PRICE - - 6d.
Inland, Per Annum 10/6
ABROAD - 30/-
'—and in addition to the feature we have a Hal Roach comedy-”
WHEN THE TELEPHONE TO INQUIRE WHAT’S AT YOUR THEATRE
the clinching argument is
LAUREL CHARLIE OUR THE BOY HARDY CH ASF GANG FRIENDS
HAL ROACH M-G-M produces ’em releases ’em — !
THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930
NOT “SEX APPEAL”! -NOT “BACK STAGE”! NOT “WALL STREET”! -NOT “SONG HITS”! “ ” NOT ALL SINGING, ALL DANCING, ALL COLOUR ! but— u ?» The most fascinating nature novelty that has ever been produced DASS AN—Daily Express the latest masterpiece from the magic camera of CHERRY KEARTON THE MAGNETIC NAME THAT DRAWS THE CROWDS
Recri what the Trade Critics Say:
“Excellent offering of its type/’ The Bioscope.
Dassan ’ is delightful entertainment.” — Cinema.
“ Drama, humour, romance are all combined in this film which should receive wide acceptance.” —Daily Film Renter. ‘‘Undoubtedly a novelty attraction which should prove
a tonic to the box-office. —Kinematograph Weekly. CHERRY KEARTON PRODUCTIONS
171, WARDOUR STREET, W.l ’Phone: GERRARD 8754 November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE V
POPULAR FARE FAULTLESSLY
ACTED BY
A DON’T MISS THIS BIC CAST BIG AND EASILY EXPLOITED TITLE FOR YOUR BOX- OFFICE
with Loretta Young ConwayTearle DavidManners and Mvrna Lnv
fikst , \rhiohm.
VITAPHOIME is the registered trade mark of the Vitaphone Corporation designating its product distributed first NATIONAL PATHE LTD. —
THE BIOSCOPE. November 12, 1930
A BRITISH INTERNATIONAL TRADE PICTURE Made and Recorded at Elstree by the Piccadilly R«Ci A Photophone System Featuring the Creat British Song Hit Thursday “ He’s My Secret Passion”
You’ll hear it everywhere. AT 3 WATGH FOR PROVIN Directed by ALE DISTRIBU
A t*
SHOW With ELISSA LAND I Theatre MABEL POULTON JOHN STUART Nov. 20 and , JOHN LONGDEN P.M. GIAL TRADE SHOWS! XANDER ESWAY TED BY
’ WAgnfllJP 5TPCC r » 1930 6 THE BIOSCOPE November 12,
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PERIODICAL TRADE PRESS, & WEEKLY NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS ASSOCIATION, Ltd Telephone Central 2441. 6, BOUVERIE STREET, E.C.4. Telegrams : Weneppa, Fleet, London November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 7
PRODUCT OF
TRAPS SHOWS ‘BAR L. RANCH’ Nov. 14th Cameo, Leicester Sq. 11.15 a.m. ‘RIDIN’ LAW’ „ 18th 11.15 a.m. ‘CANYON HAWKS’ „ 19th „ v „ 1 1.15 a.m.
fteger\f~ /^LBWITALKI Q.G2.6 LONDON
Renters Broadm
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But what counts most of all is the roll -to -roll uniformity which gives such splendid results day in and day out. It is because of this factor, in particular, that the world's best cameramen daily are turning on Eastman “Pan’’ Kodak Limited, Kodak House, Kingsway, London, W.C. 2 Use “Kodak Black Varnish for your Sound Film Splices November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 9 BUTCHER’S FILM SERVICE. LTD. will preSdlt STOLL TALKIE PRODUCTION bv SINCLAIR HILL On Friday Next, Nov. 14th LADY TREE C. AUBREY SMITH JANICE ADAIR KATE CUTLER BERT COOTE REX MAURICE PAMELA CARME CARL HARBORD NANCY PRICE GIBB McLAUGHLIN Produced by the VISATONE Sound System Under Patent Licence of Marconi Wireless Tele. Co. Ltd Tickets and Renting Terms on application to BUTCHER’S FILM SERVICE, LTD. F. W. BAKER, Managing Director 175 Wardour Street, W.l, and Branches. presenr an Benne T RNER BROS. PICTURES L'» 1314 NEWMAN S LONDON W.l. De/epUe MUSEUM 6314/5/6. Wgmm WABROPIC LONDON TRADE SHOW PICCADILLY THEATRE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1315 at 3p.m PRECEEDED BY 1005. "BELIEVE IT OR NOT" by ROBERT L. RIPLEY. N?l 4368. "BOXCAR BLUES" LOONEY TUNES . N?5 ‘ VITAPHOHe' lilt VITAPHONt PtSItNAIINO ITS | IS Tilt RC&ISTCRCD TRADt MARK OF CORPORATION PRODUCIS 12 THE BIOSCOPE November 12 1930 , From the Original Drawing by RENEGADES. ARTHUR HINCHLIFFE. WARNER BAXTER NOAH BEERY. MYRNA LOY. DIRECTED BY VICTOR FLEMING (Director of ‘ COMMON CLAY ") PASSIONATE LOVE AND DESPERATE FIGHTING WITH THE FOREIGN LEGION IN AFRICA. FOUR RECKLESS MEN AND ONE FASCINATING WOMAN IN A GAME OF INTRIGUE AND BETRAYAL. TRADE SHOW : NEW GALLERY KINEMA,FOXW.l, 1 1 a.m., THURSDAY, NOV. 13. MOVIETONE PRODUCTION : Telephone : 21st YEAR. Temple Bar 7921, 7922. SUBSCRIPTION Home “ Independence and Progress” 10 '6 per annum. Telegrams : (FOUNDED BY JOHN CABOURN) Abroad “Gainsaid,Westrand 30/- per annum. Faraday House, London.” 8-10, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. 