20 PICTURES U&RIETY Wednesday, June 16, 1965

.••••••»•••••••••••••••••••••••»««•••••••>> >••••••> • • Orders Managers to Scan All Trailers Re Raoul Levy -•;• New York Sound Track \\ SBS Continued from page 3 SS5S »••••••••••«<••••••••••••••••••••«•••••••••••••••" As Potential Source of Protests ments on file in the Paris office of the Centre National Cinemato­ Met coming out of the MGM elevator Friday, a 13-foot brown and Santa Fe, N.M., June 15. + graphic. white python. Creature, "affection-trained" by Ralph D. Heifer, wag Lou Avolio, city manager for MARNI NIXON'S CONCERTS curled up in an ordinary zippered suitcase, on its way to a tv appear­ Frontier Theatres Inc. at Albu­ "(I am) at a loss to understand ance. When suitcase was unzipped for curious VARIETY reporter, python querque, was chosen president of how Levy can give western hem­ winked amiably and seemed to enjoy being petted. the New Mexico Theatre Assn. here. Soundtrack Ghost Singer At N. Y. isphere distribution rights to Eliot Promenades Hyman of Seven Arts. George Cukor in town over the weekend for talks at 20th-Fox, for Two-day sesh attracted about 125 whom he'll produce and direct the screen version of Lesley Branch'* persons, according to E. J. (Gene) "Avala" has already placed dis­ novel, "The Nine-Tiger Man"...In case you haven't noticed: producer Haubner, Sante Fe exhib and chair­ Marni Nixon, best known for tribution rights with Omnia Films her ghost-singing for various Albert Broccoli gets precedence over coproducer Harry Saltzman in all man of this year's conclave. of Munich. Omnia has been au­ ads on the James Bond pix here, but in Europe, the billing is reversed. Avolio succeeds Louis Gasparini screen actresses (Audrey Hepburn, thorized by Avala Films and other Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood), will It's stipulated in their UA contract. of Albuquerque. Gasparini be­ interested parties to negotiate Munio Podhorzer, prez of Casino Films here, has been named New comes chairman of the board of di­ be soloist for the three N. Y. Phil­ both eastern and western hemis­ harmonic Promenade Concerts on York rep of the Herbert Rosener Co. which operates nine theatres on rectors of the 150-member org. phere deals and have already set the Coast . . . Recently kudosed as best actor at Cannes, Terence Stamp Ed Kidwell of Roswell was re­ June 29-30 and July 1. distribution agreements in Japan, in town to attend the preem of Col's "The Collector" at the Paris and named secretary-treasurer and B. J. Programs will present concert Germany and Spain. These deals Coronet Theatres tomorrow (Thurs.) night . . . Col's Italo import, "Bam- McKenna of Raton vice-prez. versions (in English) of three Of­ have been approved by Avala and bole," the sketch pic with Gina Lollobrigida, Elkc Sommer, Monica Keynoter for the session was fenbach operas—"Orpheus In The its partners in the 'Marco Polo' Vitti and Virna Lisi, opens June 28 at the Baronet and Embassy. This M. B. Smith, ad-pub chief for Com­ Underworld," "La Vie Parisienne" project, ITTAC of France and is the pic causing the present censorship furor in Rome...Stella monwealth Theatres Inc. of Kansas and "La Belle Helene," Franz PRODI of Italy. Stevens into Col's "The Silencers." City, who urged delegates to work Allers will conduct. "(I have) the greatest respect for toward merger of Theatre Owners Eliot Hyman and his organization "The Winner," the English-language "transonics" version of Francois of America and Allied States Assn. and (am) sorry that Hyman has Reichenbach's "A Heart As Big As That," will open at the Fifth Avenue He also touched on censorship, Censorship Dangerous, been given the impression that Cinema June 30. Pic is being presented by transonics expert Noelle and said blue pencilling has no Levy was authorized to act for the Gillmor and Robert Kingsley.. .Producer-director Robert Wise off to part of the film business. He owners of the company. the Orient for a final location survey for 20th's "The Sand Pebbles," Or Funny—H. Golden set to start this fall. .. "Midnight Plus One" will be the first pic pro­ urged New Mexico exhibitors to "Levy not only has no right to promote the distribution of the Charlotte, N.C., June 15. duced by Berton Schneider and Robert Rafelson under their recently Harry Golden, who's usually too negotiate a distribution deal, he formed Raybert Productions banner for Columbia.. . Green Sheets, not only through has no right to even show the pic­ mailing lists, but in libraries, busy running his own Carolina Is­ Federico Fellini's newest pic, "Juliet of the Spirits," will have its U.S. raelite or writing books to take is­ ture to anyone. Even Avala is not schools and other places. authorized to screen