JANUARY 11, 1941

METRO'S APPROACH TO THE DECREE

1+ has been remarked and reiterated on this page in the past that the Consent Decree will have the best chance to accomplish its purpose of bringing harmony and equity to the industry if all concerned know their rights and duties under it. In this connection, it is encouraging to read the message sent to all Metro branch managers by William F. Rodgers, the company's sales chief.

Referring to the special convention held by Loew's officials in November, Rodgers reminds the branch heads: "You were provided with a copy of the document in its final form and invited to make inquiries concerning any part thereof that was not understood by you. All inquiries were promptly answered from the dais, and it can, therefore, be assumed that each of our Branch and District Managers are thor- oughly acquainted with its contents."

He then issues this direct order and challenge to the whole Metro sales organization: "You should take time out to call a meeting of all those who come in contact with exhibi- tors, and especially those who have anything to do with the selling and booking of our product, that each may know thoroughly the contents of this doc- ument and be reminded of the in- sistence of our company that the Consent Decree be respected in its entirety and that we will not tol- erate any violations. Each man is on his personal responsibility to see that the Consent Decree, so far as it affects him and his method of doing business, is lived up to and respected in all of its contents."

If Mr. Rodgers' obvious sincerity is accepted at face value by every- one in the M-G-M organization, it is safe to assume that this company will have a minimum of arbitration cases and fewer complaints filed against it with the Department of Justice.

STUDIO FORECAST, 1941 ... In the Next Issue

That important annual feature of FILM BULLETIN, Studio Forecast for 1941, will be the big news of the industry after our January 25th issue appears. Here will be the most complete, comprehensive and au- thentic information about all the film stu- dios— their plans, promises and potentialities for this new year. Here will be the basis upon which the farseeing theatreman can start formulating his buying plans for next season. Here will be the inside dope from which the film man can obtain an uncolor- ed analysis of his own company's and his competitors' position in the production picture.

Make sure now that someone else in the office does not swipe your copy of the Jan- uary 25th issue. Instruct the mailman to deliver it to you personally!

Rodgers is not alone in placing on record his company's attitude toward the Decree; Herman Wobber of 20th Cen- tury-Fox, Neil Agnew of Paramount and Grad Sears of Warner Bros, have also indicated that they will brook no schemes for circumventing the letter or intent of the docu- ment. But, by his forthright and unequivocal statement, the Metro sales chief has set a pattern of executive attitude that should be followed by all others. MO WAX.

A NEW FACE--BUT THE SAME HEART

We hope you uttered something like, "Ah, that's pretty!" when you first glanced at the new cover which adorns this issue. You see, it's a concession to our vanity and the artist's insistence that FILM BULLETIN has not been attrac- tive as it is important. So we finally said, "OK, doll us up a bit."

Frankly, it is a bit embarrassing. We are believers in the simple, fundamental virtues and duties like Honesty, Forth- rightness, Independence, Service, and being prettied up just for the sake of being prettier makes us squirm. But the artist wisely observed that he is not changing our heart or our principles, he is merely touching up the face.

The BULLETIN, between the covers, will always remain the same staunch advocate and defend- er of what Is true and good and right and fair and decent. It will say what it has to say In the same forceful, unequivocating, direct words it has always spoken. The fact that more exhibitors and more film men join our list of subscribers almost every day serves to convince us more and more that The BULLE- TIN is serving a useful purpose to the whole film industry.

If you liked us with our old face, you will like us at least as much with the new. If you disliked us before, our face won't change your opinion one bit.

FILM BLM.ETIN, an Indeix-iident Motion IMcture Trade I'aper puhlished every other Saturday by Film Unlletin ('.>nii>any. Mo Wax Kdltor and 1'iilillj.lier I'UBLICATION-BniTORIAL OFFIOKS: 1239 Vine St.. IMiila.. Peiina.; KITten house 74 .' 1 ; Itarney Stein, I'ublieation Manager. Ted liarlow flrrulation Mananer. NEW YORK OFITCK: 509 BKO BldR., Koeliefeller (enter; ( Olunilius 5 ;'l,>r>. linrry N. Blair, (ieneral BusinetiN Msr: I ranli I,«>yendeelier, SlnlT Keiiresental ive. WEST COAST OFFICE: 210 Radio Center BulIdinK, 1509 North Vine Street, Hollywood, < iilifornia. IMione: OI.adNlone -Ml!!; David J. Ilanna, West CoaNt Editor. BOSTON OFFICE: 14 Piedmont .Street: Bert Barclay. WASIIINOTON. I). C. OFFICE, Bond BuildinR; Milton F. I.uneh.

SubscrlDtion rate: ONE YEAR, $3.00 in the United States; Canada $4.00; Euro|>e $,-..00, TWO YEAK8, $5.00 in the I nited States: Ciuiada *7.80; Europe $9.00. Applieution pending entry as second class matter at the Philadelphia, l"a., I'ost Ollice.

'FLIGHT FROM DESTINY' ABSORBING AND UNUSUAL DRAMA

Rates • • + generally if exploited

HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

Warners 73 M.nutes

Geraldine Fitzgerald, Thomas Mitchell, Jef- fry Lynn, James Stephenson, Mona Maris, Jonathon Hale, Mary Gordon, John Eldridge, Hardie Albright, William Forrest, Weldon Heyburn, DeWolf Hopper, Alexander Lock- wood, Frank Reicher, Willie Best, Libbe Taylor.

Directed by Vincent Sherman.

Here is a "sleeper" from the alert Warner studio. "Flight From Destiny" will need plen- ty of exploitation to mean very much at the boxo lice, but it is an unusuai and absorbing psycliolcgical drama that will attract con- siderable attention in better class houses. Word-of-mouth reaction will help grosses in subsequent run spots and it will provide exceptionally strong support on dual bills. It is suspenseful, despite a preponderance of talk, and is abetted no end by the direc- tion of Vincent Sherman, a newcomer worth watching. Much of the film's merit can also be attributed to Thomas Mitchell, who again

reminds us that he is one of the finest character actors in Hollywood. "Destiny" will be a talked-about picture and it's worth a showman's best efforts.

"Flight From Destiny" takes up the in- teresting problem of an intellectual man who faces death within six months from an in- curable disease and seeks a way to make this time interesting and useful. The perfunctory

'PLAY GIRL' SOPHISTICATED COMEDY DRAMA

Rates • • + in deluxers; less in family and rural houses HOLLYWOOD PRE"\n[EW

RKO Radio 75 Minutes

Kay Francis, James Ellison, Mildred Coles, Nigel Bruce, Margaret Hamilton, Katherine Alexander, George P. Huntley, Kane Rich- mond, Stanley Andrews, Selmer Jackson, Marek Windheim. Directed by Frank Woodruff.

"Play Girl" is a brittle, clever ultra-sophis- ticated comedy drama, but never succeeds in being either credible or convincing. It exposes the inner workings of the warfare between glamorous gold-diggers and pred- atory, but susceptible, males and there is scarcely a sincere moment in it, but it makes good fun. Kay Francis has her first chance in some time to play the glamourous type of role which made her famous and she

makes the most of the opportunity by giving a smooth perfonnance and looking extremely beautiful in her smart clothes. This is a show strictly for sophisticated audiences, although it has exploitation possibilities for neighborhood spots. It must be ranked as weak for action and rural houses.

Kay Francis, a clever gold-digger who has lived in luxury for seventeen years by prey- ing on wealthy males, finds herself slipping and takes into partnership a poor young girl, Mildred Coles, whom she teaches all the tricks of getting everything from men and giving nothing in return. Kay's plans are spoiled when Mildred falls in love with a young ranch owner, James Ellison, and runs away when she discovers he is a mill- ionaire and that Kay has him slated as their next victim. Kay catches Ellison's affections on the rebound and is about to marry him herself when his mother appears and shames

'GO WEST' ONE OF MARX BROTHERS WEAKER VEHICLES

Rat

where trio is popular; less elsewhere

MGM

80 Minutes

Marx Brothers, Diana Lewis, John Carroll, Walter Woolf King, Robert Barrat, June MacCloy, George Lessey. Directed by Edward Buzzell.

The Marx Brothers have been much fun- nier in previous films. This reviewer is ex- tremely partial to the madcap trio, yet the laughs in "Go West" came few and far be- tween. Too much footage is wasted on the

alleged "plot." Groucho has fewer lines and little of his hilarious romantics. We couldn't escape the feeling that there was a lot of padding to overcome the boys' lack of good laugh material. "Go vVest" will get favor- able response only from audiences definitely pro-Marx, and even they will share our dis- appointment.

Chico, Harpo and Groucho become the comic heroes of the old west in their efforts to prevent a railroad from robbing an old man of the property he intends to leave to his pretty granddaughter. Groucho is oper-

'KEEPING COMPANY' SAD START FOR NEW METRO SERIES

Rates • • — as dualler on names HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

MGM

79 Minutes

Frank Morgan, Ann Rutherford, John Shel- ton, Irene Rich, Gene Lockhart, Virginia Weidler, Virginia Grey, Dan Daile.v, Jr., Gloria De Haven, Sara Iladen. Directtrd by S. Sylvan Simon.

Of all the ov(;rworked movie themes, none has received such laborious attention as the vi.ssicitudes of newly married couples. "Keep- ing Company" is not only the latest but one

of the worst. And the prospect of having a series emerge from this first adventure of the Thomas family is too horrible to con- template! The story is as old as the proverb- ial hills, the dialogue is noisy and tiresome, the complications are abundant and uninter- esting and the whole picture smacks of "quickie" — in short, this is an enterprise of which Metro should be ashamed. Audiences will wholeheartedly agree with these senti- ments and the smart exhibitor will sneak this in on the lower half of a double bill in the unhappy event that he can't cancel.

suggestions are made, but Mitchell leaps on a new one— murder— the murder of some utterly despicable and useless member ol society whose nefarious activities lie beyond the scope of the law. Sooner than he expects, such a person is presented to him. She is Mona Maris, sultry siren, who threatens the happiness of a young couple, Geraldine Fitz- gerald and Jeffrey Lynn. Mitchell mvestigatss her background and decides it warrants pun- ishment by him. She is killed. Lynn is arrest- ed for the murder, but Mitchell's confession frees the younger man. The trial causes a sensation and Mitchell is convicted. He plans to cheat society of its revenge by exerting himself and dying from his disease. This plan is abandoned when a new prisoner shows what effect his act has had on others. He learns that murder is wrong and goes to tthe chair Uke and other criminal.

Geraldine Fitzgerald gives an overly em- otional note to her characterization. Jeffrey Lvnn is adequate in a particularly innocuous role. James Stephenson acquits himself with honors as Mitchell's doctor. Others in the cast are good.

HANNA (Hollywood)

her into making a magnificent gesture, breaking her engagement and telling Ellison that Mildred really loves him and where he can find her. Kay is rewarded by an op- portunity to try her charms on Ellison's wealthy bachelor uncle.

Miss Francis gives a finished performance that should return her to her old popularity with the fans, and James Ellison is excellent as the rough-hewn young man from the west. Nigel Bruce and George P. Huntley prove their abiUty as comedians and the scene between them in the turkish bath is one of the high-spots of the film. Mildred Coles struggles valliantly with a role in which she is badly miscast, as she hasn't the real beauty, charm or sex-appeal to make three men fall for her head over heels.

Margaret Hamilton is a standout as the hard-boiled maid.

CRAWFORD (Hollywood)

ating to make a profit for himself on the deal but he finally works with the other two to save the gal's inheritance. The climax is a race between a train and a horse and buggy, with the Marxes chopping up the cars of the train to supply fuel for the en- gine.

Cute httle Diana Lewis is the granddaug- ter; John Carroll, h«r sweetheart. Walter Woolf King is best in the supporting cast.

Eddie Buzzell's direction is good enough, but his material was not.

Ann Rutherford and John Shelton are the couple involved. They mari-y with the usual noble intentions, squabble like mad and, guess what! they are brought back together for the finish.

Miss Rutherford and Mr. Shelton might have teamed more auspiciously with a better vehicle, although the latter is inclined to be overzealous in conveying some of his emotions. Morgan pla.vs straight and Irene Rich is a charming mamma. Virginia Weid- kr injects some comedy.

HANNA (Hollywood)

FILM BULLETIN

'THE INVISIBLE WOMAN' GOOD GENERAL AUDIENCE COMEDY

Rates • • • — generally

HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

Universal 72 Minutes

Virginia Bruce, Jolin Barrymore, John How- ard, Charlie Ruggrles, Oscar Homolka, Ed- ward Brophy, Donald MacBride, Margaret Hamilton, Shemp Howard, Anne Nagel, Kathryn Adams, Maria Montez, Charles Lane, Mary Gordon, Thurston Hall, Eddie Conrad.

Directed by A. Edward Sutherland.

Mighty clever, this Universal, to keep its "invisible man" series running so long and successfully. "The Invisible Woman" is the latest addition to the family and an engaging one, at that. This is most- ly comedy with just the right amount of action. It moves along briskly, has a clean looking production and the performances by tthe principals, keyed for laughs, are splen- did. A first rate picture for general audi- ences, business won't be outstanding, but it is bound to be above average in the majority of locations.

John Barrymore is a screwball scientist financed by John Howard, young playboy.

Howard loses his money when Bari-ymore has just perfected a device that makes people invisible. Virginia Bruce, a model, answers his ad to experiment for him. She becomes invisible and Howard falls in love with her. although he hasn't the faintest idea of what she looks like. A gangster, hiding out in Mexico, hears of the invention and orders his henchmen to procure it so he can return for

a visit to New York. They forget one impor- tant item, so Barrymore and Bruce are kid- napped and driven to Mexico. Here she becomes the heroine by drinking alcohol and automatically becoming invisible. The gang- ster and his men are quickly disposed of as Howard and Charlie Ruggles, his butler, drive up for the rescue.

Barrymore, of course, is grand as the scientist. Virginia Bruce is delightful in the title role and John Howard contributes a good performance. Ruggles amuses and Os- car Homolka, Edward Brophy and Donald MacBride capably enact the heavies.

Director Sutherland has done a neat job.

HANNA (Hollywood)

INDEX OF REVIEWS

PAGE 4 Flight from Destiny Play Girl Go West

Keeping Company

PAGE 5 The Invisible Woman Dr. Kildare's Crisis Let's Make Music

PAGE 6 Kitty Foyle Chad Hanna

Fantasia

PAGE 8 Romance of the Rio Grande Behind the News Lone Star Raiders Misbehaving Husbands

with moods which range from exaltation to despair, splendidly. Lew Ayres and Laraine Day play their unhappy scenes and their romantic moments equally well. Alma Kru- ger, Nell Craig and the other regulars are convincing in hospital roles. Lionel Barry- more's few comedy scenes, and those of Nat Pendleton as the dumb ambulance driver, furnish the films only light moments — and welcome ones they are.

LEYENDECKER

'DR. KILDARE'S CRISIS' INTENSELY DRAMATIC FILM

Rates • • as dualler generally

MGM

75 Minutes

Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Laraine Day, Robert Young, Nat Pendleton, Alma Kruger, Walter Kingford, Bobs Watson, Nell Craig, Horace MacMahon, George Reed, Franli Orth, Marie Blake, William Haade. Directed by Harold S. Bucquet.

Dr. Kildare encounters his most tragic medical case in the seventh of MGM's series — an intensely dramatic programmer with few relieving touches of humor. The film is serious and absorbing for the greater part of its length, but a subject, which treats of an hereditary disease threatening Dr. Kil- dare's forthcoming marriage, is scarcely suitable for all types of family audiences. The principals, particularly Robert Young in a guest role as the suspected epileptic, are all effective, and Harold Bucquet's dir-

ection is above par. Although above the average for the series, both in respect to story and marquee values, "Dr. Kildare's Crisis" is very heavy fare and should be coupled with a comedy or musical feature on duals generally.

This plot finds the wedding plans of Dr. Kildare Ayres and Nurse Laraine Day halted by the arrival of her brother, who has de- veloped a mental state whhich Ayres is forced to diagnose as epilepsy. This disease is hereditary and, although he keeps it from his fiance for a time, her discovery of it compels her to refuse to risk marriage. After much unhappiness and mental anguish for all three concerned, it is wise old Dr. Gilles- pie (Lionel Barrymore) who discovers a clue which reveals Young's erratic actions to be due to a head injury. Thus an operation restores him to normalcy, solves the problem and the marriage is set for the near futui'e — or until the next Kildare film.

Robert Young handles his diflBcult role,

'LET'S MAKE MUSIC MILD PROGRAMMER WITH BOB CROSBY BAND

Rates • • — as a dualler in naborhoods

■HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW -

RKO-Radio. 83 Minutes.

Bob Crosby, Jean Rogers, Elizabeth Risdon, Joseph Buloif, Joyce Compton, Bennie Bart- lett, Louis Jean Heydt, Bill Goodwin, Frank Orth, Grant Withers, Walter Tetley, Benny Rubin, Jacqueline Nash, Donna Jean Dolfer, Bob Crosby's orchestra. Directed by Leslie Goodwin.

"Let's Make Music" is a slapdash little programmer that introduces Bob Crosby to the screen and it seems a pity that the tal- ented young band leader couldn't have had

a better vehicle for his initial appearance. "Let's Make Music" suffers because of weak- nesses in writing, direction and editing. Crosby and his orchestra, familiar to the radio fans, should make the picture a fair dualler in neighborhood houses.

The stoi-y shows Elizabeth Risdon as an elderly public school music teacher who, much to her own amazement, sells a foot- ball fighting song to a New York publisher. Crosby's arranger, Joseph BulofT, converts the corny ballad into a hot number which makes a big hit. Miss Risdon comes to New York, chaperoned by her niece, Jean Rogers, and .sings the song as a solo number with the band, but when the song's popularity

NEWSPAPER CRITICS

runs its course, the teacher is given the gate. Crosby has fallen in love with Jean Rogers, so he gives her aunt credit for a song of his own writing, which wins the girl's heart.

Bob Crosby, playing himself as a singing band leader, is easy and confident and has a swell screen personality and a voice enough like brother Bing's to charm the fans. Elizabeth Risdon's performance is very persuasive and she steals the acting honors. Jean Rogers looks lovely and tries valiantly with .some stupid lines. Joseph Buloff does a corking comedy job as the cynical arranger and Frank Orth is excellent as the music publisher.

HAMILLS (Hollywood)

DR. KILDARE'S CRISIS (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

"...Looks like the Kildare stock company is flourishing." — Boehnel, N. Y. World Telej-ram.

". ..Even more far-fetched than usual, very thin as to plot, but some- what amusing withal." — Crowthcr, N. Y. Times.

" . . . The scries improves a bit with this number." — Dana, N. Y. Herald Tribune.

"...Kildare series concludes its downward glide with a nosedive." — Winsten, N. Y. Post.

SOUTH OF SUEZ (Warner Bros.)

"...Complicated and preposterous. . .Only a miracle man could have made good movie out of the film's story." — Finn, Phila. Record. "...Better than average ... Adept direction ... Good entertainment." —E. f. S., N. Y. Herald Tribune.

"...Comes off without any punch, and a.s a result the whole f.ills rather flat."— T. M. P., N. Y. Times.

"...Actors alone can't make a picture ... Doesn't amount to nuicli." —Winslen, N. Y. Post.

JANUARY II, 1941

'KITTY FOYLE' GINGER ROGERS SCORES IN SURE-FIRE WOMEN'S PICTURE

Rates • • • except In action spots

RKO Radio. 105 Minutes

Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, James Craig, Eduardo Ciarmelli, Ernest Cossart, Gladys Cooper, Walter Kingsford, Odette Myrtil, Mary Treen, Katharine Stevens, Richard Nichols, Nella Walker, Cecil Cunningham, Edward Fielding, Florence Bates, Kay Lina- ker, Tyler Brooke, Heather Angel. Directed by Sam Wood.

The film version of "Kitty Foyle," witli Ginger Rogers giving a superbly human portrayal in the title role, is definitely a superior type of women's picture and, as such can't miss at the box office. Losing much of the down-to-earth realism of Christopher Morley's novel, the picture also gains some emotional power as it becomes primarily the love story of a white collar girl and a scion of the idle rich. Telling his "Matural History of a Woman" (RKO's sub title) in flashback fashion, Director Sam Wood misses no opportunity to win audience sympathy for his heroine from "the wrong side of the tracks and this approach com- pares it to "Stella Dallas" in mass appeal. Already pre-sold to the public as one of the

year's best-seller, "Kitty Foyle" will prove a magnet for the women fans and the hus- bands and boy friends always follow in huge numbers. Dialogue is completely natural and tthe true-to-life comic touches make it good entertainment for first-runs and neighbor- hoods alike — in fact for all but the action fans.

At the turning point in her life, a moment when she must decide if she will run away with the wealthy married man she will

always love, or wed the poor young doctor who loves her, Kitty Foyle's mirrored re- flection bids her review her past. As a mid- dle-class Philadelphia girl of 15, Kitty longed to meet the idle rich, but it was not until her first office job working for socialite Dennis Morgan that she fell in love, married him and then realized that his Main Line family would disapprove. When she has di- vorced Morgan and decided to marry an adoring doctor (James Craig), her former husband returns, but, happily for her (and the Legion of Decency), she decides on Craig and security rather than an illicit relation- ship with the re-married Morgan.

Ginger Rogers gives a real candid camera portrayal of the loyal, troubled Kitty— a del- ineation that carries her from shiny-faced adolescence to sophisticated womanhood. Dennis Morgan's ingratiating performance of the wealthy lad is certain to raise his stock in Hollywood's studios. James Craig is equally fine in the less flashy role of the likeable doctor. Such acting bits as Ernest Cossart's Irish father, Odette Myrtil's sym- pathetic French employer and Eduardo Ciannelli's bewildered restaurant proprietor are standouts in a first-rate cast.

LEYENDECKER

'CHAD HANNA' COLORFUL PRODUCTION OF PALLID TALE

Rates • • + on nanne values only . .

20th Century-Fox 86 Minutes.

Henry Fonda, Dorothy Lamour, Linda Dar- nell, Guy Kibbee, Jane Darwell, John Car- radine, Roscoe Ates, Ted North, Ben Carter, Frank Thomas, Olin Howland, Frank Conlan, George Davis, Sarah Padden, Tully Marshall, Edward McWade, Leonard St. Leo, Elizabeth Abbott, Harry Tyler. Eddy Waller. Directed by Henry King.

Ambling along against colorful back- grounds, but without excitement or suspense, "Chad Hanna" is a small-time circus tale lamentably lacking in smash features. Rich Technicolor, vivid backgrounds and a pic- turesque period, everything, in fact, except the episodic story lends itself to a film which might have been absorbing entertainment, but actually is only a mildly pleasant char-

ade. Individual scenes relating to circus problems are amusing but that is all. Popu- larity of the Satiu-day Evening Post serial, "Red Wheels Rolling," the Technicolor and the circus atmosphere are all exploitation naturals and the Fonda-Lamour names should guarantee slightly above average busi- ness, for short periods, in first runs and the average neighborhood spots.

The story revolves around Chad Hanna (Henry Fonda), farm boy who becomes so dazzled by the bareback rider (Dorothy Lamour) of a traveling circus that he joins the ramshackle outfit. At the same time, a slave smuggler's awkward daughter (Linda Darnell) runs away after a beating, is taken in by Lamour and learns to ride in the ring. When the fiery- tempered Lamour leaves to join a prosperous rival circus, Darnell takes her place as bareback rider and Fonda tem- porarily becomes ring master. Later he mar- ries the girl to save her from her irate

father, although he still adores the absent Lamour. It is only after a mildly suggestive bedroom sequence between Lamour and Fon- da that he realizes that it is Darnell he really loves.

If "Chad Hanna" does nothing else, it at least furnishes Henry Fonda with an ideal role. Here again he proves that , if properly cast, he can make a memorable portrait out of the ingenuous, naive country bumpkin. Dorothy Lamour is perfectly cast as the seductive bareback rider and Linda Darnell, a gorgeous type for Technicolor, is aopealing as the long-suffering waif. Jane Darwell, blown up to fat lady proportions, is amusing as is Guy Kibbee, Roscoe Ates and, of course, the tired old lion and the elephant who are important to the plot.

Director Henry King struggles, with scant success, to knit the rambUng story into an interesting picture.

LEYENDECKER

'FANTASIA' SUPERB WELDING OF CLASSICAL MUS:C AND DISNEY CHARACTERS

Rates • • • • for class audiences. Filr

Distributed by Walt Disney Productions. 120 Minutes

Music played by the Philadelphia Orches- tra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski for Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D. Minor;" icnaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite;" Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice;" Strav- insky's "Rite of Spring;" Beethoven's "Past- oral Symphony;" Ponchinelli's "Dance of the Hours;" Moussorsky's "Night on Bald Moun- tain" and Schubert's "Ave Maria." Com- mentary by Deems Taylor.

