64. May
p. 85.)
I3.'39
Stolen Life (A) St64.
Sudden Money (G) 3829
Sunset Trail (G) 3857
This Man in Paris (A) 3865..
Undercover Doctor (G) S840...
Union Pacifle (G) 3835
(Exploitation: Feb. i8,'39,
p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65;
p. 76; July 8.'39, pp. 50,
Unmarried (G) 3838
Zaza (A) 3819
(Exploitation; July I5,'39,
Star
.William Boyd-Russell Hayden.
.W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes. .Aug.
"In the Cutting Room." Dec. 31/38.)
. L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Gulzar. .Feb.
, p. 76.)
.Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes Mar. 31, '39 68. Feb. ii,'39
p. 53.)
.Gene Krupa and Orch.-Sblrley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel.. .May
, p. 54; June 17, '39. p. 77; Aug. 26,'39.
.BIng Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug.
. Elisabeth Bergner - Michael
Redgrave May
.B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar.
.Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes. .Feb.
. Barry K. Barnes - Valerie
Hobson Aug.
.L. Nolan-J. C. Nalsh-H. Angel.. June
.Joel McCrea-Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroft-Robt. Preston. .May 5,'39..
p. 72; Mar. 11, '39, p. 57; Mar. i8,'39, p.
; June 10, '39, pp. 54, 59, 60; June i7,'39, p.
51; July 15, '39, p. 61; Aug. 5,'39, p. 102.)
Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees May 26,'39 65. May 27,'39
C. Colbert-H. Marshall-B. Lahr..Jan. i3,'39 86. Jan. 7,'39
p. 52.)
25, '39 94. Aug. 26.'39
26. '39 92. Feb. I8,'39
3I,'39 62. Mar. 25.'39
24,'39 68. Oct. 22,'38
18, '39 86. July
9," 39 65. June
8,'39
3,'39
..125. Apr. 29,'39
73; May 27,'39,
75; June 24,'39,
Coming Attractions
Campus Wives , J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dole
Cat and the Canary, Tha Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Dec. i,'39t
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda-George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamlroff-
John Howard Oct. 27,'39t
(See "in the Cutting Room/' May 20,'39.)
Dr. Cyclops Albert Dekker-Janice Logan Dec. 22,'39t
Emergency Squad W. Hcnry-R. Paige-L. Campbell
Farmer's Daughter, The* Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggics
Geronlmo P. Foster-A. Devlne-E. Drew... Nov. i0,'39t
(See "in the Cutting Room," Apr. I5,'39.)
Happy Ending P. O'BrIen-0. Bradna-R. Young. .Jan. 5,'40t
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Honeymoon in Bali Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roll-Helen Broderick Sept. 29, '39 ;
(See "Are Husbands Necessary," "In the Cutting Room." Aug. i9.'39.)
Jamaica Inn (A) Charles Laughton-Leslle Banks-
Maureen O'Hara - Emiyn
Williams Oct. l3/39t . . . .99. May 27,'39
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna Nov. 3,'39t
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupine
Llamo Kid Tito Gulzar-Gale Sondergaard Nov. i7,'39t
London After Dark* Charles Laughton Dec. i5.'39t
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden
$1,000 a Touchdown Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Our Neighbors — ^the Carters Fay Balnter-Frank Craven
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9, '39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Dec. 8,'39t
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mae-
Murray-Beuiah Bondl-EIIza-
both Patterson
Rulers of the Sea Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. • Mar't
Lockwood-WIII Fyffo Nov. 24,'39t
(See "Ruler of the Seas," "In the Cutting Room," July 15/39.)
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. FIeId-0. Kruger
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I9,'39.)
Strange Money* Ellen Drew- Robert Paige
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett ... Oct. 20,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour- Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patricia Morlson-
Akim Tamlroff Dec. 29,'39
Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly
What a Life Jackie Cooper - Betty Field ■
Lionel Stander • John Howard. .Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 20,'39.)
REPUBLIC
Title Star Rel.
Blue Mentana Sklet (G) 844. ..G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .May
Colcrade Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiiey Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe July
Fighting Thoreugbreds (G)
821 R. Byrd-M. Carllsle-R. Allen Jan.
Flight at Midnight (G) 91 1... Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong. .Aug.
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang Feb.
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Apr.
Home on the Prairie (G) 842.. Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Feb.
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane- Beverly Roberts. . Mar.
In Old Callente (G) 836 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes June
in Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayei. .Aug.
Running Time
Date
Minutes Reviewed
4,'39.
6.'39
3I,'39
5, '39
6,'39.
...65. Jan.
21, '39
28,'39t
.. .66. Sept.
2,'39
II, '39
19/39.
...58. Feb.
II, '39
3,'39.
. . .58. Apr.
I5,'39
6, '39.
....65. Feb.
25,'39
I9,'39
57.Juiy
22,'39
I4.'39.
...73. Aug.
I2.'39
Title Star Rel.
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard DIx-Gail Patrick-Ed-
ward Ellis-Joan Fontaine May
(Exploitation: May 27,'39. pp. 64, 68; July 15,'39, pp. 60, 66.)
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smlley Burnette Mar.
Mickey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan July
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. . .June
Mysterious Miss X (G) 809 M. Whalen-M. Hart-C. Chandler. .Jan.
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell .. Mar.
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton..Aug.
Night Riders. The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers.. Apr.
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
She Married a Cop (G) 815. ..Phil Regan-Jean Parker July
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816 Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell - Marie Wilson ■ Tommy
Ryan July
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rocheile Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
S.O.S.-Tldal Wave (G) 813. ..Ralph Byrd- Kay Sutton June
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 . Charles BIckford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
Three Texas Steers (G) 866... Three Mesquiteers-Carolo Landis..May
Wail Street Cowboy (G) R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton. .Sept.
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort-Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesqulteers June
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Cominff Attractions
Abraham Lincoln Boggs Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Arizona Kid, The Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Calling All Marines (G) D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer Sept.
Jeepers Creepers* Weaver Bros. & Eiviry - Roy
Rogers
Kansas Terrors, The 3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueiine Wells
Sabotage Chas. Grapewin-Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver
Date
Minutes Reviewed
I5.'39.
....97
Apr.
I5.'39
27.'S9.
....58
Apr.
1/39
3. '39
65
July
1/39
9.'39
July
l,'39
i0,'39.
....65
Jan.
I4.'3a
20,'39.
....65
Mar.
4.'39
I0,'39.
...57
Aug.
I9,'39
i2,'39.
....58
Apr.
8,'39
23, '39.
....65
Jan.
21. '39
I3,'39
,, 58
Mar.
25, '39
I2,'39
66
June
24.'39
26,'39 65. July
21, '39 62. Aug.
2.'39 61 .June
I9.'39 58. June
28.'39 65. Apr.
I2,'39 57. June
6,'39 66. Sept.
I5,'39
26,'39
3,'39
10/39
29,'39
I7.'39
9,'39
6,'39 65. Feb. 4,'39
27.'39 56. July I5.'39
26,'39 65. May 27,'39
28,'39t...*65.Sept. 9, '39
RKO RADIO Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920. .James Ellison-Helen Wood Mar. 31, '39 65. Mar. 25,'39
Arizona Legion (G) 982 George O'Brien- Laralne Johnson. .Jan. 20,'39 58. Jan. i4,'39
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn.. .Aug. 4,'39 82. July I, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19,'39, p. 70; Aug. 26. '39. p. 84; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. 9,'39, p. 74.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry. Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. II. '39 70. Aug. I9,'39
Beauty for the Asking (G) 915. L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles. . . . Feb. 24,'39 68. Jan. 28,'39
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb. I0,'39 72. Jan. I4.'39
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis July 7.'39 80. July 8,'39
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept. I,'39 59. Aug. 26, '39
Day the Bookies Wept, The
002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. I5,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22, '39.)
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept. 8,'39 59. Aug.
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844 B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrllle. . Feb. 3,'39 72. Jan.
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrle-L. Ball June 23,'39 75. June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy- Virginia Weldler Apr. 21, '39 68. Jan.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr. 7,'39 72. Mar.
(Exploitation: May 20.'39, pp. 61, 62; June 24,'39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLagien-Sally Eilers Sept. 8,'39t 73. Aug.
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt June I6,'S9 63. June i0.'S9
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928. Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June 2,'39 71. May 20,'39
Great Man Votes, The (G) 913. John Barrymore - Ksttharlna
Alexander - Peter Holden -
Virginia Weldler Jan. I3,'39 72. Jan. I4.'39
Gunga Din (G) 912 Gary Grant • Victor McLaglen •
D Fairbanks, Jr.-J. Fontaine. . Feb. I7,'39. . . . I07.jan. 28,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, p. 72; Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Mar. 25.'39, p. 84; Apr. 8,'39, p. 82;
Apr. 15,'39, p. 80; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 77; May 6,'39, p. 61; May I3,'39,
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66; June 3,'39, p. 68; June I0.'39. p. 60; July I. '39, p. 62
22,'39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936... C. Lombard-C. Grant-K. Francis. .Aug. 18,'39 94. Aug.
Lost Patrol (re-Issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford.. Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-Issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea-R. Dix-M. Aster July 14, '39 79. Mar. 5,'32
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne-C. Boyer-L. Bowman. .Apr. 7,'39 89. Mar. 18, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 80; Apr. i5,'39, p. 82; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 72, 74; June 3,'39,
p. 68.)
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. De
Pacific Liner (G) 914 Victor McLaglen-Chester Morrls-
26,'39
28,'39
I0,'39
28.'39
4,'39
26, "39
July
5.'39
S,'34
. July
I4,'39
83. July
7.'34
6.'39
8.'38
I2,'39
I3.'3S
62. June 3,'39
28,'39 60. May I3,'39
l,'39
I8,'39
5,'39 64. Apr. 22,'».
Racketeers of the Range (Q)
984 George O'Brien ■ Marjorie Rey-
nolds-Ray Whitley May 26,'39
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T, Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas.. Apr.
Saint In London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June 30,'39 72. July
Saint Strikes Back, The (G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrio Mar. 10, '39 64. Feb.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley-James Ellison May
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Traey-B. Read-P. Knowles. . .July 28,'39 69. July 29.'3I
Star of Midnight (re-Issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell. .. Feb. I7.'39 90. Apr. 8, "35
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 938 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan Apr. 28,*39 93. Apr. l/3»
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 81; May 13/39, p. 68; June I7,'39, p. 76.)
94
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
TItre
Star
They Made Her a Spy (G) 921. Sally Eilers-Allan Lane
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brlen-MarJorie Reynolds.
Trouble In Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brlen-R. Kelth-R. Whitley.
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard DIx-Luellle Ball
Way Down South (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray.
Coming Attractions
Abe Lincoln In Illinois 009. . . R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard. . Nov. 24,'39t
Allegheny Frontier 006 John Wayne-Claire Trev«r-Brlan
Donlevy-GeorBe Sander*
Everything's on Ice (G) 946... Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - James Ellison-
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly....
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. I4,'39 69. Mar. 25,'39
June 30,'39 59. June 24,'39
Mar. 24.'39 60. Mar. I8.'39
Mar. 3.'39 64. Feb. I8.'39
July 21, '39 63. July 22,'39
Get. 27.'39t
Oct. 6,'39 65. Sept. 9,'39
Flying Deuces 010 Laurel &. Hardy-J. Parker
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I9.'39.)
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-SIr C.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell • B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9. '39.)
Marshal of Mesa City 081 George O'Brien-Virginia Vale.
Nurse Edith Caveil (G) 001 Anna Neagle-Edna May Ollver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders-Z. Pitts
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle- Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith
(Reviewed under the title. "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 R. Dix. G. Patrick-A. Louise...
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
Three Sons 004 ..E. Ellis- W. Gargan-K. Taylor.
(See "in the Cutting Room." Sept. 9, '39.)
Vigil in the Night 007 Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aheme
Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26,'39
Oct. 20.'39t
.Nov. 3.'39t
.Sept. 29,'39t. . .•95.Aug. 26.'39
Nov. 3,'39t 95. Oct. 29.'38
■ Nov. I7,'39t
Oct. I3.'39t
.Nov. I0,'39t.
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures ef Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Luplno-N. Bruce. . Sept. l,'39t.. . 82 Aug. 26. '39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3,'39 69. Nov. I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bend-
Arlcen Whelan May I9,'39 72. May !3.'39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'Mt. . . 74. Aug. 26,'39
Charlie Chan In Honolulu (G)
928 Sidney Toler-Phyllis Brooks Jan. 13,'39 68. Dec. 24,'38
Charlie Chan In Reno (G) 948. S. Toier-P. Brooks-R. Cortez. . . . June 16, '39 71. June 3,'39
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl May 5.'39 60. Jan. 14,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo .
Marjorie Weaver Aug. Il.'39t 64. Aug. I9,'39
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell • Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell •
Lynn Barl Aug. 4.'39t. . . 83. Aug. 5. '39
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Bylngton-S. Deane..Mar. 24,'39 62. Nov. 26,'38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951 . Randolph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romere-Binnie Barnes. . .July 28,'39 71. July 29,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2.'39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. • Anita Louise • Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Hound of the Baskervilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Nlgel Bruio Mar. 31, '39 80. Apr. I,'39
(Exploitation I June 17. '39, p. 75; July l,'39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen-Jean Rogers Mar. I0,'39 61. Oct. 22.'38
inspector Hornleigh (A) 945. ..Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 21, '39 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30,'39 65. June 17,'39
Jesse James (G) 921 Tyrone Power - Henry Fonda-
Nancy Kelly- Randolph Scott Jan. 27,'39. . . . 1 06. Jan. I4,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4.'39, p. 63: Jan. 21, '39, pp. 52, 54: Feb. 4,'39. p. 83; Feb. II, '39,
pp. 58, 61: Feb. 25,'39, pp. 69, 70; Mar. 4/39, p. 70; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56; Apr. I, '39,
p. 76: Apr. 29, '39. pp. 75, 76; May 6, '39, p. 65; June 24, '39, p. 74.)
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington. . . . June 2,'39 60. May 27,'39
Jones Family In Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington Aug. 25,'39t. . . .61 .Aug. 12,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple- Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter •
Cesar Romero- Arthur Treacher. .Mar. 17,'39 93. Feb. 25,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15,'39, pp. 84 , 85.)
Mr. Moto In Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff Apr. 7,'39 70. Mar. I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Mote's Last Warning 926.. Peter Lorre - Geo. Sanders -
R. Cortez - Virginia Field Jan. 20,'39 71
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 24,'38.)
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre - Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schildkraut July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl July 21, '39 73. July I5,'39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Barl Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. lS,'39t . l04.Sept. 9.'39
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Barl-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28,'39 71. Apr. 22,'39
Rose of Washington Square
(Q) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May 13/39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62; May 6, '39, p. 64; June 24, '39, p. 73.)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee . . . . July I4,'39 87. July 8,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Smiling Along (G) 933 Gracie Fields - Mary Maguire -
Roger Livesey Jan. 20,'39 83. Oct. 22,'38
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy- R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Cobum -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke. .. Aug. I8,'39t . . . 10 1 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39. p. 67)
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; May 6, '39, p. 60; May I3,'39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June I7,'39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott.. June 23,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69; Aug. 26, '39, p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . Feb. I0,'39 84, Feb. 4,'3i
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 69; Mar. 18/39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 8,'39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-Blnnle Barnes Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb. II, '39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 21, '39 72. Dec. 31, '38
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury . .Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27,'38
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Blnnie Barnes-Cesar Romero. .. Mar. 3,'39 80. Feb. 18/39
Winner Take All (G) 939.... Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta Apr. 21, '39 62. Feb. 25,'39
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947.... Henry Fonda-Marjorie Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Aliee Brady June 9,'39 101. June 3,'39
(Exploitation: July 29. '39. p. 67: Aug. I2,'39. p. 70.)
Adventurer. The 012
Bluebird. The*
City of Darkness
Drums Along the Mohawk 015
Escape, The 010
Girl Must Live. A (A)
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence
Here I Am a Stranger 009..
High School
Hollywood Cavalcade 007
(See "In the Cutting Roo
Pack Up Your Troubles 014
Simple Life
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008..
Swanee River 017
Too Busy to Work 016
20,000 Men a Year 013
Coming Attractions
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes Oct. 20,'39t
Shirley Temple-Nancy Kelly
Sidney Toler
Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0,'39t
Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond Oct. 6,'39t 62
Lilll Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May I3,'39
Jean Rogers-Glen Ford
Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. .Sept. 29,'39t
Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton Oct. 13,'39t
m." Aug. I2.'39.)
J. WIthers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Barl-Stanley Fields Nov. 3,'39t
M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t 57. Sept. 2,'39
D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds. ..Nov. 24,'39t
J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis .Nov. I7,'39t
R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct. 27,'39t
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Aheme-Vlctor McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang. May 26,'39 91. May 8,'39
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez-
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t 115. May 6,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. i4,'38, p. 64; Feb. 4, '39, op. 82 , 84; Feb. Il,'39, p. 59; Feb. 25,'39,
p. 68; Mar. 4,'39, pp. 70, 72.)
Intermezzo, a Love 8t«ry L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best. .Sept. 15,'39t
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello. . Feb. I7.'39 88. Feb. 11, '39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn..Feb. I0,'39 94. Feb. 4,'39
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man In the Iron Mask (Q) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett -
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug. I l,'39t. . . 1 12. July I,'39
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 59: July 22, '39, p. 80; Aug. 12, '39, p. 69; Aug. 19, '39, p. 66;
Aug. 26,'39, p. 85: Sept. 2, '39, p. 55.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchalre-Edna Best Mar. I0,'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devlne -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. . .Mar. 3,'39 96. Feb. Il,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 81: Apr. I, '39, pp. 72, 75; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
p. 67; May 20, '39, p. 60; July 15, '39, p. 60; July 22,'39, p. 82.)
Thej Shall Have Mutic (G) Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds-
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug. i8,'39t . . . 101 .July I5,'39
(See musical analysis, July 22, '39, p. 54.)
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett- Roland Young-
Billie Burke-AIan Mowbray Jan. 12,'39 80. Dec. 31, '38
(Exploitation: Feb. 4,'39, p. 82: Mar. I8,'39, p. 73.)
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July 28.'39t. . . 100. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 5, '39, p. 98: Aug. 19, '39, p. 67; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Wufhering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7,'39. . .. 104. Apr. 1,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 2, '39, p. 62; IHay IS, '39. p. 68; May 27, '39, p. 65; Sept, 9,'39, p. 71.)
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
95
(THE RELEASE CH ACT— CONT'D)
Title
Zenobia (G)
Star
.Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billle Burke • Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang ■
Jean Parker Apr.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Runalni Tim*
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
2I,'39 73. Mar. I8.'39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David NIven -
H. Herhert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. 6.'39t.
(Exploitation: July 22/39, p. 81.)
Housekeeper's Daugliter Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct. I2.'39t.
Of Mice and Men Burgess Mereditti-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon • Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles* David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land
Real Glory, The G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven. .. .Sept. 29,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I, '39.)
Rebecca* L. Olivier- J. Fontaine- J. Ander-
son
Send Another Coffin* Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford-Edward Arnold
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane - Tom Brown -
Ed. Sullivan
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3008. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer...
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown-
Nan Grey - Constance Moore
Family Next Door (G) 3020... Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan..
For Love or Money (G) 3030.. June Lang- Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurle-D. Briggs-E. Arden
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Hawaiian Nights (G) J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle..
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038. .Irene Hervey-William Gargan...
Inside Information (G) 3039... J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson..
Mikado, The (G) 0904 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22, '39, p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny en the Blackhawk (G).R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. I8,'39.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker- Marjorie Reynolds
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3, '38.)
Risky Business (G> 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent...
Society Smugglers (G) 3024. ... Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Son of Frankenstein, The
3004 Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff •
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 67; Mar. 4, '39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78; Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, n
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devlne-H. Hull-J. Moran.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr.. .
Rel.
Apr.
Apr.
Sept
Apr.
2I,'39 66. Apr. 22,'39
I4,'39 69. Feb. 4,'3»
8,'39t
7, '39 88. Apr. 8,'39
May I9,'39 72. May 20,'39
Mar.
Apr.
July
Jan.
Sept.
Jan.
.June
June
July
Jan.
Sept.
Sept.
Mar.
Feb.
Feb.
Mar.
.Feb.
3 1, '39 61. Apr. I5,'39
28,'39 67. May 6,'39
7, '39 67. July I, '39
20, '39 62. Aug. 20,'38
8. '39t....65.Aug. I9,'39
I3,'39 58
30,'39 66. June I0,'39
2,'39 62. June I0,'39
21, '39 80. July 22,'39
6,'39 63. Dec. I0,'38
8,'39t.. ..91 .May 20,'St
l,'39t....66.Aug. I2,'39
I7,'39 57
I0,'38.
3,'39.
.57.
.61.
They Asked for It (G) 3040..
Michael Whalen • Joy Hodges -
William Lundigan
Three Smart Girls Grow
(G) 3001
Up
D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrlsh-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
Two Bright Boys Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew
(See "Bad Company," "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5,'39,
Under-Pup, The (G) Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weldler-A. Gillls...
Unexpected Father (G) 3008... Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
(Exploitation: July l,'39, p. 62.)
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen -
"Charlie McCarthy" ...
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-Mary
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Dorls Weston..
Destry Rides Again* Marlene D ictrich- James Stewart-
Chas. Winninger-Mischa Auer
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrlsh-
R. Staek-E. Pallette-S. By-
Ington
Jan.
Mar.
73.)
Mar.
June
May
Mar.
Sept.
)
Sept.
July
3,'39... 671/2. Mar. 1 1. '39
24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
I3,'39 94. Jan. 21, '39
25,'39, p. 80; Apr. 8,'39,
I0,'39 90. Mar. 4,'39
9,'39 96. June I0,'39
26, '39 61. July I5,'39
24,'39 87. Mar. 25,'39
I5,'39t....70
l,'39t....89.Aug. 26,'39
I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
Aug. 1 1, '39 92. Aug. I9.'39
..Feb. l7,'39.....79.Feb. I8,'39
Nov. 24,'39t.
Sept. 29,'39....*65.Auo. II.'SS
Title Star
Galloping Kid John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft- Vincent Price Oct. 20,'39t
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewln-Anlta LiuIm-
Dick Foran Oct. I3,'39t
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devlne-A. Nagel
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Listen Kids 0. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy
Little Accident*- Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice-Joy Hodges Oct. 20,'39t
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devlne-G. Gwynne
Missing Evidene* Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20,'39t. . . .58.
One Hour to Live C. BIckford-D. Nolan-J. Lltel
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
Rio Sigrld Gurle-Basll Rathbone-
Vletor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mlngs-Leo Carlllo Sept. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9. '39.)
Tower of London Basil Rathbone-Borls Karloff-
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter.. Oct. 6,'39t
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devlne-B. Roberts. .Oct. I3,'39t 62.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrle Sept. 29,'39t. . . .66.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
First National Pictures Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids" — B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26,'39 86. Sept. 9, '39
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar. 25,'39 71. Mar. Il,'39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan- Resell* Towni. ..May 27,'39 58. May 20,'39
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer-Paul Lukas May 6,'39 102. Apr. 29, '38
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson-
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39 56
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3,'39.)
Dark Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald • Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22,'39. . . . 106. Mar. II, '39
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55: June 24,'39, pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
pp. 61, 62: Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter • C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son- D. Foran July 22,'39. ... 107. June 24.'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfleld-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t. . . 88. Aug. I9.'39
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan •
George Raft-George Bancroft. . .Aug. I9,'39 92. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72.)
Hobby Family, The 376 Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26,'39
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robson. . . . June 24,'39 92. May 27,'39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewln-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60. Apr. 8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Lltel Feb. I8,'39 68. Feb. 4,'39
Old Maid (A) Bette Davis-Miriam Hopklns-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson. . Sept. I,'39t *95.Aug. 5.'39
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davls-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'39 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell-Barton MaeLane . . Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb. Il,'39
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young... Feb. 25,'39 86. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39. p. 64; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; Apr. 29,'39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,'39 75. Jan. 2I,'39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Espionage Agent Joel MeCrea • Brenda Marshall-
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh. . . Oct. 7,'39t
(See "Career Man." "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
No Place to Go F. Stone-G. DIckson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t. . . .57
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct.'2l,'39t
Warner Brothers
star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-WIIIiam Gargan ... Mar. I8,'3g 58. Feb. Il,'39
Devil's Island (G) 313 Boris KarlofT-Nedda Harrlgan. . . .Jan. 7,'39 62. Jan. 7/89
(Exploitation: Feb. 11/39, p. 59; Feb. 2S/39, p. 69; Mar. 4,'39, p. 69.)
96
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(TtiE RELEASE CHACT— CONT'D)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Dodoe City (G) 304 Erroll Flynn-Olivia de Havllland
Ann Slieridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. IVIcHugh-V. Jory...Apr. 8,'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8, '39
(Exploitation: IHar. 25, '39, p. 82; Apr. 22,'39, p. 61: IMay 20, '39, p. 61: May 27,'39,
pp. 65, 68: June 3, '39, p. 64; June 10, '39. p. 59; June 24,'39, p. 76, 77; July 8, '39,
pp. 48. 50: July I5,'39, p. 61: July 22.'39. p. 81; Aug. 12, '39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (6) 312 Margt. Lindsay- Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8.'39 81. July 8,'39
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - Jolin Payne -
Ann Sheridan-Gale Page Aug. S,'39 82. July 22,'39
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni • Rette Davis • B.
Aherne-C. Ralns-J. Garfield June iO,'39 127. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July I5,'39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81;
Aug. 5, '39, p. i02; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
King or the Underworld (A)
317 Kay Francis- Humphrey Bogart. . . Jan. I4,'39 69. Jan. 14/39
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase B. Granville-F. Thoraas-J. Lltel. .Sept. I,'39t....60
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. Lltel.. June I7,'39 69
Naughty But NIes (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I, '39 90. July I. '39
Off the Record (G) 314 Pat O'Brien-Joan Blondell Jan. 21, '39 71. Jan. 28.'39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. Ii,'39 80. Mar. 18, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 11, '39, p. 57; Apr. I, '39, pp. 74, 75; Apr. 29,'30, pp. 74, 75; May
I3.'39, p. 67; June I0,'39, p. 60; July I5,'39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 523 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. I,'39 61. Mar. 25,'39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Lltel Mar. 4,'39 61. Mar. ii,'39
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield • Ann Sheridan •
"Crime School Klds"-C. Rflins.. Jan. 28, '39 92. Jan. 7,'39
Torehy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-AIIen Jenkins Aug. I2.'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322. Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane..May I3,'39 60. Apr. I,'39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson . .July 15, '39. .. .59, July 22,'39
Wings ef the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-O. de Havlliand-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. Ii,'39 89. Jan. 2i,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64: Feb. 4, '39, p. 85; Feb. II, '39, p. 61; Feb. 25,'39, p. 69;
Apr. 25. '39. pp. 75, 77; May 20. '39, p. 64; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Women la the Wind (G) 316.. K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39 65. Feb. 4,'39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
British Intelligence Boris Karioff- Margaret Lindsay
Child Is Bom, A Geraldine Fitzgerald • Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George Sept. 30,'39t. . . .79
(See "Give Me a Child." "In the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
City of Lost Men, The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Lltel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Four Wives Lane Sisfers-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains -J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
Gamblinf on the High Seas*...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
invisible Stripes* George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Lady Dick Jcne Wyman-Diek Foran
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gieason-G. Dickson
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson :
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion. . . Oct. 14, '39
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, The Bette Davis - Errol Fiynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Price
(See "The Lady and the Knight," "In the Cutting Room," June ID, '39.)
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8.'39.)
Roaring Twenties, The Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Prisciiia Lane-Jeffrey Lynn. ...Oct. 28.'39t
State Cep D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Lindsay-
Roselia Towne
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
STATE RIGHTS
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory Feb. 25, '39
(See "in the Cutting Room," Jan. I4,'39.)
Harlem Rides the Range. .. Negro Cast Sack Feb. I, '39
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb. B.'39
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27,'39. .'SO. May 6,'39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0,'39
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue). William S. Hart Astor May 20,'39. . .88. May I3,'39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5,'39
Hitler— The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers DIst....Oct. 22,'39
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
luarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres "95. Apr. 22,'39
Lure of the Wasteland (G).. Grant Withers '55. Mar. 18, '39
Man from Oklahoma* George Houston Producers DIst Oct. 29,'39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers DIst Oct. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKlnney.Domino 56. July l,'39
Torture Ship Lyie Talbot Producers DIst Oct. 15, '39
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 29, '39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5,'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29,'39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Luclen Baroux Franclnex 85. May 27,'39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-lnt'l Mar. 20.'39. . .85. Apr. I, '39
Black Limelicht (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July 8,'39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. Il,'39
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim Columbia June 5,'39. . .90. June I7,'39
Cabiria Brodio Feb. 3,'39. ..85
Captain Scorpiob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39.. .85
Champs Elysees (A) Sascha Gultry Tri-Natl»nal Feb. 27,'39. . .89. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks, The (Le
Ricif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. II,'39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39.. .96.Mar. 25,'39
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3,'39. . .85. Apr. 29,'39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emlyn Williams. .. .Alliance Aug. I5,'39. . .70. July 29,'39
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept. 2,'39
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22,'39
Down Our Alley (G) Hughle Green British Screen 65. Aug. I2,'39
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24,'39
40 Little Mothers (A) .... Luclen Baroux National May 2.'39. . .94. Dee. 31, '38
Gang's Ail Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc, British 78. Apr. I, '39
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrlo French Film Center 80. Aug. 5,'39
Hatred Harry Baur World Feb. I5,'39.. .80. Aug. 5,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. I7,'39. . .87. Apr. I, '39
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22,'39. . .88. Apr. 29,'39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3,'39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22,'39
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I5,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) SImone Simon Paris Film 1 10. Apr. I, '39
I Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept. 2,'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Gultry Tri-National Apr. 29,'39.. .80. May I3,'39
Itto Native Cast World Feb. 30, '39
Just William* (G) Dicky Lupine Assoc. British .-.75. Sept. 9,'39
Kreutzer Sonata (A) Gaby Morley Foreign Cinema.
Arts Feb. I, '39.. .87. Jan. 7,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunlo Bonanova. . United Artists 95. July 22,'39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupine Lane MGM 84. Apr. 22,'39
Mamele Molly Picon Sphinx Jan. '39.. 102
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex. ..Mar. 27,'39. . .80. Apr. I5,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marseilalse Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30,'39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. Il,'39
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field Apex Feb. 27,'39.. .92. Mar. Il,'39
Murder In Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
My Song of Love Tito Schlpa World
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July l,'39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 2I,'39
Outside, The (A) Mary Maguire Assoc. British 91. Feb. 25,'39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A)...Chato Ortin Zacarlas 98. Sept. 2,'39
Peasant Wedding Amer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoe. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25,'39
School for Husbands (A) . . Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. 6,'39. . .70. Feb. I8,'39
Shipyard Sally (G) Gracie Fields 20th Cent.-Fox. . 80. July 29, '39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tlto Guizar Paramount 77. June 3, '39
Slalom (G) Holla Hartwich ....World Mar. I,'39. . .66. Jan. 23, '37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres Atlas Jan. 24,'39. .108
Song of the Street" (A)...V. Sokolon Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. I, "39. . .75. Aug. 26,'39
So This Is London (A)... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent.-Fox 85. Feb. 4, '39
Spain In Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. I8,'39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes. ... Assoc. British 77. May e,'39
Street Without a Name...Pola lllery World Mar. IS,'39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D ...83. June 24,'39
They Drive by Night (A).. Emlyn Williams ...First National 84. Jan. 28,'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedls 90. May I3,'39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. British 87. Mar. 1 1, '39
What a ManI (G) Sydney Howard ....British Lion 74.Fob. I«,'39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American 75. Sept. 2,'39
When the Husband
Travels M. Phillipides Brodie .....Mar. •SS...95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
Where's That Fire (G)...Wiii Hay 20th Cent.-Fox 74. Aug. I9,'39
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Malmar Feb. 4,'39. . .79. Feb. 18. '39
Young Man's Fancy (A)... Anna Lee Assoc. British 77. Sept. 2, '39
Youth In Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May IS,'W. . .90. M«y 27,'W
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
97
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT't))
SHCCT
FILMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.!
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7,'39. IS'/j . .
(3 Stooges)
All American Blondes 1423. Oct. 20,'39t .2 ris.
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39. 171/2..
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7i/2..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5,'39.i8....
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. 1 1 ,'39. 19. . . .
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. ID,'39. l7'/3 . .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. .June 2,'39.I7....
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t. I81/2..
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June I6,'39. 19. . . .
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. l5'/s . .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Bell (8-12-39)
9408 June 30,'39.I7
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/j . .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 2I,'39. 17. . . .
(All Star)
Static in the Attle 1422. ..Sept. 22,'39tl9. . . .
Walter Catlett
Swing, You Swingeri
9428 Jan. 20,'39.l8'/i. .
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2rls.
Charley Chase
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6,'39.I6....
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39. 18. . . .
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39. 17. . . .
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May I9,'39.I6
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22.'39t. I ri..
Dreams on Ice 1504 Nov. 3,'39t.lrl..
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507.... Feb. 24,'39. .8. . . .
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 3I,'39. .7. . . .
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39..8
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. 14,'39..7
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7....
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39. .7. . . .
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39. .7. . . .
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct. 20,'39t.l ri. .
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. I6,'39. .8. . . .
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39. .9
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39. .9. . . .
(Frisco Fair)
Modern Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27,'39t. I ri. .
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1.'39. lOVi . .
Sojourn In India 956! July 7,'39. .9'/t . .
Title Rel. Date Min.
COMMUNITY SING
No. 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27.'39. 10. . . .
No. 6 9656 (Moon Sengs). .Feb. 24,'39. IO1/2 . .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .91/2..
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 2I,'39. .8. . . .
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June I6,'39. 10. . . .
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-9-39) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9....
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8.'39t.9i/2. .
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 ..Oct. I3,'39t.l rl.
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. 17,'39t.l rl.
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl.
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25.'39t.l rl.,
No. 2 (Eiias Howe) 1602. .Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March ef Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22.'39. lO'/j .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39.IO'/i.
No. 3 9473 Apr. 2I.'39.II...
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. I7,'39, .7Vi. .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6.'39..7....
31. Krazy's Shoo Shop
9706 May I2,'39..e....
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) June 30,'39. ifli/i. .
Night In a Music Hail, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20,'39.IO'/j . .
Night at the Tree 9982.. ..Mar. 2,'39. lO'A..
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9964 May I9,'39.I0...,
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I,'39t.l rl.
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39t.lrl.
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. I0,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39..6i/2.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6....
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754. ..Mar. 3.'39..7...
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39..7...
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3,'39..9...
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. lO'A .
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
No. 8 ( 4-29-39) 9858 ....Apr. 8,'39..9'/2.
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 ....May I2.'39.I0...
No. 10 9860 May 26, '39. 10...
No. II 9861 June I5,'39.I0...
No. 12 (8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39.i0...
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl.
No. 2 1852 Oct. 20.'39t.l rl.
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'39t.l rl.
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810 Aug. I8,'39.I0...
Bows and Arrows 1801 Sept. 29,'39t.l rl.
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 2I,'39.I0...
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t. I ri.
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39..9</|.
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jan. 6,'39.ll...
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .ft'A .
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. IO,'39.IO</i.
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .8'/2.
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July l5,'39.IOi/2.
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 21, '39. 1 1...
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0...
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'3II.I0...
Title Rel. Date Min.
[939-'40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributed through
Grand National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. I
El -I Jan. 6,'39..9
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
EI-2 Jan. 20,'39..g...
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. 1 1,'39. .9. . . .
Petunia Natural Park
W-693 Jan. I4,'39..9
(Color)
Seal Skinners W-881 Jan. 28,'39..8....
(Sepia)
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886. May I3,'3I. .9. . . .
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-16-39) W-887 June I0,'39..9
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The W-889 *ug. 26,'39..9
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5.'39.ll
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25,'39..9
(Sepia)
Little Goldflsh, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. I5,'39. .8. . . .
(Color)
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Leu
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. I l,'39.2l .. . .
Alan Oinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8IS..Apr. 15/39.21
Dick Pureell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0,'39.2I
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayert
No. 24— Think First P-815. Sept. 9,'39.2I
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39.. 9....
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27,'39. .9
Day on Treasure Island, A
T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0....
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. IS,'39. .9. . . .
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8,'39. .8. . . .
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. IS,'8B..S....
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May I3,'39. .8. . . .
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39. .9. . . .
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dee. 3,'38..9....
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9,'39tll....
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7,'39tl0
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Emmett Vogan-Graee Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May I3,'39.I0...
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 1 1,'39. .9. . . .
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39. 1 1 . . . .
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39. 1 1 . . ..
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
(9-9-39) M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll....
(Sepia)
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20. . . .
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-3S)
R-805 Apr. I5,'39.20. . . .
Anthony Alien-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29,'39.2I . . . .
Mary Howard-T*B Celllis
Title Rel. Date Min.
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll....
Auto Antics C-942 July 22,'39.I0. . . .
Captain Shanty's Showboat
C-I3I Sept. 9,'39tll
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'3!>. 10. . . .
Cousin Wilbur (8-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29,'39. 10. . . .
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.July l,'39.ll....
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. 1 1,'39. 10. . ..
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39.I0
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8,'39.ie....
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 ...Jan. 28,'39. 10. . . .
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923 ..Feb. I8,'39.ll
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924 ..Mar. I8,'39. 10. . . .
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-92S ..May 20,'39. 10. . . .
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. &— (6-17-39) K-928 ..June I7,'39. .0. . . .
(Yankee Doodle Goes t»
TOWB)
No. 7— Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 June 24,'S9. 1 1 . . . .
No. 8— Story That Couldn't
Be Printed K-928 July 22,'39.ll...
No. 9 — One Against the
World K-929 Aug. 19, '39. 1 1...
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26,'39.ll...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. I4,'39..8...
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
S-912 Sept. 16. '39.10....
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. 1 1, '39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. Il,'39..9...
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20,'39.I0...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.I0...
Take a Cue S-9II Aug. I2,'39..9
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May I3,'39.I0...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June 10, '39. 10...
How to Sublet (2-4-39)
F-954 Jan. 28,'39..8...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-3 May 12, '39.. 7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
On With the New
(12-17-38) T8-3 Dec. 2,'38..7...
Pudgy In Thrills and Chilis
(2-4-39) T8-5 Dec. 23,'38..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 3i,'39..l rl.
Yip Yip YIppy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7...
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-I5-3S)
C8-5 June 30,'39..7..,
Small Fry (5-6-38) 08-4. .Apr. 2I,'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..Juiy 21, '39. 10...
Ecuador K9-I Sept. I,'39t.l rl.
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
98
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...May 26/39. 10. .. .
Land of the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39. 10. . . .
Republic of Panama K8-5.Mar. 24,'39..l rl..
HEADLINERS
Artio Shaw's Class in Swing
No, I— V9-I Sept. 8,'39tl0....
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A-8 Mar. 3, '39. 10
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl..
Phil Spitalny & Girl Orch.
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3,'39.ii
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5, '39. 10
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6,'39.I0
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-39)
A8-I2 Aug. 1 1 ,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II Juno 2,'39.I0
Richard Himberand Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7,'39..l rl..
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Hug. 25.'39. 1 0. . . .
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. I0.'39. 10. . . .
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23,'39.10....
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. 14/39. . 1 rl..
Oh Say. Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6.'38. 10. . . .
Public Hobby No. 1 V9-I..Seot. 22/39t.l rl..
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. 13/39.10
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 May "9/39.10
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. I0.'39. 10. . . .
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6.'39..l rl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3/39. . I rl..
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8....Mar. 3, '39. 10....
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9....Mar. 3I,'39. 10. . . .
No. I(^— P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-II..June 2/39.10....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 7/39.10
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7,'39.22....
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27,'39. .7. . . .
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June I6.'39. .7. . . .
Hello How Am I?
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July 14/39. .7
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II....JuIy 28/39. 7....
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24.'39. .7. . . ,
Wetta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'38. .7. . . ,
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 4 — J8-4 Mar. I0.'39..l rl.
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5....May 12/39.11...
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 <\ug. 4, '39. II
1939-40
No. I— V9 Oct. I5,'39t. I rl.
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 58 — Frolicking Frogs
R8-6 Dec. 23/38. . I rl.
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7...Jan. 20/39.10...
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. 17/39.10...
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. 14/39.10...
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(63-3-99) R8-II May 12/39.10...
No. 63— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9.'39.I0...
No. 64 — Watch Your Step
(8-19-39 R8-I3 July 7/39.10...
Title Rel. Date Min.
No. 65 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-I Sept. I,'39tl0
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
R9-2 Sent. 29.'39t.l rl..
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4....Feb. 3.'39.I0....
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4.'39.ll
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6....June 16/39.10....
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LtON ERROL COMEDIES
Crime Rave 93.703 Jan. 13. '39. 18
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. I0.'39.20
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5,'39. 17
Ring Madness 9370 June 30,'39.I9
Wrong Room 03,701 Sept. 22,'39t.2 ris.
HEADLINERS
No. 2 — Romancing Along
93.602 Dec. 30,'38.2I . . . .
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93.603 Feb. 24,'39. 17. . . .
No. 4— Sales Slips 93.604.. June 2, '39. 17
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6.'39t.2rls.
Baby Daze 93,405 May I9,'39.I5
Clean Sweep. A, 93,402. .. Dec. 2,'38.I7
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93.404 Mar. 24.'39. 18. . . .
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39. .2 ris.
Kennedy the Great 03,402.. Dec. I,'39t.2rls.
Maid to Order 93,403 Ian. 27,'39. 18
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 6— State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93.106 Ian. 20,'39. IB. . . .
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93.107 Feb. I7.'39.I9
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93.108 Mar. 17,'39. 18. . . .
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93.109 Apr. I4.'39.I9
No. 10— Dixle-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93.110 May I2,'39. 19. . . .
No. II — War. Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9, '39. 19
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7, '39. 22....
No. 13 — Metropolis — 1939
(8-5, '39) 93,113 Aug. 4,*39.I8
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9....
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94.210 May I2.'39. 1 1 . . . .
Lillian Roth
Cafe Rendezvous (12-3-38)
94,205 Dec. 23,'38.I0
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
George Jessel
Readin' Ritin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. 17.'39.I0
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94.208. .Mar. I7.'39. . I rl. .
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94.206 Jan. 20/39.10
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Coat Tails 03.202 Nov. 17.'39t.2rls
Marriage Go-Round 93.204. July 28.'39.I8
Pan-Domonium 03,201 Oct. 20,'39t.2 ris.
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3/39.16....
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 21. '39. 16
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 ris.
Cupid Rides the Range
03.501 Sent. 8.'39t.2rls.
Prairie Pappas 93,502 Dec. I6,'38.I8
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7.'39.I7....
Sagebrush Serenade 93.504. June 6,'39.I9
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94.607 Mar. I0.'39. 10. . . .
8.
Title Rel. Date Min.
Gold 94.606 Feb. 10/39.. I rl.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612 July 12, '39.. 9...
Pack Trip 94,613 Aug. 18,'39..9...
Pilot Boat 94.605 Jan. 20,'39..9...
Soldiers of Sea 04,608 Apr. 7,'39..9...
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5,'39..9...
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39.
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94.611 Juno 23.'39.
Zoo (8-12-39) 94.612 luly 21/39.
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 21/39.
Blue Grass (12-17-38)
94.304 Dec, 2, '38.
Bow Strings 94,306 Jan, 27/39.
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 June I6,'39.
Gun Play 04,301 Sept. I,'39t
On the Wing 94,305 Dec. 30,'38.
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July I4,'39.
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May I9,'39.
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24,'39.
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24,'39.
.9...
10...
.9...
.9...
.1 rl.
10...
.9'/,.
.1 rl.
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,1 16. . .Sept. I, '39. .8
Beach Picnic (5-27-39)
94,114 June 9,'39..8
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113 May I9,'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107 Jan. I3,'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. Il.'39..8
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110 Mar. I7,'39. .8. . . .
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110 Mar. 17/39. .7....
Merbabies 94,105 Dec. 9,'38..8....
Mother Goose Goes Holly-
wood (10-38) 94,106 Dec. 23,'38. .7'/2..
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22,'39t. I rl..
Practical Pig, The
(10-1-38) 94,109 Feb. 24,'39
Sea Scout 94,115 June 30,'39, .8. . . .
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108 Feb. 3,'39..8....
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111 Apr. 7,'39..8
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Hug. I8,'39t 1 1 . . . .
Daily Diet of Danger, A
9203 Dec. 9,'38..9
Filming the Fleet 0202... .Oct. 27,'39t . I rl. .
Sand Hogs 9205 May 12, '39. 10
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 2
(12-31-38) 9602 Dec. 23,'38.I0
Fashion Forecast, No, 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7.'39..l rl..
Fashion Forecasts, No. 5
0601 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll....
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Craziest
People 0401 Sept. 29.'39t . I rl. .
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20,'39.ll...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl..
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39.l I....
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3,'39.ll....
Mystic Slam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . .
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.ll..,.
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39. 10. . . .
Title Rel. Date Min.
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June .30,'39. .7. . . .
Barnyard Baseball t5l7.. July I4,'39..7
Barnyard Egg-cltement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5,'39..7....
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'39..7....
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy Goose In a Bully
Romance 9515 June I6,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy Goose In G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. 10, '39. .7...
Gandy the Goose In the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Gandy Goose In Doomsday
9524 Dec. I6,'38. .7. . . .
(color)
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8,'39t.l rl..
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May I9,'39. ,7. . . .
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
One Gun Gary In Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27, '39.. 7
Orphan Duck, The 0553 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. I3,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2,'39..7
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 2I,'39..7....
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39. .7. . ..
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. I l,'39t .7. . . .
Village Blacksmith 9506... Dec. 2,'38..7....
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301. ..Sept. I,'39t.lrl..
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.ll....
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll
Shooting for Par 9302 ....Jan. 6,'39.li....
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.ll....
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Arabian Bazaar (12-31 -38) . Sept. I, '39. 10....
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 2 1, '39. 10....
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) Jan. 3, '39. 10....
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May I, '39. 10....
Labanon Coast Dec. I,'39.I0....
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. I,'39.I0....
Rome Symphony (12-31-38). Feb. I5,'39.I0....
River Thames (4-1 5-39) ... Nov. I, '39. 10....
Ruins of Palmyra Oct. I,'39.I9....
Wanderers of the Desert.. .July I,'39.I0....
UNIVERSAL
COLORED CARTOONS
Life Begins for Andy PandaOct. 9,'39t.l rl.,
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
Title Rel. Date Min.
No. 58— (2-II-39) 3356.. ..Dec. 26,'38..9
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357.... Jan. 30,'39..9
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39..9l^..
No. 61 — (4-15-39) 3359....Mar. I3,'39..9
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360 Apr. I0,'39..9
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May 15,'39. .O'/j. .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362 June 26/39. .9'/i. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363 July I7,'39..9....
No. 66—4351 Sept. 25,'39t.l rl..
No. 67—4352 Oct. I6,'39t.l rl...
LANTZ CARTUNES
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7-15-39) (Color) Sept. 4, '39. .9
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 3I,'39..7
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. I9,'38..l rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7....
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'39..7/j..
Bola Mela Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29, '39. .7
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24,'39..7
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .^A. .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(I-2I-39) 3248 Jan. 23.'38..7....
Little Blue Blackbird
(I2-I0-3S) 8246 Deo. 26,'3t. .7....
September 16, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
99
(THE I^ELEASE CHACT"C€NT'D)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Little Tougti IVIice
(4-15-39) 3251 IMar. I3,'39. .7. . . .
iVIagic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3,'39. .T'/j. .
Nellie of tiie Circus
(5-20-39) 3255 May 8,'39..7
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39 ) 3252 iVIar. 27.'39. .7. . . .
Silly Superstition 3262 Aug. 28, '39.. 7
Slap Happy Valley 3216.. Aug. 21, '39.. 7
Snuffy Skunk's Party 3260. Aug. 7,'39..l rl..
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9.'39..7
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3, '39. .7
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5,'39. 19. . . .
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2,'39.I7
Ray Smeck &. Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July I2,'39.I71/!..
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38. 18. ...
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. 1 1 ,'39. 19. . . .
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May 17, '39. 18
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. I5,'39. .2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanatorium (5-20-39)
3231 June I4,'39. 18
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. I5,'39.I9
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20....
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39. .9'/2 . .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39. .9
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6,'39. .9
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39. .9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I, '39.. 9
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39. .9
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3. 'SO. 10
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7.'39. .91/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. I8,'39t.l rl..
No. 67— Novelty 4372 Oct. 9,'39t.l rl..
TWO REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Swing Hotel 4222 .... Oct. I8,'39t.2 rls.
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date
Boarder Trouble 4016 Dec. I7,'38.
Joe and Asbestos
Swing Time in the Movies
(1-7-39) 4003 Jan. 7,'39.
Fritz Feld (color)
Hats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 31, '38.
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 2I,'39.
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39.
Arthur and Case
Saall Town Idol, A
(3-11-39) Feb. 1 1, '39.
Ben Turpln
Homo Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39.
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39.
Johnny Perkins
Rollin' in Rhythm 4025 Apr. I5,'39.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29,'39.
Duke McHale
Min.
.2 rls
20...
20...
20...
.2 rls
.2 rls
20...
.2 rls
,2 rls
.2 rls
.2 rls
Title Rel. Date Min.
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3,'39..2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(6-17-39 ) 4028 June 3,'39.20....
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July I, '39. 20....
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June I7,'39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20
Red Skelton
Slapsie Maxie 5303 Sept. I0,'39t.2 rls.
Maxie Rosenbloom
COLOR PARADE
Points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25,'39. 10. . . .
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,'39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.IO
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June I7,'39..l rl..
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July I5,'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No, I
(9-2-39) 540! Sept. 30, '39. 10
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
The Human Bomb
(1-28-39) 4305 Jan. 7,'39.I2....
High Peril (3-4-39) 4306.. Feb. I8,'39. 12. . . .
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308.... Apr. I.'39.I2....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6,'39.I2
Haunted House (6-24-39) .. June 3,'39.I2
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39.lrl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.1l
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..l rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Declaration of Independence,
The (10-15-38) 4002.... Nov. 28,'38. 19. . . .
John LItel (color)
Lincoln in the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20,'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20....
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights 4007 Aug. I9,'39f .2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 62 — Porky the Gob
(12-31-38) 4805 Dec. I7,'38. .7. . . .
No. 63 — The Lone Stranger
and Porky 4806 Jan. 7,'39..7
No. 64— It's an III Wind
4807 Jan. 28,'39,.i rl..
No. 65 — Porky's Tiro
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809. .Mar. II, '39. .7
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39. . I rl. .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 4811... Apr. I, '39.. 7....
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May I3,'39..l rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7....
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24,'39..l rl..
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39..l rl..
No. 73 — Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7....
No. 74— Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept, 2,'39t. 1 rl. ,
MELODY MASTERS
Dave Apollon and Orch.
(12-17-38) 4706 Dec. 24,'38.ll
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.I0....
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 2I,'39..I rl..
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39..l rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25,'39.I0...
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl.
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. 18.'39.I0...
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29,'39.I0...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39..l rl,
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.10...
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716... July I, '39.. I rl.
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22.'39tl 0. . . .
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. I2,'39..l rl.
Swing Styles 5501 Sept. 2,'39t.lrl,.
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 72— The Mice Will
Play 4508 Dec. 31, '38.. 7...
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. I4,'39..7...
No. 74— Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39..7...
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb, II, '39, .7...
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. 1 1, '39.. I rl.
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39..l rl.
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..l rl.
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22.'39..7...
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39..l rl.
No. 82— Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39..l rl.
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 Juno 3,'39,.l rl.,
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June 17,'39. .7. . . .
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July l,'39.10...,
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July I5.'39. . I rl. ,
No. 86 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29,'39..l rl.
Mo. 87 — Hare-Um Scare-Ura
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. 12,'39. .7. . . .
No. 88 — Detouring America
(9-9-39) 4525 Aug. 26, '39.. 7
No. 89— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39., I rl,.
No. 90— Sioux ■ Me 5301. ..Sept. 9,'39t lrl,.
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. I8,'39..l rl.
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39,.l rl..
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9...
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
Ski Girl (1-28-39) 4905... Jan. I4,'39.I0.,.
"Gadgetecrs" 4906 Feb. 18,'39..lrl.
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. 18, '39,. I rl.
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. 15,'39,,l rl.
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39,I0...
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July l,'39..9....
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..l rl.,
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19, '39, 10
Vote Trouble 5701 Sept. 9, '39.. 9....
Grouch Club
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...,
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I,'39,22
Warning, The (4-1-39) Aug. 1,'39,32
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II....
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Little Journeys to Distant Lands
Travel Talks
Title Rel. Date Min.
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10....
CIVIC
City, The (5-20-39) 44
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10....
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10
G. P. 0.
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10....
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8....
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S, FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls.
WORLD
Andante et Dondo
Ave Marie
Children's Corner
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Les Berceuses
Song of Ceylon
Valse Brilliante
WPA
Shock Troop of Disaster
(2-25-39) 10....
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Specilled
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Flying G-Men (2-18-39) .. Jan. 28.'39,I8
James Craig-Lorna Gray
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) June 10,'39.I8
Charles Qui gley- Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again.. Feb. 25,'39. ,2 rli.
Robert Livingston-
Chief Thunder Cloud (each)
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. II, '39, p. 55.)
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. 1 1, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t21....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct, I7,'39t2l
(each)
Bela Lugosi-Dorothy Arnold
Scouts to the Rescue
(12-31-38) 3781-92 Jan. I7,'S9
Jackie Cooper-Vandell Darr
(Exploitation: Jan. 1 4, '39, p. 65.)
100
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 16, 1939
CLASSiriEE)
ADVECTISINC
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box nunnber and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
THEATRES
400 SEAT HOUSE, IN SOUTHERN KENTUCKY
town of 2,000 population. Qosest competition 26 miles.
A real opportunity, can be handled with paid cash,
other business reason for selling-. BOX 1193, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
WANTED— SMALT, TOWN THEATRE IN EAST-
eru states. LESTER BINGER, 57 Lincoln Road.
Brooklyn, New York.
THEATRE WANTED— LEASE OR BUY. NEW
England or New York. BOX 872, Springfield, Mass.
THE UPTOWN THEATRE, LOCATED ON
Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island, "One of New
England's Most Beautiful," is for sale or exchange.
The construction is of steel, concrete and brick, with
land area of 20,080 square feet. The total seating
capacity of 1423 is as follows: Orchestra 890; mezzanine
189: balcony 2%; loges 36 and boxes 12. Fully
equipped with Western Electric sound system, large
stage and dressing rooms, to produce any stage play.
Theatre is now operating daily as a second-run house,
and has been since the first opening, in the year of
1926, formerly managed by the Keith -Albee Amuse-
ments Corp. Theatre has been recently reseated by the
American Seating Company and recarpeted by the
National Theatre Supply Company, it must be seen
to be appreciated. UPTOWN THEATRE, Providence,
Rhode Island.
WANTED T€ BUT
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
jector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditoriiun that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
HELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS— EVERY STATE—
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
COMBINATION SIGN MAN AND OPERATOR
West Texas town. Must be between eighteen and
twenty-two years of age, single, intelligent, neat, good
artist and operator. Opportunity for advancement to
person with ability. Reply airmail immediately. BOX
1190, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
DSED GENERAL
ECDIDMENT
COMFORTABLE, ATTRACTIVE USED CHAIRS,
75c up. New bulletin describes thousands good used
veneer, upholstered seats. Name your price — we'll meet
it. S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
SOME THEATRE CAN USE YOUR OLD EQUIP-
ment. A little ad here will reach thousands of poten-
tial customers. Only ten cents a word to tell the
world what you have to sell. Try it today. MOTION
PICTURE HERALD. Rockefeller Center, New York.
10,000 FULLY UPHOLSTERED SPRING SEAT
chairs, American Seating Company make, $1.00 up.
Going fast, act at once. ALLIED SEATING CO., Inc.,
36-38 West 13th Street, New York.
600 SPRING UPHOLSTERED THEATRE CHAIRS.
Good condition. $2.00 each. AMUSEMENT SUPPLY
CO., Inc., 341 West 44th Street, New York.
2 LATE TYPE REBUILT" SIMPLEX PROJEC-
tors, like new, with Strong Jr. low-intensity lamps
and rectifier; also complete Ultraphone sound equip-
ment at a real bargain. BOX 1192, MOTION PIC-
TURE HERALD. Rockefeller Center, New York.
NEW GENERAL
ECDIDMENT
NOW'S THE TIME TO BUY— BEFORE PRICES
go sky high! Use S. O. S. Easy Time Payment Plan-
available on quality theatre equipment purchases.
Write S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New
York.
COMPLETE PROJECTIONIST'S TOOL KIT, $8.89.
Everything needed for booth repairs, 30 essential tools
with carrying case. Genuine Weston 0-50 ampere
ammeters, special $2.49. S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY
CORP., New York.
NEW, GUARANTEED, S. O. S. SOUND SYSTEM,
only $279.50 for 600 to 900 seat theatre. Brilliant,
natural, undistorted reproduction assured. Includes 2
Cinemaphone soundheads, G.E. Motors, 30 watt
amplifier, 2 Jensen concert speakers, baflFles, monitor,
etc. S. O. S. sound is modern, simple and economical
to operate. S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New
York.
DCSITICN WANTED
ATTENTION! EXHIBITORS, MANAGERS. GET
reliable investigated help from new agency. Projec-
tionists, managers, combination men. Go anywhere.
Send for list. Strictly confidential. No charge. H.
JAMES, 4C08 Clarendon Ave., Chicago.
Dccrs
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— S47
pages; illustrated; covers every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
gineers explain every detail of apparatus and its ar-
rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well ai
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP,
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just off the press! A second revision of the Sixth
Edition of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection with a
complete section of Sound Trouble -Shooting Charts ai
well as a hQst of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
PRINTING SERVIGE
WINDOW CARDS— 14 x 22"— 100 8-ply white, 2-col-
ors ink, $3.50. Samples. SOLLIDAYS QUICK PRINT,
Knox, Indiana.
5,000 SMALL ENVELOPES, $8.90; 5,000 LARGE,
$13.40; 10,000 giveaway tickets, $6.00; 20,000, $10.00.
Send for samples. M&M PRINTING CO., West
Frankfort, 111.
ECCrrEEPING
SrSTEAi
THEATRE MANAGEMENT RECORD AND TAX
Register. This new accounting system is the finest
thing of its kind ever made available to an exhibitor.
In addition to being complete in every respect, it is
simple — so much so that it is not necessary to have
had bookkeeping experience in order to keep an ac-
curate, complete and up-to-the-minute record of the
business of your theatre. The introductory price is
only $2.00 postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rocke-
feller Center, New York.
PRESS OF
C. J. O BBIEN. INC.
NEW YORK
NEW
FAVORITES
EASTMAN'S three great new films back
up their special characteristics with typ-
ical Eastman reliability and uniformity.
Worthy successors to earlier Eastman
emulsions, they are the new raw-film fa-
vorites of the motion picture industry.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,
N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors,
Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAN
PLUS-X SCPER-XX
for general studio use for all difficult shots
BACKGROIJND-X
for backgrounds and general exterior trorh
I
Come with me to
BALI and enjoy a
BALI HOLIDAY!
Meet those beautiful
Balinese Ladies . . .
Take a peeic
at ROMANCE.,.
And have a Wonderful Vacation from all your worries . . .
T
D
EQUIPMENT • FURNISHINGS • OPERATION • DESIGN
Next Issue;
THE FALL
BUYERS
NUMBER
SECTION TWO
m/fl^^ 16, 1939
GENERAL FEATURES page
Designed for an Industrial Neighborhood 4
Air Purity: How to Attain It; Air-Motion: How to Control It . . 6
Building for Family Trade at Low Prices 7
Tell 'Em About Your New Equipment and Furnishings .... 9
Getting a Better Break on Power |0
PLANNING AND FURNISHING THE THEATRE
Porcelain Enamel for Fronts Today 15
Furniture for Lounge and Foyer I7
Schlanger on Theatre Form; Potwin on Acoustics 18
Carpet Selection and Maintenance 21
EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION
Light: Modern Designs for Directional Signs 24
Seating the Auditorium 28
MODERN PROJECTION
The Practical Use of Sound Test Reels 31
F. H. Richardson's Comment 34
Just
UT
POSTPAID
Compiled by
THEODORE J. SULLIVAN
THE MOST
SIMPLIFIE
THEATRE
BOOKKEEPIN
SYSTEM i
YET DEVISED
Book is 1 3" X 1 0" in size, printed on a spe-
cial green stocic that is particularly easy on
the eyes. Covers are sturdy, v/ith bronze
"wire-o" binding, holding ledger sheets firnrily
and keeping them absolutely flat. Designed
so that a flip of the sheet gives the exact
page v/anted.
This Record and Accounting System has been compiled to meet the urgent need for an up-to-date and easy
method of theatre bookkeeping. It is a complete but simplified record of fiscal facts ... a repository of
operating data that is a miracle of convenience.
individual sections include: (I) Holiday and Important Date Record, (2) Film Clearance Chart, (3) Insurance
Record, (4) Equipment Purchase Record, (5) Annual Charges, (6) Weekly Operating Facts, (7) Summary,
(8) Contract Records.
I QUICLEY BOOKSHOP, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
j Here is my check for $2.00. Send me "Theatre Management Record."
I
I
N
ame
Add
ress
City and State
Theatre
TEAR OUT
AND MAIL
COUPON
TODAY
'Since installing your very beautiful American Bodiform Chairs
BUSINESS HAS PICKED UP"
Tel. ISI
28 »
1939
American
AMERICAN
odifbrm
Restful I Chairs
infe ^ tV^ese res^^^^^s at our
service ^3 .o°%;^^3
ie re:^^" very ^^-^'^ •
V>«>^ I THE A
American
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THEATRE CHAIRS
Interior view of the Palace Theatre
Penacook, N. H.
MR. IRWIN'S letter is typical of
the many enthusiastic comments
we are receiving from theatre managers
in all parts of the country who have
installed American Bodiform chairs.
Many theatres have broken their box
office and economy records by reseating
with American Bodiform chairs.
GRAND RAPIDS. MICHIGAN
Pioneers and pacemakers in theatre, auditorium, school,
church, stadium and transportation seating
Branch Offices and Distributors in Principal Cities
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
3
DESIGNED FOR
AN INDUSTRIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
1
^ HE general exterior and auditorium
views above are of the Burton theatre
which W. E. Lyon has built and is operat-
ing in an outlying section of Flint, Mich.,
where many workers in the Flint automo-
tive plants have their homes. Plain of treat-
ment and simple of plan, and employing
for the most part materials readily and
economically available locally, it exem-
plifies effective low-budget designing
adapted to such industrial areas and to
many a small town. Designed by George
S. Hawes, Flint architect, the Burton is of
cement and cinder block construction, with
cinder block veneer as the auditorium wall
finishing material. . . . Except for a shal-
low mezzanine supported on piers imme-
diately above the standee area, seating
66, the Burton has a one-floor plan; the
total capacity is 675. The standee area
is partially enclosed, forming a shallow
foyer about 10 feet deep, off each side
of which is a toilet room. This foyer is
centrally approached through an enclosed
lobby about 12 feet deep, having the
ticket booth on the right side, and the
mezzanine Is reached by one staircase just
Inside the foyer entrance. The seating
area, with rows spaced 32 inches, is 72
feet deep from last to front row. Dis-
tance from last row to screen is 93 feet.
. . . The cinder block veneer is applied in
4-inch thickness, with pilasters of the same
material forming panels. The block is
tinted with casein paint in graduated shades
of rose; modest ornamentation is added In
the form of a floral design In each panel,
a blue, yellow, green and brown geometric
figuration along the cornice, and deep rose
striping at the pilaster edges. The ceil-
ing Is finished In 1/2-inch Nu-Wood tiles,
laid on sheetrock in tan and ivory tones
to form a basket-weave pattern, with which
is harmonized the soffits of diffusers sus-
pended below the outlets of the ventilat-
ing system. Nu-Wood board faces the
parapet of the mezzanine, but otherwise
the standee partition and mezzanine rear
wall are finished in hard plaster painted
light rose, while the proscenium arch is of
plaster painted deep rose with ornamental
shading in tones of blue. The screen cur-
tain, controlled from the projection room,
is gold plush, the valance and side drapes
blue damask. Blue mohair covers the chair
backs; the seats have tan leatherette, while
standards are of modern stripe-and-panel
pattern In blue, red and yellow. The aisles,
as well as the foyer, are carpeted with a
Velvet weave in a modern sunburst pat-
tern of yellow, brown and rose on a blue
ground. Auditorium lighting is provided
entirely by aluminum urns at pilasters,
four to a side (the standee area, or foyer,
has three square buff-colored glass bowls
set against the ceiling). . . . The front of
the Burton is faced in ceramic glazed tile,
the field color buff, the trim in chocolate
brown and pale green. The marquee, and
the vertical sign integrated with it In de-
sign, are painted the same colors, while
green neon outlines the sign letters, and
4
3etter)katres
SEPTEMBER 16, 1939
Vol. 136
No. 12
... a section of Motion Picture Herald devotfirl +^ „u • i xu i ui- u j
Kw +Uo ri.,;,-.!^,, D ki- u- ^ '°iai<j aevoiea to the physical theatre, published
wLl Srfn^n ^ ^"^ uT^'"^'.'"'-; Center/New York, every fourth
Brnwn nllr^l^ P"'^''^^^^^ editor-in-chief. George Schut., editor. Colvin
fZr^i^PnnT IVl ^^11 '^^^'^'^"^^ manager C. B. O'Neill, Western
WrJ Wl r^'^'l. t S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. London Bureau: No. 4, Golden
iTrZ -\^^- Kn'ght Jr.. physical operation; Ben Schlanger. arch-
itectural form; C. C. Potwin, acoustic design and treatment.
Drive-lns Have Come, but
Airdomes Are No More
THE OPEN-AIR theatre of
yesteryear, where patrons sat on hard wood-
en seats, fought insects, and hoped it
wouldn't rain, seems to be no more. The
drive-in has supplanted it to some extent,
but diligent search has failed to unearth
one old-fashioned "airdome" anywhere in
the United States. Even St. Louis, where
once they flourished, finally denied them
her patronage.
The drive-in seems not to have killed the
airdome, for it died in mpst locations be-
fore the drive-in arrived. In many parts
of the country it died before air-condition-
ing arrived. Nor does the advent of sound
appear to have been a very important fac-
tor in its disappearance.
The facts seem, according to fairly unani-
mous opinion of old-timers throughout the
land, that the airdome was never too suc-
cessful, requiring as it did duplicate equip-
ment and seating, and involving difficulties
of booking. It staggered along, stumbled,
rose to its feet again, fell and once more
reen and yellow neon provide sign and
larquee trinn (additionally, buff incan-
escent lannps border the marquee top
nd bottom). The marquee soffit is lighted
y I 5-watt incandescent lamps, the plate-
lass display cases by two fluorescent
imps at each side of stainless steel
■ames. Entrance doors are of white pine
nd plate glass, doors to foyer of var-
ished, natural color birch in flush panel
onstruction. The lobby Is finished in plas-
3r, the walls painted tan, the ceiling white,
nd the floor Is terrazzo. . . . Outside the
uditorlum, the Burton is heated by con-
ector type radiators set Into the walls,
ehind shields, but the auditorium is sup-
lied heated or cooled air through a cen-
-al attic duct; exhaust is at the fascia of
le screen platform. Coils carry either hot
ater, or water from the city mains, which
procured from deep wells and reaches
ie colls from a cooling tower at a tem-
erature usually below 55° F.
[An outline of the equipment and furnish-
gs of Burton theatre appears on page 25. ]
revived. The last decline seems to have
synchronized with the advent of depression,
and there was no recovery ; exhibitors felt
that the same investment in air-conditioning
served the public more satisfactorily and
was far more likely to show a profit.
Flicker Seen as Still
a Projection Problem
SURPRISINGLY, perhaps, in
this era of perfected projection, flicker is
still a problem to engineers. Careful study
seems to indicate that the intensity of mod-
ern screen illumination may help make vis-
ible (and objectionable) percentages of
flicker that pass unnoticed with older, dim-
mer forms of screen lighting. Such at least
is the conclusion which Lorin D. Grignon,
Paramount studio technician, sets forth in a
paper which has just become available
through publication in the Journal of the
S.M.P.E.
Irregular burning of the projection arc
remains one important flicker source, ap-
parently. Mr. Grignon also feels that shut-
ter action might be improved somewhat if
a sufficiently elaborate series of tests were
to be carried out. Cameras, set-lighting, de-
veloping and printing techniques, and back-
ground projection, are cited as factors oc-
casionally contributing to the existence of
some degree of flicker.
Modernization Trend
Is Upward in Chicago
THE CHICAGO area will
see a strong increase in building and re-
modeling beginning this fall, according to
plans completed by major exhibitors, with
Warner Brothers and B. & K. circuits in
the lead. Executives are well satisfied that
business conditions warrant broad expan-
sion, and declare only an unexpected de-
velopment in the war situation could alter
the present program.
About half a million dollars Avere spent
in the area during the summer on remodel-
ing and re-equipping. In addition, five new
theatres were constructed. Improvements
effected during the summer months featured
reseating. About the largest single remod-
eling project was that which the Indiana-
Illinois circuit carried through, at a cost
of $50,000, in reconstructing their Lex
theatre in Chicago.
Total construction and remodeling dur-
ing the summer fell to about 30% less than
corresponding months of last year, a drop
which is expected to be wiped out this fall,
with a total gain for the year of 1939 as
a whole.
Sound Improvement Not
Taken Full Advantage of
EVEN TOD.A.Y, with modern
sound equipment, there are exhibitors who
are not getting full entertainment value
out of their sound, Max C. Batsel, chief
engineer of RCA Photophone, said in a
statement issued on his return recently
from a tour of inspection through mid-
western states.
Mr. Batsel finds that, having installed
modern equipment, some few showmen fail
to realize how greatly its possibilities differ
from those earlier installations, and order
volume turned down when the sound in
the picture begins to work up to a dramatic
climax. They possibly proceed on the basis
of habits formed in operation of their old
apparatus, he pointed out, which very likely
could not reproduce the volume peaks of
modern recording.
A Means to Check Noise
Passage Through Floors
THOSE WHO wonder how
they can economically place a bowling alley,
billiard parlor, a dance hall and such enter-
prises, over or under a theatre without
having the noise go through floors and ceil-
ings into the theatre — and inquiries show-
that there are operators who do — will be
interested in a new development just an-
nounced by the Wood Conversion Com-
pany of Minneapolis (well known in the
field for their product, Nu-Wood).
With their method, balsam-wool is in-
corporated in standard building construc-
tion by means of special spring-steel clips
and ordinary furring strips. The wool is
spread over the surface, then the clips are
nailed to the furring strips and nailed to
the sub-surface through the insulating
medium. The design of the special clips
eliminates metallic contact, by way of the
nails, between furring strip and sub-surface,
thus maintaining the full absorptive power,
it is stated, of the insulation. The outer
surface, ceiling or floor, is nailed to the
furring strips in the usual manner.
Sound transmission is declared to be re-
duced by 50 decibels, an amount represent-
ing practically complete stoppage of sound
under usual conditions.
5
Air Purity: How to Attain It—
—Air-Motion : How to Control It
^ The first of a series on air-conditioning equipnnent, this article continues
the group of "plain talks" on air-conditioning begun in the April 29th
issue, which now turns to the mechanical facilities for maintenance of the
Effective Temperature representing comfort conditions in the theatre
EDITED OUT
■ In manuscript, Mr. Boester did not
begin his article as it is published.
His introduction was something of
an aside. Nevertheless, although re-
moving his introductory remarks from
the article itself, we certainly did not
drop them in the wastebasket. Here
they are, deleted but, further than
that, unedited:
"Before discussing what types of
equipment will efficiently maintain
desired Effective Temperatures, the
writer cannot help pointing out to
you readers the merit of the preced-
ing articles in this series, describing
what Effective Temperature means in
relation to comfort, and how It Is
obtained through the simultaneous
control of air-motion, air-heat and
alr-molsture.
"It seems probable that nothing in
the history of air-conditioning that
has been written or spoken has been
as much in point as these articles,
not only to you in the theatre busi-
ness, but also to air-conditioning
engineers all over the country.
"There Is no question but that the
articles heretofore published are a
very Intelligent and capable presen-
tation, In non-technical language and
approach, of just what happens when
we air-conditioning engineers en-
deavor to provide patron comfort
In your theatres — and I should think
that, as readers, you would clamor
for republication of them In booklet
form so that you might have them
handy as a guide to the comfort of
your patrons."
Mr. Boester did not know that
there has been, all along, a tentative
plan to make the entire series avail-
able In booklet form.
As for Mr. Boester himself, his pre-
vious contributions to Better Theatres
will be recalled. He Is a St. Louis
engineer who has made a special
study of theatre air-conditioning and
ventilation, and he has made a num-
ber of original contributions to Its
technique. — S. S.
By CARL F. BOESTER
IN ADDITION to the treat-
men or conditioning of air by controlling
air motion to provide for heat deficiency
and air moisture deficiency during the pe-
riod of winter operation, and by controlling
air motion, removing excess air heat and
excess air moisture during the summer
cycle, there is also — in either cycle — the
essential of air purity. This article will
briefly discuss air-purity and, in more de-
tail, air-motion, as well as the mechanical
equipment required to accomplish and con-
trol these two objectives.
The treatment of air, in order that it
may truly be called "air-conditioning," con-
sists of four functions, or steps, controlled
simultaneously. In this latter statement
the word simultaneously is very essential.
Unless the functions of purifying, circulat-
ing (air-motion), heating or cooling, and
humidifying or dehumidifying (depending
upon the season of the year) are accom-
plished simultaneously, the air is not really
conditioned according to the standards set
up by the engineering societies composed
of members engaged in air-conditioning en-
gineering.
qAiR PURITY
As a starting point it is well to consider,
first of all, the matter of air purity. Air
purity can be broken up into two classi-
fications :
( 1 ) Removal of dust and similar foreign
material in the air, and
(2) Removal of objectionable odors.
The first of these is accomplished 7?ie-
chanically , but the removal of odors can-
not be fully accomplished mechanically,
physically or chemically. There is just one
true way really to remove all unpleasant
odor after it has tainted the air, and that
is to dilute the foul air sufficiently with
fresh outside air and so render the odors
unnoticeable.
Odor Elimination
The only way to keep the air pure and
fresh is to change the air in the theatre
entirely at frequent intervals and thus keep
down the odor concentration that results
from smoking, body odors, etc.
It should be remembered that odors very
materially irritate patrons to the point that
they frequently get headaches and may
leave the theatre, attributing the head-
aches to weak eyes or to "flickering" of
the picture, when in reality the irritation
is caused by a disagreeable odor affecting
the nerves controlling the sense of smell.
In order to keep objectionable odors
down to a minimum it is essential that ap-
proximately 25% of the total air being
circulated and distributed to the theatre by
the air-conditioning equipment is fresh out-
side air. // smoking is permitted, this quan-
tity must be increased to a minimum ratio
of at least 50%, and in some cases as much
as all outside air will be necessary for de-
sirable conditions.
Filtering Out Dust
The other important matter relating to
air purity is that of filtering out dust and
similar foreign matter. There are several
ways of accomplishing this, one of which
is with the conventional air washer. This
does a very thorough job, but this type
of equipment when used in connectior
with other equipment essential to the con-
ditioning of air increases the first and op-
erating cost of the entire system rather
substantially.
The other method of filtering is that
of using standard type filters, with which
most of you are familiar. These usually
have dimensions of 20x20x2 inches and
are usually mounted in a frame, with a
sufficient number of them to insure a low
velocity of air through them. Many fil-
ters are made of spun glass fibers held in
place by metal or cardboard frames. Some-
times other materials such as cardboard,
hog's hair, wood shavings, etc., are used
for filtering. Such filters are known as
the "throwaway" type, and after they have
accumulated a quantity of dust they are
discarded and replaced with new ones of
the same type.
There are also filters of the same general
characteristics which are known as the
"permanent" or "cleanable" type, which
are constructed of a series of layers of wire
mesh or screen, each layer of which con-
sists of mesh diminishing in size. This
{Continued on page 26)
6
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
Building for Family
Trade at Low Prices
CI An Exhibitor Tells About His Theatre
R. J. Hielile has
been in the theatre
business in Parkers-
burff, W. Va., for
the last thirty years.
He began with air-
dome {long before
the time of drive-
ins!) and has had,
in all, five different
motion picture ex-
hibition properties.
Today he operates
the Hiehle and Burivell in Parkersburg, the
Burwell being less than a year old. Park-
ersburg, a city of 45,000 with a viscose
plant as its principal industrial establish-
ment, has four other theatres, two of them
W arner houses, the others independent.
Proudly bringing the new Burwell to our
attention, Mr. Hiehle was asked to tell
about it, and he does in the following col-
umns.— The Editor.
THE BURWELL theatre in
Parkersburg is one of the newest and also,
we think, one of the finest in West Vir-
ginia. Located as it is, outside the busi-
ness district of the city, it was designed
for the more exacting needs of a strictly
neighborhood theatre, with emphasis placed
on appeal to family groups — the women and
children — at admissions of from ten to
twenty cents.
The design of the building, both inside
and out, is in the modern trend. The front
is stucco over hollow tile. The theatre be-
ing outside the business section, it will
escape the smoke and grime that usually
pervades such areas, so it was thought en-
tirely prudent to employ light colors and
the more delicate shades for the color
scheme. With this in mind, we had the
stucco pure white, and this is relieved with
bands of black and with a black base course
of enameled brick. The marquee, which is
studded with varicolored stationarv and
chaser lamps and also illuminated in neon,
is golden buff in color with a blue and
red trim.
Instead of at the front (where it is
usually found), Vitrolite structural glass
was used in the Burwell entirely inside.
The cashier's booth is in black Vitrolite
with chromium mouldings (for the comfort
of the cashier — an important point if you
want to build up a smooth-running staff —
the booth is well ventilated and has an elec-
tric heater). The two pairs of entrance
doors are blue to match the marquee and
have large circular plate glass panels. These
are effectively outlined with chromium
mouldings.
Lobby and Foyer
Vitrolite is liberally used in the entrance
lobby, which is a small but amply sized
room leading directly into the foyer. The
walls are entirely in three shades of gleam-
ing Vitrolite — black from the floor to a
point about 5 feet above, then deep yellow
for 2 feet, then 1 foot of blue, then yellow
again to the ceiling. The Vitrolite is ap-
plied with chromium mouldings, and
chromium three-sheet display frames are re-
cessed in each side wall. Directly over the
top of each frame, the name Burwell ap-
pears, cut in mirror glass and making an
effective ornament. The lobby floor is pink
Tennessee marble with rubber mats re-
cessed in traffic lanes.
The foyer is sufficiently large to accom-
modate anv reasonable between-show
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
7
View of the foyer with its walls in three shades of Vitrolite.
crowd, and the lounges and toilet rooms for
both sexes are directly accessible from it.
The foyer floor is covered with a Crestwood
Velvet carpet having a modern pattern giv-
ing a bubble effect in maroon, rust, tan and
gold shades, which shades harmonize with
the tones of the plaster walls and ceiling.
The business office and the heating and air-
conditioning machinery room, as well as the
projection room, are on the second floor
and are reached by means of an ornamental
wrought iron stairway from the foyer.
The toilet rooms have marble tile floors
and painted walls and ceilings. The wom-
en's quarters include a lounge with plaster
walls in old rose, ceiling in off-white, and
carpeting of a Wilton weave in a modern
straight-line pattern in black and gold on a
blue ground. The furniture is of stainless
steel.
The Auditorium
The auditorium, which has no balcony,
seats 800. It is approximately 52 feet wide
and 90 feet long. There are four exits from
the auditorium leading out on to well
paved, lighted sidewalks — they make it pos-
sible to empty the house forward and avoid
the confusion of mixing the outgoing with
the incoming patrons and therefore to get
a quick turnover between shows.
The side walls of the auditorium are
untinted acoustic plaster above a dado of
brown hard plaster edged with three bands
of walnut. Spaced along the upper part on
each side are three large sunbursts which
have red central figures illuminated by
concealed lamps in bracket fixtures. A
stepped cornice runs all along the ceiling,
blending the gray of the walls with the
cream color of the ceiling.
The ceiling, finished in hard plaster, is
flat except for a center plaque, or rib, run-
ning the full length of the room and con-
Charles W. Hiehle, son
of R. J. Hiehle, who
manages the new neigh-
borhood Burwell, while
his father handles down-
town Hiehle theatre.
cealing the air out-
lets as well as acting
as an air diffuser.
This is painted deep
red underneath, and
in addition to this
and red of the sun-
bursts, red is the
color of the velour
seating upholstery
(which has a pin
stripe in gold) and
also appears in the
carpeting, which is
of the same pattern
and coloration as
that in the foyer.
The sidewall indi-
rect bracket fixtures supply all of the audi-
torium illumination ; the circuits are con-
trolled by dimmer. The chairs have spring-
edge seats and padded backs ; most of them
are 20 inches wide, while row spacing is
36 inches, which today must be considered
as not too much if we are to provide the
comfort and convenience that the public
has come to associate with motion pictures
and expects as a matter of course in any
well-appointed, modern theatre.
We provide clean, filtered air which is
cooled in summer with water from our own
well, which may be lowered in temperature
as necessary by means of a Carrier com-
pressor. The well can give about 70 gal-
lons per minute. Heating is by hot air ;
the fuel used by the heating plant is na-
tural gas.
Soil conditions were such that a base-
ment was inadvisable, so Ave placed the
machinery and heating plant on the second
floor together with the projection room and
the business office.
The building was erected by Mr. Nelson
Burwell, who did his own contracting and
superintending of the job. Accordingly, the
cost of the entire outlay comes to about
$75,000, fully equipped.
The front, finished in white stucco with trim in black enameled brick.
8
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
Tell 'Em About Your New Equipment^
New Furnishings —They're Interested
• Showmanship doesn't end with selling the picture
-you have a theatre to "sell" too. And it's full of
things that appeal to modern interests-and that
provide grand possibilities for exploitation
By F. LOUIS FRIEDMAN
ARE YOU putting in new
chairs? Hold a preview for them. Getting
new projection? Tell the world about it.
New sound? Pre-sell your patrons so
they'll know what you're doing to give
them the best for their enjoyment.
Such secondary exploitation of new, more
comfortable chairs, modern projection, or
better sound, and of other improvements,
can be made as resultful for you and as
profitable as a successful campaign on a
picture.
Just recall the publicity "breaks" the
French Line got several years ago when
the Normandie made its maiden voyage.
Front page stories, eight-column streamers,
newsreel shots, radio broadcasts, photo-
graphs galore — all were turned into pub-
licity that was literally worth hundreds of
thousands of dollars. Analyze such pub-
licity and you'll see that basically the en-
tire campaign was shrewd and intelligent
exploitation of new equipment.
Or, take the gleaming chromium-trimmed
Pullman exhibit at the New York World's
Fair. A constant stream of curious and
fascinated visitors troops through these
modern cars, eager to examine and learn
about the newest in streamlined trains.
Many of the people in these crowds may
never ride on a Pullman. Certainly the
great majority are not particularly mechan-
ically minded, nor do they aim to be. But
here is an exhibit that does "sell" the public
because the entire display is an example of
brilliant showmanship, exploiting new
equipment and doing a superb job of it.
Attractive Lobby Displays
Recently an astonishing show of in-
terest was displayed by Chicago theatre
patrons when the manager of the theatre
held a lobby preview of new projection
equipment about to be installed. So much
curiosity was evoked by the appearance of
the new projectors in the lobby that the
management found it worth while to assign
a competent staff member to explain the
operation of the new equipment to atten-
tive and genuinely interested patrons. The
same response was achieved on several oc-
casions elsewhere.
Such intelligent equipment exploitation
has definitely proved its possibilities as a
goodwill medium for any theatre. Building
goodwill of this kind is valuable. It
creates talk — and you know what word of
mouth advertising means to your theatre.
Not long ago an important circuit house
in the Middle West put over a smart cam-
paign on new chairs about to be installed.
Several of the chairs were spotlighted in
the lobby, and an informative sign was
placed nearby, urging every patron to try
out the seats. The customers of the theatre,
attracted by the inviting look and obvious
comfort of the chairs, sat in them, if only
to satisfy their normal curiosity. The re-
sult was that the theatre got a host of good
breaks, with pictures, in local newspapers,
while the theatre's patrons were even more
completely "sold" on the theatre manage-
ment's eagerness to have every patron en-
joy the pictures in the greatest comfort.
What does it take to get publicity for
new sound, new chairs, new projection —
even a new screen? You need no more
than what any smart exhibitor already has
in full measure — showmanship. Showman-
ship, imagination, ingenuity — and some
little work.
The manufacturer of the new equipment
you buy, or the supply dealer who sells it,
if he is alert to your needs and is publicity-
wise, can give you many a tip. Avail-
able, in fact, are prepared pressbooks, news
stories, newspaper mats and tie-up ideas
that will help you in dramatizing the pub-
licity and goodwill angles of the new equip-
ment you install in your house or your
projection room.
Take, for example, projection lamps — the
so-called "Simplified High-Intensity" type,
let us say. Perhaps you look upon their
purchase as a sort of necessary evil. With-
out imagination, they are just a mass of
metal and parts put in the projection room
and forgot about.
That's one way of doing it. But there's
another and better way — a way that will
get valuable publicity for your theatre and
make your public conscious of the money
you have invested to give them a finer,
more enjoyable picture on the screen.
Exploitation Copy
Before the new lamphouses are actually
installed in the projection room, have your
supply dealer put them on display in the
lobby of your theatre. Hang up a sign
{Continued on page 29)
An example of effective lobby exploltafion of new projection equipment. Arranged by W. S.
Schoening, manager of the 49th Street Trans-Lux theatre in New York, this consisted in an
historical exhibit of old mechanisms, contrasted with a new projector of the most advanced design.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
9
Getting a Better Break on Power
CHow an important circuit conducted its successful campaign to cut current charges
By L E. POPE
OUR EFFORTS at FoX
Midwest to lower electric power costs de-
veloped out of our checking into various
phases of operation to see what could be
done in each phase to reduce costs with-
out lowering operating standards. Al-
though this had been done for some time,
we decided to check into several items that
had not been thoroughly checked previ-
ously, and we found our light and power,
which is a major item, to have many pos-
sibilities in the direction of practical econ-
omy.
It was necessary in many cases to check
rates available with various public service
or commerce commissions in each state in
which we operate, also to check with the
offices of the various light and power com-
panies, in most cases finding a more suit-
able rate available. We also checked previ-
ous bills, not so much for errors in the bill
itself, but to give us more accurate statis-
tics so that we could see at a glance where
our light and power was costing too much,
determining where a saving could most
likely be made. We checked the demand
charts and other data that had not been
available to us before, as charts of this
kind are not included with the average
billing setup of power companies. We thus
had before us a comparison of all consump-
tion and demands on all meters by year
and month.
Exhibitor Must Take Initiative
Most power companies are well organ-
ized and have a separate department for
each phase of their operation, handled by
experts, and no doubt it is their problem
to get as much as they can for what they
sell. In many cases they hesitate to offer
the best rate available, but when various
FROM PROJECTION ROOM
TO EXECUTIVE'S CHAIR
L. E. Pope, purchasing agenf of Fox Midwest Theatres,
became a projectionist for the Reid, Yemm & Hays circuit
at Duquoin, III., in 1919, while he was still attending high
school, hlowever, he left the company in 1924 to study
electrical engineering for four years. In 1928, when sound
came in, the combination of his theatre experience and
electrical training impelled Mr. Pope to return to the show
business, and he again became associated with the Reid,
Yemm & hiays circuit. In 1929, Fox took over the circuit,
and in 1930 Mr. Pope went to St. Louis to handle pur-
chases and sound service. In 1932 he was transferred to
Kansas City as purchasing agent, and when, in 1933, Fox Midwest did away with
its St. Louis purchasing department, Mr. Pope took over the whole job. In addition
to purchasing, he is in charge of all construction, engineering and maintenance.
L. E. POPE
rates are checked with their offices and
with the public commission, and a better
rate is found, they do not hesitate to place
us on a better rate, stating that any rate
that our load consumption will qualify us
for is available at all times. But in very
few cases do they suggest this change of
their own accord.
We were able to make reductions in sev-
eral towns by various methods. Some of
them were obtained by combining the light
and power on one meter where rates for
the combined service would show a saving.
By relamping, changing various equipments
and purchasing new equipment more suit-
able for the rate available, we effected
great savings in many instances.
Occasional Peak Loads
In some cases, where we would contact
the power company prior to using a much
heavier load for a short period of time, they
would eliminate the peak demand due to
the fact that it was not a common occur-
ence. As a rule peak demands set a basis
for figuring the entire month's bill, and in
a few cases they set a basis for figuring
the entire year's bill ; thus without the co-
operation of the power company, a great
penalty is imposed for a slight increase in
demand for a very short period of time.
Most power companies contend that ex-
cess load costs them money, thus making
these excessive demand charges just; how-
ever, I have found that they are wont to
penalize you if you find a means of elimi-
nating the peak loads (which they contend
they do not like!), and in some cases have
asserted, after eliminating these peaks, that
they were losing money and that this addi-
tional current consumed is the portion of
the load they like best !
By elimination of peak loads I do not
mean cutting off the equipment, but operat-
ing it from a different source, such as Diesel
natural gas, or some other type of engine
which has proved to be a source of sav-
{Continued on page 25)
LIGHT AND POWER RECORD
1 CTV
!
—
STATE
THEATRE
OPERATING CO. OR CORP.
TYPE OF SERVICE
VOLTS
PHASE
CYCLE
SERVICE
AMPERES
ENEGERY
METER NO.
LIGHT-POWER OR EXIT SERVICE
LIGHT 3: POWER CO. OR CORP.
TOTAL FUEL OR
OTHER
, ADJUSTMENTS
LAST YEAR
AVERAGE
NET RATE
LAST YEAR
AVERAGE
LOAD
FACTOR
LAST YEAR
RATE OR
CONTRACT
NUMBER
{
CHECKED BY
DEMAND
METER NO.
LIGHT-POWER OR EXIT DEMAND
ENGINEER
C
%
METER
TOTAL K.W.H. USED
BILLING DEMAND
ENERGY CHARGE
COST OF DEMAND
FUEL OR
OTHER
ADJUST-
MENTS
FINAL NET AMOUNT
NET
RATE
C
%
LOAD
FACTOR
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR
j MO.
DAY
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR
K.W.
Oft Pn.-k
K.W,
Ob Pe,Tk
K.W.
Off Pt~k
K.W.
On PcTk
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR
OFF I'EAK 1 ON PEAK
OFF PEAK
ON PEAK
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR
;jAN.
The Fox Midwest form for comparafive figures on billings. Space for all months are included, with spaces for totals and for monthly averages at bottom. The
form is printed in green on buff paper. The actual width is 9 3/16 inches, and the sheet has space at bottom for contract information and remarks.
10
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
Tm STOPS/ SmiVS! SlUS!
FREE ILLUSTRATED BOOK
The Kawneer Company, Niles, Michigan;
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Kawneer Store Fronts.
T-939
Name
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I
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State
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will not fade, chip, break, scratch or wear under ordinary use. Rich
satin finish! Easily cleaned, practical, economical! Used with Kaw-
neer fully resilient sash and bars (which assure maximum protec-
tion against breakage of show window glass), awning bars, entrance
doors and other appealing rustless metal parts — this colorful facing
adds tremendous sales power to the complete Kawneer Store Front.
Send coupon today for FREE illustrated Store Front book!
RUSTLESS METAL AND PORCELAIN ENAMEL
STORE FRONTS
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16,
.about PEOPLE of the THEATRE
NEWS OF THEIR ACTIVITIES REPORTED FROM ALL SECTIONS AND BRIEFLY TOLD
The new Ritz theatre, seating 850, has
opened at Union, S. C, with J. D. LuKER
as general manager. The house is operated
by All States Theatres, Inc., which, ac-
cording to reports, contemplates establish-
ment of a circuit in South Carolina.
Lew Williams Theatres, Inc., have
opened a new house at Ashdown, Ark., ac-
cording to K. Lee Williams of Oklahoma
City, Okla., president. Jerry Callahan
is manager of the new theatre.
Williams Theaters are also spending
$5,000 to remodel the Palace in Fordyce,
Ark. Changes will include a new marquee
and sign, rebuilt foyer with the addition of
two lounges, reseating the auditorium, and
the moving of the projection rooms from
the center to one side.
The American theatre in Oakland, Calif.,
has been remodeled and will be reopened
shortly by the Blumenfeld circuit under the
name of Esquire.
John Anderson, until recently owner
of two theatres at Fort Morgan, Colo., is
leaving for California with his family, to
make his home there. J. C. Parker of
Dahlhart, Tex., purchased the Fort Mor-
gan houses.
Ken Butterfield, formerly manager
of the Fox, Strand and Rialto theatres in
Marinette, Wis., has been named manager
of Fox's Myers and Beverly in Janesville,
Wis., succeeding Russell Leddy. Mr.
Leddy has been transferred to Green Bay,
Wis., to manage the circuit's Orpheum.
■ ■ ■
The Fairmont Amusement Company, an
Al Pickus corporation, has acquired the
496-seat Annex, in New Haven, Conn.
The house has been closed for complete
reseating and renovation. The Modern
Theatre Equipment Company will install
new projection equipment and Interna-
tional auditorium seating. RCA has been
awarded the sound contract. Mr. Pickus
also operates the Stratford in New Haven.
Milton Samuel^ manager of the Bijou
theatre in Knoxville, Tenn., has been trans-
ferred to Tuskegee, Ala.
Golden State Theatres of San Francisco
contemplates remodeling of the Palace in
San Leandro. Cost of the project is set at
$50,000.
David H. Dewey, head of the main-
tenance department of Tri-States Theatre
Corporation for the past five years and now
Architect's rendering of the front of a theatre
which Sam Komm will operate in Richmond
Heights, St. Louis suburb. Mr. Komm, who oper-
ates several theatres in that area, has already
begun exploitation of the house with a contest to
give it a name, conducted in a tieup with the
St. Louis "Star-Times," Ford Motors and Shell
Oil. Prizes are a Lincoln Zephyr and 500 gallons
of gas. The theatre has been designed by
Robert Boiler, Kansas City theatre architect.
assistant general manager of the Union City
Body Company of Union City, Ind., affili-
ated with the International Seat Corpora-
tion, is convalescing at his home after un-
dergoing an operation for appendicitis. W.
V. ToNEY, manager of the National Thea-
tre Supply Company branch in Des Moines,
la., for the past seven years, has replaced
Mr. Dewey at Tri-States.
The new Bridge theatre in San Fran-
cisco, has been opened. Cost of the new
house is reported as approximately $75,000.
Manuel Zerga has been named manager.
W. B. Braswell, who was general man-
ager of the Liberty in Columbus, Ga., for
ten years, has purchased the Star theatre in
Savannah, Ga., from W. S. Scott.
Mrs. Nathan Lampert has taken over
operation of the 550-seat Glastonbury in
Glastonbury, Conn. Maurice Kempner
will manage the theatre.
Frank Panero of Delano, Calif., plans
to remodel his house, the Wasco, at Wasco,
Calif. Cost of the project is put at $15,000.
S. Charles Lee^ theatre architect of Los
Angeles, has drawn the plans.
Griffith-Dickinson Theatres have started
remodeling the Peoples theatre in Pleasant
Hill, Mo. New projection equipment and
an air-conditioning system will be installed,
and the house will be completely renovated
under the direction of Temple DeVil-
BLisSj construction engineer for the circuit.
C. W. Duncan, operator of the Avon
theatre at Weleetka, Okla., recently pur-
chased Heywood- Wakefield chairs for his
house.
Henry Waguespack has opened the
Grand theatre at Vacheria, La. The house
seats 500.
Hod Engbertson, owner of the Lyric
theatre in Decorah, la., has completely re-
modeled the front of his house and installed
a new sign.
James Gaylord is the new manager af
the Park in Knoxville, Tenn., replacing
Milton Carr, who resigned recently.
Poli New England Theatres will re-
model the 1,720-seat Loew-Palace in Hart-
ford, Conn. The company will also reseat
the Globe, 1,907 seat house in Bridgeport,
Conn., and the Bijou, New Haven, Conn.
The last named house will have its 1,499
capacity increased by the addition of an
850-seat balcony.
W. D. Fulton and John Wolfbert
have reopened the Giles, formerly the Mo-
kan, in Kansas City, Mo. The house has
been practically rebuilt and re-equipped
throughout.
Donald Patten of Calistoga, Calif.,
has purchased the Hart theatre at Fern-
dale, Calif.
Wallace Kauffman, operator of the
Imp at Benton, Ark., for eighteen years,
has reopened the Bauxite theatre at Baux-
ite, Ark. The house had been dark for
about ten years. Theatre was entirely
renovated and refurnished. Both the Imp
and the Bauxite are affiliated with the
Robb & Rowley group.
Nelson Smith and John Jordan are
remodeling a store building into a theatre
at Jet, Okla., which when finished will
seat 200 persons. Messrs. Smith and Jor-
dan have purchased complete theatre equip-
ment from the Oklahoma Theatre Supply
Company.
The Twelfth and Broadway Amusement
Company has been incorporated at Oak-
land, Calif., with a capital stock of $10,000,
by Jacob S. Meyer and William M.
Bessing of San Francisco.
Rick Ricketson, district manager of the
Fox Intermountain division, has announced
several managerial changes. Bob Selig
has been made manager of exploitation for
12
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
'IransVerteK
Retains Its Original Pep
When other types of current
conversion require a "shot-
in- the-arm" to keep up their
output, think of the satisfac-
tion of having a Transverter
that is always ready to go
... at the turn of the switch.
Consult: The National Theatre Sup-
ply Co.; in Canada, The General
Theatre Supply Co., or write us . . .
The Hertner Electric Co.
12690 ELMWOOD AVENUE
CLEVELAND, OHIO, U.S.A.
Exclusive Manufacturers of the Transverter
SUPER-LITE LENSES
PRO-JEX SOUND UNITS
the division. He is succeeded as manager
of the Hiawatha in Denver by Charles
LowEN^ who comes from the managership
of the Tabor, also in Denver. Charles
MoREHEAD has been shifted from Beatrice,
Neb., Fort Collins, Col., to succeed Lloyd
BoREiNG^ who has been named assistant
manager in Pocatello, Idaho, replacing
Robert Bothwell^ who has become as-
sistant manager in Helena, Mont. Bob
Penner, now city manager at Alliance,
Neb., is succeeded at Sterling, Col., by
Otto Bartusch, from Laramie, Wyo.
Sam and Alex Yarid have opened a
new theatre, the Lewis, in Lewisburg, W.
Va. The new theatre is managed by Fred
Helwig. Seating capacity is 540.
Frank Kehrberg and his son, Dick,
have reopened their Iowa and Star theatres
at Sheldon, la.
After being closed for a few weeks for
alterations, the Broadway theatre, Fox first-
run house in Denver, has been reopened,
with new seats, carpets and other changes.
John Denman manages the Broadway.
Michael Daly, Hartford, Conn., and
Lowell, Mass., theatre operator, has pur-
chased the 450-seat Lily, Plainfield, Conn.
The house was formerly operated part time
by Henry Fontaine.
Harry Lankorst, Jr., has bought the
Tivoli in Hawarden, la., from Marschoene
Theatres.
Arthur J. Johnson has acquired the
Remington theatre in Rensselaer, Ind., and
named Harold Heyer manager. The
house is under construction.
The Strand theatre in Cedar Rapids,
la., has been reopened by H. A. Sardoni,
Minneapolis hotel owner who thereby re-
turned to show business after twenty years.
W. R. Karsteter will manage the thea-
tre, which seats 500 and which has been
completely remodeled.
Steve Nemet, owner of the Burnside
theatre in Chicago, is redecorating.
E. C. Arnold has sold the Avon in
Hillsboro, Kas., to A. W. Heyl, Junction
City, Kas., exhibitor.
The Griffith Amusement Company has
opened the State, a 500-seat house, in
Sapulpa, Okla. Jimmy Zartaludes, city
manager there for the circuit, is in charge.
Alfred Wilkens has acquired the Oak-
dale theatre at Oakdale, Calif.
In response to an invitation from the
Royal Institute of British Architects, pho-
tographs of the Esquire theatre in Chi-
cago, 111., are to become part of an exhibi-
tion and permanent collection of the Insti-
tute in London. The illustrations which
true stories from ALTEC FILES
WM. L. LYDSTON
Manager,
Bristol Theatre,
Bristol, N. H.
Finds Fan Turning
Backward; Stops
Patron Walkouts
BRISTOL, N. H.— "It was a hot midsummer
night. Despite the fact that we have a mod-
ern pressure ventilator, the air in the theatre
was stifling," said William L. Lydston, man-
ager of the Bristol Theatre here. "I had eight
walkouts during the evening and had called
Boston for a ventilation engineer.
"When our Altec man, F. A. Brown,
called at the theatre, I told him my troubles.
"After checking the ducts and dampers,
Brown crawled into the fan room. A few
minutes later, the cool air began pouring
into the theatre, and the system has worked
perfectly ever since.
"Brown explained that he found the fans
turning in the wrong direction— someone
must have changed the leads— and that he
had our electrician reverse one leg of the
220 volt 3 phase supply, thus restoring
proper rotation and blower speed.
"We were saved the expense of having a
ventilation expert come up from Boston,
and the theatre patrons were comfortable
again. What our Altec man did was cer-
tainly 'service over and above the contract ."
Without obligation to yourself, let an Altec in-
spector explain to you how Altec can help in
relieving you of many technical worries in your
theatre operation.
THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION
OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
Proiectlon Optics Co., Inc.
330 Lyell Ave.. Rocheiter. N. Y.. U. S. A.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
13
The Audience
point of view
is tlie Lobby
It's the first thing they see
either going in or coming out.
The impression it creates is
their estimate of your theatre
standing.
It pays to
have been forwarded to the Royal Institute
of British Architects will be part of "up-
wards of six thousand photographs, repre-
sentative of all that is best in modern
architecture at home and abroad," accord-
ing to H. S. Goodhart-Rendel, chairman of
the exhibition committee of the Royal In-
stitute, in his invitation to Elmer Bala-
BAN of the Esquire theatre management.
The Esquire, completed in 1938, was de-
signed by W. L. Pereira, and constructed
under the direction of Pereira & Pereira,
designers and consultants, of Chicago.
Wilton Smith is planning to open a
new theatre at Mansfield, La. The new
theatre will seat 400.
William H. Cobb, former exhibitor in
the New Orleans area, has been elected
vice-president of the Gulf Theater Supply
Corporation with headquarters in New Or-
leans.
Following expansion of the Settos circuit
of Indianapolis, George Settos, general
manager, announces the promotion and
transfer of several members of the man-
agerial staff. Phillip Davidson, formerly
manager of the Grove at Beach Grove,
Ind., will manage the newly acquired Irv-
ing. Richard Nieman, assistant manager
of the Ohio theatre, will replace Mr.
Davidson. Harold Fleming has been as-
signed to the post of assistant manager at
the Ohio.
The Capitol theatre at Rock Hills, S. C,
will close for a short time for alterations.
The house is managed by Robert Bryant.
The Rialto theatre in Tacoma, Wash.,
operated by H. T. Moore until his death
a few months ago, has been taken over by
Sidney Dean and John Owsley. The
latter was formerly an exhibitor in Port-
land, Ore.
W. B. Braswell has purchased the Star
theater, Savannah, Ga., from W. S. Scott.
Mr. Braswell, before coming to Savannah
about a year ago, was general manager of
the Liberty theatre in Columbus, Ga., for
ten years.
The Inland Theatre circuit, operated by
Fred Mercy, has disposed of two of its
smaller houses, one in Casmas, Wash., and
one in Washougai, Wash., to A. Coombs
of Newberg, Ore.
Lincoln, Neb., becomes one of the key
cities to be 100% lighted when the
Nebraska Theatres, Inc., opens the Liberty
theatre, 1,000-seat house. Decision to re-
open came from Howard Federer, N.T.I,
general manager.
Manos Enterprises, Inc., of Greensburg,
Pa., has bought the Palace theatre from the
estate of John McGinley, founder of the
West Penn Steel Company. It is managed
by William Brown, former legislator.
Howard Pollard, who recently pur-
chased the Dows theatre in Dows, la., has
reopened the theatre after remodeling.
The Schoenstadt circuit has purchased
the New Regent theatre in Chicago from
Philip and Jennie Goldberg.
George P. Weirick, who was in the
theatre business some years ago in Glen-
wood Springs, Colo., is planning to build
a new theatre there, to seat about 400. This
will give Glenwood Springs two theatres.
Si Getz, for several years publicity di-
rector for the Civic theatres in Denver,
Colo., has resigned.
G. Brown is remodeling his Forest thea-
tre in Forest City, la.
■ ■ ■
H. C. Patterson of Blanchester, Ohio,
has purchased the Oakland theatre, subse-
quent run house at Marion, from L. J.
Flautt of Columbus. The house will be-
come a unit of Bowman Theatres, Inc.
O. M. Durham, formerly of Tennessee,
has taken over the Mission theatre in
Mount Vernon, Wash. The house was
formerly operated by L. K. Brin.
The Royal theatre at O'Niell, Nebr., has
been closed for remodeling to cost $15,000.
Edward J. Sessinghaus of Omaha, is the
architect.
The State theatre in New Brunswick,
N. J., has reopened after being closed for
nearly two months for alterations. Re-
modeling, including the installation of neAV
seats, is said to have cost approximately
$75,000.
The Arcade theatre in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
is being remodeled at a cost of about $100,-
000. The Arcade is owned by William
Finkel.
The Blumenfeld and T & D, Jr. cir-
cuits of San Francisco, have purchased the
Del Paso theatre at Sacramento, from
Charles Holts.
The new 700-seat State theatre at
Jewett City, Conn., has been opened by
Joseph Quittner and Peter Perakos.
Standard Theatres of Milwaukee, has
acquired the Grand in Green Bay, Wis.,
from George Hannon, and is moderniz-
ing the house.
Harry T. Allen, who was associated
with the El Capitan theatre in San Fran-
cisco, died recently after having been
struck two weeks earlier by a hit-and-run-
driver. He was 65 }'ears old.
National Theatre Supply Co. has a con-
tract for the renovation of the Essex Thea-
tre Corporation's 475 seat Deep River
theatre, formerly Pratt's, at Deep River,
Conn.
your lobby
lounge and loges
You will be surprised to see
what a difference a few dollars
will make in the general appear-
ance and the thrill of ownership
your Royalchrome lobby will
give.
Give us a plan of your
lobby or rest rooms
(with dimensions and doors shown).
We will give you our planning de-
par+men+'s suggestions with a sketch
and a catalog in natural color.
ROYAL METAL MFC. CO
1150 S. Michigan Avenue, CHICAGO
New York
Los Angelas
Toronto
"Metal Furniture since '97"
14
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
. . . a department of
news and guidance on
design • decoration
construction methods
carpeting • furniture
Porcelain Enamel for Fronts Today
• Outlining developments
in a material truly ancient
that give it broad appli-
cations to modern treat-
ment ot the theatres
USE OF porcelain enam-
elled iron sheets for the facing of theatre
fronts, once confined to low-cost treatments,
is today widely accepted by theatre archi-
tects as a result of extensive improvements
that have been effected in this material.
While the practice of coating metals with
vitreous enamels is actually as old as the
Stone Age, the traditional methods, fol-
lowed until recently, resulted in a certain
crudity of texture, color and finish. Mod-
ern investigations have now made available,
in the output of all leading makers, enam-
eled sheets highly immune to mechanical
damage and to the effect of acid fumes,
which are supplied both in textural effects
and in flat finish. They boast a great va-
riety of colors (all permanent), and such
flexibility in application that the material
is both highly versatile and very con-
veniently handled.
Advantages afforded by enameled fronts
include strong attention-compelling proper-
ties, minimum maintenance (the surface is
nearly self-cleaning and never needs paint-
ing), medium cost, a very high degree of
permanence, and a flexibility of mounting
which not only makes installation inexpen-
sive but permits simple alterations.
It is perhaps remarkable that the most
important single improvement produced by
modern study of enameled metal surfaces
revolves around a reduction in the thickness
of the enamel layer. The thinner that
layer, it has been found, the greater will
be its permanence and immunity to physi-
cal damage. The vitreous layer applied to
The front of the Vista theatre at Storm Lake, Iowa, in the design of which K. Z. S. architectural por-
celain enamel was used in two tones — wine-color and ivory — to enliven the entrance area and to form
a colorful central panel of a brick facade.
metal today is likely to be only about l/6th
as thick as that used ten years ago, and
enormously more resistant to stress and
compression as a result.
Differences of Types
Other improvements involved the devel-
opment of metal alloys that have substan-
tially the same coefllcient of expansion and
contraction with temperature change as the
enamel itself, permitting the use of large
sheets of the material for outdoor surfaces
without risk of climatic damage. An acid-
resisting formula used for the top coat of
enamel protects against unfavorable atmos-
pheric conditions in industrial areas.
A full understanding of the nature of
enameled metal sheets requires recognition
of the fact that the term, enamel, is com-
monly used today to designate two entirely
different surface materials. As applied to
surface finishes which are painted, or paint-
ed and baked, enamel is a substance em-
bodying gums, resins, oils — that is to say,
organic or vegetable materials, natural or
synthetic. The enamel here referred to has
nothing in common with those substances.
It is composed entirely of mineral constitu-
ents of extreme permanence, and can be
described with sufficient accuracy as a sheet
of extremely thin, opaque, colored glass,
fused onto the metal surface at very high
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
15
Porcelain enamel throughout entrance area, including nriarquee, of the
Walnut theatre, Lawrenceburg, Ind., owned and operated by J. B. Weddle.
This installation by the Artkraft Sign Company, Lima, Ohio, employs cream
color with orange and brown trim.
Facade treatment employing Macotta, structural blocks covered with por-
celain-enameled metal, of the Vogue, United-Detroit circuit theatre in the
Michigan metropolis. The Macotta was used in three shades of cream.
Architects were Pereira & Pereira, Chicago.
temperatures. A hammer blow may pos-
sibly chip it, but (this is the essence of the
most important modern improvement) the
thinner it is, the less likely it is to chip,
and today's enamel is as thin, and therefore
as chip-proof, as the opacity of the best
available pigments will allow. Too thin a
coating would be semi-transparent.
The materials which are fused to form
the vitreous coating are essentially those
minerals used in glass-making and the
ceramic industries: feldspar (aluminum
silicate), cryolite (sodium aluminum fluor-
ide) and fluorspar (calcium fluoride).
The pigments are metallic oxides (iron rust
is one) which are as permanent as enamel
itself. The cryolite helps to contribute
the needed opacity.
The iron backing material is by no means
an ordinary iron or steel sheet. It must
maintain the same coefficient of expansion
as the enamel, even at the high tempera-
tures of manufacture, which run up to
1700° F. It must be capable of being
drawn, formed, embossed or punched. It
is first shaped, then provided with the flut-
ing, reeding, louvers and so on that may
be required, then "pickled" in hydrochloric
acid to produce a perfectly clean surface
Milwaukee's thirty-year-old Juneau theatre follow-
ing remodeling with porcelain enamel by Ben
B. Poblocki & Sons Company, in two tones,
with stainless steel trim.
which under the microscope shows the in-
dividual crystals of the metal. The ground
coat of enamel, which includes so-called
adherence oxides for firmer enamel-to-metal
bond, is then applied and fused to the sur-
face at a temperature of 1500° F. or higher.
Two subsequent coats are then applied and
fused on, each at lower temperature, so
that later firing will not loosen any coating
already applied. The final coat is acid-
resistant.
Decorative Effect
Different colors can be used in the three
coats, if desired, providing (by means of
stencils) three-tone color effects. The iron
may be corrugated vertically, horizontally
or diagonally before enameling, to produce
a dull or matte effect, where this is pre-
ferred to gloss. Narrow corrugations and
fine crimped patterns can be accentuated by
spraj'ing a blending color at an angle before
firing; one side of each corrugation picks
up the blending color while the other side
shows the base color, resulting in a two-
tone appearance. The resultant sheets will
consequently present a relatively dull fin-
ish (in any color or combination of colors),
but if not crimped or corrugated they will
be as highly reflecting as glass, producing
a brilliantly striking effect both in daylight
and by floodlighting.
In many though not all applications, the
iron side of the sheet is backed with in-
sulation board or other material. The
sheets may be flat or pan-shaped, or spe-
cially shaped to meet architectural require-
ments for surface or trim. Large name-
sign letters are built up of strips of porce-
lain enameled iron.
Installation and Maintenance
Mounting is effected by various methods.
It involves screwing, clipping or clamping
the sheet edges to mounting clips, studs or
channels which in turn are screwed or bolt-
ed either to furring strips or directly to
structural members of the building. Con-
sequently the sheets are very readily mount-
ed over an existing surface for remodeling,
and at low cost. Mountings of completely
concealed type are common. Maximum
sheet size in current practice is about 3' x 5'.
Any sheet can commonly be removed with-
out disturbing others, and at very little ex-
pense or trouble. Consequently, where
joints are overlapped instead of being
caulked, as is sometimes the case, it is often
possible to shift a number of sheets in such
a way as to produce a new effect by chang-
ing the ornamental pattern. Entire porce-
lain enamel fronts have been removed from
one building and installed on the facade of
another.
Maintenance involves nothing more than
washing down with soap and hot water.
Gritty cleaners are not needed or desirable
except for dealing with coal tar smoke or
other obstinately adhering grease. Wash-
ing down may in fact be needed only rarely
or not at all. The surface has been found
to be to a considerable extent self-cleansing
when exposed to normal weather conditions.
Porcelain enamel finish is now also avail-
able in structural units, capable of bearing
loads, which consist essentially of faced
concrete blocks. These are set in a mortar
bed and joined by stonesetters in the usual
manner, constituting a sturdy wall of nor-
mal structural utility, which presents a
porcelain enamel surface.
Porcelain enamel front and marquee installed at
the Roxy theatre in Moline, III., owned and
operated by Buster Brotman, by the Boy Han-
sen Metal Products Company, Davenport, Iowa.
16
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
FURNITURE
• for lounge &
foyer
Modern Ideas for Theatre
Lounges from Other Fields
JUST AS THE motion pic-
ture theatre has given other fields ideas for
architectural and decorative treatment (as
witness the way hotel lobbies, cocktail
lounges, restaurants, and even stores, are
being got up these days), so the theatre can
borrow from outside its own special pre-
cincts. And Avhen it comes to the furnish-
ing of lounges, even the home is not to be
excluded as a source of ideas (indeed, per-
spaces, which may vary considerably in
width, as between doorways, aisle entrances,
and so on.
The furniture illustrated is of the mod-
ern bleached wood type which is moderate-
ly priced, rich-looking, neutral in coloration
so as to blend with any colors and patterns
in soft fabrics or leatherette. In fact, its
lightness and clear texture actually have a
"softening" effect on simulated leathers.
Courtesy Heyzvood- Wake field
Bleached wood table for a women's lounge.
tect such tables, the tops may be inex-
pensively covered with a material like
Formica.
It should be pointed out, however, that
metal tables in a satin finish are not out of
place with chairs and settees of bleached
wood, with the top either in an amber or
similar light shade, or in a color matching
the ground color of the upholstery.
For the theatre that can "go modern"
without pulling its punches, there are sev-
eral ideas in the picture of the lounge of
the Venezuelan building at the New York
World's Fair. With both bleached wood
settee and built-in seat covered in light
Chase Saracen simulated leather, this ar-
rangement particularly suggests the theatre
Courtesy Heyivood-Wakeiield
Sectional pieces and other furniture of "wheat"-finished birch,
and (right) a lounge at the New York World's Fair (see text).
haps the designers of things for the home
are pretty good guides to what Mr. and
Mrs. Gus Q. Public are going for).
A difference is of course the advisability
of providing the theatre with furnishings
that can stand hard usage. But that con-
sideration as well as homey comfort and
charm is adequately taken care of in furni-
ture such as that illustrated in the "living
room" exhibit pictured here. To be es-
pecially noted is the use of sectional pieces
which can be arranged as chairs or settees,
providing flexibility that permits occasional
rearrangement of a lounge to freshen it up.
In foyers and standee areas, sectional pieces
also are readily adaptable to available
The pieces shown
are of birch wood giv-
en the "Avheat" finish
which has become in-
creasingly popular.
This furniture is also
available in the darker
maple finish, and other
finishes may be ar-
ranged for. Many types
of tables, tabourets, etc., are included. The
single table pictured beneath a mirror is
shown especially as a piece adapted to the
small anteroom leading into a women's
toilet room, in theatres not having a full-
sized separate lounge for women. To pro-
Courtesy L. C. Chase &■ Co.
space which serves as both a foyer and
lounge, possibly forming an integral part
of the rear of the auditorium. For the
theatre "modernistic" enough, here too are
suggestions for a lounge treatment of a
mezzanine traffic lane to balcony seating.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
17
by BEN SCHLANCER
Theatre Architect
and Consultant
Theatre
PLAN
& FORM
These columns are regular features of
Better Theatres dealing with methods
by which the theatre may be planned
as efficiently as possible for the ex-
hibition of motion pictures. Both Mr.
Schlanger and Mr. Potwin are con-
sultants on inquiries from readers seek-
ing counsel on the planning of theatres.
ACOUSTICS
in Form &l
Decoration
by
C C. POTWIN
Consultant in Acoustics
BOX OFFICE LOCATION
IN MOST instances the box
office appears in the outer vestibule directly
facing the street. The most common posi-
tion is directly at the middle point of the
entrance. Recently there has been some
tendency to place the box office to an ex-
treme side position, right or left of the
entrance. All these locations have merits.
The centrally located box office is inad-
visable where the entrance width is occu-
pied by three pairs of doors, or less than
that number, because it splits an entrance-
way that cannot be allowed to appear any
narrower than it actually is.
Side Location
A distinct disadvantage of the centrally
located box office is derived from the fact
that such a location makes it impossible
to connect the box office directly to an in-
terior space, which can be done with a side
location. The benefits of having a contact
with the box office directly from the interior
of the theatre are obvious.
From the standpoint of appearance, it is
much easier to achieve a pleasing architec-
tural effect with the side box office, because
there is more unity of the elements of the
front — and the box office itself gives the
effect of greater permanence, as though it
actually belonged to the building. The at-
tached box office also has a minimum
amount of exposure and can be heated more
easily than the island type.
Lobby Location
The idea of having the box office in the
lobby, past the first set of doors, is worth
considering for theatres that do not cater
to transient patronage. The small town
and the neighborhood theatre could add an
intimate touch by adapting this idea, and
it would be feasible to do so in many in-
stances. The patron is not made to stand
in the street to buy a ticket ; he enters the
theatre immediately, which provides a sug-
gestion of warm welcome.
This idea may be developed by making
the box office a counter, rather than a cub-
byhole with a window, in M'hich a ticket
seller is caged (banks have pursued this
thought quite considerably of late). In
general, the lobby box office is best located
when it is accessible from a control office
space of the theatre. And of course with
the box office inside, the lobby must be
planned to provide space for persons who
may be waiting to buy tickets, and this
space should not be in the line of traffic.
Drapes for Rear
Wall Absorption
SEVERAL inquiries have been re-
ceived recently pertaining to the
draping of rear wall surfaces to
overcome objectionable sound reflec-
tions. The factors involved should prove
of general interest, because draping is
often thought of first as the most prac-
tical solution of the problem when rear
wall difficulties arise in existing theatres.
While suitable draping may substan-
tially reduce reflections from the rear
wall in one theatre, it may not prove
equally effective in another case. The
result depends almost entirely upon the
shape of the rear wall, the area exposed
to sound incidence, and the manner In
which the material Is Installed.
As far as quality Is concerned, the
material should be comparatively thick
(such as heavyweight lined velour or
equivalent material) If It Is to absorb
sound at this surface with any degree of
efficiency. When installed to cover the
rear wall It should be hung at approxi-
mately a 50% gather.
This means that In width, the amount
of material used should be equal to
twice the width of the rear wall, so that
when installed It may be draped as In-
dicated above. Furthermore, the ma-
terial should not be hung flat against
the wall, but should have an air space
of from 4 to 6 Inches behind It. This
air space helps to dissipate low fre-
quency reflections.
Heavyweight draping material, of this
type and Installed in this manner, has
proved effective where the rear wall
area was relatively small and fairly well
broken in contour. When the rear wall
Is large and comparatively unbroken,
the use of two thicknesses of heavy-
weight, gathered material will prove
much more effective. When the rear
wall Is curved, draping Is often decided-
ly Inadequate, and the use of a highly
efficient acoustical material offers th«^
best solution.
Draping is not usually recommended
or rear walls of theatres because com-
nercial acoustical materials - available
are much more efficient and practical
for modern use; however, It can be
recommended as a temporary expedient.
— c. c. p.
FABRICS FOR WALLS
TO CONTINUE the discus-
sion of woven materials in their relationship
to the acoustical characteristics of the thea-
tre auditorium begun in the August issue,
let us consider, briefly, wall fabrics and
their possible use as sound absorbents.
It may be stated, generally, that there
are very few theatres wherein it is possible
to rely solely upon fabric wall coverings
for acoustical correction, without special
attention being given to their methods of
use and installation. This is true because
most of these materials absorb very little
sound energy at the low frequencies. Medi-
um or heavyweight cotton materials, silk
damasks, and velours, as well as most other
fabrics, have their greatest absorption at
the middle range and hi^h frequencies.
The usual lack of sufficient absorption
at the low frequencies is due to the fact
that these materials do not have the struc-
tural qualities, such as density, inter-com-
municating cellular structure, and the
resonant qualities, which normally con-
tribute to low-frequency absorption.
Meeting Low-Frequency Needs
How, then, may it be possible to use
such materials and yet achieve a desirable
balance of absorption for all frequencies?
Two methods which have been employed
with success in a number of cases where
only a small amount of sound absorption
was required, are :
( 1 ) The use of several thicknesses or
layers of fabric, with intervening air spaces
between them, over the particular areas to
be treated.
(2) Employment of a single thickness
of material, either applied directly to, or
furred out over, an insulating board which
has inherent resonant qualities.
The first of these methods is perhaps
most adaptable to panel treatments, vary-
ing from inch to 2 inches in depth.
Usually three or four layers of material
are emplo}'ed, arranged in such manner
that air spaces from ^ inch to 3^ inch are
introduced between layers of the absorbent
substance.
The second method of installation is per-
haps more adaptable to large plain areas
without panels. A heavier fabric is usually
employed in conjunction with the insulating
board. This combination offers some inter-
esting possibilities, both acoustically and
architecturally, for theatre auditoriums
where that type of acoustical and decorative
treatment may be suitable for side walls.
18
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
THAT DKAWS ^^TURX-AWAY" CROWDS ll
SHOW business todav is a business of color,
light, and eve-appeal. You can"t expect
turn-away crowds if your theatre looks dull
and lifeless.
A colorful L-O-F Theatrefront, of modern
Glass and Metal, is an investment in good
salesmanship. It's like ha\ing a smart
"Barker"' outside voiu- show who attracts the
crowds to your place — to spend their movie
money w ith you.
An L O F Theatrefront is the last w ord in
modern design, color, beauty and economy.
It increases crowd appeal — builds up your
neighborhood prestige and patronage. And it
reduces your cost because there is nothing
about it to wear out — nothing to rot, rust,
decay or peel off. Nothing to ever need re-
painting. Your window washer can keep it
like new for years with only a damp cloth or
chamois.
Here's an investment that is making money
for others and ^^ ill make money for you. Find
out how easily an L-O-F Theatrefront can be
designed for your theatre and how easily you
can pay for it out of increased business.
Write us today for latest literature showing
L-O-F Theatrefronts and Storefronts and the
name of an L-O-F Distributor near you.
Libbey. Owens -Ford Glass Company, 1310
Nicholas Building, Toledo, Ohio.
A brilliant L O F
Theatrefront plus Popular
Pictures is a combination
that will keep a ^^waiting
line'' in front of your doors
LIBBEY*OWENS*FORD
Colorful Theatrefronts
V I T R O L I T E
V I T R O L U X
EXTRUDALITE
Ask any L-O-F distributor about our con-
venient Modernization Budget Plan. . . .
Make certain your Vitrolite installation is
made by a Franchieed L-O-F dealer.
For Mirrors, L-O-F Polished Plate Glass, clear
or in colors. For Lighting, L-O-F Vitrolux
color-fused, tempered Plate Glass.
4 Factors of a Modern Theatrefront
1. VITROLITE— the colorful
structural glass for easily
cleaned, modern wallfacings,
exterior and interior.
2. VITROLUX— the new
L-O-F color-fused, tempered
plate glass for luminous color,
signs and illumination.
3. EXTRUDALITE— the mod-
ern L-O-F decorative store-
front metal V ith patented sash
that minimizes glass breakage.
4. L - O - F PLATE GLASS— fa-
mous for finer finish and
clarity — for undistorted win-
dow displays.
MOST ADVANCED TEXTBOOK ON SOUND
REPRODUCTION AND PROJECTION
2nd Revision
F. H. Richardson's
BLUEBOOK of
PROJECTION
SIXTH EDITION— SUPPLEMENTED WITH
SOUND TROUBLE CHARTS
and ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Over 700 pages. The only practical guide to
good projection and quick trouble-shooting.
ORDER TODAY • $7.25 POSTPAID
# You will find this newly re-
vised edition the most com-
plete and practical treatise of
its kind and a sure solution to
the perplexing problems of pro-
jection room routine.
The book is supplemented with
a comprehensive group of
TROUBLE- SHOOTING
CHARTS to help meet every
possible emergency In the pre-
lection room. It also includes a
lightning-fast index system al-
phabetically arranged for swiff
easy reference.
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP
ROCKEFELLER CENTER • NEW YORK CITY
CARPET Selection
& maintenan
Foyer and lounge floors, and stairways, are
always conspicuous — keep them well groonned.
Carpeting Tricks for Small Budgets
• Neither the hamlet the-
atre nor the ancient "opry
house" need go without
woven floor coverings.
Where there's a will there
are ways, like these . . .
By NORMAN PATTERSON
NO MATTER where the
theatre is located, "some seats, a screen, a
couple of projectors and four walls" are
insuificient for effective motion picture pres-
entation today. The automobile and the
motion picture itself have changed all that.
The little theatre at the corner crossroads
of a whistling post cattle town on the edge
of a windswept prairie, may cater to people
living in pine shacks, but even the people
of such an extremely remote place are not,
as once they were, oblivious of finer things.
They revel in the luxuries of the films
themselves, while more than a few of them
have visited larger towns, perhaps good-
sized cities, and have attended theatres
there. The least the theatre in their own
town can do is to provide a semblance of
luxury.
Then there is that pathetic vestige of
another day — the barn-like "opry house,"
frowsily ornate. It's shabbiness reminds
one of a pauperized millionaire wearing the
remnants of the clothes of his hey-day.
Installing Gradually
The many, and altogether logical, argu-
ments advanced by exhibitors in both of
these categories, really narrow down to a
question of initial cost. The little fellow
in the remote prairie town, says, "Where
am I going to get $300?" And the oper-
ator of the barn-like opera house pro-
tests, "Man, it would take about $2,500 to
cover the floors of my house, at least a
thousand bucks to recarpet the main floor
alone!" On the surface, it seems that the
day will never come when they can install
or replace carpeting in their theatres.
But who said one has to buy a com-
plete installation of carpeting at one time?
Certainly not the carpet people. Buying
floor covering piece by piece costs some-
what more, of course ; yet, like installment
purchasing of automobiles and home goods,
with its carrying charge, piece-by-piece in-
stallation of carpeting offers a way to get
at once what one needs, and the theatre
can immediately enjoy the advantage of
improved appearance — an advantage which
is likely to balance at the box office the
extra carpet yardage cost.
How to start? Your carpet contractor
can advise you right on the scene, speci-
fically to meet your needs. Here, however,
is a suggestion or two:
For example, you could buy a 9x1 5-foot
stock rug and place it in the center of your
foyer, with the furniture around it. If a
large New York "picture palace" can
place a 24x36-foot rug in a 60x1 20-foot
foyer, the same thing can be done on a
smaller scale without inviting the criticism
that it is makeshift. See the local dealer,
and if you can work out some sort of tieup
with him, that's to your advantage. The
price? You can be sure that he can pro-
duce a rug to fit your purse, no matter how
lean.
Then, too, if your theatre is of the kind
that we here are speaking of, you may have
rubber matting in the auditorium aisles
which could be replaced with standard car-
pet runner. Rubber matting in the aisles,
besides being out-of-date and barren and
cheap-looking, contributes really nothing to
the acoustic quality of the auditorium {see
discussion by C. C. Potwin in his column
on acoustics in the August issue of Better
Th eatres). Carpet runner is reasonably
priced and can be bought by the yard, one
or a hundred.
Effective Combinations
Also, for example, there is the "opry
house" which may have a foyer the size
of the union depot, or corridors of one
kind and another like a system of tunnels.
These areas may have been regally carpeted
at one time, but that was in the long-ago,
and now the fabric is worn down to the
backing, faded, making the theatre just
a grand old ruin. Throw out all of it!
Then get, let us say, a roll of figured
broadloom — 6 feet, 9, 12, 15 or 18 feet
wide, as suits your layout, and in any
length you can use. One strip of broad-
loom 6 feet long, and two strips 9 feet
1
Figure I
long, could be readily made up into a rug
and be centered in the foyer according to
traffic requirement {see Figure 1).
If the foyer is integral with the audi-
torium, center the rug on the aisles rather
than on entrances from the lobby — this
not only would give better balance in ap-
pearance, but it would be taking full ad-
vantage of the sound-absorption available
in the fabric at points where it is most
needed.
Suppose the carpeting already in the the-
atre is worn only in spots and that it is
of an old pattern no longer readily ob-
if 'i
^ ■■■■ ■ ■ • --.^^ki
i J
Figure 2
tainable. Count across the seams (distance
between seams will probably be 27 or 36
inches). Let us say that it is 18 feet from
the standee rail to the lobby doors and that
the existing carpeting consists in strips 27
inches wide. That would mean eight
strips. Count two strips in from either
side; the remaining four strips would have
a total width of 9 feet, which is a standard
broadloom size. Have broadloom sewn
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
21
1^ Re-Docorate
¥oui^ Staff!
You know from experience
that re-decorating your house
always steps up attendance.
One man tells another — and
the second man comes to see
for himself.
You get the same effect by
putting your staff in new
uniforms. Let them be gay
and colorful — eye-catchers!
But do not sacrifice that touch
of authority which commands
respect from your patrons.
Keen judgment is needed to
hit the right medium. Maier-
Lavaty uniform designers have
judgment mellowed by years
of experience. And they are
backed up by craftsmen who
know how to convert their
ideas into cloth, braid and
buttons.
Let us send you samples of
fabrics, style-chart, and prices.
Write to
Dept. T
Maier-Lavaty Co.,
2139 Lincoln Ave., Chicago
CHICAGO
* According to Saf'
ty Standards
many States.
DAYTONS are equipped with
safety shoes at no extra cost
Now, because many states require safety shoes
on all ladders not permanently attached, includ-
ing step ladders, the Dayton is equipped with
the^ new Queen Safety Shoe at no added cost.
This remarkable new shoe is of the steel ferrule
type, with easily replaceable vacuum cup rubber
treads, and conforms with all state codes for
specific requirements.
For double protection, insist upon the Dayton,
the original safety ladder.
Write Dept. BT-9 for details and catalog.
Safety Ladder Co.
121-123 West Third Street
CINCINNATI, OHIO
CARPET SELECTION
continued
into the carpet to replace the central
strips, then cut and sew the removed strips
into the carpeting to replace the worn
places, such as at the lobby doors, lounge
entrances, etc. {See Figure 2.)
There are scores of such combinations
that could be worked out in collaboration
with your carpet dealer, and all can be
adjusted to your budget. It is well to re-
member that this procedure enables you to
fill out the sides and ends when you are
financially able, with the net result that
over a comparatively short period of time
you wil have renewed your entire floor-
covering layout.
Along with many other types and de-
signs, there is available solid-color striped
carpeting in 27-inch widths, with the dif-
ferently colored bands ranging from
inches to 13^ inches in width. Used in
Figure 3
combination with solid-colored or figured
broadloom, or for that matter with pat-
terned carpeting in other weaves, interest-
ing custom-made effects can be made well
within the budget of the theatre which
must cut corners or go without. These
banded strips, sewn around the other car-
peting to form a border, are particularly
efifective in combination with solid-color
carpeting; they also can be used direction-
ally and to give greater definition, therefore
greater safety, to stair steps. {See Figure 3.)
Placement and Wear
Small scatter rugs are not generally ad-
visable anywhere in a theatre since they
do not have sufficient weight to stay in
place by themselves ; however, rugs 6x9
feet may be considered for use at the sides
of a foyer or in a lounge where the traffic
is leisurely and not entirely in one line.
When applied to a slope, all carpeting
should be fastened to the floor, and it pre-
ferably should meet any thresholds flush.
When the floor covering does not extend
from wall to wall, one may as well make
the uncarpeted floor edge wide enough to
accommodate the furniture, so as to re-
duce wear. If possible, shift the furniture
occasionally so that patrons will cross the
rug at different places, and the rug ought
to be turned around now and then so that
the wear is well distributed. Should the
ends of a rug show a tendency to curl,
dampen them slightly with water and place
a weight on the curled part overnight.
It is also good practice to anticipate curling
by having your carpet dealer sew lead
weights on the underside of the rug ends.
In all cases, start right off with a sub-
stantial carpet lining, remembering that
the better the quality and the greater the
weight, the longer your rug will last.
Call in your carpet contractor; or, if
you have none, select one who represents
a reputable carpet mill and ask him what
might be done about your present situa-
tion. You will at least learn what could
be done within reason, and will be able
to plan for the future accordingly.
Notes on the Equipment and Furnishings Market
DISCOVERY of a manu-
facturer who could roll one-piece stainless
steel strips of sufficient length has enabled
Progressive Reeltone Company of Grand
Rapids, makers of changeable letter signs,
to improve the guides in which letters are
inserted. Those guides, formerly of painted
metal, are now improved in appearance as
well as in structural qualities.
HEYER-SHULTZ, INC., of
Montclair, N. J., manufact.urers of metal
reflecting devices, have arranged with Na-
tional Theatre Supply Company for ex-
clusive distribution rights to their complete
line of all-metal reflectors. National has
hitherto distributed only the 14-inch re-
flector used in Peerless Magnarc lamps.
PLANS for corporate and
financial expansion of the Radiant Lamp
Corporation of Newark, have been ap-
proved by stockholders. The company con-
fines its activities exclusively to the manu-
facture of concentrated filament lamps as
used in projection, floodlights, etc.
THE NEW MODEL enclosed
micro-switch automatic rewind developed
recently by the GoldE Manufacturing
Company of Chicago, has been approved by
the National Board of Underwriters. The
unit features completely enclosed construc-
tion and automatic switching to stop the re-
winder if the film breaks or if the door is
opened.
MOTIOGRAPH projectors
and Motiograph-Mirrophonic sound sys-
tems are now being distributed in the Buf-
falo territory by Becker Theatre Equip-
ment, Inc., of Buffalo.
22
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
OBSERVATIONS
of the editor
. . ON MOTION PICTURE
THEATRE PLANNING AS A
JOB FOR THE SPECIALIST
a department of news
6l counsel dealing with
management of the
physical theatre and
with its equipment in
general^ including . . .
LIGHTING • SEATING
AIR-CONDITIONING
AND VENTILATION
• MAINTENANCE •
MARQUEE 6l SIGNS
HIS observer of facts and fancies (one might add, finagling,
at least for sake of the alliteration) in the affairs of the motion
picture theatre, considers himself in an unusually good position
to note shortcomings among architects who attempt to work out
theatre schemes. Not only do many finished theatres come to
our attention, but quite a few plans, either complete or in a
preliminary stage, are submitted by some of the architects of
little experience in theatre planning, occasionally at the sug-
gestion of their clients. And we work closely enough with spe-
cialists in theatre design to be aware of a certain amount of
opinion among ■ them that exhibitors should not entrust their
theatre planning to architects who, no matter how well grounded
they may be in their profession, have not given considerable
special attention to the building devoted to the presentation
of motion pictures to the public.
One could of course dismiss such protests with the objection
that they are merely of selfish motivation. But that wouldn't
be quite true. The experienced theatre architect can quickly
see the hand of the architect not familiar with the peculiarities
of this highly specialized class of building, and often indeed can
he point to important features which represent only bungling.
Then, too, he is confident in his knowledge of the tricks that
save money — a knowledge that is partly derived from mistakes
that he made long ago himself.
Compared with the total number of architects, there aren't
so many architects, however, who have specialized in theatre
design and interested themselves in the motion picture engineer-
ing which must advise theatre planning. These gentlemen are
pretty thinly distributed over the country. Theatre operators In
large cities, or circuits with headquarters in those cities, have
ready access to them. But how about the guy in Ipecac, Wyom-
ing? And in any city you get projects of which a theatre is only
one element, with the promoter having his own architectural firm
for the entire project, retained under conditions too suitable for
him to engage another architect just for the theatre.
One answer would seem to lie in the development of more
consultation facilities within the architectural profession. Seldom
do you find a theatre operator willing to pay for an associate
architect if his architect admits he doesn't quite know how; and
certainly no architect is happy to kick in with a very substantial
percentage of his fee for such service. A relatively small con-
sulting fee, however, covering criticism and suggestions, with
perhaps a working drawing of some critical detail, might not
appear unreasonable.
Employing a local architect sometimes has its advantages; but
the exhibitor nevertheless should have access to the required spe-
cialized knowledge. If it is not available from a local architect,
either In his own office or through an associate or a consulting
service, then the theatre operator has but one wise alternative:
Engage the theatre specialist as his architect, no matter how
distant his office. There would be no other way to be assured
a genuine theatre job, speedily and at minimum cost.
■ ■ ■
Mr. F. L. Friedman of the National Theatre Supply Company's
home office in New York, is a specialist in theatre equipment
promotion, as is eminently demonstrated by the article he has
written for Better Theatres, appearing elsewhere in this issue.
And the other day he got institutionally statistical along these
lines (as noted in a press release received in the malls):
National's representatives travel 3,792 miles a day; that's
equivalent to a trip around the world every six days, or 56 times
around every year. Making these colossal peregrinations, they
buy 100,000 gallons of gasoline a year in their respective ter-
ritories, not to mention oil, tires, etc. Then how about food,
hotel rooms — and a bit o' beer or stronger? Plenty! Then of
course they have homes and families. Concludes Mr. Friedman,
"Besides maintaining the families in their towns, they leave a
tidy sum each year In the towns they visit calling on customers."
We wouldn't be a bit surprised if this were propaganda, but
doggoned if it doesn't make sense.
— George Schutz.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
23
LIGHT
light is a first tool of
FOR VISION
DECORATION
AND SELLING
showmanship."
Today's Directional Sign:
affixed as in the first design. Light recesses
for such signs may consist in a special box
with a cove concealing a 10-inch lumiline
lamp bracketed to a metallic reflector strip.
The central top design includes metal
moulding around the doors, door mould-
ings of metal or wood, and a recessed light
box carrying an 8-inch lumiline lamp.
At each side in the lower row are sug-
gestions for lounge signs with subtle but
clear identification by means of silhouettes
cut out of metal and lacquered black. Such
ADAPTATION OF the nec-
cessary directional sign to the interior
design is well illustrated in the sketches
reproduced above. Developed for Better
Theatres by Charles C. Burton, architect
and engineer for the Paramount Service
Corporation, these designs provide methods
which may be readily adopted ; at the same
time they bring out the principles of the
whole directional sign problem, which is to
make the sign, not an awkward, obvious
appendage, but a decorative feature, part
and parcel with the whole interior treat-
ment.
In the first sketch of the upper row is a
treatment for double exit doors in an exist-
ing theatre where there was only one door
before. Here the light box recess of the
former single door has been utilized, with
its acquired off-side position made decora-
tively appropriate by an eccentric moulding
treatment bordering the door frame and on
the doors. The letters may be cut from
sheet metal, lacquered black, and screwed
into existing construction. Light may be
provided by a lamp just below and behind
the letters. (Beside each sketch is a sec-
tional diagram indicating the physical ar-
rangement. )
The extreme right sketch in the top row
also shows an off-side treatment with
mouldings ; the letters may be made and
figures permit of various lighting arrange-
ments. The figure may be flush with the
door frame, in front of a shallow metal
trough ; but it could also be placed in front
of a built-in cove painted glossy white and
curved to meet the wall. Such a cove ar-
rangement is indicated as well for a bal-
cony sign like that shown, which employs
letters like those of the exit signs.
The design for an entrance to a women's
lounge (extreme right, lower row) calls
for light trough entirely around the door
frame, with incandescents, limiline or fluor-
escent lamps carried between the silhouette
figure and immediately beneath one of two
circular sandblasted plates of glass.
24
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
Getting a Break
On Power Costs
{Continued jrom page 10)
ing, especially on heavy equipment or loads
that operate only a short time each month
or a few months each year.
It pays to check into equipment the pow-
er company is using. In some cases their
metering equipment is defective. In other
cases their ratio transformers may be rated
wrong, thus making quite a change in the
billing from what it ought to be.
Where several meters are in one place
of business and the demand system is used,
most power companies add up the total
demand of each meter, whereas one de-
mand meter on the entire load will seldom
reach a peak as great as adding all of the
separate meters. In fact, most every load
dovetails together where a portion of one
meter load is ofF when the other meter is
at the highest peak, and this change can
usually be made at very little cost.
Dafa for Argument
After using several methods for the last
few years to keep a record of light and
power billings, loads and power factor, we
drafted a form which will give us a picture
at a glance of the present year's billings
compared with the previous year, also com-
paring the demand, both on and off peak;
the average cost for the current, and the
load factor.
Many times a great saving can be had by
obtaining a transformer bank, thus chang-
ing your billing from a secondary to a pri-
mary billing, which is available with most
power companies; as a rule it will save
one-third or more on the load large enough
to justify primary service, and in prac-
tically every case will pay off the cost of
the transformer or sub-station in from one
to two years, or less.
Outline of Equipment
and Furnishings
Burton Theatre. Flint, Mich.
(Story on page 4)
Marquee, sign, attraction boards and letters:
American Electrical Displays, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Projectors: Internat-iona! Projector Corporation,
New York. Projection lamps: J. E. McAuley Man-
ufacturing Company, Chicago. Motor-generators:
Hertner Electric Company, Cleveland. Rewinder:
Goldberg Brothers, Denver. Film cabinets: Neu-
made Products Corporation, New York. Change-
overs: Essannay Electric Company, Chicago.
Projection lenses: Projection Optics Company,
Rochester, N. Y. Sound system (Western Electric).
Curtain control equipment: Vallen, Inc., Akron,
Ohio. Proscenium curtain and drapes: Mort Green
Studios, Detroit.
Auditorium seating: Irwin Seating Company,
Grand Rapids, Mich. Carpeting: Alexander Smith
& Sons, New York.
All above equipment and furnishings supplied
through or by special arrangement with the De-
troit branch of the National Theatre Supply Com-
pany.
Ventilating fans, water pump, heating and cool-
mg coils, cooling tower: The Trane Company, La
Crosse, Wis.
^eaU Sell Shotus
Long shows ennphasize the importance of comfortable seating.
Your chairs compete with comfortable ones beside thousands
of radios. That's why correct posture Ideal Seating has a
definite box-office value, will increase receipts . . . why it's the
choice of America's leading theatres.
Staunch, quality construction assures years of service with-
out constant attention. Superiority daily becomes more
evident.
There's an attractive Ideal chair to fit any requirements,
every budget ... a variety of constructions and color
schemes. Write for catalog describing exclusive features and
unsurpassed values. Dealers everywhere.
"Built to Excel — Not Just to Compete"
Ideal
SEATING COMPANY
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Export Office:
334 WEST 44TH STREET, NEW YORK CITY
Attention J. E. Robin
REMODELING
SERVICE
Covering every phase
of the theatre — its
architecture and equip-
ment. Merely write to
BETTER THEATRES
Rockefeller Center New York
lecMc
TliOL
Tlieati'e operators to-
day recognize tlie
need for smootll. si-
lent automatic cur-
tain operation. Tlie
operation of Ozone
Electric Control is
sure, positive every
time! Hugged sim-
plicity assures years
of trouble-free ser-
vice. Price, including
motor, only $58.50
Order today. Ozone-
Air, Inc.. 9j!8 Cherry
St.. Grand Rapids.
Mich.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
25
CONFIDENCE
The dependable, unchanging good
qualify, year in and year out, has
earned for STABILARC the trust of
the industry it has been serving
these many years.
FOR A DEPENDABLE UNIFORM
POWER SUPPLY INSTALL A
bTABILAPC
Motor Generator
35-VOLT UNITWIN
(Requires No Ballast Rheostats)
42 . 60 - 80 VOLT MULTIPLE
•
AUTOMATIC DEVICES CO.
1033 Linden St. Allentown, Pa.
Export Office: 220 W. 42nd St., New York City
Also manufacturers of Allentown Steel
Curtain Tracks and Curtain Machines
WRITE FOR CATALOG
It will come in very
handy when you need
flashers. Describes all
types and sizes for
lamps and neon.
SANGAMO
FLASHERS
The flashers with heavy silver contacts
and the famous induction disk motor —
all built to stand the gaff of the long
hours and heavy loads of theatre signs.
SANGAMO ELECTRIC CO.
FLASHER DIVISION
SPRINGFIELD
ILLINOIS
Reynolds Blowers
nical cooling and ventlloting, exhogit or
worm air circulotion. Alio adoplable lo washed air,
rcfrigeraTion, and RcYnolds cold water rype cooling
coil syilems. Ouiel. Vibroticnieu.
3 sirci, 2,500 cfm lo 30,000 dm, S47.50 up Includ-
ing variable tpeed conrrol, bell ond moior puley-
Equipped wiih boll beor^ngs sel in Mlid rubber pillow
blocks. Write for lireralure.
REYNOLDS MAN UFACTXJ RING COMPANY
412 Prospect Ave., N. E. • Grand Rapids, Mich.
NEW SEAT CATALOG
NOW READY-WRITE
Pictures and describes Bi\ types
Peabody Theatre Seats. Attractive
modem designs. Comfortable quality
seats for every theatre need. Free
Catalog sent on request.
Peabody Seating Co.. No. Manchester, Ind.
AIR-CONDITIONING
& Ventilation
. . today the theatre must assure
its public breathing comfort."
HEATING
FILTERING
INSULATING
Air Purity: How to Attain It—
Air-Motion: How to Control It
{Continued from page 6)
type is mounted in a rugged metal frame
and is intended to be cleaned as frequent-
ly as necessary by the simple expedient of
washing in a light oil bath. The slight
film of oil remaining on the screen wire
after such a bath assists in the trapping
and holding of dust particles. While the
initial cost is several times greater than
that of the throw-away type, by simple
cleaning they last indefinitely.
Se/f-C/eaning Filters
There is a third type of filter which is
of permanent and cleanable type, but has
the additional feature of being self-clean-
ing in that it consists of a series of clean-
able type filters on an endless belt, which
is rotated by a motor, and once every 24
hours the complete bank of filters is ro-
tated through an oil bath in a tank below
the filter sections. This type of equipment
is usually entirely too expensive except for
a very large, deluxe theatre whose owner
demands the last word in filter control.
It might be well to say here that it is
hardly necessary to clean filters once a
day, but they should be inspected at least
twice a week and, in most cases, it is de-
sirable to clean the filters once a week. In
many of the larger cities there are compa-
nies whose business it is to clean air filters
and it would seem to be good judgment on
the part of the theatre owner to arrange
for the frequent inspection and cleaning
of such filters on a contract basis. . . So
much for air purity.
CI AIR-MOTION
As has been pointed out in previous ar-
ticles in this series, air-motion is a very
important factor in controlling Effective
Temperature, which is attained by control
of air-motion, air-heat and air-moisture.
Before dealing with the control of air-
motion it might be well to point out what
air does in the complete picture of air-con-
ditioning as related to patron comfort. It
has been well said that air is the transpor-
tation vehicle of personal comfort. Air is
the medium by which heat is carried away
from the body or brought to the body, as
the need may be. It serves as the vehicle
upon which heat rides.
Using our imaginations for a moment, let
us picture a cold auditorium, the air lack-
ing in intensity of heat. The air is then
removed from the auditorium, passed
through some equipment which adds heat
to it, and returned to the auditorium,
where it surrenders or gives up its heat to
raise the temperature in the auditorium and
thereby make us warm. In the summer time
the reverse is true. The air, which is now
supplied to the auditorium purposely lack-
ing in heat intensity, is capable of absorb-
ing the heat given off by our bodies, and
this heat-laden air is carried back to the
conditioning equipment where the added
heat is surrendered to or absorbed by the
equipment, then the air is brought back
into the theatre to pick up more of our
body heat in order that we may remain
comfortable. Thus air is really the medium
of heat transfer, or heat exchange, be-
tween our bodies and the air conditioning
equipment. It supplies heat for warm.th,
or it removes heat for summer comfort.
Air Volume and Velocity
Now the degree to which it supplies this
comfort is determined by the air-motion
and the Effective Temperature, which, as
previously described, is made up of air-heat
and air-moisture. One other governing
factor enters into the picture and that is
air volume. The greater the amount or
volume of air the greater the air velocity,
and thereby the greater the air-motion.
If too much air is delivered into the con-
26
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
AIR-CONDITIONING
Continued
ditioned area, the velocity is materially in-
creased and the air motion its speeded up
to the point where we feel it in the form of
drafts. There is, therefore, a limit to the
volume of air that can be circulated in a
theatre in order to prevent an excessive
and undesirable air-motion.
For illustration, consider for the moment
the winter cycle, the temperature to be
maintained also affecting the air volume.
If the air is removed from the room at a
temperature of 72° or 74°, as shown by
an ordinary thermometer ; and is warmed
up to 120°, it will require a certain num-
ber of cubic feet or — expressed differently
— a certain volume of air heated from 72°
to 120°, to maintain the desired tempera-
ture. It also is true that if we heat the
air from 72° to 140°, not nearly so much
air is required to carry the same amount
of heat to make up the heat deficiency or
to overcome the heat loss in the auditorium
and provide the desired temperature. Thus
you can readily see that air temperature,
or air-heat, definitely affects air volume
and, thereby, air-motion.
The Effect of Air-Moisfure
Air-moisture (Relative Humidity) also
plays a very important part in winter com-
fort because, as explained, our bodies lose
heat by evaporating moisture from the sur-
face of our skin, and if in the winter the
air is lacking in moisture, the rate of evap-
oration from the surface of our skin is
greater and we do not feel comfortable.
It is then necessary to add a greater
amount of air-heat for personal comfort.
If, however, we make up this air moisture
deficiency by adding water to the air, it
becomes increasingly difficult for moisture
to be evaporated from the surface of our
skin into the air, and therefore our bodies
are not cooled so rapidly. It then becomes
unnecessary to keep the room at a higher
temperature by increasing the air-heat.
Adding to the air-moisture content of the
air means that we have to provide less
air-heat and that we need fewer cubic feet
of air because we require a smaller amount
of heat. Thus air-moisture too affects air-
volume, which in turn affects air-motion
through velocity (speed of air-motion). A
considerable saving of fuel in the winter
time is possible if we add moisture to the
air, since if there is sufficient air-moisture,
there need not be as much air-heat.
Seasonal Differences
Now air-motion is a very important fea-
ture— although not nearly so important in
the winter operation as in summer, when
an accelerated air-motion helps to evapo-
rate some of the moisture from the surface
of our skin and thereby assists in the re-
moval of heat from our bodies. Because
of this fact, about three times as much
air by volume is required to provide sum-
mer comfort as is required for winter
comfort. However, another reason for
this increase in volume in summer is tem-
perature difference.
To illustrate, if we are maintaining a
78° air-heat temperature (shown by the
ordinary, or dry-bulb, thermometer), air
above this temperature is removed from
the conditioned area, and the heat (as well
as the moisture) is taken out to the le-
quired degree and the air reintroduced into
the conditioned area. For a number of
reasons it is not desirable to reduce the air
(in terms of ordinary temperature) from
78° to any less than 60° to 65° degrees.
It might also be pointed out that in many
summer cooling operations there is more
total heat to be removed from the air than
there is total heat to be added to the air
in the winter cycle to maintain patron com-
fort. By total heat we mean the total air-
heat plus the heat this is also in the air in
the form of air moisture, for, as previously
pointed out, heat is required to support the
moisture in the air. Because of the smaller
temperature difference, or cooling range,
on the summer cycle, and because of the
desirability of increased air-motion to assist
in the evaporation of air-moisture from the
body, greater volumes of air are handled
during the summer cycle than during the
winter cycle. Also, greater volumes of air
are required — cooled over a smaller tem-
perature range — for the additional reason
that very cold air falls at a much faster rate
than the rate at which hot air rises. Cold,
rapidly falling air creates an unnatural and
undesirable air-motion, which is reflected
in the form of chilly drafts.
Providing Air-Motion
Air-motion is accomplished by the simple
mechanical expedient of circulation by fans,
usually powered by electric motors. Of
course, there are various kinds and types of
fans that will move air and create air-mo-
tion, but there are certain requirements for
successful results that make only one type
— the multi-blade or squirrel cage — truly
desirable in air-conditioning.
First, of all, the air must be moved
silently. Therefore, the device for moving
it must be quiet in operation.
The fan must also be capable of moving
the air against resistance, at the least power
expenditure, and with the greatest possible
efficiency. This resistance is encountered
in the pipes or ducts through which the
flow of air from the auditorium to the con-
ditioning equipment and back to the audi-
torium, is confined. Such ducts are natural-
ly limited in size and often have numerous
turns in them, which means that the fan
creating air-motion must be capable of effi-
ciently overcoming the resistance set up by
the friction of the air flowing through the
ducts. In order that the air be delivered
to the proper areas in the theatre, the fan
must be capable of discharging the air the
required distances in order to provide even
temperatures in all parts of the auditorium
and so that air is in motion at all times.
PROOF
that Artkraf t Products offer
you the Most for Your Mod-
ernization Dollar—
— that it costs more NOT to
modernize than to keep your
theatre abreast of the times.
The above illustrated new front and marquee complete
with extension wings, vertical sign, travelling border,
flasher, 200 changeable letters and 105 sq. ft. of porce-
lain oust less than $1000.
Artkraft's famous pre- fabricated marquees are avail-
able in four models from $610 to $1151 F.O.B. Lima.
Artkraft's New Deep Embossed 18 Gauge 9" Sil-
houette Letters adaptable to any marquee, cost con-
siderably less than other 8" letters. Stronger than any
letter on the market — yet no heavier than aluminum.
Artkraft. the world's largest manufacturer of marquees
and signs for all purposes, offers the only complete
service in designing, engineering and manufacturing
of fronts. Here you can buy an entire new front
with ONE responsibility.
Write today for complete Information — no obligation.
Give width of front and width of sidewalk.
^fiQ STANDARD^
LIMA,
OHIO
ARTKRAFT
o^COMPARHOW
All Artkraft products bear the four union labels
-BLOWERS-
1,000 to 10,000 cu. ft. capacity can be used (or
Circulating Heated Air or for Cooling.
Prices start at $18.95
Taylor Air Conditioning Co.
804 Wealtliy Street Grand Rapids, Michigein
:jf^Vli:|1|4'IMaMB
TO MILLIDNS' _
H^SEAT CDRPORATiaNi
mT UNION CITY.INDIANA
READ THE ADS—
They're News!
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
27
You Can't Beat
GARVER RECTIFIERS
for ECONOMY and DEPENDABILITY
GARVER KURRENT CHANGERS
save 20% to Z0% changing A.C. lo D.C. Assure
steady current (15-30 amperes) and stable arc.
Permit undetectable changeovers. Quiet. dJOO ,,_
Set up no interference ■fOi. up
GARVER 45-60 AMPERE RECTIFIERS
for better, more economical operation with Supres-
type high intensity projection lamps. Also operates
low intensities at correct voltage and amperage.
•
Write for folder and price list.
•
GARVER ELECTRIC COMPANY
UNION CITY, IND.
Theatre Supply Dealers
Only
iprice^^OO
.«Z|F^^y intheU
anywhere
United States
PROFIT
from the Extra Patronage which Safe. Comfortable.
Securely Anchored Seats Attract!
•
SUPREME EXPANSION BOLTS
assure permanent anchorage, guard against the
losses of wobbly, swaying seats. Ask any good
supply dealer to show you why. Or write for
FKEE SAMPLES and prices.
The Chicago Expansion Bolt Co.
Room 602. 132 S. Clinton Street. Chicago, III.
GENERAL
SEATING
COMPANY
In the next issue —
Results of actual reflector tests, in
the series of articles on projection
costs —
By Henry D. Behr
SEATING
". . . no theatre can be better
than its seating."
the
auditorium
STAGGER PLAN VALUES
[The plan revision discussed is of some
special significance because it represents an
effort to meet higher standards of vision in
an existijig theatre, and with dependence
upon a mere change in the seating plan.
The revision was made by Ben Schlanger,
New York theatre architect, and he has
prepared the following comment on it. —
The Editor.]
THE PLANS illustrated
show the before and after seating arrange-
ments of the Studio theatre in Philadelphia,
in which vision was improved with a gain
of 50 seats over the old arrangement,
from where vision may be obstructed when
the persons seated directly in front lean to
one side, but of course the tendency to lean
to one side or the other is decreased when
full vision is provided for.
The new Studio seating utilizes an asym-
metrical aisle arrangement, thereby reduc-
ing the number of seating banks from three
to two, which change reduced the aisle
stagger lines from four to three, resulting
in less loss due to stagger. This aisle ar-
rangement also leaves more undisturbed
lounging area and better traffic lines {see
shaded lounge area).
Another important point regarding stag-
SCALt
ORIGINAL FLOOR PLAN
Q L05BY
5CALE
REVISED FLOOR PLAN
through a stagger plan. The existing floor
slope like so many other floor slopes com-
monly found does not offer any better than
second row vision of the screen. To reslope
this concrete floor would have entailed un-
warranted expense, so a stagger system of
seating, using the existing floor, was adopted
to improve vision.
This installation shows a justified use of
staggered seating, and there are other cases
where this system may be used effectively,
but it must be pointed out that non-stag-
gered seating placed on floors properly
sloped is superior to staggered seating.
When staggered seating is used there are
many seating positions in an auditorium
gered seating is illustrated here — that cor-
rect staggering is not accomplished merely
by placing seats so that the arm block of
one seat is directly behind the center of the
seat in front in all cases. Actually this
relationship of positions varies for each seat
according to the relationship of the position
of the seat to the screen position. There-
fore, in order to insure correct design, great
care and considerable time have to be de-
voted to checking for correct placing of
each seat, a problem which does not present
itself in the case of non-staggered seating.
The varying relationships of seat place-
ments at aisle standards in the Studio thea-
tre plan exemplifies this point.
28
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
Tell 'Em About Your
New Equipment and
New Furnishings
{Continued from page 9)
telling the public just what the lamps are
— the modern science they represent, a bit
about how they do their job. Then con-
tact your local newspaper and plant a pic-
ture of the lamphouse display as a tie-up
on a series of publicity stories.
An example of already prepared news-
paper publicity material on "Simplified
High Intensity" lamps is submitted. While
these particular news stories were originally
prepared for products distributed by the
company with which the writer happens to
be associated, similar stories could be used
for lamps made by other manufacturers.
The two examples given are an advance
story and an opening day story — both short,
both complete, and both readable ; they il-
lustrate the method.
ADVANCE STORY:
Another "Snow White" is coming to the
theatre on (date) but this time
il?s new "snow-white" projection light, for
clearer, sharper pictures, according to Mr.
, manager, in announcing the forth-
coming installation of powerful lamps
in the theatre projection room.
The main feature ( ) starring ( )
was chosen especially to illustrate the vast im-
provement made possible by these new ■
lamps.
"They're the nearest thing to daylight, in
my opinion," said Mr. . "Technicians
describe these scientific projection lamps as
Simplified High-Intensity type and say that their
stronger, snow-white light will enable patrons
of the theatre to see all pictures more
clearly and color features in more accurate hues.
"I suppose it's like taking a new suit to the
store window so that we can see it better. In
daylight you get the true color of the pattern.
And in the 'daylight' of these astonishing new
lamps, every picture on the theatre's
screen is going to be infinitely better. Scientific
measurements with a photoelectric cell light
meter have shown us that when this installa-
tion is completed, we will actually have 200%
to 300% more light on the screen," Mr.
concluded.
The installation of the new lamps in
the theatre is being supervised by the
(dealer).
OPENING DAY STORY
A wedding of art and science takes place to-
day at the theatre when the smash hit
( ) starring ( ) will be thrown
on the screen through the medium of new
"snow-white" type projection lamps just in-
stalled by the
management.
'Light — and light alone, makes the picture on
the screen," said Manager .
"Better projection, especially of color, de-
mands what lamp engineers call 'Simplified
High-Intensity.' Today's high standard in pic-
tures, today's critical audiences, insist on the
same caliber of projection found in the Radio
City Music Hall, the Roxy, and other world-
famous picture houses. Now the the-
atre gives its patrons the very finest in modern
projection.
"Not only the general theatre-going public,
but all those especially interested in light — -
engineers, camera fans, high school and college
students of physics, optometrists — will find the
new projection light in the theatre a
thrilling experience," the manager said.
Long familiarity with projection problems en-
Clancy
STREAMLINED
Curtain Control Unit
Even the smallest theatre can now afford the safety, convenience,
dependability and smooth operating features of this modern, eco-
nomical, streamlined curtain control unit. Curtains can be operated
and controlled from any location in the building — the projection
room, back-stage, or intermediate positions. Just a touch on an
electric button opens or closes the curtain smoothly and noise-
lessly— allowing it to fold and drape in perfect, even folds.
The complete control unit com-
prises a Clancy lightweight, noise-
less draw curtain track connected
with a Clancy utility synchronized
curtain control. This unit will serve
any stage — up to a 35-foot opening.
For larger stages, Clancy heavy-duty
units are recommended.
You should know more about this
popular, low-priced unit that will give
your theatre the up-to-date efficiency
and appearance of the largest metro-
politan playhouses. It is simply and
easily installed. We furnish blue-
prints and detailed installation in-
structions.
Let us quote you on this unit — complete, ready
to install in your theatre. Write us, giving
the height and width of proscenium opening.
J. R. CLANCY, INC., SYRACUSE, N. Y.
Complete Equipment for the Mechanical Operation
of Stage and Orchestra
East, West, North and South — they are all going to Wagner Changeable
Multiple-Size Letters. Here is another installation by a well-known eastern house.
Wagner Claims
ARE VINDICATED!
The EXCLUSIVE right of Wagner Sign Service, Inc., to manufacture
Changeable Silhouette Letters under patents #2,048,040 and #2,119,430
has been decreed by the U. S. District Court at Chicago in a decision
entered on June 21, 1939.
These Popular Letters
Are Available in a Wide
Variety of Colors
WAGNER SIGN SERVICE. Inc.
218 S. Hoyne Ave CHICAGO
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123 W. 64th St NEW YORK
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BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
29
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abled the designers of these (or name the make)
lamps to build into their projection units every
desirable feature which would insure maximum
light efficiency on the screen.
The many outstanding features of the
lamp design led the management of
the theatre to select these new type
projection lamps from the (dealer).
But getting newspaper stories published
on your new lamp equipment should not
end your exploitation activities. As a fur-
ther step, you might send special invitations
to camera clubs and camera fans, inviting
them to bring their candid cameras along
for shots of scenes from the picture under
the new and improved lighting conditions.
Then, too, you could make a tieup with
your local optometrists, asking these pro-
fessional people to give an interview or
write a short article outlining their own
vieAvpoint of what better projection light on
the screen means in the way of better vision
and less eye strain. Invitations can also be
mailed to the local high schools and col-
leges to students, say, in the physics labora-
tories, to bring out the scientific aspects of
better light. And finally, the local electric
company could be contacted for a congratu-
latory advertisement featuring the name of
the theatre.
New sound, of course, has tremendous
possibilities for publicity", and sound equip-
ment manufacturers have sought to do a
publicity job comparable to that done on
i feature pictures. When a new Simplex
} sound system, for example, is about to be
' installed in a theatre, the manager gets, in
addition to a series of prepared publicit}"
stories, other local exploitation, such as
j radio and sound truck announcements, spe-
I cial copy for programs, handouts and ad-
vertising mats. All this, of course, is sup-
plemented further by other material which
I is made available, such as burgees, valences
' and box office plaques.
A typical announcement story on a new
sound system installation, together with
several radio and sound truck announce-
ments that can be adapted to practically
any situation, are as follows :
ADVANCE STORY
Negotiations have been completed for a new
Simplex Four-Star (or name of other make)
Sound System between ^■Ir. , manager
of the theatre, and the National The-
atre Supply Company (or other source).
The new equipment represents a definite im-
provement over present sound equipment in use.
It is entirely new and includes many technical
developments which have recently been per-
fected through laboratory tests and under prac-
tical operating conditions. It assures greater
realism in sound reproduction, better balance of
high and low tone range, and the distribution of
sound throughout the theatre is perfectly uni-
form irrespective of where you sit. These fea-
tures are all of immeasurable value to the
theatre patron and to his or her full and com-
plete enjoyment of motion pictures.
"When this new equipment is installed," Mr.
stated, ''our patrons will be quick to
recognize the wonderful improvement. There
will be a very definite feeling of greater realism
and the positive illusion of being present."
"New methods and standards in recording
constantly being adopted by the producers in
Hollvwood are beyond the performance capabil-
ities of older tj-pes of sound systems," Mr.
I stated. "For that reason, if we are
' to put a sound motion picture on the screen
i just as Hollywood created it, we must have
available a sound system equal to the exacting
requirements these new standards demand.
"Following a thorough study of contemporary
equipment, we unhesitatingly chose the new
Simplex Four-Star sound system because it is
outstanding in technical excellence and, second-
ly, because it is manufactured by a firm long
associated in building a product for the theatre
and conversant with our exacting requirements.
"This is merely another forward step in the
policy of the Theatre to offer our
patrons the best that can be had for complete
enjoyment of motion pictures."
RADIO AND SOUND TRUCK
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A double feature you cannot afford to miss —
opening tonight at the theatre, a new
Simplex Four-Star Sound System which will
thrill your ears . . . plus the feature picture
(name of picture), with (names of stars), all
of which assure you of a brilliant and entertain-
ing show. By all means don't miss this attrac-
tion at the theatre tonight!
Here's a news announcement of outstanding
interest! When the curtain is drawn tonight
at the theatre, you will hear along
with the picture a new and marvelous sound
reproduction, for the theatre has just
completed the installation of a new Simplex
Four-Star Sound System designed to give you
talking pictures with all the naturalness and
realism that Hollywood created!
Space limitation, of course, precludes the
reproduction of an entire publicity setup,
but the examples given will serve to show
what can be done. Obviously, even pre-
pared stories need not be used verbatim,
but can be utilized as a "springboard" from
which the enterprising theatre manager can
design and carry out his own original cam-
paigns.
In most communities there are Parent-
Teacher Associations, and in many schools
film appreciation and study groups, that
can be contacted with special invitations or
preview announcements of the new sound,
its scientific characteristics, its technical as-
pects and other sidelights especially inter-
esting to those in science, physics and visual
education classes.
All such exploitation, of course, is sup-
plementary" to special preview showings of
the new equipment in your lobby, with a
capable attendant in charge or with suit-
able explanatory placards.
I have touched briefly on the exploitation
possibilities for your theatre of only t^vo
classes of new equipment. The same in-
genuity, the same imagination and the same
showmanship can, with the help of your
supply dealer, make it possible for you to
publicize all the goodwill angles of other
new equipment such as chairs, generators,
carpets, marquees, air-conditioning, projec-
tion apparatus, as well as many other kinds
of improvements.
Buying new equipment of any kind is
always an important move. It is equally
important to capture all possible benefits for
your theatre from the actual installation of
new equipment and furnishings of most
every class.
[The author is associated nith the sales pro-
motion department of the National Theatre
Supply Company, and he has of course had
much practical field experience in the exploita-
tion of actual installations, as =ivell as in the
preparation of press-book and other material
for the exploitation by theatres of nev: equip-
ment and furnishings installations.^
30
A Section of Alotion Picture Herald
PROJECTION
SOUND REPRODUCTION
THE SCREEN
The Practical Use of Sound Test Reels
• Development of more and more test reels has
taken most of guess work out of sound equipment
repairs and adjustment. Here are tips on their use
By AARON NADELL
TEST FILMS that make
possible exact adjustment of sound ap-
paratus for the best performance of which
it is inherently capable are now available
to theatres in greater variety than ever be-
fore. With modern equipments these
reels may be considered essentially standard
tools, indispensable for certain important
types of work.
The basic purpose of most test reels is
to introduce into the system sound of
known characteristics, eliminating all ques-
tion of variations in recording. The sys-
tem, or that part of it which is under test,
then remains solely responsible for the na-
ture of the output. With some reels, the
output is judged by ear. With others, used
for diflferent purposes, judgment by ear is
entirely impossible, and the reel is useless
unless supplemented by a volume indicator
capable of measuring results in terms of
volts or of decibels. Prices of such meters
are reasonable — for some of the less ac-
curate models (which are still serviceable),
extremely reasonable.
Standard Recording
The simplest of all test reels is the stand-
ard recording, which is used to judge qual-
ity by ear. It is used partly because the
test reel's own quality is assured, whereas
that of the daily program is not; partly
because when it has been played a number
of times it becomes very familiar to the
user, who can then instantly detect flaws
in reproduction which would be much less
evident to him with a strange track; partly
because it is made up of types of recordings
that are particularly well adapted to un-
veiling certain forms of equipment deficien-
cies ; and partly because it is likely, today,
to be made up of selections from the stand-
ard output of different studios, therefore
indicating whether any particular product
calls for special adjustments in the theatre,
as well as what compromise adjustment
will give the best average result with all
product.
The standard recording is, in addition,
used where the more elaborate forms of
acoustic test equipment, referred to below,
are not available. In such cases the sys-
tem is set for theoretically correct results
(flat response) and the test reel and
critical ears decide whether
that setting gives the best
quality under the acoustic
conditions obtaining. If not,
the adjustment is varied un-
til the standard recording
sounds best, and the setting
thus arrived at is noted
down as being preferable,
henceforth, for that system
in that particular theatre.
The standard recording is
also conveniently used for
rough and quick comparison
of the sound quality deliv-
ered by both soundheads and by both chan-
nels, if there are two. It is used for rough
testing after repairs or minor adjustments
to assure that everything is in perfect work-
ing order for the next show ; and in houses
that follow more elaborate inspection rou-
tines, it may be used before each day's
show, or once a week, for general check-
up.
Multi-Frequency Film
Almost equally familiar to the average
theatre man is that old stand-by, the multi-
frequency film. The track carries a num-
ber of pure tones, ranging from the lowest
frequencies to the highest and following
each other in regular succession. In some
reels, all tones are recorded at exactly the
same volume. In others they are not,
and an announcement preceding each fre-
quency indicates the extent of the deviation,
allowance for which is duly made when the
output meter reading is noted. Many of
these reels begin with a short run of 1,000-
cycle recording, for convenient adjustment
of the meter controls. After that, the vol-
ume output at each successive frequency, as
the film runs through, is read on the meter
and noted down.
Unless the system has been differently
adjusted, for acoustic con-
ditions or other special rea-
sons, output volume should
be the same at all frequen-
cies within the equipment's
capabilities, because input
volume was the same at all
frequencies. If this is not
the case, frequency controls
are reset or the apparatus is
examined .for defects. The
result of each adjustment or
provisional repair is tested in
the same way, until perform-
ance is correct. Where the
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
31
PREFERRED
Your Guide
to Better Projection
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Dealers
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system is one that has separate high-fre-
quency and low-frequency output chan-
nels, each channel may be measured sep-
arately for correct performance within its
appointed range.
The meter readings are often noted on
graph paper by means of small dots, which
are then connected by a continuous line to
produce the familiar "characteristic curve"
commonly used to give a graphic presenta-
tion of the performance of sound com-
ponents.
Mefhod of Isolafing Cause
These tests are very helpful in isolating
trouble sources. If, for example, the curve
obtained from one soundhead is different
from that of the other, the fault must lie
in the soundheads or their connections,
since the amplifying channel is the same in
both cases. (Of course it is not necessary
to draw an actual curve ; comparisons of
two columns of readings will serve the
same purpose). On the other hand, if re-
sults are uniformly poor with both pro-
jectors, the amplifying channel is indi-
cated, and isolation can often go even
further. If, for example, there are both a
voltage and a power amplifier, the meter
can in some cases be connected to read the
voltage amplifier output, thus indicating
which of the two is faulty. Regular and
emergency channels can be compared ; also,
where two channels exist individual ampli-
fiers can be switched from one to the other
and resulting differences in performance
thus traced to the exact panel responsible.
These tests permit making and check-
ing numbers of small adjustments or re-
pairs, none of which may be important in
itself, or great enough for the result to be
audible ; but which in their aggregate ef-
fect add up to a substantial improvement
in quality. This is one of the ways in
which test reel and meter are indispensable ;
the meter being sensitive enough to see
improvements too slight for the ear to hear.
Comprehensive tests with multi-fre-
quency film and meter should be made on
every sound system at intervals no longer
than six months.
Use of Frequency Loops
Short sections, or loops, of selected fre-
quencies are used for more restricted pur-
poses. A favorite quick adjustment is made
possible by threading 1,000-cycle loops into
each soundhead, running the machines
simultaneously and switching sound from
one to the other to compare volume level.
Comparison by ear is practical, use of the
output meter is preferable.
Loops or short strips of high-frequency
recordings are invaluable for adjusting ex-
citer lamp focus to give the best results
with modern sound tracks. Loops of 7,000
or 9,000 cycles are used, according to the
results that can properly be expected of the
equipment. The output meter is con-
nected, and focus is adjusted for maximum
volume. When this is attained, focus will
be as sharp as it can be made for the
highest frequency and therefore optimum
also for all others. The test is repeated
after the adjustment has been locked
down, to make certain that the fine edge
of the focus has not been lost in the locking
down process. For this work also the
reel, or loop, can be used alone, and maxi-
mum volume judged by ear rather than by
meter, but the meter is incomparably more
sensitive and gives conspicuously superior
results.
Lateral Alignment Test
Lateral alignment of the sound track is
very efficiently checked, and lateral guides
are easily and accurately set, by means
of one of the newer test tracks, made
available by the Research Council of the
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and
Sciences. This consists of a black sound
track through which no light passes, and
special recordings at either side, beyond
the normal track location, of 1,000 cycles
toward the sprocket holes and 300 cycles
toward the center. When this track is
played, lateral guides are adjusted by ear
until neither sound is heard : the film is
then correctly positioned to avoid both
sprocket hole hum and dividing line hum.
Exciter and Film Adjustment
Exciter lamp and film adjustment in a
rear-scanning head (Erpi TA-7400) are
best accomplished through still more
elaborate use of test films. Preliminary
focus of the objective lens is made by
visual inspection with a 3,000- or 4,000-
cycle track threaded. Readjustment for
maximum level is made while running a
7,000- or 8,000-cycle film and checking
with an output meter ; the condenser lens-
prism being then backed off to produce a
meter reading 2 decibels below maximum.
With the adjustments thus obtained locked
down, the external slit azimuth, or rota-
tional position, is shifted until the meter
again gives maximum response. Lastly, the
sound track lateral alignment is perfected
with the help of another of the Research
Council's special short test films, a length
of double track with an accurately posi-
tioned center line. Correct projection of
the center line of the track on to the center
of the external slit is secured by manipu-
lating the film lateral guides and visual in-
spection.
Uniformity of Illumination
A particularly important optical condi-
tion that could not otherwise be tested at
all by any satisfatcory direct means, is
checked easily and with extreme accuracy",
through the use of still another special
film. This is the uniformity of illumination
across the sound track width, which can
easily be impaired by a number of causes,
such as slight sagging of the exciter fila-
ment. Xon-uniform illumination can pro-
duce either trifling or serious deficiencies
of sound quality', depending somewhat on
the type of recording. Variable densit}' and
variable width, single, double and squeeze
tracks all give somewhat different results
32
J Section of Motion Picture Herald
with identical conditions of laterally non-
uniform illumination, and quality over
different portions of the same track may
also vary.
The Academy's special film for testing
this condition carries seventeen extremely
narrow sound tracks. The first is located
nearest the sprocket holes, and the seven-
teenth and last nearest the dividing lines,
with the others spaced at equal intervals
between. As the 230-foot length of film
is run off, these narrow recordings follow
one after another in regular sequence, each
placed a little closer to the dividing lines
than the one preceding, and the volume
outputs are read on the meter. If illu-
mination is uniform all the way across
the sound track area, all the readings will
be the same. When they are not, the
exciter lamp is replaced; should this fail
to clear the trouble, the optical arrange-
ments are subjected to further inspection
or adjustment according to the conditions
the meter reveals.
Comparative Tests
Several of the reels referred to are used
in association with each other. Thus, sup-
posing the standard sound reel to indicate
deficient quality from one soundhead, the
multi-frequency reel might be used in that
machine to check the nature of the trouble.
In case that showed insufficient high-fre-
quency response, it might possibly be fol-
lowed by the seventeen-track scanning
test to find whether uneven lateral illu-
mination is the cause of the trouble ; or by
the film guide adjustment loop, or the
9,000-cycle focusing loop, as circumstances
suggest. Perhaps all these films will be
used before the true trouble is found; per-
haps none of them will find it, but at
least they will very quickly and efficiently
eliminate a considerable number of possi-
bilities and leave comparatively few for in-
vestigation by other means.
All of the test films so far described
function with the help of only ear, eye or
at the most a simple output meter. More
elaborate aids are needed with the special
recordings for acoustic tests, now also
available to theatres. These are multi-
frequency reels in which each frequency is
"warbled" or caused to vary by 10% or
thereabout, to avoid production of standing
waves. A single frequency played at con-
stant volume occasionally undergoes reflec-
tion from surfaces facing each other in such
a way that the reflections are mutually re-
inforcing and volume is built up instead
of dying away. In other words, a portion
of the auditorium can be "resonant" at
some one frequency. This effect may be
comparatively unimportant with ordinary
speech or music, in which prolonged repro-
duction of a single pure tone at constant
volume seldom occurs, and still produce
misleading results in microphone measure-
ments. Hence acoustic test frequencies
are "warbled."
The readings are taken by playing the
warble reel through the screen speakers,
picking up the sound with a known or cali-
brated microphone.
SUPER CINEPHOR PROJECTION
keeps the box office busy
Many of your audience may not know a projec-
tion lens from a sound track, but they do know
good projection quality and show it in patronage.
Audiences hke pictures that are clear and sharp
from center to edges. They like the brilliance
and color fidelity of Super-Cinephor Projection.
You'll enjoy the box office reaction to Super- Cine-
phors in your projection booth. Send for details
of this truly anastigmatic color corrected projec-
tion lens. Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 679 St. Paul
St., Rochester, N. Y.
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Branches in all principal cities
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
33
COMMENT ON PROJECTION AFFAIRS
and answers to inquiries . . . By f. h. richardson
ON A POLICY OF JEOPARDIZING
A FORTUNE TO SAVE A PITTANCE
IT IS PRETTY well known
that a considerable number of theatre man-
agers endowed with authority to provide
the projection staff with everything that is
requisite to good results, insist that equip-
ment parts be retained in use beyond the
limits of either safety or ability to produce
those results.
This is of course done through a desire
to reduce the cost of operation to the low-
est possible limit. However, while legiti-
mate reduction in operating expense can
merit nothing but commendation, when
such reduction operates to reduce income,
surely it is time to call a halt. Certainly
it cannot be successfully argued that equip-
ment in a poor state of repair can possibly
be made to produce results comparable in
quality with that produced by equipment
in perfect condition, assuming each to have
the same intelligent operation.
Each year sees added recognition of the
fact that projection and the projectionist
is the vital connecting link between studio
and the theatre patron. More and more is
the industry coming to realize the fact that
imperfection in projection must reduce the
entertainment value of its theatre programs.
True, imperfection in projection cannot
alter the movement of actors appearing on
the screen, but it can very seriously detract
from their effectiveness as performers, he-
One of the country's veteran projectionists, Wil-
liam Read of Atlantic City (left), shaking hands
with Joe Basson, president of New York City's
Local 306, lATSE-MPMO, during the Projectionist
Day festivities held at the New York World's Fair
on September 7th.
sides mutilating music, garbling speech and
causing eye strain.
Suppose that, in a period of a year, by
refusal to honor projection room requisi-
tions, or by delay in so doing, you have
reduced overhead by $200. That is to say,
it would have cost that much more to have
maintained all equipment in perfect condi-
tion. That would amount approximately
to 54c per day, but say that even a dollar
a day is saved. Isn't a well presented pic-
ture worth a dollar a day?
Assuming equipment to be handled com-
petently and maintained in perfect condition
there will be a rock-steady screen image,
well illuminated and with light well dis-
tributed. The music will be faithfully re-
produced, and speech will be clear. It is
reasonable that your patrons will leave
with a desire to "go to the movies" again.
That, to my notion, is the best exploitation
motion pictures — any picture — can have.
THE PROBLEM OF SCREEN
LIGHT STANDARDIZATION
FROM THE GENERAL man-
ager of a large circuit in the New York
metropolitan area, comes the following:
"May I have the following questions
answered? As between different theatres
there is a wide differential in screen illumin-
ation. Is it not possible to have some
standard of screen brightness established, to
the end that results, viewed as a whole, be
improved? I have been reliably advised
that all motion pictures are photographed
at an illumination of 15 candle power. If
this be true, it would seem that to secure
duplication of the scene or thing so pho-
tographed, the theatre screen must have an
equal illumination value.
"Using a Weston meter, I have measured
many screen illumination values with the
projector in operation; also with it inop-
erative and the rotating shutter in open
position, finding values in the latter condi-
tion practically double that of the first
named. What I ask of you is: First, w^hat
should be the minimum reading under both
conditions? Second, what percentage of
the light is the projector rotating shutter
presumed to eliminate? Third, With dif-
ferent types of screen I note the reflected
light values vary widely. Can you advise
as to what percentage of light should be
reflected back by a beaded screen?"
To answer all this in complete detail
would require pages of space. Briefly,
however, while it is true that all studio
scenes are photographed at the same ap-
proximate light intensity, it is obvious this
cannot be done with outdoor scenes, hence
"all" scenes are not photographed at the
same "candle power." Moreover, no
projector optical system has yet been de-
vised that will illuminate a theatre scene
evenly. Between a screen center and its
outer margin there is a differential of from
one to five ; even more in some cases. It
varies widely according to the selection and
adjustment of the projector optical train.
Measure center and margin of a few screens
and be convinced.
Obstacles to Standardization
For years engineers have been seeking
some basis for standardization of screen
illumination, without much success. The
reasons for failure are many. What may
be a very acceptable screen illumination
where viewing distance is limited to, say,
50 feet, would be quite too low to enable
a good view of screen image details were
the viewing distance longer — say, 100 to
150 feet. An illumination quite satisfac-
tory in a dimly lighted auditorium would
be wholly inadequate in one having higher
illumination. Dark auditorium decorations
will permit equal viewing results with
lower screen illumination, and so on
through a fairly lengthy list.
A screen image is wholly a matter of
contrasts in light, shadow and darkness,
hence anything that will affect these values,
as viewed by an audience, must be con-
sidered, and so very many things may af-
fect them that standardization is wholly
impossible unless, first, those other things be
standardized. Then, too, a screen surface
that will reflect a certain percentage of
light today will not reflect that percentage
one month from today, the difference vary-
ing widely in different locations in accord-
ance with the amount of dirt in the air.
Measuring the Screen Light
What the reading should be would de-
pend upon the conditions the reflected light
must encounter. Measurements should be
made at the screen center. At different
zones of the screen it will run somewhat
along the proportions shown in Figure 41
of the Bluebook of Projection.
The best rule I know of is to establish
that illumination value that seems to make
viewing from each auditorium center most
34
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
satisfactory to a group of average people.
This will establish a correct balance as be-
tween the front and rear of seating space.
This may not be a "scientific" solution, but
in practice it has high value. It must,
however, be remembered that slowly but
constantly screen reflection value decreases,
and this must be taken into account, es-
pecially where the atmosphere is laden with
dust, smoke, etc.
Second, the projector rotating shutter
eliminates or "cuts off" a trifle more than
half the light. Measure the width of shut-
ter blades and the openings between them.
Compare these measurements and you have
your answer.
Third, as already explained, this varies
with varying conditions. If a fixed meas-
urement is demanded, I would say (backed
by the opinion of the Projection Practice
Committee of the SMPE) 15 foot-candles
at the screen center would perhaps serve
best, but — !
Then too, there is the character of the
screen surface. The specular surface
(beaded screen, for example), reflects a
very high percentage of the light back to
the auditorium central area, but less and
less as the viewing angle is increased. It
therefore is not well suited to wide audi-
toriums. On the other hand the diffusive
screen reflects more evenly to all sections
of the seating space. For a long auditorium
that is of narrow width, the beaded screen,
because of its unique properties as a direc-
tional reflecting surface, has a very special
value.
HOW MANY MILES A YEAR
DO YOU PROJECT PICTURES
AT A RECENT meeting of
the Projection Practice Committee of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Dr.
Alfred N. Goldsmith, past-president of that
body, treated us to a new conception of
projection. He asked, "Assuming the
projection distance to be 150 feet, how far
is each frame of film projected?"
He then proceeded to explain: "The
usual thought is, of course, 150 feet, which
is not correct. Each frame is projected 150
feet and is cut entirely off by the cut-off
blade of the projector shutter. It then is
projected a second time and is cut off finally
by the shutter master blade, hence, since
150 plus 150 equals 300, it follows that
each frame is actually projected a total of
300 feet."
When the laughs had subsided, he con-
tinued, "Following through: Since each
foot of film contains 16 frames, the actual
projection distance for each foot of film is
300 X 16 = 4,800 feet, and each 7,000-
foot production is projected a total of
7,000 X 4,800, making altogether 33,600,-
000 feet.
"Thus we see that in a show using a
7,000-foot production each day for one
year, its projectionist is very sadly over-
worked, since the total projection distance
for the year adds up to 12,664,000,000 feet,
or more than five miles around the world."
Whereupon the doctor sat down, satisfied
with a job well done.
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59 RUTTER STREET • ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
SLIDE PROJECTORS
• 1000 wott. Range 75-150 feet. With ony
focus lens 10 10 36 inches. $35.
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75 ft. With any focus lens 10 to 30 in. $23.
At Your Dealers!
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567 pages dealing with air and its
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air-washers, nnechanical refrigeration
processes and machinery, well drilling
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storage refrigeration, evaporative
condensers and water saving devices
and methods, unit coolers, automatic
control, air cleansing and purification,
and codes and ordinances regulating
installation. Book is bound in cloth,
has index system and psychrometric
charts.
BETTER THEATRES: Sept. 16, 1939
35
Index to Advertisers
ADLERSIGN LETTER CO.
2909-B INDIANA AVENUE, CHICAGO
33-B WEST 60th ST., NEW YORK CITY
CHICAGO
NEW YORK -
LONDON, ENG.
TORONTO, CAN.
— LISTED BY
UNDERWRITERS-
LABORATORIES.
^ INC.
ADLER ORIGINATED
THE REMOVABLE supporting frame ;
w/f/i LETTERS REMOVABLY CONNECTED THERETO I
and used them EXCLUSIVELY until a competitor began to infringe.
In our recent patent litigation, the U. S. District Court, in a decree
entered June 21, 1939, upheld ADLER'S EXCLUSIVE RIGHT to
manufacture this equipment under ADLER Patent No. 2,038,978.
DECISION NOW UP TO COURT OF APPEALS
which will probably be rendered some time in 1940. In the meantime
we urge you to disregard all attempts to try the case out of court as a
competitor is now doing, as it may result to your disadvantage.
YOU ARE PROTECTED
in the purchase of all ADLER EQUIPMENT, not only by our present
patent protection insurance with National Patent Corp., in which
Seaboard Surety Co. participates, but also by the independent protec-
tion afforded by our Supersedeas Appeal Bond which we placed with
the Court in accordance with Rule 73 (d) of the New Rules of Civil
Procedure for U. S. District Courts, which states it should be in an
amount to satisfy "judgment in full, together with costs, interest and
damages for delay." Therefore, as long as all of this is satisfied, there
can be no legitimate claims whatever by a competitor for damages or
profits derived from the sale or use of our products, or any injunction
issued against any of ADLER'S customers, whether jobbers or users.
WE CAN SEE NO AUTHORITY IN THE OPINION OF THE DISTRICT
COURT FOR THE CLAIM THAT THE SO-CALLED 1940 COMPETITIVE
FRAME DOES NOT INFRINGE THE ADLER PATENT
YOU ARE NOT SAFE IN ASSUMING that this imitation or any
other similar construction where parts are merely reversed, does not
infringe the ADLER patent, as reversal of parts is merely a colorable
variation and does not avoid infringement.
USE ADLER TIME-PROVEN EQUIPMENT AND BE SURE
The modern ADLER Locked-in-Line Frame Construction SETS I
DIRECTLY IN THE GROOVES OF THE SIGN and requires no changes
in your regular sign construction. There are no clips to scratch the
surface of your signs (especially on porcelain enamel where rust
would follow). ADLER Construction is simple, strong, soundly engi-
neered and most easily installed, and handled for maintenance. It
permits letters to slide easily from frame to frame — provides light-tight
joints. FULL UNDERWRITERS' APPROVAL up to 108" high. Put your
faith in sound construction, backed by sound business principles
and the guarantee of our well-rated, responsible organization.
WE WILL FURNISH YOU A PATENT PROTECTION
CERTIFICATE ON ALL ADLER EQUIPMENT YOU BUY
Various Adler Patents
United States Patents No. 2,156,257 granted May 2, 1939; No. 2,144,954 granted January 24, 1939;
No. 2,038,978 granted April 28, 1936; No. 1,989,855 granted February 5, 1935.
Canada Patent No. 369,858 granted Nov. 9, 1937. England Patent No. 442,512 granted Feb. 3,1936.
36
A
Adler Sign Letter Co 36
Altec Service Corp 13
American Seating Co 3
Artkraft Sign Co., The 27
Automatic Devices Co 26
B
Baldor Electric Co 33
Bausch & Lomb Optical Co 33
Best Devices Co 35
c
Chicago Expansion Bolt Co 28
Clancy, Inc., J. R 29
D
Dayton Safety Ladder Co 22
E
Eastern Seating Co 30
G
Garver Electric Co 28
General Seating Co 28
Goldberg Brosf. 28-30-35
H
Hertner Electric Co., The 13
Heyer-Shultz, Inc 33
He\"vvood-Wakeheld Co 30
I
Ideal Seating Co 25
International Projector Corp.
Third Cover
International Seat Corp 27
K
Ka^vneer Companv, The 11
Kees Mfg. Co., F. D 30
L
Lavezzi jMachine Works 35
Libbey-O^vens-Ford Glass Co., Vitro-
lite Div Insert
M
Maier-Lavaty Co 22
o
Ozone-Air. Inc 25
P
Peabody Seating Co 26
Projection Optics Co 13
RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Fourth Cover
R
Reynolds Mfg. Co 26^
Royal Metal Mfg. Co 14
S
Sangamo Electric Co 26
Strong Electric Corp., The 32
T
Tavlor Air Conditioning Co 27
W
Wagner Sign Service, Inc 29
Weaver Mfg. Co 35
Weber Machine Corp 35
A Section of Motion Picture Herald
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Attachment — A revolutionary' outstanding* proved advantage of Simplex
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15
DISTRIBUTED BY
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COMPANY
BRANCHES IN PRINCIPAL CITIES
Here's an important fact to remember —
Hollywood is now producing finer sound
than ever before — because movie fans de-
mand good sound. To properly reproduce
it — and build up your business — install
New RCA Photophone Magic Voice of the Screen
. 1 -p, o 1 1 oi 1 T~» r » — available at low cost to
witn notary staDUizer plus J^nocK-rrool JJrive
of every size!
Let's' look at facts. You can
J show the finest pictures in the
world — but you'll hav e empty seats
in your theatre if the sound is poor.
Because nowadays movie fans
know good sound from bad — and
patronize the theatre where hsten-
ing is as much fun as looking.
Hollyw ood knows this and that's
why Hollywood puts such excellent
sound on its films. But how about
you — are you letting an outmoded
sound svstem hurt vour takes?
It will pay you to find out about
the new RCA Photophone Magic
Voice of the Screen. For here's the
equipment built for true reproduc-
tion of modem movie sound. It's
the tonic your box office needs. And
its low cost will surprise you, just
as its many new features will de-
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RCA Photophone representative.
Better sound means better box office
and RCA Tubes mean better sound.
MAGIC VOICE OF THE SCREEN
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^.^ representative for complete information.
^rs\c voiced
'tmi^'^ir^'^'HM^m RCA Photophone's service organization has
^Xc^pe^^^^^F a low cost theatre service plan in which
^ ^^WB you'll be inlerested.
"t
[motion picture
MR WILL HAYS. \ A
niL
'i|||i|!'"iig
im mil
111 11
RALD
mm
Vim im
m\ij If ill
OP
REACTIONS
Exhibitors start to buy in antici-
pation of advancing terms » » »
Talk of admission price increases
begins » » » The circuits, with eye
on Arnold, begin making individ-
ual theatre deals » » » Hollywood
tightens its belt » » » Will Hays
speaks out for Government respon-
sibility to all American industry.
VOL 136, NO. 13
SEPTEMBER 23. 1939
n mm
Entered as second-class matter, January 12, 1931, at the Post Office, at New York, N. ¥., under the act of
March 3, 1879. Published weekly by Quigley Publishing Co.. Inc., at 1270 Sixth Aveuuc. Kockcicllcr Center,
New York. Subscription prices: $5.00 a year in the Americas, $10.00 a year Foreign. Simile cop\, 25 cents.
All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Publishing Company.
NORMA SHEARER • JOAN CRAW-
;=ORD • Rosalind Russell in "THE
WOMEN" with Mary Bolcnd
Poulette Goddard • Phyllis Povah
Joan Fontaine • Virginia Weldler
Lucile Watson • From the Play by
Clare Boothe • By Arrangement with
Max Gordon Plays and Pictures
Corporation • Screen Ploy by Anita
Loos and Jane Murfin • Directed
by George Cukor • Produced by
Hunt Strom berg.
EDWARD G. ROBINSON in "BLACK-
MAIL" with Ruth Hussey • Gene
Lockhart • Bobs Watson • Screen
Play by David Hertz and William
Ludwig • Directed by H. C. Potter
Produced by John W. Considine, Jr.
WALLACE BEERY in "THUNDER
AFLOAT" with Chester Morris
Virginia Grey • Screen Ploy by Wells
Root and Commander Harvey Haislip
Directed by George B. Seitr • Pro-
duced by J. Walter Ruben.
Blackmail'^
Socko!
The Women"
Hold-over Hit!
Thunder Afloat"
World -Premiere
Washington, D. C.
Sensational!
(and keep going because
this is just Sept, & Ocu!)
"BABES IN ARMS'
HOUSTON
PREMIERE
BIGGEST
IN 5 YEARS!
"DANCING CO-ED" with Lano
Turner * Richard Carlson • Artii
Shaw and his Band • Ann Rutherforc
Lee Bowman • Thurston Hall • Leot !
Errol • Directed by S. Sylvan Simor '
Produced by Edgar Selwyn.
"Dancing Co-ed'
Sweet and Hot!!
FRANCHOT TONE & ANN SOTHERN
in "FAST AND FURIOUS" with Ruth
Hussey • Lee Bowman • Allyn Joslyn
John Miljan • Bernard Nedell • Maryi'
Beth Hughes • Original Screen Play|l
by Horry Kurnitz • Directed by Busbyi^
Berkeley • Produced by Frederickr
Stephani.
/J
Fast and Furious
Swell!
GRETA GARBO in "NINOTCHKA"'
with Melvyn Douglas • Ina Claire
An Ernst Lubitsch Production • Screen
Play by Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder
and Walter Reisch • Based on the
Original Story by Melchoir Lengyel
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch.
ii
Ninotchka
Surefire!
Groucho-Chico-Harpo MARX BROS.
"AT THE CIRCUS" with Kenny Baker
Florence Rice •Eve Arden - Margaret
Dumont • Nat Pendleton • Screen Play
by Irving Brecher • Directed by Edward
Buzzell • A Mervyn LeRoy Production.
Marx Bros. "At
The Circus." Big!
MICKEY ROONEY & JUDY GARLAND
in "BABES IN ARMS" with Charles
Winninger • Guy Kibbee • June
Preisser . Grace Hayes . Betty
Joynes • Douglas McPhoil • Rand
Brooks • Leni Lynn • John Sheffield
Screen Play by Jack McGowon and
Kay Von Riper • Based on the Play
by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz
Hart • Directed by Busby Berkeley
Produced by Arthur Freed.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYEl
and turn to page 40 plea
The
Did Mai^
IS a
etheart!
Every Box -Office Check Definitely Shows
WARNERS' FIRST FOR '39-40 BETTER
THAN WARNERS BEST IN '38-39!
Double Times Not Enough— They're Tripling It!
Six weeks in New York— the first attraction
in over 6 years to go more than 4 weeks
there! B'klyn Par holds 4 weeks— and a
record! Same sensational story in Seattle,
Baltimore, Philly and new spots daily!
KEEP ON YOUR lOlS^ soon you II be walking on air!
4 S. Federa£ftg0nts
'A
\
BTsBopra Wither big pHSfire
V- S. Military Ac^emy
I the U. S. Naval Academy
I^IPMATES FOREVE
^WMSlT with a big picture/ }
1 the tJ. S. Commercial Air Servic^
qpLllfGJS&ERO
with a big pictiii^e J
^ — ^ <rf the U. S. Marine Air Service
PSVIL DOGS OF TME AIR^^^
^^BS^i with a big picture
the U. S. Trans-Pacific Air
HRfil^ witb a^l^ig pictug^^
of the modem IT. S. Submarine.
SUBMARINE D
^H^HBli mth a big picture ik^
/ of the U. S^ayal AirService
WINGS ^^HEJVAVt
JOEL McCREAl
and
2mVA MARSmU
A new star for the new year! Save your
brightest lights for her dazzling debut!
with
JEFFREY LYNN • GEO
Screen Play by Warren Duff, Michael Fessi
an original story by Robert Henry Buck
Directed by LLOYC
JACK L. WARNER HALB.WAU
In Charge of Production Executive Produc
WARNERS
can
>LD MAID' starts it, 'DUST BE MY DESTINY' follows
new Warner season goes right on topping the old with
FIRST Sensational Story of the U.S. Foreign Service!
REPORTS
FROM THE
NATION OVER
SHOW
THE RAINS
CAME IS THE
• Beats "Jesse James" records
from coast to coast!
• At Roxy, first week out-grosses
"Jesse" by more than $6,000
— second week within 10 per
cent of sensational first! Held
for 3rd!
GREATEST
BOXOFFICE HIT
SINCE "ALEXANDER'S
RAGTIME BAND"!
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 136, No. 13
OP
September 23, 1939
REACTIONS
THE American motion picture industry this week began
to act for operation in a world re-shaped by war.
Most conspicuous was the breaking down of a certain
buying reluctance, based mainly on delays of trade
practise decisions and influences of governmental pressures.
Many exhibitors, both independents and buying offices of
variously allied circuits, decided to make deals now against
what they deemed a probability of a steadily increasing scale
of rentals. Buyers were interested in the protection of long
term' deals. Sellers were cagy, not too sure what hlollywood
-budgets of the morrow might prove.
From hHollywood came tidings of payroll amputations, but
not salary cuts. The first to fall were some of the court jesters,
golf, polo and card instructors.
The West Coast and New York home offices did a bigger
long distance telephone business than usual. It appeared
probable that Lady hlollywood might get her allowance cut,
regardless of pouts and protests.
The conversations grew hot in spots. One New York execu-
tive hung up the phone with the observation: "The whole damn
outfit out there is nigger-rlch, and now's the time they'll have
to learn to get over it."
One acute film buyer, dealing for large interests, observed
that "hHollywood, despite all we have to say about it, has
brain power enough to meet emergencies and to do the job
that the conditions call for. When they are driven to it, they
do deliver. That has been proved often enough. They can
always do a better job."
"And another thing," he added, "We must remember that
this Is a lucky business. As an industry it has had one break
after another. Maybe it will be getting another one now.
The first world war made it, for America."
MEANWhllLE, the box office, nationally, was cheered no
little by a marked upward trend, recovering from the
summer slump and reaching figures close to the best
week in February last.
This was the more especially Interesting to alarmed show-
men who observed that "this summer they went away from us
as never before, since that slump in the silent picture days
just before sound came along. They've been looking for
anything else at all to do and see. Now maybe they'll come
back."
Certain enough the public is manifesting a desire to buy
entertainment. A scanning of Monday's reports showed that
last week-end In New York a doubleheader between the
Yankees and the Browns, last place club, drew some thirty-
thousand admissions; in Philadelphia the opening of the pro-
fessional football season drew more than forty-two thousand
persons; and the finals of the tennis championships at Forest
hlllls played to more than ten thousand. Professional football
in Green Bay, Wisconsin, drew twelve thousand, minor league
baseball finals in Jersey City attracted seventeen thousand.
and a game between New York's street cleaners and police
took thirty thousand to the Polo grounds.
The customers want some place to go and something to see.
HOLLYWOOD declared for the continued production and
delivery of the Important and pretentious pictures of its
recently made seasonal announcements.
It was the opinion of Motion Picture Herald's hlollywood
bureau that considerably more cutting of operating costs and
some reductions of personnel were yet to come, and that
they could and probably would be made without impairment
of the product.
Characteristically, from Hollywood came again the demand
that the exhibitor Increase the returns to the producer, that
box office revenues be put up; that higher admission prices
were advisable; and again, that pictures should get extended
runs, even If they only broke even, so that the production
machine might be maintained in the style to which It has
become accustomed.
Some operating executives In New York were of the opinion
that a long war, inhibiting the making of pictures in England,
France and Germany, would tend to break down and demolish
quota restrictions against American product in all the neutral
nations of the remaining world market, most especially en-
hancing America's screen opportunity in the Latin areas.
It was further considered that If exhibition really desired
to eliminate double-billing as a widespread policy, the oppor-
tunity would be made especially broad by the prospects ahead.
There was also observation. In some quarters with appre-
hension, that over-buying for the purposes of regional monopoly
might now be made so conspicuous, especially in the light of
governmental attentions, both In court and congress, as to be
positively unhealthy.
NTERESTINGLY, and with national press attention, Mr. Will
H. Hays, currently out in Hollywood, made his first official
utterance of bearing on the Government suit and anti-trust
policies. Mr. Hays spoke diplomatically of the broad cause
of industry, but to his audience within this motion picture
institution his expression was taken as "the opening for the
defense of the majors."
Mr. Hays spoke before the Regional Trust Company Con-
ference of the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain States, but
there was motion picture significance when he said: "If two
or more groups are in competition and one Is seeking to gain
advantages over the other by Government regulation, then
It Is clearly not the business of the Government to take
sides."
"My sober conclusion," said Mr. Hays, "I? that the public
[Coijtimied on following page, bottom of column l]
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
This Week
War and Pictures
Losses sustained from that part of the
foreign market now engaged in war will be
met by major motion picture companies by
a curtailment of non-essential expenses, it
was indicated this week, as Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer, Paramount, Twentieth Century-Fox
and Warners dropped an estimated total of
1,500 people from their payrolls, primarily
at their studios.
Reports on the foreign situation were
made this week by John W. Hicks, Jr., head
of Paramount's foreign activities, and Mur-
ray Silverstone, operating head of United
Artists.
Theatres throughout England, including
London, were permitted to re-open, while in
certain areas of Paris houses were allowed
to remain open until 10 P. M.
Paramount News scored the first "scoop"
of the war, this week, by presenting the first
action shots of Europe's armies.
News of the zvar and the industry is on
page 16.
Coldwyn Proposes
A suggestion that a fact-finding commit-
tee of producers and employees examine all
phases of the war's relation to the industry
was made Wednesday by Samuel Goldwyn
in a letter to the executives of the screen
writers', actors' and directors' guilds and
to Joseph M. Schenck and Will H. Hays.
REACTIONS
[Continued from preceding pane]
interest is as strictly respected and ob-
served in business as it is in Government."
Mr. Hays spoke of Government's re-
sponsibility to business as v/ell as to the
public which business serves, with the re-
mark that "... the measure of a govern-
ment's value is the extent to which it is a
wise and true trustee of these responsi-
bilities which are temporarily placed upon
it." Note the word "temporary." That
perhaps was not unrelated to Mr. Hays'
subsequent discussion of the obligations of
the voter. This phase of his remarks, some
of his audience felt, might just possibly be
addressed to persons In Washington —
which has a national election ahead.
Within the Industry there appeared to
be calculated significance In the fact that
it was in Los Angeles and the production
center that Mr. Hays elected to make his
initial discussion of policy.
— Terry Ramsay e
Arbitration
The Independent Theatre Owners of New
York this week questioned major affiliated
and independent circuit operators in the
metropolitan area on their attitude toward
arbitration offered by distributors. A reg-
istered letter sent by the organization to the
Century, RKO, Loew's, Skouras, Randforce,
Seider, Cocalis and Fabian circuits said in
part :
"This organization has received assurances
from Twentieth Century-Fox, Columbia,
Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, RKO,
Universal and Warner Brothers that they
stand ready to arbitrate the differences aris-
ing among various branches of the industry
concerning the renting and exhibiting of mo-
tion pictures. . . .
"Will you kindly examine this matter
very carefully and reply to us as soon as pos-
sible regarding the willingness of your cir-
cuit to enter into such arbitration. . . ."
One Case Ends
When the defense offered no testimony,
the Government contempt suit against the
majors and Balaban and Katz in the Chi-
cago area, for violation of a 1932 consent
decree, abruptly concluded on Monday, in
Federal Court. Both sides have until De-
cember 2nd to file briefs. A ruling is ex-
pected to seriously affect or validate Chi-
cago's clearance system.
In the many other anti-trust sectors, ac-
tion was lacking. The Schines, in Buffalo,
this week secured a two-week adjournment
of the Government case against their cir-
cuit.
There were continuing reports this week,
of meetings between industry representa-
tives and those of the Department of Com-
merce; also, of a direct appeal to the Presi-
dent to intercede for the majors' trade prac-
tice code, recently declared illegal by As-
sistant Attorney General Thurman Wesley
Arnold.
Tlie stones are on page 42.
Oklahoma Allied
The Oklahoma Allied meets next Tues-
day in Oklahoma City, to hear the usual
reports, to hear several prominent speakers,
including a state representative and Colonel
H. A. Cole, national Allied president, and
to hear how legislative efforts, of the sort
Allied favor, are proceeding.
Congressman Lyle Boren, Democrat, of
the state, had been expected to outline his
Federal measure for theatre divorcement ;
but the special session of Congress was ex-
pected to keep him from doing so.
State Representative George Miskovsky
will detail his state chain store tax bill,
probably affecting theatres.
New York Shake-Up
Thurman Wesley Arnold, special assistant
United States Attorney General in charge
of the anti-trust division of the Department
of Justice, shifted the personnel of the New
York office his week.
Berkley W. Henderson, its head, and his
assistant, William McGovern, are trans-
ferred to Washington. Fred Whalen, New
York staff member, will be in charge now.
The transfers are believed to indicate a
curtailment in New York office activities.
Substantiating this is the decision by Wash-
ington to transfer several pending New York
anti-trust complaints to the supervision of
John T. Cahill, United States District At-
torney for the Southern district.
The Department's anti-trust action against
the majors, now in progress, will remain in
the hands of its New York office, it was said.
Theatre Receipts Rise
Despite Europe's military conflagration,
box office receipts for key city theatres in
this country showed a marked upturn in
gross intake during the week ended Septem-
ber 8th. Total grosses for 145 theatres for
this period reached $1,490,144, the highest
attained since the week ending Feb. 9-10,
when 147 theatres estimated a gross return
of $1,494,600.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursdpy by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center/New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye. Editor; Ernest A. Rovelstoa,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor;
Chicogo Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancoll, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosart, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Howorth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, manager;
cable QuigpubCo London; Paris Bureau, Zt, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, coble Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Coroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, i Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico
City, James Loc'khart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szamos-utca 7, Budapest 1, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Calle Son Gervasio #2, San Gervosio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representotive. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sosazuka, Ichikowo-shi ©hiba-Ken, Japan,
Hiromu Tominaga, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Morinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Ttiokur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo,
representative, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Woolstraat, Amsterdam 2., Holland, Philip de
Schaop, representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Harry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengaorden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. AH contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondemce to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro al Dia, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
Yates Optimistic
Loss of foreign revenues, because of the
European War, will be partly balanced by
the motion picture industry's operating
economies, and by rising theatre attendance,
resulting from increased business in this
country, Herbert J. Yates, president of
Consolidated Film Industries, said in New-
York this week. Mr. Yates returned lately
from a European business survey. He also
announced Consolidated financial gains.
The corporation and subsidiaries received
a net income for July and August, after de-
preciation and normal Federal taxes, of
$151,416. For the third quarter ending on
this September 30th, the net income will
be approximately $232,000. This is equiva-
lent to 58 cents per share on the 400,000
outstanding shares of the $2 preferred stock,
he said. This compares with a net income
of $218,763 for the third quarter of 1938,
amounting to 54 cents per share.
Tax Collections Rise
Exceeding 1938 collections for the third
time this year, August revenues from the
federal admission tax totaled $1,513,468,
compared with $1,425,063 in the same month
last year, it was reported on September 20th
by the Internal Revenue Bureau.
The month's collections, however, were
nearly $21,000 under the July total of
$1,534,250, but the Bureau's report showed
.that the drop was much less than that of a
year ago when receipts declined $193,000 in
the same period. For the first eight months
of the year, admission tax collections totaled
$12,203,945, nearly $187,000 under the $12,-
390,638 reported for the same period in 1938.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page
7
This Week in Pictures
Page
10
The hlollywood Scene
Page
44
In British Studios
Page
21
Managers' Round Table
Page
65
Release Chart
Page
75
Asides and Interludes
Page
35
Showmen's Reviews
Page
45
In the Courts
Page
56
Deaths of the Week
Page
56
In the Newsreels
Page
56
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page
42
What the Picture Did for Me
Page
60
In the Cuffmgi<oom
Page
58
MGM Prepares Its Own Code;
U Drafts Plan for Arbitration
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, over the signature of "Leo," representing the company,
announced to the trade, Tuesday, its own code of fair trade practices, and the
preparation of a new form of license agreement retroactive on all 1939-40 con-
tracts already signed. Universal Is now drafting a plan for arbitrating contract
disputes.
The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer statement said:
MGM reaffirms its previously announced policy of not Insisting upon short sub-
ject, newsreel or trailer representation as a condition of licensing its feature pro-
ductions, and to those who do lease these units the weekly payment plan Is
optional.
That score or recording charges will not be made on any contracts for Its
1939-40 product signed subsequent to January I, 1939.
That It will gladly negotiate for some run of Its product with any properly con-
ducted theatre, providing the acquisition of such business would not seriously
affect its revenue from any prior run.
That It will recognize the desires of Its customers to select days of their choice
for the showing of percentage pictures where guarantees are given.
That It will respect any legitimate claim for the elimination from Its contract
of any picture likely to be offensive or objectionable to its customers' patrons from
religious, moral or racial grounds.
Elimination Privilege
And In addition: It will offer to its customers who have leased all products
offered, and who are not In material default, an Increased and unrestricted elim-
ination privilege of:
20% elimination of features licensed where the average rental is $100 or less.
15% elimination of features licensed where the average rental Is in excess of
$100 and not more than $250, and
10% elimination of features licensed where the average rental Is in excess
of $250.
Also will give full consideration to Its customers' requests for the interchanging
of a picture that Is deemed to be unsuitable for preferred time showing.
And where a theatre's prior commitments prevent It leasing the company s
entire output It will In such cases gladly negotiate for a lesser number of pictures,
Including those available subjects In which the theatre Is particularly Interested.
It will continue to provide an Optional Arbitration Clause In its contracts and
will arbitrate under such provision any claims made for breach of contract.
New License Agreement
It Is now preparing a new form of license agreement. A rider will be submitted
for the signature of those who desire to operate under the new conditions and
who had previously signed an application for Its 1939-40 product.
It has no present method of adjudicating clearance disputes or those affecting
over-buying, but will conscientiously review any complaints brought to Its attention
and will continue to lend its every effort to bring about a more harmonious under-
standing.
Universal's arbitration plan for the settlement of contract disputes will be
available to all exhibitors buying Its product, and will be added to the licensing
agreement when completed.
An Increase In the cancellation privilege Is also being considered at Universal;
Warners and Paramount having already raised the rejection privilege to 20 per
cent in certain rental groups.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
^,
THE RAINS CAME ViOMs
TYRONEPOWER-GEiMii^i
£ PRESEMTATION^'-CALCARY 8R0'
n the News
By Cosrao-Sileo
HONEYMOON'S END. Stanton Griffis, chairman of
the Paramount board of directors, returns from flame
swept Europe with his bride, the former Whitney
Bourne, and Is met at the pier by Barney Balaban.
CARRYING ON. England makes entertainment capi-
tal of the spectre of an enemy at the gates In "An
Englishman's Home," Initial effort of Aldwych Produc-
tions to be released by United Artists. The film was
directed by Albert de Courville.
TESTIMONIAL. Anna D. Ellmer, cen-
ter 'background, office manager of the
Loew publicity and advertising de-
partment in New York Is honored at
a luncheon in the Hotel Edison on her
25th
anniversary
Ith th
e company.
SILVER JUBILEE, left. Marking his
25th year In show business, P. K. John-
ston, booking department chief of the
Interstate circuit in Texas, will be
guest of honor at a dinner next Friday
night given by his associates at the
Dallas Athletic Club.
Pan-Pacific Press
FAR FROM maddened Europe, C. K.
Stern, assistant treasurer of Loew's,
Inc., and Mrs. Stern are vacationing
at the Royal Hawaiian In Walklkl.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
CROWDS from here to way over there are
jamming their way not into a bomb shelter,
the publicity department of the New York
Roxy theatre proudly points out, but into the
theatre on the tenth day of Twentieth Century-
Fox's "The Rains Came." The total attendance
exceeded 250,000 on the 12th day of the run.
Alice Eden, RKO star, and Sidney L. Bowden
of Wilder Theatres, Norfolk, Va., meet in the
World's Fair lounge.
Above. W. H. Eich-
born, Roxy, Mounds,
III., at the MGM
Fair booth.
Right. Martin L.
Junk of the Frank-
fort, Frankfort, O.,
in the RKO room.
Exhibitors m New York
By Metropolitan
Zasu Pitts meets Nicholas J. Basil of the Basil
Theatres, Buffalo, N. Y., and Nikitas Dipson of
the Wheeling Theatres, Batavia, N. Y.
By Staff rhotographer
M. M. Fieldman of the
Langley, Chicago, stops In
at the RKO lounge.
By Staff Photographer
By Staff Photographer
Above. Mr. and Mrs. P. Schram of the Orpheum,
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Below, W. B. Denning of the Star, Upper San-
dusky, O., and a friend.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
On the Studio Sets
Giro Pedrucci of the Frisina Amusement Co., Springfield,
III., with his wife and daughter visit Eddie Albert on the
set of "Four Wives" at Warner Brothers.
David Wark Griffith revisits the studio where some of
his most ambitious productions were housed, now
operated by Monogram. With him are Lillian Gish
and Charles Bickford, in costume for his role as a
priest in Monogram's "Mutiny in the Big House."
Left. Albert Suzore of the
Bristol in Memphis, his wife
and son, with Jane Wyman.
Above. C. L. McVey of the Dream-
land, Herington, Kan., Mrs. McVey
and their daughter with Gale Page.
Fred S. Jernigan, center above, of
Robb & Rowley Theatres, Dallas,
with some friends meets Wayne
Morris, presently engaged in
"Gambling on the High Seas."
Left. C. S. Driscoll of the Inter-
state circuit, Dallas and May
Robson.
Right. Mrs. C. W. Lawrence, oper-
ator of the Crown, Dodge City,
Kan., and her son with Gale Page.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
Warner Guests at Golf
WINNERS at the annual New York Warner Club golf
tournament, at which the pictures on this page were
taken, included: L. Palumbo, Joe Hummel, Pat
Marcone, J. Costellano, and C. Foder for low gross in that
order; Jules Girden, L. Solob, L. Dennis, Paul Lazarus and
W. Cannon, low net In Class A; A. Blum, J. Coronato, J.
Goldsmith, J. Lubin, F. Miller, E. Reiner, A. Rubinger, A.
Siegel, S. Friedman and T. J. Martin, low net Class B;
G. Werner, S. Newman, and C. C. Ryan, putting contest;
E. Schreiber and Jacob Wilk, nearest the pin; and L. Rieger,
L. Roberts, and Clayton Bond, longest drive.
The tournament was held last Tuesday at the Glen Oaks
Club, Great Neck, L. I., and was attended by 150 home
office executives and exhibitors. (Pictures by Cosmo-SUeo)
Harold Rodner, Sam Rinzler,
Long Island circuit operator;
Dr. Jonas Unger, and Louis
Frisch, circuit operator.
Left. Barney Klawans, Sam
Schneider, Gradwell Sears and
Herman Starr.
Right. Major Albert Warner.
Paul Lazarus, Jr., Mort Blumen-
stock, and Gil Golden.
Left. Stanleigh P. Friedman.
Right. A few of the guests at the
luncheon table between rounds.
Left. James A. Cron
and A-Mike Vogel of
Quigley Publications,
with Sidney Rechetnik.
Right. Harold Bare-
ford, Roy Haines, Clay-
ton Bond and Norman
Moray.
14 MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
EXHIBITORS RUSH TO BUY
AS RENTALS INCREASE;
NEW TERMS SOUGHT
A WAVE of product buying for the
1939-40 season, breaking- down the
resistance which has been evident in
the film market since the middle of
the summer, is now beginning to make itself
felt. The ground swell, which began several
weeks ago with the announcement of the
conclusion of several important contracts by
large circuits, is attributed to several factors,
the most important of which is reported to
be exhibitor anticipation of rental increases
which, it is expected, will be found necessary
to balance the loss of foreign revenue.
In addition to the buying rush the ex-
pected rental increases have had a secondary
result. Executives of the larger circuits are
studying the possibility of advancing admis-
sion prices so as to transfer part of the
extra burden to the buying public. Confer-
ences on the possible extent of such advances
are reported already well under way.
Circuit Deals Split Up
One reason for the previous delay in
the completion of deals with the important
circuits was reported to be the fact that the
negotiations for 1939-40 circuit contracts are
based on single situations and small groups,
instead of the blanket contract covering a
whole circuit with details, this with an eye
to Thurman Arnold, assistant U. S. attorney
general, who warned last week that there
will be no let up in the Department of Jus-
tice war on monopoly.
Sales executives of the major distribution
companies say that after an abnormally dull
beginning the negotiations on contracts with
circuits in the first run key spots are now
in full swing. It is expected that if progress
continues at the pace indicated this week
most of these deals will have been concluded
by early in October, clearing the way for
the signing of subsequent run situations
which in most cases are not considered until
after the circuit contracts are signed.
An indication of buying activity is the
number of circuit executives who have visit-
ed New York and the home offices within
recent weeks. At present conferring with
distribution chiefs in the home offices are
Abe Blank, E. V. Richards, L. J. Ludwig
for the Minnesota Amusement Co., John
Nolan for the Comerford circuit, and N. D.
Dipson of upstate New York.
Long Term Contracts Sought
Another factor in the delayed season has
been the insistence of exhibitors upon pro-
tecting themselves against future rental in-
creases by holding out for two and three
year franchises at present terms. Distribu-
tors have been reluctant to enter negotiations
on this basis because of the impossibility of
charting an exact financial course for the
New Trends in
Selling Season
The 1939-40 selling season only
now swinging into full stride is marked
by a number of unusual factors, most
of them stemming from uncertain
general conditions at home and
abroad. They include:
Protracted delay in buying fol-
lowed by a sudden rush to sign con-
tracts, attributed to anticipation of
expected rental Increases;
The splitting up of deals with
major circuits to cover details of price
and run for Individual theatres or
groups in certain territories;
Demands by exhibitors for long
term contracts In the hope that terms
can be fixed at present levels;
Serious study by exhibitors of the
possibilities for advances In admis-
sion prices.
immediate future. It is reported, however,
that several long term franchises have now
been concluded, presumably at satisfactorily
higher rentals.
On their side the distributors are starting
negotiations on terms which include a higher
number of percentage pictures than in pre-
vious years.
Departing from the precedent of the im-
mediate past most of the major circuit nego-
tiations for product are being undertaken
for small groups of theatres classified ac-
cording to their status as first or subsequent
run. The amount of additional work this
method entails also has been instrumental in
delaying the final announcement of completed
deals. Additionally it has operated to post-
pone the signing of the smaller circuits and
individual houses. These contracts, always
later in the season than the major deals, now
will not be signed, it is expected, until late
in the fall.
A single instance of this has been the
delay in the signing of the Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer contract with National Theatres. This
circuit normally groups its 450 theatres into
about six categories but this year the deal
is being worked out more or less on an in-
dividual theatre basis. Similar delays have
been encountered in this distributor's nego-
tiations with Balaban and Katz in Chicago,
the Warner circuit and the Mullin and
Pinanski circuit in New England.
MGM's sales are reported at about the
same numerical level as at this time last year
with between 50 and 55 per cent of the total
possibilities closed. The total for the 1938-
39 season was approximately 11,000 con-
tracts, reported close to a new high. Will-
iam F. Rodgers, general sales manager, said
for the record that he had noticed no signs
of delayed buying. He added that his com-
pany's sales to both circuits and independents
were "normal."
At RKO a sudden rush of circuits and
independent exhibitors anxious to conclude
their contracts at present terms as a hedge
against future increases, was reported.
At Warner Brothers the major news of
recent weeks was the resumption of negoti-
ations with National Theatres and the com-
pletion of a product deal for the circuit
which excludes about 45 independent situa-
tions signed by Warners in a "selling away"
policy inaugurated after the breach with Fox
West Coast. The new contract is said to
be on a three year basis.
Calls Deals 78% Complete
Gradwell Sears, general sales manager for
the company, has announced the completion
of deals with 78 per cent of the total circuit
possibilities. "This," he said, "is despite the
fact that Warner Brothers has completely
revised its contract terms for its 1939-40
features which call for higher film rentals
than ever before." He estimated that at
present only a few deals remained to be
signed before the company attained its maxi-
mum exhibition possibilities. A sharp spurt
of buying was noted, he added, after the
announcement of the company's new sales
policies based on certain clauses of the pro-
posed and now defunct trade practice code.
Noting that about 6,000 contracts have
been sold by Paramount for the new season,
Neil F. Agnew, sales manager, promised
there would be no curtailment of the com.-
pany's schedule and said that exhibitors must
be prepared to "exert every effort to secure
the maximum results on all pictures." He
added, "There should be no falling off of
boxoffice receipts as long as Hollywood de-
livers good entertainment."
William A. Scully, head of Universal
sales, said Universal was selling an unusual
number of circuits for this period of the.
year.
At Twentieth Century-Fox it was said
that better than 50 per cent of sales possibili-
ties in the key cities and major territories
had been sold to its 1939-40 program.
All Territories Affected
That the delay in buying has been country-
wide and not confined to either the large
circuits or to certain sections is shown in
reports from all parts of the country. In
(Continued on opposite pa<ie)
September 2 3. 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
15
CIRCUITS MAKING ONE-HOUSE DEALS
401 i 1 I I I I
1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920
WAR TIME ADVERTISING . . . In the general spectdation of "What's ahead?"
there is much turning over of the records of the First World War period and its
sequels. Interesting among them as a broad index to business reaction and public
states of mind is the advertising record. The graph above is from Printer's Ink,
journal of the advertising business. It is to be observed that the war of 1914 came
as a surprise to American industry, while today's World War has been long antici-
pated, calculated and discounted in most American commercial calculations. — T. R.
(Continued from opposite page)
New York where the independent buying al-
ways depends upon and follows the comple-
tion of product deals by the major first run
circuits, Loew's and RKO, contract signing
has been protracted long past the usual dates.
Independent circuit buyers say that summer
business has been so poor they are in no
mood to discuss new contracts until after
they see how the major circuits buy.
Similar reports come from other sections
of the country where independent buying
waits on the conclusion of circuit deals.
In Chicago Balaban and Katz has com-
pleted deals with Paramount, Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox and Warner Brothers but negotia-
tions with other distributors are continuing.
The Butterfield circuit in Michigan has con-
tracted for MGM, Republic and Twentieth
Century-Fox product.
Comerford Theatres, operating in New
York and Pennsylvania, has Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox, Universal and Warner product for
the new season. Durkee Enterprises of
Maryland has Republic, Twentieth Century-
Fox and United Artists.
In Canada, Famous Players Canadian,
controlling the buying situation in that ter-
ritory has announced deals with Twentieth
Century-Fox and Warner Brothers. The
National Theatres group, comprising Fox
West Coast, Fox Intermountain, Fox Mid-
west and Fox Wisconsin have signed with
Republic, Twentieth Century-Fox, United
Artists, Warner Brothers, Columbia and
MGM. The Warner and MGM contracts
are three year franchises and all the con-
tracts are divided so as to specify individual
theatres and territories.
Republic in Texas
The Griffith Amusement Company in
Texas has signed with Republic for 77 of its
situations and with Twentieth Century-Fox
on a blanket contract. Interstate, a Para-
mount partner, in addition to the product
of that company, has Republic, RKO and
Twentieth Century-Fox. Also in Texas the
Jefiferson Amusement Company has contract-
ed with Republic and Twentieth Century-
Fox.
Interstate of New England so far has dat-
ed Monogram, Republic and Twentieth
Century-Fox product. Ike Libson in Ohio
has Twentieth Century-Fox and Warner
contracts. The Maine and New Hampshire
circuit in New England has signed with
Republic, Twentieth Century-Fox, Universal
and Warners. In the South M. A. Light-
man, key circuit in Arkansas and Tennessee,
has Twentieth Century-Fox and Universal
product to date.
The Minnesota Amusement Company,
Paramount partner in the middle west, has
signed with MGM and Twentieth Century-
Fox. M & P in Boston has Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox and Warner. The Notes theatres
in Washington, D. C, have signel only Re-
public and Monogram to date and the Rome
Enterprises in Maryland have Twentieth
Century-Fox and United Artists.
Returning to the south and southwest,
Robb & Rowley has Monogram and Twenti-
eth Century-Fox; Thalheimer in Virginia
has Twentieth Century-Fox and Warners,
and the Waters Theatre Company in Ala-
bama has Republic and Twentieth Century-
Fox.
The Schine circuit in New York and
Ohio has Republic, Twentieth Century-Fox,
Universal and Warner Brothers and the
M. A. Shea group, also operating in the
east, has Twentieth Century-Fox and
Warners.
Affiliated Circuits Delay
Among the major affiliated circuit in ad-
dition to the product of their parent com-
panies, Loew's has completed deals with
Twentieth Century-Fox and with Warners
for its New York City theatres; RKO has
signed with the same two distributors; the
Skouras Metropolitan circuit has contracted
for United Artists product, and the Warner
circuit has signed a three year contract with
MGM, with Monogram for the New Eng-
land area, with Republic for seven territories
on the west coast, with Twentieth Century-
Fox for 250 theatres, and has completed a
two year franchise with United Artists.
Additional deals include : Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox with E. E. Alger, William Benton,
J. H. Cooper, Cooperative of Michigan. Si
Fabian, Harris Amusement, Kallett Thea-
atres. Lam Amusement, Lucas & Jenkins,
Neighborhood Theatres, Hunter Perry, Lew
Pizor, Randforce, Saxe Amusement, E. J.
Sparks, TriState Theatres, Wilby-Kincey
and WometGO Theatres ; United Artists with
Central States ; Universal with N. D. Dip-
son ; Warners with Fourth Avenue ; Repub-
lic with Golden State, Publix Great States,
Saenger, and T. & D.
The Kerasotes and Hamline circuits in
the Chicago territory have signed with
Paramount, MGM, Warner and Universal.
Additional Warner Brothers contracts in-
clude those with Gibraltar Enterprises, Con-
solidated Amusement of Honolulu, Frisina
Amusement, the Blumenfeld circuit, and
Sterling Theatres. Monogram has reported
deals also with Cumberland Amusements,
the Forkey circuit, John Keogh, Baehr
Brothers, Hall Industries, Pal Amusement,
the O K Theatre circuit, the Mutual, Detroit,
circuit, Farrar in St. Louis and Bendheim
in Washington.
Foreign Contracts
Foreign contracts concluded include a deal
between United Artists and the Amalgamat-
ed Theatres of New Zealand, whose manag-
ing director and joint owner, Michael
Moodabe, visited New York recently where
he also signed with Twentieth Century-Fox.
United Artists also sold "Four Feathers"
and "Wuthering Heights" to both the Gau-
mont British and Odeon circuits in England
to play simultaneously in all their theatres.
The terms for each film were reported
among the highest ever paid for a picture
in Great Britain. Warner Brothers has re-
ported the signing of the Empresa Teatros
Modernos circuit in Puerto Rico.
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
MAJORS ECONOMIZE TO OFFSET WAR;
PARAMOUNT NEWS GETS SIEGE FILMS
Hicks and Silverstone See
Handicaps Abroad Reduced;
Paris and London Theatres
Open; Distributors Return
In a week marked by the revelation, on
Sunday, of Russia's march across the Po-
lish border; the sinking of a $20,000,000
British aircraft carrier by a German sub-
marine, the same day, and the virtual dis-
memberment of Poland, with, its officials
fleeing in the face of advancing tanks, planes
and men ; and by action which increased in
severity on the western front between the
French and the German forces ; the Ameri-
can motion picture industry, recovered from
its first shock at the war, drew its breath
and prepared to tighten its belt, though at
no sacrifice to the quality of its product.
Following on the heels of expressions
from major company heads, last week, that
the war would entail no lessening of quality
in the coming season's product as reported
in Motion Picture Herald of September
16th, came statements from John W. Hicks,
Jr., head of Paramount's foreign operations,
saying that the effects of the war on film
distribution abroad will soon be less notice-
able, and from Murray Silverstone, United
Artists' chief executive, who characterized
the next few months as "a crucial period for
the motion picture industry," which "has a
tremendous contribution to make."
All British Theatres Open
In England, meanwhile, as though in con-
firmation of Mr. Hicks' statement, an official
decree issued by Home Secretary John Ander-
son opened all theatres throughout Britain ;
theatres in London and other populous areas
having been dark since September 2nd.
Theatres in Paris, in certain areas, were also
expected to be allowed to remain open until
10 P. M.
The measures which will be adopted by
American companies as a means of offsetting
losses from European markets without affect-
ing product were indicated this week as major
studios put economies into effect. Dismissals
of studio employees, not in key positions went
into effect, as it did in New York home of-
fices in some cases, while reduced shooting
time and less costly set construction were
scheduled.
Twentieth Century-Fox reported that its av-
erage weekly gross in England before the war
had been $200,000; in France $50,000, and in
Germany between $28,000 and $30,000.
Sees Handicap Reduced
Mr. Hicks, who returned recently from a
10-week trip to Australia, New Zealand and
the Pacific Islands said that "while it is too
early to be able to say definitely what effect the
war will have on distribution in each foreign
country, I have been in constant cable com-
munication with Paramount's foreign offices
and representatives, and have found a definite
feeling that present handicaps to normal film
distribution abroad will soon be eased.
"Countries like Australia and New Zealand,"
Mr. Hicks continued, "are bound to show a
tremendous rise in employment as a result of
wartime consumption of their products." It
was also pointed out that Argentina, Brazil
and other South and Central American coun-
tries would share in the war boom, and that
JOHN DORED
"American films will come in for their share
of increased revenue."
Silverstone Predicts Gains
In a statement issued over last weekend, Mur-
ray Silverstone, operating head of United Art-
tists, predicted that the public would lose its
preoccupation with war news and would "gravi-
tate towards" screen entertainment.
"Motion pictures are a basic industry," Mr.
Silverstone said. "Like any of the public utili-
ties, they are a vital adjunct of everyday liv-
ing. Indeed, they have become almost as im-
portant as the basic necessities of food, clothing
and shelter.
"Recent events have proved to us that there
are no conditions so forbidding as to keep
people from going to motion picture theatres.
We have all heard how, in the midst of at-
tack and bombardment, theatres remained open
and screen entertainment was enjoyed.
"One of the facts learned in the past two or
three weeks is that the reception of news of the
war is a much more cumbersome thing than
was first thought. The 'flash' items, the 'stop-
press' bulletins, are fewer and further between
than they were just before hostilities began.
It is no longer like listening to the broadcast
of a prize fight with decisions of victory or
defeat coming every few minutes. The armies
are moving slowly, the decisive military and
diplomatic acts have lost their volatile nature.
The audience, for a war of attrition, is ex-
tremely small. It no longer keeps glued to
the radio.
"It is conceivable, therefore, in fact it is cer-
tain, that the public, given a choice between
news of the war and entertainment on the
screen, will definitely gravitate towards the lat-
ter.
Cites Propaganda Factor
"Whatever the developments, whatever the
results of the present situation, we also know
that propaganda will play an ever-increasingly
important role. Motion pictures must take their
place in such a setup, but their propaganda
value will remain on a high plane. The con-
tribution of the motion pictures will be a propa-
(Continned on following page, column 1)
Parannount Newsreel Films Flown
Across Atlantic, Censored by
England, Germany, Poland; Re-
leased Monday in New York
The first action pictures of the European
war taken by an American newsreel com-
pany were released by Paramount, this week,
in what was also the first "scoop" of the
war.
Received late Sunday night, the films were
shown on Broadway at 1 :30 Monday after-
noon, the Embassy Newsreel Theatre being
the first to show the film, consisting of cen-
sored German and Polish material.
Indicative of the situation aff-ecting the
newsreels as regards war footage is the fact
that last weekend's issues carried no mate-
rial on the actual events in Europe.
Censorship Aired
Last Friday, indications of a change in the
operation of the British censorship of newsreels
was given in the House of Commons by Earl
Winterton, spokesman for the Lord Privy Seal,
who accepted the responsibility of his depart-
ment for the security of censorship of the reels.
There has recently been criticism of the cen-
sorship operations of the British Board of Film
Censors.
Imports of news reel films into France have
been exempted from the import license re-
quirement established by the decree of Septem-
ber 1st, but remain subject to the exchange
certificate requirement and censorship, accord-
ing to the Journal Officiel.
The volume of telephone and telegraph com-
munications since the outbreak of the war has
attained the highest level in approximately 10
years, in sharp contrast to the trend at the out-
break of the last war, it has been reported. Due
to the commercial nature of many telegraph
and long distance telephone messages, this was
seen as a forerunner to a marked business up-
turn in this country.
1,250 Feet of War Film
The Paramount films, which ran some 1,250
feet in length, were shipped by the transAtlan-
tic flying boat "Caribou" to Montreal and by
special plane from Montreal to Newark, ar-
riving in New York in time for the prepara-
tion of a special release. Other prints were
sent out by plane to theatres booking the reel
through the country.
Included in the footage were shots of the
German training ship "Schleswig-Holstein"
bombarding Westerplatte fort at close range;
while the bulk of the material showed the
German army on the march in Poland and in-
cidental action attendant upon the occupation
of Polish cities and villages by the Germans.
The Polish material, obtained by cameramen
John Dored and Harrison Forman of the Para-
mount staff, included considerable footage on
ruins following air raids, a German plane which
had been brought down and an earth mound
purported to be the grave of the pilot.
Some German material depicted bombers tak-
ing off and action shots in the air of the release
of bombs with subsequent explosions recorded.
All Material Censored
The reel points out that no uncensored shots
are shown, and that English as well as German
and Polish censors passed on it. Paramount
News' editor, A. J. Richards, said that "Ob-
(Continued on following page, column 3)
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
COLLEaiONS FROM CERAAANY ARRIVE
Hollywood Begins
To Tighten Belt
{Continued from opposite page, column 2)
ganda of the spirit, a propaganda of morale.
The fact is that there is nothing in our present
civiHzation that can and has brought people
together, at least temporarily, more effectively
than the screen. The individual sitting in a
theatre reacts to what he sees in pictures very
much as his neighbor does."
"The next few months," Mr. Silverstone con-
cluded, "constitute a crucial period for the
motion picture industry. If we recognize, as
we must and will, that we have a tremendous
contribution to make, the screen will maintain
the high vital character it has been developing
for the past three decades."
Statistician Optimistic
A bright prospect for business, including,
presumably, motion pictures, was seen by Col-
onel Leonard P. Ayers, statistician, and vice-
president of the Cleveland Trust Company. In
his business review for the month of Septem-
ber, Colonel Ayers said that "it does not seem
probable that there will be any important pe-
riod of declining business as there was in 1861
and 1914 when the wars began. This time
recovery was under way before hostilities
started, and the economic forces which were
giving it impetus may be expected to carry it
forward during the months that lie immediately
ahead."
With all theatres in Britain permitted to re-
open last Friday, houses in the West End of
London, which is the theatre section, were
permitted to remain open until six P. M. Else-
where throughout the country, houses were al-
lowed bJ remain open until 10 P. M. by the
official order.
Reopenings had been in progress in smaller
cities and in English rural areas for more than
a week prior to the Home Secretary's order,
but London theatres and those in other popu-
lous areas have been dark since England de-
clared war upon Germany.
In addition, many of the larger distribution
organizations have moved their headquarters
back to London from the outlying areas where
they had been established at the outbreak of
war. The allowance by the Government of
liberal gasoline allowances for commercial pur-
poses has also eased the situation regarding
film shipments. It is probable that the distribu-
tors will pool their shipping facilities in order
to reduce the number of mobile units in opera-
tion.
Studying Propaganda Films
Last week Sir Samuel Hoare, Lord Privy
Seal, and former Secretary of State for Home
Affairs, told the House of Commons that the
Government is giving close attention to the
use of British studios for the purpose of pro-
ducing propaganda films, and that steps have
been taken to safeguard the position of the
studios.
Collections are reported coming through from
Germany to the American companies still op-
erating there. The Paramount home office,
last Friday, received advance payment from its
Berlin office for September business, marking
the first time this has taken place. Since the
start of the war. Paramount has not been able
to effect any telephone communication with the
Berlin office. Beside Paramount, only Metro-
CANADIAN RED CROSS
ENLISTING THEATRES
Canadian theatres are expected to
help the Red Cross in obtaining war
relief funds and in providing enter-
tainment for the troops. Colonel John
A. Cooper, president of the Motion
Picture Distribtitors of Canada, has
been appointed vice-chairman of the
War Organization Council of the
Canadian Red Cross Society by
Lord Tweedsmuir, Canadian Governor
General,
Goldwyn-Mayer and Twentieth Century-Fox
are now doing business in Germany.
In line with the retrenchment seen as nec-
essary to offset lowered revenue due to the war,
Twentieth Century-Fox dismissed some 300
persons from the studio and an estimated 50
from the home office recently. Lou Wertheimer,
associate producer ; Robert Fairbanks, con-
struction engineer, and Aiden Roark, member
of Darryl F. Zanuck's advisory staff, have
also gone off the payroll, while about half of
the reading department staff on the coast has
been dismissed, and Nunnally Johnson, producer
and writer, has gone on half-pay basis for a
six months' vacation period.
It has been reported that Twentieth Century-
Fox executives who receive more than $1,000 a
week have accepted a 10 per cent cut.
The company's average gross in England be-
fore the war was $200,000 a week, and in
France about $50,000 a week. In Germany, it
had between $28,000 and $30,000 a week, with
the German edition of Movietone News a con-
siderable revenue producer.
Harry, Jack Cohn Take Cuts
At a stockholders' meeting Wednesday in New
York, Harry Cohn, president of Columbia, and
Jack Cohn, vice-president, each took a voluntary
salary cut of 33j<3 per cent, during the period of
the emergency. According to Government
figures Harry Cohn's salary is $201,420 a year,
Jack Cohn's $116,720.
At Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer reports of studio
layoffs in the lower earning brackets, to the
number of 500, went uncontradicted. After re-
ports of department heads and individual pro-
ducers had been heard, it was decided that by
maintaining a constant level of production ac-
tivity, instead of having a dozen films in work
and then dropping to one or two, and by in-
creased care in the preparation of product while
in the script stage, economies adequate to the
requirements of the situation could be effected
without reducing the executive personnel or
compensation.
At Warner Brothers, 400 persons were re-
ported to have been dismissed ; and the com-
pany, while resuming building of a $400,000
tank stage for sea pictures, has abandoned plans
to expand its studio laboratory.
Reports from the Paramount studio indicate
that 300 have been dismissed, including 10
members, or 25 per cent, of the studio publicity
department. The company has also deferred "Sea
of Grass" to some time in the future.
The RKO studio was awaiting word from
George Schaefer, president of the company.
Some of the companies were contemplating
the shortening of shooting schedules, with 30-
day schedules to come down to 24 days, 24
days to 18, and 18 to 12.
Broadway Views
First Battle Film
(Continued from opposite page, column 3)
viously, we can give no assurances that these
pictures tell all the story. They are, however,
presented as the first authentic battle pictures."
Other newsreels received film on the "Wash-
ington," which arrived in New York from
abroad late Monday, the material being mostly
from France.
Many companies are still expecting film
which was reported to have been shipped some
time ago ; one of the newsreels reporting that
there are still five shipments of film en route.
With Russia's entry into the war, increased
importance is attached to such national footage
as comes out of that country ; all of which, in
the U. S., clears through Amkino, outlet for
all Russian films in this country.
Russel Muth, Movietone News European di-
rector, and Bonney Powell, cameraman who or-
ganized Movietone's coverage of the Sino-
Japanese war, were scheduled to sail for Eu-
rope Wednesday on the "Washington." Ger-
ald Sanger, the reel's editor in England, has
been called to service and is awaiting assign-
ment to active duty.
Norman Alley, News of the Day cameraman,
left on the Yankee Clipper Wednesday for Eu-
rope.
Griffis Home; Reports
War Delays Odeon Deal
Reporting that the anticipated acquisition
of Paramount's 14 London theatres by the
Odeon circuit had been delayed "indefinite-
ly" by the European War, Stanton S. Grif-
fis, chairman of the board of Paramount
Pictures, arrived in New York from Eu-
rope, Monday afternoon, on the refugee
laden steamship Washington. (Picture in
Pictorial Section).
Morris and Reisman
Return to New York
Sam E. Morris, vice-president of Warner
Brothers in charge of foreign activities, and
Phil Reisman, RKO foreign manager, re-
turned to New York Monday from South
American conventions.
A. S. Abeles, Warner manager in Brazil,
arrived with Mr. Morris for home office
conferences. Another passenger was Mel
Shauer, producer, who spent five months in
Argentina lining up production plans for
two Spanish language films which he will
make for United Artists release.
Wilcox, Miss Neagle
At "Cavell" Previews
Anna Neagle and Herbert Wilcox, British
star and producer-director, respectively, of
RKO's "Nurse Edith Cavell," returned to
New York this week for the premiere of the
film Thursday at the Radio City Music
Hall after attending special previews of the
picture in Washington, Atlanta, Dallas, New
Orleans, Chicago, Columbus, Hollywood and
Toronto.
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY CARRIES ON;
REOPEN THEATRES, STUDIOS, OFFICES
Restrictions Gradually Removed
as Government Even Advises
Houses in Certain Sectors to
Keep Their Audiences Inside
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
Two weeks of war find the British in-
dustry, for all its suffering from shock and
general state of dither, doing its best to
carry on in the face of circumstances worse
than adverse.
With its activities swiftly and dramatic-
ally called to a standstill by the Government
order to close all places of entertainment, its
sons and daughters called to the colours, its
production halted and its offices dispersed
over the four points of the English com-
pass, charges came rapidly, changes evoked
by the slowly returning sanity lost in the
first cataclysmic shock of September Third.
Cinemas Reopen
North, South, West and East, British cine-
mas again have opened their doors to the public,
firstly on limited lines, then on a more wide-
spread basis. The first decisions of Whitehall,
inspired by a maybe exaggerated sense of
danger, was rescinded, and the wholesale _ and
complete closure amended to a prohibition
against opening only in the most vulnerable
areas, with further concessions later. The ges-
ture has been accepted as a practical expression
of the State viewpoint on the role of the film
and the picture house in national emergency
Indications, too, at the moment of writing,
point to the possibility that though the Quota
Act, supposed safeguard of the production in-
dustry's existence, is likely to be suspended,
safeguards will be forthcoming which will pre-
vent a recurrence of the complete inactivity
suffered by British Studios during the last war.
Even the principle of evacuation, under which
Wardour Street's many major organizations be-
took themselves to the comparative safety of
Crediton, Cheltenham, Wadhurst, Gerrards
Cross and elsewhere, was found more ideal
than practical. Office work is returning to War-
dour Street. In the head offices the desks of
executives vacated swiftly and emphatically at
the outbreak of hostilities, are occupied, in some
cases all day, in others for part of the day.
Geographical dissemination has been found the
antithesis of efficiency.
Theatres Packed '
A fortnight's closing of British cinemas, with
its interruption of the whole process of film
hire, called upon the industry to pay heavy toll.
Accumulating overheads in the face of the first
week of inactivity reached an estimated total of
nearly $4,000,000. Employers were compelled
to decide whether they should go on paying
salaries or dismiss their employees. Valuable
propaganda by means of the newsreel was lost.
The absence of places of recreation and relaxa-
tion, though it meant an alarming increase in
the consumption of alcohol, was having a de-
pressing effect upon the public morale. Especial-
ly was this the case in the "reception areas,"
districts to which workers and children evacu-
ated from the industrial and populous centers
had been transferred. Rates were accumulating
for buildings which were performing no func-
tion. The cinema industry was the only one
against which an official prohibition was put up.
With these considerations, thought more than
AMERICANS SEEK
JAPAN RENEWAL
American film company representa-
tives in Japan have initiated discus-
sions with the government of that
country, on a new film import agree-
ment, to follow the one now in effect,
which came after a long period in
which the Japanese government did
not allow importation of American
films, nor the withdrawal of money.
The new agreement, like the current
one, is expected to define what
amount, and in what periods, money
can be taken from the country; and
also the number, and type, of pic-
tures to be imported.
persuasive, a joint trade committee headed by
David Griffiths, president of the Kinematograph
Renters' Society, approached the Home Office
with a request for cinemas to be allowed to carry
on. Within two days a permit was given for
cinemas to open in all save the most vulnerable
bombing areas. That weekend the cinemas were
full and there was little doubt that the public
morale appreciated.
With the principle conceded, a further bid
was made for universal openings and a Home
Office meeting once again arranged. Special
hopes prevailed for concessions to news theatres.
All Cinemas Open
Then on Friday all theatres throughout Brit-
ain reopened. Houses in the West End were
permitted to remain open until 6 p. m. ; else-
where in London and outside the closing time
was 10 p. m. The next day additional conces-
sions were made for Sunday showings. West
End cinemas previously opening at 5 :30 p. m.
were permitted to start at 2:30, closing at 6
p. m. The remaining theatres in the London
area may start at 5 and close at 10 p. m. This
means a considerable commercial advantage for
the West End houses. A gross of $5,000 for
each of several theatres was calculated for the
first Sunday afternoon.
Distributors moved their headquarters back to
the city, with 24-hour film service indicated and
with trade shows announced. Liberal gasoline
allowances helped film shipments.
Newsreel Censorship
Indication of a change in the operations of
the censorship of newsreels was given in Com-
mons on Friday by Earl Winterton, spokesman
for the lord privy seal. His statement that
he accepted the responsibility of his depart-
ment for the security of censorship was taken
to indicate that the newsreels were now laeing
censored by the Ministry of Information and
not by the British Board of Film Censors as
formerly. The Association of Cine Technicians
meanwhile had joined the agitation against the
Board's censorship of newsreels and had told
the Ministry of Information that it believed the
trade body unsuitable for the task and that it
felt that_ the Minisry should retain direct re-
sponsibility. It was urged that newsreels be
treated as news rather than as motion pictures.
The limited opening of theatres was not with-
out its critics. There was one camp which be-
lieved that a 10 o'clock closing was too late.
and advocated closing at sunset. The complete
and utter blackness of the blackout, a condition
which it would be difficult for the foreign mind
to assess, presented almost insuperable obstacles
in the matter of transport and communication.
Many patrons, indeed, rushed to get home before
the blackout was at its height. Staffs, too, were
involved in this rush, a rush aggravated by the
cut in train and bus schedules. The Govern-
ment itself appealed to patrons not to travel by
car from one district to another in order to at-
tend cinemas, in fact not to travel by car at all.
Rebate of Rates Proposed
Another school of thought, mingling pessi-
mism with realism, considered it better in the
most vulnerable of evacuated areas that some
systern of rebate of rates be allowed, instead
of indiscriminate opening.
It is clear, too, that a revision will have to
be made in the machinery of film hire, this
quite apart from the question of film supply.
Independent exhibitors particularly contend that
a mere reduction in percentages will be of little
avail, because while their takings must neces-
sarily decrease considerably, their overheads will
remain the same.
What will be the exact depreciation of film
revenue as a result of war opening conditions,
it is as yet impossible to assess. At the best,
American distributors will be fortunate if they
get a quarter of their normal takings.
Machinery was not functioning any the easier
by the wholesale manner in which Wardour
Street organizations evacuated themselves to
the four corners of the country. Some renting
organizations were as far as 180 miles apart
from their fellows. Though a central KRS
organization had been scratched together near
London at Langley Park, it was considered
doubtful whether this would operate efficiently
in face of the present circumstances. Despite
the provision of a general film exchange from
centralized headquarters, despite even the provi-
sion of desk accommodation at Langley Park
for each renter, film salesmen again were oper-
ating in Wardour Street and more than one
executive returned from the country to the
original market place. Scarcely a leading or-
ganization in fact but had representatives cither
in Wardour Street or its immediate reach.
Urged to Maintain Staffs
The question of employment and the welfare
of the film trade workers was stressed bv
Labor Leader Tom O'Brien in an appeal to
the chiefs of the leading circuits, that they main-
tain their staffs on their wage rolls during any
ordered closure.
Studio activity is down to less than the barest
minimum, though more than one valiant spirit
like Gaumont British, .paramount British, Alex-
ander Korda and Michael Balcon is carrying
on, and super optimists of the caliber of Harry
Cohn and David Rose announce their intention
that not even the grim hand of Moloch will de-
ter their British production activity. The Board
of Trade, as already announced, considered the
whole question of the future of British produc-
tion and virtually promised that there would
not be a complete cessation. Production of
newsreels goes on intensely, and with some-
thing more than the approval of the Govern-
ment, its operators, processors, and technical
executives placed on the list of reserved occu-
pations. That the newsreels will play a vital
part in the functioning of the film during war
time is obvious.
War had been neither unexpected nor sudden
this time. For many moons past, with the
(Cnntiitiicd on Pncie 22)
ASTOUNDING!..
AND SENSATIONALLY
IN STEP WITH
THE HEADLINES
THAT SCREAM FROM
YOUR OWN NEWSPAPER
THIS
VERY HOUR!.
mmA mm^ms mm
CRUSHED BY THE
IRON FIST OF
GERMANY'S
The woman who
WAR LORDS! . .
haied war and fouffhi Us terrors on ihe baiiJeiietd o/
devotion! . . . Here is ihe human -experience drama
supreme f told on a screen afire with the coni lay ration
that's sweeping the world again today! . . . BELIEVE
THE NUTION'S foremost preview critics - ITS
ONE OF THE CREHTEST PICTURES EVER PRODUCED!
OPENING THIS WEEK . . . RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
EDNA MAY OLIVER • GEORGE SANDERS • MAY ROBSON • ZASU PITTS
H. B. WARNER ■ SOPHIE STEWART • MARY HOWARD • ROBERT COOTE ¥f
Produced end Direcfed by HERBERT WILCOX • Screen Ploy by M/CMAEl HOGAN ^jf
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
21
IN THE BRITISH
STUDIOS
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Carrying On
In spite of the dislocation the industry
has suffered by the War, British studios, in
one or two locations, still show signs of de-
termined if lingering activity. Many have
been taken over for Government use, others
have been acquired by city organizations and
more than one has voluntarily abandoned
activity ; a few face the bomber and the
blackout with a determination to carry on.
In this early stage of the War (this article
is being written on September 8th) it is dif-
ficult to conjecture what will be the future
of the production industry. A pessimistic
section foresees the complete cessation of
activity; another group believes that studio
work will be confined entirely to inspired
and propaganda films, yet a third foresees,
under the wing of the Government, which
may yet decree that entertainment is a Na-
tional Service, a stimulus to production if
not, in fact, a boom.
Stock Exchange at Denham
Pinewood is completely dark, its offices
and club taken over by Lloyds. Denham still
shows lingering signs of activity with prom-
ise of more to come. On its stages is at least
one propaganda film being directed by Alex-
ander Korda, with the Royal Air Force as
its inspiration. Its offices house officials and
staff of London's Stock Exchange. Its fu-
ture may yet embrace the production of
quota pictures by Columbia. MGM, having
moved its furniture in, has moved it out
again.
Elstree, home of ABPC, promises the con-
tinuation of activity under the aegis of Wal-
ter Mycroft, although much of its office
space houses the Wardour Street personnel
of the renter side.
Studio Roll Call
Teddington, Warner Bros. First National
headquarters, is now the home of Warners'
distributing house from Wardour Street.
Shepherds Bush has burst into renewed
activity with "Band Waggon."
Walton-on-Thames has a quota picture on
the floor.
Sound City may yet see the furtherance
of Paramount British production plans.
Ealing sticks up its chin in the face of the
future and launches production on "David
Goliath."
Highbury has a film on the floor.
Twickenham, the Rock Studios, and the
giant stillborn Amalgamated concern, seem
destined to play a Government role in the
War.
In the near future, with the industry be-
coming adjusted to the new circumstances,
there may be a stimulus to production with
renewed activity throughout the industry.
Until the first shocks of war and the in-
evitable bombing raids from Germany are
overcome, things necessarily will be a little
inactive.
400 MILES TO WORK
FOR FLIER-ACTOR
Four hundred miles to work and
back is the flying record of Duggie
Wakefield, actor-star of the Para-
mount British production, "Live and
Let Live."
Wakefield, who has been shooting
at Sound City, has also been working
at Douglass, Isle of Man, 200 miles
away, and has flown back over the
weekend to face finishing shots which
are being directed by Mario Xampi.
Wakefield arrives at Heston Airport
at 8 o'clock on Sunday mornings, and
is on the set ready madeup by 9
o'clock at Sound City. Early Monday
morning he flies back to the Isle of
Man.
The film, a wartime comedy, has
been given one or two up-to-date
touches, and sequences have been re-
vised to tune it to the spirit of the
moment. It will be released in this
country by Paramount.
Meanwhile, "French Without Tears"
has been completed and is to have a
notable premiere.
Mario Xampi has four further pro-
ductions for release by Paramount.
These are in active preparation and
will keep Sound City busy the coming
weeks.
At Elstree
Associated British Studios, Elstree, insist
that production will continue there in the
immediate future, with work concentrating
upon Edgar Wallace's "The Yellow Mask"
and also upon a naval subject, "The Middle
Watch."
Optimistic
One of the most optimistic production
executives in the country is Walter Futter,
who, co-producing with Leslie Howard, in-
tends making "The Man Who Lost Him-
self," possibly on this side of the Atlantic.
Leslie Howard will be the star, co-producer
and co-director, the other director being An-
thony Asquith, who earned credits for Pas-
cal's "Pygmalion." Stephen Goosson, art
director of "Lost Horizon," will do a similar
job on the film, and the script is in the hands
of George O'Neill, of "Intermezzo" and
"Only Yesterday" fame.
Korda Active
Ready to dash, if the need should arise,
into Denham's concreted air raid hideout
beneath the sound stages, air conditioned and
gas proof, Alexander Korda's unit have re-
cently been putting the finishing touches to
"The Thief of Baghdad."
Air raid warnings, luckily abortive, sent
to the shelter of sandbags Conrad Veidt,
Sabu, June Duprez, John Justin, Larry But-
ler, Alexander Korda, Merle Oberon and
Tim Whelan.
Tim Whelan has taken over the direction
of "The Thief of Baghdad" and has been
applying the final polish to the Korda pro-
duction. A hundred colored extras have been
working on the Basra Bridge set on the
Denham location.
Americans still at Denham (September
8th) include Cameron Menzies, director of
the trick shots, Larry Butler, special effects.
Bill Hornbeck, film editor, and Rex In-
gram, the Negro actor.
It is pointed out that two or three months
trick work will be required before the film
is ready for trade show.
New Life
At Shepherd's Bush on the western out-
skirts of London, the Gaumont British Stu-
dios have throbbed to new life production
starting on the Arthur Askey picture "Band
Waggon," screen adaptation of the popular
British radio feature.
In the film "Big-hearted" Arthur Askey
makes his film debut with Jack Hylton and
his Band and Richard "Stinker" Murdoch.
Production was originally started at the
Gainsborough Studios, but on the decision
to close those studios plans were made to
transfer operations to Shepherd's Bush. The
reason is found in certain black-out restric-
tions and the limits they placed upon night
and day shifts of studio workers.
In Production
At Ealing, ostensibly a vulnerable bomb-
ing area, Michael Balcon has insisted upon
the continuance of production. Work has
gone on (as of September 11th) with "Da-
vid Goliath," the Paul Robeson picture, be-
ing made there for ABED release.
At Walton-on-Thames "Money for Noth-
ing" and at Highbury the Elizabeth Allan
opus "Inquest" are continuing, further in-
dications of the optimism which persists
in British production circles.
In the shorts field such dauntless spirits as
Widgey Newman, who has taken studio
space at Bushey, and Horace Shepherd,
busy on a two-reeler at Hammersmith, in-
dicate the determination ot British produc-
tion, even under difficulties, to carry on.
22
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
BRITONS BACK TO WARDOUR STREET
(Continued from page 18)
shadow of conflict overhanging the country,
plans had been laid, machinery set up and man-
power organized, ready to operate at a moment's
notice. The trade had conferred long and stu-
diously with the authorities, determined that
whatever action was to be taken should be in
the common interest and with the full approval
of the Government.
When the great moment came, the machinery
had been set in motion. All motion picture the-
atres had been ordered to close, in common
with all places of entertainment and public
gathering. Wardour Street, pivotal center of
the business, was almost completely evacuated,
its firms and organizations sped to the country.
North, East, South and West, its staffs either
laid off or enrolled in His Majesty's Forces, or
alternatively evacuated to ancient Sussex castles,
to old mills in Hertfordshire, to the Chiltern
Hills, to the Spas of Cheltenham, or less ro-
mantically to the studio spaces of Elstree and
Teddington, to which offices had been trans-
ferred.
Machinery for the distribution of films on
the reopening were set up outside the bombing
areas, clearing houses opened at key points, and
a new code of trade relations instituted by
distributors and exhibitors jointly.
Back to the United States went American
production executives to await the dawn of a
happier and more peaceful day. Over the news-
reel and printing business the blessing of Gov-
ernment approval had been hanging, a blessing
expressed in macabre form by the gas masks and
steel helmets distributed to major executives.
Censorship on All Films
Censorship was imposed on all films, made
either for home consumption or for export. It
was a voluntary censorship on the home front,
but compulsory for those films made for export.
Characteristic it is, too, of the British mentality
that the trade was left to impose its own censor-
ship, and the British Board of Film Censors,
the industry's self created organization, to act
for the new Ministry of Information. Criti-
cisms of the Board's operations, however, soon
brought the developments noted in the foregoing.
Home Office regulations were issued to the
trade, governing the conditions under which pic-
ture houses would be allowed to reopen later.
Though exhibitors were not expected to provide
bomb proof shelters they were required to make
their houses proof against splinters and blast,
and to provide shelter for their staffs. A mem-
ber of the staff must be constantly on the qui
vive for air raid warnings, and these must be
conveyed to the audience forthwith. The Home
Office has, significantly, asked exhibitors to
continue the show where it would not be safe
to let patrons out on to the streets. Employees
have been trained in fire fighting and first aid,
and a fireman must be in service night and day.
Stringent as are these regulations, they were ac-
cepted as eminently reasonable.
The Kinematograph Renters Society was not
lax in organizing a machinery of distribution.
The KRS was to go to Langley Park, near
Slough, 15 miles from London, where a magnifi-
cent mansion would house its records and of-
ficers, and where stabling and garages could
be easily converted to a clearing house. Film
transport houses pooled their resources, and
personnel, operating from an outer London cen-
ter at Willesden, whence, in due course, they
were to transfer their activities to Langley Park.
Bookings Set Back
Exhibitors were allowed to set back their
bookings, carrying on as contracted when they
reopened. Applications for transfers were un-
HIGH TAXES SET
BY NAZIS ON RADIO
As part of its program to maintain
absolute control of the radio, especially
broadcasts from foreign countries, the
German Government has imposed
what amounts to a confiscatory tax on
all radio sets, according to a "New
York Times" report.
On the cheapest machine that can
be purchased, a machine that sells for
a few dollars in the United States, the
tax is $9.89 a year. The tax increases
in proportion to the cost of the radio.
This information is from an official
source and was transmitted by govern-
ment representatives in Europe.
necessary ; the process was automatic. Contacts
were made with, and reports made to the local
KRS representative. Every can of film had
been sent from Wardour Street and a prime
source of danger from fire removed from the
fair City of Westminster.
In future prospect is the likelihood that the
Government will increasingly concern itself with
a virtual paternal control of the business, with
probably an active part in its production of
films. There is likelihood that a Government
controller will be appointed, and Sir Joseph Ball
has been mentioned as one who may have ple-
nary powers. John Grierson and Oliver Bell
are, too, considered probables in any scheme of
sponsored production. The Government is
known to look enthusiastically on the screen
as a medium of propaganda, both domestic and
foreign, and whilst no film will be okayed which
does not represent the national point of view, it
is not improbable that pictures of a direct
propaganda trend will be made by a carefully
staffed organization.
Foreign Exchange
Control in Canada
Control of international exchange and
trade has been effected by Order-in-Council
of the Canadian Government in the creation
of the Foreign Exchange Control Board,
with Graham Towers, governor of the Bank
of Canada, as chairman. Provisions of the
new regulations have a direct effect upon the
film distributors and theatre supply houses
in the Dominion.
Meanwhile reliable sources indicate that the
Ontario Government is seriously considering the
restoration of the amusement tax as a war
measure. A special session of the Ontario legis-
lature opened at Toronto Wednesday. The
Provincial Government's proposals may include
a war tax on admission tickets, such as was
done for the first time in 1916. There has been
no amusement tax in Ontario for three years.
Another development in Toronto this week
was the decision to hold in abeyance the further
organization of the National Film Board of the
Dominion Government, members of which were
recently appointed by W. D. Euler, Minister
of Trade and Commerce, because of the war's
demands «n governmental activities, it is under-
stood.
Under the new Control Board cash payments
in excess of $100 in any month either to or
from the United States are now permitted
only by license to be issued by authorized repre-
sentatives of the board who are recognized
banks and postmasters and in some instances,
customs officers.
Foreign exchange activities are to be in
keeping with normal commercial transactions
and there is an implied decision to curb un-
usually large payments to head offices or others
located outside of Canada, provisions being made
for heavy fines and imprisonment for subversive
methods.
Licenses for import or export of all goods
and merchandise, as well as securities, can be
done only under official permits when transac-
tions exceed $100 in any month, while parcels
to be mailed across the border must be submit-
ted to the local post office. If they are placed in
a post box the articles are subjjcct to seizure.
Provision is made for the receipt of salaries,
commissions or similar claims and limited trav-
eling expenses from a foreign head office
through an authorized representative of the
Foreign Exchange Control Board.
The new regulations place an immediate ob-
stacle in the payment of excess funds by a
Canadian film distributor or theatre company
to a head office operating in the United States
or any other country, with the exception of
Newfoundland.
Slafed for Information Post
L. W. Brockington, chairman of the Board
of Governors of the Canadian Broadcasting Cor-
poration, is slated for appointment by the Do-
minion Government as chairman of the National
Bureau of Information, which is being estab-
lished for the distribution of news of an official
nature to the newspapers and radio stations of
the country during the period of the war. Mr.
Brockington is scheduled to retire from the
CBC in November.
The Bureau has nothing to do with the office
of Chief Censor in an operating sense and the
censorship of films in Canada will continue to
be vested in L. Clare Moyer, on the Canadian
Senate staff.
"Beau Geste" Ban
Bookings of Paramount's "Beau Geste" in
Ontario have been cancelled again and it is
understood that further pressure has been
brought to bear on the Ontario Government for
withdrawal of the feature, which deals with
the French Foreign Legion. The feature was
recalled by the provincial censor board just
prior to its scheduled Canadian premiere Sep-
tember 4th, but was passed by the Appeal
Board, headed by Premier M. F. Hepburn, after
further revision as requested by a representa-
tive of the French Government.
Another opening date in Toronto was set
but this was cancelled with the intimation that
the picture was not available. The Government
has withheld any further announcements regard-
ing the fate of "Beau Geste" which, incidental-
ly, has been permanently banned by the Quebec
Board of Moving Picture Censors.
To Show Foreign Films
Plans are being formulated for a season
of foreign films at the Metropolitan theatre
in Seattle, legitimate playhouse downtown.
The pictures would be booked each week
except when legitimate stage shows are
scheduled. Lessee of the house would be
Herbert Hosener, who last year operated
the Montlake theatre, neighborhood house,
on the same foreign film policy, in conjunc-
tion with his circuit of Pacific Coast the-
atres.
TREMENDOUS !
AND TUNED TO THE
HEARTBEATS OF
ANXIOUS MILLIONS
WHOSE EARS ARE
GLUED TO RADIOS
ND EYES TO HEADLINES,
AS THE GUNS OF "
MIGHT
ROAR OVERSEAS !
mm^ mm.<^ii « mm%'^ mm mwi
DEVOTION .. YET
SHE FACED A
GERMAN FIRING SQUAD!
Fad — loarlessiy toldj darinyiy presented! . . . Nurse
Edith Cavellj whose tragic late aroused the worid to
iury ' ' - Now re-born on the screen through one oi the
most magnificent periormances on record . . . in the
picture that flames to the screen to a chorus of the
most lavish praise ever accorded a motion picture by
the critics!
OPENINC TmS WEEK . . . RADIO CITY mUSIC HAU
EDNA MAY OLIVER • GEORGE SANDERS • MAY ROBSON • ZASU PITTS
r>i/~ Ti II
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
25
ARGENTINE PRODUCERS LOOK TO U.S.
AS RAW STOCK SHORTAGE THREATENS
Institute Members Petition Gov-
ernnnent to Include Film
Materials in Discussed Trade
Pact with the U. S. A.
by NATAUO BRUSKI
in Buenos Aires
The declaration of war in Europe was re-
ceived here in a very matter of fact way
and has not yet caused any appreciable
effect on the motion picture industry. How-
ever, Argentine producers, ever on the look-
out for the future, have made various over-
tures to take care of possible effects in later
stage's of the war.
The principal problem that will be evi-
dent, is the matter of raw film stock. At
the present time, the various studios have
indicated that they have sufficient stock of
negative material to last for the next eight
months. By economizing in their production
methods, in taking only one or at the most
two takes on each scene, instead of the
usually three or four takes, the film stock
can be stretched for over a year. In the mat-
ter of positive stock, the studios have
enough for the next year.
In Argentina it is the practice that the
producer sends the raw stock to the labora-
tory, when he wants any printing done,
the laboratories providing service only.
The principal source of raw film for the
last few years has been Europe. The larger
share has been held by the Agfa (German)
company with the Belgium Gevaert com-
pany and the Italian Ferrania company get-
ting a smaller share.
Agfa Holds Stock
The Agfa company has been holding its
stock, pending a possible price advance,
by refusing to deliver any but very small
orders and these only to their regular cus-
tomers. According to reports they have
been accumulating a very big stock, antici-
pating a possible stoppage of their supply.
A large part of this is in storage in the
Argentina custom house as they themselves
lack sufficient space.
Argentina producers, through the Argen-
tine Cinematographic Institute, have peti-
tioned the Minister of Foreign Relations to
include in the pact now being discussed be-
tween this country and the United States
the importance of raw film materials.
The one reason that United States films
and United States products in general have
been at a disadvantage in this market has
been the lack of any commercial export
and import agreement between the two
countries. The European countries have
been able to get the official exchange rate
ior their payments for materials but Ameri-
can importers have had to pay their im-
ports at the free market rate. This means
approximately a 20 to 25 per cent differ-
ence. Another disadvantage to American
product has been the suspension of import
permits in favor of the countries who have
a more favorable export balance.
The local meat industry and in fact the
entire population have gone a long way
RIO DE JANEIRO
LIMITS WAR FILMS
The number of "war" films which
may he shown in Rio de Janeiro, in-
cluding pictures dealing with the
World War, has been limited, it is
reported; while daytime showing of
newsreels dealing with the war has
been banned. Newsreels showing the
present conflict may only be shown
after 8:00 P.M.
in discouraging the importations of United
States goods on account of the exclusion of
Argentina meat from the United States.
The possible cut-off of film supply from
Europe presents the North American com-
panies with the opportunity to reenter this
market. The local Agfa company has made
overtures to obtain its film from the Agfa
company in the United States. As yet noth-
ing has been said about the supply as it
concerns the smaller raw stock companies.
It has been expressed by a spokesman
of the Argentine producers that the Euro-
pean war may open a further market for
the local films in that French films, which
enjoy quite an important market, may lose
their supply, thus giving Argentine films
the opportunity to extend their marketable
sphere.
Argentina Documentary
The documentary film "Praderas Argen-
tinas" (Prairies of Argentina), which was
produced especially for exhibition at the
New York World's Fair and the Golden
Gate Exposition in San Francisco, was pri-
vately shown recently to President Dr. Rob-
erto M. Ortiz and a number of legislators
and members of the higher judiciary.
RKO Convention
The RKO convention held in Buenos
Aires August 31st and September 1st was
presided over by Phil Reisman, head of the
company's foreign department. The con-
vention was attended by delegations from
Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and the general of-
fices of RKO in Buenos Aires as well as
the distribution branches in the interior of
Argentina.
In the opening address Mr. Reisman re-
cited the difficulties that the company had
been having for the past three years but
said he was happy to be able to say that in
the last few months these difficulties have
been surmounted. The company, he said,
is in a very strong situation, financially as
well as artistically, with a good lineup of
story material, directors and actors.
Due to the declaration of war in Europe,
Mr. Reisman was called by the home office
to return immediately. He left Buenos
Aires the last day of the convention and
thereby missed the banquet in his honor,
which was presided over by Nat Liebeskind,
general manager for RKO in South Amer-
ica, who had arrived here a week in ad-
vance to arrange the convention.
Representation at Venice
Eight Argentine films were sent to the
exposition held in Venice although only two
of these films were officially sanctioned by
the Argentine Cinematographic Institute,
a governmental body created by the former
president of the Republic.
The producers saw fit to ignore the offi-
cial choice of the Institute and took it upon
themselves to include some of their other
productions.
Orf to Hollywood
Carl-Fredrik Nelson, Swedish screen
writer and director, has left for the United
States and Hollywood by way of Chile, Peru
and other west coast countries. In his stay
of over a year in Argentina he was super-
visor of production for the Estudios San
Miguel.
Five Home Films
Shown in Brazil
by L. S. MARINHO
in Rio de Janeiro
There have been five pictures produced in
Brazil so far this year that have already
been presented in theatres, and a sixth,
"Anastacio," is scheduled to be presented
next month. There is one domestic produc-
tion now in work which is titled "Romance
Prohibido" (Forbidden Romance).
It is uncertain at this writing whether or
not the Warner Brothers picture, "Confes-
sions of a Nazi Spy," will be permitted to be
released in this country, although it seems
probable that the censor board will approve
its showing.
Warners are having the premiere of
"Juarez" here the end of the month, and
from all preparations going on it will be a
gala occasion. The film is patronized by the
Mexican Ambassador, who also will assist
at the premiere.
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer's "Pygmalion,"
which received a good press here, played
three weeks at the Metro theatre.
McConville To Preside
At Havana Convention
J. A. McConville, foreign manager of
Columbia, sailed for Havana Saturday to
preside over the first convention ever held
by the company in Latin America. Mr.
McConville will tour Central and South
America, following the Havana convention,
ending up in Buenos Aires where a second
convention will be held.
Before sailing Mr. McConville empha-
sized the fact that in spite of world condi-
tions Columbia would go through with their
heavy production budget, spending $5,000,-
000 more than any time in the company's
history.
26
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
BEWARE HEAVY HAND OF
GOVERNMENT, SAYS HAYS
Little Remains of Films But
"Crass Propaganda" Under
Totaiftarians, Meeting Is Told
The motion picture industry, inheritor,
beneficiary and trustee of the American
democratic system, finds it a duty, and a
welcome one, to g-uard that system in a
world of chaos. Will Hays, president of the
Motion Picture Producers and Distributors
of America, told the Regional Trust Com-
pany Conference of the Pacific Coast and
Rocky Mountain States, in Los Angeles, on
Tuesday night. Mr. Hays warned that this
country must keep out of the European War,
to strengthen the democratic life and to
serve as a repository for civilization.
Referring to the relatively short growth
of the motion picture, one of the newest arts,
in 50 years, Mr. Hays termed it "distinctly
the product of freedom, which encourages
initiative, industry and art." Said he, in
addition :
"Trustee of Entertainment"
"It owes much, indeed, to the institutions
which have made such an art and industry
possible. It cannot fail to uphold the torch
of human liberty, wherever it may burn."
Mr. Hays remarked that it was not a
"light responsibility" that the industry has
as a "trustee for the wholesomeness, the de-
cency, and the artistic excellence of the
principal entertainment of 85,000,000 people
every week, in this country alone."
"But we are trying every year to acquit
ourselves of that trusteeship more credit-
ably," he said.
In half a century, Mr. Hays noted, the
motion pictures have developed from a crude
diversion into an art, a process which in
other arts has taken centuries, and without
precedents, tradition, or experience it has
reached its present eminence.
Propaganda by Totalitarians
Its importance as a medium of influencing
the public, even if not as an art, is attested
by the regard with which totalitarian re-
gimes view it, Mr. Hays noted, and warned
Americans that they "should not forget that
wherever, as in Germany or Russia, the
heavy hand of government has come to
dominate it, the motion picture as an art
has withered." "Little, indeed," he said, "has
remained, except crude, crass propaganda."
As no other medium, the motion picture
camera can record history, Mr. Hays noted.
"In the days that are with us now," he
observed, "the enormous significance of this
becomes clearly apparent. Good and evil,
peace and war, construction and destruction,
life and death themselves leave their record
on the film. The camera has portrayed the
heights of civilization. We hope, we pray,
we highly resolve that it shall not record its
fall.
"Those of us in the motion picture indus-
try do, indeed, realize full well the signifi-
cance of our trusteeship of this essential
enterprise at this particular time."
"An element of that trusteeship," he con-
NEWSPAPERS LAUD
INDUSTRY JUBILEE
Newspapers in every section of the
country continue to editorially com-
mend the fiftieth Anniversary of the
motion pictures, to be celebrated the
first week of October as Golden
Jubilee Week, and to be featured by
the observance on October 6th, of the
occasion upon which Thomas Alva
Edison first demonstrated the prac-
ticability of his "Kinetoscope."
The Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
"Argtis Leader" calls pictures a
"marvelous form of entertainment"
and "if not the best available, certain-
ly the most popular."
The motion picture is linked with
the newspaper as one of the "two
greatest bargains available to the
American public" by the Record,
Ravenna, Ohio.
"On its fiftieth birthday, the movie
is really hitting its stride," said the
Times, Chattanooga, Tenn.
"With $200,000,000 invested in the
neiv films alone, the public should be
better served than it has been in his-
tory," commented the Times-Leader,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
tinned, "is the transcendent duty to society
now to keep the stream of world entertain-
ment flowing — entertainment which is effec-
tive as entertainment and which at its best
is inspirational. In spite of the serious loss
of markets, the motion picture art-industry
will do this job. It is the industry's duty,
and I believe that this business and all busi-
ness does well to think first of its duties and
responsibilities."
Mr. Hays said the motion picture indus-
try, first of all, was built upon American
principles, and drew the following picture :
"I represent an agency," he said, "which
has for seventeen and one-half years sought
patiently, and, I believe, always in the public
interests, to build up a successful system of
industrial self-regulation with the least pos-
sible governmental supervision. It has stood
ready to cooperate and has cooperated with
public authority in every way, endeavoring
always to maintain that proper relation
which a great industry should maintain, to
its government."
"The organized industry undertook this
job of self-government by methods thor-
oughly American in character," Mr. Hays
emphasized.
Taking Sides Is Deplored
Apparently referring to those groups
within the motion picture industry who, with
a certain amount of Governmental support,
believe that federal regulation, by law and
policing, is preferable to self-regulation, Mr.
Hays remarked :
"If two or more groups are in competition.
and one is seeking to gain advantages over
the other by Government regulation, ther
it is clearly not the business of the Govern
ment to take sides. The power of the Gov-
ernment should never be used to enable one
citizen to exploit another, or to give one
branch of an industry undue advantage over
another."
On the larger topic of American with-
drawal from European afifairs, Mr. Hays
urg:ed his listeners to participate in domestic
politics, as the inheritors of a system which
can grow better only by the participation of
the informed, a system which might collapse
without a numerous or intelligent electorate.
"He who refuses to use the talents given
him in trust, forfeits all," Mr. Hays said.
"No true American can do his duty by ac-
cepting the privileges and denying the re-
sponsibilities of citizenship."
"Someone, speaking in a happier time, re-
ferred to America as 'a great ideal in the
onward march of civilization,' " Mr. Hays
continued. "Today when the orderly proc-
esses of society are collapsing in much of
the old world under the detonation of bomb-
ing plane and long-range gun, America more
than ever represents 'a great ideal.' To an
unusual degree America today holds in trust
for mankind the political, cultural, and
spiritual heritage of the human race. Here
man, the builder, rules rather than man, the
destroyer. Here scientists may still devote
themselves to creative tasks, businessmen go
ahead with improved methods for raising the
standard of living, government officials
spend their time in devising ways for gov-
ernment to become a more useful servant
rather than a more tyrannical master of
men's lives."
"God grant that through a supreme act
of national will men and women of all po-
litical shades of opinion shall firmly and
unitedly resolve at all costs to keep this
country out of war," he said.
"Thus may we best fulfill our highest duty
as trustees for civilization, for human liberty
and for peace."
Boost Jubilee in
MGM Press Sheet
The release this week of Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer's institutional press display for 1939-
'40 takes cognizance of the celebration this
October of the 50th anniversary of the mo-
tion picture. In its 16 sheets are constant
reminders of the Golden Jubilee that is at
hand, all of course serving the dual purpose
of promoting MGM's forthcoming releases
for the new season and boosting the jubilee.
The company is offering $100,000 in
awards, open to all independent theatres in
the United States and Canada, for the best
advertising, exploitation and publicity cam- ■
paigns conducted on MGM pictures between
September 1st and January 1st, based on any
first run or subsequent run picture. Entries
in the contest close March 1st.
Also contained in the display are exploita-
tion hints to exhibitors on the tie-in with the
Golden Jubilee.
One idea suggested is that of getting
schools and educational authorities to co-
operate in a mutual plan of promoting the
Jubilee idea as pictures are playing an in-
creasingly important part in the educational
advancement of students.
. . AND AS FULL OF
SUSPENSE AS THE
LATEST WAR BULLETIN
. . BECAUSE ANY MOMENT
COULD SEE IT ALL
HAPPEN AGAIN!
mm^ Mm<^i^ Mm$^ mm mmu
THE STORY THAT SHOCICED^
THE WORLD NOW
ROCKS THE SCREEN! . .
^^Unbelievabler unihinkable/^ humanity criedr ^^The
German War Lords can^t do THAT to a woman . . But
they couldr and they did! ... Here is that story ... true^
thrillingr tremendous . ^ . toid truthfullyr without
rancor or bitterness ... told with a relentless realism
and a heart'Sweeping power beyond help or tears! . . .
IT'S TERRIFIC!
OPENING THIS WEEK . . . RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
EBNA;MAf OtIVEB * GEORGE SANflEBS ^ MAY BOBSOM- ZASU PITTS
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September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
29
Revision of
'Blue Laws ' Urged
The calling of a special session of the
Delaware state legislature to revise the old
Sunday blue laws has been urged by Attor-
ney General James R. Morford.
The appointment of a special nine member
commission to study the statutes and decide
as soon as possible whether or not they
should be enforced was also asked why Mr.
i\Iorford in a communication to Senator
Paul R. Rinard, author of the Sunday movie
bill which was recently vetoed.
In recommending that the commission
ask Governor Richard C. McMuUen to call
a special sessions for consideration of the
matter, Mr. Morford said that '"the demand
for the revision of these laws is so great,
and such revision will so serve the public
welfare and answer a real and persistent
public demand that the matter of a special
session should be given very serious consid-
eration by the executive arm of the gov-
ernment."
Listing 2,000 blue law violators in Wil-
mington and Delaware in two Sunday sur-
veys recently made by city and state police,
Mr. Morford said that it would be "ex-
tremely unfortunate" if the question of re-
vision was permitted to wait until the next
regular session of the assembly in 1941.
New Theatres
In Cincinnati
New theatre construction in the Cincinnati
territory from September 1st of last year
has been greater than that in recent years,
with 15 theatres, having a total seating ca-
pacity of 10,130 seats, built or in the course
of construction.
The largest project is the new Grand, in
Cincinnati, with 1,500 seats. The new house
will replace the old Grand Opera House,
which is now being razed. The house has
been leased by RKO for a long term of
years.
A 700-seat house will be built on the site
of the old Times-Star building in Cincinnati ;
while recently opened theatres include the
900-seat Kentucky, at Latonia, Kentucky;
the 700-seat Mariemont, and the 600-seat
Silvertone ; both the latter being in suburban
locations.
The new State theatre is under construc-
and at Newport, Kentucky, as is a 600-seat
house on Parsons Avenue, Columbus, and
a 525-seat house in Eaton, Ohio. Almost
ready to open is the 900-seat Elmwood, in
a suburban Cincinnati location.
At Paris, Kentucky, a 500-seat theatre is
being built, and work is starting on a 300-
seat house at Beverly, Ohio.
Die+z Speaks at University
Howard Dietz, head of MGM advertising
and publicity, was the guest speaker Wed-
nesday afternoon at the first session of a new
course on "The Cinema as Literary Art,"
offered by the English department of the
Washington Square college of New York
University. Mr. Dietz spoke on the his-
torical importance of the course.
MAINTAINS CONTACT
WITH ALL OFFICES
Joseph Seidehnaii, Uiiii'ersal foreign
head, last week received a cable from
Louis Foeldes filed in Biulapest. Mr.
Foeldes, normally supervisor for Uni-
versal at the Paris office, cabled:
"Called to the colors and am now in
uniform here but maintaining contact
ti/ith all offices."
News Cameramen
Protest 'Tools''
Newsreel cameramen last week openly
objected to "pooling" arrangements, partici-
pated in by their companies, in which one
crew at a special event "covers" for all the
newsreels.
A demand that this practice be stopped
was made by representatives of New York
Cameraman's Local No. 644 last week, in
New York, at the beginning of negotiations
with Pat Casey, producers' labor contact.
The negotiations are for a new two-year
contract.
The Local 644 representatives asked that
newsreel companies be compelled, each to
supply their own crews for all special events
except those where the regulations prohibit
extensive coverage.
Use of single "covering" crews in air-
plane flights was also protested by the union.
The union's wage and hour demands are
the same as those made one year ago, at the
expiration of the contract. These are for
an increase from $100 to $125 weekly mini-
mum, and increase from the present daily
wage of $35 to $50, and a maximum of 80
hours for each two weeks period, instead
of the present 320 hours for eight week
periods.
Negotiations last Friday were snagged be-
cause of the new objections to "pooling";
another meeting was scheduled for this Fri-
day. Indications are that the negotiations
will be prolonged.
Connecticut Allied Nominations
Allied Theatres of Connecticut this week
in New Haven held nominations for the
election to be held there October 3d. Those
nominated are Charles Repass, Crown the-
atre, Hartford; A. M. Schuman, Blackrock,
Bridgeport, and Martin Keleher, Princess,
Hartford, for president ; Messrs. Repass,
Schuman, Keleher and Samuel Hadelman,
Capitol, Bridgeport, for vice-president; Jack
Schwartz, Westend, Bridgeport, and Leo
Schapiro, Guilford, New Haven, for treasur-
er; Lawrence C. Caplan for executive secre-
tary, and Maurice Shulman and Dr. Jacob
Fishman for chairman of the board.
Maico Acquires House
The Palace theatre, Booneville, Ark.,
owned and operated by E, W. Savage, has
been affiliated with the Malco Theatres, Inc.,
circuit of Arkansas, Mississippi and Ten-
nessee. Plans are made for an extensive
remodeling job, including new booth equip-
ment and seats. A new cooling system has
been installed.
Film Stocks Buck
Trend of Market
Film stocks have continued to run counter
to the general tone of the stock market dur-
ing recent days, registering gains last Fri-
day as "war baby" leaders held steady with
but few advances, with trading the lightest
since the outbreak of the war ; and register-
ing mixed gains and losses, both light, on
Tuesday, when the "war babies" skyrocketed
as Hitler's speech was interpreted to mean
no cessation of hostilities.
Last Friday, active traders remained on
the sidelines as predictions were rife on
Wall Street as to whether or not President
Roosevelt would be able to force a modifica-
tion of the so-called Neutrality Act, at the
special session of Congress called for Thurs-
day.
The market leaders in the number of
shares traded last Friday were U. S. Steel,
with a volume of 31,200 shares, up y%;
Western Union, 25,900 shares, up 2^; New
York Central, 25,600 shares, unchanged, and
General Motors, 22,400 shares, unchanged.
The same day, Warners had a volume of
3,900 shares, and gained y% ; Loew's, 6,400,
up 1%; Eastman Kodak, 1,000, up 2^;
Twentieth Century-Fox, 3,800, unchanged,
and Technicolor, 3,800, unchanged.
Tuesday was the 10th anniversary of the
end of the last great bull market and the
beginning of the depression. From Septem-
ber 19, 1929, to July 8, 1932, the nadir of
the depression, the New York Times average
of 50 representative stocks dropped 277.92
points, or 89 per cent. From the low point
in 1932 through Tuesday, the Times average
gained 75.60 points, or 222 per cent.
Hitler's speech demanding peace on his
own terms, or not at all, indicating a con-
tinuation of the war, caused such a sudden
advance in the "war babies" that the turn-
over was again small, being the third small-
est of the month.
U. S. Steel, with a turnover of 70,900
shares, gained 6^; Republic, 61,300 shares,
went up 2%; New York Central, 45,200
shares, up 2% ; Bethlehem Steel, 36,300, up
8^-2, and General Motors, 33,200, up 2%.
Indicative of the counter-tendency were
Warners, with a volume of 1,800 shares, un-
changed; Loew's, 2,800 shares, down j4;
Eastman Kodak, 1,300 shares, up ; Twen-
tieth Century-Fox, 1,300 shares, unchanged,
and Technicolor, 400 shares, up y.
Test Suit Is Expected
To End Recording Fight
Music publishers and transcription com-
panies will shortly resolve their controversy
over the use of electrical transcription on
the radio, by a test suit, under mutual agree-
ment.
The controversy involves rate provisions
under Section IE of the Copyright Act.
Harry Fox of the Music Publishers' Protec-
tive Association has advised all Thesaurus
selection subscribers that restrictions on the
NBC Thesaurus have been removed.
Sales tax collections under Missouri's two
per cent levy totaled $1,815,658 for August,
compared with $1,638,460 in August, 1938.
For the year to date the tax has yielded $14,-
650,071, compared with $13,431,806 a year
ago the same period.
30
MOTION PIOTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
"BIG FIVE" FAVORS CIO TECHNICIANS;
11 UNITS CONSIDER "ONE BIG UNION"
Secretaries of Unions in Asso-
ciated Actors and Artistes
Discuss Pooling Resources
and Actions in New York
Secretaries of the eleven actors' unions
which comprise the Associated Actors and
Artistes of America, American Federation
of Labor holding unit for actors' unions,
met on Tuesday night in New York City
to further consider the "one big union" plan,
long smouldering and now lighting up after
the settlement of the fight between the Four
A's and the International Alliance of The-
atrical Stage Employees.
The fight, which almost resulted in an
national strike in the entertainment industry,
revealed the desirability of pooled resources
and action.
The Provisions
The plan, in its primary stage, includes the
following provisions, as defined by a working
committee : a single membership card ; one basic
dues system ; autonomy of each occupational
branch ; merging of offices and activities in key
cities, for economy; greater power for protec-
tion of members through united action ; further-
ance of organizational abilities, to keep control
of fields now embraced and to organize new
fields ; a single national publicaiton, to super-
sede those published by each occupational group.
Expected also is the sale of the Actors' Equity
Building, in New York, after the one big union
is formed, and if a satisfactory price is obtained.
The paper for the Four A's already has ap-
peared, under the editorship of Edward Harri-
son, in New York, and John C. Lee, in Los
Angeles.
The secretaries met under the chairmanship
of Mrs. Florence Marston, eastern representative
of the Screen Actors Guild.
Close Arrangement Seen
A close working arrangement between the
Four A's, the Alliance, and possibly, the Ameri-
can Federation of Musicians, was foreseen, as
part of the plan of William Green, president of
the AFL, for a unity of interest and action
among its units of the entertainment industry,
even while they retain their individualit\^
Expected to attend the American Federation
of Labor convention at Cincinnati on October
5th are Frank Gillmore, president of the Four
A's ; Kenneth Thomson, executive secretary of
the actors' guild; Paul Dullzell, executive sec-
retary of the Actors' Equitj' ; and Leo Fischer,
executive secretary of the Four A's.
Meanwhile, the status of the American Fed-
eration of Radio Actors, which, under terms of
the Four A's-LA.TSE settlement, was to dis-
solve and be superseded hy the American Guild
of Variety Artists, remained confused at mid-
week. The union's offices remained in operation ;
a spokesman warned that night clubs which
signed with the AGVA would "get into
trouble" ; and officials declared the union was
still representing its members. Sophie Tucker,
president of the AFA, faced discipline from
Actors' Equity, the American Federation of
Radio Artists, and the Screen Actors' Guild,
for not joining the AGVA.
She was allowed by the AFRA to broadcast,
from New York, on Tuesday evening ; but there
were reports that if she opened an engagement
at the Club A'ersailles, in New York, still
without joining the variety artists' guild, she
would be penalized.
Aubrey Blair, executive secretary of the
SEATTLE WORKERS
FEAR WAR COSTS
The war enters unio7t contracts.
Seven Seattle theatrical unions, this
week negotiating %vith that city's the-
atre owners, have asked for a "war
clause" in the 1940 contract.
J'his provides for immediate adjtist-
ment of wages if the war raises living
costs abnormally.
junior division of the Screen Actors' Guild in
Holh^vood, resigned last week, to become west-
ern states' director and organizer for the
AGVA.
In New York this week, with other worries
fading, the Four A's tmions were turning to
organization of television performers.
It was expected that the American Federation
of Radio Artists, the Actors' Equity, and the
Screen Actors Guild, would share this member-
ship, under the new close relations under the
■'big union" idea, which apparently resolves the
formerly bitter rivalries.
In New York also, the Theatrical Alanagers
Agents, and Treasurers' union has come to
agreement in principle with the League of New
\ork theatres, a legitimate theatre organiza-
tion, on a contract for three years, covering
company managers and press agents. The con-
tract was expected to be ready for signature this
week.
The treasurers' terms were, apparently, left
out of the negotiations, inasmuch as that group
in the TMAT split away several weeks ago to
join the lATSE; and the "stagehands'" unit
is expected to negotiate, now, for the legitimate
theatre treasurers.
In Lincoln, Neb., Roy ^I. Brewer, projection-
ist at the Grand theatre. Grand Island, was
elected president of the Nebraska Federation
of Labor, at its annual convention.
Academy Council Appoints
Standard Leader Connmittee
The Research Council of the Academy of
Alotion Picture Arts and Sciences has ap-
pointed a committee under the chairmanship
of S. J. Twining of Columbia Studio to
consider possible revision for the specifica-
tions for the Standard Release Print Lead-
er. The present Standard Leader was re-
vised in August of 1936 simultaneously with
the adoption bv the industrv of the Stand-
ard 2000-ft. Reel.
The purpose of the committee will be to
study the specifications with a view to
recommending changes which may improve
the Standard Leader and facilitate its use
by theatre projectionists. Besides ^Ir. Twin-
ing the membership of the committee con-
sists of John Aalberg, Gerald Best, Sid-
ney Solow and Ray Wilkinson.
Robert H. ("Bob") Poole, veteran Cali-
fornia independent operator, has been elected
executive director of the Independent The-
atre Owners of Southern California and
Arizona.
Virtually the entire directorial board was
reelected.
Unaffiliated Unions in Holly-
wood Say Vote for United
Studio Technicians Guild
Means "Real Democracy"
In local advertisements, Hollywood's un-
afiiliated "creative" unions, known as the
"Bi^ Five," went on record Monday for the
ClO-financed United Studio Technicians
Guild, against the American Federation of
Labor's International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, in the studio election late
Wednesday.
The advertisements urged studio tech-
nicians to "vote for honest unionism and
self rule." "Your decision," they said, "will
end dictatorship in Hollywood and will
bring real trade union democracy."
Called "Chance of Lifetime"
The unions sponsoring the electioneering
were the Screen Set Designers, Screen Direc-
tors Guild, Screen Publicists Guild, Art Direc-
tors Guild, and the Screen Writers Guild.
The advertisements further said that the
secret election, as ordered by the National Labor
Relations Board, was the technicians' "chance
of a lifetime."
"A victory for the United 'Studio Techni-
cians' Guild means that all guilds and crafts
can be voluntarily united in a motion picture
council, thus realizing a major goal of Holly-
wood labor, and winning better conditions for
all," the advertisements said.
The election this Wednesday involved 7,500
workers. It was ordered by the NLRB, after
the rapidly growing Technicians' Guild had pe-
titioned for certification.
The technicians' guild did not prevent the
signing of a closed shop agreement between
the producers and the Alliance ; but they did,
by securing the election, effect a postponement
of negotiations on the terms.
Up to Workers, Says Schenck
Joseph M. Schenck, chairman of the board of
Twentieth Centurv--Fox, president of the ilo-
tion Picture Producers Association, and head
of that organization's labor negotiations com-
mittee, placed himself officiall}' on record for
dealing with the Hollywood workers agency
chosen legally by the workers themselves.
William Bioff, known as lATSE president
George E. Browne's personal representative on
the coast, and last week made head of the Al-
liance negotiating committee, this week said:
"Charges have been made recently by our ene-
mies that the purposes of the IATSE in at-
tempting to negotiate for wages, hours and
working conditions near the eve of the forthcom-
ing NLRB elections, is in order that the re-
sults of such negotiations would react favor-
ably in behalf of the IATSE in such an election.
'Such propaganda." he charged, "'is \4cious,'
untrue, and typical of the source from which it
springs."
Mr. Bioff last week let himself be quoted
as asking for a 20 per cent increase for the
members of the 11 Alliance locals he repre-
sented.
Negotiations with the producers were ex-
pected to resume on this Thursday.
The National Labor Relations Board in
Washin-Tton, last week certified the Society.' of
Alotion Picture Artists and Illustrators as the
sole collective bargaining agent for the artists
and illustrators at ^^'arners and Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox.
Columbia Pictures
presents
THE MOTION
PICTURE
INDUSTRY'S
USl
NDI
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
'^35
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
Robert Sherwood, as the author of the
play, "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," which RKO
is producing, is suing Twentieth Century-
Fox to restrain them from exhibiting their
story about Lincoln, entitled "Young Mr.
Lincoln." Seems that Mr. Sherwood feels
that Fox's "Mr. Lincoln" is an infringement.
All of which reminds that, in discussing
other phases of the life of the Emancipator,
Mr. Sherwood only the other day admitted
that some 3,000 persons had written about
Lincoln, and that all the facts concerning the
slain President won't be known for another 27
years. Not before 1966 will Lincoln's private
papers, now under seal in the Library of
Congress, be available for inspection. Lin-
coln's son, Robert Todd, had refused for years
to allow anyone to look at the papers which
he had acquired when his father died, and at
one time, on his farm in New Hampshire, had
decided to burn these papers. He was re-
strained only by the intervention of Nicholas
Murray Butler, who persuaded Robert to at
least place them under seal for 50 years in
the Library of Congress, where they can be
opened in 1966.
V
No Comment Department, from a headline
in the New York World-Telegram:
BIG FALL EXPECTED
BY MOVIE INDUSTRY
G. P. Finck, of the Metro theatre, San Diego,
Cal., who calls himself "the unconventional
showman," is just that. "Let your customers
know you appreciate their patronage, and if you
must racket, racket intelligently," writes the
exhibitor who gives cash to his customers on
Saturday and Sunday nights, silverware Mon-
day, chinaware Tuesday; dresserware Wednes-
day and Thursday and Mexican films Friday.
"A stiff doorman is suicide," he comments
almost in the same breath as he explains how
he gave away 52 second-hand automobiles —
"some of which are still on the streets four years
later."
He went into the theatre business from the
automobile business. He sold cars back in 1916.
"Those were the days when we sold them with-
out bumpers or tops and charged $250 extra for
the starter," he recalls.
"When the first sedans came out, the tops
were too low for our high derbys, so we always
kept caps handy. Whenever we went out to
demonstrate a sedan we swapped the customer's
derby for a cap."
One of the first to use giveaways, Mr. Finch
created a stir with a tire matinee. Every kid
zvho brought a tire was admitted without charge.
Hundreds of tires piled up in the lobby of his
theatre. Mr. Finch sold the tires for 18 cents
apiece — or eight cents more than the customary
juvenile admission price!
Harpo Marx isn't the only one who can
strum a harp in Hollywood.
Oliver Hardy is turning harpist for "The
Flying Deuces," Boris Morris's comedy with
Stan Laurel.
During a jail sequence. Hardy will swing
"The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise," on
a bed spring, as he and his partner await
death before a firing squad when the sun
comes up.
THOSE MOVIE
PEOPLE
When the bells of St. Joseph's
Church, in the heart of the residential
district of Los Angeles, began tolling
early the other morning, frightened
men and women rushed out with one
conjecture: "War." Hurrying to the
church, they found a motion picture
sound crew ringing the bells. "We're
recording the cathedral chimes for Mr.
Schaefer's 'Hunchback of ISlotre
Dame' at RKO," a technician ex-
plained.
Cogitation Fodder, from Ben Serkowich,
nress agent at Loew's Capitol theatre. New
York, for the Land of Oz, in behalf of
Loew's "Wizard of Oz":
In Oz:
Everybody Is rich, beautiful, happy and healthy.
Ball players only knock home-runs.
You always catch only the biggest fish.
The financial pages only have plus-signs.
Little qirls get new dolls every day.
Everything is free.
Nobody ever weeps.
Never any war.
Nobody worries.
Editorial writers have no reason to view with
alarm.
Columnists love press agents.
Movie critics always in technicolor good humor.
Everybody gets two weeks vacation with pay
every day.
Ham and eggs, and $30 every Thursday, of
course.
Everybody in the Army and Navy is a general
or admiral.
V
Film companies, and others, sending cables to
London and Paris either addressed to their for-
eign offices in the cable-code they have been
using for years, or signed by the company cable
address here, are having their cables refused
under a new riding by both England and France,
forbidding the receipt in their respective coun-
tries of anv messages in any form, of code.
Dave Blum, at Metro, found the British in-
nuiring as to what "Metro" meant as mentioned
in a code sent over there by him.
V
George O'Brien, still doing westerns, is get-
ting a little publicity for his RKO effort, "The
Fighting Gringo," by explaining that the de-
scription of an American as "gringo" by the
Mexicans originated when the American soldiers
in Mexico for the Mexican War, sang "Green
Grows the Grass," and that because the Mexi-
cans could only sound the words "Green Grows,"
the Mexican soldiers coined the two words into
one and called the Americans "Gringos."
V
Quite Appropriate Department, from a Film
Daily headline : ■
MGM ARRANGES "WOMEN"
TIEUP WITH AMERICAN GAS
In view of that unique German-Soviet axis,
it seemed reasonable to assume that the the-
atres playing Soviet pictures in New York
and those playing German films would em-
brace the product of each.
For example, the Cameo, near Times
Square, which plays films from Russia, tak-
ing on an occasional Nazi film, and the 86th
Street Casino, in New York's Yorkville sec-
tion, which has all-German film shows, play-
ing some films from the Soviet — all for old
friendship's sake.
But, no such embracings are being em-
braced. The Cameo management says it
hasn't played any German films, and hasn't
any in mind; the same, as to Russian pictures
for the Yorkville Casino management.
V
With all due respect to the name of our An-
glo-Saxon forefathers, the J. Cunningham who
now is special assistant attorney to Mr. Thur-
nian Arnold in clamping down on the majors
in court prosecutions, is in no wise related to
the J. Cunningham of this department.
V
When-the- Cat's- Away Department, from the
Purely Personal column of Motion Picture
Daily :
Harry Lyons, manager of the RKO
Republic Theatre, Brooklyn, is on an 18-
day vacation cruise through the Panama
Canal to Mexico. Herman Grasing, his
assistant manager, is vacationing in his
absence.
V
Wonder whether Mr. Thurman Arnold,
No. 1 U. S. prosecutor of the film companies,
and champion of the divorcement of theatres
from production, ever gets a free pass to
a movie?
V
Paramount is rushing Larry Dudley, an 18-
year-old Los Angeles "sea-scout" by plane and
pony express, all the way 'cross country, over
3,500 miles, to fighting, fiery, "Little Flower"
Fiorello La Guardia — to get a bottle of Atlantic
sea water, to "christen" a couple of land boats
in their "Rulers of the Sea" exploitation cara-
van.
V
More of those queerly-named towns: Sugar
and Sweet, two places in Idaho; Gilt Edge,
Montana; Tombstone, well known in Ari-
zona, and Silvermaker, New Mexico, and
Swisher, Texas.
V
Britain's defense regulations go a long way
further than the mere censoring of motion pic-
tures, newsreels and radio, affecting the security
of the state, keeping watch of "foreign travel-
ers," billeting, taking precautions against hostile
attack or controlling lights and sounds. They
even go so far as to "protect homing pigeons."
They use the birds to carry war messages, and
anyone caught laying one low, tampering with
its flight, or not returning one found dead to
His Majesty's Constables — ivill be dealt with
promptly and severely.
V
Looking over Chicago's Loop the other
afternoon Bill Crouch found playing "Bache-
lor Mother" at the Palace; "Unexpected
Father," at the Oriental, and "Unmarried"
at the Woods.
By phone, by wire, by mail, leading exhibitors
are making their reservations for the Gala The-
atre Previews of HOLLYWOOD CAVALCADE
on October 2 and 3 (only a little more than a
week away)! All seats are reserved! Make
sure you get yours! Get in touch with your^
20th Century-Fox exchange today! ^
B
J
JJ
1
i,-idfe..<
38
MOTIOhJ PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
ASCAP May
Grant Cuts to
Small Stations
rHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of Omaha sponsored a hmcheon for orphan
girls oil their way to Hollywood in the exploitation project that took the unusual
turn described below. The girls were to be the guests of Linda Ware, cast as an
orphan songbird in Bing Crosby's "The Star Maker." Facing the camera, right to left,
are Mayor Dan Butler, Father Flanagan, head of Boys Town, and W. O. Swanson,
King of Ak-Sai -Ben, service club.
Unruly Appendix Brings
Twin Premiere for Orphan
Solarium Is Theatre When Showman Thinks Fast
A Paramount promotion project, the selec-
tion of most worthy orphans in key cities for
a Hollywood trip and attendance in that
city at the premiere of "The Star Maker,"
resulted in a dual premiere for the picture.
The other "grand world opening" of the
picture, at precisely the same hour, on the
same evening, was in an Omaha hospital
room.
A little girl was the honored audience.
She was one of the orphans.
The child's name was Helen Bereda. She
had been selected as Detroit's most worthy
orphan, to be a guest of Linda Ware, Para-
mount star, at the "Star Maker" premiere.
Then the Appendix
She had been taken sick in^ Omaha, on
the way to Hollywood. The illness followed
a welcoming breakfast to Miss Bereda and
other Eastern city orphans, by Omaha's
Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce. The
case was pronounced appendicits, and pro-
nounced it was.
The other orphans went to Hollywood.
Helen went to the hospital.
Ted Emerson, advertising director of the
Tri-States circuit, in the Omaha zone, had
run the local promotion, choosing Omaha's
orphan guest. Noting the grief and fright,
as well as the pain and misfortune of the
Omaha girl, he comforted her, stayed at
her bedside.
Then he began to enlist local dignitaries
and studio stars in a "cheer-up" campaign
for Helen. Wires, flowers, presents, and
letters poured in.
Premiere in Hospital
Followed the idea to hold the "Star-
Maker" premiere in tM hospifal. Helen
would not have been recovered in time to
attend Hollywood's premiere.
Paramount rushed a special print by
plane. A fireproof booth was constructed
in the hospital solarium. Sound and pro-
jection equipment was installed. Civic
groups cooperated.
The screening was held, for Helen and
her invited guests.
She recovered shortly after, and visited
Hollywood.
Emerson, while treasuring memories of a
good deed, and the letters of his friend,
Helen Bereda, also this week noted that
the publicity the act received, while not
solicited, had been very favorable and quite
large.
Plan Film Phone Service
Movie Information Service, a guide ser-
vice for theatres in Brooklyn, has launched
its plan for dissemination of program in-
formation through central telephone ex-
changes. The plan calls for central tele-
phone exchanges operated by the company
which will give all callers information about
programs at any Brooklyn theatre for a 10-
hour period every day.
Wanger Signs Garnett
Walter Wanger has signed Tay Garnett
to direct two productions to be made in
1940. These films will follow "Eternally
Yours," which Mr. Garnett has just com-
pleted for Mr. Wanger, and "Send Another
Coffin," which Mr. Garnett will start Sep-
tember 1st, both to be released by United
Artists.
Votes Sunday Films
Sunday films for Lake City, Tenn., have
been approved by vote of the board of alder-
men. Film performances will start at 1 :30
p. m. on Sundays.
William Dover, confidential executive aide
to Darryl F. Zanuck at Warner Brothers
and Twentieth Century-Fox for many years,
has entered the agency field as vice-president
of Orsatti and Company.
The American Society of Authors, Com-
posers and Publishers may negotiate sepa-
rate contracts with independent broadcasters,
to reduce rates for such small units.
Paul Siegel, an attorney of Washington,
D. C, who has acted for various small sta-
tions, has been reported conferring with
John G. Paine of ASCAP, on this move.
He was said to have told Mr. Paine that
the small stations whom he represented did
not ■ want the National Association of
Broadcasters to sign new contracts for
them.
The Society is said to have heard this
desire for independent negotiations from
other small stations.
An ASCAP official last week asserted
that the society recognized that indepen-
dent stations send out only 40 per cent of
the ASCAP music broadcast, and that their
fees, nevertheless, amounted to 60 per cent
of ASCAP's revenue from radio, annually.
It was said that the society, in its dispute
with the Association, recognizes the jus-
tice of that organization's claim that the
networks finance the experimental and de-
velopmental work of the radio industry, and
that they are also building another market
for music, television. But the society's view-
point, it was stated, is that this is an in-
herent broadcasting matter, to be settled
among broadcasters ; but no argument for
reduced rates for networks.
To Produce Verne Classic
Walter Wanger plans to produce Jules
Verne's classic of adventure, "Around the
World in 80 Days," as the most" pretentious
film the producer ever has attempted. The
budget has been set at $2,000,000, according
to Mr. Wanger, and the picture will go
into work in February. Jacques Thery is
working on the screen adaptation of the
book, and negotiations are under way for
Ronald Colman to play the leading role.
United Artists will distribute the picture.
Monogram Deals Set
Monogram has closed deals for the 1939-
'40 product with Pal Amusement Company,
covering Georgia; Interstate Circuit in New
England and the O. K. Theatre Circuit, Dal-
las, according to George W. Weeks, general
sales manager.
Lefton Back at Work
Lew Lefton, branch manager for Monarch
Pictures in Pittsburgh, has resumed active
duty after being confined to a Pittsburgh
hospital for an operation and treatment for
several months.
Lee Stewart has returned to New York
from Hollywood and will represent the Ros-
alie Stewart Agency in the east.
Max Gendel is handling public relations
for Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's "Bowl of
Rice" drive.
William Alexander, distributor, has se-
cured the American and Canadian rights to
"Blarney," Irish-made picture.
September 2 3 , 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
39
BROADCASTERS VOTE "WAR CHEST"
GENE BUCK DEFENDS ASCAP AT TRIAL
Members of Broadcasters Asso-
ciation Vote to Raise $ 1 .500,-
000 to Become Independent
of "Film Dominated" ASCAP
by WILLIAM F. CROUCH
in Chicago
Saying they were ready for action, mem-
bers of the National Association of Broad-
casters last Friday, in convention at the
Palmer House in Chicago, gave their unani-
mous support to a plan to free themselves
from the "motion picture dominated"
American Society of Composers, Authors
and Publishers.
W'ithout dissension, the association's
members, 300 strong, voted for establish-
ment of a plan to raise $1,500,000 with which
to start their tight against the ASCAP
group, who, they charge, control the music
industry.
No Controversy at Session
That the groundwork for the establishment
of such a plan has been carefully prepared by
Neville Miller, president of the Broadcasters'
Association, was e\-ident. The resolution to
form a corporation for the sole purpose of
creating a music supply for radio and other
interested parties, free from ASCAP, was
passed without controversy. Broadcasters were
unanimous in their approval to fight ASCAP
with their own money.
The plan for creation of a music pool in com-
petition with ASCAP was developed by Syd-
ney M. Kaye, attorney, in cooperation with the
Broadcasters' copyright committee. This cor-
poration, tentatively named Broadcast Music,
Inc., will sell 100,000 shares of stock to broad-
casters at $5 a share, though the par value is
$1. The other $4 will create an immediate sur-
plus for its operations. Allocations of stock to
stations will be made on the basis of their 1937
payments to ASCAP. Thus, a broadcaster who
paid ASCAP $1,000 in 1937 will invest $500
in Broadcast Music, Inc., of which $100 will be
for 20 shares of stock and $400 will provide
needed working funds. This $400 will also give
the stockholder a license to play the corpora-
tion's catalog of music, this license to be issued
for the minimum period of one year.
Seven Directors
Broadcast Music, Inc., will be administered
by seven directors : Mr. Miller, president of the
association, who will also serve as president of
the corporation temporarily ; Walter J. Damm,
Station WTMJ, Milwaukee, representing news-
paper-owned stations ; John Elmer, WCBM,
Baltimore, representing independents ; Edward
Klauber, of CBS, and Lenox R. Lohr of NBC,
representing networks ; S. R. Rosenbaum,
WFIL, Philadelphia, independent network af-
filiates ; and John Shepard III, Yankee Net-
work, Boston, representing regional networks.
Everett E. Revercomb will act as temporary
secretary.
Broadcast Music, Inc., will do everything
within its power to develop a catalog of worth-
while music, through cooperation with Holly-
wood studios which are not affiliated with AS-
CAP, by cooperation with recognized composers
and by encouraging promising talent in every
conceivable way. One independent leader said
that the work of recording companies and
others already has made it at least partly inde-
pendent of ASC.A.P.
President Miller opened the meeting by ex-
plaining that it was an emergency session of
the entire industry. The association was organ-
ized 17 years ago, he said, to solve the copy-
right problem, now costing radio $4,000,000 a
year, regardless of the amount of music used,
yet the situation has become aggravated instead
of improved.
'Any thinking broadcaster," he said, "has
been forced to the realization that radio, like
any other industry, must control its raw mate-
rials. We have made a sincere, but futile, at-
tempt to reach an agreement with ASCAP.
Since this organization is a virtual monopoly,
and is in a position to dictate any terms, our
salvation lies in fighting while we have the
wherewithal."
Calls ASCAP Income $6,000,000
The composers' society's total annual income
is $6,000,000, Mr. Miller said, radio being
called on to provide two-thirds of it. The mo-
tion picture industry supplies the greater por-
tion of the other third. However, it was stated
that the film industry was able, through its
ownership of music publishing companies, to
get a large part of this money back. Demands
on radio have growii more severe each year,
with ASCAP refusing to give serious consid-
eration to the industry's petition for a "per
use" payment for music, Mr. Miller added.
George Norton of WAVE, Louisville ; John
Elmer of Baltimore ; Mark Etheridge of Louis-
ville and S. R. Rosenbaum of WFIL, Phila-
delphia also spoke regarding the new plan.
Radio Called Responsible
While the broadcasters do not expect that
the formation of this music corporation will
enable them to do without ASCAP entirely, it
will give them a weapon, they believe, to use
in negotiating the sort of deals they desire. It is
thought by many broadcasters that in a year
the radio group will have enough music to be
independent from ASCAP if necessary. It is
claimed that radio is responsible for the success
of new music on a wide scale and that ASCAP,
when it realizes this, will be more tolerant in
its demands.
The formation of the corporation is expected
to take at least 30 days.
Another resolution adopted by the associa-
tion was in regard to the neutrality situation,
and urged that in self-regulation "the members
of the NAB will exercise the greatest possible
care in the use, preparation and transmission
of broadcasts, dealing with the war, to the end
that these broadcasts will conform with and
support this declared public policy."
Code Effective October 1st
The association's recently adopted code will
go into effect October 1st.
Adopted at the Atlantic City convention, the
code requires that radio stations shall provide
free time for discussion of controversial public
issues in such a way that conflicting viewpoints
in public matters will have a fair and equal op-
portunity to be heard.
The code also requires that news broadcasts
be factual and without bias or editorial opinion.
It also provides that children's programs be
based on "sound social concepts."
Where Find It? Asks Buck
Gene Buck, president of the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers, said in
New York:
"They have a perfect right to form their own
group."
He added, however, that most of the com-
posers, authors and publishers were members of
the society and said he wondered where the new
group would find its music.
Tells Court at Lincoln That
Dozen Lawyers Would Have
Been Required to Collect
What the Society Gathered
It would take a dozen lawyers, "fighting
tooth and nail," to collect the royalies which
the American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers has collected in Ne-
braska alone. Gene Buck, president, declared
Monday from the witness stand in federal
court in Lincoln.
Air. Buck was the principal witness as the
society sought to have declared unconstitu-
tional a Nebraska law passed by the 1937
legislature which outlaws associations of
composers and authors which seek to collect
royalties.
An Old Procedure
Under questioning by Louis Frohlich, New
York, attorney for ASCAP, Mr. Buck told of
the creation of the society in 1914. He told of
the fight to get the Motion Picture Exhibitors'
Association, cabaret operators and phonograph
companies to pay royalties to composers and
authors, who, before 1914, seldom collected a
cent for their efforts.
Part of his testimony was to show that the
various users had continually tried to get
amendments to the copyright laws to save them
from paying fees to ASCAP. Broadcasting, he
testified, has been the latest inroad of a mecha-
nized world into the musician's life. He said
radio had cut music sales 70 per cent and cut
the life of a hit tune from two years to six
weeks.
• He testified that the societv had collected
from 391 Nebraska users $68,789 in 1938, $54,-
474 in 1937 and up to June 1, 1939, over $38,000.
Before testimony began, the 15 lawyers and
other interested parties convened with the
judges. It was decided that jurisdictional mat-
ters could be stipulated and the main question
would be whether ASCAP is an organization
within the definition of the law in question,
whether it is a monopoly and if so whether the
law outlawing it is constitutional.
Prompted by Protest to Rancher
Aiding William J. Holtz, Omaha, special
state's attorney, was Andrew Bennett of Wash-
ington, D. C, counsel for the National Associa-
tion of Broadcasters and former special U. S.
attorney in charge of the now dormant anti-
monopoly suit against ASCAP.
Others who testified briefly were T. J. Te-
poel of Omaha for the society, Herman Finkel-
stein, New York attorney for the organization,
and John Riddel, assistant attorney general, for
the state.
The state began its defense Wednesday follow-
ing conclusion of ASCAP testimony by John G.
Paine, general manager of the society. Appear-
ing for the state were Joseph Mollac, president
of Nebraska Amusement Men's Protective As-
sociation, and John J. Gillin, Jr., manager Sta-
tion WOW and national association director.
They testified that their present relations with
ASCAP were "unsatisfactory but that without
ASCAP' music they would have to curtail."
The anti-ASCAP measure was brought about
after a protest to Senator Frank Brady, an
Atkinson, Neb., rancher, by one of his con-
stituents, who ran a dance hall. When Mr.
Brady drew the bill, he did not mention ASCAP
by name, but let it be defined by the wordage
which says there shall be no music combina-
tions for fixing prices.
THE
FRIENDLY-
COMPANY
REAFFIRMS
its previously announced
policy of:
Not insisting upon short subject, newsreel or trailer representation as a condi-
tion of licensing its feature productions, and to those who do lease these units
the Weekly Payment Plan is optional.
That score or recording charges will not be made on any contracts for its
1939'40 product signed subsequent to January 1st, 1939.
That it will gladly negotiate for some run of its product with any properly
. conducted theatre, providing the acquisition of such business would not seriously
affect its revenue from any prior run.
That it will recognize the desires of its customers to select days of their choice
for the showing of percentage pictures where guarantees are given.
That it will respect any legitimate claim for the elimination from its contract of
any picture likely to be offensive or objectionable to its customers' patrons from
religious, moral or racial grounds.
AND IN ADDITION:
It will offer to its customers who have leased all product
offered, and who are not in material default, an increased
and unrestricted elimination privilege of:
(continued above)
(continued)
20% elimination of features licensed where the average rental is $100
or less.
15% elimination of features licensed where the average rental is in
excess of $100 and not more than $250 and
10%^ elimination of features licensed where the average rental is in
excess of $250.
Also will give full consideration to its customers' requests for the
interchanging of a picture that is deemed to be unsuitable for preferred
time showing.
And where a theatre's prior commitments prevents it leasing the com-
pany's entire output it will in such cases gladly negotiate for a lesser
number of pictures, including those available subjects in which the
theatre is particularly interested.
It will continue to provide an Optional Arbitration Clause in its
contracts and will arbitrate under such provision any claims made for
breach of contract.
It is now preparing a new form of license agreement. A rider will be
submitted for the signature of those who desire to operate under the
new conditions and who had previously signed an application for its
1939'40 product. That all may have a full knowledge of the complete
contract, each is requested to read the new agreement when submitted,
thoroughly and carefully.
It has no present method of adjudicating clearance disputes or those
affecting over-buying, but will conscientiously review any complaints
brought to its attention and will continue to lend its every effort to
bring about a more harmonious understanding.
Its established policy of supporting its satisfactory customers, the fair
method of designating pictures and other relationship with the trade is
so well known that it is not believed necessary to reaffirm that which
by performance over many years is so well established.
It seeks the continued support of its customers and acknowledges its debt of
gratitude to those who have in the past expressed their confidence in its
policy by their uninterrupted patronage.
FOR THE FRIENDLY COMPANY
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
B & K RESTS IN FEDERAL
CONSENT DECREE CASE
Schine Action Postponed Two
Weeks; Judge Knox Agrees
to Delay New York Trial
The Government's contempt case, in Chi-
cago, against Balaban and Katz and the
majors for violation of a 1932 consent de-
cree, was concluded abruptly, on Monday,
in federal court, when Robert Golding, de-
fense counsel; rested its case without offering
testimony,
Edgar Eldredge, master in chancery,
granted until December 2d for the filing of
briefs. His recommendations, after this is
done, and after oral arguments on the law,
go to Federal Judge Woodward, who will
rule.
Upon the outcome of this case rests the
disposition of several other suits by inde-
pendents against the circuit and the major
distributing companies. The ruling on this
case will affect the whole Chicago clearance
system.
Conspiracy Charges Waived
Mr. Golding, in his surprise move, pointed
out that the Government had waived charges
of conspiracy against the defendants, and
that it was now merely a matter of inter-
preting the consent decree, an interpretation
which would not be affected by defense tes-
timony.