the picture release in November under the auspices of Rizzoli Films. Giulietta Considerable talk on local pres­ sue with news printed in other Masini (Mrs. Fellini) stars...Alan Jay Lerner, who originally was to papers, wrote to the editor of the for distributors. This right lies sure groups and censorship oc­ exclusively with Omnia Films. have done the book and lyrics for Arthur Jacobs' "Dr. Dolittle" pic, cupied many of the talks by state Charlotte (N.C.) News last week has bowed out and been ™,->laced by Leslie Bricusse, now repped on theatremen. about a story on the "recommenda- "I take issue with the statement Broadway by "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of The Crowd." tions of the Mayor's Obscenity that the release of the picture has Les Dollison of Santa Fe. owner Deen neld U in Bricusse will also write the music. . . Claudia Cardinale added to the of a string of small town hardtop- Committee." I P Europe 'by a cast of Richard Brooks' Col pic, "The Professionals," which goes in pers around the state, said he is What bothered Golden was the slight contretemps featuring Levy the fall. currently insisting that all his_ local insufficient presentation of facts by and the Yugoslavian government John and Faith Hubley are in France to attend the Annecy fest of managers screen all trailers in ad­ the committee and the unrealistic and that Levy expects Paris short films where their "The Hat" will be shown out of competition. . . vance of showing, to check on possi­ attitudes indicated in its recom­ courts to rule in his favor to get Columbia says that "Lord Jim," in its first two Latin American engage­ ble offensive material. mendations. To a suggestion that the Yugoslavs to release footage ments in Buenos Aires and Mexico City, is doing biz equivalent to its theatres "commonly known as nudie (the giant chess board se­ Boyd Scott, Farmington (N.M.) quence) . . .' previous big money-earner, "Lawrence or Arabia" . . . Toho Inter­ manager, spoke on Censorship and houses be prohibited," Golden said national and Palisades International Corp. have joined IFIDA . . . How to Handle Local Pressure there were no such houses in Char­ "These statements are ridiculous. Irving Sochin, veep of Rizzoli Film Dirstributors, back from a three- Groups. He urged more rapport lotte. "First, the Yugoslavian govern­ week swing through Cannes, Rome and Milan. with such groups, more association He added that the committee also ment is not involved. Avala is not 20th-Fox, which has always been big on long titles, has changed its -with news media, giving them failed to provide the necessary sub­ involved. The Yugoslavs cannot upcoming William Wyler production from "Venus Rising" to "How To straight answers to questions. He sidy for the exhibitors, who very well release the giant chess Steal A Million Dollars and Live HaDpily Ever After" . . . Frankie Ava- suggested meeting with such pres­ pointed out that "the families lined board sequence to Levy because lon. who's in the new Bob Hope starrer, "I'll Take Sweden," in town for sure groups, and pushing the family up two abreast for 'Sex And The the Yugoslavs don't own it. It is a Copacabana engagement. . . Henry Fonda passed through town Friday pix. Single Girl' but stayed away in owned by Christian-Jaque, the (11) en route from filming "The Battle of The Bulge" in Spain to Holly­ Other sneakers included Judson droves from 'The Life and Times of director of the first 'Marco Polo' wood for "A Big Hand for The Little Lady". . .Also back from Europe: Moses, MGM publicity man at Dal­ Norman Vincent Peale'." iEd.— version. It has no bearing on the Jean Goldwurm, prez of Times Film, and Mrs. Goldwurm. las, heading a workshop on ad­ evidently, by the latter, he meant release of the picture for we had Gert Frobe and Irina Demick in town for the Yank preem of 20th's vertising; Will Harrison, New Mex­ "One Man's Way.") never intended including it. "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" tonight (Wed.) at Recommendations for banned ico political columnist, and George "Also, to the best of our knowl­ the DeMille. . .Avala Films of Yugoslavia has hired the Rogers & Roscoe, director of exhib rela­ magazines and other publications Cowan p.r. firm to tub-thump for 'em in the U.S. by the committee, Golden said, edge, no action has been brought tions with TOA in New York. in the Paris courts on this matter, Boris Sagal will direct, E. Jack Neuman will write, and both men will Two-day session wrapped up with carefully excluded prominently- produce "Heat Wave" for MGM. Pic starts shooting this fall. After named Playboy which made him nor have they been asked to make a dinner-dance Wednesday (9) eve a ruling." his current Metro