Walt Disney's "Fantasia," a visual appre- ciation of eight great musical compositions, photographed in unsurpassed Technicolor, peopled by inimitable Disney characters and recorded by Leopold Stokowski and the Phil- adelphia Orchestra, is an unprecedented and stirring cinematic experience. This two-hour excursion into the realms of Di.sney's fancy, with recording in the new Fantasound equipment, which permits the music to swell

requires special Fantasound equipment a

from all parts of the theatre, is certain to be seen and discussed by true lovers of clas- sical music. That portion of the innumer- able Disney public adjacent to the nation's larger cities, who can afford the two-a-day prices charged, will flock to the theatres playing the subject and the combination audiences should guarantee profitable, if somewhat limited, engagements wherever It plays. Although the great mass of the picture going public may never see this im- aginative production, it can and should be compared to a work of art to be appreciated for years to come.

Even the introduction is unique in that no credits are given. The film opens with the Philadelphia Orchestra's musicians tun- ing up before Stokowski (on the screen) mounts the platform and Deems Taylor ap- pears to interpret and comment upon t^e Bach's "Toccata and Fugue," this first in visual colors and forms. The following "Nut- cracker Suite" is in the more familiar style of DLsney's Silly Symphonies with the audience

nd will only be shown at two-a-day prices

high spot a Chinese Dance by Tiny Mush- rooms. The first real humor enters in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," a most delightful com- edy interpretation as Mickey Mouse, trying his hand at magic, finds himself swamped by its power. Of the other separate musical parts, the stirringly effective and awesome "Rite of Spring;" the gruesome "Night on paid Mountain" and the finale "Ave Maria"" are serious in intent and conception while Beethoven's "Pastoral" peopled with lovely centaurs and other mythological characters is the most pleasing to the eye. "Fan- tasia" is not a comedy, as we are ac- customed to regard Disney's feature-length and short subjects, and, despite the endorse- ment of the New York Schools Motion Pic- ture Committee, the greater part of the production contains too many horrible and nightmare-inducing figures to make it suit- able for younger children. Almost any one else, however, will find it inspirational as well as educational and a pictorial adventure not soon forgotten. LKYENDECKER

FILM BULLETIN

Harrower

nil nil III!

WHERE\'ER you go, you hear all sorts of opinions on what the blocks-of-five plan is going to do to the business. There is a radical difference of opinion between exhibitors on the one hand, and the producer interests represented in the home offices. The odd part of it is that whereas the exhibitors are generally kicking about the plan, the producer interests are concerned because they fear the new setup will give exhibitors a crushing advantage in that they can turn down at will these blocks-of-five. Herewith we have set down some of the many reactions heard around the home offices from gents in distribu- tion, sales and advertising. You can take 'em or leave 'em. They are interesting in one respect. They show clearly that nobody has the faintest idea just how the block plan is eventual- ly going to pan out.

* * *

The new selling system will make it tough for the studio boys who have been turning out the C to Z grade pictures. They can no longer coast along with the com- forting knowledge that their sub-par product will play so many thousand theatres as under the old plan. Looks as if the factory-type product henceforth will be eli- minated entirely, or sold for double-feature fodder for what the buyer chooses to offer.

* * *

Suppose a producer flops on his first block-of-five! Sup- pose three out of five do a box-office nose-dive I That's quite possible. That means on his second block he's got to click around 80 percent or he's in a tough spot. With his first block panning out weak, his resultant revenue is small, and he will be forced to kick in a heavier budget than he planned in order to regain lost prestige. And if the second block gets poor box- office returns, it is quite conceivable that this unfortunate pro- ducer may find himself practically washed up. He will be un- able to coast along with bad product for half a selling season or more as is possible under the present system.

* * *

The master minds in the home offices and studios are fully aware of the dangers inherent in the untried selling system. That, friends, explains all this com- motion in the sales organizations. Frankly, none of them know where they are. Anybody's guess is as good as the next fellow's, including yours. So they are going into huddles at the studios, with the sales and advertising experts at the home offices rushing back and forth to the Coast to mull over the problems with the boys who make the pictures. They are all trying to hit some formula that will insure a reasonable guarantee of coming out on top for the first year under the blocks-of-five plan. ^ ^ ^

Producers realize they have to click strong with their first block. They can't afford to have that first block look bad stacked up against any other competitor's offering. On the face of it, this situation would seem to create more or less of a buyer's holiday. But will the exhibitor really be able to enjoy a pick-and-discard setup, or will the seller be able to put the pressure on stronger than ever through a shortage of product that looms under the new plan? Nobody at this early stage can tell. It is quite possible that there will be such a dearth of product created by reduced production that exhibitors will be forced to buy willy nilly, or only operate certain days. Are the producers going to go slow under the new plan, and hold back on production, waiting to see how the cat jumps, or will they work harder than ever to turn out as much good product as possible in order to meet the tougher competitive situation between studios?

It seems reasonable to assume that we are headed back to a situation approximating the good old days of competitive sell- ing, before block booking and blind selling. The days when every producer was putting everything he had into each picture. The days when any independent producer with enterprise, ex- perience and a reasonable bankroll could make a box-office pic- ture, and he and the exhibitors would clean up. Those were the happy days. The healthy operating days. Is there any reason why they shouldn't return?

If the above surmise is correct, then a real selling problem confronts the sales forces. It means the return of real competitive selling, which is a healthy condition that is bound to benefit the exhibitor. In fact, it will benefit the business in general — even the producers. The intensified selling will mean that the sales boys will have to go back over the sales route time and again to close certain tough spots that have held out. And when the salesman has finally cleaned up his schedule for the first available blocks-of-five, he will have to turn around and start battling all over again to dispose of the second group. This means close supervision of each territory to get the maximum sales results at the least expenditure of time and money. That may be the reason why cer- tain sales forces are being reorganized into more districts and fewer exchange centers. District managers may find it a physical impossibility to properly supervise so many exchanges as at present. Looks as if a lot more sales jobs are going to be created. And that isn't unhealthy, either! * * *

Under the new plan the e.xhibitor will have to keep in- formed on every picture he plays. That means that a lot of exhibitors are going to spend more time looking at pictures than they ever did before. This will undoubtedly affect the system of trade paper reviews. Exhibitors unable to view all the pic- tures booked will have to depend on the trade reviews. And "puff" reviews won't help much. Neither will the "no opinion'' review. Looks as if the trade paper scribes will have to call the turn on every picture — good, bad, indifferent. Just like that. Thus, trade paper reviews will become more vital and important than ever before. They will assume the dignity and importance that reviews should have. After all, what is more important in

a trade paper than the reviews?

* * *

There are many other interesting speculations wrapped up in the new selling plan that the home office folks are mulling over. Will the blocks-of-five eliminate the double feature? Or will it cause revivals of old pic- tures to be coupled with current product to form double bills? With the average neighborhood theatre running three changes weekly, can the producers follow along with these blocks-of-five without any hitch? It seems certain that producers will cut down on the number of pictures till they find out just where they're at. Thus, it may become a simple mathematical proposition for both exhibitors and producers. How many pictures can the exhibitor turn down and still have enough for his play dates? How many pictures can the producer have turned down by a given number of exhibitors, and still afford to go on producing? Only time will tell. Nobody in the business is smart enough to answer most of these specula- tions now rife in home offices. We cannot escape the conviction that this revolution is stimulating the whole industry and giving it new energy and interest.

JACK HARROWER.

JANU.ARY 11, 1941

'ROMANCE OF THE RIO GRANDE' LIVELY CISCO KID PROGRAMMER

Rates

in action spots; OK dualler elsewhere

20th Century- Fox 73 Minutes.

Cesar Romero, Patricia Morrison, Ricardo Cort«z, Lynne Roberts, Chris-Pin Martin, Pedro de Cordoba, Inez Palange, Aldrich Bow- ker, Joseph MacDonald, Trevor Bardette, Raphael Bennett, Tom London, Eva Puig. Directed by Herbert I. Leeds.

The liveliest and most interesting "Cisco Kid" programmer in some time, "Romance of the Rio Grande" should give this series a slight upturn in popular appeal. Produc- tion values are above average and Cesar Romero, whose characterization improves with each film, has good marquee support

from Patricia Morrison. Based on the novel, "Conquistador," the story is pure romantic fiction on the Robin Hood order and makes fine entertainment for not-too-discriminat- ing audiences. A strong supporting feature for duals, this can also play alone in some action spots.

Romero plays the dual role of the chaiTn- ing rogue, Cisco Kid, and his double, Carlos, a gentlemanly Spaniard en route to take over his grandfather's ranch in Arizona. When bandits wound Carlos, Cisco finds a refuge for him and then decides to imper- sonate him and take over Don Fernando's ranch for himself. When he learns that a villainous cousin. Ricardo Cortez, had ar- ranged the shooting hoping to thus become heir to the vast property, Cisco decides to help its aged owner and his beautiful ward.

Cortez makes several more attempts on the supposed Carlos' life, but in the end Cisco brings back the recuperated heir to take over his ranch as he and his pal, Gordito, ride on to new adventures.

Cesar Romero is suave and smiling as Cisco and serious and troubled as Carlos even though the complexities of the plot occasionally make it difficult for patrons to distinguish between the two characters. Chris-Pin Martin is comicly helpful as the loyal, slow-thinking Gordito; Ricardo Cortez is expert at villainy and Pedro de Cordoba contributes a sterling acting bit as the aged Don. Patricia Morrison is convincing as a lovely scheming senorita and Lynne Roberts is appropriately charming, if not particularly Latin in appearance, as the heroine.

LEYENDECKER

'BEHIND THE NEWS' FAST MOVING NEWSPAPER PROGRAMMER

Rates • • generally as dualler

Republic 75 Minutes

Lloyd Nolan, Doris Davenport, Frank Albert- son, Robert Armstrong:, Harry Tyler, Paul Harvey, Charles Halton, Dick Elliott, Fred Santley, Veda Ann Borg, Archie Twitchell. Directed by Joseph Santley.

This fast-moving newspajjer programmer is familiar stuff, but it makes for pleasing and moderately-exciting entertainment for the average moviegoer. You've seen it all before, this tale of the blase, heavy-drinking ace reporter and the idealistic young cub who helps him to renew his enthusiasm for news chasing. Dialogue is studded with sophisti- cated quips and Joseph Santley's direction.

which concentrates on laughs and action, makes the minor improbabilities seem un- important. Lloyd Nolan gives "Behind the News" boxoffice value a supporting fare in any type of house.

Nolan plays Stu Woodrow, the typical movie version of a star reporter, who finds himself saddled with a journalistic graduate (Frank Albertsont working for his paper on a six month's scholarship basis. While Nolan nurses a hangover, Albertson covers a jail- break follow-up which develops into a mur- der story that threatens to tear the town's political machine wide open. Nolan admires the boy's earnestness and tries to make him quit the news game by giving him a phoney "scoop" which puts him In bad with the editor. But, in the climax, the two, working

together, uncover the tale which puts the smooth-talking D. A. in jail for receiving bribes from racketeers. Love interest is sup- plied by Nolan's girl friend who is willing to stand by until he settles down to a nor- mal and punctual existence.

Nolan, always to be relied upon to give a convincing, down-to-earth portrayal in this type of role, receives first-rate acting support from Frank Albertson, who does one of his best screen stints to date as the idealistic cub reporter. Robert Armstrong is good as the explosive editor and Charles Halton and Paul Harvey are excellent in important character parts. Doris Davenport, in her first role since her Goldwyn build-up for "The Westerner," is not at her best in an action film. LEYENDECKER

'MISBEHAVING HUSBANDS' SWELL INDIE DOMESTIC COMEDY

Rates • • as dualler in naborhoods and

HOLLYWOOD PRE\/IEW

Producers Releasing Corp. 65 Minutes

Harry Langdon, Betty Blythe, Ralph Byrd, Esther Muir, Gayne Whitman, Florence Wright, Luana Walters, Charlotte Treadway, Frank Jacquet, Byron Barr, Frank Havney, Hennie Brown, Billy Mitchell. Directed by William Beaudine.

Two favorites of the old silent days — Harry Langdon and Betty Blythe— return to toplines in "Misbehaving Husbands," a rollicking, domestic comedy, so well done and played with such zest that it will get a steady stream of laughs frem audiences in any but major metropolitan locations.

small towns

Establishing Langdon in a type of comedy new to him, the picture should launch both the comic and Miss Blythe on new careers. Looking much more expensive than it actual- ly is, "Misbehaving Husbands" is worthy of a spot on any double bill outside of deluxe spots. Langdon and veteran director Bill Beaudine have concentrated more on sure- fire laugh situations than a startling plot, and the result is a good supporting feature for family audiences. It should be teamed with a heavy dramatic feature.

Harry Langdon, department store owner, works late on the night of his twentieth wedding anniversary, missing the surprise dinner planned by his wife, Betty Blythe. Seen taking a wax model to be repaired.

he is picked up by the police, who suspect a murder. Langdon arrives home with a girl's slipper and Betty, hearing he has been seen in a compromising position with a beautiful blonde, is induced by a crooked lawyer to sue for divorce. There are many complications before Langdon finally exposes the lawyer's game, wheels the dummy home on roller skates, fits the slipper on it and convinces Betty of his innocence.

Director William Beaudine has completely revised Harry Langdon's type of acting, kept him away from slap-stick and has given him the opportunity to play straight comedy.

Betty Blythe turns in an excellent per- formance. The support is uniformly good.

HAMILLS (Hollywood)

LONE STAR RAIDERS' MILDLY EXCITING MESQUITEERS WESTERN

Rates • • in western spots

Republic.

Robert Livingston, Bob Steele, Rufe Davis, June John-son, George Douglas, Rex Lease, Sarah Padden, John Merton, Bud Osborne, John Elliott, Tom London, Hal Price, Jack Kirk.

Directed by George Sherman.

The latest in Republic's "Three Me.squi- teers" series is a mildly exciting western slowed down by numerous sentimental touches. Instead of concentrating on the action sequences. Director George Sherman too frequently permits the dramatic tale of <in old lady and her inherited ranch to crowd out the expected thrills. There's

enough shooting, a hard-pummeling fist fight or two and a wild riding finale to sat- isfy the avid western fans, but the young- sters may complain about the lack of typical "horse opera" action. Most exhibitors will find that "Lone Star Raiders" is below aver- age for the series.

When the Three Mesquiteers, raising horses on the Circle H Ranch, meet their new owner, they are fiabbergasted to dis- cover that she is a penniless old lady (Sarah Padden). To save her won-y, they postpone telling her that their herd of horses has been constantly decreasing in number and they are fearful that they may not win the Army contract which will pay up all their back debts. Although they think that their

loss of horses is due to drought and dust storms, a rival ranch owner is also after the Army contract and has been stami>eding Circle H stock over a cliff. The old lady finally learns the true state of affairs, helps the boys break in a herd of wild mustangs and the villain is exposed in time to win the Army contest with Circle H horses.

Robert Livingston and Bob Steele take care of the heroics in their customarily ex- pert fashion and Rufe Davis obliges with a lew of his imitations in order to win laughs. Sarah Padden gives a sympathetic portrayal of the mild-mannered woman from the old ladies' home — a new character for cowboy films— but the others are standard.

LEYENDECKER

FILM BULLETIN

JANUARY 11, 1941

The Inside on tKe Important Studios' Activities

COLUMBIA

The disagreement between Columbia and William Holden over salary was settled and the promising young actor again takes over the male lead in "Texas," the Sam Bischoff production. . .In view of Pat O'Brien's performance in "Knute Rockne," it was surprising that 'Warners made little effort to re-sign him to an exclusive contract. Thus Columbia has succeeded in securing O'Brien's signature on a five year contract calling for two pictures annually. O'Brien's initial assignment will be in "A Man's 'World". . .Starting date of Charles Rogers' "A Girl's Best Friend Is 'Wall Street" has been moved up because of the availability of Pranchot Tone.

Films shooting at Columbia are: "Penny Serenade" (Irene Dunne-Cary Grant), "Lone 'Wolf Takes a Chance" ( 'Warren 'Wil- liam-Henry 'Wilcoxon) and "They Dare Not Dove" i Martha Scott-

George Brent).

l'.\!STIJ\<jlS: AVilliam Holden, Xoel Mailison in "Te.>;as" . . . Anna May Wong-, Ann Doran in "The Three Scratches" ... Martha .Scott in "They Dare Xot Love" ... Herbert Marshal'. Virginia Biuce in ".Senate Page Boys"... Eric Blore. Henry Wilcoxon. Thurston Hall, Walter Kingsford. Lloyd Bridges in "The Lone Wolf Takes a Ohance" ... George E. Stone. Richard Lane, Xestor I'aiva in "The Return of Boston Blackie" .. .CONTRACTS: Pat O'Brien to li-jiic/year term pact...

METRO-GOLDWY^8-MAYER

At long last the Metro-Shirley Temple deal has been con- cluded. Signed to a term contract at a salary of $2,500, the young actress' debut for Metro will probably be in a forthcoming Judge Hardy feature. . .W. S. Van Dyke managed to obtain a leave of absence from his Marine duties and has replaced Robert Sinclair as the director of "Rage in Heaven." Sinclair relinquished the as- signment because of illness. . .Metro oorrowed Ingrid Bergman from

NEW RELEASES

(For details on These pictures see

COLUMBIA

Pinto Kid Jan. 9

The Face Behind the Mask Jan. 16

Devil Commands Feb. 7

Across the Sierras Feb. 13

Adam Had Four Sons Feb. 14

METRO

Maizie Was a Lady Jan. 10

Gone With the Wind Jan. 17

Philadelphia Story Jan. 17

Land of Liberty Jan. 24

Wild Man of Borneo Jan. 24

Come Live with Me Jan. 31

MONOGRAM

Trail of the Silver Spurs Jan. 5

Dead Man's Shoes Jan. 15

You're Out of Luck Jan. 20

PARAMOUNT

Doomed Caravan Jan. 10

Victory Jan. 17

Life with Henry Jan. 24

You're the One Feb. 7

Virginia Feb. 14

REPUBLIC

Wyoming Wildcat Jan. 6

Robin Hood of the Pecos Jan. 14

Ridin' the Rainbow Jan. 28

Arkansas Judge Jan. 31

ise Charts on Following Pages) RKO

Little Men Jan. 10

Let's Make Music Jan. 17

The Saint in Palm Springs Jan. 24

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jan. 31

Along the Rio Grande Feb. 7

A Girl, a Guy. and a Gob Feb. 14

20th CENTURY-FOX

Michael Shayne — Private Detective Jan. 10

Romance of the Rio Grande Jan. 17

Tall, Dark and Handsome Jan. 24

Girl in the News Jan. 31

Ride, Kelly. Ride Feb. 7

UNITED ARTISTS

Road Show Jan. 24

UNIVERSAL

Boss of Bullion City Jan. 10

San Francisco Docks Jan. 10

Six Lessons from Madame LaZonga Jan. 17

Back Street Jan. 31

Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie Feb. 14

Meet the Chump Feb. 14

WARNER BROS.

Case of the Black Parrot Jan. 11

Honeymoon for Three Jan. 18

High Sierra Jan. 25

David Selznick for the femme lead opposite Spencer Tracy in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". . .Ruth Hussey and Robert Cummings have been set for the leads in "Free and Easy," based on Ivor Novello's play, "The Truth Game." Eddie Buzzell will direct.

Here's the current production line-up at Metro: "The Ziegfeld Girl" (James Stewart- Judy Garland), "Billy, the Kid" (Robert Taylor-Brian Donlevy), "Rage in Heaven" (Robert Montgomery- Ingrid Bergman), "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary" (Lewis Stone- Mickey Rooney), "The Trial of Mary Dugan" (Laraine Day-Robert Young) and "Free and Easy" (Ruth Hussey-Robert Cummings).

l'.\S'ri-N<iS: Gene Reynolrts. I'hil Silvers. JSflgai- Barrier, Warren -Vshe in "Roi. . ';(>■".. .I>on Chianey. Jr.. I'liill Wills. Connie Gilchrist, Eddie Dunn. Jules Cowlc.«, lOdwin J. Brady. Guiiiii Williams in ■'Billy the Kid"... David Clyde. Frank Shannon in "Rase in Hea\ in" .. .Joseph Crehan, Roscoe Karns, Jr., Lee I'hili's in ".Vndy Haiil\s I'rixate Secretary" ... Marjorle Main, Anna Xills.in. ciill Claik. .\.ira l'. ir\. I'ierie Watkins, George Watts, Larry Wheal in "I'll' TiiMl ni .\l,ir\ liim^in". . ('. Aubrey Smith, (^laude King, Theresa CoTiMv.i. iM\is i;iiiMi. Sii! Al:.;irr. charle.s Coleman in "Free and Ea.sy" . . . 1>1KK< I'OK .\>SI<.\MK.\ I'S: Harold .S. Buequet to "Roosty"...

MONOGRAM

That rumor of a merger between Monogram and Progressive Pictures was vehemently denied by W. R. Johnston, who told your reporter that no such move was ever discussed. . ."Her First Rom- ance," the Edith Fellows' staiTcr, is doing nicely in a first run engagement at Hollywood's Hawaii Theatre.

PARAMOUNT

Sol Siegel's first production for Paramount is expected to start in the middle of February. It may be "Joan of Arkansas," a hill- billy yarn, to star little Betty Brewer. Siegel just drew Paramount's perennial "The Night of January 16" and will ready it as one of the 16 pictures he will make between now and the end of 1941 . . . Something new in personal appearance tours is being lined up by Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. They will begin a golfing tour in March, teamed with two professionals. The proceeds go to British War Relief. Crosby and Hope will make theatre appearances in the towns they play . . . Paramount will bring radio's "Quiz Kids" to the screen in a series of shorts... The anticipated shake-up in this studio's publicity department materialized with the departure of several publiciteers, who have been replaced by Murphy McHenry, Hy Dabb, John Wolfenden and Bernard Kamins. . .Jean Parker has been cast opposite Richard Arlen in "Power Dive". . .Ernest Hem- ingTvay is in town to confer on the nim version of "For Whom the Bell Tolls". . .Paramount wants James Stewart for DeMille's "Reap the Wild Wind". . .There is going to be more comedy in at least one of Harry Sherman's Hopalong Cassidy westerns — "The Shiek of Buffalo Butte," which will record Cassidy's adventures in the harems of mystic Araby. . ."Caught in the Draft" will co-star Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

Production is slow at Paramount where only two pictures are shootmg: "Las Vegas Nights" (Phil Regan-Bert Wheeler) and "One Night m Lisbon" (Madeleine Carroll-Fred MacMurrayi.

Ove^JInn'^^-itf r^'"' ^''^'"'' Castle in "Power Dive" . . . Lvnne

.n "The xf^h^ f t"^''''"" "-""""^ '''' Seas"... Robert Prc^.ston

,Z January 1 Ht h" . . . Liuian Cornell, Margaret Haves in "R-i,«

naid M<(,onMll.-... Joan ol Arkansas" by David Garth...

REPUBLIC

T^.rJuv^ ■''^^^^^^^ ^^^''^ '"^y ^ surpri.se announcement from Republic in the very near future concerning the addition of several top-ranking producers. Republic has been steadily increasing its first-run bookings and with the Consent Decree's operation, it is estimated that Republic can double this amount if it can turn out iSL iml S''""^""^^ required... John Wayne and Edward

Ellis will have the leads in "Citadel of Crime". .. "You'll Never Get ! "'^'^ ""^ "I^°okies Roost," Republic's draft story .t.ff f Z ^""^P^^ted assignments and three more joined the • taff at Republic last week as the studio pressed preparations for the heavy production .schedule it is about to launch Charles Butterworth gets a top-line in "Sis Hopkins," which will' co-star Judy Canova and Bob Crosby. -

The following pictures are .shooting at Republic- "Petticoat Pontics" (Weaver Family,. "Two-Gun Sheriff" .Donarry-vSnta

?nT'Can a^n'^S "''T'"'" '^""^ Livingston-Bob Steele-Su'fc Da" ) and Captain Marvel" (serial).

^^''^L^'Z^oT^l.ulr'^^^^^ '"""<i-" - ■J'.'.n Wayne,

Mulhall. Harry AVo th no Stt-^^^^^^^^ Xc , • ■ • -'"ck

I'embroke ,n "The A I'entJrlH of f^^n a^^ Morrison. George

Krlc Alden, .Tack n.r.^.^T^^luc:;:^'^,^^^, ...Alexander Lertwlch,

RKO-RADIO

The long delayed RKO shake-up has not yet materialized, but with the scheduled arrival of George Schaefer on January 15, some- thing of the sort is anticipated. . .The Coast premiere of Walt Dis- ney's "Fantasia" will take place next month. Frank Braden, Ring- ling Brothers circus press agent, has been signed by Walt Disney to handle the nation-wide exploitation of the film. Braden will rejoin the circus in the Spring . . . Alan Mowbray and Donald Mac- Bride will continue their show business series, according to the terms of contracts recently signed with the players for four pic- tures annually. . .RKO has tentatively lined up Burgess Meredith, George Murphy and James Ellison as the "Tom, Dick and Harry" ol the next Ginger Rogers' staiTer. . .Randolph Scott will head- line "True to Form". . .Rosemary Lane and Dennis O'Keefe have been cast in "Hang Out the Moon" and Joan Fontaine will move over to RKO for the femme lead in "Before the Fact," in which Alfred Hitchcock will direct Cary Grant. . .RKO and Stephens-Lang are discussing a renewal of the Dr. Christian series... The war has knocked the pins out from under Walt Disney whose "Pinocchio" gross represents a substantial loss... John Carroll will be seen op- posite Anna Neagle in "Sunny."