In legal chronology, the case now takes
this course. The Government is granted 30
days from conclusion of the case to submit
its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and
supporting briefs. The defense then has 30
days after receipt of these papers to serve
the finding and conclusions. The Govern-
ment then has 15 additional days to prepare
reply briefs. If oral argument is necessary,
Mr. Eldredge will set a date.
Schine Trial Postponed
In Buffalo, the Government anti-trust trial
against the Schine circuit was postponed,
on Monday for two weeks, both sides agree-
ing. Arguments for dismissal, made by the
defense, had been started before Federal
Judge John Knight.
Last week, in New York, Frederick Wood
was retained by the Schines as a special
defense attorney. Mr. Wood is of the firm
of Cravath, de Gersdorff, Swaine and Wood.
Willard McKay is the regular Schine at-
torney, and is serving with Mr. Wood.
In Dallas, Texas, L. L. Dunbar, indepen-
dent exhibitor, is suing the Interstate Cir-
cuit, and Karl Hoblitzelle, its president, for
damages of $54,443, in federal court. He
charges Interstate induced majors to force
him to raise admission prices, and had
caused a ban on double features with which
he had made most money.
Westway Argues Defense Motion
In Baltimore, the Westway theatre, plain-
tiff in an anti-trust suit against the majors
and the Edgewood theatre, is arguing the
defendants' motion for a bill of particulars.
In the New York anti-trust action by the
Government against the majors, John Knox,
federal judge, last Friday agreed not to rule
on the Government request for a trial calen-
dar preference, until the question of replying
to the interrogatories had been resolved.
The defendants, by agreement with the
Department of Justice, have until October
7th to answer or object to, the 68 compre-
hensive interrogatories on the history and
trade relations of the companies.
A new New York anti-trust suit, filed sev-
eral weeks ago in the state supreme court,
will be discontinued there and filed again in
federal court, according to Morris Bohrar,
attorney for the defendant, Mobeel Enter-
prises, Inc., in the action against the Century
Circuit, Warners, Paramount MGM, RKO,
and United Artists. The suit charges that
the Mobeel theatre, the Glenwood, in Brook-
lyn, was unable to obtain product after the
opening of a Century house, the College.
Gary Action in October
In Chicago, the Gary Theatre Corpora-
tion suit against the majors, Warner Thea-
tres, and Balaban and Katz is to start in
early October.
Answering the Griffith Amusement Com-
pany's request for a clarification of charges,
the Government, this week, in its anti-trust
action against that circuit, filed a brief with
the Federal District Court clerk's office in
Oklahoma City.
Attorney General Frank Murphy was ex-
pected to confer this week or early next, in
Los Angeles, on the case now being pre-
pared by his assistants on charges of irregu-
larities in the income tax returns of top ex-
ecutives, on the growth of the Fox Film
Corporation into the Twentieth Century-
Fox Film Corporation, and on the rumored
"racketeering" in Hollywood labor unions.
Museunn Entertains Members
Of Musicological Society
The Museum of Modern Art, New York,
entertained the members of the International
Congress of the Musicological Society fast
Friday. Following a luncheon on the pent-
house terrace of the Museum a film showing
of special musical interest was held.
The program included Van Eyck's "Ado-
ration of the Mystic Lamb," with a score
of 15th Century melodies; "A Nous La
Liberte," songs and background music com-
posed by Georges Auric ; "Les Trois Petits
Cochons," French version of "Three Little
Pigs," and "Colour Box," an abstract film
in which the design was composed to fit
the music.
New York Regents Reverse
Censors on "The Harvest"
The New York Board of Regents five-
man reviewing committee last week ap-
proved, without deletions, the French film,
"The Harvest," which had been previously
banned as immoral by the state censor board.
The French Cinema Center, Inc., appealed
to the Regents from the board decision.
It is one of the first times that the board's
decision has been overruled so decisively.
Week of September 16
CAPITOL
Screen Snapshots, No. 19. . Columbia
Ash Can Fleet MGM
Feature: Blackmail MSM
CRITERION
Seeing Red . Vi+apbone
Believe It or Else Vl+aphone
Feature: Payment Deferred . . MGM
MUSIC HALL
Going Places, No. 66 Universal
The Pointer RKO Radio
feature: Golden Boy Columbia
PARAMOUNT
Paramount Pictorial, No. 12. Paramount
Hydro-Maniacs Paramount
Feature: Star Maker Paramount
RIVOLI
Gun Play RKO Radio
The Pointer RKO Radio
Feature: The Real Glory . . . . United Artists
ROXY
Fashion Forecasts, No. 5. .. 20th Cent.- Fox
Feature: The Rains Caw*' ... 20th Cent.- Fox
STRAND
Remember When ,. . Vitaphone
Hare-Um Scare-Um . ..... Vitaphone
Feature: The Old Maid First Nat'l
Bellman Is Manager of
Republic Buffalo OfRce
Jack Bellman, eastern district manager
for Republic, has been assigned as mana-
ger of the Buffalo branch in the first move
of a realignment whereby the company's six
district managers will be given branch or
home office assignments. The Buffalo of-
fice recently was taken over by Republic
from the franchise owner and is one of
five operated directly by the company. Nat
Marcus, who has been manager in Buffalo,
returns to the sales staff.
District managers who were due in New
York this week for home office conferences,
beside Mr. Bellman, include Max Roth, Chi-
cago ; William Benjamin, St. Louis ; Grov-
er C. Parsons, San Francisco ; Harry La-
Vine, Philadelphia, and Clair Hilgers, At-
lanta.
Producers Pictures' New
Studio Is Nearly Ready
Producers Pictures Corporation's "western
studios" at Prescott, Arizona, will be ready
for production by the end of this month, ac-
cording to Bert Sternbach, its general man-
ager. At the plant, Ben Judell plans to
produce eight pictures starring "The Sage-
brush Family" ; eight westerns, starring Tim
McCoy, and eight "Tales of Billy the Kid,"
featuring George Huston, radio star.
George Bricker is adapting "Buried
Alive" for the screen, for the company.
It was announced that Bobby Clark, 13-
year old cowboy star of "The Sagebrush
Family" series, will make a personal appear-
ance tour, after completion of the second
picture.
Paramount News
is Front Page News!
First in War. .
First in Peace
First in tlie
Hearts o€
Bxliibitors • . .
--ll-^^^IiEMBE^
^^*^s Show
^''•st Actual
Scenes
'ft^enaored
vvar"we'rf' °" ^^ts of the P
^^vvs Tate ^^^i""^^ by pf "^°P^an
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^"d consisted of ? I 250 (
fly'-n^St^Ca'J'^ the^lrans^^^H^'^'?-
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PARAMOUNT
NEWS!
44
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
This and Some
Future W eeks
Hollywood isn't making pictures now in that
free and easy way to which the prosperity of
1936-1937 accustomed it. But Hollywood has
reiterated its resolve to make the big pictures
it listed in the 1939-1940 product announce-
ments.
There have been retrenchments in Hollywood.
The exigencies of the day have made possible
the polite firing of a lot of political hangers-on
and unrequired Christmas tree adornments. Of
course, in the shooting a few innocent by-
standers were killed. In the main the losses were
the adjuncts to overhead costs that meant so
much money spent without the appreciable evi-
dence of any profitable return to anybody but
the departed. Closer scrutinies of material and
personnel matters very surely will result in
further casualties.
Still, Hollywood will continue to make pic-
tures. It has to.
Nine Films Start
While Paramount said that almost half its
1939-1940 product had been completed, was in
the work or was ready to go at once, a recapitu-
lation of last week's picture making activity,
which totaled nine starting films, was featured
by 20th Century-Fox's launching of five. In
this studio the personnel was reduced by 400,
including 11 in the publicity department. Two
of the pictures require money to produce. "Day-
time Wife," a romance-drama, will feature
Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell, who was in
"Hotel for Women." Sonja Henie is the star of
"Everything Happens at Night," and Ray Mil-
land, borrowed from Paramount, and Univer-
sal's Robert Cummings will be featured. "The
Adventurer," which is a "Cisco Kid" story, was
started with Cesar Romero, Marjorie Weaver,
Virginia Field and Robert Barrat as the fea-
ture names. Amanda Duff, Lynn Bari, Donald
W^oods, C. Aubrey Smith and June Gale will
be seen in "The City," which is a remake.
Names in "The Man Who Wouldn't Talk" are
Erik Blore, Renie Riano, Onslow Stevens and
Douglas Wood.
A Series Picture
Universal started a series picture, "Vigilante
War," with Johnnie Mack Brown, Box Baker,
Fuzzy Knight and Frances Robinson as prin-
cipals. For Columbia distribution producer
Larry Darmour began work on "Illicit Cargo,"
which has Jack Holt as the star, with Irene
Ware, Eduardo Cianelli and Dick Purcell in
support.
MGM's "Judge Hardy's Son" will feature
the regular cast and that should be enough for
anybody's money. Kay Kayser's name leads all
the rest in RKO-Radio's "That's Right, You're
Wrong ;" music with a story, obviously, but
with Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Edward
Everett Horton and Lucille Ball on the roster.
Four pictures were finished. Paramount had
two of them, as did Warner Brothers. "Four
Wives" is the sequel to "Four Daughters" with
the same principal cast save for John Garfield.
Personalities with which to create added ex-
citement for the vividly titled "Gambling on the
High Seas" are Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman,
Gilbert Roland, William Pawley and Roger
Pryor.
Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beu-
LINCOLNIANA
RECORDINGS
So that valuable historical and per-
sonal data regarding Abraham Lincoln
-which have been unearthed by author
Robert E. Sherwood and the studio re-
search department might be available
to schools, societies, biographers and
study groups, the KCA-Yictor com-
pany has completed an album of re-
cordings of RKO-Radio's "Abe Lin-
coln in Illinois."
A- romantic scene, Lincoln's speech
from his law office, the prayer sequence
and the entire program of debates with
Stephen Douglas have been preserved
on wax.
lah Bondi and Elizabeth Patterson will be in
Paramount's "Remember the Night," William
Henry and Louise Campbell in "Emergencv
Squad."
Name News
After many years, D. W. Griffith again has
become active in the field of motion picture
production. The credits for "1,000,000 B. C,"
which Hal Roach will direct, will bear the
legend "Produced by D. W. Griffith."
* * *
Samuel Goldwyn is dealing with Miles Man-
der and Alfred Schiller to purchase their story,
"Heroes without Guns." The yarn is based
on the Red Cross movement from medieval
times up to the present war.
s}: % ^
David O. Selznick has bought Robert E.
Sherwood's play, "Waterloo Bridge," from
Universal. It was produced several years ago
with Mae Clark and Douglas Montgomery in
the leads.
Troy Orr, formerly head of the Twentieth
Century-Fox studio advertising department, has
been engaged by Universal to exploit the re-
issue of "All Quiet on the Western Front."
if %
MGM has signed Joe Yule for a role in
"Judge Hardy and Son." The appearance will
mark the first time the comedian father of
Mickey Rooney has played opposite his son dur-
ing tlieir screen careers.
* * *
Paramount has signed Victor Young to write
the music score for "The Light That Failed."
* * *
Columbia will feature Rosalind Russell with
Gary Grant in "His Girl Friday," a modernized
version of "The Front Page."
^ ^ ^
Marcella Bannet Rabwin, for the last 10
years executive assistant to David O. Selznick,
has resigned.
^ >{; ^
Warners plan to increase the number of pa-
triotic features to meet the demand created by
wartime interest.
Gene Towne and Graham Baker have been
allotted a budget of $1,000,000 for "Swiss Fam-
ily Robinson," first "The Play's the Thing"
production. Shooting will start in mid-October.
* * *
Beverly Roberts has replaced Mayo Methot
in Republic's "Abraham Lincoln Boggs."
Edward Small has harrowed John Brahms
from Columbia to direct "My Son, My Son."
* * *
Eddie Quillan has been signed by Twentieth
Century-Fox for a role in "Grapes of Wrath."
The picture goes into production Monday with
Henry Fonda starred and John Ford directing.
* * *
George Schaefer, president of RKO-Radio,
arrives in Hollywood Monday for a two-week
stay.
* ^ *
Fanchon and Marco have closed a new 10-
year deal to operate the Los Angeles Para-
mount theatre.
^ %
Preston Sturges will direct his own story,
"Down Went McGinty," for Paramount.
* * *
Paramount has returned "Geronimo" to pro-
duction for added scenes.
* * *
"Down to the Sea in Ships," an Elmer Clif-
ton story, has been acquired by Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox as a possible future vehicle for Linda
Darnell. When made as a silent the story helped
Clara Bow climb to screen fame.
* * *
Warners have given Brenda Marshall a prin-
pal role in "The Sea Hawk." Michael Curtiz
will direct with Errol Flynn starred.
* * *
MGM plans to start "Not Too Narrow, Not
Too Deep" within two weeks with Joan Craw-
ford and Clark Gable featured. The picture,
which Frank Borzage will direct, has a $1,000,-
000 budget.
^ ^ ^
William C. DeMille, brother of the more
famous C. B., has written his picture career
reminiscences in a book bearing the title
"Hollywood Saga," which will be published
next month.
^ * *
On the strength of his performance in "Bala-
laika," Walter Woolf King has been signed
for a role in MGM's "Broadwav Melody of
1940."
Paramount Production
Six new pictures are slated to go into pro-
duction at Paramount within the next month.
In addition to the two pictures which went
before the cameras earlier in September, "The
Farmer's Daughter" and "Strange Money," the
studio will start "Road to Singapore" Saturday
with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour fea-
tured.
Five pictures are listed to start in October.
No cast has been set as yet for "Triumph over
Pain," which Henry Hathaway will direct, nor
has the personnel for "Opened by Mistake" been
selected. Tullio Carminati, Madeleine Carroll
and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., will be featured in
"Safari," which starts on October 2nd. Direc-
tor Louis King will start "The Way of All
Flesh," October 11th, with Akim Tamiroff, and
Jack Benny's new comedy, "Buck Benny Rides
Again," gets under way a week later.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
45
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This departmen.t deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is.
to purvey it to his own public.
What a Life
(Paramount)
Teen Age Trouble
For quite some time there has been a "feeling"
that Paramount had a "clicker" in "What a
Life." The "feeling" is a certainty now, after
the preview. It's a high school boy story. The
appeal may be summed up tersely. It's simple
and human. If your audience has a heart it
should, as the prievew crowd did, laugh glee-
fully and cry without shame as it follows the
story of the adventures of "Henry Aldrich,"
who wasn't a bad boy but was blamed for all
the bad things that happened in his school. The
production, rich in its blending of exciting
comedy and heart-warming pathos, is all-family
entertainment.
"Henry" is the goat ; "George Bigelow" is the
hypocrite. They steal "Henry's" sweetheart,
"Barbara," when she changes into a glamour
girl from an ugly duckling. "Henry" is blamed
for putting a lighted candle under the teacher's
chair, for starting a fight. "Henry" finds it
hard to get his lessons and that leads to his
doing a bad thing, "cribbing" a history exam
and lying about it. That makes him the first
suspect when the band instruments are stolen.
But "Henry" has two good friends, "Mr. Nel-
son," a teacher, and "Miss Shea," in the office.
They get him out of the scrape, meanwhile see-
ing that the boy who committed the theft,
"George," is made to shoulder the blame.
When youngsters see "What a Life," it simply
will be a case of repeating their own school ex-
periences, with all the thrills, joys and heart-
aches. For adults it's a chance to live their
own teenage years again.
Jackie Cooper, in a part that carries him back
to his performance in "The Champ," is "Henry."
Betty Field is his girl. James Corner is the
boy who makes "Henry's" life what a life.
John Howard and Janice Logan are his kindly
friends, Vaughan Glaser is the hard boiled prin-
cipal, and Kathleen Lockhart the tough teacher.
Hedda Hopper is the boy's mother and Lionel
Stander the cock-sure detective.
The invisible crew, producer-director Jay
Theodore Reed, screen play writers Charles
Brackett and Billy Wilder, who adapted the
Clifford Goldsmith play and made it glow with
sympathetic touches in dialogue, situations and
characterizations, share equally with the players
in the picture.
Commending word-of-mouth advertising can
be expected from those who see the first show-
ings of "What a Life," but in a more direct way
exhibitors can capitalize on the name of Cooper
and his fellows, the popularity of the play as
well as that of the "Aldrich Family" radio pro-
gram in exploitation.
Prevteived at the Village theatre, Hollywood.
Seldom have zve noted a preview audience so
thoroughly enjoy a picture. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Produced
and directed by Jay Theodore Reed. Screen play by
Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder. From the play
by Clifford Goldsmith. George Hippard assistant di-
rector. Hans Dreier and Earl Hedrick film editors.
Photographed by Victor Milner. P.C.A. certificate
number 5247. Running time, 75 minutes. Release
date: Oct. 6, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Henry Aldrich Jackie Cooper
Barbara Pearson Betty Field
Mr. Nelson John Howard
Miss Shea : Janice Logan
Mr. Bradley Vaughan Glaser
Ferguson Lionel Stander
Mrs. Aldrich Hedda Hopper
George Bigelow James Corner
Miss Wheeler Dorothy Stickney
Miss Pike Kathleen Lockhart
Mr. Patterson Lucien Littlefield
Pinkie Peters Sidney Miller
Professor Abernathy Andrew Tombes
Janitor George Guhl
MacGowan Arthur Aylesworth
Miss Doolittle Wilda Bennett
Butch Williams Bennie Bartlett
Marjorie (Drum Majorette) Kay Stewart
Harold Leonard Sues
Don Bray Eddie Brian
Gwen Janet Waldo
Jessie Betty McLaughlin
Tony MiUigan Douglas Fahy
Gertie Roberta Smith
Miss Eggleston Nora Cecil
Dancing Co-ed
(MGM)
Comedy with Music
The prime appeal of "Dancing Co-ed" is to
America's youth of both sexes. Partly a col-
legiate story and partly a dance and music
frolic for jitterbugs, this Edgar Selwyn produc-
tion stars Lana Turner, Richard Carlson and
Ann Rutherford. It features band leader Artie
Shaw and shows ofif Roscoe Karns. Leon Er-
rol, Thurston Hall and Walter Kingsford in
character roles. It is directed by Sylvan
Simon. The screen play by Albert Mannheimer
is based on a story by Albert Treynor which
appeared in the American Magazine. In the
story, picture producer "Workman" plans for a
smash film blow-up when a feminine star is
unavailable. Press Agent "Drews" stages a
contest in all the nation's universities to find a
substitute, and plants "Patty" in a freshwater
college to be a surefire winner. School loyalty,
love from the dynamic campus editor, "Brad-
dock," plus other complications muddle things
up, with the result that the final contest, pre-
sided over by Artie Shaw, chooses "Eve,"
"Patty's" student guardian, as the surprise win-
ner of the film contract.
Light, gay and never to be taken seriously,
"Dancing Co-ed" is frivolous amusement, the
showmanship of which must be directed at
youth.
Previewed at the Village Theatre, Holly-
wood. Exceptionally hot weather was not con-
ducive to much audience enthusiasm. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Director, F. Sylvan Simon. Producer, Edgar Selwyn.
Screenplay by Albert Mannheimer. Based on a story
by Albert Treynor. Musical score, Edward Ward and
David Snell. Dance director, George King. Recording
director, Douglas Shearer. Film editor. W. Donn
Hayes. Photographer, Alfred Gilks, A. S. C. P. C. A.
Production No. 5505. Release date, Sept. 29. 1939.
Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 85 minutes.
General audience classification.
CAST
Patty Marlow .Lana Turner
Pug Braddock Richard Carlson
,'\rtie Shaw Artie Shaw
Eve Ann Rutherford
Freddy Tobin Lee Bowman
H. W. Workman Thurston Hall
"Pops" Marlow Leon Errol
Joe Drews Roscoe Karns
Miss^ May Mary Field
President Cavendish Walter Kingsford
Toddy Mary Beth Hughes
"Ticky" James June Preisser
Professor Lange Monty Woolley
Braddock Chester Clute
Sky Patrol
( Monogram )
Aviation Melodrama
This third in the series of Tailspin Tommy
features starring John Trent is beneficiary of
contemporary events focusing public attention
on the exportation of munitions from the United
States to elsewhere. Dealt with here is the
sumggling of guns and ammunition from a
point in the southwest, by means of hydroplane,
to a ship 20 miles at sea. The smugglers are
detected and ultimately disposed of by the hero
and other members of the U. S. Army sky pa-
trol, melodramatically and perhaps more realis-
tically than if a million dollars had been spent
to embellish the operation.
Milburn Stone, Marjorie Reynolds and Jackie
Coogan, the last-named sharing attention with
the star, contribute able performances. Joseph
West and Norton S. Parker supplied a com-
monsense screen play based on the Hal For-
rest cartoon strip. Howard Bretherton, direct-
ing for associate producer Paul Malvern, held
a tight rein on proceedings throughout, ac-
complishing thtis a considerable suspense.
Special effort is made to interest the youngsters,
a final dialogue passage amounting to a definite
announcement of the next film in the series.
Previewed at studio. — William R. Weaver.
Produced and distributed by Monogram. Producer,
Paul Malvern. Director, Howard Bretherton. Screen-
play by Joseph West and Norton S. Parker, based
on cartoon strip by Hal Forrest. Photographed by
Fred Jackman, Jr. Edited by Carl Pierson. P. C. A.
Certificate No. 5606. Release, undetermined. Running
time, when seen at studio, 61 minutes. General audi-
ence classification.
CAST
Tailspin Tommy John Trent
Skeeter Milburn Stone
Betty Lou Marjorie Reynolds
Paul Smith Jason Robards
Carter Meade Jackie Coogan
Colonel Meade Boyd Irwin
Bainbridge Bryant Washburn
Mitch LeRoy Mason
Jackson John Peters
Ryan Johnny Day
Bobbie Dickie Jones
Babes in Arms
(MGM)
Musical Comedy
"Babes in Arms" is one of the finest pieces
of entertainment ever to come from Hollywood.
It is musical comedy at its best. A vehicle for
the talents of Mickey Rooney, it displays him
to his best advantage. A story of comedy and
pathos, it expresses them to an exemplary de-
gree. And it is tuneful.
Taken from the Richard Rodgers-Lorenz
Hart Broadway hit of the same name, this
MGM production tells simply the story of an
unsuccessful "comeback" attempt of a group of
vaudeville "oldsters" and the success of their
youngsters in a musical comedy. Jack McGowan
and Kay Van Riper adapted the book to fit the
special talents of Rooney, No. 4 money making
star of the Herald-Fame 1938-39 poll of ex-
hibitors. Co-starring is Judy Garland, last seen
in "The Wizard of Oz," and an able com-
panion. Busby Berkeley, whose name had be-
come synonymous with film musicals, directed
this with the same touch that made his Warner
(^Continued on page 48)
so
s-te
ess
test
five
no-
OSS'-
The guns spew again! Men are mad
again! The world faces a crimson hell
again! Millions want to know — what does
it all mean ?
And the answer is here!
AN ANSWER — uncensored, showing what had
to be hidden before!
AN ANSWER— up-to-date, penetrating behind the
screaming headUnes of today!
AN ANSWER— more vital, echoing the thoughts that
fiU the minds of men now!
THE GREATEST WAR PICTURE OF ALL TIME
-MORE TIMELY NOW THAN EVER BEFORE!
Universal has prints ready nowT
SLACKOUT
f
nsorEO
Version
'Uncensored oy
or ro'
V.tary autWont,es
Universars presentation ot Erich Maria Remarque's Greatest Novel
Directed by Lewis Milestone * A New Universal Picture
NEW ADS, TRAILER, ACCESSORIES, READY NOW!
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
(.Continued from page 45)
spectacles successful. It is further appropri-
ate that Arthur Freed, song writer, should have
this as his first production task.
Supporting Rooney and Miss Garland are
Charles Winninger, Guy Kibbee, June Preisser,
Grace Hayes, Betty Jaynes, Douglas McPhail,
Rand Brooks, Leni Lynn, John Sheffield, Henry
Hull, Barnett Parker, Ann Shoemaker, Mar-
garet Hamilton, Joseph Crehan, George McKay,
Henry Roquemore and Lelah Taylor.
Two of the Rodgers-Hart songs, "Babes in
Arms," and "Where or When," are used with
Freed, Nacio Herb Brown, Harold Arlen and
E. Y. Harburg supplying others.
Previewed at the California theatre, Hunting-
ton Park, Cal., this reviewer seldom has seen
an audience so enthralled during the unfolding
of a picture. Its members went ivild, laughed,
roared, chuckled, had lumps in their throats,
and kept time to the music. It probably is still
talking about the film. — V. K.
Pi-oduced and distributed by MGM. Produced by
Arthur Freed. Directed by Busby Berkeley. Screen-
play by Jack McGowan and Kay Van Riper. Based
on the play by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
Art director, Cedric Gibbons. Associate, Merrill Pye.
Wardrobe by Dolly Tree. Photographed by Ray June.
Edited by Frank Sullivan. P. C. A. Certificate No.
5477. Running time, when seen in Huntington Park,
95 minutes. Release date, not set. General audience
classification.
CAST
Mickey Moran Mickey Rooney
Patsy Barton Judy Garland
Joe Moran Charles Winninger
Judge Black Guy Kibbee
Rosalie Essex June Preisser
Florrie Moran Grace Hayes
Molly Moran Betty Jaynes
Don Brice Douglas McPhail
JefF Steele Rand Brooks
Dody Martini Leni Lynn
Bobs John Sheffield
Madox Henry Hull
William Barnett Parker
Mrs. Barton Ann Shoemaker
Martha Steele Margaret Hamilton
Mr. Essex Joseph Crehan
Brice George McKay
Shaw Henry Roquemore
Mrs. Brice Lelah Tyler
Thunder Afloat
(MGM)
Wartime Navy Adventure
Thrilling production effects and lusty comedy
are the entertainment and commercial sub-
stances of "Thunder Afloat." Timely because
of the manner in which its story parallels
events presently happening, it teems with that
brand of robust adventure sought by patrons
who like sensationalism on the screen.
The clash 20 years ago between hastily as-
sembled fleets of sub-chasers and German
U-boats which invaded the Atlantic coastal
waters is the background for the personal
melodrama.
Against that authentic historical panorama is
told the story of a robust tug-boat captain, "Jon
Thorson," who considered the war a personal
brawl because the enemy had sunk his beloved
"Susan H," and the private war he waged
with rival tug skipper, "Rocky Blake," who had
been made his superior officer.
With war excitement to stimulate first in-
terest in "Thunder Afloat," the picture also
makes available the name values of Wallace
Beery, Chester Morris, Virginia Grey, Douglas
Dumbrille, Regis Toomey, and many others.
Based on a story by Ralph Wheelwright and
Harvey Haislip, both of whom saw service
with the sub chasers, the stirring screen play
was prepared by Haislip and Wells Root. Pro-
ducer J. Walter Ruben had the active coopera-
tion of the Navy Department and thus authen-
ticity is assured. George B. Seitz' direction
keeps things moving at a rapid clip all the
way.
Preznewed at the Village Theatre, Westwood,
Cal., the audience which had been led to ex-
pect a whole lot of spectacular entertainment,
was not disappointed. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced- and distributed by MGM. Produced by
J. Walter Ruben. Screen play by Wells Root and
Harvey Haislip. Story by Ralph Wheelwright and
Haislip. Directed by George B. Seitz. Frank Hall,
film editor. Photographed by John Seitz. P.C.A.
certificate No. 5476. Running time, when seen in
Westwood, 90 minutes. Release date: Sept. 22, 1939.
General audience classification.
CAST
Jon Thorson Wallace Beery
Rocky Blake Chester Morris
Susan Thorson Virginia Grey
District Commander Douglas Dumbrille
U-Boat Captain Carl Esmond
Cap Finch Clem Bevans
Milo John Qualen
Ives Regis Toomey
U-Boat Officer Henry Victor
Admiral Ross Addison Richards
Petty Officer Hans Joby
Ensign Dyer Henry Hunter
Admiral Girard Jonathan Hale
Betrayal
(World Pictures)
Romance in Venice
"Betrayal" is a French picture of Russia in
the reign of Catherine the Second, and localed
for the most part in Venice. It tells the story
of the pretender to the throne, "Elizabeth, the
Second," and "Count Orloff," favorite of Cath-
erine at the Russian court, who is sent to Venice
to get rid of the "upstart" pretender but obvi-
ously doesn't. Instead the "Count" and the pre-
tender carry on a romance that eventually leads
both to the scaffold.
The film, a rather uninspired treatment of
the romance theme, is notable chiefly because of
its contrast in production outlay compared to
other French films of recent years. A costume
piece, it is handsomely mounted and rivals some
Hollywood films in that respect. The star of
the film is a 15-year-old girl who appears older
than her years. Her name is Annie Vernay and
it is likely she will be heard from further.
Pierre-Richard Willm plays the "Count" and
Suzy Prim "Catherine of Russia." Direction
was by Fedor Ozep.
Reviewed at the Little Carnegie Playhouse,
New York, The audience appeared to enjoy
the film although not in stentorian tones. — Paul
C. MoO'NEY, Jr.
Distributed by World Pictures. Produced by Sey-
mour Nebenzahl for Nero-Chronos Films, Paris. Di-
rected by Fedor Ozep. Screen play by Companeez
and- Jacoby. Original music, Ricardo Zandenat. Pho-
tography, Curt Courant. Sets and design, Andreiev.
Running time, 78 minutes. Release date, September
15, 1939. Adult audience classification.
CAST
Elizabeth Tarakanova Annie Vernay
Count Orloff Pierre -Richard Willm
Catherine of Russia Suzy Karl
Prince Radziwill Roger Karl
Kid Nightingale
(Warners)
Farce
Warner's "Kid Nightingale" is as blithe a
farce based on the prize fight business as has
been made in Hollywood. It tells the story of
a lad who fights to sing and vice versa. Tangled
up with avaricious promoters who stage "set-
ups" throughout the country because the lad
is attractive to women, the lad finally leaves
the game after an opera bouffe championship
match.
John Payne, personable young singer who
succeeded Dick Powell as Warners' popular
melodist, and Jane Wyman, young actress whose
buildup has been a gradual process, share the
top cast positions and are supported by Walter
Catlett, Ed Brophy, Charles D. Brown, Max
Hoffman, John Ridgely, Harry Burns, William
Haade, Helen Troy, Winifred Harris, Lee
Phelps and Frankie Van. Charles Belden and
Raymond Schrock wrote the screenplay from
a Lee Katz story.
It was the first direction by George Amy,
former film editor. Mark Hellinger was Bryan
Foy's associate producer.
An idea of the farcical content may be had
from the hiring by the managers of an orchestra
to play "Listen to the Mocking Bird" when
"Steve" knocks out his opponents.
Previewed at the Warners Dozvntown, Los
Angeles, to an - audience -that went wild with
laughter. — V. K.
Produced and distributed by Warners -First National.
Produced by Bryan Foy. Associate producer, Mark
Hellinger. Screenplay by Charles Belden and Ray-
mond Schrock. From a story by Lee Katz. Directed
by George Amy. Assistant director, Lester Guthrie.
Photographed by Arthur Edeson. Edited by Frederick
Richards. Art Director, Ted Smith. Dialogue di-
rector, Harry Seymour. Gowns by Milo Anderson,
P.C.A. Certificate No. 5542. Running time, when
seen in Los Angeles, 58 minutes. Release date, not
set. General audience classification.
CAST
Steve Nelson John Payne
Judy Craig Jane Wyman
Skip Davis Walter Catlett
Mike Jordan Ed Brophy
Charles Paxton Charles D. B rown
F'tts Max Hoffman
Whitey John Ridgely
Strangler Colombo Harry Burns
Rudolfo Terrassi Harry Burns
Rocky William Haade
Marge Helen Troy
Mrs. Reynolds Winifred Harris
Announcer Lee Phelps
Trainer Frankie Van
Call a Messenger
(Universal)
Comedy Drama
Showmen who announce this as a merger of
the Dead End Kids and the Little Tough Guys
in behalf of a good time to be had by all will
be well within the limitations of ethical ex-
ploitation. Billy Halop and Huntz Hall of the
first group join with four of the second as
junior toughies diverted from a life of crime
by a stretch of service in the Postal Union
personnel, and they do a nice job of it without
overstressing humor, crime, virtue or any of the
customary ingredients. The several good names
also at hand for billing purposes are listed
herewith, all representing good performances.
Produced by Ken Goldsmith and directed by
Arthur Lubin from a tight screen play by
Arthur T. Horman, based on a plausible story
by Sally Sandlin and Michel Kraike, the film
is neither tremendous nor trivial, mighty nor
meagre, but a sanely, sensibly constructed item
of product combining sound story points with
able performances^ all set against evenly satisfy-
ing backgrounds supplied by Universal's un-
failingly successful art director. Jack Otterson.
It is suitable for any type of audience in any
locality.
Previezved at the Ale.vander theatre. Glen-
dale, Cal., where it gave fully satisfactory ac-
count of itself. — William R. Weaver.
Produced and distributed by Universal. Producer,
Ken Goldsmith. Director, Arthur Lubin. Screen
play by Arthur T. Horman. Story by Sally Sandlin
and Michael Kraike. Photographed by Edward Brendel.
Edited by Charles Maynard. P.C.A. certificate No.
5660. Release date, undetermined. Running time,
when seen in Glendale, 60 minutes. General audience
classification.
CAST
.Timmy Hogan Billy Halop
"Pig" Huntz Hall
Kirk Graham Robert Armstrong
Marge Hogan Mary Carlisle
Frances O'Neill Anne Nagel
Ed Hogan Victory Tory
"Chuck" Walsh Larry Crabbe
"Baldy" El Brendel
Bob Pritchard Jimmy Butler
"Big Lip" George Offerman, Jr.
"Murph" Hally Chester
"Trouble" William Benedict
' Yap" David Gorcey
"Sailor" Harris Berger
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(Universal)
Lantz Colored Cartune
A "blessed event" comes to the Panda family
and jubilation reigns both in the parents' home
and in the surrounding forest neighborhood.
The newcomer is a cute trick and with the years
continues to blossom forth as a pleasing Panda
personality except for one disturbing trait of
character. The makeup deficiency centers in
the youngster's craving for newsreel notoriety.
The urge to be in pictures almost results in a
family catastrophe but the fellows of the forest
rally to rescue papa Panda. In spite of the near
tragedy caused by this juvenile craze for public-
ity, little Andy still has the urge to be in the
public eye but daddy cures his offspring of his
Sepfember 23, 1939
! dangerous inclination by firmly whaling his baby
bottom. The cartoon cutups are brightly high-
lighted in gay colorations. Dubbed-in human
voices finish off the animated business to ef-
fect a pleasing and pretty pen point picture.
Running time, Syi minutes.
Filming the Navy
! (20th Century-Fox)
Newsreel Cameraman
I This is one of the Adventures of a Newsreel
Cameraman series and tells in stirring and
dramatic fashion the part the Navy plays as the
first line of defense of this country. The pho-
tography is outstanding. The battle fleet is
shown plowing through a high sea, preparing
for combat and engaging in a mythical war. In
peace time the technical aspects of the film,
which are first rate, would be the only consid-
eration in a review of the subject, but with an-
other European war an actuality the film has
also an aspect of propaganda, which, whether
intended or not, is there. Running time, 10
minutes.
Snuffy's Party
(Universal)
Lantz Car+une in Black and White
Similar in sense to the saying that "no one
loves a fat man" is the sad side of the social
scene of the skunk. Take for example the ani-
mated instance of Snuffy Skunk. He was a
good fellow, tried hard to please, but all his
efforts to be gracious met with disturbing sniffs
from his friends. When the poor animal, who
apparently had never heard of the right kind
of soap to use, gives a birthday party for him-
self, all the hungry horde attend. The party
manners of the guests would seem to smell as
bad as their host does. They lock him out. A
dam in the vicinity breaks and the house is
threatened with inundation until Snuffy faces
it. Then it retreats. The guests, penitent, don
gas masks, and felicitate Snuffy on his natal
day. All of which may serve as a fable for
the youngsters but it's not the best entertain-
ment. Running time, seven minutes.
The Violin
(French Cinema Center)
Violin Study
The French Cinema Center has imported into
this country a prize-wiiming short subject of
the Paris Exposition, "The Violin." The sub-
ject opens with an off-screen description of the
instruments in the string family and the tones
produced by each. Then the audience is taken
to the workshop where the violins are hand-
made by master craftsmen. Jacques Thibaud,
famed violinist, gives a selection on his Stradi-
varius. An interesting film for music fans. —
Running time, 10 minutes.
Silly Superstition
(Universal)
Lantz Cartune
The thesis of this Lantz laugh effort is to
prove that superstitions are silly stuff. Aside
from the incredibility of such far fetched be-
liefs, the cartoon effort in debunking the popular
potents of ill luck as the black cat, walking
under a ladder and the fateful day of Friday, the
Thirteenth, partakes of the silliness of supersti-
tious slogans. Although logic is the last factor
to be asked in the composition of cartoons, the
business of the miniature effects a boomerang
on its avowed purpose and the results of the
action would seem to postulate the conclusion
that there may be some ounce of reality and rea-
son in holding that ill luck follows the breaking
of superstitious canons. Anyway little Black-
ball ventures forth on a black Friday with the
avowed purpose of making faces at misfortune.
The laughs and the joke fall on the rash lad
and the finis of the argument and the subject
may lead the credible cartoon customer to be-
lieve that there may be something in this super-
stition stuff. — Running time, seven minutes.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
CAN AVOID WAR, SAYS
MANUFACTURER'S HEAD
A statement of the National Asso-
ciation of Manufacturers issued by its
president, Howard Cooniey, in New
York, Tuesday said:
American industry hates war.
War destroys lives. War wrecks
homes. Economic chaos and years of
crushing depression are its inevitable
aftermath. It imperils representative
democracy. Free i?istitutions are among
its early victims. Ultimately no one
can escape the ruin of war.
American industry wants peace.
Peace is the life blood of progress.
Peace must be the national objective.
Industry's position on this matter
has been stated repeatedly and there
must be no misunderstanding about it.
The United States can stay out of
war.
Emotionalism can betray us into
war.
A public will to peace, coupled with
wise public policies and affirmative ac-
tion to this end by our government,
will keep us out of war. A fatalistic
attitude that war is inevitable for us
is absurd. It presupposes that America
cannot conduct itself intelligently to
preserve peace and its own interests.
Old IV ar Films
Being Reissued
With the Second World War re-creating
a favorable market for war-theme pictures,
the motion picture companies continue to
dust off their old prints for re-issue. As
reported in Motion Picture Herald last
week, approximately 10 features and shorts
were being thus released. This week, there
are announcements of more re-issues.
Twentieth Century-Fox is re-issuing
"Road to Glory" and "The First World
War." The first picture was originally re-
leased in 1936, and stars Warner Baxter,
Lionel Barrymore and Fredric March. Dar-
ryl Zanuck produced it. The second picture
is a compilation of clippings from the ar-
chives of the belligerents in the last World
War. Truman Talley produced it,
World Pictures Corporation is re-issuing
"Le Grand Illusion," French-made war film
starring Eric Von Stroheim and Jean Gabin.
This was released here in 1938.
Paramount is to produce "Army Nurse."
The New^ York Globe this week was
showing "Torpedoed," a Film Alliance re-
lease.
N. Bernard Freeman, managing director
for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Australia, has
been elected president of the Australian Mo-
tion Picture Distributors' Association. Mr.
Freeman takes over the position left vacant
through the resignation of Sir Victor Wil-
son, who has been officially retained in the
temporary post as consultant to the associa-
tion.
49
Murphy to Speak
At Coast Banquet
Frank Murphy, United States attorney
general, will be the principal speaker at the
banquet of the Motion Picture Democratic
Committee at Beverly Hills Monday night.
The principal function of the banquet will
be to honor the producer of the picture,
which in the committee's opinion has con-
tributed the most to the ideals of democracy.
Those expected to attend included Mel-
vyn Douglas, as toastmaster, James Roose-
velt, Dashieh Hammett, chairman of the
committee sponsoring the award ; John Ford,
vice chairman ; Miriam Hopkins, Frederic
March, Franchot Tone, Dudley Nichols,
Donald Ogden Stewart, and others of the
film colony. The event will be broadcast
over the NBC-Blue network.
Theatre Owners
Ask Concessions
A resolution was passed this week by the
board of directors of the Theatre Owners of
North and South Carolina asking distribu-
tors doing business with exhibitors in the
Carolinas to put into effect trade practices
embodying the following points :
Twenty per cent elimination ; non-forcing
of shorts, trailers, newsreels and accesso-
ries ; elimination of all score charges ; price
allocation to be stipulated with notice of
availability, and fuU protection against non-
theatrical competition.
It was stated that many exhibitors in that
territory, under the belief that the privileges
of certain fair trade practices would be
granted, have bought products for the 1939-
40 season, and as a consequence are over-
bought unless these privileges are granted.
Commonwealth Managers
Convene Sept. 27th
The Commonwealth theatres of Kansas
City will hold their annual "King of the
Sun" convention and outing at the Osage
Beach Hotel, Lake of the Ozarks, Septem-
ber 27th and 28th. The chief topic of dis-
cussion will be the company's 14-week fall
and winter campaign which ends Januarv
6th.
Winners of the 1939 summer campaign
were Rex Barrett, Columbia, Mo.; D. E.
Fitton and Doyle Branscum, Harrison, Ark. ;
Raymond McKittrick, Harrisonville, Mo.;
M. B. Smith, Garden City, Kan., and Lee
Miller, Ashland, Kansas City, Mo.
In his annual report to Professor James
C. Egbert, director of the university exten-
sion division of Columbia University, Dr.
Russell Potter, director of the Division of
Motion Picture Study, recommended the dis-
continuance of all brands of "political cen-
sorship" of films. Included in the recom-
mendations of the report was the suggestion
of the abolition of the New York State
Board of Censors. Dr. Potter deHv,ered the
opinion that "the division opposes political
control of moving pictures on the grounds
that it is un-American, inevitably and wholly
stupid in its administration and an unfair
hidden tax on the producer, the exhibiter and
the public."
Columbia Pictures has signed Claude Bin-
yon, writer, to a three-year contract. The
writer, with Paramount for the last six
years, has been assigned to work with the
Wesley Ruggles unit.
HENDRIK WILLEM VAN LOON'S
j~nr_H J \ _i
o1 ^^S-
Narrated by
VAILABLE N01V AT MONOGRAM EX
flNGES • Running Time 65 Minute
52
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
SCHINES LIST 39 POINTERS NEEDED
TO GET COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE
Circuit Management Provides
Chart for Analysis of Dis-
trict, Ranging from Laws
to Forms of Competition
The Schine Circuit is circulating among
the managers and assistants of its 150 the-
atres in New York, Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, Maryland and Kentucky, a chart an-
alyzing almost every conceivable point to
be considered by an exhibitor or house man-
ager in gaining a knowledge of his com-
munity to further strengthen his box office
with steady support.
39 Pointers
Thirty-nine different "pointers to community
knowledge" are listed by the Schine manage-
ment for analyzing a community or neighbor-
hood from which a theatre draws its patronage,
ranging all the way from laws, regulations and
local ordinances with which a manager should
have a working knowledge, to the various forms
of competition, within and outside of exhibition
with which he should also be familiar.
While directed in this instance to the Schine
managers, much of the information contained in
the chart may be adopted by any exhibitor and
adapted to his operation.
The circuit points out that there is much
more to this subject than knowing the popula-
tion of the town in which the theatre is located
and approximately how far the potentialities
extend into the rural territory.
Selection of Appeal
"Knowledge of a particular community," they
say, "determines the selection of the appeal
that will be emphasized in selling a particular
attraction, the investment necessary in advertis-
ing campaigns for adequate coverage most eco-
nomically achieved, admission prices, starting
hours of programs and many other operating
details.
"Cooperative advertising activities are used
to their fullest extent only when the manager
has full knowledge of the community. Agencies
for developing goodwill toward the theatre as
a local institution demand knowledge of the
community. Local holidays and local events
which offer opportunities for making attractions
and their merchandising more effective, demand
complete knowledge of the community," con-
tinues the Schine advice to managers.
"Long residence in any situation is not neces-
sarily required," says the management. "In
fact, unless some systematic effort is made to
build up knowledge of your community as it
affects theatre operation, even long residence
might not serve the purpose."
The 39 "pointers to community knowledge"
which the managers are advised to study and
adapt to their operation are as follows :
General
1. Local holidays and occasions — the date,
spirit and extent of the celebration — facts which
will hamper thgatre attendance — facts which can
be used to increase theatre attendance.
2. Local ordinances, such as these —
(a) Restricting the distribution of heralds
and printed matter on the streets.
(b) Restricting house to house distribution
of heralds and printed matter.
(c) Prohibiting automobile windshield stick-
ers.
(d) Restricting the placing of doorknob
hangers.
QUACK! QUACK!
IS DISNEY JEALOUS!
The flighty and tistially harassed fig-
7ire of Walt Disrtey's Donald Duck
took on a pontifical air recently as,
chest proudly swelling, he was award-
ed the degree of Doctor of Interna-
tional Friendship at the New York
World's Fair by Dr. Frank Monaghan,
professor of American History at Yale
University and the Fair's director of
research.
The only member of his family, the
proud Antinae, to reach fame through
celluloid rather than by the succulence
of his more edible parts, Donald was
taken through the General Motors Fu-
turama, introduced to a genuine ac-
tress, Judy Canova of the Broadway
play "Yokel Boy," and to Professor
Chang Shan Tse, one of China's great-
est living painters.
Bearing his honors lightly, the mal-
lard telephoned Hollywood to tell the
folks at home; only to be reproved by
Goofy, iL'ho superciliously said that
only Walt was allowed to receive
degrees.
This tuas too mtich for the Doctor.
"Jealous," said he, "just jealous."
(e) Restricting temporary electric signs.
(f) Governing the employment of minors —
age — hours of labor — Board of Education re-
quirements, etc. (recall insurance policy restric-
tions regarding losses occasioned by the em-
ployment of minors involved contrary to law.)
(g) Regulating sidewalk standees.
(h) Governing parking.
(i) Regulating permits for street parades,
ballyhoos, etc.
(j ) Regarding assignment of police or fire-
men in their theatres.
(k) Regarding the admission of minors.
(1) Regarding starting hours and closing
time of performances.
(m) Building law regulations as to exits,
standees, temporary lobby construction, emerg-
ency seats in aisles, house alterations, etc.
3. Local personages prominent in the social,
political and business activities of the communi-
ties.
4. Attendance records as to stars, types of
pictures, etc.
Civic Pride
5. Local civic pride and what determines it,
such as industrial, commercial, scenic, climatic
educational assets.
6. Principal industries and products manu-
factured.
7. Advertising of local products which in turn
advertise the community.
8. Agencies for employment. -
9. Labor, skilled and unskilled — type of work
— working conditions — pay days — employee or-
ganizations, etc.
10. Is the community specialized or diversi-
fied in its industries — peak periods — unemploy-
ment periods — wage scales.
11. Population by wards and districts — num-
ber of families — type of families — average in-
come of families.
12. Tourist visitors — the seasons — what
brings them to the community.
13. Centers of population within easy travel
distance of the theatre — outlying communities,
etc. — newspaper mailing lists — other advertising
coverage — R.F.D. for outlying sections.
14. The shopping district — shopping days —
special sales — markets.
15. Nationality and racial characteristics.
16. Schools — as to location, type, school or-
ganizations— influential personages. Churches —
as to location, type, church organizations — in-
fluential personages.
17. Libraries — library reports showing type
of fiction preferred — magazine circulation and
preferences — fan magazine circulation.
18. Musical preferences — sales at music stores
• — radio numbers most popular — hotel orchestra
programs.
Newspapers, Competition
19. Newspapers — coverage — type of readers —
reliability and reputation — physical appearance
of news columns and advertising columns and
feature and special articles — attitude of national
advertisers and local advertisers — editorial pol-
icy— cooperation — amusement page — composing
room services — personnel — cooperative activities
— advertising rates.
20. Clubs and societies — purpose — type of
membership — character of activities — meeting
days — (include Chamber of Commerce, Rotary,
commercial, civic, fraternal and social organi-
zations, American Legion, Boy Scouts, camera
clubs, dramatic societies, etc.)
21. Outdoor advertising — rates for full and
partial showing — boards available seasonalh' —
local shops — sniping — trolley transfer points,
etc.
22. Climate — how extremes of temperature
aft'ect living and business — possible weather
competition — how this competition can be met
— seasonal changes.
23. Theatre location — accessible by trolley,
automobile, bus line, etc. — transportation
schedules — car line transfer points — parking
facilities — parking regulations — visibility of the-
atre front, etc., passersby traffic — nearby
sources of possible drop-in trade, such as fac-
tories, markets, public institutions, department
stores, etc. — night street crowds, etc.
24. Government — date of election — chart
showing positions, names, and terms of officials
— functions of government that concern the the-
atres, such as Departments of Health, Police.
Fire, Licenses, Employment, Social Welfare,
etc. — movements that have strong local follow-
ing for general welfare rather than for parti-
san motives — Sunday amusements — censorship,
etc.
25. Competition — every possible form of com-
petition which might affect theatre attendance,
such as dance halls, beaches, amusement parks,
athletic contests, circus excursions, club meet-
ings, legitimate theatres, etc. In each case,
consider dates, type of advance advertising,
class of patronage attracted, possibilities of typ-
ing in theatre campaign, possibilities of counter-
acting competitive attention.
26. Opposition theatres — history of competi-
tive house — why it is losing patronage — why it
is gaining patronage — details of operation, such
as admission price, maintenance, service, sound,
ventilation, program starting hours, advertising
mediums, product used, protection, type of pat-
ronage, patrons' attitude toward the theatre,
.'^.re motion pictures shown in schools, clubs,
churches, department stores, hotels?
THE "UNDERGROUND"
NEVER SURRENDERS!
tATTLE LINES MAY SHIFT AND BEND
JUT THE "HOME FRONT" NEVER CRACKS!
Here^s a Picture You Can BELIEVE —
with characters so sublimely courageous
you can^t help hut love them!
ELOQUENT INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO CHERISH LIBERTY
Adapted from Shepard Traube's
magnificent narrative, **GOOSE STEP^'
Directed by SHERMAN SCOTT
AN IMMENSE RENOWNED CAST
A FOUR-STAR SPECIAL PRODUCTION
READY OCT. 8
NO WAR-
NO HATE-
NO PROPAGANDA-
BUT WHAT A STORY!
PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION
1436 NORTH BEACHWOOD DRIVE -HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
EXCHANGES EVERYWHERE
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
Griffith Heads New
Variety Chapter
L. C. Griffith, president of the Griffith
Amusement Company of Oklahoma City,
was elected president of a petitioning chap-
ter of the Variety Club at an organization
meeting held recently in the Biltmore hotel,
Oklahoma City.
Other officers elected are Morris Loewen-
stein, operator of the Majestic, Oklahoma
City, who is also president of the Oklahoma
Theatre Owners, and national secretary of
the MPTOA, to be first assistant; W. P.
Moran, treasurer of Southwestern Theatres ;
W. M. Zoellner, manager of the MGM ex-
change, treasurer; B. J. McKenna, comp-
troller of Griffith Amusement, secretary, and
Ralph Talbot, Talbot Theatres, Tulsa ; Max
Brock, Lawton; and Otto Rohde, Warner
Brothers exchange manager ; Jack Curry,
Paramount exchange manager; H. R. Falls,
general manager of the Griffith circuit; and
Sol Davis, Republic franchise holder, direc-
tors, all of Oklahoma City.
Other charter members include C. O. Ful-
gham, Griffith Amusement Company ; Bill
Slepka, Okemah; Oren Nuckles; Jimmie
Hobbs, Universal manager ; Ralph Williams,
RKO-Radio manager ; Harry . McKenna,
booker for K. Lee Williams Exchange, Inc. ;
Carl Burton, Cordell ; L. E. Brewer, Pauls
Valley; Homer Jones, Alva; Jake Watkins,
National Theatre Supply; Leonard White,
Weatherford; Phil Isley, president of South-
western Theatres, Inc., Tulsa; Claude Mot-
ley, Griffith Amusement Co. ; Johnny Gifiin,
Miami, Okla.
Calgary Is Winner of
George Schaefer Drive
Calgary, Detroit and Buffalo finished in
that order in the George Schaefer Drive,
according to Jules Levy, general sales man-
ager. H. F. Taylor is branch manager at
Calgary, J. Sharkey at Detroit and C. Boas-
berg heads the Buffalo exchange staff. Thir-
teen branches were over their quota and
share in the rewards. After Calgary, De-
troit and Buffalo they are Montreal, New
York, Washington, New Haven, Albany,
Toronto, Denver, Charlotte, Memphis and
Los Angeles.
San Francisco, G. Wm. Wolf, manager,
took first place in the "Fisherman's Wharf"
contest. Cincinnati, under the leadership of
Stanley Jacques, branch manager, and
Manny Trautenberg, ad sales manager, lead
all others in the Ad Sales Bonus Plan.
Paramount Holds Sales
Conference in Chicago
Neil F. Agnew, Paramount vice-president
and general sales manager, presided over a
two-day sales conference with district mana-
gers and home office sales executives present
at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago a week
ago.
Attending the meeting were J. J. Unger,
eastern division manager; Charles Reagan,
western division manager ; Oscar Morgan,
southern division manager ; G. B. J. Fraw-
ley and Alec Moss from the home office ;
district managers M. S. Kusell, Harry Gold-
stein, William Erbb, Allen Usher, Ralph Li-
beau, G. A. Smith, H. F. Wilkes and Hugh
Braly and M. A. Milligan, Canadian general
sales manager.
EXHIBITOR OFFERS
REWARD FOR HITLER
A reward of £10,000 {about $40,000
at current exchange) for the capture
alive of Fuehrer Adolf Hitler was
offered this week by a London exhibi-
tor to his patrons, according to a dis-
patch 'to the New York Herald
Tribune from its London bureau.
Michalove Sails on
Australian Mission
Dan Michalove, assistant to Sidney R.
Kent, president of Twentieth Century-Fox,
sailed a week ago from Los Angeles for
Australia. Mr. Michalove, who made a sur-
vey of Hoyts theatres in Australia last year,
will represent National Theatres in the con-
solidation of Hoyts and Greater Union The-
atres.
The deal, which will combine about 180
theatres, is to run for 20 years. It is sub-
ject to ratification by the boards of directors
of the respective companies. Charles E.
Munro, managing director of Hoyts, who
participated in the negotiations in this coun-
try, also sailed for Australia.
Seek Chicago Outlet
The problem of finding another Chicago
Loop theatre in which to show Universal
product is imminent due to the fact that
RKO has enough films scheduled for 24
weeks of playing time at the RKO Palace,
which formerly played both Universal and
RKO films for first run. The situation may
possibly result in the Jones, Linick and
Schaeffer Oriental theatre obtaining first
run films.
New MGM Cartoon Unit
Fred Quimby of the Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer short subjects department has in-
stalled a new cartoon unit at the studio.
William Hanna, director, and Joe Barbera,
cartoonist, are in charge of the unit, under
Mr. Quimby's supervision. They will pro-
duce musical cartoons only.
B. & K. Tournament
The Balaban & Katz Employees Club
staged its annual golf tournament at the
Bunker Hill Country Club, Chicago, a week
ago. More than 85 participated.
Film Lectures at Northwestern
Northwestern University, Chicago, is add-
ing a 24-week motion picture lecture series
to its college course this Fall.
Garrison Films, Inc., is releasing a musi-
cal short subject produced by Motion Pic-
ture Gould, Inc., titled "A Musical Message
from Hollywood."
World Pictures Corporation will release
"The City," produced for the New York
World's Fair from a Pare Lorentz outline
by American Documentary Films, Inc., and
Civic Films.
Bill Cody, Jr., has been signed by William
G. Smith of Jewel Productions Company to
appear in a series of youth adventure stories.
Nathan Straus Heads
"Night of Stars"
Nathan Straus, administrator of the
United States Housing Authority, will head
the sixth annual "Night of Stars," the the-
atrical benefit for the settlement of Jewish
Refugees in Palestine, which will be held
November 15th at Madison Square Garden
in New York City by arrangement with the
United Jewish Appeal. Mr. Straus succeeds
the late Harold Jacobi, who occupied the
chairmanship for three years prior to his
death last winter. Mr. Straus originated it
and held the chairmanship of the "Night of
Stars" for its first two editions.
Honorary chairmen of the producing com-
mittee are Barney Balaban, David Bern-
stein, Nate J. Blumberg, Jack Cohn, George
J. Schaefer, Joseph M. Schenck, Murray
Silverstone and Albert Warner. Louis K.
Sidney is chairman of the committee and
Marvin H. Schenck and Ben A. Boyer,
associate chairmen.
Close to $500,000 was raised at the past
five performances, over 100,000 attending.
"Time" Elects Larson
Roy E. Larsen has been elected president
of Time, Inc., by the company's board of
directors. Henry Luce continues as chair-
man of the board and senior editor of all
Time, Inc., publications, including, in addi-
tion to "Time," "Life," "Fortune" and "The
Architectural Forum."
Paramount Starts Construction
Signalizing the beginning of activity on
Paramount's new $12,000,000 studio project
in West Los Angeles, the company has an-
nounced that William Pereira has been hired
as chief architect of the new plant. Mr.
Pereira was also architect of the Esquire
Theatre in Chicago, among other buildings.
Form New Corporation
Bi-Pal Theatres, Inc., has been formed at
Albany, New York, with a capital stock of
$10,000 in $100 shares. Charles Steiner,
Benjamin Sherman, and Harry Fliashak are
directors.
Leon Schlesinger has promoted Robert
McKinson to chief animator of his cartoons.
He will supervise all animation work on
"Merry Melodies" and "Looney Tunes."
The Providence Bureau of Fire and Po-
lice has approved the picture, "The
Women," but banned the stage play.
Troy Orr, in charge of trailers and ad-
vertising at the Twentieth Century-Fox
studio has left the studio and has been suc-
ceeded by George Weiss.
Lawrence Fox, Jr., president of General
Films, has purchased motion picture rights
to the "Babar the Elephant" books by Jean
de Brunhoff, and plans making the pictures
at an eastern studio about October 1st.
Warner Brothers plan to reopen on Friday
the Tremont, Ansonia, Conn., the only War-
ner house in Connecticut darkened during
the summer.
"Imitation of Life," a Universal picture,
set a house record at the Savoy theatre,
Wilmington, Del., last week; that being the
ninth time the film had played the theatre.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
55
Al Adams Resigns
From Republic
Al Adams, director of advertising and
publicity for Republic for four years, has
left the company. Mr. Adams began his
film career in the advertising department of
Paramount-Publix where he was press sheet
editor and in charge of advertising layout
and copy. He was assistant advertising man-
ager for Paramount-Publix for a year and
then joined the advertising and exploitation
department of United Artists. After three
years there he went to Republic.
New Buying Pool Seen
In Indiana Cooperative
A new cooperative in Indiana, the In-
dianapolis Co-Operative Theatres, Inc., has
taken shape, under the direction of Harry
Markun, Oscar Kuschner, and Irving Tam-
ler.
While it is reported that the association's
prime purpose is to act as a buying agent,
its platform declared its purposes to be,
also, the reform of abuses, the prosecution
of evil-doers, the adjustment of controver-
sies, and the promotion of amity between
distributor and exhibitor.
AMPA Starts Its New
Season September 28th
With its first meeting of the new season
designated "Past Presidents' Day," the As-
sociated Motion Picture Advertisers, of
New York, have set the date as September
28th.
Past presidents are invited, and will be
asked for suggestions on association opera-
tions— and, especially, how to make it a
"service to the industry." Expected to at-
tend will be men like Howard Dietz, Hal
Horne, Ralph Rolan, William Ferguson,
Charles E. McCarthy, and Gordon White.
Eddy Tour Arranged
Nelson Eddy will visit 26 cities in the
United States and Canada on his concert
tour beginning in Sacramento, Cal., Febru-
ary 10th and ending in Milwaukee, Wis.,
April 27th. Following Sacramento he will
visit San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Den-
ver, Kansas City, Winnipeg, Minneapolis,
Chicago, Cleveland, Flint, Toronto, Roches-
ter, N. Y. ; Charlotte, Asheville, Washing-
ton, Boston, Providence, Baltimore, Phila-
delphia, New Brunswick, N. J.; Harrisburg,
Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Akron and Mil-
waukee.
New Shipping Amendment
A new amendment to existing shipping
regulations, which includes the shipment of
all motion pictures and equipment to for-
eign markets, and which will take effect
after October 1st provides that all shippers'
Export Declarations shall be filed in ad-
vance of clearance.
Elite Productions, Inc., with headquarters
at 1560 Broadway, New York, has been
formed by Ludwig Landy, and will produce
three films for the coming season, at the
Film Art Studios in the Bronx.
One of the films will be Yiddish, another
Negro, and the third a documentary on labor
conditions in America. The first is "The
Vilner Cantor."
National Broadcasting
Company Changes Rates
Marking the first general rate revision
since 1938, new rate cards have been is-
sued by the National Broadcasting Com-
pany.
They institute a rate increase in 16 per
cent of the network's stations, a decrease in
10 per cent, and make no change in the
rates of the remaining 74 per cent of the
stations. Listed on the cards are 174 sta-
tions.
On the "Red network," the discounts on
the hours from 8 to 10 P. M. have been re-
duced from to 2J/2 per cent.
Changes are effective October 1st.
Predicts Passage of
Ticket Broker Bill
It was predicted this week by Howard
Spellman, New York City councilman, that
his bill to limit legitimate theatre ticket
advances to brokers, to 75 cents, will be
passed by the Council.
The bill reads, in part, that a theatre
owner or manager may print upon a ticket
"the maximum premium, which in no event
shall exceed 75 cents, at which the same
may be resold by any ticket broker or
other person."
Mr. Spellman was an assistant producer
under B. P. Schulberg, at Paramount, in
1932.
cmcom
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Right now CINECOLOR can deliver 16 mm reduction
prints from 35 mm negative that have not been
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achievement in making a 16 mm color print or reduction.
Same volume, same clarity, same at high frequencies as
black and white. Fader set at same level.
2. Quality same as standard CINECOLOR.
3. Uniformity of prints guaranteed — only CINECOLOR'S
exclusive patented process makes this guarantee possible.
4. Prints of this quality never before ofFered at our price.
CINECOLOR IS THE BEST BUV IH COLOR
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56
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
IN COURTS
Court Cuts Award
In "Lynton" Suit
An award of $16,470 to Edward Sheldon
and Margaret Ayer Barnes against the
Moredall Realty Corporation for exhibiting
the film, "Letty Lynton," at the Capitol
theatre in New York was reduced to $3,-
099 this week by Vincent L. Leibell, federal
judge. Special Master Kenneth E. Walser
had recently granted the award after a
court ruling that "Letty Lynton" plagiarized
the play "Dishonored Lady."
Judge Leibell, in his opinion, character-
ized Moredall Realty as an innocent in-
fringer and reduced the award as a result
of a previous decision of the United States
circuit court in a suit against Loew's, Inc.,
and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Corpo-
ration which fixed damages at one-fifth of
the net income of the picture.
Attorneys for authors Sheldon and
Barnes were allowed $1,500 counsel fees
and the Special Master $1,000 by the deci-
sion.
Court Grants Plea
To Examine Zanuck
Thomas F. Noonan, New York supreme
court justice, this week granted to Robert
E. Sherwood and the Playwrights Produc-
ing Company the right to examine Darryl
F. Zanuck before trial, in Los Angeles,
but made it a condition that Mr. Sherwood
pay $150 a day to Julian Abeles, attorney
for Mr. Zanuck, for his legal services, $25
per day living expenses and $300 transpor-
tation expenses.
The order requires Mr. Zanuck to pro-
duce the records of the film "Young Mr.
Lincoln" at the examination. Twentieth
Century-Fox is defendant in a suit which
charges it with trading upon the popularity
of the Sherwood play "Abe Lincoln in Illi-
nois."
Assessment Reduced
Peter Schmuck, New York supreme court
justice, this week approved the settlement
of a proceeding brought by Milton C. Weis-
man and Kenneth P. Stenreich as trustee
of the Fox Theatres Corporation against
the City of New York to reduce assessments
upon properties of the Broadway & 165th
Street Corporation, a Fox subsidiary. Under
terms of the settlement, the City agrees to
lower assessments $10,000 for the years 1936
and 1937 upon discontinuance of the pro-
ceeding.
Milford injunction Granted
The superior court, Milford, Conn., has
granted an injunction against the Milford
Drive-in-Theatre, in the case instituted by
12 residents who complained against the
noise.
Italian Film Theatre
The Cinecitta theatre. New York, former-
ly the Squire theatre, opened Thursday as
a first run outlet for Italian films released
in this country by Esperia Distributing Com-
pany. The first release is "Scipio Afri-
canus."
IN N E W S R E E L S
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 2, Vol'. 22.— Neutrality re-
vision discussed by Congressmen. .. .Athenia survivors
tell of attack by submarine Squalus raised and
towed to port. ... Fashion display ot winter coats....
Navy and Texas Christian football teams in training
Boxing in Australia.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 3, Vol. 22.— War news
from Fance, England, at sea, New York and Wash-
ington 111 fated Squalus is finally brought to Navy
drydock Lew Lehr Riggs defeats Van Horn in
tennis for title and Alice Marble wins over Helen
Jacobs Ward wins amateur golf crown.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 200, Vol. 11.— Athenia
survivors arrive in America. .. .German U-boat raid-
ers filmed in action Congress to debate Arms
Embargo Act. ... General Pershing celebrates 79th
birthday Squalus raised and towed to Portsmouth,
N. H Fordham football team in training.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 201, Vol. 11.— British
plane carrier sunk by U-boat. ... British royalty
carry on. ... Windsor returns to England. .. .Conquest
of Poland. .. .Liners arrive in New York Harbor
Coney Island fire. .. .Tennis Golf.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 5.— International life boat
competition in New York Harbor Navy football
teams start Fall practice. . .Sea finally yields submarine
Squalus Athenia survivors arrive in Halifax
U. S. Army reinforcements on way to Hawaii
Recondition World War destroyers Army and
Navy in recruiting drive Comments by Congress-
men on neutrality law.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 6.— Germany's march in-
to Poland. ... German air fleet in action near Cracow
Nazi military strategy as filmed by German
cameramen. ... Pictures of the bombing of Warsaw
passed by Polish censor Bombardment of Wester-
platte.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 17, Vol. 11.— Athenia sur-
vivors interviewed. ... General Pershing celebrates
79th birthday Squalus raised in salvage triumph
Senators open war over Arms Embargo. ... Ginger
Rogers "signs name" in cement. .. .Navy football
team starts training. .. .Polo teams compete.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 18, Vol. 11.— England on
volunteer war basis. .. .State Department group leaves
for Panama. .. .$200,000 fire rakes Coney Island
Notables jam ships arriving in New York from war
zones Coast golfer wins amateur crown.... U. S.
tennis titles to Riggs and Miss Marble.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 806, Vol. 11.— Presi-
dent calls special session. .. .Athenia survivors reach
port 7th Cavalry Brigade leaves New York for Ft.
Knox Giant blast speeds new dam Japanese
goodwill flyers land at Newark Machine speeds
tomato picking Italian liner sails from New York
....Big log drive starts on coast Indians get
salmon by the ton.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREE^-No. 807, Vol 11.— Russia
invades Poland Situation in England Aircraft
carrier torpedoed. ... Squalus dead removed in dry-
dock. .. .U-Boat victims arrive in New York....
Welles ofif to Panama parley Flames sweep beach
resort Ward wins amateur golf title Riggs and
Miss Marble win tennis titles.
Warner Sales, Theatre
Managers Hold Meetings
Warner district managers met last week
in New York with Ben Kalmenson, western
and southern manager, and Roy Haines,
eastern and Canadian manager, to discuss
sales plans under the new merchandising
policy. Attending were W. E. Callaway,
west coast district; Fred Jack, southern dis-
trict; Henry Herbel, midwest district;
Wolfe Cohen, Canadian district ; Robert
Smeltzer, central district and Ed Schnitzer,
eastern district. Gradwell Sears and Carl
Leserman supervised the meeting.
Joseph Bernhard, general manager of
Warner Theatres, presided over a meeting
of zone managers last week at the home
office. Present were zone managers : James
Coston, Chicago ; Nat Wolf, Cleveland ; I.
J. Hoffman, New Haven; Don Jacocks,
Newark ; Moe Silver, Albany ; Ted .Schlang-
er, Philadelphia ; Harry Kalmine, Pitts-
bugh ; John Payette, Washington and Herb
Copelan, Atlantic City. Among home of-
fice executives attending were Clayton
Bond, Ed Hinchy, Leonard Schlesinger,
Harry Goldberg, Williard C. Patterson,
Frank Phelps, Nat Fellman, Abel Vigard,
W. Stewart AIcDonald, Harry Rosenquest,
Louis Kaufman, Herman Maier and Frank
Cahill.
OBITUARIES
Ethel Dell Dies;
British Novelist
Ethel M. Dell, British novelist, 2,750,000
copies of whose novels were said to have
been sold in the United States alone, died
September 17th at Hertford, England. Some
15 of her works were rated, at one time
or another as best sellers, and in the early
20's, she was reported to have one of the
largest, if not the largest circle of readers in
the world.
A British motion picture organization was
once reported to have paid her $100,000 a
year for the screen rights to all her writ-
ings.
Walter E. Wood Dead
Walter E. Wood, traffic superintendent
of RCA Communications, Inc., died Sep-
tember 14th at his home in Dumont, N. J.,
after an illness of nine months. He was
53 years old.
Lawrence O. Lind
Lawrence O. Lind, father of Lloyd, as-
sistant to George Weeks, Monogram vice-
president in charge of sales, died September
17th at his home in New York. Funeral
services were held Wednesday at the Fair-
child Chapel, Garden City, Long Island.
Georges Pitoeff
Georges Pitoeff, 55, actor and theatrical
producer noted for his interpretations of
Ibsen's plays on the French stage, died at
his home in Geneva, Switzerland, September
18th of a heart attack. He was a native of
Russia.
New Cummins Concern
Announced on Coast
Samuel Cummins, state-right operator, has
formed a new cooperative distributing-pro-
ducing company "somewhat along the lines
of United Artists," said an announcement
in Hollywood this week, which added that
it "is a closed concern with no stock sales."
Headquarters will be in New York and a
name is to be chosen after a meeting later
this month, the publicity release said.
Mr. Cummins is the distributor of the film
"Ecstasy" and co-producer of "The Love
Life of a Gorilla." Other pictures which Mr.
Cummins has handled include "Sex Mad-
ness" and "Children of Loneliness."
At Seiznick Studio
Sol Lesser has signed a contract with
Seiznick International Studios whereby he
will house his company and shoot all his
United Artists releases at the Seiznick Cul-
ver City studio. The first of his productions
for United Artists will be "Our Town,"
from the Pulitzer Prize play by Thornton
Wilder. It is scheduled to go before the
cameras late this year.
Max J. Felder and Sig Wittman this week
purchased the stock of Triad Theatres, Inc.,
operating the Vogue, Metro and Congress in
the Bronx, New York. The corporation for-
merly was headed by Ed Peskay. The Metro
and Congress are being renovated and will
reopen October 1st. The Vogue is operating.
Complete"
- - - "I HAVE BEEN A READER OF
YOUR MOTION PICTURE HERALD
EVER SINCE I HAVE BEEN IN THE
BUSINESS AND I KNOV/ OF NO
MORE COMPLETE PUBLICATION
FOR THE MOTION PICTURE IN-
DUSTRY. THE MOTION PICTURE
HERALD HAS EVERYTHING." - .
Motion Picture
Herald^ $5.00 a year
Domestic; $10.00 For-
eign; 52 issues with which
is combined Better The-
ATRESj 13 issues yearly.
O. H. REYNOLDS
Manager
HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
PORTLAND, OREGON
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
NEW YORK
58
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Seotember 23, 1939
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
The Light That Failed
(Paramount)
Tragic Romance
Millions have agreed t±iat "The Light That
Failed" is one of Rudyard Kipling's best sto-
ries. In it the author created an unforgettable
character, an English war correspondent-artist
who went blind while painting his masterpiece.
The story touches on many subjects. All have
dramatic worth. The main theme, however, is
a sympathetic love story, backed by stirring
action sequences resolute British soldiery comes
face to face witli fanatic Fuzzy-wuzzies in the
Sudan.
The hero's eyesight, impaired in childhood,
is incurably damaged in a native assault. Back
in London, he resumes his artistic career, but
then his childhood sweetheart proves no longer
dose or dear. Resigning himself to fate, he
chooses a bedraggled street girl to be the model
for his masterpiece. As blindness creeps on
him, the girl rebels at his iron discipline, and
when the great picture is completed, she de-
stroys it. He returns to the Sudan to keep a
date with death before a Fuzzy--wuzzie on-
slaught.
There will be hundreds in the picture, but
the principal names are Ronald Colman, Walter
Huston, Muriel Angelus, a Golden Circle mem-
ber, Ida Lupino, Dudley Digges, Ernest Cos-
sart and Colin Tapley. William Wellman,
maker of "Beau Geste," is the director.
Release date: Feb. 9, 1940 (tentative).
The Roaring Twenties
(Warner )
Melodrama
Those things which happened during the pro-
hibition era up to late 1929, and which now
seem almost incredible, will be the thematic
badkground of "The Roaring Twenties." The
picture will tell the story of three men, all ex-
soldiers, and a girl. One becomes the king of
bootleggers and soars to prosperitj' and power,
only to have the forces which elevated him
smash him into oblivion and death. Another
becomes the first of the racketeering gangsters.
The third becomes a lawyer and enters the
district attorney's office. The girl is a nonenity,
who becomes a spectacular figure in the glitter-
ing world of entertainment. AH the phases that
made the 1920-1929 decade really roar will be
dealt with.
The story used was written by Mark Hel-
linger, who during the period was an eye wit-
ness of all from the \-antage point of his repor-
torial desk. The screen play is credited to Jerry
Wald, Richard Macaulay and Robert Rossen.
Raoul Walsh, who has a record of more than
a hundred pictures, including "What Price
Glory," "The Cockeyed World," "Me, Gang-
ster," "The Bowery," as well as the recent "St.
Louis Blues," is the director.
The cast w-ill feature James Cagney, Hum-
phrey Bogart, Jeffrey Lj-nn, Priscilla Lane and
Gladys George. It will also present in feature
roles Frank McHugh, Paul Kelly, Joe Sa^Ter,
Elizabeth Risdon, Joseph Crehan, Robert Elli-
ott and George Meeker.
Release date: To be determined.
Dr. Cyclops
f Par amount)
Weird Adventure
While "Four Feathers," on which he served
as associate producer, is Ernest B. Schoed-
sack's latest credit, one needs to go back to
"King Kong," "Son of Kong" and "Most Dan-
gerous Game" for anything similar, as enter-
tainment, to "Dr. Cyclops," which he now is
directing. As "King Kong" was a phenomenon
of technical achievement and astounding melo-
drama, so will be this picture, which is being
produced in color.
The locale is the Perui.'ian jungles. There, at
the behest of a deranged scientist who is going
blind, comes a party of Americans, two men
and a girl. One strange adventure follows an-
other until the new arrivals discover they are
standing atop a radium mine, a secret which
the scientist has closely guarded. Promising
to show them some of his experiments, he traps
the group and reduces them to one-fifth normal
size. Thereupon begin the little people's ad-
ventures. Two are killed before the siuTrivors,
first secreting themselves in the maniac's speci-
men case, are able to kill him. As they fight
their way back to ci\-ilization they regrow to
natural stature.
Albert Dekker, noted stage actor, will be
seen in the title role. Janice Logan, Tom Coley
and Charles Hal ton are the Americans, and
Victor Kilian and Frank Yaconelli will be seen
as Peruvians.
Release date-: Dec. 22, 1939.
We Are Not Alone
(Warner)
Personal Melodrama
Paul Muni will be seen in another of those
character portrayals which he interprets so
ably. In the picturization of the novel by James
Hilton, who collaborated on the "Camille" and
"Career Man" screen plays, Muni will be seen
as a kindly English country doctor who was
too busy healing the sick to notice that war
clouds were darkening the summer skies of
1914. Though innocent of any wrongdoing._ he
became the central figure in a scandal inspired
by his shrewishly jealous wife. When she was
found to have died of poisoning, circumstantial
evidence forced his arrest, together with that
of an innocent alien-enemy girl whom he had
befriended, and both died on the scaffold.
The powerful story will present Muni, star
of "Louis Pasteur" and "Emile Zola," in the
tj-pe of character which won for him great
fame. While there are a great many in the
cast, the principal feature group is limited. The
main supporting players are Jane Bryan, who
was outstanding in "The Old Maid." Flora
Robson, one of England's foremost character
actresses, and 7-year-old Raymond Severn.
The picture is being directed by Edmond
Goulding, who is long experienced in the han-
dling of sj-mpathetic emotion stirring material,
as such pictures as "The Old Maid," "Dark
Victory," "The Flame Within" and "Riptide"
attest.
Release date: To be determined.
Four Wives
(Warner J
Family Story
Although "Daughters Courageous" inter-
vened, "Four \\'ives" will be the direct sequel
to "Four Daughters." Claude Rains. Priscilla
Lane, Roseman.- Lane, Lola Lane, Gale Page,
Jeff rj- L>-nn, ^lay Robson, Frank McHugh and
Dick Foran will be seen in this. John Garfield,
who was the sensation of "Four Daughters,"
will be missing. His ghost will be seen only
briefly and then as a vision, yet he may be con-
sidered the hero of the story. Additions to the
cast are Eddie Albert of "Brother Rat" fame,
who soon will be seen in "On Your Toes,"
Henry O'Neill, \"era Lewis and John Qualen.
Further continuing the "Four Daughters"
tradition, Julius Epstein and PMlip Epstein,
who did the screen plays for the preceding pic-
tures, collaborated on the screen treatment of
"Four Wives." which is based on a story by
Maurice Hanline. ilichael Curtiz, who directai
the first two family episodes, is again at the
helm.
Joy reigns in the household for two reasons :
star boarder Felix is returning and one daugh-
ter is going to have a baby. Tragedy strikes
quickly when it is learned that she never can
have a child, while "-\nn" (Garfield's widow),
now engaged to "Felix," is to have a posthu-
mous child. Haunted by the memory of her late
husband, she elopes with "Felix." When the
child is born, there is unhappiness and a sepa-
ration, but when "Felix" returns to give his
blood in a life-saving transfusion he happHy
can contend that the child has his blood in
her veins.
Release date : To he determined.
The Cat and the Canary
(Paramount)
Comedy Melodrama
Along about December 1st, theatre goers
probably are gaing to be in the mood for a lot
of rib tickling comedy salted and peppered with
a lot of spine chilling mystery, and exhibitors
will be combing the market for just such attrac-
tions. "The Cat and the Canary," which will
be available about that time, promises to be
the kind of feature described.
It is not a brand new property. It was a
successful stage show and popular picture 12
or 14 years ago.
The storj' may be summed up briefly.
The midnight readmg of a will in a dilapidat-
ed mansion starts a night of weird goings on
and eerie happenings in secret passages, a round
of hidden treasure hunts and a series of madly
baffling killings. Melodrama and comeily are
counterbalanced in the detailing and then there
is a love interest contrast.
Using the John WiUard stage play, Walter
DeLeon and Lynn StarUng did the modernized
screen adaptation. Both are skillful in their
specialties, DeLeon having written many comedy
screen stories, whereas Starling's record in-
cludes several mystery melodramas. Likewise,
Ellliot Nugent, director, has had much experi-
ence with both types of material,
value of thematic content and production detail.
For names to supplement the exploitation
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
59
exhibitors will have Bob Hope, Paulette God-
dard, now in "The Women," John Beal, Doug-
las Montgomery and Gale Sondergaard as pri-
mary ralues, and supplement them with Nydia
Westman, George Zucco, Willard Robertson
and Elizabeth Patterson.
Release date: Dec. 1, 1939.
Sued for Libel
(RKO-Radio)
Mystery Melodrama
The efforts of a radio broadcaster, a news-
paper girl and a reporter to solve a triple mur-
der and avert a libel suit, both situations hav-
ing their root in a practical joke that back-
fired, is the story of "Sued for Libel." A false
news tip brings on tlie libel suit and the trio's
determination to escape its consequences sets it
in frantic action to solve a murder mystery.
Their activities precipitate two additional kill-
ings. Of course a romance is developed. Some
clever detective work, involving the playing off
of husband-wife jealousy, permits the trio to
make the disclosures which name the real killer
and force cancellation of the suit.
For primar)' name values the picture will
offer Kent Taylor ; newcomer Linda Hayes,
who had been seen in "Conspiracy," "The Girl
from Mexico" and "The Spellbinder" ; Richard
Lane and Morgan Conway. The supporting cast
lists Kej'e Luke, Lillian Bond, now in "The
Housekeeper's Daughter," Emory Parnell,
Roger Pryor, Thurston Hall, featured in the
"The Day the Bookies Wept." and Roy
Gordon.
A Cliff Reid production. "Sued for Libel" is
based on a story by Wolfe Kaufman for which
Jerry Cady did the screen play. It is being
directed by Leslie Goodwins, whose latest pic-
ture is "The Day the Bookies Wept."
Release date : To he determined.
Untamed
(Paramount)
North Woods Romance
The principals in "Untamed," which will be
in color, are Ray Alilland, Paramount's rapidly
rising young star, Patricia Morison and Akim
Tamiroff. William Frawley, Eily Malyon, J.
M. Kerrigan, Esther Dane, Jane Darwell, Dar-
ryl Hickman and J. Farrell MacDonald will
be the chief supporting players.
The story of the picture is from Sinclair
Lewis' novel "Mantrap," and has been prepared
for the screen by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan
and Frank Butler. George Archainbaud is the
director.
It's about a big city society doctor who, to
overcome a passion for drinking, goes out into
the wilderness to find love with another man's
wife, and adventure. While the doctor and wife
have a respectful admiration for each other,
back fence gossip hints otherwise. The husband
finds out about it while his wife and the doctor
are battling a blizzard to bring medicine. He
discovers that everything is honorable, but in
the excitement the trio forget the medicine. The
backwoods husband delivers the medicine, but
is frozen to death. A year later, there's nothing
to stop the doctor-widow romance.
Release date: Dec. 29, 1939.
Clarence Robson III
The transfer of R. S. Roddick to Halifax,
N. S., where he will supervise theatres in
the Maritime Province for Famous Players
Canadian Corporation, will not mean the re-
tirement of Clarence Robson, former super-
visor. The reason for the transfer is the
illness of Mr. Robson, who is expected to
resume his duties after he recovers.
National Decency Legion
Classifies 13 Pictures
Of 13 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in its listing
for the current week eight were approved
for general patronage and five were listed as
unobjectionable for adults. The pictures and
their classification follow :
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "The Day the Bookies Wept,"
"Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,"
"Kid Nightingale," "Legion of Lost Fly-
ers," "Missing Evidence," "The Real Glory,"
"Sky Patrol," "Stop, Look and Love." Class
A-2, Unobjectionable for Adults : "The Cat
and the Canary," "Honeymoon in Bali,"
"The Rains Came," "Thunder Afloat," "Two
Bright Boys."
Announce Equipment Deal
H. B. Allinsmith, general manager of the
Western Electric Company of Cuba, has an-
nounced the sale of a half dozen complete
sound and projection equipments to Teatros
Modernos, a circuit which in November will
open six new theatres in and about San Juan,
Puerto Rico. Western Electric of Cuba
maintains in San Juan a large merchandise
stock tog'ether with permanent personnel.
Signs for RCA Service
A service contract covering the sound re-
producing equipment in the 24 theatres of
the Alpine Theatre Circuit, Inc., has been
awarded to RCA Photophone, according to
W. L. Jones, RCA service manager. Most
of the houses are in West Virginia and
Pennsylvania.
60
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
HOLIDAY: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Lew
Ayres, Doris Dolan, Edward Everett Horton, Binnie
Barnes, Jean Dixon — This is an excellent picture and
the second in our series of boosting Lew Ayres. We
played this three days and had a full house the first
two nights and a good sized house the third night.
Business dropped due to carnival. Lew, Cary and
Katharine go over big here. Flayed July 27-29. — Bob
Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham, Ore. Small
town and rural patronage.
IN EARLY ARIZONA: Bill Elliott, Dorothy Gulli-
ver— Just another cowboy show. Does Hollywood pay
for cowboy's stories? No wonder my patrons wear
out the cushions in the rest rooms. Played August
18-19.— Roy S. Hanson, Fox Tlieatre, Fertile, Minn.
Rural and small town patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Cary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthelraess, Thomas Mitchell — Good
picture to only average business. Good for "A" play-
ing time. Played September 1-2. — Ralph Earned, Para-
mount Theatre, LaCrosse, Kansas. General patronage.
OUTPOST OF THE MOUNTIES: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith — The first Starrett on new series and
it certainly is good. The plot, the photography and
the music by the Sons of the Pioneers is all that could
be asked for from any out-of-door picture. Tops. Run-
ning time, 63 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WEST OF SANTE FE: Charles Starrett. Iris Mere-
dith— These Charles Starrett"s please a few and not
like they used to. Why have the singing in them?
Leave out the music and let's have some action!
Played August 4-5. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre,
Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU: Lionel Barry
more, Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Edward Arnold,
Spring Byington, Mischa Auer, Ann Miller — Excellent.
Did a little extra business. It's screwy and ray
patrons liked it. Lionel Barrymore excellent. Played
August 6-7.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile,
Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
First National
BLACKWELL'S ISLAND: John GarHeld, Rose-
mary Lane, Dick Purcell — Very good action, gangster
type story. My patrons like this stufT. Played
August 4-5. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile,
Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald — What a show,
and can Bette Davis act. Business good. Had more
people tell me how much they enjoyed this than any
show all summer. Don't pass this one up. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien, Joan Blondell, May Robson — Flayed on bar-
gain nights to good business and satisfied customers.
Good story, wholesome comedy, good support and in
fact May Robson steals the show. Played September
6-7. — Ralph Earned, Paramount Theatre, LaCrosse,
Kansas. General patronage.
YES. MY DARLING DAUGHTER: Priscilla Lane,
Jeffrey Lynn, Fay Bainter, Roland Young, May Rob-
son— A good show and it pleased. The print was in
very poor shape and had some kicks on the jumpy
scenes. Played August 30-31. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer
ANDY HARDY GETS SPRING FEVER: Mickey
Rooney, Lewis Stone, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, Ann
Rutherford — Best of the Hardy series. Good for better
days of the week. Played August 24-25. — Ralph Lar-
ned, Paramount Theatre, LaCrosse, Kansas. General
patronage.
CALLING DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Bar-
rymore, Lana Turner, Lynne Carver — We played this
and it beat its predecessor by $50. Boy, are these
"Kildare" pictures good. Lew is definitely established
here. Do they like him! They are anxiously await-
ing "Remember." Next we are going to build up
Ray Milland. Played August 27-29.— Bob Sheridan,
Gresham Theatre, Gresham, Ore. Small town and
rural patronage.
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit, it is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer Gar-
son — This picture was made in England, and while it
contains some very fine acting, it is definitely not
a small town picture. Just made film rental on it.
Running time, 114 minutes. Played July 6-7. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Laraarr — Your foyers and rest rooms will resemble
battleship smoke screens when this is unreeling on
your screen. Poor Bob Taylor! Business way off.
Running time, 92 minutes. Played August 30-31. —
Stanley Lambert, Rialto Theatre, Racine, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Lamarr — Gorgeous Hedy and handsome Robert in a
rather weak production, and while business was above
average Metro will have to put this pair in a stronger
story or, better still, how's about Hedy in a sarong
and Taylor in a "G" string. Boy, oh, boy, would
the boys and gals go for that. Played August 20-21. —
Ralph Earned, Paramount Theatre, LaCrosse, Kansas.
General patronage.
MAISIE: Ann Sothern, Robert Young — Ann Sothern
came through in a spicy little comedy with a catchy
title that did very well at the box office and satisfied
the customers. Metro has a chance to make a star
out of this young lady as she proves that she has
talent, if properly cast. Put it in your better days of
the week. Played September 8-9. — Ralph Earned, Para-
mount Theatre. LaCrosse, Kansas. General patronage.
MAISIE: Robert Young,, Ann Sothern, Cliff Ed-
wards— A very enjoyable film. Lots of romance and
comedy and only one disappointing fact. We still
remember Cliff Edwards as "Ukulele Ike." It's been
a long time since we have heard him play his "uke."
How about it, Metro? Can't you squeeze in a tune
now and then? Running time, 74 minutes. Played
September 3-5.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
MIRACLES FOR SALE: Robert Young. Florence
Rice — Entertaining all the way. Good novelty, good
action, good comedy. Stand alone in smaller shorts,
and good second half for the big shorts. Running
time, 65 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (reissue): Charles
Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone — Done a little
better than average and it's good. Print in very good
shape. Play it again. Played September 8-9. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage.
ON BORROWED TIME: Lionel Barrymore, Bobs
Watson, Beulah Bondi. Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Una
Merkel — An excellent picture that will take a lot of
work to put over and then the draw may be disap-
pointing. Such pictures are too heavy for our small
town and although this is a masterpiece _ in every re-
spect, the audience reaction to such a picture is not
good. Running time, 99 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crys-
tal Tlieatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
ROSE MARIE (reissue): Jeanette MacDonald, Nel-
son Eddy — Played this second run and it did_ not do
as well as we expected. However, a great picture. —
C;. L. Niles. Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General
patronage.
SWEETHEARTS: Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson
Eddy — A nice show but I had plenty kicks and walk-
outs. Business poor. The farmers don't go for this
stuff. Played September 6-7.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON: Johnny Weissmuller.
Maureen O'Sullivan — Business above average, but not
compared to last Metro Tarzan. Too long between
pictures and the one released in between was prob-
ably the reason. Well received and up to standard of
all Metro Tarzans. Played September 10-11.— Ralph
Earned, Paramount Theatre, La Crosse, Kansas, (gen-
eral patronage,
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres, Lana
Turner, Anita Louise, Jane Bryan, Mary Beth Hughes,
Ann Rutherford — We played this three nights and all
seats were filled all three nights! I knew we couldn't
go wrong on Lew and, boy, is he good in this! We
gave the ladies a picture of Lew and the men a pic-
ture of Lana. Boy, am I glad we played this. — Bob
Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham, Ore. Small
town and rural patronage.
WIZARD OF OZ: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan,
Ray Bolger, Jack Haley. Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Mar-
garet Hamilton — A ihasterpiece! The most beautiful
fantasy I have ever seen on the screen. This stands
out better than the fairy scenes of "Midsummer
Night's Dream" because of the gorgeous color. I per-
sonally would have preferred the "Tick Tock Man
of Oz" plot to this one, but my hat is off to Mervyn
LeRoy for this great accomplishment. You still have
to work hard to sell this one, so don't book it in and
try to coast on all the national advertising. Business
was good. Running time. 101 minutes. Played Aug-
ust 16-18. — Stanley Lambert, Rialto Theatre, Racine,
Wis. General patronage.
WIZARD OF OZ: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan,
Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke," Mar-
garet Hamilton — Listen, boys, here's one of the great-
est pictures to ever grace your screen. Don't listen
to what some people say about being a kid's picture.
This is one of the biggest kids -adults picture you
have ever played. Class and entertainment all the
way. Big enough for any spot and extended runs.
Step on it and send your complaints to McPhee. He'll
be waiting. Running time. 101 minutes. — W. E. Mc-
Phee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General pat-
ronage.
WIZARD OF OZ: Judy Garland. Frank Morgan.
Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr. Billie Burke, Mar-
garet Hamilton — Entertaining production, beautiful
color, unlimited publicity tieups, well cast, good for
best days of week and extended run. Played Septem-
ber 10-11. — Ralph Earned. Paramount "Theatre, La
Crosse, Kansas. General patronage.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine,
Mary Boland, Phyllis Povah — This is a wonderful
picture for tiie box office. We had to hang the S.R.O.
sign out the first night. Miss Shearer and Miss
Goddard were never better, but Rosalind Russell steals
the show. Joan is great, too. By all means play it.
Played September 4-6. — Bob Sheridan, Gresham Thea-
tre, Gresham, Ore. Small town and rural patronage.
YOUNG DR. KILDARE: Lew Ayres, Lionel Barry-
more, Lynne Carver — The fans demanded that this
be brought back and we brought it back. Lew and
Lionel make a grand team and played to packed
houses. The swimming pool sequences were unusually
good. Played August 15-17. — Bob Sheridan, Gresham
Theatre, Greshani, Ore. Small town and rural pat-
ronage.
Paramount
BEAU GESTE: Cary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert
Preston, Brian Donlevy, Susan Hayward, James
12 FLIGHTS
TO
PinSBURGH
6 NON-STOP
FASTEST COAST-TO -COAST
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
Stephenson, Heather Thatcher, Donald O'Connor, Ann
Gillis, J. Carrol Naish — This is one grand flop at the
box oflfice here. Gary Cooper was never more miscast
as the 20-year-old English "Beau Geste." He never
once lets you forget he is from Montana. Cooper is
not handsome or even good looking and hardly any
of our audience who had read the book could feature
Gary as "Beau." Gary's through. However, Ray
Milland and Bob Preston were excellent. Brian Don-
levy does a fine piece of acting. Susan Hayward is
not worthy of her role. Heather Angel would have
been much better, and where was Claudia? The
changing of names and facts of a book always goes
far towards ruining a picture. The Fort Zinderneuf
sequences were well done. Played September 1-3, —
Bob Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham, Ore. Small
town and rural patronage.
GRAND JURY'S SECRETS: John Howard, Gail
Patrick — Played with "Sudden Money." Just got by
as double bill. Very ordinary, very little entertain-
ment. Pleased very few. — W. E. McPhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
HERITAGE OF THE DESERT: Evelyn Venable,
Donald Woods — A Zane Grey western that held the
interest. Better than average. Played August 11-12. —
Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural
and small town patronage.
INVITATION TO HAPPINESS: Fred MacMurray,
Irene D'unne — Expected a nice picture from this one
but was very much disappointed. This is not the kind
of picture for Fred. Am afraid your patrons will find
this picture slow and tiresome. The last twenty min-
utes are good. Running time, 95 minutes. Flayed
September 6-7. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
ISLAND OF LOST MEN: Anna May Wong, An-
thony Quinn — Played with "News Is Made at Night."
A double bill that pleased all the way. Take your
bread and butter pictures, boys, and double them.
Give a little more for the money and make some for
yourself.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID, THE: Lew Ayres,
Dorothy Lamour, Olympe Bradna, Karen Morley,
Robert Cummings, Helen Mack, Gilbert Roland, An-
thony Ouinn, Lionel Atwill — This is one of the best
pictures that 1 personally have ever seen. Just look
at that cast. We had special large ads run in the
newspapers calling the attention of the citizens to the
pictures these stars have been in that have played
this theatre. They all know Lew, Olympe, Dorothy,
Bob Cummings, who went over big. Gilbert Roland
(many remembered "Juarez"), Anthony Quinn in
"Island of Lost Men," a great hit here, and Atwill,
who was enjoyed in "Son of Frankenstein." We have
never regretted running Lew's pictures. Played Aug-
ust 12-14. — Bob Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham,
Ore. Small town and rural patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester —
Rochester made this the most entertaining picture
Jack Benny has turned out, but picture failed to
draw average business. It is hard to understand how
Benny can be so popular on the air and fail so miser-
ably at the box office. Played August 13-14. — Ralph
Larned, Paramount Theatre, La Crosse, Kansas. Gen-
eral patronage.
OUR LEADING CITIZEN: Bob Burns, Susan Hay-
ward — Good picture; good business. Pleased all. Run-
ning time. 90 minutes — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
tlieatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
SUDDEN MONEY: Charlie Ruggles, Marjorie Ram-
beau, Billy Lee — Played with "Grand Jury's Secrets."
Just got by as double bill. Very ordinary very little
entertainment. Pleased very few. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
UNDERCOVER DOCTOR: Lloyd Nolan, J. C. Naish,
Heather Angel — Nice little programmer. Pleased gen-
erally. Running time, 66 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
UNION PACIFIC: Barbara Stanwyck, Joel Mc-
Crea, Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy, Akim Tamiroff,
Lynne Overman — A very good show and pleased 100
per cent. A little too long and it didn't do the busi-
ness of "Dodge City." Played August 27-28.— Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
Republic
BILLY THE KID RETURNS: Roy Rogers, Mary
Hart — L^sed with "Inside Story." Just another horse
opera. Why don't somebody make a western a little
different? Played August 25-26. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patron-
age.
IN OLD CALIENTE: Roy Rogers, Mary Hart,
George Hayes — Good picture and good business. Run-
ning time, 55 minutes. Played September 8-9. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
IN OLD MONTEREY: Gene Autry, Smiley Bur-
nette, George Hayes — The best Autry yet. Good story
and enlarged cast. In fact, a first class production all
around.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
NIGHT RIDERS. THE: Three Mesquiteers (John
Wayne, Ray Corrigan, Max Terhune), Doreen McKay,
Ruth Rogers — Played on a dual bill. Our western fans
liked it immensely. We did nice business due to the
fact we had a men's impersonation contest that sold
us out. — Harland Rankin. . Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
RKO Radio •
CAREER: Anne Shirley, Edward Ellis— Dandy little
programmer that pleases all. Stand alone in the small
towns and strong half in the big towns. Running
time, 80 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
FIVE CAME BACK: Chester Morris, Wendy Bar-
rie, Lucille Ball, Joseph Calleia — An interesting story,
rather gruesome ending, well cast. Joseph Calleia
again proves a master artist in portraying a difficult
role. Well received and business average. Flayed
September 8-9. — Ralph Larned, Paramount Theatre, La
Crosse, Kansas. General patronage.
MAD MISS MANTON: Barbara Stanwyck, Henry
Fonda, Frances Mercer, Whitney Bourne — Some en-
joyed it; others didn't. Didn't please my box office.
Played August 11-12.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre,
Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND: Tyrone Power.
Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Ethel Merman — I enjoyed
it; so did my wife. We don't buy tickets. A box
office flop. Played August 13-14.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
ARIZONA WILDCAT: Jane Withers, Leo Carrillo,
Pauline Moore, Henry Wilcoxson — Many of our patrons
considered this the most satisfactory picture ever pre-
sented by Jane Withers. Leo Carrillo had a fat part
in which he scored heavily. Played August 26. — C. W.
Mills. Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patron-
age.
(Reports continued on following page)
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
(Continued fr-om preceding page)
CHARLIE CHAN IN RENO: Sidney Toler, Phyllis
Brooks, Ricardo Cortez, Slim Suramerville, Eddie Col-
lins— Fox made no mistake in selecting Sidney Toler
for Charlie Chan. Slim Summerville and Eddie Col-
lins supply plenty of comedy. An excellent picture.
No reason it shouldn't please all nice week movie
fans. Running time, 71 minutes. Played September
1-2.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
EVERYBODY'S BABY: Jed Prouty, Spring Bying-
ton, Shirley Deane — One of the best oi the Jones Fam-
ily. Plenty of laughs and pleased. Done a little extra
business. Played August 18-iP.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
FRONTIER MARSHAL: Randolph Scott, Nancy
Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes — Good picture;
good business. Will please all classes. Good enough
for a Sunday date and compares favorably with
"Jesse James," "Dodge City" and "Oklahoma Kid."
Running time, 70 minutes. Played September S. — E.
M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Richard
Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel Bruce—
A good show. Nothing big but it held the interest
from start to finish. Just average business. Played
August 23-24.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile,
■Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
INSIDE STORY: Michael Whalen, Jean Rogers-
Just fair. Used on double feature. One reason why I
have to double feature. Played August 25-26. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
JESSE JAMES: Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda,
Nancy Kelly, Randolph Scott— Played repeat on this
and it went better on a Friday and Saturday date.
Excellent picture; pleased all. Played September 1-2.
—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural
and small town patronage.
NEWS IS MADE AT NIGHT: Preston Foster,
Lynn Bari — Played with "Island of Lost Men." A
double bill that pleased all the way. Take your bread
and butter pictures, boys, and double them. — W. E.
McPhee, Strand Tlieatre, Old Town. Maine. General
patronage.
PARDON OUR NERVE: Michael Whalen, Lynn
Ban— A program picture that was fair. So was th"
business. Played August 16-17.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile. Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Alice Faye,
Tvrone Power, Al Jolson — A very good show that
pleased all. Didn't do any extra business but pleased.
Alice Faye very good. Flayed September 10-11. — Ray
S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Alice Faye,
Tyrone Power. Al Jolson — We did a fair business and
most of our audience enjoyed it. Played August 16-17.
— C. W. Mills. Arcade Theatre. Sodus, X. Y. Family
patronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple. Randolph Scott. Margaret Lockwood — ^Used to play
Temple on Sunday and Monday to top business. Later
NEW CONTRIBUTORS
ON FILMS PLAYED
New contributors to "What the
'Picture Did for Me" department of
Motion Picture Herald this week
include the following:
Stanley Lambert, Rialto Theatre,
Racine, Wis.
Bob Sheridan, Gresham Theatre,
Gresham, Ore.
Ralph Larned, Paramount Theatre,
LaCrosse, Kans.
Exhibitors Lambert and Sheridan are
reporting for the first time. Mr. Larned
was an earlier contributor, his latest
previous report having been in the
issue of April 2 5, 1936.
had to move to Friday and Saturday and business
held up. Now we play her on double bills and she
does only average business, yet Fox continues to put
her in their top allocation. Poor picture and business
only average. Played August 4-5. — Ralph Lamed,
Paramount Theatre, La Crosse, Kansas. General pat-
ronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple, Randolph Scott, Margaret Lockwood — This pic-
ture is much better than "The Little Princess" but
is still a long way below par. Just the same little sob
sister stuff and is very tiresome. Shirley will have to
make different and better picture or she will be com-
pletely washed up. Picture pleased children ICO per
cent, but adults grew restless. Running time, 78 min-
utes. Played September 8-9. — Guy G. Black, Plaza
Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda. Alice Brady.
Marjorie Weaver. Arleen Whelan — A very fine pro-
duction which drew a little better than normal busi-
ness. Played August 23-24.— C. W. Mills, Arcade
Theatre. Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
United Artists
KING OF THE TURF: Adolphe Menjou, Dolores
Costello. Roger Daniel — One of the best father love
stories I've seen. Had many good remarks about this.
Fair business. Flayed August 2-3. — Ray S. Hanson,
Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town
patronage.
MAN IN THE IRON MASK, THE: Louis Hay ward.
Joan Bennett, Joseph Schildkraut, Warren William,
Alan Hale— Tops! Cast could not have been better.
Louis Hayward proves beyond any doubt that he is a
top notch preformer. His portrayal ranks with Muni's.
Tracy's, Flynn's, Gable's and any other stars Holly-
wood has. La Bennett in her dark hair makes Lamarr
look like a fishmonger's wife, and Schildkraut, as usual'
is outstanding. Business good. Played September 3-
5. — Stanley Lambert, Rialto Theatre, Racine. Wis.
General patronage.
TOPPER TAKES A TRIP: Constance Bennett.
Roland Young. Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray — They
liked this. However, some complaints on continual
drinking. Why do they do this r It takes all kinds
of people to fill a theatre. Why antagonize any one
element? — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
Universal
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (re-
issue): Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, Scott Kolk. Rus-
sell Gleason, Beryl Mercer — We managed to get a good
print of this grand box office hit. We have a 700-
seat house in this town of 1,000 people and we had to
hang the S.R.O. sign out. We are so pleased by the
showing this film made that we are going to make
this town "Lew Ayres conscious." He was certainly
grand in this picture. Many patrons recognized Lew,
and others inquired "who the handsome lad" was.
At least 10 different people wanted to know when Lew
would play again. We have made arrangements to
show "State Fair" and "The Last Train from Madrid."
By all means play this if you can. Played July 1-4. —
Bob Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham, Ore. Small
town and rural patronage.
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN: Bing Crosby, Joan
Blondell, Mischa Auer, Baby Sandy — Best draw from
a Crosby production in long time. Mischa Auer and
Sandy helped in a big way to put this picture over.
Catchy tunes and good comedy. Played August 6-7, —
Ralph Larned, Paramount Theatre, La Crosse, Kan-
sas. General patronage.
FAMILY NEXT DOOR, THE: Hugh Herbert. Joy
Hodges, Joanita Quigley, Eddie Quillan — Skip it.
Played on Employment Night and had more complaints
on this than any picture in a long time. Story weak,
comedy poor. Played September 5. — Ralph Lamed,
Paramount Theatre, La Crosse, Kansas. General pat-
ronage.
MY MAN GODFREY (reissue): WilUam Powell,
Carole Lombard — This reissue was run with gratifying
success and excellent comedy and a very good print.
Very well received. Running time, 93 minutes. — ^A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
NEWSBOYS HOME: Jackie Cooper, Wendy Barrie,
Edmund Lowe, "Little Tough Guys" — Very satisfac-
tory to losing business because of the annual Fire-
man's Field Day. Played August 19.— C. W. Mills,
Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y". Family patronage.
WEREWOLF OF LONDON, THE: Henry Hull,
Valerie Hobson — W'e played this Sunday, Monday,
Tuesday. Wednesday and it was a howling success.
Miss Hobson was remembered by our patrons for her
portrayals in "This Man in Paris" and "Clouds over
Europe." This beat "Frankenstein" here. Hull is
perfect. — Bob Sheridan, Gresham Theatre, Gresham,
Ore. Small town and rural patronage.
Warner Brothers
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn. OUvia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — This show drags them in. Best
business this summer. Color helped. Plenty of action
is what the people want. Played August 20-21. — Ray
S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage.
INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY: Pat O'Brien, Ann
Sheridan, John Payne, Gale Page — Action from War-
ner Bros. I And. boys, you get plenty of it in this
baby. Exploited it from all angles and the people
just rolled in on days that were scorching (and we
have no ice plant here). First two days it opened we
took in more than average whole week's receipts _ of
the past five months. The press book is loaded with
stunts. Bang on this one and you should clean up.
Running time, 82 minutes. Played August 26-29. —
Stanley Lambert, Rialto Theatre, Racine, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
OFF THE RECORD: Pat O'Brien, Joan Blondell—
A better than average program show that drew fair.
Plenty of laughs. Flayed August 9-10.— Ray S. Han-
son, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
OKLAHOMA KID, THE: James Cagney, Humphrey
Bogart. Rosemary Lane — Right up our alley in the
small towns, but play it on Friday and Saturday. I
made a bad mistake bv playing on Sunday. Played
July 30-31.— Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile,
Minn. Rural and small town natronaee.
Short Features
Columbia
CHUMP TAKES A BUMP, A: Charley Chase— The
top shorts company of the industry comes through
with another hit comedy. This one is excellent. Run-
ning time. 17 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre.
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
September 2 3, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
63
COMMUNITY SING: No. 9— A cowboy band in cow-
boy songs. Excellent in every respect. Give it pre-
ferred time. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa,
Iowa. General patronage.
INSIDE THE CAPITOL: Washington Parade, No.
3 — A picture of the House and Senate Chamber in
Washington that is a trifle dry for our small town
audiences. Just fair. Running time, eight minutes. —
A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier. Ind. Small town
patronage.
RATTLING ROMEO: Broadway Brevities— One of
Charley Chase's best.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre,
Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
YES, WE HAVE NO BONANZA: Broadway Com-
edies— One of the best of the Stooge slapstick com-
edies.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ART GALLERY: Cartoons— Just another cartoon.
They have only used this three monkeys gag about a
dozen times in the past two years. Running time, 10
minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
RURAL HUNGARY: FitzPatrick Travel Talks-
Excellent as is all this series. Running time, nine
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
STORY THAT COULDN'T BE PRINTED: Passing
Parade, No. 8 — When a company puts out such a
short on this on historical facts, it is something that
should be praised to the skies. This short was abso-
lutely tops. Running time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
STREAMLINED SWING: Original Swing Band-
Dear Metro, let's us have more like this one. These
colored boys better than Mills Brothers. Excellent.
Give it your best days. — Guy G. Black. Plaza Thea-
tre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
Paramount
BREAKING THE NEWS: Paragraphics— Entertain-
ing sport reel. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF LAWRENCE WELK:
Headliners — Very good. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Thea-
tre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
LISTEN TO LUCAS: Headliners— This was terrible.
Music, photography and settings almost same as all
Paramount music reels. Junk it. Running time, 10
minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
RACING PIGEONS: Grantland Rice Sportlights—
Very interesting. Running time, eight minutes. — Ray
S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and
small town patronage.
SWEET MOMENTS: Russ Morgan and His Or-
chestra— Very good musical reel. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age.
RKO Radio
BIRD DOGS: RKO Pathe Sportscope— Very good.
Running time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. - Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
FER;DINAND the BULL: Walt Disney Cartoons
— Excellent but these shorts don't bring you any extra
business. Running time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Han-
son, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
MARCH OF time:, THE: We very much appreciate
this subject so much so we have bought them for the
third time. They to us are essential as any short sub-
ject. They play a great part in building a clientele. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre. Tillbury, Ontario, Can-
ada. General patronage.
TweirHeth Century- Fox
FASHION FORECAST, NO. 4: Fashions— In a class
by themselves as a colored fashion reel. Must be
played in the right spot.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre,
Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
INSIDE BASEBALL: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)—
Excellent. Pass the word along to your baseljall fans
when you are playing this. Running time, 10% min-
utes.—Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
United Artists
JERUSALEM: World Windows— One of the best
colored shorts this year. Play this one at Christmas.
—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural
and small town patronage.
MUSIC LAND: Silly Symphonies — Somebody must
have had some film to waste. If you haven't played
it, forget it. Running time, 10 minutes. — Guy G.
Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town
patronage.
WANDERERS OF THE DESERT: World Windows
— Another excellent colored travel reel. A credit to
anybody's program. — C. L. Niles, Niles Tlieatre, Ana-
mosa, Iowa. General patronage.
Vita phone
DANGEROUS DAN McFOO: Merrie Melodies-
Very good cartoon in color. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Tlieatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
DEFYING DEATH: Floyd Gibbons' "Your True
Adventure" Series — Just fair. Running time, eight
minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn.
Rural and small town patronage.
FEUD THERE WAS, A: Merrie Melodies— A laugh
from start to finish. Very good. Color good. Run-
ning time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Thea-
tre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
HOBO GADGET BAND: Merrie Melodies— Not so
hot. Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal'
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
VOODOO FIRES: Floyd Gibbons' "Your True Ad-
venture" Series — Too bad that this company has
stopped this series on 1939 contract, as our trade wants
them badly. Tliis one is very good. Running time,
10 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier,
Ind. .Small town patronage.
Serials
Columbia
OVERLAND WITH KIT CARSON: Bill Elliott,
Iris Meredith — Although I don't think this serial is as
good as 'Wild Bill Hickok," it pleases the fans and
that's all we care about. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Thea-
tre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
Republic
LONE RANGER RIDES AGAIN: Robert Living-
ston, Chief Thunder Cloud — One of the best of the
serials and has real draw. The kids love "Heigh, ho.
Silver" and the old folks do also. — C. L. Niles, Niles
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. Genera! patronage.
YEAR'S BIGGEST
IN PERSOH
IT'S A BOX-OFFICE
AVALANCHE FROM
COAST TO COAST!
f Smashed all Records\
\ this Summer! )
EDWARD EVERETT HORIIIN
Your audiences can't forget his triumphs in scores of screen hits.
They'll ALL want to see him on YOUR stage!
IN
By BENN W. LEVY
7/ie Funniest Romantic Comedy of Our Time
WITH A SPLENDID CAST OF STAGE FAVORITES
NATION-WIDE TOUR BEGINS FRI. EVE., OCT, 20
under the Management of LAURENCE RIVERS
For Bookings and Details Send In Your Stage Dimensions and Seating Capacity
Address: C. G. STEWART, Gen. Mgr., 19 WEST 44th STREET, N. Y. C.
No medium of advertising gives you the coverage you get wit]
NATIONAL SCREEN TRAILERS on your screen . . .
... or reaches as many actual customers ... or sells as man'
seats ... or has the double selling values combined in th
NATIONAL SCREEN TRAILER which sells your shoT;
through the eye and the ear... by means of the printed wor(
and the spoken word.
No other advertising has a record of performance as a ticke
seller to compare with the NATIONAL SCREEN TRAILEI
No other advertising medium costs so little as NATIONAl
SCREEN TRAILERS or sells so many seats: EFFECTIVE and CHEAI
Sepfember 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
65
MANAGERS*
ROUND TABLE
international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL. Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
OP
THIS IS THE TIME
Now if ever is the time for the theatreman, once and for
all, to consolidate the position of his enterprise as the sanest,
most reliable outlet for release and relaxation. War fills the
press, the air, monopolizes every conversation. Seeking to
escape from this ominous threat to world peace, a jittery pub-
lic turns to entertainment. The motion picture show Is set to
do the best day-in-and-day-out job of it in the hands of the-
atremen who realize this responsibility and accept it as an
obvious thing to do.
Already such acceptance is in evidence, currently from
Manager Stanley Lambert In Racine, Wis., who sounds the
clarion call in a type ad on "Golden Boy" at the Rialto. The
copy that brought citywide commendation follows:
"War . . . abhorred by decent, home-loving families the world
over. This message is tvritten to detract your attention from the
European crisis now existing. . . . Forget about war. . . . We
reiterate that motion pictures are yo7ir best entertainment and we
have just the picture to make you forget ..."
In advertising, public relations and staff contacts today
the theatre must be maintained as a universal refuge to earn
the added prestige it rates, to justify the moral obligation
the industry assumes In such dire times.
AAA
DIRECT FROM THE HEART
Members who read, in the news section of this issue, the
warming account of Ted Emerson's private "Star Maker"
premiere, in Omaha, for a hospitalized and homesick Detroit
orphan, will thrill, as we did here, to the job done by the
Tri-States Nebraska zone ad head. Any smart editor would
grab the story for front-page attentions, as did the local
dailies, the wire services and radio networks, in keeping it
alive over a two-weeks stretch. The extended publicity was
unusual. In that it was not planted, according to Ted, who
confesses that his heart dictated the promotion rather than
his "usual hardened efforts toward bigger grosses".
Your theatreman's sentimental side usually is as wide as a
barn door. His good deeds are many and anonymous, with
little thought of reward, publicity or otherwise. In this instance,
a watchful Providence chose to return Emerson's bread cast
upon the waters, in the form of boxoffice cake.
AAA
THEY BOTH TAKE SPEED
Wasn't so long ago that campaigns were studded with co-op
pages and single co-op ads. If not so frequently, the boys
are still turning them over — lately and vigorously, Ray Bell,
who admits to over 125 sizeable newspaper co-ops in the past
seven months 'for Loew's Washington theatres.
The present status of ad promotion is much like the science
of base-stealing: dormant, because today's baseball depends
more upon hitting than once-popular "inside stuff". It may be
noted, however, that the player able to steal bases con-
sistently will score more often than the bird who doesn't.
AAA
MAYBE THE SHORT CAN DO IT
To exploit the short subject, "Mechanix Illustrated", show-
ing preparation of national advertising for Hamilton Watch,
Bert Leighton promoted cooperation from the manufacturer,
although obviously the maker's name was not included in the
reel. The watch people were sold on the smart idea of dis-
tinctive window cards carrying prominent theatre mention,
with which the theatreman landed display space from every
dealer In Lancaster, Pa., and the county for his date at the
Grand.
Subject matter In shorts often induces cooperation other-
wise difficult to obtain. In this instance, it secured for Leighton
a lot of hard-to-crack display space that top star names could
not obtain.
AAA
"Kuehn-trained" may become a new classification of theatre-
men who learn about service from the manual by Rudy Kuehn,
run here recently in serial form. Our stock of reprints is
exhausted and requests continue to arrive. The latest is from
the Senior High School vocational class, Fergus Falls, Minn.
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939 \t
Through ads planted in the local dailies, George Irwin
of the Lyceum, Duliith, Minn., secures three early edi-
tions of "The Wizard of Oz" which were used as part
of his lobby display on the date. Atop the showcase
was a cutout of Dorothy, while at either side ^ were
planted the Scarecrotv and the Tin Man. In addition,
other giant cutouts were spotted strategically about
town. For his street bally, Irwin dressed one of his
employees as the Scarecrow and lad with back bannered
appropriately covered busy sections.
Round Table
n Pictures
Advance for "Our Leading Citizen" at the Paramount in Waterloo, la.,
as arranged by Bob Fulton, was the construction of giant postcard carrying
patron signatures which was addressed to Bob Burns, Photo of star posing
w>ifh card was used by the theatreman in local dailies.
Wcdm£mr,p(nmlaM.. W&
cuidLMmrihaii m wiM mjaif
{fm/vnmpkium ^OmJsoudmq
C'di^eiyya«J> OA imM t4}hM^M M,
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
WATERLOO. IOWA
AU6.21 O
1939
To publicize the 'Number 12 issue of March of Time which highlighted
the history of the industry. Manager Dave Martin at the Fox Paramount in
Hollywood sent a Chaplin double out on streets. Photo above shows Martin
talking to "Charlie".
At left may be seen the Danish Mickey Rooney double and Kay P. Nielsen,
publicist for MGM in Copenhagen who arranged the contest in connection
with "Out West with the Hardys". Lad wore back banner with copy.
"1 don't talk, you'd better see me in", etc.
September 23, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
67
Featured promotion for the 7iew season
campaign by the Vjiblix Great States theatres
of Danville, 111., was the "Ceiling of Lights",
as illustrated, covering entire block in which
theatres are situated, exploitation bringing
tttention of shoppers away from remaining
business section some tivo blocks removed.
Immediately successful, the display will be
permanent until end of the year to cover
holiday shopping season. Entire campaign,
of tvhich this was a part, was credited by
City Manager E. E. Crabtree to District
Manager T. P. Ronan; Manager Vernon
Everroad, Palace; Manager Don Knapp of
the Lincoln. Artists C. J. Rhodes of Peoria
and Gene Douglas of Danville also aided.
The Lionel Barrymore Handicap, run in honor
of the star's birthday and to advertise opening
of "On Borrowed Time" at the Orpheum in Yan-
couver, was the stunt arranged by Stan Pooley.
Mr. Barrymore sent a telegram of appreciation
and congratulations to the winner which was
read over the mike before the assembled crowds.
Promoted from cooperating jeweler was the
trophy presented to the lucky jockey and which
was displayed in store windoiv several days ahead
with appropriate tiein copy. Sailboat advertising
was also used to sell the show to the crowds that
gathered at nearby beaches, sails appropriately
imprinted during afternoon and early evening
cruises.
Mansfield, Ohio, turned out in force to
honor its leading citizen, Louis Bromfield,
author of "The Rains Came", which double-
premiered at the Ohio and Madison Theatres
there. Photo illustrated directly at right
shows two of the theatres' ushers who cov-
ered entire town carrying giant sign covered
vAth scene stills from the picture and stress-
ing the world premiere and reserved seat
angle. Lads would stop at busy street inter-
sections to "rest" for a few moments and
incidentally to give all a chance to read
their sign.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
Phillips Promotes
Quick Cooperation
In New Situation
They Say:
"I should like officially to enter your Round Table group and would appreciate
one of those membership certificates. You've got the finest exploitation section
in any publication and I can honestly say I have 'copped' more ideas from your
paper than all the others put together. I have a back file covering several years
and I find I can immediately find something to adapt to my needs anytime I need
it by simply consulting Managers' Round Table."
— Al Blasko, Manager, Warners' Jeffrey Theatre, Chicago, III.
"Summer months, those dreaded most by nearly all showmen, are over, and it
is with a certain amount of pride I write you this letter. Inspired by your beat-
the-heat campaign last spring, we did not let up all summer and kept plugging
with all our mid-winter vigor. Results were most gratifying. With two air-conditioned
theatres playing in the same vicinity, first-run, we were able to show considerable
increases over last year. I forgot to mention we only have a ventilating system
in our theatre."
— Ed Lamoureux, Manager, Famous Players-Canadian Empire,
Windsor, Ontario.
Ham Radio Apparatus
Sells "Secrets" for McCoy
The cooperation received from members
of the Athens, Ga., Amateur Radio Club
and the local newspaper aided Manager P.
E. McCoy at the Georgia Theatre in put-
ting on a stunt for "Grand Jury Secrets"
during its two-day engagement. In the win-
dows of a vacant store adjacent to the the-
atre, McCoy set up "ham" radio apparatus
with call cards from most every country
plastered around the windows' edges. A re-
ceiving and sending set was set up, entire
front of the building bannered with theatre
copy, lithographs and stills.
Members of the club stationed an operator
on duty during the hours the theatre was
open and each patron attending the show
was given "ham" radio message forms to
write a message of 25 words or less to any
friend in any country. McCoy reports that
over 400 of these messages were sent with
many answers received and called or mailed
to the senders. Local paper devoted page
one story to the stunt in addition to several
stories during the picture engagement and
idea was also featured in nearby town papers.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
DiPesa Garners Publicity
On Local "Tarzan" Search
High spot of Joe DiPesa's "Tarzan Finds
a Son" campaign at Loew's State in Bos-
ton was the elaborate atmospheric truck
which toured the entire city playing records
and animal roars. Much was made in the
local dailies over the publicist's hunt for a
local Tarzan, Jr., which brought a series of
special stories with art in advance of open-
ing, and the planting of a full-page in the
Sunday pictorial section of the Boston Post.
Action heralds were distributed at beaches
and playgrounds ; entire chain druggists fea-
tured special sodas and, through the cooper-
ation of the YMCA, they distributed, en-
tirely at their expense, a quantity of mimeo-
graphed circulars with pictures, theatre and
playdate plugs. Woodblocks were featured
on choice location newsstands throughout the
city, flyers distributed on a candid camera
contest and a graphologist in theatre lobby
brought additional publicity to the engage-
ment.
Bradley Promotes Libraries
For "Mr. Chips" Displays
Public library system of Eau Claire, Wis.,
aided Manager Dick Bradley at the State
Theatre on his campaign on "Good-bye, Mr.
Chips," by featuring displays of the book
in all their branches and having a girl at-
tendant available to answer all questions
on the picture. Imprinted bookmarks were
also distributed both at the libraries and by
the theatre, as were heralds.
Man dressed as Santa Claus walked about
town with back copy reading "I came all the
way back just to see," etc. Leading restau-
rants carried tiein copy on their menus and
various merchants came through with win-
dow displays in all of which the picture was
prominently mentioned.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Local Speedways Help Plug
"Indianapolis" for Denham
Tying up with local speedways, two racing
cars were promoted and properly bannered
with "Indianapolis Speedway" copy by C.
Denham of the Dominion Theatre in Vic-
toria, B. C, as his advance campaign on
that picture. A parade consisting of the cars
and p. a. sound truck was staged for Satur-
day afternoon, procession leaving the Cana-
dian Pacific Railway docks shortly after the
Seattle boat had arrived with a capacity
crowd, and followed a route along the main
streets and past the theatre. Show was
plugged over loudspeaker opening night at
local race meet.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Airship Sells "Navy"
Much was made locally over the stunt
reported by E. C. Reeves at the Princess in
Cookesville, Tenn., who for "Wings of the
Navy" corraled local lads who towed a ban-
nered plane from local airport to a city park-
ing lot in the center of town. During the
day, theatre sound truck was stationed at the
ship making announcements about the pic-
ture and playing records. Later in the day,
boys' band gave a concert in front of the
theatre. Reeves credits two of his staff for
pulling the stunt, namely, Charles Reeves
and Joe Mabry.
Moving over a short time ago from the
job of assistant to Manager George Dowdle,
at the Luna, Deming, N. M., to manager of
the Lea, Eunice, in the same state, Carmon
Phillips reporting a number of campaigns in
the new situation, emphasizes the procedure
of an Appreciation Week, put over in co-
operation with the city's leading merchants.
Purpose was for the businessman to thank
the locals for past business by means of
a week of special bargains heavily adver-
tised. The buildup was advanced by the
Mayor with a proclamation crediting Phillips
for the idea, this advance spread across
page one of the local daily.
The Round Tabler's "Week" followed
a month of solid activities, during which he
put on two outstanding stage events, a bath-
ing beauty contest, and in cooperation with
the Lion's Club, a "womanless wedding."
The beauty pageant entrants represented
various merchants, each store contributing
to the expense of a single entrant, identi-
fied by breast-banner carrying name of
sponsor. Show was held on two consecu-
tive nights, the eight finalists chosen by
applause competing on the final night for
the prizes of term contracts, loving cups
and other prizes.
Stages "Womanless" Wedding
For the "womanless wedding," Phillips
wrote the entire script which was in a
comedy vein. The "flower pots" carried
weeds instead of flowers and the ring proved
to be a horse-collar. The rest of the pro-
cedure was in keeping with participants in
comedy hillbilly attire. Business was capac-
ity on both shows with the Lions given a
percentage for the wedding performance to
aid their charity funds.
During his first month in the new spot,
Carmon promoted a free show for the local
youngsters and tied in with the paper for
a pair of guest tickets weekly, to the reader
finding his name concealed in the ads. Both
efforts were acknowledged in generous pub-
licity by the paper as were the other promo-
tions inaugurated by the theatreman.
The above are highlights of Phillip's first
month in Eunice, which he reports have not
only brought in a lot of extra business but
have also aided in building up important
prestige for a spot that needed a buildup.
In most instances, the tieins were obtained
without cost or held within the limits of the
house budget.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Klingler's Unique Tieup
Conceived by Paul O. Klingler of the
Rialto, in Lewistown, Pa. was the institu-
tional stunt in connection with visitors to
the New York World's Fair. Running a
trailer, stories and scene mats in the Lewis-
town Sentinel, cards were available at the
theatre to any patron anticipating attending
the Fair for presentation at the Loew-MGM
booth in Times Square. Patrons were re-
quested to register in a special book in the
theatre and the names were posted on a
panel in the main entrance of lobby, which
carried scenes of the New York booth.
NOW READY
THE MOST SIMPLIFIED THEATRE
BOOKKEEPINB SYSTEM YET DEVISED
SECTIONS
Holiday and Date Record
Film Clearance Chart
Insurance Record
Equipment Purchase Record
Fixed Expense Apportionment
Income (Ticket Numbers, Prices, Cash,
Taxes, Costs of Features, Shorts)
Payroll and Check Record, Bank Record,
Social Security Tax Deductions by
individual and complete listing of all
expenses
Profit & Loss, weekly and cumulative
Summary Sheet
Contract Record for each exchange
AND ANNUM TA
Compiled by THEODORE J. SULLIVAN
FEATURES
Running Times
Entire Week's Transactions on one page
Complete Contract Information
Complete yearly and departmental sum-
maries
Vari - colored stock throughout for
speedy reference
DuPont Fabkote Cover
Hammermill Paper
Special "Wire-o" Binding that holds
sheets firmly and keeps them abso-
lutely flat
Size of Book is 13" x 10"
Entire book a miracle of convenience
and simplicity
POSTPAID
ALL SECTIONS ARE DEVISED SO THAT FULL
TAX INFORMATION IS READILY AVAILABLE
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
Here is my check for $2.00. Send me "Theatre Management Record".
Name___
Add
ress_
City and State.
Theatre
TEAR OUT
AND MAIL
COUPON
TODAY
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
Exploitation Briefs
Here & There
For the personal appearance of Ebner and
Hank on the stage of the Bay Theatre, in
Green Bay, Wis., Francis B. Schlax ran ad-
vance newspaper ads to call attention to his
"Old Settler's Night" on his stage. To all
folks who had resided in Green Bay SO years
or more an invitation was extended to be
guests of the management to witness square
dancers, fiddlers, accordions, etc., etc. Street
bally consisted of sway-back nag with straw
hat pulling an old time bannered banner
about town.
V
Promoting a truck for his street bally on
"The Gorilla," Louie Lamm at the Uptown,
in Cleveland, bannered the truck, mounted
six-sheets on it and scene stills. Station on
center of the truck was an iron cage in
which usher dressed in gorilla outfit paced
back and forth as the bally toured through
the city streets.
V
Calling cards with the name Joan B. were
distributed on the streets of Springfield,
Ohio, as Mike Chakeres' advance on "Bach-
elor Mother" at the Regent Theatre.
Also imprinted on the theatre telephone
number for further information. Another
street bally consisted of young girl pushing
a baby buggy with large doll in it; she also
carried an umbrella on which picture title
and theatre were printed.
V
For the opening of the remodeled Hoff-
man Theatre, in Buchanan, Mich., E. C.
Hoffman distributed heralds over a radius
of 50 miles, planted window cards in stores
in all surrounding towns and country news-
paper carried stories and publicity. Wires
of congratulations which were received from
the stars in Hollywood were displayed in
lobby on opening night, the local newspa-
per running a special edition, congratulating
the theatre and also conveying the well
wishes of the local merchants. Local high
school band which was promoted for the
occasion played in front of the theatre on
opening night.
V
In exchange for a few passes, Bob Ful-
ton of the Paramount, in Waterloo, Iowa,
promoted a model 1912 car which was used
for his street bally on "On Borrowed Time."
Installed in the car was a p.a. system and
microphone which made announcements to
folks on street as the car was driven through
the business district two days ahead of
opening.
V
To build business during the Summer,
Jimmy Redmond at the Bonham, in Fair-
bury, Neb., has promoted local merchants
for seven bicycles, one to be given away
each week, at his kiddie show. As many
stores are tied in on the deal, each of which
pays the cost of one bike. In order to get
in on the stunt kids must make a purchase
at any one of the cooperating stores, which
will give him a ticket, entitling him to a
chance at the gift. Drawings are held each
week and prize immediately presented.
Pittsburgh Warnermen
Report on "Honolulu"
Cleared through the zone office in the
Pittsburgh territory and forwarded by Jim
Totman of Joe Feldman's ad department of
Harry Kalmine's zone are the "Honolulu"
campaigns reported here.
At the Smoot Theatre, in Parkersburg,
F. T. Thomas used his public address sys-
tem to broadcast the music, etc., on the street
in front of his house. Same system was
used for making personal announcements to
persons passing the theatre. Numerous
window tieups were effected, using the com-
mercial angle and dance stills and three spot
announcements over local radio station were
secured week ahead.
A hut with grass roof was used to cover
the entire box office of the Regent Theatre,
in Pittsburgh by Manager Henry Sutton.
Through ties made with local dealer, an at-
tractive girl was stationed in the lobby of
the theatre dispensing gratis Dole's pine-
apple drinks and novelty Hawaiian jewelry.
Display was also planted in the cooperating
market along with the free giveaway of the
drinks, and the house public address system
was also used by Sutton, with amplifiers
above boxoffice playing hit tunes from the
picture.
Entire window of local five and ten was
promoted by F. C. Brown of the Orpheum,
in Titusville, to a Hawaiian display, with
proper title and playdate credit. Candy
counter plugged the opening day by offer-
ing a certain number of guest tickets which
would be found in bags of candy. Girls
throughout the store wore leis, attached to
which were small cards advertising the pic-
ture. Heralds were distributed house-to-
house and jumbo window cards spotted in
prominent locations in town.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Pet Parade Held by Langdon
For "Tarzan Finds a Son"
Sponsored through the cooperation of the
Republican-N ews and the Paramount The-
atre, in Kankakee, 111., was a pet parade put
on by Manager William T. Langdon for
"Tarzan Finds a Son." Held on morning
of opening day, parade was led by local
high school band and wound through the
business district before arriving at the the-
atre. In addition to awarding prizes to con-
testants with pets, prizes were given in con-
nection with a yell contest and free admis-
sions were given to the first 25 who attended
the matinee performance dressed like Tar-
zan.
Sound truck rigged up to simulate jungle
scene covered ball games, medicine shows,
etc., plugging the opening, pennants with
jungle scenes were hung throughout the-
atre foyer and lobby and six-sheets were
illuminated and spotted in lobby.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Safety Pin Cards Ballyhoo
Manager Julia Smith of the State Theatre,
Waterbury,- Conn., queried prospective fans
on what they knew about babies in a novelty
cards ballyhooing "Bachelor Mother." Mrs.
Smith tied kiddie shop in on the promotion
which included 10,000 cards with teaser copy
and inserted safety pin.
The Display Ads
On Next Page
(1) Another of George Limerick's gusty
newspaper campaigns, this for "Mr. Chips,"
at the Aztec, Enid, Okla., is illustrated by
a decisive 195 lines on three columns, for
opening day, Sunday. To emphasize the
entertainment of the British M-G-M pro-
duction, George, using much of his copy for
endorsements from leading locals who had
seen the attraction, topped that with a per-
sonal plug, a money-back offer under his
signature.
V
(2) For 12 days ahead, Limerick found
occasion to strengthen his advance with a
series of one-column teasers, each running
about 40 lines. These, borrowed from his
newspaper mat service, were changed daily,
the four shown here being representative
of the entire group. The first underline
"coming" was followed by "soon" and four
days ahead "Sunday."
V
(3-4) A unique contest was incorpo-
rated in a five-week campaign by R. E.
Hutchinson, manager for the Alamo, New-
nan, Ga., the weekly programs confined
within the copy lines of outline letters spell-
ing the theatre name. Prizes were given
for the best posters made up of the five
ads, at end of the contest. The "A" and
"L" illustrated 'here, are three and two-
column, respectively, 85 and 90 lines.
V
(5) Tieing in with the star's past
achievements and using reverse panel for
star and title as added emphasis, the Oscar
Doob 110 lines on four columns, for "Black-
mail" at the New York Capitol, built fur-
ther interest with action art and "see"
copy.
V
(6) The frank appeal by Leon Pickle
for patronage to aid him win one of
M-G-M's exploitation prizes on "Borrowed
Time," also accomplished his purpose in
calling attention to the merit of the attrac-
tion at the Kentucky, Henderson, Ky. "One
of the most effective endorsement ads I've
ever seen," writes Todd Ferguson, M-G-M
Memphis zone exploiteer, who forwards it
here. Size : 85 lines on two columns.
V
( 7 ) To stress the continued boxoffice
draught of "Old Maid" at the New York
Strand, and to announce end of the Broad-
way run, was the purpose of this 105 lines
on three columns, "page-stealer" from the
copy-wise pencil of Warners' Mort Blu-
menstock. Everything was subordinated to
the giant "6th Week," which told the whole
story.
V
(8) Ken Hoel stepped right into the pub-
licity opening created by the Presidential
announcement on the change in Thanksgiv-
ing date, with 100 lines on two columns, as
illustrated, on behalf of the strong attrac-
tions listed at the Harris-Alvin, Pittsburgh.
Hoel aimed for a quick eye-attractor by re-
producing the news story at the head of the
layout.
September 23, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
71
REPRESENTATIVE NEWSPAPER ADS
THIS IS
WHAT
ENID PEOPLE
SAY ABOUT
GOODBYE NR.
1 Wa'r* QelDK It
B* Out Fronl
1 Whin Tod
Cemi to Sm
"GoodbyB Mr.
Chips" and Will
\ • -i
P«rson>lly
Ralond Tear
Money If Tod
Find What Wa
- V.
Have Slid About
th« Picture
Untraa.
"A picture rtch in fradi-
tion, culture and human
Art. Lo Gni
"I ceniider "Goodbye Mr. Chips
the best picture shown in Enid
many months." Mfi.R.L.Sanford
AUMO
Save theie latter ad*. Bring
complete niune of ALAMO
to Boi Office for PRIZES.
LAST TIMES TODAY
BING CROSBY— SANDY
'EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN
FRIDAY \
John Barrytnore in y
"THE GREAT MAN VOTES"
TO OUR
PATRONS
III tho few shorl years in our Henderson
theatres you have como to Ihe writer's
aid in contesta and made possible spe-
cial honors and prizes. At this time
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayor ■ is offering
prizes for the best exploitation cam-
paign and the highest percentage tn-
creaae over other recent hits from this
company for "ON BORROWED TIME,"
marking Lionel Barrymore'a 30th birth-
day in films. It is a picture that has set
many records this season. Many favor-
able reviews and endorsements have
been received, I believe you will like it.
"On Borrowed Timo" opens at tho
Kentucky for a 3 days showing starting
TUESDAY.
I am out to WIN both of the top
prizes and it is with your help that will
make it possible. Your aid will be ap-
preciated and your time will be well
spent.
See it from the beginning.
Leon Pickle
p. S. — Rememoer tiio date — Tuesday,
August 29. Kentucky theatre-
"GOOD BYE
MR. CHIPS"
—AZTEC SUNDAY—
in his latest and greatest role
'GOODBYE
MR. CRIPS"
—AZTEC-
COMING
lUJlCJOlAJL
SWEETHEART
"GOOD BYE
MR. cmps"
—AZTEC SOON—
President Advances
Thanksgiving Day
CAMPOBELLO, N. S.. Aufi. U.— fUnlltiJ Pr«s,l— Pr«l-
denl Roosevcll QDnounced today that thli year he will advance
Ibe dale for otnervance of Thankselvlnc Dqt (o November
23, Inslcjid or 11>« traditional List Thursday of November,
vhlch Is November 10.
We're Sorry, Mr. PresldenI, We Can'l
Space Our Holiday Pictures to
Contorm Willi Your Changes!
All llie Big Hit Pictures Will
Play the Harris aivin Tlieatre
One Alter Another . ■ , Week
Alter Weeli! Yes, Sir. Mr. PresldenI,
Every Week Is a Holiday
Week at Ihe Altin! Just
Look At These Grand Pictures
Coming In Rapid-FIre Order—
Clifford Odeli' sun Suece,.]
"GOLDEN BOy"
InUrBillonillir FimsHS
"THE RAINS CAME"
'Mr. Smith Co«i to WBih1n[lBn'
"HOLLTWOOO CAVALUDE"
, . el course, Ihey All Play Ihe ALVIN!
1
72 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD September23, 19391
Autumn Leaves Turn to Gold^ \
and So Do Football Tieins ^
I
i
Round Tablets Set mth Pigskin Promotions to Boost Fall Boxoffice Returns
THEY'RE off, as the saying goes, but
this time they're off to make those
pigskin tieins as theatremen begin to
report what they have done -and are doing
to swing some of the national attention up-
on football in the direction of the boxoffice.
All the tried and true reliables employed in
past seasons will again see the light in one
form or another. Innovations of different
kinds will also be tried out and to be de-
tailed when arrangements are made. In the
meantime, here are the first returns from
the field.
Straw Hat Burning
Starts New Season
by A. J. KALBERER
Indiana, Washington, Ind.
Tied up with the newspaper and mer-
chants in sponsoring a big stadium rally
opening night with the burning of straw
hats to end the summer season. Am en-
closing tear sheets of the story in the paper.
Arranged with school superintendent,
principal, band leader and coach to have a
"Pep Session" in our theatre on opening
of "Angels Wash Their Faces." The coach,
football squad and band will parade from
the gym to the theatre where they will be
our guests. All high school students who
wish to attend are to be given a 10
cent reduction in price for this night. This
fact is to be publicized through class rooms
and by cards to be given out at the school.
The coach and Mayor of the city have
agreed to give a short address to the house
and cheer leaders will lead in some school
"cheers" and songs.
Football schedules of the Washington
High School team to be printed on small
cards for pocket reference with our ad on
the back. All games will be covered with
heralds and on special features pertainmg
to sports, novelties will be distributed. Loud
speaker announcements are also contracted
for.
Dallas Boys Receive
Many Football Prizes
by LOUIS CHARNINSKY
Capitol, Dallas, Texas
We have already given away a complete
football outfit and several helmets and balls
to the winners of a popularity contest I
have been conducting for the kids the past
four weeks. I have made arrangements for
several of the city's outstanding players and
a high school band to appear on the stage
for the first show with the captain present-
ing the gifts to the winners.
When the football games get under way
I have a plan in mind to give several passes
weekly to my patrons for the big games.
I have made arrangements with the schools
to announce the Capitol's pictures at all of
their games. In return we are giving the
schools a plug when they play.
mTE SMITH REVIEW
SHOWS 193 8 THRILLS
Metro is priming Pete Smith's an-
nual review of U. S. gridiron classics,
"Football Thrills of 193 8", with a
concentrated campaign ivhich will
culminate in a special screening for
nationally syndicated sports cohimnists
at a luncheon of the Football Writers
Association on September 25 th at
Jack Dempsey's restaurant.
The short presents 176 intercol-
legiate pigskin stars in the exciting
highlights of last season's eight major
gridiron contests from coast to coast,
including U. S. C. vs. Alabama,
U. S. C. vs. Duke, Pittsburgh vs.
Carnegie Tech, Minnesota vs. Notre
Dame, Pennsylvania vs. Columbia, and
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern.
All the tickets to high school games carry
the imprint of the Capitol Theatre on the
back. Several thousand tickets will be sold
each week so this scheme will really produce
results.
I am going to run a popularity contest
to pick the city's most popular player at the
end of the season. The winner of this con-
test will receive several prizes including
cash, a complete fall outfit and a season pass
for two to the Capitol Theatre. We are
promoting these gifts from the local mer-
chants so our cash outlay will be minimized.
School Body To Parade
To Pigskin Pep Rally
by SEYMOUR L. MORRIS
Palace, Lockport, N. Y.
As I have previously conducted in other
years, I intend to have this rally in the the-
atre by having the football team, the school
band and cheer-leaders up on our stage.
The students form at the high school, college
or athletic field, and march down to the
theatre in a body, carrying red railroad
flares. We usually arrange to have a special
football feature or short on the program,
and after the screen program the stage is
turned over to the cheer-leaders and team.
The favorite cheers and songs are given,
and we usually have a public-spirited per-
son give them a pep talk. In addition to
this, we have the coach and head of the
physical training department also give a
talk, and then on behalf of the management
I usually wish them luck.
This rally is advertised a week- or so in
advance by means of a trailer on our screen,
a display in the lobby, readers" in the school's
paper, and also readers on the sport page of
the local newspaper. In addition to this
we present each student with a tag to wear,
on one side of which is printed "Beat
," and on the other side of which is
printed "Attend the Pep Rally at the Palace
Theatre Friday Night."
In one particular situation we had a
Boosters' Committee, comprised of athletic- |
minded citizens who used to sponsor the '
rally and parade and also appear on the
stage the night of the rally.
Supplies Rice Institute
With Giant Megaphones
by FRANCIS DEERING
Loeiu's, Houston, Texas
Our best annual football tie-up is with
Rice Institute whose cheer leaders we fur-
nish with giant megaphones each year.
Stringent regulations prohibit advertising of
any sort on the field but theatre copy is
painted in bold letters on the sides of each
megaphone and are seen by the many
thousands who pack the Stadium for each
game.
We have been doing this stunt for about
ten years and it is now more or less an
institution with the school. The boys keep
the megaphones as souvenirs at the end of
each season.
Score Prediction Card
Brings Pass Offer
by MARLOWE CONNER
Rhodes, Chicago, III.
We are so far away from any of the big
football activity for any direct tie ups, and
our local High School team has been so
poor that there is little interest there. How-
ever we are not entirely unmindful of the
great public interest in football and I am
sending you a stunt which we tried out last
season which we found was very popular
and brought in hundreds of returns. The
stunt is in the form of a Football Schedule
and Prediction Card ; however, we plan on
making a few changes this year. For in-
stance instead of giving 25 passes each week
for closest score we will offer passes for
those that are correct or only one away.
We are also going to get merchants to cover
the cost by taking the back side.
Prints Score Cards
For Football Games
by MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
Every year we have tied in with local
teams. We have several good semi-profes-
sional teams that draw crowds of 5,000 to
6,000 at each game. We print the score
cards for the game and use the back for our
current attractions. The players of the win-
ning teams are invited as guests to see the
show.
We have cards or banners on display be-
tween the quarters and sometimes send out
a clown to amuse the crowds.
September 23, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
73
PAST "FORTNIGHr EXPLOITATIONS
Unique Contest Landed in Local Papers
By Miller-Pearlstein on "Livingstone"
Conducted through the cooperation of the
Cleveland Press was the contest planted by
Manager Ed Miller and publicist Manny
Pearlstein for their opening of "Stanley and
Livingstone" at Warners' Hippodrome, in
Cleveland. Contest was based upon familiar
local land sites which entrants were required
to identify. First break was three days
ahead and subsequent stories continued
throughout the engagement. Total space
accumulated due to the promotion was about
1,000, theatre awarding cash and ticket
prizes. Tieup was also made with the Cleve-
land News on a classified ad contest.
Public Library system was supplied with
stills which created into displays in all their
branches and library also distributed
specially imprinted bookmarks in advance.
Transparency displays were set up in stores,
bags imprinted, announcement cards sta-
tioned in hotels and counter cards featured
in music stores.
Neat Newspaper Coverage Secured
By Pollock for New Movie Season
Three full pages were landed by Les Pol-
lock in the Democrat and Chronicle, Times
Union and Evening News, all part of Round
Tabler Les Pollock's campaign to launch
Metro's new movie season at Loew's The-
atre, in Rochester. Each page, carrying
two-column briefs with cuts, was headed
"M-G-M's new season hit parade is on the
way." "Leo," dressed as drummer boy and
wielding a baton, topped the page. Balance
of page was devoted to art work and fea-
ture stories on current and forthcoming at-
tractions.
Anderson's Daughter on Stage
Tells "Wizard of Oz" Story
With the aid of his daughter, Bessie Lee,
and his head usher, dressed respectively as
Dorothy and the Scarecrow, Ivan D. An-
derson, Liberty Theatre, in North Wilkes-
boro, N. C, used the pair for his street bally
on "Wizard of Oz." In addition Bessie Lee
from the stage announced the coming of the
picture and gave a short story of the plot.
Anderson's usher also performed by doing
a scarecrow dance, much to the amusement
of the audience. Theatreman also reports
that the makeup of his scarecrow was so
skillful that he will be glad to forward full
particulars to inquiring Round Tablers.
Tully's Atmospheric Street Bally
Advertises "Tarzan Finds a Son"
All the beaches close to Biddeford, Maine,
were covered by Ralph Tully's "Tarzan
Finds a Son" atmospheric truck as part of
his advance exploitation on that picture's
opening at the Central Theatre. In addition
truck managed to be at the various local
mills when the shifts changed, so that the
theatreman managed to get his message be-
fore several thousand extra folks. On open-
ing day, Tully horned in on the local annual
field day parade, heralds were mailed to ho-
tels, summer camps, etc., scene mat and
readers were planted in the French newspa-
per and special advance lobby displays were
constructed for the occasion.
UNUSUAL TRAILER
FOR "RAINS CAME"
Smart trailer effect for "Rains
Came" at the State, Sioiix Falls, S. D.,
was worked out by Ralph Phillips as
follows:
Toward closing of regular trailer,
screen was flown. In "two" was black
"eye" on which closeup of stars and
date were projected. House lights were
then blacked'Out, and as finish of the
trailer was shown, still on the "eye",
rain-pipe, hung immediately in front,
xvas turned on with baby spots on each
side to heighten effect of the falling
rains.
The reception of this unique presen-
tation was immediate, says Phillips,
xvith house applauding. Details were
forivarded around the circuit by
Charlie Winchell, Minnesota Amuse-
ment ad head, for further use.
Kessler Gets Merchant Cooperation
For His Fifth Annual Baby Parade
Starting a month ahead, Bob Kessler,
manager of the Benn Theatre, in Philadel-
phia, started advertising his fifth annual
baby parade, requesting mothers to enter
their children and announcing the different
groups for which prizes would be awarded.
Gifts were promoted for fattest baby, most
comical baby, prettiest baby, nicest set of
twins and one for the best float. Motion
pictures of the entire affair were taken and
shown on screen following night for one
week.
Five loving cups which were promoted for
the different divisions were on display in
the cooperating merchants' windows during
run of the contest. 40 by 60 display in lobby
of theatre plugged the parade month in
advance. Station WEIL cooperated with
announcements and a special writeup ap-
peared in all editions of the Dcdly News and
Evening Ledger. Kessler further reports
the street on which the line of march formed
and where the prizes were awarded was
washed down and appropriately bannered in
gala attire for the event.
Ballys Stress Fitzgerald's
"Wizard of Oz" Engagement
Publicizing his date on "Wizard of Oz" at
the Poll Theatre, in Waterbury, Conn.,
Round Tabler Ed Fitzgerald featured a
street bally consisting of men dressed as the
four characters in the picture, i. e., the mon-
key, witch, cowardly lion and the scare-
crow. All wore placards on their backs with
appropriate tiein copy. Another bally was
Glinda, the good fairy, the Wizard and Dor-
othy. This latter bally was driven around
town in a gaily bannered car, copy on one
side reading "See the technicolor 'Wizard of
Oz' at the," etc., and the other "Follow these
characters to the merry Land of Oz."
Scouts Take Over Theatre
On "Scouts to the Rescue"
In advance of his opening of the serial
"Scouts to the Rescue," Julius Daniels at
the Strand, in Perth Amboy, N. J., contacted
Scout headquarters and made arrangements
for the boys to take over the operation of his
house on opening day. For the entire day,
lads acted in the capacity of manager, as-
sistant manager, doorman, usher, etc., with
local papers covering the stunt with stories
and art work.
Arrangements were also made by the the-
atreman for a weekly contest to be held on
the stage at which time Scouts showed their
skill in knot tying, flag signaling and other
routines. Members of the champion Perth
Amboy American Legion Bugle Corps acted
as judges on a bugle blowing contest with
points awarded for appearance of uniform,
position of bugle, execution, expression, in-
tonation, etc. Each Saturday afternoon of
the serial, the Chief Scout acted as master
of ceremonies while a Scout hillbilly band
entertained the customers.
Roving Cameraman Snaps Them
For Rosenthal on "Glamour Girls"
Candid cameraman on the streets of
Bridgeport snapped local girls as part of
Morris Rosenthal's "Glamour Girls" at the
Majestic Theatre. Photos were later put
on display in the theatre lobby and each girl
identifying herself received a guest ticket.
Another lobby display featured a board
through which a pair of cardboard legs were
planted with appropriate tiein copy. For this
street bally, Rosenthal used three girls in
bathing suits with back signs, gals covered
local beaches several days ahead of opening.
Local Search Instituted for
"Dr. Livingstone" by Cowen
Through the cooperation of KTRB and
the merchants of Modesto, Cal., Manager
Wally Cowen at the Princess put over a
"Find Dr. Livingstone" contest as an ad-
vance on that picture. Each of the 11 mer-
chants tied up agreed to take five spot an-
nouncements day before contest to get it well
established. Listeners were informed that
"Dr. Livingstone" would make his appear-
ance in stores of the cooperating merchants
and that any person recognizing and ad-
dressing him by his name would be awarded
merchandise prizes. Persons finding him in
the stores were given their merchandise
prize on the spot and those accosting him
on the streets received theatre tickets. Only
concession made toward dressing the "doc-
tor" like an African missionary was the
dark trousers, white coat and sun helmet he
wore.
Blowups of the front page of the New
York Herald carrying Stanley's story were
planted in local newspaper window week
ahead and in theatre lobby. Tropical sun
helmets were worn by entire theatre staff
and_ newsboys, letters were addressed to all
ministers calling attention to the missionary
work done by Dr. Livingstone and coopera-
tion of libraries was secured, the latter fea-
turing attractive displays.
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
SID HOLLAND
formerly of Elkhart, Ind., is now managing-
the Eckel Theatre, in Syracuse, for
Schine's. Other circuit changes include
WILLIAM F. BURKE as manager of the
Palace in Auburn; LEON FELDMAN,
formerly assistant at the Strand, Amster-
dam, becomes manager of the Regent there.
DONALD RICH takes over as manager of
the Palace, Watertown, and BOB DALY,
formerly assistant at the Glove, Glovers-
ville, is the new manager of the Arcade,
Salisbury, Md., replacing HERB BROWN
who goes to the Waller, Laurel, Del., as
manager. FLOYD SHEAR, who was at
the Waller, takes over at the State, Cam-
bridge, Md.
V
DON KUHN
of the Riviera, in Detroit, has been named
manager of the Palms-State. Other United
Detroit Theatres changes include DOW
THOMPSON, formerly of the Varsity
moved to the Riviera; HYMAN BLOOM
transferred from the Annex to replace
Thompson. GIL GREEN was promoted
from the Regent to the Annex while
FRANK PERRY takes over Green's for-
mer detail.
V
BILL FRAZIER
city manager at Ashdown, Ark., has been
placed in charge of the Broken Bow, Okla.,
K. Lee Williams houses. Other circuit
changes are: JOE CALLAHAM, assistant
city manager at Broken Bow, city manager
at Ashdown. JERRY DOIG, city mana-
ger at Nashville, Ark., has been placed in
charge of Fordayce, Ark., houses. CECIL
CALLAHAM, assistant city manager at
Frederick, Okla., for the Griffith Amuse-
ment Co., has been promoted to city mana-
ger of Nashville, Ark., houses.
V
W. J. STURGIS
has sold the Real Theatre at Roy, New
Mexico, to H. Butler.
V
JOHN DANZ
has reopened the Uptown, in Seattle,
Wash.
V
GEORGE LABY
has been appointed manager of the Victory
Theatre, in Holyoke, Mass.
V
RALPH NICHOLLS
former manager of the Skouras Valley
Stream, L. I. has been transferred to the
newly remodeled Jackson Theatre. He re-
place's TOM ROBINSON who leaves to
take over the Forest Hills Theatre, Forest
Hills succeeding ADOLPHO CARUSO
who has been transferred to the Corona in
Corona succeeding in turn MIKE WESH-
NER, who has been transferred to the New
Jersey division.
V
KEN BUTTERFIELD
is now managing the Fox Myers and Bev-
erly, Marianette, Wis. succeeding RUS-
SELL LEDDY, who will manage the cir-
cuit's Orpheum, Green Bay.
V
J. D. LUKER
has opened the Ritz, newest theatre in
Union, S. C.
In Philadelphia on Monday, Sep-
tember 11, Irving Dashkin to Sylvia
Sagrans. Dashkin is manager and
film biiyer of the Savoy Theatre in
Jamaica, L. 1.
V
AL WEISS, JR.
manager of the Olympic Theatre, in Miami,
Fla., dropped into Round Table headquarters
for a visit.
V
JAMES GAYLORD
formerly of Montgomery, Ala., is the new
skipper of the Park Theatre, in Knoxville,
Tenn.,
signed.
succeeding MILTON CARR, re-
V
Birthday
Richard L. Aibin
Stan Krueger
Nat Allentuck
Roy Laurie
Urban R.Anderson
Morty Lightstone
Earle N. Bailey
Frank Linesberger
Joe Bean
James Lucas
Kenneth Blackledge
John E. Manuel
Morton M. Bratter
Walter D. Margan
Ben Broskie
Malcolm H. Marshall
Wilfred G. Brown
Jerome Marx
Frank L Cost
Al Mayes
George M. Dana
Martin Messinger
Vincent Daniels
Eugene P. Mock
Russell Edwin
Seymour L. Morris
Charles Ferguson
Orba Myatt
Ben W. Fischer
Stewart North
Harry W. Flinchunn
Millard Ochs
Joseph D. Frisco
Tom Olsen
Homer B. Fuller, Jr.
Ernest Patrick
Alfons Gaiwas
Irving Pearlman
Arnold N. Gates
Pierce Rawling
C. A. Grissinger
Frank C. Reiger
Herbert Haberstick
Albert H. Reynolds
Randolph Lee Hall
Howard W. Robarge
Lyie Harding
L. O. Robertson
William Harding
Carl Rogers
Lewi?; J. Hartman
John R. Schultz
Merl C. Hartung
J. B. Seager
Alfred E. Hewitt
Ted Shank
Sydney J. Hobbs
Edward Shiddell
Rossiter J. Hodkirk
Edward Shuker
Fred E. Irion
Donald L. Smith
Herod Jimerson
Roy Sterrett
Randall Jones
S. F. Sutaria
George E. Kann
E. N. Tannenbaum
C.W.Kelly
Frank Taylor
Don Kelsey
Fred A. Terra Nova
Alf Klokkevold
Thomas W. Turner
Carl L. Krueger
Earl N.Willey
MARION PARKINSON
manager of the Iowa, Jefiferson, la., has
been moved to Spencer, la., to manage the
Spencer and Eraser; MILLARD GET-
TIER, formerly at Spencer, has been named
manager of the Webster at Webster City
and PERCY LONG, formerly at the Web-
ster, has gone to manage the Iowa and
Howard in Jefferson.
V
EARL PETERSON
shifted from management of the Fox Ritz
Theatre, Great Falls, Mont, to the new
Town Theatre. DON BECK moved back
to manager of the Ritz.
V
TOM LONG
former publicity director of the Palace,
Youngstown, Ohio has succeeded HENRY
SOMMERS, manager of the Palace, Akron,
Ohio, resigned.
V
E. C. ARNOLD
has sold the Avon, Hillsboro, Kan., to A.
W. HEYL, exhibitor at Junction City.
V
G. GOTT
has been appointed manager of the Vogue,
Leamington, Ont.
V
WILLIAM CHILTON
former Toronto theatre manager has been
appointed manager of the new Princess, at
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
V
EDWARD PURCELL, 3RD
has been promoted from assistant manager
of the Virginia, Harrisonburg, \"a., to the
managership of the theatre.
V
WILLIAM MILLER
manager of the Wallins Theatre, Wallins
Creek, Ky., passed away on August 9th.
V
MARTY INGRAM
formerly of the Ritz, in Newark, N. J., has
been made manager of the Castle.
V
RAY A. FELT
stage manager of the Orpheum, Madison,
Wis., has been named a member of the city
board of education by Mayor James R. Law.
V
RICHARD C. CARTON
former manager at the Plaza, Newark, has
taken over similar duties at the Mayfair.
ANTHONY R. FERRARI has been made
assistant and the Plaza will be managed by
MADELINE KRIDEL. Both houses are
owned by Harry A. Kridel.
V
JACK HAGERTY
is now managing Warner's Union, in Union
City, N. J.
V
PAT MC GEE
is now managing the Schine Paramount
Theatre, in Syracuse.
V
MICHAEL J. KAVANAGH
is the manager of the RKO Albee, Provi-
dence, having come from Cincinnati to take
over. WILLIAM J. McCOURT, who has
been acting manager of the house, goes back
to the Memorial, in Boston.
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
75
THE RELEASE CHART
On thin and the foUowinci page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification nf
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abraham Lincoln Boggs, Mel Rep
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains. 3855, West Mono
Adventurer, The, 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures of Hucltleberry Finn, The, 923
Com.-Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising. 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Ambush, 3820. Mel Para
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The. 367, Mel . FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid. The. West Rep
Arizona Legion, 962, West RKO
Arizona Wildcat, S29, Com 20th- Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Balalaika. Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre, Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Bluebird, The, Com 20th-Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel .- RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite. 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
C
Cabira, Mel Foreign
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Campus Wives, Mel Para
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Honolulu, 928, Mel..20th-Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948, Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees, Com.-Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com 20th-Fox
Child Is Born, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wind, Mel GN
Cl.ip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
Cily. The. Mel 20th-Fox
City in Darkness, Mel 20th- Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard. Mel Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. Rts
Code of the Secret Service. 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Convict's Code, 3822, Mel Mono
Coral Rocks. The, Mel Foreign
Cowboy Quarterback. The. 366, Com WB
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, Com MGM
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com.. . RKO
Daytime Wife. Mel 20th-Fox
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel..'. Para
Disbarred, 3818, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage. Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City. 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime in the Maglnot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley. Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864. West. ..Mono
Drifting Westward. 3853, West Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015. Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny. Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die. Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus.-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women. Mel .20th- Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day. Mel Foreign
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everything Happens at Night, Mel. .. 20th- Fox
Everything's On Ice, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The, Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RKO
Fighting Thoroughbreds, 821, West Rep
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces. 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C).. UA
Four Girls in White, 921, Mel MGM
Four Wives, Mel VJB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th- Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Galloping Kid, West Univ
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Gcronimo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926. Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye. Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel.. .. Para
Grand Jury's Secrets. Mel Para
Great Man Votes, 913, Com RKO
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, West St. Rts.
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hatred, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights. 4024, Mus Univ
Heartbeat, Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence, Mel
20th -Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herhst-Manover. Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel .....Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
Hitler — The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts.
Hit Parade, The, Mus Rep
Hobby Family. The, 376, Com FN
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com .....Foreign
Home on the Prairie. 842, West Rep
Honeymoon in Bali, Com Para
Honolulu. 922. Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3830, Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles, 936, Mel.20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com.. UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear. The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The. Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925. Com.-Mel MGM
Idiot's Delight, 920, Com.-Mel MGM
I Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
Illicit Cargo, Mel Col
I'm From Missouri, 3830. Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315. Mel WB
Indiscretions. Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936. Mel RKO
In Old Montana, West St. Rts.
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, S34, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 20th-Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You. 950, Mel. . .20th-Fox
It's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
Itto, Mel Foreign
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, Com Rep
Jesse James, 921, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Jones Family in Quick Millions, Com.
2Dth-Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Cora.20th-Fox
Juarez, 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmillan, Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son. Com MGM
Just William, Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827. Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga. the Wild Stallion, Mel Col
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Col
Lady Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel... Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel.. . . .d N
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk. The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas. The, West Col
Law of the Pampas, West ; . .Para
Law of the Texan. West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
(Continued on following page)
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
[THE RELEASE CHACT—INDEX CONT'Dl
(Continued from preceding page)
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light Tliat Failed. The, Mel Para
Listen Kids, Mel Univ
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Princess, The, 932, Mel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Looking After Sandy, Cora MGM
Lost Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron. The. 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916. Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Magnificent Fraud. The, 3847 Para
Maisie, 940. Com. -Mel MGM
Mamele. Com Foreign
Man About Town, 3845. Com Para
Man and His Wife. A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma. West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The. West Col
Man from Texas. 3865. West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest. 801. Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared. 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise. Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers "at the Circus," Com., Mus.-
Com MGM
Medicine Show, West Para
Mexican Kid. 3741, West Mono
Mickey the Kid. 814. Mel Rep
Midnight. 3828, Mel Para
Mikado. The. 4044. Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs. 3846. Met Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder. The. Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street. Mel GN
Miracles for Sale. 946. Mel MGM
Missing Daughters. Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Moto in Danger Island. 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto's Last Warning. 926. Mel.. .20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation. 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Com Col
Mr. Wong at Headquarters. 3808, Mel... Mono
Mr. Wong in Chinatown. 3807, Mel Mono
Mothers of Today. Mel Foreign
Mountain Rhythm. 845. West Rep
Murder in Soho. Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House. 3803. Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk. 4050. Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty. 536, Mel MGM
My Song of Love. Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mysterious Miss X. 809. Mel Rep
Mystery of Mr. Wong. The. 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel... Univ
Mystery Plane. 3809. Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810. Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
Mel WB
Nancy Drew. Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew. Trouble Shooter. 324. Mel. ..WB
Nnughty But Nice. 311. Com. -Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die. 3832. Com Para
New Frontier. 868. West Ren
News Is Made at Night, 953. Mel 20th-Fox
Night on the Danube, Com. -Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South, Mel Foreign
Night Work, Com Para
Ninotchka. Mel MGM
No Place to Co. Mel FN
North of Shanghai. Mel Col
North of the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passage. Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell. 001, Mel RKO
0
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Univ
Oklahoma Kid. 308. Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Coin Foreign
Old Maid, The, Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com. -Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus WB
One Hour to Live, Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown, Com Para
One Wild Night. Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings. Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage. Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Outsider. The, Mel Foreign
Overland Mail. 3857. West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
P
Pacific Liner, 914, Mel RKO
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil. Com.. . .20th- Fox
Panama Lady, 925. Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314. Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures. Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Paris Honeymoon, 3821, Mus. -Com Para
Patsy, Com MGM
Peasant Wedding. Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons in Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033. Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass, Mel WB
Pride of the Navy. 822. Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars. Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The,
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980, Com. -Mel MGM
Q
Queen of Destiny. 061, Mel. (C) RKO
R
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles, Mel UA
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th- Fox
Range War, West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember, Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail, West Para
Reno, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid, Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, Wl-2. West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business, 3029. Mel Univ
Roaring Twenties, The. Mel WB
Rolling Westward. 3863. West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie. 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942.
Mus. -Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
S
Sabotage, Mel Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West. West... St. Rts
Saint in London, 929. Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back. 918. Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822. Mel Para
St. Martin's Lane. Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede. 863. West Rep
San Francisco. 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet. Mel ...Col
School for Husbands, Com. -Mel Foreign
Scouts of the Air, 3816. Mel Mono
Second Fiddle, 949, Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Secret Sei-vice of the Air. 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin. Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927. Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com .....Para
She Married a Cop. Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally. 018. Com Foreign
Should a Girl Marry? 3830. Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage. 3858. Mel Pira
Simple Life, The, Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Sinaing Charro, The. West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The. Wl-3. West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm. Wl-19. West... GN
6.000 Enemies. 938. Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smiling Along, 300, Com 20th-Fox
Smuggled Cargo. 825. Mel Rep
Society Lawyer. 930. Mel MGM
Society Smugglers. 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot. 3837. Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein. 3004. Mel Univ
Song of the Street. Mel For-ign
Sorority House. 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring. Mel FN
S.O.S. -Tidal Wave, 813, Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com For^ion
Southward Ho. 855. West Rep
Spellbinder. The. 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver. 3014. Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range. West Col
Spy in Black. Mel Col
Stagecoach. Mel UA
Stand Up and Fight. 918. Com. -Mel MRM
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker. The. Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Con, Mel WB
Stolen Life. 3864, Mel Para
Stop. Look and Love. 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell. The.
938. Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Cattle. Th'?.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven. Mel St. Rts.
Strange Money. Mel Para
Stranger from Texas. The, West Col
Street of Missing Men. 811, Mel Rep
Street Without a Name. Mel Foreim
Streets of New York, 3802, Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire. Mel MRM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814. Mel Mono
Sudden Money. 3829. Com. -Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie. 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets. Mel Univ.
Sunset Trail. 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties. 954. ConT.-M"i
20th- Fox
Swanee River. 017. Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner. Com FN
T
Tail Spin, 925. Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West. West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats. West St. Rts.
That's Wright, You're Wrong. Mus RKO
They All Come Out. 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948. Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040. Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy. 921. Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal. 307, Mel WB
They Shall Have Music. Mel U*
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls. Mel Col
Three Musketeers. 927. Mus. -Com 20th-Fox
3 Smart GWH Grow Up, 3001, Mus. -Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004. Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes. Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat, Mel MGM
Timber Stampede. 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016. Com 20th-Fox
Topper Takes a Trip. Com UA
Torchy Blane in Chinatown. 371. Mel FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite. 326, Mel.. ..WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor. 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Univ
Trapped in the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds. West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours. 917. Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year. 013. Mel 20th-Fox
Two Bright Boys. 4017. Mel Univ
Two Gun Trouhador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor. Mel Para
Under-Pup. The 4010. Mel Univ
Unexpected Father. 3008. Com Univ
Union Pacific, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed, Mel Para
V
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil in the Night. 007. Me! ...RKO
W
Wall Street Cowboy. 857, West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829. Mel. ...Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case, Mel 20th-Fox
Waterfront, 325, Mel WB
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel WB
Western Caravans, West Col
What a Man! Con Foreign
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When the Husband Travels, Mus. -Com . Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com. -Mel. .Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies. Mel Cot
Wife. Husband and Friend. 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy. 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus-Com 20th-Fox
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Witch Night, Mel Foreign
With a Smile, Mus. -Com Foreign
Within the Law. 928. Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes. The, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mon»
Woman Doctor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Cof
Women, The, Com. -Mel MGM
Women in the Wind, 316. Mel WB
Wonder World, Mel GM
World Moves On. The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Y
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Z
Zaza. 3819. Mel Para
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The, 812, Mel Rep
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Producfions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now In work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter In parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture Is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by tfie Iiome offices of tlie distributing companies.
Wlien a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of tJie company at
the time of tlie review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. A.'i soon rrs tlte liome office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
tlie .ttudio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from tlie
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
Good Girls Go to Paris (G)
(Exploitation: July 29. '39.
COLUMBIA
Title Star Rel.
Behind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells.. July
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)...P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms..Mar.
(Exploitation: May 13. '39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simnis..July
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson..June
(Reviewed under the title, "Q PIrnes"; exploitation: July 29,'39,
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
, Frances Dee-Walter Connollly. . Aug.
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows-Dorothy Peterson. . Aug.
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs. ... Apr.
Golden Boy (A) Wni. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolpht Menjou-Jos. Callela. . . .Sept.
Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June
p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone- Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G)...F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman .. Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dnrothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott-Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sens of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox ... Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh... May
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells. ... Feb.
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig Feb.
(See "In the Cuttino Room," Nov. 12, '38.)
North of the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Lina Winters Mar.
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant - Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May
(Exploitation: June 24. '39, p. 75; July 15. '39, p. 62; July 29. '39,
101, 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. 19. '39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39. i
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Sept.
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 27, '39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the pioneers Aug.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar.
Spoilers of the Range Charles Starrett-lris Meredith. ... Apr.
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Feb.
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith Sept.
Trapped in the Sky (G) Jack Holt- Kathcrine DeMille June
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
28, '39 62. Aug. 26, '33
II, '39 71. Apr. 29, '39
8,'39 74. Feb. 25. '39
20, '39 71. July 22,'39
20,'39 79. Mar. II, '39
p. 67.)
4, '39 72. Sept. 2, '39
22.'39
12, '39
30, '39
3, '39
28, '39
22,'39
10, '39
....101
Aug.
19, '39
78
June
24,'39
t. . .*60
May
27,'39
66
Mar.
II, '39
58
69
Feb.
I8.'39
5B
59 _
. 59
June
24, '39
59
59
S4
. . . 121
May
20. '39
p. 69; Aug. 5, '39. pp. 100,
p. 57: Sept. 9, '39, pp. 76.
I4.'39t....63.
29, '39 58.
4, '39 59.
23, '39
30, '39 67
27,'39 58
9,'39 57
2l,'39t
I, '39 61. Feb. 18, '39
Title Star
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar.
Woman Is the Judge, A Frieda Inescort- Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
15, '39 58
24, '39 61. Feb. I8,'39
10, '39.
.62.
Coming Attractions
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct. 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis *65.Aug. 5. '39
Illicit Cargo* J. Holt-D. Purcell-I. Ware
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette Oct. I5,'39t
Renegade Law Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Sept. 30,'39t
Spy in Black (G). C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson 82. Apr. I5,'39
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers )
GB PICTURES
(Distributed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Metthews-Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison ..Apr. 28, '39 71. Dec. I7,'38
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam [
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
GRAND NATIONAL Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26, '39
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May 20,'39.. ..69. Feb. 25,'39
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May 31, '39 57
Six Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May I3,'39 57. Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barlcay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Isle of Destiny W. Ford-J. Lang-W. Gargan
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
7,'39.
.113. Apr. 8,'39
Title
Adventures of Huckelberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney . Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
Inoram Feb. 10, '39 92. Feb. II. '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 18, '39, p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; June 24,'39,
p. 77; July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holdcn-A. Rutherford July 21, '39 85. July 15, '39
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. I2,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
p. 86: Sept. 2. '39, pp. 56, 60; Sept. 9. '39, p. 70.)
Blackmail (G) Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. Sept. 8,'39t . . . .81 Sept. 9,'39
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May 26, '39 70 . May 27, '39
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 15. '39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr.
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Beery-J. Cooper-I. Rich June
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell Feb.
Four Girls in White (G) 921 .. Florence Rice-Kent Taylor-Ann
Rutherford Jan.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 54; Apr. 22, '39, p. 61; May I3,'39, p. 66.)
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945. ..Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28. '39. ... 1 14. May 20, '39
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22, '39, p. 80; July 29. '39. p. 67; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. 12, '39, p. 74; Aug. 26,'39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9, '39, p. 76.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker- A. Rutherford Apr.
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, p. 64; June 3, '39. p. 65; June 24,'39, p. 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25.'39, p. 82; Apr. I5,'39, p. 84; May 6,'39, pp. 61, 64; May
p. 67; June 2J,'39. pfi. 74. 77; Ji''v I, '39, p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22,'39, p. 82;
July 29,'39, p. 69: Aug. 12, '39, p. 70.)
28, '39 86. Oct.
2,'39 86. Apr.
I7,'39 79. Feb.
17, '38
29,'39
18. '39
27,'39 73. Feb. 4,'39
21, '39 81 Apr. 22. '39
3. '39 83. Feb.
4, '39
3,'39.
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
(THE RELEASE CtiAKT—CONT'D)
Title
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.82. Mar. II. '39
26. '39
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947.
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926. .
Star
Original Ice Follies Cast —
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. I0.'39..
(Exploitation: Apr. 29. '39. p. 76: May 20,'39. p. 61; June I0.'39, p. 60.)
Idiot's Delight (A) 920 Norma Shearer - Clark Gable -
Edw. Arnold-Burgess Meredith .Jan. 27. '39. ... 1 09. Jan.
It's a Wonderful World (G)
93G James Stewart-Claudette Colbert .May 19. '39 86. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39. p. 56.)
Kid from Texas. The (G) 929. . Dennis O'Keefe-Florcnce Rice Apr. 14. '39 71. Apr.
Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug. 1 1. '39 91. Aug. 12. '39
N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold - G. Kihbee-
V. McLaglen Feb. 24. '39 87. Feb. I8.'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39. p. 79: Apr. 29, '39. p. 74; May 27.'39. p. 68.)
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Loy May 5. '39 81. Apr. 29. '39
(Exploitntion: Aug. 19. '39. p. 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. .June 23, '39... .74. July I. '39
(Exploitation: July I. '39. p. 61; July 8.'39. p. 51; July I5.'39. p. 61; July 22.'39, n. 89;
Aug. 5. '39. p. 98: Aug. 12, '39. p. 74; Aug. 26. '39, p. 85: Sept. 2, '39. p. 60; Sept. 16. '39.
p. 83.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. 'Voung-F. Rice-H. Hull
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone..
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bondi July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9. '39. pp. 75. 76: Sept. I6.'39. p. 85.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar.
6. '39
I. '39
.Aug. 4. '39.
.71. Aug. 5. '39
.May 5.'39.. .133. Nov. 9,'35
7.'39.
.99. July I. '39
3. '39 87. Sept. 10, '38
(Exploitation: Feb. 18. '39. pp. 68. 70; Feb. 25. '39, p. 67; Mar. 4.'39. p. 70; Mar. 25. '39.
p. 83; Apr. I, '39, p. 76: Apr. 22.'39, p. 64; May 6. '39. p. 62; May 13. '39. pp. 68, 70:
July 8.'39. p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
535 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy . May 27, '39 . . . 1 1 5 July 4. '36
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar. 24. '39 83 Mar. I8.'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22. '.39. p. 50; Apr. 29. '39. p. 72; May 6. '39. p. 63; May 20. '39. p. 62:
iVIay f7.'30. p. 65; June 10. '39. p. 59; July 8. '39. p. 51.)
G.OOO Enemies (G) 938 Wnlter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June 9.'39 62. May 27, '39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrillo . . Mar. 31. '39 78. Apr. I. '39
Stand Up and Fight (G) 918.. Robert Taylor - Wallace Beery -
Florence Rice - Helen Brod-
erick - Barton MacLane Jan. 6, '39 97. Jan. 7.'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 2I.'39. p. 52; Jan. 28.'39. p. 60; Feb. 4.'39. p. 85; Feb. I8,'39. pp. 68,
70.)
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter Pidgeon .. .June 30, '39 78. June 4.'39
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939. . J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sullivan June 16. '39 82. June 3, '39
(Exploitation: July I. '39. p. 49; Aug. 5. '39. pp. 98. ICO; Aug. 19. '39. pp. 67. 70; Sept.
2. '39. pp. 54. 60.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May 12, '39 69. May 13. '39
These Glamorus Girls (A) 948. L. Ayres-L. Turner- A. Louise-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan.. Aug. 18. '39 80. Aug. 19. '39
They All Come Out (G) 943... Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July 14. '39 70. July 8. '39
Thunder Afloat W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept. 1 5.'39t . . . . 95
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 1.'39.)
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar. 17. '39 65. Mar. 18.'39
Wizard of Oz 949 (G) Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug. 25. '39. ... 101 Aug. 12. '39
(Exploitation; Aug. 26. '39. pp. 84. 87; Sept. 2. '39. p. 55: Sept. 9, '39. pp. 71. 77: Sept.
16. '39. p. 83.)
Women. The (A) Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland Sept. I.'39t. . .l34.Sept. 2. '39
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Loy - William Powell -
Ruth Hussey-Virginia Grey
(See "In the Cutting Room." Seot. 9.'39.)
Babes in Arms Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland -
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull 97
(See "In the Cutting Room." July I. '39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy- Nona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger • Edna
May Oliver ,
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12.'39.)
Broadway Melody of 1940* E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Dancing Co-ed Lana Turner-Richard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 1 9, '39.)
Fast and Furious Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Oct. 6,'39t
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12. '39.)
Judge Hardy and Son*' Lewis Stone - Mickey Rooney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Looking After Sandy Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds .. Oct. 27,'39t
Marx Brothers "at the Circus" . Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. .. .Oct. 20.'39t
(See "Day at the Circus." "In the Cutting Room." July I5,'39.)
Ninotchka G. G^rbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire.. Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8.'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
Remember R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald ■ Nelson
Eddy I 12. Jan. 18, '35
MONOGRAM Running Time
THie Star Rel. 'Date Minutes Reviewed
Across the Plains (G) 3655 Jack Randall Apr. 30, '39 59 May 27.'30
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. .. Frankie Darro-Grant Withers May 1.'39 61. May 13. '39
Convicts' Code (G) 3822 R. Kent-A. Nagel-S. Blackmer . . Jan. 18.'39 62. Feb. II. '39
Crashing Thru !. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Sept. I9.'39t
Title Star
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Rilter-Mary Brodell
Drifting Westward 3853 Jack Randall-Edna Duran
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movita-Warren Hull
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Purcell
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter
Mr. Wong in Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Mariorie Reynolds.
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds...
(Reviewed under the title. "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter
Rolling Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room." June 17,
Sky Patrol 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone..
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spcllman.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22. '39. p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane....
(See "In the Cutting Room." Apr. 8. '39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll
Coming Attractions
Fight for Peace. The*
Mr. Wong at Headquarters
3808 Boris Karloff
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane..
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall
Scouts of the Air 3816 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone..
Rel. Date
May 18,'
Jan. 25,'
Aug. 7.'
Aug. 22,'
July 21.'
Aug.
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
39 62. June 24. '39
39 55
39 62
'39 58. Aug. 26, '39
39 60
,'39.
.70 July 22, '39
Mar. 8,'
Mar. 8.
29.'39, p.
Feb. 8.
Aug. 25.'
Aug. 16.'
Mar. I,
June 10,'
.'39.)
Sept. 12,
39 66. Mar. 18. '30
39 60. Feb. 25, '39
72.)
39 60. Feb. 18. '39
39
39. . ..*59.Sept. 9. '39
'39 55. Apr. 1.'39
39 61
39.
Feb. 22. '39 62. Apr. 15, '39
Apr. 12. '39 73. Apr. 8, '39
July I,
Feb. 8.
Mar. 22,
Apr. 5.
Apr. 19.
May 18,
39 62. July I, '39
'39 53
'39 51
'39 56
'39 62
'39 60. May 20. '39
Sept. 25. '39.
Nov. 24,
Sept. 30,
Oct. 13,
Oct. 4.
'39
39
'39
39
PARAMOUNT
Title Star Rel.
Ambush (G) 3820 Gladys Swarthout-Lloyd Nolan .... Jan.
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford Apr.
Beachcomber. The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester. . Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 14.'39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston-Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept.
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland. . . . Feb.
Bulldog Drumraond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard-Heather Angel June
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard- Heather Angel Apr.
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39. p. 57; Apr. 22. '39. p. 60.)
De.ith of a Champion (G) Lynne Overman-Susan Paley Sept.
Disbarred (G) 3818 Gail Patrick - Otto Kruger -
Robert Preston Jan.
Gracie Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew June
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick June
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods June
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland May
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George Apr.
(Exploitation: May 13. '39. p. 66; June 10, '39, p. 55; Aug. 5,'39
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray. . June
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. .Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn. July
King of Chinatown (G) 3827... Anna May Wong-A. Tamiroff Mar.
Lady's from Kentucky. The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts Apr.
Magnificent Fraud. The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son July
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold. .. July
(Exploitation; Aug. 12. '39, pp. 69, 72, 74; Aug. 19. '39. p. 70.)
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert- Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more- Mary Astor Mar.
(Exploitation; Mav 27. '39. p. 68; June 3. '39, P. 66; July I. '39. p.
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan . . July
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye Apr.
Night Work (G) Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles. ... Aug.
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson Feb.
$1,000 a Touchdown Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept.
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 22, '39.)
Our Leading Citizen (G) Bob Burns-Susan Hayward Aug.
Paris Honeymoon (G) 3821... Bing Crosby - Franciska Gaal -
E. E. Horton - Shirley Ross -
Akim Tamiroff Jan.
(Exploitation: Apr. 1.'39, p. 73.)
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
20. '39 62. Jan. 21. '39
21. '39 85. Apr. 15, '39
10. '39 88. Nov. 26. '38
I5.'39t.
17, '39
. 1 14. July
74. Feb.
22. '39
4,'39
30.'39
57. July
8. '39
14. '39..
. .55. Apr.
8,'39
3.'39..
. .76. Feb.
11. '39
I,'39t.
.*67.Sept.
2,'39
I,'39. .
. .60 Jan.
14, '39
2.'39 74. May 20. '39
23, '39 68. June 10. '39
23. '39 74. Mar. I8.'39
12, '39 80. May 13. '39
7, '39 80. Mar. 25. '39
p. 99.)
16, '39... .95. May 13, '39
28.'39 64. Aug. 5, '39
17. '39 57. Mar. 18.'39
28, '39 77. Apr. 15, '39
21. '39.. . .78. July 22,'39
7,'39 85. June I7.'39
24, '39 94. Mar. 18, '39
58.)
14, '39 65. July 8,'39
14,'39 82. Mar. II. '39
4. '39 62. Aug. 12.'39
24,'39 76. Feb. 18. '39
22, '39t
II, '39 88. Aug. 5.'39
27,39 85. Dec. 17, '38
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
(THE CCLCASE CHAKT~C€NT'D)
Title
Persons in Hiding (G) 3823...
Range War (G)
Renegade Trail
(See "Arizona Bracelets."
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822
(Exploitation: June 17. '39.
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858.. .
(Exploitation: Jan. 7. '39. p
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837. . .
(Exploitation: June 10. '39,
Star Maker, The (G)
Stolen Life (A) 3864
Sudden Money (G) 3829
Sunset Trail (G) 3857
This Man in Paris (A) 3865..
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840..
Union Pacific (G) 3835
(Exploitation: Feb. 18. '39
p. 64; June 3. '39. p. 65
p. 76; July 8. '39. pp. 50,
Unmarried (G) 3838
Zaza (A) 3819
(Exploitation: July 15. '39,
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
L. Overman-Patricia IVIorison Feb. 10. '39 70. Jan. 28,'39
William Boyd-Russell Hayden , . .Sept. 8.'39t 66. Aug. 5,'3J
W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes,.. Aug. 18, '39
••In the Cutting Room." Dec. 31. '38.)
L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Guizar, . . Feb. 3, '39 87 . Jan.
p. 75.)
Wni. Boyd-Geo. Hayes Mar. 31. '39 68. Feb
. 53.)
Gene Krupa and Orch. -Shirley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel May 19, '39 64. May 13, '39
p. 54; June 17, '39. p. 77; Aug. 26, '39, p. 85.)
Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug. 25, '39 94. Aug
Elisabeth Bergner-Michael Red-
grave May 26,'39 92. Feb.
B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar. 31, '39 62. Mar. 25, '39
Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.. Feb. 24, '39 68. Oct. 22, '38
Barry K. Barnes- Valerie Hob-
son Aug. 18,'39 86. July
L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel . June
Joel McCrea-Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroff-Robt Preston.. May
, p. 72; Mar. 1 1,'39. p. 57; Mar. I8.'39, p.
; June ID.'39, pp. 54, 59. 60; June 17, '39, p
51; July 15, '39, p. 61; Aug. ,'39, p. 102.)
Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees. . . . May 26, '39 65. May 27, '39
C. Colbert-H. Marshall-B. Lahr..Jan. 13, '39 86. Jan. 7, '39
p. 62.)
28.'39
11. '39
26,'33
18, '33
9, '39 65. June
8, '39
3, '39
5, '39. , . . 125. Apr. 29, '39
73; May 27, '39,
75; June 24, '39,
Coming Attractions
Campus Wives J- Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov.
Diamonds Are Dangerous !sa Miranda- George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamiroff-
John Howard Oct,
(See ••In the Cutting Room," May 20, '39.)
Dr. Cyclops Alber Dekker-Janice Logan Dec.
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell . .Jan.
Farmer's Daughter. The Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggles
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew... Nov.
(See - In the Cutting Room," Apr. 15, '39.)
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-O. Bradna-R. 'Voung . . Jan.
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 'red MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roll-H. Bdoreick-A. Jones Sept.
Jamaica Inn (A) Charles Laughton-Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams Oct.
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb.
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna...Nov.
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupino . . Feb.
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard Dec.
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden. . .Jan.
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter- Frank Craven Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9,'39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondi-Eliza-
beth Patterson Jan.
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe Nov.
St. Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton- Vivien Leigh... Dev.
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. Field-0. Kruger. . . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19, '39.)
Strange Money Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett Oct.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour-Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff Dec.
What a Life Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct.
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 20. '39.)
24,'39t.
27,'39t.
22,'39t.
I9,'40t.
10,'39t.
5.'40t.
39.)
29,'39t. . .*95.Sept. 16, '39
13,'39t.
16,'40t.
3.'39t.
9,'40t.
8.'39. .
I2.'40t.
l,'39t.
I2,'40t.
.99. May 27, '39
26,'40t.
17.'39t...-95.Sept. 16, '39
I5,'39t 85. July 9, '38
2,'40t
20,'39t.
29,'39t,
6,'39t.
REPUBLIC
Title Star Rel.
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844... G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .May
Calling All Marines (G) D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer Sept,
Colorado Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe July
(G)
Fighting Thoroughbreds
821
Flight at Midnight (G) 911
Jan.
. R. Byrd-M. Carlisle-R. Allen
.Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong . Aug.
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kclly-L. Talbot-J. Lang Feb.
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Apr.
Home on the Prairie (G) 842. . Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Feb.
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane-Beverly Roberts. . Mar.
IP Old Caliente (G) 856 R. Rogcrs-M. Hart-G. Hayes June
In Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes . Aug.
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gail Patrick-Edw.
Ellis-Joan Fontaine May
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64. 68; July 15. '39. pp. 60, 66.)
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Mar.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
4,'39 56. May 6. '39
2l,'39t . . .'65.Sept. 9, '39
31, '39 64. Aug. 5, '39
6, '39 65. Jan. 21, '39
28,'39t....66.Sept. 2. '39
24,'39 61. Feb. 11. '39
19. '39 58. Feb. 11. '39
3, '39 58.Anr. 15. '39
6,'39. . . .65. Feb. 2f.'3?
19, '39 57. July 22,39
14, '39 73. Aug. 12,'39
15. '39 97. Apr. 15. '39
27, '39 58. Apr. I, '39
Title
Miukey the Kid (G) 814.
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845.
Mysterious Miss X (G) 809
Iv.y Wife's Relatives (G) 810
Lew Frontier (G) 868....
Night Riders, The (G) 865
Pride of the Navy (G) 822
F.cugh Riders' Round-up (G)
853
the Married a Cop (G) 815
Lhould Husbands Work?
816
Star Rol
Bruce Cabot- Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan July
G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. . .June
M. Whalen-M. Hart-C. Chandler. .Jan.
Glcasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell Mar.
J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton. .Aug.
Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers. . .Apr.
J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver. .. Jan.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
Phil Regan-Jean Parker July
3, '39
. .65
July
l,'39
9.'39 ,
. .59
July
l,'39
ID.'39
, 65
Jan.
14, '39
20,'39. .
..65
Mar.
4,'39
10, '39..
. .57
Aug.
19, '39
I2,'39. .
. .58
Apr.
8, '39
23,'39. .
..65
Jan.
21, '39
13, '39
. ,58
Mar.
25, '39
12, '39
. 66
June
24. '39
(G)
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825....
S.Q.S.-Tidal Wave (G) 813..
Southward Ho! (G) 855
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1
Three Texas Steers (G) 866..
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857..
Woman Doctor (G) 808
. Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell-Marie Wilson-Tommy
Ryan July
. Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
.Ralph Byrd-Kay Sutton June
.Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
.Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
.Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis..May
. R. Rogers-G. Hayes- R. Hatton Sept.
. Frieda Inescort- Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Coming Attractions
Abraham Lincoln Boggs Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Arizona Kid, The Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Hit Parade, The* Frances Langford
Jeepers Creepers Weaver Bros. &. Elviry - Roy
Rogers
Kansas Terrors, The 3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueline Wells
Sabotage Chas. Grapewin- Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver
26,'39 65. July
21, '39 62. Aug.
2,'39 61 .June
19, '39 58. June
28, '39 65. Apr.
I2,'39 57. June
6, '39 66. Sept.
15, '39
26,'39
3, '39
10, '39
29,'39
17, '39
9,'39
6. '39 65. Feb. 4, '39
27, '39 56. July 15. '39
26,'39 65. May 27, '39
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Mar. 31. '39 65. Mar. 25, '39
RKO RADIO
Title Star
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920 .James Ellison- Helen Wood..
Arizona Legion (G) 982 George O'Brien-Laraine Johnson . .Jan. 20,'39 58. Jan. 14,'39
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn..Aug. 4, '39 82. July I, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9.'39, p. 70; Aug. 26, '39, p. 84; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. 9, '39, p. 74.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. 1 1,'39 70. Aug. I9,'39
Beauty for the Asking (G)915. .L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb. 24,'39 68. Jan. 28, '39
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb. 10, '39 72. Jan. I4,'39
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. 15,'39t
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept. 8. '39 59. Aug. 26, 39
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - Jarnes Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22, '39 83. Aug. 26, '39
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. . 8. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrillo. . Feb. 3. '39 72. Jan. 28, '39
7, '39 80. July 8,'39
1.'39 59. Aug. 26,'39
♦64. Sept. 16, '39
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23, '39 75. June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy- Virginia Weidler Apr.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr.
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, pp. 61. 62: June 24, '39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Filers Sept.
21, '39 68. Jan.
10.'39
28, '39
13, '39 72. Jan. 14, '39
17, '39.
.107 Jan.
7, '39 .72. Mar. 4. '39
8, '39t. . . .73.Aug. 26, '39
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926 S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt June I6,'39 63. June 10. '39
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928. Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June 2, '39 71. May 20, '39
Great Man Votes, The (G) 913. John Brrrymore- Katharine Alex-
ander-Peter Holden-Virginia
Weidler Jan.
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant-Victor McLaglen-D.
Fairbanks, Jr. -J. Fontaine Feb
(Exploitatirn: Feb. 18.'39. p. 72; Mar. II. '39, P. 57: Mar. 25,'39, p. 84; Apr. 8. '39
Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; Apr. 22. '39. p. 60; Apr. 29. '39, p. 77; May 6.'39. p. 61; May 13. '39
p. 65; May 27,'39. p. 66; June 3. '39. p. 68; June ID,'39, p. 60; July I, '39, p. 62; Jul;
22. '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant-K. Francis. .Aug. 18,'39 94. Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 18. '39. pp. 84, 85.)
Lost Patrol (re-issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford. Feb. 17,'39 73. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea - R. Dix - M. Astor July I4.'39 79. Mar.
Love Affair (G) 916 I. Dunne - C. Boyer - L. Bowman. Apr. 7. '39 89. Mar. 18, '39
(Exploitaticn: Apr. 8. '39. p. 80; Apr. 15. '39, p. 82; Apr. 29, '39. pp. 72, 74; June 3,'39,
p. 68.)
Of Human Bondage (re-issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee July 14. '39 83, July
Pacific Liner (G) 914 Victor-McLaglen-Chester Morris-
Wendy Barrie Jan.
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marjorie Rey-
6. '39 59. Aug.
12, '39 65. May
2S.'39
p. 82;
5. '39
3. '34
5. '32
7,'34
6,'r8
13, '39
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas
Saint in London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey
Saint Strikes Back. The(G) 918. Peorge Sanders-Wendy Barrie.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley-James Ellison...
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Read-P. Knowles.
Star of Midnight (re-issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell
Story of Vernon and Ir-ene
Castle. The (G) 398 Fr-d Astaire - Ginger Rooers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Bi-enn^n Anr. 28
May
26. '39
. 62. June
3. '39
. Apr.
28, '39
. .60. May
13, '.^9
, June
30, '39 ,
. .72. July
l,'39
. Mar.
10, '39, .
..64, Feb.
18. '39
5, '39
64, Apr.
22. '39
.July
28, '39, .
. ,69, July
29. '39
.Feb.
17. '39
DO, Apr.
6. '35
39 93. Apr. 1,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39. p. 81; May 13. '39. p. 68; June I7,'39, p. 76.)
30
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
(THE RELEASE CH ACT—CONT'D)
Running Time
Title Star
They Made Her a Spy (G) 921. Sally Eilers-Allan Lane
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-iVlarjorie Reynolds.
Trouble in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brien-R. Keith-R.Whitley.
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard Dix-Lucille Ball
Way Down South (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray.
Coming Attractions
Abe Lincoln in Illinois 009 R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard .
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 16. '39.)
Allegeheny Uprising 006 John Waync-Claire Trevor-Brian
Donlevy- George Sanders
Everything's on ice (G) 946... Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy
Flying Deuces OfO Laurel & Hardy-J. Parker
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19. '39.)
Hunchback of Notre Dame. The.C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-Sir C.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell - B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9. '39.)
Marshal of Mesa City 081 George O'Brien-Virginia Vale...
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Oiivcr-
M. Robson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts.
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith
(Reviewed under the title, "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 R- Dix-G. Patrick-A. Louise ...
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
That's Right. You, re Wrong... Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball
Three Sons 004 E. Ellis-W. Gargan-K. Taylor...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9, '39.)
Vigil in the Night 007 Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
Rel.
Date
Minutes Reviewed
Apr.
I4.'39
69. Mar.
25, '39
June
30.'39
, ,59. June
24,'39
Mar.
24. '39.
...60. Mar.
I8.'39
Mar.
3, '39
64. Feb.
18. '39
July
21, '39.
63. July
22, •3n
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Nov. 24,'3ut.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
27,'39t.
6.'39..
20.'39t.
'65. Sept. 9,'39
.Nov. 3.'39t
Sept. 29,'39t. . ■*95.Aug. 26, '39
Nov. 3,'39t 95. Oct. 29,'38
Ncv. I7,'39t
Oct. I3.'39t.
Nov. I0,'39t.
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-lv;. Bruce .Sept. I ,'39t . 82. Aug. 26.'39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo C^rrillo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3, '39.. ,.69. Nov. 19, '38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arleen Whelan May 19, '39 72. May 13, '39
Charlie Chan .at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8.'39t 74. Aug. 26. '39
Charlie Chan in Honolulu (G)
928 Sidney Toler-Phyllis Brooks Jan. 13, '39. . .68.0ec. 24, '38
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Cortez. . . . June I6,'39. .. .71. June 3.'3e
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari May 5.'39 60 Jan, 14.'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. Il,'39t ..64..^ug. 19, '?9
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern ■ Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bar! Aug. 4,'39t 83. Aug. 5, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. I6,'39, p. 88.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane Mar. 24, '39.. .62. Nov. 26. '38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951.Randloph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes. . .July 28, '39 71 July 29, 39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2, '39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Eros, - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39..
Hound of the Baskeivilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Niyel Bruce M.->.r. 31. '39..
(Exploitation: June 17, '39. p. 73; July I. '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Miihael Whalen-Jean Pcgers Mar. I0.'39.
Inspector Hornleigh (A) 945... Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 21, '39..
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30, '39 65. June 17. '39
Jesse James (G) 921 Tyrone Power - Henry Fonda -
Nancy Kelly-Randolph Scott. . Jan. 27, '39 100. Jan. I4.'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14. '39, p. 63: Jan. 21, '39, pp. 52, 54; Feb. 4.'39, p. 83; Feb. II, '39.
pp. 58. 61; Feb. 25. '39, pp. 69, 70; Mar. 4."39, p. 70: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56: Apr. 1,'39,
p. 76: Apr. 29. '39. pp. 75, 76; May 6, '39, p. 65: June 24',39, p. 74.)
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington June 2.'39 60 May 27, '3E
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington Aug. 25,'39t 61. Aug. 12, '39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. . Mar. 17, '39 93. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15, '39, pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Moto In Da:ioer Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff Apr. 7, '39 70. Mar. 18,'39
(Reviewed under the title. "Danger Island.")
Mr. Mote's Last Warning 926. Peter Lorre - Geo. Sanders -
R. Cortez - Virginia Field Jan. 20. '39 71
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 24, '38.)
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre . Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schildkraut. . July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21, '39 73. July 15, '39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Bari Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'3e
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. I5,'39t. . . l04.Sept. 9,'39
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
.66. May 27, '39
.80. Apr. 1.'39
.61. Oct. 22, '38
.76. Apr. 22. -39
.71. Apr. 22,'39
8, '39
.83. Oct. 22,'3S
.101. Aug. 5,'39-
.57. Sept, 2, '39
...97. Apr. 8,'39
64; May 27.'39.
..78. June 24,'39-
Title Star
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Bari-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28. '39..
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May 13, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p, 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee July I4,'39 87. July
(Exploitation: Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Smiling Along (G) 933 Grade Fields - Mary Maguire -
Roger Livesey Jan. 20, '39...
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy-R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke Aug. I8,'39t..
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 67.)
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008.. Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t..
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . Apr. I4,'39...
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; May 6,'39, p. 60; May 13, '39, p.
pp. 64. 68; June I7,'39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mounties (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott... June 23,'39. .
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69; Aug. 26, '39, p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . . Feb. 10. '39 84. Feb. 4.'39
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 69; Mar, 18,'39. pp. 73, 74: Apr. I, '39. p. 76; Apr. 8, '39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-Binnie Barnes Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb. 1 1, '39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 21, '39 72. Dec. 3l,'3ff
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury .Jan.
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Binnie Barnes-Cesar Romero.
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947.. Henry Fonda-Marjorie Weaver-
Arleen Whclan-Alice Brady..
(Exploitation: July 29. '39, p. 67; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70.)
Com^nq Attractions
Adventurer, The 012 r. Romero-V. Fields-M. Weaver .. Oct. 20,'39t
Bluebird, The Shirley Temple-Nancy Kelly
City, The* i ynn Bari- Donald Woods
Daytime Wife* Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell -
Warren William-B. Barnes
City of Darkness Sidney Toler
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0.'39t
Escape. The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. ... Oct. 6,'39t 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Everything Happens at Night*. S. Henie-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lilli Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May I3,'3?
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
fonce Jean Rogers-Glen Ford
Here I Am a Stranger 009 Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16. 39.)
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Hollywood Cavalcade 007 Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton. . . . Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Man Who Wouldn't Talk,* ThsL. Nolan-J. Rogers-M. Marsh
Pack Up Your Troubles 014 J. Withers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Nov. 3,'39t
Simple Life M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Swanee River 017 D. Amerhe-A. Jolson-A. Leeds. ..Nov. 24,'39t
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis... Nov. I7,'39t..^ ..... .
20.000 Men a Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct. 27.'3%U...........
6, '39 61. Aug. 27,'3H
.Mar. 3, '39 80. Feb. I8.'39
.Apr. 21, '39 62. Feb. 25.'?9'
..June 9,'39... .101. June 3, '39^
UNITED ARTISTS
Title star Rel
Captain Fury (G) Brian Ahern-Victcr McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez -
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug.
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, pp. 82, 84; Feb,
p. 68; Mar. 4.'39, pp. 70, 72.)
Intermezzo, a Love Story L. Howard- 1. Bergman -E. Best... Sept.
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello. . Feb.
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn.. Feb.
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett ■
Wan-en William . Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug.
(Exploitation: July I. '39. p. 59: July 22, '39, p. 80; Aug. I2.'39,
Aug. 26. '39, p. 85: Sept. 2,'39, p. 53; Sept. 16, '39, p. 82.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchaire-Edna Best Mar.
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devine -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 81; Apr. I, '39, pp. 72, 75: Apr.
p. 67: May 20.'39, p. 60: July 15. '39, p. 60; July 22.'39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Music (G)...Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds -
Joe McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug.
(See musical analysis, July 22,'39, p. 54.)
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
26,'39 91. May 6,'39-
4,'39t. . .IIS.May 6,'39-
1 1, '39, p. 59; Feb. 25, '39.
22,'39t
I7,'39 88. Feb. 1 1, '39
10, '39 94. Feb. 4,'39
1 1, '39t.. .112. July l,'39-
p. 69; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66;
I0,'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
3,'39 96. Feb. 1 1, '39
I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
f8,'3fft.. .101 .July I5,'39-
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
(THE RELEASE CHACT— C€NT*D)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett-Roland Young-
Billie Burke-Alan Mowbray Jan. 12, '39 80. Dec. 31, '38
(Exploitation: Feb. 4, '39, p. 82: Mar. I8.'39, p. 73.)
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July 28.'39t. .100. July 22, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 5,'39, p. 98: Aug. 19, '39, p. 67; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7,'39. . . . 104.Apr. I. '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 2, '39, p. 62; May 1 3, '39. p. 68; May 27,'39, p. 65; Sept. 9, '39, p. 71.)
Zenobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke - Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr. 21, '39 73 . Mar. 18, '39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David Niven -
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39; exploitation: July 22, '39, p. 81.)
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joon Bennett-Adolphe Menjou. . . .Oct. I2,'39t . . .*76.Sept. 16, '39
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land
Real Glory, The (G) G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven Sept. 29,'39t ..*95.Sept. I6,'39
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson
Send Another Coffin* Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford -Edward Arnold
Title
Chip of the Flying
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed'
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane - Tom Brown •
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer..
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore...
.Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan-
.June Lang-Robert Kent
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Apr. 21, '39 66. Apr. 22,'39
.Apr. 14,'39 69. Feb. 4, '39
Sept. 8,'39t
Apr. 7,'39 88. Apr. 8, '39
May I9,'39 72. May 20, '39
Family Next Door (G) 3020.
For Love or Money (G) 3030.
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden...
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle.
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038... Irene Hervey-William Gargan...
Inside Information (G) 3039. ..J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22,'39, p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4050 R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 18,'39.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker- Marjorie Reynolds...
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3, '38.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy-Dorothea Kent..
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Son of Frankenstein, The
3004 Basil Rathbone - Boris KarlofT -
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39, p. 67: Mar. 4,'39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78: Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 6, '39, p. 64; June 24.'39, p.
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devine-H. Hull-J. Moran..
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr...
They Asked for It (G) 3040 Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges -
William Lundigan
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
(G) 3001 D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
..Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew...
.Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillis...
.Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
Mar.
Apr.
July
Jan.
Sept.
. Jan.
June
June
July
Jan.
Sept.
Sept.
Mar.
Feb.
Feb.
Mar.
Feb.
31, '39 61. Apr. 15, '39
28, '39 67. May 6, '39
7, '39 67. July I, '39
20, '39 62. Aug. 20, '38
8, '39t....65.Aug. 19, '39
13, '39 58
30, '39 66. June 10,'39
2,'39 62. June 10, '39
21, '39 80 July 22,'39
6. '39 63. Dec. 10, '38
8,'39t 91. May 20, '39
l,'39t 66. Aug. 12, '39
17,'39 57
10, '38 57.
3, '39 61 .
3, '39... 671/2. Mar, 1 1, '39
24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
Jan.
Mar.
73.)
.Mar.
June
May
13, '39 94. Jan. 21, '39
25, '39, p. 80; Apr. 8, '39,
Two Bright Boys (G) 4017.
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010...
Unexpected Father (G) 3008..
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 62.)
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. c' Fields - Edgar Bergen -
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-MJry
Carlisle- Larry Crabbe
Mar.
Sept.
Sept.
July
.Aug.
Sept.
Feb.
I0,'39. . .
90
Mar.
4, '39
9,'39
96
June
10, '39
26,'39 . .
61
July
I5,'39
24,'39, ..
I5,'39t. .
87
. .70
Mar.
Sept.
25. '39
16,'39
I,'39t.
I4,'39
. .89
78
Aug.
July
26, '39
I5,'39
II, '39 .
92
Aug.
I9,'39
I7,'39...
..79
Feb.
18, '39
.Oct. 20, '39 *65.Aug. 19. '39-
Star
'U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Doris Weston ...Nov. 24.'39t.
Destry Rides Again* Marlene Dietrich-James Stewirt-
Chas. Winninger-Mischa Auer
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrice
Joy
Galloping Kid John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft- Vincent Price Oct. 27,'39t
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewin-Anita Louise-
Dick Foran Oct. 6.'39t
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19. '39.)
Listen Kids c. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges Oct. 20.'39t
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20.'39t. ..58
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. Lite!
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12. '39.)
Rio Sigrid Gurie-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo Sept. 29.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9.'39.)
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter.. Oct. 6.'39t
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts. . .Oct. 13,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29, '39.)
Vigilante War'- John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight- Frances Robin-
son
62.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed'
Aug. 26,'39 86. Sept.
Mar. 25, '39 71. Mar.
...May 27, '39 58. May 20,'39-
.May 6, '39 102. Apr. 29. '38'
29, '39.. ..56.
First National Pictures
Title star
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran
ville
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell.
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan -Rosella Towns
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickscn July
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dack Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22. '39..
(Exploitation: June 3. '39, p. 66; June I0,'39. p. 55; June 24, '39,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5. '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July
(Exploitation: Aug. 19,'39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfield-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan -
• George Raft-George Bancroft. . Aug
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. 16, '39, p. 88.)
Hobby Family, The 376 Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien - .
Joan PIcndoM - M-iy Rohson June 24,'39 92. May
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Graqewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60. Apr.
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. 18,'39 68. Feb.
No Place to Go F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. Sept. 23,'39t. . . .57
Old Maid (A) Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson Sept. I,'39t. .*95.Aug.
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins. .. May 20, '39 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane . . Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb.
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young... Feb. 25.'39 86. Feb.
(Exploitation: Jan. 14,'39, p. 64; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; Apr. 29,'39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20, '39 75. Jan.
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Espionage Agent Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall -
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh. . . . Oct. 7,'39t
(See "Career Man," "In the Cutting Room." July 22, '39.)
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l.'39t
9,'39
II, '39^
106. Mar. II, '39-
pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
22,'39.... 107. June 24,'3n-
8. Aug. I9,'39-
I9,'39 92. July 22, '39
26, '39
27, '39
8,'.39-
4, '39^
5,'39-
1 1.'39
1 1,'3?
21, '39-
82
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
(THE I^ELEASE CtiACT— CONT'D)
Warner Brothers
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title Star
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-William Garoan.Mar. 18. '39 58. Feb. II .'3S
Dodge City (G) 304 Erroll Flynn-Olivia de Havilland
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory...Apr. 8.'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8. '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25. '39, p. 82; Apr. 22. '39. p. 61; May 20,'39, p. 61; May 27. 39.
pp. 65. 68; June 3. '39, p. 64: June 10. '39. p. 59; June 24. '39. pp. 76, 77; July 8, '39.
pp. 48. 50; July 15. '39. p. 61; July 22. '39. p. 81; Aug. 12. '39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay-Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8,'39 81. July 8. '39
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page Aug. 5, '39 82. July 22,'39
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Rains-J. Garfield June 10. '39 127. Apr. 29, '39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 64: July I. '39, p. 58; July 15, '39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81;
Aug. 5, '39, p. 102: Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LiteL.Sept. I,'39t 60
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter .
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LiteL.June I7,'39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dicit Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I, '39 90. July I. '39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. il,'39 80. Mar, I8.'39
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. I, '39, pp. 74, 75; Apr. 29, '39, pp. 74, 75; May
I3.'39, p. 67: June I0,'39, p. 60; July 15. '39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. I,'39 61. Mar. 25. '39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Litel Mar. 4. '39 61. Mar. II. '39
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield - Ann Sheridan -
"Crime School Kids"-C. Rains. .Jan. 28, '39 92. Jan. 7,'39
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 jEine Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug. 12, '39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322.Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane May 13, '39 60. Apr. I, '39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson .July 15, '39 59. July 22. '39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-O. de Havilland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. 1 1, '39 89. Jan. 21. '39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14. '39. p. 64: Feb. 4. '39, p. 85: Feb. 1 1, '39. p. 61; Feb. 25. '39. p. 69;
Apr. 25, '39, pp. 75, 77: May 20, '39, p. 64; Aug. 26. '39. p. 86.)
Women in the Wind (G) 316. ..K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39 65. Feb. 4. '39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
British Intelligence Boris KarlofT- Margaret Lindsay
Child Is Born, A Gcraldine Fitzgerald - Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George Sept. 30,'39t . . . .79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room." May 6. '39.)
City of Lost Men, The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Litel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
Gambling on the High Seas*...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
Invisible Stripes* George Raft- William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catiett
(See "!n the Cutting Room." June 24,'39.)
Lady Dick : Jane Wyman-Dick Foran
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8.'39.)
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion. . .Oct. I4,'39
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, The Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de Havilland- Vincent Price ,..
(See "The Lady and the Knight." "In the Cutting Room," June 10, '39.)
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart 7
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Roaring Twenties, *rhe Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn. ...Oct. 28,'39t
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse "Tjirie Wilson-Marg't Lindsay-
Rosella Towne
We Are Not Alone r;ul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
STATE RIGHTS Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory Feb. 25, '39
(See "In the Cutting Room" Jan. I4,'39.)
Harlem Rides the Range. . . Negro Cast Sack Feb. I, '39
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb. 5. '39
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27,'39. .*80.May 6,'39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0.'39
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) . William S. Hart Astor May 20,'39. . .88. May 13, '39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5, '39
Hitler— The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers Dist
Juarez and Maximilian
Oct. 22,'39.
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres *95.Apr. 22,'39
Running Time
Title star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Lure of the Wasteland (G) . Grant Withers '55. Mar. I8,'39
Man from Oklahoma* George Houston Producers Dist Oct. 29,'39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers Dist Oct. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKinney. Domino 56. July I, '39
Torture Ship Lyie Talbot Producers Dist Oct. 15, '39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 29,'39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5,'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29,'39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Lucien Baroux Francinex 85. May 27,'39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-ln't .....Mar. 20,'39. . .85.Apr. I, '39
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July 8,'39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. 1 1, '39
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim Columbia June 5,'39. . .90.June I7,'39
Cabiria Brodie Feb. 3, '39... 85
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39 ..85
Champs Elysees (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Feb. 27. '39. . .89. Mar. 4, '39
(Exploitation: April I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks. The (Le
Recif de Corail (A) Jean Gahin Alliance 100. Mar. II, '39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39. . .96. Mar. 25, '39
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3,'39. . .85.Apr. 29, '39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emlyn Williams Alliance Aug. 15, '39. . .70. July 29, 39
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept, 2, '39
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22, '39
Down Our Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen 65. Aug. 12, '39
End of Day, The* (A) Victor Fancen Juno Oct. I, '39. 94. Sept. 16. '39
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24,'39
40 Little Mothers (A) Lucien Baroux National May 2, '39. . .94. Dec. 31. '38
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc. British 78. Apr. I, '39
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center 80. Aug. 5,'39
Hatred Harry Baur World Feb. I5.'39. . .80. Aug. 5. '39
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis French M. P. Cp.. .Sept. 4,'39. . .90.Sept. I6,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. 17. '39. . .87. Apr. I, '39
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22. '39. . .88. Apr. 29.'39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3,'39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
, (A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22,'39
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I5,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 110. Apr. I, '39
I Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept. 2,'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Apr. 29,'39. . .80. May I3,'39
Itto Native Cast World Feb. 30,'39
Just William (G) Dicky Lupino Assoc. British 75. Sept. 9,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. .United Artists 95. July 22, '39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupino Lane MGM 84. Apr. 22, '39
Mamele Molly Picon Sphinx Jan. '39 . 102
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex. ..Mar. 27, '39 ..80. Apr. 15, '39
(Reviewed under the title. "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30, '39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. II, '39
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field Apex Feb. 27,'39. . .92. Mar. II, '39
Murder in Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
My Song of Love Tito Schipa World '.
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July I, '39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 21, '39
Outside, The (A) Mary Maguire Assoc. British 91. Feb. 25, '39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A) . . . Chato Ortin Zacarias 98. Sept. 2. '39
Peasant Wedding Amer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July 15. '39
Puritan. The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault.Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25, '39
School for Husbands (A)... Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. 6, '39. . .70. Feb. 18, '39
Shipyard Sally (G) Gracie Fields 20th Cent.-Fox 80. July 29, 39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar Paramount 77. June 3, '39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich World Mar. I, '39. . .66. Jan. 23,'37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres Atlas Jan. 24,'39. .108
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. I, '39. . 75. Aug. 26,'39
So This Is London (A) ... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent.-Fox 85. Feb. 4.'39
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. I8,'39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes. .. .Assoc. British 77. May 6,'39
Street Without a Name Pola lllery World Mar. I5,'39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D 83. June 24, '39
They Drive by Night (A) .. Emlyn Williams First National 84. Jan. 28,'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedis 90. May 13, '39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. British 87. Mar. II, '39
What a Man! (G) Sydney Howard British Lion 74. Feb. I8,'39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American 75. Sept. 2, '39
When the Husband
Travels M. Phillipides Brodie Mar. '39... 95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
Where's That Fire (G)...Will Hay 20th Cent.-Fox 74. Aug. I9,'39
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Malmar Feb. 4,'39. . .79. Feb. 18, '39
Young Man's Fancy (A). ..Anna Lee Assoc. British... 77. Sept. 2,'39
Youth in Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May I5,'39. . .90. May 27,'39
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
83
(THE RELEASE CHACT—CCNT'D)
SHORT
El EMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.^
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7.'39 . l6'/2 . .
(3 Stooges)
All American Blondes l42S.Oct. 20,'39t 2 ris.
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39.l7i/2..
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7i/2..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5, '39. 18
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. II, '39. 19
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. IG,'39. 171/2. .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434.. June 2,'39.I7
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l81/2..
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June 16, '39. 19
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July 14, '39. 17
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. IS'/a. .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 30,'39. 17
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2. .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21, '39. 17
(All Star) '
Static in the Attic 1422. ..Sept. 22,'39tl9
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swingers
9428 Jan. 20,'39. 181/2 . .
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3.'39t.2rls.
Charley Chase
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6, '39. 16
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28, '39. 18
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24, '39. 1 7...
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May 19, '39. 16
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Dreams on Ice 1504 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507 Feb. 24,'39..8
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 31, '39. .7
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39..8
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. I4,'39. .7. . . .
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7....
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39..7
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39..7
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct. 20,'39t . I rl . .
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39 ) 9506 Jan. 16, '39. .8
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3, '39.. 9....
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26, '39.. 9
(Frisco Fair)
Modern Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27.'39t .l rl . .
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. lO'A. .
Sojourn in India 9555 July 7,'39. .91/2 . .
Title Rel. Date Min.
COMMUNITY SING
No. 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27, '39. 10...
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs) .. Feb. 24, '39. 10', 2 .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .9'/2.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 21, '39.. 8...
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9.'39.I0...
No. ID (6-17-39) 9660 June 16. '39. 10...
( Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4, 39t.9...
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t.9i/2.
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl . ,
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. I7,'39t .l rl .
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl..
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t .l rl .
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25,'39t. I rl. ,
No. 2 (Ellas Howe) 1602.. Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,'39. IO1/2 . .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. lO'/j . .
No. 3 9473 .Apr. 21, '39. II
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. 17, '39. .71/2 . .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2.'39..6
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30,'39. IO1/2 . .
Night in a Music Hall, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20,'39. lO'A. .
Night at the Troc 9962 Mar. 2,'39. lOVi . .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9963 May I9,'39. 10. . . .
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I,'39t.l rl..
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39t. 1 rl. .
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. 10, '39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3.'39. .6V2.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2, '39.. 6
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754... Mar. 3, '39.. 7...
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39..7
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3, '39. .9
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. IO1/2. .
No. 7 9857 Mar. 17, '39. 10
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9858 ...Apr. 8,'39. . 91/2 . .
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May 12, '39. 10
No. 10.9860 May 26, '39. 10
No. II 9861 June I5.'39.I0
No. 12.(8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. I5.'39t. 1 rl. .
No. 2 1852 OcL 20,'39t.l rl..
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24.'39t.l rl..
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810. ...Aug. I8,'39. 10. . . .
Bows and Arrows 1801 Sept. 29,'39t.l rl..
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 2I,'39. 10. . . .
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2, '39. .91/2 . .
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jan. 6,'39.ll
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .91/2. -
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. IO,'39.IOi/2 .
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .81/2. .
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 1 5, '39. 101/2..
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 2I,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4, '39. 10
1939- 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 6, '391. 1 rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributecd through
Gran<d National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Cavalcade of Stuff. No. I
El-I Jan. 6. '39. .9
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
El-2 Jnn. 20, '39. .9
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. If, '39.. 9
Petunia Natural Park
W-693 Jan. 14, '39.. 9
(Color)
Seal Skinners W-881 ..Jan. 28, '39.. 8
(Sepia)
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-B86. May 13. '39. . 9
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June 10,'39. .9. . . .
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26, '39 . 9
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5.'39.ll
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish. The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. 15, '39.. 8
(Color)
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. II, '39. 21
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22 — While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. 15, '39. 21
Dick Purcell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June 10. '39. 21
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24 — Think First P-8l5.Sept. 9, '39. 21
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39.. 9
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27.'39..9
Day on Treasure Island, A
T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0....
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 15, '39.. 9
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8.'39..8
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. I8.'39. .8. . . .
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May 13, '39.. 8
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29, '39.. 9
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3. '38.. 9
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9,'39tll
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7,'39tl0
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.ll
Emmett Vogan- Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May I3,'39 , 10. . . .
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 1 1, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39.ll
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll
(Sepia)
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28.'39.20
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apri. 15, '39. 20
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29,'39.2I . . . .
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
Title Rel. Date Min.
OUR GANG
Alfalfas Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.1l..
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22.'39.I0..
Captain's Spanky's Show-
boat C-131 Sept. 9,'39tll..
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. 15, '39. 10..
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29.'39.I0..
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-941 . July I, '39. 11..
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. II, '39. 10...
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24, '39. 10..
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. 18. '39. 10..
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 Jan. 28,'39.I0..
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. 18, '39. II..
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924...Mar. 18.'39.I0..
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20.'39.I0..,
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June I7,'39..9..
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 June 24,'39.ll,..
No. 8— Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22. '39. 1 I...
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. 19. '39. 1 1...
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26.'39.ll...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l.'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. 14,'39..8...
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
S-912 Sept. I6,'39.I0...
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. II, '39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. 1 1, '39.. 9...
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20. '39. 10...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20, '39. 10...
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-9II Aug. I2,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8, '39.. 9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May I3.'39.I0...
Day of Rest, The F- 141 ... Sept. 6,'39t .9...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27, '39. 9...
Hour For Lunch. An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. 18. '39.. 9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0.'39.I0...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May 12, '39. .7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
On With the New
(12-17-38) T8-4 Dec. 2,'38..7...
Pudgy in Thrills and Chills
(2-4-39) T8-5 Dec. 23,'38..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows. The ■
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9.'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 31, '39 . 1 rl.
Yip Yip Yippy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39. .7. . . ,
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27.'39..7....
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30.'39. .7. . ..
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 21, '39.. 7
•84
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23,1939
(THE RELEASE CHACT—CCNT'D)
21, '39. 10...
I,'39tl0...
26, '39.10.. .
27, '39.I0...
24,'39. . I rl.
8.'39tl0.
3, '39. 10.
I3,'39t.l rl. .
3, '39. II
5, '39. 10. . .
6, '39. 10.
,'39.11...
2. '39. 10. .
Title Bel. Date Min.
COLOR CRUISES
■Colombia (8-12-39) l<8-7..July
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I...Sept.
Jamaica (7-15-39) l<8-6...May
Land of the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan.
Republic of Panama K8-5. . Mar.
HEADLINERS
.Artie Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept.
■Champagne Music of
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A8-B -Mar.
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct.
Phil Spitalny &. Girl Orch.
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb.
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan.
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) AB-II June
Richard Hiraber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a aueen
A8-9 Apr. 7, '39.
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug.
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar.
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II ••""<=
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr.
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec.
Public Hobby No. 1
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22,'39tl
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan-
Swans (5-27-39) VB-IO ...May
That's Africa (3-4-39)
VB-7
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan.
No. 7_(2-ll-39) PB-7....Feb.
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8 Mar.
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9 Mar.
No. 10— PB-IO May
■No. II — (6-24-39) P8-II...June
No. 12— (8-12-39) PB-l2..July
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
rl. .
25,'39.I0
10, '39. 10....
23, '39. 10. . . .
I4,'39..l rl..
I6,'38.I0....
I3,'39.I0. .
I9,'39.I0..
.Feb. I0,'39.10.
6, '39..l rl
3,'39..l rl
3,'39. 10. .
31, '39. 10..
5, '39. . I rl
2,'39.10..
7, '39. 10. .
Lamp (4-29-39) EEB-I..
Apr.
7, '39
22
(special)
Customers Wanted
Jan.
27,'39.
.7
Ghost Is the Bunk
June
16, '39.
.7
Hello How Am 1?
July
14, '39.
.7
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-1I
July
28, '39.
.7
Leave Well Enough Alone
Feb.
24,'39.
.7
AVotta Nitcmare (7-15-39)
T8-8
Mar.
24,'38.
.7
6,'39..1
10, '39.. I
12, '39. II
4,'39.l I
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
rio. 3— J8-3 Jan.
No. 4 — J8-4 Mar.
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May
No. 6— (7,29-39) J8-6 Aug.
1939-40
No. I— J9-I Sept. I5,'39tl0
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7 Jan.
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) B8-8 Feb.
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) RB-IO Apr.
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-I1 May
No. 64— Death Valley
20,'39.I0.
I7,'39.10.
I4,'39.10.,
I2,'39.I0.
Title Rel. Date Min.
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.I0..
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39) R8-I3 July 7, '39. 10..
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-1 Sept. I,'39tl0..
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-16-39) R9-2 Sept. 29,'39tl0..
No. 67 — Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. I3.'39tl0. .
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3, '39. 10...
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. 14, '39. II...
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 June I6,'39.I0...
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. 10, '39. 20...
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5.'39.17...
Ring Madness 9370 June 3a,'39.l9...
Wrong Room 03,701 Sept. 22,'39t.2rls
HEADLINERS
No. 2 — Romancing Along
93.602 Dec. 30, '38. 21...
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93.603 Feb. 24. '39. 1 7...
No. 4— Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2, '39. 17...
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6.'39t 2 ris
Baby Daze 93,405 May 19. '39. 15...
Clean Sweep, A 93,402 Dec. 2,'3B.I7...
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24, '39. IB...
Feathered Pests 93,406 July 14,'39..2rls
Kennedy the Great 03.402.. Dec. I,'39t.2rls
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27, '39. IB...
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 6— State of the Nation
(I-2B-39) 93.106 Jan. 20,'39.I8...
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb. 17, '39. 19...
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. 17, '39. IB...
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. 14, '39. 19...
No. 10— Dixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May 12. '39 19...
No. II — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9,'39.in...
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7, '39. 22...
No. 13— Metropolis— 1939
(8-5-39) 93,113 Aug. 4, '39. 18...
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9...
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May I2,'39.i|...
Lillian Roth
Cafe Rendezvous (12-3-38)
94,205 Deo. 23, '38. 10. . .
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. 14, '39. 1 1...
George Jessel
Readin' Ritin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. 17, '39. 10...
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208. .Mar. 17,'39..lrl.
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20,'39.!0...
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. I7,'39t.2rls
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28. '39. IB...
Pan-Doraonium 03,201 Oct. 20,'39t.2r[s
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3. '39. 16...
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 21, '39. 16...
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t .2rls
Cupid Rides the Range
03.501 Sept. 8.'39t.2rls
Prairie Pappas 93,502 Dec. 16, '38. IB...
Ranch House Romeo
(4-I-3B) 93,503 Apr. 7, '39. 17...
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504. June 6, '39. 19...
Title Rel. Date Min.
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar. 10, '39. 10..
Gold 94,606 Feb. 10, '39.. I rl
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612 July 12, '39.. 9..
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39) 8..
Pack Trip (9-16-39) 94,613. Aug. I8,'39..9..
Soldiers of Sea 94,608 Apr. 7,'39..9..
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5, '39. .9..
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39..8..
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611 June 23, '39. .9..
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612 July 21, '39.. 9..
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 21,'39,.9..
Blue Grass (12-17-38)
94,304 Dec. 2, '38. 10..
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 June I6,'39..9..
Gun Play 04,301 Sept. I,'39t.lrl
On the Wing 94.305 Dec. 30, '38. 10...
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July I4,'39..9..
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May 19, '39.. 91/2
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24, '39. .1 rl
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24.'39..9..
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9- 16-39) . July 23, '39. 20..
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116...
Beach Picnic (5-27-39) Sept. I, '39. .8..
94,114 June 9,'39.."8..
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113 May 19. '39. .8..
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107 Jan. (3, '39. .8..
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. II. '39. .8..
Goofy and Wilbur
(I0-I-3B) 94,110 Mar. 17. '39. .8..
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,1 10 Mar. 17, '39 .7. .
Merbabies 94,105 Dec. 9.'3B..8..
Mother Goose Goes Holly-
wood (10-38) 94,106 Dec. 23,'38. .71/2
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl
Practical Pig, The
(I0-I-3B) 94,109 Feb. 24, '39
Sea Scout 94,115 June 30, '39 . 8..
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108 Feb. 3, '39. .8..
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111 Apr. 7,'39..8..
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(B-26-39) 0201 Aug. I8.'39tll..
Daily Diet of Danger, A
9203 Dec. 9, '38.. 9..
Filming the Fleet 0202 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl
Sand Hogs 9205 May I2,'39.I0..
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast. No. 2
(12-31 -38) 9602 Dec. 23, '38. 10..
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10..
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7,'39..l rl
Fashion Forecast, No. 5
0601 Sept. 15,'39t.I rl
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll..
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Craziest
People 0401 Sept. 29,'39t.lrl
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39.1l..
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20, '39. 1 1..
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39.ll..
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3, '39. 1 1..
Mystic Siam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17, '39. 10..
Tempest Over Tunis 9107. .June 9,'39.ll..
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39.I0..
Title Rel. Date Min.
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30, '39.. 7
Barnyard Baseball 9517 July 14, '39.. 7
Barnyard Egg-citement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5, '39.. 7....
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7, '39.. 7
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24, '39. .7
Gandy Goose in a Bully
Romance 9515 June 16, '39.. 7
Gandy Goose in G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. 10, '39. .7. . . .
Gandy the Goose in the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30, '38.. 7
Gandy Goose in Doomsday
9524 Dec. 16, '38.. 7
(color)
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8,'39t.lrl..
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May 19, '39.. 7..
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39..7...
(color)
One Gun Gary in Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27, '39.. 7...
Orphan Duck, The 0553. ..Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. I3,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2.'39..7
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t I rl..
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21, '39. .7
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39..7...
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. Il,'39t.7...
Village Blacksmith 9506.. Dec. 2, '38.. 7...
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301. ..Sept. I,'39t.lrl..
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3, '39. 1 1...
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 2B,'39.1I
Shooting for Par 9302 Jan. 6,'39.ll
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23, '39. 1 1...
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Arabian Bazaar ( 12-31 -38) . Sept. I, '39. 10...
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 21, '39. 10...
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) J»n. 3, '39.10 ...
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May 1, '39.10..,
Labanon Coast Dec. I, '39. 10
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. I, '39. 10
Rome Symphony (12-31-38) . Feb. 15, '39. 10
River Thames (4- 15-39) ... Nov. I, '39. 10
Ruins of Palmyra Oct. I, '39. 10
Wanderers of the Desert... July I, '39. 10
UNIVERSAL
COLORED CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Life Begins for Andy Panda. Oct. 9,'39t.l rl.
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26,'38. .9. . . .
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357 Jan. 30, '39.. 9
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358 Feb. 20,'39. .91/2. .
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359 Mar. I3,'39..9
No. 62— (5 20-39) 3360 Apr. I0,'39..9
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .91/2. .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362. ...June 26,'39. .91/2. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363 July I7,'39..9
No. 66 — 4351 Sept. 25,'39t.l rl..
No. 67 — 4352 Oct. I6,'39t. I rl..
LANTZ CARTUNES
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7-15-39) (Color) Sept. 4, '39 .9
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 3I,'39..7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. 19, '38. .1 rl. .
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-B-39) 3257 June 19,'39..7...
Birth of a Toothpick 3250. . Feb. 27,'39. .71/2 .
Bola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39..7
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24,'39. 7
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .6'/2 .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23,'39. .7. . . .
September 23, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
85
(THE I^ELEASC CHART— C€NT»C)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Little Blue Blacl<bird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec, 26, '38 .'/..,
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. 13, '39.. 7
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. 1 3, '39. .71/2. .
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39) 3255 May 8, '39.. 7
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39..7
Silly Superstition 3262 Aug. 28. '39.. 7
Slap Happy Valley 8261... Aug. 21, '39.. 7
Snuffy Skunk's Party 3260. Aug. 7,'39..lrl..
Soup to Mutts' (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9.'39..7....
Stubborn Mule (8-I2-39)
3258 July 3. '39.. 7
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. 15, '39. 19
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2,'39.I7
Ray Smeck & Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July 12. '39. 1 71/2 . .
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38.I8
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. 1 1 ,'39. 19. . . .
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3?30 May 17, '39. 18
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15. '39. .2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June I4,'39.I8
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. 15, '39. 19
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2, '39. .91/2 . .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6, '39.. 9
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6, '39. 9....
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3, '39.. 9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I, '39. 9...,
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5, '39.. 9
No. 64 — Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3,'39.I0....
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39 . .9'/2 . .
No. 66 — Novelty 4371 Sept. I8,'39t. I rl. .
No. 67 — Novelty 4372 Oct. 9,'39t.l rl..
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Swing Hotel 4222 Oct. I8,'39t.2rls
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Swing Time in the Movies
(1-7-39) 4003 Jan. 7,'39.20....
Fritz Feld (color)
Hats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 31, '38. 20
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
''021 Jan. 21, '39. 20...
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39. .2 rIs.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4.'39. .2 rIs.
Arthur and Case
Small Town Idol, A
(3-11-39) 4019 Feb. 1 1 ,'39.20. . . .
Ben Turpin
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39. 2 rIs
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25.'39. .2 rIs.
Johnny Perkins
Rollin' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. I5.'39..2rls
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29. '39 2 rls
Duke McHale
Title Rel. Date Min.
You're Next to Closing
4027 May 13, '39. .2 rls
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3, '39. 20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July I, '39. 20
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June I7,'39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20. . . .
Red Skelton
Slapsie Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303 Sept. I0,'39tl7
Maxie Rosenbloom
Remember When (9-16-39) 20
Eaton Boys
COLOR PARADE
Points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28, '39.. I rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25.'39. 10. . . .
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,'3!!.I0
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39. 10. . . .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June 17. '39. .1 rl. .
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July I5'3S.I0....
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5, '39.. I rl.
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30.'39fl0 ...
FIOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
The Human Bomb
(1-28-39) -1305 Jan. 7.''9.I2....
Hiiih Peril (3-4-39) 4306 . Feb. |R.'39.I2
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4, '39. I rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308 Apr. I. '39. 12
Voodno Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6.'39.I2....
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3. '39. 12
Lives in Peril 431 1 July l.'39..lrl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29. '39. II.
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..l rl .
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Bill of Rights (9-16-39) 20
Lincoln In the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39, p. 68; May
20,'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20. '39. 20 . . .
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights 4007 Aug. I9.'39t.2rls
LOONEY TUNES
No. 62— Porky the Gob
(12-31-38) 4805 Dec. I7.'38. .7. . . .
No. 63 — The Lone Stranger
and Porky 4806 Jan. 7,'39..7
No. e'l— It's an III Wind
4807 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl . .
No. 66— Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809.. Mar. Il,'39. .7. . . .
No. 67— Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39. . I rl. .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 481 1... Apr. I, '39.. 7
No. 69— Krlstnpher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May I3,'39. .1 rl.
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24,'39..l rl..
No. 72— Porky's Picnic
4815 July 15,'39..I rl..
No. 73— Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7....
No. 74— Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2,'39t.l rl.
MELODY MASTERS
Dave Apollon and Orch.
(12-17-38) 4706 Dec. 24,'38. 1 1 . . . .
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7, '39. 10. ..
Title Rel. Date Min.
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 2I,'39..I rl.
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39..l rl .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25, '39. 10. . .
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl.
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.I0...
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29, '39. 10...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20, '39 I rl.
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.I0...
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. ..July l,'39..1 rl.
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0...
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. I2.'39..l rl.
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
5501 Sept. 2,'39tl0....
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 72— The Mice Will
Play 4508 Dec. 31, '38. .7. . .
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. I4,'39. .7. . . ,
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39. .7. . . ,
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. II, '39. .7
No. 76— Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25. '39. .1 rl. .
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. II, '39 . 1 rl...
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25, '39. .1 rl. .
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8, '39 . 1 rl . .
No. 80— Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22. '39.. 7
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6, '39. .1 rl .
No. 82 — Naughty But Mice
4519 May ID, '39. .1 rl . .
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39. . I rl . .
No. 8i — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June I7,'39..7
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I. '39. 10
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July 15. '39. .1 rl. .
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29.'39..1 rl..
No. 88 — H are- Um Scare- Um
(8-12-39) 45'4 Aug. 1 2,'39. .7. . . .
No. 89 — Detouring America
(9-9-39) 1525 Aug. 26, '39. .7
No. 90 — Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39.. I rl . .
No. 91— Sioux Me 5301 ... Sept. 9,'39t.lrl..
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. I8.'39..l rl..
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. 19, '39. 1 rl..
SPECIAL
Nine Million. The
(2-18-39) 9....
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
Ski Girl (1-28-39) 4905... Jan. I4.'39.I0
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl . .
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..l rl..
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. I5,'39. . I rl. .
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39. 10. . . .
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July 1,'39..9
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39 .1 rl..
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19, '39. 10
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9,'39t.9
Grouch Club
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33....
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I, '39. 22
Warning, The (4-1-39) .... Aug. I,'39.32....
Title Rel. Date Min.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Little Journeys to Distant Lands
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10....
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39) ,
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10
G. P. 0.
Health for the Nation
7-15-39)
Snare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8...
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls
WORLD
Andante et Dondo
Ave Marie
Children's Corner
City, The (5-20-39) 44....
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Les Berceuses
Song of Ceylon
Valse Brill iante
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Specified
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Flying G-Men (2- 18-39) ... Jan. 28,'39.I8
James Craig-Lorna Gray
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6, '39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) June 10, '39. 18
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again.. Feb. 25,'39..2rls
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. 1 1, '39, p. 55.)
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. 1 1, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l...
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. I7,'39t2l . . . .
Bela Lugosi- Dorothy Arnold (each)
86
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 23, 1939
CLASSiriED
ADVERTISING
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
THEATRES
THE UPTOWN THEATRE, LOCATED ON
Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island, "One of New
England's Most Beautiful," is for sale or exchange.
The construction is of steel, concrete and brick, with
land area of 20,080 square feet. The total seating
capacity of 1423 is as follows: Orchestra 890; mezzanine
189: balcony 296; loges 36 and boxes 12. Fully
equipped with Western Electric sound system, large
stage and dressing rooms, to produce any stage play.
Theatre is now operating daily as a second-run house,
and has been since the first opening, in the year of
1926, formerly managed by the Keith-Albee Amuse-
ments Corp. Theatre has been recently reseated by the
American Seating Company and recarpeted by the
National Theatre Supply Company, it must be seen
to be appreciated. UPTOWN THEATRE, Providence,
Rhode Island.
WANTED— SMALL THEATRE, PURCHASE OR
lease. BOX 1194, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
WANTED T€ BUr
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
jector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditorium that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
TIELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS— EVERY STATE—
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
COMBINATION SIGN MAN AND OPERATOR
West Texas town. Must be between eighteen and
twenty-two years of age, single, intelligent, neat, good
artist and operator. Opportunity for advancement to
person with ability. Reply airmail immediately. BOX
1190, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
ENERGETIC, EXPERIENCED, EXPLOITATION
man to supervise city grind houses, part of growing
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DSED GENEDAL
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cheap! Thousands good veneer, upholstered seats
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600 SPRING UPHOLSTERED THEATRE CHAIRS.
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2 LATE TYPE REBUILT SIMPLEX PROJEC-
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FOR SALE: COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIP-
raent, 2 Powers projectors, complete with RCA sound,
used very little, lamps, generator, seats, screen.
Priced right for quick sale. GEORGE M. SMITH,
Attorney, 122 West Main, Delphi, Indiana.
MAKE YOUR OWN POWER. POWER PLANT,
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This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
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working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
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NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
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Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
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ADMISSION PRICES
and FILM RENTALS
Exhibitors say rise in rental charges is not
the solution of war problems and object to
increasing prices to "pay the freight" for
Hollywood,
Production capital takes stock in cost
emergency.
Producers, granting 10 per cent wage increase
to 11 unions, protest it will cost $5,000,000
in year.
Increased industrial activity to fill belliger-
ents' orders expected to aid theatre attendance.
France resumes production but bars alien
workers; Belgium reopens theatres: Five
more nations clamp down import and
censorship restrictions.
VOL 136, NO. >4 SEPTEMBER 30. 1939
Entered as second-class matter . Jonuarv I ■ Sh/: 'Fvst Office, at New Vark, .\ . V , under
the act of March 3, 1879. Published veee> jley PmbHshirtg Co., Int., at 1270 Sixth Ave
nue. Rockefeller Center, New York. S»bjc»if»w>' (■r\ces $5.00 a year in the Americas, $10.00 o
vear Foreign. Single copy, 25 cents. All contents copyright 1939 by Qvioley Publiskinis Company.
I
WATCH THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT OF
M-G-M's NEW SEASON SENSATION'
World Premiere Biggest in 5 Years!
2nd Big Week and Still S.R.O.!
Here's what Houston means to you I
Take a tip from Houston's hysteria !
Start your planning now!
Clear the decks for your run!
No attraction like it in years!
Ask M-G-M for Extra Time immediately!
EYES ON LEO!
Oh boy, what fun! "The Women" sensational in its 2nd big Capitol, N. Y. week,
and held over everywhere! "Blackmail" action thrills the fans! "Thunder Afloat"
is another "Hell Divers"! "Dancing Co-ed" sweet and hot box-office! Just Previewed
marvelous "Ninotchka" (don't pronounce it — see it!) and no wonder it's the Talk of
Hollywood! And now with"Babes in Arms" and more on the way, Leo's left the field
far behind. These are just September and October honeys! You ain't seen nothin' yet!
(In
(With "The four Dau
^ May Robson
PRODU
STOR
TELL
Brend- Morsh-JU Jeffrey
George
(Joel McCreo. »r---^^^^^^„,
" n--«da Mars ^ "^XJ^^^"
* r-ntrv the blind horse. The -nos
•,„q Gantry, t .^^^ yearl)
r
(Starring
JACK L WARNER in charge of Production , HAL B. WALKS
ExscuHve Producer
.Goodbye. Mr. --r-
Gole
i
- - . .r« ty-
Uohn G-'-*^^;,';",, Meredith)
(V/ayne
Morris. Rosemary
Ue. H««.P'-V
ere
ore
f
for
oble
*erms rr fo""'"*"'*'""'*
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-ht-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 136, No. 14
OP
September 30, 1939
HOW'S BUSINESS?
WHILE the motion picture had plenty of problems
in several sectors from labour relations to budgets
to consider, the box office outlook this week was
generally cheerful. The seasonal upturn appeared
to be augmented by increasing employment in industrial
centers and crops returns in the big agricultural areas.
As obviously as usual the box office curve was following the
employment trend. The motion picture's revenues are all made
of payroll dollars, as every showman knows.
Despite the "war babies" anticipations of the Wall Street
market, the general business betterment to be noted did not
appear to be of a war boom quality. For instance, the Satur-
day Evening Post, the advertising pages of which are some-
times considered a national business barometer, in reporting
"a greater volume of advertising than any issue since Sep-
tember 12, 1931," for its coming October 14th Issue, Inter-
preted the figure as reflecting "normal improvement," since
all of the space for that issue was placed before the outbreak
of the new World War.
Interesting and encouraging, if not exciting, figures appeared
in the motion picture business. For example, reports for last
Friday, Saturday and Sunday .from about 180 Paramount
theatres showed an increase over the same days last year of
about $80,000, which means somewhere between ten and
fifteen per cent upturn for most of the theatres concerned.
Conspicuous Improvement was to be noted In Detroit where
the motor car assembly lines pour out the new season's models.
Also the coal and iron regions were doing better.
PERTURBED indeed were the newsreel makers, with a World
War and a set of military censorships completely, or all
but completely, bottling the material.
It appeared probable that there would be little of actual
war action scenes until such time as the propaganda machines
of the warring powers should get organized and functioning.
At that time there will be in all probability vastly more war
films than the American screen will find of value.
The American public Interest, waiting to be served, was
made manifest this week by continuous lines at the newsreel
theatres of New York where the endlessly flowing audiences
saw all the war personalities and pictures of planes and -ships
from the library shelves, along with dialogue and lectures as
exciting as could be fabricated from the painfully meager
communiques of the press and radio.
"In the last war," remarked Mr. Edgar B. Hatrick, in charge
of Hearst newsreel operations from the beginning in 1914, "the
newsreels had the greatest stars of the screen, such figures as
Foch, Retain, King Albert of Belgium, and the Prince of Wales.
We made the statesmen and the military conscious of the
screen and gave the motion picture the beginnings of Its real
international importance."
THE first action material out of the war came from the
German propaganda offices, showing scenes In Poland.
In the eyes of the editorial experts a certain fabricated
quality appeared in portions of the German release, which
was nonetheless exciting.
This week the French authorities In Paris began the issue to
the newsreels, for syndication, of film showing troops moving
up toward the front in various areas, the grim slogging, hard
preliminaries of a campaign to come. Extreme caution was
taken to make identification of organizations and locales impos-
sible. The material was unromantic, but real war.
Screenwise the British were yet to make war releases. It
seemed probable that they might be a long time in doing so.
The British appear to have adopted, with reference to such
subjects as the Bremen and the submarine campaign, a policy
of "keep It dark and make 'em worry." This ties neatly with
the British pamphlet bombardment of the German public — but
It does not make pictures.
No war pictures, from any war, have ever compared favour-
ably with war as made in hlollywood.
AAA
HELLO SUCKERS
JUST a handful of years back, while so many of the ardent
juveniles of the pictures columns of the lay press were
extolling the extraordinary artistic excellence of Russian
films, this page was In the lone position of pointing to their
inept technique and crude devotion to the cause of the Red
Revolution.
One will recollect such masterpieces of the sickle-and-ham-
mer brand as "Three Songs About Lenin" and "Chapayev"
and other expositions of exploits of women in the domestic
pursuits of the tractor and machine gun.
Now comes Dr. David H. Dubrowsky of New York, former
director of the Russian Red Cross and friend of the early
Bolshevists, to testify in Washington to the integration of the
picture program with Soviet propaganda, "which the Amer-
icans swallowed" and which "they paid for by viewing the
films."
It was tough enough for the cinema's critical admirers of the
"great Russian adventure" when they found themselves in a
Stalln-HItler bed, but now to be told that that "virile art" they
lauded was loaded is tougher.
AAA
RESEARCH
THERE'S suggestion of a new daring In the announcement
of "Intermezzo, a Love Story" as the title of the next
and shortly forthcoming Selznlck production. The flam-
boyant, hellbent conservatism of the motion picture Is no-
where more commonly manifest than In Its choice of titles,
which generally, and possibly correctly, assume that the public
Is afraid of words. It is to be judged by the movements in
this case that there was much prayerful consideration. United
Artists admits the employment of Daniel Starch, Ross Federal
Service Corporation and a radio survey by George Fisher,
commentator on the Mutual network, to find out if picture
patrons got anything out of the word "intermezzo." Accord-
ing to the unbiased Mr. Lynn Farnol, eighty per cent of the
persons questioned chose the "intermezzo" title out of an
offering of eight others. It remains possible that they want
to know what an intermezzo looks like. That would be box
office, too.
Terry Ramsaye
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
This Week
Domestic Outlook
With curtailment and retrenchment in the
air, the week was marked by the first open
notice from Hollywood that American ex-
hibitors must supply additional revenue to
compensate for lost foreign markets and by
an immediate answer from exhibitors that
any attempt to transfer any unfair share of
the burden of retrenchment to them would
be resisted. It was the exhibitors' stand that
the war provided an opportunity for reduc-
tion of Hollywood expenditures long felt to
be excessive. Most theatre operators saw
prospects of increased attendance following
upon the upturn in business and industry.
The possibility of increased admission prices
was under discussion, but no circuit opera-
tor would make any definite commitment.
The domestic scene is reported on page 13.
The Last Round-Up
New York's Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia
and the two-fisted State of Montana are the
final opponents in a two year old dispute
between a ^lissoula, ;\Iont., radio station,
charging conspiracy to deprive it of the use
of copyrighted music, and ASCAP, NBC
and CBS. The mayor has ordered Police
Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine to take up
with the city corporation counsel the matter
of warrants received from the district at-
torney of Missoula for the arrest of 11 of-
ficials of the music society and the radio net-
works. They are Lenox Lohr, president,
Niles Trammel, vice-preisdent, A. L. Ashby,
general counsel, and John Royal, production
director, all of NBC ; William Klauber, vice-
president of CBS ; Isaac Levy,station W CAU,
Philadelphia ; Gene Buck, president, John
Paine, general manager, E. C. Mills, execu-
tive officer, Louis D. Frohlich, general coun-
sel, all of ASCAP, and John Doe.
The warrants were accompanied by a note
from the Montana district attorney asking
the New York police not to serve the war-
rants if any of the defendants resisted arrest
or extradition. The radio officials said they
would resist. The ASCiVP officials said they
would go quietly if the others would.
Boots and saddles, Montana !
War and Taxes
Possibilities that the planned revision of
the Federal tax laws may be deferred were
raised in W^ashington Tuesday by Repre-
sentative Doughton (Dem., N. C), chair-
man of the House Ways and Means Com-
mittee, who disclosed that his group had de-
cided upon an indefinite postponement of its
projected rewriting of the revenue laws.
Plans made before the adjournment of the
last regular session of Congress in August
called for the return of the committee to
Washington early in November, to hold
hearings and write a tax bill to be submitted
to the next regular session in January.
War and Mexico
War has put American pictures further
out in front in Mexico to the extent of ruling
this market 98 per cent. No German pictures
are being exhibited, thanks to the prompt ban
administered by the Confederation of Mexi-
can Workers, Mexico's strongest labor or-
ganization, which has all-say as to what
shall and shall not appear on Mexican
screens. The Confederation, ardently anti-
Nazist for the last three years, is even more
so now. Soon after the second world war
broke, it decreed that Teutonic films were
completely out from now on in Mexico. The
Confederation is also directing attention to
radio stations that spout German propa-
ganda.
The only competition Americans have in
this land is from ^Mexicans, not very much,
and French and British, even less, owing to
the difficult}" of making deliveries. Only three
French films have arrived of late, and it is
expected they will be the last of the kind to
get into Mexico for some time.
The stronger peso is pleasing American
distributors, for the sharp slump since the
\\ar started was attributed to heavy peso
buying by Germans, who feared an Ameri-
bank embargo on Teuton funds, large gold
sales by Spanish refugees who are buying
real estate, and anticipatory dollar purchas-
ing by merchants who have big fall commit-
ments in U. S. funds.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center,' New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Coble address "Quigpubco, New York." Mortin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Monager; Watterson R. Rothocker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. Rovelstod,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau. Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancoll, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunos Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosort, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Haworth, representative. London Bureou, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, monager;
cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, coble Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Coroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theotre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endeon,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartodo 269, Mexico
City, James Lockhort, representative; Budapest Bureou,
Szomos-utca 7, Budapest 1, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Bllllnghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Notalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Colle San Gervaslo #2, San Gervoslo, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sosozuka, Ichlkowa-shi Chlbo-Ken, Japan,
Hiromu Tomlnago, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Coixo Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Morlnho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Rood,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thakur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Poul Bodo,
representative, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Waalstraot, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schoap, representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Harry Knopf, representa\tive.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengoorden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro al Dta, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
Against Censorship
An educator's fight to abolish political
censorship of films is presaged, in an annual
report of the Columbia University Exten-
sion's Division of Motion Picture Study,
filed last week by the division director, Dr.
Russell Potter.
Dr. Potter asks dissolution of the New
York State censor board, and other meas-
ures to make films truly "adult." He tem-
pers his attack bv declaring that it is di-
rected against state and regional censor
boards, not against the Production Code
Administration. He is against political cen-
sorship, he emphasizes; and the industry
self-censorship is an industry matter. Po-
litical censorship he calls un-American,
stupid, and a hidden tax on all parties in
production, distribution and consumption of
pictures.
Berman Stays
Pandro S. Berman will remain at RKO
Radio until November 1st, although he had
asked that his present contract be terminated
no later than October 1st. He will stay on
with RKO by mutual agreement.
Mr. Berman, who has been in charge of
RKO production for the last five years, in
February asked for an early release from
his contract as executive producer.
Mr. Berman's original plans were to go
abroad for a specified time. However, it is
unlikely that Mr. Berman will hold to that
course.
Amusement Census
Details of the 1939 census of amusements
to be taken in January, were made public
this week by the United States Census Bu-
reau.
Enumerators going into the field January
2 will visit every theatre, equipped with a
form ori which they will report, in addition
to details of identification, the seating ca-
pacity of the house, total 1939 boxoffice col-
lections, amount of amusement tax collected
from customers and paid by the theatre di-
rectly to any local, state or federal taxing
agency, and details of employment. A sep-
arate report will be required for each
theatre in the case of circuits.
1940 World's Fair
The directors of the New York World's
Fair Corporation, meeting Tuesday for the
first time since midsummer, voted to notify
Robert Moses, New York Park Commis-
sioner, that the Fair desires to exercise its
option upon the Flushing Meadow grounds
for another year, thereby setting in motion
the formal procedure for the 1940 exposi-
tion.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
Red Revenue
■'Anikino Corporation, New York, Soviet-
controlled distributor of USSR films in the
Americas, collects $1,000,000 annually from
American audiences and uses the money to
pay for Communist propaganda in the
United States."
That was the testimony given last Satur-
day to the Dies Committee on un-American
Activities, at hearings in Washington, by
David H. Dubrowsky, of New York, de-
scribed as former director of the Soviet Red
Cross in the United States, friend of many
early Bolshevik leaders and once an "ar-
• dent" member of the Communist Party, now
"disillusioned."
Mr. Dubrowsky, testifying that Red Rus-
sia pays its propaganda costs in this coun-
try with "U. S. dollars," brought Amkino
into the open before the Dies committee for
the first time.
Amkino has for years refused to divulge
the total or identity of places where its pic-
tures are shown in the U. S. "Show-win-
dow" for Red films in this country, however,
is generally recognized to be the Cameo*,
off Times Square, New York.
Presumably,- the $1,000,000 mentioned by
Dr. Dubrowsky as accruing annually from
American movie fans to Amkino comes from
rentals, not box office admissions, the total
of which would far exceed the gross rentals
for the 20 features sent annually to Am-
kino for distribution here. (Recent Amkino
releases : "Alexander Nevsky," "Ballad of
Cossack Golota," "Childhood of Maxim
Gorgy," "Lenin in October," "Professor
Mamlock," "Soviet Border" and "Young
Pushkin.")
Amkino's Soviet films are frequently re-
fused exhibition permits under state and cit-"
censorship, police and other powers.
Amkino is headed by Dmitry Vassiliev, as
president, and Nicola Napoli, treasurer-.
At Amkino's New York headquarters,
723 Seventh Avenue, Thurber Lewis, for
the company, answered Dr. Dubrowsky's
testimony before the Dies committee with
the statement that, "Everybody knows we've
been distributing Soviet pictures here for
ten years or more. Certainly it doesn't
need the Dies committee to point that out."
Amkino this week purchased Universal's
"One Hundred Men and a Girl," musical
starring Deanna Durbin, for the Soviet.
This is the first American picture to be
purchased by Russia since Charlie Chap-
lin's "Modern Times," in 1936. Negotia-
tions have also been under way for the pur-
chase of Walt Disney's "Snow White," and
for Warner Brothers' "Juarez" and "Con-
fessions of a Nazi Spy."
*Matty Radin, operating the Cameo, has meanwhile
on many occasions made emphatic that he is a Tam-
many Democrat of New York, newyorkly, being in
his theatre opei-ation a showman serving a public.
Snil Unawarded
Hollywood's Motion Picture Democratic
Committee is finding it difficult to award its
promised scroll to the producer of the mo-
tion picture contributing the most to "the
democratic ideal."
After three postponements, the award
banquet and broadcast set for last Monday
evening was called off indefinitely at the
eleventh hour due to cancellation by Frank
Murphy, United States attorney general, of
his acceptance of the Committee's invitation
to present .the parchment personally at Vic-
tor Hugo's cafe in Hollywood.
Officially, no explanation was forthcom-
ing for Mr. Murphy's action. Unofficial
reasons heard in Hollywood and Washing-
ton varied from "President's orders" to Mr.
Murphy's presence being required in the
Capital because of the "war emergency" and
the special session of Congress.
War and Stories
The second "World War" completes a
movement recently affecting the sources of
screen material, by virtually bringing to a
halt the purchase of foreign plays and stories
for the American screen.
Story editors estimate that in the last few
years the percentage of their annual pur-
chases provided by material from abroad
has dropped from 10 per cent to one or two
per cent.
The story is on page 44.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page
7
This Week in Pictures
Page
10
The Hollywood Scene
Page
31
In British Studios
Page
50
Managers' Round Table
Page
55
Release Chart
Page
63
Asides and Interludes
Page
49
Showmen's Reviews
Page
38
In the Courts
Page
48
Deaths of the Week
Page
48
In the Newsreels
Page
48
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page
47
What the Picture Did for Me
Page
51
In the Cutting Room
Page
47
Bluebook School Questions
Page
46
In British Studios
Page
50
Jury Probe Opens
The Federal grand jury probe of charges
of U. S. income tax evasions and labor
racketeering in the motion picture indus-
try in Hollywood opened Wednesday morn-
ing in Los Angeles, after months of inves-
tigation by the Department of Justice, as
conducted by Charles Carr, assistant U. S.
attorney general assigned to the case.
First testimony was taken from three of-
ficers of Hollywood banks: G. M. McLane,
Jack R. Holt and F. T. Stimpfig, to be fol-
lowed by Arthur W. Stebbins, motion pic-
ture insurance broker and a nephew of Jo-
seph M. Schenck; J. B. Codd, accountant
at Twentieth Century-Fox; W. D. Leahy,
bank officer; Richard Castle, real estate
agent ; Sid Rogell, RKO studio manager ;
Harland Holmden, vice-president of the In-
ternational lATSE, and others.
Testimony of federal grand jury investi-
gations is not made public, of course.
U. S. Attorney Carr, at the opening, said
that the first testimony would deal with in-
come tax matters.
War and the MPPDA
The board of directors of the Motion Pic-
ture Producers and Distributors of America,
Inc., met in regular quarterly session
Wednesday afternoon at headquarters, 28
West 44th Street, New York.
The subject of discussion was officially
disclosed in the bare announcement that
"the directors took up the matter of the
European war and its effect on the motion
picture business, both domestic and foreign."
Following usual procedure, the meeting
was adjourned until a week later, same date.
Present were Barney Balaban, president,
Paramount; Nate Blumberg, president,
Universal ; Harry D. Buckley, representing
Murray Silverstone, United Artists ; Jack
Cohn, vice-president, Columbia ; E. W.
Hammons, president, Educational ; Joseph
Hazen, vice-president, Warner Brothers :
W. C. Michel, vice-president, Twentieth
Century-Fox ; George Schaefer, president,
RK,0; Nicholas M. Schenck, president,
Loew's, Inc., and Will H. Hays, president,
and Major Fred Herron, treasurer,
MPPDA.
United Artists, it will be noted, had offi-
cial representation at the board meeting de-
spite the fact that the corporation had re-
signed from the MPPDA on August 31st.
Bonuses
United Artists' partner-producers were
voted their bonuses, under the company's
"incentive plans." at a meeting of the board
of directors last Thursday in New York.
The "profit-sharing" plan had been agreed
upon last year.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
THIS WEEK
By Metropolitan
THE CAST of "Information Please" discuss their first film venture on
the steps of the Music Hall lobby after the premiere of their RKO
Pathe short. Frederick Ullman, Jr., Pathe chief; Rex Stout, mystery
writer; Frank Donovan, supervisor; John Kieran, Franklin P. Adams and
Don Solenpaul, originator of the radio program.
"SILVER GLORY," symboli-
cally, is to be the title of a
film retelling the screen
career of Lillian Gish, shown
holding the cup sent her by
New York University "for
motion picture achievement"
coincidently with the an-
nouncement of the picture
for the production of which
Miss Gish and David Wark
Griffith have set up a new
company. Release is not set.
By Cosmo-Sileo
SHIPBOARD GOODBYS are
exchanged by Ed Reek, right,
manager of 20th Century-Fox
Movietone News, and Russell
Muth, European director of the
newsreel, who is sailing to di-
rect war operations.
WITH THE SPOTLIGHT on the Latin American market,
Columbia holds the first of two sales conventions set for the
southern hemisphere in Havana, Cuba. Seated, Arnold Picker,
Jack Segal, Joseph A. McConville, and Charles Roberts of
the home office, and Ernesto P. Smith, Cuba. Standing: Ed
Kerner, Trinidad; Raphael Seville, Mexico; Carlos Perez, Cuba;
Joseph A. McConville, Jr., Mexico; Pedro Martinez, Harry B.
Prosdocimi, Sigwart Kusiel and Christian Van der Ree.
THE COMEDY DEPART-
MENT of RKO is repre-
sented by Laurel and
Hardy, and Harold Lloyd
who is ready to start on
"Chasing Rainbows," his
first as an RKO producer.
By Staff Photographer
BETTER UNDERSTANDING of
Latin American psychology is
necessary in Hollywood films,
according to Arturo Mom,
Argentine director, fresh from
a visit to Europe and Italy.
By Staff Photographer
BALKAN exhibition is now a
wide open market for Ameri-
can film, according to M. J.
Soukias, franchise holder In
that territory, now in New
York. Interview on page 16.
September 30, 1939
r^lOTION PICTURE HERALD
CONGRATULATIONS from the Governor of Con-
necticut, Raymond E. Baldwin, to Matt Saunders,
manager of the Loew Poli in Bridgeport, on the the-
atre's 17th anniversary, on a projected Golden Jubilee
of Films campaign, and the premiere of "The Women."
FRANCHISE SIGNING is in season. Above, left, R. E. Griffith,
of the Griffith Amusement Company, signs for Columbia product.
Rube Jackter watching; and above, right, Sidney Meyers, of the
Wometco circuit of Florida, approves the contract just handed
to him by A. Montague, Columbia general sales manager.
EXHIBITORS ABROAD
By Metropolitan
Anna Neagle, in New York for the premiere of "Nurse
Edith Cavell" at the Music Hall, meets Mr. and Mrs.
E. C. Mills of the Strand and Star theatres in Wads-
worth, Ohio, in tKe RKO exhibitors' lounge.
By Staff Photographer
IN THE RKO LOUNGE. Ethel H.
Sparks, Leeds, Winchester, Ky.
By Staff Photographer
Above, Mrs. John Anton of the
Anton theatre, Monongahela, Pa.
Below. A. E. Fischer of the Strand theatre In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin,
and his mother, Mrs. J. A. Swift.
Bv Staff PhotoRrapher
By Staff Photographer
Mrs. S. W. Thornton, treasurer of the Wilder circuit
in Norfolk, Va., with Mr. Thornton.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30,
19 3 9
VISITING the Managers' Round Table in the Quigley
Publications offices In Radio City are Al Weiss, manager
of the Olympia, Miami, and Irving Mack of the Filmack
Trailer Company, Chicago.
AT THE LOEW-MGM
BOOTH in Times
Square, New York.
Mrs. Frederick Mercy,
whose husband owns
and operates the
Mercy circuit in
Washington, and her
son and daughter-in-
law, Mr. and Mrs.
Edgar Mercy.
Left. Robert P. Beamer,
manager of the Pulaski
and Dalton theatres,
Pulaski, Va., signs the
register and has his
picture taken at the
Loew - MSM World's
Fair Booth in Times
Square.
By staff Photographer
HOLLYWOOD STUDIO
VISITOR. Jerome Myers,
operator of the Bell theatre,
Philadelphia, with Dennis
Morgan and Gloria Dickson
on the Warner lot.
By Cosmo- Sileo
Left. Mrs. Foster Jackson of
the Elsinore theatre, Eisinore,
Cal., visits the Warner home
offices in New York.
IN THE PARAMOUNT
World's Fair lounge in
New York. Above, E.
F. Brady, associated
with the Interstate cir-
cuit of Texas in the
operation of the Valley
Theatres in that state,
with Mrs. Brady.
Left. L. J. Ludwig,
Paramount associate
with the Minnesota
Amusement Company,
Minneapolis.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
EXHIBITORS PROTEST THEY WILL NOT
"PAY THE FREIGHT" FOR HOLLYWOOD
BY INCREASING ADMISSION PRICES
Theatre Executives Say Rise in
Rentals Is Not Solution of
War Problenns; Point to
Opportunity of Neutral
Economic reverberations, immediate and
potential, from the big guns booming along
the j\Iaginot-Siegfried frontiers in Europe's
second "world war," are being heard in in-
creasing volume in conversations and actions
of the American motion picture industry,
in the home offices on Broadway, the studios
of Hollywood, distributing centers in the
field and in theatres.
The main subject of the week was : Holly-
wood's first open declaration for more
revenue from U. S. exhibitors to make up
for lost European markets, and the almost
immediate answer, a very definite one, from
exhibitors that they would resist any at-
tempts by producers to have them "carry
the freight."
Next in importance was the subject of
admission price changes and what might be
expected in increased attendance as a result
of manufacturing and production spurts in
heavy industries growing out of the expected
demand for war materials, if and when
Congress permits sales abroad to belligerents,
plus the acceleration growing out of increas-
ing production of materials for this country
itself because of the international emergency.
General Optimism Registered
With theatre heads reporting business about
the same as that of the corresponding period last
year, and some others finding a fall-off, in gen-
eral a hopeful feeling was registered for the
immediate future at least.
The demand of at least some of the majors
for increased rentals to offset losses sustained
by producer-distributors as a result of the cur-
tailment of markets abroad, as evidenced by a
statement made Sunday by Joseph M. Schenck,
chairman of the board of Twentieth Century-
Fox and president of the Motion Picture Pro-
ducers Association, was felt by theatre men to
be a step in the wrong direction. They pointed
out that the war provided an opportunity for
Hollywood to do some pruning of its own
expenditures.
Calls it Task for All
In his statement, made in Hollywood prior
to his departure for Mexico and South America,
Mr. Schenck said : "Theatre operators of
America must do their part in helping pro-
ducers of pictures to overcome the crisis caused
by the loss of revenues from war-torn Europe.
Producers have signified their intention of con-
tinuing to make big pictures of highest quality
despite the European situation. The responsi-
bility of making these efforts successful now lies
entirely with exhibitors."
Harry Brandt, for his Independent Theatre
Owners Association, said Sunday that admission
prices will not be raised despite the fact that
film rental prices have increased considerably
since the outbreak of the war. Elsewhere, some
exhibitors were planning increases, others were
planning decreases ; while Loew's, RKO and
STORM HALTS
COAST HEAT
The record eight day heat wave in
Southern California ended Sunday
with violent winds and torrential rains.
The storm, in which 30 persons were
believed to have lost their lives, caused
no damage to studio properties, but at
the height of the gale, Harry Kapf,
producer, and a party were marooned
in a small boat off Malibu. It rode out
the storm until Mr. Kapf and his
guests were rescued Monday morning.
Parties of guests on yachts owned
by Errol Flynn, Frank Morgan, Victor
McLaglen, John Ford and Frank Bar-
sage were similarly marooned off Cata-
lina by the high winds and seas, pre-
venting landing until Monday. More
than five inches of rain fell in doxvn-
town Los Angeles within six hours.
National Theatres reported that, for the pres-
ent, no changes in admission prices would be
made.
The rise in industrial activity has made pros-
pects for theatre business in the Midwest ex-
ceedingly bright, according to Harry Ross,
president of Ross Federal Service.
Schenck Asks Theatres
To "Share Responsibility"
Mr. Schenck's statement continued as follows :
"It is no longer a question of profits, but of
the preservation of the present quality standards
of the entire industry, theatres as well as stu-
dios. ^Millions of dollars invested in theatres
throughout America would be just so much
brick and mortar if the structure of film produc-
tion collapsed. Exhibitors must therefore share
the responsibility of seeing that the studios de-
rive enough rentals to permit them to continue
in operation.
"First of all, it is essential that exhibitors do
everything possible to extend the playing time
of pictures whenever public patronage justifies
it. Those pictures which have been showing for
one week should, whenever possible, be held over
for a second week, and a picture which definitely
rates a two-week run should be extended for a
third week. Likewise, in subsequent runs, three-
daj' pictures should be held over for five or six
days.
"In order to justify this, exhibitors will find
it necessary to display greater showmanship and
introduce new ideas. It can and must be done
to insure a return to the producer that will com-
pensate for decreased revenues elsewhere, for
only by increased rentals from the theatres of
this country can producers be assured of reve-
nues commensurate with the bigger type of pic-
tures. Producers are willing to go to any length
and expense to make greater pictures, and they
have every faith that the public will support
them.
"A high standard of quality in production has
been attained, as evidenced by the fact that
American-made films are recognized as the finest
by the amusement public of the entire world.
This leadership must not be sacrificed, nor can
standards be permitted to be lowered.
"For their part, producers are keeping oper-
ating costs as low as possible, but no operating
measures by studios alone could offset the great
loss of European revenue if the high standard
of quality is to be maintained. It is, therefore,
up to the exhibitor now to make this high stand-
ard of quality possible."
Theatre Leaders Against
Increased Prices
A large circuit operator, who because of his
distributor affiliation insisted upon anonymity,
countered this week by saying : "The war has
brought this business into a position to do what
it should have been done long ago. Hollywood
salaries should be adjusted to bring them into
line with present conditions, and the war is a
good opportunity to correct this from the top,
not the bottom.
"As to increased rentals, where are they to
come from? With the average rental now being
32 per cent (of the theatre's income) and with
union wage scales what they are, the only op-
portunity for the theatre man's profit would
have to come by cutting down on cashiers,
ushers and others essential to adequate servicing
of the public."
Walter Vincent, vice-president of Consolidated
Film and of the Wilmer and Vincent Circuit,
said this week that producers would get in-
creased revenue out of this country if good pic-
tures continued to be produced.
Mr. Vincent said that if the producers would
"continue putting ability, the right stories and
the right stars in pictures, they will get increased
revenue out of this country. I think war alwaj's
improves the theatre business in neutral coun-
tries such as ours," Mr. Vincent, who has been
in the theatre business some 50 years, continued.
"Extended playing time, especially in smaller
cities, does not hold up. Typically, in one week,
you get all you can." Mr. Vincent recalled that
during the last war there had been very few
raised admission prices.
Charles C. Moskowitz, Loew's vice-president
in charge of all theatres in Greater New York,
said that "It's still too early to tell about the
efifects of the war on theatre business." How-
ever, it is reported that no price increase has
been planned for Loew's theatres ; while it is
pointed out that the Government tax on tickets
selling for over 40 cents may tend to freeze
prices at present levels. The tax, which is 10
per cent of all prices over 40 cents, would tend
to give exhibitors raising their prices to, say,
SO cents, only five cents out of the 10-cent raise.
Spyros Skouras of National Theatres is hope-
ful of increased business in the near future, al-
though reporting that "the last three weeks have
not been as good as the corresponding period
last year ; it will take a little time for people to
adjust themselves to present conditions." Mr.
Skouras also said that there was "nothing defi-
nite on the status of admission prices yet."
Brandt Bars Rise
In Adnoissions
Saying that "motion pictures are a poor man's
amusement," Harry Brandt, president of the
ITOA, Sunday stated that admission prices
would not be raised, even though, he said, pro-
(.Continued on following pa^e")
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
CITE INCREASED INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY
(.Continued from preceding page)
ducers and distributors were trying to obtain
higher rental prices due to the loss of European
markets occasioned by the war. This loss of
revenue should be made up by economies in pro-
duction, rather than in higher admission prices,
he added.
Exhibitors were assuming an attitude of
"watchful waiting," due to the higher prices
asked by distributors, Mr. Brandt continued,
adding that "Some one has to give in. I think it
will be the producers. It won't be the public."
Ross Optimistic on
Return from Midwest
Harry Ross, president of Ross Federal Ser-
vice, checkers of attendance and receipts for dis-
tributors on percentage pictures, said that the
upswing in box office grosses is general through
the Midwest, from which he returned to New-
York this week.
There is a general feeling of optimism through
the industrial sections, and Detroit is booming
with automobile production at a high level, while
Pennsylvania steel mills are back to their 1925
level of prosperity with thousands being re-
employed, he said.
RKO Attendance Normal;
Salaries Are Reduced
While RKO theatres reported that with the
exception of the first three days of the war, busi-
ness was unchanged, and that things would
"have to boom" before admission prices were
raised ; a strongly pessimistic note in the indus-
try, resulting from the war, was sounded by
George J. Schaefer, president of RKO.
In a statement released Monday, Mr. Schaefer
said that company executives and employees earn-
ing more than $4,500 a year would take salary
cuts ranging up to 35 per cent in the highest
brackets, so that the company would be able to
complete its entire new season production sched-
ule without any impairment of its quality or
entertainment.
"I have withheld any comment on RKO plans
to meet the emergency created by the war in
Europe until I could review the situation
thoroughly. I was unwilling to make a state-
ment that we would not curtail production un-
less I was reasonably confident that such a
course was possible.
"Already chere has been a drastic falling off
in foreign revenue, which I believe will continue
throughout the duration of the war. In view
of the drop in foreign exchange and possible re-
strictions on transfer of funds, the limited re-
opening of theatres in England and France leads
to no certain conviction that substantial revenues
will be available from these countries and we
in RKO have felt it necessary to find means of
effecting economies at home which will enable
us, without dependence on income from the
United Kingdom and France, to maintain our
production program with quality and entertain-
ment value unimpaired.
"I now believe we have plans which will per-
mit this to be done and done effectively. As part
of our broad program temporary reductions in
pay are unavoidable, but such reductions will be
confined to employees in the higher brackets. No
employee receiving $4,500 oer year or less will
be affected. From this point upward a gradu-
ated scale will apply so that the largest salaries
will receive the largest percentage cuts. Some
salaries will be cut over 35 per cent.
"The program which we have devised to meet
the war emergency, including the salary reduc-
tions, has been approved at meetings of RKO
Radio Pictures, Inc., and RKO Service Corpo-
ration.
"It is my confident belief that with the fine
morale now being shown throughout the organ-
"CODE" CHANGES IN
UNIVERSAL CONTRACTS
Disclosure last week that Universal
is drafting a plan for arbitrating con-
tract disputes with its exhibitor cus-
tomers, in line with the trend toward
individual action by majors to inject
"code" concessions independently in
their product dealings, was followed
this week by the admission from Wil-
liam A. Scully, Universal's general
sales manager, that the company also
is endeavoring to complete contract
changes in its 1939-40 license agree-
ments, chief among which will be a
graduated cancellation concession.
Warners, Paramount and MGM have
to date ejected contract revisions of
one kind or another, for the benefit of
exhibitors — following the recent "kill-
ing" of the majors' trade practice pro-
gram by the Department of Justice.
Any contract innovations decided
upon by Universal will be retroactive
for all new season deals and will con-
form with existing company policy
and the limitations imposed by the re-
cent Department of Justice prohibition
upon an industry code, Mr. Scully said.
Revisions of the license agreement
will not be extensive, the Universal
sales head pointed out, inasmuch as
Universal has not collected a score
charge for years, nor has it made the
licensing of shorts and newsreels a con-
dition for licensing of its features.
Moreover, the company does not pro-
duce traders.
The optional arbitration clause will,
of necessity, be applicable only to dis-
putes arising out of performance of
the contract and cannot be employed
in any complaint involving a third
party.
The company has no serious problem
stemming from designation of play
dates, it was said, and does not reftise
to negotiate for its product with any
responsible exhibitor for all or part of
its output and for some time past has
permitted cancellation of pictures on
justified grounds of unsuitability for
local exhibition.
ization our plans will be successful and that the
RKO program will be completed without the
least sacrifice of quality or entertainment value."
"Staples" Will Rise,
Declares Golden
Edward A. Golden, Monogram vice-president,
addressing the Independent Theatre Owners'
Association of West Virginia at its convention
Tuesday at Clarksburg, said that "In the midst
of a panic, staples rise. In the present crisis, all
companies are talking about concentrating on
the American market, and our company has con-
centrated on staples for that market."
Calls "Super" Films
Vulnerable to Cuts
Turning to the situation in Hollywood, the
W all Street Journal observed Monday that
"with the European war apparently certain to
cut heavily into revenues of many major motion
picture companies, the industry is attempting
speedy adjustment of expenditures. . . . Roughly
speaking, about 25 to 35 per cent of gross film
rentals come from foreign sales. Of this, about
one-half comes from Great Britain."
The paper continued : "The reduction of profit
margins as a result of dwindling foreign markets
will be felt mostly in the field of the 'super -
productions' where, despite heavy costs, show-
ing abroad, particularly in the British Empire,
made these ventures profitable.
Goldwyn Idea
Premature: Schencic
In an answer to the suggestions advanced last
week by Samuel Goldwyn for the creation of a
committee to study industry problems created by
the war, and sent to Joseph M. Schenck, Will
Hays, president of the Motion Picture Pro-
ducers and Distributors of America, and to ex-
ecutives of the Screen Writers', Actors' and
Directors' Guilds, Mr. Schenck said that it was
too early for "the setting of a definite policy."
Air. Schenck, in a letter to Mr. Goldwyn, said:
"I feel that you are entirely correct in your
analysis of the situation caused by the war in
Europe and that your estimate of losses is con-
servative. I am sure that all producers are
agreed that the first requirement is to give the
public the very best in pictures. Nothing must
be permitted to weaken that requirement.
"However, it is my present belief that your
suggestion for creation of a fact-finding com-
mittee is somewhat premature. The extent of
losses in revenue is not sufficiently apparent to
permit setting of definite policies."
The Screen Actors' Guild, through Ralph
Morgan, president, had offered its cooperation
to Mr. Goldwyn late last week, while the Screen
Writers' Guild replied that it wished to get
facts regarding a possible increase in domestic
revenue, while agreeing on the need for co-
operative action.
"Republic Doesn't Fear
War" — Herbert Yates
War or not, Republic will go ahead, according
to H. J. Yates, president of Consolidated Film
Industries, who is on the coast this week. The
company has 11 pictures on the new season
schedule and five now in production ; and it will
soon start 10 more features and two more
serials, Mr. Yates said.
Mr. Yates cited the less than 20 per cent of
total revenue which the company receives from
abroad, as a factor which discounts the present
war. About Great Britain, he remarked that it
was the company's "biggest foreign market,"
and that the company had been unable to get
money from the country for a month — but that
the British Government has ordered eight Gene
Autry pictures for exhibition to its armed forces.
Eastman Self-SufRcient,
Savs Notice to Staff
The Eastman Kodak Company, by notices to
its employees on its Rochester factory bulletin
boards, revealed last week that the present Eu-
ropean War leaves it practically untouched.
The company is virtually self-sufficient, was
the assurance.
Some foreign optical glass is still used, the
company said ; but added that the quantity was
minute, and the stock on hand ample.
September 30, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
15
FRENCH STUDIOS RESUME; NEW LAWS
IN CANADA, GREECE, TURKEY, AUSTRIA
France Bars Alien Workers; The-
atres Reopen in Belgium on
Limited Scale; British Exhib-
itors Seek Concessions
War promises to be a No. 1 subject of
conversation and action in the motion pic-
ture industry for a long time. The news
grist of this week alone showed these de-
velopments :
Hollywood and New York were turning
to the business of possible economic ef-
fects, on production budgets, distribution
rentals and admissions. See page 13.
Hollywood's retrenchment moves and re-
action to demands for maintenance of
quality production through elimination of
waste and inefficiency are reported on
page 17.
Production in France, completely halted
at the outbreak, is about to be resumed.
Stars are being called to the colors, how-
ever. Employment of all alien workers, in-
cluding those in motion pictures, both old
and new, has been forbidden.
Theatres in Belgium have reopened, on
a limited daily schedule.
London exhibitors still are attempting to
get Governmental approval for staggered
operations.
New film import rules have been
adopted in Greece.
Turkey has imposed regulations govern-
ing the censorship of all films and
scenarios.
Canada has set its rules for wartime
censorship, prescribing penalties for infrac-
tions and naming film censors.
Vienna regulations curb all foreigners, in-
cluding those in motion pictures.
Censorship was lifted in Bolivia.
Latvia has imposed censorship on cables,
Switzerland and Rumania have relaxed com-
munications strictures — all involving the
motion picture business as in other lines.
Twentieth Century-Fox has decided to
push its overseas sales drive, despite the
war.
Reports that the war has given Hollywood a
virtual monopoly in the Balkan states were
brought to New York by M. J. Soukias, of
Columbia.
French Production Resuming
Jean Renoir, French director, is understood to
have been put in charge of a resumption of
French production "along propaganda and ar-
tistic lines," by the French Ministry of Informa-
tion. Many French stars are in the army, but
may be recalled, if Renoir wishes them for the
new work.
Cable dispatches to New York newspapers
said that Charles Boyer and Fernandel Boyer
are in uniform. Albert Prejean, former air
ace, is again in the same role. Jean Gabin is
in the marines. Pierre Blanchar is an infantry
officer ; Raimos and Raymond Cordy are driv-
ing trucks ; Rene Dary and Paul Cambo are
awaiting assignments ; Bernard Lancret is in
the artillery ; Gilbert Gillis is in the anti-air-
22 COUNTRIES WITH
MONEY RESTRICTIONS
Foreign departments of the majors,
in New York, this week estimated
that 17 countries, many in Europe,
had currency restrictions, and that the
war has added five more to the list.
The countries with currency restric-
tions are Germany, Poland, Latvia,
Esthonia, Jugoslavia, Lithuania, Hun-
gary, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ar-
gentina, Spain, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay,
Rumania, and Japan. Those in which
the war has made necessary restrictions
of currency are France, England, Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, and Canada.
craft defense. Feramus, a star of the silent
days, is an air force officer. Charles Tenet is
also in the air force.
A new government decree in France bars
aliens from employment anywhere, including
motion pictures, except by special permission.
Those now employing foreigners must show
reasons why they cannot be replaced with
Frenchmen.
Belgium Reopens Theatres
Belgium theatres, closed at the outbreak,
have been allowed to reopen, from 11 A.M. to
10 P.M. daily. Attendance is reported return-
ing to normal, and the onlv difficulty is now
that of obtaining prints.
British Censorship Set Up
The Censorship Division of the new British
Ministry of Information has issued a detailed
statement regarding arrangements for the ap-
plication of special "security" censorship of films
during the war. Basically the decree makes it
an offense to influence public opinion in a man-
ner likely to be prejudicial to the efficient
prosecution of the war.
From diplomatic sources in London it was
learned on Tuesday that the British quota act
is not likely to be altered drastically as a re-
sult of the war. American producer-distributor
interests were said to have approached a high
Government authority with a suggestion that
it might be politic to suspend the Films Act
and to have been told that this move probably
would not be considered. A further indication
was given by Oliver Stanley, president of the
Board of Trade.
A deputation of London West End theatre
operators met on Wednesday with officials of
the Home Affairs secretariat and were promised
a decision soon on a plan for reopening their
houses. It was predicted that the Home Office
would agree to the trade scheme under which
15 news theatres and six smaller houses would
be reopened. Staggered operations by which
six first run houses in the Leicester Square,
Piccadilly area would remain open until 10
P. M. one week and six others the following-
week, may be allowed, it was said.
The Greek Government has established new
regulations for the importation of motion pic-
ture films, effective immediately, it was an-
nounced at Washington this week, after a re-
port from the United States Commercial At-
tache in Athens.
The regulations set an annual world quota
of 370 films, from July 1 to June 30th. Of this.
250 may be exhibited in first run houses with
orchestras, with admissions over 17 cents. The
remaining may be shown in houses with lower
admissions.
Features have been shifted from the free to
the general quota list. Additional prints of
features already imiported may be imported free
of quota restrictions. Shorts and newsreels not
exceeding approximately 1,500 feet in length are
also free of restrictions.
The average royalties payable on features im-
ported are fixed at $1,200 for the first group
of 250, and $300 for the second group of 120.
Czech Rules Follow German
Correlating rules of the Czechoslovakian film
industry with those obtaining in Germany, the
Prague Ministry of Trade this week virtually
barred "non-Aryans" and Freemasons from
working in motion pictures.
The rules provide that no Czechoslovakian
theatre may screen a picture in which a "non-
Aryan" or Freemason has a lead ; that films in
which such persons appear may not receive the
approval of the Trade Board's Film Advisory
Board, and shall not receive Government recog-
nition or subsidy ; that stories purchased for film
production must be approved by the national
culture bureau.
New Turkish Regulations
The United States Department of Commerce
Commercial Attache at Istanbul, Turkey, re-
ports the application of new censorship laws.
A special board of censors, presided over by
the city's Mayor, will pass on films. The board
meets four days weekly and cannot censor more
than two films at one meeting. The new regu-
lations are lengthly prescriptive ; among the
provisions is one requiring that all foreign films
must be supplied with Turkish subtitles. An-
other one bars the passage of films "which tire
the eyes."
Canada Appoints Censors
Claude Melancon, of the Canadian National
Railways, and L. Clare Moyer, Clerk of the
Senate, will work with Walter S. Thompson,
newly created Chief Censor, as the Canadian
Government's new censor board for the dura-
tion of the war. Mr. Thompson is chief censor ;
Mr. Moyer will be Federal censor for films ;
and Melancon will probably censor French
language films.
Mr. Thompson this week revealed some
censorship regulations, among them :
Persons cannot make, or publish, "adverse or
unfavorable statements, reports, or opinions,
likely to prejudice the defense of Canada or
its prosecution of the war."
Nor can they do the same, if such should
prejudice the recruiting, training, or adminis-
tration of the country's armed forces.
The regulations provide for the seizure, sus-
pension, and impounding of such radio stations,
films, or publications which break regulations.
The penalties, of fine and imprisonment, apply
not only to publications, films and radio, but to
persons who speak at public meetings.
Bolivia Lifts Censorship
In Bolivia, the new president, Carlos Qunin-
tanilla, has suspended censorship, removed all
restraints on freedom of the press and the film-
ing of newsreels, and announced plans for a
general election.
Cable Restrictions
The Latvian Government has imposed a
censorship on cablegrams. None is allowed in
code.
Switzerland, which imposed the same rule at
(.Continued on follomittg page)
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
NATIONS EXTEND CENSORSHIP LINES
(.Continued from preceding page)
the beginning of the War, now allows code from
the United States and other non-belligerents.
Canada has imposed cable restrictions on
messages to and from all countries except the
United States.
Rumania briefly suspended transatlantic phone
service last week, then resumed it.
The American Telephone and Telegraph
Company reports that transatlantic service to
Spain and Portugal had not been re-established.
Fox to Push Sales
Undaunted by European hostilities, the for-
eign department of Twentieth Century-Fox will
carry on its S. R. Kent "Overseas Drive."
Leslie F. Whelen, of the department, is leader.
Great Britain, it was announced, this week de-
livered a little more than 55 per cent of the
accumulated two weeks' drive quota. This was
declared very good, in consideration of the war.
Revenue from European countries has been
estimated by transatlantic phone conversations
with Ben Miggins, Continental European man-
ager, in Paris. It is admitted that countries
from that continent are trailing in the drive.
Japan is leading.
No information is forthcoming from Germany,
Poland, and Rumania, the Paris office being cut
off from these countries.
The company's Scandinavian branches report
business slightly better than the same period last
year.
To help offset foreign losses occasioned by
the involvement of France and Great Britain in
the war, Twentieth Century Fox is driving
ahead in South America.
Joseph M. Schenck, chairman of the board,
left Los Angeles this week for a Mexican and
South American survey.
Mr. Hutchinson arrived at the New York
home office this week, from Havana. He had
been in Latin America.
Mr. Hutchinson placed the Caribbean offices
under the direct supervision of the home office.
AUGUST BROADWAY
TAX REVENUE OFF
Federal admission tax collections in
the Broadway District dropped to
$336,191 m August, from $397,415 in
July, but were well above the $282,-
513 record for August, 193 8, it was
reported this week by the Internal
Revenue Bureau.
Losses from July were shown in all
categories except admissions to roof
gardens and cabarets, where tax collec-
tions ]iimped from $34,519 to $40,-
43 1, it tvas shown.
Taxes collected at the box-office
dropped from $344,694 in July to
$287,463 in August, the bureau an-
nounced, while receipts from free or
reduced rate admissions decreased from
$7,192 $3,950; from tickets sold by
brokers from $8,162 to $4,346; from
tickets sold by proprietors in excess of
the established price from $181 to
nothing, and from permanent use or
lease of boxes and seats from $2,666
to $1.
with William J. Sullivan supervising the Cen-
tral American branches.
Previously listed war films available to U. S.
exhibitors, as newly released and reissued, and
previously listed, were augmented this week by
another half dozen.
There is "The Battle Fleets of England,"
the latest issue of the March of Time, which,
according to RKO, its distributor, is a com-
plete and uncensored exposition of the British
Navy's role in the defense of England and in
the plans of the Allies to win against Germany.
Also being released by RKO is the March
of Time's -"Soldiers With Wings," a "complete
and authentic," according to RKO, story of the
United States Army Air Corps.
A. L. Rule, independent distributor of war
films, has announced the release of "When
Germany Surrendered," in early October.
Mayer & Burstyn have acquired "That They
May Live," French war film for U. S. release.
John Mednikow, of Chicago, has acquired the
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri rights
to the picture. Capitol Pictures of Omaha will
distribute the film in Nebraska and Iowa. John
Ludwig, theatre operator of Milwaukee, has the
rights for Washington, Oregon, California, and
Arizona.
The picture, which carries the PCA seal, has
been tried out in Milwaukee, New Orleans,
and Los Angeles.
Mr. Rule's office is in Hollywood.
Al Selig, of New York, this week released
a French-made feature, "Double Crime on the
Maginot Line," through Tower Pictures.
Lieutenant Harry J. Lewis, of the United
States Army Signal Corps, arrived in Holly-
wood last week to begin training, under the
cooperative program, carried on between the
War Department and the Research Council of
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences for the training of officers in film
production, studio operations, and sound and
laboratory techniques.
British and French troops with tanks, rail-
way guns, and motorized units streaming to the
front give a war-time tone to all of the U. S.
newsreels, and are being featured in all issues.
U. S. Gams in Balkans
The European War has given American mo-
tion pictures a virtual monopoly in the Balkan
European market, but it has also made exceed-
ingly difficult the importation of films into that
market, according to M. J. Soukias, franchise
holder for Columbia and United Artists in
(Continued on page 18, column 2)
Evacuating London with the first bark of the war guns, American
branch offices moved from Wardour Street to the quiet of the
countryside. Paramount settled in a l>^-room mansion at Shenley,
Herefordshire, which rejoiced in the name of Finks Farm. Front
and rear views of the building are shown in photographs 1 and 8.
In 2 Roger C. Clement and John A. Ojerholm, Americans remain-
ing for the time being with the British crew, install sandbags at
strategic points. The publicity department is shown at work in 3.
Photographs 5 and 8 show the construction of an air raid trench
and a bombproof shelter in the gardens. At left in 6 is David E.
Rose, managing director, with C. G. Dickinson, general sales man-
ager, at right, and P. D. Cornwell and Fred Chandler. Mr. Clement
and Mr. Ojerholm, relaxing after their sandbag activities, are shown
again in 7 with Tony Red din and Mr. Cornwell.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
HOLLYWOOD CONSIDERS ITS CRISIS
OF COSTS IN WORLD WAR MARKET
Producers Comment on Mar-
tin Quigley's Expression of
the Position of America's
Theatre Showmen
by Gus McCarthy
ill Hollyivood
Hollywood's realization that it was stand-
ing on the threshold of a crisis, provoked
b)- the war in Europe, has come slowly.
Now it is convinced that the war is real, that
it will last a long time, and there is a strong
feeling that the United States eventually
will be drawn into it. Certain that the Con-
tinental market has vanished and not sure
what influence future events may have on
the domestic market, Hollywood seriously is
going about the business of making tre-
mendous readjustments. The prospect of
what must be done has stunned the town,
but it hasn't panicked it. Rather it is
giving evidence that it is honestly and ear-
nestly gearing itself to do its duty to the
American exhibitor.
Already things have happened. The num-
ber of persons who have been lopped off
payrolls may be conservatively estimated at
between 2,500 and 3,000. This is only the
beginning. The purgees ranged in caliber
from moguls to minions. Many were just
plain luxuries. Fat cat salaries have been
ruthlessly slashed and eliminated. In the
fields of production and physical operation
an amazing amount of corner cutting is
being done. Silly things are being done,
too, and it could not be otherwise but that
a lot of buck passing is going on which seeks
to place responsibility for what is wrong on
the shoulders of others.
Shorter Features Proposed
But for things that are more practical. Adual
plans are underway to reduce the length of
pictures. A running time of 80 minutes has
been suggested fer Class A pictures, 60 for
B's. This would ef¥ect savings in every de-
partment from creative to mechanical and thus
reduce costs. Non-essentials are being elim-
inated all the way down the line. Budgets of
pictures in work and slated for production are
being pruned.
The week's news brought the intelligence
that Columbia's Harry and Jack Cohn had
voluntarily taken salary reductions, and the
high placed RKO-Radio executives would re-
ceive lower pay checks henceforth.
Special impact on the Hollywood scene was
made by the editorial expression of Martin
Quigley, publisher, in the Motion Picture
Herald of September 16 under the title of
"The American Theatre Owner has a Right
to Expect ..."
The expression made articulate and particular
the pressures of the problems before the in-
dustry upon its production machine.
Comment about Mr. Quigley^s observation
was considerable, in the main concurring and
occasionally at sharp variance. With a ma-
jority expressing an awareness of the situa-
tion recorded, there were also those who,
typically, but anonymously, wished that the
subject had not been mentioned.
"Martin Quigley hit the nail on the head,"
was the comment of W. Ray Johnston of
Monogram. "Picture quality must be kept
URGES EXTENSION
OF PLAYING TIME
"First of all, it is essential that the
exhibitors do everything possible to
extend the playing time of pictures
whenever public patronage jtistifies,"
according to Joseph M. Schenck, presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Producers
Association in Hollywood and head of
Twentieth Century-Fox." Those pic-
ttires that have been showing for one
week should, whenever possible, be held
over for a second week, and a picture
tvhich definitely rates a two-week run
should be extended for a third week.
Likewise, in the subsequent runs, three-
day pictures should be held over for
five or six days.
"In order to justify this, exhibitors
will find it necessary to display greater
showmanship and introduce new
ideas. ..."
up and costs must come down. That may seem
contradictory, but if the big executives will
cut their own exorbitant salaries and stars will
work for figures that conform to the world
market conditions it can be done. Executives
should have their entire staffs concentrate on
ideas that have showmanship value, that mean
money at the box office. The motion picture
industry in my opinion is big enough to adjust
itself to the present situation."
Asks Exhibitors To Help
Characteristically, Walter Wanger didn't pull
any punches when he had his say. "The edi-
torial 'The American Theatre Owner has a
Right to Expect' is one of the best I have read
in a long time. I concur that Hollywood must
quickly adjust itself to the new order of things
without lessening the quality of its product.
I am certain that Hollywood will meet the
demands of the situation with intelligence de-
spite the difficulties it is facing aside from the
diminishing world market resultinp- from the
war. There is a great deal more to making
hit pictures today than most exhibitors believe.
While producers are enforcing judicious econo-
mies to make their investment in talent show
to more advantage on the screen, the exhibitor
and distributor must take inventory of their
stocks." Thereupon urging exhibitors to over-
haul their merchandising methods and adapt
more enthusiastic and up-to-date showmanship,
Mr. Wanger maintained that "a closer bond of
understanding between theatre men and those
who make their entertainment merchandise is
most essential."
Wants Constructive Action
While Mr. Wanger suggested closer pro-
ducer-exhibitor cooperation, Samuel Goldwyn,
who usually gets down to cases when others
temporize, advocated it strongly. "I am heartily
in accord with Mr. Quigley's editorial," he said.
"I recommend it as constructive reading to all
people engaged in the show business. At this
moment I am making every attempt to bring
into conference all creative elements engaged in
making films, this with the hope that some-
thing constructive along the lines of Mr. Quig-
ley's editorial might result. I also believe that
a good deal of benefit might come from a prac-
tical round table discussion attended by theatre
and production interests."
"He's right," wrote Leo McCarey, producer-
director. "Production costs can be cut in places
where they'll prove least noticeable and cer-
tainly in such a manner that wages of workers
won't be affected. Greater concentration must
be placed on story material. Magnificence of
sets must be toned down. Other shearable cor-
ners can be cut if sincerely sought. This in-
dustry has grown up. It's about time it
proved it. Apparently this is the time."
Urges "Soft Pedal"
In discussing Mr. Quigley's editorial, director
Clarence Brown urged use of the soft pedal
with the remark "Let's keep our troubles to
ourselves."
"The war emergency has provided an oppor-
tunity to get rid of a lot of dead wood," he
continued, "but panic grips this industry
quicker than it does others when even the
smell of an emergency arises. With this panic
always comes a veritable blast of written com-
ment issued by the studios themselves.
"The result is a temporary loss of confidence
in one of America's leading fields of endeavor
which can only result in loss at the box office."
William LeBaron, Paramount production
chief considered public confidence from another
angle. Concurring in the conclusion that the
war emergency is a challenge to industry man-
agement, intelligent acceptance of which may
place the business on a stabilized basis, Mr.
LeBaron pointed out, "Costs should be cut in
every place but in wages. As in any big busi-
ness, this industry has its deadwood and that
is where the cuts should come — mercilessly.
Otherwise public confidence will be shaken, and
when that happens the industry is in a pre-
carious situation."
Wants Strong Minds
"Hollywood is prone to hysteria and old
fashioned jitters," said Sam Wood. "We need
strong minds now ; men who can't be easily
flustered, men who, like Mr. Quigley, have
the courage to speak their convictions. We
need men who can take command with calm-
ness and confidence."
Solicitude for exhibitor interests was be-
spoken in the comments of Hal Roach, Edward
Small and Jack L. Warner. Reavowing ad-
herence to a 25 year old policy, Mr. Roach
said, "It has been our constant endeavor in
almost a quarter of century of picture making
to achieve as near perfection as was physically
possible in the type of entertainment emanat-
ing from our studio. In trying times, such
as these, good business dictates that we adhere
closer than ever to that policy . . . and by
good business I have in mind the interests of
exhibitors, so sharply pointed out by Mr.
Quigley, because the exhibitor is the fountain
head from which good business for the pro-
ducer flows."
"When Mr. Quigley discussed 'What the
American Exhibitor has a Right to Expect',"
said Edward Small, "he warned Hollywood that
it must put its house in order. The argu-
ments he presents are sound. The remedies
he suggests are sane and practical. But when
Mr. Quigley addressed Hollywood, he also
spoke to the exhibitors. A big gamble is
being taken. The exhibitor has a large stake in
it. They must protect that stake with the same
spirit of earnestness that is now inspiring every
producer I know."
Reading of the editorial was the occasion for
Jack L. Warner to make a pledge. "Mr. Quig-
(Contiiiucd on foUozeing page, column 1)
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
CALLS IT ALL-INDUSTRY PROBLEM
Television's Role in Detecting Planes,
U-Boots, Mines, and Guns Is Envisaged
. Devices based on television principles, to detect enemy planes, dirigibles, and
submarines, which would permit airplane pilots to pick up images of the terrain
while lurking behind clouds, and which would even detect mines, have been
patented, the New York Times declared on Sunday.
Enemy guns hidden behind masonry and embankments would become visible
on television receiving cameras, according to the patents. Television would pierce
darkness, smoke screens, and fog, to reveal the lurking enemy.
John Hays Hammond, noted inventor, is reported to have patented a device
to, "scramble" television- images. Maps, photographs, and other graphic intelli-
gence can be thus telecast; but, to the enemy, the images would be blurred.
Mr. Hammond also has a television navigation system for landing a plane,
guiding a submarine, or piloting a ship, in a fog.
One Hans Hartman has a patent for "submarine television" — that is, for being
able to sight objects, by television, beneath the water.
R. A. Fliess of New York City has a device which is called the "tele-detector";
this will spot enemy dirigibles and planes hidden behind clouds.
Albert A. Arnhym of Chicago has patented "television spectacles" sensitive to
infra-red rays. People wearing these, on the ground, will be able to know the
approach of an enemy plane by the infra-red radiations from its engine.
Air and artillery forces of the European belligerents have been reported, from
time to time, experimenting with television in observation planes. Thus, artillery
would be able to observe, at the moments of fire and impact, the course and
accuracy of its shell-fire.
(Conthmcd from preceding page)
ley definitely points out that we have a big
obligation to the theatre owners of America.
Those thousands of exhibitors depend upon us
for their livelihood and we pledge to them
that there will be no curtailment whatever in
our plans. We will make every picture we
have announced since the convention and even
add several more to the program."
Urges Exhibitors To Act
Joseph M. Schenck of 20th Century-Fox
maintamed that the success of the efforts of
producers to continue a high level produc-
tion standard in the face of lost European
returns depended entirely upon the support
given by exhibitors.
"The millions of dollars invested in the-
atres throughout America would be just so
much brick and mortar if the structure of
film production collapsed," said Mr. Schenck.
"The exhibitor must therefore share the re-
sponsibility of seeing that the studios derive
enough rentals to permit them to continue in
operation. . . .
"For their part the producers are keeping
operating costs as low as possible. But no
economy measures by the studios alone could
ofifset the great loss of European revenue if a
high standard of quality is to be maintained.
"It is therefore up to the exhibitor now to
make this high standard of quality possible."
Sol Lesser, whose interest in the subject
awakened memories of 25 years ago when a
similar condition confronted a practically new
industry, remarked, "Martin Quigley lays it on
the line — and he's right !" Reminding oldtimers
that out of the turmoil of the World War
pictures grew to be something more than a
non-essential industry, Mr. Lesser was confi-
dent that the industry of today would realize its
opportunity and reorient its affairs.
Said Y. Frank Freeman, vice-president in
charge of studio operations at Paramount :
"Martin Quigley's analysis of the situation of
the moving picture industry in the light of the
emergency created by the European war is a
sound and common sense summing up." Re-
peating a statement issued in New York a few
days ago that there would be no deviation
from the announced 1939-40 Paramount pro-
gram and that the company had the largest
backlog of pictures ready for release in its
history, he further declared, "At the same time,
it is absolutely imperative that realistic ad-
justments of production costs be made to meet
the altered situation in foreign markets. We
hope this can be accomplished sanely and calm-
ly, as well as promptly. Every move is being
given the most careful consideration. A crisis
has arisen, the seriousness of which may not
yet be fully realized by some of us."
Pioneers Invited to
"Cavalcade" Showing
Members of Motion Picture Pioneers,
Inc., an organization of men who have
served 25 years or more in the film indus-
try, have been invited to attend the trade
showing of "Hollywood Cavalcade," Twen-
tieth Century-Fox color production at the
Ziegfeld theatre, New York, next Tuesday
morning.
The trade screening at the Ziegfeld is one
of 37 that are being held simultaneously in
Twentieth Century-Fox exchange cities
throughout the country. Others who have
been invited to the New York showing of
the picture include prominent exhibitors in
that territory, newspaper and magazine
writers and radio commentators.
Sees U.S. Control
of Balkan Mart
ICoiitiinied from page 16)
Greece, for MGM in Rumania, and for United
Artists in Bulgaria. Mr. Soukias arrived in
New York last week on the Washington, hav-
ing obtained the last boat train from London
to Le Havre. (Picture on page 10).
He is in this country to "wait," to see what
can be done to ship films directly from the
United States to the Balkan territory — perhaps
through Italy — and to hear from his brother,
V. Soukias, who operates the Bucharest office.
Mr. Soukias' companies, the Meva-Film and
Astoria-Film, have offices in Bucharest, Paris,
Sofia, and Athens.
Mr. Soukias had been in Paris since April ;
and shortly before the war's outbreak, had gone
to London to negotiate a new United Artists
contract for 1939-40 product, for Bulgaria. The
war interrupted these talks. He had, however,
concluded agreements with MGM for 1939-40
product, and with Columbia, for 1938-39.
His ofifices in the Balkans have a supply of
films ample "for some time," Mr. Soukias
seemed assured. However, he noted that future
supplies must come directly from the United
States.
"Up to the war, American films had the
preference in the Balkan market," Mr. Soukias
said. "Now they will completely control it.
"It might have been said that the one ex-
ception was Greece, where the people like the
French language very much. However, we got
around that by importing the American films
from France, where they had been dubbed in
the French language."
Bulgarians and Rumanians, he said, like their
American pictures with the English language,
but fitted with Rumanian titles.
Whatever competition existed in the Balkans,
to American product, was from the French, Mr.
Soukias stated. German pictures had, before
Hitler, some audience ; and, also, German news-
reels. But, since the advent of Hitler, German
films were virtually boycotted, especially in
Rumania he said.
Before Mr. Soukias left France, he noted
that some French theatres were being allowed
to remain open till 8 :30 in the evening, and he
predicted that the British and French govern-
ments would find it imperative to use the mo-
tion picture theatre as a morale factor. More
than anything else, people need entertainment
in war time, he said ; and the most popular
entertainment was the "movies," he said.
Mr. Soukias was born in Istanbul, Turkey,
of Armenian parents. He was educated in the
American college there. In 1911, he came to
New York, and spent 17 j^ears there.
In 1923, he formed Astoria Films, in New
York, e-xporters of independent American prod-
uct, to the Balkans. In 1927, he went to
Bucharest, as a franchise holder for American
companies, and then expanded to Sofia, Athens,
and Paris. He is co-owner of the Cinema
Capitol and Roxy theatres, Bucharest.
He is an American citizen.
Paramount's "Disputed Passage" had its
first public screening last Saturday in White
Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, at the an-
nual convention of the National Wholesale
Druggists Association.
Lloyd Douglas, author, was the guest of
honor. A special drawing was held after
the screening, the winner receiving from
Mr. Douglas the original manuscript.
The film stars Lorothy Lamour, Akim
Tamaroff, and John Howard.
Septem ber 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
19
LAEMMLE'S DEATH TAKES PIONEER
iNDEPENDENr OF IMP FILM DAYS
Started Out to Buy Clothing
Store, Wound Up with The-
atre, Exchange Systenn, Pro-
ducing Company, Universal
Carl Laemmle, Sr., pioneer ■"independent"
of the motion picture's early years, and one
of the founders of Universal Pictures Cor-
poration, died Sunday at his home in Holly-
wood. He was seventy-two years old.
All Hollywood's studios, and the offices
of Universal around the world, stood silent
for five minutes at 12:30 o'clock Tuesday
afternoon, when funeral services, attended
by 2,000, began at the Wilshire Temple,
B'nai B'rith, Rabbi Edgar Llagnin officiat-
ing. Private services were held later at
Temple of Peace Cemetery for members of
the family, \\-here temporary entombment
was made in the House of Peace Mausoleum.
Active pallbearers were David Tannen-
baum, Ben Straus, Herman Einstein, Jack
Ross, Sam Van Ronkle, Dr. Leland Haw-
kins, Sam Behrendt and Fred S. Meyer.
Honorary pallbearers included a score of
Hollywood producers and production exec-
utives.
Station KFWB (Warner Brothers)
broadcast a memorial program from Los
Angeles Tuesday evening.
Surviving are Mr. Laemmle's two chil-
dren, Carl, Jr., and Mrs. Stanley Berger-
man, and two brothers, Louis and Siegfried.
The Laemmle .estate was estimated at
more than $4,000,000, from a will read im-
mediately after the services Tuesday. Annu-
ities amounting to $500,000 revert to his two
children.
In Nickelodeon Days
Mr. Laemmle came into the motion pic-
ture industry in its second wave of develop-
ment as the films broke the thralldom of
service to vaudeville and began with the
nickelodeon to win a place of their own. He
had been manager of the Stern haberdash-
ery in Oshkosh, Wis., when, out of differ-
ences with the owner, he cast loose with
$3,000 in pocket to look for something to do
on his own.
He went to Chicago and there made his
first call on the Cochrane advertising agency,
from which he had been getting a syndicated
advertising cut service for clothing stores.
He wanted to buy into a small clothing
store and the agency set out to find an op-
portunity for him.
^leanwhile Mr. Laemmle did some look-
ing about for himself and discovered an
amazing flow of dimes into a Hale's Tours
& Scenes of the World pic,ture show in the
Chicago Loop. He decided that would be
a business to get into. In sequel came the
White Front theatre in Milwaukee Avenue
on Chicago's W^est Side, and in time a film
exchange, more exchanges, production, hy
his Independent jMotion Picture Company,
the once famous "Imp," and in turn Univer-
sal Film Manufacturing Company, engaged
in world wide distribution, ancestor of to-
day's Universal Pictures Corporation, from
which Mr. Laemmle withdrew in 1936, with
EXPRESSIONS on the death of
Mr. Lacinmlc came from an
array of leading personages and
contemporaries both across America
and overseas. Typical, and representa-
tive, was the statement from Will H.
Hays:
In almost three-quarters of a cen-
tury, Carl Laemmle traveled far. He
crossed the Atlantic to the United
States to become a fine American
citizen. He crossed the United States
to the Pacific to become a great dis-
tributor and a producer who helped
set the motion picture stars in their
courses.
The services of Carl Laemmle to
the motion picture industry were
distinguished. He had courage and
vision and he kept his honor bright.
He fought for what he believed to
be right and kept his plighted word.
He gave more than he asked. His
friendship braved the storm.
Carl Laemmle had and deserved
the deep personal affection of all
who knew him.
some three and a half millions of dollars for
his controlling interest.
The early operations centering- on him, and
centerihg for reasons of aggressive person-
ality, brought in many names of importance
in the early chapter of the rise of the motion
picture, among them as associates in vary-
ing degrees of association the late Mark Din-
tenfas, the late William Swanson, the late
Lewis J. Selznick, and Patrick Powers, and
such directors as Edwin S. Porter and the
late Thomas Ince.
In the development of his career Mr.
Laemmle was most intimately and closely
associated with Robert Cochrane, variously
his vice president and advertising manager
in general. How much was Laemmle and
how much was Cochrane will never be sorted
out. It was Mr. Cochrane who wrote the
■■ straight- from-the-shoulder" talks by Carl
Laemmle,- but it was probably Mr. Laemmle
^vho felt that way.
Selznick's Diamonds
The contact between Mr. Laemmle and
Mr. Selznick was one of the classic chapters
of early picture history. Mr. Selznick had
come to failure in the jewelry business in
Sixth avenue and had saved out of it only
a few papers of unset diamonds. A dozen
years before he had met Mark Dintenfas
when Mark was selling herring for his
father and he and Lewis, then a jeweler's
clerk in Diamond Alley, off Smithfield street
in Pittsburgh, had met at a delicatessen in
that blithe town. Mark introduced Lewis
to Pat and, after a sale of diamonds, Pat
introduced Lewis to Carl, who also bought
some diamonds. Lewis sold not only the
diamonds, but also the idea that it would be
good for Carl if he had desk room at the
Universal offices. Then Lewis sent out a
letter saying he was Universal's general
manager — and made it stick for a while.
Eventually Mr. Laemmle wrote a letter sev-
ering the connection and took the Century
to Chicago while it was being delivered.
That put Mr. Selznick on his own, which
he attended to as all know.
The Patents Company Tilts
ilr. Laemmle's Universal, being out in
front among the independents, enjoyed —
along with William Fox — much of the brunt
of issue in the courts with the Motion Pic-
ture Patents Company, and the court con-
troversies were extensive, expensive and
considerable. \Mien finally a decision in
"the Latham loop case" came along, the
issue between the "trust" and the independ-
ents had actually been decided commercially
in terms of product, and the market.
Notable among the early Universal prod-
(Contimied mi page 22, column 1)
. . . after sensational first v
BIG ONE from RKO RADK
in that much-coveted class o
$100,000-a-week attractions
ek that heralded anqt
ADIO
1CTURES
V
AMNr^^^^^J-^ J3'ppearance as _ ^
22
First Features
From Laemmle
(.Continued from page 19)
ucts was the feature length picture, one of
the first "independent" features, entitled
"Traffic in Souls," which Jack Cohn, now
of Columbia, and George Loane Tucker
made after hours as a surprise to the com-
pany. It was. Also it made money.
It was Universal, too, which broke the
Patents Company dam of anonymity by tak-
ing Florence Lawrence, the dominant fem-
inine star of the day, from Biograph with
much ballyhoo. The subsequent acquisition
of Mary Pickford has had more publicity.
Through its silent picture era probably
the most notable picture of the Laemmle
regime in Universal was "The Hunchback
of Notre Dame" with Lon Chaney. In the
sound era the high mark was "All Quiet on
the Western Front."
Mr. Laemmle was notable for his eleventh
hour decisions and the frequent swift rallies
of his company from Despond to Prosperity.
The Howey Incident
Influences and excitements growing out
of his activities were many and sometimes
remote. One among them was the career of
Walter Howey, that famed and fabulous city
editor of the Chicago Tribune, about whom
"Front Page" was written. ]Mr. Howey,
through sources best known to the present
writer, got wind of a deal by which John M.
Burnham & Company of Chicago was to buy,
for three millions, and re-sell for what, Mr.
Laemmle's interest in Universal in 1916.
Joseph Medill Patterson, then with the Tri-
bune, said the story was not so good and Mr.
Howey went to the Hearst papers. All that
Mr. Laemmle said was that three million
was not enough. A lot of newspaper his-
tory happened after that. It is to. be re-
corded that ^Ir. Laemmle bought Mr.
Howej- several robust dinners — two steaks
was a dinner for Mr. Laemmle unless he
was hungry.
It was notable of Mr. Laemmle that he
was generous with those with whom he was
generous. He rebuilt a cathedral in his an-
cestral Germany, he took care of his friends
and his relatives, abundantly. It is reported
that he left an estate of four millions. He
gave awa}' more than that before. — TR.
Warners Set Release
Date on Nine Films
Warner Brothers-First National has set
nine releases through November 25th. The
films and the release dates are : "Espionage
Agent," September 30th; "Pride of the
Blue Grass," October 7th ; "On Your Toes,"
October 14th; "Smashing the iMonev Ring,"
October 21st; "The Roaring Twenties," Oc-
tober 28th; "Kid Nightingale," November
4th; "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex," November 11th; "Lady Dick," No-
vember 18th, and "We Are Not Alone,"
November 25th.
B. &K. Golf Meet Held
Members of the Balaban & Katz Em-
ployees Club held their annual golf tourna-
ment at Bunker Hill Country Club recently.
Winner of the meet with low gross was
Ralph Schwartz of the Tivoli theatre.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
RADIO WILL DECIDE
WAR, SAYS DEFOREST
Dr. Lee de Forest, radio inventor,
arrived in New York this week from
Chicago remarki^tg that radio will
eventually decide the outcome of the
European war. He said that, tvhile
radio was in use in communications in
the World War, it was not a iveapon,
biit that vow it is.
SMPE To Attend
Fair for Session
One of the evening meetings of the fall
convention of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers is to be held at the New York
W'orld's Fair so that members may witness
special photographic and sound recording
demonstrations at two of the largest exhibit
buildings.
W. C. Kunzmann is convention vice-pres-
ident, and D. E. Hyndman, chairman of the
Atlantic Coast section, is in charge of local
arrangements.
On ]Monday evening, October 16, the
opening day, the delegates will convene at
the Chrysler exhibit for a demonstration of
stereoscopic pictures by Jack Norling, of
Laucks and Norling. This will be followed
at 10 P. ;M. by a demonstration of "Two
channel recording and reproduction with
steel tape" in the American Telephone and
Telegraph exhibit. Efforts are being made
to arrange a special television showing for
the delegates between the two demonstra-
tion periods.
The afternoon and evening of the conven-
tion's second day have been left open to
permit delegates to visit the Fair again.
The program of papers promises a wide
assortment of subjects, including sound re-
cording and reproduction, scientifically pro-
duced studio reverberation, television projec-
tion problems, and others. The four-day
convention will be held at the Hotel Penn-
sylvania, New York, October 16th to 19th,
inclusive.
Another feature will be the election of
four officers for 1940. The terms of en-
gineering vice-president L. A. Jones ; finan-
cial vice-president A. S. Dickinson; secre-
tary J. Frank, Jr., and treasurer L. W'.
Davee, expire at the end of the year.
Nominees for the positions include IMr.
Dickinson and Mr. Frank, to continue the
same duties, and D. E. Hyndman, of East-
man Kodak, for engineering vice-president,
and R. O. Strock, of Eastern Service Stu-
dios, for treasurer.
The semi-annual banauet and dance will
be held in the grand ballroom of the Penn-
sylvania Hotel, October 18. At that time the
Society's Progress Medal and Journal
Awards will be presented, and the officers-
elect will be introduced.
LeBaron in New York
W'illiam LeBaron, Paramount production
head, arrived in New York this week from
the coast for home office conferences and
a brief vacation in the east. He will return
to Hollywood in about two weeks.
September 30, 1939
''All Quiet' loins
IV ar Reissues
The European conflict has promtped Uni-
versal to reissue "All Quiet on the Western
front." Adapted from the Erich Maria Re-
marque novel by Maxwell Anderson and
George Abbott, directed by Lewis Milestone
and produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr., the film
when originally released in 1930 was a
preachment of the futility of war in its de-
scription of the horrors of war. To the
original version have been added a prologue
and an epilogue, scenes culled from old
newsreel issues, edited to show the events
that led up to the 1914-18 period and the
postwar period up to the time the German
Fuehrer ordered that all books not con-
forming to the Nazi philosophy be burned.
John Deering's narrative accompanies the
prologue and epilogue and occasionally the nar-
rator breaks into the picture itself to comment
on the tragedy of conflict. As propaganda
against war the film makes a strong case.
In a review of the production in its original
form, following are excerpts from the review
of Douglas Fox, which appeared in Exhibi-
tors Herald- World (predecessor of Motion
Picture Herald), issue of May 10, 1930,
page 31 :
" 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a great
picture because it is the human document, mag-
nificently done, of the inhumanity of war.
"The photography, the hand to hand fighting,
the bigger battle scenes, the little flashes here
and there are simply magnificent
"Which is all by the way of saying that I
consider All Quiet on the Western Front' the
greatest war picture ever filmed."
In its first two showings since being reis-
sued, at the Rivoli, Toledo, and the Adams,
Detroit, Universal reports new records. The
company prepared a 16 page press book with
special ads and featuring a war map.
"All Quiet," which has a cast headed by Lew
Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Raymond
Griffith, Slim Summerville, Russell Gleason,
William Bakewell, Ben Alexander and Beryl
Mercer, grossed $1,500,000 (exclusive of inter-
mittent playdates since its first release period),
according to the "All-Time Best Sellers" in
the Motion Picture Almanac, being bracketed
at that figure with such pictures as "Hunch-
back of Notre Dame," "The Champ," "Daddv
Long Legs," "City Lights" and "The Sheik."
20th'Fox Plans
1 7 for Quarter
With three color pictures, "Hollvwood
Cavalcade," "Drums Along the :Mohawk"
and "The Bluebird" heading the list, Twen-
tieth Century-Fox on Tuesday announced 17
pictures for release in the next three months.
The October releases were: "The Es-
cape," "Holly^vood Cavalcade," "The Road
to Glory," "Pack Up Your Troubles," "Ship-
yard Sally," "20,000 Men a Year" and "The
First World War."
November releases are planned as:
"Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence,"
"Drums Along the Mohawk," "Too Busy to
Work" and "Daytime Wife." Scheduled for
December are "Charlie Chan in the City of
Darkness," "Inspector Hornleigh on Holi-
day," "He Married His Wife," "The Honey-
moon's Over," "The Blue Bird" and "The
Adventurer."
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
23
lATSE DEFEATS CIO, GETS INCREASE;
TELEVISION DELAYS "ONE BIG UNION
Ten Per Cent Pay Increase to
Eleven Studio Locals Will
Cost Up to About $5,000.-
000 a Year, Say Producers
Nine hours before the lATSE would have
called its projectionists from every affiliated
theatre in the United States, Hollywood
producers at 3 A.M. Tuesday announced
they were granting "with reluctance" a 10
per cent wage increase to the 11 Alliance
studio locals, composed of 12,000 members.
Total annual cost to Hollywood studios of
the pay increase which was made retroactive
to August 12, when Alliance obtained a new
closed shop agreement, will be $5,000,000, pro-
ducers declared at the conferences, and they
presented charts and figures to support the con-
tention. The current increase makes the third
raise of 10 per cent since Jan. 2, 1936. The next
date for negotiations is March ISth.
The producers agreed to negotiate on work-
ing conditions for workers in several weeks.
Each Alliance unit has drawn up various de-
mands concerning such subjects as overtime
conditions and when salaries should be paid for
occasional workers.
It was no pleasant meeting at which the
agreement was made, it was indicated by the
producers' statement released to a score of wait-
ing newspapermen at 3 in the morning, report-
ing that the producers had agreed "reluctantly"
to the increase, that this figure was a compro-
mise from the original 20 per cent demand, and
that the producers had agreed only because they
felt a strike would be catastrophic.
Mannix Scores Use of Force
In a much more strongly worded public
statement issued later Tuesday, E. J. Mannix,
leader of the producers' negotiating committee,
excoriated the methods of the lATSE in forcing
the 10 per cent increase at this time.
"It would be unfair to motion picture ' pro-
ducers, to our employees and to the industry
as a whole," he said, "if the feeling is allowed
to prevail that the producers are proud of or
satisfied with their action early this morning in
agreeing to an increase of 10 per cent in wages
to members of the lATSE. The action taken
was not voluntary ; it was forced. Not only
was it enforced with a reckless disregard of
possible consequences ; it was exacted arbitrarily
by those who used the threat of an immediate
strike to accomplish their demands.
"Knowing that a strike in the motion picture
industry at this critical time would bring eco-
nomic disaster to upwards of 200,000 workers
and might spell ruin to the industry itself, the
producers felt they had no choice but to yield.
... It cannot be said the producers granted the
increase or that they were persuaded that one
was fair or economically possible ; they merely
surrendered. What the consequences will be we
are not now in a position to know. . . .
"It should be known by all that reduction,
not expansion in industry costs is the only pos-
sible road by which the industry can be
saved. . . .
"Despite knowledge of such (war) conditions,
despite an earnest plea by the producers for at
least four or -five weeks of delay in which to
survey the situation . . . the studio heads were
forced to concede to demands which in the long
run will prove injurious to those who made
them as well as the rest of the motion picture
organization.
"This statement is not made in the spirit of
resentment, but is presented solely for the pur-
HEED NEW YORK UNIONS'
"BOYCOTT" WARNING
The seven-day music festival to
viark the twenty-fifth anniversary of
The American Society of Composers,
Authors and Fublishers, to start on
October \st, in New York City, nearly
was boycotted by music unions last
week, when they learned the Society
planned to have the Boston Symphony
play. The Boston orchestra is non-
union.
The controversy was settled by the
promise to use the New York Philhar-
monic instead of the Boston organiza-
tion.
pose of making clear to all concerned that hard
decisions and conditions are sometimes accepted
by those who must submit to force rather than
to fairness and logic".
William Bioff, who earlier had announced
an advance of the strike deadline from mid-
night Tuesday to noon Tuesday, appeared
at the producers association office at 11 P. M.
Monday accompanied by a delegation of repre-
sentatives of the 11 locals, determined to push
through his increase demands. Last Friday he
delivered an ultimatum to producers that an
agreement must be reached by Tuesday "to
avert any possibility of long drawn out tem-
porizing over the just and long due demands of
our studio local unions."