2. No. 1258. Vol. LXXXV NOVEMBER 12, 1930 PRICE 6d. In Brief Sensing the Communal On October 29th—-the week before the British Films Gala Per- TfUSION between B.I.F. and B.I.P. is formance—Sydney Hayden, resident British director of Kinemas, * practically completed. Page 15 Ltd., placed before us the broad outline of a scheme for a Central British Films Publicity Bureau, which we published in The Bioscope. A SUB-COMMITTEE of the F.B.I. Films Group is formulating plans Many months before, The Bioscope had advocated the creation of an for a central publicity bureau. Page 14 organisation of this character, with the same object in view, viz., to ensure that Dominion and foreign film buyers—the former EORGE W. Pearson announces that especially—might enjoy at the hands of the British film industry Audible Filmcraft have taken over assistance at least comparable to that advanced by American pro- five theatres, with control of several others. Page 14 ducers in exploiting their product abroad—notably within the British Empire. A SERIOUS new sound patents war has developed in Germany. We have been gratified during the past week to find that certain Page 16 contemporaries of ours have joined us in urging Better Publicity for British Films. The fact that they have followed our lead merely T\OUGLAS Murray, Roxy production strengthens our case. Even so, it is unlikely that an elementary manager , has joined A.B.C., says a New York message. Page 15 establishment such as a Central British Publicity unit will come into effective being unless the idea itself is first kept under the limelight A “grand coup” by American interests of publicity. ** is forecasted by our French correspondent. Page 16 We are heartened by the news that progress has been made towards the ideal for which we have striven. There is a definite move within T~) RITISH Movietone News secured a scoop in showing scenes of the Ras the F.B.I. to form an association separate from the present existing Tafari coronation in London on Friday. Film Industries Group. Though affiliated to the F.B.I., the new Page 19 organisation, which would aim to embrace all the units of British film production, would enjoy a large measure of independence and 1 ATIDE film was given a fair reception ’ ’ only by New York audiences when might ultimately be directly responsible for the formation of a joint tried out at the Capitol. Page 15 stock company which would undertake in the fullest sense of the word the exploitation of British films abroad—with a special eye T the annual dinner of the London \ on the Empire. and Home Counties Branch of the C.E.A. on December 9, the Rt. Hon. At the moment it is a matter largely for assumption that the new Neville Chamberlain will be the principal organisation drive will embrace the Empire Publicity idea first mooted guest. Page 14 by Sydney Hayden through The Bioscope. 'HE Ministry of ’I Labour promised that This, it seems to us, must form the mainspring of any movement * an inquiry into operators' and cinema which is to advance to any appreciable extent the British front lines staff hours should be held in the next in foreign fields. few weeks. Page 30 First, the various British producers must put up the initial capital. A well-known American writer argues that Britain has got Hollywood Next must follow the appointment of personnel, which should be worried. Page 18 selected for its reputation for hard work, common sense and expert knowledge of the world’s Press and the foreign film markets—-by A BIG swing over towards human no means an easy task. vaudeville shows has developed in Australia. Page 19 The whole situation will at first bristle with difficulties, but good- will, determination and magnanimity on the part of individual British A T last week’s licensing session the appropriate L.C.C. committee producers, coupled with the knowledge that America covered this granted licences to 723 places of amuse- essential lap in the world race many years ago, should provide incentive ment. page 30 which will at last give our industry a start in the right direction. — 14 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 Britain After Foreign Markets Gus Schlesinger in London Big '‘Co-operative” Scheme in Hand Kaufman and Mayo Too F.B.I. Committee Considers Hayden’s Plan Gus Schlesinger, Continental sales manager for Warner Bros, and First National, is spending a few days Is the British Film Production Industry at last awakening to the fact that the in London, in com- mainspring of Hollywood’s superior distribution organisation is publicity ? pany With Phil Two weeks ago “ The Bioscope ” published exclusively a page article advocating Kaufman, also of the the establishment of a Central British Film Publicity Bureau. The idea was sup- Continental staff. Mr. Schlesinger has ported by Sydney Hayden, of Kinemas, Ltd., of South Africa, and its principle was come over on one the Premiers of Australia, approved by New Zealand and Newfoundland. of his periodic visits, his The Bioscope ” is now informed that a Sub-Committee of the F.B.I. Films Group purpose. The Bioscope is in- is now formulating plans which, while incorporating this idea of a central publicity formed, being noth- bureau, will, if carried through, go further much towards advancing the cause of ing more exciting British films in Foreign and Dominion markets. than to view a num- ber of films which The plan at present under consideration is, roughly, to form a separate organisation, Would