Three pictures are shooting here: "They Met in Argentina" (Jimmy Ellison-Maureen O'Hara), "The Devil and Miss Jones" (Jean Arthur-Robert Cummings-Charles Coburn) and "Show Business" (Alan Mowbray-Donald MacBride),

C.'VSTIXiS: Chester Clute. Gene Collins, Eddie Bordon, Tom Hanlon, Kitty O'Neil, Donald Kerr. Jack Carr, Frank Moran in "Show Business" ... Walter Tetley, p'lorence Bates in "The Devil and Miss Jones ' ... Antonio Moreno in "They Met in Argentina"...

20th CENTURY-FOX

"How Green Was My Valley" has been postponed pending the availability of Laurence Olivier and Wilfred Lawson, wno are both in England. Meanwhile, William Wyler may report to Samuel Goldwyn and the director's berth on "Little Foxes" ... Jack Oakie is to be launched again as a star at 20th Century and "Song and Dance Man" is in the front as a venicle for the comedian who has staged a sensational comeback. . ."Miami" is the title of a Harry Brown production wnich goes into production late in January, with Betty (jrrable in the leaa...20th uentury is allowing its contract wicn the Dionne Quintuplets to lapse... This studio's writing staff is operating at fuu speed in order to prepare a big bacKiog of product for August, so that 20th will have several blocks-of-five ready for discrioution. . . Zanuck has taken a two-picture option on Milton Bene.

The following pictures are now in production: "The Outlaw" (Walter Huston- i'homas Mitchell), "Dead Men Tell" (Sidney Toler- Sen Yung), "Kide on, Vaquero" (Cesar Romero-Mary Beth Hughes), "A Very xoung Lady" iJane Withers-Nancy Keliy) and "Blood and Sand' i lyione Power-Nancy Kelly).

t VSTlXti.S: Betiy Grable. Charlotte Greenwood, Jack Haley in "Miami"... Buddy Pepper in "A Very Young Lady" . . . Lolita Lane, Milton Parsons, Truman Bradley, Ethel Griffies, Fay Helm, Paul McGrath in "Dead Men Tell". . .Frank Orth, Dick Rich, Paul Kruger, Jack Pennick in "Ride on Vaquero". . .Mildred Cover. Erville Alderson. Francis Ford, Lois Lanclon, Charles Walilron. Charles Trowbridge, Ivar McFadden in "Tobacco Road"...

UNITED ARTISTS

Projection room previews have been denounced by the Holly- wood press gentry for varied reasons. Now U. A. producers David Loew and ^loert Lewin have termed projection room previews as "another ill-timed move to rob Hollywood of its color " and declared that "So Ends Our Night" will have its press showing at the Cnine.se Theatre on January 21. . .Paul Czinner is said to be dicker- ing with 20th Century-Fox for the rights to "Rings on Her Fingers" as a vehicle for Elizabeth Bergner. . .Fred Stanley takes over the publicity reigns for Richard Rowland. . .That David O. Selznick is ready to resume active production is indicated by the engagement of a publicity director. . .Richard Rowland has scheduled "The Battle of Britain" as his next production for UA...It is whispered in Hollywood that a peace pact is in the making between Samuel Goldwyn and United Artists. This will undoubtedly affect the other problems that must be ironed out between the company and its producers. Murray Silverstone is due in Hollywood for conferences within the near future.

Now shooting: "Pot O' Gold" (James Stewart-Paulette God- dard) and "Broadway Limited" (Victor McLaglen-Marjorie Wood- worth).

l'.\,»*Tl.\«;.S: .\ldricli l!,.\vker. N'irginia (;airoll. .V.-lli,. .Nichols, Adele Smith,

(Continued On Page 16) FILM BULLETIN

DAVID HANNA

SCANDAL

Scandalous remarks about a currently popular leading lady of the screen threaten to cut short her career, as Hollywood hears reports of boycotts and reprisals from various women's clubs and other Organizations throughout the country. That the film industry or a prominent parson in it should be the vic- tim of such comment (whether warranted or not) is most un- fortunate.

It reflects unfavorably on the intelligence of those studios' publicity generals Who are willing to countenance anything for a "break" and H&Ve been largely instrumental in building Hollywood "gossip** to such proportions that items flagrantly defying good taste Jorm the daily scribblings of nine out of ten of the film columnists.

Keeping the public conscious of Hollywood and its activi- ties does not necessarily mean that the private lives of its per- sonalities must be displayed in print for the benefit of sensation lovers. It is not within the power of the film business to abolish gossip columns but it can stop feeding material to the gossipers. They will either fall by the wayside or learn that there are millions of interesting stories that can be written about Holly- wood without offending propriety.

Today a charming and talented person is bearing the brunt of something Hollywood should have stopped many years ago, film gossip. Most of us are genuinely sorry and we hope the attacks on her career will die down. Meanwhile, we in Holly- wood should do everything possible to counteract the vicious reports.

DISNEY GOES CIRCUS

Into Los Angeles, this week, breezed gravel-voiced Frank Braden, publicist extraordinary for the big show, Barnum and Bailey's circus. The reason for Braden's arrival was not Gara- gantua, the world's largest ape, nor was it the bearded lady, the Wallenda troupe or even Con Colleano, the world's foremost tight rope walker. Mr. Braden is doing business with Walt Disney and Leopold Stokowski and "Fantasia," which is about to open in Los Angeles and other key cities. It seems that Mr. Braden was on his way to Cuba when the Disneyites decided that he was the man to oil the exploitation machinery for their

new classical musical cartoon feature. Patting Garagantua (who has a wife now) a fond farewell, Mr. Braden hied himself to the film city and already the Braden drums are beating — "Walt Disney paints in color animation, never before seen on any screen, the musical numbers of a concert by the great con- ductor and his orchestra, etc., etc."

Watch out, Messrs. Brand, Birdwell, Einfeld, Strickling, et al! Frank Braden is the loudest addition to the picture business since sound. We hope he visits Hollywood regularly in the future.

HEARST AND HORSES

A pet policy of the Hearst newspapers is to enrage their animal loving readers with fabulous tales of the incredible cruelty of the motion picture studios to animals hired for the screen. Although it would seem that in these troublesome days, editorial space would be crammed with comment of more con- sequence, the Los .Angeles E.xaminer has recently devoted count- Isss inches of space to such rabble rousing material.

I have seen a great many outdoor pictures filmed in Holly- wood. I have worked in studios where more horses were em- ployed than actors. Never have I seen anything remotely re- sembling cruelty. Animals are u-sually hired from stables main- tained especially for picture work. During production the beasts are cared for diligently and everything possible is done for their comfort and well being. The Running W (the use of

wires to trip horses) was abolished years ago, although the Hearst newspapers still growl about it. Also, it is a common practice to have a member of the SPC.\ at the studios when animals are being used. This trustworthy organization is not likely to condone any act of cruelty to an animal, nor would it permit anything of the sort to go unpublicized.

When such obvious industr_\- baiting takes place, one won- ders what steps are being taken by the Hays office. Quick enough to please its producer members by fighting legislation and hampering the efforts of exhibitors to obtain equitable business practices, it is strange that no rebuttal is offered to such unwarranted attacks, Why doesn't Mr, Hays tell off the noisy Hearst outfit?

JANUARY 11, 1941

PRODUCTION & RELEASE

In the Release Chart, the date under "Details" refers to the issue in which cast .director, plot, etc., appeared. "Rel" is the national release date. "No." is the release number. There may be variations in the Running Time in states where there is censorship. AH new productions are on 1940-41 programs unless otherwise noted.

RECORD

1939-40	Features	(40)	Completed	(40)	In	Production	(0)
	Westerns	(16)	Completed	(16)	In	Production	(0)
	Serials	(4)	Completed	(0)	In	Production	(0)
1940-41	Features	144)	Completed	(20)	In	Production	(3)
	Westerns	(16)	Completed	(9)	In	Production	(0)
	Serials	(4)	Completed	(2)	In	Production	(0)

THEY DARE NOT LOVE

Urama— Shooting started January 6 Cast: George Brent, Martha Scott.

JJirector— James Whale Producer— Sam Bischott

Stoiy: A Prince ol Austria Hees before the Nazi invasion and Ijecomes the leader of the Young People's Party, which is working; to overthrow

the Xazis.

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Titl<' — Kiinnins Tinif Cast Di-lails Kel

Lone «olf Takes a Chance, The W.Williams-J.Storey ..12-28

Penny Serenade I.Dunne-C.Grant 11-2

2-14.

8-24. .11-14.

.11-16. .7-27. .

12-14. . .5-4. . .10-5. . . .9-7. .

11-16. . . .4-6. . .2-24.

10- 31.

...2-7. .8-15.

11- 28. 11-21.

.1-16.

8-10. . 10-24.

10-1!). . .5-4.

10-2 >. 12-12.

1940-41

Across the Sierras ( — ) B.E]liott-I,. Walters .10-19.

Adam Had Four Sons \V.Ba.\ter-L. Bergman .10-19.

Details uniler titlt-: T^f^-.try. Beyond the Sacramento < — ) B.Elliott-E.Keyes ...

Details under title: Ghost Guns

Blonilie (ioes Latin P.Singleton-A.Lako .

Blondie Plays Cii|)id (70) P.Singleton-A.I.ake .

Details under title: Blondie Goes to the Country

Devil Comm;in(Is, The ( — ) B. Karlnff-A.Duff . ..

Durango Kid, The (60) Charles Starrett ...

Kllerj (iiieen-.Master Detective (62) . R.Bellamy-M.Lindsay

Kscaid- to «.li«r.\ C:,) P.O'Brien-C. Bennett

Details uml.r title: I'as.sasie West

Face Behind tlie .>Iask, The P.Lorre-E.Keyes ...

Fight for Life (69) U.S.Govt.Film

Fugitive from a Prison Camp (59) . ..r.H.ilt-M. Marsha ..,

Details under title: Offenders of the Law Girls Fnder 21 (64) P. Kt-liy-R. Hudson ...

Details under title: "The Little Professor"

Green Archer (serial) V'..Iory-I. Meredith . . ,

(Jreat Plane Kobhery (55) J.Holt-V.Lester

JJetalls under title: Keep Him Alive Great Swindle, The (— ) J.Holt 6-1.

Details under title: Missing Evidence

Into the Crimson West ( — ) B.Elliott-E.Toung 8-10.

Lone Wolf Keeps a Date. The (64) .W.William-F.Robinson 9-21.

Details under title: Alias the Lone Wolf

Nobody's Children ( — ) H. K. II' '« s-W. White ... 7-27 .. 10-17

Outlaws of the Panhandle ( — ) .. > i m r 1 1 - 1 l :,,binson 7-27.. 2-2'

Details under title: Blazing the iiklalLana Trail

Phantom Submarine ..\ I.. mis -B. Bennett

I'into Kid, The ( — ) -..<t i ii.tt - L.Curry ..

Prairie Schooner (.58) C.Ktarrett-F. Robinson

Details under title: Into the Crimson West

Ketiirn of Boston ISlackie C.Morris-K. Hudson

So You Won't Talk (67) loe E. Brown

This Thing Called Love (90) R.Russell-M.Douglas

Thundering Frontier ( — ) Charles Starrett

West of Abilene ( — ) Charles Starrett . . .

Whit- Kaglr B. Jones-D.Fay

Wild Cat of Tucson ( — ) B.Elliott-W.Taylor ..

Details under title: Round-up

1939-40

Arizona (127) r.Arthur-w.Holden 4-20.. 12-25.

Angels Over Broadway (80) D.Fairbanks-R.H'y w'th 6-29... 9-30.

Details under title: Before I Die Before I Hang (61) B.KarlofE-E.Keyes 7-13... 9-17.

retails under title: Wizard of Death

Beware Spooks (65) R.Ha'son-K. Verne Foreign

Blondie Has Servant Trouble <66) . . P.Slngleton-A. Lake .. 5-18 7-25

Details under title: Blondie Beware

Deadwood Dick (Serial) Don Douglas 6-29... 7-19.

Five Little Peppers in Trouble (65) .E. Fellowes 6-15 9-1.

Details under title: Five Little Peppers at School

Girls of the Koad (61) II. Mack-A.Dvorak 5-18. ..6-29.

Glamour for Sale (60) R.Pryor-A. Louise 8-10... 9-27.

Details under title: I'm for Rent He Stayed for Breakfast (87) ....M.Douglas-L.Young .. .6-1 .. .8-22 . .

Howards of Virginia, The (122) ...C.Grant-M.Scott 4-20... 9-19.

I Married Adventure (60) Mrs. M. Johnson 7-24.

Delailn un'ler title: Dead Man's Isle Lady In Question, The (76) B.Aherne-R.Ha vworth 6-1 8-7..

Details under title: Grlboullle

.Mad .Men of Europe (71) E.Gwenn-M.MaguIre Fori-lgn 6-.'{ . .

Military Academy (6.5) T.Kelly-B. Jordan 6-1..,. 7-18

.2210

.2201 .2024 .2012

.2032 . 20;',8

.2031

10-19. .6-15. .8-10.

,12-28. . 6-29 .

10- 19. .7-13. , 7-13. .

11- 30. .9-21.

. .9-30. 1 1 -23 .

12-16. . .1-9. .9-30.

.2021 .2030

.2033 .2204 .2209

.10-3. . . . 1 -2 . 12-31 .

10-21.

.2203 . 2202

12-31. . .2211

.2101 .1009

.1024

. 1 1 80 .1022

.1037 .1040

. I OOli .1001 1 1 10

. 1 1 •;

. 1038

My Son Is Guilty (61) B.Cabot-J. Wells 11-4 ... 12-28 . . 1033

Details under title: Cop From Hell's Kitchen

Out West With The Peppers (60) . . E Fellowes-T Bond 5-4 6-30

Pa«sport to Alcatraz (60) J Holt-N.Beery.Jr. 1-13... 6-6..

Return of Wild Bill (60) B Elliott-1. Meredith ...4-6 6-2V

Secret Seven, The (62) B.Bennett-F.Rice 6-15... 8-15.

Details under title: March of Crime Stranger From Texas (.54) C.Starret t-L.Gray 8-26... 11-2.

Details under title: Man Trailer Taming of the West (55) B Elliott I.Meredith 8-12... 12-7.

Details under title: Sundown in Helldorado Those High Gray Walls (81) W.Connolly-I. Meredith 7-15... 9-21.

Details under title: Prison Surgeon V-Boat 29 (75) C. Veldt- V.Hobson 10-7

.1021 . . 1 028 .1211

.1039

. . 1202 . .121 1 .1015 . lOHl

T R O - 6 O L p W ¥ N M A Y E R

1939-40	Features	(40-50)	Completed	(52)	In	Production	(0)
1940-41	Features	(50	Completed	(25)	In	Production	(7)

FREE AND EASY

Comedy — Shooting starte(3 December 26

Cast: Ruth Hussey, Robert Cummings, Nigel Bruce, Reginald Owen, Forrester Harvey, Henry O'Neill.

Director— Edward Buzzell Producer— Milton Bren

story: Two gentlemen who are on their uppers start an escort service for ladies and get themselves into many complications.

ROOSTY

Drama — Shooting started January 2

Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold, Gene Reynolds.

Director— Harold S. Buc(juet Producer— Jack Chertok

.story: Edward Arnold, a gangster, sends his tough young son to a farm owned by Lionel Barrymore. where living close to nature and the influence of the kindlv faimer completel.v change the lad's outlook on life.

THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN

Drama — Shooting started December 26

Cast: Laraine Day, Robert Young, Marsha Hunt, Tom Conway,

Virginia Grey, Sara Haden. Director — Norman Z. McLeo(i Producer — Edwin Knopf

story: A sirl i,s falsely accused of having murdered her employer and is tried fur the crime. The victim was stabbeil by a left-handed person and the defense attorney proves that another woman is guilt.v by throwing a knife which the suspect catches with her left hand.

RELEASE CHART

11-1.1

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running Time Cast Details Rel.

.And.v Hard.v's Private Secretary . . .M.Rooney-L.Stone 12-28

Billy The Kid R.T;. M. m - 1 )onlevy ...12-28

Rage In Heaven R. M u n i rx - 1 Bergman 12-28

Ziegfeld Girl, The J.SI . w i j t .1 i '.arland ..11-16

1940-41

Bittersweet (92) J.MacDonald-N.Eddy ., 7-27. .. 11-8.

Come Live with Me T.Stewart-H.Lamarr ... 10-5. .. 1-31 .

Comrade X (90) C.Gable-H.Lamarr 9-7.. 12-13.

Dr. Kildare Goes Home (78) L.Barrymore-L.Ayres . 7-27. .. .9-6.

l>r. Kildarc's Crisis (75) L.Ayres-L. Barrymore .9-21 . . 11-29.

Dulcy (73) A.Sothern-D.Dailey 6-29... 10-4.

E.scape (108) X. Shearer-R.Taylor 5-18.. 11-1.

Flight Coniniiind (110) R.Taylor-R. Hussey 9-7 1-3.

Fools Rush In T.Shelton-\'.Grey 11-30

Gallant .Sons (70) J.Cooper-G.Reynolds ..9-21

Details under title: Fighting Sons

Go West (82) Marx Brothers

Haunted Honeymoon (82) .R. Montgomery

Details under title: Busman's Ho neymoon

llulabuluo (77) P.MorKan-H.Burke

Keeping Company J..^helton-.\.Rutti'ford

l.and of I.lhcrt.\ ( — ) ....Documentary

Little Nelly Kelly (104) J.Garland-G.Muriihy .

.Maisie Was a l.ady A.Soth'n-M.O'Sullivan

Men of Bo.^ s' Town .. 3.Tracy-M. Rooney

Piinclin l.op!-/.. Bad Man W.Beery-L. Barrymore

1). 'tails under title: H\(\ Man.

Philadelphia Story. The (112) . .K. H.pburn-C. Grant 7-27. .1-17.

Details under title: ITntltled Dr. Kildare Sky .blunder (72) VV.I'idgeon-J.Compton .8-10. . .9-27.

Details under title: I ntilled Nick Carter

Strike Ip the Band (1 "i .\I.Rooney-J. Garland ...5-4 9-20.

Third liiigi-r. Left lliiud (!)2) M.Loy-M. Douglas 8-10 . 10-11.

W \U\ Mun lit BoriU'o F Morgan-H. Burke ... 10-1!) ... 1-24 .

Wyoming (89) VV.Beery-L. Bowman .. .6-29. . .9-13.

Details under title: Bad Man of Wyoming

No.

.lis

.101 115 .106 .108 .117

111

.8-10. , .12-6. 2-10. . .9-27.

.114 .104

. 9-7. . 10-25. 10-19. 12-27.

1-24.

8-10... 11-22.

10- 19. . . 1-10. .11-16

11- 30

.109 .116

.112

.119 .105

.103 .107

.102

FILM BULLETIN

1939-40

AndyHardyMeetsADebutante (87) ..Hardy Family 2-24.

Blackmail (81) E.G.Rob'son-R.Hussey 7-1..

Boom Town <120) C.Gable-C.Colbert 3-23.

Captain Is a Lady, The («3) C.Cobui n-Bondi Burke 5-4 ..

Details under title; Old Lady 31

Gold Rush Maisie (82) A. Sothern 5-4..

Golden Fleecing (69) L Ayres-V.Grey G-29.

Gone With the Wind (228) r. ■ ialile- V I,i igh 2-11

I Love \"ou Again (99) W. Powell-M. Loy 5-4..

Mortal Storm (100) M.Sullavan-J. Stewart .2-10.

New Moon (105) J.MacDonaki-X.Eddy

I'ride and Prejudice (117) G.Garson-L. Olivier .,

Sporting Blood (81) R.Young-M.O'Sullivan

Details under title; One Came Home Susan and God (115) I.Crawford-F.March

.7-5. . .9-8. . .8-30. .6-21.

.43

.48 .42

.7-26 47

.8-16 49

1-17

.8-9 50

.6-14 41

.6-28 31

.8-2 40

,7-12 44

.2-10.

0-7 39

The Stars Loolc Down ( — ) M.Lockwood-M. Redgrave ..Foreign

We Who Are Young (79) L.Turner-J.Shelton 5-18... 7-19 45

Details under title: To Own The World

19;!9-40 Features (30)

Westerns (16)

1940-41 Features (26)

Westerns (24)

Completed (25) Completed (19) Completed (12) Completed (7)

In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0)

Details Kel.

DEAD MAN'S SHOES (Foreign) (Completed)

JJrama

Cast: Leslie Banks, Wilfrid Lawson, Joan Marion, Geoffrey Atkins, Judy Kelly, Nancy Price, Walter Hudd, Peter Bull, Henry Oscar, Ludwig Stossel.

Director — Thomas Bentley Producer — Walter C. Mycroft

story; A wealtliy iiiilustriali.st. who was wounded in the first World War and lost his memory, is blackmailed by a man who aii iises him itf h:i\iii.i; been a famous ci iminal, but he is saved by his ini iii. i sw c i tln-art, wlto kills the l.>lackmai h-r and then conintits suiei<le,

YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK (Completed)

Details in issue of 12-14

story: A man is killed by mobsters in the foyer of an apartment house and the porter and elevator boy witness the crime and set out to find the killers. They are captured and almost killed by the mobsters before they can turn the crooks over to the police,

RELEASE CHART

Title — Running Time Cast 1940-41

Ape, The (— ) B.Karloff-G. Hoffman

Cliamber ot Horrors L.T'.-uiks-G.Malo

Dead Man's Sliiies W. I -a \i son- h. Banks ..

Drums of the Desert (63) R.Byrd-L.Gray

Gypsy Cavalier ( — ) G.Roland-R.Torres ...

Her First Romance (77) W.Evans-E. Fellows ..

(Details under title: ••Hii- Father's Daughter").

or Swimmin' Hole, Tlic (71)) M.. Tones-.!. Moran ....

Orplians of the N'ortli Alaskan Cast

Phantom of Cliinatoun (;;2) K.Luke-L.Long

I'rairie S<-liool<lays R.Corrig-an-.l.King ...

Fride of tlie Bowery T^.Gorcey-B. Jordan . . .

Details under title; C.C.C. Camp

Range Busters, The (56) R.Corrigan-J.Kingr ...

Rolling Home to Texas T.Ritter-V. Carpenter

Take .Me Back to Oklahoma (64) . .T.Ritter-S. Andrews

Details under title; Ok'ahoina Bound

That Gang of Mine ( — ) East Side Kids

Trail of the Silver Spurs R.Corrlgan-J.King

Trailing Double Trouble (60) R.Corrigan-J.King ...

Details under title: Si.x Shooting Seren:ide

Fnder Texas Stars T.Rit i e, - \- i ■ n pen ter

West of Pinto Basin ( — ) R.Coi ri ,14a n - .\I . Terhune

You're Out of I.uck F.Darro-K.Sulton ....

1939-40

Arizona Frontier ( — ) T.Ritter-S. Andrews

Details under title: Arizona Redman

Boys of the City (60) B. Jordan-L.Gorcey ..

Chamber of Horrors ( — ) I^.Banks-G.Malo ...

Doomed to Die (67) Boris Karloff

Details under title: Shadows Over Chinatown

Fighting Mad (60) J.Newill-S.Blane ...

Golden Trail, The (50) T. Ritter

Haunted House, The (68) l.Moran-J. Jones ....

Details under title: Kid Reporters

Fast Alarm, The (60) T. McDonald

Laughing at Danger (62) F Darro-J.Hodges

Details under title: All Around The Town

Missing People ( — ) W. Fyffe

On the Spot (60) Frankie Darro .. .

Queen of the Yukon (73) C Bickford-T Rich

Rainbow Over the Range ( — ) . . . . T. Hitter

Terror of the Sky ( — ) S.Hale-W. I.awson .

Fp in the Air (63) F.Darro-M. Reynolds

Details under title: Broadcast Mystery

Wlio Is Guilty? (73) B.Lyon

Wil<l Horse Range ( — ) I. l!:inilall

.8-10. . For. .

1-11. . .9-7. .11-7

. . For.

. in-5. . t >- >H.

11-16.

, .7-27. I I-Hi. 10-1!».

.8-10. 11-30. , . .9-7.

1 1 -■^

I -2-14

. .9-30. . 12-10. .1-15. .10-7. 11-27.

.i2-';2.

10- 14. . .7-29.

11- 18.

.i'i-15!

. .8-23. . 12-30. 11-14

. .9-23. , , . 1-5, ..10-7.

11-16. .11-25. .1-20.

No. .4001 .4022

.4010 4024 .4012

40->l .4021

,7-13. . .8-19. . .3958

.6-29. .7-15. .Foreign 8-5.

.3916 .3!I01)

6-29. .
	.11-5.	.3937
. .6-15.	. 7.3 . .	. 3956
. .6-15. .	.7-17,	.3910
. . .6-1 . . .	,6-25.	.3927
. .7-13. .	.8-12.	.3913
Foreign	8-19.	. 3939
. .3-18.	.6 14.	.3915
. . .7-27.	.8-26.	. 3903
. .6-29. .	.7-29.	.3957
	11-13.	. 3923
. .8-10. .	.9-9. .	.3914
Foreign	9-2	3:»2o
6- 1 .