Informal conferences were held Sunday night
and virtually all afternoon Monday as pro-
ducers sought to work out the problem. A
formal meeting of the association started at
8 p.m. with the entire membership present. The
negotiating committee, consisting of E. J. Man-
nix, Y. Frank Freeman and Mendel Silberberg,
who were appointed by Joseph M. Schenck
prior to his departure for Mexico City last week,
explained the situation to the members. Then
Ralph Morgan, president of the Screen Actors
Guild, and William Wyler, W. S. Van Dyke,
J. P. McGowan and John Cromwell of the
Screen Directors Guild conferred with the pro-
ducers, who presumably wished to sound them
out concerning eventualities. The directors later
conferred with Mr. Bioffi seeking to extend the
strike deadline but the lATSE representative
refused.
"Purging" Locals
Mr. Gatelee meanwhile resumed the task of
"purging" the membership rosters of the sus-
pended Studio Technicians Local 37 and the five
new locals created to take its place of "radicals
and subversive elements" who had taken part
in the revolt against the Alliance and formed
the United Studio Technicians Guild, CIO-
financed organization which last week over-
whelmingly lost the NLRB consent election to
determine the collective bargaining agency. Of
7,790 voters eligible, 6,904 voted. The lATSE
received 4,460 and the USTG 1,967.
Locals affected by wage increases are Pho-
tographers Local No. 659, Sound Men No. 695,
Laboratory Workers No. 683, Makeup Men No.
706, Costumers No. 70S, Studio Projectionists
No. 165, Prop Men No. 44, Set Electricians
No. 728, Grips No. 80, Laborers No. 727 and
the remnant of Studio Technicians No. 37 in
which are 300 members who have not trans-
ferred to recently created units.
Jurisdictional Tilt Over Per-
formers in New Entertain-
nnent Field Delays Equity
Move to Organize Field
The "one big union" idea of the Asso-
ciated Actors and Artistes of America, which
last week appeared to be taking specific form
at inaugural meetings among the executive
secretaries of the Four A's component
unions, seems delayed by a jurisdictional
squabble over television performers among
three Four A unions, the American Federa-
tion of Radio Artists, the Screen Actors
Guild and Actors' Equity.
What They Claim and Propose
Equity claims jurisdiction by a 1931 charter
clause. The Actors Guild and the Radio Artists
Federation have proposed a tri-union committee.
The Equity is reported agreeable to a compro-
mise, but not to one in which it would sur-
render its authority to a committee.
The Equity was reported this week ready to
organize the television field, and awaiting only
the clarification of jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, one union fight was ended when
Sophie Tucker, former president of the Ameri-
can Federation of Actors, which was sup-
planted by the Four A's with the new American
Guild of Variety Artists, joined the new organi-
zation last week, after threats of penalization
bv the Equity, the Actors Guild and the Radio
Federation.
Maida Reade, AGVA executive secretary, re-
signed over the weekend. She was succeeded
by a temporary committee, comprising Paul
Dullzell, Equity executive secretary; Florence
Marston, eastern representative of the SAG;
and Emily Holt, executive secretary of the
radio actors.
Departure of Pat Casey, producers' labor
contact, from New York for the coast on this
Monday, postponed the negotiations between
newsreel cameramen and the five Eastern news-
reel companies for one month.
The Hamrick-Evergreen theatres in Portland,
Oregon, will now operate under union terms,
with pay increases for all employees and a 40
hour week. About 100 doormen, cashiers, and
usherettes are affected.
Representatives of New York projectionists'
local 306 and those of the city's major circuits
were attempting this week to choose a neutral
arbitrator for their negotiations on the union
demand for a 25 per cent wage increase, and a
two weeks' vacation.
The Illinois State Federation of Labor, last
week, at its annual convention in Springfield,
voted an investigation into the use of janitors
and high school students as stagehands and pro-
jectionists in high school auditorium screenings
The Theatrical Managers, Agents and Treas-
urers' Union struck briefly — two hours last
Friday afternoon — at the League of New York
Theatres, to secure signature of a contract for
company managers and press agents. The strike
succeeded ; the pact was signed, continuing,
with a few minor changes, a contract in force
last year.
with
IRENE DARE
ROSCOE KARNS-EDGAR KENNEDY
LYNNE ROBERTS - ERIC LINDEN
Directed by Erie C. Kenton «'\t)io
Produced by SOL LESSER
Screen play by Adrian Landis and Sherman Lowe ykw
THE SCREEN'S NEW SKATING
III Thrill-time in the theatre ,with a brand
new personality sensation for your crowds to rave
oyer! , , , A little girl with a load of looks, a mag-
netic charm, a wonderful smile — and probably the
m greatest young skater on earth! . . . Presented with a
group of strong marquee names in a great stand-and-
deliver comedy show with music and songs, dancing, a
throbbing heart story, big laughs — and such figure
skating as you've never seen before! . . . Sol Lesser
BOX OFFICE again!
SWEETHEART!
26
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
NO NEELY BILL AaiON IN CONGRESS;
UA ATTACKS FEDERAL COMPLAINT
No New Drive in Prosecution
of Film Industry Is Intimated
but Justice Department
Pushes New York Case
War talk and anti-war action in Washing-
ton, official and otherwise, may even touch
the motion picture industry, and beneficially,
for intimations are coming from the Depart-
ment of Justice that because of the times no
new drive in prosecution of the film industry
is contemplated at this time.
Having virtually promised a dozen anti-
trust suits against the majors and circuits,
and having filed but six to date — in New
York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Gloversville,
N. Y., Tennessee and Oklahoma — the indi-
cations pointed to a cause for a bit of relax-
ation by the industry.
No Letdown in New York Case
There is, however, no signs of a letdown in
the Department's prosecution of its "key" case,
in New York, against the majors, with both
sides continuing maneuvering for strategic posi-
tion. This week, it became known that the
majors will answer the Government's demand
for answers to 66 questions, with a fight in the
courts against any such interrogation. And
United Artists, acting individually, drafted its
own questions to ask the Government in con-
nection with the action.
Regardless of any letdown by the Government
in its pressure on films in suits in the field,
independents continue their attacks charging
anti-trust violations by the "Big Eight." This
week the independent State Theatre Corporation,
of Erie Pa., added an action to the long list of
trust suits naming all of the majors defendants.
Majors Confer
Counsel for defendants in the Government's
New York anti-trust suit, conferred in New
York late last week on procedure in connection
with answering the 68 detailed interrogatories
recently served upon them by the Department
of Justice.
Indications following the meeting were that
most defendants will oppose answering the inter-
rogatories on the grounds that they are too
broad, or that the Government already has the
information or that defendants are not in pos-
session of some of the information sought.
The last-named procedure was resorted to fre-
quently by the Department of Justice when it
was required by the Federal Court in New York
to answer bills of particulars served upon it by
the defendants.
Attorneys assert that to answer the interroga-
tories in any comprehensive fashion would re-
quire many months and would entail a cost of
about $50,000 to $100,000 per company.
Defendants are scheduled to appear in Federal
court, New York, on October 7 in the proceed-
ings on the interrogatories.
U.A. Asks Own Questions
United Artists filed a list of 38 interrogatories
in United States District court, New York, last
Friday which confronts the Government with
almost as detailed a quiz of its information re-
lating to the pending New York anti-trust suit
as the Government imposed upon all of the
major defendants two weeks ago in serving
them with its 68 interrogatories.
The Government will be required to answer
the interrogatories served by United Artists
within 20 days or obtain a modification of them
from the court.
The United Artists' interrogatories, filed by
O'Brien, Driscoll and Raftery, counsel for the
company, for the most part seek the identity of
all Government witnesses having knowledge of
the acts charged against defendants in the Gov-
ernment's anti-trust suit complaint.
The company asks the Department of Justice
for the names of those having knowledge of
the victims of compulsory block booking im-
posed by United Artists, of instances of its
having forced short subjects and newsreefs on
independent exhibitors ; of its having arbitrarily
designated play dates ; or having imposed unrea-
sonable clearance and zoning schedules ; of hav-
ing permitted overbuying by afliliated theatres
or of its having discriminated in the matter of
rentals between independent and affiliated
theatres.
The interrogatories also ask the Government
for the identity of those who have knowledge
of United Artists having prohibited an inde-
pendent from double featuring while permitting
an affiliated theatre to do so ; of its having col-
lected score charges ; of its having imposed
minimum admissions on exhibitors ; of its hav-
ing allowed material alterations of contracts by
affiliated theatres or authorized them to adopt
"move-overs."
The interrogatories ask also for the identity
of persons having knowledge of the commission
of acts of conspiracy alleged by the Govern-
ment, and those having knowledge of exclusion
by United Artists of product from first run
houses ; of the company's having contributed to
a monopoly of exhibition in first run metro-
politan houses ; of its having participated in any
acquisition of theatres with other defendants to
effect a division of an exhibition territory and
its having had a part in other acts of conspiracy
or restraint of trade alleged by the Government.
Independent Suit In Erie
The major distributors and a number of Erie,
Pa., theatres were named defendants in a suit
filed in Federal Court by the State Theatre
Corporation of Erie, charging illegal agreements
prevented the concern from buying first-run
films.
Named defendants in the suit, which asked
$450,000 damages, were Paramount, Inc. ;
Twentieth Century-Fox, United Artists, Colum-
bia Pictures, Universal Film Exchange, Mono-
gram Pictures, Republic Pictures, The RKO
Distributing Company and RKO Pictures, be-
sides the Erie theatres.
The plaintiff accused the distributors and
theatres of preventing the State theatre from
getting the best pictures by assigning them to
local theatres which do not show them. The
suit also asserted admission prices there are un-
reasonable and that one theatre is operated at
a loss to keep the State from getting films.
Oklahoma Action October 2nd
On October 2nd, in Oklahoma City, Federal
Judge A. P'. Murrah will hear the application
by Oklahoma Theatres, Inc., for a temporary
injunction against the major distributors. The
injunction suit is by A. B. Momand, operator
of the Oklahoma Theatres, Inc., which runs the
Odeon Theatre, in Shawnee, same state. The
theatre, Mr. Momand says, is unable to obtain
second run product.
20 Days to Answer
The Griffith Amusement Company, its sub-
sidiary circuits. United Artists Corporation,
Universal Film Exchange, Inc., and Columbia
Pictures were given 20 days to file an answer
to the Government brief, in the latter's suit
against them for violation of the Sherman anti-
trust laws, by district judge Edgar S. Vaught,
in Oklahoma City, early this week.
Sponsors of Measure to Abol-
ish Compulsory Block Book-
ing Not Expected To Act
Unless Session Is Lengthy
The special session of Congress, now on
in Washington at the call of the President
to act on neutrality and other emergency
legislation, will not take action on the Neely
anti-blocking selling and blind buying bill —
unless and until the debate over the neces-
sary legislation is prolonged to great length.
No Likelihood of Consideration
Failing undue prolongation of the special
sitting, legislation left over from the last regular
session, including the Neely proposal, will have
no chance of consideration during this special
session, it was held by observers in Washington
this week, in dismissing a report, described as
"a wish giving father to the thought," that
Neely bill proponents might attempt to inject
consideration of the block selling measure into
the special session.
At the last regular session, the Senate passed
the bill, but the House did not act. The bill
did not die as the special session and the regular
midwinter session are continuations of the 76th
Congress.
The Washington view was based on an agree-
ment of House leaders not to permit any legis-
lation other than that dealing with neutrality
to come up during the session, made in response
to a request by President Roosevelt that the
activities of the session be as circumscribed as
possible, with adjournment at an early date.
Says No Meeting Will Be Called
Further, Representative Clarence F. Lea
(Dem., Cal.), chairman of the House Interstate
Commerce Committee, where the Neely bill is
pending, said this week that no meeting of his
committee had been called and none would be
called during the special session.
It was admitted that these agreements will
be enforceable only if the length of the session
is strictly curtailed. If debate over neutrality
and other necessary legislation extends over any
great length of time, it is probable that the
question will be re-examined and some of the
legislation left over from the regular session
may be brought up.
So far as the Neely bill is concerned, how-
ever, it is not believed that it would benefit from
any such decision, since Chairman Lea has said
that he will not ask his committee to report on
the measure until it has held hearings and been
given an opportunity to investigate the industry.
Home Press Says
Neely "Laid an Egg"
The Wheeling Intelligencer, of the native
West Virginia of Senator Matthew Mansfield
Neely, the proponent of anti-block selling legis-
lation in Congress, comments editorially that
passage of the bill by the Senate last summer
did more harm than good to the sponsor "and
left him with an egg that has already spoiled,"
basing its conclusion on the fact that the bill
has been "kicking around" Congress for 12
years.
The newspaper, in an article written by Bill
Blake, questions "just whom the Neely bill is
supposed to benefit, or rather, just whom the bill
is supposed to hit," observing that while the
basic idea of the bill may sound good, "from
the practical standpoint of the producing and
exhibiting ends of the industry it is a bad deal
and for the public as well."
i
Directed by GREGORY R AT O F F * A s s o c i a t e Produ
c e r
An interlude of brief enchantment . . .
drawn not from yesterday's story books
but from the living world of today.
ESLIE HOWARD ★ Produced by DAVID O. SELZNICK
Xo one woman
he gave his memories . . .
to another
he gave his dreams—
wild longings-
fierce desires
he dared not name . . .
for an interlude of
stolen love!
Could any woman
be content with
half a love?
Could any man
summon enough
for both?. . .
A vivid portrayal by
LESLIE HOWARD
star player extraordinary in
INTERMEZZO
A Love Story
SELZNICK INTERNATIONAL'S
great production introducing
the glamorous new Swedish star
INGRID BERGMAN
Produced by DAVID O. SELZNICK
Leslie Howard, Associate Producer
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
31
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Production as Usual
In a week that saw Hollywood realize the
full impact of the European war upon it, and
take the first concrete steps to realign its affairs
in accordance with the changed world and do-
mestic conditions, picture production continued
at a pace about normal for this season of any
year. Ten films were started ; six were finished.
It will be noted in the following breakdown
that none of the newly started efforts involves
an extravagant budget. It will be further noted
that the new pictures, so far as story content
and entertainment appeal are concerned, are
based on light thematic ideas or are action ad-
venture films. Similarly the completed films are
entertainment of popular character. There does
not seem to be any intention in Hollywood to
load programs with war inspired films, things
that might be topical of war or even be consid-
ered propaganda.
Three at Republic
Three pictures were started at Republic. Gene
Autry, Smiley Burnette, Mary Carlisle and
Douglass Dumbrille are the principals in
"Rovin' Tumbleweeds." The cast for "Zorro's
Fighting Legion" is headed by Reed Hadley,
William Corson, Jim Pierce and Charles King.
James, Russell and Lucille Gleason, with Harry
Davenport, Tommy Ryan, Mary Beth Hughes
and Maude Eburne, will be seen in "Covered
Trailer," a Higgins Family episode.
MGM started two productions. "The Secret
of Dr. Kildare" will feature Lionel Barrymore
and Lew Ayres with Laraine Day, Nat Pendle-
ton, Lionel Atwill and Helen Gilbert. "A Call
on the President," based on a Collier's Maga-
zine story, will present Ann Sothern and Wil-
liam Gargan with Marsha Hunt and Walter
Brennan.
Other Product
Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bel-
lamy, Helen Mack and Ernest Truex are the
lead names in Columbia's "His Girl Friday."
Dick Purcell, Bernardene Hayes and Charles
Quigley head the cast of "Heroes in Blue,"
Monogram.
For RKO-Radio distribution, Sol Lesser
started "Escape to Paradise." Bob Breen is the
star. Kent Taylor, Maria Shelton and Joyce
Compton head the support.
Universal's starter, "Test-Driver," is a series
picture for Richard Arlen and Andy Devine.
"The Enemy Within," Warner, will feature
Ronald Reagan and Lya Lys.
Columbia is credited with two of the six fin-
ished pictures, "Renegade Law" and the Larry
Darmour production, "Illicit Cargo."
The most important picture of the week is
MGM's "Remember?" in which Grear Gar-
son, Robert Taylor and Lew Ayres are the
stars. Monogram completed "Scouts of the Air"
while Paramount finished "Campus Wives" and
Universal checked "Vigilante War" off the ac-
tive shooting list.
Yates of Republic
"It is difficult to look further than January
1st. What will happen after that is anyone's
guess." The speaker was Herbert J. Yates,
whom Republic studios calls its "guiding hand."
"What has happened in Europe to date has
already disrupted the moving picture industry.
SHIRLEY ON AIR
FOR FIRST TIME
Twentieth Centnry-Fox's Shirley
Temple — ranking star for four con-
secutive years in Motion Picture
Herald's exhibitor poll of "Money
Making Stars" — will take to the air
waves for the first time on Christmas
Eve, on the Screen Guild Shoiv, in be-
half of the Motion Picture Relief
Fund, Hollywood charity organiza-
tion, tvhich receives all payments to
stars appearing on the Guild weekly
program.
In the six years Shirley Jane Temple
has been starring in Fox features, and
winning box office honors, she has re-
ceived numerous offers for air appear-
ances, all of them refused by Shirley's
mother, Mrs. George Temple. Twen-
tieth Century-Fox disclosed this week
that their child star only recently was
offered $3 5,000 to appear on a national
commercial broadcast Christmas Eve.
The Guild-Temple broadcast tvill be
"piped" over Columbia Broadcasting
networks from Flollyivood at 4:3 0 on
the afternoon of Sunday, December
24th.
Participating in the arrangements
were Jean Hersholt and James Roose-
velt. for the Relief Fund; Shirley's
parents, and Joseph M. Schenck, Sidney
Kent and Darryl Zanuck, for Fox.
Shirley probably will sing and do a
scene from the Maurice Maeterlinck's
"The Blue Bird."
The repercussions are only beginning to be felt
in Hollywood. But we at Republic are going
to meet the situation as best we can. We're
not going to eliminate personnek We hope that
it will not be necessary to cut anyone's wages.
Republic has always operated on an economical
scale. We don't have very many fancy folderols
with which to dispense. Nevertheless we are
preparing ourselves to meet any eventuality.
/'We've already completed 11 of our 1939-1940
pictures. We have five in work right now.
That's a greater number than at any other time
in our history. We will complete 10 more pic-
tures and two serials before January 1. That
leaves us a balance of 24 pictures and two serials
to make during early 1940 to complete the pro-
gram announced at our convention.
"We have decided to postpone production of
the musical, 'The Hit Parade.' The element
of costs involved and the uncertainty of the mar-
ket were influences leading to this decision. But
we will start production of 'Wagons West-
ward,' a picture comparable in size and scope
to our last season's 'Man of Conquest,' about
October 25. John Wayne will be the star. We
will go outside our own studio for 'name'
players to appear in support."
Mr. Yates is only recently returned from
Europe. With Gene Autry, he travelled exten-
sively in England, Ireland and Scotland. He
says that the British public is determined to
prosecute the war to a finish. And it is his per-
sonal opinion that it is inevitable that every
nation of any consequence will eventually be
forced into war.
"There is no such thing as British produc-
tion now, but this does not mean that there is
a great opportunity for the exhibition of Ameri-
can made pictures in the British Isles. Some
theatres are permitted to open, but the men who
might have patronized them have been called to
military service. All the children and a great
many women, who are not engaged in war in-
dustry, have been transported to rural sections.
The potential audience for going theatres is
very small. It will grow smaller."
Cash Shipments Halted
While Great Britain was the "big foreign mar-
ket for Republic pictures with the Gene Autry
films especially popular, Mr. Yates said that
its loss was not a serious blow to the com-
pany. '"Not over 16 per cent of our revenue
came from England, Ireland and Scotland, and
while we have not been able to get any cash
money out of Great Britain for four weeks, we
nevertheless have received an order from the
government for eight Autry pictures to be ex-
hibited to soldiers in camps, in rest areas be-
hind the fighting lines and to the sailors of the
fleet."
To recoup whatever foreign revenue losses
that will ensue, Republic plans a greater con-
centration on the American mai'ket. Thus it is
probable that an additional Gene Autry pic-
ture_ will be made either before or after the
leading western star goes on his loan-out to
20th Century-Fox. Republic does not plan to
make any war or propaganda pictures inasmuch
as Mr. Yates believes that the authentic war
pictures that shortly will be arriving in this
country, either as newsreels or specials, will
give the American public all that it wants of
real war without anyone bothering to make up
imagined, no matter how realistic, stories of it.
"Discovering a Star'^
Every film commentator in Hollywood last
week committed an act that, to say the least,
seems to border on collusion.
Each, almost without exception, placed him-
self on record as the discoverer of a new star
to join the already imposing MGM roster of
lurninaries. Her name is Lana Turner and the
writers saw her in an unpretentious but amus-
ing film titled "Dancing Co-ed."
The almost unanimous mass approval con-
tained in the reporters' written records makes
it apparent that the public at large had already
discovered the young woman's possibilities.
A Studio Policy
It seems that letting the press and public dis-
cover stars is in keeping with the long estab-
lished policy of MGM. No tricky catch phrases
such as "The It Girl," "The Oomph Girl,"
"The Red Flame" preceded her debut.
Handling such events sensibly is not a new
idea at MGM. It may be remembered that
without any advance ballyhoo a few years ago
a gentleman by the name of Clark Gable
slapped, pushed and otherwise manhandled
Norma Shearer in "A Free Soul." He woke up
the next morning after the preview to find him-
self one of filmdom's outstanding stars.
BY EXHIBITOR DEMAND
More gripping ... more
meaningful . . . greafer. . . TODAY/
WARNER
FREDRIC mmwmwtmm
MARCH • BAXTER
LIONEL
BARRYMORE
TT TNF LANG • GREGORY RATOFF
Directed by M ^^^^ ""TprH^^
Darryl F. Zanuck in Charge of Production
New PRIN TS . . - new PAPER . . . new TR
SSnce stallings
produced by _ , _ ^ -c v
TRUMAN TALLE-Y,,,
i^tinn with i>im<ju
(jn association
34
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
NEBRASKA CHARGES ASCAP CONTROLS
90% OF USABLE AMERICAN MUSIC
Judges Take Test Action
Against State's Law Under
Advisement After Denials of
Monopoly and Price Fixing
The American Society of Composers, Au-
thors and Publishers is continuing its de-
fense against attacks by public performers
of music, principally broadcasters, who seek
the outlawing of the society by state laws
(there have been 40 diiTerent anti-ASCAP
bills filed in 25 states to date). The music
performers are striking at ASCAP's forced
royalties for the performance of music of its
song writing and publishing members. Ex-
hibitors frequently have attacked the society,
but the fight now is being conducted for the
most part by radio broadcasters.
The defense this week came in Nebraska,
where, after four days of debate and cross
examination of nine witnesses, a three-judge
Federal court in Lincoln took under advise-
ment the constitutional test of the anti-
ASCAP law. Supplemental briefs were
asked for, along with findings from each of
the legal battery, to be filed not later than
October 6. Specifically, the court is asked
to determine whether the state can outlaw
ASCAP.
The state charges that ASCAP is a
monopoly controlling 90 per cent of usable
American music.
Seek Early Decision
The three judges, Gardner, Hunger and Don-
oboe, indicated they wished to rush the case to
an early decision, since it had been hanging fire
since the injunction was granted, under which
ASCAP has operated in Nebraska, in the sum-
mer of 1937. The decision might be made as
early as November 1.
Appeal from that decision is likely, direct to
the United States supreme court.
It was 12 :30 p.m. on Thursday, when the
legal tussle halted. Louis Frohlich, ASCAP's
lawyer, of New York, and William Hotz,
Omaha attorney for the state, had each been
given an hour and a half to develop arguments.
Monopoly and Constitutionality
Mr. Frohlich said only two points had entered
the case — the question of monopoly, which he
did not think was proven or had place in the
case, and the question of constitutionality of
the jaw, which he said was not possible since it
denied property rights guaranteed citizens under
the copyright laws passed in 1909.
Mr. Frohlich asked the court in deference to
the Society's having done business "in a credit-
able manner, protecting its members for 25
years," that it be given a certificate of char-
acter. He said the Nebraska law called for
the impossible, asking a publisher today to
affix prices on a piece of music for all uses, also
asking him to look 56 years (life of copyrights)
into the future and fix prices for all music uses
which are not known today, but which might
develop in the meantime.
"ASCAP, in my opinion," said Mr. Frohlich,
"has done more to foster entertainment than
any other single organization in the history of
the United States."
Attorney Hotz brought to the floor his opin-
ion that ASCAP controlled 90 per cent of the
usable American music, was a monopoly and
as such had no standing in court, and also was
a price fixer and an unfair competitor.
He made the point that a composer does not
Broadcasters Pick Enforcers of Their
Code, Which Becomes Effective Sunday
Appointment of a committee headed by Edgar Bill of radio station WMBD,
Peoria, III., to interpret and administer the recently adopted code of standards
and trade practices for radio was made Thursday in Washington by the National
Association of Broadcasters, Neville Miller, president, announced. The code be-
comes effective at midnight Sunday. Its administering group will be known as
the Committee of Audience Relations.
The code requires that radio stations shall provide free time for the discussion
of controversial public issues in such a way that conflicting viewpoints In public
matters have a fair and equal opportunity to be heard. In no event will time be
sold for such purpose, except for political broadcasts.
"The new N. A. B. policy Insures that radio will remain a free and democratic
forum for the fair and many-sided discussion of all public matters," said Mr. Miller.
The code further requires that news broadcasts be factual and presented with-
out bias or editorial opinion. It also provides that children's programs be based
upon "sound social concepts" and that radio stations continue to cooperate with
educators in the further development of radio as an educational adjunct. The
religious plank asserts that no one shall be permitted to use radio to "convey
attacks upon another's race or religion."
While the full code becomes effective on October 1st, the board ruled that
existing commercial contracts shall be respected for their duration, provided they
do not run for more than one year. New business, competitive with existing
accounts, may be accepted with the same length of commercial copy as Is per-
mitted existing accounts.
need ASCAP to protect his performance rights,
that three or four cents added to the price of
a piece of sheet music, collected by the pub-
lisher, would bring in as much money as
ASCAP now collects.
ASCAP, he said, does not only force itself
into radio via the network demands for per-
formance rights clearance by member stations,
but also forces the networks to play its mem-
bers' numbers which keeps their network credits
up and forms a basis for classification status
which keeps certain music producers in big
money.
Of the nine witnesses heard, six spoke for
ASCAP: Gene Buck, Society president; E. C.
Mills, administrative secretary ; John G. Paine,
general manager ; Mrs. Ethelbert Nevin, widow
of the composer who died in 1901 ; and two
Omahans, Ernest Priesman, orchestra leader,
and Henry Taylor, Ritz theatre manager and
operator of the dancery, the Music Box. Three
were used for the state : Johnny J. Gillin, Jr.,
general manager of Station WOW, Omaha, and
Don Searle, general manager of the Central
States Broadcasting Co. (KFAB, Lincoln;
KOIL, Omaha; and KFOR, Lincoln), and
Joseph Malec, owner-operator of Peony Park,
and organizer of the 240-member association
of amusement men set up to fight for the enact-
ment of the anti-ASCAP law.
Cites Royalties Paid
Mr. Gillin was the most fiery witness, saying
his station never had been able to come to an
agreement with ASCAP, always signing with
no recourse. WOW paid $22,800 royalties in
1938, he said, figured on the basis of time sale
(5%), exclusive of political speeches, or re-
ligious broadcasts, otherwise whether music was
used or not. Mr. Searle offered that his sta-
tions had paid ASCAP $21,700 during the same
time.
Mr. Malec's testimony was directed not
against payment of the music fee, but against
what he called an intimidating manner used in
collection of the license fee.
Obvious about the trial was that other irons
were in the fire than mere constitutionality of
the bill. Although the state was listed as de-
fendant, the attorney general's office, represented
by Assistant Attorney General John Riddell,
was almost wholly silent. William Hotz,
Omaha, who kept talking up the hotel argu-
ment against ASCAP licensing (only three of
the 391 contracts were hotels), and Andrew
Bennett, Washington, as a friend of the court,
talked about dealings with the Broadcasters As-
sociation, which introduced a great deal of mat-
ter irrelevant to proof of constitutionality or
otherwise.
ASCAP counsel demanded that Mr. Bennett
identify himself with the broadcasters' associa-
tion before he be allowed to speak.
Points to Radio Audits
ASCAP ran through its side of the testimony
in two days. The gist of its officers' testimony
was that the Society was the only means and
the least expensive system for protecting the
rights of its members and licensing users. The
Omaha witnesses for the Society testified that
the Society simplified matters of music repro-
duction handling, Mrs. Nevin adding that it
was the only way she could protect herself.
Mr. Paine, for ASCAP, rocked radio when
he testified that two audits of 200 radio stations,
selected at random, since 1934, had shown a
deficiency of $1,138,000 in income figures from
which ASCAP's royalty percentage had been
estimated.
Mr. Mills declared that complaining users of
music didn't need ASCAP music, and if they
used the same initiative to arrange programs
with non-.\SCAP music as they used to beat
ASC.^P members of their rights, they might
get non-.ASC.A.P programs.
yes, it's
LANA TURNER
and she^s
on the way
to stardom!
JUST
SCREENED
DANCING
CO-ED!
IT'S
TERRIFIC!
One after another the red-hot hits are pouring out of M-G-M's sizzling studio!
Every week a new smash! Embrace "The Women'^ and hold! Follow with
"Blackmail'* action barrage. And "Thunder Afloat" (best in ig months^
Washington, D. C. Premiere I) And then (while "Babes in Arms" World Premiere
Biggest in 5 years at Houston!) make a date with delirious "Dancing Co-ed."
they'll be^
dancing in^
the aisles!
DANCING
CO-ED
yes, it's
ARTIE SHAW
and his No. 1
Sluing band!
36
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
IV arner Men Told
To ''''Buckle Down "
JUBILEE OBSERVANCES
UNDERWAY OVER U.S.
Hays to Pay Tribute
to Thomas Edison at
West Orange Ceremonies
The celebration of the motion picture in-
dustry's fiftieth anniversary, the Golden Ju-
bilee, gets well underway next week with
local observances in all parts of the coun-
try, according to reports received by the
Fiftieth Anniversary Committee. Lunch-
eons, dinners, meetings, radio, broadcasts,
school, library and club activities are in-
cluded on the various programs.
The newsreels will film the visit of Will
H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture
Producers and Distributors of America, to
the Edison laboratories in West Orange,
N. J., this weekend to pay the industry's
tribute to Thomas A. Edison's memory for
his invention of the Kinetoscope.
Campaign Details
Details of special campaigns prepared by
the majors' committee for exhibitors were
outlined in Motion Picture Herald on
August 5th, page 33. Special campaigns
by Schine Theatres were published on Aug-
ust 19th, page 59 and by RKO and Loew's
on August 26th, page 40, while 213 circuits
notified the MPPDA of plans for campaigns,
September 9th, page 56, and Metro-Gold-
wyn-Mayer devoted much space in its insti-
tutional press sheet to the jubilee, September
23rd, page 26.
The completion of the Kinetoscope on
October 6, 1889, has been used as a news
peg for theatre advertising and publicity
campaigns to attract attention to this sea-
son's outstanding films as the embodim.ent
of half a century of motion picture prog-
ress.
In response to many requests, the Fif-
tieth Anniversary Committee prepared _ a
radio script containing background material
for local broadcasts. It brings in some of the
highlights of motion picture history, which,
by inserting local reminiscences, can be
adapted for use by a member of the station
staff and a film pioneer, exhibitor, or a
leader in film activities. Or the chairman of
the local motion picture council can do the
interviewing with an exhibitor or some one
connected with motion pictures to give the
answers. Copies of the script are being sent
out this week.
Another radio script has been prepared by
Mrs. Malcolm Parker MacCoy, chairman,
Department of Motion Pictures of the New
York State Federation of Women's Clubs,
for the use of local chairmen. These have
also been shared with other state federa-
tions.
Cleveland Celebrates
The celebration in Cleveland centers on
the fact that motion pictures were originated
by Ohio men. As C. C. Deardourf¥, one of
William R. Ferguson's MGM exploitation
men, pointed out, "The father of motion pic-
tures was Thomas Alva Edison, native of
Milan, Ohio — just 50 miles from Cleveland.
The father of the sound picture and presi-
dent of Warner Brothers is Harry Warner,
from Youngstown, Ohio — about 70 miles
from Cleveland."
Among the political figures invited to
take part are Governor John W. Bricker,
Senator Robert Taft and Mayor Harold H.
Burton.
The campaign made the most of Cleve-
landers and Ohioans who have made good
in motion pictures including Bob Hope,
John Howard, Eleanor Whitnev, Alan
Baxter, Adolphe Menjou and Clark Gable.
The large exhibit space in the Terminal
Tower is devoted to an exhibit portraying
the history of motion pictures through 50
years. Old theatre equipment is contrasted
to new. A number of behind-the-scenes dis-
plays have been set up including costumes,
props, jewelry, lights, cameras, projectors,
strips of film. Considerable use is being
made of trailers. Women's organizations are
cooperating.
Exhibit at New York Library
Beginning next Monday the main New
York public library at Fifth Avenue will
have on display a large exhibit from the
motion picture collection of the theatre di-
vision, assembled by George Freedley. The
collection is the most complete of its kind
in any public institution.
Since the entire season is Fiftieth An-
niversary year, activities will continue.
A special poster has been prepared by
Walt Disney for Children's Book Week,
November 12-18, which shows Pinocchio
turning the world. In front of the globe
are two small characters from Pinocchio
reading classics of literature on which pho-
toplays have been based. A number of books
to be produced as photoplays this season are
illustrated, including "Pinocchio," "The
Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Swiss Family
Robinson," "The Deerslayer," "Ivanhoe,"
"Little Orvie," "Anne of Windy Poplars,"
"Tom Brown's School Days," "Allegheny
Frontier," based on "First Rebel." A total
of 20,000 posters will be distributed to book
stores, libraries and committees organizing
programs for Children's Book Week.
National Decency Legion
Classifies 16 Pictures
Of 16 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in its listing
for the current week nine were listed as un-
objectionable for general patronage, four
were classed as unobjectionable for adults
and three were found objectionable in part.
The films and their classification follow.
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for - General
Patronage: "Call a Messenger," "A Chump
at Oxford," "Disputed Passage," "Everv-
body's Hobby," "$1,000 a Touchdown,"
"Riders of the Black River," "Rulers of the
Seas," "Straight Shooter," "Wall Street
Cowboy." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for
Adults: "Bombs Over London," "The Es-
cape." "Espionage Agent." Class B, Ob-
jectionable in Part: "The End of a Day"
(French), "Heartbeat" (French), "Song
the Street" (French).
Managers and executives of the 26 War-
ner theatres in upstate New York met at the
Ten Eyck hotel in Albany late last week
at the call of M. A. Silver, zone manager,
to discuss fall policies and operating plans.
Addressing the meeting with Mr. Silver was
Harry Goldberg, national director of adver-
tising and publicity for Warner theatres of
New York.
"These are trying times throughout the
world," Mr. Silver said, "and unsettled con-
ditions make it necessary for us to get right
down to business and work hard at our own
individual jobs instead of speculating, wor-
rying and wondering about the fate of the
world. I am calling upon every Warner
manager in the circuit for concentrated sell-
ing of every picture, for a greater showman-
ship and for even stricter economy in opera-
tion. An impending shortage of product will
make it necessary to get extended runs on
all pictures that can possibly be stretched
through the managers' increased efforts."
Managerial shifts announced by Mr. Sil-
ver were : Al Beckerich from the Palace,
Jamestown, to Haven, Olean; F. M. West-
fall from the Haven, Olean, to the Keeney,
Elmira; Bill Leggiero from the Keeney,
Elmira, to the Hornell ; Al Newhall from the
Majestic, Hornell, to the Palace, Jamestown.
Philadelphia Museum Is
Presenting Film Series
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is pre-
senting two weekly film series, one for chil-
dren and one for adults. The Fall and Win-
ter schedule as announced by the education
division of the Museum will present on Sat-
urdays and Sundays, milestones in the de-
velopment of the documentary film, ranging
from newsreels, March of Time subjects
and short human interest subjects to travel,
semi-fictional and advertising films.
To be screened in the Transient Galleries
of the Museum the adult series on Sundays
will include the documentary films, "The
Private Life of the Gannets," "Night Mail,"
"Moana," "Nanook," "North Sea," "The
River," "The Plough That Broke the Plain,"
"400 Million," "The Wave," and "The Wed-
ding of Palo."
Warners Win Channpionship
The soft ball team of the New York ex-
change office of Warner Brothers has won
the championship of the Motion Picture
League by defeating Twentieth Century-Fox
in the playoff game.
Cinecolor Process Ready
Cinecolor's new process for making
16 mm. reduction prints from 35 mm. color
negative is now ready, A. L. McCormick,
president, has announced in Hollywood.
David Bader, story editor for Lichtig and
Englander in Hollywood, arrived in New
York Tuesday in connection with new
season's material.
Ted Gamble of the Parker Theatres, Port-
land, Ore., for the last three years head of
the program committee of the annual Rose
Festival, has been named president of the
fiesta for 1940.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
37
OWNERS IN 8 COAST STATES MERGE;
SEVEN OTHER STATE UNITS MEET
Three Associations Combine
under Board; Kuykendall Pro-
tests Against Outside Inter-
ference; Combine Discussed
The Independent Theatres Owners of
Southern California and Arizona, the In-
dependent Theatre Owners of , Northern
CaHfornia, and the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of the Pacific Northwest, covering-
eight Far Western states and approximate-
ly 2,000 theatres, this week combined in an
as yet unnamed Pacific Coast organization,
without national affiliation.
Other Associations Meet
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Ar-
kansas, Mississippi and Tennessee opened their
convention at Memphis, last Sunday ; the Okla-
homa Allied Theatre Owners opened its con-
vention Tuesday, in Oklahoma City; the
Independent Theatre Owners Association of
West Virginia also met Tuesday, at Clarks-
burg, West Va. ; the Independent Theatres'
. Protective Association of Wisconsin and Up-
per Michigan convened in Milwaukee on Wed-
nesday and Thursday; New York Allied set
a meeting of its state units for October 17th,
in New York City ; Connecticut Allied sched-
uled an election luncheon for October 3rd in
New Haven; the ITA of Ontario met Thurs-
day in Toronto to set a date for its annual
convention; and Michigan Allied's convention
was set for October 3rd and 4th in Kalamazoo ;
Allied of Eastern Pennsylvania meet Tuesday ;
Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana this
week set October 23-24 as its annual convention
dates, and the Ohio ITO set November 13-14
for its meeting.
Board Represents Three Units
The Coast combination of the three large
exhibitor organizations provides for representa-
tion by a board of trustees, consisting of two
members from each of the three units. The
Pacific Coast Conference of Independent The-
atre Owners is the name of the combination.
South California-Arizona ITOA named Hugh
Bruen of Whittier and Jack Berman of Los
Angeles as representatives, and Mrs. Jenne
Dodge of Ventura, as an alternate.
The MPTO group named L. O. Lukan and
William Ripley as delegates ; and the North-
ern California group was scheduled to name its
representatives soon.
Robert Poole, of the ITO of Southern Cali-
fornia, is temporary executive secretary of the
combine.
Kuykendall Hits Outside Regulation
At the convention of the MPTO of Arkan-
sas, Mississippi, and Tennessee in Memphis,
Ed Kuykendall, president of the national
MPTOA, criticized interference with the mo-
tion picture industry by reformers, taxes, and
governmental regulation.
M. A. Lightman praised the Variety Clubs.
R. X.. Williams, the president, who is mayor
of Oxford, Miss., advised exhibitors to ascer-
tain prices in other towns than those in which
they operate ; and to keep in touch with their
legislators.
Mr. Williams was reelected president. Other
elections were R. S. Cox, L. F. Haven, W. F.
Ruffin, regional vice-presidents ; W. S. Tyson,
secretary-treasurer; M. A. Lightman, chair-
man of the board of directors ; W. L. Landers,
K. K. King, J. F. Norman, M. S. McCord,
Cecil Cupp, Sydney Wharton, board for Ar-
MPTOA BOARD WILL
MEET OCTOBER 23-24
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of America board of directors will
meet on October 2}rd and 24th in
White Sulphur Springs, Va., to con-
sider the problems of the industry, as
enumerated by president Ed Kuyken-
dall, in his bulletin. The problems, as
seen by the organization, and Mr.
Kuykendall, arise now out of the gov-
ernment's disapproval of the trade
practice code.
kansas ; W. Earl Elkin, W. S. Taylor, Dave
Flexer, board for Mississippi ; Fred Ford, Jo-
•ieph Wheeler, Cecil Vogel, directors for Ten-
nessee.
Oklahoma Meeting
A limited number of Oklahoma exhibitors
were at the Oklahoma Allied convention, in
Oklahoma City. Among the speakers were
National Allied States Association president
Colonel H. A. Cole, and State Representative
George Miskovsky, the latter speaking on his
chain store tax bill.
Colonel Cole warned against use of buying
pools, as an adoption of the same methods
Allied has been criticizing.
The proposed Oklahoma buying pool was
dropped.
Orville Vongulker was elected president and
chairman of the board, Sam Caporal vice-
president, and C. E. Norcross secretary-treas-
urer.
The name of the organization was changed
from Allied Theatres of Oklahoma to Allied
of Oklahoma. The group voted to affiliate with
National Allied.
A special bulletin preceded the convention,
urging legislation as the method by which in-
dustry evils can be cured.
The bulletin commended the Neely Bill and
the Department of Justice anti-trust actions.
Edward Golden, vice-president of Mono-
gram, was the guest speaker at the first annual
convention of the Independent Theatre Owners
Association of West Virginia, at the Waldo
hotel, Clarksburg, West Va., this Tuesday.
The organization went on record for the
Neely Bill, after hearing another guest speaker,
Abram F. Myers, general counsel to National
Allied, discuss the bill and the code.
New officers elected are : Richard D. Marks,
of Clarksburg, president ; George Sallows, of
Morgantown, vice-president ; Garland West, of
Buckhannon, treasurer; and I. D. Davis, of
Lumberport, executive secretary.
Mr. Golden asked for encouragement of "the
little fellow" in business. He said that inde-
pendent exhibitors and an independent company
such as Monogram, had "much in common."
Booking Combine Discussed
Effects of the war and activities on a new
booking combine were considered by the In-
dependent Theatres Protective Association of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan at the conven-
tion in Milwaukee on this Wednesday and
Thursday.
The new combine is the Theatre Service
Agency, recently formed by the organization's
president, Edward Maertz, and by Max Weis-
ner.
Max A. Cohen, president of the New York
Allied, has called the meeting of the state units
for October 17th, in New York City. Future
action will be considered, this being necessary
because the National Allied has expelled the
New York unit, and may invade the state with
a replacement.
Mr. Cohen this week declared that a fair
trade practice code will not be available to the
industry for several years. It will be delayed
by the slowness of the Government's New
York anti-trust action, which in turn will be
delayed by the war, he believes. He blamed
the national Allied leaders for the rejection
of the code at their national convention.
Connecticut Allied Meets
The Connecticut Allied election luncheon in
New Haven on October 3rd will be at the Hof-
brau Haus Restaurant, with Maurice Shul-
man presiding.
Nominations for officers are, for president,
Martin Keleher, of the Princess, Hartford ;
Charles Repass, of the Crown, Hartford, and
A. M. Schuman, of the Black Rock, Bridge-
port ; for vice-president, the same persons, and
Samuel Handelman, of the Capitol, Bridge-
port ; for treasurer. Jack Schwartz, of the West
End, Bridgeport, and Leo Schapiro, of the
Guilford Theatre ; for executive secretary,
Lawrence C. Caplan ; for chairman of the
board of directors, Maurice Shulman, of the
Webster and Rivoli, Hartford, and Dr. J. B.
Fishman, of the Fishman Theatres, New
Haven.
The ITA of Ontario meeting in Toronto this
Thursday was expected to result in the setting
of the first week of October as the organi-
zation's annual convention week.
The Michigan Allied meets in annual con-
vention at the Burdick Hotel, Kalamazoo, on
October 2nd, 3rd and 4th. From it, may
come some definite action for a new trade code,
or for a renewal of eff^orts to have the present
one accepted, even in part. A public declara-
tion by Ray Branch, leading figure in the or-
ganization and several times its president, sheds
light on the organization's probable attitude.
Mr. Branch declared that he was "keenly
disappointed" that the code was lost. He added
that he thought the distributors were sincere
in offering their program, and that he felt they
could "again sit down and bring order out of
chaos."
The efl^ort to have a program of industry
self-regulation, he said, "came the nearest to
anything that has ever been attempted to cor-
rect the evils of the industry ; and it is a mat-
ter of public record that such an admission
has been made, several times."
Allied of Eastern Pennsylvania met in Phila-
delphia Tuesday and discussed the possible
effect of the war on product and box office.
Non-Theatricals Attacked
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
Western Pennsylvania this week was reported
seriously perturbed over the growth of non-
theatrical showings in its territory, in indus-
trial firms, schools, churches and clubs.
An instance of this competition is the H. J.
Heinz Company shows, in its plant on the
North Side section of Pittsburgh. The pic-
tures are shown free. The showings affect the
business of six motion picture theatres in the
neighborhood, owners said.
Plans of Canadian independents for a na-
tional clearance board have been sent to the
general managers of all the country's ex-
changes, to Colonel John A. Cooper, head of
the Motion Picture Distributors, and to N. L.
Nathanson, president of Famous Players Ca-
nadian Corporation. These persons are asked
to join in the formation of such a board.
38
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This departmen-t deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
The Private Lives of
ELIZABETH and ESSEX
(Warner Brothers)
In Technicolor
Romance with Historical Background
To the great and dominant majority of the box office customers here is a plushly de-
luxe picture of Bette Davis and Errol Flynn, on the ornate and historically glamorous
scene for 102 minutes. It is somewhat incidental that they are in the role of Elizabeth,
the authentically redheaded and reputedly virgin queen of England, and the role of the
Earl of Essex, authentically handsome and somewhat more than merely reputedly a
man of parts and power in that England of then.
To showmen, more especially those who ture, however, not a little of political con
remember older, golden days of the motion
picture, there will be warming recognition of
this as a star picture, a vehicle devoted to
personality exploitation in terms that have
been, probably unfortunately, too much for-
gotten in the rush of Hollywood to the
stupendous and colossal, etc.
We can all well remember when pictures
began to get so big that they obscured the
stars. "Grand Hotel" and "Dinner at Eight"
were examples. "Elizabeth and Essex," despite
the fact that it pertains to the probably fad-
ing era of the utterly stupendous, ably arranges
to let the stars shine all the while. They are
together or separately in almost every scene.
The story is in sum the fact that Elizabeth
and Essex are in love with each other, tre-
mendously, but even more with themselves,
and that while Elizabeth has the throne and
crown, Essex wants it just a hair's breadth,
maybe, more than he wants Elizabeth. It is
indicated that he does very well with Eliza-
beth-the-woman and not so well with Eliza-
beth-the-queen. He won the woman and
crossed the queen and jolly well and hand-
somely lost his ambitious damned fool head.
That's history, too, although the approach to
the final accounting diverges, for dramatic
purposes, a bit from the facts here and there.
The telling of this version is, however, so
plausible that one might fancy that both Eliza-
beth and Essex, if cognizant, would wish that
they had done it by the Warner script than
the way they did.
To this reviewer there was special satisfac-
tion in certain phases of possibility that were
not developed in behalf of the sadists. Dra-
matic intensities are abundantly realized with-
out the bloody assault on the attentions and
emotions that history could have permitted.
The august and entirely dignified produc-
tion permits "itself one utterly gorgeous piece
of utter slapstick, when the Earl, in seeming
joyous provocation, smacks Elizabeth on her
royal pants. And they sit down on the stairs
to talk about things. The moment is delight-
fully outrageous, and conceived by a dramatist.
It is entirely accidental that a story so very
British in its connotations should just now
in the early weeks of a world war come ofif
the assembly line. There has been in the pic-
sciousness. There is under it all that which
bespeaks the spirit of the Britain that was
to become an empire. Also the politically and
socially conscious will be after discovering a
"hedge" in the grim humor of the lines given
to Alan Hale in his role of the Earl of Tyrone,
making the Irish both sharply humorous and
no little the victor. There's a bet coppered,
neatly, even if obviously.
In terms of color the over-all effect is hand-
some and convincing and tends toward that
ultimate eventuation when color will, it seems,
be so matter of fact in terms of audience ac-
ceptance that the audience will be unaware of
it. Some of the exteriors, alleged, are less
fortunate in their color treatment, or color con-
sequences, partaking more of painting than pic-
ture. And that brings one also to the unimpor-
tant observation that Erich Wolfgang Korn-
gold's able musical treatment was here and
there so forceful as to suggest the picture was
the accompaniment. This is not much for the
showman to worry about. This paragraph is
for Hollywood.
The work of director, script writer and cam-
era have been more than usually well fused in
this job. If they are looking for favorable men-
tion they can examine the list of credits. The
cast generally does so good a supporting job
that it gets from the spectator just exactly the
attention the role demands. Probably Michael
Curtiz, the director, saw to that, because after
all scene-larceny is almost automatic in movie-
land.
It is suggested that showmen and exploiters
who have this picture to sell, take a look — the
routine attention by the old formulae will not
be the best that can be done. — Terry Ramsaye
(The picture zvas reviewed at a New York
projection room showing. The "world pre-
miere," originally scheduled -for London, was
held Wednesday at Warners' Beverly theatre
in Hollywood, the only public showing to be
held before the national release November 25.)
Produced and distributed by Warner Brothers. In
charge of production, Jack L. Warner. Executive pro-
ducer, Hal B. Walhs. Associate producer, Robert
Lord. Screen play, Norman Reilly Raine and Aeneas
MacKenzie. From the play "Elizabeth the Queen" by
Maxwell Anderson. Director, Michael Curtiz. Dialogue
director, Stanley Logan. Assistant director. Sherry
Shourds. Technicolor photographer, Sol Polito. Asso-
ciate photographer, W. Howard Greene. Technicolor
color director, Natalie Kalmus. Art director, Anton
Grot. Film editor, Owen Marks. Sound director, C. A.
Riggs. Gowns, Orry-Kelly. Makeup artist, Pare
Westmore. Technicolor advisor, Ali Hubert. Unit
manager, Frank Mattison. Unit publicist, Francis
Heacock. MuSic by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. P.C.A.
No. 5411. Running time, 106 minutes. Release date,
November 25, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Queen Elizabeth Bette Davis
Earl of Essex Errol Flynn
Lady Penelope Gray Olivia de Havilland
Francis Bacon Donald Crisp
Earl of Tyrone Alan Hale
Sir Walter Raleigh \ Y.'"""* P™?, ,
/ bir Edward Coke
Lord Burghley Henry Stephenson
Sir Robert Cecil Henry Daniell
Sir Thomas Egerton James Stephenson
Mistress Margaret Radclifife Nanette Fabares
Lord KnoUys Ralph Forbes
Lord Mount joy I ^0^,^^^ Warwick
Leo G. Carroll 3
intermezzo, a Love Story
Romance
(UA-Selznick)
This is seriously predicated entertainment de-
signed to engage the attention of intelligent per-
sons. It is not meant for those v/ho expect their
screen merchandise always to be as crowded
with spectacular action as a combined rodeo
and multi-ringed circus. In brief, it is the story
of a man who erred but did not completely dis-
abuse his loyalty to his family.
Well acted, expertly written, staged and pho-
tographed, it does not, however, provide the
values of spectacular names. Nor does the theme
permit fireworks showmanship. Rather, its ap-
peal is to the narrow segment which under-
stands and appreciates the worth of a fine thing,
finely wrought. Yet it deals in those elements
common to all who know the adventure of living
beyond the strictures of rule and rote.
Name value is represented by Leslie Howard,
stage actress Edna Best, John Halliday, who
was a principal in "Hotel for Women," Enid
Bennett, onetime star of the silent screen, and
newcomer Ingrid Bergman.
As is true of most Selznick pictures, "Inter-
mezzo" is exceptionally well staged ; also, like
other Selznick productions, it is freshly styled.
As its secondary title denotes, it is a love
story. His home, wife and children are the idols
of concert violinist "Holger Brandt," to whom
the world's applause is dreary. But like many
another man in real life, temptation comes from
another woman. A near tragedy, involving the
almost fatal injury of his beloved daughter,
"Ann Marie," is required to reawaken him to
his domestic responsibilities.
There are no hysterics in the production, nor
is there any of that vivid exhibitionism that
sometimes draws the impressionable. Instead,
there is an unvarnished study of a man and his
experiences. The press of the day in practically
every community is replete with reports of simi-
larly premised happenings. Thus, in a way the
"Intermezzo" story is close to all.
Preznewed at the Village theatre, Hollywood.
The power of the story caught the audience's
attention early and held it. The crowd, however,
zvas not representative of that which would be
found ez/ery day in the average theatre, but
rather of a limited group. In any case, "Inter-
September 30, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
39
vxezso" is adult entertainment and by no means
anything that would interest youngsters. — Gus
McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by Selznick International
Pictures. Producer, David O. Selznick. Associate pro-
ducer, Leslie Howard. Director, Gregory Ratoff.
Screen play, George O'Neil. From the original scenario
by Gosta Stevens and Gustav Molander. Photogrrapher,
Gregg Toland. Music director, Lou Forbes. Art direc-
tor, Lyle Wheeler. Special effects. Jack Cosgrove.
Interior decorator, Casey Roberts. Ingrid Bergman's
Costumes by Irene and Travis Banton. Supervising
film editor, Hal C. Kern. Film editor, Francis D.
Lyon. Sound recorder, Harold Bumbaugh. Assistant
director. Walter Mayo. P.C.A. No. 5671. Running
time. 70 minutes. Release date, September 22, 1939.
Adult avidience classification.
CAST
Holger Leslie Howard
Anita Ingrid Bergman
Margit Edna Best
Thomas .Tohn Halliday
Charles Cecil Kellaway
Greta Enid Bennett
Ann Marie Ann Todd
Eric Douglas Scott
Emma Eleanor Wesselhoeft
Espionage Agent
(Warner Brothers)
Spy Melodrama
"Espionage Agent" might be called a sequel
to "Confessions of a Nazi Spy." But where
the last-named was all documentary the new
product is so only in part and in addition has
a love story. The picture begins as a preach-
ment against alien spy activity in this country
and the lack of laws to cope with it, but soon
it develops into a melodrama in which the lead-
ing man and woman break up a ring operating
in Geneva. The finger is not pointed against
any one country in "Espionage Agent" ; this
spy ring sells to the highest bidder.
Warren Duff, Michael Fessler and Frank
Donoghue adapted the screen play from a story
by Robert Henry Buckner. It was directed by
Lloyd Bacon.
Starred are Joel McCrea and a newcomer,
Brenda Marshall, who appeared on the stage,
in the Federal Theatre. Included in the cast
are Jeffrey Lynn, George Bancroft, Stanley
Ridges and James Stephenson.
"Barry Corvall," an American attache in a
North African city, meets "Brenda Ballard" at
the consulate. They sail for America on the
sarne boat, fall in love and marry after their
arrival. "Corvall," whose family have long
been in the consular service, completes a course
in a school for aspiring young diplomats and is
assigned a European post, but is compelled to
resign from the State Department when he
discovers that his wife formerly engaged in
espionage work.
"Corvall" decides to do something about the
spy ring for which "Brenda" worked. They go
to Geneva, where the ring's headquarters are.
"Brenda" convinces them that her husband
and she are willing to sell U. S. military and
industrial secrets for a price. In a fast-paced
climax "Corvall" gets the evidence.
Reviewed at the Strand theatre, New York.
A capacity afternoon anidience, with quite a
few jitterbugs there to hear the music of Artie
Shazv, appeared to enjoy the picture. — Paul C.
MoONEY, Jr.
Produced and distributed by Warner Brothers
Associate producer, Louis F. Edelman. Director, Lloyd
Bacon, Screen play by Warren Duff, Michael Fessier
and Frank Donoghue. From a story bv Robert Henry
Buckner. Photography by Charles Rosher. Editor,
Ralph Dawson. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5412. Run-
ning time, 83 minutes. Release date, October 7, 1939
General audience classification.
CAST
Barry Corvall. Joel McCrea
Brenda Marshall
Lowell Warrington Jeffrev Lynn
Dudley Garrett George Bancroft
Hamilton Peyton Stanley Ridges
Dr. Rader. James Stephenson
Walter Forbes Howard Hickman
Mrs. Corvall Nana Bryant
Paul Strawn Robert O. Davis
Dr. Helm Hans von Twardowsky
g^'='''='"„ • Lucien Prival
Bruce Corvall. Addison Richards
Secretary of State Edwin Stanley
Three Sons
(RKO Radio)
Family Drama
Edward Ellis is the star of this story of a
successful yet frustrated career. It also has
Edward Gargan, Kent Taylor and J. Edward
Bromberg for principal names, and the win-
ners of Jesse Lasky's second "Gateway to Hol-
lywood" radio talent quest, Virginia Vale and
Robert Stanton.
"Three Sons" is a new version of the Lester
Cohen novel, "Sweepings." John Twist did the
current screen play and Jack Hively directed.
Beginning after the Chicago fire, "Daniel
Pardway" started to build a mercantile busi-
ness and rear a family. Prosperity came with
the passing years and "Pardway" dreamed that
his three sons, "Gene," "Bert" and "Freddie,"
would carry the store to greater heights after
his passing. But three boys turned out to be
worthless spendthrifts, with only the youngest,
"Freddie," showing any signs of regeneration
to give the old man comfort in his dying mo-
ments.
Previcivcd at the Pantages theatre in Holly-
wood. The audience did not seem to think the
picture carried a convincing ring or have suffi-
cient dramatic punch to make it inspiring
preachment. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures.
Director, Jack Hively. Producer, Robert Sisk. Screen
play, John Twist. From the novel "Sweepings" by
Lester Cohen. Production executive, Lee Marcus.
Musical score, Roy Webb. Director of photography,
Russell Metty, ASC. Art director. Van Nest Polglase.
Associate, Albert D'Agostino. Costumer, Edward
Stevenson. Set decorator, Darrell Silvera. Sound re-
corder, John L. Cass. Film editor, Theron Warth.
Assistant director, James Anderson. P.C.A. No. 5561.
Running time, 70 minutes. Release date, October 13,
1939. General avidience classification.
CAST
Daniel Pardway Edward Ellis
Thane Pardway William Gargan
Gene Pardway Kent Taylor
Abe Ullman J. Edward Bromberg
Abigail Pardway Katharine Alexander
Phoebe Pardway Virginia Vale
Bert Pardway Robert Stanton
Freddie Pardway.. Dick Hogan
Crimson Grady Sutton
Mamie Adele Pearce
Phoebe's Husband Alexander D'Arcy
Viola Barbara Pepper
Here I Am a Stranger
(20th Century-Fox)
Problem Play
In character and appeal, "Here I Am a
Stranger" is a variation of the father and son
theme. Actually, however, it is a sometimes force-
ful demonstration of the theory that life with-
out honor is empty and futile. The picture, pro-
duced by Harry Joe Brown, stars Richard
Greene, who has drawn a wide following, and
Richard Dix, who appears to have entered a
new phase in his career. It features such ca-
pable performers as Roland Young, Gladys
George, Russell Gleason, George Zucco and
Henry Kolker. The picture also gives audi-
ences their first real look at one of Darryl Za-
nuck's young hopefuls, the tomboyish Brenda
Joyce.
The Gordon M. Hillman original and adapta-
tion by Milton Sperling and Sam Hellman,
which are the bases of the photoplay, contain
much meaningful material as well as some that
is hardly relevant. Yet, as directed by Roy Del
Ruth, the situations that have significance are
expertly arranged to erect the climax.
"David," child of divorce, learns after enter-
ing college that shabby, irresolute "Duke Allen"
is his real father. After effecting the regenera-
tion of his parent, the boy finds himself in a
situation that really tests his character. A stu-
dent hit-and-run driver kills a woman, and
"Dave's" mother, step-father, big business man
"Bennett," as well as "Duke," try to influence
him to protect "Lester" and let poor student
"Sortwell" take the blame. The lad, nonethe-
less, stands firm in his purpose to tell the
truth.
Previezued at the Village Theatre, Hollywood,
Cal. The audience was neither greatly impressed
by nor hopelessly disappointed in zvhat it had
seen. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. Pro-
duced by Harry Joe Brown. Directed by Roy Del
Ruth. Screen play by Milton Sperling and Sam Hell-
man. Story by Arthur M. Hillman. Louis Loeffler,
film editor. Photographed by Arthur Miller. P. C. A.
Certificate No. 5495. Running time, 80 minutes. Re-
lease date: Sept. 29, 1939. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
David Richard Greene
Duke Allen Richard Dix
Simpson Daniels Brenda Joyce
Professor Daniels Roland Young
Clara Gladys George
Lillian Bennett Katharine Aldridge
Sortwell Russell Gleason
James K. Paulding George Zucco
Lester Bennett Edward Norris
R. J. Bennett Henry Kolker
Digby Richard Bond
College students Robert Shaw and Robert Kellard
Managing editor Charles Wilson
Landlady Jan Duggan
Landlord Harry Hayden
Evans Minor Watson
Mademoiselle Ma Mere
(J. H. H off berg)
French Bedroom Farce
"Mademoiselle Ma Mere" is a "naughty
French bedroom farce" — thus read the public-
ity— imported into this country for distribution
by J. H. Hoffberg and starring Danielle Dar-
rieux as the irascible society girl whose num-
ber of male admirers is not lessened by the
bans of marriage. Taken from the Louis Ver-
neuil novel, which was one of the better sellers
in France, and directed by Henri Decoin, the
picture gives a slightly different twist to the
triangle story.
Intelligent superimposition of English titles
by Charles Jahrblum helps to maintain atten-
tion upon a picture which depends so largely
upon dialogue.
"Georges," the step-son, has "Jacqueline"
trailed by a detective to get information on
his stepmother's transgressions, if any. Fate
brings "Jacqueline" and "Georges" together and
they find they are in love. The two elope,
leaving a note for the father-husband, who is
comforted with the thought that they have found
real happiness.
The supporting cast of Marcel Simon,
Alerme, and Pascali, who provides comedy as
the hired detective, handle their parts well, but
the word "risque" fits the dialogue and some of
the action, limiting the picture definitely to
adults.
At the SSth Street Playhouse in New York
the early afternoon audience reacted as might
have been expected to such material. — George
Spires.
Produced by Regina Films in Paris and distributed
in the United States by J. H. Hoffberg. Adapted
for the screen by Jean Boyer from the novel by Louis
Verneuil. Directed by Henri Decoin. L. H. Burel,
cameraman. Sound engineer, Jacques Krauss. Sets
by Leblond. M. Beauge, film editor. Miss Darrieux's
gowns designed by Alix. Musical director. Van Parys.
English titles by Charles Jahrblum. Release date,
September 18. 1939. Running time, 82 minutes. Adult
audience classification.
CAST
Jacqueline Danielle Darrieux
Her Father Marcel Simon
Albert Letournel Alerme
Georges, His Son Pierre Brasseur
Julien Moreuil Robert Arnoux
The Detective Pascali
The Inn Keeper Larquey
$1,000 a Touchdown
( Paramount )
Comedy
This piece of nonsensical farce is the kind of
show to which persons go when they feel the
need of relaxation. It's a burlesqued college
football story and that's one exploitation as-
set. It stars Joe E. Brown and Martha Raye,
and that's two more exploitation assets. It
made the preview audience, which, incidentally,
was almost suffocated by heat, laugh heartily.
The whole thing is unadulterated comedy.
The characterizations, dialogue and situations
{Continued on page 42)
□
NOT A RE-ISSUE...
THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT
THE GREAT BOX-OFFICE
OF "U-BOAT
TODAY'
MAKEa
THIS THE
YEAR'S
TIMELIE
PICTURE!
These are the hard selling ads that
were used in Hartford and Albany
...They are in the press book!
CONRAD VEIDT
VALERIE HOBSON
SEBASTIAN SHAW
Screen play by Emeric Presiburger
Directed by Michael Powell
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
Produced by IRVING ASHER
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
teaif.Vi«^,M»f|fc.
1EW PICTURE!
OW ABOUT
OSSIBILITIES
9 !
SEATTLE...
Liberty Theatre reports:
U-BOAT 29' brought in
biggest business theatre
has done in many weeks...
Strength of business gives
every indication picture
is natural hold-over!"
You already know about HARTFORD
and ALBANY but just to remind you . . .
LOU GOLDING . . .
Grand Theatre, Albany, New York
SG4f4.: "It is ever3rthing Columbia said
about it!"
GEORGE LANDERS
E. M. Loew Theatre, Hartford, Conn.
ScU^: "One of the best showman's pic-
tures ever made. Its box-office is assured !"
SI FABIAN
of Fabian Theatres
ScUfA.: "'U-BOAT 29' is tremendous
success at Grand Theatre, Albany. It is a
sure box-office hit... warrants the top bill-
ing spot and the campaign we gave it!"
SMART SHOWMEN ARE RUSHING DATES!
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(Continued from page 39)
created in Delmer Daves' original screen play
have been developed to the fullest extent by
William C. Thomas' showmanlike supervision
and James Hogan's directing technique.
Madison College, "Martha's" inherited family
relic, is a deserted place until broken down
actor "Booth" takes a hand, hires a football
team and loads the campus with cute coeds.
No other colleges will play the team, which
president "Booth" is coaching by remote con-
trol, and desperate "Martha" engages a pro
eleven to play a game. This is riot of action,
fun and suspense, with "Martha's" plan of pay-
ing off the mortgage by hedged bets threaten-
ing a debacle until "Booth" enters and wins the
game to the tune of wild slapstick.
Previewed at Alexander theatre, Glendale,
Cal. The audience liked it. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. William
C. Thomas, associate producer. Directed by James
Hogan. Original screen play by Delmer Daves.
Chandler House, film editor. Photographed by Wil-
liam Mellor. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5483. Running
time, 70 minutes. Release date: Sept. 22, 1939. Gen-
eral audience classification.
CAST
Marlowe Sothern Booth Joe E. Brown
Martha Madison Martha Raye
Henry Eric Blore
Betty McGIen Susan Hayward
Bill Anders John Hartley
Brick Benson , Matt McHugh
IjDrelei Lawrence Joyce Mathews
Bangs Syd Saylor
Hamilton McGlen Josef Swickward
Truck Driver George Barton
Tramp Bob Milasch
Guard William Haade
Dr. Black Frank M. Thomas
Nurse Grace Goodall
Cecil D'Arcy Corrigan
King Richard Hugh Sothern
Stage Manager Charles Middleton
Duke Constance Romanofi:
Fat Man Al Herman
Sheriff Jimmy Conhn
Popcorn Vender Tom Dugan
The Man They Could .
Not Hang
( Columbia )
Back from the Beyond with Karloff
Apparently possessed with as many screen
lives as are reputed to the longevity of a feline,
Boris Karloff again defies death as the titular
gentleman that the forces of law and order
could not suspend from a gallows tree. The
thesis is smooth and sure screen stuff, readily
adaptable for "boo" ballyhoo. On the other
hand, a more temperate approach may be had
by utilization of the reams of popular and sci-
entific publicity aft'orded the Carrel-Lindbergh
mechanical heart apparatus.
If the spectator accepts the Karloff death de-
fying machine on its face and film value, he will
find the macabre plot manipulations, which Karl
Brown has. concocted from the original of Les-
lie T. White and George W. Sayre, first rate
thrill and chill entertainment. Director Nick
Grinde has mixed murder, melodrama and slices
of science into a suspenseful pattern. Mr. Karloff
plays his assignment, both in the earlier por-
tions as one of the living and later as the man
who came back from the beyond, with an under-
standing of both sides of his dual existence.
However, the script creators, with an eye more
on sensationalism than on logic, have pictured
"Dr. Savaard" (Boris Karloff) on his return
from the other world as a man whose heart may
not have been affected by his experience but
whose brain was considerably changed.
"Dr. Savaard" is given the death penalty for
the accidental death of a volunteer assistant in
experimentation with a mechanical heart appa-
ratus. After the doctor has been pronounced
duly dead, the body is claimed by a colleague
who, using the cardiac device, restores him to
life. The doctor, thereupon, forsakes his sci-
entific program for a plan of revenge and corrals
at his home a party of persons most responsible
for his conviction. He then proceeds to elimi-
nate them individually, but his daughter, trying
to rescue the intended victims, is mortally in-
jured. The doctor revives the girl, destroys his
heart machine and dies of a wound received in
the murder mixups.
A fair sised mid-ajternoon audience at the
Criterion Theatre on New York City's Broad-
ivay seemed to enjoy the gory going-ons. —
Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures. Pro-
ducer, Wallace MacDonald. Director, Nick Grinde.
Screen story, Karl Brown. Story, Leslie T. White and
George W. .Sayre. Cameraman, Benjamin Kline. Film
editor, William Lyon, Musical director, M. W. Stoloff.
Assistant director, Thomas Flood. Soundman, George
Cooper. P.C.A. Certificate No. 5566. Running time, 65
minutes. Release date, August 17, 1939. Adult audience
classification.
CAST
Dr. Henryk Savaard Boris Karloff
Janet Savaard Lorna Gray
"Scoop" Foley *. Robert Wilcox
District Attorney Drake Roger Pryor
Ueutenant Shane Don Beddoe
Betty Crawford Ann Doran
Dr. Stoddard Joseph De Stefani
Judge Bowman Charles Trowbridge
Lang Byron Foulger
Kearney Dick Curtis
Watkins James Craig
Sutton John Tyrrell
The Wrong Room
(RKO Radio)
Leon Errol Comedy
After playing feature roles in RKO's "Ca-
reer" and "Girl From Mexico" Leon Errol
continues with the two-reel comedies produced
by Bert Gilroy and directed by Lou Brock.
Leon, while at a summer resort after writing a
number of novels, becomes inebriated and en-
ters the room of a young bride. He falls asleep
and when he awakens believes that he has mar-
ried while on his spree. Leon's wife and the
bridegroom arrive. — Running time, 19 minutes.
A Day on Treasure Island
(MGM)
FitzPatrick Travel Talk
If one has not been fortunate enough to visit
in person the Golden Gate International Exposi-
tion on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay,
the next best substitute would seem to be an
inspection of this FitzPatrick tour of the West
Coast fair grounds. All the expert care for pic-
torial beauty and excursion exactness that Mr.
FitzPatrick has expended on his exotic jaunts
is evidenced again in this travelogue nearer the
interests and homes of the American public.
The inspection includes sights of the amusement
areas, the water ways, the foreign buildings and
the garden spots. The trip, in color, should in-
terest all in an average audience. — Running time,
10 minutes.
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest People
(20th Century-Fox)
Lew Lehr
Another in the Lew Lehr Dribble-Puss Pa-
rade series, this is all about the world of simian.
It is mostly a collection of newsreel shots edit-
ed to obtain the maximum of laughs and having
the typical commentary of that "cwaziest" of all.
Lew Lehr. Produced by Truman Talley and
edited by Russ Shields. Running time, 10
minutes.
"Do It Now"
(G.P.O. Film Unit - British)
Civil Defence Propaganda
Made before the outbreak of war and then
titled "If War Should Come," this one-reeler,
slightly amended to fit existing conditions, is
an essay in civil defence propaganda. It in-
structs the public in what they should and
should not do in wartime, illustrates pictorially,
so to speak, the numerous ARP (Air Raid
Precautions) pamphlets issued by the Govern-
ment before and since the outbreak of war.
Into the compact dimensions of 1,000 feet, the
film, a vivid and arresting effort, tells the people
how to set up their splinter proof shelters, how
to darken windows, and what to do when the
air raid siren shrieks and the air raid wardens
hustle them to shelter. It is a concise and
compelling piece of propaganda without any
arty frills or impressionist's technique, appre-
ciable by the adult mentality and, withal, not
above the lowest common denominator of in- i
telligence.
Though the film is designed for propaganda
use in Britain, and was showing in cinemas in
London on the reopening, it should probably
prove of no small interest to American audi- '
ences, as an example of the conditions under
which the British nation is at the moment la-
boring.
General audience classification. — Running
time, 11 minutes. Aubrey Flanagan.
Going Places, No. 66
(Universal)
Good Excursion
The stopoff for this particular excursion in
the Going Places travelogue is at the cultivated
nature's wonderland in the Florida citrus belt
near Vero Beach. Started several years ago
by Arthur McKee, a Cleveland industrialist,
and a Florida fruit grower, Waldo Exton, the
garden spot has been nurtured to become a para-
dise for rare and exotic plant life. The floral
specimens are many and odd and the accompany-
ing commentary remarks are intelligently word-
ed down to the lay non-horticultural level of
understanding. Together with the plant parade
is some interesting and amusing shots of the
animal denizens of the agricultural wonder spot.
The botany angle of the matter makes the sub-
ject of some scholastic interest to school groups
pursuing this subject. The animal pictures
fashion the miniature into a general and well
rounded pictorial pattern well worth the interest
of any average audience. — Running time, nine
minutes.
Jeepers Creepers
(Vitaphone)
Looney Tune
This is another of the Porky cartoons in
which the stuttering pig this time appears as
Officer Porky. Dispatched to investigate a de-
serted house Porky is panic stricken at meet-
ing a ghost. The ghost wants to play but Porky
isn't in a playful food. Officer Porky has the
last laugh after all. — Running time, seven min-
utes.
Kent Drive Meet Held
Home office executives of Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox attended a branch sales meeting
in New York Tuesday in connection with
the S. R. Kent sales drive. Attending the
meeting were Herman Wobber, general sales
manager; Charles E. McCarthy, director of
advertising and publicity; division managers
William Sussman, W. J. Kupper and W. C.
Gehring; Roger Ferri, editor of the
Dynamo, company house organ, and M. A.
Levy, drive leader.
Columbia Voting Shares
An application for registration on the
New York Stock Exchange of Columbia
Pictures voting trust certificates for 2,627
shares of common, and the underlying 2,627
shares of stock, was filed with the Securi-
ties and Exchange Commission Wednesday
by Harry Cohn, president of the company,
et al, voting trustees for the corporation.
The certificates are to be registered on
notice of issuance and stock upon notice of
deposit under the voting trust agreement.
Birdwell Gets Selznicic Account
David O. Selznick on Tuesday engaged
Russell Birdwell as publicity counsellor and
advisor to the present Selznick press staff.
Mr. Birdwell will continue his independent
publicity service. Bill Hebert continues as
publicity director for Selznick-International.
THE THOUGHTS OF THE COUNTRY
ARE TURNJNG SOUTHWARD.. .AND
SOUTHWARD LIE THE SCENES OF
THIS SPELLBINDING STORY...
Of a fascinaUng plunderer ... of
the lady whose fatal beauty sent
him to a tropic penal cell ... of a
drifting young American who won
the love that the other man had
committed murder to keep!
Victor
Directed by JOHN BRAHM
44
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
WAR CUTS FOREIGN STORY BUYING,
ALREADY AT LOW EBB, TO NOTHING
S+ory Editors Report Foreign
Purchases Greatly Reduced
in Recent Years; Propaganda
Increases; Many Writers Flee
by WALTER SELDEN
With Europe in the grip of the second
"World War" this week, American film
companies were turning practically entirely
away from the continent as a source of mo-
tion picture material.
Foreign sources of material for the Ameri-
can screen as provided by European plays
and books have been declining steadih' over
the last few years, the decline coinciding to
great extent with the increased importance
put by Europe on its political beliefs, which
it injects into play and story.
From 10% to One or Two
Xew York and Hollj'wood story editors this
week estimated that the percemage of their
total yearl}- purchases accounted for hy foreign
books and plays has dropped from approxi-
mately 10 per cent of the total used to 1
or 2 per cent. Even this represents more
than will be provided b}- a Europe at war and
aided by its playwrights and authors through
propaganda.
At the same time, man}- of the more famous
Continental authors have fled from Germany,
Austria, Czechoslovakia and Hungarj- to Eng-
land, France and America, thus making it
necessary to familiarize themselves with a
strange language.
In addition, the present needs of warring
nations for material of a political nature bring
to a head a trend in that direction in the
field of American, English and European plays
and books which has been a major concern to
ston.- departments of the American film com-
panies, still almost entirely unanimous in their
determination to keep propaganda off the
screen. !Metro-Gold\\Tn-AIa3'er has recently
dropped its plans for the production of Sin-
clair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here," while
Paramount is reported to have shelved its plans
for the filming of "Heil America," "Invasion''
and "Air Raid."
Vienna and Budapest Once Sources
Columbia's storj^ editor, Sam Marx, now in
New York from the Coast, said: "In the last
few years there has been a drastic drop in the
amount of material coming from European
cities that were formerly great sources ; chiefly
Vienna and Budapest. The writers have shifted
their base of operations due to political pres-
sure in mam- cases, and are in the position of
having to learn a new language.
"We don't even consider the amount of
foreign material we used to at Columbia,"
added ^Nlr. !Marx, who estimated the drop in
Columbia's purchases of foreign books and
plays in recent 3-ears as from 10 to approxi-
mately 1 per cent of the total purchased
yearly, or some 40 properties out of about
15.000 examined.
Bertram Block, former ]Metro-Gold\\Yn-
^layer dramatic editor and now head of the
Samuel Gold\\"3-n eastern storj- office, charac-
terized contemporarj^ English material as being
"either one of two kinds — political or fantasy,"
neither being especlallv adapted to American
film use. Mr. Block also said that motion pic-
tures in this country' did not use much French
BRITISH LIBRARY
COLLECTS CHAPLINS
What is claimed as the most com-
plete collection of Charlie Chaplin
Keystone comedies in the world, has
been further swollen by the addition
of "The Perfect Lady," "The Rival
Mashers," "The New Janitor" and
"Tango Tangles" to the National Film
Library collected by the British Film
Institute. It is claimed that 29 out
of the 34 comedies Chaplin made for
Keystone in 1914 are now in the
Library's possession.
material, with its series of long and bitter fam-
ily chronicles.
Out of 20,000 Examined
At ^iletro-Goldwyn-Mayer, William J. Fadi-
man, eastern storj- editor, defined the situation
by saying that "the spiritual unrest prevalent
in Continental Europe will inevitably result in
a literature and drama that will either be fan-
tastic in its escapist tendencies or grimly
realistic and defeatist ; either quality being un-
suitable for the entertainment standards of the
American audience."
Prior to 1933, Mr. Fadiman said, between 5
and 10 per cent of all !MG!M purchases were of
foreign origin, while the figure today is be-
tween 1 and 2 per cent. The company,
which buys between 75 and 80 properties a
year, examines some 20,000 annually.
Ivlr. Fadiman added that MGM's "coverage
is still as intensive as formerly in the European
markets, although the findings are measurably
less." This was before the outbreak of war.
Story Offices Abroad Closed
Before leaving his office as eastern stor}'
editor of Paramount to take charge of the
companj-'s editorial offices at the studio re-
cently, Richard Halliday reported that Para-
mount's story offices have been closed in Berlin.
Prague and Vienna, and that Russia had no
properties of use to as international an in-
dustry- as motion pictures and that Italy had
ven.^ little.
In 1933, of approximately 60 films released
by Paramount, the storj' content in about 8
per cent had come from abroad ; while in the
58 pictures planned for the 1939-40 release,
there will be only some 4 per cent based on
foreign stories, exclusive of England.
John Byram, head of the Paramount play
department, and formerly dramatic editor of
The Ne-ii) York Times, said with regard to
the increased political content in story material
that "we are still trying to make films which
will entertain, while realizing that you can't
work in a vacuum. We are still in the en-
tertainment business."
15 to 20 from London
Mr. Byram returned last Tune from a five
week surve\' of the theatre abroad and at that
time said that "With everv' increase in the
power of the totalitarian states, additional
sources of material are cut off." ]Mr. Byram
cited, as an example of the direct bearing of
politics on potential screen material, "The Two
Dozen Red Roses," a play by Alvo de Bene-
detti, which was held back from the French
stage due to the French feeling against the
Italians at the time. The play was to have
had Pierre Fresnay and Yvonne Printemp, well
known to both French and American film audi-
ences, as its stars.
Paramount examines approximately 20,000
pieces of material a year ; including plays,
novels, magazine stories and radio programs.
Of these London provides from 12 to 20 pro-
perties a year suitable to the American market,
while all foreign sources were called of de-
creasing importance.
RKO Radio no longer covers German or
Italian material ; its foreign coverage, however,
remaining as about as intensive as formerly,
with the emphasis being shifted to different
locales. Leda Bauer, of the eastern storj^ office,
pointed out that "Three of the largest German
publishing houses have moved to Amsterdam
and Stockholm and, as they publish the work
of writers who are voluntary or involuntary
exiles from Germany, this material is still
covered."
Katherine Brown, Selznick-International
story editor, who purchased "Gone with the
Wind," and, more recently, "The Flashing
Stream," an English play by Charles Morgan,
used to receive German and Viennese reports
in common with the majority of other film
company story editors.
Twentieth Centur\--Fox said that submis-
sions of foreign material have fallen off this
year, although in the past several years it has
had many films among its higher budgeted pro-
ductions based on foreign stories. The company
does not cover Italian or Russian sources any
longer, and notes a great increase in the num-
ber of political and sociological themes current
both here and abroad.
Writing Staff Increased
Universal recently- has increased its writing
staff on the coast as a means of combating the
growing paucity of foreign material. Larney
Goodkind, eastern storj- editor, ascribes the dis-
continuance of the London story office as due
to the facts that "The material was getting too
political," and "too extreme — either political or
else completely escapist and so also unfit for
the world market at which American films
aim." The company-, of course, continues to
subscribe to foreign services.
In the seven years from 1930 to 1936. Uni-
versal's foreign purchases accounted for about
5 per cent of its total story acquisitions.
Since 1936 the percentage has fallen consider-
ably- below that figure.
At Warner Brothers the same situation was
reported. Prior to 1933 seven or eight per cent
of all story- purchases made in a y-ear were of
foreign origin. Today, this has fallen to prac-
tically nothing, out of some 17,000 to 20,000
pieces of material examined each y-ear.
^leanwhile, even before the outbreak of the
War, which of necessity- dictates that national
effort be canalized into propaganda as well as
munitions, there had been a startling growth
both here and abroad in the number of books
and plays dealing with political, sociological or
economic themes, which typically^ rendered them
unfit for film purposes.
Half Political
Mr. Halliday, before leaving for the Coast
and being succeeded as eastern story editor by-
Richard ^Mealand, said that "about half the
material coming out of England at present
is of a political and economic nature," and cited
in addition the increasing number ef books
in England and America dealthg with the
foreign situation, including many from news-
paper correspondents.
Mr. Byram said that the "London theatre
(^Continued from pape 46)
next issue of
BETTER THEATRES
Th
e
ML
BUYERS
NUMBER
containing
THE BUYERS INDEX
including
TERRITORIAL SUPPLY DEALERS
with manufacturer and dealer listings completely revised
in addition to
SPECIAL FEATURES AND REGULAR DEPARTMENTS
October 14th issue of
detteuhedtm
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
FOREIGN PROPAGANDA INCREASED
(.Continued from page 44)
has been more and more concerned, of late, with
sociological trends," giving as examples the
following: "The Corn Is Green," by Emelyn
Williams (who wrote "Night Must Fall"), the
former being a play about Welsh mining life.
Also about Welsh life is "Rhondda Round-
about" by Jack Jones. "World's End Cafe," by
Anthony and Philip Gibbs, is tragically timely,
being about the "next" war, and a peace move-
ment by radio which overcomes dictatorships.
"Follow My Leader," written by Terence
Ratigan and Maurice Anthony, is a satire on
dictatorships. Mr. Ratigan wrote "French
without Tears," which Paramount had planned
as an English production. A satire on the
League of Nations was the summer's production
of George Bernard Shaw's "Geneva." Mr.
Shaw, this year, lent his weight to the film in-
dustry with "Pygmalion," while his "Doctor's
Dilemma" and "Saint Joan" have been planned
as pictures by Gabriel Pascal.
Even such writers as E. Philips Oppenheim
and H. G. Wells with, respectively, "The
Brothers" and "The Holy Terror," have been
writing about dictatorship, while Clemence
Dane, who wrote "A Bill of Divorcement,"
"Broome Stages" and many other plays and
novels, has done the same in her most recent
work, "The Arrogant History of White Ben."
Undercurrent on French Stage
Although the French drama has not recently
reflected the preoccupation with current po-
litical and sociological ideologies to the extent
that the English has, the past few years have
witnessed a steady undercurrent of this type
of material on the French stage.
Typical of the trend through the years, with
respect to this type of play, were the 1937 pro-
duction of "La Paix Est par Demain" ("Peace
Is Due Tomorrow") by Andre Lang, which
was about war and possible means of preven-
tion; the 1938 production of "La Guerre sans
Armes" ("War Without Arms") by Charles
Mere ; the 1939 production of "Rien Qu'un
Homme" ("Only a Man") by Paul Levy, which
was about dictatorships, past and present, and
"La Terre Est Ronde" ("The Earth Is Round")
a story of Savonarola, linked up with modern
dictatorships, by Armand Salacru. The last
named play was one of the two great Paris
stage successes of the past season. Most of
the theatres in Paris have been closed during
the summer, including the annual closing of the
Comedie Francaise, the Odeon and the Opera
Comique.
Dearth in Italy
In Italy the past few theatrical seasons have
been marked by a dearth of new and original
material ; being chiefly concerned with propa-
ganda plays and constant revivals of the works
of Pirandello, D'Annunzio, Ptaga, Rovetta, Gia-
cosa and Goldoni. The WPA National Play
Service Bureau, reporting on the theatre
abroad, says that the past season in Italy was
chiefly notable for the production of Shakes-
peare's "Twelfth Night" and D'Aimunzio's
"Francesca da Rimini."
The productions given by the German theatre
in recent years have been described as being
either "innocuous, or else museum pieces,"
while the French press in recent months has
commented on the fact that German films, as
well, have ceased to be interesting or to have
much artistic value. Also pointed out was the
fact that many of the better known directors
and actors are now living abroad, while the
Nazi party has been using the cinema chiefly
as a means of propaganda either for its ideology
or as an incitement to war.
Even before the outbreak of the second
Question No, 2 in the
Bluebook School
The Bluebook School, conducted in the
Herald for many years by F. H. Richard-
son, has been resumed, based on the new
Second Revision of the Sixth Edition of
Mr. Richardson's Bluebook of Projection.
Under the new presentation of the mate-
rial, projectionists are asked to submit
answers, as formerly, but often the answer
that will be published will be that of
Mr. Richardson himself, or of other spe-
cialists in projection and sound. This pro-
cedure has been adopted with the thought
that it will serve the real purpose of the
"school": to encourage and assist in study
and at the same time facilitate preparation
of effective answers.
The first question, which appeared In the
issue of September 2nd, and the second
are as follows:
QUESTION NO. I: What is feedback?
Reverse feedback? Interelectrode capaci-
tance? Oscillation ?
QUESTION NO. 2: (a) What is exact
width of 35 mm. film sound track?
(b) What characteristics of the film con-
cern projectionists most? (c) Describe, in
detail, correct method of making film
splices.
Answers will begin to appear as soon
as several questions have been submitted.
World War, many film writers, directors and
stars had fled from Germany, Austria, Czecho-
slovakia and Hungary to England, France and
America.
Organize in England
In England, these groups have established the
Free German League of Culture, which has as
patrons and honorary members, among others,
Anthony Asquith, Sir Muirhead Bone, the
Bishop of Chichester, Laurence Housman, Dr.
Julian Huxley, Professor Gilbert Murray and
J. B. Priestley. The 1,500 members of the
League are divided among four sections ; the
Free German Writers' Association in England,
the Actor's section, the Free German Artists'
Association and the Association of German
Musicians in England. Also recently organized
along similar lines is the Austrian Circle for
Arts and Sciences.
In New York, the German American Writers
Association, of which Thomas Mann is hon-
orary president, numbers among its members
Ladislaus Fodor, author of "The Girl from
Trieste" and "The Bride Wore Red" ; Johannes
Foerster, Kurt Hellmer, Richard Plant, Ernst
Toller, Rudolf Kayser, Ernst Wallenberg and
many others who have been active in film work
abroad.
Now on the Coast are, among others, Hans
Janowitz, who wrote the scenario for "The
Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" ; Fritz Lang. Kurt
Robitschek, Richard Revy, Ernst Deutsch,
Wolfgang Zilzer, Georg Froeschel, Billie Wil-
der, Hans Koster and others now active in mo-
tion picture production who formerly had done
work abroad.
Protestant Groups
To Sponsor Series
Described by the Harmon Foundation,
sponsor of church and sociological philan-
thropies and projects, as "a milestone in the
history of American Protestantism," Mr.
and Mrs. Ray Garner, young film expedi-
tioiiers, have returned to New York with a
series of motion pictures taken in Africa as
the first films to be sponsored by eight
Protestant Church groups.
Mr. and Mrs. Garner, age 26 and 24, respec-
tively, arriving in the Congo early in the sum-
mer of 1938, went directly to the French Cam-
eroun, where they made the first dramatic film
"Ngono and Her People."
"Ngono" finished, the Garners went to the
Kasai section in the Congo, where with South-
ern Presbyterian and Southern Methodists mis-
sions, they made two documentary films of mis-
sion activities, and social and economic aspects
of tri'oal life, "Mission Achievements" and
"Children of Africa."
Other films that the Garners made while in
Africa are titled "Song After Sorrow," "The
Light Shines in Bakubaland," "A Day in an
African Village," "The World's Stake in
Africa," "The Story of Bamba" and "What a
Missionary Does."
The Protestant churches, all members of the
Africa Committee of the Foreign Missions Con-
ference, which sponsored the motion picture
expedition were : The Presbyterian Church, The
Methodist Episcopal Church. The ^lethodist
Episcopal Church, South. The Disciples of
Christ, The Church of the Brethren, The Evan-
gelical Reformed Church, The Northern Bap-
tist Convention, The United Brethren in Christ
and the Seventh Day Adventists.
Herbert Cruikshank,
Writer, Dies at 47
Herbert Cruikshank, writer, died Wednes-
day morning at the age of 47 of heart dis-
ease at his home, 25 Central Park West,
New York.
Born in New York, Mr. Cruikshank at 18
went to Oklahoma, where he became a cow-
hand at the 101 Ranch, of which Tom J\lix
was foreman. The tw"0 met again many years
later in Hollywood. From the ranch, ]Mr.
Cruikshank went to W^ashington, becoming
the secretary of Senator Cullum of Illinois.
He then entered the Consular Service and
was made U. S. consul at Queenstown, Ire-
land.
Returning to New Y'ork, Mr. Cruikshank
entered newspaper work, and was editor of
the Exhibitor's Trade Reviezv and, later, of
the Moving Picture World before becoming
motion picture editor of the New York Tele-
graph. He left this post to write for maga-
zines and films, collaborating with Norman
Krasna.
Surviving are his widow, Regina Crewe,
newspaper film critic ; a daughter, Beatrice,
in the publicity department of Universal
on the Coast, and a son, Lawrence, a writer
for Warners.
Funeral services will be held Saturday
noon at Campbell's Funeral Church in New
York.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
47
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Tower of London
(Universal)
Historical Melodrama
Melodramatic political, military and personal
events of English history in the exciting years
1471-1485 will be pictured in "The Tower of
London." Naturally the show will be a cos-
tume production, and the scale upon which
Universal is making it may be realized from the
importance of the names it will present, the
great number of persons who will be used, the
scope, size and authenticity of settings, the
prestige of the principals and the repute of the
producer-director, Rowland V. Lee.
Directly the theme will trace the exploits of
Richard III, an infamous plotter, who used
fair or foul means to win his ends, yet is re-
garded one of the strongest characters of all
time. Basil Rathbone, expert in his part in
"If I Were King," will interpret the title
role. "Tower of London" is also the story of
a great many other persons. There are Boris
Karloff as Richard's trigger man, the kindly
Queen Elizabeth, Edward IV, a strong man
until he was killed, a young Englishman who
remained loyal to his queen during six years
imprisonment and torture, the young princes
Edward and Richard, the queen's young lady in
waiting who helped her lover escape to con-
quer the tyrant and win a crown.
To supplement the name value of Rathbone
and Karloff and help make the grim melodrama
of history real and human, the production will
further make available such personalities as
Barbara O'Neil, Ian Hunter, Nan Grey, Vin-
cent Price, John Sutton, Leo G. Carroll, Miles
Mander, Frances Robinson, Ralph Forbes,
Ernest Cossart and Ronald Sinclair.
Release date: Oct. 6, 1939.
Meet Dr. Christian
(RKO Radio)
Character Story
"Meet Dr. Christian" will be the first of a
series to be produced by Stephens-Lang Pro-
ductions for RKO Radio. The idea is based
on the radio character "Dr. Christian," created
by Jean Hersholt. Harvey Gates wrote the
original story from suggestions supplied by
Jack Hasty. Gates collaborated with Ring
Lardner, Jr., and Ian Hunter in developing the
screen play. Bernard Vorhaus is the director.
The time is today and the locale is a small
Minnesota town. The plot has to do with
the efforts of a doctor to improve the welfare
of his home community. Unselfish and whole-
hearted in his attitude toward his fellow men,
he meets the stern opposition of greed, avarice,
political connivance and downright dishonesty.
Especially is opposition focused on him when
he tries to build a hospital, but he meets each
rebuke with faith and courage and eventually
sets the whole town right.
Hersholt, the doctor in the Dionne Quintup-
lets pictures produced by 20th Century-Fox,
will be supported by Paul Harvey, Dorothy
Lovett, who is new to pictures, Robert Baldwin,
Marcia Mae Jones, Jackie Moran, Patsy Lee
Parson, Enid Bennett, a star of silent days,
Maude Eburne and Sarah Edwards.
Release date : To be determined.
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of September 23
CAPITOL
Football Thrills MGM
A-haunting We Will Go. . . . Universal
Feature: The Women MGM
CRITERION
The Bookworm MGM
Eddie Delange and Orchestra. Vita phone
Feature: Man They Could
Not Hang Columbia
MUSIC HALL
Information Please, No. I . . RKO Radio
Going Places, No. 68 Universal
Feature: Nurse Edith Cavell . RKO Radio
RIVOLI
Gun Play RKO Radio
The Pointer RKO Radio
Feature: The Real Glory. . . . United Artists
ROXY
Fashion Forecasts, No. 5. . . . 20th Cent. -Fox
Feature: The Rains Came . . . 20th Cent. -Fox
STRAND
Modern Methods Vitaphone
Slapsie Maxie Vitaphone
Feature: Espionage Agent .. .Firsi National
Fast and Furious
(MGM)
Comedy Melodrama
It seems that exhibitors will have three
things at least upon which exploitation capital
may be made in connection with "Fast and
Furious." One: It will be the third in the
comic-romantic mystery series of "Fasts" that
began with "Fast Company," followed by "Fast
and Loose." It will be remembered that those
pictures have a flamboyant amusement flair that
proved fairly popular with the masses. Two :
It will star Ann Sothern, the bombastic
"Maisie" girl who also did all right for herself
in "Trade Winds" and "Hotel for Women."
Three : It brings Franchot Tone back to pic-
tures.
The theme of "Fast and Furious" will deviate
from the rare book dealer-amateur detective
plot of its predecessors. This time the book
dealer becomes involved in a bathing beauty
contest. His efforts to judge the contestants
in advance of the contest get his wife all
steamed up. Then some funds are stolen, a
murder is committed, and the wife unearths a
clue which jeopardizes two lives. From there
on the story is fun, excitement, suspense.
Other names which will be available to show-
men are Ruth Hussey, Lee Bowman, Allyn Jos-
lyn, John Miljan, Bernard Nedell, Mary Beth
Hughes, James Burke, Margaret Roach, Gladys
Lake and Granville Bates. Busby Berkeley is
the director.
Release date: Sept. 29, 1939.
Drums along the Mohawk
(20th Century -Fox)
Action Romance
Walter D. Edmunds' novel, on which "Drums
along the Mohawk" was based, was widely
read as a book and as serialized in The Satur-
day Evening Post. The screen play was com-
pleted by Lamar Trotti, who did such pictures
as "Young Mr. Lincoln," "Alexander Graham
Bell" and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" for
20th Fox, and Sonya Levien, who collaborated
with him on the adaptation of "In Old Chicago,"
John Ford, the director, has a long list of
achievements in the action-adventure field.
The picture will star Claudette Colbert and
Henry Fonda, and for principal support names
it will offer Edna Mae Oliver, Eddie Collins,
John Carradine, Dorris Bowden, Jessie Ralph,
Arthur Shields, Robert Lowery and Roger
Imhoff. There will be twenty other feature
name parts in the cast of thousands. To cap-
ture the full entertainment value of red blooded
action, thrilling romance, scenic beauty of the
story with its historical background, "Drums
along the Mohawk" is being produced in color.
In design and prospective appeal "Drums
along the Mohawk" is an American story for
American audiences. It will picture an ex-
citing chapter in early American history, when
British soldiers, allied with Iroquois Indians,
fought against the hardy sharpshooting pi-
oneers of the Mohawk Valley. A love story
contrasts the fierceness of savage combat.
Release date: November 10, 1939.
20,000 Men a Year
(20th Century-Fox)
Timely and Topical
The entertainment character of "20,000 Men
a Year" will be that which automatically falls
to any aviation picture of adventure and ro-
mance. But the production's exploitation sig-
nificance is its topical tone. President Roose-
velt announced a short while ago that the gov-
ernment, in cooperation with America's peace-
time aviation activity, would like to see thou-
sands of young men — 20,000 was the number —
trained annually in the art of flying to aug-
ment the national defense arm. The announce-
ment stimulated widespread comment. The
title of the picture will be brought loudly to
public attention. It will be a Cosmopolitan pro-
duction, and it may be expected that the same
interests which publicized "Alexander Graham
Bell," "Young Mr. Lincoln" and "Hotel for
Women" will be articulate again.
The hero will be seen training some of the
20,000 but the actual theme is one of personal
disappoinment, courage, sacrifice and heroism.
The principal character in the story, Ran-
dolph Scott, has been featured in "Frontier
Marshal" and many other pictures. He will be
supported by Margaret Lindsay, long with
Warners, Preston Foster, Mary Healy, remem-
bered for "Second Fiddle," Kane Richmond,
Douglas Wood, Robert Shaw, George Ernest,
Maxie Rosenbloom and Sidney Miller. Alfred
E. Green is the director. "The Duke of West
Point," "King of the Turf" and "The Gracie
Allen Murder Case" are his latest films.
Release date : Oct. 27, 1939.
48
MOTION PICTURE' HERALD
September 30, 1939
IN COURTS
Name Schines in
Bank Night Suit
A suit for $8,532, claimed due for run-
ning a Bank Night in 24 theatres, was filed
this week in New York supreme court by
Edward Goldstein against Schine Chain
Theatres, Inc., Schine Theatre Company,
Inc., S. K. E. Operating Company, Ltd.,
Schine Enterprises Corporation and Meyer
and Louis Schine, trading as Schine The-
atrical Enterprises.
A contract is claimed to have been signed
January 20, 1938 between the plaintiff and
defendants calling for the employment of
the plaintiff for one year to direct Bank
Night at $10 and $15 per performance in
24 of the defendants theatres.
Judge Fines Manager
Legal precedent was set at Salisbury, Md.,
last week when Chief Judge Benjamin A. John-
son fined Robert Daly, manager of the Arcade
theatre, Salisbury, $500 and costs on lottery
charges in connection with the operation of
Bank Night at the theatre. Charges against
Lucy Neal, ticket seller, who along with Mr.
Daly had been indicted by the Wicomico Coun-
ty grand jury, were dropped.
The Bank Night case against Mr. Daly is
believed to be the first of its kind in Maryland.
Mr. Daly, through his attorney, pleaded guilty.
Kurtz Is Appointed
Bankruptcy Referee
Alfred C. Coxe, federal judge, in New York
this week appointed Irwin Kurtz ancillary Ref-
eree in Bankruptcy of Ambassador Pictures,
Inc., and Conn Productions, Inc., California
companies, and authorized Mr. Kurtz to direct
Joseph Alalcolm as president of Malcolm Lab-
oratories Corporation, Melvin M. Hirsh as
president of Syndicate Exchanges, Inc., and of
Security Pictures, Inc., Mr. Marks as presi-
dent of Marks and Malcolm Trading Corpora-
tion and Samuel Goldstein as treasurer of
Guaranteed Pictures Company to appear for
testimony as to the assets of the companies in
bankruptcy.
The order was signed in response to a peti-
tion of Benjamin Lichtenfeld, trustee of the
companies in bankruptcy, which charged the
respondents with withholding assets belonging
to the companies in bankruptcy.
Exhibitor Appeals on
"Nation" Conviction
An appeal from the conviction of Robert E.
Allan, exhibitor, for having shown "The Birth
of a Nation" in Denver in violation of a city
ordinance, will be argued this week in county
court there.
The ordinance prohibits the showing of mo-
tion pictures which "tend to stir up or engender
race prejudice, or are calculated to disturb the
peace." Mr. Allan was fined $1,400 and sen-
tenced to 120 days in jail. Carle Whitehead,
attorney for the Colorado branch of the Civil
Liberties Union, will intervene as friend of the
court in behalf of Mr. Allan.
Old Time Petroleum Company of Wilming-
ton, owners of the Warner theatre there, has
filed suit asking that the county assessment on
the theatre property be declared excessive and
void. The company contends the assessment
board placed a valuation of $303,200 on the
property for tax purposes, while it should not
exceed $140,300.
IN N E W S R E E L S
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 4, Vol. 22.— Battle scenes
of the war in Poland Roosevelt talks to Congress
on Xeiitrality issues.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 5, Vol. 22.— British King
and Queen visit dock then hospital Windsor called
to duty Survivors of Courageous tell of experience
....British Tommies in the making British vifomen
do the men's work Blackout styles Comedy
boxing by British .soldiers British troops depart
for front American Legion at Chicago Floods
beset war torn Cliina. . . . Lew Lehr.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 202, Vol. 9.— Official Ger-
man pictures of the conquest in Poland. ... Governor
Landon and Colonel Knox summoned to White House
on neutrality issue. .. . President addresses special
session of Congress.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 203, Vol. 9.— Tommies
head for western front.... War scenes dominate Eng-
land King and Queen inspect shipping. .. .Sur-
\'ivors of Courageous come home. ... Paris moves
more Poilus into fighting zone.... Fall fashions.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. y.^Highlights of Louis-
. Pastor and Nova - Galento fights. ... Duke and
Duchess of Windsor. ... Bergdoll faces court martial
....Alfred M. Landon President addresses special
session of Congress on neutrality question.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 8.— New York sees parade
of jitterbugs. ... U. S. war mothers in prayer for
peace. ... Thousands move towards western front...
Scenes of the war in Poland Parley of Americas
maps peace defenses Legion convention stresses
U. S. peace. ... Senate committee convenes on
neutrality question.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 19, Vol. 11.— President ad-
dresses Congress on neutrahty issue Bergdoll at
court martial Latin -American defenses bolstered
U. S. plans 500 ships in 10 years Whalen goes
abroad for New York World Fair Outboard pilots
race for title. .. .Trojans answer call to gridiron.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 20, Vol. 11. -Americas act
to safeguard peace. ... British and French move to
front President's mother celebrates 85th birthdav
Senate Foreign Relations Committee draft neu-
trality bill Jitterbug jamboree invades Gotham
Bostwick Field defeats Greentree for polo title.
UNIVERSAL NEXVSREEl^No. SOS, Vol. 11.— Hamil-
ton, Ont., pays tribute to child victim of Athenia....
Survivors of Athenia land at Glasgow. .. .Army delays
Bergdoll trial. .. .Ship runs aground ofif Gloucester
....Mexicans celebrate independence Army tests
new searchlight Football Pendleton round-up
staged. .. .Grid stars go on warpath.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 809, Vol. 12.— Pitt-
man addresses Senate Foreign Relations Committee
French rush troops to front Panama confer-
ence hits war. . . . Aquitania slips out of New York
Harbor for England Coast gripped by heat wave
....Legionnaires invade Chicago. ... Six-year-old boy
swims Hudson. .. .Jallopies hold reunion race....
Daredevil auto racers stage meet.
Loses Film Rental
Contract Action
A clause in a film rental contract for $5,000
"liquidated damages" for failure to return
prints was held to be out of proportion to the
actual damages involved and therefore void and
unenforceable by Benedict D. Dineen, New
York supreme court justice, after trial of the
suit brought by Lina Pictures Corporation
against Principal Film Exchange, Inc.
However, the court ordered the return of all
prints in the defendant's possession and award-
ed one dollar in damages. The defense con-
tended that several prints had been lost and the
court ruled that an affidavit stating that the
films had been destroyed would be sufficient.
Withdraw Damage Suit
A suit for $150,000 damages claiming con-
version of film rights brought by Lina Pictures
Corporation against H. E. R. Laboratories,
Inc., Garrison Film Distributors, Inc., and
Aladdin Pictures Corporation was discontinued
this week when a stipulation was filed in the
New York supreme court withdrawing the suit
and conceding all disputed rights to the de-
fendants. Lina Pictures had sued under an as-
signment of film rights from Talking Picture
Epics.
Attorney Sues Lynch
Claiming that $250,000 was due him for ser-
vices rendered to the defendant in the Para-
mount Public Corporation reorganization, David
Stoneham, Boston lawyer, filed suit in New
York supreme court this week against Stephen
A. Lynch.
OBITUARIES
Floj/d GibbonsDies;
Reporter^ Producer
Floyd Gibbons, the most spectacular jour-
nalist of the first World War, died last Sun-
day night at his country place near .Strouds-
burg. Pa., and was buried in Mount Olivet
Cemetery, Washington, D. C, after services
at Dahlgren Temple, Georgetown Univer-
sity.
Aiter the war, Mr. Gibbons came to fame
as a radio commentator, with a remarkable
rapid fire staccato delivery of sometimes
215 words a minute. More recently he had
been engaged in making a series of adven-
ture tale short subjects for Warner Broth-
ers. When his last illness overtook him he
was planning to go to Europe as a war cor-
respondent for the Hearst newspapers.
Mr. Gibbons was born in Washington
July 16, 1887. He began his newspaper
career on the Minneapolis Daily News when
he was 20 years old. He worked for vari-
ous northwestern papers and went thence
to Chicago where he was ultimately em-
ployed by the Chicago Tribune, which sent
him to Mexico in the days of Villa. Gib-
bons distinguished himself on world war
fronts. He was wounded and lost an eye at
Chateau-Thierry. His best known news-
paper story was on the sinking of the La-
conia, on which he had sailed because he
expected it to be torpedoed.
Mr. Gibbons' one marriage ended in dis-
appointment. He died alone. He leaves no
children. His survivors include two broth-
ers, Edward T. Gibbons of W'ashington and
Donald Gibbons of Milwaukee, and two sis-
ters, Mrs. Theodore Mayer of Newton Cen-
ter, Mass., and Mrs. Margaret Chapman of
Chicago.
Ingle Carpenter Dies
Ingle Carpenter, personal attorney of
Charles R. Rogers, producer, died Septem-
ber 23rd in Hollywood. Mr. Carpenter,
who was 69, formerly represented Joseph
M. Schenck and was business manager for
Constance and Norma Talmadge, and other
stars.
Tinn Donahue
Tim Donahue, salesman for Columbia in
Boston, died there September 24th from a
heart attack.
Laura Bennett
Miss Laura Bennett, 79, retired actress,
who in private life was Mrs. Laura Smith
Shields, died September 24th in Jackson
Heights, N. Y. She was the widow of John
A. Shields, a minstrel known on the stage
as Harry Woodson.
Laura La Vernie
Mrs. Laura La Vernie, a former Broad-
way actress who arrived in Hollywood
some 35 years ago to act in motion pictures
for the old Biograph studio, died there Sep-
tember 24th. Mrs. La Vernie, who was 85,
retired in 1931.
September 30, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
49
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
THE problem of blending one's business profes-
sion with one's hobby has been nicely handled
by Harry Arthur, Jr., vice-president of Fan-
chon and Marco, with offices in the RCA
Building, New York.
As a child, Mr. Arthur read and had read
to him the King Arthur stories, and, as they
do all children, they fascinated him. Galahad,
Lancelot, Guinevere, Gawain, Elaine the Lily
^laid of Astolat — those were names, names to
fire the imagination.
But with Mr. Arthur, his interest, his ex-
citement in the Knights of the Round Table
did not die as he reached maturity. He became
even more interested. His knowledge of Ar-
thuriana is wide ; his library filled with tomes
dealing with that romantic period of English
history.
And he has carried this interest into his
business. If you happen to notice the office di-
rectory in the RCA Building, at Rockefeller
Center, you'll see these two listings : Camelot
Theatre Corporation of Mass., and Galahad
Theatre Corporation of Mass. — merely names
of two corporations which operate movie thea-
tres in New England.
Harry Arthur, who doesn't do any descent-
tracing to England's King, has a large farm at
Peekskill, New York, where he raises horses
and dogs, and again crops up the Arthurian
legend. How? Well, here are the names of
four of his dogs : Guinevere; Lancelot, Elaine,
and Gawain.
V
To Leonard Lyons, conductor of The
Lyons Den in the New York Evening Post,
we are indebted for the story about Max
Gordon, producing the movie adaptation of
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois," for RKO, who was
lamenting about the losses being sustained
because a large company of extras on loca-
tion up in Oregon was unable to work be-
cause of the smoke from nearby forest fires.
"Every hour of delay because of that
smoke costs a fortune," Max complained as
he asked Garson Kanin for a suggestion.
"Change the title to 'Abe Lincoln in Pitts-
burgh,' " advised Kanin.
V
At a loss for a new twist in exploitation for
their picture of the day, "Frontier Marshall,"
Manager Harold Lyon and Publicity-director
Lionel Wasson, built a grave on the sidewalk
in front of their Capitol theatre, Burlington,
Iowa, and erected thereon a tombstone with the
epitaph : "Here lies the Guy who thought he
was faster on the trigger than the Frontier
Marshal."
V
Stcp'Into-My-Parlor Department, from clas-
sified advertising "Personal" columns of Los
Angeles newspapers:
GIANT BRAZILIAN SPIDERS
I will buy limited number spiders dead or
alive in good condition. Must have 7-inch
or more legspread for filming "Green Hell."
Address: Harry Edlngton, Famous Produc-
tions, Universal City, Cal.
V
Neil Hellmany independent operator of the
Paramount theatre, Albany, must have made
some mighty strong friends among the town's
husbands, when he gave azvay a large carving
knife to each matron attending his quiet Sunday
afternoon matinee.
The New York Herald-Tribune, in a copy-
righted dispatch from its London bureau, re-
ports that the management of a London mo-
tion picture theatre is offering its audiences a
reward of some $40,000 for the capture alive
of Fuehrer Adolph Hitler.
Chamberlain would triple that, and Daladier
would triple again.
V
And from London's Daily Film Renter trade
paper comes a tear sheet showing an advertise-
ment containing a marked sign of the times.
Inserted by Reeds Theatres, Farnborough,
the advertisement advises prospects that it has
rooms available with suitable office accommoda-
tion and facilities for sleeping. Bomb-proofing
not guaranteed.
Ward Farrar, manager of Loew's theatre
in Indianapolis, gives the craziest explanation
for the naming of "The Wizard of Oz" story.
Mr. Farrar says that the explanation is
contained in a letter written in 1903 by L.
Frank Baum, the author, to an executive of
Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, which
first published the book, and still does. The
letter, now in possession of A. H. Hepburn,
an official of the publishing firm, quotes Mr.
Baum from his letter as follows:
"I have a little cabinet letter-file on my
desk. I was thinking and wondering about
a title for the story, and settled on the 'Wiz-
ard' part of it when my gaze was caught by
the gilt letters on the three drawers in the
letter cabinet. The first were A-G; the next,
H-N, and on the last drawer were the letters
O-Z, and OZ it became."
V
The motion picture industry is heading for
some pretty strong competition in its efforts
to get public attention for its 50th anniversary
"Golden Jubilee Week," this first week of Oc-
tober. During the very same week there will be
observed "National Donut Week" and the Na-
tional Donut Week Committee is inviting ex-
hibitors the country over to join with them in
boosting the little round cake built 'round the
traditional hole.
The committee in pursuing research on the
donut discovered that in exhuming petrified re-
mains in the wastelands of the West, Dr. E. B.
Renaud, of the Colorado Museum of Natural
History, proved that a North American race
older than the Pueblos ate some form of donut.
Research further revealed that as far back as
the 16th Century, the Dutch had donuts, called
them "vet Kookies" and "olykeks."
The first U. S. donut shop was founded in
1739 by Mrs. Anna Joralemon, on Alaiden Lane,
New York City. Her descendants, Mr. and
Mrs. Frederick Joralemon and daughter, Ruth
Irene, now reside at 60 Locust Drive, Milburn,
N. J.
To Captain Gregory, a mariner of Camden,
Maine, falls the distinction of inventing the hole
in the donut in 1847. Noticing that his mother's
donuts remained soft, soggy and unbaked in the
center (they were round, studded with a nut in
the center at the time) he persuaded her to omit
the center, leaving a hole instead. Hence the
donut with the hole that we know today.
Motion Picture exhibitors interested in tying
up with the "National Donut Week's" celebra-
tion are invited by the committee to write to
Bert Nevins, SO East 42d St., New York City.
VOC.A.LLY, at least, America is already well
prepared for war.
Tin Pan Alley is ready, the publishers are
ready, ASCAP is already eyeing a new channel
of royalty income.
Twenty-odd years after "Pack Up Your
Troubles," "Over There" and "Tipperary," the
patriotic song business has become a new busi-
ness.
Starting off with the Irving Berlin version
of "God Bless America," as popularized on
the air by Kate Smith, we find among new titles
listed as likely to be sung, hummed and whistled
on all sides, such fiag-waving renditions as
"God's Country" by Harold Arlen ; "America
We All Love You" by Joe Weber and Charles
McCarthy; "Stand by America" by Ethel Wall;
"I Am an American" by Benjamin Neal ; "The
Eyes of the Fleet" by Lieut.-Com. McEdlufif ;
"Our Glorious America" by Kenneth Clark, and
"My Own U. S. A." by Frank Westdahl.
V
Paitl Harrison, writing from Hollywood, re-
ports that nearly 50 studio and production ex-
ecutives out there have projection and sound
equipment in their homes, and that they're con-
stantly borrowing each other's new films for ex-
hibition. During the weekend parties some of
them offer double bills and double Martinis, and
the other day one provided Keeno and a set of
dishes.
V
Dame May Whitty, 74 years old, who ar-
rived in Hollywood the other day at the in-
stigation of Sam Goldwyn to appear in his "Raf-
fles," is a grand old dame. She has been ac-
tive on the stage for a straight 68 years, since
she was eight. She was created a Dame Com-
mander of the Order of - the British Empire, for
services in connection with the World War, in
Jamiary, 1918.
V
We haven't seen in the newsreels as yet
any of the more unique effects of the Sino-
Japanese war on the populace of both sides.
In Japan, for instance, baseball teams have
to play with old balls wound with adhesive
tape to make them last longer. An order by
the Government forbids the purchase of new
equipment of any kind for athletics.
V
Some of those countless hordes of motion
picture press agents who walk Broadway and
Hollywood Boulevard in search of employ-
ment, might look into the word sent back from
Tuba City, Arizona, by Ernie Pyle, to the ef-
fect that the Navajo Indians out in that In-
dian country are in sore n-eed of press agents.
He says that they have great flocks of fat-
tened sheep., are overrun zvith beautiful butter-
ball conditioned ponies and are blanketed under
large piles of good looking Navajo rugs — yet
are starving for want of some effective exploi-
tation and publicity.
When a rug is finished by the women folk
the Indian man gets on his horse, rides to a
trading post, bargains with the trader, arrives
at a price amd takes that much out in foodstuffs
and supplies.
It takes a lot of time to trade with a Na-
vajo. He'll sit and think all day. He'll ride in
for 30 miles to trade off a $3 rug. He'll hang
around two or three days and nights zvhile the
dickering goes on. He'll up and ride another
50 miles to get an extra dime. What he needs
is a couple of film salesmen as managers.
They'll fix him up in pretty short order.
50
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
IN THE BRITISH
STUDIOS
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Marking Time
British production, still awaiting a lead
from the Government, uncertain yet as what
is to be the state's policy in regard to Brit-
ish films, is currently, and compulsorily,
marking time.
On the cards are indications that the Gov-
ernment's policy will be that films, as a sec-
tion of the whole entertainment scene, are a
national service. The Home Ofiice's decision
to permit the reopening of cinemas, obvious-
ly on the grounds that the recreation of the
masses is essential in these times, is accepted
as evidence of an approving point of view
on the part of Whitehall. So, too, are the re-
ports, well founded, that although the Board
of Trade is likely to suspend the Quoto pro-
visions of the Films Act, it does not intend
to provoke a situation akin to that during
the last war when production was completely
halted. Some form of compromise appropri-
ate to the continuance of production in one
form or another is almost certain.
The Government's own position in regard
to the making of films is yet to be clarified.
Meanwhile it is sponsoring, in one form or
another, the production of films with a prop-
aganda basis. Alexander Korda, for in-
stance, is making at Denham a subject with
an Air Force background and calculated to
dramatize the might of the country's air arm.
Documentary passages have been shot for
him by the GPO Film Unit.
The GPO Film Unit has made a film on
M^ar preparedness which has been issued
throughout the country. Other Government
departments linked with the Ministry of In-
formation will probably follow suit.
Meanwhile, in the purely entertainment
field, production is continuing and will con-
tinue in more than one British studio, and,
in more than one instance, with American
backing.
A director of film publicity has been
elected at the Ministry of Information in
the person of Sir Joseph Ball. It is prob-
able that one of his duties will be not only
to watch production with a Governmental
eye, but likewise to organize and direct the
making of films in the propaganda field.
Each Government department is linked
with the Ministry of Information and more
than one film is in production, or to be
produced shortly by the GPO Film Unit,
which may become the nerve center of offi-
cial wartime film production.
Maxwell J Plans
War, nor the menace of German bombers,
it would seem, is to be allowed to interfere
with the production plans of John Maxwell
and his producer henchman, Walter My-
croft, who announce their intention of carry-
ing on making comedies and thrillers at the
Elstree Studios. The certaintv of an immedi-
GPO UNIT MAKING
PROPAGANDA FILMS
Under Government auspices the
GPO Film Unit, most consistently
active of state sponsored production
groups, is now making films for the
Ministry of Infortnation.
Recently they have concluded pro-
duction of a film entitled "Do It
Now" {see Showmen's Reviews in this
issue) which aims to instruct the
populace on what they should do,
and what they should not do, in war.
The picture, a 1,000 footer, has been
taken over by the Ministry of Infor-
mation and has been issued for show-
ing on nearly every screen in the
country. The film, made before the
war, was originally titled "If War
Should Come".
Meanwhile, GPO camera units are
on location making film records of
Britain's four-square attitude toward
the present war and the steps taken
to consolidate public security.
ate release through the 400 houses on the
ABPC circuit is, of course, no negligible
argument.
Production starts at Elstree next month
on a remake of the old Ian Hay comedy,
"The Middle Watch," with Mary Maguire,
Sebastian Shaw, David Hutcheson, Reginald
Purdell, and ex-topline comedian, Leslie
Fuller.
This storv will be followed by an Edgar
Wallace thriller, "The Yellow Mask"; an
Irish comedy," Spring Meeting" ; another
thriller, "Alias, the Bulldog"; and later a
remake of Gene Gerrard's old success, "My
Wife's Family," based upon a London stage
play.
Formby and War
The problem of war and its spirit is cur-
rently concerning producer Michael Balcon,
who, determined to continue making films
with British record money-making star
George Formby as the hero, has not yet
decided whether the public will want to see
him in war or A.R.P. background. Formby,
however, will be Ealing Studios' brightest
star, and Walter Forde, himself a 1914-18
comedian, will direct the next picture, which
should start in October.
The war, too, has set a problem with
script writers on Ealing's "David Goliath."
Seth, one character who runs through the
film, has had to be taken out, for the artist
who has the role was called to the colors. A
new character, Danny, was written in as
substitute.
Going Ahead
The attitude of Paramount British toward
production here is exemplified in its de-
clared intention to carry on with its Brit-
ish program. Mario Zampi, producer-di-
rector for the organization in this country,
has declared that the motto of his unit is
"business as usual." In spite of the situa-
tion he is to go ahead with a £150,000
($600,000) program of four new films.
Mr. Zampi, who has finished "French
Without Tears," yet awaiting trade show,
and who recently has directed and produced
the Duggie Wakefield comedy, "Live and
Let Live," is working on stories to launch
into practical process. The four pictures
will cost between £25,000 and £50,000 each.
Relaxation
A peacetime show, which is to be aimed
at wartime relaxation, is the Gaumont screen
version of Britain's most popular radio pro-
gram, "Band Waggon." This is in produc-
tion at the Shepherds Bush Studios, with
radio topliner Arthur Askey in the leading
role. Askey is, of course, assisted by other
artists who have been familiar on the "Band
Waggon" hour.
"Band Waggon" is a peculiar entertain-
ment compote of comedy, music, drama,
puzzles and romance, a feature not remote-
ly difYerent from the Jack Benny radio hour.
Much of the setting of "Band Waggon" is
purported to be in Britain's Broadcasting
House, and art director Vetchinsky has set
up in the Shepherds Bush Studios a series of
sets which are said to be replicas of the
BBC's headquarters.
In the film with "Big-hearted" Arthur As-
key and Richard "Stinker" Murdoch are
Peter Gawthorne as the assistant director of
supervision, Wally Patch as the military
commissionaire, radio headliner Michael
Standing, band leader Jack Hylton, and a
radio broadcaster, second only in favor to
Askey, gardening expert C. H. Middleton.
Donald Calthrop, noted British actor, makes
a return to films after an absence of two
years in this production, which is being di-
rected by Marcel Varnel with Maurice Os-
trer in charge of production.
Selig's War Film Opens
"Double Crime in the Maginot Line,"
feature produced in and around the French
Maginot Line, where the second world war
is now raging, will have its first public
showing Friday at the Larkin theatre, San
Francisco, opening the next day at the New
Amsterdam, Times Square, New York, the
Esquire, Hollywood, October 5th, and at
Warners' De Witt, in Bayonne, N. J., on
October 10th. Al Selig, former motion pic-
ture advertising and publicity writer, is dis-
tributing in the U. S.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
51
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE TAKES A VACATION: Penny Single-
ton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms — Another good picture
in this series that have taken America by storm. Per-
sonally did not think it as good as the last one but,
with no complaints from the audience, feel that I
should not complain. Very good for our situation.
Running time, 68 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
GOOD GIRLS GO TO PARIS: Melvyn Douglas,
Joan Blondell, Walter Connolly — Not up to anything
worth mentioning. I saw it twice but did not find
out what the story (if any) was about. We did close
to an all-time low gross on it, failing to pay expenses
by considerable. Running time, 78 minutes. Played
September 3-4. — Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley
Theatre, Manassa, Colo. Farming community patron-
age.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, Richard Barthelmess — A
wonderful picture and certainly entitled to more gross
than we gave it here. Business is terrible so what
will it be when winter sets in? Haven't had a picture
to hold the attention like this one did for a long time.
Running time, 121 minutes. Played September 10-11.
— Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs
Neb. Small town patronage.
ROMANCE OF THE REDWOODS: Jean Parker.
Charles Bickford — Gets by nicely in the sticks. Second
half in the big town. They won't walk out. Running
time, 67 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine.
TEXAS STAMPEDE: Charles Starrett, Iris Mere-
dith— Regular western. Played with "Prison without
Bars."— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
WEST OF CHEYENNE: Charles Starrett, Iris
Meredith — As good as a western fan could wish. West-
ern fans liked it very much. Business off due to heat.
— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
First National
COWBOY QUARTERBACK, THE: Marie Wilson,
Bert Wheeler, Gloria Dickson — Played this little come-
dy on a weekend but it is not so hot. Not much come-
edy and the gags pulled were so old that they grew
a beard. Just fair but will not stand alone. Running
time, 56 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligo-
nier, Ind. Small town patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: James Cagney, George Raft,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — Grand picture and
grand stars. A cleanup in any man's town. Running
time, 92 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine.
OLD MAID, THE: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins,
George Brent, Jane Bryan — Plan for holdover dates on
this one. The women eat it up. Bette Davis again
turns in a topnotch performance. Davis makes a lot
of those donkeys who think they are actresses look
like the Cherry Sisters. Running time, 95 minutes.
Played September 13-15.— Stanley Lambert, Rialto The-
atre, Racine, Wis. General patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, THE:
Mickey Rooney, Walter Connolly, Lynne Carver, Rex
Ingram — You have a natural in "Huckleberry Finn"
and then have Mickey Rooney thrown in. What more
could you ask for? Running time, 92 minutes. Sep-
tember 15-17.— O. W. Chapek, Annex Theatre, Ana-
moose, N. D. Rural and small town patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat, Greer Gar-
son — It is just a little stodgy at the start but it picks
up as it gaes along. The picture is one that will be
highly appreciated by the audiences that like the
finer things. It is splendidly produced. Donat gives
just as fine a performance as he did in "The Citadel"
and Miss Garson definitely has something. Foreign
menace to the front again. I would not want a cycle
of this type but your house loses nothing in prestige.
Though it did only average business, it still is a sat-
isfactory picture in all respects to offer any audieiice.
— A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City,
Ind. General patronage.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: Claudette Col-
IN this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
bert, James Stewart — Certainly a fine picture with
plenty of fun and excitement. In pictures of this type
Colbert is always fine. And who could hope to im-
prove upon James Stewart? Running time, 86 min-
utes. Played September 3-4. — Horn and Morgan, Inc.,
Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Hedy Lamarr, Robert
Taylor — A picture the women will go for in a big
way and as a result bring the men along. Box office
better than average. Miss Lamarr is all that the
critics say she is. All in all a good picture of its kind
that should do well your best days. Running time,
92 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ind. Small
town patronage.
LUCKY NIGHT: Myrna Loy, Robert Taylor— This
one is well acted and is entertaining. But the story
is just a good bit off color. A high class girl picks
up a strange man on a park bench and they go on a
'bat," waking up married in a hotel room the next
morning, unable to recall how it all came about. And
the marriage turns out O. K. Maybe Will Hays
thought this story suitable for the screen but I can't
seem to see how he did it. Running time, 91 minutes.
Played August 27-28.— Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg,
Valley Theatre, Manassa, Colo. Farming community
patronage.
MAISIE: Ann Sothern, Robert Young — Boys, this
is strictly a honey. A mighty good antidote for box
office poisoned by "Broadway Serenade," "Dramatic
School," "Idiot's Delight," "Bridal Suite," etc. Run-
ning time, 70 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre,
Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
MERRILY WE LIVE: Constance Bennett, Brian
Aherne, Alan Mowbray, Billie Burke, Patsy Kelly —
D'on't overlook this comedy. Our people ate it up.
They came out laughing and coniphmented us. Nice
business. Play it. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
MIRACLES FOR SALE: Robert Young, Florence
Rice — Fair picture; fair business. Plot deals with
magicians and a murder mystery. Played September
10-11. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
ON BORROWED TIME: Lionel Barrymore, Beulah
Bondi, Bobs Watson, Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Una
Merkel — This picture was unusual as was "Death
Takes a Holiday," that was made some years ago.
The theme behind it is that Death is not something
to dread. It is fantastic, true, but the way they
were called and by Cedric Hardwicke with his quiet
voice made an intriguing picture. — A. E. Hancock,
Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. General pat-
ronage.
ROSE MARIE (reissue): Jeanette MacDonald, Nel-
son Eddy — Another box office hit. Nelson Eddy's
best performance and Jeanette MacDonald is as usual
tops. Above average business for this one. Running
time, 112 minutes. Played September 4-5. — Jean L.
George, Jubilee Theatre, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
SAN FRANCISCO (reissue): Clark Gable, Jeanette
MacDonald. Spencer Tracy — Went to town on this one.
No need for praise on this picture. Just play it. Even
if you plaved it when first issued, it will stand a sec-
ond run in any town. Running time, 115 minutes.
Played August 18-19. — Jean L. George, Jubilee. Theatre,
Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada. Small town and rural
patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny Weissmuller,
Maureen O Sullivan— The best of the Tarzan pictures.
Worth waitmg the three years for. Should satisfy all
Sunday fans. Filmed in sepia and photography is
excellent. Running time, 82 minutes. Flayed Septem-
t^'; 17-19.-Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny Weissmuller,
Maureen O Sullivan— This one naturally has a
. screwy" plot and a lot of rather obvious faking but
they come to see it in large numbers. In fact by
running it an extra night, it will give us the largest
attendance we have had on a picture in several years
Running time, 82 minutes. Played September 9-11 —
Dr. G. A. yan Fradenburg, Valley Theatre, Manassa,
Col. farming community patronage.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt—
Here s an excellent melodrama with thrills galore.
But it didn't do any business. Running time, 69 min-
utes. Played September 8-9.— Horn and Morgan Inc
Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patron-
age.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Kosahnd Russell, Paulette Goddard, Mary Boland, Vir-
ginia Weidler— I am sending this review in after only
two days of the picture. This one topped "Golden
Boy, and that was very big. The women can't wait
to get m to see it. Russell is a knockout. This pic-
ture even brought in the hibernating haybags from the
sticks. George Cukor deserves a big hand. Running
time, 132 minutes. Played September 16-22.— Stanley
Lambert, Rialto Theatre, Racine, Wis. General pat-
ronage.
Monogram
MYSTERY PLANE: John Trent, Marjorie Rey-
nolds—Too many walkouts on this one. Doesn't make
the series very encouraging. Running time, 60 min-
utes.—C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Dew, Miss. Rural
and small town patronage.
Paramount
BOY TROUBLE: Charles Ruggles. Mary Boland,
Billy Lee, Donald O'Connor— No terrific draw here.
Young Billy Lee turns in a nice performance as well
as "Small Fry" O'Connor. Business below par. Run-
ning time, 74 minutes. Played September 15-16.— R. A.
Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patron-
age.
HOTEL IMPERIAL: Isa Miranda, Ray Milland—
Played with "Night Work." Both like drawing to
a flush and missing. Your only chance to win is by
bluffing.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Maine. General patronage.
INVITATION TO HAPPINESS: Irene Dunne, Fred
MacMurray— Good program picture but I can't say
anything more for it. Little less than average busi-
ness. Running time, 95 minutes. Played August 21-
22.— Jean L. George, Jubilee Theatre, Deloraine, Mani-
toba, Canada. Small town and rural patronage.
LADY'S FROM KENTUCKY, THE: George Raft.
Ellen Drew, Hugh Herbert, Zasu Pitts— Box office
got a little rusty while pla'ying this but it's a good
picture. Running time, 75 minutes.— C. H. Collier,
Globe Tlieatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town
patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Rochester, Edward Arnold. Binnie Barnes-
Honors due to producer Arthur Hornblow, Jr., and
director Mark Sandrich on this one. Paramount has
at last tumbled and given Benny a picture in which he
can draw his screen fans as he has won his radio fans.
Good comedy and plenty of eye lure in the glamour
girl episodes. Rochester steals the show. Running
time, 85 minutes. Played September 11-12. — Jean L.
George, Jubilee Theatre, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Rochester, Jack Benny, Dor-
othy Lamour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes — An ex-
cellent comedy with Rochester stealing all scenes he
appears in. Adults enjoyed this more than children.
Running time, 85 minutes. Played September 10-12. —
{Contimted on following page)
52
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(Continued from ttrcccdiiii/ page)
Guy C. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small
town patronage.
NIGHT WORK: Mary Boland, Charles Ruggles—
See report on "Hotel Imperial."— W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
OUR LEADING CITIZEN: Bob Burns, Susan Hay-
ward— I never made a dime on a Bob Burns picture
yet, and this was no exception. People don't want to
be educated or preached to. Tliey want entertainment.
Running time, 85 minutes.— E. C. Arehart, Strand
Theatre, Milford, Iowa. General patronage.
SUNSET TRAIL: William Boyd, Russell Hayden,
George Hayes— Very good Cassidy western that won't
let you down. Running time, 66 minutes.— C. H.
Collier, Globe Tlieatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small
town patronage.
TOUCHDOWN ARMY: John Howard, Robert Cum-
mings. Mary Carlisle— Another "B" firm that steals
honors from" the big "A's." Let's have more like
it; only make them longer. Running time, 70 mm-
utes. Played September 13-14.— Guy G. Black, Plaza
Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
Republic
IN OLD MONTEREY: Gene Autry, Smiley Burn-
ette, George Hayes— Good picture; good business. This
is longer and better than the average Autry. Played
September 15-16.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
WOMAN DOCTOR: Frieda Inescort, Henry Wil-
coxon, Claire Dodd, Sybil Jason— This picture got
quite a bit of praise. Running time, 65 minutes.— C. H.
Collier. Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small
town patronage.
RKO Radio
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David Ni-
ven, Charles Coburn— I simply wish to report this, in
my opinion, is the best picture to come from RKO m
two years.— E. C. Arehart, Strand Theatre, Milford,
Iowa; General patronage.
DAY THE BOOKIES WEPT, THE: Joe Penner,
Betty Grable— It's all "nerts" but evidently patrons
liked it. Come again, Joe. Poor title. Running time,
65 minutes.— E. C. Arehart, Strand Tlieatre, Milford,
Iowa. General patronage.
FIVE CAME BACK: Chester Morris, Wendy Bar-
rie, C. Aubrey Smith, Lucille Ball— Got quite a sur-
prise out of this one. It has action, suspense and
more than a few thrills, spilling a few tears into the
bargain. 'Very good character portrayals by the whole
show. Above average business on this one. Running
time, 75 minutes. Played August 25-26.— Jean L.
George, Jubilee Theatre, D'eloraine, Manitoba, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
IN NAME ONLY: Carole Lombard. Gary Grant,
Kay Francis — The ladies went for this and pulled the
men along with them. Running time, 85 minutes. —
E. C. Arehart, Strand Theatre. Milford, Iowa. Gen-
eral patronage.
TWELVE CROWDED HOURS: Richard Dix, Lu-
cille Ball — Nice program picture. Running time, 61
minutes.— C. H. Collier. Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss.
Rural and small town patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers, Richard Bond, Arleen
Whelan — Average Withers picture except at the box
office. Fox, why don't you give her a break? Run-
ning time, 69 minutes.— C. H. Collier. Globe Theatre,
Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
CHASING DANGER: Preston Foster, Lynn Bari—
Very good but had stiff competition, night football.
If you have footba'U nights in your town, you know
what we mean by competition. Running time. 60
minutes. Played September 15-16.— Guy G. Black,
Plaza Thetare, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
CHICKEN WAGON FAMILY: Jane Withers, Leo
Carrillo, Marjorie Weaver — Good picture and good
business. Jane always pleases here. Played Septem-
ber 13. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey.
Okla. Small town patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Richard
Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel Bruce —
This seemed to please everyone who saw it but some-
how it just didn't draw them in. It has lots of thrills
and this is added to by the fact that a lot of the
picture takes place on very misty and eerie moors,
consequently it is hard to see in some places. Very
poor box office. Running time, 80 minutes. Played
August 28-29. — Jean L. George, Jubilee Theatre, De-
loraine, Manitoba. Canada. .Small town and rural
patronage.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU: Gloria Stuart, Stu-
art Erwin — Just a fair program picture that will get
by if your audience is not too critical. Good to see
Stu Erwin again, even if the picture was just another
filler. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia
City, Ind. General patronage.
MR. MOTO IN DANGER ISLAND: Peter Loire,
Jean Hcrsliolt, Amanda Duff~-No complaints .and no
compliments. Average double feature entertainment.
Played September 13. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
MR. MOTO'S LAST WARNING: Peter Lorre,
George Sanders, Virginia Field, Ricardo Cortez —
Very good for dual bill. Business off due to heat
wave. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Tyrone Pow-
er, Alice Faye, Al Jolson — The majority was terribly
disappointed. Certainly a punk part for Mr. Power.
Running time, 86 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe The-
atre, Drew, Miss. Rur.il and small town patronage.
STANLEY AND LIVINGSTONE: Spencer Tracy,
Richard Greene, Nancy Kelly, Walter Brennan, Charles
C'oburn, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Henry Hull — Good
enough for extended runs. Liked generally. Not big
but gets under the wire hne and seems to click every-
where. McPhee knows. Running time, 100 minutes. —
W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine.
General patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, THE:
Don Ameche, Loretta Young, Henry Fonda, Young
Sisters — Class production but there wasn't any in our
class. Running time, 90 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe
Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
United Artists
CAPTAIN FURY: Brian Aherne, Victor McLaglen,
Paul Lukas, June Lang — This will please your West-
ern fans. It is more or less that sort of a picture but
the story of early Australia is totally different from a
regulation Western. It is about 50 per cent longer
than most Westerns. Running time, 91 minutes.
Played September 1-2. — Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg,
Valley Theatre, Manassa, Colo. Farming community
patronage.
DIVORCE OF LADY X, THE: Merle Oberon, Lau-
rence Richardson, Binnie Barnes, Ralph Richardson
— D'idn't click here. These pictures are sure poison
at the box office with us. Didn't make film rental. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
KING OF THE TURF: Adolphe Menjou. Dolores
Costello, Roger Daniel — If they would have forgotten
about the race horse angle, this picture would have
done a lot better. This was really a great show but
people stayed away due to horse racing, as they don't
go for it. Everyone that saw it praised it highly.
Running time, 88 mintes. Played September 8-10.—
O. W. Chapek, Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D.
Rural and small town patronage.
PRISON WITHOUT BARS: Corinne Luchaire, Edna
Best — Should be renamed 'Prison with Bars." Played
with "Texas Stampede." — W. E. McPhee, Strand The-
atre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
STAGECOACH: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy
Devine, George Bancroft, Thomas Mitchell. Louise
Piatt, Mary Kathleen Walker, Donald Meek, John
Carradine, Berton Churchill — An epic of the romance,
tragedy and comedy of the old west with Claire Tre-
vor,^ John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell, Donald Meek.
Louise Piatt, John Carradine, Andy Devine, Berton
Churchill and George Bancroft forming a cast rarely
seen in a western and making this one of the out-
standing pictures of the year. Photography of the
outdoor sequences is excellent, showing the cactus,
buttes and obelisks of the desert country. Especial
mention should be made of the youngest member of the
cast, Mary Kathleen Walker, who makes her screen
debut at the age of three days. My only objection
to this one is the apparent cruelty of making the
Indian ponies turn cartwheels every time an Indian
was shot. That struck me as being neither accurate
or necessary. More westerns like this one and the
adults as well as the kiddies will come back to the
theatre. Running time, 96 minutes. Plaved September
8-10.— Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon,
Kansas. Small town patronage.
WINTER CARNIVAL: Ann Sheridan, Richard Carl-
son. Helen P'arrish, Robert Armstrong — This should
hold some interest for ski fans but other than that
it is just a light and frivolous college story. Aver-
age business on this one. Running time, 100 minutes.
Played September 1-2. — Jean L. George. Jubilee Thea-
tre, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada. Small town and
rural patronage.
Universal
FOR LOVE OR MONEY: June Lang, Robert Kent
— Just a picture that you won't miss if you don't play
it. Running time, 61 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe
Theatre, Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
SPIRIT O'F CULVER: Jackie Coooer. Freddie Bar-
tholomew, Andy Devine, Henry Hull, Jackie Moran —
Had more good reports on this picture from the few
who saw it than any program for some time. A
very good picture. Running time, 90 minutes. Played
September 13-14.— R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clar-
ence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
SUN NEVER SETS, THE: Basil Rathbone, Douglas
Fairbanks, Jr. — This picture lives ud to all expecta-
tions and then some. A heart stirring drama of the
loyalty and sacrifices made by British service men
for their Empire. You can't go wrong with this one.
Best business at the box office this season. Running
time, 100 minutes. Played September 8-9.— Jean L.
George, Jubilee Theatre, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada.
Small town and rural patronage.
Warner Brothers
HARD TO GET: Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland,
Charles Winninger, Allen Jenkins — Very good comedy
with Chas. Winninger stealing the show. However,
had a very poor print on this one and the sound was
"Hard to Get." Very little singing by Powell. Can
recommend it, however. Running time, 81 minutes.—
A. L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Saskatche-
wan, Canada. Rural and small town patronage.
JUAREZ: Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne,
Claude Rains, John Garfield — Very fine production that
means nothing to a small town box office. Running
time, 127 minutes.— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre,
Drew, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIR-
CASE,: Bonita Granville, Frankic Thomas, John Litel
— Well, we tried three of these to see if we couldn't
make one of these series things stand up, but we'll
have to give it up. No more of these for us! Running
time, 69 minutes. Played September 6-7. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
Short Features
Columbia
CITY SLICKER: Scrappy Cartoons— This Scrappy
Cartoon pleased all. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
NELL'S YELLS: Color Rhapsodies— A fair little
cartoon, but just fair. Have had better and also
worse. Running time, seven minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Tlieatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
ODD SPORTS: Special Sport Thrills— Just fair. Saw
them before in Columbia sport reels. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General
patronage.
SAVED BY THE BELLE: Three Stooges— These
are all good and this one no exception. Plenty of
laughs. Running time. 18 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS: No. 11— Extra good. Don't
miss this one. Some new slants in Hollywood. — Har-
land Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
CULINARY CARVING: Peter Smith Specialties-
Very interesting but think Smith can do better. Run-
ning time, nine minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Thea- ,
tre. Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
CULINARY CARVING: Pete Smith Specialites—
Entertaining one-reeler which has a few laughs. Subtle
stuff. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
DOG DAZE: Our Gang — An excellent Gang that
grownups as well as the kids will enjoy. — C. L. Niles,
Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Car-
toons— Very good cartoon in color. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Car-
toons— The best cartoon of the season. Tops any-
body's cartoon we have seen this year. Running time,
nine minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier,
Ind. Small town patronage.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Car-
toons—This is the best cartoon to come from any pro-
ducer in two years. Running time, eight minutes.—
E. C. Arehart, Strand Theatre, Milford, Iowa. General
patronage.
GREENER HILLS, THE: MGM Miniatures— En-
tertaining one-reeler which has some comedy. — E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
MAMA'S NEW HAT: Captain and the Kids— Fair
cartoon. Advisable to book other shorts with it.
Running time, 10 minutes. — Guy G. Clack, Plaza
Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
MARINE CIRCUS: Pete Smith Specialties— Here is
a beautiful subject. Give it you best time and you
won't be sorry. Subjects like this worth a dozen
cartoons. Running time, 9% minutes.— Guy G. Black,
Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
ONE AGAINST THE WORLD: Passing Parade,
No. 9— An excellent historical reel. These reels please
all classes and are educational.— C. L. Niles, Niles
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.' General patronage.
September 30, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
53
POETRY OF NATURE: Pete Smith Specialties-
Smith must be running out of material. Slipped up on
this one. Just fair. Not good enough to be one of
his specials. Running time, eight minutes.— Guy G.
Black, Plaza Tlieatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town
patronage.
RHUMBA RHYTHM: MGiM Miniatures— Excellent
little musical with plenty of comedy. Good for any
program. Runnmg time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre. Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
RURAL HUNGARY: FitzPatrick Travel Talks-
Average travel talk in color. -E. M. Freiburger, Par-
amount Tlieatre, I>evvel, Okla. Small town patronage.
STORY OF DR. JENNER: Passing Parade, No. 4
— Good but there are too many like this one. Running
time, 10 minutes.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
SYDNEY, PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA: FitzPatrick
Travel Talks— These travel talks would be OK if they
would choke oflf FitzPatrick and just used music. This
one just fair. Running time, nine minutes. — Guy G.
Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town
patronage.
UNSEEN GUARDIANS: Passing Parade, No. 10.—
Entertaining.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
FOX HUNT, THE: Walt Disney Cartoons— Another
Disney buUseye. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 13— This issue was
very good and pleased one hundred per cent. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
MERBABIES: Walt Disney Cartoons— Very good.
Enjoyed by all but not worth extra rental. Running
time, eight minutes.- Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre,
Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Magic Carpet Series— Just a
filler. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
MOVIETONE NEWS: Very good, especially the
one on the Siegfried Line. News of the Day slipped
on this one. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury.
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
MUSCLE MAULERS: Lew Lehr— Be sure you play
this. Plenty of action and many saw it twice. Run-
ning time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Thea-
tre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small, town patronage.
SHOOTING FOR PAR: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)—
Very good. Golf fans will enjoy it. Running time,
11 minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
VIKING TRAIL: Magic Carpet Series— Just a
filler. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey.
Okla. Small town patronage.
WHAT EVERY BOY SHOULD KNOW: Lew
Lehr — Lew Lehr is good in newsreels but as a com-
edian in ten minute shorts he's terrible. Junk it;
no one will miss it. Running time, 10 minutes. — Guy
G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small
town patronage.
WINTER STYLES: Fashion Forecast No. 2— Pretty
but that's all. The men walk out on these style
show shorts. Running time, eight minutes. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
United Artists
THREE ORPHAN KITTENS: Silly Symphonies—
This is one of the best cartoons in ages. Running
time, 10 minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
Universal
TEDDY BERGMAN'S BAR-B-Q: Mentone Musical
Comedies — A good musical with plenty of variety in
the acts that went over nicely. Old but still good.
Running time, 19 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Tliea-
tre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
Vitaphone
ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — A very good band short with plenty of
variety in selection which makes it acceptable to all.
Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Irks, Crystal The-
atre. Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
DAVE APOLLON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Mel-
ody Masters — Not so hot. Just an ordinary single.
Running time, one reel. — A. L. D'ove, Bengough The-
atre. Bengough. Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and
small town patronage.
KRISTOPHER KOLUMBUS, JR.: Looney Tunes-
One of the best. Very funny and a cartoon that even
the grownups liked. Running time, eight minutes. — A.
J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
LARRY CLINTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Mel-
ody Masters — Very good. Orchestra shorts good. Run-
ning time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Thea-
tre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
MECHANIX ILLUSTRATED, NO. 1: Color Parade
— Interesting. Running time, eight minutes. — Ray S.
Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small
town patronage.
PICTORIAL REVUE, NO. 4: Hats, Dogs— Very
good witli plenty of laughs. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
PORKY IN EGYPT: Looney Tunes— Very poor-.
Running time, eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox
Theatre, Fertile, Minn. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
SNOW MAN'S LAND: Merrie Melodies— Good car-
toon in color. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
STAR DUST: Broadway Brevities— Run of the mill
musical short. Nothing to rave about. Running time,
eight minutes. — Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile,
Minn. Rural and small town patronage.
TOILS OF THE LAW: Floyd Gibbons' "Your True
Adventure" Series — Sound terrible on this one. No
entertainment value on account of not being able to
hear what they had to say. Running time. 10 minutes.
— A, L. Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough, Sas-
katchewan, Canada. Rural and small town patronage.
WILL OSBORNE AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Mel-
ody Masters — Plenty of snap to this but too much
brass and jazz. The younger bunch will like it but
that is all. Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
March of Time Staff Is
Augmented for "Ramparts"
Ray L. Hall, former Pathe news editor
and short subject producer, has been as-
signed special production duties on March of
Time's forthcoming feature length film "The
Ramparts We Watch." Caroll Case and
David Pardoll have been appointed special
assistants to James Wolcott, associate pro-
ducer of the film.
Others who have been added to ''Ram-
parts" staff include Arthur Jones, William
Sikes, Frank Calabria, George Dangerfield
and William Gerrity to the technical staff.
Louis de Rochemont is the producer.
Exhibitors Laud U for
Adhering to Contract
In a bulletin to members, the Independ-
ent Theatre Owners of Ohio commends Uni-
versal for its action in notifying exhibitors
that "First Love," which was not completed
for release in the 1938-'39 season, will be
released under 1938-'39 contracts regardless
of its actual release date. "This action by
Universal is highly commendable and we
hope that it establishes a precedent that
other distributing companies will follow,"
the bulletin said.
The bulletin also reminds members that
the Ohio Department of Industrial Rela-
tions insists on compliance with the law
which makes it mandatory upon all em-
ployers to enter into wage agreements with
all employees under 21 years of age. The
statute was enacted in 1893 but has not been
generally enforced.
Warners Making "Penrod"
Short Subject Series
Warner Brothers will make a short sub-
ject series based upon Booth Tarkington's
novel character, "Penrod."
Dean Franklin is writing the series. Gor-
don Hollingshead is supervising.
Warners also announced this week that it
will make "Virginia City," to be in color,
with substantially the same cast used in
"Dodge City."
Kaimine in Legion Post
Harry Kaimine, district manager for
Warner Theatres in Pittsburgh, has been
elected commander of Variety Club Legion
Post No. 289. Other officers are Joseph
Hiller, National Theatrical Exchange, and
Dr. L. G. Beinhauer, vice-commanders ; C.
C. Kellenberg, office manager of Twentieth
Century-Fox exchange, adjutant; James G.
Balmer of the Harris Amusement Company,
finance officer, and Reverend J. Garahan,
chaolain.
NOW READY
THE MOST SIMPLIFIED THEATRE
BOOKKEEPING SYSTEM YET DEVISED
SECTIONS
Holiday and Date Record
Film Clearance Chart
Insurance Record
Equipment Purchase Record
Fixed Expense Apportionment
Income (Ticket Numbers, Prices, Cash,
Taxes, Costs of Features, Shorts)
Payroll and Check Record, Bank Record,
Social Security Tax Deductions by
Individual and complete listing of all
expenses
Profit & Loss, weekly and cumulative
Summary Sheet
Contract Record for each exchange
Compiled by THEODORE J. SULLIVAN
FEATURES
Running Times
Entire Week's Transactions on one page
Complete Contract Information
Complete yearly and departmental sum-
maries
Vari - colored stock throughout for
speedy reference
DuPont Fabkote Cover
Hammermill Paper
Special "Wire-o" Binding that holds
sheets firmly and keeps them abso-
lutely flat
Size of Book is 13" x 10"
Entire book a miracle of convenience
and simplicity
POSTPAID
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TAX INFORMATION IS READILY AVAILABLE
I QUICLEY BOOKSHOP, ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
Here is my check for $2.00. Send me "Theatre Management Record", j
Na
me.
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Add
ress_
City and State.
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TEAR OUT
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COUPON
TODAY
September 30, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
55
MANAGERS
ROUND TABLE
<iAn international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL. Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
JUST DOING THE JOB
A few weeks back, Matt Saunders and Morris Rosenthal got
behind widely publicized campaigns celebrating the seven-
teenth anniversary of the twin-built Loew theatres in Bridge-
port, the Poli and the Majestic. The exploitations earned all
kinds of public and civic attention, in which the theatremen
were featured. Both were feted for long years of continuous
service in their situations. Newspapers and merchants made
much of it.
Currently, Pete Egan ties in one of his dates at the Famous
Players Canadian Palace in Calgary with the celebration of
his silver wedding anniversary. Local couples married 20 years
or more were invited to be the manager's guests at the the-
atre. The event was noted pi;ominently by the community.
By the nature of his calling, the theatreman looms large in
the public eye. His is a more colorful personality than the
merchant dealing in more conventional wares, and as such
finds ready acceptance. Thus, the showman does not hesitate
to use as grist for his publicity mill even those occasions that
in other lives are taken for granted. To him it's all a part of
his business.
V V V
MR. LEAND SETS THE STAGE
Theatremen are long familiar with the useful device of per-
sonally addressed picture postcards, usually promoted from
metropolitan hotels and posted to the local mailing list. And
now Harold Leand of the Revere in Revere, Mass., varies the
idea with a more elaborate staging that appears to have re-
turned sufficient dividends for the work involved.
Shortly before his vacation period, Leand secured picture
postcards of the World's Fair, had the cashier hand-address
them to the mailing list with a message about the Fair plus
a plug for a coming date and signed with the manager's name.
Day before he left, the Round Tabler had the local paper an-
nounce he was visiting the Exposition, so that the town would
be familiar with his plans. On arrival, Harold mailed the cards
from the Fair post-office.
A lot of bother for one stunt? Hardly for a theatreman
intent on his job, who seeks to milk every Idea regardless of
the personal effort expended. On his return, Leand received
many personal acknowledgements of appreciation from the
folks involved. Better yet, the picture did a whale of a business.
THERE IS CLAMOUR-and CLAMOUR
That's a great piece of business, the sequences in "Fifth
Avenue Girl", wherein the socialite wife and her millionaire
mate are reconciled through the medium of an old-fashioned
beefstew. And the happy involvement of this champion dish
in the proceedings appears to have opened an avenue of un-
usual exploitation, a beefstew recipe and cooking contest. This
was seized upon by Bill McCort to sell the date at the
RKO Albee in Providence and of which more is told on an-
other page. The tiein. Incidentally, was reported as one of the
most successful In local theatre-merchant promotion.
The motion picture often is at its best in distilling ready-
flowing gushings of fashionable glamour to soften sharp corners
in a world of too much reality. The Immediate success of
McCort's campaign to spotlight red meat and onions brings
reassurances that good ole beefstew continues to command an
equally compelling box-office glamour of its own.
V V V
DIRTY WORDS ARE JUVENILE
At this stage, It should not be necessary to call a manager
for off-side copy in advertising. But there Is a need for it,
according to the evidence to hand, a herald from a manager
who knows better, and which shouts "shocking revelations" to
be found in "Prison Without Bars".
The picture happens to be good enough to do business
without the dubious aid of any such phony — and corny —
buildup. Conscientious theatremen have found In it sufficient
merit to back up an honest job of exploitation.
The dirty-word-on-the-toilet-wali school of picture advertising
has long run its course. Managers depending upon that "shock-
ing" business to get 'em in find that the shocks. If any, come
from patrons misguided enough to believe what they read.
V V V
From date of this issue there remain two weeks to the end
of the Quigley Awards Third Quarter. October 14th is the
date, and entries for Quarter-Master consideration must be
received no later than that time.
56
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
Round
Table
n Pictures
Eye-arresting indeed was the rain pibe scene created
by Round Tahler Ralph E. Phillips for "The Rains
Came" engagement at the State Theatre, in Sioux Falls,
S. D. With the thermometer hovering around 96 and
the sun beating down the atmospheric effect proved a
natural crowd-stopper.
Conceived by W. C. Ricord, Jr., for the outer court-
yard of the atmospheric Grauman's Egyptian Theatre
in Hollywood was the wishing well illustrated below
and constructed by the staff. In the bottom are two
horseshoes with a bucket hanging above and copy read-
ing: "Toss your coin in the horseshoe and your wish is
sure to come trtie" . "Rick" reports that in 11 days
he collected $3 5 and a few slugs.
•-. MAN . THF IRON MASK" \LaUIS HAYWAROi
JDAN BENNETT /UJnrHALE WARREN WILLIAM
Dressing one of his theatre attendants in costume consisting of helmet,
robe and sword. Jack Lexey, manager of the Broadway Theatre in Phila-
delphia planted the man atop sound truck which toured the streets as advance
on "Man in the Iron Mask". Also featured prominently on the truck were
scene stills, cast, and playdates. . . . Ushers at Loew's Capitol during world
premiere of "Thunder Afloat" doubled in brass for stage tableaux with
naval background. Ray Bell's campaign also had the staff in sailor uniform
for week ahead wearing badges calling attention to the date.
September 30. 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
57
Now progressively engaged in the conduct of a managers'
training school for employees of the Goldstein Theatres,
George Laby at the Victory Theatre, in Holyoke, Mass.,
points with pride to the first graduating class. In the photo
above, Laby {at right) is standing with graduates W. Wer-
nick, C. Walters and 1. Miller.
On 5 00 merchants' doors over Labor Day weekend. Man-
ager Wally Caldwell at Loew's Valentine in Toledo hung
the cards illustrated below. Copy read: "Closed, we have
all gone to see Hedy Lamarr kiss Robert Taylor in 'Lady
of the Tropics' ". In addition, through tieup effected with
local confectioner, Caldwell had boys on streets distributing
imprinted glassine bags containing "Lamarr kisses".
For the first time in years, pickets appeared on the streets of
Indianapolis, however, they were employed by Ward Farrar of Loett/s
to exploit "The Women". Back signs declared that the picture was
"unfair to men . . . no men in picture", etc., etc.
Reproduced above is a lA-sheet cutout used by Paul Kctchum at
the State, Hamilton, N. Y., to sell his Golden Jubilee Hits. Ketchum
credits John Sollien, his artist, for his fine free-hand drawing of the
horn of plenty shown at left in the photo.
Since motorized advertising vehicles are prohibited in Calcutta,
illustration above shows how Ben Cohn got around that angle to
exploit "Stand Up and Fight" at the Chaya Cinema. Ox-drawn cart
was covered with 2^-sheets and cutouts of the stars.
58
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
'Thunder 'Thunders
In IV ashington As
Picture Premieres
The comprehensive advance on behah' of
MGM's world premiere for "Thunder Afloat"
at Loew's Capitol, in Washington, D. C,
was stressed by the attendance of some 400
high ranking navy guests who entered the
theatre in the path made by a battery of
huge army searchlights promoted by Ray
Bell as a part of his campaign.
Since the picture is based on the story of
actual experiences in the last World War,
Ray was able to plant a number of special
stories on hitherto unknown facts that actu-
ally happened. One of these was a full column
citing incidents taken from the navy files.
This was later blown up to a 40 by 50 and
planted out front ahead and during run.
Army and Navymen Circularized
All society pages were covered on invited
list, every naval officer in and near the dis-
trict was informed of the date by letter, sea
scouts and naval reservists were bulletin-
ized, Federal army and naval buildings em-
ploying thousands of officers and enlisted
personnel were blanketed with posters as
was the army and navy club and other spots,
where service men gathered.
Radio tieins included two 15-niinute pro-
grams of naval and martial airs from WRC.
On the same station popular woman's pro-
gram announced the show ahead and re-
viewed the picture after opening. On WOL,
another leading program tied in on seven
successive mornings by relating a "Do you
know that during the war" incident on which
the film was based.
Newspaper contest that clicked was tied
in with the Times Herald for four days in
advance, inviting readers to see how many
times they could write the title and star on
a penny postcard. Thousands of entries were
leceived according to Bell. Newsboys in
downtown area wore aprons containing title
and date and imprinted wooden blocks sim-
ulating bricks covered corner newspaper
piles. Bell also planted a unique newspaper
serial by promoting Ralph Wheelwright,
who authored the original story and who
also wrote another based on the actual fea-
ture on which the film was made, to have
this run in serial form starting day after the
opening.
Plants Lucky Nunnber Contest
Public libraries distributed bookmarks in
all branches, five and ten chain distributed
heralds offering tickets to the premiere to
holders of lucky numbers and other mer-
chants tied in by distributing fan photos of
Beery and Morris with theatre copy on back.
Announcements were carried in bulletins
to employees of leading department stores
and special bulletins offering passes to lim-
ited groups of employees were announced in
store assemblage.
For further attention, the Round Tabler
obtained the services of 75-piece police boys'
band and had the theatre staff week ahead
dressed in sailor uniforms, badges calling
attention to the premiere, ushers also ap-
peared on stage in a tableau as illustrated
in photo section of this issue.
GOOD OLE STEW
STEALS THE ''SPOT"
X5
Hounces
AN EXCITING
BSef STEW
CONTEST
iicAU*i^ ^luiMdcuf, Se-fU&mleA, 3.f
GINGER ROGERS
"FIFTH AVENUE
GIRL"
• We got the idea from the picture
itself . . . the hit scene where a beef
stew is made in the kitchen . . . and
how! Here are the details . . . read
carefully . . . then get out your favor-
ite beef stew recipe . . . and win one
o/ (he valuable prizes.
• The big kitchen scene in "Fifth Ave-
nue Girl" takes place in a lovely GAS kitchen,
so we asked the Providence Gas Company to
co-operate, as we wanted our beef stews cooked
the modern way with GAS, of course. Now
follow carefully . . .
• We want every woman (and man, too) in
Greater Providence who knows how to make
a beef stew to send us their recipe. At once . . .
all recipes must be in our hands by Saturday of
this week. These recipes will be judged by a
prize committee, consisting of three prominent
women (their names will be announced later),
who will select the six that they consider the
tastiest and most palatable.
• Then, on Tuesday nexl. the 26th. these six recipes will
be very carelully cooked on modern GAS ranges like the
one in FIFTH AVENUE GIRL.- by the Girls in While af the // ^
Home Service Department ol Ihe Providence Gas Company
and sent, piping hot, to the stage here at the Albee. Three y
in the attemoon, three in the evening. Just beiore "FIFTH
AVENUE GIRL" goes on.
• Now comes the exciting part. We will have three lovely streamline
GAS ranges connected up here on (he stage, and the audience will see
the winning stews kept hot with the new simmer burners you hear so
much about these days. Then the Chel oi the Narragansetl (in the
afternoon) and the Supervising Chef al the Biltmore (in the evening),
ably assisted by two hungry husbands, who love a good beef stew,
will sample and taste each one carelully, and rate them first, second
and third. Remember . . . three in the afternoon, three in the evening.
To the winners will go six valuable GIFT CERTIFI-
CATES, two from the Outlet Company, two from the
Shepard Store, two from the Boston Store. We chose
these three leading department stores becouse they all
display and sell modern GAS ranges, such as you will sec
used in the picture.
So hurxy . . . hurry . . . hurry . . . and send us your
iavorife beef stew recipe right away. Be sure your name
and address arc clearly written on the same
sheet. Be sure, too, fo specily whether you wish
to enter the afternoon or evening contest.
Mail your recipe to the BEEF STEW CONTEST,
RKO Aibee Theatre. 320 Westminster Street,
Providence, R. I.
The three-column full, reproduced
above, was paid for by cooperating gas
company, in addition to other elab-
orate advertising, to put over the sen-
sational recipe contest credited to Bill
McCort, for the date on "Fifth Ave-
nue Girl" at the Albee, Providence,
R. 1. Hookup was reported as one of
the most successful in local theatre-
merchant exploitational promotions.
Is
Chicago Shut' Ins
Receive Flowers
On Conner 'ff^ ?ek '
With the cooperation of his neighborhood
paper and merchants as a buildup for "In-
vitation to Happiness," Marlowe Conner
originated and successfully sponsored a com-
munity Happiness Week for the date at the
W arner Rhodes, Chicago, at the same time
securing an appreciable return in local good-
will.
Featured by the newspaper, the South
Side Courier, was front page publicity on a
tiein that allowed 25 mothers to be guests
of the theatreman. This was put on through
the medium of a full-page of co-op ads which
stressed the offer, each ad tying in with the
title, which, with the theatre and date, was
given a streamer head. Coupon was in-
cluded in the page to be filled out with
names and addresses of interested mothers
and brought to the newspaper office. Ads
featured specials in each store in honor of
the "Week," and merchants gave generous
window space to the event with appropriate
tiein copy.
Gratifying results came about through
newspaper publicity and trailer requesting
patrons to bring iiowers with them to the
theatre to be distributed among local shut-
ins. Since the Rhodes is situated in a dis-
trict of homes, many of which have flower
gardens, the request found a ready response.
Conner put out a mimeo herald, house to
house, continuing the flower invitation which
brought unusual response.
Old Fashioned Movie Night
Another effective idea arranged by Con-
ner as a tiein on the March of Time short,
"The Movies March On," was an old-fash-
ioned movie night popular during the early
days of the industry.
From a private collection the theatreman
procured at no cost a two-reeler entitled
"The Paymaster's Son," all silent, which
was followed with the showing of 12 slides
of the old vintage. Then presented was a
"golden voiced" tenor who did an excellent
job of getting the audience to join in. Pian-
ist with a long haired wig played the whole
show in old fashioned style and the closing
was the fight pictures of Jack Demsey vs.
Jess Willard, a reel 20 years old and all
silent. Prior to the show, Conner made an
announcement of what he was going to do,
at the same time, comparing the present
seats, decorations and cool air to that of the
early theatres. Show lasted 45 minutes and
was run entirely on one machine with the
usual slides run while the operator changed
reels.
Entire Staff Dressed for Occasion
In addition theatreman distributed old-
style pluggers by a man in old-style cos-
tume; special trailer and personal announce-
ments were used and two old-time autos
were parked on the sidewalk in front of the
theatre with one-sheet cards. Entire staff
was made up for the occasion, box office
was plastered with handbills as well as front
doors, butcher boys ran up and down aisles
during show and "how many please" was
printed on box office. Conner reports thai
stories and art broke in local dailies.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
59
Contest on Radio
Features M tiler 's
Advance on Short
Promotion effected by Manager Sidney
Miller, at the Palace, in Corsicana, Texas,
on behalf of the Pete Smitla short, "Culinary
Carving," included an unique radio contest
involving the finding of a "hidden movie
celebrity." Nine popular songs were played
without being named, the first letters in the
titles spelling "Pete Smith." Guest tickets
were awarded. Spot announcements were
also promoted four days ahead to supple-
ment the contest.
Large kegs were spotted throughout the
neighborhood. Tacked to each was the le-
gend: "Don't look inside unless you want to
be made happy." Upon looking inside, pass-
ersby were greeted with the message : "For
a kitchen education and real fun see," etc.,
etc.
Local Markets Cooperate
Miller arranged window tieups with all
local meat markets and grocery stores and
special cards were placed on all counters.
Every drug store and restaurant in the busi-
ness area was contacted and arrangements
made to have them distribute small cards,
pierced with toothpicks, with every sand-
wich.
Effective was a house-to-house distribu-
tion of calling cards, one side printed:
"Pete Smith — Expert on Everything"; the
reverse side bore theatre copy. Heralds were
circulated throughout Corsicana and sur-
rounding communities. Small classified ads
were inserted in newspaper, worded : "Lost
— 10 minutes of the most fun you've had,
if you don't see Pete Smith's Culinary Carv-
ing." In the theatre lobby, two special set
piece blowups were used for ten days in
advance. On playdate they were mounted on
the marquee.
"LET'S REAR. PROM YOU"
"Indianapolis Speedway" Tied
To N. Y. State Fair by McGee
Highlight of Pat McGee's "Indianapolis
Speedway" opening at Schine's Paramount
Theatre, in Syracuse, was tiein with the
New York State Fair. Through the coop-
eration of the local police department, the
Round Tabler secured permission to place
100 standards on prominent street corners.
Waist-high and double-faced, these cards
bore copy reading, "State Fair Visitors,
cross on green lights only, Syracuse streets
are not as dangerous as 'Indianapolis Speed-
way,' but don't take chances. Get your
thrills by seeing," etc.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Joiner Offers Cash Award
On "Mr. Chips" Street Bally
Much was made locally over the nine day
search for "Mr. Chips" on the streets of
Vancouver, all because of Maynard Joiner's
contest planted in the Sim as part of his
exploitation on that picture at the Capitol
Theatre. A cash prize of $50 was awarded
to the person recognizing the well-known
character as he wended his way about the
city. Cooperating paper ran front page
stories under a Chips byline gently ribbing
ONE MORE PERIOD
The Fifth Fortnight of the Third Otiarter sees 42 entrants selected for the pre-
liminary honors, as listed below. Spurred on by the desire for top consideration in
the voting for the Otuirttr-Master Plaqnes, Medals and Citations, the record number
compares favorably with previoics highs as Round Tablcrs continue to forivard
material for the Sixth and last Fortnight, which marks the end of the Quarter,
on October 14 th.
RAY BELL
SAM OILMAN
MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Loew s, WasningTon, D. C
Loews, narrisburg, Pa.
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
HAROLD BORRESEN
KEN GRIMES
R. W. RUSSELL
State, Winona, Minn.
Warners', Erie, Pa.
Palace, Canton, O.
LIGE BRIEN
Prince, Ambridge, Pa.
GEORGE HUNT
HAROID MAR^HAI 1
Loew's, Louisville, Ky.
JOE SAMARTANO
roll Palace, Meriden, Conn.
LOUIS CHARNINSKY
Capitol, Dallas, Tex.
GEORGE IRWIN
Lyceum, Duluth, Minn.
E. EVERETT SEIBEL
State, Minneapolis, Minn.
JOE CLEMENTS
Egyptian, Sioux Falls, S. D.
STANLEY LAMBERT
Strand, Racine, Wis.
CLYDE SMITH
Paramount, Hot Springs, Ark,
MARLOWE CONNER
ED McBRIDE
TOM SORIERO
n 1 1 ^1 ■ III
Rhodes, Chicago, III.
Loew's State, Providence
1 1 *± 1 A ±* ± 1 A 1
United Artists, Los Angeles
MOON CORKER
BILL McCORT
FRANK STEFFEY
Palace, Athens, Ga.
Albee, Providence, R. 1.
State, Minneapolis, Minn.
TED DE GRAZIA
P. E. McCOY
J. KNOX STRACHAN
Lyric, Bisbee, Ariz.
Georgia, Athens, Ga.
LaRoy, Portsmouth, O.
E. V. DINERMAN
BYRON McELLIGOTT
FLYNN STUBBLEFIELD
RKO Theatres, Cincinnati, O.
Capitol, Aberdeen, S. D.
Strand, Miami, Fla.
JOE Dl PESA
SIDNEY MILLER
CHARLES TAYLOR
Loew's State, Boston, Mass.
Palace, Corsicana, Tex.
Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.
PETE EGAN
HARRY MINOR
RALPH TULLY
Palace, Calgary, Canada
Gaiety, Ronan, Mont.
Central, Biddeford, Me.
JIM ESHELMAN
FRANK MURPHY
CLINT WANDER
Huron, Huron, S. D.
Loew's State, Syracuse
Loew's Broad, Columbus, O.
ED FITZPATRICK
RALPH PHILLIPS
LEONARD C. WORLEY
Poli, Waterbury, Conn.
State, Sioux Falls, S. D.
Madison, Peoria, III.
DOROTHY FLUKES
HARRY ROSE
CHARLES ZINN
Warners', Sydney, Australia
Globe, Bridgeport, Conn.
Century, Minneapolis, Minn.
From date of this issue, exactly two weeks remain to receive entries for the
Third Quarter. All contributions forwarded here and arriving within that time
will be considered eligible. Material received later than that date will be given
attention in the First Fortnight of the Fourth Quarter, this final Quarter ending
on December }Oth.
the public, the phantom going so far as to
describe the various people he had accosted
for directions to some store and teasing them
over the fact that they had let $50 slip
through their fingers by not recognizing
him.
Another highlight of Joiner's campaign
was a "Mr. Chips" handicap which was run
at local track. Purse was presented by wife
of well-known golf champion, which brought
additional story and art work in the local
dailies.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Merchants Salute Youth
In connection with his showing of "Young
Mr. Lincoln" at the State Theatre in Green-
ville, Ohio, Round Tabler Jim Diller pro-
moted local merchants for a full co-op page
addressed to the youth of the city and carry-
ing a box in the center of the page on the
Mayor's proclamation. Screenings were held
for special groups ; large American flag was
displayed ahead and during run, and for his
lobby stunt Diller used an old rail with an
ax sunk in it, tiein card prominently dis-
played.
Winners Announced
In "Arden" Contest
The Ward Baking Company has selected
four exhibitors as winners of fifty dollar
prizes for the best displays created in con-
nection with the showing of "Jane Arden."
The winners are: H. C. Rhyan of the
Times Theatre, Waukegan, 111. ; Ben Green-
berg of the Stadium, Woonsocket, R. I. ;
Julius Lamm of the Uptown, Cleveland, and
J. B. Shuman of the Empress, in Jackson-
ville, Fla. Prizes were awarded for the
best displays combining the film, comic strip
and radio character of Jane Arden in con-
junction with the Ward products.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Campbell Utilizes Window
With an empty lot adjacent to his theatre,
Jack Campbell of the Capitol in Brampton,
Ontario, sold the owner on the idea of per-
mitting him to erect four six-foot sticks
on tops of which were arrows. Copy on
signs called attention to his current picture,
playdates, etc., and with each change of
show. Jack changes his copy accordingly.
60
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
FOOTBALL EXPLOITATIONS PILE UP
AS MEMBERS ARRANGE CAMPAIGNS
Further Pigskin Tieins Set by
Round Tablers Indicate Full
Promotion Coverage; Schools
and Merchants To Cooperate
The increasing importance of football as
community entertainment continues to be
recognized by theatremen in pointing their
immediate Fall campaigns to share in the
gridiron-game popularity. According to the
added reports from the field, set down on
this page, members are reaching out for
new slants as well as polishing the old re-
liables which have served well before.
In their own words, as follows, more of
the boys tell what they are arranging, as
Jim Redmond writes, "to keep our local fans
interested in our theatre as well as a win-
ning team."
Suggests Giant Banner
For Showing at Gannes
by FRANCIS GOOCH
Uptoivn, Bath, Me.
Schedule of all games played by the high
school with space for results of each game
is already at the printer's. This has adequate
copy above and below the schedule for our
benefit. 1,000 of these are distributed.
Student "Football Night" will be held on
the eve of the big game of the season with
both opposing and home team and coaches
as invited guests and speakers representing
each team on the stage for short pep talks.
This is tentative, but has been done before
by us and no doubt will go through.
We have an idea for a banner which we
may try here but possibly may prove too
expensive. We think it a good idea but
probably needs more potential spectators
than our games draw. The idea is to get a
ten foot by three foot silk banner in the
school colors with copy as follows : After
we ''BEAT BRUNSWICK" lets go see
"THE STAR MAKER" at the UPTOWN.
The italicised letters, of course, would be
featured and we would have three boys carry
this banner to the game, parade it at the
half and carry it in the "victory" parade
afterwards.
For the past several years we have been
invited to attend and address a rally at the
high school and we probably will be in-
vited again this year. This is good indirect
publicity for the theatre, although we of
course cannot plug attractions. We are
working to secure a P. A. system to an-
nounce play-by-play descriptions of the home
games this year.
Connpetitive Cheering Marks
Weekly Football Nights
by WALLY CALDWELL
Loew's Valentine, Toledo, O.
Replying to your wire wish to advise the
following is tentative schedule we have
lined up for football season :
Mascot at games (Leo The Lion). Candy
kisses in imprinted glassine bags distributed
CAMPAIGNS FEATURE
"WOMEN" SUPPLEMENTS
Elaborate newspaper sections having
exclusively to do with fashions, beauty
columns, etc., for the attention of the
distaff side, are noticeably prominent in
current campaigns for "The Women".
From Harrisburg, Pa., Sam Oilman re-
ports an eight- page supplement in the
Herald, for the date at Loew's, a first-
time for such newspaper promotion
locally. It's a great job of work for
ti/hich Gilman and the daily staff
take bows.
Similar effort, a four-pager, was
effected for the date at the RKO Albee,
Cincinnati, with the Times - Star,
through the planning of "Dinny"
Dinerman, RKO divisional ad head.
In both instances, sections brought
unusual and deserved returns.
at games. Trophy to best player or team
for season. Schedules of games on im-
printed cardboard footballs.
Football night at theatre every Monday
with competitive cheering of two teams on
one of the nights plus newsreel pictures of
local teams weekly.
Loew's rooting section. Large banner
with picture theatre and playdate copy
(sidelines during game) (march with bands
at half).
Georgia University Officials
To Cooperate with Theatres
by MOON CORKER
L. J. City Manager, Athens, Ga.
We will continue our tieups with the
University of Georgia on home games as
we have for several years back. The Uni-
versity officials and student body have al-
ways cooperated with the theatres one hun-
dred per cent. During football games we
have always placed banners on current and
coming attractions on the fence near all
entrances and exit gates — have students to
carry banners, sandwich boards and placards
during the parade through the city streets
and onto the field and distribute circulars
on the exit gates.
On home games we find it profitable to
use street ballyboo on eve and day of the
game. An early morning show helps, for
there are many people looking for some-
thing to pass away time before the game.
Cheer leaders at the ball games are always
glad to make any announcements we ask
them through their P. A. system.
When games are played on foreign fields
we advertise that results will be given quar-
terly, thus many students and citizens who
would have remained at home by their radios
come to the show and follow the game at
the same time. Varsity lettermen are given
one show a week at our theatres, courtesy
of the management. This creates abundance
of goodwill.
Players' Window Contest
Planned with Newspaper
by FRANK MURPHY
Loew's State, Syracuse, N. Y.
We herewith submit tentative plans for
football tie ups during the fall season in
Syracuse :
Two football nights, both carried out
along same plans with college team for one
and outstanding high school team for the
other. Team will be theatre guests and an
impromptu program of cheers and sings
with cheer leaders officiating will be worked
out. Souvenirs to be promoted. This will
be a direct ticket selling stunt.
Distribution of megaphones at the big
game of the season on cooperative basis,
with merchants sharing in the cost. Distri-
bution is handled by college ushers giving
thorough stadium coverage.
Players To Review Pictures
During the season football game tickets
will be offered as prizes for one of our
newspaper contests. This will be tied up
through business manager of college foot-
ball team. We will plan to use at one of
big games a stadium ballyhoo on one of our
important pictures between halves.
We plan to work out a window contest
through one of the newspapers using one
picture of each player in each window. Con-
testants will have to identify the player and
name the window where his picture is dis-
played. This will be a direct tieup in the
newspaper with cash and theatre ticket
awards for a certain picture for the first
ten correct listings submitted.
Via a committee of judges we will award
a cup to an outstanding player at one game.
The cup to be named for a current star or
picture title. This will net both game pub-
licity and newspaper breaks for us.
A radio interview, on promoted time, will
be developed, using several of the college
football stars in an open forum-plan to dis-
cuss a controversial question concerning one
of our pictures.
We plan to have the first string squad
of football players review a picture — their
reviews to be featured in newspaper that
week instead of regular critic's. ■
Footage Taken by Schools
To Be Shown at Theatre
by GEORGE LIMERICK
Aztec, Enid, Oklahoma
Football window cards will be used on
all home games. These cards give the game
at the top and plug the picture at the bottom.
The entire cost of cards is to be borne by
the theatre, with the school placing them
in locations that would be very difficult for
the theatre to get without giving several
comps. Three sheet boards will be placed
on the inside of each entrance at the foot-
ball stadium for exchange of window cards
mentioned above. During the half, at home
games, we plan to hold a drawing for sev-
{Continned on page 62, column 3)
September 30, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
61
PAST "FORTNIGHT" EXPLOITATIONS
Veach's "Hardy" Float Crashes
Centennial Celebration Parade
With the whole town of Uhrichsville,
Ohio, turning out to attend a centennial
celebration parade, Manager A. K. Veach
at the State Theatre crashed in with his
decorative itoat on "And}' Hardy Gets
Spring Fever." While no prizes were
awarded, the theatreman forwards newspa-
per clippings to substantiate the fact that his
entry was considered best; In addition to
the above, 20 boys on bikes were scattered
throughout the line of march, each carrying
back banner with appropriate tiein copy.
Bathing Beauty Contest
Tied to "Malsie" by Rogers
In an effort to select "Miss Long Island
of 1939" Tom Rogers for the opening of
"Maisie" at Loew's Valencia, in Jamaica,
staged a bathing beauty contest on his stage.
Every beach and pool on the Island carried
signs and applications, with several of the
pools holding their own contest, with win-
ners and runnersup sent to the Valencia.
Additional publicity was garnered through
the presentation by N. T. G. of a loving cup
to the winner. As a special ballyhoo stunt
girls dressed in white bathing suits rode
about town in an open bannered car.
McCoy Secures Mayor's Cooperation
On Local "Leading Citizen" Day
Through the cooperation of local news-
paper and the Mayor of Athens, Ga., P. E.
McCoy at the Georgia for 'Our Leading
Citizen" put over an effective gag contest
for the two day engagement. Going through
the mat morgue, a careful selection was
made of actors and actresses which in some
manner bore resemblance to some prominent
localite. A total of six two and one column
cuts with face or forehead carefully blanked
out were run with copy reading, "Who is
Athens' leading citizen?" with cut lines "Is
he a doctor, lawyer ?", "Is she a school teach-
er, civic leader ?" etc., etc. These appeared
over a seven day period with guest tickets to
the 25 best answers.
On opening day, art on Bob Burns ap-
peared along with the Mayor's proclama-
tion acclaiming Bob as Athens' Leading Citi-
zen and designating the two days during run
of picture as "Our Leading Citizen" day.
Corker's "Oz" Characters
Tied to Local Circus
On opening day of "Wizard of Oz," City
Manager Moon Corker, for that date at the
Palace, in Athens, Ga., dressed two of his
staff as the Tin Man and the Scarecrow,
both appropriately bannered covered main
streets distributing heralds. As another ges-
ture, cooperation was secured from the man-
agement of a circus in town on picture's
opening day, for the two characters to fol-
low the clowns around the rings during the
performances.
Attractive lobby display was created for
the engagement consisting of giant cutouts
of the various characters in the picture,
which were spotted strategically three weeks
ahead and during run.
WARNER PICTURE TIED
TO PARENTHOOD WEEK
Featured exploitat/oit arranged by
the Warner Brothers press book de-
partment for "A Child Is Born" ties
in tuith National Parenthood Week,
sponsored by Parents' Magazine, start-
ing October 23, during which period
film is expected to have its greatest
number of showings.
Campaign devotes a full page to
promotion of a local Baby Week with
layout for co-op page and co-op
herald. Also stressed is a tiein to honor
local doctor who .has done the most
for motherhood. Publicity is topped
with picture layout, entitled "Twenty
Babies in a Movie", available in mat
form for newspapers and broadsides.
Newspaper Contests Highlight
Lannpe's "Name Only" Campaign
For a reported first time in six months,
Gus Lampe for the date of "In Name Only"
at the Keith Theatre in Syracuse, broke
down the resistance of the local dailies and
succeeded in planting two contests in ad-
vance of that picture's opening. First tieup
was with the Herald Journal whereby a two
weeks' vacation trip, all expenses paid, was
offered in connection with a classified ad
contest, readers being required to check
through ads, find scattered letters which
spelled out the stars' and pictures' names,
correctly assemble them and submit to con-
test editor. Guest tickets went to runners-
up. Second contest in the Post-Standard
was in limerick form ; cash and guest tickets
were awarded here, too.
Stations WFBL and WSYR were tied in,
and the three largest stores in town came
through with elaborate window displays and
appropriate picture copy. Newspapers were
generous with stories and art work.
Local Airport Aids Stewart
In Search for Lost Airplane
When a Framingham, Mass., youth re-
cently lost one of his miniature airplanes
preparatory to a special flight from the local
airport and offered a cash award for its
return. Manager Bernard Stewart of the
Gorman Theatre, searching for some un-
usual pictures for his lobby display on
"S.O.S. Tidal Wave," sold the airport of-
ficials on the idea of finding the plane with
a telephoto camera.
Airport loaned the theatreman a ship on
which they permitted him to imprint title
letters and Stewart further contacted
cameraman from daily newspaper for human
interest stories and pictures. Using a tele-
photo camera with infra-red film to photo-
graph from the air the area where the mini-
ature plane was supposed to have fallen on
a trial flight, the plane was recovered. Stunt
was built up into front page stories in all
of which the film got prominent mention, as
did Stewart's unique lobby display.
Bell Gives Glenn Miller Band
Well Rounded Radio Campaign
For the personal appearance of Glenn
Miller and his band at Loew's State, in
Washington, publicist Ray Bell succeeded
for seven days ahead in landing four of the
maestro's recordings on each midnight pro-
gram of WRC's "Night Watchman" pro-
gram, this also included a late interview with
the star. Station WMAL also featured two
15-minute recording periods. Another high-
light was program dedicated to the Naval
Academy, over which nothing but Glenn
Miller recordings were played, with due
credit given his appearance at Loew's. Mary
Mason, who broadcasts a daily half-hour
woman's program, interviewed Miller two
days ahead of opening and she, too, played
recordings and gave free plugs.
All jitterbug outlets were circularized by
Bell, cooperating stores carried window dis-
plays offering autographed photos.
"If Thanksgiving Is November 23rd,
When Is Christmas?" Ask Mendenhall
To sell his coming attractions at the Pin-
ney Theatre, in Boise, Idaho, Manager J. R.
Mendenhall ran a series of teaser ads in his
local dailies, in addition to 12 radio an-
nouncements worded : "If Thanksgiving Is
November 23d, when is Christmas ?", and
spotted to the tune of "Jingle Bells." For
his street bally, man dressed as Santa drove
about town in bannered miniature automo-
bile reading: "F. D. R. says Thanksgiving
Day is November 23d, so we say Christmas
is now, bringing you these movie hits," etc.,
etc. Teaser newspaper campaign which
started with a one inch ad wound up with
a full four column spread with the Christ-
mas holiday spirit carried out.
Mendenhall further credits Boyd Braith-
waite and Nevin McCord with the execution
of the idea.
Local Grocers Aid Phillips
On "Culinary Carving" Short
An advance screening of the Pete Smith
short, "Culinary Carving," was held for local
marketmen by Manager Ralph E. Phillips
at the State Theatre, in Sioux Falls, S. D.
Four days in advance of opening, small
tickets calling attention to the short were
distributed to all leading markets, with the
result that all meat packages leaving the co-
operating stores took Phillips' picture mes-
sage into the homes. Also promoted by the
theatreman was plug over the radio program
of a local packing plant.
Deering Garners Three Full Pages
In Local Dailies on New Season
Francis Deering of Loew's Theatre, in
Plouston, Texas, started off his New Season
by crashing the three local papers with as
many full pages. Papers of course carried
the theatreman's good sized ads, but the
balance of the pages were chock full of at-
tractive layouts and stories on the forthcom-
ing attractions. Banner line across top of
each page read: "Lady of the Tropics opens
the new 1939-40 Movie Season at Loew's
State."
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
E. FRIEDMAN
has been shifted from the Fantasy, in Rock-
ville Center, N. Y., to the Grove in Free-
port. Other Century Circuit changes in-
clude ED FREIBERGER from the Marine,
Brooklyn, to the Fantasy; F. W. BRU-
NELLE from the Bliss, Long Island City,
to the Queens, Queens Village, succeeding
WALTER SMITH who goes to the Bliss.
L. FREUND has been shifted from the
Patio, Brooklyn, to the Kingswav there re-
placing WILLIAM APPLEGATE who
switches posts with him. R. S. TRETLER
leaves the Avalon, Brooklyn, for the Marine,
with ED CLINE from the Grove going over
to the Freeport, in Freeport. MONROE
SCHRAM leaves the Freeport for the
Sunnvside. in Sunnvside, L. I., and JACK
WEIN STEIN goes' from the Sunnvside to
the Avalon in Brooklyn.
V
HENRY SOMMERS
until recently in charge of the Palace, Cin-
cinnati, has been named manager of the
RKO Shubert replacing ELLWOOD
JONES, acting manager since the resigna-
tion of CLIFF BOYD.
V
GEORGE LAW
has been appointed manager of the Bev-
erly, Toronto.
V
M. E. WALKER
is managing the Salem Theatre, in West
Salem, Wis.
V
ROBERT SELIG
manager of the Hiawatha, Denver, has been
promoted by Rick Ricketson of the Fox In-
termountain theatres to manager of exploi-
tation for the division, a newly created po-
sition. Succeeding Selig is CHARLES
LOWEN, assistant manager of the Tabor.
LLOYD BOERING has gone to Pocatello,
Idaho, as assistant manager and is suc-
ceeded by CHARLES MOORHEAD from
Beatrice, Neb. ROBERT BOTHWELL,
from Pocatello has gone to Helena. ]\Iont..
as assistant manager. OTTO BARTUSCH,
from Laramie, Wyo., has been named to
Sterling, Col., replacing ROBERT PEN-
NER, who has taken over the city mana-
gership at Alliance. Neb.
V
DON NICHOLS
lately of Racine, Wis., is now managing the
Mrginia Theatre in Harrisonburg, Va.
V
STANLEY GOLDBERG
has been named booker, office manager and
city salesman for Monogram in Kansas Citv,
Mo.
. V
KEN BARRETT
is now managing the new Giles Theatre in
Kansas City.
V
W. G. McKINNEY
has been brought into the home office of the
Griffith-Dickinson Theatres as assistant to
Ralph Kieffer, head booker.
V
GEORGE HANNON
former operator of the Grand, in Green
Bay, Wis., will manage the house for Stand-
ard Theatres when it reopens.
Birthday
Greetings
U P AU
risrmdn D. ADrsms
v:7eorge b. Livingston
t tJ w 1 n u . A\ u 3 T 1 n
n. D. ivicrarnng
K /'\ f If \u 1^ r\ M li Rjiiiav/
r\UL.Kwyuu w , Uallcy
Maurice M. N^eek
AM DdiTOIOT
Robert Menches
1 idrry DUt^ncKcn
John A. K^ier
J H R ^ r 1 1 n A r
n. D^riin^er
Rill P kylllUr
DIM >w. ivi ) lie r
N/^ichael S> Milo
w ndrica Drown
Irwin A. Moffitt
1 1 drry Drowniny
Clifford Mo wry
GsorQs Clerks
rrecj iNaiiy
Rcid L. Crow
Lee Naify
1 O n^>nifil Ir
u. u an\t^ \ , jr.
James H. Nicholson
iNorrridn L/dvib
Vincent F. O Leary
J. rxamob i-'eTonTdine
Edward J, Oliver
W^i^^rT IJiirNorCToin
rSODclT L^UUcialtrin
George Patterson
Tom Edwards
Robert G. Patterson
Joseph Feldman
J. Alan Peters
Bert Glldersleeve
Jimmie L. Redmond
Melvin L. Gold
Ralph C. Ressler
Myer Golding
G. O. Romine
Herbert Graefe
Nort Rosevold
Jerome Greenbaum
Harvey Rotus
Wesley R. Griffith
Joseph M. Rubenfeld
Mike Guttmann
Robert J, Rydeen
Herbert Halrrell
Paul G. Schoonmaker, Jr.
W. H. Hall
Harry Sefton
John P. Hassett
Morris Simms
Harold Heller
Harold C. Spero
H. R. Hellerich
Samuel Stepanian
R. H. Hightower
Stuart Tomber
C. L Hollister
William Truesdell
Jack L. Johnson
John B. Tucker
James A. Kakley
Clarence A.Turbin
Thomas R. King
Harold Turner
Herbert C. Lewis
Frank Weatherford *
W. W. Lineberger
Art Weber
John L. Link
Eric Van Dyck
EDWARD PURCELL
has been promoted to managership of the
Strand, in Staunton, Va.
V
DON ALLEN
manager of the Des Moines, in Des Moines,
will henceforth manage the Omaha and
HARRY HOLDSBERG, formerly at the
Paramount, goes into the Des Aloines. Other
Tri-States changes include EDDIE DUNN,
manager of the Strand in Waterloo, la., has
been named manager of the Paramount in
Des Moines; MAURICE CREW, manager
of the Hvland, goes to the Strand; ROB-
ERT LEONARD of the Garden will man-
age the Hyland and TONY ABROMO-
VITCH, assistant manager of the Strand in
Des IMoines, promoted to manage the
Garden.
V
ROGER C. BUTLER, JR.
has assumed his new duties as manager of
the Wilbv Theatre, in Selma, Ala., succeed-
ing the late LLOYD R. TOWNS.
V
SAM DAVIS
formerly of Selma, Ala., is the new skipper
of the Bijou, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Top Players to Receive
Sweaters from Theatre
(Continued from page 60)
eral free tickets and at the same time plug
the picture the winners will get to see.
Announcements are always made during
assembly, giving date and time of game.
Arrangements will be made to plug the free
tickets given away by the theatres. The
school will be notified, that every game the
team wins, the players are to be our guests
at some night during the week as specified.
"At the end of each football season, sweat-
ers are presented to the deserving players
of the team during assembly. An attempt
will be made to duplicate this on our stage
in addition to the theatre presenting them
with a silver cup.
Alany schools, that are really football
minded, have cameramen on the field taking
highlights of the game. These pictures are
used at a later date by the school to show
the players their mistakes, and how they can
correct same. These prints will be rented
from the school at a small fee, while still
hot, and shown at the theatre.
In keeping with football pictures we
show during the season, football regalia
will be borrowed from the school, to be dis-
played as advance advertising, and currently
to be used as a front. Goal posts will be
erected in the "No Parking Zone."
Annual Award by Theatre
Found Ace Gross Builder
by JIMMIE REDMOND
Bonham, Fairbury, Neb.
Our local high school football team looks
like a seven or eight game winner this year,
so we will have to do a great deal to keep
our local fans interested in our theatre as
well as a winning team.
One thing I am certain we will do this
year, as it proved one of our greatest ideas
last year, and that is to send a representa-
tive to every out of town game the team
plays and this representative will call us the
score of the game each quarter, we in turn
get it on our screen at once. Last year our
out of town games drew many an extra pa-
tron to the show because of this stunt.
Games played at home are covered the same
way with flashes placed on the screen of
every score made.
Another deal we will put over is our
THIRD ANNUALFOOTBALLTROPHY
AWARD. This award goes to the best line
man and to the best backfield man on the
team. Awards are usually made the Friday
following Thanksgiving and we dedicate the
evening to the entire team, coaches, and
cheer leaders. The public picks the winners
by ballot, with the winners being presented
from the stage. Last year our Friday night
business was more than doubled by the stunt.
I am sure that we will use many other
small tie ups as the season progresses, such
as a benefit show for the players whereby
the team can buy their letters and sweaters
from the funds they receive from the show.
When this idea is carried out the entire
school gets out and sells tickets and we us-
ually get more than our share of extra
business.
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
63
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy- Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abraham Lincoln Boggs, Mel Rep
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009. Mel RKO
Across the Plains. 3855. West Mono
Adventurer, The. 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures ef Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Com.-Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising. 006. Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too. Mel WB
All Women Have Secrets. Mel Para
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever. 944. Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces. The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid, The, West Rep
Arizona Legion, 982. West RKO
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Com 2ath-Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863. Mel Para
Beau Geste, 3902. Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Betrayal. Mel Foreign
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre, Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail. 5. Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Bluebird. The, Com 20th- Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas. Com Foreign
Boy Friend. 943, Com 2ath-Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820. Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mei WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
0
Cabira, Mel Foreign
Cafe Society. 3826. Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines. 912. Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932. Mel MGM
Call on the President. Com.-Mel MGM
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island. Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Honolulu. 928, Mel..20th-Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948. Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees. Com.-Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com 20th-Fox
Child Is Born, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wind, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U. West Univ
Chump at Oxford. Com UA
Cily. The. Mel 20th-Fox
City in Darkness, Mel 20th-Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High. 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. Rts
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel..* FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Covered Trailer, Com Rep
Cowboy Quarterback, The. 366. Com WB
Curtain Rises. The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, 3. Com MGM
Danger Flight. 3816, Mel Mono
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com... RKO
Daytime Wife, Mel 20th-Fox
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, 3901, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City. 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime in the Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864. West. ..Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny. Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die. Mel FN
East Side of Heaven. Mus.-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women. Mel.20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day. Mel Foreign
Enemy Within. The. Mel WB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Escape to Paradise, Mus RKO
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours. Mel 20th- Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 2ath-Fox
Everybody's Hobby. 376. Com FN
Everything Happens at Night, Mel. . .20th-Fox
Everything's On Ice. 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, 6, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The, Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RKO
Fighting Thoroughbreds, 821, West Rep
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces. 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th- Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Geronimo. Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girt Must Live, Com 2ath-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel Para
Grand Jury's Secrets. Mel Para
Great Man Votes, 913, Com RKO
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934. Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, West St. Rts.
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hatred, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, 4024, Mus Univ
Heartbeat. Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence. Mel
20th- Fox
Hell's Kitchen. 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger. Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes in Blue. Mel Mono
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power Mel , Col
High School. Com 20th-Fox
His Girl Friday. Mel Col
Hitler — The Beast of Berlin. Mel St. Rts.
Hit Parade. The, Mus Rep
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie. 842, West Rep
Honeymoon in Bali. 3904, Com Para
Honolulu. 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial. 3836. Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles. 936. Mel.20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear. The. 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
I Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
Illicit Cargo, Mel Col
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions. Mel Foreign
In Name Only. 936, Mel RKO
In Old Montana, West St. Rts.
In Old Monterey. 847. West Rep
Inside Information. 3039. Mel.. Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 2ath-Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com. -Mel Para
Irish Luck. Mel Mono
I Stole a Million. 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men. 3348. Mel Para
It Could Happen to You. 950, Mel. . .20th-Fox
It's a Wonderful World. 936, Mel MGM
Itto. Mel Foreign
I Was Made a Convict. 824. Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn. 3906, Mel Para
Jecpers Creepers. Com Rep
Jesse James, 921, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Jones Family in Quick Millions. Com.
20th- Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Com.20th-Fox
Juarez. 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmillan. Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son. Com MGM
Just William. Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga. the Wild Stallion, Mel Col
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Col
Lady Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel. ..Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Ci>m Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas. The, West Col
Law of the Pampas. West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
(Continued on following page)
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
[THE RELEASE CHART—INDEX CCNT'Dl
^Continued from preceding page)
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
Listen Kids. Mel Univ
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Princess. The, 932, Mel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers. West Col
Looking After Sandy. Com MGM
Lost Patrol, 991. Mel RKO
Lost Squadron. The. 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Maisie, 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Mamele. Com Foreign
Man About Town. 3845. Com Para
Man and His Wife. A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The, West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest. 801. Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The. Mel Col
Man Who Dared. 375. Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081. West RKO
Marx Brothers "at the Circus," 8. Com. .MGM
Medicine Show, West Para
Meet Dr. Christian, 005. Mel RKO
Mexican Kid. 3741. West Mono
Mickey the Kid. 814. Mel Rep
Midnight. 3828, Mel Para
Mikado. The, 4044. Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs. 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel GN
Miracles for Sale. 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Mote in Danger Island. 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Mote's Last Warning. 926. Mel, . .20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation. 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Com Col
Mr. Wong in Chinatown. 3807. Mel Mono
Mothers of Today. Mel Foreign
Mountain RJiythm. 845, West Rep
Murder in Soho, Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House, 3803, Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk. 4051. Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 536, Mel -..MGM
My Song of Love, Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mysterious Miss X. 809. Mel ReP
Mystery of Mr. Wong. The. 3806. Mel... Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel. ..Univ
Mystery Plane. 3809. Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
419, Mel '. WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter. 324. Mel...WB
Naughty But Nice, 311. Cora. -Mel WB
Navy Secrets. 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832, Com Para
New Frontier, 868. West Rep
News Is Made at Night, 953. Mel.. . .20th-Fox
Night on the Danube, Com. -Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South. Mel Foreign
Night Work. 3849. Com Para
Ninotchka. 7. Mel MGM
No Place to Go. 469. Mel FN
North of Shanghai, Mel Col
North of the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passage. Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, 001, Mel RKO
Of Human Bondage. 993. Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier. West Univ
Oklahoma Kid, 308. Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Oid Mail. The. 452. Mel FN
On Borrowed Time. Com. -Mel MGM
On Your Toes. Mus WB
One Hour to Live. Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown. 3903, Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen. 3850. Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters. Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Outsider, The, Mel Foreign
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
Pacific Liner, 914, Mel RKO
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com 20th-Fox
Panama Lady, 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures, Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Patsy, Com MGM
Peasant Wedding, Mel. <C) Foreign
Persons in Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033, Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass, Mel WB
Pride of the Navy, 822, Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars, Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The,
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980, Com. -Mel MGM
Queen of Destiny, 061, Mel. (C) RKO
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles. Mel "A
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th- Fox
Range War. 3954. West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember, Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail. 3859. West Para
Reno. 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X. Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid. Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2. West GN
Riders of Black River. West Col
Riders of Destiny. West Mono
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business. 3029. Mel Univ
Roaring Twenties. The, Mel WB
Rolling Westward, 3863. West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods. Mel Col
Rookie Cop. Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus, -Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rovin' Tumbleweeds, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
Sabotage. Mel Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Sagebrush Trail, West Mono
Saint in London, 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822, Mel Para
St. Martin's Lane, Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede, 863, West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet. Mel Col
School for Husbands, Com. -Mel Foreign
Second Fiddle, 949. Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Secret of Dr. Kildare. Mel MGM
Secret Service of the Air. 320, Mel WB
Send Another CofBn, Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com Para
She Married a Cop. Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally, 018, Com Foreign
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage. 3858. Mel Para
Simple Life, The. Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Singing Charro. The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm, WI-19, West GN
6,000 Enemies. 938. Mel ...MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smiling Along, 300, Com 20th-Fox
Smuggled Cargo. 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, S30, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein, 3004, Mel Univ
Song of the Street. Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring, Mel FN
S.O.S. -Tidal Wave, 813. Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho. 855, West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range. West Col
Stagecoach. Mel UA
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker. The. 3851. Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life. 3864, Mel Para
Stop. Look and Love, 008, Com 20th- Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The.
938. Mel 20th- Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle. The.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St, Rts.
Stranger from Texas, The, West Col
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel.. Rep
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802, Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire, Mel MGM
Student Nurse, Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814. Mel Mono
Sudden Money. 3829. Com. -Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie. 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets. Mel Univ.
Sunset Trail. 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties. 954. Com. -Mel.
20th- Fox
Swanee River, 017, Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner, Com FN
Tail Spin, 925, Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West, West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Test Driver, Mel Univ
Texas Stampede. West Col
Texas Wildcats. West St. Rts.
That's Right You're Wrong. Oil. Mus... RKO
They All Come Out. 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948. Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040, Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal. 307, Mel WB
They Shall Have Music, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers. 927. Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001. Mus.-Com.
Univ
Three Sons. 004. Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat, 4. Mel MGM
Timber Stampede. 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th-Fox
Topper Takes a Trip, Com UA
Torchy Blane in Chinatown, 371, Mel FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite, 326, Mel WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Univ
Trapped in the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Smith. 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing. Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds, West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours. 917, Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Iwo Bright Boys, 4017, Mel Univ
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U-Boat 29. Mel Col
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor. Mel Para
Under-Pup. The 4010. Mel Univ
Unexpected Father. 3008, Com Univ
Union Pacific. 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed, Mel. (C) Para
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil in the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wall Street Cowboy, 857, West Rep
Wanted by Seotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case, Mel 20th-Fox
Waterfront. 325, Mel WB
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel WB
Western Caravans, West Col
West of Carson City, West Univ
What a Man! Con Foreign
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When the Husband Travels, Mus.-Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com. -Mel .. Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922, Mel.. .20th- Fox
Whispering Enemies, Mel Col
Wife. Husband and Friend, 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy, 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All. 939, Mus-C»m 20th-Fox
Winter Carnival. Mel UA
Witch Night, Mel Foreign
With a Smile, Mus.-Com Foreign
Within the Law, 928, Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes, The, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Col
Women, The, 1, Com. -Mel MGM
Women Behind Bars, Mel Para
Women in the Wind. 316. Mel WB
Wonder World. Mel GN
World Moves On. The. Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947. Mel 20th- Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The, 812, Mel Rep
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
65
(THE RELEASE CHAKT— CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the nannes of distributors
in order that the exhibitor nnay have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as Information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of tlie review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Beliind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells. .July 28,'39 62. Aug. 26, '39
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris- Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May M,'39 71. Apr. 29,'39
Blondis Meets the Boss (G)...P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms..Mar. 8,'39 74. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms..July 20,'39 71. July 22,'39
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson..June 20, '39 79. Mar. II, '39
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 67.)
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connollly. .Aug. 4,'39 72. Sept. 2,'39
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows-Dorothy Peterson, .Aug. 22,'39 60
First Offenders W. Abcl-B. Roberts-J. Downs Apr. I2,'39 62
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphe Meniou-Jos. Callela Sept. 5,'39 101. Aug. 19, '39
Good Girls Go to Paris (G) Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June 30, '39 78. June 24, '39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept. 7,'39t. . • . 60 May 27, '39
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone-Rochelle Hudson Aug. 30, '39 65
Lady and the Mob, The (G)...F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr. 3, '39 66. Mar, II, '39
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr, 16, '39 58
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb, 28,'39 69. Feb. I8,'39
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott- Dorothy Gulliver Mar, I6,'39 56
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrctt - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers July 15, '39 59
Man They Could Not Hang,
The B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox. .. Aug. I7,'39 65
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh. ..May 22,'39 59. June 24, '39
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells Feb. 22,'39 59
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-Jaraes Craig Feb. 10, '39 59
(See "In the Cutting Room," Nov. 12, '38,)
North of the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Lina Winters Mar. 30,'39 64
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant . Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May 25,'39. . . . 1 21 . May 2D.'39
(Exploitation: June 24,'39, p. 75: July I5,'39, p. 62; July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 100,
101, 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. 19, '39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39, p. 57; Sept. 9,'39, pp. 76,
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Sept. 14,'39t 63
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June 29, '39 58
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May 4,'39 59
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27, '39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug. 23,'39 59
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar. 30,'39 67
Spoilers of the Range Charles Starrett-lris Meredith Apr. 27, '39 58
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Feb. 9,'39 57
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith. .. Sept. 2l,'39t.. 82
Trapped in the Sky (G) Jack Holt-Katherine DeMille June I, '39 61. Feb. I8,'39
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June 15, '39 58
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar. 24, '39 61. Feb. 18, '39
Woman Is the Judge, A Frieda Inescort-Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July 10, '39 62
Coming Attractions
Beware Spooks Joe E, Brown- Mary Carlisle Oct, 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lakc-L. Simms
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis .*65.Aug. 5, '39
His Girl Friday* C. Grant-R. Russell-R. Bellamy
Illicit Cargo J. Holt-D. Purcell-1. Ware
Incredible Mr. Williams, The., Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette Oct. I9,'39t
Renegade Law Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Oct. I6,'39t
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
U-Boat 29 (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson Oct. 7,'39t . . . .82. Apr. I5,'39
("Reviewed under the title, "Spy in Black,")
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers )
GB PICTURES
(Distributed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Metthews-Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'38
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
GRAND NATIONAL
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26, '39
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May 20,'39 69. Feb. 25,'39
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May 31, '39 57
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May I3i'39. . . . .57. Feb/ I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barlcay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room,'
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
Mar. 25, '39.)
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Huckelberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney . Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
'"sram Feb. I0,'39 92. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 18,'39, p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29, '39, pp. 74, 75; June 24 '39
p. 77; July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July 21, '39 85. July 15, '39
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. I2,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
p. 86; Sept. 2,'39, pp. 56, 60; Sept. 9, '39, p. 70.)
Blarkmail (G) 5 Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. .Sept. 8,'39t. .. .81 Sept. 9,'39
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May 26,'39 .'70. May 27!'39
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan Apr. 7,'39 1 13. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15, '39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymorc-Lew Ayres Apr. 28,'39 86. Oct. I7,*3a
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Beery-J. Cooper-I. Rich June 2,'39 86. Apr. 29/39
Dancing Co-ed (G) 3 Lana Turner-Richard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t 84. Sept. 23,'39
Fast and Loose (G) 924. Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell Feb. 17, '39 79. Feb. I8.'39
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945. ..Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39 114. May 20,'39
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22,'39, p. 80; July 29,'39. p. 67; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. 12, '39. p. 74; Aug. 26,'39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39, p. 76.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
334 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A, Rutherford Apr. 21, '39 81. Apr. 22,'39
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, p. 64; June 3, '39, p. 65; June 24,'39, p, 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb. 3, '39 83. Feb. 4, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39, p. 82; Apr. I5,'39, p. 84; May 6,'39, pp. 61, 64; May 13, '39.
p. 67; June 24,'39, pp. 74, 77; July I, '39, p, 62; July 8, '39, p. 52; July 22,'39, p. 82:
July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Sept. 23.'39, p. 70.)
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(THE I2ELEASE CHACT"C€NT'D)
Title Star Rel.
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Original Ice Follies Cast —
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 29, 39. p. 76; May 20/39, p- 61; June I0.'39
It's a Wonderful World (G)
936 James Stewart-Claudette Colbert. . May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39. p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, The (G) 929. .Dennis O'Kcefe-Florence Rice. ...Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug.
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926 N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold - G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39. p. 79; Apr. 29,'39. p. 74; May 27,'39.
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Loy May
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. , June
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 61; July 8,'39, p. 51; July I5,'39,
Aug. 5, '39, p. 98; Aug. 12, '39, p. 74; Aug. 26, '39, p. 85; Sept.
p. 83.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull Aug.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone... May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942. ... Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bondi July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9,'39, pp, 75, 76; Sept. 16, '39, p, 85.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, pp. 68. 70; Feb. 25, '39, p. 67; Mar.
p. 83; Apr. I. '39, p. 76; Apr. 22. '39, p. 64; May 6, '39, p, 62
July 8,'39, p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gable- J. MacDonald-S. Tracy . May
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39. p. 60; Apr. 29. '39, p. 72; May 6. '39,
May 27, '39, p. 65; June I0.'39, p. 59; July 8,'39, p. 51.)
6.000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrillo. . Mar.
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter Pidgeon . . , June
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939. .J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sullivan. . . . June
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 49; Aug. 5. '39, pp. 98, 100; Aug.
2, '39, pp. 54. 60; Sept. 23. '39, pp. 68, 70.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May
These Glamorous Girls (A) 948. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Louise-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan . Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23, '39, p. 73.)
They All Come Out (G) 943. ..Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July
Thunder Afloat (G) 4 W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept.
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar.
Wizard of Oz (G) 949 Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley. ... Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 26,'39, pp, 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55; Sept,
16, '39, p. 83; Sept. 23,'39. pp. 66. 73.)
Women, The (A) I Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. Sept,
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
10. '39 82. Mar. II, '39
p. 60.)
19, '39 86. May 6,'39
I4,'39 71 .Apr. I, '39
1 1, '39 91. Aug. I2,'39
24, '39 87. Feb, I8,'39
p. 68.)
5, '39 81. Apr. 29, '39
23.'39 74. July I, '39
p. 61 ; July 22,'39, p. 89;
2. '39, p, 60; Sept. 16, '39,
4, '39 71. Aug. 5, '39
5, '39 133. Nov. 9, '35
7,'39.
.99. July I, '39
3.'39 87. Sept. 10, '38
4,'39. p. 70: Mar. 25, '39.
; May 13, '39, pp. 68, 70;
27. '39 115 July 4. '36
24, '39 83. Mar. I8,'39
p. 63; May 20, '39. p. 62;
9,'39 62. May 27, '39
31, '39 78. Apr. I, '39
30, '39 78. June 4, '39
16, '39 82. June 3,'39
I9.'39, pp, 67, 70; Sept.
12, '39 69. May 13, '39
I8,'39.. .80. Aug. 19, '39
14, '39 70. July 8.'39
15, '39t 95. Sept. 23,'39
17, '39 65. Mar. I8,'39
25, '39. . . .101 Aug. 12, '39
9,'39, pp. 71, 77; Sept.
I,'39t.. .l34.Sept. 2,'39
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Loy - William Powell -
Ruth Hussey- Virginia Grey
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Babes in Arms (G) Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland -
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull 97. Sept. 23. '39
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger - Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12. '39.)
Broadway Melody of 1940* E. Powcll-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Call on the President,* A A. Sothern-W. Gargan-W. Bren-
nan
Fast and Furious 6 Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Oct. 6,'39t
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Judge Hardy and Son* Lewis Stone - Mickey Rooney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Looking After Sandy Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds .. Oct. 27,'39t
Marx Brothers "at the Circus" B.Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. . . .Oct. 20,'39t
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room." July I5,'39.)
Ninotchka 7 G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire .Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8.'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
Remember R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald • Nelson
Eddy 1 12. Jan. 18, '35
Secret of Dr. Kildare* Lionel Barrymore - Lew Ayres -
Laraine Day-Helen Gilbert
MONOGRAM
Star
Title
Across the Plains (G) 3655 Jack Randall Apr.
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankie Darro-Grant Withers May
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell May
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
Fight for Peace. The (A) Sept.
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movita-Warren Hull Aug.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39,)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Purcell Aug.
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
30, '39 59. May 27,'39
I, '39 61. May 13, '39
I8,'39 62. June 24, '39
30,'39 70. Apr. 30, '38
7,'39 62
Title star
Mr, Wong in Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorie Reynolds.
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds...
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr.
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter
Rolling Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagcl-Warren Hull
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room," June 17
Sky Patrol (G) 3815 J. Trcnt-M. Reynolds-M. Stone...
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trenf-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson- Betty Lynne..
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Aug. I, '39 70 July 22,'39
Mar. 8,'39 66. Mar. I8,'39
Mar. 8, '39 60. Feb. 25,'39
29,'39, p. 72.) •
Feb. 8,'39 60. Feb. 18. '39
Aug. 25, '39
Aug. 16, '39 60 Sept. 9, '39
Mar. I, '39 55. Apr. I, '39
June 10, '39 61
,'39.)
Sept. 12, '39 65. Sept. 23,'39
Feb. 22, '39 62. Apr. 15, '39
Apr. I2,'39 73. Apr.
July l,'39 62. July
Feb. 8,'39 53
Mar. 22,'39 51 . ."
Apr. 5,'39 56
8,'39
1,'39
Apr. 19, '39 62
May 18, '39 60. May 20,'39
Coming Attractions
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Oct.
Danger Flight J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. Oct.
Heroes in Blue* D. Purcell-B. Hayes-C. Quigley
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane . . Oct.
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall Oct.
Riders of Destiny (reissue)
(G) John Wayne-Cecilia Parker Oct.
Sagebrush Trail (reissue) John Wayne Oct.
I,'39t.
25,'39..
10, '39.
31, '39.
20. '39 58. Jan.
20, '39
27, '34
22, '39.
21, '39.
.58, Aug.
.60
26, '39
PARAMOUNT
Title Star Rel,
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis- Wallace Ford Apr.
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester. . Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) 3902 Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston- Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept,
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland Feb.
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard- Heather Angel June
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard -Heather Angel Apr.
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22, '39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) 3901. Lynne Overman-Susan Paley Sept.
Gracie Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew June
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick June
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods June
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 3904... Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roM-H. Broderick-A. Jones Sept.
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland May
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George Apr.
(Exploitation: May 13. '39, p. 66; June 10, '39, p. 55; Aug. 5/39,
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray. . .June
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848.. Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn.,July
King of Chinatown (G) 3827... Anna May Wony-A. Tamiroff Mar.
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts Apr.
Magnificent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son July
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold. .. July
(Exploitation: Aug. I2,'39, pp. 69, 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 70.)
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more-Mary Astor Mar.
(Exploitation: May 27. '39, p. 68; June 3, '39. p. 66; July I, '39, p.
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan. July
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye Apr.
Night Work (G) 3849 Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles Aug.
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson Feb.
$1,000 a Touchdown 3903 Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 22,'39.)
Our Leading Citiben (G) 3850, Bob Burns-Susan Hayward Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23. '39, p. 66.)
Persons in Hiding (G) 3823... L. Overman-Patricia Morison . . . . Feb.
Range War (G) 3954 William Boyd-Russell Hayden . . .Sept.
Renegade Trail 3859 W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes... Aug.
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 31, '38.)
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Guizar. . . Feb.
(Exploitation: June 17 '39. p 7S,)
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858... Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 7, '39, p. 53.)
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
21. '39..
10. '39..
..85. Apr.
..88. Nov.
I5,'39
26, '38
15,'39t..
I7,'39
. 1 14. July
74 . Feb.
22.'39
4, '39
30/39
57. July
8,'39
14,'39...
. .55. Apr.
8.'39
3.'39...
..76 . Feb.
II, '39
I,'39f..
..67. Sept.
2,'39
2.'39 74. May 20,'39
23,'39 68. June I0,'39
23.'39 74. Mar. I8,'39
29.'39t...*95.Sept. 16/39
12. '39 80. May 13, '39
7,'39 80. Mar. 25. '39
p. 99.)
16, '39... .95. May 13/39
28,'39 64, Aug. 5,'39
17, '39 57. Mar. I8,'39
28,'39 77, Apr. 15, '39
21. '39... .78. July 22,'39
7. '39 85. June I7.'39
24,'39.....94,Mar. I8,'39
58.)
I4,'39 65. July 8.'39
I4.'39 82. Mar. 11/39
4, '39 62. Aug. I2,'39
24, '39 76. Feb. 18,'39
22, '39t.. ..73
II, '39 88. Aug. 5, '39
10, '39 70. Jan. 28,'39
8, '39t 66. Aug. 5, '39
I8,'39 58
3, '39 87. Jan. 28,'39
31, '39 68. Feb. II, '39
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
67
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Title
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837..
(Exploitation: June 10. '39,
Star Makers, The (G) 3851
Stolen Life (A) 3864.
Sudden Money (G) 3829
Sunset Trail (G) 3857
This Man in Paris (A) 3865..
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840..
Union Pacific (G) 3835
Star
Gene Krupa and Orch. -Shirley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel May
p. 54; June I7,'39, p. 77; Aug. 26, '39,
Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug.
Elisabeth Bergner- Michael Red-
grave May
B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Buggies. . Mar.
Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.
Barry K. Barnes-Valerie Hob-
son
L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel.
Joel McCrea- Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroff-Robt Preston.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes R
I9,'39 64. May
p. 85.)
eviewed
3,'39
.Feb.
.Aug.
.June
31, '39.
24,'39.
I8,'39. . .
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39
p. 64; June 3. '39, p. 65
p. 76; July 8,'39, pp. 50,
Unmarried (G) 3838
p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39.
; June I0.'39, pp. 54,
51 ; July I5,'39. p. 61
Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees
.May 5,'39..
p. 57; Mar. 1 8, '39, p.
59, 60; June I7,'39, p.
Aug. ,'39, p. 102.)
94.
Aug.
26,'39
92
Feb.
I8,'39
.62.
Mar.
25, '39
.68.
.Oct.
22. '38
.86'. July
8,'39
65.
June
3, '39
125.
Apr.
29,'39
73;
75;
May
June
27,'39,
24,'39,
.May 26,'39 65. May 27, '39
Coming Attractions
All Women Have Secrets J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov.
24,'39t.
(See
Diamonds
Disputed
(See
the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Are Dangerous Isa Miranda- George Brent
Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamiroff-
John Howard Oct,
'In the Cutting Room." May 20. '39.)
Dr. Cyclops Alber Dekker-Janice Logan Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23. 39.)
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell . .Jan.
Farmer's Daughter, The Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggles
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew. ..Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 15, '39.)
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-0. Bradna-R. Young . . Jan.
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,
Jamaica Inn (A) 3906 Charles Laughton- Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams Oct.
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb.
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna. ..Nov.
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-!. Lupino
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard . .
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden.
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter-Frank Craven Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondi-Eliza-
beth Patterson Jan.
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe Nov.
St. Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton-Vivien Leigh. . . Dec.
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. Field-O. Kruger. . . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett Oct.
(Sec "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour-Robert Preston
Untamed Ray M illand-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room. ' Sept. 23. '39.)
What a Life (G) Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard.. Oct.
Women Behind Bars* Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
27,'39t.
22,'39t.
I9,'40t.
.Feb.
. . Dec.
. .Jan.
I0,'39t.
5,'4at.
39.)
I3,'39t.
I6,'40t.
3,'39t.
9,'40t.
.99. May 27, '39
8,'39..
I2,'40t.
I,'39t.
I2,'40t.
26,'40t.
I7,'39t. . . .97.Sept. 16. '39
I5,'39t . . .85.July 9.'38
2,'40t
20,'39t.
29,'39t.
6,'39t...*75.Sept. 23. '39
REPUBLIC
Title Star
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844... G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey
Calling All Marines (G) 912.. D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer..
Colorado Sunset <G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe...
Fighting Thoroughbreds (G)
821 R. Byrd-M. Carlislc-R. Allen.
Flight at Midnight (G) 911... Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker- Robt. Armstrong
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang...
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Home on the Prairie (G) 842.. Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane-Beverly Roberts
In Old Caliente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes..
In Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnctte-G. Hayes
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gail Patrick-Edw
Ellis-Joan Fontaine
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64, 68; July I5.'39, pp. 60,
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
Mjckey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey
Mysterious Miss X (G) 809. .. M. Whalen-M. Hart-C. Chandler
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers.
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver..
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Running Time
ReL Date Minutes Reviewed
..May 4,'39 56. May 6,'39
..Sept. 2l.'39t 66. Sept. 9,'39
..July 31, '39 64. Aug. 5, '39
..Jan. 6,'39 65. Jan. 21, '39
..Aug. 28,'39t 66. Sept. 2,'39
..Feb. 24,'39 61. Feb. 1 1, '39
..Apr. I9,'39 58. Feb. 1 1, '39
..Feb. 3, '39 58. Apr. I5,'39
Mar. 6,'39. . . .65. Feb. 25. '39
June 19, '39 57. July 22,'39
..Aug. I4,'39 73. Aug. I2.'39
I5,'39 97. Apr. 15. '39
27, '39 58. Apr. I, '39
.July 3.'39 65. July l,'39
.June 9, '39 59. July I. '39
Jan. 10, '39.. . 65. Jan. I4.'39
Mar. 20,'39 65. Mar. 4.'39
.Aug. 10. '39 57. Aug. I9.'39
.Apr. I2,'39 58. Apr. 8. '39
.Jan. 23, '39 65. Jan. 21, '39
. . May
66.)
..Mar.
Title
She Married a Cop (G) 815...
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave (G) 813...
Southward Ho! (G) 855
Street of Missing Men (G)8II.
Three Texas Steers (G) 866
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857
Woman Doctor (G) 808
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867..
Zero Hour, The (G) 812...
Abraham Lincoln Boggs....
Arizona Kid, The
Covered Trailer'-
Hit Parade. The
Jeepers Creepers
Kansas Terrors, The
Rovin' Tumbleweeds*
Sabotage .'.
Star
Phil Regan-Jean Parker.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.July I2,'39 66. June 24.'39
Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell-Marie Wilson-Tommy
Ryan July
Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
Ralph Byrd-Kay Sutton June
Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis..May
R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton ... .Sept.
Frieda Inescort- Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb.
Three Mesquiteers June
Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Coming Attractions
Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Roy Rogers-George Hayes
'as.. Lucille & Russell Gleason
Frances Langford
Weaver Bros. & Elviry - Roy
Rogers
3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueline Wells
G. Autry-S. Burnette-M. Carlsile
Chas. Grapewin-Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver
26, '39 65. July
21, '39 62. Aug.
2,'39 61. June
I9,'39 58. June
28.'39 65. Apr.
12, '39 57. June
6,'39 66. Sept.
6, '39 65. Feb.
27, '39 56. July
26,'39 65. May
15, '39
26, '39
3, ' 39
10, '39
29,'39
17, '39
9. '39
4, '39
15, '39
27, '39
RKO RADIO
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920. .James Ellison-Helen Wood Mar. 31, '39 65. Mar. 25, '39
Arizona Legion (G) 982 George O'Brien-Laraine Johnson. .Jan. 20,'39 58. Jan. I4,'39
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn..Aug. 4,'39 82. July
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39. p. 70; Aug. 26,'39. p. 84; Sept. 2, '39, p. 60; Sept. 9, '39,
Sept. 23. '39, p. 70.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. 1 1, '39 70. Aug
Beauty for the Asking (G)9I5..L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb. 24,'39 68. Jan. 28, '39
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley- Roger Daniel Feb. I0,'39 72. Jan. I4,'39
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley- Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept.
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept.
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept.
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers • James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26,'39
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. ..B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrillo. . Feb. 3, '39 72. Jan. 28, '39
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23, '39 75. June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weidler Apr. 21, '39 68. Jan.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr.
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, pp. 61, 62; June 24, '39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Filers Sept.
I, '39
p. 74;
I9,'39
...68. Jan.
I0,'39.
7, '39 80. July 8,'39
I, '39 59. Aug. 26, '39
I5,'39t. ..*64.Sept. 16, '39
8, '39 59. Aug. 26, 39
I0,'39
28, '39
7,'39 72. Mar. 4,'39
8,'39t....73.Aug. 26, '39
13. '39 72. Jan. I4.'39
I7,'39 107. Jan. 28. '39
5, '39
3.'34
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt June I6,'39 63. June I0,'39
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928.Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June 2,'39 71. May 20,'39
Great Man Votes, The (G) 913. John Barrymore- Katharine Alex-
ander-Peter Holden-Virginia
Weidler Jan.
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant-Victor McLaglen-D.
Fairbanks, Jr. -J. Fontaine Feb.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18. '39. p. 72; Mar. II. '39, p. 57: Mar. 25.'39. p. 84; Apr. 8.'39. p. 82;
Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; Apr. 22. '39, p. 60; Apr. 29. '39. p. 77; May 6, '39, p. 61; May 13, '39,
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66; June 3. '39, p. 68; June 10, '39, p. 60; July I. '39. p. 62; July
22. '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant-K. Francis. .Aug. I8,'39 94. Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 16. ',39. pp. 84, 85.)
Lost Patrol (re-issue) (A) 991 . V. McLaglen-B. KarlofT-W. Ford . . Feb. 17,'39 73. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea - R. Dix - M. Astor. .
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne - C. Boyer - L. Bowman
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39. p. 80; Apr. 15, '39, p. 82; Apr. 29, '39. pp. 72, 74; June 3,'39,
p. 68.)
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Oliver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts . Sept. 29,'39
Of Human Bondage (re-issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee July
Pacific Liner (G) 914 Victor- McLaglen-Chester Morris-
Wendy Barrie Jan.
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marj'orie Rey-
nolds-Ray Whitley May 26, '39 62. June
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas. . .Apr. 28,'39 60. May
Saint in London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June 30. '39 72. July
Saint Strikes Back, The(G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrie. . . Mar.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley- James Ellison May
. July
. Apr.
4,'39 79. Mar. 5. '32
7.'39 89. Mar. 18, '39
97. Aug. 26, '39
4, '39 83. July
6.'39 59. Aug.
12, '39 65. May
7,'34
6, '38
13, '39
,Mar. I3,'39 58. Mar. 25,'39
3. '39
13, '39
I. '39
10,'39 64. Feb. I8,'39
5,'39 64. Apr. 22.'39
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Rcad-P. Knowles. .. .July 28, '39 69. July 29. '39
Star of Midnight (re-issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell ... Feb. 17. '39 90. Apr. 6. '35
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 398 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan Apr. 28,'39 93. Apr, I, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39. p. 81; May I3,'39, p. 68; June I7,'39, p. 76.)
They Made Hpt a Spy (G) 921. Sally Eilers-Allan Lane Apr. I4.'39 69. Mar. 25. '39
Timhor Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-Marjorie Reynolds. .June 30,'39 59. June 24,'39
Trnuble in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brien-R. Keith-R. Whitley. . Mar. 24,'39 60. Mar. I8,'39
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard Dix-Lucille Ball Mar. 3, '39 64. Feb. I8,'39
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Running Time
Yitle Star "'^'^ (Minutes Reviewed
Way Down Soutli (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. IHowbray . . July 21, '39 63. July 22.'3!1
Coming Attractions
Abe Lincoln in Illinois 009 R. Massey-R. Gordon-M.Howard
(See "In tho Cutting Room." Sept. 16. '39.)
Allegheny Uprising 006 John Wayne-Claire Trevor-Brian
Donlevy- George Sanders Oct. 27.'39t
Escape to Paradise* Bobby Breen-Kent Taylor
Everything's on Ice (G) 946. ..Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct. 6, '39 67. Sept. 9, '39
Flying Deuces 010 Laurel & Hardy-J. Parker Oct. 20.'39t
(See "In the Cutting RoOni," Aug. 19. '39.)
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The.C. Laughton- M. O'Hara-Sir 0.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell - B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9, '39.)
Marshal of Mesa City 081 George O'Brien-Virginia Vale Nov. 3,'39t
Meet Dr. Christian* 005 Jean Hersholt-Dorothy Lovett
Oueen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith Nov. 3.'39t 95. Oct. 29.'38
(Reviewed under the title, "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 ..: R. Dix-G. Patrick-A. Louise Nov. I7,'39t
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
That's Right. Your Wrong Oil. Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball Nov. 24,'39t
Three Sons 004 E. Ellis-W. Gargan-K. Taylor. ... Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept 9,'39.)
Vigil in the Night 007 Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX
Running TIma
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce. .Sept. I,'39t 82. Aug. 26, '39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3,'39. . ..69. Nov. I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arleen Whelan May 19, '39 72. May 13. '39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26. '39
Charlie Chan in Honolulu (G)
928 Sidney Toler-Phyllis Brooks Jan. I3,'39. . 68. Dec. 24,'38
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Certez June I6,'39. ...71. June 3,'3S
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari May 5, '39 60 Jan. I4,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Marjorie Weaver ..Aug. 1 1 .'39t . . 64. Aug. 19, '?9
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4,'59t. . . .83. Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. I6,'39, p. 88.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane .Mar. 24, '39.. . 62. Nov. 26, '38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 95I.RandIoph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes. .. July 28,'29 .71. July 29,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2,'39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Here I Am a Stranger 009 Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Hound of the Baskeivilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Miyel Bruce Mar. 31, '39 80. Apr. I, '39
(Exploitation: June 17, '39, p. 75: July I, '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen- Jean Rcgcrs Mar. IP, '39. ...61. Oct. 22, '38
Inspector Hornleigh (A) 945... Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 21. '39.. . 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30. '39 65. June 17, '39
Jesse James (G) 921 Tyrone Power - Henry Fonda -
Nancy Kelly-Randolph Scott. . Jan. 27.'39 100. Jan. I4,'3q
(Exploitation: Jan. 14. '39. p. 63: Jan. 2I,'39. pp. 52, 54: Feb. 4,'39, p. 83: Feb. II, '39,
pp. 58, 61: Feb. 25, '39. pp. 69. 70; Mar. 4, "39, p. 70; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56; Apr. I. '39,
p. 76; Apr. 29, '39, pp. 75. 76; May 6, '39, p. 65: June 24', 39, p. 74.)
Jcnes Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington June 2,'39 60. May 27. '3C
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington. ... Aug. 25,'39t 61 Aug. I2,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. . Mar. 17, '39 93. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. I5.'39. pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Mote in Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff Apr. 7,'39 70. Mar., I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Mote's Last Warning 926. Peter Lorre - Geo. Sanders -
R. Cortez - Virginia Field Jan. 20,'39 71
(See "In the Cutting Room." Dec. 24.'38.)
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre . Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schildkraut. .July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21, '39 73. July 15, '39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Bar! Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'3^
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. 1 5,'39t . . . l04.Sept. 9, '39
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter- Lynn Bari -Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28, '39.. ..71. Apr. 22,'39
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May 13, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62: May 6. '39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee July I4,'39 87. July 8, '35
(Exploitation: Aug. 26. '39, p. 86.)
Smiling Along (G) 933 Gracie Fields - Mary Maguire -
Roger Livesey Jan. 20,'39 83. Oct. 22,'38
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy-R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9.'39, p. 67; Sept. 23. '39, p. 73.)
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008.. Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t 57. Sept. 2,'39
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; May 6, '39, p. 60; May I3,'39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June I7,'39. p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott... June 23, '39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation; July 29,'39, p. 69: Aug. 26,'39, p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye ■ C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . . Feb. ID,'39 84. Feb. 4,'39
(Explnitatirn: Feb. I8,'39, p. 69; Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 8.'39,
pp. 80. 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche •
G. Stuart-Binnie Barnes Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb. Il,'39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 21, '39 72. Dec. 31, '38
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury. .Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27,'38
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Binnie Barnes-Cesar Romero. .. Mar. 3, '39 80. Feb. I8,'39
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta . . . Apr. 2I,'39 62. Feb. 25,'?9
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947... Henry Fonda-Mariorie Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Alice Brady. .. .June 9, '39. ... 101 .June 3.'39
(Exploitation; July 29,'39, p. 67; Aug. I2.'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Adventurer, The 012 C. Romero-V. Fields-M. Weaver . .Oct. 20,'39t
Bluebird, The Shirley Temple-Nancy Kelly
City, The Lynn Bari-Donald Woods
City of Darkness Sidney Toler
Daytime Wife Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell-
Warren William-B. Barnes
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0,'39t
Escape, The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. .. .Oct. 6,'39t 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Everything Happens at Night.. S. Henie-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lilll Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May I3,'39
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence Jean Rogers-Glen Ford
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Hollywood Cavalcade 007 Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton. . . . Oct. I3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Man Who Wouldn't Talk,' TheL. Nolan-J. Rogers-M. Marsh
Pack Up Your Troubles 014 J. Withers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Nov. 3,'39t
Simple Life M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Swanee River 017 D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds... Nov. 24,'39t
Too Busy to Work 016 1. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis... Nov. I7.'39t
20.000 Men a Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct. 27,'39t
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Ahern- Victor McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6, '39
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez -
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t. . . I IS.May 6, '39
(Exploitation; Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, pp. 82, 84; Feb. Il,'39, p. 59; Feb. 25, '39,
p. 68; Mar. 4.'39, pp. 70. 72.)
Intermezzo, a Love Story L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best. ..Sept. 22,'39t
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello. . Feb. I7,'39 88. Feb. II, '39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn.. Feb. I0,'S9 94. Feb. 4,'39
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis H ay ward - Joan Bennett -
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug. 1 l,'39t. . . I l2.July I, '39
(Exploitation; July I, '39, p. 59; July 22,'39, p. 80: Aug. I2,'39, p. 69; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66;
Aug. 26, '39. p. 85; Sept. 2.'39, p. 53; Sept. I6,'39, p. 82.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchaire-Edna Best Mar. 10, '39 79. Apr. 15, '39
Real Glory, The (G) G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven Sept. 29,'39t ...96.Sept. I6,'39
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devine -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar. 3, '39 96. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 81; Apr. I. '39, pp. 72, 75; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
p. 67; May 20.'39. p. 60; July 15, '39. p. 60; July 22, '39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Music (G)...Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds -
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug. IB,'39t. .. 101 .July I5,'39
(See musical analysis, July 22,'39, p. 54.)
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett-Roland Young-
Billie Burke-Alan Mowbray.. . .Jan. I2,'39 80. Dec. 31, '38
(Exploitation; Feb. 4,'39, p. 82; Mar. I8,'39, p. 73.)
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'C)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Slieridan-Ricliard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstronfl. . . July 28.'39t. .100. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 5. '39, p. 98; Aug. 19, '39. p. 67; Aug. 26.'39. p. 86.)
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7,'39 104. Apr. 1.'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 2. '39, p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68; May 27, '39, p. 65; Sept, 9,'39, p. 71.)
ZeHobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke - Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr. 21, '39 73. Mar. I8.'39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David Niven •
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. 6.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16. '39; exploitation: July 22, '39, p. 81.)
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou . . . Oct. 26,'39t. . .*76.Sept. I6,'39
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson
Send Another Coffin* Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford-Edward Arnold
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane - Tom Brown
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The John Mack Brown - Bob Baker
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer...
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore
Family Next Door (G) 3020.... Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan..
For Love or Money (G) 3030... June Lang-Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle..
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038... Irene Hervey-William Gargan
Inside Information (G) 3039. ..J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22. '39, p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4Q5I R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 18, '39.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker-Mariorie Reynolds...
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor-Rochelle Hudson...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3. '38.)
Rio Sigrid Gurie-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9, '39.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent..
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Son of Frankenstein, The
3004 Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39. p. 67; Mar. 4, '39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78; Apr. 29.'39, p. 76; May 6, '39, p. 64; June 24, '39, p,
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devine-H. Hull-J. Moran. .
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1. '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr...
They Asked for It (G) 3040 Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges -
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. 21, '39 66. Apr. 22,'39
Apr. I4,'39 69. Feb. 4. '39
Sept. 8,'39t
Apr. 7. '39 88. Apr. 8,'39
May I9,'39 72. May 20,'39
Mar. 31, '39 61 .Apr. I5,'39
.Apr. 2B,'39 67. May 6, '39
July 7. '39 67. July I. '39
Jan. 20,'39 62. Aug. 20,'38
Sept. 8,'39t 65. Aug. 19, '39
Jan. 13. '39 58
June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
June 2, '39 62. June 10, '39
July 21, '39 80 July 22,'39
Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. 10, '38
Sept. 8,'39t....9I.May 20,'39
Sept. I,'39t... 66.Aug. 12, '39
Mar. I7,'39 57
.Feb. 10,'38 57
.Feb. 3,'39 61
Sept. 29.'39t.
Mar. 3,'39...67'/2.Mar. II. '39
Feb. 24, '39 70. Mar. 4, '39
William Lundigan
Jan. 13, '39 94. Jan. 21. '39
Mar. 25, '39, p. 80; Apr. 8,'39,
73.)
.Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4, '39
.June 9,'39 96. June 10,'39
.May 26, '39 61. July 15,'39
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
(G) 3001 D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
Two Bright Boys (G) 4017. . .Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew..
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010..
.Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillis..
.Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
p. 62.)
Unexpected Father (G) 3008.
(Exploitation: July I, '39,
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie..
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
.Mar. 24,'39 87. Mar. 25. '39
.Sept. 15,'39t....70.Sept. I6,'39
.Sept. I,'39t... .89.Aug. 26,'39
.July I4,'39 78. July 15,'39
.Aug. Il,'39 92. Aug. I9,'39
.Sept. 22,'39t..-.66
Title
Call a Messenger (G)
Chip of the Flying
Destry Rides Again*
U".
.Oct. 20, '39.
27,'39t.
6,'39t.
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Coming Attractions
. Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-.'Vl.ii:y
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe 'GO. Sept. 23,'39
.John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Doris Westoi ..Nov. 24,'39t
Marlene Dietrich-James Stewirt-
Chas. Winninger-Mischa Auer
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrice
Joy
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks. Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft- Vincent Price Oct.
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewin-Anita Louise-
Dick Foran Oct.
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19,'39.)
Listen Kids C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges Oct. 20,'39t
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9, '39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20,'39t. ..58..
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. Litel. . . . Nov. 3,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12, '39.)
Test Driver* R. Arlen-A. Devine-P. Moran
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-I. Hunter.
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts..
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Vigilante War John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Frances Robin-
son
West of Carson City John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran...
Oct.
.Oct.
6,'39t.
I3,'39t.
.62.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewea
.Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
First National Pictures
Title Star
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Rcnald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26,'39 86. Sept. 9,'39
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfield-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar. 25, '39 71. Mar. II. '39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan-Rosella Towns May 27, '39 58. May 20,'39
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May 6, '39 102. Apr. 29, '38
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366. .Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39.. . 56
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dack Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22. '39 106. Mar. II, '39
(txploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66; June 10,'39, p. 55; June 24,'39, pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July 22,'39 107. June 24, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39. p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfleld-Priscilla Lane Sept. 16.'39t 88. Aug. 19,'39
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan -
George Raft-George Bancroft. . .Aug. I9,'39 92. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39, p. 72; Sept. I6,'39. p. 88.)
Espionage Agent Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall -
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh Sept. 30,'39t . . . .83
(See "Career Man," "In the Cutting Room." July 22,'39.)
Everybody's Hobby. The 736... Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26.'39 54
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondoll - May Robson June 24, '39 92. May 27, '39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60.Apr. 8, '39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew. Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. I8,'39 68. Feb. 4, '39
No Place to Go 469 F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. Sept. 23,'39t. . . .57
Old Maid (A) 452 Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson Sept. I,'39t 95. Aug. 5. '39
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'39 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane . . Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb. II, '39
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson- R. Young. .. Feb. 25, '39 86. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; Apr. 29, '39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page Hay 20,'39 75. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: June 17, '39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l,'39t
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(THE I2ELEASE CHAKT— CONT'D)
Warner Brothers
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
72.)
8/39 81. July 8,'39
5, '39.
.82. July 22,'39
0,'39.
66:
.June I7,'39.
...l27.Apr.
July 22,'39,
.60.
29,'39
p. 81:
Title Star Rel,
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-William Gargan . . Mar. I8,'39 58. Feb. II, '39
Child Is Born. A Geraldine Fitzgerald - Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George Sept. 30,'39t . . . .79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room," May 6.'39.)
Dodge City (G) 304 Errol Flynn-Olivia de Havilland-
Ann Sheridan • Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory...Apr. 8,'39 104. Apr. 8.'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25.'39. p. 82: Apr. 22, '39, p. 61: May 20,'39, p. 61: May 27, '39.
pp. 65. 68: June 3, '39, p. 64; June I0.'39. p. 59: June 24,'39. pp. 76. 77: July 8.'39.
pp. 48. 50: July I5,'39. p. 61; July 22. '39. p. 81: Aug. 12. '39, p
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay- Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page Aug.
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Rains-J. Garfield June
(Exploitation: May 13. '39, p. 64: July I, '39, p. 58; July 15. '39. p.
Aug. 5, '39. p. 102; Aug. 26. '39. p. 86.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase 419 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.Sept. I.'39t
Nancy Drew. Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. Litel
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II. '39. p. 57; Apr. I. '39. pp. 74, 75; Apr.
I3.'39. p. 67; June I0.'39, p. 60; July I5,'39. p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr.
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Litel Mar.
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield - Ann Sheridan -
"Crime School Kids"-C. Rains.. Jan.
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug.
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322.Glenda Farrell- Barton MacLane .May
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson. .July
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-0. de Havilland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb.
p. 64: Feb. 4,'39. p. 85; Feb. II. '39.
May 20, '39. p. 64; Aug. 26.'39. p. 86.)
. K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39.
.69.
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39,
Apr. 25.'39, pp. 75. 77:
Women in the Wind (G) 316...
I. '39 90. July I. '39
1 1, '39 80. Mar. I8.'39
29. '39. pp. 74. 75; May
I. '39 61. Mar. 25. '39
4,'39 61. Mar. 1 1. '39
28.'39 92. Jan. 7,'39
12, "39
13. '39 60. Apr. I, '39
I5.'39 59. July 22. '39
II. '39 89. Jan. 21. '39
p. 61 ; Feb. 25,'39. p. 69;
.65. Feb. 4. '39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
Brother Orehid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
British Intelligence Boris Karloff- Margaret Lindsay
City of Lost Men. The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Lite!
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School." "In the Cutting Room." July 29.'39.)
Enemy Within. The* Ronald Reagan-Lya Lys
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sent. 23, '39.)
Gambling on the High Seas...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
Invisible Stripes George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale (G) J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett *58.Sept. 23. '39
Lady Dick Jane Wyman-Dick Foran
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson Oct. I4.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8. '39.)
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion. . .Oct. 7,'39
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex. The Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Price
(See "The Lady and the Knight," "In the Cutting Room," June I0,'39.)
Return of Dr. X. The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8.'39.)
Roaring Twenties. The Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn Oct. 28,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sent, 23. '39.)
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Llndsay-
Rosella Towne
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
STATE RIGHTS
Title Star Producer
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory
(See "In the Cutting Room," Jan. I4.'39.)
Harlem Rides the Range, . .Negro Cast Sack Feb.
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb.
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr.
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr.
Tunbleweeds (G) (reissue) , William S. Hart Astor May
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar.
Hitiei^The Beast of Coming Attractions
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
..Feb. 25, '39
I. '39.
5.'39.
27.'39.
I0.'39.
20,'39.
5.'39.
*80.May 6,'39
.88. May I3,'39
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Juarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres *95.Apr. 22.'39
Lure of the Wasteland (G). Grant Withers *55.Mar. I8,'39
Man from Oklahoma George Houston Producers Dist Oct. 29,'39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West. The Bobby Clark Producers Dist Oct. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKinney. Domino
Torture Ship Lyie Talbot Producers Dist Oct. I5,'39.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16. '39.)
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 29,'39.
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
.56. July I, '39
Berlin Producers Dist.,
.Oct. 22,'39.
Title Star
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Lucien Baroux ....
Betrayal* (A) Annie Vernay
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey...
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim...
Cabiria
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou
Champs Elysees (A) Sacha Guitry
(Exploitation: April I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks, The (Le
RScif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin
Crisis (G)
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams...
Discoveries Carroll Levis
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen
Down Our Alley (G) Hughie Green
End of Day. The* (A) Victor Fancen
Four Just Men. The (A)... Hugh Sinclair
40 Little Mothers (A) Lucien Baroux
Gang's All Here. The (A). Jack Buchanan
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrio
Hatred Harry Baur
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon
I Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry
Itto Native Cast
Just William (G) Dicky Lupino
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupino Lane
Mamele Molly Picon
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur
(Reviewed under the title. "A Man with H
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field
Murder in Soho (A) Jack La Rue
My Song of Love Tito Schipa
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition ...
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay
Outside, The (A) Mary Maguire
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A) . . . Chato Ortin
Peasant Wedding
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault
School for Husbands (A)... Rex Harrison
Shipyard Sally (G) Gracie Fields
Singing Charro. The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff ,
So This Is London (A)... Alfred Drayton ....
Spain in Arms (A)
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes...
Street Without a Name Pola lllery
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley
They Drive by Night (A) . . EmIyn Williams ...
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printeraps..
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby
What a Man! (G) Sydney Howard
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker
When the Husband
Travels M. Phillipides
Witch Night Gosta Ekman
Where's That Fire <G)...Will Hay
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..
Young Man's Fancy (A)... Anna Lee
Youth in Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault.
Running Time
Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
World Apr. I5,'39
MGM 83. Apr. 29,'39
Francinex 85. May 27,'39
World Sept. 15. '39. . .78. Sept. 23.'39
Lenauer-ln't Mar. 20.'39. . .85. Apr. I, '39
Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July B,'39
Walch 72. Mar. II, "39
Columbia June 5,'39. . .90. June I7,'39
Brodie Feb. 3,'39. . .85
Brodie Apr. '39 ..85
Tri-National Feb. 27.'39. . .89. Mar. 4,'39
Alliance 100. Mar. 1 1, '39
Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. 13, '39. . .96. Mar. 25,'39
Kassler May I3,'39. . .85.Apr. 29,'39
Alliance Aug. I5,'39. . .70. July 29,'39
Grand National 66. Sept. 2.'39
Tower 83. Apr. 22,'39
British Screen 65. Aug. 12,'39
Juno Oct. I,'39. .94.Sept. I6,'39
A.B.F.D 85. June 24.'39
National May 2,'39. . .94. Dec. 31, '38
Assoc. British 78. Apr. I, '39
French Film Center 80. Aug. 5,'39
World Feb. I5,'39. . .80. Aug. 5,'39
French M. P. Op. . .Sept. 4.'39. . .90.Sept. I6,'39
Casino Mar. I7.'39. . .87. Apr. I, '39
Spectrum Apr. 22.'39. . .88. Apr. 29,'39
British Lion 73. June 3,'39
Nero 90. Apr. 22,'39
Alliance Oct. I5,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Paris Film 110. Apr. I, '39
Grand National 89. Sept. 2,'39
Tri-National Apr. 29,'39. . .80. May I3,'39
World Feb. 30,'39
Assoc. British 75. Sept. 9,'39
■ United Artists 95. July 22,'39
.MGM 84. Apr. 22, '39
.Sphinx Jan. '39. . 102
.French Film Ex... Mar. 27.'39. . .80. Apr. I5,'39
is Wife.")
World Mar. 30,'39
Grand National 77. Mar. II, '39
Apex Feb. 27,'39.. .92.Mar. II. '39
Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
World
World July I, '39
G. F. D
Assoc. British,
. ..90. Jan.
..91. Feb.
21, '39
25.'39
Zacarias 98. Sept. 2,'39
Amer. Trading
Assoc. British 78. July I5.'39
Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25,'39
Hoffberg Feb. 6,'39. . .70. Feb. I8,'39
20th Cent.-Fox 80. July 29,'39
Paramount 77. June 3, '39
World Mar. I.'39. . .66.Jan. 23, '37
Atlas Jan. 24,'39. . 108
Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. I, '39. . .75. Aug. 26,'39
20th Cent.-Fox 85. Feb. 4,'39
Film Facts 80. Mar. I8,'39
Assoc. British 77. May 6,'39
World Mar. I5,'39
A.B.F.D 83. June 24,'39
First National 84. Jan. 28.'39
Vedis 90. May I3,'39
Assoc. British 87. Mar. II, '39
British Lion 74. Feb. I8.'39
Anglo American 75. Sept. 2,'39
Brodie Mar. "SS. . .95
World
20th Cent.-Fox 74. Aug. I9,'39
Malmar Feb. 4,'39. . .79. Feb. I8,'39
Assoc. British 77. Sept. 2,'S9
Columbia May I5,'39. . .90. May 27, '39
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
71
(THE CHART— CCNT't))
SHORT
El EMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.}
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7,'39.l6'/2.
(3 Stooges)
All American Blondes 1423. Oct. 20,'39t.2rls
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24, '39. 171/2 .
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7'/s.
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5, '39. 18...
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. 1 1, '39. 19...
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9428.. Feb. I0,'39. 171/2.
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. .June 2,'39.I7...
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l8i/2.
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June 16, '39. 19...
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7...
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. 151/2.
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 3D,'39.I7...
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2.
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21, '39. 17...
(All Star)
Static in the Attic 1422. ..Sept. 22,'39tl9...
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swingers
9428 Jan. 20,'39. l8'/2.
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2rls
Charley Chase
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6, '39. 16...
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39.I8...
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39.I7...
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May 19, '39. 16...
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
Dreams on Ice 1504 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl.
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507.... Feb. 24,'39..8...
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 3I,'39..7...
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39..8...
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. 14, '39.. 7...
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7...
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39..7...
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39..7...
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct. 20,'39t.lrl.
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. 16, '39. .8...
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39..9...
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl.
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39..9...
(Frisco Fair)
Modern Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl .
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. IO1/2.
Sojourn in India 9555 July 7,'39..9'/2.
Title Rel. Date Min.
COMMUNITY SING
No. 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27, '39. 10..
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs) .. Feb. 24,'39.IOi/2
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24, '39. .91/2
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 21. '39.. 8..
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May 19, '39. 10..
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June 16, 39. 10..
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. 1 (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9..
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8.'39t.9'/2
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. 13,'39t.l rl
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. 17,'39t.l rl
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. 1 (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25.'39t. I rl. .
No. 2 (Elias Howe) 1602. .Oct. 6,'39t.lrl.
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,'39. lO'A..
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. IO'/2. .
No. 3 9473 Apr. 21, '39. II
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. 17, '39. .71/2. .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2,'39..6
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30,'39. lO'A. .
Night in a Music Hall, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20,'39. 10'/2. .
Nioht at the Troc 9962 Mar. 2,'39. lO'/: . .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9963 May 19,'39.I0
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I,'39t.l rl..
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39t. I rl. .
PICTUREGRAPH
No. 1 9951 Feb. 10,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39. .6I/2 .r
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6....
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754... Mar. 3,'39..7
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39..7
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3, '39.. 9
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. lO'/a. .
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . .
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9858 Apr. 8, '39. .91/2. .
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May 12, '39. 10
No. 10.9860 May 26,'39.I0
No. II 9861 June 15,'39.I0
No. 12.(8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. 15,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 1852 Oct 20,'39t.l rl..
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'39t. 1 rl. .
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810. ...Aug. I8,'39. 10. . . .
Bows and Arrows 1801 Sept. 29,'39t.l rl..
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 21, '39. 10
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39. .9'/2 . .
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jaa. 6,'39.ll
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7.'39. .91/2. -
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. 10,'39.IOi/2 .
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .81/2 . .
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 15, '39. 101/2..
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House)... Feb. 2I,'39.II
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'39.I0
1939- 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributed through
Grand National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. I
El-I Jan. 6. '39. .9
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
El-2 Jan. 20, '39. .9
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Title Rel, Date Min.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. II, '39.. 9
Petunia Natural Park
W-693 Jan. 14,'39..9
(Color)
Seal Skinners W-881 Jan. 28, '39. .8
(Sepia)
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886. May 13. '39.. 9
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June 10, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26,'39..9
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. 15, '39.. 8
(Color)
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. II, '39. 21
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22 — While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5,'39.2I
Dick Purcell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0,'39.21 . . . .
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24— Think First P-8l5.Sept. 9,'39.2I
Laraine Day-Ann Morriss
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21 ,'39. .9. . . .
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27,'39. .9. . . .
Day on Treasure Island, A
T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0....
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 15,'39. .9. . . .
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. 18,'39..8
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. I8,'39..8
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May I3,'39. .8. . . .
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29, '39.. 9
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3, '38 . 9
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9,'39tll....
Robert. Warwick
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7,'39tl0....
Truman Bradley-
Jack Mulhall
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.ll
Emmett Vogan-Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May 13, '39. 10
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. II, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39.ll
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll
(Sepia) Mary Teen-
Sally Blaine
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20
(Sepia)
Title Rel. Date .Min.
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apri. 15, '39. 20...
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29, '39. 21...
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C.935 Jan. 7,'39.ll...
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22, '39. 10...
Captain's Spanky's Show-
boat C-131 Sept. 9,'39tll...
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0...
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29, '39. 10...
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-941 . July I, '39. 1 1...
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. II, '39. 10...
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24, '39. 10...
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8.'39.10..,
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922.... Jan. 28,'39.10..,
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. 18, '39. II...
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924...Mar, I8,'39.I0..,
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20, '39. 10...
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June 17,'39..9...
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 June 24,'39.ll...
No. 8— Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22,'39.ll...
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. I9,'39.ll..,
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26,'39.ll..,
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. 14, '39.. 8...
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
S-912 Sept. 16, '39. 10...
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. 1 1, '39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. 1 1, '39.. 9..
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20, '39. 10...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20, '39. 10..,
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-911 Aug. 12,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9..,
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May 13,'39.I0..
Day of Rest, The F-I4I . . .Sept. 6,'39t.9...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9..
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. 18,'39..9..
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0,'39.I0..
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May I2,'39..7..
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7..
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7, '39. .7..
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7..
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 31,'39..l rl
Yip Yip Yippy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7.,,
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7..,
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30,'39..7..,
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl,
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30, 1939
(TtiE RELEASE CHACT— CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I.'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Chile K9-3 Nov. I0.'39t.l rl.
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21. '39. 10...
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I...Sept. I.'39tl0...
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...IVIay 26, '39. 10...
Land of tlie Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39.I0...
Peru K9-2 Oct. 6.'39t.l rl.
Republic of Panama K8-5..IVIar. 24,'39..l rl.
HEADLINERS
Artie Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8.'39tl0...
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Weill (3-4-39)
A8-8 Mar. 3. '39. 10...
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct. I3.'39t .l rl .
Phil Spitalny & Girl Orch.
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3, '39. 1 1...
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5, '39. 10...
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6, '39. 10...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug. II, '39. II...
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Ted Fio Rito and His Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
Orchestra A9-2
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II June 2. '39. 10...
Richard Himber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7. '39. . I rl.
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Brealting the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug. 25. '39. 10...
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. 10. '39. 10...
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23. '39. 10...
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. I4.'39..lrl.
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6,'3B.I0...
Public Hobby No. I
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22,'39tl 1 . . . .
Schub«rt's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. 13, '39. 10...
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 ...May I9,'39.10. . . ,
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. 10,'39.10...
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..lrl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3.'39..1rl.,
No; 8— (3-11-39) P8-8....Mar. 3,'39.I0...,
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9 Mar. 31. '39. 10...
No. 10— P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl.,
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-II...June 2,'39.I0....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-12. .July 7, '39. 10...
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7, '39. 22...
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27,'39. .7. . . ,
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June 16,'39. .7. . . ,
Hello How Am I?
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July 14, '39.. 7...
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-1I July 28,'39. .7. . . ,
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24.'39. .7. . . .
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..1 rl..
No. 4 — J8-4 Mar. 10,'39..l rl..
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May I2.'39.1l
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 Aug. 4,'39.1l...
1939-40
No. 1— J9-1 Sept. 15,'39tl0. . .
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7 Jan. 20, '39. 10
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. 17,'39.10...
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date Min.
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. 14,'39.I0...
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-1I May I2,'39.10...
No. 64— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.10...
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39) R8-13 July 7, '39. 10...
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-1 Sept. I,'39tl0...
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-16-39) R9-2 Sept. 29,'39tl0...
No. 67 — Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. 13.'39tl0...
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS*
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39.10...
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. 14,'39.ll...
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 June I6,'39.10...
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. 10,'39.20...
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5.'39.17...
Ring Madness 9370 June 30.'39.19...
Wrong Room 03,701 Sept. 22,'39t.2rls
HEADLINERS
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93,603 Feb. 24, '39. 1 7...
No. 4 — Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2,'39.17...
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6,'39t.2rls
Baby Daze 93,405 May 19. '39. 15...
Clean Sweep, A 93,402 Dec. 2. '38. 17...
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24,'39.I8...
Feathered Pests 93,406 July 14,'39..2rls
Kennedy the Great 03,402.. Dec. l,'39t.2rls
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27.'39.18...
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 6 — State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93,106 Jan. 20, '39. 18...
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New . Crisis
(2-18-39) 93.107 Feb. I7,'39.I9...
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. 17.'39.I8...
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. I4.'39.I9...
No. 10— Dixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May 12,'39.19...
No. II — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9, '39. 19...
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7,'39.22...
No. 13 — Metropolis — 1939
(8-5-39) 93.113 Aug. 4,'39.I8...
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I.'39tl9...
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May 12.'39.ll...
Lillian Roth
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. 14, '39. 11...
George Jessel
Readin' Rltin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. 17, '39. 10...
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208. .Mar. I7.'39..1rl.
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20, '39. 10...
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Blamed for a Blonde
03.201 Oct. 20,'39t.2rls
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. I7,'39t .2 ris
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28, '39. 18
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3, '39. 16....
Dog-Gone 93.208 Apr. 21, '39. 16...
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2rls
Cupid Rides the Range
03,501 Sept. 8,'39t.2rls
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7,'39.I7...,
Title
Rel.
Date
Min.
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504
June
6, '39.
19. . .
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94.607
Mar.
1 0 '39
10
Gold 94,606
Feb.
I0,'39.
. 1 rl.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612
July
12, '39
.9. . .
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39) 04.601
Sept.
15,'39t
.8. . .
Pack Trip (9-16-39) 94,6l3.Aug.
I8,'39.
.9...
Apr.
7, '39
.9. . .
Television (5-6-39) 94,609
May
5, '39.
.9. . .
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610
May
26,'39.
.8. . .
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611
June
23,'39.
.9. . .
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612
July
21, '39.
.9. . .
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64,309
Apr.
2I,'39.
.9. . .
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94,311
June
16,'39.
.9. . .
Gun Play 04,301
Sept.
l,'39t
. 1 rl.
Hunting Hounds. 04.302 . .
Sept.
29,'39t
. 1 rl.
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94,312
July
14,'39.
.9. . .
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94,310
May
I9,'39.
.91/2.
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94,307
Feb.
24, '39.
.1 rl.
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94,308
Mar.
24,'39.
.9...
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9-16-39)
93.801
July
23, '39.
20
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116..
Beach Picnic (5-27-39)
Sept.
I,'39.
. 8 . . .
94,114
June
9,'39.
D
. 0 . . .
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113
May
19, '39.
Q
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107
Jan.
13. '39.
g
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117
Aug.
1 1.'39.
8. . .
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110
Mar.
17, '39.
.8...
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110
Mar.
I7,'39.
.7. ..
Officer Duck 04,101
Sept.
22,'39t
1 rl.
Practical Pig, The
(10-1-38) 94,109
Feb.
24, '39
Sea Scout 94.115
June
30,'39.
8., .
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108
Feb.
3, '39.
.8. ..
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111
Apr.
7, '39.
8. ..
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Aug. 18,'39tll...
Filming the Fleet (9-23-39)
0202 Oct. 27.'39tl0...
Sand Hogs 9205 May I2.'39.I0...
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10...
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7, '39.. I rl.
Fashion Forecast, No. 5
0601 Sept. 15,'39t. I rl.
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Aghileen Pinnacles 0103... Nov. 10,'39tll...
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll...
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Craziest
People 0401 Sept. 29,'39t.lrl
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39.ll...
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20.'39.ll...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 Oct. 13,'39t.l rl.
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26, '39. II...
Isle of Pleasure (1 1-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3,'39.ll...
Mystic Siam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17,'39.I0...
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.11...
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39.10...
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30,'39..7...
Barnyard Baseball 9517 July I4,'39..7...
5, '39. .7.
7,'39..7...
29,'39t.l rl.
16. '39. .7.
10, '39. .7.
30,'38..7...
25,'39t.7. .
I,'39t.l rl
8,'39t.l rl
3,'39t.l rl
19,'39..7..
24, '39.. 7...
27, '39.. 7...
6,'39t.l rl.
13,'39..7.
2,'39..7..
21, '39. .7..
10,'39..7..
Il,'39t.7...
2,'38,.7...
20,'39t. I rl.
I rl.
Title Rcl. Date Min.
Barnyard Egg-citement
(5-6-39) 9528 May
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr.
First Robin. The, 1555 Dec.
(color)
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24, '39. .7...
Gandy Goose in a Bully
Romance 9515 June
Gandy Goose in G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar.
Gandy the Goose in the
Frame Up 9507 Dec.
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug.
Hitch-Hiker 0505 Dec.
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept.
Mouse and a Million 0504. . Nov.
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar.
(color)
One Gun Gary in Nick
of Time 9503 Jan.
Orphan Duck, The 0553... Oct.
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan.
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t I rl
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr.
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb.
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug.
Village Blacksmith 9506... Dec.
Watchdog, The 0503 Oct.
Wicky-Whacky Romance
0554
(color)
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301. ..Sept. l,'39t.lrl
Clocking the Jockies 0302.. Nov. 24,'39tll...
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3, '39. II..
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll..
Shooting for Par 9302 Jan. 6,'39.ll..
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.1l..
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Arabian Bazaar (12-31 -38) . Sept. I, .30. 10..
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 2I.'39.I0..
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) Jan. 3, '39. 10..
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May i,'39.l0..
Labanon Coast Dec. 1,'39.I0..
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. I, '39. 10..
Rome Symphony (12-31-38) . Feb. 1 5, '39. 10..
River Thames (4- 15-39) ... Nov. 1,'39.I0..
Ruins of Palmyra Oct. I, '39. 10..
Wanderers of the Desert. .. July I, '39. 10..
UNIVERSAL
COLORED CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(9-23-39) Oct. 9,'39t.8i/2
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26.'38..9
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357..
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358..
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359. .
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360..
(Reviewed under title.
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .91/2 . .
(Reviewed under the title. "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362.... June 26,'39. .91/2 . .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.... July I7,'39. .9. . . .
No. 66 — 4351 Sept. 25.'39t.9
No. 67—4352 Oct. I6,'39t 9. . . .
LANTZ CARTUNES
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7-15-39) (Color) Sept. 4,'39 .9
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 3I,'39..7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. I9,'38..1 rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39. .7
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'39. .7'/2. .
Bola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39. .7
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24,'39. 7....
Jan. 30,'39..9.
Feb. 20,'39..9'/2..
Mar. 13, '39. .9
Apr. I0,'39..9....
'America Takes to
September 3 0, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
CTHE RELEASE CHAI2T--C€NT'D>
Title Rel. Date Min.
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .6I/2.
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23.'3q..7...
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26, '38. 7...
Little Tough Mie«
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. 13, '39.. 7...
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3,'39. .71/2 .
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39 ) 3255 May 8,'39..7...
One Armed Bandit •
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39..7...
Silly Superstition (9-23-39)
3262 Aug. 28,'39..7...
Slap Happy Valley 3261... Aug. 21, '39.. 7...
Snuffy Skunk's Party
(9-23-39) 3260 Aug. 7, '39.. 7...
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9, '39.. 7...
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3,'39..7...
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5,'39.I9...
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2,'39.I7...
Ray Smeck & Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July l2,'39.l7i/2.
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38. 18. . . .
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. II, '39. 19...
Arthur &. Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May I7,'39.I8...
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15, '39. .2 ris
Ed East- Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June 14, '39. 18...
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. 15, '39. 19...
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7...
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20...
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39..9i/2.
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39..9...
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6,'39..9. ..
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3, '39.. 9...
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May l,'39..9...
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39..9...
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3, '39. 10...
No. 65 — Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39..9'/2.
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. l8,'39t.8'/2.
No. 67— Novelty 4372 Oct. 9,'39t-9...
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7...
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Swing Hotel 4222 Oct. 18,'39tl8...
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Swing Time in the Movies
(1-7-39 ) 4003 Jan. 7,'39.20...
Fritz Fold (color)
Hats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 3I,'38.20...
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 21 ,'39. 20...
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39. .2 rIs
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls
Arthur and Case
Small Town Idol, A
(3:11-39) 4019 Feb. II, '39. 20...
Ben Turpin
Home Ch'-ati Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39..2rls
Henry Armetta
Title Rel. Date Min.
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39..2rls
Johnny Perkins
Rollin' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. I5,'3g..2rls
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29,'39..2rls
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3,'39. .2 rIs
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3, '39. 20...
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July l,'39.20...
Fritz Fold (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June 1 7, '39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39..2rls
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26, '39. 20...
Red Skelton
Slapsie Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303 Sept. I0,'39tl7...
Maxie Rosenbloom
Remember When (9-16-39)
5101 20...
Eaton Boys
COLOR PARADE
Points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28,'39..l rl.
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25, '39. 10...
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25, '39. 1 1...
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22, -39. 10...
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.I0...
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June 17, '39. .1 rl.
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July 15. '39. 10...
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5,'39..l rl.
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30,'39tl0...
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
The Human Bomb
(1-28-39) 4305 Jan. 7,'39.I2..
High Peril (3-4-39) 4306.. Feb. 18, '39. 12..
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..lrl
Chained (4-15-39) 4308 Apr. I, '39. 12..
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6, '39. 12..
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3, '39. 12..
Lives in Peril 4311 July I, '39.. I rl
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.ll..
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39.,l rl
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Lincoln In the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. II, '39. 20
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20,'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20...
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights (9-16-39)
4007 Aug. I9,'39t.20.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 63 — The Lone Stranger
and Porky 4808 Jan. 7,'39..7...
No. 64— It's an III Wind
4807 Jan. 2B,'39. . I rl.
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8.'39..l rl.
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809.. Mar. 1 1, '39.. 7...
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39..lrl.
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 481 1... Apr. I, '39.. 7...
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May I3,'39..1 rl.
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3, '39.. 7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 .June 24, '39. .1 rl. .
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July 15. '39. .1 rl. .
No. 73— Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7
No. 74— Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2.'39t.l rl..
MELODY MASTERS
Dave Apollon and Orch.
'^(12-17-38) 4706 Dec. 24,'38.ll
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.I0
Title Rel, Date Min.
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 21,'39..1 rl
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39. . I rl
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25, '39. 10..
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.I0..
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29, '39. 10..
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39..l rl
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June 10, '39. 10..
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716... July l,'39..1 rl
Will Osberne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0..
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. I2,'39..1 rl
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
5501 Sept. 2,'39tl0. .
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. 14, '39. .7..
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39..7..
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. 1 1, '39.. 7..
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25, '39. . 1 rl
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. II, '39.. I rl.
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39. . 1 rl
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. B,'39..1rl
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39..7..
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39. .1 rl
No. 82 — Naughty But Mice
' 4519 May I0.'39. . I rl
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39. . I rl
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June I7,'39..7..
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I, '39. 10..
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July 15, '39. . I rl
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29. '39 . 1 rl
No. 88 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. I2,'39..7..
No. 89 — Detouring America
(9-9-39) 4525 Aug. 26,'39..7..
No. 90— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39.. I rl
No. 91— Sioux Me 5301... Sept. 9,'39t:i rl
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. I8,'39..1 rl
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..1 rl
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9..
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
Ski Girl (1-28-39) 4905... Jan. 14, '39. 10..
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. 18,'39..lrl
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..1 rl
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. 15,'39. . I rl
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 49t0 May 27,'39.I0..
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July 1,'39..9..
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..l rl
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19, '39. 10..
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9,'39t.9..
Grouch Club
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33..
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I, '39. 22..
Warning, The (4-1-39) Aug. I, '39. 32..
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II...
Title Rel. Date Min.
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Little Journeys to Distant Lands ,
Travel Talks ,
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25...
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35...
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17...
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10...
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10...
Violin, The (9-23-39) 10...
G. P. 0.
Health for the Nation
7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8...
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls
WORLD
Ave Marie
Children's Corner
City, The (5-20-39) 44...
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Les Berceuses
Song of Ceylon
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Specified
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Flying G-Men (2- 18-39) ... Jan. 28,'39.18
James Craig-Lorna Gray
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull- Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) 871 June 10,'39.I8
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) 872 Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again
870 Feb. 25,'39..2rls
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. 1 1, '39, p. 55.)
Zorro's Fighting Legion
873
Reed Hadley
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. II, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The '.
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. 17,'39t2l
Bela Lugosi- Dorothy Arnold (each)
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
September 30,' 1939
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NEW TOBK
NEW
FAVORITES
EASTMAN'S three great new films back
up their special characteristics with typ-
ical Eastman reliability and uniformity.
Worthy succe-ssors to earlier Eastman
emulsions, they are the new raw-film fa-
vorites of the motion picture industry.
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,
N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Distributors,
Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAN
PLUS-X SUPER-XX
for general studio use for all difficult shots
BACKGROIJND-X
for baehgrounds and general exterior trork
1
mmer-Laughton "Mayflower" Produc-
tion of Daphne du Maurier's best seller . .
JAMAICA INN
stqrring
CHARLES LAUGHTON
with Maureen O'Hara • Leslie Banks/ Emiyn Williams
Robert Newton • Directed by Alfred Hitchcock • Produced
by Erich Pommer • A Paramount Release
MOTIOIM PICTURE PROD. &
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28 W. 44TH ST.
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-JN PICTURE
HERALD
The First Preview
IVartime Audience
Reactions
^
International
Money Exchange
VOL 137. NO. I
OCTOBER 7. 1939
Entered as second ctajs matter. January 12, 1931, at the Host Office, at New York, N. 1'., under the act of March 3, 18/9.
Published weekly by Quigley Publishinfi Co., Inc.. at 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York. Subscription prices:
$5.00 a year in the Americas, $10.00 a year Foreign. Single copy. 25 cents. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Pub-
lishing Company.
WHEN YOU SEE M-G-M's
NINOTCHKA
pronounce it
GARBO blushes!
you too will
SENSATIONAL!
Long live the Lubitsch touch! It has brought your
box-office a new Garbo, sly as a wink! A gorgeous
Garbo theyVe never seen before! A champagne lady,
lively, lovable! This comedy of a flirtatious secret affair
in Paris will positively captivate the nation! It makes
Garbo a bigger star than she ever was before! One
of the year's IMPORTANT pictures! See it at one
of the Trade Screenings in your territory and prepare
for another M-G-M triumph!
GARBO goes gay!
Foi) of the heap of the great Warner musical shows!
x- ^ 4 The facts and a figure are on the next page i|
Hollywood
cavalgade' is
the most sen-
sational box-
office attraction
that ever hit
this industry!
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 137, No. I
OP
October 7, 1939
The First Preview
7IFTY YEARS AGO this week the motion
picture became a fact before the eyes of
Thomas A. Edison. He, then and there,
October 6, 1889, in Room 5 of his labora-
tories at West Orange, New Jersey, dehvered the
concept of the hving picture from its reluctant
gestations in a century of faltering experimentation.
He was, in the meaning of the word to the generality
of people, the inventor, and the motion picture was
an invention of revolutionary import.
The motion picture then was but an amoeba
among the arts.
Nothing important to the world was to appear
about and by and through the films for yet many
a year. It had a long road ahead to becoming the
dominant, all-pervading amusement vehicle for the
world.
Most of today's masters of the movies, if there are
any, were either in their childhood or being born.
They were little boys, with wide, questioning, and
often troubled, eyes in the Crimea, in Poland, in
London's Whitechapel, Galatia, Hungary, Paris,
Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Chicago, and New York.
^/ ' HERE were that day only two men in the
world, of meaning to the motion picture, who
had any idea of what they were doing or where
they were going — Thomas A. Edison, maker of the
machine, and George Eastman, maker of the material.
Half a century later, it is to be said that one of
them, against the years, won the greatest fame, and
that the other, far less a patron of fame, by fidelity
to a product, won fortune beyond all of the users of
his film wares taken together.
Let us, without too much searching for signifi-
cance, look, for the moment, into the world into
which the film was born — the world of the autumn
of 1889.
In these United States, General Benjamin Harrison
of Indiana was President. One-third of the popu-
lation of the United States was of foreign-born
parentage. There were four million Germans in the
Middle West, three hundred and odd thousand
Scandinavians in the Northwest, and immigration
was at its flood.
America was dreadfully worried about foreign
relations and James G. Blaine, the Hull of his time,
was busy about South American trade. The prior
Cleveland, and Democratic, administration had
wound up with the national revenues at ten million
dollars a year greater than expenditures. With Matt
Quay of Pennsylvania and Tom Piatt of New York
doing the election spending. General Harrison went in
and the spending in Washington soon caught up with
the revenues. The McKinley high protective tariflfs
were enacted. Sugar went on the free list and Amer-
ican sugar planters got a ten-million-dollar-a-year
compensation. Big business, led by the Standard Oil
Trust, formed in 1882, was romping forward so fast
that that same Republican administration passed the
Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
Geronimo had just been captured and Sitting Bull
was still negotiating with the government up in the
Dakotas.
It was the year of the Oklahoma land rush.
VER in Germany the new Kaiser, Wilhelm II,
\^ was getting rid of his father's minister, Prince
Otto von Bismarck, and adopting the policy
that was to bring the First World War — and today's
World War II. Bismarck had just completed for
Germany his "Reinsurance Treaty" with Russia
which agreed to stay neutral if France should attack
the Germans. The partition of Africa was in
progress.
Victoria, the Empress of Britain and India, was in
her glorious sunset years, with yet no sign of Socialism
in her domain, and imperialism marching on. Herbert
Kitchener was a cavalry officer in Egypt, and a young
writer by the name of Rudyard Kipling, then 24
years old, was leaving India on a flush of fame from
his "Plain Tales from the Hills."
/T was a sunny Sunday October forenoon, when
Mr. Edison came ashore from the S. S. Burgoyne.
He had been away to an exposition in Paris
where there had been much showmanship pertaining
to the electric light. He had a merry word of greet-
ing to the ships' news reporters and made some
irreverent comment on the cost of "old masters" in
[Continued on following page]
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Cctcber 7, 1939
This Week
The First Preview
[Continued frovt preceding page]
Europe, which he did not think were priced on their pictorial merits. He
did not, note you, seek attention for his electric light — nor did he men-
tion that he was at that very moment on his way to a preview.
Let us dally a moment with the fact that for the first, and probably
the last, time on earth, a producer had opportunity to say that he was about
to unveil the greatest motion picture ever made, and prove it. It was a
sneak preview — and the first.
There was a delegation of "the boys" from the plant, even as now, to
tell him how good they were and what terrific things they had done while
he was away. Among them this Sunday morning was Mr. William Ken-
nedy Laurie Dickson, laboratory assistant, who had been working out, in
Room 5, the details on the picture machine job, applying, since late
August, the newly available roller photography material from George
Eastman, and which Edison had named "film", to the machinery they had
been building since 1887. It was quite a while between the time that Mr.
Edison had decided to make a machine that would really move pictures and
the time that he got it — but not nearly so long nor so costly as many a pic-
ture project, like, say, "Gone with the Wind". It cost, by some rather good
accounting, about $24,000 for the West Orange plant under Edison to
deliver the motion picture — or about as much as the option on a story
that somebody might have wanted the other day.
Mr. Dickson led, and pushed, Mr. Edison into Room 5, and asked him
to lean over the busy black box that was Kinetoscope No. 1. There, under
the aperture, with a considerable buzzing of the machinery, he saw a
picture of Mr. Dickson lifting his hat.
■r^ OR the information of technicians, it was a continuously running
A/ film, printed from a negative making forty-eight exposures a
second, viewed through a magnifying glass, illuminated by an in-
candescent lamp and transmitted to the eye through a revolving multi-
blade shutter. It had extremely low light efficiency. It had "drag" and
"pull" and several kinds of aberrations.
Mr. Edison knew it. He said something like "Umph" and went home
to dinner.
For two years the machine stood, gathering dust, in a corner of Mr.
Edison's library. He was not very proud of his motion pictures. He
refused to spend $150 to patent the machine and the notion in Europe.
Important things in the great world of industry interested him more.
In 1891 came a promoter, who wanted to show it at the Chicago
World's Fair in 1892. The fair did not open until '93, but, even so, the
Edison plant had no machines ready until 1894, after the fair had closed
— so the Kinetoscope, a peep show, had its world premiere April 14, 1894,
at 115 5 Broadway in New York.
After that came the screen, many lawsuits, and a great industry, with
both the lawsuits and the pictures getting bigger and better, year by year.
—TERRY RAMSAYE
Unions and Guilds
Actual negotiations of the new hours and
working conditions under the International
Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees
closed shop contract which gave 12,000
studio technicians and workers a 10 per cent
wage increase two weeks ago will mark
time pending a survey by major producers
of possible changes in production methods.
In announcing the obtaining of a 10 per
cent wage increase, William'Bioff, chairman
of the lATSE negotiating committee, said
that producers had agreed to open confer-
ences in about four weeks.
^ Studio managers met Tuesday with Pat
Casey and Victor Clarke, producer labor con-
tact officers, on labor matters, including a de-
mand for a 15 per cent increase for members
of the Moving Picture Painters Local 644, made
Alonday night by Herbert Sorrell, business rep-
resentative. The deadline is October 16th.
Howard Robertson, president of the United
Studio Technicians Guild, and other members
of the Guild, filed a National Labor Relations
Board petition Monday, charging that the elec-
tion wliich established the lATSE as the studio
bargaining agency is invalid because producers
allegedly financed the Alliance.
A shakeup in the Hollywood offices of the
Labor Board Tuesday resulted in the transfer
of several field examiners including chief field
examiner William Pomerance.
Pat Casey, producer labor contact officer, said
Tuesday he would meet with a committee of
International Alliance newsreel cameramen and
William Bioff, lA leader; for negotiations over
a 25 per cent wage increase sought by workers.
The new contract between the Screen Pub-
licists' Guild and the studios goes into effect
Monday, October 9th ; with senior members of
the Guild drawing a minimum of $100 a week,
and junior members $50. The agreement also
calls for preferential hiring of Guild members
from a list of those unerriployed.
For other union activities see page 52.
New Trouble
Business practices of foreign, particularly
French, producers, whereby they allow sev-
eral individuals the rights to sell their pic-
tures in North and Latin America, is re-
sulting in widening confusion, it is under-
stood. American distributors, in many cases,
finding that films to which they were given
the rights in certain Latin American terri-
tories, have already been sold in those tero-i-
tories, by others, here and in Latin America,
to whom the same rights were given.
A corollary development has been the
piracy of prints ; their duplication in certain
Southern cities ; and their shipment, directly
and indirectly, to unauthorized Latin Amer-
ican distributors.
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
The Code Again
The almost dead trade practice code,
which brought bitter dissension among many
exhibitor units, causing the expulsion of the
New York Allied by the National Allied,
this week seemed to have indirectly caused
a split in the New York Allied itself. A
"rump" organization, headed by New York
Allied's former executive secretary, E.
Thornton Kelly, met in Syracuse this Tues-
day, with the blessing and attendance of na-
tional and regional Allied leaders. The
meeting was to form another New York
Allied which would affiliate with the na-
tional association.
The report is on page 54.
Hummel and Morris
Joseph S. Hummel, for 15 years an as-
sistant to Sam E. Morris, foreign distribu-
tion manager for Warner Brothers, this
week succeeded his chief in that post. Mr.
Morris retired because of illness.
The new Warner foreign chief is a New
York City product. He started in the in-
dustry as a messenger for the VSLE studio
in Brooklyn, in 1916. He has been, suc-
cessively, auditor for Vitagraph ; assistant
to the general sales manager, Warners ;
eastern division manager, Warners ; super-
visor of exchanges, Warners ; foreign sales
executive. He is 41.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacke_r,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. RovelstacI,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunninghann, News Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancoll, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Ounas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosart, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Haworth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, manager;
cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, cable Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Caroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collin's St., Melbourne, Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureou, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico
City, James Lockhart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szomos-utca 7, Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Calle San Gervasio #2, San Gervasio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sasazuka, Ichikowa-shi Chiba-Ken, Japan,
Hiromu Tominaga, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Mcrinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thakur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo,
representative, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Woalstroat, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schaap, representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Progue I, Czechoslovakia. Horry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengoarden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Doily, Teatro al Dto, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
World's Series
With the start of the World Series, Wednes-
day, between the American League's cham-
pion New York Yankees and the National
League's winning Cincinnati Reds, at the
Yankee Stadium in New York, the news-
reels will provide their most elaborate
coverage to date for the sporting final of
the national pastime.
The technique used by each of the five
newsreels, evolved from the football cover-
age of last Fall, involves use of a fast 21
inch lens developed during the past few
years. With this lens, it is hoped to follow
the ball during an entire play.
Paramount News is using 16 men, in-
cluding all runners and the like, with other
reels using a proportionate number; while
all are paying for box seats for further
coverage in addition to the locations as-
signed them.
The main advantage of the 21 inch lens,
it is pointed out, is its speed ; even larger
lenses having proved practicable, with Para-
mount using a 40 inch lens in England.
That Ticket Code
A survey of the legitimate theatre ticket
code situation completed recently by Al-
fred Harding of the Actors' Equity staff has
resulted in recommendations that Equity re-
new the code with the League of New York
Theatres, representing stage producers, for
another year, providing that provisions be
made to enforce the code more strictly.
This was made known at the first quar-
terly meeting of Equity last Friday in New
York; with the Equity council to consider
the matter this week.
The current agreement between Equity
and the League as to working conditions,
and the ticket code are each dependent upon
the continuation of the other, with the cur-
rent agreement due to expire November 1st.
Equity will decide whether the agreement
will continue or fresh terms be offered.
At Friday's meeting, consideration was
also given the agency and personal repre-
sentative problems, and Frank Gillmore,
president of the Associated Actors and
Artistes of America, said that the "one big
union" plan was under consideration.
War Effects
An industry average of 19 per cent of the
total gross revenues of the American film
companies is affected directly by the Euro-
pean war, a questioning of their foreign
managers and a survey of the companies'
last annual financial statements discloses
this week. The figures are average ; they
vary greatly in some companies. Foreign
executives generally agree that from 35 to
40 per cent of the total gross comes from
the foreign markets .
Statistics and review on page 28.
An Echo
Out of the dark, confusing days of sound's
first application to the motion picture screen,
when small sound manufacturers and
patentees were attacking the "big electrics,"
the "big patent pools" on all sides, came
an echo this week to the biggest of the fights
between minority and major interests in diat
field, with an understanding reached between
Electrical Research Products and its parent
Telephone Company with M. A. Schlesinger,
of the South African Schlesingers and his
General Talking Pictures, which had sued
the electrics for allegedly infringing some
sound patents of the old DeForest devices,
purchased by the Schlesingers, and for
monopoly in the field.
"Discussions of a most friendly nature
pointing toward settlement" have been pro-
ceeding, reaching the position Tuesday
where an understanding had been reached,
resulting, according to spokesmen, "in the
belief that the matter will soon reach a
happy conclusion."
Chile and Treaties
Chile, a country from which the Ameri-
can film companies have found it almost im-
possible to withdraw money in recent years,
may soon negotiate a reciprocal trade treaty
with this country, according to Cordell Hull,
United States Secretary of State. The
treaty may help Chile's exchange situation,
including films. Under its proposed terms,
the U. S. Export-Import Bank would ad-
vance $5,000,000 to the country, to facilitate
commercial transactions.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial Page 7
This Week in Pictures Page 10
The hlollywood Scene Page 42
Managers' Round Table Page 6!
Release Chart Page 69
Asides and Interludes .Page 46
Showmen's Reviews Page 35
In the Courts Page 59
Deaths of the Week Page 59
In the Newsreels Page 52
Short Subjects on Broadway Page 45
What the Picture Did for Me Page 55
In the Cutting Room Page 45
Bluebook Schcd Questions Page 59
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
THIS WEEK
EYES SOUTH. Paul M. Wir,
above, has been named divi-
sional sales manager for Re-
public in Central America,
replacing Harry Davis, who will
open two new branches in
South America.
WHERE IT STARTED. Will H. Hays and Mrs. Mina
M. Edison Hughes, widow of the builder of the
Kinetoscope, examine one of the original models
in the library of the Edison Laboratories at West
Orange, N. J., during Mr. Hays' pilgrimage to the
Edison plant in observance of the industry's fiftieth
anniversary.
EXHIBITOR AND PRODUCER meet at
a Hollywood premiere. Harry M.
Warner greets Charles Skouras at the
opening of Warners' "The Private Lives
of Elizabeth and Essex" at the Warner
Beverly Hills Theatre.
FISTIC INTERLUDE at a cocktail party in Chicago's
Hotel Sherman for Jack Benny, of radio and screen.
Left to right, Walter Immerman, B & K general
manager; Louis Lipstone, Paramount studio musical
director; Jack Benny, Joe Louis, champion, and
^lohn and Dave Balaban.
EXPANSION IN HAWAII, below. Lowell B. Gist,
manager of the Hilo division of the Consolidated
Amusement Company, breaks ground for the new
Hilo theatre on Kamehameha Avenue, with C. M.
Maier, assistant manager, left. To cost $100,000,
the house will seat 1 ,000.
THUNDER IN CONGRESS and "Thun-
der Afloat" at the Capitol in Wash-
ington. Carter Barron, district manager
of Loew's eastern division, is host to
Col. Edwin A. Halsey, secretary of the
Senate, and Mrs. Halsey at the premiere
of the MGM picture.
CONFERENCES, right. George Kali-
man, RKO general manager for Chile,
By Staff Photographer
arrives in New
home ofRce.
York to report at the
October 7, IV39
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
FLYING TO EUROPE on the trans-Atlantic Clipper,
Neil Sullivan, cameraman for RKO Pathe News, is
on a roving assignment to film the war. hlis ex-
perience includes 12 years of pictorial news gather-
ing throughout the world.
SERVICEMEN are numerous in British audiences
since the Government permitted London's West
End theatres to reopen for limited operation. First
in line at the Paramount Plaza in Piccadilly Circus
are two Highlanders, anxious to pay their shillings
to see "Beau Geste," resuming a pre-war run of
one month.
REPORTS of disorganization in the British film in-
dustry because of war conditions are brought by
Sam Saxe, right, production chief of the Warner
Teddington studios, arriving on the Nieuw Amster-
dam with Mrs. Saxe.
PAST PRESIDENTS' DAY at the fall reopening luncheon of the Associated
Motion Picture Advertisers. Former heads of the association at the first
meeting of the season in Stouffer's restaurant, New York, are George Harvey,
Gordon White, William Ferguson, Paul Lazarus, Jr., Ralph Rolan, and Paul
Lazarus, Sr., standing, and Arthur James, John C. Flinn, Ed Klein, Glen
Allvine and Hal Home, seated.
By Metropolitan
By Staff Photographer
By Metropolitan
SHIPBOARD ARRIVALS are news since the war made ocean travel a hazard.
Above, left: Merle Oberon comes in on the Nieuw Amsterdam from England,
where she left her husband, Alexander Korda. During her stay here she
will make a film for Samuel Goldwyn. At right is Julien Mitchell, English
character actor, arriving on the Manhattan with a cot set up in the dining
room for a stateroom. He will play in RKO's "Vigil in the Night."
By Cosmo-Sileo
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
EXHIBITORS ON VACATION
IN THE RKO LOUNGE. Miss Judith
Alvarado, Cine Bolivar, Barqulsi-
mento, and Gustavo Murillo, Central
Theatre, Barcelona, both in Venezuela.
By Staff Photographer
IN THE WARNER EXHIBITOR
ROOM, right. Mr. and Mrs.
James Earnhardt of the Taylor
Theatre, Eden, North Carolina.
iiy Cosmo -Sileo
By Slatr Photograplier
Left. Garnet M.
Wright of the Bijou in
Winnipeg, Can., drops
in at the RKO lounge.
VISITING THE STU-
DIOS, below. Ralph E.
Laney, operator of the
Rialto in Casper, Wyo.,
and Mrs. Laney with
John Payne at the
Warner studio In Bur-
bank.
Above. Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Vennett of the
Opera House, Bath,
Maine, in the RKO
home office in Rocke-
feller Center.
Right. Wilbur Wlck-
lund of the Oshkosh
Theatre, Oshkosh, Wis.,
meets Dennis Morgan
at the Warner studios.
Left. E. C. Hartman
of the Saline Theatre
Corporation and Harry
Biederman of the Lin-
wood Theatre, both
Kansas City, Mo., chat
with JefFrey Lynn on
the set of "Four
By Staff PhotasraDher
October 7,1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
ENTERTAINMENT vs. WAR
PART I
HERE and in the next issue, Motion
Picture Herald engages in exam-
ination of the reaction of the
institution of the motion picture
and its amusement seeking public in a
world under the stresses of war.
Turning the pages of experience and per-
formance across the years from the autumn
of 1914 through America's period of par-
ticipation, it becomes immediately obvious
that the quest for entertainment was a
quest for diversion, relief — "escape" if you
please, to use that word of hissing that
leftist criticism has been enjoying while
trying to drive the theatre screen into the
service of special causes.
Fetv War Films at Start
The early years of the war, prior to
America's entry, found the screen's offer-
ings with less than 10 per cent of war
coloration, more nearly five per cent in the
beginning.
Ihere were scattering war films, such as
those produced by The Chicago Tribune,
with success in certain metropolitan cen-
ters, in the first year — and the newsreels,
which incidentally enjoyed no special uplift
in distribution by reason of war interest.
America's entry quickened war interest
on a rising curve, reaching, however, at its
extreme peak hardly more than twenty-
five per cent. And it is to be remembered
that the Armistice brought something of
a debacle to a considerable war picture
inventory.
A Stage Parallel
A parallel sho-wing is made by the rec-
ords of the stage for the same period —
presented in these pages, too, because
today the screen may fairly be said to have
in a large sense taken over substantially all
of the audience that was in 1915 especially
a stage audience.
For kindred reasons, the next Installment
of this study will cover the related fields
of vaudeville, popular music and best sell-
ing entertainment books.
The array of pictures listed represents
approximately the two hundred topmost
productions of the period. The selection
has been based on the booking records of
the three most conspicuous and inde-
pendent theatres of the period. The
Strand, the Rialto and the Rivoli, in Broad-
way, and upon the records of the five
principal motion picture corporations ac-
tive in the period, together with contribu-
tions from the archives and memories of
leading showmen. It is not contended
that the listing is exhaustive, that every
successful picture of the period is record-
ed. Many titles will occur to readers of
long experience, "Damaged Goods" with
Richard Bennett, a state's rights release,
is an example. Such items do not, how-
ever, affect the pattern.
There has been no endeavor to set up
comparisons on a dollar basis, chiefly be-
cause in the swiftly changing status of pro-
ducers and distribution performance in
those formative years the dollar showings
would not reflect public Interest and ac-
ceptance.
Apart from the subject of immediate in-
quiry, the nature of the war time emo-
tional demand, there Is also value in these
listings as showing the stuff with which the
motion picture grew great — its diversity
of appeals, but all basically romance, glam-
our, and often merriment.
It was, remember, the period In which
the feature picture became so overwhelm-
ingly dominant, but also the period of the
greatest glory in short products, with
Charles Chaplin in two-reelers overshadow-
ing features on metropolitan billings the
week of release, magnificently successful
Mack Sennett comedies and a successful
presentation of imposing scenic one-reel
pictures in the better houses. In that peri-
od, too, under the leadership of Samuel
L. Rothafel and Hugo Riesenfeld, music,
great organs and large orchestras became
important program factors in the motion
picture theatre — another element which,
along with the stage and vaudeville, has so
largely been taken over by the compre-
hensive instrument of the sound picture.
It seems all to add up to the finding that
the war was grim business — and that en-
tertainment reposed In the concerns of
living rather than killing and dying.— Terr);
Kamsaye.
War Films Rare at First
THAT the American public did not want its film entertainment to reflect world con-
ditions during the last World War is indicated by the record of the outstanding
motion pictures during that period. Of 188 films named by five distributors as
their most successful during the war days, 48, or 26 per cent, treated of war, with 37,
or 20 per cent, having themes based on the World War, the other I I being variously
about the American Civil War, insurrection In India, and the like.
There was, of course, no radio at the time to provide the public with the intensive
coverage of war news which now prevails.
The entry of the United States into the last war was the signal for the output of
most of the war films. Among the outstanding pictures listed by the present corporate
management of the then Fox Film Corporation, Universal, Metro, Paramount and Gold-
wyn organizations, there are but two war subjects in the 1914-15 period, both
about the Civil War, none at all In 1915-16 and eight in 1916-17, of which only six
were about the contemporary conflict.
However, in 1917-18 — America had entered the War in April of 1917 — there
were 23 war films, 26 per cent of the total of 89 listed as most outstanding in the
period. Of these, three were not about the World War, and one was a burlesque
of serious war films.
15 War Pictures in Pall of 193 8
And Government Takes a Hand
In 1918, from September through December, the proportion rose even higher; there
were 15 war pictures among the 35 listed, or 43 per cent of the total for that period.
Of these, there were two burlesques of spy activities and one film based on the
Mexican insurrection.
In 1918, also, the United States Government had released through the exchanges of
the World Film Corporation a war film called "America's Answer", described as "the
official war pictures from the battlefields of Europe". The Division of Films of the
Government's Committee on Public Information, propaganda bureau and contact be-
tween the Government and the press in the war, handled the film; George Creel was
chairman of the Committee and Charles S. Hart director of the Film Division.
Although war pictures moved forward in popularity after the entry of this country
Into the War, it Is pointed out that it took years after the end of the War before the
[Continued on following page]
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
OUTSTANDING 1914-18 FILMS LISTED
Realistic Themes Avoided
[Continued from preceding poRe^
tremendous successes of such pictures as "The Big Parade", released in 1925, or "All
Quiet on the Western Front", released in 1930.
Saul Rogers, general counsel and a member of the board of the former Fox Company
from its inception in 1915, notes that it was not until after the mid-l920's that the
company started making its biggest war pictures, such as "What Price Glory" in
1926, "Four Sons" in 1928, and "The Cockeyed World" in 1929.
Such theatremen as Walter Vincent of the Wilmer & Vincent Circuit say that war
pictures do not constitute the best medium of entertainment during war times, typically,
while Spyros Skouras of National Theatres emphasizes the lack of outstanding war
pictures prior to America's declaration of war in 1917.
Pictures included among the top box-office attractions of the Paramount, Universal,
Fox, Metro and Soldwyn companies during the five-year period of the last World War
are tabulated below, with story outlines, directors, stars, producing-distributing com-
panies and release dates.
Those marked by an asterisk and in color are war films; the letters "F" and "D"
after the release date refer to foreign and domestic, and signify that the film was
a success abroad, or abroad and in the domestic market, the foreign market having
special reference to England. When not marked, films are listed as successful in the
domestic market.
The listing follows:
1914-15
Absinthe. A story of a man's downfall
through drinking. Producer-distributor :
Universal. Star: King Baggott. Director:
Herbert Brenon. Released, Jan. 22, 1914.
Behind the Scenes. A melodrama of the-
atrical life. Producer-distributor : Famous
Players-Paramount. Star : Mary Pickford.
Released, Nov. 2, 1914.
Cameo Kirby. Melodrama of the old South.
Producer-distributor : Lasky-Paramount.
Star : Dustin Farnum. Released Decem-
ber 30, 1914. F.
Damon and Pythias. The classic love story
of an heroic friendship in ancient Greece.
Producer-distributor : Universal. Stars :
William Worthington and Herbert Raw-
linson. Released, Dec. 9, 1914.
Dawn of a Tomorrow, The. A melodrama
of a child in the London slums. Producer-
distributor : Famous Players-Paramount.
Star : Mary Pickford. Director : James
Kirkwood. Released, June 19, 1915.
Eternal City, The. Based on Hall Caine's
story of the Church. Producer-distributor :
Famous Players-Paramount. Star : Pauline
Frederick. Director: Edwin C. Porter.
Released January 9, 1915.
Fool There Was, A. Story of a man's de-
generation. Producer-distributor : Box-
Office-Fox. Star : Theda Bara. Released
Jan. 30, 1915.
*Heart of Maryland, The. A melodrama
of the Civil War. Producer-distributor:
Tififany. Star : Mrs. Leslie Carter. Re-
leased, April 3, 1915.
Kindling. A melodrama of life in a city
tenement. Producer-distributor : Lasky-
Paramount. Stars : Thomas Meighan and
Raymond Hatton. Released, July 24, 1915.
Nigger, The. A melodrama of the race and
liquor question. Producer-distributor : Fox.
Star : William Farnum. Released, March
28, 1915.
Niobe. A comedy based on the story of a
statue which comes to life. Producer-
distributor : Famous Players-Paramount.
Stars : Hazel Dawn and Charles Abbe.
Released, April 26, 1915.
Right of Way, The. Melodrama of the de-
generation of a lawyer. Producer-dis-
tributor : Rolfe-Metro. Released July 19,
1915.
Warrens of Virginia, The. Story of the
American Civil War. Producer-distribu-
tor : Lasky-Belasco-Paramount. Star :
Blanche Sweet. Director : Cecil B. De
Mille. Released February 15, 1915. F.
1915-16
Barbara Frietchie. A picture based on one
of the Civil War's famous characters.
Producer-distributor : Popular Pictures
and Photoplays-Metro. Star : Mary Miles
Minter. Director: Herbert Blache, Re-
leased Nov. 29, 1915.
Blue Blood and Red. A meledrama of the
old west. Producer-director : Fox. Star :
George Walsh. Director : Roaul A. Walsh.
Released April 6, 1916.
Cheat, The. Story of a woman who gambles
with her husband's money. Producer-dis-
tributor : Lasky-Paramount. Star : Fanny
Ward. Released December 25, 1915. F.
East Lynne. A melodrama based on the
famous story. Producer-distributor: Fox
Film. Star: Theda Bara. Director:
Bertram Bracken. Released June 22,
1916. F. D.
Eternal Sappho, The. The theme of happi-
ness denied after many sacrifices. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Fox Film. Star : Theda
Bara. Director: Bertram Bracken. Re-
leased May 11, 1916. F. D.
God's Half Acre. A drama of forgotten
persons in a home for the aged. Producer-
distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Star : Mabel
Taliaferro. Director: Edwin Carewe.
Released Aug. 17, 1916.
Hulda of Holland. A melodrama of an imi-
grant family and their adventures with the
unscrupulous railroad. Producer-director :
Famous Players-Paramount. Star : Mary
Pickford. Director.: John B. O'Brien.
Released July 20, 1916.
Is Any Girl Safe. A drama revealing the
white slave racket. Producer-distributor :
Anti-Vice Motion Picture Corp. Director :
Henry Otto. Released Aug. 26, 1916.
Madame Butterfly. Based on the famous
operatic story of a Japanese woman and an
American naval officer. Producer-dis-
tributor : Zukor-Famous Players-Para-
mount. Star : Mary Pickford. Director :
Marshall Neilan. Released November 13,
1915. F.
The Masked Rider. Melodrama of secret
service; with slapstick. Producer -dis-
tributor: Quality-Metro. Stars: May
Allison and Harold Lockwood. Director:
Fred J. Balshofer. Released June 12, 1916.
Parson of Panamint, The. Story of a
preacher in the West. Producer-distribu-
tor : Pallos-Paramount. Star : Dustin
Farnum. Director: William D. Taylor.
Released August 17, 1916. F.
Pretenders, The. Comedy of a farm family
which inherits money and moves to New
York. Producer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro.
Star : Emmy Wehlen. Director : George
Baker. Released Aug. 21, 1916.
Prince and the Pauper, The. Based on the
Mark Twain story, of a poor boy and a
Prince who assume each other's identities.
Producer-distributor : Famous Players-
Paramount. Star : Marguerite Clark. Di-
rectors: Edwin Porter and Hugh Ford.
Released December 2, 191-5. F.
Rags. Story of a poor girl who finds hap-
piness. Producer-distributor : Famous
Players-Paramount. Star : Mary Pick-
ford. Director : James Kirkwood. Re-
leased September 15, 1915. F.
Rosemary. Romance of the sea. Producer-
distributor: Quality Pictures-Metro. Star:
Dorothy Cruickshank. Released December
20, 1915.
Scarlet Woman, The. Story of a wife who
sacrifices her own happiness for an un-
faithful husband. Producer-distributor :
Popular Pictures and Photoplays-Metro.
Star: Olga Petrova. Director: Edmund
Lawrence. Released May 29, 1916.
Spell of the Yukon, The. Story of Alaska
based on the Robert W. Service poem.
Producer-distributor : Popular Pictures
and Photoplays-Metro. Star: Edmund
Breese. Director: Burton King. Re-
leased May 15, 1916.
To Have and To Hold. Story of James-
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
15
ROMANCE AND MELODRAMA LEAD
town in Colonial days. Producer-distribu-
tor: Lasky-Paramount. Star: Mae Mur-
ray. Director : George Melford. Re-
leased March 9, 1916. F.
Where Are My Children. Portrayal of the
birth control problem. Producer-distribu-
tor : Universal. Star : Tyrone Power, Sr.
Directors: The Smalleys. Released April
13, 1916.
Woman Pays, The. Story of marital rela-
tionships. Producer-distributor : Rolfe-
Metro. Star. Valli Valli. Released No-
vember 15, 1915.
Yellow Streak, A. Western melodrama.
Producer - distributor : Columbia - Metro.
Star : Lionel Barrymore. Director : Will
Nigh. Released December 6, 1915.
Zaza. Melodrama of the loves of an emo-
tional woman. Producer-distributor : Fa-
mous Players-Paramount. Star : Pauline
Frederick. Directors: Edwin S. Porter
and Hugh Ford. Released October 16,
1915. F.
1916-17
Aladdin's Other Lamp. A burlesque of the
"magic lamp" tale. Producer-distributor:
Rolfe-Metro. Star: Viola Dana. Di-
rector: John H. Collins. Released June
25, 1917.
Awakening of Helen Ritchie. A melodrama
of a mother's love for her child. Producer-
distributor: Rolfe-Metro. Star: Ethel
Barrymore. Director: John W. Noble.
Released December 18, 1916.
Bottle Imp, The. A fanciful melodrama of
a magic bottle. Producer-distributor:
Lasky-Paramount. Star: Sessue Haya-
kawa. Director : Marshall A. Neilan.
Released March 29, 1917. F.
Black Butterfly. A melodramatic romance of
a man in love with both mother and
daughter. Producer-distributor : Popular
Pictures and Photoplays-Metro. Star:
Olga Petrova in a duel role. Director :
Burton King. Released Dec. 4, 1916.
Broadway Jones. A comedy of a small town
boy who yearns to become a "Broadway
play-boy." Producer-distributor : Cohan-
Artcraft. Star : George M. Cohan. Di-
rector : Joe Kaufmann. Released March
25, 1917. F.
Call of Her People, The. A melodrama of
gypsy life. Producer-distributor : Rolfe-
Metro. Star: Ethel Barrymore. Direc-
tor: John W. Noble. Released April 30,
1917.
*Claws of the Hun. A spy melodrama of
the World War. Producer-distributor:
Ince-Paramount. Star: Charles Raye.
Director : Victor Scherzinger. Released
July 6, 1917. F.
Daughter of the Gods, A. A fanciful story
of wood nymphs. Producer-distributor :
Fox. Director : Herbert Brenon. Star :
Annette Kellermann. Released Oct. 19,
1916.
Girl at Home, The. Romance of young love.
Producer-distributoi : Lasky-Paramount.
Stars : Jack Pickford, Vivian Martin. Di-
STRAND THEATRE
LISTS TOP FILMS
The Strand Theatre in New York,
which during the last World War was
known as the Mark Strand, for Moe
Mark, its president and general man-
ager, opened it to Broadway in April,
1914, with "The Spoilers," starring
Kathlyn Williams and Bessie Eyton.
This was characterized as an outstand-
ing success at the house, which booked
the typical better-grade product, as a
member of the unaffiliated Mark
Strand theatre group.
Many outstandingly successful pic-
tures were shown there during the war
period, including the product of many
independent distributors.
In 1914-15 the best grossers, it was
recalled, were "Brewster's Millions,"
"The Sea Wolf," "Man on the Box,"
"Rose of the Rancho," "Girl of the
Golden West," "The Dictator," "The
Goose Girl," "Are You a Mason,"
"Poor Schmalty," "The Cheat." All
these were exhibited in 1914-1915.
Among the outstanding in the 1915-
1916 season were "Madame Butterfly,"
"The Cheat," "The Immigrant," "Tess
of the Storm Country" and "Hulda
of Holland."
In 1916-1917 top rankers included
"The Parson of Panamint," "Freckles"
and "Mysterious Miss Terry"; while in
1917-18 ca?ne "Polly of the Circus,"
"Thais," "Raffles" and "My Four Years
in Germany," which Mark M. Dinten-
fass made in conjunction with War-
ners from Ambassador James W. Ger-
ard's book.
In 1918-19 came such successes as
"Shoulder Arms," "Virtuous Wives,"
"The Better 'Ole," "The Girl Who
Stayed at Home," "Daddy Longlegs"
and "Upstairs."
rector : Marshall Neilan. Released April
26, 1917. F.
'•"Greatest Power, The A war melodrama
of sabotage activities. Producer-distribu-
tor : Rolfe-Metro. Star : Ethel Barrymore.
Director : Edwin Carewe. Released June
29, 1917.
Hand That Rocks the Cradle, The. A film
on birth-control. Producer-distributor :
Lois Weber. Star : Lois Weber. Direc-
tor: Lois Weber. Released April 28,
1917.
Haunted Pajamas, The. A fantasy on a pair
of pajamas that changed the personality
of the wearer. Producer-distributor :
Yorke-Metro. Star : Harold Lockwood.
Director : Fred J. Balshofer. Released
June 10, 1917.
*Her Boy. Originally entitled "Conscrip-
tion." A war melodrama based on the
draft. Producer-distributor : Special De
Luxe-Metro. Star: Effie Shannon. Di-
rector : George Irving. Released Jan. 10,
1917.
His Father's Son. A comedy of a rich man's
son and his wager to hold a job for
one month. Producer distributor : Rolfe-
Metro. Star : Lionel Barrymore. Direc-
tor : George D. Baker, Released March
19, 1917.
Honor System, The. A melodrama of prison
reform. Producer-distributor : Fox. Star :
Milton Sills. Director: Raoul A. Walsh.
Released May 3, 1917.
Idle Wives. A study of dififerent groups of
people. Producer-distributor : Weber-
Universal. Stars : Mary MacLaren and
Lois Weber. Director : Lois Weber. Re-
leased Sept. 12, 1916.
In Again-Out Again. A comedy-farce of a
young man who despises work and tries
to break back "into" jail because of the
comfort. Producer-distributor : Fairbanks-
Artcraft. Star : Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
Director : John Emerson. Released May
3, 1917. F.
'■'Less Than Dust. A drama of a revolution
in India. Producer-distributor : Pickford-
Artcraft. Star : Mary Pickford. Director :
John Emerson. Released Nov. 9, 1916.
* Little American, The A romantic melo-
drama with scenes showing the horrors
of war woven throughout the plot. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Pickford- Artcraft. Star :
Mary Pickford. Director : Cecil De Millc.
Released July 2, 1917. F.
Mister 44. Pretty laundress pins lonely
hearts note to shirt she irons. Wealthy
young man seeking true love finds it and
pursues girl. Producer-distributor : Yorke
Film-Metro. Director: Henry Otto.
Stars : Harold Lockwood and May Allison.
Released September 21, 1916.
Mysterious Miss Terry, The. Masquerading
heiress playing good fairy to hero and two
friends, with mystery farce touches. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Famous Players-Para-
mount. Director : J. Searle Dawley. Stars :
Billie Burke, Gerald O. Smith, George A.
Wright, Bessie Hearn. Released August
30, 1917.
Pay Me. Western melodrama. Producer-
distributor : Jewel-Universal. Star : Dor-
othy Philips. Director : Joseph DeGrasse.
Released June 21, 1917.
Sirens of the Sea. Fantasy. Producer-dis-
tributor : Universal-Jewel-State Rights.
Stars : Louise Lovely, Carmel Myers, Jack
Mulhall. Director: Allen Holubar. Re-
leased August 18, 1917.
*Slacker, The. A patriotic drama. Producer-
distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Star : Emily
Stevens. Director: William Christy Ca-
banne. Released July 23, 1917.
Snow White. Adoption of the Grimm fairy
tale, produced with amateur child cast.
Producer-distributor : Educational-State
Rights. Director: Charles H. Weston.
Released November 23, 1916. F.
(Continued on folloimng page)
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
'SHOP GIRL MAKES GOOD' IS FAVORITE
(Continued front prcccdinii paqe)
^Somewhere in America. Melodrama of
espionage during the World War. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Star :
Mary Miles Minter. Director : Charles
Horan and William C. Dowlan. Released
July 23, 1917.
*Tale of Two Cities, A. Charles Dickens'
story of the French Revolution. Producer-
distributor : Fox. Star : William Farnum.
Director : Frank Llovd. Released March
15, 1917. F. D.
White Raven, The. Melodrama of a girl
singer who wants to avenge her father's
death. Producer-distributor : Rolfe-J\Ietro.
Star : Ethel Barrymore. Director : George
D. Baker. Released January 15, 1917.
Witchcraft. Story of witchcraft, and girl
wrongly accused of practicing it, in New
England. Producer-distributor : Lasky-
Paramount. Star : Fannie Ward. Direc-
tor : Frank Reicher. Released October
26, 1916. F.
1917-18
Adopted Son, The. A melodrama of the
Tennessee mountains. Producer-distribu-
tor: Metro. Stars: Francis X. Bushman
and Beverlv Bayne. Released Oct. 29,
1917.
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. From
the tale of the Arabian Nights. Producer-
distributor : Fox. Stars : Francis Carpen-
ter and Virginia Lee Corbin. Directors :
C. M. and S. A. Franklin. Released Oct.
11, 1917.
All \\ oman. The melodrama of a shop-girl
and her adventures with an inherited for-
tune. Producer-distributor : Goldwvn.
Star: Mae Marsh. Released June 2, 1918.
Amarilly of Clothesline Alley. A comedy-
melodrama of a slum-girl and a rich man.
Producer-distributor : Pickford-Artcraft.
Star : Marv Pickford. Director : Marshall
A. Neilan! Released March 21, 1918.
American Widow, An. A comedy based on
the theme of marriage for a purpose.
Producer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro : Star :
Ethel Barrymore. Director : Frank
Reicher. Released Dec. 17, 1917.
*Arms and the Girl. A drama of forced
marriage to escape the enemy in Belgium
(luring the World War. Producer-distrib-
utor : Famous Players-Paramount : Star :
Billie Burke. Director : Joseph Kaufmann.
Released Oct. 25, 1917.
Auction Block, The. Adapted from a novel
by Rex Beach and dealing with the story
of two girls and their careers on Broad-
way. Producer-distributor : Rex Beach
Pictures Corp.-Goldwyn. Stars : Florence
Deshon and Ruby De Remer. Director :
Larr}- Trimble. Released Dec. 2, 1917.
Bab's Burglar. A comedy of adventure with
an automobile and a burglar. Producer-
distributor : Famous Players-Paramount.
Star : Marguerite Clark. Director : J.
Searle Dawley. Released Nov. 15, 1917.
Bab's Diar}'. A comedy of a society girl
VINCENT SEES WAR FILMS
"TOO CLOSE TO REALITY"
"A generally accepted axiom of the
theatre is that if an event is current it
is too close to people for entertainment
purposes," according to Walter Vin-
cent, vice-president of the Wiimer and
Vincent Circuit. Mr. Vincent, refer-
ring to war films during war times,
said that the newsreels, with their rec-
ords of distress and disaster, are gener-
ally enough, coupled with radio cover-
age, to give the public its fill of con-
temporary history.
"During the last war," said Mr.
Vincent, "people wanted to go to the
theatre and be in the land of viake-
believe."
and the adventures into which her diary
lead her. Producer-distributor : Famous
Players-Paramount. Star : Marguerite
Clark. Director : J. Searle Dawlev. Re-
leased Oct. 17, 1917.
Barbary Sheep. Set in an Arabian locale
with the "eternal triangle" as the theme.
Producer-distributor : Artcraft. Star :
Elsie Ferguson. Director : Maurice Tour-
neur. Released Sept. 20, 1917. F. D.
Blue Bird, The. A story of two children
who dream riches but later realize the
the happiness of their own humble home.
Producer-distributor : Artcraft. Stars :
Artcraft players. Director : Maurice
Tourneur. Released April 6, 1918. F. D.
Blue Jeans. A melodrama of a man who
must clear his name of a former marriage
so that he might re-marry. Producer-
distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Star : Viola
Dana. Director : John H. Collins. Re-
leased December 24, 1917.
Boston Blackie's Little Pal. Built on the
theme of a child's favorable influence on
a criminal. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Bert Lytell. Director : E. Mason
Hopper. Released Aug. 26, 1918.
Bound in Morocco. A comedy-melodrama
of the desert. Producer-distributor: Art-
craft. Star : Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Di-
rector and author : Allan Dwan. Released
Aug. 3, 1918. F.
Broadway Bill. A melodrama of the North
Woods. Producer-distributor : Yorke-
j\Ietro. Star : Harold Lockwood. Direc-
tor and author : Fred J. Balshofer. Re-
leased Feb. 11, 1918.
Camille. A foreign made production of the
Alexander Dumas love story. Producer-
distributor : Hanover-General Films. Star :
Helen Hesperia. Released Oct. 15, 1917.
F. D.
Cleopatra. A melodrama of the multiple
loves of the famous vamp. Producer -
distributor : William Fox Special Produc-
tions. Star: Theda Bara. Director: J.
Gordon Edwards. Adapted from the play
by Shakespeare. Released Oct. 18, 1917.
''Conqueror, The. A melodrama of the
war between Texas and Mexico. Producer-
distributor : Fox-Standard Special. Star :
William Farnum. Director : Raoul A.
Walsh. Released Oct. 25, 1917.
Co-respondent, The. Based on newspaper
life. Producer-distributor : Jewel-Uni-
versal. Star : Elaine Hammerstein. Di-
rector : Ralph W. Ince. Released October
3, 1917.
'•'Crashing Through to Berlin. A photo-
graphic study of the World War. Pro-
diicer-distributor : Jewel-Universal. Com-
piled by Jack Cohn. Supervised by Carl
Laemmle. Released Aug. 12, 1918.
Daybreak. A drama of the faithful wife
contending with her wayward husband.
Producer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Direc-
tor : Albert Capellani. Star: Emily
Stevens. Released Jan. 7, 1918.
Doctor and the Woman, The. A drama of a
surgeon losing his nerve through the
villainy of a nurse. Producer-distributor :
Lois Weber-Universal. Star : Mildred
Harris. Director : Lois Weber. Released
March 4, 1918.
Dodging a Million. A melodrama of a poor
shop girl who spends an expected fortune
but finds that she will not receive it.
Producer-distributor : Goldwyn. Star :
j\Iabel Normand. Director : George Loane
Tucker. Released Jan. 27, 1918.
'■'Draft 258. War story based on the Amer-
ican draft. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Mabel Taliaferro. Director : William
Christy Cabanne. Released Nov. 12, 1917.
Du Barry. Story of the famous courtesan
in the time of Louis XV of France. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Fox. Star : Theda Bara.
Director : J. Gordon Edwards. Released
December 30, 1917. F. D.
Eternal Mother, The. A melodrama of child
labor. Producer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro.
Star : Ethel Barr3'more. Director : Frank
Reicher. Released Nov. 26, 1917.
Even As You and L An allegory on the sins
and results of temptation. Producer-dis-
tributor ; Louis Weber-Universal. Star :
Ben Wilson. Director : Lois Weber. Re-
leased March 27, 1918.
'■'Fields of Honor A war melodrama of a
French peasant girl. Producer-distribu-
tor : Goldwyn. Star : Mae Marsh. From
a story by Irvin S. Cobb. Director : Ralph
Ince. Released Jan. 13, 1918.
*Firefly of France. A war melodrama of
spy activities. Producer-distributor : Para-
mount. Star : Wallace Reid. Director :
Donald Crisp. Released July 10, 1918. F.
Floor Below, The. The adventures of a girl-
reporter. Producer-distributor : Goldwyn.
Star : Mabel Normand. Director : Clarence
G. Badger. Released March 14, 1918.
Forbidden Path, The. Melodrama of a wo-
man's revenge on a man. Producer-dis-
tributor : Fox. S.<;ar : Theda Bara. Re-
leased February 16, 1918.
Oc + ober 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
COMEDY AND FANTASY HOLD FAVOR
■'For Freedom. A melodrama on the libera-
tion < >i prisoners to tight for the United
States during the World War. Producer-
ilistributor : Fox. Star: William Farnum.
Director : Frank Lloyd. Released Dec.
12. my.
For Husbands Only. Story of an innocent
girl who is misled. Producer-distributor :
Lois Weber-Universal. Star: Mildred
Harris. Director : Phillips Smallev. July
21, 1918.
'•'Geezer of Berlin, The. Satire on "The
Kai.ser — the Beast of Berlin." Producer-
distributor : Jewel-Universal. Star : Ray
Hanford. Director: Arthur A. Hotaling.
Released July 16, 1918.
'■'Great Lover, The. War romance. Produc-
er-distributor : Griffith-Artcraft. Stars :
Lillian Gish, Henry B. Walthall. Direc-
tor: D. W. Griffith. Released August 24,
1918.
His Own Home Town. A melodrama of a
sniidl town boy who goes to the big city
and returns a success. Producer-distribu-
tor : Ince-Paramount. Star : Charles Ray.
Director: Victor L. Schertzinger. Re-
leased May 19, 1918. F.
House of ]Mirth, The. A melodrama of a
complicated marriage with husband and
wife both unfaithful. Producer-distributor :
Metro. All star cast. Director: Albert
Capellani. Released Aug. 5, 1918.
House of Silence, The. A mystery story
of a haunted house. Producer-distribu-
tor : Lasky-Paramount. Star : Wallace
Reid. Director : Donald Crisp. Released
March 18, 1918. F.
Jack and the Beanstalk. A motion picture
of the famous fairy tale. Producer-dis-
tributor : Fox-Standard Special. Stars :
^'irginia Lee Corbin and Francis Carpen-
ter. Directors : C. M. and S. A. Frank-
lin. Released Oct. 11, 1917.
•'Joan of Plattsburg. A spy melodrama of
the World War. Producer-distributor :
Goldwyn. Star : jMabel Normand. Direc-
tor : George Loane Tucker. Released May
5, 1918.
Judgment House, The. A drama of a frivo-
lous girl and her adventures with her
many lovers. Producer - distributor :
Blackton-Paramount. Star : Violet Hem-
ing. Director : J. Stuart Blackton. Re-
leased Nov. 29, 1917. F.
'Kaiser, The — The Beast of Berlin. An ac-
count of the Kaiser during the World
War. Producer-distributor: Universal.
Star : Rupert Julian. Director : Rupert
Julian. Released March 11, 1918.
'Kaiser's Shadow, The. A drama of the
German secret service operating in the
United States during the World War.
Producer-distributor : Paramount. Star :
Dorothv Dalton. Director : R. William
Neill. Released June 23, 1918.
Landloper, The. The drama of a wealthy
man who turns hobo for the experience.
Producer-distributor : Yorke-Metro. Star :
Harold Lockwood. Director : George Ar-
chainband. Released April 1, 1918.
GOOD ENTERTAINMENT
IS TEST, SAYS SKOURAS
Spyros Skojiras, head of National
Theatres, believes that, with Europe
at war, "it would be a mistake for us
to promote any particular type of sub-
ject matter," and feels that "the public
wants good entertainment, regardless
of the subject."
It was also pointed out by Mr.
Skouras that before the entry of this
country into the last World War, there
were few outstanding war pictures.
Lend Me Your Name. A comedy of a
rich and a poor man who exchange posi-
tions in life. Producer-distributor : Yorke-
Metro. Star : Harold Lockwood. Direc-
tor : Fred J. Balshofer. Released May
27, 1918.
Les !Miserables. Taken from Victor Hugo's
famous novel. Producer-distributor : Fox.
Star : William Farnum. Director : Frank
Lloyd. Released Jan. 10, 1918. F. D.
'■'Lest We Forget. A romantic melodrama
of the World \\'ar and the sinking of the
Lusitania. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Rita Jolinet. Director : Leonce Per-
ret. Released March 11, 1918.
Lifted Veil, The. A psychological study of
three mentally individual persons. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Rolfe-Metro. Star :
Ethel Barrvmore. Director : George
Baker. Released, Sept. 10, 1917.
Little Princess, The. A melodrama of a
child who must remain poor because she
doesn't receive the fortune she expects.
Producer-distributor : Pickford-Artcraft.
Star : Marv Pickford. Director : Marshall
A. Neilan.' Released Nov. 22, 1917. F.
Man's W^orld, A. A man may transgress and
still be above reproach while a woman is
held to be an outcast if she makes but one
slip. Producer-distributor: Metro. Star:
Emily Stevens. Director : Herbert Blache.
Released June 24, 1918.
'Man Without a Country, The. Based on
the- Edward Everett Hale story of a trai-
tor. Producer-distributor : Thanhouser-
Jewel. Star : H. E. Herbert. Director :
Earnest C. Warde. Released September
4, 1917.
Manx Man, The. Drama with locale on the
Isle of Man. From the novel by Hall
Caine. Conflict between law abiding
youth and adventure against peace loving,
quiet setting of old-world Isle of Man.
Produced by George Loane Tucker for
Cosmofotofilm. Stars : Fred Groves, Elisa-
beth Risdon and Harry Ainley. Director :
George Loane Tucker. Released October
14, 1917.
'■'Missing. English nobleman falls in love
with wife of a soldier reported missing'
and marries her. Sister of wife, ambitious
for wealth and position, conspires to deny
identity of soldier husband when he re-
turns. Producer-distributor : J. Stuart
Blackton-Paramount. Director: James
Young. Stars : Thomas Meighan, Sylvia
Bremer. Released June 2, 1918. F.