not, in the to the F.B.I., embracing all the individual British allied producing concerns. This ordinary run, reach organisation would enjoy complete independence from the F.B.I. and would not Germany. lead to the demobilisation of the existing Film Group. Another Warner executive also in “ further understands that the The Bioscope” Committee considering the matter London is Archie has invited M. Neville Kearney, of the Film Industries Department, F.B.I., to associate Mayo, a producer Gus Schlesinger himself with the practical operation of the scheme. Mr. Kearney is not yet prepared from Burbank, who is over here, to state whether or not he will accept. The Bioscope under- stands, on a holiday trip. Mr. Mayo has It is understood that plans at present that the British Film Industry has not directed a number of notable pictures for afoot may lead to the formation of a Co- only come to stay, but that it has conquered Warner Bros., his most recent being " The operative Foreign Distribution Organisation the technique of production. I have never Doorway To Hell.” Since he did not direct for British Films. seen better pictures in my life and I con- Warner’s recently banned story of heaven “ ”• The whole idea should awaken the keenest gratulate with all my heart the producers Outward Bound —-it cannot have been an interest and win the complete approval not and all connected with them.’’ association of ideas Which led him here to British " only of the British trade, but of the The question now is how long before the recuperate after getting through the door- public also. trade so conquers the technique of salesman- way of hell.” This follows the completely successful ship ar to extract a similar admission from British Films Gala arranged by the F.B.I. the millions overseas who still believe—as and held at the Victoria Theatre last Wednes they have been taught by publicity to day, when Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald believe—that British Films is a term " said, What we have seen to-night shows synonymous with Bad Films ? Ex-Minister of Health FOR London C.E.A. Dinner Audible Filmcraft’s Theatres December 9th, c< Several Acquired,” Announces G. W. Pearson The Annual Dinner of the London and Home Counties Branch of the C.E.A. will be held at the Savoy George Pearson, chairman of Audible own capital. I at W. am not liberty to tell you Hotel on Tuesday, December 9th. Filmcraft, Ltd., announces that in accord- exactly how we have acquired and are The Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain, ance with a statement which he made at a acquiring these theatres, but I can tell you M.P., will be the guest of honour, trade luncheon given that we have something more substantial and others will include W. J. by his company re- Womersley, M.P., Jas. Welsh, M.P., cently, Audible Film- than options on them. Among the theatres Miss Rosamund Smith. Clyde T. craft have already already taken over are the Piccadilly Circus Wilson and Bertram Mills of the taken over five Cinema Theatre in Great Windmill Street, L. C.C. Theatres and Music Halls theatres and have the Capitol, Winchmore Hill, and the Committee, G. W. F. Bates and entered into commit- Lyceum, Newport. M. J. Cogswell of the Music and ments in of In respect regard to the Windmill Street hall, Dancing Licensing Committee, four others. which at present seats 300, We have decided Surrey County Council, the Mayor It Will be remem- to close this for of the whole December and and Chief Constable of Southend, bered that Mr. to carry out extensive alterations, bringing and the President of the C.E.A. Pearson announced the furnishing and decorations completely J. C. Graham, president of the that Audible Film- up-to-date and instilling additional seating, K. R.S., has intimated that he craft had entered increasing the capacity to 450, and wiring regrets he cannot accept as he will into arrangements the theatre with British Acoustics repro- be out of the country. with an important duction system. The object We have in Tickets syndicate which view is to arrange fortnightly runs of such obtainable from the would acquire British films of good quality as have for secretary, Arthur Taylor, at Broad- theatres on the various reasons been unable to secure West mead House, Panton Street, S.W., company’s behalf. End first runs at combine-owned houses. price £2 10s. double, £1 7s. 6d. " We have since The theatre will be used in the mornings single (exclusive of wines, but Geo. W. Pearson been thoroughly into for trade and private shows, and the private including buffet). the matter,” said Mr. •theatre at the Audible Filmcraft head- Dinner and speeches 7—10 p.m. Pearson to The Bio- quarters, 155, Oxford Street, Will be closed Dancing 10 p.m.