1939- 40 Features (58)

Westerns (6)

1940- 41 Feature (41)

Westerns (20)

Completed (46)

Completed (9)

Completed (27)

Completed (6)

In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (2) In Production (0)

ONE NIGHT IN LISBON

Drama — Shooting startpci December 27

Cast: Madeleine Carroll, Fred MacMurray, Dame May Whitty,

John Loder, Billie Burke, Akim TamirofT, Patricia Morrison.

Frotaucer-Director— Edward H. Griffith

story: Fred MacMurra>-. an .Vnierieaii ilyinf; planes to Europe tor the Royal Air Force, meets Madelejn,. I'aiioll in an air-raid shelter and takes her to Lisbon Willi liim. l.eeause she is a war worker, spies think she has some informition and kidnap her. but she rescued by MacMurray and Tamiroff, a taxi driver.

CHART

RELEASE

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running Time Cast Details

Fas \egas Nights P.Rei?an-B.A\-|ie hr ...11-30.

1940-41

Aldrich Family in Life

with Henry, The ( — ) l.Coooer-L. Ernst

Arise My I.ove (113) C.Colbert-R.Milland ..

Bi)r(ler Vigilantes W . Boyd - R.Hayden ...

Cherokee Strip (84) R.Dix-W. Henry

Christmas in July (70) D.Powell-E.Drew

Details under title; The New Yorkers

Dancing on a Dime ( — ) G.MacDonald-R. Paige

Doomed Caravan ( — ) W'.Boyd-R.Hayden

Hardlioiled Canar.v, The ( — ) .X.Jones-S.Foster

lietaiis under title: There's M:igic in Music.

I Want a Divorce (92) D.Powe l-.T.Blondell

I Wanted « ings ( — ) B.Donlevy-R.Milhn nd .

In Old Colorado ( — ) W.Boyd-R.Haydeii ...

Fady Eve, The R.Stanwyck-H.Fond

Fove Thy Neighbor (81) T.B nv-A.AUen-M.M tin

Mad Doctor, The ( — ) B.Rathbone-E.Drew

Details under title: Destiny Monster and the Girl ( — ) E.Drew-P.Terry

Details under title: D. O. -A.

Moon Over Burma (76) D.Lamour-R. Preston

New Y'ork Town ( — ) M.Mai tin-F.M'Mun av .

Night at Earl Carroll's. A (f2) . . .K.Murray-R.llc b u t North West Mounted Police ( 125) . .G.Cooiier-H.i 'ariidl ...

Pirates on Horseback ( — ) W.Boyd-R.Hayden ....

Quarterback, The ( — ) W.Morris-V.Dale

Details under title; Touchdown

Rangers of Fortune (90) F.M'Murray-A.Dekker

Reaching For The Sun LMcCrea-E.Drew ....

Rh.ythm On River (90) B Crosby-M.Martin ...

Road to Zanzibar. The ( — ) B.t^rosby-B.Hope

Round-Fp, The ( — ) R.Dix-1'. Foster

Second Cliorus (83) F. Astaii e-P.Godd ird

Shepherd of the Hills .1. Way ne-B. Field

Texas Rangers Ride .*gain (67) .. T.Howard-E.Di e\v ....

Three Men from Texas (70) B Boyd-R Hayden

> ictor.> (78) F.March-B. Field

Virginia il.< 'ai i oU-F.M' Murray

World in Flames (60) Documentary

You're The One OTiickei -B.Baker ....

Rel.

No.

. 3-9 .1-24

.7-13. . .11-1. . .4009

11-30

.6-29. .10-11. . .4005 .6-15. .10-25. . .4007

. .5-4. . .11-8. . .4008 .6-1. . . 1-10. . .4051

.6-29 3-7

.4-6 9-20. . .4002

. .9-7

11-2 . . 2-28. . .40.1i2

.11-2

7-27. .12-27

.2-10. .2-21

.8-10.

.7-13, .10-18. . .4006

11- 16

5-4. , .12-6. . .4011

.3-23. . 12-27. . .3946

12- 28

.7-27. . .10-4. . .4004

..5-4 9-27. . .4003

. '()-">

.5-18 9-6. . .4001

11-16

.8-10 . .3-28

. .8-10. . .1-3

. 10-3. , ,4-11

. .5-4, 12-13 , , .4012 . .5-4. .11-15. . .4050

, .6-1. . .1-17

.7-87... 2-14

10-25

.10-5 2-7

1939-40

Al' Women Have Secrets (.59) J.Allen-J.Cagney 9-9...

Details under title; Campus Wives

Beau Geste (120) G.Cooper-R.MlUand .,.12-8..

Comin' Round the Mountain (62) . B.Burns-U.Merkel "j^*"

Death of a Champion (64) L.Overman-V.Dale 7-1...

Ghost Breakers, The (82) B.Hope-P.Goddard 2-24..

Golden Gloves (70) J.Cagney-R.Ryan 12-16.

The Great McGinty (82) B.Donlevy-A. Tamiroff 12-30.

Details under title; Down Went McGinty

Great Victor Herbert, The (84) ...M.Martin-A.Jones 8-26..

Details under ttile: Victor Herbert

Gulliver's Travels (74) TechnicolorCartoonFeature

Hidden Gold (61) W.Boyd-R.Hayden 12-2..

Details under title: Man Prom Bar-20 .Jamaica Inn (86) C. Laushton

12-15. .3914

9-15. .

8- 16. .

9- 1. . .

7- 5. . ,

8- 2. . 8-23.

.3902 .3944 .3901 .3938 .3942 .3929

I^w of the Pampas (74) W.Boyd-S.Dunne

Details under title: Argentina

Mystei-y Sea Raider (75) H.Wilcoxon-C.Landis

Our Neighbors — The Carters (83) . .F.Bainter-F. Craven

$1000 a Touchdown (71) J.E.Brown-M.Raye ..

Queen of the Moh (60) . R.Bellamy-J.Cagney .

Details under title: The Woman From Hell

Range War (65) W.Boyd-R.Haydon ..

Safari (80) M.Carrol-D.F'banks. Jr.

Stagecoach War (61) W.Boyd-R.Hayden ...

Details under title: Hold Y'our Horses Those Were the Days (70) AA^HoIden.. I.Barrett ..

Details under title; At Good Old Siwash

.7-1. .

.5-8. . .7-1. . .7-1. . .1-13.

11- 4

12- 30.

.12-29. .3916

.12-22. .3915 .6-7 3958

. 10-13. .3906 .11-3 . ,3955

,8-9 3943

,11-24, ,3911

.9-22. . .3003 .6-28. . .3939

.9-8 . . .6-11. .7-12.

. 3954 3937 . 3959

1 1-18. .5-31. . .3936

Typhoon (70)

I'ntamed (83)

Way of All Flesh, The (82)

1939- 40 Features (30)

Westerns (24) Serials (4)

1940- 41 Features (26)

Westerns (32) Serials (4)

D.Lamour-R. Preston

A.Tamiroff-R.Milland

A.Tamiroff-W.Henry

.8-12. .7-15. 1 o_o

.5-17 7-26 . 6-2 1

.3934 .3941 . . 3940

Completed (23)

Completed (21) Completed (4)

Completed (10)

Completed (1.5) Completed (2)

In Production (0)

In Production (2)

In Production (1)

CAPTAIN MARVEL

aerial— Shooting started December 23

Cast: Tom Tyler, Frank Couglan, Jr., Louise Carrie, Robert Strang:e George Pembroke, Perry Worth, Peter Lynn. William Benedict.

Directors — Jack English and William Witney

Producsr — H. S. Brown, Jr.

Stoiy: It ised on the cartoon strip of the s;iuie name. II deals with n scientltlc oxpedllion to Slam, during which one nienibor of the party has a strange experience nnd becomes the superman, Captnin Marvel.

JANUARY 11, 1941

CITADEL OF CRIME

Uiama — Shooting started January 4

Cast: Jchn Wayne, Frances Dee, Edward Ellis, Alexander Granaek, Harold Huber.

Director — John M. Auer Producer — Armand Schaefer

St(ir\-: r iiii v ,ii 1,1 Ml .-^i c next issue.

PRAIRIE PIONEERS

Western — Shooting started January 2

Cast: Bob Livingston, Bob Steele, Rufe Davis.

Director— Leslie Orlebeck Producer— Lou Grey

story; A t.v|)ic:il Western drama in wliicli tlie Three llescjuiteers lielp to liit st'i x i- nr.li-r anil ride to the rescue of the oppressed in pioneer days.

TWO-GUN SHERIFF

Western — Shooting started January 2

Cast: Don Barry, Virginia Carroll, Milburn Stack, Rex Leasee, Neil Marx, Nick Thompson.

Producer-Director — George Sherman

Stor.v: Unavailable — sei- mxt issue.

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Kunniiij; Time Cast Details

Pettieout I'olitirs U.Karns-R. Donnelly ...12-28

1940-41

Arkan>as .Judsp ( — ) R.RoKers-Weaver Bros

Barn.»aril i-ollies ((iT) J.Archer-J.Storey ....

Behind the »«s (7.5) I>. Nolan-D.Davenport

Border Lesion (.58) R.Rogers-G.Hayes . . .

Bowery Bo.i (71) D.O'Keefe-L. Campbell

Colorado (57) R.Rogers-P.Moore

Dr. Satan (serial) R.Wilcox-E.Ciannelli

Friendly Neighbors ((!7) Weaver Family

Frontier Vengeance (57) D.Barry-BMoran ...

Girl from Havana, The (<i!») U.O'Keefe-C.Carleton

Hit Parade of 1941 («G) K.Baker-F.Langtord

King: of the Royal .Mounted (Serial) .A^l^ane-B.Kellard ....

Lone Star liaiders (57) B.Livins;ston-B.Steele

Meet the Missus ((18) R.Karns-R. Donnelly .

Melod.v Kaneh (84) G.Autry-J. Durante

Melody and .Moonlight (72) I.Dow ns-B. J. Allen ...

Oklahoma Renegades (57) B. Livintrstnn

Rel.

No.

tie

I '.ii. iM-tte . , .M i;. ynokls J. Duncan . . ,

12-14.

10- 19.

11- lfi.

10- 19.

11- 16. .7-27. .10-5. ..9-7. .8-24. .7-27. .8-10. .6-29. 11-16. .9-21. .9-21. .8-24. .6-29. .7-31.

.12-1^ . .11-30. .10-5.

Ride. Tenderfoot, Ride ( — ) j..Auti >

Ridin' llic Rainbow G .Vuti

Rohin Hood of the Pecos R.Rui;'

Texas Terrors (57) D.Barry

Details under title: Bad Man From Rio

Trail Blazers (58) B.Livingston-B.Steele 9-21..

Tulsa Kid, The (57) DonBarry-L. Walters ..6-29.

I'nder Texas Skies (57) Three Mesquiteers 8-10.

Details under title; -Arizona Slcies

Who Killed .\unt -Maggie (70) J.Hubbard-W.Barrie ...9-21.

AVyoming Wildcat D.Barry-J.Duncan 11-30,

lOiing Bill Hickok (.59) R.Rogers-G.Hayes 8-24.

1939-40

Adventures of Red Ryder (Serial) .. Don Barry 5-4.

Carolina Moon (65) G. Autry-S.Burnette 6-1.

Carson City Kid (57) Roy Rogers 5-18

Earl of Puddlestone (67) Gleasons-H. Davenport ..6-29

Girl from God's Country (71) C.Morris-C.Bickford 6-1.

Grande Ole <)i>r.v (65) Weaver Brothers 5-18

One .Man's Law (57) D. Barry 6-1.

Ranger and the Lady, The (.59) . . RoyRogers-G.Hayes ...6-29

Bovln' Tumblevveeds (64) G. Autry-S.Burnette 9-23

Sabotage (69) C.Grapewin-A. Whelan .8-26.

Details under title: Headline Nev;s

Scatterbrain (74) J.Canova-E.Foy. Jr. 6-1..

.Sing, Dance, Plenty Hot (72) J.Downs-R. Terry 6-15

Three Faces West (79) J.Wayne-S.Gurie 4-20

Details under title: Doctors Don't Tell Wagons Westward (69) C.Morris-A.Louise 5-4.

Women Zorrc»'s

in War (71) lighting Legion

(Serial)

. E. Janis-P.Knowles

. R Hadl«--y-A\-.C,,, smu

.1-31
.12-13. ..	.008
.12-20. . .	.00.-)
. .12-6. . .	.053
. 12-27	019
. .9-15. . .	.051
	082
.11-7. . .	.007
.10-10. .	.072
. .9-11. . .	.017
.10-15. .	.001
. .9-20. . .	.081
.12-23..	.064
.11-29. .	.018
. 11-15. .	.041
.10-11. .	.005
. .8-29. .	.061
. . .9-7. .	.043
..1-28. .
.1-14
.11-22 . .	.073
.11-11..	.063
. .8-16. . .	.071
.9-27..	.062
.11-1. .	.006
. . .1-6. .
.10-21. .	.052
. . .6-15. .	.973
. . .7-15.	.944
. . .6-27. .	.955
. . .8-31.	.925
. . .7-30. .	.904
. . .6-25. .	.908
. .6-29. .	,992
...7-30..	.956
. .11-15.	.848
. .10-11.	.913
. . .7-12. .	.909
. . .8-10. .	.924
. . . 7-3 . . .	.903
. .6-19. .	.907
. .6-6. . .	,902

!l--.'3. . 12-16 873

1939- 40 Features

Westerns

1940- 41 Features

Westerns


(521	Completed	(47)
(6)	Completed	(4)
(,5,''.)	Completed	(22)
(9)	Completed	(.>)

In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (4) In Production (0)

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running Time Cast Details

Devil and Mi-.„ .lones, Tlie 7..\rlliur-(",('obuMi 12-28..

Reluctant Dragon Cartoon Feature 10-19..

SlioH Business A.Mowbray-D.McBridc 12-28,,

Tli<-,\ Mel in .\rgentina M.( J'Wfara-A. Vil a 11-30..

1940-41

\ «»irl, a t.iiy anil a (;ob <;,.Murpby-L.Ball 10-5..

Details under title; Three 'Jirls and a Gob.

Mong the Rio (;rande T. Holt-U.Rhodes 11-16..

Citizen Kane ( — ) r). Welles-D.Cominpare .8-10..

Convoy C.Brook.s-J. Clements ...For..

Itreaniing Ont Loird (81) Lum 'n' Abner .5-18.

Fargo Kid, The ( — ) T.lIolt-J.Drummond 8-24.

Fm Slill Alive (72) K.Taylor-L. Hayes 7-27.

Kitty Foyle (i, Rogers-D.Morgan 9-7.

T/addie (70) T.Holt-V.Gllmore 6-29.

I,et's .Make Music ( — ) B.Crosby-J.Rogers 10-5,

Details und<r title: I.,et'g Find a Song

l.'il ,\bner (77) G.Owen-M.O'DrlscoIl 9-7.

Little Men (81) (^ ,Fra rjcls- J.Oak io 8-10.

-Melody lor Three I.Hershoit-F. Wray ...12-14..

(Details under title: Prodigy)

Rel.

Ko.

2-14. .	. 120
	.183
2-28, .	.118
. .1-3.	.161
.9-13,	.102
.12-6.	.182
.9-27.	.103
12-27.	.112
10-18.	.107
.1-17.	.115
,11-1,	. 109
l-IO .	.110
3-28..

Men -Against the Sky (75) R.Dix-W.Barrle 6-15 9-6... 101

Mexican SpitHre Out W est (— ) . . . L.Errol-L.Velez 8-10. . . 11-8 ... II 1

Mr. and .Mrs. Smith C.Lombard-A.Mont'ery .9-21 . . . 1 -31. . . 117

No. No Nanette ( — ) .\..Neagle-R. Carlson 8-24 .. 12-20. .. 114

Play Girl K.Francis- J, p:ilison 10-3 3-7 121

Ramparts We Watch, The (90) ...March o( Time Feature 7-13. . .8-16. .. 171

Remedy for Rii hes (67) l.HershoIt-D.Lovett 9-21. .11-29. . .113

Saint in Palm Springs, The G.Murphy-W.Barrie 11-2 . . . 1 -24 . . . 1 16

Srattergo .d itaines G.Kibbee-C.Hushi's . . . 12-14 , , . 2-2 I . . , I2.(

They Ivnew What They Wanted (96) C.Lombard-C.Laughton 6-29. , 10-25. ., 104

Too Many tiirls (85) R.Carlson-I^.Ball 6-29 .,. 1 1-1 ... 106

\ iUain Still Pursued Her,The (65) . , B.Keaton-H. Herbert .. .3-23 . . lO-1 1 ... 105

Wagon Train (— ) T.Holt-M.O'Driscoll 8-10. .. 10-4 ... 181

Vou'll Find Out (97) Iv.Kyser-B.Karloff 8-21 .. 11-22. .. 108

1939-40

Cross Country Romance (66) G.Raymond-W.Barrie ..5-4 7-12... 039

Dance, Girl, Dance (89) M.O'Hara-L.Hayward . .4-20. . .8.30, . .040

Dr. Christian Meets the Women(65)J, Hersholt 5-18... 7-5 036

Details under title: Dr. Christian No. 3

Lucky Partners (102) R.Colman-G. Rogers 5-4 8-23... 038

.Millionaires in Prison (63) L.Tracy-L, Haves 5-4 7-26... 037

One Crowded Night (67) B.Seward-D.Costello .. .6-15. , ,8-16. . .04^

Pop .Always Pays (66) L.Errol-D'O'Keefe 5-4 6-21,., 034

Details under title: Thousand Dollar Marriage

Prairie Law (.59) G.O'Brien-V. Vale 5-4 6-14... 084

Queen of Destiny (95) A. Neagle 8-2 061

Reno (73) R.Dix-G, Patrick 9-9 12-1. ..008

Saint Takes Over, The (68) G.Sanders-W.Barry 2-24. .. 6-7 033

Stage to China (60) G. O'Brien 6-1 7-26... 085

Stranger on the Third Floor (67) ..Peter Lorre 6-29. . .8-16. . ,041

Sued for Libel (69) K.Taylor-I,, Hayes 8-26. .. 10-27 , . 012

Tom Brown's Schooldays (83) CHard'ke-F.Barflmew 2-24 ... 7-19 ... 029

Triple .Justice (66) George O'Brien 7-13. . .9-27. . .086

Two Thoroughbreds (62) J.Brodell-J.Lydon 10-7. . .12-8. . .013

Details under title: Sunset Wildcat Bus (63) F. Wray-C.Lang 7-13 ... 8-23 ... 043

1939- 40 Features

1940- 41 Features

(52) (52)

Completed (50) Completed (36)

In Production (0) In Production (5)

A VERY YOUNG LADY

Oi'ama — Shooting started December 26

Cast: Jane Withers, Nancy Kelly, John Sutton, Richard Clayton, Janet Beechcr, June Carlson, Charles Halton, Cecil Calloway.

JJirector — Harold Schuster Producer — Robert T. Kane

.Stury; Jane Withers suiters irom a bad case ot Imx.- for the pi inoiiial

of a girl's school. He is quite uncfjnscioiis "i lii i devotion, but after much unhappiness Jane consoles herself b,v fuUins in love witli a boy fiMm a military school.

BLOOD AND SAND

Ui'ama — Shooting started January 6

Cast: Tyrone Power, Laird Creager, John Carradine, Armillita.

Director — Rouben Mamoulian

Story; -\ young' bull-tigliter falls so madly in lo\'e with a beautiful girl that when she rejects his affections he is so unhappy that he grows care- less in the bull-ring and is killed. Film will be made with two end- ings; ©n.e tragic, the nthfr happy.

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running Time Cast Details

Dead Men Tell S.Toler-S.Yung 12-28,

Detail,s under: Untitled Charlie Chan.

Ride On. Va<|uero C.Romero-M.Hughes ..12-28.

Tlie Outlaw W.Huston-T.Mitchell .12-14.

1940-41

Bride Wore Crutches. The ( — ) . . . T.North-L.Roberts 6-1..

Brigham Young, Frontiersman (114)T.Power-L.Darnell ....5-4...

Chad Hanna (88) H.Fonda-L.Darnell 9-7,,

Charlie Chan at Wa.v Museum (63) . S.Toler-J. Valerie 6-1..

Charter Pilot ( — ) L.Xolan-L.Bari 7-27..

Down .\rgentina Way (94) D.Ameche-B.Grable ..7-13...

For Beauty's Sake ( — ) T.North-M. Weaver 6-29

Ga.v Cabaliero (57) Cesar Romero 6-15...

Girl in the News ( — ) M.Lnckwood-B. Barnes .For..

Girl from Ave. A, The (73) T. Withers-K.Taylor

Golden Hoofs (— ) ,i.Withers-C. Rogers

Rel.

9-27. . 12-27. . . . ,9-6.

12-6. . 10-11. .

.107 .123 .110 .118 .ILS

. . .4-20 , .n-21 . ,

(ireat Profile. The (71) T.Barrymore-M. Hughes 6-15. .

.9-21. . .8-10. . . .5-18.

Hudson's ISa.v (95) P.Muni-L.Cregar

■lennie (78) V.Gilmore-W. Henry

.Man I Marrie<l, The (77) T.Bennett-F.Lederer

Details inider title: I Married a Nazi .Mark of Zorro. The (94) T-Power-L.Tarnell 8-10.

Details under title: The Californian .Michael Shayne-Private Detective..

(77) L.Xolan-M. Weaver 10-5,

Murder .\moiig Friends ( — ) J. Hubbard-M. Weaver .11-30.

.Mi'r<|er Over New York ((i5) S.Toler-M. Weaver 7-27.

Details under title: Charlie Chan in New Y'ork Night Train (94) M.L'kwood-R.H'ris'n Foreign

Details under title: In Disguise

Pier 13 (66)

I'ublic Deb No. I (80)

Roail to Rio, The (— )

Return of Frank .Tames, The (92)

.10-4..

,1-31..

8-9. . , •• ■14 . . .10-25. . , I -3 . . 12-20. . . . 8-2 . .

.11-8..

.108 .127 .104

1-10. . .3-14. 12-13. .

10-18.

Ill .115 .122 .101

.117

.121 121 .114

L.Nolan-L.Bari 5-4... 8-23,

B.Joyce-M.Auer 4-20 9-13.

.\,Faye-D.Amcche 11-30

H.Fonda-A.Leeds 5-18

. lO-^ .105

Ride, Kelly. Ride ( — ) M.Steiihens- K. Pallet te .9-21

R iniance of the Rio (irande (73) ScMlland \ard ( — )

Sleepers W es( J ..\olan-L. Bari 11-30

strc<-( of .'Memories (70) G. Kibbee 5-4..

Tall, Darii and Handsome C.Romero-M.Berle ....11-30,

Tin I'an .Mle.v (91) A.Faye-D, Ameche 9-7..

i'obaceo Koad ( — ) G,Tleiney-C,Grapewin .12-14

Ueslerii Cnion ( — ) I{, Young-H.Scott ....

^ eslcrda.N 's Heroes (66) J.Rogers-T.North

Voung I'eoplc, The (78) S.Temple-JOakle

Youth Mill Be Scrx-d (66) J,Wlthers-R. Conway

. C.Romero- R.Cortez . . . ,9-21 , .N.Kelly-.I.Lorter 12-14

10-3

.4-20

i. . 8-16.	, 103
1-17. .	. 125

.11-15. .	.102
. . 1 -24 . .	.128

, , 2-21 , , . ,9-20. .	. .]!•
. ,8-30. .	.109
, 1 1 -22 . .	,119

FILM BULLETIN

1- 27. . 4-20. . 3-23. .

12-30. 12-16.

2- 10. .

3- 9. . .

1939-40

Cluirlie ('liair» .Murder Criiise CIO) . S. I'oler-S.Yuiis

Details undiT titli': Charlie Chan's Oriental Cruise

Karthbound ((>"> W.Baxter-A.Leeds

Kour Sons (88) D.Ameche-M. Hughes

(iirl in Room 313 (58) K.Taylor-F.Rice

Details under tith-; Million Dollar Diamond

1 Was an .Adventuress (80) Zorina-R. Greene ....

(lohnny Apollo (!»3) T.Power-D.Tjanioui'

Detail.s undir titlf: Pance VVilh The Devil

Lillian Russell (141) A.Faye-D. Aineche

I-ueky Cisco Kid ((i8) C.Romero-M.B.Hughes .

Details under title: itosue of the Rio Grande Manhattan Heartl)ea( (71) V.Gilmore-J. Davis ....

Details under ttile: Rain or .'^hine

Maryland (92) W.Brennon-J. Payne ....

On Their Own (63) Jones Family

Sailor's Lady (66) J. Hall-N.Kelly

Shipyard Sally (79) G. Fields-S.Howard

Shooting: High (65) J. Withers-G. Autry

So This Is London (84) B'.Churchill-G.Sanders K

Star Dust (90) L.Darnell-J.Payne ...

Details under title: Twinkle. 'J" winkle Little Star Vii'a Cisco Kid (65) C.Romero-J.Rogers

UNITED ARTISTS

-10. . .6-21 . . .048

.6-7. . .6-14. .5-31.

.5-10. .4-19.

.5-24. .6-28.

.084 .047 .051

.038 .012

.045 .049

2-24. . 2-24. . 2-10. .

oreism

7. .

.5-19. .

5-17. . . 7-5 . . . ,10-20. .4-26. .