More Truth Than Poetry. Melodrama based
on the unwritten law in its application to
men and women with surprise twist at
ending. Producer-distributor : Popular
Pictiu^es and Photoplays-Metro. Director:
Burton L. King. Star : Olga Petrova.
Released October 22, 1917.
'■'My Own United States. Patriotism, tell-
ing the story of ''The Man Without a
Country." Producer-distributor : Froh-
man Amusement Corporation - States
rights. Director : John W^. Noble. Stars :
Arnold Daly, Charles E. Graham, Duncan
McRae. Released April 15, 1918.
Old Wives for New. Shows slovenly wife,
meticulous husband, and wild women at
work, with cafe and bedroom details. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Artcraft. Director, Ce-
cil B. De Mille. Stars: Elliott Dexter,
Florence Vidor, Theodore Roberts. Re-
leased May 26, 1918. F.
One More American. Ward politician tries
to prevent Italian from influencing his
countrymen to vote against him by de-
porting his family to Italy. Producer,
distributor : Lasky-Paramount. Director :
William C. DeMille. Stars : George
Beban, Camille Ankewich, May Giracci.
Released March 7, 1918. ' F.
Only Road, The. Authentic melodrama of
long-lost child recovered after thrilling
adventures. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Director : Frank Reicher. Stars : Viola
Dana, Casson Ferguson, Edith Chapman,
Fred Huntley, Paul Weigel. Released June
3, 1918.
Opportunity. Unusual complications involv-
ing girl who masquerades as a man. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Metro. Director : John
H. Collins. Stars : Viola Dana, Hale Ham-
ilton, Edward Abeles. Released Julv 1,
1918.
Outsider, The. Shopgirl masquerading in
society wins millionaire. Producer-dis-
tributor : Rolfe-Metro. Director : William
C. Dowlan. Stars : Emmy Wehlen, Her-
bert Hayes. Released November 5, 1917.
Pair of Cupids, A. A foundling child re-
unites two lovers. Producer-distributor :
Metro. Stars: Francis X. Bushman. Bev-
erlv Bavne. Director : Charles J. Brabin.
Released July 29, 1918.
Polly of the Circus. Melodrama of circus
life. Producer-distributor : Goldwyn.
Star : Mae Marsh. Director : Charles T.
Horan. Released September 9, 1917.
Price of a Good Time. Melodrama of the
contrasting environments of shop girls.
Producer-distributor : Lois Weber-Jewel.
Mildred Harris. Director : Lois Weber.
Released November 10, 1917.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Story of an
impoverished child who inherits money.
Producer-distributor : Artcraft. Star :
Marv Pickford. Released September 3,
1917'. F. D.
(Continued on following page)
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7
19 3 9
SQUARING THE ETERNAL TRIANGLE
(.Cotitinued from preceding page)
Revelation. Girl of the demi-monde secretly
poses for artist she loves in monastery
against prior's permission. ]^Ionk takes
her for Virgin and attributes seeming mir-
acle to her. She goes to prior to scoff at
miracle but remains to pray. Producer-
distributor : Screen Classic-Metro. Direc-
tor: George D. Baker. Star, Alia Xazi-
mova. Released Februarj'- 25, 1918.
Revenge. Storj- of a girl who seeks to avenge
the murder of her Sance. Producer-dis-
tributor : Metro. Star : Edith Story. Re-
leased Februarj- 25, 1918.
*Rose of Blood. Russian girl sworn to aid
revolutionists is called upon to kill her
beloved husband when he is made premier.
Producer-distributor : Fox. Director : J.
Gordon Edwards. Star : Theda Bara. Re-
leased January 17, 1918. F. D.
Rough and Ready. ^Melodrama of Alaskan
life. Producer-distributor : Fox. Star :
William Farnum. Released March 24,
1918.
'"Service Star, The. A romance during the
World War. Producer-distributor: Gold-
■\%~\"n. Star : Madge Kennedv. Director :
Charles Miller. Released Juiie 30, 191S.
Shark ]Monroe. Comedj'-drama of the Alas-
kan gold rush. Producer-distributor : Art-
craft. Star: William S. Hart. Director:
William S. Hart. Released Tulv 7. 1918.
F.
Song of Songs, The. Melodrama of jealousy
in marital relationships. Producer-dis-
tributor: Zukor-Artcraft. Star: Elsie
Ferguson. Released Februarj- 21, 191S. F.
Soul for Sale, A. Stor\- of a mother who
forces her daughter into a wedding against
her wishes. Producer-distributor : Jewel-
Universal. Star : Dorothj- Phillips. Di-
rector: Allen Holubar. Released April
18, 1918.
*Spirit of '17, The. A boy scout and an old
soldier thwart German spies. Producer-
distributor : Morosco-Paramoimt. Star :
Tack Pickford. Released Januarv- 31,
1918. F.
*Spreading Dawn. Storj- of the Civil War.
Producer-distributor : Goldw}Ti. Star : Jane
Cowl. Released XoA-ember 1, 1917.
*Spy, The. Melodi-ama of German spy ac-
tivities. Producer-distributor : Fox. Star :
Dustin Famum. Director : Richard Stan-
ton. Released October 11, 1917. F. D.
Stella ^Maris. Melodrama of t^-o crippled
orphans and their different outlooks on
life. Producer-distributor: Artcraft. Star:
Mary Pickford. Director: Marshall
Neilan. Released January 31, 1918. F.
Successful Adventure, A. Two brothers are
retmited after years of separation by the
daughter of one. Producer-distributor:
Metro. Star: May Allison. Director:
Harrv- L. FranklA-n. Released Julv 15,
1918.'
*To Hell With the Kaiser. Biographical ac-
count, actual and fictitious, of the Kaiser.
Producer-distributor : Screen Classics-
Metro: Stars: LawTence Grant, Olive
SAYS CHAPLIN COMEDY
''TURNED THE TIDE"
The effect of comedy in the films
current dtiriug the last World War is
pointed out by Joseph Pluukett, man-
aging director of the Mark Strand
Theatre in Neu-' York from 1919 to
1929. Mr. Plunkett said that Charlie
ChapVni's "Shoulder Arms" had"tur}ted
the tide" in 1918, uhett theatre btisi-
ness was at a low ebb due to the in-
fluenza epidemic.
Tell. Director : George Irving. Released
July 7, 1918.
Toj-s of Fate. Gypsy desiring revenge mar-
ries his daughter to man who had stolen
the girl's mother. Producer-distributor:
Screen Classics-Metro. Star : Xazimova.
Director : George D. Baker. Released
]\Iay 27, 1918.
Trail to Yesterday-. ^Melodrama of son who
w^ants to avenge his father's death. Pro-
ducer-distributor : ]Metro. Star : Bert
L^-tell. Director : Edwin Carewe. Re-
leased May 6, 1918.
True Blue. Family drama. Producer-dis-
tributor : Fox. Star : William Farnum.
Director : Frank Llovd. Released Tune
2, 1918.
Voice of Conscience, The. Regeneration of
a man through love. Producer-distributor :
Metro. Stars : Francis X. Bushman and
Beverly Ba}-ne. Director : Edwin Carewe.
Released Xovember 19, 1917.
We Can't Have Everything. Story of
marital relations. Producer-distributor :
Artcraft-Paramount. Stars : Kathlj-n Wil-
liams, '\^"anda Hawley, Raymond Hatton,
Elliott Dexter. Director: Cecil B. De
Mille. Released July 7, 1918. F.
When a ^lan Sees Red. Stor\- of the sea.
Producer-distributor : Fox. Star : William
Farnum. Director : Frank Llovd. Octo-
ber 7, 1917.
Whispering Chorus. Alelodrama of defalcat-
ing bank cashier. Producer-distributor:
Artcraft-Paramoimt. Stars : Kathhn Wil-
liams and RaATBond Hatton. Director :
Cecil B. De ^lille. Released :\Iarch 28,
1918. F.
Winding Trail, The. Western melodrama.
Producer-distributor : Rolfe-!Metro. Star :
Viola Dana. Director : John H. Collins.
Released January 24, 19i8.
With Xeatness and Dispatch. Burlesque on
romance. Producer-distributor : 5letro.
Star : Francis X. Bushman. Director :
Will S. Davis. Released April 15. 1918.
Woman and the Law-. A mother murders
her husband for the sake of her child.
Producer-distributor : Fox. Star : ]\Iiriam
Cooper. Director : Raoul Walsh. Re-
leased March 28, 1918.
*Woman God Forgot. The war between
the Spaniards and the Aztecs. Producer-
distributor : Lask\- - Artcraft - Paramotmt.
Star : Geraldine Farrar. Director : Cecil
B. De MiUe. Released Nov. 8, 1917. F.
1918
Borrowed Clothes. Melodrama of girl who
is misled. Producer-distributor : Lois
Weber-Universal. Star : Mildred Harris.
Director : Lois ^^'eber. Released October
10, 1918.
''Come On In. A burlesque on spy activi-
ties. Producer-distributor : Emerson-Loos-
Pararaoimt. Stars: Shirley Mason and
Ernest Truex. Director : John Emerson.
Released September 21, 1918. F.
*Eye For Eye. A melodrama of a Bedouin
girl who rescues a yoimg French officer
during the World \\'ar and must suffer
the fate of a traitor. Producer-distributor :
Xazimova. Star : X'azimova. Director :
Albert Capellani. Released Xov. 25, 1918.
Five Thousand an Hour. A comed3" of a
3-oung man who becomes a millionaire in
six weeks. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Hale Hamilton. Director : Ralph
Ince. Released Xov. 25. 1918.
Flower of the Dusk. A melodrama of a poor
girl who imdergoes hardships to make her
blind father believe their conditions are
better than thty actualh^ are. Producer-
distributor : Metro. Star : Viola Dana.
Director : John H. Collins. Released Sept.
1, 1918.
Goat, The. The adventures of an "extra"
in a Hollywood motion picture studio.
Producer-distributor : Artcraft. Star :
Fred Stone. Director : Donald Crisp.
Released Sept. 29, 1918. F.
*Her Country First. A burlesque on es-
pionage in the United States during the
World ^^'a^. Producer-distributor : Para-
mount. Star : ATvian Martin. Director :
James Young. Released Sept. 1. 1918. F.
^Hitting the High Spots. A ston,- bviilt
around the Mexican insurrection. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Metro. Star : Bert
LA-tell. Director: Charles Swickard. Re-
leased Dec. 9, 1918.
=^Hun Within. The A melodrama of Ger-
man espionage within the L'nited States
during the World War. Producer-dis-
tributor : Paramoimt- Artcraft. Star : Dor-
othv Gish. Director: Chet Withev. Re-
leas'ed Sept. 1, 1918. F.
*Johanna Enlists. A comedy-melodrama
of a farm girl who is squired by a regiment
of soldiers. Producer-distributor : Art-
craft. Star : Mar\- Pickford. Director :
William Desmond Tavlor. Released Sept.
8, 1918. F.
Just for Tonight. Comedy of thieven.'. Pro-
ducer-distributor: GoldwATi. Star: Tom
Moore. Director : Charles Gibhm. Re-
leased September 15, 1918.
Kildaire of the Storm. A melodrama of a
marriage for position and the incAatable
difficulties. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Emilv Stevens. Director : ]\Iaxwell
Karger. Released Sept. 16, 1918.
Laughing Bill Hyde. A comedy melodrama
of an ex-convict who goes straight in the
gold fields of Alaska. Producer-distribu-
tor : Goldw^-n. Star : Will Rogers. Di-
(^Continued on page 24, column 2)
Hrhat
> si- -J'
Read on
'Paramount's 'WHAT A LIFE' realh
swell entertainment for the whole family
■Erskine Johnson, Los Angeles Exam
iner
_ ' — ^ tiiTE' a nato-
r;^*'' jrr„ "en*;, con,en. ond
ra\ in P«c»ofe -Box Off.ce
exp»oitabUi»y'
Paramount's 'WHAT A LIFE a grand
show. . . box-office success. Betty Field de-
lightful...makes definite niche for herself!'
— Hollywood Reporter
♦ « WHAT A LIFE excep-
Film captures sp.r.t of the ad
_Joe Blair, Hollywood Mot.on P'^^"^ ^
Paramount s WHATA LIFE hilario.
comedy. Sure-fire entertainment for man
woman and child. The most legitimate
American school picture yet made!"
— Hollywood Variety
" ■» ■ ■
^'amount's '
of
like,:
pic-
the
picture. They almosi had fo get out fh.
' couldn t hear the lines!"
?ho. Poromount hod ° .,„,y now-
- U.e.' ^^X-' ':Ua a preview o---
Seldom hove we n ^^^g,
ence so thoroughly ^"^'J,, Jpicture^e^
UP
Paramount pre-sells
from every angle!
What a Life" ON THE RADIO!
13 week spot announcements over 44 stations
cover the country to tie in v/'rth Jello- sponsored
"Aldrich Family" featuring Henry Aldrich, star of
"What a Life." That's hov/ Paramount does a
selling job for you!
EXTRA! Crossley ratings on "Aldrich Family" so
sensational that Jello holds them for full fall and
winter season. Every program sells "What a Life,"
starting October 10th every Tuesday night over
N. B. C. Blue Network!
What a Life" ON THE STAGE!
11
For two years on Broadway stage, "What a Life"
hung out the SRO sign. Crowds came and cheered
Betty Field, lovely young actress. Paramount
came and signed her up . . . and here she is, a
ready-made star for your marquee. Road show
covering Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Wash-
ington, Baltimore, Toronto, Rochester, Buffalo,
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Madison, Wis., St. Paul.
Minneapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Columbus,
lndianapolis,Detroit,and Pittsburgh wins addition-
al thousands of fans eagerly awaiting the picture!
What a Life" IN THE MAGAZINES!
Paramount builds national interest
through national advertising. Ads in
LIFE, LOOK, LIBERTY, and COLLIER'S,
reach 27,000,000 readers, tell the
whole nation that Henry Aldrich,
radio's favorite hard-luck kid, is com-
ing to their local theatre. That's pre>
selling with a bang!
"What a Life"
IN THE NEWSPAPERS!
Key city co-operative ads designed for
the box office! A complete campaign
for every audience, young or old. Get
the press-book f orthe complete iine-upl
Turn the page for sample ads.
Presents
''^''^^^^"^^r.s of Henry AldricH
•SIM
Radio's Hard-Luck Kid!
John Howard . Jan.>« ,
Sell the youth!
Tie in with every high
school and college in
your section • . . enlist
the youth in your
campaign . . . there's
extra money in It!
Sell everybody!
Tell 'em you've got
the grcindest fam-
ily picture . • . the
funniest comedy
. • • the most de-
lightful romance
that ever hit the
screen . . . and
pile 'em in at
««K time ads .
* • . . every oj,© a «
"® * P^ee stealer:
^ . CB*^^"'^ •
... "^^"^^^ business:
C««*«f Soon to H,, p„. •» n
»•
'catdUng
•lasers
tliat'
It^s a Paramount Year!
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
23
WARTIME STAGE PARALLELS FILMS
Long Run Plays Listed
THE Broadway stage, leading barometer at that time of the public's taste in the-
atrical entertainment, showed during the first two years of the World War the
effect of the conflict upon Americans who, although not yet involved, faced an
ever-increasing prospect of that eventuality. Will Rogers made his first hit in the
Shubert summer revue, "Hands Up", and later in the Ziegfeld "Midnight Frolics".
There were many revivals of previously popular plays, including a series of Shake-
spearian performances by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, famous English actor.
The season of 191 6-1917 opened when the outlook for world peace was darkest.
Most of the foreign playwrights who had contributed many previous hits were at the
front or otherwise engaged in war activities, and native writers and actors came to the
fore. Conceded the best play of the season, although it broke no box-office records,
was "Good Gracious Annabelle", a light, sophisticated comedy of manners.
In 1917 America was at war and the stage reflected a corresponding uncertainty.
War plays, soldier and sailor revues, monster benefits and recruiting plays were impres-
sive. Hartley Manners' war play "Out There" made $630,000 on the road.
This spirit reached a climax at the opening of the I9I8-I9I9 season, the United
States' year of greatest sacrifice. There were dark days and nights when the Times
Square lights were put out to save power. The theatre offered smiling faces, raised
over $50,000,000 in the sale of war bonds and many additional millions with Innu-
merable benefits. The morale of the nation was partly in the theatre's keeping. There
were, of course, many war plays, "Friendly Enemies" with Its comedy overlay; "Under
Orders", "The Better 'Ole" and "Where Poppies Bloom" prominent among them.
In the following listing of plays of more than 250 performances in 1914— 1918,
those definitely of a war character are denoted by asterisks and color:
1914-15
Twin Beds (411) Farce comedy on marital
relations. By Salisbury Field and Margaret
Mayo. Produced by William Harris Jr., at
the 'Fulton Theatre, August 14, 1914. With
Madge Kennedy.
On Trial (365) Murder mystery introducing
the flash-back and movable stage technique
now common in the movies. By Elmer Riez-
enstein (Elmer Rice). Produced by Cohan
and Harris at the Candler Theatre, August
19, 1914.
Under Cover (349) Melodrama about smug-
glers. By Roi Cooper Megrue. Produced by
Sehvvn and Co. at the Cort Theatre, August
26, 1914
It Pays to Advertise (399) Farce comedy on
domestic relations. By Roi Cooper Megrue
and Walter Hackett. Produced by Cohan
and Harris at the Cohan Theatre, September
8, 1914
Daddy Long Legs (264) Cinderella story in
comedy form. By Jean Webster. Produced
at the Gaiety Theatre, September 28, 1914,
with Ruth Chatterton, Charles Trowbridge
and Cora Witherspoon. Made record break-
ing road show runs and revivals.
Chin-Chin (295) Musical fantasy of two Chi-
nese seeking Aladdin's Lamp. Book by Anne
Caldwell and R. H. Burnside. Lyrics by
Anne Caldwell and James O'Dea. Produced
by Charles Dillingham at the Globe Theatre,
October 20, 1914. Ran for nearly two years
in road shows.
Experience (253) Morality play featuring the
Pilgrimage of Youth. By- George V. Hobart.
Songs and cabaret music by Sylvia Hein.
Produced by William Elliott at the Booth
Theatre, October 27, 1914.
The Blue Paradise (356) Light Viennese op-
eretta. Play by Edgar Smith based on Vien-
nese operetta bj' Leo Stein and Bela Jen-
basch. Produced by the Messrs. Shubert at
the Casino Theatre, August 5, 1915.
The Boomerang (495) Sentimental romance
and comedy. By Winchell Smith and Victor
Mapes. Produced by David Belasco at the
Belasco Theatre, August 10, 1915.
Common Clay (316) The regeneration of
womankind. Play by Cleves Kinkead. Pro-
duced by A. H. Woods at the Republic The-
atre, August 26, 1915.
1915-16
Hit the Trail Holiday (336) The sawdust
trail of evangelism, based on Billy Sunday.
By George M. Cohan. Produced by Cohan
and Harris at the Astor Theatre, September
13, 1915.
Hip Hip Hooray (425) Circus spectacle. Re-
vue by R. H. Burnside and John L. Golden.
Music by Raymond Hubbell. Produced by
Charles Dillingham at the Hippodrome, Octo-
ber 4 1915.
Fair and Warmer (377) Domestic farce com-
edy. By Avery Hopwood. Produced by Sel-
wyn and Co. at the Eltinge Theatre, Novem-
ber 6, 1915.
Very Good Eddie (341) Honeymoon comedy.
Musical play by Philip Bartholomew, Guy
Bolton. Music by Jerome Kern. Produced
at the Princess Theatre, December 23, 1915.
Cheating Cheaters (286) Comic melodrama of
a kindhearted crook. By Max Marcin. Pro-
duced by A. H. Woods at the Eltinge The-
atre, August 9, 1916.
Turn to the Right (435) Comedy with theme
of crook turning straight under rural influ-
ence. By Winchell Smith and John E. Haz-
zard. Produced by Winchell Smith and John
L. Golden at the Gaiety Theatre, August 18,
1916.
The Big Show (392) Hippodrome stage spec-
tacle with Pavlova. Book by R. H. Burnside.
Lyrics by John L. Golden. Music by Ray-
mond Hubbell. Produced by Charles Dilling-
ham at the Hippodrome, August 31, 1916.
1916-17
The Man Who Came Back (457) Wastrel
makes good in melodramatic test. Play by
Jules Eckert Goodman. Produced by William
-A^. Brady at the Playhouse, September 2,
1916.
Nothing But the Truth (332) Farce comedy
in which truth causes trouble. By James
Montgomery. Produced by H. H. Frazee at
the Longacre Theatre, September 14, 1916.
Upstairs and Down (320) Comedy among
the wealthy on Long Island and their ser-
vants. By Frederic and Fanny Hatton. Pro-
duced by Oliver Morosco at the Cort Theatre
September 25, 1916.
The Thirteenth Chair (328) Murder mys-
tery by Bayard Veiller. Produced by Wil-
liam Harris, Sr. and Jr., at the 48th Street
Theatre, November 20, 1916.
Oh Boy (463) Intimate musical comedy. Book
and lyrics by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wode-
house. Music by Jerome Kern. Produced by
William Elliott and F. Ray Comstock at the
Princess Theatre, February 20, 1917.
*Out There (More than 200 in New York
and better than 1,000 road show perform-
ances) War play by J. Hartley Manners.
Produced by George Tyler, Klaw and Erlan-
ger at the Globe Theatre, March 27, 1917,
with Laurette Taylor. After many road show
performances revived at the Century Theatre,
May 17, 1918 as part of a Red Cross appeal.
Maytime (492) Romantic operetta. Book and
lyrics by Rida Johnson Young. Music by
Sigmund Romberg. Produced by the Messrs.
Shubert at the Shubert Theatre, August 16,
1917.
Business Before Pleasure (414) Fantastic ro-
mance and comedy. By Charles Guernon and
Max Marcin. Produced by A. H. Woods and
the Messrs. Shubert at the Maxine Elliott
Theatre, August 22, 1917.
-Cheer Up (456) Patriotism on the Hippo-
drome stage. Musical revue by R. H. Burn-
side. Lyrics by John L. Golden. Produced
by Charles Dillingham at the Hippodrome,
August 23, 1917.
A Tailor Made Man (398) Poor boy makes
good. Comedy by Harry James Smith. Pro-
duced by Cohan and Harris at the Cohan
and Harris Theatre, August 27, 1917.
1917-18
Polly with a Past (315) Romantic comedy of
high society. By George Middleton and Guy
Bolton. Produced by David Belasco at the
Belasco Theatre, September 6, 1917.
Lombardi, Ltd. (296) Male dressmaker's trou-
bles. Comedy by Frederick and Fanny Hat-
ton. Produced by Oliver Morosco at the
Morosco Theatre, September 24, 1917. With
Warner Baxter, Leo Carillo.
Tiger Rose (384) Melodrama. By Willard
Mack. Produced by David Belasco at the
Lyceum Theatre, October 3, 1917. With
Lenore Ulrich, Pedro de Cordoba.
{Continued on following page, column 1)
24
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
MYSTERIES, COMEDIES FAVORITES
(Continued from preceding page)
Jack o' Lantern (265) Fred Stone clowning
as a lovable hobo. Musical extravaganza by
Anne Caldwell and R. H. Burnside. Music
by Ivan Caryll. Produced by Charles Dilling-
ham at the Globe Theatre, October 16, 1917.
Parlor, Bedroom and Bath (232) Comedy of
marital relations. By C. W. Bell and Mark
Swan. Produced by A. H. Woods at the
Republic Theatre, December 24, 1917.
Going Up (351) Boastful lad makes good as
aviator. No war. Musical farce founded on
James Montgomery's "The Aviator." Book
and lyrics by Otto Harbach. Music by
Louis A. Hirsch. Produced by Cohan and
Harris at the Liberty Theatre, December 25,
1917.
*Friendly Enemies (440) Comedy by Samuel
Shipman and Aaron Hoffman. Produced by
A. H. Woods at the Hudson Theatre, July
22, 1918.
*Three Faces East (335) Secret service melo-
drama. By Anthony Paul Kelly. Produced
by Cohan and Harris at the Cohan and Harris
Theatre, August 13, 1918.
^Everything (461) Patriotic musical spectacle.
By R. H. Burnside. Music by John Philip
Sousa, Irving Berlin and others. Produced
by Charles Dillingham at the Hippodrome,
August 22, 1918.
Lightnin' (1,291) Rural domestic comedy. By
Winchell Smith and Frank Bacon. Produced
by Winchell Smith and John Golden at the
Gaiety Theatre, August 26, 1918. With many
subsequent road show runs.
Fall of 1918
Daddies (340) Fragile romance. By John L.
Hobble. Produced by David Belasco at the
Belasco Theatre, September 5, 1918.
*Forever After (312) War tragedy. By Owen
Davis. Produced by William A. Brady at the
Central Theatre, September 9, 1918. With
Alice Brady, Conrad Nagel, John Warner.
The Unknown Purple (273) Mystery melo-
drama. By Roland West and Carlyle Moore.
Produced by Roland West at the Lyric The-
atre, September 14, 1918.
Tea for Three (300) Triangle Viennese com-
edy. Roi Cooper Megrue. Produced by Sel-
■wyn and Co. at the Maxine Elliott Theatre,
September 19, 1918.
Sometime (283) Musical play by Rida Johnson
Young and Rudolf Friml. Produced by
Arthur Hammerstein at the Shubert Theatre,
October 4, 1918. With Mae West, Francine
Larrimore, Ed Wynn.
*The Better 'Ole (353) "Fragment from
France in two explosions, seven splinters and
a short gas attack." By Captain Bruce
Bairnsfeather and Captain Arthur Elliott.
Produced by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coburn
at the Greenwich Village Theatre, October
19, 1918.
Three Wise Fools (316) Comedy melodrama.
By Austin Strong. Produced by Winchell
Smith and John Golden at the Criterion The-
atre, October 31, 1918.
Listen Lester (272) Musical play by Harry L.
Cort and George E. Stoddart. Music by
Harold Orlob. Produced by John E. Cort at
the Knickerbocker Theatre, December 23,
1918.
East Is West (680) Comedy by Samuel Ship-
man and John B. Hymer. Produced by Wil-
liam Harris, Jr., at the Astor Theatre, De-
cember 25, 1918.
Next Week:-
Three fields of entertainment im-
pinging upon the motion picture,
those of vaudeville, songs and books,
will be the subject of study as Part
II of "Entertainment vs. War." Out-
standing vaudeville acts of 1914-18,
best selling popular songs of the
period and fiction works which made
the largest sales will be noted in
Motion Picture Herald issue of Octo-
ber 14th.
Comedy andHeroics
In JV ar Pictures
{Continued from page 18)
rector : Hobart Henley. Sept. 29, 1918.
'"Little Miss Hoover. ' A romantic melo-
drama v^fith food conservation during the
World War as the theme. Producer-dis-
tributor : Paramount. Star : Marguerite
Clark. Director : John S. Robertson. Re-
leased Dec. 29, 1918. F. D.
My Cousin. First screen effort of Enrico
Caruso. In dual role, as poor sculptor and
as great singer, with a love story involved.
Producer-distributor : Artcraft. Director :
Edward Jose. Stars : Enrico Caruso,
Carolyn White. Dec. 1, 1918. F.
Our Mrs. McChesney. Taken from novel by
Edna Ferber and stage play of same
name. Human story, depending on in-
cidents and characterization. Producer-
distributor : Metro. Director : Ralph Ince.
Stars : Ethel Barrymore, Huntley Gordon.
Released September 9, 1918.
Pals First. Murder mystery. Producer-
distributor : Metro. Star : Harold Lock-
wood. Director : Edwin Carewe. Re-
leased September 22, 1918.
Peck's Bad Girl. Comedy of life in a small
town. Producer-distributor : Goldwyn.
Star : Mabel Normand. Director : Charles
Giblyn. Released November 24, 1918.
*Private Peat. Autobiography of Harold
Peat during the World War. Producer-
distributor : Paramount-Artcraft. Star :
Harold Peat. Director : Edward Jose.
Released November 17, 1918. F.
"Prussian Cur, The. War story of espio-
nage activities in the U. S. Producer-
distributor : Fox. Director : Raoul Walsh.
Released September 1, 1918.
Queen of the Sea. Serial action in fairy
tale atmosphere with nude and near nude
mermaids as chief attraction. Producer-
distributor : Fox-Special. Director : John
G. Adolfi. Star : Annette Kellerman. Re-
leased September 1, 1918.
The Rainbow Trail. Western melodrama
with Mormon activities as central theme.
Lots of action. Producer-distributor : Fox
Film. Director : Frank Lloyd. Star :
William Farnum. Released Sept. 22, 1918.
Riders of the Purple Sage. Melodrama based
on Mormon feuds in early Utah history.
Producer-distributor : Standard-Fox. Di-
rector : Frank Lloyd. Star : William Far-
num. Released September 15, 1918.
She-Devil, The. Story of a vamp. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Fox. Star : Theda Bara.
Director : J. Gordon Edwards. Released
December 1, 1918.
Silent Woman, The. Story of a false wife.
Producer-distributor : Metro. Star : Edith
Storey. Director : Maxwell Karger. Re-
leased September 2, 1918.
Sporting Life. Melodrama of the prize ring.
Producer-distributor : Maurice Tourneur.
Stars : Ralph Graves, Willette Kershaw.
Director : Maurice Tourneur. Released
September 22, 1918. F.
Squaw Man, The. Love story of an English-
man and an Indian squaw. Producer-
distributor : Lasky- Artcraft. Star : Elliot
Dexter. Director : Cecil B. DeMille. Re-
leased December 15, 1918. F.
"'Surrender of the German Fleet, The.
Newsreel compilation of the (jernian
fleet's surrender. Producer-distributor :
Jewel-Universal. Released Dec. 13, 1918.
Thirty a Week. Chauffeur marries his em-
ployer's daughter. Producer-distributor:
Goldwyn. Star : Tom Moore. Director :
Harry Beaumont. Released November
17, 1918.
'•'Till I Come Back to You. An American
officer during the war stops the destruction
of a German liquid fire supply, and halts
an American attack, in order to save
Belgian children. Producer-distributor :
Artcraft-Paramount. Star : Bryant Wash-
burn. Director Cecil B. De Mille. Re-
leased September 1, 1918. F.
*Too Fat to Fight. Comedy-romance about
former athlete grown "too fat to fight" in
the war, who performs for the YMCA.
P,roducer-distributor : Goldwyn. Star :
Frank Mclntyre. Director : Hobart Hen-
ley. Released December 8, 1918.
Turn of the Wheel, The. Murder mystery.
Producer-distributor : Goldwyn. Star :
Geraldine Farrar. Director : Reginald
Barker. Released September 2, 1918.
'■'Unexpected Places. War mystery melo-
drama. Producer-distributor : Metro.
Star : Bert Lytell. Director : E. Mason
Hopper. Released September 30, 1918.
*Vive la France. War story. Producer-
distributor : Ince-Paramount. Star : Dor-
othy Dalton. Director : R. William Neill.
Released September 29, 1918. F.
When a Woman Sins. Melodrama. Pro-
ducer-distributor : Fox. Star : Theda Bara.
Director : J. Gordon Edwards. Released
September 15, 1918.
"Yellow Dog, The. Melodrama of the
effects of German propaganda on the
United States during the World War.
Director : Colin Campbell. Released Oc-
tober 2, 1918.
WHAM! HE'S THROWING ONE
NATURAL AFTER ANOTHER!
And Nowi Just Previewed!
Not only has Leo come through
With another smash hit, but
It's a LAUGHING hit! ^
You know what that means —
The folks want to forget
And here's the show that's a
Tonic for headline headaches!
Sell it BIG with this slogan:
*'KEEP THE WORLD LAUGHING!"
They'll howl! They'll shriek!
And you start yelling now about
MARX BROS. "AT THE CIRCUS."
wifh KENNY BAKER, FLORENCE RICE, EVE ARDEN
MARGARET DUMONT, NAT PENDLETON . Screen
Play by Irving Brecher • Directed by Edward Buzzell
A MERVYN IE ROY Production • An M-G-M Picture
(next page please)
AY!
Special M-G-M Flash!
''THUNDER AFLOAT" climbed into the Big Hit class. (Typical reports are
Flint and Bay City, Michigan, a few dollars less than "Boys Town" and
Kalamazoo which beat ''Boys Town/') Theatres are stressing timely angle
of submarine warfare and how^ the U-boats are destroyed ! Wallace Beery's
role best since "Hell Divers" mixing comedy and thrills. Don't spare the
big guns in promoting this show. It's profitable!
''THE WOMEN" hold-overs are mounting to a new extended run record.
Promotion angles stress the big cast {Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind
Russell and 135 others), the racy dialogue from the stage hit, the Technicolor Fall
Fashion show. Extend the ad budget. HELD OVER 3d WEEK, CAPITOL,
N. Y. Best business there in 35 weeks {except "O:^" personal appearances).
"BABES IN ARMS" is doing "Boys Town" business in the 2nd week of
its test engagement in Houston, Tex. This remarkable musical comedy
{Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and cast of hundreds) is unanimously rated by
all trade press reviewers as unique in show business. M-G-M urges its
customers to double ordinary booking time and to be prepared for further
extended runs.
MARX BROS. "AT THE CIRCUS". Just previewed! A screenful of belly
laughs! A welcome attraction for these times. Plug it with the slogan
"Keep the World Laughing!" It will rock your house with roars. A tonic
"DANCING CO-ED'' {Another hit for Lana Turnery plus Richard Carlson^
Artie Shaw and Band) is a grand entertainment that will yield results with
enthusiastic promotion. Not since "Dancing Daughters" days has there
been a "sleeper" of this type.
"NINOTCHKA" {dont pronounce it— SEE IT!) Literally it's a shot-in-the-arm
for the public! M-G-M is arranging screenings so that you can see for
yourself what the famed Lubitsch touch has done for Garbo. She is a
new person, laughing, loving, vivacious and flirtatious. {Melvyn DouglaSy Ina
Claire in grand cast). Lubitsch never made a more down-to-earth comedy,
racy, romantic, uproarious, than this affair in Paris. The critics will rave!
The public will roar ! Get busy !
"REMEMBER?" (Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Lew Ayres), It was sneak
previewed and wowed the audience. A grand comedy. They'll be
watching for Greer Garson after her work in "Goodbye Mr. Chips."
"NORTHWEST PASSAGE". Technicolor. {Spencer Tracy, Robert
Young, Walter Brennan), Keep your fingers crossed! Here is one of
the industry's greatest adventure thrillers. The studio previewed
it in a theatre in rough-cut form. It's sensational.
"ANOTHER THIN MAN". {William Powell, Myrna Loy and Asta),
It's shaping up into their best yet! Watch!
for public and box-office!
TODAY'S FUTURE HOT TIPS!
More in our next issue of TODAY/
M-G-M
28
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
19% U.S. CROSS IN WARLAND;
RESTRICTIONS IN 50 PLACES
Executives Point to Rebound
of Attendances in Cities of
Spain and China After
Stagnation at Start of War
^^'hile foreign managers of American film
companies in Xew York agreed this week
that it is "still too early" to estimate how-
much revenue they would lose in the Eu-
ropean countries now at war, they generally
agreed that 19 per cent of their total gross
film rental revenue came from those coun-
tries, in ordinary times on a general aver-
age for the whole. This is upon a basis of
from 35 to 40 per cent of gross revenues
coming from the entire foreign market; and,
about half of that foreign revenue coming
from the warring nations in Europe, as set
forth b}- foreign sales chiefs in Xew York.
The figures vary for individual companies.
Some companies are reluctant to reveal the
percentage of their foreign revenue, relative
to tlie total gross. Some figures are esti-
mates of majragers ; otliers are figured from
latest financial statements.
As It Now Stands
As the situation now stands, very few films,
Hollywood, native or others, are being shown
at this time in England and France ; none are
believed to be showing in Poland ; Hollywood
has been out of Russia for some time ; the
majors and Italy had a break last Januarv- 1st,
causing Holl\"\vood's withdrawal, and Germany
and its added territories of Austria, Czecho-
slovakia, et al., allow but a negligible number
of U.S. film imports.
Several foreign sales executives this week
were inclined to minimize possible losses from
the affected countries, on the basis of war ex-
perience in. Spain and China, where attendance
at theatres eventuallj- rebounded to a higher
level than at the war's outbreak ; and, where,
in some instances, because of war booms, free
areas, or the psychological need for entertain-
ment, business actually boomed.
Awaits "Normal War Basis"
Joseph !McCom"ille, foreign sales manager for
Columbia, put it this way :
"W e hope business will get down to a 'nor-
mal war basis,' and judging by previous ex-
perience, it probably will. We are not so hope-
ful about it getting money out of Europe,
though we still are able to get some."
Islr. AlcConville estimated that from 35 to
40 per cent of Columbia's total grosses came
from the foreign market ; and that about 50 per
cent of that came from the countries now at
war, chief!}' from England and France.
He refused to estimate what part of this 50
per cent would be lost, from the war.
Most of the foreign sales managers pointed
out that the loss of Poland was not the loss
of a large market; that not much, if any,
business was being done with Germany; that
it was England and France that mattered as
markets, especially England — and that the war
in full stringency had not struck these two
countries yet. They pointed to a comparatively
free flow of money from those coimtries, up to
this week.
Universal's foreign sales stake in the warring
countries is as high as 70 per cent, Joseph
Seidelman, foreign sales executive for that com-
CALL AUTRE
TO COLORS
Pierre Autre, Paris correspondent of
Ouigley Publications, has been called
to the colors, according to word re-
ceived in New York. Mr. Autre has
been enlisted in the Geographical sec-
tion of the French Army and has been
assigned to barracks somewhere in
France.
pany, estimated. He deplored the lack of suffi-
cient information, up to this week, upon wliich
to estimate how much of that revenue would
be affected. And he refused to estimate how
much of the company's total gross was from the
foreign market
However, Universal's foreign sales for 1938;
that is, for the 52 weeks ending October 29th,
1938, amounted to 62.7 per cent of the com-
pany's total revenue. Assuming for the sake
of arriving at averages that Universal's foreign
revenues for the current year are maintaining
the same ratio to the total gross, and using
^Ir. Seidelman's estimate of 70 per cent of the
foreign sales, 43.9 per cent of Universal's total
revenues are being affected by the war.
At Warner Brothers, Joseph Hummel, gen-
eral foreign sales manager, refused to reveal the
foreign market's percentage of the company's
total gross, but said that 57 per cent of War-
ner's foreign revenue came from the affected
countries.
Asked how much of this 57 per cent would
be lost, Mr. Hummel replied :
"Our reports are late, and we still, in effect,
don't know what's going on. Last week, we
received our first mail from France since the
war began."
At Twentieth Century-Fox this week it was
estimated that 35 to 40 per cent of the com-
pany's gross is from the foreign field; and that
45 per cent of this was represented bj- the
countries in conflict. Reports from France, and
especiallj- from England, with which the com-
pany is most concerned, were declared "spotty."
Laboratories Shorthanded
Arthur Loew, foreign sales manager from
MGM, estimated that from 35 to 40 per cent of
the company's gross is from the foreign field,
and that the countries in Europe affected by
war accounted for 50 per cent of this percent-
age.
At the ;MG^I foreign offices this week, it was
said that British receipts were 60 per cent of
normal; French normal ; German, normal.
Norton Richey, foreign sales manager for
?kIonogram, estimated the company's foreign re-
ceipts at 35 per cent of the total, and said 20
per cent came, in ordinarj^ times', from the
battling nations. He noted that money was still
coming through from England, and added, as a
sidelight, tliat English sources now are asking
for dupe negatives, indicating, he said, that the
laboratories there are shorthanded.
About 35 per cent of Paramount's gross re-
ceipts comes from the foreign field, in ordinary
times, John Hicks, the company's foreign chief,
said this week. He would not reveal what
percentage of the foreign grosses was affected
(Continued on page 30, column 3)
Frequent Shifting of Value of
Even So-called "Strong"
Currencies Adds to Prob-
lems of Film Companies
Currency and import restrictions, applying
directly or otherwise to American motion
pictures, as a result of the world's recurrent
wars and economic rivalries in recent years,
particularly in the month since the outbreak
of the current conflict in Europe, are now
in existence in some 50 countries, and in
twenty-six of these countries the restrictions
are such that they may be termed onerous.
Fluctuating Values
\Mien not handicapped by innumerable and
changing currency and import regulations, for-
eign film managers have been seriously con-
cerned about exchange fluctations. In the pres-
ent conflict, the value of even the socalled
"strong" currencies, the dollar, the Swiss and
French franc, and the English sterling, is no
longer to be regarded as static for even so
short a time as a month.
The "Second World War" has caused ex-
change control to be set up in France, England,
Canada, New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere.
As yet, the effect of this control is not pre-
dictable.
Following is a list of some of the countries
affected and their import and currency regula-
tions :
GERMANY
Since July, 1931, all operations in foreign
exchange have been subject to Reichsbank au-
thorization.
In September, 1934, stringent import control
was ruled. Twentj' five control boards were
set up. Each board limited the import of cer-
tain goods to the requirements of the countrj'.
Up to the present war, it had been difficult to
import any but essential materials against pay-
ments in foreign exchange, because of the
strained exchange situation.
On August 3, 1936, further transactions with
the United States on a barter basis, as well as
shipments against paj-ment in "Aski" or regis-
tered marks were prohibited. However, pend-
ing contracts were allowed to be settled, if ap-
proval of the authorities had been given prior
to August 3rd.
On December 23, 1936, the United States
Treasury announced that imports from Ger-
man}^ would be permitted against payment in
whole or in part, in controlled marks, or from
proceeds of American goods sold in Germany,
provided that such marks had been owned con-
tinuously by the actual importer, and that the
imported merchandise had not been sold at the
time of clearance through the United States
Customs.
Barter transactions, without any monetary
exchange, always had been allowed.
POLAND
On April 25, 1936, a Foreign Currency Com-
mission took control of foreign exchange. Im-
port permits were required, except for a limited
number of specific articles.
Applications for exchange to provide pay-
ment for imports had to be accompanied by in-
voice, Customs House receipts, and, generally,
(Continued on opposite page)
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
29
MONEY EXCHANGE PROBLEM ABROAD
(Continued from opposite page, column 3)
the import license. If the amount involved did
not exceed the equivalent of 3,000 Zlotys and
pertained to a single invoice shipment cleared
through the Customs in one operation, the ap-
plication was allowed to be filed with the com-
mission.
Exchange was granted for prepayment of
authorized imports provided the importer guar-
anteed to produce the relative shipping docu-
ments within a stipulated period from the date
of transfer. To obtain the exchange, satisfac-
tory proof had to be submitted substantiating
the purpose for which it was to be used.
On November 17, 1938, the amount of ex-
change which might be obtained from author-
ized banks for payment of imports was reduced
from 3,000 to 500 Zlotys. Amounts in excess
required an application to the Commission.
LATVIA
Exchange restrictions have been in effect
since 1931, and all imports are subject to per-
mit.
Imports from countries with which no clear-
ing agreement exists, or which have a constant
favorable trade balance against Latvia can be
paid for only with exchange derived from ex-
ports to such countries. And import permits
for shipments from such countries are issued
only if the importer has obtained the necessary
amount of "Export Exchange."
ESTONIA
Last December, it was reported that a spe-
cial committee authorize the issuance of import
permits and to allot exchange. Previously, the
Ministry of Economy issued the import permit
and the Eesti Bank allotted the exchange.
YUGOSLAVIA
Exchange restrictions have been in effect
since October 7, 1931. The National Bank ex-
ercises control, through institutions appointed
to deal in foreign exchange.
Imports are subject to prior approval of the
National Bank. The permits granted also au-
thorize the allotment of exchange upon pres-
entation of original invoice, customs declaration,
certificate indicating that the applicant is a
registered importer or possesses a trade license
and certificate attesting that taxes for the previ-
ous years including the last semester have been
paid. In the absence of any of these documents,
exchange will not be granted, payment being
made in Dinars which are granted to a blocked
account. Balances in blocked accounts cannot
be used for any purpose without the consent of
the Bank. Importers may obtain exchange in
advance under certain conditions, but cannot
agree to effect payment on this basis without
the prior consent of the Bank.
A bill payable in foreign currency may be
discharged by depositing the equivalent in Di-
nars at the official rate even if drawn in "effec-
tive" foreign currency.
LITHUANIA
Government restrictions started in October
1, 1936. The Central Bank and all authorized
institutions control foreign exchange. There
has been little delay, up to the war, in granting
of exchange permits.
HUNGARY
The National Bank has stringent control of
foreign exchange operations. Applications for
exchange must be with an import permit.
A bill may be paid in local currency to the
legal discharge of the drawee, unless the bill
bears the express indication that it must be paid
in the currency in which it is drawn.
On Dec. 4, 1935, the Bank announced it
would pay a premium rate of 50 per cent above
the official rate for freely disposable currencies,
and would sell at a premium of 53 per cent.
NEGLECT OF FOREIGN
MART IN '14 CITED
The World War forced the attention
of film producers on foreign markets,
and made it far easier to introduce
American films into those markets, ac-
cording to an article by Arthur f.
Lang, export manager of the Nicholas
Powers Company, which appeared in
the November 28, 1914, issue of "Mo-
tion Picttire News."
In his article, headed "Cashing in on
Europe's War," Mr. Lang said that
"Actually, no opportunity for Ameri-
can producers to sell films abroad has
been created by the war, for the very
good reason that the opportunity has
always existed. But," Mr. Lang con-
tined, "American producers until very
recently have not gone after them,
have not attempted to show that
American films were at least as good
as those obtained from Europe."
With regard to the Latin American
market, Mr. Lang said that "In dealing
with Latin-American business men I
have found them as enterprising and at
least as honest as the business men of
this country. They are exceedingly ap-
preciative of anything you do for them
and they never fail to show their ap-
preciation in buying from yoti to the
limit of their needs."
Mr. Lang said in closing that
"American producers have foreign
markets to sell to; they have an tin-
paralleled opportunity to introduce
their goods into these markets; they
have unsurpassed advantages for for-
mtdating and developing sotmd meth-
ods for the sales attacks.
"All that they need supply is aggres-
siveness and intelligeftce; seasoned with
just a little patience, to be rewarded by
the merry tune of export profits jin-
king in their pockets."
These premiums apply only to currencies of
countries with which there are no clearing
agreements.
Pengoes received in liquidation of bills are
credited to a "blocked account" by the collect-
ing bank. If the National Bank classifies the
relative transaction as eligible for allotment of
foreign exchange, cover is granted at a pre-
mium of 53 per cent which is borne by the im-
porter. Should the transaction not be classified
as eligible, it is difficult to dispose of the Pen-
goes, and then only at a substantial loss.
GREECE
Restrictions have been in force since Septem-
ber 28, 1931. The Bank of Greece, through an
Exchange Control Commission, exerts control.
Importers are assigned quotas for certain
goods for which permits are required, while
others may be imported without restriction
from countries with which Greece does not
have a clearing agreement.
Exchange may be obtained without difficulty
from authorized banks from approved imports
upon presentation of shipping documents and
customs receipts. An exporter must forward
a signed original invoice directly to the In-
voice Control Commission at the port of des-
tination and a signed duplicate of the invoice
to the consignee.
Payments can be arranged in advance upon
presentation of the contract containing the
terms of purchase together with the suitable
guaranty that evidence of the importation will
be presented within one month from the date
of sale to the required exchange.
The Control Board has announced that no
allotment of exchange will be granted for gen-
eral expenses such as collection charges and
interest unless application was made and ap-
proved in advance.
BULGARIA
The National Bank has exerted foreign ex-
change control since October, 1931. Importers
must have an import permit to clear ship-
ments through the customs. This must be ob-
tained before arrival of the goods, and, in
some cases, before the order is placed abroad.
At the time, quotas were assigned to im-
porters, based upon the average volume of their
transactions from 1930 to 1932, inclusive.
No exchange is allotted until three months
after the date of the clearance of the goods
through customs, and then for only a small
percentage of the required amount. The balance
is granted in installments ; and it often re-
quires two years before full payment. It is
customary to grant extensions to the drawee ;
for, if this is refused, he has the right to de-
posit the Leva equivalent of the bill at the of-
ficial rate, to his legal discharge. Such a de-
posit may be made with the Agricultural Bank
of Bulgaria, or with a Notary Public.
The importer must inform the National
Bank by the 10th of the month, of his ex-
change requirements for the following month.
The Bank reserves the right to refuse ex-
change without giving any reason, and it can-
not be held responsible for any consequences
from its actions.
TURKEY
The Government periodically lists merchan-
dise which may be imported without restric-
tion, or with quota restrictions, or by special
authorization or by clearing agreements.
Exchange permits can be obtained only on
presentation of a certificate from the Customs
Authorities. This indicates goods have been
cleared. In order to withdraw merchandise,
the drawee must present at the Customs House
a certificate of origin duly legalized by a
Turkish Consul.
Drawees customarily request collecting banks
to release documents against a provisional de-
posit, in local currency, plus a margin of five
to ten per cent so that they may clear the
shipment and get an exchange permit.
ARGENTINA
There are two exchange markets, "free" and
"official."
The exchange for the official market is cre-
ated by the purchase by authorized banks,
at the official rate, of export bills in foreign
currencies resulting from the shipment of a
greater proportion of products exported. Ex-
change derived from export bills covering the
remainder as well as that arising from other
sources may be disposed of in the free market.
Since December 1, 1938, all merchandise
cleared through the customs must be covered
by a prior exchange permit, irrespective of
whether settlement is to be made in free or
official exchange.
The class of exchange which must be used
{.Continued on following page, column 1)
30
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
NATIONS RESTRICT MONEY EXPORTS
(Continued front preceding page)
in payment of goods, is indicated by the per-
mit.
The permit must be used in full or returned
unused within 30 days. A penalty of 10 per
cent on the unused portion is provided, for
failure to do this. A tolerance of 10 per cent
is allowed, for unforeseen contingencies affect-
ing the amount of exchange required. Also,
the amount of merchandise may be five per
cent over that stipulated in the permit.
Since January, 1938, the minimum rate at
which exchange can be gotten in the free mar-
ket has been 10 per cent in excess of the of-
ficial rate.
BRAZIL
Exchange for imports can be had in the free
market by previous authorization of exchange
control authorities. Exchange for imports al-
ready arrived, for which provisional deposits
have been made in Milreis, will be allotted
only by the Banco do Brazil, settlement in free
exchange being forbidden.
Banks, other than the Banco, may not main-
tain a "bought" position in exchange, beyond
the limit as fixed by control authorities. Sales
of exchange for commercial purposes are sub-
ject to a five per cent tax; for other purposes,
10 per cent.
CHILE
Importers must get authorization before plac-
ing orders abroad upon arrival, permission must
be obtained for customs and exchange, before
payment can be effected.
A report, made in July of this year, states
that the policy of the Control Commission has
been, to reduce exports from the United States,
because of lack of exchange.
URUGUAY
Merchandise cannot be cleared through the
customs until payment has been made.
RUMANIA
Exchange has been under governmental re-
striction since May, 1932.
A 1935 decree divided foreign currencies into
two categories, strong and weak. "Strong"
are the dollar, sterling, and the Swiss and
French francs.
All exchange must be sold to the National
Bank at the official rate. Imports are sub-
ject to quota restrictions, and require a per-
mit, preference being given to countries with
which Rumania has a favorable trade balance.
All imports are subject to a 12 per cent tax,
based upon the mean value of the goods ac-
cording to the customs tariff. Permits for ex-
change, valid for 15 days, are obtained from
the Foreign Currency Office. Exchange is sold
at the official rate, plus a designated premium ;
in the case of "strong" currencies, this is re-
ported at about 38 per cent.
JAPAN
Under a decree of January 8, 1937, a permit
was required for the acquisition of letters of
credit of exchange for payment of imports, if
the aggregate monthly requirements of the im-
porter exceeded 30,000 yen or its equivalent.
This was later reduced to 1,000 yen on July 7,
same year, and to 100 yen, in December, same
year.
NEW ZEALAND
Even prior to the war, exchange shortage
was acute. It was announced this summer that
the possession of an import permit did not
assure the holder that exchange would be avail-
able immediately.
MEXICO
There is an "absentee tax" of four per cent
on all money sent out of Mexico.
WAR FILM BANNING
MISTAKE— THOMAS
Protesting that h'n proposal for a
Federal ban on war pictures and radio
programs was only a "suggestion"
given newspaper prominence he had
not anticipated, Senator Elmer Thomas,
of Oklahoma, this week indicated in
W ashington that he has no idea of
pushing the matter toward Congres-
sional adoption.
That the Senator had in mind legis-
lation complementing the neutrality
bill by prohibiting the exhibition of
any tvar pictures — feature or news —
or the presentation of any radio pro-
grams dealing with war, was widely
reported. Hoivever, the Senator said,
he had merely "made a suggestion"
that if the United States was to be
neutral in the European conflict it
should go all the 'way and bar war
pictures and air programs.
The current war has induced restrictions of
some degree in the following countries :
FRANCE
All foreign imports into France and Algeria
are subject to import license.
Firms there who desire to import foreign
merchandise must request licenses from the Min-
ister of Commerce ; and, in Algeria, to the
Governor General.
A transitory provision (as of last week) is
for exemption from this order for two ship-
ment classes : foreign merchandise not sub-
ject to control by quota or import prohibition
into France before September 2nd, may be
imported under conditions previously in force,
when it can be established that the merchan-
dise was shipped directly to France or Algeria,
before that date ; and merchandise which was
subject to quota control or other import re-
strictions into France before September 2nd,
will be admitted as usual, if licenses of quota
certificates have been delivered before that date,
and it is imported before the expiration of the
normal period of validity of these documents.
THE UNITED KINGDOM
On September 5, the Government instituted
a licensing system for imports. The declared
purpose was to conserve Britain's foreign ex-
change supply for necessities.
The Bank of England was authorized to
deal in foreign exchange and gold.
"Until further notice," the regulations read,
"exchange can be made available only for the
following purposes :
"1. To enable a contract made before the
date upon which the Regulation came into
force, to be complied with. The intention is to
facilitate the completion of outstanding com-
mercial and financial contracts.
"2. To meet the reasonable requirements of
a trade in business carried on in the United
Kingdom. This is intended to cover imports
of goods ; insurance treaties, premiums, and
claims ; ships' disbursements ; freights ; agents'
commissions ; royalties ; film rents; copyrights ;
salaries, pensions, etc.
"3. To defray reasonable travelling or other
personal expenses." '
Exchange may be sold without further ques-
tion, where the goods had already been im-
ported before the date on which the regula-
tions came into force ; where the certified Ex-
change Control copy of a customs Entry Form
is produced for goods imported after the date
on which the regulations came into force ; and
where a declaration is made that the certified
Exchange Control copy of a customs Entry
Form will be produced in respect of goods not
yet imported.
Export of bank notes, postal orders, gold,
securities, or foreign exchange (bank notes,
promissory notes, checks, drafts, and other ex-
change bills in all currencies but sterling) is
prohibited, except with permission, which may
be granted by the Bank of England or an
authorized dealer listed by it.
AUSTRALIA
Under that government's precautionary regu-
lations, taken before September 1st, sales of
overseas exchange against the country's money
was not to be permitted, except through the
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, or an
Australian Trading Bank.
On September 1st, it was said that such
sales would be permitted for payment of goods
already exported to Australia, or to be ex-
ported to the Commonwealth in the course of
ordinary trade, for an amount not exceeding in
value 5,000 English pounds, in any one month,
for any one firm or person. Details of ship-
ments were to be required. Applications for
business in excess of that amount were to be
ruled upon by the authorities.
Other countries with exchange restrictions
are Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bolivia, the
Canary Islands, China, Korea, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Honduras. Iceland,
Iran, Italy, Manchukuo, Spanish Morocco,
Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Venezuela,
Slovakia, and the Union of Socialist Soviet
Republics, and Canada.
Grosses and
The New PVar
(Continued from page 28, column 2)
by the war, and refused to estimate, therefore,
what part of this would be lost. Said he :
"It's impossible to estimate, at this stage.
We've just gotten some figures from England,
but we haven't received any from France or
from any of the other European countries."
Phil Reisman, RKO foreign chief, refused to
estimate what percentage of the company's gross
came from foreign markets.
Annual Grosses
Latest annual statements of most of the
majors give their gross film revenues as follows :
Paramount, $100,927,938 (including theatre
and accessory receipts), for the 52 weeks ended
December 31, 1938.
Loew's, $118,941,768 (including theatre and
accessories receipts), for the fiscal year ended
Aug. 31st, 1938.
RKO, $30,467,583, for the year ended Dec.
31, 1938.
Universal, S12,048,124, domestic sales, $7,-
562,928 foreign sales; $19,611,052, total gross,
for the 52 weeks ending Oct. 29, 1938.
Twentieth Century Fox, $58,201,314 (includ-
ing accessories receipts), for the S3 weeks ended
Dec. 31, 1938.
Warners, $97,926,005 (including theatre and
miscellaneous receipts), for the year ending
Aug. 27, 1938.
Columbia, $19,413,794 (including accessories
receipts), for the 53 weeks ended July 1, 1939.
Monogram, $1,494,401, for the year ended
Dec. 31st, 1938.
lOT THAT m mi II DOIIK
(The following is a confidential report
of a sneak preview of Frank Capra's
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASH-
INGTON in a California theatre
from the theatre manager to the
president of one of the most impor-
tant theatre circuits in the country.)
**A triumph of masterly direction by Frank
Capra, containing every element of successful
motion picture entertainment . . . human in-
terest, rich humor, pathos, romance and a
story with a sock.
This picture is fully up to the high standard set
by Capra.
James Stewart is superb.
Jean Arthur is perfect.
A large and impressive supporting cast de-
liver one hundred percent performances.
The picture emerges as grand entertainment.
The deft Capra touch has made the most out of
every situation and the picture will be under-
stood and enjoyed by people of all ages and in
all walks of life.
Audience reaction: — a packed house received
the picture warmly, laughed heartily at the hu-
morous sequences, were highly interested in the
development of the story, applauded passages
of dialogue and at the finish gave the picture
an ovation.
Our supply of comment cards was exhausted
and we were forced to make up some, as people
insisted on writing their praise of the picture.
The cards were 1 00% raves.
With the Capra name, the all-round excellence
of the cast, the timeliness of the story and the
magnificent production, it cannot fail to be a
a top-grosser.
Rating — from any and all angles — double A A
plus.**
PSINTSO m U.S.A.
★
4
1^3
I
I
I
f.
1
1^ „ v« Audt^jfuHHI
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
35
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
Hollywood Cavalcade
(20th Century-Fox)
In Technicolor
He and She Romance — in Hollywood
Of a murky, dank October morning in New York, at a hangover hour when one
shoukl be merely contemplating breakfast, the critics, trade and lay, turned out to
straggle into the Ziegfeld theatre in Sixth Avenue to regard, skeptically, an an-
nounced 96 minutes of "Hollywood Cavalcade." At the end they stood up and ap-
plauded. Done without cocktails, in the stride of the day's business events, the
function was without precedent. It might, happily, set a fashion — reviewing with-
out anesthesia.
The picture proved to be considerably
more love story than history, than caval-
cade. The title probabl}^ will do no harm,
but it is no introduction to the story as
it will be seen by its larger audience.
Alice Faye, sweetly marshmallow, is at
her best and Don Ameche plays his role of
the self-centered director with a verity that
indicts most of Hollywood, from Then to
Now.
Maybe there is a moral in the fact that the
Genius-Director role portrays a life and a career
that was both built upon and wrecked by head-
long pursuit of the always bigger-and-better.
The notably competent direction by Irving Cum-
mings reminds one that he was, too, an eye
witness of that cavalcade of screen evolutions
his cameras recorded in this opus.
One must suppose that if the spectator hap-
pens to be reminded of Marshall Neilan, or
gets a whiff of D. W. Griffith, Mack Sennett
or Cecil B. DeMille it is entirely accidental.
There's a reference to one "Gloria" in a
bathing girl sequence. A contest might be held
to see if anyone can guess the reference.
Buster Keaton does a passable representation
of himself, somewhat more convincing in his
role than Mack Sennett, who speaks in a softly
polished manner that belies the memory of
Keystone days. Also in a long shot at a din-
ner table one discovers an actor who looks
much more like Cecil B. DeMille than Mr.
De^Mille does.
Despite temptations towards the reminiscent,
the picture adheres to the story and keeps it
marching on in the romantic course of boy-
seeks-girl, girl-seeks-boy.
There is a magnificent sequence of the most
utter of Keystone comedy slapstick, complete
with fire engine and police. The audience found
it just as funny as the original audiences of old
Keystone did — perhaps funnier. The pie throw-
ing was equally authentic and successful.
The picture includes a sequence reproducing
a Jolson number in "The Jazz Singer."
There will be those perhaps who will think
the picture a bit longish on the end — and there
will be others who would like to have been
shown a bit more of Ben Turpin.
Most showmen of experience and memory
will find the picture so laden with reminiscence
cues that they will be straying from the really
well integrated plot movement. Experimental
examination of the reactions of persons less
steeped in motion picture tradition revealed no
such reaction.
The production is rich with exploitation pos-
sibilities, many too obvious to mention here.
Incidentally as a picture about picture making
it has its fun without invasion of the interests
of the art. — Terry Ram save.
Produced and distributed by Twentieth Century -
Fox. Executive producer, Darryl F. Zanuck. Director,
Irving Cumming-s. Associate producer, Harry Joe
Brown. Screen play by Ernest Pascal. Story, Hilary
Lynn and Brown Holmes. Based on original idea by
Lou Breslow. Photographed in technicolor. Director
of photography, Allen M. Davey, A.S.C. Technicolor
director, Natalie Kalmus. Associate, Henri Jaffa.
Director of Photography, Ernest Palmer, A.S.C.
Art directors, Richard Day, Wiard B. Ihnen. Set
decorator, Thomas Little. Film editor, Walter
Thompson. Costumer, Herschel. Sound engineers,
Eugene Grossman, Roger Heman. Musical director,
Louis Silvers. P.C.A. Certificate No. 5690. Release
date. October 13, 1939. Running time, 96 minutes.
General audience classification.
CAST
Molly Adair Alice Faye
Michael Linnett Connors Don Ameche
Dave Spingold. J. Edward Bromberg
Nicky Hayden Alan Curtis
Pete Tinney Stuart Erwin
Chief of Police Jed Prouty
Buster Keaton Himself
Lyle P. Stout Donald Meek
Englishman George Givot
('Eddie Collins
Keystone Cops J Hank Mann
I Heinie Conklin
^James Finlayson
Assistant Director Chick Chandler
Henry Potter Robert Lowery
Roberts Russell Hicks
Agent Ben Welden
Valet Willie Fung
Filson Paul Stanton
Mrs. Gaynes Mary Forbes
Attorney Joseph Crehan
Clerk Irving Bacon
Bartender Ben Turpin
Sheriff Chester Conklin
Telephone Operator Marjorie Beebe
Thomas Frederick Burton
Lee Duncan Himself
Rin Tin-Tin, Jr Himself
"Cavalcade" Openings
"Hollywood Cavalcade," Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox color production, had the first of
six regional openings Tuesday night at the
Four Star theatre in Los Angeles. Seats
were $11, proceeds to go to the Motion Pic-
ture Relief Fund. On Friday the film will
open at the Palace, Cincinnati ; Stanley,
Philadelphia; Orpheum, Omaha; and Ma-
jestic, Houston.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
( Columbia )
Frank Capra's Greatest Picture
"There has arisen a Capra tradition," says Terry Ramsaye in an article on Frank
Capra printed in Columbia's brochure dedicated to this picture, "a conviction of a
certain special and pervading magic." That magic, thrice acclaimed by the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and long counted first among box office depend-
ables by exhibitors who have paid to find out and profited by learning, was never in ■
such full flower as here.
This essentiall)' plain, powerful presen-
tation of an implicitly American story
about a boy who got into Congress on a
pass and stayed in to whip the gas house
gang under their own rules is by any and
all measures Mr. Capra's greatest picture.
Mr. Capra's hero is a young man appoint-
ed to the Senate by a controlled governor
to serve the unexpired term of an expired
junior senator, and take orders from the
venal senior senator who takes his from a
plundering publisher.
Enamored of the Lincoln precedent, the
youngster stumbles upon the truth about his
appointment and is ridden down by the machine
when he attempts to expose the steal. Facing-
expulsion, he filibusters single handedly to such
persistent length that his naively earnest elo-
quence breaks down the powers arrayed against
him. Simple as it sounds in synopsis, the story
is, as told, as deep and sound and powerful as
any the screen has offered this or any year.
With this production Mr. Capra turns his
attention for the first time to the serious reali-
ties of here and now. This is no fantastic
Tibetan paradise and his romantics are no pair
of magazine cover lovers. This is the United
States Senate and his leads are a senator and
his disillusioned secretary. Their associates are
hardened politicians, toughened reporters and
professional Washingtonians. He pulls no
punches for any of them, gilds no lilUes and tars
no blackguards. Neither does he wave a flag,
but he sells more simon pure Americanism the
hard way than all the star spangled purpose
pictures of the period have managed to instill.
It would be too much to say that even the
special and pervading magic attributed to Mr.
Capra by Mr. Ramsaye can be given full credit
(.Continued on page 38)
Now
/
more than
ever before
its only pictures
that count!
These are some of the productions,
delivered already this season, that
have increased the lead of 20th
Century-Fox as the No. I Company:
STANLEY AND
LIVINGSTONE
Started the new season with a smash.
THE RAINS CAME
Beating "Jesse James" from coast to coast.
HERE I AM A STRANGER
Proving the boxoffice wisdom of starring
Richard Greene, as the public wanted.
HOLLYWOOD
CAVALCADE
(In Technicolor)
Exhibitor previews have shown you what
you have here.
By the first of the year, you will
receive these other outstanding
productions:
20,000 MEN A YEAR
Stirring, timely drama of America's college youth
taking to the air. With Cosmopolitan advertising
DAY-TIME WIFE
Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Binnie Barnes
Warren William, Weridy Barrie, Joan Davis
DRUMS ALONG
THE MOHAWK
(In Technicolor)
Claudette Colbert, Henry Fonda
HE MARRIED HIS WIFE
Joel McCrea, Nancy Kelly, Mary Boland
Roland Young
THE HLUEBIRD
(In Technicolor)
For Christmas release. Starring Shirley Temple.
From Maeterlinck's world-famed book and play.
SWANEE RIVER
(In Technicolor)
Don Ameche, Andrea Leeds, Al Jolson
No other company can equal
that record!
Now . . . when the
whole world is wor-
ried about tomorrow
. . . 20th Century-Fox
insures your theatre
with the greatest pic-
tures in its history!
38
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
(Coiifiinicd from pane 35)
for the special timeliness of this extraordinarily
pervasive Film. He can not have foreseen that
Congress woiiid be in session and most of the
world paying strict attention to its every word
at just this time. That circumstance is, how-
ever, of emphatic pertinency to the matter of
dating and exploiting exhibition of the produc-
tion. Under other conditions it might be argued
that a picture based upon and soundly glorify-
ing the American system of government would
be less than hot for the foreign market, even
a picture good enough to sell 320,000,000 ad-
mission tickets in this country. As is, the film
is, as they say, hotter than a firecracker for
any nation it can be distributed in at this time.
Next to Mr. Capra, to whom top credit for
all Capra pictures unquestionably belongs, the
upright and oncoming James Stewart rates last-
ing acclaim for k performance good enough to
cinch the Academy award in any given year.
Close up on his lead is Jean Arthur, bettering
anything . she's done previously, and bunched
closely tor next honors are Claude Rains as the
culpable senior senator, Edward Arnold as the
plotting publisher, Guy Kibbee as the puppet
governor and Harry Carey as the president of
the Senate. Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette
and the others do their lesser chores no less
competently, for that is the hall mark of Capra
production.
Sidney Buchman is credited with the screen
play, a masterly job of sustained narrative,
and the story is by Lewis R. Foster. H. V.
Kaltenborn, whose name is about as lively box
office just now as a film star's, appears twice in
the picture, broadcasting an account of the Sen-
ate filibuster. This touch of realism, coupled
with scenes made in Washington and studio
scenes enough like them to fool all of the
congressmen all of the time, brings the whole
matter of government as it is achieved in the
nation's capital smack into the audience's lap,
unvarnished and unlibeled, a spectacle, a lesson
and an entertainment worth far more to the
best and worst of the countrj^'s citizens than
any price of admission being charged in any
precinct at this time.
P revieztred at the Pantagcs Theatre, HoUy-
zvood, to an audience accustomed to expecting
magic from Frank Capra but unprepared for
ei'en a Capra experience so altogether satisfy-
ing as this one. — William R. Weaver.
Produced and distributed by Columbia. Director,
Frank Capra. Screen play, Sidney Buchman. Story
by Lewis R. Foster. Director of photography, Joseph
Walker, A.S.C. Film editors. Gene Havlick, Al Clark.
Art director, Lionel Banks. Montage effects, Slavko
Vorkapich. Assistant director, Arthur S. Black.
Gowns, Kalloch. Musical score, Dimitri Tiomkin.
Musical director, M. W. Stoloff. Sound engineer. Ed
Bernds. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5370. Running time,
when seen in Hollywood. 127 minutes. Release date,
October 18, 19,i9. General audience classification.
CAST
Saunders : Jean Arthur
Jefiferson Smith James Stewart
Senator Joseph Paine Claude Rains
Jim Taylor Edward Arnold
Governor Hopper Guy Kibbee
Diz Moore Thomas Mitchell
Chick McGann Eugene Pallette
Ma Smith Beulah Bondi
Senate Majority Leader H. B. Warner
President of the Senate Harry Carey
Susan Paine Astrid Allwyn
Mrs. Hopper Ruth Donnelly
Senator MacPherson Grant Mitchell
Senator Monroe Porter Hall
Senate Minority Leader Pierre Watkin
Nosey Cliarles Lane
Bill Griffith William Demarest
Carl Cook Dick Elliott
I Billy Watson
Delmar Watson
The Hopper Boys j John Russell
Harry Watson
Gary Watson
Baby Dumpling
jail, Bernard Nedell and Mary Beth Hughes
arc featured in supix)rt. Busby Berkeley direct-
ed the Frederick Stephani production which is
based on an original screen play by Harry
Kurnitz.
Like its predecessors, this is fast moving,
funny, suspenseful and melodramatic. The
story deviates from the plots of the earlier two
in that rare books do not motivate the criminal
happenings. Instead the "Sloanes" go on a
vacation and the action follows their arrival
at the site of a bathing beauty pageant. In
general the comedy follows the already estab-
lished lines, but it is amplified by "Garda's"
wifely jealousy aroused when the theme in-
volves "Joel" with the beauties. Further hilar-
ity is gained by incorporating a herd of lions
in the action.
The melodramatic mystery in the piece stems
from the murder of the promoter of the pageant,
disappearance of funds, a case of too many
clues and suspects and a second murder. While
these phases build suspense excitement, tom-
foolery is never neglected and in the climax
after "Joel" has been given lusty verbal goings
over by wife and a physical manhandling by
small town authorities and the lions, he cleverly
traps the unsuspected killer.
If "Fast Company" and "Fast and Loose"
proved audience pleasers and audiences have
caught on to the series' sv^'ing and verve, "Fast
and Furious" may be exploited as a show whose
melodrama speeds through humorous and dan-
gerous situations and whose romance is fast
stepping and funny. Both elements are interest
provoking.
Previezi'ed at the J'illagc Theatre, Westzvood.
The audience seemed satisfied zvith the essential
melodrama and breezy comedy. — Gus Mc-
Carthy.
Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Director, Busby Berkeley. Producer, Frederick Ste-
phani. Original screen play, Harry Kurnitz. Musical
score, C. Bakaleinikoff and D. Amfitheatrof. Record-
ing director, Douglas Shearer. Art director, Cedric
Gibbons. Associate, Daniel B. Cathcart. 5et decorator,
Edwin B. Willis. Director of photography, Ray June.
A.S.C. Film editor. Elmo Veron. P. C. A. Certificate
No. 5563. Running time, 70 minutes. Release date,
October 6, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Joel Sloane Franchot Tone
Garda Sloane Ann Sothern
Lily Cole Ruth Hussey
Jliice Stevens Lee Bowman
Ted Bentley Allyn Joslyn
Eric Bartell John Miljan
Ed Connors Bernard Nedell
Jerry Lawrence Mary Beth Hughes
Sam Travers Clifif Clark
Clancy James Burke
Captain Joe Burke Frank Orth
Emmy Lou Margaret Roach
Miss Brooklyn Gladys Blake
Chief Miller.... Granville Bates
Fast and Furious
(MGM)
Comedy Mystery
"Fast and Furious'' is number three in
MGM's series of comedy mysteries dealing
with the exploits of a rare book dealer. Fran-
chot Tone and Ann Sothern are starred. Ruth
Hussey, Lee Bowman, Allyn Joslyn, John Mil-
Eternally Yours
( W anger - U nited A rtists )
Or, Married to a Magician
A successful marriage is difficult enough to
chart under today's hurly-burly living, the mari-
tal experts would have one believe, and when
there are added the career burdens of a magi-
cian spouse and his society wife partner, the
prospects would seem reduced to the slimmest
margin. Regardless of that, the positing of the
problem and the solution of the situation have
been done in a superior entertainment style, but
it is limited to adult audiences because of the
general tone of sophistication and some definite
indications of first night-honeymoon incidents.
With background material from the fascinat-
ing biographical pages of a sleight of hand
artist, the film data offer exploitation stimula-
tion and in any case a pictorial bag packed with
screen tricks and delights.
David Niven, who scored heavily with his
streamlined miming in "Bachelor- Mother" and
"The Real Glory," plays his magician part
smoothly to the last flip of his trick cards.
Loretta Young paces him in a display of per-
fect team playing and in addition never looked
lovelier. The first string supporting players in-
clude Hugh Herbert, Billie Burke, C. Aubrey
Smith, Virginia Field, Broderick Crawford,
Raymond Walburn, Zasu Pitts and even Her-
man the rabbit. The thrill seekers will be
treated to some behind-the-scenes displays of
illusion, particularly in the business wherein the
magician hero drops from a plane handcuffed.
Director Tay Garnett has given every screen
trick to the frisky screen composition of the
madcap scribblers. Gene Towne and Graham
Baker. Werner Janssen has given the plot
effective musical tonings.
The beginnings of the marital union of the
"Great Arturo" and "Anita," supposedly a level
headed miss and the granddaughter of a bishop
besides, come from an engagement shower. The
next sequence reveals the couple married. The
job of assisting in the act rests heavily on the
girl. A Reno divorce and a marriage to a safe
and sober friend of the family follow. However,
a meeting with her ex-mate at a house party
and her reaction to "Arturo's" death defying
leap from a plane, while handcuffed, instruct
the girl as to the real direction of her heart's
interest. As for the divorce, a deus ex machiua
of a legal flaw settles that mixup.
Previezved at a Nezv York shozving for the
press. — Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced by Walter Wanger. Distributed by United
Artists Original screen play. Gene Towne and Gra-
ham Baker. Additional dialogue, John Meehan. Music
composed and directed by Werner Janssen. Art direc-
tor, Alexander Golitzen. Assistant director, Charles
Kerr. Associate, Richard Irvine. Film editor, Dorothv
Spencer. Technical advisor, Paul Le Paul. Miss
Young's gowns, Irene. Unit publicity. Jack Lincke.
Still photography, Donald Biddle Keyes. Cameraman,
Merritt Gerstad. Editorial supervision, Otho Lovering,
Production manager, Dan Keefe. Aerial photography,
Ray Binger. Other wardrobe, Travis Banton. Sound
engineer, Frank Lau. Aviators, Paul Mantz and
Frank Clark. P.C.A. Certificate No. 5609, Running
time, 95 minutes. Release date, October 12. 19.i9
Adult audience classification.
CAST
Anita Loretta Youne
'lony David Niven
Benton Hugh Herbert
Aunt Abby BilUe Burke
Bishop Hubert Peabody C. Aubrey Smith
Lola De Vere Virginia Field
Don Barnes Broderick Crawford
Mr. Bingham Raymond Walburn
Mrs. Bingham Zasu Pitts
Gloria Eve Arden
Morrissey Ralph Graves
Howard Lionel Pape
Waitress Dennie Moore
Dowager May Beatty
Phillips Douglas Wood
Captain Vickers Ley land Hodgson
Herman, the rabbit By Himself
Doctor Frank Jacquet
Master of Ceremonies Frank Keating
Butler Paul Le Paul
Waiter Ralph Norwood
Stage Manager Billy Wayne
Lawyer Edwin Stanley
Croupier Franklin Parker
Housekeeper Mary Field
Ship Captain Granville Bates
Pilot Tay Garnett
Ofificer George Cathrey
British Pilot Lieut. Pat Da\'is
Ralph Walter Sande
Blonde Theatre Patron Hillary Brooke
Detectives Jack Green, Richard Allen
Anita's guests at shower Luana Walters.
Patricia Stillman, Doreen Mackay,
Evelyn Woodbury, Eleanor Stewar-
Officers Broderick O'Farrell,
Jack Perrin, Ralph McCullough
Gloria's Baby The Kettering Triplet.^
A Woman is the Judge
( Columbia)
"Madame X" in Reverse
The long arm of coincidence as well as the
law is stretched considerably in this problem
play of a Portia, penalization and parenthood.
With imaginative elasticity Karl Brown has
concocted a plot that is a sort of a "Madame
X" formula in reverse. In this instance it is
the mother who is represented as a practitioner
of jurisprudence and her offspring who is ar-
raigned before her.
The proceedings are aimed directly at the
women of the audience, particularly the senti-
mental sides who thrive on tabloid confessional
journal fables and do not catalogue their movie
menus according to any stellar system. The
final footage, wherein "Portia" lets down her
judicial hair and confesses that the gun moll-
murderess is her long lost offspring, will more
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
39
tlian likely raise the Icniininc tear duets to Hood
proportions. As for the men, well, they will
perhaps find something of interest in the semi-
underworld background and the dialogue.
Nick Grinde, director, has pulled out all the
sentimental stops. Frieda Inescort, who seems
to make cinematic career women a specialty,
as witness her work in "Portia on Trial" and
"\\'onian Doctor," and Otto Kruger make a
mature and sober pair of romancers and judicial
workers. Rochelle Hudson, as the daughter,
manifests adequately the hardened and soft sides
of her assignment.
The screen trial Zivs heard on a dri:zcly
Monday afternoon before a large si::ed audience
in the Critcrion-courtrooni Theatre, Nczv York.
The case seemed to be of some interest to the
gathering assendiled. — Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures.
Director, Nick Grinde. Original screen play, Karl
Brown. Assistant director, ililton Carter. Camera-
man, Benjamin Kline. Film editor, Byron Robinson.
Soundman, J. A. Goodrich. Musical director, M. W.
Stoloff. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5374. Release date,
July 10, 1939. Running time, 62 minutes. General
audience classification.
CAST
Mary Cabot Frieda Inescort
Steven Graham Otto Kruger
Justine West .' Rochelle Hudson
Gertie Mayo Methot
Robert Langley Gordon Oliver
Tim Ryan Arthur Loft
Harper Walter Fenner
Ramsey John Dilson
Wolf Bentley Hewlett
Mrs. Butler Beryl Mercer
The Demon Barber
of Fleet Street
(Select Attractions)
Murder Thriller
Select Attractions, realizing the favorable
returns of America's horror pictures "Dracula"
and "Frankenstein," has prepared for release
Europe's double thrill horror show, "The Re-
turn of the Frog" (reviewed in Motion Pic-
ture Herald, Dec. 31, 1938), and "The Demon
Barber of Fleet Street."
Tod Slaughter, billed as The Horror Man of
Europe, lives up to his name in the portrayal
of the demon barber, and Eve Lister offers an
interesting performance of "Johanna," the
young girl trj'ing to elude the clutches of the
villain.
Patrons who flocked to see America's double
horror pictures should return, with the proper
exploitation, to see w-hat the English have to
offer in the way of thrill pictures. The morbid-
ness of such a drama is relieved by the comedy
of Davina Craig and Jerry Verno.
The picture was made under the direction of
George King. The supporting cast included
Bruce Seton, D. J. Williams and Johnny
Singer.
Revieived at the Central theatre in New
York, the late afternoon audience ivatched ivith
interest the developments of both pictures. —
George Spires.
Released in the United States by Select Attractions.
Directed by George King. Released, September 29,
?939. P.C.A. No. 02514. Running time, 67 minutes.
General audience classification.
CAST
Sweeney Todd Tod Slaughter
Johanna Eve Lister
Mark Bruce Seton
Nan Davina Craig
Stephen Oakley D. J. Williams
Pearlev Jerrv Verno
Mrs. Lovat Stella Rho
The -Beadle Johnny Singer
Marshal of Mesa City
(RKO Radio)
Western
"Marshal of Mesa City" makes able use of
the entertainment formula that caused such
pictures as "Dodge City" and "Frontier Mar-
shal" to be well regarded by large numbers of
exhibitors and theatre-goers. Yet it is freshlv
different and by no means a digest of either.
The first George O'Brien show on RKO-
Radio's new season schedule, it should be in-
fluential in creating a vogue for its successors.
Naturally O'Brien is pretty much the whole
picture, but he is given commendable sup-
port by the entire support cast, particularly by
a pair of comparative newcomers, Virginia
\'ale and Henry Brandon, and Leon Ames.
O'Brien's job, this time, is to reestablish law
and order in outlaw-ridden Alesa City.
Producer Bert Gilroy has concocted some-
thing worthwhile for the action-adventure de-
votees. While O'Brien, et al, will automatically
come in for the major share of the credit. Jack
Lait, Jr., for the original screen play, and
David Howard for his direction are exploita-
tion assets.
_ Preineived in the RKO Radio studio projec-
tion room in Hollywood. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by RKO Radio. Pro-
duced by Bert Gilroy. Directed bv David Howard.
Screen play by Jack Lait, Jr., Eddie Donahue as-
sistant director. Fred Knudtson film editor. Photo-
graphed by Harry Wilde. P. C. A. certificate num-
ber 5650. Rimning time, 60 minutes. Release date:
Nov. 3, 19,i9. General audience classification.
CAST
Cliff Mason, marshal of Mesa City George O'Brien
Virginia Eastland, schoolteacher \'irginia Vale
Jud Cronin, a sheriff Leon Ames
Duke Allison, professional gun-man Henry Brandon
Bat Cardigan, an outlaw Harry Cording
Jake Morse, an outlaw Slim Whittker
Pete Henderson, an outlaw Joe McGuinn
Sam Bentley, mayor of Mesa City Lloyd Ingraham
Mrs. Dudley, boarding house owner Mary Gordon
Deputy Marshal Cactus Mack
Judge Wainwright Carl Stockdale
Slim Walker, an outlaw Frank Ellis
Marshal Thompson Wilfred Lucas
Heaven with a Barbed
Wire Fence
(20th Century -Fox)
Melodramatic Romance
Good stuff sometimes comes in small pack-
ages and the saying is true of "Heaven with
a Barbed Wire Fence." In character, it's the
story of a boy and his dreams and the rocky
road he had to travel before he realized them.
As screen entertainment the story is a con-
vincing blending of romance, adventure, melo-
drama and humor. While the hero of the piece,
newcomer Glenn Ford, is given fourth billing,
he took advantage of his opportunity to make
a short cut to potential stardom. Jean Rogers
and another beginner, Nicholas Conte, also
appear to good advantage in their roles, and
the quality of support contributed by Raymond
Walburn, Marjorie Rambeau, Eddie Collins,
Ward Bond, Irving Bacon and Kay Linaker
is on the plane expected of those mature
players.
Human interest is the substance of Dalton
Trumbo's story which he, Leonard Hoffman
and Ben Grauman Kohn adapted. It is the
quality accentuated in Ricardo Cortez's direc-
tion. After buying an Arizona ranch, a New
Yorker, "Joe," starts hitchhiking" across the
continent. En route he teams up with erudite
hobo, "Professor," tramp "Tony" and "Anita,"
Spanish refugee. The quartet encounter many
adventures.
Previeived at the Uptoivn theatre, Holly-
wood. Audience reaction to the film created
the impression that "Heaven with a Barbed
Wire Fence" may develop into a surprise at-
traction in its field. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. Sol
M. Wurtzel executive producer. Directed by Ricardo
Cortez. Story by Dalton Trumbo. Screen play by
Trumbo, Leonard Hoffman and Ben Grauman Kohn.
Norman Colbert film editor. Photographed by Ed-
ward Cronjager. P. C. A. certificate: (Not yet is-
sued). Running time, when seen in Hollywood. 60
minutes. Release date: To be determined. General
audience classification.
CAST
Anita Jean Rogers
The Professor Raymond Walburn
Mamie Marjorie. Rambeau
Joe Glenn Ford
Tony Nicholas Conte
Bill Eddie Collins
Hunk Ward Bond
Sheriff Irving Bacon
Nurse Kay Linaker
Battle Fleets of England
(March of Time - RKO)
The War on the Seas
The production planning and filming divisions
of Louis de Rochemont's March of Time maga-
zine newsreel have hardly, if ever, come as
close to headlines of the day as they have with
their "Battle Fleets of England," No. 2 of the
current series, which becomes doubly important
because of the unprecedented censorship now
covering movements of the Empire on land and
sea in the Second World War.
Some of the sea strategies and mechanics of
England's mighty sea power are discussed in
surprising detail, and insights given into the
age-old training technique of its sea lords and
lieutenants, leaving at the end a comparatively
well rounded description of the Battle Fleets of
. England, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean
and out into the oceans of the Far East bases.
Even without the connection of the reel's
timeliness to world headlines which daily touch
on England's sea blockade of Germany, the
Nazi attempts to bomb the British fleet and the
sinking of ships, production construction and
docuiTientation place the issue high on a level
in the series.
"First and only permission to film the com-
plete activities of the English fleets" was given
to Alarch of Time by the British Admiralty two
months ago, a bare few weeks before England's
declaration of war on Germany brought a strict
filming censorship. — Running time, 18 minutes.
Dreanns on Ice
( Columbia )
Color Rhapsody
In anticipation of the winter season the ice
skating short subjects are beginning to appear.
Here is one of the fore-runners, a Color Rhap-
sody issue about a little boy and his dog. Pre-
paring for bed of a wintry night, they decide
they want to ice-skate, so they turn on the
shower and open the window to wait for the
water to freeze. Falling asleep, the boy dreams
of an ice palace in which toy dolls and animals
perform feats of skill. The dream ends when
his mother wades in to deliver a lecture. — •
Running time, seven minutes.
Clocking the Jockeys
(20th Century -Fox)
Sport Slant
Around the clock with the mounted men of
the racing stables is the subject under study in
this sport subject from the Ed Thorgersen sec-
tion. Attention is given to the matter of jockey
training to keep his waistline in triin, to his
eating habits, and his preparation for and par-
ticipation in the big event of the day. Costar-
ring with their riders are some fetching shots
of the horses. — Running time, 11 minutes.
The Ninth State
(Emerson Yorke)
New Hampshire in Color
New' Hampshire, the ninth state to ratify the
National Constitution, in 1788, has been pho-
tographed in color by Emerson Yorke. The
scenic beauty and serenity of the outland has
been captured and enhanced by the handling
of the camera. The audience views many his-
torical sights, among "them Odiorne's Point,
Fort Constitution and Liberty P'ole. After a
depiction of the school life, the subject closes
with scenes from Dartmouth's winter carnival.
— Running time, 22 minutes.
Children under 16, for 10 years denied
admission to Quebec theatres, are being per-
mitted to see "The Wizard of Oz," at
Loew's, Montreal, the Provincial ruling
having been dropped for one week for the
film.
40
Leaders Continue
Studies of the
Effects of IVar
The end of the first month of the Second
European War finds the motion picture
business engrossed in discussion and study
of the war's immediate and potential reac-
tions on income, but with comparatively
little tangible action being taken pending
determination of just how much in rentals
Hollywood's product stands to lose in Eur-
ope's warring nations, from which accrues
about half of the 35 to 40 per cent of U.S.
distributors' foreign income (see page 28).
Also to be considered are potential revenues
curtailed through currency restrictions.
Distributors Meet
Exhibitors, except large circuits related to
producer-distributors, have given no expression
of opinion except to object to increasing ad-
missions to "pay the freight" for Hollywood
through higher rentals (See Motion Picture
Herald. September 30, page 13).
Distributors in New York, individually and
through their membership in the MPPDA have
been meeting to determine their economic posi-
tion. Conversations of a week ago Monday
and Wednesday were resumed.
Indi\-idually, RKO moved two weeks ago,
to cut salaries in the "top brackets," temporar-
ily. United Artists in New York this week
acted similarly.
Parings of home office staffs at this date also
have been comparatively limited. Some have
also merged departments.
Hollywood appears to have gone farther with
layoffs, many of the studios remoulding tech-
nical, clerical and production staffs to meet
actual filming requirements.
20th Century- Fox Committee Confers
Called togetlier Friday by Darryl Zanuck,
Twentieth Century-Fox vice-president in charge
of production, a committee of workers and tal-
ent representing all major departrnents in the
company's studio discussed the situation and
called upon all employees to recognize the
"gravity of the existing emergency, and meet
the situation without the extremes of blind
panic and equally blind optimism."
"We are fortunate that Twentieth Century-
Fox is in an extremely sound financial position.
Mr. Zanuck made it clear that no drastic action
is contemplated at this time. He feels with us
that a general salary cut is the poorest sort
of economy, and should only be undertaken as
a last resort. But savings must be accomplished
and drastic new economies put into effect. If
we can work together in the crisis we have
better than a good chance of coming through
without damage either to the studio or to our-
selves."
Joseph M. Schenck, chairman, arrived in
New York this week for business conferences
and plans to remain about two weeks before
returning to the coast. He flew to New York
from Mexico City.
Mr. Schenck will confer with Sidney Kent,
president, arriving from his summer at the
Thousand Islands.
Major Albert Warner, of Warner Broth-
ers, was host last Thursday to members of
his 1939 Amusement Division of the Jewish
Federation of Charities at a golf tournament
and dinner in Purchase, N. Y. The major,
while not participating in the awards, shot a
net of 73.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Nat Levy Honored;
RKO Managers Meet
Jules Levy, RKO general sales manager, held
a sales conference of the company's eastern ex-
change managers in Detroit Sunday, following a
testimonial dinner tendered Nat Levy, eastern
central district manager, on the occasion of the
transfer of his headquarters from Detroit to
Philadelphia.
Attending the sales conference Sunday were
Jules Levy, E. L. McEvoy, eastern and Canadi-
an sales manager ; Nat Levy, and the following
branch heads : B. G. Kranze, Albany ; R. C.
Cropper, Boston ; C. Boasberg, Buffalo ; B. Pit-
kin, New Haven ; S. C. Jacques, Cincinnati ; G.
Lefko, Cleveland; F. L. McNamee, Philadel-
phia, and H. H. Greenblatt, Pittsburgh.
Sponsored by the Detroit Variety Club, the
testimonial dinner for Nat Levy was held at the
Book Cadillac Hotel, with all Detroit exchange
managers having been on the testimonial com-
mittee, headed by Eddie Heiber of Universal.
ASCAP Bill Dies
In Alabama House
The anti-American Society of Composers,
Authors and Publishers measure in the Ala-
bama legislature, which was passed by the
Senate without a dissenting vote, failed to
get on the House calendar before the legis-
lature adjourned.
The measure is expected to be called up
when the legislature reconvenes next June.
The bill would require ASCAP to charge
for its music by the piece and prevents a
blanket assessment against radio stations,
hotels or other concerns using its music. It
also would levy a three per cent annual gross
receipts tax on the organization.
In celebration of its 25th birthday,
ASCAP on Sunday at Carnegie Hall in
New York started a week's festival of
American music.
The society decided on the program, it
was announced, to honor American creative
artists in the field of music.
Song Writers Win
Increased Royalties
A contract signed last week by Song
Writers Protective Association and Music
Protective Association and Music Publishers
Holding Corporation, Warner publishing
subsidiary, provides for an increase of
minimum royalties for mechanical and
foreign rights from 33 1/3 per cent to SO
per cent.
Bunn Made Manager
Of Wire Broadcasting
C. W. Bunn, formerly general sales man-
ager of Electrical Research Products, Inc.,
has been appointed general manager of the
Wire Broadcasting Corporation of America,
of 250 West 57th Street, New York. The
company furnishes musical programs and
sports and other news to hotels, restaurants,
and the like.
Dividend Declared
Technicolor directors in New York on
Wednesday declared a dividend of 25 cents
a share payable October 18th to stock of
record October 13th.
October 7, 1939
Monogram Shows
Profit of $78 J73
for Eight Months
W. Ray Johnston, president of Monogram
Pictures Corporation, announced an oper-
ating profit of $78,773.89 for the eight
months from NovemlDer 1, 1938, to July 1,
1939, at the interim meeting of the stock-
holders held at the company's offices in
Rockefeller Center on Wednesday.
■ In submitting the report for the 26 week
period ended July 1, 1939, Mr. Johnston dis-
closed a profit of $41,541.21. In November and
December of 1938, the first two months in
which the company operated in the black, a
profit of $37,132.68 was earned.
On a statement accompanying the report
Mr. Johnston said :
"Several pictures are now in production in
Hollywood. We have just completed what we
believe is our biggest production to date, 'Mu-
tiny in the Big House,' on which we anticipate a
substantial profit. Arrangements are being
made to start production of the Washington
Irving classic, 'Rip Van Winkle' which gives
every indication of being a pronounced success.
"We look forward with optimism to the
coming season as one which should do much
to advance Monogram's name in the motion
picture industry."
The following were elected to constitute the
board of directors : W. Ray Johnston, J. A.
Sisto, O. Henry Briggs, William B. Jaffe,
Scott R. Dunlap, Trem Carr, Thomas P. Loach,
Norton V. Ritchey and Samuel Broidy.
Standard Sets
Franchise Deals
"Lost On The Western Front", starring
Paul Cavanagh with Marcelle Chantel and
Garry Marsh, will be the next release on
the 1939-1940 program of Standard Pic-
tures, the release date being set for October
15th.
Exchanges which now hold the Standard
franchise are: F. C. Pictures, in Albany
and Buffalo; Imperial Pictures, Boston and
New Haven ; Independent Film Service,
Cincinnati and Cleveland; Texas Film, Dal-
las and Memphis ; Special Attractions, Chi-
cago; Mercury Film, Denver; Excellent
Pictures, Detroit; Superior Pictures, In-
dianapolis; Majestic Pictures, Kansas City;
Superior Pictures, Milwaukee; Majestic
Distributing, Los Angeles ; Atlantic Pic-
tures, New Orleans; World Pictures, New
York ; Texas Film, Oklahoma City ; Capi-
tol Pictures, Omaha; Monarch Pictures,
Pittsburgh; Feature Film, Portland; Gen-
eral Film, Seattle ; Superior Pictures, St.
Louis; Mercury Film, Salt Lake City, and
All Star Features Distributors in San Fran-
cisco.
B & K Agreement
With UA Pending
The possibility of a new season product
agreement being reached between Balaban
& Katz and United Artists was indicated
this week, John Balaban, head of the Chi-
cago circuit, having arrived in New York
Tuesday for discussions with United Artists
on its product, with the exception of the
three new season Samuel Goldwyn releases,
for which a deal has already been con-
summated.
October 7 , 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
41
RCA AND FARMS WORTH IN A PATENT
EXCHANGE; NBC PLANS "BIG PUSH
Advancement of Television
Seen in Plan for Interchange
of Use of Inventions; Mer-
chandising Cannpaign Set
Further advancement of the new art of
television is expected to evolve from a
patent exchang-e consummated on Monday
between Radio Corporation of America,
principal public telecaster to date, and
Farnsworth Television and Radio Corpora-
tion, one of the largest of the independent
television manufacturers — in what appears
to be one of the most sweeping deals for
television patent exchanging since television
started to emerge from the laboratory.
At the same time, in another division of
RCA's television development, at the Na-
tional Broadcasting Company, a wholly
owned subsidiary, it was disclosed that NBC
and RCA together in a few weeks will
launch an intensive merchandising campaign
to stimulate the sale of television receivers
throughout the country.
RCA Explains
Announcement of the RCA-Farnsworth
patent exchange came from the RCA home
office at Rockefeller Center, and said:
"Each party has acquired the right to use the
inventions of the otlier in the fields of television
and in other fields of their respective businesses.
The RCA acquired a non-exclusive license un-
der the patents of the Farnsworth Corporation,
for television receivers, for television transmit-
ters, and for other radio and sound recording
and reproducing apparatus.
"The Farnsworth Corporation acquired a
standard non-exclusive license for broadcast and
television receivers and electrical phonographs
under the patents of Radio Corporation of
America, and also other non-exclusive licenses
for television and broadcast transmitters and
for its other fields of business.
"Neither corporation acquired any right to
grant sub-licenses to third parties under the
patents of the other corporation."
The NBC and the RCA will collaborate in
boosting television this fall, Alfred H. Morton,
vice-president of the NBC in charge of tele-
vision, said in New York last week.
There will, shortly, be a large merchandising
campaign by the RCA, of television receivers ;
and the NBC will concentrate on more, and
superior, television programs.
1,200 Receivers in New York Area
Mr. Morton estimated that there were almost
1,200 receiving sets in the New York area;
whereas, when the NBC began its television
service to the public, on April 30th, there were
only 500.
Sales of sets rise when television programs
become better, he asserted; he gave as an in-
stance the jump in set sales early in September,
coincident with a bettering of programs.
He deprecated the unofficial "boycott" being
exerted against television by motion picture dis-
tributors, saying that the new industry would
forge ahead, regardless.
The television industry is using films from
commercial and independent sources, he claimed,
and is content in doing so. Said he :
"We don't intend to go into the film business.
We believe the film industry will eventually
meet us half way, and we think there will be
enterprising producers who will see the oppor-
SEES FEW TELEVISION
SETS BEING BOUGHT
Less than 400 television receivers
were sold in the New York area in the
past five months, Harry Boyd Brown,
national merchandising manager of the
Philco Radio and Television Corpora-
tion, told the Boston Conference on
Distribution, on Monday, in that city.
He said that any prediction that 2,000
sets wotdd be sold during the next
year was "optimistic." It xvill be from
five to seven years before television as
a merchandising factor will have any
effect on distribution, he said.
tunities in making pictures for television, and
who will profit as a result."
Mr. RIorton foresaw a large use of films by
eventual television networks. He envisioned
transmitters in 10 key cities, linked in network,
broadcasting two hours of film per day. The
resultant feature film consumption "probably
would be more than the total feature footage
produced by the major companies in a year,"
he said.
"It would open up a tremendous new market,
with a huge audience," he added.
Mr. Morton admitted negotiations with film
companies had been "slow," to date.
The war would have no effect upon television
here, he said.
Claims New Inventions
With applications for patents claimed on more
than 100 radio, television and facsimile inven-
tions, filed with the United States Patent Office
in Washington, Leo A. Collins of Louisville,
Ky., said this week that patent office examiners
had indicated they would be granted after
routine procedure.
Among his inventions is one of a new method
of transmitting motion picture films, with ac-
companying sounds recorded at greater speed
and with more perfect registering, he said.
New Television Programs
Opening Fall programs of note on the NBC
television service in the New York area in-
cluded the following : the Fordham-Waynesburg
football game on last Saturday ; the Ronson
Lighter Company musical revue last Friday
evening ; the debut of Helen Twelvetrees this
Tuesday evening in "The Butter and Egg Man."
NBC is also telecasting the following foot-
ball games : Manhattan-St. Bonaventure, this
Saturday; College of the City of New York-
Scranton, on Oct. 14th ; the same college against
St. Joseph's on Nov. 18th ; Long Island Uni-
versity against Catholic University, on Nov.
23rd.
Hear Television Papers
Members of the Institute of Radio Engineers
listened to the reading of seven technical papers
on television, at their convention two weeks
ago, at the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City.
Form New Corporation
In Hartford, Conn., the World Radio, Tele-
vision and Appliance Corporation has filed cer-
tificates of organization. Former name was the
Hartford Radio-Television and Appliance Cor-
poration.
Grand Jury Hears
Film Executives
Several more top and lesser figures of the
industry and its labor unions testified dur-
ing the week before a Federal Grand Jury
in Los Angeles, in the United States At-
torney General's probe into union activities
and alleged income tax violations.
William Bioff, west coast leader of the In-
ternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em-
ployees, and Joseph M. Schenck, chairman of
the board of Twentieth Century Fox, and presi-
dent of the Motion Picture Producers Associa-
tion, will not be called before the jury, it was
said.
Witnesses last week were Louis B. Mayer,
MGM executive ; Ralph Morgan, president of
the Screen Actors' Guild ; Robert Montgomery,
its past president ; Aubrey Blair, organizing
director of the American Guild of Variety Art-
ists ; Guy H. Cooper, suspended financial secre-
tary of the Studio Technicians' Local 37 ; J. B.
Codd, accountant for Twentieth Century-Fox ;
Harland Holmden, international vice-president
of the lATSE ; Sid Rogell, studio manager for
RKO ; Kenneth Thomson, executive secretary
of the SAG ; Joseph Carpenter, Local 37 ;
Arthur Stebbins, a nephew of Mr. Schenck ;
J. Holt and F. Stimpfig, bank officers.
Others to testify are Lou Blix and Steve Neu-
man for the union, and Pat Casey, Victor
Clarke, Harry Cohn and Harry Warner.
Attorney General Frank Murphy said last
Thursday in Washington that the Department
of Justice was watching the jury testimony,
closely.
"Films," Nev/ Magazine,
Appears in Late October '
"Films," announced as an "international
quarterly magazine of film opinion," will
appear, initially, late this month, according
to the publisher, Kamin Publishers, New
York City.
The magazine "seeks to provide a medium
whereby film-craftsmen and the film-audi-
ence may have a forum for the mutual ex-
change of ideas. It will contain articles and
film material by many writers and workers
in the cinema."
The first issue will include articles by
John Grierson, Sawyer Falk, Kurt London,
Alberto Cavalcanti, and others, in addition
to a previously unpublished article by Harry
Alan Potamkin, annotated by Edgar Dale of
Ohio State University, and a previously un-
published screen treatment of "The Lower
Depths" by Maxim Gorky, translated by
Alexander Bakshy.
The Editorial Board of "Films" consists
of Lincoln Kirstein, Jay Leyda, Mary Losey,
Robert Stebbins, and Lee Strasberg.
RKO Leads Direct Mail Users
RKO Radio Pictures for the fourth con-
secutive year is included among the 50 lead-
ers of direct mail advertising in America
listed by the Direct Mail Advertising As-
sociation. Leon J. Bamberger, sales pro-
motion manager, received the certificate of
award for the company.
42
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
October 7, 1939
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Friday in Holly wood
Hollywood has lots of things on its mind be-
sides the business of making moving pictures.
Here the horrors of "war" are reflected maiinly
by debatable opinions of what the lATSE 10
per cent wage increase means, by the very ac-
tual realization that the pay check cuts and per-
sonnel eliminations look like the first day jobs
of a batch of new students trying to shear some-
one's hair in a barber college, and by speculation
over what will be done by the federal grand
jury, which shortens its sessions because "mem-
bers must attend to private business."
Seven Begun, One Completed
lioUywood on the weekend had the jitters.
Nevertheless it managed to start seven pictures
and complete one more. "Little Old New
York" was started at 20th Century-Fox. One
need not have been so long in the business to
know that when the same titled picture was on
the screen 15 or 16 years ago Marion Davies
was the star. Alice Faye will be the star in
the 1939 version and with her will be Fred Mac-
Murray, Richard Greene, Brenda Joyce and
Andy Devine.
Another story about New York folk, this
time some of its sons in the last world war, was
begun at \yarners under the title "The Fight-
ing 69th." ' James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, Jef-
frey Lynn, George Brent, Alan Hale, Dennis
Morgan, William Lundigan and Frank McHugh
will have important parts in telling the story of
the "fighting Irish."
Another Edgar Hoover Film
This* week Paramount launched the photo-
graphing of another of those J. Edgar Hoover
stories with "Street of Missing Women," in
which Preston Foster, Ann Dvorak, Arthur
Loft, Wynne Gibson, Betty Compson and Peg-
gy Shannon will appear. MGM's detective story
is "Nick Carter," involving Walter Pidgeon,
Rita Johnson, Donald Meek, Henry Hull and
Sterling Holloway.
"Hopalong Cassidy" goes on to further ad-
ventures in the Harry Sherman production for
Paramount, "Gun Chores." William Boyd,
Russell Hayden, Britt Wood and Jane Clayton
are featured.
George O'Brien will keep pace with his rival
Boyd by making "Legion of the Lawless" for
RKO-Radio.
Out at Warners a picture called "Brother
Rat and the Baby" was begun. Wayne Morris,
Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan, Jane Bryan, Ed-
die Albert and Henry O'Neill will do most of
the work.
Of the seven pictures that were completed,
Warner Brothers accounted for two, "The
Enemy Within" and "Four Wives," which had
been called back for retakes and added scenes.
Monogram finished "Heroes in Blue" and
RKO-Radio checked "Reno" off its active list.
At Republic where, according to Mr. Herbert
Yates, "what may happen after January 1 is
anybody's guess," two productions were finished
as 38 regular employees left the lot. They
are "Abraham Lincoln Boggs" and "Jeepers
Creepers."
Paramount finished "Women Behind Bars,"
one of those FBI stories, and LTniversal an-
nounced that it was through shooting "Little
Accident."
ONE-HORSE TOWN
FOR PREMIERE
Warner Brothers and Producer Bryan
Foy have decided that State Center,
loiva, with a population of less than
1,000, is America's typical one-horse
toivn. There the world premiere of
"Pride of the Blue Grass," which
stars the blind horse, "Elmer Gantry,"
tvill be held.
State Center's 25 0-seat theatre,
managed by R. T. Hill, is open
Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
JVanger 's Plans
Planning temporary suspension of activities
for three months subsequent to January 1st,
Walter Wanger will put two productions,
"House Across the Bay" and "Personal His-
tory," into production in October and is rushing
preparations of another, "Dynasty of Death,"
which he plans to complete before the close of
the year.
Sheridan Gibney has been signed to collabo-
rate with Taylor Caldwell on the screen treat-
ment of her novel, "Dynasty of Death." The
story is a timely and intimate yarn of muni-
tions makers and war barons in society as well
as in the fields of international intrigue. Mean-
while John Meehan is adapting Vincent
Sheean's "Personal History," and Kathryn
Scola is working with director Archie Mayo
on the final script of "Flouse Across the Bay,"
which will star Joan Bennett.
Tay Garnett will complete direction of "Send
Another Coffin" within a week or ten days,
and "Eternally Yours" has been given the first
of its series of previews.
Writer-Director
Edward LI. Griffith closed a deal with Para-
mount for the sale of his original story, "In
Old Virginia," and also was engaged to direct
the production. Joel McCrea will be seen in
the starring role.
Virginia Van Upp, who paired with Griffith
on the Fred MacMurray-Madeleine Carroll hit,
"Honeymoon in Bali," has been assigned to do
the screen play.
Musical Westerns
Producer Edward Finney at Monogram has
two scripts completed for his western star, Tex
Ritter, who has just returned from a three
months' tour of the west and -south with his
cowboy band.
The picures are "Roll Wagons Roll," story
by Victor Adamson, Edmond Kelso and Roger
Merton, and "Under Western Stars," an ori-
ginal by John Foster. Al Herman will direct
the first, which goes into production witiiin 10
days.
Name News
Lew Smith, formerly production aide to
Frank Lloyd, has resigned as Edward Small's
assistant.
^ ^
With "Ninotchka" completed, Ernst Lu-
BiTSCH will start "The Shop around the Cor-
ner" for MGM about mid October. Margaret
Sullivan and James Stewart will be co-
starred.
% ^ ^
David O. Selznick is negotiating with Unit-
ed Artists for the purchase of "The Swan"
as a starring vehicle for Ingrid Bergman.
When made as a silent, the picture had Lillian
GiSH in the leading role.
* * *
Max Golden has rejoined 20th Century-Fox
as production assistant to Sol M. Wurtzel.
* * *
Joh-n Gareield has returned to Warners after
a vacation in New York to prepare for his
starring role in "Forgive Us Our Trespasses."
^ ^ -Jf,
MGM has resumed production work on "I
Take This Woman," in which Spencer Tracy
and Hedy Lamarr are featured, with W. S.
Van Dyke directing. The picture was aban-
doned early last summer after several weeks of
shooting.
^ ^ ^
Muriel Hutchinson and Jack Norton have
been added to MGM's "A Call on the Presi-
dent," which features Lewis Stone, Ann
Sothern, William Gargan and Walter
Brennan.
Newly Organized
Rainbow Productions, Inc., has been organ-
ized by Edward Gross and Jules Goldstein.
Mr. Gross is well known in the industry, having
been associate producer with Sol Lesser on the
first three Bobby Breen films and with David
L. Loew on "The Gladiator." Mr. Goldstein,
an eastern banker, is financing the new com-
pany.
Movies or Baseball
The average lad of 13 and 14 prefers a movie
to baseball, according to results of a survey
of 5,000 children of pre-high school age just
released by Young America, weekly news mag-
azine.
The children voted movies their favorite
amusement — two out of five preferring that
above everything else. The next most popular
amusement, sports, attracts one out of four.
The favorite movie of recent months was "Boys'
Town," followed by "Gunga Din," "Jesse
James," "Robin Hood," "Dawn Patrol," "Snow
White," "Kentucky," "Marie Antoinette," "You
Can't Take It with You" and "Tom Sawyer."
Tyrone Power was the idol of 10.1 per cent,
and Richard Greene and Errol Flynn rated sec-
ond, followed by Mickey Rooney fourth. Spen-
cer Tracy fifth, Deanna Durbin, Sonja Henie.
Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson
Eddy.
local
PEOPLE
^ n r,t Arturo (DavitI Niven), chal-
ThB Grcol world's most dfli^
«,ui™rf '"f. ".rSu, ,00 1.1! 10
WT!!,
LOOK
\
presents
WAITER WANGER
YOUNG ■ NIVEN
HUGH HERBERT ■ BILLIE BURKE
C RUBBtT SMITH - BHOOtRICK CH*WFOHD
iMU PITTS . VIRGIN!* FIEIB
RATMOHD WUBUnX
October 7, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
45
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Allegheny Uprising
(RKO Radio)
Historical Adventure
An almost forgotten chapter of American
history is the story which led to the "Allegheny
Uprising." The scene of the events is Penn-
sylvania during the years 1759 and 1760. The
production will picture a brief but tense pre-
liminary flaring of the pioneer spirit of inde-
pendence that, a few years later, was to lead
to the American Revolution.
Claire Trevor and John Wayne, who did
all right for themselves in "Stagecoach," will
be the story's heroine and hero. The produc-
tion will also provide the name values of
George Sanders, now in "Nurse Edith Cavell,"
Brian Donlevy, the real star of "Beau Geste,"
Wilfred Lawson, Robert Barrat, stage actor
John F. Hamilton, Moroni Olsen, Chill Wills,
Ian Wolfe, Eddie Quillan, Wallis Clarke and
Monte Montague.
P. J. Wolfson, the picture's producer, also
adapted the Neil Swanson novel, "The First
Rebel," upon which the film is based. It is
being directed by William A. Seiter, who turned
out "Susannah of the Mounties."
Release date: October 27, 1939.
Too Busy to Work
(20th Century-Fox)
Comedy
"Too Busy to Work" will be the 15th "Jones
Family" picture. The series is now entering
its fourth year. The regular cast members Jed
Prouty, Spring Byington, Ken Howell, George
Ernest, June Carlson, Florence Roberts and
Billy Mahan, apparently have won the affec-
tions of audiences everywhere. The studio
agrees that the series has been exceptionally
profitable and the comments of exhibitors in
"What the Picture Did for Me" denote gen-
eral satisfaction.
To supplement the natural draw "Too Busy
to Work" will have seven additional well-
known featured players in supporting roles.
They are comedienne Joan Davis, Chick Chand-
ler, Marvin Stephens, Marjorie Gateson, A.n-
drew Tombes, Irving Bacon and Helen Eric-
son.
As usual, the sustaining story, prepared by
Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Stanley Rauh
from the combined material of two novels,
"The Torchbearer" and "Your Uncle Dudley,"
will deal with ludicrous turmoil within the
family household.
Release date: Nov. 17, 1939.
Jeepers Creepers
(Republic)
Comedy Melodrama
The Weaver Brothers and Elviry, who are
featured in "Jeepers Creepers," were hillbillies
for a decade or more before anyone thought up
the all-embracing description for such bizarre
mountain folk characters. They've been seen in
person in almost every spot in the land civic-
conscious enough to boast a theatre. They've
been seen in pictures and heard on the radio.
The public in urbane centers seem to like
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of September 30
CAPITOL
Football Thrills MGM
A-haunting We Will Go ... Columbia
Feature: The Women MGM
CRITERION
Ash Can Fleet MGM
Think First MGM
Crop Chasers Columbia
Feature: A Woman Is the
Judge Columbia
MUSIC HALL
Information Please, No. I . . RKO Radio
Going Places, No. 68 Universal
Feature: Nurse Edith Cavell. RKO Radio
PARAMOUNT
Popular Science, No. I Paramount
Breaking the News Paramount
Public hlobby. No. I Paramount
Feature: Honeymoon in Ba/i. Paramount
RIALTO
Bow Strings RKO Radio
The Brave Little Tailor RKO Radio
Feature: Full Conf essioii .... RKO Radio
RIVOLI
Gun Play RKO Radio
The Pointer RKO Radio
Feature: The Real Glory. . . . United Artists
ROXY
Sheep in the Meadow 20th Cent.-Fox
Big Game Fishing 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: Here I Am a
Stranger 20th Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Slapsie Maxie Vitaphone
Old Glory Vitaphone
Modern Methods Vitaphone
Feature: Espionage ... First National
them, and records will likely prove, as do
the Gene Autry records, that they're hot stufif
also in the wide open spaces. Consequently,
it is to be expected that in this picture the trio,
plus "Violey," will be the exploitation assets
first seized upon, with due respect for others
included.
In tone the basis of this picture, an original
screen play prepared by Dorrell and Stuart Mc-
Gowan, is a proof that "The Golden Rule"
can't be beaten. Parallels, even though re-
mote, to the thesis of Bob Burns, "Our Lead-
ing Citizen" are involved in the proving. Yet,
while melodrama, of necessity, is involved, the
essence of "Jeepers Creepers" is homespun
comedy.
With the Weavers will be seen Roy Rogers,
Lucien Littlefield, Billy Lee, Doris Wrixon,
Thurston Hall and Johnny Arthur.
Release date: To be determined.
Vigil in the Night
(RKO Radio)
Hospital Melodrama
"Vigil in the Night" is based on a novel of
the same title by A. J. Cronin. The story ran
serially in "Good Housekeeping" last summer.
Dr. Cronin is a noted Scotch physician. He
is best known to American readers and theatre-
goers for his famous "The Citadel," which
in screen form was one of last season's out-
standing successes. The locale of the story
is England and the time coincides with the
present — just before and in the first few
months of the current war. But it is not a
war story.
As adapted by P. J. Wolfson and Fred
Guiol, the story details the sacrifices of a nurse
made for the honor of her profession and her
romance with a young doctor. While the pic-
ture will disclose the seemy side of the nurs-
ing profession as well as its triumphs in con-
temporary England, the theme will be ap-
proached through the eyes of a nurse and will
illustrate the conditions under which the
"women in white" work and the loyalty and
sacrifices demanded of them.
Carole Lombard, turning to a dramatic role
again, will be seen as the heroine, with Brian
Aherne the doctor. Anne Shirley, Julien
Mitchell, wellknown British character actor,
and Robert Coote are the supporting prin-
cipals. Two other newcomers, Brenda Forbes
and Peter Gushing, with Rita Page round out
the cast. Director George Stevens, who re-
cently made "Vivacious Lady" and "Gunga
Din," is also producing.
Release date: November 10, 1939.
Pack Up Your Troubles
(20th Century -Fox)
Comedy
The ace draw name in "Pack Up Your
Troubles" is the now adolescing Jane Withers.
One of the exclusive "Big 10" of exhibitors'
money making stars, she has become a stream-
lined, shapely miss whose harum scarum tom-
boy days are forever gone. While there will
be a new looking Jane in the picture, she still
will sing, dance and act as she has in all her
previous success. The deuces wild in the deck
are the Ritz Brothers, the nit wit trio. Other
names available to exhibitors for exploitation
purposes are : Lynn Bari, Joseph Schildkraut,
Stanley Fields, Fritz Leiber, Lionel Royce,
Adrienne d'Ambricourt, Georges Renavent,
Leon Ames, William Von Brincken, Ed Gar-
gan and Robert Emmett Keane.
The story basis is an original screen play
by Lou Breslou and Owen Francis. Sidney
Clare and Jule Styne contributed a song num-
ber for Miss Withers. The picture is being
directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, maker of
many of the original "Charlie Chan" series
and one or two earlier Withers pictures.
"Pack Up Your Troubles" will be timely
comedy told against the back ground of the
World War. It will detail how the actor-
Ritzes, enlisting as cavalrymen in the AEF
to become nursemaids to mules and (by ac-
cident) aviators, ally themselves with Miss
Withers to hoodwink the German high com-
mand, meanwhile playing hob with the Ameri-
can, British and French armies.
Release date: Nov. 3, 1939.
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
Walter Wanger's press agents set out to
discover the oldest married couple in the
U. S., offering a prize, all in the name of
publicity and press attention for Mr. Wan-
ger's new motion picture of "Eternally
Yours." Mr. and Mrs. George M. Goben, in
Lucas, Iowa, took the honors, citing their
seventy-eight years — twenty-eight thousand,
four hundred and eighty-nine days, six hun-
dred and seventy-five thousand, seven hun-
dred and forty-six hours, forty million, six
hundred and forty-four thousand, seven hun-
dred and six minutes, and two billion, four
hundred and thirty-eight million, six hundred
and eighty-five thousand seconds — of unin-
terrupted wedlock.
The Gobens were pretty nearly nosed out
of the running when Mr. and Mrs. William
Kelly, of Longview, Texas, cited their 81
years of marriage. But Mr. Kelly died short-
ly after entering the contest.
Anyway, the Wanger prize will take the
Gobens from their Iowa home to Chicago,
thence to New York, the World's Fair and
a very lacey French suite at the tilted-nosed
hostelry of the French-vintage Pierre of
Fifth Avenue. The Gobens, at 93 years of
age, start a wedding trip that was prevented
when the Civil War broke out 78 years ago.
They are the ranking members of the Vow
Keepers of America, an organization of
couples married more than half a century.
V
Phil Williams is known among his publicity
writing colleagues at the March of Time office
in New York for endless efficiency, for forever
jotting down notes of ivhat to do, when to do it,
and how. His desk calendar pad resembles noth-
ing short of a Hotel Astor tablecloth after a
group of oldtime movie magnates finished scrib-
bling one of those billion-dollar colossal mergers
in years gone by.
Phil jots down notes to remind him of every-
thing but his luncheon hour — his devastating
appetite tells him about that. And, so, it was
with no surprise that Al Sindlinger, advertising
manager for March of Time, in search of some
information on Phil's schedules, and inspecting
Phil's calendar pad in Phil's absence on a com-
bination vacation-honeymoon, came across Phil's
jotted note: "Sunday, October i — get married,
2 P.M."
V
Herbert Cruikshank, film story writer,
who passed away in New York the other day,
was once in the U. S. diplomatic service, and
while serving as Consul General at Queens-
town, Ireland, he cleared the S. S. Titanic
on the maiden voyage that was to take it
into the Atlantic to an iceberg and disaster
and death to 1,517, in 1912. He took the last
known picture of the White Star liner as she
steamed away from Ireland to sea.
V
The recent feud between the Associated Ac-
tors and Artistes of America and the Inter-
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
uncovered, among other items, an interesting
point in the Screen Actors' Guild basic agree-
ment. According to the text, whenever the con-
tract uses the term "masculine gender" it "in-
cludes the feminine and neuter." Is it Gertrude
.Stein influence or is the Guild taking a crack
at some of its own membership?
WHEN THE FIRST FLUSH of war
fear broke out in London, virtually all
of the film business hurriedly ran to the
suburbs away from anticipated bombs marked :
"Made in Germany." London offices of the
American distributors were no exception, and
so the panic found the Columbia Pictures staff
setting out, for the glory of old Columbia and
the Cohns, for Wadhurst Castle, at Wadhurst,
Sussex, a big, roaming place which they bought
or leased for the purpose.
Built of stone in the mediaeval style, with
battlemented walls and turrets, the house con-
tains scores of well-proportioned rooms and
ample cellarage, the latter most important if
Hitler airplane engines started droning in the
immediate vicinity.
Grounds, gardens and well-wooded parklands,
in which there is even a private golf course of
nine holes, run to about 100 acres.
It was to this castle dating back into the
days of old, when knights were bold, that
Columbia Pictures took its forces from Wardour
Street — its film salesmen and film cutters, stock
boys and typist girls, its managers and assist-
ants.
But when they got there they found that all
would need bicycles, for the building inside was
just a mile and a half from the front lodge
gates, and so one and all went back to Wardour
Street.
V
Carrying a human cargo in her freight
holds, the American Scantic Line freighter
Mormacwren arrived in New York Sunday
from Copenhagen, establishing a record for
being the most crowded ship on the basis of
normal passenger capacity to arrive in these
waters since the evacuation of American citi-
zens began from Europe's war grounds.
Built to accommodate but 12 passengers in
her six small cabins, the papers of the
freighter Hsted 201 passengers — and Tom
Mix's horse, Tony, Jr.
V
Baltimore plans a one-reel color film to at-
tract tourist business. Wonder what they'll
show besides Wallie Simpson's old home?
V
Kansas City, Missouri's City Manager Eugene
C. Zachman has appointed a board of eight to
manage the Municipal Auditorium. There's a
druggist, a merchant, an insurance agent, a real
estate man, a hotel owner, and a' street car ex-
ecutive, but not a showman is among them.
V
And now that the New York World's Fair
is nearing the end for this year, it is dis-
closed that Rosita Royce, the fan-and-dove
dancer, did her naughty nuances nightly to
the melancholy strains of "In a Monastery
Garden."
V
When Joseph M. Schenck, 20th Century-Fox
board chairman, recently took departure from
Hollywood for Mexico and points below, Billy
Wilkerson's local film paper, The Hollywood
Reporter, reported: "Some of the boys out on
the 20th Century-Fox lot got a great kick out
of Joe Schenck's answer to the question, "Where
will you be stopping in Mexico?' with Joe an-
swering, 'The Hotel Reformer.' The funny part
of it is he WILL be at the Hotel Reformer."
THE FUNNY PART OF IT IS that the
name is REFORMA— not REFORMER.
Maurice Bergman, publicity and advertis-
ing general for the Cohns' Columbia, is do-
ing alright with Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith
Comes to Washington," which concerns the
ups and downs of a young U. S. Senator.
For one thing, he had a pretty good-looking
brochure arrive on drama editors' desks the
country over almost coincidental with the
opening of the big argument over neutrality
laws in Congress, when the eyes of the coun-
try were focusing on their favorite Senators
and Congressmen assembled in special ses-
sion. The Washington papers went for the
brochure in a big way, some of them giving
art and type attention thereto; it's a rarity to
see a newspaper giving publicity to a piece
of direct-mail advertising. When money is
to be spent on advertising, the papers want
it spent in their pages.
Washington is waiting to see what Capra
did with his set building, always on the alert
to dig at inaccuracies. Before building the
set for Senate chambers, the director almost
started a spy scare, poking around Washing-
ton for floor plans of the Capitol. Because
of red tape and "national emergencies" he
had to take most background shots from a
sightseeing bus. When he finally did get
into the building for inspection, he drew
plans from which he built up even the
scratches on the Senators' desks, duplicating
inkwells, favorite pencils and other gadgets
that administrators and legislators flourish
when in action. He even calculated, for cast-
ing purposes, that the composite Senator
conforms physically to specifications of 52
years of age, is five feet five inches high and
weighs 174 pounds.
V
We-Aim-to-P lease Department:
A Sunday concert on a nationwide hookup of
German radio stations for soldiers in the front
lines was interrupted Sunday night for a request
number which the Nazi announcer said had been
asked by French officers and men in the Maginot
Line on the opposing side.
The announcer said that the French soldiers
had put through a telephone call to the German
Broadcasting Company, adding that it was a
"pleasure" for the Nazi radio to "oblige" the
French troops, and the French song was played
immediately. The song — "Speak to Me of
Love."
V
Exhibitor note:
Anna Neagle, London star of Herbert
Wilcox, now starring in this country both for
Mr. Wilcox and RKO, was describing her
early British film days to a New York
Evening Post interviewer, recalling Pro-
ducer Wilcox's "string of inexpensive, cheer-
ful little Grade B films"— "Limelight,"
"Three Maxims" and "Girl in the Street."
Miss Neagle recalled particularly "Girl in
the Street." "I had tap and ballet numbers,
two songs and a cabaret scene," she remem-
bered. "It didn't make much money but we
all had a lot of fun making it — and that
counts so much."
. V
"Carl Laemmle sazv the movies develop from
a shoestring to a major industry," observed the
New York Evening Sun, adding: 'But he prob-
ably never thought when he opened his first
nickelodeon that the movies would ever get
tied up with the crockery business."
DRAMATIC STORY
TORN
rom
HEART
of a SOLDIER/
STANDARD ?\CT[)RES presents *
THE
LOST
EfrEM FRORf
li FC. Pictures Corp N. Y.
PAUL CAVANAGH
f.C. Picture* --r
F C. Pictures Corp ^^^^^^^ j^ass
Iniperial Pictures. >nc. ^^^.^^g^ •
'^^^ ^*;:rB;rServlce Cincinnati O. y
Independent H m Cleveland, U.
Independent ram Serv.ce . ^^^^^^_ ^^^3,
^^^^^'■'%r;Exchange
Denver, Colo.
Mercury run. — • - Detroit, Mich-
Excellent Pictures ^^^^<^s, Jnd.
Superior Pictures j^^^sas City.
;^:D&^^-,;,,geles,Cal.
.. Memphis, fenn-
Texas Film Co ,v\iUaukee. W'S-
Superior Pictures Haven, Conn.
Imperial Pictures Orleans La.
Atlantic Pictures ^^^^^ N. Y.
World Pictures CorP- city. OWa-
Texas Film Co. ^OWah ^ebr.
Capitol Pictures Corp. p.^-^^burg. Pa-
Monarch Pi^^"^^f, ^orWar^i, Ore.
Feature Film Exchange Wash.
r
General Film Co ^ouis. Wlo.
^„ s,., Feature, D'sWbu.ors^„,^^^^^ Ca^^^
aigiillJ^^JIIil^'
Home
Office
STANDARD PICTURES
DISTRIBUTING
COMPANY
R K O Building
1270 Sixth Ave.
Tel. COIumbus 5-6345
New York, N. Y.
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 19 3'?
U. S. MOVES TO RESTRAIN SCHINES;
COURT ACTIONS ON SIX OTHER SUITS
Griffiths Deny Trying to Block
Competition; Crescent Cir-
cuit Demands Bill of Particu-
lars; Adelphi Case Postponed
One major attack by the United States
and half a dozen skirmishes between the
Government and independent exhibitor
plaintiffs with circuit and distributor de-
fendants highlighted tlie week's anti-trust
suit developments.
The U. S. moved for an injunction to re-
strain the Schine Circuit in the east from
further expansion pending disposition of the
suit it has pending against the chain.
The Griffiths in Oklahoma denied it is
trying to block competition.
Crescent Amusement in the south de-
manded a bill of particulars.
Taking of dispositions continued in the
Maine Millinocket case :
The Chicago Gary Theatre suit proceeded
with the taking of additional testimony.
Postponement was granted in hearings in
the Chicago Adelphi Theatre case.
Majors Get More Time
Meanwhile, time for the majors to answer or
to move for modification of the Government's
68 interrogatories in the "key" anti-trust suit
was extended in New York on Monday from
October 7th to October 17th ; this having been
•disclosed by the U. S. Attorney's office last
Friday.
The Government's time to take similar action
in reference to the 38 interrogatories filed by
United Artists and directed to the Government
have also been extended to October 17th.
Schine Decision Reserved
Decision was reserved by Federal Judge
John Knight Aionday in Buffalo on the De-
partment of Justice motion for a preliminary
injunction against the Schine Circuit. Con-
tinuance of arguments and all motions for bills
of particulars were set for Tuesday, October
10th.
The Government motion asks that the Schine
exhibitor defendants be restrained from acquir-
ing any further theatres, or from opening any
they own which are closed^ pending determina-
tion of its anti-trust suit seeking dissolution of
the circuit. No preliminary relief was asked
against the major distributor defendants.
Judge Knight heard arguments for the de-
fendents by Frederick H. Wood, of Cravath, de
Gersdorff, Swaine and Wood, representing the
Schine interests, and John Lord O'Brien, repre-
senting Warner Brothers, Vitagraph and Para-
mount ; and for the plaintiff by Seymour
Krieger, special attorney for the U. S. Depart-
ment of Justice.
Mr. Wood said that his clients are not en-
gaged in interstate commerce and that exhibi-
tion of films is purely "local business" and not
within the realm of the Sherman Anti-trust
Act.
Mr. O'Brien asked for dismissal on the
grounds that the injunction would "freeze out
the film market for distributors."
Mr. Krieger stated that the Schine interests
used "circuit buying power" to restrain trade
and asserted that ' circuit buying power "consti-
tutes a violation of the Sherman anti-trust
law."
In the affidavits filed by the Government in
its appeal for an injunction, eight exhibitors or
PUBLIC SEATING
CODE EFFECTIVE
New trade practice rules for the
public seating industry, providing for
the elimination and prevention of false
advertising, deceptive selling methods
and certain other unfair trade practices
in the sale of seating to theatres and
other public places, were promulgated
this week by the Federal Trade Com-
mission at Washington.
The new regulations embody a revi-
sion of the voluntary code adopted by
the industry in 1931, the changes to
large extent being designed to incor-
porate the restrictions of the Robin-
son-Patman anti-price discrimination
act.
Details of the situation were devel-
oped at a public hearing held by the
commission on August \7th, at which
representatives of the industry ex-
plained the desirability of revision of
the rules.
Manufacturers' sales of seats to the-
atres and other establishments aggre-
gate approximately $25,000,000 a year.
representatives of exhibitor interests partici-
pated.
Pete J. Wood, secretary of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio, testified that the
Schine interests 'forced exhibitors to sell, lease
or become Schine partners, so that there is no
competition with Schine theatres in 17 situa-
tions.
Thornton Kelly, executive secretary of Allied
Theatre Owners of New York, said that "the
major distributors let Schine tie up all pictures
at lower prices."
William Tishkofif and Max Fogel, said that
the Schines made threats to build a theatre
within the area in which they had planned to
build, and so acquired a 50 per cent interest in
the house, in Rochester.
John Buchman, of Delaware, Ohio, stated
that he lost all first run contracts after a
competitor had sold out to the Schines.
Richard de Toto, of Geneva, New York,
stated that the Schines prevented him from
building theatres by threatening to build com-
petitive houses.
H. H. Owens of Barbourville, Kentucky,
said that he was offered substantial sums not
to construct a house.
H. P. Wallace, of the Capitol, Auburn, New
York, stated that when the Schines took over
three houses, the Jefferson, Palace and Strand,
he lost the product of the eight majors, and
that attempts were made to buy his lease and
to get city officials to close his theatre.
Answers Filed in Momand Case
Answers have been filed in Federal Court in
Oklahoma City on the apphcation for an in-
junction made by Oklahoma Theatres to pro-
cure pictures for its Odeon Theatre in Shawnee.
The plaintiff had asked that the court force
the defendant distributors to sell its film not
already contracted for in Shawnee.
The Griffith Amusement Company and the
majors except United Artists filed answers de-
nying any attempt to restrain competition and
asking for dismissal of the suit.
Crescent Asks Particulars
Defendants in the U. S. anti-trust suit against
the Crescent Amusement Company, the Lyric
Amusement Company, the Nu- Strand Corpora-
tion, the Cumberland Amusement Company,
Strand Enterprises, .Rockwood Amusements,
Cherokee Amusements, Kentucky Amusements
and various individuals, last week-end filed a
motion for a bill of particulars in U. S. district
court, Nashville, Tennessee.
Le Page Deposition Taken
The deposition of Frank Le Page of the
Millinocket Theatres was taken last week in
Bangor, Maine, in his anti-trust suit against
the majors and the Samuel Kurson theatre in-
terests.
Immerman of B. & K. Testifies
Walter Immerman, general manager of Bala-
ban & Katz, was questioned Monday in a hear-
ing in the Gary Theatre case in Chicago. Max
Halperin, Warner booking manager, was simi-
larly questioned Tuesday.
Adelphi Case Postponed
The Adelphi Theatre case, in Chicago, was
postponed last week by Federal Judge James
Wilkerson until November 14th. At that time
the court will rule on limiting depositions and
striking out certain portions of the complaint.
Schaefer Renews
Depinet Contract
Ned E. Depinet, RKO Radio vice-presi-
dent in charge of distribution, was signed to
a new long term contract to continue in his
present capacity by George J. Schaefer, the
company's president, last Friday before Mr.
Schaefer left for the coast.
Arriving in Flollywood, Mr. Schaefer found
six films in production at the company's studios,
and five finished and being edited.
Leading off is "The Hunchback of Notre
Dame," which has been selected by Mr. Schaefer
as the company's 1939-40 headliner. Based on
the Victor Hugo novel, the film has Charles
Laughton in the title role. Also in production
are "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," with Raymond
Massey as Lincoln ; "That's Right, You're
Wrong," a comedy co-starring Kay Kyser and
Adolph Menjou; "Reno," with Richard Dix;
"Vigil in the Night," based on the A. J. Cronin
novel, co-starring Carole Lombard, Brian
Aherne and Anne Shirley. "Escape to Para-
dise," starring Bobby Breen, and "Swiss Family
Robinson," the Gene Towne-Graham Baker
"Play's the Thing" production.
Finished and being edited are "Meet Dr.
Christian," starring Jean Hersholt ; "Allegheny
Uprising," co-starring John Wayne and Claire
Trevor ; "The Flying Deuces," with Laurel and
Hardy; "Sued for Libel," with Kent Taylor
and Linda Hayes, and "Marshal of Mesa City,"
with George O'Brien.
Mr. Schaefer also found three picture nearly
ready to go before the cameras : "Heart of
Darkness," "Legion of the Lawless," and "Pass-
port to Life."
"Valuable"
. . . "WE MIGHT ALSO MENTION
THAT THE MOTION PICTURE
HERALD IS WITHOUT DOUBT
THE MOST VALUABLE TRADE
PUBLICATION WE RECEIVE, AND
IT AFFORDS US MANY SERVICES
WE COULD NOT HOPE TO GET
ELSEWHERE." - - - -
Motion Picture
Herald, $5.00 a year
Domestic; $10.00 For-
eign; 52 issues with which
is combined Better THE-
ATRES, 13 issues yearly.
COLUMBIA PICTURES OF CANADA LTD.
CALGARY, ALBERTA,
CANADA
N. NISBET
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
ROCKEFELLER CENTER • NEW YORK
50
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7. 1939
EDUCATOR CONDEMNS
CENSORSHIP OF FILMS
Director of Film Study Divi-
Wants State Board of
sion
e n s o r s
I s s o I V e
A motion picture screen in America free
from political censorship is the aim of Co-
lumbia University, one of the country's old-
est and largest schools of higher learning.
"The abolition of all forms of political cen-
sorship of motion pictures, and principally
the dissolution of the New York State board
of censors, headed by Irwin Esmond, is ad-
vocated by Dr. Russell Potter, director of
the Division of Motion Picture Study at
Columbia University, in his annual report to
Professor James C. Egbert, director of Uni-
versity Extension, as submitted last week and
disclosed to the press by Columbia's Depart-
ment of Public Information.
Plans Fight for Free Screen
The University, therefore, has made plans,
through its Division of Motion Picture Study,
actively to work for a free screen — "a goal to be
achieved only by the abolition of all political
censorship and by convincing the producers that
some pictures must be made on the adult level,"
Dr. Potter declares in his formal report.
Neither Dr. Potter in his accompanying re-
port nor the report itself asks for abolishment
of the industry's own Production Code, because
that is "an industry matter," although the Pro-
duction Code is described as "the first obstacle
Hollywood meets," censorwise.
Columbia's University Extension, in conjunc-
tion with the Museum of Modern Art Film
Library and the Museum's officers, John Abbott,
director, and Iris Barry, curator, conducts a
course on the motion picture — historical, aes-
thetic and technique — believing that "the motion
picture, liveliest and youngest of the arts, has
lately assumed new importance in the academic
world, and as a medium of expression which
exercises a powerful influence on society and is
peculiarly characteristic of our culture, it con-
cerns students of sociology as profoundly as it
concerns students of the fine arts."
Technically, the motion picture has grown up,
but censorship and censorship keep them in
diapers, according to the report of Dr. Potter,
who is also director of the Institute of Arts and
Sciences at Columbia.
The University Division, he explains, opposes
political control of motion pictures on the
ground that it is un-American, inevitably and
wholly stupid in its administration, and an un-
fair hidden tax on the producer, the exhibitor
and the public.
"The brains, the talent and ability, the tech-
nical resources for giving us motion pictures
that would challenge the mind and stir the
emotions of adult audiences are in Hollywood,"
he says, "but they are used to cut out paper
dolls and make saccharine celluloid stews. The
Hollywood set-up may be blamed for some of
this but not for all. Hollywood has the censor
jitters."
Recommending the establishment of a "Motion
Picture Workshop" in University Extension,
Dr. Potter says that within the next quarter
of a century there is going to be an increasing
demand for teachers properly qualified to teach
the motion picture in high schools and colleges.
The university which first establishes such a
workshop as this will render a unique service
in the educational world, he adds.
"The Production Code, administered by
the Joseph Breen office, is the first obstacle
CIVIL LIBERTIES'
GROUPS TO MEET
Fourteen organizations concerned
with various phases of civil liberties
have this far joined the American
Civil Liberties Union in officially spon-
soring the National Conference on
Civil Liberties in the Present Emer-
gency to be held at the Hotel Biltmore
in New York October 13-14 under the
auspices of a distinguished committee
headed by William Allen White.
After a dinner opening the confer-
ence on October llth will be addressed
by Attorney General Frank Murphy,
Senator Robert A. Wagner and Senator
Elbert D. Thomas. The program will
start off with "Censorship of Commu-
nication," dealing with government
censorship in relation to radio, press,
stage, motion pictures, books and peri-
odicals.
Other topics are: "The Rights of
Aliens," "The Rights of Negroes,".
"Rights of Labor and Employer,"
"The Law and Civil Liberties," "Aca-
demic Freedom" and "Religious Lib-
erty."
Hollywood meets," the report states. "Here
producers are told in advance what they must
not do and say in their pictures if those pictures
are to receive the stamp of approval of the
Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of
America.
State Boards "Pressure Groups"
"Then there are the various official state
boards of censorship to pass. And finally there
are several highly organized pressure groups
which m.ust be pleased — the D.A.R., the Catholic
Legion for Decency, the East-Coast and West-
Coast preview committees of the General Feder-
ation of Women's Clubs, the Council of Fed-
erated Church Women, the National Society of
New England Women, and many others.
"The administration of the Production Code
is an industry matter and as such is one that
must be controlled by the industry itself. The
question of state and regional censor boards,
however, is another matter, and one upon which
every citizen may speak his mind openly and
with the full assurance that he has every right to
speak.
"In the past we have devoted at least one
meeting each year to this question of censorship,
showing films that had come under the ban of
the New York censor — 'Spring Shower,' a Hun-
garian film, through the courtesy of Irving
Shapiro of World Pictures ; 'Remous,' a French
film, through the courtesy of Arthur Mayer of
Mayer and Burstyn; and, this past year, the
widely discussed 'The Puritan,' through the
courtesy of Jean Lenauer of Lenauer Interna-
tional Films. And when the state censor put the
ban on 'Yes, My Darling Daughter," we imme-
diately ofifered our screen to Warner Brothers
for the picture.
"In every case it was the general opinion of
the groups viewing these pictures that not one
of them could be rated as 'obscene, indecent, im-
moral, sacrilegious,' or could be considered 'of
such a character that its exhibition would tend
to corrupt morals or incite to crime.'
"Discussing plans for the academic study of
motion pictures, Dr. Potter declares that a
workshop should offer the properly qualified
student sound training, authentic and carefully
integrated, in the various arts and techniques
that now serve the motion picture. . . . This
training should be designed to qualify him for a
position within the industry itself or for train-
ing others.
"Most Lively Art Form"
"The motion picture, in any of its various
branches, cannot be taught as a study course
as academic painting is taught, as a course in
Greek, or one in mathematics is taught. Those
are dead, static things. They are fixed, and it is
easy to dogmatize about them. But the movies
are the most exciting and the most lively of all
contemporary art forms, the only art which per-
fectly expresses the age of the machine, and the
art which today has the greatest social sig-
nificance of them all.
"To be effective, such a workshop must not
be casually organized ; it must not be merely
a collection of more or less related courses.
"The workshop would work in every way
possible to further the formation of amateur
cinema clubs in high schools and communities,
furnishing technical advice and, wherever pos-
sible and desirable, supplying direct guidance.
It is even possible that it would cooperate with
various agencies in the state, cultural and gov-
ernmental, in making documentary pictures
showing the resources of the state and the ac-
tivities of its people."
One Ban Is Appealed,
Another Is Upheld
Notice of appeal has been filed in Albany on
the Law Division of the N. Y. Department of
Education in the matter of "The Birth of a
Baby," a picture rejected by the Motion Pic-
ture Division and on which subsequent appeals
to the Board of Regents and supreme court
were unavailing.
Last spring, the appellate division upheld the
Regents and the Motion Picture Division by a
split vote, which gave the American Committee
on Maternal Welfare, Inc. and Sam Citron,
appellants, the right to appeal to the Court of
Appeals, where the next litigation will un-
doubtedly take place.
Still another attempt to obtain a license for
the exhibition of the much-disputed "Ecstasy,"
which has strung all along New York State's
tribunal system in the last four years, was un-
availing when the Appellate Division, Third
Department in Albany unanimously upheld the
determination of the Board of Regents in ban-
ning the film last Thursday.
"Ecstasy," originally produced by Eletka
Productions, of Prague, Czechoslovakia, on
which United States distribution rights are
owned by Eureka Productions, New York, was
the subject of courtroom scrutiny by Appellate
Division judges J. P. Hill, F. W. Bliss, J. C.
Crapser, C. J. Heffernan and G. J. Schenck in
Albany early in September. Two years ago,
the original film was displayed there, the case
marking the first time a high New York State
court had allowed the exhibition of a picture
into evidence on a factual basis.
The latest version of "Ecstasy," which stars
Hedy La Marr, now of HoUjovood and known
as Hedy Keisler in Czechoslovakia, was said
to have been considerably toned down before
its resubmission to Motion Picture Director
Irwin Esmond last February. Mr. Esmond,
however, still banned the picture as "indecent"
and "immoral" and his verdict was upheld in a
subsequent appeal to the Board of Regents. In
June of this year. Supreme Court Justice Gil-
bert Schenck refused Eureka Production's plea
for a trial by civil jury in sending the litigation
to the Appellate Division.
Disbursements and $50 costs were also as-
sessed against Eureka Productions, Inc., which
was represented by Attorney Henry Pearlman.
<
the next issue
edtres
X
111
Z
I
o
H
U
O
ill
7
BUYERS
NUMBER
Fall & Winter
1939-40
OP
BUYERS INDEX
. . . the Industry's standard equipment^ fur-
nishings and materials purchasing guide,
completely revised for the new season.
What" the Fair
old Theatres
About Lighting
The Control of
Air-Moisture
Theatres of Today
in Styles to Fit
Three Communities
New Factors in
Sound Parts Buying
. . . plus other features and departments
52
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
UNIONSAND OWNERS IN m newsreels
CONTRACT BARGAINING
New York Circuits and Projec-
tionists Seek Fifth Arbiter;
Chicago Operators Get Raise
The usual seasonal expiration of working
contracts between projectionists and stage-
hands unions, principally of lATSE locals,
with exhibitors, brings a score of confer-
ences between both parties for bargaining on
new agreements governing wages and hours
and working conditions. This week, New
York, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati and
Cleveland, Wilmington and Vancouver in
Canada were the principal scenes of nego-
tion, with little or no serious trouble show-
ing, except in New York, where a drawn
out wage dispute has brought in an arbitra-
tor. Some picketing was noticed elsewhere.
Seek Arbiter
Representatives of theatre circuits and
the New York projectionists' Local 306
were meeting this week, to adjust wages,
and to select a neutral fifth member, for
the arbitration board, which, under terms
of the contract now in existence, adjusts
.wages when asked.
The neutral arbitrator, at mid week still
unnamed, had been chosen, but approval of
both sides, and then of a federal court judge,
was necessary.
The union has been asking for a 25 per
cent wage increase and two weeks' vacation,
with pay. Negotiations were stalemated by
disagreement, there having been two mem-
bers of each side on the board.
Chicago theatre projectionists won a five
per cent wage increase last week, retroac-
tive to September 1st.
Picketing Spread Threatened
In St. Louis, Robert Roessel, attorney for
the projectionists' Local 143, warned that
picketing of Fanchon and Marco Theatres,
this week confined to six neighborhood
houses, might spread to 19 others, unless a
dispute over the hiring of nine projection-
ists allegedly favorable to John Nick, was
settled. Mr. Nick is the ousted head of the
local. The nine men were suspended.
The Greater Cincinnati Independent Ex-
hibitors, Inc., has signed with the projec-
tionists' local 327, for two years, provid-
ing for a $5 weekly raise for the first year,
and another the second year.
Cleveland's major theatre circuits have
signed with the projectionists' local 160.
Pact is for one year, and does not change
conditions or wage scales now.
In Wilmington, Del., projectionists' local
473 has appealed to the state supreme court
against a chancery court ruling prohibiting
their picketing of the Rialto theatre, upon
application by the theatre's operators.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, the local
operators' union and the Vancouver, New
Westminster and District Trades and Labor
Council lost their appeal against a $2,000
damage award for picketing the Hollywood
theatre, in Vancouver.
The court of appeals and supreme court
also upheld the restraining injunction.
FLIPPEN HEADS GUILD,
RADIO ACTORS ELECT
The American Guild of Variety
Artists, which replaced the American
Federation of Actors as the "vaude-
ville" union for the Associated Actors
and Artistes of America, has chosen
Jay C. Flippen pro tern president.
Eddie Cantor was the former tempo-
rary president. The guild's directors
also appointed Mrs. Dorothy Bryant
as executive secretary , succeeding
Maida Reade who resigned last week.
In Hollywood, officers of the United
Stjidio Technicians' Guild, defeated by
the International Alliance of Theatri-
cal Stage Employees in a National La-
bor Relations Board studio election, on
Monday filed a petition with the board,
stating that the election was invalid
because the producers "financed the
lATSE."
The American Federation of Radio
Artists' New York local over the
tceekend announced election of 21
members to its board, divided into
three groups, actors, announcers, and
singers.
Members of the Chicago Federation
of Musicians employed in the Colum-
bia Broadcasting System studios in that
city, received a \0 per cent wage in-
crease, effective last Sunday, under
terms of an existing contract.
The AFRA is claiming jurisdiction
over the Chicago radio musicians.
National Decency Legion
Classifies 12 Pictures
Of 12 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in its listing
for the current week six were approved for
general patronage and six were listed as im-
objectionable for adults. The pictures and
their classification follow.
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "Arizona Kid," "Chip of the
Flying 'U'," "The Kansas Terrors," "No
Place to Go," "Outpost of the Mounties,"
"Seventeen." Class A-2, unobjectionable
for Adults: "Betrayal" (French), "Dancing
Co-Ed," "Here I Am a Stranger," "En
Kivinnas Ansikte" (Swedish), "The Private
Lives of Elizabeth and Essex," "Rio."
"Fugitive" Wins Poll
In a poll of readers, conducted by five
New York newspapers, Warner Brothers'
"I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang" led
other films. The poll was in the form of an
essay contest on "The Motion Picture I
Liked Best, and Why."
MOVIETONE NEWS— Vol. 22, No. 6.— The fighting
in Poland Paris prepares for any eventuality
Belgium mobilizes for defense Swiss prepare to
resist possible invasion AustraUa tests coast de-
fenses Winter fashions Heat wave and storm
in California Will Hays marks 50th anniversary
of kinetscope invention American Legion in
Chicago.
MOVIETONE NEWS— Vol. 22, No. 7.— Belgium rained
bridge struck by lightning Stunt flyer Destroy-
ers reconditioned Welles addresses Panama con-
ference Cardinal Mundelein Dies Kelly heads
Legion Chorus girls in Broadway capers Lew
Lehr Football.
NEWS OF THE DAY— Vol. 11, No. 204.— OfTicial
German films from somewhere in Poland France
takes war in stride Legionnaires in big peace
parade in Chicago Storm lashes Pacific coast
Football seasons opens.
NE\yS OF THE DAY— Vol. 11, No. 205.— General
Windsor goes to France Holland prepares for de-
fense Air raid terror in Polish town Panama
conference Army bombers in flight over New
York Fair.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 9. — American Legion
holds parade in Chicago Edison honored by WiU
Hays on movies' SOth birthday Storm causes
damage on west coast France prepares for long
war; Paris calm 1939 football forecast Probable
sectional champions.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 10.— American Republics
hold Panama conference Congress debates neu-
trality Alfred E. Smith on neutraUty question
More French villages evacuated English aviators
visit Paris.... Air raids on Warsaw. ... German army
of occupation in Poland Notre Dame victor....
Southern California and Oregon in tie game.
RKO PATHE NEWS— Vol. 11, No. 21.— American
Legion parades in Chicago France keys life to war
routine Mrs. Roosevelt addresses nation's women
Will Hays pays tribute to Edison's memory in
Film's 5Cth anniversary observance U. S. stores
surplus corn harvest Storm lashes Southern Cali-
fornia coast.
RKO PATHE NEWS— Vol. 11, No. 22.— Holland mo-
bilizes for defense Pan-Americans hear U. S.
views.... Air show thrills New York Fair crowds
Cattle herd crosses border into Mexico. .. .Notre
Dame beats Purdue Challedon wins horse race.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— Vol. 11, No. 810.— French
prepare for future air attacks. ... Scores dead in
coast storm Legionnaires in Chicago parade
Senator Pepper urges embargo repeal Steel mills
feel war boom Hail Edison on films' SOth anni-
versary observance Missouri mules are shown....
Sick ducks have own hospital.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— Vol. 11, No. 811.— Small
nations fear war threat. .. .French troops and guns
rushed to front Paris evacuation continues
Kelly new head of Legion Smith backs President
on embargo Pittsburgh defeats Washington
Notre Dame beats Purdue Mississippi State wins
over Arkansas.
Dembow Resigns
F&^M Position
Sam Dembow, vice-president of Fanchon
& Marco, Inc., this week handed in his resig-
nation, and Harry C. Arthur, general man-
ager, prepared to take over the film buying
and general product supervision for the cir-
cuit in addition to management duties.
Mr. Dembow remains a partner in Fan-
chon & Marco due to a substantial invest-
ment made when he joined the firm in April,
1938, as vice-president in executive charge
of contact with film companies and the in-
dustry generally.
His retirement from the firm will not be-
come effective until disposition of his finan-
cial interest. His resignation is said to be
due to disagreement with other officers over
theatre operating policies. Mr. Dembow
is considering other connections but may
take a vacation before deciding.
Mr. Dembow, a former Paramount home
office theatre executive, has been associated
with the Fanchon & Marco enterprises for
several years. About two years ago he be-
came an active operations executive for the
company.
REMEMBER THEM ? THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY . . .
BRONCHO BILLY . . . THE BIRTH OF A NATION . . . CHARLIE CHAPLIN . .
They, and a host of other truly great picturesj
and stars, helped through 37 glorious years toj
build the finest entertainment the world had;
ever known. But they were all silent, shadowyf
images on the screen. I
BROKEN BLOSSOMS . . . THE FOUR HORSEMEN
. . . THE BIG PARADE . . .
ITH the startling suddenness of a bursting bomb,
came SOUND! The screen came to LIFE ... a
new entertainment was born , . . TALKING MOTION
PICTURES!
Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric
gave the screen its voice in 1926. Then came ERPI,
doing the vast job of replacing silence with sound in
the studios and theatres of the world. From Iceland to
New Zealand, from Manchoukuo to Chile, it furnished
men and equipment to help the industry through the
most sudden transformation modern business has
ever known.
ERPI, in collaboration with Bell Telephone Labo-
ratories, will provide leadership in bringing further
vital scientific developments to the talking picture.
Thus ERPI carries on the responsibility it accepted
thirteen years ago, for only through continuous prog-
ress can the motion picture survive as a living force.
W
Etectricat Research Products Inc.
SUBSIDIARY OF
Western Electric Company
MOTION PIOTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
ALLIED SPLITS IN NEW YORK STATE;
OTHER CROUPS HOLD MEETINGS
Executive Secretary Calls Ses-
sion in Syracuse to Form
New Unit to Affiliate with
National; Michigan Meets
The death throes of the ill-fated distribu-
tors' trade practice code continue to disturb
exhibitor organizations — as organizations
such as Michigan Allied, and various ex-
hibitor leaders like Ray Branch of that or-
ganization and Harry Brandt of New York's
Independent Theatre Owners Association,
see hope for its resurrection in some form;
as other exhibitor organizations continue to
chortle over its demise ; and as sparks of the
inter-factional fights it caused during its
formulation, once again blaze.
Tilt in New York Allied
This -week, the long foaming fight between
the "loyal" and the "insurgent" sections of the
New York Allied came to a head. The organi-
zation had been expelled from the national
Allied States Association for "disloyaltA"" ; this
meaning the opposition of its leader, !Max Cohen,
to the national association's disapproval of the
code during the summer, its faith in legislation
against self-regulation, and its outright rejection
of the code in June.
Mr. Cohen's unit had continued to use the
Allied name, and he said he would call a meet-
ing of his organization to chart a future course,
and have its state sectional units reaffirm their
unit}-.
However, this week, over the signature of K
Thornton Kelly, executive secretarj-, a call was
issued for independent New York State ex-
hibitors to meet in Syracuse Tuesday, to form
a new Allied unit, to be affiliated with the Na-
tional Allied.
The meeting was described as "routine" with
few members in attendance. However, another
meeting was set for October 17th, at which time
affiliation with national Allied and the Cohen's
leadership, is to be discussed.
In attendance also were Sidney Samuelson,
member of the national Allied's executive board ;
Frank Lydon, eastern regional vice-president
of national Allied; Lee Newbury, president of
the New Jersej' Allied ; and Arthur Howard,
business manager of the Independent Theatre
Owners of New England, a national Allied
affiliate.
Mr. Cohen, in New York, branded the Syra-
cuse meeting a "fiasco."
Says Majority Favors National
Mr. Kelly declared that, on a state wide tour,
he found the majoritj' of the New York Allied's
members favorable to renewed affiliation with
national Allied.
Mr. Cohen replied to ^Ir. Kelly and to the
insurrection in his organization, in a written
statement, on Tuesday. Said he:
"These efforts point definitely to an attempt
on the part of national Allied to raid the mem-
bership of the New York Allied. New York
Allied suddenly has become the immediate con-
cern of the national Allied, and we wonder
whether the work of the New York Allied has
been so great and progressive that the national
organization fears that the New York AlUed
overshadows it in national importance."
Mr. Cohen's statement read Mr. Kelly out of
his organization.
He also claimed support of his local unit
INTERSTATE TO START
NEWSREEL THEATRE
A newsreel theatre showing more
than an hour of newsreel shots twice a
week, with the bill rounded out by
short sub]ects, will be inaugurated
Monday, October 9th by the Interstate
Circuit.
The Melba Theatre, in Dallas, has
been selected for the new presentation,
with Mrs. Besa Short, the circuit's
short subject head, will be in charge of
the program, and will work with a
journalist and a history professor in
addition to Ainsley Wood, manager of
the house.
The out/neak of the European war
is said to have been responsible for the
idea as conceived by James Oiven
Cherry, the circuit's city manager in
Dallas.
officers, including Rapley ^lerriam, Syracuse
regional vice-president
^Ir. Cohen blamed the national Allied leaders,
president Colonel H. A. Cole and Abraham F.
M5-ers general counsel for a "black outlook"
for independent exhibitors. He pointed out
that the Government suit, which they have de-
clared will, if victorious, make the lot of the
independent better, will take j'ears now, because
of the international situation : and that, if the
national Allied leaders had not rejected the code,
the independent exhibitor would have some
relief now.
"Because of their short-sightedness, and by
their refusal to continue negotiations," he said,
"they have swept aside any and all possibility
of the independent exhibitor receiving a 'bill of
rights.' They have filibustered and badgered
about, completely disregarding the all-important
fact : namely, that the independent exhibitor is
looking for relief now, not a decade hence."
Points to Record
In a supplemental bulletin, Mr. Cohen pointed
at the good record of his organization ; at its
opposition to various harmful measures in the
New York legislature, at its part in securing
of the government anti-trust suit against the
Schine circuit, at concessions gained from the
distributors.
The friction between '^ir. Cohen and the na-
tional Allied leaders came to public notice last
Alay, at the first annual convention of the New
York Allied. At that time, he and his organiza-
tion were forced to make public declarations of
loyaltj' to the Allied stand, but it was known
at the time that Air. Cohen regarded the national
leaders' refusal to accept the trade practice code
and insistence upon legislation and litigation as
an industr}^ cure-all, as incompatible with his
own views.
At mid-week, it appeared that the split in
the New York Allied would resolve into a break
between upstate and downstate exhibitors.
Mitchell Connery, regional Albany vice-presi-
dent, and operator of a circuit, was non-com-
mittal at the beginning of the week, on his
course. The Albany unit is an important cog
in the New York Allied.
The Michigan Allied, meeting from Monday
through Wednesday of this week at Kalamazoo.
that state, considered plans for a revival of the
trade practice code. Ray Branch, the unit's
president, had said in a pre-convention bulletin,
that he favored giving the code another chance,
and that it needed revival.
Ed Kuykendall, president of the ^Motion Pic-
ture Theatre Owners of America, will address
the meeting of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Western New York Alonday, in
Buffalo. A. C. Haj-man, president, will preside.
The Independent Theatre Owners of Arkan-
sas will meet in Little Rock, October 15th and
16th, in semi-annual convention.
Oklahoma Allied
Drops Buying Pool
At last week's Allied of Oklahoma convention,
at which officers were elected and at which
affiliation was voted with the national organiza-
tion. Colonel H. A. Cole, national Allied chief,
personally' aided the proceedings.
The organization dropped the proposed Okla-
homa buying pool, the success of which was to
have determined its adoption by all Allied units.
George Aliskovskj-, state representative, out-
lined his proposed chain store tax, which will
probably include theatres ; William High, an-
other state legislator, outlined the same type
legislation; Dr. W. B. Bizzell, president of the
University of Oklahoma, and Dr. A. B. Adams,
the imiversitj'' business school dean, spoke on
visual education and business monopolj', re-
spectively.
Connecticut Allied
Elects Officers
The Allied Theatres of Connecticut, meeting
in New Haven this Tuesday-, elected Al Schu-
man, president ; Charles Repass, first vice-presi-
dent ; Joseph Reed, second vice-president ; Bar-
ney Calechman, treasurer ; Lawrence C. Caplan,
executive secretary- ; Dr. J. B. Fishman, chair-
man of the board of directors.
Jersey Allied Vetoes
Admission Boosting
On Alonday, the Allied of New Jersey voted
against raising of theatre admission prices. It
was decided that economic trends should first
manifest themselves at the box-office before
decisions be made.
There were complaints, at the meeting, that
majors were violating their announced business
practice revisions, especially in cancellation and
shorts-forcing.
Wisconsin ITPA
Delays Activity
The death on Alonday, of president Charles
Maertz of the Wisconsin Independent Theatres
Protective Association, delayed for 30 days all
acti\-ities of the organization. The association
was scheduled to meet on October 23rd and 24th
in Alilwaukee. The association at a meeting last
week studied high film rentals.
Virginia MPTO To
Meet in January
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Vir-
ginia will meet in mid-winter convention at the
Hotel John Alarshall, Richmond, in January.
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
55
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE TAKES A VACATION : Penny Single-
ton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms — Radcliff of the "Cin-
cinnati Enquirer" classed this one as a "C" picture.
I was scared when it came time to play it. But to
my surprise it did top business for me and gave better
satisfaction than some of his graded "A" features,
which goes to show a critic is wrong about 60 per
cent of the time. Give me more "Blondies " Running
time, 72 minutes. — Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan,
Ind. General patronage.
CALIFORNIA FRONTIER: Buck Jones, Carmen
Bailey — Buck Jones still has many favorites here and
continues to be a continual stimulant to our hox of-
fice.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
COAST GUARD: Randolph Scott, Frances Dee,
Ralph Bellamy, Walter Connolly — Here is tops in any-
body's program. We feel that this picture would
draw in small towns where the fans crave action on
any day of the week. Just a swell picture for action
fans. Tops, excellent. The best picture that Scott
ever made and the balance of the cast does not do the
picture any harm. Running time, 72 minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town pat-
ronage.
GOOD GIRLS GO TO PARIS: Melvyn Douglas,
Joan Blondell, Walter Connolly — Melvyn Douglas and
Joan Blondell do very fine acting here. Picture is fine
light comedy and pleased all. Running time, 80 min-
utes.— Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind. General
patronage.
MAN FROM SUNDOWN, THE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers — A very good
western. Charles Starrett certainly holds a good place
among the best of the western stars. Songs in these
are very good, too. Westerns as they are made now
are gaining their place among the intellectuals. Play-
ed August 19.— B. F. Jackson, Delta Theatre, Rule-
ville. Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell — A very
fine picture in every respect. Fine directing, fine act-
ing and full of suspense. Just a little rough for my
lady trade, though. I didn't do the business I expect-
ed. Running time, 121 minutes. Flayed August 14-15.
— B. F. Jackson, Delta Theatre, Ruleville, Miss. Rural
and small town patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Gary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, Richard Barthelmess — We
gave this picture the works as we had entered the ex-
ploitation contest. But after we saw it we felt that
we really had something to sell. Business good. — Har-
land Rankin, Palaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can-
ada. General patronage.
PARENTS ON TRIAL: Jean Parker, Johnny Downs,
Noah Berry, Jr. — This is a "B" picture that clicked.
Nothing big but satisfactory. Running time, 57 min-
utes. Played August 22-23. — A. Goldson, Plaza Thea-
tre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
First National
ANGELS WASH THEIR FACES: "Dead End
Kids," Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan, Bonita Gran-
ville, Frankie Thomas — This was just fair. Some liked
it and some were disgusted so I recommend it for the
midweek change. Well directed poor story. — Charles
Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D. General pat-
ronage.
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G. Rob-
inson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas — I thought this
would prove a natural and it flopped. I guess I talked
too much about how true to fact it was. Mr. and
Mrs. Public want romance and fiction. If I even
whisper that the picture is factual they shun it like
a snake. I feel sure I slipped on this as the picture
was interesting and did please those who came. — •
Charles Lee Hyde, Grand "Theatre, Pierre, S. D. Gen-
eral patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald — This was
high class drama and heavy. Deserves to be shown
in every community but doesn't make people enjoy
themselves. It is a work of art and if you are fan
enough to enjoy movies for art's sake this will please.
If you want relaxation and pleasure, it certainly won't
fill the bill. — Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre,
S. D. Genera! patronage.
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart — A swell pic-
ture which contains the usual wonderful acting of
Bette Davis. I should say that George Brent always
comes forward perfectly with his part also. Give it
all you've got. It's OK. Running time, 106 minutes.
Played August 10-11.— B. F. Jackson, Delta Theatre,
Ruleville, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Geraldine Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart — If you want
satisfied patrons, play this one. Of course, farmers
will not come to see this type of picture but those who
did come were well satisfied. Bette certainly deserves
praise for this one. Running time, 106 minutes. Play-
ed August 27-28.— Edward W. Malone, Cozy Theatre,
Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: James Cagney, George Raft,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — This picture was played
in the Sunday spot and it definitely is not a Sunday
picture. It is grim, brutal and in spite of that they
liked it. The characterizations of the inmates (and it
all takes place in a big house) were great. Well di-
rected. Miss Bryan was very good in her role, as were
Cagney and Raft. Releases are not coming through
fast enough and that was the reason for the Sunday
date. But I would not want this type there if I could
avoid it. It is a better Friday-Saturday picture for
the small town and there it would be a natural. — A. E.
Hancock, Columbia Tlieatre, Columbia City, Ind. Gen-
eral patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien, Joan Blondell, May Robson — A good fun pic-
ture. This one killed May Robson. It will satisfy most
anyone, but business was bad. Running time, 90
minutes. Played September 20-21.— Edward W. Ma-
lone, Cozy Theatre, Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
NANCY DREW, REPORTER: Bonita Granville.
John Litel, Frankie Thomas — Good little action play
which pleased on family night, but failed to draw.
Running time, 68 minutes. Played September 19. —
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
Grand National
SIX-GUN RHYTHM: Tex Fletcher, Joan Barclay
— Best western played for months. Good singing and
plenty of action. "This is Fletcher's first picture. A
few more of him will make him have drawing power.
Played September 8-9.— W. T. Fay, Illinois Theatre,
Metropolis, 111. Rural patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
BURN 'EM UP O'CONNOR: Dennis O'Keefe, Ce-
cilia Parker — This picture drew fair. A good little
picture but not up to Metro's standard. Running
time, 86 minutes. Played August 16-17. — Edward W.
Malone, Cozy Theatre, Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
CITADEL, THE: Robert Donat, Rosalind Russell—
A very f.ne picture which did only normal business.
Nevertheless we cannot help but sing praises for this
picture and know your better class of peoole will en-
joy it. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS: Robert Donat. Greer Gar-
son — This started rather slow but fortunately it pick-
ed up as it went along. It might be what you would
call a prestige pictura. Highly appreciated by the au-
dience that likes the finer things. Donat turned in a
fine performance, as did Miss Garson, and this new
foreign menace definitely has that something that it
takes in a supporting role. — A. E. Hancock, Colum-
bit Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Lamarr — Good picture which failed to draw. Has a
tragic ending; is not a small town picture. Played
September 13-14. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
STRONGER THAN DESIRE: Walter Pidgeon,
Virginia Bruce — A good little picture, finished in
every respect, as only MGM can do, but still not
heavy enough for an extended run. The big complaint
from the audience is "Why don't they give Pidgeon
better parts?" That sums up the entire production.
Good but not good enough. Running time, 78 minutes.
— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny Weissmuller.
Maureen O'Sullivan — Pleased them all. A very good
jungle picture with plenty of action and comedy to
suit the majority of movie fans. Running time, 82
minutes. Played September 17-18. — A. Goldson, Plaza
Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny Weissmuller,
Maureen O'Sullivan, John Sheffield — A picture which
is even better than the good business it does. Give
us more of these, Mr. Lion, and we don't care how
loud you roar. Some of the most beautiful scenes I
have ever seen and the kid in this picture is as good
as they come. Running time, 82 minutes. Played
August 28-29.— B. F. Jackson, Delta Theatre, Rule-
ville, Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
THREE COMRADES: Robert Taylor, Robert Young,
Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone — Especially timely
now. Upped business considerably and picture is ex-
cellent. Played September 13-15.— W. C. Lewellen,
Uptown Theatre, Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
WIZARD OF OZ, THE: Judy Garland, Frank
Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie
Burke, Margaret Hamilton — A perfect picture. Not
much can be said about this super production that
with the advertising that Metro gave this picture this
attendance should be more than satisfying. Top play-
ing time. Running time, 100 minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Rosahnd Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine,
Mary Boland, Virginia Weidler — Two hours and half
of picture full of women and not a man in it. Dif-
ficult to sell, in my opinion. Mailed cards to "ladies
only" mailing list. Women came and liked it; some
raved about it and strange to say the men seemed to
enjoy it as well. I anticipated some male walkouts,
but nary a one. The picture has something. If you
can sell it your worries are over. Running time, 137
minutes. Flayed September 24-25. — E. A. Reynolds.
.Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small town and
rural patronage.
Paramount
HOTEL IMPERIAL: Isa Miranda, Ray Milland—
This was fair entertainment. Rather followed the old
classic "Grand Hotel," but didn't have enough box of-
fice names to draw a crowd. It classifies as one of
the "neutrals," has no friends nor no enemies. —
Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D.
General patronage.
INVITATION TO HAPPINESS: Fred MacMurray.
Irene Dunne — Another production that disappointed
both Paramount and me. I guess I just haven't ad-
justed myself to poor business, but be that as it may
the peoole who came liked the picture. — Charles Lee
Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D. General patron-
age.
ISLAND OF LOST MEN: Anna May _ Wong, J.
Carroll Naish, Anthony Quinn — Average picture that
failed to get extra response from our easy-to-please
audience. Running time, 63 minutes. Played Septem-
ber 16-19.— W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Theatre, Pueblo,
Colo. General patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Edward Arnold, Binnie Barnes, Rochester — I
(.Continued on following page)
56
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
(.Continued from preceding page)
played this on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday to poor busi-
ness. It cost me 57% of the gross. I can remember
back some months ago when I was talking to film
salesmen and it was mentioned that "if the pictures
don't earn it we won't take it. You can always de-
pend upon us to adjust prices to fit the conditions.'
Yes, you can, if one lives long enough. — Charles Lee
Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D. General pat-
ronage.
MIDNIGHT: Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, Fran-
cis Lederer, John Barrymore, Mary Astor— This was
a swell show and people did not seem to want to see
it. I was very pleased with the entertainment and
disappointed in the crowd. So was Paramount and
their checker, as they called him oflf on the second
night.— Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre,
S. D. General patronage.
NIGHT WORK: Charles Ruggles, Mary Boland—
Ruggles and Boland team still good here. Pleased all.
Played September 9-12.— W. C. Lewellen, Uptown
■nieatre. Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
NIGHT WORK: Mary Boland, Charles Ruggles—
This is the kind of a program picture that if you
charged them a dime for seeing it they think you
will have gypped them. A lot of the audience walked
out on it and you know that they are justified. — A.
E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind.
General patronage.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: Bob Hope, Shirley Ross,
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra, Una Merkel — Tliis
one is a cluck. Hope was terrible and so was Shirley
Ross. It was so hot that patrons got burned the first
night and walked out. Gene Krupa's Band very good.
Running time, 65 minutes. — Jim Haney, Milan Thea-
tre, Milan, Ind. General patronage.
STAR MAKER, THE: Binir Crosby, Louise Camp-
bell, Ned Sparks, Linda Ware — I thought this a
pretty good picture but some of my customers didn't
like it. Business was only fair. Running time, 94 min-
utes. Played September 20-21.— E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
Republic
BLUE MONTANA SKIES: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette, Jnne Storey — This was a good western.
Gene is the best bet I have for outdoor adventure
pictures. — Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre,
S. D'. General patronage.
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MAN OF CONQUEST: Richard Dix, Gail Patrick,
Edward Ellis, Joan Fontaine — If any of the majors had
this on their programs, it would have been in the
higher brackets. They would probably tell us it was
another $3,000,000 picture and soaked us accordingly.
Very good. Plenty of action, good direction. Run-
ning time, 98 minutes. Played August 27-28. — A. Gold-
son, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
WESTERN JAMBOREE: Gene Autry, Smiley Bur-
nette— Autrys always do business in tis town. This
is the same kind of a horse opera as the rest of the
Autrys. I can't see why they can't give him a good
story to work on. I can't see why he has kept his
popularity as long as this. Running time, 56 minutes.
Played August 18-19.— Edward W. Malone, Cozy Thea-
tre, Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
WOMAN DOCTOR: Frieda Inescort, Henry Wil-
coxon, Claire Dodd, Sybil Jason — This drama is above
average from Republic. Pleased fair business. Run-
ning time, 65 minutes. Played September 17-18. — E.
M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
AGEiVCY, INC.
\^^^ N AT lOK - V/ID
E RAIt-AIR SERVI
C E S^NXN^
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David
Niven, Charles Coburn — This was swell entertainment
and did the best business I have donel since April for
the amount of advertising I put into it. Ginger is
popular and more so since playing in this picture. —
Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D. Gen-
eral patronage.
BACHELOR MOTHER: Ginger Rogers, David
Niven, Charles Coburn — Picture thoroughly enjoyed.
Comedy paced fast and gag lines often overlapping.
Audience on the alert constantly so as not to miss
any part of it. This picture further enhances Rogers*
star stock and all had a nice word for Niven. Pleasing
entertainment. Running time, 82 minutes. — E. A.
Reynolds, Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small
town and rural patronage.
CAREER: Anne Shirley, Edward Ellis, Alice Eden,
John Archer — This Gateway to Hollywood^ thing
should have done more business, in my opinion. All
winter and spring radio buildup of Eden and Archer
petered out by time picture released. Story and pro-
duction OK for small towns and cast did well enough.
Perhaps I expected too much. Running time, 80 min-
utes. Played September 23. — E. A. Reynolds, Strand
Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small town and rural pat-
ronage.
FIVE CAME BACK: Chester Morris, Lucille Ball,
Wendy Barrie — A tense drama, exceptionally well pre-
sented, but our business was below normal. Flayed
August 30-31.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus,
N. Y. Family patronage.
GIRL FROM MEXICO: Lupe Velez, Leon Errol—
The audience enjoyed this one. Plenty of laughs. Run-
ning time, 72 minutes. Played August 25-26. — A. Gold-
son, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
IN NAME ONLY: Carole Lombard, Gary Grant,
Kay Francis — Very good. One of those two women
and one man triangles. Grand stars that put it over
with a bang and should do good average business in
extended runs. Not big by any manner of means and
McPhee knows. One of those good "B" pictures that
we have to play extended run because there is noth-
ing better and keeps the exhibitor from making money.
Running time. 94 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKENS: Ruby Keeler,
Anne Shirley. Fay Bainter, James Ellison — Played it
weekend. People enjoyed it very much. Business
better than average. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre,
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
PECK'S BAD BOY AT THE CIRCUS: Tommy
Kelly, Edgar Kennedy, Spanky MacFarland — Seemed
to please. Attendance fair. Played September 9. — C.
W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family
patronage.
SAINT IN LONDON: George Sanders, Shirley
Grey — This is just another picture. No one razzed
it but no one wanted to see it. These series pictures
are above the ordinary draw of "B" productions, but
at that they don't make film rental on a midweek
change. — Charles Lee Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre,
S. D. General patronage.
FIVE CAME BACK: Chester Morris, Wendy
Barrie. Lucille Ball — They all gave top reports on
this. A good picture for any program. Running time,
74 minutes. Played September 22-23. — A. Goldson,
Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE:
Basil Rathbone. Ida Lunino, Nigel Bruce — Disappoint-
ing to our audience and at the box office. Comment
on this one was poor. Player September 9-12. — W. C.
Lewellen, Uptown Theatre, Pueblo, Colo. General pat-
ronage.
CHARLIE CHAN IN RENO: Sidney Toler, Phyllis
Brooks, Ricardo Cortez — Just the second half of a
double feature program. Nothing more. Running time,
71 minutes. Played September 19-20. — A. Goldson,
Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
"This department of your
magazine is really a great aid
to me," writes Everett Clapp,
American theatre, Sidell, III.
Contributing the reports on
products which appear over his
name in the columns this week,
Mr. Clapp adds:
"Perhaps there will be some-
thing here which will be of
benefit to someone else."
FRONTIER MARSHAL: Randolph Scott, Nancy
Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes — I, myself,
thought this was a very interesting picture. I was
not sorry I played it on Sunday. EWd above average
business. Running time, 71 minutes. Played Septem-
ber 3.4. — Frank E. Rider, Chateau Theatre, Wauneta,
Neb. General patronage.
GORILLA, THE: Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise
Patsy Kelly, Bela Lugosi — Ritz Bros, always terrible.
Audience just can't stand them. More complaints than
ever heard on my show. Watson, the needle please.
Running time, 66 minutes. — Jim Haney, MUan Thea-
tre, Milan, Ind. General patronage.
GORILLA, THE: Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise,
Patsy Kelly, Bela Lugosi— A natural for Saturday
night or any midnight show. One of the best spook
comedies I have seen. You will have to handle it just
right and you can do some business. Running time,
66 minutes. Played August 23. — B. F. Jackson, Delta
Theatre, Ruleville, Miss. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, THE: Rich-
ard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigel
Bruce — A very fine picture which will please all who
see it. A natural for midnight shows. Running time,
80 minutes. — B. F. Jackson, Delta Theatre, Ruleville,
Miss. Rural and small town patronage.
HOUND OF THE BASKERSVILLES, THE: Rich-
ard Greene, Basil Rathbone, Wendy Barrie, Nigei
Bruce — This is the first spook show that I have play-
ed in this town and it seemed to go over very good.
A dandy picture that will please everyone who likes
horror pictures. Running time, 80 minutes. Played
September 13-14. — Edward W. Malone, Cozy Theatre,
Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
JONES FAMILY IN "QUICK MILXJONS": Jed
Prouty, Spring Byington, Eddie Collins — Eddie Collins
really makes this Jones Family hit the best of 'em
all. Our hat's off to Eddie and he really had them
belly laughing here. Running time, 65 minutes. Play-
ed September 16-19. — W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Thea-
tre, Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
JONES FAMILY IN "QUICK MILLIONS": Jed
Prouty, Spring Byington — Very funny picture. Played
it double bill with "Woman Doctor" and it pleased.
Running time, 60 minutes. Played September 17-18.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
MR. MOTO TAKES A CHANCE: Peter Lorre, Ro-
chelle Hudson, Robert Kent — We had a men's imper-
sonation contest that broke our Friday records so we
cannot give this picture the credit. However, every-
one seems to like it. Many thanks to my western
Canada friends for the enthusiastic way you have
been reading our reports. We're only sorry that more
exhibitors don't give a little of their time. Mr. Lew
Plottel and Harry Allen bring us their reports. These
fellows are very fine chaps. We hope you like Har-
vey Hornick and Hat Taylor. Be careful of that man
Hornick. You just can't resist him. Let's hear from
some of you. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til-
bury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE: Alice Faye,
Tyrone Power, Al Jolson — After "Dodge City" I
didn't think anyone would come to see a picture like
this, but they did. This is a good little show, and is AJ
Jolson good in this one! He certainly made a great
comeback. Running time, 86 minutes. Played Sep-
tember 10-11.— Edward W. Malone, Cozy Theatre,
Colfax, Wis. Rural patronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee, Edna May Oliver — Swell. It even pleased
me! Grossed more and was better liked than "Rose
of Washington Square," although it was in a lower
allocation. Played September 3-4, — Everett Clapp,
American Theatre, 111. Rural patronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee, Edna May Oliver — Our patrons were
pleased but personally we did not think the picture
was as strong as her previous efforts. Business was
fair. Played September 6-7. — C. W. Mills, Arcade
Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee, Edna May Oliver — Did fair business but
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
57
THREE MORE SHOWMEN
JOIN CORRESPONDENTS
Three neiv co7itribjitors to "What
the Picture Did for Me" in this issue
are the following, two from Illinois,
one from Minnesota:
Everett Clapp, American theatre,
Sidell, 111.
W. T. Fay, Illinois theatre, Metropo-
lis, 111.
E. A. Reynolds, Strand theatre,
Princeton, Minn.
Mr. Reynolds' name appeared in the
columns of the department back in
1935.
nothing big. I did not think the story was very-
strong. Running time, 87 minutes. Played September
17-19.— Frank E. Rider, Chateau Theatre, Wauneta,
Neb. General patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, THE:
Don Ameche, Loretta Young, Henry Fonda, Young
Sisters — A very fine picture that drew fairly well.
Pleased all.— Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind.
General patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, THE:
Loretta Young, Don Ameche, Henry Fonda, Young
Sisters — A very fine picture which failed to draw. I
would say that this picture should be played by
everyone but not in preferred playing time as it will
not do business. Will be thoroughly enjoyed by all
intellectual people who see it though. Running time,
97 minutes. Played August 7-8.— B. F. Jackson, Delta
Theatre, Ruleville, Miss. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple, Randolph Scott, Margaret Lockwood — A very
good picture but, Shirley, we are so very sorry that
you had to grow a little. Your pictures are as good
as ever but we cannot count on you paying off our
mortgages as you once did. We are all for you,
though, aind you've certainly got what it takes. When
you get a little older, you'll still be tops. We could
all write for an hour on your good points without
ever mentioning one bad one. Running time, 78 min-
utes. Played August 21-22.— B. F. Jackson, Delta
■Theatre, Ruleville, Miss. Rural and small town pat-
ronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan — This is
without doubt the greatest picture that I have ever
played. Fonda is tops here. His name means packed
houses. Three days (o dandy business. Running time,
87 minutes.— Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind.
General patronage.
United Artists
DUKE OF WEST POINT: Louis Hayward, Joan
Fontaine, Tom Brown, Richard Carlson — I cannot hon-
estly tell you why but we just barely made film
rental on this picture. I believe it was due to a sud-
den September heat wave. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
MAN IN THE IRON MASK, THE: Louis Hayward,
Joan Bennett, Warren William, Joseph Schildkraut,
Alan Hale— Grand picture, big enough for extended
runs in any spot, but you must take in consideration
that one of those king and queen things never clicked
yet. It's not American. Running time, 110 minutes. —
W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine.
General patronage.
THEY SHALL HAVE MUSIC: Jascha Heifetz,
Andrea Leeds, Joel McCrea, Gene Reynolds — Just a
good "B" picture not strong enough for extended
runs. One of those "B" pictures all distributors have
been stretching into extended runs for last three years.
It'll please but just lacks the wallop to make it big.
Running time. 111 minutes. — W. E. McFhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
WINTER CARNIVAL: Ann Sheridan, Richard Carl-
son, Helen Parrish, Robert Armstrong — Every one
thought this was a very weak sister. Good for mid-
week only. Running time, 91 minutes. — Frank E.
Rider, Chateau Theatre, Wauneta, Neb. General pat-
ronage.
ZENOBIA: Oliver Hardy, Harry Langdon, Billie
Burke, James Ellison, Alice Brady, June Lang, Jean
Parker — Paging Mr. Laurel. This picture isn't funny.
Oliver, you and Stan better kiss and make up or
you'll probably have to become a hermit. Running
time, 72 minutes. Played September 17-18.— R. Gold-
son, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
Universal
EAST SIDE OF HEAVEN: Bing Crosby, Joan
Blondell, Mischa Auer, Baby Sandy — A good picture
with anything you want in it I Running time, 88 min-
utes. Played September 20-22.— W. C. Lewellen, Up-
town Theatre, Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
FORGOTTEN WOMAN, THE: Sigrid Gurie, Don-
ald Eriggs — Got off to below normal biz on this. A
fan picture that failed to click. Running time, 67
minutes. Played September 20-22.— W. C. Lewellen,
Uptown Theatre, Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
GHOST TOWN RIDERS: Bob Baker— A little bet-
ter than average western which did not draw the usual
business. The weather was hot. Played September 2.
— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family
patronage.
MIKADO, THE: Kenny Baker, Jean Colin— A_ dud
if there ever was one. Those who came were disap-
pointed. Not good enough for the third feature on a
triple bill. To add injury to insult they made it run
91 minutes. Running time, 91 minutes. Flayed August
2S-26.— A. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Gen-
eral patronage.
MUTINY ON THE BLACKHAWK: Richard Ar-
len, Andy Devine, Constance Moore — Generally impos-
sible but few action scenes bring it out of doldrums a
little. Played September 13-15.— W. C. Lewellen, Up-
town Theatre, Pueblo, Colo. General patronage.
SON OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE: Basil Rathbone,
Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Josephine Hutchinson—
Horror pictures seem to be on their way out with our
audiences. We played it one night of Joe Louis fight,
other night on our festival night. Business poor. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario.
Canada. General patronage.
Warner Brothers
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — This was a fine entertainment.
Beautiful color and fine production. It did much less
business than "Union Pacific," but judge it merely
suffered from the fact that the other one ran first. It
is in the top bracket. O.K. — Charles Lee Hyde, Grand
Theatre, Pierre, S. D. General patronage.
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory — Played this one three days, and
did it bring them in! It topped all other box office
receipts by a good margin. A picture like this will do
business anywhere. Running time, 104 minutes. Sep-
tember 2-4. — Edward W. Malone, Cozy Theatre, Col-
fax, Wis. Rural patronage.
HELL'S KITCHEN: "Dead End Kinds," Margaret
Lindsay, Ronald Reagan — Every one enjoyed this im-
mensely. Very good. Running time, 81 minutes. Play-
ed September 22-23.— Frank E. Rider, Chateau Theatre,
Wauneta, Neb. General patronage.
JUAREZ: Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne,
John Garfield, Claude Rains — This was a great pic-
ture, historically fine and dramatically a knockout.
Didn't do big business but showed class all the way
through and is a credit to any house. The kind of
picture that makes them appreciate the light teughter
stufif more and should have enough to these to bal-
ance up a monthly program. About two a month is
plenty out of a twelve a month change. — Charles Lee
Hyde, Grand Theatre, Pierre, S. D. General pat-
ronage.
JUAREZ: Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne,
John Garfield, Claude Rains — This picture from a
company which has led the field in action pictures
is somewhat of a letdown. Just more proof that the
best diretcion of the best cast in the world with the
finest plot doesn't mean a thing when paper and
trailer is filled with gold braid and fluff. Trailer did
more harm than good. Performance excellent. Run-
ning time, 127 minutes. Flayed September 17-18. — E.
A. Reynolds, Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small
town and rural patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan, Gale Page, Ronald Reagan — If there was ever a
good chance to ruin Ann Sheridan's "Oomph," this
was it. Very light entertainment and certainly not
big enough for Sunday. Running time, 90 minutes. —
Frank E. Rider, Chateau Theatre, Wauneta, Neb.
General patronage.
OKLAHOMA KID: James Cagney, Rosemary Lane,
Humphrey Bogart — Cagney is wonderful in this pic-
ture. It did a little extra business but not as much as
I expected. You can't go wrong with this one. Run-
ning time, 80 minutes. Played August 20-21. — Edward
W. Malone, Cozy Theatre, Colfax, Wis. Rural pat-
ronage.
WATERFRONT: Gloria Dickson, Dennis Morgan,
Marie Wilson— Entertaining programmer that pleased
generally. Second half in the big towns. Running
time, 59 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre.
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
FLASH! JUST BOOKED!
50 WARNER THEATRES
PHILA. TERRITORY
58
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
DRIFTWOOD OF WAR STORM DELAYS
BRITISH INDUSTRY ON ROAD BACK
Disturbed Releases, Slow Pay-
ment of Rentals, Delayed
Shipments Present Problems;
Quota Retention Demanded
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Though superficially the ancient British
motto of "Business as usual" may seem,
even in these first bitter weeks of the war,
to be no less dominant than ever, indications
are that beneath the surface the details of
that business and its operations are not quite
as usual. Picture houses are open again,
and the masses are flocking to them, but
close examination of the substructure on
which this citadel of native normalcy is built
reveals that the process has not been with-
out its difficulties.
This week British producers, fearing
monopolization of the British screen by for-
eign picture makers, meaning Americans,
launched a campaign for retention of the
Films Act, and circularized every member
of Parliament. At a cocktail party' Monday
the press was urged to support the move-
ment. Among industry leaders present were
Capt. Richard Norton, Michael Balcon,
Gabriel Pascal, Maurice Ostrer. John Max-
well, head of Associated British Pictures,
was not at the meeting.
May Drop Exhibitor Quota
The first coherent indication of the Govern-
ment's intentions towards the Films Act was
given Tuesday in the House of Lords by Lord
Templemore, spokesman for the Board of Trade.
He suggested that the Government was consid-
ering the abolition of the exhibitors' quota
while retaining the renters' quota. He said it
was unreasonable to expect exhibitors to accept
the requisite proportion of British films if they
were locally restricted on openings.
Exhibitors and renters both have had, and to
some extent are still having, to pay a more
than normally uneasy price to enable the in-
dustry to carrj' on and to supply what it would
seem the Government regards as a vital public
ser\4ce. Difficulties of booking and of payment,
of transport and marketing, have been there for
both sides to contend with, difficulties which
now, thanks to impartial study and zealous re-
gard for common rather than sectional welfare,
would seem near to complete solution.
Outstanding of exhibitor difficulties has been
the release situation created by the time lag
in reopening picture houses. With certain
cinemas opening a week ahead of others, many
first-runs were reduced by the delay to second-
run houses. Among those worst hit were the
circuits.
Compromise Reached
A happy formula of compromise has been ar-
rived at, and it is on the cards that by the
second week in October the trade, from a book-
ing and release point of view, will revert to
normal.
Exhibitors' delays in paying for films have
called forth a cri de coeur from the distributing
group, a cry willinglj' echoed by the exhibitors'
own organization. Not more than twenty per
cent of exhibitors had paid their appropriate
moneys in the first days of the war, it is pointed
out With unity from both sides of the table
BRITISH BAN OWN
PROPAGANDA FILM
The British Air Ministry has banned
their own war propaganda film "An
Englishman's Home," in which enemy
troops are dropped by parachute on
English soil, according to a dispatch
to the New York Times from London.
Although an Air Ministry official
helped direct the film and it was passed
by the Ministry of Information and
the British board of film censors, the
officials reconsidered their decision and
evidently decided that this was no sub-
ject to cheer 7ip the British public at
the moment to say nothing of its even-
tual effect.
in the cry "Pay up and pay up promptly," and
with other factors removed this too would seem
likely of adjustment.
The difficulties of getting films and getting
them in time, for the most part a result of the
renters' somewhat precipitate evacuation rush,
but also due to transport complications due in
turn to commandeerings and to petrol rationing-,
have likewise provoked exhibitor complaint.
This is a matter which time will right.
Prices and Programs
The matter of seat pricing, of matinee tariffs,
of abbreviated programs, and of course of West
End opening, have, too, presented pretty prob-
lems.
Despite these incidental obstacles to straight-
forward procedure, business is as close to nor-
mal as conditions would permit, far closer than
anyone four weeks ago, foreseeing the cata-
clysm in Europe, would have believed possible.
Most vexed of exhibitor difficulties was the
tangle on release dates created by the week's
delay to which many picture houses were sub-
jected in reopening, and which, since exhibitors
were to carrj' on with their bookings as they
reopened, played havoc with first and second
runs. The first solution proffered was the pro-
vision of a substitute program, a solution im-
mediately challenged by exhibitors on the vital
question of film hire and exact terms. Prices
are, ostensibly, not a matter upon which the
Kinematograph Renters Societj' as a body has
authoritj' to decide, though a solution might be
arrived at by joint negotiation with the exhibi-
tors body. Nor was exhibitor enthusiasm
marked for what was colloquially termed the
"scratch program," suspicions being open 'and
undisguised not only about terms but likewise
about the dangers of being handed inferior
product. Nor was KRS unity notable on the
idea. Only nine of the Council were favourable.
Formula Agreed Upon
Eventually, after long, laborious but frank
and dispassionate joint discussion this formula
was agreed upon. October 9th has been set
apart for cinemas closed for one week to be
supplied with a substitute program for which
thej' will not be charged more than 25 per cent,
or alternatively an agreed flat rate. The pro-
gram would be bookable from any distributing
house.
The ob\-ious difficulties created in the pre-
Christmas weeks, one of the most difficult peri-
ods of the exhibitor's year, were to be over-
come by transferring all programs booked for
December 11th and 18th to later dates six
months ahead, with all subsequent runs to these
releases transferred to dates corresponding to
prior run rights. For those exhibitors not run-
ning release films on these dates ordinary trans-
fer machinery will operate ad lib.
Protest Payment Delays
From the distributors' camp during these per-
ilous and troubled days the most lachrymose
cries have been over the exhibitor's unwilling-
ness to pay what he owed. Already this page
has chronicled the renters' estimate that pay-
ments due were 400 per cent more than pay-
ments made. The complaint was not ignored
in the exhibitor camp. The Cinematograph Ex-
hibitors Association has joined with the KRS
in appealing to its members to pay up, empha-
sizing the essential role the renters were ful-
filling, the difficulties under which they were
trading at presest, and the urgency of a prompt
return to normal on all sides. It might be irk-
some to pay up, suggested the CEA but, with
a touch of ginger in its sympathy, it added it
would avoid "the introduction of conditions . . .
which otherwise the renters might find them-
selves called upon to adopt."
There may have been and may still be ex-
hibitors ready to exploit the present circum-
stances to their own ends, but they are certainly
exceptional. There are, too, exhibitors who
protest that renters are very greatly to blame
themselves for the dislocation which has caused
the delay, a dislocation of transport and ac-
countancy, of distribution and normal dealing.
In the rush of evacuation, say some, renters
even failed to submit accounts and then grum-
bled that the accounts had not been paid. Others
objected to paying promptly for substitute pro-
grams of indifferent films for which they were
asked to pay the forty per cent agreed upon for
the films they did not receive.
Monkey Wrenches
Nor have renters been alone in suggesting
that exhibitors themselves have not helped their
own trade in pandering to war nerves. Over-
sandbagging of cinemas, exploitation to undue
degree of the ARP (Air Raid Precautions)
element, nervous playing up to the fear of air
raids, are, they suggest, direct if unconsciously
known monkey wrenches in the machinery of
good business.
Outside students of the trade scene, however,
see other factors, for which neither renter nor
distributor can be held responsible. Many
houses are doing better business than for many
months. Queues are not imknown. House
records have gone west in some places. In the
West End daily grosses have been as low as
£30 ($120) and seldom over £50. Independent
exhibitors in evacuated areas are currently tak-
ing i6 and £7 a night, not enough to pay their
wages bills.
To meet these conditions exhibitors and rent-
ers are adjusting themselves and their trade.
Bargain matinees, at first abolished, are steadi-
ly returning. Single features and two hour
programs instituted on the Odeon circuit may
be more generally adopted. Organists have
been dismissed from the Associated British
houses. Some of the Gaumont theatres have
have closed because of the restricted opening
hours. However, the Home Office is doing
something about that and six larger houses on
the fringe of the West End now are permitted
to remain open until 10 P.!M.
War has a knack of cementing together
grades and sections of society. This has been
as true of the film industrj* as of any other
sector of society.
October 7. 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
59
IN COURTS
Fox Hearings Now Wait
On Inquiry by Cahill
John C. Knox, federal judge, this week
appointed Nathan A. Smyth as special mas-
ter to hear the results of an investigation
into the affairs of Fox Theatres Corpora-
tion now being conducted by United States
Attorney John T. Cahill. Judge Knox's
opinion said that hearings on objections
raised by creditors to the final report and
accounting of Milton C. Weisman as re-
ceiver must wait until Mr. Cahill's investiga-
tion had disclosed whether further hearings
were warranted.
This must be done, Judge Knox said, to
prevent the unnecessary expenditure of funds
for hearings and at the same time facilitate
a hearing on the charges. A stockholders'
protective committee and The Trust Com-
pany of Georgia are contending that the
estate has been depleted through misap-
propriations and waste.
Suit Against Fox
Theatres Barred
Lazfox, Inc., has been barred from continuing
a $100,000 breach of contract suit against
Skouras Theatres Corporation, Fox Theatres
Corporation and Fox Metropolitan Playhouses,
Inc., under an order signed this week by New
York supreme court justice Church.
Lazfox contended in its suit that the defend-
ants had violated an agreement made in 1931
which had awarded it the candy selling con-
cession to the defendants' New England thea-
tres. Justice Church ordered the preclusion
when the president of Lazfox failed to appear
for testimony before trial.
Seek Verdict Change
United Artists Corporation this week peti-
tioned the appellate division of the New York
supreme court to set aside a verdict of a jury
which awarded $250,000, inclusive of interest,
against it to William S. and Mary Hart, in the
suit involving "Tumbleweeds." The court re-
served decision.
File Plagiarism Suit
Paramount Pictures, Inc., and Charles Beahan
were named defendants this week in a plagiarism
suit filed in the United States district court in
New York by Eobert L. Buckner, who charged
Paramount with infringing upon a play, "Dear-
ly Beloved," written by him and Mr. Beahan
in the film "Midnight." Mr. Beahan was named
defendant because he allegedly refused to join
in the suit.
New Bartholomew Suit
Freddie Bartholomew filed suit in Los
Angeles this week against his mother, father
and other relatives charging that they kept him
in court so much that he did not have time to
act properly in films and that their legal actions
cost him so much he could save hardly a dime
from his $2,900 weekly salary. He seeks an
order compelling his relatives to stop suing him.
Nebraska Theatre Suit
A suit for damages totaling $4,350 has been
filed in district court in Falls City, Nebr.,
against Oscar W. Hanson of Omaha by Dorwin
L. Frank and L. M. Billings of Humboldt, Nebr.
The plaintiffs charge fraud and misrepresenta-
tion, claiming the defendant failed to carry out
the terms of an agreement involving the Plaza
and Schuler theatres in Humboldt.
Question No, 3 in the
Bluebook School
The Bluebook School, conducted in the
Herald for many years by F. hi. Richard-
son, has been resumed, based on the new
Second Revision of the Sixth Edition of
Mr. Richardson's Bluebook of Projection.
Under the new presentation of the mate-
rial, projectionists are asked to submit
answers, as formerly, but often the answer
that will be published will be that of
Mr. Richardson himself, or of other spe-
cialists in projection and sound. This pro-
cedure has been adopted with the thought
that it will serve the real purpose of the
"school": to encourage and assist in study
and at the same time facilitate preparation
of effective answers.
The first question, which appeared In the
Issued of September 2nd, and the second,
in last week's Issue, are as follows:
QUESTION NO. I: What is feedback?
Reverse feedback? In+erelectrode capaci-
tance? Oscillation?
QUESTION NO. 2: (a) What is exact
width of 35 mm. film sound track?
(b) What characteristics of the film con-
cern projectionists most? (c) Describe, in
detail, correct method of making film
splices.
QUESTION NO. 3— Name two classes
of circuits found in modern amplifiers?
What types of electrical power are re-
quired by sound systems? What apparatus
in an amplifier functions as an electrical
valve and why is It not called a valve, In
this country at least?
Answers will begin to appear as soon
as several questions have been submitted.
Advertiser Shows
All Color Feature
A five-reel feature in color, produced as
a public relations film for Westinghouse and
designed for both theatrical and non-the-
atrical exhibition, was shown to advertising
executives and the film trade press at a re-
ception and screening at the Hotel Waldorf
Astoria, New York, on Wednesday.
The film, entitled "The Middleton Family
at the New York World's Fair," tells a story
of American family life set chiefly against
the background of the Fair. One of the
principals is employed at the Westinghouse
exhibit and the picture thus shows this ex-
hibit in detail.
Produced by Audio Productions, Inc., at
the Eastern Service Studios on Long
Island, the film will be distributed by Mod-
ern Talking Picture Service, Inc., 9 Rocke-
feller Plaza, New York. F. H. Arling-
haus, president of Modern Talking, has
announced that prints will be delivered to
any exhibitor expressing a desire to show
the picture and that no non-theatrical show-
ings will be held in territories where such
theatrical exhibition has taken place.
OBITUARIES
E. F. Maertz Dies:
Exhibitor Leader
E. F. Maertz, 56, president of the Inde-
pendent Theatres Protective Association of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, died in Mil-
waukee October 1st. Mr. Maertz managed
the Paris theatre, Milwaukee, in 1913 ; built
the Comfort theatre in that city in 1914,
and the Zenith, also in Milwaukee, in 1927,
and has operated it ever since.
New York Services
Held for Laemmie
Friends and former associates of the late Carl
Laemmie, who died in Hollywood September
24th at the age of 72, held services in his
memory at the West End Synagogue, New
York, Friday. Rabbi Nathan Stern officiated.
The honorary committee in charge included
Leo Abrams, Barney Balaban, Nate J. Blum-
berg, Jack Cohn, Ned E. Depinet, James R.
Grainger, Hal Hode, Red Kann, Jules Levy,
B. S. Moss, Herman Robbins, E. M. Saunders,
Nicholas M. Schcnck, Pete Siebel and Herman
Stern.
A similar service was held the same day m
Chicago.
Herbert Gentner Dead
Herbert W. Gentner, 47, Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer office manager in ICansas City, died there
September 28th. He was with the company 11
years, starting as cashier at the New York
exchange. He was transferred to Pittsburgh in
1929, remaining there to January of this year,
when he was shifted to Kansas City.
Louis Plate
Louis Plate, 78, retired exhibitor and for a
number of years vice-president of the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of Milwaukee, died
in Milwaukee October 1st. Mr. Plate owned
the Climax, a neighborhood house for 30 years.
He retired 10 years ago.
George Daws
George Daws, 38, publicity man and writer,
died October 1st in New York. At his death
Mr. Daws was associated with Earl Newsom &
Company, public relations company. He pre-
viously had been employed as a publicity agent
by Sam Goldwyn and Warner Brothers.
Disney Suit Filed
Vincent I. Whitman has brought suit against
Walt Disney and RKO claiming patent in-
fringement, involving a composite system of
motion picture photography, whereby a portion
of a still background scene pictorially recorded,
is photographed in superimposed relation on
visual actions which occur in the foreground.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and the
forthcoming "Pinocchio" are involved. An in-
junction against both films and treble damages
are sought.
Reopenings and openings in the New
Haven territory include Lee Malcarni's
Deep River theatre, October 1st; The To-
rans Amusement Corporation's newly con-
structed State theatre, in Jewett City, opened
two weeks ago; Al Pickus' renovated Fair-
mont, now operating; Robert Schwartz'
new Park Playhouse, in Thomaston, opened
Wednesday; the Fishman Theatres' Win-
chester, now operating; Warners' Tremont,
in Ansonia, now operating; Loew's Lyric,
now operating on a weekend policy.
Natale DiFrancesco has begun construc-
tion of a 350-seat house in Cheshire.
For Attention 'Value !
For Selling "Punch!
For Dependability!
For Low Costs !
For Ticket 'Selling!
ATIONAL SCREEN
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For rapid-fire, quick-action, forceful, dramatic all-round
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SERVICE
nF^ TUir innacTau
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
MANAGERS
ROUND
iiAn international association of showmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
CLOSER TO HOME
In these times of industry stress, the accent in the public
prints is acutely upon the need for more effective showman-
ship in exhibition. There is opinion that, if exhibitors further
exert themselves in the cause of better boxoffice, an important
part of the slack might be taken up.
That "taking up" most often would have considerable to do
with the manager. He is the lad who does the pulling and
hauling. The more spirited and consistent the pull, the bigger
the haul. Thus, everything should be done, especially now, to
encourage the able theatreman. Definitely, nothing to dis-
courage his quest for better grosses.
Bearing upon this, now comes information via one of this
department's favorite scouts whose authority is not to be ques-
tioned. In a neighboring community a decidedly talented
Round Tabler was engaged to put over a sickly theatre. His
salary was modest, with a sharing arrangement over a weekly
gross set by the exhibitor. The manager bestirred himself
mightily and in not too long a time pushed the gross com-
fortably over the set figure. The same week he was discharged.
The instance may not be typical. But it Is hardly an isolated
one. Industry heads now are concerned with the threat to
revenues brought about by the European war. It would seem
that an equal concern be exercised over such practices here
described. These have always been with us. They cause more
losses in revenue than war ever did In killing off boxoffice
showmanship, the most valuable asset the Industry ever had.
AAA
SELLING HIS STOCK-IN-TRADE
It's no new story that representative members are ca lied
upon by their communities to lead projects for civic advance-
ment, to take prominent parts in organizational activities for
the betterment of general business. That would be obvious.
The theatreman's stock In trade Is his promotional ability.
Smart city heads are quick to take advantage of it.
Does the manager profit? Do these endeavors beyond the
theatre's immediate horizon aid the boxoffice? To the many
who have answered in the affirmative are added current
reports.
Down in Hot Springs, Ark., W. Clyde Smith recently was
named general chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. The
Discussing editorially the recent record-breaking attendance
at the World's Fair, the New York Times answers its own
question — "Why didn't the crowds start coming sooner?" —
by pointing out that until now the Fair management did not
realize it was In the show business "as a Broadway manager,
however good his production, must continuously bear in mind.
There was a little too much dignity. ..."
press makes frequent and prominent mention of the Maico city
manager's activities in this direction. Writes Smith:
"The publicity has helped me personally as well as bringing
to the theatre here a lot of solid goodwill. My civic connec-
tions have brought me important contacts In city and state."
On another page Is recounted the top job done by Loew-
man Joe Samartano of Merlden, Conn., in opening the new
show season at the Palace. Civic and business heads co-
operated sensationally. Writes Samartano:
"The close relationship between the merchants' bureau,
Chamber of Commerce and theatre proved a great asset. We
are still receiving congratulations from city officials and the
merchants already are discussing a greater campaign for next
year's fall season opening."
The manager's job, first, Is to get the show on the screen;
second, to get people in to see the show. The quotes here
set down are for the attention of theatremen who spend too
much time on the first In neglecting available contacts that
lead directly to the more important second.
AAA
For "Bachelor Mother" at the Harris, Findlay, Ohio, keen
showman, Glenn H. Nelson, used the oldie this-Is-no-bull stunt
to great success, and the reason given Is interesting. It Is even
a better Idea now, says Glenn, since everything Is mechanized
and an animal on a busy street, especially a cow, is a strange
enough sight to rate as a strong attentlon-attractor.
That reminds us of the time the New York Zoo exhibited an
old-fashioned "bossy" alongside the wild ani-mules. It seems
that many city people had never seen a cow.
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7. 1939
THE WOMEN
MUSTPAYi
MIDNI6I4T
PREMIERE
THURSDAY NfTE
|jOCV^I>»ALACE
VyOMtNWHOfW/
DootsOpen IWSRM.
i
That old axiom that it's the women who pay was
brought out into the open by Publicist Ray Bell for
"The Women" date at Loew's Capitol, Washington.
Large easel ivas planted in lobby announcing the pre-
miere at which the feminine contingent were requested
to pay for their escorts' admission. Men ivere permitted
to tvalk to the boxoffice with their ladies but it was the
girls tvho had to "lay it on the line".
« d I'
3 ■
* i
I 1
I
Round Table
n Pictures
Unique was the window display promoted in leading camera store by
Ralph Phillips, State Theatre, Sioux Falls, S. D., to sell his new season shows.
To left is giant cutout of Ralph holding a bat to which were attached
ribbons drawn to large cards carrying picture titles.
Dressed in keeping with the tropical locale of "Real Glory" was the
atmospheric front of the New York Rivoli as conceived by Managing Direc-
tor John Wright. Walls of split bamboo set off by miniattire thatch roofs
provided an arresting curtain for gigantic cutouts and scene blowups.
The side of the Hotel Clovis in Clevis, New Mexico, proved to be made
to order for Barnes Perdue ti/ho secured permission to plant a banner selling
Russ Hardwick's "Angels" date at the Lyceum Theatre. Meastiring about
60 feet, the sign coidd be seen blocks distant.
October 7, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
63
(peo
via
As detailed on another page, here
is illustrated the personal invitatiott
telegram stunt conceived by Leonard
C. Worley, city manager for the
Publix Great States Theatres, for his
date on "The Women" at the Madi-
son Theatre in Peoria, III. Copy, which
invited local icomen to sign the tele-
gram to be eligible for the invitations,
brought several thousand registrations.
Giant book jvhich contained the "in-
vite" also included scene stills from
the picttire.
J receive
NORMA
j .I
i
11 T
1
!SM
Grandstand erected in front of the Poli The-
atre was hightlight of Manager Joe Samartano's
campaign in Meriden, Conn., to greet the Loeta
New England Motorcade covering all towns in
Harry Shaw's division to open the new shoiu
season. Mayor, chief of police. Chamber of
Commerce heads and other prominents acted
as official committee of welcome. In the group
besides Sainartano are Harry Shaiv and Lou
Brown.
Hitch-hikers carrying teaser signs
in Burma Shave fashion covered the
outskirts of Louisville as part of cam-
paign put on for "The Wizard of Oz"
at Loew's by Manager George Hunt
and MGM exploiteer, Harold Marshall.
Additional publicity was garnered by
the acceptance of Mayor Schultz of
a copy of the book from one of the
midgets appearing in the film. The
latter was also used for street bally
and was stationed in front of gates of
baseball games.
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
SHOWMEN'S LOBBY LAFFS
Not strictly a Lobby Laff, but good enough to spot in this space is the
sound advice in cartoon form created by R. S. Combs, Jr., of the Omaha
Theatre service staff and endorsed by Ted Emerson, Tri-Sfates Theatres ad head.
Jitterbug Contest Proves
Successful for Dallas
Twinkling feet and torrid music were in
order on the stage of the Kansan Theatre,
Parsons, Kan., as six couples beat it out in
an all-state jitterburg contest managed by
David Dallas who reports a record crowd
turning out for the stunt which was put on
in connection with a prevue of the musical
comedy, "Naughty But Nice."
Preliminary contests were staged in
smaller towns all over the state and winners
were eligible for the final match. Theatre-
man says the only advertising used to build
up the event were writeups in the local pa-
pers and a feature place in the theatre ads.
"LET'S, HEAR FROM YOU"
Old, New Car Parade Staged
By Grundy for "Wizard of Oz"
Melvin Grundy's "Star Maker" campaign
at the Rivoli Theatre in Muncie, Ind., was
based on his Oldsmobile tieup with the
local distributor and included a four-block
parade of old and new model cars properly
bannered and which was headed by police
escort. During the run two of the oldest
models were used for lobby display and for
his street bally, sound car with p. a. system
toured the city playing "In My Merry Olds-
mobile" with announcements on the picture.
Tieups were also effected with large music
stores which featured window displays and
orchestrations. Local dance bands also
plugged the tunes week ahead.
For "The Wizard of Oz," Grundy planted
five-foot standee cutouts of the various char-
acters in windows about town, radio tran-
scription on the picture was used three
times ahead and once during showing, 24-
sheet bally truck toured the area and a full-
page coloring contest was promoted in daily
paper through cooperation of local five-and-
ten.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
1872 Magazine Aids "Stanley"
Promoted from a local resident was a
Harper's Weekly, published in 1872 and con-
taining a story on "Stanley and Living-
stone" which was featured by Gus Lampe
in his lobby display at the Keith, in Syra-
cuse, as an advance on that picture. The
Post-Standard also gave a window fea-
turing a story of the original Stanley ex-
pedition, which was mounted on a large
frame with pictures of the stars and scene
stills. Book stores devoted displays to the
picture, bus terminals carried tiein cards
and public library system was promoted for
displays of books in all their branches.
October 7, 1939
Theatremen IV age
10-lVeek Advance
On Modernization
In taking over the management of the Lex-
ington in the East 36th Street section of Chi-
cago, John Burhorn, city manager for the
Indi ana-Illinois theatres, worked out a pro-
gressive campaign with J. R. Wheeler, man-
ager, to maintain the theatre's regular pat-
ronage while the house was closed for re-
modeling. The opening gun was a compre-
hensive publicity campaign in the local press
regarding the extensive modernizing and re-
naming of the theatre to the "New Lex."
Patrons were also advised of the renovation
by trailers, posters and other advertising be-
fore the house closed for the job.
During the 10 weeks of modernization, the
theatremen worked out an ingenious idea to
keep the public interest alive by taking
photos of the various stages of the actual
remodeling, photos planted in the leading
neighborhood stores. In addition to the work
actually being done, these shots included the
theatre posters which details the new equip-
ment being installed.
Decorations Cover Streets
Supplementing the newspaper publicity
that kept the readers advised was a vigor-
ous poster campaign that featured "open
soon" window cards planted in the area's live
stores. When the premiere date was de-
termined, these cards were replaced with a'
new series stressing the opening and detail-
ing the new equipment. Further coverage
was obtained through a series of letters
signed by Wheeler to local residents and im-
printed shopping bags were used by the five
and tens. Restaurants ran theatre copy on
menus, laundries and dry cleaners placed the-
atre inserts in all outgoing packages and
promoted programs were distributed house to
house. Street coverage was gotten through
a sound truck used two days ahead and flag
decorations covering two city blocks, paid for
by local merchants. Stores also tied in a
double truck in the community newspaper
which vigorously publicized the campaign.
Much was made over the opening cere-
monies at which the Alderman cut the rib-
bons officially opening the theatre while civic
and business leaders looked on. "Miss
Woodlawn," recently selected local beauty
queen was on hand in the lobby acting as
hostess and distributing roses promoted from
local florist. Conspicuously displayed was
easel containing congratulatory wires re-
ceived. An attractive souvenir program was
gotten out for the occasion, front side cover
of which carried welcome expressions from
leading citizens, inside pages including brief
personalities on the theatre management to-
gether with details of policy.
"LETS, HEAR FROM YOU"
Store Cooperates on "Tropics"
Tieup effected with local five and ten for
•'Lady of the Tropics" brought Mike Cha-
keres the gratis distribution of imprinted
envelopes selling the date. Front carried
small cut of Hedy Lamarr with copy "a kiss
from," etc., inside containing confection kiss.
On reverse attention was called to the fact
that the cosmetic counter had for sale the
Perc Westmore makeup kits, now used by
the stars.
October 7 , 19 3 9
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
65
QUIGLEY AWARDS ENTRIES MOUNT
IN LAST LAP OF THIRD QUARTER
Increasing Number of Showmen
Bid for Fortnight Honors;
Final Preliminary Period An-
nounced to End October 14th
by A-MIKE VOGEL
From the date of this issue, just one week
remains to the finish of the Third Quarter.
And there is a hurrying and a scurrying
among theatremen to get as many of their
ace ideas here to headquarters in time to
be considered for the Third Quarter-Mas-
ter Plaques, Medals and Citations. The
date is Oct. 14, so seven big days spread
themselves ahead before the final gong rings
for the third quarterly period of this year's
Quigley Awards.
The nearness to the finish line plus the
stimulus of the new season campaigning also
has had much to do with the quality and
quantity of entries that received recognition
in the Fifth Fortnight, the results of which
were noted in last week's issue. Promo-
tional tieins in all directions were effected
for the benefit of autumn drives as well as
on single attractions. The individual ideas
for which the Awards were given show
striking usages of skilled showmanship in
calling attention to the new programs. High-
lights of what the winners did are, as usual,
set down for the information of all readers.
Numerous Radio Tieups Effected
By DiPesa for "Four Feathers"
Tying up Boston's ace station, WEEI,
for five days ahead of "Four Feathers"
opening at Loew's State, in Boston, publicist
Joe DiPesa received innumerable picture
breaks. Vice-Consulate of the British Em-
bassy office was interviewed on the Egyptian
Sudan and the battle of Omdurman, as the
highlight of the picture with picture plugs
interpolated during the program. Over
WMEX, transcription was planted and used
evening ahead of opening with breaks before
and after the broadcast, and WHDH quiz
contest used "Four Feathers" questions.
Using an elaborate sound truck playing
tom-tom and jungle records, the bally cov-
ered downtown shopping districts, beaches,
playgrounds, etc. Balloons with imprint and
containing passes were released from promi-
nent location on opening day, series of
displays were planted in travel stores and
leading department stores.
Identification Contest Held
By Clements for "Indianapolis"
With the county fair in full swing during
Joe Clements' "Indianapolis Speedway" date
at the Egyptian, in Sioux Falls, S. D., this
showman took snaps of people attending
the auto races, encircled certain heads and
placed them in the outer lobby of his the-
atre. To those identifying themselves, guest
tickets were awarded. Announcements were
also made at the races, calling attention to
the fact that Emory Collins, who appeared
at the Fair was also in the picture.
Still carrying out the carnival spirit,
Clements dressed his front with variegated
COVERS PREMIERE
FOR LOCAL PAPER
When J. Knox Strachan of the
LaRoy in Portsmouth, Ohio, was in-
vited to attend the world premiere of
"The Rains Came" in Mansfield, home
of the author, the Round Tabler's
offer to cover the opening for his local
paper was accepted. The result was a
by-line column -and -a-half story and
review, with an editorial precede ex-
plaining the tiein.
Strachan spread himself on the well-
written yarn and finished with a plug
for his date, following shortly, and
which he reports helped no little in
bringing local attention to the at-
traction.
pennants which were strung from top of
canopy to top of upright sign. Lobby was
dressed accordingly. Midget auto racer was
promoted and duly bannered for street
iDally, public address system was used dur-
ing entire run, plugging Emory Collins
and the picture and local automobile dealer
was promoted for co-op ads.
Taylor Gives "Invitation to Happiness"
Comprehensive Newspaper Campaign
The highlight of the publicity end of
Charlie Taylor's "Invitation to Happiness"
engagement at Shea's Buffalo Theatre, in
Buffalo was a contest planted in the Buffalo
Times and through which local boys were
invited to send in their creations of "Hap-
pies" cartoons. To the winner went "an
invitation to happiness" for a day.
Valuable prizes were promoted, including
complete outfit of clothes, baseball equip-
ment, radio, etc. Luncheon for the winner
together with his family was held at local
restaurant and a box at the theatre provided
for the party to witness the film. In addi-
tion, guest prizes were awarded to runners-
up. Contest broke on page one with an
eight-column strip along top of the page
and two-column head and story, art and
stories broke for a solid week and cooperat-
ing merchants included plugs in their ads.
An-Apple-for-the-Teacher Stunt
Used on "Star Marker" by Zinn
A merchandising stunt which proved very
effective for Manager Charles Zinn, at the
Century, in Minneapolis for "The Star
Maker" was the distribution of imprinted
and stapled cellophane envelopes, each con-
taining an apple. Copy on outside read
"Bing Crosby sends 'an apple for the teach-
er'," etc., etc. Since school started a week
ahead of playdates the stunt was very timely.
Zinn picked out from the list all the high-
schools with junior high schools and the
largest and leading grade schools, making
a total of 100. In each of these the packages
were planted in the mail boxes of ten teach-
ers picked at random.
Merchants and Studio Aid DeGrazia
In Sending Girls to 'Frisco Fair
Prize of a week's trip to the San Fran-
cisco Fair, put on in cooperation with pro-
ducer Joe Pasternack at the Universal Stu-
dios was the promotion conceived and ex-
ecuted successfully by Ted DeGrazia at the
Lyric, in Bisbee, Ariz., in conjunction with
the managers of the Grand Theatre in
Douglas and the Crystal in Tombstone, in
connection with the opening of "The Under-
pup." Girls in the representative towns com-
peted in screen tests arranged by the Round
Tabler, the ultimate winner selected by the
Universal production executive.
Four girls were chosen from each town
and entered the competition for winner of
each town. DeGrazia took moving pictures
of the girls and these were shown on the
screen of each theatre. All merchants par-
ticipating in the contest received large cards
upon which were pictures of the contestants
for planting in the store windows.
Ballot boxes were placed in each theatre
and the girl receiving the most votes had
moving pictures taken of her which were
sent on to Hollywood for judging. Stunt
was worked over the air and on the screens
of competing theatres. Merchants paid for
all publicity, film, and expenses of winner.
"Miss World's Fair" Popularity Contest
Nets Borresen 27-Day Newspaper Break
With the local newspaper cooperating and
10 local merchants supporting, Harold Bor-
resen at the State Theatre, in Winona,
Minn., put over a "Miss Winona New York
World's Fair Popularity Contest" which
netted the theatreman 27 consecutive days of
no-cost publicity except Sundays. Over the
period, the theatre received a total of 415
inches of publicity.
Cooperating paper ran nominating coupons
good for 1,000 votes each, the winner at the
end of the contest being crowned "Miss
Winona" on the stage of the State. Votes
were tabulated and standings published at
regular intervals. Cooperating merchants'
names were listed in all newspaper ads on
the contest with the line "when making pur-
chases at the following stores, ask for vote
coupons" included. Needless, to say, due
plugs for his current and forthcoming at-
tractions were landed by Borresen.
Kid Safety Patrolmen Sell
"In Old Monterey" for Brien
To advertise Gene Autry's latest feature,
"In Old Monterey," Lige Brien at the
Prince, in Ambridge, Pa., invited the 18
safety patrolmen of nearby school to see the
picture in appreciation of the job they do
in protecting the other school children dur-
ing school hours and from all other traffic
dangers. In return, each of these patrol-
men was requested to relay the message
about the show to each child at school.
As the Round Tabler puts it, there is no
better "gossip brigade" for word-of-mouth
advertising than kiddies to kiddies.
{Continued cm following page)
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
MORE ON AWARDS
(Continued from preceding page)
Rose Sells His Horror Show
With Nurse - Ambulance Gag
Teaser campaign was engaged in by Harry
Rose at Loew's Poli, in Bridgeport, to
sell his double horror show of "The Return
of the Frog" and "Demon Barber of Fleet
Street". White ambulance with girls in
nurses' uniforms with human frog atop
the car were used in the local new season
parade, preceded by ushers in uniform carry-
ing 10 foot banner on the show. Night
ahead of opening", the human frog did a
contortion act on stage as an advance for
the horror bill and was also used out front
for street bally.
Entire staff wore black imprinted paper
pirates hats with skull and crossbones, and
for the twin picture, a complete barber
shop was erected in lobby consisting of
chain, dummy, supplies, etc. Live barber
was used at peak hours.
Fitzpatrick's "Uproar Hour"
Reported Clicking Successfully
Inaugurated as a stimulant to midweek
business is the "Uproar Hour" idea put on
by Manager Ed Fitzpatrick at Loew's Poli,
in Waterbury, Conn., the idea being to
work out several gags for which small cash
prizes were awarded. Among the various
stunts tried were pie eating contests, wooden
egg rolling, trucking, piano playing, etc.,
etc. As an added inducement to "pull them
in," Fitzpatrick has promoted the services
of a local cameraman, who takes 8 MM
shots of the activities, which are shown on
the screen the following week.
McElligott Ties Merchant
To Senni-Annual Style Show
A semi-annual activity at the Capitol, in
Aberdeen, S. D., is the style show put on
by Round Tabler Byron McElligott through
the cooperation of leading ready-to-wear
store. Hig-hlight of his campaign was the
choosing of a queen, who won a trip to the
New York World's Fair. Much was made
over the stunt in the local dailies, with one
of the cooperating papers running a series
of letters received from the girl en route
and while visiting here. Merchant devoted
windows to display of fall modes which were
tied to current pictures at Capitol and plugged
the show in his ads, and storewide.
Corker Inaugurates Quiz Progrann
Through Merchant and Radio TIeup
Through the cooperation of Station
WGAU and a local furniture store. Moon
Corker has inaugurated a series of "Answer
It If You Can" programs which are held
two nights a week on the stage of the Palace
Theatre, in Athens, Ga. Each program lasts
20 minutes and is broadcast direct from
stage, with merchandise given the winners
and time also paid for by the store. News-
paper advertising is also met by the mer-
chant. Theatre is always mentioned in ad-
dition to plugs for the current and next
attractions. Prizes are displayed in the
lobby.
The program is put over in order of a
quiz, persons entering the theatre are given
paper on which they write their names and
addresses. Three judges ai-e selected from
the audience and they in turn select six
names. Those called come onto the stage
and the one answering the greatest num-
ber of questions correctly gets the main
prize, lesser awards going to the runnersup.
Murphy Pronnotes Scholarships
For "They Shall Have Music"
Much was made locally over the scholar-
ships which were promoted by Round
Tabler Frank Murphy in connection with
his exploitation in advance of "They Shall
Have Music" at Loew's State, in Syracuse,
N. Y. Three localities, well known in the
music field, acted as judges at auditions
which were held on stage day ahead of
opening. A year of voice training was
given to the winners, this being generously
publicized in both local newspapers and over
radio stations, in all of which the picture
received excellent plugs.
McCoy Secures Mayor's Aid
On "Junior Citizens Day"
An effective goodwill project was recently
engaged in by Manager P. E. McCoy of the
Georgia Theatre, Athens, Ga., in the form
of a "Junior Citizens' Day." Thus pro-
claimed by Mayor A. G. Dudley, ribbons
were awarded to over 800 children who had
made outstanding records during the sum-
mer months at the various playgrounds.
Ribbons wore the official title of "Junior
Citizens of 1939," by order of the Mayor and
Council and were presented to the children
after brief talks by the Mayor, and leading-
citizens. All speakers stressed" the oppor-
tunity the playgrounds offered as builders
of good citizenship. On separate days the
ceremonies were held at each of the various
playgrounds until all had been covered.
McCoy then gave a free "Junior Citizens'
Theatre Party" in honor of the youngsters
who had won the coveted ribbons. Admis-
sion was restricted to those only wearing
the ribbons and no one else was invited
or allowed to enter the theatre, thus empha-
sizing the importance of winning a ribbon.
Needless to say the newspapers were on
hand for stories and photos, in all of which
the theatre received prominent mention.
Stubblefield Inaugurates
"Save Your Stubs" Stunt
Deriving the idea from the latest hobby
in Miami of folks saving theatre stubs,
Manager Flynn Stubblefield started a
"Strand Stub Contest," running from Au-
gust 1 through to October 31. Through the
Wometco program mailing list, 2,000' cards
calling attention to the contest were dis-
tributed at the theatre and house-to-house,
in addition trailer on screen also gave com-
plete details.
Promoted from leading merchants were
attractive merchandise prizes which were
displayed in the lobby in exchange for ap-
propriate tiein copy and trailer mention. To
the 12 persons saving the most stubs over
the period, the prizes will be awarded on
November 1st.
Football Forecast
Arranged by Smith
For Pigskin Tiein
Football in the Hot Springs sector is
much in the public eye this year according
to Round Tabler W-Clyde Smith, Malco
Theatres city manager who reports arrange-
ments now in effect to tie in on the grid-
iron game for boxoffice attentions.
Foremost in Smith's plans is a "Malco
Theatres Football Forecast" inaugurated last
year and with eight scheduled teams picked
each week. Those predicting most accurately
the outcome of the games receive a first
prize of $5.00; second, $3.00, and the next
20, guest tickets to the Paramount, making
a total of 22 prizes. Program is broadcast
over KTHS each Wednesday night at 8.45,
giving the week's schedule in advance.
These are given out in ballot form and
must be in not later than six p.m. each
Friday. Winners are then announced on
the following Wednesday night program.
Regular ballots are made available by the
theatre and station for predictions.
Athletic Board Cooperates
Smith has also arranged to have broad-
casts over the speaker on the football field
through the courtesy of the school board
and retaliates by inviting the team to be
his guests once a week. Another tieup with
the athletic board permits distribution of
cards each week plugging theatre attrac-
tions. Small space on bottom is devoted to
football game announcement and cards are
put out by the student body each week.
Another tieup includes the privilege of the
Paramount Theatre banner appearing in the
100 piece Trojan Band parade which takes
place each week.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Paramount Book Tieup
Set for "Jamaica Inn"
Nationwide book merchandising tie-up
with the Sun Dial Press, publishers of
Daphne du Maurier's "Jamaica Inn," has
been arranged by Paramount as part of its
national exploitation campaign for the pic-
ture.
Available to theatrenien throughout the
country, are two types of special discount
coupons furnished by the book concern. The
first type, to be distributed by the bookseller
to every purchaser of the novel, can be re-
deemed at the theatre for part of the ad-
mission charge. The second, distributed by
theatre grants a discount on the book to all
who buy tickets to "Jamaica Inn." Sun Dial
will redeem both types of discount tickets
in cash.
The edition of "Jamaica Inn" on which the
cooperation is based is a special one, carry-
ing facsimile autographs of Daphne du
Maurier and Laughton on the flyleaf, a
frontispiece photo of Laughton, and a strong
plug for the film on the back cover. Sun
Dial Press is also distributing displays and
posters carrying picture credits. The book
publisher's salesmen will contact all ex-
hibitors booking "Jamaica Inn." In addition,
the "Jamaica Inn" press sheet will outline
the whole tie-up.
October 7, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
67
Samamm Erects NEW SEASON STARTED
WITH "BIG HIT WEEK"
Stand at Theatre
to Review Parade
Actual participation of civic heads and co-
operation of chamber of commerce and other
leading organizations featured the campaign
arranged by Manager Joe Samartano, at the
Poli, Meriden, Ct., in greeting the Loew
New England Motorcade which covered the
situations in Harry Shaw's division to mark
the new show season.
Opening gun in the drive was a letter to
Samartano from the Mayor noting the in-
auguration of the new season and comment-
ing upon the excellence of the coming at-
tractions, a particular plug for "Oz" in-
cluded. The letter was reproduced in the
local press and blown up to a 40 by 60,
planted in the lobby ahead. Full pages
in each paper, devoted to the new season
was also promoted.
Chamber of Commerce Aids
The close relationship between the the-
atremen and local merchants' bureau brought
about a tiein with the chamber of commerce
for two full page ads on behalf of the
"Loew Parade of Hits" and National Re-
tail Demonstration Week which came dur-
ing the new season campaign. Space paid
for by the Bureau and Chamber included
large theatre cut and copy calling attention
to the theatre parade.
Parade marking the highlight of the cele-
bration was made up of the .Crosley cars
and other units in the divisional procession
plus six local drum corps, floats and ban-
ners. Cooperating merchants also noted
the proceedings in large window displays.
To highlight the personal attendance of the
Mayor, chief of police, chamber of commerce
heads and other prominents who made up
the official committee , Samartano erected a
stand in front of the theatre (see cut in
photo section) from where the local leaders
welcomed the Motorcade, and signed a
scroll proclaiming the New Season and Re-
tail week. Scroll was also reproduced by
the dailies as was the grandstand shot.
Loewmen greeted by the committee included
Harry Shaw, division manager, and Lou
Brown, zone publicity head.
The Round Tabler reports much com-
munity enthusiasm as a result with the
merchants and other business organizations
now discussing ways and means of making
next year's new season drive bigger 'n'
better.
"LET'S HEAK FROM YOU"
Callow Arranges "Women"
Preview in Radio Station
A combined fashion show and preview of
"The Women" was arranged by MGM's
James Ashcroft and Warner's Everett C.
Callow and Milt Young, held in the
C.W.A.U. studios in Philadelphia. First
came the fashion show with Hattie Carnegie
and her models who paraded in costumes
"designed for all purposes from walking to
viewing a picture like" etc., etc.
Canopy was erected outside the entrance
to the Studios and arriving guests were
greeted by station's announcer and inter-
viewed. Newsreel shots were taken and
street broadcasts held.
Peoria Great States Theatres
Honor Len Worley in Annual
Drive; Rotary Club Assists
Tieing in the new season opening to the
annual Len Worley Week, in honor of the
circuit's Peoria, 111., city manager, theatre-
men at the Publix Great States, Madison,
Palace, Rialto and Apollo, in that sector,
put together an advance campaign under
Worley's supervision that made the event
outstanding in local show business.
Under the heading of "Big Hit Week,"
the drive was inaugurated two weeks ahead
with daily newspaper stories containing
general information regarding the week's
activities, publicity continuing throughout
the program. All group ads were topped
with special art calling attention to the
event, and the "hit" theme carried out in
12-inch display cutouts of a drum major and
drum. These were spotted in store windows
and on counters, prominently placed in all
theatre lobbies. Various bargain shows dur-
ing the week were built up with price-cou-
pons offering small rebates, the coupons
widely advertised and sold in book-form
by the staffs of all four theatres. Series of
display ads was promoted by means of a
classified tiein, passes offered to those find-
ing their names on want ad page.
Club Sponsors Golf Tournament
Participation of leading organizations on
behalf of the week was featured by the sec-
ond annual golf tournament sponsored by
Rotary, of which Worley is a member.
Presentation of trophies to winners and
stories of the event tieing in the circuit drive
were carried in all papers.
Highlights of campaigns on individual
attractions at the Great States houses during
the Week were topped by a lobby register
stunt engineered by Worley for "The
Women" at the Madison. On a stand in
front of a giant book-replica setpiece (see
in photo section) was placed a register in-
viting local women to set down their names
and addresses. Copy on setpiece explained
that book of signatures would be sent to the
M-G-M studio where Norma Shearer, Joan
Crawford and Rosalind Russell each would
select 10 of the names to whom they would
wire personal invitations to be guests of the
star at the Madison.
Invitation Telegrams Used for Display
The wires received by the registrants and
brought to the theatre as admissions were
mounted in the lobby for an eye-catching
display and eventually the wires were re-
turned to their proud owners. Several thou-
sand signatures were reported and addi-
tional publicity was obtained with a shot
showing Worley with some of the winners
in the theatre lobby.
Newspaper cooperation was topped by a
full page co-op ad made up in regular news
style plus eight-column banner head which
announced the new season and the coming
attractions. Publicity was generous featur-
ing a fashion review on "The Women" by
a prominent woman page editor, illustrated
by giant cut of Shearer. The local ad cam-
paign was augmented by space in weeklies,
papers in the drawing area, high school and
college publications.
As to be expected, the best stores in town
arranged co-op ads, some as large as four-
column full, most of them carrying photos
of the stars. Many top windows were ob-
tained, the style tieins using mounted six-
sheets and style stills with prominently
placed theatre credits.
Another attractor proved to be a full
main street window entirely covered with
plain paper with a peep-hole in the center.
Copy above read: "For Women Only — See
for Yourself." Inside, the window were a
40 by 60 and colored enlargements. For
city-wide notice, Worley also used a street
car on which was mounted 24-sheets, the
car covering all local lines.
"Spook" Novelty Hangers Attract
Main attraction at the Rialto for the Week
was a stage unit. Dr. Silkini's Midnight
Ghost Show, spook copy and art used lib-
erally. Best lobby effect was made up of
three window cards stapled back to back
to form a triangular hanger, a group of
these hangers placed on string and sus-
pended from a thin wire across the lobby.
Since string and wire were almost invisible,
the effect was as though the hangers were
suspended in midair and heightened by the
circulation of air which kept them spinning.
Usher dressed as ghost was used advan-
tageously for street ballyhoo.
For "Angels Have Wings," at the Apollo,
a pair of plane wings mounted on an auto
for street use proved to be a crowd-stopper.
On "Isle of Lost Men," a three-sheet size
shadow box was the main attraction. This
was entirely covered with an opening in
front large enough to frame a head of Car-
roll Naish mounted in rear of box. Title
and tie-in copy was placed just above the
cutout head. Cutouts figures of the cast
were placed to right of copy and inside of
box lighted with green lamps for further
atmosphere.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Langbart Arranges Parade
For Greater Movie Season
Tying the Greater Movie Season and the
Golden Jubilee to the civic activities of the
Bensonhurst district of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
George Langbart, Randforce district mana-
ger in that sector, inaugurated a safety cam-
paign with the cooperation of the police de-
partment which obtained complete accord of
city officials. Prominent in these activities
was a mammoth safety parade, with local
girls who had been chosen as Miss Brook-
lyn at the World's Fair and Miss Liberty at
the Coney Island Mardi Gras heading.
Other participants who lent their support
were the Junior Marines with a band and
five companies of marchers, police depart-
ment which was well represented with their
prize winning float and various others. Line
of march which covered entire district, pass-
ing by all Randforce theatres.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
GEORGE FRENCH
for years manager of Keith's Memorial,
in Boston, has been appointed manager of
the RK,0 Albee in Providence, succeeding
WILLIAM McCOURT, who has been act-
V
ED GOTH
manager of the Paramount Theatre, in
Staten Island, N. Y., has been promoted to
divisional publicity head. Other Fabian
changes as announced by Harry Black, gen-
eral manager, are JOHN FIRNKOESS
moved from the Liberty, in Stapleton to the
Paramount and ELIHU GLASS succeeds
him.
V
J. B. ALDERMAN
is now managing the Panama Theatre, in
Panama City, Fla.
V
JAMES WOOD
former manager of the Mariemont, in Cin-
cinnati, has been placed in charge of the
Elmwood.
V
RAY WHEELER
is managing the newly renovated Lex The-
atre, in Chicago.
V
W. R. KARSTETER
will manage the reopened Strand, in Cedar
Rapids, la.
V
HAROLD HEYER
is managing the Remington, in Rensselaer,
Ind.
V
JOE STEEG
has purchased the Time, Cherokee, la., from
C. E. WERDEN.
V
FLOYD SHEAR
manager of Schine's Waller Theatre, at
Laurel, Del., has been transferred to Cam-
bridge, Md. HERBERT BROWN, former
manager of a Salisbury, Md., theatre, will
succeed him.
V
MILTON SAMUEL
manager of the Bijou Theatre, Knoxville,
Tenn., has been transferred to Tuskegee,
Ala.
V
JAMES GAYLORD
is the new manager of the Park Theatre,
Knoxville, Tenn., succeeding MILTON
CARR, resigned.
V
E. MITTERLING
is managing the Rex, in Rockford, 111.
V
W. R. KARSTETER
is now managing the Strand in Cedar
Rapids, la.
V
F. O. MULLEN
of Haines City, Fla., has purchased the
Royal at Tarpon Springs, Fla.
V
W. B. BRASWELL
has purchased the Star, Savannah, Ga., from
W. S. SCOTT.
V
L. E. LAMBOLEY
has purchased the Flagler, Bunnell, Fla.,
from F. L. ALIG, JR.
Showmen 's
Calendar
NOVEMBER
2ncl North and South Dakota Became
States— 1889
4th Dick Powell's Birthday
John Philip Sousa Born — 1854
5th Joel McCrea's Birthday
6th Abraham Lincoln Elected Presi-
dent—1860
Francis Lederer's Birthday
7th Election Day
Montana Became a State — 1889
8th Katharine Hepburn's Birthday
I Ith Armistice Day
Washiington Became a State — 1889
Roland Young's Birthday
Pat O'Brien's Birthday
13th Robert Louis Stevenson (Author)
Born— 1850
15th Lewis Stone's Birthday
16th Oklahoma Became a State— 1907
23rd Franklin Pierce (14th President)
Born— 1804
26th Frances Dee's Birthday
28th Fred Astaire's Birthday
23-30 Thanksgiving Day
30th Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
Born- 1835
Louisiana Purchased — 1803
Birthday
Daniel A. Allain, Jr.
J. Gordon Bason
Leroy J. Boudreau
A. G. Buchanan
Al Cooper
Albert K. Cormier
Arlie Crites
William J. Currie
John J. Delson
Thomas DiLorenzo
Fred J. Dollinger
W. A. Gallemore
Walter B. Garver
Harold Goldman
Leonard Gordon
George Griffith, Jr.
Leo A. Gurmond
Raymond Hasselo
Charles W. Hawk
Harris L. Humphries
Jack Huwig
Leon Jarodsky
Bill Johnson
Carl E. Jones
Charles A. Koerner
Saul Krim
'Frank T. LePage
Joseph Levenson
Irving Levine
Thomas J. McCoy
R. V. McGinnis
John A. Matthews
Douglas W. Mellott
Howard Mercer
Claude C. Norton, J
John E. Palmer
Alex C. Patterson
Robert Patterson
J. H. Phillips
Clyde Pratt
Dozier B. Roberts
Scott Robert;
Robert O. Robison
Ashtor C. Rudd
Henry B. Salthun
Dave D. Samuels
Harry Sanders
E. E. Seff
Gerald Shaffer
Joseph W. Shuck
Martin Simpson
Frank Slavik
J. E. Spencer
Norman Stancliffe
Tony Stern
Jim T. Stroud
Louis Sylvester
Jack Tiernan
E. M. Waltz
Peck Westmoreland
GENE CURTIS
head of Schine's advertising and publicity
department in Gloversville has been trans-
ferred to Rochester, where he will be special
home office reperesentative in Rochester,
East Rochester and Fairport. His offices
will be at the Riviera Theatre, Rochester.
In connection with the change ROBERT
QUINLIVAN goes from the Riviera to the
Avon, Watertown, as manager, and LOU
LEVITCH continues in the post as Schine
city manager in Rochester.
V
J. SIDNEY GRILL
formerly at the Biltmore Theatre, in Brook-
lyn, is connected with the White Plains
Theatrical Cleaners, in the Bronx.
V
ROY L. FERNDON
has resigned as manager of the RKO Fam-
ily, in Cincinnati, to become manager of the
Plaza, an independent suburban house there.
Roy succeeds WILLIAM WIGGERIN-
LOH, JR., resigned. EUEGE WORKS,
chief of service at the Family, has been pro-
moted to manager.
V
REX WILLIAMS
formerly at the Hoosier in Writing, Ind.,
has succeeded SID HOLLAND, resigned
to join Schine's, to become city manager
of the Indiana-Illinois theatres in Elkhart,
Ind. Replacing Rex, is Chick Tompkins
who left the Voge for the Hoosier.
V
GUS DIAMOND
who operates theatres in Salina and Arkan-
sas City, Kan., has opened his new Roxy
at El Dorado, Kan., which is being man-
aged by E. H. Siler.
V
BOB PFOTENHAUER
manager of the State, Oklahoma City, has
been named manager of the Westland at
Pueblo, Colo.
V
JAMES KEEFE
is now managing the State Theatre, in Spo-
kane, Wash. Other Evergreen changes in-
clude E. A. ROSE to the Liberty from the
State, and MELVIN HABERMAN, Fox
doorman, goes to Liberty as assistant man-
ager. W. R. SEALE, Liberty manager,
was sent to the Orpheum.
V
CHARLES MOREHEAD
formerly city manager for Fox-Midwest in
Beatrice, Neb., has been assigned to Fox-
Intermountain, in Pocatello, Idaho.
V
H. A. DOMAN
manager for Harris Amusement Co. in Du
Bois, Pa., has just been promoted to a dis-
trict managership in the circuit.
V
SAM STERN
has resigned from the art department of
20th Century-Fox to join Kayton-Spiero.
V
JAMES GAYLORD
is the new manager of the Park Theatre,
Knoxville, Tenn., succeeding MILTON
CARR, resigned.
V
V. B. COMBS
is the new skipper of the Strand Theatre
in Mountain City, Tenn.
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this weel^s Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abraham Lincoln Boggs, Mel Rep
Abe Lincoln in Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventurer, The, 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures ef Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Com.-Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Slierlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising, 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
All Women Have Secrets, Mel Para
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGIVI
Arizona Handicap, West. (C) GN
Arizona Kid, The, West Rep
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Coni 20th- Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, 3902, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 9IS, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Betrayal, Mel Foreign
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre, Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, 5, Mel MGM
Blackweli's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Blue Bird. The, 025, Com 20th-Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Rat and The Baby, Com WB
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
C
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, 912, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Call on the President, Com.-Mel MGM
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorplob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The Mel.... Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948, Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Champs Elysees, Com.-Mel Foreign
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com 20th-Fox
Child Is Bern, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wild, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Cora UA
City, The, Mel 20th-Fox
City of Darkness, 021, Mel 2ath-Fox
City of Lost Men, The, Mel WB
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Cactus, West St. Rts
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Covered Trailer, Com Ren
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, 3. Com MGM
Danger Flight, 3816, Mel Mono
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com. ..RKO
Day-Time Wife, 020, Mel 20th-Fox
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, 3901, Mel Para
Desperate Trails, The, 4058, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
0 iscoveries, M us Forei gn
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime in the Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3 8 64, West... Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus.-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel. 20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day, Mel Foreign
Enemy Within, The, Mel WB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Escape to Paradise, Mus RKO
Espionage Agent, Mel.... FN
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th- Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everybody's Hobby. 376, Com FN
Everything Happens at Night, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Everything's On lee, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, 6, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The. Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RKO
Fighting 69th, IVlel WB
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
First World War, 062, Mel 20th-Fox
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate. 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces. 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th- Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gambling Ship, 3023, Mel Univ
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Geronimo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C) FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel.. . .Para
Grand Jury's Secrets, Mel Para
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gun Chores. West Para
Gunga Din. 912, Mel RIKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harlem Rides the Range, West St.. Rts.
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, 4024, Mus Univ
Heartbeat, Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence,
019, Mel 20th-Fox
He Married His Wife, 023, Mel 20th-Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes in Blue, Mel Mono
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
His Girl Friday, Mel Col
Hitler — The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts.
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home. Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West Rep
Honeymoon in Bali, 3904, Com Para
Honeymoon's Over, The, 024, Com.-
Mel 20th-Fox
Honolulu, 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Honor of the West, 3055, West Univ
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles, 936, Mel.20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Uniw
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
1 Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
Illicit Cargo, Mel Col
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936. Mel RKO
In Old Montana, West St. Rts.
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh, 945, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh on Vacation, 029,
Mel 20th- Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness. Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million. 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel . . .20th-Fox
It's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, 3906, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, Com Rep
Jones Family In Quick Millions, Com.
20th- Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Cam.20th-Fox
Juarez, 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmillan, Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son, Com MGM
Just William, Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, 961, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga, the Wild Stallion, Mel Col
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Co)
Lady Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel... Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Laugh It Off, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West Col
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Loit Flyers, Mel Univ
(Continued on following page)
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
[THE I2ELCA$E CHACT—INDEX CONT'D]
^Continued from preceding page)
Legion of The Lawless, West RKO
Let Freedom Rins, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed. The, Mel Para
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th- Fox
Little Old New York. Mel 20th-Fox
Little Princess. The, 932. Mel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Looking After Sandy. Com MGM
Lost Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron, The, 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Mademoiselle Ma Mere, Com Foreign
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Maisie. 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown. The. West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared, 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City. 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers "At the Circus." 8 Com.. MGM
Medicine Show, West Para
Meet Dr. Christian. 005. Mel RKO
Mexican Kid, 3741. West Mono
Mickey the Kid. 814. Mel Rep
Midnight. 3828, Mel Para
Mikado. The, 4044. Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846. Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel GN
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Moto in Danger Island, 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation. 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Com Col
Mr. Wong in Chinatown, 3807. Mel Mono
Mothers of Today. Mel Foreign
Mountain Rhythm, 845. West Rep
Murder In Soho, Mel Foreign
Mutiny in the Big House. 3803, Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, 4051, Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 536, Mel MGM
My Song of Love, Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mystery of Mr. Wong. The, 3806. Mel... Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel... Univ
Mystery Plane. 3809. Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
419, Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew. Trouble Shooter. 324, Mel...WB
Naughty But Nice, 311. Com. -Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die. 3832. Com Para
New Frontier. 868, West Rep
News Is Made at Night, 953, Mel.. . .20th-Fox
Nick Carter, Mel MGM
Night on the Danube, Com. -Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South. Mel Foreign
Night Work, 3849. Com Para
Ninotchka, 7. Mel MGM
No Place to Go. 469. Mel FN
North of Shanghai. Mel Col
North of the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passage. Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell. 001, Mel RKO
0
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Univ
Oklahoma Kid, 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Mail. The. 452. Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com. -Mel MGM
On Your Toes. Mus FN
One Hour to Live, Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown. 3903. Com Para
One Wild Night. Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Orage. Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen, 3850, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
P
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com 20th-Fox
Panama Lady, 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures, Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931. Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Patsy, Com MGM
Peasant Wedding, Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons in Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056. West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back. Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies. 3033. Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass, Mel WB
Pride of the Navy. 822. Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars. Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The.
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980. Com. -Mel MGM
Q
Queen of Destiny. 061, Mel. (C) RKO
R
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles, Mel UA
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Range War, 3954. West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember? Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail. 3859. West Para
Reno, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid. Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2. West GN
Riders of Black River. West Col
Riders of Destiny. West Mono
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business. 3029. Mel Univ
Road to Giory. 061. Mel 20th-Fox
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Roilin' Westward. 3863. West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus. -Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
S
Sabotage, 913, Mel Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Sagebrush Trail, West Mono
Saint in London, 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back. 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822. Mel Para
St. Martin's Lane, Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede. 863, West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
School for Husbands, Com. -Mel Foreign
Second Fiddle. 949, Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Secret of Dr. Kildare, Mel MGM
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin. Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927. Mel MGM
Seventeen. Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally. 018. Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Singing Charro, The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm. WI-19, West ...GN
6.000 Enemies. 938. Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815. Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers. 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837. Mus Para
Son of Frankenstein. 3004, Mel Univ
Song of the Street. Mel Foreign
Sorority House. 924. Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring. Mel FN
S.O.S. -Tidal Wave. 813, Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho. 855, West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Stagecoach. Mel UA
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20tti-Fox
Star Maker. The. 3851. Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990. Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life. 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love. 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The,
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle. The.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Stranger from Texas, The, West Col
Street of Missing Men. 811, Mel Rep
Street of Missing Women. Mel Col.
Street Without a Name. Mel Foreign
Streets of New York. 3802. Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire. Mel MGM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814. Mel. Mono
Sudden Money. 3829, Com. -Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie, 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets. Mel Univ,
Sunset Trail. 3857, West para
Susannah of the Mounties. 954. Cora. -Mel.
20th-Fox
Swanee River, 017, Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner. Com FN
T
Tail Spin. 925, Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West. West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Test Driver, Mel Univ
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats, West St. Rts.
That's Right You're Wrong. Oil. Mus. ..RKO
They All Come Out, 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948, Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040, Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Made Me a Criminal, 307, Mel WB
They Shall Have Music, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus. -Com 20th- Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus. -Com.
Univ
Three Sons. 004. Mel rko
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat. 4, Mel MGM
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th-Fox
Topper Takes a Trip, Com UA
Torchy Blane in Chinatown, 371, Mel FN
Torchy Plays with Dynamite, 326, Mel WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Univ
Trapped In the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown. 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds. West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours. 917. Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Two Bright Boys. 4017. Mel Univ
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U
U-Boat 29, Mel Col
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under-Pup, The 4010, Mel Univ
Unexpected Father, 3008, Com Univ
Union Pacific, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried para
Untamed, Mel. (C) IPara
V .
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil in the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wagons Westward. West Rep.
Wall Street Cowboy. 857. West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel. ...Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case, Mel 20th-Fox
Washington Cowboy. West Rep
Waterfront, 325, Mel WB
Way Down South. 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel WB
Western Caravans. West Col
West of Carson City. West Univ
What a Man! Con Foreign
What Do You Think. Chums? Mel Foreign
When the Husband Travels, Mus. -Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes. 3003, Com.-Mel . . Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps. 922, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies. Mel Col
Wife. Husband and Friend, 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy, 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific. Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus-Com 20th-Fox
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Witch Night. Mel • Foreign
With a Smile. Mus. -Com Foreign
Within the Law, 928, Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes, The, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Col
Women. The, I, Com.-Mel MGM
Women Behind Bars, Mel Para
Women in the Wind, 316, Mel WB
Wonder World, Mel GN
World Moves On, The. Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel ■. UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Y
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 3S4,
M«l FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Z
Zenobia, Cora yj/^
Zero Hour, The, 812, Mel Rep
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
71
(THE RELEASE CHART— C€NT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the nannes of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
Jnfornnation as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
Htle of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and tliis fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
Tltl«
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date IVIinutes Reviewed
7.'39t 82. Apr. I5.'39
I5.'39 58
24,'39 61. Feb. I8,'39
I0,'39.
.62.
U-Boat 29 (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson Oct.
("Reviewed under the title. "Sdv in Black.")
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar.
Woman Is the Judge, A Frieda Inescort-Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July
Coming Attractions
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct. 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis *65.Aug. 5,'39
His Girl Friday C. Grant-R. Russell-R. Bellamy
Illicit Cargo J. Holt-D. Pureell-I. Ware
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains • Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette Oct. I9,'39t
Renegade Law Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-O. Munson-N. Har-
rigan Oct. I6,'39t..
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey •
Sons of the Pioneers
Street of Missing Women* Preston Foster-Ann Dvorak
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers )
GB PICTURES
(Distributed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Metthews-Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'3a
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pilbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
.Aug.
.Aug.
.Apr.
. . .Sept.
COLUMBIA
Title Star Rel.
Behind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells.. July
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry- Rose Stradner May
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)...P. Singleton- A. Lake-L. Simms.. Mar.
(Exploitation: May I3,°39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms. .July
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson.. June
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29, '39.
Coast Guard (G).. Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connollly
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs..
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Hoi den -Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphe Menjou-Jos. Callela
Good Girls Go to Paris (G) Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone- Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G)...F. Baintcr-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott-Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The (A) B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox.. .Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh. ..May
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells Feb.
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Nov. I2,'38.)
North of the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Lina Winters Mar.
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant . Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May
(Exploitation: June 24,'39, p. 75; July 15. '39, p. 62; July 29,'39.
101, 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39,
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-Iris Meredith Sept.
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 27,'39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett-Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers Aug.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar.
Spoilers of the Range Charles Starrett-Iris Meredith Apr.
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-Iris Meredith Feb.
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith Sept,
Trapped in the Sky (G) Jack Holt-Katherine DeMille June
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
28,'39 62. Aug. 26,'39
ll,'39 71. Apr. 29,'39
8,'39 74. Feb. 25,'39
20, '39 71. July 22,'39
20,'39 79. Mar. II, '39
p. 67.)
GRAND NATIONAL
72. Sept.
2,'39
fin
62
.101.
Aug.
19,'39
78.
June
24,'39
t..
..60.
May
27,'39
65
. .66.
Mar.
II, '39
. 58
..69.
Feb.
18, '39
5R
59
. . .
. .65.
Sept.
30,'39
, ,59.
.June
24, '39
1
M
10, '39 59.
30, '39 64
25. '39 121. May 20,'39
p. 69; Aug. 5, '39. pp. 100,
p. 57; Sept. 9,'39, pp. 76,
I4,'39t....63.
29,'39 58.
4,'39 59.
23,'39 59
30,'39 67
27,'39 58
9,'39 57
2l,'39t.. .82
I, '39 61. Feb. I8,'39
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26,'39
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May 20, '39 69. Feb. 25,'39
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May 31, '39 57
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May 13, '39 57. Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Arizona Handicap Joan Barlcay-John King
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar, 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title
Adventures of Huckelberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney - Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
Ingram Feb. I0,'39 92. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 18. '39, p. 72; Apr. 7,'39. p. 73; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; June 24,'39,
p. 77: July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July 2I,'39 85. July 15,'39
(Exploitation: July 8, '39, p. 52; Aug. I2.'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. 19,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
p. 86: Sept. 2,'39, pp. 56. 60; Sept. 9. '39, p. 70.)
Blackmail (G) 5 Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. .Sept. 8,'39t 81. Sept.
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May 26, '39 70. May
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan Apr. 7,'39 113. Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr. 28,'39 86. Oct.
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Beery-J. Cooper-1. Rich June 2,'39 86. Apr. 29,'39
Dancing Co-ed (G) 3 Lana Turner- Richard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t 84. Sept. 23.'39
Fast and Furious 6 Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Oct. 6,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30, '39.)
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell Feb. I7,'39.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945... Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39.
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22, '39, p. 80; July 29, '39, p. 67; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 101,
102: Aug. 12, '39. p. 74; Aug. 26,'39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39, p. 76.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A, Rutherford Apr. 21, '39 81. Apr. 22,'39
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, p. 64; June 3. '39, p. 65; June 24, '39,
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25. '39, p. 82; Apr. I5,'39, p. 84; May 6, '39, pp. 61, 64; May I3,'39,
p. 67; June 24,'39, pp. 74. 77; July I, '39, p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22,'39, p. 82;
July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Sept. 23,'39, p, 70.)
9,'39
27,'39
8,'39
17,'38
..73
..79. Feb. 18,'39
.114. May 20,'39
p. 76.)
3,'39 83. Feb. 4,'39
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
6. '39
.Apr. I4,'39 71. Apr. I, '39
.Aug. Il.'39 91. Aug. I2,'39
I8,'39
29, '39
,'39
4,'39 71. Aug. 5/39
5, '39.
133. Nov. 9,'35
7,'39. . . .99. July I, '39
3. '39 87. Sept. ID. '38
I, '39
4.'39
3,'39
Running Time
jjtle Star Rcl- 13^° Minutes Reviewed
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Original Ice Follies Cast-
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. I0,'39 82. Mar. 11/39
(Exploitation: Apr. 29, '39, p. 76; May 20,'39. p. 61: June 10, '39, p. 60.)
It's a Wonderful World (G)
938 James Stewart- Claudette Colbert. .May 19, '39 86. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 11, '39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, Tiie (G) 929.. Dennis O'Keefe- Florence Rice.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr..
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926.... N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry.
more - E. Arnold - G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb. 24,'39 87. Feb.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 79; Apr. 29,'39, p. 74; May 27,'39, p. 68.)
Lucky Night <G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Ley May 5,'39 81. Apr.
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R- Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. .June 23,'39 74. July
(Exploitation: July 1,'39, p. 61: July 8,'39, p. 51; July I5,'39. p. 61; July 22,'39, p. 89;
Aug. 5.'39, p. 98; Aug. I2,'39. p. 74; Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60: Sept. 16/39,
p. 83.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull Aug.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone. ..May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicl<e-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bondi July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9,'39, pp. 75. 76: Sept. 16/39. p. 85.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar.
(Exploitation: Feb. l8,-39. pp. 68. 70: Feb. 25,'39, p. 67: Mar. 4,'39, p. 70; Mar. 25,'39,
p. 83: Apr. 1,'39, p. 76: Apr. 22,'39, p. 64; May 6, '39, p. 62: May 13, '39. pp. 68, 70;
July 8, '39. p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gabie-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy. .May 27,'39 115. July 4,'36
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar. 24,'39 83. Mar. 18,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 72; May 6,'39, p. 63; May 20,'39, p. 62;
May 27, '39, p. 65; June 10,'39, p. 59: July 8.'39, p. 51.)
6,000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June 9,'39 62. May 27/39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrillo. . Mar. 31, '39 78. Apr.
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Waiter Pidgeon.. .June 30,'39 78. June
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939.. J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sullivan June 16, '39 82. June
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 49: Aug. 5, '39. pp. 98, 100; Aug. 19,'39, pp. 67, 70; Sept.
2, '39, pp. 54, 60: Sept. 23, '39, pp. 68. 70.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May 12, '39 69. May I3,'39
These Glamorous Girls (A) 948. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Louise-
" T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan. .Aug. I8,'39.. ..SO.Aug. 19, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 73.)
They All Come Out (G) 943.. .Rita Johnson-Tom Neai July I4,'39 70. July 8,'39
Thunder Afloat (G) 4 W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept. l5/39t. . . .95.Sept. 23/39
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'J9, pp. 56, 58.)
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar. 17/39. ... .65. Mar. I8,'39
Wizard of Oz (G) 949 Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley. .. .Aug. 25,'39 101. Aug. 12, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26,'39, pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55; Sept. 9. '39, pp. 71, 77; Sept.
16, '39, p. 83; Sept. 23, '39, pp. 66, 73: Sept. 30,'38, p. 61.)
Women, The (A) I Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland..Sept
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39, p. 57.)
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Ley - William Powell -
Ruth Hussey- Virginia Grey Nov. 24,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Babes in Arms (G) Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland-
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull.. Oct.
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger - Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Broadway Melody of 1940* E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy. .Nov. I7,'39t
Call on the President, A A. Sothern-W. Gargan-W. Bren-
nan
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12. '39.)
Judy Hardy and Son Lewis Stone - Mickey Rooney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Looking After Sandy Virginia Weidler-Gcne Reynolds .. Oct. 27,'39t
Vlarx Brothers "At the Circus" 8. Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. .. .Oct. 20,'39t. . . .87
(See "Day at the Circus." "In the Cutting Room," July 15/39.)
Nick Carter* Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson
Ninotchka 7 G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire. .Nov. 3/39t...ll0
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8,'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
Remember? R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 843. . Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 112. Jan. I8,'35
Secret of Dr. Kildare Lionel Barrymore - Lew Ayres -
Laraine Day-Helen Gilbert Nov. 10,'39t
Title
Star
l,'39t.. .l34.Sept. 2,'39
13,'39t 97. Sept. 23, '39
MONOGRAM
Title
Across the Plains (G) 3655
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
27,'39
.Jack Randall Apr. 30/39 52. May
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankie Darro-Grant Withers May I, '39 61. May 13/39
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Oct. l,'39t
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodeil May 18,'39 62. June 24, '39
Fight for Peace, The (A) Sept. 30,'39 63
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movita- Warren Hull Aug. 7/39 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
22,
21,
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Purcell Aug.
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July
Mr. Wong in Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorle Reynolds. . Aug. I, '39.
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree Mar. 8
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds Mar. 8,
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr. 29, '39, p
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers Feb. 8
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall Aug. 25,
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter Aug. 16
Rollin' Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter Mar. 1
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull June 10,
(See "Girl from Nowhere." "In the Cutting Room," June 17, '39.)
Sky Patrol (G) 3815 J. Trcnt-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. .Sept. 12,
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt Feb. 22,
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Speilman. . Apr. 12,
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. July I,
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter Feb. 8
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall Mar. 22,
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane. .. .Apr. 5,
(See "in the Cutting Room," Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...Apr. 19
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll May 18
Coming Attractions
Danger Flight J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone . Oct. 25, '39..
Heroes in Blue D. Purcell-B. Hayes-C. Quigley. , Nov. 7,'39t.
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane . . Oct. 10,'39..
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall Oct. 31, '39..
Riders of Destiny (reissue)
(G) John Wayne-Cecilia Parker Oct. 20/39..
Sagebrush Trail (reissue) John Wayne Oct. 20, '39..
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
'39 58. Aug. 26,'39
39 60
.70 July 22,'39
'39 67. Mar. I8,'39
'39 60. Feb. 25,'39
72.)
'39 60. Feb. I8.'39
'39 50
'39 58. Sept. 9,'39
'39 55. Apr. I, '39
'39 61
39 61. Sept. 23, '39
39 62. Apr. 15/39
39 73. Apr. 8/39
'39 62. July 1/39
'39 53
'39 51
'39 58
,'39 62
,'39 60. May 20,'39
...58. Jan. 27,'34
PARAMOUNT
Title Star Ret.
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford Apr.
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester. . Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) 3902 Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston- Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept.
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland Feb.
Bulldog DruDimond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard -Heather Angel June
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard -Heather Angel Apr.
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) 390I.Lynne Overman-Susan Paley Sept.
Grade Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew June
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick June
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods. . . .June
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 3904... Fred MacMurray-Madeiine Car-
roll-H. Broderick-A. Jones Sept.
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland May
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George... Apr.
(Exploitation: May i3,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; Aug. 5/39,
invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray. . .June
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. .Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn..July
King of Chinatown (G) 3827... Anna May Wong-A. Tamiroff Mar.
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts Apr.
Magnificent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son July
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold. . .July
(Exploitation: Aug. I2,'39, pp. 69, 72. 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 70.)
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more- Mary Astor Mar,
(Exploitation: May 27.'39, p. 68; June 3, '39, p. 66; July I, '39, p.
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan . . July
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye Apr.
Night Work (G) 3849 Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles Aug.
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson Feb.
$1,000 a Touchdown (G) 3903. .Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye Sept.
Our Leading Citiben (G) 3850. Bob Burns-Susan Hayward Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 66: Sept. 30,'39, p. 61.)
Persons In Hiding (G) 3823. ..L. Overman-Patricia Morison Feb.
Range War' (G) 3954 William Boyd-Russell Hayden . . .Sept.
Renegade Trail 3859 W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes... Aug.
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 31/38.)
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Guizar. . . Feb.
(Exploitation: June I7.'39, p. 76.)
Silver on the Sago (G) 3858... Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 7,'39, p. 53.)
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
2I,'39..
10, '39..
. .85. Apr.
..88. Nov.
I5,'39
26, '38
i5,'39t.
I7,'39
. 1 U.July
74 . Feb.
22,'39
4/39
30,'39
57. July
8.'39
i4,'39..
. .55. Apr.
8,'39
3/39..
..76. Feb.
11/39
I.'39t.
. .67. Sept.
2/39
2,'39 74. May 20/39
23,'39 68. June I0,'39
23,'39 74. Mar. I8.'39
29,'39t...*95.Sept. I6,'39
12, '39 80. May I3,'39
7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
p. 99.)
16, '39... .95. May 13/39
28,'39 64. Aug. 5/39
17, '39 57. Mar. I8,'39
28, '39 77. Apr. 15.'39
21, '39... .78. July 22,'39
7.'39 85. June 17/39
24/39 9.4. Mar. I8.'39
58.)
14/39 65. July 8,'39
I4,'39 82. Mar. 11/39
4,'39 62. Aug. I2.'39
24,'39 76. Feb. I8,'39
22,'39t. .. .73.Sept. 30,'39
II, '39 88. Aug. 5,'39
I0,'39 70. Jan. 28,'39
8,'39t....66.Aug. 5,'39
18.'39 58
3, '39 87. Jan. 28/39
31/39 68. Feb. 11/39
October 7. 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
TitlB
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837..
(Exploitation: June I0.'39,
Star Makers, The (G) 3851...
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
I9,'39 64. May
p. 85.)
I3.'39
Stolen Life (A) 3864.
Sudden Money (G) 3829
Sunset Trail (G) 3857
This Man In Paris (A) 3865..
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840..
Union Pacific (G) 3835
25,'39 94. Aug. 26,'39
18, '39
25, '39
22,'38
(Exploitation: Feb. I8.'39
p. 64; June 3. '39, p. 65
p. 76; July 8,'39, pp. 50,
Unmarried (G) 3838
What a Life (G)
Star
Gene Krupa and Orch. -Shirley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel May
p. 54; June (7,'39, p. 77; Aug. 26,'39,
BIng Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug,
Elisabeth Bergner-M Ichael Red-
grave May 26, '39 92. Feb.
B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar. 31, '39 62. Mar.
Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes. .Feb. 24,'39 68. Oct.
Barry K. Barnes-Valerie Hob-
son Aug.
L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel.. June
Joel McCrea- Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroff-Robt Preston. .May 5,'39. . . . 125. Apr. 29,'39
p. 72; Mar. Il,'39, p. 57; Mar. I8,'39, p. 73; May 27,'39,
; June I0,'39, pp. 54, 59, 60; June I7,'39, p. 75; June 24,'39,
51; July I5,'39, p. 61; Aug. ,'39, p. 102.)
Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees May 26,'39 65. May 27,'39
Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct. 6,'39t . . .*75.Sept. 23, '39
I8,'39 86. July
9,'39 65. June
8,'39
3, '39
Coming Attractions
All Women Have Secrets J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale ,
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23,'39.)
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda- George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamiroff-
John Howard Oct,
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 20, '39.)
Dr. Cyclops Alber Dekker-Janice Logan Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell . .Jan.
Farmer's Daughtei;, The Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggles
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew.. .Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 15, '39.)
Gun Chores* William Boyd-Russell Hayden
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-0. Bradna-R. Young ..Jan.
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,
Jamaica Inn (A) 3906 Charles Laughton-Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams Oct.
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb.
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna...Nov.
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupino. . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard Nov.
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden. ..Jan.
Our Neighbors — ^the Carters. ... Fay Bainter-Frank Craven Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck- Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondi-Eliza-
beth Patterson Jan.
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe Nov.
St. Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton-Vivien Leigh... Dec.
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. Field-0. Kruger. . . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19, '39.)
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett Oct.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour- Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff , Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Women Behind Bars Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
24,'39t .
27,'39t.
22,'39t.
I9,'40t.
I0,'39t.
5,'40t.
39.)
I3,'39t 99. May 27, '39
I6,'40t
3,'39t
9,'40t
I7,'39..
I2,'40t.
I,'39t.
I2,'40t.
26,'40t.
l7,'39t....97.Sept. I6,'39
l5,'39t....85.July 9,'38
2.'40t
20,'39t
29,'39t.
REPUBLIC
Title Star
Arizona Kid, The Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844... G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey
Calling All Marines (G) 912.. 0. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer..,
Colorado Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe
Flight at Midnight (G) 91 1... Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelty-L. Talbot-J. Lang...
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Home on the Prairie (G) 842. .Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane- Beverly Roberts
In Old Caliente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes..
hi Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes
Kansas Terrors, The 961 3 Mosqulteers-Jacqueline Wells..
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gail Patrick-Edw.
Ellis-Joan Fontaine
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64, 68; July I5,'39, pp. 60,
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
Mickey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cahot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845.... G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey.
My Wife's Relatfves (G) 810. . G lessons, Jas., Lucille, Russell
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Regan-Jean Parker
Rel.
Sept.
.May
.Sept.
.July
.Aug.
.Feb.
.Apr.
.Feb.
. Mar.
.June
.Aug.
. . Oct.
. .May
66.)
..Mar.
.July
.June
. Mar.
. . Aug.
. . Apr.
. .Jan.
.Mar.
.July
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
29,'39t
4,'39 56. May 6,'39
2l,'39t....66.Sept. 9,'39
31, '39 64. Aug. 5,'39
28,'39t 66. Sept. 2,'39
24,'39 6 I.Feb. (I, '39
I9,'39 58. Feb. 1 1, '39
3,'39 58. Apr. I5,'39
6,'39... .SS.Feb. 25, '39
19. '39 57. July 22,'39
14, '39 73. Aug. I2.'39
6,'39t.. ..57
15, '39 97. Apr. 15, '39
27,'39 58. Apr. I, '39
3,'39 65. July l,'39
9,'39 59. July I, '39
20, '39 65. Mar. 4,'39
10, '39 57. Aug. I9,'39
12, '39 58. Apr. 8,'39
23,'39 65. Jan. 21, '39
13, '39 58. Mar. 25, '39
I2,'39 66.Jifne 24,'39
Star
Rel. Date
Title
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816 Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell-Marie Wilson-Tommy
Ryan July
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug.
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave (G) 813... Ralph Byrd- Kay Sutton June
(Exploitation: Sept. .W,'39, p. 61.)
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 . Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr.
Three Texas Steers (G) 866... Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis..May
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857... R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton Sept.
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort- Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybll Jason Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Coming Attractions
Abraham Lincoln Boggs Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Covered Trailer Jas., Lucille & Russell Gleason
Hit Parade, The Frances Langford
Jeepers Creepers Weaver Bros. &. Elviry - Roy
Rogers
Sabotage 913 Chas. Grapewln-Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver Oct. 13,
Wagons Westward* John Wayne
Washington Cowboy G. Autry-S. Burnette-M. Carlsile
26, '
21,'
2,'
19,'
28,'
12,'
6,
6,'
27, '
26,'
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
39 65. July 15,'39
39 62. Aug. 26,'39
39 61. June 3,'39
39 58. June I0,'39
39 65. Apr. 29,'39
39 57. June 17, '39
39 66. Sept. 9,'39
39 65. Feb. 4,'39
39 58. July I5,'39
39 65. May 27,'39
39t.. ..69.
RKO RADIO
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920. .James Ellison-Helen Wood Mar. 31, ',39 65. Mar. 25, '39
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn..Aug. 4,'39 82. July I, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 70; Aug. 26,'39, p. 84; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. 9,'39, p. 74;
Sept. 23, '39, p. 70.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. 1 1, '39 70. Aug. 19,'39
Beauty for the Asking (G)9I5..L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb. 24,'39. . . ..68.Jan.
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb. I0,'39 72. Jan.
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis July 7,'39 80. July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept. I, '39 59. Aug.
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. 15,'39t. ..*64.Sept. 16, '39
Everything's on Ice (G) S48... Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct. 6, '39 67. Sept. 9, '39
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept 8,'39 59. Aug. 26, 39
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934. ... Ginger Rogers - James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug.
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. ..B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrlllo..Feb. 3, '39 72. Jan.
28, '39
I4,'39
8,'39
26,'39
26, '39
28,'39
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23, '39 75. June I0,'39
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weidler Apr. 2I,'39 68. Jan. 28,'39
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr. 7,'39 72. Mar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, pp. 61, 62; June 24,'39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Eilers Sept.
8,'39t....73.Aug.
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrlllo-T. Holt June 16,'39 63. June
26, '39
I0,'39
2,'39 71. May 20, '39
28, '39
p. 82;
17,'39 107. Jan.
p. 84; Apr. 8.'39
p. 77; May 6.'39, p. 61; May 13, '39,
I0,'39, p. 60; July 1,'39, p. 62; July
18,'39 94. Aug. 5, '39
3, '34
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928.Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Gr^nt-Victor McLaglen-D.
Fairbanks, Jr.-J. Fontaine Feb.
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. II. '39, p. 57: Mar. 25,'39
Apr. I5,'39, p. 80: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29, '39
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66: June 3. '39, p. 68; June
22, '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant- K. Francis. .Aug
(Exploitation: Sept. I6.'39. p|). 84, 85; Sept. 30, '39, p. 61.)
Lost Patrol (re-issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford.. Feb. 17,'39 73. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea - R. Dix - M. Aster July
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne - C. Beyer - L. Bowman. .Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8.'39, p. 80; Apr. 15, '39, p. 82; Apr. 29,'39
p. 68.)
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Oliver-
M. Rohson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts. .Sept. 29,'39t 97. Aug. 26, '39
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee July
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marjorie Rey-
nolds - Ray Whitley
I4,'39 79. Mar.
7.'39 89. Mar.
pp. 72, 74; June 3,'39,
5, '32
8, '39
I4,'39 83. July 7,'34
12,'39 65. May 13,'39
Saint Strikes Back, The(G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrie.
. May
26,'39
..62. June
3.'39
.Apr.
28,'39. . ,
...60. May
I3,'39
.June
30, '39. .
72. July
l,'39
. Mar.
I0,'39. . ,
...64. Feb.
I8,'39
.May
5,'39..,
...64. Apr.
22,'39
.July
28,'39, . ,
. .89. July
29,'39
.Feb.
I7.'39 .
. .90. Apr.
6, '35
1,'39
Star of Midnight (re-issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell.
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 398 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39. p. 81; May 13,'39, p. 68; June
They Made Her a Spy (G) 921 .Sally Eilers-Allan Lane Apr. I4,'39 69. Mar.
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-MarJorle Reynolds. .June 30,'39 59. June 24,'39
Trouble in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brien-R. Keith-R. Whitley. . Mar. 24,'39 60. Mar. I8,'39
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard Dix-Lucille Ball.
Way Down South (G) 947.
.Apr. 28, '39 93. Apr.
I7,'39, p. 76.)
25,'39
Mar. 3, '39 64. Feb. I8,'39
. .8. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray . .July 21, '39 63. July 22,'39
Coming Attractions
Abe Lincoln In llllnels 009 R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. I6.'39.)
Allegheny Uprising 006 John Wayne-Clalre Trevor-Brian
Donlevy- George Sanders Oet.
•7,'39t.
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
Running Time
Star Rei. Date Minutes Reviewed
Escape to Paradise Bobby Breen-Kent Taylor
Flying Deuees 010 Laurel &. Hardy-J. Parlcer Oct. 20,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19, '39.)
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The.C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-Sir C.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell - B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9, '39.)
Legion of the Lawless* George □'Brien- Virginia Vale
Marshal of Mesa City 081 George O'Brien-Virginia Vale Nov. 3,'39t
Meet Dr. Christian 005 Jean Hersholt-Dorothy Lovett Nov. I0,'39t •
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 30. '39.)
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith Nov. 3.'39t 95. Oct. 29.'38
(Reviewed under the title. "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 R- Dix-G. Patrick-A. Louise Nov. I7.'39t
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23. '39.)
That's Right, Your Wrong Oil. Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball Nov. 24,'39t
Three Sons (G) 004 E. Ellis-W. Gargan-K. Taylor Oct. I3,'39t. . .*70.Sept. 30, '39
Vigil in the Night 007 Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce.. Sept. I,'39t 82. Aug. 26,'39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3, '39.. ..69. Nov. 19, '38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arleen Whelan May I9.'39 72. May 13, '39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26.'39
Charlie Chan in Rene (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Corfez June I6,'39 71. June 3. '39
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari May 5,'39 60. Jan. 14, '39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. I l,'39t. . 64. Aug. 19, '?9
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4,'39t 83. Aug. 5, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 16, '39. p. 88.)
Eseape, The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. ... Oct. 6,'39t....62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane .Mar. 24,'39.. ..62.Nov. 26, '38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951.Randloph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes. ..July 28, '39 71. July 29, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2. '39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly .' May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Here I Am a Stranger (G) 009. Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29,'39t. .. .83.Sept. 30. '39
Hound of the Basketvilles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Niuel Bruce M.-ir. 31, '39 80. Apr. I, '39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 75; July I. '39, p, 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen-Jean Rogers Mar. 10, '39 61. Oct. 22.'38
Inspector Hornleigh (A) 945... Gordon Harker-AIistair Sim Apr. 21, '39 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30. '39 65. June I7,'39
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington June 2,'39 60. May 27. '3£
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington Aug. 25,'39t 61. Aug. I2,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. . Mar. 17, '39 93. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 1 5. '39. pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Moto in Danaer Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff Apr. 7, '39 70. Mar. I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 932 Peter Lorre - Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schildkraut. . July 7,'39 68. Nov. 19, '38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21, '39 73. July 15, '39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Bari Feb. 24.'39 68. Nov. 19, '3?
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. 15,'39t . . . 1 04.Sept. 9, '39
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 30. '39, p. 56.)
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Bari-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28, '39.. ..71. Apr. 22,'39
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May I3,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee July 14,'39 87. July 8, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy-R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Cobum -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwieke Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9.'39. p. 67; Sept. 23. '39. p. 73.)
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008. .Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept 22,'39t ...57.Sept. 2,'39
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. B,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22.'39, p. 60; May 6, '39, p. 60; May 13, '39. p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June I7,'39. p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott... June 23,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. 26.'39. p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . . Feb. ID.'39 84. Feb. 4, '39
(Exploitation: Feb. I8.'39, p. 69; Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 8,'39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-BInnie Barnes Feb. I7.'.39.. ..73. Feb. Il,'39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Olive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 2I,'39 72. Dec. 31. '38
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury. .Jan. 6.'39 61. Aug. 27."38
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Blnnie Bamcs-Cesar Romero. .. Mar. 3, '39 80. Feb. I8,'39
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Slim
Summerville-Henry Armetta Apr. 21. '39 62. Feb. 2S,'?9
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947... Henry Fonda-Marjorle Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-AIice Brady. .. .June 9, '39. ... 101 .June 3,'39
(Exploitation: July 29, '39. p. 67; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Adventurer, The 012 C. Romero-V. Fields-M. Weaver . Dec. 29.'39t
Blue Bird 025 Shirley Temple-Helen Ericson. . . . Dec. 22,'39t
City. The Lynn Bari-Donald Wood»
City of Darkness 021 Sidney Toler-Lynn Bari Dec. I.'39t
Day-Time Wife 020 Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell -
Warren William-B. Barnes Nov. 24,'39t
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0.'39t
(See' "In the Cuttino Room." Sept. 30.'39.)
Everything Happens at Night.. S. Henle-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
First World War, The (re-
issue) (A) 062 Documentary Oct. 27,'39t 78. Nov. I7,'34
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lilll Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May I3.'39
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence 019 Jean Rogers-Glenn Ford Nov. 3,'39t..62
He Married His Wife 023 J. McCrea-N. Kelly-M. Boland. . . Dec. 8,'39t
High School Jane Withcrs-PauI Harvey
Hollywood Cavalcade 007 Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton. . . .Oct. I3,'39t 96
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Honeymoon's Over, The 024. ..M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
022 Gordon Harker- Alastair Sim Dec. I,'39t
Little Old New York* Alice Faye - Fred MacMurray-
Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce
Man Who Wouldn't Talk, The. . L. Nolan-J. Rogers-W. Marsh
Pack Up Your Troubles 014 J. Withers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Oct. 20,'39t. . . .75
Road to Glory (reissue) (G)
061 Fredric March-Lionel Barrymore-
Warner Baxter-June Lang Oct. I3,'39t. .. 101 .June 6, '36
Shipyard Sally (A) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard. .. .Oct. 20,'39t 80. July 29,'39
Swanee River 017 D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds... Jan. 5.'39f
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis. ..Nov. I7,'39t
20.000 Men a Year 013 R. Scort-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct. 27,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30. '39.)
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Ahern-Victor McLaglen-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6.'39
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez -
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t.. .IIS.May 6,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, pp. 82, 84; Feb. 1 1, '39, p. 59; Feb. 25,'39,
p. 68; Mar. 4,'39. pp. 70. 72.)
Intermezzo, a Love Story (A) . . L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best... Sept. 22.'39t. .. .70.Sept. 30,'39
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou- R. Daniel-D. Costello. . Feb. I7,'39 88. Feb. II, '39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn..Feb. I0,'39 94. Feb. 4.'39
(Exploitation: May 6. '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett- *
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug. I l,'39t. . . I IZ.July l,'39
(Exploitation: July 1,'39. p. 59; July 22,'39. p. 80; Aug. I2,'39, p. 69: Aug. I9,'39, p. 66;
Aug. 26, '39, p. 85; Sept. 2.'39, p. 53; Sept. 16. '39, p. 82; Sept. 30,'39, p. 56.)
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchaire-Edna Best Maj". I0,'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
Real Glory. The (G) G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven Sept. 29.'39t 96. Sept. I6,'39
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devine -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar. 3.'39 96. Feb. Il,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25. '39, p. 81; Apr. I. '39. pp. 72. 75; Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
p. 67; May 20.'39. p. 60: July 15. '39, p. 60; July 22, '39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Music (G)...Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds-
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 .July 15,'39
(See musical analysis, July 22,'39, p. 54.)
Topper Takes a Trip (G) Constance Bennett-Roland Young-
Billie Burke-Alan Mowbray Jan. I2,'39 80. Dee. 3I,'38
(Exploitation; Feb. 4,'39, p. 82: Mar. 18, '39, p. 73.)
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
75
(THE RELEASE CHAKT— CONT'D)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes R
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Siieridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July 28,'39t. .100. July
(Exploitation: Aug. 5,'39, p. 98: Aug. 19. '39. p. 67; Aug. 26.'39, p. 86.) ,
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7,'39. . . . 104. Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 2. '39. p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68; May 27.'39, p. 65; Sept. 9,'39,
Zenobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke - Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr. 21, '39 73. Mar.
eviewed
22,'39
I. '39
p. 71.)
I8,'39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Eternally Yours Loretta Young - David Niven -
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. I2,'39t 95
(See "In the Cutting Boom," Sept. 16, '39; exploitation: July 22. '39, p. 81.)
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct. 26,'39t. . .*76.Sept. I6,'39
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chancy,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson
Send Another Coffin Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford -Edward Arnold
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLano - Tom Brown -
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The 4058 ... John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer...
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore
Family Next Door (G) 3020 Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan..
For Love or Money (G) 3030... June Lang-Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden
Gambling Ship (G) 3023 Robert Wilcox-Helen Mack
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle..
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewin-Anita Louise-
Dick Foran
Honor of the West 3055 Bob Baker
House of Fear, The (G) 3038... Irene Hervey-William Gargan
Inside Information (G) 3039.. .J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P'. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22,'39. p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4051 R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot- H. Mack-C. Worth
(See "In the Gutting Room," Mar. I8,'39.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker-Marjorie Reynolds...
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3,'38.)
Rio Sigrid Gurie-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen- Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9. '39.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent..
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Son of Frankenstein, The
3004 Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
Bela Lugosi-Josephine Hutch-
inson
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 67; Mar. 4, '39, pp. 72, 73;
p. 78; Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p.
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devine-H. Hull-J. Moran..
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr...
They Asked for It (G) 3040 Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges ■
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. 21, '39 66. Apr. 22,'39
Apr. I4,'39 69. Feb. 4,'39
Sept. 8,'39t....58
Apr. 7,'39 88. Apr. 8.'39
May I9,'39 72. May 20, '39
Mar. 31, '39 61. Apr. I5,'39
Apr. 28,'39 67. May 6, '39
July 7,'39 67. July l,'39
Jan. 20,'39 62. Aug. 20,'38
Sept. 8.'39t 65. Aug. 19, '39
Oct. 6,'39t 66
.Jan. 13, '39 58
June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
June 2,'39 62. June I0,'39
July 21, '39 80 July 22,'39
.Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. I0,'38
,S«pt. 8,'39t 91. May 20,'39
Sept. l,'39t....66.Aug. 12, '39
.Mar. I7,'39 57
Feb. I0,'38 57.
Feb. 3,'39 61.
Sept. 29,'39t.
Mar. 3,'39...67'/2.Mar. II, '39
Feb. 24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
William Lundigan
Jan. I3,'39 94. Jan. 21, '39
Mar. 25,'39, p. 80; Apr. 8,'39,
73.)
Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4, '39
June 9,'39 96. June I0,'39
May 26,'39 61. July 15, '39
Three Smart Girls Grow Up
(G) 3001 D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
..Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew....
..Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillis...
.Baby Sandy- Mischa Auer
p. 62.)
Two Bright Boys (G) 4017.
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010..
Unexpected Father (G) 3008.
(Exploitation: July I, '39,
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunn-Charles Boyer
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie..
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen'
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Mar. 24,'39 87. Mar. 25,'39
Sept. l5,'39t....70.Sept. I6,'39
Sept. l,'39t....89.Aug. 26,'39
July I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
.Aug. Il,'39 92. Aug. 19, '39
.Sept. 22,'39t....66
Title Star
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger (G) Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-\l.ii7
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight- Doris Westoti .
Destry Rides Again Marlene Dietrich-James Stewart-
Chas. Winninger-Mischa Auer..
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrice
Joy
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft-Vincent Price
Laugh It Off C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy..
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. G Wynne. .
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. Litel...
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
Test Driver R. Arlen-A. Devine-P. Moran...
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sent. 30, '39.)
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts..
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Vigilante War John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight- Frances Robin-
son
West of Carson City John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Dec. 22,'39t. . .•60.Sept. 23,'39
Nov. 24,'39t
Nov. I0,'39t
Oct. 20. '39.
Oct. 27,'39t.
Dec. 8,'39t.
Oct. 20,'39t.
Dec. I,'39t.
Oct. 20,'39t 58.
Nov. 3,"39t 59.
Dec. 8,'39t
Oct. I3,'39t
Oct. I3,'39t 62.
Dec. I5,'39t.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
First National Pictures Running Time
Star
Rel. Date
6,'39..
29,'39.. ..56.
22,'39. . .
.Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
Title
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan ■
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26,'39
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfield-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar. 25,'39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan-Rosella Towns May 27,'39
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson-
Gloria Dickson July
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dack Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr.
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; June 24,'39, pp. 75,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5,'39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son -D. Foran July 22,'39...
(Exploitation: Aug. ig,'39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfield-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t..
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan •
George Raft-George Bancroft
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. I6,'39, p. 88.)
Espionage Agent (G) Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh.
Everybody's Hobby. The 736... Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26, '39...
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robson . . . . June 24,'39...
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3, '39...
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. I8,'39...
No Place to Go 469 F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. Sept. 23,'39t..
Old Maid (A) 452 Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent- Jas. Stephenson Sept. I,'39t..
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins.
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell- Barton MacLane
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young.
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Apr. 15. '39, p. 80; Apr. 29, '39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,'39..
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson Oct. I4,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l,'39t.
Minutes Reviewed
.86. Sept. 9.'39
.71. Mar. Il,'39
.58. May 20, '39
102. Apr. 29, '38
106. Mar. 1 1, '39
76; July I, '39.
.Aug. I9,'39.
.Sept. 30,'39t...
107. June
.88. Aug.
.92. July
83. Sept.
.54
24.'39
I9,'39
22, '39
30,'39
.92. May
.60. Apr.
.68. Feb.
.57
27,'39
8, '39
4,'39
.May 20. '39.
Feb. 4,'39.
.95. Aug.
.59
5,'39
.58. Feb. 1 1, '39
Feb. 25. '39 86. Feb. 1 1, '39
.75. Jan. 2I,'39
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7. 1939
(THE RELEASE CH ACT— CONT'D)
Warner Brothers
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title Star
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne- William Gargan..Mar. I8.'39 58. Feb. II, '39
Dodge City (G) 304 Errol Flynn-Olivia de Havilland-
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory...Apr. 8,'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8.'39
(Exploitation: IMar. 25,'39, p. 82; Apr. 22,'39, p. 61; May 20,'39, p. 61; May 27.'39.
pp. 65, 68; June 3, "39, p. 64; June I0,'39, p. 59; June 24,'39, pp. 76, 77; July B,'39.
pp. 48, 50; July 15, '39, p. 61; July 22.'39, p. 81; Aug. I2,'39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay- Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8,'39 81. July 8, '39
lndlanapt>lis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page Aug. 5,'39 82. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 30.'39, p. 59.)
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C: Rains-J. Garfield June I0,'39 127. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: May 13, '39, p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July I5.'39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81;
Aug. 5,'39, p. 102; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase 419 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LItel. .Sept. l,'39t 60
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LItel. .June I7,'39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 31 1 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I, '39 90. July I, "39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. 1 1, '39 80. Mar. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1. '39, p. 57; Apr. I,'39, pp. 74, 75; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; May
13, '39, p. 67; June I0,'39, p. 60; July I5,'39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. I,'39 61. Mar. 25,'39
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCalllon. . .Oct. 7,'39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. LItel Mar. 4,'39 61. Mar. 1 1, '39
They Made Me a Criminal (G)
307 John Garfield - Ann Sheridan -
"Crime School Kids"-C. Rains. .Jan. 28,'39 92. Jan. 7,'39
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug. 12,'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322. Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane..May I3.'39 60. Apr. I,'39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson. .July I5,'39 59. July 22,'39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-O. de Havllland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. 1 1, '39 89. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39. p. 64; Feb. 4, '39, p. 85; Feb. ll,'39, p. 61; Feb. 25,'39, p. 69;
Apr. 25,'39, pp. 75, 77; May 20, '39, p. 64; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Women in the Wind (G) 316... K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39 65. Feb. 4,'39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
British Intelligence Boris Karloff-Margaret Lindsay
Brother Orcfiid Edward G. Robinson • Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
Brother Rat and the Baby*. .. Wayne Morris - Jane Bryan - R.
Reagan-J. Wyman-E. Albert
Child Is Born, A Geraldine Fitzgerald ■ JetTrey
Lynn - Gladys George 79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
City of Lost Men, The John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John LItel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Enemy Within, The Ronald Reagan-Lya Lys
Fighting 69th J. Cagney-P. O'Brien-J. Lynn-
G. Brent-A. Hale-D. Margan
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Gambling on the High Seas...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. LItel
Invisible Stripes George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale (G) ...J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett *58.Sept. 23, '39
Lady Dick Jane Wyman-Dick Foran
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, he (G) Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de Havilland- Vincent Price. . Nov. 25,'39t. .. lOO.Sept. 30,'39
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Roaring Twenties, The .Jas. Cagney- Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn Oct. 28,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Llndsay-
Rosella Towne
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
STATE RIGHTS
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Code of the Cactus Tim McCoy Victory Feb. 25,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Jan. 14,'39.)
Harlem Rides the Range. .. Negro Cast Sack Feb. I,'39
In Old Montana Fred Scott Spectrum Feb. 5,'39
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27.'39. .*80. May 6,'39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. 10,'39
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) . William S. Hart Aster May 20, '39. . .88. May I3,'39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5,'39
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Hitier-The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers DIst Oct. 22,'39
Juarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres •95. Apr. 22,'39
Lure of the Wasteland (G). Grant Withers *55.Mar. 18, '39
Man from Oklahoma George Houston Producers DIst Oct. 29,'39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers DIst Oot. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKlnney. Domino 56. July 1,'39
Torture Ship Lyle Talbot Producers DIst Oct. I5,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16,'39.)
Wanted for Murder Producers DIst Oct. 29/39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5,'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29,'3B
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Luoien Baroux Francinex 85. May 27,'39
Betrayal (A) Annie Vernay World Sept. 15,'39. . .78.Sept. 23, '39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-ln't Mar. 20,'39. . .85. Apr. I,'39
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. 15,'39. . .68. July 8, '39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. ll,'39
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim Columbia June 5,'39. . .90. June 17,'39
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39 ..85...
Champs Elysees (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Feb. 27,'39. . .89TMar. 4,'39
(Exploitation: April I, '39, p. 74.)
Coral Rocks, The (Le
R6cif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. Il,'39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. 13,'39. . .96. Mar. 25,'39
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3,'39. . .85.Apr. 29, '39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams Alliance Aug. I5,'39. . .70. July 29,'39
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept. 2,'39
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22,'39
Down Our Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen 65. Aug. I2,'39
End of Day, The* (A) Victor Fanccn June OcL 1/39. . .94. Sept. 16,'39
Four Just Men, The (A>...Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24,'39
40 Little Mothers (A) Lucien Baroux National May 2,'39. . .94. Dec. 31, '38
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc. British 78. Apr. I,'39
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center 80. Aug. 5,'39
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis French M. P. Cp. . .Sept. 4,'3S. . .gO.Sept. 18,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. 17,'39. . .87. Apr. I, '39
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22,'39. . .88. Apr. 29/39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3/39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22,'3t
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. IS,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 110. Apr. 1,'39
1 Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept. 2,'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Apr. 29, '39. , .80. May 13,'39
Just William (G) Dicky Lupine Assoc. British 75. Sept. 9,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. .United Artists 95. July 22/39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)...Lupino Lane MGM 84.A'pr. 22,'39
Mademoiselle Ma Mere*
(A) Danielle Darrieux. . . Hoffberg Sept. 18,'39. . .82.Sept. 30,'39
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex. ..Mar. 27,'39. . .80. Apr. 15,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30/39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. II, '39
Mothers of Today (G) Esther Field Apex Feb. 27/39.. .92. Mar. ll,'39
Murder in Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4,'39
My Song of Love Tito Schipa World
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July I, '39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 2I..'39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A)...Chato Ortin Zacarias 98. Sept. 2,'39
Peasant Wedding Amer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault.Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25, '39
School for Husbands (A)... Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. 6,'39. . .70.Feb. I8,'39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar Paramount 77. June 3,'39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich World Mar. 1 /39. . .66. Jan. 23,'37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres Atlas Jan. 24,'39. .108
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. 1,'39. . .75.Aug. 26,'39
So This Is London (A)... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent.-Fox 85. Feb. 4,'39
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. I8,'39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes. .. .Assoc. British 77. May 6/39
Street Without a Name Pola lilery World Mar. 15/39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Haniey A.B.F.D 83. June 24,'39
They Drive by Night (A)..Emlyn Williams First National 84. Jan. 28,'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedls 90. May I3,'39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. Britisli 87. Mar. Il,'39
What a Man! (G) Sydney Howard British Lion 74. Feb. 18.'39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American 75. Sept. 2,'39
When the Husband
Travels M. Phillipldes Brodie Mar. ..95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
Where's That Fire (G)...WiII Hay 20th Cent.-Fox 74. Aug. I9,'39
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Maimar Feb. 4/39. . .79. Feb. I8,'39
Young Man's Fancy (A)... Anna Lee Assoc. British 77. Sept. 2,'39
Youth in Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May I5,'39. . .90. May 27,'39
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
(THE CCLEASC CHACT—CONT'i:))
$H€I5T
riLMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.']
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7.'39.l6i/2. .
(3 Stooges)
.All American Blondes 1423. Oet. 20,'39t.2 ris.
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 IMar. 24.'39. l7'/2 . .
Andy Clyde
Calling Ail Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7'/2..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 3. '39. 18
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. II, '39. 19
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9 4 29. .Feb. 1 0,'39. 17i/j. .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. . June 2,'39.17
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l8i/2..
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39 ) 9435 June 16, '39. 19
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I 0,'39 . 1 S'A. .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 30,'39.I7
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Meocher 1421 ... Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2. .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21 ,'39. 17. . . .
(All Star)
Static in the Attic 1422. ..Sept. 22,'39tl9
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swinger*
9428 Jan. 20,'39. 18'/a. .
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2 rIs.
Charley Chase
Three Little Sew and Sews
9404 Jan. 6, '39. 16
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28, '39. 18
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39.I7...
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May 19, '39. 16
(3 Stooges)
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
Dreams on Ice 1304 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507 Feb. 24. '39.. 8
Haupy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 31, '39. .7
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28.'39..8
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. I4,'39. .7. . . .
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. ll,'39t.7
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26. '39.. 7
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39. 7
Mountain Ears 1503 Oct 20,'39t . I rl . .
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. 16, '39.. 8
COLUMBIA TOURS
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3, '39.. 9
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39..9
(Frisco Fair)
Modera Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27.'39t .l rl . .
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. lO'/j. .
Sojourn in India 9555 July 7,'39 . .91/2 . .
Title Rel. Date Min.
COMMUNITY SING
No. 5 (2-18-39) 9655
(Friendship Songs) Jan. 27,'39.I0...
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs) .. Feb. 24,'39. lO'A.
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24, '39. .9/2.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 21, '39. .8...
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May 19, '39. 10...
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June 16, '39. 10...
( Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9...
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t.9i/2.
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl .
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. I7,'39f.l rl.
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1732 Dec. 22, '391. 1 rl.
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Aug. 25,'39t.l rl.
No. 2 (Elias Howe) 1602. .Oct. 6.'39f.lrl.
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your H istory
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. 1 9471 Feb. 22,'39. lO'/i.
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39.IOi/2.
No. 3 9473 Apr. 21, '39. II...
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. 17, '39. .71/2 .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7...
31. Kra2y's Shoe Shop
9706 May 12,'39..6...
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30,'39. lO'/i.
Night in a Music Hall, A
(2-18-39) 9961 Jan. 20,'39. lO'/i.
Night at the Troc 9962 Mar. 2.'39.IOi/2.
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9963 May 19, '39. 10...
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I,'39t.l rl.
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24, 'SOT I rl.
PICTU REGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. 10, '39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39..6i/2.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6...
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754.. Mar. 3, 39. .7...
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28, '39 .7..
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 5 9855 Jan. 3, '39. .9. . .
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. lO'/z.
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9858 Apr. 8,'39..9'/2.
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May 12, '39. 10...
No. 10.9860 May 26, '39. 10...
No. II 9861 June 15, '39. 10...
No. 12.(8-19-39) 9862 July 28, '39. 10...
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. I5,'39t. I rl,
No. 2 1852 Oct 20,'39t.l rl.
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'39t.l rl,
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810. ...Aug. 18, '39. 10..,
Bows and Arrows 1801 Sept. 29,'39t.l rl.
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 21, '39. 10...
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl.
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39..9'/2.
King Vulture (1-21-38)
9803 Jap. 6, '39. II...
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. 17,'39. .91/2.
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. IO,'39.IOi/2
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .S'/j .
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 13, '39. 101/2.
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 21, '39. II...
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28, '39. 10...
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'39.I0...
1939 - 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
Title Rel. Date Min.
EDUCATIONAL
[Distributee^ through
Gran(d National]
SONG AND COMEDY HITS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 1
El-I Jan. 6, '39. .9
Cavalcade of Stuff, No. 2
EI-2 Jan. 20, '39. .9
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(in Sepia)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. 1 1, '39.. 9
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886.May 13.'39. .9. . . .
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June 10, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26,'39. .9. . . .
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5.'39.ll
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25, '39. .9....
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish. The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. 15, '39.. 8
(Color)
One Mother's Family
W-890 Sept. 30. '39.. I rl..
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No, 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. I 1. '39.21
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyie
No. 22 — While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5,'39.2I . . . .
Dick Purceil
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June 10. '39. 21
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24 — Think First P-8l5.Sept. 9, '39. 21
Laraine Day-Ann Morriss
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39.. 9
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27, '39.. 9
Day on Treasure Island, A
(9-30-39) T-51 Sept. 2.'39tl0
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 1 5,'39. .9. . . .
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. 18. "39.. 8
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. 18. '39 . 8
Natural Wonder of Wash-
ington State T-52 Oct. 7.'39t.lrl..
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May 13. '39. .8
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29. '39. .9
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3. '38. 9....
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9.'39tll
Robert. Warwick
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7.'39tl0
Truman Bradley-
Jack Mulhall
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27, '39. II
Emmett Vogan- Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May 13, '39. 10...
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 1 1, '39.. 9
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. 18, '39. II
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Mendelssohn's Wedding
March M-74 1 rl. .
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20.'39. 1 1 . . . .
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll....
(Sepia) Mary Teenr
Sally Blaine
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28. '39. 20
(Sepia)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apri. 15, '39. 20
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29, '39. 21
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll...
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22,'39.ia...
Captain's Spanky's Show-
boat C-I3I Sept. 9,'39tll...
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0...
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29, '39. 10...
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.JuIy l.'39.ll...
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. 1 1 ,'39. 10. . .,
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24.'39.I0. ..
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8,'39.I0...
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922.... Jan. 28,'39.I0...
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. 18,'39.ll...
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924...Mar. I8,'39.I0...
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20, '39. 10...
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June I7,'39..9...
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 June 24,'39.ll...
No. 8 — Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22,'39.ll...
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. I9.'39.ll...
No. lO^Unseen Guardians
K-930 Aug. 26, '39. 1 1...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
• S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. 14, '39.. 8...
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
S-912 Sept. I6,'39.I0...
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. II, '39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. II, '39. .9...
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20,'39.I0...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.I0...
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-9II Aug. 12,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8, '39.. 9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May 13, '39. 10...
Day of Rest, The F-141 . . . Sept. 6,'39t.9...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0,'39.I0...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May I2,'39..7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 31, '39.. I rl.
Yip Yip YIppy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28.'39..7...
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30,'39..7...
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
(THE I^ELEASE CHAKT— CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date Mill.
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I,'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Chile K9-3 Nov. I0,'39t.l rl..
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21. '39. 10
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I...Sept. I,'39ti0....
Jamaica (7-l5-39> K8-6...May 26.'39.I0
Land of the Inca IVIemories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39. ID. . . .
Peru K9-2 Oct. 6.'39t.l rl..
Republic of Panama K8-5..Mar. 24,'39..l rl..
HEADLINERS
Artie Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8.'39tl0
Champagne IVIusIc of
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A8-8 Mar. 3, '39. 10
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct. I3.'39t.l rl . .
Phil Spitalny & Girl Orch.
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3.'39.ll
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5, '39. 10
Song Is Born. A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6. '39. 10
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug. II. '39.11....
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Ted Fio Rito and His Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
Orchestra A9-2
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II June 2. '39. 10
Richard Himber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7. '39. .1 rl. .
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug. 25. '39. 10
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. 10, '39. 10
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23,'39.I0
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. 14, '39.. I rl..
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6,'38.I0
Public Hobby No. I
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22.'39tll
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. 13. '39. 10
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 ...May 19,'39. 10. . . .
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. 10,'39.I0....
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6 — P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..lrl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3,'39..lrl..
No. »— (3-11-39) P8-8 Mar. 3, '39. 10
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9....Mar. 31 ,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 — P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-ll...June 2.'39.I0....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 7,'39.I0....
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7,'39.22
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27, '39. .7
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June I6,'39. .7. . . .
Hello How Am 17
(8-12-39)^ E8-I0 July I4,'39..7...
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II July 28,'39. .7. . . .
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39..7
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 : Mar. 24, '39.. 7
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 4 — J8-4 Mar. I0.'39..lrl..
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May I2.'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 Aug. 4,'39.ll
1939-40
No. I— J9-I Sept. I5,'39tl0. . .
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7 Jan. 20,'39.I0
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. 17. '39. ID
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. 14,'39.I0
Title Rel. Date Min.
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-II May I 2.'39. 1 0. . . .
No. 64— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.I0....
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39) R8-I3 July 7,'39.ID....
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-I Sept. l,'39tlD
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-10-39) R9-2 Sept. 29.'39tlD
No. 67 — Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. I3,'39tl0
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
(New Series)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39.I0....
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4.'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 June I6,'39. ID. . . .
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Min.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. I0,'39.2D
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5,'39.I7...,
Ring Madness 9370 June 30,'39.I9
Wrong Room, The (9-30-39)
03.701 Sept. 22,'39t.2 ris
HEADLINERS
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93,603 Feb. 24, '39. 1 7
No. 4— Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2, '39. 17
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6,'39t.2rls.
Baby Daze 93,405 May 19, '39. 15
Clean Sweep, A 93,402 Dec. 2,'38.I7
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24,'39.I8
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39. .2 rls.
Kennedy the Great 03,402.. Dec. I,'39t.2rls.
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27,'39.I8
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 6 — State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93,106 Jan. 20,'39.I8
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb. 17, '39. 19
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. I7,'39.I8
No. 9 — Japan; Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. I4,'39.I9
No. 10— Oixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May I2,'39.I9
No. II — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9,'39.I9
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93.112 July 7,'39.22....
No. 13 — Metropolis — 1939
(8-5-39) 93,113 Aug. 4, '39. 18
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May I2,'39.II
Lillian Roth
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39.ll
George Jessel
Readin' Ritin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. 17, '39. 10
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208. .Mar. I7,'39. . I rl. .
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20, '39. 10
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Blamed for a Blonde
03,201 Oct. 20,'39t.2 rls.
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. I7,'39t.2 rls.
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28,'39. 18. . . .
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3,'39.16
Dog-Gone 93.208 Apr. 21, '39. 16
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 rls.
Cupid Rides the Range
03,501 Sept. 8,'39t.2rls.
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7.'39.I7
Title
Rel.
Date
Min.
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504
.June
6,'39.
19...
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94.607
, Mar.
10,'39.
10...
Gold 94,606
Feb.
I0,'39.
.in.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612
July
I2,'39.
.9...
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39) 04.601
Sept.
I5,'39t .8. . .
Pack Trip (9-16-39) 94,613. Aug.
18.'39.
.9. . .
Soldiers of Sea 94,608
Apr.
7,'39.
.9. . .
Television (5-6-39) 94,609,
. May
5.'39.
.9...
Swinguet (7-15-39) 94.610. May
26,'39.
.8. . .
World of Tomorrow
. June
23. '39.
.9...
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612
July
21. '39.
.9...
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64,309
Apr.
21 ,'39.
.9...
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94,311
June
I6,'39.
.9...
Gun Play 04.301
Sept.
I.'39t
. 1 rl.
Hunting Hounds, 04,302 ...
Sept.
29,'39t
. 1 rl.
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94,312
July
14,'39.
.9...
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94,310
May
19,'39.
.91/2.
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94,307
Feb.
24, '39.
.1 rl.
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94,308
Mar.
24, '39.
.9...
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9-16-39)
93,801
July
23, '39. 20...
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116...
Beach Picnic (5-27-39)
Sept.
I.'39.
.8...
94.114
June
9, '39.
.8...
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113
May
19,'39.
.8...
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94.107
Jan.
13. '39.
.8...
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117
Aug.
1 1,'39.
.8...
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94.110
Mar.
17. '39.
.8...
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110
Mar.
17.'39.
.7...
Officer Duck 04,101
Sept.
22,'39t
. 1 rl.
Practical Pig. The
(10-1-38) 94.109
Feb.
24,'39.
Sea Scout 94.115
June
30.'39.
.8...,
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94.108
Feb.
3,'39.
.8...
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111
Apr.
7, '39.
.8...,
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Aug. I8,'39tll...
Filming the Fleet (9-23-39)
0202 Oct. 27.'39tll...
Sand Hogs 9205 May I2,'39.I0...
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10...
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7, '39.. I rl.
Fashion Forecast, No. 5
0601 Sept. I5,'39tl0...
Fashion Forecast, No. 6
0602 Dec. 22,'39t. I rl.
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Aohileen Pinnacles 0103. ..Nov. I0,'39tll...
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll...
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest
People (9-30-39) 0401. ..Sept. 29,'39tl0...
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39.ll...
Silly Season, The 0402 1 rl.
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20, '39. II...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen- Empire, The
0102 Oct. I3,'39tll...
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26, '39. 1 1...
isle of Pleasure (1 1-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3, '39. 1 1...
Mystic Siam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17.'39.I0...
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.1l...
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. 17,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date Min.
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30,'39..7...
Barnyard Baseball 9517 July 14, '39. .7...
Barnyard Egg-citement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5,'39..7...
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'39..7...
First Robin, The 0555. ...Dec. 29,'39t.lrl.
(color)
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39..7...
Gandy Goose in a Bully
Romance 9515 June I6,'39..7...
Gandy Goose in G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. I0,'39..7...
Gandy the Goose in the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7...
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7...
Hitch-Hiker. The 0505 ..Dec. I,'39t.lrl.
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8.'39t.7...
Mouse and a Million 0504.. Nov. 3,'39t . I rl.,
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May I9,'39..7..
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39..7...
(color)
One Gun Gary in Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Orphan Duck. The 0553... Oct. 6,'39t.7...
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. 13, '39. .7...
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2.'39..7...
Sheep in the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22,'39t.7...
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21, '39. .7...
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39..7...
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. ll,'39t.7...
Village Blacksmith 9506.. . Dec. 2.'38..7...
Watchdog. The 0503 Oct. 20,'39t.lrl.
Wicky-Wacky Romance
0554 Nov. I7.'39t.l rl.
(color)
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301... Sept. I,'39tl0...
Clocking the Jockies 0302.. Nov. 24,'39tll...
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3, '39. 1 1...
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll...
Shooting for Par 9302 Jan. 6,'39.ll...
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.ll...
UNITED ARTISTS .
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title
Rel.
Date
Min.
Arabian Bazaar (12-31 -38)
. Sept.
l.'.SD
.10..
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39)
Sept.
21 ,'39,
.10..
Fox Hunting (1-21-39)...
. Jan.
3. '39
.10..
Jerusalem (1-14-39)
. May
(,'39,
lO..
Dec.
l,'39.
.10..
Petra (1-14-39)
. Aug.
l,'39.
.10..
Rome Symphony (12-31-38)
. Feb.
15, '39,
.10..
River Thames (4-15-39)...
Nov.
l,'39.
10...
Oct.
I,'39.
,10..
Wanderers of the Desert...
July
I,'39.
10..
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356. ...Dec. 26,'38. .9. . ..
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357.... Jan. 30.'39. .9. . . .
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39. .91/2. .
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359. ...Mar. I3,'39. .9. . . .
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360... .Apr. 10,-39. .9.. . .
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May 15, '39. .91/2 . .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64 — (7-15-39 ) 3362 June 26.'39. .91/2. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.. ..July I7,'39. .9. . . .
No. 66— (9-30-39) 4351 ... .Sept. 25,'39t.9. . . .
No. 67—4352 Oct. I6,'39t .9. . . .
LANTZ CARTUNES
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 31. '39. .7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. 19,'38. .1 rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39. .7. . . .
Birth of a Toothpick 3250. .Feb. 27,'39. .71/2. .
Bola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39. .7. . . .
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24.-39. 7....
October 7, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
(THE I^ELEASE CtiACT— C€NT'D|
Title Rel. Date Min.
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. iO,'39. .6'/2.
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23, 'SI.. 7
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26, '38 .7...
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. I3,'39. .7. . . .
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. l3,'39..7'/2..
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39) 3255 May 8,'39..7....
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39. .7. . . .
Silly Superstition (9-23-39)
3262 A"9- 28,'39..7....
Slap Happy Valley 3261... Aug. 21 ,'39. .7. . . .
Snuffy Skunk's Party
(9-23-39) 3260 Aug. 7, '39.. 7
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9, '39.. 7
Stubborn Mule (8- 12-39)
3258 July 3,'39..7....
LANTZ COLORED CARTOONS
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7,15-39) Sept. 4,'39t.7
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(9-23-39) Oct. 9,'39t.8i/2..
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5,'39. 19. . . .
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2.'39. 17. . . .
Ray Smeck & Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July l2,'39.l7'/2..
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. 14, '38. 18
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. 1 1,'39. 19. . . .
Arthur &. Morton Havel
pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May I7.'39. 18. . . .
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15,'39. .2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June 14, '39. 18
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. I5,'39.19
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.17....
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20....
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39. .9'/2 . .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39..9....
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6/39.. 9
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39..9....
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I, '39.. 9....
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39..9
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3,'39.I0....
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39. .91/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. 18,'39t .8i/2. .
No. 67— Novelty 4372 Oct. 9.'39t.9....
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Swing Hotel 4222 Oct. I8,'39tl8. . . .
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
tlats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 31, '38. 20
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 21, '39. 20
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39. .2 rIs.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls.
Arthur and Case
«mall Town Idol, A
(3-11-39) 4019 Feb. 1 1 ,'39.20. . . .
Ben Turpin
■Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. 18,'39..2rls
Henry Armetta
Title Rel. Date Min.
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Johnny Perkins
RoMin' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. I5.'39. .2 rls.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29.'39. .2 rls.
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May 13. '39. .2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3, '39. 20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July I, '39. 20
Fritz Fold (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June 17. '39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22, '39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20
Red Skelton
Slapsie Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303 Sept. 10,'39tl7
Maxie Rosenbloom
Remember When (9-16-39)
5101 20....
Eaton Boys
COLOR PARADE
points on Pointers 4606 Jan. 28,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 3
(3-4-39) 4607 Feb. 25,'39.10
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25. '39. 1 1
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,-39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.I0. . . .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June 17, '39 . 1 rl..
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July 15.'3S.I0....
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30,'39tl0. . . .
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
High Peril (3-4-39) 4306.. Feb. I8,'39. 12. . . .
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308. ...Apr. 1,'39.I2....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6,'39.12....
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3,'39.I2
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39..1 rl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.ll....
Verge of Disaster 4313.... Aug. 26,'39..l rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Lincoln in the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGIynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25, '39, p. 68; May
20.'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20. . . .
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights (9-16-39)
4007 Aug. I9,'39t .20. .
Monroe Doctrine 5001 Oct. 14,'39t 2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 64 — It's an III Wind
4807 Jan. 28, '39.. I rl..
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 , Feb. 18,'39. . 1 rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809. .Mar. 1 1 .'39. .7. . . .
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22.'39. . 1 rl . .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 4811. ..Apr. 1,'39..7....
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May 13, '39. .1 rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24, '39. .1 rl..
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39..l rl..
No. 73— Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7....
No. 74 — Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2,'39t.l rl. .
No. 75 — Jeepers Creepers
(9-30-39) 5602 Sept. 23.'39t.7
No. 76 — Naughty Neighbors
5063 Oct. 7.'39t.7rl..
MELODY MASTERS
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7.'39.I0....
Title Rel. Date Min.
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 2I,'39..I rl..
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39. . 1 rl.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25.'39. 10. . . .
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..l rl..
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. 18,'39. 10. . . .
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29,'39. 10. . . .
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20.'39..l rl..
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June 10, '39. 10
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. ..July 1,'39..1 rl..
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. 12,'39..l rl..
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
5501 Sept. 2,'39tl0
Vincent Lopez and His Or-
chestra 5502 Sept. 30,'39t.l rl..
MERRIE MFLODIES
(In Color)
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. I4.'39. .7. . . .
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39. .7
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. 1 1 ,'39. .7. . . .
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25,'39..l rl..
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. II, '39.. I rl...
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39..l rl..
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..1rl..
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39. .7. . . .
No. 81— Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6.'39..l rl..
No. 82 — Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39. .1 rl. .
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3.'39. .1 rl . .
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June I7,'39. .7. . . .
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I, '39. 10
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July 15,'39..1 rl..
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29,'39..l rl..
No. 88 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. 12.'39..7
No. 89 — Detouring Amerlra
(9-9-39) 4525 Aug. 26,'39..7
No. 90— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39.. I rl..
No. 91 — Sioux Me 5301 ... Sept. 9,'39t.lrl..
No. 92 — Land of The Mid-
night Sun 5303 Sept. 23,'39t.l rl..
No. 93— Little Lion Hunter
5302 Oct. 7,'39t.l rl . .
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. 18,'39..l rl.,
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..l rl.,
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9...,
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. I8.'39..lrl.
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. 18,'39..l rl.
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. I5,'39..l rl.
Dean of the Pasteboard
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39.10...
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July 1,'39..9...
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..1 rl.
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. I9,'39.I0...
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9,'39t.9...
Grouch Club
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...
Title Rel. Date Min.
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I, '39. 22
Warning, The (4-1-39) Aug. I, "39. 32
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) ..II
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35....
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17....
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10....
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10....
Violin, The (9-23-39) 10
G. P. 0.
"Do It Now" (9-30-39) II
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8...
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4.000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rls
WORLD
Ave Marie
City, The (5-20-39)...
Jeune Fllle Au Jardin.
Song of Ceylon
.44.
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Speeifled
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Min.
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carun
(9-2-39) July 2I.'39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Oct. 27,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) 871 June 10.'39.18
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) 872 Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) ( 1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again
870 Feb. 25,'39..2rls
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. II, '39, p. 55.)
Zorro's Fighting Legion
873
Reed Hadley
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. II, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. I7,'39t2l . . . .
Bela Lugosi- Dorothy Arnold (each)
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 7, 1939
CLASSIFIED
ADVEDTISINS
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
THEATRE WANTED. PACIFIC COAST PRE-
ferably non-competitive town. P. O. BOX 21S3. Holly-
wood.
WILL LEASE OR BUY SMALL EQUIPPED
theatres in Southwest. M. F. STONE, c/o Christe's,
Tallahassee, Fla.
WANT TO SELL YOUR THEATRE? WRITE
particulars, "TROTTER", Watseka, 111.
FOR LEASE, SMALL MOTION PICTURE THEA-
tre in eastern Ohio. Now running. BOX 1204, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
THEATRE WANTED — LEASE. MARYLAND,
Virginia, Pennsylvania or Delaware. Population 1500 to
4000. BOX 1205, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
WANTED TC cur
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
jector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditorium that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PCSITICN WANTED
CAMERAMAN WANTS ASSIGNMENTS TO
make pictures. Have 16mm and 35mm equipment. Will
travel. BOX 1203, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PROJECTIONIST— 11 YEARS EXPERIENCE, Li-
censed, dependable, Al references. BOX 1201, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
PROJECTIONIST NINE YEARS EXPERIENCE
complete tools for maintenance. References. BOX 1199.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
WE SUPPLY RELIABLE, INVESTIGATED HELP,
managers, projectionists, etc. Send for list of appUcants.
Free confidential service. AGENCY, 4008 Clarendon,
Chicago.
LISEO GENEI^AL
ECUIPMENT
LISTEN, DO YOU NEED CHAIRS? SEND FOR
new bulletin just released shows thousands good
veneer, upholstered seats available, 75c up. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
SOME THEATRE CAN USE YOUR OLD EQUIP-
ment. A little ad here will reach thousands of poten-
tial customers. Only ten cents a word to tell the
world what you have to sell. Try it today. MOTION
PICTURE HERALD, Rockefeller Center, New York.
COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIPMENT AT SACRI-
fice — 40O upholstered seats, new screen, RCA sound.
Strong lamps, Simplex projection. New V-type marquee
250 letters, new 12 foot upright neon sign, name
"Lincoln." $185000 cash. Write RITZ THEATRE,
Norfolk, Va.
TWO COMPLETELY REBUILT POWERS MA-
chines; also low-intensity lamps at a real bargain.
BOX 1202, MOTION PICTURE HERALD, 624 S.
Michigan Ave., Chicago, 111.
NEW GENEI^AL
ECUIPMENT
DON'T DEFER THE PURCHASE — DEFER THE
payment! Use S.O.S. Easy Time Payment Plan — avail-
able on quality theatre equipment purchases. Write
S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.. New York.
GUARANTEED— PERFECT SOUND REPRODUC-
tion at prices you can afford. Coordinated sound sys-
tems give brilliant, natural undistorted sound. System
for 400 seat theatre. $239.30. Others proportionately low.
S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
HELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS— EVERY STATE-
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— 547
pages; illustrated; covers every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
gineers explain every detail of apparatus and its ar-
rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center. New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW S67 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well as
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP,
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just off the press! A second revision of the Sixth
Edition of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection with a
complete section of Sound Trouble -Shooting Charts as
well as a host of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
B€CrrEEDING
SYSTEM
THEATRE MANAGEMENT RECORD AND TAX
Register. This new accounting system is the finest
thing of its kind ever made available to an exliibitor.
In addition to being complete in every respect, it is
simple — so much so that it is not necessary to have
had bookkeeping experience in order to keep an ac-
curate, complete and up-to-the-minute record of the
business of your theatre. The introductory price is
only $2.00 postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rocke-
feller Center, New York.
PRESS or
C. J. O'BRIEN. INC.
NEW YORK
GREATEST
OF ALL
IN the fifty years since Eastman supplied
the film for the world's first movies, there
have been many great Kodak emulsions
designed especially for the motion picture
industry. . . . Greatest of all are Eastman
Plus-X, Super-XX, and Background-X . . .
today's ruling favorites in the studio and
on location. Eastman Kodak Company,
Rochester, N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Dis-
tributors, Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAN
PLCS-X SUPER-XX
tor general studio use tor ail dittieult shots
BACKGROUND -X
tor backgrounds and general exterior worh
THE SUPREME DIAB6lIC
OF THE SCREEN"
■. f
supreme diabor
tli^ of
screen k .„.
^'^W roaring
sort
^^^^^•n a different
excite-
^> an
^ghton
^^--en event.
all/
o
utdo
es
mes
CHARLES LAUGHTON
in
"JAMAICA INN
with Maureen O'Hara • Leslie Banks • Emiyn Williams • Robert Newton
A Paramount Release ' Directed by Alfred Hitchcock • Produced by Erich
Pommer • From the novel by Daphne du Maurier • A Pommer-Laughton "Mayflower" Production
IviOTION PICTURE
HERALD
Entertainment vs. War:
Vaudeville, Songs, Books
Money ''Freeze" Threatens
U.S. Film Cash in Britain
VOL 137, NO. 2
In Two Sections — Section One
57 More Circuits Buy
Majors' 1939-40 Product
31 Documentary Films in
''Biggest Show'' at Fair
In "Better Theatres":-
Buyers Index, Revised
■ ■'>«
OCTOBER 14, 1939
Entered as second-class matter, January 12, 1931. at the Post Office, at New York. N. i ., under the act of March 3, 1879
Hshed weekly by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc., at 1270 Sixth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, .\'ew York. Subscription prices:
year in the Americas $10.00 o year Foreign. Single copy, 25 cents. All contents copyriglu 1939 by Qviqley Publishing C
GARBO
GETS THE
lyBITSCH
TO^CH!