stint. "Made In Paris," Sagal heads for Moscow at La Fonda Hotel. wonder if they were trying to "get film fete...Elsa Martinelli added to Ponti-Embassy "The Seventh Vic­ Next year's convention has ten­ at some of those nondescript pub­ Drazovic's recapitulation of the tim" . . . Hy Levine named advertising business manager for Allied Ar­ tatively been set for Albuquerque. lishers who are not likely to fight events surrounding the first ver­ tists. A 10-year company veteran, he replaces Jack Schachtel, who re­ back." sion of the pic, which was aban­ signed. . .Sidney J. Furie to direct Filmways-MGM "Day of the Arrow" His own recommendation, which doned, and the finally completed ...Lee Bergman will be writing a Popular Library paperback based he thought the committee over­ second version: on Screen Gems tv series, "The Wackiest Ship in the Army." He'll looked, was assignment of a task- "The first project, which starred still be working full time as film publicist, however, as he did while Knoxvilles Best force bucket-brigade to wash or re­ Alain Delon and was directed by writing two previous novels. . . Elke Sommer into lead role of Para­ paint the city's public rest rooms Christian - Jaque was produced mount-Embassy "The Oscar" . . . Douglas Laurence to produce a third every 24 hours, the year around. by two French companies, HAN pic for Metro, appropriately titled "Three for a Wedding." Script to be He concluded that "most attempts and IENA, both owned by Levy. by Phil Shuken. Off-Period Bk Levy made a deal with Avala Knoxville, June 15. at censorship are dangerous. This one is laughable." Films to purchase production Following its four-week premiere showcase run, UA's "Dr. No" and Improved product has created facilities for part of the produc­ "From Russia With Love" combo has been set to open in 90 theatres "three times the theatre business tion. After the completion of the as its sub-break. A UA exec says they could get even more theatres, during the past six weeks," ac­ chess board sequence, which com­ but that's all the prints they have available. . . . Richard Lester, who cording to Charles Simpson, presi­ prises eight minutes of film, Levy directed the first two Beatles' films, and whose "Knack" just took the dent of the Riviera Theatre Corp. Glageft Warns best pic prize at Cannes, will direct producer Melvin Frank's "A Funny , Continued rrom page 3 owed Avala Films $180,000, which who was joined by Hugh Rainey, remains unpaid, and Columbia, Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum,'.' for UA. vicepresident and gm of the New last 40 years," and still many Spven Arts and other companies Richard Harris signed to costar in the Mirisch's "Hawaii," with Max Riviera, a downtown first run, in people in the industry continue to $800,000. At that point, the project Von Sydow and Julie Andrews. . . . Richard Conte back in New York commenting that May and early act as if "somebody will wave a was abandoned. after filming the indie feature, "Stay Tuned for Terror," in Buenos June was the best "off-season" ex­ Aires. magic wand and all our problems "Two years later, Avala Films hibition in their experience. will disappear." Martin Ransohoff, Filmways production boss, will tour for his (and decided to produce a new version Metro's) "Sandpiper," starting June 16 in Boston. Stops include Phila­ "Cat Ballou," a Columbia release They haven't and they won't, he of the Marco Polo story, with a produced by Harold Hecht, was warned. The film industry, quick delphia, Washington and Chicago. . . . Alain Delon and George Peppard new script, a new director, Denis to attend the San Sebastian Film fete. . . . Robert E. B'itz named held at the New Riviera for two to react when "a clear-cut pocket- de la Pelattiere, and a new c ;st weeks, then sent to the Capri book threat" is involved, seems Embassy Pictures branch manager for Cleveland, Cincinnati and which included Hoist Bnobhnlz in Indianapolis areas. He replaces Lester Zucker. . . . Larry Collins and Cinema for another two weeks. incapable, when it comes to free­ the role of Marco Polo, Omar Following the Hecht production Dominique LaPierre are making five-city tour for their book, and dom of the screen, of "using our Sharif and Anthony Quinn. It was forthcoming Paramount-Seven Arts pic, "Is Paris Burning?" was the James Bond reissue of power and influence in construc­ at that time that Avala brought "Dr. No" and "From Russia With Michael Rennie and James MacArthur joined stellar lineup of tive, practical ways." Clagett Raoul Levy in as an employee to Andrew J. Fenady's "The Night of the Tiger" for Columbia Pictures Love." The New Riviera held over credited "a mere handful of people work as a production organizer