5-3. . . .4-5. . .

. 050 044 . 052 .018 .041 .043 .036

. 039

Chaplin: Goldwyn: Korda: Lesser: Loew-Lewin: Lubitsch : Pascal: Roach : Rowland : Roosevelt: Selznick: Small: Wanger:

Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940- Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940- Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940 Sold for 1940

41 (1) -41 (1) 41 (3) -41 (1) -41 (2) 41 (II ■41 (2) ■41 (5) 41 (1) 41 (1) ■41 (2) ■41 (1) ■41 (2)

Completed (1) Completed (1) Completed (3) Completed (0) Completed (1) Completed (1) Completed (1) Completed (2) Completed (1) Completed (0) Completed (0) Completed (0) Completed (2)

In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (1) In Production (0) In Production (1) In Production (0) In Production (0) In Production (0)

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running; Time Cast Details

Hroadway Liniite<l V.McLagien-D.O'Keefe 12-28.

Pot O'Gold T.Stevvart-F.Goddaid .,12-28.

Rel.

No. Rill Rvt

1940-41

Blackout (80) C. Veidt-V.Hobson ..Foreign 11-29.., Kor

Cheers Tor Mis.s Bishop M.Scott-W.Girgan ....10-5 Row

Foreign Correspondent (120) J.McCrea-L.Day 4-6. .. .8-16. .. Wan

Details under title: Personal History

(97).

. C.Chaplin-P.Goddard . V.Leigh -L.Olivier . J.Wayne-T.Mitchell . R.Morley-W.Hiller .W,Lawson-N,PiIbeam . .4. Men,jou-J. Hubbard

.10-7

. . .10-5

. . .5-4 . .11-22, ,

, . .5-4

Foreign 9-13

.7-27. . .1-24. . 9-7

Chp . , Ivor Wan , fas

Rit , Rch

L.L.

. .11-16 Lub

, Kor

Great Dictator, The (126)

Ijady Hamilton

Long Voyage Home, The

Major Barbara ( — )

Pastor Hall (97)

Road Show ( — )

So Ends Our Night M,Sullavan-F. March

For details see under title: F.otsam.

That I'ncertain Feeling M.Oberon-M. Douglas

Thief of Bagdad (106) Sabu-C.Veidt 6-12 (39). 12-25.

Topper Returns J.Blondell-R. Young ...11-16

Westerner, The (103) G.Cooper-W.Brennan .12-2 9-20 Gol

1939-40

Captain Caution (85) V.Mature-L. Piatt 5-4...

Chump at Oxford (63) Laurel-Hardy 7-1...

Kit Carson (97) J.Hall-D.Andrews 6-1...

Lion Has Wings. The (65) M.Ober n-R.Harr'sn Foreign

One Million B. C. (80) J.Hubbard-V.Mature ..11-8..

Our Town (90) W.HoIden-M. Scott 2-10.

Saps at Sea (55) S.Laurel-O.Hardy 11-4,,

Details under title; Laurel and Hardy No. 2

South of Pago Pago (100) J.Hall-V.McLaglen 4-6,.

Turnabout, The (83) J.Hubbard-A.Menjou ..3-9..

Goldwyn- Korda-Kor Roach-Rch Selznick-Sel Small Sml

,8-9, , . ,2-16. ,8-30, . 3-29. .4-5. . . .5-24. .5-3. .

.7-4. . . .5-18. .

Wanger-

Rch Rch . Sml . Kor Rch . . Les . Rch

. . Sml . Rch

Wan

UNrVERSA t

1939-40	Features	(44)	Completed	(45)	In	Production	(0)
	Westerns	(7)	Completed	(7)	In	Production	(0)
	Serials	(4)	Completed	(4)	In	Production	(0)
1940-41	Features	(45)	Completed	(25)	In	Production	(5)
	Westerns	(7)	Completed	(3)	In	Production	(0)
	Actions	(7)	Completed	(3)	In	Production	(0)
	Serials	(4)	Completed	(4)	In	Production	(0)

THE FLAME OF NEW ORLEANS

Drama — Shooting started January 6

Cast: Marlene Dietrich, Roland Young, Bruce Cabot, Mischa Auer,

Andy Devine, Theresa Harris. Director — Rene Clair Producer — Joe Pasternak

Sliir,\; About IStii a well-born French adventuress. Marline I Mctrii-li, conu's to New Orleans and sets her cap lor a wealthy h iiiU. r. Kohmd Vouiii;. and lUits with the captain of a river boat, liruce Cabot. YouiiK s;'es Maiiene in one of her ribald moments and she pretends it was her t'ousin :ind carrit-s »m the droiblc role until Young hires Cabot to liMin:i|i III.' i-.Hisiii :in.l .iiriN li.-i' iilT on his boat.

THE LADY FROM CHEYENNE

Drama — aiiooting startc(i January 6

Cast: Loretta Young, Robert Preston, Gladys George, Edward Arnold, Frank Craven, Jessie Ralph, Stanley Fields, Willie Best.

Producer-Director — Frank Dloyd

story: Loretta Young goes to Wyoming in 1S70 to teach school. Crooked gamblers burn the school house and she heads the women in a move- ment to induce the legislature to give women the vote, so they can ser\'e on luries and clean up the town.

THE MAN WHO LOST HIMSELF

Drama — Sliooting started January 7

Cast: Brian Aherne, Kay Francis, Henry Stephenson, S. Z. Sakall.

Director— Edward Ludwig Producer— Lawrence Fox

story; The dissoluti' son m a rich family, realizing that he is worthless, installs a double in his place and then commits suicide straightens out tlie man's affaii was about to divorce liim.

The double md wins the love of his wife, who

RELEASE CHART

Rel.

6-29 . . 11-16. .9-21. . . .9-7. . .9-21.

.10-5.

. .9-6. . . . 1-31 . . 11-29. . .1-10. . .2-14. .

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Running Time Cast Details

liu<k Privates B. Abbott-L.Costello ...12-28

Love at Last D.Durbin-F.Tone 11-16. . .2-21 .

Di tails under title: Nice Girl

1940-41

Argentine Nights (— ) RHz Brothers

BacU Street M.Sulla van-C. Boyer

Bank Dick, The (73) W.C.Fields-L'.Merkel

Boss of Bullion City (— ) J.M.Brown-F.Knight

Bury Me Not on the LonePrairie (— ) LM.Brown-P.Knight . Dangerous (iame, A R.Arlen-A. Devine

Details under title: Who Killed Cock Robin.

Dark Streets of Cairo (59) S.Gurie-K.DeMille . . .

Devil's Pipeline (65) R.Arlen-A. Devine ...

Diamond Frontier (71) V. McLaglen

l"u"itive The (76) D. Wynyard-R.Rich'd'n

Uivf I s'wings ((>2) B.Halop-H.Hall

Green Hornet Strikes Again, The (— )W.Hull-A.Nagel

Hired Wife (96) R,Russell-B. Aherne ..

I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now ( — ) . H.Parrish-D.O'Keete .

Invisible Woman ( — ) J.Barrymore-V.Bruce .

Junior G-Men (Serial) Dead Knd Kids

Leather Pushers, The ( — ) R.Arlen-A, Devine

Little Bit of Heaven, A (87) G.Jean-R. Stack

Law and Order (— ) J.MackBrown-F.Knight

Details under title: Man from Cheyenne

Lucky Devils ( — ) R.Arlen-A. Devine

.>Iargie (5S) T. Bio wn-N. Grey

Meet the Chump H.Herbert-L.Howard

Di-tails under title: AVho's Crazy Now? Meet (he Wildcat (65) M.Lindsay-R.Bellamy

Details under title: Caribbean Holiday

Mummy's Hand, The (67) D.Foran-P.Moran

Mysterious Dr. R.. '1 he ( — ) L. Atwell-L.Chaney, Jr.

No.

5010 5064

.9-21 . .8-10. . .5-18, . . . For. .8-24. , ,8-24. . .7-13. . . (i-l, 10-19.

. .9-7. (i-15 . , 11-10,

.8-24.

.2-28, .11-1. . , 10-4. . 9-20. . 12-20. . 12--24. . .9-13.. , 11 1 . . 12-27, .10-1. . .9-13. . 10-11. . .1018. .

.1-3.

12-6. .2-14.

. 5052 5019 .5046 . 5025 .5781 .5006 .5036

..5681 .5051 .5017 .5062

.5023 .502(1

One Night in the Tropics (83) ....

Pony Post, The (— )

Ragtime Cowboy .Joe (58)

Riders of Death Valley (Serial) ..

Siui Francisco Docks ("6)

Sandy tiets Her .Man ((■;.;)

Seven Sinners (86)

Si.\ Lessons From Mad. LaZonga . .

Sk.> Haiders ( .-Serial 1

Slight 1,\ I'cinpted (60)

Spring Parade (89)

Trail of llie Vigilantes (75)

W here Did You (iet That (iirl (66)

A.. Tones-N.Kelly . J.M.Brown-F.Knight . I ,M,Brown-P.Knight .D.Foran-L.Carrillo . . .B. Meredith -LHervey ,B,Sandy-S.Erwin ... .M.Dietrich- J. Wayne

, L,Velez-L,Errol

. D. Woods-B. Halop . . .

.H. Herbert

.D.Durbin-R.C-umming- .F'.Tone-J.Mor.gan . , . . H.Parrish-C.Lang ..

Winners of the West (Serial) E.Lowe-W.Barry

1939-40

Bad Man from Red Butte (58) ...I, M. Brown 4

.6-15. 12-14. .9-6.. .8-10.

.11-16. .10-5, ,8-24. 7-27 . 12-14. .12-14. .5-18. .6-1.

10- 19.

11- 16. .7-12.

11-22. .9-20.

.5023 .5020

11-15. .11-8. .9-20.

.5015 . 5063 .5061

Black Diamonds (60) RArUn-A, Devine

Bovs from Syracuse, The (73) . . . A .Iones-J.Penner 4

Hoit Steel (61) 1{, Arlen-A.Pevine o

I Can t Give You Anything

But Love, Baby (61) .LDowns-P.Moran 3

La Conga Nights (CO) H Herbert-M.Auer 2

Love, Honor, and Oh, Baby! (60) . .\V, Ford-D.Woods 4

Details under title; .\'o Exit

Private Affairs (75) X.Kelly-R.Toung 4-

Details under title: One of the Boston Bullertons

Sandy Is a Lady (64) Sandy-M.Auer 2

Son of Roaring Dan (60) .Johnny Mack Brown ..6

South to Karanga (60) C.Blckford-DMoran ...4

When the Daltons Rode (81) K.Prancis-R. Scott 6

Witness Vanishes, The (66) DForan-A.Nagel 3

Del ails under title; They Can't Hang Me You're Not So Tough (71) Dead End Boys 4

20. ■4. .

23. 24. 20.

20.

■24, 29. -29. 15.

23.

20,

,1-10. .11-8. 10-25 . . . 1-17.

10-18.

.9-27.

12-13, . .1-3. , .9-22.

.5-31 . .7-19. .8-9. . .5-24.

.6-21. ,5-31. .6-7..

6-14. .7-26. .8-2. . .7-26.

.5021 .5007

.5024 ,5001 , 5008

.4063 .4057 .4003 .4056

.4037 .4029 .4036

.4007

,4008 .4064 .4039 .4006 .5.584

7-26. .4023

1939- 40 Features

1940- 41 Features

(48) (48)

Completed (47 I Completed (:!0l

In Production 1 1 ) In Production ((>)

MISS WHEELWRIGHT DISCOVERS AMERICA

Drama— Shootms .started January 2

Cast: Jeffrey Lynn, Priscilla Lane, Ronald Keasan. May Robson. Lee Patrick, Helen VVestley, Fay Helm, John Qualcn, Ches- ter Clute. Clarence Kolb.

Director— Curtis Bernhardt Producer— David Lewis

Sloiy: A wealthy elderly woman, who has lived 111 Europe for many years, is forced by the ■ivar to return to the I'nited States and she ha.s varied e\|ierieiues while trying to adjust herself to life in her native land.

THE BRIDE CAME C. O. D.

Koniantic Comt'dy— Shooting started January 2

Cast: Bette Davis, James Cagney Stuart Erwin, Jack Carson. George Tobias, William Frawley, Harry Davenport.

Director— William Keighley Producer— William Cagney

story: .lames Cagney is a pilot who makes a business of Hying couiilos to Yuma, to be married, hut when Hettc Davis tries to elope hi-r uiu-le bribes Cagney to prevent the marriage. He turns back without land- ing at Yuma and eventually wins Bettc's love himself.

JANUARY 11, 1941

(Continued from Page Ten)

l);i\ ifl Oliver. Buil .Tamistin, John I'"iaiik in "Pot O' Golil" . . .

UNIVERSAL

Bruce Cabot has been named leading man for "Flame of New Orleans," the new Marlene Dietrich starrer. . .Rudy Vallee has been signed to a term contract. . .Bob Speers, former Paramount ex- ploiteer and one of the most capable in the business, has been added to John Joseph's staff .. .Universal has three productions tentatively scheduled for production starts during the second week of January, and may add a fourth. The studio is currently hitting a slow pace with only "Nice Girl" (Deanna Durbin) and "Buck Privates" before the cameras. Slated to start are "Lady from Cheyenne" (Loretta Young-Robert Preston), "Model Wife" (Joan Blondell-Dick Powell), "The Man Who Lost Himself" (Kay Fran- cis-Brian Aherne) and "The Flame of New Orleans" (Marlene Dietrich-Bruce Cabot).

l'ASTIN(;S: I^ee Miller. William Kulil. I'at We.st, 1, oui.se Miller, Nora McKin- ney. Florence Shirley. Dorothy Vaughan in "Ijove at I^ast" ... Harry Strang, Tony Hughes in "Buck Privates" ., .Charles I^iughton in "Almost an Angel" ...Charlie Ruggles in "Model Wife" . . .CO.NTK.4CTS : Evelvn Ankers to term

(I. .I I , . .

WARNER BROS.

"Desert Song" is news again at Warners. Talked of for a re- make for the past three years, it seems likely that it will finally

see the light of day with Dennis Morgan in the leading role. Mor- gan was previously mentioned in connection with the operetta and now his performance in "Kitty Foyle" has made the studio feel it has a find in this genial young singing actor. . .Howard Hawks is mentioned as the director of "Man Who Came to Dinner." Hawks is preparing "Sergeant York, which Jesse Lasky is pro- ducing for WB...This studio plans another anti-Nazi film. It will be "Underground," tale of the anti-Hitler short-wave radio activi- ties within the Reich. . .George Raft's next will be "Carnival in Rio."

There's plenty of activity on WB's sound stages with the fol- lowing pictures in work: "The Sea Wolf" (Edward G. Robinson- John Garfield-Ida Lupino), "She Stayed Kissed" (Dennis Morgan- Shirley Ross), "Winged Victory" (Geraldine Fitzgerald- James Stephenson), "Miss Wheelwright Discovers America" (Jeffrey Lynn- Priscilla Lane), "Thirty Days Hath September" (Eddie Albert- Joan Leslie), "The Bride Came C.O.D." (Bette Davis-James Cagney).

I'AWriXiS: George Raft in "Dinner Zi.ie- " . . .lelTiey r,\iiTi, .lohn Sheffield. Helen Lynd in "Miss WIm-i ri lit l)is.,,\(i> .\ iiMiic a" . . . Mei It- ( ib-ron, Rita Hayworth, Ralph Bellani,\. .laim.s i ; li-a.s.,ii, iini,,- .Mc D.miel in '.Affectionate- ly Yours" ... Brenda Marshall. Kich ird Ainley. \ irKinia Field. Dorothy Tree, Frank Wilcox, David Bruce, Stanley Logan. Gilbert Emery in ".Singapore Woman" .. .Jane Darwell In "Thirty Days Hath September" ... Inez Grey. Vera Lewis, Douglas Kennedy. Willie Best, Herbert Anderson in ".Sh" Stayed Kissed" ... Don Turner, cliff Clark. William Gould, DeWolf Hopper in "The Sea Wolf" . . ..Inhn RidKi ly. Robert Anderson. Garret Craisj, Lucia Carroll. Peter Ashley in "Tlie P.ri.l.' (,'ame C.O.D." .. .Crawford Kent, Bruce Lester. Wolfgang Zilzer. Tyouis' I lien. Ian Wolfe, Lauri Beaty in "Winged Victory". . .DIKEC'TOB ASSKiN.MKNTS: Jean Xigulescu to "Singapore Woman" . . .Vincent .Sherman to "L'nder.ground" . . ,

PRODUCTION & RELEASE

RECORD

(Continued from Preceding Page)

THIRTY DAYS HATH SEPTEMBER

Comedy Drama — Shooting started January 2

Cast: Eddie Albert, Joan Leslie, Alan Hale, John Litel, Vaughn Glaser, Anthony Quinn, Minna Gombell, William T. Orr.

Director — Ray Enright Producer — Edmund Grainger

Stoi'v: l'na\aihib|e — see next i-ssue.

WINGED VICTORY

Drama— Shooting started December 27

Cast: Geraldine Fitzgerald, James Stephenson, Barbara O'Neil, Donald Crisp, Richard Ainley, Bruce Lester, Montagu Love, Frank Reicher.

Director— Irving Rapper Producer— Robert Lord

story: Deals with the efforts of a doctor to cure an insane nirl.

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Title — Kunning Time Cast Details

Sim Stayed Kissed D.Morgan-.i . Wy it t . . . .I'i-U

Tlie Sea \\<i\f E.Robinson-J.GarHeld

Rel.

No.

.10-

.11-

-14 .

1940-41

Alway.s a Bride ( — ) R.Lane-G.Reeves

Itashful Heroes E.Albert-J.Leslie

Details unrler- title: Stuff of Heroes

Calling All IliiNl>ands (dX) E.Truex-L. Fairbanks .',-•>' .. .. .

Case of the Black I'arrot VV.Lundigan-M. W'ri.ten Il-I(! . I-II

City for Conciuest (104) T.Cagnev-A. Sheridan «-I5. . .!»-2l . . .

niHpateh from Beater's (89) E. Robinson 6-1 . . 10-1!) . . .

Details under title: Men from Fleet Street

Ka»t of the Biver (7:{) f .Garfield-B.Marshall . . !)-T . . . 1 1 -!) . . .

I'at he.r's Son B. Dawson-J. Litel Il-I(i

Details under title: Father ami .Son Father Is a Prince (56) G.Mitchell-N.Bryanl . S-1 0 10-12 . .

Details under title: Father Knows Best

F,-.70

wr.i!, i'57-;

\V.->0(i

w,->ii

I'liRht From I>estin.v

I->e|ailH uridcT- title: Footsteps ill the Dark ( — ) Four Mothers ( — ). Her (;reat Lie

10-

IJ-

.11-2. 1-27. .

.1-4.

12-21 .

T.Mitchell-G.Fitzg-ald

Trial and Krror.

.K. Fly nn -H.Marshall .Lane Sistei's-G. Page ,

, .B.Davis-G. Brent 11-16

Details under title: Far Horizons

Here Comes HappineHN M.Coles-R. Ainley 12-14

Here ('omps the Navy (86) J.Cagney-P.O'Brien Beissiie

Hilfh Sierra ( — ) H, Hogart-X. Lupino 8-10

Honeymoon for Three ( — ) G. Brent-A.Sheridan ...."-27

Knockout A . K e n n ed y - O . H 1 a d n a

Kniite ICockne — All Amerii an (98) . P.O' Brien-G. Page .,

I.iidy With Ki-d Hair (81) M. Hopkins-R. Ainley

Letter, The (».-.) H.Davis-H.Marshall .

.Mwt .loliii D.ie ( — ) G.CJooper-B.Stanwyok

.Murder on the Second Fluor B. Lester-H.A ngel ...

No Time for Comedy (03) R.Russell-J.Stewart

Siiirlii l e I rail MIO) K.Flynn-O.DeH'v'l'd

She < iicifilii't Say No R. Pryor-K. A rden ...

South of Suez ( — ) G.Hrent-G. Fitzgerald

StraMlierr.> Blond • ./.('agney-O. De H' v'l'd

Tugboat Annie Sails Again (75) . . , M . liambeau-A.Hale

Whkoiih Boll At .NiKht, The H.Bogart-H. Sldn<'y

li't.-illH iilide, title: ( 'ji rillva I.

All This and Heaven Too (140) . . B. Davle-CBoyer 2-10. .. 7-1."?

Ancel from Texas (67) K.AIbert-R.Lane 2-24... 4-27

. F5«9 \V5;o

18.

.12-14

.4-20. . . 10-5. .8-10 . I l-UO. .6-15. . 1 1-2:5. .

.7-27

. . 12-28

. .5-18. . .9-14. .8-10. . (-.'-28. 10-19. .12-14. 9-7. . . 11-16. .

.11-2

.6-29. . 10-26. . . . 10-11/

, VV.502 .W512 . W552

. F5r.4 W55I . W57 1

F56I

F454 F468

1939-40

Brother Orchid (88) L.Robinson-A.Sothern

FliR^ht Angels (72) V'.Bruce-W.Morris

Details under title: Flight Eight

Flowing Gold (81) P.O'Brien-J. Garfield

Fugitive from Justice (58) .\I.Conway-R.Pryor ..

Gambling on the High Seas (56) .. VV. Morris- J. Wyman

It All Came True (97) A.Sheridan-J.Lynn ..

King of the Lumberjacks (58) ...J.Payne-G.Dickson ..

Ladies Must Live (60) R.Lane-W.Morris

ManWhoTalkedTooMuch.The (75) .. G. Brent-V.Bruce

Mone.v and the Woman (65) J.Lynn-B.Marshall

Murder in the Air (55) R.Reagan-L.Lys ....

My Love Came Back O.deHavilland

Details under title: Episode Private Detective (.55) T. Wyman-D.Foran ..

Details under title: Lady Detective, The

River's End (69) D.Morgan-E.Earl

Roaxing Twenties (104) J.Cagney-H.Bbgart

Saturday's Children (10.3) T.Garfield-C.Rains ..

Details under title: Married, Pretty and Poor

Sea Hawk, The (126) E.Flynn-B. Marshall .

Smashing the Money Ring (61) . . R.Reagan-M.Ste'vson

Details under title: Queer Money

Tear Gas Squad (60) D.Morgan-G.Dickson

They Drive by Night (95) G.Ratt-A. Sheridan ..

Three Cheers for the Irish (100). .Lane Sisters

Till We Meet Again (99) M.Oberon-G.Brent ..

Details under title: We Shall Meet Again

Torrid Zone (87) J.Cagney-P.O'Brien .

Virginia City (120) M.Hopkins-E.nynn

.Are Not Alone (112) P. Muni-J.Bryan

3-23. 3-9. . ,

6-29. .

11- 4. 9-9 . .

12- 16 11-4. 6-29. .5-4. . 6-15. 9-23. 5-4. .

.6-8.. .5-18.

.8-24.

.6-15.

.6-22.

.4-6. .

.4-13.

.7-23.

.7-6. .

.8-17.

.6-1 .

.7-20.

. W403 . F456

.W412 .W423 .W424 . W407 .W422 . F474 . . F467 . VV417 . F472 .W409

7-29. . .12-9. . . F471

6- 1 .. .

7- 29. . 12-30.

2-10. .

7- 15. .

8- 26. . 5-4. . . 12-30. 12-30.

2-24..

9- 9...

8-10. . 10-28 5-11. .

.W414 .W403 .W410

.8-31...W401 . 10-21. W470

.5-4 W423

.8-3 F460

.3-16. . . F465 .3-16. . . F456

. 5-24 . . . r455 .3-23 . . .W404 .11-25. . F458

PRODUCERS RELEASING CORPORATION

1940-41 Features Westerns

(22) (18)

Completed (5) Completed (7)

In Production (1) In Production (0)

RELEASE CHART

IN PRODUCTION

Tit 1(1 — Kuiining Time

( ast

Details Rel.

.Arizona < Billy IlK'

the the the I'Ik

Caught 111 ' Cross Koads

Billy Bilh Bill.^ liill.\

aiig i:usters (60)

Kid in 'rc\:is (5(i)

Kid Oulhiwed ((>())

Kid Rides W est (— ) . . Kid's Gun -Justice ( — ) Kid's Kaiige War . . . .

he .\cl

of Life

1940-41

..T. McCoy !>-!(;.

..B.Steele 9-30.

. .B.St^-ele 7-20.

. .B. Steele .

. .B. Steele 12-13.

..B.Steele 1-24.

..H.Armetta 1-18.

No.

. 153 . 158 . 157

I)e\il Bat ( — )

I'Voiitier Crusader (Jllii Code (5T) . . . Hold Thai Woman

B.Lugosi 11-

T. McCoy 6-

T. McCoy 7-

(67) l.Dunn-F. Gilford 7-

(«i2)

The

I Take This 4»alh Lone Rider I{i<le*

.Marked .Men (<i(>)

Kiders of l(la<'k .Mount :iiii ( — )

(67) On,

.G.,Iones . G. Houston .W.Hull-l..li . .T. McCoy .