See it and
you^ll shout
from the
house-tops!
Garbo flirts— Garbo dances— Garbo drinks — Garbo howls —
Garbo romances— Garbo kisses — Garbo hits the Paris hot
spots, laughing, loving in the saucy, racy Lubitsch comedy of
Paris in the wonderful days when a siren was a brunette and
if a Frenchman turned out the light it was not on account
of an air raid. Start telling your patrons now and don't stop!
NINOTCHKA
— don't pronounce it — SEE IT!
Ocle!
Heavenly
1 "
mna
(She's the new Movie Queen-a) in
Gayer/ Girlier/ Greater than the Play!
(By Rodgers and Hart, and George Abbott)
with EDDIE ALBERT. AlanHale.FrankMcHugh
Directed by RAY ENRIGHT • Screen Play by Jerry Wald and Richard
Macaulay • Adaptation by Sig Herzig and Lawrence Riley
A First National Picture
WHA
PRODUCT STORl
THIS TELLS
FOR FAIR
AND SQUARE
WARNER
JACK L. WARNER
HAL B. WALLIS
JAMES CAGNEY
PRISCILLA LANE
^'^^'" m ESSEX
''"^mmuss
mames"
The Shock-Crammed Ddys the
G-Men Took Ten Years to Lick!
By Mark Hellinger with,
HUMPHREY BOGART • GLADYS GEORGE
JEFFREY LYNN • FRANK McHUGH • PAUL KELLY
Directed by RAOUL WALSH • Screen Play by Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay & Robert Rossen
Today
300 THEATRES
ARE PLAYING
HOLLYWOOD
CAVALCADE
Every exhibitor who saw it wanted it im-
mediately. . . the greatest demand for prints
in the history of this company!
And the miUions of patrons now crowding
to see it prove it the most sensational box-
o/fice attraction that ever hit this industry!
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN OUIGLEY, E,litor-iu-Chhi and Piihlishcr
Vol. 137, No. 2
OP
October 7, 1939
FUDGING'
A TOUCH of sardonic entertainment can be had by
the writers of motion picture advertising copy, under
the slight but positive restraints of "the Code," in
regarding the wriggling antics of the lads who are
writing motor car copy.
Certain prohibitions anent horizontal art poses arose, you'll
be remembering, in a critical period of some years ago in the
cinema. It was hard for some layout experts to get perpen-
dicular, and even now some tend to slant their effects toward
the angle of repose.
Likewise, the motor car industry, crying of speed and more
speed, a few years back discovered that meetings of motor
vehicle commissioners and conclaves of police officers were be-
ginning to talk about legislation for the installation of governors
to mechanically enforce speed limits. Then came the stab of
special attention In the widely circulated article " — And Sudden
Death," by Mr. J. C. Furnas. About then the organized motor
industry through Its trade association machinery laid down the
rule there'd be no more advertising of speed.
MEANWhIILE the cars got faster and faster, as they do
yet. The last big speed advertisement said: "The 100
mile an hour stock car has arrived." After that the
copy began to read: "Ample power for emergencies," which
was the limit of what could be said.
Progressively ever since the copy writers have been edging,
fudging, on toward intimations of speed.
Last week an "Independent" ventured out, still mind you
with no mrleage figures, but with ". . . at throttle touch the
country outside becomes a crazy quilt . . . seems to shoot
you forward on a giant wave . . . just nudge the throttle and
you'll sprint by. ..."
That's the way codes are bi'oken down. The problems of
speed are still there. Danger still rides the road.
AAA
EPISODE 1889
OUR piece about "The First Preview" and the affairs of
fifty years ago, bringing in the name of President Ben-
jamin Harrison, caused Mr. Will Hays to remember
that his father, Mr. John Hays, successful country lawyer at
Sullivan, Indiana, told of a call from the newly elected presi-
dent in that remote 1889. "Now that I'm in, what can I do
for you, John?"
Considering quickly this and that, which is the Hays habit,
he replied: "Nothing, Ben — that is, nothing that I can afford
to accept."
Few Presidents have had such an answer.
AAA
WE'VE long had an impression of the considerable
responsibility of the function of reviewing motion
pictures, but never more acutely than the other day
when a review of "Maisle" In the July 1st issue of Motion
Picture Herald caused Judge Brian Montague down at
Del Rio in Texas, just two whoops and a holler from Mexico,
to grant a new trial to one Eleuterio Gonzales, charged with
criminal assault, because he had been convicted by a jury
that had seen the picture. The conviction carried a sentence
of 15 years. Mr. P. J. Poag, manager of the Strand at
Del Rio, considered. In consequence, the picture powerful, the
review, submitted In court, convincing.
AAA
A NOUN IS BORN
STATISTICALLY there are some imposing names In Amer-
ican business, and by reason of their connotations and
significances and authorities they tend to become not
only names but generic nouns — labels to you. For Instance,
there's Dun & Bradstreet, and Dow Jones, to say nothing
of Price Vv'aterhouse. In radio the name is Crossley, because
of that concern's evaluating surveys of the listeners. So it
comes that In a piece about Mr. Bob Hope In Liberty the
other day Mr. Frederick L. Collins, author. Is found saying:
"Bob's movie Crossley — they call it a Quigley In the picture
business — isn't so high yet as ... "
That reminds us, coincidentally of course, that the annual
poll of exhibitors, the world around, on the "Money Making
Stars" is now in progress and that their "Quigley's" will be
In due time presented, statistically In Motion Picture
Herald, and both statistically and ornamentally In Fame,
come New Year's.
That puts QP Into history along with Fahrenheit.
AAA
FILM CLINIC
WITH the motion picture bookshelf growing by yards
every year and the critical literature of the art accu-
mulating by the acre, one is Inevitably impressed with
the futility of endeavours to put the film picture on the printed
page.
It was this editor who many the year ago excavated that
Chinese adage: "One thousand tellings are not so good as one
seeing." And nowhere does It so capably apply as to the
motion picture, the device which tells by seeing.
And that it is which gives so vital Importance, for every
student of the screen, to the scheduled and orderly classified
showings of excerpts from the progress of the screen through
the products of the past, carried on by the Film Library of the
Museum of Modern Art, in New York, and by occasional spe-
cial programs in other centers.
A course now in progress at rhe Museum in New York runs
through to November 8. There are two dally showings. These
films may not exactly forecast where the motion picture Is
going, but they show where it has been, and some of the "why."
AAA
NATURE NOTES — The first pressing of cider at Mr. Colvin
Brown's Mulberry Ledge up in Connecticut Is developing con-
siderable snap. Late this week he reported observing that a
neighbor's police dog stops for traffic lights In Stamford. » » »
The nuthatches have arrived from the North, but the mallards,
fat and Impudent, have postponed their departure for the.
South indefinitely. » » » Maurice McKenzie, able horticulturist
of Long Ridge road and Indiana, is graduating from chrysan-
themums into orchids — no doubt the consequence of the exotic
influences of his years of the cinema. His best orchid will be
named "Pat Casey."
Terry Rainsayc.
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
This Week
On the Dotted Line
A wave of product buying for the 1939-40
season, releasing buying power held up far
past the usual period, is now reaching nota-
ble proportions. The ground swell was first
felt in the middle weeks of September after
a laggard summer during which circuit and
independent buyers displayed unusual apathy
toward new season negotiations. In recent
weeks sales forces of the major distributors
have been working overtime with contract
forms and fountain pens, the record of an-
nounced deals showing at least 57 additional
important contracts with large circuits closed
since the first of the month. Despite the
general buying trend, however, some sec-
tions, notably Chicago, were still delaying
negotiations.
An analysis of the market and lists of
new contracts annoiin-ced by the companies
are in the story starting on page 14.
Against Cuts
Suspicious of producer efforts to econo-
mize by cutting salaries and dropping per-
sonnel while at the same time granting stu-
dio workers and newsreel cameramen a 10
per cent wage increase, the Screen Actors
Guild this week indicated it would '"ex-
amine" the necessit}^ for such economizing,
and might even ask wage increases, espe-
cially for its extras. The Screen Directors'
Guild and Screen Writers' Guild were re-
ported allied with the SAG in this sentiment.
Meanwhile, in New York, a small CIO
union, the United Theatrical and Motion
Picture Service Employees, Local 258, ini-
tiated counter action from the Local 306,
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees, by reportedly claiming jurisdic-
tion not only over "front office" theatre em-
ployees, but also over projectionists. The
Local 306 protested to the CIO, and hur-
riedly chartered two new "front oiSce" Lo-
cals, for the Bronx and Manhattan.
The story is on page 48.
Universal vs. Saenger
Universal is offering five year product
franchises to any theatre owner who will
open representative theatres in competition
with the Saenger Circuit in any of the cir-
cuit's so-called ""closed situations," in six
southern states. Motion Picture Daily said
Thursday, reporting the indication of a com-
plete break with its Saenger customers in
Louisiana, ^Mississippi, Alabama, Florida,
Arkansas and Texas ; Saenger in addition is
booking for numerous other theatres in the
same territorj-. A Universal home office sales
executive was quoted as saying that "'com-
plete inability' to obtain equitable terms
caused the break."
Grand Jury
Frank Murphy, United States attorney
general, will decide further inoves in the
federal grand jury investigation of alleged
income tax evasion and labor racketeering
in Hollywood, it was learned this week as
the investigation was delayed to permit Mr.
^Murphy to read transcripts of the witnesses'
testimony. Charles H. Carr, assistant U. S.
attorne}- general in charge of the investiga-
tion, said ^Ir. ^lurphy would order the next
move. He did not reconvene the grand jury
in Los Angeles this week pending further
word from Washington.
It was learned that Joseph iM. Schenck
and William Bioft, lATSE leader, would
not be called before the jury, although Mr.
Carr at first said he would summon them.
Cancellations
Following the publicly announced action of
\\'arners Brothers and ^letro-Goldwyn-
^layer several weeks ago, to grant trade
practice and contract concessions. Para-
mount and Twentieth Century-Fox will ef-
fect increased cancellation priviliges, of 20,
15 and 10 per cent, on the same basis that
the abandoned industry code provided, that
is a sliding scale based on the average rental
paid by the exhibitor.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Com-
pany, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle
7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco, New York." Martin
Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-
President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker,
Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor; Ernest A. Rovelstad,
Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor;
Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill,
manager; Hollywood Bureau, Postal Union Life Building,
Boone Mancall, manager, William R. Weaver, editor;
Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. Allister Grosort, representative. Montreal Bureau,
Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada.
Colin R. Haworth, representative. London Bureau, 4,
Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams, manager;
cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri,
Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, cable Autre-
Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Caroncini 3, Rome,
Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Mel bourne, ■ Australia,
Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold
Rd., Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endeon,
representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartodo 269, Mexico
City, James Lockhart, representative; Budapest Bureau,
Szamos-utca 7, Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, rep-
resentative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, Natolio Bruski, representative; Barce-
lona Bureau, Calle San Gervasio #2, Son Gervasio, Bar-
celona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo
Bureau, 880 Sasozuka, Ichikowo-shi Chiba-Ken, Japan,
Hiromu Tominaga, representative; Rio de Janeiro Bureau,
Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Morinho,
representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road,
Karachi, India. G. A. Thokur, representative; Montevideo
Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo,
representative, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bu-
reau, 87 Waolstroat, Amsterdam Z., Holland, Philip de
Schoap, ■■ representative; Prague Bureau, Uhelny trh 2,
Prague I, Czechoslovakia. Harry Knopf, representative.
Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengaorden 14, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau
of Circulations. All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley
Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the
New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better
Theatres, Motion Picture Daily, Teatro al Dfa, Interna-
tional Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
Boom Beginning?
A poll of major circuit executives reveals
that business is better at this time than last
year, and that they believe there will be a
great increase in grosses "within 60 days,"
according to Motion Picture Daily. The in-
crease is attributed to a general nationwide
business upswing connected with the war
and without revision of the Neutrality Act.
National Theatres reports better business
now than last year. Loew's cites an im-
provement in the last several weeks. Wal-
ter W. Vincent of the \Mlmer and Vincent
circuit, operating in coastal Virginia, points
to industrial activity and expects benefits
from the Administration's "'Cash and Carry"
proposals. Joseph Bernhard, general man-
ager of Warner Theatres, says the steel mill
activity in the Pittsburgh area will be re-
flected in 60 days at the box office. H. M.
Richey, director of exhibitor relations for
RKO, brought back to Xew York last week
optimistic reports about business in Michi-
gan, where he had attended the Michigan
Allied convention in Kalamazoo. An Asso-
ciated Press survey quotes economists that
the country is embarked upon a lengthy,
and healthy, business recovery.
MPTOA Officers Stay
The annual meeting of the board of direc-
tors of the ilotion Picture Theatre Owners
of America on October 23-24 at the Green-
brier hotel, at White Sulphur Springs, Va.,
is expected to result in reelection of all
national officers; Ed Kuykendall, president;
M. A. Lightman, :Mitchell \\'olfson, E. C.
Beatty, A. Julian Brylawski, vice-presi-
dents ; ]\Iorris Loewenstein, secretary ; Wal-
ter A^incent, treasurer, and Fred Wehren-
berg, chairman of the board.
The board also will fill several executive
vacancies, including that of general counsel
and those created by expiration of terms of
board members.
Mr. Kuykendall arrived in New York
Wednesday from the Buffalo MPTO con-
vention to arrange for the program of the
directors' meeting, which he said would give
"important attention" to the trade practice
concessions of individual companies.
In Commons
Arguments in the British Parliament over
confusing war censorship tactics of various
Governmental departments reached motion
pictures W'ednesday night when the Gov-
ernment's failure to mobilize films for war
use was severely criticized. Arthur Green-
wood, labor leader in the House of Com-
mons, appealed for mobilization of all film
resources and a greater use of British news-
reels. Sir Samuel Hoare, speaking for the
Government, promised immediate action.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
Crises
With Britain reported laying new ex-
change restrictions which might compel the
holding in that country of large amounts of
American revenues, and with business and
receipts affected in nearly every country,
there were plenty of problems for motion
picture industry people here and in Europe
to face this week. However, in all coun-
tries theatres are open and playing to the
usual crowds ; and Hollywood, despite ru-
mors, is not expected to see suspended op-
erations in any studio, except during the
Christmas holidays, a normal lull.
The story starts on page 17.
Observance
The actual date upon which the industry
fixed the observance of its Golden Jubilee
was marked this week by widespread adver-
tising and publicity designed to attract pub-
lic attention to the industry as an institution
and to box offices for profit on current pro-
ductions. The campaigns were handled indi-
vidually by circuit and independent exhibi-
tors, using material prepared as guides by
the jubilee committee of the Motion Picture
Producers and Distributors. On October
6th, anniversary of the completion of the
Edison Kinetoscope, Mrs. Mina M. Edison
Hughes, widow of the inventor, broadcast
a commemorative address on a nationwide
hookup.
Details of the observance are on page 52.
Technical
The 46th semi-annual convention of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers, meet-
ing Monday at the Hotel Pennsylvania in
New York, will review technical achieve-
ment in the broad general fields of cinema-
tography, sound recording and reproduction
and projection during its three-day session.
The delegates will visit the World's Fair and
attend demonstrations by the Bell Telephone
Company and other manufacturers.
The program of the convention is printed
hi full on page 36.
Realignment
Preparing for operations under the final
reorganization plan, RKO Radio this week
announced changes in sales personnel under
which A. W. Smith, Jr., becomes eastern
sales manager and Robert E. Mochrie south-
ern manager. Meanwhile Atlas Corporation,
leading factor in the reorganization, is
making plans for new stock underwriting
which will take into consideration conditions
brought about by the war.
Personnel and corporate news of the com-
pany is on page 57.
Equity Balks
Actors' Equity, on Tuesday, became the
first entertainment union to prevent a sched-
uled television broadcast and by so doing
exercised the right to rule television, a right
which, it already has been indicated, would
be contested by the Screen Actors' Guild and
the American Federation of Radio Artists.
A part of Max Gordon's new musical
show, "Very Warm for May," had been
planned for a television broadcast Wednes-
day night by the National Broadcasting
Company. The plan was abandoned when
Equity demanded the equivalent of a full
week's salary for each performer taking part
in the single program. NBC had hoped that
the program would be a forerunner of regu-
lar television previews of Broadway shows.
Entertainment in War
The public in wartime shows little enthu-
siasm for entertainment which emphasizes
the strain and anxiety of their ordinary daily
life, but turns instead to diversion, relaxa-
tion. This is shown in a study of entertain-
ment types which were most widely accepted
during the only modern period comparable
to present conditions — the years of World
War I. The long run plays and best gross-
ing motion pictures in that four-year period
were listed by Motion Picture Herald
last week. This week the study is rounded
out with a consideration of the most loudly
applauded vaudeville acts, the most popular
songs and the best selling books.
The listings start on page 23.
FOR READY REFERENCE
Editorial
Page
7
This Week in Pictures
Page
iO
The Hollywood Scene
Page
35
Managers' Round Table
Page
59
Release Chart
Page
69
Asides and Interludes
Page
4!
Showmen's Reviews
Page
38
In the Courts
Page
68
Deaths of the Week
Page
68
In the Newsreels
Page
52
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page
57
What the Picture Did for Me
Page
53
In the Cutting Room
Page
37
Bluebook School Questions
Page
56
Hollywood and Stage
The long heralded return of Hollywood
backing to the Broadway stage has, after
many months of negotiations, taken a de-
cisive step forward ; the council of the Dra-
matists' Guild having given its approval to
the new agreement submitted by a committee
composed of J. Robert Rubin, Metro-Gold-
wyn-Mayer vice-president and general coun-
sel ; Jake Wilk, Warner Brothers' story
editor ; Sidney Fleisher, Guild attorney, and
Luise Sillcox, executive secretary of the
Guild.
The approval of the Guild council was
given at a meeting last week; the plan will
now be submitted to a committee of stage
managers, and in all likelihood be subject
to further discussions with the film repre-
sentatives before being submitted to the
Guild membership for final ratification.
The desire on the part of the Guild for
decisive action one way or the other on the
plan, with the New York theatrical season
under way, was seen as influencing the coun-
cil's action. Since 1936, when the Guild en-
forced new conditions, there have been only
isolated instances of film companies backing
stage plays as a source of supply of motion
picture material.
Under the arrangement considered
last week, an advance of $15,000 would be
paid to authors of plays backed by film com-
panies, in three installments; $5,000 after
the signing of the contract, $2,500 after the
second week of the play's run, and $7,500
after the third week. The film companies
had rejected the suggestion of a $15,000
down payment, and seek a reduction of the
amount.
Also sought by the film interests is a re-
duction of the weekly gross receipts of the
play which would form the royalty; and a
sliding scale of payment based on the play's
operating costs, as well as a time limit on the
percentage arrangement.
As financial backers of the play, the film
companies would receive part of their pay-
ments back from the producer, who is en-
titled to 40 per cent of the dramatists' share.
Anti-Trust
Department of Justice officials this week
refused to confirm reports that they are tem-
porarily abandoning the New York anti-
trust suit against the majors in order to
concentrate on one or two of the suits
brought against large independent circuits.
Officials said that all cases will be pushed
with vigor. Meanwhile arguments in the
Pittsburgh anti-trust suit started on Tues-
day, the trial of the Newburgh anti-trust
case was expected momentarily and the A,
B. Momand action in Oklahoma was set for
trial December 11th.
For complete details see page 16.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
THIS
WEEK
TEA is served for a Rocke-
feller and the Rocket+es at a
reception In the Radio City
Music Hail studio apartnr>ent
at which the French Consul
General, Count Charles de
FontnouvelJs, presented tfie
dancing troupe with the di-
ploma of the Grand Prix de
Paris. John D, Rockefeller,
Jr., and W. G. Van Schmus,
managing director at the
Music hiall are at the left
and right of the Rockette
members.
EXPLOfTATION. Mr. and Mrs. George M. Goben of
Lucas, Iowa, 93 years of age, have been married 78 years, —
long enough to be singled out by Walter Wanger exploita-
tion experts as the longest married couple in the United
States. The publicity gained, for the Gobens, a trip to
Des Moines to see "Eternally Yours" and, for the exploiteers,
awesome statistics on the longevity of wedded bliss.
A GENERAL and the press are guests of United Artists at
the Hotel Pierre, New York, after a screening of "The Real
Glory." Major General James G. Harbord, below right,
RCA chairman and formerly of the Philippine Constabulary,
liked the picture. With him at table are Bosley Crowther
of the New York Times and Eileen Creelman of the Sitii.
By Cosmo-Sileo
HERE we have evolution: from "It" to "Oomph." Way back then
there was a redhead by the name Clara Bow and she was said to
have "It," "and how." That was the discovery of Elinor Glyn. Now
we have Ann Sheridan who is said to have "Oomph," "but definitely."
That Is the Invention of the Warner-EInfeld-Blumenstock committee
on the modernist movement. Miss Sheridan also has red hair. It Is
Oomph and Oomph Is it. Possibly promotion Is involved.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MISS PHYLLIS DUFFY, very much of
Oklahoma, comes to New York as "Miss
Cherokee Strip", a title awarded her as
part of the annual commemoration of
the opening to colonization of the Indian
lands known as the Cherokee Strip. The
award committee included George Lim-
erich, city manager for Griffiths theatres
in Enid, Okla., and 1938 Quigley Bronze
Grand Award winner.
APPOINTMENT, left. A. W. Smith, Jr.,
former sales executive for Warners and
United Artists, becomes eastern sales
manager for RKO under a realignment
of personnel announced by Ned E.
Depinet, vice-president for distribution.
REPRESENTING a foreign market not yet lost by the ravages
of war, Baburao Patel, editor of Filin'nidia and president of
the Film Trade Journalists Association of India, is the guest
of Harry M. Warner in the Warner Burbank studios.
Between guest and host are Wayne Morris and Lya Lys.
By staff Photographer
AFTER three years Natalie M. Kalmus, wife of the president
of Technicolor and studio color director for the company,
gives up her London headquarters and returns to Hollywood,
reporting British production handicapped but not halted by
the war. She is met at trainside by Robert Riley, George
Cave and David Shattuck, executives of the company, and
her nephew, Donald Smith.
PLANNING a new series of short subjects for Paramount
release, based on Liberty Magazine "short short stories,"
Lou Diamond, head of that department for the company,
discusses the project with Jerry Fairbanks, co-producer
with Robert Carlisle of Scientific Films, visiting the home
office from the coast. The series will be "Bits of Life."
DISTRIBUTION of $50,000 in 25 cities to institutions
caring for children handicapped by infantile paralysis is
begun by the Will Rogers Memorial Commission at a
luncheon in New York, right. At the table are Amon G.
Carter, publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who
presented a check for $14,595 to General Hugh S. John-
son-, chairman of the recent Greater New York Infantile
Paralysis Campaign; Will H. Hays and General Johnson.
By Staff Photographer
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
By Staff Photographer
ON VINE STREET, ihe Film Row of Philadelphia,
Dan Katlin, of the Music hiall in Lanesdale, Pa.,
meets 1. Borowsky, of the Jewel and Rex, Phila-
delphia.
LIKE the Irishman's knife, which during a long life
had three new blades and two new handles, the
Academy of Music on New York's 14th Street cele-
brates its 87th anniversary although the present
building, now a Skouras house, opened in 1926, is
across the street from the original site. Guarding
the birthday cake are William Whiteside, usher, and
Marie Jaqulns, 72, matron in the original theatre.
1
'•.'V*.*
BROTHER AND SISTER act in Holly-
wood. James Cagney and his sister,
Jean, under contract to Paramount and
working in her first picture role In "All
Women Have Secrets."
4h
PERSONAL APPEARANCE.
Rosalind Russell attends the
premiere of ''The Women," at
the Bridgeport Poli. With her
Is Jack Sidney, nephew of Louis
K. Sidney, and assistant to Matt
Saunders, manager.
THE WESTINGHOUSE COMPANY, which started with air-
brakes and hasn't stopped since, held a coming out party for
its new hermetically sealed air conditioning compressor for
cooling theatres, etc., at the Hotel Astor in New York this
week, with Hendley N. Blackmon of East Pittsburgh the host.
The mechanism, the only V- 1 6 we ever saw that stands stil
viewed by many theatre operators.
was
IN KALAMAZOO, Allied of
Michigan gathers in convention.
Above, Oscar Kendall, William
Schuttenhelm (Detroit Glohe and
Democrat], Joe Portell. Left, OIlie
Brooks of Butterfield Theatres.
PROMINENT among first rank ex-
hibitors of Dixie is Tony Sudekum,
president of the Crescent Amuse-
ment who opened one of the first
theatres in Nashville, shown below
In a recent picture in his office.
October 14, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
WITH THE EXHIBITORS
AT THE M SM
booth in Times
Square. Above, Mr.
and Mrs. A. B.
Rhodes of the Texas
and Lone Star, Jas-
oer, Texas.
C. F
ra n CI s
Left.
Davis, manager of
the St. Johnsville
and Binghampton in
Binghampton, N, Y,
VISITING THE WAR-
NER STUDIOS. Right,
Wayne A. Chase of
the Lake theatre. Lake
Odessa, Mich., meets
a new Warner fea-
tured player, Lucille
Fairbanks, on the
"Royal Rodeo" set.
Below. Wister M. El-
liott, operator of thea-
tres in Vandergrift,
Pa., and his son chat
with George Raft.
IN RKO LOUNGE.
Right, Jose Antonio
Cabrera, Olga Maria
Cabrera and R. Cab-
rera of the Margot cir-
cuit, Managua, Nicar-
agua.
ft
i
''if
Below. John G. Strathy of
the Brock theatre, Whitby,
Ont., in the RKO lounge.
By Staff Photographer
By Staff Photographer
Below. U. Bourdon of the Alamo
theatre in Chateaugay, Quebec.
By Staff Photographer
Below. Sylvia Brownberg, booker
for the Mayfair, St. John's, N. B.
By Staff Photographer
By Staff Photographer
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fineman, above right, of the
Regent Square, Philadelphia, visit the Managers'
Round Table with Lou Lifton, director of advertising
and publicity for Monogram Pictures.
(4
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
October 14, 1939
57 MORE CIRCUITS BUY
TEN DISTRIBUTORS' FILMS
Hundreds of Theatres In-
volved in Deals Marking
Spurt in Both Chain and
Independent Purchases
New season film buying by exhibitors,
both in independent and circuit operations,
has taken a marked spurt. In the past 10
days the majors have closed 57 important
full-block contracts with circuits, involving
several hundreds of theatres, while negotia-
tions are proceeding smoothly on scores of
others.
An explanation of the growing interest
of exhibitor buyers in arranging a source of
supply for 1940 — after months of marking
time earlier in the season — appeared in the
realization that the war might have some
effect on the supply emanating from Holly-
wood, despite assurances by producers that
no curtailment is contemplated because of the
international "emergency." Before the war
clouds broke, independents and unaffiliated
circuits in virtually every section of the
country were engaged in a sort of "sitdown"
on buying pending disclosure of new con-
cessions in contracts from distributors as a
result of tlie anticipated major's trade pro-
gram. The branding of that document as
illegal by Thurman Arnold, United States
assistant attorney general changed that situa-
tion, and buying of a sort began almost im-
mediately thereafter.
Anticipating Rental Increase
The delayed formulation of the code, how-
ever, had set contract signing behind many
previous years. Only 36 sizeable circuit deals
had been closed by the majors up to mid-July,
according to their own disclosures in regularly
reporting circuit product deals through their
regular press relation channels.
With the death of the code and the start of
war, exhibitors and circuits started the rush to
buy in mid- September. Besides the reasons al-
ready mentioned, scores of the prospective thea-
tre customers were moved to act quickly be-
cause of the fear of expected rental increases
arising from curtailed rentals from the warring
nations, many a buyer bargaining for long term
contracts in the hope that terms might be ob-
tained at pre-war levels.
There are, however, some sections where buy-
ing by independents has not kept the general
pace. T)npical is Chicago.
A check-up of exchanges there shows that
film buying on the part of the Chicago inde-
pendents is still being delayed. Few deals
have been made by exhibitors in that city
and chances are that deals for the new sea-
son's product will be held off until the last
possible minute.
independents Wait
The reasons given for the delay are several.
Each year the independents wait until they
learn what deals the circuits have made before
they make commitments. Due to the releasing
system in Chicago they are able to tell what
new product is clicking best at the Loop thea-
tres and thus get some idea as to what to
expect.
Another cause for delay is the suit now pend-
SELF-REGULATION
ASKED IN CANADA
Self-regulation in the motion pic-
ture htisiness in Canada has been asked
by N. A. Taylor, vice-prendent of the
Independent Theatres Association of
Ontario, in a statement referring to
the move for trade reforms by the
Anti-Protection League of Canada,
which has requested distributors for
national and regional conciliation
boards. Mr. Taylor declared that "A
national clearance board just note
may turn the tide towards industry
peace."
No definite reply has been received
as yet by the League, which has asked
for representative conciliation boards
in six cities of the Daminion, with a
national appeal board in Toronto.
The matter pi-obably will be taken up
at the next regular gathering of the
film exchange representatives under
the auspices of the Film Section of
the Toronto Board of Trade.
ing, which has been filed against Balaban &
Katz and the major companies by the U. S.
Government, charging violation of a consent
decree handed down in federal court in 1932.
If this decree is found violated and action is
taken, the release system in Chicago probably
will be changed considerably. For that reason
the independents are hopeful that the Govern-
ment will be able to prove their case and thus
bring about a change in the local clearance
system, which they feel is unfavorable to them.
A change in this system would make consider-
able difference in product deals.
Right now the eyes of independent exhibitors
are turned on the Essaness circuit. Deals with
that group, a member of Allied Theatres of
Illinois, powerful independent organization, are
pending with various film companies, including
Warners and 20th Century-Fox. Essaness deals
made last year with Paramount and MGM are
said to hold over this year. Essaness already
has bought the RKO-Radio product for this
season. The type of deals Essaness makes will
probably have a bearing on the theatres that
are competitive to the houses of this circuit.
In Chicago the usual film buying procedure is
to see what your competitor has bought be-
fore you make your deal.
No Concerted Action
As a group Allied Theatres of Illinois has
taken no action to hold off film buying as
has been done on previous occasions. When
queried regarding film deals the organization
members usually sav, "What's the hurry?"
Statements from producers and distributors that
film rentals may go upward shortly because of
the war, apparently have made no impression
on Chicago exhibitors, who feel that they are
paving top rentals now and that film companies
will have to take what they are offered or no
deal will result. At least that's the stand most
exhibitors there are taking.
With the restoration of a voluntary 5 per
cent cut taken last year by the Operators Union
and new contracts signed with that group by
local showmen, this problem appears settled
for another year. Reports that the union may
ask for an increase later on were neither con-
firmed nor denied by union officials.
Theatre Business Rises
In the meantime theatre business in the Chi-
cago territory has taken a decided upswing.
Especially in the steel mill area has this been
pronounced with the advent of the fall season.
The steel mills are running 95 per cent of
capacity, indicating good business through the
winter months at least.
Good crops throughout that part of the mid-
west and general business improvement also
have made their favorable impression upon thea-
tre box offices.
The only problems that noticeably now con-
front the industry in Chicagoland are the settle-
ment of the pending suits and the selling and
buying of the new product.
Warners Most Active
Warners in recent days has been among the
most active circuit sellers, according to actual
announcements coming from the New York
home office sales departments through their
press departments.
Gradwell L. Sears, general sales manager of
Warner-First National, this week declared,
"Exhibitor favor of Warners' new merchandis-
ing plan has manifested itself in a huge spurt
in company sales, which have reached a new
high. Practically all of the major circuits have
closed with Warners for its complete lineup of
1939-40, plus Vitaphone shorts and trailers." He
mentioned the new merchandising plan, refer-
ring to the company's own "trade practice pro-
gram" as disclosed last month.
Circuit buyers in new Warner deals include
the Dubinsky Circuit of 12 theatres in Kansas
and Missouri ; Commonwealth, 41 theatres in
Iowa, Kansas and Missouri ; Minnesota Amuse-
ments, 93 houses in Minnesota, South Dakota,
Wisconsin; Interstate, 131 theatres in Texas
and New Mexico ; Graphic Theatres, 19 in
New England ; Kincey, 74 in Alabama, Ten-
nessee and the Carolinas ; Jefferson Amuse-
ment, 64 in Texas, and Great States, in Illinois.
Other new deals have been closed with M. A.
Shea, for 42 houses in Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and
Rhode Island ; Walter Reade Enterprises, 40
in New Jersey, New York ; A. H. Blank, 78 in
Iowa and Nebraska ; Prudential Theatres,
51 in Long Island and lower New York State;
Maine and New Hampshire Theatre, 39 in
Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and New
Hampshire ; St. Louis Amusement, 102 neigh-
borhood theatres in St. Louis and environs ;
Chakeres Circuit, seven in Ohio ; Hildinger
Theatres, eight in New Jersey, and St. Louis
Amusement Company.
Resume Fox West Coast Talks
As important as any Warner sales develop-
ment this season is the resumption of negotia-
tions with Fox West Coast for its 500-odd thea-
tres, following a split between the buyer and
seller over trading earlier in the season, when
Warners started selling away from this large
customer. Negotiations for healing the breach
were started in New York several weeks ago
and have been continuing since in Hollywood.
Previously Warner circuit customers for
1939-40 product included John Danz Circuit of
18 Sterling Theatres in Oregon and W^<«hing-
ton ; Gibraltar Enterprises of 30 in Colorado ;
(.Continued on opposite page')
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
15
THEATRES ANTICIPATE RENTAL RISE
iContiuucd from opfosite page")
Black Hills Amusements, 10 in South Dakota ;
Wilmer and Vincent, 20 in Pennsylvania and
Virginia; Shea's Publix, 13 in Buffalo; J. J.
Parker Circuit, six in Oregon ; B. F. Shearer,
four in Washington ; Johnson Circuit, nine in
Washington, and J. Blumenfeld Circuit of 15
around San Francisco ; Comerford Theatres, 105
in Pennsylvania and New York.
Other early Warner circuit buyers were :
Balaban and Katz in Illinois, the 105 thea-
tres of Comerford Circuit in New York and
Pennsyh^ania ; Famous Players Canadian, 158
in Canada ; Ike Libson Circuit, 14 in Ohio and
Kentuck}' ; MuUins and Pinanski, 96 throughout
New England ; Thalheimer Theatres ; Schine
Circuit, 119 in New York, Ohio and elsewhere
in the east ; M. A. Shea, 42 in Massachusetts,
New York, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsyl-
vania, Rhode Island ; Loew's Metropolitan New
York Circuit of 42 ; RKO's Metropolitan New
York houses, numbering 37 ; Hamline Theatres,
nine in Illinois ; Fourth Avenue Theatres, 16
in Kentucky and Indiana, and RKO's 103 houses
in several states.
New Columbia Deals
Griffith Amusements, one of the largest in
the south, with 204 theatres in Oklahoma,
Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska and Arkan-
sas, is one of Columbia's new season's con-
tractees, likewise Wometco Circuit of 19 houses
around M'iami and West Palm beaches.
Columbia earlier had sold the related Na-
tional Theatres' 169, Fox West Coast, 42 ; Fox
Wisconsin, 120 ; Fox Midwest, and the 65 Fox
Intermountain Theatres.
UA and B&K In Deal
United Artists and Balaban & Katz have
been progressing with their negotiations to fur-
nish that important Illinois circuit with prod-
uct in 1939-40, with indications Monday point-
ing to individual picture deals being made by
the circuit on U. A. product. Only recently
the circuit purchased two individual Goldwyn
and a single Korda picture.
Some of United Artists' early buyers for
1939-40 product were the Interstate Circuit of
38 in New England; Notes Theatres, four in
the District of Columbia ; Robb and Rowley,
102 in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas ;
Warner Theatres of 459 in 19 states ; Durkee
Enterprises, 23 in Maryland ; Skouras Metro-
politan Circuit, 67 in New York and New Jer-
sey ; Rome Enterprises, 14 in Maryland and
the 400 theatres of National Theatres and its
Fox West Coast affiliates in California to the
midwest, and RKO's 103 theatres.
Monogranf) Active
W. Ray Johnston's Monogram Pictures has
been most active in the past ten days in circuit
selling, closing with Affiliated Theatres of 16
houses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania ; Free-
man and Newbold, Cincinnati ; Jay Emanuel,
with about nine in Pennsylvania ; H. G. Anas,
Pittsburgh ; Gerald Hardy, Fresno, California ;
E. M. Loew Theatres, operating 42 in Connec-
ticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island ;
Kincey, 86 in the Carolinas and Virginias ; An-
derson Theatres, 10 in Illinois ; Sheedon
Grengs, Minneapolis ; Harry Walken, in
Omaha ; E. F. Burgan, Kansas ; the Morse
Circuit of 17 in New England ; Stein Circuit,
St. Louis ; Louis Long in California, Anderson
Circuit, Waters Theatres of 12 in the south.
As far back as three weeks ago, George W.
Weeks, Monogram's general sales manager, re-
ported that company sales for 1939-40 are up
about 20 per cent over last year.
New Parannount Deals
The backbone of Paramount's circuit sales,
of course, are made to its partners and affilli-
1 1 % ?LAY BINGO;
EXHIBITORS TROUBLED
Cincinnati exhibitors are viewing
the situation as regards the competi-
tion of Bingo very gravely, it is re-
ported. Police Chief Eugene Weath-
erly, in his recettt report, said that
"eleven per cent of all Cincinnatians
1 5 years or over are Bingo players".
This compilation is predicated on sta-
tistics compiled since January 1st,
from ivhich time the game has been
legal only xuhen played under a per-
mit issued by City Manager C. O.
Sherrill.
ates, operating well over 1,200 theatres from
coast to coast, and where new franchises are
in order the partners have been in negotia-
tion and consummation these several weeks,
one group or another traveling to New York
home office executives from their respective
lield operations almost every week.
Paramount has closed new producct deals
with the Anderson Circuit of 10 in Illinois and
Alliance Theatres. Two weeks ago, Neil F.
Agnew, general sales manager disclosed that at
that time some 6,000 theatres had been sold
for 1939-40.
One of the big Paramount partner franchises,
of course, is Balaban and Katz's large circuit
in the middle west. Other new deals previously
consummated include Interstate, Hamline and
RKO circuits, the latter with 103 houses.
Republic Sells Circuits
Another active new season seller of block
product is Republic Pictures, which in the past
few days has sold the Essaness Circuit of 27
in Chicago ; Fanchon and Marco's first run
houses in St. Louis ; St. Louis Amusement, 26
in the same city ; Robb and Rowlej', 28 in
Texas ; Si Fabian Circuit, for Brooklyn, Al-
bany, Schenectady, Troy and Cohoes, all in
New York ; Lucas and Jenkins, 44 in Georgia ;
E. J. Sparks, 74 in Florida ; Lichtman Thea-
tres, 20 in the District of Columbia, North Caro-
lina and Virginia; the Great States Circuit in
Illinois ; and Loew's Metropolitan circuit of 42,
for the serial, "Dick Tracy."
Previously, the company had sold Its new
product group to the Durkee Circuit of 20 in
Maryland ; Interstate Circuit, 32 in New
England, and 21 Maine and New Hampshire
Theatres in the same territory.
Also, in early Republic deals were Turner
and Dahnken, with 34 theatres in California
and Nevada ; Butterfield, 105 in Michigan ; Na-
tional Theatres' 400 houses in the west and mid-
west ; Griffith Amusement's 77 in Texas ; In-
terstate, 131 in Texas and New Mexico ; Jeffer-
son Amusement, 64 in Texas ; Notes Theatres, 4
in the District of Columbia ; Waters Theatres,
12 in Alabama ; Schine, 102 in New York, Ohio
and elsewhere in the east ; Warner Theatres,
for seven territories on the west coast ; Golden
State Theatres, 27 in California ; Publix Great
States, 58 in Illinois ; Saenger, 62 in the south-
east.
20th Century- Fox Sells Canada
One of the largest buys of Twentieth Century-
Fox in the past week was by Famous-Players
Canadian Corporation, for its 160 theatres in
the Dominion. Although the distributor has
a long term contract with the circuit, it pro-
vides for yearly renewals.
Earlier "Twentieth Century-Fox circuit sales
were made to the RKO Circuit of 103, running
from coast to coast ; to about 250 of Warners
400 houses ; nine theatres of W. N. Skirball ;
Balaban & Katz in Illinois ; Butterfield, 105 in
Michigan; Comerford, 105 in New York and
Pennsylvania ; National Theatres, being a con-
tinuance of the franchise with the 400 theatres
in which the distributor has an interest with
the Chase Bank, and Griffith Amusements, 77
in Texas.
Also in early deals: Interstate, 131, in Texas
and New Mexico ; Jefferson Amusement, 64,
Texas ; and Interstate of New England, 38 in
New England ; Ike Libson Circuit, five in Ohio ;
Maine and New Hampshire Theatres, 29 in
New England ; M. A. Lightman, 42 in the
south ; Minnesota Amusement, 93 in Minnesota,
Wisconsin and the Dakotas ; Mullins & Pinan-
ski, 96 in New England ; Rome Enterprises, 14
in Maryland; Robb & Rowley, 102 in Texas,
Arkansas and Oklahoma ; the Thalheimer Cir-
cuit; Waters Theatre Company, 12 in Alabama;
Schine Circuit, 112 in New York and Ohio;
M. A. Shea, 42 in New York, Ohio and else-
where in the east ; Loew's Metropolitan New
Theatres, 42; RKO Metropolitan Theatres, 37;
250 of Warners 400 houses; E. E. Alger, 13
in Illinois ; William Benton, eight in New York,
and J. H. Cooper, nine in Colorado.
Other early deals : Cooperative of Michigan,
78 in that state ; Si Fabian, 29 in New York ;
Harris Amusement, 14 in Michigan, Ohio and
Pennsylvania; Kallett Theatres, 15 in New
York ; Lam Amusement, 12 in Alabama and
Georgia ; Lucas & Jenkins, 40 in Georgia, and
Neighborhood Theatres, nine in Virginia.
Also, Lewen Pizor, nine in Pennsylvania ;
Randforce, 43 in New York ; Saxe Amusement,
16 in Wisconsin ; E. J. Sparks, 73 in Florida ;
Tri-State Theatres, 38 in Iowa, Illinois and
Nebraska ; Wilby-Kincey, 122 in South and
North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Ten-
nessee : Wometcco, 13 in Florida, and Durkee,
23 in Maryland.
More RKO Circuit Deals
Added to the several circuit purchases of
RKO product are new deals closed by Shea
Publix in western New York, the Basil Cir-
cuit of 11 in New York, Interstate's 115 thea-
tres in Texas, and, of course, a continuation
of the company's own 103 theatres. The Dipson
circuit, Buffalo, bought RKO this week.
Universal Sells Many
Universal's midwest branch in Chicago, be-
sides selling virtually all of the downstate
groups in Illinois, has sold the Essaness Circuit
of 28, Warners' 17 and Illinois-Indiana, with
27, all in Illinois.
This week, the company's Philadelphia office
started negotiations with the Warner circuit,
largest in that area.
Earlier, Universal has sold the 105 Comer-
ford theatres in New York and Pennsylvania;
29 Maine and New Hampshire houses in New
England; eight M. A. Lightman theatres in
the south, 102 Schine theatres in New York
and Ohio, 14 Dipson houses in New York,
Ohio and elsewhere.
William A. Scully, general sales manager,
reported that the company was selling an un-
usually large number of circuits for this time.
RKO's large circuit has bought Universal's
product for 90 per cent of its situations.
Metro Started Early
One of the first to delve actively into circuit
negotiations for the new year was Loew-Metro.
Some of its important early sales were made
to the 400 National-Fox West Coast Circuit
in California and the midwest ; to Butterfield
Theatres, 96 in Michigan ; Minnesota Amuse-
ment, 91 in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Da-
kotas ; Warners' 459 theatres, among others.
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
PITTSBURGH SUIT OPENS;
U. S. DENIES A LETUP
Erie State Theatre Case in
Pittsburgh Underway;
Orange County Action Up
Arguments in one of the two-score anti-
trust suits pending against majors as insti-
tuted by independents got under way this
week in Pittsburgh, and trial of the New-
burgh, N. Y., anti-trust suit may be begun
on Friday or Monday in U. S. district court
in New York City.
Meanwhile Department of Justice officials
this week refused to confirm reports that
they temporarily were abandoning the New
York "key" anti-trust film case against the
majors in order to concentrate on one or two
of the suits brought against large indepen-
dent circuits, among them the Schine circuit
in New York State.
On the contrary, it was said, "all the
cases" will be pushed with vigor.
It was suggested in Washington that re-
ports that the New York case would be laid
aside probably arose from the numerous de-
lays which that suit has encountered. How-
ever, it was pointed out, this is merely
"jockeying for position," likely to be en-
countered in any suit brought by the Gov-
ernment.
The Department of Justice this week
granted the majors a further tentative ex-
tension to November 1st for filing exceptions
to interrogatories.
First Served by UA
United Artists served the first defendant's in-
terrogatories in the Government about two
weeks ago, asking for names and addresses of
Government witnesses to all of the industry
practices alleged by the Department to be il-
legal. It is believed that the interrogatories of
other defendants will differ in many respects
from those of United Artists.
In filing the queries, defendant companies are
adopting a procedure initiated by the Govern-
ment in the New York case. The defendants
have until October 17th to make known their
exceptions to the interrogatories put to them
by the Government. Thereafter, when it has
been determined what portions of the federal
interrogatories must be answered, several
months may be required for the preparation of
answers.
Under the procedure, industry attorneys now
regard the start of trial as highly unlikely be-
fore spring or even next fall.
Pittsburgh Suit Starts
Argument in the suit of the Erie State Thea-
tre Corporation against the majors and a dozen
Erie theatres was started Tuesday in U. S. dis-
trict court in Pittsburgh.
The State Theatre Corporation claimed that
illegal agreements between distributors and Erie
film theatre operators prevented it from pur-
chasing better films. Damages totaling $450,000
are asked.
Defendants are the RKO Distributing Com-
pany and RKO Pictures, Paramount, Inc., Unit-
ed Artists, Twentieth Century-Fox, Universal.
Columbia, Republic and Monogram.
Newburgh Case To Start
Opening of the trial of the anti-trust suit
against George Walsh, Paramount theatre asso-
ciate in Newburgh, N. Y., and five major dis-
tribution companies, was awaited in U. S. dis-
trict court in New York City.
The action was brought by Orange County
Theatres, which operates the Academy, New-
burgh, and triple damages of $125,000 are asked.
Inability to obtain the required product for
profitable operation of the Academy is blamed
to contracts between Mr. Walsh's theatres,
Paramount, RKO, Universal, United Artists
and Twentieth Century-Fox.
Set Oklahoma Hearing
At a hearing before A. P. Murrah, federal
judge, in Oklahoma City last week, November
14th was set for the pre-trial conference and
December 11th for trial of case on merits in
A. B. Momand's application for an injunction
to force Oklahoma City distributing companies
to sell him second run product in Shawnee,
Okla., where he operates the Odeon theatre.
On September 29th the Griffith Amusement
Company of Oklahoma City, operator of three
theatres in Shawnee in opposition to the Odeon,
also a defendant in the suit, denied that it is at-
tempting to stop competition from the Odeon
theatre there, in an answer filed in federal dis-
trict court to the suit brought by Oklahoma
Theatres, Inc., operators of the Odeon.
Schine Motion Filed
On Tuesday John Knight, federal judge, in
Buffalo, reserved decision on a motion for a
bill of particulars asking for a "more definite
and certain" complaint by the Department of
Justice in its anti-trust suit against the Schine
circuit which was filed by five mayor defendants
and the circuit.
Lenrose Officers Examined
Examination of officers of the Lenrose
Amusement Corporation, plaintiff in an anti-
trust suit for $150,000 damages against the eight
major companies and Motion Picture Producers
and Distributors of America, was started last
week in the office of Louis Nizer, New York, of
the law firm of Phillips & Nizer. Testimony
under stipulation filed in the federal court will
be deemed equivalent to a bill of particulars.
The plaintiff was owner of a Newark, N. J.,
theatre.
Examined in Gary Case
Alax Halperin, Warner circuit booker, last
week was examined in Chicago before Sigmund
Davis, attorney, regarding Warner theatre
booking classification in the Chicago territory,
and various types of competition between circuit
and independent theatres. Albert Gavit, attor-
ney for W. H. Young, Gary theatre owner, will
check both the Walter Immerman, Balaban &
Katz general manager, and Halperin statements
for the next move in the Gary case, assigned
to Federal Judge Holly's court but with no
trial date set.
Producers Corporation
Plans Eight Pictures
Producers Corporation of America, an in-
dependently financed unit, has entered the
production field in Hollywood, with plans
for eight pictures in the comine year, the
first to star John Charles Thomas, baritone,
in Adela Rogers St. John's "Kingdom
Come."
Officers of the new corporation are George
Green, president; Carl Winston, vice-presi-
dent; Howard Levi, treasurer, and Harry
Sokolow, secretary. Mr. Green and Mr.
Winston have been director-writers. No
releasing arrangements for the new com-
pany's product have been revealed.
Warner Brothers plan to increase its pro-
gram of historical short subjects for the new
season.
LABOR COUNSEL ASKS
''TRUST BUSTERS" CURB
Joseph Padway, chief counsel for
the American Federation of Labor,
charged this week- that "trust busters"
have invaded the rights of labor, and
he appealed to Attorney General
Frank Murphy to "curb and possibly
suppress" activities of the anti-trust
department.
Mr. Fadway told the 59th annual
American Federation of Labor con-
vention in Cincinnati that Thurman
Arnold, assistant attorney general in
charge of anti-trust prosecutions
(who is leading the Government's
anti-trust prosecutions of the film in-
dustry), was a college professor and
asked that "God deliver us from col-
lege professors and army generals in
ad ministrative positions."
Mr. Padway in his address referred
to Mr. Arnold as "this crusader who
has sought and probably procured
more indictments against labor unions
than he has against capital and indus-
try or other persons who are charged
with violating the anti-trust laws."
Film Library Museum
Sets New Program
Museum of Modern Art Film Library in
New York, which recently changed the time
of its showings of famous films of the past
from 2 and 4 P. M. to 3 and 5 :30 P. M., has
announced its program for the coming week.
On October 15th — War in Retrospect:
"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,"
Rudolph Valentino and Alice Terry (1921).
On October 16th — The Western Film :
"The Great Train Robbery" (1903); "The
Last Card," with William S. Hart (1915);
"The Covered Wagon" (1923).
October 17th — Fairbanks and the Costume
Piece: "Robin Hood," with Douglas Fair-
banks (1922).
October 18th— The Swedish Film: "The
Outlaw and His Wife" (1917) ; "The Story
of Gosta Berling," with Lars Hanson and
Greta Garbo (1923-24).
October 19th — The French Films by Louis
Lumiere (1895); "The Runaway Horse"
(1907); "Fantomas" (1913); "The Crazy
Ray" (1923).
October 20th — The German Film (II) :
"Hamlet," with Asta Nielsen (1921) ; "The
Last Laugh," with Emil Jannings (1924).
October 21st — Von Stroheim, the Realist:
"Greed" (1924).
October 22nd — Comedies (I) : "Dream of
a Rarebit Fiend" (1906); "High and
Dizzy," with Harold Lloyd (1920); "The
Navigator," with Buster Keaton (1924).
There is no charge made for these film
programs save for the usual entrance fee to
the museum of 25 cents daily and 10 cents
Sunday.
Arthur Silverstone, former general sales
manager for United Artists in Great Britain,
has been appointed assistant eastern general
sales manager by Harry L. Gold, vice-presi-
dent and eastern general sales manager of
United Artists. Mr. Silverstone recently re-
turned to the United States, after spending
16 years abroad.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
BRITISH MONEY PLAN; FRENCH OUST
REDS; CANADIAN COSTS INCREASE
Americans Face Possibility of
"Freezing" of Cash in
England; Canadian Acces-
sories Prices Up 15%
As Great Britain rejected the "peace" of-
fers of the German chancellor, Adolf Hit-
ler, indicating- to observers a lengthy Euro-
pean War, Britain planned to impose more
stringent economic regulations upon foreign
imports and exchange, which would seri-
ously affect the American motion picture in-
dustry in Britain.
Representatives of the American com-
panies learned of the new British plans at a
meeting in the British Board of Trade of-
fices in London- on Tuesday. Oliver Stanley,
board president, presided.
Money Delays Threatened
It was anticipated, before the meeting, that
American distributors might be compelled to
hold large amounts of money in England under
more severe remittance restrictions.
This week, British exhibition interests were
fighting for retention of the quota act pro-
visions, and the American distributors for its
revision.
It was said that British exhibitors believed
that if the Americans were forced to hold
large amounts of money in the country they
would press for abolition of the Films Acts
clause which provides for a minimum of $75,000
per picture. By doing this, the Americans could
use larger amounts of the tied up money for
high budget pictures.
On the other hand, it was pointed out that
the production of expensive pictures would
mean fewer pictures for the British market,
and a shortage of product for British houses.
A conference of all branches of the motion
picture industry was expected this week, in
London.
In the meantime, the British Home Office
approved the opening of theatres in London's
West End, under a staggered system of hours.
On alternate weeks, each group of houses is
permitted to remain open till 10 P. M., the
others closing at 6 P. M.
Reports from London indicate a return to
"nearer normal" in motion picture attendance.
The public was reported accepting re-issues, in
many cases, without complaint.
Offices on Wardour Street — London's "Film
Row" — have reopened, and there is even a re-
sumption of "trade shows."
Blackouts are still bothersome, and produc-
tion is stagnant. However, the Government is
reported anxious that British production not
be slowed up, and is expected to lend whatever
support is necessary.
Transport of films, because of the gasoline
rationing, is still a problem this week, but all
branches of the industry are reported in con-
stant conference to straighten out these, and
all other, problems.
London film editors report a desire for lighter
stories from Hollywood, and warn the coast
not to cut down on production, because the
British exhibitor's chief problem is film supply.
Canadian Accessories
Prices Up 15 Per Cent
Canadian film exchanges in Toronto esti-
mate that cost of advertising film accessories
has risen 15 per cent since the war's beginning.
The Government has fixed the exchange rate
difiference at 11 per cent and payments to the
Film War
News
British Government's consideration of
limiting monetary remittances and foreign
exchange causes concern among repre-
sentatives of American distributors.
English companies and American
branches in tug-o'-v/ar over Quota Act
changes, with a climax due this week.
Burdens of war already being felt by
Canadian film industry; 400 Ontario the-
atres rush new auxiliary lighting equipment
as wartime precaution; wartime radio cen-
sorship battle starts.
Holland, like many another "neutral",
hard hit by the war around it.
Effect of war conditions upon the pub-
lic's taste in entertainment is surveyed
(see page 23).
"Professor Mamlock", anti-Hitler film,
shown at Moscow Agricultural Exhibition,
but theatres in the city bar it.
Berlin theatre trade was reported brisk
and strong preferences shown for films of
military nature, by returning film executive.
Soviet films presumed to be included in
"purge" of Soviet Reds in France.
Hollywood producers, acting under
"pressure" of curtailed film incomes from
warring nations, move toward retrench-
ments, but talent opposes any salary cuts
(see page 48).
Hollywood sees no heavy production let-
down or studio closings as result of war.
Executives of majors in New York con-
tinue conferences on emergency, as
MPPDA headquarters effects salary and
personnel reductions, described as "tem-
porary", due to foreign conditions and
income of its members.
Eastman Kodak announces that war will
not raise its film prices, unless "absolutely
necessary".
Independent Theatre Owners of Amer-
ica, in New York, advises exhibitors not to
"dissipate" product at this time.
"Parents should guard against the effect
on children's minds of terrifying screen
battle scenes and propaganda," warned
Ray Lyman Wilbur, president of Stanford
University and of Motion Picture Research
Council.
United States must be "purchased" at this pre-
mium. There is a further four per cent in-
crease because of the policy of the Customs an 1
Excise branch of the Department of National
Revenue.
This method consists of adding the 11 per
cent premium on United States money on to
the face value of the invoices for goods imported
from the states because the prices quoted are
ruled to be in American funds. This premium
is added to the invoice before the duties are
conputed, with the result that a surtax is im-
posed on the shipments through the levying
of the tariff on United States quoted value,
plus the currency premium.
The 400-odd theatres of Ontario are comply-
ing with the Government regulation for the in-
stallment of auxiliary lighting equipment, as
war precautions.
Fight Against Canada's
Wartime Censor Rulings
The cutting off from the air of a Montreal
lawyer's speech has precipitated a fight over
the wartime attitude of the Canadian Province
of Quebec towards censorship.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation had
insisted that all political speeches be censored
by the Ottawa government. The Quebec gov-
ernment has regarded this as "Federal inter-
ference." Mr. Coderre, the lawyer in question
and a campaigner, opened his speech with a
declaration that he would not make his address
because it had been censored. He was immedi-
ately cut off the air.
^ There is extensive censorship in Canada, par-
ticularly of radio, to which the corporation has
thoroughly acceded. Last week, C. D. Howe,
Canada's Federal Minister of Transport, denied
that the government would take over the cor-
poration. He said the Government would
"supervise" and CBC officials remain in charge.
The CBC is giving special programs for the
troops.
Last week. Sir Ernest McMillan, head of the
Toronto Conservatory of Music and a leader in
Canadian musical circles, pleaded for tolerance
of German music.
Film Business in
Holland Hit by War
Like many other neutrals, Holland finds her
business drastically affected by the war ; and the
film business in that country partakes of these
effects.
In the first days of the war, when the army
was mobilized, people did not go to the theatres.
Then, shipments of film to theatres was de-
moralized, because all transport was taken by
troops.
The film industry's major organization, the
Dutch Bioscoop Bund, having normalized ship-
ments, there then occurred a government censor-
ship of war material in newsreels.
Then there has been the calling into the army
of numerous theatre managers and owners —
who left without being able to arrange their
affairs. The indemnity paid to them has not
been sufficient to cover losses.
Soldiers are allowed into theatres at a 50 pei
cent admission reduction.
Cessation of British and French product has
caused a film shortage ; and films are coming
m only with difficulty, as it is.
Inasmuch as American films have always
dominated the market, representatives of Amer-
ican companies in Holland feel that now is the
time to obtain 100 per cent domination.
The Dutch censors banned "Inside the Magi-
not Line," March of Time short subject.
Theatre owners of the country are worried
by the broadcasting of news by the ANP, na-
tional radio station, at 8 P.M., best theatre hour.
"Professor Mannlocic"
Shown in Moscow
Strangely in contrast to the Soviet Union's
newly professed friendship for Nazi Germany —
heretofore its eternal enemy" — has been the
showing of the anti-Nazi film, "Professor Mam-
lock" at the agricultural exhibition in that city,
(Continued on following page)
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
ECONOMY MOVES CROW IN INDUSTRY
(.Continued from prcccdinu pa(ic)
as reported by a representative of the New York
Times, in that city.
However, the film has been withdrawn from
the theatres of the city itself.
Repor+s Berlin Theatres
Booming Before War
Joseph Pollack, formerly quite active in films
in the United States, and founder of the Na-
tional Screen trailer service, reported on his
arrival in New York from Europe last week
that Berlin theatres were doing well up to the
outbreak of the war. Mr. Pollack left Germany
four days before the war's outbreak.
German production has deteriorated, he said.
Films of a military nature had been the most
popular.
French Crush All
Red Manifestations
Press reports from Paris telling of France's
"crushing" of the Red elements within its bor-
ders, presumably are involving the exhibition
there of Soviet films, of which there have been
many. A decree of September 26th bans "under
any form whatsoever, either direct or indirect,
the propagation of the orders of the Third In-
ternationale of the Communist Party."
Meanwhile, with French production slowed
or stopped, and its foothold in the world mar-
kets threatened, the French Ministry of Infor-
mation announced that all films in work when
the war began would be completed. The year's
production would amount to about 50 pictures,
it was said.
From Paris, came word this week that 34
of the city's houses were now open till 11 P.M.,
some 24 of these being newsreel theatres. It
was said 10 houses were playing American
product ; two, English.
Hollywood Denies
Shutdown Stories
Partial excuse for the rumors in Hollywood
regarding studio shutdowns is said to be that
studios met the present emergency with more
completed pictures in vaults than ever before ;
hence, Paramount's cessation of shooting dur-
ing the Christmas holidays may be duplicated
on other lots, but was not to be regarded as
ominous.
Y. Frank Freeman, in charge of studio opera-
tions for Paramount, said this week that there
would be no suspension of activity, but that all
production in work and to be started soon,
would be finished by December 20th, so that
there would be a one week lull.
RKO was reported this week dropping eight
low budget pictures, and using the money on
higher bracket pictures.
Heavy reductions are being made in studio
forces.
Hays Office Salary
Cuts Go Into Effect
The Motion Picture Producers and Distribu-
tors of America last week announced salary
cuts, in effect last weekend, and possible per-
sonnel cuts. The salary reductions range from
five to 10 per cent on salaries from $50 to $100
per week, to 20 per cent on salaries over $100.
Will H. Hays, the organization president, vol-
untarily reduced his own salary.
'the cut in the home New York home office
salaries followed by one week similar cuts in
the offices of the Motion Picture Producers As-
sociation, in Hollywood.
The measures were described as "temporary."
The MPPDA income is based upon revenues of
NORTHWEST MANAGERS
BAN CANADIAN MONEY
Managers of both Oregon and Wash-
ington have issued explicit instruc-
tions to their box office cashiers to
icatch out for Canadian money. Ow-
ing to the exchange control set up by
a special Canadian dojninion board, it
is Jincertain when funds held by Unit-
ed States banks could be converted into
American money. Many of the banks
have refused to handle any Canadian
money, so it appears that the theatres
near the border jfill temporarily have
to turn down their Canadian patron-
age.
member companies, which were reduced by the
war.
The organization's directors next week will
continue tlie discussion of the war's effect on
the industry. They met last Friday, but reached
no conclusions. Their meeting was preceded
by a meeting of the majors foreign managers,
with, again, no decisive action taken.
Early last week, the Hollywood office of the
MPPDA, through Alice Winter, its chairman
of community service, told social and civic lead-
ers that the picture world would be "the servant
of all America in helping to keep us out of war
and in giving us true impressions of what is
going on in the world ; and second, the screen
product will probably emphasize two major
topics, one of which will be the insistent war
interest and the other will be relief from that
interest by giving us light comedy."
ITOA Warns Exhibitors
To Play Pictures Safely
"The Independent," organ of the New York
Independent Theatre Owners Association,
warned exhibitors editorially last week against
dissipating their "good product," doubting at
the same time whether Hollywood would keep
its promise not to cut quality and production.
Eastman Promises
Price Maintenance
The Eastman Kodak Company this week told
its dealers that because during the years of the
last war, prices were kept virtually constant,
it expected to be able to do the same in this
war.
Wilbur Warns Against
Terrifying Children
President Ray Lyman Wilbur, of Leland
Stanford University and national head of the
Motion Picture Research Council, this week
warned against two many war pictures, because
of their effect upon children.
He added that the reduced market abroad for
American motion pictures might be beneficial
to the American public ; they may now see pic-
tures geared for their own mentality, he said.
Hollywood need not suffer, he noted, and
added :
"If the public, through organization, can make
its real wants known, we can get the kind of
pictures we prefer. For thoughfful parents and
citizens that means good pictures for all and
special pictures for the children."
$50,000 Rogers
Memorial Fund
Given Children
Distribution of $50,000 to institutions spe-
cializing in the care of handicapped children
was begun Friday in 25 cities through
funds contributed by the Will Rogers Me-
morial Commission. In 15 cities were held
ceremonies at which zone chairmen of the
Will Rogers National Theatre Week pre-
sented checks to the chapter chairmen of
the Infantile Paralysis Foundation.
The largest gift was $14,595 presented
on behalf of the Will Rogers Memorial
Commission by Amon G. Carter, publisher
of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram to General
Hugh S. Johnson, chairman of the recent
Greater New York Infantile Paralysis Cam-
paign. The presentation was at a luncheon
on October 9th at the Rockefeller Center
Luncheon Club.
Will H. Hays, president of the Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors of Am-
erica, and Major L. E. Thompson of RKO,
chairmen of the Will Rogers National The-
atre Week, praised the cooperation of ex-
hibitors.
Cites Rogers' Interest
Basil O'Connor, president of the Foundation,
spoke of Will Rogers' interest in aiding the
paralysis foundation at Warm Springs, Ga.
Others at the luncheon were : Richard C. Pat-
terson, Jr., chairman of the board of RKO;
John J. O'Connor, RKO circuit head; Joseph
Bernhard, president, Warner Theatres ; William
Powers, representing Spyros Skouras, head of
National Theatres; W. G. Van Schmus, man-
aging director of the Music Hall; John C.
Wright, Rivoli theatre; Harry Brandt, Brandt
Theatres ; Arthur Israel, representing Barney
Balaban, president of Paramount ; J. R. Spring-
er and Samuel Goodman, Century Circuit;
Walter Trumbull, assistant to Will H. Hays;
Harry H. Buxbaum, Twentieth Century-Fox,
and Terry Ramsaye, editor of Motion Picture
Herald. The Will Rogers Memorial Commis-
sion was represented, in addition to Mr. Hays,
by the following: Amon G. Carter, Col. J. M.
Hartfield, James G. Blaine, J. J. Gallagher and
John W. Elwood.
The Will Rogers Memorial Fund was repre-
sented by Senator J. Henry Walters, Harold
Rodner and Herman Levine; the Will Rogers
Memorial Campaign by Major L. E. Thompson
and A. P. Waxman. Besides General Johnson
and Mr. O'Connor, the Infantile Paralysis
Foundation was represented by Keith Morgan,
Tom Wrigley and George V. Reilly.
Other presentations were made the same day
by the following: Los Angeles, Clayton T.
Lynch, MGM ; San Francisco, Dennis J. Mc-
Nerny, U.A. ; Hartford, Lou Wechsler, U.A. ;
Milwaukee, Arthur N. Schmitz, RKO; Port-
land, Louis Amacher, MGM ; Dallas and
Houston, Doak Roberts, Warners; Boston and
Springfield, Morris Wolf, MGM ; Kansas City,
James Winn, Warners ; Hoboken ( New Jersey
zone) Harry H. Buxbaum, Twentieth Century-
Fox ; Cleveland, Frank D. Drew, MGM ; Okla-
homa and Tulsa, Ralph B. Williams, RKO.
The National Theatres contribution of
$5,310 was turned over to the Commission in
Los Angeles this week by Charles P. Skouras.
t
Columbia Pictures
presents
THE MOTION
PICTURE
[ INDUSTRY'S
\Greatest Contribution
f to
Wbrld Entertainment
•«y EB Sl)LLJ¥AS. ■ ' ■ ;
'• ■ ■ Hollywood, Ca!,. Oct, 4
ince ton's lanky Jimmy Stewart not ciily frets; into lire XJBited
Senate in "Mr, Smith Go(.& to Washingtoii," the Frank €apra
hit prev!c%"ved ho'e last tiiffhl: it t? erjtirfly probable that
t alKo g'alBod admittajifc ' £ of the Academy
Picture k t- -r.] Stk one of the rare
N of ikfc mA by atl otitic tne gi eatest pferformance
c has tk..s«<tu,.^v^>''''''"'*«**''^^
ji III jU»fi**imit'aihiiwiftijir
Pi
States
«inash
perl,
that
HAS doKt agaiu. this PICTUBE
^OPS MR . j5j,^^g
^ ^017 CAlf.T JAKE
IT WITH
A. EXAMINER; - -mr. SMITH
IS 05"
MOOTBISTAL PROPORTIOIJS
, . _ _RED BOOK MAGAZIHII
"Last night Columbia previewed Fran
TO WASHINGTON, and both Columbi
you look at it. It will be big at the box-offic
to give the picture its highest praise, let rtn
"Best talking picture ever made."
NORTH AMERICAN NEWSPAPER ALLIANCE
"Columbia and the exhibitor can now announce to
a waiting world that Frank Capra has done it again
... A commanding candidate for Academy and box-
office honors." MOTION PICTURE DAILY
"Ace box-office hit gives Frank Capra another out-
standing contender for Academy honors." FILM DAILY
'One of the best pictures ever made."
PHILA. INQUIRER
"Timely and superlatively entertaining."
SCREEN AND RADIO WEEKLY
apra's latest picture, MR. SMITH GOES
id Capra have a terrific hit from any angle
id big with the critics. To say it briefly and
y CAPRA TOPS CAPRA."
SIDNEY SKOLSKY
"Hits an all-time high from practically every stand-
point. No man, woman or child should miss it."
WOMAN'S HOME COMPANION
"Truly great picture." HOLLYWOOD CITIZEN NEWS
"The perfect American film." L. A. NEWS
"As good as anything we have ever seen."
20tli CENTURY NEWS SYNDICATE
"One of the greatest pictures of all time."
HOLLYWOOD ILLUSTRATED SYNDICATE
FRANK CAPRA'S
Mr Smith fioes
To Washington
co-starring
JEAN JAMES
ARTHUR * STEWART
ivith
CLAUDE EDWARD GUY THOMAS BEULAH
RAINS • ARNOLD • KIBBEE • MITCHELL • BONDI
Directed by FRANK CAPRA • Screen play by SIDNEY BUCHMAN
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
October 14. 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
23
ENTERTAINMENT vs. WAR
PART II '
PARALLELING the Incidental treat-
ment of war material on the stage
and screen of the period of World
War I, analysis of vaudeville, popu-
lar songs and best selling books, the three
remaining channels -of public entertain-
ment of the day, shows little effect of the
impact of military thunder or patriotic
fever upon popular taste in entertainment.
The lists presented herewith continue the
study of entertainment in war begun last
week with studies of the Broadway stage
during the 1914-18 period and of the mo-
tion picture which only then was gaining
its majority.
Standard Ingredients
Vaudeville at that time held the place
now occupied and very much amplified by
the sound motion picture. The stars of
the day and their hold upon the public
favor are regarded still with nostalgic rev-
erence. Many of them have continued
their careers In the newer modern fields.
From a study of box office and booking
records for the period of the war It is ap-
parent that they relied, except for minor
exceptions, on the standard comic, senti-
mental, romantic or spectacular Ingredi-
ents which had made them great.
Elsie Janis^ War Songs
The period and the special circumstances
of course produced some manifestations
of the war spirit, some of them still re-
membered. Elsie Janis made entertain-
ment history with her military songs on the
stage at home and later with her songs
of home and mother for the men over there.
Others were Lieutenant Sitz Rice and Slid-
ing Billie Watson whose merriment gained
him place among the two-a-day immortals.
But these and others like them were ex-
traordinary products of the times. For the
most part the war hysteria Intruded on the
vaudeville stage only by Incidental ref-
erence. Fhe record shows only a minute
With this presentation of the
vaudeville acts, songs and
books which found particular
favor with the public during
the years of World War I,
Motion Picture Herald rounds
out a study of the effect of war
conditions upon public taste in
entertainment. The study was
begun last week with analyses
of the motion pictures and
stage plays which made box-
office history from 1914 to 1918.
percentage of popular acts built entirely
around war themes in the first years of the
conflict. Even during the 1917-18 season
with the United States at war there were
only five such acts on a long list of favor-
ites.
The people's favorite songs, a more ac-
curate barometer of entertainment taste
then than now, when their public life is
more meteoric, showed a similar reaction.
Aside from the comparatively few outright
war ditties written actually as marching
songs or purposefully to arouse war emo-
tion, the output confined itself to the
tested ingredients of moon, June, home
and mother. Writers of the day were con-
cerned principally with the development
of jazz, then evolving from the "St. Louis
1914- I9I5
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Castle, dancing.
Van Hoven, "The Dippy Magician."
Maude Lambert and Ernest Ball, songs and
piano.
Kitty Gordon, "Alma's Return."
Julius Tannen, "Chatterbox."
Jewel's Mannikins, marionettes.
Bowers, Watson, and Crooker, "The Three
Rubes," comedy acrobatics.
Clayton, "The Man Who Knows."
*Nazimova, "War Brides."
Nora Bayes, singing comedienne.
The Four Bards, acrobats.
Bert Kalmar and Jessie Browne, "Nursery
Land."
1915- I9I6
Pietro, piano accordionist.
James Mack, "Mother Goose."
Bobby Heath and Company, "Spring Time
Song Revue."
Emmett Welch and His Minstrel Boys.
Master Gabriel and Company, "The Little
Kick."
Blues." It is notable that several of the
songs which are remembered now as hav-
ing a war flavor acquired that flavor be-
cause they became immensely popular with
(■he soldiers at home and abroad.
Among the best selling books the em-
phasis on the materials of realism so readi-
ly at hand is slightly more marked than
in any other reflection of public taste but
even here it is not overwhelming. Best
seller lists for the first years of the war
show a low percentage of war books. In
the last year of the conflict five of the
first eleven could be classified as partak-
ing of a contemporary war character but
one, at least, of these sold especially well
because of the name and reputation of its
author, Mary Roberts Rinehart.
Windsor McKay, cartoonist.
William Rock and Frances White, "Dansant
Characteristique."
Fritzi Schef¥, Viennese prima donna.
Herb Williams and Hilda Wolfus, "Almost a
Pianist."
Wilton Lackaye, "The Bomb."
Bert Melrose, "The International Clown."
Dorothy Jordan, songs.
Nat C. Goodwin, stories.
George White Presents Lucille Cavanaugh and
Himself (songs and dances).
Billy Montgomery and George Perry, comedy-
song pianologue.
Leo Edwards and Company, songs.
William Gibson and Texas Guinan, comedy
sketch and songs.
Miller and Lyles, Negro comedy dance team.
Skelley and Sauvaun, comedy songs and dances.
George Rockwell and Al Wood, "Two Noble
Nuts Navigating Oceans of Nonsense."
Eugenie Blair and Company, "A Woman's
Honor," playlet.
George Primrose and Company, minstrel songs
and dances.
(List continued on f.ollotmng page)
Vaudeville at Peak m 1914
THE opening of the war came when vaudeville was at the peak which preceded
Its rise in public favor by the motion picture, then in the full flood of its first wave
of development as full "feature length" entertainment — and of the processes by
which it took over vaudeville's functions. The standard bill of acrobats, comedians
or monologists, song-and-dance teams and a final short dramatic sketch or elaborate
stage presentation left little room for the injection of the war spirit except for the
flag waving which traditionally was and is good for long and loud applause with or
without war.
Among ten outstanding acts of the 1914-15 season only one — Alia Nazlmova in a dra-
matic sketch called "War Brides" — touched on the European conflict. Among nearly
50 acts which received the heaviest bookings in the following season only three were
of a definite war tinge. Our entry into the war in 1917 brought only one outstand-
ing act to mark the event, Elsie Janis. In a much longer list of heavily booked acts for
the 1917-18 season only five were of a war character.
In the following seasonal list of outstanding vaudeville acts and the supplementary list
of popular entertainers those built entirely around war themes are denoted by asterisks
and color:
24
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
FEW WAR ACTS IN VAUDEVILLE
(Continued from preceding page)
Theodore Kosloff, Russian dances.
Willard Simms and Company, "Flinders' Fur-
nished Flat."
Louis Mann and Company, satire on battlefield
meeting of Richard Strauss and Elmond
Rostand.
Madamoiselle Dazie, pantomime dancing.
George Bancroft, Broske Company, "The High-
wayman."
'■"Submarine F-7," a dramatic war' sketch (no
stars).
Sallie Fisher, "The Choir Rehearsal," musical
playlet.
Alexandra Carlisle and Company, "Let Us Di-
vorce," sketch.
Sophie Tucker, "Queen of Ragtime."
Carter The Great, magician.
•''"The Submarine Attack," farce, with Helen
Gleason.
Ruth St. Denis, with Ted Shawn, classical danc-
ing.
Nat M. Wills, tramp monologue.
Ed Reynard and Company, ventriloquist.
Gertrude Hofifman, songs, dances, imitations.
Sam Bernard, comedian.
Eva Tanguay, comedienne.
'^Louise Dresser, "Our Country," panto-
mime playlet.
Joseph Santley and Company, "The Girl on the
Magazine."
Blossom Seeley and Company, "Blossom's Syn-
copated Studio."
The Three Dooleys, Ray, Gordon and Johnny ;
songs and dances.
Arthur McWatters and Grace Tyson, singing
revue.
Wilfred Clark and Company, "His Reel Trou-
ble," comedy.
Nat Carr, comedy monologue.
Florence Rockwell and Company, "The Jolt."
Evelyn Nesbitt and Company, song and dance
specialty.
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Barry, "The Burglar."
1916- I9I7
Dooley and Gugel, comedy and song.
Eddie Foy and Seven Little Foys.
George Kelly, "Finders Keepers."
Florence Tempest and Marion Sunshine, "A
Broadway Bouquet."
Doyle and Dixon, dancers.
'''Elsie Janis, military songs.
Nan Halperin, songs.
Louis Mann, "The Good For Nothing."
Rose Coghlan, "The Deserter."
Jack Norworth, songs.
Lew Dockstader, blackface monologue.
Nat Goodwin, "A Blaze of Glory."
Sarah Padden and Company, "The Clod."
1917- I9I8
Amelia Bingham, "Big Moments from Big
Plays."
Adelaide and Hughes, American representative
dances.
The Four Marx Brothers, "Home Again."
DoUy Connolly and Percy Wenrich, songs and
piano.
Charley Grapewin and Anna Chase, "Pough-
keepsie."
The Dolly Sisters, with Jean Schwartz at the
piano.
Maurice and Florence Walton, dances.
Rube Marquard and Billy Dooley, comedy
sketch.
Nat Nazarro and Company, gymnastics.
Eddie DowHng, stories and recitations.
John Hyams and Leila Mclntyre, "Maybloom,"
song playlet.
William H. Crane and Company, "Winter and
Spring," playlet.
Mary Marble and Company, "In Far Cathay."
OLDTIMERS RECALL
WARTIME VAUDEVILLE
Executives of today Tvho recall the
cpiality and tempo of vatideville enter-
tainment of the World War period
confirm the thesis that martial spirit
entered btit little into the comedy of
the day. Charles McDonald, 'New
York division manager for the RKO
circuit, said there was very little use
of the war theme on the stage during
the early years and certainly not too
much even after we entered the con-
flict.
"They used the war songs," he said,
and also the Trench songs which came
in later. These featured the 'oo-la-la'
style of singing. Generally, however,
the vaudeville actors did not make the
war a part of their routine."
A similar recollection was offered by
Pat Casey, former B. T. Keith execu-
tive and noiv labor contact for film
producers. "There were no changes
among the big stars," Mr. Casey said,
"the old favorites continued right
through the years tvhen ive were in the
war. The only difference tuas in the
inclusion of a fetv war sketches and
the singing of tvar and patriotic songs.
The headliners kept away from the
war situation as much as possible."
'• Emmett Corrigan, "War Ballads," dramatic
sketch.
Valeska Suratt, "The Purple Poppy," sketch.
Lady Duff Gordon, fashion parade.
Fred Allen, juggling, and comedy talk.
Hobart Bosworth and Company, "The Sea
Wolf," sketch.
Julian Eltinge, "delineator of fashion types."
Robert Edeson and Company, "Pearls," sketch.
Edwin Arden and Company, "The Trap."
Laura Hope Crews and Company, "Di-
vorceans."
*Efifie Shannon and Company, "Her Bit."
Victor Moore, comedy recitations.
Annette Kellermann, fashion and swimming.
Joe Welch, monologue.
Courtney Sisters, Florence and Fay ; songs.
Jack Gardner, songs and stories.
Blanch Ring, song hits.
Bessie Clayton and Company, dancing.
Grace La Rue, songs.
Bessie McCoy Davis and Company, singing and
dancing.
Herman Timberg and Company, "The Viol
Inn."
•■'Henrietta Crosman and Company, "Our
Boys."
Georgie Jessel, monologue and songs.
Bert Melrose and Mae, acrobatic and dancing
skit.
Four Harmony Kings, male quartette.
Emma Carus, songs, dance, and chatter.
1918
Frederick V. Bowers, song revue.
Mclntyre and Heath, Georgia Minstrels.
Trixie Friganza, comedy talk and songs.
Harry Beresford and Company, "Mind Your
Own Business," comedy sketch.
Eddie Leonard and Company, songs and dances.
''Sliding Billy Watson, military comedy.
Ben Bernie, violinist-comedian.
Polly Moran, singing and talking.
'''Lieutenant Gitz Rice, songs.
Bert Leslie and Company, comedy sketch.
Bert Williams, songs and stories.
Ray Samuel, "The Blue Streak of Vaudeville."
Ben Bernie and Phil Baker, "Syncopated Fun-
sters."
Avon Comedy Four, quartette.
Blanche Bates, "The World Mother."
Charles "Chic" Sale, "Rural Sunday School
Benefit."
There were other acts more or less well
known during the war. In the mennorles
of oidtimers, some of the more prominent
of these were:
The Four Mortons, comedy.
Frank J'ogarty, "The Dublin Minstrel."
Julia Sanderson, songs.
Fannie Brice, songs and impersonations.
Ina Claire, comedy sketches.
Ed Wynn, comedy.
Houdini, magic.
Adele Ritchie, songs.
Jack Wilson and Kitty Gordon, blackface com-
edy.
Walter Kelley, "The Virginia Judge."
Willie and Eugene Howard, songs and comedy.
Homer Hason and Marguerite Keeler, comedy.
Van and Schenck, songs and dialect comedy.
Marshall P. Wilder, monologue.
Bickel and Watson, low comedy.
Stella Mayhew, light comedy.
Johnny Burke, comedy monologue.
'''Gallagher and Barrett, comedy war act,
"The Battle of Too Soons."
Gallagher and Shean, comedy, songs.
Maggie Cline, Irish comedy.
Frank Tinney, blackface comedy.
Tangie Shoes, low comedy.
Empire City Quartet, comedy.
Tommy Grey, comedy song writer.
Howard and North, comedy act.
Karno's "Night In an English Music Hall."
Daphne Pollard, comedy.
J. Harold Murray, songs.
Cecilie Lean and Cleo Mayfield, light comedy.
Yvette Rugel, songs.
Pat Rooney and Marion Bent, dancing.
Conoroy and LeMaire, comedy.
Ward and Curran, comedy.
Fay Templeton, light comedy.
'''"The Yip-Yip-Yaphankers," .songs .and
comedy on war.
Will Rogers, monologues.
Leo Carrillo, monologues.
Jack Benny, monologues.
Al Jolson, monologues.
James J. Morton, monologues.
Harry Lauder, comedy and songs.
Bernard Granville, monologues.
Nellie V. Nicholas, singing.
Belle Baker, songs.
Hugh Herbert and Company, comedy ■ sketches.
Valerie Bergere and Company, sketch.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy, sketch.
Whippel-Huston and Company, sketch.
George Arliss and Company, sketch.
Morton and Glass, musical comedy sketch.
Cartmell and Harris, musical comedy sketch.
Eddie Cantor, comedy.
Rock and White, comedy.
Whiting and Burt, comedy.
The Millership Sisters, comedy.
"Prendell and Burt, comedy.
Hoey and Lee, comedy.
Raymond and Caverlj', comedy.
Bill Robinson, comedy.
W. C. Fields, comedy juggling.
Mosconi Brothers, novelty dancers.
Alan Dinehart and Company, dramatic and
comedy sketches.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
25
BEST SELLING SONGS OF 1914-18
Songs Echo War Periods
WARS in which America has had a hand have almost always been musically
productive, as witness "Yankee Doodle", "America" and the "Star-Spangled
Banner" of the War of 1812; "Battle Cry of Freedom", "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,
the Boys Are Marching" and "Just Before the Battle, Mother", all by George Root, and
Henry Clay Work's "Marching Through Georgia", from the Civil War. In the Civil
War period, too, Stephen Collins Foster, "born on the Fourth of July", as George M.
Cohan later sang of himself in "Yankee Doodle Dandy", was writing his matchless South-
ern melodies, although a Northerner by birth.
The Spanish-American War was the exception to prove the rule. Very little music,
martial or otherwise, produced in that period was of lasting quality. But that was an odd
war to begin with — remember the canned beef — and the leading song hit was "Good-
bye, Dolly Gray". But the war to make the world safe for democracy reverted to type,
again musically speaking.
It was the transition period from ragtime to jazz and the formation of the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, with the subsequent fading from the
contemporary scene of the song-book and song-sheet "piracy" business. In that
period, too, a new band of composers and lyricists had arisen. Isaac Goldberg,
Harvard, 1910, and among other achievements considered the outstanding Savoyard
authority in this country, in his book, "Tin Pan Alley", 1930, calls the composers and
lyricists "veritable gamins" lured to 14th Street in New York, "from their native hills
and meadows".
And they were names not soon to be forgotten. Among them were Irving Berlin,
'N. C. Handy, Victor Herbert, Oley Speaks, Jerome Kern, Walter Donaldson, Harry
Von Tilzer, Ivor Novello with his "Keep the Home-fires Burning", Sigmund Romberg
and George M. Cohan who, like Stephen Foster, was born on the- Fourth of July.
They were all of the times if not all the "veritable gamins" that Dr. Goldberg
speaks of.
The war tunes began to appear sparingly. In 1914 Herman Darewski wrote "Sister
Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers", the only war theme song to appear in the list
of some 17 most popular songs for that year. In the next year the count increased to
three war songs of the 20 most popular, namely, "Keep the Home-fires Burning", "I
Didn't Raise My Boy To Be a Soldier" and that old favorite, "Pack Up Your Troubles
in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile".
In 1916, an off year for songs of "derring-do", there were but two out of the 18
but in 1 9 1 7 some half of the 2 1 most popular songs had war themes. The increase in
1917 followed America's entry into the Great Struggle and continued through 1918.
In that final year of the war out of a listing of 50 most popular songs of the year 24
were, in one way or another, of the war.
A point worth noting in this listing of the songs of 1914— 1918 that follows Is: that
with few exceptions, such as "I'd Like to See the Kaiser with a Lily in His Hand",
they were of the sentimental brand. The war song writers of the Great War were not
warlike in thought. Their songs were directed to the heartstrings. The war theme songs
are indicated by asterisks and color.
1914
By the Beautiful Sea. Harry Carroll. Sha-
piro, Bernstein & Company.
Can't Yo' Heah Me Callin', Caroline. Caro
Roma. M. Witmark & Sons.
He's a Devil in His Own Home Town. Irving
Berlin. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Com-
pany.
I Love the Ladies. Jean Schwartz. Waterson,
Berlin & Snyder.
I Want to Go Back to Michigan — Down on the
Farm. Irving Berlin. Waterson, Berlin &
Snyder.
I Wonder Where My Lovin' Man Has Gone.
Richard Whiting and Charles Cooke. Jerome
H. Remick.
A Little Bit of Heaven, Sure They Call It
Ireland. Ernest R. Ball. M. Witmark &
Sons.
Missouri Waltz. Frederick Knight Logan.
Forster Music Publisher, Chicago.
On the 5:15. Henry I. Marshall. Remick.
Poor Pauline. Raymond Walker. Broadway
Music Corporation.
St. Louis Blues. W. C. Handy. Handy Broth-
ers Music Co.
*Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers.
Herman E. Darewski. T. B. Harms and
Francis Day and Hunter.
Sylvia. Oley Speaks. G. Schirmer, Inc.
They Didn't Believe Me. Jerome Kern. Jerome
H. Remick & Co.
This Is the Life. Irving Berlin. Waterson,
Berlin & Snyder.
When It's Night Time Down in Burgundy.
Herman Paley. Jerome H. Remick & Co.
When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big
Red Rose. Percy Wenrich. Leo Feist, Inc.
1915
Araby. Irving Berlin. Waterson, Berlin &
Snyder.
Auf Wiedersehn. Sigmund Romberg. G.
Schirmer, Inc.
Babes in the Wood. Jerome Kern. T. B.
Harms and Francis, Day & Hunter.
Hello, Frisco ! Louis A. Hirsch. M. Witmark
& Sons.
Hello, Hawaii, How Are You ? Jean Schwartz.
Waterson, Berlin & Co.
How'd You Like to Spoon with Me? Jerome
D. Kern. T. B. Harms Co.
'I Didn't Raise My Boy to Be a Soldier.
Al Piantadosi. Leo Feist, Inc.
In a Monastery Garden. Albert William Ketel-
Bey. J. H. Larway.
It's Tulip Time in Holland. Richard W. Whit-
ing. Jerome H. Remick & Co.
•Keep the Home-fires Burning. Ivor No-
Novello. Chappell & Co.
Memories. Egbert Van Alstyne. Jerome H.
Remick & Co.
M-O-T-H-E-R, a Word that Means the World
to Me. Theodore F. Morse. Leo Feist, Inc.
My Little Girl. Albert Von Tilzer. Broad-
way Music Corp.
My Mother's Rosary. George W. Meyer.
■ Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
Neapolitan Love Song. Victor Herbert. M.
Witmark & Sons.
The Old Refrain. Fritz Kreisler. Carl Fischer,
Inc.
On the Beach at Waikiki. Henry Kailimai,
Honolulu. Bergstrom Music Co.
*Pack Up Yonr Troubles in Your Old Kit-
bag and Smile, Smile, Smile. Felix Powell.
Francis, Day & Hunter.
There's a Broken Heart for Every Light on
Broadway. Fred Fisher. Leo Feist, Inc.
You Know and I Know. Jerome Kern. T. B.
Harms and Francis, Day & Hunter.
1916
Arrah Go On, I'm Gonna Go Back to Oregon.
Bert Grant. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
Baby Shoes. Al Piantadosi. Shapiro, Bern-
stein & Co.
"Forever" Is a Long, Long Time. Albert Von
Tilzer. Artmusic, Inc.
-Good-bye, Good Luck, God Bless You.
Ernest R. Ball. M. Witmark & Sons.
Ireland Must Be Heaven, for My Mother Came
from There. Joe McCarthy, Howard John-
son and Fred Fisher. Leo Feist, Inc.
Katinka. Rudolf Friml. G. Schirmer, Inc.
Li'l Liza Jane. Countess Ada De Lachau.
Sherman, Clay & Co.
Mammy's Little Coal Black Rose. Richard
A. Whiting. Jerome H. Remick & Co.
(Continued on page 28)
i
IBs- '
1 ■( m Wi m 9 % W, A 1
\ m m W m
I
WALTER
CONNOLL
ONSLOW STEVENS
IRIS MEREDITH
Screen Play by Lewis Meitzer & Gladys
Lehman • Directed by Charles Vidor
A COLUMBIA PICTURE
28
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
BALLAD AND COMEDY IN WAR AIRS
(.Continued from page 25)
M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i. Harry Tieriiey. Wm.
Jerome Corp.
Nola. Felix Arndt. Sam Fox Co.
Oh! How She Could Yacki, Hacki, Wicki,
Woo. Albert Von Tilzer. Broadway Music
Corp.
Poor Butterfly. Raymond Hubbell. T. B.
Harms and Francis, Day & Hunter.
•"•■■Roses of Picardy. Haydn Wood. Chappell
& Co., London.
There's a Little Bit of Bad in Every Good
Little Girl. Fred Fisher. Leo Feist, Inc.
They're Wearing 'em Higher in Hawaii. Hal-
sey K. Mohr. Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at
Me For? Joe McCarthy, Howard Johnson
and James V. Monaco. Leo Feist, Inc.
Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go with Friday on
Saturday Night? George W. Meyer. Water-
son, Berlin & Snyder.
Yacka Hula Hickey Dula. E. Ray Goetz, Joe
Young and Pete Wendling. Waterson, Ber-
lin & Snyder.
1917
*Au Revoir, but Not Goodbye, Soldier Boy.
Albert Von Tilzer. Broadway Music Corp.
Beale Street Blues. W. C. Handy. Handy
Brothers Music Co.
The Bells of St. Mary's. A. Emmett Adams.
Chappell & Co., London.
*Bring Back My Daddy to Me. George M.
Meyer. Leo Feist, Inc.
The Darktown Strutters' Ball. Shelton
Brooks. Leo Feist, Inc.
Give a Man a Horse He Can Ride. Geoffrey
O'Hara. Huntzinger & Dilsworth.
Give Me the Moonlight, Give Me the Girl.
Albert Von Tilzer. Broadway Music Corp.
*Good-bye, Broadw^ay, Hello France!
Billy Baskette. Leo Feist, Inc.
■'Good-bye, Ma. Good-bye Pa I Good-bye Mule.
Barclay Walker. Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
*I Don't Know Where I'm Going, but I'm
on My Way. George Fairman. Harry
Von Tilzer Music Co.
*I Don't Want to Get Well. Harry Jentes.
Leo Feist, Inc.
*I May Be Gone for a Long, Long Time.
Albert Von Tilzer. Broadway Music Corp.
Indianola. S. R. Henry and D. Onivas. Jos.
W. Stern & Co.
'^'Lorraine — My Beautiful Alsace Lorraine.
Fred Fisher. McCarthy & Fisher.
'■Over There. George M. Cohan. Leo Feist,
Inc.
*Smiles. Lee G. Roberts. Jerome H.
Remick & Co.
They Go Wild, Simply Wild Over Me. Fred
Fisher. McCarthy & Fisher, Inc.
Tiger Rag. Original Dixie^land Jazz Band.
Leo Feist, Inc.
Wait Till the Cows Come Home. Ivan Caryll.
Chappell & Co.
'^'We're Going Over. Andrew B. Sterling,
Bernie Grossman and Arthur Lange. Joe
Morris Co.
*When the Boys Come Home. Oley Speaks.
G. Schirmer, Inc.
"HEIGH-HO"
AND THE WAR
The old songs like "Tipperary" and
"Long, Long Trail", adopted by the
British Tommies for war songs, are
still being sung in England, but the
most popular tune among the troops,
currently, is "Heigh-Ho" from "Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs".
The soldiers have changed it to
"Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, Away to War
We Go" instead of "Heigh-Ho,
Heigh-Ho, Away to Work We Go".
As far as the French are concerned,
this is not a musical war. In 1914
the troops departed singing and cheer-
ing with crowds hurling flowers. At
the front, when the Poihis relax, the
old songs, such as "Madelon", remain
the most popular.
1918
After You've Gone. Henry Creamer and
Turner Layton. Broadway Music Corp.
Bagdad. Al Jolson. G. Schirmer, Inc.
Beautiful Ohio. Mary Earl. Shapiro, Bern-
stein & Co.
*Bing! Bang! Bing 'em on the Rhine.
Jack Mahoney and Allan Flynn. Jerome H.
Remick & Co.
The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady. Walter Don-
oldson. M. Witmark & Sons.
Dear Little Boy of Mine. Ernest R. Ball.
M. Witmark & Sons.
Everybody Ought to Know How to Do the
Tickle Toe. Louis A. Hirsh. M. Witmark
& Sons.
Everything Is Peaches Down In Georgia. Mil-
ton Ager and George W. Meyer. Leo Feist,
Inc.
Good Morning, Mr. Zip-Zip-Zip ! Robert
Lloyd. Leo Feist, Inc.
* Hello Central! Give Me No Man's Land.
Jean Schwartz, Waterson, Berlin & Snyder
Co.
*Hinky-Dinky Parlez-Vous (A Mad'moiselle
From Armentieres) . Anon.
Hindustan. Oliver G. Wallace and Harold
Weeks. Forster Music Publisher, Inc.
How'd You Like to Be My Daddy? Ted Sny-
der. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
*I'm Gonna Pin My Medal on the Girl I
Left Behind. Irving Berlin. Waterson,
Berlin & Snyder.
I'm Sorry I Made You Cry. John Mears,
Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy. Mc-
Carthy & Fisher.
I'll Say She Does. Bud DeSylva, Gus Kahn
and Al Jolson. Jerome H. Remick & Co.
*I'd Like to See the Kaiser ■with a Lily in
His Hand. Henry Leslie, Howard John-
son and Billy Frisch. Leo Feist, Inc.
*If He Can Fight Like He Can Love, Good
Night Germany! George W. Meyer. Leo
Feist, Inc.
Ja-Da. Bob Carleton. Leo Feist, Inc.
='=Just.a Baby's Prayer it Twilight. M. K.
Jerome. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
*Just Like Washington Crossed the Dela-
ware, General Pershing Will Cross the
Rhine. George W. Meyer. Leo Feist,
Inc.
K-K-K-Katy. Geoffrey O'Hara. Leo Feist.
■•Keep Your Head Down, "Fritzie Boy."
Gitz Rice. Leo Feist, Inc.
•■■'Lafayette— We Hear You Calling. Mary
Earl. Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
"Madelon. Camille Robert, Jerome H.
Remick & Co.
Mickey. Neil Moret. Waterson, Berlin &
Snyder.
*My Belgian Rose. George Benoit, Robert
Levenson and Ted Garton. Leo Feist, Inc.
"Oh! Frenchy. Con Conrad. Broadway
Music Corp.
•■'-'Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morn-
ing. Irving Berlin. Waterson, Berlin &
Snyder.
*Oh! How I Wish I Could Sleep Until My
My Daddy Comes Home. Pete Wendling.
Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
'^'Oui, Oui, Marie. Fred Fisher. McCarthy
& Fisher.
Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody.
Jean Schwartz. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
•"''The Rose of No Man's Land. Joseph A.
Brennan. Leo Feist, Inc.
Sometime. Rudolph Friml. G. Schirmer, Inc.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.
Henry Thacker Burleigh. G. Ricordi & Co.
Spooky Ookum. Victor Herbert. M. Wit-
mark & Sons.
Sunrise and You. Arthur A. Penn. M. Wit-
mark & Sons.
That Tumble-Down Shack in Athlone. Monte
Carlo and Alma M. Sanders. Waterson,
Berlin & Snyder.
That Wonderful Mother of Mine. Walter
Goodwin. M. Witmark & Sons.
There's a Light in Your Eyes. Ivan Caryll.
Chappell & Co.
*They Were All Out of Step but Jim.
Irvmg Berlin. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
'''Three Wonderful Letters from Home.
Irving Berlin. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
Till We Meet Again. Richard A. Whiting.
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
'Tis M.e O Lord— Standin' in the Need of
Pray'r. Henry Thacker Burleigh. G.
Ricordi & Co.
*The U. S. Field Artillery March. John
Philip Sousa. Carl Fischer, Inc.
*We Don't Want the Bacon — What We
Want Is a Peace of the Rhine. Howard
Carr, Harry Russell and Jimmie Havens.
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
*When Alexander Takes His Ragtime Band
to France. Alfred Bryan, Cliff Hess and
Edgar Leslie. Waterson, Berlin & Snyder.
*When You Com.e Back. George M. Cohan.
M. Witmark & Sons.
When You Look into the Heart of a Rose.
Florence Methven. Leo Feist, Inc.
*Would You Rather Be a Colonel with an
Eagle on Your Shoulder, or a Private
with a Chicken on Your Kne? Archie
Gottler. Leo Feist, Inc.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
29
WAR'S EFFECTS ON BOOK THEMES
Leaders in Book Parade
FOR the first two years of the European conflict, the leaders in the book parade
were such non-military contributions as "The Eyes of the World" by Harold Bell
Wright, "Pollyanna" and "Pollyanna Grows Up" by Eleanor H. Porter, two books
by Booth Tarkington, "Penrod" and "The Turmoil", "Michael O'Halloran" by Gene
Sfratton-Porter and "K" by Mary Roberts Rinehart. It was in 1916 that a work with
a definite war background first made the listing of best sellers. A novel by H. G.
Wells, "Mr. Britling Sees It Through", made fourth place for that year and for the
following annual list achieved first position in the fiction lineup. The book's popularity
in this country can be credited largely to the literary reputation of its author.
Although the opening years of the war saw the publication of works on the war
situation, especially in the field of history and foreign affairs, such as "The Guns of
Europe" by Joseph A. Altsheler, "America and the World War" by Theodore Roose-
velt, and Stanley Shaw's "The Kaiser", none of the works in this division attained country-
wide popularity to merit its inclusion in the columns of best sellers. The American
entrance on the war stage cued the rise of interest of the United States reading sec-
tions in European war affairs. The Wells work continued its popularity position and
shared place with other war works such as the phenomenally successful books as
"Over the Top" by Arthur Guy Empey, "Carry On" by Conlngsby Dawson, "My
Four Years in Germany" and "Face to Face with Kaiserism" by James W. Gerard,
"A Minstrel In France" by Harry Lauder, "Private Peat" by Harold R. Peat and "Out-
witting the Hun" by Pat O'Brien. A great deal of the sales success of these books
can be credited to the reputations of the authors and the lecture work conducted by
Empey, Peat and O'Brien In this country.
Despite the appearance of war-toned tomes In readers' preferences during the closing
period of the war, the American book-buying public still preserved an Interested eye
and pocketbook for spending its money and time in reading popular and general
romantic fiction. Such favorite fictloners as Ethel M. Dell, Temple Bailey, Zane Grey
and Edgar Rice Burroughs were still able to win places In best sellers' tabulations for
their non-military writings against the timely competition of the war works. Such a
juxtaposition of opposite book themes on the same popular sellers would apparently
seem to indicate that the literary maxim that the story is the thing still holds with the
reading public, come hell, high water or war.
Books of a war character are Indicated by an asterisk and color In the following
lists of best sellers compiled by Pttblisher's Weekly and Books of the Month:
1914
1. The Eyes of the World. Harold Bell Wright,
Book Supply. Preachment against the
the world's way of looking at things.
2. Pollyanna. Eleanor H. Porter, Page. Won-
ders and influence of child love.
3. The Inside of the Cup. Winston Churchill,
Macmillan. Story of a clergyman in a middle
western city.
4. The Salamander. Owen. Johnson, Bobbs-
Merrill. A romance of a girl in the big
city, whose mode of life resembles the sala-
mander's reputed reputation to be able to
live in fire.
5. The Fortunate Youth. William J. Locke,
Lane. A fairy story with a mixture of
reality and unreality.
6. T. Tembarom. • Frances Hodgson Burnett,
Century Co. A "success story."
7. Penrod. Booth Tarkington, Doubleday, Page.
A study of a human boy.
8. Diane of the Green Van. Leona Dalrymple,
Reilly and Britton. Story of a "young and
beautiful American heiress" who has wearied
of conventional society life and chooses to
go wandering across the country in a big
green van fitted up as cozily as any boudoir.
9. The Devil's Garden. William Babington
Maxwell, Bobbs-Merrill. A tale of a hus-
band, his wife and her ex-lover.
10. The Prince of Graustark. George Barr
McCutcheon, Dodd, Mead, Romance set in
a mythical kingdom.
1915
1. The Turmoil. Booth Tarkington, Harper.
Concerning the cult of big business.
2. A Far Country. Winston Churchill, Mac-
millan. Variation on the "prodigal son"
theme.
3. Michael O'Halloran. Gene Stratton-Porter,
Doubleday, Page. About an Irish newsboy
and his "Mr. Fixit" doings.
4. Pollyanna Grows Up. Eleanor H. Porter,
Page. Further adventures of Pollyanna.
5. "K." Mary .Roberts Rinehart, Houghton
Mifflin. Story of love and hard work.
6. Jaffrey. William J. Locke, Lane. A ro-
mance.
7. Felix O'Day. Francis Hopkinson Smith,
Scribner. About an Irishman with the name
of "Felix O'Day."
8. The Harbor, Ernest Poole, Macmillan. Semi-
allegorical and semi-autobiographical treat-
ment of life in terms of a harbor.
9. The Lone Star Ranger. Zane Grey, Harper.
A romance of the border.
10. Angela's Business. Henry S. Harrison,
Houghton Mifflin. About the woman move-
ment.
1916
1. Seventeen. Booth Tarkington, Harper. Tale
of youth, especially of one called Willie
Baxter.
2. When a Man's a Man. Harold Bell Wright,
Book Supply Co. Preachment about the good
a rnan may derive from life in the southwest
amid plains and mountains.
3. Just David. Eleanor H. Porter, Houghton
Mifflin. Story of a child prodigy told in a
sentimental fashion.
'■'4. Mr. Britling Sees It Through, q
Wells, Macmillan. Novel of England in
wartime as seen through the person of the
book's title.
5. Life and Gabriella. Ellen Glasgow, Double-
day, Page. The story of a woman's courage
in the face of an unhappy married life.
6. The Real Adventure. Henry Kitchell Web-
ster, Bobbs-Merrill. Marriage narrative.
7. Bars of Iron. Ethel M. Dell, Putnam. A
romance.
8. Nan of Music Mountain. Frank H. Spear-
man, Scribner. Story of the west with a
girl and gun romance flavor.
9. Dear Enemy. Jean Webster, Century. Story
told in letters about an orphan asylum,
somewhat similar to "Daddy Long Legs."
10. The Heart of Rachel. Kathleen Norris,
Doubleday, Page. Norris notations on mar-
riage and divorce.
1917
■1. Mr. Britling Sees It Through, jj q
Wells, Macmillan. Novel of England in
(Continued on follonnng page)
GLORIFYING THE
AMERICAN WAY
Tin Fan Alley is already ti/ell
stocked for the war. The titles are
quite different from those that ap-
peared in the years 1914-18. These
songs are all about America and are
probably representative of the opinion
noiv prevalent in this country that we
should stay out of this war.
Irving Berlin, who wrote so many
poptdar songs in the years of the First
World War, has "God Bless America".
Other titles and their authors are:
"God's Country" by Harold Arlen,
"America, We All Love You" by Joe
Weber and Charles McCarthy, "Stand
by America" by Ethel Wall, "I Am
an American" by Benjamin Neal, "The
Eyes of the Fleet" by Lieut. -Com.
McEdhiff, "Our Glorious America"
by Kenneth Clark, and "My Own
U. S. A." by Frank Westdahl.
30
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
MOST WAR BOOKS IN NON-FICTION
(Continued from frcccdiny l>a!/c)
wai-time as seen through the person of the
book's title.
2. The Light in the Clearing. Irving Bachel-
ler, Bobbs-Merrill. A tale of the north
country in first half of the nineteenth cen-
tury.
*3. The Red Planet. William J. Locke, Lane.
A story of England in wartime.
4. The Road to Understanding. Eleanor H.
Porter, Houghton Mifflin. Story of an un-
fortunate marriage.
5. Wildfire. Zane Grey, Harper. About a
wild horse, its capture and taming.
•■=6. Christine. Alice Cholmondeley, Macmillan.
Letters of a girl music student studying in
Germany at the outbreak of the War.
7. His Family. Ernest Poole, Macmillan. About
the older and younger generations.
8. The Definite Object. Jeffrey Farnol, Little,
Brown. Romance of New York City.
9. The Hundredth Chance. Ethel M._ Dell,
Putnam. About love and a horse trainer.
*The First Hundred Thousand. Ian Hay,
pseud. (John Hay Beith), Houghton Mif-
flin. Straight from the trenches.
*My Home in the Field of Honor. Frances
W. Huard, Doran. American woman's
share in the opening weeks of the Great
War.
*A Student in Arms. Donald Hankey, Dutton.
Sketches, conversations and essays suggested
by the war.
*Over the Top. Arthur Guy Empey, Putnam.
An account of trench warfare by an Ameri-
can who served in the British Army for a
year and a half.
*Carry On. Coningsby Dawson, Lane, Letters
in wartime
^Getting Together. Ian Hay, pseud., (John
Hay Beith), Houghton Mifflin. Tale of
the fighter in the First World War.
■^'My Second Year of War. Frederick Pal-
mer, Dodd. Writings of an American cor-
respondent at the front.
*The Land of Deepening Shadow. Daniel
Thomas Curtin. American war correspond-
ent in Germany during the hostilities.
*Italy, France and Britain at War. H. G.
Wells, Macmillan. Wells at the front.
*The Worn Doorstep. Margaret Sherwood,
Little. Letters addressed to a lover killed
in the war.
*Rhjmies of a Red Cross Man. Robert W.
Service, Barse and Hopkins.
*The Plattsburg Manual. Olin O. Ellis and
Enoch Barton Garey, Century. Handbook
for federal training camps.
*Raymond. Sir Oliver Lodge, Doran. On life
and death of a young man who fell on the
battlefront.
*Poems. Alan Seeger, Scribner. The work of
the promising poet killed in action, some of
which was written on the war.
God, the Invisible King. H. G. Wells, Mac-
millan. Wellsian conception of God.
Laugh and Live. Douglas Fairbanks, Britton.
Chatty essays on such topics as building up a
a personality, cleanliness of body and mind,
mental and physical preparedness.
Better Meals for Less Money. Mary Green,
WAR COSTS AFFECT
BOOK PUBLISHING
Rising costs in labor and material,
together with the conditions at home
and abroad, seriously affect book pub-
lishing in war time. In 1914 there
ivere 12,010 titles published in this
country including 2,852 imported
ivorks, a high in the book business
since 1910 and a total not to be
reached again for over ten years.
There was a decrease of 500 im-
ported titles for 1915 and the total for
all tvorks published in this country at
that time fell to 9J}4. Although the
number of imports diminished by 700
for 1916, the total published for that
year rose by 700 over the low mark
of 1915. 1917 can be called the pub-
lication year for tear books in this
country.
Despite the popularity of such
works here, imports continued to drop
by 300 odd titles u>ith a corresponding
decrease in the totals of books pub-
lished. The disruption of shipping
caused a loiv of 903 imported titles
for 1918.
The figures for American book pro-
duction and book imports for 1914-
1918 were: Books
Published Imported
in the U. S. Books
Including Published
Imports in U. S.
1914 12,010 2,852
1915 9,734 2,338
1916 10,445 1,648
1917 10,060 1,324
1918 9,237 903
The final year of the war, 1918, was
the most disastrous for the publishing
business generally.
pseud. (Mrs. Marietta McPherson), Holt.
More for your money in the line of foods.
1918
1. The U. P. Trail. Zane Grey, Harper. Rail-
road western.
2. The Tree of Heaven. May Sinclair, Mac-
millan. Social novel.
*3. The Amazing Interlude. Mary Roberts
Rinehart, Doran. Romance with a war
background.
*4. Dere Mable. Edward Streeter, Stokes.
Love letters of a rookie.
5. Oh, Money ! Money !, Eleanor H. Porter,
Mifflin. The effect of money on the lives
of three people.
6. Greatheart. Ethel M. Dell, Putnam. Love
story.
*7. The Major. Ralph Connor, pseud. (Charles
William Gordon), Doran. Novel of war,
patriotism and propaganda.
*8. The Pawns Count. E. Phillips Oppen-
hcini. Little Brown. Mystery melodrama
with a touch of a war background.
9. A Daughter of the Land. Gene Stratton-
Porter, Doubleday, Page. Story of a family
and the land on which they live.
*10. Sonia. Stephen McKenna, Doran. Lo-
cialized in England and timed from the pre-
war days to the first years of the European
War.
11. His Second Wife. Ernest Poole, Macmil-
lan. Story of a girl marrying her dead sis-
ter's husband.
*My Four Years in Germany. James W.
Gerard. The late Ambassador to the Ger-
man Imperial court and the account of his
four years' experience.
*The Glory of the Trenches. Coningsby Daw-
son, Lane. What men fight for : religion in
the trenches.
*Over the Top. Arthur Guy Empey, Putnam.
An account of trench warfare by an Ameri-
can who served in the British army for a
year and a half.
*A Minstrel in France. Harry Lauder, Hearst
International. The actor's tour of the battle-
fronts.
*Private Peat. Harold R. Peat, Bobbs-Mer-
rill. A Canadian soldier's experience.
^Outwitting the Hun. Pat O'Brien, Harper.
Personal experiences of war, especially of
■ an escape from a German prison camp.
*Face to Face with Kaiserism. James W.
Gerard, Doran. Indictment of Kaiserism.
*Carry On. Coningsby Dawson, Lane. Letters
in wartime.
*Out to Win. Coningsby Dawson, Lane. Amer-
ica's attitude to her part in the war.
*Under Fire. Henri Barbusse, translated by
Fitzwater Wray, Dutton. Epic of France
at war.
*Rhymes of a Red Cross Man. Robert W.
Service, Barse and Hopkins.
*Treasury of War Poetry. George Herbert
Clark, Houghton, Mifflin. British and
American poems of the world War, 1914-
1917.
*With the Colors. Everard J. Appleton, Stew-
art and Kidd. Songs of the American
service.
Recollections. Viscount John M. Morley, 2
vols., Macmillan. Memoirs of an English
statesman.
Laugh and Live. Douglas Fairbanks, Brit-
ton. Chatty essays on such topics as
building up a. personality, cleanliness of
body and mind, mental and physical pre-
paredness.
Mark Twain's Letters. 2 vols., edited by
Albert Bigelow Paine, Harper.
Adventures and Letters of Richard Harding
Davis, edited by C. H. Davis, Scribner.
About the famous newspaper man, war
correspondent, stor^r teller and soldier of
of fortune.
-*Over Here. Edgar Guest, Reilly and Britton.
Poems of patriotism.
Diplomatic Days. Edith O'Shaughnessy, Har-
per. Mexico 1911-1912.
*Poems. Alan Seeger, Scribner. A number of
the poems in this work had as their theme
the World War, in which the young poet lost
his life in action.
NATIONWIDE HEADLINE NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT THRILLING AS A POWER DIVE
TODAY AMERICA'S EYES ARE ON THEW
yfith
Executive ^^^^ .
Directed Vianc^® ^ooli*^'^
A new brood of American eagles,
thousands strong, winging into
the sky for love and glory! Written
by the author of "Test Pilot!" A
picture for the youthful hearts
of all this nation's millions . . . ad-
venture! . . . romance!. . . ACTION!
34
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
Eastman Using
18 7 -Foot Screen
In Fair Exhibit
Foreign governments, cities and states,
'commercial and civic organizations, the
United States Government and various docu-
mentary film makers have placed on screens
of scores of buildings, exhibits and "little
theatres" at New York's World's Fair, what
is called probably the greatest concentration
of historical, educational, travel, scientific
and miscellaneous assortment of . socalled
documentary and non-theatrical subjects.
Their messages are aimed to sell almost
everything imaginable. In but a single in-
stance is attention drawn to the camera, and
this at the Kodak Exhibit, where a screen,
187-feet wide, is used by Eaistman to show
"the beauty and simplicity of full-color pho-
tography today, and point the way toward
its wider use in the 'world of tomorrow.' "
Arc on the Wall
The screen spreads in a broad arc high up
on the wall of a great semi-circular chamber.
Below, a crowd watches, as across this screen
there moves what the usually conservative East-
man company describes as "the greatest show
of color photography on earth."
Familiar scenes melt into places strange and
far away. Time is condensed along with space
as the world passes in review across the screen
from left to right — the 187-foot screen can be
divided to give 11 different scenes. Summer
scenes fade swiftly into winter, and just as
swiftly back in a kaleidoscopic march. Some-
times they show one scene 187 feet wide.
The wide scene is projected by a roughly
cubical, full-ton twin projector, described as
"unique in optical history." Eleven smaller twin
projectors for the smaller pictures are concealed
in a booth erected higher, near the roof. Tiny
colorfilni transparencies, each about one and
one-half inches, made on standard Ivodachrome
Film, pass through these gates — to become full-
color screen pictures approximately 50,000 times
larger in area. Each of the U screen-pictures
is 17 feet wide and 22 feet high, and the 11
fill the 187-foot screen. (The pictures on the
17 by 22-foot sections each average the size of
the average theatre screen ; the 187 by 22-foot
large screen compares with the largest screen
in U. S. theatres, at New York's Music Hall,
which is 70 feet wide by 40 feet high.)
1/10,000 Inch Accuracy
As each small full-color transparency comes
into position, it is registered in place to an ac-
curacy of 1/10,000 inch, through a combination
of optical and mechanical registration. Eastman
Kodak observes that this is a degree of regis-
tration never before attained in projection equip-
ment. Moreover, this same registering system
operates so that even while the transparency is
in motion in the projector gates, its enlarged
image is held rock-steady on the screen.
Each of the 11 hidden projectors is synchro-
nized with the others by an elaborate electrical
interlock, operating through a fully-automatic
control system. It took months and many thou-
sands of dollars to design and build the appa-
ratus.
Through the electrical interlock and control,
the projection system can be operated with com-
plete flexibility. Some pictures projected on
certain of the 11 screens can be changed in
speeds differing from others — one group re-
maining on the screen a half-minute, while
others are changed up to four times a second.
Fades, dissolves, motion effects also can be
presented — "all in a continuous flow of mellow,
glowing color," as Kodak describes the screen-
pictures.
The "heart" of the projection system control
is a specially notched sound-film, which not only
carries the voice of a commentator and special
musical accompaniment, but also regulates the
movement of the projector shutters and the
shifting of pictures — keeping pictures and com-
ment in perfect synchronism.
Designed in Eastman's laboratories in Kodak
Park, Rochester, these projectors are described
as applying a wholly new principle to color-
film projection, being so adaptable that they
can be used for any type of slide projection
wliich calls for high magnifications.
The illuminating system of each projector is
centrally housed, with the ring gears and film
drums revolving around it. Water cells are used
for cooling, and a blast of air, chilled almost to
freezing, is directed on each projector gate.
Large-aperture, long focus projection lenses are
used, and specially designed shutters are utilized
for many screen effects.
For the World's Fair color show, photogra-
phers of Eastman prepared a special collection
of more than 100,000 Kodachrome transparen-
cies. The design of the Kodak projectors make
it possible to change the whole color show over-
night, by unbolting one group of slides, and
replacing them with another.
Pictures are shown continuously from 10 to
10, each show 12 minutes.
Gregg Reports ERPI Far
East Business Up 40%
An increase of 40 per cent in Electrical
Research Products, Inc., business in the Far
East and Australia in the first eight months
of the current year over the same period last
year was reported this week by E. S. Gregg,
general foreign manager, on his return to
New York from a three and one-half months
tour of the two territories.
Mr. Gregg attributed the increase to the
introduction of new equipment and other
factors. He evidenced no pessimism over
the effects of the war on ERPI's foreign
business, voicing the opinion that the in-
creased circulation of money due to war
purchases throughout the world may aid
theatre business in many world markets.
B&K Separate Deals with
United Artists Indicated
Individual film deals may be negotiated
by Balaban & Katz with United Artists, it
was indicated this week prior to the de-
parture from New York of John Balaban,
B&K head, for Chicago. Although Mr.
Balaban had planned to discuss a product
deal with L. J. Schlaifer, United Artists
western sales head, while in New York,
no meeting was arranged and the matter
will go over to a later date.
B&K recently closed for two Samuel Gold-
wyn and one Alexander Korda pictures, and
a similar procedure of negotiating for in-
dividual releases as available may be fol-
lowed.
Film Alliance Has
25 Pictures Ready
Film Alliance of the U. S., Inc., has 25
pictures for 1939-40 release through key
city exchanges. Among them are : "Sec-
ond Bureau," starring Danielle Darrieux ;
"The Pirate"; "The Citadel of Silence,"
with Annabella ; "The Deserter," Jean
Pierre Aumont and Corinne Luchaire; "Sun-
set in Vienna" ; "Hostages," Annie Ver-
nay ; "Cavalcade of Love," Simone Simon.
Euglish studios are expected to account for
nine of Film Alliance's program ; the others
are to come from French studios.
Press Club and
Autos to Sponsor
Film Openings
Both Columbia and Paramount in the
coming week will put on big-ballyhoo ex-
hibitions of new pictures under circum-
stances each claim to be unprecedented, the
former sending off its new "Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington" under the first support ever
given by the National Press Club of Wash-
ington to a film premiere, and Paramount
getting the sponsorship of the automobile
industry in Detroit for the first time, for its
new "Disputed Passage."
The President and Mrs. Roosevelt, mem-
bers of the Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps
and members of Congress will be invited to
attend the premiere of "Mr. Smith Goes to
Washington" on October 17. The National
Press Club's Glee Club will make its debut
at the opening of the picture. Efforts are be-
ing made to secure the services of either the
Marine or Navy Band. Newspaper men
from New York, Boston, Philadelphia and
Baltimore will be invited to hear part of
the Neutrality debate in the Senate and then
attend a cocktail party given by the Press
Club before witnessing the premiere of the
motion picture.
Frank Capra, producer of "Mr. Smith
Goes to Washington," will attend the Wash-
ington premiere.
The automobile industry will stage a
parade of the 1940 models to mark the
premiere of "Disputed Passage." After the
parade the new cars will be on display in
front of the Michigan theatre so that the
public may get a "preview" of the new autos
and at the same time be on hand to attend
the premiere of "Disputed Passage." The
combination of the advance auto show and
the opening of a picture whose action takes
place at the medical school of the University
of Michigan is expected to occasion a great
civic celebration.
Six "World Prennieres"
No less than six "world premieres" are
announced by Twentieth Century-Fox in
New York for the introduction of its
"Drums Along the Mohawk," to take place
in New York's Mohawk Valley on Novem-
ber 2nd for its 14-reel color feature, one of
the longest to be released in color. The
theatres and towns selected : Palace, Albany ;
Proctor's, Schenectady ; Rialto, Amsterdam ;
Glove, Gloversville ; Olympic, Utica, and the
Capitol in Rome.
The studio will send east a company of
players who will be routed over the six
neighboring towns on the night of the open-
ing.
Reorganize Dufaycolor
Dufaycolor Co., Inc., filed a petition for
reorganization under the Chandler Act, in
New York District Court on Tuesday, list-
ing liabilities of $518,197, and assets of
$119,717. Under the proposed plan, general
unsecured creditors will receive three per
cent notes payable in greater part three
years after the plan's acceptance. Color Cor-
poration is the largest creditor. Dufaycolor
will attempt to raise $500,000 in the next six
months, as working capital.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
35
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
$50,000,000
Hollywood's production bill for October,
1939, will be $50,000,000 and then some. The
figure represents the approximate cost of 31
"big" films now in production and to be com-
pleted in the month and 24 high bracket ven-
tures that will start prior to November 1st.
For the 31, a total cost of $25,425,000 has been
rung up on the cash register. An estimate ot
$19,100,000 was haazrded as the charges for the
t wo dozen to come. The total cost for both
groups is $44,325,000.
In the $4,475,000 difference are included five
pictures which 20th Century-Fox has in the
work cost of which will be nearly $3,300,000
and three debited to Paramount at an average
cost of $200,000 each. The pictures, together
with various others that will start, will run the
month's production costs to well over $50,000,-
000.
Fox's $7,025,000 for Six
The flag bearer of the October parade is
20th Century-Fox, whose banner bears the
figure $7,025,000 for six productions. The price
tag on "The Bluebird," which is being very
efficiently made, is quite close to $1,500,000.
"Drums along the Mohawk" was brought in
at a similar figure. "Swanee River" is down
on the books for a million and "Little Old New
York" won't be finished for much less. Sonja
Henie will skate a $900,000 tune in "Everything
Happens at Night" and more than a million will
be spent to photograph John Steinbeck's
"Grapes of Wrath."
Columbia expects the total cost of its two
big October pictures, "The Incredible Mrs. Wil-
liams" and "His Girl Friday," will border on
the $900,000 mark. Universal is spreading
around $2,375,000 over four October produc-
tions, "Tower of London," "Green Hell," "Des-
try Rides Again" and "First Love." The two
first named cost the most with the Marlene
Dietrich and Deanna Durbin films splitting the
balance.
$4,000,000 at RKO Radio
RICO Radio's stake in the month's pot is
about $4,000,000 as the cards it holds read:
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame," $1,500,000;
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" and "Vigil in the
Night," $750,000 each and "Swiss Family Rob-
inson" and "That's Right, You're Wrong"
$500,000 respectively. MGM put up a round
$3,000,000 for its October activity. "Northwest
Passage," production of which continued over
a year, accounts for about half of it with the
finishing "Balalaika" and the in-the-work
"Broadway Melody of 1940" accounting for
more than what was left.
It is acknowledged at Paramount that the
total cost for three pictures, "Typhoon," "The
Gay Days of Victor Herbert" and "Road to
Singapore" will exceed $2,500,000. Warner
Bros., not spending any extravagant sums at
the moment, has "The Fighting 69th" down for
$900,000 and lists "Invisible Stripes" at $750,000
and "Brother Rat and the Baby" at $600,000
at least.
Between them, skipping over Charlie Chap-
lin who undoubtedly will spend around $1,500,-
000 on "The Dictators," United Artists pro-
ducers have a $2,000,000 production cost. The
Hal Roach-Lewis Milestone "Of Mice and
FAN MAIL GOES
TO YOUNGSTERS
In order, Judy Garland, Mickey
Kooney and Ami- Rutherford now
are the leading recipients of fan mail
at MGM.
Not only has the youthftd trio
outstripped the erstivhile leaders —
]oan Craivford, Clark Gable and
Norma Shearer — //; number of letters
received, but more requests are re-
ceived for autographed photos of the
Misses Garland and Rutherford and
young Mr. Rooney than of any of the
studio's older stars.
Men" will be brought in at around $400,000.
Samuel Goldwyn has penciled more than $600,-
000 as the price of "Raffles." Send "Another
Coffin," Wanger Productions, will bear a simi-
lar price tag, as will Selznick's "Rebecca."
Average Cost $800,000
The average cost of the 24 "big" pictures
slated to start during the month will be ap-
proximately $800,000, a trifle less than is the
average for the 31 to be completed. Among
the 31, production economies, effected since the
outbreak of Europe's war, are beginning to
work.
Nevertheless, a recapitulation of the $19,000,-
000 to be spent during the month shows that
Paramount has allotted $2,050,000 to three pro-
ductions. "Buck Benny Rides Again" has
been earmarked at $850,000. The "Safari"
budget reads something like $700,000 and a
good $500,000, including the cost of a location
trip, has been set aside for "Good Old Siwash."
RKO-Radio has set up a sum of more than
$600,000 which Orson Welles may draw on to
make "Hearts of Darkness."
The making of "My Son, My Son," Edward
Small production, will entail an expense of a
million plus. Samuel Goldwyn's next two pic-
tures, "The Outlaw" with Gary Cooper and
"Sweetheart of Turret No. 1," will involve
about $2,000,000. At the same time Hal Roach
will be spending around three quarters of a
million for "1,000,000 B. C." and another $200,-
000 for a Laurel and Hardy featurette. Walter
Wanger's production of Vincent Sheean's "Per-
sonal History" is rated as a $700,000 picture,
ture.
MGM has $3,750,000 in the till with which
to make four big October pictures. Cost esti-
mate on "Lover Come Back to Me" is $1,250,000
while "Shop Around the Corner" will stand at
about a million. "The Earl of Chicago" is
estimated at $750,000 as is "Young Tom Edi-
son."
At Universal $2,000,000 has been allotted to
four pictures. "Charlie McCarthy — Detective"
and the May West-W. C. Fields picture will
probably take the lion's share of it with "The
Invisible Man Returns" and "No Power On
Earth" being in the high budget class. Re-
public's "Wagons Westward" is in the same
class as last year's "Man of Conquest" which
has been classified as a $650,000 picture.
The intensive production program at 20th-
Century-Fox will taper off with two pictures,
Gene Autry and Jane Withers in "Shooting
High" and a foUowup on the "Hotel for Wom-
en" idea. Together they will require a million
and a half.
Like MGM, Warners also has reserved $3,-
750,000 for October production. Four pictures
are contemplated. "Virginia City," with Errol
Flynn, will need $1,125,000, and "The Life of
Dr. Ehrlich" is estimated at $750,000. A mil-
lion will go for "We Shall Meet Again," a
Bette Davis picture, and the all-star "Three
Cheers for the Irish" will cost around $750,000.
9 Starts 14 Finish
Between the time it devotes to thinking of
football and that used up in speculating on war
and its repercussions, Hollywood started nine
and finished fourteen pictures in the first week
in October.
RKO-Radio was the busiest studio. Three
started there. Newcomers Jimmy Lydon and
Joan Dradell, with J. M. Kerrigan and Arthur
Hohl will be featured in "Sunset." "Mexican
Spitfire" began with Lupe Velez, Donald
Woods, Leon Errol and Linda Hayes in the
leading role. "The Play's The Thing" Produc-
tions launched its initial effort, "Swiss Family
Robinson," in which Thomas Mitchell, Edna
Best, Freddie Bartholomew, Terry Kilburn and
Tim Holt are the principals.
Two pictures started at Paramount. Bing
Crosby, Dorothy Lamour, Bop Hope and Judith
Barrett are the top line names in "Road to
Singapore." Charles Ruggles, William Frawley,
Robert Paige and Janice Logan head the
"Opened by Mistake" cast.
Work started at Monogram on "Roll Wagons
Roll," an Edward Finney production starring
Tex Ritter. At the same time cameras began
turning at Warner Bros, on "Timber" in which
John Payne, Gloria Dickson and Stanley Fields
are the feature names.
So crowded for space that the facilities of two
studios are needed to accommodate its activities,
20th Century-Fox launched two productions to
raise the total of films actually in work to
ten. With John Ford directing, the much
talked of "Grapes of Wrath" got under way.
Henry Fonda, Dorris Bowdon, Charlie Grape-
win, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Eddie Quil-
lan, Russell Simpson, John Qualen, Frank Dari-
en and Frank Sully will interpret the principal
John Steinbeck characters. In the second pic-
ture, "He Married His Wife," Joe McCrea,
Nancy Kelly, Roland Young, Mary Boland,
Mary Healy and Lyle Talbot will be featured.
Finishing three each, three companies ac-
counted for nine of the fourteen finished pic-
tures. Off the active list at MGM are "North-
west Passage," "Bad Little Angel" and "Judge
Hardy and Son." The Paramount trio includes
"Typhoon," "The Gay Days of Victor Herbert"
and "The Farmer's Daughter." "The City,"
"The Man Who Wouldn't Talk" and "20,000
Men a Year" are in the 20th Century-Fox
group.
Two productions came off the line at Repub-
lic, "Washington Cowboy" and "Covered Trail-
er." Universal likewise checked off a pair,
"Tower of London" and "Test Driver."
RKO-Radio's "The Hunchback of Notre
Dame" reached the finish line.
36 MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE October 14, 1939
FILM ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS
OPEN SESSION IN NEW YORK MONDAY
Mayor LaGuardia Will Welcome
SMPE at Opening Luncheon;
Television Exhibition at
World's Fair First Night
The motion picture's engineers, tech-
nicians and laboratory workers will make
their semi-annual emergence from their
work benches on Monday for purposes of
open discussion of technical progress and
procedure at the fall meeting of the Society
of Motion Picture Engineers, beginning a
four-day conference at the Hotel Pennsyl-
vania in New York, which also will be at-
tended by manufacturers and executives of
motion picture equipment companies and
others. The meeting will be the 46th semi-
annual gathering since the Society was
founded in 1916.
Fiorello H. LaGuardia of New York will
leave his "summer City Hall" at Flushing
Meadows World's Fair to extend the city's
welcome at the opening luncheon jMonday,
when he will be presented by E. A. Willi-
ford, SMPE president.
Official visit of the convention to the
World's Fair will be made jMonday evening,
concluding with a special television demon-
stration by NBC and RCA at RCA's Ex-
hibit.
Socially, the convention will highlight its
semi-annual banquet and dance Wednesday
night in the Pennsylvania hotel, where of-
ficers-elect for 1940 will be introduced, win-
ners of the SMPE Progress !Medal and
SMPE Journal Award will be announced.
Group-sessions will be conducted for gen-
eral matters, laboratory practice, projection,
16mm films, sound, color, television, studio-
practice, and other divisions, as detailed in
the complete program, which follows :
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
9:00 to 12 Noon
Banquet Room: Registration.
Banquet Room; General and Business Session.
Report of the Convention Arrangements Committee;
W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President.
Report of the Membership and Admissions Com-
mittee; E. R. Geib, Chairman.
Welcome by the President; E. A. Williford.
Society Business:
Election Officers for 1940.
Proposed Amendments of the By-Laws.
"Partial Deafness and Hearing Aid Design." W. C.
Beasley, National Institute of Health, U. S. Public
Service, Bethesda. Md.
"The Problem of Distortion in the Human Ear," S.
S. Stevens, Department of Psychology, Harvard Uni-
versity, Cambridge, Mass.
Progress Report of the Academy Research Sub-Com-
mittee on Acoustical Characteristics; F. Durst, Chair-
man, Holb'wood, Calif.
12:30 P. M.
Grand Ballroom; Informal Get-Together Luncheon;
E. A. Williford, Chairman.
Address of Welcome by the Honorable Fiorello H.
LaGuardia. Mayor of the City of New York.
Guests: Hon. Bruce Barton, Mr. W. G. Van Schmus.
2:00 P. M.
Banquet Room; General Session.
"Science and the Motion Picture." H. Roger, Rolab
Photo- Science Laboratories, Sandy Hook, Conn. (Dem-
onstration.)
"Photographic Duping of Variable- Area Sound," F.
W. Roberts and E. Taenzer, Ace Film Laboratories,
Brooklyn, N. Y. (Demonstration.)
"Volume Distortion," S. L. Reiches, Cleveland, Ohio.
(Demonstration.)
"Optical Control of Wave-Shape and Amphtude
Characteristics in Variable-Density Recording." G. L.
Dimmick, RCA Manufacturing Co., Camden, N. J.
(Demonstration.)
"Synthetic Reverberation for Motion Picture Stu-
dios"; P. C. Goldmark and P. S. Hendricks, Colum-
FRENCH TRAIN WOMEN
TO BE PROJECTIONISTS
With 7nost of the regular projec-
tionists anstvering the national call to
arms to fight on the Western front,
French theatres are having difficulty in
reopening. As a result of the shortage
of projectionists, film companies are
noxv training women who fill the
vacancies.
bia Broadcasting Co., New York, N. Y. (Demonstra-
tion.)
"Backward Perspective — a Review in Retrospect of
the Work of the Museum of Modern Art Film Li-
brary since X9i6" \ D. L. Baxter, Museum of Modern
Art Film Library, New York, N. Y. (Demonstra-
tion.)
8:00 P. M.
Chrysler Auditorium, New York World's Fair.
"Three Dimensional Motion Pictures"; J. A. Nor-
ling, Loucks & Norling, New York, N. Y. (Demon-
stration.) Delegates must congregate in the Chrysler
Auditorium promptly at 8 p.m.
8:35 P. M.
"Automatic Slide Projectors for the New York
World's Fair," F. Tuttle, Eastman Kodak Co.,
Rochester, N. Y. (Demonstration.)
9:W> P. M.
RCA Exhibit, New York World's Fair. Special
Demonstration of Television by engineers of the
RCA. As this will be a special exhibit for the
SMPE Convention, after the usual closing hour,
members and guests are requested to be on hand
promptly at 9:00 P. M.
9:45 P. M.
American Telephone & Telegraph Building, New
York World's Fair.
Demonstration of Two-Channel Recording and Re-
production with Steel Tape, with participation by the
visiting delegates, followed hy a demonstration of
the "Voder." Aural acuity tests will also be made
by means of special tone-hearing test machines. These
demonstrations will be a special contribution to the
Convention Program by the American Telephone and
Telegraph Company, after the usual closing hour of
the Exhibit. It is important that all delegates be
present by 9:45 P. M.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17
10:00 A. M.
Banquet Room; Laboratory Session.
Report of the Laboratory Practice Committee; D'. E.
Hyndman, Chairman.
"Photographic Tone Reproduction — Theory and Prac-
tice;" L. A. Jones. Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester,
N. Y.
"Sensitometry of Subtractive Color Film;" R. H.
Bingham and H. Hoerlin, Agfa Ansco Corp., Bing-
hampton, N. Y.
"A Sound-Track Center-Line Measuring Device;"
F. W. Roberts and H. R. Cook, Jr., Ace Film Labora-
tories, Brooklyn. N. Y.
2:00 P. M.
This afternoon has been left open in order that
delegates to the Convention may visit the World's
Fair. Trains for the Fair can be taken at the Penn-
sylvania Station directly opposite the Hotel Pennsyl-
vania. Trains run every fifteen minutes; time to the
Fair is 10 minutes (fare. 10c).
Full information concerning the attractions at the
Fair may be obtained at the General Registration
Desk in the lobby of the Hotel.
8:90 P. M.
Joint Meeting with the New York Electrical So-
ciety, in the Auditorium of the Engineering Societies
Building, 29 West 39th Street. New York, N. Y.
Speaker: Homer Dudley, Bell Telephone Labora-
tories. New York. N. Y.
In the Bell Telephone Laboratories Mr. Dudley and
his associates have developed electric circuits for the
artificial production of speech. One form of the de-
vice is itself voice-controlled, thus differing funda-
mentally from the Voder of the World's Fair which
is controlled by keys and pedals. It has been chris-
tened the "Vocoder" or voice coder."
The speaker will demonstrate the effects which re-
sult when the code is varied.
Admittance by Convention registration card only.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
10:00 A. M.
Banquet Room; Projection Session.
"Future Development in the Field of the Projec-
tionist"; A. N. Goldsmith, New York, N. Y.
"Motion Picture Auditorium Lighting;" B.
Schlanger. New York. N. Y.
"Simplex 4-Star Double-Film Attachment;" W.
Borberg and B. Pirner, International Projector Corp.,
New York, N. Y.
"The Projectionist's Part in Maintenance and Serv-
icing;" J. R. Prater, Congress Theater, Palouse,
Wash.
"Suggestions for Encouraging Study by Projection-
ists;" F. H. Richardson, Quigley Publishing Co., New
York, N. Y.
"Delivering Laboratory Results to Theater Pa-
trons;" J. R. Prater, Congress Theater, Palouse,
Wash.
"A- Review of the Question of 50-mm. Film, with
Suggestions and Recommendations;" H. Griffin, In-
ternational Projector Corp., New York, N. Y.
Report of the Projection Practice Committee; H.
Rubin, Chairman.
"Projection Room Planning for Safety;" E. R.
Morin, State of Connecticut, Department of State Po-
lice, Hartford, Conn.
2:00 P. M.
Banquet Room; General Session.
Report of the Television Committee; A. N. Gold-
smith, Chairman.
"Television Control Equipment for Film Trans-
mission;" R. L. Campbell, Allen B. DtiMont Labora-
tories, Passaic, N. J.
"A Narrow-Band Transmission System for Animated
Line Images;" A. M. Skellett, Bell Telephone Labora-
tories, New York, N. Y. (Demonstration.)
Report of the Studio Lighting Committee; C. W.
Handley, Chairman.
"Starting Characteristics of Speech Sound;" R. O.
Drew and E. W. Kellogg, RCA Manufacturing Co.,
Camden. N. J.
"The Importance of Cooperation between Story Con-
struction and Sound to Achieve a New Personality in
Motion Pictures;" L. L. Ryder, Paramount Studios,
Hollywood, Calif.
8:30 P. M.
Grand Ballroom; Semi-Annual Banquet and Dance.
Introduction of OfTicers-Elect for 1940.
Presentation of the SMPE Progress Medal.
Presentation of the SMPE Journal Award.
Entertainment and Dancing.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1939
10 A. M.
Banquet Room; Sixteen-Mm. Session.
"Some Industrial Applications of Current 16-Mm.
Sound Motion Picture Equipment;" W. H. Offen-
hauser, Jr., and F. H. Hargrove, Berndt-Mauer Corp..
New York, N. Y.
"The Production of 16-Mm. Sound Pictures for
Promoting Safety in the Mineral Industries;" M. J.
Ankeny, Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the
Interior, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Demonstration.)
"Lenses for Amateur Motion Picture Equipment
(16-Mm. and 8-Mm.);" R. Kingslake, Eastman Kodak
Co., Rochester, N. Y.
Report of the Non-Theatrical Equipment Committee;
R. C. Holslag. Chairman.
"A New Non-Intermittent Motion Picture Pro-
jector;" F. Ehrenhaft and F. G. Back, New York,
N. Y. (Demonstration.)
"A Flexible Time-Lapse Outfit;" A. B. Fuller and
W. W. Eaton, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N. Y.
2:00 P. M.
Banquet Room; Soimd Session.
"Considerations Relating to Warbled Frequency
Films;" E. S. Seeley, Altec Service Corp., New York.
N. Y.
"Investigation of the Influence of the Negative on
the Ground-Noise of Photographic Sound Prints;" O.
Sandvik and W. K. Grirawood, Eastman Kodak Co..
Rochester, N. Y.
Report of the Standards Committee; E. K. Carver,
Chairman.
"Tape Splicers for Film Developing Machines;" J. G.
Capstafl: and J. S. Beggs, Eastman Kodak Co.,
Rochester, N. Y.
"Fine-Grain Films Applied to Variable-Density
Sound Recording;" C. R. Daily, Paramount Studios,
Hollywood. Calif.
"A" Multiduty Motor System;" A. L. Holcomb.
Electrical Research Products, Inc., Hollywood, Cahf.
"Class B Push-PuU for Original Recording"; C. L.
Lootens, Republic Productions. Inc.. Hollywood, Calif.
"New High-Qualitv Sound System;" G. Friedl, Jr..
H. Barnett. and E. J. Shortt, International Projector
Coro.. New York, N. Y.
"Development and Application of the Triple-Head
Background Projector;" B. Haskins. Warner BrOs.
First National Studios. Burbank, Calif.
LUNCHEON AND BANQUET
The usual informal get-together luncheon will be
held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel on Monday.
October 16th. The Semi-Annual Banquet and Dance
will be held in the Grand BoUroom of the Hotel
Pennsylvania on Wednesday. October 18th, at 8:30
P. M." At the banquet the annual presentation of
the SMPE Progress Medal and the Journal Award
will be made, and the ofTicers-elect for 1940 will be
introduced.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
37
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Runaway Angel
(MGM)
An Allegory
A short time ago MGM produced "On Bor-
rowed Time," a picture that dared to get out
of the rut. With "Runaway Angel" (formerly
titled "Looking After Sandy"), the studio is
attempting another unusual entertainment ven-
ture. The picture will tell the story of an or-
phaned girl whose influence and faith guide the
destinies of an interesting group of persons.
The orphan believes herself to be a jinx, be-
cause all who try to befriend her get hurt, but
she has a strangely strong belief in what Bible
passages mean, and her interpretations and ap-
plications of those passages bring happiness
where previously misfortune and greed reigned.
The story is semi-modern in context and lo-
cales— New York and Brooklyn in the late
1880's. It is from a novel written by Margaret
Turnbull a decade ago. It was adapted by
Dorothy Yost. "Runaway Angel" is an Albert
Levoy picture, which William Thiele, who made
"Beg, Borrow and Steal" and "Bridal Suite,"
is directing.
Virginia W^iedler, last in "The Hardys Out
West" and "The Women," will be the star. The
featured cast lists Gene Reynolds, featured in
"Boys' Town" and starred in "They Shall Have
Music." Ian Hunter and Lois Wilson, who is
returning to the screen, Henry Hull, Guy Kib-
bee and Reginald Owen. The principal support-
ing cast will include Elizabeth Patterson, Ar-
thur Aylesworth, Esther Dale, Ann Todd, Rus-
sell Hicks, Harlan Briggs and Barbara Bed-
ford.
Release date : Oct. 27, 1938.
Reno
(RKO Radio)
Melodramatic Romance
In one way this will be the story of "the
biggest little city in the world," Reno, Nevada,
the divorce capital of the nation, a wide open
city. In another way, it is the story of a man
who fought to rescue his daughter from the
Frankenstein he had helped to create — the di-
vorce mill. The divorce mill saved Reno from
becoming a ghost town after its mining po-
tentialities had petered out. The divorce mill
made more money for Reno than all the gam-
bling. But many probably are going to be
much more interested in the personal story
than in the recording of history. A great many
men very likely will be interested primarily
because Richard Dix will be the star and be-
cause there are more than a few competent
screen artisans in the cast. Dix recently has
had successful roles in "Man of Conquest" and
"Here I am a Stranger," and Gail Patrick
numbers "Man of Conquest" among her best
pictures. Then there will be Anita Louise,
Paul Cavanaugh, last in "The Underpup," As-
trid Allwyn, Hobart Cavanaugh, Laura Hope
Crews, Louis Jean Heydt, Joyce Compton and
Frank Faylen.
John Twist is the adaptor of Ellis St. Joseph's
original story. Robert Sisk is producing and
John Farrow is directing.
Release date : Nov. 17, 1939.
Northwest Passage
(MGM)
Historical Adventure
Few recent books have been as widely read
as Kenneth Roberts' historical novel, "North-
west Passage." Few productions ever attempted
by MGM have been such ambitious undertak-
ings. In digest the film will present an authentic
historical picture of the days when the state
of Maine was still a frontier, when men still
dreamed of discovering the then mythical north-
west passage to the riches of Asia. That set-
ting and the pre-Revolutionary War events
which took place in it provide the occasion for
the story of Major Robert Rogers, one of
the most interesting figures of Colonial history,
and the romantic story of an aristocratic Tory
scion, Langdon Towne, and Ann Potter, a
girl from the slums of London. In simple,
"Northwest Passage" is a story of Indian
wars and of love.
Two-time Academy award winner. Spencer
Tracy will be seen as the indomitable Major
Rogers, Robert Young as "Towne" and Laraine
Day as Ann Potter. Another two-time academy
winner, Walter Brennan, has a featured role.
Donald MacBride, Isabel Jewell, Helen Mac-
Keller, Lumsden Hare and Regis Toomey are
in the supporting cast. It is to be expected
that such a pretentious production will have
the values of great big exterior and interior
settings and that thousands of extras will ap-
pear as Indians, pioneers, soldiers, and what
not.
Producer Hunt Stromberg chose as director
King Vidor, maker of the great "The Big
Parade," the original "Stella Dallas," "The
Champ" and others.
Release date: To be determined.
Remember the Night
(Paramount)
Dramatic Romance
A little while ago Mitchell Leisen directed
"Midnight," a gay and airy picture that regis-
tered well with many. Immediately preceding
were such music-glamour pictures as "Artists
And Models Abroad," two of Paramount's "Big
Broadcast" annuals and "Swing High, Swing
Low." To get an idea of the character of Mr.
Leisen's present endeavor, "Remember the
Night," one must go back to 1935 and "Hands
Across the Table" and "Four Hours to Kill."
The story to be told, an original screen play
by Preston Sturges, writer of such photoplays
as "If I Were King," "Imitation of Life," "We
Live Again" and "The Power and the_ Glory,"
is a melodramatic romance. It's fiction, but
it's about down-to-earth folk. It's one of those
things that might have happened. The hero is
an assistant district attorney, the heroine a
jewel thief. They fall in love. The trial goes
on with the assistant D. A. prosecuting the
girl he loves.
Fred MacMurray, last in the surprising
"Honeymoon in Bali," is the man. Barbara
Stanwyck is the girl. Beulah Bondi, Eliza-
beth Patterson, "Snowflake" and Tom Kennedy
head the supporting troupe. There is a feeling
at Paramount that "Remember the Night" will
prove the "sleeper" attraction of the season.
Release date: Jan. 26, 1940 (tentative).
Destry Rides Again
(Universal)
Western
The heroine of this picture will be a glamo-
rous feminine character, star entertainer at the
Last Chance saloon, a lady who fights, sings
and gambles, a woman who finds out too late
that love is the greatest thing in life. The
hero is a deputy sherift' who fights for law and
order by putting aside his six shooters and
brings a new kind of justice to the roaring
frontier. That set-up is according to formula
for wild and wOoly western stories. It is very
non-formula, however, that the heroine will be
Marlene Dietrich in a role that sharply con-
trasts with her earlier screen appearances. This
bit of casting appears to give showmen a run-
ning head start in exploiting "Destry Rides
Again." It certainly is a production answer to
the cries of those managers and patrons who
yell that their screen idols be given different
characterizations.
With Miss Dietrich's name serving as a peg
upon which to hang everything else, the feature
also will make available a platoon of other
worthy personalities. James Stewart, now in
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," will be
the peace loving but quick thinking hero-sheriff,
and Brian Donlevy, riding the crest of a popu-
larity wave because of "Jesse James," "Union
Pacific" and "Beau Geste," will be the lead
villain. For prime supporting names the show
will offer Charles Winniger, Mischa Auer, Una
Merkel, Irene Hervey and Allan Jenkins.
A Joe Pasternak production, whose record at
Universal is a string of successful pictures, di-
rection is in the hands of George Marshall, who
had "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man," with
Edward Bergen-Charlie McCarthy and William
O. Fields. .- . .
The songs which Miss Dietrich will sing,
"Little Joe," rip-roaring cowboy melody, and
"You've Got That Look," a teasing ballad to
be sung in typical Dietrich style, were composed
by Frank Loesser and Frederick Hollander, au-
thors of "Two Sleepy People" and "Moonlight
and Shadows."
Release Date: To be determined.
Covered Trailer"
( Republic )
Domestic Comedy
Plain comedy will be the entertainment sub-
stance of "Covered Trailer." That lure is the
first exploitation factor of this Republic pro-
duction.
Of more direct significance to many, how-
ever, is the fact that the picture is one of the
"Higgins Family" series. It will feature the
regular troupe, James, Lucile and Russell
Gleason, Harry Davenport, Tommy Ryan and
Maude Eburne. The picture also will have the
services of Mary Beth Hughes, who now is
in "Fast and Furious," Maurice Murphy and
Willie Best.
The story, an original by Jack Townley and
Coates Webster, which Townley and Ralph
Spence adapted for production and direction by
Gus Meins, is a comedy of misadventure. The
Higginses, individually and collectively, get
into jams financial, pride effacing and criminal.
Release date : To be announced.
38
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
Ninotchka
(MGM)
Comedy
The Hollywood crowd leaving Grauman's
Chinese theatre Friday night after viewing
"Ninotchka" was groggy. It had just received
the surprise of its collective life. It had just
seen Greta Garbo in a gay and airy comedy.
It had seen Garbo as a slick, suave comedienne.
It agreed that "Ninotchka" will prove one of
the year's big money pictures.
It's no revelation that a great transition has
been effected in Miss Garbo. In various ways
MGM's publicity corps has been preparing the
public to expect something startling when it
sees "Ninotchka." It offers a showman's car-
nival.
Miss Garbo is absolutely different. She kids
herself ; she gets tipsy ; when she falls in love
she forgets her Spartan-like Bolshevik training
to find great joy in pursuing the things which
the Paris bourgeois pursue. They way she does
her job not only proves her own artistry but
more than justifies the daring of Ernst Lubitsch,
producer-director, who had the courage to pre-
sent the screen's emotional actress as a screen
clown.
Next, naturally, is the supporting cast. Audi-
ences have seen Melvyn Douglas in so many
funny pictures since "Theodora Goes Wild" that
they are well acquainted with what he can do.
Many, after they have followed the merry-mad
gyrations of the three "Reds," Sig Rumann,
Felix Bressart and Alexander Granach, may
hold the opinion that they come near stealing
the show. Ina Claire, Bela Lugosi, Gregory
Gaye, Rolfe Sedan, Edwin Maxwell and Richard
Carle round out a hand picked cast that gives
sparkle to a show, which pauses for only 10
of its 110 minutes to become serious.
The screen story itself is a sleekly smooth
job. Using Melchior Lengyel's original, writ-
ers Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder and Walter
Riesch embellished it with zippy dialogue and
cleverly constructed situations.
The plot may be summed up tersely. Bolshe-
vik "Ninotchka" goes from Moscow to Paris to
see that red agents, "Iranoff," "Buljanoff" and
"Kopalski," commissioned to sell the imperial
jewels, don't indulge in any monkey business.
But a man-about Paris, "Leon," appears and
the stoic disciple of Lenin, who in the picture
cannot help but smile when he sees what hap-
pens, falls in love with him. After that, it's
pretty much of a case of to heck with com-
munism for the fun of being in love in Paris.
The business of disposing of the jewels is taken
care of as a sub plot. Yet when that is over
"Ninotchka" is only back in Moscow long
enough to get orders to proceed to Constanti-
nople where "Leon" induces her to marry him.
Previewed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
The hiiiders who knew what zvas going to hap-
pen sat back like so many happy cats that ate
the canary as they listened to the laughing
audience. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by MGM. Produced and
directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Screen play by Charles
Brackett, Billy Wilder and Walter Reisch. Original
story by Melchior Lengyel. Musical score by Werner
R. Heymann. Gene Ruggiero film editor. Photo-
graphed by William Daniels. P.C.A. certificate num-
ber 5494. Running time, 110 minutes. Release date:
October 13, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Ninotchka Greta Garbo
Leon Melvyn Douglas
Swana Ina Claire
Razinin Bela Lugosi
Iranoff Sig Rumann
Buljanoff Felix Bressart
Kopalski Alexander Grenach
Rakonin Gregory Gaye
Hotel Manager Rolfe Sedan
Mercier Edwin Maxwell
Gaston Richard Carle
Mutiny in the Big House
( Monogram )
Story of a Heroic Priest
One of the most ambitious and successful
works to come from the Monogram workshops
is this pulsating prison problem play of a
character conflict between a crusading chaplain
and a hardened convict for the future of a
newly committed inmate. The film carries a
glowing dedicatory message on the work done
by prison chaplains and in particular on the
heroism of the Benedictine cleric, Rev. Patrick
O'Neil, who Cjuelled a big house break at
Canon City, Col., and received the Carnegie
medal for bravery.
The production carries additional appeal and
value to educational and social betterment
groups. For others the showman can promise
a smartly contrived and briskly stimulating
scenario exhibition. Romance is missing from
the plot but this only adds to the credibility
and punch. Sentimental and comic sequences,
especially of a senile inmate who knows no
home but his prison cell, and the song and
dance preparations for the institution's show,
leaven the mixture.
Charles Bickford plays "Father Joe" into a
clergyman character as memorable as "Father
Flanagan" of "Boy's Town." As the prison
big number, Barton MacLane offers a con-
vincing and experienced portrayal. The sup-
porting company, although of not very great
name prominence, supplies the principals with
strong character playing assistance. William
Nigh gave the piece a fast directorial pace.
Martin Mooney, who concocted the original
theme, as suggested by Father O'Neil's actual
story, and Robert D. Andrews, as screen play
author, have cleverly combined excitement ma-
terial with some sound and sensible statements
on correctional handling of prison personnel.
Both "Father Joe" and "Red Manson" make
a play to win the friendship of a new prisoner,
"Johnny Davis," who has been sentenced for
forging a check to pay for a sick mother's
doctor bills. The priest finds work for him
in the prison library. "Red," the boy's cellmate,
uses one of the books from the shelves to
formulate a code message for a prison break
and, despite the clergyman's protestations, the
prison heads believe "Johnny" implicated. The
break takes place in the jail's workshop and
"Father Joe" goes to plead for reason and
mercy with "Red," the ringleader. "Johnny"
saves the life of the priest and is wounded. The
revolt is broken and the boy has good pros-
pects for a parole.
Seen at a special showing in New York for
an invited audience. The fadeout was given a
round of applause. — Joseph F. Coughlin.
Produced and distributed by Monogram Pictures.
Associate producer, Grant Withers. Director, William
Nigh. Original story, Martin Mooney. Screen play,
Robert D. Andrews. Cameraman, Harry Neumann.
Soundman, Karl Zint. Technical director, E. R.
Hickson. Film editor, Russell Schoengarth. P.C.A.
Certificate No. 5666. Release date, October 25, 1939.
Running time, 83 minutes. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Father Joe Charles Bickford
Red Barton MacLane
Warden Pat Moriarity
Johnny Dennis Moore
Captain Samson William Royle
Pop Schultz George Cleveland
Bitsy Charlie Foy
Frankie Russell Hopton
Milo Jeflfrey Sayre
Del Eddie Foster
Evans Jack Daley
Daniels Dave O'Btyen
Benson Wheeler Oakman
Harris Charles King
Mike Nigel de Brulier
Doc Merrill McCormick
Pock Up Your Troubles
(20th Century - Fox)
Farce, War Style
"Pack Up Your Troubles" is one of the great-
est farces with World War background, since
"Two Arabian Nights." It has the three Ritz
Brothers in as silly an exhibition of their tal-
ents as they have had, Jane Withers, whose
boxoffice power is something to be reckoned
with, and the supporting players, among them
Lynn Bari, Joseph Schildkraiit, Stanley Fields,
Fritz Leiber and Lionel Royce.
It is a worthwhile picture to exploit as a
caricature of World War days, but it must be
handled delicately.
The Ritz Brothers, having played a German
act in vaudeville, get involved in the World
War, capture the general, and make everything
come out all right.
Previewed at the Alexander theatre, Glendale,
Cal., to an enthusiastic audience. — V. K.
Produced and distributed by 20th Century -Fox.
Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone. Original screen-
play by Lou Breslow and Owen Francis. Photo-
graphed by Lucien Andriot. P. C. A. certificate No.
5567. Release date, Oct. 27, 1939. General audience
classification.
CAST
Collette Jane Withers
The Ritz Brothers Themselves
Yvonne Lynn Bari
Hugo Ludwig Joseph Schildkraut
Sergeant "Angel Face" Walter Stanley Fields
Pierre Ferrani Fritz Leiber
General Von Boech Lionel Royce
Colonel Giraud Georges Renavent
Madam Marchand Adrienne d'Ambricourt
Adjutant Leon Ames
Mueller WiUiam Von Brincken
Sentry Ed Gargan
Kane Robert Emmett Keane
Colonel Schlager Henry Victor
The Flying Deuces
(RKO - Boris Morros)
Laurel and Hardy Farce
Only Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy can enact
their particular brand of farce, which makes
up the greater content of "The Flying Deuces,"
(Continued on page 42)
GLORYGIRL JANIE . . .
slip of a blonde who shoots
like a soldier and loves like
a wildcat . . . and
FIGHTING Jm SMITH .
mighty frontiersman . . .
matchless in battle, rock-
bound in courage, helpless in
a woman's arms . . .
IN RKO RADIO'S ROARING
EPIC OF PIONEER DAYS!
THEIR ROMANCE RODE THE CONFLICT OF
PENNSYLVANIA'S PIONEER DAYS! Too real to he fiction:
too exciting to be history — the screen's greatest blending of both, this mammoth
melodrama of the turbulent times whose glorious thrill will never die! ... A MOVIE
made for moviegoers! ... A great, big, rousing action show built on the foundation
that experienced showmen KNOW means BIGGEST BOX-OFFICE!
CLAIRE TREVOF
JOHN WAYNE
GEORGE SANDERS -BRIAN DONLEVI
WILFRID LAWSON • robert barra
MORONI om
JOHN F. HAMILTON
EDDIE QUILLAN . . .
Produced by P. J. Wolfson
Directed by William A. Setter
PANDRO S. BERMAN R
in Charge of Production
/ Screen Play by P. J. Wolfson
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
41
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
James Earnhardt, conductor of the Taylor
theatre at Edcnton, North Carolina, arrived in
New York the other day to visit the IV orld's
Fair, and he isn't feeling particularly happy
over his arrival either.
He had been in town but a jew hours when
a high fever brought a doctor's diagnosis of
scarlet fever. They shipped him to a local hos-
pital's isolation ward, without any wasted mo-
nwnts, and there they ordered him to a long and
forced confinement, despite his protestations thai
the fever was nothing more than the reaction
of a precautionary injection of diphtheria serum
taken from his oivn doctor down in North Caro-
lina before his departure for the north. A lot
of long distance telephoning in the tempo of the
frantie finally brought verification ef Earn-
hardt's story from his physician in the south,
and luith the aid of RKO distributor friends,
half a dozen affidavits and an order from the
New York Board of Health, Exhibitor Earn-
hardt obtained a release — to find that meanwhile
the hospital had burned all his clothes when
thev first confined him,
V
Reading just like a Hollywood scenario
writer's word-picture of a Hollywood pro-
ducer's version of a newspaper office, the
New York Daily News tells of how, "In a
downtown newspaper office, a telephone
jangled, and the city editor, wise in the ways
of his craft, picked up the receiver."
V
Myrtle, a 5,500-pound elephant, one of three
in Adelaide Nelson's Dancing Elephants act at
the films-and-vaudeville RKO Shubert, in Cin-
cinnati, crashed through the stage floor during
the second show at 4 :30 P. M. last Friday, the
opening day, and plunged 15 feet to the cement
basement floor in full view of the audience.
Until noon Saturday' all efforts to induce the
elephant to ascent a hastily constructed ramp
were unavailing. Even the fire department was
called into action without success. Arrange-
ments were made with a rigging company to usf
a hydraulic lift, when John Boles, headlining
the show, conceived the idea of turning high-
pressure fire hoses on the animal's posterior
apex. Almost immediately, the elephant walked
to the stage, via the ramp.
V
A catchy little ditty — "We're Going to Hang
Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line" — is be-
ing played in London night clubs and theatres
as a successor to the first World War song, "It's
a Long Way to Tipperary."
With the tune reminiscent of "Pack Up Your
Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag,'' the zvords of
the chorus go like this:
We're going to hang out the washing on
the Siegfried Line;
Have you any dirty washing , mother
dear?
We're going to hang out the washing on
the Siegfried Line
'Cause the washing day is here.
Whether the weather may be wet or fine,
We'll just rub along with a care.
We're going to hang out the washing on
the Siegfried Line
If the Siegfried Line's still there.
The Nazis in news broadcasts are complain-
ing tliat "the lines do not ring true," adding :
"The washing will be very dirty before it is
hung out on the Siegfried line,"
OUR INFORMATION DEPART-
MENT, called upon countless times in
its daily duties to answer the questions
of inquisitive callers who not infrequently pe-
tition for settlement of most perplexing prob-
lems, bows in professional admiration to Al-
bert Mitchell, who, as "The Answer Man"
on New Jersey's Radio Station WOR, is on
the receiving end of some of the strangest
queries emanating from the querying mind
of a curious public — Mr. Mitchell, by the
way, turning our way whenever he has an
"unanswerable" question cinemawise. Some
typical Mitchell query curiosities from the
last mails:
Who has the silver dollar that George Wash-
ington threw across the Potomac?
If the Mississippi River is the Mother of Waters,
what is the Father of Waters?
Who is referred to In the song, "My Heart
Belongs to Daddy"?
How did the knights get their helmets off when
they met a lady?
How many "Good Nights" are said among
employees and employers at the end of each day?
From whom did the U. S. Government purchase
the casket for the Unknown Soldier?
When a person Inherits a million dollars, must
he go Into Society?
What does (England's) Princess Elliabeth wear
around her neck?
Is there such a thing as a dead mule?
If someone has broken his arm. Is It possible
to hear the crack?
If cats have kittens and dogs have pups, what
do mice have?
My friend and I had a discussion about the
sadness of President McKInley's funeral. I said
the horses cried. Was I right or wrong?
I would like to know when my husband was
born, and In what state.
How many quarts in an average cow?
Can a pigeon fly if It has sore feet?
When ants fall, do they hurt themselves?
Do horses get mad when they get new horse-
shoes?
If one Siamese twin pinched the other, would
the first one feel It?
V
Last Sunday's 1939 World's Series baseball
game finale was broadcast by Walter (Red)
Barber and Bob Elson by Mutual Broadcasting
System over Station WKRC, in Cincinnati,
which station is owned by the competitive
CBS, the ball game originating at Crosley
Field, ozvned by Powel Crosley, Jr,, who owns
the Reds' ball team and also is president of the
Crosley Corporation, which operates Stations
WLW' and WSAI in Cincimiati, outlets for the
National Broadcasting Company's Red and Blue
proqrams,
V
Baseball's Dizzy Dean, satisfied now that
he isn't going to be of much major league
pitching use next summer, has asked the
Cubs for time out for at least a season, and
reputedly craves to pilot the Hollywood
baseball club on a year's drop-in, or longer
if the 12 months' "rest" does not bring back
his pitching. Old Diz will, as usual, provide
his own sound.
V
Harry Fishlove, Chicago, makes up fish bowls
to sell as a Walt Disney licensee, for "Pinoc-
chio," Mr, Disney's second feature cartoon,
coming up.
Seeking a giveaway that would appeal to the
■men, who are not particularly attracted by
dishes given to women, the Oak Park, Jay
Means' Kansas City house, offered free "kisses
from two beautiful blondes,"
Advertised the Oak Park: "Last time we
held this devastating giveaway, one blonde could
not properly care for the rush, and it was neces-
sary to issue 'shortage cards,' You were disap-
pointed. Today we have two blondes. Come,
see and taste for yourself!"
The gentlemen who rushed into the Oak Park
were a little sheepish as they accepted their
kisses from two attractive girls. They were
the candv kind,
V
There's a good piece of business in RKO's
new "Fifth Avenue Girl" wherein the social-
ite wife and her millionaire mate are recon-
ciled through the medium of a big, old-fash-
ioned beefstew. The scene so impressed our
A-Mike Vogel of the Managers' Round
Table department that he engaged, before
RKO's press agents, in one of those typically
long Vogel anecdoting chin-fests, of the days
he spent with beefstew as far back as Ameri-
can army kitchen days in the woods of
France in the World War. The press agents,
in turn, became so impressed — or, maybe
they were seeking relief — that they turned
their heart and hospitality over to Mike with
a big beefstew stew at Dinty Moore's, off
Longacre Square in New York. Mike
stewed for hours. Good ol' stew.
V
Eddie Grainger, brother of Republic's Jimmy,
is sort of getting set for a long spell in this
business. As general manager of the M. A.
Shea theatre circuit in the east, he has a ten-
year contract, which does not expire for another
seven years, in 1946. This week he signed a
five-year extension, taking him up to 1951.
V
Marital note, from an announcement by
Twentieth Century-Fox:
The title of Twentieth Century-Fox's "The
Simple Life" has been changed to "The
Honeymoon Is Over."
V
And now it's the United Retail and Wholesale
Employees of America that's trying to unionize
the movie business.
V
Top this, if you can, for fawncy names for
a new-born — William (Herald reporter in
Chicago) Crouch's appellation of Jon Napier
Crouch appended to his new son.
V
Quibbling Department, from a headline in
Variety ;
NUDITY GAN BE ART,
JUDGE RULES, BUT
. , G-STRING? . . . NEVER!
V
When a city transformer breakdown in the
neighborhood of Warner Brothers' Madison
theatre in Albany darkened all places and all
but murdered business the other busy Satur-
day night. Manager Al LaFlamme took a
long shot that the lights would re-light
shortly, and continued to sell tickets from a
candle-lit box office in a candle-lit lobby with
a ticket-taker holding a flashlight to guide
patrons. LaFlamme won out eventually —
but he started to get a little nervous when
the current stoppage rounded an hour.
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
SHOWMEN'S REVIEWS OF PRODUCT
(Contiiincd from page 38)
first of the Boris Morros productions for RKO
release. They go through their antics for one
of their best vehicles and, although some of it
belongs to a certain dated era, the comedy is
hilarious, judging from audience reaction at the
preview. It is Morros' first release for RK<J-
The story, which will please Laurel and
Hardy fans and then some, is a remake of the
French "Les Aviateurs," the rights to which
Morros purchased. Credit for the "original
story and screenplay is given Ralph Spence,
Alfred Schiller, Charles Rogers and Harry
Langdon.
A Edward Sutherland directed in a competent
manner. Laurel and Hardy are the prime
factors, which is what was wanted anyway.
They are supported by Jean Parker, Reginald
Gardiner, Charles Middleton, Jean Del Val,
Clem Wilenchick, and James Finlayson.
Previewed at the Pantages Theatre, Holly-
zvood, to an audience that hozvled. — V. K.
Produced by Boris Morros Productions. Distributed
by RKO. A Boris Morros Production. Directed by A.
Edward Sutherland. Original story and screenplay by
Ralph Spence, Alfred Schiller, Charles. Rogers and
Harry Langdon. Pliotographed by Art Lloyd. Art
director, Boris Leven. Edited by Jack Dennis. As-
sistant director, Robert Stillman. Musical director,
Edward Paul. Music by John Leipold and Lee
Shuken P. C. A. Certificate No. 5668. Running time
when seen in Hollywood, 65 minutes. Release date,
Oct. 20, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Stan ■ • Stan Laurel
Oilie Oliver Hardy
Georgette .Jean Parker
Francois Reginald Gardmei
Commandant Charles Middleton
Sergeant ^;-J^w-?
Corporal Clem Wijenchick
jajjgj- James Emlayson
Sued for Libe
(RKO Radio)
Melodrama
Woven into this picture story are three ele-
ments, comedy, romance and mystery-melo-
drama, which common folk understand and
usually appreciate. What happens, more than
who makes the things happen, is the showman-
ship exploitation value of "Sued for Libel."
Basically the production is a newspaper story.
In it is detailed what occurs when a supposed
practical joke backfires and those who started
out to have fun find themselves involved in
two kinds of worry, a libel suit and 'a series
of murders which cause the hero to turn de-
tective in order to save some innocent, if play-
ful,- persons.
No big screen names are concerned. Kent
Taylor, Linda Hayes and Richard Lane are
principals. Keye Luke, Morgan Conway, Lil-
lian Bond, Emory Parnell, Roger Pryor, Thurs-
ton Hall and Roy Gordon compose the troupe
which does good work in support.
In the newspaper yarn, with its unique vari-
ations coming out of the horseplay that follows
romantic rivalry, personal danger, suspense and
heroism have their moments prior to the climax
in which the crimes are solved and faces saved.
Cliff Reid, who has handled a great many of
this company's standby offerings, turning out
such attractions as "The Informer," "Lost Pa-
trol" and "Bringing Up Baby," produced and
Leslie Goodwins, maker of the recent "The Day
the Bookies Wept," directed.
Action is the film's keynote, yet dialogue
and situations, sometimes involved and compli-
cated, give the picture a swing that leads to
more than one or two surprises.
Previewed at the RKO Hillstreet theatre, in
Hollywood, the contrast between the feature
attraction, "Fifth Avenue Girl," and the pre-
view produced some startling effects. The bal-
cony crowd nevertheless waited around until
the screen story had proved what it had antici'
pated. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by RKO-Radio Pictures.
Producer, Qiff Reid. Director, Leslie Goodwins.
Production executive, Lee Marcus. Screen play, Jerry
Cady. Story, Wolfe Kaufman. Musical director, Roy
Webb. Photographer, Jack MacKenzie, ASC. Art
director, Van Nest Polglase. Associate, Field Gray.
Gowns, Renie. Sound recorder, Richard Van Hessen.
Film editor, Desmond Marquette. Magic sequences
supervised by Hubert Brill. Approved by Inter-
national Alliance of Magicians. P. C. A. Certificate
No. 5620. Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 65
minutes. Release date, to be set. General audience.
CAST
Steve Kent Taylor
Maggie Linda Hayes
Muriel Lillian Bond
Pomeroy Morgan Conway
Smiley Richard Lane
Corbin Roger Pryor
Hastings Thurston Hall
Walsh Emory Parnell
Colonel White Roy Gordon
Chang Howe , Keye Luke
Judge Eddie Earl
Dr. Bailer Jack Arnold
Mrs. Trent Leona Roberts
Television Spy
(Paramount)
Espionage, Anonymous
This unimpressively fabricated melodrama
purports to show what might happen if an
American inventor perfected long distance tele-
vision and foreign agents found out about it.
After imagining that said invention has been
achieved, however, imaginations of the four
writers credited with the script seem to have
gone dead, for nothing exciting to children over
10 follows. Nor did the actors manage to im-
agine themselves seriously enough employed to
make their doings and sayings seem realistic.
The film is from the Harold Hurley side of
Paramount, produced by Edward T. Lowe and
directed by Edward Dmytryk. The best charac-
tization is by William Collier, Sr., playing an
invalid and irascible millionaire who finances
the invention of the long distance equipment.
A certain timeliness accrues from slight early
dialogue mention of the value of such an in-
vention to any nation at war, but this is not
developed.
Previezued at the studio. — W. R. W.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Associ-
ate producer, Edward T. Lowe. Directed by Ed-
ward Dmytryk. Screen play by Horace McCoy. ,
William R. Lipman and Lillie Hayward. Story by
Endre Bohem. Photographed by Harry Fishbeck.
Edited by Anne Bauchens. P'.C.A. certificate No.
5481. Release date, October 20, 1939. Running time,
when seen in Hollywood, 55 minutes. General audi-
ence classification.
CAST
Douglas Cameron William Henry
Gwen Lawson Judith Barrett
James Llewellyn William Collier, Sr.
Forbes Anthony Quinn
Dick Randolph ..Richard Denning
Boris John Eldredge
Reni Vonich Dorothy Tree
Carl Venner Morgan Conway
Burton Lawson Minor Watson
William Sheldon Byron Foulger
The Arizona Kid
( Republic )
Weslern
The war between the states and the action
in and around Missouri form the background
for this Roy Rogers western. The bit shown
of the war at large is in montage form, for
here the important thing is guerrilla warfare,
and that between two factions in the Confed-
erate Army. Rogers' job, as a captain of scouts,
is to capture a guerrilla band led by a former
officer of the Army of the South.
Although there are uniforms aplenty in evi-
dence the film is strictly in the western tradi-
tion, but the story does become a little confused
at times in trying to cover too much territory
and the action suffers in consequence. Rogers
sings two or three songs, the last in a climactic
part of the film.
George "Gabby" Hayes continues as Rogers'
constant companion and in his own special way
adds much to the picture. The girl is Sally
March, a "Gateway to Hollywood" contestant,
and the villain of the piece is Stuart Hamblen,
better known for his radio and vaudeville work.
The story : Roy Rogers, a native of Kelso,
Mo., but for many years living in Arizona, re-
turns to his native town with his friend "Gab-
by." They have a run-in with "McBride," who
practically controls the town. When war is de-
clared Missouri remains in the federal govern-
ment but in and around Kelso the sympathy is
towards the South. "McBride" becomes a cap-
tain in the Confederate Army but is reprimand-
ed for looting and other crimes. He becomes
a guerrilla band leader. Roy is sent after him
with his band, and after several unsuccessful
attempts finally gets his man.
Reviewed in a projection room in New York.
—P. C. M., Jn
Produced and distributed by Republic. Associate
producer-director, Joseph Kane. Screen play by Luci
Ward and Gerald Geraghty. Original story by Luci
Ward. Production manager, Al Wilson. Photography
by William Nobles. Editor, Lester Orlebeck. Musical
director, Cy Feuer. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5656.
Running time, 61 minutes. Release date, September
29, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Roy Roy Rogers
Gabby George "Gabby" Hayes
Laura Sally March
McBride Stuart Hamblen
Bess Warren Dorothy Sebastian
Dr. Radford Earl Dwire
Dave David Kerwin
Sheldon Peter Fargo
Melton Fred Burns
(Universal)
Melodrama
The significance of the title of this mild
melodrama of a money and marriage mixup is
difficult to interpret from the picture's thesis.
True, a great part of the play's action transpires
in the South American city of Rio de Janeiro,
but outside of some cabaret and carnival scenes
the story could have been deposited in any
other situation.
An array of upper bracket names and talent
has been assembled for the histrionic lineup
but the opportunities are few. Basil Rathbone
and Victor McLaglen have roles that could be
very well executed by performers of less valu-
able abilities. Sigrid Gurie regulates her per-
formance along the stylization of an harassed
heroine of the early days. Robert Cummings
is less sprightly than usual — perhaps it was the
mustache.
John Braham directed from a screen play by
Stephen Morehouse Avery, Frank Partos, Ed-
win Justus Mayer and Aben Kandel.
"Reynard" is sentenced to a French penal
colony off South America for forgery and em-
bezzlement. To be near him, his wife, "Irene,"
and his semi-valet and bodyguard, "Dirk," make
headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. "Irene" finds
employment as a cafe singer and a bit of un-
welcome romance from "Bill Gregory," an
American engineer, who is having an uneven
battle with his conscience and a case of acute
alcoholism. The pair fall in love finally, which
partly accounts for "Gregory's" stand on the
water wagon. In the meantime, "Reynard" has
(Continued on page 44)
Across America Is Heard. THE ROAR OF
BOX-OFFICE ACTION IN ITS FIRST
6 ENGAGEMENTS!
NEW YORK CITY . . . Rivoli
Fourth smash week as Broadway answers the mar-
quee appeal of Gary Cooper, plus Andrea Leeds, plus
David Niven, sensational star of "Bachelor Mother".
SAN FRANCISCO . . . United Artists
Held over for third week of indefinite run. First
Saturday and Sunday biggest two days in more than
three years.
ALBANY... Strand
Moe Silver, Warner Bros. Theatres' operating head
in Albany, reports biggest seven days since Christmas
week.
NEW HAVEN... Roger Sherman
opening day beats "The Hurricane", previous U. A.
high grosser at the Roger Sherman.
HARTFORD . . . Strand
The stampede is on as opening day is 157% of house
44
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
(.Continued from page 42)
been reported killed in attempting an escape.
The husband makes his expected entrance as
the romantic pair are arranging marital plans.
In attempting violence on his successor, "Rey-
nard" is at last placed on the deceased list.
Freinewed at a projection room showing for
the New York trade press. — J. F. C.
Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures.
Director, John Brahm. Original story, Jean'Negulesco.
Screen play, Stephen Morehouse Avery, Frank Partos,
Edwin Justus Mayer, Aben Kandel. Cameraman, Hal
Mol-.r. Art director. Jack Otterson. Soundman, Wil-
liam Hedgcock. Miss Curie's gowns, Madame Pola.
Film editor, Phil Cahn. Musical director, Charles
Previn. Assistant director, Phil Karlstein. P. C. A.
Certificate No. 5720. Release date, September 29, 1939.
Running time, 75 minutes. General audience classifi-
cation.
CAST
Paul Reynard Basil Rathbone
Oirk Victor McLaglen
Irene Reynard Sigrid Gurie
Bill Gregory Robert Cummmgs
Roberto Leo Carrillo
Cafe Manager • Billy Gilbert
Mushy Irving Bacon
Old Convict Maurice Moscovich
I Met a Murderer
(York Pictures)
Realistic Drama
"I Met a Murderer" is a dreary tale and
the telling of it is just as dreary. There is
a realistic and artistic approach but the picture
has comparatively little to entertain the aver-
age film audience. In brief it is a tale of a
young farmer, who is goaded into murdering
his wife, becomes a fugitive, falls in love with
a girl novelist, and then, finally trapped on the
English coast, drowns himself. The locale
is England and all the photography is out of
doors.
The picture was independently produced by
three of England's younger cinema generation.
Roy Kellino directed, photographed and adapted
the story from a screen play by James Mason
and Pamela (Mrs.) Kellino. Mason and Mrs.
Kellino also play the leads. The only other
featured players are Sylvia Coleridge, playing
the nagging wife who is murdered, and Wil-
liam Devlin, as the wife's brother.
Interesting, too, is the film's emphasis on
facial expression and the camera rather than
dialogue to describe a scene. What dialogue
there is is of the monosyllabic variety, yet the
film, depending so much on dramatic inten-
sity is singularly lacking in that quality.
Reviewed at the 55th Street Playhouse, New
York. A small afternoon audience viewed the
film in silence, but was quite demonstrative
shortly thei'eafter ivhen a cartoon zms on the
screen. — P. C. M., Jr.
Distributed by York Pictures Company. Inc. Pro-
duced by Gamma Films, London. Directed, photo-
graphed and adapted by Roy Kellino from a screen
story by James Mason and Pamela Kellino. Mu-
sical score by Eric Ansell. Screened in its entirety
in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire apd the British Chan-
nel Coast. Running time, 70 minutes. Release
date, October 2, 1939. Adult audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Mark, a Farmer James Mason
Martha, His Wife Sylvia Coleridge
Jay, Her Brother William DevUn
Jo, a Novelist Pamela Kellino
Sabotage
(Republic)
Melodrama and Romance
The sensitivity of this country to the threat
of espionage resulting from a spy trial in New
York last year has brought a succession of films
dealing in that topic. This Republic film, part
melodrama and part romance, concerns an es-
pionage ring of unnamed affiliation doing its
dirty work in an aircraft factory. The story
is an original screen play by Lionel Houser
and Alice Altschuler and was directed by Har-
old Young.
The cast includes Arleen Whelan, Gordon
■ Oliver, Charley Grapewin, Lucien Littlefield,
Paul Guilfoyle and J. M. Kerrigan.
A young mechanic, "Tommy Grayson," em-
ployee of the Midland Aircraft Corporation,
meets "Gail," show girl of a touring musical
comedy, and the two plan to marry. Meanwhile
sabotage has been discovered at the factory
and on his wedding day "Tommy" is arrested
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Tommy's" father, "Major Matt Grayson," is
determined to clear his son and enlists the help
of three old cronies who live at the veteran's
home. The trail leads them to "Barsht," an-
other mechanic at the factory, and through him
to other members of the espionage ring. In
a melodramatic climax the "Major," his cron-
ies, other aged veterans of the home take the
law into their own hands and obtain the confes-
sions.
Reviewed in a projection room in New York.
— Paul C. Mooney, Jr.
Produced and distributed by Republic. Associate pro-
ducer, Herman Schlom. D'irected by Harold Young.
Original screen play by Lionel Houser, Alice Alt-
schuler. Production manager, Al Wilson. Plioto-
graphed by Reggie Lanning. Supervising editor,
Murray Seldeen. Editor, William Morgan. Art di-
rector, John Victor Mackay. Musical director, Cy
Feuer. Costumes by Adele Palmer. P.C.A. Cer-
tificate No. 5655. Running time, 59 minutes. Re-
lease date, October 13, 1939. General audience classi-
fication.
CAST
Gail Arleen Whelan
Tommy Gordon Olivier
Major Grayson Charley Grapewin
Eli Lucien Littlefield
Barsht Paul Guilfoyle
Mel J. M. Kerrigan
Edith Dorothy Peterson
loe Don Douglas
Gardner Joseph Sawyer
Mrs. Hopkins Maude Eburne
A. Kruger Horace MacMahon
Matt Johnny Russell
Cop Wade Boteler
Smitty Frank Darien
Peru
( Paramount )
Travelogue
The Color Cruise cameraman here visits one
of South America's most pictorially interesting
nations, Peru, from its rugged coastline to the
towering Andes. Peru is a study in contrast.
On the Pacific coast fishermen live a primitive
existence but in Lima, Peru's greatest city, life
is on the grander scale. The invasion by
camera includes stops at cathedrals, a carnival,
pre-Inca ruins and a bull fight. Running time,
nine minutes.
Going Places, No. 68
(Universal)
Bird Study
Many of the strange birds of the Western
Hemisphere have been captured by the camera
in this interesting short subject. First is shown
the toucan with its large beak and its gentle
manner. There is the macaw of the parrot
family with its powerful bill. The remainder
of the short has to do with the habits and
amusing antics of such birds as the crane, the
owl, Canadian geese, coromants, the pelican
and other birds found in this and neighboring
countries. — Running time, 9 minutes.
Cupid Rides The Range
(RKO Radio)
Musical Western
Another in the Ray Whitley western musi-
cals, the subject depends mostly on Ray's sing-
ing, accompanied by the 6 Bar Cowboys, with
the plot as a secondary factor. Ray is in love
with the Spanish Lolita but Lolita's father has
promised her to Banning, an unscrupulous busi-
ness man. Ray and Lolita, after many narrow
escapes, manage to rid themselves of Banning.
Ray and the 6 Bar Cowboys have ample oppor-
tunity to serenade Lolita. — Running time, 18
minutes.
History Repeats Itself
(Vitaphone)
Radio Rogues
A situation involving fake operators of a
corporation that is supposed to have a machine
which projects any scene from past history is
here employed to allow the Radio Rogues to
mimic film and radio stars. The Rogues imi-
tate Jimrny Durante, Ned Sparks, Baby
Snooks, Lionel Barrymore, Edward G. Robin-
son, Bing Crosby, Bob Burns, Jack Benny,
Rochester, Ben Bernie and Charles Laughton.
Directed by Lloyd French. — Running time, 10
minutes.
Screen Snapshots, No. I
( Columbia )
Make-up
The first issue in series 19 of "Screen Snap-
shots" is an interesting excursion into the inner
sanctums of Hollywood make-up artists. There
are other, and famous, make-up artists in Hol-
lywood who appear in this reel, but the West-
more brothers, are overwhelmingly ahead at
least in point of numbers and footage. The
art of make-up is demonstrated on such well-
known performers as Penny Singleton, Gloria
Dickson, Rosemary Lane, Janet Beecher, Jean
Arthur, Fay Bainter, Melvyn Douglas, Akim
Tamiroff and Charles Laughton.— Running
time, 10 minutes.
Unseen Guardians
(MGM)
Passing Parade Particular
Paying tribute to a trio of society's policing
patrol is the business of this Passing Parade
number. Selecting three instances of organiza-
tions whose work to protect the public's inter-
est is either unknown or carelessly overlooked,
the miniature reveals the work of the Federal
Post Office inspectors in safeguarding the mails
against fraudulent use, the testing work done by
the Underwriters' Laboratories in analyzing and
checking claims over the contents of product,
and finally the method erf an orphan asylum in
selecting parents suitable for adopting children.
After viewing the laudable work of each one
of the agencies, the audience will feel the valu-
able reaction of having been entertained and in-
structed at the same time without any loss to
either end result — Running time, 11 minutes.
Going Places, No. 67
(Universal)
Travel Tour
The camera invades darkest Africa and re-
veals the advances made by civilization. Beau-
tiful estate and plantations are shown. Many
onetime savages are employed in the various in-
dustries of the continent. Further inland are
seen mysterious temples built by savages as
far back as 2,000 B.C., believed at one time to
be the center of African civilization. Finally
the gold mining industry is brought to the
screen. — Running time, 9 minutes.
Blamed for a Blonde
(RKO Radio)
Comedy
Roy Atwell, the exponent of the twisted
words, runs into many misfortunes with a
blonde salesgirl and his wife. When the sales
girl comes to Mr. Atwell's home to demonstrate
a cooking set which is to be a surprise gift
for his wife, the Missus misinterprets the situa-
tion. Roy gets his words so twisted that he
only gets himself into more trouble. An amus-
ing and entertaining short subject. — Running
time, 16 minutes.
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
( Columbia )
Three Stooges
Moe, Curly and Larry, otherwise known as
the Three Stooges, continue unchecked their
accustomed antics. Conforming to the title, if
they did, would possibly result in making Moe
healthy. Curly wealthy and Larry wise, but
here are exceptions. The boys have done most
October 14, 19 39
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
45
everything but discover an oil well, so in this
subject they discover an oil well. There's dirty
work afoot, too, what with swindlers trying
to defraud a widow and her three lovely daugh-
ters, but the Rover boys, who greatly resemble
the Stooges, rush to save the widow, and the
three lovely daughters, for themselves. Dick
Curtis, Eddie Laughton, James Craig, Eva
McKenzie, Dorothy Moore, Linda Winters,
Lorna Gray and Dick Fiske are in support.
Running time, 18^ minutes.
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 67
(Universal)
Oddity
Number 67 of Universal's "Stranger Than
Fiction" series contains many interesting items.
The first is a collection of the various types of
guns and pistols used as far back as 1815. _ A
Bridgeport artist has made a duplicate in mini-
ature of the White House, all in mother of
pearl salvaged from the handles of old pen-
knives. Ralph Veady, a college student of Bell-
flower, Cal., lost both legs in an accident some
years back, but this doesn't keep him from en-
joying sports the same as other folk. The
camera shows Veady ice-skating with specially
built skates. The remainder of the subject
concerns a miniature fleet of the U. S. Navy, a
farmer of Perry, Okla., who uses an old hearse
as a truck and pleasure car, and finally a
scene of fishing without the aid of tackle. The
fish, cornered at one end of a pond, jump into
the boats. — Running time, minutes.
Ice Frolic
(Vitaphone)
Broadway Brevity
Eleanor (Snooky) Gardner, a youngster of
some seven years, is the star of this two-reel
Broadway Brevity subject, which also has
Mabel Taliaferro, The Merry Macs, Adele
Inge, Alfred Trenkler and Peggy Fahy and
Richard Toucey. Snooky, watching the skaters
from her house, wants to go out and join them
but her mother insists the youngster practice
her singing. Snooky falls asleep and dreams
of an ice carnival in which she has the leading
role. — Running time, 20 minutes.
Sheep in the Meadow
(20th Century -Fox)
Terry-Toon
A black and white pastorale from the Terry-
Toon studios depicts the big bad wolf and his
nasty temperament in seducing one of the sheep
from the meadow for slaughtering purposes.
The dirty trick is prevented by a last minute
rescue-arrival of the shepherd lad. The idyll
has been done before and in certain respects to
better results, but it is of some interest. — Run-
ning time, seven minutes.
Information Please, No. I
(RKO Pathe)
Radio Program on Film
Pathe has invaded the radio field and returned
with a reel of the popular program "Information
please." John Kieran, Frank P. Adams, Rex
Stout and Oscar Levant, seated side by side
at a table, are questioned by Clifton Fadiman,
and are seldom stumped. The casual non-
chalance of the five before the camera is not
the least entertaining asset of a short subject
which drew applause at the Radio City Music
Hall. — Running time, 10 minutes.
Crop Chasers
( Columbia )
Color Rhapsody
A Color Rhapsody satire on the protection
rackets concerns a farmer visited by a com-
mittee of black crows who, for a price, will
insure his crops against invasion. The farmer
turns down the offer and disaster follows as
the crows ruin his crops. The farmer then
hires a couple of scarecrows but the black crows
are worldly wise and soon rout the hired help.
As the scarecrows dejectedly leave the fields
a baby crow falls into a well. The scarecrows
rescue the chee-ild and for this good deed the
crows restore the crops and the farmer re-
wards the scarecrows. — Running time, 7l4
minutes.
Football Thrills of 1938
(MGM)
Pete Smith Recollects
The showing of this pigskin parade featuring
the football highlights of the i>ast year is a
"push over" date for this time of the year. What
with newspapers and the nationally circulated
magazines beginning to blossom forth with page
wide details of the coming season, the show-
man will only have to sound the query to his
patronage as to whether history will repeat it-
self as excitingly as it did during the preceding
pigskin period. The thrill moments of the sub-
ject consist of a compilation from a variety of
topnotch games of last year and in their retell-
ing they contain as much thrill and sport skill
as they did in the original. Careful editing, wel-
come use of the slow motion camera inspection
and a few dabs of Pete Smith witticisms com-
bine to make the material first class. — Running
time, 10 minutes.
The Orphan Duck
(20th Century -Fox)
Colored Terry-Toon
The plight of a familyless duckling is the
material colored brightly and breezily pointed
in this number from the Terry-Toon listings.
The creature attempts to crash the home circles
of a chicken family but papa rooster refuses
to have any addition to his brood. Things look
dark and cold for the orphaned bird until he
rescues one of the chick family's youngsters
from the falls. The resultant adoption proceed-
ings are amusingly done. — Running time, seven
minutes.
Gun Play
(RKO Pathe)
Skeet Shooting
At one of New York State's exclusive gun
clubs sportsmen experienced in the art of han-
dling guns demonstrate their ability in skeet
shooting on differing ranges. These ranges
present many obstacles which the gunners must
overcome to sight the target. With skeet shoot-
ing becoming more popular, sports fans can
be expected to enjoy this subject. — Running-
time, 9 minutes.
The Fresh Vegetable Mystery
( Paramount )
Color Cartoon
A Max Fleischer Color Classic, this cartoon
has to do with crime, of all things. It's a rath-
er disconcerting crime to write about, for the
characters, if they can be called that, consists
of carrots, potatoes (they're policemen),
onions on a vacation from Bermuda, and other
assorted delicacies to delight the heart of a
vegetarian. The potatoes are scarcely a match
for the arch criminal until luck plays its part
and right once again wins out. The arch crimi-
nal turns out to be three mice in search of a
disguise. Running time, seven minutes.
Land of the Midnight Fun
(Vitaphone)
Merrie Melody
The travelogue comes in for a bit of ribbing
in this Leon Schlesinger color cartoon. A
luxury liner leaves New York Harbor with
Alaska as its destination. On arrival in the
land of the Eskimo the liner miscalculates the
distance to the landing and the passengers are
disembarked into the water. Then follows a
tour of the points of interest, all treated with
tongue in cheek, including an Eskimo night
club. On the return trip home the liner becomes
lost and when the fog clears the liner is perched
atop the Trylon of the New York World's Fair.
— Running time, seven minutes.
Act Your Age
(RKO Radio)
Edgar Kennedy Comedy
Edgar Kennedy, exponent of tlie "slow-burn,"
returns in the first of the new 1939-40 two-reel
comedies. Difficulties arise when Edgar en-
deavors to get his father-in-law a job as night
watchman at the office. The old man writes a
letter requesting an executive position and un-
wittingly deprives his son-in-law of the job
after a number of adventures on the part of
Edgar in trying to appear young to hold his
present job by dressing like a college boy and
undergoing numerous home-made treatments to
cover his cranial nakedness. An entertaining
and amusing comedy in the Kennedy manner. —
Running time, 18 minutes.
The Blue Danube Waltz
(Paramount)
Philharmonic Orchestra
Those who appreciate good music may be
expected to consider this an outstanding short
subject, and the average patron will be satis-
fied because the "Blue Danube" melody is
knciwn by everyone. The National Philhar-
monic Orchestra of the U.S.A., directed by
Frederick Feher, beautifully interprets Johann
Strauss' waltz. The photography and editing
are first class. This short is printed in a blue
tint which harmonizes with the music and pro-
vides pleasing effects. — Running time, ten min-
utes.
Sword Fishing
(Vitaphone)
Howard Hill
This is an exciting and excellently photo-
graphed subject on fishing with bow and arrow.
Howard Hill, world's champion archer, is the
fisherman. In Hill's hands it is deadly. Of
course the bow and arrow only is used to spear
the sword fish. The rod and reel occupy the same
strategic position otherwise as in any other
manner of fishing. The subject has some com-
edy, as when a rowboat is rammed by a sword
fish while the two occupants dive into the water.
Narration by Ronald Reagan. — Running time,
10 minutes.
Unusual Occupations — L9-I
( Paramount )
Color Variety
In this unusual issue of "Unusual Occupa-
tions" we find a woman cattle rancher in Texas,
an Ohio dentist who has spent his idle mo-
ments searching for the secret of Damascus
steel, a woman in Chicago who makes pictures
out of every kind of discarded object, a whip-
cracking railroad watchman on the island of
Java, Olympe Bradna and her collection of
miniature furniture, and finally a man in New
Jersey whose hobby is war and weapons of war.
— Running time, 11 minutes.
Swing Hotel
(Universal)
Musical Variety Program
"Swing Llotel" is a musical variety show
staged by the employees of a hotel after the
guests have gone to bed. With Duke Daly's
orchestra accompanying the entertainers. The
Three Charming Screwballs are introduced, fol-
lowed by Martha Mears, singer, Edna and John
Torrence, ballroom dancers, the Three Rockets,
the Notables Quartet. Jerry 1 ^ester and Milton
Charleston handle the introductions. — Running
time, 17 minutes.
46 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD
October 14, 1939
Power Fluctuation Shown
Cause of Sound Variation
by WILLIAM A. MUELLER
Chief Engineer,
Warner Brothers Sound Department
Sound pictures as released by major stu-
dios are very carefully recorded so that they
can be reproduced on one fader setting. All
studios spend a great deal of time and money
to secure a release print that is absolutely
uniform and of the correct sound, level
throughout. In the case of variable area
recordings, variations in print density do
not change the sound level so that if the
negative has been correctly recorded the
sound level of all prints must be identical
legardless of processing conditions.
Complaints Studied
In spite of this, however, all studios receive
numerous complaints that certain reels or se-
quences are higher or lower than the remainder
of the picture. The theatre manager and op-
erators complain that they have to continually
adjust the fader in order to secure a good show.
The sound department at Warner Bros, has
investigated many of these complaints and in-
variably has found that the print was satisfac-
tory and that the trouble was in wide alternating
current voltage fluctuation of the power supply
to the theatre.
The graph above shows how the output of
modern sound reproducing equipment varies
with line voltage. It will be noted that the
output of this sound system goes up 6.5 DB
if the voltage rises 10 per cent. If the voltage
decreases 10 per cent the output of the sound
system drops 7 DB. Everyone knows that such
output variations are disastrous to any show.
Even with a voltage variation of 5 per cent
which is average, the output of the theatre
equipment varies ±3.5 DB, or a total variation
of 7.0 DB, and even this variation will ruin
almost any show unless it is corrected by man-
ual changes of the fader setting.
This condition is not one of occasional occur-
rence but is common to most theatres in the
United States. Many times our service engi-
neers have reported a variation in output level
of 3 or 4 DB between runnings of the same
test frequency film, which has a running time
of 4 minutes. The trouble seems to be most
prevalent in the deluxe first run houses which
are usually located in sections where there is a
heavy electrical load variation.
The difficulty is easily and inexpensively
remedied by the installation of voltage regu-
lators of the instantaneous type which are com-
mercially available, and our experience shows
that the output of a sound system can be main-
tained constant to within DB by such regu-
lators. In every case where regulators have
been installed the theatre managers are amazed
at the smoothness of the show. The correct
fader setting is determined at the first showing
and is left unchanged for the run of the picture
with the exception of a possible change of one
fader step as the house fills with people.
The heads of all the sound departments in
the Hollywood studios express themselves free-
ly to the_ efi^ect that a good show cannot be ob-
tained without proper voltage regulation of the
power supply.
The services of the Research Council of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
are available to any theatre operator for con-
sultation and guidance on this subject.
Other Disturbances
A familiar source of annoyance to the sound
equipment trouble-shooter is brought to trial in
Mr. Mueller's convincing discussion. Voltage
fluctuation can, and too often does, noticeably
affect volume. It also is guilty of other and
often more serious disturbances in the sound
system. These include distortion caused by
forcing amplifiers and other apparatus to func-
tion at operating voltages for which they were
not designed; deterioration of parts resulting
from overheating at high voltage ; and occasion-
ally even a burn-out that interrupts the perform-
ance and requires more or less extensive re-
pairs.
While it may very likely be true that not
all sound systems will show themselves quite so
sensitive to voltage fluctuation as those which
supplied the basis of the chart presented, some
might react even more unfavorably. And it is
to be noted that Mr. Mueller limits his voltage
deviations to plus or minus ten per cent. Com-
niercial power supplies, as used, uncompensated,
in many American theatres today, may vary by
plus or minus 20 per cent, or even more, in the
course of a single evening.
Exhibitors usually can check the steadiness of
their own supply by enlisting the co-operation
of the power company. Utility companies will
sornetimes install recording voltmeters for a
period of a week or so, so as to obtain an ac-
curate record of the fluctuation. If the generat-
ing plant equipment does not allow the power
company to compensate for the fluctuating de-
mands of the community, the only other remedy
is installation by the theatre of its own voltage
regulators.— George Schultz, Editor of Better
Theatres.
Pathe May Sell
DuPont Holdings
Officers of Pathe Laboratories and the
DuPont Film Manufacturmg Corporation
met this vi^eek to discuss disposal of the
film manufacturing company's stock owned
by the non-operative Pathe Film Corpora-
tion. The assumption of operating control
of Pathe by the laboratory, and the desire
of the directors of the former holding cor-
poration to conclude its affairs, has brought
the move for the liquidation of the stock.
Discussed were a possible stock dividend
among Pathe stockholders, and a possible
sale of the stock at a reasonable price, the
money to be distributed to Pathe stock-
holders as a cash dividend. The plans were
reported rejected, but Pathe, it is said, is
determined to dispose of the stock before the
year's end.
Pathe is understood to own 35 per cent
of DuPont's common.
Meanwhile, O. Henry Briggs of Pathe
was to arrive on the coast this week to
negotiate for acquisition of Cinema Labora-
tories, Inc., The Pathe plan, it was said,
would set up a Pathe Laboratories, Inc., of
California, as a wholly-owned Pathe sub-
sidiary.
National Decency Legion
Classifies I I Pictures
Of 11 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in its list-
ing for the current week three were ap-
proved for general patronage, six were listed
as unobjectionable for adults and two were
cited as objectionable in part. The films
and their classification follow.
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "Hollywood Cavalcade," "Kus-
tens Glada Kavaljerer" (Swedish), "U-
Boat 29." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for
Adults : "Fast and Furious," "Intermezzo, a
Love Story," "Una Luz en Mi Camino"
(Spanish), "Ninotchka," "Mutiny in the
Big House," "Three Sons." Class B, Ob-
jectionable in Part: "Eternally Yours,"
"Harvest" (French).
Smith Center, Kan., has voted in favor of
Sunday motion pictures by a count of 368
to 307.
FAME IS ON
THE WAY !
FAME
The Audit of Personalities
SCREEN
CONCERT
RADIO
FIFTH ANNUAL EDITION
NOW IN PREPARATION BY
THE WORLDWIDE STAFF OF
QUIGLEY PUBLICATIONS
EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAYE
QUIGLEY PUBLICATIONS
ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
RAISES, NOT CUTS, TALENT DEMAND;
NEW AFL-CIO FIGHT NEAR IN EAST
New York Projectionists An-
swer CIO Jurisdiction Chal-
lenge on Coast by Form-
ing Two New Locals
While John L. Lewis's Congress for In-
dustrial Organization, recenth- defeated in
its attempt to invade the motion picture in-
dustry on the coast, convened in San Fran-
cisco this week, one of its small unions ap-
peared to have precipitated a violent reac-
tion from the American Federation of La-
bor's International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, by claiming jurisdiction
over New York projectionists.
Two New Locals Chartered
The New York propectionists' Local 306, an
lATSE affiliate, moved quicklj- this week to
forestall any CIO invasion of its territory and
its field, either in projection or in any part of
the operation of theatres. Taking its protests
directly to national CIO officials, it also char-
tered two new local unions, B-171 and B-172, in
the Manhattan and Bronx respectively, for
doormen and ushers, lining up 1,600 members.
The moves are the result of the reported char-
tering last week of the United Theatrical and
Motion Picture Service Employees, Local 258,
by the CIO United Retail and \Yholesale Em-
ployees of America. This local is headed by
Bernard Deckoft, and originally was chartered
for "front office" employees ; but Mr. Deckolt
claimed jurisdiction over all unorganized theatre
workers.
Conferences were held last week between
Local 306 officials, and Samuel Wolchak, presi-
dent of the Retail and Wholesale Emploj-ees
union, which had jchartered Mr. Deckoff 's union.
In the absence of a statement from Mr. Wol-
chak, Local 306 spokesmen said he had denied
granting Air. Deckoft's union jurisdiction over
projectionists.
Empire State Adds Protest
The Empire State ^Motion Picture Operators
Union, the only other New York projectionists'
union, and unaffiliated, added its protest to the
CIO, with that of Local 306.
Meanwhile, in New York also, representa-
tives of Local 306 and those of the major cir-
cuits on an arbitration board, as provided b^^ an
existing contract, continued to meet, seeking a
fifth "neutral" arbitrator, in the negotiations
on a wage increase and additional vacation time.
A federal district court judge was to pick the
neutral man, if the two sides could not agree.
Negotiations between tlie local and the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners Association were ex-
pected to be resumed. The local seeks a wage
boost.
. Meantime, again in New York this week, the
treasurers' di^-ision of the lATSE held its first
meeting this Friday. The di-vision broke away
recently from the Theatrical Agents, Managers
and Treasurers' L^nion.
In the field, negotiations continued between
various local projectionists' and stage hands'
unions and circuit and independent operators.
The projectionists' union Local 164, of Mil-
waukee, called a strike this week against the
Tosa, independent neighborhood theatre. The
union claims Ross Baldwin, owner, broke a
wage scale agreement in union contract.
In Chicago, the theatre building engineers'
union won restoration of a pay cut of five per
cent, imposed last j-ear. from Balaban and Katz
and other circuits and independents.
In Dover, Delaware, the Wilmington opera-
WAGES UP, HOURS
DOWN, OCTOBER 24TH
Minimum hourly wages for all
tvorkers under the wages and hours
act will increase from 25 to 30 cents
on October 24th; and at the same
time, the maximum working week
will be reduced to 42 hours. The new
wage scales are constant for six years;
at that time, the minimum will be
raised to 40 cents per hour, except in
those industries uhich prove they can-
not stand such an increase. The re-
duction in working hours, however,
is for one year; and the end of that
period, the hours will be reduced to
40.
tors" Local 473 filed an appeal this week in the
State Supreme Court against a Chancery Court
decision enjoining it from picketing the New
Rialto theatre, Wilmington.
In St. Louis, the board of directors of the St.
Louis Amusement Company discussed the pick-
eting of six neighborhood houses b}- the opera-
tors' Local 143.
In Oklahoma City, the operators' union is
asking a five per cent wage increase and a three
year contract from the Standard Theatres Cor-
poration, it was said.
Luncheon for Van Schnnus
A surprise birthday party luncheon was
given on Wednesday for W. G. A'an Schmus,
managing director of the Radio City IMusic
Hall, by executives and department heads
of the theatre. The following were present :
G. S. Eyssell, Leon Leonidoff. Erno Rapee,
Russell ^larkert, Florence Rogge, Hattie
Rogge, Gene Snyder. Hazel Flynn, Eugene
Braun, Robert Henderson. Runo ^Maine,
JMarco Montedoro, Fred A. Cruise and Willa
A'an.
MGM Claims "Chips" Record
"Goodbj-e, Mr. Chips" will complete next
Sunda}- its sixth month at the Astor theatre,
New Y'ork. This run breaks the record pre-
ously held by Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion,"
according to MGM, which cla nns that more
than 700,000 people have seen "Chips" dur-
ing the engagement.
Sax on Coast
Sam Sax, former British production head
for Warner Brothers, is on the Coast for
new duties. Before his British assignment.
Mr. Sax had been head of the Brookh-n
A'itaphone studios.
New York Critics Elect
The New York Critics Circle has selected
the following officers : Burns Mantle, The
Neil's, president; John Mason Brown, The
Post, vice-president; Arthur Pollack, Brook-
lyn Eagle, and Christian Science Monitor,
treasurer; Richard Lockridge, The Sun,
corresponding secretary, and Helen Deutsch.
secretarv.
Studio Talent and Technicians
Consider Asking Increase
After Noting Raises Given
Cameramen and lATSE
Moving directly against their producer
and studio employers who are seeking to
reduce overhead expenditures and actual
filming costs to conform with reduced in-
come from Europe's warring nations, tech-
nical workers and studio talent not only are
refusing to accept salary reductions but in
some cases are demanding increases.
Fred Pelton on ^^'ednesday was appointed
Hollywood labor contact b}- producers and
A'ictor Clarke was named as his assistant,
Pat Casey, general labor representative for
the majors, will continue his principal duties
in New York.
Cameramen Win Increase
Cameramen have won a ten per cent increase,
following a similar increase obtained three
weeks ago by some 12,000 lATSE studio work-
ers ; extras of the Screen Actors Guild now are
demanding a 15 per cent raise, and the 2,000
Class A actors of the same organization are de-
manding a full accounting of the war "emergen-
c}-" before considering any petitions by pro-
ducers for relief.
^leanwhile, the long struggle between mem-
bers of the Studio Technicians' Local 37 and
the international officership of its superior or-
ganization, the International Alliance of The-
atrical Stage Employees, appeared over as
representatives signed an agreement restoring
autonomy to the local and returning to it part
of its jurisdictional authority.
The Newsreel Cameramen's Local 644 on
Tuesday in Hollywood won a 10 per cent wage
boost, with the expectation that hours adjust-
ments would be made later. Involved in the
productive negotiations were Charles Downs,
business agent of the local ; Mr. Casey and
\\'illiam Bioff, representative of the lATSE.
The American Society of Cinematographers,
which holds a bargaining contract with major
studios for first cameramen, voted Monday in
Hollj-wood to reject anj^ proposal for merg-
ing with lATSE Photographers Local 659.
Laboratory Strikes Over
In New York, a strike at the Paramount
News laboratories flared up briefly this week
and last, and each time was settled by long
distance telephone conversations with Mr. Casey
on the coast. The misunderstandings arose out
of economy moves, and the attempted dropping
of a sound man. The local involved was the
Studio Mechanics Local 52.
In Holh-wood last week, the Screen Actors
Guild warned its members not to accept any
salar}- cuts until the results of an investiga-
tion hy its officers on the effects of the war.
"We believe that actors should learn from
their own officers the extent of the emergency,
if am-," the notice said. "We do not believe
that a percentage cut of the salaries of the tal-
ent groups is the answer."
The Screen Directors Guild board of directors
Wednesday decided to refer all producers' re-
quests for salary cuts of its members to a
conciliation committee-
The studio painters also are asking for a
wage increase — IS per cent, by October 16th.
The demands were authorized at a meeting of
500 painters, presided over bv Herb Sorrell,
business representative.
October 14, 1939
MOTIONPICTUREHERALD 49
BIGGEST SHOW" OF DOCUMENTARY
PICTURES IS HELD AT WORLD'S FAIR
Scientists Show First, But Halt
Series Because of War Pressures
The men who direct the research activities of leading manufacturers will wit-
ness the first film — and the last, for a while — of the Nobel Science Series when
they attend the meeting of the Industrial Research Institute at Westchester
Country Club, hiarrison, N. Y., Friday and Saturday.
The film, titled "Langmuir", was shown at the opening of the Science Building
at the New York World's Fair.
The Institute comprises executives and personnel of research laboratories of
large and small industries.
The "Nobel Science Series" of short subjects had been planned to include a
group of films showing the experiments of such researchers and scientists as
Davidson of Bell Telephone, Urey of Columbia, Compton of the University of
Chicago, and Milliken of California. The idea was both to preserve these
experiments for the historical record, and to favorably influence young people
along lines of scientific research as a career.
Back of the project were Maurice hlolland and Edward Dorfman, the former an
industrial engineer and director of the scientific advisory committee of the World's
Fair, as well as acting director of the Industrial Research Institute; Mr. Dorfman is
president of the American Institute of Motion Pictures, and made the series of
films on Harvard Law School men, as well as "Peace and Democracy", which
depicted the opinions of Einstein, Thomas Mann, Hull, Ickes, Senator Taft, Benes,
also shown at the World's Fair.
The war has put the plans of Messrs. Holland and Dorfman temporarily in the
discard, due to the "increased pressure on research men", according to Mr.
Holland. The one film made, "Langmuir", Is two reels, 35 mm., sound. General
Electric paid for it, with Holland and Dorfman acting as producers. It has only
had showings before scientific groups, and there is no thought of showing It in
theatres. If anywhere- else, it would be In Y.M.C.A.'s or before adult educa-
tion groups.
3 1 Subjects Exhibited by Sci-
ence and Education Depart-
ment and New Association of
Documentary Film Producers
This was "Documentary Film Festival
Week" at New York's World's Fair's Little
Theatre, standing in the middle of the big-
show built on Flushing Meadows, Long
Island.
The World's Fair management, always re-
ceptive to proposals of any special events
to swell their much-jeopardized gate re-
ceipts, put on the "Festival" for "the most
complete and comprehensive list of docu-
mentary films that has ever been shown in
a single theatre." The Fair's Science and
Education Department officially sponsored
the exhibit, embracing some 31 subjects, as-
sisted by the Association of Documentary
Film Producers, which was formed in New
York in mid-June as the first organization
of its kind in this country, and one of the
first in the world. A constitution was
adopted, officers elected, headquarters estab-
lished at 1600 Broadway and a basic inten-
tion set down : "To develop, publicize and
promote the artistic and technical standards
of independent creative films" (all recorded
in Motion Picture Herald, June 24th,
page 56).
Films Not Seen by Public
The World's Fair pictures were selected by
the Association of Documentary Film Produc-
ers and included many films never seen by the
general public. England, France, Belgium,
Czechoslovakia, Holland and Russia, as well as
the United States, were represented in the pro-
gram.
Two-hour programs free to the public were
shown daily between four and six in the after-
noon.
"The United States is reputed to produce the
world's best documentary pictures," said the
Fair's official report, adding, "comparatively few
Americans outside the larger cities have seen
many documentary films or know what they are.
Comparatively few professional critics devote
much review space to them.
"Nevertheless," they add, "such pictures as
'The River,' 'The 400,000,000,' 'Spanish Earth,'
'Plow That Broke the Plains,' 'The City,' 'The
School,' and 'Crisis,' have aroused keen inter-
est and enthusiasm of a sort rarely manifested
by film audiences.
Called "New Art Form"
"Almost without exception the producers are
young men and women in their early thirties.
Many of them are noted technicians who have
quit salaried jobs in the commercial motion
picture studios to enter a new field that offers
them their first chance to manufacture some-
thing that has not only entertainment value,
but other values in addition.
"It is not too much to call the documentary
film a new art form ; an art, which is an authen-
tic product of our time. That the 'document-
ary' is well along towards acceptance as such
an art is indicated by the amazing way in
which producers are springing in a dozen
nations.
"The Association of Documentary Film Pro-
ducers wishes to call attention particularly to
the Czech film 'The Earth in Song,' an idyll
of Czech peasant life as it existed before the
conquest of Nazism. This picture has never
been shown publicly in this country, although
it won the Gold Cup in Venice in 1936."
The Pictures Shown
The complete list of pictures shown follows :
OCTOBER 9
I. TRAVEL AND EXPLORATION
MOANA (1924-25). Directed by Robert Flaherty.
This dramatization of native life in the Samoan Is-
lands is one of the most celebrated films of all times.
The camera methods developed in it by Flaherty
remain one of the bases of modern documentary tech-
nique.
DARK RAPTURE (1935). Directed by Armand
Denis of the Roosevelt Expedition. Released through
Universal Pictures Corp.
A travel film dealing with little-known tribes of
Central Africa. Much of the sound track was recorded
on the spot, and includes Giants, Pygmies, chants,
drums, Congo fifes, and xylophones.
FIVE FACES OF MALAYA (1938). Directed by
Alexander Shaw for the Malayan Government. Music
by Francis Chagrin.
A British documentary film on the five races which
inhabit the Malayan peninsula and their contributions
to the culture of the country.
EASTER ISLAND (1937). Directed for the Bel-
gian Government by John Ferno. Edited by Henri
Storck. Music by Maurice Jaubert.
OCTOBER 10
M. PEOPLES OF THE EARTH
WEDDING OF PALO' (1937). Directed by Knud
Rasmussen. Music by Emil Reesen. Distributed
through J. H. HofTberg Co.
A study of life among the Eskimos — scenes of hunt-
ing, native customs, etc.
THE EARTH IN SONG. Directed by Labislav
Kolda. Produced and photographed by Karol Plicka.
Montage by A. Hackenschmied. Music by Frantisek
Skvor.
An inspired ethnological study of life in Slovak
mountains before Hitler's conquest.
OCTOBER II
III. PUBLIC RELATIONS FILMS
SMOKE MENACE (1937). Produced by Basil
Wright for the British Commercial Gas Association.
Directed by John Taylor.
A film advocating the use of gas to help abate Lon-
don's smoke problem.
MEN MAKE STEEL (1938). Produced for United
States Steel by Roland Reed.
An impressionistic description of the manufacture
of steel, filmed in Technicolor.
PHILLIPS RADIO (1930). Directed by Joris Ivens
(President of A. D. F. P.) for the Phillips Radio
Corporation. Holland. Photographed by John Ferno.
Sound by Helen Van Dongen. Music by Louis Licht-
veld.
A film of the manufacture and distribution of radio-
valves — widely shown in Europe.
SONG OF CEYLON (1934-35). Produced by John
Grierson for the Ceylon Tea Propaganda Board. Di-
rected by Basil Wright. Music by Walter Leigh.
A film of cultural and economic life in old and
new Ceylon, which won prizes at several international
film expositions in the year of its production.
HOUSING PROBLEMS (1935). Directed by Arthur
Elton and Edgar Anstey for the British Commercial
Gas Association.
A document of slum clearance in England using the
personal interview method. One of the first public
relations film to contain no mention of its sponsors'
product.
OCTOBER 12
IV. WORKERS AND JOBS
SHIPYARD (1934-35). Directed by Paul Rotha for
the Orient Shipping Line.
A film relating the construction of a ship to the
(.Continued on following page)
50
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
MANY FILMS NEW TO THE PUBLIC
(Continued from preceding page)
lives of its builders, against the background of the
town in which thev live.
BORINAGE. Directed by Joris Ivens (Pres. of
ADFP. cameraman, John Ferno. Made in Belgium.
Fragments from a film on housing conditions in the
mining section of Belgium.
THE WAVE (19^-35). Produced by Paul Strand
(Vice-Pres. of ADFP) for the Department of Fine'
Arts of the Jlexican Government. Edited by Gunther
von Fritsch. Music by Sylvestre Revueltas.
A dramatization of the coming to social and political
consciousness of fishermen along the Gulf of Vera
Cruz.
PEOPLE OF THE CUMBERLAND (1937-38). Di-
rected by Robert Stebbins for Frontier Films. Pho-
tographed by Ralph Steiner. Music by Alex North.
Commentary by Erskine Caldwell.
The unionization of backward inhabitants of the
West Virginia mountains.
NORTH SEA (1938). Produced by Alberto Caval-
canti for G.P.O.. London. Directed by Harry Watt.
Music by Ernst ileyer.
How ship-to-shore radio service maintains a link
between North Sea fishermen and the mainland. Big
storm scene.
OCTOBER 13
V. INSTRUCTIONAL
THE FILTER. Produced bv Gaumont British.
SEAHORSE (1934). Directed by Jean Painleve.
Music b}' Darius Milhaud. Distributed through
French Motion Picture Cx)rp.
MONKEY LN'TO MAN (1938). Produced by Stuart
Legg. Directed by Stanley Hawes. Music by Will-
iam Alwyn.
A stiidv of the social habits of monkeys and apes.
HIGHLIGHTS AND SHADOWS. Made by East-
man.
GETTING YOUR MONEY'S WORTH (1939). Pro-
duced by Rothman, Kandel. Delzucca and Hays.
UNDERGROUND FARilERS (1937). Produced by
Horace and Stacy Woodard.
A film description of a colonv of "agricultural ants."
ilARCH OF TIME— HEART DISEASE (1938).
An account of the reasons for the rapid growth of
heart disease in recent years, methods of cure, and
methods of adjusting victims to the living conditions
imposed by the disease.
OCTOBER 14
VI. GOVERNMENT SPONSORED FILMS
PLOW THAT BROKE THE PLAINS (1936). Di-
rected by Pare Lorentz for the United States Resettle-
ment Administration. Photographed by Paul Strand
(vice-president of ADFP) and Ralph Steiner. Music
by Virgil Thompson.
Pare Lorentz' film of soil erosion in the Dust Bowl.
COAL MINING IN THE SOVIET L'NION (1939).
Directed bv Nebvlitskv.
MEN OF THE' ALPS (1937). Produced by Alberto
HOUSES OF MISERY (1938). Directed by Henri
Storck for the Belgian Government. Photographed
by John Ferno. Music by ilaurice Jaubert.
A "story" documentary of slums and rehousing in
Belgium.
OCTOBER 15
VII. SOCIAL PROBLEMS
SHARECROPPERS. Produced bv March of Time.
RETURN TO LIFE (1938). Directed for Frontier
Films by Henri Cartier and Herbert Kline. Music by
Charles KoeckUn. Commentars' by David Wolft.
A description of the work of the iledical Services
in caring: for and rehabilitating the wounded during
the Spanish Revolution.
CRISIS (1939). Directed by Herbert KUne and
Hanns Burger. Distributed through Arthur L. Mayer
and Joseph Burstsm.
The film on the occupation of the Sudeten districts
of Czecho-Slovakia during the September 1938 crisis.
400,000,000. (1938-39). Directed by Joris Ivens (presi-
dent of ADFP). and John Ferno. Edited by Helen
van Dongen. Music by Hanns Eisler.
Joris Ivens' and John Ferno's film of the united
effort of the Chinese people to resist Japanese ag-
gression.
U. S. Issues Two-Reel
Housing Documentary
The United States Housing Authority in
Washington is issuing a two-reel document-
ary film on housing conditions entitled
"Housing in Our Time." ]\Iethods of physi-
cal distribution are still to be set hy Nathan
Straus, administrator of the Authority in
Washington, but it is expected that, as in the
case of other films produced by Government
agencies, the picture will be distributed in
EASTMAN, KCA LARGE
NEWSPAJ'EK ADVERTISERS
Eastman Kodak, Motion Pictures'
Greatest Year, Inc., and the Radio
Corporation of America were ainong
the 100 largest nsers of neivspaper ad-
vertising ir: 193 8, according to the
results of a survey made public this
week by the Bureau of Advertising of
the American Newspaper Pubilshers
Association. The list was headed by
the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
with an expeiiditure of $6,5 3 8,447.
Eastman Kodak was 5\st on the list
%vith 543 5,3 50. Motion Pictures'
Greatest Year, Inc., spent $371,744,
to rank 69th. The Radio Corporation
of America was the IQQth newspaper
advertiser, with 523 5,487. The 100
largest advertisers spent 581,925,069
in newspapers.
The amusement industry as a whole
spent $85 1,840 /« national advertising
in newspapers. 51,561,047 was spent
by the radio industry. The list was
topped by the groceries aiid automo-
bile industries, expending thirty and
twenty million dollars, respectively.
A total of 5148,713,036 worth of
newspaper space was purchased by
national advertisers in 193 8.
theatres, local clubs and other interested or-
ganizations rental free. Transportation will
also probabl}- be paid b}' the Authorit}'.
Harold ^^IcCracken. explorer and freelance
producer, with headquarters in Xew York
under the name "Courier Productions," pro-
duced the film. He was also the cameraman.
Alois Havrilla is the narrator.
The film, 20 minutes in length, explains
the purpose of the Federal Housing project
and illustrates how blighted sections may be
turned into bright residential areas for low-
incomed workers. A Jacksonville, Fla..
project is shown as being tj'pical.
Mr. ^^IcCracken is understood to be
making a second picture for the Pittsburgh
Housing Authority. The Xew York City
Housing Authority is also embarked upon
another picture, the working title of which
is "General Housing Conditions in Xew
York," and which will have for its climax
the opening of the Queens bridge housing
project in Xew York on October 25th.
Documentary Films
Slated for Canada
British Acoustics, Ltd., London, have com-
pleted arrangements for distribution in Canada
through Associated Screen Xews, Montreal, of
a number of British documentary films on edu-
cational topics.
The films were used at the ' Xew York
World's Fair in connection with the "School
of Tomorrow," showing English advances in
^^sual education. Screen Xews will distribute
them in Canada, to be screened for the benefit
of Canadian school children who were unable
to visit the Fair in Xew York.
Motion Pictures on
Forum Program
Frank Xugent, motion picture critic of the
Xew York Times and Arthur DeBra of the
Motion Picture Producers and Distributors
of America, will be the principal speakers
at a group meeting on motion pictures at the
Biltmore hotel, Xew York, on Saturday at
the Xational Conference on Civil Liberties
in the Present Emergency. The conference
is sponsored by the American Civil Liberties
Union. Saturday's group meeting will deal
with government censorship in relation to
films, radio, stage, press, books and periodi-
cals. This session will be in charge of the
X'ational Council on Freedom and Censor-
ship, with Quincy Howe as chairman. Other
speakers will be Sidney Kaye. CBS counsel;
Elmer Rice, playwright and Elmer Davis,
radio commentator.
"Gulliver", "Herbert"
For Holiday Release
^lax Fleischer's feature length color car-
toon, "Gulliver's Travels," will be released
Christmas week and Paramount's other holi-
day special, "The GaV Days of Victor Her-
bert", will follow at Xew Year's time. X'eil
Agnew, vice-president in charge of sales,
announced intensive national advertising and
exploitation campaigns for both productions.
A total of 8210,000 has been appropriated
for advertising "Gulliver's Travels," The
money wdll be spent in newspapers and in
national magazines. The campaign hopes to
bring to the attention of 50 million readers
the first feature-length cartoon since "Snow
White." Six exploiteers will be sent on the
road to work on the cartoon and the Victor
Herbert picture. Also the original songs of
the former and \'ictor Herbert's melodies
will be plugged on national radio networks
from the end of October.
Only a limited number of prints will be
available on "Gulliver'' for Christmas.
B'nai B'rith Cinema Lodge
Holds First Meeting
The first meeting of the new Cinema
Lodge of the national B'nai B'rith was held
last Thursday night at the Hotel Edison in
Xew York City, with more than 100 repre-
senting the motion picture industry. Dr.
AMlliam F. Rosenblum, chairman of the
^letropolitan Anti-Defamation League, was
the chief speaker. The charter will be pre-
sented Thursday evening, X^'ovember 3rd.
The officers of the Cinema Lodge are : A.
W. Schwalberg, president ; Stuart H.
Aarons, secretary, and ^lax B. Blackman,
treasurer.
Ro+hacker to Coast
Watterson R. Rothacker. Hollywood vice-
president of Quigley Publishing Company,
left X'ew York Tuesday following a visit of
several weeks. Before returning to Holly-
wood he will be the guest of Warren Wright
at the Calumet Farm. Lexington, Ky., for
the duration of the Keeneland Race Meet.
Mr. Rothacker will return to his Hollywood
ofifice on October 26th.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD 51
SPLIT IN NEW YORK ALLIED WIDENS;
KUYKENDALL URGES EXHIBITOR UNITY
Thornton Kelly Calls Meeting
October 17th, to Bring Is-
sue with Max Cohen
Group to a Showdown
With the calling of another meeting of the
E. Thornton Kelly faction of New York
Allied for October 17th the fight between
the two sections of that organization is ex-
pected to arrive at a victory for one or the
other group at that time.
The dispute — a sort of "Cohens and Kellys
in Dilemma" — came to a head last week,
with a meeting held in Syracuse Tuesday,
called by Mr. Kelly, to form a new Allied
unit in New York, affiliated with the na-
tional body, as reported in J^Iotiox Picture
Herald of October 7th.
Expelled by National Allied
New York Allied, while continuing to use
that name, had been expelled from the national
group for the opposition of its leader, Max
Cohen, to the national body's rejection of the
code of fair trade practices and his protest
against its faith in legislation as opposed to
self-regulation.
"A bulletin issued by Mr. Kelly to Allied of
New York members disclosed that the October
17th meeting, also called for Syracuse, was
made at the motion of Murry Briskin of Horner
and Clarence Dopp of Johnstown. The meeting
was authorized by Mitchel Conery, Albany re-
gional vice-president ; Max Fogel, Rochester ;
John Gardner, Schenectady ; Charles Wilson,
Troy; William Tishkoff, Rochester, nad Harry
Savett, Greene.
National Allied officers have promised to at-
tend the meeting, which is "to determine the
future status of this organization with relation
to National Allied," according to the bulletin.
^Ir. Cohen said ^Monday in New York that
he will not attend the meeting, not wishing to
enter a controversy "started by a disgruntled
employe," and adding that there can be no offi-
cial meeting of the New York unit unless he,
as president, called it.
A statement by the Independent Theatre Own-
ers of America made over the weekend said that
"Typical Abram Myers' tactics are evident."
"Myers, for his own protection, expelled
N. Y. Allied from the national group and is
reported to be splitting the present organiza-
tion," said the statement.
Michigan Reelects Branch
The Allied Theatre Owners of Michigan, at
their annual convention ended last week, asked
for continued negotiation of the industry code,
and petitioned National Allied, distributors and
the Department of Justice to place the arbitra-
tion clauses of the originally conceived code into
effect.
Ray Branch of Hastings was re-elected presi-
dent ; other officers elected being Cass Beechler,
vice-president ; and Ed Kirschner, secretary-
treasurer.
National Allied plans to hold its eastern re-
gional meeting in Philadelphia November 13th.
Samuel Pinanski has been elected president
of Allied Theatres of ^Massachusetts, Inc. Vice-
president is John H. Devlin, treasurer is Stan-
ley Sumner and secretary is Joseph H. Bren-
nan.
Harry Alexander of Toronto was elected
new president of the Independent Theatre Own-
ers Association of Ontario Tuesday. Nat Tay-
lor was named vice-president. The organiza-
tion voted to seek a conciliation board.
BITTINGER'S PATRONS
PREFER MUSICALS
Theatre patrons of Bloomsbury, Pa.,
and the surrounding territory in Co-
lumbia County prefer musicals, ac-
cording to a survey conducted by
George Bittinger, manager of the
Capitol. A check of his ten box-office
hits shows that six are musical, three
are straight drama and one is a
comedy. The Astaire-Rogers produc-
tions head the list, and Bing Crosby
and the Eddy-MacDonald pictures are
close behind. The humor picture in
the first ten attractions was the late
Will Rogers' "In Old Kentucky". The
third engagement of "Naughty
Marietta" played to more persons than
the previous runs.
Directors include the officers and: M. J.
Mullin, E. A. Cuddy, H. M. Addison, Fred
Greenway, Harrj' McDonald, Benjamin Dom-
ingo, Max Melincoff, H. E. Hoffman, John J.
Ford, John S. Giles, James H. Doyle and Wal-
ter A. Brown.
The executive board includes : Samuel Pinan-
ski, M. J. Mullin, Harry McDonald, Max Mel-
incoff, John J. Ford, Stanley Sumner, Joseph
H. Brennan, H. M. Addison and John H.
Devlin.
The advisory committee is composed of : Ab-
ner Eilenberg, George A. Ramsdell, Francis C.
Lydon, Philip Bloomberg and Nathan Gold-
stein.
Circuits Answer Brandt
The suggestion advanced by Harry Brandt,
president of the ITOA, for united action in
arbitrating clearance disputes in the New York
metropolitan area has been answered by the
Prudential, Cocalis and Skouras circuits, all of
which are reported to have asked for further
information.
The Association, in a recent statement, said
that "arbitration would prove a boon to ex-
hibitors everywhere. The major distributors
have been contacted on the matter, and likewise
the circuits in the metropolitan area.
Ned Stevenson Fornns
Public Relations Agency
Xed Stevenson, former president of Visu-
phonic Pictures, Inc., has organized a firm
to handle general public relations and mo-
tion pictures. The organization, Ned Ste-
venson and Associates, has Suzanne Sil-
vercruys, author, sculptor and radio per-
former, Robert J. Caldwell, authority on
labor relations and manufacturing prob-
lems, and ^Mathilda Rowland, fashion ex-
pert.
Honor Aiban Mes+anza
H. Alban Mestanza, editor of Teatro al
Dia, a Quigley publication, has been elected
a director of the newly created Ecuadorean-
American Chamber of Commerce in ' the
United States. He will act in an honorary
capacity as editorial consultant for Ecuador,
monthly publication in England issued under
auspices of the Chamber.
Western New York Shownnen
Urged to "Take Stock of
Thennselves"; Calls Neely
Bill Unworkable
by JAMES F. SCHRADER
in Buffalo
A plea for unity and harmony among ex-
hibitors was made Monday in Buffalo at a
session of the western New York unit of the
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of iVmerica.
Ed Kuykendall, national president of the
organization, placed the blame for the
many anti-trust suits squarely upon the
shoulders of the exhibitors and distributors
themselves.
Leading up to a discussion of the many De-
partment of Justice suits filed against exhibitors
and distributors throughout the country, Mr.
Kuykendall told 100 Buffalo and western New
York theatre owners, that "never before in the
history of the industry has there been so much
turmoil, dissension and hatred among our-
selves."
With a plea to "take stock of ourselves," Mr.
Kuykendall suggested that "everybody sit down,
weigh and measure their differences and get to-
gether to solve our own problems. I can see
nothing good coming out of these suits," he
said, "nothing worthwhile or constructive."
"We have brought it on ourselves by our
selfishness and our desire to get everything out
of the business we can," Air. Kuykendall added,
with reference to the anti-trust suits. "We
should give more time to the running of our
own theatres than we do to the running of a
competitor's across the street."
Calls Neely Bill "Unworkable"
Calling the Neely bill "unworkable," The
MPTOA head said that it would be a physical
impossibility to comply with its provisions, and
that it would only serve "to make the exhibitor
the goat." The only answer to the present prob-
lem in this field, he said, is the working out
of reasonable cancellation privileges.
Hundreds of organizations that formerly were
in favor of passage of the bill, according to Mr.
Kuykendall, are now against it, "simply because
they have taken the time to make themselves
aware of all its provisions." He described it
as a "camouflaged piece of hypocrisy," and
urged exhibitors to correct those who have been
"misinformed."
_ Mr. Kuykendall also called the American So-
ciety of Composers, Authors and Publishers an
"unfair set-up," though it is protected by law.
As for business in general, the organization's
leader forecast a decided upturn in the next few
months. After that, he said the outlook is
doubtful. "The European war is going to
seriously hamper production of motion pictures
here," he added, "It will make for cheaper
production and fewer pictures.
"Buy accordingly," he warned, "and don't
go crazy increasing overhead and starting a lot
of building and redecorating."
The MPTOA of western New York, through
its president, A. C. Hayman, is conducting a
movement to reduce its members' power bills by
presenting figures to the Public Service Com-
mission.
Time Adds Office Space
The r^Iarch of Time has added another
floor of office space to its quarters at 369
Lexington Avenue, New York, making a
total of three floors.
52
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
October 14, 1939
"JUBILEE" OBSERVED ON
RADIO AND IN THE FIELD
MPPDA Pays Tribute to Edison
and Eastnnan; Mayor Joins
the Celebration in Chicago
The motion picture industry all this week
observed its Golden Jubilee, officially com-
memorating the 50th anniversary of the
Kinetoscope of Thomas A. Edison.
The observance in the field was for the
most part concentrated by circuits and inde-
pendents on banners and ballyhoo to turn
attention to the industry as an institution
and to the box offices for current patronage.
Last week end in New York a resolution
of tribute to Mr. Edison and George East-
man was adopted by the board of directors
of the Motion Picture Producers and Dis-
tributors of America. Radio also observed
the date last Friday with a broadcast over
a nationwide hookup by Mrs. Mina M. Edi-
son Hughes, the inventor's widow.
Television Broadcast
Additionally, a television broadcast was sched-
uled for Friday over the NBC New York sta-
tion, with scenes from the interior of the "Black
Maria," Edison's former laboratory in West
Orange, New Jersey. Children's Book Week
also will make use of the anniversary theme
from November 12th to I8th.
The motion picture industry's resolution,
which was adopted at the regular quarterly
meeting of the MPPDA board, read :
"Whereas, Thomas A. Edison, using flexible
film prepared by George Eastman, perfected
the Kinetoscope on October 6, 1889, and
"Whereas, this marked the birth of the mo-
tion picture,
"Therefore, we, the Board of Directors of
the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors
of America, wish to pay the industry's tribute
on the Fiftieth Anniversary to the genius which
made possible this great service of entertain-
ment and education."
Interview Is Broadcast
Mr. Edison's widow reminisced about the dis-
coveries of fifty years ago in an interview with
Mrs. Malcolm Parker MacCoy, chairman of the
motion picture department of the New York
State Federation of Women's Clubs, broadcast
over NBC.
She told about the thin flexible film in lengths
up to fifty feet that George Eastman supplied
for Mr. Edison's tests in motion photography.
"Late in the summer (of 1889) we went to
Paris to see the Exposition where Mr. Edison
had a wonderful exhibit of his phonograph
and his light," the inventor's widow said. "He
met with great success and was feted through-
out his stay abroad in a most remarkable way.
But he was anxious to get back, so we returned
to West Orange."
She went on to describe how pleased her hus-
band was that day fifty years ago when he saw
pictures in motion through his Kinetoscope No.
1. His experiments were successful ; the motion
picture was born.
"Mr. Edison felt that since he could make
moving pictures show in small size in the Kine-
toscope, he could show big pictures by project-
ing them onto a screen," the inventor's widow
continued. "So he commenced to work on a
projector also. Up to that time all his work
had been on a viewing lens or a peep-hole
type of instrument and the images seen were
no larger than those actually on the cellu-
loid."
She went on to describe the studio built in the
IN N E W S R E E L S
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 8, Vol. 22.— French army
displays its motorized units and air force. ... Chicago
pays homage at the bier of Cardinal Mundelein
Fashions in shoes. .. .New York Yankees win first
two games of World Series Helen Wills and
Adrian Quist lose to Mrs. Fabyan and Elwood Cooke
in tennis. ... Lew Lehr.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 9, Vol. 22.— French big
guns moved to Maginot Line Duke of Windsor
on duty at front. ... Daladier inspects Western Front
....Artillery pounds enemy positions In Poland,
Hitler watches Nazi regiments cross San River. . . .
Cardinal Mundelein buried. ... "Hollywood Cavalcade"
premiere in Hollywood Lew Lehr Yankees win
\\'orld Series.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 206, Vol. 11.— Compre-
hensive picture of the might of the French army
and air force. .. .Seaplane sets new endurance record
....Nation mourns Cardinal Mundelein New "daily
dozen" for wasp waistline First World S«ries
game won bv New York Yankees.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 207, Vol. II— Rumania
avenges slain premier Nazi troops "mop up"
Polish cities French advance on front Yankees
make it four straight.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 11.— British-edited films
showing telephoto lens view of Saarbrucken. . . .
French troops as skirmishers French artillery fir-
ing the Siegfried Line Maginot Line fortresses
firing French bombers in flight, bomb sighting
and bomb dropping. .. .A burning observation balloon
.... Yankees win first World Series game.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 12.— Yankees win World
Series Air armada drops leaflets over Minneapolis.
....Pan-American parley ends. ... Welles praises
unity of parley .... Football.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 23, Vol. 11.— Cardinal
Mundelein dies at age of 67 Secretary Hull warns
American travelers abroad Pineapple harvester
aids Hawaiians. . . .New fishing grounds discovered
Japanese paint in sand Sheep migrate for
winter grazing. ... Yankees beat Reds.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 24, Vol. 11.— Polish pris-
oners by thousands in hands of Germany .... Ruman-
ian King attends funeral of murdered Premier Cali-
nescu New Polish Government takes form in Paris
Belgium prepares to defend boundaries On the
Western Front Cardinal Mundelein is buried
Pan-American peace congress ends Yale eleven
tops Columbia. .. .Yankees win four straight.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 812, Vol. 11.— Yan-
kees win first game of World Series Canada
starts air training French continue preparations
for air raids. ... English girls reviewed by Countess
of Athlone Rites for Cardinal Mundelein
Animals made of wire Catch tons of salmon in
nets. .. .Girls swim in sea of apples Helen Wills
returns to tennis.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEI No. 81J, Vol. 11.— French
guns pound German line Cardinal Mundelein is
buried. ... Yankees win World Series Football.
yard outside the laboratory in West Orange and
called the Black Maria because it was covered
with black roofing paper.
"The first play that I recall was 'Milk White
Flag,' " she said. "In 1903 they made 'The
Great Train Robbery,' the first narrative film.
This had no subtitles vi^hatever — but you could
really very readily understand the story even
without the subtitles. About that same period,
he was continuing his work in synchronizing
the showing of motion on films with accom-
panying sound.
"He was engaged in commercially producing
films from the very first and his company con-
tinued to make films until 1921 or about
that time. He showed talking motion pictures
for several years but the recordings and syn-
chronization were all mechanically done.
"Mr. Edison enjoyed motion pictures," she
said. "Around the Oranges and Montclair we
were often the most regular attendants at the
theatres. It was one of the forms of relaxa-
tion that he truly enjoyed. There were many
times when we would go to the movie theatres
every night in the week."
Chicago's National Movie Week
Chicago's Mayor Edward J. Kelly proclaimed
October 6th to 13th as National Movie Week,
while Chicago theatre managers took advan-
tage of the celebration.
They were supported by Chicago newspa-
pers : the Tribune last Sunday, devoting the
first page of its amusement section to pictures
and a story by Mae Tinee, movie critic, on the
development of motion pictures ; as well as an
editorial regarding the Jubilee ; while the Daily
News and the Herald- American devoted full
pages of pictures and stories to the anniversary.
Film exchanges were overwhelmed with
orders for old time pictures which have been
incorporated into short subjects. Almost all
theatres in the Balaban & Katz circuit, which
was especially active in observances of the
Jubilee, and most of the independents booked
films of this sort.
"Old Time Movie Parties" were held in
many theatres over last weekend, with old si-
lent pictures, with slides, a piano player, or
song plugger, forming part of the show.
Other managers arranged "movie museums,"
displaying old and new types of motion picture
equipment.
The appearance at a number of B & K the-
atres of Paramount players J. Carroll Naish,
Patricia Morrison, Olympe Bradna and Susan
Hayward was also exploited as part of the
celebration.
The Warner and Seeaness circuits in Chi-
cago did not enter any celebration of the Ju-
bilee, although various managers in the two
chains did arrange displays and make tieups
in conjunction with the event.
Baltimore's Observance
In Baltimore, the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Maryland, affiliated with Allied
States Association, took full page advertise-
ments in daily papers announcing the 50th
anniversary. Listing their 62 member theatres
in the city, the advertisement carried pictures
of the old and the new in motion picture the-
atres, using as its example of the latter the
Radio City Music Hall in New York; in mo-
tion picture sound cameras, and, as well, a
scene from "The Kiss" and of Alice Faye and
Tyrone Power, headed "Romance is still popu-
lar on the screen."
The advertisement said, in part, "In 1939,
just 50 years after Edison invented the Kine-
toscope and 25 years after the possibilities of
the screen were realized by a small group of
courageous pioneers . . . the motion picture has
reached artistic maturity.
"Every motion picture machine, every motion
picture enterprise, every motion picture per-
sonality, screen star, or magnate of the screen
or theatre can be traced to some connection
growing directly out of Thomas A. Edison's
'Little Black Box.' "
Power Company Cooperates
The Pennsylvania Power and Light Company
joined in with the theatres in celebration of
anniversary week. In an advertisement which
appeared in the amusement section in the
Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Record the utility company
had an ad which read:
"Hello, folks—
"This is anniversary week at the movies
"We offer our congratulations to the mov-
ing picture industry on the occasion of its 50th
anniversary. Your industry and ours were
born in the minds of the same genius — Thomas
A. Edison.
"The motion picture industry deserves high
commendation for the splendid job it has done
. . . bringing outstanding high quality enter-
tainment to the American Public at a price
that all can afford.
"The Electrical Industry concurrently com-
memorating the 60th anniversary of the incan-
descent lamp is happy to have contributed in
some measure to this success through the mar-
vels of modern electric service so important tc
that industry."
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
53
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE TAKES A VACATION: Penny Single-
ton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms — On a par with the
other Blondie pictures and seems to please the rank
and file. — C. L. Niles, Xiles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY
GREW: Edith Fellows, Dorothy Peterson— Played
with "The Man from Sundown." Rather weak bill.
Neither one was any good. — W. E. McFhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
GOOD GIRLS GO TO PARIS: Joan Blondell, Mel-
vyn Douglas, Walter Connolly — Somehow they didn't
fall for this one. Very entertaining and some good
laughs. Should have done better at the box office.
Not much said about it either way. Running time,
78 minutes. Played September 24-25. — R. A. Moore,
State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
MAN FROM SUNDOWN, THE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith, Sons of the Pioneers — A western that
is different. Excellent. Plenty of music to relieve the
action. All in all, a good show. Do not fail to use this
if you have an action crowd. Running time. 60 min-
utes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
MAN FROM SUNDOWN, THE: Charles Starrett,
Iris Meredith. Sons of the Pioneers — Played with
"Five Little Peppers and How They Grew." Rather
weak bill. Neither one was any good. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS: Cary Grant, Jean
Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell — Dis-
appointing. No action, an all-talker. Played Septem-
ber 22-23. — Alyce Cornell, Galewood Theatre, Grand
Rapids, Mich. General patronage.
First National
ANGELS WASH THEIR FACES: "Dead End
Kids," Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan, Bonita Gran-
ville, Frankie Thomas — Good picture; good business.
Pleased all. Running time, 66 minutes. Played Sep-
tember 24-25.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY: Edward G. Rob-
inson, Paul Lukas, Francis Lederer — Very well done.
Gets business. Played September 29-30. — Alyce Cor-
nell, Galewood Theatre, Grand Rapids, Mich. General
patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald — Well, she did
it again. Brought out all of the sob sisters but not
a man picture. — ^A. H. Records, Majestic Tlieatre, He-
brons, Neb. General patronage.
EACH DAWN I DIE: James Cagney, George Brent,
Jane Bryan, George Bancroft — Very good picture and
also good business. This is a swell picture from any
angle so play it quick. Running time. 92 minutes.
Played September 27-2S. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne INIorris, Pat
O'Brien. Joan Blondell. May Robson — Good small town
audience appeal. Would recommend same as an actiou
picture. Running time. 89 minutes. Played September
21.— A. L Dove, Bengough Theatre, Bengough,
Saskatchewan, Canada. Rural and small town patron-
age.
MAN WHO DARED, THE: Charley Grapewin,
Jane Bryan — Not so hot. No business. — A. H. Records,
Majestic Theatre, Hebrons, Neb. General patronage.
YOU CAN'T GET AWAY WITH MURDER:
Humphrey Bogart, Billy Halop, Gale Page— This is
one that really "hit the spot" for me. It drew more
than many "A" pictures. Bogart, Gale Page and
Billy Halop all did nice jobs of acting. Play it. Run-
ning time, 78 minutes. Played September 23-25. — R. L.
Hall. Aztec Theatre, Van Alstyne, Texas. Small town
patronage.
Me^hro-Goldwyn-Mayer
BLACKMAIL: Edward G. Robinson. Ruth Hussey,
Bobs Watson— Pleased our audiences more than any
other picture has done in the past three months. An-
other ace from MGM. Listen to the raves come out
on this one. Robinson is par excellence. Hussey gets
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
^hat the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
better all the time and little Bobs Watson took 'em
for a ride again. Running time, 79 minutes. Played
September 30-October 3. — W. C. Lewellen, Uptown
Theatre, Pueblo, Col. General patronage.
FIRST HUNDRED YEARS, THE: Robert Mont-
gomery. Virginia Bruce, Warren William, Binnie
Barnes — No selling out. Played extra attraction along
with this, which helped it out. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General
patronage.
GIRL DOWNSTAIRS: Franchot Tone, Franciska
Gaal, Walter Connolly — Was plenty good. Everyone
liked it. — A. H. Records, Majestic Tlieatre, Hebrons,
Neb. General patronage.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: Claudette Colbert,
James Stewart — Was well liked by all. — A. H. Records,
Majestic Theatre, Hebron, Neb. General patronage.
MIRACLES FOR SAI-E: Robert Young, Florence
Rice, Henry Hull — A murder mystery that has plenty
of comedy to ease the tension. Very good for the
audiences that like the thrillers. For a short run or
double bill it is all right. Otherwise skip it. Running
time, 70 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Li-
gonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny WeissmuUer,
Maureen O'SuUivan — Everyone liked this and did a
nice business on it. MGM has the pictures. — A. H
Records, Majestic Theatre, Hebron, Neb. General
patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny WeissmuUer,
Maureen O'SuUivan, John Sheffield — A natural for
top gross and they won't go out disappointed. Tarzan.
Jr., will be the talk of the town. Nice photography
and excellently produced throughout. Running time,
82 minutes. Played September 27-28. — R. A. Moore,
State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON!: Johnny WeissmuUer,
Maureen O'Sullivan, John Sheffield — About half as
good as Metro thinks it is. The photography is fine,
the animals are great, almost as good as a trip to the
Zoo, swimming shots the best I have seen, the story
just the usual Tarzan with the real star little John
Sheffield, who plays the part of Tarzan's son to per-
fection. He even looks and talks like Tarzan. Had
been shown all around so the box office was nothing
to write home about. Running time, 82 minutes.
Played September 29-October I. — Gladys E. McArdle.
Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patron-
age.
TELL NO TALES: Melvyn Douglas, Louise Piatt—
Just a good Saturday action picture. — C. L. Niles,
Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres, Lana
Turner. Jane Bryan. Richard Carlson, Tom Brown.
Anita Louise — Good "B" picture. Entertaining all the
way and has been allocated to the "B" class and
which it fills OK. Running time, SO minutes. — W. E.
McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Maine. General
patronage.
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres. Lana
Turner, Anita Louise, Tom Brown, Richard Carlson,
Jane Bryan — Very good show along the lines the
young people Hke but not enough star names to put
it over. I^na Turner is good but has not had enough
experience for the lead. Supporting cast good. Pleased
those who saw it, which was too few. Running time,
80 minutes. Played September 15-17. — Gladys E. Mc-
Ardle, Owl Theatre Lebanon, Kansas. Small town
patronage.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Faulette Goddard, Rosalind Russell, Mary Poland,
Joan Fontaine, Phyllis Povah, Virginia Weidler, Lu-
cile Watson — Here is one that will roll them in the
aisles. Absolutely the tops. The star (?), the entire
cast is perfection. Miss Russell and Miss Goddard
are wonderful. Cannot rave enough. The men will
not approve of it but when it comes to letting the hair
down on the action of the women, nothing is left to
be imagined. Excellent. Running time, 138 minutes.
— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
Monogram
BOYS' REFORMATORY: Frankie Darro, Grant
Withers — Monogram has put in some effort on this
one and the reaction from our patrons was a reward
for it. They liked this feature here. Running time,
61 minutes. Played September 30-October 3. — W. C.
Lewellen, Uptown Theatre, Pueblo, Col. General pat-
ronage.
Paramount
GRACIE ALLEN MURDER CASE: Gracie Allen,
Warren W'illiam, Kent Taylor, Ellen Drew — If they go
for Gracie in your town, they'll take to this one like
a duck to water. Her comedy is good and I believe
she is in every scene. It's a knockout for laughs.
Running time, 74 minutes. Played September 27-28. —
R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa. Rural
patronage.
HOP ALONG CASSIDY RIDES AGAIN: William
Boyd, George Hayes, Russell Hayden — These western
series are Gene Autry's biggest opposition. Well re-
ceived here. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
$1,000 A TOUCHDOWN: Joe E. Brown, Martha
Raye — Lots of people who never previously got a kick
out of Joe Brown or Martha Raye seemed to like them
together. Lots of laughs in the funny places. Played
September 23-26. — W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Theatre,
Pueblo, Col. General patronage.
Republic
HOME ON THE PRAIRIE: Gene Autry, Smiley
Burnette — And do the farmers like this stuff. — A. H.
Records, Majestic Theatre, Hebrons, Neb. General
patronage.
IN OLD MONTEREY: Gene Autry, Smiley Burn-
ette, George Hayes — Here is the series that never fails
us. We have found the best spot for them is on Bank
Nights. Running time. 75 minutes. — E. C. Arehart,
Strand Theatre. Milford, Iowa. General patronage.
PRIDE OF THE NAVY: James Dunn, Rochelle
Hudson. Gordon Oliver — Good. Lot of action. Dunn
as usual always good. — A. H. Records, Majestic The-
atre, Hebron. Neb. General patronage.
WALL STREET COWBOY: Roy Rogers, George
Hayes, Raymond Hatton — Fair picture; fair business.
Running time. 66 minutes. Played September 29-30.—
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
CAREER: Edward Ellis, Anne Shirley, John Archer
— A very good picture, particularly adapted to Iowa
theatre. Good story, not enough name value in cast
(Continued on follozcina page, colunin 2)
FASTEST
AIR ROUTE
COAST-TO-COAST
Convenient Daily Schedules
FASTEST COAST-TO- COAST
54
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
TRUE STORIES FROM ALTEC FILES
Exhibitors Praise
Altec Technique
to Improve Sound
LEBANON, N. H.— "I not
only have to sell my shows
to my patrons, but also sell
them on my theatre. Since I
installed your new high
qualitj' response sound we
all feel that we have the fin-
est sound in this section."
Vincent J. Mollica, manager, Lebanon Opera
House.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—
"Judging from your new
modifications in the Ameri-
can Theatre, we have great
expeaations for our other
theatres, and request the ear-
liest possible application to
the rest of our circuit." Abe
Solomon, Independent The-
atres, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.— "If
the improvement had cost
three times what you
charged, the improvement
would still have been more
than worth it." J. J. Fran-
klin, Strand Theatre.
NEW ORLEANS, LA.— "The
improvements made by
Altec have resulted not only
in an increase of power
which is more than ample,
but also in a remarkable
clarity of reproduction." C.
J. Chandler, Roxy Amuse-
ment Co.
Let the Altec man in your locality explain to
you, without obligation, how the Altec tech-
nique for sound betterment can improve the
sound in your theatre.
(Continued from preceding page)
to Ijring them in. John Archer turns in a nice per-
formance. Running time, 72 minutes. Played October
1-2. — R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa.
Rural patronage.
FIFTH AVENUE GIRL: Ginger Rogers, Walter
Connolly, James Ellison, Tim Holt — Of course. Gin-
ger is my favorite, but this is another positive hit
Not the draw as "Bachelor Mother" but very good
audience reaction. Running time, 85 minutes. — E. C.
Arehart, Strand Theatre, Milford, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
FISHERMAN'S WHARF: Bobby Breen, Leo Car-
rillo. Henry Armetta — The best Breen we have had in
a long time. Good entertainment. Played September
29-30.— -Alyce Cornell. Gale wood Theatre, Grand Rapids.
Mich. General patronage.
IN NAME ONLY: Carole Lombard, Gary Grant.
Kay Francis — An excellent picture but no draw. — C. L.
Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
SMASHING THE RACKETS: Chester Morris.
Frances Mercer. Rita Johnson, Bruce Cabot — Fast
moving little programmer everyone enjoyed. Played
September 27-28.— Alyce Cornell, Galewood Theatre.
Grand Rapids, Mich. General patronage.
Twentieth Century-Fox
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers, Richard Bond, Ar-
leen Whelan — So-so. Very poor story. Think her and
Shirley are on their way out.— A. H. Records, Ma-
jestic Theatre, Hebron, Neb. General patronage.
CHARLIE CHAN IN RENO: Sidney Toler, PhyUis
Brooks, Ricardo Cortez— Just another picture to small
business. I think the folks have lost interest in Chan
since Warner Oland died. Running time, 71 minutes.
Plaved September 26.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
FRONTIER MARSHAL: Randolph Scott, Nancy
Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes— Good western
that'll get you money, if your town will stand for
westerns. They call it the little "Dodge City". Run-
ning time, 72 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Tlie-
atre. Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
JONES FAMILY IN HOLLYWOOD: Jed Prouty,
Spring Byington — A nice program picture which fitted
in nice for our weekend customers with a western.
Business average.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre.
Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
JONES FAMILY IN HOLLYWOOD: Jed Prouty.
Spring Byington— These Jones Familys get better
every picture. An excellent comedy that pleases al-
most any patronage. Running time, 60 minutes.
Played September 27-28.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Thea-
tre, Inc.. Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
NEWS IS MADE AT NIGHT: Preston Foster,
Lvnn Bari — Newspaper story and one of the best
of' its kind. This picture is packed with mystery, ro-
mance and comedy. Don't pass this up. Put it on
your "must play" list. Running time, 73 minutes.
Played September 20-21.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Thea-
tre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID, THE: Warner
Baxter, Lynn Bari, Henry Hull, Cesar Romero— A
very good western but has no more draw than any
good western. Yet Fox puts it in a high allocation.
— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General
patronage.
WINNER TAKE ALL: Tony Martin, Gloria Stuart.
Slim Summerville, Henry Armetta— Fair picture; fair
business. No kicks; no compliments. Running time.
62 minutes. Played September 26.— E. M. Freiburger.
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan— A splendid
production of outstanding qualities. One of Henry
Fonda's greatest roles. This is the story of Abe Lin-
coln as a lawyer. A picture well worth the praise it
is getting. Running time, 101 minutes. Played Sep-
tember 22-23.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc.,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
United Artists
TRADE WINDS: Fredric March, Joan Bennett.
Ralph Bellamy, Ann Sothern— Not so hot. Just got
by and that is all.— A. H. Records, Majestic Theatre,
Hebrons, Neb. General patronage.
Universal
250 West 57th Street, New York City
THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION
OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
CODE OF niE STREETS: "Little Tough Guys,"
Harry Carev. Frankie Thomas— This is the kind that
Universal is' noted for and is the very kind I need. I
want. I never worry when I play a Universal picture.
Running time. 70 minutes. Flayed September 26.—
R. L. Hall, Aztec Theatre, Van Alstyne, Texas. Small
town patronage.
INSIDE INFORMATION: June Lang, Dick Foran.
Harry Carey— A higher than average entertainment
"B." Got a good reaction here from our thrill loving
audiences. Played September 23-26.— W. C. Lewellen.
Uptown Theatre, Pueblo, Col. General patronage.
I STOLE A MILLION: George Raft, Claire Trevor,
Dick Foran, Henry Armetta, Victor Jory — Not a top
group allocation. Belongs on Saturday for action
crowds. Just a good program picture. — C. L. Niles,
Xiles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
I STOLE A MILLION: George Raft, Claire Trevor,
Dick Foran, Henry Armetta. Victor Jory — This
grossed the lowest Friday and Saturday we ever had.
Most certainly not the story or the Raft we played in
, "Each Dawn I Die." Warners. Running time, 80
minutes.— E. C. Arehart, Strand Theatre, Milford,
Iowa. General patronage.
STORM, THE: Charles Bickford, Preston Foster,
Barton MacLane, Tom Brown. Nan Grey, Andy De-
vine — A very fine picture. Business only normal due
to the fact Imperial Oil Company gave a free show.
Play it.— Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
WHEN TOMORROW COMES: Charles Boyer.
Irene Dunne — Just a good "B" picture. Not strong
enough for extended runs. You'll lose money with it
no matter how you buy it or how you run it. Running
time. 91 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Maine. General patronage.
WHEN TOMORROW COMES: Irene Dunne,
Charles Boyer — A few women ventured out to see it.
The ending very disappointing to many. — E. C. Are-
hart, Strand Theatre, Milford. Iowa. General pat-
ronage.
w
arner
Broth
ers
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Alan Hale, Frank Mc-
Hugh, Victor Jory, Guinn Williams — One of the great-
est pictures of its kind. No words can describe the
beauty, color, thrills and joys that are found in "Dodge
City." Guinn Williams and Alan Hale are excellent
in the supporting cast. Bruce Cabot and Victor Jory
are tops. Running time, 104 minutes. Played Septem-
ber 24-25. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Ann Sheri-
dan, Gale Page, Ronald Reagan — This one drew fairly
good for me but lacked something. Ann Sheridan
does herself no good in this one. It's worth playing,
though. Running time, 90 minutes. Flayed September
16-!8.— R. L. Hall, Aztec Theatre, Van Alstyne,
Texas. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell. Ann Sheri-
dan. Gale Page. Ronald Reagan — Nice little picture.
Enjoyed by all. — A. H. Records, Majestic Theatre,
Hebron, Neb. General patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Gale Page,
Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan. Zasu Pitts — Very good
feature that pleased. Dick Powell is only about half
the box office star he was a few years ago. Zasu
Pitts gives an excellent performance. Supporting cast
is all good. Running time. 90 minutes. Played
September 22-24.— Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Theatre,
Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patronage.
WOMEN IN THE WIND: Kay Francis, William
Gargan, Victor Jory — Was surprised at this as Kay
don't mean a thing to me here but at that it was a
good picture. No business. — A. H. Records, Majestic
Theatre, Hebrons, Neb. General patronage.
Short Features
Columbia
COMMUNITY SING: No. 5— Best yet. Very en-
joyable.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
taria, Canada. General patronage.
COMMUNITY SING: No. 10— Some of my patrons
told us when leaving it was the best sing they ever
saw. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
MOOCHING THROUGH GEORGIA: Buster Keaton
— Columbia has not been giving us enough of this
comedian this past season as he is tops of all when
it comes to pantomime comedy. Good any day of the
week. Tops in comedy from the company with the
best shorts in the business. Running time, 16 minutes.
— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
SCRAPPY'S RODEO: Scrappy Cartoons— Just a
cartoon and it's not funny. Running time, six min-
utes.— A. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Gen-
eral patronage.
STORK TAKES A HOLIDAY, THE: Color Rhapso-
dies— A very good cartoon. Nice coloring. — Harland
Rankin. Flaza Theatre. Tilbury, Ontario, Canada.
General patronage.
SUE MY LAWYER: Harry Langdon— Lots of
laughs as usual for Columbia. They certainly excel
in slapstick comedies which are well received in small
towns. — Harland Rankin. Plaza Theatre, Tilbury. On-
tario, Canada. General patronage.
October 14, 19 39
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ART GALLERY: Cartoons— Very good. Nice com-
ments on this cartoon. That is something unusual
wlien they praise a cartoon. Running time, nine min-
utes.— A. Goldson, Phiza Theatre, Chicago, 111. Gen-
eral patronage.
ASH CAN FLEET: MGM Miniatures— An ideal
short. It is the most timely topic possible and so well
produced that it adds greatly to any program. It has
a swell plug for "Tlninder Afloat." Play it on your
best nights. Running time, 10 minutes. — E. A. Rey-
nolds, Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small town
and rural' patronage.
ASH CAN FLEET: MGM Miniatures— A really
swell short showing how submarines are destroyed by
depth bombs released by the sub chasers. \'ery time-
ly and very interesting. Play it before you play
"Thunder Afloat," as it is a buildup for that picture. —
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
AUTO ANTICS: Our Gang— Pleased one hundred
per cent, as all Gang shorts do. Think the Gang could
get out and recite the multiplication table and get
laughs. Running time, one reel. — Gladys E. McArdle,
Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patron-
age.
BEAR THAT COULDN'T SLEEP, THE: Cartoons
— Very good. A cartoon that the young and old will
find very amusing. Running time, nine minutes. — A.
Goldson, Plaza Tlieatre, Chicago, 111. General patron-
age.
BOOKWORM, THE: Cartoons— Fair. Have had
better, such as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and
"The Bear That Couldn't Sleep." Ising had better
.STATEMENT OF THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGE-
MENT, CIRCULATION, ETC., REOUIRED BY
THE ACTS OF CONGRESS OF AUGUST 24,
1912, AND MARCH 3, 1933,
Of Motion Picture Herald, published weekly at New
York, N. Y., for October 1, 1939.
State of New York (
County of New York J
Before me, a Notary Public in and for the State and
county aforesaid, personally appeared Theo. J. Sullivan,
who. having been duly sworn according to law, de-
poses and says that he is the Business Manager of the
Motion Picture Herald and that the following is, to
the best of his knowledge and belief, a true statement
of the ownership, management (and if a daily paper, the
circulation), etc., of the aforesaid publication for the
date shown in the above caption, required by the Act of
August 24, 1912, as amended by the Act of March 3,
1933, embodied in section 537, Postal Laws and Regu-
lations, printed on the reverse of this form, to, wit:
1. That the names and addresses of the publisher,
editor, managing editor, and business managers are:
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Martin Ouigley, 1270
Sixth Avenue, N. Y. City; Editor, Terry Ramsaye,
1270 Sixth Avenue, N. Y. City: Managing Editor, Ern-
est A. Rovelstad, 1270 Sixth Avenue. N. _Y. City;
Business Manager, Theo. J. Sullivan, 1270 Sixth Ave-
nue, N. Y, City.
2. That the owner is: (If owned by a corporation,
its name and address must be stated and also immedi-
ately thereunder the names and addresses of stockhold-
ers owning or holding one per cent or more of total
amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the
names and addresses of the individual owners must be
given. If owned by a firm, company, or other un-
incorporated concern, its name and address, as well as
those of each individual member, must be given.)
Quigley Publishing Company, Inc., 1270 Sixth Avenue,
N. Y. City; Martin Quigley, 1270 Sixth Avenue,
N. Y. City; Colvin Brown, 1270 Sixth Avenue, N. Y.
City; Gertrude S. Quigley, 1270 Sixth Avenue, N. Y.
City.
3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and
other security holders owning or holding one per cent or
more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other
securities are: (If there are none, so state.) None.
4. That the two paragraphs next above, giving the
names of the owners, stockholders, and security holders,
if any, contain not only the list of stockholders and
security holders as they appear upon the books of the
company but also in cases where the stockholder or
security holder appears upon the books of the com-
pany as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the
name of the person or corporation for whom such
trustee is acting, is given; also that the said two para-
graphs contain statements embracing affiant's full
knowledge and belief as to the circumstances and con-
ditions under which stockholders and security holders
who do not appear upon the books of the company as
trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other
than that of a bona fide owner; and this affiant has no
reason to believe that any other person, association, or
corporation has any interest direct or indirect in the
said stock, bonds, or other securities than as so stated
bv him.
THEO. J. SULLIVAN, .
Business Manager.
Sworn to before me this 28th
day of September, 1939.
ANNA MILBERT,
[seal] Notary Public.
N. Y. Co. No. 158.
Reg. No. OM 124.
(My commission ex-
pires Mar. 30, 1940)
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
stay to the other types. Running time, eight minutes.
—A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
CLOWN PRINCESS: Our Gang— Excellent. Our
Gang seems to meet with approval in general run
of patronage. Running time, 11 minutes. — Guy G.
Black, Plaza Theatre, Inc., Lyons, Neb. Small town
patronage.
CLOWN PRINCESS: Our Gang— Very good. Tlie
best we have had in some time. Running time, 10
minutes. — A. /. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: A New Ro-
mance in Celluloid — This advertising reel furnished free
of charge by Metro should if possible be run before
you start playing new product as it gives your future
attractions plenty of publicity. Running time, 10 min-
utes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
HEROES AT LEISURE: Pete Smith Specialties-
Good. Runnmg time, one reel. — Gladys E. McArdle,
Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kansas. Small town patron-
age.
PASSING PARADE: No. 1— Book this one. Has
two parts that fit present day conditions to a T. One
especially deals with a big car of '29 vintage and fol-
lows it to the scrap pile and aboard a boat bound for
munitions plants overseas. Running time, 10 minutes.
— E. A. Reynolds, Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn.
Small town and rural patronage.
PICTURESQUE UDAIPUR: FitzPatrick Travel
Talks — Not better than the balance but still tops in
the field. Running time, nine minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patron-
age.
Paramount
COLOMBIA: Color Cruises — Average travel talk. —
E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Tlieatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
HELLO, HOW AM I?: Pbpeye the Sailor— Just a
fair Popeye. Running time, six minutes. — A. Goldson,
Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. General patronage.
IT'S THE NATURAL THING TO DO: Popeye the
Sailor — Average Popeye cartoon. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patron-
age.
MUSICAL MOUNTAINEERS: Betty Boop Car-
toons— Hillbilly stuff nicely done. Running time, one
reel. — R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa.
Rural patronage.
POPULAR SCIENCE: No. 6-Just a filler.— E. M.
Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small
town patronage.
WATCH YOUR STEP: Grantland Rice Sportlights
—Entertaining Sportlight. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
55
RKO Radio
FIVE TIMES FIVE: Special— A dandy Quint sub-
ject that drew some additional business. — C. L. Niles,
Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME, THE: No. 1— An excellent avia-
tion subject. So far we have been unable to make
this draw any additional business. — C. L. Niles, Niles •
Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa. General patronage.
MARCH OF TIME: No. 12— History of the movies.
Very instructive, good. These subjects are definite
to any theatre.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Til-
bury, Ontario, Canada. General patronage.
SAGEBRUSH SERENADE: Ray Whitley Come-
dies— A good two- reel western comedy; though nothing
extraordinary, it entertained. Running time, 20 min-
utes.— A. Goldson. Plaza Theatre, Chicago, 111. (jen-
eral patronage.
SOCIETY DOG SHOW: Walt Disney Cartoons—
They are good but too high priced. Running time, one
reel. — R. A. Moore, State Theatre, Clarence, Iowa.
Rural patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
TEMPEST OVER TUNIS: Magic Carpet Series-
Just a filler. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
TWO HEADED GIANT: Terry -Toons— Just a fair
colored cartoon.— C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa,
Iowa. General patronage.
Universal
GOING PLACES: No. 65— Travel talk on the British
West Indies that is excellent. Do not fail to run it.
Running time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
SHOW FOR SALE: Mentone Musical Comedies-
Excellent musical with plenty of top acts to send it
off. This series has been good all season. Running
time, 18 niimxtes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Li-
gonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
STRANGER THAN FICTION: No. 65— These Fic-
tion reels of Universal are an excellent single reel
filler. — C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
Vitaphone
BELIEVE IT OR ELSE: Merrie Melodies— Only
fair. This never seemed to get going. Disappointed
the cartoon fans. Running time, nine minutes. — A.
Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, III. General patron-
age.
(Reports continued on follo-ving page)
56
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
(,Co)tti>iucd from l^reccding page)
BROADWAY BUCKAROO: Red Skelton— One of
the best Brevities we have ever played. We played
this midweek but feel that a better booking would
be Friday and Saturday, as this short has a western
locale. Excellent acts all the way through. Running
time, 17 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Li-
gonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
DAVE APOLLON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Mel-
ody Masters — Very well received. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Canada. General
patronage.
DEAN OF THE PASTEBOARDS: Vitaphone Vari-
eties— Here is a good short. Different and clever.
Running time, seven minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
DETOURING AMERICA: Merrie Melodies— Good
cartoon in color. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
HARE-UM SCARE-UM: Merrie Melodies— Good
cartoon in color. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
HAUNTED HOUSE, THE: Floyd Gibbons' "Your
True Adventure" series — Very good. We have built
up quite a demand for this series and this one is as
good as any we have run. Running time, 11 minutes.
—A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
KRISTOPHER KOLUMBUS, JR.: Looney Tunes-
Good cartoon in black and white. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
LARRY CLINTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Mel
ody Masters — Excellent musical. Running time, one
reel. — Gladys E. McArdle, Owl Theatre, Lebanon, Kan-
sas. Small town patronage.
MUSIC WITH A SMILE: Happy Felton and His
Orchestra — Real enjoyable band number. Play it. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Canada. General patronage.
POLAR PALS: Looney Tunes— Very good. Clever.
Running time, six minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Thea-
atre. Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
PORKY'S PICNIC: Looney Tunes— Average black
and white cartoon. — E. M. Freiburger. Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
PORKY'S TIRE TROUBLE: Looney Tunes— Aver
age black and white carton. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
SCALP TROUBLE,: Looney Tunes— Warners had
better get a new character as Porky is not so hot.
The subject matter is good but they need a new star.
Running time, six minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal The-
atre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
Serials
Republic
DICK TRACY'S G-MEN: Ralph Byrd— On Chapter
Five and doing right well for itself. OK if the action
keeps up.— E. C. Arehart, Strand Theatre, Milford,
Iowa. General patronage.
LONE RANGER RIDES AGAIN: Robert Living-
ston, Chief Thunder Cloud — They still like this and
we are on 12th episode. If a serial has any draw, this
has. — C. L. Niles, Niles Tlieatre, Anamosa, Iowa.
General patronage.
Delaware Seeks "Blue
Law" Opinions
Delaware's nine-member commission to
study revision of the state's 144-year-old
Sunday blue laws last week began its study
with a movement to tap public opinion on
ways to have the ancient statutes conform
with modern life.
Scores of letters to individuals and organi-
zations in all parts of the state seeeking
suggestions on blue law revision, have been
mailed out by the commission, the Rev.
Ralph L. Minker, chairman, has announced
at Wilmington. With the letter was a re-
capitulation of the 1,959 Sabbath blue law
violations found on one day, September 3,
by city and state police.
The deadline for replies was set for this
Sunday.
"We are anxious to learn how you and
your organization," the letters say, "would
Question No, 3 in the
Bluebook School
The Bluebook School, conducted in. the
Herald for many years by F. hi. Richard-
son, has been resumed, based on the new
Second Revision of the Sixth Edition of
Mr. Richardson's Bluebook of Projection.
Under the new presentation of the mate-
rial, projectionists are asked to submit
answers, as formerly, but often the answer
that will be published will be that of
Mr. Richardson himself, or of other spe-
cialists in projection and sound. This pro-
cedure has been adopted with the thought
that it will serve the real purpose of the
"school": to encourage and assist in study
and at the same time facilitate preparation
of effective answers.
The first question, which appeared In the
Issued of September 2nd, and the second,
In last week's Issue, are as follows:
QUESTION NO. I: What is feedback?
Reverse feedback? Interelectrode capaci-
tance? Oscillation?
QUESTION NO. 2: (a) What is exact
width of 35 mm. film sound track?
(b) What characteristics of the film con-
cern projectionists most? (c) Describe, in
detail, correct method of making film
splices.
QUESTION NO. 3— Name two classes
of circuits found in modern amplifiers?
What types of electrical power are re-
quired by sound systems? What apparatus
In an amplifier functions as an electrical
valve and why is it not called a valve, in
this country at least?
Answers will begin to appear as soon
as several questions have been submitted.
go about remedying the situation that ex-
ists." The commission promises that the
names of those making replies will not be
made public if so desired.
Under the resolution setting up the spe-
cial commission, a report is to be made to
the General Assembly of 1941. The ap-
pointment of the commission was based up-
on the statements and warnings of Atty.-
Gen. James R. Morford that the blue laws
were being violated every Sunday and that
unless the State Legislature took action the
police agencies should presume that the Leg-
islature had no desire of modifying or re-
pealing the old laws and that the strict en-
forcement should follow.
Magicians Protest Showing
Of Trade Secrets in Film
The Society of American Magicians has
protested to Murray Silverstone, chief execu-
tive of United Artists, the "exposure" of
trade secrets of "another branch of show
business — the magicians," in Walter Wan-
ger's "Eternally Yours."
The organization's wire, which has been
referred by Mr. Silverstone to Mr. Wanger,
points out that Hardeen, one of its members,
is performing one of the tricks exposed in
the film in the current "Hellzapoppin."
U.S. Ready for
1 939 Census of
Film Business
Preparations for the 1939 census of amuse-
ments as part of the Government's census
of general business, have been completed
and the machinery is being set up for the
collection of the data, to begin on January
2nd next, it was disclosed this week by of-
ficials of the United States Census Bureau
at Washington.
Armed with copies of a schedule which
has been prepared for the amusement and
service industries, canvassers of the bureau
next January will visit approximately 50,000
places of amusement, including motion pic-
tures, to collect information which, when
analyzed, will provide a comparison of em-
ployment, box office receipts and other data
compiled in the previous censuses of thea-
tres, covering 1929, 1933 and 1935.
The schedule prepared for the theatre in-
dustry provides for registration of the name
of the establishment, name of owner and his
race, in the case of individuals (white, Negro,
other) ; location of the theatre and home, office
or business address of the owner ; the type of
organization (whether individual proprietorship,
partnership, corporation or other) ; date of es-
tablishment of the business and date of acquisi-
tion or establishment under present ownership ;
total number of theatres owned by the proprietor
or organization, and seating capacity.
In addition, the schedule will show total ad-
mission collections for the year and, separately,
the total amount of amusement taxes included
in the admissions, which were collected directly
from customers and paid directly to any local,
state or Federal taxing agency.
In dealing with unemployment, the Census
Bureau will inquire as to the number of pro-
prietors and firm members devoting the major
portion of their time to the business, whether
or not paid a regular salary ; members of family
of proprietors or firm members (wives, hus-
bands, children, etc.) who are regularly work-
ing in the business, full-time or part-time, but
who are paid no stipulated wage or salary ;
paid proprietors and firm members, whether
active in the business or not, who are paid a
regular salary, and amount of latter for 1939 ;
total payroll for the year ; amount paid full-
time and amount paid part-time employees,
separately ; number of paid employees on pay-
roll for period nearest the 15th of each month
through the year; and, separately, number of
males and employees, full-time or part-time, on
payroll for one period in October.
It was stressed by bureau officials that the
1939 census will be a complete canvass of the
theatre industry, and it was pointed out that
all business men in the lines covered are re-
quired by law to furnish the information.
It is estimated that four to five months will
be required for the collection of information
in the field, and that the basic facts can be
made available sometime during 1940. Details
of the theatre survey, however, are not ex-
pected to be published before 1941.
The same Act of Congress that requires the
report also makes it unlawful for the Census
Bureau to disclose any facts obtained, including
names or identity, from the reports. Only
sworn census employees at Washington will
see the statements. Data collected will be
used solely for preparing statistical information
concerning the nation's population, resources
and business activities and progress under this
Administration, and according to provisions
for the census, the reports cannot be used for
purposes of taxation, regulation or investigation.
Ths business census was taken first in 1930.
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
57
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
ATLAS IN NEW RKO PLAN,
CHANCE IN SALES STAFF
Week of October 7
CAPITOL
Football Thrills MGM
A-haunting We Will Go. . . . Universal
Feature: The Women MGM
CRITERION
Birth of the Movies Alliance
Three Minute Fuse Vitaphone
Feature: $1,000 a Touch-
doiin Paramount
MUSIC HALL
Bill of Rights Vi+aphone
March of Time, No. 2 RKO Radio
Morocco Columbia
Feature: Intermezzo, a Love
Story United Artists
PARAMOUNT
Popular Science, No. I . . . . Paramount
Breaking the News Paramount
Public Hobby, No. I Paramount
Feature: Honeymoon in Bali Paramount
RIALTO
Farmyard Symphony RKO Radio
Feature: All Quiet on the
Western Front (reissue) . . Universal
RIVOLI
Gun Play RKO Radio
The Pointer RKO Radio
Feature: The Real G/orj) ... United Artists
ROXY
Clocking the Jockeys 20th Cent.-Fox
The Watchdog 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: Eternally Yours. . . . United Artists
STRAND
Ice Frolic Vi+aphone
Detouring America Vitaphone
Vote Trouble Vitaphone
Feature: Bust Be My Destiny F\r%\ National
Clark Getts Announces
A Hollywood Invasion
Clark H. Getts, New York agent and rep-
resentative of numerous "names," current-
ly on the coast in behalf of Osa Johnson
and her Columbia production, has estab-
lished a western office at the Roosevelt in
Hollywood, to deal in picture personages and
projects. For some years he has operated
from the Waldorf in New York presenting
General Hugh Johnson, Osa Johnson, Dale
Carnegie, J. P. McEvoy, Walter Hampden,
Conrad Nagel, Rupert Hughes and others.
He was manager for the Osa Johnson ex-
pedition to Africa which made background
material for "Stanley and Livingstone." He
was formerly on the staff of the Artists
Service for National Broadcasting Company.
Mr. Getts' clients received big fees : for
instance, Eleanor Roosevelt, at $1,250 per
booking; and Osa Johnson, at $1,000 per
booking, and percentage.
E. C. Beatty, president of the W. S. But-
terfield Theatres, Inc., announced that the
new Garden theatre in Flint, Mich., was
opened on October 5th.
Franklyn Warner's series of features,
for RKO release, will be in Cosmocolor.
Levy Resigns; A. W. Smith East-
ern Sales Manager, Mochrie
in South, McEvoy in Midwest
The Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation
this week effected sweeping changes in the
executive personnel of its film sales division,
eliminating the post of general sales mana-
ger following the resignation of Jules Levy,
appointing A. W. Smith as eastern sales
manager and Robert E. Mochrie in the
south, and transferring Edward L. McEvoy
from the east to midwest, consolidating field
divisions and otherwise realigning branch
and other sales managers.
Meanwhile, the Atlas Corporation, leader
in reorganizing RKO, disclosed through the
film company's home office in New York that
it is making plans for a new proposal in
underwriting new stock, revising its orig-
inal intentions to take in European war fac-
tors.
When Judge William Bondy in federal
court in New York on Wednesday termed
the proceedings "interminable" and insisted
on immediate progress, the while adjourning
the hearing to November 1st, Richard Jones
of Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett, Atlas
counsel intimated the new stock writing plan
may be ready by that time.
With RKO 12 Years
Jules Levy had served RKO in various posi-
tions for 12 years. His first position in the
organization was general manager of the RKO
Theatres' film booking department. In this
capacity he was in charge of buying and book-
ing for the circuit. Seven years ago he was
made general sales manager of RKO Radio
Pictures and directed the selling organization
in the United States and Canada. Mr. Levy
was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1896. He
has been in the motion picture industry for
more than 25 years and became one of the best
known and liked executives in the business. His
first connection with motion pictures was as a
film salesman for Universal. Soon he became
one of the sales executives where he was first
associated with Mr. Depinet. Later Mr. Levy
joined First National Pictures where he re-
mained three years. Still later he was a spe-
cial representative for United Artists.
A. W. Smith as new RKO eastern sales man-
ager will have charge of the eastern half of the
United States, with supervision over the New
York, Albany, Boston, Buffalo, New Haven,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
Washington, Detroit, Indianapolis, Calgary,
Montreal, St. John, Toronto, Vancouver and
Winnipeg branches. Mr. Smith succeeds E. L.
McEvoy who will soon take charge of a division
including the Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis
and Cincinnati branches with his headquarters
at Cleveland. Cresson E. Smith continues as
western and southern sales manager.
Mr. Smith has served many years in the
industry. In 1914 he was a salesman for Pathe
Exchange, Inc., and covered the lower East
Side of New York. He has previously been
associated with Mr. Depinet at First National
Pictures, where he was sales manager and later
at Warner Bros., where his position was eastern
general sales manager. Most recently Mr.
Smith was general sales manager for United
Artists.
One Southern Division
With the appointment of Robert E. Mochrie
as southern district manager RKO consolidates
the south into one division and Mr. Mochrie
will be in charge of offices formerly supervised
by Hubert Lyons and Sol Sachs. His terri-
tory will be the Atlanta, Charlotte, New Or-
leans, Memphis, Dallas and Oklahoma branches.
.A.tlanta will be the headquarters. Mr. Moch-
rie was first associated with Mr. Depinet when
he was Philadelphia manager for RKO Pathe.
Later he was branch manager for Warners at
the same city and assistant to "Andy" Smith
when the latter was eastern general sales mana-
ger for Warner Bros. Mr. Mochrie's most
recent position was southern district manager
for United Artists.
Hubert Lyons will take charge of the Atlanta
branch and Sol Sachs will head the Dallas
office. J. B. Brecheen, recently branch mana-
ger in Atlanta returns to his former position
as head of the Charlotte office. N. J. Colqu-
houn, recently branch manager at Charlotte, is
attached to the Atlanta Sales staff. C. W.
"Ching" Allen, who has been Dallas manager,
will be given another appointment when Mr.
Sachs takes over that office. J. H. Maclntyre,
Nat Levy and Leo M. Devaney continue in
their respective district managers' positions
under A. W. Smith, in addition to Mr. Mc-
Evoy. In addition to Mr. Mochrie, Walter
Branson, L. E. Goldhammer and Harry Cohen
continue as district managers under Cresson
Smith. Harry J. Michalson remains in his
position as manager of short subject sales.
Mr. Depinet said these changes complete the
realignment of the company's sales organization.
New Underwriting Plan
At the same time Atlas Corporation was
preparing a new RKO underwriting plan. The
Atlas Corporation, headed by Floyd Odium,
has a new proposal to underwrite the offering
of common stock to unsecured creditors under
the plan of reorganization of RKO which has
been approved by the Court. This action was
revealed in a letter by Mr. Odium in answer
to an inquiry from the Irving Trust Company.
Mr. Odium wrote :
"You have made inquiry as to the present
disposition of Atlas Corporation toward under-
writing an offering of common stock to unse-
cured creditors under the plan of reorganiza-
tion of RKO.
"As you know, our August underwriting
proposal expired because its terms had not
been approved within the time stated in the
offering and was not renewed only because
war had intervened and brought into play new
factors. I have since been studying the situa-
tion in the light of the new conditions to deter-
mine upon fair terms of a new underwriting
proposal. The plan of reorganization calls for
the raising of $1,500,000 for reorganization
expenses and working capital needs of the par-
ent company only as it was believed that RKO
Radio Pictures, Inc., and the various theatre
subsidiaries have sufficient capital for their own
requirements. I see no reason to change this
view."
Leo Ros+en Lectures
Leo Rosten, director of the Motion Pic-
ture Research Project, Hollywood, speaks
on Thursday evening at the New School for
Social Research in New York City. This
lecture is part of a fifteen weeks course on
Propaganda and the Measurement of Public
Opinion, under the general direction of
Harold D. Lasswell. Mr. Rosten wrote,
under the name Leonard Q. Ross, "The
Education of H*y*m*a*n* K*a*p*l*a*n."
SIMPLIFIED ACCOUNTING
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Name
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SPEC3AL SECTIONS FOR
ALL OPERATING DATA
Holiday and Date Record
Film Clearance Chart
Insurance Record
Equipment Purchase Record
Fixed Expense Apportionment
Income (Ticket Numbers, Prices,
Cash, Taxes, Costs of Features,
Shorts)
Payroll and Check Record, Bank
Record, Social Security Tax De-
ductions by Individual and com-
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Profit & Loss, weekly and cumu-
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Summary Sheet
Contract Record for each ex-
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October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
59
MANAGERS
ROUND TABLE
<^n international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
OP.
IT'S NOSTALGIA
Just got a letter from an old member who has been out of
showbuslness for a spell and is homesick to get back. Doing all
right from what he writes but can't get used to the slow pace
of the job. Claims things don't move as fast as they do arou nd
the theatre. Misses the quick tempo, the changing background,
the need for split-second thinking to tiein with whatever hap-
pens to be red hot at the moment.
There's something in that, a part of what folks term the
fascination of the showbuslness. Keeps a man's beano working
in high, always angling around for boxoffice honey. And
there is honey to be had for chain-lightning minds that func-
tion best when moving fastest — Charlie Wlnchell's Minnesota.
Amusement ad crew, for Instance, as reported here by
Ev Seibel.
Notified on a Tuesday morn that the Paramount Poland war
pictures would arrive within a few hours, the boys stepped
on it fast enough to land the news In the afternoon editions,
followed by a "break" In the morning sheet. Topping all fhat
was a screening for one of the dailies that led to a full back-
page layout the next day of shots taken from the newsreel,
with generous theatre credits spread all over it.
That's typical of how the boys turn on the heat when the
call is for more steam. That also goes for Al hiamilton's
cerebral calisthenics last week at the Empress in South Nor-
walk, Conn. Seems there was an election, with the Mayor up
for another term. Figuring His Honor a good bet, Hamilton
fortified himself in advance by shooting pictures of the city
head and family at home. As soon as voting results were
determined, with the Mayor reelected, Al spliced his shots
and announcement Into the regular newsreel. It stopped the
show.
The local daily, in front-paging the exploitation, said the
manager had "again proved his right to the distinction of
being one of Norwalk's best showmen".
Among the national events we'll know of from now on is
American Newsboys Week, called to the attention of this desk
by Floyd Nutting. The manager of the Paramount in Grand
Forks, N. Dak., knew enough of the occasion to date in "News-
boys Home" for that period. His fast-thinking got him a page-
one picture and story on a newspaper tiein wherein the daily's
carriers were guests of the theatre. The advance ran for three
days and did more than a little to sell the attraction.
Theatremen absorbed in the quick-change panorama of their
operations will sympathize readily with the discontented brother
who yearns for the smoke of the firing line. For your showman
Is a restless bird of a breed that thrives only on action and
the faster it comes the better. That the same action comes
fastest where he Is may be an important reason why men with
savvy enough to land high in other lines prefer the heartaches
and headaches of showbuslness to the more placid waters of
merchandising.
AAA
ON GETTING AHEAD
To be listed with the week's happier Items Is the recent pro-
motion of Round Tabler H. A. Doman from manager of the
Harris-DuBoIs In DuBoIs, Pa., to the post of district supervisor.
Doman, as readers are aware, is a valuable and not infrequent
contributor to these pages. Congratulations are distinctly In
order.
Since an Increasing number of active members are being
chosen for bigger jobs, it occurs that a study of promotions
reported here In general would reveal a higher percentage of
Round Tablers over non-members. In fact, this department
might be tempted to wager a bottle of "coke" against a cookie
to support the opinion.
AAA
That issue of M-G-M's campaign service devoted to the
comprehensive tielns made In the field on "Wizard of Oz,"
indicates two things. The first, is the mine of promotional
possibilities in the hands of those who recognize exploitation
pay-ore. The second, is the continuing job of work being
done by Billy Ferguson and his exploiteer forces In cooperat-
ing so efficiently on M-G-M datlngs.
60
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
Round
Table
n Pictures
The risibilities of the patrons of the Rivoli Theatre in
Hastings, Neb., were tickled recently by Orville Rennie's
lobby sctpiece on "Bachelor Mother". Suspended fro?n
cutouts of the stars teas a line of diapers, each of rvhich
carried picture title.
Reproduced below is the lobby set piece used by
Manager Artie Cohn at the Warner Roosevelt in Phila-
delphia, one of "Skip" Weshner's zone houses. Display
located over lobby fishpond, indirectly lighted, focused
the desired attention on the theatre-man's message on
his forthcoming attractions. To be noted is Art's "Wel-
come Home" plaque.
Above, Great States City Manager Ed Crabtree presents wire to one of
10 lucky Danville, III., girls in connection with exploitation on "The
Women" at the Fischer. Large book was planted in lobby to obtain signa-
tures of local girls to be sent to "The Women" cast. Three principal stars
selected names and ivired invite to show. . . . Crediting James Garrity and
Carl Rotman with idea and execution, Dave Martin reports foyer display on
"Frontier Marshal" featuring miniature Arizona town which drew plenty of
comments at the Faramotmt in Hollywood.
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS
ROUND TABLE
61
Large rtibberneck sugar barrels with l-foot extensions
added and fiat top containing four peepholes was the street
A-"- zfc^ by Walh Caldwell to sell "The Women" at
Loew's Valentine, Toledo. Painted brightly, barrels were
striped with "For Men Only"; discs one-third down read
"You'll howl at . . . ", etc., etc.
Mounted atop truck was the replica of "Union Pacific"
engine and cab which toured the streets of Cavite in the
Philippine Islands as advance on that picture's opening at the
Perla Theatre. Mrs. Felisa Rojas, owner and manager of the
house, credits her advertising staff with the idea and execu-
tion. For further attention, natives dressed accordingly rode
in car and alongside as it wended its way about town.
For the reissue of "All Quiet on the Western Front" at the Albany
Theatre in Albany, Manager Ed Selette planted sandbags, machine
guns, shells and other war paraphernalia out front. In addition, ban-
nered sound truck was used ahead and diiring run.
iM FROM
Arranged by Manager Paul Townsend and assistant, D. L. Daven-
port, was the old home week for "Vm from Missouri" at the Warner
in Oklahoma City. Entire staff, dressed as Burns relatives, greeted all
patrons with "Hi, neighbor" and other farmerish expressions.
Reproduced above is part of the 50th Anniversary of motion pic-
tures display planted by Loetv's publicist. Milt Harris in the Terminal
Tower Concourse. Sponsored by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce,
the exhibit included representation from the various producers.
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
Cowen Broadsides
SOUTH AMERICAN BALLY. Voted one of the most spectacular exploitations put on
recently in Buenos Aires was the locomotive promoted by Suillermo Fox, Paramount's
director of publicity and advertising in Argentina for the "Union Pacific" date. Float
which toured all parts of the city for several weeks ahead was continuously surrounded
by curious crowds.
Complete Radio Coverage
Accorded DiPesa's Campaigns
Newspaper coverage for "On Borrowed
Time" at Loew's State in Boston as ar-
ranged by Publicist Joe DiPesa included ad-
vance screening for critics which landed
extra stories and art breaks, classified ad
contest, special on "Be on Time to see Bor-
rowed Time" story in all papers and co-
operative ads with theatre and playdate
plugs. Spot announcements were landed on
WEEI, WORL and a special quiz program
on WORL.
For "Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever,"
Postal Telegraph used flyers for office to
office distribution, heart shaped passes were
also distributed as were wallpaper sheets
with gag copy. A special song guessing
contest was held over WHDH, movie quiz
on WNEX and a Hollywood contest over
WORL. Through tieup with taxi fleet, cab
bumpers were bannered, and for street bally,
Mickey Rooney double, dressed in admiral's
outfit, covered downtown area.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Shaffer Crashes Fair
With "'Oz" Street Bally
Since the annual Staunton, Va., Fair
opened day and date with Frank ShalTer's
engagement of "Wizard of Oz" at the Dixie
Theatre, the theatreman sent ten boys out
on bannered bikes to cover the Fair grounds
selling the attraction. Through courtesy of
book publishers, Shaffer received sufficient
material for displays in two leading book
stores; local music shops also cooperated
by devoting displays to hit tunes.
Organist at leading hotel featured songs
from the picture week ahead, and local
orchestra gave the numbers mention at regu-
lar dances at country club. Heralds were
distributed house-to-house and stuffed in
Sunday edition of the Washington Post,
gratis copies of Life containing pictureplugs
were placed in beauty parlors week ahead
and numerous window displays were landed.
LaFalce Inaugurates
Sheridan Fan Club
Reported by Frank LaFalce, Warners'
Washington zone ad head was the unique
movie star fan club which came into ex-
istence last week when 75 local girls, all with
red hair, formed the "Ann Sheridan Red
Headed Fan Club." The organization meet-
ing was highlighted by a personal appear-
ance, in the Capital for stage appearances at
Warner Earle by the star herself.
The club was sponsored by the theatre
and Radio Station WJSV, Washington out-
let of the Columbia chain. Newspaper
stories and spot radio announcements ac-
quainted the girls with the plans for forming
the club. Officers were elected and further
organization plans made, to be put into ef-
fect at an early meeting in the home of the
president.
LOCAL, STATE POLICE
GUARD ''PEACE" PRINT
There tvas front page to-do in the
Cheyenne, Wyo., press regarding "The
Fight for Peace" anti-war film re-
leased by Monogram, dated at the
Paramount Theatre. According to the
local press, it seems there was a move-
ment on foot to destroy the film,
ivhich brought elaborate safeguards
from the local and state police. The
latter met the print at the state line
and rushed it to the Cheyenne jail
where it tvas closely guarded. Further
boxoffice interest was heightened by
the report that the picture had been
smuggled out of Europe, which Man-
ager Paul Smith saw no reason to deny.
(N. B. When queried as to the
source of all the advance excitement,
Lou Lifton, Monogram publicity chief,
was smilingly non-commital.)
Geste ' 'Campaign
at Rural Patrons
Since the boxoffice returns indicate goodly
reception from the surrounding farm coun-
try on action pictures. Manager Wally
Cowen, aimed his campaign on "Beau
Geste" at the Princess, in Modesto, Cal., at
the out-of-town trade through a strong bill-
board, window, radio and herald campaign
in addition to newspaper buildup. With this
in mind, spot announcements were used liber-
ally on the radio especially on a morning
farm program for four days ahead, and also
a popular "Man-On-the-Streets" broadcast
was promoted for the benefit of the date,
questions being asked regarding the picture.
A sustained 24-sheet showing was planted
on highways leading into town, window
cards and heralds distributed widely in com-
munities within 20 miles, heralds also dis-
tributed in all nearby tourist camps. The
theatre's monthly program, a printing of
over 17,000, was mailed and distributed in
a 40-mile radius.
Shooting Script Planted in Lobby
At the theatre, a shooting script of the
picture, obtained from Paramount, was dis-
played two weeks ahead, Cowen i-eporting
this one of the best attractors he has used
recently. Front, built by the art shop,
emphasized compo-board background, paint-
ed to resemble the desert and oasis on which
were mounted cutouts of the stars. Large
cutout carried title across arch. Atop
marquee was mounted head of Gary Cooper,
taken from 24-sheet and floodlighted at night
with title immediately below.
Further attention was called to the date
in the other local units of the Redwood The-
atres by trailers and announcements from
the stage. Slides were also used at the
other three houses a week ahead. For this,
Cowen acknowledges the cooperation of
Managers Jules Laurent, M. D. McCon-
nell and William Rae at the Strand, State
and Lyric theatres, respectively.
Main reason for the out-of-the-ordinary
campaign according to the Round Tabler
was that the unsettled weather that delayed
harvesting the week previous to the open-
ing led him to believe that the farm folk
would have more time to get in to see the
picture. The extra attendance from the
drawing area, he reports, convinces him that
the angle adopted was profitable.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Contest Aids on "Music"
With one of the outstanding scenes in
"They Shall Have Music" concerning itself
with a lad and his dog, Manager Frank
Murphy at Loew's State, in Syracuse, con-
tacted the Post Standard on a contest slant
to help sell the date. Cash and theatre ticket
prizes were offered to readers submitting the
best dog stories. In addition to winners'
names being published in the paper, some
of the stories were featured. For his lobby
display. Murphy promoted an array of pups
which he reports proved a traffic-stopper.
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
63
PICNICS AND PARTIES
SET FOR HALLOWE'EN
Paramount Tiein
For ''Star Maker'
Used by Hensler
The Oldsmobile tieins made available by
Paramount on "The Star Maker" were
used effectively by Manager Lew Hensler,
and his assistant, Bob Pilcher, at Schine's
Ben AH, in Lexington, Ky., for the date.
A 1907 Oldsmobile secured from the fac-
tory through the local agency proved to be
the top crowd-stopper.
Car was placarded and driven through
downtown section three days ahead with
public address system used in addition to
large cards on sides and rear. Driver was
dressed in a duster similar to the Crosby
getup in the picture and girl accompanying
him was also dressed in clothes of the same
period. Special tieup records and hits from
the picture were played during the day with
spot announcements of the title, cast and
theatre. With the Central Trades Council
staging a huge parade locally with prizes
for decorated vehicles, Hensler entered the
car to represent the theatre, the bally
awarded first prize. Street bally also in-
cluded a bannered truck with pit pianist
playing hit tunes as car drove through
downtown sections, stopping at intervals to
entertain crowds.
Radio Tieup Secured
Coverage was obtained in the main busi-
ness streets with a number of colorful win-
dow displays in music stores, florists, fur
shop, etc., all of which also carried counter
displays. Radio coverage featured tieup
through use of Crosby records and spot
announcements to the effect that records
heard were from the picture. Records
promoted from local dealer. Front, spe-
cially constructed by the art shop, featured
ornate giant setpiece on side of boxoffice,
concealed record playing the picture's hit
tunes.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
MPPDA Distributes
Book Week Posters
Four color 22 by 30 posters exploiting
Children's Book Week, November 12 to
18, are being distributed by the Motion
Picture Producers and Distributors Associa-
tion to libraries and by book publishers to
their dealers. Because many of its top fea-
tures are based on popular books, RKO
Radio pictures are displayed exclusively.
These include "Abe Lincoln of Illinois,"
"Little Orvie," "Ivanhoe," "Allegheny
Frontier," "Deerslayer," "Swiss Family
Robinson," "Anne of Windy Poplars," "The
Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Tom
Brown's School Days."
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Issues Football Schedules
Vest pocket in size and printed on bright
yellow stock were the local football schedules
printed up by Manager Ed McBride at
Loew's State in Providence, R. L, and dis-
tributed in that area. Front carried theatre
plug, inside spread the schedule and back
cover was entirely devoted to the 1939-40
movie schedule of forthcoming attractions.
Costume and Games Contests
On Stage to Be Featured;
Midnite Spook Show Favored
The traditional last October day celebra-
tion looms up just a few weeks ahead with
preparations for a big time in those situa-
tions where Hallowe'en is something to cele-
brate. As usual, there will be the costume
parties and games, midnight spook shows
and special kid performances, with Paul
Binstock the first to report what he has
set for the doings at the Warner Lyric, in
Hartford, Conn.
Binstock is switching his date to the Sat-
urday matinee before the 28th, when he is
putting on a costume contest to be followed
by what he terms an "Old Fashioned Pic-
nic" with all prizes and suchlike promoted
from cooperating merchants. Each child at-
tending will receive a bag of cookies and a
book. In addition, winners of games will
take down boxes of candy, footballs and
skates. Prize donors are mentioned in lobby
advertising for the event.
The costume contest on stage will be
judged by audience applause for those
dressed in most appropriate holiday outfits.
There will be three prizes for boys, as many
for girls. Binstock will follow this with his
"Picnic" to embrace the traditional contests
for which children selected from the audi-
ence will participate. For boys, there are
to be apple ducking and pie eating ; for
girls, milk bottle drinking and balloon blow-
ing. As in all audience-participating parties
staged by Binstock, he will act as the master
of ceremonies to keep the party rolling.
Kid Contests Listed
The most popular of the stage gags, in-
cluding those listed by the Warner-man, are
as follows :
Balloons: About 10 children, all ages,
lined up with hands behind back. Balloon
placed in each contestant's mouth and one
bursting balloon first in blowing it up wins.
Apple Ducking: Large tub, filled with
water. Several large stemless apples placed
in water. About five children, hands tied
behind backs, on knees, behind tub, facing
audience. Apples must be removed from
water with teeth, without aid of hands.
Pie Eating: Ten boys in line facing audi-
ence behind long table on which is placed
juicy berry pies, about half-size, one to each
contestant. Pies are consumed without aid
of hands.
Milk Drinking : Filled nursing milk bot-
tles with regulation nipple for each contes-
tant, prize to one drinking milk quickest. It
is advised that care be taken so all contes-
tants start at the same time.
Cracker Eating: Each contestant is given
small unopened box of crackers. First one
to open box, consume all crackers, and
whistle "Turkey In the Straw" is winner.
Shoe Contest : Two classes, boys and girls.
Contestants, lined up, remove shoes which
are placed in barrel and thoroughly mixed,
then dumped in pile on stage. All contes-
tants run to pile at one time. Winner is
the first one putting on one shoe or both,
properly laced.
The midnight spook show is another fa-
vorite device. Among the masters of this
form of entertainment is Les Pollock, Roches-
ter Loew-man, who each year has something
different to entice the customers. Among
Pollock's stand-bys have been dancing spook
acts, goblin faces cutout of cardboard, and
painted, bodies of thicknesses of Cheesecloth
covering boys who support the faces and
sway to spooky music. Another slant was a
string of cutout cats slowly drawn across
stage on a pulley in green light. Above was
dangling skeleton at end of long pole swing-
ing out over audience. Magician, in devil
costume, was another attractor, as were
ghosts rising from trick coffins.
School Cooperation Stressed
Tiein with city heads to preserve the peace
on Hallowe'en is also to be kept in mind.
Theatremen utilizing this cooperation have
had pledges distributed to schools, principals
having pupils signing and pledging them-
selves not to damage property. Ted Emer-
son's "Honor Party" follows along these
lines. Children who cooperate to keep
things in order are guests at theatre or at-
tend special Hallowe'en price show. The
safe-and-sane slant here is not neglected,
many direct tieups with the city police being
made in this direction.
Decorations for front and lobby are us-
ually colorful but need not be expensive since
many of the holiday accessories may be ob-
tained in the dime stores. Last year. Pol-
lock had usherettes in costume out front
serving free home made apple cider to pas-
sersby as a buildup for the show.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Aims at Kids on "Old Glory"
Concentrating on his kid patronage for the
Merrie Melodie cartoon, "Old Glory." Man-
ager Hadden Matthew at the 69th Street
Theatre, in Philadelphia, distributed small
imprinted cards selling the attraction and
attached to which were miniature American
flag pins. Backs of cards carried the Pledge
of Allegiance. In addition, letters were sent
to the heads of the American Legion, Vet-
erans of Foreign Wars, Boy and Girl Scout
organizations, and others calling attention
to the nature of the film. .
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Creates Animated Lobby
Gene Stutenroth at the Sun Theatre, in
Brooklyn and well-known in these pages
for his unusual lobby displays, for his date
on "Union Pacific" constructed a full-scale
reproduction of an old style U. P. locomo-
tive which was stationed in his lobby point-
ing its nose out through the main entrance
doors like an engine coming out of a round-
house. Theatreman also went in for sound
effects with steam, a whistle, bell for the
doorman to control with long cord and a
headlight which flashed on and off with
sharp beam of a spotlight to attract passers-
by.
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
THE SIXTH-AND LAST
As the Awards now swing into the final Quarter of the year, here are set down
the names and locations of the 39 entrants uho took down the 37 Fortnighters
awarded in the Sixth, and last, Preliminary period of the Third Quarter. The current
wnviers in the majority represent thcatremen who have been active in the Competi-
tions during previous Fortnights. The number compares favorably with the high
totals maintained during the past three months.
WALLY ALLEN
Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.
JACK BANNAN
Van Wert, Van Wert, O.
RAY BELL
Loew's, V/ashington, D. C.
HARRY BOTWICK
State, Portland, Me.
LIGE BRIEN
Prince, Ambridge, Pa.
JOHN BURHORN
Lex, Chicago, III.
WALLY CALDWELL
Loew's Valentine, Toledo, O.
LOUIS CHARNINSKY
Capitol, Dallas, Tex.
MARLOWE CONNER
Rhodes, Chicago, III.
WALLY COWEN
Princess, Modesto, Cai.
MOON CORKER
Palace, Athens, Ga.
ELMER DANIELS
Capitol, Worcester, Mass.
JIM DARBY
Norwalk, Norwalk, Conn.
JOE Dl PESA
Loew's, Boston, Mass.
J. E. EBERSBERGER
Rex, Sheboygan, Wis.
JIM ESHELMAN
Huron, Huron, S. D.
DOROTHY FLUKES
Warners', Sydney, Australia
HERB GRAEFE
Badger, Merrill, Wis.
AL HAMILTON
Empress, Norwalk, Conn.
LEW HENSLER
BOB PILCHER
Ben Ali, Lexington, Ky.
GEORGE IRWIN
Lyceum, Duluth, Minn.
A. J. KALBERER
Indiana, Washington, Ind.
GUS LAMPE
Keith's, Syracuse, N. Y.
ED LAMOUREUX
Empire, Windsor, Ont.
AL LIPPE
Loew's State, Newark, N. J.
PAT McGEE
Paramount, Syracuse, N. Y.
JIM MAORIS
Diana, Medina, N. Y.
ED MILLER
MANNY PEARLSTEIN
Hippodrome, Cleveland, O.
GLENN NELSON
Harris, Findlay, O.
PAT NOTARO
Columbus, Sharon, Pa.
FLOYD NUTTING
Paramount, Grank Forks, N. D.
BARNES PERDUE
Lyceum, Clovis, N. M.
CARMON PHILLIPS
Lea, Eunice, N. M.
MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
LOUIS A. SHAEFER
Paramount, New Haven, Conn.
CHARLES B. TAYLOR
Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.
J. R. WHEELER
Lex, Chicago, III.
With the above listing included, over 200 entrants selected for Fortnight Appoint-
ments during the Third Quarter, now completed, are eligible for consideration in the
voting for the Quarter-Master Plaques, Medals ajtd Certificates, to be decided shortly.
Conclusions of the Judging Committee, as soon as resjdts are knoxvn, will be an-
nounced in an early issue.
"What Is a Bachelor Mother?"
Arouses Citywide Curiosity
Keynoting his entire campaign around the
query "What is a Bachelor ]\Iother?" tor
his date on that attraction at the Palace,
Canton, Ohio, Manager R. W. Russell,
found a lot of interest in a newspaper con-
test based on the query, some 500 readers
taking part. Guest tickets were offered
for cleverest answers. Buildup was aided
by special window cards occupied with the
query and large question mark plus contest
copy. Radio was also employed a week
ahead.
Outstanding was the unique teaser co-op
ad tiein as illustrated in the ad page to
right. Five merchants took part, each pub-
licized on two following days as illustrated.
On first day. theatre copy addressed to ad-
vertiser posed a question regarding the baby
in question, signed by Bachelor ]SIother.
Following day, the advertiser, on the same
page, replied in kind. This continued for
10 consecutive days, with underline in regu-
lar theatre ad calling attention to the page
on which the series was published.
Week ahead, string of lettered diapers
was hung through the fo3-er and on opening
day, the arraj' was suspended on clothes line
by clothes pins around the marquee. Pro-
moted bab}" buggies were also placed out
front and free admissions ottered to the
first 25 mothers (bachelor or otherwise) in
line at the opening. Topper of the gag
was that those accepting offer had to bring
the "proof."
Let's Hear From You!
Short Gets Car Card Space
Tying in the RKO Pathe Sportscope
"Gun Play" with Field and Stream brought
about valuable car card space devoted to
tlie current short. Cards will be displayed
on several New England railroad lines for
a month. Copy on these requests passengers
to inquire at theatres when-"Gun Play" will
have a run. There is further copy devoted
to the Sportscope, its content and data on
where to obtain a copy of the complete game
laws for the United States and Canada for
1939-40.
The'lVhafslVhaf
About Display Ads
On the Next Page
(l-4j. Four of the five sets of teaser type
co-op ads, forwarded by Manager R. W.
Russell, to sell "Bachelor Mother" at the
Palace, Canton, Ohio, and described in de-
tail elsewhere in this page. Campaign ran
for 10 days ahead, each series running two
days. In every instance, theatre ad was ad-
dressed to particular store, with store an-
s\yering day following. Ads ran on same
page in each issue, the minimum space re-
quired and used generally being 40 lines
on 2 columns. Since the entire campaign
was conceived to sharpen curiosity regard-
ing the title, the co-op tiein was shaped to
the same purpose.
V
(5). Another series of teasers, all hand-
drawn, to sell the stark drama of "Black-
mail" at the ^Midwest, Oklahoma City,
Spence Pierce, manager, and reported here
by Pat Patchen, Standard Theatres ad head,
with a bow to head artist, Basil. Starting
]\Ionday ahead of the Friday opening, ads
running from one to two column kicked up
a lot of additional interest. Displays repro-
duced here are 70 on two and 65 on one.
V
(^0). Hooking on to the success of the
original silent version was the purpose of
this 140 lines on 3 columns, for "Beau
Geste" at the Omaha, Omaha, by Ted Emer-
son. Tri-States Nebraska zone ad head, and
artist, Lou Kozal. Layout was one of a
group aimed to sell the title over the stars,
the outline title letters carried throughout
and the three "brothers" given equal copy
and art attention, as emphasized atop at
top.
V
(7). Adapted from a layout in Motion
Picture Herald, reports Russ ]\IcKibbin,
was this 30 lines on 2 columns, used vari-
ously to further his institutional drive on
l)ehalf of the Royal, in Guelph, Canada.
Follow-up copy to tiein the ad cut ran :
"He says Fall time is Movie Time and he
enjoys the comfortable seats at the Royal
so much better." Entire campaign plugged
coming September attractions.
(8) To give his newsreels authority- in
depicting actual war happenings was the
reason for the 105 lines on 2 columns, by
E. E. Bair, for the Valentine, Defiance,
Ohio. The pointed emphasis on propa-
ganda followed the thought as did the Presi-
dent's quote.
V
(9) To get away from the routine Tay-
lor-Lamarr clinches in selling "Lady of the
Tropics," the Oscar Doob-Ernie Emerling
home ofiice Loew ad forces conceived this
new approach to sell the atmosphere of the
picture in a light, readable manner. That
it awakened a desire to see the attraction
while bringing a smile to the reader is indi-
cated in the better business done by the
Loew dates using this angle. Display shown
here is one used in Newark and Jersey City.
Size: 160 lines on 2 columns.
October 14, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
65
REPRESENTATIVE NEWSPAPER ADS
TO PARIS BROS. BABY SHOP
Dear Mr. Paris :
My has left me vith the
baby and as Ytfi is not yet house
broken I am afraid to talce him
anyplace for fear he rill not iolnd
hlB P's and Q's. What aan I do to
keep him socially aeoep,table?
r. S. FI^SB AV-
1 awn OB Thb SAM£
) FA08 ID ToBMiTow.
1
T> n. MADELINE BEAUTY SHOl
DEAR UADELIN£:
The weather has been so
hot I simply must get away
for a few days. However, my
baby's hair Is such a mess
she Is not even presentable. What
can you suggest lo help a worried
To The FINNEY DRUG CO.
Dear Mr. Finney:
The ?ast day or so with the weather
I so terrlby hot I have noticed a
, decided change in my baby. He has no
K appetite and Is also running a slight
, temperature. 'What can you suggest
\to help a worried mother?
\ r 9 Please answer
9 some page
WIRZELER BROS.
MARKET
ARCADE
DEAR MR. WMZELER:
^My baby is losing weight and I have^
/ noticed a deoided change In his
I appetite whloh concerns me very
/ aiuch. A friend of mine, who's baby
was striolcen similarly, told me you
I helped her.
Awhat can you possibly suggest to
r help a very worried .
PA1.ACE— FpIDAT
r.MAY Bf ..
BLOWN TO
KIHGDOMCOME
....BUT
yoU'Rf GOlNCr
^WIT-HMF/
519 MARKET AVE N
uUI Sav« jouriiK ei
• TOUT (rlrn0j.T55oI ani olhfr "6»6)
or htbr (rrodi 1
PARIS BROS
1940 s Fin* BIG mr/
BROTHERS IN ARMS
BROTHERS IN LOVE
BROTHERS IN COORAGEI
Tomorrou//
^OEAR BACHELOR MOTHER:*'^^«
In anster to your inquiry in yesterday'?
paper both you and the baby should look
your best. . flay we suggest Our Latest
Type Machineless Vacuum Permanent Wave
for you and a Curly Top Permanent for
the dear baby . . One month. 6 months or
5 years, all babies receive My Personal
attention . . No appointment necessary
, . . Come in tomorrow. M^-deline.
'DEAR BACHELOR MOTHER : = ^
In reply to your query in yester-
day's paper 1 earnestly suggest you
taXe the bab^ immediately to your
family physician and then come to
Finney's, where there ere 5 reg-
istered pharmacists, and gel your
prescription filled.
FINNEY'S
Canton's Original Cut Rate Drug Store
DEAR
n reply to your query in yesterday's paper, for
/ aocnthiDg, to help your baby's appetite, you may
rent aamred we hatfo the exact item you are
lookiAg for. Not only wfll BEECH NUT BABY
FOODS supply your baby with the proper vita-
mins that will restore bis lost weight, they wiU
also create an ai*?etite because they ate easy t
dlgtst. You need not worry any longer, just stop
m and Stock up with BEECH NUT BABY
FOODS which include carrots, prunes, green
beans, spinach, apricots, peas, and vegetable
WINZELER BROS.
IRCtOE MKT.
lASY
..TO A
smm
TIM£
ONA
CHAIN
&AN&/
MILirON DOLLAR LESS
DEFINITION OF
PROPAGANDA
"PROPAGANDA -. -.- AS GENERALLY
UNDERSTOOD IS EXPRESSION OF OPIN-
ION OR ACTION BY INDIVIDUALS OR
CROUPS WITH REFERENCE TO PRE-
OETERMINED ENDS."
We are fooled by propaganda because
it appeal* to our emotioni rather than
to our reasonl
"THINK
THINGS
THROUGH!"
F. D. R.
FOLLOW THE
NEWS REELS!
Confirm what you rea4 and hear I
valeittiite
ToWmhamii
YOUR love-life is none of our
business, BUT take a friendly
tip: Take the boy friend (or friends)
to see HEDY LAMARR in "LADY of
the TROPICS" ot LOEW'SI
Don't be afraid of the competition.
Hedy makes all men feet romantic
. . . mokes *em better husbands and
more attentive sweethearts!
Try a Hedy treatment on YOUR mant
This old world has gotten too for
away from love ond romance. Let
Hedy and Bob Taylor put rose-
colored glasses on that prosaic pet
of yours I
Alfoger/ier, girlt ! We want
r-o-m-a-n-t-e! We want Hedy. fBoys
join the chorutt)
TOMORROW
ROBERT
TAY LOR
HEDY
LAMARR
in Metro- Gddwyn-Mayer's
'LADY OF
THE TROPICS'
-BEHIND PRISON GATES'
BRIAN DONLEVV • JACQUELINE WELLS
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
MORE FORTNICHTERS
Fingerprinting Outfit in Lobby
Set Up by Irwin for "Each Dawn"
Entire linger printing apparatus with at-
tendants were furnished gratis by the local
police department to George Irwin at the
Lyceum, in Duluth, as part of his advance
on "Each Dawn I Die." While the records
were being made up, girls on hand plugged
the picture, cast, etc. Entire outfit was sur-
rounded by displays and scene stills. Com-
plete newspaper coverage was garnered on
the stunt.
x\lso secured by Irwin was a plug on the
daily "Man on the Street" program spon-
sored by local station, book tieups were ef-
fected, special displays constructed for
lobby and leading restaurants cooperated by
use of menu and imprinted napkins.
Numerous Feature Stories Landed
By Rosenthal for "Underpup"
The local dailies of Bridgeport, Conn.,
were generous with their human interest
stories on little Gloria Jean, as part of the
advance publicity garnered by Round Tabler
Morris Rosenthal for his opening of "The
Underpup" at the Majestic Theatre. Times-
Star further cooperated through its classi-
fied ad page through the offer of guest
tickets to the picture to the first 20 placing
an ad in the paper, contest running for sev-
eral days ahead. Street parade of kids was
held, led off by children carrying street-
wide banner with cast, title and playdates.
For his bally, Rosenthal used two kids
dressed in evening clothes leading a small
purp whose sides were bannered with title.
Storewide Tieup Helps Tully
Exploit "Wizard of Oz" Date
Leading department store in Biddeford,
Maine, cooperated with Round Tabler Ralph
Tully at the Central Theatre, in putting over
his "Wizard of Oz" engagement b}^ devoting
three full windows to toys, books and other
novelties tied directly to the picture. Empty
store windows were also promoted for ad-
vertising purposes. Special 40 by 60 blow-
ups telling the story of the production with
stills, book jackets and cutout figures were
strategically spotted, cooperating stores tied
in with counter cards selling the date and
chain druggist came through with fountain
signs in addition to featuring an "Oz" sun-
dae and imprinting their luncheon menus.
Local Car Agency Cooperates
With Steffy on "Star Maker"
Well-rounded campaign was accorded
"The Star Maker" at the State, in Minne-
apolis through the efforts of Manager Frank
Steffy, aided by Ev Seibel and George
Sharp. Through cooperation of local Olds
agency, blowups of the Saturday Evening
Post's two-page tieup ad were placed in
dealer's windows surrounded by stills, one
sheets and other accessories. Loud speakers
were also set up in front of showrooms over
which records from the picture interspersed
with plugs were broadcast. '
Arrangements were made for four ban-
nered cars to tour Fair Grounds opening
day; copies of picture-imprinted sheet music
on "School Days" were distributed through
dealers and for street bally, male quartette
was planted atop bannered Olds truck sing-
ing hit tunes from picture as it toured the
city. Additional feature included the boys
singing old-time request numbers.
Radio Sponsor Drannatizes
"Confessions of Nazi Spy"
Crashing the program of a previously im-
penetrable sponsor so far as picture publicity
was concerned, Dorothy Flukes, handling
the exploitation for Warner's in Sydney,
Australia, prevailed upon the management
to broadcast excerpts from "Confessions of
a Nazi Spy," with teasers a week ahead of
the date and newspaper ads. The drama-
tized, four-episode extract proved so suc-
cessful that the sponsor went further and
got behind the series in every spot where
the picture played throughout Australasia,
in each instance picking the radio time four
consecutive days ahead of opening.
When It's Hot, He Wants It Cool
And Vice Versa; That's Soriero
One recent day in Los Angeles, folks
must certainly have agreed that the weather
was a bit "unusual" for despite the fact that
the thermometer was hovering around 100,
the front of the United Artists Theatre was
banked high with snow piles. Check re-
vealed it to be the nefarious work of Man-
ager Tom Soriero, who in an attempt to
sell "Frontier Marshal" and his cooling
plant transported the snow to the land of
sunshine. For the further amazement of
passersby, lad dressed in racoon coat pulled
sled on which girl in ski outfit was seated.
Soriero reports the stunt created more than
anticipated comment, in addition to bringing
them into the theatre to see the show.
Fall Fashion Show Put On
By Wander In Three-Way Tiein
Through the eft'orts of Clint Wander at
Loew's and United Artists Broad Theatre,
in Columbus, Ohio, a fall fashion style show
was held on stage which was a three-way
tiein with the Ohio State Journal and the
Columbus Citizen. A parade of models from
cooperating store displayed "what's new"
for fall and winter with commentator inter-
spersing sales talk with forthcoming picture
plugs. Merchants tying in plugged the show
in their ads and store wide, cooperating
newspaper contributing feature stories with
art work, fashion editors devoting columns
to the show ahead and night of event.
45-Day Current and Advance Publicity
Landed by Grimes on Whiteman Personal
Reported as a complete sell-out was the
two-day personal appearance engagement of
Paul Whiteman at the Wa.-ner Theatre, in
Erie, Penna., according to Manager Ken
Grimes, who got behind an extensive pub-
licity campaign for the maestro. Practically
every day for a month ahead of his arrival,
the local dailies carried either stories and/or
art work planted by the theatreman. On day
of arrival two-column front page stories
were spotted, together with pictures of
Whiteman taken at the station where he was
greeted by local prominents.
Warner Pictures Plugged
In National Dairy Tieup
Under an arrangement just completed by
Warner Brothers, the National Dairy Com-
pany and Kraft Cheese will cooperate in ex-
ploiting four big forthcoming releases with
a total of 30,000 retail dealers participating
in the campaigns.
Pictures to be plugged will be "On Your
Toes"; "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex" ; "The Roaring Twenties" and "A
Child is Born." Posters and streamers will
be used by the retailers of both outfits to aid
in the campaign and National Dairy will
place paper collars on its milk bottles.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Merchant Tiein
Aids "Fifth Avenue"
Manager Geoi'ge Bole of the Golden Gate
Theatre, in San Francisco, tied in w^ith local
furniture company for "Fifth Avenue Girl"
on window displays whereby shoppers, were
told to "Give your room that Fifth Avenue
look." Stills and other accessories were
used profusely. Another swank note in the
campaign was two 24-sheet art displays
placed in the outer lobby for two weeks prior
to opening. Leading department store de-
voted a full window to three of the costumes
worn in the production by Ginger Rogers.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Taylor Promotes Full Page
On "Indianapolis Speedway"
Guest tickets and an eye-catching photo
of the Ooomph Girl as she appeared in
"Indianapolis Speedway" enabled Charles B.