for a second week, then it was. release . . . Universal changed title of "Welcome, Mr. Beddoes" to — some of them right here in this and consultant on the film. "A Man Could Get Killed," and AIP's formerly-tagged "House at the taken by the Capri and is now room" with having done a job going into its fifth week in Knox­ "The second 'Marco Polo' was End of the World" is now "Die, Monster, Die". . . Walt Disney cast that should have been shared by filmed as a French-Italian copro- Richard Haydn in "Bullwhip Griffin," with Roddy McDowall-Suzanne ville. The Capri is a first-run sub­ "a massive number of persons, urban house. duction. The budget of the picture Pleshette-Karl Maiden . . . Julie Harris joins Paul Newman in Warner angry that their industry is being was $3,100,000. Of this total, Avala Downtown, The New Riviera is Bros." "The Moving Target." in which Lauren Bacall and Robert used as a political football." financed $2,800,000 and the re­ Wagner also appear ... A. Ronald Lubin has skedded "The Old Man holding over United Artists' Latter, he said, is what has been maining $300,000 was put up by "Tickle Me," the Elvis Presley and Me," based on Elaine Dundy novel, under his Harvest Productions happening in Albany. "Under the SNS, French distribution com­ banner for Metro . . ."Rio Diablo" is new tab for "The Southern comedy. This film will run until guise of fighting obscenity, bills pany which has the right to dis­ June 19, or perhaps longer. Blade," Harry Joe Brown-Roger Carman production for Columbia have passed at least one House tribute picture in France, Belgium Pictures release . . . Alan Rafkin, who bowed as a director with AIP's "In summary, the increase in that would scarcely be believed in and Switzerland. Other companies "Ski Party," will helm Paramount release, "Easy Come, Easy Go," normal 'dull-time' business is be­ other years — but with hardly a involved were ITTAC, a French topbilling Jan & Dean and produced by Bobby Roberts, for second cause of good product; fine pic­ peep of opposition." production company, and PRODI, venture . . . Wendell Corey and Suzie Kaye added to cast of "Pre­ tures." according to Rainey. An­ an Italian company. historic Planet Women," to be made by Jack Broder's Standard Club other factor entering this better In this kind of atmosphere, he warned, mivie classification pro­ "The financial set-up on the of California. business for the exhibitor is that project calls for Avala to recoup Warren Stevens and Edgar Buchanan set for featured roles in U's the average family wants to get posals have passed the Assembly with virtually no expressed opposi­ its entire investment before any "Gunpoint," Audie Murphy western now shooting . . . Eastman Ko­ out at least one night a week, says moneys are distributed to the co- dak's "Searching Eye," Saul Bass film shown at EK's pavilion at the Simpson. tion and are now before the Sen­ ate. producers. World's Fair, given a Golden Eagle Award by CINE. Both exhibitor executives claim Clagett ended his report that "The film is as yet untitled, as American International will introduce new talent Bobbi Shaw, Patti that interest in television is de- Avala and Omnia believe that the Chandler, Mike Nader, Mary Hughes, Sue Hamilton, Aron Kincaid, clining "People are just getting unless "we stop depending on a 1 magic wand," N. Y. would become American distributor should have Salli Sachse, Jo Collins and Ed Garner to trade press at a luncheon tired sitting at home and watching a hand in deciding on the final July 1 at the Hemisphere Club . . . Silent screen star (and legiter) tv," Rainey said. the first state to adopt a motion picture classification law . . . "but title . . . Levy has given informa­ Madge Kennedy signed for one of leads in Ruth Gordon's play, "A This has been the best summer­ it won't be the last." tion to the American press which Very Rich Woman," scheduled for B'way next fall . . . John Kneubuhl time start for exhibitors in the has no foundation in fact." signed to write screenplay for "The Deadly Doll," suspense drama by southeast in 15 years they said. Henry Slesar which WB have scheduled for early filming. The grosses back it up and the Arnold and Lois Peysey collab- Gene T. Cole new San Antonio Robert Wagner and Arthur Hill set for WB's "The Moving Target," product seems to become better ing on screenplay of Steven Hill city manager for Gulf State suspenser now shooting . . . Tommy Farrell into WB's "Never Too and mo-e acceptable to promote Productions' "Separation, Ameri­ Theatres of Texas Inc. replacing Late," in production at studio . . . Paperback editions of Rumer this back to the theatre trend. can Style." Roy Moore Jr. exited due to illness. (Continued on page 22)