. 104 .151 . 152 .102 .101

.103 . 154

FILM BULLETIN

EXPLOITATION

PICTURE

oFlThis issue

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN. . .Take your choice, gents— Comedy .. . Mystery .. .Fantasy .. .or the Screen's Strangest Romance! Which- ever of these ingredients your particular patronage will buy you can offer them in "The Invisible Woman." Universal smartly carries along its "Invisible Man" series by switching to an in- visible, albeit lovely and romantic, young lady. They can't see her, but she's full of life, action and love, and her invisibility enables her to clean up the mobsters who seek the vanishing de- vice to smuggle their leader into the U. S. This has SHOWMAN- SHIP scrawled all over it in huge capitals.

.\ I'liiiersiil !*i<*tiire

l>ireot<"<I l>.v .V. Kdwiird Sutherland

Associate Prodiirer, ISiirt Kelly

Cast: ^'irKiiiia Itruee. Juliii Barrj more, Joliu Howard. Charlie Ktiggles, CKcar lloinolka, Kdward Brophy, Donald MaeBride. Margraret Hamilton.

Screen play hy Kohert Lee. Fred Kinnldo and (iertrude I'nrcell Original Stor.v by Kurt Siodmak and Joe Ala.v lanieraman, KI\vood Bredell

IP IP IE Y II IE W §

WHERE DID YOU GET THAT GIRL?. . .Mixing comedy, rom- ance and melody, Universal pre- sents a story of the adventures of a talented young swino band striving for a break. The; get it, but after they do become .amous, they have to conceal their iden- tity or be jailed. Trouble starts when another band masquerades as the Mystery Swingsters, their nom de plume, and they are forced to reveal their identity. Featured are Leon Errol, Helen Parrish, Charles Lang, Eddie Quillan and Franklin Pangborn.

LIFE WITH HENRY

. . . The latest Aldrich escapade concerns Henry's activities in trying to qualify for a trip to Alaska, one of the qualifications being the ability to earn a hundred dol- lars. Jackie Cooper is again cast as Henry Aldrich in this Para- mount comedy, while the Aldrich family and their fellow- travelers include Hedda Hopper, Fred Niblo, Sr., Eddie Bracken, Leila Ernst and Kay Stewart.

IP IP IE Y II E W §

THIS THING CALLED LOVE. Columbia s latest melee of marriage and morals co- stars Rosalind Russell and Melvyn Douglas. It presents the former as a young bride who, in all the wisdom of her modern world, decides that it would be better if she and her new husband, Douglas, see whether they can share the same house for three months before they attempt to shart the same room. The comedy was directed by Alexander Hall and the cast includes Binnie Barnes, Allyn Joslyn, Gloria D:c'.:- son, Gloria Holden and, Lee J. Cobb.

FLIGHT FROM DESTINY. . .According to FB reviewer Hanna. Warners has produced an absorbing and unusual drama in this story of a man who faces death within six months from an incurable disease and de- cides to use this precious time to best ad- vantage, so — he commits murder. However, he makes sure that his victim is of no earthly use to anyone and is doing harm to innocent people. The cast includes Thomas Mitchell, JefTrey Lynn.

FILM BULLETIN

REVIEW OF REVIEWS

JULY - DECEMBER, 1940

A Resume of All the Reviews That Appeared in FB During the Past Six Months The Date Is the Issue in which the Review Was Printed

THE DATE IS THAT OF THE ISSUE IN WHICH REVIEW APPEABEO FOB FILM BVI/UETIN BEVIBW OF REVIEWS JANITARY - .II XE 1940

COLUMBIA

Fassport to AWatraz, Timely Holt meller for ac- tion spots July 13

Out West with the Pepiiers, Dull entry in series; below average tor nabe and rural duals ....July 13 ♦iirls of the Road, Exploitable programmer; aver- age or better whi/re heavily sold July 27

Military Academy, Student problems again ex- pounded. Below average for nabe duals, Sat. Mats.,

rurals Aug. 10

Blondie Has Servant Trouble, Below average gen- erally; not in best Blondie vein Aug. 10

Lady ill Quei^ition, Unimportant comedy drama is

a.verage dualler Aug. 10

I Married Adventure, Average as dualler, generally.

A challenge to exploiteers Aug. 10

He Stayed for Brealifast, Comedy hit. Good

generally Aug. 24

Fugitive from Prison Camp, Routine Holt; below

average for lesser action spots Aug. 24

Secret Seven, Very weak stuff; poor for lower half

duals, action spots Aug. 24

Howards of Virginia, Excellent generally; rates

with best in recent years Sept. 7

GlAniour for Sale, Exploitable quickie. Average for general dualling, more it sold in transient spots

Oct. 5

l*efore I Die, Strictly for horror fans. Above average for action spots where exploited; n. g.

elsewhere Oct. 5

Angels Over Broadway, Different, powerful Hecht hit. Good where exploited Oct. 19

Blondie Plays Cupid, Lively and amusing comedy. Good for nabes and rurals; dualler el-sewhere Nov. 2

<iirl8 Under 21, Cheap meller; average for transient and action spots; better if sold Nov. 2

Arizona, Magnificent western drama, a smash b.o. hit. Excellent everywhere Nov. 30

Lone Wolf Keeps a Date, Fast-moving detective meller; average for action spots; duals ....Nov. 30

Escape to Glory, Exciting, suspenseful ".sleeper" ; good minus in subsequents; slightly less in first

runs Dec. 14

Great Plane Bobbery, Run-of-the-mill Holt meller; average minus in action spots where star attracts Dec. 14

I Love You Again, Good generally on star name

value. Loy-Powell team scores again Sept. 7

Dr. Kildare Goes Home, Maintains series average.

First rate dualler Sept. 7

Haunted Honeymoon, Whoo! Poor as dualler

Sept. 7

Wyoming, Glorified western for Beery; above aver- age generally Sept. 21

Gold Bush Maisie, Weakest of series; for duals

only Sept. 21

Strike Up the Band, Dandy musical. Good plus

generally Oct. 5

Third Finger, Left Hand, Acting, direction lift mild comedy. Above average on names; less in action

and rural spots Oct. 19

Hullabaloo, Stage story with a few good moments;

average dualler Nov. 2

Bitter Sweet, Bitter pill; good where stars are

popular; much less elsewhere Dec. 14

Sky Murder, Weak Nick Carter mystery; poor plus

as supporting dualler in action spots Dec. 14

Little Nellie Kelly, Slow moving musical with Judy

Garland; average in nabe houses Dec. 14

Flight Command, Mess of plots weakly handled,

should do average plus on names only Dec. 28

Comrade X, Good on names; communist satire is

moderately amusing Dec. 28

Philadelphia Story, Good plus generally; a box- office natural Dec. 28

Gallant Sons, Well-acted juvenile action program- mer; average for nabes and small towns ...Dec. 28

MONOGRAM

Last Alarm, Neat little firebug meller for pop ac- tion duals July 13

Boys of the City, Good "Kids" meller for action

spots; okeh dualler in naborhoods July 27

Haunted House, Juvenile action yarn is okeh for

nabe and action duals July 27

Golden Trail, Below par Ritter oatie Aug. 10

Doomed to Die, Feeble mystery drama; below

average dualler Aug. 24

Queen of the Yukon, Good outdoor melodrama for

action houses and nabes Sept. 21

Up in the Air, Fair Darro detective meller for ac- tion spots; OK as nabe dualler Sept. 21

Range Busters, Fine debut for new western series.

Great McCiint.y, Robust ".Sleeper" will click hand- somely; good generally July 27

Those Were the Days, Engaging, but slow-moving programmer; below average as dual biller ...July 27 Mystery Sea Raider, Above average generally ;

actionful drama Aug. 10

Riiythm on the River, Minor Crosby musical will

do average plus on names Aug. 24

Golden Gloves, Weak boxing programmer; poor on

duals In minor action spots Sept. 21

I Want a Divorce, Sad mixture of comedy and

drama. Above average if exploited Sept. 21

Rangers of Fortune, Strong adventure drama; good generally Sept. 21

Three Men from Texas, Mild Cassidy western; average for action houses on .series' following Sept. 21

Christmas In July, Gay romantic comedy should do above average except in action houses Oct. 5

Comin' 'Round the Mountain, Ideal for cancellation.

Poor generally Oct. 19

Northwest Mounted Police, Big, exciting adventure

drama should do excellent generally Nov. 2

World In Flames, Summary of world events with message should do average with added feature Nov. 2

Arise My Love, Romantic meller spiced with clever

dialogue. Good generally Nov. 16

Cherokee Strip, Colorful high budget western. Aver- age plus for action spots and duals Nov. 16

Texas Rangers Ride Again, Topnotch cast in dull story. Average as dualler in nabes and small

towns Nov. IB

A Night at Earl Carroll's, Fair musical revue lacks names; average as dualler; more if Carroll's girls

are exploited Nov. 30

Second Chorus, Good generally; should click with

younger folk Dec. 14

Love Thy Neighbor, A flop. Average plus on names;

less in subsequents Dec. 28

Victory, Good generally. Exciting and suspenseful melodrama Dec. 28

REPUBLIC

Scalterbraln, Judy Canova clicks in broad farce that should do average in nabes and small towns July 27

FILM BULLETIN REVIEWS are H

TO AID YOU IN BU

'I'hifi Thing Called Love. Saucy comedy is a hit;

good plus in all except action houses Dec. 28

EUery tjueen. Master Detec-tive, Average plus tor action houses; good dualler anywhere; engrossing mystery Dec. 28

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER

Aim1.v llard.v .\Ice(K Debutante, Maintains series'

quality; good geneially July 13

We Who Are Young, Problem drama is dull. Be- low average dualler July 27

Pride and Prejudice, Faithful, but dull portrayal of Victorian era; good for deluxe first runs; slight- ly less elsewhere July 27

Boom Town, Good plus; great popular entertain- ment Aug. 10

Sporting Blood, Mildly entertaining racing film;

below average for duals generally Aug. 10

Golden lleeclng, Average dualler. Weak script retards this Aug. 24

OK for action houses Sept. 21

Laughing at Danger, Mildly amusing low-budget

Darro comedy for dual support Oct. 5

Who Is Guilty'.', British import carelessly pro- duced; poor for even minor duals Nov. a

Old Swimmln' Hole, Slow-moving small town stuff;

pour plus fur rural and nabe duals Nov. 30

Phantom of Chinatown, Routine Chinese mystery;

average minus in minor action spots Nov. 30

Drums of the Desert, Fair action programmer;

average minus for action sl)ots Nov. 30

Take Me Rm-U. to Oklahoma, Musical western pro- grammer; average for western spots Dec. 14

Her First Romance, Edith Fellows scores in grown- up role; average plus for nabes and small towns; gouil dualler anywhere Dec. 28

PARAMOUNT

Stagecoach War, Fair Cassidy western for nabe duals, action spots July 13

Girl from God's Country, Passable drama of icy

Alaska; average as dualler July 27

Ranger and the Lady, Good Roy Rogers western

for nabe and action spots Aug. 10

One Man's Law, Fair western for Don "Red"

Harry, Itepublic's new star Aug. 10

Sing, Dance, Plenty Hot, Engaging minor musical

rates below average for duals Aug. 24

Earl of Puddlestone, Broad Higgins Family farce.

Below average for nabe du;ils only Sept. 7

(iirl from Havana, rtun-of-tlie-niill meller for nabe duals, Milnur action spots Sept. 21

Tulsa Kid, .Mild cowboy film for western spots Sept. 21

Hit Parade of 1941, Exploitable melange of music and comedy; good generally on name values Nov. 2

Young Bill Hickock, Above average semi-historical western; good for action spots; fair nabe dualler Nov. 2

FILM BULLETIN

I ndw Texas Skies, Mild debut for' new Mesquiteers

Trio; below average for western spots Nov. 2

Who Killed Aunt Maggie?, Good cast in routine mystery: below a\erage as dualler Nov. 16

Melody and Moonliglit, I^ively little musical com- edy. Average for duals Nov. 16

Melody Kanch, Big time musical wi'I attract new Autry fans; should do above average generally;

more if exploited Nov. 30

Trail Blazers, Average Mesquiteers western. A\'er-

age wliere series is popular Nov. 30

Texas Terrors, Best of Red Barry's western series to date; average for western spots only ....Dec. 14 FrieDdly Neiglibors, Corny hill-billy farce; poor

plus for smalt town audiences only Dec. 14

Barnyard Follies, Hilarious hokum for rural fans only; average lor small towns; much less generallj- Dec. 2S

Border Legion, .stiung Roy Rogers western. Aver- age plus for action spots Dec. 28

Meet the Missus, Strains for laughs. Poor plus as dualler for nabss, rurals Dec. 2S

RKO-RADIO

Millionaires in I'rison, Kntertaining. .\verage as

dualler July 13

I'rairie Law, Above average O'Brien western for

nabes, small towns 7uly i:i

Cross Country Romance, Minor comedy romance:

below average as dualler July 13

Tile Kamparts We Watch, Propaganda film dis- cussionful; good for first runs, less in nabes; needs

strong exploitation Aug. 10

I>r. Cliristian Meets the Women, And makes dull film fare. Poor plus on nabe dua s only ....Aug. 10 Villain Still Pursued Her, Novelty film slightly amusing but only rates poor plus as dualler Aug. 10

Luclt.v Partners, Dull comedy will disappoint ; above average in first runs, less in subsequents ...Aug. 24

One Crowded Night, Poor as dual filler. Interest- holding meller lacks names Aug. 24

Stranger on Third Floor, Surprising "sleeper." Above average or better with exploitation .. Sept. 7 Wildcat Bus, Poor quickie. Action house dualler only Sept. 7

Men .Vgainst the Sky, Fair action dualler ..Sept. 21

Oreaming Out I>oud, Radio's Lum and Abner in another dismal RKO experiment; poor for small town duals only Sept. 21

They Knew What They Wanted, Superb adult drama. Good generall.v Oct. 19

Too Many Girls, Hampered by poor casting and direction. Average generally Oct. 19

I'm Still Alive, .Tust another quickie; poor for even action spots No\'. 2

Laddie, Overly-sentimental family programmer; poor plus as dualler for nabes and small towns only No\'. Ifi

Li'l Abner, Comic strip characters come to lite. Average as second feature in nabes. rurals.. Nov. 30

You'll Find Out, Entertaining musical comedy melo- drama; good generally No\'. 30

Remedy for Rielies, Dr. Christian for small towns: average dualler for rural spots; less in cities

Now :!0

Little Men, Disappointing version of famous book;

Pier IS, Entertaining mixture of comedy and thrills. For supporting feature on duals ....Sept. 7 Public Deb. No. 1. Misses fire on all counts. Poor

plus as dualler on name value Oct. 5

Brigliam Young, Frontiersman, Not too impressive biog. epic; good in first runs, less generally. .Oct. 5 Charlie Chan at Wax Museum, Fair mystery pro- grammer for action spots, nabe duals Oct. 19

Down Argentine Way, First rate musical in techni- color. Good generally Oct. 19

Ga.v CabaUero, Diverting "Cisco Kid" programmer;

average for duals Nov. 2

.Mark of Zorro, Swash-buckling adventure film for

goftd i>lus business genei'ally Nov. 16

Veslerday's Heroes, Interesting football program- mer; below average for duals only Nov. 16

Night Train, Topical British thriller; average gen- erally as dualler Nov. 30

Jennie, Well made program pic; weak for b.o..

rates b^-low a^'erage as dualler Dec, 14

Tin Pan .Alley, Good plus generally; Jack Oakie

scores ■ Dec. 14

Youth Will Bs Served, Mildly entertaining for family trade; average minus for nabes and small

towns Dec. 14

Murder Over New York, Same old Charlie Chan routine; average as dualler in action houses Dec. 14

Mirhael Shayne, Private Detective, Average gener- ally; gay, suspensetul, mystery comedy ....Dec. 2S

Hudson's Bay, Good for cla.ss houses only; less

elsewhere; lacks box-office punch Dec. 2S

Street of M.^mori?s, Drali prooramnier minus cast names; poo.- as sa.jporting lire Dec. 2S

UNITED ARTISTS

South of Pago I'auo, Generally good popular en- tertainment July 27

Pastor Hall, Anti-Nazi film doubtful B.O. should do average plus in class houses, much less gen- erally Aug. 10

ForeifiTi Correspondent, Good plus in all locations.

.^ocko nitihroik melodrama Sept. 7

Kit Carson, Just another western. Average p'us in action spots; less elsewhere Sept. 21

Westerner, Hampered by slow start but will do above average generally and lietter in action spots Oct. .")

Great Dictator, Chaplin in one of the funniest films ever to grace the screen; but he blunders by be- coming serious. Should reap a harvest in first runs. Subsequents depend upon word of mouth Oct. 19

Long Vo.vage Home, Artistic film presents b. o. problem. Good for first run de luxe houses, less

elsewhere Oct. 19

Thief of Bagdad, Magnificently filmed fantas.v shou'd do good generally Nov. 16

Blackout, Timely espionage meller: average plus if exploited; good dualler Nov. 30

Son of Monte Cristo, Pretentious, but somewhat dull; average plus for action houses; less else- where Dec. 14

UNIVERSAL

Hot Steel, BeU->w i>ar Arlen-Devine action pro- grammer; a\'era8e as dualler and in action spots

edy and song. Good plus generally Oct. 5

Little Bit of Heaven, Wholesome, sentimental com- edy. Above average in nabes and small towns;

dualler elsewhere Oct. 19

Diamond Frontier, Hodge-podge of meller and stock shots. Below average dualler for action

spots only Oct. 19

Meet the Wildcat, Good comedy lifts routine crime film- average for duals or minor action spots ' Nov. 2

One Night in the Tropics, Frothy entertainment.

Average plus it cast is exploited Nov. 16

Seven Sinners, Strong box-office stuff should As.

good olus generally Nov. 16

Sandy Gets Her Man, Hilarious hokum. Average

plus as nabe dualler No^- 16

(iive Cs Wings, Above average Dead-End kids drama Average as a dualler in action houses Nov. 16

Margie, Comedians wasted in daffy pragrammer;

poor plus as supporting dualler only Nov. 30

Devil's Pipeline. Weak Arlen-Devine actioner. Aver- age as dualler in minor action spots Nov. 30

Slightly Tempted, Weak rehash of fami'iar Her- bert antics; poor plus as nabe or small town duaf-

ler Nov. 30

Bank Dick, Fields at his best; good for his fans;

ace dualb r elsewhere Dec. 14

San Franciwo Docks, Weak meller; average minus

as dualler Dec. 14

Dark Streets of Cairo, Exploitable meller; average for action spots; fair supporting dualler else- where Dec. 28

Where Did You Get That Girl?, A "B" Picture at

its worst; poor plus as nabe dualler Dec. 28

Trail of the Vigilantes, Big scale western with good comedy; good generally Dec. 2S

WARNERS

.Ml This and Heaven, Too, Sombre emotional drama, supei b y acted. Good plus where Davis

and Boyer click J"'y 1*

My Love Came Back, Good tor all but action

houses -'"'y !'■*

Thev Drive by Night, Good, punch-packed drama- tic hit ■ "

Ladies Must Live, Not much. Below average for

nabe duals only July 27

Sea Hawk, Good on name value; expensive but

routine spectacle Aug. 10

Flinving tiold. Action in oil drama. Above average

generally Sept. 7

River's End, Mountie mel er a routine programmer

for duals and action spots Sept. 7

City for Conquest, Outstanding and unusual film

should do better than good generally Sept. 21

Dispatch fnim Renter's, Biog drama has excite- ment; good generally Oct. 5

No Time for Corned}-. Disappointing comedy; above average on names only in first runs; less in the

subsequent runs Oct. 5

Knuto Rockne, .411-Amerlcan, Good plus. Headed

for great b.o Oct. 19

Calling AH Husbands, Very weak stuff. Poor as lower halt dualler "Ct. IJ

tten with one purpose in mind . . .

riNC and BOOKING!

average plus as dualler in nabes, sm-ill towns Dec. 1 4

20th CENTURY-FOX

.Mar.vlan<l, NegT-f)es entert-iin in slim horse >'arn.

Abuvi- average generally Jul.v 13

Lu<'ky Cis<-o Kid, Mildly amusing \\-estern fare for

nabes and action duals Jul\- i;i

Sailor's Lad.v, Dull and pointless comedy for lower

hair duals Inly 13

Man I AMarried, Above average anti-Nazi drama

<ireat ProBle, Barrymore shines in slapstick com- edy; good generally, less for action sjiots. . . .Vug. 24 Young People, Shirley's feeble swan song for 20tli- Kox. Above average where young star is liked

Sept. 7

Return of Frank James, Good for action spots: slightly liss elsewhere. Doesn't measure ut> to "Jesse" Sept. 7

JANUARY 11, 1941

lu'y 13

Sand.v Is a Lady, Ijaugh-gettin.g avera.ge pro.gram-

mer for nabes and rural duals July 13

Bad Man from Red Butte, .\verage western

luly 13

Fugitive, Good English drama for diss houses; average as dualler luly 27

Bo.vs from S.vracuse, Satire-farce will get mixed re- c(-i)tion; above average where comedy clicks; n.g. for action spots luly 27

You're Not So Tough, Rough -and Inn ble program- mer; average for nab? duils and action snots

July 27

When the Daltons Rode, Magnificent money wes- tern. ICxcelletit gem-rally Aug. 10

South lo KaranK:a, Fair action programmer for

action spots, nibe duals Sept. 7

Hired Wife. .Smart comedy Is box-office hit and

slioiild do good generally .Sept. 21

.Spring Piirude. Dc-ll t; li I I il I lilcnrl of roin:\nce. com-

Kast of the River, Garfield Is bad boy again; good

generally ~

Tugboat Annie Sails Again, Good entert linmeut ;

average for most spots Nov. 2

*"ather Is n Prinr«\ Weak programmer for nabes

and dujils N<>V-

I^ady wi(h Red Hair, The career of Mrs. Leslie Carter. Should <Io above average in de luxes;

less in rurals Nov. .'IIV

The Letler. Engrossing Betto Davis drama; .gooil

IiUis gcneriUly Nov. 30

Santa Fe Trail, Excellent generally; powerful epli» of action Doc. 'ZH

MISCELLANEOUS

I'ronticr Crusader, (PrmliirerH R4'^lensinK Corp.) 'I'iin McCoy in an idil stylo western luly 1 ;f

Let George Do II (Film .\lllance of V. S.), English comcdy-spy melodrama; average plus where ex- idoltcd Nov. 2

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FILM BULLETIN

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WASHINGTON NEW YORK

1638 3d St., N. E. 508-10 W. 36th St.