Taylor, Buffalo Theatres, Inc., Buffalo,
N. Y., to promote a fullpage beauty ad in the
Times. The ad, incidentally, broke during
Beauty Week in Buffalo, a stunt promoted
by the local hairdressers and beauty shops,
and the picture was given prominent men-
tion on the page ad.
Reported as the first time in local his-
tory, Taylor further promoted a full page in
the roto section for the short, "The Movies
March On." Layout included theatre credit
at top of page.
MALES GET ''BREAK"
ON ''WOMEN" TIEIN
To sell the picture to men, Carter
Barron luorked out a couple of snap-
pers for "The Women" at Loew's
'Palace, Washington, with Ray Bell,
the first being an all-male jury se-
lected by applications to the local
News on tiein which ran three days
ahead. Jury viewed picture on open-
ing night and individual opinions were
published. Verdict was unanimous
that attraction was "not for women
only".
Second appeal to the sterner sex
ivas a midnight Leap Year show for
the premiere carried by the Times-
Herald. Women were supposed to
treat their menfolk to tickets, with
no males allowed in line at the box-
office. The idea clicked to capacity,
although town is not partial to mid-
night screenings.
O c t o b e
19 3 9
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
67
^ 1^ s o n A
liti
GLENN FRANKE
is now the assistant manager of the Marie-
mont Theatre, in Mariemont, Ohio.
V
FRIORE MORESCO
is rebuilding the Academy, in Wappinger
Falls, N. Y.
V
LEO JUSTIN
has reopened the Jersey, in Morristo\vn,
N. J.
V
E. A. PETERSON
has taken over the Plaza, Greenfield, Mo.,
from A. J. SMMONS.
V
LENIE AMATO
is managing the new Burke Theatre, in
Burke, Idaho.
V
GEORGE SAMPSON
is managing the Esquire, in Grosse Pointe,
]\Iich.
V
JAMES SABELLA
is managing the Palace, in Twin Rocks,
Penna.
V
DONALD KUHN
replaces ROY MILLER, resigned, as man-
ager of the Palms-State, in Detroit. Other
United Detroit theatres changes include
DOW THOMPSON shifted from the Var-
sity to the Riviera; HYMAN BLOOM
from the Annex to the Varsity; GIL
GREEN from the Regent to the Annex and
FRANK PERRY, assistant at United Art-
ists, promoted to manager of the Regent.
V
RON HARRINGTON
is back at the Orpheum, in Portland, Ore-
V
MAYNARD MEYERS
will manage the new Tazewell, Washing-
ton, 111.
V
C. L. FASKIN
has purchased the Royal Theatre, in Cash-
mere, Wash.
V
CHARLES PINCUS
manager of the Centre Theatre, in Salt Lake
City, Utah, has left that spot to reopen the
Paramount there for the Intermountain The-
atres. CLARE WOODS succeeds Pincus.
V
RUSSELL MORIARTY
has succeeded EDWARD DOLAN, re-
signed, as assistant manager of the Loew-
Plaza in Worcester, Mass.
V
DAVE FINEMAN
of the Regent Theatre, in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
dropped in to get acquainted.
V
FRANCIS VICKERS
has been promoted from assistant manager
of the Capitol, in Austin, Texas, to manager
of the new Austin.
V
STAN BARR
manager of the Colonial Theatre, in Nor-
folk, Va., paid Managers' Round Table his
annual visit.
On September 25, Hazel Rush to
Ken Prickett at the home of the bride's
parents in Channte, Kan. Groom^ is
the city manager for the Dickinson
Theatres, in junction City, Kan.
F. H. HATHAWAY
has acquired the Community, in Canfield,
Ohio, and reopened it.
V
TOM LONG
publicity director of the Palace, Youngs-
town, Ohio, has been made manager of the
Palace, succeeding HENRY SOMMERS,
resigned.
Birthday
Greetings
James S. Ackron
Archie H. Adams, Jr.
Al Beckerich
Curtis B. Bell
Paul Bins+ock
Oscar A. Brotman
John A. Buckley
Clifford R. Buechel
Robert B. Busch
Howard Busey
Michael J. Carroll
Gus J. Catamas
M. H. Chakeres
Herbert A. Chenoweth
Gus H. Coats
Orville W. Crouch
Charles D. Crowley
Raymond L. Daniels
James E. Darby
Abe Dermer
Robert Dunnuck
Moe Farber
Jack Fineman
Robert Goldstein
Robert F. Griffith
Kenneth A. Grimes
Henry G.Hall
Dave Harris
Edward V. Harris
William F.G. Hatch
Lorenz Heller
Sidney C. Hoffman
Earle S. Home
John W. Howe
Howard S. Hunt
Paul M. Johancen
Jack Kaplan
Samuel W. Kendall
Al J. Klokkevold
Don L. Knapp
Erwin Koenigsreiter
William Kohler
Harold Lucas
Emmett H. Lyons
Thomas A. Mangan
Frank Mangham
Henry F. Meyer
Victor F. Morelli
Carl H. Mott
Mack Oringer
Ernest L. Outlaw
Howard Pettengil!
Charles G. Pickett
Duke Prince
Arthur A. Quinn
Bruce Royal
J. A. Sanders
Norman Schwartz
Raleigh W. Sharrock
Joseph Sirkin
Bill Smith
Clarence A. Smith
Cresson E. Smith, Jr.
Curby A. Smith
W. Clyde Smith
Herman Starr
Ben Stern
Rader S. Stewart
John W. Terry
G. N. Turner
Paul A. Volkman
W. S. Lew Waid
George E. Walsh
Lawrence Walter
Fred Weimar
Abe Weinstein
A. DON ALLEN
manager of the Des Moines, in Des Moines,
goes to the Omaha to manage the Omaha,
succeeding EDDIE FORESTER, resigned.
Other Tri-States changes are: HARRY
HOLDSBERG, manager of the Paramount,
Des Moines, succeeds Allen; EDDIE
DUNN, formerly at the Strand, Waterloo,
and ROBERT LEONARD, formerly at the
Garden, now takes over the Hiland. TONY
ABROMOVITCH, assistant at the Strand,
succeeds Leonard at the Garden. DALE
McFARLAND of the Capitol, Davenport,
la., will be city manager, continuing to mari-
age the Capitol and having supervision over
the Time and Garden there. RICHARD
STODDARD, former manager of the Gar-
den, Davenport, goes into the Time, with
FRANCIS GILLON, former assistant at
the Capitol, promoted to manager of the
Garden. HERBERT GROVE, manager of
the Fort in Rock Island, 111., has been pro-
moted to city manager. BORGE IVERSEN,
former manager of the Spencer, will man-
age the Esquire and CARL NOACK, for-
mer assistant at the Fort, will be manager
of the Spencer.
V
AL BECKERICH
goes from the Palace, Jamestown, to man-
age the Haven, in Olean, N. Y. Other
Warner changes include, L. N. WEST-
FALL from the Haven to the Keeney, El-
mira; WILLIAM LEGGIERO, Keeney,
Elmira, to the Steuben, in Hornell.
MARCEL B RAZEE
has been shifted from the Avalon to the
Parthenon, in Hammond, Ind. Other War-
iier changes as announced bv James A. Cos-
ton, include, MARLOWE CONNER from
the Rhodes to the Avalon; ERIC ERIC-
SON from the Ogden to the Rhodes ;
JOHN FIELD, from the Ogden to the
Grove; RAY KENNY to the Cosmo.
HARRY MINTZ, who was manager of the
Parthenon in Hammond, resigned to join the
Butterfield circuit, he \\\\\ be located in
Saginaw, Mich.
V
JOSEPH MAZER
assistant manager of the Princess Theatre,
in Philadelphia, has been promoted to man-
ager of the Family.
V
ED BOWEN
of Mayville, Wis., has leased the Slinger
Theatre in Slinger, Wis.
V
W. B. BRASWELL
has purchased the Star Theatre, in Savan-
nah, Ga., from W. S. SCOTT.
V
JACK LA REAUX
has been shifted to the Huntington Theatre,
at Huntington, L. I. Other Century Circuit
changes include E. FRIEDMAN to the
Globe, Freeport; E. FREIBERGER to the
Fantasy, in Rockville Center : FRED
BRUNELLE to the Queens, Queens village ;
WALTER SMITH to the Bliss, Long Is-
land City; LEONARD FREUND to the
Kingsway in Brooklvn; WILLIAM AP-
PLEGATE, JR., to the Patio in Brooklyn
and R. TRETLER to the Marine, Brooklyn.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
IN COURTS
RKO Loses Appeal of
Rent Case Decision
The appellate division of the New York
supreme court this week affirmed a lower
court order directing the RKO circuit to
open all books and records of the circuit
for the past 10 years to H. & S. Sonn, Inc.,
landlord of the RKO theatre in White
Plains, N. Y.
Sonn is suing RKO for $200,000 claimed
due in back rent on the house, charging
fraud in the padding of expense records of
the theatre in order to show smaller profits
than were made by the house. Under the
terms of the original rental contract, the
landlord was entitled in rent to 50 per cent
of the theatre's profits.
Sunday Pilnns Illegal,
Georgia Court Rules
The Georgia court of appeals this week ruled
that operation of motion picture theatres on
Sundays is a violation of the state's blue laws
even though the theatres are operated for spe-
cific charities. The decision held that operation
of theatres is detached enterprise and therefore
separate from the charitable enterprise whose
acts would be exempted from Sunday, laws.
Southern Theatres, Inc., operators of the
Avondale theatre, of Avondale Estates, had ap-
pealed a decision of November 4, 1938, finding
the circuit and individuals guilty of violating
the Sabbath laws by operating the theatre on
Sunday.
Final Briefs Forwarded
In ASCAP Nebraska Case
Final briefs and findings in the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers'
attack on the constitutionality of Nebraska's
law to ban the society from the state were for-
warded to the federal court at Lincoln this week
by Schwartz & Frohlich, ASCAP counsel.
A decision in the case, which was tried be-
fore a three-judge federal statutory court re-
cently, is expected in two of three weeks. It
will be the first federal court ruling on the
constitutionality of an anti-ASCAP law.
Dismiss Phelan Appeal
The Ontario court of appeals has dismissed
the appeal by H. W. Phelan, Toronto, from the
judgment of the lower court in dismissing his
damage suit against Famous Players Canadian
Corporation charging fraud and misrepresenta-
tion in the exchange of shares for those of
Paramount-Publix, New York, more than nine
years ago. Mr. Phelan placed his loss at $4,500
in his statement of claim.
File Film Title Suit
A suit seeking $25,000 damages was filed in
New York supreme court this week against
Universal Pictures Company by Stage and
Screen Productions, Inc. At the same time the
plaintifl: filed notice that it will apply on Octo-
ber 18th for an order directing Nathan Blum-
berg, Universal president, to appear for exami-
nation before trial. The suit involves use of the
title, "Inside Information."
Suit Is Dismissed
A suit for brokerage fees amounting to $4,350
claimed owed to M. & L. Hess, Inc., real estate
broker, by Newsreel Theatres, Inc., was dis-
missed this week in New York supreme court.
The plaintiff had brought suit contending that
it had secured a site for a theatre for the de-
fendant at 34th Street, New York.
MGMClaimsVz'
Beat Others in
25 Suhsequents
Leaving the key city runs for subseqiient
run cities and towns in the field, "The
Wizard of Oz," according to Metro-Gold-
wyn-Mayer in New York, is running ahead,
in box office returns, of some of the com-
pany's top-grossers of recent months, among
them : "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," Andy Hardy
pictures, "Boys' Town," "Too TTot to
Handle," "Sweethearts," "Idiot's Delight."
Twanty-five "typical" "Oz" exhibitions se-
lected by MGM's home office compare with
grosses of other big films as follows :
Reno, Nev. — "Wizard" ran even with "Boys Town,"
beat "Chips" by 27%, "Idiot's Delight" by 47%, and
topped "Too Hot to Handle," "Out West with the
Hardys" and "Sweethearts."
Winfield, Kan. — even with "Boys Town" and
"Sweethearts," topped "Too Hot" by 28%, "Out West"
by 33%, "Idiot's Dehght" ' by 53%, "Hardys Ride
High" by 20%.
Springfield, III.— beat "Chips" by 51%, "Too Hot" by
27%, "Out West" by 28%.
San Diego, Cal. — even with "Boys Town" and
"Sweethearts," topped "Hardys Ride High" by 89%,
"Chips" by 15%.
Grand Rapids, Mich. — ran ahead of "Boys Town,"
topped "Too Hot" by 38%. "Sweethearts" by 20%,
"Chips" by 61%, "Hardys Ride HigTT" by 30%.
Asheville, N. C— beat "Boys Town" bv 38%, "Too
Hot" by 20%, "Out West" by 123%, "Chips" by
54%, and topped "Sweethearts."
Hendersonville, N. C. — ran 52% ahead of "Boys
Town," topped "Too Hot" by 101%, "Sweethearts"
by 88%, "Out West" by 164%.
Willimantic, Conn. — led "Boys Town" by 39%. "Too
Hot" by 29%, "Sweethearts" by 30%, "Idiot's De-
light" by 59%, "Chips" by 32%.
Charleston. W. Va. — topped "Boys Town" and
"Sweethearts" by 10%, "Chips" by 42%, "Idiot's De-
light" by 28%.
Stroudsburg, Pa. — beat "Boys Town" by 19%. "Too
Hot" by 26%, "Sweethearts" by 20%-. "Out West" by
71%. and ran ahead of "Chins."
Kingston, N. Y. — topped "Boys Town" and "Chips"
by 10%, "Too Hot" by 22%. "Out West" by 17%.
Morristown, N. J. — topped "Boys Town" by 27%,
"Too Hot" by 2A%, "Out West" by 30%, "Idiot's
D'elight" bv 62%.
Glens Falls, N. Y.— beat "Sweethearts" by 267o.
"Too Hot" by 20%, "Out West" bv 34%, "Chips"
by 35%.
Concord, N. H. — topped "Bovs Town" by 6%.
"Too Hot" by 24%, "Idiot's Delight" by 75%, "Out
West" by 10%.
Rockland, Me.— beat "Boys Town" bv 27%, "Too
Hot" bv 56%, "Out West" by 85%, "Hardys Ride"
by 94%, "Chips" by 2}%.
Salem, Ore. — even with "Boys Town," beat "Too
Hot," ran ahead of "Sweethearts" by 15%, "Idiot's
Delight" by 92%, "Chips" by 59%, "Hardys Ride"
by 60%.
Eau Claire, Wise. — beat "Sweethearts," topped "Too
Hot" by 30%, "Out West" by 71%, "Hardys Ride"
by 53%, "Chips" by 15%.
Boise. Idaho — beat "Hardvs Ride" by 116%, "Boys
Town" by 47%, "Chips" by 52%, "Out West" by
44%.
Great Falls. Mont.— beat "Chips" by 59%, "Out
West" by 82%, "Sweethearts" by 21%, "Hardys Ride"
by 108%.
Tacoma, Wash. — led "Boys Town," beat "Idiot's
Delight" by 47%, "Sweethearts" by 28%, "Chips" by
93%, "Too Hot" by 24%.
Meridian, Miss.— beat "Boys Town" by 20%, led
"Too Hot," topped "Idiot's Delight" by 45%.
Texarkana, Tex.— beat "Boys Town" by 14%, "Too
Hot" by 20%, "Idiot's Delight" by 30%.
Chattanooga, Tenn. — led "Boys Town" by 10%,
"Hardys Ride" by 22%, "Chips" by 20%.
Augusta, Ga. — led "Boys 'Town" and "Idiot's De-
light."
Denison, Tex. — topped "Boys Town," led "Too Hot
by 40%, "Hardys Ride" by 25%, "Idiot's Delight"
by 100%.
McAlester, Okla.— topped "Too Hot," beat "Hardys
Ride" by 10%, 'Idiot's Delight" by 50%.
Laredo, Tex.— ran ahead of "Boys Town" by 16%,
"Hardys Ride" by 30%, "Chips" by 8%.
Signs of an early easing or even elimination of
Quebec's ban on children's attendance at the-
atres are seen in Montreal with the first relaxa-
tion of the law in over a decade. Provincial
authorities this week abrogated the 11 -year old
ruling for one week in order that children of
Montreal might see "The Wizard of Oz" show-
ing at Loew's here. They were admitted with
adults.
OBITUARIES
Fay Templeton, Musical
Connedy Star, Dies at 74
Fay Templeton, favorite of the musical
comedy stage at the turn of the century, died
in San Francisco October 3rd at the home
of a cousin. She was 74. Born in Little
Rock, Ark., Miss Templeton made her stage
debut at three and had leading roles while
still in her 'teens. In 1905, she reached what
many held was the crowning point of her
career — the role of "Mary" in George M.
Cohan's "Forty-five Minutes from Broad-
way."
The following year Miss Templeton an-
nounced her retirement, but continued to
reappear on the Broadway stage in musical
comedies, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and
vaudeville and in 1933 at the age of 68 she
appeared in the title role in the Jerome Kern
musical comedy "Roberta."
Hays Pays Tribute to
Laemnnle at Services
Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Pic-
ture Producers and Distributors of America,
delivered an eulogy Friday night at the memor-
ial services for the late Carl Laemmle held at
the West End Synagogue, New York, and at-
tended by many industry leaders. He said:
"Carl Laemmle inspired affection and had men's
admiration and respect. In his nobility of char-
acter, in the kindness of his heart, in his great
capacity for friendship, he exemplified the true
universal brotherhood of man."
In Chicago Sunday, tribute was paid the film
pioneer over a coast-to-coast National Broad-
casting Company memorial broadcast. Rabbi
Louis Mann, Captain Julius Klein, formerly as-
sistant to Mr. Laemmle ; Jack Kirsch, president
of Allied Theatres of Illinois, representing Gov-
ernor Henry Horner, and Judge Joseph Sabbath
spoke briefly. Mr. Kirsch, read the Governor's
message, which paid tribute to Mr. Laemmle's
memory and spoke of him as a man who "rose
from obscurity and poverty to riches and power,
in his chosen field."
Walter G. Hartford
Walter G. Hartford, 82, exhibitor, died in
New Haven, Conn., October 5th. He had op-
erated the Casino in Providence years ago and
later opened the Imperial in Pawtucket, R. I.
Walter Hayner
Walter Hayner, 47, general sales manager for
Regal Films, in Canada, distributor for Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer and Monogram pictures, died in
Toronto October 7th. Mr. Hayner, who went
to the Dominion 15 years ago, held executive
posts with several companies in Europe at one
time. He had also served as manager of the
Washington office for the old Goldwyn com-
pany. His body was taken to New York for
interment.
Boris Schukin
Boris Vassilievitch Schukin, 45, known for
his portrayals of the role of Lenin in plays
and motion pictures, died in Moscow, October
7th. He portrayed Lenin in the films, "Lenin in
October" and "Lenin 1918."
George Gaul
George Gaul, 54, actor on the legitimate stage,
died in Philadelphia October 6th.
Stephen Braun
Stephen Braun, 76, president of the Ottumwa
Theatres, Inc., died in St. Paul, Minn., October
5th.
October 14. 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this week's Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abe Lincoln In Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventurer, The, 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Com.-Mel MGM
Adventures of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising, 006, Mel RKO
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
All Women Have Secrets, Mel Para
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona Kid, The, West Rep
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Com 20th-Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Com GN
B
Babes in Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Back Door to Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Bad Little Angel, Com MGM
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, 3902, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Betrayal, Mel Foreign
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre, Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, 5, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Blue Bird, The, 025, Com 20th-Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Cora 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Rat and The Baby, Com WB
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
C
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, 912, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Kildare, 932, Mel MGM
Call on the President, Com.-Mel MGM
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948, Mel 20th- Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com .20th-Fox
Child Is Born, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wild. Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
City. The, Mel 20th-Fox
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Covered Trailer, Com Rep
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Cowboys from Texas, West Rep
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, 3. Com MGM
Danger Flight, 3816, Mel Mono
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com. ..RKO
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion. 3901, Mel Para
Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mel.. . Foreign
Desperate Trails. The, 4058, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, Mel. (C) WB
Double Crime In the Maginot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 3864, West... Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th-Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
East Side of Heaven, Mus.-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel. 20th- Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day. Mel Foreign
Enemy Within, The, Mel WB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Escape to Paradise, Mus RKO
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everybody's Hobby. 376, Com FN
Everything Happens at Night, Mel.. .20th- Fox
Everything's On lee, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, 6, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The, Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RKO
Fighting Mad, West Mono
Fighting 69th, Mel WB
First Kiss. 020. Mel 20th-Fox
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
First World War, 062. Mel 20th-Fox
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces, 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
40 Little Mothers, Mel Foreign
Four Feathers. Mel. (C) UA
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20fh-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel.. GN
G
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gang's All Here. The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Geronimo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Allen Murder Case, Com.-Mel Para
Grand Jury's Secrets. Mel Para
Grapes of Wrath, Mel 20th-Fox
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gun Chores. West Para
Gunga Din, 912, Mel : RKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, 4024, Mus Univ
Heartbeat, Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence,
019. Mel 20th-Fox
He Married His Wife, 023. Mel 20th-Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Cora MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Bay, Mel Univ
Heroes in Blue. Mel Mono
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power Mel Col
High School, Com 20th-Fox
His Girl Friday, Mel Col
Hitler— The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts.
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Home from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West Rep
Honeymoon in Bali, 3904, Com.. Para
Honeymoon's Over, The, 024, Com.-
Mel 20th-Fox
Honolulu, 922, Mus.-Com MGM
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles. 936, Mel.20th-Fox
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of IE39, 925. Com.-Mel MGM
I Killed the Count. Mel Foreign
Illicit Cargo. Mel Col
I'm From Missouri, 3830. Com Para
Incredible Mr. Williams. Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscreticns, Mel Foreign
In N,-)me Only. 936. Mel RKO
In Old Monterey, 847. West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Stcry, 934. Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh. 945. Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh on Vacation, 029,
Mel 20th-Fox
Intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Ciime, Mel GN
Invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel .. .20th- Fox
It's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, 3906, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, Com Rep'
Jones Family In Quick Millions, Com.
20th-Fox
Jones Family in Hollywood, 946, Com.20th-Fox
Juarez, 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmillan. Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son, Com MGM
Just William, Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, 961, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga, the Wild Stallion, Mel Col
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Col
Lady Dick, Mel WB
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel. ..Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Laugh It Off, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West Col
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
Legion of The Lawless. West RKO
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
(Continued on following pane)
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
rrHC i^ELEASE CtiAI2T»INDEX CONT'D]
yContinued from preceding page)
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Old Now Yorlc, Mcl 20th-Fox
Little Princess, Tlie, 932, IMel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid, Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Lost Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron, The, 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other, Mel UA
Mademoiselle Ma Mere. Com Foreign
Magnificent Fraud, The, 3847 Para
Main Street Lawyer. Mel Rep
Maisie, 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The, West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man In the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared, 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers "At the Circus." 8 Com. .MGM
Medicine Show, West Para
Meet Dr. Christian. 005, Mel RKO
Mexican Kid, 3741, West Mono
Mexican Spitfire. Mel RKO
Mickey the Kid, 814, Mel Rep
Midnight, 3828, Mel Para
Mikado. The, 4044, Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Feeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Me! GN
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Moto in Danger Island, 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Com Col
Mr. Wong In Chinatown, 3807. Mel Mono
Mountain Rhythm, 845, West Rep
Murder In Soho, Mel Foreign
Mutiny In the Big House, 3803, Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, 4051. Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty. 536, Mel MGM
My Song of Love. Mel Foreign
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The, 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room. 3037, Mel... Univ
Mystery Plane. 3809. Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives. 810, Com. -Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase.
419, Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter. 324, Mel...WB
Naughty But Nice, 311, Com. -Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die. 3832. Com Para
New Frontier, 868. West Rep
News Is Made at Night, 953. Mel 20th-Fox
Nick Carter. Mel MGM
Night on the Danube, Com. -Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South. Mel Foreign
Night Work. 3849. Com Para
Ninotchka, 7. Mel MGM
No Place to Go, 469. Mel FN
North of Shanghai, Mel Col
North of the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passage, Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, 001, Mel RKO
0
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice add Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Univ
Oklahoma Kid, 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Mail. The. 452. Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com. -Mel MGM
On Your Toes. Mus FN
One Hour to Live, Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown. 3903. Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Opened by Mistake, Com Para
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen. 3850, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters. Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep
Over the Moon. Mel. (C) UA
P
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com 20th-Fox
Panama Lady, 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures, Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Parole Fixer. Mel Para
Patsy, Com ..MGM
Peasant Wedding, Mel. (C) Foreign
Persons In Hiding, 3823, Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Philo Vance Comes Back, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033. Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen. Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass, Mel WB
Pride of the Navy, 822, Mel Rep
Prison Without Bars, Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The.
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980. Com. -Mel MGM
Q
Queen of Destiny. 061, Mel. (C) RKO
R
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles, Mel UA
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Range War, 3954. West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School. Mel St. Rts.
Remember? Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail, 3859. West Para
Reno, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid. Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, Wl-2, West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of Destiny, West Mono
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business. 3029. Mel Univ
Road to Giory. 061. Mel 20th-Fox
Road to Singapore. Mus Para
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Roll. Wagons. Roll. West Mono
RoUin' Westward, 3863, West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods. Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus. -Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
S
Sabotage. 913. Mel Rep
Saga of Death Valley. West Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Sagebrush Trail, West Mono
Saint in London, 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Louis Blues, 3822, Mel Para
St. Martin's Lane. Mel Para
Santa Fe Stampede. 863. West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
School for Husbands, Com. -Mel Foreign
Second Fiddle, 949, Com. -Mel 20th-Fox
Secret of Dr. Kildare, Mel MGM
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin, Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen, Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally, 018. Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830. Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Singing Charro. The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl. The. WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm. WI-19, West ...GN
6.000 Enemies. 938. Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring, Mel FN
S.O.S.-Tidal Wave, 813, Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho. 855, West Rep
Spellbinder. The, 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker, The. 3851. Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life, 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The,
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle. The.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Stranger from Texas, The, West Col
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street of Missing Women. Mel Col.
Street Without a Name. Mel Foreign
Streets of New York. 3802. Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire. Mel MGM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814. Mel Mono
Sudden Money. 3829, Com. -Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie, 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets. Mel Univ.
Sunset. West RKO
Sunset Trail. 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties. 954, Com.- Mel.
20th- Fox
Swanee River, 017, Mus. (C) 20th -Fox
Sweepstake Winner. Com FN
Swiss Family Robinson, Mel RKO
T
Tail Spin. 925. Mel 20th-FOx
Taming of the West, West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Test Driver. Mel Univ
Texas Stampede, West Col
Texas Wildcats. West St. Rts.
That's Right You're Wrong. Oil, Mus, ..RKO
They All Come Out, 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948, Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040, Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Shall Have Music, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus.-Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004. Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat. 4, Mel MGM
Timber, Mel WB
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016. Com 20th-Fox
Torchy Blane in Chinatown, 371, Mel FN
Torchy Playj with Dynamite, 326, Mel WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Univ
Trapped Id the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble in Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds, West St. Rtt.
12 Crowded Hours, 917, Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-Fox
Two Bright Boys. 4017. Mel Univ
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U
U-Boat 29, Mel Col
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under-Pup, The 4010, Mel Univ
Unexpected Father. 3008, Con Univ
Union Paclflo, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed. Mel. (C) Para
V
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil in the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wagons Westward, West Rep.
Wall Street Cowboy. 857, West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case, Mel 20th-Fox
Washington Cowboy. West Rep
Waterfront. 325, Mel WB
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
Wo Are Not Alone. Mel WB
Western Caravans. West Col
West of Carson City, West Univ
What a Life. 3905. Com Para
What a Man ! Con Foreign
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When the Husband Travels, Mus.-Com. Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com. -Mel. . Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies. Mel Col
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy. 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus-Com 20th-Fex
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Witch Night. Mel Foreign
With a Smile. Mus.-Com Foreign
Within the Law, 928. Mel MGM '
Witness Vanishes. The, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Col
Women, The. I. Com. -Mel MGM
Women Behind Bars, Mel Para
Women in the Wind, 316, Mel WB
Wonder World, Mel GN
World Moves On, The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Y
Years Without Days. Mel ,..WB
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Z
Zenobia, Com uA
Zero Hour, The, 812, Mel Rep
October !4, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
71
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and tliis fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the fwme office fias
estabUsJied the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to cftange according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from tfie
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
.Aug.
.Aug.
.Apr.
.Sept.
Good Girls Go to Paris (G).
(Exploitation: July 29, '39,
COLUMBIA
Title Star Rel.
Behind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells.. July
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry- Rose Stradner May
Blondie Meets the Bos» (G)...P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms. .Mar.
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms .. July
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson..June
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29, '39,
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connollly
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs..
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphe Menjou-Jos. Callela..
.Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June
p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone-Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G)...F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott- Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The (A) B. KarlofT-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox. . . Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh... May
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacgueline Wells Feb.
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Nov. 12,'33.)
North of the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Llna Winters Mar.
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant . Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess . Thos.
Mitchell May
(Exploitation: June 24. '39, p. 75: July 15, '39, p. 62; July 29,'39,
101, 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. 19, '39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Sept.
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27. '39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett • Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar.
Spoilers of the Range Charles Starrett-lrls Meredith Apr.
Texas Stampede Chas. Starrett-Iris Meredith Feb.
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Mereditli. .. .Sept.
Trapped in the Sky (G) Jack Holt- Katherine DeMllli June
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
28, '39 62. Aug. 26,'39
p. 67.)
22,'39
I2,'39
16,'39
15, '39
71.
Apr.
29, '39
74.
Feb.
25,'39
71
July
22,'39
79.
1
Mar.
II, '39
,. 72. Sept.
2,'39
60
62
101 .
Aug.
19, '39
. . 78.
June
24,'39
t 60 ,
May
27,'39
65
66.
Mar.
11, '39
58
69.
Feb.
I8,'39
56
59
65.
Sept.
30.'39
59.
June
24,'39
59
64
25, '39 121. May 20,'39
p. 69; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 100.
p. 57; Sept. 9, '39, pp. 76,
14,'39t
.63.
29,'39 58.
4, '39 59.
23,'39 59
30,'39 67
27,'39 58
9, '39 57
2l.'39t.. .82
1,'39 61. Feb. 18, '39
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
U-Boat 29 (G) C. Veidt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson Oct. 7,'39t 82. Apr. 15,'39t
("Reviewed under the title. "Spy in Black.")
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith ■
Sons of the Pioneers June I5,'39 58
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar. 24, '39 61. Feb. I8,'39
Woman Is the Judge, A (G) ... Frieda Inescort- Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July I0,'39 62. Oct. 7,'39
Coming Attractions
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle OcL 24,'39t
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms. Nov. 2,'39
Fugitive at Large (G) Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis *65.Aug. 5,'39
His Girl Friday C. Grant-R. Russell-R. Bellamy
Illicit Cargo J. Holt-0. Pureell-I. Ware
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
(G) Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains • Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette Oct. 19,'39t. .*I30 Oct. 7, '39
Renegade Law Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
rigan ..Oct. 16,'39t
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers Nov. 2,'39
Street of Missing Women Preston Foster-Ann Dvorak
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Distributed in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) B0I2 Jessie Metthews-Michael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. ir,'38
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pllbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Marker
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26,'39
20,'39 69. Feb, 2S.'39
3I,'39 57
13, '39 57. Feb. 18,'39
GRAND NATIONAL
Title Star
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May
Coming Attractions
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush
Full Speed Ahead
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Atael-L. Talbot.
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
21, '39 85. July I5,'39
9,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
l3,'39t....97.Sept. 23,'39
8,'39t. .. .8I .Sept. 9,'39
26,'39 70. May
27,'39
Title
Adventures of Huckelberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney . Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver - Rex
Ingram Feb. I0,'39 92. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 18, '39, p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29, '39, pp. 74, 75: June 24,'39,
p. 77; July 1,'39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. 12,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug.
p. 86: Sept. 2,'39, pp. 56. 60; Sept. 9,'39, p. 70.)
Babes in Arms (G) Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland-
Charles Winninger- Henry Hull . Oct.
Blackmail (G) 5 Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. Sept.
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May
Broadway Serenade (G) 93 1 . . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
Ian Hunter- Frank Morgan Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 15, '39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr. 28,'39 86. Oct.
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201 . W. Bcery-J. Cooper-1. Rich June 2,'39 86. Apr.
Dancing Co-ed (G) 3 Lana Turner- Richard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t 84. Sept. 23,'39
Fast and Furious (G) 6 Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Oct. 6,'39t 73. Oct. 7,'39
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945. ..Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39. . . . 1 14. May 20,'39
(Exploitation: July 1,'39, p. 59; July 22, '39, p. 80; July 29,'39, p. 67; Aug. 5, '39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. 12, '39, p. 74; Aug. 26/39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39, p. 76.)
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr. 21, '39 81. Apr. 22,'39
(Exploitation: May 20, '39, p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65; June 24,'39, p. 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb. 3,'39 83 . Feb. 4, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25. '39. p. 82: Apr. I5.'39. p. 84: May 6,'39, pp. 61, 64; May I3,"39,
p. 67: June 24,'39, pp. 74, 77; July I, '39, p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22,'39, p. 82;
July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. 12,'39, p. 70; Sept, 23,'39, p. 70.)
7,'39.
13. Apr. 8,'39
I7,'38
29,'39
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
(THE CCLCASC CHACT— CONT'D)
6, '39
l,'39
Running Time
^j„j Star Rel. Date IVIinutes Reviewed
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Orisinal Ice Follies Cast-
Joan Crawford -James Stewart-
Lew Ayres 1«ar. I0,'39 82.l«ar. II, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 29. '39, p. 76; May 20,'39, p. 61; June 10. '39, p. 60.)
It's a Wonderful World (G)
936 James Stewart- Claudette Colbert. .May 19, '39 86. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, The (G) 929. .Dennis O'Keefe- Florence Rice... .Apr. I4,'39 71 .Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug. II, '39 91. Aug. 12, '39
(Exploitation: Oct. 7. '39. p. 64.)
Lei Freedom Ring (G) 926.... N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold - G. Klbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb. 24,'39 87. Feb. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 79; Apr. 29,'39, p. 74; May 27,'39, p. 68.)
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Ley May 5,'39 81. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, |). 67.)
Maisie (A) 940 R- Young-A. Sothern-R. Hussey. .June 23,'39 74. July 1,39
(Exploitation: July l,'39, p. 61: July 8,'39, p. 51; July I5.'39, p. 61; July 22,'39, p. 89;
- 98: Aug. I2,'39. n. 74; Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. 16,'39,
Star
Rel. Date
Aug. 5, '39, p
p. 83.)
4, '39 71 .Aug.
5, '39. . .133. Nov.
5,'39
9,'35
7,'39.
.99. July
,'39
.78, June
16, '39 82. June
19, '39, pp. 67, 70;
12. '39 69. May
I8,'39.. ..80. Aug.
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. Rice-H. Hull Aug.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Tone. ..May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bondi July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9,'39, pp. 75, 76: Sept. I6,'39. p. 85.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar. 3,'39 87. Sept. I0,'38
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, 39, np- 68. 70: Feb. 25.'39, p. 67; Mar. 4,'39. p. 70; Mar. 25,'39,
p. 83; Apr. I,'39, p. 76; Apr. 22,'39. p. 64; May 6.'39, p. 62; May I3,'39, pp. 68, 70;
July 8. '39, p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy. . May 27,'39 115. July 4,'36
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar. 24, '39 83. Mar. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 72; May 6,'39, p. 63; May 20,'39, p. 62;
May 27. '39. p. 65; June 10, '39, p. 59; July B,'39, p. 51.)
6,000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June 9,'39 62. May 27,'39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrillo. . Mar. 31, '39 78. Apr
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter Pidgeon.. .June 30,'39
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939.. J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sullivan June
(Exploitation: July I. '39. p. 49: Aug. 5,'39, pp. 98, 100: Aug,
2,'39, pp. 54, 60; Sept. 23, '39, pp. 68, 70.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May
These Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Louise-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan.. Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 73.)
They All Come Out (G) 943. ..Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July I4,'39 70. July
Thunder Afloat (G) 4 W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept. I5,'39t.
(Exploitation: Sept. 30, '39, pp. 56, 58.)
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar. I7,'39 65. Mar.
Wizard of Oz (G) 949 Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug. 25,'39. . . .101 .Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 26,'39, pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55; Sept. 9, '39, pp. 71, 77
16,39, p. 83; Sept. 23,'39, pp. 66, 73; Sept. 30,'38, p. 61; Oct. 7,'39, pp. 63, 64.)
Women, The (A) I Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. .Sept.
(Exploitation: Sept. 30, '39, p. 57: Oct. 7, '39, pp. 62, 63, 67.)
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Loy - William Powell-
Ruth Hussey- Virginia Grey Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Bad Little Angel Virginia Weidler-Gcne Reynolds . .Oct.
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger • Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Broadway Melody 1940 E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Call on the President, A A. Sothern-W. Gargan-W. Bren-
nan Nov. 17, '39
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Judy Hardy and Son Lewis Stone - Mickey Rooney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Marx Brothers "At the Circus" B.Marx Bros.-F. Rice-K. Baker. .. .Oct. 20,'39t 87
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Nick Carter Waiter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson
Ninotchka 7 G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire. .Nov. 3,'39t...ll0
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
Remember? R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 1 12. Jan. 18,'35
Secret of Dr. Kildare Lionel Barrymore - Lew Ayres -
Laraine Day-Helen Gilbert Nov. I0,'39t
I, '39
4,'39
3.'39
Sept.
I3,'39
I9,'39
8,'39
95. Sept. 23,'39
I8,'39
!2,'39
Sept.
I,'39t.. .134. Sept. 2,'39
24,'39t
27,'39t
MONOGRAM
Title
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Across the Plains (G) 3655 Jack Randall Apr. 30,'39 52. May 27,'39
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankie Darro-Grant Withers May I, '39 61. May I3,'39
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Oct. I,'39t
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell May I8,'39 62. June 24, '39
Fight for Peace, The (A) Sept. 30,'39 63
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movita-Warren Hull Aug. 7,'39 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Purcell Aug. 22, '39 58. Aug. 26, '39
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July 2I,'39 60
.Mar.
.Mar.
29.'39,
.Feb.
Title
Mr. Wong In Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris KarlofT-Marlorle Reynolds. .Aug
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (G)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent-Marjorie Reynolds...
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr.
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall Aug.
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter Aug.
Rollin' Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter Mar.
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull June
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room," June I7,'39.)
Sky Patrol (G) 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone. . .Sept.
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt Feb.
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marlorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman. . Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. July
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter Feb.
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall Mar.
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane. .. .Apr.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 8. '39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...Anr.
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll May
Coming Attractions
Danger Flight J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone
Fighting Mad* lames Newell
Heroes in Blue D. Purccll-B. Hayes-C. Quigley. . Nov.
Mutiny in the Big House 3803. Chas. Bickford- Barton MacLane . . Oct.
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall Oct.
Riders of Destiny (reissue)
(G) John Wayne-Cecilia Parker Oct.
Roll. Wagons, Roll* Tex Ritter Nov.
Sagebrush Trail (reissue) John Wayne Oct.
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
,'39.
.70 July 22,'39
'39 67. Mar. I8,'39
'39 60. Feb. 25,'39
. 72.)
•39 60. Feb. I8,'39
'39 50
39 58. Sept. 9,'39
39 55. Apr. I, '39
•39 61
39 61. Sept. 23,'39
'39 62. Apr. I5,'39
I2,'39.
.73. Apr. 8, '39
l,'39 62, July l,'39
8.'39 53
22,'39 51
5,'39 56
I9,'39 62
18. '39 60 , May 20, '39
Oct. 25,'39.
'39t....
'39
'39
'39 58. Jan. 27,'34
'39
,'39
PARAMOUNT
Title Star
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford...
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) 3902 Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston- Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland..
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard -Heather Angel
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard -Heather Angel
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22, '39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) 390I.Lynne Overman-Susan Paley
Gracie Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods..
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 3904... Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roM-H. Broderick-A. Jones
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George
(Exploitation: May 13,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; Aug.
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. .Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn
Jamaica Inn (A) 3906 Charles Laughton- Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams
(Exploitation: Oct. 7, '39, p. 66.)
King of Chinatown (G) 3827. ..Anna May Wong-A. Tamiroff...
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts
Magnificent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold.
(Exploitation: Aug. 12, '39, pp. 69. 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p.
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more-Mary Astor
(Exploitation: May 27.'39, p. 68; June 3, '39, p. 66; July I,
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye
Night Work (G) 3849 Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles..
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Leif Erikson....
$1,000 a Touchdown (G) 3903. .Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye
Our Leading Citiben (G) 3850. Bob Burns-Susan Hayward
(Exploitation: Sept. 23, '39, p. 66; Sept. 30. '39, p. 61.)
Persons in Hiding (G) 3823... L. Overman- Patricia Morison..
Range War (G) 3954 William Boyd-Russell Hayden.
Renegade Trail 3859 W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 31
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Nolan-D. Lamour-T. Guizar.
(Exploitation: June 17. '39, p. 76.)
Rel.
.Apr.
. Mar.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
, Sept.
. . Feb.
. .June
. . Apr.
. Mar.
.Sept.
21, '39...
10, '39
. .85. Apr.
88, Nov.
I5,'39
26, '38
15,'39t. .
I7,'39. . .
, 1 14. July
, 74, Feb.
22,'39
4.'39
30,'39
57, July
8,'39
I4,'39...
. .55. Apr.
8,'39
3,'39...
..76. Feb.
II, "39
l,'39t..
. ,67. Sept.
2,'39
..June 2,'39 74. May 20,'39
..June 23,'39 68. June 10, '39
..June 23,'39 74. Mar. I8,'39
..Sept. 29,'39t.. ,*95.Sept. I6,'39
..May 12, '39 80. May 13, '39
..Apr. 7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
5,'39, p. 99.)
..June I6,'39... .95. May 13, '39
..July 28,'39 64, Aug. 5, '39
.Oct. I3,'39t 99. May 27, '39
.Mar. 17,'39 57. Mar. 18, '39
.Apr. 28.'39 77. Apr. I5,'39
.July 21, "39... .78. July 22,'39
.July 7,'39 85. June I7,'39
70.)
.Mar. 24,'39 94. Mar. I8,'39
39, p. 58.)
July I4,'39 65. July «,'39
.Apr. I4,'39 82. Mar. Il,'39
.Aug. 4,'39 62. Aug. I2,'3fl
.Feb. 24,'39 76, Feb. I8.'39
.Sept. 22,'39t. .. .73.Sept. 30,'39
.Aug. II, '39 88. Aug. 5,'39
..Feb. I0,'39 70. Jan. 28, '39
.Sept. B,'39t 66. Aug. 5,'39
Aug. I8,'39 58
,'38.)
..Feb. 3,'39 B7.Jan. 28.'39
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Title
Silver on the Saga (G) 3858
(Exploitation: Jan. 7, '39, p.
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837...
(Exploitation: June I0,'39,
Star Walters, Ttie (G) 3851
(Exploitation: Oct. 7. '39.
Stolen Life (A) 3864
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Mar. 31, '39 68. Feb. M,'39
I9,'39 64. May 13, '39
26,'39
Sudden Money (G) 3829
Sunset Trail (G) 3857
This Man In Paris (A) 3865..
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840..
Union Pacific (G) 3835
26.'39 92. Feb.
3I,'39 62. Mar.
24,'39 68. Oct.
18. '39 86. July
9,'39 65. June
(Exploitation: Feb. 18. '39
p. 64; June 3, '39. p. 65
p. 76; July 8.'39, pp. 50,
Unmarried (G) 3838
What a Life (G) 3905
5.'39. .
,'39, p.
. 125. Apr.
73; May
Star
Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes
'. 53.)
Gene Krupa and Orch. -Shirley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel. . . . May
p. 54; June I7,'39, p. 77: Aug. 26, '39, p. 85.)
Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug. 25, '39 94. Aug
P. 65.)
Elisabeth Bergner- Michael Red-
grave May
B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar.
Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.. Feb.
Barry K. Barnes- Valerie Hob-
son Aug.
L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel June
Joel McCrea- Barbara Stanwyck-
Akim Tamiroff- Robt Preston. .May
p. 72; Mar. II. '39. p. 57; Mar. I
June 10. '39, pi). 54, 59, 60; June 17, '39. p. 75; June
51; July 15, '39, p. 61: Aug. ,'39, p. 102.)
Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees May 26,'39 65. May
Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct. 6,'39t. . .*75.Sept
Coming Attractions
All Women Have Secrets J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov. I0,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda-George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamiroff-
John Howard Oct, 27,"39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 20. '39.)
Dr. Cyclops Alber Dekker- Janice Logan Dec. 22,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell . .Jan. I9.'40t
Farmer's Daughter, The Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggles
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones • Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly Jan. '39t
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew. ..Nov. I0,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 15. '39.)
Gun Chores William Boyd-Russell Hayden
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-0. Bradna-R. Young . . Dec. I,'39t
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,'39.)
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb. I6,'40t
Law of the Pampas W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna...Nov. 3,'39t
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupino . . Feb. 9.'40t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard Dec.
Medicine Show William Boyd-Russell Hayden. ., Jan.
Opened by Mistake* C. Ruggles-R. Paige-J. Logan
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter- Frank Craven Nov. 24,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9, '39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan. I2,'40t.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck- Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondi-Eliza-
beth Patterson Jan. 26,'40t.
Road to Singapore* B. Crosby-D. Lamour-B. Hope
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe Nov.
SL Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton- Vivien Leigh. ..Dec.
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. Field-0. Kruger. . . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Television Spy, The William Henry-Judith Barrett. ... Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 5, '39.)
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour- Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patrlcia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff Dec. 29,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Women Behind Bars Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
18, '39
25,'39
22, '38
8. '39
3, '39
29, '39
27,'39,
24. '39.
27,'39
23, '39
8.'39t.
i2,'4at.
I7,'39t.
I5,'39t.
2.'40t.
2,'40t.
.97. Sept. 16, '39
.85. July 9,'38
REPUBLIC
Title
Star
Arizona Kid, The ..Roy Rogers-George Hayes Sept.
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844. ..G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .May
Calling All Marines (G) 912.. D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer. . . .Sept.
Colorado Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe July
Flight at Midnight (G) 911... Col. Roscoo Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong. .Aug.
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang Feb.
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Apr.
Homo on the Prairie (G) 842.. Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Feb.
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane-Beverly Roberts. . Mar.
In Old Callente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes June
In Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes. .Aug.
(Exploitation: Oct. 7, '39, p. 65.)
Kansas Terrors, The 961 3 Mesquiteers-Jacqueline Wells Oct.
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gail Patriek-Edw.
Ellis-Joan Fontaine May
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64. 68; July 15. '39. pp. 60, 66.)
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette Mar.
Mickey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan July
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey ..June
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucille, Russell. . Mar.
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrigan-R. Hatton. . Aug.
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers.. .Apr.
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
29,'39t 61
4,'39 56. May 6,'39
2l,'39t....66.Sept. 9, '39
3 1, '39.
.64. Aug. 5, '39
'39t....«6.Sept. 2,'39
'39 61. Feb. 1 1, '39
'39 58. Feb. 1 1, '39
'39 58. Apr. 15, '39
'39... .65. Feb. 25, '39
'39 57. July 22, '39
'39 73. Aug. I2,'39
'39t 57
,'39 97. Apr. 15, '39
■39 58. Apr. I, '39
'39 65. July I, '39
'39 59. July I, '39
'39 65. Mar. 4,'39
'39 57. Aug. I9,'39
'39 58. Apr. 8.'39
'39 65. Jan. 21. '39
Star
Rel. Date
Title
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar. 13
S.tbotage 913 Chas. Grapewin- Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver Oct. 13,
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Regan-Jean Parker July 12,
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816 Gleasons, James, Lucille, Rus-
sell-Marie Wilson-Tommy
Ryan July 26,
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug. 21,
S.O.S. -Tidal Wave (G) 813. ..Ralph Byrd- Kay Sutton June 2.
(Exploitation: Sept. 30, '39. p. 61.)
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May 19,
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 . Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr. 28,
Three Texas Steers (G) 866. ..Three Mesquitcers-Carole Landis..May 12,
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857 . R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton Sept.
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort- Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb.
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June
Zero Hour. The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May
Coming Attractions
Covered Trailer las.. Lucille & Russell Gleason
Cowboys from Texas* Three Mesquiteers
Jeepers Creepers Weaver Bros. & Elviry - Roy
Rogers
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7. '39.)
Main Street Lawyer* Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Saga of Death Valley* Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Wagons Westward John Wayne
Washington Cowboy G. Autry-S. Burnette-M. Carlsile
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
'39 58. Mar. 25, '39
39t. . . .69
39 66. June 24,'39
'39 65. July 15, '39
'39 62. Aug. 26.'39
'39 61. June 3,'39
'39 58. June 10, '39
'39 65. Apr. 29.'39
'39 57. June I7,'39
'39 66. Sept. 9.'39
'39 65. Feb. 4. '39
'30 56. July 15. '39
'30 65. May 27, '39
RKO RADIO
Title Star
Allegheny Uprising 006 John Wayne-Claire Trevor-Brian
Donlevy-George Sanders
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 7,'39.)
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920.. James Ellison-Helen Wood
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-0. Niven-C. Coburn.
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 70; Aug. 26. '39. p. 84; Sept.
Sept. 23, '39, p. 70.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde
Beauty for the Asking (G)9I5..L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles...
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable
Everything's on Ice (G) 946... Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934. ... Ginger Rogers - James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. ..B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. Carrillo.
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weidler. ..
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong
(Exploitation: May 20, '39. pp. 61. 62: June 24.'39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Eilers...
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrillo-T. Holt
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 9Z8.Lupe Velez-Leon Errol
Gunga Din (G) 912 Gary Grant-Victor McLaglen-O.
Fairbanks, Jr.-J. Fontaine
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Mar.
Apr. 15. '39, p. 80: Apr. 22.'39, p. 60; Apr. 29. '39, p. 77
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66; June 3, '39. p. 68; June 10, '39
22, '39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant-K, Francis.
(Exploitation: Sept. 16, '39, pp. 84, 85; Sept. 30, '39, p. 6
Lost Patrol (re-issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford
Lost Squadron, The (re- Issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea - R. Dix
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne - C. Boyer
(Exploitation: Apr. 8, '39, p. 80; Apr. 15, '39,
p. 68.)
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Ollvcr-
M. Robson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts.
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Mariorie Rey-
nolds - Ray Whitley
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas..
Saint In London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey
Saint Strikes Back, The(G) 918. George Sanders- Wendy Barrie. . .
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne Shirley-James Ellison
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Read-P. Knowles...
Star of Midnight (re-Issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell..
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 398 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan
(Exploitation: Apr. 8, '39. p. 81; May I3.'39. p. 68; June I
They Made Her a Spy (G) 92l.«allv Eilers-Allan Lane
Three Sons (G) 004 E. Ellis-W. Gargan-K. Taylor...
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brien-MarJorie Reynolds.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Oct. 27,'39t.
Mar. 31, '39 65. Mar. 25,'39
Aug. 4, '39 82. July I, '39
2, '39, p. 60; Sept. 9, '39, p. 74;
.Aug. I I, '39 70. Aug. I9,'39
■ Feb. 24,'39 68. Jan, 23. '39
.Feb. I0,'39 72. Jan. I4,'39
.July 7, '39 80. July 8,'39
.Sept. I, '39 59. Aug. 26,'39
.Sept. l5,'39t...*64.SepL 16, '39
Oct. 6, '39 67. Sept. 9,'39
.Sept 8, '39 59. Aug. 26. 39
.Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26, '39
,Feb. 3,'39 72. Jan. 28,'39
.June 23, '39 75. June I0,'39
.Apr. 21, '39 (W.Jan. 28, '39
.Apr. 7.'39 72. Mar. 4,'39
.Sept. 8,'39t . . ..73.Aug. 26. '39
.June I6,'39 63. June 10, '39
.June 2, '39 71. May 20,'39
- M. Aster. . .
- L. Bowman,
p. 82; Apr.
.Feb. I7,'39....l07.jan. 28,'39
25, '39, p. 84: Apr. 8,'39. p. 82:
; May 6, '39, p. 61; May 13, '39,
, p. 60; July I, '39, p. 62: July
.Aug. 18, '39 94. Aug. 5. "39
il.)
.Feb. I7,'39 73. Feb. 3,'34
.July 14, '39 79. Mar. 5, '32
.Apr. 7,'39 89. Mar. I8,'39
29,'39, pp. 72, 74: June 3.'39,
Sept. 29.'39t 97. Aug. 26.'39
July 14, '39 83. July 7,'34
May 12, '39 65. May I3,'39
26.'39
. .62. June
3, '39
.Apr.
28. '39
...60. May
I3,'39
30. '39 .
. ,72. July
l,'39
- Mar.
10, '39. .
. 64. Feb.
18. '39
. May
5, '39
22,'39
.July
28,'39
..89. July
29. '39
.Feb.
17, '39..
..90. Apr.
6. '35
Apr. 28, '39 93. Apr. I. '39
7.'39. p. 76.)
Apr. 14. '39 69 Mar. 25. '39
Oct. I3.'39t. . .*7n.Scot. 30. '39
June 30,'39 59. June 24, '39
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— C€NT'0)
*60.Oct. 7,'39
.95. Oct. 29.'38
Running Time
Star Oate Minutes Reviewed
Treubl'e'in Sundown (G) 893. ..G. O'Brien-R. Kelth-R. Whitley. . M.r. 24.'39 60. Mar. I8,'39
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard DIx-Lucille Ball IMar. 3,'39 64. Feb. 18, 39
Way Down South (G) 947.. ..B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray . .July 2I,'39 63. July 22,39
Coming Attractions
Abe Lincoln In Illinois 009... R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard
(See "In th« CuttIno Room." Sept. 16. '39.)
Escape to Paradise Bobby Breen-Kent Taylor
Flying Deuces 010 Laurel & Hardy-J. Parker Oct. 20,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 19, '39.)
Hunchback of Notro Damo, The.C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-Sir 0.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell • B. Ratbbone
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9. '39.)
Legion of the Lawless George O'Brien- Virginia Vale
Marshal of Mesa City (G) George O'Brien-Virginia Vale.... Nov. 3,'39t.
Meet Dr. Christian 005 Jean Hersholt- Dorothy Lovett. .. . Nov. I0,'39t.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30. '39.)
Mexican Spitfire* L. Velez-D. Woods-L. Errol
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
0. Aubrey Smith Nov. 3,'39t.
(Reviewed under the title. "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 R- Dix-G. Patrick-A. Louise Nov. I7,'39t
Sued for Libel Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Sunset* Jimmy Lydon-Joan Dradell
Swiss Family Robinson* Thomas Mitchell - Edna Best -
F. Bartholomew - T. Kilburn -
T. Holt
That's Right, Your Wrong Oil. Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball Nov. 24,'39t
Vigil In the Night 007 Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 7. '39.)
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX Running Tims
jitig Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-1. Lupino-N. Bruee..Sept. I,'39t 82. Aug. 26,'39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrlllo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wlleoxon Feb. 3, '39.. ..69. Nov, I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arleen Whelan May 19,'39 72. May 13,'39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26.'39
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Cortez June I6,'39. ...71. June 3,'3S
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl May 5,'39 60. Jan. I4,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrlllo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. 1 l,'39t . . .64. Aug. 19, '39
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4,'39t . . . .83. Aug. 5, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 16, '39, p. 88.)
Escape, The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. ... Oct. 6,'39t 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept, I6,'39.)
Eternally Yours (A) Loretta Young - David Niven •
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts .Oct. I2,'39t. . . .95.0ct. 7, '39
(Exploitation: July 22, '39, p. 81.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Bylngton-S. Deane .Mar. 24,'39.. ..62. Nov. 26,'38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 95I.Randloph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes... July 28. '39 71. July 29, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2, '39, p. 54.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Here I Am a Stranger (G) 009. Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29,'39t. • SS.Sept. 30, '39
Hollywood Cavalcade (G) 007.. Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton, . . . Oct. 13,'39t.
Hound of the BaskeivUles, The
(G) 935 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Niyel Bruce Mar. 31, '39..
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 75; July I. '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen-Jean Rogers Mar. 10,'39.
Inspector Hornlelgh (A) 945... Gordon Harker-Alfstair Sim Apr. 21, '39..
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30.'39 65. June I7,'39
Jones Family in Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington June 2,'39 60. May 27,'3S
Jones Family in Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Byington Aug. 25,'39t 61. Aug. I2,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. , Mar. 17, '39 93. Feb. 25, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, pp. 84, 85,)
Mr. Moto In Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. Duff Apr. 7. '39 70. Mar. I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre - Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Schildkraut. . July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Bari July 21, '39 73. July I5,'39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Barl Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'3C
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. 1 5,'39t . . . 104.Sept. 9,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30, '39, p. 56.)
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Barl-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28, '39.. ..71. Apr. 22,'39
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
,96 . Oct. 7,'39
. .80. Apr.
1,'39
..61. Oct. 22,'38
..76. Apr. 22. '39
13,'39t. .. 101 .June
6,'36
13, "39
8, '39
2,'39
.June 23, '39 78. June 24,'39
I0,'39...
I. '39. p.
I7,'39.
21. '39.
.84. Feb. 4,'39
76; Apr. 8.'39.
73. Feb. II, '39
72. Dee. 31. '38
.Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27.'38
.Mar.
.Apr.
. .June
3, '39..
21, '39..
9,'39..
..80. Feb.
..62. Feb.
.101. Juno
1 8, '39
25.'?9
3. '39
Title Star
Road to Glory (reissue) (G)
061 Fredric March-Lionel Barrymore-
Warner Baxter-June Lang Oct.
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 62; May 6, '39, p. 64 r June 24. '39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee July 14, '39 87. July
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy-R. Greene-N. Kelly-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke Aug. I8,'39t . ■ . 101 . Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 1 9, '39, p. 67; Sept. 23. '39. p. 73; Oct. 7, '39, p. 64.)
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008. .Jean Rogers- Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t ,,.57.8ept.
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. I4,'39 97. Apr. 8,'3S
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; May 6,'39, p. 60; May 13, '39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June 17, '39. p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 69: Aug. 26,'39, p. 88.)
Tall Spin (G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell . . . Feb.
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 69: Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73. 74; Apr,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers. The (G) 927.Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche -
G. Stuart-Blnnie Barnes Feb.
Ware Case. The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Blnnie Barnes-Cesar Romero.
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Sllm
Summerville-Henry Annetta. .
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947... Henry Fonda-Marjorie Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Aliee Brady..
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 67; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Adventurer, The 012 C. Romero- V. Fields-M. Weaver. . Dec.
Blue Bird 025 Shirley Tcmple-Helen Ericson. . . . Dec.
City, The Lynn Barl-Donald Woods
City of Darkness 021 Sidney Tolcr-Lynn Bari Dec. I.'39t
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0.'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 30. '39.)
Everything Happens at Night.. S. Henie-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
First Kiss Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell -
Warren William-B. Barnes. ... Nov. 24.'39t
First World War, The (re-
issue) (A) 062 Documentary Oct. 27,'39t 78. Nov. I7,'34
Girl Must Live, A (A) LIIII Palmer-Margaret Lockwood 92. May 13, '39
Grapes of Wrath* Henry Fonda-Dorris Bowdon-
Charlie Grapewin - Jane Dar-
weil
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence (G) 019 Jean Rogers-Glenn Ford Nov. 3,'39t. . . .62.0ct. 7,'39
He Married His Wife 023 J. McCrea-N. Kelly-M. Boland. . . Dec. 8,'39t
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Honeymoon's Over, The 024... M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles
Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
022 Gordon Harker-Alastair Sim Dec. I,'39t
Little Old New York Alice Faye - Fred MacMurray-
Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce
Man Who Wouldn't Talk, The..L. Nolan-J. Rogers-M. Marsh
Pack Up Your Troubles 014 J. WIthers-Ritz Brothers-Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Oct.
(See --In the Cutting Room, " Oct. 7, '39.)
Shipyard Sally (A) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard. ... Oct.
Swanee River 017 D. Araeche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds. ..Jan.
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Byington-J. Davis... Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 7,'39.)
20,000 Men a Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30.'39.)
29.'39t.
22,'39t.
20,'39t 75
20.'39t....80.July 29, '39
5,'40t
I7,'39t
27,'39t
UNITED ARTISTS
Title Star
Captain Fury (G) Brian Ahern- Victor McLaglcn-
Paul Lukas-June Lang
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez -
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'39, pp. 82, 84;
p. 68; Mar. 4.'39, pp. 70. 72; Oct. 7. '39, p. 65.)
Intermezzo, a Love Story (A) . . L. Howard-1, Bergman-E. Best..
King of the Turf (G) A. Menjou-R. Daniel-D. Costello.
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. Coburn.
(Exploitation: May 6, '39, p. 60.)
Man in the Iron Mask (G) Louis Hayward - Joan Bennett -
Warren William - Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale
(Exploitation: July I. '39, p. 59; July 22,'39, p. 80; Aug. I
Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Sept. 2,'39, p. 53; Sept. 1 6, '39, p.
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luchaire-Edna Best
Real Glory, The (G) G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. Niven...
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 62.)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.May 26,'39 91. May 6,'39
.Aug. 4.'39t.. .llS.May 6.'39
Feb. 1 1, '39, p. 59; Feb. 25, '39.
.Sept. 22.'39t....70.Sept. 30,'3?
.Feb. I7,'39 88. Feb, II, '39
.Feb. I0,'39 94. Feb. 4,'39
Aug. ll.'39t...ll2.July l.'3«
2,'39, p. 69; Aug. 19, '39, p, 66;
82; Sept. 30, '39, p. 56.)
.Mar. I0,'39 79. Apr. I5.'39
.Sept. 29,'39t ...96.Sept. I6.'39
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
(TtlE RELEASE CHACT—CCNT'D)
75
Title
Stagecoach
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
(G).
(Exploitation: Mar.
p. 67; May 20.'39,
They Shall Have Music
(See musical analysi
Winter Carnival (G)..
(Exploitation: Aug.
Wuthering Heights (A)
(Exploitation: Apr.
Zenobia (G)
Star Rel.
Claire Trevor - Andy Devlne -
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar. 3, '39 96. Feb.
25,'39, p. 81; Apr. I, '39, pp. 72. 75: Apr. 15, '39, p. 80; May
p. 60; July 15. '39, p. 60: July 22, '39, p. 82.)
(G)...Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds-
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds. .. .Aug
s, July 22. '39. p. 54; Oct. 7. '39. p. 66.)
Ann Sheridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July 28,'39t.
5. '39, p. 98; Aug. I9.'39. p. 67; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr. 7. '39..
2, '39. p. 62; May I3.'39. p. 68; May 27,'39, p. 65: Sept. 9, '39,
Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke - Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr. 2 1, '39 73. Mar.
1 1. '39
3,'39,
I8,'39t... 101. July I5,'39
100. July 22,'39
1 04. Apr. I, '39
P. 71.)
18, '39
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct. 26,'39t. . .*76.Sept. 16, '39
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney.
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon ■ Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land ;
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson
Send Another Coffin Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford-Edward Arnold
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane
Ed. Sullivan .
Code of the Streets (G) 3019.
Tom Brown
Desperate Trails, The 4058.
.Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
.John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer..
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore..
Family Next Door (G) 3020 Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddle Quillan
For Love or Money (G) 3030... June Lang-Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden..
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle
Hero for a Day Charles Grapewin-Anita Louise-
Dick Foran
House of Fear, The (G) 3038... Irene Hervey- William Gargan..
Inside Information (G) 3039... J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory
Last Warning, The (G) 3027.. .P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22,'39. p. 82: Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4051 R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore..
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth...
(See "In the Cutting Room." Mar. 18, '39.)
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker-Marj'orie Reynolds..
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson..
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3, '38.)
Rio Sigrid Gurie-Basil Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen-Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9.'39.)
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy-Dorothea Kent.
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devine-H. Hull-J. Moran.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr..
They Asked for It (G) 3040.
.Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges
William Lundigan
Three Smart
(G) 3001 .
Girls Grow Up
.D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummings-
William Lundigan
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts.
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Two Bright Boys (G) 4017. . .Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew...
.Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weidler-A. Gillis..
p. 65.)
..Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
p. 62.)
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010...
(Exploitation: Oct. 7. '39.
Unexpected Father (G) 3008.
(Exploitation: July I, '39,
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunne-Charles Boyer...
Witness Vanishes, The.... Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie..
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Apr. 2I,'39 66. Apr. 22,'39
.Apr. I4,'39 69. Feb. 4,'39
.Sept. 8,'39t 58
.Apr. 7,'39 88. Apr. 8. '39
May 19, '39 72. May 20,'39
.Mar. 31, '39 61. Apr. I5,'39
Apr. 28, '39 67. May 6, '39
July 7,'39 67. July I. '39
.Sept. 8,'39t 65. Aug. 19, '39
Oct. 6,'39t 66
.June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
.June 2,'39 62. June 10, '39
July 21, '39 80 July 22,'39
.Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. 10, '38
.Sept. 8,'39t 91. May 20, '39
.Sept. I,'39t 66. Aug. 12, '39
.Mar. I7,'39 57
.Feb. I0,'38 57
.Feb. 3,'39 61
.Sept. 29,'39t
Mar. 3,'39...67'/2.Mar. 1 1, '39
.Feb. 24.'39 70. Mar. 4, '39
.Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4, '39
.June 9,'39 96. June 10, '39
.May 26,'39 61. July I5,'39
.Mar. 24, '39 87. Mar. 25. '39
.Oct. I3.'39t 62
.Sept l5,'39t....70.Sept. 16, '39
.Sept. l,'39t....89.Aug. 26, '39
.July I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
.Aug. II, '39 92. Aug. 19, '39
.Sept. 22,'39t 66
Title Star
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger (G) Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-M.iiY
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight- Doris Weston
Destry Rides Again Marlene Dietrich-James Stew.art-
Chas. Winninger-Mischa Auer. . Nov
First Love Deanna Durbln-Helen Parrish-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrice
Joy Nov. I0,'39.
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., • Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft-Vincent Price Nov. I7,'39t
Laugh It Off C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy. .. Dec. 8,'39t
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel
(Sec "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 19, '39.)
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges Oct. 27.'39t
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey Dec. I,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight Oct. 20.'39t
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. Litel Nov
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. 12, '39.)
Test Driver R. Arlen-A. Devine-P. Moran. ... Dec.
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris KarlofT -
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter. Oct.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 30, '39.)
Vigilante War John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Frances Robin-
son
West of Carson City John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran Dec. I5,'39t
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Dec. 22.'39t. . ."eO Sept. 23, '39
Nov. 24,'39t
0,'39t
3,'39t.
8,'39t
20,'39t.
.58
.59
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.56.
.106. Mar.
39
Feb. 17. '39 79. Feb. 18, '39
First National Pictures
Title Star
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan-
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran-
ville Aug. 26, '39 86. Sept. 9,'39
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell . . . Mar. 25, '39 71. Mar. II, '39
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan- Rosella Towns May 27, '39 58. May 20,'39
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May 6, '39 102. Apr. 29, '38
(Exploitation: July 29,'39. p. 69.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dack Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22. '39
(Exploitation: June 3. '39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; June 24. '39, pp. 75, 76; July I, '39,
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5,'39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield - F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July 22,'39..
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfield-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t.
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan -
George Raft-George Bancroft. . .Aug. 19, '39..
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 72; Sept. 16, '39, p. 88.)
Espionage Agent (G) Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall -
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh Sept. 30.'39t 83. Sept. 30,'39
Everybody's Hobby, The 736... Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26. '39 54
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robson June 24,'39 92. May 27, '39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Janc Bryan June 3, '39 60. Apr. 8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John Litel Feb. I8,'39 68. Feb. 4,'39
No Place to Go 469 F. Stone-G. Dickson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t. . . .57
Old Maid (A) 452 Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson Sept. I,'39t 95. Aug. 5, '39
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson Oct. 14,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8, '39.)
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'39 59
Torchy Blane in Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Parrel I -Barton MacLane .. Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb. 1 1, '39
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane - Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young... Feb. 25, '39 86. Feb. 1 1, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4,'39, p. 64; Apr. 15, '39, p. 80: Apr. 29, '39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,'39 75. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l,'39t
07. June 24,'39
88. Aug. 19, '39
92. July 22, '39
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14. 1939
(THE RELEASE CHAKT— CCNT'D)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Aug. 5, '39 32. July 22, '33
Warner Brothers
Title Star
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-William Gargan..Mar. 18/39 58. Feb. II, '39
Dodge City (G) 304 Erroi Flynn-Olivia de Haviiiand-
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A, Hale-F. McHugh-V, Jory...Anr. 8.'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25. '39, p. 82; Apr. 22, '39, p. 61; May 20, '39. p. 61; May 27, '39,
pp. 65. 68; June 3, '39, p. 64; June 10, '39, p. 59; June 24, '39, pp. 76, 77; July 8, '39,
pp. 48, 50; July 15, '39, p. 61: July 22. '39, p. 81; Aug. 12, '39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay-Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July 8. '39 81. July 8, '39
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page...
(Exploitation: Sept. 30.'39. p. 59; Oct. 7, '39. p. 65.)
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Rains-J. Garfield June I0,'39 127. Apr, 29, '39
(EiploHation: May 13. '39. p. 54: July I, '39, p. 58; July 15. '39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81;
Aug. 5, '39, p. 102; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase 419 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LiteL.Sept. I,'39t 60
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. Lltel.-June 17, '39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I, '39 90. July I, '39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar. 11/39 80. Mar. 18, '39
(Exploitation; Mar, II. '39, p. 57; Apr. I, '39, pp. 74, 73; Apr. 29, '39, pp. 74, 75; May
13, '39. p. 67; June 10. '39, p. 60; July 15, '39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. 1,'39 61. Mar. 23, '39
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James MeCallion. . . Oct. 7, '39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Litel Mar. 4, '39 61. Mar. 11, '39
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug, I2,'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322.Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane..May 13, '39.. ..60. Apr. 1/39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Diekson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson. .July 15. '39 59. July 22, '39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-0. de Havilland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. 11, '39 89. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation; Jan. 14,'39, p. 64: Feb. 4,'39, p. 85; Feb. II, '39, p. 61; Feb. 25, '39, p. 69;
Apr. 25, '39, pp. 75, 77; May 20, '39, p. 54; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Women in the Wind (G) 316. ..K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr. 15, '39 55. Feb. 4, '39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
British IntelligenCB Boris Karloff-Margaret Lindsay
Brother Orchid Edward G, Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
Brother Rat and the Baby Wayne Morris - Jane Bryan - R.
Reagan-J. Wyman-E. Albert
Child Is Born, A Geraldine Fitzgerald . Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George 79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room," May 5, '39.)
Dead End Kids on Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Litel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room/' July 29,'39.)
Enemy Within, The Rcnald Reagan-Lya Lys
Fighting 69th J. Cagney-P. O'Brien-J. Lynn-
G. Brent-A. Hale-D. Margan
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Gambling on the High Seas...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Litel
Invisible Stripes George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale (G) J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett *58.Sept. 23, '39
Lady Dick Jane Wyman-Dlck Foran
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, he (G) Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de HaviUand-Vincent Price. . Nov. 23,'39t. .. l06.Sept. 30, '39
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys-Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room." July 8, '39.)
Roaring Twenties, The Jas. Cagney- H umphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn. ...Oct. 28,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept 23. '39.)
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Lindsay-
RosPlla Towne
Timber* John Payne-Gloria Dickson
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Robson - Una O'Connor
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23. '39.)
Years Without Days John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
STATE RIGHTS
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27, '39. .♦SO. May 6/39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. 10, '39 '. . .
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) . William S. Hart Astor May 20, '39 . .88- May "I's/sg
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5,'39
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Hitier-The Beast of Coming Attractions
Berlin Producers Dlst Oct. 22, '39
Juarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres •95. Apr. 22,'39
Lure of the Wasteland (G). Grant Withers '55. Mar. 18/39
Man from Oklahoma George Houston ....Producers Dlst. ...Oct. 29, '39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers Dist Oct. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKinney. Domino 56. July I, '39
Torture Ship Lyie Talbot Producers Dist Oct. 15. '39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16. '39.)
Wanted for Murder Producers Dist Oct. 29,'39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
Title Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. 15. '39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29/39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) Lucien Baroux Francinex 85. May 27,'39
Betrayal (A) Annie Vernay World Sept. 15, '39. . .78. Sept. 23. '39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-ln't Mar. 20,'39. . .85. Apr. 1/39
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5.'39. . .68. July 8, '39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. Il,'39
Boys' School E. Von Stroheim. ... Columbia June 5. '39 . .90. June 17/39
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39 ..85
Coral Rocks, The fLe
Reeif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. II, '39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39. 96 Mar. 25,'39
Curtain Rises. The (G) .. Louis Jouvet Kassler May IS. '39 .83. Apr. 29, '39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn W il liams .... Alliance Aug. l5.'39..-70 July 29. '39
Demon Barber of Fleet
Street. The (A) Tod Slaughter Select Sept. 29,'39. .67 Oct. 7.'39
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept. 2. '39
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22. '39
Dov,n Our Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen 65. Aug. I2.'39
End of Day, The* (A) Victor Fancen Juno Ort. I, '39. . .94. Sept. 16, '39
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24. '39
40 Little Mothers (A) Lucien Baroux National May 2, '39. . .94. Dec. 31. '38
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc. British 78. Apr. I, '39
Han/est (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center 80. Aug. 5. '39
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis French M. P. Cp. . .Sept. 4,'39. . .OO.Sept. 16, '39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. 17, '39. . .87. Apr. I. '39
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22, '39. . .88. Apr. 29, '39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3, '39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22, '39
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I3,'39. . .83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 110. Apr. I, '39
I Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept. 2,'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry Tri. National Apr, 29, '39. . .80. May 13, '39
Just William (G) Dicky Lupino Assoc. British 75. Sept 9. '39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. .United Artists 95. July 22, '39
Lambeth Walk, The (G),.. Lupino Lane MGM 84.A-pr. 22,'39
Mademoiselle Ma Mere
'A) Danielle Darrieux. . .Hoffberg Sept. 18, '39. . .82. Sept. 30,'39
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex... Mar. 27, '39. . .80. Apr. 15, '.38
(Rpvlewpd under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30, '39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
CG) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. II, '39
Murder in Soho (A) Jack La Rue Assoc. British 70. Mar. 4.'39
My Song of Love Tito Schipa World
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July I, '39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 21, '39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A) . . . Chato Ortin Zacarias 98. Sept 2,'39
Peasant Wedding Amer. Trading
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault.Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25, '39
School for Husbands (A). ..Rex Harrison Hoffberg Feb. 6, '39. . .70. Feb. I8,'39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar Paramount 77. June 3, '39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich World Mar. I, '39. . .66. Jan. 23,'37
Sonadores de la Gloria M. C. Torres Atlas Jan. 24, '39. .108
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept I, '39. . .75. Aug. 26,'39
So This Is London (A) ... Alfred Drayton 20th Cent. -Fox 85. Feb. 4. '39
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. I8,'39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes Assoc. British 77. May 6,'39
Street Without a Name Pola lllery World Mar. 15, '39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D 83. June 24, '39
They Drive by Night {A)..Emlyn Williams First National 84. Jar. 28, '39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedis 90. May 13, '39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. British 87. Mar. II, '39
What a Man: (G) Sydney Howard British Lion 74. Feb. IB, '39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American 75. Sept. 2, '39
When the Husband
Travels M. Phillipides Brodie Mar. "39... 95
Witch Night Gosta Ekman World
Where's That Fire (G)...Will Hay 20th Cent.-Fox 74. Aug. 19, '39
With a Smile (G) Maurice Chevalier ..Malmar Feb. 4, '39. . .79 . Feb. 18. '39
Young Man's Fancy (A)... Anna Lee Assoc. British 77. Sept. 2. '39
Youth in Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault Columbia May 15. '39 ... 90 May 27.'3<l
Ocfober 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
SMCRT
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.^
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Gt
(4-22-39 ) 9406 Apr. 7.'39. IS'/j . .
(3 Stooges)
All American Blondet 1423. Oct. 20,'39t.2 rlt.
Andy Clyde
Be«m Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39.l7i/2..
Andy Clyde
Ctlling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7i/2..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5,'39.I8
Charley Chase
MiMhing Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. II, '39. 19...
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. I0,'39. 17</i.
Smith II Dale
New It Can Bo Sold 9434. . June 2,'39.I7...
Andy Clyde
Oily t» Bed, Oily to Rite
1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l8i/2.
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June 16, '39. 19...
Buster Keaton
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7...
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. 151/,.
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 30, '39. 17...
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Meocher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2.
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21, '39. 17...
(All Star)
Static in the Attie 1422... Sept. 22,'39tl9...
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swingers
9428 Jan. 20,'39. ISi/j.
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2rls
Charley Chase
Three Sappy People 1403.. Dec. I.'39t.2rls
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28, '39. IB...
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24, 39. 17...
(3 Stooges)
Yet, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May 19,'39. 16...
(3 Stooges)
CINESCOPES
World of I960 (Futurama)
1971 Nov. 3,'39..1 rl.
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers 1502 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
Dreams on Ice (10-7-39)
1504 Oct. 20,'39t.7ris
Garilla Hunt, The 9507.... Feb. 24,'39..8...
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 3I.'39..7...
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39..8...
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. 14,'39..7...
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. ll,'39t.7...
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39..7...
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39. 7...
Mountain Ears 1503 Nov. 3,'39t.lrl.
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. 16,'39..8...
COLUMBIA TOURS
Beautiful Switzerland 1553. Nov. I7.'39t.lrl.
Big Town (^mmuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39..9...
Historic Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl.
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl.
Title Rel. Date Min.
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39. .9. . . .
(Frisco Fair)
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. lO'/j. .
Sojourn in India 9555 July 7, '39. .91/2 . .
COMMUNITY SING
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs). .Feb. 24,'39. lO'/i. .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .9i/s .
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 21, '39.. 8
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May 19,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June 16. 39. 10...
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9....
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8.'39t .9i/s . .
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. 13,'39t.l rl..
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. I7,'39t.l rl..
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl..
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Oct. 6.'39t . I rl. .
No. 2 (Elias Howe) 1602. .Sept. I, 39tll
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. 1 9471 Feb. 22,'39. IOV2. .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. IO'/2. .
No. 3 9473 Apr. 2I.'39.II
NEW SERIES
No. I 1520 Oct. 6,'39t . 1 rl. .
No. 2. 1521 Oct. I2.'39t.l rl . .
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. 17,'39. .71/2 . .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6, '39.. 7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2,'39..6
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30,'39. IO1/2.
Night at the Troc 9962 Mar. 2,'39. lO'/j . .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9963 May I9,'39. 10. . . .
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I ,'39t 61/2 . .
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39T Irl.
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. 10,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrac-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39..6i/2.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2. 39.. 6
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754.. Mar. 3. 39.
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39 7..
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. IO1/2 .
No. 7 9857 Mar. 17, '39. 10...
No. 8 (4-29-39 ) 9858 Apr. 8,'39..9i/2.
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May 12,'39.I0...
No. 10.9860 May 26,'39.I0...
No. II 9861 June 15, '39. 10...
No. 12.(8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39.I0....
(New Series)
No. I 1851 Sept. 22,'39t l rl.
No. 2 1852 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl .
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'39t.lrl.
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810 Aug. 18,'39.10...
Bows and Arrows 1801 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 21,'39.I6...
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl.
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39..9i/2.
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. 17,'39. .9'/2.
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. IO,'39.IOi/2
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .81/2.
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 15, '39. 101/2.
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 21, '39. 1 1...
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39. 10. . . ,
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4.'39.10...,
1939 - 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 20,'39t. I rl. .
Title Rel. Date Min.
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(in Sepia)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. 11, '39.. 9...
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886.Hay I3,'39..9...
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June 10,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26. '39.. 9...
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Thre*
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5,'39.ll...
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. 15,'39..8...
(Color)
One Mother's Family
W-890 Sept. 30, '39.. 9...
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. II, '39. 21...
Alan Dlnehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-813..Apr. 15. '39. 21...
Dick Pureell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0.'39.21...
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24— Think First P-815.Sept. 9,'39.2I...
Laraine Day-Ann Morriss
No. 25 — Drunk Driving
P-816 Oct. 28. '39. 21...
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 21, '39. .9...
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27, '39.. 9...
Day on Treasure Island, A
(9-30-39) T-51 Sept. 2,'39tl0...
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 15,'39..9...
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8,'39..8..,
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. 18,'39..8..,
Natural Wonder of Wash-
ington State T-52 Oct. 7,'39t.9...
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May 13, '39. .8...
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39..9...
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3,'38..9..,
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9,'39tll..,
Robert. Warwick
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7,'39tl0..
Truman Bradley-
Jack Mulhall
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.ll..
Emmett Vogan-Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbles
(6-17-39) M-878 May 13,'39.I0..
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 11, '39.. 9..
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39.ll..
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Mendelssohn's Wedding
March M-74 8..
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39.1l..
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll..
(Sepia) Mary Teen-
Sally Blaine
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20..
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Apri. I5,'39.20..
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29,'39.2I..,
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll..,
Title Rel. Date Min.
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22,'39.I0
Captain Spanky's Showboat
C-I3I Sept. 9,'39tll
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0....
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29,'39. 10. . . .
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.July l,'39.ll....
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. 1 1 ,'39. 10. . . .
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39. 10. . . ,
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8.'39. 10. . . ,
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 Jan. 28,'39.I0...
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. I8,'39. 1 1 . . . ,
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K-924...Mar. I8,'39.I0...
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20,'39.I0...
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June I7.'39..9...
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 Juno 24,'39.ll...
No. 8 — Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. I9,'39.ll...
No. 10— Unseen Guardlant
K-930 Aug. 2S,'39.II...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-9D4 Jan. I4.'39..8...
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
S-912 Sept. 16, '39. 10...
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. 1 1,'39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. ll,'39..9...
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20, '39. 10...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.I0...
Set 'Em Up S9I3 Oct. 7,'39tia...
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-911 Aug. I2,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May 13, '39. 10...
Day of Rest, The F-141 . . .Sept. 6,'39t.9...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-95B June 10,'39.I0...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS.
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May 12, '39. .7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-10 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 31, '39.. I rl.
Yip Yip YIppy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7...
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickln' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30,'39..7...
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The C9-I Sept. 22,'39t.l rl.
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I,"39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Chile K9-3 Nov. I0,'39t.l rl.
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21, '39. 10...
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I...Sept. I,'39tl0...
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...May 26,'39.I0...
Land of the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8.4 Jan. 27,'39.I0...
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHACT--C€NT'I))
Title Rel- Win.
Peru K9-2 Oct. 6.'39t .l rl. .
Reiuiblic of Panama K8-5..Mar. 24.'39..l rl..
HEADLINERS
Artie Shaw's Class in Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8.'39tl0....
CKampagne Musle ef
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A8-8 Mar. 3, '39, 10
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9.2 Oct. I3,'39t .l rl . .
Phil Spitalny & Girl Orth.
Music Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3,'39.ll....
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-10 May 5, '39. 10
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6, '39. 10....
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug. Il,'39.ll
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Ted Fio Rito and His Oct. 6.'39t.l rl..
Orchestra A9-2
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-I1 June 2.'39.10
Richard Himber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7.'39. .1 rl..
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug. 25,'39. 10. . . .
Busy Little Bears V9-2....0tt. 20,'39t.l rl..
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. I0,'39.I0
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23. '39. 10
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. I4,'39..lrl..
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. 1 6,'38 .10
Public Hobby No. I
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22,'39tl 1 ■ ■ . .
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. 13, '39. 10
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 ...May 19,'39. 10. . . .
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. 1 0,'39. 1 0. . . .
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6 — P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..1rl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3.'39..1rl..
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8 Mar. 3,'39.10
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9 Mar. 31,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 — PB-10 May 5.'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-ll.,.June 2,'39.I0....
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 14,'39. 10. . . .
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7,'39.22....
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June I6,'39..7
Hello How Am 17
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July 14,'39..7...
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II July 28,'39..7
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13r39) Feb. 24,'39..7
Never Sock a Baby E9-I . . . Nov. 3,'39t. 1 rl. .
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'39..7
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl..
No. 4— J8-4 Mar. 10.'39. . 1 rl. .
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May 12,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 Aug. 4,'39.1l....
1939-40
No. 1— J9-I Sept. 13,'39tl0...
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7 Jan. 20,'39.I0
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-B Feb. 17,'39. 10. . . .
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . .
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-10 Apr. 14,'39.I0
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-II May I2,'39. 10. . . .
No. 64 — Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.I0
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-I9-S9) R8-I3 July 7, '39. 10....
Title Rel. Date Mln.
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-I Sept. I,'39tl0....
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-16-39) R9-2 Sept. 22.'39tl0. . . .
No. 67 — Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. I3,'39tl0
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39. 10
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4,'39.l 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 June I6.'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I— L9-1 Oct. I3,'39t I rl. .
No. 2— L9-2 Nov. 17.'39t lrl..
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date Mln.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. I0,'39.20
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5, '39. 17
Ring Madness 9370 June 30,'39. 19
Wrong Room, The (9-30-39)
03.701 Sept. 22.'39tl9
HEADLINERS
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93,603 Feb. 24,'39.I7
No. 4 — Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2, '39. 17
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age 03,401 Oct. 6.'39tl8....
Baby Daze 93,405 May 19,'39.15
Clean Sweep, A 93,402 Dec. 2,'38.I7
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24,'39.I8
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39.I6
Kennedy the Great 03,402. . Dec. I,'39t.2rl$.
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27,'39.I8
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 6 — State of the Nation
(1-28-39) 93,106 Jan. 20,'39. 18. . . .
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb. I7,'39.I9
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. 17,'39.I8
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. 14,'39.I9
No. 10— DIxIe-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May 12,'39. 19. . . .
No. 1 1 — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9, '39. 19
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7,'39.22
No. 13— Metropolis— 1939
(8-5-39) 93.113 Aug. 4, '39. 18....
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9
No. 2 — Battle Fleets of
England (10-7-39) 18
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May 12. '39.11
Lillian Roth
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
George Jessel
Readin' RItin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. I7.'39. 10. . . .
Lucky M minder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208.. Mar. I7.'39. 10. . . .
Luba Mallna
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20,'39.I0
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Blamed for a Blonde
03,201 Oct. 20,'39t 16
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. 17,'39t.2 ris.
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28, '39. 18
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3, '39. 16
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 21, '39. 16
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. t5,'39t.2 rIs.
Cupid Rides the Range
03,501 Sept. 8.'39fl8
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7, '39. 17....
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504. June 6,'39.I9
Title Rel. Date Mln.
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar. 10, '39. 10...
Gold 94,606 Feb. 10, '39.. I rl.
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612 July I2,'39 .9...
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39 ) 04,601 Sept. 15,'39t.8...
Pack Trip (9-16-39 ) 94,613. Aug. 18,'39. .9...
Soldiers of Sea 94,608 Apr. 7,'39..9...
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5, '39.. 9...
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39..8...
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611 June 23,'39..9...
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612 July 21, '39.. 9...
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 2I,'39..9...
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 June I6,'39..9...
Gun Play 04,301 Sept. l,'39t.lrl.
Hunting Hounds, 04,302 ...Sept. 29,'39t.l rl.
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July 14.'39..9...
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May I9,'39. .9'/2.
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24.'39. .1 rl.
Sportinfl Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24,'39..9...
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9-16-39)
93,801 July 23, '39. 20...
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116...
Beach Picnic (5-27-39) Sept. 1,'39..8...
94,114 June 9,'39..8...
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113 May 19,'39..8...
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107 Jan. 13. '39. .8...
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. II. '39. .8...
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110 Mar. 17. '39.. 8...
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110 Mar. 17,'39..7...
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22.'39t 8...
Practical Pig, The
(10-1-38) 94,109 Feb. 24,'39
Sea Scout 94,115 June 30, '39. .8...
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108 Feb. 3,'39..8...
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111 Apr. 7. '39.. 8...
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date Min.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Aug. 18,'39tll...
Filming the Fleet (9-23-39)
0202 Oct. 27,'39tll...
Sand Hogs 9205 May 12, '39. 10...
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10...
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7, '39.. I rl.
Fashion Forecast, No, 5
0601 Sept. I5.'39tl0...
Fashion Forecast, No. 6
0602 Dec. 22,'39t. 1 rl.
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Aghlleen Pinnacles 0103... Nov. 10,'39tll...
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll...
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest
People (9-30-39) 0401... Sept. 29,'39tl0...
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39.ll...
Silly Season, The 0402 1 rl.
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20, '39. 1 1..
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 Oct. I3,'39tll..
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39.1l...
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3,'39.ll..,
Mystic Siam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. I7,'39.I0..,
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.ll...
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39.I0...
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30,'39..7..
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Barnyard Baseball 9517 July I4,'39..7
Barnyard Egg-citement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5, '39.. 7....
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'39. .7..,,
First Robin, The 0555.. ..Dec. 29,'39t. 1 rl. .
(color)
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39..7
Gandy Goose in a Bully
Romance 9515 June 16, '39.. 7
Gandy Goose in G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. 10,'39..7...
Gandy the Goose Id the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Golden West, The (S-2S-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7...
Hitch-Hiker, The 0505 Dec. I,'39t.l rl..
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8.'39t.7
Mouse and a Million 0504.. Nov. 3,'33t.l rl..
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May 19, '39.. 7..
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39..7...
(color)
One Gun Gary In Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27, '39.. 7...
Orphan Duck, The 0553... Oct. 6,'39t.7
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. 13. '39. .7...
(color)
Prize Guest, The, 9514 June 2,'39..7
Sheep In the Meadow 0502. Sept. 22.'39t.7..,
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21, '39. .7...
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. 10.'39..7...
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. ll,'39t.7...
Village Blacksmith 9506... Dec. 2.'38..7...
Watchdog. The 0503 Oct. 20,'39t.lrl.
Wicky-Wacky Romance
0554 Nov. 1 7. '391. 1 rl .
(color)
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301... Sept. I.'39t!0...
Clocking the Jockies
(10-7-39) 0302 Nov. 24,'39tll...
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.1l...
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll...
Shooting for Par 9302 Jan. 6,'39.ll...
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.1l...
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title
Arabian Bazaar (12-31-38)
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39)
Fox Hunting (1-21-39)...
Jerusalem (1-14-39)
Labanon Coast
Petra (1-14-39)
Rome Symphony (12-31-38)
River Thames (4-15-39)..
Ruins of Palmyra
Wanderers of the Desert..
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26,'38..9
No. 59— (2-25-39 ) 3357 Jan. 30,'39. .9. . . .
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39. .9'/8 . •
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359.. ..Mar. I3,'39. .9. . . -
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360. ...Apr. I0,'39. .9. . . .
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes t»
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .9'/2. .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362... .June 26,'39. .9'/2. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.. ..July 17,'39. .9. . . .
No. 66— (9-30-39) 4351 ... .Sept. 25,'39t.9
No. 67—4352 Oct. I6,'39t .9. . . .
No. 68—4353 Nov. 13.'39t 9. . . .
LANTZ CARTUNES
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259.... July 31. '39. .7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. 19,'3«..l rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7...
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'39. .T'/i- -
Bola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'39. .7. . . .
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24.-39 . 7....
Rel. Date Min.
Sept.
I,'.39.I0.
Sept.
21, '39. 10.
Jan.
3,'39.I0.
May
I,'39.l0.
Dec.
1,'39.I0.
Aug.
I,'39.I0.
Feb.
I5,'39.I0.
Nov.
I,'39.I0.
Oct.
1,'39.10.
July
I.'39.10.
October 14, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT't))
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .B'/j .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23,'3'). .7. . .
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26, '38. .7...
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. I3,'39..7...
Magic Benns (3-11-39)
3249 Fab. I3.'39. .71/2.
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39) 3255 May 8.'39..7...
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39..7...
Silly Superstition (9-23-39)
3262 Aug. 28,'39..7...
Slap Happy Valley 3261. ..Aug. 2!. '39. .7...
Snuffy Skunk's Party
(9-23-39) 3260 Aug. 7.'39..7...
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9,'39..7...
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3. '39.. 7...
LANTZ COLORED CARTOONS
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7,15-39) Sept. 4,'39t.7...
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(9-23-39) Oct. 9,'39t.8i/2.
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. I5,'39.I9...
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2,'39.I7...
Ray Smeck Sl Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July 12. '39. 171/2.
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38.18...
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. If, '39. 1 9...
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3«0 May I7,'39.I8...
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15, '39. .2 ris
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June 14. '39. 18...
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. 15, '39. 19...
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7...
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20...
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39..9'/2.
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6, '39.. 9...
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6,'39..9...
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3, '39.. 9...
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I, '39.. 9...
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39..9
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3,'39.I0...
No. 65— N.ovelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39..9i/2.
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. l8,'39t.8'/2.
No. 67— Novelty 4372 Oct. 9,'39t.9...
No. 68— Novelty 4373 Nov. 6,'39t.9...
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7...
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Old Spanish Custom, An
4223 Nov. I6,'39t.2 rls
Wini Shaw
Swing Hotel 4222 Oct. I8,'39tl8...
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Hats and Dogs 4017 Dec. 31, '38. 20
Wini Shaw
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 21, '39. 20
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25, '39. .2 rls.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls.
Arthur and Case
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39..2rls
Henry Armettt
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25,'39. .2 rls.
Johnny Perkins
Rollin' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. 15,'39. .2 rls.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29, '39. .2 rls.
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3,'39. .2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3,'39.20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July I, '39. 20
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June 17, '39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22, '39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20
Red Skelton
Slapsie Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303' Sept. 10,'39tl7
Maxie Rosenbloom
Remember When (9-16-39)
5101 20....
Eaton Boys
COLOR PARADE
.The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25, '39. 11
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,'39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.10
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June 17,'39. .1 rl. .
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July 15.'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5, '39.. I rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30,'39tl0. . . .
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308.... Apr. I,'39.I2....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6, '39. 12
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3,'39.12
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39..l rl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.11
Verge of "Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..1 rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Lincoln In the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1 ,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25. '39, p. 68; May
20,'39, p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights (9-16-39)
4007 Aug. I9,'39t.20. .
Monroe Doctrine 5001 Oct. I4,'39t .2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 65 — Porky's Tiro
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809. .Mar. 1 1 ,'39. .7. . . .
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22.'39. . 1 rl . .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 4811... Apr. I, '39.. 7....
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May 13,'39..1 rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24, '39. .1 rl. .
No. 72— Porky's Picnic
4815 July 15, '39.. I rl..
No. 73— Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7
No. 74 — Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2,'39t.l rl. .
No. 75 — Jeepers Creepers
(9-30-39) 5602 Sept. 23,'39t.7
No. 76— Naughty Neighbors
5063 Oct. 7,'39t.7rl..
MELODY MASTERS
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.10
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 21, '39. .1 rl. .
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4, '39.. I rl. .
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25, '39. 10...
Dave Apollon and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22,'39..1 rl
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. 18,'39.10...
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29, '39. 10...
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39..l rl.
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June i0,'39.10...
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. ..July 1,'39..1 rl.
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0...
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. 12, '39.. I rl.
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
3501 Sept. 2,'39tl0...
Vincent Lopez and His Or-
chestra 5502 Sept. 30,'39t.l rl.
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 73 — Dog Gone Modern
(1-21-39) 4509 Jan. I4,'39..7...
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28,'39. .7...
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. 11, '39. .7...
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25, '39.. I rl.
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. II, '39.. I rl..
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39. . I rl.
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..lrl.
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22, '39.. 7...
No. 81 — Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39. .1 rl.
No. 82 — Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39. .1 rl.
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39..1 rl .
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June 17.'39..7...
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I, '39. 10...
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July 15,'39..1 rl.
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29, '39. . I rl.
No. 88 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. 12,'39..7...
No. 89 — Detouring Amerin
(9-9-39 ) 4525 Aug. 26,'39..7...
No. 90— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2,'39..1 rl.
No. 91 — Sioux Me 5301. ..Sept. 9,'39t.lrl.
No. 92 — Land of The Mid-
night Sun 5303 Sept. 23,'39t.l rl.
No. 93— Little Lion Hunter
5302 Oct. 7,'39t.l rl.
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. 18,'39..l rl.
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..l rl.
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9. . .
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. 18,'39..lrl.
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..lrl.
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Homo"
4909 Apr. I5,'39. . I rl.
Dean of the Pasteboards
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39.10...
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July I, '39.. 9...
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..1 rl.
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. 19,'39.I0...
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9,'39t.9...
Grouch Club
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Min.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I,'39.22...
Warning, The (4-1-39) .... Aug. I, '39. 32...
Title Rel. Date Mln.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II....
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35....
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10
Violin, The (9-23-39) 10....
G. P. 0.
"Do It Now" (9-30-39) II
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8...
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2 rU
WORLD
Ave Marie
City, The (5-20-39) 44....
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Song of Ceylon
YORKE
Ninth State. The
(10-7-39) 22
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Specified
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Data Min.
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'3fl
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carton
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Nov. 24,'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Min.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) 871 June 10,'39.IS
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) 872 Sept. 2,'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again
870 Feb. 25,'39..2rl«
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. II, '39, p. 55.)
Zorro's Fighting Legion
873
Reed Hadley
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Min.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. 11, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l....
John IVlack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. I7,'39t2l . . . .
Bela Lugosi- Dorothy Arnold (each)
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 14, 1939
CLASSiriED
ADVEI2TISING
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
TtiEATI^ES
THEATRE WANTED, PACIFIC COAST PRE-
ferably non-competitive town. P. O. BOX 2183, Holly-
wood.
WANTED: TO LEASE, THEATRE 500 TO 1,000
seats. If money maker will buy after first year; cash
available. HARRY BAR NH ART, 3757 W. 129th St.,
Cleveland, O.
WANTEO T€ BUT
GOOD USED POWERS AND SIMPLEX PRO-
iector heads; used theatre seats and anything used in
the theatre auditorium that is in good condition. Cash
for bargains. Send complete details in first letter. BOX
1180-A, MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
l^eSITICN WANTED
PROJECTIONIST— 11 YEARS EXPERIENCE, Li-
censed, dependable, Al references. BOX 1201, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
PROJECTIONIST NINE YEARS EXPERIENCE
complete tools for maintenance. References. BOX 1199,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PROJECTIONIST. SINGLE, EIGHT YEARS Ex-
perience, best of references, with present employer six
years, will go anywhere. BOX 223, Norman, Oklahoma.
MANAGER, THOROUGHLY EXPERIENCED
wishes connection. M. M. LEDFORD, 2117 Fifth Ave.,
McKeesport, Pa.
liELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS, EVERY STATE,
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
USED GENEI^AL
ECDIDMENT
SOME THEATRE CAN USE YOUR OLD EQUIP-
ment. A little ad here will reach thousands of poten-
tial customers. Only ten cents a word to tell the
world what you have to sell. Try it today. MOTION
PICTURE HERALD, Rockefeller Center. New York.
$2.25 FOR FULLY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS
with spring seats, recovered with new leatherette;
also veneers and parts in stock. ALLIED SEATING
COMPANY, INC., 36-38 W. 13th St., New York.
TWO COMPLETELY REBUILT POWERS MA-
chines; also low-intensity lamps at a real bargain.
BOX 1202, MOTION PICTURE HERALD, 624 S.
Michigan Ave., Chicago, 111.
35MM PORTABLE TALKIE PROJECTOR,
DeVry type. (2,000 foot) $125. Theatre talkie outfit,
$250- Sacrifice other property deceased showman.
List. WOODWARD, JR., MorrisviUe. Pa.
NEW GENEI^AL
ECDIDMENT
LIBERAL TIME PAYMENT PLAN OF THE-
atre equipment now available! Regular low catalog
prices prevail. Send for free explanatory booklet.
S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.. New York.
BEAUTIFUL BROWN LEATHERETTE EXCEL-
lent quality linen back, S^c yd. Moleskin, any shade,
77c yd. All 50" width. Free samples. S.O.S. CINEMA
SUPPLY CORP., New York.
DON'T PAY INFLATED PRICES FOR SOUND
systems. Thousands of satisfactory installations the
world over. Complete from $239.50. Send for bulletin.
S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New YorK.
COMPLETE STAGE SETTING $50.00. OUR
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S.O.S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP.. New York.
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— 547
pages; illustrated; covers every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
gineers explain every detail of apparatus and its ar-
ra;igement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphi.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. Thii
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
JJEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charti
and covers every branch of the industry as well a«
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP.
Rockefeller Center. New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just ofl the press! A second revision of the Sixth
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complete section of Sound Trouble -Shooting Charti ai
well as a host of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP. Rockefeller Center. New York.
DDCrrEEI^ING
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THEATRE MANAGEMENT RECORD AND TAX
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In addition to being complete in every respect, it i«
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only $2.00 postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rocke-
feller Center, New York.
PRESS OF
C. J. O'BRIEN. INC.
NEW YORK
GREATEST
OF ALL
IN the fifty years since Eastman supplied
the film for the world's first movies, there
have been many great Kodak emulsions
designed especially for the motion picture
industry. . . . Greatest of all are Eastman
Plus-X, Super-XX, and Background-X . . .
today's ruling favorites in the studio and
on location. Eastman Kodak Company,
Rochester, N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Dis-
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EASTMAN
PLUS-X SUPER-XX
ior general studio use for all difficult shots
BACKGROVXD-X
for hackffrounds and general exterior trork
NEVER BEFORE...
A picture with sucii emotional inipact!
Dear Paramount-
Thank you so much for preserving
the full flavor of' Disputed Passage"
in this beautiful picture '.
Those who liked the characters in
the book will be glad to see them
come to life here.
A Paramount Picture with Dorothy Lamoui
Akim Tainirof f • John Howard
Judith Barrett • William Collier, Sr. • Billy Cook
A FRANK BORZAGE Production • Directed by FRANK BORZAGE • Screen ploy
by Anthony Veiiler & Sheridan Gibney • Based on the novel by Lloyd C. Douglo
7
\
MR. WILL HAYS.
28 V/ . 44TH ST . »
NEW YORK..
N. Y.
ON PICTURE
HlRALD
BIG PROBLEMS still here: MPTOA; Grave
dangers ahead: ALLIED
INDEPENDENT exhibitor drops anti-trust
suit against the majors
FIVE MORE UNIONS demand pay increases;
Guild insists upon television roles
WAR FILM RULES of France and Germany;
First U, S, cameraman returns from front
SMPE, with World^s Fair settings draws
record convention attendance
BALLYHOO: Columbia's 'Mr. Smith' in Wash-
ington, Paramount's 'Disputed Passage' in Detroit
VOL. 137, NO. 3
OCTOBER 21. 1939
Entered as second-class matter, January 12, 19.il, at the Post Office, at New York, N. Y., under the act of
March i, 1879. Published weekly by Quigley Publishing Co., Inc.. at 1270 Sij;th Avenue, Rockefeller Center,
New York, Subscription prices: $5.00 a year in the Americas, $li),no ,j year Fgrcign, Single r '' ceitts.
All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Publishina Company
ON YOUR MARX!
Only M-G-M can make this sort of comedy
so that it smacks over to the millions. This
is a laugh riot on a par with ''A Night
at the Opera'' and ''A Day at the Races"
GROUCHO — CHICO — HARPO
MARX BROS.
AT THE CIRCUS
Groucho— Chico— Harpo MARX BROS. "AT THE CIRCUS" with Kenny Baker • Florence
Rice • Eve Arden • Margaret Dumont • Nat Pendleton • Screen Play by Irving
Brecher • Directed by Edward Buzzell • A MeRVYN LeROY Production • An M-G-M Picture
ALLEY- i^^^YXii^h VQU
{Noiv jump to pa^e 19)
So turn over
r
The greatest advance ladio build-up
evei accorded a motion picture
DRUMS
for
ALONG
THE
MOHAWK
THREE-WEEK NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
CLIMAXES WITH THE KATE SMITH
PROGRAM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER S
THE KEYSTONE
OF YOUR
FUTURE
Read the thrilling details:
Night after night, day after day, the full three-week campaign,
unprecedented in radio, is already under way, not only on
all Kate Smith's programs, but also on other famous CBS
programs.
The spectacular climax— a dramatization of "Drums Along
the Mohawk"— will occupy 25 minutes of Kate Smith's one-
hour show on the evening of November 3, in addition to
plugs throughout the rest of the program.
76 stations of the CB S network will carry the message to
millions.
Kate Smith's program has the highest rating on the air
today, insuring a record audience for this broadcast.
The November 3 show will be broadcast twice — once at
8-9 p. m., E.T , for the Eastern states; again at 9-10 p. m., P.T.,
for the Western states.
The date of this broadcast is just one week prior to release
date, timed to hit with maximum boxoffice effect for exhib-
itors playing "Drums Along the Mohawk" on Armistice Day.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 137, No. 3 BXiEfl October 21, 1939
NO ANSWER
N view of this and that, now revealed of propagandists, and
of the onenesses of the twain totalitarians, Nazi and Conn-
munist. Interesting excursion may be had into the files of
this publication for December and January in which appeared.
for son>e weeks, an invitation, in part:
^ Motion Picture Herald therefore considers it appro-
priate to ask "Films for Democracy" clearly, officially and
p-ublicly to declare its position with respect to:
1 — The political theories commonly known as Communism.
2 — The political theories commonly known as Fascism.
3 — The political theories characteristic of both Communism
and Fascism, and commonly described as Totalitarianism,
under which the state reserves to itself complete rights over
the life, liberty and pursuits of the individual, denying to
the individual those rights held under the traditional
American system as a natural and inalienable heritage.
— Martin Quigley.
There was no answer.
Eventually "Films for Democracy" merged with "Associated
Film Audiences", an organization with which there was much
in common, Into the present "Associated Film Audiences for
Democracy". Still a pressure group. Still evasive, confused,
reticent in confusion. Still no answer.
AAA
LOTUS PETALS
THERE is a land that is fairer than day, where sloe gin
fizzes bloom on the trees and highballs roll on the ground.
It is a realm of fantasy, fiction and farce. In this magic
oasis, high-walled against the world-as-it-is, facts are odd mate-
rials to be carded, spun and woven Into bright fabrications at
the will of the craftsmen, with a skill that leaves no suggestion
of their uninspired, authentic origins. History Is a qualntness.
Geography Is a triviality. Physiology is fun. And, most mar-
velously of all, there Is almost no Arithmetic.
This marvelous region is known as the Hollywood writers'
colony, devoted to the .commerce of dreams, with great skill
and competency.
And that Is why the Screen Writers Guild is discovered to
be uttering just now a statement of special, but self-seeking,
optimism, dismissing as trivial the wartime problems of the
Industry In reference to "reports from members with unofficial
contacts In Washington that government estimates tend to
disprove alarmist rumors about the effect of war. . . . These
reports pointed out that even if ail the motion picture theatres
In the belligerent countries were shut down completely the
revenue would drop less than 10 per cent. The question of
money embargoes ... Is not new. Such embargoes In most
of the countries involved have existed for several years and the
film companies have found means to circumveat this obstacle."
This astute utterance of weighty and altltudiritius opinion
from "unofficial contacts" solemnly presented In print reminds
one of a certain graphic adage of a sage of the N'dorobo
hunters, which translates from the Bantu as: "The higher the
monkey climbs the palm, the more plainly may one perceive
his posterior".
^'HOLLYWOOD TAKES IT"
UNDER the title of "120,000 American Ambassadors".
Mr. Walter Wanger has contributed to Foreign Affairs,
an important American quarterly, a discussion of the
American motion picture In Its social, political and economic
relations. The title derives from an estimate of prints In world
circulation.
The products of Hollywood are proclaimed by Mr. Wanger
as the art of a free people and a reminder to millions overseas
"that there still exists a way of life in which the individual
counts".
The article contains, along ivith much vital first hand record-
ing of reactions, problems and practices, the first exposition in
public print of that peculiar timidity which underlies some absurd
phenomena: "... This shadow of increasing censorship has bred
a fear complex . . . the belief among producers that everybody
must be pleased at any cost. . . . Hollywood shows little dis-
crimination between legitimate journalists who are there to pro-
cure and distribute news and the hangers-on who scarcely trouble
to conceal their essential character as none-too-polite black-
mailers. . . . Commercially sponsored radio commentators
brazenly offer malicious gossip. . . . Sections of the industry's
own trade press would make the Augean stable feel respectable.
Hollywood takes it."
Mr. Wanger propounds an Interesting question on how brave
the newspaper press would be, if subject to the same pressures
and legal status as the screen.
AAA
X MARKS THE SPOT
A CALCULATION recently made by Dr. Cecil B. Read
of the University of Wichita finds the "center of
science" for the United States is in southeastern Ohio.
His finding is based on the distribution of memberships In
scientific societies, plotted on the map In the same manner
by which the Census Bureau finds the center of population,
which is still marching westward out In middle Indiana.
Since it was in a coal region, a pile of bituminous blocks
marked the center of population until winter before last when
some indigent wheelbarrowed the monument away and burned
It to keep warm.
Without much mapping, one can establish a number of
centers in our world of the motion picture. Until the war
embargoed foreign market situation intervened, the film trouble
center was In Washington. Now It Is anywhere you can find
an executive who can add. They can all add, few know how
to subtract.
The Income center used to be, because of the weight of
overseas earnings, somewhere near the Nantucket lightship.
They are looking for it now and, when they find It, It probably
will be somewhere around Pittsburgh.
Should you be Interested In the location of the journalistic
center of showmen's attention, send for a copy of the Audit
Bureau of Circulations report on Motion Picture Herald.
The editor Is sitting on It.
— Terry Ranisaye
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
This Week
in the News
Hollywood Faces
Wartime Problems
THE BIG NEWS oi this week is no news
at all, because movieland goes into silences
about everjiihing but upturns and efful-
gences. It is trimming time now and the
renter of action is HoUyAVOod. The war is
in Europe but the motion picture crisis, and
issues, are in the spender's domain west of
the Sierras.
Also in New York the problem news con-
tinued to come through from Europe and
motion picture relations were becoming prob-
lems of State. Early in the week Will H.
Haj-s went to Washington. Then Wednes-
day, again, there was a meeting of the ^lo-
tion Picture Producers and Distributors of
America in 44th Street.
Across the land the exhibitors, who have
bought, who are buying, who are thinking
of buying, pictures, were wondering. They
wanted to know from Hollywood, what and
when and why, and for how much.
^^'ar fever in the theatres, bursting forth
in the early days of hostilities in lobby
radios, stage bulletins, and the presentation
of war shorts, spotting of w-ar reissues, and
the like, had this week subsided markedly.
The exhibitor was getting vastly more con-
cerned with entertainment than topical ref-
erence to a war on which the publicit}- job
has been conspicuous^ unexciting.
Furtive eyes, concerned with precedent
and leadership, were upon the !Metro-Gold-
WATi-^Iaj^er lot. Nicholas M. Schenck, who
never goes to Hollwood just for fun, ar-
rived there October 12, and publicitv' en-
deavours were to say, and have said, noth-
ing of it. Foreign grosses and dollars were
topics of his meetings. However, studio
indications were for more activity- and more
pictures, rather than less. Insiders expect-
ed a redistributed budget, realignments of
projects.
Holl)"\vood made much too much, and in-
tricatety, of the departure from ^I-G-M of
Bob Benchlej', humorist of shorts. It semi-
officially leaked that someone had overlooked
the expiration of IMr. Benchley's contract
and that alert Selznick International had
snapped him up. The Selznick concern,
however, has been less than definite about
when, other than "sometime next year," it
will be making its projected six Benchley
shorts. The apparent entr^' of Selznick In-
ternational, being as it is so full of "Gone
with the Wind," into incongruous short pro-
duction, is in itself something in the nature
of remarkable. It is, casualh-, to be remem-
bered that David Selznick is son-in-law' of
Louis B. Mayer, and if David really snatched
Bob Benchley it would be a crescendo of
diminuendoes.
In varying and assorted degrees there
were kindred goings-on in most of the other
plants in Holh-vvood. It appears certain that
Lady Holh-\vood will be asked to do at least
as much w^ork without so much of orchids,
champagne and caviar, that she'll have to
make last year's pearls and chinchilla do
another season.
The movies can not live without her, but
just now the problem is how to live with
her, being the willful costly wench she is.
The indicated treatment of a sound spanking,
behind closed doors, is in the nature of what
goes on.
Curious maneuvers, so complex as to be
t\-pical, attend the movement in Hollywood
by the ^lotion Picture Producers Associa-
tion— west coast wing of the "organized in-
dustry," alias the Hays association — to w-ith-
draw its subside- to the Research Coimcil
of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences. In lieu, and to continue the use-
ful labours of that technological body, it is
proposed to have the studios assume support
by individual contributions. That wotild
achieve a marvelous saving by changing the
bookkeeping.
And, speaking of the Hays office, the
cocktail (and Coca-Cola) hour, from Vine
street to Santa Alonica, was a-twitter with
a report, considerably unconfirmed, that
Joseph I. Breen, Production Code adminis-
trator, had taken a 25 per cent cut in salary.
That was in sequel to considerable mention
of the report that Will H. Hays, himself,
as the orAy New York emploj'ee under con-
tract, and a cast-iron contract, had volun-
tarily taken a cut the fortnight before, along
with the rest of his staff.
Do'WTi Gower street at RKO it appeared
that obdurate, blond, George Schaefer was
having a time of it at RKO in his series
of individual meetings with employees above
$4,500 a 3'ear, who were to be reasoned into
a cut. His oral appeal to the Directors
Guild got a run-around, but ]\Ir. Schaefer
made enough progress to permit him to tell
a Studio Club luncheon at A^ictor Hugo's
in Beverl}' that "very few w"ho have been
approached have displaj^ed an unwillingness
to cooperate." ^leanwhile the Holh-wood
Reporter, local daily, opened a daily "blitz-
krieg" on Mr. Schaefer as a cutter-downer
of salaries.
At the Warner Brothers studios in Bur-
bank, unheralded but reasonably to be ex-
pected, arrangements were made to give "B"
group picture workers early vacations, in-
stead of making at once the remaining four
scheduled pictures of their promised twelve.
The reason is to let the four, due from April
on, wait for what may prove to be topically
important developments. It is a proviso for
a changing world.
Some of Holh-Avood's problems are being
shipped east. John Vl. Stahl, said to be
leaving Universal Picture Corporation due
to a refusal to take a new contract provid-
ing a reduction from his 84,000 a week plus
percentage deal, was headed for a session of
possible adjustment with Xate Blumberg in
Xew York this coming week.
The Screen Actors' Guild, having made
peace with the AAAA, fired three press
agents from its recently augmented stafif.
The best bet at the Brown Derby is still a
T-bone.
Radio Second
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of
Broadcasters, representing the radio stations
of the countr}", and particularly the networks,
and working under its new plans to induce
public good-will towards radio — plans which
took first form last month with the adoption
hy Association members of the new radio
code of fair practices — this week was cir-
cularizing the cotmtry with figures purport-
ing to show how huge a gain radio had
made as a public entertainment and adver-
tising medium.
The figures estimate that 84 per cent of
this countn,-'s families listen to the radio :
that 28,000.000 American families ow-n or
listen to 40.800,000 radio sets; that, since
1922, the public has invested four and one-
half billion dollars in receiving sets ; that
there are more "radio homes" than "tele-
phone homes" : that there are more radios
in use than automobiles ; that 6,000,000 au-
tomobile sets are in use : that there has been
a direct relation bet>veen growth in radio
sales and votes in Presidential elections ; and
that radio's gross advertising revenues have
grown so phenomenally since 1934 that in
1938 they exceeded those of magazines, mak-
ing radio the second largest national adver-
tising medium. (The story is on page 54.)
If yoii are nondering what has been hap-
pening to neivspapers during this rise of
radio, consider that 76 papers have been
suspended or merged since June, 1927.
Also that in the first six months of 1939
there were 3 2 dailies suspended.
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
Fox's Tri'Ergon
Tries Again
WILLIAM FOX, now 60, while taxicabbing
through midtown New York this week,
turned to a friend and remarked, "I've got
them — again."
He was referring to a decision won on
Monday by his American Tri-Ergon Cor-
poration in a District of Columbia federal
court, giving Tri-Ergon certain patent
priorities over Albert A. Radtke in a long
fight over conflicting claims to a photo elec-
tric cell, a tube which, as everyone knows,
is the heart of the sound picture.
Mr. Fox's taxi pulled to the curb on West
50th Street, to the "Pappy's" and
"Mammy's" hamburger and flapjack coffee-
counter restaurants which he had set up
only a few months ago to catch the nickels
and dimes of limited-pocket World's Fair
visitors.
Mr. Fox, who will be remembered from
the mtjtion picture's early Theda Bara days
for the heavy gold watch chain he wore
across a heavy paunch below a big black
mustachio, had acquired rights to the sev-
eral Tri-Erg'on patents from Messrs. Engl,
Vogt and Masolle, of Germany, somewhere
at about the time he sold Fox Film. He
duly served notice on the industry at large.
That very week Mr. Fox filed heavy dam-
age and infringement suits against AT&T's
Erpi, RCA's Photophone and theatre-pro-
ducer licensees of both.
Broadway at that time heard frequently
that Mr. Fox was envisioning a tremendous
Fox sound empire growing out of the $66,-
000 which he paid the Germans of Tri-
Ergon for their rights. And in the bitterly
contested court battles which followed, it
looked at times as if Mr. Fox's dream
might come true, for lower federal courts
upheld him. But, on March 4, 1935, the
United States supreme court blasted with
dramatic swiftness the Fox visions when it
declared, in unanimous opinion, that the
Tri-Ergon sound patents were not only
based on "ancient mechanical devices" but
"lacked invention." Involved were Tri-Er-
gon's "flywheel" and "double-printing" proc-
ess.
Neither the "big electrics" nor the "Big
Eight" have heard from Mr. Fox since.
The patent priority determined this week
by the federal court for Tri-Ergon is for
a photo-electric cell, but, because Radtke
will appeal, according to Leonard Day,
Radtke's representative, "no patent will be
issued to Tri-Ergon at this time."
What Is a Paper?
UPHOLDING the "freedom of the press,"
Judge Leon R. Yankwich has just ruled in
Federal district court in California that
Pomona City's handbill ordinance is in part
unconstitutional in forbidding distribution of
the Citrus Valley News. The ordinance
recognized rights of distribution only of
papers with enough circulation to qualify
for second class mail privilege.
Despite circulation figures the judge ruled
that the paper had its rights as a part of the
press.
"A publication is none the less a news-
paper," he said, "because it may not have
a large paid-up circulation, or any paid up
circulation." That last phrase lets in sev-
eral trade "papers" one can call to mind.
Whichever?
FROM BACK of the sandbag barricades at
4 Golden Square in London, Aubrey Flana-
gan dispatches the tidings that a Reginald
Fogwell has announced himself as a pro-
ducer and that he says he is to make a film
of "Mein Kampf."
"This morning", dispatches Mr. Flanagan,
"the London dailies report that Mr. Hitler
has decided to revise it."
Communications being what they are, the
Herald goes to press without discovering
just which it is that Mr. Hitler plans to
revise, production or book.
Storm in Hollywood
FRED STORM, formerly of the Interna-
tional News Service staff in Washington,
and recently under special Roosevelt ap-
proval made a member of the Goldwyn Hol-
lywood publicity staff, has just come through
a stormy spell. It seems he gave a story to
Louella Parsons and forgot to tell his staff
about it. After a fortnight's simmering he
was "out." Then the next day he was "in"
again. The press clan of Hollywood whis-
pers that Fred better remember also that
Sam's name goes first, even if there's Roose-
velt in the item.
Luce Figures
ORNAMENTALLY, and eternally statis-
tical, Fortune, the vanityfair of business
magazines, has gone a-polling businessmen
to name "the industry which has done the
most or gone beyond the standards of per-
formance that the general public expects of
it, in order to win and deserve public ap-
proval."
The motion picture industry comes off far
down the line with a vote of six tenths of
one percent.
Automobiles were far the winner, with a
vote of 40.3 percent, while radio was second
with 5.2 percent, nearly ten times as good
as the screen.
In answer to : "What particular industry
in recent years has in your opinion made
the greatest technological progress?" the
finding gave radio-and-television fourth
place with 13.7.
Only seven tenths of one per cent of par-
ents would have their sons take up television,
the survey found.
Jawbone
H. V. KALTENBORN, celebrated radio
commentator and reporter, who has a bit in
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," says he
worked eight hours for Columbia, appearing
in 90 seconds of the 120 minute picture. The
rest of the time, he remarks, was spent argu-
ing with studio executives about his pay.
They probably did not ask hint to argue,
so that part of the time he was on his own.
Maybe he needs an agent.
Glorious Example
AN EXTRA SHOVE seems to be being ap-
plied to "The Real Glory," both east and
west. Last Friday some 250,000 readers of
the Los Angeles Times found in it about
eight pages of advertisements from four-
teen business houses in display "tie-up" with
the picture. The job was by Fred Storm
and his aide, John P. Miles. Localized activ-
ities of the sort by studio forces are to be
considered exemplary tours de force, rather
than exploitation, primarily.
FOR READY REFERENCE TO THE BUSY READER
Editorial
Page
7
In the Courts
Page 70
This Week in Pictures
Page
10
Deaths of the Week
Page 70
The Hollywood Scene
Page
32
In the Nev/sreels
Page 49
Managers' Round Table
Page
61
Short Subjects on Broadway
Page 59
Release Chart
Page
71
What the Picture Did for Vie
Page 55
Asides and Interludes
Page
43
In the Cutting Room
Page 46
Showmen's Reviews
Page
36
Bluebook School Questions
Page 70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Company, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Coble address "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manoger; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice-President: Terry Ramsoye, Editor;
Ernest A. Rovelstad, Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, manager; Hollyv/ood Bureau, Postal
Union Life Building, Boone Mancall, manager, William R. Weaver, editor; Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Alister Grosart, representative;
Montreal Bureau, Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada. Colin R. Haworth, representative; London Bureau, 4, Golden Square, London W I, Hope Williams,
manager; coble Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri, Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, cable Autre-Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Caroncini 3,
Rome, Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia, Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold Rd.,
Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean, representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartodo 269, Mexico City, James Lockhort, representative; Budapest Bureau, Szomos-utca 7,
Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, representative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Natolio Bruski, representative; Barcelona Bureau, Calle San
Gervasio #2, Son Gervasio, Barcelona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo Bureau, 880 Sasozuko, Ichikawa-shi Chibo-Ken, Japan, Hiromu Tominaga, representative;
Rio de Janeiro Bureau, Caixa Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Morinho, representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Road, Karachi, India. G. A. Thokur, repre-
sentative; Montevideo Bureau, P. O. Box 664, Montevideo, Uruguay, Paul Bodo, representative, cable Argus Montevideo; Amsterdam Bureau, 87 ■ Waalstraat, Amsterdam Z.,
Holland, ' Philip de Schaap, representative; Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengaarden 14, Copenhagen, Denmark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations.
All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better Theatres, Motion Picture Doily,
Teatro ol Dfa, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
JO
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
THIS WEEK
IN PICTURES
liV Sliiir l1ioh,ul:iphtT
THE WINNER. The Quigley trophy is presented to the
Paramount baseball team, champions of the season con-
cluded before these Fall winds began to blow, by A-Mike
Vogel (above, right), chairman of the Managers' Round Table.
The others are George Woodward, Erpi, league president;
Joseph Woods, Paramount Pep Club head; Theodore
Campo, team manager.
By Staff Photographer
COMMENTATING comes
into its own at a luncheon
given by Columbia Pictures
and Columbia Broadcasting
for H. V. Kaltenborn, above
left, radio news broadcaster
who makes his first motion
picture appearance, as him-
self, in Frank Capra's "Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington."
With the guest of honor at
table In the Rainbow Room
atop the RCA Building, New
York, is Len Gaynor, then of
the picture company's exploi-
tation department; right, Ray-
mond Gram Swing and Fred
Ullman, head of Pathe News.
FIFTH AVENUE is told about
the Golden Jubilee of Motion
Pictures in the billing for the
New York Public Library's ex-
hibit especially arranged for
the occasion by George Freed-
ley, head of the library's famed
collection of stage history and
moviana. The lion is not a
DIetz, Seadler or Ferguson
MGM plant but one of a re-
nowned pair which, common
legend has it, will roar upon
provocation never yet offered.
By Staff Photographer
COMEDY, reels and reels of it,
are what the screen needs now
and today, according to Max
Gordon, arriving In town after
producing "Abe Lincoln in Illi-
nois" for RKO. See page 54.
FIRST of the great screen
comedians and prototype of all
of them, Ford Sterling, right,
died Friday. He Is shown as
he played in Mack Sennett com-
edies. Obituary on page 70.
DI'\/ERGENT arguments on the censorship ques-
tion are represented below by Arthur DeBra of
the MPPDA; Frank Nugent, film critic for the
New York Times, and Morris Ernst, attorney, at
a censorship forum held in New York under the
auspices of the American Civil Liberties Union
and other organizations.
By Staff Photoj?rapher
By Staff Photographer
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
RETURNED from a
30,000 mile tour of the
Far East and Australia,
E. S. Gregg, at right,
Erpi general foreign
manager, is back at his
desk in New York look-
ing well.
THIRTY years as a
Loew theatre execu-
tive are celebrated
by Joseph R. Vogel,
below, in charge of the
Capitol and Astor in
New York and of the
company's theatres
out of town.
V
By Ella Barnett
By Staff Photographer
PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT in the engineering
technique of the motion picture were given semi-
annual public attention as the Fall Convention of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers opened in the
Pennsylvania Hotel, New York, this week, below and
right. On the dais at the opening day luncheon are
Walter Brooks, Charles L. Glett and Frank K. Speidel
of Eastern Service Studios; D. E. Hyndman, Eastman
Kodak; Congressman Bruce Barton, Mayor Fiorello H.
LaGuardia; E. A. Wllliford, SMPE president; W. G.
Van Schmus of the Music Hall; Edward P. Curtis,
Eastman Kodak; S. K. Wolf, and Dr. Alfred N. Gold-
smith. At right are Dr. Loyd A. Jones, chief physicist
of the Kodak Research Laboratories, who was awarded
the Society's Progress Medal, and Dr. Herbert T.
Kalmus, president of Technicolor, given the Journal
Award. The story is on page 33.
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus.
By Bachrach
THE ROOSEVELTS, moth er and
son, meet In the Goldwyn studio.
Samuel Goldwyn poses between
them. The First Lady visited
James, a Goldwyn vice-president,
on a flying trip to the coast.
PRESS COURTESY, left. Kate
Cameron, motion picture editor
of the New York Daily News, is
entertained at luncheon In Holly-
wood by Mr. Hal B. Wallis, War-
ner Brothers executive producer.
Dr. Loyd A. Jones.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
WITH THE EXHIBITORS
IN THE RKO EXHIBITORS' LOUNGE. Above left, F. E. Diggs, Jr.,
of the Wilder circuit, Norfolk, Va. Above right, Clarence E. Robbins
of Cape Theatres, Inc., Buzzards Bay, Mass. (Photos by staff photographer)
NEW DIRECTORS of the Variety Club of the Twin Cities just after
their nomination at a membership meeting In Minneapolis. Back
row, left to right: W. H. Workman, Harry Dryer, Gilbert Nathanson,
Eddie Ruben, William Elson, Joseph Podoloff. Front: William Don-
nelly, Ben Blotcky, new chief barker; Joseph Stern, W. A. Steffes,
retiring chief barker; Hy Chapman and Gordon Greene.
EXHIBITORS are shown what makes it tick by Invitation of RKO
Pathe at the filming in the New York Movietone News studios of the
third reel of "Information, Please". Across the board: Abraham
Leff, Leff-Myers; Myron Selgel and Milton Schwartz, Century;
Lawrence Bolognino, Consolidated; John Dacey, RKO exchange;
Irving Dollinger, former head of Associated Theatres of New Jersey,
and, proudly with the banner, Fred Ullman, Jr., Pathe producer.
VISITING the Motion Picture Herald offices in Radio City
is Morris Loewenstein, secretary of the MPTOA and owner
of the Majestic in Oklahoma City, with his secretary-partner,
Miss Ona Johnson.
IN HOLLYWOOD, below, Dwight Harklns, exhibitor of
Tempe, Arizona, visits Eddie Albert on the Warner lot.
By Staff Photographer
MANPOWER of the Wllmer and Vincent
circuit is represented above by executives
and managers in New York for the SMPE
convention, the World's Fair and a special
demonstration of television at the NBC
studios at which this picture was made.
Seated: Frank L. Fowler, Walter Vincent,
C. Floyd Hopkins and Franklin Maury.
Standing, Charles E. Brunner, Altoona;
Paul F. Patterson, Harrlsburg; Henry D.
Behr, projection division; Leroy Talbot,
Reading; Jim Rau, Allentown; Harold Con-
rad, Allentown; Stewart Seifert, Easton;
Frank Sutton, Norfolk, and Otis E. Bugg,
Richmond.
October2l,l939 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD 13
BIG PROBLEMS STILL HERE: MPTOA;
CRAVE DANCERS LIE AHEAD: ALLIED
Kuykendall Says Trade Prac-
tice Code Was "Loaded
with Empty Clauses"; Direc-
tors Will Meet Monday
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
America now concludes, after all the months
of trade practice code formulation with dis-
tributors, that the document, ruled illegal
by the Department of Justice two months
ago, "was loaded with empty clauses and
phony solutions," that several of the "hot
issues" raised "during the excitement are
turning out to be insignificant and unimpor-
tant," and that some of the vitally important
exhibitor problems, ignored by the code, are
still unsolved.
Directors To Meet Monday
This declaration was made Saturday in a
statement from MPTOA headquarters, New
York, going out over the signature of Edward
L. Kuykendall, president, as the officers and
directors were preparing to leave for their an-
nual meeting to elect for the new year and
determine new policy and procedure, in a two-
day session, starting Monday, at the Greenbrier
hotel at the resort of White Sulphur Springs
in West Virginia.
Four "vital" problems which still are un-
solved, were listed as follows :
(1) The selection of pictures in wholesale
buying (block booking).
(2) Overbuying to deprive a competitor of
pictures (monopoly).
(3) Unreasonable clearance between theatres
(zoning) .
(4) Cut- throat competition between theatres
(in the form of double billing, giveaways, pre-
miums).
Cancellation Factor
The statement from MPTOA headquarters
declared that the first problem may be on its
way to solution by reasonable cancellation
rights, generally offered by distributors. "It
can be solved by individual company action, but
it won't be solved until all of the companies
take such definite action," said the statement, in
praising MGM and Twentieth Century-Fox for
publicly making declarations of their intentions
of effecting trade practices independent, in not-
ing Universal's intentions for certain trade prac-
tice proposals, and in questioning Paramount,
RKO and Columbia for delaying action. "Unit-
ed Artists," the Kuykendall statement added,
"apparently has no intention of offering any-
thing." Warner Brothers, the first to announce
an individual trade practise program, was given
recognition in a previous MPTOA statement.
(Twentieth Century-Fox, while not yet having
made any public announcement of its intentions,
is understood to have so notified Mr. Kuyken-
dall last weekend.)
Score Charge "On Way Out"
The MPTOA board meeting's agenda will be
highlighted by a discussion of exhibitor prob-
lems of the day, as they apply to trade practices,
particularly. Of significance, or otherwise, in
this connection, is the anticipated attendance of
William F. Rodgers, general sales manager of
MGM, who led the distributors' committee in
working out the ill-fated trade practice program.
The statement says that the separate score
charge as such "seems to be on the way out with
all companies," but added that "this does not
.necessarily" mean that the distributors have re-
A. F. OF L. OPPOSES
NEELY BILL
That part of labor tvhich is repre-
sented by the American Federation of
Labor is strongly opposed to the Neely
anti-block and blind selling bill in
Congress, all 500 A. F. of L. delegates
in convention at Cincinnati, last
Thursday, at adjournment, voting
unanimotisly to adopt the report of its
exectitive council denouncing the pro-
posed meastire, on the grounds that its
passage "will mean that production
schedules will be cut in half and thus
directly affect the employment of some
282,000 persons employed in produc-
tion, distribution and exhibition, in
the 276 different crafts in the indus-
try."
It was brotcght out at the conven-
tion that all unions whose members
are employed in the industry appealed
to the Senate to defeat the bill.
duced their over-all rental charges by the price
of the score charge.
The 10-15-20 per cent cancellation and the
right to cancel pictures actually offensive to a
community "will permanently solve the block
booking problem for the small exhibitor ; the
large exhibitor has no serious problem on block
booking," it is said.
Promises of other concessions by distributors
are "at best, in very general terms," the state-
ment continued, "and depend entirely upon the
judgment, intelligence and good faith of the
distributors' field representations to be effective.
Unfortunately, they are all closely related to the
prices, terms and conditions asked by distrib-
utors for their pictures, which still involves
fighting and horse trading in its cruder forms."
On the general subject of trade practice cor-
rective measures and the "vital problems" re-
maining unsolved, the statement concluded with
the pessimistic note that "maybe the industry is
so deeply involved in litigation and lawsuits
that nothing can be done on trade practices until
the courts decide the issue which will take
years before any final decisions are reached,
involves enormous legal expenses that will force
drastic 'economy' programs, and, judging from
past experience, will ultimately result in a lot of
inept, drastic regulations by court decrees that
will solve none of the economic problems with
which we are confronted, or in new restrictive
legislation on our business."
Loew's May Establish
Houses in Buenos Aires
Neighborhood theatres may be established
in Buenos Aires by Loew's, Inc., according
to David Lewis, Argentine manager of the
company, who arrived in New York last
week. While no decision has as yet been
reached, the plan is understood to be under
discussion.
The company has no theatres in Buenos
Aires, and uses the Ideal Theatre as its first
run outlet.
Myers' Office Proposes Exhib-
itors Individually Start Set-
ting Aside Funds for
Installation of Television
Allied States Association this week ex-
pressed some opinions and made some
pointed remarks on the state of the business,
in a bulletin emanating from its headquar-
ters, in Washington, unsigned but generally
recognized as the work of Abram F. Myers,
its general counsel and board chairman.
"Float or Sink Together"
The basic intention was to point out some
"grave dangers" that confront the entire indus-
try, in all branches, for the reason that with re-
spect to "many of these dangers, especially those
growing out of the war and the increasing com-
petition of substitute amusements, all are in the
same boat, and for once it should be recognized
that all must float — or sink — together." Allied's
statement was more conciliatory, optimistic and
of a mutually constructive nature than is usual.
It sees improved relations between exhibitor
and distributor since the heat of argument over
the trade practice program ended.
Reduction of top-bracket salaries in produc-
tion and distribution to bring them more into
line with other American industries would re-
duce whatever losses will be felt from the war,
and, furthermore, would make the industry less
of a target for taxation, said Allied's statement
at the outset, adding that if economies and rigid
budget control mentioned in the trade since the
outbreak of war are going to be practiced, and
foreign losses met by these measures, "then
there should be no reason why exhibitors should
pay higher rentals, and exhibitors should not
allow film salesmen to argue them into paying
higher prices."
Striking a conciliatory attitude. Allied stated
that it would endeavor to report to its members
any reliable and significant information coming
to its attention from producers and distributors.
Blames Monopolies
"If the motion picture industry were not so
completely monopolized," said Allied, "so much
of the existing suspicion could be eliminated, and
all could then cooperate in meeting a common
disaster. Independent exhibitors, through their
national organization, would be invited to name
a committee to work with a committee repre-
senting the producers to ascertain and report the
facts in reference to current and prospective
losses, to advise the exhibitors as to how pro-
duction values are being maintained, and to
make recommendations for necessary curtail-
ments of cost, extended playing time for pic-
tures, need for additional film revenue (if any)
and other matters of vital interest to all parties."
Allied injected an optimistic note at this point,
predicting that the spurt to come in manufactur-
ing and agricultural lines — if the war continues
and if America is not drawn into it — should
bring prosperity to theatre box offices, and
"within a year gains in the United States should
offset foreign losses."
"Motion pictures are basic entertainment and
should be among the first to benefit ; the out-
look for exhibitors, especially those in the in-
dustrial centers, for the next year, is rosy."
However, Allied warned exhibitors to "watch
their step, will guard against undue expansion
of their activities and will store away some of
the fruits of the windfall for a rainy day."
Relative to "tiding over the war emergency,"
(.Continued on following page)
14
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
SITUATION IMPROVED, SAYS ALLIED
Clearance, Conciliation, Neely, Duals,
Product, Contracts Before Exhibitors
(.Continued from preceding pane)
Allied advised the industry to consider the situ-
ation as Allied sees it today :
"Motion pictures no longer are a novelty.
People no longer go to the movies, they go to
see a particular picture. If the picture they
want to see is not available to them, they do
something else.
"Due to the shortsightedness of studio execu-
tives in allowing motion picture stars to go on
the air, radio has been built into an able compe-
titor that is luring patrons from the theatres by
the millions.
"Admission prices are much higher than in
the early days and unless steps are taken to
keep down film rentals and other items of over-
head they will further increase and the industry
will enter upon an era of self-strangulation.
"To retain the interest and good will of the
public, producers and exhibitors alike will have
to concentrate on showmanship ; new names,
new faces, new stories and new methods of ex-
ploitation must be devised and employed ; com-
pulsory block booking must go — no industry
which faces the formidable competition which
now confronts the movies can hope to prosper
or even survive by telling its customers that
they must buy what they don't want in order to
get what they do want. Moreover, Allied still
clings to the quaint belief that strong pictures
will make more money for all concerned than
weak ones. Exhibitors must continue their fight
for the Neely Bill."
Urges Television Fund
Allied believes that "television is on its way
and will bring new and difficult problems for
theatre owners. If it is sprung on the industry
suddenly, independent exhibitors may be caught
flat-footed. The affiliated theatres (if there are
any then), by reason of their ties with the
electric companies, will have first call on equip-
ment, unless the independents take measures to
protect themselves.
"Every exhibitor who expects to remain in
business should now be giving heed to the prob-
lems which will come with television. National
Allied will endeavor to give its members timely
warning. It will also strive for equal treatment
as between different classes of theatres as re-
gards equipment and service. But exhibitors
should begin at once to put aside a certain per-
centage of their earnings every month into a
sort of sinking fund to defray the cost incident
to the installation of television.
Credits Warners
Allied gave Warner Brothers and its general
sales manager, Gradwell Sears, "full credit" for
"stealing the show" by first presenting to ex-
hibitors an independent trade practice program
of their own. "While not giving exhibitors all
the relief to which they are entitled, it neverthe-
less should be welcomed by exhibitors."
Allied recognized that MGM followed the
lead of Warners "and it appears likely that
other members of the Big Eight will fall in
line," all of which appears to the organization
to leave matters in "a satisfactory condition for
the time being."
"If the distributors carry out their voluntary
undertakings in good faith, they will make a
great contribution to the restoration of confi-
dence and pave the way for the kind of coopera-
tion and understanding that should prevail. For
a time last summer (during the height of the
code formulation), the situation looked des-
perate, with everybody talking out of turn, and
not caring very much what they said. In re-
cent months, with more action and less talk,
the situation has greatly improved."
Allied warned of the "leak" in exhibition in-
come from 16mm showings, citing Indiana, Wis-
consin and Michigan as localities of particularly
Ontario Owners Get a
Clearance Board Report
The Independent Theatre Association of
Ontario meeting at the King Edward Hotel
in Toronto last week received a report from
the special Anti-Protection League Commit-
tee recently formed to bring about a national
clearance board for Canada. The committee
reported it has been in conference with N. L.
Nathanson, president, and J. J. Fitzgibbons,
vice-president of Famous Players Canadian,
who have said they are willing to sit in with
the independents to discuss clearances and
priorities with a view to amending them.
Mr. Nathanson said this week in New
York that he favors local conciliation boards
in Canada to solve exhibitor problems and
does not believe that a national conciliation
setup is feasible. "There are two sides to
the protection problem," he said, adding that
"It must be realized that the large theatres
bear the burden of rentals which make pos-
sible the continuing production of pictures of
the type that brings people into theatres."
Arkansas ITO On Record
Against Neely Bill
The Independent Theatre Owners of Arkan-
sas at its semi-annual meeting in Little Rock,
this week went on record as unanimously op-
posed to the Neely anti-block booking bill, after
listening to an address on the bill by Ward
Martin, Little Rock attorney. A copy of the
resolution will be mailed to each congressman
of Arkansas. About 125 members attended.
Mr. Martin said that the bill would add a
financial burden to producers and pile up more
difficulties for exhibitors. He also said that, he
did not believe in public censorship of motion
pictures.
Roy Rogers, Republic western star, was a
guest.
Would End Causes
Of Dual Billing
After a discussion Friday in Philadelphia
members of Allied Independent Theatre Owners
of Eastern Pennsylvania came to the conclu-
sion, without formal vote, that every effort
should be made to eliminate the causes that
bring about double features. The meeting fol-
lowed on the heels of the report that Stanley-
Warner may adopt dual bills.
Coast ITO Nannes
Trustee Board
Rotus Harvey, president of the ITO of
Northern California, and Ben Levin have been
appointed to represent their organization on
increased activity. "The menace is a grave
one," it said. "Either these films are being-
shown in violation of copyright restrictions or
certain distributors have been greatly negligent
in the wording of contracts," Allied said.
On the matter of the Government's anti-trust
prosecution of the majors. Allied warned that
regardless of organized industry opinion as to
the outcome, the activity of the Government's
the newly formed Pacific Coast Conference of
Independent Theatre Owners. First formal
meeting was held Wednesday at the Hotel Am-
bassador, Los Angeles.
The board of trustees is now completed. Other
members are L. O. Lukan and William Ripley
of Pacific Northwest and Jack Y. Berman and
Hugh W. B ruen of the southland group. Robert
H. Poole is temporary executive secretary of
the Conference.
Allied Regional Directors
At Connecticut Meeting
Arthur K. Howard and Francis C. Lyden,
regional directors of Allied, addressed a special
meeting of Allied Theatres of Connecticut at the
Hof-Brau, New Haven, last week. New pro-
duct, policies of selling, attitude of salesmen in
regard to short subjects, and preferred time.
A. M. Schuman, of the Black Rock, Bridgeport,
newly-elected president, presided.
Washington MPTO
Meets This Month
The Motion Picture Theatre Owners of
Washington will hold their annual convention
in Seattle on Friday, October 27th, at the New
Washington Hotel.
A one-day meeting is planned, led by L. O.
Lukan, president. Arrangements are being made
by James M. Hone, executive secretary of the
organization.
Kelly Calls Allied
Syracuse Meeting
New York independent exhibitors convened
in Syracuse Tuesday at a meeting called by E.
Thornton Kelly, executive secretary of New
York Allied. The avowed purpose of the meet-
ing was to "sift facts" in the controversy be-
tween Max Cohen, head of New York Allied,
and Mr., Kelly.
Sidney Samuelson, Colonel Cole, Frank Ly-
don and Arthur Howard, national Allied lead-
ers, were in attendance. Mr. Cohen advised
members of the New York unit that it was not
a meeting of the New York State Allied.
Colonel Cole said that affiliation of the or-
ganization with national Allied "depended on
conditions as they develop."
Myers To Attend
Exhibitor Banquet
Abram F. Myers, general counsel of Allied
States Association, will be honor guest at the
19th annual banquet of the Motion Picture
Theatre Owners of Western Pennsylvania, to
be held next Tuesday at the Roosevelt Hotel in
Pittsburgh.
Charles S. Philbrook is general chairman of
the convention which will be held Monday and
Tuesday at the hotel.
prosecutors showed "there is no indication of
any lack of confidence" on the part of the De-
partment of Justice, which is "pressing the case
with all possible vigor," adding that peristence
in dilatory tactics by the majors in connection
with the case "will sooner or later prove a
boomerang."
Allied national directors will meet in Wash-
ington in January to review the work done.
An absorbing novei^^^^^^b
the yearns most absorbing
THE STORY
that 6,650,000
women read as a
4 -month's serial in
Cosmopolitan . . .
THE BOOK
that millions more
read as a 27-week's
best-seller from
coast to coast . . .
THE BOOK
that set new reader
records in every cir-
culating library . . .
Why women will like
Par amount's
net'
Why Critics like
DISPUTED
PASSAGE
"It is absorbing entertainment ... a
best seller read by millions. Entire
cast exceptionally fine."
— Showmen's Trade Review
"It is really one of the fine pictures
of the year. Frank Borzage has
given a flawless job of direction.
Top acting honors must be justly
divided."
— Joe Blair, Hollywood M. P. Review
"It deservedly takes its place in the
fore rank with the other screen-
ings of Lloyd Douglas's novels.
Akim Tamiroff is magnificent.
John Howard gives his best per-
formance and Dorothy Lamour,
too, is at her best."
— Hollywood Reporter
"Paramount has brought the pop-
ular best seller to pictures with
all of its force intact."
—Dorothy Manners, Los Angeles Exantiner
"It will probably score a large hit.
Miss Lamour's beauty is a radiant
facet of her role."
— Edwin Schallert, Los Angeles Times
"It is in the best tradition of both
Lloyd C. Douglas, whose name is
synonymous with fine literary
endeavor, and Frank Borzage,
who has accounted for some of
the screen's most notable efforts."
— Motion Picture Daily
Paramount presents the screen's
dramatic hit of the year
it
DISPUTED
PASSAGE!
Dorothy Lamour • Akim
Tamirofif • John Howard
giving the greatest perform-
ances of their careers under the
master direction of Producer-
Director Frank Borzage • Based
on the best-selling novel by
Lloyd C. Douglas • Screen Play
by Anthony Veiller and Sheridan
Gibney • A Paramount Picture
• • • • She^s one of the 61,000,000 women in
America wlio are waiting to see the greatest
woman^s picture ever to play your theatre !
\1 ' one off the
M,000.000 readers Of
»'aramount's ffoll.r«i^
americanweeS::
"DISPUTED
PASSAGE"
5,600,000 readers off
Poromoont's color ad in
i-'BERTY and LOOK ffo^
"DISPUTED
PASSAGE"
M50,000 readers off
Poromount's color ad
•n COSMOPOIITAN ffor
"DISPUTED
PASSAGE"
She's one of the 9,500,000
readers off Paramount's
*an magazine ad ffor
"DISPUTED
PASSAGE*'
.•11
Booh 'DISPUTED PASSAGE" Now!
Octo be r 2 1, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
19
MAJORS SCORE: A SUIT IS DISMISSED;
NO NEW YORK TRIAL BEFORE MARCH
Orange County Theatres Ac-
tion Is Dropped; Defendant
Cooperative Theatres of
Michigan Asks Delay
The majors this week had cause for some
jubilation when, amidst the barrage of anti-
trust suit attacks, an independent owner
withdrew its action before trial, and even
paid the legal costs. It was the first with-
drawal since both independent exhibitors
and the Government took up their respective
campaigns in the courts against practices of
the distributors and large circuits. The case
was that of Orange County Theatres, New
York, versus five distributors, and the rea-
son given for the withdrawal was a dispute
among the independent's executives.
A second breathing spell in the majors'
defense of the 40-odd actions pending in the
federal courts came with the disclosure by
the Government that trial of the New York
"key" trust attack by the Department of Jus-
tice is not likely to come to trial before
March.
There were other more or less mild skir-
mishes and legal moves in other trust cases
in the field.
New York Orange County
Anti-Trust Case Dropped
The Independent Orange County (N. Y.)
Theatres' $250,000 anti-trust suit complaint
against five majors and the Paramount The-
atres in Newburgh, N. Y., operated by
George Walsh, was dismissed with costs
last Friday in United States district court,
in New York City.
The case had been called for trial. Isaac
Miller, president and general counsel for
the plaintiff organization, informed the court
that his side would drop the case because
Harry Friedman, former president of
Orange County Theatres, was now litigat-
ing against it, and was "hostile to its case."
Mr. Miller declared that his company
was, in another case pending in the state
supreme court, charging Friedman with em-
bezzlement.
Federal Judge John W. Clancy ordered
the Orange County Theatres to pay costs,
the amount to be determined by accounting
or an agreement.
The case was begun in July 1937. The
charges were that Paramount, 20th Century-
Fox, United Artists, Universal, and RKO
conspired with Mr. Walsh, Eugene Levy,
and Netco Theatres Corporation, to de-
prive the Academy, Newburgh, of second
and third run product.
Do Not Expect the
New York Trial Until March
Paul Williams, assistant to Thurman
Wesley Arnold, United States assistant dis-
trict attorney in charge of anti-trust suits,
said in New York Saturday that he doubted
whether the pending case against the majors
in New York would reach trial before
March of next year.
Inasmuch as the government has applied
to Federal Judge John Knox for a prefer-
ANTI-TRUST DUTIES
INCREASED: ARNOLD
Assistant Attorney General Thur-
man W. Arnold, who besides conduct-
ing other anti-trust suits is leader of
the government's prosecution of the
motion picttire industry, spoke last
Tuesday in Washington to the Ameri-
can Retail Federation. Mr. Arnold de-
scribed the increased duties imposed on
the anti-trust division of the Depart-
ment of Justice by the European war
in trying to prevent a long range dis-
location of American economy and to
control the immediate problem of
profiteering.
Mr. Arnold treated at soyne length
both problems and stressed the need
for additional personnel to handle
complaints to study needed changes in
the law and to encourage and coordi-
nate the development of consumer
organizations.
Any expectation that the European
war would change the division's policy
was dismissed when Mr. Arnold at the
beginning of his speech challenged the
idea that "it was time to ignore the
anti-trust laws." On the contrary,
Mr. Arnold said, "the anti-trust divi-
sion interprets the war as a new chal-
lenge %vhich intensifies the need for its
activity. War has added to the task
before us rather than subtracted from
it, because it has increased the oppor-
tunities for aggressive combinations to
use war conditions as an excuse for the
destruction of that industrial democ-
racy on which political democracy de-
pends."
ence on the trial calendar, Mr. Williams'
remarks were interpreted as an indication
the Government may not want its motion
granted, or does not expect it to be granted.
As the calendar stood this week, the case
is scheduled for late February or March.
When asking for his motion two months
ago, Mr. Williams had asked for November
1st, as a trial date.
The case is being delayed principally by
the examination and answering of complex
interrogatories served by the Government
on the defendants last month.
The companies have been given until No-
vember 1st, to answer these. They were re-
ported last week to be considering the serv-
ing of interrogatories on the Government.
United Artists already has served one.
Mich iqan Defendant
Asks Suit Delay
Cooperative Theatres of Michigan, de-
fendant in an anti-trust action against it by
Midwest Theatres Company, moved last
week in Detroit federal court that the suit
be stayed until determination of the owner-
ship of the Schreiber Circuit, of which Mid-
west Theatres is a part.
Jacob Schreiber, former owner, has chal-
lenged tlie present control of the circuit's
five houses by his nephew, Raymond Schrei-
ber.
Folly Amends Complaint
In Brooklyn Trust Case
Folly Amusement Holding Corporation,
former operator of the Folly Theatre,
Brooklyn, and which is suing the eight
majors. Monogram, and Republic for $250,-
000 treble damages in an anti-trust action
in New York, this week filed an amended
complaint against the United Artists Cor-
poration, and a bill of particulars. The cor-
poration's suit charges a conspiracy which
forced it to close the theatre.
Government Ready to
Proceed in Chicago
Seymour Simon and Robert Wright,
Government attorneys, were due back in
Chicago this week, from Washington,
where they had completed the briefs in the
Government's contempt case against Bala-
ban and Katz and the eight majors, for vio-
lation of a 1932 consent decree.
They were expected to submit the briefs
to Federal Judge Woodward in Chicago
Federal Court, immediately. The Govern-
ment's case is believed to have been com-
pleted this week, in preparatory details.
The defendants will have 30 days to an-
swer, from the time the briefs are filed in
court._
Set Hearing November 13th
In Los Angeles Trust Suit
The Government criminal contempt case
hearing against Fox West Coast Theatres
and several majors for violation of a 1930
consent decree, in Los Angeles, was contin-
ued from this Monday to November 13th,
by Federal Judge Campbell Beaumont. The
defendants are expected to file requests for
bills of particulars.
Court Orders Trust
Complaint Amended
Federal Judge F. P. Schoonmaker, in
Pittsburgh, last week, ordered the Erie State
Theatre Corporation to file a more specific
complaint in its suit against the majors.
Griffith Circuit Granted
Extension in Filing Brief
The Griffith Amusement Company, in
Oklahoma City Federal Court, was to file
its reply brief this Friday to the Department
of Justice charges in the suit by it against
Griffith and the majors for anti-trust law
violations, but was granted a 10-day exten-
sion.
Columbia, United Artists, and Universal
have already filed reply briefs.
The briefs support defense motions that
the Government be compelled to file a bill
of particulars and clarify its charges.
20
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
FRANCE ORDERS CASH ON DELIVERY;
NAZIS SET WEEKLY MINIMUM BOOKING
Right Is Given French Exhib-
itors to Cancel Contract If
Distributor Cannot
Provide Picture Ordered
Enlightenment on some of the conditions,
rules and regulations affecting the motion
picture industry in France comes from Paris
through La Cimniatographie Francaise, one
of the leading film journals in that coun-
try, and discloses the basic stringencies
under which the business is compelled to
operate because of the war with Germany.
Outstanding is a condition set down pro-
viding for cash on delivery of films and ad-
vertising accessories and the right given to
exhibitors to cancel a contract if the dis-
tributor cannot provide a picture.
Exhibitors Meet Distributors
Definite plans for carrying on business dur-
ing the war have been formulated by the French
motion picture industry itself, so far as pos-
sible contract obligations will be fulfilled. When
this is not possible the contract will be tem-
porarily suspended and the exhibitor authorized
to obtain film wherever he can.
The association of exhibitors (La Chambre
Syndicate du Film) met with the distributors'
group (La Chambre Syndicale Francaise des
Distributeurs de Films) to take action made
necessary by the war. The joint meeting unani-
mously decided to regulate the delivery of films
and of motion picture advertising which had
not previously been subject to law.
It was also decided that contracts executed
before the war should be upheld as far as pos-
sible. But when the exhibitor and the dis-
tributor both agree, the execution of any con-
tract will be suspended. In this case the
exhibitor may be able to secure another film
from the same distributor, or if this is impos-
sible, from any distributor. A joint commission
of theatre owners and distributors will be set
up to settle the questions arising from sus-
pended contracts and other cases of absolute
necessity.
Four-Point Program
The organized French industry established a
four-point program :
1st: No film or advertising material will be
delivered except for cash ;
2nd : Insofar as it is possible contracts will be
kept ;
3rd: If a distributor cannot furnish the film
contracted for, or a substitute, the contract is
suspended and the exhibitor will be authorized
to obtain a film elsewhere, and,
4th : _ No exhibitor may obtain a substitute
film without the authorization of the distribut-
ing company that had the original contract. The
new regulations were announced by M. Paul
Ambiehl, vice-president of the Syndical Film
Chamber.
Meanwhile Paris theatres function with a cur-
tailed schedule. Many employees and execu-
tives have been mobilized. Most of the impor-
tant theatres remained opened but business was
not good. One of the contributing causes was
the early evening closing order. This regula-
tion, issued by the Paris Police Department at
the request of the Military Authority, makes the
theatres shut down at the height of evening
business. The hope is expressed in Paris that
the regulation will be relaxed when life is re-
organized on a wartime basis.
The oflSces of the distributing companies re-
WAR PICTURES ARE
STRONG IN CANADA
"You're in the Army Now", three-
year-old film made with the co-
operation of the British War Office,
and "Our Fighting Navy" which had
the support of the English Admiralty
are reported to be strong box-office
attractions in Canada. No new British
films have been received in Canada
since the war began but old pictures
that have a wartime slant are very
popular; "Secret Agent" is considered
timely.
Two Hollywood made pictures,
"The Eagle and the Hawk" and
"Wings of the Navy", are doing good
business in Canada. Film exchanges
have been searching their vaults for
films that will satisfy the public's
present taste for war pictures.
mained open for the most part. The personnel,
however, immediately was reduced at the out-
break of war. No one knows how long busi-
ness will be continued. The progress made in
motion pictures during the last few years in
France will be at least temporarily lost, ac-
cording to the most hopeful opinions in Paris.
Production at the Paris studios was inter-
rupted by the outbreak of hostilities. A typical
case is that of the Pathe Joinville studio. It
is located at a strategic position and 360 soldiers
have been billeted there to man the nearby anti-
aircraft guns. Some pictures, probably mostly
propaganda, will be produced under government
control. The industry already has been organ-
ized for this and it is expected that some of
the French stars will be recalled from their
regiments to make motion pictures.
Ban Street Carnivals
The city council of Seattle recently passed
an ordinance banning street carnivals at
the request of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Washington and the Seattle Fed-
eration of Motion Picture Theatre Em-
ployees.
Jake Miller Retires
Jake Miller, a figure in the New Orleans
entertainment world for the last 30 years,
retired this week after selling the Lafayette
theatre to Merrie Shows, Inc., of which
Charles V. Levy is president.
Richard Reichter, manager in Yugoslavia,
and Jack Kamras, in charge of sales in
Finland, won Warner Brothers' European
exploitation contest. Mr. Reichter led with
his campaign on "Confessions of a Nazi
Spy." Promotion on "Juarez" won second
award for Mr. Kamras.
Alexander Olshanetsky, Jewish compos-
er, has been engaged to write an original
score for Elite Pictures' forthcoming musi-
cal production of "The Vilner Cantor,"
starring Moishe Oysher.
Gernnan Exhibitors and Renters
"Have Particular Duty to
Bring People and Films To-
gether," Says Ministry
Wartime instructions to the German mo-
tion picture industry, which has been vir-
tually a Nazi Government institution, con-
trolled and operated by the Propaganda
Ministry, appear in Lichtbildbuhne, Berlin
trade journal, which warns that "increased
readiness for duties, and enhanced fulfill-
ment of obligations, are demanded of all to-
day, in order that German films may entirely
meet all requirements during the war" — pre-
sumably propaganda requirements.
A "Particular Duty"
"Exhibitors and film renters," the publica-
tion adds, "have the particular duty of bringing
the German people and films together in the
course of the week's show more so than ever
during these present great events," continues
the government inspired film mouthpiece, adding
that to obtain economical use of existing and
forthcoming films the industry is expected to
adhere to the following suggestions.
1 Exhibitors and renters will endeavor in
every way to achieve maximum utilization
of German films. For this purpose it is neces-
sary that German film managers go about their
business with rented films more diligently and
economically than hitherto. Short runs are
no longer desired. Weekly change of film must
be the rule even for revivals of old pictures.
2 Film salesmen who have not yet been
called to the colors or to civilian assistance
service will maintain their normal travel sched-
ules as nearly as possible. However, they will
not be able for the present to travel on other
than the main railroad lines. It is therefore
expected they will proceed instantly on arrival
to take up their necessary business and bring
it to a prompt conclusion.
3 Rental organizations will contact by
mail theatres that cannot be visited
promptly because of difficulties in travel, such
as call of salesmen to the colors, or shortage
of railroad accommodations or of motor cars.
Such letters are to be read and answered im-
mediately. Correspondence is to be limited to
essentials.
4 It is particularly expected that in cases
not only of temporary but of permanent
economic difficulties, exhibitors and salesmen
will enter into quick and friendly agreement
between themselves, consulting superiors if nec-
essary.
The Telenews, a newsreel theatre, is be-
ing erected at State and Randolph streets in
Chicago by the Midwest Newsreel Theatres,
Inc. Herbert Scheftel is president. The new
house will have 600 seats and will be
equipped with RCA Photophone sound and a
l()-unit hard-of-hearing aid system. The
Telenews is to open about December 1st.
The Columbian Club, employee organiza-
tion of Columbia, will hold a dinner party
October 27th at Ben Riley's Arrowhead
Inn, Westchester, N. Y. Phil Weisman,
president, is in charge of arrangements.
October 21, 19 3 9 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 21
GALA SEND-OFF GIVEN 'MR. SMITH' AT
CAPITAL; 'DISPUTED PASSAGE', DETROIT
Constitution Hall Audience In-
cludes Membership of Con-
gress as N. P. Club Sponsors
Columbia-Capra Film Showing
Official Washington, 4,000 strong, met
Tuesday evening in Constitution Hall to
consider the merits of Frank Capra's "Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington." The verdict
of Senators, Representatives, Supreme Court
justices. Cabinet members and other high
government members was 100 per cent
favorable. "Jefferson Smith," the young
crusading senator from an unnamed state,
was received with ceremony in keeping with
the motion picture. The National Press
Club sponsored the event. (The film was re-
viewed in the issue of October 7th, page
35.)
Impressive Setting
Constitution Hall was illuminated by artillery
searchlights as the thousands of guests filed into
the historic hall.
The special guests who accepted invitations to
come and applaud "Senator Smith" included
three members of the Cabinet led by Cordell
Hull, Secretary of State. The other Cabinet
men were Postmaster General James A. Farley
and Attorney General Frank Murphy. The
Supreme Court was represented by Associate
Justice Stanley Reed and Associate Justice Wil-
liam O. Douglas. Other government officials
were Charles Edison, Acting Secretary of the
Navy; Louis Johnson, Assistant Secretary of
War ; Everett K. Burlew, Assistant Secretary
of the Interior, and United States Solicitor Gen-
eral Robert Johnson.
Other Government Officers
Other Government men present included Dis-
trict Commissioner Melvin C. Hazen ; R. D. W.
Conner, Archivist of the United States ; Colonel
Edward A. Halsey, Secretary of the Senate;
Alvin W. Hall, Director of the Bureau of Print-
ing and Engraving ; Assistant Secretary of
Commerce, John Monroe Johnson ; Daniel C.
Roper, former secretary of Commerce ; Jesse
H. Jones, chairman of the RFC; Dr. S. L.
Rowe, director of the Pan-American Union and
General Hugh Johnson.
Frank Capra and Mrs. Capra were the guests
of honor. Columbia Pictures was represented
by Harry Cohn, president ; Jack Cohn, vice-
president ; A. Schneider, treasurer ; A. Mon-
tague, general sales manager, as well as Nate B.
Spingold, Maurice A. Bergman, Leo JafTe,
Frank McGrann, Hortense Schorr, Leonard
Gaynor, Hank Kaufman and Bernard Zeeman.
"Frank Capra Day"
The world's premiere of "M'r. Smith Goes to
Washington" was the climax of what had been
a "Frank Capra Day" in Washington. More
than 400 members of the National Press Club
and their guests attended a luncheon in his
honor. Senator Chandler, until recently Gov-
ernor of Kentuckv. and James Preston, for 35
years head of the Senate press gallery and tech-
nical advisor on the film, were special guests.
Director Capra spoke and then answered
questions from members of the Press Club.
Arthur Hatchen, president of the club, presided
at the luncheon. W. G. Van Schmus, manag-
ing director of the Radio City Music Hall, was
another speaker.
Delegation Visits Chamber
A delegation of more than sixty persons repre-
senting New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore
newspapers and national syndicates, trade papers
and national magazines and a group of Columbia
executives arrived in Washington in time to
make a short visit to the Senate Chamber and
to attend a special dinner at the Press Qub,
which preceded the premiere. Before the pic-
ture was shown at Constitution Hall the audi-
ence was entertained by a Field Artillery Band
and the Press Club Glee Club in debut. Mr.
Hatchen, president of the club, made a brief
address.
Following the special premiere in Washing-
ton, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" began
its first theatre run at the Radio City Music
Hall on Thursday.
The Music Hall's stage show was built on
the melodies of the American composer, Jerome
Kern, in harmony with the American spirit
of the picture.
Motor City Goes Festive for
Opening; Car Manufacturers
Join the Parade with New
Cars to Convey the Stars
Studded with a group of Hollyvvood stars,
amid outstanding showmen and mid-western
circuit operators and a gala review of
the latest model automobiles, Paramount
launched the world premiere of "Disputed
Passage" in Detroit Thursday night at the
Michigan Theatre. The city witnessed one
of the greatest crowds ever participating in
a co-operative civic event in its history. The
picture is reviewed on page 36.
Governor Is Chairman
With Governor Luren D. Dickinson acting
as honorary chairman of the world premiere
committee, more than one hundred local busi-
ness, civic and social leaders co-operated.
Mayor Richard W. Reading, members of the
chamber of commerce and other civic organiza-
tions as well as thousands of residents greeted
Dorothy Lamour and John Howard, stars of
"Disputed Passage" and Olympe Bradna, J.
Carroll Naish, Susan Hayward, Robert Pres-
ton and Joseph Allen, Jr., all of whom appeared
in person at the Michigan premiere.
The actual premiere festivities started early
Thursday morning when a special meeting of
the National Film Critics Poll of America was
held. Following this meeting the stars were
guests at a special luncheon arranged by the
local Variety Club. During the afternoon the
crystal Room of the Book-Cadillac Hotel was
the scene of an informal reception of the stars
and later a buffet supper was held for the
Hollywood celebrities, visiting newspaper repre-
sentatives and guests.
New Cars Paraded
As a prelude to the "Disputed Passage" pre-
miere the local automobile industry staged a
sneak view of the 1940 model cars in a huge
street parade of "Stars and Cars of 1940." The
(Continued on following page)
Just before the premiere, Jack and Harry Cohn, vice-president and In a box at the screening are Jesse H. Jones, chairman of the RFC,
president of Columbia, and Maurice Bergman, director of advertis- and Mrs. Jones; W. G. Van Schmus of the Music Hall, and A.
ing and publicity, discuss the event in the lobby of Constitution Hall. Montague, Columbia sales manager.
22
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
AUTO MAKERS JOIN FILM PARADE
Frank Capra, producer and director of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," autographs
a souvenir brochure for newspaper correspondents at the luncheon given him by the
National Press Club in Constitution Hall, Washington, D. C, on the day of the
picture's premiere in the capital.
(Continued from preceding page, column 3)
parade started from the Book-Cadillac at 7 :30
P. M. and covered the principal streets of the
city en route to the Michigan theatre. Each car
brought some prominent Hollywood star to the
theatre. As the car arrived the star mounted
a raised platform and amid a battery of lights
was introduced to the thousands lining the side-
walks in front of the theatre. Harry Heilman,
former big-leag-ue baseball star and now radio
commentator for station WXYZ, w-as master-
of-ceremonies at the theatre.
To aid in holding back the crowds of fans at
the Michigan theatre, police and street mainte-
nance department officials had installed steel
stanchions set in concrete for the full 320 feet
of the theatre block. The stanchions were placed
20 feet out from the curb and a steel cable
stretched between them to provide a protected
lane for the automobiles.
Among the leading automobile manufacturers
who participated in the street parade were Ford,
Oldsmobile, Buick, Packard, Hudson, Chevrolet,
Plymouth and Pontiac. In addition to the Ford
Kiltie Band, three American Legion Drum and
Bugle Corps and the oldest Chevrolet and Olds-
mobile, Detroit's latest fire apparatus were
among the additional highlights of the parade.
Another highlight of the premiere came when
a Paramount newsreel crew, aided by a police
motorcycle escort rushed negatives of the
crowds entering the theatre to a laboratory
across town. The film was developed, printed
and rushed back to the theatre in time for the
patrons to see newsreel shots of themselves.
Rail, Bus Trips Arranged
Botli railroad and bus lines operating within
a radius of 150 miles of Detroit arranged spe-
cial "World Premiere Trips" to enable visitors
to see the Hollywood stars making personal ap-
pearances. Full co-operation in handling the
crowds along tlie line of the parade and at the
theatre was given by mounted police squads
through the action of Commissioner Heinrik
Pickert.
Among the theatre executives and newspaper-
men who arrived in Detroit on October 17th
w^ere: Bill Hollander, B. & K. Theatres, Chi-
cago ; Harry Browning, AI. & P. Theatres,
Boston; William F. Crouch, Quigley Publica-
tions; Donald Douglas, Chicago Daily Nezus;
A. S. Kany, Dayton Herald; Chuck Gay, Day-
ton Times ; Bill White, Pittsburgh Press ; Herb
Graffis, Chicago Times; Buck Herzog, Milwau-
kee Sentinel ; Gene Rich, Box Office, Herb
Berg of Paramount and Lew Nathan.
The following were also scheduled to arrive
in time for the opening: Mr. and Mrs. John
Balaban and \\^alter Immerman, Chicago ; Al-
len Usher, Paramount Chicago Division man-
ager ; Charles Winchell, ^Minnesota Amusement
Co., Minneapolis ; Joe Feldman, of Warners in
Pittsburgh ; Ralph Lawlor, Paramount theatre,
Toledo ; Charles Kurtzman, of Loews in Pitts-
burgh, and John Herman, Paramount newsreel
cameraman from Cleveland, also additional
newspapermen.
Representatives from the following radio sta-
tions covered the premiere: G. F. Ashbacker,
Station WKBZ, ^.luskegon; John E. Fetzer,
Station WKZO, Kalamazoo, and Sandy Meek
of Stations WOOD and WASH in Grand
Rapids.
Advertising Budget Fixed
A $75,000 national new-spaper and magazine
advertising campaign on "Disputed Passage"
and "Rulers of tlie Sea" was announced by Rob-
ert M. Gillham, Paramount's director of pub-
licity and advertising. The opening ad in this
campaign is a four-color ad appearing on Octo-
ber 22nd in the Am-erican Weekly. The "Rulers
of the Sea" campaign will break November 18th.
Brandt Going to Hollywood
To Check Up for Exhibitors
Harry Brandt, president of the Inde-
pendent Theatre Owners Association and
operator of an independent circuit, also
author of the "box office poison" blast at
stars a year ago, said Tuesday that he is
going to Hollywood, for the first time, No-
vember Ist, "at the request of theatre own-
ers" to check at first hand "the ability of
picture companies to produce high quality
pictures despite the loss of foreign markets,"
and the general product outlook for the new-
season.
Otterson Demonstrates ^
New Wire Service
John Otterson's new Wire Broadcasting
Corporation w"as to give its first public dem-
onstration of the application of wire broad-
casting to radio receiving sets Thursday
afternoon at the Hotel Essex, New York.
The corporation will furnish musical pro-
grams without advertising announcements
to subscribers over telephone wires through
his own radio receiver.
Ask Better Treatment
In Argentine Treaty
Lawyers representing motion picture com-
panies met with State Department officials
in Washington on Wednesday', to seek con-
sideration for films, in the trade treaty being
negotiated between this country and Argen-
tina.
The la-\\wers were Harold S. Bareford.
W'arners ; Harrj' Levine, RKO ; Frank Irbe,
20th Century-Fox, and Joseph Rosenthal,
Loew's.
N. Y. Council Limits
Ticket Broker Profits
The New York City Council on Tuesday
passed a bill limiting the profits of theatre
ticket brokers to 75 cents. Councilman
Howard Spellman introduced the bill, and
the League of New- York Theatres backed
it. It is understood the measure applies to
all theatre tickets, film houses included.
The producer is allowed, under the bill,
to fix the advanced price not in excess of 75
cents over the boxoffice figure. A broker who
charges more is guilty of law violation.
However, if the producer has not fixed the
advance, the broker may resell at any price.
Columbia Broadcasting
Bans War Themes
A ban on dramatic material dealing with
the w-ar, and a warning that it would censor
all sponsored news broadcasts, were con-
tained in a special bulletin sent Tuesday by
the Columbia Broadcasting System to all ad-
vertisers and advertising agencies.
The bulletin emphasized that the CBS
would continue to cover the war extensively,
but referred to the National Association of
Broadcasters code of fair practices, a pro-
vision of which bans controversial issues on
sponsored programs.
Directors of Loew's, Inc., on Wednesday
declared a quarterly dividend of $1.62^
a share on the preferred stock payable No-
vember 15th to holders of record October
27th.
Harry Warner will appear in "America's
flaking," a film to be made hy the Russell
Sage Foundation.
the new CHARLES LAUGHTON starrer, introducing
Maureen O'Hara, directed by ALFRED HITCHCOCK . . .
A Pommer-Laughton '"Mayflower" production . . .
OPENS TO TERRIFIC
CROSSES!
Paramount, New Haven.-
Best gross in the last 18 months — top-
ping "Beau Geste," "Union Pacific/'
"Men With Wings." Held over.
Strand, Providence—
Best gross of the year — topping "Union
Pacific," "Beau Geste," "Star Maker,"
"Man About Town." Held over.
Palace, Columbus—
Tops "Man About Town."
RivoU, New York-
One of the three top-gross pictures to
play the theatre in the last 5 years.
(25% ahead of "Beachcomber" which
played at Christmas.) Held over for on
indefinite run.
AUyn, HartSord—
Topping "Beau Geste," "The Star
Maker," "Man About Town." Heldover.
State, Tucson—
Tops "Honeymoon in Bali," "The
Star Maker."
A PARAMOUNT RELEASE
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
25
FIRST RETURNING U. S. CAMERAMAN
TELLS OF BOMBINGS ON EAST FRONT
Plane and Courier Provided by
Polish Governnnent; His Auto
Was Bombed in Race to
the Roumanian Border
What good were pictures of the fighting
and the gore, if it became too late to get
them out of the war-zone? Harrison For-
man, the first American motion picture
cameraman in Warsaw while it was being-
bombed, answered for himself by leaving the
desperate Polish capital for home. Though
his pictures were "scoops," Mr. Forman re-
gretted that he couldn't stay for more, but
"there are two rules in news photography :
the first, get pictures ; the second, get them
home."
Mr. Forman's pictures were used by
Paramount News, by the Associated Press,
by innumerable newspapers and magazines.
He was free-lancing at the time for Para-
mount News.
Author, Lecturer, Explorer
Author, lecturer, and explorer, a member of
the Explorers' Club, Mr. Forman is likely to
be on the spot when world shivering events take
place. Hence his pictures of the Cathay Hotel
bombing in Shanghai, of the fighting between
the Russians and Japanese on the Siberian bor-
der, of the battling between the Japanese and
Chinese near Kaifeng in China, and of the
Chinese Communist Army in Central China.
At that the departure from Warsaw Septem-
ber 9th was really an escape ; the city was
almost surrounded. With him were Frank
Muto, cameraman for the International News
Service, and James Brown, INS reporter. The
three were bombed and machine-gunned in their
car on their way to the Rumanian border.
"I had spent 10 years in the Orient and was
tired of it," Mr. Forman related. "So I headed
for Russia. I had a deal with Paramount
News. It was a washout. I had to be nice
to the Russians, because they were nice to me ;
so I wasted a lot of film. I planned to go to
Mongolia, to horn in on the Jap-Mongol fight-
DES MOINES PATRONS
DESIRE WAR SCENES
At least 80 per cent of Des Moines
film patrons want ivar scenes in their
newsreels, according to a recent vote
taken by Tri-States Theatre Corpora-
tion in their Des Moines theatres on
two successive nights.
The company decided to give the
public an opportunity to decide if war
subjects should be included in the
newsreels after hearing some patrons
declare they did not want war subjects
to conflict with their pleasure. The
vote is being taken in all of the Tri-
States theatres.
ing. Then I had one of my hunches, and
played it. The day I arrived in Warsaw, head-
lines said Ribbentrop had arrived in Moscow.
"I got a telegram from Paramount : 'Can you
cover Ribbentrop's arrival in Moscow, also
signing of the pact?'
"Then the war broke out, and I was there,
in the middle of it, the only American newsreel
cameraman in Warsaw until September 9th.
Government Courier and Plane
His films were dispatched by courier every
night, in a government plane, after he had
"convinced them how important to their cause
pictures were, especially in America."
"We never knew where the planes were
going ; the courier himself didn't know. The
truth was that they flew wherever they could.
I'd cable New York every time ; and New
York, in turn, would cable everybody from
Stockholm to Rome. The couriers would check
in at the various Polish embassies.
"I find now that several did not get through.
I know of one plane that definitely was shot
down. The courier died."
On the flight to Rumania, he said, "hardest
of all was the getting of gasoline," and added,
"I bluffed my way into military gasoline depots
by showing them my permission document from
the Ministry of War to take pictures as propa-
ganda."
Sees Lvov Bonribed
Outside Lvov (Lemberg), capital of the
Polish Ukraine, they were stopped. The city
was being bombed ; one stretch, six hours con-
tinuously.
"I will always remember one forlorn soldier,
with a rifle guarding a bridge in front of the
city — against airplanes," he said.
"We finally drove into the city. All the time
the bombing was still going on. Crossing a
siding I saw at the left a string of gasoline
cars. I said to Frankie Muto, 'Let's get out
of here.' "We hadn't gone more than a block
when we heard a whistle from those tank
cars. When you hear a whistle like that, it's
too late to move. You either live or you don't.
An aviator had made a direct hit on those
tanks. Our car shook, and rattled our teeth.
We saw a column of flame and smoke 500 feet
high.
"We didn't stay to see any thing else."
The Americans headed for the Russian border
but learned Russia was mobilizing and so
headed south for the Rumanian frontier,
"through the appendix of Poland."
"At Bucharest I asked the Rumanian Govern-
ment for permission to take pictures of the
refugees from Poland. But the Rumanians were
so jittery that they said no more pictures."
So to America.
Technical Director
Mr. Forman has been directly in the motion
picture industry, too. He was techncal director
for Frank Capra in the filming of "Lost
Horizon" in 1937.
"Before the Hollywood premiere was over I
went home, packed a few bags, caught a mid-
night plane for San Francisco, and sailed for
the Orient. I landed in Shanghai, flew to the
Gobi Desert, made movies in Mongolia, then
in Tibet."
It was on this trip that he made the first
{Continued on following page)
By Staff Photographer
Harrison Forman, returned to the United Mr. Torman in one of the pictures he brought back from 'Poland, filming a Polish troop
States after filming his way through war drill in training camp. His newsreel pictures of the bombardment of Warsaw were flown
from Shanghai to Warsaw, lights up. out of the country by venturesome aviators during the attack.
26
Cameraman Home
From JVar Fronts
{Continued from precedinq page)
pictures of the army organization of the
Chinese Communists, pictures which were used
in "Life" magazine.
"I was in their headquarters when the Japan-
ese-Chinese war broke out in Peiping," he
said. "The day I arrived in Shanghai was the
day the fighting started there.
"I was in the Hotel Cathay when the Chmese
accidentally dropped two very large bombs in
their own territory. I scored a world scoop
by getting my films into New York a week
ahead of the others. March of Time had
asked me to cover."
Head-Hunters
Mr. Forman spent the winter of 1937 in
America. The next March he went out again,
headed for Tibet but the war made that
impossible, so he went to Formosa.
But this was the military airplane head-
quarters for Japanese operations in South China,
and he was far from welcomed.
"I was in quite a spot," he said, but convinced
the Japs that I wanted pictures of head-hunters,
that I was an explorer, so they sent me into
the head hunters' land.
Back in Shanghai he learned that the Japan-
ese advance had been stopped near Kaifeng,
by broken dikes.
Wrote Book on Tibet
"I persuaded the. Japanese to give me an air-
plane and pilot," he said. "We flew out over
the flooded areas. I suggested to the pilot that
he dive close to the dikes ; and he did ! Any-
way, that gained me some even better pictures.
Paramount used them; and Life gave them a
double truck spread."
When war broke on the Siberian front, he
went there, and again was the only newsreel
cameraman on the spot. Paramount again used
his pictures.
Last winter, he finished writing a book,
"Through Forbidden Tibet."
Mr. Forman is married, has a daughter,
Brenda, and lives in Port Washington, Long
Island.
Many New Theatres
For Minneapolis
Minneapolis may have from 15 to 20 new
theatres if the city council grants a permit
for one theatre, according to W. A. Steffes,
president of Allied Theatres of the North-
west. A permit has been granted to the
Thompson Theatre Company for a house at
East Seventh Street in St. Paul. If the
theatre is built opposition exhibitors plan
to erect competing theatres. Meanwhile plans
are being drawn by Leinbenberg and Kap-
lan, Minneapolis architects, for the projected
Thompson theatre. A $100,000 enterprise
is planned, including an 800 seat theatre,
stores and ofiice space.
New York Theatre
For French Films
The Central theatre at Broadway and 57th
Street has been remodeled and will be re-
opened Friday for the showing of French mo-
tion pictures. The first picture will be "Port
of Shadows" (Le Quai Des Brumes), a
presentation of the Film Alliance of the
United States, Inc. "Port of Shadows" has
won six international awards, including first
place at the Venice International Film Ex-
position. Jean Gabin is the star.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
SEE TELEVISION AS
RADIO SUPPLEMENT
Although television is becoming a
big commercial development and pos-
sesses tremendous possibilities, it -will
never replace radio, but will be a
supplementary service, E. J. Dykstra,
division manager of Farnsivorth Tele-
vision and Radio Corporation, manu-
facturers. Fort Wayne, Ind., said this
week while addressing distributors in.
Cincinnati.
Sees Some Gain in
Latin - America
American film companies may expect some
increase in Latin American business as a
result of the war, but they must not expect
to recoup in that continent even a considera-
ble portion of the losses sufYered by the de-
cline in European revenue, Walter Gould,
United Artists' Latin American sales man-
ager, said on his return to New York
this Monday, after a 10 weeks' stay in Ar-
gentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Mr. Gould emphasized that Latin Ameri-
can opportunities were already being culti-
vated fully by the American companies.
"To say that important sources of revenue
are waiting to be tapped in Central and
South America," he said, "is equivalent to
saying that the foreign departments of the
entire film industry have not been doing their
jobs all these years."
A hopeful note was struck by Mr. Gould,
when he noted that business in Brazil and
Argentina was better since the war, and that
European product was being shown less.
Mr. Gould said that United Artists would
be operating three theatres in Sao Paulo,
Brazil, before the year's end : the Opera-
United Artists, the Roxy-United Artists, and
the Astoria. The first two are still to open ;
the latter is already in operation.
Film Critics Set
Convention Date
The Newspaper Film Critics of America,
new national organization of motion picture
editors and critics of the daily press formed
last July, has set March 2-4 as dates for the
first national convention. So far Memphis
leads as the site for the convention, but the
planning committee is delaying a decision
pending a wider check of opinion.
Merle Potter, motion picture editor of the
Minneapolis Times-Tribune and Motion
Picture Herald correspondent in Minne-
apolis, will serve as general chairman of the
committee to poll the membership on the
best pictures and performances of the year.
Members of the planning committee are:
Harry Martin, the Memphis Commercial
Appeal, chairman pro tem; -Buck Herzog,
Milwaukee Sentinel, secretary pro tern;
Keith Wilson, Omaha World-Herald, and
Mr. Potter met in Chicago last week and
worked out a skeleton Articles of Association
which will be submitted at the March meet-
ing.
October 21, 1939
1937 Taxes Not
Paid by Many
A Treasury Department report issued in
Washington on Tuesday, pertaining to in-
come tax and other payments by the motion
picture industry, noted that in 1937 only
slightly more than one-half of the exhibitor
corporations paid income taxes.
In addition, approximately three-fourths
of the motion picture producing corporations
showed no income tax liabilities in their op-
erations for that year, the report said.
Only 61 of the 246 producer corporations
showed net income, it was shown in an analysis
of corporation returns for 1937. Those com-
panies reported an aggregate gross income of
$123,603,000 and a net income of $13,864,000 on
which they paid $1,325,000 in normal taxes,
$207,000 in undistributed profits surtaxes and
$7,000 in excess profits taxes.
Of the remaining corporations, 52 were inac-
tive during the year and remaining 133 showed
an aggregate gross income of |115, 844,000
which, after allowable deductions, left a deficit,
for tax purposes, of $10,727,000.
Among the exhibition corporations, 2,177 of
the 4,097 reporting showed an aggregate gross
income of $472,536,000 and net income of $53,-
120,000 on which they paid normal taxes of
$6,188,000, undistributed profits taxes of $1,057,-
000 and excess profits taxes of $289,000.
Of the non-taxpaying corporations, 213 were
reported inactive and the remaining 1,707 re-
ported an aggregate gross income of $106,335,-
000, but a deficit of $6,386,000.
In the broadcasting field, 280 out of 548 cor-
porations reported taxable income, having an
aggregate gross of $115,534,000 and a net of
$19,099,000. They paid $2,651,000 in normal
taxes, $379,000 in undistributed profits taxes and
$126,000 in excess profits taxes.
Eighty-one companies were inactive and the
remaining 187 reported an aggregate gross in-
come of $9,177,000 and a deficit of $1,160,000.
Asks U.S. for
Courts "Truce''
The United States Government "should
declare a truce in its war against the indus-
try" for the duration of the current Euro-
pean War, Emil K. Ellis, film attorney, sug-
gested at a luncheon of the Motion Picture
Associates, in New York's Hotel Astor, on
Tuesday.
Mr. Ellis declared the loss of foreign film
revenues by American companies was more
serious than had been thought, and the in-
dustry should have a "breathing spell from
harassment."
Warner Brothers and other film company
producers of socalled "patriotic" pictures
were praised by Mr. Ellis, who is chairman
of the Federal Bar Association's Bill of
Rights Committee.
Harold Rodner, of the Will Rogers Memo-
rial Hospital at Saranac Lake, N. Y., urged
the 130 members to make greater use of the
hospital's facilities.
Samuel Rinzler, of the Randforce circuit,
of Brooklyn, commended the organization's
charities.
Jack Ellis, president, and Morris Sanders,
chairman of the committee for the organiza-
tion's 20th annual ball and dinner on Novem-
ber 25th, also spoke. Also on the dinner
committee are Moe Kurtz, co-chairman, Joe
Lee, Harry Buxbaum, and Seymour Florin.
on't be«-
GAZER
Keep your
Aground and
play this
down-to-earth comedy!. •
^"e vear-T, T '^e very
called previous ""^ *<"^d "c/iar«^/ •
--«o„sV";':^;'\°V" ''"°-^-o aid
'^o su,e.ii.e \r Carrol, L t
1'°" 'o Happi„ess-- ' "^"'^^^^ -hero" ,!' ^^OP
^wvidence, "What A lif ' ^"PPorted i„ " About
"osfon biz Was bio "appiness" , ^ ""d
""^ coia clinked ' ^ ' " " P'^^r ano A« ' .
in ,he i„3? consistently. ... ' ««other hunk of allitera-
« 'he '-IC^^^ "Wha. A Life- °' "^^^ P~vos. . .
''«««»y can be "
as
♦ * * • .
Paramount^s
WHAT A LIFE"
28
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
REMIHANCE LIMITATION IN BRITAIN
SEEN PRELUDE TO QUOTA REVISIONS
Intentions of Government Be-
yond "Freezing" Revenue in
Doubt; Trade Sees Restriction
of Film Imports as Possibility
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Confusion in British trade circles over the
probable fate of the Quota Act and the Gov-
ernment's intentions regarding the wartime
industry has, during the past few days, in-
tensified rather than decreased. Last week's
unofficial, but public, announcement of the
Treasury's intention to enact remittance re-
strictions under which 80 per cent of the
normal revenue exported by foreign dis-
tributors from England would be frozen
here, was considered a far from complete
and definitive outline of the Govemment's
intended course with regard to the industry.
Further Plans in Doubt
Other than this statement, brief and accom-
panied only by indications that concessions might
be made on contracts undertaken before the
war, httle concrete has come from Whitehall
indicating what is intended concerning existing
legislation. A more than vague hint that a sus-
pension of exhibitors' quota is planned, has set
the cat among the industry pigeons.
Indication that the remittance restrictions
might be a prelude to Quota Act revision was
given together with a forecast of those restric-
tions before their announcement by the Board
of Trade's spokesman. Lord Templemore, in the
House of Lords on a motion proposed by Lord
Strabolgi.
Lord Templemore stated that the Government
felt, and that representatives of the industry
agreed, that certain provisions of the act might
"not be appropriate to wartime conditions," that
in view of air raid warnings and restrictions
on openings exhibitors might not be able to
fulfill their quota. Renters quota would remain.
His Lordship expressed a view already ex-
pressed in these columns, that the considerable
Board of Trade staff might be employed on
more urgent matters.
Most ominous, however, of his statements
was ". . . in normal times it is estimated that
the revenue earned in this country by American
films represents an annual outflow of some five
or six million pounds sterling. At a time when
our foreign exchange resources are of such vital
importance, it seems inevitable that means
should be found to curtail this expenditure in
a drastic manner. The issues raised by this
problem are delicate and complicated, and they
are being actively considered by the Govern-
ment at the present time. The action required
under this head may well radically alter the
position of the film market and thus upset the
basis on which the existing acts rest."
Blow to Producers
The statement came as somewhat of a back-
hander to the producer group here, who the
day before had launched a campaign which
seemed to have beneath its somewhat complex
and contradictory tangle a basis in the belief
that the entire Films Act was going to be sus-
pended. Lord Templemore, however, repeated
what had been promised by Mr. Stanley four
days before and was repeated by his Parlia-
mentary Secretary two days later, that the Gov-
ernment had no intention of amending, altering
U. S. TRADE PROTESTS
BRITISH MONEY BAR
American distributors were confer-
ring on both sides of the Atlantic this
week on a series of proposals to be
made to the British Government de-
signed to counteract the effect of
Great Britain's announced intention to
retain 80 per cent of the normal re-
mittances exported by American dis-
tribritors to their home offices.
It is expected that the proposals will
be presented to the British Government
in the near future. The plan was de-
veloped following the meeting of
American distributor representatives
last week with officials of the British
Board of Trade at which the intention
to impose remittance restrictions teas
announced to the trade.
or suspending the act without consultation with
the industry itself and that meanwhile the act
was still in force.
Naturally foreign interests here would not
take too well to the idea of a Quota being im-
posed upon them and not on the exhibitors. It
is felt that it is illogical to impose production
provisions upon the distributor while removing
from him the guarantee of an exhibitor market.
Conversely it is believed in some circles that
the removal of the renters' quota and the main-
tenance of the exhibitors' quota would stimu-
late British production.
Import Restriction Feared
Meanwhile the dangers of a limitation of film
imports, which Air. Stanley has had in mind
and which he tentatively propounded to the pro-
ducers, are emphatically before the minds of all
sections of the industry on this side. Now that
the tentative plan for remittance limitation has
been announced, foreign producer-distributors
and exhibitors are much alarmed. It is admitted
that Hollywood pictures are the commercial
basis of the British industry, and there are no
two views that the theory that British producers
would be able to make up the footage deficit
in British films is fantastic.
The Treasury", it is clear, had for some time
determined that a restriction of film imports
and a limitation of remittances abroad should
be introduced. The intentions were financial
rather than commercial, and aimed at restrict-
ing the flow of monies abroad and the preserva-
tion of British currency from depreciation.
Films would be but one of many commodities
so aflrected. Precisely what portion of film
imports Mr. Stanley would restrict is not clear.
An unconfirmed figure, for it was used as an
example in informal conversation with the pro-
ducers, puts it as a reduction from 500 to 125.
Inasmuch as the annual turnover to the U. S.
industry for films imported here is approxi-
mately $30,000,000, such a figure would reduce
the turnover to $7,500,000.
Apart from the fact that this figure would
mean, if renters' quota was retained, that
British film producers would need to make no
more than 25/28 X by £15,000 (the minimum
quota cost), it is felt by American interests that
with so paltry a market left to them they would
be justified in asking to be relieved from their
quota commitments. From the producers' point
of view the situation would be no better, it is
felt, for none but "quickies" would be wanted,
nor, for that matter, could they stand up against
the supers the U. S. producer-distributors would
import to Britain in order to extract the utmost
from the market.
Americans Attacked
A certain bitterness against the American
producer-distributors was notable in the trade
discussion anent the restrictions. The Board of
Trade was accused of giving access to foreign
producers before British producers, and telling
them of their intentions. The KRS came in for
some backhanders, lamentation being expressed
that if British producers had the resources of
that august body, they might have been able to
buy space in the press. American producers
were criticized for abandoning their production
plans here, it being alleged that they had imme-
diate inside knowledge of what the Government
intended to do. Distributors were accused of
transferring their quota productions made for
one period to a later period on the assumption
that they would not be penalized.
A limitation of imports, either by legislative
m.eans or as a result of commercial circum-
stances, is not absent from the minds of British
exhibitors. It has greatly colored their reac-
tions to, and policy in respect of, picture house
programs. A first move on the part of Odeon
resulted in the institution of a single feature
program and two-hour show throughout the en-
tire chain. The move was shortlived and Odeon
has already reverted to double features. In
CEA circles, however, actually in the General
Council itself, the matter has been discussed.
Before the Council during discussion was the
prospect that the near future might see a deple-
tion in the number of foreign films imported,
with consequent need for adjusting picture the-
atre programs. John Maxwell's circuit had de-
cided against single features, and Mr. Maxwell
himself has dismissed it as "wartime profiteer-
ing." A general discussion in the CEA must be
precluded by agreement among the circuits.
Meanwhile, branches are likely to discuss the
matter, but consideration may, in the not far
distant future, be instituted on a general basis.
Profiteering Charged
Already such epithets as "profiteering" have
been bandied around in national press circles,
not only because of talk of single feature pro-
grams, but because of the CEA policy on the
abolition of bargain matinee prices. Even Par-
liament itself found the matter being raised by
the Labor member for Hull Central, who, un-
der the impression that seats had been raised
from 50 to 100 per cent in price, asked if Gov-
ernment powers should not be taken to prevent
hardships being inflicted upon the poorer sec-
tions of the people. Fortunately Sir John An-
derson, aware of the circumstances, was able to
pour oil upon the troubled waters of St Ste-
phens, and point out that it was merely a case
of the cinemas in Hull, as elsewhere, being un-
able to afford the reduction of cheap seats at
afternoon shows.
Unenlightened and misguided national press
sensation-mongering has tended to exploit the
misunderstanding by suggesting that cinemas
have put up their prices since the War.
The motion picture industry has long been
one singled out here to carry special burdens.
Wartime is no exception. Exhibitors have been
asked in various military centers to charge
specially low rates for soldiers. Unwilling to
place themselves in a unique position in this
regard, they have expressed their regret in be-
ing unable to do so, but are willing to provide
as many sixpenny seats for soldiers as possible.
TODAY!
Special M-G-M Flash!
TOPNOTCHKA! From every trade preview of GARBO in ''NINOTCHKA''
have come report- cards filled in by exhibitors that confirm the industry's
advance enthusiasm. If you were unable to attend, you will benefit by the ad-
vice of those who saw this extraordinary entertainment: "Topnotchka Enter-
tainment." 'It's terrific. Be sure to tell them there's a new, laughing Garbo."
"Enjoyed every minute of this great Lubitsch comedy." "Swell comedy-
romance that should be sold far in advance so they know what a grand
picture is coming." "Word of mouth will make it S.R.O." "Welcome relief
after heavier Garbo roles, she is screen's new comedienne in smash hit!"
BOX-OFFICE BABESI As we go to press "BABES in ARMS" proves beyond
doubt that it will take its place among the biggest grossers of all time.
Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Houston, Chicago have each
revealed in sensational record-breaking results the unique entertainment
qualities of this MICKEY ROONEY-JUDY GARLAND musical comedy,
with stars of stage and screen delivering a rousing show. M-G-M's trade
previews gave hundreds of exhibitors first-hand realization of why booking
time must be doubled. Publication of glowing reports following the press
showing intensified the demand for extension of playing time. Seldom has
a picture been launched with hold-overs pre-arranged so extensively.
>
(Please turn)
M-G-M's GOT WHAT
THE WORLD
WANTS!
ONLY LEO HAS THE
BIG COMEDY HITS!
"THE WOMEN"
(NORMA SHEARER, JOAN CRAWFORD, Rosalind Russell)
Convulsing the nation in hold-over engagements!
"BABES IN ARMS
(MICKEY ROONEY, JUDY GARLAND and Cast of Hundreds)
Unique in show business, Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Houston, Chicago
start the record-breaking career of M-G-M's musical comedy smash!
MARX BROS. "AT THE CIRCUS"
(GROUCHO, CHICO, HARPO and Big Laughing Cast)
Not since "Night at the Opera'* such a riot of fun and music!
"NINOTCHKA"
(GRETA GARBO, MELVYN DOUGLAS)
Trade Previews are the Talk of Every Film Row! Garbo gets the Lubitsch touch and
you get a new laughing star in the season's happiest hit!
"ANOTHER THIN MAN"
(WILLIAM POWELL, MYRNA LOY)
Popular Bill Powell, merry Myrna Loy, reunited! They have a B-A-B-Y in the newest
and funniest of a great box-office series!
LAUGH AND THE BOX-OFFICE LAUGHS WITH YOU!
32
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1. 1939
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Production Lull
With most companies already having com-
pleted, or having in work, enough pictures to
meet release dates ,until well into 1940, there
was comparatively little new production in the
Columbus Day week. Six pictures were started;
nine were finished. AH the new work is con-
cerned with dramatic subjects. There is more
variety in the completed quota, where a musical,
an historical and a comedy appear among the
melodramatic features. '
Universal Starts Pair
Two pictures were started at Universal. "No
Power on Earth" will feature Victor McLag-
len and Jackie Cooper with Ona Munson and
Peggy Moran. Vincent Price, Sir Cedric
Hardwicke, Nan Grey and John Sutton head
the "Invisible Man Returns" cast.
Columbia's new entry is "Gun Lord of the
Frontier," a western, in which Bill Elliott,
Linda Winters, Dub Taylor and Stanley Brown
will be seen.
"The Earl of Chicago," originally scheduled
for production in England, went before the
cameras at MGM. It will feature Robert
Montgomery, Reginald Owen, Edward Arnold
and Ronald Sinclair.
A "Three Mesquiteers" feature, "Cowboys
from Texas," began at Republic. Robert Liv-
ingston, Duncan Renaldo and Raymond Hatton
are the principals.
May Robson Heads Cast
At Warners "Granny Get Your Gun" was
started. It will feature May Robson, Harry
Davenport and Hardy Albright.
Three of the nine completed productions are
credited to RKO-Radio. The studio finished
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" and "Legion of the
Lawless," a George O'Brien feature. For the
company's release, Sol Lesser finished "Escape
to Paradise" in which Bob Breen is starred.
Two pictures were checked off the active list
at 20th Century-Fox. "Swanee River" is a part
biography of Stephen Foster, and "The Adven-
turer" is a "Cisco Kid" story.
"Blondie Brings Up Baby," a series picture,
was finished at Columbia. For Paramount,
Harry Sherman completed "Gun Chores," a
"Hopalong Cassidy" adventure.
Hal Roach finished the John Steinbeck story,
"Of Mice and Men," and Warners wound up
"Invisible Stripes."
Short Subjects
Short subject production in Hollywood is
now receiving more attention than it has for
some years. At practically all studios where
shorts are made, the departments are gearing
themselves to meet any demands. While no
feature shortage is anticipated, there neverthe-
less is a feeling that the coming winter and
spring will bring an unusual demand for shorts.
Among the influences concentrating attention
on short production is the great success of
the early reels in "Hollywood Cavalcade,"
which take spectators back to the days of Mack
Sennett's Keystone Kops, Bathing Beauties and
pie throwers. According to Fred S. Quimby,
MGM short subjects executive, this public ap-
proval is a demonstration that the public is
MGM NOW HAS 100
''STUDENTS" IN FIELD
With 14 "students" in the field or
the company's exchanges, who have
been receiving training from Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer in the past year or so,
preparatory to taking tip permanent
posts as bookers or salesmen, it was
estimated this week by William F.
Rodgers, general sales manager, that in
the last 10 years approximately 100
men had been placed through this
method.
Started by Mr. Rodgers when he
was eastern district sales manager, the
"student" plan has embraced young
men from all walks of life.
in the mood for broad slapstick amusement,
done in one and two reels and with a speed
impracticable in feature production.
While MGM will continue its program of
74 one-reelers and seven two-reelers, there is
a possibility that these will be increased by
three specials. One of these will be "The Flag
Speaks," a patriotic subject which the Ameri-
can Legion requested of the industry and
which MGM was selected to produce.
Warner Brothers has transferred all short
subject production to the Burbank studios. With
Gordon Hollingshead in charge, all the band
and music subjects which had been made in
New York have been dropped. The patriotic
shorts, which have been the program's leaders,
will be expanded, and stories for seven of these,
which will go into production shortly, have
been prepared. At Universal plans are under
consideration to increase the short subject pro-
gram with a new series of musical two-reelers
as well as others with stage, radio and picture
personalities.
Including six for Leon Errol, six for Edgar
Kennedy and four Ray Whitley's, RKO-Radio's
short subjects department, which is in charge
of Bert Gilroy, does not plan any expansion
just now, but Jules White is of the opinion
that Columbia's short subject producers readily
can readjust their schedules to accommodate
any increased demands.
Name News
Dorothy Lamour has been borrowed by 20th
Century-Fox from Paramount to co-star with
Tyrone Powe-r in "Johnny Apollo." The pic-
ture starts in November with Harry Joe
Brown producing.
^ s[i ij;
Republic signed the Weaver Brothers and
Elviry to a new contract which calls for
three pictures a year.
Edward Small will film Washington Irving's
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." As "The
Headless Horseman," this story was a Will
Rogers feature about 15 years ago.
* * *
Maria Ouspenskaya has been signed for
one of the principal roles in Warner's "The
Story of Dr. Ehrlich" which William Dier-
tele is directing and which stars Edward G.
Robinson.
RKO Radio signed Joel McCrea to co-star
with Ginger Rogers in "Primrose Path."
Gregory LaCava will produce and direct.
* * *
Aaron Copeland will write the musical
score for Hal Roach's "Of Mice and Men."
* * *
Virginia Vann Upp returned from a six
weeks' tour of Virginia where she has been
gathering material for her original screen story,
"In Old Virginia," which E. H. Griffith will
produce and direct for Paramount.
^ * ^
"It's a Date" has been set as Deanna Dur-
bin's next picture by Universal. Production
will start shortly after completion of "First
Love," in which she now is v/orking.
* *
William Pierce, Charles R. Rogers' pro-
duction associate, is in Chicago making a sur-
vey for a production of a Jane Addams Hull
House story which Rogers will make for Para-
mount.
* * *
Teddy Tetzlaff was assigned to photograph
"Safari," Paramount's African adventure fea-
ture starring Madeleine Carroll and Doug-
las Fairbanks, Jr., which goes into produc-
tion October 23rd.
Exhibitor demand for more Ann Sothern
pictures of the "Maizie" types has resulted in
MGM's preparation of "Congo Maizie." She
will be seen as an entertainer who, with her
troupe, is stranded in a Liberian rubber planta-
tion.
Peter Lorre has been signed by MGM for
a role in "Not Too Narrow, Not Too P-ep."
* * *
Kathryn Scola has completed the screen
play for "House Across the Bay," a Walter
Wanger production.
* * *
Randolph Scott has been signed for a role
in Warner's "Virginia City." Errol Flynn
is the star. Michael Curtiz will direct.
Production starts Oct. 23rd.
Richard Dix and Chester Morris will co-
star in RKO-Radio's "Marines Fly High."
* * *
Orson Welles has started rehearsals on
"Heart of Darkness" which he will produce
for RKO-Radio.
* * *
Harry Eddington suspended shooting on
"Green Hell," Universal, while a new ending
is being written.
* * *
Richard A. Rowland set January 4th as
the starting time for his first United Artists
production, "Three Cheers for Miss Bishop."
* * *
Universal is negotiating with Marlene Die-
rich for another production to follow "Destry
Rides Again."
* * *
Mack Sennett has been signed by 20th
Century-Fox to collaborate with Harry Joe
Brown on the production of a series of fea-
ture length comedy films.
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
33
SMPE, IN WORLD'S FAIR SETTING,
DRAWS 300 AT RECORD CONVENTION
Progress Medal Is Presented to
Dr. Loyd A. Jones; Journal
Award for Best Technical
Paper Goes to Kalmus
by GEORGE SCHUTZ
Editor of Better Theatres
With the World's Fair always available
as an added attraction on the program in
Manhattan and environs, the fall convention
of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers,
held at the Hotel Pennsylvania from Mon-
day through Thursday, enjoyed its biggest
draw in years. Nearly 300 members and
their guests were registered.
First Days at Fair
Except for the inaugural luncheon, and the
reading of a few papers Monday afternoon and
Tuesday morning, the convention veritably
moved out to Flushing Meadow the first two
days of the meeting, witnessing demonstrations
of television and "three-dimension" motion pic-
tures Monday evening, and seeing the sights
Tuesday afternoon. At the semi-annual ban-
quet Wednesday evening. Dr. Loyd A. Jones
of the Eastman Kodak Laboratories received
this year's SMPE Progress Award, while the
SMPE Journal Award for the best technical
paper published in the year was presented to
Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president of the Tech-
nicolor Corporation. (Pictures in Pictorial
Section).
The convention was presided over by E. A.
Williford of the National Carbon Company,
president of the society. Of two-year tenure,
his office did not figure in this fall's elections,
which returned A. S. Dickinson to the financial
vice-presidency, and J. Frank, Jr., to the post
of. secretary. The poll also named D. E.
Hyndman engineering vice-president, and R. O.
Strock treasurer, while A. C. Hardy, Herbert
Griffin and Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith were
elected to the board of governors.
Doctor Goldsmith, past-president of the so-
ciety, made the presentation of the Progress
Medal to Mr. Jones, which was, according to
the citation, "in recognition of the outstanding
character of his scientific researches in the
field of photography, with particular reference
to his investigations of sensitometric proce-
dures," and also for related work in photo-
graphic methods and standardization.
The award to Doctor Kalmus, who received
last year's Progress Award, was made by E.
P. Curtis of Eastman.
Special Session on Projection
Of the two dozen papers read before this
convention, all but a few reported results of
researches, particularly in photography and
sound, of a highly technical character ; however,
a special session was held Tuesday on prac-
tical projection afi^airs. Papers ranged from
a discussion of the projectionist's responsibili-
ties to exhibitor and patrons, by J. R. Prater,
projectionist of the Congress theatre in Pa-
louse, Wash. ; to one in which Doctor Gold-
smith described the broadening scope of pro-
jection resulting from technical refinements in
the motion picture, from color films, and possi-
bly also from television. F. H. Richardson read
a paper urging fuller recognition of the critical
position of the projection craft in motion picture
processes.
Of immediate significance to theatre operators
was the scheme developed in a paper by Ben
I*
PAUL TERRY OBSERVES
DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY
Paul H. Terry, prohi-cer of Terry-
toons, on Monday observed a double
anniversary. The day was his 25th an-
niversary as a cartoonist and the lOth
birthday of Terrytoons, cartoon come-
dies. Before becoming a motion pic-
ture cartoonist Mr. Terry was a
cartoonist on several newspapers.
The cartoon producer this season
will release 26 subjects through
Twentieth Century-Fox, 10 of them
in color.
Schlanger, New York theatre architect and
chairman of the SMPE Committee on Theatre
Construction, in which he proposed the use of
the screen light for auditorium illumination,
confining additional lighting provisions to sec-
ondary sources in the standee and similar areas,
without involving the main surfaces of the audi-
torium. The method would include elimination
of the screen masking and formation and finish-
ing of the auditorium walls and ceiling so as to
control the reflection of the screen light.
"Three Dimension" Display
The demonstration of "three dimension" pic-
tures at the Fair was essentially that which has
been conducted throughout the period of the
exposition in the Chrysler exhibit building.
J. A. Norling of Loucks & Norling explained
the process, which employs the double-lens
method producing two images spaced in con-
formance with the distance between the eyes,
and viewing through polarizing spectacles which
join the two images.
Another demonstration was that of the "Vo-
coder," called a big brother to the "Voder,"
or mechanical speech producing mechanism,
which latter has been a feature of the Ameri-
can Telephone and Telegraph Company exhibit
at the fair. The "Vocoder," which was shown
at the Engineering Societies Building under
the direction of Homer Dudley of the Bell
Telephone Laboratories, is a telephonic device
by which a person's voice may be reproduced
with vastly difllerent qualities, making a man's
voice, for example, sound like a woman's.
Practically any effect is possible regardless of
the actuating voice. The device was first
demonstrated publicly last spring.
Other Papers
Papers at other sessions were "Artificial Re-
verberation for Motion Picture Studios," by
P. C. Goldmark and P. S. Hendricks ; "Photo-
graphic Duping of Variable-Area Sound," by
F. W. Roberts and E. Taenzer ; "A Sound-
Track Center-Line Measuring Device," by
F. _W. Roberts and H. R. Cooke, Jr. ; "Tele-
vision Control Equipment for Film Transmis-
sion," by R. L. Campbell ; "Considerations Re-
lating to Warbled Frequency Films," by E. S.
Seeley; "A Transmission System of Narrow
Band-Width for Animated Line Images," by
A. M. Skellett; "Science and the Motion Pic-
ture," by H. Roger; "Some Industrial Applica-
tions of Current 16-mm. Sound Motion Picture
Equipment," by W. H. Offenhauser, Jr., and
F. H. Hargrove; "Lenses for Amateur Mo-
tion Picture Equipment," by R. Kingslake ;
"Tape Splicers for Film Developing Machines,"
by J. G. Capstaff and J. S. Beggs; "An In-
vestigation of the Ground-Noise of Photo-
graphic Sound Prints," by O. Sandvik and
W. K. Grimwood ; and a description by Douglas
L. Baxter of the Museum of Modern Art Film
Library, of the recent work of that organiza-
tion in developing a library of films.
Other papers read were "Large Size Hand-
Rotating High-Intensity Carbon and Applica-
tion to Motion Picture Projector," by E. B.
Joy, W. W. Lozier and R. Simon; "Optical
Control of Wave Shape and Amplitude Char-
acteristics in Variable Density Recording," by
G. L. Gilmick ; "A New Non-Intermittent Mo-
tion Picture Projector," by F. Ehrenhaft and
F. G. Back; "Development and Application of
the Triple-Head Background Projector," by
B. Atkins and "New High-Quality Sound
System" by George Friedl, Jr., H. Barnett and
E. J. Shortt.
In one of the papers read by representatives
of studio technical staffs, L. L. Ryder, of the
Paramount sound department, said that devel-
opment in both sound recording and reproduc-
tion would ultimately create greater intimacy
between the audience and the dramatic action
of the screen. Admitting that he did not know
now how this improvement might be achieved,
he urged that efforts be directed along these
lines so that there could be effective coordina-
tion of story construction and sound to achieve
a new personality in motion pictures.
Following Monday's luncheon, S. S. Stevens
of Harvard University talked on the extent to
which distortion within the ear influences our
ability to determine actual distortion in the
reproduced sound of motion pictures.
LaGuardia and Van Schmus
Mayor F. H. LaGuardia and W. G. Van
Schmus, managing director of Radio City
Music Hall, were principal speakers at the
luncheon. In welcoming the engineers, the
mayor urged the motion picture industry to
quit Hollywood and return to New York,
"where it started from." He said this would
be feasible, since New York had all essential
location material, and "most of the shooting
today is indoors anyway."
Mr. Van Schmus, describing the horrors he
suffers when the sound quivers or stops alto-
gether, thanked the engineers for making these
awful moments in his life extremely rare.
Another luncheon speaker, besides President
Williford, was Congressman Bruce Barton, who
pointed out the effect that films and radio had
had on advertising, making the picture and the
caption more important.
Committees in charge of the convention were :
Reception and Local Armngements: D. E.
Hyndman, Chairman; M. C. Batsel, R. O.
Strock, G. Friedl, Jr., H. Rubin, O. F. Neu,
L. W, Davee, A. N. Goldsmith, H. Griffin,
L. A. Bonn, J. A. Hammond, J. H. Kur-
lander, Terry Ramsaye, P. J. Larsen, A. S.
Dickinson, V. B. Sease, E. I. Sponable, W. E.
Green, O. M. Glunt.
Registration and Information : W. C. Kunz-
mann. Chairman; E. R. Geib, M. Siegel, F.
Hohmeister, P. Sleeman.
Hotel and Transportation : J. Frank, Jr.,
Chairman; J. A. Norling, C. Ross, J. A.
Maurer, R. E. Mitchell, P. D. Ries, G. Friedl,
Jr., M. W. Palmer, J. R. Manheimer, P. A.
McGuire.
Publicity: J. Haber, Chairman: S. Harris,
F. H. Richardson, J. J. Finn, G. E. Matthews,
P. A. McGuire, J. R. Cameron.
A memorial room to the late Col. Walter
S. Butterfield of the Butterfield Circuit was
dedicated last week at the Lansing, Michi-
gan Press Club.
SAMUEL GOLDWYN y,
BROOKLYN...! oew's Metropolitan. First four
days 200% of average, hitting socko $27,000. for first week.
LOS ANGELES Warner s Downtown and tiollywood
Box-office lines all day and all evening as gross soars to 175%
of average and picture is held over in both houses.
CLEVELAND., m State, Biggest Saturday and Sunday in
recent months, confirming Cleveland Plain Dealer's rave that said:
"It has everything on the excitement calendar, and it has Gary
Cooper's best work besides."
PHOENIX.. ■ Fox. Saturday and Sunday scores season's
top gross for any U. A. release. ..bigger than even"The Hurricane".
JERSEY CITY.. ■ Loew s. Biggest first four days in three
years... and business is building tremendously.
NEWARK.. ■ toew S State. First four days lined them up
in throngs with receipts hitting higher than full week's average:
RICHMOND.. ■ Loews. Another full week's average
is dwarfed by figure for first four days of engagement.
LOUISVILLE.. ■ Sfafe. Smash Saturday and Sunday
rolled up highest two days' receipts since last New Year.
THE RWAL GiORf
DAVID NIVEN ANDREA LEEDS REGINALD OWE
BRODERICK CRAWFORD • KAY JOHNSON Directed by Henry Hathaway from the novel by charles i. Clifford
\RELEASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS
36
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
Disputed Passage
(Paramount)
Personal Drama
Quite a few things of exploitation conse-
quence present themselves to showmen who soon
will be busy building a market for Paramount's
"Disputed Passage." The photoplay is founded
on a Lloyd C. Douglas novel. Like his other
writings, especially "The Magnificent Obses-
sion" and "Green Light", both earlier brought
to the screen, it is a seriously premised story,
which although tensely melodramatic is also
warmly human. The whole appeal is directed
toward the sympathetic emotions. It was di-
rected by Frank Borzage, who from the original
"Seventh Heaven" has demonstrated ability to
bring out such type material as is included in
this Douglas story with potent force and under-
standing realism.
While several are concerned in the narra-
tion, the novel's substance is sincerely brought
to screen being by three players — Akim Tami-
roff, John Howard and Dorothy Lamour. The
three, individually or collectively, appear in al-
most every scene, and they are given commend-
able support by William Collier, Sr., Judith
Barrett, Victor Varconi, Gordon Jones, Keye
Luke, Elisabeth Risdon and Gaylord Pendleton.
In theme the story is a drama of mental con-
flict and devotion to an ideal. A great doctor
"Forster," a scientific atheist, chooses a medi-
cal student, "Beaven," as the most promising
student to follow in his footsteps. Their mutual
hatred is grim and bitter, yet all "Forster's
browbeating cannot quench "Beaven's" deter-
mined spirit. But then "Beaven" commits what
"Forster" considers the greatest sin. He falls
in love with a patient, "Audrey Hilton," an
American orphan, born in China and reared in
Chinese culture. The affection severs mentor-
student relations. The locale shifts to war-
torn China. "Beaven," searching for "Audrey,"
is dangerously injured. "Foster", rushes half
way across the world to perform an operation
that saves the life of a lad whom he hated, yet
loved.
While the full force and meaning of Doug-
las' story was brought to the screen by the
sincerely convincing and intelligent manner in
which Anthony Veiller and Sheridan Gibney
adapted it, the exceptional character perfor-
mance which Tamiroff gives and the inspired
manner in which Howard and Miss Lamour
(assaying her first real dramatic role) went
about their work endows the production with
a strange attractiveness which higher class au-
diences quickly should appreciate and which
should impress the masses pointedly.
Previezved at the Village Theatre, Holly-
wood. While several things happened zvherehy
the audience ivas excited, notably Tamiroff's
grim characterisation, the manner in which
Howard fenced with him and the heating which
Pendleton dished out to Tamiroff as well as
the sequences devoted to action in China, the
crowd, for the most part, watched the picture in
silence. The applause at the conclusion in-
dicated that it had seen a worthwhile attraction.
— GUS McC^ARTHY.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Produced
by Harlan Thompson. Directed by Frank Borzage.
.''creen play by Anthony Veiller and Sheridan Gibney.
Story by _ Lloyd C. Douglas. Stanley Goldsmith as-
sistant director. James Smith film editor. Photo-
graphed by William C. Mellor. P. C. A. certificate
number 5553. Running time, 90 minutes. Release date;
October 27, 1929. General audience classification.
CAST
Audrey Hilton Dorothy Lamour
Dr. "Tubby" Forster Akim Tamiroff
John Wesley Beaven John Howard
Winifred Bane Judith Barrett
Dr. William Cunningham William Collier, Sr.
Dr. La Ferriere Victor Varconi
Bill Anderson Gordon Jones
Andrew Abbott Keye Luke
Mrs Cunningham Elisabeth Risdon
Lawrence Carpenter Gaylord Pendleton
Johnny Merkle Billy Cook
Mr. Merkle William Pa\yley
Landlady Renie Riano
Chinese Ambassador Z. T. Nyi
Kai Philson Ahn
Dr. Ling Dr. E. Y. Chung
Dr. Fung Phillip Ahn
Aviatrix Lee Ya-Ching
At the Circus
(MGM)
Comedy
When all is added up, and one need not be
far advanced in arithmetic to find the sum, "At
the Circus," the once-a-year Marx Brothers'
appearance, totals three entertainment items
which, perforce, are also the production's exploi-
tation assets. The first factor is typical Marx
comedy. Number 2 is typical Kenny Baker
singing; number 3 is a typical Hollywood ro-
mance.
The first unit is so much the larger in the
scheme of things that it makes up about 99.44
per cent, of the whole. As a matter of fact, the
others seem to have crawled in when someone
happened to remember that they originally had
been part of Mervyn LeRoy's production plan,
including the Irving Brecher screen play which
Edward Buzzell was directing.
The story is of minor significance but the
music occupies a few spotlight moments. The
plot has to do with a circus manager, strong
man and midget stealing the owner's bankroll,
how it is recovered, how the owner is encour-
aged to keep on loving his girl and how he is
reinstated in his dowager aunt's good graces.
On that slim framework are hung as many
Marx gags as there are lights and ornaments on
a Christmas tree.
Preinewed at the Village theatre, Westwood,
Cal. Anyone experienced with previous pic-
tures featuring these comedians can figure out
very easily just zvhat to expect from the rank
and file public. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Produced by Mervyn LeRoy. Directed by Edward
Buzzell. Screen play by Irving Brecher. Music and
lyrics by Harold Arleii and E. Y. Harburg. Musical
direction by Franz Waxman. Dance direction by
Bobby Connolly. William H. Terhune Film editor.
Photographed by Leonard M. Smith. P. C. A. certifi-
cate number 5616. Running time, when seen in Holly-
wood, 85 minutes. Release date: October 20, 1939.
General audience classification.
CAST
rAttorney Loophole Groucho Marx
Antonio Chico Marx
'Punchy" Harpo Marx
Jeff Wilson Kenny Baker
Juhe Randall Florence Rice
Peerless Pauline Eve Arden
Mrs. Dukesbury Margaret Dumont
GoHath Nat Pendleton
Jardinet Fritz Feld
.John Carter James Burke
Little Professor Atom Jerry Marenghi
Whitcomb Barnett Parker
Meet Doctor Christian
(RKO Radio)
Character Comedy-Drama
This first of three scheduled productions by
William Stephens and Howard Lang based on
the radio-popularized character of Dr. Chris-
tian, small town general practitioner, is a prom-
iseful beginning. Jean Hersholt, who plays the
title role in the film as in the radio programs,
is a natural for the character and the film's most
valuable asset.
Mr. Hersholt portrays a benevolently improv-
ident small town doctor beloved of all his fel-
low townsmen but in distress at this stage of
his activities because the town's overly efficient
big business man, whom the doctor manages to
get elected to the mayoralty, opposes his plans
for building a needed hospital. Conversion of
the mayor to the doctor's point of view follows
an operation by which the physician saves the
life of the mayor's daughter. Much incident,
both humorous and dramatic, intervenes.
Performances of other players are adequate.
The screen play by Ian McLellan Hunter, Ring
Lardner, Jr., and Harvey Gates, based on Mr.
Gates' story, reflects considerable familiarity
with small town life and human equations. Ber-
nard Vorhaus' direction properly favors the
star. Production is by Mr. Stephens, with
Monroe Shaff in association.
Preznezved at the RKO-Hill Street theatre,
Los Angeles, on a Friday evening to a metro-
politan audience which had come in to see
"Nurse Edith Cavell" and "The Day the Book-
ies Wept" and seemed to find "Meet Doctor
Christian" satisfactory. — William R. Weaver.
Produced by William Stephens and Howard Lang.
Distributed by RKO-Radio. Directed by Bernard Vor-
haus. Screen play by Ian McLellan Hunter, Ring
Lardner, Jr., and Harvey Gates. Story by Harvey
Gates. Associate producer, Monroe ShafT. Photo-
graphed by Robert Pittack. Film editor, Edward
Mann. P. C. A. Certificate No. 3705. Release date,
Nov. 11, 1939. Running time, when seen in Los An-
geles, 63 minutes. General audience classification.
CAST
Dr. Christian Jean Hersholt
Judy Price Dorothy Lovett
Roy Davis Robert Baldwin
Anne Hewitt Enid Bennett
John Hewitt Paul Harvey
Marilee Marcia Mae Jones
Don Hewitt Jackie Moran
Mrs. Hastings Maude Eburne
Bud Frank Coghlan, Jr.
Patsy Hewitt Patsy Lee Parsons
Mrs. Minnows Sarah Edwards
Cass John Kelly
Benson Eddie Acuff
Law of the Pampas
( Paramount-Sherman )
Western, with Music
Harry Sherman gives a superior production
quality to "Law of the Pampas," another in the
series of Hopalong Cassidy pictures for Para-
mount release. The locale is shifted to the
South American pampas and the story is as ex-
citing as any previous one and runs more
smoothly than most.
Bill Boyd as "Hopalong" and Russell Hay-
den as "Lucky" escort a herd of cattle to South
America, and run into a murder plot which
already has claimed two victims. They settle
{Continued on page 38)
0 MEN TRIED TO /i^>uie with
THE HOUSEKEEPERS DRUGHTER
BUT KEEPING HOUSE
WAS NOT IN HER LINE!
CO
to
HAL ROACH presents
m mmKms
MUBME
^
Starring
JOAN ADOLPHE
BENNETT*MENJOU
^ Hollywood's Newest Heart-throb JOHN HUBBARD
Wni.GARGAN Geo. E. STONE Peggy WOOD Donald MEEK Victor MATURE
Directed b/ HAL ROACH
Screen Play by RIAN JAMES and GORDON DOUGLAS
From the Novel by DONALD HENDERSON CLARKE
RELEASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS
38
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
(Continued from page 36)
the problems, amid fights, knife wielding and
bolero throwing.
Supporting them are Sidney Toler, Steffi
Duna, Sidney Blackmer, Pedro de Cordoba,
William Duncan, Anna Demetrio, Eddie Dean,
Glenn Strange, Jo Jo La Savio, and "The
King's Men."
Harrison Jacobs turned out a neatly rounded
screenplay concerning the characters created
by Clarence E. Mulford. Nate Watt directed
with his accustomed sureness of values.
Seen in a studio projection room in Holly-
wood.— V. K.
Produced by Harry Sherman Productions. Distrib-
uted by Paramount. Produced by Harry Sherman.
Directed by Nate Watt. Screen play by Harrison
Jacobs. Based on characters created by Clarence
E. Mulford. Associate producer, Joseph W. Engel.
Photographed by Russell Harlan. Art Director,
Lewis J. Rachmil. Assistant director, D. M. Abra-
hams. Edited by Carl Lewis. P. C. A. Certificate
No. 5603. Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 72
minutes. Release date, Nov. 3, 1939. General audi-
ence classification.
CAST
Hoppy William Boyd
Lucky Russell Hayden
Fernando Sidney Toler
Chiquita Steffi Duna
Merritt Sidney Blackmer
Valdez Pedro de Cordoba
Buck Peters William Duncan
Dolores Anna Demetrio
Naples Eddie Dean
Schultz Glenn Strange
Ernesto Jo Jo La Savio
"Tbe King's Men" Themselves
The Roaring Twenties
(Warner Brothers)
Melodramatic History
One of the most lawless eras of American
history in which a portion of the nation's inhabi-
tants violated two federal laws and a much
larger portion condoned the action — is told in
Warners' "The Roaring Twenties," a saga of
prohibition and gangsterism. Many gangster
pictures have been made, but here is an attempt
to weave a combination of the actual history
of the times with a story made uc, as the fore-
word says, of actual incidents portrayed by
composites of actual characters.
The preview audience found it exciting, and
evenly leavened with comedy and melodrama.
Bursts of applause greeted the popular songs
of the era and at • conclusion the picture was
given an ovation.
In addition to these exploitation possibilities,
there are James Cagney, in one of his better
roles, and Priscilla Lane, who is given ample
opportunity to bring back memories with the
musical numbers. They are supported by Hum-
phrey Bogart, Gladys George, Jeffrey Lynn,
Frank McHugh, Paul Kelly, Elizabeth Risdon,
Ed Keane, Joe Sawyer, Joseph Crehan, George
Meeker, John Hamilton, Robert Elliott, Eddie
Chandler, Max Wagner and Vera Lewis.
Mark Hellinger, chronicler extraordinary of
Broadway, wrote the original story, admitting
that actual events and persons were used. Jerry
Wald, Richard Macaulay and Robert Rossen
turned out the script, an exceptional job. Raoul
Walsh, faced with telling a portion of the screen
offering in a March of Time effect to contrast
the plot's rise to its climax, made the most of
his opportunities.
Samuel Bischoff was associate producer under
Hal B. Wallis.
The story begins with the return of Ameri-
can soldiers from France, taking the chief fig-
ure, "Bartlett," to the head of a bootleg ring
and to his death.
Previezved at the Warners Hollywood The-
atre. Hollywood, to reactions noted above.- —
V. K.
Produced and distributed by Warners. Hall B. Wal-
lis, executive producer. Samuel Bischoff, associate
producer. Directed by Raoul Walsh. Screenplay by
Jerry Wald. Richard Macaulay and Robert Ros-
sen. Original story by Mark Hellinger. Dialogue
director, Hugh Cummings. Assistant director, Dick
Mayberry. Musical director, Leo F. Forbstein. Pho
tograoTied by Ernie Haller. Art director, Max Park-
er. Edited by Jack Killifer. Special effects by Bvron
Haskin and Edwin A. DuPar. Wardrobe hy Milo
Anderson. Jack L. Warner in charge of produc-
tion. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5570. Running time.
when seen in Hollywood, 104 minutes. Release date,
Oct. 28, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Eddie Bartlett James Cagney
Jean Sherman Priscilla Lane
George Hally Humphrey Bogart
Panama Smith Gladys George
Lloyd Hart Jeffrey Lynn
Danny Green Frank McHugh
Nick Brown Paul Kelly
Mrs. Sherman Elisabeth Risdon
Henderson Ed Keane
The Sergeant Joe Sawyer
Michaels Joseph Crehan
Masters George Meeker
Judge John Hamilton
First Detective Robert Elliott
Second Detective Eddie Chandler
Lefty Max Wagner
Mrs. Gray Vera Lewis
The Kansas Terrors
(Republic)
Western in the West Indies
Republic's "Three Mesquiteers" — here Robert
Livingston, Raymond Hatton and Duncan Ren-
aldo — restore social justice to the inhabitants of
a Caribbean island in the actionful "The Kansas
Terrors."
Livingston, a member of the "Mesquiteers"
when it was originated in 1937, is "Stoney
Brooke," a Kansas cowboy bringing a shipment
of horses to a small island. Accompanying him
is "Rusty Joslin" (Hatton). Traveling to the
barracks the two Americans are set upon by a
band of "outlaws" led by "Renaldo."
"Renaldo" reveals that the Commandante has
been using his power to oppress the people by
taxing them far beyond their ability to pay, then
taking their goods or jailing them.
The governor general is shot to death while
"Stoney," masked, is talking with him. The
governor's daughter believes the Masked Rider
responsible, and causes the capture of "Ren-
aldo." When he is doomed to the firing squad,
the girl informs the Americans, and is impris-
oned. Her release and "Renaldo's" rescue are
effected by "Stony" and "Rusty."
Previewed in a projection room in New York.
— Walter Selden.
Produced and distributed by Republic, Associate pro-
ducer, Harry Grey. Directed by George Sherman.
Screen play by Jack Natteford and Betty Burbridge.
Original story by Luci Ward. Based on characters
created by William Colt MacDonald. Production man-
ager, Al Wilson. Photographed by Ernest Miller.
Film Editor, Tony Martinelli. Musical score by Wil-
liam Lava. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5675. Running
time, 57 minutes. Release date, Oct. 6, 1939. General
audience classification.
CAST
Stoney Brooke Robert Livingston
Rusty Joslin Raymond Hatton
Renaldo Duncan Renaldo
Maria Jacqueline Wells
Governor General Howard Hickman
Commandante George Douglas
Captain Gonzales Frank Lackteen
Duenna '. Myra Marsh
Sergeant Yakima Canutt
Juanita Ruth Robinson
Miguel Richard Alexander
Rasputin
( Concord Films )
Baur as the "Mad Monk"
Considered by many France's finest character
actor, the heavy-set Harry Baur with his rather
brooding facial features is a "natural" for the
role of the Siberian peasant, Gregori Rasputin,
history's "mad monk" and "holy devil." Baur
turns in one of his finest performances.
The story of Rasputin is not pleasant and the
film is for adults. To quote from the program
notes at the 55th Street Playhouse where the
film was seen: "He (Rasputin) preached his
gospel of lust and love from the steps of Rus-
sia's Imperial throne — and practiced what he
preached." The film, in French but having
English subtitles, follows by seven years the
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer "Rasputin and the Em-
press," which starred the three Barrymores,
Ethel, John and Lionel.
Baur hasn't an Ethel or John in support as
Lionel did, but the cast is able nevertheless.
Jean Worms seems especially suited for the
role of Czar Nicholas. Marcelle Chantal is the
Czarina, Pierre Richard Willm is "Count Igor
Kourloff," Carine Nelson plays "Ania Kitina"
and Denis d'Ines is Bishop Gregorian.
In Baur's characterization Rasputin is at one
moment the personification of good and at the
next the epitome of evil. At the end the two
sides of the man have been about evenly em-
phasized, if such a thing is possible.
Reviewed at the SSth Street Playhouse, New
York. A good siaed audience on opening day
gave ample evidence that it liked the Baur
performance. — P. C. M., Jr.
Distributed by Concord Films. A Max Glass Pro-
duction. Directed by Marcel L'Herbier. From the
novel "Tragedie Imperiale" by Alfred Neumann.
Original music score by Darius Milhaud. Photography
by Kelber. Settings by Guy de Gastyne. Running
time, 93 minutes. Release date, October 16, 1939.
Adult audience classication.
CAST
Rasputin Harry Baur
The Czarina Marcelle Chantal
Count Igor Kourloff Pierre Richard Willm
Czar Nicholas H Jean Worms
Ania Kitina Carine Nelson
Bishop Gregorian Denis d'Ines
Empress Mother Gabrielle Robinne
Prokoff Jaques Baumer
Captain Bloch Alexander Rignault
Warnava Palau
Monk Cyril •. Martial Rebe
Ostrowski Lucien Nat
Grand Duke Nikolaievich^ George Prieur
The Czarevitch Claudio
Grousina Jany Holt
La Noche de los Maxas
(The Night of the Mayas)
(Fama Production)
Yucatan Tragedy
Though this deftly done story is a tragedy, in
that its principals all die or come to grief, it is
a tragedy of the classic Grecian sort, with light,
keen Gallic touches. It is a fascinating, human
but not horror story, a splendid tale of proud
but primitive folk in the torrid jungles of Yuca-
tan state, in thin touch with civilization yet
clinging to the manners of their ancestors of 2,-
000 years ago, the Mayas, builders of a mighty
empire that extended from Panama to Mexico.
The persons of this story are not cavemen. They
have much refinement and are good looking,
though of rather Oriental cast. Types have
The production should be easy for American
exhibitors to exploit because of the interest
north of the Rio Grande in research by the
Carnegie Institute in Yucatan, that dramatic
delving into one of the most interesting pasts
of America. The Institute, in fact, contributed
to the making of this picture, a masterpiece of
Fama. The story, by Antonio Mediz Bolio, an
authority on Mayan lore, is simple but poignant.
When the headman of the hamlet fails to
break a long drought, the whisper that "Lol"
has sinned with the white man becomes a roar.
Then "Zeb" gets tangled up in the general rage.
"Uz" stalks the white man and "Lol" through
the jungles. He kills the white man. "Lol"
reaches the dreaded sacrificial well at Chichen
Itza, down which, thousands of years ago, the
old Mayas tossed their prettiest girls to pacify
the gods, and plunges to her death.
There is good comedy relief. Haunting melo-
dies, based upon old Maya music, composed by
Cornelio Cardenas, run through the picture
most effectively. Camera work and sound are
excellent.
Reviewed at the select Cine Teatro Alameda,
Mexico City, before a capacity audience, includ-
ing many from the United States and other
corintries. The reception was enthusiastic.
Many applauded at the end of the picture. —
James Lockhart, in Mexico City.
Produced by Fama. Distributed by F. Mier y Cia.
Director, Chano Urueta. Cameraman, Gabriel Figuerora.
Sound, B. J. Kroger. Story by Antonio Mediz
Bolio. Music, Cornelio Cardenas. Running time. 96
minutes. Cultural audience classification. Release date
September 16, 1939.
CAST
Uz Arturo Cordoba
Lol Estela Inda
Zeb Isabela Corona
White Man Luis Aldas
Lol's Father Miguel S. Ferriz
(Revic'ivs continued on page 40)
HOLLYWOOD
CAVALCADE
# Holdover engagements prove it
sensationally strong in second weeks!
# Audiences acclaim it the greatest
entertainment in years!
# Exhibitors are reporting: "Bigger
than 'Alexander's Ragtime Band'"...
"Topping 'Stanley and Livingstone'". . .
"Beating 'The Rains Came'!"
0 Truly the picture the industry
and the public have taken to their hearts!
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
40
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
Natural Wonders of
Washington State
(MGM)
Color Traveltalk
This FitzPatrick Traveltalk shows in color
the arresting scenery of the State of Washing-
ton. Rock formations, that tell a story to the
geologist but are beautiful to anyone, are
the first natural wonders seen. Then the camera
takes us on a tour of the snow capped moun-
tains and swift running streams which give
Washington panoramas that rival Switzerland's.
Winter sports at Mt. Rainer National Park in
summertime and in summer costume, are intro-
duced. The final scene is particularly striking :
the rays of the rising sun slowly lighting a
snow-clad mountain. — Running time, ten min-
utes.
Fashion Forecast No. 5
(20th Century-Fox)
Milady's Styles
Mink is still in style if one can afford it, and
hats, well, imagine a turquoise blue plume on
dark green felt modeled in front of a background
of tangerine, tulle and gold spangles. _ But re-
gardless of how the new season fashions vvill
look on average America they are something
to see on "America's most beautiful models."
Filmed in excellent color and staged as hand-
somely as the others in this series by Vyvyan
Donner, the subject should appeal to both men
and women, that is the ladies should enjoy
gazing at the new ensembles and the men prob-
ably will enjoy gazing at the girls. Described
by Ilka Chase in her inimitable manner. Run-
ning time, 10 minutes.
Getting Your Money's Worth, *3
(Lenauev International)
Consumer Research Material
The third and current lecture has for its sub-
ject used car buying, and purports to reveal
racket practices of some dealers. The sound
and sensible tips more than make up for the
generally poor technical composition of the sub-
ject, and should find a ready hearing and view-
ing from all auto customers, actual or prospec-
tive.— Running time, one reel.
The Story of Elias Howe
( Columbia )
Historical Subject
Elias Howe is known to many as the in-
ventor of the sewing machine but that is about
all they know about him. Here is a biographi-
cal sketch of the inventor from the time he
started work on the invention that was to
revolutionalize the garment trade and make less
work for mother until he, in 1854, was estab-
lished as the inventor of the sewing machine
by the courts in one of the patent wars of
history. Richard Fiske and Lucille Brown por-
tray the Howes. Lindsay MacHarrie is the
rommentator, — Running time, 11 minutes.
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 66
(Universal)
Interesting "Believe It or Nots"
A gallery of strange fads and fancies are lined
up in this latest installment from the Stranger
Than Fiction collection of oddities. The initial
example offers the sad story of a rabid fisher-
man who, forbidden the pleasure of his hobby
because of illness, goes about sensibly satisfying
his urge for the rod and reel sport by collecting
a wide assortment of fishing equipment. Fol-
lowing this demonstration of a "hobby with a
heartache" comes the story of a gentleman who
has fashioned for himself a miniature circus,
complete from the band wagon to an assorted
array of animals. Additional instances of out
of the ordinary hobby and personality perform-
ances include the woman from Seattle who has
cultivated the habit of making scrapbooks on
President Roosevelt's newspaper publicity, a
filling station operator from Little Rock who
has tamed a quail, and an Oklahoma City youth,
blessed with an enormous cavity for a mouth,
who obligingly mouths pool balls, eggs and his
own fist. The contents of the subject should
keep the audience alternately amused and in-
terested.— Running time, nine minutes.
The Evergreen Empire
(20th Century -Fox)
Magic Carpet Trek
The verdant title and complimentary com-
ments in Lowell Thomas' commentary are di-
rected to the state of Washington. From the
sea coast city of Seattle to the depths of the
locality's mammoth forests, the tour of the land
is interesting and instructive, particularly of
the lumber and salmon industry. Shown also
is the novel method the governmental agencies
have devised to meet the problem of salmon
blocked from making their way up the river
for the spawning season by the construction of
the Grand Coulee Dam. Pictorial material of
mother nature and a bevy of her daughters
skiing down the snowy sides of Mt. Rainier
offers some exceptional eye appeal. Camera-
work is all together superior. — Running time,
11 minutes.
Think Fast
(MGM)
Crime-Doesn't-Pay Number
A sobering screen sermon is sounded in this
number of the "Crime Doesn't Pay" series. Par-
ticularly directed to the frivolous young things
who yearn for silks and satins and are not too
scrupulous in the way in which they obtain
their hearts' desire, this semi-judicial lesson is
mature material well worth some thought by
any audience of whatever age, inclination and
social status. Two young girls, dissatisfied with
their vocations of hash slingers, are easy catches
for a female Fagin who initiates the women into
a career of shoplifting. Eventually, they are
caught and given jail sentences after experienc-
ing some strenuous moments with murder, the
underworld and the law. Swiftly paced with a
star studded cast comprising Laraine Day, Ann
Morriss, Jo Ann Sayers, Marc Lawrence and
Sara Haden, the subject is stimulating and en-
tertaining material for screen and social service
consumption. — Running time, 20 minutes.
Vincent Lopez and
His Orchestra
(Vitaphone)
Melody Master
The twinkling fingers of pianist Vincent
Lopez, the singing of Betty Hutton", the
whistling of a member of the Lopez troupe and
the playing and singing of the orchestra all
contribute to the enjoyment of this Melody
Master subject. It opens on a typical Lopez
note, with the orchestra leader playing "Nola,"
while the orchestra moans and groans, "Nola"
being Lopez's most often played tune. A cow-
boy song "Ride, Tenderfoot Ride," in which a
group of cowboy-attired vocalists are featured
and "Old Man Mose," played in the jitterbug
tradition and sung by Miss Hutton, round out
the subject. — Running time, 10 minutes.
The Day of Rest
(MGM)
Benchley Fun
Robert Benchley tells and illustrates how the
"Day of Rest" should not be spent. The audi-
ence gets frequent opportunities to laugh at the
Benchley antics. The man rises at his accus-
tomed hour and can find no rest all day. The
maid with the vacuum-cleaner and the children
playing outside make rest impossible. Garden-
ing, cleaning the attic, picnicking and athletics
all prove to be the wrong way to rest. Just as
Benchley finds a place to rest— alone— in the
garden, the whole neighborhood descends on
him.— Running time, ten minutes.
Ride, Cowboy, Ride
(Vitaphone)
Featurette
A Featurette, this subject has everything of
a feature production except length. It is a
western, photographed in color, and details
the adventures of an eastern bred girl who is
on her way west to join her mother. Her stage
coach is held up en route, which helps to con-
firm her opinion that the West is uncouth, but
the crowning disappointment to the girl is the
discovery that her mother is "Cactus Kate," a
saloon keeper. The town is raided the same
night by bandits but they are repulsed by the
heroism of cowboys led by Dennis Morgan.
The girl changes her mind about the West, es-
pecially as it concerns the cowboy leader. Be-
sides Morgan the cast includes Maris Wrixon,
Cliff Edwards, George Reeves, Frank Wilcox
and Esther Howard. Directed by George
Amy. — Running time, 20 minutes.
The Aghileen Pinnacles
(20th Century -Fox)
Fr. Hubbard's Alaskan Adventure
Episode two of the Father Hubbard travels
into the icy lands of Alaska brings out as much
entertainment and educational value as was dis-
played in the initial number, "The Birthplace
of Icebergs." This time the Glacier Priest is
investigating a range of snow capped peaks and
his quest is mapped out along a pictorial and
exciting route. There are a bit of a fierce
Northern gale, a dip into one of the curious
hot water holes of the countryside, and some
thrilling moments of mountain climbing. Fur-
ther entertainment material is offered by the
dogs accompanying the party and particularly
a litter of pups. The photographic quality of
the screen expedition is practically perfect. For
all who prefer the different in the way of a
travelogue, this subject is ready made screen
material. — Running time, 11 minutes.
Ash Can Fleet
(MGM)
Maritime Miniature
Concerned with material that is substantially
the same as has been given feature length treat-
ment in the current production, "Thunder
Afloat," this miniature briefly outlines the be-
ginnings of the oddly named maritime division
known as the "Ash Can Fleet." Opening with a
sequence that pictures an interview held with
General Von Hindenburg and the voicing of the
testimonial by the German army official that
the one man most responsible for the Father-
land's defeat was David Bushnell, an American
from the Revolutionary War days. For it is
to this little known individual that credit must
go for pioneering in underwater craft. He was
the father of the submarine and he invented the
use of gunpowder for undersea combat. From
his start came the development of a fleet of
little wooden boats, the "Ash Can Fleet," which
during the last war became effective submarine
chasers and blockade busters. The exhibition
of the short should increase interest in a more
extended treatment of the field, as detailed in
the feature production, but in any event it is
well able to offer a bit of education and enter-
tainment on its own screening time. — Run-
ning time, 11 minutes.
Set 'Em Up
(MGM)
Pete Smith Specialty
After five years, Pete Smith devotes another
short subject to bowling. In "Set 'Em Up" the
whole family, including Pop, Mom, Willie,
Mary, Grandma and "Butch," the boy friend,
try their hand at the pastime. Ned Day, Amer-
ican match-play champion, does the coaching
and shows them how it is done. After the fam-
ily have done their best, Andy Varipapa, world's
greatest trick bowler, makes the ball do unbe-
lievable tricks. — Running time, ten minutes.
A FIGHTING MAN AND
AN UNTAMED BLONDE
IN BUCKSKIN .. .
IN RKO RADIO'S
HEROIC DRAMA
OF PIONEER DAYS! . . .
CLAIRE TREVOR
JOHN WAYNE
GEORGE SANDERS -BRIAN DONLEVY
WILFRID LAWSON • robert barrat
» K o
RADIO
ToureT
JOHN F. HAMILTON • MORONI OLSEN
EDDIE QUILLAN . . .
Produced by P. J. Wolfson
Directed by William A. Seiter
PANDRO S. HERMAN
in Charge of Production
Screen Play by P. J. Wolfson
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
43
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
As if Paramount Pictures and its colleague
majors aren't having enough trouble, what
with anti-trust suits pending on all sides,
labor arguments threatening on at least six
sides, high-salaried talent refusing to go
along with their producers' retrenchments to
make up for falling foreign grosses — all of
which, and much more, receives wide public
attention in the press — Dorothy Lamour has
put her Paramount employer on the spot in
no less a place than the wires of the United
Press with a big beef because they won't
supply her with a sarong that'll stay up — a
skidless sarong.
"It would seem to me," she said to the
reporters, "that in a company as big as
Paramount there should be somebody who
could design a skidless sarong."
She explained that her current sarong
consists of one square yard of maroon silk,
which wraps around her tightly and depends
for its anchorage upon one hook and eye.
When it is wrapped too tightly she cannot
breathe. When it is wrapped loosely it
feels dangerous. And when she dives into
the water — as she frequently has to — the
hook invariably parts com.pany from the eye.
When that happens she has to stay under
water until she can effect repairs.
"A couple of days ago I nearly drowned,"
she gurgled.
Miss Lamour's troubles, she believes, stem
from a modern technological improvement
by Hollywood, insufficiently thought out.
"The original sarong as worn by the na-
tive girls in the South Sea Islands," Miss
Lamour said, "was made of cotton cloth and
held up by a solid, secure knot."
Paramount Pictures, Inc., ditched cotton
and substituted silk on the theory that it
would cling closer.
The sarong specialists also discarded the
knot which was bulky, and replaced it with
the hook and the eye. But in sacrificing
strength for streamlining they found, as did
so many other industrialists before them,
that they had lost security. And what's
strength without security?
V
Mr. R. W. Russell, of the Palace theatre in
Canton, Ohio, got attention of a sort for his
playing of "Bachelor Mother" by inserting an
advertisement in the local press inviting towns-
folk to write in an answer to the question:
"What is a Bachelor Mother?" The replies
make for some rather spicy reading, but the
postal lazv, for one, prevents their publication.
V
Ten years straight running as a producer
of motion pictures, turning out 300 pictures
in that time — and not once has she been in
Hollywood. That's the record of Vyvyan
Donner, who makes fashion reels for Tru-
man Talley's Fox Movietone in New York.
V
Beverage Dispensers, Inc.. A^ezv York, is hap-
py to announce the az'ailability to theatres of a
"beverage dispenser" machine. The kind of
beverages to be dispensed is not nienfioncd.
V
Uncle Jonathan broadcast over CBS that
things certainly are on the up, predicting that
times will be so good this winter President
Roosevelt will be giving away two toasted
marshmallows with every ii reside chat.
There's a theatre in a small Ohio town, re-
ports Milton Stout, which boasts as a steady
patron a certain little old lady. Stout had many
times noticed her, and had wondered why she
went to the movies practically every night.
What was even queerer, he noticed that she
always paid her way in for the first night of
an engagement, and after that was allowed to
walk in free.
"You see," explained the cashier, "the old
lady lives alone and her rooms are right over
a bowling alley. She can't ever get to sleep
until midnight on account of the noise ; so every
night she comes and sleeps in the theatre until
we close. We charge her for the first night
of a picture. The rest of the run she's a guest."
V
Charles GRAPEwin has been cast by
Darryl Zanuck, of Fox, in "GRAPES of
Wrath."
V
Mike Vogel returned from Long Island to
his Managers Round Table desk, next door, to
report that he saw on the roof of a Queens
Boulevard taxpayer, two large billboard adver-
tisements standing side-bv-side, one reading:
"LEARN TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC." the
other advertising: "FUNERALS~$I50."
V
"Chili Bob" Cleary of Spokane, Wash., goes
to the South Seas every other winter and shoots
movies. This fall he built a room seating 150
and a stage onto his chili and tamale plant.
Every night from seven to eight he show-s his
travelogue to patrons, free of charge, for the
price of a bowl of chili.
V
Sedative Department, from a cheery little
item in Motion Picture Daily :
TORONTO — An interestinq phase of the
war situation is that theatres here have put
an end to paging patrons during a per-
formance because of the disturbing effect
upon the audience, some of whom may be
attending the show to quiet the nerves.
V
Walter Wanger's researchers, researching
for fine facts for ballyhoo usage in connec-
tion with Mr. Wanger's new production of
"Eternally Yours," find that there are only
40,000 Americans among all the country's
130,000,000, who have been married 50 years
or more, only 20 couples who have been mar-
ried more than 70.
V
A newspaper man in Hollywood submitted a
set of questions to Ralph Richardson, film player
in London and judging from some of the an-
swers, as set down in a piece of publicity by
London's Alexander Korda Productions, it is
hard to deterrnine on which side of the Atlantic
the laughter is siipposed to come.
Some of the choice ones:
Q. How, briefly, would you describe
yourself, presuming you were attempting to
win a film contract by mail? A. I can
make myself useful about the place.
Q. What interested you particularly
about your role in "Four Feathers"? A. It
was a job.
Q. What does an English film star such
as yourself do in his daily life? A. Mostly
try to get sleep.
A steady stream of film hopefuls, totaling
more than 500 before the day was over,
stormed Suite 850 in the Baker Hotel, Dallas,
the other Sunday, when E. B. Coleman,
MGM public relations director for the dis-
trict, held preliminary interviews prior to the
coming to Dallas of Billy Grady, Metro's
head talent scout.
Although the age Hmits were set as 15 to
30 years, the urge to win fame and fortune
via movies brought out all types, and the
ages ran from II to 75 years. Some were
accompanied by mamma, others came on
their own. Blondes, brunettes, redheads, tall
girls, short ones, fat and lean, boys of high
school age, others out of college, they all
came knocking at the gates. One young man
said "the desire to act has been gnawing
within for several years" and he had to
do something about it. A young woman
said her husband had insisted she come
because he thought she should either do
something about her dramatic urge or get it
out of her system. One sweet 15-year-old
thing, when told to bring a photograph,
asked Mr. Coleman if he wanted her face.
V
At this "Golden lubilee" time of the motion
picture with its relation to Thomas Alva Edison
we are reminded that only in Hollyzvood is
versatility so pronounced. A Mickey Rooney
is abottt to be transplanted from a "jitterbug"
"truckin' " tour of theatre stages to the role
of "young Edison" in Metro-Goldivyn-Mayer's
motion picture, "Young Tom Edison" — from the
Wizard of Oa to the IVizard of Menlo Park in
si.v zt'eeks.
V
And from Minneapolis conjes word from T.
E. (Mort) Mortensen about the inebriate who,
standing in front of the Savoy theatre, at Supe-
rior, Wisconsin, for hours, protested when
finally told to move on by a policeman. He said
he had bought a ticket for the show for a quar-
ter. The theatre has been dark seven years.
V
Theodore R. (Ted) Taylor, manager of the
New Park theatre at St. Ignatius, Montana, be-
lieves that Fuehrer Adolf Hitler is doomed to
go back to his old profession of paperhanging
in the near future. Ted is an ex-paperhanger
and is sympathetic as regards Adolf and his
future; so Ted sent his paperhanging tools,
which have been idle for some time, to Hitler
for his future use, with feeling that he K'ill not
be able to retire so comfortably as tlie former
Kaiser did. "As his treaties have only been
honored zvhen convenient" it is thought by Ted
that "it may be difficult to obtain a set of tools
on credit."
V
The monthly magazine, Everyday Photog-
raphy, has a leading article entitled : "Shooting
Children's Parties" ; it has nothing to do witli
Hitler's invasion of P'oland.
V
For the benefit of Mr.-W. G. Van Sehmus's
army of fiddlers at Neiv York's Music Hall, ami
all others interested, a barber in Brooklyn ad-
vertises: "Violin Lessons Given in Groups. Free
Haircut zvith Every Six Lessons."
V
The teleplione number of New York's
World's Fair in 1939, is World's Fair 1939.
DYNAMITE
Caged He
Fearlessly, a prison chaplain
rejects the defiant challenge
that meant swift, sure death!
DRAMA...
Lusting For Life!
Directed by WILLIAM NIGH
Associate Producer GRANT WITHERS
Screenplay by ROBERT D. ANDREWS
Original Story by MARTIN MOONEY
A MONOGRAM PICTURE
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
Hitler-Beast of Berlin .
(Producers Pictures Corp.)
Topical Melodrama
The topical nature of this production, rather
than the screen importance of the persons fea-
tured, looms as the selHng approach for "Hitler
—Beast of Berlin." It is described by the pro-
ducer, Ben Judell, as "an eloquent and timely
pictorial drama of courageous German humanity
struggling with true patriotic zeal under the
iron heel of Nazi despotism." Mr. Judell fur-
ther says that it will be a sincere, unbiased and
accurate reply to the question on everybody's
lips at this critical period in world affairs. Not
a newsreel, not propaganda nor hate inspired, it
will propose the question ; "Are all the German
people solidly behind Hitler?"
The basis of the story is Shepard Traube's
novel, "Goose Step." This was adapted by a
corps of screen playwrights and is being directed
by Sherman Scott. ,
The principal name players will be Roland
Drew, Steffi Duna, Greta Granstedt and Alan
Ladd. There are 30 speaking parts in the large
cast and among the more familiar personalities
are Lucien Prival, Vernon Dent, George
Rosener, Bodil Rosing, Hans Toby, Dick Wes-
sel, Paul Panzer and Frederik Vogeding.
Briefly, the story has to do with the startling
adventures of an "heroic little group banded in
opposition to Nazism. The hero, though he has
a chance to escape with his wife, elects to remain
in Germany , as the present war starts and try
again to save the fatherland from disaster.
Release date : Oct. 22, 1939.
The Farmer's Daughter
(Paramount)
Comedy
Along about the time when most of this tem-
perate zone is snowed in, when the Palm Beach
season is in full swing and southern California
again boasts of its wonderful climate, many per-
sons probably will be laughing at Paramount's
picture, "The Farmer's Daughter."
It will have Martha Raye, Charles Ruggles
and William Frawley in it for fun ; Richard
Denning a Golden Circle habitue, that there
may be a semblance of love interest, Gertrude
Michael for divers reasons but mostly to be the
menace, and to back up this coterie — William
Duncan, Ann Shoemaker, Benny Baker, Wanda
McKay and Wilfred Roberts.
The whole thing will have to do with what
happens when a threadbare but comically reso-
lute Broadway producer tries to stage a local
talent show, helped by a temperamental head-
line actress, in a barn during the summer lull
on the White Way. He overlooks what mean-
dering Jersey cows and moonlight over the
hayfields will do to the farmer's daughter, who,
among other things, is romantically inclined,
and the stage star, who, despite all her pomp
and pride, still wears dresses. The boy who
wants to become an actor is overcome by love.
William C. Thomas is the associate producer.
The pictures he has bossed have been directed
largely toward workaday folk.
Release date : To he announced.
Little Accident
( U nicer sal )
Comedy
Hugh Herbert, whose whimsical comedy an-
tics have made him the favorite of many, and
Baby Sandy, Universal's infant star of "East
Side of Heaven" and "Bringing Up Baby," will
be the headline names in "Little Accident." The
principal supporting personalities will be Flor-
ence Rice, who has appeared in many MGM
productions, and Richard Carlson, recently in
"Duke of West .Point" and "Winter Carnival."
Carrying the story's romance, they also partici-
pate in the comedy and are involved in its bur-
lesque melodrama. Joy Hodges, Peggy Moran,
Anne Gwynne, Ernest Truex, Charles D. Brown,
Kathleen Howard and Fritz Feld represent
other name values.
Transcribing the Floyd Dell-Thomas Mit-
chell stage play, screen playwrights Paul Yawitz
and Eve Greene took advantage of dramatic
license.
Universal selected Charles Lamont, who dis-
covered Shirley Temple's talent when he di-
rected the Educational "Babj^ Burlesks" and
guided Baby Sandy in "Unexpected Father," to
produce and direct.
Herbert, editor of a "better baby" column,
forces his daughter and her fiance to pose as
the parents of abandoned Sandy.
Release date: Oct. 20, 1939.
A Call on the President
(MGM)
Comedy
The story on which this production is based,
Damon Runyon's "A Call on the President,"
which appeared more than a year ago in the
Saturday Evening Post, is regarded as one of
the best short stories ever published in the
weekl)'. Its two chief characters, "Joe" .and
"Ethel Turp," have become the heroes of Run-
yon's Sunday Hearst feature, "The Brighter
Side."
In theme the piece is a blend of comedy and
down-to-earth human interest. "Jim," the
Brooklyn neighborhood mailman, loses his job
for destroying a letter. Heartless postal regula-
tions do not take into consideration that the let-
ter would have been a cruel blow to the elderly
woman for whom it was intended. To .get the
old man's job back, "Ethel" and "Joe" go to
Washington to call on the President and tell him
the true story of "Jim," "Johnny Cusper" and
his mother. The President assures the pair that
"Jim" will be exonerated.
William Gargan and Ann Sothern ("Maisie")
will play the roles of "Joe" and "Ethel." Walter
Brennan is "Jim," Lewis Stone the President ;
Marsha Hunt is "Kitty," who becomes "Mrs.
Crusper," and Tom Neal is her boy who turns
out bad. Other important parts have been as-
signed newcomer Don Costello, James Bush,
Muriel Hutchison, Jack Norton and Aldrich
Bowker.
An Edgar Selwyn production, "A Call on the ■
President" is being directed by Robert Sinclair,
who was brought to Hollywood after he had
staged "The Women" and "Babes in Arms" on
Broadway. Previously he had directed MGM's
"Woman against Woman" and "Bridal Suite."
Release date : To be determined.
The Honeymoon's Over
(20th Century-Fox)
Domestic Comedy
"The Honeymoon's Over" will co-star Stuart
Erwin and Marjorie Weaver. Previously they
appeared together in "Second Honeymoon."
Erwin subsequently has appeared in "It Could
Happen to You" and "Hollywood Cavalcade."
Miss Weaver has been featured in several pro-
ductions, including "Young Mr. Lincoln," and
both were in the "Three Blind Mice" cast.
Jack Carson, Patric Knowles, Russell Hicks,
Hobart Cavanaugh, June Gale and E. E. Clive
occupy the principal support niches.
The basis of the story is W'illiam Anthony
McGuire's stage play, "Six Cylinder Love,"
which also has been filmed. The up-to-date
adaption is credited to Hamilton MacFadden,
Clay Adams and Leonard Hoffman. A Sol M.
Wurtzel production, it is being directed by Eu-
gene Forde, who has made many light entertain-
ing pictures for 20th Century-Fox the last sev-
eral years.
In idea the story details what happens to a
young married couple when it becomes "society"
conscious. In a general way it follows the "It
Could Happen to You" plot. The ambitions of
the pair lead them into squabbles and troubles
that -threaten disaster, but the wife comes to his
rescue.
Release date: To be determined.
First Kiss
(20th Century-Fox)
Comedy Romance
Here are some of the things with which ex-
hibitors may excite patrons when "First Kiss"
comes to town. The show will co-star 20th Cen-
tury-Fox's two "hottest" name players — Ty-
ronne Power, whose career has been marked by
appearances in a long succession of Box Office
Champion pictures, and Hollywood's number
one Cinderella girl, Linda Darnell, the sensa-
tion of "Hotel for Women." Then there are
Wendy Barrie, Binnie Barnes, Joan Davis,
Warren William and Mary Boland.
The story is a smartly written, deluxe pro-
duced, merry marital mixup. It is 1939-plus in
tone and romantic punch. All that happens in
it will be what happens after a wife (Miss
Darnell) catches her husband (Power) dead to
rights fooling around with his secretary, and
she, secretly, gets a secretary's job to find out
just what it is the secretaries have that the
wives haven't got.
The story will have Power in a gay, debo-
nair, happy-go-lucky role for the most part,
though he becomes flabbergasted a time or two.
"First Kiss" is being made by Raymond
Griffith, associate producer, and Gregory Rat-
off, director, the team which turned out "Hotel
for Women." Since then Ratof¥ has directed
Selznick's "Intermezzo."
Release date : To he determined.
Monogram's "Mutiny in the Big House"
was shown Wednesday to the 800 delegates
attending the 69th Annual Congress of the
American Prison Association at the Hotel
New Yorker in New York. The delegates
represented 40 states, Canada and Mexico.
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MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
22 More Jubilee
Campaigns Held
No More Russian Pictures
Says Radm-'Unless Good"
Follows Years of Loss on Soviet ''Weak Sisters"
Matty Radin's Cameo theatre, in New
York City, has a new policy.
Always "the home of Russian pictures in
America" — "the Soviet film show-window"
— it is now playing other esoteric product.
"Miriam Efros," a Jewish picture, opened
Thursday, breaking the house' long run of
all Russian features.
"No more Russian pictures," Mr. Radin
said, this week. "That is, no more unless
they're very good."
No More "Weak Sister" Shows
The war wasn't responsible for the policy
change, Mr. Radin emphasized. He decided
in early August, he said, that there was "no
percentage" in showing bad Russian pic-
tures, along with the good.
"And Amkino (the Russian distributing
company in America) decided, with us, that
they would no longer release a picture un-
less it was outstanding," he added. "After
all, Amkino, as well as the Cameo, is a
business organization."
The decision was made after years in
which, Mr. Radin asserted, he had lost
money with Soviet "weak sisters." Always,
he insisted, he had made good money,
enough money to compensate for bad busi-
ness, with the outstanding Russian pictures,
like "Chapayev," "Ten Days That Shook
the World," "Alexander Nevsky."
Fewer Good Films, He Says
But, in the last several years good pic-
tures from Russia have been fewer, he said,
and at the present time, partly because of
the war, "there are no outstanding Russian
pictures of merit in the United States — and
we don't know when there will be any."
The war stopped the shipment of Russian
films to America. They had been shipped in
British boats, formerl3^ Now the Russians
are using Norwegian boats, Mr. Radin un-
derstood. A shipment "might be on the high
seas this week."
Amkino has only three unplayed pictures
or so, he said, in its vaults. These he called
"weak stuf¥."
Mr. Radin said Amkino should be pleased
over the Cameo's new sense of discrimina-
tion. "When we lost money, they lost
money," he declared. "If we play the good
product only now, they will benefit."
His theatre never booked a picture more
than two weeks ahead, he pointed out, and
now had booked only the one picture men-
tioned.
The new field for the Cameo is wide, he
said. Many pictures which cannot play
elsewhere, in the circuits or even in the ordi-
nary art houses, will suit his house. He
pointed out that the Cameo was in a fortu-
nate situation — a "semi-art" house border-
ing on the Broadway district and combining
"sensational" exploitation with art product.
This week Mr. Radin was examining sev-
eral French pictures and considering play-
ing more Jewish pictures. He was also
receptive to Latin-American subjects.
But they all must be classics, he said. He
pointed out that the first "new policy" pic-
By Suiir I'hot.igraulim-
MATTY RADIN
ture, "Miriam Efros," was a Jewish stage
classic, by Jacob Gordon, different from
the ordinary run of Jewish pictures. He is
considering the booking of "Tavie," now
being produced in the New York area by
Maurice Schwartz, from the story by
Sholem Alechem.
"Miriam Efros" was made by Credo Pic-
tures.
Notwithstanding
Mr. Radin appeared perturbed because
he as well as Amkino had been "attacked,"
he said, for "propaganda and Communism."
"Notwithstanding the testimony of the
Dies Committee," he said, "Amkino is a
business organization, and will not release
pictures unless they make money. This
talk about the distribution of Russian pic-
tures for propaganda is a laugh. Why, if
we didn't pay those birds we wouldn't get
the goods. We've fought every inch with
them, on certain points, and many times."
"And," he continued, "there was some
testimony about Amkino making a million
dollars for Soviet Russia. That's a laugh
too. I don't think Amkino ever grossed,
on any picture, over $60,000 in the United
States'."
Mr. Radin again insisted that his political
beliefs are represented in his membership in
the Democratic Party of Tammany Hall.
Chicago Bookers Club Elects
The Chicago group, founders of the
Bookers Club of America, elected this week
the following officers for the coming year :
Harry James, United Artists, president ;
Charles Davison, Balaban & Katz, vice-
president; Joe Stout, Balaban & Katz, cor-
responding secretary; Joe Abramson, Excel
Pictures, secretary; Frank Nardi, Republic,
treasurer, and Oscar Berstein, United Art-
ists, sergeant-at-arms.
San Francisco's Golden Jubilee campaign
and Ann Rutherford's appearance as Queen
of the Cotton Carnival at the Cotton States
Exposition in Greenville, S. C, topped the
final celebrations observing the industry's
50th anniversary.
Additional reports adding to those previ-
ously described have come in from widely scat-
tered communities including Chicago, Balti-
more, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Los Angeles,
Cleveland, Columbus, Milwaukee, Dallas, El
Paso, Tacoma, BufTalo, Rochester, Houghton,
Michigan ; Fort Wayne and Elkhart, Indiana ;
Cleveland, Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio ;
each with its local angle on film history.
Reports of the campaign in San Francisco,
where Mayor Rossi proclaimed October 8-15
as "Motion Picture Jubilee Week," were re-
ceived from Phil Phillips, advertising manager
of the San Francisco division of Fox West
Coast Theatres.
San Francisco made the most of the fact
that "California provided an historic fore-
runner to the Kinetoscope 27 years before Edi-
son's invention," as the San Francisco News
pointed out in its editorial. "At Leland Stan-
ford's stock farm at Palo Alto, in 1872, photo-
graphs of horses in action were made with a
battery of cameras with automatic shutter con-
trols. These were the first pictures ever made
of objects in rapid motion and were valuable
to Edison's work."
Ann Rutherford's appearance at the Cotton
States Exposition, arranged by Carter Barron,
of Loew's, pointed up the significant part the
exposition has played in the development of
motion pictures. Thomas Armat caught his
first glimpse of Edison's Kinetoscope at the
Exposition in Atlanta in October, 1894; the
following year the Armat projector, manufac-
tured by Edison and known commercially as
Edison's Vitascope, was used in the first the-
atre projection at Koster and Bial's Music
Hall on April 23, 1896, the introduction of the
screen to Broadway.
In Buffalo the film committee of the Fed-
eration of Women's Clubs celebrated the Golden
Jubilee at a luncheon at the Hotel Buffalo.
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Indiana Photo-
play Indorsers, as well as state, district, and
country chairmen of the organization, met for
an institute in commemoration of the anni-
versary.
In Baltimore, the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of Maryland took full page advertise-
ments in local newspapers to commemorate half
a century of progress in motion pictures.
In a number of cities electric light and power
companies and electrical dealers cooperated in
the celebration. In Harrisburg the Pennsyl-
vania Power and Light Company took ads in
the newspapers to congratulate the industry on
their anniversary^ and to point out that the
electrical industry is "concurrently commemo-
rating the 60th anniversary of the incandescent
lamp."
As an aftermath of the New York celebration,
NBC's Station W2KBS broadcast a television
show from 8 :30 to 9 :30 p.m. on October 13th
with James Kirkwood as master of ceremonies.
"The Great Train Robbery" and "The Kiss"
were included as part of the show, which was
produced by Warren Wade.
Roman Joins Alliance
Ben Roman, formerly of the MGM sales
staff, has joined the Alliance Films Cor-
poration. He will handle film sales in New
Jersey and upper New York state.
The rights to the three-reel "The Warn-
ing," have been sold in Japan, the Philip-
pines and the British West Indies.
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
49
HIGH LIGHTS IN THE NEWSREELS
Alexander Buys
TAD Ad Company
Alexander Film Company, advertising- film
producer, this week purchased the principal
assets of TAD SCREEN Advertising of
Dallas. The sale marks the acquisition by
Alexander Companj^ of the business of its
second largest competitor, formed three years
ago. TAD, with C. B. Akers of Dallas
president, has been operating in seven states,
principally in Oklahoma and Texas.
Alexander will carry on TAD's business.
Its assets, said Alexander, consist of some
$300,000 in business on TAD's books, with
thousands of customers which require about
1,500 film shipments a week. All accounts
receivable and all films, prints and negatives
in TAD's possession together with all
physical assets are acquired by Alexander.
The deal also includes the assignment to
Alexander of the co-distributor's contract
held by TAD with General Screen Adver-
tising, Chicago.
Included in the assignment of TAD's thea-
tre screening agreements are three Para-
mount partner chains — Kincey, of the Caro-
linas, Interstate of Texas, and the East
Texas Jefferson Amusement chain, as well
as a long-time screening agreement with
Griffith Amusement Affiliated theatres, which
operates in the southwestern states.
TAD's business, assigned to Alexander,
will be continued from Alexander's main
headquarters in Colorado Springs, as well
as Alexander's branch offices in New York,
Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and Atlanta,
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 10. Vol. 22. — Panama
Canal is placed under heavy guard England speeds
troops to front King George and Sir Kingsley
Wood inspect air force Duke of Gloucester &
General Gort Dr. Benes Premier Daladier
Ambassador Bullitt welcomes Ambassador Biddle to
Paris Rodeo in New York, ... Maine log rolling
Horse racing Girls' football game Yachting
Lew Lehr.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 11, Vol. 22.— Scenes of
devastation of Poland from air attacks German
,ijeneral praises soldiers. ... Funeral of General Fritsch
German and Soviet armies meet, ., .Hitler enters
Danzig German troops off to western front....
U, .S, new guns Fashions Auto show, ., .sports
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 208, Vol. 11.— Panama
Canal defenses reinforced. .,, Great Britain rushes
troops to front, ,., Liner Iroquois arrives in New
York Harbor Hal fashions get war fever Dare-
devil drivers perform series of stunts,
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 209, Vol. 11.— Newest
U. .S. Army weapons demonstrated. ., ,Meeting of
German and Soviet armies Open North Beach
airport Football,
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 13.— Liner Iroquois ar-
rives safely in New York Harbor Hoover sees re-
birth of Polish nation, ,, ,Gloucesters watch embarka-
tion of troops General Windsor assumes duties
Paramount Paris studios become army bar-
racks Daladier visits troops Near the Western
Front (censored pictures) U. S. rushes defense of
Panama Canal,
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 14.— U. S. Poles march in
"faith parade" in New York Dedicate North Beach
airport. ,,, Seven die in high school bus tragedy,,,,
Gehrig takes parolf board oath,.,. Auto show in
New York, , , ,Columbia pre-game celebration and the
game itself Pittsbin-.ijh defeats Duke.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 75. Vol. 11.— U, S. rein-
forces canal defenses British troops embark for
France, ,., French trooos occupy German soil.... New
York kids hold football game Theatened liner
Iroquois returns safely to New York, .. .Ambassadors
Bullitt and Biddle in Paris Vice-president ad-
ministers senatorial oath to "Happy" Cliandler
Cornell overpowers Syracuse.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 26, Vol. 11.— Army Ord
nance displays L', S. ]^ower, , . . New York airport
opened. .. .Auto show ,,,, Gehrig takes parole board
oath Football.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL — No. 814, Vol. 11.—
British King inspects ,iir force French troops sur-
vey wreckage of German aircraft Army girds
Panama Canal with steel. .. .Liner Iroquois arrives
safely in New York,,,, St. Louis "Veiled Prophets"
hold fete New York kids hold football game
Cycle aces ,go over the top.... Horse racing,
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL — No. 815, Vol. 11.—
Army tests newest weapons, ,.. New York dedicates
new North Beach airport. ,., 1940 automobiles on dis-
playParade hails Polish freedom Town draws
line for loafers. .., Notre Dame defeats Southern
Methodists Pittsburgh beats Duke University
of Southern California wins over Illinois,
New Producers Studio
A gala celebration is planned by Ben Ju-
dell for the opening of Producers Distribu-
ting Corporation's new studio in Prescott,
Ariz., next month. Gov. R. T. Jones and
other Arizona officials will be guests at the
opening day, "Bobby Clark Day" in honor
of the young cowboy who will be featured
in some of the company's 24 westerns.
The W. S. Butterfield Theatres opened
another new house, the Gladmer at Lansing,
Mich., last Thursday.
sen
ts
to 148^ of normal ROXY
"business. Of course you
read Variety's box-office
report !
(p. S. And did you read about\
Baltimore. Atlanta and Worcester f J
starring
LORETTA YOUNG • DAVID NIVEN
with
HUGH HERBERT • BILLIE BURKE • C. AUBREY SMITH
BRODERICK CRAWFORD • ZASU PIHS ♦ VIRGINIA FIELD • RAYMOND
WALBURN • Screenplay by GENE TOWNE and GRAHAM BAKER
Directed by TAY GARNETT • Released thru UNITED ARTISTS
50
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
MAJORS STILL DIVIDED ON BENEFITS
FROM COOPERATIVE THEATRE ADS
Advertising Directors Renew
Conversations on Benefits of
Plan under Which Distributors
and Exhibitors Share Costs
Cooperative advertising, through news-
papers and billboards, with distributors and
exhibitors sharing the costs, became this
week the subject of renewed discussion
among- several advertising directors at
majors' New York home offices Opinions
on the benefits of the plan were still divided.
The majors, through distributors' shares
of first-run theatre advertising in local news-
papers, at times have spent $1,500,000 a
year on cooperative advertising.
Handled Quietly
Long felt unnecessary by some companies,
cooperative advertising is seen by others as a
vital adjunct to film merchandising. Almost all,
however, agreed that the subject was one best
handled quietly. The feeling was prevalent that
the insistence of some companies on continuing
the policy forced some others to do likewise,
and that some exhibitors had been known tu
take advantage of it by using it to augment their
own curtailed budgets.
In August, 1938, Paramount announced that it
would drop its cooperative advertising in favor
of magazine advertising. (See Motion Pic-
ture Herald of August 27th, 1938). At that
time, Robert Gillham, the company's advertising
and publicity director, said that "in 1933, Para-
mount was spending 11 per cent of its total
budget in 'dealer helps,' cooperative advertising,
assistance advertising, free paper, free posting,
while the figure rose to 40 per cent in 1937."
A Matter of Results
However, the compan}' again is using the
method. Mr. Gillham said this week that
"wherever we see results accruing from co-
operative advertising, we will continue to do it."
Warner Brothers, reported believing strongly
in the direct form of advertising (Motion Pic-
ture Herald, Feb. 25, 1939), said this week
that "we will use cooperative ads wherever it is
possible to benefit the exhibitor." The com-
pany's shift awa3^ from cooperative ads took
form, according to that early report in the
Herald, in the advertising for "Four Daugh-
ters" in the second half of 1938. The company,
at that time, bore the entire cost of newspaper
ads in 33 key cities. These ads were styled on
some used in New York papers, for the opening
of the film at the Radio City Music Hall. Ads
in national fan magazines also were used.
Howard Dietz, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ad-
vertising and publicity director, said, "We ad-
vertise our pictures in many local situations,
and are willing to go along with a theatre that
is planning to extend itself." In February, Mr.
Dietz ha'd said that "it all depends upon the
picture, which gets the exploitation treatment
it warrants. Generally speaking, we are not
using as much cooperative advertising as form-
erly. As far as straight newspaper insertions
are concerned, it stands about the same as be-
fore, always depending on the type of pictures
we have. For newspaper advertising, of all
categories, we spend about $1,500,000 a year."
At Twentieth Century-Fox, Charles McCar-
thy, director of advertising and publicity, said
that the company was continuing with coopera-
tive advertising. Saying that "the exhibitors
have been very cooperative," Mr. McCarthy re-
USE PICTURES FOR
PLANE TEST FLIGHT
The Yidtee Airplane Company of
Los Angeles has used motion pictures
to record the dashboard activity in and
general qualities of, a new warplane
reported capable of more than 400
miles per hour. Vance Breese, test
pilot, talked into a microphone as the
ship was being "proved," and a camera
photographed the control instruments.
iterated his stand taken on the subject last Feb-
ruary. In the Herald of last February 2Sth he
said : "We've always spent our money on ads
with exhibitors, and we're keeping the policy.
We spend about $750,000 a year in newspaper
advertising, all for exhibitors, and there has
been very little change."
The Twentieth Century-Fox cooperative ad-
vertising, as is typical, is for the most part con-
fined to top pictures and key cities where news-
papers and billboard circulation governs the sur-
rounding territory.
Lynn Farnol, advertising and oublicity chief
of United Artists, said that the company was
continuing with its policy of cooperative adver-
tising, which it had always found successful,
each of its pictures receiving individualized
treatment.
Running, on the average, in 50 to 60 cities,
and amounting to about $50,000 a picture, it
was pointed out that on a film such as "Wuth-
ering Heights" the company's share of the ex-
pense could go as high as $75,000 to $100,000.
Mr. Farnol, in February, said that about
$400,000 was spent by the company in coopera-
tive advertising, and about the same sum in
1938. "We have always found the exhibitor co-
operative, and appreciate his help. To us, it is
a reason for our success, and it is something
we cannot afl^ord to drop," he was quoted in
February.
Individual Situation
RKO, while it has done some cooperative ad-
vertising, had no statement as to future policy,
it being said that "it depends on the individual
situation." In February, S. Barret McCor-
mick, the company's advertising and publicity
head, had said that the amount spent in 1938
on cooperative advertising was less than in
1937, and that this was indicative of the trend.
Universal is not doing any cooperative adver-
tising. It was said last February that in 1938
the company had spent about $100,000, a "dras-
tic cut" from the amount spent tlie preceding
year.
Because of the different field distribution ma-
chinery of both Monogram and Republic, they
do not engage in cooperative advertising proj-
ects with exhibitors. Their films are merchan-
dised principally through states rights franchise
holders and a few exchanges controlled on their
own.
Lawyers Complain
Motion pictures exploiting "unprofession-
al and trickster" lawyers were attacked in
a resolution to Onondaga County theatres
passed by the local Bar Association at its
annual meeting in Syracuse. The Ameri-
can Bar Association was informed of the
action.
Petti john Hits
''Pressure Groups '
When Congress gets around to investigat-
ing and exposing a single professional pres-
sure campaign of the sort which so frequent-
ly attacks motion pictures, it will have ex-
posed them all, for their technique never
varies, declared Charles C. Pettijohn, gen-
eral counsel of the Motion Picture Produc-
ers and Distributors of America, in an ad-
dress Thursday morning before the
Women's Clubs of Nebraska in convention
at Lincoln.
Blames Misled Clubs
Many "pressure groups," with their infinite
capacity for harm to a democratic system,
would fade from the American political scene
were it not for thousands of well-meaning,
national, state and local public organizations
which are misled into cooperation by their pro-
fessional lobbyists who have axes to grind and
jobs to keep, declared Mr. Pettijohn. Mr. Pet-
tijohn, who has often defended the movies from
attack before legislation hearings in Washing-
ton, spoke before the annual convention of
Women's Clubs of the State of Nebraska.
"A pleading voice on the radio, a high-flown
slogan — these are enough to start an avalanche
of letters to Washington from people who as-
sume that it must be the thing to do, because
the publicists and lobbyists of their organiza-
tions advise them to do it."
"Self-Purification"
Mr. Pettijohn cited the experience of the
motion picture industry.
"No other medium of entertainment, educa-
tion and information," he asserted, "has been
subjected to more self -purification than the
movies. Yet pressure groups, whose real am-
bition is to break up the structure of self-
regulation erected for the industry in order
that the screen m.ight become a prey to every
subversive influence, can always count on hun-
dreds of resolutions declaring that 'block book-
ing,' 'blind buying,' 'clearance,' 'zoning' and
other trade practices of the industry affect
the morals of the screen. It would be safe to
bet that few, if any, of these organizations
contain a single, member that could even define
tlie trade practices referred to, let alone under-
stand the part they play in the distribution of
motion pictures."
Picture Pioneers
Plan Fall Meeting
Arrangements for the Fall Conference
Beefsteak of Picture Pioneers, Inc., were
completed Friday at a special meeting of the
executive committee. Jack Cohn, Marvin
Schenck, Joe Hornstein, Harry Buxbaum,
Hal Hode and Terry Ramsaye attended.
The event will be held Friday, October
20th. Novel entertainment is planned. At
the meeting eight new members will receive
their gold membership card. They are J. A.
Conville, Leo K. Justin, C. S. Goetz, Oscar
C. Binder, Peter Siebel, Eugene Meyers,
Harry F. Karasik and J. H. Hoffberg.
October 21, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
51
Canadian Appeals Court
Rules CBC Can Be Sued
The Ontario court of appeals has ruled that
the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation can be
sued for wrongful act or on contract as a pri-
vate company, reversing the decision of a lower
court that held the CBC could not be made
a defendant in a civil action because it eman-
ated from the Crown, meaning that because
it was a Government-directed body it was be-
yond the scope of civil law.
The case arose through the action of Good-
erham and Worts, Ltd., formerly operating Sta-
tion CKGW, Toronto, against the CBC for
specific performance of a lease of the station
property dated May 15, 1933, and damages of
$250,000 for conversion of property of the
lessor to its own use.
Order Suit to Trial
Trial of the suit of David Stoneham, Boston
attorney, for $70,886 damages against former
Paramount- Publix directors Fred L. Metzler,
Sam Katz, Sam Dembow, Jr., Ralph A. Kohn
will start Friday in New York supreme court.
The suit charges the defendants with persuad-
ing Mr. Stoneham to lease a Portland, Me.,
theatre to Paramount-Publix by showing him
allegedly false financial statements of that com-
pany.
Milton Theatre Drops Appeal
The Milton (Conn.) Drive-In theatre with-
drew appeal on an injunction granted against
it when it closed for the season last Sunday.
The theatre says it will install individual sound
mechanisms before reopening ; this removes the
cause of the injunction.
Pittsburgh First Run
Houses Are Doubled
The number of downtown first run
theatres in Pittsburgh doubled within the
week, from four to eight. Following the
opening of the Fulton after a two month
shutdown, the Harris Amusement Company
announced that the Senator had been placed
on a first run policy. The third first run
is the Barry, open after a 10 week layoff,
while the Art Cinema switches from reissues
and revivals to first run foreign imports.
Opening of the Fulton and transfer of
the Senator into a first run give Twentieth
Century-Fox and Universal downtown out-
lets after a summer drought. The Fulton
plays Universal and Twentieth Century-Fox
while the Harris houses split Twentieth
Century-Fox product and book Republic,
Monogram, Universal and Columbia.
Ohio Managers Meet Grainger
E. C. Grainger, general manager of the
Shea circuit, has returned to New York
after a meeting with Ohio theatre managers.
Those present were: E. J. Heihle, Weller
theatre, Zanesville; W. O. James, Paramount
theatre, Fremont; Joseph Scanlon, Ohio,
State, Bellevue and Clyde theatres, Clyde ;
Thomas Alfred and H. E. Snyder, Lyric
theatre, Lancaster ; Duke Prince, Ohio thea-
tre. Marietta; William Gillham, Union
Opera House, New Philadelphia, and Ches-
ter E. Huprich and Paul, Dover theatre.
Mr. Grainger is now visiting New England
theatres.
Court Sets December 27th
For William Fox Trial
The damage suit for $1,250,000 brought by
the Lexington Ave. and 59th Street Corporation
against William Fox was ordered to trial on
December 27th by Isador Wasservogel, New
York supreme court justice. The suit charges
breach of contract to erect a theatre and office
building on the plaintiff's property. Fox Thea-
tres Corporation and Milton C. Weisman were
originally included as defendants but their
names were dropped when they settled out of
court.
French Hearing Ordered
Final hearing on the reorganization plan of
French Motion Picture Corporation was ord-
ered for October 24th by Federal Judge William
Bondy. A majority of the creditors have ap-
proved the plan which provides for payment in
full to priority creditors and 15 per cent pay-
ment to general creditors.
Stoneman Application Denied
An application of David Stoneman to examine
Stephen A. Lynch before trial was denied by
N. Y. Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Church.
Stoneman, an attorney, seeks $250,000 payment
for legal services to the Lynch circuit for repre-
senting them in the Paramount reorganization
proceedings.
Seymour Nebenzahl Sued
Jacques Haik, French distributor, has asked
$18,000 damages from Seymour Nebenzahl, pro-
ducer of "Mayerling." Haik claims he spent
that much money under a contract with Neben-
zahl when the latter did not have the rights he
said he owned.
oresents
LOEWS GRAND- first south-
ern date -hits spectacular
opening figure, 130^ of
normal !
(
p. S. And did you read about New\
Yorki Baltimore and Worcester T J
starring
LORETTA YOUNG • DAVID NIVEN
HUGH HERBERT • BILLIE BURKE • C. AUBREY SMITH
BRODERICK CRAWFORD • ZASU PIHS • VIRGINIA FIELD • RAYMOND
WALBURN • Screenplay by GENE TOWNE and GRAHAM BAKER
Directed by TAY GARNETT • Releoted thru UNITED ARTISTS
52
See Exhibitor A id
In Business Rise
Financial, governmental and general
Ixisincss analysts this week viewed with
mixed opinions the position of American
motion pictures abroad as a result of the
war, but saw a brighter outlook domestically
as a result of a marked rise in industrial
activity, bringing greater employment and
higher consumer incomes, both of which
would be reflected in greater theatre at-
tendance.
300,000 More Workers
A special survey by the United States Bu-
reau of Labor Statistics disclosed that m the
first month of the war expansion in industrial
activity resulted in the hiring by American fac-
tories of more than 300,000 additional workers.
Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins reported
that only about one-third of this increase was
attributable to the seasonal rise, indicating- that
the international situation brought immediate
employment benefits to American labor. _
This rise in domestic industrial activities, said
Poor's financial analysts, gave the domestic mo-
tion picture market a "somewhat brighter
outlook." Poor's also predicted some admission
price increases reflecting favorably on domes-
tic box office receipts.
The Wall Street Journal of Dow, Jones held
virtually the identical opinion.
Bei+er Business Reported
Motion picture executives returning to their
home offices in New York from the field re-
ported bright prospects and better business. A
strong optimistic note was struck Monday by
Murray Silverstone, executive operating head
of United Artists, on his return from California.
Broadway theatre receipts have been riding
at such high levels since September 1st that
several New York newspapers gave reportorial
attention to the condition. Spyros Skouras' Na-
tional Theatres reported that business in the
houses of its 450-theatre circuit in the west was
running better than in 1938, with marked in-
creases noted particularly in the last few weeks.
Returning from a tour of the midwest, south
central and middle Atlantic states, Harry A.
Ross, president of Ross Federal Service, this
week reported "encouraging developments in
industry" noted in discussions with executives
of key industries, of department stores, of
hotels, of entertainment, show "true signs of
permanent improvement."
H. M. Richey, field exhibitor contact for
RKO, returned to New York from a Michigan
Allied States convention with word that several
owners reported business on the upgrade at the-
atres. Walter Vincent, of Wilmer and Vincent,
cited much new activity in the Virginia area.
The "rebound" of theatre business also has
been felt in Canada, important U. S. film cus-
tomer and virtually considered a part of the
domestic market. In the Dominion, reported N.
L. Nathanson, head of Famous Players Ca-
nadian Theatres and one of the most important
film executives in Canada, theatre business has
rebounded after a period of recession following
the outbreak of war. "Business now is moving
along fairly normally and we look forward to
improvement," said Mr. Nathanson last Fri-
day while visiting New York.
Dow, Jones' IVall Street Journal concluded
that with virtually all European film produc-
tion abandoned, all important world markets,
both in the Americas and in Europe, lay open
to Hollywood films. Poor's likewise noted im-
provements in film foreign markets growing
out of the same condition, mentioning, in par-
ticular. Argentina. Brazil and Mexico.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD October 21, 1939
13 Film Stocks Cain, 17 Suffer
Losses in First Six Weeks of War
of 30 stock and bond issues of motion picture companies and those in directly
related fields traded on the New York Stock Exchange and New York Curb Market,
17 suffered price losses and 13 enjoyed gains at the end of the first six weeks of the
war in Europe, during which there was wide speculation both within the trade and
without over the actual extent of the markets lost at this time for Hollywood product
and the eventual status when the warring nations are readjusted to the emergency
and tbcatyes are reopened.
The total overall net change for the 30 issues was down 24 '74; the losses ranging
up to the 8 Yz drop in Eastman Kodak preferred, and the gains running up to the
9 J/2 increase in the price of U niversal's preferred.
Gains of less than one point were made by American Seati^tg, Consolidated Film
Industries common and preferred, Paramount common and second preferred, RKO
common, Warner common— all on the Stock Exchange — and Monogram and Sono-
tone Corporation on the Curb. Other gains included the 2 Yz points by General The-
atres Equipment; Pafhe Film, 1%; Universal preferred, 9Y2 — on the Stock Exchange
— and a lYz-point gain by Technicolor on the Curb.
The principal losses were: Eastman Kodak preferred, SYz; Paramount bonds {J>Ya^
'47), 6%; Kodak common, ^Yz; Columbia preferred, 4.
Following is a comparison of the film and allied company stock and bond prices
at the outbreak of the war and those of the beginning of the week, rounding out
the sixth iveek of the war.
New York Stock Market
Prices at War Prices Six
Declaration, Weeks Later, Net
Issue
September 5th
October 16th
Ch
ange
%
American beating
lO'/s
1 1
+
y-l III 1^ 1^ Pl^^ll|.QC ^ lOl /» ^ / 1
Q
7IA
'74
3A
74
99
1 ft
A
*T
Consolidated Film Industries
1
l'/4
+
'/2
3/8
Consolidated Flim Industries pfd
01/
8 1/2
+
Eastman Kodak
159
1541/2
41/2
Eastman Kodak pfd.
168 1/2
160
8I/2
General Theatres Equipment
• . 9!/4
113/4
+
2'/2
1%
Loew's Inc.
355/8
34
Loew's, Inc., pfd
1033/8
1023/4
%
Paramount
71/4
+
3/8
Paramount 1st pfd
81
80
1
Paramount 2nd pfd.
8I/4
83/4
+
'/2
Pathe Film
9
105/8
+
1%
RKO
l'/2
1%
+
'/8
Twentieth Century-Fox
15
13%
13/8
Twentieth Century-Fox pfd
26
24
2
Universal Pictures pfd
..... 571/2
67
+
91/2
Warner Brothers
4
4'/8
+
'/8
Warner Brothers pfd
45
43
2
Total net change
—
O'/s
New York Bond Market
Keith, B. F. ref. 6s 46
991/2
1001/2
+
1
Loew's deb. 3'/2S 46
1001/4
98
2'/4
Paramount Broadway 3s 55
50
461/2
31/2
Paramount Pictures cv. B'/^s 47
87
8OI/4
63/4
Warner Brothers dbs. 6s 48
83
82
1
— i
2'/2
New York Curb Market
Monogram Pictures
l'/8
"/4
+
'/8
Sonotone Corporation
11/4
1%
+
'/8
Technicolor
13
113/4
l'/4
Trans-Lux
.... 11/4
l'/8
'/8
Universal Corporation vts.
• : 31/8
2%
'/2
Total overall net change for 30 issues
-241/4
"Bargain"
. . . "EVEN AT DOUBLE THE
Motion Picture
Herald, $5.00 a year
Domestic, $10.00 For-
eign; 52 issues with which
is combined Better The-
atres, 13 issues yearly. ^
PRICE, AS FAR AS I'M CON-.
CERNED, THE HERALD IS STILL
A GOOD BARGAIN" » - ■
UN/ON %1EA\A%H\? COMPANY
OF NEW ZEALAND LTD.
AUCKLAND. NEW ZEALAND
R. BARR
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
NEW YORK
54
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 193 9
BROADCASTERS SAY 84% IN U.S. USE
RADIO, INVESTING FIVE BILLIONS
Association Declares 40 Million
Sets Are in Operation, Con-
trasted with Eight Million in
1928; Six Million in Autos
The National Association of Broadcasters,
proceeding under its new plans to draw pub-
lic good-will towards broadcasters, particu-
larly the radio networks — plans which
started with the adoption of the new NAB
code of fair practices last month — has cir-
culated statistics to show in what estimation
radio stands today in the public mind.
Eighty-four per cent of this country's
families listen to radio, it is claimed. In
support of this claim, it is asserted that 28,-
000,000 American families use and own 40,-
800,000 radio sets, to form motion picture
exhibitors' biggest competitor for public at-
tention.
Radio has grown in public use from
8,500,000 sets in 1928 to the present 40,800,-
000, the figures state. The growth from
1928 to 1938, is represented thus :
Number of
Year Sets Owned
1928 8,500,000
1929 10,500,000
1930 13,000,000
1931 15,000,000
1932 18,000,000
1933 22,000,000
1934 28,000,000
1935 30,500,000
1936 33,000,000
1937 37,600,000
1938 40,800,000
Votes and Radio Sets
Furthermore, the Association declares in this
statistical survey, there has been a definite
growth relationship in the number of votes cast
in presidential elections with the number of
radio sets in use ; indicating, in the opinion of
the broadcasters, that people will only come
to the ballot box in large numbers when ap-
pealed to by the politician's voice over the radio.
It is pointed out that in 1922, when only
400,000 radio sets were being used, only 26,-
705,346 votes were cast ; and that, coincident
with the growth in radio set sales, the votes
have increased; so that in the 1936 election,
with 33,000,000 sets in use, 45,646,817 votes
were tallied.
The Association chart illustrates the point,
thus :
Electiox
Harding-Cox— 1920 ....
Coolidge-Davis — 1924 . .
Hoover-Smith— 1928 ...
Roosevelt-Hoover — 1932 .
Roosevelt-Landon- — 1936
Number
of Radio
Sets in Use
*400,000
3,000,000
8,500,000
18,000,000
33,000,000
Total
Ballots
Cast
26,705,346
29,022,261
36,879,440
39,816,522
45,646,817
Going farther in its thesis on the present im-
portance of radio the Association figures say
that since, 1922, Americans have invested four
and one half billion dollars in radio receivers ;
that listeners in America own more than one-
half the radio receivers in the world ; that there
are three times as many "radio homes" as there
are "telephone homes" in America ; that there
Radio Outstrips Magazines
As National Advertising Medium
Radio's growth from zero as an advertising medium, and then its replacement
finally in 1938, of magazines as the second largest national advertising medium,
is evidenced by the figures of the National Association of Broadcasters. The
figures show that, while the other two media, from 1934 to 1938, increased their
gross revenues, radio's gross sales increased more rapidly. The statistics also
reveal how much, year by year, and in what categories — national and regional
networks, and local stations — radio's gross time sales increased. The charts follow:
Comparison of Volume of Radio Commercial
Advertising with Other Media
Dollar Volume
by Years Magazines
1934 $1 16,268,492
1935 123,093,289
1936 143,790,669
1937... 161,967,804
1938 141,007,561
Newspapers
$485,481,718
517,513,000
568,593,000
630,000,000
544,000,000
Radio
$72,887,169
87,523,848
107,550,886
144,142,482
150,1 18,400
Commercial Time Sales
Gross Time National Regional National
Year Sales Network Network Non-Network Local
1934 $72,887,169 $48,647,081 $717,117 $13,541,770 $15,981,201
1935 ...... 87,523,848 50,067,686 1,110,739 17,063,688 19,281,735
1936 107,550,886 59,671,244 1,367,812 24,141,360 22,370,070
1937 144,142,482 69,612,482 3,530,000 33,000,000 38,000,000
1938 150,118,400 71,728,400 3,620,000 34,680,000 40,090,000
are 15 million more radios than automobiles in
use here ; that 6,000,000 automobiles are
equipped with radios; and that $150,000,000 per
year is spent by American listeners in electric
current necessary for radio operation.
The figures also concern commercial time
sales from the year 1934, when radio had ap-
parently reached its stride as a national adver-
tising medium, to 1938 — and claim that gross
time sales increased from $72,887,169 in 1934
to $150,118,400 in 1938— the networks receiving
$48,647,081 in 1934, and $71,728,400 in 1938.
These figures are then compared with the
gross revenues of other media in the same years.
It is shown that whereas radio received $72,-
887,169 in 1934, magazines received $1 16,268,492,
and newspapers $458,481,718 the same year.
However, by 1938, radio, as noted, received
$150,118,400, magazines $141,007,561, and news-
papers $544,000,000. Thus, while the other
media increased their gross revenues also, radio
has already outstripped magazines.
Leo Pollock Appointed
Leo A. Pollock has been appointed direc-
tor of public relations for Wire Broadcast-
ing Corporation of America by J. R. West,
president.
^1922
The Brandt circuit plans to open the new
Pix theatre, on 42d St. in New York, in
November or December. It will seat about
850. A contract has been signed for RCA
Photophone equipment. The policy of the
house has not yet been decided.
NeedLongLaughs^
Says Max Gordon
Max Gordon sees a definite audience pref-
erence now for laughter and regrets that
■'there isn't a big, long, laugh picture in the
show business now, of the type that Lloyd
and Chaplin used to make." Mr. Gordon is
about to enter films with the dramatic story
of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," which he is
producing for RKO. (Picture on page 10.)
But the stage impresario may make "just
such a long laugh picture," as his next, he
said at his first interview this week, in New
York, in S. Barret McCormick's press de-
partment in RKO's home office at Rocke-
feller Center.
Mr. Gordon thinks Hollywood would be
wise when it hires a producer from the stage
world, to let him work without interference.
Mr. Gordon says he will definitely pro-
duce "The American Way" on the Coast.
The cast and writers have not been chosen.
He likes pictures. "There's so much you
can do in screen production which would be
impossible in stage work," he said.
He said many Lincoln plays had failed,
but only because they needed the proper
story and good production. He pointed to
the success of the stage play.
October 21, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
55
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
BLONDIE: Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake — We con-
sider this one a very good comedy. Did a nice busi-
ness on Sunday, but fell below average on Monday.
Running time, 69 minutes. Played September 17-18. —
Edelstein Amusement Company, Homer Theatre. Hib-
bing. Minn. General patronage.
BLONDIE TAKES A VACATION: Penny Single-
ton, Arthur Lake, Larry Simms — Got this in ahead
of my closest competition and did considerably above
average for midweek. Picture starts out nicely but
story material cheapens toward the close and the net
result is a picture that won't especially satisfy the
discriminating class. As that is a small group in a
country town, most everyone thought this very much
OK.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis.
General patronage.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY
GREW: Edith Fellows — A very good family picture.
Will appeal especially tc the kids. Played September
26.— M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Tex.
Small town and country patronage.
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY
GREW: Edith Fellows, Dorothy Peterson — A sweet
little homey picture that should do nice business on
a short run. Very acceptable but do not expect too
much from it. Running time, 58 minutes. — A. J. Inks,
Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patron-
age.
GOLDEN BOY: Barbara Stanwyck, Adolpe Men-
jou, William Holden — It just cannot be done. Holly-
wood should learn that they cannot take an unknown
and put him in an "A" picture and get by. Perhaps
in the future this Mr. Holden may be somebody but
in his first attempt he is very amateurish. The picture
itself, taken from the stage play, is very slow and
draggy. It is all right for our situation on any day
of the week except Sunday opening. Just another pic-
ture. Running time, 100 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
KONGA, THE WILD STALLION: Fred Stone, Ro-
chelle Hudson — Good western and horse story that
pleased. Running time, 63 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Me. General patronage.
MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG, THE: Boris
Karloff— Here's one that clicks with Boris Karloff in
the cast, and the title brings them in to good business.
Running time, 64 minutes. — W. E. McPhee, Strand
Theatre, Old Town, Me. General patronage.
WHISPERING ENEMIES: Jack Holt, Dolores Cos-
tello — A short feature and not very entertaining. I
would rate it as the poorer than average program pic-
ture. Running time, 61 minutes. Played September
28-30.— Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley Theatre,
Manassa, Col. Farming community patronage.
First National
ANGELS WASH THEIR FACES: Ann Sheridan,
Ronald Reagan, "Dead End Kids," Bonita Granville,
Frankie Tliomas — There is no question about these
kids: they are troupers. The picture is good but the
scenario is getting typed. There is a similarity to
the other pictures that they have played in, too much
so, that if they hold up they will have to have a differ-
ent treatment, is my opinion. Ronald Reagan especial-
ly good, and Sheridan seems to be improving. — A. E.
Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City, Ind. Gen-
eral patronage.
CONFESSIONS OF. A NAZI SPY, THE: Edward
G. Robinson, Francis Lederer, Paul Lukas— Although
we played this after the war started, it didn't do any
extraordinary gross. Plot is rather hard to follow
(if you can call it that). Too educational to suit
the majority. I do not believe the first night showed
hardly any women or children. I do not beHeve propa-
ganda or war type pictures are going to do any un-
usual business.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre,
Westby, Wis. General patronage.
DARK VICTORY: Bette Davis, George Brent,
Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald — I played this
very late but did not lose anything by that. Business
good, quite a bit above average; in fact, the second
highest grosser from Warners on the 1938-39 product.
Picture will come close to rating the finest of the
year.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre. Westby. Wis.
General patronage.
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
Information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
DAUGHTERS COURAGEOUS: Lane Sisters, Gale
Page, John Garfield, Fay Bainter, Claude Rains, Jef-
frey Lynn, May Robson. Frank McHugh, Dick Foran
— Just the type of picture for small towns and this
drew extra business here. Story was not accepted by
all but no one took any exception to the cast. If we
conld have them as good as this all the time, we would
be satisfied. Running time, 107 minutes. Played Oc-
tober 1-2. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay
Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
KID FROM KOKOMO, THE: Wayne Morris, Pat
O'Brien. Joan Blondeli, May Robson — Very good pro-
gram picture which pleased our patrons nearly 100
per cent. Good action and plenty of thrills. Running
time, 93 minutes. Played September 22-23. — Horn and
Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
OLD MAID, THE: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins,
George Brent — This picture, it seems, is doing very
good business everywhere. The women like it. ITie
writer viewed it and considers it a very ordinary pic-
ture, a silly, implausible plot, far-fetched, that never
happened and never will. But the answer is, it's doing
business. Running time, 92 minutes. — W. E. McPhee,
Strand Theatre, Old Town, Me. General patronage.
SWEEPSTAKES WINNER: Marie Wilson, Allen
Jenkins, Johnnie Davis — Another of those fillers which
do not mean a nickel at the box ofl'ice. Too much of
both Wilson and Jenkins, who are swell in support,
but not leads. Running time, 59 minutes. Played
September 13-14. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Thea-
tre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
Grand National
SIX GUN RHYTHM: Tex Fletcher. Joan Barclay
— This was doubled with "Trade Winds" and is arl
all around satisfying: western. — J. E. Stocker, Myrtle
Tlieatre, Detroit, Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
BURN 'EM UP O'CONNOR: Dennis O'Keefe, Ce-
cilia Parker — A better than average B class picture.
Running time, 70 minutes. Played September 34-25. —
Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley Theatre, Manassa,
Col. Farming community patronage.
GIRL DOWNSTAIRS, THE: Franchot Tone, Fran
ciska Gaal. Walter Connolly — Not a big picture but
better than most socalled program features. Running
time, 70 minutes. — Dr. G. A. Van Fradenburg, Valley
Theatre, Manassa, Col. Farming community patron-
age.
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD: James Stewart,
Claudette Colbert — Very screwy. I saw it four times
and still don't know what it was all about. James
Stewart very popular here. Running time, 86 min-
utes. Played September 20-21.— M. L. DuBose, Ma-
jestic Theatre, Cotulla, Tex. Small town and country
patronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Hedy Lamarr, Robert
Taylor — Just a boring lot of nothing and why Metro
ever released it is beyond me. If I had realized how
it would talk the audience into boredom, this would
have been out with a large OUT. They talk, talk
and no modicum of action, and frankly you want to
put a burr under their tails and get some action.
Couple it with "Idiot's Delight" and you will have the
worst pictures that have come from Metro this season.
— A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia City,
Ind. General patronage.
MAISIE: Robert Young, Ann Sothern — A surprise
picture, although we are never surprised when one of
Metro's "B" pictures turns out to be an "A" picture
and vice versa. We told the men to come see "Mai-
sie," and whispered to the ladies that Robert Young
was in the picture, so they all came. Played Septem-
ber 29-30.— M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla,
Tex. Small town and country patronage.
PYGMALION: Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller— Grand
picture. Just a little hard to understand at the first
but the acting of Howard and Hiller soon made you
forget that part of it. Running time, 87 minutes.
Played September 17-18. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star
Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres, Lana
Turner, Tom Brown — Good picture, good business.
Pleased all. Running time, 80 minutes. Played Oc-
tober 1-2. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre,
Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
WIZARD OF OZ, THE: Judy Garland, Frank Mor-
gan, Ray Bolger. Bert Lahr — Swell show in color.
Business was good, but mostly kids. Running time,
100 minutes. Played October 4-5. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
WIZARD OF OZ: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Frank
Morgan, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Mar-
garet Hamilton — For the business done we can thank
the national reputation this enjoyed. Of its scope and
production, there is no question. But our audiences
thought too heavy and not enough dancing and music
to carry it through, and some of our kids on the
matinee could not stay in their seats at the witch
scenes. It is a box office picture in every way except
for the heaviness. — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre,
Columbia City, Ind. General patronage.
Monogram
WOLF CALL: John Carroll, Movita— This was
doubled with "Never Say Die" and can easily be
classed as better than average program picture. — J. E.
Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit, Mich. Neighbor-
hood patronage.
Paramount
ARTISTS AND MODELS ABROAD: Jack Benny,
Joan Bennett. Mary Boland, Yacht Club Boys — Good
entertainment that disguises a fashion show. Played
October 4-6. — W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Theatre, Pueb-
lo, Col. General patronage.
BUCCANEER, THE: Fredric March. Franciska
Gaal, Margot Grahame, Akim Tarniroff, Walter Bren-
nan — This was doubled with "St. Louis Blues." This
program drew a little better than average but I be-
lieve that "St. Louis Blues" had some pulling power
of its own. — J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit,
Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
EDD TIDE: Frances Farmer, Ray Milland— Here is
a good sea picture in all color that took well at BO.
Played two days to a nice business. Running time,
91 minutes. Played September 7-8. — Edelstein Amuse-
ment Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn. Gen-
eral patronage.
MOUNTAIN MUSIC: Bob Burns, Martha Raye— I
set this in place of "The Lady's from Kentucky" and
have to pat myself on the back for this substitution.
Picture is more than two years old but not having
played here before, it drew very well and brought out
more laughs than anything made since. I am sure the
take on this was double what "The Lady's from Ken-
iContinucd nii fnlUnciiifi page)
56
(Continued from preceding page)
tucky" would have been.— L. V. Bergtold, Westby
Theatre, Westby, Wis. General patronage.
NEVE^R SAY DIE: Bob Hope, Martha Raye— This
was a lively, peppy, fun sprinkled ofifering that seemed
to be much enjoyed, judging by audience reaction
and for a Sunday and Monday showing drew a good
average. This was doubled with "Wolf Call" from
Monogram, which cm easily be classed as better than
average program picture.— J. E. Stocker, Myrtle The-
atre, Detroit, Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
RENEGADE TRAIL: William Boyd, Russell Hay-
den, George Hayes— "Cassidy" series are best West-
erns ever made and this is no exception. It is re-
markable how picture after picture in this group can
hit the consistently high par of goodness and never go
stale. Our patrons never tire of Cassidys. Played
October 2-6.— W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Theatre,
Pueblo, Col. General patronage.
ST. LOUIS BLUES: Lloyd Nolan, Dorothy Lamour,
Tito Guizar— Would call this a better than average
program picture. While this doesn't jell as well as
one would like, it delivers quite a lot of entertainment
that was somewhat dif?erent. This was doubled with
"The Buccaneer." This program drew a little better
than average but I believe that "St. Louis Blues" has
some pulling power of its own.— J. E. Stocker, Myrtle
Theatre, Detroit, Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY: Bob Hope, Shirley
Ross— Played with "The Young in H-ea-rt." The qual-
ity of the program deserved better results at the
box office.— J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit,
Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
THUNDEUl TRAIL: Gilbert Roland, Charles Bick-
ford— This is a fair western. Did a fair business
on Friday, but fell below average on Saturday. This
is a Zane Grey story, but has no star value. Running
time, 55 minutes. Played September 9-10.— Edelstein
Amusement Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn.
General patronage.
WELLS FARGO': Joel McCrea, Bob Burns, Frances
Dee — This picture is outstanding. Great production.
Played to big business for three days. We picked
three pictures from Paramount for Paramount Week
and we are glad we did. Joel McCrea and Frances
Dee did a great job as leads in the picture. Running
time, 115 minutes. Played September 4-6. — Edelstein
Amusement Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn.
General patronage.
Republic
MOUNTAIN RHYTHM: Gene Autry, Smiley Burn-
ette — Here is Gene's best picture for a long time.
Good songs, good story and plenty of comedy. Gene
introduces the late song hit, "It Makes No Difference
Now," which we publicized. Running time, 58 min-
utes. Played September 15-16. — Edelstein Amusement
Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn. General
patronage.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
RKO Radio
FIXER DUGAN: Lee Tracy, Virginia Weidler—
Played with "They Made Her a Spy." Double bill
that gets by nicely.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre,
Old Town, Me. General patronage.
GIRL, FROM MEXICO, THE: Lupe Velez, Leon
Errol — Played with the "Saint in London." Double
that pleased all the way, especially "Tlie Girl from
Mexico."— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Me. General patronage.
SAINT IN LONDON: George Sanders, Sally Gray
—Played with "The Girl from Mexico." Double that
pleased all the way, especially "The Girl from Mexico."
— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Me.
General patronage.
STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE,
THE: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers — A good show if
you can get them in to see it. This team used to
mean box of?ice to us, but not now. Played September
17-18.— M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Tex.
Small town and country patronage.
THEY MADE HER A SPY: Sally Filers, Allan
Lane — Played with "Fixer Dugan." Double bill that
gets by nicely. — W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old
Town, Me. General patronage.
Twentieth Century-Fox
CHASING DANGER: Preston Foster, Lynn Bari-
Why did they tag this with a ten cent store title?
Here is an outstanding program picture, one that evi-
dently cost a lot to make, and they bury it under a
handicap that marks it for the double bill class. 1
have seen a lot of "A" pictures that haven't got half
what this has. Similar to "Submarine Patrol" (same
producer) but really a lot better and just as big. —
L. V. Bergtold, Westby Thea;tre, Westby, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
CHASING DANGER: Preston Foster, Lynn Bari—
Very, very ordinary; put out by Fox to fill in the last
half of a double bill. Played September 20-21.— Horn
and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb.
Small town patronage.
EVERYBODY'S BABY: Jed Prouty, Spring Bying-
ton, Shirley Deane — This was the first Jones Family
show I tried on a single bill and it went over OK,
doing better than average midweek business. Some
liked it — most of the patrons — although there were a
few kicks, too. Picture is so short that it takes a
whole flock of shorts to round out a two hour show, so
there was no particular saving in running as single. —
L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
KENTUCKY: Loretta Young, Walter Brennan,
Richard Greene, Bobs Watson — The manner in which
the inmate population responded to this "picture of
color" convinces me that a "jim-dandy" was selected
to open our 1939-40 season. Without exception it was
agreed that Walter Brennan stole the show, with little
Peter (Bobs Watson) running him a close second. In
addition to these fine bits of action, the beatitiful
October 2 1, 1939
scenery, shots of such outstanding horses as Man O'
War, Gallant Fox and Omaha, the stable boys' rendi-
tion of "Gom' to the Races" and the excellent racing
shots all contribute to make this picture one any per-
son could like. Running time, 95 minutes. Played
October 7. — J. A. Reynolds, Director of Recreation,
Prison Theatre, New Jersey State Prison, Trenton,
N. J. Prison patronage.
LITTLE PRINCESS, THE: Shirley Temple, Rich-
ard Greene, Anita Louise, Ian Hunter, Cesar Romero,
Arthur Treacher — I had hoped to do real old time
Shirley Temple business with this but we struck a hot
spell, the year's hottest, but at that we did a good
average. This is easily one of Shirley's finest. We
sure hate to lose a mortgage lifter like Shirley Temple
has been. — J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit,
Mich. Neighborhood patronage.
MEET THE GIRLS: June Lang, Lynn Bari— This
one is weak. No draw at BO. Even the title is bad.
Running time, 71 minutes. — Edelstein Amusement
Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn. General
patronage.
RAINS CAME, THE: Tyrone Power, Myrna Ley,
George Brent — Darryl Zanuck has done it again. Louis
Bromfield should be proud of the way they handled his
story. George Brent steals the show and that new
gal, Brenda Joyce, is going places. Give it your best
dates and step on it. We ran too early after release.
Only those who had read the book and a few who read
the movie mags came out. Needs lots of publicity.
Running time, 104 minutes. Played October 1-3. — M.
L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, Cotulla, Tex. Small
town and country patronage.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee, Edna May Oliver — Very good. Sonja
is a favorite but we do believe they should let up a
little on her skating. We all know she is a wonder
but get a little tired of too much. Power is always
good. Running time, 87 minutes. Played September
29-30. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay
Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL,
THE: Don Ameche. Loretta Young, Henry Fonda —
Not a very good draw but a very fine picture for
those that appreciate the better things. Possibly there
were a few too many love scenes and the action slow
at times may have been responsible for the several
unfavorable comments. Biographies are not going to
make profitable story material in small situations. —
L. V. Bergtold, Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. Gen-
eral patronage.
STRAIGHT, PLACE AND SHOW: Ritz Brothers,
Richard Arlen. Ethel Merman — This is a good comedy
for the weekend and business was good. This picture
is quite a change for us on Friday-Saturday, as we
usually play westerns and action pictures. Running
time, 67 minutes. Played September 1-2. — Edelstein
Amusement Company, Homer "Theatre, Hibbing, Minn.
General patronage.
SUEZ: Tyrone Power, Loretta Young, Annabella —
This picture is outstanding both from production and
box office. Acting by Tyrone Power, Loretta Young
and Annabella superb. Great story and wonderful
direction. Played three days to very good business.
Running time, 103 minutes. Played August 22-24. —
Edelstein Amusement Company, Homer Theatre, Hib-
bing, Minn. General patronage.
WIFE, HUSBAND AND FRIEND: Loretta Young,
Warner Baxter, Binnie Barnes — This one sure pleased.
A very good comedy. This Warner Baxter sure can
sing. Why don't the producers give Baxter a chance
to sing in pictures? Played September 13-14. — Edel-
stein Amusement Company, Homer Theatre, Hibbing,
Minn. General patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Alice
Brady. Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan — Yes, Mr.
Fonda was the whole show! Not that the others were
not good, because it was a swell cast, but Fonda stood
head and shoulders above them all. He certainly should
have very serious consideration when the Academy
Award is handed out. Running time, 101 minutes.
Played September 24-25. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star
Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
United Artists
CAPTAIN FURY: Brian Aherne, Victor McLaglen.
Paul Lukas, June Lang — The lack of popular stars and
the rather meaningless title held business several
notches below par, but let me tell you here is one of
the best entertainments to come out of Hollywood this
year. The comments for the size of the crowd were
plentiful and all very favorable. The type that will
please just about everyone and send them out feeling
that thev have seen a real show. — L. V. Bergtold,
Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis.
DRUMS: Sabu, Raymond Massey — Shortage of pic-
tures forced the playing of this one and for its type
it is good. Rather long on some sequences that could
have been cut out. Essentially a British picture and
I'll hand this to the British that when they make a
picture such as this one and "Four Feathers," that we
played some time back, they go out on location and
the scenes are breathtaking in some of the shots.
There is no canvas background moving back of the
camera. That is so apparent in some of the Hollywood
productions. I wish that Hollywood would take a
page from the book of the English and not try and
fool the public in phoney outdoor sets. And if you
»-E.*S-''"""*>^ All*
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
57
don"t think the movie public is wise to this, you are
wrong — A. E. Hancock, Columbia Theatre, Columbia,
City, Ind. General patronage.
TRADE WINDS: Fredric March, Joan Bennett.
Ralph Bellamy, Ann Sothern — I was rather afraid ot
this for my best pla>"ing time, as the title is not very
exciting, but it drew a fair average and better than
I expected. This will please them if you can get them
in. This was doubled with ""Six-Gun Rhythm" from
Grand Xational. which is an all round satisfying west-
em. — J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre, Detroit, Mich.
Xeighborhood patronage.
YOUNG IN HEART, THE: Janet Gaynor, Douglas
Fairbanks, Jr., Paulette Goddard — This one flopped at
BO. Story slow moving and draggy. This picture was
passed up by our patronage. We think the title had
also something to do with keeping the patrons away.
Running time, 91 minutes. Played September 11-12. —
Edelstein Amusement Company, Homer Theatre, Hib-
bing, Minn. General patronage.
YOUNG IN HEART, THE: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,
Janet Gaynor, Roland Voung, Paulette Goddard, Billie
Burke — Played with ""Thanks for the Memory." This
double program gave us a real low for the nice show
weather we are now having. In fact, it gave us for a
midweek showing about the year's low-. The quaUty of
the program deserved better results at the box office.
— J. E. Stocker, Myrtle Theatre. Detroit, Mich. Neigh-
borhood patronage.
Universal
CARNIVAL QUEEN: Robert Wilcox, Dorothea
Kent — Very weak. Running time, 65 minutes. Played
October 7-9 — W. C. Lewellen, Uptown Theatre, Pueblo.
Col. General patronage.
SUN NEVER SETS, THE: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,
Basil Rathbone — Ninety-four minutes of slow, dragg>-
rubbish that should never have been shown to the
American public. Skip it. Running time, 94 minutes.
— ^A. J. Inks, Cr>-stal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small
town patronage.
SUN NEVER SETS, THE: Basil Rathbone, Douglas
Fairbanks, Jr. — Good programer. Second half in the
big towns. Running time, 96 minutes. — W. E. McPhee.
Strand Theatre, Old Town. Me. General patronage.
Warner Brothers
DODGE CITY: Errol Flynn. OUvia de Havillaud,
Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Frank McHugh, Alan
Hale, Victor Jory — The biggest show we have run this
season with exception of "Boys Town." These type
pictures really draw them in. Running time, 104 min-
utes. Played September 29-October 1. — O. W. Qiapek.
Annex Theatre, Anamoose. X. D. Rural and small
town patronage.
INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY: Pat O'Brien, Ann
Sheridan — Good picture, good business. Pleased the
action fans. Running time, S2 minutes. Played Oc-
tober 3. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre.
Dewey, Okla. Small tovra patronage.
LOVE, HONOR AND BEHAVE: Wayne Morris.
Priscilla Lane — Here is a honey of a picture, plenty
of comedy, which did a nice business for two days.
Wayne and Priscilla Lane are coming to the front fast.
You cannot go wrong on this one. Running time, 71
minutes. — Edelstein Amusement Company, Homer The-
atre, Hibbing, Minn. General patronage.
NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIR-
CASE: Bonita Granville — -\nother Nancy Drew adven-
ture which pleased the children but failed to draw in
the adults. Running time, 60 minutes. Played October
6-7. — E. M. Freiburger. Paramount Theatre, Dewey,
Okla. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, -\nu Sheridan
— Warner Brothers wasted enough stars in this to
make a good picture. Tlie only word I know that
describes it is 'silly." Dick Powell hasn't meant any-
thing at our box office in years, but that Ann Sheri-
dan seems to have something if given a chance to
show it. We 'oroke even on it, but that happens often
to us. Running time, 90 minutes. Played October 4-
5. — M. L. DuBose, Majestic Theatre, CotuUa, Tex.
Small town and coimtry patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE: Dick Powell, Anna Sheri-
dan. Gale Page — \Miat we wouldn't hke to tell the
guy who invented "oomph" for Ann Sheridan. And,
if Warner's don't forget it, and give her an opportun-
ity pretty soon, they'll send her along the same route
all these other glamour girls have gone. We think
she's swell, but just let her be her own self once. This
drew a little extra business on midweek showing.
Running time, 90 minutes. Played September 27-28. —
Horn and Morgan, Inc.. Star Theatre, Hay Springs.
Neb. Small town patronage.
THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL: John Garneld.
Aim Sheridan — Here is a powerful picture. Plaj-e'l
three days to fair business. Acting by Garfield is out-
standing: so is the supporting cast. Running time,
91 minutes. Played August 29-31. — Edelstein Amuse-
ment Compan3-, Homer Theatre, Hibbing, Minn. Gen-
eral patronage.
■WINGS OF THE NA'VY: George Brent, Olivia de
Havilland, John Payne. Frank McHugh — Verj' fine
Navy picture that drew better due to the war going on
MGM AND RKO BOOTHS
DRAW MILLION VISITORS
Over a viillion lisifors have signed
the register at the Loew's MGM
World's Fair Information Booth in
Nert; York since June 2S th. Questions
about the Fair, Neii^ York City and
the surrounding country were asked
by travelers from every continent and
many foreign countries. Massac/m-
sefts, Fennsyltania and Ohio led the
United States in number of visitors to
the Booth. England, France and Italy
supplied the most lisifors from the
rest of the world.
While MGM's Booth was for the
general public, as well as exhibitors,
the RKO World's Fair Lounge jvas
exclusively for theatre men. Some 500
individual exhibitors representing more
than 2,000 theatres were entertained in
the RKO Loimge. These showmen
came from all over the United States
and from 18 foreign countries.
in Europe. Running time, S9 minutes. Played Sep-
tember 22-24. — O. W. Chapek, Annex Theatre. Ana-
moose, N. D. Rural and small town patronage.
Short Features
Columbia
PEST FROM THE WEST: Buster Keaton— Best
two-reeler I have seen in many a month. When the
shorts draw comments, they have to be good. — L. B.
Bergtold. Westby Theatre, Westby, Wis. General pat-
ronage.
SCRAPPY'S ADDED ATTRACTION: Scrappy Car-
toons— One of the poorer cartoons that Columbia has
made. Just fair. Running time, seven minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS: No. 1— The poorest Snap-
shot we have run. All about beauty makeup that is
not even passable. Skip this one. Running time, nine
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
SKINNY THE MOOCHER: Charley Chase— For the
audiences that like their slapstick, this is a knockout.