FROM PHILLY By JAY WALKER •

What do you want to know about the consent decree and how it will affect you; about the new arbitration program? Local exhibitors will have their opportunity to get all the inside dope Tuesday afternoon < 14th) when A. F. Myers, General Counsel of Allied, addresses the annual meeting of the Eastern Pa. unit at its headquarters in the Flint Bldg. Myers followed the drawing of the decree more intimately than any other man outside of the Department of Justice itself and he was often consulted by the Govern- ment lawyers. In the latter stages of the negotiations, the Allied leader broke with the Department and opposed acceptance of the decree by the Court. Nevertheless, he is in position to reveal many inside facts about the negotiations and about how the decree and arbitration will function. Offi- cials of the local Allied unit are anticipating a overflow attendance for the meeting, which is scheduled to start at 1:30 sharp... Top news of the past fortnight was the appointment of the popular David "Skip" VVeshner to the top spot in United Artists exploitation department in New York. The S-W central theatre district mgr. steps into his new post Monday < 13th) . . . Weshner's resignation from the local S-W circuit brought about the following changes: Maurice Gable, formerly at the Boyd, takes over Weshner's duties; Harry Tarante goes from the Aldine to the Boyd; George Balkin, ass't at the Fox, steps into the Aldine as m.gr. ; Harold Seidenberg of the Fox goes to the Earle; William Israel moves over to the Fox from the Earle ... Si Myers has taken over the Elm, Camden. . .Mrs. S. DeFrancesco has opened the new Rex, Nuremburg, Pa.... Harry Cotton, the Alexander Trailerman, is in town on a big Chevrolet ad tieup... Edgar Moss, who has been showing the whole film colony a grand time at his new home, is tossing another shindig, stag, on the 24th. Earle Sweigert will celebrate his 32nd (?) birthday that same night at Edgar's party .. .Eddie Connolly, Nanticoke exhibitor- hunter, speared a huge deer the other day and is bringing it into town to feed some film men Sunday . . . Dot Dennis, the Hor- lachergal, was down with the flu for the past week... Harry Biben named chairman of the entertainment committee of Tent 13 . . . Sidney Samuelson returned from Miami jaunt Fri.... David Dietz, the fightfilman, will be back in town with the next Joe Louis scrap pix Feb. 1st... A sprig of laurel to Jim Clark and his Horlacher and Clark Film outfits, who are lending their facilities for four (4) worthy campaigns at one time: Salvation Army, United Campaign, Infan- tile Paralysis Drive and the Defense Pro- gram. Distributing trailers, etc.... The Barrist- Goodwin Quality Premium outfit registered some game titles several years ago and then forgot about them'. The recent ruling legalizing certain theatre games has caused them to dig them out and they may put the crimp in at least one of the current game distribs. . .Herman Margolies is mourn- ing the death of his mother. . .Switch in bookers at Paramount caused by resignation of vet Charles Malley, who joined A. T. & T. Ralph Gorman handling S-W; Matthew Judge, Phila.; Merton Nason, Comerford and up-state Pa.; Stanley Given, New Jersey... Sam Frank has taken the Park, Merchant- ville; John Scully back as U booker ... Salem Applegate and Charles Segall among con- tingents off for Florida. . .William Goldman back from Bermuda just in time to forestall musician trouble at his Erlanger, where he has a Lew Leslie colored musical coming up

FROM BOSTON

By BARCLAY •

Arthur K. Howard, Independent Exhibitors' business manager, has had the grippe. It's a prevalent theatre custom here. . .William H. McLaughlin, long time Independent Exhibi- tor director who left the business as of January 1st with the sale of the Stoneham in Stoneham to Al Rudenstein, may take a government job... Frank Lydon, Independent Exhibitor president, has tentatively put over the organization's annual business meeting to early in February . . . Thomas Donaldson is the new Boston branch manager for MGM ...Maury Goldstein, former MGM Boston salesman, has replaced Donaldson as New Haven branch manager .. .Jack Byrne has been transferred from the local branch manager to a New York position with MGM . . . Steve Broidy resigned as local Monogram sales manager as of the first of the year and left on an extended business trip in connec- tion with his new duties as Monogram sales manager, planning to hit Hollywood early in February .. .Two Independent Exhibitors, Inc., members have been made 1941 officers of the local Variety Club. E. Harold Stone- man, Independent Exhibitors treasurer, be- comes Variety treasurer; Ted Fleischer, book- er for Stoneman and Edward Ansin, becomes one of the Variety vice presidents. . .New Variety Chief Barker, succeeding Steve Broidy who in a former theatre capacity here was an Independent Exhibitor member, is Martin J. MuUin, local Paramount partner . . .Bill Erbb and Al Kane, district and branch managers, respectively, for Paramount, fill out the Variety officers roster ... George Raft was in Boston for a personal at the RKO Boston. . .United Artists will roadshow "Fan- tasia" here at the Majestic. . ."Thief of Bag- dad," aided by "Blondie Plays Cupid," came close to doubling business at the State and Orpheum. Juvenile and parent trade boosted the take which was swelled, admittedly, by holiday crowds. . ."Tin Pan Alley" held up substantially at the Fenway where it played its third first-run-theatre week in the Hub. Co-feature was the newest Charlie Chan... "No, No, Nanette" was disappointing at the RKO Memorial, although holiday audiences kept the gross up. Despite this and natural RKO desires to hold over the piece was pulled after the first week... "Love Thy Neighbor" opened strong at the Metropolitan but fell off steadily by word-of-mouth, the majority of the patrons going more heavily for the second feature, "Lady with Red Hair," although not in such favorable terms as keeping the grosses up to pre-production expectations. . .The twin bill followed the regular M & P — Paramount route to the twin Paramount and Fenway here in Boston "Comrade X," put into the State and Or- pheum in time for the New Year's Elve mid- nighter was another film that was sadly skidded by run of the mill chatter. Only redeeming factor of the bill, according to general audience consensus, was the second feature, "Gallant Sons," which proved a pleasant program to most tastes. . ."Santa Fe Trail" opened at a sturdy clip at the Metro- politan.. .The Paramount and Fenway gave "Second Chorus" a preview single showing New Year's Eve. The houses were crowded although this was no criterion as other Bos- ton first-runs had to turn them away, too. . . .Nate Furst, formerly with Warners, is the new sales manager for Monogram in New England . . . Gene Gross is Boston office man- ager for Monogram. . .Independent Exhibi- tors, Inc., annual elections will be held in Boston at a meeting to be called following the return of Lydon, Howard and Al Somer- by from National Allied pow-wows in Wash- ington.

FILM BULLETIN

f> 1^ E Y II IE W §

ADAM HAD FOUR SONS. . In this Colum- bia drama, starring Warner Baxter and IngTid Bergman, the ups and downs of a business man, his four sons and their governess are shown over a period of ten years. Starting from the panic of 1907, Adam buries his young wife, and is charged with the future of their four sons, bringing them to manhood after many hectic years.

Of This Great Countiy

We have more automobiles . . . more telephones . . . more refrigerators . . . more bathtubs . . . more radios . . . more freedom . . . more of everything that makes for good living than any people on earth.

And we have more movie theatres . . . more movies and better movies . . .

Advertising has done more than its share toward making this so . . .

You're in the movie business . . . selling to the masses.

We're in the advertising business helping you sell those same pictures to those same masses with Trailers — Lobby Displays — Standard Theatre Accessories— a complete coordinated pow- erful seat-selling service . . .

Let's get together!

nATIOnflL SCREEfl SERVICE nflTIOnHL SCREEn HCCESSORIES.

BULLETIN

VOL. 8 No. 2

JANUARY 25, 1941

STUDIO

r UllL Una 1

FOR

1941

". . .Warner Bros, product is the safest bet for any exhibitor in any location."

". . .Unless the money men agree or agree to part company and give RKO its head, this outfit might not survive a season under the blocks-of-five plan."

". . .The picture today at 20th Century-Fox is brighter than it has been at any time during the past two years."

THE ANNUAL INSIDE STORY FROM HOLLYWOOD OF THINGS TO COME

Turn to Page 9

THE INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS TRADE JOURNAL

One Reel Filmed Under Fire, and Narrated Under Fire in London by the Famed War Correspondent of Collier's Magazine

Quentin Reynolds

ANOTHER WARNER WAR SCOOP!

JANUARY

D OF J AID FOR EXHIBITORS ON DECREE

The statement issued last week by the Department of Justice about its plans for supervising the Consent Decree should offer some encouragement to independent exhibitors.

A special unit of the Department, under the direction of Robert L. Wright, will "handle matters arising in connec- tion with the operation of the motion picture consent decree." After outlining the functions of the unit, the Jus- tice Department invites suggestions from the trade for mod- ifications that will enable the supervisory unit to increase the effectiveness of its work.

"All exhibitors and their organizations must know that without their wholehearted support, neither the decree nor the decree unit can function properly," the statement says. Expressing itself in favor of settlement of individua I differ- ences without resort to arbitration, the Department never- theless points out that "the decree was intended to relieve small exhibitors from the pressure which large circuits and distributors have been able to exert in the past with respect to the terms of such informal settlements. Unless free use of the arbitration machinery established by the decree is made by all exhibitors, this purpose will not have been fulfilled."

The distributors and circuits are warned that they will be prosecuted for contempt if the Department finds that any exhibitor has been prevented, by economic coercion or otherwise, from exercising his rights under the decree, or from filling a complaint with the Department. It is made clear that theatre owners need have no fear of reprisals if they demand arbitration or complain to the Government authorities.

"The questions which will be up for decision on Novem- ber 20, 1943, at the end of the decree's trial period) must inevitably be largely determined by the data collected by the Department during the preceding 3-year priod. Unless exhibitors make full use of the arbitration procedure set up by the decree and supply full information with respect to the effect of the decree on their business to the decree unit, that data will be woefully incomplete. Without such exhibi- tor cooperation on a substantial scale, these questions are certain to be erroneously decided, to the detriment of exhibitors and the industry as a whole."

This portion of the Justice Department's statement parallels the advice given independent exhibitors by Abram F. Myers, of Allied, who urged all theatremen to consult th eir organization units on any arbitration complaints or protests direct to the Department of Justice. Myers' posi- tion was that the exhibitors' organization should accumu- late their own file of evidence to be presented when the decree comes up for final action after the trial period.

An outline of the scope of the special unit's activities points to the fact that enforcement of the decree rests largely with the independent exhibitors, who must initiate and prosecute arbitration proceedings. After a final arbi- tration award is made, the unit will undertake to see that there is compliance. If an appeal from an award is taken, the unit may ask leave to intercede as a friend of the court.

2 5, 1 9 4 1 ■

A vitally important function of the unit will be its activ- ities in checking unwarranted theatre acquisitions by the affiliated circuits. It promises to "ascertain the competitive effect of each theatre acquisition reported" and reveals the fact that since the decree was entered, the chains have already acquired certain competing independent theatres, with the apparent intention of eliminating the possibility of the independents' securing relief through the decree. The affiliates are then given this pointed reminder: "The Depart- ment is free to proceed under the Act itself to enjoin or divest acquisitions which are attempted or made with the purpose and effect of suppressing or eliminating competi- tion."

Exhibitors are further advised that the special unit will investigate any complaints which are not subject to arbitra- tion, but which may nevertheless involve violations of the Sherman Act. Such complaints will not be disclosed to any distributor or the individual against whom it is filed.

In presenting a complaint to the Department, theatre owners are urged to state all the vital facts, such as a com- plete description of the theatre, seating capacity, age, run, admision prices, operating policy, competition, clearance, etc. Much loss of time will be avoided if the full story is told in the first letter.

The tenor of this entire statement by the Department is such as to inspire confidence in the independent exhibi- tors of the country that the Government intends to exert every effort to give them a fair shake under the consent decree. Let's stop worrying and complaining about the decree and take Messrs. Arnold and Wright of the United States Department of Justice at their word. MO WAX.

THE FORECAST

Much of this issue of FILM BULLETIN is devoted to the story of film production for the past year and the future. This annual feature of our publication has swiftly grown in the estimation of the trade and is now recognized generally as the most authoritative compendium of its kind available to film and theatre men.

Studio Forecast for 1941 assumes far more importance than any previous Forecast because of the Consent Decree and the coming of the blocks-of-five selling plan. Exhibi- tors must start thinking of the film companies in terms of their ability to function under this new distribution system.

Will Warner Brothers and Metro be able to maintain their preeminent positions as the industry's most productive studios? Will Darryl Zanuck, after a couple of poor years, be able to bolster his 20l^h Century-Fox plant to turn out sufficient top grade product to operate successfully? How will the disorganized RKO studio exist under blocks-of-five with so few class A pictures? What about the "Little Three" majors and the Independent producers, who are not yet sub- ject to the Decree's provisions?

These and countless more questions about the produc- tion situation are answered in this year's Forecast, which appears herein. We hope you wil turn to Page Nine for the annual inside story from Hollywood of things to come. We hope, too, that you will retain this copy of your favorite trade journal and check up on our prognostications six months later.

FII.M BLM.KTIN. nn Indopcndcnt Motion Picture Trade rnper |>iil>lisli<-d vvory other Siiliirdn.v l>v Film llilleliii <'.>iii|iiiii.v. Mii Kdllor and rubllHlier

rUBMCATION-KDITOKIAI, OKI'irKS: 12;«» Vine St.. riiila., reiiiia.: KITteiilioiise 74 i I ; Itarne.v Stein, riiltliealion Maiiairer, Ted lliirlow Cireiilat Ion Manager. NEW YORK OFITCK: 501) RKO IHdR.. Rockefeller Center. « <)liinihn» 1 Ilnrrj N. Hlair, (ieneral Business M(tr. ; 1 rank I.<'.vendecker, Staff RenreseiKatlve. WEST COAST OFFICE: 210 Radio Center Bnildint;, I.IO!) North \ ine Str«H't, lloll.vwood, Californin. Fhone: <il.ads|one Z.W'.t: Dnvid J. Ilnnnu, Went Count Editor. BtlSTON OFFICE: M Piedmont Street: Bert Barclii.v. WASIIINtiTON. I). C. OFFICE, Bond Bnildinu: .Milton I". I.nncli.

SubNcrlption rate: ONE YEAR. SX.QO in the United Staled; Cannila $1.00; F;nrope $.->.00. TWO VE.AKS, $5.00 in the I'nited States: Canada f7.«0: Europe $9.00 Application pending; entry as second ciaHS matter at the Philadelphia. Pa.. Po«t Otlice.

„«Cli *'"^ ^t*' .

SVJ«

III

starring

Bud Lou ABBOTT & COSTELLO

LEE BOWMAN ALAN CURTIS

JANE FRAZEE • NAT PENDLETON • SAMUEL S. HINDS

and

The ANDREWS SISTERS

Wit/i f/ie world's champion iitter-bugs

and o bevy of Hollywood's scintillating lovelies

JEANNA KELLY • NELL O'DAY • NINA ORLA • KAY LESLIE DOROTHY DARRELL • MARIA MONTEZ • NELLA WALKER

Directed by ARTHUR LUBIN Associate Producer, ALEX GOTTLIEB

4 Abbott and Costello, sensational comics known to millions of radio and stage fans !

'MR. AND MRS. SMITH' AMUSING FARCE COMEDY

Rates • • • generally on names

HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

RKO-Radio 90 Minutes

Carole Lombard, Robert Montgomery, Gene Raymond. Jack Carson, Philip Merivale, Lucile Watson, William Tracy, Charles Hal- ton, Esther Dale, Emma Dunn, Betty Comp- son, Patricia Farr, William Edmunds, Adele Fearce.

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" adds another to the long list of brittle and so-called screwball comedies of married life that have been produced in the last few years. Unfortunate- ly, there aren't quite enough funny situa- tions and the picture drags a little at times, but Alfred Hitchcock's expert direction and the fine comedy performances of Carole Lombard, Robert Montgomery, and Gene Raymond make the picture somewhat more entertaining than many of its predecessors of the same general type. Norman Krasna has contributed a story based on a very slight plot, which contains some novel twists, clever dialogue and amusing situations. On

the whole it's good entertainment and will come as welcome refreshment from many of the current heavy films. The names of Lombard, Montgomery and Hitchcock will bring ticket buyers to the box-office and the picture should gross well above average in most locations.

After three years of happy married life, marred only slightly by some marital bicker- ing, Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery

discover that, due to a technicality in the license laws of the town where they were married, they aren't legally married at all. Carole suddenly becomes primly puritanical and, when Robert doesn't insist on remarry- ing her at once, she turns him out of the house and refuses to speak to him. Gene Raymond, Montgomery's law partner, tries to induce Carole to make peace with her husband and ends by becoming engaged to her himself and it is only after a long series of complications that Montgomery finally tricks her into admitting she still loves him.

Carole Lombard is perfectly cast as Mrs. Smith and she gives a fine comedy perform- ance and looks very beautiful in an assort- ment of smart clothes. Robert Montgomery romps through his part with ease and gusto. Gene Raymond does a good job in his characterization of the milk-sop young law- yer. Jack Carson puts across a vivid pic- ture of the vulgar playboy. Philip Merivale and Lucile Watson have a couple of good scenes as Raymond's parents, shocked at the confused situation in which their son finds himself.

CRAWFORD C Hollywood)

'MAISIE WAS A LADY' SPARKLING COMEDY IS BEST OF SERIES

Rates • • • — generally

-HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW'

Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer 78 Minutes

Ann Sothem, Lew Ayres, Maureen O'Sulli- van, C. Aubrey Smith, Joan Perry, Paul Cavanagh, Edward Ashley. Directed by Edwin L. Marin.

"Maisie Was a Lady" is a sparkling com- edy, which lifts the Ann Sothern starring series to a new high in both entertainment and production values, and will undoubtedly bring "Maisie" many new admirers. Although Metro launched the "Maisie" group as sup- porting fare for duallers, this fourth picture of the series is an "A" in everything but

name, and for roaring good entertainment it stacks up with anything to come off the M-G-M lot recently. The story is nothing original, but the smart dialogue, Ed Marin's fine direction, Ann Sothern's great comedy performance and superlative work from a seasoned cast puts the film way out in front of its predecessors. The picture will gross above average at any box-oflice and will be a good headliner for almost any bill.

Ann Sothern, as Maisie, is an entertainer with a street carnival company until Lew Ayres. a wealthy playboy who has been celebrating Christmas Eve for six years, costs her her job. Ayres is forced, through a court order, to install her in his father's home as a maid, only to fall in love with her. Maisie rehabilitates the drunken playboy and solves

the problems of his sister, Maureen O'Sul- livan, a rich girl starving for affection and broken-hearted because she discovers that her fiance is marrying her only because she is heir to a large fortune.

Miss Sothern again reveals one of the smoothest light comedy gifts on the screen and is at her best. Lew Ayres registers one of the top performances of his career and is just as capable in dramatic scenes as in comedy. Maureen O'Sullivan gives her dramatic role a wealth of sincerity. C. Aubrey Smith, as the venerable butler, Paul Cavanagh, as the father of Ayres and Miss O'Sullivan, and Joan Perry, as the woman jilted by Ashley, are other standouts in the excellent cast.

CRAWFORD (Hollywood)

'LAND OF LIBERTY' INTERESTING DOCUMENTARY FILM MERITS STRONG SELLING

Rates • • as dual biller

M-G-M 98 Minutes

Raymond Massey as Abraham Lincoln, Robert Warwick as George Washington, Sidney Blackmer as Theodore Roosevelt, George Arliss as Alexander Hamilton and 135 other prominent actors listed alphabetically from Don Ameche to Loretta Young in scenes from historical films. Edited by Cecil B. DeMille.

An inspiration to Americans and a fas- cinating review of film acting of the past decade, "Land of Liberty" is an interesting

compilation of scenes, from the motion pic- ture industry's entire output, relating to American histoi-y. The narration, by Jeanie MacPherson and Jesse Lasky, Jr., is smooth and comprehensive and the ten-ific job of editing was remarkably well done under Cecil B. DeMille's supervision. Meritorious as this documentary picture is, the 98 min- utes running time, consisting of short bits from dozens of features, necessarily makes it a dramatic hodge-podge. However, most Americans will enjoy reviewing notable scenes from great pictures and in spotting their favorite actors flash quickly by. Pic- ture is sponsored by the MPPDA and the

NEWSPAPER CRITICS

cooperation of the entire industry in adver- tising and exploiting it will boost business in first runs but this film needs, and merits, strong selling generally.

Individual sequences, notably Raymond Massey's unforgettable portrayal of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois"; Bette Davis, Henry Fonda and George Brent in a bit from "Jezebel," and Paul Robeson's singing of "Or Man River" from "Show Boat" are outstanding now just as they were when the features were shown originally. Interest lags a bit during the final scenes but the picture, as a whole, is worthwhile and ab- sorbing. LE'YENDECKER

SANTA FE TRAIL (Warner Bros.)

". . .Biggest non-sequiter of the season, from the directional, historical and titular point of view." — Crowther, N. Y. Times.

"...Carbon copy of every other pseudo-historical screen epic... Story is unimaginative and banal." — Boehncl, N. Y. World-Telegram. "... In Massey's i>crformance there is part of a great picture . . . Fast, rough, obvious and good entertainment cn a distinctly lower level." — Winsten, N. Y. Post.

"...More tedious than entertaining and instructive. .. Neither a good Western nor a good historical reconstruction." — Barnes, N. Y. Herald Tribune.

NO, NO, NANETTE (RKO-Radio)

". . .Handsomely produced, full of nice people, pointless and so archly

dull that it turns aside wrathful criticism." — Winsten, N. Y. Post.

". . .Only tolerably amusing, halting rather than frisky, staple rather

than inventive." — Boehnel, N. Y. World Telegram.

"...Heavy-handed farce with incidental songs... Dull entertainment on the whole." — Barnes, N. Y. Herald Tribune.

"... Resists screen translation . . . Old-fashioned in its comedy pattern, unwieldy in its musical design." — Finn, Phila. Record.

TRAIL OF THE VIGILANTES (Universal)

". . .Fast and funny. . .Western with a sense of humor." — Reel, Chicago Herald American.

"...Story is pretty routine, but performance is better than average. Mr. Tone wins his spurs in a good fast Western. — Crorvther, N. Y. Titnes.

"... Fascinating screen melodramatic farce . . . Fast . . . Sheer delight." — Boehnel, N. Y. World-Telegram.

". . .Seldom will you find the pace suspense and excitement. . .So many notches above the ordinary Wild West show that it becomes something of a minor accomplishment." — Barnes, N. Y. Herald Tribune.

FILM BULLETIN

'CHEERS FOR MISS BISHOP' POIGNANT DRAMA

Rates • • + generally; needs exploitation

HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

Ignited Artists (Richard A. Rowland) 94 Minutes

Martha Scott, William Gargan, Edmund Gwenn, Sterling Holloway, Sidney Blackmer, Mary Anderson, Dorothy Peterson, Donald Douglas, Marsha Hunt, Ralph Bowman, Lois Ranson, Rosemary De Camp, Knox Man- ning, John Arledge, Jack Mulhall, Howard Hickman, Helen MacKeller, William Farnum, Anna Mills, Pierre Watkin, Charles Judels, Sue Moore, Rand Brooks, Charles Smith. Directed by Tay Garnett.

"Cheers for Miss Bishop" provides an auspicious return to the Hollywood limelight for veteran Richard Rowland who delivers a fine, if imperfect, creation. "Miss Bishop" is a lovely story — a poignant and touching tribute to a much maligned group of Ameri- can society, school teachers. Its shortcomings lie in the fact that too much time is con- sumed in the details of Miss Bishop's un- happy romances rather than her work In school and her influence on youth. That fault makes it something less than a "female Mr. Chips." Also, there is an uneven qual- ity when the film denotes passage of time. However, family audiences should accept the

production as a simple, beautiful story acted superlatively by a fine cast headed by Mar- tha Scott and William Gargan. It calls for heavy exploitation effort on the part of the individual exhibitor. Neighborhood and small town houses will get the best returns.

Martha Scott plays the title role, a young girl whose overpowering ambition is to be a teacher — and a good one. She crosses the divide from college to the classroom success- fully and soon becomes a potent force in a new. growing mid-Western college. Her first romantic encounter is with a young lawyer.

Donald Douglas. It ends disastrously when he marries her sister instead and later de- serts the girl. She next falls in love with Sidney Blackmer, a fellow teacher. Because his wife refuses to give him a divorce, this episode is unhappy. Miss Bishop devotes herself to the work of teaching, adapts her- self to changing trends and ideas, finally retiring when her days of usefulness are over. For the finish, she is the guest at a dinner given in her honor and attended by the now successful pupils in whom she was the first to see the qualities of greatness. At her side is William Gargan, who has loved her faithfully since their childhood days together.

Martha Scott gives a truly great perform- ance — one that places her in line for many more important roles. William Gargan gives one of his b3st portrayals. Outstanding in the large cast is Rosemary De Camp, from radio, whose characterization of an immi- grant girl is touching in its simplicity. All members of the large cast acquit themselves with distinction.

This is one of Tay Garnetfs best direc- torial jobs. He extracted all the sympathy and tenderness; any deficiencies are those of the scripters rather than the director or cast.

HANNA (Hollywood)

'LIFE WITH HENRY' LAUGHABLE ALDRICH FAMILY COMEDY

Rates • • ) as a dualler in naborhood

HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

Paramount 80 Minutes

Jackie Cooper, Leila Ernst, Eddie Bracken, Fred Niblo, Hedda Hopper, Kay Stewart, Moroni Olsen, Rod Cameron, Pierre Watkin, Lucien Littlefield, Frank M. Thomas, Etta McDaniel, Hanley Stafford, Edith Evanson, Rand Brooks, Doris Lloyd, Frances Carson, Charlotte Treadway, Josephine Whittel, Thurston Hall, Winifred Harris, Theodore Von Eltz, Mary Currier, Wanda McKay. Directed by Jay Theodore Reed.

"Life with Henry," second in the Aldrich Family series, isn't as good a picture as the first. "What a Life," but it is well packed with laughs and will probably find favor with the family trade which comprises the Henry Aldrich radio fans. The story is very hokey and obvious, aimed solely for laughs

'VIRGINIA' SHO' IS BAD

Rates • • generally on names only HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW

and rural houses

by any device, with the result that it is poorly constructed, full of gaping holes. In plot, situations and characterizations it makes no pretense of being credible. Jackie Cooper manages to make the blundering young Henry into a likeable human being, so that most people will be amused by his mishaps and sympathize with his problems. The picture should be a good dual bill bet for neighborhood houses and small town spots.

Henry desperately needs to earn $100 to become eligible for an Alaskan trip with a group of other youngsters gathered from around the country by a philanthropist, Moroni Olsen His efforts result in dire mis- adventures to his own family and other resi- dents of the town. Henry is thrown out of a film theatre for trying to collect a cash prize with the wrong ticket. When he makes soap to sell, some of it gets into a dish of mushrooms served at a dinner given by his

the box-office. Only the most loyal patrons of the movies and ardent fans of Madeleine Carroll and Fred MacMurray will plunk down money at the box-office to see this feeble Paramount effort. The critics are sure to be unkind and word-of-mouth ad- vertising will second their opinions, with less literary, but more devastating effect.

Madeleine Carroll, an actress, returns to the Southland home of her birth to claim the family estate. She is guided through the mysterious ways and customs of the South by Fred MacMurray, scion of a dis- tinguished Virginia family, long since the victim of financial reverses. There's a city slicker in the person of Stirling Hayden, who vies for the affections of Miss Carroll. He almost wins her because Fred is handi- capped by a worthless wife to whom he still feels obligated. When the wife dies, Hayden

(More Reviews On Page 30)

NEWSPAPER CRITICS

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR (Parnmount) anticipated."— B<irnc.<,

"...Awfully mcnotonous . . . As forced .is (hat four-yoar-old feud." — "...Considerably less

Crowther, N. Y. Times. Re>:ults arc not only

"...Intermittently entertaining ... Far less funny than you might have Telegram.