This producer still heads the list in good comedy. Very
good. Running time, IS minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WASHINGTON, D. C: Washington Parade— Very
fine and timely. People are interested in shorts tell-
ing about the big cities of the nation. — Horn and Mor-
gan, Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small
town patronage.
Me+ro-Goldwyn-Mayer
CAPTAIN SPANKY'S SHOWBOAT: Our Gang-
Average Our Gang comedy. — E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
THINK FIRST: Crime Doesn't Pay Series— Very
good two-reeler dealing with shop lifting. A little
feature in itself. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: Romance of Cel-
luloid— Very good short on Metro's 1939-40 product.
If you have the new product bought, by all means
play it. Running time, 10 minutes. — O. W. Chapek,
Annex Theatre, Anamoose, N. D. Rural and small
town patronage.
YANKEE DOODLE GOES TO TOWN: Passing
Parade, No. 6 — Another patriotic short but this one
is different. Give it a good date as it is worth it.
Running time, eight minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre. Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
RKO Radio
MARCH OF TIME: No. 13.— This was better than
the majority of these subjects lately. People are inter-
ested in war subjects but 20 minutes of it at a time
is too much. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
SPORTS IMMORTAL: Ed Thorgersen (Sports)—
This short proved to be both interesting and amusing.
Interesting because it brought back such outstanding
heroes as "Red" Grange, Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey,
Helen Wills, Gertrude Ederle, et al, and amusing be-
cause of the dress of our heroes and the old fashioned
photography. Running time, 11 minutes. — J. A. Rey-
nolds, Director of Recreation, Prison Theatre, New
Jersey State Prison, Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
Universal
STRANGER THAN FICTION: No. &1— Very good.
Diversified and interesting. Running time, nine min-
(Continued on follcrjeing paxie, column 2)
58
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2i, 1939
YOU CAN TELL THIS
BOOK BY ITS COVER
You've seen it everywhere
throughout the Industry
for the past ten years!
■ There is no mistaking the orange
and black cover of The International
Motion Picture Almanac, whose
pages contain the most authorita-
tive reference data on every branch
of the business. No matter what you
want to know about the motion pic-
ture industry, either here or abroad,
you will find it in the Almanac. The
new 1939-40 edition consists of more
than 1,100 pages. Among other
things it includes biographies of over
I 1 ,000 important personalities and
reveals the very latest facts and
figures on every phase of Produc-
tion, Distribution and Exhibition. As
a showman you need the Almanac —
you will find it indispensable in your
daily routine!
EDITED BY TERRY RAMSAYE
GET YOUR COPY OF
1939-40 ALMANAC ISBI
ORDER IT TODAY!
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP
ROCKEFELLER CENTER. NEW YORK
(Continued from preceding page)
utes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
Vitaphone
ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters— A snappy musical short featuring the "clari-
neting" of one of the countries outstanding "clarinet-
ers." Anyone who likes good dance music will enjoy
this short. Running time, 10 minutes. — J. A. Rey-
nolds. Director of Recreattion. Prison Tlieatre, New
Jersey State Prison, Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
BELIEVE IT OR ELSE: Merrie Melodies— We have
liad better cartoons than this one but still not so bad.
Running time, seven minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
COUNT ME OUT: Merrie Melodies— An amusing
Merrie Melody. It proves quite conclusively that to
learn boxing via Correspondence Schools is not so
good, not so good. Running time, seven minutes. — J.
A. Reynolds, Prison Theatre, New Jersey State Prison,
Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
CRAWFORDS "AT HOME," THE: Vitaphone Va-
rieties— Good one-reel musical with the Crawfords at
the pipe organ. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Thea-
tre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
GOLD RUSH DAZE: Merrie Melodies— Good col-
ored cartoon. — Horn and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre,
Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage.
NAUGHTY BUT MICE: Merrie Melodies— We
played this with "Naughty But Nice" and it made
quite a hit with our poeple. — Horn and Morgan, Inc.,
Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patron-
age.
RIDE, COWBOY, RIDE: Dennis Morgan— Good
two-reel western in color with Dennis Morgan singing.
— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla.
Small town patronage.
RIGHT WAY, THE: Vitaphone Varieties— Extra
good. You may call it propaganda but what's the dif-
ference if it is a good subject and puts across a good
lesson. Let's have more of them, opposing the forming
of organizations working against the U. S. A. — Horn
and Morgan, Inc., Star Theatre. Hay Springs, Neb.
.Small town patronage.
SCALP TROUBLE: Looney Tunes— Good black and
white cartoon. — E. M. Freiburger. Paramount Theatre,
Dewey. Okla. Small town patronage.
Junior Programs To
Start Fourth Season
Junior Pi-ograms said this week that it is
sending two companies on the road starting
immediately to begin its fourth year as a
national non-commercial organization pro-
viding children throughout the country with
professional opera, ballet, drama, concerts
and other entertainments at film admission
prices averaging 10 cents to a quarter. Jun-
ior Programs said that bookings are now
25 per cent over last season's total, not
counting those to be negotiated during the
season.
The companies will touf from the east to
the west coasts, as far north as Ontario,
Canada and south to Florida. Contracts are
said to be in hand for 365 performances and
last year's audiences of 500,000 children
and young people will probably be doubled,
according to Mrs. Dorothy L. McFadden,
founder-director of the organization.
Retsanna Will Produce
Five Features, 22 Shorts
Under a deal announced in Hollywood
this week five features and 22 short subjects
will be produced by Retsama Film Produc-
tions for release by Standard Pictures Cor-
poration. Geraldine Spi'eckels will star in
the first two, "The Trail Blazers" and "Wo-
men of Destiny."
Twentieth Century-Fox has announced
that "Drums Along the Mohawk" will be
released in 14 reels, making it the longest
color feature ever released, it is claimed.
The picture will star Claudette Colbert and
Henry Fonda.
Republic Managers on
Leaves of Absence
Five Republic district managers are on
leaves of absence to January 1st. Whether
they will return to the company at that
time depends on the world revenue situation.
In the meantime they may be assigned to
other positions when available. The only
district manager provided for is Jack Bell-
man, who has been assigned as manager of
the Buffalo exchange. He was in charge
of the eastern district. District heads on
leave are Max Roth, Chicago; Harry La
Vine, Philadelphia; Grover C. Parsons, San
Francisco ; Clair Hilgers, Atlanta, and Wil-
liam Benjamin, St. Louis.
Dave Whalen and Charles Jones are joint-
ly in charge of the company's advertising
publicity and exploitation.
Republic has named Paul M. Wir as divi-
sional manager for Central America to suc-
ceed Harry Davis, who will move to South
America to open two new branches there.
Mr. Wir will make his headquarters in
Panama. Mr. Davis will open a main office
at Santiago, Chile, with a branch at Val-
paraiso when he leaves his present job the
end of October.
Nanne Murray, Binder
F. T. Murray has been named manager
of branch operations for Universal and O.
C. Binder, manager of exchange mainte-
nance, by William A. Scully, general sales
manager. Six Universal district sales man-
agers were in New York a week ago for
conferences with Mr. Scully to consider do-
mestic problems which have arisen as a re-
sult of war conditions. Attending were A.
J. O'Keefe, Los Angeles ; E. T. Gomersall,
Chicago, Pete Dana, Kansas City; H. D.
Graham, Atlanta; Dave Miller, Cleveland;
A. J. Herman, New York.
Cincinnati Office Takes Award
The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ofiice in Cin-
cinnati, in charge of Edwin M. Booth, will
receive a Leo plaque and the entire per-
sonnel of 44 will receive awards ranging
from two weeks' additional pay to trips to
the San Francisco Exposition, it has been
announced by the MGM home office. The
Cincinnati branch, for the second consecu-
tive year, led all 32 exchanges in sales, col-
lections, efficienc}" and bookings increase.
Suspend Connnnercial Plans
The March of Time has temporarily sus-
pended plans for production of commercial
motion pictures. The staff is being concen-
trated entirely on "The Ramparts We
Watch," full-length feature picture now in
production, and on the emergencies occa-
sioned by the European war as they affect
the regular monthly releases of the March
of Time.
Roberts Appointed
Don Roberts has been named publicity di-
rector of Selznick International Pictures by
Russell Birdwell, who now handles the ac-
count on a retainer basis. Mr. Birdwell
has realigned the entire department as a
result of curtailment of the department
budget.
Herman Bernie, formerly eastern manager
for the Myron Selznick agency, has opened
his own management office, Herman Bernie,
Inc.
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
59
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of October 14
CAPITOL
The Day of Rest. . . .' MGM
Natural Wonders of Wash-
ington State MGM
Feature: Thunder Afloat. . MGM
CRITERION
Boy Meets Joy Universal
Air Thrills Columbia
Feature: Fast and Furious MGM
MUSIC HALL
Donald's Penguin RKO Radio
Bill of Rights Vitaphone
Morocco Columbia
Stranger Than Fiction, No.
68 Universal
Feature: Intermezzo, a Love
Story United Artists
PARAMOUNT
Fresh Vegetable Mystery. . . Paramount
Unusual Occupations, No. I . Paramount
Catching Whoppers Paramount
Feature: What a Life Paramount
RIALTO
Farmyard Symphony RKO Radio
Feature: All Quiet on the
Western Front (reissue) . . Universal
RIVOLI
Donald's Penguin RKO Radio
Acres of Plenty RKO Radio
Feattire: famaica Inn Paramount
ROXY
The Orphan Duck 20th Cent. -Fox
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest
People 20th Cent.-Fox
Feature: Hollywood Caval-
cade 20th Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Ice Frolic Vitaphone
Detouring America Vitaphone
Vote Trouble Vitaphone
Feature: Dust Bi- My Destiny. First National
New Zealand Film
Board Is Formed
A Film Board of Internal Control has
been formed in New Zealand, says a report
to the Department of Commerce from the
American Consul General at Wellington.
Meanwhile the new standard film contract,
which classifies a feature picture as one
5,000 feet or more in length, is being in-
voked by exhibitors against pictures sold
to them as features which are under the
prescribed 5,000 feet, although many of
them have been cut to under that length by
the Commonwealth censor.
Censorship figures published by the New
Zealand authorities indicate that the percen-
tage of British quota films to the total num-
ber of quota fihns dropped from 19.2 per
cent in the period April, 1937-March 31,
1938, to 13.7 Der cent for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1939.
Australia reports a mild entertainment
boom following the declaration of war. The
uncertainty prevalent there for a long time
previous to the actual declaration had result-
ed in a falling off in the amusement industry.
MORE UNIONS ASK RAISE;
ACTORS HALT NBC SHOW
Guild Demands Use of Its
Members in Television;
Nick Mistrial Declared
Balked on several sides in efforts to effect
economies to conform with foreign rental
losses, while studio labor is demanding wage
increases and talent is refusing salary cuts,
the producers in Hollywood this week faced
a new ultimatum from several crafts unless
their requests for a 10 per cent raise are
granted.
Actors Warn NBC
Other labor activities of the week in produc-
tion were highlighted by a Screen Actors Guild
warning to National Broadcasting Company
that Guild members only are to be used in NBC
television shows.
Unionism in exhibition this week was con-
cerned principally with the opening of the trial
of John Nick, deposed St. Louis union leader,
on charges of extortion, and the continuance of
arguments in New York between circuits and
projectionists over new wage-and-hour condi-
tions.
Five more locals whose members work in film
studios demanded a blanket 10 per cent wage in-
crease for their crafts last Friday. The groups
are plasterers, plumbers, machinists, studio util-
ity employes and molders groups, and are in ad-
dition to the 12,000 members of the International
Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employes in
studios who won demands for a 10 per cent
increase last month.
Painters Delay Action
Meanwhile, last week's strike threat of mov-
ing picture painters. Local 644, over the question
of a 15 per cent wage increase, was held up to
the end of this week on the intervention of Pat
Casey, producers' labor contact. The union will
hold its strike vote Saturdav.
The five organizations which demanded an
increase in wages have agreements with produc-
ers nearing or past expiration dates. All belong
to the American Federation of Labor studio
crafts conference which hopes to influence
William Bioff, Alliance leader, to accept the
chairmanship for further negotiations.
On Monday, Frank Stickling, international
representative of the lATSE, filed a petition on
behalf of 11 studio locals asking the National
Labor Relations Board to declare International
Alliance units as bargaining agents for their
classifications in all independent studios. This
is preparatory to seeking new agreements which
will make official the 10 per cent wage increase
already granted by the major studios.
Also on Monday the Screen Actors' Guild
told television officials of the National Broad-
casting Company that any films produced
specially for television purposes would have to
be made with a Guild cast.
Telecast Cancelled
Last week NBC was forced to cancel a tele-
cast of the stage play "Very Warm for May"
because Actors' Equity ruled that members of
the cast, at present in rehearsal, would have
to receive a full week's salary for each per-
former taking part in the single program (re-
ported in Motion Pictuke Herald of October
14th). The Equity council uncovered a regula-
tion enacted before the advent of television
which was intended to cover motion pictures
and recordings, and in which, because of the
permanent nature of films and recordings, a
week's pay was required for each day spent in
production. Actors who perform their parts
over the radio are merely required to receive
payment for one extra performance, or one-
eighth of the weekly pay.
The question of which union shall have juris-
diction over television has not as yet been set-
tled.
Thomas Hutchinson, NBC television director,
and Max Gordon, stage and film producer, ap-
peared Tuesday before Actors Equity Council
to seek permission to submit a plan allowing
legitimate plays from Broadway to be telecast
without paying the required one week's salary
to the cast.
Nick Case Ends in Mistrial
John P. Nick, deposed head of the theatrical
unions in St. Louis and still a vice-president
of the International Alliance, went on trial
Tuesday before Circuit Judge Robert Aronson
in federal court in St. Louis, on a charge of
extorting $10,000 from theatre owners in 1936
to forestall a demand for wage increases by
operators.
On the second day, however. Judge Aronson
declared a mistrial after an information had been
filed by Clarence Groeteke, a state's witness,
charging that Robert W. Cox, a juror, had dis-
cussed the case with him Tuesday night.
Fred Wehrenberg, St. Louis exhibitor, was
one of the first prosecution witnesses to testify
Tuesday. '
The St. Louis dispute between Local 143 of
the operators union, and the St. Louis Amuse-
ment Co., is in its third week with no settlement
indicated. The difference grew out of a demand
by the union that the company bargain with it
for all operators.
Chief Justice Frederick Crane of the New
York state court of appeals last Friday received
the application of New York City major circuits
to designate a fifth and neutral arbitrator on the
board which will decide wage scales and work-
ing conditions for operators during the next two
years. Judge Crane took the matter under ad-
visement.
Withdraws from Election
The United Theatrical and Motion Picture
Service Employes Union, Local 258, withdrew
Monday from a proposed certification election at
the State Labor Relations Board for ushers,
doormen and cashiers at the RKO houses in
New York. The union is an affiliate of the
Congress of Industrial Organization ; while it
is claimed by Local B-171, connected with the
lATSE that the Alliance, affiliated with the
American Federation of Labor, that the Alliance
has 90 per cent of the RKO ushers enrolled.
New York Supreme Court Justice McLaugh-
lin on Monday set trial for October 23d of the
suit for an injunction and damages brought by
Joseph Basson, head of Local 306 of the opera-
tors union, against Paradise Pictures, owners
of the Belmont Theatre in New York. The de-
fendant is charged with refusing to employ
members of the local in violation of a contract
allegedly made by it.
On Tuesday Projectionists' Local 306 started
four actions in New York Supreme Court
against RKO, Loew's, Warners and Paramount,
intended, according to union officials, to recoup
approximately $300,000 claimed to be due its
members in unrestored wage cuts. The union
asserts that during the administration of Sam
Kaplan, former head of the union, a 10 per cent
cut was agreed upon for a period of one year
only. At the expiration of that period, it is
claimed, the cuts were not restored.
Th^Th
Stopping
Like Old Man River . . NATIONAL
SCREEN TRAILERS just keep rolling
along . . . smashing home the
strength of /our show . . . its high-
lights . . . its good points . . . to a
100% customer-audience at every
performance.
No sir! No guessing as to how
many see it . . . no guessing as
to how many redd it ... YOU
KNOW that everybody your mes-
sage is aimed at gets an enter-
taining eyeful and earful of the
thing you're selling . . . because
they are in your theatre watch-
ing your screen.
knd here's something extra!
NATIONAL SCREEN TRAILERS are
cheaper than any other medium
of advertising you can buy ! They
reach more people . . . sell more
seats . . . BEST SELLERS IN THE
BUSINESS!
i\f\j\fii\HL C^cteert service
PRIZE BRBH OF THE inOUSTfty
You can go places
and do things with
Special Announce-
ment Trailers by
NATIONAL SCREEN
SERVICE
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
61
MANAGERS*
ROUND TABLE
<iAn international association of shozvmen meeting weekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
On Qm'gley Awards and Promotions
■ Outside of the publicity attentions given to theatrennen
taking down Quigley Awards, what accrues to the winners that
can be translated into real folding money? Presentations by
Governors and other prominents, compliments from the boss-
man, the pat on the back from fellow workers are all of the
finest as far as they go. But the basic reason for the Compe-
titions is to spotlight the continuously effective job done by the
man in the field so that he may be properly rewarded with
bigger pay or a better job.
That the Awards have been successful in this direction is no
new story.
These pages have told it time and again, of winners
stepped-up to more responsible and higher paying posts, who
have unequivocally credited their successes in the Quigley
Awards for a definite assist in getting there. The story con-
tinues to be told, currently by John Burhorn and Marlowe
Conner, favored with advancement by their organizations.
Silver Grand Award winner in 1938, Burhorn, from manager
of Indiana-Illinois' Gayety, Chicago, is now promoted to super-
vise coordination of all exploitation activities of the circuit's
units In the Chicago and Calumet region. Writes John:
"This is a promotion no doubt due to my past worlc which
was stimulated without a question through the Round Table
and, notably, the Quigley Awards."
Other recent promotions among the Manta-men Include
those of Rex Williams, Chick Tompkins and Don Johnson, all
active in the Awards and recipients of top honors.
Quarter-Master Plaque winner In the Second Quarter this
year and prominent in other Awards listings. Manager Mar-
lowe Conner now transfers his activities from the Warner
Rhodes, Chicago, to the wider fields of the circuit's Avalon
In the same city, hie tells It as follows:
"This is a nice boost for me. There is no doubt in my mind
that the recognition I received from the Round Table and the
Quigley Awards has been a big factor in my favor."
It Is significant to note that in most every case of promotion
among Awards winners their entries have displayed an impres-
sive consistency of boxoffice promotion. That this factor also
has been noted by managers in the current Competitions is
indicated not only by the quality but the Increasing quantity
of entries judged for Third Quarter-Master honors. It is doubly
significant that the winners were selected importantly from
among Fortnighters who realize the personal benefits to be
had from a sustained showmanship attack as Indicated by the
frequency with which they were represented.
V V V
TO BE HANDLED WITH CARE
Haven't got the spanking clothes on today, so there Is no
need to mention names. But by now every member should
realize how much dynamite there Is in the post-card "phone
me" gag — the one addressed in feminine handwriting to mar-
ried men as a laugh buildup for a picture. This time it was
signed "Malsie" who urged those addressed to call her at a
given number, which proved to be the theatre. The phone
rang all day, reports the Round Tabler, and many wives were
asking. You can bet they were.
Fun may be fun. But not every wife is the best audience for
comedy that points the finger at her old man. It would seem
safer, then, to stay away from giggles aimed so close to the
family fireside. Experience sadly relates that too often the
laugh may be on the boxoffice.
V V V
On behalf of "The Women" at the Warner Columbia In
Portsmouth, Ohio, Manager Dick Cruciger promoted a women's
golf tournament. Prizes were named after the stars. Every-
thing was handled by the ladles and, as in the picture, no males
were on hand. It was a highly successful afternoon, and peace-
ful, reports the Round Tabler. Not one fight. No one was
bitten.
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 I
9 3 9
Arranged by Loew publicist Joe DiPesa was lobby stunt for
the "Four Feathers" date at Loew's State, in Boston, shown
above with Manager Fred Greenway pointing out the various
high spots of a replica British fort used in the production.
For street bally, lA-sheet mounted on compoboard was planted
atop sound truck which covered beaches, playgrounds, main
streets, etc.
When Paul Walker, columnist on the nearby Harrisburg
Telegraph recently wrote a rave review on "The Old Maid",
Nick Todorov, assistant to Charles Bierbauer, at Wilmer and
Vincent's Colonial Theatre, in Allentown, constructed a 40
by 60 blowup and used it for a lobby display ahead and dur-
ing run of picture. Both sides of review were flanked by
scene stills.
•am m MR. wsi.«s
REVIEWS
f
' If
It'-
Entirely constructed and conceived by Harry Lahr of the Ward-
man, in Whittier, Cal., was the tin woodsman and scareccrow used for
his "Oz" lobby display. Large book contained pages filled with scene
stills, write ups, comic strips and inserts pertaining to the picture.
Patrons were invited to scan through the book.
Three girls carrying umbrellas and chest banners with cast, title and
playdates on "Fifth Avenue Girl" visited leading stores as part of John
Dostal's exploitation on that date at the Orpheum in Waterloo, la.
Street broadcast was also tised, with passes going to participants.
Entered in a recent local celebration was the "Young Mr. Lincoln"
float created for that date at the Olympic, Canyon, Texas, by Manager
Charles Donnell. With a red, white and blue color scheme, rolls of
crepe paper were cut in fine pieces and tacked to frame.
im Oifl'lliaiin
October 2 1. 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
63
Round
Table
n Pictures
The original knife grinder's cart xuhich plays an
important part in "Harvest", showing currently at
the New York World Theatre was brought over from
France to make a "personal appearance" in hard-to-
get hardware window, tying up with modern cut-
lery. Cart which is over 100 years old was backed
up with blowup of scene still. Tieup was arranged
by Herman G. Weinberg, publicity head, French
Cinema Center, distributors of the picture.
Described elsewhere in this section was stunt ar-
ranged by Lncas and Jenkins City Manager Moon
Corker through courtesy of civic authorities to keep
"Mr. Brink" up a tree in front of postoffice for five
days ahead of opening as part of his exploitation on
"Borrowed Time" at the Palace, Athens, Pa. Tieups
with merchants brought food, drinks, cigars, etc., to
"Mr. Brink", with Cramps and Pud carrying on an
animated conversation regarding the picture.
Enlargements of stills from the picture showing actual locations in the
famed French fortifications were used to highlight the front of the New
Amsterdam, in New York for the date on Al Selig's "Crime in the Maginot
Line" . . . In connection with "Everybody's Hobby", Louie Lamm at the
Palace, Lorain, Ohio, promoted through Lorain Camera Club, display repro-
duced below of enlarged snapshots taken by localities which were used for
lobby setpiece ahead and during run of picture.
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
Unusual Support
Accorded Corker
To Exploit Time '
SHOWMEN'S LOBBY LAFF
"Imagine a Professor Being a Gambling Man."
Model Plane Contest Planted
On "Men with Wings" by Bryan
Through the cooperation of local model
building supply dealers, Manager A. F.
Bryan for his date on "Men with Wings"
at the Columbia Theatre in Warren, Pa.,
held a model plane building contest. Mer-
chant devoted windows to the stunt with
appropriate tiein copy and the theatreman
displayed the models in lobby ahead and
during run. In addition, other merchants,
who cooperated by presenting prizes to win-
ners, also devoted windows to the stunt.
Daily announcements were made over Sta-
tion WJTN, plugging contest and name of
picture, and the judging was held on stage
evening prior to opening, event being cov-
ered by local newspaper.
Cards were placed in the YMCA branches
and Boy Scout offices, and Bryan person-
ally contacted and secured the support of the
executives of both these organizations to
announce the contest at their meetings.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Talent Search Proves
Successful for Daniels
Staged each summer at the Strand The-
atre, in Perth Amboy, N. J., and inaugu-
rated by Manager Julius Daniels, is his ten
week series of contests in a search for local
amateur talent. Held each Saturday after-
noon, one winner each week is eligible for
the finals. Wrist watches promoted from
cooperating merchant are presented weekly
with a minor prize to the runner up and a
grand prize of $50 awarded to the finalist.
Contest is open to children up to the age
of 16 and winners are selected entirely by
audience applause. Application blanks are
available at the theatre and must be accom-
panied by photo of the entrants. Cooperat-
ing stores plugged the event in their ads.
Notaro Promotes
Newspaper Contests
As a result of a talk had by Pat Notaro,
manager of the Columbia Theatre, in
Sharon, Pa., with the sports editor of his
local paper a weekly contest was instituted,
featuring a gridiron guessing tiein, with
passes to the winners. Each Monday
through to Friday, cooperating paper runs
list of teams playing Saturdays and pro-
vides box spaces for entrants guesses. The-
atre is conspicuously mentioned each day,
contest to continue throughout the season.
Another contest angle was engaged in for
"Beau Geste" in the form of a co-op page,
each merchant's ad containing cut of a flag
under which Gary Cooper served in various
of his pictures. To the first contestant sub-
mitting correct list, as a special award, the
original script used in the filming was pre-
sented, runnersup received guest tickets.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Selected Group Invited
To "Cavell" by Schreiber
Officers of the Fort Hayes barracks and
the infantry band were guests of Manager
Harry Schreiber of the Palace Theatre, in
Columbus, Ohio, one night during the run
of "Nurse Edith Cavell." In addition super-
intendents of six hospitals were invited to
attend along with two nurses from each in-
stitution. The Columbus Dispatch was tied
into the promotion and interviewed the su-
perintendents.
Through a hookup with local news agency,
entire fleet of trucks were bannered. Other
units of exploitation included the distribution
of heralds in Liberty magazines, spot an-
nouncements at football games, art blowups
of Anna Neagle in hotel lobbies and numer-
ous window displays.
For a reported "first time" in Athens, Ga.,
L & J City Manager Moon Corker for "On
Borrowed Time" at the Palace secured per-
sonal endorsements from four of the state's
most prominent citizens, cuts of each used
along with their comments and set in a three-
column full on opening day. The tiein was
promoted and other newspaper publicity se-
cured were two effective contests. The first
was labeled "Are You Living On Borrowed
Time?" and invited readers who had sur-
vived near fatal accidents, or who had come
near having one, to describe their experi-
ences for prizes offered by the theatre. The
second, a grandparents essay contest which
made page one offered guest tickets to sets
of grandchildren and grandparents in return
for prize essays of not more than 100 words
written by the adults on "What I Like Best
About My Favorite Grandchild". Teaser
ads pointing up the two ideas were also pro-
moted by the theatreman, running one a day
for week ahead.
Unique Tree Stunt Arranged
Shown in this section's pictorial section
was the unusual tree stunt, based on a se-
quence in the picture, arranged by Corker,
wherein through the courtesy of the Mayor,
City Council, Chief of Police and the post-
master, Gramps and Pud kept Mr. Brink up
a tree in front of the postoffice five days
ahead. At certain times each day, Gramps
and Pud would visit different stores and
carry Mr. Brinks sandwiches, drinks, cigars,
etc., through the courtesy of cooperating
merchants. All three were well schooled to
answer any questions asked by passersby.
An old model "A" Ford bannered appro-
priately with copy such as "Gramps and
Pud Goin' Fishing on Borrowed Time, see"
etc., etc., with an old man and boy riding
with a dog sitting on the back seat was used
as street bally. Fishing pole hanging on
side gave reality to the stunt.
Tieup was also made with all automobile
dealers for a parade, all cars properly ban-
nered and led by motorcycle escort covered
entire city, including college campus. Other
promotions included furniture store tiein
sponsoring an "Answer It If You Can" pro-
gram over WGAU, which brought plugs
for the picture nine days ahead.
Effects Numerous Promotions
Through cooperation rendered by local
grocer and janitors of several buildings, the
"Forbidden Apple" gag was effectively used,
with 500 cards and apples placed on the desk
of prominent citizens in the business section
and on the University campus. Florist pre-
sented a tagged basket of cut flowers to each
bank president, cards in each case being
signed by either Gramps, Pud or Mr. Brink,
and containing theatre credits. Flowers were
prominently displayed in the banks. Tags
were unusual, being one foot in size, copy in
capitals and each personally addressed to the
president. Another promotion was a two-
column display promoted by Corker, wherein
a cut of the theatreman emphasized his per-
sonal endorsement for the date.
October 21, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
65
Third Quarter-Master Listings
Name 68 Fortnighters as Awards
Sweep Into Last Quarter of Year
by A-MIKE VOGEL
Marking the turning point into the
fourth and final period, voting for the
Third Quarter discloses a new Awards
high of 68 Fortnighters selected for Quar-
ter-Master honors, with Plaques voted to
three. Medals to five and Citations to 59.
Names and situations appear elsewhere
on this page. The record number, top-
ping all previous listings in the 1939
Quigley Awards, was designated by a
judging Committee comprising Lou Pol-
lock, Eastern advertising manager for
Universal. Lou Lifton, Monogram adver-
tising and publicity director and Harry
Mandel, RKO Theatres advertising and
publicity head.
Summer Months No Handicap
The record listing of Quarter-Master
honors was made possible in great part
by the unprecedented total of individual
contributions entered during the two-
week preliminary periods of the Quarter.
From these, as is usual, were selected the
outstanding promotions for Fortnight
Appointments which were considered in
the finals.
Continuing interest in the Competitions
was also noted by the Judges in the fact
that the unusual number of entries oc-
curred during a period that covered the
summer months, when promotional ef-
fort usually is not as spirited. This is
borne out in the week-to-week consis-
tency displayed by winners, especially
among those who had scored in previ-
ous Quarters. Of the eight Plaque and
Medal recipients, seven have been rep-
resented in the First or Second Quarter-
Master listings, a majority in both. The
same holds for the Citation winners,
among whom are numbered entrants who
won honors in previous Quarters.
Interest Turns to Last Quarter
And now all eyes turn to the Fourth
Quarter which will definitely determine
many of the Quarter-Master names to
be represented in the Grand Awards
judging. As the records show, the race
is still wide open. Many previous win-
ners are grouped neck-and-neck as the
Awards tear into the stretch. There are
six distinct Fortnight periods in which
aspiring theatremen can register what
they are doing for the boxoffice and their
chances in the Awards. What they have
already done to register is set down on
die following page, with more to come.
VOTED QUARTER-MASTER PLAQUES
RAY BELL
Loew's, Washington, D. C.
MOON CORKER
Georgia, Athens, Ga.
RALPH PHILLIPS
State, Sioux Falls, S. D.
VOTED QUARTER-MASTER MEDALS
PAUL BINSTOCK ED FITZPATRICK A. J. KALBERER
Lyric, Hartford, Conn. Poli, Waterbury, Conn. Indiana, Washington, Ind.
GUS LAMPE P. E. McCOY
Keith, Syracuse, N. Y. Georgia, Athens, Ga.
VOTED QUARTER-MASTER CITATIONS
DON ALEXANDER
Paramount, St. Paul
Minn.
WALLY ALLEN
Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.
GEORGE BANNAN
VanWert, Van Wert, O.
HAROLD BORRESEN
State, Winona, Minn.
LIGE BRIEN
Prince, Ambridge, Pa.
JOHN BURHORN
J. R. WHEELER
Lex, Chicago, Hi.
WALLY CALDWELL
Loew's Valentine, Toledo
E. C. CALLOW
Warners, Philadelphia, Pa.
LOUIE CHARNINSKY
Capitol, Dallas, Tex.
JOE CLEMENTS
Egyptian, Sioux Falls, S. D.
ARTIE COHN
Roosevelt, Philadelphia, Pa.
MARLOWE CONNER
Rhodes, Chicago, III.
WALLY COWEN
Princess, Modesto, Cal.
E. E. CRABTREE
Fischer, Danville, III.
TED DE GRAZIA
Lyric, Bisbee, Ariz.
JOE Dl PESA
Loew's, Boston, Mass.
FRANCIS DEEERING
Loew's, Houston, Tex.
H. A. DOMAN
Harris, Harris, Pa.
TED EMERSON
Omaha, Omaha, Neb.
JIM ESHELMAN
Huron, Huron, S. D.
PETE EGAN
Capitol, Calgary, Canada
BOB FULTON
Paramount, Waterloo, la.
SAM GILMAN
Loew's, Harrisburg, Pa.
FRANCIS GOOCH
Uptown, Bath, Me.
KEN GRIMES
Warners, Erie, Pa.
MEL GRUNDY
Rivoli, Muncie, Ind.
MILT HARRIS
Loew's, Cleveland, O.
THOR HAUSCHILD
Paramount, Marion, Ind.
R. S. HELSON
Napier, Napierville, III.
C. L. HOLLISTER
Babcock, Wellsville, N. Y.
GEORGE IRWIN
Lyceum, Duluth, Minn.
BILL JOHNSON
Opera House, Millinocket, Me.
MAYNARD JOINER
Capitol, Vancouver, B. C.
HAROLD LEAND
Revere, Revere, Mass.
HOMER McCALLON
Loew's, Houston, Tex.
ED McBRIDE
Loew's, Providence, R. I.
BYRON McELLIGOn
Capitol, Aberdeen, Minn.
PAT McGEE
Paramount, Syracuse, N. Y.
J. E. MANUEL
Strand, Delaware, O.
ED MILLER
MANNY PEARLSTEIN
Hippodrome, Cleveland, O.
GLENN NELSON
Harris, Findlay, O.
FLOYD NUTTING
Paramount, Grand Forks, N. D.
JIM O'DONNELL
Haines, Waterville, Me.
LES POLLOCK
Loew's, Rochester, N. Y.
JIM REDMOND
Bonham, Fairbury, Neb.
W. C. RICORD
Egyptian, Hollywood, Cal.
MORRIS ROSENTHAL
Majestic, Bridgeport, Conn.
JOE SAMARTANO
Palace, Meriden, Conn.
WILLIAM SAXTON
Century, Baltimore, Md.
FRANK SHAFFER
Dixie, Staunton, Pa.
TOM SORIERO
United Artists, Los Angeles
FRANK STEFFY
State, Minneapolis, Minn.
CHARLES TAYLOR
Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y.
RALPH TULLY
Central, Biddeford, Me.
STUART TOMBER
Fargo, Sycamore, III.
LEN WORLEY
Madison, Peoria, III.
ERLE WRIGHT
Strand, Syracuse, N. Y.
LEO YOUNG
Strand, Portland, Me.
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
PAST "FORTNIGHT" EXPLOITATIONS
Authorities Cooperate with Nelson
On County Schools Premiere of "Oz"
With the school year just getting under-
way during Glenn Nelson's date on "Wizard
of Oz" at the Harris, in Findlay, Ohio,
theatreman contacted county school superin-
tendants for permission of kids to attend a
premiere of the picture. Theatreman gave
passes to the drivers of the buses bringing
the kids in and to the teachers accompany-
ing them, children paying regular admission
prices. Five schools, totaling 814 youngsters
from a radius of eight to 10 miles, attended
the showing in bannered busses, stunt land-
ing two column story and art work in
papers.
In advance of the arrival of the MGM
travelling "Oz" truck, Nelson promoted
paper to run a contest to find youngsters
to fit the costumes representing the charac-
ters of the picture. Next step was tieup ar-
ranged with local automobile agency which
furnished cars and trucks to form a parade,
police department provided escort and
granted permission for Nelson to park the
truck in front of the theatre during run.
Cooperating paper ran stories with art daily
on the stunt.
McGee Forms Brenda Joyce Club
Among Syracuse Univ. Sorority Sals
Neat tieup was arranged by Pat McGee
at the Paramount, in Syracuse for "Here I
Am a Stranger" when he persuaded the
local chapter of Delta Gamma at Syracuse
University to form a Brenda Joyce club in
honor of the star who is a member of that
sorority from USC. Girls attended the
showing in a group and as a result a nice
story was landed in the Daily Orange, Syra-
cuse U publication. The Orange also ran
a football score guessing contest which
brought breaks for four days. In addition, a
litho-oiTset bulletin was placed in all frat
and sorority houses, cafeterias, dormitories
and boarding houses on college grounds.
Leading restaurants and both major hotels
cooperated on a Richard Greene special
luncheon, the idea being that each patron
ordering one of these was given a small
envelope which contained either a pass or
blank piece of paper. Ratio on this was
one out of 15, 22 by 28 cards were posted
in all spots plus menu space. McGee further
tied up with the Greeters, organization
which arranges to greet newcomers to Syra-
cuse and introduce them to merchants,
churches, etc. Tickets were presented with
newspaper story as a result.
Caldwell Gives "The Women"
Well Rounded Campaign
The consistency of his week-to-week
campaigning at Loew's Valentine, in Toledo,
is indicated in the representative job done
by Wally Caldwell on "The Women," some
60 odd items being listed by the Round Tab-
ler covering general exploitation, lobby and
theatre front, windows, co-op ads, radio and
newspaper breaks.
Over WTOL, the theatreman planted a
radio dramatization with full picture, thea-
tre and playdates credits, same station also
running a six-day contest "What do you
JANECKY CELEBRATES
THEATRE'S 87 YEARS
To build up his "October An-
niversary Month" campaign at the
Academy of Music in New York,
Manager Harold Janecky tied the
celebration to the %7th anniversary
of the original theatre of the same
name which occupied a site opposite
the present house. Displays of old
posters, newspapers, photos of the
early period decorated the lobby.
Also featured was a 10- page souvenir
program carrying outside ads and in-
cluding historical data, house per-
sonnel and picture copy.
know about women ?" for men only in addi-
tion to the complete MGM sponsorship pro-
grams, and a daily "Man-on-the-Street"
broadcast in front of theatre. Spot announce-
ments were landed on WSPD, electrical
transcriptions on WYOL, a "Name the
Song" contest and others. Newspaper cov-
erage included art work on Shearer and
Crawford, two-column headed story with
drop head giving outline of story, intimate
details of the productions, complete star
credits and other essential details, publicity
carried over into second week.
Merchants' Goodwill Booster Used
By Wheeler for "Second Fiddle"
With the cooperation of local paper on
Chicago's South Side, Manager J. Ray
Wheeler at the Lex, in Chicago contacted
six merchants, each in a different line of
business and each in a position to get good
distribution, for a full-page newspaper ad.
Each store's ad carried a different scene
from the picture "Second Fiddle," and her-
alds were distributed with each sale in the
individual stores. To the first 100 patrons
brihging the complete set of six heralds to
the boxoffice, guest tickets were awarded.
Cooperating merchants paid entire cost of
ads and the printing and distribution of the
colored heralds.
Most Popular Newsboy Chosen
By Kalberer for "Golden Boy"
In connection with National Newsboys
Week, celebrated currently with the opening
of "Golden Boy" at the Indiana Theatre, in
Washington, Ind., Manager A. J. Kalberer
effected a tieup with the Herald where a con-
test was run to determine the most popular
local newsboy. Cooperating paper ran cou-
pons good for 100 votes daily week ahead,
ballots to be dropped in box in lobby.
In addition to the honor of being desig-
nated as "Golden Boy", carrier winning
highest number of votes received a wrist
watch promoted from local jeweler. Second
highest received a coat and third haber-
dashery, all promoted.
First Anniversary of Kid Club
Celebrated by Brien with Party
In the second run Prince Theatre, in
Ambridge, Pa., Manager Lige Brien to cele-
brate the first anniversary of his kid club put
over a sock goodwill campaign which in-
cluded the parents. Board of Trade ran a
front page resolution advising parents and
children of the special free Saturday morn-
ing show which consisted of free stage show
;f 36 acts, 47 members of the Kid Club
participating. Ice cream was promoted from
cooperating merchant and 1000 kids strong
paraded to theatre carrying banners plugging
following day's attraction.
Highlight of the parade was tieup with
the Aliquippa and Ambridge bicycle safety
clubs members who rode to theatre carry-
ing "Jeepers creepers use your peepers"
banners as a streamline slogan in relation
to safety precaution. Secretary of the Motor
Club gave an interesting talk to the 2,100
folks who attended the show. Giant birthday
cake was also secured gratis and Brien acted
as master of ceremonies during the fes-
tivities.
Sock Newspaper Campaign Landed
By DiPesa on "Wizard of Oz"
Headed by national ads, art and stories,
publicist Joe Di Pesa planted 80 cuts in
local dailies in advance and during run of
"Wizard of Oz" at Loew's State, in Boston.
Coverage included serial run for six days,
full page pictorial feature in Sunday Post,
roto layout in the Sunday Herald and Globe.
Much was made in the papers over the
presentation of an "Oz" trophy to Manager
Joe Cronin of the Red Sox by F'red Green-
way, manager of the theatre. Contest angle
was covered by running daily six characters
appearing in the picture, guest tickets to
those submitting best coloring jobs.
Music wrappers with picture and theatre
copy were distributed from all music stores
in city, chain druggist was tied up for special
window streamers, imprinted balloons, some
of which contained guest tickets were re-
leased from prominent spot downtown and
radio tieups included six weekly plugs over
WEEI, transcriptions used over WMEX
and WAAB, the latter coming through with
a special Hollywood highlights program
and WBZ tied up their special kiddie pro-
gram for a five-day contest.
Magazine Agency Plugs
"Oz" Opening for LIppe
Tying up with the local distributors of
the Red Book Magazine, Al Lippe, director
of publicity at Loew's State in Newark for
his advance on "Wizard of Oz", agency put
out 500 cards on newsstands and dealers'
windows, selling title, cast and playdates.
Also arranged by Lippe was a coloring-
contest for kids which was distributed
through 75 chain drugstores ; window posters
plugged the slant, and each store had avail-
able on all counters 6 by 15 inch heralds
with cuts of various characters in the picture
which were to be colored for prizes ; 10,000
contest blanks are reported to have been
used.
INDISPENSABLE
TO EVERY
SHOWMAN!
The new 1940
BOOKING CALENDAR
LIMITED SUPPLY
ORDER PROMPTLY
PRICE 2.5^ postpaid
USE THIS COUPON
Each year, thousands of managers find the Quigley
Booking Calendar a prime necessity in the successful
operation of their theatres.
Its record of national and state holidays is a guide
to the timely booking of appropriate pictures, tieing
in with important historical events, permitting special
exploitation campaigns of great benefit to your
box office.
These Booking Calendars are supplied to managers
at cost and for that reason do not allow the carrying
of large stocks. Unless your order comes in early we
may not be able to fill it. Be sure to get your 1940
Calendar by ordering it today!
I
J Managers' Round Table,
ROCKEFELLER CENTER,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
NEW YORK
Kindly send me one Booking Calendar for 1940, I enclose 25c to cover cost of calendar and postage.
NAME.
.THEATRE.
ADDRESS.
-CITY.
STATE.
68
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
BOTWICK BROADCASTS
SATURDAY KID SHOW
Program Evolved by Theatre
Now in Second Year; Staged
Before Screen Show Begins
The M & P State in Portland, Maine,
opens at 11 in the morning with the only
possible time for a Saturday kid show being
two hours starting at nine. Since it has
been found difficult to give a two-hour kid
show for 10 cents when the children can see
the regular three-hour program for the same
amount, Manager Harry Botwick created
a radio program, "Recess Time," a copy-
righted title, to tie in with a satisfactory
children's show at the theatre and to fill the
local need for a suitable juvenile program on
the air.
The program was built to give children a
broadcast of their own along the lines of
Vox Pop and also to allow them to see for
themselves the workings of an actual broad-
cast. These purposes have aided Botwick in
putting on a novel children's Saturday show
which would be entertaining and boxoffice.
Contests Divided in Three Parts
Since the screen program at the theatre
starts at 11, the tiein was made with WCSH
to put on a 30-minute sustaining program
starting at 10:30, the program to be con-
ducted for children 16 years of age and
under. The house opens at 10 o'clock and
by 10:20 Botwick and the radio executives
have selected from the audience at least 12
children who are brought up on the stage
to participate in the program. It starts with
a theme song, "School Days" in the form of
a community sing, accompanied by slides on
the screen. Then the lineup for the broad-
cast is announced followed by more commu-
nity singing, accompanied by organ.
The contest proper is broken up into three
sections, which might include, for instance,
a Spelling Bee, True & False, Questions &
Answers, etc. After the first eliminations,
a guest performer is introduced, usually a
■ talented child who plays or sings. Of the
contestants who have survived the first
eliminations, another contest is put on until
but four children remain.
Request Numbers Are Popular
Then follows a request number, selections
played on the organ that have been re-
quested by children listening in from all over
the state. Names, ages, schools and towns
in which they reside are announced before
each request number. Then the finals of the
contest are held and announcements made of
the winners. The theme song follows the *
closing announcement for the finals.
Some of the contests used by Botwick are
Song Guessing, Questions and Answers in
which, for instance, is asked, capitals of
states, rivers, etc. Other contests have to do
with names of nursery fame, names in comic
pages, public life, sports figures, spelling
bees, etc.
Prize Distribution Effective
Among the most effective ways of distrib-
uting the prizes is a large glass bowl on the
stage next to the microphone which children
use. Bowl contains 50 to 75 small envel-
opes each containing anywhere from one
cent to a dollar in silver, each envelope
marked with amount of money. Children are
usually allowed to select their own envel-
opes, which is often cause for amusement
since contestant who supplies a difficult an-
swer may receive a small amount and a child
who answers an easier question may receive
a greater sum. In the spelling contest,
if a word is misspelled, children drop the
envelope they select and deposit it in loser's
bowl, placed next to winner's bowl, contents
of the former divided between winner and
runnerup.
Bell Announces Skates Winners
Also awarded are a few pairs of roller
skates. An automatic bell controlled from
the desk by Botwick goes off sometime dur-
ing the contest. Contestant who is standing
before mike at that time wins the skates
whether a correct reply or not is given. Gen-
erally though, it is arranged that a boy and
a girl each win a pair.
Announcer from the radio station handles
the straight announcements, introductions,
etc., with Botwick conducting the contest for
the children. The Round Tabler advises this
close theatre participation, since it sells the
theatre to listeners-in and builds house pres-
tige.
Theatre Advertising Found Valuable
Regular admission is charged, the show
being open to adults and children alike who
are invited to arrive when the house opens,
take in the radio program and remain to ■
see the regular show. When the feature
attraction is not suitable for children, Bot-
wick arranges for a number of cartoons at
the start of the screefi program, so that the
children can get their money's worth if they
do not care to sit through the main feature.
An extremely valuable result is the adver-
tising received by the theatre during the
broadcast, over the air and at the theatre,
especially as a kid show since it was orig-
inally conceived and devised to please the
children. In addition to the publicity value,
the returns pay off all costs, build up busi-
ness for the theatre each Saturday morning
and do much to create further goodwill
among the youngsters and their parents.
Botwick reports that the success of the
program was in no small part due to the
wide curiosity of patrons who had never
seen a radio program actually put on.
Program Held Over for Second Year
Program was run for 35 weeks during the
fall, winter and spring of 1938 and 1939 and
its success has carried it over for a similar
period in 1939 and 1940. To indicate the
effectiveness of the broadcast, Botwick was
allowed by the station to put on a program
for 17 weeks during the summer months
at the same period in order to "freeze" the
time and hold it until he was ready to go on
again in the fall, the first program this year
starting on September 30th.
Success of the idea, writes Harry, is due
to the fact that the program is designed for
school children and presented in their own
language.
BOTWICK AT THE "MIKE"
Morgan Petitions City Council
To Nanne Street "Fifth Avenue"
City wide interest was stirred in Macon,
Ga., when O. N. Morgan, manager of the
Grand Theatre, petitioned the city council
to consider a proposal to change the names
of local streets to Fifth Avenue, the peti-
tion coming just in advance of the engage-
ment of "Fifth Avenue Girl."
Three giant -books were placed in the
downtown area along with cutouts of Gin-
ger Rogers and ushers solicited signatures.
Petition was presented in lieu of local con-
fusion brought about due to lack of defini-
tion of some of Macon's city thoroughfares
wherein their various sections are desig-
nated by varying names. Papers picked up
the angle and much was made over the stunt
with stories, all of which mentioned the
picture title and playdates.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Animated Railroad Display
Used by Moss for "Pacific"
Secured from the Union Pacific Railroad
was an animated, illuminated display of old
and ijew trains with unusual star figures,
etc., which was featured in his lobby by
Dick Moss at the Fox Belmont in Los An-
geles for his date on "Union Pacific."
Through tieup made with Pennzoil, theatre-
man promoted oil for giveaway to his
patrons.
On "Rose of Washington Square," Moss
constructed a musical lobby display consist-
ing of piano, music scale, sheet covers of
tune, hits, etc. Entire staff wore imprinted
roses, and songs from the picture were
played over house mike week ahead of open-
ing.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Star Discs Sell "Juarez"
Two weeks ahead of "Juarez" at the Li-
brary, in Warren, Pa., Manager George C.
Sarvis made up special 16-inch discs of the
stars and placed them on easels in lobby,
these later were moved to a downtown store
window with appropriate tiein copy. Action
heralds were distributed throughout the sur-
rounding area, broadcast was held over
WJTN and announcements made from the
stage bv Sarvis.
October 21, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
69
O I** % 4» ■■ cl
liti
J. R. TURNER
has been appointed assistant manager of the
Dickinson Theatre, in Junction City, Kan.
V
J. C. HESS
of the Moosup Theatre will shortly open his
new Groton, in Groton, Conn.
V
WILLIAM THOMAS
has purchased the Harbor Theatre at Ash-
tabula, Ohio.
V
RALPH PULLIAM
manager of the Isis in Oklahoma City has
resigned that post to go to California. He
was replaced by TONEY WILSON, former
manager of the Palace, in Tulsa, Okla. C. J.
MERCER, former manager at the Cameo in
West Tulsa, has been placed in charge of
the Palace in Tulsa, with GEORGE
HAYES promoted to the Cameo.
V
WILLIAM FRAZIER
is the new skipper of the Dixie, in Ashdown,
Ark., replacing JEWELL CALAHAN, who
has been transferred to the management of
a theatre at Broken Bow, Okla.
V
JACK BOUMA
has opened the Rialto Theatre, in Pocahon-
tas, la.
V
E. REISLER
district manager for the Walter Reade Thea-
tres in New York has resigned his position
to enter the hotel supply business in Miami.
SEYMOUR BAGATELLE, former booker
and district manager for the Morse-Rothen-
berg circuit in Boston, will take over the
post vacated by Reisler, with headquarters
at the Citv Theatre.
V
H. C. RIEGEL, JR.
for the past nine years manager of the Ma-
plewood Theatre, St. Louis, has been pro-
moted to manager of the Deluxe, St. Louis.
JIMMIE IRVING, manager of the Gran-
ada, has replaced Riegel.
V
SONNY SHEPHERD
of the Wometco Theatres in Miami dropped
by on his annual visit to Managers' Round
Table.
V
WALTER F. EASLEY
has opened the Tree Theatre, in Greens-
burg, Ind.
V
DON LOGAN
assistant manager of the Uptown, in Oak-
land, Cal., has resigned to become manager
of the Regal at Los Bancs.
V
L. D. HOWE
manager of the Esquire, Portland, Ore., has
been shifted to a similar post at the new
Metropolitan, in Seattle.
V
B. H. PFOTENHAUER
manager of the State, Oklahoma City, re-
signed to accept a position as manager of
the Westland Theatres, Pueblo, Colo.
V
W. H. JONES
is now managing the Park, Avon Park, Fla.,
succeeding JAMES PRENTICE, resigned.
Birthday
Ivan F. W. Ackery
Tom Johnson
Robert Anthony
Guy Jones
R. H. Arthur, Jr.
Fordyce J. Kaiser
Bob Atkinson
Sam A. Kimball
Donald K. Ayres
Morris Kinzler
Frank J. Bartholomay
William C. Land
W. Richard Bartholomew
Cy Londner
James R. Bartlow
Owen B. McFarland
Floyd Bell
Joe D. Marino
Robert Lee Bell
Fred Meyer, Sr.
Oliver H. Bradbury
Paul E. Micnaud
Lew Bray
Frank W. Miller
Peter N. Chagaris
Floyd Miller
Robert W. Chambers
Oscar H. Miller
James W. Christian
Ray O. Monzingo
Edward Cline
Nat Mutnick
Maurice A. Cohen
Harry Pickett, Jr.
Arthur Cohn
James V. Pisapia
Walter N. Coreil
George J. Posner
Victor Cornilliac
Billy Pratt
J. E. Courter
Harry Rosenbaum
Wilbur N. Degenhart
L. W. Scott
Bartlett Dortch
Sidney A. Sommer
Alfredo Escamilla
Allison Stanford
Irving Feinman
Al Stevens
Reek A. Feliziani
Richard H.Stoddard
Theodore J. Friedman
Oscar F. Swanson
Sidney Ginsberg
Alfred G. Swett
Frank C. Goldquist
Richard M.Thomason
Mort Goodman
Dave Unger
Kirby Griffin
Max Weg
Harry F. Griggs
Harvey H. Whaley
Stanley Gross
Bryant Williams
R. F. Hardin
Gordon Woodruff
Will Harper
John F. Wright
ROBERT E. CATLEY
manager of the Fox California, in Berkeley,
has been given the management of the Or-
pheum, at Oakland. LEONARD WILL-
INGER, assistant manager of the United
Artists Theatre at Berkeley, has been as-
signed to a similar post at the Para-
mount in Oakland. CLINTON EBERLY,
formerly at the Senator at Vallejo, is Cat-
ley's assistant and JACK LUCY, assistant
at the Lanlon, Vallejo, goes to the United
Artists, Berkeley, in the same capacity.
V
SAM DAVIS
formerly of Selma, Ala., has assumed his
duties as manager of the Bijou Theatre in
Knoxville, Tenn.
V
ROGER C. BUTLER, JR.
formerly of Johnson City, Tenn, is the new
skipper of the Wilby Theatre, in Selma,
Ala., succeeding the late LLOYD R.
TOWNS.
V
WILLARD COGHLIN
has been promoted from assistant of the Fox,
Spokane, to manager of the Blue Mouse,
in Portland. Other Evergreen Theatres
shifts include MIKE HIGGINS, former
assistant at the State, takes over Coghlin's
job; FRED HOOPER, Liberty assistant,
moves to the State; MEL HABERMAN,
Fox doorman, becomes Orpheum assistant
manager and DICK MURPHY moves up
from doorman to assistant at the Liberty.
E. H. SILER
formerly with Glen Dickinson Theatres is
now managing the new Roxy Theatre, in
El Dorado, Kansas.
V
C. E. COOK
has opened his new Tivoli Theatre, in Mary-
ville. Mo.
V
OSCAR C. JOHNSON
has started construction of a new 500-seat
house to be called the Rivoli, in Falls City,
Neb.
V
KENNETH CRAIG
manager of the Capitol in Cobourg, Canada,
has switched posts with R. J. HARRISON,
manager of the Capitol in St. Catharines.
V
JACK GOLDMAN
is now managing the Keith Theatre, in
Philadelphia, going there from the Imper-
ial where he is succeeded by GEORGE
KEMBLE, formerly of the Capitol. Other
Warner changes includes HERMAN COM-
ER to the Capitol from the Imperial and
Comer's place is filled by RICHARD
RAESLY, formerly of the Holme, in
Holmesburg.
V
LOU WILLIAMS
has been appointed manager of the Granada,
in Denver, Colo., replacing CHARLES
BEISHLINE, who resigned to open an art
shop.
V
AL YOHE
formerly manager of the Fox Mayan, Den-
ver, has been made publicity director for
the Eddie Ott dance spots near Denver.
V
ROBERT SPAWN
will manage the new Nyal Theatre being
built at Mitchell, Neb. He will also handle
the booking for the two other Harry Mc-
Donald houses.
V
LARRY REINKING
formerly with Manny Marcus in Ft. Wayne,
has joined the Cantor Circuit in Indianapo-
lis.
V
OSCAR PERRIN
will manage the reopened Harmanus Blee-
her Hall, in Albany, N. Y.
V
LEE MALCARNI
has opened his new Deep River Theatre,
in Deep River, Conn.
V
HAYDON PETERSON
owner of the State, in Des Moines, has
leased the Garden, in Garden Grove, la.,
from Harvey Northrup.
V
ARTHUR DOWNARD
has been appointed manager of the Web-
ster and Isis at Webster City, la.
V
BRUCE SHELTON
assistant manager of the Tri-States Des
Moines, Des Moines, has been promoted to
manager of their new Ingersoll.
V
EDDIE HOUGH
has been transferred to the Wake Theatre,
in Raleigh, N. C.
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
IN COURTS
20th-Fox JVins
English Action
Twentieth-Century-Fox's "The Man Who
Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" does not
infringe the copyright of a song of the same
name, according to the judgment of the
judicial committee of the privy council, the
British Empire's highest court. The suit
was brought by Francis Day and Hunter,
Ltd., music publishers, against Twentieth-
Century-Fox, Ltd., and Famous Players
Canadian Corporation, Ltd. The producing
and distributing company and the theatre
company both won judgments.
The case had a long legal history. The
British supreme court with Sir Lyman
Poore Duff, Chief Justice of Canada, presid-
ing, decided only after an appeal was taken
from the Ontario Court of Appeal which had
reversed a decision of Justice John A. Mc-
Evoy of Toronto. The highest court decided
that first of all the song did not have the
notice of copyright printed on each copy,
and anyway the use of the title did not mean
the song had been used in the film. Also
it had not been proved that the title had been
copied and no one thought he was going to
hear the song when he went to see the pic-
ture. The judgment ordered the music pub-
lishers to pay the costs of the appeal.
Roxy Theatre Appeals
For Tax Reduction
Roxy Theatre, Inc., this week petitioned the
New York supreme court to order a reduction
of $950,000 on the assessed valuation of the
Roxy theatre in a writ of certiorari filed against
the City Tax Commission. The Commission
was directed by Justice Julius Miller to respond
to the writ on November 6th.
Depositions Taken in
St. Louis Libel Suit
Depositions of Chris Zotos, owner of the
Roosevelt theatre, St. Louis, and Nat E. Stein-
berg, president of Republic Pictures Corporation
of St. Louis, have been taken in connection with
the $200,000 libel suit brought in that city by
Frankie Baker against Republic, Republic Pic-
tures Corporation of St. Louis, Republic Mid-
West Film Distributors, Inc., Chester Erskine,
Jack Kirkland, the estate of Lilyan Tashman,
Chester Morris and Helen Morgan.
The plaintiff, who says she is the original
"Frankie" of the "Frankie and Johnny" ballad,
charges that she was libeled in the Republic film
based on the song.
Copyright Suit Begun
The $250,000 copyright infringement suit of
Legette Blythe against Loew's, Inc., and MGM
has started in the Charlotte Federal District
Court. Blythe charges that the defendants made
illegal use of his book, "Marshal Ney : A Dual
Life," in their picture, "The Bravest of the
Brave."
Movie Quiz Suit Dropped
The plagiarism suit brought by Edward J.
Pfeiffer against the Quiz contest of the "Motion
Pictures' Greatest Year" campaign has been
dropped. Edward Churchill and Donahue and
Coe, Inc., had been named defendants.
Question No. 4 the
Bluebook School
The Bluebook School, conducted in the
Herald for many years by F. H. Richard-
son, has been resumed, based on the new
Second Revision of the Sixth Edition of
Mr. Richardson's Bluebook of Projection.
Under the new presentation of the mate-
rial, projectionists are asked to submit
answers, as formerly, but often the answer
that will be published will be that of
Mr. Richardson himself, or of other spe-
cialists In projection and sound. This pro-
cedure has been adopted with the thought
that It will serve the real purpose of the
"school": to encourage and assist in study
and at the same time facilitate preparation
of effective answers.
Previous questions beginning with the
first, which appeared In the September 2nd
Issue, are as follows :
QUESTION NO. I: What is feedback?
Reverse feedback? Interelectrode capaci-
tance? Oscillation?
QUESTION NO. 2: (a) What is exact
width of 35 mm. film sound track?
(b) What characteristics of the film con-
cern projectionists most? (c) Describe, in
detail, correct method of making film
splices.
QUESTION NO. 3: Name two classes
of circuits found in modern amplifiers?
What types of electrical power are re-
quired by sound systems? What apparatus
in an amplifier functions as an electrical
valve and why is it not called a valve, in
this country at least?
QUESTION NO. 4: Explain the various
effects of high and low speed intermittent
movements. What approximate speed has
been generally adopted for professional
projectors? For what reasons was it finally
adopted?
Answers will begin to appear as soon
as several questions have been submitted.
Charles W. Rackliffe
Charles W. Racklifi^e, 79, for many years an
operator of theatres in Holyoke, Springfield
and Northampton, Mass., died in Holyoke on
October 12th. He owned the Suffolk and Ma-
jestic theatres in Holyoke but had leased them
several years ago to Boston interests. Mr.
Rackliffe formerly leased the Academy of Mu-
sic in Northampton and the Bijou theatre in
Springfield. Surviving are a daughter and two
brothers.
Samuel Diege
Samuel Diege, 37, production manager for
Fine Arts studio in Hollywood, died in Los An-
geles October 15th, of a heart attack.
Frederic B. Wagner
Frederic B. Wanger, 47, head booker at
Twentieth Century-Fox's Chicago exchange,
died in that city on October 12th. The funeral
was held Sunday, October 15th.
Nate Leipzig, 66, famous magician and
sleight-of-hand artist, died in New York Oc-
tober 15th.
OBITUARIES
Ford Sterlings
Comedian^ Dies
Ford Sterling, one of the first great slap-
stick motion picture comedians, died in
Hollywood on October 13th.
In the years just before the World War
the Chief of the Keystone Cops was one of
the best known characters in America. Mr.
Sterling was not only a great humorist him-
self but he was the guide of many who came
after him. He gave his own over-sized
comic shoes to Chaplin when Charlie needed
a funnier costume to stay in pictures. When
Mack Sennett was searching for a new idea,
it was his chief assistant, Ford Sterling, who
suggested bathing beauties.
When Mack Sennett started making pictures
in 1912 Ford Sterling was one of the original
actors ; the others were Mabel Normand, Pathe
Lehrman and Fred Mace. For the next few
years Sterling and his Keystone Cops — Slim
Summerville, Billy Hauber, Billy Gilbert, Bobby
Dunn, Charles Avery and Charlie Parrott
(Charley Chase) — were the characters in the
funniest comedies of the day. The comedies
were ground out at the rate of one a week.
Sterling was on the throwing and receiving end
of innumerable custard pies ; he wielded a sav-
age night stick ; chased and was chased ; fell out
of and clambered into black marias.
Sterling played in the first long comedy, "Til-
lie's Punctured Romance." The other players
were Marie Dressier whom Sterling brought to
Sennett's company, Charlie Chaplin and Mabel
Normand.
George Stitch — Sterling's real name — ^was
born Nov. 3, 1883, in Las Crosse, Wis. At an
early age he ran away. His first engagement
was with George Hutchinson's Shakespeare
repertory company. Later he worked with the
"Flying Leos" in a circus. After five years.
Sterling entered vaudeville. Mr. Sennett signed
him while he was playing .in a New York musi-
cal comedy. Together with Mabel Normand
and Mr. Sennett he formed Keystone Come-
dies. He appeared in over 100 pictures since
1912.
Mr. Sterling had been in a hospital since June
last year. In August his leg was amputated.
Teddy Sampson, his wife, survives. The funeral
was held on Tuesday.
William Robert Mohr
William Robert Mohr, 46, head of the bond-
ing and security department of the Actors Equi-
ty Association, died in Chappaqua, N. Y., on
October 13th. Mr. Mohr was born in New
York and a graduate of Dickinson College at
Carlisle, Pa., and Fordham Law School. He
joined the legal staff of Actors Equity in 1924
and has been head of the bonding and security
department since 1925. Mr. Mohr received and
disbursed more than $7,500,000 paid by Equity
on salaries and claims of members. His mother,
Mrs. J. Leonard Mohr, survives. The funeral
was from his residence at Far View last
Sunday.
John R. Minhinnick
John R. Minhinnick, former manager of the
Grand theatre, London, Ont., and manager of
Famous Players Canadian Corporation, died
October 11th in Toronto. Mr. Minhinnick for
many years had been representative of the late
Ambrose J. Small and in 1922 became a director
of Trans-Canada Theatres which acquired
Small's interest.
October 21, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
71
THE RELEASE CHART
INDEX
A
Aba Lincoln In Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855, West Mono
Adventurer, The, 012, Mel 20th-Fox
Adventures ef Huckleberry Finn, The, 923
Cora.-Mel MGM
Adventure* of Jane Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising, 006, Mel RKO
All Thi» and Heaven Too, Mel WB
Ail Women Have Secrets, Mel Para
AInost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MGM
Angels Wash Their Faces, The, 367, Mel. .FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thin Man, Com. -Mel MGM
Arizona Kid, The, West Rep
Arizona Wildcat, 929, Cora 20th- Fox
Ask a Policeman, Com Foreign
At Your Age, Cora GN
B
Babes In Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932. Mel RKO
Back Door tf Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands, 933, West RKO
Bad Little Angel, Com MGM
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Beachcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, 3902, Mel Para
Beauty for the Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prison Gates Col
Betrayal, Mel Foreign
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Big Town Czar. 3018, Mel Univ
Bizarre, Bizarre, Com Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, 5, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alley, Mel Col
Blondle Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Biondie Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vacation, Com Col
Blue Bird, The, 025, Com 20th-Fox
Blue Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend, 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory, 3820, Mel Mono
Bey Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Boy Trouble, 3824, Mel Para
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Rat and The Baby, Com WB
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
Cafe Society, 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines, 912, Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Klldare, 932, Mel MGM
Call on the President, Com.-Mel MGM
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorpiob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and the Canary, The Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Reno, 948, Mel 20th-Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, The, Mel MGM
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th- Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagen Family, Com 20th -Fox
Child Is Bern, A. Mel WB
Children of the Wild, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
On this and the following page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this weeks Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musictd Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the classification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
City, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard, Mel Col
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of the Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 846, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Coral Rocks, The, Mel Foreign
Covered Trailer, Com Rep
Cowboy Quarterback, The, 366, Com WB
Cowboys from Texas, West Rep
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, 3, Com MGM
Danger Flight, 3816, Mel Mono
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day the Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com... RKO
Dead End Kids on Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion. 3901, Mel Para
Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mel.. .Foreign
Desperate Trails, The, 4058, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mus Foreign
Disputed Passage, Mel Para
Dock on the Havel, Mel Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, MeL (C) WB
Double Crime in the Maglnot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down the Wyoming Trail, 38 64, West... Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th -Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
Earl of Chicago, Mel MGM
East Side of Heaven, Mus.-Com Univ
Eisa Maxwell's Hotel for Women, Mel. 20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day, Me! Foreign
Enemy Within, The, Mel WB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Escape to Paradise, Mus RKO
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours, Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby, 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everybody's Hobby, 376, Com FN
Everything Happens at Night, Mel.. .2ath-Fox
Everything's On lee, 946, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, 6, Mel MGM
Fast and Loose, 924, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The, Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RiKO
Fighting Mad, West Mono
Fighting 69th, Mel WB
First Kiss, 020, Mel 20th-Fox
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Coi
First World War, 062, Mel 20th-Fox
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces, 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, The, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Geronlmo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Alien Murder Case, Com.-Mel.. . .Para
Grand Jury's Secrets. Mel Para
Granny Get Your Gun, Mel WB
Grapes of Wrath, Mel 20th-Fox
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gulliver's Travels, Cartoon Para
Gun Chores, West Para
Gun Lord of the Frontier, West Col
Gunga Din, 912, Mel RIKO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, 4024, Mus Univ
Heartbeat, Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barl>ed Wire Fence,
019, Mel 20th- Fox
He Married His Wife, 023, Mel 20th- Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Herbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am a Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of the Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day, Mel Univ
Heroes in Blue, Mel Mono
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West. Rep
Heroes of the Marne. Mel.... Foreign
Hidden Power Mel Coi
High School, Com 20th- Fw
His Girl Friday. Mel Col
Hitler— The Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts.
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th- Fox
Homo from Home, Com Foreign
Home on the Prairie, 842, West Rep
Honeymoon in Bali. 3904, Com Para
Honeymoon's Over, The, 024, Com.-
Mel 20th-Fox
Honolulu, 922, Mus;-Com MGM
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial. 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles, 936, Mel.20th-F«x
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
I Killed the Count, Mel Foreign
I'm From Missouri, 3830, Com Para
i Met a Murderer, Mel Foreign
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only. 936. Mel RKO
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story. 934. Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh. 945, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh on Vacation, 029,
Mel 20th- Fox
intermezzo, a Love Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invisible Man Returns, Mel Univ
invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lost Men, 3848, Mel Pars
It Could Happen t* You, 950, Mel. . .20th- Fox
it's a Wonderful World, 936, Mel MGM
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
Jamaica Inn, 3906, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, Com Rep
Jones Family In Quick Millions, Com.
20th- Fox
Jones Family In Hollywood, 946, Cem.20th-Fox
Juarez, 301. Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmillan, Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son, Com MGM
Just William, Com Foreign
Kansas Terrors, The, 961, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga, the Wild Stallion, Mel Cel
L
Lady and the Mob, The, Com Coi
Lady Dick, Mel FN
Lady of the Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mel. ..Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
La Immacuiada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, The, Mus.-Com Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel, Univ
Laugh It Off, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, The, West Col
Law of the Pampas, West Para
Law of the Texan, West Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, Mel Univ
(Continued on following page)
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
[THE RELEASE CHART— INDEX CONT'D]
^Continued from preceding page)
Legion »' The Lawless, West. RKO
Let Freedom Ring, 926, Mus MGM
Let Us Live, Mel Col
Light That Failed, The, Mel Para
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Old New York, Mel 20th-Fox
Little Princess. The, 932, Mel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Lost Patrol, 991. Mel RKO
Lost Squadron. The. 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916, Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made for Each Other. Mel UA
Mademoiselle Ma Mere, Com Foreign
Magnificent Fraud. The, 3847 Para
Main Street Lawyer, Mel Rep
Maisie, 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A, Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown, The, West Col
Man from Texas, 3865, West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest, 801, Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang. The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared, 375, Mel FN
Marseillaise, Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City, 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers "At the Circus," S Com. .MGM
Meet Dr. Christian, 005, Mel RKO
Mexican Kid, 3741. West Mono
Mexican Spitfire, Mel RKO
Mickey the Kid, 814, Mel Rep
Midnight, 3828, Mel Para
Mikado, The, 4044, Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846. Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel Col
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Moto in Danger Island, 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation, 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Com Col
Mr. Wong in Chinatown, 3807, Mel Mono
Mountain Rhythm, 845, West Rep
Mutiny In the Big House, 3803, Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk, 4051, Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 536, Mel MGM
Mutiny on the Seas, Mel Col
My Son Is a Criminal, Mel Col
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The, 3806, Mel. ..Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel... Univ
Mystery Plane, 3809, Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives, 810, Com.-Mel Rep
N
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
419, Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter, 324, Mel...WB
Naughty But Nice, 311, Com.-Mel WB
Navy Secrets, 3805, Mel Mono
Never Mind the Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832, Com Para
New Frontier, 868, West Rep
News Is Made at Night, 953, Mel.. . .20th- Fsx
Nick Carter. Mel MGM
Night on the Danube, Com.-Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South, Mel Foreign
Night Work, 3849, Com Para
Ninotchka, 7, Mel MGM
No Place to Go, 469, Mel FN
No Power on Earth, Mel Univ
North of Shanghai, Mel Col
North ef the Yukon, Mel Col
Northwest Passase, Mel. (C) MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, 001, Mel RKO
Of Human Bondage, 993, Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men, Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier, West Univ
Oklahoma Kid, 3IS, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Mail, The, 452, Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com, -Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus FN
One Hour to Live, Mel Univ
One Third of a Nation, 3825, Mel Para
$1,000 a Touchdown. 3903, Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial, 323, Mel WB
Opened by Mistake, Com Para
Orage, Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen, 3850, Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls, Mel Col
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders, West Rep
Over the Moon, Mel. (C) UA
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil, Com.. . .20th-Fox
Panama Lady, 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures, Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial, Mel Col
Parole Fixer, Mel Para
Patsy, Com MGM
Persons in Hiding, 3823. Mel Para
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Phllo Vance Comes Back, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033, Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen, Mel ForoiQn
Pride of the Blue Grass, Mel WB
Pride of th» Navy, 822, Mel ,...Rep
Prison Without Bars, Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The,
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980, Com.-Mel MGM
Queen of Destiny, 061, Mel. (0) RKO
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles, Mel UA
Rains Came, The, M«l 20th-Fox
Range War, 3954, West Para
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember? Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail, 3859, West Para
Rene, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid, Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2, West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of Destiny, West Mono
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, Mel Univ
Risky Business, 3029, Mel Univ
Road to Glory, 061, Mel 20th-Fox
Road to Singapore, Mus Para
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Roll, Wagons, Roll. West Mono
Rollin' Westward, 3863, West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 342,
Mus.-Com 20th- Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
Sabotage, 913, Mel Rep
Saga of Death Valley, West Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Sagebrush Trail, West Mono
Saint in London, 929, Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Leuls Blues, 3822, Mel Para
St. Martin's Lane, Mel Para
Santa Fe Marshal, West Para
Santa Fe Stampede, 863, West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
Seeond Fiddle, 949, Ctm.-Mel 20th-Fox
Secret of Dr. Kildare, Mel MGM
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Send Another Coffin, Mel UA
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen, Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally. 018, Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830, Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage, 3858, Mel Para
Singing Charro, The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl, The, WI-3, West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm, WI-19, West GN
6,000 Enemies, 938, Mel MGM
Sky Patrol, 3815, Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring, Mel FN
S.O.S.-Tida! Wave, 813, Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho. 855. West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931, Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker, The, 3851, Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
Star Reporter, 3821, Mel Mono
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life, 3864. Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008, Com 20th-Fox
Story of Alexander Graham Bell, The,
938, Mel 20th-Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The,
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Stranger from Texas, The, West Col
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street of Missing Women, Mel Col.
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802. Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire, Mel MGM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot, 3814, Mel Mono
Sudden Money, 3829, Com.-Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sundown on the Prairie, 3862, West Mono
Sun Never Sets, Mel Univ.
Sunset. West RKO
Sunset Trail, 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties, 954, Com.-Mel.
20th- Fox
Swanee River, 017, Mus. (C) 20th-Fox
Sweepstake Winner, Com FN
Swiss Family Robinson, Mel RKO
Tall Spin, 925, Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West, West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939, Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales, 35, Mel MGM
Test Driver, Mel Univ
Texas Stampede, West., Col
Texas Wildcats, West St. Rts.
That's Right You're Wrong, Oil, Mus... RKO
They All Come Out, 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948, Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040, Mel Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Shall Have Music, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mus.-Com 20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus.-Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004, Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers. 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat, 4, Mel MGM
Timber, Mel WB
Timber Stampede, 985, West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016, Com 20th-Fox
Torchy Blana In Chinatown, 371, Mel FN
Torehy Plays with Dynamite, 328, M*I....WB
Torchy Runs for Mayer, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Univ
Trapped Id the Sky, Mel Ctl
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Man*
Tropic Fury, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foralt*
Trouble In Sundown, 893, West RKO
Tumbleweeds, West St. Rts.
12 Crowded Hours, 917, Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 20th-FoK
Two Bright Boys, 4017, Mel UbIv
Two Gun Troubador, West St, Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U-Boat 29, Mel Col
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel P«n>
Under-Pup, The 4010, Mel UdIv
Unexpected Father. 3008, Com Uilv
Union Paclfle, 3835, Mel ...Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed. Mel. (C) Para
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil In the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wagons Westward, West Rep.
Wall Street Cowboy, 857, West Rap
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829, Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case. Mel ; 20th- Fox
Washington Cowboy, West Rep
Waterfront, 325, Mel WB
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel FN
Western Caravans, West Col
West of Carson City, West Onlv
What a Life, 3905, Com Para
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com.-Mel, .Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies, Mel Col
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Com.20th-Fox
Wings of the Navy, 309, Mel WB
Wings Over the Pacific, Mel GN
Winner Take All, 939, Mus-Cora 20th-F»x
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Within the Law, 928, Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes, The, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808, Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Col
Women, The, I, Com.-Mel MGM
Women Behind Bars, Mel Para
Women In the Wind, 316, Mel WB
Wonder World, Mel GN
Wortd Moves On, The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights, Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867, West Rep
Years Without Days, Mel WB
Yes, My Darling Daughter, 357, Com FN
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foreign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, The, 812, Mel Rep
October 21, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
73
(THE I^ELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
in order that the exhibitor may have a short-cut towards such
Information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
Indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
When a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding the number. As soon as the home office has
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
5,'39.
Beliind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacquefine Wells.. July
Blind Alley (G) Chester IVIorris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry- Rose Stradner IVlay
Blondle Meets the Boss (G)...P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms..Mar.
(Exploitation: IVlay I3,'39, p. 66.)
Blondle Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms..July
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson. June
(Reviewed under the title, "Q Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39,
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott-Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connollly. . Aug.
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson. .Aug.
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs Apr.
Golden Boy (A) Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck-
Adolphe Menjou-Jos. Callela Sept.
Good Girls Go to Paris (G) Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 66.)
Hidden Power (G) Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept.
Konga. the Wild Stallion Fred Stone-Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G)...F. Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Let Us Live (G) Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sulli-
van-Ralph Bellamy Feb.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott -Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The (A) B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox..
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh..
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
(G) Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette
My Son Is a Criminal Alan Baxter-Jacqueline Wells. ... Feb.
North of Shanghai Betty Furness-James Craig Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Nov. I2,'38.)
North of the Yukon Chas. Starretl-Lina Winters Mar.
Only Angels Have Wings (Q)..Cary Grant - Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess - Thos.
Mitchell May
(Exploitation: June 24, '39, p. 75; July 15, '39, p. 62; July 29,'39, p. 69
101. 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. 19, '39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39, p. 57
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Sept.
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello - M. Whalen -
Virginia Weidler June
Parents on Trial Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr May
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27, '39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Aug.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. Bickford Mar.
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-0. Munson-N. Har-
ri gan Oct.
28,'39 62. Aug. 26,'39
ll,'39 71. Apr.
8,'39 74. Feb.
20,'39 71. July
20,'39 79. Mar.
p. 67.)
29,'39
25,'39
22,'39
1 1. '39
4,'39 72. Sept. 2,'39
22,'39 60.
I2,'39 62.
101. Aug. I9,'39
30,'39 78. June 24,'39
7,'39t....60.May 27.'39
30, '39.
.Aug.
. May
.Oct.
65
..66
Mar.
II, '39
. .58
.69
HR
Feb.
I8,'39
..65
Sept.
30, '39
I5,'39
I7,'39.
22,'39 59. June 24, '39
I9,'39t. .*l30.Oct.
22,'39 59
10, '39 59
7, '39
30,'39 64.
25,'39....I2I May 20,'39
Aug. .5, '39, pp. 100.
Sept. 9,'39, pp. 76,
I4,'39t....63.
29,'39 58.
4,'39.
.59.
23, '39 59.
30.'39 67.
Title
Spoilers of the Range
Texas Stampede
Those High Grey Walls
Trapped in the Sky (G)
U-Boat 29 (G)
("Reviewnd under the titi
Western Caravans
Whispering Enemies (G)
Woman Is the Judge, A (G).
I5,'39 58
24,'39 61 . Feb.
I8,'39
Beware Spooks
Blondie Brings Up Baby
Fugitive at Large (G)
Gun Lord of the Frontier*...
His Girl Friday
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.
Mutiny on the Seas
Renegade Law
Stranger from Texas, The.
Street of Missing Women
Taming of the West
Running Time
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Charles Starrett-lris Meredith Apr. 27,'39 58
Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith Feb. 9,'39 57...
Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith. .. .Sept. 2l,'39t.. .82
Jack Holt-Katherine DeMllle June I, '39 61. Feb. I8,'39
C. Veldt-S. Shaw-V. Hobson Oct. 7,'39t 82. Apr. I5,'39t
9. "Spy in Black.")
Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers June
Jack Holt-Dolores Costello Mar.
Frieda Inescort- Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July
Coming Attractions
Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oct.
P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. 8lmms..Nov.
Jack Holt-Patricia Ellis "es.Aug. 5,'39
Bill Elliott-Linda Winters
C. Grant-R. Russell-R. Bellamy
Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas
J. Holt-D. Puroell-I. Ware »
Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith •
Sons of the Pioneers
Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey -
Sons of the Pioneers Nov. 2,'39
Preston Foster-Ann Dvorak
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
I0,'39 62. Oct. 7.'39
24,'311t
2,'39
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Distributevi in part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Metthews-Mlchael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'88
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pllbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Harker
GRAND NATIONAL
Running Time
Title star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 28,'39
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May 20.'39 69. Feb. 25.'39
Singing Cowgirl. The WI-3 Dorothy Page May 3I,'39 57
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May I3,'39 57. Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
At Your Age
Children of the Wild Joan Valerle-James Bush... Oct. I4,'39
Full Speed Ahead
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World ,.,
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
6,'39t.
Title
Adventures of Huekelberry Finn,
The (G) 923 Mickey Rooney . Walter Con-
nolly - Lynne Carver • Rex
Ingram Feb. I0,'39 92. Feb. II, '39
(Exploitation: Mar. I8,'39, p. 72; Apr. 7,'39, p. 73; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; June 24,'39,
p. 77; July I, '39, p. 63.)
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July 21, '39 85. July I5,'39
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. I2.'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
p. 86: Sept. 2.'39. pp. 56. 60; Sept. 9.'39, p. 70.)
Babes in Arms (G) Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland.
Charles WInnlnger-Henry Hull. .Oct. I3,'39t 97. Sept. 23,'39
Blackmail (G) 5 Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. .Sept. 8.'39t. . . .81 .Sept. 9,'38
Bridal Suite (Q) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May 26,'39 70. May 27,'39
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . . Jeanette MaoDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan Apr. 7,'39 1 13. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15. '39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Klldare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr. 28,'39 86. Oct. I7,'38
Champ, The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Beery-J. Cooper-I. Rich June 2,'39 86. Apr. 29,'39
Dancing Co-ed (G) 3 Lana Tumer-RIchard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t 84. Sept. 23,'39
Fast and Furious (G) 6 Ann Sothern-Franchot Tone Oct. 6,'39t 73. Oct. 7,'39
Fast and Loose (G) 924 Robt. Montgomery-R. Russell Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945. ..Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28, '39. ... 1 14. May 20.'39
(Exploitation: July I. '39, p. 59; July 22,'39, p. 80; July 29,'39, p. 67; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 74; Aug. 26,'39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39. p. 76.) ;
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934 M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr. 21, '39 81. Apr.
(Exploitation; May 20,'39, p. 64; June 3,'39, p. 65; June 24,'39. p. 76.)
Honolulu (G) 922 Eleanor Powell-Robert Young-
Burns and Allen Feb. 3,'39 83. Feb.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 82; Apr. IS.'39, p. 84; May 6.'39, pp. 61, 64; May I3,'39.
p. 67: June 24,'39. pp. 74, 77; July I. '39, p. 62; July 8,'39, p. 52; July 22,'39, p. 82:
July 29.'39, p. 69: Aug. I2.'39. p. 70: Sept. 23. '39. p. 70.)
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 925 Original Ice Follies Cast-
Joan Crawford-James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. I0,'39 82. Mar. II, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 29. '39, p. 76; May 20,'39, p. 61; June I0,'39, p. 60.)
22,'39
4,'39
74
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
(THE CCLCASE CHACT--C€NT'D)
14, '39 71. Apr. I, '39
1 1, '39 91. Aug. 12. '39
.87. Feb. I8.'39
20.'39t 87.
.71. Aug. 5,'39
5.'39 133. Nov. 9,'35
7,'39. . . .99. July I, '39
4.'36
I8,'39
p. 62;
I, '39
4.'39
3,'39
I8.'39 80. Aug. I9,'39
I5,'39t 95. Sept. 23,'39
I7,'39 65. Mar. I8.'39
Running Time
.^1,,, Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
lf» a Wonderful World (G)
935 James Stewart-Claudette Colbert.. May I9,'39 86. May 6.39
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1. '39. p. 56.)
Kid from Texas. The (G) 929.. Dennis O'Keefe-Florenee Rice Apr.
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug
(Exploitation: Oct. 7. '39. p. 64.)
Let Freedom Ring (G) 926.... N. Eddy-V. Bruce-L. Barry-
more - E. Arnold - G. KIbbee-
V. McLaglen Feb. 24.'39.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 79: Apr. 29,'39. p. 74: May 27.'39, p. 68.)
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Myrna Loy May 5.'39 81. Apr. 29.'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19. '39, p. 67.)
Maisle (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothem-R. Hussey. .June 23, '39 74. July l,'39
(Exploitation: July I. '39. p. 61: July 8,'39. p. 51: July I5.'39, p. 61: July 22.'39. p. 89;
Aug. 5,'39. p. 98; Aug. I2,'39. p. 74; Aug. 26.'39, p. 85: Sept. 2.'39, p. 60; Sept. I6.'39.
p. 83.)
Marx Brothers "At the Circus" S.Marx Bros.-F. RIce-K. Baker. ... Oct.
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 946 R. Young-F. RIee-H. Hull Aug. 4.'39.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(Q) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Ton*. ..May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wIcke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bondi July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9.'39. pp. 75. 76: Sept. I6,'39, p. 85; Oct. I4,'39, p. 62.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar. 3,'39 87. Sept. I0,'38
(Exploitation: Feb. l8,-39, pp. 68, 70; Feb. 25,'39, p. 67; Mar. 4,'39, p. 70; Mar. 25,'39,
p. 83; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 22,'39, p. 64; May 6,'39, p. 62; May (3,'39, pp. 68, 70;
July 8, '39, p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
635 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy. .May 27,'39 115. July
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laraine Day Mar. 24,'39 83. Mar,
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 72; May 6,'39, p. 63: May 20.'39,
May 27, '39, p. 65: June I0,'39, p. 59; July 8,'39, p. 51.)
6,000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson Juno 9,'39 62. May 27,'39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrlllo. . Mar. 3I,'39 78. Apr.
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter PIdgeon.. . June 30,'39 78. June
Tarzan Finds a Son! (G) 939. .J. Weissrauller-M. O'Sulllvan. . . .June 16, '39 82. June
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 49; Aug. 5,'39, pp. 98, 100; Aug. I9,'39, pp. 67, 70; Sept
2. '39. pp. 54. 60; Sept. 23, '39, pp. 68, 70.)
Tell No Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Piatt May 12, '39 69. May I3,'39
Those Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Louise-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan.. Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 73.)
They All Come Out (G) 943. ..Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July I4,'39 70. July 8,'39
Thunder Afloat (G) 4 W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept.
(Exploitation: Sept. 30, '39, pp. 56, 58.)
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar.
Wizard of Oz (G) 949 Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug. 25,'39. . . . 101 . Aug.
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55; Sept. 9, '39, pp. 71, 77
16, '39, p. 83; Sept. 23,'39, pp. 66, 73; Sept. 30, '38, p. 61; Oct. 7, '39, pp. 63, 64; Oct,
14, '39, pp. 62, 66.)
Women, The (A) I Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. .Sept. l,'39t...l34.SepL 2,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39, p. 57; Oct. 7,'39, pp. 62, 63, 67; Oct. I4,'39, pp. 60, 61.)
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Loy - William Powell -
Ruth Hussey- Virginia Grey Nov. 24,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Bad Little Angel Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds .. Oct. 27,'39t
(See "Runaway Angel," "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 14,'39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas,
Ruggles - Ray Bolger ■ Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Broadway Melody 1940 E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Call on the President, A A. Sothern-W. Gargan-W. Bren-
nan Nov. 17. '39
Earl of Chicago* R. Montgomery-R. Owen-Edw.
Arnold
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Judy Hardy and Son Lewis Stone - Mickey Rooney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Nick Carter Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson
Ninotchka (G) 7 G. Garbo-M. DougIas-1. Claire. .Nov. 3,'39t. . . I lO.Oct. I4,'39
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. I4,'39.)
Remember? R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (reissue) (G) 643. . Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 1 12. Jan. I8,'35
Secret of Dr. Kildare Lionel Barrymore - Lew Ayres -
Laraine Day-Helen Gilbert Nov. I0,'39t
MONOGRAM Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Across the Plains (G) 3655 Jack Randall Apr. 30,'39 52. May 27,'39
Boy's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankie Darro-Grant Withers May
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Oct.
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell May I8,'39 62. June 24,'39
Fight for Peace, The (A) Sept. 30,'39 63
Girl from the Rio 3825 Movita-Warren Hull Aug, 7.'39 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
Irish Luck (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Pureell Aug. 22,'S9 58. Aug. 26, '39
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July 21, '39 60
12. '39
Sept.
I, '39 61. May I3,'39
l,'39t
Title Star Rel. Date
Mr. Wong In Chinatown (6)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marjorle Reynolds. . Aug
Mystery of Mr. Wong, Th« (G)
3806 Boris Karloff-Oorothy Tree Mar. 8.
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent- Marjorie Reynolds Mar. 8.
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr. 29, '39, p
Navy Secrets (G) 3805 Fay Wray-Grant Withers Feb. 8,
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall Aug. 25,
Riders of Destiny (reissue)
(G) John Wayne-Cecilia Parker Oct.
Riders of the Frontier (6)
3866 Tex Ritter Aug. 16
Rollin' Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter Mar. I
Sagebrush Trail (reissue) John Wayne Oct. 20
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Naget-Warren Hull June 10
(See "Girl from Nowhere." "In the Cutting Room," June I7,'39.)
Sky Patrol (G) 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. .Sept. 12,
Star Reporter (G) 3821 Warren Hull-Marsha Hunt Feb.
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman. . Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone.. July
Sundown on the Prairie 3862... Tex Ritter Feb.
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall Mar.
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shirley Deane Apr.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson-Betty Lynne...Apr.
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll May
Coming Attractions
Danger Flight J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone . Oct. 25,'39..
Fighting Mad* James Newell
Heroes in Blue D. Purcell-B. Hayes-C. Quigley. .Nov. 7,'39t.
Mutiny in the Big House (G)
3803 Chas. Bickford-Barton MacLane. .Oct. 25
Overland Mail 3857 Jack Randall Oct. 31
Roll, Wagons, Roll Tex Ritter Nov. 25
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
I. '39 70 July 22,'39
39 67. Mar. i8,'39
'39 60. Feb. 25,'39
72.)
39 60. Feb. 18, "SS
39 50
20, '39 58. Jan. 27,'34
22,
'39 58. Sept. 9,'39
•39 55. Apr. I,*39
■39
'39 61
'39 61. Sept. 23,'39
•39 62. Aim-. 15,'39
12,'39 73. Apr, 8,^39
1.
8,
22,
5,
19
18,
25,
'39 62. July l,'39
•39 53
'39 51
39 56
'39 62
•39 60. May 20,'39
'39 83. Oct, I4,'39
'39
•39
PARAMOUNT
Title Star
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) 3902 Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston -Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor
(Exploitation: Oct. I4,'39, p. 62.)
Boy Trouble 3824 Charles Ruggles-Mary Boland...
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard-Heather Angel
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard-Heather Angel
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll • Shirley Ross
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22, '39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) 3901 .Lynne Overman-Susan Paley
Grade Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick
Heritage of the Desert (G)
3843 Evelyn Venable- Donald Woods...
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 3904... Fred MacMurray-Madeline Car-
roll-H. Broderick-A. Jones
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George
(Exploitation: May 13, '39. p. 66: June 10, '39, p. 55; Aug,
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne Fred MacMurray..
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. .Anna May Wong-Anthony Qulnn.
Jamaica Inn (A) 3906 Charles Laughton-Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams
(Exploitation: Oct. 7.'39, p. 66.)
King of Chinatown (G) 3827... Anna May Wong-A, Tamlroff
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts
Magnificent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arnold..
(Exploitation; Aug. 12,'39, pp, 69, 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, p.
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameche-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more-Mary Astor
(Exploitation: May 27.'39, p. 68; June 3. '39. p. 66; July I,'
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie (kogan.
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Raye
Night Work (G) 3849 Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles...
One Third of a Nation (A)
3825 Sylvia Sidney-Lelf Erikson
SI, 000 a- Touchdown (G) 3903.. Joe E. Brown-Martha Raye
Our Leading Citiben (G) 3850. Bob Burns-Susan Hayward
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 66: Sept. 30.'39, p, 61.)
Persons In Hiding (G) 3823... L. Overman-Patricia Morison..,
Range War (G) 3954 William Boyd-Russell Hayden..
Renegade Trail 3859 W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes.,
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dee. 31
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Apr. 21, '39 85. Apr. I5,'39
.Mar. 10, '39 88. Nov. 26,'38
.Sept. 15,'39t...ll4.July 22,'39
.Feb. I7,'39 74. Feb. 4,'39
.June 30,'39 57. July 8,"S9
.Apr. 14,'39 55. Apr. 8,'39
.Mar. 3,'39 76. Feb. II, '39
.Sept. l,'39t....67.Sept. 2,'39
.June 2,'39 74. May 20,'39
.June 23,^39 68. June I0,^39
.June 23,'39 74. Mar. I8,'39
Sept. 29.'39t...*95.Sept. 16,'39
.May 12, '39 80. May 13, '39
.Apr. 7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
5, '39, p. 99: Oct. I4,'39, p. 61.)
.June I6,^39... .95. May 13/39
.July 28,^39 64. Aug. 5,'39
• Oct. I3,^39t 99. May 27,^39
Mar. I7.'39 57. Mar. 18,'39
.Apr. 28,^39 77. Apr. 15,^39
.July 21,^39... .78. July 22,^39
.July 7,^39 85. June 17,^39
70.)
.Mar. 24,^39 94. Mar. I8,'39
39, p. 58.)
July 14/39 65. July 8,'39
.Apr. 14,'39 82. Mar. Il,'39
.Aug. 4.'39 62. Aug. 12,'39
.Feb. 24,'39 76. Feb. I8,'39
SepL 22,'39t... .73.Sept. 30,'39
Aug. 11, '39 88. Aug. 5,'39
.Feb. 10, ^39 70. Jan. 28,'39
.Sept. 8.'39t 66. Aug. 5,'39
.Aug, I8,'39 58
•38.)
October 21, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
75
(THE I2ELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Titia Star Rel.
St. Louis Blues (G) 3822 L. Nolan-0. Lamour-T. Gulzar. . . Feb.
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 76.)
Silver on the Sage (G) 3858... Wm. Boyd-Ge«. Hayes Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 7, '39, p. 53.)
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837... Gene Krupa and Orch.-Slilrley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel May
(Exploitation: June I0.'39, p. 54; June I7,'39, p. 77; Aug. 26.'39,
Star Makers, The (G) 3851 Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug.
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. B5; Oct. 1 4, '39, pp. 63, 86.)
Stolen Life (A) 3864 Elisabeth Bergner- Michael Red-
grave May
Sudden Money (G) 3829 B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruggles. . Mar.
Sunset Trail (G) 3857 Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. HayecFeb.
This Man in Paris (A) 3865... Barry K. Barnes- Valerie Hob-
son Aug.
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840... L. Noian-J. C. Nalsh-H. Angel. .June
Union Pacific (G) 3835 Joel McCrea- Barbara Stanwyek-
Aklm TamirofT-Robt Preston.. May
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Mar. I
p. 64; June 3, '39, p. 65; June ia,'39, pp. 54, 59, 60; June
p. 76; July 8,'39, pp. 50, 51; July I5,'39, p. 61; Aug., '39, p
62, 63.)
Unmarried (G) 3838 Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees May
What a Life (G) 3905 Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard.. Oct.
Coming Attractions
All Women Have Secrets J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale.... Dec.
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23,'39.)
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda-George Brent
Disputed Passage Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamirvff-
John Howard Oct,
(See "In the Cutting Room," May 20, '39.)
Or. Cyclops Alber Dekker-Janice Logan Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell ..Jan.
Farmer's Daughter, The Martha Raye-Charlie Ruggles
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones • Mary Martin -
Walter Connolly Dec.
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew. ..Jan.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. I5,'39.)
Gun Chores William Boyd-Russell Hayden
Gulliver's Travels Technicolor Cartoon- Feature Doe.
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-0. Bradna-R. Young ..Dec.
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb.
Law of the Pampas..., W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna...Nov.
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupine. . Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard Dec.
Opened by Mistake C. Ruggles-R. Paige-J. Logan
Our Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter-Frank Craven Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck- Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondl-Eliza-
beth Patterson Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 14. 39.)
Road to Singapore B. Crosby-D. Lamour-B. Hope
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe Nov.
St. Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton- Vivien Leigh... Dec.
Santa Fe Marshal William Boyd-Russell Hayden. ..Jan.
Seventeen J. Cooper-B. FIeld-0. Kruger.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Television Spy, The (G) William Henry-Judith Barrett..
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour-Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamlroff Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Women Behind Bars Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
3,'39 87. Jan. 28,'39
3 1, '39 68. Feb. 1 1, '39
I9,'39 64. May I3,'39
p. 85.)
25,'39 94. Aug. 26,'39
26,'39 92. Feb. I8,'39
31, '39 62. Mar. 25,'39
24,'39 68. Oct. 22,'38
I8,'39 86. July 8,'39
9,'39 65. June 3,'39
5, '39 125. Apr. 29,'39
8,'39, p. 73; May 27,'39,
7,'39, p. 75; June 24,'39,
102; Oct. I4,'39, pp. 61,
26,'39 65. May 27,'39
6, '39t...*75.Sept. 23,'39
I5,'39t.
I0,'39t.
27,'39t.
22,'39t.
5,'40t.
29,'39t.
I2,'40t.
22,'39t.
I,'39t.
'39.)
I6,'40t.
3,'39t.
9,'40t.
8,'39t.
24,'39t.
I2,'40t.
22,'39t.
l7,'39t....97.Sept. I6,'39
I5,'39t 85. July 9,'38
1 2, '401
19,'40t
Jan.
Feb. 2,'40t 55. Oct. I4,'39
29,'39t.
REPUBLIC
Title Star
Arizona Kid, The (G) Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844... G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey
Calling All Marines (G) 912.. D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer. .
Colorado Sunset (G) 846 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette-
Juna Storey- Buster Crabbe...
Flight at Midnight (G) 911... Col. Roscoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker-Robt. Armstrong
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang...
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Home on the Prairie (G) 842. .Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette...
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane-Beverly RolKrts
In Old Callente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes..
In Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Burnette-G. Hayes
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 65.)
Kansas Terrors, The 961 3 Mesqulteers-Jacquellne Wells. .
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gail Patrick-Edw.
Ellis-Joan Fontaine
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64, 68; July I5,'39, pp. 60, I
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smiley Burnette
Mickey tha Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Bumette-J. Storey..
My Wife's Relatives (G) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucile, Russell
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrlgan-R. Hatton
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Sept. 29,'39t 61. Oct. I4,'39
.May 4,'39 56. May 6,'39
.Sept. 2l,'39t....66.Sept. 9,'39
.July 31, '39 64. Aug. 5,'39
.Aug.
.Feb.
.Apr.
.Feb.
.Mar.
.June
.Aug.
28,'39t....68.Sept
24,'39 61. Feb.
I9,'39 58. Feb.
3, '39 58. Apr.
6,'39... .(B.Feb.
I9,'39 57. July
I4,'39 73. Aug.
2,'39
1 1, '39
1 1, "39
I5,'39
25, '39
22,'39
12, '39
Oct.
6,'39t . .
..57
May
i.)
I5,'39 . .
, ,97. Apr.
Mar.
27.'39
. .58. Apr.
July
3,'39
..65. July
June
9,'39 ,
..59. July
..Mar. 20,'39 65. Mar.
I, '39
I, '39
4,'39
23,
Title Star Rel. Date
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesqulteers-Ruth Rogers.. .Apr. 12
Pride of the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
Sabotage (G) 913 Chas. Grapewln-Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver Oct. 13,
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Regan-Jean Parker July 12,
Should Husbands Work7 (G)
816 Gleasons. James, Lucile, Rus-
sell-Marle Wilson-Tommy
Ryan July 26,
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825 Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay..Aug. 21,
S.O.S.-Tldal Wave (G) 813. .. Ralph Byrd-Kay Sutton June 2
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39, p. 61.)
Southward Ho! (G) 855 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart May 19,
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 . Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant. . .Apr. 28,
Three Texas Steers (G) 866... Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landls..May 12,
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857. ..R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton Sept. 6,
Woman Doctor (G) 808 Frieda Inescort-Honry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason Feb. 6,
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867 Three Mesquiteers June 27,
Zero Hour, The (G) 812 Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger May 26,
Coming Attractions
Covered Trailer Jas., Lucile & Russell Gleason..
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 14, '39.)
Cowboys from Texas Three Mesquiteers
Jeepers Creepers Weaver Bros. & Elvlry - Roy
Rogers
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7, '39.)
Main Street Lawyer* Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Saga of Death Valley* Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Wagons Westward John Wayne
Washington Cowboy G. Autry-S. Burnette-M. Carlslle..
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
,'39 58. Apr. 8,'39
,'39 65. Jan. 2I,'39
I3.'39 58. Mar. 25,'39
'39t 69. Oct. I4,'39
'39 66. June 24,'39
'39 65. July I5,'39
'39 62. Aug. 26,'39
'39 61. June 3,'39
'39 58. Juno I0,'39
'39 85. Apr. 29,'39
'39 67. June I7,'39
'39 66. Sept. 9,'39
'39 65. Feb. 4,'39
'39 56. July I5,'39
•39 65. May 27,'39
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
I0,'39t.
7,'39 80. July
I. '39 59. Aug.
I9,'39
28,'39
I4.'39
8,'39
26, '39
6, '39 67. Sept. 9, '39
8,'39 59. Aug. 26, 39
10, '39
28,'39
.Aug. I0,'39.
.57. Aug. I9,'39
RKO RADIO
Title Star
Allegheny Uprising 006 John Wayne-Claire Trevor-Brian
Donlevy- George Sanders Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920.. James Ellison-Helen Wood Mar. 31, '39 65. Mar. 25,'39
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn..Aug. 4,'39 82. July I, '39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 70; Aug. 26,'39, p. 84; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. 9,'39, p. 74;
Sent. 23,'39, p. 70; Oct. I4,'39. pp. 60. 64.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug. 1 1, '39 70. Aug.
Beauty for the Asking (G)9I5..L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb. 24,'39 68. Jan.
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley- Roger Daniel Feb. I0,'39 72. Jan.
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley-Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept.
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner-Betty Grable Sept. I5,'39t. . .•64.Sept. I6,'39
Everything's on Ice (G) 946. ..Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct.
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept,
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26,'39
(Exploitation: Oct. I4,'39. p. 66.)
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. ..B. Breen-H. Armetta-L. CarriiicFeb. 3,'39 72. Jan. 28,'39
Five Came Back (G) 927 C. Morris-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23,'39 75. June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Vlrginia Weldler Apr. 21, '39 68. Jan.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrlgan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr. 7,'39 72. Mar.
(Exploitation: May 20.'39, pp. 61, 62; June 24, '39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Filers Sept. 8,'39t 73. Aug. 26.'39
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrllio-T. Holt June 16, '39 63. June I0.'39
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928.Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June 2,'39 71. May 20, '39
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant-Victor McLaglen-D.
Fairbanks, Jr.-J. Fontaine Feb. I7,'39 107. Jan. 28,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. II, '39, p. 57: Mar. 25,'39. p. 84; Apr. 8,'39, p. 82;
Apr. I5,'39, p. 80; Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; Apr. 29.'39, p. 77; May 6,'39, p. 61; May 13, '39,
p. 65; May 27,'39, p. 66; June 3, '39, p. 68; June I0,'39, p. 60; July I, '39, p. 62; July
22,'39, p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant-K. Francis. .Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. I6.'39, pp. 84, 85; Sept. 30,'39, p. 61.)
Lost Patrol (re-Issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford.. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re-Issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea - R. DIx - M. Astor.... July
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne - C. Boyer - L. Bowman.. Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8. '39, p. 80; Apr. 15, '39, p. 82; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 72, 74; Juno 3,'39,
p. 68.)
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Oliver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts. .Sept. 29,'39t 97. Aug. 26, '39
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davls-F. Dee July I4,'39 83. July
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May I2,'39 65. May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marjorle Rey-
nolds-Ray Whitley May 26.'39 62. June
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weldler-F. Thomas. . .Apr. 28.'39 60. May
Saint In London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June 30,'39 72. July
Saint Strikes Back, The(G) 918. George Sanders-Wendy Barrio Mar. I0,'39 64. Feb.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anne ShIrley-James Ellison May 5, '39 64. Apr.
Spellbinder, The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Read-P. Knowles July 28, '39 69. July 29.'39
Star of Midnight (re-Issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell. .. Feb,
Story of Vernon and Irene
Castle, The (G) 398 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan Apr. 28,'39 93. Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 8,'39, p. 81; May I3,'39, p. 68; June I7,'39, p. 76.)
4. '39
I8,'39 94. Aug.
17,'39.....73.Feb.
I4,'39 79. Mar.
7,'39 89. Mar.
5, '39
3,'34
5,'32
18, '39
7,-34
I3,'39
3,'39
I3,'39
l,'39
I8,'39
22,'39
17, '39 90. Apr. 6,'35
I, '39
76
MOTION PICTU RE HERALD
October 21, 1939
(THE KELCASC CHACT"C€NT'D)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Apr. I4,'39 69 Mar. 25/39
Oct. l3.'39t.. *70.Sept. 30,'39
June 30,'39 59. June 24,'39
Mer. 24/39 60. Mar. 18/39
Mar. 3/39 64. Feb. 18/39
July 21/39 63. July 22,'39
Nev.
3/39t....65.0ct. 14/39
.Nov. 3/39t. . '60. Oct. 7/39
Nov. IO/39t
Nov. l7/39t.. . .95.0ct. 29/38
Dec. l/39t
Oct. 27/39t 65. Oct. 14/39
Nov. 24/39t..
Title Star
They Made Her a Spy (G) 92C. Sally Ellers-Allan Lane
Three Sons (G) 004 E. Ellls-W. Gargan-K. Taylor...
Timber Stampede (G) 985 Geo. O'Brlen-Marlorie Reynolds.
Treuble In Sundown (Q) 893. ..G. O'Brlen-R. Kelth-R. Whitley.
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard DIx-Lucille Ball
Way Down South (G) 947.... B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray.
Coming Attractions
Abe LInooln la IIIImIs 009.... R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard.
(See "In the Cuttino Room." Sept. 18/39.)
Escape to Paradise Bobby Breen-Kent Taylor
Flying Deuces (G) 010 Laurel 4 Hardy-J. Parker
Hunchback of Notrs Dame, The.C. Laughton-M. O'Hara-Sir C.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell - B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 9.'39.)
Legion of the Lawless George O'Brien-Virginia Vale...
Marshal of Mesa City (G) 081. George O'Brien-Virginia Vale...
Meet Dr. Christian 005 Jean Hersholt-Oorothy Lovett...
(See "In the Cutting Room/' Sept. 30/39.)
Mexican Spitflre* L. Velez-D. Woods-L. Errol....
Oueen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith
(Reviewed under the title, "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 Dix-G. Patrlck-A. Louise
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 14. '39.)
Sued for Libel (G) 012 Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23/39.)
Sunset Jimmy Lydon-Joan Dradell
Swiss Family Robinson* Thomas Mitchell - Edna Best -
F. Bartholomew - T. Kilburn -
T. Holt
That's Right. Your Wrong Oil. Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball
Vigil In the Night 007 Carole Lombard- Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX Running Tims
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce.. Sept. l/39t 82. Aug. 26,'39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrlllo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3,'39.. ..69. Nov. I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arleen Whelan May 19,'39 72. May 13,'39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26,'39
Charlie Chan In Reno (G) 948. S. Tolcr-P. Brooks-R. Cortez June 16,'39. ...71. Juno 3,'3S
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl May 5,'39 60. Jan. I4,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrlllo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. I l,'39t . .. .64. Aug. I9,'.19
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell ■ Jas. Ellison -
Ann Sothcrn - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bar! Aug. 4,'39t 83. Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 16, '39, p. 88.)
Eseape. The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. ... Oct. 6.'39t....62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. I6,'39.)
Eternally Yours (A) Loretta Young • David Niven •
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts.. Oct. I2,'39t 95. Oct. 7,'39
(Exploitation: July 22, '39, p. 81.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane .Mar. 24,'39.. ..62. Nov. 26,'38
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 951 . Randloph Scott • Nancy Kelly •
Cesar Romero-Blnnie Barnes... July 28,''39 71 .July 29, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2/39, p. 54: Oct. I4,'39, pp. 60, 66.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27.'39
Here I Am a Stranger (G) 009. Richard Greene-Brenda Joyee-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29,'39t 83. Sept. 30,'39
Hollywood Cavalcads (G) 007. .Alice Faye - Don Ameche ■
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton. .. .Oct. I3,'39t 96. Oct. 7,'39
Hound of the Basker\llles, The
(G) 936 .....Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Nlyel Bruce Mar. 31, '39 80. Apr. I, '39
(Exploitation: June 17,'39, p. 75; July I. '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 93* Michael Whalen-Jean Rcgers Mar. I0,'39. ...6l.0ct. 22,'38
Inspector Hornlelgh (A) 945. ..Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 21, '39 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwin June 30.'39 65. June I7,'39
Jones Family In Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Bylngton June 2,'39 60. May 27,'3e
Jones Family In Quick Millions
<G) 004 Jed Prouty-Spring Bylngton Aug. 25,'39t 61. Aug. I2,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise - Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. . Mar. I7,'39 93. Feb. 25,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 15.'39, pp. 84, 85.)
Mr. Mote In Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. DufT Apr. 7,'39.. ..70. Mar. I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre . Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Sehlldkraut. . July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl July 21, '39 73. July I5,'39
Title
Pack Up Your Troubles (G)
014
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
22,'39
6,'36
.78. June 24/31
...84. Feb. 4, '39
J. Withers- Ritz Brothers- Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Oct. 20,'39t 75. Oct. 14,'39
Pardon Our Nerve (G) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Barl Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. 1 5,'39t . . . 104.Sept. 9,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30,'39, p. 56.)
Return of the Cisco Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Bari-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28/39 71. Apr.
Road to Glory (reissue) (G)
061 Fredric March-Lionel Barrymore-
Warner Baxter-June Lang Oct. I3,'39t . . . 1 01 . June
Rose of Washington Square
(G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May I3,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'3g, p. 62; May 6,'39, p. 64; June 24,'39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee. . . . July I4,'39 87. July 8,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Shipyard Sally (A) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard Oct. 20,'39t. .. OO.Juiy 29,'39
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy-R. Greene-N. Keliy-
W. Brennan ■ C. Coburn •
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke.... Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 1 9, '39, p. 67; Sept. 23,'39, p. 73; Oct. 7,'39, p. 64.)
Stop. Look and Love (G) 008. .Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t 57. Sept. 2,'39
Story of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche • Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. 14/39 97. Apr. 8,'3S
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; May 6,'39, p. 60; May I3,'39, p. 64; May 27/39,
pp. 64. 68; June I7,'39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott.. .June 23, '39..
(Exploitation: July 29.'39, p. 69; Aug. 26,'39, p. 88.)
Tail Spin (G) 925 A. Faye ■ C. Bennett - Nancy
Kelly-J. Davls-Chas. Farreil. . . Feb. I0,'39..
(Exploitation: Feb. 18,'39, p. 69; Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 8/39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche •
G. Stuart-Blnnie Barnes Feb. I7,'39. . ..73. Feb. 11/39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Olive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 2I,'39 72. Dec. 31, 'M
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury. .Jan. 6,'39 61. Aug. 27/38
Wife, Husband and Friend (G)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Blnnie Barnes-Ce«ar Romero. .. Mar. 3,'39 80. Feb. 18, '39
Winner Take All (G) 939. .... .Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-Sllm
Summerviile-Henry Armetta Apr. 21/39 62. Feb. 2S/?9
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947... Henry Fonda- Marjorie Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Alice Brady June 9,'39. ... 101 .June 3,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 67; Aug. i2,'39, p. 70.)
Coming Attractions
Blue Bird 025 Shirley Temple-Helen Erlcson Dec. 22,'39t
Cisco Kid and the Lady. The.C. Romero-V. Fields-M. Weaver. . Dec. 29,'39t
City, The Lynn Bari-Donald Woods
City of Darkness 021 Sidney Toler-Lynn Barl Dec. I,'39t
Drums Along the Mohawk OlS.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorris Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. 10, '391
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 30,'39.)
Everything Happens at Night.. S. Henie-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
First Kiss Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell -
Warren William-B. Barnes. ... Nov. 24,'39t
First World War, The (re-
issue) (A) 062 Documentary Oct. 27,'39t 78. Nov. 17/34
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lllli Palmer-Margaret Loekwood 92. May I3,'39
Grapes of Wrath Henry Fonda-Dorris Bowdon-
Charlie Grapewin • Jane Dar-
well
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence (G) 019 Jean Rogers-Glenn Ford Nov. 3,'39t 62. Oct. 7/39
He Married His Wife 023 J. McCrea-N. Kelly-M. Boland. . . Dec. 8,'39t
High School Jane Withers-Paul Harvey
Honeymoon's Over, The 024... M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowies
Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
022 Gordon Harker-Alastair Sim Dec. l,'39t
Little Old New York Alice Faye - Fred MacMurray-
Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce
Man Who Wouldn't Talk, The..L. Nolan-J. Rogers-M. Marsh
Swanee River 017 D. Ameche- A. Jolson-A. Leeds... Jan. 5,'40t
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Bylngton-J. Davla. ..Nov. i7,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
20,000 Men s Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. . .Oct. 27,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30.'39.)
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Ahern- Victor McLaglen-
Paui Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6,'39
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez •
C. Aubrey Smith-Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t.. .IIS.May 6,'39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4,'3g, pp. 82, 84; Feb. Il,'39, p. 59; Feb. 25,'39,
p. 68; Mar. 4/39, pp. 70, 72; Oct. 7,'39, p. 65.)
Intermezzo, a Love Story (A)..L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best. ..Sept. 22,'39t 70. Sept. 30,'39
King of the Turf (G) A. Man]ou-R. Danlel-D. Costello. . Feb. 17/39 88. Feb. 11/39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-James Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. e*biim..Feb. I0,'39 94. Feb. 4,'8a
(Exploitation: May 6,'S9, p. 60.)
October 2 1, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
.Mar.
.Sept
.Mar.
Apr.
Title Star Rel.
Man In the Iron Mask (G) Louis H ay ward • Joan Bennett -
Warren William ■ Joseph
Schildkraut - Alan Hale Aug.
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22.'39, p. 80; Aug. I2,'39,
Aug. 26,'39. p. 85; Sept. 2,'39, p. 53; Sept. I6,'39, p. 82:
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luehalre-Edna Best
Real Glory, The (6) G. Cooper- A. Leeds- D. NIven.,
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 62.)
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devine ■
John Wayne-George Bancroft.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 81; Apr. I, '39, pp. 72, 75
p. 67: May 20,'39, p. 60: July I5,'39, p. 60; July 22.'39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Music (G)...Jascha Heifetz • Andrea Leeds ■
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug.
(See musical analysis, July 22, '39, p. 54; exploitation: Oct. 7,'39,
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrish-R. Armstrong. . .July
(Exploitation: Aug. 5,'39, p. 98: Aug. I9,'39, p. 67; Aug. 26,'39,
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle Oberon-Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David Niven Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 2,'39, p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68; May 27,'39,
Zenobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Billie Burke - Alice Brady •
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr.
Coming Attractions
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct.
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Over the Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison •
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Olivia de Havil-
land
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson
Send Another Coffin Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford- Edward Arnold
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
ll,'39t.. .M2.July l,'39
p. 69; Aug. I9,'39. p. 66;
Sept. 30.'39, p. 56.)
I0,'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
. 29,'39t....96.Sepl. I6,'39
3,'39 96. Feb. 1 1, '39
I5,'39, p. 80; May I3,'39,
I8,'39t... 101. July I5,'39
p. 66; Oct. I4,'39, p. 62.)
28,'39t. .100. July 22,'39
p. 86.)
7,'39....l04.Apr. I,'39
p. 65; Sept. 9,'39. p. 71.)
21, '39 73. Mar. I8,'39
26.'39t...*76.Sept. I6,'39
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Time Czar (G) 3018 Barton MacLane - Tom Brown •
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. , . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails. The 4058 John Mack Brown - Bob Baker -
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer..
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore...
..Hugh Herbert - Joy Hedges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddie Quillan
..June Lang -Robert Kent
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Family Next Door (G) 3020.
For Love or Money (G) 3030.
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden...
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle.
Hero for s Day Charles Grapewin-Anita Louise-
Dick Foran
House of Fear, The (G) 3038. ..Irene Hervey-William Gargan...
Inside Information (G) 3039. ..J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Millien (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson.
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22,'39. p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4051 R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot- H. Mack-C. Worth...,
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. I8,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight
Phantom Stage, The 3056 Bob Baker- Marjorle Reynolds..
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Roehelle Hudson..
(See "In the Cutting Room," Dec. 3,'38.)
Rio (G) Sigrid Gurfe-Basil Rathbone-
Victor MeLaglen- Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent.
Society Smugglers (G) 3024. ... Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devlne-H. Hull-J. Moran.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (G) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr.
Apr. 2I,'39 66. Apr. 22,'39
.Apr. I4.'39 69. Feb. 4,'39
.Sept. 8,'39t 58
.Apr. 7,'39 88. Apr. 8,'39
May I9,'39 72. May 20,'39
.Mar. 3I,'39 61. Apr. I5,'39
.Apr. 28,'39 67. May 6,'39
July 7.'39 67. July I, '39
.Sept. 8,'39t 65. Aug. I9,'39
Oct.
.June
30,'39...
66
June
I0,'39
2,'39 ,.
62
June
I0,'39
July
21, '39 . .
80 July
22,'39
.Jan.
6,'39..
..63
Dec.
I0,'38
8,'39t .
..91
May
20,'39
.Sept.
I,'39t.
. .66
Aug.
I2.'39
Mar.
.Oct. 20,'39t 58
.Feb. I0,'38 57
.Feb. 3,'39 61
They Asked for It (G) 3040.
.Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges
William Lundigan
Three Smart
(G) 3001
Girls Grew Up
D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummlngs-
William Lundigan
Tropic Fury R. Arlen-A. Devine-B. Roberts..
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Two Brisht Boys (G) 4017. . .Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew...
.Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weldler-A. Glllls...
p. 65: Oct. I4,'39, p. 66.)
.Baby Sandy-Mischa Auer
p. 62.)
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010..
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39,
Unexpected Father (G) 3008.
(Exploitation: July l,'39.
.Sept. 29,'39t 75. Oct. 14, '39
.Mar. 3,'39...67'/2.Mar. II, '39
.Feb. 24,'39 70. Mar. 4,'39
.Mar. I0,'39 90. Mar. 4,'39
.June 9,'39 96. June 10, '39
.May 26,'39 61. July I5.'39
.Mar. 24,'39 87. Mar. 25,'39
.Oct. I3,'39t....62
.Sept. l5,'39t....70.Sept. I6,'39
.Sept. l,'39t....89.Aug. 26,'39
July I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
. Nov.
.Nov.
3,'39t.
24,'39t.
.•60. Sept. 23,'39
Nov. I7,'39t.
Nov. I0,'39.
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
When Tomorrow Comei (G)
3003 Irene Dunne-Charles Boyer Aug. II, '39 92. Aug. I9,'39
Witness Vanishes, The Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrle Sept. 22,'39t 66
You Can't Cheat an Heneit
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen -
"Charlie McCarthy" Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
Coming Attractions
Call a Messenger (G) Billy Hallop-Huntz Hall-M^ti-y
Carlisle-Larry Crabbo
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Dorts Weston . .
Destry Rides Again Marlene DIetrlch-Jaraes Stewart-
Chas. Winnlnger-Mlscha Auer.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 14. '39.)
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrlsh-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrlce
Joy
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., - Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft- Vincent Price
Invisible Man Returns* Vincent Price-Sir Ccdric Hard-
wicke-Nan Grey
Laugh It Off C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy. .
Legion of Lost Flyers R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges Oct.
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne. . . Dec.
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9. '39.)
No Power on Earth* Victor McLaglen-Jackie Cooper.. Dec.
One Hour to Live C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. LItel. . . . Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Aug. I2,'39.)
Test Driver R. Arlen-A. Devine-P. Moran
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris Karleff -
N. Grey-B. O'Neil-l. Hunter.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30,'39.)
Vigilante War John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight- Frances Robin-
son
West of Carson City John Mack Brown- Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran Dec.
Dec. 29,'39t.
Nov.
Dec.
Nov.
24,'39t.
I,'39t.
3,'39t.
27,'39t.
8.'39t.
I5,'39t.
22,'39t
I0,'39t....59.
Oct. 27,'39t.
I5,'39t.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
Rel. Date
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
26,'39.
25,'39.
.86. Sept. 9,'39
.71. Mar, ll,'3S
First National Pictures
Title Star
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran-
ville Aug.
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell. . . Mar.
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan- Rosella Towns May 27,'39 58. May 20,'39
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May
(Exploitation: July 29, '39. p. 69: Oct. I4.'39, p. 66.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Daek Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent -
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22,'39..
6,'39....l02.Apr. 29,'38
29,'39.. . 56...
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; June 24,'39, pp. 75,
pp. 61, 62: Aug. 5,'39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfleld • F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son- D. Foran July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfleld-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t...
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan •
George Raft-George Bancroft. .. Aug. I9.'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. I6,'39. p. 88; Oct. 14, '39, p. 66.)
Espionage Agent (G) Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall •
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh Sept. 30,'39t...
Everybody's Hobby, The 736... Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26.'39
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 Wayne Morris . Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robsen June 24, '39
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granvi He-John Litel Feb. I8,'39
06. Mar. Il,'39
76; July I, '39.
1 07. June 24,'39
.88. Aug. I9,'39
.92. July 22,'39
83. Sept. 30,'39
.54
.92. May 27,'39
.60. Apr. 8,'39
.68. Feb. 4,'39
.57
No Place to Go 469 F. Stone-G. DIckson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t
Old Maid (A) 452 Bette Davis-Miriam Hopkins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson Sept. I,'39t 95. Aug. 5,'39
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dickson Oct. I4,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'39.)
Sweepstakes Winner 373 M. Wilson-J. Davis-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'39 59
Torchy Blane In Chinatown (G)
371 Glenda Farrell- Barton MacLane. . Feb. 4,'39 58. Feb. II, '39
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 21, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CCNT'D)
RuRnlnt TIma
Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Title Stir
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora _ ^
Robson - Una O'Connor Nov. 25, 39i
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23. '39.)
Yes, My Darling Daughter (A)
357 Jeffrey Lynn - P. Lane • Fay
Bainter-M. Robson-R. Young. ..Feb. 25.'39 86. Feb. Il.'39
(Exploitation: Jan. I4.'39, p. 64; Apr. I5.'39, p. 80; Apr. 29, '39, p. 77.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,39 7o.Jan. 21,39
(Exploitation: June 17, '39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Lady Diek Jane Wyman-Dlck Foran Nov. 18,'39t
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l,'39t
Timber John Payne-Gloria Dickson..
Years Without Days John Garfield - Pat O'Brien
Ann Sheridan
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Warner Brothers
Title Star
Adventures of Jana Ardea, The ^ u n •it,
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-Wllllam Gar8an..Mar. 18,39 58. Feb. 11,39
Dodge City (G) 304 Errol Flynn-Olivia de Havilland-
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot •
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory.. .Apr. 8,'39. . . . 104. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39. p. 82; Apr. 22,'39, p. 61; May 20,'39, p. 61; May 27.'39,
pp. 65. 68: June 3, '39, p. 64; June I0.'39, p. 59; June 24,'39, pp. 76 . 77; July 8,39,
pp. 48, 50; July 15. '39, p. 61; July 22. '39, p. 81; Aug. 12, '39, p. 72.)
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay-Ronald Reagan.
"Dead End Kids" July 8,'39 81. July S.-SS
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page Aug. 5,'39 82. July 22,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39, p. 59; Oct. 7,'39, p. 65; Oct. I4,'39. p. 66.)
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Rains-J. Garfield. .. .June I0,'39. . . . 127. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July I5,'39, p. 66; July 22,'39, p. 81!
Aug. 5, '39, p. 102; Aug. 26, '39, p. 86.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase 419 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.Sept. l,'39t....60
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.June 17,'39 69
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July I, '39 90. July l.'39
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane.. ..Mar. II, '39 80. Mar. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Mar. II,'39, p. 57: Apr. I,'39, pp. 74, 75; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 74, 75; May
13. '39, p. 67; June 10, '39, p. 60; July 15. '39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr. I, '39 61. Mar. 25,'39
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion. . .Oct. 7,'39
Secret Service of the Air (G)
320 R. Rcagan-I. Rhodes-J. Lltel . . . . Mar. 4,'39 61. Mar. II, '39
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug. I2,'39
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322. Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLana..May I3,'39 60. Apr. I,'39
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson. .July I5,'39 59. July 22,'39
Wings of the Navy (G) 309 George Brent-0. de Havllland-
John Payne-F. McHugh Feb. II, '39 89. Jan. 21, '39
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39. p. 54; Feb. 4, '39, p. 85; Feb. 1 1, '39, p. 61; Feb. 25, '39, p. 69i
Apr. 25. '39, pp. 75, 77; May 20, '39, p. 54; Aug. 25, '39, p. 86.)
Women in the Wind (G) 316. ..K. Franeis-W. Gargan-V. Joy. ...Apr. 13, '39 65. Feb. 4,'39
Coming Attractions
All This and Heaven Too
And It All Came True
British Intelligenea Boris Karloff-Margaret Lindsay
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
Brother Rat and the Baby Wayne Morris - Jane Bryan - R.
Reagan-J. Wyman-E. Albert
Child Is Born, A Geraldine Fitzgerald . Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George 79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room." May 6, '39.)
Dead End Kids on Dresi
Parade Dead End Kids-John Lltel
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Enemy Within, The Ronajd Reagan-Lya Lys
Fighting 69th J. Cagney-P. O'Brien-J. Lynn-
G. Brent-A. Haie-D. Margan
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
(See "in the Cutting Room." Sept. 23, '39.)
Gambling on the High Seas...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Lltel
Granny, Get Your Gun* May Robson - H. Davenport -
M. Stevenson
Invisible Stripes George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale (G) J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett. . . Nov. 4,'39t...*58.Sept. 23, '39
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, he (G) Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Price. .Nov. 25,'39t. .. lOe.Sept. 30, '39
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8, '39.)
Roaring Twenties, The Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilia Lane-Jeffrey Lynn Oct. 28,'39t. . . 1 06
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
State Coji D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Llndsay-
Rosella Towne
STATE RIGHTS Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Reform School (G) Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27,'39. .*80.May 6/39
Texas Wildcats Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0,'39
Torture Ship Lyle Talbot Producers Dlst Oct. 15, '39
fSee "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 16, '39.)
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue) . William S. Hart Astor May 20, '39. ..88. May 13, '39
Two-Gun Troubador Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5, '39
Coming Attractions
Hitler — The Beast of
Berlin Producers Dist Oct. 22.'39
Juarez and Maximilian
(G) Conrad Nagel Torres 'OS. Apr. 22,'SI
Lure of the Wasteland (G). Grant Withers *55.Mar. 18, '3«
Man from Oklahoma George Houston Producers Dlst. ...Oct. 29/39
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The Bobby Clark Producers Dlst,. .. .Oct. 22,'39
Straight to Heaven (G) Nine May McKinney. Domino 56. July 1/39
Wanted for Murder Producers Dlst Oct 29/39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
jitis Star Dist'r Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World Apr. I5,'39
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM 83. Apr. 29,'39
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) . . . . Luclen Baroux Francinex 85. May 27,'39
Betrayal (A) Annie Vernay World Sept I5,'39. . .78.Sept. 23, '39
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-In't Mar. 26, '39. . .85. Apr. I,'S9
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. . .68. July 8, '39
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch 72. Mar. 11/39
Boys' School E. Von Strohelm Columbia June S,'39. . .90. June 17/39
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39 ..85
Coral Rocks, The (Le
R^clf de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance 100. Mar. II, '39
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39. . .96. Mar. 25,'S9
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May 13/39. . .85. Apr. 29/39
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams. ... Alliance Aug. 15, '39. . .70. July 29/39
Demon Barber of Fleet
Street, The (A) Tod Slaughter Select Sept 29,'39. ..67.0et 7/39
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National 66. Sept 2,'39
Double Crime in the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower 83. Apr. 22.'39
Down Our Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen 65.AUB. 12,'39
End of Day, The* (A) Victor Fancen Juno Oct l,'39. . .94.Sept I6,'39
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D 85. June 24/39
Gang's All Here, The (A) . Jack Buchanan Assoc. British 78. Apr. I, '39
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center 80. Aug. 5.'39
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis French M. P. Op. . .Sept. 4, '39. . .90. Sept. I6,'39
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar. I7,'39. . .87.Apr. I, '39
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr. 22,'39. . .88. Apr. 29/39
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell British Lion 73. June 3/39
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero 90. Apr. 22,'$9
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. IS,'39. . . 83. Feb. 26,'38
Human Beast, The (A) Simone Simon Paris Film 110. Apr. I, '39
1 Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National 89. Sept 2/39
I Met a Murderer (A)... James Mason York Oct. 2/39. . .70 . Oct. I4,'39
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Guitry Tri-National Apr. 29/39. . .80. May I3,'S9
Just William (G) Dicky Lupino Assoc. British 75. Sept 9,'39
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunio Bonanova. .United Artists 95. July 22,'39
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupino Lane MGM 84. Apr. 22/39
Mademoiselle Ma Mere
(A) Danielle Darrleux. . .Hoffberg Sept. I8,'39. . .82.Sept 30,'39
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex. ..Mar. 27,'39. . .SO.Apr. I5,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar. 30/39
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National 77. Mar. 11/39
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July 1/39
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D 90. Jan. 21/39
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A)...Chato Ortin Zacarlas 98. Sept 2,'39
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British 78. July I5,'39
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrauit.Lenaur-lnt'l 85. Mar. 25,'39
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar Paramount 77. Juno 3,'39
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich World Mar. 1/39. . .66. Jan. 23, '37
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept I, '39. . .75. Aug. 28/39
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts 80. Mar. 18, '39
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes Assoc. British 77. May 6/39
Street Without a Name....Pola lllery World Mar. I5,'39
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D 83. June 24,'39
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedls 90. May I3,'39
Trouble Brewing (G) George Forraby Assoc. British 87. Mar. 11/39
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American - 75. Sept. 2.'39
Where's That Fire (G)...Will Hay 20th Cent-Fox 74. Aug. I9,'39
Young Man's Fancy (A). ..Anna Lee Assoc. British 77. Sept. 2,'39
Youth In Revolt (A) Jean-Louis Barrault. Columbia May 15,'39. . .90. May 27,'39
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
(THE RELEASE CliAI2T~C€NT't))
SHORT
riLMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
viewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbers.'\
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date MIn.
A- Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39 ) 9406 Apr. 7.'39 . 1 B'/j . .
(3 Stoeges)
All American Blondei 1423. Oct. 20,'39t.2 rll.
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
9431 Mar. 24,'39. 17'/2. .
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25.'39tl7'/j..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes a Bump, The
9433 May 5,'39.I8
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. 1 1, '39. 19
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. t0,'39. 17'/}. .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434. . June 2,'3g.l7
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
(10-14-39) 1402 Oct. 6.'39t. I8I/2. .
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39 ) 9435 June I6,'39.I9
Buster Keaten
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. IS'A. .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 30,'39.I7
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Moocher 1421 ... Sept. 8,'39tl6i/2. .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21, '39. 17
(All Star) '
Static in the Attic 1422... Sept. 22,'39tl9
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swinger«
9428 Jan. 20,'39. l8'/2.
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2 ris.
Charley Chase
Three Sappy People 1403.. Dec. I,'39t.2rls.
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39.I8
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24.'39.I7...
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May I9,'39.I6
(3 Stooges)
CINESCOPES
World of 1960 (Futurama)
1971 Nov. 3,'39..1 rl..
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers (10-14-39)
1502 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl. .
Dreams on Ice (10-7-39)
1504 Oct. 20,'39t.7 ris.
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507. ...Feb. 24,'39. .8. . . .
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508. Mar. 3I,'39. .7. . . .
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512 July 28,'39. .8. . . .
House That Jack Built,
The 9509 Apr. I4,'39..7
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501 Aug. Il,'39t.7
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
9510 May 26,'39. .7
Nell's Yells 9511 June 30,'39..7
Mountain Ears 1503 Nov. 3,'39t-l rl..
Peaceful Neighbors
(2-18-39) 9506 Jan. 16,'39. .8. . . .
COLUMBIA TOURS
Beautiful Switzerland 1553. Nov. I7,'39t . I rl. .
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39. .9
Historic Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl..
Holland 1551 Sept. 15,'39t.l rl..
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Man-Made Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26,'39. .9. . . .
(Frisco Fair)
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1,'39. lO'/i. .
Sojourn In India 9555 July 7, '39. .91/2. .
COMMUNITY SING
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs).. Feb. 24,'39. IOV2. .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .9'/i.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 2I,'39..8
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June I6,'39.I0...
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9....
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t.9'/2. .
(Old Time Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. 13,'39t.l rl..
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. 17,'39t.l rl..
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22,'39t. I rl. .
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Oct. 6,'39t l rl..
No. 2 (Elias Howe) 1602.. Sept. l,'39tll....
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,'39. IOI/2 . .
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39. ifli/i. .
No. 3 9473 ....Apr. 2I,'39.I I . . . i
NEW SERIES
No. I 1520 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
No. 2. 1521 Oct. I2,'39t.l rl..
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. 17.'39. .7'/2. .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2.'39..6
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30,'39. lO'A. .
Night at the Troc 9962.. ..Mar. 2,'39. IO1/2. .
Yankee Doodle Home
(5-27-39) 9963 May I9,'39.I0
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. l,'39t.6'/2. .
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39t I rl..
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. I0,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrae-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39..6i/2.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6.
Scrappy's Sideshow 9754. . Mar. 3, 39. .?...
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28,'39 7..
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 6 9856 Feb. I7,'39. IOI/2.
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . ,
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9858 Apr. 8,'39..9"/2.
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May 12, '39. 10...
No. 10.9860 May 26,'39. 10. . . ,
No. II 9861 June 15, '39. 10
No. 12.(8-19-39) 9862 July 28,'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I (10-14-39) 1851 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 1852 Oct. 27,'39t l rl..
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'39t.lrl.
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810 Aug. I8,'39.I0...
Bows and Arrows 1801 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 21, '39. 10...
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.l rl.
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39..9i/2.
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .9'/2.
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. 10,'39.IO'/2
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .B'/j.
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July 15,'39.l0'/2.
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 21, '39. II...
No. 3 (5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0...
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) ....Aug. 4,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date MIn.
1939- 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 20,'39t.l rl.
MGM
CAPTAIN AND THE KIDS
(In Sepia)
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Mama's New Hat W-882...Feb. 1 1, '39.. 9...
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-88S.May I3,'39. .9...
(Color)
%ear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 Juno 10,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26,'39..9...
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5,'39.ll...
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Fob. 25,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. IS,'39..8...
(Color)
One Mother's Family
W-890 Sept. 30,'39..9...
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. II, '39. 21...
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5,'39.2I...
Dick Purcell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0,'39.2I...
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24— Think First P-8l5.Sept. 9,'39.2I...
Laraine Day-Ann Morrlss
No. 25 — Drunk Driving
P-816 Oct. 28,'39.2I...
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T-856 Jan. 2I,'39..9...
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27,'39..9...
Day on Treasure Island, A
(9-30-39) T-51 Sept. 2,'39fl0...
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. 15,'39..9...
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8.'39..8...
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. I8,'39..8...
Natural Wonder of Wash-
ington State T-52 Oct. 7,'39t.9...
Picturesque Udalpur
(7-15-39) T-861 May 13, '39.. 8...
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39..9...
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3,'38..9...
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet M-72 Sept. 9.'39tll...
Robert. Warwick
Failure at 50, A M-73. . . . . Oct. 7.'39tl0...
Truman Bradley-
Jack Mulhall
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.ll...
Emractt Vogan-Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbies
(6-17-39) M-878 May 13,'39.I0..
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. ll,'39..9..,
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. I8,'39.ll..
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Mendelssohn's Wedding
March M-74 8...
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20,'39.ll..
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll..
(Sepia) Mary Teen-
Sally Blaine
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20..
(Sepia)
Happily Buried (6-3-39)
R-805 Aprl. I5,'39.20..
Anthony Allen-Rita Oehman
Somewhat Secret (4-22-39)
R-804 Mar. 29, '39. 21..
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
Title Rel. Date MIn.
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22,'39.I0
Captain Spanky's Showboat
C-131 Sept. 9,'39tll
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0....
Cousin Wilbur (6-I7-39)
C-939 Apr. 29,'39.I0....
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.July l,'39.ll....
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. 1 1, '39. 10
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39.I0
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8.'39.I0
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 2— (3-4-39) K-922 Jan. 28,'39. 10. . . .
(New Roadways)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. I8,'39. 1 1 . . ..
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4— (4-22-39) K.924...Mar. I8,'39. 10.. ..
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20,'39. 10. .. .
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June 17,'39..9...
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 Juno 24,'39.ll...
No. 8 — Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22,'39. 1 1 . . . ,
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. 19,'39.ll...
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
(10-14-39) K-930 Aug. 26,'39.ll...
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..9...
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. I4,'39..8. ..
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
(10-14-39) S-912 Sept. 16,'39.I0...
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
S-905 Feb. 1 1,'39. 10...
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. 11, '39. .9...
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39). May 20,'39.I0...
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.I0...
Set 'Em Up S9I3 Oct. 7,'39tl0...
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-911 Aug. 12,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9...
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May I3.'39.I0...
Day of Rest, The F-I4I . . .Sept. 6,'39t.9...
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9...
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39..9...
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0,'39.I0...
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May I2,'39..7...
My Friend the Monkey
(2-18-39) T8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'39..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9,'39..7...
So Does an Automobile
T8-7 Mar. 3I,'39..I rl.
Yip Yip Yippy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7...
COLOR CLASSICS
Always Kickin' (2-25-39)
C8-3 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 30,'39. .7...
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The (10-14-39) C9-1 Sept. 22.'39t.l rl.
Small Fry (5-6-38) C8-4..Apr. 2I,'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Chile K9-3 Nov. 10, '391. 1 rl.
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 21, '39. 10...
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I...Sept. I,'39tl0...
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 1, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART—CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...May 26,'39. 10. . . .
Land of the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39.I0
Peru (10-14-39) K9-2 ....Oct. 6.'39t.lrl..
Republic of Panama K8-5..IV1ar. 24, '39.. I rl..
HEADLINERS
Artie Shaw's Class In Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8,'39tl0....
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A8-8 Mar. 3,'39.I0
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct. I3.'39t.l rl..
Phil Spitalny & Girl Orth.
Musle Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3, '39. II....
Jan Garber and Orch.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmichael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5, '39. 10
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6, '39. 10
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug. Il,'39.ll
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Tod Fio RIto and His Oct. 6. '39!. I rl..
Orchestra A9-2
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) A8-II June 2,'39.I0...
Richard Himber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7,'39..l rl..
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug. 25,'39. 10. . . .
Busy Little Bears V9-2 Oct. 20.'39t.l rl..
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. 10. '39. 10
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23. '39. 10
Fisherman's Pluck V8-9...Apr. I4,'39. . I rl . .
Oh Say, Can You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6,'38.I0
Public Hobby No. I
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22.'39tl I . . . .
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. I3,'39.I0
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 ...May I9,'39. 10. . . .
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. I0,'39.I0
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..lrl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3.'39..lrl..
No. 8— (3-11-39) P8-8 Mar. 3,'39.I0
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9....Mar. 3I,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10— P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-II...June 2,'39.I0
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July l4,'39.tD
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EE8-I..Apr. 7,'39.22....
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan, 27.'39..7
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June I6,'39. .7. . . .
Hello How Am 17
(8-12-39) E8-I0 July I4,'39..7...
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II July 28,'39. .7. . . ,
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . ,
Never Sock a Baby E9-I...Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'39. .7. . . ,
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(In Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl.
No. 4 — J8-4 Mar. I0.'39..lrl.
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May 12, '39. 1 1...
N». 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 Aug. 4,'39.ll...
1939-40
No. I— J9-I Sept. I5,'39tl0..,
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7 Jan. 20, '39. 10...
No. 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. I7,'39.I0...
No. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. I4,'39.I0...
N*. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-II May I2,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 84— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.Juno 9,'39.I0....
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39) R8-I3 July 7,'39.I0
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-I Sept. I.'39tl0....
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-16-39) R9-2 Sept. 22,'39tl0
No. 67— Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. I3,'39tl0
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39.I0
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 Juno I6,'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I — (10-14-39) L9-I...0ct. I3,'39t.l rl..
No. 2— L9-2 Nov. I7,'39t.l rl..
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date MIn.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. I0,'39.20
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5,'39.I7
Ring Madness 9370 June 30,'39. 19. . . .
Wrong Room, The (9-30-39)
03.701 Sept. 22,'39tl9
HEADLINERS
No. 3 — Swing Vacation
93.603 Feb. 24,'39. 17. . . .
No. 4— Sales Slips 93,604. .June 2,'39.I7
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age (10-14-39)
03,401 Oct. 6,'39tl8....
Baby Daze 93,405 May I9,'39.I5
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24/39.18
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39.I6
Kennedy the Great 03,402. . Dec. I,'39t.2rl».
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27,'39.I8
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb. I7,'39. 19. . . .
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. I7,'39. U . . . .
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. I4,'39.19
No. 10— Dixie-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May I2,'39. 19. . . .
No. II — War. Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93,111 June 9,'39.I9
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93,112 July 7,'39.22
No. 13— Metropolis— 1939
(8-5-39) 93,113 Aug. 4,'39.I8
1939- 40
No. I — Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9
No. 2— Battle Fleets of
England (10-7-39) 18....
NOVELTY
Information Please, No. I
(10-14-39) 10
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May 1 2,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Lillian Roth
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
George Jessel
Readin' RItin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. I7,'39. 10. . . .
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94,208.. Mar. 17, '39. 10
Luba Malina
Tropical Topics 94,205 Jan. 20, '39. 10...
Rosita Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Blamed for a Blonde
(10-14-39) 03,201 Oct. 20,'39t. 16. . . .
Coat Tails 03,202 Nov. I7,'39t.2 ris.
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28,'39.I8
Plumb Crazy 93.202 Feb. 3, '39. 16
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 21. '39. 16
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 rls.
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Cupid Rides the Range
(10-14-39) 03.501 Sept. 8,'39tl8
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93.503 Apr. 7,'39.I7
Sagebrush Serenade 93.504. June 6,'39.I9
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar. 10,'39.I0
Gold 94.606 Feb. I0,'39. . I rl. .
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612 July I2,'39. .9. . . .
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39) 04.601 SepL 15,'39f .8. . . .
Pack Trip (9-16-39) 94,613. Aug. 18/39. .9. .. .
Soldiers of Sea 94,608 Apr. 7,'39..9
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5.'39..9....
Swinguet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39..8...
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39 ) 94,611 June 23,'39. .9. . . .
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612 July 2I,'39. .9. . . .
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Bif Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 21 ,'39.. 9...
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 June I6,'39. .9. . . .
Gun Play (10-14-39)
04.301 Sept. l/39t.lrl.
Hunting Hounds, 04,302 ...Sept. 29,'39t.l rl..
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July 14,'39..9
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May I9,'39. .9'/2 . .
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24,'39..1 rl.
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24,'39..9
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9-16-39)
93,801 July 23, '39. 20
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116.,.
Beach Picnic (5-27-39) Sept. I,'39..8
94,114 June 9,'39..8....
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94,113 May I9,'39. .8. . . ,
Donald's Lucky Day
(10-1-38) 94,107 Jan. 13,'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. 1 1,'39. .8. . . .
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110 Mar. 17,'39. .8. . . .
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110 Mar. I7,'39. .7. . . ,
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22,'39t.8. . . ,
Practical Pig, The
(10-1-38) 94.109 Feb. 24, '39
Sea Scout 94.115 June 30,'39..8...
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38 ) 94,108 Feb. 3,'39..8...
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94,111 Apr. 7,'39..8...
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Aug. I8,'39tll...
Filming the Fleet (9-23-39)
0202 Oct. 27,'39tll...,
Sand Hogs 9205 May 12/39.10...
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 31, '39. 10...
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7,'39..l rl.
Fashion Forecast, No. 5
0601 Bept. I5,'39tl0...,
Fashion Forecast, No. 6
0602 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl.
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Aghileen Pinnacles 0103... Nov. I0,'39tll...
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll...
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest
People (9-30-39) 0401. ..Sept. 29,'39tl0...
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39.ll...
Silly Season, The 0402 1 rl.
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20, '39. II...
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
0102 Oct. I3,'39tll...
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26, '39. II...
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3, '39. 1 1...
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Mystic Slam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. 17,'39.I0
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9/39.11
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. 17,'39.10...
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30,'39. .7. . , ,
Barnyard Baseball 9517 July I4,'39. .7. . ..
Barnyard Egg-cltement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5,'39..7
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,',39..7
First Robin, The 0555 Dee. 29,'39t. 1 rl. .
(color)
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39..7
Gandy Goose In a Bully
Romance 9515 June 16, '39. .7
Gandy Goose In G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. I0,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy the Goose in the
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Golden West, The (8-28-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7
Hitch-Hiker, The 0505. ...Dec. I,'39t.lrl..
Hook Line and Sinker 0S52.Sept. 8,'39t.7
Mouse and a Million 0504.. Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May I9,'39..7.. .
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39..7...
(color)
One Gun Gary in Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Orphan Duck, The
(10-14-39) 0553 Oct. 6,'39t.7
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. 13, '39. .7
(color)
Prize Guest. The, 9514 June 2,'39..7
Sheep in the Meadow
(10-14-39) 0502 Sept. 22/39t.7
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21, '39. .7....
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39) 0551 Aug. Il/39t.7...
Watchdog. The 0503 Oct. 20,'39t . I rt . .
Wicky-Wacky Romance
0554 Nov. 17,'39t.l rl..
(color)
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301 . ..Sept. I,'39tl0
Clocking the Jockies
(10-7-39) 0302 Nov. 24,'39tll
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.ll...
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.ll...
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title Rel. Date Mia.
Arabian Bazaar ( 12-31 -38) . Sept. 1/.39.I0...
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 21/39.10
Fox Hunting ( I -21 -39) . . . . Jan. 3/39.10....
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May 1/39. 10....
Labanon Coast Dec. 1/39.10....
Petra (1-14-39) Aug. 1/39.10....
Rome Symphony (12-31-38). Feb. I5,'39. 10. . . .
River Thames (4-15-39) ... Nov. I, '39. 10
Ruins of Palmyra Get. I, '39. 10....
Wanderers of the Desert. .. July 1,'39.10....
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Mln-
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dec. 26,'38..»
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357.... Jan. 30,"39. .9. . . .
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358.... Feb. 20,'39. .9'/j. .
No. 61 — (4-15-39) 3359.... Mar. I3,'39. .9. . . .
No. 62— (5 20-39) 3360. ...Apr. 10/39.. 9....
(Reviewed under title, "America Take* t»
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May 15/39. .9'/j. .
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of tfce
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362 June 26,'39. .9'/j..
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363.. ..July I7,'39. .9. . . .
No. 66— (9-30-39) 4351 .... Sept. 25,'39t.9. . . .
No. 67— (10-14-39) 4352. ..Oct. l6,'39+.9. . . .
No. 68— (10-14-39) 4353. ..Nov. I3,'39t .9. . . .
LANTZ CARTUNES
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 3I.'39. .7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. 19,'38..l rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7...
Birth of a Toothpick 3250. .Feb. 27/39. .7!4.-
October 2 1, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
81
(THE I^ELEASE CHAI3T--C€NT'D|
Title Rel. Date Mia.
Bola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'S9..7
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24/39. 7
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. I0,'39. .6'/j. .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23.'39..7
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26,'38..7...
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. I3,'39. .7. . . .
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3,'39. .7'/s . .
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39) 3255 May 8/39.. 7....
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27/39.-7
Silly Superstition (9-23-39)
3262 AUB. 28/39.. 7
Slap Happy Valley 3261... Aug. 21/39.. 7....
Snuffy Skunk's Party
(9-23-39) 3260 Aug. 7/39.. 7
Soup to Mutts (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9/39. .7
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3.'39..7....
LANTZ COLORED CARTOONS
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7,15-39) Sept. 4/39t.7....
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(9-23-39) Oct. 9/39t.8'/j..
Sleeping Princess, The 4263 Nov. 20,'39t
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. 15/39.19....
Gus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. 12/39.17....
Ray Smeck &. Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July 12/39. 1 7'A..
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. 14/38.18
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. 11/39.19
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May 17/39.18... .
Three Playboys
Stars and Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15/39. .2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June 14/39.18
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. 15/39.19
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9/39.17
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6/39t20....
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2/39.. g'/j..
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6/39.. 9
No. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6/39.. 9
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39..9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May 1/39.. 9
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5/39.. 9
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3/39.10
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7,'39. .91/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty 4371 Sept. l8/39t .8'/2. .
No. 67— Novelty (10-14-39)
4372 Oct. 9,'39t.9
No. 68— Novelty 4373 Nov. 6,'39t.9....
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6/39tl7
Pinky Tomlin-Joy Hodges
Old Spanish Custom, An
4223 Nov. I5,'39t.2 rls.
Swing Hotel (10-14-39)
Win! Shaw
4222 Oct. 18/39tl8
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Sophomore Swing (2-4-39)
4021 Jan. 21/39.20
Harvest Moon Dancers
Sundae Serenade 4020 Feb. 25,'39..2 rli.
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4/39.. 2 rls.
Arthur and Case
Ice Frolic (10-14-39) 20,...
Eleanor Gardner
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. 18/39.. 2 rls
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25/39.. 2 rls.
Johnny Perkins
Rollln' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. 15/39. .2rls.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29/39.. 2 rls.
Duke McHale
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3,'39. .2 rls.
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3,'39.20
Red Skelton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July 1/39.20
Fritz Feld (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June 17/39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22. '39. .2 rls.
Tess Gardella
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26/39.20....
Red Skelton
Slapsle Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303 Sept. IO/39tl7....
Maxie Rosenbloom
Remember When (9-16-39)
5101 20....
Eaton Boys
COLOR PARADE
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25/39.11
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(5-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22/39.10....
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20,'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 5
4612 June I7,'39. .1 rl. .
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July 15.'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5.'39..l rl. .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30,'39tlO
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4,'39..l rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308.... Apr. I, '39.12....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 May 6,'39.I2
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3,'39.12
Lives in Peril 4311 July l,'39..l rl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.ll....
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..l rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Lincoln In the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. 1 1,'39.20. . . .
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20,'39. p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-25-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights (9-16-39)
4007 Aug. I9,'39t.20, .
Monroe Doctrine 5001 Oct. 14,'39t.2 rls.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 65 — Porky's Tire
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809.. Mar. II, '39.. 7
No. 67 — Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39. .1 rl. .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 481 1... Apr. I, '39.. 7
No. 69 — Kristopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May 13,'39. . I rl . .
No. 70— Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3,'39..7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24,'39..l rl..
No. 72— Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39. . 1 rl. .
No. 73 — Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7....
No. 74 — Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2,'39t.l rl..
No. 75 — Jeepers Creepers
(9-30-39) 5602 Sept. 23,'39t.7. . . .
No. 76— Naughty Neighbors
5063 Oct. 7/39t.7rl..
MELODY MASTERS
Clyde Lucas and Orch.
(1-21-39) 4707 Jan. 7,'39.I0....
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Blue Barron and Orch.
4708 Jan. 21, '39.. I rl. .
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4.'39..l rl. .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25,'39.I0
Dave Apollon and Orch.
471 1 Apr. 22, '39. . I rl. .
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.I0
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29,'39. 10. . . .
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20.'39. .1 rl. .
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.I0
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. ..July l,'39..l rl..
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39tl0. . . .
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. I2,'39..l rl..
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
5501 S'jpt. 2,'39tl0
Vincent Lopez and His Or-
chestra 5502 Sept. 30,'39t.l rl..
MERRIE MELODIES
(In Color)
No. 74 — Ham-ateur Night
4510 Jan. 28, '39. .7
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. Il,'39..7
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25,'39..l rl..
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. II, '39.. I rl...
No. 78 — Presto Change
4514 Mar. 25,'39..l rl..
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8/39. . I rl..
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39..7
No. 81— Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39..l rl.
No. 82— Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39..l rl..
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39..l rl . .
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June 17,'39. .7. . . ,
No. 85 — Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I,'39.I0....
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July I5,'39..lrl.
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29,'39. . I rl.
No. 88 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. I2,'39..7...
No. 89 — Detourlng AmeriM
(9-9-39) 4525 Aug. 26,'39..7...
No. 90— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2, '39.. I rl.
No. 91— Sioux Me 5301... Sept. 9,'39t.lrl.
No. 92— Land of The Mid-
night Sun (10-14-39) Sept. 23,'39t. 1 rl.
No. 93— Little Lion Hunter
5302 Oct. 7,'39t.I rl.
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. 18,'39..l rl.
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9,'39..l rl.
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-18-39) 9...
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. I8,'39..lrl.
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..lrl.
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. I5,'39..1 rl.
Dean of the Pasteboards
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39.I0...
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July I, '39.. 9...
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..l rl.
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. I9,'39.I0...
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9,'39t.9...
Grouch Club
History Repeats Itself
(10-14-39) 10...
Sword Fishing (10-14-39)
5702 Oct. 21,'39tl0...
OTHER PRODUCT
Title Rel. Date Mln.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...
Title Rel. Date Ml*.
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I,'39.22....
Warning. The (4-1-39) .... Aug. I, "39. 32....
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II
AMERICAN TRADING
La Travlata
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) 25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35....
Reporter Investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10....
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10....
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10....
Violin, The (9-23-39) 10....
G. P. 0.
"Do It Now" (9-30-39) II....
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syne
(4-22-39) , 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8...
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4.000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2rl»
WORLD
Ave Marie
City, The (5-20-39) 44....
Jeune Fille Au Jardin
Song of Ceylon
YORKE
Ninth State, The
(10-7-39)
.22.
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Speelfled
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 mln.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21/39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Nov. 24/39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) 871 June 10,'39.I8
Charles Quigley-Herman Brix (each)
(1st episode 30 mln.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) 872 Sept. 2,'39 ...
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (1st episode 29 mln.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again
870 Feb. 25,'39..2rl«
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (1st episode 30 mln.)
(Exploitation: Nov. 1 1, '39, p. 55.)
Zorro's Fighting Legion
873
Reed Hadley
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date Mln.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. II, "39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. 17,'39t2l . . ..
Bela LugotI- Dorothy Arnold (each)
82
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October-21, 1939
CLASSIFIED
ADVCCTISING
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD. Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center. New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
TliEATI^ES
THEATRE WANTED, PACIFIC COAST PRE-
ferably non-competitive town. P. O. BOX 2183, Holly-
wood, Calif.
FOR SALE OR LEASE ATTRACTIVE MODERN
550 seat theatre, only one in live town of 5,000 near
New York City. Completely equipped. Bargain for
right person. No brokers. CLARENCE LOEWE, 1518
Paramount Bldg., New York City.
WILL PAY CASH FOR THEATRE IN CAL-
ifornia, Oregon, Idaho, Montana. BOX 1206, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
LOCATED IN HEART OF NEGRO SECTION.
350 seat colored theatre for sale, $4500.00. Fully
equipped and ready to operate. Lease $75.00 per month.
Write Real Estate Agent, Murphey, Taylor & Ellis,
Inc., Macon, Ga.
NEW GENERAL
EQLIIPyHENT
BEAUTIFUL REPRODUCTION WITH THESE
low-priced sound systems! Thousands of satisfactory
installations the world over. Complete from $239.50.
Send for bulletin. S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY
CORP., New York.
BUY YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS NOW— ON
easy time payments! Our regular low catalog prices pre-
vail. Send for free explanatory booklet. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
BEAUTIFUL BROWN LEATHERETTE EXCEL-
lent quality linen back. 54c yd. Moleskin, any shade,
77c yd. All 50" width. Free samples. S.O.S. CINEMA
SUPPLY CORP., New York.
COMPLETE STAGE SETTING $50.00. OUR
drapery department teils you how! Amazingly beau-
tiful results. Send for sample materials and diagram.
S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
LISEO GENERAL
ECLIIPAiENT
SOME THEATRE CAN USE YOUR OLD EQUIP-
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world what you have to sell. Try it today. MOTION
PICTURE HERALD, Rockefeller Center, New York.
$2.25 FOR FULLY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS
with spring seats, recovered with new leatherette;
also veneers and parts in stock. ALLIED SEATING
COMPANY, INC., 36-38 W. 13th St., New York.
TWO COMPLETELY REBUILT POWERS MA-
chines; also low-intensity lamps at a real bargain.
BOX 1202, MOTION PICTURE HERALD, 624 S.
Michigan Ave., Chicago, III.
35MM PORTABLE TALKIE PROJECTOR,
DeVry type. (2,000 foot) $125. Theatre talkie outfit,
$250. Sacrifice other property deceased showman.
List. WOODWARD, JR., Morrisville, Pa.
F'OR SALE— FORD SEDAN DELIVERY SOUND
truck complete, also portable dual DeVry 35mm sound
outfit factory rebuilt with two thousand foot magazines.
J. M. LAKEMAN, Haleyville, Alabama.
2 PORTABLE SYNCROFILM SOUND PROJEC-
tors with 16" magazines, used a few times, $400.00.
PETE SABO, 912 W. Burnside, Portland, Ore.
FOR SALE— 2 PROJECTORS AND WESTERN
Electric equipment. All in Al condition. See H. W.
F'ONTAINE, Plainfield, Conn.
PCSITICN WANTED
PROJECTIONIST — 11 YEARS EXPERIENCE,
licensed, dependable, Al references. BOX 1201,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
PROJECTIONIST NINE YEARS EXPERIENCE
complete tools for maintenance. References. BOX 1199,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
MANAGER, THOROUGHLY EXPERIENCED
wishes connection. M. M. LEDFORD, 2117 F'ifth Ave.,
McKeesport, Pa.
PROJECTIONIST, 9 YEARS EXPERIENCE,
care of equipment and electrical experience, go any-
where. R. T. JAMES, Altamont, 111.
EGGrs
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— 547
pages; illustrated; covers every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
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rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference Ixxjk, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well as'
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP.
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just off the press! A second revision of the Sixth
Edition of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection with a
complete section of Sound Trouble-Shooting Charts as
well as a host of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
Cecri^EEPING
SrSTEM
THEATRE MANAGEMENT RECORD AND TAX
Register. This new accounting system is the finest
book of its kind ever made available to an exhibitor.
In addition to being complete in every respect, it is
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had bookkeeping experience in order to keep an ac-
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business of your theatre. The introductory price is
only $2.00 postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rocke-
feller Center, New York.
HELP WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS, EVERY STATE,
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
PEESS OF
C. J. O'BRIEN, INC.
NEW YORK
GREATEST
OF ALL
IN the fifty years since Eastman supplied
the film for the world's first movies, there
have been many great Kodak emulsions
designed especially for the motion picture
industry. . . . Greatest of all are Eastman
Plus-X, Super-XX, and Background-X . . .
today's ruling favorites in the studio and
on location. Eastman Kodak Company,
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tributors, Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAX
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tor general studio use tor all MttieuU shots
BACKGROIJXD-X
tor hnehifrotintis and general exterior a-orh
A GREAT BOOK
BECOMES A GREAT PICTURE!
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See ih
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LLOYD C. DOUGLAS
Author of "Disputed Possoge"
DEAR PARAMOUNT. . .Thank you so much for preserving the
full flavor of "Disputed Passage" in this beautiful picture!
Those who liked the characters in the book will be glad to see
them come to life here.
SEE PAGES 15 TO 18
MR. WILL HAYS,
28 W. 44TH ST.
NEW YORK.
^ON PICTURE
IHERALD
State of Texas goes Thurman Arnold and
launches investigation of film industry as
"big business" » )b » MPTO A reelects officers,
names Frank C. Walker general counsel»»»
Indiana owners demand elimination of film
stars from broadcasts »»» New York Allied
called to map campaign following split»»»
Newsreels give third of footage to war » » »
Grierson heads Canadian war films board»»»
Majors tell U. S. committee Hollywood needs
help in Latin American markets»»»Television
will not compete with film theatres, says NBC
» » » Nine producers buy 29 stories in month.
WASHINGTON GOES
AFTER "MR. SMITH'
VOL 137, NO. 4
OCTOBER 28, 1939
Entered as SLifiid-class matlcr. January \2, 1931, ,/( m. 1',>m Uiinc. ur .\ iic i .ji t, A. i'.,
under the art of March i, 1879. Published tveekly by Quiffley Publtshinci Co., Inc., at
1270 Sixth Atvnue, Rockefeller Center, New York. 'Stih<i-yihtion prices: $5.00 a year in the
Americas, $10.00 a year Foreiyn. Single copy, 25 .'// contents copyright 1939 by
Quii/lcy Publishing Company.
rHE Mm.ICH!
No company— ever— at any time has had so many
hits and the Parade will continue throughout
As ever it is M-G-M, the solid rock
upon which your true security rests, that electrifies
the industry with optimism when courage and
fortitude are most needed. Here are pictures to
play and to promote for long, successful engage-
ments* Hooray for Leo! Friendly company indeed!
MARK HELLINGER
was the on-the-spot reporter of the
shock-crammed days it took the
G-Men 10 years to h'ck . . . now HE
WROTE IT FOR SQUARE-SHOOTING
I WARNER BROS.
IT'S EVERY
INCH AS BIG AS
ANGELS AND
EACH DAWN!
^^"^ JAMES
PRISCILLA
with
HUMPHREY BOGART
GLADYS GEORGE
JEFFREY LYNN
FRANK McHUGH • PAUL KELLY
Directed by RAOUL WALSH
Screen Play by Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay and Robert Rossen
A Warner Bros.— First National Picture
Previewers say
'ELIZABETH AND ESSEX'
IS THE BIGGEST EVER
FOR DAVIS and FLYNN
(and Technicolor)! Next!
Next Fridai] Nigh :
November 3 . . .
76 r^^l^^^^^^
DRUMS
ALONG THE
MOHAWK
oo
• Culminating the unprecedented nationwide 3-week
campaign on ace CBS programs, Kate Smith's 1-hour show will
feature a 25-minute dramatization of "Drums Along the Mohawk"!
The show will be broadcast twice - 8-9 p. m., Eastern Time;
9-10 p. m., Pacific Time -over the entire CBS network.
Kate Smith's top rating insures a record audience.
TUNE IN!... CASH IN!
20>h CENTURY-FOX MAKES THEM BIGGER
... PUTS THEM OVEB -BlflG^VLl
^^^^
THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
MARTIN QUIGLEY, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
Vol. 137, No. 4
OP
October 28, 1939
ON REVIEWING
SPECIAL significance attaches to the announcement of
the Chicago Daily News, staid, old and a leader in mid-
continent journalism, that its reviews of motion pictures
are hereafter to be reportoria! rather than critical.
Our Chicago correspondence indicates also that Mr. Lloyd
Lewis, drama editor, has issued orders that there are to be
reviews only of pictures of merit.
Just incidentally it Is to be remembered that Mr. Lewis has
had abundant motion picture theatre experience, including
service with the Balaban & Katz houses in Chicago. There he
dealt out the space buy among the Chicago papers and other
media. Also he had many the errand of diplomacy, hie had
just recently made a change of picture critics in his depart-
ment.
This impinges on an oft repeated point raised in the office
of Motion Picture Herald.
Motion Picture Herald endeavours, within the limits of
journalistic performance, to make its reviews of motion picture
product reports to the showman of what is offered, not in terms
of opinion but in inventory, so that the exhibitor may make
his own decisions.
There remains, however, an appreciable margin of showmen
who say that they want a "review to say in the first two lines
the equivalent of "wow" or "lousy".
It Is the Herald's opinion that no one knows that much
about pictures. If authority were so precise and absolute, or
even remotely approximately in the region of half accurate, a
lot of pictures would never be made, never released and some
of the best paid executives of production would be worth more
than they get. All that can be said in that sector is that one
way to identify the biggest executives is to see who makes the
biggest mistakes.
A CONVENIENT example comes to mind at the moment.
The other day Twentieth Century- Fox delivered "The
Rains Came". Many critics. Including notably Mr. Frank
Nugent of the Times, took exception to cast, story and every-
thing In sight. Several of this editor's confidants declared the
picture tremendously less than good. Then It went out and
did amazingly good business. That, for the purpose of the
readers, the showmen, is what a picture Is supposed to be,
makes It a good picture.
(Happily, Mr. William R. V/eaver, our Hollywood editor,
thought very well of the box-office possibilities, and said so.)
If the average review of "The Rains Came" had been
accepted, the showmen would have been wrong.
Just casually the other day, too, we chanced on the fact
that Paramount had an argument with its partner, Mr. M. A.
Lightman of Memphis, about "V/hat a Life", Jackie Cooper
and Betty Field. Mr. Lightman didn't think so much of it^and
Its prospects. Paramount, as the saying goes, "sold away" to
Mr. Howard Waugh for V^arner's Strand. Mr. Waugh liked it
and the report Is It gave Maico strong competition against
"Honeymoon In Bali", a more highly rated picture.
No Indictment of the judgment of any of the showmen con-
cerned Is involved. There is, however, evidence that every one
had best be his own expert.
The Herald will continue to endeavour to tell the exhibitor
who and what's In the picture, and after that he can form
his own opinion of whether or not it has promises for his
special attention.
AAA
CENSORIOUS
THERE'S plenty of discussion elsewhere In this Issue about
the hullabaloo over the alleged excitement of official
Washington over "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", but
most surprisingly of all comes this week from the usually urbane,
suave, restrained Mr. Pete Harrison a piece In his "Harrison's
Reports" entitled "Frank Capra's Lack of Good Taste".
Mr. Harrison says he resents "Mr. Capra's casting a reflec-
tion on the integrity of the United States Senate". That's very
nice and patriotic, but all Senators are not the Senate, and
since when should Senators be protected by a censorship of
the sacrosanct, when Kings and Presidents, even, can be
criticized?
Also Mr. Harrison thinks that Congress "must make it pos-
sible for them (exhibitors) to reject such a picture". How would
Peter woof if Columbia Pictures Corporaflon took the picture
away from some exhibitor who has bought it?
AAA
JACK RABBITS
A CERTAIN caution about the Incidental display of trade-
marked goods among the properties of the motion pic-
ture is Indicated again just now. "Advertising Age,"
journal of the trade, records that one Mr. C. Nelson Schrader
has undertaken "a reporting service to inform advertisers of
the extent to which products are mentioned on the screen and
to evaluate the type of Impression left In the minds of theatre
goers by these mentions."
Inescapably the screen will be hearing from this, in various
directions, before long. It may be anticipated that the re-
actions will be no large help to the amusement Industry.
It Is reported that In 140 feature dramas Mr. Schrader found
"alcoholic beverages were referred to In one way or another
in 137." He found I 13 mentions favourable, 24 unfavourable.
There is a considerable and militant contingent which will be
deciding against that 113.
Mr. Schrader found some pretty good liquor woven into
the drama and reports that the scene of Charles Boyer and
Irene Dunne ordering pink champagne at a ship's bar has
trebled the demand for colored champagne since.
It Is not likely that any moderately sane producer will be
permitting the Invasion of his million dollar wares by the petty
possibilities of revenues or gifts from blandishing merchandisers,
but the subject is an acutely tender one. There are memories
of other days. This writer can recall a weekly chore of cutting
close-ups of Apperson Jackrabbit roadsters out of each install-
ment of a famous Western serial, circa 1917.
Also It would be absurd to Invade the verisimilitude of pic-
ture representations by requiring the elimination of all Inci-
dental appearances of brands and signs. A' shot of Broadway
without Its blaze of neon bulletins would be a painful fiction.
If the hero, or the villain, wants a double Scotch, both Haig
& Haig, or a spot of Jamleson, let him say so. The sole ques-
tion Is: Does it belong In the story?
— Terry Ramsaye
8
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 193^
This Week
in the News
Official Hell-raising
JUST AFTER LUNCH Monday, New
York home offices and some southwestern
theatre executives returned to Times Square
offices to find the telephone a-j ingle with
calls from Dallas offices to find out what to
do about Texas officers standing-by and de-
manding possession of the books.
The very sovereign state of Texas, which
has quite as complete a trust-busting and
business regulation program as Thurman
Arnold of the United States of America, has
got around to the motion pictures on its
program of investigation. (See page 14.)
MEANWHILE, like a high hot wind oft
the desert, Lyle Boren, Democratic con-
gressman from Oklahoma, in Washington
had at the motion picture industry with
great violence in an "extension of remarks
in the Congressional Record," last week.
Commonly those "extensions" are matters
not really delivered on the floor but written
into the record for subsequent distribution
to constituencies. That is sometimes known
as propaganda.
Mr. Boren delivered himself of headline
stuff, saying : "I invite your thoughtful
analysis to careful comparison of the
methods of the Al Capones, the Pretty Boy
Floyds, the Dutch Schultzes, and so forth, to
those of the movie moguls. . . ."
The Congressman urged that present in-
ternational problems were not to cause in-
ternal issues to be ignored and he observed
that "a few of us have prepared, with your
aid, to make a comprehensive measure of the
Neely bill. We plan to put more guts and
teeth into it."
Also Mr. Boren thinks the controlling ex-
ecutives of the industry pay themselves too
well : "twenty- four times as much ... as
other leading industries pay their execu-
tives."
MORE TROUBLE and adverse excite-
ment began in Washington within the week
with attacks on "Mr. Smith Goes to Wash-
ington," a highly praised Columbia-Capra
drama which had been previewed for official
Washington at Constitution Hall the week
before. The Senators and official Washing-
ton, which applauded the picture, did not
know they liad been hurt until a trouble-
promoting press fomented objection. Curi-
ously the leadership in that came from the
news columns and editorial page of the Chi-
cago Tribune — which, if you'll be remember-
ing, a number of years back did a consider-
able job of its own on certain aspects of
the Senate and one Senator William Lori-
mer, "blond boss," ultimately unseated as
part of an amazingly ramified series of melo-
dramas in real life, and a hotter story than
Mr. Capra recorded. That one was a Chi-
cago Tribune extra-special crusade-cam-
paign. (See page 13.)
Hollywood Whittles
HOLLYWOOD this week continued its
exceedingly tedious and painful process of
whittling readjustment to a shrinking amuse-
ment world, but only thin shavings fluttered
into the news. The big slices, if any, would
affect the sitters-on-the-lid, still secrets for a
while.
Sample item, at the Paramount Studios
there's a "no personal calls" tag on every
telephone, and orders like that have been
issued at other studios and even so far East
as the United Artists' office in New York.
Twentieth Century's Westwood Studios can-
celled many $3 a month extension lines.
Hollywood's funsters were passing the
remark that the phone restrictions would
probably be tough on the bookies when
Santa Anita opens.
But the East needn't indulge in cracks
about that. It was to be observed that a
meeting of the Motion Picture Producers
and Distributors of America, Inc., in New
York was coincidentally postponed the day
of a W'Orld's series ball game. And not
one in the lot of them had a grandmother
to sacrifice.
Speaking of telephone calls — it is not
the personal calls forbidden to clerks that
matter — it's those hour long talks between
Hollywood and New York, and way-stations
including key cities, that count up. In one
big year, 1937, the motion picture business —
talking to itself— spent $970,000 on "long dis-
tance," including, that year, a lot of trans-
Atlantic conversation. There's less of that
now — but this is still positively "the talking
picture business." Probably only the horse
race and bookmaking "industry" can com-
pare in volume.
THE WARTIME WHITTLING move-
ment continues manifestations on assorted
payrolls, including, especially including the
Hollywood "Hays Office." Inferentially an-
nounced was the coming departure of Kyle
Palmer, printed locally in Hollywood as an
item about his returning to his old paper
the Los Angeles Times, as political editor.
To some familiar with the fact that Mr.
Palmer was appointed, among other good
reasons, because of his closely friendly re-
lations with Governor Culbert Olson, and
01 the special miscellany of services ex-
traordinary rendered in decidedly extra-
mural matters, there was surprise in the
current eventuation.
Mr. Palmer's severance appears to have
been delayed until the official completion
of one of those extra-mural jobs.
From the same office, it was reported
that on the same date, November 1, Gabe
York, Hollywood administrator of the ad-
vertising code, is also to depart from the
organization, with his labours being taken
over by Tom Petty.
THE ADVERTISING CODE reference
brings to mind the increasing tendency to
the horizontal in the feminine components
of current advertising art. The early per-
pendicularity of the advertising reform
period has been lost to a slant like the lean-
ing tower of Pisa for months, and now
with "The Housekeeper's Daughter" the
movement is a full ninety degrees. It is,
on the level, a matter of angle, achieving
the level. The trend is toward those un-
trammeled days when the trade journal ad-
vertising outstripped the Police Gazette.
EVIDENCE and symbol of the low tide
of employment in Hollywood was afforded
with the publication in the local dailies of
an advertisement :
ATTENTION old timers, bit players,
char, actors of screen, stage, radio,
opera — all ages: Wealthy visitors will
pay to meet, talk to, and entertain
you. Register with us Friday, 3-5, 7-9.
Bri7tg 8x10 prof, photo. FOUR STAR
AGENCY.
The argument is that since tourists can-
not get into the studios they will buy con-
tact. That opinion squares with the fact
that a New York sucker will spend ten
dollars and half a day trying to get a pair
of three dollar theatre seats.
ANOTHER DIVERGENT commercial ex-
ploitation came to attention with the pub-
lication in the New York Times Magazine
section Sunday last of an advertisement that
Norman Krasna, long and still profitably
employed script writer, now at work on a
Deanna Durbin vehicle, was operating with
Warren E. Schutt, one time Columbia pro-
fessor, a "home study school ... for the
express purpose of discovering and develop-
ing amateur writing talent. . . ."
EVEN HOLLYWOOD enjoyed surprise
with the announcement that Louella O. Par-
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
9
sons planned next month for a personal ap-
pearance tour, with a notion of being- ac-
companied bv a troupe of picture personali-
ties. She said that bookings were being-
made for picture theatres all over the coun-
try-
November 3, Louella is to introduce Kate
Smith on Miss Smith's regular program, the
scene of which has been shifted to Holly-
wood. Part of the program is to be given
over to dramatization of "Drums along the
Mohawk," 20th Century-Fox production,
with Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert.
The Smith troupe gets transportation to
Hollywood and studio access for interviews.
It is understood that the studio will pay
stars the equivalent of the American Fed-
eration of Radio Artists scale, which is con-
siderably less than the once standard five
thousand dollar per appearance per "name."
A similar treatment for Paramount's
"The Light that Failed" is in negotiation
for a month later.
Conclusion jumpers have assumed that
these stars-on-the-air developments were
Miss Parsons' project, but it appears on a
second look that Bill Bacher, the radio pro-
ducer who started M-G-M's "Good News"
program two years ago, and then withdrew,
has been exploring the documents and finds
in players' contracts an exploitation clause
which allows one air appearance to boost
each film appearance. This is supposed to
answer objections of the Guild and the al-
leged "studio objections" to film stars com-
peting with themselves by radio.
"Mohawk" and "The Light that Failed"
are both Bacher projects, ingeniously ar-
ranged. They are said to be the first of a
projected series of twelve "Movie Nights."
They tend to show that where there's a Bill
there's a way.
As William R. Weaver, Hollywood editor,
remarked in an aside, "just about every-
thing in the radio-film situation seems to
have been taken care of, except the ex-
hibitors."
This incidental return to the air brought
a minor flurry among players who mis-
takenly assumed that Louella would head a
new regular program, and who remem-
bered that Campbell's soup show on which
they appeared without fee. The Kate Smith-
Parsons appearance is, says Louella, "a one-
shot" idea.
When it was suggested to Miss Parsons
that it was more than remarkable for a
picture columnist to embark on a personal
appearance tour, she replied: "It is not.
Ed Sullivan does it. Winchell does it.
Why can't I?"
The fact that Sullivan and Winchell alike
were vaudeville performers of stage experi-
ence and circulation before they became
"writers" was not brought into the discus-
sion.
AND SPEAKING OF Louella, who has
laid down the law that she may not be
scooped, Hollywood got a merry titillation
last Sunday morning when blonde, agile,
slim and vociferous Hedda Hopper, actress
columnist, flowered in a page one story in
the Los Angeles Times with an interview
in which she indicated that James Roose-
velt, the Goldwyn vice president, declined to
affirm or deny a divorce rumor.
That was and is not to be forgiven bv
Louella. Monday, her Los Angeles Ex-
aminer caught up by printing a substantially
identical interview in its news columns, but
unsigned.
Miss Hopper operates with a staff of
seven rumor hawks, while Miss Parsons h-^s
eight. Hedda is now one up and there'll
be something waiting at the cross-roads.
Came Tuesday and Louella lashed out in
italic bold face, firing both barrels of her
fowling piece to say :
"Noiv that James Roosevelt, insur-
ance-selling son of F. D. R., and more
recently a part of our movie industry,
no longer denies the rift in his domestic
life, we see no reason ivhy we should
keep the promise we made to him to
say nothing. ..."
What Louella then said was so much that
it did not appear in the New York Journal-
American — or other discreet Eastern papers.
As has been remarked before, "Hell hath
no fury like Louella scooped."
Fan — Bubble — Bust
WITH FIGURES which showed that her
gross was good but her net was gone, Miss
Sally Rand filed a petition in voluntary
bankruptcy in San Francisco last week. She
wafted herself to fame with a fan, got rich
on a bubble and went bust with all her
clothes on running a show at the San Fran-
cisco Fair. She listed liabilities of $64,631
and assets of $8,067. And it may be ob-
served that Miss Sally has never been one
to conceal her assets.
Editorial
Page
7
This Week In Pictures
Page
10
The Hollywood Scene
Page
35
Managers' Round Table
Page
69
Release Chart
Page
77
Asides and Interludes
Page
37
Showmen's Reviews
Page
43
Serial Flurry
IF THURMAN ARNOLD, assistant at-
torney general and Washington's exponent
of American-free-for-all competition in in-
dustry, has had reports on recent maneuvers
in the serial situation he must have been
pleased indeed. Three companies produce
serials, on normal schedules of four chapter
plays a year each, giving a total output of
twelve. Since serials have arrived at a
standard of fifteen installments, it follows
that the maximum that a theatre can con-
sume is four. Recently one of the serial
makers got late on the schedule. Curbstone
rumors arose as leaves fly in the autumn
wind, and competing salesmen hurried out
to sell into a market allegedly menaced with
shortage. Serials were going to be few
and hard to get — maybe prices would be a
lot higher, too. Now, again, the schedule is
back to twelve.
Columbia Pictures Corporation this week
put into production and announced "The
Shadow," new serial.
France doesn H count
SECOND THOUGHT about the effect of
the war on the French market for Ameri-
can films has left American distributors con-
siderably more reconciled to their fate what-
ever it may be.
The fact is that war conditions in the Re-
public are not likely to have appreciable ef-
fect upon the operations of American com-
panies in that market for the simple reason
that for some time French operations, while
on a grand scale which involved a great
show of activity, have produced little or
nothing in the way of net profit.
Operations in France have been expen-
sive— in personnel, in government fees and
in the general cost of doing business. For
several of the companies profitable opera-
tion has seemed to be just around the cor-
ner, but it stayed just there. Hence, even
the total loss of the French, which is not
expected, would fall far short of being a
disaster for the American industry.
In the Courts Page 64
Deaths of the Week Page 64
In the Newsreels Page 36
Short Subjects on Broadway Page 62
What the Picture Did for Me Page 65
In the Cutting Room Page 60
Bluebook School Page 56
FOR READY REFERENCE TO THE BUSY READER
MOTION PICTURE HERALD, published every Thursday by Quigley Publishing Company, Rockefeller Center, New York City. Telephone Circle 7-3100. Cable address "Quigpubco,
New York." Martin Quigley, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher; Colvin Brown, Vice-President and General Manager; Watterson R. Rothacker, Vice-President; Terry Ramsaye, Editor;
Ernest A. Rovelstad, Managing Editor; James P. Cunningham, News Editor; Chicago Bureau, 624 South Michigan Avenue, C. B. O'Neill, manager; Hollyv/ood Bureau, Postal
Union Life Building, Boone Mancall, manager, William R. Weaver, editor; Toronto Bureau, Ste. 811, 21 Dunas Sq., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Alister Grosart, representative;
Montreal Bureau, Press Bureau, Windsor Street Station, Montreal, Canada. Colin R. Howorth, representative; London Bureau, 4, Golden Square, London W 1, Hope Williams,
manager; cable Quigpubco London; Paris Bureau, 21, Rue de Berri, Paris 8, France, Pierre Autre, representative, coble Autre-Lacifral-8 Paris; Rome Bureau, Via Coronclni 3,
Rome, Italy, Aldo Forte, representative; Melbourne Bureau, The Regent Theatre, 19! Collins St., Melbourne, Australia, Cliff Holt, representative; Sydney Bureau, 17, Archbold Rd.,
Roseville, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. Lin Endean, representative. Mexico City Bureau, Apartado 269, Mexico City, James Lockhart, representative; Budapest Bureau, Szamos-utco 7,
Budapest I, Hungary, Endre Hevesi, representative; Buenos Aires Bureau, Billinghurst 709, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Natalio Bruski, representative; Barcelona Bureau, Colle San
Servosio #2, San Gervosio, Barcelona, Spain. Valentin Montero, representative. Tokyo Bureau, 880 Sosozuka, Ichlkawa-shi Chiba-Ken, Japan, Hiromu Tominago, representative;
Rio de Janeiro Bureau, Caixo Postal 3358, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, L. S. Marinho, representative; India Bureau, Post Box 147 Bunder Rood, Karachi, India. G. A. Thakur, repre-
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Holland, Philip de Schaap, representative; Copenhagen Bureau, Rosengaarden 14, Copenhagen, Denmark, Kris Winther, representative. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations.
All contents copyright 1939 by Quigley Publishing Company. Address all correspondence to the New York Office. Other Quigley Publications: Better Theatres, Motion Picture Daily,
Teatro al DIa, International Motion Picture Almanac and Fame.
10
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
THIS WEEK
IN PICTURES
BEFORE AND AFTER addressing a convention of Women's Clubs in
Omaha at which he assailed the Neely Bill and its proponents and politi-
cal pressure groups in general, C. C. Pettijohn, of the legal staff of the
Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, spent hours with
Governor R. L. Cochran of Nebraska, above. At left in the picture Is
Bob Livingstone, manager of the Capitol in Omaha.
FRANK C. WALKER,
left, head of the Com-
erford circuit of Penn-
sylvania and New York,
has been elected gen-
eral counsel for the
Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of America.
Story on page 23.
By Blackstone
ELECTED at the Fall convention of the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers in New York, R. O. Strock, treasurer;
A. S. Dickinson, financial vice-president; D. E. Hyndman,
engineering vice-president, and J. Frank, Jr., secretary, pose
with E. A. Wllllford, center, president, who continues in office.
JOHN GRIERSON, left, is
the new Canadian Film Com-
missioner. At far left Is C. E.
Parmelee. See page 18.
ROBERT MOCHRIE,
formerly of United
Artists and Warners,
now southern district
manager for RKO.
Canadian Pacific
FOLLOWING the extensive trend toward fantasy, Darryl Zanuck produces,
for Twentieth Century-Fox, Shirley Temple In Maurice Maeterlinck's "The
Blue Bird", from which one of the first stills is shown below. Fantasy comes
high but Hollywood is pointing to "Blue Bird" as an example of efficient,
economical production — on a $1,500,000 budget.
By Cosmo-Slleo
COMING to the Music Hall in Radio City to look at
a "Mr. Smith" who did go to Washington, former
Governor Alfred E. Smith (and Mrs. Smith) here is
looking at Jack Cohn of Columbia Pictures, a proud
attendant at the premiere of the picture.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
COWBOY HOLIDAY. Gene
Autry, Republic's man on horse-
back, finds recreation in New York
at the Madison Square Garden
Rodeo. Although in costume and
admitted to the tanbark by reason
of his reputation, he did not take
part in the events.
TRIPTYCH. This week's feature from the department of utter confusion and pure coincidence
is Miss Geraldine Fitzgerald, who returned on the Manhattan from a vacation in Ireland and
was seized upon as publicity grist by three separate companies, count 'em: I. Miss Fitz-
gerald, left, is hailed as a Warner star whose next role will be in "Disraeli". With her is
Mrs. Orson Welles. 2. in the middle is Standard Pictures' star. Miss Fitzgerald, presently play-
ing in the independent company's version of George Eliot's "The Mill on the Floss". 3. At
right is Miss Fitzgerald, this time with Mrs. Welies, wife of Orson Welles, now preparing
his production of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" for RKO Radio.
BEEFSTEAK FOR THE PIONEERS
REPEATING the reminiscences which poured forth when the Picture
Pioneers were organized last Spring, more than 125 men who have
Deen active in the industry for 25 years or over gathered for their
Fall Conference in Colbert's Restaurant, New York, last week. A class
of 35 candidates for admission was sworn in at the conference by Judge
Ferdinand Pecora, only honorary member of the organization. Accord-
ing to Jack Cohn, House Manager, and moving spirit in the formation
of the group, many applications for charters have been received from
out-of-town groups and plans are under way to organize them. New
members and old are caught between reminiscences in the pictures
left and below. {By Staff Photographer)
Below, P. A. Powers, doubting,
and Francis Doublier, jovial.
Below. Max Weisfeldt pours,
anonymously, for Jake Wilk.
J. A. McConville and Herman Wobber, new members.
Edward S. Gaylor, Harvey Day, and W. A. Downs, new
members, posed against a sidewall in Colbert's.
12
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
THE VISITING EXHIBITORS
Right. M. C. Moore, operator
of the Riverside in Jacksonville,
Fla., visits the Motion Pictttre
Herald offices in Radio City.
Below. W. G. Conrad, oper-
ator of the Paramount, Denver,
meets Jane Bryan on the
Warner lot at Burbank, Cal.
By Staff Photographer
By Staff Photographer
IN THE R K O
LOUNGE. Left, S. C.
Sunness, of the Gravis
and Grand theatres in
Binghamton, N. Y.
Right. W. A. Graeper,
of the Egyptian the-
atre, Portland, Ore.,
and Mrs. Graeper.
NEW CORPORATION. L. W. Con-
row and G. L. Carrington of Altec
Corporation have formed Conrac,
Inc., to manufacture an electrical
mechanism for counting patrons en-
tering a theatre sponsored by Altec.
By Staff Photographer
AT A PREMIERE IN DETROIT
CIRCUIT and independent operators were guests of Para-
mount at the premiere of "Disputed Passage," at the
Mich igan Theatre in Detroit, a premiere for which the company
and civic officials staged a city wide celebration, including
a parade of new car models. A few of the guests are pic-
tured below and left. Lew Nathan-Paramount Photos
Below. Dorothy Lamour, star of the picture, visits the Para-
mount Detroit exchange, where she is shown with Wilfrod
Embach, James Velde and Ellwood Dwyer, bookers.
Charles Perry, with John Harris and James Balmer of the Harris
Amusement Company, Pittsburgh. Mr. Harris is chief barker and
Mr. Balmer treasurer of National Variety Clubs.
Below. Asher Shaw, United Detroit Theatres; Frank Wetsman
of Wisper and Wetsman Theatres, Detroit, and Dan Lewis,
booker for the Wisper and Wetsman circuit.
Earl Hudson of United Detroit Theatres, greets Miller Dunckel,
Mich igan state treasurer, and John Balaban of B & K in Chicago.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
13
PRESS TELLS SENATE "MR. SMITH"
INSULTS IT, SO SENATE IS INSULTED
Chicago Tribune News Letter
Upsets Applause of Preview
but Correspondents Doubt
"Ganging Up" for Neely Bill
by JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM '
Propagators of disturbance managed to
set the Washington pot a-boiling again this
week by a fomenting and poulticing project
which aimed to make the entire United
States Senate sore about "Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington."
The new Columbia-Capra picture about
a senator was being attacked as an indict-
ment of "the entire senate." All this after
the officially applauded preview given at
Constitution Hall in Washington the week
before.
No Criticism at Preview
It appears that the Senators and official
Washington could not tell that they had been
insulted by merely looking at the picture. They
had first to be told by a trouble-hunting daily
press, exemplified by the procedure of the Chi-
cago Tribune, which specializes on raising hell
with all and sundry in Washington — the same
Chicago Tribune which, between 1910 and 1914,
did quite a job of its own on the United States
Senate, and, in particular, on Senator William
Lorimer, the "blonde boss" from Illinois, who
was finally unseated as chairman of a power-
ful Senate committee after one of the most
relentless journalistic attacks ever directed at
Washington legislators.
Columbia Pictures' officials emerging from
the Constitutional Hall preview, along about
11 :25 on Tuesday night, October 17th, were,
naturally, on the professi-onal lookout for any
opinionated words that might be dropped by
any of the 45 Senators and 250 Congressmen
present. No adverse political criticisms were
heard, according to a Columbia official, report-
ing Wednesday at the New York home office.
Accused of Insult
However, four days later, on Saturday, Oc-
tober 21, the Washington office of the Chicago
Tribune Press Service sent out to the 20-odd
daily newspaper subscribers to its service, a
daily news letter in which Columbia, Capra
and "Mr. Smith" were accused, individually
and collectively, of "insulting" the Senate, the
Chicago Tribune reporting that as a result
resentment in Congress was high and that "sev-
eral Senators have organized to put through"
the anti-block and blind selling bill pending in
Congress, in retaliation for the "malignment,"
thus "wounding the movie moguls where it
hurts most — in the pocketbook."
The author of the article was identified by
the by-line appearing over the account in the
Washington Times-Herald as one Willard Ed-
wards, a political columnist on the staff of the
Washington Bureau of the Chicago Tribune
Press Service. His name does not appear on
any of the identical accounts in other sub-
scribing newspapers in hand, not even in the
parent Chicago Tribune in Chicago, where the
editors took the "insults" into the editorial
columns, saying :
". . . The Senators present were soon hot
under the collar. . . . The scenes on the Senate
floor were in high degree uncomplimentary to
the honesty, intelligence, and decency of the
SHERMAN PROPOSES
"WESTERN" AWARD
Harry Sherman, producer of the
"Hopalong Cassidy" pictures for Para-
mount release, proposed this week to
the Academy of Motion Pictti-re Arts
and Sciences that it give a special
award for western pictures.
Motion Picture Herald and Fame
are noiv conducting the fourth annual
poll of Money Making Western Stars.
Exhibitors placed Gene Autry, Repub-
lic, first in the poll for two years run-
ning. Buck Jones was the first winner.
legislative body whose members had been in-
vited to see the production.
"It was 'a movie publicity undertaking' that
'kicked back at its promoters.' "
Say Senators "Writhed"
The Chicago Tribune Press Service's politi-
cal-column observations by Mr. Edwards were
added: "If opinions among Senators in the last
few days are to be credited. Senate Bill No.
280, making compulsory block booking of films
illegal, will become a law early in the next
session." The column described Senators
"writhing in their seats" at the preview.
Two days following publication of the Chi-
cago Tribune's syndicated story, the New York
Times, in but a single edition, carried an As-
sociated Press dispatch from Washington, say-
ing that Senate Majority Leader Alben Wil-
liam Barkley told reporters on Monday
that a "motion picture dealing with the Sen-
ate was 'silly and stupid.' "
"In the picture," continued the AP account,
" 'Mr. Smith' barely escaped being ousted from
the Senate. Mr. Barkley said that the picture
'makes the Senate look like a bunch of crooks
and would give a false impression throughout
the country.' "
There were no formal Senatorial comments.
Only in the Columns
Columbia officials in New York Wednesday
pointed out that the only "political" attack in
the press came from the political columns.
It was stated at Columbia that the company
and its officials were "in the background" _ at
the preview and in its arrangement, explaining
the exhibition was conducted by the National
Press Club, the membership of which embraces
some 900 reporters and political and feature
writers of Washington and elsewhere.
Fred Perkins, of the Washington Bureau of
Scripps-Howard, and the National Press Club's
entertainment committee chairman, last July
wrote to Frank Capra, director of "Mr. Smith,"
in Hollywood, requesting a showing of the pro-
duction, in honor of James Preston, oldtime
Press Club member of the Senate press gallery,
who was acting at the time as technical ad-
visor for Mr. Capra during filming.
The request was sent to Columbia's home of-
fice, from where the Press Club was advised
that a special preview would be considered if
the Club appoint a committee to view the pro-
duction in advance. Accordingly, Mr. Perkins,
as entertainment committee chairman ; Ar-
thur Hatchen, of International News Service,
and Walter Karig, Washington correspondent
of the Newark Evening News, arrived in New
York Tuesday, October 3rd, and, at 8:50 P.M.,
were escorted by Columbia officials to a spe-
cial surprise preview of "Mr. Smith" at the
Dyckman Street theatre in the Inwood section
of New York. Columbia now reports that the
Press Club's committee accepted the film fa-
vorably, and approved a preview for Washing-
ton's press and politicians.
Columbia, it was said, proceeded from that
point, but the Press Club participated in actual
arrangements, even listing and sitting the in-
vited politicians and dignitaries according to
tern Washington protocol — Congressmen did
not rate a box, Senators did, and so on.
Amusement But No Rancor
From Washington on Wednesday came word
that around the lounges of the National Press
Club the "traditional Hollywood depiction of
a Washington correspondent" ('Mr. Smith' has
such a character) "aroused great amusement,
but no particular rancor among Washington
newspapermen."
However, it was admitted that because of
some reverberations it probably will be a little
more difficult in the future for any picture
company to get the National Press Club to
"sponsor" a film.
The Press Club lounges also echoed to words
that, while some Senators felt privately "Mr.
Smith" should never have gone to Washing-
ton, there is little likelihood of any retaliatory
action in the way of a "ganging up" for pas-
sage of Senator Matthew Mansfield Neely's
anti-block selling bill, as was suggested by
the Chicago Tribune syndicate.
Wednesday's Washington reports from its
Press Club further said that "traditional Sena-
torial dignity" was principally involved, not to
forget a fear of impressions that might be car-
ried to constituencies.
As if in answer to this, if not to point out
"the privileges of the freedom of the press"
(and the screen), Columbia Pictures on Wed-
nesday began a three-day series of full-page
advertisement "messages" under the general
label : "Liberty Is Too Precious a Thing to Be
Buried in Books," quoting from dialogue by
Hollywood's James Stewart, the Senator "hero"
of the plot in "Mr. Smith."
Press Stories Quoted
/
Without any of the commercial copy of_ the
usual theatrical advertisements as to exhibition
date, place and price, the "messages" were
confined to quotations from the press, among
them :
"He (Frank Capra) has set himself to the
task of pointing out and upholding the work-
able principles of our representative democracy.
... he sets out to make film audiences aware
of the significance of governmental benefits
which we take for granted."— T/ie Cincinnati
Enquirer.
"We would stake a New Deal dollar against
a war-time mark that 94 out of 96 Senators will
chuckle over it as heartily as the audiences,
recognizing it as the best possible proof of
America's loyalty to and continued belief in,
the democratic principle."— T/ie New York
Times.
"Running through the whole picture, you will
detect a deep reverence, a warm affection for
democracy." — Editorial in the Neiv York Daily
Mirror.
"One could read dozens of books . . and
learn far less about the actual workings of
democracy than one may ascertain by attending
'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' "—Nezv York
Herald Tribune.
(4
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8, 19 3 9
TEXAS INDUSTRY UNDER STATE QUIZ;
U.S. SETS UP ITS CHICAGO CASE
Texas Action Parallels, within
a State, the Federal Gov-
ernment's Inquiries into
■'Big Businesses"
Texas this week turned its statewide in-
vestigation of "big business" within its bor-
ders toward motion pictures, in the first in-
quiry of its kind to be undertaken by any
state since the United States Government
and independent exhibitors began, two years
ago, widespread attacks against the majors,
charging illegal trade practices and circuit
operations, a movement which resulted in
the filing of nearly 50 anti-trust suits by the
Department of Justice and independent op-
erators. The Hoblitzelle-O'Donnell Inter-
state Circuit in Texas is the most promi-
nent target of attack by independents in
Texas, in actions pending.
The Texas investigations of "big busi-
ness" parallels within a state the United
States Government's action in investigating
"big business" in recent years in interstate
commerce, looking into oil, building con-
struction, fertilizer and motion pictures,
among others.
Tuesday the state's attorney's office in
Dallas revealed it was extending its investi-
gation of the state's "big businesses" to the
large theatre circuits, the Interstate and
Texas Consolidated, and the Gordon-CIem-
mons Circuit.
The state already has investigated 12
other industries, in 11 of them making no
recommendations of procedure to legislators,
police or its legal officers.
U. S. Explains Action in
Brief Filed in Chicago
Contentions of the Department of Justice in
its criminal action against Balaban and Katz,
in Chicago, were detailed this week in a brief
filed in federal court there.
Interpretation of the consent decree handed
down there in 1932 by Federal Judge Wood-
ward will determine the outcome of the suit the
Government has filed against B & K, Barney
Balaban and the major film companies, defense
counsel is said to believe, following a perusal
of the brief and findings of fact as filed by the
Government attorneys, Robert L. Wright and
Seymour Simon. The brief indicates that the
Government believes distributor owned circuits,
such as the Paramount-Publix-B&K circuit,
represent both distributor and exhibitor in ne-
gotiations for films and in their exhibition. The
defense will probably contend that each deals
separately and must be considered a separate
unit. The wording of the consent decree does
not clarify the exact relationship of the dis-
tributor-owned companies, and it is over this
technical point of law that a battle is expected
to be waged. If the Government can prove that
the distribution company and the circuit, because
of their affiliations, are as one, it will bring
about a new interpretation of the decree, it is
believed.
Aside from that the brief filed by the Gov-
ernment charges that the film companies and
B & K agreed to the restriction of licensing
of first-run feature pictures in Chicago. They
claim that deals made by Fox, Vitagraph and
Loew's for three year periods, with B & K for
first-run exhibition are violations of the de-
ROBBERY OF PATRON
HELD JURY MATTER
The liability of an exhibitor when a
patron is robbed in an unattended rest
room for women is a question of fact
for a jury to determine, the appellate
division of the New York supreme
court has ruled. The ruling reversed a
lower court decision which dismissed
a suit brought by a patron against
Hercules Theatre Corporation, opera-
tor of the Paramount, Manhattan.
Both the plaintiff and her escort testi-
fied that there was no matron, usher or
attendant present except on the main
floor.
In reversing the lower court decision
the appellate division said: "Defendant
owed plaintiff the duty of exercising
reasonable care to protect her from in-
jury from causes reasonably to be an-
ticipated . . . it is for a jury to deter-
mine whether the defendant should
take reasonable precautions to guard
against such eventuality by adequately
policing the theatre with matrons,
ushers and attendants or in some other
manner."
cree. The Government also claims that many
first-run pictures were delayed from 30 to 131
days after release date by B & K. It also is
charged that Barney Balaban as executive head
of two of the principal corporate defendants
(B & K and Paramount Pictures), participated
in the Loew franchise deal for a $400,000 an-
nual film rental for five years, and in so doing
violated the decree.
Calls Clearance "Unreasonable"
The Government said in its brief that it con-
sidered the establishing of a clearance system
by admission prices was legal, but charged that
the present clearance setup was "unreasonable."
Detailed information regarding various prod-
uct negotiations between sales executives and
exhibitor competitors to B & K were listed in
the brief. These deals concerned attempts of
exhibitors to get first run product for the
Oriental-State-Lake and McVickers theatres
which are, or were, independently operated.
That Fox-Loew's and Vitagraph gave clearance
over these three theatres also was charged.
It was stated in the brief that the film com-
panies' revenue from B & K, as compared with
the other theatres in the Chicago territory, was
as follows :
50.32% for Loew's in 1935-'36, 1936-'37.
35.26% for Fox in 1936-'37-'38.
50.56% for Paramount from November, 1935,
through 1938.
40.68% for United Artists (same period).
26.96% for Universal (same period).
25.60% for RKO (same period)
This revenue also included that from the
B & K subsidiaries such as the Great States
circuit.
Monopoly of first-run theatres by B & K also
was charged.
It was recornmended in the brief that all
charges made by the Government against Uni-
versal and RKO be dropped. This recommenda-
tion will be acted upon after the defense files
an answer and the matter is brought up before
Edgar Eldredge, master in chancery, who in
turn will refer his findings to Judge Woodward.
At the start of the case it was brought out
that the Government did not intend to press its
charges against RKO and Universal, product
from these companies being shown first-run in
the RKO-Palace theatre, almost exclusively.
As the defense has 30 days to file an answer,
no developments are expected before December
1st. Oral argument then may be started if
necessary.
Majors Must Answer
Coast Trust Suit
In Los Angeles federal court. Fox West Coast
Theatres and the majors have until November
13th to answer the Government's petition to
that court for an order to show cause why
they should not be held in contempt for alleged
violations of a 1930 anti-trust consent decree.
Sets $ 1 ,000 Costs in
Orange County Case
Federal Judge Qancy fixed costs of $1,000
against the Orange County (N. Y.) Theatres,
Inc., in New York last week, after that organi-
zation had dropped its $225,000 treble damage
anti-trust suit against five majors, the Netco
Theatres Corporation, George Walsh, and Eu-
gene Levy. Orange County Theatres, Inc., is
an independent unit.
Seek Selling Terms
In Florida Case
The Washington Operating Company, plain-
tiff in an anti-trust suit against Paramount En-
terprises, Wometco Theatres, and the majors
in the Miami, Florida, area, this week filed in
federal court in Miami a questionnaire, asking
the defendants the terms and percentage bases
upon which feature films have been played by
27 theatres of the territory. The questionnaire
also asks for figures on gross box-office re-
ceipts during 1938, and the first six months of
this year.
Drops "U", Warners
From Quemos Action
In Newark, N. J., Judge Fake, in federal
court, struck Warner Brothers and Universal
from the list of defendants in the Quemos
Theatres Company anti-trust action against the
majors. The judge held that the two distribu-
tors' business had not been conducted within the
meaning of the Sherman and Clayton anti-trust
acts.
The other defendants have up to two weeks
to answer proceedings in the $3,525,000 case.
Quemos is the former operator of the Mosque,
downtown Newark theatre. The company al-
leges that, because it was unable to obtain first
and second run pictures in 1936 and 1937, it was
the victim of a monopoly practiced by the majors
and other downtown houses.
Take Depositions in
Wisconsin Trust Suit
The $1,050,000 damage suit in LaCrosse, Wis.,
by the LaCrosse Theatres Company against
Welforth Theatres and the majors, was featured
last week by the taking of depositions from
officials of both sides. It is a restraint of trade
suit, and was started about a year ago.
October 2 8, 19 3 9 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 15
105 SYNDICATE FEATURES
SERVICE FILM NEWS ONLY
ONE hundred and five daily news letters or weekly feature
articles devoted exclusively to Hollywood's product
and people are now syndicated regularly to several
hundreds of newspapess in this country.
Virtually a million words — equivalent to five good-sized novels
— pour forth from Hollywood every week.
Writing their material in all of the "major" languages, such as
English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and the like,
and in many "minor" tongues, there are 190 duly accredited
newspaper reporters in Hollywood covering pictures and per-
sonalities, 64 staff and free-lance magazine writers, 7! corre-
spondents for foreign publications and 33 radio commentators.
In addition to this voluminous outpouring are the 100,000 stills
and 15,000 separate stories sent out annually by the press agents
of the studios, not only to the reporters and writers assigned
to Hollywood, but also to 500-odd motion picture editors.
Much has been heard about the general coverage by press
and radio in, by and for Hollywood, but little is known of the
rapid growth In recent years of the line of reporters and writers
doing regular news and feature pieces on the films exclusively
for syndicating to the country's newspapers. One hundred and
five of these syndicate features are now listed by Editor and
Publisher, in its 16th annual directory of newspaper syndicated
features, that publication showing in its listings of syndicate
features on other subjects of the day that the screen's 105
syndicated features in number are ahead of nearly all other
syndicated subjects, such as the 65 syndicated features on fash-
ions, the 62 on beauty hints and 61 for cross-word puzzles, the
48 short story syndicate features, 40 on food, 39 on science,
38 on children, 37 on religion, 34 on books, and 33 on health.
The 105 motion picture syndicated features compare even
more favorably with the 20 features syndicated regularly on radio,
19 on aviation, 13 on gardening and the mere seven on society.
In addition to the hundreds of feature and reportorial accounts
emanating from Hollywood on pictures and picture people from
syndicate writers, radio film news gatherers. Associated Press,
United Press, International News Service, regularly assigned and
free-lance news and feature writers for individual newspapers and
magazines, Hollywood stories of picture and personality happen-
ings are reported at one time or another in scores of columns
and features not directly identified with screen coverage, such
as the columns of the Winchells, the Runyons, Sullivans, Walkers
and Chapmans, and in columns and features in other fields.
The motion picture syndicate features are serviced by such
well known syndicates as King Features, NEA, Dominion News,
McNaught, Chicago* Tribune-New York News Syndicate, Asso-
ciated Press Feature Service, North American Newspaper Alliance,
the Ledger Syndicate, International News Service, and others.
Following is the list of syndicated features on motion pictures
and stars as compiled by Editor and Publisher.
TITLE OF SYNDICATED
ARTICLE AUTHOR
SYNDICATE
ADDRESS OF
SYNDICATE
WHEN LENGTH
PUBLISHED IN WORDS
Adventures !n Shadowland
K\ the Movies v/ith Al Sherman
Mhens Theatrical News
Jeauty Hints of the Stars
iehind the Make-Up
iroadway Footlights
Cavalcade of Hollywood
Cavalcade of Mexico
Dinema Doings
Cinema News
Cinema Reviews
Cinema Reviews
Cinema Reviews
>ramatic News and Reviews
'ashions in Hollywood
•ilm News and Features
■ilm Star Fashions
ilm Star Interviews
rench Motion Pictures
MaxTrell, Neva Harrison
Al Sherman
Staff
Olga Walker
Erskine Johnson
Ira Wolfert
"Bill" Wells
"Bill" Wells
Sol Solar
Staff
Stanley Matz
Sy Fisher
S. Winepol
Staff
Staff
Staff
Adele Olodort
Robert Castle
Staff
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood Hedda Hopper
Hedda Hopper's Hollywood Hedda Hopper
Here's Health From Hollywood Nat Mason
Hollywood
Hollywood
Bert Hanlon
Louella Parsons
Hollywood, Jimmie Fidler In Jimmie Fidler
King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Foreign Press Syndicate
Greek News Syndicate
Hollywood Press Syndicate
King Features Syndicate, Inc.
North American Newspaper
Alliance
Wells Feature Syndicate
Wells Feature Syndicate
Press Enterprises, Ltd.
Greek News Syndicate
Matz Feature Syndicate
Eastern Press Association
Eastern Press Association
Holmes Feature Service
Eastern Press Association
Holmes Feature Service
Hollywood Press Syndicate
Holmes Feature Service
Hollywood Press Syndicate
Dominion News Bureau Limited
Jones Syndicate, Inc.
Hollywood Doings Feature
Syndicate
Federal Feature Syndicate
Universal Service Syndicate
Miller Services, Limited
235 W. 45th St., N. Y.
188 W. 4th St., N. Y.
1229 Park Row Bldg., N. Y.
6605 Hollywood Blvd.
235 E. 45th St., N. Y.
247 W. 43 St., N. Y.
P.O. Box 2025, Hollywood
P.O. Box 2025, Hollywood
6321/2 N. Juanita Ave., Holly-
wood (British Empire)
1229 Park Row Bldg., N. Y.
523 Weiser St., Reading, Pa.
19 Ruthevan St., Roxbury, Mass.
19 Ruthevan St., Roxbury, Mass.
135 Garrison Av., Jersey City
19 Ruthevan St., Roxbury, Mass.
135 Garrison Av., Jersey City
6605 Hollywood Blvd.
135 Garrison Av., Jersey City
6605 Hollywood Blvd., Holly-
wood
455 Craig St. W., Montreal
Times Bldg., N. Y.
632'/4 N. Juanita Ave.,
Hollywood
509 Fifth Av., N. Y.
Hearst Publications,
Los Angeles
302-303 McKinnon Bldg.,
Toronto
daily (illus.)
daily; weekly
weekly
weekly
daily
weekly
weekly
weekly
weekly
weekly
daily
daily
daily
daily
weekly
daily
weekly
weekly
weekly
daily
(Canadian
rights
daily
weekly
3 times weekly
daily
daily
750-1,000
500
1,500
800
I column
I column
500-700
500
250
1,000
1,000
1,600
1,500
500
1,000
800
1,000
500
500
daily —
(Canadian
rights)
[Continued on following pagej
16
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
FILM SYNDICATE FEATURES LEAD
TITLE OF SYNDICATED
ARTICLE AUTHOR
{Continued from preceding page}
SYNDICATE
ADDRESS OF
SYNDICATE
WHEN
PUBLISHED
COLUMN
LENGTH
IN WORDS
Hollywood Beduty Box
Zoe Rae
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Column
Paul Harrison
NEA Service, Inc.
1200 W. 3rd. St., Cleveland
daily
500
Hollywood Column
Staff
Lloyd James Williams
•
daily; weekly
500-1,000
Hollywood Column
Ed Sullivan
Chicago Tribune-New York News
News BIdg., N. Y., Tribune Tower dally; Sunday
Syndicate, Inc.
Chicago
Hollywood Dinner Table
Edith Mayo
Hollywood Doings Feature
632'/2 .N. Juanita Ave.,
3 times weekly
500
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Dispatch
Harold Heffernan
North American Newspaper
247 W. 43 St., N. Y,
daily; Sunday
800
Alliance
Hollywood Doings
Jack Parker
British Empire Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
5 days a week
1,000
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Doings
Jack Parker
Hollywood Doings Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
5 days a week
1,000
Syndicate
LJ II 1
Mollywood
Hollywood Doings
Jack Parker
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
632I/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500- 1 ,000
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Ear Full
Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Doings Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood From This Side
Jack Parker
British Empire Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500-700
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Happenings
Jack Parker
Press Enterprises, Ltd.
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
5 days a week
1,000
noMywood
Hollywood Home Tips
Cora Ann Parker '
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave,,
weekly
300-500
Syndicate
noiiywoou
Hollywood In Preview
Whitney Bolton
Waltan Features Syndicate,
Inc.
551 Fifth Ave., N. Y.
daily-Sunday
900 .
Hollywood Inside Out
Screen Detective
British Empire Feature
L 'i'il / k.1 1 *l A
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
1,000
Syndicate
nollywood
Hollywood Movie Letter
Harrison Carroll
King Features Syndicate, Inc.
235 E. 45th St., N. Y.
daily
—
Hollywood News
Sy Fisher
Eastern Press Association
19 Ruthevan St., Roxbury, Mass.
daily
1,000
Hollywood News Letter
Easton West
Authenticated News Service
P.O. Box 326, Hollywood
daily
400-500
weekly
1,000-1,200
Hollywood's Other Side
Mary Underwood, Jr.
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500-700
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Page
Staff
Dominion News Bureau, Ltd.
455 Craig St. W., Montreal
weekly
full page
(Canadian
rights)
Hollywood Page
Alice L. Tlldesley
Ledger Syndicate
1 J 1 c
Independence Square,
weekly
full page
rniiacieipnia
(Illustrated)
Hollywood Peekaboo
Barney Glazer
Twentieth Century News
2721 Rimpau Bidg.,
daily
full page
Syndicate
Los Angeles
weekly
Hollywood Profiles
Sy Fisher
Eastern Press Association
D /"\ D . OOZ. LJ 11 J
r.U. Box 326, nollywood
1 1
weekly
3,000
Hollywood Review
Ralph S. Matz
Matz Feature Syndicate
523 Welser St., Reading, Pa.
dally
500
Hollywood Reporter
Grace Wilcox
Agnes Anne Kelleher
Hollywood
weekly
2,000
(tabloid)
Hollywood Sports Glass
Dick Plckford
Hollywood Doings Feature
632I/2.N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Style Chart
Betty Underwood
Hollywood Doings Feature
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
300
Syndicate
Hollywood
Hollywood Today
Shellah Graham
North American Newspaper
247 W. 43rd St., N. Y.
daily; Sunday
800
Alliance
Hollywood Truth
Jack Parker
Press Enterprises, Ltd.
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500
Hollywood
Hot Gossip
Staff
Register & Tribune Syndicate
Des Moines, Iowa
weekly
How To Make Him Propose
Celebrated Actors
Watklns Syndicate, Inc.
2214-24 Chestnut St..
series of 24
350
Philadelphia
(illustrated)
Inside Facts About Hollywood
Hollywood Investigator
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
6321/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
500
Syndicate
Hollywood
In Hollywood
Paul Harrison
NEA Service, Inc.
1200 W. Third St., Cleveland
dally
500
In Hollywood
Paul Harrison
Dominion News Bureau, Ltd.
455 Craig St. W.. Montreal
dally
'Canadian
rights)
In Hollywood
Howard Douglas
Continental Features Syndicate
247 W. 43rd St., N. Y.
In the Hollywood Beauty Shops
Rita Gardell
Exclusive Features
Box 758, Beverly Hills, Calif.
daily
225
weekly
one column
JImmIe FIdler In Hollywood
Jimmie FIdler
Miller Services, Limited
302-303 McKennon BIdg.,
dally
Toronto
'Canadian
rights)
JImmie FIdler In Hollywood
Jimmie FIdler
McNaught Syndicate Inc.
45 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich,
daily
J
Conn.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
17
HUNDREDS OF NEWSPAPERS SERVICED
TITLE OF SYNDICATED
ADDRESS OF
WHEN
t 1 ■ A J A I
COLUMN
ARTICLE
AUTHOR
SYNDICATE
SYNDICATE
PUBLISHED
LENGTH
IN WORDS
Lights From Shadowland
Irving Senders
Seven Arts Feature Syndicate
165 W. 46th Ave., N. Y.
weekly
700
Motion Pictures
Ralph S. Matz
Matz Feature Syndicate
523 Weiser St., Reading, Pa.
weekly
500
Motion Picture & Theatre Review
Demetrius Tsecos
Greek News Syndicate
1229 Park Row BIdg. N. Y.
weekly
500
Movie Doll Cutouts
Dominion News Bureau, Ltd.
455 Craig St., W. Montreal
weekly
full page
(Canadian
rights)
Movie Page
Lucie Neville
Every Week Magazine
1200 W. Third St., Cleveland
weekly
full page
Movie Reviews
Wsnrlfl Halo
vvanaci 1 Idle
kini^jinn 1 r*i rMino_^] au/ Y/^rL ^lawc
v.^iiicci^u 1 n u u 11 1?~ 1 ^ t? w 1 orK i'*t?wi>
^Iaiuc R I /4 ^1 Y . IrirM,nA
IN6W5 DICig., IN. 1 ., iriOUMC
Syndicate, Inc.
Tower, Chicago
Movie Reviews
Mae Tinee
Chicago Tribune-New York
News BIdg., N. Y.; Tribune
—
—
News Syndicate, Inc.
Tower, Chicago
Movie Reviews
Kate Cameron
Chicago Tribune-New York
News BIdg., N. Y.; Tribune
—
—
Syndicate, Inc.
Tower, Chicago
Movie Scrapbook
William Porter
NEA Service, Inc.
1200 W. Third Ave., Cleveland
dally
one column
Moving Picture Funnies
National Newspaper Service
326 W. Madison St., Chicago
daily
one column
(Canadian
rights)
My Food and My Figure
Movie Stars
Ledger Syndicate
Independence Square, Phila.
30 articles
300
New York Ineatre News
btatt
nolmes reature service
135 foarrison Ave., Jersey Oity
daily
& Reviews
On the Lots with the Candid
J. D. Spiro
Agnes Anne Kelleher
weekly
2.000
Reporter
(tabloid)
Other Side of Hollywood
Jim Remington
Hollywood Doings Feature
6321/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
300
Service
Hollywood
Our Film Folk
Helen Zigmond
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
1560 Broadway, N. Y.
weekly
1,000
Our Stars
Star & Featured players
Devil Dog Syndicate
33 Delmonico PL, Brooklyn
daily
%-column
Preview of Latest Motion
Marilyn Matz
Matz Feature Syndicate
523 Weiser St., Reading, Pa.
daily
250
Pictures
Real Facts of Reel Folk
Edward J. Gilbert
Columbia Syndicate
570 Seventh Ave., N. Y.
daily
500
Rambling 'Round Hollywood
Vance Chandler
Authenticated News Service
P.O. Box 326, Hollywood
daily
400-500
weekly
1200-1500
bcreen &uiae
1 L D L
Jack rarker
Atlantic & racitic reature
0SV/2 Juanita Ave.,
weekly
JOO-oUO
oy no 1 caTe
1 1 01 1 y wuuu
Screen Life m Hollywood
D _ l_ L I _ —
Koobin Ooons
The AP Feature Service
50 Rockefeller Plaza, N. Y.
Jail,,
daily
Screen Stars
Staff
Editors' Copy
Orangeburg, S. C.
weekly
^-column
Screen Test
The AP Feature Service
50 Rockefeller Plaza. N. Y.
twice weekly
—
Screen Voice
Betty Underwood
Press Enterprises, Ltd.
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
5 times a week
700
Hollywood
Seein' Stars
Feg Murray
King Features Syndicate, Inc.
235 W. 45th St.. N. Y.
two-three times
a week
—
Speaking from Hollywood
Jack Parker
Press Enterprises, Ltd.
6321/2 N. Juanita Ave..
weekly
500-700
Hollywood
Stage and Screen Contest
Associated Publishers, Inc.
Washington BIdg.. Louisville, Ky.
Dominion News Bureau, Ltd.
455 Craig St. W., Montreal
daily
two columns
(Canadian
rights)
Stars of the Month
James Stokley
Science Service
2101 Constitution Ave.,
monthly
four columns
Washington, D. C.
Studio Spot
Jack Parker
British Empire Feature Service
632'/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
5 times a week
1,000
Hollywood
Styles of the Stars
Betty Underwood
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
632'/2.N. Juanita Ave..
weekly
500-700
Syndicate
Hollywood
lalkie lalks
Detty Underwood
•
Atlantic & Pacific Feature
oiV/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
DUU-/UU
Syndicate
Hollywood
Talkie Talks
Betty Underwood
British Empire Feature
632I/2 N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
300-500
Service
Hollywood
Theatre Letter
Richard Watts
Miller Services, Limited
302-303 McKinnon BIdg.,
weekly
Toronto
(Canadian
rights)
Theatrical Letter
E. W. Nessauer
Intercity News Service
63 Park Row. N. Y.
daily
two columns
Theatrical Reviews & News
Staff
Holmes Feature Syndicate
135 Garrison Ave., Jersey City
dally
The Real News
Dave Boone
North American Newspaper
247 W. 43rd St., N. Y.
daily
200
Newsreel
Alliance
What's Hollywood Reading
Book Worm
Hollywood Doings Feature
632'/2 • N. Juanita Ave.,
weekly
300
Syndicate
Hollywood
18
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
CRIERSON HEADS CANADA WAR FILMS;
WAR AIMS ALSO EXPLAINED ON AIR
Director of British Govern-
ment's Film Center in Lon-
don Chosen Dominion's Com-
missioner in Surprise Move
by COLIN R. HAWORTH
in Montreal
Rumors in the hustle of war activity at
Ottawa that the recently passed Canadian
National Film Act would be shelved "for the
duration" exploded abruptly last weekend
when trade minister W. D. Euler, chairman
of the National Film Board set up under the
act, announced the appointment of John
Grierson, British Government film expert,
as Canadian Government film commissioner,
chief salaried position in the organization.
(Picture in the Pictorial Section).
Proposed Fund Recalled
To many this was an indication that Canada's
government would go into the business of pro-
ducing propaganda films, or at least distribut-
ing them. Supporting their contention was the
reminder that early this year the government
had had under consideration a bill to appropri-
ate $250,000 for the production of "films on
Canada's national resources."
The appointment of Mr. Grierson came as a
welcome surprise to many, for it was the stocky
business-like Scotsman, one time fellow-worker
with Gene Fowler on the hell-raising Denver
Post, who investigated the Canadian film field
and drafted the National Film Act for the
Canadian Government.
For the last two years Mr. Grierson has been
making trips to Canada, studying the set-up and
advising trade ministry officials in which direc-
tion to move.
This summer Mr. Grierson arrived in Canada
on the S.S. Empress of Australia and smilingly
assured Motion Picture Herald's representa-
tive he had no designs on the Ottawa post.
"No, I'm going to Australia," he said. "Those
fellows (Ottawa government) have got a fine
set-up there and I'm pretty sure it will work
well. I'm not doing any more to it."
But he remained in Canada. And now he's
Canada's first Government film commissioner.
According to the Act the new Film Board is
to correlate the film activities of the Govern-
ment's various departments, to avoid duplication
and to form an efficient distribution center. Pro-
duction by the Board was not emphasized in the
Act. Ottawa, however, has considerable equip-
ment, and with a suitable appropriation could
readily enter the film making business on a
large scale.
Newspapering and film work has taken Mr.
Grierson all over the world. A native of Stirl-
ing, Scotland, he rose through cub reporter and
desk man to provincial newspaper owner and
thence into film work, eventually becoming di-
rector of the British Government's Film Center
in London, and making a name for himself
in the much-stressed documentary film work
overseas.
Mr. Grierson's scheme in the documentaries
is to select young talent, much of it from the
newspaper world. "They're the boys who'll get
you the story," he says. He often has expressed
a desire to exploit some of the manv possibili-
ties for documentary film work in Canada.
"There's too much travelogue stuff," he claims.
Others in the Film Board personnel are :
FILM mows FOR
CANADIAN CAMPS
The first official move to provide
screen entertainment for Canadian
soldiers was taken this week when the
Canadian Citizen's Committee for
Troops in Training was organized to
arrange recreational features at Do-
mitiion military camps. Representing
the film industry was Henry L.
Nathanson, general manager of Regal
Films, Ltd., Toronto.
The Independent Theatres Associa-
tion of Ontario has received letters
from Prime Minister Mackenzie Ring
of the Dominion Government and
Fremier Mitchell Hepburn of Ontario
thanking the independent exhibitors
for the offer of their theatres for war
purposes and advising that the cooper-
ation of theatre owners will be used
when war loan and further recruiting
campaigns are launched. The screens
are already being used for Red Cross
and women's organization drives.
Resources Minister Crerar ; J. G Parmelee,
deputy minister of trade and commerce ; R. S.
Hamer, general executive assistant department
of agriculture ; Col. V. I. Smart, deputy trans-
port minister; Professor Walter Murray, form-
er president of the University of Saskatchewan ;
Edmon Turcotte, former editor-in-chief of the
French-language newspaper Le Canada in Mon-
treal ; and C. G. Cowan, of Ottawa.
Resignation Reports Denied
Announcement of Mr. Grierson's appointment
brought reports in Toronto, Ottawa and other
Canadian capitals of the immediate resignation
of Frank C. Badgley as director of the Cana-
dian Government Motion Picture Bureau. These
were denied on Tuesday both by Mr. Grierson
and Mr. Badgley, Mr. Grierson explaining that
his duty as Commissioner to coordinate all
Canadian Government film activities in no way
affects Mr. Badgley's post of director of the
Motion Picture Bureau, the Government pro-
duction bureau. He added that the director will
have new responsibilities under the new setup.
Mr. Badgley has served since 1927 in the
Motion Picture Bureau, which was founded by
Bernard E. Norrish along about 1915.
Mr. Norrish has for years been managing
director of the Associated Screen News, Ltd.,
of Montreal, a Canadian Pacific Railway sub-
sidiary or "affiliate." It is the concern which
prints product from "the States" for Canadian
distribution.
Asks "Temperate Influence"
The importance of working for temperate
influence in motion pictures was urged in a
departmental report to the Pennsylvania
Women's Christian Temperance Union con-
vention on October 23rd. Mrs. Harry A.
Ling, WCTU state director of motion pic-
ture activities, asked members to watch lo-
cal pictures and complain promptly against
those types they considered objectionable.
Shakespeare Goes to the Block
When Broadcasting System
Decides on Light Entertain-
ment; War Drama Barred
The war has forced many changes in the
schedules of the Canadian Broadcasting Sys-
tem. Special broadcasts are to be made to
explain war aims and the activities of the
various Canadian armed forces, and here-
after all sponsored news programs will be
under strict supervision. Dramatic mate-
rial dealing with the war is banned. Enter-
tainment hereafter will be light, heavy ma-
terial having also been ruled out.
Cheery Programs Emphasized
The Canadian Broadcasting Company plans
"special emphasis on musical and variety pro-
grams of a light and cheerful sort" to counter-
balance war tension. However, symphony
music will not be omitted.
Shakespeare becomes one of the first war
victims in Canada. Plans to continue the series
of Shakespearean plays begun last year have
been dropped. Cedric Hardwicke and Walter
Huston were guest performers in the last series.
Expense and difficulty in obtaining foreign tal-
ent contributed to the decision not to broadcast
Shakespeare. Military programs are planned
to take the place of Shakespeare's plays.
The symphony programs, including the Phil-
harmonic-Symphony of New York, the Toronto
Symphony and Les Concerts Symphoniques de
Montreal, will be continued.
Defense Minister Explains
In the introduction to the war broadcasts De-
fense Minister Norman Rogers gave the reasons
why Canada entered the war and a spokesman
for the Department of National Defense gave
the first speech, explaining the activities of the
navy, air force and army and plans for the
future.
All news broadcasts, including news sources,
preparation, announcers and methods of deliv-
ery, are subject to CBC control, and no new
news programs may be planned without per-
mission of the company. Situations growing out
of the war must be avoided either for major or
only background dramatic presentation.
Leonard W. Brockington resigned the chair-
manship of the board of governors of the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. McKenzie
King, prime minister, accepting the resignation,
praised Mr. Brockington for his work during
a three year term which was to expire this
month. His successor will not be named for
several weeks. The appointments of Rene Mo-
rin, vice-president, and Nellie McClung, gover-
nor, also expire soon, but both are expected to
be reappointed.
Warner Studio Up to
Schedule, Says Einfeld
Warner Brothers is maintaining full pro-
duction operations and will make the entire
1939-'40 program without impairing the
quality, S. Charles Einfeld, advertising and
publicity director, said in New York Mon-
day on his arrival from the Coast.
Work on the remaining four of the sched-
uled 12 "B" pictures will be resumed in
six weeks.
GO***
*• "1 ««
EQUALED BY ANY
COMPANY IN ANY
SEASON....
.mi
I
SEPTEMBER
THE RAINS
GAME
. . . The picture
that topped
••Jesse James'1
Now NOVEMBER.
1
A
11 who have seen "DRUMS
ALONG THE MOHAWK"
acclaim it bigger than any of
its great 20th Century-Fox
predecessors this season ....
So you can confidently plan
the maximum in play time
And campaign "DRUMS
ALONG THE MOHAWK"
to your public with repeated
holdovers in mind!
i
HE GREATEST RELEASI
SCHEDULE IN 20th CENTURY-FOX
HISTORY... NOW WHEN RIG
PICTURES COUNT MOST!
THE KEYSTONE
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
23
WALKER NAMED MPTOA COUNSEL;
STATE UNIT HITS STAR BROADCASTS
Board of MPTOA Commends
Distributors Incorporating
Code Provisions Into Con-
tracts; All Officers Reelected
Led by its chief, Ed Kuykendall, of Co-
lumbus, Miss., the board of directors of the
]\Iotion Picture Theatre Owners of America,
in session at White Sulphur Springs, West
Virginia, from Monday through Wednes-
day, considered many of the motion picture
industry's ailments and purported cures,
the "illegal" trade practice code in particu-
lar : heartily praised those distributors who
voluntarily included portions of the code
in the new season contracts ; appointed
Frank C. Walker, head of the Comerford
circuit, to be general counsel ; and reelected
all officers.
Urge Others to Act
The praise for the distributors was contained
in a resolution which also urged other distribu-
tors to include some of the code's provisions in
their contracts, "to eliminate the agitation for
the Neely Bill," and unify all exhibitors in
opposition to federal regulation.
William F. Rodgers, general sales manager
of the MGM and chairman of the distributors'
negotiating committee when the code was for-
mulated, told the MPTOA directors that the
trade practice code of the distributors, rejected
by the National Allied States Association and
called illegal by Thurman Arnold, assistant
United States attorney general, would "eventu-
ally have a place in the industry."
Mr. Rodgers blamed the distributors' present
inaction on the Government's stand.
Says Most Want a Code
Most exhibitors want a code, Mr. Rodgers
said.
He criticized the Neely Bill for its effect on
exhibition.
Mr. Walker was elected general counsel at
the Tuesday session. He is an MPTOA vice-
president.
Mr. Walker is head of the Comerford circuit,
built by the late M. E. "Mike" Comerford, who
was a founder of the MPTOA. He is also
treasurer of the Democratic National Commit-
tee.
George Aarons of Philadelphia, secretary of
the United Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of Eastern Pennsylvania, was elected assistant
general counsel, a new post.
Oppose Propaganda Films
The organization's directors adopted five
other resolutions as follows :
Opposing propaganda films, and scenes in pic-
tures which might incite war sentiment.
Stressing the importance of keeping produc-
tion quality high, to avoid losses from decline
in foreign revenues.
Condemning competition to theatres from
radio, and asking that motion picture stars be
kept from the air lanes.
Attacking the Neely Bill as a "step towards
dictatorship" and as a violation of the free-
dom of the press principle.
Protesting competition to theatres from 16
mm. shows, and praising distributors who re-
fused their films to television broadcasters.
It was said that the organization would take
no measures on the fees levied by the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers,
NEW MEXICO CITIZENS
SEE TWO FILMS A MONTH
New Mexico theatre patrons spent
$192,815 in July, according to figures
just released by the office of the Com-
missioner of Keventie.
On the basis of an average IS -cent
admission price and using the total of
poptilation of the last census (1930),
each person in the state saw two
motion pictures in the month.
until pending litigation over the Washington
State anti-Ascap law is settled.
The directors discussed the creation of pub-
lic speaking bureaus by each state unit, to com-
bat publicity adverse to the industry.
At one meeting, closed to the press, the direc-
tors also were reported to have discussed labor
and legislative matters.
Watching Production Standards
In connection with the resolution against
lowering of production quality, it was under-
stood that a special fact-finding committee of
the organization will carefully watch Coast pro-
duction.
The directors were said to have expressed
fear, at closed sessions, that publicity given to
Hollywood's pay and budget slashes, may lead
the public to believe it is not being given quality
product.
Urges Adoption of Code Points
In connection with the resolution on insertion
into contracts of trade practice code points such
as the 20 per cent cancellation and non-forcing
of shorts, the board is said to have decided that
the organization's executive committee should
personally try to convince sales managers of
those companies still not providing such points,
that they should, if the industry is to defeat
the Neely Bill.
H. V. Harvey of San Francisco said that a
uniform system of clearance on the Pacific
Coast was being devised by the Pacific Coast
Conference of independent theatre owners, an
amalgamation, for working purposes, of three
Coast independent associations. The proposals,
which will eliminate a print shortage, are to be
submitted to distributors, Mr. Harvey said.
Several New Directors
Officers reelected were : Ed Kuykendall, presi-
dent ; Fred Wehrenberg, chairman of the board ;
Morris Loewenstein, secretary; Walter Vincent,
treasurer; Frank Walker, M. A. Lightman,
Mitchell Wolfson, E. C. Beatty and A. Julian
Brylawski, vice-presidents.
New directors, who were designated to the
national board by their respective organizations,
are Leonard Goldenson, Paramount Theatres ;
S. J. Hyman, West Virginia Managers' Asso-
ciation ; Morris Leonard, Exhibitors' Associa-
tion of Chicago ; and Lyle M. Wilson, Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of North and South
Carolina.
Other directors attending were Joseph Den-
niston, William Benton, Frank C. Cassil, Oscar
Lam, Arthur Lockwood, A. C. Hayman, Ben-
jamin Pitts, Lewen Pizor, Roy Walker, Charles
E. Williams and R. X. Williams.
The meeting was held at the Greenbrier ho-
tel. Between sessions, there were rounds of
golf and other divertissements.
Indiana Theatre Owners De-
mand Producers Keep Play-
ers Off the Air; Myers and
Cole Call Neely Bill Antidote
Marked activity in the orbit of the state
exhibitor organizations this week brought a
demand by the Associated Theatre Owners
of Indiana that producers withdraw film
stars from radio; a call to New York Al-
lied members to map their campaign now
that the secession group has met: a plea
by Col. H. A. Cole, president of National
Allied, before the MPTO of Western Penn-
sylvania, that the Neely Bill is the solu-
tion to monopoly ; and the election of a new
board by Allied States of Connecticut.
Divorce of Film Stars, Radio
Sought by Indiana Exhibitors
The Associated Theatre Owners of Indiana at
the organization's 13th annual meeting Monday
at the Hotel Antlers in Indianapolis unani-
mously adopted a resolution demanding Para-
mount withdraw Bing Crosby, Bob Burns and
Jack Benny from radio programs. Similar re-
quests will be sent to other producers. The ac-
tion followed an address by Abram F. Myers,
general counsel of national allied.
Meanwhile the Screen Actors' Guild told the
Producers Association in Hollywood that any
move to have actors appear on the radio with-
out pay would be considered a contract violation.
Mr. Myers urged exhibitors to be ready for
television, "both financially and socially."
He said present conditions do not warrant
increases in film rentals. "For the first time
in history," he added, "the independent theatre
owner can feel his investment and profits are
safe against the invasions of affiliated theatre
circuits. Building of affiliated circuits in com-
petitive situations has come to a halt."
H. A. Cole, national president of Allied, ad-
dressed the meeting on Tuesday. Other speak-
ers included Ernest L. Miller, Leonard Sowar,
Alex Manta and Mr. Markum. The annual
banquet was held Tuesday night.
The following directors were elected: Vern
U. Young of Gary ; H. Lisle Kreighbaum of
Rochester ; Pete Mailers of Fort Wayne ; Wil-
liam Studebaker of Logansport ; Sam W. Neall
of Kokomo ; Leonard Sowar of Muncie ; I. R.
Holycross of Anderson; Perc Dickson of Wa-
bash; Carl Niesse, Harry Markun, Ernest L.
Miller, A. C. Zaring and Frank Sanders of
Indianapolis ; Walter Easley of Greensburg ;
Roy Harrold of Rushville ; Trueman Rembusch
of Franklin ; Joe Schilling of Connersville ;
Paul Meloy of Shelbyville ; Sam Switow of
New Albany ; Herbert Johnson of Madison ;
Oscar Fine of Evansville ; Harry P. Vonder-
schmitt of Bloomington and Bruce Miller of
Bicknell.
Ray Harold of Rushville was elected presi-
dent, succeeding Maurice J. Rubin. The other
new officers are : Ernest L. Miller, Indianapolis,
vice-president, and Harry Markun, Indianapolis,
treasurer.
Cohen Calls Meeting
Of New York Allied
Max Cohen, head of New York Allied, which
was expelled from the National Allied States
Association several weeks ago, has called his
followers to meet next Wednesday in Syracuse,
the same city where, on October 17th, opponents
(Continued oti page 26)
with 20th CENTURY- FOX!
26
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 193?
CONNECTICUT ALLIED ELECTS BOARD
(Continued from page 23, column 3)
of his leadership, headed by T. Thornton Kelly,
executive secretary, attempted to set up a new
New York Allied affiliated with the national
association.
That meeting, which Mr. Cohen called a
"fiasco," brought a resolution directing Mr.
Kelly to ask Mr. Cohen for the records of the
organization.
In a special bulletin, announcing the No-
vember 1st meeting of his unit, and explaining
his aims, Mr. Cohen "congratulated" officers of
the National Allied for a "more tolerant" at-
titude towards trade practice reforms.
New York Allied, from its inception and
under Mr. Cohen's leadership, was at logger-
heads with the National Allied officers over
adoption of the distributors' trade practice pro-
gram and the divorcement of distribution from
exhibition.
Colonel H. A. Cole, national Allied president,
said last week in New York, after attending
Mr. Kelly's meeting in Syracuse, that the New
York group would have to drop Mr. Cohen be-
fore National Allied would consider its re-
instatement.
Pennsylvania Owners
Hear Cole on Neely
Exhibitors must unite to accomplish improve-
ments in industry, Col. H. A. Cole of Dallas,
national Allied president, told the first session
of the annual two-day convention of the Motion
Picture Theatre Owners of Western Pennsyl-
vania, held October 23 and 24 in the Roosevelt
hotel in Pittsburgh. A former Allied president,
Sidney Samuelson, business manager of the
Theatre Owners of Eastern Pennsylvania, and
Abram F. Myers, general counsel, also spoke.
Monopoly was charged by Colonel Cole. He
called for passage of the Neely anti-block book-
ing bill, which, he said, would create competi-
tion in selling, cause new theatres to be built
and create additional business. Col. Cole said
no district has too many seats if product were
available. Because of the Government's equity
suit against the majors, according to Col. Cole,
theatres can obtain product easier and for this
reason, he said, Texas leads in the construc-
tion of new theatres.
On Monday 75 registered delegates attended
a midnight preview of "Disputed Passage" and
"Seventeen" at the State theatre. H. M. Richey
of RKO was a Tuesday speaker, as were Ray
Branch, president of Michigan Allied, and Jack
Kirsh, president of Illinois Allied.
The members voted to change the organiza-
tion's name to the Allied Motion Picture The-
atre Owners of Western Pennsylvania.
Officers elected were : Morris Rosenberg,
president ; Edward Beedle, vice-president ; Jo-
seph Gellman, treasurer ; Fred Herrington, sec-
retary ; William Wheat, Dr. C. E. Herman,
I. Roth, Charles Blatt, L. Corcoran, directors.
A banquet and dance wound up the event.
Wisconsin Owners
Convene Tuesday
The annual convention of the Independent
Theatres Protective Association of Wisconsin
Tuesday and Wednesday, at Milwaukee's Ho-
tel Schroeder, includes a Hallowe'en party,
sponsored by the Variety Club, and a floor
show. Harry Perlewitz, former local exhibitor
and acting business manager of the association,
is in charge of arrangements.
Connecticut Allied
Elects New Board
The 1939-40 board of directors of Allied
States of Connecticut were announced from
New Haven as follows : Dr. J. B. Fishman of
Fishman Theatres, chairman ; Maurice Shul-
man of the Webster and Rivoli, Hartford, vice-
BRITISH EXHIBIT PHOTOS
OF ESQUIRE THEATRE
In response to an invitation from
the Royal Institute of British Archi-
tects, photographs of the Esquire the-
atre, Chicago, are to become part of
an exhibition and permanent collec-
tion of the Institute in London.
The Esquire photographs will be
part of "upwards of six thousand pho-
tographs, representative of all that is
best in modern architecture at home
and abroad", according to H. S. Good-
hart-Rendel, chairman of the exhibi-
tion committee of the Royal Institute,
in his invitation to Ehner Balaban of
the Esquire theatre management.
The Esquire, completed in 193 8, was
constructed under the direction of
Pereira Pereira, Chicago theatre con-
sultants and designers.
chairman ; Maurice Bailey, Whalley Theatre,
New Haven ; Harry Lavietes, Pequot, New
Haven ; Samuel Hadelman, Capitol, Bridgeport ;
Morris Jacobson, Strand Amusement, Bridge-
port ; Charles Repass, Crown, Hartford ; Jack
Schw-artz, West End, Bridgeport ; George
Comden, Fine Arts, Westport ; Leo Schapiro,
Guilford Theatre.
Washington MPTO Meet
Opens on Friday
Following the line of a score of state exhibi-
tor organizations in setting early fall conven-
tion dates, the Motion Picture Theatre Owners
of Washington meets in annual session on Fri-
day at Seattle's New Washington hotel.
MPTO A of Northwest
Will Discuss Code
Though the date has not been set, it was
considered probable in Seattle that the 17th an-
nual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre
Owners of the Northwest, to be held soon,
would deal largely with the ill-fated trade prac-
tice code.
M. F. Hone, secretary, is planning the con-
vention, with L. O. Lukan, the president.
Zukor to Mexico
Adolph Zukor, who has been examining
Paramount operations in various foreign
countries and acting as the company's "good
will" emissary, is scheduled to leave Hol-
lywood at the end of November for Mexico,
for conferences with exhibitors there. Ten-
tative date for Mr. Zukor 's arrival in Mexi-
co City is November 26th. He is expected
to stay several weeks, and may visit Cuba ;
and from there, go to New York.
Keystone Comedy Revived
Mack Sennett has been signed by Darryl
Zanuck to collaborate with Harry Joe
Brown, associate producer, on a comedy film,
following the public's reaction to the Key-
stone Kop sequence in Hollywood Caval-
cade." The new feature has been tempo-
rarily titled, "Left at the Altar," or "Love
in a Pullman Car."
Czech Films Now
U nder Nazi Agent
by Special Correspondent
in Prague
A complete change has overtaken the film
industry in the Protectorate of Bohemia-
Moravia, formerly the independent republic
of Czechoslovakia, since the Nazi coup of
last March. For one thing, there is no way
to export money.
The Reich Government has appointed H.
Glessgen special supervisor in charge of film
activities, responsible to Baron von Gregory,
who is in charge of the cultural affairs of
the protectorate.
Non-Aryans Barred
In line with the German method, non-Aryans
have been eliminated from the industry. Mr.
Glessgen appointed Karl Schultz head of the
largest studio in Prague, the Barrandov Stu-
dio, and the plant, one of the largest and best
equipped in middle Europe, is being used en-
tirely for the production of Nazi films.
Some Czech films are being produced at the
Fojo Studio and the Bapoz-Hostivar plant. Pro-
duction in the Czech language will be in-
creased to 40 to 45 films this season, accord-
ing to production announcements.
The managers of virtually all American film
company branches in the protectorate have been
succeeded by Czechs.
RKO, MGM, United Artists, Paramount,
20th Century-Fox and Universal are represented
at Prague, but with communication to Paris
broken, American offices have no knowledge
concerning the flow of product, and there is
doubt they will be able much longer to supply
pictures.
German Competition
The competition faced by American product
is now of course German, since all French and
English films are banned, but Italian product,
however, is due for a considerable increase in
playing time.
The Nazis have published lists of films pro-
hibited, chiefly because someone connected with
each film is non-Aryan.
The Exhibitors Central Union has issued
strict instructions that every theatre must
charge not less than seven cents. Programs
must start with the newsreel, to be followed
by a culture film (this may be omitted if the
feature runs more than 2,600 meters), followed
by the feature. Double features are prohibited.
In Prague and Bruenn, key cities, first and
second runs may show only two Czech features
in any one week.
The film Advisory Board of the Ministry of
Commerce has devised a plan for a subsidy of
200,000 crowns (about $7,000) for every film
approved by the board. If it is of unusual qual-
ity, an additional 100,000 crowns will be given.
All foreign films must carry superimposed
dialogue translations in Czech and (Serman.
Frank Seltzer, publicity director for Hal
Roach, has been named eastern studio repre-
sentative, replacing Tom Walter. Mr. Seltzer
will divide his time between New York and
the coast. Jules Seltzer, brother of Frank,
has been named publicity director for the
studio.
/or
HOLLYWOOD
THE KEYSTONE
OF YOUR FUTURE
Los Angeles
Cincinnati
Philadelphia
Seattle
Rochester
Richmond
Toledo
San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Kansas City
Milwaukee
St. Louis
Salt Lake City
New Orleans
New York
Denver
Syracuse
Providence
New Haven
Springfield
Hartford
Worcester
Indianapolis
Oklahoma City
Louisville
Baltimore
Dayton
Cleveland
28
MOTION PICTURE HERALD October 2 8. 19 3 9
WAR REDUCES STORY PURCHASES;
9 PRODUCERS BUY 29 PROPERTIES
Originals Account for 79 Per
Cent of Month's Purchases;
Warners Buys "No Time for
Connedy" for Bette Davis
Reflecting perhaps the rigid economies in-
voked by Hollywood, story purchases in the
first month of the European War fell to a
low of 29 properties. This compares with
the 51 bought in September of last year, and
the 33 acquired in August, 1939.
With producers and story editors turning
to the millions of dollars worth of stories
in studio vaults, agents are reporting that
■r-the demand for new material is diminishing
rapidly pending the determination of trends
in future film fare.
$55,000 Reported for Play
Herbert J. -Yates, head of Republic, said
recently while on the coast that that com-
pany would not bid for screen rights to any
available war stories. "It is our conten-
tion," he said, "that what the world needs
today in the way of entertainment is pic-
tures that will take the troubled, propaganda-
fed minds of the picture going public off
the tense European situation."
Highlights among the month's purchases
were "No Time for Comedy," S. N. Behr-
man's play which was bought by Warner
Brothers, for a reported $55,000 ; with Bette
Davis to take the role Katherine Cornell
played in the stage version. Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox acquired two biographies of
Steinmetz by John Winthrop Hammond:
"Charles Proteus Steinmetz" and "A Magi-
cian of Science."
Originals accounted for 23, or 79 per cent,
of the total month's purchases ; while there
were four books, two plays, and no maga-
zine stories. Universal, Twentieth Century-
Fox and Paramount each made six pur-
chases.
The Titles and Credits
The month's acquisitions, with all avail-
able production credits, follows :
Back Home, original by William A. Ulman,
purchased by Universal.
Californian, The, original by Sam Hellman,
purchased by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Charles Proteus. Steinmetz, biography by
John Winthrop Hammond, purchased by
Twentieth Century-Fox.
City of Conquest, original by Aben Kandel,
purchased by Warner Brothers.
City Without Men, original by Albert Bein
and Aben Kandel, purchased by Samuel
Goldwyn (United Artists) for Jean Arthur
and Jon Hall.
Days of '49, original by Norman Houston,
purchased by Republic for Roy Rogers.
Devil Is Yellow, The, original by Frederick
C. Davis, purchased by Universal.
Double- Saddled Law, original by Sam Robins,
purchased by Universal.
Down Went McGinty, original by Preston
Sturges, purchased by Paramount.
Ghost Breaker, The, mystery play by Paul
Dickey and Charles Goddard, purchased by
Paramount for Bob Hope and Eddie
"Rochester" Anderson. Arthur Hornblow,
Jr., will produce.
STORY PURCHASES
OF YEAR COMPARED
Month
October, 1938
November
December
January, 1939
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
TOTALS FOR
12 MONTHS
Originals
23
34
27
42
33
30
47
29
24
19
19
23
Books
28(a)
19(b)
14(c)
14(d)
21(e)
15(f)
12(g)
15(h)
I5(i)
5(i)
I3(k)
4
Plays
1
6
2
I
I
8
7
I
4
2
I
2
Totals
52
59
43
57
55
53
66
45
43
26
33
29
(a)
Inc
uding
4
(b)
Inc
uding
13
(c)
Inc
uding
12
(d)
Inc
uding
7
1
(e)
Inc
uding
1
2
(f)
Inc
uding
4
(g)
Inc
uding
3
(h)
Inc
uding
4
3
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published magazine stories,
published magazine stories,
published magazine stories,
published magazine stories and
radio program,
published magazine story and
radio programs,
published magazine stories,
published magazine stories,
published magazine stories,
films and I radio program,
published magazine stories and
radio scripts.
published magazine stories,
published magazine stories and
film.
published magazine stories,
radio programs and 4 films.
Honeymoon Deferred, original by Roy
Chanslor, purchased by Universal.
I Married Adventure^ autobiography based on
her career, by Mrs. Osa Johnson, purchased
by Columbia. Mrs. Johnson will also act as
advisor on adaptation and as technical di-
rector on the film.
In Old Cheyenne, original by Chandler
Sprague, purchased by Republic.
In Old Virginia, original by Edward H.
Griffith, purchased by Paramount for Joel
McCree. Mr. Griffith will also produce and
direct.
Magician of SaENCE, A, also known as "The
Boy's Life of Steinmetz," biography by John
Winthrop Hammond, purchased by Twentieth
Century- Fox.
Manhattan Miracle, original by Earl Felton,
purchased by RKO. Bert Gilroy will pro-
duce.
Man Without A World, original by Frank
and Reginald Fenton, purchased by RKO.
Novel Purchased
Memo to a Movie Producer, novel by Kathe-
rine Hartley Frings, purchased by Para-
mount.
Monster, The, original by Ben Hecht and
Charles MacArthur, originally written, four
years ago, for Noel Coward,' purchased by
Paramount. George Arthur will produce.
Narration, original by Gordon Kahn, pur-
chased by Universal.
No Time for Comedy, stage play by S. N.
Behrman, purchased by Warner Brothers
for Bette Davis.
Opened by Mistake, original by Hal Hudson
and Kenneth Earl, purchased by Paramount
for Charles Ruggles and Robert Paige.
George Archainbaud will direct.
Osborne of Sing Sing, original by Jonathan
Finn and Harold Friedman, purchased by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Road to Romance, original by Arthur T. Her-
man, purchased by Universal.
Saints in Uniform, original by Jerome Cho-
dorov and Joseph Fields, purchased by Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer.
Screen Test Idea, original by Ivan Kahn,
purchased by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Sea Falcon, The, original by Hampton Cros-
sart, purchased by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Singapore, original by Houston Branch, pur-
chased by Columbia.
South American Way, The, original by
Ramon Alvarez, purchased by Twentieth
Century-Fox.
Monogram Raises
Budgets on Eleven
Monogram announced this week that it
is increasing the negative cost on 11 top
pictures, following a meeting in Kansas City
of members of the franchise holders ad-
visory committee consisting of Ray 01m-
stead, Los Angeles ; Steve Broidy, Boston ;
John Mangham, Atlanta, and Charles
Trampe, Milwaukee, together vvith W. Ray
Johnston, president; Edward A. Golden,
vice-president, and George W. Weeks, sales
manager.
The -committee also worked out plans for
exploitation and release of the company's im-
portant production, "Mutiny in the Big House."
One of the forthcoming productions to receive
an increase in budget is "Rip Van Winkle,"
which will shortly go before the cameras on
a proposed budget, of $350,000. Jackie Cooper's
current season's Monogram picture also has
been given a $100,000 boost in allocation.
Others to be given 50 per cent increases in
allocation are "His Father's Son" and "Son
of the Navy," featuring Martin Spellman ; "Un-
der Northern Lights," operetta by Charles
Wakefield Cadman ; "Haunted House" to star
Boris Karloff ; "Queen of the Yukon," novel
by Jack London, and "Freckles Comes Home,"
by Jeannette Stratton Porter.
Following this lineup on the Monogram pro-
gram will be three Hugh Wiley Collier's Mag-
sine mystery stories starring Boris Karloff ;
"Dawn on the Great Divide," now in the cut-
ting room ; two specials with Marcia Mae Jones
and Jackie Moran, called "Hoosier Schooldays"
and "Tomboy."
Also on the Monogram program are four
Tailspin Tommy pictures, four Frankie Darros,
four action melodramas, eight Tex Ritter west-
erns, the "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted"
films, two Mickey Balcon productions, based
on Edgar Wallace stories, and scheduled for
November and December release ; "The Pio-
neers," by James Fenimore Cooper, to star
Jack Randall ; "Raiders over England" and
"Fight for Peace," two timely releases.
Monica McCall has left the Curtis Brown
agency, where she handled for the last four
years play and film rights, to establish her
own agency. Allan Collins, Jr., assumes
her work at the Curtis Brown agency.
October 2 8, 19 3 9
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
29
MAJORS TELL U.S. HOLLYWOOD NEEDS
AID IN LATIN AMERICAN MARKETS
MPPDA Attorneys Tell Wash-
ington Committee Protec-
tion Is Needed to
Offset War Losses
by FRANCIS L BURT
in Washington
The American motion picture industry
needs protection in Latin American mar-
kets because of the war losses in Europe,
members of the Administration's Committee
for Reciprocity Information were told last
Thursday at hearings on the proposed recip-
rocal trade agreement with Argentina. The
Federal Government aims to extend our
markets in South America through extended
credits and loans.
Call Protection Vital
Pleading that the agreement should contain
provisions protecting the industry from trade
barriers in the Latin American country, repre-
sentatives of the Motion Picture Producers and
Distributors of America, told the committee that
the producers must have access to foreign mar-
kets, from which they expect a yield of 35 to 40
per cent of their return, in order to continue to
produce a high type of pictures.
The industry already has lost Central Euro-
pean markets and is suffering from quotas in
the United Kingdom, testified Harry Levine,
of RKO, heading the MPPDA's lawyers com-
mittee. Not only has the war aggravated the
loss of markets but, due to exchange conditions,
the industry has been exceedingly hard hit, so
that it has had to curtail employment, he said.
Mr. Levine asked specifically that the dis-
tributors be not put under the necessity of meet-
ing arbitrary quotas in Argentina. "With the
state that Europe is in today," he said, "the
Latin American market is all-important." He
insisted also that films should be recognized as
essential articles of commerce which, he ex-
plained, would relieve them of luxury taxes.
Duty Increased 550%
Arguing that the agreement should protect
the industry against excessive duties, Mr. Le-
vine pointed out that Argentina has increased
its duty 550 per cent since 1930, and now has
the highest rate of any of the Latin American
republics.
He explained that in Argentina, also, unless
motion pictures are classed as articles of com-
merce they are subject to a surtax which, due
to exchange control, amounts to about 20 per
cent. Further, he said, the government now is
attempting to lay a further surtax on remit-
tances from exhibitors, and while negotiation
of the agreement was underway imposed an in-
come tax of five per cent on such remittances.
At least 50 per cent of the gross returns from
exhibition in Argentina must remain in that
country, due to taxes and exchange control, he
told the committee.
Questioned by Committeemen
Mr. Levine was questioned at length by mem-
bers of the committee, who asked whether the
industry's difficulties were due to efforts to
protect the Argentine film producers or to the
exchange situation. He explained that compe-
tition from the Argentine industry was not keen
enough to warrant the various forms of taxation
the government has resorted to, and that native
production is only about 50 films a year as com-
SHORTER TERMS ON
LATIN AMERICA DEALS
A growing tendency to quote short-
er terms on sales to Latin Atnerica was
observed among foreign traders by the
New York Times last week. The cau-
tion, export officials say, is due to fear
that present heavy commitments from
the Latin-American republics may
cause a piling up of exchange obliga-
tions in those countries and result in
delayed payments six months hence.
Up to now the curtailment has been
principally among exporters of food-
stuffs.
Shorter terms enable the exporter to
take steps to meet any exchange diffi-
culties in a specific market. If ex-
change goes against them they can
wait for an improved rate.
The tendency now is to ship on
sight-draft, which is causing some
shortage of dollars in several Latin-
American countries, and heavy ship-
ments have caused custom delays in
many countries. It is expected that
the situation tvill be restored to nor-
mal soon.
pared with 350 features imported from the
United States. He also refused to admit that
the taxes might be imposed for revenue pur-
poses, and said there was no objection to non-
discriminatory taxes but that levies on gross
proceeds with no consideration of negative costs
were unfair.
Asked whether his fears were not based on
anticipations of what might happen, Mr. Levine
said the industry would be thoroughly satisfied
if the Argentine agreement included some con-
cessions such as were granted all American in-
dustries in the French treaty, which protects
them against sudden increases in taxes, imposi-
tion of greater restrictions, and the like.
David Lewis, Loew representative in Argen-
tina, with Franklin S. Irey of Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox and Joseph Rosthal of MGM, testified
that the Argentine film producers need very lit-
tle protection, since the pictures it makes are
for its own people and receive wide distribution.
The proposed agreement went to the Com-
mittee for Reciprocity Information, after a
four-day hearing.
V
British Films Decline
Noted in Argentina
British films have lost ground in the Ar-
gentine according to a memorandum issued by
the Department of Overseas Trade, a section of
Britain's Board of Trade. According to the
report American productions continue to domi-
nate the market, with Argentine films strong
competition to the American pictures. The
British claim that the receipts of American
exhibitors have dropped off 30 per cent.
American Films
Gain in Peru
Competition is considerably weaker in Peru
this year, according to a report to the Depart-
ment of Commerce from the American com-
mercial attache at Lima, David M. Clark. A
survey in the Lima district shows that 67 per
cent of the motion pictures were English dia-
logue and 27 per cent Spanish as against 50 per
cent English and 42 per cent Spanish in the cor-
responding period in 1938.
A substantial number of French films was
available in Peru but the war was expected to
affect that
On the other hand, a lack of protection to
first-runs in Lima is hurting business there,
Jose Calero Paz, distributor of Spanish
language films in Latin America, said in New
York. Mr. Paz blamed the American distribu-
tors, and the serious competition of modern
subsequent-run theatres.
Mr. Paz has signed as Republic distributor
in that territory, beginning this year. His
company also handles sound equipment.
Americans Winning
Colombia, Santo Domingo
The attempt of the United States to win the
Latin American markets held formerly by Euro-
pean countries is apparently successful, says
the U. S. Department of Commerce. American
agents in Colombia have increased bookings,
and there has been a swing to America in the
Dominican Republic.
Brazil Expects
Trade Increase
Improved exportation on account of the war
and the purchase of United States gold to
strengthen the milreis are factors that indicate
a general improvement of business in Brazil
and a greater trade with the United States, ac-
cording to commercial attaches.
Pictures Figure in
Paraguay Trade Pact
Negotiations are being initiated by the State
Department for a trade treaty with Paraguay.
Motion pictures figure in all the existing and
proposed pacts. Other commercial pacts being
negotiate dare with Argentina, Chile and Vene-
zuela.
Vote November 6th
On Dramatists-Film Plan
The plan by which Hollywood backing
would be returned to the legitimate stage of
Broadway, long in work, having been con-
sidered by the council of the Dramatists'
Guild, will be submitted to a vote of the
membership at the annual meeting on No-
vember 6th ; the plan being voted on by mail
or proxy, as well as by individual members.
The Guild's active membership is 565, while
there are 1,687 associates; only the active
members voting.
In all probability, the legitimate theatre
managers will have taken action on the plan
before that time, although they had received
no outline by midweek. Copies also will
go out to the Guild membership before the
November meeting.
Gus McCarthy Leaves
Quigley Publications
Gus McCarthy, for the last eight years
associated with the Hollywood bureau of
Quigley publications, has resigned his post
effective in mid-November. At that time he
will assume a new affiliation.
30
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
NEWSREELS GIVE THIRD OF FOOTAGE
TO WAR; HEAVY BOOKING INCREASE
Cost of Operations Markedly
Increased without Pronounced
Addition to Inconne, Executives
of Five Newsreels Point Out
The wai- has been a stimulus to the news-
reels, officials of the five newsreels said this
week in New York. More than one-third
of all newsreel footage issued since Septem-
ber 1st has been on the war. Also, exhibi-
tors and the public have considered the
newsreels more important than any time
since the World War, executives declared.
12 Exclusively on War
Out of the total of 85 newsreel issues since
the invasion of Poland, 12 have been devoted
evclusively to the war, and only four have had
no war subjects at all. Movietone News has
devoted two complete issues to the War ; News
of the Day, 4 ; Paramount News, 4 ; Universal,
2 ; RKO-Pathe News, no complete edition.
Over 45% of the subjects in the other issues
concerned war. [Actual shots made in Europe
and matters such as the special session of Con-
gress, that are directly related to the conflict,
are considered war subjects for the purposes
of this calculation.]
From the viewpoint of the sales manager,
Harry J. Michalson of RKO said the newsreel
business is better since the war. Some theatres
are running more newsreels and others are tak-
ing more issues from the same company. As
the war has continued, public interest in the
newsreels has been steadily building. People,
he found, like to see pictures of whac has Hap-
pened, even though they have read about the
events in the newspaper and heard the news on
the radio.
M. D. Clofine, managing editor of the News
of the Day, called the war the "greatest human
interest story of our time."
Operation Cost Increased
The war has markedly increased the cost of
operations, said the newsreel leaders, without
bringing any pronounced increase in revenue.
The editors expect that less spectacular mate-
rial will come over now that the Polish cam-
paign is finished. The war in the West dis-
courages picture operations, they added, because
most of the movements are conducted at night
or in the pale light of dawn.
Truman H. Talley, Movietone News, ob-
served that the increase in the sales of one-
sheets to the exhibitors indicates that there
is greater interest in the newsreels and that
theatremen are advertising them more than ever
before.
Leo Abrams, Universal's New York sales
manager, saw newsreel distribution constantly
expanding. Some exhibitors are adding reels ;
others who never used newsreels are playing
them. This growth parallels to some extent
the increase in newspaper circulation owing to
interest in the war, said Mr. Abrams.
Footage Determined by Merit
The newsreel companies cited no defined pol-
icy on handling war news. All are treating
the European trouble as an important source of
material and the shots are judged on the same
basis as other newsreel pictures, issue by issue.
All the good material is used. No attempt is
being made to control, deliberately, the amount
NEWSREEL EDITOR
ON A WAR TOUR
W. p. Montague, assignment editor
of Paramount Newsreel, left Monday
aboard the Dixie Clipper for Lisbon
as the first stop on a trip which will
take him to many European capitals.
The purpose of the trip is to make
a general survey of war conditions and
to confer with representatives of Para-
mount News on coverage of the Euro-
pean war. War restrictions will deter-
mine Mr. Montague's exact route, but
Rome, Paris, Brussels, London and
Switzerland are on the schedule. Lie
will remain abroad 30 days.
of war footage in any issue or to aim at any
percentage figure.
Thousands of feet of film are discarded be-
cause they do not come up to the necessary
standards of quality or because they have been
spoiled by foreign censorship or are obviously
propaganda, the newsreel men added. No reel
that comes from any of the countries at war is
free from censorship and much of the material
has some elements of propaganda. The news-
reel companies let the public know, as the news-
papers do, that the material has been subject
to foreign war censorship.
Material from France Pooled
By order of the French government the news-
reels must pool all material photographed in
France. The scenes are passed through censor-
ship and then are available to all the companies.
In Germany the situation is similar. The
films are made under government supervision
and the material then is available to the Ameri-
can companies through arrangements with Ger-
man newsreel companies. The Germans request
that captions and commentators' remarks do not
twist the interpretation of the pictures. Official
captions are sent with the material. Not in all
cases can the captions be followed, but the
American newsreels are trying to present the
war in keeping with the neutrality of the
United States.
The last World War helped to establish the
newsreel. Then the material was not very new.
Today the Clipper plane service brings timely
pictures from Europe and other air services
carry the finished reels to South America and
the East while the news is still fresh. However,
even in the last war there was great public
interest in war material. Very few actual war
shots were made then but the public liked the
parades, training scenes and other war subjects.
The Federal government was active in pro-
duction in the war two decades ago. One divi-
sion of the Department of Public Information,
headed by George Creel, was the Division of
Films. This motion picture division operated
in New York under Charles S. Hart. A
weekly topical release called the "Allied War
Review" was issued through Pathe Exchange,
Inc. The "Review" was the official war news-
reel. Charles Urban, pioneer" in the field of
color motion pictures, of the Kineto Company
of America, did the editing of the reel.
Up to now the present war has brought no
boom to the newsreel business. It has increased
public interest and to a limited extent increased
newsreel distribution, but costs to the newsreel
companies have soared.
ATT- General
Patent Suit Ends
A final agreement was reached last week
in a seven-year litigation by AT&T, West-
ern Electric and ERPI on one side and Gen-
erarl Talking Pictures Corporation on the
other. The action included patent, anti-trust
and damage suits.
In settlement of the case which went twice
to the U. S. Supreme Court, General Talking
Pictures has the right, on request, to be li-
censed by ERPI to manufacture sound repro-
ducing equipment and public address systems
under Western Electric-ERPI patents on the
same basis as any other licensee in the United
States. The parties agreed on the settlement
of attorneys' fees and court costs.
ERPI receives some of the General Talking
Pictures licenses in the recording and repro-
ducing field but the latter's printing patents
were excluded from the settlement. Also RCA
Photophone licenses were not included. No
damage payments or considerations for re-
leases from claims or charges were involved,
according to T. K. Stevenson of ERPI.
"Damage claims were a very minor phase
of the action at the outset," Mr. Stevenson said.
"In initiating the action, in which General Talk-
ing Pictures was charged with infringement
of our patents, ERPI was mainly concerned
with the extension and perpetuation of the de-
fendant's business on the basis on which it
existed at the time."
The U. S. supreme court had decided in
ERPI's favor and later granted General Talk-
ing Pictures a rehearing but again ruled in
ERPI's favor. The agreement reached last
week was made pursuant to a settlement order
of the Federal court at Wilmington in which
the action was originated.
Luncheon for Sol Wurtzei
Sidney R. Kent, president of Twentieth
Century-Fox, gave a luncheon Friday for
Sol Wurtzei, executive producer, at the
Union League Club, New York. The fol-
lowing from the company attended: W. C.
Michel, Herman Wobber, Truman Talley,
Spyros Skouras, Charles E. McCarthy, Sid-
ney Towell, William Kupper, William Suss-
man, William Gehring, Joseph Moskowitz,
William Eadie, Alan Freedman, Felix Jen-
kins, E. P. Kilroe, Joseph Pincus, Les Whe-
lan, Roger Ferri, Irving Maas and Franklin
Underwood.
A. J. Goulding Held
Alfred J. Goulding, director, was re-
manded to the Los Angeles county jail in
lieu of $500 bail ordered in an immigration
hearing. Before Immigration Inspector
Henderson it was charged that Goulding
had entered the United States illegally. He
came to the United States from Australia
in 1912 and visited England from 1935-38,
when he returned to Hollywood on a three
months' permit.
Managers of the Balaban & Katz-Great
States circuit will meet in Chicago Novem-
ber 8th and 9th to discuss policy changes
and management problems.
Detroit
auto know.
4
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Fourth largest city in U. S.
turns out en masse • • • •
to welcome three stars, Dorothy Lamour, Akim Tamiroff, John
Howard in personal appearance! Huge parade of stars and
civic leaders cheered to skies! Police reserves called out to
keep crowds in check! Michigan Theatre completely sold out
hours before Premiere! Audience applause nearly lifts roof
off house! What a night! What a reception I What a hit!
Take a bow, LLOYD C. DOUGLAS ! . . .
You^ve delivered an even greater hit
than your record-breaking ^^Magnifi-
cent Obsession,*' White Banners and
''Green Light/' Looks like ''DISPUTED
PASSAGE'' goes right to head of the list!
CHARLES LAU6HTON starrer intro-
ducing Maureen O'Hara, directed by ALFRED
HiTCHCOCK...aPommer-Laughton"Mayflower
production, produced by Erich Pommer . . .
Continues to pile up those grosses in every key spot
One of the three top-gross pic>
tures to play the theatre in the last
5 years. (25% ahead of "Beach-
comber" which played at Christ-
mas.) Held over for an indefinite run.
Way out in front of "Man About
Town," "In vitationto Happiness,"
"Honeymoon in Bali."
Beating high marks set by "The
Beachcomber," "Invitation to
Happiness," "Man About Town,"
and "Honeymoon in Bali."
Best gross in the last 18 months-
topping "Beau Geste," "Union
Pacific," "Men With Wings."
HeW over.
Tops "Man About Town."
Best gross of the yeor— topping
"Union Pacific," "Beau Geste,"
"Star Maker," "Man About
Town." Held over.
Topping "Beau Geste," "The Star
Maker," "Man About Town."
HeW over.
Tops "Honeymoon in Bali," "The
Star Maker."
A PARAMOUNT RELEASE
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
35
THE HOLLYWOOD
SCENE
Production Picks Up
After a few weeks of stalling and balking,
the production machine began to operate
with a degree of normal efficiency last week.
Ten pictures were started. Two or three of
them may become objects of more than or-
dinary popular attention. Twelve were fin-
ished, and here again there is a share of
better than average merchandise.
Two started at Columbia. "Passport to
Happiness," a romance, will feature Tony
Martin and Rita Haworth with Andre Kos-
telanetz, Edith Fellows and Eric Blore. A
crime drama, "The Cop from Hell's
Kitchen," will present Jacqueline Wells,
Bruce Cabot, Wynne Gibson and Don Bed-
doe in the leading roles.
Paramount also began work on two. To
make "The Biscuit Eater," a company of
almost all new names, went to Georgia on
location. It was headed by Lonnie Leroy,
Cordell Hellman, Helen Millard, Richard
Lane, Leslie Matthews and Snowflake.
Harry Sherman started "Light of Western
Stars," in which will be seen Victor Jory,
Russell Hayden, Noah Beery, Jr., Jo Ann
Sayers and J. Farrel MacDonald.
Gable Returns to MGM
Clark Gable returned to his home studio
MGM, after a prolonged absence in which
"Gone with the Wind" was made, for the
lead role in "Not Too Narrow, Not Too
Deep." Joan Crawford and Betty Compson
are the only girls in the cast, which will
feature Peter Lorre, Melvyn Douglas, Paul
Lukas, John Arledge, Eduardo Cianelli and
J. Edward Bromberg.
Tex Ritter is the star of Monogram's
"Under Western Stars."
The cast for RKO-Radio's "Distant
Fields" will include Alan Marshall, Barbara
Read, Helen Vincent and Patric Knowles.
"Charlie Chan in Panama" went on the
stages at 20th Century-Fox. Sidney Toler
heads the cast, which lists Jean Rogers, Lio-
nel Atwill, Sen Yung, Chris Pin Martin,
Kane Richmond and Mary Nash as support-
ing players. Constance Moore, Frank Al-
bertson, Robert Armstrong and Jerome
Cowan are the principals in "Trouble's My
Name," Universal. "Fugitive from Justice,"
a crime melodrama, started at Warners.
Roger Pryor, Lucille Fairbanks, Don Doug-
las, Morgan Conway and Sheila Bromley
have the leading roles.
Columbia Completes Three
Columbia accounted for three of the 12
finished pictures with "Incredible Mr. Wil-
liams," "Street of Missing Women" and
"Gun Lord of the Frontier." Republic
checked in with two, "Zorro's Fighting Le-
gion" and "Cowboys from Texas," as did
20th Century-Fox, which finished "Daytime
Wife" and "Everything Happens at Night."
For Uni*-ed Artists distribution, Samuel
THREE STORIES BOUGHT
FOR BIG PICTURES
Supplementing already announced
production plans, three studios have
purchased three new stories, each of
which will be made as a big picture.
Cecil B. DeMille has bought "The Son
of Glory", an original, from its
authors, J. Robert Bren and Gladys
Atwater. The story deals with the de-
velopment of the Southwest, a geo-
graphical jump of a couple thousa^id
miles from the locale of "Northwest
Mounted Police", which he has not yet
started.
With one story dealing with events
in pre-war Germany, Iscount Castle-
ross' "I Had a Comrade", definitely
set for production shortly after ]an-
uary 1st, MGM has bought "Escape",
a story by Ethel Vance which appeared
recently serially in The Saturday Eve-
ning Post and since has been published
in book form and sold 175,000 copies
in the first three weeks of publication.
It is the story of a German actress.
At Twentieth Century-Fox Darryl
F. Zamick has acquired rights to
"Marching as to War", an original
story dealing with the Salvation Army.
The authors, Lawrence Pohle and
Thomas Aherne, are preparing it.
Goldwyn finished "Raffles" and Walter
Wanger turned in "City for Sale," formerly
titled "Send Another Coffin."
"The Secret of Dr. Kildare" was com-
pleted at MGM while Monogram removed
"Roll, Wagons' Roll" from the active list
and Harry Edington's production for Uni-
versal, "Green Hell," crossed the finish line.
Name News
Harry M. Warner has become a member
of the Committee of Awards of The Ameri-
can Hebrezv. The committee annually pre-
sents a medal to the man or woman contrib-
uting most toward better understanding be-
tween Christians and Jews in America.
* * *
Harry Sherman borrowed Jo Ann
Sayers from MGM for the lead role in
"Light of Western Stars."
* * *
Gladys George has been signed for the
second feminine lead in Walter Wanger's
"Horses Across the Bay." She was featured
in "The Roaring 20's."
* * 5|:
Paramount assigned Holly Morse as as-
sistant director to Mark Sandrich on Jack
Benny's next picture, "Buck Benny Rides
Again." Production starts late this month.
* * *
Mickey Rooney, who will star in
MGM's "Young Tom Edison," is on a visit
to Greenfield Village, Mich. He will inspect
the museum established by Henry Ford in
which are housed many authentic materials
associated with the life of Thomas A.
Edison.
* * *
Four song numbers composed by Ralph
Rainger and Leo Robin will be heard in
the Max Fleischer feature length cartoon,
"Gulliver's Travels," which Paramount will
release.
* * *
Sol Lesser has signed Frank Craven
to help prepare the screen play and act in
"Our Town." This will be the first United
Artists release from the new Lesser-Ernst
LuBiTSCH combination.
^ i{C ^
Bill Hebert, formerly Selznick-Interna-
tional publicity head, has been engaged by
MGM to exploit the Atlanta, Ga., world pre-
miere of "Gone with the Wind."
* * *
Saturday is the starting date for "Flo-
rian," Winfield Sheehan's first produc-
tion for MGM. Robert Young and Helen
Gilbert will be featured.
* * >i:
Gary Cooper and Zorina will be featured
in the leading roles of Samuel Glodwyn's
"The Outlaw," starting in early November
with William Wyler directing.
* * *
Although yet without a title, "Univer-
sal's Mae West-W. C. Fields co-starring
picture, will start October 30th. Jack Gross
has been named to supervise production.
* * *
Maxwell Shane has completed "Golden
Gloves," an original story for Paramount,
and has been assigned to do the screen play.
* * *
George Brent reported to Warners for
his role in "The Fighting 69th" after a sev-
eral weeks illness.
^ ^ ^
Irving Asher, Columbia's British pro-
duction chief, accompanied by his wife,
Laura LaPlante, is in Hollywood for con-
ferences with Columbia executives.
sj; jfi ^
Charles Laughton and Erich Pommer
will reorganize Mayflower Pictures, Ltd., in
Hollywood. With English production at a
standstill, the reorganization will be effected
in cooperation with an American company.
So far the partners have not decided which
one.
* * *
The first picture for the newly formed
Clyde Elliott producing company, "Cap-
ture 'Em Alive," dealing with the trapping
of jungle animals, will be shot in Australia,
Burma and Borneo. The Elliott expedition
leaves January 3rd.
36
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
STUDIO UNION AUTHORIZES STRIKE;
EXTRAS WITHDRAW THEIR PETITION
Painters Support Demand for
15% Pay Raise; Writers
Nominate; Eastern Actors
Voting on Advisory Council
Union activity in the motion picture in-
dustry was distributed as widely as ever this
week but was relatively quiet. The sole dis-
turbing development indicated was the strike
authorization given by its members to the
officers of the Motion Picture Painters'
Local 644, Hollywood, to gain a 15 per cent
wage increase.
Reject Plea for Delay
The authorization to strike, "at any time,"
was given to the painters' executive board. The
local at the same time rejected the producers'
request that the wage demand be postponed until
December 5th, when the studio representatives
meet with representatives of the "Big Five"
international uni'ons to draw up a new "basic
agreement."
Also on the Coast, the Cinema Players, Inc.,
withdrew without prejudice its petitions before
the National Labor Relations Board for designa-
tion as sole collective bargaining agency, for
extras and stunt men. It criticized the board
for delay in considering the petitions. Walter
Spreckels, regional director for the board, had
asked the Players to withdraw their petitions,
saying they had failed to support their claims.
Screen Writers Nominate
In Hollywood, also, Mary McCall and Sheri-
dan Gibney have been nominated for the presi-
dency of the Screen Writers Guild.
The Guild will meet November 8th in annual
convention. The war's effect on the motion pic-
tures, and especially, on writers, will be the
principal topic.
The vote of the Artists' Managers Guild, in
Hollywood, on a proposed franchise agree-
ment with the Screen Actors Guild was de-
ferred, last week, till managers could examine
the contract in entirety. The vote may be taken
this week ; but it was also expected that the
Guild would be asked to change certain aspects
of the agreement.
Officers of the Screen Actors Guild last week
began probing rumors of favoritism and "pay-
ofifs" in obtaining work in Hollywood. Ralph
Morgan, president, asserted that extras had
complained that the Central Casting Office had
"favorites" for the best and most frequent as-
signments.
Voting on Advisory Council
Members of the Eastern branch of the Guild
have received ballots to record choices for the
advisory council of the East. These are to be
returned before next Thursday, and the results
are to be announced on Friday, at the annual
meeting of the Guild's Eastern section, at the
Hotel Astor, New York City. Fifteen mem-
bers, succeeding the former nine, are to be
elected to the advisory council.
Final negotiations on the new two-year con-
tract between the five newsreels and Camera-
men's Local 644 were expected in New York
next week. Pat Casey, producers' labor contact,
was to come East for the negotiations, under a
new assignment whereby he is to handle Eastern
labor matters.
The_ contract, already tentatively approved,
embodies a ten per cent wage increase for news-
reel cameramen and a prohibition against the
IN NEWSREELS
.MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 12, Vol. 22.— Scenes of the
fall of Warsaw. .. .French Army on German soil
American Navy in Pacific Ocean display. ... Fashions
at the Auto show.... Lew Lehr.
MOVIETONE NEWS— No. 13, Vol. 22.— Queen Wil
helmina opens Holland Parliament. .. .King Leopold's
daughter launches a ship in Belgium. .. .General
Franco attends religious festival Premier Mussolini
lays cornerstone for 1942 Fair building Winston
Churchill's son marries Dutch ship mined, six
dead. .. .Paris mint manufactures medals for soldiers
....Britain's new army in training. ... Scenes of the
war at sea. ... Football.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 210, Vol. 11.— Scenes of
the surrender of Warsaw. ... French troops in Ger-
man territory on western front. .. .American war cor-
respondents in front lines Scenes of the British
fleet in battle maneuvers U. S. Navy on display
in Pacific demonstration.
NEWS OF THE DAY— No. 211, Vol. 11.— Liner Presi-
dent Harding, storm battered, arrives Burning
French tanker filmed Winston Churchill sees son
wed British war scenes Mussolini at young
Fascists ceremonies. ... Former Barbara Hutton ar-
rives on liner. ... Football.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 15.— Censored films from
the war zone "Maxie" Rosenbloom weds Cal-
ifornia governor commutes sentence of Billings
Square dancers and jitterbugs at New York Fair...
New York Giants trim Philadelphia Eagles. .. .Minne-
sota and Purdue tie U. S. Navy demonstration.
PARAMOUNT NEWS— No. 16.— Liner President
Harding docks with 63 injured. .. .Crew of torpedoed
British freighter on board Ohio State shades Min-
nesota Yale upsets Army Tennessee beats Ala-
bama Scenes of the British blockade LIniforms
for cameramen at front British soldiers at the
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 27 Vol. 11.— U. S. fleet
celebrates Navy Day .... California governor com-
mutes Billings sentence Bombers for Allies; New
U. S. plane World conference maps refugee aid....
U. S. war correspondents see French advance
Fcotball.
RKO PATHE NEWS— No. 28, Vol. 11.— Liner Presi-
dent Harding, lashed by storm, arrives in New
York England wages war on home front Wins-
ton Churchill's son marries France manufactures
medals for heroes. .. .Clipper completes survey flight
from California to New Zealand Pennsylvania de-
feats Harvard New York Giants beat Chicago
Bears.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 816, Vol. 11.— French
move to stop Nazis. .. .Germans quit border town....
Correspondents see Maginot line Big fleet display
for Navy Day Flying dreadnaught tested
Bombers for Britain ready Cornell trounces
Princeton College sophomores in annual tussle
Arkansas livestock show.
UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL— No. 817, Vol. 11.— Hurri
cane-battered President Harding arrives in New
York City of Flint reported captured by Nazis
On the western front Flood gates are installed in
London subways Winston Churchill's son marries
II Duce hails young Fascists Yale upsets
Army Tennessee routs Alabama Ohio State
noses out Minnesota.
"pooling" of resources by the employing com-
panies, except where Governmental regulations
necessitate the use of only one crew.
Sues to Restrain Picketing
In St. Louis, the Eden Theatre Company, a
subsidiary of the Fanchon and Marco Service
Corporation and the St. Louis Amusement Com-
pany, filed suit in St. Louis County circuit
court to restrain picketing at the Fox theatre,
a first-run, and eight neighborhood theatres.
Robert Tomsen, president of Motion Picture
Projection Operators Local 143, was named de-
fendant, with seven other officers and 28 union
members.
In the same city, the case of the state against
John P. Nick, former chief of the union, for
extortion of $10,000 from theatre owners in
1936, was declared a mistrial ; and retrial was
set for November 6th. A juror was accused
of talking with a state witness.
In' Detroit, Local 5 of the International As-
sociation of Operating Engineers, renewed a
contract with the United Detroit Theatres,
retroactive to September 1st. The union also
renewed contracts with several other theatres.
The renewals do not involve changes in wages
or working hours.
Stagehands Renew Contract
The stagehands' Local 38, of the International
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, also
has renewed contracts with theatres using its
men, in Detroit.
In Chicago, projectionists' Local 110 warned
public school principals this week that it would
enforce union wage scales in all shows to which
admission is charged.
In the same city, the Theatre Engineers'
Union gained restoration of a five per cent wage
slice imposed last year.
Chicago exhibitors were reported this week
to be considering a demand for reduction in
wage scales of their projectionists.
The employees in that city's film exchanges
were negotiating this week for a new wage
level.
In New York City, officers of Local 702
Technicians Union, were reelected, with the ex-
ception of the first vice-president. John Franca-
villa was elected to this post. John Rugge
continues in the presidency, William Vermont
as secretary-treasurer.
Also, in New York, at last week's election
of officers by Empire State Motion Picture
Operators Union, at which, as previously re-
ported, Abraham Kindler was renamed presi-
dent and Nicholas Pitta was chosen vice-presi-
dent, the following nine members of the execu-
tive board were elected from a slate of 21 men:
James Addesso, chairman; Alfred Schnall,
Michael Finkelstein, Joseph Casella, William
Greenspan, Allen K. Savitch, Louis Davis, Ig-
natius Ricca and Jack Millet.
In Cleveland, projectionists and independent
exhibitors agreed upon a new one year contract,
with no changes. First-run houses and those
affiliated with distributors already had signed
again with the union at the prevailing terms.
As an aftermath of the actors' inter-union
fight, in which the American Federation of Ac-
tors was expelled by the parent actors union,
the Associated Actor and Artistes of America, a
suit for libel by Ralph Whitehead, AFA head,
against AAAA leaders, is pending in New
York supreme court. Motion to dismiss the suit
was to be heard this week.
Television Jurisdiction Disputed
Three member unions of the Four As were
reported this week still disputing jurisdiction
over television performers. The three unions
are the Screen Actors' Guild, Actors' Equity,
and the American Federation of Radio Artists.
The Actors Guild stand was modified, in re-
lation to its jurisdictional claims, by a declara-
tion from its spokesmen that it would not try
to enforce a closed shop in television, but would
be satisfied if union scales were paid to televi-
sion performers, and if they belonged to at least
one of the Four As unions.
The "one big union" plan of the Four As,
whereby office space and personnel would be re-
formed and possibly cut, and whereby economies
in the payment of dues would be effected, ap-
peared delayed in conclusion until next month,
when Screen Actors Guild officials are to confer
in New York with officers of the other Four
As unions.
Chorus Equity last week reported a 50 per
cent rise in employment of its members, com-
pared with last year's record.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
37
ASIDES and
INTERLUDES
By JAMES P. CUNNINGHAM
There was the mud-packed tomb of the Afri-
can chief inside the sacred burial house of Kon-
dola, a native village deep in Central Africa.
Beside the tomb stood the limb of a tree, ex-
actly the dead chief's height, covered with tribal
fetishes.
But the walls were covered with Coca Cola
ads, photos of Clark Gable and pictures from
virtually every popular American magazine ex-
cept the National Geographic.
And the fetish pole rested in a rusty Ameri-
can tomato soup can, which the natives ex-
plained, kept the chief's spirit uncontaminated.
This demonstrates the "crazy impact of civili-
zation on Africa," according to Ray Garner and
Virginia Garner, 26 and 24, respectively, blond
young couple from Brooklyn, who, for a honey-
moon, spent 16 months taking 10 motion pic-
tures and 3,500 still shots of the Belgian Congo
and the French Cameroon, as described in Mo-
tion Picture Herald, three weeks ago.
V
New York's Roxy, at 50th and Seventh, in
New York, and the Rockefeller's Music Hall up
the street, may be competitors for the dimes and
dollars of the town's native and visiting movie-
goers, but when it comes to corraling the giim-
chewers, the Roxy wins in a walkaway. Any
morning between five and seven, with the rising
sun, the Roxy management lets loose a full
dozen staff porters with sharpened putty knives,
pails and a strong de-gummer to pry loose the
wads let loose along the long expanse of Roxy
sidewalk. Up the street, on the Music Hall's
sidewalk, a scant two or three de-gummers may
be seen engaged in the same de-gumming. But,
then, maybe Mr. Van Schmus had better look
on the bottoms of his plushy plush seats.
V
That little lion cub which Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer christened Leo the Lion, Junior, at
New York's World's Fair, during the sum-
mer, to serve the same trade mark capacity
in which Leo the Lion, Senior, represents
the Metro feature product, has, according to
its new Metro foster-parents, the earmarks
of a Gable, the natural exuberance of Mickey
Rooney, the savoir faire of Robert Benchley
"and has more fuzz on his chest than Robert
Taylor."
V
Howard Brown, of Color Development Com-
pany, Chicago, claims that his company's new
process uses sheep's blood as the basic factor
in its colorations.
V
Paging motion picture nezvsreel editors, on
the advice of an advertisement in the Provi-
dence, Rhode Island, Journal :
LADY WHO BROKE UP BEAUTIFUL
HOME will sell furniture, rugs, linens and
bric-a-brac at sacrifice.
V
Also for this one, from the Walla Walla,
Washington Union :
deserted his wife April 16,
1925. He is very pleasant-appearing and usu-
ally smiling.
V
Heads of foreign film departments in New
York who are trying with such handicaps to
keep straight on their daily-changing European
markets, might consider wall maps with rubber
borders.
It's a long jump from dynamos and motors
to Mickey Mouse oatmeal plates for young
Buster and Mickey Mouse milk cups for the
babe in bib, but Westinghouse Electric has
made the grade with one swoop — but made
it unconsciously.
Most on the outside are aware that
Westinghouse, today, as it has for years,
stands among the leaders in the manufacture
of electrical products and electrical gadgets;
but few know that the same company also
is one of the leading makers of tableware,
toys, smokers' articles and smokers fittings,
spoons, plates, tumblers and kitchenware and
hundreds of such things, many with pictures
glorifying Walter Disney's Mickey Mouse,
Mickey's gang, Walt's Snow White, soon
Walt's Pinocchio.
It came about this way: When the possi-
bilities of plastics were first startling indus-
try, Westinghouse took over a plastics plant
near its Bridgeport, Conn., electrical equip-
ment plant, to mould various plastic devices
to house its electrical outlets, switches, plugs,
fuses and other connections in wiring sys-
tems. The capacity of this plant was greater
than their needs, so they either had to cut
it down or find new uses for plastics — and
they found new uses, in the vivid, rainbow
colors now used in their dish-and-ash tray
sideline. Licenses were obtained from Disney
and other cartoon creators to use their char-
acters. And that's how Mickey Mouse joined
the Westinghouse family.
Since Washington effected that wholesale
slash in WPA ranks, some months ago, there
has been wonderment about what the WPA
Federal Writers' Project might do about that
bibliography of the motion picture which it has
had in compilation for so long. Practically
no word has come out of the Project on the sub-
ject for months. However, all seems not lost,
the Project is not gone, for word of "new life"
came only this week from Project headquarters
down on King Street in New York that Project
researchers on a writing project of one kind or
another had uncovered a bill itemizing the cost
of hanging and burying a criminal in New York
back in 1752. The executioner got five pounds,
eight shillings for hanging one Charles Beek-
man, Negro; a horse and cart to cart him cost
12 shillings, a rope to hang him, five shillings,
three shillings went to "horse hyer," and two
shillings, nine pence for "liquor for hangman."
Actual burial cost six shillings — less than two
dollars.
V
Be-Kind-to-Animals Department, from a pub-
licity statement to the press issued in behalf of
David O. Selznick Productions :
Screen writers with unrestrained Imagi-
nations were put in the doghouse today by
one of Hollywood's leading dog trainers.
Indignantly denouncing writers who ex-
pect dogs to perform acts of super-human
intelligence, Frank Weatherwax, who has
built up one of the screen's finest trained
dog kennels, exploded verbally:
"The worst obstacle to a movie dog's
career is the screen writer. Once a dog
makes a reputation In pictures, these writ-
ers sit around In story conferences allow-
ing their imaginations to run riot."
Stories of the eccentricities of the "Mad
Marxes" are frequent and funny. Motion Pic-
ture Daily's Al Finestone submits his favorite,
from his favorite Kansas City Jewish Chronicle,
from his favorite Kansas City :
Eddie Buzzell had finished his job — and he'll
admit it was some job, directing "Marx
Brothers at the Circus" (released last week,
MGM, free advt.). In appreciation, Groucho,
Harpo and Chico, who appear in the picture,
gave Eddie a dinner, with the aid of Zeppo and
Gummo, who do not appear in the picture.
The big-feed started at Hollywood's Trocadero.
Groucho told the waiter the place was too dark.
The waiter asked him why he didn't strike a
match. That started a "quarrel," and they all
left in a seeming huff. They went in search of
a "swell cafe" Harpo knew about.
Harpo couldn't find it. However, he found a
man at a street-curb with a hot-dog wagon.
Harpo produced bridge tables and chairs and
set them up on the sidewalk. The hot-dog man
served chicken soup. Eddie Buzzell in the
meantime was feeling a bit of nervous indiges-
tion.
Harpo then maneuvered Eddie and the rest
of the Mad Marxes to a Hungarian restaurant
but another "fight," prearranged, started after
the entree so Chico suggested they go see a
wrestling match.
The American Legion Stadium was locked,
but they broke in and found two wrestlers and
a referee in the ring. They were served ice
cream and cake in the ring with the contestants
still going strong.
Coffee was later served in a "mortuary."
V
Tri-State Circuit's new Ingersoll theatre
in Des Moines opened the other afternoon
with large signs proclaiming: "Staggered
seats for Vision, Love seats for Comfort."
V
Ben Achsiger attended an auto drawing at
the Clover theatre in Fort Morgan, Cal., and
won the auto on a ticket owned by his girl
friend, Esther Mills. Since the dravtnng was
by number and not by name a question of equity
arose, and the tivo decided they needed legal aid.
So they routed a judge out of bed and persuaded
him to grant them a permit to purchase a mar-
riage license so that in marriage they may share
the car.
V
Ernst Lubitsch, of the Hollywood direc-
torial Lubitsches, wants so much to be a
good dancer, he confided to Michel Mok, of
the New York Post, for publication therein.
But always he's behind the times, he moaned.
"When I learn the two-step, they do the
Charleston. I learn the Charleston and they
do the Black Bottom. Now I have learned
the rhumba and already they are dancing the
conga."
V
Unintentional, intentional or otherwise, the
United States Government, in organizing the
machinery for the census of business which its
Census Bureau will start on January 1st, has
placed the motion picture business in the same
group as launderers, dirty linen and cleaners.
V
"There is no doubt about the e.viiberance of
the American youth," writes E. H. Mayer, from
Ohio, "but it remained for a Cincinnati suburban
theatre to advertise the fact, its marquee sign
reading: "The Son Never Sets."
38
MOTION PICTURE HERALD October 2 8, 19 3 9
TELEVISION WILL NOT COMPETE: NBC-
STILL LACKING PLANS FOR SUPPORT
Will Supplement and Comple-
ment Films with Educational
and Cultural Programs, Says
C. W. Farrier, Coordinator
Television still stands without any prac-
ticable plan of self-support, after all the
years of laboratory approach, technical de-
velopment and its first six months of regular
daily broadcasts, via NBC-RCA, which ter-
minate this weekend with the close of the
New York World's Fair. NBC started its
public telecasting at the Fair's opening last
April.
Admission of the "very red," "unhealthy"
economic condition of the medium at this
time came from C. W. Farrier, television
coordinator for National Broadcasting. For
film exhibitors, from NBC, comes the assur-
ance that television will not be a competitor.
Supplement and Complement
The telecasters see years ahead before a rep-
resentative program is brought before the tele-
vision camera. When it does arrive, Mr. Far-
rier predicted, "it will radiate more educational
and cultural programs than Hollywood has
been able to produce." The medium will both
"supplement and complement the movies and
radio," with the day rapidly approaching "when
we shall be unable to fill our current needs
by drawing on material in film vaults and in
stage libraries," he said.
Mr. Farrier, however, declared that televi-
sion will not compete directly with entertain-
ment media, that "it will stand alone and give
expression to human activities in novel and
individual ways."
Studying Film Methods
"Besides trying to change the color of the
financial ink from red to black," said Mr. Far-
rier, there was also "the responsibility of study-
ing movie production methods, since there are
obvious similarities between movie and tele-
vision programming.
"From time to time we also call on the stage
and the movies for help in building television
programs. In this way television is taking-
root in the vast scheme of modern entertain-
ment."
"Television needs the reaction of many people
before it can fully utilize the materials and
the talents now available," he explained. "Al-
though not extraordinarily high, the artistic
level of production to date was achieved with
the aid of comments from televiewers in the
New York metropolitan area. As our audi-
ences increase, we will learn more about pro-
duction from their reactions also.
". . .Our first big job is to produce the enter-
tainment that will sell television to the public.
New Technic Required
"It would appear simple for us to rent or
borrow films from Hollywood and merely
transmit them through space. But even at
this stage we know that the usual celluloid
drama is unsuited to television. The consen-
sus is that if we are going to use films ex-
tensively, they must meet television require-
ments."
"The possible scope of television embraces
so many phases of human activity that it will
take years to bring representative programs
TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF
NEWSREEL THEATRE
The Embassy Newsreel fhearte, New
York, the first newsreel theatre in the
United States, celebrates its tenth an-
niversary on November 2nd. At the
ceremony will be shown a two-reel
subject compiled by Fox Movietone
Netvs from the original program.
Lowell Thomas will introduce Court-
land Smith, who conceived the news-
reel theatre while head of Movietone
News, Truman Talley, present editor,
and W. French Githens, president of
the theatre.
The part of the original program
which will be shown to the guests at
the celebrations inchides: the attempt-
ed assassination of Prince Humbert of
Italy; the interior of the Stock Ex-
change during the crash in 1929;
Winston Churchill speaking on the
friendly relations between Great Brit-
ain and the United States, and the
opening of the George Washington
Bridge.
In point of historical fact the news-
reel theatre came before the newsreel.
It ivas the Fathe Journal, a nickelodeon
type house, devoted to current events,
opened in Paris in the dawn years. To
Slip ply that, Pat he's European news-
reel evolved and in time came over-
seas to America with an edition ances-
tral to the Fat he News of today. —
The Editor.
before the carneras," declared Mr. Farrier, add-
ing : "Television will radiate more educational
and cultural programs than Hollywood has
even been able to provide.
"Among our numerous prospects are pro-
grams showing the motions of heavenly bod-
ies, experiments in science, lessons in agricul-
ture, methods of safeguarding public heahh.
lessons in safety, pictures of microscopic life
and microscopic reactions, candid television,
slow motion television, and travelogues.
"In all this preliminary activity we are fully
conscious that, although television will supple-
ment and complement the movies and radio, we
must work out new treatments and techniques.
Stage, radio, and movie material can be adapted
to television, but the presentation of a televi-
sion program differs from any other presenta-
tion, and as time goes on, the differences will
become even more marked.
Doubts Direct Competition
"The day rapidly approaches when we shall
be unable to fill our current needs by drawing
on material in film vaults and in stage libraries.
The maw of television could easily absorb all
that the world's film studios produce. In going
afield for new material we realize that television
is an ultra-modern art and that it cares noth-
ing about precedents ; we can, therefore, experi-
ment with the most unorthodox program mate-
rial and bring before your eyes a new world of
animation and drama."
"It is wrong to assume that television may
compete directly with other entertainment
rnedia," he continued. "It will stand alone and
give expression to human activities in novel
and individual ways. Television is especially
designed for home consumption, and it does
not compete with entertainments where your
enjoyment and thrill depends to a considerable
extent on the presence of a large audience under
one roof.
"A flourishing theatre and a booming movie
industry would prove a boon to television, for
it would give more talented people their op-
portunity to develop ; it would also facilitate an
interchange of talent from one medium to an-
other. If the metropolitan theatre suffers after
the public advent of television, there will be
a compensating theatre revival in rural cen-
ters.
"The cost of television entertainment, which
present calculations give as about three times
the cost of radio entertainment, will necessarily
limit the distribution of programs. A television
antenna one-quarter of a mile high covers an
area with a radius of about 50 miles, and so it
appears probable that a large portion of the
country will be without television entertainment.
Sound Radio Demand Seen
"One hundred transmitters located at strategic
points can cover about four per cent of the
country's area, inhabited by 45 per cent of the
population. A transmitter in the heart of New
York, such as that atop the Empire State Build-
ing, covers about 8,000 square miles, inhabited
by about 11,000,000 people.
"These considerations lead us to believe that
sound radio will always be useful and in de-
mand. First, because it enjoys a much wider
range of transmission and can reach remote
settlements. Next, because people are inher-
ently music-loving and they find pleasure in
moving about the house or even in talking
with a background of music. Finally, because
radio does not limit your mobility ; you may
hear a program while driving through the coun-
try or riding sky high in an airplane. When
the country's leading manufacturers agree on
a set of standards for an American television
system, your prospective investment in a home
receiver will be protected, and you will have
immediate access to any program in a given
area."
"At present, about a dozen firms are equipped
to turn out such receivers. Mass production
will begin when these manufacturers adopt
standards that will allow each receiver a rea-
sonable period of use before obsolescence sets
in," concluded Mr. Farrier.
Mrs. Lillian Ziff-Marks, owner of the Bel-
lard theatre, Fort Erie, Ontario, will build
another theatre opposite the Buffalo and
Fort Erie ferry landing at an estimated
$75,000. Mrs. Ziff-Marks also bought the
Elmwood theatre, London, Ont.
Rights to a French weekly news issue,
"Bulletins," have been acquired by the
French Cinema Center. The films will be
flown to New York by clipper. The com-
mentary will be in English. The running
time of each issue will be ten minutes.
Ken Morgan, former assistant casting di-
rector at Republic, has joined the Artists'
Agency, Inc., Hollywood, headed by M. P.
Illitch and Kathleen Clififord.
JANIE AND JIM . . .
BLONDE IN BUCKSKIN;
FIGHTING FRONTIERSMAN
. . . AROUND THEM ROARS
THE CONFLICT OF A NATION
ABORNING ... IN
RKO RADIO'S SPECIAL
OF ALL
SPECIAL ACnON SHOWS!
starring
CLAIRE TREVOR - JOHN WAYNE
wtto
GEORGE SANDERS • BRIAN DONLEVY • WILFRID UWSON
5*5.1^ ROBERT BARRAT • JOHN F. HAMILTON • MORONI OLSEN • EDDIE QUILLAN
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
41
U. S, MAJORS, OUTSIDE INTERESTS
ADVANCE PLANS FOR SCHOOL FILMS
Department of Commerce
Executive Outlines Possible
Standards for Industrial Films;
Distribution-Company Formed
The educational motion picture field took
a sudden spurt this week on three fronts :
The United States Government cited
the need for the use of Industrial films in
education;
The major motion picture companies'
own plans for participating in the educa-
tional films field reached the point of
actually supplying prints to schools, mod-
erately at this outset;
The Harmon Foundation, 17-year-old
philanthropic organization, set plans for a
marked expansion of its work in the field
of the educational motion picture.
The place of the industrial film in education
is seen as far greater than that which it fills at
present, and adherence to a set of standards
would enable it to fill that place, according to
Nathan Golden, chief of the motion picture di-
vision of the United States Department of Com-
merce, who sees industrial films as "virtually
indispensable" in American education.
Saying that "the room for expansion is im-
mense," and that "the potentialities have_ as
yet been merely scratched," Mr. Golden points
out that a "burdensome amount of advertising"
has typically closed most "educational channels
of distribution" for industrial films. In this
respect, Mr. Golden's statement says that "the
sponsor should be satisfied with credits on the
main title and a minimum use of his name else-
where."
Six other standards for the industrial film
intended for school distribution are discussed
by Mr. Golden, in addition to the minimizing
of advertising matter.
Saying that the ideals of the educational field
and the school system must be recognized in
order to know the type of film which would be
acceptable, Mr. Golden cites those ideals as
the installation of a sense of responsibility and
decent conduct towards others ; the teaching of
certain fundamentals ; the addition of culture to
knowledge, and the preservation of such Ameri-
can institutions as liberty in religion, politics
and economics.
Another point raised by Mr. Golden is that
propaganda, "whether for a tube of toothpaste
or a new economic theory," has no place in the
schools of America. Thus, in addition, an edu-
cation film should definitely be entertaining.
In this connection, it is pointed out that the use
of analogies and contrasts may profitably be
used to add interest.
Competent Production Needed
The use of talent, it is felt, should not be con-
fined to either the actual workers in the industry
depicted or professionals ; both should play their
part ; the former to really represent the part,
the latter for emotional representation. Writ-
ing and direction should also call for the use
of skilled people, while "competence in produc-
tion is most important, as the school audience
has a genius for detecting faults as well as
frauds."
Mr. Golden says that there is a large demand,
as yet unsatisfied, for sponsored educational
films, and that the demand is growing. The
facilities for distribution, including visual-edu-
RATING OF FILMS
BY SCHOOL METHOD
E. B. Radcliff, film critic of the
Cincinnati Enquirer, is now rating
films by the report card method. The
ratin'is are tabulated in columnar
form, and the "marks" of A, B, C
and D assigned. A footnote explains
the alphabetical ratings as Excellent,
Good, Fair and Poor. Addition of plus
and minus signs are used where inter-
mediate ratings might apply. Mr.
Radcliff calls the system "Movie Re-
port Card."
cation libraries, philanthropic foundations and
Government agencies, are adequate to handle the
films.
Saying that "true education today must em-
brace a broad, clear comprehension of all the
major factors that go to make up modern life,"
Mr. Golden adds that American industry is out-
standing among those factors and that democ-
racy, if it is to "stand its ground, must be based
on an adequately informed public opinion." This
knowledge may best be inculcated, says Mr.
Golden, through visual education as presented
by the factual motion picture.
Classroom Films Ready
The actual supplying of films to the schools
of the country by the majors is luider way, with
several hundred inquiries, as well as many
orders, having been received as schools are pre-
paring to open for the fall. Teaching Film
Custodians was formed weeks ago to handle the
promotional and distribution activities of the
school films by the majors in conjunction with
the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors
of America.
Teaching Film Custodians, a non-profit cor-
poration, is making short films from regular
theatrical pictures supplied by Columbia, Walt
Disney, Educational, Loew's, RKO, Twentieth
Century-Fox and Warners. All of the films are
at least a year old so as to be non-competitive
to theatres. Rentals range from $10 per reel
for half a school year to $30 for three school
years. There are some 600 subjects available.
The subject matter of the pictures covers six
main divisions : Art and Music ; Literature and
Biography ; The Sciences ; the Social Studies ;
Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and
The Practical Arts and Vocations.
Other Agencies in Field
The coming school season will see a marked
increase in the number of non-theatrical reels,
domestic and foreign, for schools and churches.
The Religious Films Society of England,
working in conjunction with GHW Productions,
will distribute some of its films in this country
through the facilities of the Division of Visual
Experiment of the Harmon Foundation of New
York, and will in turn handle some of the Foun-
dation's films in England. The pictures to be
distributed over here, all 16 mm. and in sound,
include a four reel Life of William Tyndale, a
two reel study of the Life of Barabas, five reels
on the Life of St. Paul, seven reels on "The
Holy Land from Abraham to Allenby," and a
four-reel study of the life of a pastor.
In addition, the Foundation will distribute,
through its own facilities or those of the Young
Men's Christian Association motion picture
bureau, or of the Ryerson Film Service, which
handles distribution of the films in Canada, its
own series of films, both religious and instruc-
tional, amounting to some 300 reels. These
films are typically silent, and in 1938 consisted
of 30 reels on 12 subjects, ranging from "How
to Make Movies" to a study of the cooperative
movement in Nova Scotia. No Biblical work
has been done by the Foundation in films since
1931, when unused portions of film taken for
"The King of Kings" were made into a 13
reel study of the Life of Christ, called "I Am
the Way." Shown at approximately 3,500
churches to date, the demand for it is said to be
increasing.
However, in cooperation with Protestant
churches, a film on missionary, leprosy and
medical work is now being made by the Founda-
tion's Religious Motion Picture Division in the
Cameroons and the Belgian Congo.
The Harmon Foundation was started in 1922
by the late William E. Harmon, as a non-profit
corporation and family foundation for "engaging
in humanitarian enterprises which give promise
of rendering a constructive contribution to pub-
lic well-being." In addition to the film work,
the Foundation's program is divided into four
main groups : The Division of Playgrounds ;
The Division of Student Loans ; the Division of
Awards for Constructive and Creative Achieve-
ment, and The Division of Social Research and
Experimentation.
Officers of the Foundation are W. Burke Har-
mon, president ; Helen G. Harmon, vice-presi-
dent; Anna E. Males, treasurer, and Mary
Beattie Brady, secretary. Miss Brady, who
became associated with the organization in 1923,
is also the Foundation's director.
Began in 1925
The Foundation's work in films started in
1925 with one or two reel subjects on New Tes-
tament themes, encouraged by Bishop Lawrence
of Massachusetts. These were intended for use
in Sunday evening services, which, it was felt,
could be made more vital and interesting with
the additional of visualization as an integral part
of the service. The films were thought of by
the Foundation as "only a vehicle in the hands
of the minister," and the Foundation was not
interested "in building up attendance, but only
in aiding inspiration and worship through the
medium of films."
Distribution difficulties encountered in the use
of regular film channels led to the start of the
Religious Motion Picture Foundation, the work
of which, it was hoped, would be taken over
eventually by some interdenominational organi-
zation.
Recently started was the Religious Film Co-
operative, in Atlanta, Georgia, which will co-
operate with the Foundation. The Cooperative
was started by W. Wells Alexander of The Dis-
tributors' Group (which handles projectors, vis-
ual education material, etc.), and E. H. Stevens,
with the backing of a church group. It will co-
operate with the International Council of Re-
ligious Education, and will handle a group of
religious films on a cost basis for those using
them.
It is felt by the Foundation that the films it
makes are "equally valuable for Church and lay
group ; each reads its own meaning into them."
Some of the recent films, in addition to those al-
ready mentioned, which are typically 16 mm
silent pictures directed by Kenneth F. Space,
include "Children in Search of God," "The Un-
welcome Guest," "In Hallowed Paths," "Ngono
and Her People," "Nurses in the Making," "The
Lord Helps Those," "Know Your Typewriter,"
"We Are All Artists," "Glimpses of Modern
China," "Japan and Her Problems," and "The
Child Explores His World."
42
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
MEXICO MAY CANCEL
4% EXPORT FUND TAX
Another Tax on American and
Foreign Films Threatened,
Also Limitation of Showings
by JAMES LOCKHART
in Mexico City
The Ministry of Finance is considering
the abolition of the absentee tax, an impost
of four per cent on all money sent out of
Mexico. This tax has been in effect for sev-
eral years and has been costly to distributors
and other foreign businessmen. The levy
was established with the intent of keeping
as much money in Mexico as possible.
Abolition of the tax, it is contended, will
attract more foreign capital and serve to im-
prove things generally. The Ministry is ex-
pected to act on the proposition shortly.
New Tax in Prospect
At the same time another tax on the exhibi-
tion of American and other foreign films is in
prospect as a result of lobbying Mexican pro-
ducers who argue that such regulation would be
the most effective method of aiding domestic
production.
Advancement of plans for the organization of
a state-controlled bank to finance the Mexican
film industry has been attained with the appoint-
ment of a committee by the industry to work
toward this end with the Government.
Mexico now has 701 film houses in active
service, according to a survey of exhibitors.
These theatres include two large and modern
provincial houses that have just opened, the
Cine Coliseo, 5,000 seats, in Puebla City, owned
by the Iglesias Brothers, and the Cine Ideal,
4,000 seats, in Salvatierra, Guanajuato State.
Mexican distributors of French pictures are
worrying about the $52,000 they paid Gallic pro-
ducers in advance for distribution rights in
Mexico. War has suspended production of films
the Mexicans contracted for. Among the films
thus contracted are "Le Corsaire," starring
Charles Boyer, for which $6,000 was posted ;
Danielle Darrieux's "Batement de Coeur," $4,-
000, and Simone Simon's "Cavalgate de Amour,"
$2,500.
Revenue Would Go to Production
Producers backing the exhibition tax say
that the present revenue from import duties on
films — now $3.35 per net kilogram on those in
English and all other foreign languages, and
$1.35 the kilogram for those in Spanish — is not
sufficient to justify Government subsidies.
The local Municipal Government has started
its annual check-up on the box office of all film
houses, work that continues until the end of the
year, to gauge the amount of taxes the exhibitors
shall pay in 1940.
With aid of the government of California,
Mexico is arranging to present her side of the
oil controversy in the form of a motion pic-
ture, according to an official Mexican govern-
ment announcement. Charles A. Page, private
secretary of the governor of California, is in
Mexico City preparing for the picture, which,
the announcement says, will involve Paul Muni,
Ralph Bates and George Stevens. The state-
ment asserts that a $30,000 fund has been raised
to finance the film which is intended to "counter-
act the calumnious and perfidious campaign
against Mexico that some American oil com-
panies are waging."
Work on the picture is expected to get under-
way soon. The Mexican phases of it are to be
handled by Lie. Agustin Arroyo Ch, chief of
the government's press and publicity department.
Mexican picture censors reviewed 118 films
during July — 84 American, eight German, six
Mexican, six French, five Spanish, three Egyp-
tian, two Russian, two Argentine, one Italian
and one Czechoslovakian. Only one, a French
film, was banned on the ground that it contains
some "immoral scenes." Changes were ordered
in 14 others.
Industry Facing
New Tax Threat
Already faced with a $2,000,000 accumu-
lated sales tax bill on film rentals in Ohio,
claimed in a taxpayers' suit, the motion pic-
ture industry faces further serious threats
from a series of new taxes which would
apply directly or indirectly, if passed, re-
enactment of the old 10 per cent admission
levy presenting the most damaging possibili-
ties.
Industry Fights Suit
Exhibitors and distributors are fighting the
Ohio suit, which contests a ruling of the State
Tax Commission exempting film rentals from
the state 3 per cent sales tax. The levy, is
on gross sales. If the decision is against the
Tax Commission, the state will collect taxes
which have been in default since the law went
into effect three years ago.
Although no one within the state will be
exempt from new direct and indirect taxes,
those levies directly affecting the theatre would
include reinstatement of the former 10 per cent
admission impost. Exhibitors now pay 3 per
cent on gross receipts. Various other taxes
including a new sales levy of at least three
per cent are contemplated.
On the basis of incomplete returns, tax col-
lections in Ohio increased $10,000,000 for the
first nine month of this year, compared with the
corresponding period of 1938, according to Will-
iam S. Evatt, state tax commissioner. Admis-
sion tax collections for the period rose from
$1,110,000 in 1938 to $1,193,000 for three quar-
ters of this year.
New Florida Taxes
License fees for the year which began on
October 1st in Tampa, Fla., have been sharply
increased. Formerly theatres paid a standard
rate of $150. The standard is now $175 for
showing pictures and graded up according to
the number of seats and admission price. The
basic rate is for theatres with less than 1,000
seats and admissions not over 20c. The tax is
$750 on theatres over 1,400 seats that charge
over 20c admission. These licenses are for Tampa
only. All theatres must pay $450 in addition
for state and county licenses. Port St. Joe has
enacted a two cent tax on each theatre ticket.
At Defuniak a three cent levy on tickets selling
for 15c or more has been imposed.
N. H. Egress Ruling
New Hampshire theatres come under the new
egress ruling announced by the State Board of
Health : "All ground-floor outer exits from
buildings shall give free and unobstructed egress
to the street, through an alley, yard or court,
or through a fire resistive passage at least four
feet in width, with at least six inches additional
width for each 50 persons accommodated in such
buildings above 300."
Wisconsin Tax Threat
Although the Wisconsin legislature has ad-
journed, an 18-member interim committee will
arrange a tax program for presentation to a
special session scheduled next month. This
action was taken because of a $21,000,000
budget deficit for the biennium.
Louisiana Connpromlse Seen
The film exchanges controversy in Louisiana
over arbitrarily assessed personal property taxes
seemed on its way to a settlement this week as
the state tentatively agreed to accept a plan
offered by the exchanges upon which to tax the
film in their vaults.
Under the present suggestion, film would de-
preciate progressively over a year's period and
then have a fixed value of 30 cents a reel, ex-
cepting newsreels which become obsolete after
the first month. The rate base is one to three
months, $15 a reel ; three to six months, $7.50 ;
six to nine, $3.75; nine to 12, $1.67. Newsreels
in the first month are assessed at $15.
To Consider Tax Revival
From Ontario Government sources it is
learned that the return of the amusement tax
will be dealt with at the next session of the
Provincial legislature, in January. It is be-
lieved the tax may be collected as a percentage
of box office receipts, certified reports of which
would be required by the Government for assess-
ment purposes.
Rght Tax Assessments
Claiming excessive assessments totaling $215,-
000 on three New York properties. Twentieth
Century-Fox has filed writs of certiorari in
New York supreme court asking the court to
order reductions. Properties affected are 452
West 54th Street, 434 West 56th Street and
830 Tenth Avenue, assessed respectively for
$330,000, $445,000 and $815,000 for 1939-'40.
Dismissal of a writ of certiorari for a reduc-
tion of $480,000 on assessments of the Astor,
Bijou and Morosco theatres for 1933 and 1934
was asked this week by the City Tax Commis-
sion in an answer filed in New York supreme
court. The answer claimed that assessments
of $2,840,000 for 1933 and $2,590,000 for 1934
were a fair evaluation and that the application
of the Astor-Bijou-Morosco Theatres Realty
Corporation for a court reduction was improper.
Subpoena Tax Records
Tax records of the Henry Lazarus Theatres,
Inc., which operated the Center, a downtown
house, and the Coliseum, a neighborhood house,
in New Orleans, have been subpoenaed in con-
nection with a "tax assessment reduction racket."
The books of the theatre corporation were
ordered brought into the open hearing which is
being held on charges of incompetence in office
brought against the New Orleans district attor-
ney, Charles Byrne, by seven members of the
grand jury.
Attorneys for the grand jurors who brought
the charges of incompetence against the district
attorney, claim the corporation paid 50 per cent
of the amount of the tax reduced to persons
obtaining the reduction.
The only public referendum in Luzerne
County, Pa., in the November election will
take place in Forty^ Fort on the question of
whether or not Sunday motion pictures will
be permitted. The question was placed on the
ballot after a petition, bearing the signatures
of 300 residents of the town, was presented
to the Forty Fort council and, in turn, to elec-
tion officials. At present the town has only one
theatre, the new Forty Fort, of which Alex-
ander Alexander is manager. A score of other
Pennsylvania communities will also vote on the
Sunday film question at the November election.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
43
SHOWMEN'S
REVIEWS
This department deals with new
product from the point of
view of the exhibitor who is
to purvey it to his own public.
Allegheny Uprising
(RKO Radio)
Historical Melodrama
The John Wayne and Claire Trevor of
"Stage Coach" and the George Sanders of the
"Saint" series join up here with the Brian Don-
levy of "Beau Geste" to provide exhibitors with
a plenitude of exploitation material. They are
engaged this time in a highly melodramatic in-
cident that took place in the Pennsylvania area
some 16 years before the Declaration of Inde-
pendence was signed, specifically a conflict be-
tween the settlers and the Red Coats regarding
distribution of English-made weapons and rum
to the Indians.
The story, a most unfamiliar variety of prod-
uct and quite welcome in this era of history-
in-the-making, is by Neil H. Swanson, the
screen play by P. J. Wolfson, who also pro-
duced the picture. William A. Seiter directed.
It is a swift, actionful, robust and sometimes
raucous adventure film, a production made-to-
order for the juvenile trade and satisfactory for
adults. It may be remarked, incidentally, that
the Red Coats are depicted as somewhat stupid
in their rigid obedience to orders, somewhat
bland in their reactions to pressing circum-
stances, but not venal or vicious or vindictive
at any time and, finally, as virtuous in their
swift rectification of early errors.
Previewed at the Pantages theatre, Holly-
wood, where the picture followed the melodra-
matic "Rio" and preceded the current edition of
"The March of Time," audience reaction in-
dicating approval. — William R. Weaver.
Produced and distributed by RKO-Radio. Producer,
and screen play, P. J. Wolfson. Directed by William
A. Seiter. Story by Neil H. Swanson. Photographed
by Nicholas Musuraca. Film editor, George Crone.
P. C. A. certificate No. 5518. Release date, October
27, 1939. Running time, when seen in Hollywood, 81
minutes. General audience classification.
CAST
Janie Claire Trevor
Jim Smith John Wayne
Capt. Swanson George Sanders
Callendar Brian Donlevy
MacDougall Wilfrid Lawson
Duncan Robert Barrat
Professor John F. Hamilton
Calhoon Moroni Olsen
Anderson Eddie Quillan
M'Cammon Chill Wills
Poole Tan Wolfe
McGlashan WalHs Clark
Morris Monte Montague
General Gage Olaf Hytten
Jailer Eddie Waller
John Penn Qay Clement
On Your Toes
(First National)
Musical Comedy
Vera Zorina, who captivated Broadway when
she appeared on the stage in "I Married an
Angel" in 1936, bids fair to capture the imagina-
tions of those along the Broadways of America
in this sparkling screen version of the story of
a Russian ballet troupe.
The score of this screen musical, by Richard
Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, as is that of MGM's
"Babes in Arms," also now on Broadway, is
marked by the brand of tuneful melody which
has created a secure place for the Rodgers-Hart
combination in American popular music. Out-
standing is the sequence titled "Slaughter on
Tenth Avenue", both musically and as a comedy
high point when presented as a satire on the
Russian ballet.
Matching the score are the performances
turned in by Zorina, whose camera presence is
as natural and graceful as her dancing, directed
here by a her husband, George Balanchine,
Eddy Albert, as the young vaudeville hoofer
anxious to be a composer, and Leonid Kinskey,
as a Russian man of all work, musically speak-
ing, also contribute to the kind of entertain-
ment which should be good for extended play-
ing time.
In the story, such as there is, and no more
is needed, Eddy Albert, as "Phil Dolan, Jr."
composes a number which, after much delay,
is performed as a ballet routine by a Russian
troupe, thanks largely to the efforts of Zorina.
In the process, the ballet is lampooned and
some first class comedy is enacted.
The camera work is on a par with the re-
mainder of the production ; especially note-
worthy are the shots of the actual dancing as a
serious ballet is performed.
Reviewed at the Strand Theatre in Nezv
York, where an early afternoon audience re-
sponded enthusiastically to the comedy elements.
— Walter Selden.
Produced and distributed by Warner Brothers-First
National. Directed by Ray Enright. Screen play by
Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay, Sig Herzig and Law-
rence Riley. Based on the musical comedy by Richard
Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and George Abbott. Dance di-
rector, George Balanchine. Film editor, Clarence
Kolster. Director of photography, James Wong Howe.
Running time, 94 minutes. P. C. A. Certificate
No. 5573. Release date, Oct. 14, 1939. General audience
classification.
CAST
Vera Zorina
Phil Dolan jr Eddie Albert
Sergei Alexandrovitch Alan Hale
Paddy Reilly Frank McHugh
Phil Dolan sr James Gleason
Ivan Boultonoflf Leonid Kinskey
Peggy Porterfield Gloria Dickson
Mrs. Dolan Queenie Smith
Konstantin Morrisine ...Erik Rhodes
Donald Henderson Berton Churchill
Phil, as a Boy Donald O'Connor
Vera, as a Girl Sarita Wooten
Those High Grey Walls
(Columbia)
Human Interest
The customary prison melodrama ingredients
are here, yet the production is unlike any to be
found in a carload of prison melodramas. It is
a human interest story of an unassuming country
doctor of big heart towards his fellow citizens.
He runs afoul of the law by administering to a
wounded criminal and harboring him without
notifying the authorities. He is sent to prison.
Accused of murdering a patient in the prison
hospital, he is cleared by the inmates, who point
out the murderer. But what probably pleases
the country doctor most is that he has helped
the prison doctor, who buried himself in the
penitentiary because a girl died in childbirth
through his carelessness. The climax comes
when a convict's wife, on a visit to the prison,
is about to become a mother.
Walter Connolly as the country doctor brings
conviction to a role especially suited to him
and Onslow Stevens, the young prison doctor,
handles his role in capable fashion. Support-
ing players include Paul Fix, Bernard Nedell,
Iris Meredith and Oscar O'Shea. Charles Vidor
directed from a screen play by Lewis Meltzer
which was based on a story by William A. Ull-
man, Jr.
Reviewed at the Criterion theatre, New York.
The theatre was well filled and the audience
enjoyed the picture thoroughly. — Paul C.
Mooney, Jr.
Produced and distributed by Columbia. Producer,
B. B. Kahane. Director, Charles Vidor. Screen
play by Lewis Meltzer. Based on a story by William
A. Ullman, Jr. Photography by John Stumar. Edi-
tor, Gene Milford. Art director, Lionel Banks. Musi-
cal director, M. W. Stolofl. P. C. A. Certificate
No. 5644. Running time, 82 minutes. Release date,
September 21, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Doctor MacAuley Walter Connolly
Doctor Norton Onslow Stevens
Nightingale Paul Fix
Redlands ' Bernard Nedell
Mary MacAuley Iris Meredith
Warden Oscar O'Shea
Lindy Nicholas Soussanin
Jockey Don Beddoe
20,000 Men a Year
(20th Century -Fox)
Topical Aviation
The exploitation value of the title is backed
by an action story that has much to interest
juvenile audiences. Although not a propaganda
picture, "20,000 Men a Year" takes its title
from the Government's plan to train that many
university and junior college students yearly
as a military aviation reserve, and the theme
shows one way in which the plan is successfully
developed. The producer, Sol M. Wurtzel, and
Alfred E. Green, the director, concentrated at-
tention on thrill action and comedy and played
down love interest. Frank Wead, long experi-
enced in preparing aviation stories, wrote the
original in a way that gives it authenticity, and
screen playwrights Lou Breslow and Owen
Frances added the necessary theatrical touches.
For names the cast?" has Randolph Scott, Pres-
ton Foster and Margaret Lindsay.
Fired from his air transport job for disobey-
ing orders, "Brad Reynolds" finds operating
a one-plane airdrome no gold mine and is about
to surrender it to the mortgagee when the gov-
ernment's plan is announced, his port selected a
training site and he named instructor. Taking
student "Howell" who is afraid to fly, in per-
sonal charge, "Reynolds" has him in the air
when an accident happens and the frightened lad
bails out. Cracking up the ship, "Reynolds"
gets another, into which climbs young "Rogers,"
whose sister, "Ann," has forbidden him to fly.
After some breakneck flying, the rescue pair
find "Howell" hanging on a clifif and "Reynolds"
is injured saving him, and so "Howell" has to
pilot the plane out of an almost impossible take-
off back to the school. The finale shows a sky
full of young aviators flying planes.
The idea on which "20,000 Men a Year" is
founded is the principal showmanship angle.
It makes possible exploitation contacts with in-
stitutions in which the plan will go into opera-
tion. Likewise, it affords opportunity for con-
tacts with aviation organizations, airports, fly-
ing clubs as well as patriotic and preparedness
groups.
Previewed at the Alexander theatre, Glen-
dale, Cal. Undoubtedly tipped off as to what
was coming, there were a great many young-
iCcntinued on page 46)
THE SCREEN'S CREATES!
jTHE BlCCESl
;OMEDY TEAM RE -UNITED FOR
AUGH SHOW OF THEIR CAREERS!
BIG NEWSlFROM THE FUN FRONT! . . .
General Nuisance and Major Disturbance
-swashbuckling sons of the Foreign Legion
--are on the march against ALL WOMEN!
Tramping from Paris to Paradise for
a lesson In love by the Commandant's
cutle—up for an airplane ride thaVs a SKY-
REAM! . . . bombing the box office with
0 load of new laughs! . . . ga-ga-galorious!
with
JEAN PARKER
REGINALD GARDINER
Directed by A. Edward Sutherland
MORROS PRODUCTION
PLAY BY RALPH SPENCE. ALFRED SCHILLER. CHARLES ROGERS. HARRY LANGDON
R ;< o
RADIO
PICTURES
46
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8, 19 3 9
(Continued from page 43)
sters in the audience. They found the picture
interesting, as did most of the grownups. There
were a few adult walkouts, however, which may
serve as a hint to concentrate strongly on arous-
ing juvenile interest. — Gus McCarthy.
Produced and distributed by 20th Century-Fox. Pro-
duced by Sol M. Wurtzel. Directed by Alfred E.
Greene. A Cosmopolitan production. Screen play by
Lou Breslow and Owen Francis. Original story by
Frank Wead. Paul Mantz, technical advisor. Fred
Allen, film editor. Photographed by Ernest Palmer.
Aerial photography by Charles Marshall. P. C. A.
certificate number 5707. Running time, when seen in
Glendale, 83 minutes. Release date: October 27, 1939.
General audience classification.
CAST
Brad Reynolds Randolph Scott
Jim Howell Preston Foster
Ann Rogers Margaret Lindsay
Tommy Howell Robert Shaw
Joan Marshall Mary Healy
Skip Rogers George Ernest
Al Williams Kane Richmond
Walt Dorgan Maxie Rosenbloom
Crandall Douglas Wood
Harold Chong Sen Yung
Gerald Grant Paul Stanton
Wally Richards Tom Seidel
i)unk Edward Gargan
Joe Hungerford Harry Tyler
Irving Glassman Sidney Miller
Chief Pilot Lawson Edwin Stanley
Bad Little Angel
(MGM)
Oldfashioned Melodrama
Although no point has been made of it, this
wholesome story about a little girl who believes
in God is a particularly appropriate item for
exhibition in connection with observation of the
cinema's 50th anniversary. The time is rough-
ly 1880 and the plot and moral are of the plain,
direct variety then in favor. Staging, costum-
ing, dialogue and performance are in strict con-
formity with the manner of the period, the total
effect exerting emotional appeal powerful in
sharp contrast to that of most modern narra-
tives now on the screen.
Dorothy Yost's screen play, based on a book
by Margaret TurnbuU, tells in simple form the
story of an orphan who runs away from an or-
phanage, taking her dog along, finds refuge in
a small town family's modest home and, be-
coming enmeshed in domestic and economic
crises, solves each of her problems and those of
all concerned, by opening a Bible at random and
bringing her index finger down at passages of
Scripture which supply needed guidance. The
town moneybags becomes a benefactor, the town
drunkard reforms, and all concerned are bene-
fited by her faith.
Virginia Weidler is splendid as the orphan,
clinching her right to stardom, while Gene Rey-
nolds gives distinguished aid as the boy who
befriends her. Guy Kibbe, Henry Hull and
Reginald Owen play heavily underlined charac-
ter roles with full fidelity to tradition. Ian
Hunter and Lois Wilson handle straight por-
trayals smoothly. Elizabeth Patterson is ex-
tremely effective in a brief appearance.
To producer Albert E. Levoy and director
William Thiele, for keeping the production
true to the melodramatic traditions of the era
represented while giving it benefit of every
technological grace the art has developed in
half a century, all honour. Their film is a fine
thing to have in distribution at this or any time,
a family film of extraordinary merit.
Previewed at the Alexander theatre, Glen-
dale, Cal., where a typical Middle-Town audi-
ence laughed when it should, wept when ex-
pected to, enjoyed the film completely. —
W. R. W.
Produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Producer, Albert E. Lenoy. Directed by William
Thiele. Screen play by Dorothy Yost. Book by Mar-
garet TurnbuU. Photographed by John Seitz. Film
editor, Frank Sullivan. P. C. A. Certificate No. 5701.
Release date, undetermined. Running time, when seen
in Glendale, 77 minutes. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Patsy Virginia Weidler
Tommy Wilks Gene Revnolds
Luther Marvin Guy Gibbee
Jim Creighton Ian Hunter
Mrs. Perkins ...Elizabeth Patterson
Edwards (Valet) Reginald Owen
"Red" Wilks Henry Hull
Ellen Creighton Lois Wilson
The Cat and the Canary
(Paramount)
Thriller Diller
Paramount here has solved neatly for itself,
exhibitors and customers the heretofore per-
plexing problem of what to do with Bob Hope,
admittedly one of the funniest comedians who
ever faced a camera, yet never until now the
sure-fire laugh getter on the screen that his
following knew him to be in fact.
By dipping back into the yesteryears for this
tried and truthworthy mystery thriller and
placing Hope in it with leave to explode a full
equipment of incidental gags at will, the com-
pany has achieved a film as full of laughs as
chills, giggles as shrieks, an all-purpose picture
appropriate for exhibition at any time and place.
This time, too, Hope has been provided with
top quality support and polished production, the
latter by gifted Arthur Hornblow, Jr. He is
beneficiary likewise of the knowing direction
of Elliott Nugent, who acted the play when it
was a stage hit and knows its points accord-
ingly. Walter DeLeon and Lynn Starling set
a new mark for themselves by combining the
Hope gags with the dialogue of an originally
unhumorous subject so adroitly as to benefit
both.
Paulette Goddard is the girl in the case, giv-
ing nice accounting of the assignment, while
Elizabeth Patterson and Gale Sondergaard fur-
nish additional profitable performances on the
distaff side. John Beal and Douglass Montgom-
ery are pleasantly present in the secondary male
roles, with George Zucco adding a telling
though brief characterization.
It's a nice piece of product to exploit and
enough like the original play to satisfy those
who know it, while thrilling as if new those
who do not.
Previewed at the Village theatre, Westwood,
Cal., where a mixed audience laughed heartily
when called upon and squealed in proper terror
at the appointed times, indicating complete sat-
isfaction.— W. R. W.
Produced and distributed by Paramount. Producer,
Arthur Hornblow. Director, Elliott Nugent. Screen
play, Walter De Leon and Lynn Starling. Based on
the stage play by John Willard. Assistant director,
Mel Epstein. Sound mixer, Phil Wisdom. Film editor,
Archie Marshek. Art directors Hans Dreier and Rob-
ert Usher. Photographer, Charles Lang, ASC. P. C. i^.
Certificate No. 5634. Running time, 75 minutes. Release
date, November 24, 1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Wally Hampton Bob Hope
Annabelle Paulette Goddard
Blythe John Beal
Jack Wilder Douglass Montgomery
Miss Lu Gale Sondergaard
Cecily Nydia Westman
Aunt Susan Elizabeth Patterson
Lawyer Crosby George Zucco
Hendricks Willard Robertson
Indian guide George Regas
First reporter Charles Lane
Second reporter Frank Melton
Photographer Milt Kibbee
The cat William Abby
Indian guide Nick Thompson
Indian guide Chief Thunder Cloud
Beware Spooks
( Columbia)
Farce Comedy
The prime exploitation value of "Beware
Spooks" is Joe E. Brown and the star's record
more or less designates the type of theatre in
which the show should enjoy greatest favor.
Second for showmanship as well as audience
interest is the comedy, geared to farce.
The story, designed for Brown by the screen
play writers Richard Flournoy, Albert Duflty
and Brian Marlow, from a play by Flournoy,
and built for the star by director Edward
Sedg\vick under Robert Sparks' production
supervision, is a unique thing in which the
creators tossed rules out the window.
What happens is a ludicrous exposition of
"out of the frying pan, into the fire." Fired
from the force because he inadvertently per-
mitted killer "Eastman" to escape and aided
crook "Bruno" in staging a holdup, ex-rookie
copy "Gifford" goes on his honeymoon with
"Betty Lou." At a summer resort he picks up
"Bruno's" trail in typical Brown comedy fash-
ion. "Bruno" is dead when "Gifford" catches
up with him in a fun house, but bigger game
is discovered when "Eastman" is found lurking
there. Then come about two reels of the wild-
est nonsensical action as "Gifford" and "East-
man," fighting all the time, chase each other
through spooky rooms, over and around all
the trick devices, before the cop delivers the
outlaw.
Previewed at the RKO theatre, Los Angeles.
Slowness of early sequences bored the crowd
a bit, but when action picked up, at about the
midway point, the audience also perked up. —
G. M.
Produced and distributed by Columbia. Produced
by Robert Sparks. Directed by Edward Sedgwick.
Screen play by Richard Flournoy, Albert Dufly and
Brian Marlow. Based on a play by Flournoy. Wil-
liam Mull assistant director. James Sweeney film
editor. Photographed by Allen G. Siegler. P.C.A.
certificate number 5545. Running time, when seen in
Los Angeles, 65 minutes. Release date: October 24,
1939. General audience classification.
CAST
Roy Gifford Joe E. Brown
Betty Lou Winters Mary Carlisle
Commissioner Lewis Clarence Kolb
Slick Eastman Marc Lawrence
Nick Brtmo Don Beddoe
Danny Emmett George J. Lewis
Ten Days in Paris
( Columbia-Asher)
Espionage and Romance
The third of Irving Asher's pictures for
Columbia substantiates a widely held belief that,
given a free hand, he can't go wrong. Here is
every bit of the production polish and entertain-
ment sheen of the previous two films — and a
good deal more. Though it has a slightly topi-
cal note, being concerned with a spy gang's
nosiness about the Ligne Maginot, the picture
is refreshing fare for all grades of audience.
It lacks front rank names, but Rex Harrison,
in his first starring role, is a delight.
The picture boasts an ingenious story. An
original by Bruce Graeme has been neatly
adapted by John Meehan and James Curtis. It
concerns a young Englishman who loses his
memory in a plane crash and finds himself mis-
taken for a master spy. The yarn unfolds, first
in lighthearted and then in thrilling fashion, his
adventures as a French countess' chauffeur-
butler and his ultimate efforts to prevent a
bombing outrage on an ammunition train. These
passages may be in the line of the older fash-
ioned hokum, but they are expertly handled and
have real action punch about them.
Tim Whelan's direction is effective, and with
Paris locations and a studied attention to
French and military detail the setting never
loses a thread of conviction.
Karen Verne, Asher's "discovery," is as easy
on the ear as on the eye. Robert Rendel and
C. V. France likewise register effectively.
Shown in London in Columbia's pocket trade
show theatre, the film gripped its audience
throughout. — Aubrey Flanagan.
An Irving Asher production. Distributed by Colum-
bia. Produced by Irving Asher. Associate producer,
Jerome J. Jackson. Directed by Tim Whelan. From a
novel by Bruce Graeme. Film adaptation by John
Meehan, Jr., and James Curtis. Photographed by
Otto Kanturek. Running time, 82 minutes. Adult
audience classification.
CAST
Robert Stevens Rex Harrison
Diane de Guermantes Karen Verne
General de Guermantes C. V. France
Lanson Leo Genn
Denise Joan Marion
Francoise Anthony Holies
Andre John Abbott
Sir James Stevens Robert Rendel
Danger Flight
(Monogram)
Aviation Adventure
It is evident that, from time of planning
through the cutting and editing, the producers
considered only those who follow the daily ad-
ventures of cartoonist Hal Forrest's "Tailspin
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
47
Tommy" as the ultimate audience for "Danger
Flight." They designed it for those who go for
exciting heroic entertainment whether it be a
Western, mystery or adventure.
Inspired by the exploits of the famous "Tail-
spin," the airport neighborhood lads form a
flying club of which a scoffer, "Whitey," be-
comes a member. Of all his jobs, flying a pay-
roll through a storm is "Tailspin's" most dan-
gerous assignment. Crooks, headed by his
brother "Duke," hoodwink "Whitey" into help-
ing them decoy "Tailspin" into a trap so they
may grab the money. "Whitey" does as all
kids like to imagine themselves doing : he guides
help to the rescue.
With plenty of aerial action with real and
toy planes, the picture moves with cartoon
speed. What the series has done previously
is its recommendation. •
Previewed in a studio projection room in
Hollywood. — G. M.
Produced and distributed by Monogram Pictures.
Producer Paul Malvern. Director, Howard Brether-
ton. Sound engineer, L. John Myers. Photographer,
Fred Jackman, Jr. Technical director, E. R. Hickson.
Film editor, Exiward Schroeder. Screen play, Byron
Morgan and Edwin C. Parsons. Based on the "Tail-
spin Tommy" cartoon strip by Hal Forrest. P. C. A.
Certificate No. 5751. Running time, 61 minutes. Re-
lease date. Oct. 25, 1939. General audience classifica-
tion.
CAST
Tailspin Tommy John Trent
Betty Lou Marjorie Reynolds
Skeeter Milburn Stone
Paul Smith Jason Robards
Whitey Tommie Baker
Duke Dennis Moore
Dawson Julius Tanner
Williams Edwin Parker
Brown Joe Bernard
Johnny .'Harry Harvey, Jr.
Cap Walter Wills
The Witness Vanishes
(Universal)
"Crime Club" Chiller
A greater surprise than the bloody business
unfolded in this "whodunit" puzzle piece is the
depiction of personality facets of gentlemen
of the press. For item one, a quartet of chiseler-
scribes gain control of a newspaper by com-
mitting its owner to an insane asylum. Point
nurhber two has the unfortunate editor pictured
as a lunatic more bent on the mass murder of
his former associates than on making a scoop.
A Scottish journalist is endowed with a maze
of detective and disguise talent.
This Crime Club contribution may hold some
interest for thrill seekers. Those who prefer
their mystery plots arranged logically may find
themselves in a quandary, but the picture has
four murders to handle and so must keep to a
mayhem schedule of offering a victim every IS
minutes. As to the identity of the witness, that
may prove to be a bigger puzzler than the
action.
Edmund Lowe and Wendy Barrie play the
leads. Except for a heavy demise scene, Mr.
Lowe preserves a smooth and flip appearance.
Miss Barrie is nice to look at and plays a
mighty brave little girl.
Intertwined with all the dark doings is a
thread of romance between "Joan Marplay,"
daughter of the escaped newsman, and "Noel
Stretton," the handsome columnist.
The full house audience at the Rialto theatre,
Broadway's leading cinematic "Chamber of
Horrors," took the picture in its seasoned stride
without over-enthusiasm over the exercise. — ■
J. F. C.
Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures.
Producer, Irving Starr. Director, Otis Garrett. Orig-
inal story, James Ronald. Screen play, Robertson
White. Cameraman, Arthur Martinelli. V. C A.
Certificate No. 5560. Running time, 66 minutes. Re-
lease date, September 22, 1939. General audience classi-
fication.
CAST
Peters Edmund Lowe
Joan Marplay Wendy Barrie
Noel Stretton Bruce Lester
Amos Craven Walter Kingsford
Alistair MacNab Forrester Harvev
Flinters J. M. Kerrigan
Lucius Marplay Barlowe Borland
Nigel Partridge Vernon Steele
Inspector Wren Robert Noble
Digby Reginald Barlow
Dade Leyland Hodgson
Leets Denis Green
March of Time, No. 3
(RKO Radio)
The Farm Situation
Early last spring, March of Time sent a
camera crew into the farm lands of the United
States to make a comprehensive study of condi-
tions in comparison with a few years back.
The result of this study is shown in the latest
edition of the March of Time, "Uncle Sam —
The Farmers." At the outbreak of the first
World War, farmers taking advantage of the
boom prices that were being paid for their crops
ruined their lands and suffered later from dust
storms and floods. In recent years the Depart-
ment of Agriculture and the Agricultural Ad-
justment Administration have stepped in and
helped the farmer bring his land back into con-
dition and are protecting him from making the
same mistake again at the outbreak of the latest
war, the reel purports to show. It is an interest-
ing subject that will be appreciated by urban
patrons as well as those whose business is farm-
ing.— Running time, 20 minutes.
'Arf a Mo' Hitler
(Paramount British)
Documentary
Compiled from the files of the Paramount
British News library and backed by a pug-
naciously punctilious commentary, this topical
documentary seeks to record the development
and condition of Britain's contemporary army.
Flashes from the 1914-18 War, and the "Peace"
of Versailles, glimpses of Britain's Aldershot
Tattoo, studies of her war recruiting campaign
and of the training of her citizen Army and the
cadets of Sandhurst, grim glimpses of large
scale Army maneuvers in which artillery, in-
fantry and mechanized units play equal parts, all
make up 2,500 feet of by no means uninterest-
ing chronicle. The commentary expresses
Britain's war point of view, but the commentator
sounds somewhat unctuous. Aimed primarily
to coincide with the national state of mind,
the film for neutral countries should have book-
ing value as a close hand view of Britain's
military machine. Despite the title there is
nothing particularly humorous about the film,
which for the most part is graced with good
photography. — Running time, 28 minutes.
The Monroe Doctrine
(Vitaphone)
Historical Featuret
"The Monroe Doctrine" is one of Vita-
phone's historical color featurets. It is a vivid
exposition of the events leading up to the Mon-
roe Doctrine and what the doctrine since has
meant to this country. Well acted by a compe-
tent cast, the subject has entertainment inter-
est as well as educational value. The charac-
ters portrayed include James Monroe, Henry
Clay, Daniel Webster, John Quincy Adams,
James K. Polk, Millard Fillmore, Grover
Cleveland, and William H. Seward from the
United States ; King Ferdinand of Spain and
Washington ambassadors of European and
South American countries. The actors include
Grant Mitchell, James Stephenson and Sidney
Blackmer. A slight thread of romance has
been incorporated. The subject is well worth
the playing. Directed by Crane Wilbur. —
Running time, 16 minutes.
World's Fair Junior
(Vitaphone)
Broadway Brevity
This is one of Vitaphone's kiddie revues in
which a youngster acts as master of ceremonies
and introduces a variety of kid acts. The
youngsters decide to build a world's fair and
put on a show of their own. More than a score
of youngsters take part in the program, which
includes singing, tap dancing, acrobatic num-
bers and other specialties. Skippy Curie is the
master of ceremonies. — Running time, 20 min-
utes.
Drunk Driving
(MGM)
Crime-Does-Not-Pay
This latest Crime-Does-Not-Pay subject is a
powerful lesson against driving after drinking.
John Jones, salesman, celebrates a promotion
and has a slight accident. This does not stop
him. As he speeds his wife and mother to a
roadside cafe, there is a collision. A farmer
and his wife in a truck are killed, as is Jones'
mother-in-law. The farmer's child becomes an
orphan ; John Jones' wife loses both legs. No
details are spared to drive home the danger of
"Drunk Driving." The local police, hospital,
school and government authorities might co-
operate with the theatreman and make sure that
the public sees this short. — Running time, 21
minutes.
Stranger Than Fiction, No. 68
(Universal)
Oddity
Comprising many strange items, the latest in
the Oddities series is up to the standard of the
"Stranger Than Fiction" subjects. A collection
of pipes, some more than a century old, is dis-
played. Willie Swan, a Negro of Baton Rouge,
La., is known the world over for his ability at
making hunting horns, while at Alexander, N.
Y., a farmer owns a calf that is also half deer.
An eighty year old woman in Colorado has
built her own mausoleum and spends many
hours a week there to become accustomed to it.
Old license plates are utilized for roof shingles
on one home and barn in Springer, Okla., while
in New York there is a beauty parlor for men
only. T. D. Rockwell, of Portland, Ore., has
had his name tattooed on his leg in every civil-
ized language on earth and also some dead
languages.— Running time, 9 minutes.
Information Please, No. 2
(RKO Pathe)
Stumping the Experts
The board of experts of the "Information
Please" radio program, John Kieran, Frank P.
Adams and Oscar Levant with the addition of
Gene Tunney as guest expert in this second of
the Pathe series, continue to answer with aplomb
the questions propounded by Clifton Fadiman.
The answers are not always according to Hoyle
as the experts' personalities come to the fore,
but their quotient of correct answers continues
high. The film series is as informal as the
radio series. It all adds up to entertainment
plus. Produced by Frederic Ullman, Jr. — Run-
ning time, 10 minutes.
Captain Spanky's Showboat
(MGM)
Our Gang: Troupers
The Gang forsakes its kiddie ways for the
time being and mounts a juvenile stage to offer
an adult attempt at play production along the
"ten-twent'-thirt' " style of melodramatics. In-
cidental stage sabotage is offered the child thes-
pians by the bully Butch, whose grievance this
time is that he seems to be a frustrated song-
bird. The offering that the midget mummers
are doing is a well tried entertainment getter
and concerns in alternate moments of thrills
and tears the novel tale of the mortgage which
is due, a lovely heroine who offers to marry the
villain to save the old folk and their home-
stead, and a neck to neck horse race that settles
all the problems. Darla is the heroine, Spanky
as the black mustached and designing menace
and Alfalfa in the role of the grey-haired pappy
enter into the spirit of the occasion. There are
moments for Darla and Alfalfa to do their song
and dance specialties. Further fun is offered by
behind the scene glimpses of how the snow
scenes and horse racing sequences are. handled.
Both the play and the play within a play are
slickly run off to make this one of the most
amusing Gang enterprises to date. — Runnine
time, 11 minutes.
48
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8, 19 3 9
BROADWAY STAGE STILL AT LOW EBB
The Broadway stage, heart of the legitimate drama in this
country, was no better off in the season just passed than in the
year before, either from gross quantity or quality viewpoints,
continuing along at about the same level as in 1937-38, which
witnessed a season of the fewest plays produced in 18 years —
a total of 110, the same number as in 1938-39. Some indication
of the relation of this to other years can be gleaned by the 286
produced in 1929-30, year of the "crash" and the 302 each of
1926-27 and 1927-28.
The figures are from The Billboard's annual survey of the
Broadway theatre, which runs back 19 years. In the first year
of the survey, there were 242 productions.
The number of hits in the past season was 24, the same num-
ber as In the two previous seasons, but the 72 per cent of total
failures In 1938-39 was two per cent less than In 1937-38 and
four per cent less than In 1936-37.
One of the greatest changes to take place In the past year
was the jump in musical productions, to 31, from the 12 of
1937-38, also the drop In dramatic plays from 98 two years ago
to 79 In 1938-39.
Other statistics gathered by The Billboard for the 1938-39
season were: Percentage of failures (dramatic), 77 per cent.;
percentage of failure (musical), 53 per cent.; average length of
runs (all), 85 days; averag*e length of runs (dramatic), 80 days;
average length of runs (musical), 106 days, and number of pro-
ductions that closed within five weeks, 49.
A review of the legitimate stage of Broadway over a 19-year
span, statistically, starting with the 1 92 1 -'22 season, follows:
1920-21
1921-22
1922-23
1923-24
1924-25
1925-26
1926-27
1927-28
1928-29
929-30
1930-31
931-32
1932-33
1933-34
1934-35
1935-36
1936-37
1937-38
1938-39
Total Number
Productions
242
261
214
249
264
288
302
302
268
286
226
225
212
154
189
138
125
1 10
110
Total Dramatic
Productions
174
9r»7
1 ou
1 7 7
99A
919
9T1
994
1 O 1
1 70
1 / 7
1 OU
1 RS
1 14
1 m
1 U J
Ofl
70
Total Musical
Productions
68
RO
3 7
A9
oz
7(1
AQ
OY
AT
A9
4R
AA
■^9
94
? 1
J 1
94
99
LL
1 z
^ 1
J 1
Total Commercial
Premieres
148
1 03
1 o^
1 70
L \ U
990
9 1 A
99 1
1 A?
1 0 J
1 7A
1 / 0
1 ?Q
1
1 ii
1 i \
QO
07
70
oi
Commercial Premieres
( Dramatic)
99
144
124
141
163
178
180
205
169
167
135
150
115
120
1 14
92
79
69
64
Commercial Premieres
( Musical )
49
41
40
38
47
45
48
50
45
54
28
26
23
13
17
1 1
10
10
19
Percentage of Failures
(All Productions)
55%
71%
64%
65%
65%
67%
68%
74%
80%
83%
77%
83%
82%
80%
81%
68%
76%
74%
72%
Percentage of Failures
(Dramatic)
59%
76%
65%
73%
74%
74%
76%
81%
85%
87%
81%
86%
85%
84%
83%
74%
80%
77%
77%
Percentage of Failures
(Musical)
47%
51%
63%
37%
36%
40%
40%
46%
59%
69%
54%
67%
68%
43%
69%
18%
45%
50%
53%
Average Length
of Runs
(All)— Days
99
87
109
10!
87
97
108
88
92
76
60
60
59
55
60
80
8!
84
85
Average Length
of Runs
(Dramatic) — Days
85
76
102
85
74
79
96
77
77
63
51
57
50
46
55
71
75
79
80
Average Length
of Runs
(Musical) — Days
142
128
131
166
130
176
143
130
149
137
107
79
107
137
102
164
128
125
106
Closed Within
Five Weeks
69
94
63
81
85
1 1 1
1 19
126
95
149
81
1 19
97
87
87
59
57
52
49
Total Number
of Hits
67
54
59
62
73
74
73
66
60
52
38
30
30
29
26
34
24
24
24
Dramatic Hits
41
34
44
38
43
47
44
39
35
31
25
21
22
21
21
25
18
19
16
Musical Hits
26
20
15
24
30
27
29
27
25
2!
13
9
8
8
5
9
6
5
8
De Forest Joins CBS
Radio School Board
Dr. Lee De Forest, radio pioneer, has
joined the board of consultants of Colum-
bia Broadcasting System's "School of the
Air." Dr. De Forest will be an advisor to
the air school on matters of science, espe-
cially radio technology. He is credited with
300 inventions in the fields of wireless teleg-
raphy, radio telephone, wire telephone,
sound-on-film talking pictures, high-speed
facsimile, picture transmission and televi-
sion. "Noiseless recording" positive prints
in talking pictures and "glow light" record-
ing of sound on film are among the inno-
vations attributed to him.
Chicago Circuits Add
"Book Night" Promotion
Consolidated Book Publishers' "Book
Night" promotion for theatres has been ex-
tended by Balaban and Katz to most of its
neighborhood houses in Chicago and has
been adopted by the Chicago circuits of
Reinheimer, Van Nomikos, A. D. Lasker,
Joseph Stern and Harrison-Goodman, fol-
lowing other circuits elsewhere, including
Schine in up-state New York and Ohio ;
Fox West Coast, in California, and Rand-
force, in New York, Brooklyn and Long
Island.
Consolidated, with headquarters in Chi-
cago, has set up cooperative merchandising
campaigns embracing local newspaper ad-
vertisements, coupons, heralds, trailers,
posters, window cards and recordings for
street ballyhoo in sound trucks.
, Standard American Encyclopedia, in 15
volumes, is the first set to be offered patrons,
one volume a week, and will be followed by
the University of Knowledge series, then a
set of World's Great Literature.
Alliance Acquires Four
The Alliance Theatre circuit, Chicago,
successor to the Gregory- circuit, has ac-
quired the Garver Theatre circuit in Terre
Haute, Ind. The theatres are the Orpheum,
Swan, Idaho and The Virginia.
1
Watch NOVEMBER 10th
for the YEAR'S SURPRISE
SCREEN SURPRISE!
A Deanna grown to young lady-
loveliness.*, to mean romantically
more ...to her fans and to you!
The NEW UNIVERSAL
presents
Deanna DURBIN
m
ft
FIRST LOVE"
with Helen Parrish • Robert Stack
Eugene Pallette • Lewis Howard
June Storey • Leatrice Joy
Marcia Mae Jones* Charles Coleman
★
Directed by Henry Koster
Produced by Joe Pasternak
A HENRY KOSTER PRODUCTION
i iistory dubbed this hunch-backed
plotter A monster in silks!''
r
1
r
if/*
the story of this diabolical, misshapen figure, the screen
presents a spectacle of unequalled magnitude ... the wide-swept
furies of a nation driven to maniacal revolt . . . the shadow of
a bestial-faced executioner ... a populace screaming for revenge!
Universal presents
66
TOWER
NATIONAL
RELEASE
OCT- 27tK
LONDON
Starring
Basil RATHBONE
ivith
BORIS KARLOFF
BARBARA IAN
O'NEIL • HUNTER
VINCENT
PRICE
NAN
GREY
John Sutton, Leo G. Carroll, Miles Mander,
Lionel Belmore, Rose Hobart
Original screenplay by Robert N. Lee
Produced and Directed by Rowland V. Lee
ROWLAND V.LEE
production^
\ 1
. f.
MYSTERY! SUSPENSE
SANDY SELLS SEATS!
Critics, fans, young and old —
You'll find them all Sandy-sold!
iVTlT UNIVERSAL presents
HUGH HERB
LIFE looks
at SANDY
and all
America falls
helplessly
in love with
her!
[LOVE
DIVIDED!
BEAUTY SHOW for the T. B. mTP
mm
IT
th FLORENCE RICE • RICHARD CARLSON
JOY HODGES • ERNEST TRUEX • FRITZ FELD
BABY SANDY
Original screenplay by Paul Yawitz and Eve Green 97*|i
Developed from the play by Floy d Dell & Thomas Mitehell Ot I . ^ # III
Produced and directed by CHARLES LAMONT
am
NATIONAL
RELEASE
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
53
UNIVERSAL NET PROFIT $1,200,000
RKO 6 MONTH LOSS CUT TO $68,070
U's Earnings for Three Quar-
ters, $989,995; Atlas Ap-
plies to Amend Agreement
on Dividend Payments
Gains in financial operations were noted
this week for both Radio-Keith-Orpheum
Corporation and Universal Pictures.
Wall Street estimated a $1,200,000 net for
Universal for the year ending on November
2nd.
RKO's trustees cited reductions in losses
to $68,070 for the first six months of 1939,
compared with the $480,176 loss sustained
in the same half year in 1938.
Both companies also reported several out-
standing productions completed.
RKO Theatres Net, $482,650
The reduction in the RKO net loss was re-
vealed in the semi-annual report of the Irving
Trust Company, RKO trustee, to the United
States district court in New York City.
The reduction was obtained, according to the
report, after all taxes and provision for $382,594
interest, hut before providing for the current
dividend of $148,900 on 45,543 shares of Keith-
Albee-Orpheum preferred stock.
RKO's theatre subsidiaries gained a net
profit of $482,650 for the first six months of this
year, compared with $416,478 for the same
period last year.
The Irving Trust Company report observed
that theatre attendance and admission prices
were lower this year than last, but that fixed
charges and operating expenses were also less,
making possible the greater net profit.
RKO's picture subsidiaries for the period
had a net loss of $756,668, after accrual of in-
terest on indebtedness to RKO in the amount
of $538,691. Last year, for the same period,
the net loss was $1,135,522, after a similar
accrual of $526,262 interest.
The picture company's receipts declined con-
siderably this year, the report said, but it added
that reduction in operating costs and other ex-
penses more than off^set this.
Pathe News Net, $49,881
Pathe News had a net profit of $49,881, com-
pared with a net profit of $117,574 for the
same period last year.
RKO's total income for this year's first six
months was set at $26,322,046, divided as fol-
lows : $13,393,263, film rentals and sales ; $11,-
501,158, theatre admissions ; $1,427,624, rents and
other income.
The company's expenses for the six month
period of this year were $24,881,208. $11,862,193
of this was for film sales and service.
The indebtedness of RKO and subsidiaries
during this period was reduced by $1,045,751,
the report said. Interest on indebtedness was
paid to the sum of $590,270.
Since the receivership was instituted in 1933
the fixed indebtedness of the company has been
reduced by $10,874,223, the report claimed.
A. Christensen, vice-president of the Irving
Trust Company, declared that, while RKO re-
ceipts were poor in July and August, those in
September and early October have increased
considerably.
Invited to Hollywood by RKO's president,
George J. Schaefer, to view "the most preten-
tious group of films ever produced by the com-
pany during a single time period," Ned E.
Depinet, vice-president in charge of distribution
TAX COLLECTIONS
INCREASE $338,000
Reflecting a general upturn in the
amusement industries, September col-
lections from the federal tax on ad-
missions jumped $338,000 over the
August level, to $1,852,256, it was
reported this week by the Internal
Revenue Bureau at Washington.
The September total, comparing
with $1,513,468 of August and $1,-
668,827 of September, 193 8, was the
greatest recorded since December of
last year.
Receipts for the first quarter of the
current fiscal year thus showed $187,-
271 above the corresponding period a
year ago, $4,S99,997 against $4,712,-
703, but for the first nine months of
the current calendar year were slightly
under 193 8, with $14,056,201 against
$14,059,465.
Nearly 60 per cent of the national
increase was reported from the Third
New York District, where collections
jumped $209,000, from $336,191 in
August to $545,092 in September.
The improvement was entirely in
admissions, which increased from
$287,463 to $503,762. Declines were
shown in collections from free or re-
duced rate admissions from $3,950 to
$3,411, in tickets sold by brokers
from $4,346 to $3,422, and admis-
sions to roof gardens and cabarets from
$40,431 to $34,380.
of RKO Radio, and S. Barret McCormick,
publicity and advertising director, arrived Mon-
day.
Seven of the pictures, approximating an in-
vestment of $7,000,000, will occupy the attention
of the eastern executives during their visit.
The seven features are "The Hunchback of
Notre Dame," from Victor Hugo's novel, with
Charles Laughton starring; "Abe Lincoln in
Illinois," the Max Gordon-Harry Goetz produc-
tion starring Raymond Massey in a screen
version of Robert E. Sherwood's Pulitzer Prize
play ; "Pinocchio," Walt Disney's second full-
length animated feature ; "Allegheny Uprising,"
Claire Trevor and John Wayne ; "That's Right,
You're Wrong," with Kay Kyser, band leader,
and Adolphe Menjou : "Vigil in the Night," co-
starring Carole Lombard, Brian Aherne and
Anne Shirley under the producer-director guid-
ance of George Stevens, and "Swiss Family
Robinson," first of a series by The Play's the
Thing Productions, headed by the author-pro-
ducer team of Gene Towne and Graham Baker.
Adding another independent producer to
Radio's list, Mr. Schaefer closed with Lee
Garmes for the production of "And So Goodby,"
story by Mildred Cram and Adele Comandini.
See Large Universal Gain
Universal's profitable showing for the final
quarter of this year indicated, to Wall Street
observers, a possible net profit of $1,200,000 for
the fiscal year ending November 2nd.
The earnings for the first three quarters of
this year were set at $989,995. In the final
quarter, August and September's operations
showed a profit, and it was expected that Oc-
tober operations also would net a profit
The predicted net profit was after allowances
for year-end adjustments.
The company is releasing seven new pictures
in the next three weeks, as follows : "Little
Accident" and "The Tower of London," Oct.
27th; "The Road Back," "Call a Messenger"
and "Legion of Lost Fliers," Nov. 3rd; "First
Love" and "One Hour to Live," Nov. 10th.
Atlas Amending Agreement
The Atlas Corporation, which owns one-half
of RKO and has $40,000,000 of other stock and
bond holdings in other lines, has applied to
the New York Stock Exchange for permission
to amend its agreement relating to dividend
payments. At the present time, only $750,000
of the company's over $20,000,000 capital sur-
plus can be used for dividends.
The corporation's application states that it
"should not be denied the right to use this
surplus for the payment of dividends on its
common stock, so long as there remains suffi-
cient coverage to protect the holders of the 6 per
cent preferred stock."
Columbia Cuts Dividend
Columbia Pictures Corporation's board of
directors, on Oct. 19th, declared a dividend of
34^ cents per share "on account of the regular
quarterly dividend of 6844 cents per share due
at this time on the $2.75 convertible preferred
stock."
The dividend was declared payable on No-
vember 15th to stockholders of record at the
close of business on November 1st. Said the
dividend announcement :
"The decision to pay only one-half of the
regular perferred dividend at this time is due
largely to the disturbed European conditions
which, if they continue, may adversely affect
motion picture earnings."
Studio Executives Honor
Darryl Zanuck at Dinner
Actors, writers, directors, producers and
studio executives, to the number of 200,
gathered Wednesday evening at the Mas-
quers Club in Holljrwood to honor at dinner
Darryl F. Zanuck, Twentieth Century-Fox
vice-president in charge of production, for
valued service in behalf of the professions
represented, for "good fellowship" and for
donating to the Motion Picture Relief Fund
the sum of $7,440, gross receipts of the
Hollywood premiere of "Hollywood Caval-
cade" at $10 the admission.
William Collier, Sr., was named master
of ceremonies by the committee under the
chairmanship of Edward Earle, veteran act-
or. Scheduled to speak were Judge Edward
Brand, Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn,
Mervyn LeRoy, James Roosevelt and Hy
Gardner, former Broadway columnist.
The honor guest list : Burton Fitts, dis-
trict attorney; William Goetz, Charles
Laughton, Harry Joe Brown, Frank Capra,
John Ford, Mark Hellinger, Edgar Ber-
gen, Jack Benny, Morton Downey, Russell
Swan, Dalies Frantz, Gene Fowler, Lucien
Hubbard, Al Jolson, Orson Welles, Ed Sulli-
van, Mario Chandlee, Edward G. Robinson,
and producers and directors from the Za-
nuck studio.
54 MOTIONPICTUREHERALD October28,l939
PROPAGANDA FILM INJECTED INTO
BRITISH INDUSTRY BY NEW MINISTRY
Government's Information De-
partment in Important Role;
Producers and Unions Renew
Quota Retention Demand
by AUBREY FLANAGAN
in London
Whatever m^y become the ultimate fate
of British fihri production as currently es-
tablished and understood, there seems little
doubt that in the not far distant future its
Government relationships will extend be-
yond the confines of the Board of Trade, the
Treasury and the Home Office to yet another
State Department, the newly created Min-
istry of Information.
More Propaganda Films Ahead
On the cards, though scarcely yet in a con-
crete state, is the certainty that production of
films mainly if not always blatantly propaganda
will be sponsored by the Ministry. Plans al-
ready are being advanced for the making of
films for various Government departments
through the new Ministry.
The aim of these films naturally will be the
propaganda of the British viewpoint and the
chronicle of British activities in neutral coun-
tries, though also at home. A Film Section is,
as already recorded in these pages, in active be-
ing under tlie directorship of Sir Joseph Ball.
Though production has not actually been
launched, the Film Section already in five weeks
has made some mark on the industry here.
Relations Innproved
The recent dispatch of newsreel cameramen
to France, the greater dissemination of British
newsreels abroad, the facilitating of transport
and communications for British producers
making appropriate films, the easing of the cen-
sorship machinery so that the trade becomes
virtually its own censor, and the general brisk-
ening of the relations of Whitehall and War-
dour Street, all considered essentials in a coun-
try at war, are already to the credit of Lord
Macmillan's Ministry, if more specifically that
of Sir Joseph Ball's department.
The Ministry of Information was planned be-
fore the September, 1938, crisis, with the ob-
jective not only of directing the flow of news
and propaganda from this country during war
but of oiling the machinery of contact between
the various Government departments and the
press, radio and films. A film department was
a natural corollary, and fell to the leadership
of Sir Joseph Ball. Its work has been directed
mainly towards improving and easing the rela-
tionship of the various Government depart-
ments with the industry, though it is more
directly defined by officials within the Ministry
as having concentrated upon breaking down the
mental and bureaucratic barriers of White-
hall. Every Ministry is in contact with it, and
for statements, reports and communiques each
Whitehall department automatically uses it as
the mouthpiece.
Wider Use Sought
The ambitions of the Ministry's Film Section
include the greater use of the screen at home
and abroad by the various Whitehall depart-
ments for purposes of propaganda. It is in-
tended that the Ministry officially will com-
mission films, documentaries, dramatic or other-
wise, for the War Office, the Air Ministry, the
Home Office, and so on. Such subjects as the
social and domestic work of Government sec-
tions, air raid precautions, evacuations, medical
WANT "FROZEN" CASH
SPENT IN ENGLAND
The Cineynatograph Exhibitors As-
sociation will demand that all money
retained in England as a result of the
expected restrictions on remittances to
the United States by American film
distributors be spent within the film
industry in Britain.
It is understood that the exhibitor
organization is planning to ask safe-
guards against foreign theatre invest-
ments (presumably American) con-
sidered likely to restrict British exhibi-
tor activities.
services and transportation of food are but a
few of those that might be, and probably will
be, covered. Such films would be made by out-
side units, being commissioned by the Ministry
on behalf of the various Government bodies.
Obviously the Ministry would not organize
distributing machinery, using the normal trade
channels for that purpose.
News Films Speeded
Meanwhile considerable work has been done
in regard to the British news film. Thanks to
the film department's pressure, the speed of
distribution of British news films and the qual-
ity of the news has been intensified. Machinery
has been put in motion to expedite the impor-
tation of negatives and the exportation of fin-
ished negatives and positives to neutral terri-
tories. Cameramen representing all the British
newsreel units, in some cases accompanied by
sound trucks, have now gone to France with
official blessing.
Though not directly chartered by the Minis-
try of Information, a number of films have been
commissioned by the British Council, a semi-
official body which operates with finances voted
by the Foreign Office. Obviously such films
must have direct Ministry approval and will be
used as propaganda at home and aboard.
Minor functions of assistance to the film trade
which the Ministry is called upon to perform
include recommendations to the Ministry of
Mines to grant petrol concessions to producers
performing what they conceive to be National
Service.
Ostensibly Voluntary
Under the Ministry of Information, though
operating apart from its Film Section, comes
the machinery of censorship. The "security
censorship" is ostensibly a voluntary censorship
imposed on itself by the trade through its own
body, the British Board of Film Censors. The
"voluntary" censorship is now imposed on news-
reels. According to Lord Winterton, Paymas-
ter General, the staff of the BBFC has been
reinforced by the Ministry of Information and
the Board acts under its instructions. Objec-
tion has been raised by the newsreel organiza-
tions and by the labor unions to the censorship
of newsreels by members of the BBFC. The
Association of Cine Technicians, for instance,
pleaded that the trade body was entirely un-
suitable for this work. The presence of five
members of the Ministry staff at the BBFC,
headquarters would seem by now to be con-
sidered adequate safeguard.
V
British producers and labor union representa-
tives met again with members of Parliament
and renewed their demands that the British
distributor and exhibitor quotas be retained by
the Government.
New pleas were made for the abolition of
restrictions on blind and advance booking, and
for the institution of 12-month registration
periods, on the ground such a move would stim-
ulate film financing.
V
The winding up of Imperator Films Produc-
tions, Ltd., and Herbert Wilcox Productions,
Ltd., both under Herbert Wilcox, was formally
announced this week.
A letter to creditors said that as a result of
the outbreak of war and the uncertainty of pro-
duction it had become necessary to discontinue
activities.
Mr. Wilcox is now in Hollywood where he
is to direct Anna Neagle in "Irene."
V
Luminous paint used to pick out publicity
displays, to illuminate vestibules, decorate
ushers and provide direction lines to theatres,
may help British picture houses solve one of
the blackout problems.
At the Regal, Marble Arch and the Scala,
Croydon, experiments have been so successful
that other houses, notably in the West End,
are likely to follow suit.
V
A loan up to 60 per cent of the total negative
cost of British production from a sum set aside
from the amusement taxes has been suggested
to Sir Joseph Ball by Stephen L. Courtauld,
Reginald P. Baker and Michael Balcoru The
loan would constitute a first lien, with a low
rate of interest and would be repayable from
the picture's gross. Those favoring the plan
think it might draw British players home from
Hollywood.
Goodwill Mission to U. S.
Contemplated by French
France is contemplating sending a goodwill
mission to the United States, consisting of
Charles Boyer, Georges Carpentier and Jean
Borotra, noted tennis player.
In the meantime, the film business there is in
turmoil, caused by the war. American film reve-
nue has been cut to almost nothing. The news-
reels can't get any pictures except those which
are handed out by the Government Bureau of
Propaganda, and only after the censors have
given their approval. Newsreel companies with
their own organizations, therefore, are seriously
affected.
Rushing of American cameramen to France
to replace manpower which has gone off to war
has proved futile because the French Govern-
ment is not issuing permits to such men. Two
of these, Arthur Menken of Paramount and
Neil Sullivan of RKO-Pathe, are still waiting
for their working permits to photograph the
front. Mr. Menken recently moved to Brussels.
There has been a report just published in
Paris that Bernard Nathan, former head of
Pathe-Natan, now serving a sentence for em-
bezzlement, is being released in order to join
the fighting forces. Mr. Nathan served in the
World War. His brother, Emil, is now at the
front. Many employees of American companies
also are in the service. Latest to enlist is Sou-
hami, former head of Paramount in Paris.
Paul O. Brake Aids Beatty
E. C. Beatty, president of the Butterheld
theatre circuit, has appointed as his assistant
Paul O. Brake, manager of Butterfield thea-
tres for nine years. Howard Sweet, former
manager of the Franklin theatre, Saginaw,
Mich., succeeds Mr. Brake as manager of
the Post and Bijou theatres in Kalamazoo.
THIS SHORT SUBJECT
STEALS THE SHOW!
No matter what super-colossal feature you play
—no matter if youVe got Screeno, Beano, dishes
or diamonds—
A Short Subject will steal the show when you
play:
THE NEWEST AND MOST POWERFUL OF
M-G-M'S CRIME DOESN'T PAY' SERIES!
Winner of the 1939 Award presented hy the Motion Picture
Traffic Safety Committee^ ''Drunk Driving'' offers 1001 local
tie-ups for guaranteed action at the hox-office. It's better and
BIGGER than ''Hit and Run Driver," Read full promo-
tion details in current issue M-GM SHORTSTORY!
56
U. S. Film Critics
Select Governors
A temporary board of governors was
named last weekend by the U. S. Film
Critics to serve until the first convention. At
a meeting in Detroit the committee selected
Hollywood as the location for the conven-
tion which is scheduled for late in February
or early March.
Jimmy Starr, motion picture editor of the
Los Angeles Herald-Express, was chosen chair-
man of the committee which he will appoint
to handle the convention details. The board
of governors and their districts are: 1 — New
York and New Jersey, not appointed yet; 2 —
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, Prunella
Hall, Boston Post; 3 — Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and
District of Columbia, Harold W. Cohen, Pitts-
burgh Post-Gazette ; 4 — North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Eddie Cohen,
Miami News; 5 — Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky,
Boyd Martin, Louisville Courier Journal; 6—
Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and
Arkansas, Harry Martin, Memphis Commer-
cial Appeal; 7 — Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin,
Buck Herzog, Milwaukee Sentinel; 8 — Iowa,
Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, Keith Wil-
son, Omaha World-Herald; 9— Minnesota,
North and South Dakota, Merle Potter, Minne-
apolis Times-Tribune; 10 — Oklahoma, Texas,
Colorado and New Mexico, John Rosenfield,
Dallas Morning News; 11 — Washington, Ore-
gon, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Herbert
Larson, Portland Oregonian; 12 — California,
Nevada, Utah and Arizona, Jimmy Starr, Los
Angeles Herald-Express; and 13 — Canada and
Nova Scotia, Roily Young, Toronto Globe and
Mail.
One of the projects will be an annual poll
to determine the best performances of an
actor and actress of the year.
Merle Potter, Minneapolis Times-Tribum ,
who has directed a similar poll for the last
three years, will be in charge.
''''Censor'' Group
Picks Leader
Following its emergence as another "pres-
sure group" the American Humane Associa-
tion last week appointed Richard C. Craven
of Albany, New York, to head its drive to
censor the industry's treatment of animals.
Mr. Craven officially is named Western Re-
gional Director of the Association. He will
open offices in Hollywood.
Eric Hansen, general manager of the As-
sociation, announced the appointment to the
office which was created at the national con-
vention of Humane Associations, held in
Albany the week of September 14th. Mr.
Hansen at the time submitted a report
critical of the motion picture industry's
treatment of animals, after a study following
protests made by humane societies in con-
nection with "Jesse James."
"I think," Mr. Craven said, "that they
(the studios) will be only too pleased to
negotiate with one man, representing the
whole humane movement, rather than a
large number, representing separate organ-
izations."
Altec Service Corporation has signed with
the Lincoln Theatres, Inc., and the King
Coal Theatres, Inc., of Marion, Va., for a
renewal of contracts on six theatres and ser-
vice for two additional houses.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Bluebook School
Conducted by F. H. RICHARDSON
[Based on the Second Revision of the
Sixth Edition, Bluebook of Projection]
ANSWER TO QUESTION NO. I
Bluebook School Question No. 1 was:
What is feed-back? Reverse feed-back f In-
terelectrode capacitance f Oscillation?
The following made answers of outstand-
ing excellence: J. R. Prater, W. E. Limm-
roth; J. A. Zachritz, L. E. Thomas and
R. S. Johnson. I believe, however, that Mr.
Prater has a bit the best of it. He says.
"Feedback is the condition existing in ampli-
fier tubes when changes in plate voltage, which
were caused by corresponding changes in grid
voltage, are 'fed back' to the grid again, either
through the capacitance existing between plate
and grid inside the tube, or through the external
circuits.
"Reverse feedback is the intentional deliver-
ing to the grid of an input tube, a portion of
the amplified signal from an output tube of the
same amplifier, in such a way that the phase
of the 'feedback' signal is opposite to that of
the normal input signal. In this way, instead
of the feedback causing oscillation, it opposes
the normal input signal and thus reduces sound
volume.
"Since the purpose of an amplifier is to in-
crease sound volume, it would seem that the use
of reverse feedback would result only an a
waste of power. However, in addition to ampli-
fying the input signals, all amplifiers generate
a considerable amount of spurious harmonics,
consisting of both even and odd multiples of the
input frequencies. These harmonics cause dis-
tortion and harshness in the sound output, and
it is desirable to remove as much of them as
possible.
Even harmonics can be automatically cancelled
by using push-pull amplification, but reverse
feedback is the only means of cancelling both
even and odd harmonics. Reverse feedback ac-
complishes a very useful purpose whenever it
reduces the strength of the harmonics more than
it reduces the strength of the true signal.
"Inter-electrode capacitance is the capacitance
which exists inside a vacuum tube between any
two elements (or 'electrodes') which are con-
nected to opposite sides of the same electrical
circuit.
"Oscillation is the condition existing when an
amplifier tube converts its d.c. plate power into
a.c. of one single-frequency (which may be
within or above the audible range) regardless
of what the frequency of the applied input sig-
nal may be. Oscillation is caused by feedback
from plate to grid, which allows an already
amplified signal to be applied again to the grid,
resulting in still further amplification.
Four questions have now been submitted.
Here is another :
Question No. 5
For what reasons is it essential that
projectionists have infornnation con-
cerning details of all equipments em-
ployed in professional projection, and
how may such information be ob-
tained?
What detailed information is nec-
essary before a projectionist will be
able to operate successfully a the-
atre sound system?
October 2 8, 19 3 9
Pittsburgh Opens
'Allegheny ' Film
"Allegheny Uprising," RKO's film of pre-
Revolutionary days in Pennsylvania and
starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne,
will have its world premiere at Pittsburgh
on November 3rd.
Cornelius D. Scully, mayor of Pittsburgh, the
Allegheny Centennial Committee of One Hun-
dred, and a number of civic organizations had
requested the premiere.
The showing at the Loew's Penn theatre will
mark the opening of the Allegheny Centennial
Celebration. The onetime city of Allegheny is
now part of Pittsburgh.
Claire Trevor will make a personal appear-
ance on opening night and an NBC-Blue Net-
work broadcast from 8 to 8 :30 P.M. through
KDKA will be made from the stage. Charles
Kurtzmann, manager of the Penn theatre, is
handling the arrangements in collaboration with
Joe Feldman, RKO theatre publicity man, and
Sherman Gregory, manager of radio station
KDKA.
The theatre of 3,600 seats has been sold out
at $2.50 a ticket to the members of the Old
Allegheny Centennial committee. The radio
station is joining the premiere with the dedica-
tion of its new transmitter. Thirty-five mayors
are expected for the premiere.
"Mohawk" Openings Set
"Drums along the Mohawk," Twentieth Cen-
tury-Fox's 14-reel color film, will open in five
Mohawk Valley cities on November 2nd, eight
days ahead of general release. The pre-release
openings will be at the Palace, Albany; Proc-
tor's, Schenectady; Rialto, Amsterdam; Glove,
Gloversville, and the Olympic, Utica. Players
will be brought on from Hollywood. There will
be a dinner attended by state officials in Albany
the night before the openmg.
"Gone with the Wind" Opening
Selznick-International's "Gone with the Wind"
will have its world's premiere on December
ISth at Loew's Grand in Atlanta; The picture
will open in New York at the Capitol on De-
cember 21st. MGM plans a special sales con-
ference in November to set policies on the
picture.
Stanley Renews Vaudeville
The Warner Stanley, Pittsburgh, renews
its vaudeville-pictures policy this Friday,
with Eddie Cantor and his radio show.
Other tentative acts include Hal Kemp and
band, Horace Heidt and band, and a per-
sonal appearance of Ann Sheridan.
Oklahoma City Leads Drive
The Oklahoma City exchange of Twen-
tieth Century-Fox was in first place last
week in the Sidney R. Kent Seventh annual
sales drive. George Friedel is head booker
at that exchange.
Joseph Villella, program manager of sta-
tion KQV, Pittsburgh, is organizing a
vaudeville unit for performers who have
appeared over that station and for acts not
suitable for broadcasting.
Clark Rodenbach, motion picture critic on
the Chicago Daily News for many years, has
resigned. Clarence Bulliet now handles film
reviews.
The Motion Picture Associates of New
York have set November 25th for their
annual dinner and dance.
October 28, 1939
Variety Clubs
Hold Elections
The Variety Clubs of America, headed by
John H. Harris as national chief barker,
have begun their annual local Tent elections.
New or reelected officers have been named
for another year in some 10 of the Tents. A
new Tent, number 22, has been formed in
Oklahoma City and has been granted a state
charter of incorporation.
Sidney Lust was elevated to chief barker
of the Washington, D. C, Variety Club at
the annual election held in the Willard Hotel
there. Other officers elected are Hardie
Meakin, first assistant chief barker; Edward
Fontaine, second assistant; Sam Galanty,
treasurer, and Nate Golden, secretary. Ray
Bell remains as executive secretary.
Schieber a Chief Barker
C. Harry Schieber has been elected chief
barker of the Columbus Variety Club. Virgil
Jackson and Lou Holleb were named first and
second chief barkers, respectively, and J. F.
Luft, treasurer. P. J. Wood was reelected
secretary.
The Kansas City Variety Club has elected
Jay Means as chief barker to succeed George
Baker. First assistant is Charles E. Gregory,
second assistant is Jerry Zigmond,, secretary
is Arthur Cole and treasurer is James States.
Cole and Sam Abend were elected delegates to
the national convention of Variety Clubs in
Dallas next April. Frank Hensler was elected
national canvassman. The club has set its an-
nual ball for November 10th at Pla-Mor.
Pittsburgh Banquet Sunday
The Pittsburgh Variety Club has elected C.
J. Latta chief barker. Other officers elected
are C. C. Kellenberg, first assistant ; Burtis
Bishop, second assistant; Al Weiblinger, sec-
retary, and M. M. Shapiro, treasurer. Harry
M. Kalmine and Harry Feinstein have been
named national convention delegates. Installa-
tion of officers will be held Sunday at the Wil-
liam Perm Hotel at the 11th annual banquet
The Reverend Edward Flanagan of Boys
Town, Nebraska, and Mr. Latta will be guests
at the Pittsburgh banquet. Father Flanagan,
recipient this year of the national Variety
Clubs' first Humanitarian Award, will address
the banquet as will James Roosevelt, Senator
James J. Davis, former Governor Harold Hoff-
man of New Jersey and others.
The Cleveland Variety Club elected Nat L.
Lefton chief barker, succeeding Nat Wolf. The
new crew or directors are: Duke Clark, first
vice-president; Lester Zucker, second vice-
president ; Frank M. Boyd, secretary ; I. J.
Schmertz, treasurer; Bert M. Stearn, Dave
Miller, Jerome M. Friedlander, Eddie Miller,
A. M. Goodman and Manny Landers, and the
past chief barkers, Mr. Wolf, M. B. Horwitz,
Nat Holt and Frank Drew.
The Cincinnati Variety Club reelected Arthur
Frudenfeld chief barker. James J. Grady and
Andy Niedenthal were named first and second
chief barkers, respectively. Ralph Kinsler was
reelected dough guy and Saul M. Greenberg
succeeds Joe Kolling as property master.
The Omaha Variety Club elected Morris
Cohn chief barker for 1940, succeeding H. J.
Shumow. Other officers are: E. R. Cummings,
first assistant ; Sam Epstein, second assistant ;
Meyer Stern, treasurer ; Edward Shafton, sec-
retary, and the board of directors includes the
officers and D. V. McLucas, Eugene Blazer,
Ted Mendenhall, Walt Green, John Gillin and
Mr. Shumow.
The Philadelphia Variety Club has elected
Jay Emmanuel chief barker. Other officers are
David Weshner, first assistant; David Supo-
witz. second assistant; John Monroe, secretary;
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Ben Amsterdam, treasurer, and Harry Ball,
fixer.
The Detroit Variety Club has elected a new
board of directors consisting of Jack Saxe,
treasurer ; David Newman, William Carlson,
Lew Wisper, Harold C. Robinson, John How-
ard, William Flemion, Barney Kilbride, Edgar
E. Kirchner, Charles C. Perry, and William
Hurlbut. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Perry were
elected delegates to the national convention.
Mr. Perry was also elected national canvass-
man.
The Variety Club of Oklahoma City, Tent
No. 22, has been granted a charter of incorpo-
ration by the secretary of the State of Okla-
homa. Incorporators are L. C. Griffith, Horace
Falls and Sol Davis. In a current membership
drive 37 new members were accepted bringing
the total membership to 75. The formal open-
ing of the club headquarters was held last week
in the Black Hotel.
The Buffalo Variety Club has reelected Rob-
ert T. Murphy chief barker. Other officers are
Sidney Lehman, first assistant ; Kenneth G.
Robinson, second assistant, and W. E. J. Mar-
tin, secretary and treasurer for the fifth con-
secutive year.
Committee Being Formed
Thirty-three newspaper writers, authors and
news commentators are understood to have ac-
cepted invitations to be members of the Na-
tional Humanitarian Award Committee of the
Variety Clubs of America. The second annual
award will be made at the Sixth Annual Con-
vention of the Variety Clubs of America at the
annual meeting to be held early next year in
Dallas to the person who is selected as contrib-
uting the most outstanding service to human-
ity. Rev. E. J. Flanagan of Boys Town, 1938
winner, will serve on the committee to make
the award this year.
The Variety Post of the Pittsburgh Ameri-
can Legion reelected Harry M. Kalmine, com-
mander; C. C. Kellenberg, adjutant; James G.
Balmer, finance officer ; Father James Garrahan,
service officer and chaplain ; Dr. L. G. Bein-
hauer, first vice-commander and Joe Hiller, sec-
ond vice-commander. The chairman of the ex-
ecutive committee is I. Elmer Ecker, Dr. A. I.
Wise and Brian McDonald were added to the
committee.
The Milwaukee Variety Club Auxiliary has
scheduled a midnight Variety Follies at Fox's
Palace theatre on Dec. 2nd.
The Cinema Club of Cincinnati, a recently
formed organization of film and other sales-
men serving the industry, is organizing a wel-
fare fund for use of its members. Rudy Knopfle
is president.
The Cinema Club of Kansas City, young film
men's organization sponsored by the Variety
Club, will have its first social function of the
season, a Hallowe'en party Tuesday at Variety
clubrooms.
Actors Guild Radio
Show to New York
Motion picture stars now appearing on
Broadway will be given an opportunity to
perform on the Screen Actors Guild — Gulf
radio program when it moves to New York
in November or December. Young and
Rubicam, Inc., which handles the Gulf ac-
count, is making arrangements in New
York.
MGM Wins Safety Award
"Drunk Driving," MGM short subject of
the "Crime Does Not Pay" series, has won
for the company the Motion Picture Safety
Committee's 1939 award. Leslie Simonson,
Chicago's traffic engineer, presented the
trophy to Art Schmidt of the New York
Loew theatre department at the National
Safety Congress convention in Atlantic
City, October 18th.
57
Conrac Appears
IVith a Counter
A new corporation, Conrac, Inc., has been
formed to manufacture an electrical device
for the counting of patrons entering a mo-
tion picture theatre. L. W. Conrow and
G. L. Carrington are the president and vice-
president, respectively, and Harry M.
Bessey is secretary-treasurer. These offi-
cials are members of the board, together
with Fred G. Adams, Louis S. Allen, P. C.
Kemp and Gilbert L. Kerr.
Conrac will manufacture the Conrac At-
tendance Register, a device by which a the-
atre entrant passes through two or more
pencil beams of projected light, while the
register counts persons entering the door,
it does not count persons leaving through
the same door; the register keeps a locked
and sealed record, said Mr. Conrow.
Film Library Museum
Sets Weeks Program
Programs of the Museum of Modern Art
for the second half of October, with show-
ings at 3 P. M. and 5:30 P. M., follow:
October 22nd — Comedies (I) : "Dream of a
Rarebit Fiend" (1906), "High and Dizzy,"
with Harold Lloyd (1920), "The Navigator,"
with Buster Keaton (1924).
October 23rd — War in Retrospect (II) :
"The Big Parade" (1925).
October 24th— The French Film (I) : "The
Smiling Madame Beudet" (1923), "Entra'acte'
(1924), "Menilmontant" (1925), "Ballet Me-
canique" (1924).
October 25th — The Documentary Film (I) :
"Moana of the South Seas" (1926), "Berlin,
the Symphony of a Big City" (1927).
October 26th — The German Film (III) :
"The Love of Jeanne Ney" (1927).
October 27th — Comedies (II) : "His Bitter
Pill" (1916), "The Freshman," with Harold
Lloyd (1925), "The Sex Life of the Polyp,"
with Robert Benchley (1928), "The Skeleton
Dance" (1929).
October 28th— The Documentary Film (II) :
"Chang" (1927).
October 29th — The Swedish- American Film :
"Hotel Imperial," with Pola Negri (1927-28),
"The Wind," with Lillian Gish (1928).
There is no charge to the public for these
film programs except the usual museum ad-
mission fee of 2Sc daily and 10c on Sunday.
National Decency Legion
Classifies 20 Pictures
Of 20 pictures reviewed and classified by
the National Legion of Decency in its list-
ing for the past two weeks seven were ap-
proved for general patronage, 11 were listed
as unobjectionable for adults and two were
found objectionable in part. The films and
their classification follow.
Class A-1, Unobjectionable for General
Patronage: "Children of the Wild," "Law
of the Pampas," "Marshal of Mesa City,"
"The Mill on the Floss," "Our Neighbors—
The Carters," "Pack Up Your Troubles,"
"Sabotage." Class A-2, Unobjectionable for
Adults: "The Affair Lafont" (French),
"All Quiet on the Western Front" (Re-
issue), "Alma Nortena" (Spanish), "At the
Circus," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,"
"On Your Toes," "Road Back" (Re-issue),
"The Roaring Twenties," "Shipyard Sally,"
"Smashing the Money Ring," "Those High
Grey Walls." Class B, Objectionable in
Part: "I Met a Murderer," "Mademoiselle
Ma Mere" (French).
A BRAND NEW ROLE FOU
Joe Turns Copper in d
(Reproduced above is the smash full-color 24'sheet poster)
Here's the funniest Brown picture evei
A GRAND LAUGH STAR !
Whopper of a Comedy!
[ilmed...a hilarious, hair-raising vehicle!
60
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28. 1.939
IN THE
CUTTING ROOM
The Gay Days of
Victor Herbert
(Paramount)
Musical Biography
The music will be outstanding among the ex-
ploitation values in "The Gay Days of Victor
Herbert." .
The story framework follows a theatrical
world theme, and at the same time is a family
story. A promising singing star and a girl
protege of Herbert marry. Both climb the lad-
der of fame, but when professional jealousy
arises the wife retires from the stage. During
the years, as the mother ekes out a slim exist-
ence for herself and daughter, the husband fails
to live up to his early promise. Then Herbert
petsuades his old star to return to the stage.
On the night of her return performance, she is
unable to go on and her daughter is substituted.
The girl is panic stricken, but the down-and-out
husband, passing the theatre, anxious for one
last look at his wife, enters to see the child's
terror. Donning a costume, he sings with her
and a new star is born. In consequence the
family is reunited.
The picture, produced and directed by An-
drew Stone from a play by Russel Grouse and
Robert Lively which Stone and Lively adapted,
will feature Walter GonnoUy in the title role.
The members of the family are Allan Jones,
Mary Martin and Susanna Foster, a 14-year-
old miss. Jerome Cowan, Judith Barrett and
John Garrick head the supporting cast.
Release date : To be determined.
Years without Days
(Warner Bros.)
Crime Drama
"Years vrithout Days" is based on Warden
Lewis E. Lawes' book, "20,000 Years in Sing
Sing." The story was produced as a picture by
First National in late 1932. Then Spencer
Tracy and Bette Davis were starred. While this
version, the screenplay for which was prepared
by Robert Lord and Courtney Terrett, will stick
to the fundamental drama of the book, some
minor changes have been made in theme develop-
ment and action to fit the talents of John Gar-
field, Ann Sheridan, Jerome Cowan, Pat
O'Brien and Burgess Meredith, the principals.
It is the story of a New York thug who was
sent to Sing Sing prison and soon reacts fa-
vorably to humane treatment. Refusing to par-
ticipate in a break, he is given a day's reprieve
to visit his sweetheart, injured in an auto crash.
He learns a pseudo friend has been making ad-
vances to her — there is a fight and the chiseler
is killed. The convict is torn between the desire
to escape and keep his promise to the warden to
return. He eventually gives himself up and
during the trial both the girl and the convict
plead guilty to the murder charge, but the cards
are stacked against the jailbird and he goes to
the chair for a crime the girl committed.
"Years without Days" is being directed by
Anatole Litvak, who among other films has
made "The Sisters" and "The Amazing Dr.
Clitterhouse" for Warner Brothers.
Release date : To he determined.
The Farmer's Daughter
( Paramount )
Comedy
Comedy which stems from the trials and
tribulations of a play producer endeavoring to
stage a summer show in a barn will be the
entertainment and commercial essences of "The
Farmer's Daughter." Between what happens
as he tries to assuage the ruffled feelings of his
temperamental leading lady while the star falls
in love with a farmer's daughter as the cows
and other barnyard denizens cannot be pre-
vented from interfering, the producer is driven
to the verge of nervous prostration. A summer
storm lifts the roof off the barn, but as the
panic-stricken animals run wild, the farmer's
daughter, who has been rehearsing with the
hero, puts the show on.
Associate producer William Thomas seems
to have rounded up a troupe of players who will
put the show across in the amusing way it has
been visioned. Heading the cast as the farmer's
daughter is Martha Raye, with Charles Ruggles
appearing as the producer. Leading man and
real and make-believe romantic hero is Richard
Denning, one of Paramount's Golden Circle
set. William Frawley will be the press agent
whose head is stuffed with exploitation ideas
and Gertrude Michael is the temperamental pro-
fessional star. The competent supporting cast
for the film will include William Duncan, Ann
Shoemaker, Benny Baker, Wanda McKay and
Wilfred Roberts.
Release date : To be determined.
First Love
(Universal)
Romance
In her brief but spectacular career, Deanna
Durbin has been featured in five pictures, from
comparative childhood to adolescence. "First
Love" will mark the transition from adolescence
to young womanhood. Still retaining her per-
sonal simplicity, she will be seen in an up-to-
date variation of the Cinderella story. She's an
orphan for whom her relatives have no time,
envied by her cousin, befriended only by the
servants. But she gets her first kiss and her
first fellow.
Once again Miss Durbin will be guided by
Joe Pasternak, who has produced all her pic-
tures, and Henry Koster, who directed "Three
Smart Girls," "100 Men and a Girl" and "Three
Smart Girls Grow Up." Credit for the screen
play has been given Bruce Manning, who had
a hand in the preparation of four previous Dur-
bin pictures.
The supporting cast will feature Helen Par-
rish, with Miss Durbin in "Mad about Music"
and "Three Smart Girls Grow Up" ; two new-
comers, Robert Stack and Lewis Howard, also
Eugene Pallette and Leatrice Joy, a star of the
silents who is returning to pictures. Additionally
the cast will include June Story, Charles Cole-
man and Frank Jenks.
Miss Durbin has four singing numbers,
"Home, Sweet Home," "Amapola," a medley
of Strauss waltzes, and "One Fine Day," aria
from "Madame Butterfly."
Release date: October 20, 1939.
Invisible Stripes
(Warner Bros.)
Crime Drama
The subject is what happens to convicts when
they have completed their prison terms and en-
deavor to become members of the society which
refuses to accept them. One ex-convict wants
to go right, the other never could be anything
but wrong. Their adventures involve a third
party, the brother of the one who had good
intentions but found the lure of easy money a
greater temptation than he could resist Society
can do nothing with these men, but the two
know how to pay each other off.
In the picture, two of the foremost exponents
of crime on the screen, George Raft and Hum-
phrey Bogart, will be featured, and William
Holden, the hero of "Golden Boy," will have
much to do. They will be supported by Tully
Marshall, Flora Robson, Lee Patrick, Paul
Kelly, Marc Lawrence, outstanding in "House-
keeper's Daughter," Jane Bryan, Joseph Crehan
and Henry O'Neill.
The director, Lloyd Bacon, has been in charge
of many of Warners' most vivid melodramas.
The importance of the love interest has not
been ignored. As a matter of fact, "Invisible
Stripes" has two love stories, one of which ends
happily and the other tragically.
Release date : To be determined.
Green Hell
(Universal)
Adventure Melodrama
While the entertainment idea is not new, it
is one that in the past has provoked unique
public response. It is a weird, tense and action-
packed picturization of blood-curdling adven-
tures of a little band on an archaeological ex-
pedition into the jungles of the upper Amazon
River. And amid the horror stemming from
the jungle fear, a love story is worked out
The production is the initial picture for Harry
Eddington, who in his two decades as an agent
has handled the affairs of many of the screen's
biggest stars. It is being directed by James
Whale, whose record includes "Journey's End,"
"Hell's Angels," "Frankenstein," "Old Dark
House" and "The Man in the Iron Mask."
"Green Hell" will provide exhibitors with a
list of wellknown screen names. Topping the
cast are Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., now in "Rulers
of the Sea," and Joan Bennett, often starred in
Wanger pictures and presently in "House-
keeper's Daughter." In support will be seen
John Howard, a fixture in many Paramount
films, Alan Hale, George Bancroft, George San-
ders, two newcomers, Vincent Price and Gene
Garrick, Francis McDonald, Ray Mala and
Peter Bronte.
Release date : To be determined.
Typhoon
( Paramount )
Adventure Romance
Following her interlude in a fully clothed
dramatic role in "Disputed Passage," Dorothy
Lamour will be back in her sarong again in
(Continued on page 62)
p
o
w
E
R
F
U
L
★ * * *
Unlimited
Exploitation
With All U. S.
Patriotic
Groups Help-
ing You , . ,
With Vigor
and
Enthusiasm!
★ ★ ★ ★
TIMELY
★ * * ★
Red-Blooded
Two - Fisted
Entertain-
ment With a
Definite
Exploitable
Pu rpose . . .
"America Must
Remain Free!"
★ ★ ★ ★
D
R
A
M
A
T
I
C
Origirud Screenplay by
WILLIAM A. ULLMAN, Jr.
Directed by
SHERMAN SCOTT who gave you
"HITLER— BEAST OF BERLIN"
NOT A PLEA FOR PEACE- -
BUT A SCREAM OF
DEFIANCE TO THE
MERCHANTS OF DEATH
FOUR-STAR SPECIAL
PRODUCTION
Vigilant American Motherhood Fighting Shoulder-to-Shoulder
To Protect Our Beloved Democracy From The Duplicity Of
European War Mongers and Power Politicians.
YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
HEADQUARTERS
^PRODUCERS
EVERY PICTURE
AN ACTION PICTURE
DISTRIBUTING *
1436 NO. BEACHWOOD DRIVE
* CORPORATION*
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
EXCHANGES EVERYWHERE
62
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8, 19 3 9
(Continued from page 60)
"Typhoon." The picture will be a color pro-
duction and that there should be no mistake
about what the title means, the big action spec-
tacle in the film will be a howling typhoon that
engulfs islands, uproots trees and does other
great destruction.
Locale of the excitement will be the South
Seas. From a literary standpoint, the sustain-
ing story will have to do with how a simple
child of nature helped effect the regeneration
of a white man who had gone the way some
white men of a sort do when they venture into
exotic tropical countries. The plot is based on
an original story by Steve Fisher for which
Allen Rivkin did the screen play. Louis King,
who has lately concentrated on the "Persons in
Hiding" and "Bulldog Drummond" productions,
is the director.
With Miss Lamour starred, the featured role
has been assigned to Robert Preston, who
counts appearances in "Union Pacific" and
"Beau Geste" among his best screen accomplish-
ments. The supporting cast includes Lynne
Overman, J. Carroll Naish, Paul Harvey, Chief
Thundercloud, Jack Carson and Al Kikune.
Release date : To be determined.
That's Right, You're Wrong
(RKO Radio)
Hollywood Satire
It might be sufficient to know, from a strict
showmanship standpoint, that "That's Right,
You're Wrong" will be something distinctly
different, the picture of a picture that never was
made. A great band leader and his musicians
are signed to make a picture. He doesn't want
to be an actor ; his players do, and they go
Hollywood in a big way. The screen play proves
unsuitable, members of the band get into all
sorts of trouble, studio politics has its innings,
and so do fun, action, romance and music.
The picture will feature Kay Kayser, who,
with his "College of Musical Knowledge" over
the NBC Red Network, has won an immense
following, ^^^ith Kayser will be the four fea-
tured members of his band, Ginny Simms and
Harry Babbitt, soloists, and Ish Kabibble and
Sully Mason, comics. The screen personalities
are Adolphe Menjou, Lucille Ball, May Rob-
son, E. E. Horton, Hobart Cavanaugh, Dennis
O'Keefe, Moroni Olsen and Roscoe Karns.
The original storj% written by director David
Butler ani. William Conselman, was adapted
by Conselman and James V. Kern. Five or six
new song numbers, as well as several of Kay-
ser's favorites, will be featured. Butler is no
new hand at directing music films, as attested
by "East Side of Heaven," "You're a Sweet-
heart" and "Sunny Side Up."
Release date: November 24, 1939.
City in Darkness
(20th Century -Fox)
Charlie Chan
"City in Darkness" probably will have more
topical exploitation value than any of the score
or more preceding "Charlie Chan" pictures. The
locale is Paris in the fall of 1938 when the Mun-
ich crisis menaced the peace of Europe. Paris is
blacked out at the time of the mysterious murder
that brings "Charlie Chan" into action. He
helps break up a ring of spies and munitions
bootleggers, sa\'ing a girl from the murderous
vengeance of international plotters and fostering
a romance.
Sidney Toler again will be seen in the leading
role. The girl he helps is Lynn Bari, and the
boy whose romance he promotes with her is
newcomer Richard Clark. Six persons are sus-
pected of complicity in the murder as well as the
cabal which endangers France. In lining up the
characters, associate producer John Stone chose
half a dozen of the most prominent screen kill-
ers. It is estimated that the six suspects in the
picture, Harold Huber, C Henry Gordon, Doug-
las Dumbrille, Noel Madison, Dorothy Tree and
Pedro de Cordoba, have "killed" about 300 per-
sons in their collective screen careers. Other
names are Leo G. Carroll, Lon Chaney, Jr., who
is now in "Of Mice and Men," Louis Mercier,
Adrienne d'Ambricourt and Frederik Vogeding.
The director, Herbert I. Leeds, has among his
previous credits "The Return of the Cisco Kid."
Release date: Dec. 1, 1939.
Escape to Paradise
(RKO Radio - Sol Lesser)
Romantic Adventure
"Escape to Paradise" will be the eighth pro-
duction in which Sol Lesser has starred Bob
Breen. While the basic plot will be dramatic,
its development will run the range of adventure.
SHORT PRODUCT
PLAYING BROADWAY
Week of October 21
CAPITOL
Set 'Em Up MGM
One Against the World. . . MGM
Feature: Babes in Arms MGM
CRITERION
Swing Styles Vitaphone
Football Thrills Modern Filnns
Feature: Those High Grey
Walls Columbia
MUSIC HALL
No Shorts
' Feature: Mr. Smith Goes to
Washington Columbia
PARAMOUNT
Fresh Vegetable Mystery. . . Paramount
Unusual Occupations, No. I . Paramount
Catching Whoppers Paramount
Feature: What a Life Paramount
R I ALTO
Oo-la-la Universal
Death Valley Thrills Paramount
Feature: The Witness
Vanishes Universal
RIVOLI
Donald's Penguin RKO Radio
Acres of Plenty RKO Radio
Feature: Jamaica Inn Paramount
ROXY
The Orphan Duck 20th Cent.-Fox
Monkeys Is the Cwaziest
People 20+h Cent.-Fox
Feature: Flollyn-ood Caval-
cade 20+h Cent.-Fox
STRAND
Sioux Me Vitaphone
Sword Fishing Vitaphone
Ride, Cowboy, Ride Vitaphone
Feature: On Your Toes First National
romance and comedy, and to these will be added
music and dancing.
The setting is an imaginary South American
country. The theme will have to do with how a
mischievous native lad helped effect the regener-
ation of a playboy American. A love story, of
course, is woven into the plot.
Naturally, as in all young Breen's pictures,
music will be featured. In solo and chorus the
youngster will be heard in six numbers. The
dance numbers which will make for picturesque
spectacle will reproduce gala fiesta sequences
with 200 dancers.
The remainder of the cast is headed by Kent
Taylor, now in "Sued for Libel," "Three Sons"
and "Five Who Came Back"; Maria Shelton,
who is perhaps best known for her parts in
Wanger's "Stand In" and "Vogues of 1939";
Joyce Compton, again delineating a dizz>' blonde,
and Pedro de Cordoba.
Credit for the screen play has been given to
Weldon Melick. Direction is the responsibility
of Erie C. Kenton who, for the great part of his
career, has handled more melodramatic material.
Release date : To be determined.
Hart Resumes Law Practice
Vincent G. Hart, former assistant to Jo-
seph I. Breen, Production Code Administra-
tion, in the New York office and associated
with the Alotion Picture Producers and Dis-
tributors of America for 10 years, has re-
sumed the general practice of law and will
be associated with Norman C. Nicholson
and Lewis M. Lawton, 9 Rockefeller Plaza,
New York.
WES
SJfRN UNION
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Capital Talks
About Publicity
For "M-Daf
The United States Government has been
planning the mobiHzation of the nation's
resources, manpower and military, keeping
pace with international developments of the
past two years, in the event this country
becomes involved, on some future day, de-
scribed officially as "M-Day," and meaning
just that. Not known, of course, are most
of the details of the closely guarded secrets
of the who and what and where.
Apparently cognizant of experiences in
the last World War, when "war propa-
ganda" bureaus were not developed to the
high-powered stage to which they are em-
ployed today both by the "totalitarians" and
the "democracies" abroad, various of the
Government agencies in Washington have
been for months moulding a kind of "Com-
mittee on Public Information" through
which every conceivable kind of war-time
propaganda, information and inspired cam-
paigning would be sent through every con-
ceivable medium of public expression: the
press, films and radio, billboards, posters,
public speakers, exhibits, patriotic, religious
and welfare organizations, mail, telegraph,
telephone and cable.
The Committee on Public Information of
the last war, as headed by George Creel
— motion pictures were in a sub-division,
in charge of Charles S. Hart, is the model
for what two Washingtonians now con-
sider would be the blueprint for government
public and press relations in the event of
armed conflict. The Washingtonians are
James R. Mock, of the Library of Congress
staff, and Cedric Larson, of the National
Archives, who describe both the old CPI
and the new one which would follow in the
event of war, in their new book : "Words
That W^on the War" (Princeton Universitv
Press: $3.75).
Blueprint author is the Joint Army
and Navy Public Relations Committee, a
planning unit formed late in 1937. The
Public Relations Administration they pro-
pose would be similar to, though broader
than the Creel Committee. It would: 1)
Coordinate government publicity; 2) Com-
bat disaffection at home and enemy propa-
ganda at home and abroad; 3) Organize all
existing propaganda channels for war ; 4)
Formulate and administer rules of censor-
ship— in each of which the motion picture
would, presumably, play no small part.
Motion Picture Herald, on February 4,
1939 (pages 29-30, reported, quoting U. S.
Army officer : "We have in the motion
picture the most facile and realistic medium
of transmitting ideas and training."
The Government's plans for mobilization-
day provide for "the most effective censor-
ship that could be imagined," said U. S.
Senator Bennett Champ Clark (Demo., Mo.)
on Tuesday during arguments in the Senate
over neutrality legislation.
In the first World War the first real junc-
tion of the screen and war affairs came through
the American Red Cross. The Red Cross had to
grow tremendously and it had to get to the
public fast. It started a Bureau of Pictures and
sought to reach the public with "publicity"
films in a hurry. The pictures were shown
mostly at meetings. They were rHiscellaneous
collections of foreign and domestic pictures per-
taining to the war. In his "Million and One
Nights," history of the motion picture, Terrj'
Ramsaye said, "They were not theatrical prod-
ucts in any sense, which is another way of say-
ing they were amateur pictures without enter-
tainment and a punch." In any "national
emergency," the United States intends to see
to it that no such situation exists as in 1917-
1918, when militaristicallv and otherwise this
country found it necessary to arm in a hurry.
On April 14, 1917, for the first World War,
George Creel was appointed chairman of the
U. S. "Committee on Public Information." Con-
tinuing Mr. Ramsaye's account on the event,
Mr. Creel's was the "difficult assignment to be
at once and the same time something of a cen-
sor and very much of a press agent for the
war."
Meanwhile the motion pictures made by the
Signal Corps, which were the only American
war films available, were going to the Red
Cross. Their only important distribution was
through the Red Cross bureau of pictures to
the news-reels. "The films were haphazardly
made, haphazardly distributed and presented in
the same way."
Charles S. Hart, then an executive of the
Hearst magazines organization, was drafted
into the service of the Committee on Public
Information and assigned by Mr. Creel to look
into the matter of motion pictures. Mr. Hart
reported shortly that Red Cross distribution
was not giving America a proper pictorial mes-
sage. It was not meant to be a criticism of the
Red Cross, because that organization was not
a propaganda organization. It was a mere in-
cident of the jumbled makeshift rush of war
moves.
In March of 1918, nearly a year after Amer-
ica's entry into the war, a meeting of Red
Cross officials, headed by George Murnane, a
New York banker, and the heads of the Creel
organization was held at 10 Jackson Place in
Washington, headquarters of the Committee on
Public Information. As a result of that session
the pictorial activities of the war were turned
over to Mr. Creel. The Division of Pictures
of the Committee on Public Information, re-
sulted. Establishing offices in New York, Mr.
Creel's Mr. Hart set about trying to connect
the flow of war pictures available from the
Signal Corps, and other sources, with the estab-
lished channel of distribution to the theatres,
the motion picture industry.
A curious problem existed. The government
could hand a story to the news association and
it got wide circulation. If the government
handed out a free motion picture, many felt
nobody would see it. The government, there-
fore, was forced into the motion picture busi-
ness, as a business, through the Division of
Pictures of the Committee on Public Informa-
tion, charging rentals for the films intended to
"sell America." Statistically the history of the
Government in the war-time business takes
about four lines, as reported in "A Million and
One Nights," as follows :
Films Theatre Bookings Film Rentals
Pershing's Crusaders 4,189 $181,741
America's Answer 4,548 185.144
Under Four Flags 1,820 63,946
Official War Review 6,950 334,622
And there were some 18,500 theatres operat-
ing in those silent-film days of the industry,
in which the "Official War Review," most
widely circulated of the war publicity films,
got little more than one third of the total
available circulation. In any new "national
emergency," it is not expected that any rentals
will be charged theatres, what with the advanced
stage of the business, and it is expected that
the circulation will be far greater, what with
the greater efficiency and centralization of the
industry.
Judell Starts Three Films
Three Producers Pictures Corporation
pictures will be set in production by Ben
Judell within the next few days.
Newly
Revised
SIXTH EDITION-SUPPLEMENTED WITH
SOUND TROUBLE
SHOOTING CHARTS
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX
^This is the second revision of the sixth
edition of F. H. Richardson's Bluebook of
Projection. Brought right up to the minute,
it Includes over 700 pages of the very
latest data on assembly, wiring and func-
tioning of all sound and projection ap-
paratus. It also contains, for the first time,
a comprehensive group of practical trou-
ble-shooting charts and a lightning-fast
alphabetical index system. Here Is the most
advanced textbook on sound reproduction
and projection — a quick practical trouble-
shooter and a sure solution to all the per-
plexing problems of projec-
tion room routine.
$7.25 POSTPAID
OP
QUICLEY BOOKSHOP
ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
64
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28,
19 3 9
I N COURTS
GN Receivership
Move Is Fought
Grand National attorneys on Thursday
were to file a petition in U. S. district court
in New York for an order to show cause
why an order appointing a temporary re-
ceiver for the company should not be vacated
and set aside. The appointment order,
which followed a petition by three creditors,
was returnable Friday before Samuel
Mandelbaum, federal judge.
The petition was filed by Hap Hadley,
1560 Broadway, named creditor for $730;
Passantino Printing Company, Inc., 250
West 49th Street, for $192 and Keystone
Photo Engraving Corporation, 244 West
49th Street, for $272.
The charge is made in the petition that
Grand National "with intent to hinder, de-
lay or defraud creditors" concealed or con-
veyed to persons unknown to petitioning
creditors the sum of $5,000. In addition, the
company is charged with a preferential pay-
ment of $3,000 to E. W. Hammons, presi-
dent of the company, or to his relatives while
the company was insolvent and with intent
to prefer the recipients over all other credi-
tors.
The order, appointing Simon H. Rifkin
temporary receiver for Grand National, had
been signed by Judge Mandelbaum Wednesday
on application of Mr. Hadley.
Saul E. Rogers, Grand National counsel,
said on Wednesday that the show cause order
to be argued on Friday also would petition dis-
missal of the bankruptcy action, The order, he
said, will deny the allegations of the creditors
and will contend that Grand National is a
solvent corporation with more than $250,000
of assets.
Meanwhile Mr. Hammons returned to New
York from Washington Wednesday after hav-
ing negotiated an increase to $450,000 of the
Reconstruction Finance Corporation loan to
Educational, the parent company. He said the
confirmation of the loan is expected in a week,
after which Educational will advance finances
to Grand National to take care of current debts
and for its reorganization.
Mistrial in Charlotte Suit
The $250,000 copyright infringement suit of
Legette against Loew's, Inc., involving the
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short subject, "The
Bravest of the Brave" and the plaintiff's book
"Marshal Ney : a Dual Life," was declared a
mistrial in Charlotte, N. C, this week when
presiding Judge E. Y. Webb was informed a
juror was ill and unable to continue. The jury
was dismissed.
File Paramount Suit
Paramount Pictures, Inc., and Paramount
Distributing Corporation were named defend-
ants this week in a suit filed in New York su-
preme court by Benjamin Roman which seeks
$250,000 damages charging breach of contract.
Mr. Roman claims a contract gave him exclu-
sive rights to distribute reissues of the Para-
mount films, "Morocco" and "The Spoilers,"
in New York and northern New Jersey.
Contract Suit Settled
The suit of Superior Talking Pictures and
Stage and Screen Productions for $5,000 dam-
ages charging breach of contract against Prin-
cipal Film Exchange has been settled and dis-
continued in New York supreme court.
Order Investigation of
Majestic Television
John J. Bennett, New York State attorney gen-
eral, on Tuesday ordered an investigation into
Majestic Radio and Television Corporation
stock after being notified that the Curb Ex-
change had suspended trading in the security.
The suspension was ordered when the Curb
Exchange received notification Tuesday morn-
ing from the board of directors of the company
that it was temporarily unable to meet its debts.
Walter P. Chysler, Jr., was granted an op-
tion to buy 225,000 shares of the company
capital stock September 22nd on or before
October 23rd at $1,125 cents a share. It was
said that the option had not been taken up.
Stockholders Seek Order
To Question RCA Officers
An application for an order directing James
G. Harbord, David SarnofT, Owen D. Young,
Gerard Swope, Cornelius N. Bliss, Paul D.
Cravath, Bertram Cutler, Edward W. Harden,
De Witt Millhauser, Edward J. Nally, Andrew
Robertson, Harold Smith and officers of Radio
Corporation of America, General Electric Com-
pany and Westinghouse Electric and Manufac-
turing Company to testify before trial was filed
this week in New York supreme court by eight
RCA stockholders.
The stockholders in their suit claim the trans-
fer of a large block of RCA stock to General
Electric and Westinghouse for an invalid con-
sideration.
Dismiss Providence Suits
Two suits charging false imprisonment against
E. M. Loew, Inc., operator of the Olympia thea-
tre in Providence, were dismissed this week in
superior court there. It was charged that thea-
tre officials detained two sisters last January
until they signed statements releasing the theatre
of responsibility for irrjuries to one of them
when she fell on a stairway.
Whiteman Files Appeal
An appeal to the United States circuit court
of appeals has been filed by Paul Whiteman
from a ruling of Vincent Leibell, federal judge,
in a test suit which bars Mr. Whiteman from
licensing the broadcasting of his records with-
out the consent of the manufacturer, RCA
Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Set Kane Trial
Trial of the $25,000 breach of contract suit
of Samson Raphaelson against Robert T. Kane
has been set for November 14th in New York
supreme court. The plaintiff claims the viola-
tion of a contract employing him for 10 weeks
as a writer at $2,500 weekly.
Sam Harrison, Play
Manager, Dies in East
Sam Harrison, theatrical company manager,
died in New York last Sunday. Mr. Harrison
worked from 1907 to 1930 for Florenz Ziegfeld
and Klaw & Erlanger at the New Amsterdam
theatre. He was best known for his manage-
ment of the "Follies." But he had been con-
nected with many other hit shows including,
"Rosalie," "Whoopee" and "Sally." _
Mr. Harrison was technical advisor on the
motion picture "The Great Ziegfeld" and as-
sisted William Anthony Maguire with the
script and remained in Hollywood when the
shooting was in progress to give advice on
problems related to Ziegfeld. Mr. Harrison was
one of Ziegfeld's close friends,, trustee for his
daughter and counselor for his widow, Billie
Burke.
Cass F. Staley
Cass F. Staley, 69, vaudeville performer
known for his musical blacksmith act, died in
Rochester on October 21st.
OBITUARIES
ZaneGrey^ IV nter^
Sportsman^ Dies
Zane Grey, who re-created the West to an
estimated 50,000,000 readers of his 54 books,
died in Altadena, Cal., on October 23rd. Mr. '
Grey had sold 38 stories which were made
into motion pictures.
Mr. Grey's most successful book, "Riders
of the Purple Sage," had sold a million and
a half copies by 1934. Between 1930 and
the present time Twentieth Century-Fox
bought 14 of his stories. Paramount 20.
RKO-Radio and Columbia have each filmed
Grey's writings.
Zane Grey stories that were filmed were
all westerns. Harry Sherman's company
now is shooting his "The Light of Western
Stars." Among the motion pictures written
by Mr. Grey are: "Lone Star Ranger"
(Fox-1930); "Purple Sage" (Fox-1931);
"The Thundering Herd" (Paramount-
1934) ; "Thunder Mountain" (Fox-1935) ;
"Desert Gold" (Paramount- 1936) and
"THunder Trail" (1937).
Zane Grey was born in Zanesville, Ohio,
on January 31, 1875. He studied dentistry
at the University of Pennsylvania and in
1896 began to practice in New York; but
turned to writing as a profession and wrote
almost continually since 1904. Three books
will be published posthumously.
Ned Holmes, Early
Publicity Man, Dead
Ned Holmes, one of the originators of mo-
tion picture exploitation, died in San Francisco
October 21st. For the last four years he was
West Coast exploitation manager for Warner
Brothers, with headquarters in Los Angeles.
Although in his late sixties, Mr. Holmes was
active until his death.
Paul Rainey's African Hunt pictures in 1912
was one of the first pictures handled by Mr.
Holmes. He established First National's ex-
ploitation department and trained S. Charles
Einfeld, Warner advertising and publicity direc-
tor, and others. Mr. Holmes was employed by
William Fox in the middle 1920's. He was
publicity manager for Fox Film and later was
scenario editor at the studio and was connected
with the production of "Seventh Heaven."
Mr. Holmes began his career as advance man
for Colonel William Cody and his "Buffalo
Bill's Rough Riders" 40 years ago. Col. Cody
introduced him to Charles A. Dana, publisher
of the New York Sun, and Holmes joined the
staff. During his long career Mr. Holmes
handled various forms of entertainment, in-
cluding opera, drama and sports. He was ad-
vance man for Sarah Bernhardt, handled Jack
Dempsey's first tour and a number of shows,
his last stage assignment being Leslie Howard's
tour in "Hamlet."
The funeral was held Alonday in Hollywood.
Eileen Douglas Dies
Miss Arlina D. McMahon, known on the
stage and radio as Eileen Douglas, died in New
York October 23rd at the at the age of 35.
She appeared on Fred Allen's radio program
and had directed many radio programs. She
was born in New York, a daughter of John
R. McMahon, newspaper man. Her mother was
well-lcnown as a writer under her maiden name.
Marguerita Arlina Hamm.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
65
WHAT THE PICTURE
DID FOR ME
Columbia
FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS AND HOW THEY
GREW: Edith Fellows— Don't underrate "Five Little
Peppers." I tied up with the local Junior High class
and really went to town. Tell your high school prin-
cipal about this one and give him a percentage for
seUing tickets and they will love this show. It is
right up their alley. Running time, 75 minutes. Play-
ed October 3.— Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind.
General patronage
KONKA, THE WILD STALLION: Fred Stone, Ro-
chelle Hudson — One hour of top entertainment that
will really surprise your audiences. A good show in
all respects, with a horse in the leading role. One of
the best of its kind we have run. Running time, 60
minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind.
Small town patronage.
TEXAS STAMPEDE: Charles Starrett, Iris Mere-
dith—Satisfied an average Saturday night audience.
Played September 23.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre,
Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
THEIRE'S THAT WOMAN AGAIN: Melvyn Doug-
las, Virginia Bruce — Very pleasing comedy to disap-
pointing business. Played October 4-5. — C. W. Mills,
Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
First National
DUST BE MY DESTINY: John Garfield, Priscilla
Lane — Grand picture, nice story, nice action, nice
stars, nice business to extended runs. Running time,
90 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old
Town, Me. General patronage.
NO PLACE TO GO: Fred Stone— Small picture
which pleased on Pal Night. Running time, 57 min-
utes. Played October 10.— E. M. Freiburger, Para-
mount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
OLD MAID, THE: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins,
George Brent — Good picture and good business. This
is a tear jerker and the ladies came out crying. Will
appeal to women only. Running time, 95 minutes.
Played October 8-9.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
OLD MAID, THE: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins,
George Brent — This is the first time that I have ever
played Bette Davis. She is without doubt one of the
best actresses on the screen. "The Old Maid" is tops,
but not for small towns. The farmers don't come in
for this kind, so it didn't pay off to me, but it , gives
a small town theatre a lot of prestige to play one like
this. Running time, 95 minutes. Played October 1.—
Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind. General pat-
ronage.
OLD MAID, THE: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins,
George Brent — A wonderful show that is entirely too
heavy and sad for our small town audiences. For you
who can use heavy drama, this picture should be tops.
For us who go strong for action and lighter pictures,
it will do only average and perhaps not that good._ It
certainly it not worth percentage in our situation.
Running time, 95 minutes.— A. J. Inks, Crystal Thea-
tre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
Grand National
SIX-GUN RHYTHM: Tex Fletcher, Joan Barclay-
Exhibitors playing westerns can cash in on a very
good box office attraction by booking the above pic-
ture together with its star, Tex Fletcher, in person.
I played the picture twice, the second time in conjunc-
tion with the star in person, and unhesitatingly rec-
ommend this combination to all exhibitors using west-
erns. The picture is good, and with Tex Fletcher
widely known as "The Lonely Cowboy" of radio sta-
tion WOR, will positively compel you to dust oiT the
SRO sign. You can reach Tex at Harrison, N. Y.
Running time. 57 minutes. Played September 22-23.—
Bob Elliano, Palace Theatre, Torrington, Conn. Gen-
eral patronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, THE:
Mickey Rooney, Walter Connelly— We tied up with a
large manufacturing concern who makes overalls and
gloves from a neighboring city 18 miles away. _ We
ran three shows the first night, two the second night;
N this, the exhibitors' own de-
partment, the theatremen of the
nation serve one another with
information on the box-office per-
formance of product for their mu-
tual benefit. It is a service of the
exhibitor for the exhibitor. Address
all communications to —
What the Picture Did for Me
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Rockefeller Center, New York
with five manufacturers shut down in your town, we
feel that this picture was a natural for a small town. —
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can.
General patronage.
HARDYS RIDE HIGH, THE: Lewis Stone, Mickey
Rooney — A most enjoyable screen presentation that
should do business in any situation. We played this
picture on our fifth anniversary and feel we gave our
customers the anniversary treat.— Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General pat-
ronage.
LADY OF THE TROPICS: Robert Taylor, Hedy
Lamarr — Lamarr is beautiful, Taylor is good, picture
is weak. The honors all go to Joseph Schildkraut for
an excellent performance. Running time, 91 minutes.
Played October 1-3.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
STRONGER THAN DESIRE: Virginia Bruce, Wal-
ter Pidgeon — You can't go wrong on this one. It is
directed by Leslie Fenton, who played a bit part in
"Boys Town" and stole the whole scene. Metro has
something in Fenton and his work in "Stronger Than
Desire" proves his ability as a director. If you have
a big "special" coming up that don't look good, this
one can substitute. Running time, 78 minutes. Played
October 4-5.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
TARZAN FINDS A SON: Johnny Weissmuller,
Maureen O'Sullivan — Swell Tarzan picture that
brought the farmers to town. Photography excellent. —
C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small town
and rural patronage.
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres, Lana Tur-
ner, Jane Bryan, Anita Louise — The worst of critics
went for this one, and for good reasons. It is tops.
Tlie picture is full of comedy, music and the real
truth. A story of the Blue Bloods and a taxi dancer,
and they all fall for the taxi dancer. So will you, when
you see Lana Turner. Running time, 80 minutes.
Played October 8-10.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
THESE GLAMOUR GIRLS: Lew Ayres, Lana Tur-
ner, Tom Brown — A swell little picture that is differ-
ent, so different that it is truly refreshing. Miss Tur-
ner's first starring picture that builds her up for her
next one, "Dancing Co-Ed." Do not be afraid of this
and it may play the best days in the week for a short
run. Running time, 79 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal
Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
WOMEN, THE: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford,
Rosalind Russell — Good picture and good business.
Don't be afraid of it, as it has lots of comedy and the
men will like it, too. Running time, 134 minutes.
Played October 11-12.— E. M. Freiburger, Paramount
Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
Parannount
GRACIE ALLEN MURDER CASE: Gracie Allen.
Warren William, Ellen Drew — As screwy as they
come and the Allen fans won't be let down. No good
at our box office. Running time, 70 minutes. — C. H.
Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small town and
rural patronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny. Dorothy La-
mour, Binnie Barnes, "Rochester" (Eddie Anderson) —
Best picture Benny ever made and it's really swell.
That goes for Rochester, too.— C. H. Collier, Globe
Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small town and rural pat-
ronage.
MAN ABOUT TOWN: Jack Benny, Dorothy La-
mour, Binnie Barnes, Edward Arnold, Rochester —
This is the best one Benny has made. Really, though,
the colored boy steals the show. Although the best,
it drew the least. 'Nuff said. Running time, 82 min-
utes. Played September 20-21.— R. L. Hall, Aztec
Theatre, Van Alstyne, Texas. Small town patronage.
MILLION DOLLAR LEGS: Betty Grable, Jackie
Coogan — The title pulled them in, but, boys, were they
let down. Just a fair picture. Rulining time, 65 min-
utes.— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small
town and rural patronage.
NEVER SAY DIE: Bob Hope, Martha Raye— A
good comedy that seemed to please the general run
of patronage. Running time, 82 minutes. Played Oc-
tober 11-12.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
NEVER SAY DIE: Bob Hope, Martha Raye— Very
good comedy that was enjoyed by all. Running time,
80 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss.
Small town and rural patronage.
RENEGADE TRAIL: William Boyd, Russell Hay-
Jen, George Hayes — Played this to my smallest crowd.
This series has been very good for me but this one
certainly flopped. Story very weak. Can't see why
when a company has something good they don't at
least try to keep it. Played September 8-9. — Everett
Clapp, American Theatre, Sidell, 111. Rural patronage.
SILVER ON THE SAGE: William Boyd, George
Hayes — A good "Hoppy," as usual, but they don't put
any more silver in our box office than the cheaper
westerns. Running time, 64 minutes. — C. H. Collier,
Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small town and rural
patronage.
UNDERCOVER DOCTOR: Lloyd Nolan, Heather
Angel — Pleased generally on Bank Night. Running
time, 61 minutes. — C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew,
Miss. Small town and rural patronage.
Republic
ARIZONA KID, THE: Roy Rogers, George Hayes
— Lovers of outdoor operas received this one very
favorably. A good average western. Running time, 60
minutes. Played October 13-14. — Bob Elliano, Palace
Theatre, Torrington, Conn. General patronage.
CALLING ALL MARINES: Donald Barry, Helen
Mack, Warren Hymer — A good timely subject dealing
with espionage agents in the United States. Running
time, 65 minutes. Played October 8. — Bob Elliano, Pal-
ace Theatre, Torrington, Conn. General patronage.
KANSAS TERRORS, THE: Three Mesquiteers
(Robert Livingston, Raymond Hatton, Duncan Ren-
aldo) — Pleasing western with plenty of action. This
new trio was very well received by the cash customers.
Running time, 55 minutes. Played October 8. — Bob
Elliano, Palace Theatre, Torrington, Conn. General
patronage.
MOUNTAIN RHYTHM: Gene Autry, Smiley Bur-
nette — Good old Gene. A small town exhibitor's week-
end friend. He always has had an exceptionally good
following. This was a very pleasing picture. A word
of prayer for those responsible for such a fine western
star. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Can. General patronage.
RKO Radio
CAREER: Edward Ellis, Anne Shirley— Edward
Ellis is always good and so is Anne Shirley. This
picture pleased WO per cent. Running time, 79 min-
utes. Played September 27-28. — Jim Haney, Milan
Theatre, Milan, Ind. General patronage.
LOVE AFFAIR: Irene Dunne. Charles Boyer— Irene
Dunne was born just a few miles from here and the
local folks just lay a little claim to her because she is
a Hoosier. She is always a good draw, no matter how
often played. "Love Affair" is one of her best, so
they all said, and that was enough for me. Running
(Cmtinued on jollowhig t^ape. column 2)
66
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28. I 939
TRUE STORIES FROM ALTEC FILES
JOHN B. EAMES
President,
Interstate Aviusement Co., Inc..
Littleton, N. H.
Helps Exhibitor
Move Equipment
to New Location
LITTLETON, N. H.— "When we decided to
move our theatre operations in Colebrook,
N. H. from the former location at the Hal-
cyon Theatre to the new Jax Theatre, we
only gave ourselves from Tuesday afternoon
to Thursday afternoon.
"When you consider the headaches
involved in moving all the complicated
machinery a theatre contains in so short a
time, and that we announced our opening
at the Jax for the Thursday matinee at 2
P.M., you can realize how worried I was.
"Not only did the Altec inspector, Jen-
nings, do a fine job of supervising, but he
rolled up his shirt sleeves and helped our
men in ever}' way throughout the entire
change over. When he saw how worried I
was about opening on time, he quietly as-
sured me we would be ready with both per-
fect sound and projection.
"As Jennings promised, we opened in
perfect shape at the time we announced."
Throughout the country, Altec inspectors have
won the respect and friendship of exhibitors,
managers and projeaionists because of their
willing cooperation in matters "over and above
the contract."
JLTEC
SERVICE CORPORATION
250 West 57th Street, New York Cit>'
THE SERVICE ORGANIZATION
OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
(Continued from preceding page)
time, 89 minutes. Played October 4-5.— Jim Haaey,
Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind. General patronage.
THEY MADE HER A SPY: Sally Eilers, Allan
Lane — An exciting story that pleased. In spite of rain,
we did very well at the box office. Played September
30.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family
patronage.
WAY DOWN SOUTH: Bobby Breen, Alan Mow-
bray, Ralph Morgan — Opinion was divided. Business
good in spite of hot weather. Played September 16.—
C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family
patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
BOY FRIEND: Jane Withers— Played with "Wife,
Husband and Friend." These are old. I had to play
or pay for them. I knew they were no good. What
do you think ? Jane Withers, one of my favorite
stars, pulled them in and I did a nice business. — W.
E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Me. General
patronage.
CHARLIE CHAN AT TREAURE ISLAND: Sidney
Toler, Cesar Romero — Just a program picture. No
kicks, no complaints and no business. Running time,
74 minutes. Played October 13-14. — E. M. Freiburger,
Paramount Theatre, De%vey, Okla. Small town pat-
ronage.
ESCAPE, THE: Kane Richmond, Amanda Dufif,
Henry Armetta — A good programer for "B" houses. I
have had better from the independent companies. Run-
ning time, 61 minutes. Played October 13-14. — Bob EI-
liano. Palace Theatre, Torrington, Conn. General pat-
ronage.
FRONTIER MARSHAL: Randolph Scott, Nancy
Kelly, Cesar Romero, Binnie Barnes — The days of
yesteryear again walk to new victories in "Frontier
Marshal." An excellent star-studded cast, including
Cesar Romero as "Doc Halliday." Cesar Romero turns
in a splendid performance that Fox should well be
proud of. This picture should be classed with the best
of outdoor films. Running time, 74 minutes. Played
October 6-7. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons,
Neb. Small town patronage.
MR. MOTO TAKES A VACATION: Peter Lorre,
Joseph Schildkraut — Like the other Mr. Moto's, in-
teresting and enjoyable. Running time, 68 minutes.
Played September 29-30.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
MR. MOTO TAKES A VACATION: Peter Lorre,
Joseph Schildkraut — "Mr. Moto Takes A Vacation"
just like all the rest both in quality and story. Played
with "Quick Millions."— W. E. McPhee, Strand Thea-
tre, Old Town, Me. General patronage.
QUICK MILLIONS: Jed Prouty, Spring Byington
— "Quick Millions" is the best Jones Family ever pro-
duced. You'll enjoy it. I don't mean the towns that
don't know the difference, but in any he-man's town.
Played with "Mr. Moto Takes A Vacation."— W. E.
McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town, Me. General pat-
ronage.
RETURN OF THE CISCO KID: Warner Baxter,
Lynn Bari, Cesar Romero — Very satisfactory and busi-
ness was up to normal. Played October 7. — C. W.
Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patron-
age.
SECOND FIDDLE: Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power,
Rudy Vallee — Good musical that pleased. Thanx, Fox.
— C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small
town and rural patronage.
SUBMARINE PATROL: Richard Greene, Nancy
Kelly, George Bancroft — A very timely picture which
we played on the weekend as a single bill, and were
very gratified with our box ofTice receipts. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. Gen-
eral patronage.
SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES: Shirley Tem-
ple— The little girl just don't do it any more. As for
the picture, it's only fair. Running time, 80 minutes.—
C. H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small
town and rural patronage.
WIFE, HUSBAND AND FRIEND: Loretta Young,
Warner Baxter, Binnie Barnes — See report on "Boy
Friend."— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Me. General patronage.
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN: Henry Fonda, Marjorie
Weaver, Alice Brady — A very good picture, but the
folks just don't go for pictures of this type. Who
profits with 'em anyway? — C. H. Collier, Globe Thea-
tre, Drew, Miss. Small town and rural patronage.
have seen from the other side. Oh, if the English
would only learn to laugh, perhaps they might make
us laugh once in a while. I'm willing to try and like
them.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old Town,
Me. General patronage.
United Artists
FOUR FEATHERS: John Clements, June Duprez,
C. Aubrey Smith, Ralph Richardson— If there's any
story America don't want to see, it's this. We are so
sick of war; the only thing we all would like is a good
sock at Hitler or Stalin; but this is one of those awk-
ward English productions, beautiful in color, a spec-
tacle of the Nile, battles between the British and the
Fuzzy Wuzzies, well backed by a typical country life
found only in England, and as well done as any I
Universal
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Re-
issue): Lew Ayres — Play up that uncensored angle.
Never mind the picture. It's uncensored, and that's
what counts. I checked back and as near as I can
find, "All Quiet" was originally 138 minutes long.
Uncensored by war or military authories, and reissued,
it runs a little over 90 minutes. So the situation is
clarified. "All Quiet" has apparently shrunk so in
footage there was little left to censOF. The full im-
ports of many of the scenes that made "All Quiet" a
great piece of anti-war propaganda have been decided-
ly dulled by the rabble rousing voice of a Hollywood
commentator, whose attempted assistance in the clari-
fication of the points brought out by the action results
not only in an insult to our intelligence but does not
refrain from revealing Hollywood's dislike of the Nazis.
In fact, when the voice of Hollywood concerns itself
with bringing the film more or less up to date and
drawing comparisons (its only fairly legitimate ex-
cuse for being on the sound track), it immediately un-
dertakes a little propaganda of its very own, which
may prove slightly distasteful to the long-suffering
theatre managers, who must face the public. The act-
ing, especially that of Lew Ayres, is remarkably poor,
and the technical efforts, of course, appears slightly
amateurish in the face of our present improvements.
However, "All Quiet on the Western Front" is, as it
was then, a great motion picture. Played October 5-6.
— C. T. Cooney, Jr., Waldo Theatre Corporation,
Waldoboro, Me. General patronage.
BLACK BANDIT: Bob Baker, Marjorie Reynolds—
Below average western as far as the western fans
were concerned. Running time, 55 minutes.— C. H.
Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Miss. Small town and
rural patronage.
I STOLE A MILLION; George Raft, Qaire Trevor
— Good "B" product that gets by nicely. Running
time, 77 minutes.— W. E. McPhee, Strand Theatre, Old
Town, Me. General patronage.
I STOLE A MILLION: George Raft, Oaire Trevor
— Gave fair satisfaction to small business. Played
September 27-28.;;-C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, So-
dus, N. Y. Family patronage.
LITTLE TOUGH GUYS IN SOCIETY: Mischa
Auer, Mary Boland, Edward Everett Horton — Just a
fair picture. Business nothing to write home about.
Enjoyed by those who saw it. We believe these types
of pictures are losing their box office appeal. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, (Tan. General
patronage.
SUN NEVER SETS, THE: Douglas Fairbanks. Jr.,
Basil Rathbone, C. Aubrey Smith — The picture didn't
"set" so well, either. Running time, 96 minutes. — C
H. Collier, Globe Theatre, Drew, Mich. Small town
and rural patronage.
UNEXPECTED FATHER: Baby Sandy, Mischa
Auer — A very pleasing production that pleased fair
sized audience. Sandy delighted both young and old.
Played September 20-21.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Thea-
tre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage.
Warner Brothers
DAWN PATROL: Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone,
David Niven — While the picture proved to be interest-
ing, mainly because of its timeliness (and we say this
regrettingly), most of our patrons with critical minds
(and believe you me, they can be critical) were of the
opinion there was too much repetition; many of the
characters were difficult to understand. Errol Flynn
was characterized as being a superhuman, and the
over-abundance of alcoholic beverages did not seem
reasonable. However, all praised the excellent^ acting
of each and every character, with special citation go-
ing to David Niven and Basil Rathbone. — J. A. Rey-
nolds. Director of Education and Recreation, New Jer-
sey State Prison, Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
WINGS OF THE NAVY: George Brent, Olivia de
Havilland— We ran this a little late, but better late
than never. If you have not run it, it is well worth
the time. Running time, 89 minutes. Played October
13-14.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
Miscellaneous
HORRORS OF WAR: Had to pull this picture one
dav early. Let us down terrifically. Running time, 57
minutes. Played October 7-9.— W. C. Lewellen, Up-
town Theatre, Pueblo, Col. General patronage.
Short Features
Columbia
BIG FISH: Special Sport Thrills— Very good, with
plenty of excitement all the way. Marlin fishing. Run-
ning time, 7 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
October 2 8, 19 3 9
COMMUNITY SING SERIES: We cannot get our
folks to sing, but they seem to enjoy these single reels.
Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can.
Genera! patronage.
JITTERBUG KNIGHTS: Color Rhapsodies— Very
poor. Nothing to it. Running time, 6 minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town pat-
ronage.
LUCKY PIGS: Color Rliapsodies— Just an average
cartoon. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Can. General patronage.
NOT GUILTY ENOUGH: Broadway Comedies— We
played this twice. Plenty of good laughs. — Harland
Rankin, Plaza Tlieatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. Gen-
eral patronage.
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS SERIES: Very well re-
ceived. As popular a single reel as in on the market.
—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Can. General patronage.
TECHNIGUE OF TENNIS: Special Sport Thrills-
Very interesting sport subject. — Harland Rankin, Plaza
Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General patronage.
WE WANT OUR MUMMY: Three Stooges— Stooges
are tops in entertainment with us.— Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General pat-
ronage.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
ALFALFA'S AUNT: Our Gang— "Our Gang" al-
ways are well received. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Thea-
tre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General patronage.
PENNY^ PICNIC: Peter Smith Specialties— If the
people in your local district get a wild notion to go
camping and pack a lot of tinware, it's a good bet
they have been "Penny's Picnic." Excellent; don't
pass it up. Filmed in color. Running time, 9 minutes.
—Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb. Small
town patronage.
SEAL SKINNERS: Captain and the Kids— They
seemed to enjoy this very much. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General pat-
ronage.
RKO Radio
MICKEY'S PARROT: Walt Disney Cartoons— Dis-
ney makes the cartoons. There's no use of arguing.
A theatre without them is the same as no salt on your
meat.— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, On-
tario, Can. General patronage.
Twentieth Century- Fox
GOLDEN CALIFORIA: Magic Carpet Series (Low-
ell Thomas)— Above the average Carpet reels. Made
the mistake of not coloring this one. Running time,
10 minutes. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
FASHION FORECAST: Autumn Styles— Very well
received. Ladies enjoyed it immensely. — Harland Ran-
kin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General
patronage. i 1 A
FASHION FORECAST, NO. 2: Fashions (In Color)
—A beautiful reel and would be much better if it were
only possible to eliminate the voice of Ilka CHiase.
Photographed in the best of color. Running time, 9
minutes.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
HOUSEWIFE HERMAN: Terry -Toons— Just seven
minutes too long.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
LAND OF CONTENTMENT: Magic Carpet Series
(Lowell Thomas)— Just a fair subject. Running time,
7 minutes.— Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb.
Small town patronage.
MOVIETONE NEWS: This News, which is issued
twice each week, is, beyond a doubt, the best newsreel
in the industry. Running time, 10 minutes. — Guy G.
Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT, THE: Terry Toons-
Here is a cartoon I will have to admit is clever. Has
good music and color. — Guy G. Black, Plaza Theatre,
Lyons, Neb. Small town patronage.
TWO HEADED GIANT: Terry Toons— Good car-
toon in color. Will please the kids.— E. M. Freibur-
ger. Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage. ' I
United Artists
PLUTO'S JUDGMENT DAY: Mickey Mouse— Will
do in a pinch. Running time, 9 minutes.— Guy G.
Black, Plaza Theatre, Lyons, Neb. Small town pat-
ronage.
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
Vitaphone
DAVE APOLLON AND ORCHESTRA: Melody
Masters — ."Vs good a band reel as you cin see. Tops
in anybody's language. Running time, 8 minutes. —
A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town
patronage.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: Color Parade-Just
a filler. Shelve it. Running time, 7 minutes. — A. J.
Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small town pat-
ronage.
HOBO GADGET BAND: Merrie Melodies— An en-
tertaining Merrie Melody which seemed to have a
particular appeal to our boys. Should please any audi-
ence. Running time, 7 minutes. — J. A. Reynolds,
Director of Education and Recreation, New Jersey
State Prison, Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
IT'S THE McCOY: Clyde McCxjy and his Orches-
tra— Our most popular orchestra here. It has feature
attraction. — Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury,
Ontario, Can. General patronage.
LONE STRANGER AND PORKY, THE: Looney
Tunes — Although this was considered one of the best
black-and-white cartoons for 1939, we felt disappointed.
— Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario,
Can. General patronage.
PORKY'S PICNIC: Looney Tunes— We have had
a lot better. Vitagraph had better get a new series
if they want something that will make a hit. Run-
ning time, 6 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Ind. Small town patronage.
POW WOW: Technicolor Specials — Good one-reeler
in color. Shows Navajo Indian at home and a good
rodeo with thrills. — E. M. Freiburger, Paramount The-
atre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage.
ROBBIN' GOOD: Vitaphone Varieties— An expose
of gambling. Interesting enough to show what a
sucker one can be in a public gambling house. Run-
ning time, 7 minutes. — A. J. Inks, Crystal Theatre,
Ligonier, Inc. Small town patronage.
SOPHOMORE SWING: Broadway Brevities— A
good short for those who enjoy modern dancing.
There is music, dancing and comedy enough to please
most any audience. Running time, 20 minutes. — J. A.
Reynolds, Director of Education and Recreation, New
Jersey State Prison, Trenton, N. J. Prison patronage.
SWINGTIME IN THE MOVIES: Broadway Brevi-
ties— A very outstanding two-reeler. — Harland Rankin,
Plaza Theatre, Tilbury, Ontario, Can. General pat-
ronage.
WISE CRACK: Looney Tunes— Good black-and-
white cartoon. Running time, 7 minutes. — E. M. Frei-
burger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town
patronage.
Luis Enrique Perez, Republic's distribu-
tor in Venezuela, is constructing a theatre in
Caracas to be called the Cinelandia and
which will seat 1,000. The opening- is
planned for January with a Republic film.
67
Leif-Erik Bech Issues
Norwegian Film Annual
Leif-Erik Bech, Norwegian film journal-
ist, has assembled, edited and published the
Norsk Filmregister for 1939. The year book
lists the domestic productions of 1937 and
1938 and foreign importations from 1936 to
1939, including American films, and their
production credits. In the case of foreign
films both the Norwegian title and the orig-
inal title are given. Distributing companies
in Norway handling both domestic foreign
pictures with a listing of their product are
included in the year book. The annual also
contains portrait stills and production stills,
both domestic and foreign.
Walsh To Direct
Republic's "Command"
Republic on Wednesday announced that
Raoul Walsh has been signed to direct "The
Dark Command," the first of its four Hew
top budget pictures. The picture is to start
in about two weeks and will cost $750,000.
Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Brian Donlevy
and Charles Bickford will star.
Paramount- Post Toasties Drive
Paramount and Post Toasties have com-
pleted plans for a national co-operative cam-
paign which will use 800-line newspaper ad-
vertising in leading cities. The stars of
Par amount's "$1,000 a Touchdown," Martha
Raye and Joe E. Brown, will be featured
in the advertisements which will promote
both the picture and the breakfast food.
Levin Dead
Charles S. Levin, 73-year-old partner with
Matty Radin in the operation of the Cameo
theatre, died Wednesday in a fall from the
elevated floor of the Bush Building next to
the theatre on 42nd street. New York.
Mr. Levin was formerly secretary and asso-
ciate general manager with William Fox in Fox
Theatres Corporation.
INDISPENSABLE
TO EVERY
SHOWMAN!
The new 1940
BOOKING CALENDAR
LIMITED SUPPLY
ORDER PROMPTLY
PRICE 2,5^ postpaid
USE THIS COUPON
Each year, thousands of managers find the Quigley
Booking Calendar a prime necessity in the successful
operation of their theatres.
Its record of national and state holidays is a guide
to the timely booking of appropriate pictures, tieing
in with important historical events, permitting special
exploitation campaigns of great benefit to your
box office.
These Booking Calendars are supplied to managers
at cost and for that reason do not allow the carrying
of large stocks. Unless your order comes in early we
may not be able to fill it. Be sure to get your 1940
Calendar by ordering it today!
I
Managers' Round Table,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK
Kindly send me one Booking Calendar for 1940, I enclose 25c to cover cost of calendar and postage.
NAME
ADDRESS
THEATRE
CITY STATE
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
69
MANAGERS
ROUND TABI
<ijin international association of shozvmen meeting zveekly
in MOTION PICTURE HERALD for mutual aid and progress
A-MIKE VOGEL, Chairman and Editor
GERTRUDE MERRIAM, Associate Editor
THE "KNOW HOW
The story is told of the manager In a metropolitan deluxe
operation whom circumstances forced Into a lesser situation
where he had to do his own ads. Accustomed to the services
of an adman, the lad was hard put to it to take over these
duties In the new spot. It appeared that he hadn't gotten
around to learning the fundamentals especially having to do
with the preparation of mats and sichllke.
It Isn't an usual story, of course. But it Is a quite possible
one. More than one manager doing a sound job of what he
Is expected to do Is not completely at ease with all processes
of advertising. By which no finger-polnting Is indicated. Con-
sidering the varying classifications of theatres and theatre
duties, every manager everywhere is not called upon to be an
ad expert. But every theatreman who regards himself as con-
scientious, who is ambitious to add to his equipment, should
strive for a fairly intimate knowledge of theatre operation
fundamentals which Importantly Include advertising technique.
As Jim Nairn says in his article about It on a following page:
"A manager should have at least a working knowledge of
what a newspaper mechanical department can and cannot do.
He should also know how mats are made and how to mark his
copy and mats to insure the best resjdts."
The birth of this important contribution came about at the
last Famous Players - Canadian managers convention where
was distributed an Illustrated booklet entitled "From Layout
to Theatre Page", authored by the same Nairn, F. P. - C. cir-
cuit ad head, and an Immediate best seller, according to the
reception from the conventioneers. It told nothing new bui
what It did was told completely, concisely, from "A" to
"Izzard". The word soon spreading, demand overtook supply.
To save the day, Jim generously burnt midnight oil, abridged
the manual only to meet Round Table space limitations — and
here It Is.
The eagerness with which theatremen accept advices on
fundamentals from members competent to talk indicates a
healthy yearning to learn all there Is to know about how to do
things too often taken for granted. It Is obvious that there
will be as many requests for the Nairn article as there were
for the Kuehn series on personnel training and other meaty
contributions on the "a, b, c's" of exhibition.
What is to be termed a short but thorough course in unex-
celled showmanship is contained in the complete record of the
Poii New England Theatres New Season Hit Parade and Golden
Jubilee campaign, now received at these offices. Vigorously
backed by headman, Harry Shaw, and publicity director, Lou
Brown, carried through in conjunction with Loew-men in every
situation, the drive rates a flock of extra bows for all concerned.
It is estimated that well over one million people viewed the
Motorcade, the featured promotion of the entire project, re-
ported in detail here some weeks back.
SHOWMANSHIP CUTS IT DOWN
Visiting In these parts as a delegate to the annual National
Safety Congress, that Dallas-man, Louie Charnlnsky, came on
by to pay his respects and to talk some about the helpful job
being done by the Texas theatremen to cut down traffic acci-
dents. Under the personal supervision of civic-minded Inter-
state heads, Karl Hoblitzelle and R. J. O'Donnell, whom Louie
represented at the congress, the circuit Is waging a consistently
vigorous campaign In every theatre through every manager.
Admonitory trailers are run regularly as are all appropriate
shorts. V/herever possible, caution Is stressed In advertising
and traffic education carried on especially at Saturday kid
matinees. According to Charnlnsky, results are encouraging.
Dallas traffic accidents continue to lessen.
Traffic drives are as old as the first horse and buggy. There
Isn't much left to romance about. Fortunate are those com-
munities where that little Is In the hands of theatremen who
Infuse these projects with a selling persuasiveness that marks
their best boxofflce efforts.
V V ■ V
The homey clank of the kitchen radiator these nippy morn-
ings serves notice that campaigning for Thanksgiving Days —
both of them — and Christmas will soon be the order of the day.
70
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
Round
Table
n Pictures
Reproduced at right is part of the Wilkes-Barre foot-
ball fans who cheered as two convict bally men adver-
tised Manager John Galvin's opening of "Mutiny in the
Big House" at the Penn Theatre. The bally men were
escorted by two policemen as they paraded with the
band between halves of a championship game between
local high schools. Boys also covered the downtown
area ahead and dtiring run.
Seven-foot image of "The Man in the Iron Mask"
was displayed in the lobby of Loeiv's Valentine in
Toledo by Wally Caldwell. Green eyes operated on a
flasher supplied the animation. Figure, which was
mounted on rollers was stationed in front of theatre
during rtin.
handbags were used by W . B. Vratt to transform the lobby of the Par-
amotmt Theatre in Atlanta for "All Quiet on the Western Front", with
barbed-wire fence at the back. On either side of boxoffice were swords,
trench knives and steel helmets, while in front was machine-gun nest and
shell. Note 24-sheet atop marquee. . . . Tying-in with the annual Red Cross
relief drive, Ed Fitzpatrick at the Poli in Waterbury, Conn., for "The Rains
Came" bad a number of 30 by 40 posters made tip plugging the drive and
the marvelous work done by relief groups after the earthquake-and-flood
scene in the picture. Posters were planted in banks, newsstands, building
lobbies and Red Cross headquarters.
October 28, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
71
Above shows Lew Ayres and Ann Rutherford engrossed
in reading giant postcard signed by patrons of the Century
Theatre in Minneapolis as advance publicity engaged in by
Charlie Xinn for "Calling Dr. Kildare". Photo was blown up
and used for lobby display in addition to being planted in
local dailies.
Forwarded by Ed Goth, publicist, Staten Island Fabian houses, is
photo illustrated above showing division manager Harry Black award-
ing the Fabiatt Theatre trophy to prize-winning P. A. L. band unit
in a recent Staten Island competition.
Below may be seen Division Manager Sol Schwartz of the
RKO Theatres with Mme. Silvercruys whom he induced to
talk from the stage of the 5^th Street Theatre during the run
of "Nurse Edith Cavell". Mme. Silvercruys, who was a nurse
in a Brussels hospital when Edith Cavell was executed, told
of true incidents which occurred ]ust prior to and after the
execution. Lobby easel also plugged the stunt.
Gorilla impersonator locked in a cage paraded streets of Bombay
to herald that picture's opening at the Regal Theatre. Street bally
was arranged by J. J. Umvalla, publicity manager for Fox there. Side
of car was bannered with title, cast, playdates, etc.
Girls with imprinted banners shown above standing in lobby of
the Boyd in Philadelphia were also used by Maurice Gable to distribute
"Babes in Arms" buttons to pedestrians. Aggregation was also driven
about town in bannered car.
72
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
The What's PFhaf
About Display Ads
On the Next Page
The Weather ''Unusuar' in LA?
Blame It On Tom— Not the Climate
Ever since he brought snow to Los Angeles in the sunnmertime, as ballyhoo
buildup for a date, Tom Soriero has been honin' for another occasion to mess up
the weather in that climate-conscious community. The long-awaited opportunity
came about with the Round Tabler's campaign for the "The Rains Came" at the
United Artists, and had to do with an artificial rain that fell and fell — even without
the approval of the Chamber of Commerce.
Soriero placed a 25-foot sprinkler with holes in it considerably above the
marquee and extending out about nine feet so that the downpour would drain
into the street gutter. The height was to induce an illusion of rain, and since the
marquee lighting made it difficult to distinguish the source, patrons leaving the
show believed they were in the midst of a shower. So much so, reports Soriero,
that many of them wanted taxis until the "unusual weather" was explained.
The wetness was turned on from opening time until the boxoffice closed, and
as further buildup, Tom dressed the stunt with giant lettered beach umbrellas in
the lobby, put lettered raincoats on his usherettes who made a great show of
walking under the downpour.
Newcomers Are Welcomed
On "Here I Am a Stranger"
Through the cooperation of ah downtown
hotels, Morris Rosenthal of the Majestic, in
Bridgeport, Conn., arranged for the distri-
bution of small envelopes addressed to "A
Stranger in Our Midst," containing copy on
"Here I Am a Stranger." Special herald
utilizing the President's Thanksgiving proc-
lamation was tied in with the new season hit
and classified page of the Times-Star carried
a banner head using the title of the picture
and tying it in with "Here I Am a
Stranger — Will I find my furnished room?"
)■-. For "All Quiet on the Western Front,"
sRosenthal secured a five-foot map of Euro-
pean countries and inserted colored pins to
show the Allies and Germany's military po-
sitions and Navy and Airplane bases. Morris
further tied up the local paper to keep the
map up to date, paper playing the stunt up
prominently in news stories with reproduc-
tion of the display. Fronting the map were
sand bags, aerial bombs, rifles, helmets, gas
masks, machine guns and grenades.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Phillips and Gooch
Report Football Gags
As a goodwill builder. Manager Carmon
Phillips of the Lea Theatre, in Eunice, New
Mexico, invites all members of local winning
football teams to be guests at his house,
night of game. In addition Phillips started
the ball rolling with the result that other
merchants came through with eats, drinks,
etc., which were made available to the win-
ners at the respective stores, so that the lads
had a sort of progressive dinner before at-
tending the show. Athletic instructor intro-
duced the team from stage and the ticket
tieup is plugged in theatre lobby, advertising
truck and in the school proper.
Manager Francis Gooch, the Uptown, in
Bath, Maine, was invited as one of two out-
side speakers to speak at a rally for the high
school. Giving that old pep talk to the boys,
Gooch finished up by offel'ing five guest
tickets to each player who made a touch-
down during the season. Talk and offer
made stories in local daily.
Mayor Issues Proclamation
For Maoris' Anniversary
To usher in Diana Theatre's first anni-
versary week and the current showing of
"The Women," Jim Macris in Medina, New
York, secured the cooperation of Mayor J.
P. Slack, who issued a proclamation urging
readers to show their appreciation by at-
tending the show. Scene cuts from the pic-
ture were used in the dailies week ahead and
letters of appreciation from local prominents
printed. Through tieup effected with the
Lions Club, Ad Club, Junior Chamber of
Commerce and other organizations tickets
were sold a week ahead.
Handbills were dropped from airplane at
noon when school was being dismissed, mer-
chants cooperated by generous use of win-
dow displays, theatre's ballyhoo truck her-
alded the opening and three-sheets were
spotted strategically on all highways leading
into the "city.
"LET'S HEAR -FROM YOU"
Bannan Distributes Extras
To Sell Preview Pictures
Pulled every Saturday night on which a
picture is previewed, is the distribution of
"extras" to sell George Bannan's attractions
at the Van Wert, in Van Wert, Ohio. With
the local paper donating 1000 papers, the
theatreman overprints the first page in red
with copy calling attention to the opening,
title, cast and playdates. Newsies calling out
"Extra, extra, biggest event in years coming
to the Van Wert," distribute 700 papers in
town and 100 each in three towns within a
radius of 10 miles.
Due to the merchandising possibilities of
the title "The Women," Bannan based his
campaign on cooperative newspaper adver-
tising and window displays. Full page was
secured using a scene from the picture in
each ad, with streamer across top reading
"Tomorrow is Van Wert's shopping day for
'The Women.' " In order to get shoppers out
early, five passes were given to small adver-
tisers and 10 to large advertisers. These
were given to the first shoppers who in-
quired about merchandise advertised on the
"The Women" page.
(1) Although the main plug in this 200
lines on 2 col., is shared by Zorina in the
picture and Hal Kemp on the stage, the
Warner ad men also found reason to build
up "On Your Toes" at the New York
Strand for metropolitan familiars by refer-
ence to the authors and producer of the
original play ; the last play in which the star
appeared. Earlier screen success of Eddie
Albert is similarly referred to.
V
(2-3). Finding some definite male opposi-
tion, locally, to his date on "The Women"
at the Laroy, Portsmouth, Ohio, Manager
J. Knox Strachan overcame this reaction
and favorably with two trick layouts, both
70 lines of 2 col. These were run two days
ahead of a Sunday opening, in the same is-
sue, each ad referring to the other in a line
of copy at the bottom — one for women, the
other for men.
V
(4) To strike on some unusual way of in-
troducing "Mr. Smith" at the W&V
Colonial, in Allentown, Pa., an inter-office
communication between Walter Vincent and
Manager Charley Bierbauer was reproduced
in 190 lines on 3 col. Headed "Inside Stuff,"
a take-off on a popular local newspaper
column, the copy included all the essential
points having to do with stars and directors,
theatre and date.
V
(5) Following a sustained advance cam-
paign stressing the recent personal appear-
ance of the stars at the theatre, this zippy
135 lines on 3 col., from Howard Dietz was
used day ahead to sell "Babes In Arms" at
the New York Capitol. The simplicity of
the cartoon line-cuts and effectively used
white space contributed to this climax-ad
that tied up the week's campaign.
V
(6) Comparison of this 135 lines on 3 col.,
for the "Mr. Smith" with the one im-
mediately to its left shows two different sell-
ing angles in different situations. The
Music Hall layout and copy makes much
over Frank Capra in stressing his contribu-
tion to the picture and his long line of past
successes. That was done to capitalize upon
the director's metropolitan popularity, copy
noting that all of these pictures had been
Music Hall datings.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Plants Ad in School Edition
Moving into the special "back to school"
edition of the Albertan, Manager Pete Egan
at the Palace, in Calgary, planted his the-
atre and forthcoming attractions ad up front.
Aimed directly at the children, flyer across
top read "motion pictures never played such
an important role in education as they do
today," this followed by plugs for pictures
with direct appeal to the younger element.
October 28, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
73
REPRESENTATIVE NEWSPAPER ADS
Q^nap out of it,
New York!
DROP THAT FROWN/ GO TO TOWN/
STEP OUT TONIGHT WITH
Tonight! Preview! Strand!
1
FOR
Women who have meo' WotneD who want
men t Women who snatch men' Written bj
a woman about women, it tells and.tells and
Tells' "Lies," sav women' "Trae" sav
men' Se* the Bilarioa?! MGM hit ■'THE
WOMEN
v'lKh Norma 'Sliearei Joan Crawlord. Pau)-
efte Goddard and 132 others (alt women i
rOLUimiA THEATER Start-: Sunday,
ONLY
PS.Il wouldn'i bf cnckei for vot] 10 p<>eli
at the FOR JfEN OXLV ad ou page in
FOR
the iaugh of your life see . . Women Mitb
their hair down I ^Vbmen nrith Iheir claws
out' 135 women with nothing on their miuiI->
but—
MEN
-THE WOMEN ' MGM Grand Hit Show
Columbia , starting Sundav, 4 Davs
ONLY
P S Don't pecb ai FOB WOMEN ONLY
ad OD papp IT
INSIDE STUFF
iwiib ipolisglM to Joe MeCanron)
WILMER & VINCENT THEATRES
NEW YORK, N. Y
NEW YORK OFFICE
n-Tm-OFTICE COMMUNICATIOS
Date. October M. 1939
To CHAS BIERBAUER
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
Director — Capra
Running time — I 30 minutes
Cast — Jean Arthur. James Stewart. Claude Rains, Ed-
ward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Tbomas Mitchell,
Beulah Bondi
General Release Date— October 19. 1939
Available for — Colonial, Allentown. State, Harrisburg;
Embassy. Reading. Embassy, Johnstown.
Remarks— MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHfNGTON is.
to all of our mmds, about the best picture we
have ever seen. I think it will do twice as much
business as GOODBYE MR, CHIPS did and
on account of its being an American story and
filled with the things that thrill an American,
MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON be-
comes in the minds of Americans a better
picture than CHIPS-
The picture is something on the type of MR.
DEEDS GOES TO TOWN, except MR.
SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON is more
serious and we think a far better picture.
You cannqt advertise MR. SMITH GOES TO
WASHINGTON too strongly If anyone
misses MR SMITH GOES TO WASHING-
TON they have missed the treat of their lives.
WALTER VINCENT
WILMER & VINCENT THEATRES
ALLENTOWN, PA.
COLONIAL
DtTER-OFTICE COMMUNICATION
Date. October 12, 1939
To WALTER VINCENT
Report on screening received Thanks.
Our patrons surely will appreciate your efforts in
having arranged for MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHING-
TON to play Allentown on release date (Thursday, Octo-
ber 19th),
CHAS.; BIERBAUER
The word will get around that
MICKEY ROONEY
and
JUDY GARLAND
in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's
cm w
BABES IN ARMS
is the most entertaining
film you've seen in years!
TOMORROW CAPITOL
Cut icctoilB CKASUS WlKKmCO • Cm KIBBEE ■ JUKt PKOSa • ClUCt tUTtS • BCTTf UTMES • DOUCIAS HcPHAIL
RAND BROOKS • LtNl LTNN - iOHM SHEFFJflO • Snecn Ploy by J<Kk McCowon end Kaj Von RIpet
Diiecfed bj Binby t«tktt«f Prodwced b)r Arthur Freed* Band on tha ploy by Rkhord RwfBcriand Loreni Hart
BIVAI £ SIsI ST.
Majar EdwarJ
Boteti.Mit. Dir.
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Showplace of the Nation
The genius of Frank Capra brings
to the screen the very heart of
America, . .straight from the liv«'
of everyday people ; . . drawn
from their vast treasure of hu-
mor, romance, political adven-
ture and intrigue . . . compounded
of all the elements that make for
greatness in motion pictures . . .
superbly enacted by one of the
most perfect casts ever assem-
bled ... a truly inspiring and
stirring drama of our time.
Rockefeller Center
WORLD PREMIERE
STARTS TODAY
Doors Open 11:00 A. M.
FRANK CAPRA'S'
E3rSmifh(Boes-
ll'olllashingto^
Jeon ARTHUR*" Jomej STEWART
NOLO ■ KIBBEE ■ MUCHl
A Columbio Picture
Thre«-timc Acade.
my Awird ninacr,
d.rcctorof ihcsc
Music^Hall sue.
Take icWth You-
(l93S),VLostHori-
xon" (1937), "Mr.
Dcedi Goes.To
Town-* (1936);
"Broadway Bill"
(1934).-'JrHippeii.
ed One Night"
(1934). "Lady For
ADay"(I933),"The
B ; I lerTei of Genera]
Yen" (1933 — The
Muse Hall'* fiist
pic[u.-e).
ON THE GREAT STAGE
"JEROME -KERN CAVALCADE" — a gay.
pictorial pageant — saluting a great American
screenplay with the melodies of a great
American composer . . . produced by LeonidofI, settings
by Bruno Maine . . . featuring Jan Peerce, Melissa
Mason, .Walter Cassel, George Holmes, with the Music
Hall Rockettes, Corps .de Ballet, and Choral Ensemble.
Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Erno Rapee.
PiUBn.i: 11:20. 2,0t..:S.^7:«0. IChU . Siif. Sbo. ar. h3a. ..IV. 7:DS. y:SO
FIRST MEZZANINE SEATS MAY BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE • Phooe drcle-frlWCt :
4
74 MOTION PICTURE HERALD October 28, 1939
The Newspaper Display Ad,
from Layout to Theatre Page
Fundamentals of Mechanical Operations Outlined by Canadian Memhet
WE say: "CLOUDS
is the smartest, wittiesf,
best-acted hXi of the year!
BUT-Don^t^take OVR word for
—Bead what the Critics sayl
"Our English cousins, who ar« sup-
posed to hav« no sens* ol humor,
parp«trated on« of the most euccesa-
tul pranks of the year . . . one of the
"Oospite solemnity of its title . . ,
first rate comedy , . . bright, breezy
and Havoraome , . . Excellent."
"Most enjoyable 'leg-pulling' In a
coon's age . . . thrills, pace and love-
, stuff . . ."
"Lightness of touch that reminds us
, of Hitchcock and with a wit that is
, completely original."
'S HERE! THE YEAR'^S LAUGH HIT!
HurencejDlivie
The romantic star ^yMff\' (//
of hit "Wuthering Kf^f^,
"Heights" turns (^'- ' ,
in the top rol '
[louiis
^— RAifif ^HAK^^ON— I
EUROPt
nd
GREAT
YONGE ST. AT BLOOR ■ Kl. 3113
I
REPRODUCTION OF NAIRN'S FIVE-COLUMN "EXAMPLE AD" LAYOUT
by JAMES R. NAIRN
Advertising Director, F. P.-Canadian Corp.
Like the majority of large circuits, Fa-
mous Players Canadian Corporation main-
tains a Home Office advertising and pub-
licity department. One of the most important
of this department's assignments is the prep-
aration of newspaper advertisements. The
ads are primarily designed for Toronto the-
atres and other key spots. In addition cam-
paigns are made up for the use of the cir-
cuit, on all major pictures.
In preparing' the advertising, the depart-
ment follows the general procedure of other
such organizations. Visuals or layouts are
first sketched and copy written to fit the
designs. Copy is set by a typesetting firm
and proofs pasted into place on the layouts.
Halftone illustrations are prepared by having
"velox" prints made of the photographs and
the final retouching is done on the "velox,"
thus insuring proper reproduction. A thor-
ough explanation of this process was given
in a comprehensive article in Motion Pic-
ture Herald in July 22 issue by E. V.
Dinerman, of RKO Midwest Theatres.
Advertising mats, however, play the most
important part in the average manager's
campaigns and it is the purpose of this arti-
cle to deal more fully with these rather than
the original engravings from which they are
cast.
Cautions Against Poor Reproductions
■ Nothing can ruin an ad more surely than
a poor reproduction of a mat, yet even a
quick check-up of tear sheets representative
of theatres of all sizes shows a serious per-
centage of poor and sometimes downright
bad reproductions.
; It is often the fault of a manager that a
poor illustration appears in his ad. True, he
did not manufacture the mat, but if he knows
his job he can prevent, in the vast majority
of cases, the use of mats that will not give
him 100 per cent quality.
Many managers make the serious mistake
pf clipping an illustration from the press
book, ordering the mat by number and then
turning it over to the newspaper confident
that the reproduction will be as good as that
in the press book. No more serious mistake
could be made. Press books are generally
illustrated by direct reproductions from the
original engravings — not stereos cast from
mats. Defects in plates from which mats are
made rarely show up in the press book.
What the Manager Should Know
Two faults are to be found on occasions in
the original engravings prepared for film
distributors. The chief fault is that some-
times the engravings are not etched deeply
enough. It is possible to make a good mat
from a "shallow etched" engraving. A mat,
ho matter how carefully made, is certain to
lose something of the original quality of the
engraving and unless a cut is etched to a
depth of no less than five-thousandth of an
inch, it is doubtful whether a good mat can
be pulled from it. Another fault with some
press book ads is that the screen in the en-
graving is too fine. These finer halftones
make a grand looking press book, but fill in
black when reproduced on newsprint.
It is against these two major faults and
the additional possibility of not getting a
good job in his newspaper plant, that a man-
ager must be constantly on guard.
After a manager has laid out his schedule
of space in advance he should order the mats
he selects from the exchange as early as
possible and take them to the foreman of the
stereotyping room of his newspaper at once.
Here this expert can cast the mat and im-
mediately determine whether it will make a
satisfactory reproduction or not. If he is
even doubtful as to the mat's quality, the ad-
vertiser is well advised to scrap it and get
another illustration. A type ad is a thousand
times more effective than a bad illustration
and the only sure way to determine its qual-
ity is to have it cast up in advance.
If ever a weekly pass to a theatre is justi-
fied it is when it is planted with the head of
the stereo room of a newspaper. The man-
ager who hasn't met this important indi-
vidual might be well advised to make his
acquaintance at once.
A manager should have at least a working
knowledge of what a newspaper mechanical
department can and cannot do. He should
also know how mats are made and how to
mark his copy and mats to insure the best
results.
In the first place, a layout is essential for
the guidance of both the compositors and the
stereotypers. Copy of illustrations should be
cut from the press book and pasted down
on a layout sheet indicating the exact posi-
tion the mats are to occupy in the ad. Cooy
should then be written in on the layout after
the outline of the ad size has been indicated.
Illustrated here is a large mat (Example
A above) — much larger than the average
theatre can afford to use. Suppose, however,
a smaller ad is wanted (Example B, next
page), combining several illustrations from
the large ad. An advertiser decides to use,
(Continued on page 76)
October 28, 1939
MANAGERS' ROUND TABLE
75
NAIRN COMPOSING ROOM CLOSEUPS
STHRTinC
TOmORROUl
ClOUDS OUER
EUROPE
EnPITOL
EXAMPLE "B'
EXAMPLE "C
1
EXAMPLE "D
EXAMPLE "F'
EXAMPLE "E"
76
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8. 19 3 9
Birthday
Greetings
MORE ON AD MAKING
James Aaron
Eddie Kane
J. 1. Adams
Harry Knoblauch
Edwin Adier
James Knox
Franc Arnold
Lester Kolste
William Artz
Murray Lafayette
H. Ash
Harold Leand
Don Ballard
Al Lippe
Carl Bechdeil
Harold Lloyd
Howard Berg
Dominick Lucente
Melvin Bourassa
John Ludy
G. Brainos
Mac McCarthy
Lee Byers
J. S. McNeill
Doug Carpenter
Bill Markwell
John Cotter
Ray Mellien
M. A. Cowles
Lloyd Mills
Frank Cronin
Frank Murphy
Harry Crull
Julius Myska
M. J. Cruz
H a rry Neun
E. V. Dinerman
Brewster Newton
Charles Edwards
Ray O'Connell
Robert Etchberger
Alexander Otto
Bill Exton
Leslie Paine
Paul Fasshauer
George Peppier
P. E. Fenelon
Carmon Phillips
Dorothy Flukes
Harland Rankin
V. W. Fisk
Harry Rawlins
Edward Golden
Lawrence Robiczek
William Glackin
Ben Rosenberg
Mort Green
Joe Ruddick
Daniel Hansher
Don Seasholtz
Frank Harrington
John Townsend
Russell Hogue
J. Maddry Wallace
Alec Hurwitz
Reinhold Wallach
Don Johnson
August Wolf
Dave Kamsky
Ned Wright
(^Continued from page 74)
for example, the heads of Laurence Olivier
and Valerie Hobson and Ralph Richardson,
who are the most important elements in the
ad, together with the line "The Year's Laugh
Hit" and the title "Clouds Over Europe."
He'd find, unless he went the right way
about it, that he would hit some serious me-
chanical snags.
Send Whole Mat Together
Notice in the space enclosed by rules and
marked ( 1 ) that he would get the heads of
Olivier and Hobson all right, but in doing
so he would cut into Richardson's head —
ruining it. This is because of at least a half
inch all around a line of copy or illustration
must be left in order to allow that part taken
from the mat to be properly cast. If he cuts
out the head of Richardson (enclosed in
space marked 2) he would spoil part of the
title line because the necessary half inch bor-
der must be taken care of. The same is true
of the title marked 3.
Only by sending the whole large mat (A)
to the newspaper can the ad B be made up
without spoiling the mat. At the newspaper
plant the whole mat could be cast and the
mechanical department saw out the sections
needed without damaging the other portions
of the mat.
To get the best results always make a lay-
out of an advertisement (see example B)
and take it to the newspaper together with
the whole mat or mats from which the illus-
trations are to come. The newspaper experts
can then remove and trim the necessary
" illustrations to conform with the layout.
Never, under any circumstances, should a
APPLICATION FOR 'Z " TuT
What Happens to the Mat
^^^^^^P|^^|-||P Let's take a trip into the mechanical de-
partment of the average newspaper and see
the journey a mat takes from the time it is
kylAMAr*PDQ' handed in until it appears in the newspaper.
lviAMNy^V7CI\0 ^ matrix, commonly called "mat" (C, pre-
ROUND TABLE vlous page), is mould of an advertisement,
or engraving, made of specially manufac-
Rockefeller Center N Y ^^^^^ cardboard, a sort of papier mache,
' * ■ which is soft when it is used but becomes
hard when dried.
j^^^ The important thing for an advertiser to
remember is that a mat must not be trimmed
close to the type or picture. A margin must
Position be
Note the wide margins all around it. See
how deeply the cardboard has been pressed
Theatre into the type and into the engravings.
After an advertisement has been set up
it is locked tight in a steel chase (steel
Address frame) and placed under a heavy steel roller.
The papier mache cardboard is then rolled
down into the type, then pulled off and
City allowed to dry for a few minutes.
Note the wide margins allowed by the mat
maker around the advertisement. This is
^'"^^ important to remember. For example, if a
manager is going to use only the man with
the umbrella over his nose (Example B),
Circuit and new reading matter for the rest of the
advertisement, he should send newspaper
A J 1 , 1 -KT T\ -n I thfi whole mat., If, however, just a mat of
AbSOlMtely No Dues or Fees! the man's face is available, he should be sure
that there is at least a half inch margin all
— around the illustration, because, in casting
up the mat strips of steel have to be placed
on three sides of the picture to hold the hot
lead that has to be poured into it.
The stereotyper has now taken the mat,
pasted a strip of newspaper on one end of it
which will guide molten lead straight down
to the face of the mat. Strips of steel are
placed at each side for the same purpose, to
keep the molten lead from spreading out on
the sides. When this work is completed,
the stereotyper pulls down the steel cover (D,
previous page), and clamps down into posi-
tion. This operation determines the thick-
ness the metal cast will have.
The stereotyper pours molten lead into the
casting box to make the cut for the news-
paper. Beside him is the melting pot, filled
to the top with hot lead. Into this he dips a
ladle, then pours the sparkling, silvery metal
down on the mat. It takes about half a min-
ute to solidify. Then he opens up the casting
box and pulls the mat away from the lead
while it is still hot.
Trimming and Renting
The flat lead plate now goes into the hands
of the man operating the sawing table. A
powerful, fast-revolving circular saw cuts
through lead (E, previous page), trimming
the cast to exact size. After the sawing is
done, any raw edges are filed smooth, and
the plate is now ready for the final touches.
The plate goes to the finishing operation
(F, previous page), routing out spaces be-
tween pictures and reading matter, which
appear white in the newspaper. If this were
not done there might be some smudging in
the white spaces. This takes considerable
time and requires a steady hand and clear
eyesight. It is during this operation that
words, or parts of illustrations that are not
wanted are deleted. When this work is fin-
ished the plate is passed over to the men
who make up the pages of the newspaper and
it finally goes to its proper place.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Harris' Friday, the 13th Gag
Teaser gag used by Loew's publicist Milt
Harris on the recent Friday, the 13th, for
the date of "The Real Glory" was the distri-
bution of small envelopes front of which
bore copy "Friday, the 13th, may be your
lucky day." Inside was small card stamped
with lucky number. To those holding cards
with numbers corresponding to list displayed
in windows of chain druggist, guest tickets
were awarded.
"LET'S HEAR FROM YOU"
Bids Golden Wedding Couples
To usher in the motion picture industry's
Golden Jubilee, Round Tabler E. E. Bair
at the Valentine, in Defiance, Ohio, gar-
nered some additional publicity for the event
by advertising that all couples married 50
years or more would be his guests at a
special show. Through the cooperation of
one of the dailies, coupon was run in paper,
which readers were invited to fill out and
send in. Stories run by paper included ap-
propriate tiein copy to the efifect that when
these same couples were first married the
motion picture was in its infancy.
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
77
THE RELEASE CHART
On this and the followinq page appears an alphabetical index to
the titles of all features listed in this iceel^s Release Chart, with
additional information for the exhibitor.
The number immediately following the title is the production
number. Also given is information regarding the classification of
the subject matter. A melodrama is denoted by the abbreviation
Mel., Comedy by Com., Comedy-Melodrama by Com.-Mel., Musical
by Mus., Musical Comedy by Mus.-Com., Western by West. If the
production is made in color, the letter "C" appears in parenthesis
after the clas.'iification. Thus: Com.-Mel. (C) denotes a Comedy-
Melodrama in Color.
At the extreme right of the line containing the title of the pro-
duction is the name of the distributor.
INDEX
A
Abe Llnooln In Illinois, 009, Mel RKO
Across the Plains, 3855. West Mono
Adventurst of Jano Arden, 321, Mel WB
Adventure* of Sherlock Holmes, The, Mel.
20th- Fox
Allegheny Uprising, 006, Mel RKO
All Quiet on the Western Front, 4073. Mel.
Univ
All This and Heaven Too, Mel WB
All Women Have Secrets. Mel Para
Almost a Gentleman, 920, Mel RKO
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever, 944, Com.
MOM
Angels Wash Thair Faees, The, 367, Mel.. FN
Annie Laurie, Mel Foreign
Another Thia Man, Com.-Mel MGM
Arizona Kid, The. 951, West Rep
Ariz«ia Wildcat, 929, Cora 20th-Fox
Ask a Policeman. Com Foreign
At Your Ago, Com GN
B
Babes In Arms, Mus.-Com MGM
Bachelor Mother, 932, Mel RKO
Baok Door t* Heaven, 3833, Mel Para
Bad Lands. 933, West RKO
Bad Little Angel, Com MGM
Balalaika, Mus MGM
Barricade, 026. Mel 20th- Fox
Beaohcomber, The, 3863, Mel Para
Beau Geste, 3902, Mel Para
Beauty for tha Asking, 915, Com RKO
Behind the Facade, Mel Foreign
Behind Prlstn Gates Col
Betrayal, Mel Foreign
Beware Spooks, Com Col
Bli Town Czar, 3018, Mel Univ
Biscuit Eater. The, Mel Para
Bizarre, Blzarra, Con Foreign
Billy the Kid Returns, 851, West Rep
Blackmail, 5, Mel MGM
Blackwell's Island, 361, Mel FN
Blind Alloy, Mel Col
Blondie Brings Up Baby, Com Col
Blondio Meets the Boss, Com Col
Blondie Takes a Vaoatlon, Com Col
Blue Bird, The, 025, Com 20th-Fox
Blirs Montana Skies, 844, West Rep
Bouquets from Nicholas, Com Foreign
Boy Friend. 943, Com 20th- Fox
Boy's Reformatory. 3820, Mel Mono
Boy Slaves, 911, Mel RKO
Bridal Suite, 937, Com.-Mel MGM
British Intelligence, Mel WB
Broadway Melody of 1940, Mus MGM
Broadway Serenade, 931, Mus MGM
Brother Rat and The Baby, Com WB
Brother Orchid, Mel WB
Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police, 3831,
Mel Para
Bulldog Drummond's Bride, Mel Para
C
Cafe Society. 3826, Mel Para
Call a Messenger. 4020, Mel Univ
Calling All Marines. 912. Mel Rep
Calling Dr. Klldare. 932. Mel MGM
Call on the President, Com.-Mel MGM
Captain Fury, Mel UA
Captain Scorplob, Com Foreign
Career, 930, Mel RKO
Cat and tho Canary, The Mel Para
Charlie Chan at Treasure Island, Mel.
20th- Fox
Charlie Chan in Panama. Mel 20th-Fox
Charlie Chan In Rene, 948, Mel 20th- Fox
Chalked Out, Mel FN
Champ, Tho, Mel MGM
Chasing Danger, 941, Mel 20th-Fox
Chicago Ben, Mel GB
Chicken Wagon Family, Com 20th-F»x
Child Is Bent, A, Mel WB
Children of the Wild, Mel GN
Chip of the Flying U, West Univ
Chump at Oxford, Com UA
Cisco Kid and the Lady, The, 012, Mel.
20th-Fox
City for Sale. Mel UA
City, The. 023. Mel 20th-Fox
Climbing High, 8072, Com GB
Clouds Over Europe, Mel Col
Coast Guard. Mel. Col
Code of the Secret Service, 374, Mel FN
Code of tho Streets, 3019, Mel Univ
Colorado Sunset, 848, West Rep
Comet Over Broadway, 370, Mel FN
Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Mel FN
Conspiracy, 935, Mel RKO
Cop from Hell's Kitchen, Mel Col.
Coral Rocks. The, Mel Foreign
Covered Trailer, Com Rep
Cowboy Quarterback, Tho, 366, Com WB
Cowboys from Texas. West Rep
Curtain Rises, The, Mel Foreign
D
Dancing Co-ed, 3. Com...' MGM
Danger Flight. 3816, Mel Mono
Danger on Wheels. Mel Univ
Dark Victory, 354, Mel FN
Daughters Courageous, 360, Mel WB
Day tho Bookies Wept, The, 002, Com... RKO
Day-Time Wife, 020. mel 20th-Fox
Dead End Kids en Dress Parade, Com.-
Mel WB
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Mel Foreign
Death of a Champion, 3901, Mel Para
Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Mel.. . Foreign
Desperate Trails. The. 4058, West Univ
Destry Rides Again, Mel Univ
Diamonds Are Dangerous, Mel Para
Discoveries, Mas Foreign
Disputed Passage. Mel Para
Distant Fields, Mel RKO
Dock on the Havel, Mol Foreign
Dr. Cyclops, Mel Para
Dodge City, 304, Mol. (C) WB
Double Crime In the Maglnot Line,
Mel Foreign
Down Our Alley, Mus.-Com Foreign
Down tho Wyoming Trail, 3864, West... Mono
Drums Along the Mohawk, 015, Mel. (C)
20th- Fox
Dust Be My Destiny, Mel FN
E
Each Dawn I Die, Mel FN
Earl of Chicago, Mel MGM
East Side of Heaven, Mus.-Com Univ
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for Women. Mel. 20th-Fox
Emergency Squad, Mel Para
Empty World, Mel GB
End of a Day. Mel Foreign
Enemy Within, The, Mel WB
Escape, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Escape to Paradise, Mus, RKO
Espionage Agent, Mel FN
Eternally Yours. Mel 20th-Fox
Everybody's Baby. 931, Com 20th-Fox
Everybody's Hobby, 376, Com FN
Everything Happens at Night, Mel.. .20th-Fox
Everything's On lee, 948, Mel RKO
Ex Champ, 3010, Mel Univ
Exile Express, 301, Mel GN
F
Family Next Door, 3020, Com Univ
Farmer's Daughter, The, Com Para
Fast and Furious, 6, Mel MGM
Fifth Avenue Girl, 934, Com RKO
Fight for Peace, The, Mel Mono
Fighting Gringo, 986, West RiKO
Fighting Mad, West Mono
Fighting C9th, Mel WB
First Love, Mus Univ
First Offenders, Mel Col
First World War, 062, Mel 20th-Fex
Fisherman's Wharf, 844, Mus RKO
Five Came Back, 927, Mel RKO
Five Little Peppers and How Thoy Grew,
Com Col
Fixer Dugan, 922 RKO
Flight at Midnight, 911, Mel Rep
Flirting With Fate, 914, Com.-Mel MGM
Flying Deuces, 010, Com RKO
Flying Irishman, 919, Mel RKO
Forged Passport, 823, Mel Rep
Forgotten Woman, Tho, 3031, Mel Univ
For Love or Money, 3030, Mel Univ
Four Feathers, Mel. (C) UA
Four Wives, Mel WB
Frog, The, Mel GB
Frontier Marshal, West 20th-Fox
Frontier Pony Express, West Rep
Fugitive at Large Col
Fugitive from Justice, Mel WB
Full Confession, 003, Mel RKO
Full Speed Ahead, Mel GN
G
Gambling on the High Seas, Mel WB
Gang's All Here, The, Com.-Mel Foreign
Gay Days of Victor Herbert, Mus Para
Geronlmo, Mel Para
Girl and the Gambler, 926, Mel RKO
Girl from Mexico, 928, Com.-Mel RKO
Girl from Rio, 3825, Mel Mono
Girl Must Live, Com 20th-Fox
Golden Boy, Mel Col
Gold Is Where You Find It, Mel. (C)....FN
Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 945, Com.-Mel MGM
Good Girls Go to Paris, Com.-Mel Col
Gorilla, The, 944, Com.-Mel 20th-Fox
Gracie Allen Murder Case. Com.-Mel Para
Grand Jury's Secrets. Mel Para
Granny Get Your Gun, Mel WB
Grapes of Wrath, Mel 20th-Fox
Green Hell, Mel Univ
Gulliver's Travels, Cartoon Para
Gun Chores. West Para
Gun Lord of the Frontier, West Col
Gunga Din, 912, Mel R<KO
H
Happy Ending, Mel Para
Hardys Ride High, 934, Com.-Mel MGM
Harvest, Mel Foreign
Hawaiian Nights, 4024, Mus ...Univ
Heartbeat. Mel Foreign
Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence,
019. Mel 20th-Fox
He Married His Wife, 023, Mel 20th-Fox
Hell's Kitchen, 312, Mel WB
Henry Goes Arizona, Com MGM
Horbst-Manover, Com Foreign
Here I Am ■ Stranger, Mel 20th-Fox
Heritage of tho Desert, Mel Para
Hero for a Day. 4035, Mel Univ
Heroes In Blue, Mel Mono
Heroes of the Desert, 7118, West. Rep
Heroes of the Marne, Mel Foreign
Hidden Power Mel Col
High School. 028. Com 20th-Fox
His Girl Friday. Mel Col
Hitler— Tho Beast of Berlin, Mel St. Rts.
Hollywood Cavalcade, Mel. (C) 20th-Fox
Homo from Home, Com Foreign
Homo on tho Prairie, 842, West Rop
Honeymoon in Bali. 3904, Com Para
Honeymoon's Over, The, 024, Com.-
Mel 20th -Fox
Hostages, The, Mel Foreign
Hotel Imperial, 3836, Mel Para
Hound of the Baskervilles. 936, Mel.20th-Fox
House Across the Bay. Mel UA
Housekeeper's Daughter, Com UA
Housemaster, Com.-Mel Foreign
House of Fear, The, 3038, Mel Univ
Human Beast, The, Mel Foreign
Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mel RKO
I
Ice Follies of 1939, 925, Com.-Mel MGM
1 Killed the Count. Mel Foreign
I'm From Missouri. 3830, Com Para
1 Met a Murderer, Mel Foreign
Incredible Mr. Williams, Com.-Mel Col
Indianapolis Speedway, The, 315, Mel WB
Indiscretions, Mel Foreign
In Name Only, 936, Mel RKO
In Old Monterey, 847, West Rep
Inside Information, 3039, Mel Univ
Inside Story, 934, Mel 20th-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh. 945. Mel 2ath-Fox
Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday, 029,
Mel 20th-Fox
Intermezzo, a Lev* Story, Mel UA
International Crime, Mel GN
Invisible Man Returns, Mel Univ
Invisible Stripes, Mel WB
Invitation to Happiness, Com.-Mel Para
Irish Luck, Mel Mono
I Stole a Million, 3007, Mel Para
Island of Lo«t Men, 3848, Mel Para
It Could Happen to You, 950, Mel. . .20th-F*»
It's a Wonderful World. 936, Mel MGM
I Was Made a Convict, 824, Mel Rep
J
Jamaica Inn, 3906, Mel Para
Jeepers Creepers, 914. Com Rep
Jones Family In Quick Millions, Com.
20th-Fox
Jones Family In Hollywood, 946, Com.20th-Fox
Juarez, 301, Mel WB
Juarez and Maxmlllan, Mel St. Rts.
Judge Hardy and Son, Com MGM
Just William, Com Foreign
K
Kansas Terrors, The, 961, West Rep
Kid from Kokoma, The, 363, Mel FN
Kid Nightingale, Mel WB
Kid from Texas, Mel MGM
King of Chinatown, 3827, Mel Para
King of the Lumberjacks, Mel WB
King of the Turf, Mel UA
Knights of the Range, West Para
Konga, the Wild Stallion, Mel Col
L
Lady and the Mob, Tho, Com Col
Lady Dick. Mel FN
Lady of tho Tropics, 947, Mel MGM
Lady's from Kentucky, The, 3834, Mol... Para
Lady Takes a Chance, The, Com.-Mel GN
La Immaculada, Mel Foreign
Lambeth Walk, Tho, Mus.-Com Foreign
La Noche de los Maxas, Mel Foreign
Last Express, 3028, Mel Univ
Laugh It Oft, Mel Univ
Law Comes to Texas, Tho, West Col
Law of tho Pampas, West Para
Law of tho Texan, Wert Col
Legion of Lost Flyers, 4053, Mel Univ
{Continued on following pane)
78
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
[THE RELEASE CHART—INDEX CONT'D]
^Continued from preceding page)
Legion of The Lawless, West RKO
Light of the Western Stars, West Para
Light That Failed. The, Mel Pa-a
Little Accident, Com Univ
Little Miss Broadway, Mus 20th-Fox
Little Old New York. Mel 20th-Fox
Little Princess, The, 932, Mel. (3) . .20th-Fox
Llamo Kid. Mus Para
Lone Star Pioneers, West Col
Lost Patrol, 991, Mel RKO
Lost Squadron, The. 994, Mel RKO
Love Affair, 916. Mel RKO
Lucky Night, 933, Com MGM
M
Made tor Each Other, Mel UA
Mademoiselle Ma Mere, Com Foreign
Magnificent Fraud. The, 3847 Para
Main Street Lawyer, Mel Rep
Maisie, 940, Com. -Mel MGM
Man About Town, 3845, Com Para
Man and His Wife, A. Mel Foreign
Man from Oklahoma, West St. Rts.
Man from Montreal, Mel Univ
Man from Sundown. The. West Col
Man from Texas. 3865. West Mono
Man in the Iron Mask, Mel UA
Man of Conquest. 801. Mel Rep
Man They Could Not Hang, The, Mel Col
Man Who Dared. 375. Mel FN
Marseillaise. Mel Foreign
Marshal of Mesa City. 081, West RKO
Marx Brothers "At the Circus," 8 Com. .MGM
Meet Dr. Christian, 005, Mel RKO
Mexican Kid, 3741, West Mono
Mexican Spitfire. Mel RKO
Mickey the Kid, 814. Mel Rep
Midnight. 3828, Mel Para
Mikado, The, 4044, Mus. (C) Univ
Million Dollar Legs, 3846, Mel Para
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The, Mel Foreign
Miracle on Main Street, Mel Col
Miracles for Sale, 946, Mel MGM
Missing Daughters, Mel Col
Missing Evidence, Mel Univ
Mr. Mote in Danger Island, 937, Mel..20th-Fox
Mr. Mote Takes a Vacation. 952, Mel.
20th- Fox
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Com Col
Mr. Wong In Chinatown, 3807, Mel Mono
Mountain RJiythm, 845. West Rep
Mutiny In the Big House, 3803. Mel Mono
Mutiny on the Blackhawk. 4051. Mel Univ
Mutiny on the Bounty, 536, Mel MGM
Mutiny on the Seas, Mel Col
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The, 3806, Mel.. .Mono
Mystery of the White Room, 3037, Mel. ..Univ
Mystery Plane, 3809, Mel Mono
My Wife's Relatives. 810, Com. -Mel Rep
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,
419, Mel WB
Nancy Drew, Reporter, 372, Mel FN
Nancy Drew. Trouble Shooter. 324, Mel...WB
Naughty But Nice, 311. Com. -Mel WB
Never Mind the 'Guard GN
Never Say Die, 3832. Com Para
New Frontier. 868. West Rep
News Is Made at Night. 953, Mel.. . .20th-F(>x
Nick Carter. Master Detective, Mel MGM
Night on the Danube, Com. -Mel Foreign
90 Degrees South. Mel Foreign
Night Work. 3849. Com Para
Ninotchka, 7. Mel MGM
No Place to Go. 469, Mel FN
No Power on Earth. Mel Univ
North of the Yukon. Mel Col
Northwest Passage. Mel. (C) MGM
Not Too Narrow, Not Too Deep. Mel MGM
Nurse Edith Cavell, ODI, Mel RKO
Of Human Bondage. 993. Mel RKO
Of Mice and Men. Mel UA
Oklahoma Frontier. West Univ
Oklahoma Kid. 308, Mel WB
Oklahoma Terror, West Mono
Old Bones of the River, Com Foreign
Old Mall. The, 452, Mel FN
On Borrowed Time, Com. -Mel MGM
On Your Toes, Mus FN
One Hour to Live, 4030, Mel Univ
$1,000 a Touchdown, 3903. Com Para
One Wild Night, Mel 20th-Fox
Only Angels Have Wings, Mel Col
On Trial. 323, Mel WB
Opened by Mistake, Com Para
Orage. Mel Foreign
Our Leading Citizen. 3850. Com Para
Our Neighbors — the Carters, Com Para
Our Town. Mel UA
Outpost of the Mounties Col
Outside These Walls. Mel Col
Overland Mail, 3857, West Mono
Overland Stage Raiders. West Rep
Over the Moon. Mel. (C) UA
Pack Up Your Troubles, Oil. Com 20th-Fox
Panama Lady. 925, Mel RKO
Panama Patrol, 314, Mel GN
Papa's Misadventures. Com Foreign
Pardon Our Nerve, 931, Mel 20th-Fox
Parents on Trial. Mel Col
Parole Fixer. Mel Para
Passport to Happiness. Mus Col
Patsy, Com MGM
Phantom Stage, 3056, West Univ
Phantom Strike, The, Mel Mono
Phllo Vance Comes Back, Mel WB
Pirates of the Skies, 3033. Mel Univ.
Poisoned Pen, Mel Foreign
Pride of the Blue Grass, M«l WB
Pride of the Navy, 822, Mel Rep
Prison Without Ban, Mel UA
Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The,
Mel. (C) WB
Pygmalion, 980. Com. -Mel MGM
Queen of Destiny, 061. Mel. (C) RKO
Racketeers of the Range, 984, West RKO
Raffles, Mel UA
Rains Came, The, Mel 20th-Fox
Range War. 3954. West Para
Rasputin, Mel Foreign
Real Glory, The, Mel UA
Rebecca, Mel UA
Reform School, Mel St. Rts.
Remember? Mel MGM
Remember the Night, Mel Para
Renegade Law, West Col
Renegade Trail, 3859, West Para
Reno, 008, Mel RKO
Return of Dr. X, Mel WB
Return of the Cisco Kid, Mel 20th-Fox
Ride 'Em Cowgirl, WI-2, West GN
Riders of Black River, West Col
Riders of Destiny, West Mono
Riders of the Frontier, West Mono
Rio, 4014, Mel Univ
Risky Business. 3029, Mel Univ
Road Back, 4074, Mel Univ
Road to Giory. 061. Mel 20th-Fox
Road to Singapore, Mus Para
Roaring Twenties, The, Mel WB
Roll, Wagons, Roll. West Mono
Rollin' Westward, 3863, West Mono
Romance of the Redwoods, Mel Col
Rookie Cop, Mel RKO
Rose Marie, 643, Mus MGM
Rose of Washington Square, 942,
Mus. -Com 20th-Fox
Rough Riders Round-up, 853, West Rep
Rulers of the Sea, Mel Para
Sabotage, 913, Mel Rep
Saga of Death Valley, West Rep
Sagebrush Family Trails West, West... St. Rts
Sagebrush Trail, West Mono
Saint In London, 929. Mel RKO
Saint Strikes Back, 918, Mel RKO
St. Martin's Lane. Mel Para
Santa Fe Marshal, West Para
Santa Fe Stampede. 863. West Rep
San Francisco, 636, Mel MGM
Scandal Sheet, Mel Col
Second Fiddle, 949, Csm.-Mel 20th-Fox
Secret of Dr. Kildare, Mel MGM
Secret Service of the Air, 320, Mel WB
Sergeant Madden, 927, Mel MGM
Seventeen, Com Para
She Married a Cop, Mel Rep
Shipyard Sally. 018. Com 20th-Fox
Should a Girl Marry? 3830. Mel Mono
Should Husbands Work? 816, Com Rep
Silver on the Sage. 3858. Mel Para
Singing Charro. The, West Foreign
Singing Cowgirl. The. WI-3. West GN
Six-Gun Rhythm. WI-19. West ...GN
6,000 Enemies. 938. Mel MGM
Sky Patrol. 3815. Mel Mono
Slalom, Mel Foreign
Smuggled Cargo, 825, Mel Rep
Society Lawyer, 930, Mel MGM
Society Smugglers, 3024, Mel Univ
Some Like It Hot, 3837, Mus Para
Song of the Street, Mel Foreign
Sorority House, 924, Mel RKO
Smashing the Money Ring, Mel FN
S.O.S.-Tida! Wave, 813. Mel Rep
So This Is London, Com Foreign
Southward Ho. 855, West Rep
Spellbinder, The, 931. Mel RKO
Spies of the Air, Mel Foreign
Spirit of Culver, 3014, Mel Univ
Spoilers of the Range, West Col
Stagecoach, Mel UA
Stanley and Livingstone, Mel 20th-Fox
Star Maker, The, 3851, Mus Para
Star of Midnight, 990, Mel RKO
State Cop, Mel WB
Stolen Life, 3864, Mel Para
Stop, Look and Love, 008, Com 20th-Fex
Story of Alexander Graham Bell. The.
938, Mel 20th -Fox
Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The.
838, Mus RKO
Straight to Heaven, Mel St. Rts.
Stranger from Texas, The, West Col
Street of Missing Men, 811, Mel Rep
Street of Missing Women, Mel..". Col.
Street Without a Name, Mel Foreign
Streets of New York, 3802, Mel Mono
Stronger Than Desire, Mel MGM
Student Nurse. Mel WB
Stunt Pilot. 3814, Mel Mono
Sudden Money, 3829. Com. -Mel Para
Sued for Libel. Mel RKO
Sun Never Sets, Mel Univ.
Sunset. West RKO
Sunset Trail. 3857, West Para
Susannah of the Mounties, 354, Com. -Mel.
20th- Fox
Swanee River, 017, Mus. (C) 20th -Fox
Sweepstake Winner. Com FN
Swiss Family Robinson. Mel RKO
Tail Spin. 925. Mel 20th-Fox
Taming of the West, West Col
Tarzan Finds a Son! 939. Mel MGM
Television Spy, Mel Para
Tell No Tales. 35, Mel MGM
Texas Wildcats. West St. Rts.
That's Right You're Wrong. Oil, Mus. ..RKO
They All Come Out. 943, Mel MGM
These Glamour Girls, 948. Mel MGM
They Asked for It, 3040. Mel ..Univ
They Drive by Night, Mel Foreign
They Made Me a Spy, 921, Mel RKO
They Shall Have Music, Mel UA
Thief of Bagdad, Mel UA
This Man in Paris, 3865, Mel Para
Those High Grey Walls, Mel Col
Three Musketeers, 927, Mut.-Com 20th-Fox
3 Smart Girls Grow Up, 3001, Mus.-Com.
Univ
Three Sons, 004, Mel RKO
Three Texas Steers, 866, West Rep
Three Waltzes, Mel Foreign
Thunder Afloat. 4. Mel MGM
Timber Stampede. 985. West RKO
Too Busy to Work, 016. Com 20th-Fox
Torahy Plays with Dynamite, 328, Me1....WB
Torchy Runs for Mayor, 322, Mel WB
Torture Ship, Mel St. Rts.
Tower of London, Mel Uilv
Trapped Id the Sky, Mel Col
Trigger Smith, 3854, West Mono
Tropic Fury, 4052, Mel Univ
Trouble Brewing, Com Foreign
Trouble In Sundown. 893, West RKO
Trouble's My Middle Name. Mel Univ
Tumbleweeds. West St. Rtt.
12 Crowded Hours, 917, Mel RKO
20,000 Men a Year, 013, Mel 2(Hh-Fox
Two Bright Boys, 4017, Mel UdIv
Two Gun Troubador, West St. Rts.
Typhoon, Mel Para
U
U-Boat 29. Mel Col
Undercover Agent, 3824, Mel Mono
Undercover Doctor, Mel Para
Under the Light of the Western Stars,
West Mono
Under-Pup, The 4010, Mel Univ
Under Western Stars, West Mono
Unexpected Father, 3008, Com Univ
Union Paclfte, 3835, Mel Para
Unmarried Para
Untamed. Mel. (C) Para
Vigilante War, West Univ
Vigil In the Night, 007, Mel RKO
W
Wagons Westward, West Rep.
Wall Street Cowboy, 857. West Rep
Wanted by Scotland Yard, 3829. Mel Mono
Wanted for Murder, Mel St. Rts.
Ware Case, Mel 20th- Fox
Washington Cowboy, West Rep
Waterfront, 325, Mel WB
Way Down South, 947, Mus RKO
We Are Not Alone, Mel FN
Western Caravans, West Col
West of Carson City. West Univ
What a Life, 3905, Com Para
What Do You Think, Chums? Mel Foreign
When Tomorrow Comes, 3003, Com. -Mel. . Univ
Where's That Fire, Mel Foreign
While New York Sleeps, 922. Mel.. .20th-Fox
Whispering Enemies. Mel Col
Wife, Husband and Friend, 930, Cam.20th-Fox
Wings Over the Pacific. Mel GN
Winner Take All. 939. Mus-Com 20th-Fex
Winter Carnival, Mel UA
Within the Law, 928. Mel MGM
Witness Vanishes. The. 4027, Mel Univ
Wizard of Oz, 949, Mus. (C) MGM
Wolf Call, 3827, Mel Mono
Woman Doctor, 808. Mel Rep
Woman Is the Judge, A, Mel Col
Women, The, I, Com. -Mel MGM
Women Behind Bars, Mel Para
Women In the Wind. 310, Mel WB
Wonder World. Mel GN
World Moves On. The, Mel WB
Wuthering Heights. Mel UA
Wyoming Outlaw, 867. West Rep
Years Without Days. Mel WB
You Can't Cheat Ad Honest Man, 3005,
Com Univ
You Can't Get Away With Murder, 364,
Mel FN
Young Man's Fancy, Mel Foraign
Young Mr. Lincoln, 947, Mel 20th-Fox
Youth In Revolt, Mel Foreign
Zenobia, Com UA
Zero Hour, Th*. 812, Mel Rep
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
79
CTHC CHAI3T"C€NT'D|
THE
CHART
Productions are listed according to the names of distributors
vn order that the exhibitor nnay have a short-cut towards such
information as he may need, as well as information on pictures
that are coming. Features now in work or completed for release
later than the date of this issue are listed under "Coming Attrac-
tions." Letter in parenthesis after title denotes audience classifica-
tion of production: (A) Adult, (G) General. Numerals following
audience classification are production numbers. Dagger symbol
indicates picture is of the 1939-40 season. Asterisk (*) after
title of feature denotes first appearance of picture in Release
Chart.
NOTE: The totals for running time are the official figures an-
nounced by the home offices of the distributing companies.
Wlien a production is reviewed in Hollywood, the running time
is as officially given by the West Coast studio of the company at
the time of the review, and this fact is denoted by an asterisk (*)
immediately preceding tlie number. As soon as the home office lias
established the running time for national release, any change from
the studio figure is made and the asterisk is removed.
Running times are subject to change according to local conditions.
State or city censorship deletions may cause variations from the
announced and published figures; repairs to the film may be an-
other reason.
COLUMBIA Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Beliind Prison Gates (G) Brian Donlevy-Jacqueline Wells. .July 28,'39 62. Aug. 26, '39
Beware Spooks Joe E. Brown-Mary Carlisle Oet.
Blind Alley (G) Chester Morris-Ralph Bellamy-
Joan Perry-Rose Stradner May
Blondie Meets the Boss (G)...P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms..Mar.
(Exploitation: May I3,'39, p. 66.)
Blondie Takes a Vacation (G)..P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Simms..July
Clouds Over Europe (G) Laurence Olivier- Valerie Hobson..June
(Reviewed under the title, "0 Planes"; exploitation: July 29,'39,
Coast Guard (G) Randolph Scott- Ralph Bellamy-
Frances Dee-Walter Connollly. . Aug.
Five Little Peppers and How
They Grew Edith Fellows- Dorothy Peterson. .Aug.
24,*39t.
II, '39. .
8,'39. .
.71. Apr.
.74. Feb.
20,'39 71 .July
20.'39 79. Mar.
p. 67.)
29,'39
25,'39
22,'39
11/39
4,'39.
.72. Sept. 2,'39
First Offenders W. Abel-B. Roberts-J. Downs Apr.
Golden Boy (A)
22,'39 60.
I2.'39 62.
..Sept. 5,'39.
101. Aug. I9,'39
(Exploitation: Oct. 21,'SS.
Good Girls Go to Paris (G).
(Exploitation: July 29, '39,
Hidden Power (G)
7,'39t....60.May 27,'39
30,'39 65
3, '39.
'39.
'39.
.66. Mar. 1 1, '39
.58.
.56.
15, '39.
.59.
.Wm. Holden-Barbara Stanwyck
Adolphe Men]ou-Jos. Callela.
08.)
.Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas-
Walter Connolly June 30, '39 78. June 24,'39
p. 66.)
.Jack Holt-Gertrude Michael Sept.
Konga, the Wild Stallion Fred Stone- Rochelle Hudson Aug.
Lady and the Mob, The (G)... Bainter-I. Lupino-L. Bowman. .Apr.
Law Comes to Texas, The Bill Elliott- Veda Ann Berg-
Dorothy Faye Apr.
Lone Star Pioneers Bill Elliott- Dorothy Gulliver Mar.
Man from Sundown, The Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers July
Man They Could Not Hang,
The (A) B. Karloff-R. Pryor-R. Wilcox. . .Aug.
Missing Daughters (A) R. Arlen-R. Hudson-M. Marsh. ..May
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
(G) Jean Arthur-Jas. Stewart-Edw.
Arnold - Claude Rains - Guy
Kibbee-Eugene Pallette Oct.
North of the Yukon Chas. Starrett-Llna Winters Mar.
Only Angels Have Wings (G)..Cary Grant . Jean Arthur -
Richard Barthelmess • Thos.
Mitchell May 25,'39. . . . 1 21 . May 20,'39
(Exploitation: June 24, '39, p. 75; July I5,'39, p. 62; July 29,'39, p. 69: Aug. 5,'39, pp. 100,
101, 102; Aug. I2,'39, p. 70; Aug. I9,'39, p. 72; Sept. 2,'39, p. 57; Sept. 9,'39, pp. 76,
77.)
Outpost of the Mounties Chas. Starrett-lris Meredith
Outside These Walls Dolores Costello • M. Whalen -
I7,'39 65. Sept.
22,'39 59. June
I9,'39t..*l30.0ct.
30, '39 64
30,'39
24, '39
7, '39
Parents on Trial.
Jean Parker - Johnny Downes -
Noah Beery, Jr
(See "In the Cutting Room." May 27,'39.)
Riders of Black River Chas. Starrett • Iris Meredith-
Sons of the Pioneers Aug.
Romance of the Redwoods Jean Parker-Chas. BIckford Mar.
Scandal Sheet 0. Kruger-O. Munson-N. Har-
rlgan Oct.
Spoilers of the Range Charles Starrett- Iris Meredith Apr.
Those High Grey Walls Walter Connolly-Iris Meredith Sept.
Sept.
I4,'39t .
..63
June
May
23,'39 59.
30, '39 67.
I6,'39t
27,'39 58...
2l.'39t.. .82...
Title Star
Trapped In the Sky (Q) Jack Holt-Katherlne DeMllle June
U-Boat 29 (G) C. Voldt-8. Shaw-V. Hobson Oct.
("Reviewed under the title, "Spy In Black.")
Western Caravans Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith -
Sons of the Pioneers Juns
Whispering Enemies (G) Jack Holt- Dolores Costello Mar.
Woman Is the Judge, A (G),.. Frieda Inescort- Rochelle Hudson-
Otto Kruger July
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
I, '39 6 1. Feb. IJ,'3«
7,'39t.. . .82. Apr. I5,'39t
I5,'39 58
24,'39 6 1. Feb.
I8,'3e
I0,'39 62. Oct. 7,'39
Coming Attractions
Blondie Brings Up Baby P. Singleton-A. Lake-L. Slmms .Nov. 2,'39
Cop from Hell's Kitchen" Jacqueline Wells-Bruce Cabot
Fugitive at Large (G) .Jack Holt-Patrlcia Ellis *65.Aug. Il,'39
Gun Lord of the Frontier Bill Elliott-Linda Winters
His Girl Friday C. Grant-R. Russell-R. Bellamy
Incredible Mr. Williams, The.. Joan Blondell-Melvyn Douglas •. .
Miracle on Main Street Margo-W. Abel-L. Talbot
Mutiny on the Seas J. Holt-D. Pureell-I. Ware
Passport to Happiness* T. Martin - R. Hayworth - E.
Fellows '
Renegade Law Chas. Starrett - Iris Meredith •
Sons of the Pioneers
Stranger from Texas, The Charles Starrett - Lorna Grey •
Sons of the Pioneers Nov. 2,'39
Street of Missing Women Preston Foster-Ann Dvorak
Taming of the West Bill Elliott-lrls Meredith
FIRST NATIONAL
(See Warner Brothers)
GB PICTURES
(Distributev.1 In part by 20th Century-Fox)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Revlsweil
Climbing High (G) 8012 Jessie Metthews-Mlchael Red-
grave-Noel Madison Apr. 28,'39 71. Dec. I7,'S«
Coming Attractions
Chicago Ben
Empty World Nova Pllbeam
Frog, The Noah Beery-Gordon Marker
GRAND NATIONAL Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Children of the Wild Joan Valerie-James Bush Oct. I4,'39
Exile Express (G) 301 Anna Sten-Alan Marshal May 27,'39 71. Aug. 26,'39
Panama Patrol (G) 314 Leon Ames-Charlotte Wynters May 20,'39 69. Feb. 25,'39
Singing Cowgirl, The WI-3 Dorothy Page May 3I.'39 57
Six-Gun Rhythm (G) WI-l9...Tex Fletcher-Joan Barclay May I3,'39 57. Feb. I8,'39
Coming Attractions
At Your Age
Full Speed Ahead '
Lady Takes a Chance, The Heather Angel-John King
(See "Everything Happens to Ann," "In the Cutting Room," Mar. 25,'39.)
Never Mind the Guard
Wonder World
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Runn
Date M
Star
Rel.
ing Time
inutes Reviewed
. . Oct.
. .Oct.
I3,'39t...
27,'39t. . .
97. Sept. 23,'39
.72
Title
Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
(G) 944 M. Rooney-L. Stone-C. Parker-
F. Holden-A. Rutherford July 2I,'39 85. July I5,'39
(Exploitation: July 8,'39, p. 52; Aug. I2,'39, pp. 68, 74; Aug. 19,'39, p. 66; Aug. 26,'39,
p. 86: Sept. 2,'39, pp. 56, 60; Sept. 9. '39, p. 70.)
Babes In Arms (G) Mickey Rooney - Judy Garland -
Charles Winninger-Henry Hull
Bad Little Angel Virginia Weidler-Gene Reynolds
(See "Runaway Angel," "In the Cutting Room," Oct. I4,'39.)
Blackmail (G) 5 Edw. G. Robinson-Ruth Hussey. .Sept.
Bridal Suite (G) 937 R. Young-Annabella-W. Connolly. . May
Broadway Serenade (G) 931 . . . Jeanette MacDonald-Lew Ayres-
lan Hunter-Frank Morgan Apr. 7, '39.
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, p. 81.)
Calling Dr. Kildare (G) 932... Lionel Barrymore-Lew Ayres Apr. 28, '39....
Champ. The (reissue) (G) 201. W. Beery-J. Cooper-I. Rich June 2,'39
Dancing Co-ed (G) 3 Lana Turner- Richard Carlson Sept. 29,'39t...
Fast and Furious (G) 6 Ann Sothern-FranchM Tone Oct. 6,'39t...
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (G) 945. ..Robert Donat-Greer Garson July 28,'39....
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22,'39, p. 80; July 29. '39, p. 67; Aug.
8,'39t.
26, "39..
.81. Sept. 9,'39
.70. May 27,'39
1 1 3. Apr. 8,'39
..86. Oct. I7,'38
..86. Apr. 29.'39
..84. Sept. 23,'39
..73. Oct. 7,'39
.114. May 20,'39
5, '39, pp. 101,
102; Aug. 12, '39, p. 74; Aug.
Hardys Ride High, The (G)
934
26,'39, pp. 86, 88; Sept. 9,'39, p. 76.)
(Exploitation: May 20, '39,
Ice Follies of 1939 (G) 92S.
21, '39..
p. 76.)
.M. Rooney-L. Stone-F. Holden-
C. Parker-A. Rutherford Apr.
p. 64; June 3, '39, p. 65; June 24,'39,
.Original Ice Follies Cast —
Joan Crawford- James Stewart-
Lew Ayres Mar. I0,'39..
(Exploitation: Apr. 29,'39, p. 76; May 20,'39, p. 61; June I0,'39, p. 60.)
It's a Wonderful World (6)
936 James Stewart-Claudette Colbert.. May
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Kid from Texas, The (G) 929. .Dennis O'Keefe- Florence Rtce Apr. I4,'39
Lady of the Tropics (A) 947... Robert Taylor-Hedy Lamarr Aug. Il,'39
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 64.)
.8 1. Apr. 22,'39
.82. Mar. II.'SS
I9,'39 86. May 6,'39
.71. Apr. I, '39
.91. Aug. I2,'39
80
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
(TtlE RELEASE CHACT— C€NT'C>
20,'39t....87.Oct. 21, '39
4. '39 71. Aug. 5,'39
5. '39 1 33. Nov. 9.'35
7,'39.
.99. July I, '39
p. 62; May 13, '39, pp. 68, 70;
.May 27,'39.
115. July 4,'36
4,'39
3.'39
2.'39
Oct.
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Lucky Night (G) 933 Robert Taylor-Mypna Ley May 5,'39 81. Apr. 29,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. I9,'39, p. 67.)
Malsle (A) 940 R. Young-A. Sothem-R. Hussey. .June 23,'39 74. July 1/39
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 61; July 8,'39, p. 51; July I5,'39, p. 61; July 22,'39, p. 89:
Aug. 5. '39, p. 98: Aug. I2,'39, p. 74; Aug. 26, '39, p. 85; Sept. 2,'39, p. 60; Sept. I6,'39,
p. 83.)
Marx Brothers "At the Circus"
(G) Marx Bros.-F. BIce-K. Baker. .. .Oct.
(See "Day at the Circus," "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
Miracles for Sale (G) 948 R. Young-F. RIee-H. Hull Aug.
Mutiny on the Bounty (reissue)
(G) 536 C. Laughton-C. Gable-F. Ton*... May
On Borrowed Time (G) 942 Lionel Barrymore-Sir C. Hard-
wicke-B. Watson-U. Merkel-
Beulah Bond! July
(Exploitation: Sept. 9, '39, pp. 75, 76: Sept. [6,'39, p. 85; Oct. I4,'39, p. 62; Oct. 21, '39,
pp. 62, 64.)
Pygmalion (A) 980 Leslie Howard-Wendy Hiller Mar. 3,'39 87. Sept. I0.'38
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, pp. 68, 70; Feb. 25,'39, p. 67; Mar. 4,'39, p. 70; Mar. 25, '39,
p. 83; Apr. I, '39, p. 76; Apr. 22,'39, p. 64; May 6, '39,
July 8,'39, p. 51.)
San Francisco (reissue) (G)
636 C. Gable-J. MacDonald-S. Tracy.
Sergeant Madden (G) 927 Wallace Beery - Tom Brown -
Alan Curtis - Laralne Day Mar. 24,'39 83. Mar. I8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22, '39, p. 60; Apr. 29, '39, p. 72; May 6,'39, p. 63; May 20,'39, p. 62;
May 27,'39, p. 65; June I0,'39, p. 59; July 8,'39, p. 51.)
8,000 Enemies (G) 938 Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson June 9,'39 62. May 27.'39
Society Lawyer (A) 930 W. Pidgeon-V. Bruce-L. Carrlllo. . Mar. 31, '39 78. Apr. l,'39
Stronger Than Desire (A) 941. Virginia Bruce-Walter PIdgeon.. . Juno 30,'39 78. June
Tarzan Finds a Son I (G) 939. .J. Weissmuller-M. O'Sulllvan June I6,'39 82. June
(Exploitation: July I, '39. p. 49; Aug. 5,'39. pp. 98, 100; Aug. I9,'39, pp. 67, 70; Sept.
2,'39, pp. 54, 60: Sept. 23, '39. pp. 68, 70.)
Tell N» Tales (G) 935 Melvyn Douglas-Louise Platt May I2,'39 69. May I3,'39
These Glamour Girls (A) 948.. L. Ayres-L. Turner-A. Leulse-
T. Brown-R. Carson-J. Bryan. .Aug. IS,'39.. ..SO.Aug. I9,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 23,'39, p. 73.)
They All Come Out (G) 94S...Rita Johnson-Tom Neal July 14, '39 70. July 8,'39
Thunder Afloat (G) 4 W. Beery-C. Morris-V. Grey Sept. I5,'39t 95. Sept. 23,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39, pp. 56, 58.)
Within the Law (G) 928 Ruth Hussey-Paul Kelly Mar. I7,'39 65. Mar. I8,'39
Wizard of Oz (G) 949 Judy Garland - Frank Morgan -
R. Bolger-B. Lahr-J. Haley Aug. 25,'39. . . .101 . Aug. I2,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 26, '39, pp. 84, 87; Sept. 2,'39, p. 55; Sept. 9,'39, pp. 71, 77; Sept.
16, '39, p. 83; Sept. 23, '39, pp. 66, 73; Sept. 30, '38, p. 61; Oct. 7,'39, pp. 63, 64; Oct.
14,39, pp. 62, 66; Oct. 21, '39, pp. 62, 66.)
Women, The (A) I Norma Shearer-Joan Crawford-
Rosalind Russell-Mary Boland. .Sept. I,'39t. . . 134.Sept.
(Exploitation: Sept. 30, '39. p. 57; Oct. 7.'39, pp. 62, 63, 67; Oct. 14, '39, pp. 60, 61;
21, '39, p. 66.)
Coming Attractions
Another Thin Man Myrna Ley - William Powell.
Ruth Hussey-Virginia Grey..
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Balalaika Nelson Eddy-llona Massey-Chas.
Ruggles - Ray Bolger - Edna
May Oliver
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. 12, '39.)
Broadway Melody 1940 E. Powell-F. Astaire-G. Murphy
Call on the President, A Ann Sothern-William Gargan-
Walter Brennan Nov. I7,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 21, '39.)
Earl of Chicago R. Montgomery-R. Owen-Edw.
Arnold
Henry Goes Arizona Frank Morgan-George Murphy-
Ann Morriss
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Judge Hardy and Son Lewis Stone - Mickey Reoney -
Cecilia Parker-Fay Holden
Nick Carter, Master Detective. . Walter Pidgeon-Rita Johnson
Ninotchka (G) 7 G. Garbo-M. Douglas-I. Claire. .Nov. 3,'39t. . . 1 lO.Oct. I4,'39
Northwest Passage S. Tracy-R. Young-W. Brennan
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. I4,'39.)
Not too Narrow, Not too Deep*. Clark Gable - Joan Crawford -
Peter Lorre-Melvyn Douglas-
Betty Compson
Remember? R. Taylor-G. Garson-L. Ayres
Rose Marie (relssua) (G) 643..Jeanette MacDonald - Nelson
Eddy 1 12. Jan. I8,'35
Secret of Dr. Kildare Lionel Barrymore - Lew Ayres •
Laraine Day-Helen Gilbert Nov. 10,'39t
MONOGRAM Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Across the Plains (G) 3655 Jack Randall Apr. 30,'39 52. May 27,'39
Bey's Reformatory (G) 3820. . . Frankie Darro- Grant Withers May I, '39 61. May I3,'39
Crashing Thru J. Newill-W. Hull-M. Stone Oct. I,'39t
Down the Wyoming Trail (G)
3864 Tex Ritter-Mary Brodell May I8,'39 62. June 24,'39
Fight for Peace, The (A) Sept. 30,'39 63
Girl from the Rl» 3825 Movita-Warren Hull Aug. 7,'39 62
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 15, '39.)
Irish Luek (G) 3826 Frankie Darro-Dick Pureell Aug. 22,'39 58. Aug. 26,'39
Man from Texas 3865 Tex Ritter July 2l,'39 60
Mr. Wong in Chinatown (G)
3807 Boris Karloff-Marlorle Reynolds. . Aug. l,'39 70 July 22,'39
' Mutiny in the Big House (G)
3803 .Chas. BIckford-Barton MacLane. .Oct. 25,'39 83. Oct. 14, '39
Mystery of Mr. Wong, The (Q)
3806 Boris Karloff- Dorothy Tree Mar. 8,'39 67. Mar. I8,'39
.Nov. 24,'39t.
20,'39.
.58. Jan. 27,'34
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Mystery Plane (G) 3809 John Trent- Marjorle Reynolds. ... Mar. 8.'39 60. Feb. 25,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Sky Pirate"; exploitation: Apr. 29, '39. p. 72.)
Oklahoma Terror 3856 Jack Randall Aug. 25. '39 50
Riders of Destiny (reissue)
(G) John Wayne-Cecilia Parker Oct.
Riders of the Frontier (G)
3866 Tex Ritter Aug.
Rollin' Westward (G) 3823 Tex Ritter Mar.
Sagebrush Trail (reissue) John Wayne Oct.
Should a Girl Marry? 3830 Anne Nagel-Warren Hull June
(See "Girl from Nowhere," "In the Cutting Room," June I7,'39.)
Sky Patrol (G) 3815 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone. . .Sept. 12,'39 61. Sept. 23,'39
Streets of New York (G) 3802. Jackie Cooper-Marjorie Reynolds-
Dick Purcell-Martin Spellman. . Apr. I2.'39 73. Apr. 8, '39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62.)
Stunt Pilot (G) 3814 J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone July I, '39 62. July I, '39
Trigger Smith 3854 Jack Randall Mar. 22,'39 51
Undercover Agent 3824 Russell Gleason-Shlrley Deane Apr. 5,'39 58
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. 8,'39.)
Wanted by Scotland Yard 3829. James Stephenson- Betty Lynne...Apr. 19, '39 62
Wolf Call (G) 3827 Movita-John Carroll May I8,'39 60. May 20,'39
I6,'39 58. Sept. 9,'39
I. '39 55. Apr. I, '39
20,'39
10.'39 61
Coming Attractions
Danger Flight J. Trent-M. Reynolds-M. Stone. Nov. I,'39t.
Fighting Mad James Newell Nov. 5,'39t.
Heroes in Blue D. Purcell-B. Hayes-C. Quigley. . Nov. 7,'39t.
Overland Mall 3857 Jack Randall Oct. 31, '39..
Phantom Strikes, The* S. Hale-W. Lawson-L. Henry
Roll, Wagons, Roll Tex Ritter Nov. 25, '39..
Under Western Stars* Tex Ritter
PARAMOUNT
Rel.
Apr.
Mar.
Title Star
Back Door to Heaven (G) 3833. Patricia Ellis-Wallace Ford...
Beachcomber, The (A) 3863 Chas. Laughton-Elsa Lanchester
(Exploitation: Jan. 14,'39, p. 65.)
Beau Geste (G) 3902 Gary Cooper - Ray Milland -
Robert Preston- Brian Donlevy-
Donald O'Connor Sept.
(Exploitation: Oct. I4,'39, p. 62; Oct. 21, '39, p. 64.)
Bulldog Drummond's Bride
(G) 3844 John Howard- Heather Angel June
Bulldog Drummond's Secret
Police (G) 3831 John Howard- Heather Angel Apr.
Cafe Society (G) 3826 Fred MacMurray - Madeleine
Carroll - Shirley Ross Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. 22, '39, p. 60.)
Death of a Champion (G) 390I.Lynne Overman-Susan Paley Sept.
Disputed Passage (G) Dorothy Lamour-Akim Tamlrolf-
John Howard Oct,
Gracie Allen Murder Case (G)
3839 Gracie Allen-Warren William-
Kent Taylor-Ellen Drew June
Grand Jury's Secrets (G) 3842. John Howard-Gail Patrick June
Heritage of the Desert (Q)
3843 Evelyn Venablo- Donald Woods June
Honeymoon in Bali (G) 3904. ..Fred MacMurray- Madeline Car-
roll-H. Broderick-A. Jones Sept.
Hotel Imperial 3836 Isa Miranda-Ray Milland May
I'm from Missouri (G) 3830... Bob Burns-Gladys George Apr.
(Exploitation: May 13,'39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55; Aug. 5, '39,
Invitation to Happiness (G)
3841 Irene Dunne-Fred MacMurray. . .June
Island of Lost Men (G) 3848. .Anna May Wong-Anthony Quinn..July
Jamaica Inn (A) 3906 Charles Laughton-Leslie Banks-
Maureen O'Hara-Emlyn Wil-
liams Oct.
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 66.)
King of Chinatown (G) 3827. ..Anna May Wong-A. Tamlroff Mar.
Lady's from Kentucky, The
(G) 3834 George Raft-Ellen Drew-Hugh
Herbert-Zasu Pitts Apr.
Magnificent Fraud, The (A)
3847 A. Tamiroff-L. Nolan-P. Mori-
son July
Man About Town (G) 3845 J. Benny-D. Lamour-E. Arn»!d.. .July
(Exploitation: Aug. I2,'39, pp. 69, 72, 74; Aug. I9,'39, ». 70.)
Midnight (G) 3828 Claudette Colbert-Don Ameehe-
Francis Lederer-John Barry-
more-Mary Astor Mar.
(Exploitation: May 27, '39, p. 68; June 3, '39. p. 66; July I, '39, p.
Million Dollar Legs (G) 3846.. Betty Grable - John Hartley -
Donald O'Connor-Jackie Coogan. .July
Never Say Die (G) 3832 Bob Hope-Martha Rayo Apr.
Night Work (G) 3849 Mary Boland-Charles Ruggles Aug.
$1,000 a Touchdown (G) 3903. .Jo« E. Brown-Martha Rayo Sept.
Our Leading Citiben (G) 3850. Bob Burns-Susan Hayward Aug.
(Exploitation: Sept. 23, '39, p. 66; Sept. 30,'39, p. 61.)
Range War (G) 3954 William Boyd-Russell Hayden. . .Sept.
Renegade Trail 3859 W. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Hayes. ..Aug.
(See "Arizona Bracelets," "In the Cutting Room," Dee. 31, '38.)
Silver on the Sage (G) S8S8...Wm. Boyd-Ge*. Hayes Mar.
(Exploitation: Jan. 7.'39, p. 53.)
Some Like It Hot (G) 3837... Gene Krupa and Orch.-Shirley
Ross-Bob Hope-Una Merkel May
(Exploitation: June 10,'39, p. 54; June 17/39, p. 77; Aug. 26,'39,
Star Makers, The (G) 3851 Bing Crosby-Louise Campbell-
Ned Sparks-Linda Ware Aug.
(Exploitation: Oct. 7, '39, p. 65; Oct. I4,'39, pp. 63, 66.)
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
21, '39 85. Apr. I5,'39
I0,'39 88. Nov. 26,'38
I5,'39t... 114. July 22,'39
30/39 57. July 8,'39
I4,'39 55. Apr. 8,'39
3,'39 76. Feb. 1 1, '39
l,'39t....67.Sept. 2/39
27/39t...*99.0ct. 2 1, '39
2,'39 74. May 20,'39
23, '39 68. June I0,'39
23/39. ....74. Mar. I8,'39
29,'39t...*95.Sept. I6,'39
I2,'39 80. May I3,'39
7,'39 80. Mar. 25,'39
p. 99; Oct. 14,'39, p. 61.)
I6,'39... .95. May I3,'39
28,'39 64. Aug. 5,'39
I3,'39t 99. May 27,'39
I7,'39 57. Mar. I8,'39
28,'39 77. Apr. 15, '39
21, '39... .78. July 22,'39
7, '39 85. June 1 7, '39
24,'39 94 . Mar. I8,'39
58.)
I4,'39 65. July 8,'39
14/39 82.Mar. Il,'39
4,'39 62. Aug. I2,'3fl
22, '39t....73.Sept. 30,'39
II, '39 88. Aug. 5,'39
8, '39t....68.Aug. 5,'39
I8,'39 58
3 1, '39 68. Feb. 1 1, '39
I9,'39 64. May 13,'39
p. 85.)
25,'39 94. Aug. 26,'39
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
81
(THE I2ELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Titl« Star Rel.
Stolen Life (A) 3864 Elisabeth Bergner-Mlchael Red-
grave May
Sudden Money (G) 3829 B. Lee-M. Rambeau-C. Ruagles. . Mar.
Sunset Trait (G) 3857 Wm. Boyd-R. Hayden-G. Haye>..Feb.
This Man In Paris (A) 3865... Barry K. Barnes- Valerie Hob-
son Aug.
Undercover Doctor (G) 3840... L. Nolan-J. C. Naish-H. Angel. .Juno
Union Pacifle (G) 3835 Joel McCrea- Barbara Stanwyek-
Aklm Tamiroff-Robt Preston.. May
(Exploitation: Feb. I8,'39, p. 72; Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 57; Mar. I
p. 64; June 3, '39, p. 65; June I0,'39, pp. 54. 59, 60; June I
p. 76: July 8, '39. pp. 50. 51; July I5,'39, p. 61; Aug., '39, p.
62, 63; Oct. 21. '39, p. 68.)
Unmarried (G) 3838 Buck Jones-Helen Twelvetrees. . . . May
What a Life (G) 3905 Jackie Cooper - Betty Field -
Lionel Stander - John Howard. .Oct.
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
26,'39 92. Feb. 1 8, '39
3 1, '39 62. Mar. 25,'39
24,'39 68.0ot. 22,'38
18, '39 86. July 8,'39
9.'39 65. June 3.'39
5, '39 125. Apr. 29,'39
8.'39, p. 73; May 27,'39,
7.'39, p. 75; June 24, '39,
. 102; Oct. 14, '39, pp. 61,
26,'39 65. May 27,'39
6, '39t...*75.Sept. 23, '39
Coming Attractions
All Women Have Secrets J. Allen-Jean Cagney-V. Dale. ...Dec.
Biscuit Eater, The* Lonnie LeRoy-Helene Millard
Cat and the Canary, The Bob Hope-Paulette Goddard Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Diamonds Are Dangerous Isa Miranda- George Brent
Dr. Cyclops Alber Dekker-Janice Logan Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23,'39.)
Emergency Squad W. Henry-R. Paige-L. Campbell . .Jan.
Farmer's Daughter, The (G)... Martha Raye-Charlle Ruggles
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 21, '39.)
Gay Days of Victor Herbert Allan Jones - Mary Martin ■
Walter Connolly Dec.
Geronimo P. Foster-A. Devine-E. Drew... Jan.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Apr. I5,'39.)
Gun Chores William Boyd-Russell Hayden
Gulliver's Travels Technicolor Cartoon- Feature Dec.
Happy Ending P. O'Brien-O. Bradna-R. Young . . Dec.
(See "Heaven on a Shoestring," "In the Cutting Room," June 24,
Knights of the Range Russell Hayden-Jean Parker Feb.
Law of the Pampas (G) W. Boyd-R. Hayden-S. Duna...Nov.
Lights of the Western Stars*... V. Jory-R. Hayden-N. Beery, Jr
Light That Failed, The R. Coleman-W. Huston-I. Lupine .. Feb.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Llamo Kid Tito Guizar-Gale Sondergaard Dec.
Opened by Mistake C. Ruggles-R. Paige-J. Logan
Oup Neighbors — the Carters Fay Bainter-Frank Craven Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Parole Fixer W. Henry-V. Dale-R. Paige Jan.
Remember the Night Barbara Stanwyck-Fred Mac-
Murray-Beulah Bondi-Eliza-
beth Patterson Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 14, 39.)
Road to Singapore B. Crosby-D. Lamour-B. Hope
Rulers of the Sea (G) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.-Mar't
Lockwood-Will Fyffe
St. Martin's Lane (G) Charles Laughton- Vivien Leigh.
Santa Fe Marshal William Boyd-Russell Hayden.
Seventeen J. Coeper-B. Fleld-0. Kruger.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Television Spy, The (G) William Henry-Judith Barrett..
Typhoon Dorothy Lamour-Robert Preston
Untamed Ray Milland-Patricia Morison-
Akim Tamiroff Dec.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23.'39.)
Women Behind Bars Ellen Drew-Robert Paige
I5,'39t.
I0,'39t.
22,'39t.
5,'40t.
29,'39t.
I2,'40t.
22,'39t
I,'39t
39.)
I6,'40t
3,'39t . . .♦72.0ct. 21, '39
9,'40t.
8,'39t.
24,'39t.
I2,'40t.
22,'39t.
. . Nov.
. . Dec.
..Jan.
. .Jan.
. .Feb.
I7,'39t 97. Sept. I6.'39
I5,'39t 85. July 9,'38
I2,'40t
I9,'40t
2,'40t 55. Oct. 14, '39
29,'39t.
REPUBLIC
star
Calling All Marines (G) 912.
Colorado Sunset (G) 846
Title Star Rel. Date
Arizona Kid, The (G) 951 Roy Rogers-George Hayes Sept. 29,'
Blue Montana Skies (G) 844. ..G. Autry-S. Burnette-J. Storey. .May 4,
. D. Barry-H. Mack-W. Hymer Sept. 21,
. Gene Autry-Smlley Burnette-
June Storey-Buster Crabbe July
Flight at Midnight (G) 91 1... Col. Rescoe Turner-Phil Regan-
Jean Parker- Robt. Armstrong. .Aug.
Forged Passport (G) 823 P. Kelly-L. Talbot-J. Lang Feb.
Frontier Pony Express (G) 854. Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Apr.
Home on the Prairie (G) 842. .Gene Autry-Smlley Burnetts Feb.
I Was a Convict (G) 824 Barton MacLane-Beverly Roberts. . Mar.
In Old Callente (G) 856 R. Rogers-M. Hart-G. Hayes June
In Old Monterey (G) 847 G. Autry-S. Bttrnette-t;. Hayes. .Aug.
(Exploitation: Oct. 7.'39, p. 65.)
Kansas Terrors, The (G) 961. ..3 Mesqulteers-Jacquellne Wells Oct.
Man of Conquest (G) 801 Richard Dix-Gall Patrlck-Edw.
Ellis-Joan Fontaine May
(Exploitation: May 27,'39, pp. 64, 68; July I5,'39, pp. 60, 66.)
Mexican Rose (G) 843 Gene Autry-Smlley Burnette Mar.
Mickey the Kid (G) 814 Bruce Cabot-Ralph Byrd-Zasu
Pitts-Tommy Ryan July
Mountain Rhythm (G) 845 G. Autry-S. Burnerte-J. Storey. . .June
My Wife's Relatives (6) 810. . Gleasons, Jas., Lucile, Russell ... Mar.
New Frontier (G) 868 J. Wayne-R. Corrlgan-R. Hatton. . Aug.
Night Riders, The (G) 865 Three Mesquiteers-Ruth Rogers.. .Apr.
Pride ef the Navy (G) 822 J. Dunn-R. Hudson-G. Oliver Jan.
Rough Riders' Round-up (G)
853 Roy Rogers-Mary Hart Mar.
Sabotage (G) 913 Ohas. Grapewin-Arleen Whelan-
Gordon Oliver Oct. 13.
She Married a Cop (G) 815... Phil Reoan-Jean Parker July 12.
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
39t.. ..61. Oct. I4,'39
'39 56. May 6,'39
'39t....66.Sest. 9,'39
31, '39 64. Aug. 5,'39
39t....««.Sopt. 2,'39
39 61. Feb. 1 1, '39
'39 58. Feb. II, '39
'39 58. Apr. 1 5, '39
39... .55. Feb. 25, '39
39 57. July 22,'39
39 73. Aug. I2,'39
'39t....57.0ct. 21. '39
,'39 97. Apr. 15. '39
39 58. Apr. I. '39
'39 65. July I, '39
39 59. July l,'39
'39 65. Mar. 4,'39
39 57. Aug. I9,'39
'39 58. Apr. 8. '39
39 65. Jan. 21, '39
I3,'39 58. Mar. 25,'39
Title
Should Husbands Work? (G)
816
Smuggled Cargo (G) 825
S.O.S.-Tldal Wave (G) 813...
(Exploitation: Sept. 30,'39
Southward Hoi (G) 855
Street of Missing Men (G) 81 1 .
Three Texas Steers (G) 866...
Wall Street Cowboy (G) 857.
Woman Doctor (G) 808
Wyoming Outlaw (G) 867.
Zero Hour, The (G) 812..
Star
Gleasons, James, Lucile, Rus-
sell-Marie WIIson-Tommy
Ryan
Rochelle Hudson-Barry MacKay.
Ralph Byrd-Kay Sutton
, p. 61.)
Roy Rogers-Mary Hart
Charles Bickford-Nana Bryant..
Three Mesquiteers-Carole Landis.
R. Rogers-G. Hayes-R. Hatton...
Frieda Inescort-Henry Wilcoxon-
Claire Dodd-Sybil Jason
Three Mesquiteers
Frieda Inescort-Otto Kruger
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
July 26,'39 65. July 15, '39
Aug. 21. '39 62. Aug. 26,'39
.June 2,'39 61. June 3,'39
May I9,'39 58. June 10.'39
Apr. 28,'39 65. Apr. 29,'39
May 12,'39 57. June 17, '39
Sept. 6,'39 66. Sept. 9.'39
.Feb. 6,'39 65. Feb. 4.'39
.June 27,'39 56. July 15, '39
.May 26,'39 65. May 27, '39
Coming Attractions
Covered Trailer Jas.. Lucile & Russell Gleason.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 14. '39.)
Cowboys from Texas Three Mesquiteers
Jeepers Creepers 914 Weaver Bros. & Eiviry - Roy
Rogers
(See "In the Cutting Room." Oct. 7, '39.)
Main Street Lawyer Edward Ellis-Anita Louise
Saga of Death Valley Roy Rogers-George Hayes
Wagons Westward John Wayne
Washington Cowboy G. Autry-S. Burnette-M. Carlsile.
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
.Mar. 3 1, '39 65. Mar. 25,'39
.Aug. 4,'39 82. July 1,'39
I. '39 70. Aug.
. . .68. Jan.
...72.Jan.
7,'39 80. July
I9,'39
28, '39
I4,'39
8,'39
I, '39 59. Aug. 26,'39
l5,'39t...*64.Sept. 16, '39
6, '39 67. Sept. 9,'39
8,'39 59. Aug. 26, 39
28,'39
10,'39
28,'39
7. '39 72.Mar. 4,'39
8, '39t....73.Aug. 26,'39
I6,'39 63. June I0,'39
2,'39 71. May 20,'39
I7,'39.
RKO RADIO
Title Star
Almost a Gentleman (G) 920 . James Ellison-Helen Wood
Bachelor Mother (A) 932 G. Rogers-D. Niven-C. Coburn
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 70; Aug. 26,'39, p. 84; Sept. 2, '39, p. 60; Sept. 9, '39, p. 74;
Sept. 23, '39, p. 70: Oct. 14, '39. pp. 60. 64.)
Bad Lands (G) 933 Robert Barrat-Noah Berry, Jr.-
Andy Clyde Aug.
Beauty for the Asking (G)9I5..L. Ball-D. Woods-P. Knowles Feb. 24,'39.
Boy Slaves (G) 911 Anne Shirley-Roger Daniel Feb. 10,'39.
Career (G) 930 Anne Shirley- Edward Ellis July
Conspiracy (G) 935 Allan Lane-Linda Hayes Sept.
Day the Bookies Wept, The
(G) 002 Joe Penner- Betty Grable Sept.
Everything's on Ice (G) 946... Irene Dare-Edgar Kennedy Oct.
Fighting Gringo (G) 986 George O'Brien-Dick Lane Sept.
Fifth Avenue Girl (G) 934 Ginger Rogers - James Ellison -
Tim Holt-Walter Connolly .Sept. 22,'39 83. Aug. 26,'39
(Exploitation: Oct. 14, '39. p. 66; Oct. 21, '39, pp. 62, 68.)
Fisherman's Wharf (G) 844. ..B. Breen- H. Armetta-L. Carrillo. . Feb. 3,'39 72. Jan.
Five Came Back (G) 927.. ...C. Morrls-W. Barrie-L. Ball June 23, '39 75. June
Fixer Dugan (G) 922 Lee Tracy-Virginia Weidler Apr. 21, '39 M.Jan.
Flying Irishman, The (G) 919. Douglas Corrigan - Paul Kelly -
Robert Armstrong Apr.
(Exploitation: May 20,'39, pp. 61, 62; June 24,'39, p. 72.)
Full Confession (G) 003 Victor McLaglen-Sally Ellers Sept.
Girl and the Gambler (G) 926. S. Duna-L. Carrlllo-T. Holt June
Girl from Mexico, The (G) 928.Lupe Velez-Leon Errol June
Gunga Din (G) 912 Cary Grant-Victor McLaglen-D.
Fairbanks, Jr. -J. Fontaine Feb.
(Exploitation: Feb. 18, '39, n. 72; Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Mar. 25.'39, p. 84; Apr. 8,'39, p. 82;
Apr I5.'39, p. 80; Apr. 22.'39. p. 60; Apr. 29,'39, p. 77; May 6,'39, p. 61: May 13. '39,
p. 65; May 27.'39. p. 66; June 3. '39, p. 68; June I0,'39, p. 60; July 1,'39, p. 62; July
22, '39. p. 80.)
In Name Only (G) 936 C. Lombard-C. Grant-K. Francis. .Aug. I8,'39 94. Aug
(Exploitation: Sept. 16. '39, pp. 84, 85; Sept. 30, '39, p. 61.)
Lost Patrol (re-Issue) (A) 991. V. McLaglen-B. Karloff-W. Ford.. Feb.
Lost Squadron, The (re- Issue)
(G) 994 J. McCrea • R. Dix - M. Astor July
Love Affair (G) 916 1. Dunne - C. Boyer - L. Bowman.. Apr.
(Exnloitatinn: Apr. 8, '39, p. 80: Apr. 15, '39, p. 82; Apr. 29,'39, pp. 72, 74; June 3,'39,
p. 68.)
Nurse Edith Cavell (G) 001... Anna Neagle-Edna May Oliver-
M. Robson-G. Sanders Z. Pitts.. Sept. 29,'39t 97. Aug. 26,'39
Of Human Bondage (re-Issue)
(A) 993 L. Howard-B. Davis-F. Dee July
Panama Lady (G) 925 Lucille Ball-Allan Lane May
Racketeers of the Range (G)
984 George O'Brien - Marjorie Rey-
nolds-Ray Whitley May
Rookie Cop (G) 923 T. Holt-V. Weidler-F. Thomas. . .Apr. 28,'39 60. May
Saint In London (G) 929 George Sanders-S. Grey June 30,'39 72. July
Saint Strikes Back, Tho(G) 918. George Sanders- Wendy Barrio Mar.
Sorority House (G) 924 Anno Shirley-James Ellison May
Spellbinder. The (G) 931 L. Tracy-B. Read-P. Knowles.
Star of Midnight (re-Issue) (G)
990 Ginger Rogers-William Powell
Story of Vernon and Irene
The (G) 398 Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers
Edna May Oliver - Walter
Brennan Apr
17,'39.
14.'39...
7,'39...
1 07. Jan. 28,'39
5, '39
..73. Feb. 3,'34
.79. Mar.
.89. Mar.
I4,'39 83. July
12,'39 65. May
26,'39 62. June
5, '32
18, '39
7,'34
I3,'39
3, '39
13, '39
1,'39
I8,'39
0,'39 «4.Feb.
5.'39 84. Apr. 22.'39
29.'39
..July 28, '39 OT.JuIy
..Feb. I7,'39 90. Apr.
6. '35
Castle.
.Oct.
Sued for Libel (G) 012 Kent Taylor-Linda Hayes..
(See "In the Cuttinq Room." Sept. 23. '39.)
They Made Hera Spy (G) 921. Sally Eilers-Allan Lane Apr.
Three Sons (G) 004 E. Ellls-W. Gargan-K. Taylor Oct.
39t.
'39..
.69. Oct. I4,'39
.66. June 24.'39
Twelve Crowded Hours (A) 917. Richard DIx-Lucllle Ball Mur.
Way Down South (G) 947 B. Breen-S. Blane-A. Mowbray . .July
93
Apr.
I.'39
p. 76.)
27,'39t..
...69,
Mar.
25, '39
14. '39...
, . .65
Oct.
14,'39
13.'39t. .
.»70.
Sept.
30,'39
30,'39
59.
June
24.'39
24,'39...
..60.
Mar.
18.'39
3, '39...
..64.
Feb.
18. '39
21, '39 .,
63. July
22,'3fl
82
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
(THE RELEASE Ct1AI2T--C€NT'D)
Running Tlm«
Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Coming Attractions
Abe LlneolB In llllnolf 009.... R. Massey-R. Gordon-M. Howard
(See "In the Cuttlno Room." Sept. 16. '39.)
AlleBheny Uprising 006 Jolin Wayne-Claire Trevor-Brian
Donlevy- George Sanders Nov. I0,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
Distant Fields* Ala" Marslial - Barbara Read -
Helen Vinson-Patric Knowles
Escape to Paradise Bobby Breen-Kent Taylor
Flying Deuces (G) 010 Laurel & Hardy-J. Parl<er Nov. 3,'39t. . . .65.0ct. I4.'39
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The.C. Laughton-M. D'Hara-SIr C.
Hardwicke - W. Hampden - T.
Mitchell - B. Rathbone
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 9,'39.)
Legion of the Lawless George O'Brien- Virginia Vale
Marshal of Mesa City (G) 081. George O'Brien-Virginia Vale. ...Nov. 3,'39t. .'60. Oct. 7,'39
Meet Dr. Christian (G) 005.... Jean Hersholt-Dorothy Lovett. . . . Nov. I7,'39t . . .*63. Oct. 2i.'39
IVlexican Spitfire L. Veiez-D. V/oods-L. Errol
Queen of Destiny (G) 061 Anna Neagle-Anton Walbrook-
C. Aubrey Smith 95. Oct. 29.'38
(Reviewed under the title, "Sixty Glorious Years.")
Reno 008 Dix-G. Patrick-A. Louise Dec. I,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. I4,'39.)
Sunset Jimmy Lydon-Joan Dradell
Swiss Family Robinson Thomas Mitchell - Edna Best -
F. Bartholomew - T. Kilburn -
T. Holt
That's Right, Your Wrong Oil, Kay Kyser & Orch.-A. Menjou-
M. Robson- E. E. Horton-
L. Ball Nov. 24.'39t
Vigil in the Night 007 .' Carole Lombard-Anne Shirley-
Brian Aherne
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX R„„nlngT.me
Title star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
The (G) 005 B. Rathbone-I. Lupino-N. Bruce. .Sept. I,'39t 82. Aug. 26,'39
Arizona Wildcat, The (G) 929. Jane Withers - Leo Carrlllo -
Pauline Moore-H. Wilcoxon Feb. 3,'S9.. ..69. Nov. I9,'38
Boy Friend (G) 943 Jane Withers - Richard Bond -
Arieen Whelan May 19. '39 72. May !3,'39
Charlie Chan at Treasure
Island (G) 006 S. Toler-C. Romero-P. Moore. .. .Sept. 8,'39t 74. Aug. 26. '39
Charlie Chan in Reno (G) 948. S. Toler-P. Brooks-R. Cortez June I6,'39. ...71. June 3,'3S
Chasing Danger (G) 941 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl May 5,'39 60. Jan. I4,'39
Chicken Wagon Family (G) 002. Jane Withers - Leo Carrillo -
Marjorie Weaver Aug. Il.'39t 64. Aug. I9.'39
Elsa Maxwell's Hotel for
Women (G) 001 Linda Darnell - Jas. Ellison .
Ann Sothern - Elsa Maxwell -
Lynn Bari Aug. 4,'39t 83. Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Sept. I6,'39, p. 88.)
Escape. The 010 Amanda Duff-Kane Richmond. ... Oct. 6,'39t....62
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. I6,'39.)
Everybody's Baby (A) 935 J. Prouty-S. Byington-S. Deane .Mar. 24,'39.. ..62. Nov. 26,'38
First World War, The (re-
issue) (A) 062 Documentary Oct. 27,'39t 78. Nov. 17,'S4
Frontier Marshal, The (G) 95I.Randloph Scott - Nancy Kelly -
Cesar Romero-Binnie Barnes ..July 28. '39 71. July 29, '39
(Exploitation: Sept. 2,'39, p. 54: Oct. 14,'39. pp. 60, 66.)
Gorilla, The (G) 944 Ritz Bros. - Anita Louise - Bela
Lugosi - Patsy Kelly May 26,'39 66. May 27,'39
Here 1 Am a Stranger (G) 009. Richard Greene-Brenda Joyee-
R. Dix-R. Young-G. George. . .Sept. 29,'39t 83. Sept. 30,'39
(Exploitation: Oct. 21, '39, p. 66.)
Hollywood Cavalcade (G) 007.. Alice Faye - Don Ameche -
Stuart Erwin-Buster Keaton. .. .Oct. I3,'39t. . . .96.00^ 7,'39
Hound of the Basketvllles, The
(G) 936 Richard Greene-Basil Rathbone-
Wendy Barrie-Nigel Bruce Mar. 31, '39 80. Apr. I, '39
(Exploitation: June I7,'39, p. 75; July I, '39, p. 60.)
Inside Story (G) 934 Michael Whalen-Jean Rogers Mar. 10,'39 61. Oct. 22,'38
Inspector Hornlelgh (A) 945... Gordon Harker-Alistair Sim Apr. 21, '39 76. Apr. 22,'39
It Could Happen to You (G)
950 Gloria Stuart-Stuart Erwln June 30,'39 65. June I7,'39
Jones Family In Hollywood
(G) 946 Jed Prouty-Spring Bylngton June 2,'39 60. May 27,'3e
Jones Family In Quick Millions
(G) 004 Jed Prouty-SprIng Bylngton Aug. 25,'39t 61. Aug. I2,'39
Little Princess, The (G)
932 Shirley Temple-Richard Greene-
Anita Louise • Ian Hunter -
Cesar Romero-Arthur Treacher. . Mar. I7,'39 93. Feb. 25,'3<)
(Exploitation: Apr. I5,'39, pp. 84 , 85.)
Mr. Moto In Danger Island
(G) 937 P. Lorre-J. Hersholt-A. DulT Apr. 7,'39.. ..70. Mar. I8,'39
(Reviewed under the title, "Danger Island.")
Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
(G) 952 Peter Lorre . Virginia Field -
John King-Joseph Sehlldkraut. . July 7,'39 68. Nov. I9,'38
News Is Made at Night (G)
953 Preston Foster-Lynn Barl July 21, '39 73. July I5,'39
Pack Up Your Troubles (G)
014 J. Withers- Ritz Brothers- Lynn
Bari-Stanley Fields Oct. 20,'39t 75. Oct. I4,'3S
Pardon Our Nerve (0) 931 Michael Whalen-Lynn Barl Feb. 24,'39 68. Nov. I9,'3«
Rains Came, The (G) Oil T. Power-M. Loy-G. Brent Sept. I5,'39t. .. 104. Sept. 9,'39
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30,'39, p. 56.)
Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Return of the Citce Kid, The
(G) 940 Warner Baxter-Lynn Barl-Henry
Hull-Cesar Romero Apr. 28,'39.. ..71. Apr. 22,'39
Road to Glory (reissue) (G)
061 Fredric Mareh-Lionel Barrymore-
Warner Baxter-June Lang Oct. I3,'39t . .. 1 01 . June S,'36
Rose of Washington Square
<G) 942 T. Power-A. Faye-A. Jolson May I2,'39 86. May I3,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 62: May 6, '39, p. 64; June 24, '39, p. 73.)
Second Fiddle (G) 949 S. Henie-T. Power-R. Vallee. . . . July I4,'39 87. July 8,'3«
(Exploitation: Aug. 20, '39, n. 86; Oct. 21, '39, p. 66.)
Shipyard Sally (A) 018 Gracie Fields-Sydney Howard Oct. 20,'39t 80. July 29,'39
Stanley and Livingstone (G)
003 S. Tracy- R. Greene-N. Keliy-
W. Brennan - C. Coburn -
H. Hull - Sir C. Hardwicke Aug. I8,'39t. . . 101 . Aug. 5,'39
(Exploitation: Aug. 19, '39, p. 67; Sept. 23,'39, p. 73; Oct. 7,'39. p. 64.)
Stop, Look and Love (G) 008. .Jean Rogers-Robert Kellard Sept. 22,'39t — 57. Sept. 2,'39
Story >of Alexander Graham
Bell, The (G) 938 Don Ameche - Henry Fonda -
Loretta Young-Young Sisters. . .Apr. 14/39 97. Apr. 8,'39
(Exploitation: Apr. 22,'39, p. 60; May 6,'39, p. 60; May I3,'39, p. 64; May 27,'39,
pp. 64, 68; June I7,'39, p. 75; July 1,'39, p. 59.)
Susannah of the Mountles (G)
954 Shirley Temple-Randolph Scott... June 23,'39 78. June 24,'39
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 69; Aug. 26,'39, p. 88.)
Tall Spin <G) 925 A. Faye - C. Bennett • Nancy
Kelly-J. Davis-Chas. Farrell. . . Feb. I0,'39 84. Feb. 4,'39
(Exploitation: Feb. I8.'39, p. 69; Mar. I8,'39, pp. 73, 74; Apr. 1,'39, p. 76; Apr. 8,'39,
pp. 80, 82.)
Three Musketeers, The (G) 927. Ritz Brothers - Don Ameche •
G. Stuart-Blnnie Barnes Feb. 17,'39.. ..73. Feb. Il,'39
Ware Case, The (A) 8014 Clive Brooks-Jane Baxter July 2I,'39 72. Dec. 31, 'SB
While New York Sleeps (G)
922 Michael Whalen-Joan Woodbury. .Jan. 6,'39 91. Aug. 27,'3«
Wife, Husband and Friend (0)
930 Loretta Young-Warner Baxter-
Blnnte Barnes-Cesar Romero. .. Mar. 3, '39 80. Feb. I8,'39
Winner Take All (G) 939 Tony Martin-Gloria Stuart-SIIm
Summerville-Henry Arraetta Apr. 2l,'39 62. Feb. 25,'?9
Young Mr. Lincoln (G) 947... Henry Fonda-Marjorle Weaver-
Arleen Whelan-Aliee Brady. ... June n,'39. ... 101 .June 3.'39
(Exploitation: July 29, '39, p. 67; Aug. 12, '39, p. 70; Oct. 21, '39, p. 62.)
Cominp Attractions
Barricade 026 Alice Faye-Warner Baxter Dec. 8,'39t
Blue Bird 025 Shirley Temple-Helen Ericson Dec. 22,'39t
Charlie Chan in Panama* Sidney Toler-Jean Rogers
Cisco Kid and the Lady, The
012 C. Romero-V. Field-M. Weaver. .Dec. 29,'39t
City, The 027 Lynn Barl-Donald Woods Jan. I2,'40t
City of Darkness 021 Sidney Toler-Lynn Bari Dec. I,'39t 74
Day-Time Wife 020 Tyrone Power - Linda Darnell -
Warren William-B. Barnes Nov. 24,'39t
(See "First Kiss," "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 21, '39.)
Drums Along the Mohawk 015.. Henry Fonda-Claudette Colbert-
Dorrls Bowdon - Edna May
Oliver Nov. I0,'39t. . . 103
(See "In the Cuttina Room." Sept. 30,'39.)
Everything Happens at Night.. S. Henie-R. Milland-R. Cum-
mings
Girl Must Live, A (A) Lllli Palmer- Margaret Lockwood 92. May IS,'39
Grapes of Wrath Henry Fonda-Dorris Bowdon-
Charlie Grapewin - Jane Dar-
well ;
Heaven with a Barbed Wire
Fence (G) 019 Jean Rogers-Glenn Ford Nov. 3,'39t 62. Oct. 7/39
He Married His Wife 023 J. McCrea-N. Kelly-M. Boland. . . Jan. I9,'40t
High School 028 Jane Withers-Joe Brown, Jr Jan. 26,'40t
Honeymoon's Over, The 024. ..M. Weaver-S. Erwin-P. Knowles. . Dec. I5,'39t
(See "In the Cuttina Room," Oct. 21, '39.)
Inspector Hornlelgh on Holiday
022 Gordon Harker-Alastair Sim Dec. I,'39t
Little Old New York Alice Faye - Fred MacMurray-
Richard Greene-Brenda Joyce
Man Who Wouldn't Talk, The,.L. Nolan-J. Rogers-M. Marsh
Swanee River 017 D. Ameche-A. Jolson-A. Leeds. ..Jan. 5,'40t
Too Busy to Work 016 J. Prouty-S. Bylngton-J. Davis... Nov. I7,'39t 65
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 7,'39.)
20,000 Men a Year 013 R. Scott-M. Healy-M. Lindsay. .. Oct. 27,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30,'39.)
UNITED ARTISTS Running Time
Title Star Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Captain Fury (G) Brian Aherne-Victor McLag'en-
Paul Lukas-June Lang May 26,'39 91. May 6,'39
Eternally Yours (A) Loretta Young • David Niven -
H. Herbert-B. Burke-Z. Pitts . Oct. 12,'39t 95. Oct. 7,'39
(Exploitation: July 22,'39, p. 81.)
Four Feathers (A) John Clements - June Duprez •
C. Aubrey Smith- Ralph Rich-
ardson Aug. 4,'39t. . . I IS.May 8,'S9
(Exploitation: Jan. 14, '39, p. 64; Feb. 4.'39, pp. 82, 84; Feb. 1 1, '39, p. 59; Feb. 2S/39,
p. 68; Mar. 4. '39, pp. 70, 72; Oct. 7, '39, p. 65; Oct. 21, '39, p. 62.)
Housekeeper's Daughter (G)...Joan Bennett-Adolphe Menjou Oct. 26,'39f . . .*76.Sept. I6,'39
Intermezzo, a Love Story (A) . . L. Howard-I. Bergman-E. Best... Sept. 22,'39t 70. Sept. 30,'S9
King of the Turf (G) A. Menlou-R. Daniel- D. Cottello. . Feb. 17/39 88. Feb. 11/39
Made for Each Other (G) Carole Lombard-Jamei Stewart-
Lucille Watson-Chas. eebtrrn . . Feb. ie,'39 94. Feb. 4,'M
(Exploitation: May 6,'39, p. 60.)
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
83
(THE RELEASE CHART—CONT'D)
Title
Man In thg Iron Mask (Q).
Star Rel.
.Louis Hayward - Joan Bannatt -
Warren William ■ Joseph
Schlldkraut • Alan Hale Aug.
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 59; July 22,'39. p. 80; Aug. I2.'39,
Aug. 26,'39, p. 85; Sept. 2.'39, p. 53; Sept. I6,'39, p. 82;
Prison Without Bars (A) Corinne Luehalre-Edna Best Mar.
Real Giory, The (G) G. Cooper-A. Leeds-D. NIven Sept
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39, p. 62.)
Stagecoach (G) Claire Trevor - Andy Devlne •
John Wayne-George Bancroft. .. Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25, '39. p. 81; Apr. I, '39, pp. 72. 75: Apr.
p. 67; May 2a,'39, p. 60; July I5,'39. p. 60; July 22,'39, p. 82.)
They Shall Have Musle (G)...Jascha Heifetz - Andrea Leeds-
Joel McCrea-Gene Reynolds Aug.
(See musical analysis, July 22, '39, p. 54; exploitation: Oct. 7,'39,
Winter Carnival (G) Ann Sheridan- Richard Carlson-
Helen Parrlsh-R. Armstrong. . .July
(Exploitation: Aug. 5,'39, p. 98; Aug. I9.'39, p. 67; Aug. 26,'39,
Wuthering Heights (A) Merle OI>eron- Laurence Oliver-
Flora Robson-David NIven Apr.
(Exploitation: Apr. 2, '39, p. 62; May I3,'39, p. 68; May 27,'39,
Zenobia (G) Oliver Hardy - Harry Langdon -
Biliie Burke - Alice Brady -
James Ellison - June Lang -
Jean Parker Apr.
Coming Attractions
City for Sale Pat O'Brien-Ruth Terry-Broder-
ick Crawford-Edward Arnold
Chump at Oxford Laurel and Hardy
House Across the Bay* Joan Bennett-Gladys George
Of Mice and Men Burgess Meredith-Lon Chaney,
Jr.-Betty Field-Chas. Bickford
Our Town"* Frank Craven
Over the Moon Merle Oberon - Rex Harrison -
Louis Borell
Raffles David Niven-Ollvia de Havil-
land
Rebecca Laurence Olivier-Joan Fontaine-
Judith Anderson-Nigel Bruce
Thief of Bagdad* Sabu-J. Duprez-C. Vedit
Running Time
Date Minutes Reviewed
ll,'39t...ll2.July 1,'SB
p. 69; Aug. I9,'39, p. 66;
Sept. 30,'39, p. 56.)
I0.'39 79. Apr. I5,'39
. 29,'39t ...96.Sept. I6,'39
3,'39 96. Feb, 1 1, '39
I5,'39. p. 80; May I3,'39,
IS.'39t... 101. July I5.'39
p. 66; Oct. I4,'39, p. 62.)
28,'39t.
p. 86.)
100. July 22,'39
7,'39 1 04. Apr. I, '39
p. 65; Sept. 9,'39, p. 71.)
21, '39 73. Mar. I8.'39
UNIVERSAL
Title Star
Big Town Czar (G) 3018 Barton M ac Lane - Tom Brown-
Ed. Sullivan
Code of the Streets (G) 3019. . . Frankie Thomas - Harry Carey -
"Little Tough Guys"
Desperate Trails, The 4058 John Mack Brown - Bob Baker-
F. Robinson - F. Knight
(See "In the Cutting Room," July I5,'39.)
East Side of Heaven (G) 3006. B. Crosby-J. Blondell-M. Auer..
(Exploitation: June 3,'39, p. 66.)
Ex Champ (G) 3010 Victor McLaglen - Tom Brown -
Nan Grey - Constance Moore...
Family Next Door (G) 3020 Hugh Herbert - Joy Hodges -
Juanita Quigley-Eddle Quillan.
For Love or Money (G) 3030... June Lang-Robert Kent
Forgotten Woman, The (A)
3031 ..S. Gurie-D. Briggs-E. Arden...
Hawaiian Nights (G) 4024 J. Downs-C. Moore-M. Carlisle.
Hero for a Day 4035 Charles Grapewin- Anita Louise-
Dick Foran
House of Fear, The (G) 3038. ..Irene Hervey-William Gargan...
Inside Information (G) 3039... J. Lang-D. Foran-H. Carey
I Stole a Million (G) 3007 George Raft - Claire Trevor -
D. Foran-H. Armetta-V. Jory.
Last Warning, The (G) 3027. ..P. Foster-F. Jenks-F. Robinson,
Little Accident Baby Sandy - Hugh Herbert -
Richard Carlson - Florence
Rice - Joy Hodges
(See "In the Cutting Room," Oct. 21, '39.)
Mikado, The (G) 4044 Kenny Baker-Jean Colin
(Exploitation: July 22.'39, p. 82; Aug. 26,'39, p. 86.)
Mutiny on the Blackhawk (G)
4051 R. Arlen-A. Devine-C. Moore...
Mystery of the White Room
3037 B. Cabot-H. Mack-C. Worth...
(See "In the Cutting Room," Mar. I8,'39.)
Oklahoma Frontier John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight
Phantom Stage, The 3058 Bob Baker-Marjorie Reynolds..
Pirates of the Skies 3033 Kent Taylor- Rochelle Hudson..
(See "In the Cutting Room." Dec. 3.'38.)
Rio (G) 4014 Sigrid Gurie-Basll Rathbone-
Victor McLaglen- Robert Cum-
mings-Leo Carrillo
Risky Business (G) 3029 George Murphy- Dorothea Kent.
Society Smugglers (G) 3024 Preston Foster-Irene Hervey
Spirit of Culver (G) 3014 Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew-
A. Devlne-H. Hull-J. Moran.
(Exploitation: Mar. 1 1, '39, p. 56.)
Sun Never Sets, The (Q) 3009. B. Rathbone-D. Fairbanks, Jr..
.Michael Whalen - Joy Hodges -
William Lundigan
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
2I,'39 , .
66
Apr.
22,'39
I4,'39 , .
69
Feb.
4,'39
Sept.
8,'39t .
.Apr.
7,'39...
..88
Apr.
8,'39
. May
i9,'39, . .
72
May
20.'39
.Mar.
3I,'39...
. .61
Apr.
I5,'39
28,'39.. .
67
May
6,'39
.July
7,'39, .
67. July
l,'39
.Sept.
8,'39t..
..65
Aug.
I9,'39
.Oct. 6,'39t 66
June 30,'39 66. June I0,'39
.June 2,'39 62. June I0,'39
July 21, '39 80 July 22,'39
.Jan. 6,'39 63. Dec. I0,'38
.Oct. 27,'39t.. ..65
.Sept. 8,'39t 91. May 20,'39
.Sept. I,'39t 66. Aug. 12,'39
.Mar. I7.'39 57
Oct. 20.'39t. ..58...
.Feb. I0,'38 57...
.Feb. 3, '39 61...
They Asked for It (G) 3040...
Up
Three Smart' Girls Grow
(G) 3001
. D. Durbin-N. Grey-H. Parrish-
C. Winninger-R. Cummlngs-
William Lundigan
29,'39t.
. . .77
Oct.
I4,'39
.Mar.
3, '39..
.671/2
Mar.
II, '39
.Feb.
24,'39..
...70
Mar.
4,'39
.Mar.
I0,'39..
...90
Mar.
4,'39
.June
9,'39
96
June
I0,'39
26.'39
61
July
I5,'39
24,'39
. 87
Mar.
25,'39
Title Star
Tower of London Basil Rathbone - Boris Karloff -
N. Grey-B. O'Nell-l. Hunter.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 30,'39.)
Tropic Fury 4052 R. Arlen-A. Devlne-B. Roberts..
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 29.'39.)
Two Bright Boys (G) 4017. ..Jackie Cooper-F. Bartholomew...
Under-Pup, The (G) 4010 Gloria Jean-N. Grey-R. Cum-
mings-V. Weldler-A. Gllllt...
(Exploitation: Oct. 7,'39. p. 65; Oct. I4,'39, p. 66.)
Unexpected Father (G) 3008. .. Baby Sandy-Mlscha Auer
(Exploitation: July I, '39, p. 62.)
When Tomorrow Comes (G)
3003 Irene Dunne-Charles Boyer
Witness Vanishes, The 4027. .. Edmund Lowe-Wendy Barrie
You Can't Cheat an Honest
Man (G) 3005 W. C. Fields - Edgar Bergen -
"Charlie McCarthy"
(Exploitation: May 6. '39. p. 60.)
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Oct. 27,'39t
Oct. I3,'39t....62
Sept l5,'39t....70.Sept. I6,'39
.Sept. I,'39t. .. BB.Aug. 26,'39
.July I4,'39 78. July I5,'39
Aug. 1 1. '39 <12 Aug. I9,'39
Sept. 22,'39t....66
Feb. I7,'39 79. Feb. I8,'39
.Nov. I7,'39t.
.Nov. I0,'39.
Coming Attractions
All Quiet on the Western Front
(reissue) (G) 4073 Lew Ayres-Siim Summerviile Sept
Call a Messenger (G) 4020 Billy Haiiop-Huntz Hall-M.117
Carlisle-Larry Crabbe Nov. 3.'39t
Chip of the Flying "U" John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Doris Westoi ...Nov. 24.'39t
Danger on Wheels R. Arlen-A. Devine-P. Moran
Destry Rides Again Marlene Dietrich-James Stewart-
Chas. Winninger-Mlscha Auer
(See "in the Cutting Room," Oct. 14. '39.)
First Love Deanna Durbin-Helen Parrlsh-
R. Stack-E. Pallette-Leatrlce
Joy
Green Hell Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., • Joan
Bennett - John Howard - Alan
Hale-George Sanders - George
Bancroft-Vincent Price Dec.
Invisible Man Returns Vincent Price-Sir Cedric Hard-
wrcke-Nan Grey Nov,
Laugh It Off C. Moore-J. Downs-E. Kennedy. . . Dec,
Legion of Lost Flyers 4053.... R. Arlen-A. Devine-A. Nagel....Nov
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I9,'39.)
Man from Montreal R. Arlen-A. Devine-G. Gwynne. . . Dec.
Missing Evidence Preston Foster-Irene Hervey Dec.
(See "in the Cutting Room." Sent. 9.'39.)
No Power on Earth Victor McLaglen-Jackie Cooper.. Dec.
One Hour to Live 4030 C. Bickford-D. Nolan-J. LItel. . . . Nov.
(See "In the Cutting Room," Aug. I2,'39.)
Road Back (reissue) (G) 4074 John King-Richard Cromwell Nov.
Trouble's My Middle Name*. . Constance Moore-F. Albertson
Vigilante War John Mack Brown-Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Frances Robin-
son
John Mack Brown- Bob Baker-
Fuzzy Knight-Peggy Moran
29,'39t 93,Aor. 26.'30
•60. Sept. 23,'39
29,'39t.
24,'39t.
I.'39t.
3,'39t.
8,'39t.
I5,'39t.
22,'39t
I0.'39t 59.
3,'39t
.69. June 26, '37
West of Carson City.
.Dec. I5,'39t.
WARNER BROTHERS-FIRST NATIONAL
First National Pictures
star
Rel. Date
.Aug. 26,'39 86.
Mar. 25, '39 71.
Title
Angels Wash Their Faces, The
(G) 367 Ronald Reagan - Ann Sheridan -
"Dead End Kids"-B. Gran-
ville
Blackwell's Island (G) 361 J. Garfleld-R. Lane-D. Purcell.
Code of the Secret Service (G)
374 Ronald Reagan-Rosella Towns May 27,'39 58
Confessions of a Nazi Spy (G)
353 Edw. G. Robinson - Francis
Lederer - Paul Lukas May
(Exploitation: July 29,'39, p. 69: Oct. I4,'39, p. 66.)
Cowboy Quarterback, The 366.. Bert Wheeler - Marie Wilson -
Gloria Dickson July 29,'39.
(See "In the Cutting Room," June 3, '39.)
Dack Victory (G) 354 Bette Davis - George Brent ■
Geraldine Fitzgerald - Ronald
Reagan - Humphrey Bogart Apr. 22, '39.
(Exploitation: June 3, '39, p. 66; June I0,'39, p. 55: June 24,'39, pp. 75, 76
pp. 61, 62; Aug. 5, '39, p. 102.)
Daughters Courageous (G) 360. Lane Sisters - John Garfield • F.
Bainter - C. Rains - G. Page -
J. Lynn-F. McHugh-M. Rob-
son-D. Foran July
(Exploitation: Aug. 1 9, '39, p. 72.)
Dust Be My Destiny (G) John Garfleld-Priscilla Lane Sept. I6,'39t.
Each Dawn I Die (G) 356 James Cagney - Jane Bryan -
George Raft-George Bancroft. . .Aug. I9,'39..
(Exploitation: Aug. 19,'3g, p. 72; Sept. 16, '39, p. 88; Oct. I4,'39, p. 66.)
Espionage Agent (G) Joel McCrea - Brenda Marshall -
Jeffrey Lynn-Frank McHugh Sept. 30,'39t 83.
Everybody's Hobby, The 736... Henry O'Neill-Irene Rich Aug. 26,'39 54.
Kid from Kokomo, The (G)
363 , Wayne Morris - Pat O'Brien -
Joan Blondell - May Robson. . . June 24,'39 92.
Man Who Dared (G) 375 Chas. Grapewin-Jane Bryan June 3,'39 60.
(Reviewed under the title, "I Am Not Afraid.")
Nancy Drew, Reporter (G) 372.Bonita Granville-John LItel Feb. I8,'39 68.
No Place to Go 469 F. Stone-G. DIekson-D. Morgan. .Sept. 23,'39t. . . .57.
Running Time
Minutes Reviewed
Sept. 9,'39
Mar. II, '39
May 20/39
6, '39.... 102. Apr. 29,'38
. .56.
.106.
22,'39....107,
88.
.92
Mar. II, '39
July I, '39,
June 24,'39
Aug. I9,'39
July 22,'39
Sept. 30,'39
May 27,'39
Apr. 8,'39
Feb. 4,'39
84
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 2 8. 19 3 9
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Running Time
Title Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Old Maid (A) 452 Bette Davis-Miriam Hopl<ins-
Geo. Brent-Jas. Stephenson Sept. I.'39t 95. Aug. 5.'39
(Exploitation: Oct. 21, '39, p. 62.)
On Your Toes Zorina-Eddie Albert-A. Hale-
J. Gleason-G. Dicl<son Oct. I4,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'S9.)
Smashing the Money Ring R. Reagan-Margot Stevenson Oct. 2l,'39t
Sweepstakes Winner 373. M. Wilson-J. Davls-A. Jenkins. .. May 20,'S9 59
We Are Not Alone Paul Muni - Jane Bryan - Flora
Rohson - Una O'Connor Nov. 25,'39t
(See "In the Cutting Room." Sept. 23. '39.)
You Can't Get Away with
Murder (G) 364 Humphrey Bogart-Gale Page May 20,'39 75. Jan. 2I,'39
(Exploitation: June 17, '39, p. 74.)
Coming Attractions
Lady Dick Jane Wyman-DIck Foran
Warner Brothers
Star
Running Time
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
1 8, '39 58. Feb. 1 1, '39
Title
Adventures of Jane Arden, The
(G) 321 Rosella Towne-WIIIIam Gargan..Mar,
Oodge City (G) 304 Errol Flynn-Olivia de Havilland-
Ann Sheridan - Bruce Cabot -
A. Hale-F. McHugh-V. Jory...Apr. 8,'39 104. Apr.
(Exploitation: Mar. 25,'39, p. 82: Apr. 22,'39, p. 61: May 20,'39, p. 61; May
8,'39
27,'39,
pp. 76, 77;
72.)
July 8.'39,
B,'39 81. July 8,*39
5,'39 82. July 22,'39
p. 66.)
IO.'39....l27.Apr.
I. 66; July 22,'39,
.60.
29,'39
p. 81;
l,'39t
I7,'39.
I, '39 90. July
.69.
1 1, '39.
29,'39,
I, '39.
7,'39.
I, '39
...80. Mar. I8,'39
pp. 74, 75; May
...61. Mar. 25.'39
28,'39t...l06.Oct. 21, '39
4,'39. . 61. Mar. Il,'39
12, '39
1 3, '39 60. Apr. I, '39
I5.'39 59. July 22,'39
I5,'39 65. Feb. 4,'39
pp. 65, 68: June 3, '39, p. 64; June I0,'39, p. 59: June 24,'39,
pp. 48, 50: July 15. '39, p. 61; July 22. '39, p. 81; Aug. I2,'39, p.
Hell's Kitchen (G) 312 Margt. Lindsay- Ronald Reagan-
"Dead End Kids" July
Indianapolis Speedway (G) 315. Pat O'Brien - John Payne -
Ann Sheridan - Gale Page Aug.
(Exploitation; Sept. 30,'39, p. 59: Oct. 7,'39, p. 65; Oct. I4,'39,
Juarez (G) 301 Paul Muni - Bette Davis - B.
Aherne-C. Rains-J. Garfield June
(Exploitation: May 13, '39, p. 64; July I, '39, p. 58; July I5.'39, i
Aug. 5, '39, p. 102; Aug. 26, '39. p. 86; Oct. 21, '39, p. 68.)
Nancy Drew and the Hidden
Staircase 419 B. Granviile-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.Sept.
Nancy Drew, Trouble Shooter
324 B. Granville-F. Thomas-J. LlteL.June
Naughty But Nice (G) 311 Dick Powell-Gale Page-Ronald
Reagan-Ann Sheridan July
Oklahoma Kid (G) 308 J. Cagney-H. Bogart-R. Lane Mar.
(Exploitation: Mar. II, '39, p. 57; Apr. I, '39, pp. 74, 75; Apr.
13, '39. p. 67: June I0,'39, p. 60; July 15,'39, p. 66.)
On Trial (G) 323 John Litel-Margaret Lindsay Apr.
Pride of the Blue Grass Edith Fellows-James McCallion. . . Oct.
Roaring Twenties, The (G)...Jas. Cagney-Humphrey Bogart-
Priscilla Lane-Jeffrey Lynn.... Oct.
Secret Service of the Air (G) .
320 R. Reagan-I. Rhodes-J. Lltel Mar.
Torchy Plays with Dynamite
326 Jane Wyman-Allen Jenkins Aug.
Torchy Runs for Mayor (G) 322.Glenda Farrell-Barton MacLane. .May
Waterfront (G) 325 G. Dickson-D. Morgan-M. Wilson. . July
Women in the Wind (G) 316. ..K. Francis-W. Gargan-V. Joy Apr.
Coming Attractions
Ail This and Heaven Toe
And It All Came True
British Inteiligenee Boris Karloff-Margaret Lindsay
Brother Orchid Edward G. Robinson - Wayne
Morris - Gale Page
Brother Rat and the Baby Wayne Morris - Jane Bryan - R.
Reagan-J. Wyman-E. Albert
Child Is Born, A Geraldine Fitzgerald • Jeffrey
Lynn - Gladys George 79
(See "Give Me a Child," "In the Cutting Room," May 6,'39.)
Dead End Kids en Dress
Parade Dead End Kids-John Lltel Nov. I8,'39t
(See "Dead End Kids in Military School," "In the Cutting Room," July 29,'39.)
Enemy Within, The Ronald Reagan-Lya Lys
Fighting 69th J. Cagney-P. O'Brien-J. Lynn-
G. Brent-A. Hale-D. Margan
Four Wives Lane Sisters-G. Page-J. Gar-
field - E. Albert - C. Rains-J.
Lynn-D. Foran-F. McHugh-
M. Robson
(See "In the Cutting Room," Sept. 23, '39.)
Fugitive from Justice* Roger Pryor-Lucille Fairbanks
Gambling on the High Seas...W. Morris-J. Wyman-J. Lltel
Granny, Get Your Gun May Robson - H. Davenport -
M. Stevenson
Invisible Stripes George Raft - William Holden -
Humphrey Bogart-Jane Bryan
Kid Nightingale (G) J. Payne-J. Wyman-W. Catlett. . . Nov 4,'39t...*58.Sept. 23,'S9
King of the Lumberjacks John Payne-Gloria Dickson
Philo Vance Comes Back J. Stephenson-Margot Stevenson
Private Lives of Elizabeth and
Essex, he (G) Bette Davis - Errol Flynn -
0. de Havilland-Vincent Pri~j. Mov. 25,'39t. .. 106. Sept. 30,'39
Return of Dr. X, The Wayne Morris - H. Bogart -
Lya Lys- Rosemary Lane
(See "In the Cutting Room," July 8,'S9.)
State Cop D. Morgan-J. Payne-G. Dickson i
Student Nurse Marie Wilson-Marg't Lindsay-
Rosella Towne
Years Without Days John Garfield - Pat O'Brien -
Ann Sheridan
Title
Hitler — The Beast of
Berlin
(See "In the Cutting
Reform School (G)
Sagebrush Family Trails
West, The
Texas Wildcats
Torture Ship
(See "In the Cutting
Tumbleweeds (G) (reissue).
Two- Gun Troubador
Juarez and Maximilian
(G)
Lure of the Wasteland (G).
Man from Oklahoma
Straight to Heaven (G)
Wanted for Murder
STATE RIGHTS Running Time
Star Producer Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
Roland Drew Producers Dist Oct. 22,'39
Room," Oct. 21, '39.)
Louise Beavers Million Apr. 27,'39. .*80.May 6,'39
Bobby Clark Producers DIst Oct. 22.'39
Tim McCoy Victory Apr. I0,'39
, Lyie Talbot Producers DIst Oct. I5,'39
Room," Sept. I6,'39.)
William S. Hart. . . . Astor May 20,'39. . .88. May I3,'3»
Fred Scott Spectrum Mar. 5,'39
Coming Attractions
Conrad Nagel Torres *95.Apr. 22,'S(
Grant Withers *55.Mar. H,'3t
George Houston ....Producers DIst.. ... Oct. 2S,'39
Nine May McKlnney. Domlns 56. July I/SI
Producers DIst Oct. 29,'39
OTHER PRODUCT (FOREIGN)
Running Time
4,'39. .
I7,'39. .
22,'39. .
Title Star DIst'r
Annie Laurie Will Fyffe World
Ask a Policeman (G) Will Hay MGM
Behind the Facade (Der-
riere la Facade) (A) . . . . Lucien Baroux Francinex
Betrayal (A) Annie Vernay World Sept. I5,'39. .
Bizarre Bizarre (A) Louis Jouvet Lenauer-ln't Mar. 20,'39. .
Black Limelight (A) Raymond Massey Alliance Sept. I5,'39. .
Bouquets from Nicholas
(G) Noel-Noel Walch
Boys' School E. Von Strohelm Columbia June 5,'39. .
Captain Scorplob Ecunomou Brodie Apr. '39 .
Coral Rocks, The (Le
Ricif de Corail (A) Jean Gabin Alliance
Crisis (G) Mayer-Burstyn ...Mar. I3,'39..
Curtain Rises, The (G) Louis Jouvet Kassler May I3,'39. .
Dead Men Tell No Tales
(A) Emiyn Williams Alliance . Aug. I5,'39. .
Demon Barber of Fleet
Street, The (A) Tod Slaughter Select Sept. 29,'39. .
Discoveries Carroll Levis Grand National
Double Crime In the
Maginot Line (A) Victor Francen Tower
(Exploitation: Oct. 21, '39, p. 63.)
Down Our Alley (G) Hughie Green British Screen
End of Day, The* (A) Victor Fancen luno i.'39. .
Four Just Men, The (A)... Hugh Sinclair A.B.F.D
Gang's All Here, The (A). Jack Buchanan Assoc. British
Harvest (A) Gabriel Gabrio French Film Center
(Exploitation: Oct. 21, '39, p. 63.)
Heartbeat (A) Orane Demagis French M. P. Op. . .Sept.
Herbst-Manover (G) Leo Slezak Casino Mar.
Heroes of the Marne (A)..Raimu Spectrum Apr.
Home from Home (G) Sandy Powell ..British Lion
Hostages, The (Les Otages)
(A) Annie Vernay Nero
Housemaster (G) Otto Kruger Alliance Oct. I5,'39. .
Human Beast, The (A) . . . . Simone Simon Paris Film
I Killed the Count (A) Syd Walker Grand National
I Met a Murderer (A)... James Mason York Oct. 2,'39. .
Indiscretions (A) Sacha Gultry Tri-National Apr. 29,'39. .
Just William (G) Dicky Lupino Assoc. B>-ltlsh
La Inmaculada (A) Fortunie Bonanova. .United Artists
Lambeth Walk, The (G)... Lupino Lane MGM
La Noche de los Maxas (The
Night of the Mayas) (G).Arturo Cordoba Fama Sept. I6,'39...
Mademoiselle Ma Mere
(A) Danielle Darrleux. . .Hoffberg Sept. ia.'39..,
Man and His Wife, A (A). Harry Baur French Film Ex.. .Mar,
(Reviewed under the title, "A Man with His Wife.")
Marsellaise Pierre Renoir World Mar.
Mind of Mr. Reeder, The
(G) Will Fyffe Grand National
Ninety Degrees South Scott Expedition World July l,'39.
Old Bones of the River
(G) Will Hay G. F. D
Papa's Misadventures (Los
Enredos de Papa) (A)...Chato Ortin Zacarias
Poisoned Pen (A) Flora Robson Assoc. British
Rasputin (A) Harry Baur ..Concord Oct. I6,'39.
Puritan, The (A) Jean-Louis Barrault.Lenaur-lnt'l
Singing Charro, The (Cu-
and Canta La Ley) (G).Tito Gulzar Paramount
Slalom (G) Hella Hartwich World Mar. I.'39.
Song of the Street (A) V. Sokoloff Mayer-Burstyn ...Sept. I,'39.
Spain in Arms (A) Film Facts
Spies of the Air (A) Barry K. Barnes Assoc. British
Street Without a Name Pola lllery World Mar. I5,'39.
There Ain't No Justice (A). Jimmy Hanley A.B.F.D
Three Waltzes (G) Yvonne Printemps. . . Vedls
Trouble Brewing (G) George Formby Assoc. British ,
What Would You Do,
Chum? (A) Syd Walker Anglo American
Where's That Fire (G)...W[II Hay 20th Cent.-Fox
Young Man's Fancy (A)... Anna Lee Assoc. British
Youth in Revolt (A) Jean- Louis Barrault. Columbia May I5,'39...
Rel. Date Minutes Reviewed
..Apr. I5,'39
83. Apr. 29,'3«
85. May 27,'39
78. Sept. 23,'39
85. Apr. I,'39
68. July 8,'39
.72. Mar.
.90. June
.85
1 00. Mar.
.96. Mar.
.85. Apr.
1 1, '39
I7,'39
1 1, '39
25,'39
29,'39
70. July 29,'39
.67. Oct.
.66. Sept.
7,'39
2,'39
83. Apr. 22,'39
.65. Aug.
.94. Sept.
.85. June
.78. Apr.
.80. Aug.
I2,'39
I6,'39
24,'39
I. '39
5,'39
.90. Sept. I6,'39
.87. Apr. I, '39
.88. Apr. 29, '39
.73. June 3,'3S
.90. Apr.
.83. Feb.
110. Apr.
.89. Sept.
.70. Oct.
.80. May
.75. Sept.
.95. July
.84. Apr.
22,'3t
26, '38
1, '39
2, '39
I4,'39
I3,'S9
9,'3t
22,'39
22. '39
27,'39.
30,'39.
96. Oct. 2 1, '39
82. Sept. 30,'39
80. Apr. 15/39
77. Mar. 1 1, '39
90. Jan. 21, '39
98. Sept. 2,'39
78. July I5,'39
93. Oct. 21, '39
85. Mar. 25,'39
77. June
66. Jan.
75. Aug.
80. Mar.
77. May
83. June
3,'39
23, '37
26,'39
I8,'39
6/39
24, '39
90. May I3,'39
87. Mar. 1 1, '39
75. Sept. 2,'39
74. Aug. 19/39
77. Sept. 2,'39
90. May 27, '89
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
85
(THE RELEASE CH ACT—CONT'D)
SHORT
FILMS
[Numbers immediately follow-
ing title designate date re-
mewed; for example, (8-5-39)
August 5, 1939. Numerals fol-
lowing review dates are produc-
tion numbersJ]
COLUMBIA
BROADWAY COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date Min.
A-Ducking They Did Go
(4-22-39) 9406 Apr. 7,'39. i6'/i. .
(3 Stooges)
All American Blondes 1423. Oct. 20,'39t.2 rli.
Andy Clyde
Boom Goes the Groom
8431 Mar. 24.'39. 17i/j . .
Andy Clyde
Calling All Curs (9-9-39)
1401 Aug. 25,'39tl7"/2..
(3 Stooges)
Chump Takes ■ Bump, The
9433 May 5,'39.I8
Charley Chase
Mooching Through Georgia
(9-9-39) 9438 Aug. 1 1,'39. 19. . . .
(All Star)
Mutiny on the Body 9429.. Feb. I0,'39. l7</2. .
Smith & Dale
Now It Can Be Sold 9434.. June 2/39.17
Andy Clyde
Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
(10-14-39) 1402 Oct. 6,'39t.l8iA. .
(3 Stooges)
Pest from the West
(6-17-39) 9435 June I6,'39. 19. . . .
Buster Keaten
Rattling Romeo 9436 July I4,'39.I7
Charley Chase
Sap Takes a Wrap, The
9430 Mar. I0,'39. IS'A. .
Charley Chase
Saved by the Belle (8-2-39)
9408 June 30,'39. 17. . . .
(3 Stooges)
Skinny the Mooeher 1421. ..Sept. 8,'39tl6'/2. .
Charley Chase
Star Is Shorn, A 9432 Apr. 21 ,'39. 17
(All SUr)
Static in the Attle 1422. ..Sept. 22,'39t 19. . . .
Walter Catlett
Swing, You, Swingere
9428 Jan. 20,'39. l8'/a.
Andy Clyde
Teacher's Pest 1424 Nov. 3,'39t.2rls.
Charley Chase
Three Sappy People 1403.. Dec. I,'39t.2rls.
(3 Stooges)
Trouble Finds Andy Clyde
9437 July 28,'39. 18. . . .
We Want Our Mummy
9045 Feb. 24,'39.I7...
(3 Stooges)
Yes, We Have No Bonanza
9407 May I9.'39. 16
(3 Stooges)
CINESCOPES
World of I960 (Futurama)
1971 Nov. 3, '39.. I rl..
COLOR RHAPSODIES
Crop Chasers (10-14-39)
1502
Sept.
22,'39t
.1 rl..
Dreams on Ice (10-7-39)
Oct.
20,'39t
.7 ris.
Gorilla Hunt, The 9507...
Feb.
24,'39.
.8....
Happy Tots (4-22-39) 9508
Mar.
3I,'39.
.7....
Hollywood Sweepstakes
(8-12-39) 9512
July
28. '39.
.8. ...
Haiise That Jack Built,
Apr.
I4.'39.
.7....
Jitterbug Knights (9-9-39)
1501
Aug.
Il.'39t
.7....
Lucky Pigs (6-17-39)
May
26,'39.
.7....
Nell's Yells 9511
June
30,'39.
.7....
Nov.
3,'39t
.1 rl..
Peaceful Neighbors
Jan.
I6,'39.
.8....
COLUMBIA TOURS
Beautiful Switzerland 1553. Nov. I7,'39t. I rl. .
Big Town Commuters
(New York) 9553 Feb. 3,'39..9....
Historic Cities of India
1552 Oct. 27.'39t.l rl..
Holland 1551 Sept. I5,'39t.l rl..
Title Rel. Date Min.
Man-Mado Island (6-17-39)
9554 May 26.'39..9
(Frisco Fair)
Morocco 9556 Aug. 1 1.'39. lO'/j . .
Sojourn In India 9555 July 7,'39. .9i/t. .
COMMUNITY SING
No. 6 9656 (Moon Songs).. Feb. 24,'39. lO'/a. .
No. 7 9657 (Parade of
Hits) Mar. 24,'39. .9'/a.
No. 8 (4-29-39) 9658
(Strauss Music) Apr. 2I.'39..8
No. 9 9659 (Songs of the
West) May I9,'39. 10. . . .
No. 10 (6-17-39) 9660 June I6,'39.I0...
(Romance Songs)
(New Series)
No. I (9-939) 1651 Aug. 4,'39t.9
(Crosby Hit Songs)
No. 2 1652 Sept. 8,'39t.9'/a. .
(Old Tims Songs)
No. 3 1653 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl..
(College Songs)
No. 4 1654 Nov. I7,'39t.l rl..
(Stephen Foster Songs)
FABLE CARTOONS
Park Your Baby 1752 Dec. 22.'39t.l rl..
Little Lost Sheep 1751 Oct. 6,'39t.l ri
FOOLS WHO MADE HISTORY
No. I (Charles Goodyear)
1601 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 (Elias Howe)
(10-21-39) 1602 Sept. I,'39tll....
HAPPY HOUR
Know Your History
(Remakes from "March of Years")
No. I 9471 Feb. 22,' 39. 10'/,..
No. 2 9472 Mar. 23,'39 . 1 0'/» . .
No. 3 9473 Apr. 21, '39. II
NEW SERIES
No. I 1520 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
No. 2. 1521 Oct. I2,'39t.l rl..
KRAZY KAT CARTOONS
29. Krazy's Bear Tale
9704 Feb. I7,'39. .7i/j. .
30. Golf Chumps 9705 Apr. 6,'39..7
31. Krazy's Shoe Shop
9706 May I2,'39. .6. . . .
MUSIC HALL VANITIES
Montmartre Madness
(6-3-39) 9964 June 30.'39.l0'/2. .
Night at the Troc 9962.... Mar. 2.'39. IO'/» . .
Yankee Doodle Home
(S-27-39) 9963 May I9,'39.I0
PHANTASIES CARTOON
Charm Bracelet, The
(9-9-39) 1701 Sept. I ,'39t • O'/z . .
Millionaire Hobo 1702 Nov. 24,'39t Irl..
PICTUREGRAPH
No. I 9951 Feb. I0,'39
SCRAPPY CARTOONS
Scrappy's Added Attrae-
tion 9753 Feb. 3,'39..6i/a.
Scrappy's Rodeo 9756 June 2,'39..6..
Scrappy's Sideshow 6754... Mar. 3.'39..7...
Worm's Eye View, A
(5-20-39) 9755 Apr. 28, '39 .7..
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
No. 7 9857 Mar. I7,'39. 10. . . ,
No. B (4-29-39) 9858 Apr. 8.'39. .9i/a. .
No. 9 (5-20-39) 9859 May I2,'39.I0... .
No. 10.9860 May 26,'39.I0....
No. II 9861 June I5.'39.I0
No. 12.(8-19-39 ) 9862 ....July 28,'39.I0....
(New Series)
No. I (10-14-39) 1851 Sept. 22,'39t.l rl..
No. 2 1852 Oct. 27,'39t.l rl.,
No. 3 1853 Nov. 24,'3gt.l rl.
SPECIAL
SPORT THRILLS
Big Fish (9-9-39) 9810. ...Aug. I8,'39.I0...
Bows and Arrows 1801 Oct. 6,'39t.l rl.
Diving Rhythm (5-20-39)
9806 Apr. 21, '39. 10...
Jai Alai 1802 Nov. 3,'39t.lrt.
Jockeys Up (6-17-39) 9807. June 2,'39..9'/a.
Navy Champions (4-22-39)
9805 Mar. I7,'39. .9'/a.
Odd Sports 9804 Feb. 10,'39.IOi/a
Technique of Tennis
(6-17-39) 9808 June 30,'39. .S'/a.
There Goes Rusty (8-26-39)
9809 July I5,'39.l0'/a.
WASHINGTON PARADE
No. 2 (2-18-39) 9902 (In-
side the White House) ... Feb. 2I,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 3 ( 5-27-39) 9903 (In-
side the Capitol) Apr. 28,'39.I0...
No. 4 9904 (Library of
Congress) Aug. 4,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date Min.
1939- 40
No. I 1991 (Smithsonian
Institution) Oct. 20,'39t.l rl.
MGM
Title Rel. Date Min.
CARTOONS
Art Gallery (6-3-39) W-886. May I3,'39. .9. . .
(Color)
Bear That Couldn't Sleep
(7-15-39) W-887 June I0,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Blue Danube. The W-89I..Oct. 28,'39..1 rl.
Bookworm, The (9-16-39)
W-889 Aug. 26,'39..9...
(Color)
Goldilocks and the Three
Bears (7-22-39) W-888..July I5,'39.ll...
Jitterbug Follies (3-25-39)
W-883 Feb. 25,'39..9...
(Sepia)
Little Goldfish, The
(4-22-39) W-885 Apr. I5,'39..8...
(Color)
One Mother's Family
W-890 Sept. 30,'39..9...
CRIME DOESN'T PAY
No. 21 — Money to Loan
(3-25-39) P-812 Mar. 1 1, '39. 21..
Alan Dinehart-Paul Gullfoyle
No. 22— While America
Sleeps (4-22-39) P-8l3..Apr. I5,'39.2I..
Dick Punell
No. 23— Help Wanted
(7-1-39) P-814 June I0.'39.2I..
Tom Neal-Jo Ann Sayers
No. 24— Think First
(10-21-39) P-815 Sept. 9,'39.2I..
Laralne Day-Ann Morrlss
No. 25— Drunk Driving
P-816 Oct. 28,'S9.2I..
FITZPATRICK TRAVEL TALKS
Ancient Egypt (3-4-39)
T.856 Jan. 21 ,'39.. 9..
Colorful Curacao (7-29-39)
T-862 May 27, '39.. 9..
Day on Treasure Island, A
(9-30-39) T-51 Sept. 2.'39tl0..
Glimpses of Australia
(5-27-39) T-859 Apr. I5,'39..«..
Imperial Delhi (4-1-39)
T-857 Feb. I8,'39..8..
Java Journey (6-3-39)
T-858 Mar. 18, '39.. 8..
Natural Wonders of Wash-
ington State (10-21-39)
T-52 Oct. 7,'39t.9..
Picturesque Udaipur
(7-15-39) T-861 May I3,'39..8..
Rural Hungary (6-24-39)
T-860 Apr. 29,'39..9..
Sydney, Pride of Australia
(2-4-39) T-854 Dec. 3,'38. .9. .
MGM MINIATURES
Ash Can Fleet (10-21-39)
M-72 Sept. 9,'39tll..
Robert. Warwick
Failure at 50, A M-73 Oct. 7,'39tl0.
Truman Bradley-
Jack Mulhall
Greener Hills, The
(7-15-39) M-880 May 27,'39.ll.
Emmett Vogan-Grace Stafford
Hollywood Hobbles
(6-17-39) M-878 May I3,'39.I0.
Sally Payne-Joyce Compton
Ice Antics (2-24-39)
M-876 Feb. 1 1, '39.. 9.
(Sepia)
Love on Tap M-877 Mar. 18.'39.ll.
(Sepia)
Mary Howard
Mendelssohn's Wedding
March M-74 8.
Prophet Without Honor
(6-17-39) M-879 May 20.'39.ll.
Tom Neal
Rhumba Rhythm (9-9-39)
M-71 Sept. 2,'39tll.
(Sepia) Mary Teen-
Sally Blaine
MUSICAL COMEDIES
Dream of Love, A (3-4-39)
R-803 Jan. 28,'39.20.
(Sepia)
Happily Burled (6-3-39)
R-805 Aprl. I5,'39.20.
Anthony Allen- Rita Oehman
Title Rel. Date Min.
Somewhat Seerot (4-22-39)
R.804 Mar. 29,'39.2I . . . .
Mary Howard-Tom Collins
OUR GANG
Alfalfa's Aunt (2-4-39)
C-935 Jan. 7,'39.ll....
Auto Antics (9-16-39)
C-942 July 22,'39.l*
Captain Spanky's Showboat
C-131 Sept. 9,'39tll....
Clown Princess (6-3-39)
C-938 Apr. I5,'39.I0....
Cousin Wilbur (6-17-39)
C-939 Apr. 29,'39.l»
Dad for a Day C-132 Oct. 21 ,'39t . I rl. ,
Dog Daze (7-29-39) C-94I.July I. '39. 1 1....
Duel Personalities
(4-8-39) C-937 Mar. 1 1, '39. 10
Joy Scouts (7-29-39) June 24,'39. IB. . . .
Tiny Troubles (3-25-29)
C-936 Feb. I8,'39.I0
PASSING PARADE
(Sepia)
No. 3— (2-25-38) K-923...Feb. I8.'S9. 1 1 . . . .
(Story of Alfred Nobel)
No. 4 — (4-22-39) K-924...Mar. I8,'39.I0
(Story of Dr. Jenner)
No. 5— (6-17-39) K-925...May 20,'39.I0...
(Angel of Mercy) (Sepia)
No. 6— (6-17-39) K-926...June I7,'39..9..,
(Yankee Doodle Goes to
Town)
No. 7 — Giant of Norway
(7-22-39) K-927 Juno 24.'39. II . . ..
No. 8— Story That Couldn't
Be Printed (9-16-39)
K-928 July 22,'39.ll
No. 9 — One Against the
World (9-16-39) K-929..Aug. I9,'39. 1 1 . . . .
No. 10 — Unseen Guardians
(10-14-39) K-930 Aug. 26,'39.ll
PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES
Culinary Carving (8-12-39)
S-910 July l,'39..l
Double Diving (1-28-39)
S-904 Jan. I4,'39. .1. . . .
(Sepia)
Football Thrills of 1938
(10-14-39) S-912 Sept. I6,*39.I8. . . .
Heroes at Leisure (3-4-39)
8-905 Feb. 1 1,'39. 16
Let's Talk Turkey S-10I...Oct. 28.'39t.l rl..
Marine Circus (4-22-39)
S-906 Mar. 1 1, '39.. 9
(Color)
Poetry of Nature (7-8-39) . May I7,'39.I0
(Sepia)
Radio Hams (6-17-39)
S-908 May 20,'39.IO
Set 'Em Up (10-21-39)
S9I3 Oct. 7,'39.I0
Take a Cue (9-16-39)
S-9II Aug. I2,'39..9
(Sepia)
Weather Wizards (4-22-39)
S-907 Apr. 8,'39..9
ROBERT BENCHLEY
Dark Magic (5-27-39)
F-956 May 13, '39. 10
Day of Rest, The
(10-21-39) F-141 Sept. 6,'39t.9....
Home Early (6-17-39)
F-957 May 27,'39..9
Hour For Lunch, An
(4-22-39) F-955 Mar. I8,'39. .9. . . .
How to Eat (7-8-39)
F-958 June I0.'39.I0
MONOGRAM
Title Rel. Date . Min.
Raiders Over London Oct. I5,'39t 2 rls.
PARAMOUNT
BETTY BOOP CARTOONS
Title Rel. Date Min.
Musical Mountaineers
(5-27-39) T8-8 May I2,'30. .7.. . .
Rhythm on the Reservation
(7-22-39) T8-I0 July 7,'3e..7...
Scared Crows, The
(7-8-39) T8-9 June 9, '39.. 7...
So Does an Automobile
T8.7 Mar. 3I,'39..I rl..
Yip Yip Yippy (7-29-39)
J8-6 July 28,'39..7....
COLOR CLASSICS
Barnyard Brat (7-15-39)
C8-5 June 39,'39. .7...
Fresh Vegetable Mystery,
The (10-14-39) C9-I . . . . Sept. 22,'39t. I rl.
86
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
(THE RELEASE CHART— CONT'D)
Title Rel. Date Min.
Small Fry (5-6-38) C«-4..A|ir. 2I.'39..7...
COLOR CRUISES
Chile K9-3 Nov. I0,'39t. I rl. .
Colombia (8-12-39) K8-7..July 2I,'39. 10. . . .
Ecuador (9-16-39) K9-I . . .Sept. I,'39tl0....
Jamaica (7-15-39) K8-6...IHay 26,'39.I0. . . .
Land of the Inca Memories
(2-4-39) K8-4 Jan. 27,'39. 10. . . .
Peru (10-14-39) K9-2 Oct. 6,'39t.lrl..
Republic of Panama K8-5..Mar. 24,'39..l rl..
HEADLINERS
Artie Shaw's Class In Swing
(8-26-39) A9-I Sept. 8,'39tl0....
Champagne Music of
Lawrence Welk (3-4-39)
A8-8 Mar. 3, '39. 10
Moments of Charm of 1940
A9-2 Oct. I3,'39t.l rl..
Phil Spi'talny & Girl Orch.
Musie Through the Years
(2-25-39) A8-7 Feb. 3, '39. II....
Jan Garber and Orcb.
Paramount Presents Hoagy
Carmlchael (6-3-39)
A8-I0 May 5. '39. 10
Song Is Born, A (12-24-38)
A8-6 Jan. 6. '39. 10
Larry Clinton and Orch.
Sweet Moments (9-9-939)
A8-I2 Aug. 1 1 .'39. 1 1 . . . .
Russ Morgan and Orch.
Ted Flo Rite and His Oct. 6,'39t.l rl..
Orchestra A9-2
Tempo of Tomorrow
(7-1-39) AS- 1 1 June 2,'39.I0...
Richard Himber and. Orch.
Three Kings and a Queen
A8-9 Apr. 7.'39. .1 rl..
Vincent Lopez and Orch.
PARAGRAPHICS
Breaking the News
(9-2-39) J8-I2 Aug. 25,'39. 10. . . .
Busy Little Bears V9-2....0ct. 20,'39t . I rl . .
Circus Co-ed (3-11-39)
V8-8 Mar. I0,'39. 10. . . .
Farewell Vienna (7-15-39)
V8-II June 23.'39.I0
Fisherman's Pluek V8-9...Apr. I4,'39. . I rl. .
Oh Say, Can ' You Ski
(2-4-39) V8-5 Dec. I6,'38. 10. . . .
Public Hobby No. I
(9-16-39) V9-I Sept. 22,'39tl I . . . .
Schubert's Unfinished
Symphony (11-26-38)
V8-6 Jan. I3,'39.I0
Swans (5-27-39) V8-I0 ...May I9,'39. 10. . . .
That's Africa (3-4-39)
V8-7 Feb. I0,'39.l0
PARAMOUNT PICTORIAL
(New Series)
No. 6— P8-6 Jan. 6,'39..lrl..
No. 7— (2-11-39) P8-7....Feb. 3,'39..lrl..
No. »— (3-11-39) P8-8....Mar. 3, '39. 10....
No. 9— (5-20-39) P8-9....Mar. 3I,'39.I0...
No. 10— P8-I0 May 5,'39..lrl..
No. II— (6-24-39) P8-li...June 2,'39.I0...,
No. 12— (8-12-39) P8-l2..July 14,'39. 10. . . ,
POPEYE THE SAILOR
Aladdin and His Wonderful
Lamp (4-29-39) EEB-I..Apr. 7,'39.22...,
(special)
Customers Wanted
(2-18-39) E8-6 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Ghost Is the Bunk
(7-22-39) E8-9 June 16. '39. .7...
Hello How Am 17
(8-12-39) ES-IO July i4,'39..7...
It's the Natural Thing to
Do (8-26-39) E8-II July 28,'39..7...
Leave Well Enough Alone
(5-13-39) Feb. 24,'39..7...
Never Sock a Baby E9-i...Nov. 3.'39t.l rl..
Wotta Nitemare (7-15-39)
T8-8 Mar. 24,'39. .7. . . ,
PARAMOUNT SOUND NEWS
Two Editions Weekly
POPULAR SCIENCE
(in Color)
No. 3— J8-3 Jan. 6,'39..l rl.
No. 4— J8-4 ....Mar. I0,'39..lrl.
No. 5— (5-27-39) J8-5 May 12, '39. II...
No. 6— (7-29-39) J8-6 Aug. 4,'39.ll...
1939-40
No. I— J9-I Sept. I5,'39tl0...
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
No. 59 — Two Boys and a
Dog (12-31-38) R8-7....Jan. 20.'39.I0...
N». 60— Hold Your Breath
(2-18-39) R8-8 Feb. I7.'39.I0...
N*. 61 — The Sporting Irish
(3-4-39) R8-9 Mar. I7,'39.I0...
Title Rel. Date MIn.
No. 62 — Good Skates
(5-6-39) R8-I0 Apr. I4,'39. 10. . . .
No. 63 — Diamond Dust
(6-3-39) R8-II May I2,'39.I0
No. 64— Death Valley
Thrills (6-24-39) R8-l2.June 9,'39.I0....
No. 65— Watch Your Step
(8-19-39) R8-I3 July 7,'39.I0....
No. 66 — Hydro-Maniacs
(9-9-39) R9-I Sept. I.'39tl0
No. 66 — A Desert Adventure
(9-16-39) R9-2 Sept. 22,'39tl0
No. 67 — Catching Whoppers
(9-16-39) R9-3 Oct. I3.'39tl0
UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS
(In Color)
No. 4— (1-28-39) L8-4 Feb. 3,'39.I0
No. 5— (5-6-39) L8-5 Apr. I4,'39.ll
No. 6— (7-29-39) L8-6 June I6,'39.I0
(New Series)
No. I— (10-14-39) L9-I...0rt. I3,'39t.lrl..
No. 2— L9-2 Nov. I7,'39t. I rl . .
RKO RADIO
Title Rel. Date MIn.
LEON ERROL COMEDIES
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Home Boner 93,704 Mar. 10/39. 20. .. .
Moving Vanities (5-6-39)
93,705 May 5,'39.I7....
Ring Madness 9370 Juno 30,'39. II. . . .
Wrong Room, The (9-30-39)
03,701 Sept. 22,'39tl9
HEADLINERS
No, 3 — Swing Vacation
93,603 Feb. 24,'39.I7. . . .
No. 4— Sales Slips 93,604.. June 2. '39. 17
EDGAR KENNEDY COMEDIES
Act Your Age (10-14-39)
03,401 Oct. 6,'39tl8
Baby Daze 93,405 May I9,'39.I5
Clock Wise (4-1-39)
93,404 Mar. 24, '39. 18
Feathered Pests 93,406 July I4,'39. 16. . . .
Kennedy the Great 03,402. .Dec. I,'39t.2rlt.
Maid to Order 93,403 Jan. 27,'39.I8
INFORMATION PLEASE
No. I— (10-14-39) 04,201. .Sept. 8,'39tl0....
No. 2— 04,202 Oct. 6,'39tl I
MARCH OF TIME
1938- 39
No. 7 — Young America —
Mexico's New Crisis
(2-18-39) 93,107 Feb. I7,'39. 19. . . .
No. 8 — Background for War:
The Mediterranean
(3-18-39) 93,108 Mar. I7,'39.te
No. 9 — Japan: Master of
the Orient (4-15-39)
93,109 Apr. i4,'39.l9
No. 10— Dixle-U.S.A.
(5-13-39) 93,110 May I2,'39. 19. . . .
No. 1 1 — War, Peace and
Propaganda (6-10-39)
93.111 June 9,'39.I9
No. 12 — The Movies March
On (7-8-39) 93.112 July 7,'39.22....
No. 13— Metropolis— 1939
(8-5-39) 93,113 Aug. 4, '39. 18....
1939- 40
No. I— Soldiers with Wings
(9-9-39) 03,101 Sept. I,'39tl9....
No. 2— Battle Fleets of
England (10-7-39) Sept. 29,'39t 18. . . .
NU-ATLAS PRODUCTIONS
Arcade Varieties (5-20-39)
94,210 May I2,'39.l|
Lillian Roth
Hello Mama (4-1-39)
94,209 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
George Jessel
Readin' RItin' and
Rhythm 94,207 Feb. I7,'39. 10. . . .
Lucky Millinder and Orch.
Samovar Serenade 94, 208.. Mar. I7,'39.I0
Luba Mallna
Tropical Topics 94,206 Jan. 20,'39.I0
Roslta Ortega
PATHE NEWS
Released twice a week
PATHE REVIEWS
Released once a month
PATHE TOPICS
Released seven times a year
RADIO FLASH COMEDIES
Blamed for a Blonde
(10-14-39) 03,201 Oct. 20,'39t. 16. . . .
Coat Tails 03.202 Nov. I7,'39t.2 ris.
Marriage Go-Round 93,204. July 28,'39. 18. . . .
Plumb Crazy 93,202 Feb. 3, '39. 16
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Dog-Gone 93,208 Apr. 2I,'39.I6...
RAY WHITLEY COMEDIES
Bandit and Ballads 03,502. Dec. I5,'39t.2 rIs.
Cupid Rides the Range
(10-14-39) 03,501 Sept. 8,'39tl8
Ranch House Romeo
(4-1-38) 93,503 Apr. 7,'39.I7....
Sagebrush Serenade 93,504. June 6, '39. 19
REELISMS
Air Waves (3-17-39)
94,607 Mar. I0,'39. 10. . . .
Gold 94,606 Feb. I0,'39. . I rl. .
Kennel Kings (8-26-39)
94,612 July I2,'39..9....
Nevada Unlimited
(9-16-39) 04,601 BepL I5,'39t.8. . . .
Pack Trip (9-16-39) 94,613. Aug. I8.'39. .9. . . .
Soldiers of Sea 94,608 Apr. 7,'39..9....
Television (5-6-39) 94,609. May 5.'39..9
Swinquet (7-15-39) 94,610. May 26,'39..8...
World of Tomorrow
(7-15-39) 94,611 June 23,'39. .9. . . .
Zoo (8-12-39) 94,612 July 2I,'39. .9. . . .
RKO PATHE SPORTSCOPE
Big Leaguers (4-29-39)
64.309 Apr. 2I,'39..9...
Devil Drivers (7-15-39)
94.311 Juna I6,'39..9....
Gun Play (10-14-39)
04,301 Sept. I,'39t.lrl.
Hunting Hounds, 04,302 ...Sept. 29,'39t.l rl..
Riding the Crest (7-8-39)
94.312 July I4,'39..9....
Smooth Approach (5-20-39)
94.310 May I9,'39. .O'/j. .
Snow Falls (3-18-39)
94.307 Feb. 24,'39..l rl.
Sporting Wings (4-1-39)
94.308 Mar. 24,'39. .9. . . .
SPECIAL
Five Times Five (9-16-39)
93,801 July 23.'39.20....
WALT DISNEY CARTOONS
Autograph Hound 94,116...
Beach Picnic (5-27-39) Sept. I, '39.. 8....
94,114 June 9,'39..8....
Donald's Cousin Gus
(5-20-39) 94.113 May I9.'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Lucky Day
(IO-i-38) 94.107 Jan. I3.'39. .8. . . .
Donald's Penguin (5-27-39)
94,117 Aug. 1 1,'39. .8. . . .
Goofy and Wilbur
(10-1-38) 94,110 Mar. I7,'39. .8. . . .
Hockey Champ (5-20-39)
94,110 Mar. I7,'39. .7. . . .
Officer Duck 04,101 Sept. 22,'39f .8. . . .
Practical Pig, The
(10-1-38) 94,109 Feb. 24,'39
Sea Scout 94,115 June 30,'39..8...
Society Dog Show
(11-12-38) 94,108 Feb. 3,'39..8....
Ugly Duckling, The
(10-1-38) 94.111 Apr. 7.'39..8....
20TH CENTURY-FOX
ADVENTURES OF THE
NEWSREEL CAMERAMAN
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Conquering the Colorado
(8-26-39) 0201 Aug. I8,'39tl I . . . .
Filming the Fleet (9-23-39)
0202 Oct. 27,'39tll....
Sand Hogs 9205 May I2,'39. 10. . . .
FASHIONS (In Color)
Fashion Forecast, No. 3
9603 Mar. 3I,'39. 10. . . .
Fashion Forecast, No. 4
9604 July 7,'39..l rl..
Fashion Forecast, No. 5
0601 5ept. I5,'39ti0....
Fashion Forecast, No. 6
0602 Dec. 22,'39t.l rl. .
FATHER HUBBARD'S ALASKAN
ADVENTURES
Aghileen Pinnacles
(10-21-39) 0103 Nov. I0,'39tll
Birthplace of Icebergs
(9-2-39) 0101 Aug. 4,'39tll....
LEW LEHR
Monkeys Is the Cwazlest
People (9-30-39) 0401... Sept. 29,'39tl0
Muscle Maulers (5-6-39)
9404 Apr. I4,'39. 1 1 . . . .
Silly Season, The 0402 1 rl..
What Every Inventor
Should Know 9403 Jan. 20,'39. 1 1 . . . .
MAGIC CARPET SERIES
(Lowell Thomas)
Evergreen Empire, The
(10-21-39) 0102 Oct. 13,'39tll....
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Good Neighbors 9106 May 26,'39.ll
Isle of Pleasure (11-19-38)
9103 Feb. 3,'39.ll....
Mystic Slam (5-6-39) 9105. Mar. I7,'39.I0
Tempest Over Tunis 9107.. June 9,'39.ll
Viking Trail (12-31-38)
9104 Feb. I7,'39.I0...
TERRY-TOONS
Africa Squawks 9516 June 30,'39. .7. . .,
Barnyard Baseball 9517. ...July I4,'39..7....
Barnyard Egg-eitement
(5-6-39) 9528 May 5. '39.. 7
(color)
Cuckoo Bird, The 9511 Apr. 7,'3»..7
First Robin, The 0555 Dee. 29.'39t. I rl. .
(color)
Frozen Feet 9509 Feb. 24,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy Goose In a Bully
Romance 9515 June I6,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy Goose In G Man
Jitters 9510 Mar. I0,'39. .7. . . .
Gandy the Goose in thi
Frame Up 9507 Dec. 30,'38..7
Golden West, The (8-26-39)
0501 Aug. 25,'39t.7....
Hitch-Hiker, The 0505 Dec. l,'39t.lri..
Hook Line and Sinker 0552. Sept. 8,'39t.7....
Mouse and a Million 0504.. Nov. 3,'39t.l rl..
Nick's Coffee Pot 9513 May I9.'39..7
Nutty Network, The 9527.. Mar. 24,'39..7...
(color)
One Gun Gary In Nick
of Time 9503 Jan. 27,'39..7...
Orphan Duck, The
(10-14-39) 0553 Oct. 6,'39t.7....
Owl and Pussycat, The
9525 Jan. I3,'39. .7. . . .
(color)
Prize Guest, The. 9514 June 2,'39..7
Sheep in the Meadow
(10-14-39) 0502 Sept. 22,'39t.7. . . .
Their Last Bean (4-29-39)
9512 Apr. 21. '39. .7....
Three Bears, The 9526 Feb. I0,'39..7...
(color)
Two Headed Giant
(8-12-39 ) 0551 Aug. Il,'39t.7...
Watchdog, The 0503 Oct. 20,'39t.l ri..
Wicky-Wacky Romance
0554 Nov. I7,'39t.l rl..
(color)
ED THORGERSEN (Sports)
Big Game Fishing 0301. ..Sept. I,'39tl0
Clocking the Jockies
(10-7-39) 0302 Nov. 24,'39tll
Hunting Dogs (5-6-39)
9303 Mar. 3,'39.ll...
Inside Baseball 9304 Apr. 28,'39.ll....
Sports Immortals 9305 June 23,'39.tl...
UNITED ARTISTS
WORLD WINDOWS
(Color)
Title RoL Date MIn,
Arabian Bazaar (1 2-31-38). Sept. I,'.39.l>...
Eternal Fire, The
(1-28-39) Sept. 21,'St. 10. . . .
Fox Hunting (1-21-39) Jan. 3,'39.I0....
Jerusalem (1-14-39) May I,'3*.l0.,.
Labanon Coast Dec. I.'SS.IS....
Petra (I-I4-39) Aug. l.'St.lO....
Rome Symphony (12-31-38). Fob. I5.'39.I0
River Thames (4-15-39)... Nov. I,'39.I8
Ruins of Palmyra Get. I, '39. 10
Wanderers of the Desert. .. July I, '39. 19
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Bate MIn.
GOING PLACES WITH
GRAHAM McNAMEE
No. 58— (2-11-39) 3356 Dee. 26,'38.,i....
No. 59— (2-25-39) 3357 Jan. 30,'39. .9. . . .
No. 60— (3-11-39) 3358 Feb. 20/39. .9J4. .
No. 61— (4-15-39) 3359. ...Mar. I3,'39. .9.. . .
No. 62— (5-20-39) 3360. ...Apr. I0,'39. .9.. . .
(Reviewed under title, "America Takes to
Skies.")
No. 63— (6-3-39) 3361 May I5,'39. .9'/a. ■
(Reviewed under the title, "Theatre of the
Sky.")
No. 64— (7-15-39) 3362.... June 26,'39. .9"/4. .
No. 65— (7-29-39) 3363. ...July I7,'39. .9. . . .
No. 66— (9-30-39) 4351 .... Sept. 25/39t.9....
No. 67— (10-14-39) 4352... Oct. I6,'39t .9. . . .
No. 68— (10-14-39) 4353. ..Nov. I3,'39t.9. . . .
LANTZ CARTUNES
Arabs with Dirty Fezzes
(8-26-39) 3259 July 31, '39. .7. ..
Baby Kittens (12-3-38)
3245 Dec. I9,'38. .1 rl..
Bird on Nellie's Hat
(7-8-39) 3257 June I9,'39..7...
October 28, 1939
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
87
(THE I^ELEASE CHART— CONT'DI
Title Rel. Data Mil.
Birth of a Toothpick 3250.. Feb. 27,'S9..7W.
Sola Mola Land (5-27-39)
3256 May 29,'S9. .7. . . .
Charlie Cuckoo (5-13-39)
3254 Apr. 24.'39. 7.. .
Crack Pot Cruise 3253 Apr. 10, '39. .61/2 .
I'm Just a Jitterbug
(1-21-39) 3248 Jan. 23.'39. .7. . . .
Little Blue Blackbird
(12-10-38) 3246 Dec. 26,'38..7...
Little Tough Mice
(4-15-39) 3251 Mar. i3,'39. .7. . . .
Magic Beans (3-11-39)
3249 Feb. I3,'39. .7'/» . .
Nellie of the Circus
5-20-39) 3255 May B,'39..7
One Armed Bandit
(4-8-39) 3252 Mar. 27,'39. .7. . . .
Silly Superstition (9-23-39)
3262 Aug. 28.'39..7
Slap Happy Valley 3261... Aug. 2I,'39..7
Snuffy Skunk's Party
(9-23-39) 3260 Aug. 7,'39..7
Soup to Muttt (2-4-39)
3247 Jan. 9,'39..7
Stubborn Mule (8-12-39)
3258 July 3,'39..7
LANTZ COLORED CARTOONS
A-Haunting We Will Go
(7,15-39) Sept. 4.'39t.7....
Life Begins for Andy Panda
(9-23-39) Oct. 9,'39t.8V4..
Sleeping Princess, The 4263 Nov. 20,'39t
MENTONE MUSICAL COMEDIES
Bank Notes (3-11-39) 3228. Mar. i5,'3g. 19. . . .
Bus Van
Cafe Boheme (4-1-39)
3229 Apr. I2.'39l 17. . . .
Ray Smeck & Islanders
Gals and Gallons (6-3-39)
3232 July I2,'39. i7'A . .
East and Dumke
Music and Models (12-3-38)
3225 Dec. I4,'38.I8
Jack Arthur
Nautical Knights (1-28-39)
3226 Jan. Ii,'39.l9
Arthur & Morton Havel
Pharmacy Frolics (5-20-39)
3230 May I7,'39.I8
Three Playboys
Stars end Stripes (7-2-38)
2172 Feb. 15, '39.. 2 ris.
Ed East-Ralph Dumke
Swing Sanitorium (5-20-39)
3231 June i4,'39J8
Dorothy Stone-Chas. Collins
Wild and Bully (2-18-39)
3227 Feb. I5,'39.I9
J. Harold Murray
With Best Dishes (6-3-39)
3233 Aug. 9,'39.I7
Charles Kemper
SPECIAL
March of Freedom
(5-20-39) 4110 Sept. 6,'39t20
STRANGER THAN FICTION SERIES
No. 58— Novelty (1-28-39)
3369 Jan. 2,'39. .9'/2 • .
No. 59— Novelty (3-4-39)
3370 Feb. 6,'39..9....
Ns. 60— Novelty (3-4-39)
3371 Mar. 6,'39..9....
No. 61— Novelty (4-22-39)
3372 Apr. 3,'39..9
No. 62— Novelty (5-20-39)
3373 May I. '39.. 9....
No. 63— Novelty (6-3-39)
3374 June 5,'39..9
No. 64— Novelty (9-9-39)
3375 July 3, '39. 10....
No. 65— Novelty (7-15-39)
3376 Aug. 7/39. .9'/2 . .
No. 66— Novelty (10-21-39)
4371 Sept. l8,'39t .8'/2. .
No. 67— Novelty (10-14-39)
4372 Oct. 9.'39t.9
No. 68— Novelty 4373 Nov. 6,'39t.9
TWO-REEL MUSICALS
Boy Meets Joy 4221 Sept. 6,'39tl7
Pinky Tomiin-Joy Hodges
Old Spanish Custom, An
4223 Nov. I5,'39t.2 ris.
Swing Hotel (10-14-39)
Win! Shaw
4222 Oct. i8,'39tl8....
VITAPHONE
BROADWAY BREVITIES
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Sunda* Serenade 4020 Feb. 25,'39. .2 rlt.
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Rosie Moran
Projection Room 4022 Mar. 4,'39..2rls.
Arthur and Case
ice Frolic (10-14-39) 20
Eleanor Gardner
Home Cheap Home 4023... Mar. I8,'39..2rl>
Henry Armetta
A Fat Chance 4024 Mar. 25.'39. .2 rIs.
Johnny Perkins
Roiiin' In Rhythm 4025... Apr. i5,'39. .2 rIs.
Seeing Spots 4026 Apr. 29,'39. .2 rIs.
Duke McHaie
You're Next to Closing
4027 May I3,'39. .2 rl».
Cross and Dunn
Broadway Buckaroo
(617-39) 4028 June 3,'39.20
Red Skeiton
Quiet Please (5-27-39)
4006 July l,'39.20
Fritz Fold (Color)
Wardrobe Girl 4029 June t7,'39
Ginger Manners
A Swing Opera 4030 July 22,'39. .2 ris..
Tess Gardelia
Seeing Red (8-26-39) 4018. Aug. 26,'39.20
Red Skeiton
Siapsie Maxie (9-16-39)...
5303 Sept. I0,'39tl7....
Maxie Rosenhloom
Remember When (9-16-39)
5101 20....
Eaton Boys
Ride, Cowboy, Ride
(10-21-39) 20....
Dennis Morgan
COLOR PARADE
The Roaming Camera
(4-15-39) 4608 Mar. 25,'39.ll
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 4
(3-27-39) 4609 Apr. 22,-39. 10. . . .
For Your Convenience
(6-17-39) 4610 May 20.'39. 10. . . .
Mechanix Illustrated, No. S
4612 June I7.'39. .1 rl. .
Modern Methods (8-12-39)
4611 July I5.'39.I0
Mechanix Illustrated, No. 6
4613 Aug. 5,'39..l rl..
Mechanix Illustrated, No. I
(9-2-39) 5401 Sept. 30,'39tl0. . . .
FLOYD GIBBONS'
"YOUR TRUE ADVENTURE"
A Minute from Death 4307. Mar. 4, '39.. I rl..
Chained (4-15-39) 4308. ...Apr. I, '39. 12....
Voodoo Fires (5-27-39)
4309 IVlay 6,'39.I2
Haunted House (6-24-39
4310 June 3,'39.I2
Lives In Peril 4311 July i,'39..l rl..
Three Minute Fuse (9-2-39)
4312 July 29,'39.ll....
Verge of Disaster 4313 Aug. 26,'39..l rl..
HISTORICAL TECHNICOLOR
FEATURETTES
Lincoln In the White House
(1-14-39) 4004 Feb. Ii,'39.20
Frank McGlynn (color)
(Exploitation: Feb. 25,'39, p. 68; May
20,'39. p. 61.)
Sons of Liberty (3-2S-39)
4005 May 20,'39.20
Claude Rains
Bill of Rights (9-16-39)
4007 Aug. I9,'39t.20..
Monroe Doctrine 5001 Oct. I4,'39t.2 ris.
LOONEY TUNES
No. 65 — Porky's Tiro
Trouble 4808 Feb. I8,'39. . I rl. .
No. 66 — Porky's Movie
Mystery (3-24-39) 4809. .Mar. 1 1,'39. .7. . . .
No. 67— Chicken Jitters
(4-1-39) 4810 Apr. 22,'39. . I rl . .
No. 68 — Porky and Tea-
biscuit (5-20-39) 4811. ..Apr. I,'39..7....
No. 69 — Krlstopher Kolum-
bus, Jr. 4812 May I3,'39..l rl..
No. 70 — Polar Pals
(6-17-39) 4813 June 3, '39.. 7...
No. 71 — Scalp Trouble
4814 June 24, '39. .1 rl..
No. 72 — Porky's Picnic
4815 July I5,'39..l rl..
No. 73— Wise Quack
(8-19-39) 4816 Aug. 5,'39..7....
No. 74— Porky's Hotel
5601 Sept. 2,'39t.l rl..
No. 75 — Jeepers Creepers
(9-30-39) 5602 Sept. 23,'39t.7.. . .
No. 76 — Naughty Neighbors
5063 Oct. 7,'39t.7rl..
Title Rel. Date MIn.
MELODY MASTERS
Jerry Livingston and Orch.
4709 Feb. 4,'39..l ri
Russ Morgan and Orch.
(3-4-39) 4710 Feb. 25,'39.I0..
Dave Apoiion and Orch.
4711 Apr. 22, '39.. I rl
Clyde McCoy and Orch.
(5-27-39) 4712 Mar. I8,'39.i0..
Artie Shaw and Orch.
(4-8-39) 4713 Apr. 29,'39.I0..
Larry Clinton and Orch.
4714 May 20,'39. .1 rl
Leith Stevens and Orch.
(6-17-39) 4715 June I0,'39.i0..
Rita Rio and Orch. 4716. ..July l,'39..l rl
Will Osborne and Orch.
(8-5-39) 4717 July 22,'39ti0..
Eddie Delange and Orch.
4718 Aug. i2,'39..l rl
Swing Styles (9-16-39)
5501 Sept. 2,'39tl0. .
Vincent Lopez and His Or-
chestra (10-21-39) 5502. .Sept. 30.'39tl0..
MERRIE MFLODIES
(In Color)
No. 75 — Robin Hood Makes
Good (3-4-39) 4511 Feb. 11, '39.. 7..
No. 76 — Gold Rush Daze
4512 Feb. 25.'39..i rl
No. 77 — A Day at the Zoo
4513 Mar. 11, '39.. I rl.
No. 78 — Presto Chango
4514 Mar. 25,'39..i rl
No. 79 — Bars and Stripes
Forever 4515 Apr. 8,'39..irl
No. 80 — Daffy Duck and
Dinosaur (4-22-39) 4516. Apr. 22,'39..7..
No. 81— Thugs with Dirty
Mugs 4517 May 6,'39..P rl
No. 82— Naughty But Mice
4519 May I0,'39. .1 rl
No. 83 — Believe It or Else
4520 June 3,'39..l rl
No. 84 — Hobo Gadget Band
(6-17-39) 4518 June i7,'39..7..
No. 85— Old Glory
(6-17-39) 4521 July I,'39.I0..
No. 86 — Dangerous Dan
McFoo 4522 July 15, '39.. I rl
No. 87 — Snow Man's Land
4523 July 29,'39. . I rl
No. 88 — Hare-Um Scare-Um
(8-12-39) 4524 Aug. I2,'39..7..
No. 89 — Detouring Amarlta
(9-9-39) 4525 Aug. 26,'39..7..
No. 90— Little Brother Rat
4526 Sept. 2,'39..l rl
No. 91— Sioux Me 5301... Sept. 9,'39t.lrl
No. 92— Land of The Mid-
night Sun (10-14-39) Sept. 23,'39t . I rl
No. 93— Little Lion Hunter
5302 Oct. 7.'39t.l rl
TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS
The Master's Touch 4408... Feb. i8,'39..l rl
Romance in Color 4404 Aug. I9.'39..l rl
SPECIAL
Nine Million, The
(2-l8-3» 9..
VITAPHONE VARIETIES
"Gadgeteers" 4906 Feb. I8,'39..lrl
Tax Trouble 4907 Mar. I8,'39..l rl
Grouch Club
The Crawfords "at Home"
4909 Apr. I5,'39..l rl
Dean of the Pasteboards
(5-27-39) 4910 May 27,'39.i0..
Luis Zingone
Right Way, The (6-17-39)
4908 July I, '39.. 9..
Irene Rich
Witness Trouble 4911 July 29,'39..l rl
Grouch Club
One Day Stand (8-26-39)
4912 Aug. I9,'39.I0..
Vote Trouble (9-16-39)
5701 Sept. 9.'39t.9..
Grouch Club
History Repeats Itself
(10-14-39) 10..
Sword Fishing (10-14-39)
5702 Oct. 2l,'39tl0..
OTHER PRODUCT
TItIt Rel. Date MIn.
ABPC
Come Back to Erin
(5-20-39) 33...
ALLIANCE
Birth of the Movies Sept. I,'39.22...
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Warning, The (4-1-39) Aug. I,'39.32
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Footsteps (5-27-39) II
AMERICAN TRADING
La Traviata
Travel Talks
ASSOC. OF SCHOOL FILM LIBRARIES
New World for Old
(6-3-39) ...25....
BRITISH
Border Collie (8-12-39)
Londoners, The (4-29-39) 35
Reporter investigates
Liberty (5-6-39) 17....
CENTRAL
Chinook's Children (6-3-39) 10....
ENNIS
Memory Lingers On, The
(8-5-39) 10....
FRENCH FILM EXCHANGE
Ave Maria (7-15-39)
Rembrandt (7-15-39)
Trip to the Sky (7-1-39) 10....
Violin, The (9-23-39) 10....
G. P. 0.
"Do it Now" (9-30-39) II
Health for the Nation
(7-15-39)
Spare Time (6-17-39)
Men in Danger (6-17-39)
LENAUER INTERNATIONAL
Getting Your Money's
Worth, No. 3 (10-21-39) i rl..
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY
For Auld Lang Syna
(4-22-39) 10...
PATHE COMMERCIAL
Miracles of Modernization
(7-8-39) 8..,
SPECTATOR-DENNING
Point of View (6-3-39)
U. S. FOREST SERVICE
4,000 Gifts of the Forest
(8-26-39) 2rU
WORLD
Ave Marie
City, The (5-20-39) 44....
YORKE
Ninth State, The
(iO-7-39)
.22.
SEI^IALS
12 Episodes Each Unless Otherwise Speelfled
COLUMBIA
Title Rel. Date Ml*.
Mandrake, the Magician
(5-13-39) May 6,'39
Warren Hull-Doris Weston
(1st episode 27 min.)
Overland with Kit Carson
(9-2-39) July 21, '39
Bill Elliott-Iris Meredith
Shadow, The 1140 Nov. 24.'39t
(15 episodes)
REPUBLIC
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Daredevils of the Red
Circle (6-10-39) 871... .June i0,'39. 18. . . .
Charles Quigiey-Herman Brix (each)
(ist episode 30 min.)
Dick Tracy's G-Men
(8-19-39) 872 Sept. 2.'39
Ralph Byrd
(15 episodes) (Ist episode 29 min.)
Lone Ranger Rides Again
870 Feb. 25,'39..2rU
Robert Livingston- (each)
Chief Thunder Cloud
(15 episodes) (ist episode 30 min.)
(Exploitation: Nov. 11, '39, p. 55.)
Zorro's Fighting Legion
873
Reed Hadley
UNIVERSAL
Title Rel. Date MIn.
Buck Rogers (2-11-39)
3881-92 Apr. II, '39
Buster Crabbe
Green Hornet, The
Gordon Jones-Anne Nagel
Oregon Trail, The
(5-20-39) 4581-95 July 4,'39t2l....
John Mack Brown-Louise Stanley (each)
(15 episodes)
Phantom Creeps, The
(9-2-39) 4681-92 Oct. I7,'39t2i . . . .
Beia Lugosi- Dorothy Arnold (each)
88
MOTION PICTURE HERALD
October 28, 1939
CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISING
Ten cents per word, money-order or check with copy. Count initials, box number and address. Minimum insertion,
$1. Four insertions for the price of three. Contract rates on application. No borders or cuts. Forms close
Mondays at 5 P.M. Publisher reserves the right to reject any copy. Film and trailer service advertising not
accepted. Classified advertising not subject to agency commission. Address correspondence, copy and checks to
MOTION PICTURE HERALD. Classified Dept., Rockefeller Center, New York City
the great
national medium
for showmen
THEATRES
WILL PAY CASH FOR THEATRE IN CAL-
ifornia, Oregon, Idaho, Montana. BOX 1206, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
FOR SALE OR LEASE IMMEDIATELY BEAU-
tiful modern 1,800 seat theatre one hundred percent
location, east side New York City. Million people to
draw from. Completely equipped for everything. Must
be seen to be appreciated. Right person can make
marvelous deal. No brokers. CLARENCE LOEWE,
1518 Paramount Bldg., New York City.
WANTED— SMALL TOWN THEATRE. NEW
York or New England. BOX 1207, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
800 SEAT THEATRE: TWO SIMPLEX PRO-
jectors; RCA sound. City population 150,000; for sale
or lease. LOMAS COMPANY, 23 Elm St., Springfield,
Mass.
THEATRE FOR SALE IN NEARBY SMALL
town. Large territory. Good equipment. ODRA
SHELOR, Colchester, 111.
WILL LEASE OR BUY THEATRE IN OHIO.
Indiana or Michigan. BOX 1208, MOTION PICTURE
HERALD.
WANTED T€ BUT
WANTED TO BUY A USED METAL BOOTH,
AVALON THEATRE, Ava, Mo.
NEW GENEI^AL
E€DIPMENT
TAKE TIME TO PAY FOR YOUR EQUIP-
ment purchases — use new, S. O. S. Easy Payment
Plan. Buy at regular catalog prices. Free booklet.
S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
REAR SHUTTERS FOR SIMPLEX $29.50!
Take advantage of this value while they last. Mod-
ernize your Simplex by installing rear shutter. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
COMPLETE STAGE SETTING $50.00 — OUR
Drapery Department tells you how! Amazingly beau-
tiful results. Send for sample materials and diagram.
S. O. S. CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
WHY PAY "PUFFED" PRICES F'OR SOUND
equipment? We've thousands of satisfactory installa-
tions . the world over on guaranteed complete systems
selling from $239.50. Send for bulletin. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
USEE) eENEI^AL
ECUII^MENT
MISTER— HERE'S REAL CHAIR VALUE!
Thousands fine used seats, veneer, upholstered 75c up.
Good for years of service. List mailed. S. O. S.
CINEMA SUPPLY CORP., New York.
$2.25 FOR FULLY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS
with spring seats, recovered with new leatherette;
also veneers and parts in stock. ALLIED SEATING
COMPANY, INC., 36-38 W. 13th St., New York.
3SMM PORTABLE TALKIE PROJECTOR,
DeVry type. (2,000 foot) $125. Theatre talkie outfit,
$250. Sacrifice other property deceased showman.
List. WOODWARD, JR., Morrisville, Pa.
TWO 35MM DEVRY SOUND PORTABLE
machines used two winters, a dozen extra's also 200
chairs, used. LYRIC THEATRE, Oslo, Minn.
SCHOOL DESIRES QUICK SALE PAIR SIM-
plex Acme 35mm portables complete late models, used
very little. Write BRUCE HOAG. Warwick, New
York.
SIMPLEX "K" 2,000 FOOT MAGAZINES,
Mazda Lamp B. & L. condensers, double B.B. Int.
Weber soundhead. Mellaphone amplifier, ready to run
nothing needed. F'irst cash offer, $325.00. MUNICIPAL
THEATRE, Millheim, Pa.
PCSITICN WANTED
MANAGER, THOROUGHLY EXPERIENCED
wishes connection. M. M. LEDFORD, 2117 Fifth Ave.,
McKeesport, Pa.
PROJECTIONIST; EXPERIENCED. DO SHOW
card lettering, references. W. BEHRENS, 902 N.
Eighth St., Sheboygan, Wis.
100% THEATRE MANAGER, WILL WORK
first week free. References exchanged. BOX 1209,
MOTION PICTURE HERALD.
ASSISTANT MANAGER WITH PROJECTION-
ist's license. Well educated. Experienced, also ex-
perienced film technician. BOX 1210. MOTION PIC-
TURE HERALD.
TIEED WANTED
OPERATORS AND MANAGERS, EVERY STATE,
movie circuits. No. 519 STATE THEATRE, Pitts-
burgh, Pa.
UNEMPLOYED THEATRE MANAGERS:
Need two men to contact theatre owners. Must have
car and travel in protected territories. Earnings will
be on commission basis, but good men can earn $50
to $75 weekly. Write in detail. BOX 1211, MOTION
PICTURE HERALD.
Dcers
MOTION PICTURE SOUND ENGINEERING— S47
pages; illustrated; cover."! every practical method and
process in present-day sound engineering. Leading en-
gineers explain every detail of apparatus and its ar-
rangement, with diagrams, tables, charts and graphs.
This manual comes straight from the workshops of the
studios in Hollywood. It is indispensable to everyone
working with sound equipment. Price, $6.50 postpaid.
QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
THE 1939-40 EDITION OF THE INDUSTRY'S
international reference book, "Motion Picture Almanac,"
edited by Terry Ramsaye, is now in circulation. It is
indispensable to every executive in the industry. This
issue contains more than 11,000 biographies of impor-
tant film people. Send your order today. Price $3.25
postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Cen-
ter, New York.
NEW 567 PAGE BOOK ON AIR CONDITIONING
by Charles A. Fuller, authority on the subject. Avail-
able for theatre owners contemplating engineering
changes. Book is cloth bound with index and charts
and covers every branch of the industry as well as
codes and ordinances regulating installation. Order
now at $4.00 a copy postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP,
Rockefeller Center, New York.
RICHARDSON'S BLUEBOOK OF PROJECTION.
Just off the press! A second revision of the Sixth
Edition of Richardson's Bluebook of Projection with a
complete section of Sound Trouble-Shooting Charts as
well as a host of additional up-to-the-minute text on
the latest equipment. Price $7.25 postpaid. QUIGLEY
BOOKSHOP, Rockefeller Center, New York.
CCCrrEEDING
SYSTEM
THEATRE MANAGEMENT RECORD AND TAX
Register. This new accounting system is the finest
book of its kind ever made available to an exhibitor.
In addition to being complete in every respect, it is
simple — so much so that it is not necessary to have
had bookkeeping experience in order to keep an ac-
curate, complete and up-to-the-minute record of the
business of your theatre. The introductory price is
only $2.00 postpaid. QUIGLEY BOOKSHOP, Rocke-
feller Center, New York.
1940 EXHIBITORS DATE BOOK NOW READY.
The only complete Managers Date Book published,
having spaces for Double F'eatures, Comedies, Serials
and Shorts, with the advertising and shipping in-
structions and condition of film for Every Day in the
year. Desk size 8 x 13. Used by several large
circuits. Price $2.50, shipped on approval. Address,
EXHIBITORS DATE BOOK, Lincoln Theatre,
Charleston, S. C.
PRESS OF
C. J. O'BRIEN, INC.
NEW YORK
GREATEST
OF ALL
IN the fifty years since Eastman supplied
the film for the world's first movies, there
have been many great Kodak emulsions
designed especially for the motion picture
industry. . . . Greatest of all are Eastman
Plus-X, Super-XX, and Background-X . . ,
today's ruling favorites in the studio and
on location. Eastman Kodak Company,
Rochester, N. Y. (J. E. Brulatour, Inc., Dis-
tributors, Fort Lee, Chicago, Hollywood.)
EASTMAN
PLrS-X SUPER-XX
for general studio mms€ for ail difficult shots
BACKGROUND-X
for hackffrounds and general exterior trorh
PARAMOUNT
Leads the industry with
FIVE SMASH pictures in
the last five months!
Industry's hit picture record, compiled from the receipts
of key theatres from coast to coast — May through
September: PARAMOUNT, 5; Company A, 4; Company
B, 4; Company C, 3; all others, 2.
Paramount's Big Ones May through September:
Union Pacific,'' ''Man About Town," "Star Maker,"
Beau Geste," "Honeymoon in Bali."
II
and now . . .''Jamaica Inn" and
"Disputed Passage
1
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