Paramount 110 Minutes

Madeleine Carroll, Fred MacMurray, Stirling- Hayden, Helen Broderick, Marie Wilson, Carolyn Lee, Paul Hurst, Tom Rutherford, Leigh Whipper, Louise Beavers, Darby Jones. Produced and directed by Edward H. Griffith.

About the only purpose we could find in "Virginia" was that Paramount felt like re- viving the Civil Waf in full Technicolor. This sentimental comedy drama is more rubbish than entertainment. No hackneyed device was overlooked — the old slave re- turns to die, the homestead is saved and sweetness and light loom victorious over the forces of evil. Some saucy dialogue, most of it pretty obvious, is the saving grace of the film, but it won't account for much at

parents for two men sent by Olsen to in- vestigate the possibility of starting a mush- room canning factory and ruins the deal. Henry's homemade soap eats holes in all the laundry in the neighborhood and he has to pay for the damage, but he hitch-hikes his way to the city, and in his own blundering way manages to arouse Olsen's interest so that the town gets its canning factory and Henry his trip to Alaska.

Jackie Cooper, with a changing voice, boyish mannerisms and sincerity, brings Henry Aldrich to life. Eddie Bracken wins plenty of laughs as Henry's sidekick. Leila Ernst and Kay Stewart, in the two juvenile feminine spots, are attractive and effective. Hedda Hopper and Fred Niblo, as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich, Olsen, Rod Cameron and the other adult members of the large cast are good, but somewhat handicapped by the things they are called upon to do and say.

CRAWFORD iHollvwood)

relinquishes his claim on Madeleine and Fred and the South emerge victorious. Mammy !

Stirling Hayden, an ingratiating and talented newcomer, shines through the arti- ficialty of his role and gives a sincere and convincing performance. Madeleine Carroll is a joy to watch in Technicolor and she manages to hold her head high throughout the proceedings. Fred MacMurray is un- happy muttering such lines as "it ain't the soup that counts: it's the neighbor's heart that brings it." Marie Wilson, turned glam- orous, is something less than satisfactory. Carolyn Lee is a youngster with a wealth of personality and charm, although her lines in this picture are of the crudest variety.

Edward H. Griffith's direction is undis- tinguished.

HANNA (Hollywood)

N. Y. Herald Tribune.

tiian hilarious. . .Tries too iiard to be clever. . . trained but unfuiuiy." — Boehnel. N. Y. World

JANUARY 25, 1941

Harrower

OF MEN AND THING

The Consent Decree selling plan seems to be away to a head start so far as the Ned Depinet Drive of the RKO organi- zation is concerned. The field force has gone to work, before the official start of the drive this Saturday, January 25. It runs to May 9, which gives the sales force 15 solid weeks to roll up their quotas. Depinet and Andy Smith, as the mainsprings of the sales efforts of this company, reflect the confident assurance that the coming season will be a banner year. Not only for their organization, but for the industry as a whole. The following observations reflect in part their general attitude.

At RKO the new selling plan is under way in as sim- plified a form as it is possible to operate. It will be inter- esting to watch it function. The intent was to make the plan easily understood by every member of the organiza- tion as well as the customers. They are not yet prepared to announce the details of the plan to the trade. It is safe to state, however, that it will embody certain features that will prove interesting to the other film sales organi- zations.

The present .setup of the district sales departments will be continued. Right now it consists of nine district managers. It is felt that this is sufficiently elastic to meet demands of the new requirements under blocks-of-five. The matter of additional salesmen will depend entirely on developments. The present staff is sufficiently large to handle the accounts, but if an ex- panded force seems advisable, there is plenty of material avail- able within the organization. It is clearly recognized that sell- ing is coming into its own, and that under the new system distribution will grow tremendously more vital than ever as the link between the exhibitor and the source of supply, the studio. More and more, it seems to be recognized by sales organizations in the industry that a salesman acquires, through the years, an understanding of his company's particular problems that the average outside salesman cannot master until he also has been identified with the sales policies over a considerable period of time. And .^^o it is the policy of this comi^any to build its sales staff from within its own ranks whenever possible.

* * *

Close study of the Consent Decree and its possibili- ties has been made by many minds within the RKO organization. The consensus of opinion is that they are going to be much closer to their business in the selling phases than ever before. The district managers, branch managers and salesmen will function as individuals to a greater extent than ever before. 7 hey will be given more authority. Initiative will be encouraged. All sales plans in preparation carry the basic thought that there must be quick and intelligent action exercised by everyone participating in any deal.

* *

Special thought is being given to the particular needs of I hi' independent theatre. Its problems in booking require a flifferent approach under the new plan than that of the circuit. A plan is being formulated to enable the independent theatre to buy this company's pictures without loss of time and on a fair and

equitable basis. The box-office value of pictures will be the determining factor as to film rentals. With this thought in mind, the production department is selecting material for the new season only after considerable discussion. Story properties must now be selected to conform with the Consent Decree sell- ing requirements so that when the production stage is reached there shall be no hitch.

:|: =|;

The first block-of-five from RKO is expected to be ready on or before the first of July. By that time the industry will be fairly familiar with what the relative bar- gaining power of exhibitors and distributors will be. In other words, we are getting back to competitive, wide- open selling. A healthy market in which the buyer and seller must exercise their wits to get the most favorable deal. It all promises to be stimulating and a bit exciting. The cut-and-dried era of film peddling seems to be pass- ing— and who will mourn it (except the bankers)?

* * *

The Depinet Drive comes at the right time. It not only gives the company a chance to pay tribute to its vice-president and sales leader, but to get its house in order for the new system. This organization has already announced shorts subject pro- duction in its entirety for '41-'42, and the sales staff is already pushing it. The current selling effort takes the place of pre- convention selling of features and shorts subjects.

The present indications are that RKO will have screened two blocks-of-five under the Consent Decree by the first of September. The sales chiefs feel confident that all the companies will have more pictures than ever before ready for playdates. They claim that this will be imperative under the new setup. If this prove true, then a bugbear that has been scaring a lot of people will have vanished.

* * *

Some of the problems that could arise under the blocks-of- five system as mentioned in our last column seem to have been eliminated. For instance, in certain quarters there is confidence that exhibitors will not be able arbitrarily to turn down these blocks. There is some talk of a legal technicality in the decree that will appreciably smooth the pathway for sales organizations on this .score.

* * *

In any event, the recent haze and daze concerning the new selling plan has quite noticeably cleared in cer- tain producing organizations. Now a note of optimism is distinctly apparent. Maybe the word has gone forth from the powers who control industry destiny that there is nothing for the production and distribution forces to worry about. Maybe they have hit on a plan to keep the exhibitor forces in line if blocks-of-five selling should develop too many advantages for the buyer. Who knows? We don't. All we know is that there is appar- ent here and there a certain atmosphere that reminds us of a gent in a poker game sitting with a pat hand and saying nothing.

r I I, M BULLETIN

C T

JANUARY 25, 1941

BULLETIN

STUDIO

FORECAST

FOR

1941

THE ANNUAL INSIDE STORY FROM HOLLYWOOD OF THINGS TO COME

HOLLYWOOD'S LEADERS FOR 1941

The Studio Executives Who Command Our Confidence In This Unpredictable Year

In every indusfry there are men whose accomplishments continually overshadow their competitors' — men who, by diligence and application of particular methods and talents, succeed where others fail. In the industry of producing motion pictures, which is as much an art as it is a business and where so much depends on the capacity of the individual, the necessity for leaders of distinctive abilities is readily apparent. Yet success and right to the title of "leader" can be measured only by that most elusive of human faculties, judgment.

The men we have selected as Hollywood's leaders for I 94 I are a varied group. For all their dissimilarity and individual- ity, by their recent and current endeavors and by the general direction in which they are heading, they inspire our faith in their judgment. That is why we have chosen them. We consider Y. Frank Freeman one of the industry's outstanding personali- ties because he has brought to his posts as head of Paramount and the Producers' Association a rare business ability backed by years of practical experience. Hal Wallis' fame rests on the smooth executive job he is doing at Warner Bros., where his ef- forts have done much to make that studio a leader for three consecutive years. Cliff Work and Nate Blumberg are in the limelight because of their marvelous reorganization job at Universal. Harry Cohn's true ability was revealed when Capra withdrew from the fold. He is building Columbia. Darryl Zanuck, however violently we have disagreed with him in the past two years, again occupies a high spot in our estimation. Zanuck is essentially a showman of the most extravagant type and we see him rising rapidly from his recent slump. Walter Wanger represents the courageous type of film man who believes inj intellectual and significant motion pictures. He is determined to find and organize the audience that appreciates such films.

DAVID HANNA.

Paramount's Freeman

Y. FRANK FREEMAN

PARAMOUNT

Y. Frank Freeman's story is not prim- arily that of a showman, but of a business man who has made show business his business.

To begin with, he's a quahfied engineer. At one time, he owned and operated a tele- phone company. At another, he was ad- ministering the affairs of a large planta- tion. And he once made, lost, and re- coupjd a fortune as a real estate operator.

His thorough acquaintance with the motion picture industry dates from 191.5. The bottom fell out of the cotton market, so Freeman and his father-in-law, J. H. Harris, began the operation of a *heatre in Georgia. Shortly afterward, Freeman bought into .he S. A. Lynch Enterprises. Later, he b:came manager of the Paramount exchange in Atlanta. When Paramount acquired the fights for distribution of Triangle Pictures in 1917, he moved to New York to head the entire system. Freeman left the picture industry during the Florida real estate boom. All this did was to fit him for the post of real estate supervisor for Paramount when he rejoined the organization in 1933. The following year he was given charge of theatre operations nationally and in 1938. Freeman was transferred to Hollywood and his present post. Director of studio operations.

Freeman views the film industry as a strictly business proposi- tion. Perhaps that accounts for the fact that he neither looks nor b3haves like a typical showman. It may also help to account for the successful results of his collaboration with William Le Baron, Paramount's production chief.

Talking to Mr. Fi'ceman for the first time, I readily understood the rea.soning of the Paramount boird when it placed him j)i charge of the studio to clean up a situation which was seriously jeopardizing the very foundation of the company. Freeman is not an emotional man — he is practical. His kind of man was needed. He is a di.scerning executive, cautious, surely, but not to the point of fearing exper.mentation.

(ConlhiiH-d On Page 2H )

Warners' 'Wallis and actresses whose

HAL WALLIS

WARNER BROTHERS

Quite different from the popular con- ception of an executive producer is Hal ^ Wallis, the production head at Warner Brothers, who simply belies the generally accepted picture of the flamboyant film official.

The only recipe for success, in produc- tion or elsewhere, that Mr. Wallis knows or follows is work— hard work. No man under him puts in longer hours, more concen- trated days and nights than he does. His office is the focal point for all his associate producers, the writers who are shaping the stories he has approved for the screen, the heads of various departments, the directors whom he assigns to pictures and th: actors destinies he guides.

For more than ten years n:w. Hcil Wallis has manned the big guns on the Warner production schedule, firing box-ofRce broad- sides to exhibitors, who have w3!comed his accurately-timed screen hits. Formerly affiliated with the General Electric Company, he became interested in the motion picture industry in 1922. Deciding that the theatre should be the first step in his education, he se- cured a manager's job in a downtown Los Angeles theatre. Dis- tribution problems, then to advertising and publicity occupied his attention. He joined Warner Bros, publicity department and later became its head. At the time Warners was pioneering in sound, Wallis was placed in charge of production. Zanuck subsequently became the fair-haired boy at the studio and, for a time, Wallis was obscured. When Zanuck left to organize 20th Century, Walli.s was put back in command.

On the exterior he is a calm man, a man of carefully trained thought and considered speech. He understands the business and the problems of the industry in which he wields so much influence.

Wallis has won much acclaim for his frequent use of timely subjects and his company has displayed fearlessness in adapting' those current headline stories to the screen. He keeps a sensitive (Continued On Page 28)

MORE OF HOLLYWOOD'S LEADERS ON PAGES 19 and 20

FILM BULLETIN

1941 - - A YEAR OF CHANGE

By DAVID HANNA

Comparative quiet reigned in Hollywood during 1940. Fewer pictures were produced — some of them were suc- cessful and many, of course, were duds. .There were numer- ous executive changes, but their consequences were not so drastic as those of 1938 and 1939. The labor front was rather peaceful. The ominous predictions of what was to result from Hollywood's loss of the foreign market never quite materialized. Somehow business went on as usual and the financial statements of most of the film companies could not exactly be called disappointing. Practically all showed healthy profits.

The Neely Bill was pigeon-holed and its hibernation is deemed likely to continue. Mr. Neely is no longer in the Senate, National Defense is the Government's major con- sideration these days and, under any circumstances, it is improbable that sufficient Congressional interest could be revived in behalf of the Bill before the Consent Decree has been put into operation. (Some of the Bill's proponents think otherwise, however).

Exhibitors appeared resigned to radio competition and Bingo, Bango and Bungo continued to be the bread and butter of many theatres in all parts of the country. 1940 saw exhibitors requested to raise admission prices on such super-items as "Boom Town" and "North West Mounted Police." Theatres lost much good will. Their grumblings went unheeded in Hollywood, but it appears that the dis- tributors in New York learned a lesson and will not repeat the mistake.

THE CONSENT DECREE

The calm was deceptive, though, for one element en- tered the motion picture scene late in 1940 that is destined ultimately to cause the most radical change in its policies that the industry has ever experienced. This is the Consent Decree. It was the inevitable climax to years of squabbling between the distribution and exhibition branches and, al- though its full import is not yet thoroughly realized here in the film city, the next few months are certain to see some rude awakenings.

It is not for this writer to discuss the pros and cons of the Consent Decree. Many exhibitors sincerely believe its provisions offer no relief — others who do not seriously feel the pinch of producer-distributor domination are also un- sympathetic. These facts have been discussed previously. The Consent Decree is here — it is the law and for our pur- poses it is wiser to limit our comments to the effect the Consent Decree will have on Hollywood. What changes will take place in film production practices.

First and foremost, the mass production system is doomed. It will no longer be possible for film companies to produce huge programs of pictures, turn them out on the assembly line and sell them sight unseen to their customers.

There is no better illustration of the truth of these re- marks than the recent changes at 20th Century-Fox, strong- hold of the mass production method and one-man studio domination. For the first time, independent units, two of them, have been taken into the organization to produce a number of A pictures on the company's '40-'4l program. Others are scheduled to follow, according to recent Holly- wood reports, not only at 20th Century but in the other studios, whose executives are quickly realizing that the Consent Decree will make it almost impossible for the "quickie" to flourish as in the past. Exhibitors who have long deplored Hollywood's hit and miss production set-up, necessitated by schedules calculated to glut and dominate the film market, may find real consolation in this.

UNIT SYSTEM WILL FLOURISH

FILM BULLETIN'S editorial pages have previously pointed out that "blocks-of-five" will spotlight those who make good films and put on-the-spot those who grind out the interior stuff. The producer of low budgeted pictures has been content to turn out one or two "sleepers" in the course of a season, but under the Consent Decree it will be necessary for the bulk of his pictures to have merit — or else. The intelligent film man will insist on making fewer pictures so that he may give each the specialized and in- dividual attention that successful picture making requires. In brief, the unit system will flourish.

This production system made vast strides last year, but unfortunately some of the most publicized units were dismal failures. Where there were these set-backs, it was the producers who were at fault, not the system itself. For instance, Gene Towne and Graham Baker, extremely capable script writers, flopped at RKO simply because they lacked judgment in the selection of proper story material.

Because long term contracts with assured incomes have softened so many of the industry's top production men, the unit system has thus far not attracted them. As the Consent Decree begins operation, the unit system wi'l be forced on them and they may be expected to see its advantages. We will see more of the courage displayed by Frank Capra whose entire personal fortune is tied up in ■'Meet John Doe." When there is enterprise of this sort, the film industry is really creating and this means profit at

JANUARY 25, 1941

A YEAR OF CHANGE

(Continued from Preceding Page)

the boxoffice. Whatever the shortcomings of the Consonl- Decree, it is bound to foster better effort in Hollywood.

COSTS UNDER THE DECREE

Although filnn .rentals have seemingly reached the sat- uration point, exhibitors can look forward to no surcease from the producer's perennial cry that production costs are rising beyond proportion to the revenue expected, especial- ly in view of the situation abroad. The experimental as- pects of the Consent Decree open the door wide to com- plaints of this sort and exhibitors must militantly combat them by exposing, condemning, and opposing Hollywood waste and extravagance.

There is bound to be some increase In distribution costs, but production expense actually [should go down. The Consent Decree will result in a new evaluation of Holly- wood's artistic talents and the stars, executives, directors and writers. Who have eaten of the fatted calf until there is nothing left but skin and bones, will be given a clearer perception of their actual value to the motion picture Industry.

During 1941 we can look for more profit sharing deals, that Is contracts which will pay upper bracket talent modest salaries and a percentage arrangement. Physical produc- tion costs will remain the same unless the next year sees some renewed labor demands.

FUTURE OF THE PRESTIGE FILM

Industry observers and those interested in the so-called "prestige" picture, the experimental, artistic, and socially significant film, view the advent of the Consent Decree with alarm. The prevailing opinion is that only films of assured boxoffice value will be filmed when the Decree becomes operative. They say that producers will be un- willing to risk investment In anything of dubious commercial Importance and that It will be impossible to make such pic- tures as "Grapes of Wrath," "Magic Bullet" etc.

This is sheer nonsense. The "prestige" picture will gain new vigor under the Consent Decree, since many film men are sincere in their efforts to tread untried paths. Most of the horror attached to the unusual film springs from the fact that many of them are really poor pictures. A good "class" or "prestige" picture will always be good boxoffice; a poor one is just as bad as a poor quickie.

This writer has long advocated that experimental pic- tures be produced on cheaper budgets. They should display, we argue, more brain power and less production ostenta- tion. I have been told by ardent proponents of vhe "vital screen" that this Is impossible. "Experimentation," they say, "Is expensive — more costly than ordinary picture ma king."

This need not necessarily be so. Cooperation among the talent involved would reduce costs considerably. There are those In Hollywood who are fto anxious to see the screen mature that they would lend their time and talents on a percentage basis, and if producers would cooperate the experimental screen would not be so handicapped as It is now.

Whether any substantial achievements, along these lines, are made In 1941 rests largely on the shoulders of the producers. Exhibitors will be more inclined to participate in a speculative enterprise when they are doing it of their own free will. They cannot be expected to favor costly ex- perimental pictures which they are compelled to buy on a "play or pay" basis.

INDEPENDENTS WILL BENEFIT BY DECREE

In any discussion pertaining to the future of inde- pendent film companies under the Consent Decree, many observers are inclined to reserve judgment and give It a big question mark. In Hollywood the Independents are viewed so disdainfully that even the idle indie producers themselves have anything but an optimistic outlook. They persistently refuse to take a long range view; they see only the bleak Immediate future.

We certainly do not believe that on August I, 1941, countless independent companies will spring up from no- where. Nor do we feel that the Independent market will come into its own In 1942. It will take longer than that for a market so long dormant to rehabilitate Itself. But it will be restored!

We were pleased to have this opinion corroborated by W. Ray Johnston and Trem Carr, who are certainly ex- perienced In the independent market. "The Consent De- cree will benefit the little company," they said, "and there should be a noticeable increase in independent production when the Decree begins operation."

Independents have continually been hampered because of the limitations on anticipated revenue. The large block buying system precluded the indie product from most the- atres. The Consent Decree will open this market and we look for new independents to become active during the next year or two. '

A BUSINESS OF PERSONALITIES

Great as the film art-Industry is, it has not and never will reach the point where its future course is fixed 6nd certain. It is destined always to be a tumultuous, chang- ing and varied industry. For this is, at its origin, an art and a business of personalities — and human beings, as we all know, are strange and unpredictable animals.

And on these unpredictable personalities rests the fu- ture and success of the motion picture Industry. Much new blood has come into the business during the last twelve months, but *he Old Guard continues to hold its own. Many of these gentlemen have kindly consented to be interviewed tor Film Bulletin's Studio Forecast of 1941 — others have taken the trouble to write us of their plans and views for the new year. From this summary of comments, predic- tions, opinions, plans, etc., we have forged what we hope you will find a true and accurate account of the things to come.

The role of prophet is not an easy one this year for many and varied are the changes in store for us. Never- theless, we invite you to check up on the Forecast as the weeks and months roll by.

I I L M BULLETIN

STUDIO FORECAST FOR 1941

COLUMBIA

Columbia's prospects for 1941 are among the best of the majors. The company made a strong bid for top recognition last year when it released more headline pictures than during any period in its history. Barely noticeable was the loss of Frank Capra.

Our Forecast for 1940 occurred at the time when production head Harry Cohn was engaged in determined effort to line up new, top rung production talent to offset the gap occasioned by the Capra withdrawal. A few names had just joined the outfit. Now look at the fine list of producers and directors behind Columbia's product: Alexander Hall, Wesley Ruggles, Gene Markey, George Stevens, Frank R. Strayer, Robert Sparks, John Stahl, Larry Darmour. B. P. Shulberg, Sam Bischoff, Sam Briskin and Irving Briskin. These men stand for quality entertainment and give exhibitors confidence in any company with which they are af- filiated. It is an array that holds much promise for Columbia's course in 1941.

Series pictures continued to hold their strong position in Col- umbia's output for 1940. The "Blondie" group made forward strides. Charles Starrett gained new western fans as '"Wild Bill Hickok." Now comes Larry Darmour with his "Ellery Queen" mysteries and "Tillie the Toiler" is due to blossom into a series whenever Columbia locates an actress for the title role.

Few players are under term contract to Columbia, but those who impressed strongly last year are Glenn Ford, William Holden and Rita Hayworth. Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Melvyn Doug- las have been the lot's leading names, but new ones are being added. Pat O'Brien and Warner Baxter are recent additions to the roster.

Production chief Harry Cohn is one of the shrewdest star bor- rowers in all Hollywood. He has a knack for capitalizing his own studio's talent to the fullest extent by making exchanges to bring topnotch players to his lot.

One of the season's surprises was the strong comeback by B. P. Shulberg, veteran film man, whose "He Stayed for Breakfast" warranted the confidence displayed in him by Cohn.

In the program picture field Columbia has returned to making a punchy, exploitable type of film, such as always brought it strong support from smaller theatres. There has been a big improvement in this division and we feel it may be traced to the fact that higher calibre writers have been brought into the Briskin "B" Unit. In short, a bit more talent is being poured into the program pictures and the slight additional expense seems to be paying dividends.

Columbia is due to benefit by the Consent Decree. Not being subject to the blocks-of-five provision, the "Little 3" — Columbia, Universal and United Artists — may still sell their full programs at one time. However, the Government obviously intends to do everything possible to force these three companies to fall in line with the blocks-of-five plan, since the other majors will be able to exercise their "escape clause" if a certain number of pictures are sold in larger blocks than five.

The trend at this studio seems to be in the direction of or- ganizing the strongest possible production program in the event Columbia is forced into the new selling plan. The array of direc- tors, producers and players is becoming more imposing steadily. More and more "A" pictures are being scheduled and one cannot escape the feeling that Harry Cohn will not be caught with a pro- gram of quickies on his hands if and when the Department of Justice "puts the screws" on the "Little Three" to compel them to adopt blocks-of-five.

There appears no indication that Columbia will veer from its diversified type of program. There will hs a fairly evenly divided mixture of action and comedy features, with new steps taken to garner some of the profits from the musical film field. Westerns, serials and the usual short subjects will continue much as in the past season.

Distinguished by sound commercial management, Columbia is definitely moving forward and upward. We anticipate that the 1941-42 program will be the best in this company's whole record.

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER

Next to the heavens, no spot in the universe has quite so many stars as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Culver City studio. Here the star system has attained the maximum degree of efficiency and must be regarded as the most reliable gauge by which this com- pany's retrogression or progress is estimated. To arrive at a sen- sible Forecast for Metro, then, let us first see how the MGM head- liners fared in 1940 and what their prospects are for '41.

Lionel Barrymore rumbled through the year in minor roles. Illness confined his efforts to the "Dr. Kildare" series, but better health promises to remedy that situation. Wallace Beery, of all people, showed prominently in the first box-oflice ten, reflecting the solidarity of the family trade. Metro hasn't yet recovered from the shock, nor has the rest of Hollywood. Joan Crawford continued her sleigh ride. Robert Donat was an absentee all year. Metre did not make the mistake of separating Nelson Eddy from Jeanette MacDonald, but their musicals are not the smash hits of yester- year. Clark Gable, perennial industry leader, maintained a profit- able hold on the affections of America's filmgoers and remains the lot's top money maker. Considering her success in "Ninotchka," it is regrettable that Garbo was idle during 1940. Judy Garland continued her phenomenal climb, although her fans considered "Little Nelly Kelly" an unhappy vehicle.

Greer Garson still needs "the" vehicle. She has made no progress since "Mr. Chips." Hedy Lamarr continues to hold her allure for both male and female. However, she is now engaged in one of her periodic spats with the studio and her future is again a source of speculation. Eleanor Powell made no movies because of a prolonged illness. William Powell accepted one assignment, but a long absence has adversely affected his popularity. Myrna Loy is registering only so-so these days, and the Marx Brothers have only one more film to make here.

Exhibitors and Metro officials include Mickey Rooney in their nightly prayers and their fervent wishes for his continued good health and youthful exuberance are quite easily understood. Rosalind Russell had <