—2 a.m. scope yesterday, "and have decided to acquire to make room for necessary extensions to the theatres in our own name and with our staff offices.” — . November 12 1930 15 , THE BIOSCOPE Douglas Murray for B.I.F. and B.I.P. A.B.C. ? cc Fusion Practically Accomplished Roxy ” Ideas for Britain Douglas Murray, according to a New York Centralisation and Colonisation in Sight ? message to The Bioscope, has resigned from the Roxy organisation, and will sail for Arrangements are almost completed for a close working arrangement amounting London on November 21st. He is to join British Instructional Films and British International. the A.B.C. (John Maxwell) circuit, with practically to fusion between whom he is stated to have signed a three- A. E. Bundy, Chairman of British Instructional Films (Proprietors), Ltd., in a year contract. statement to the company’s shareholders discloses that an important provisional Though the nature of Mr. Murray’s duties agreement has now been arranged under which the productions of British Instruc- are not revealed officially, it is understood tional will be distributed through Wardour Films. that he will have an important position with " of the scheme,” adds Mr. Bundy, " will provide for a the organisation. With Roxy (S. L. The normal development Rothafel) his position was that of pro- close working arrangement between British Instructional and British International duction manager. in connection with film production.’’ Among other things, it is stated, he will It is further proposed that an amalgamation of Pro Patria with British Instructional take a hand in remodelling the policy of shall be arranged. Pro Patria has, since its inception, acted as the distribution unit such super houses as the Regal and for British Instructional productions. Dominion Theatres, at both of which it is intended to introduce stage shows on the A detailed scheme is expected to be ready for submission to the shareholders at style of those for which the Roxy Theatre, an early date. New York, is famous. That he will subse- quently introduce this form of entertain- ment to other major halls in the circuit is to be reasonably expected. New York Sees Wide Film ” Reception “Fair ” With the screening of “ Billy the Kid at the Capitol, New York, the public saw for the first time the effect of the wide film The picture, which was projected on the M.-G.-M. “ Realife ” system, filled the entire proscenium opening. The results, however, have hardly been up John Maxwell A. E. Bundy H. Bruce Woolfe Arthur Dent (B.I.P.) (B.I.F.) (B.I.F.) to expectations, and box office receipts for (Wardour) the first week are reported as “ fair” only. far the public has appeared apathetic to So Mr. Bundy, in a statement to shareholders subsidiary of British International Pictures, what has been heralded as a revolutionary issued through Baker, Sutton & Co., secre- Ltd. The normal development of the scheme innovation. taries, of Eldon Street House, Eldon Street, will provide for a close working arrangement Press critics, though praising the scenic " E.C.2, says : — For some time past your between British Instructional Films (Pro- effects obtained by the process, are very directors, in consultation With the directors prietors), Ltd., and British International guarded in discussing its effect in more of Pro Patria Films, Ltd., have contemplated Pictures, Ltd., in connection With the dramatic episodes. following intimate The the necessity for a change in general policy production of films. remarks, culled from a report in the New to the situation that has been created meet “ The wisdom of such an arrangement will York American, are typical: of silent talking by the supersession the by the be readily apparent, particularly as With “ ‘ ’ The Realife screen proves effective in grouping of picture theatres film and the the success British films are now achieving panorama shots of the gorgeous background into circuits. it is important that of against which this story has been filmed. consolidation interests " It was at first the intention of your should be secured. The resources and But in more intimate sequences it is dis- for exceptional facilities for tracting.” directors to submit the consideration the production of films Meanwhile Fox opened to better business of shareholders a scheme under which Pro by both British Instructional and with British International will with “The Big Trail,” presented on Patria Films, Ltd., should be merged be more effectively British Instructional Films (Proprietors), and economically developed, and the already “ Grandeur ” stock at the Roxy, though it Ltd., and continue as a department to rent efficient and world-wide marketing channels is suggested that the nature of the film is later developments ren- provided International Will a bigger factor here than the novelty of the pictures, but have by be strengthened seek an for British by the co-operation wide film process. dered it desirable to outlet achieved. Instructional product through an outside " It is curiously significant, too, that while It is proposed that, in effect, an amal- other producers are preparing to place wide organisation that could distribute more gamation of Pro Patria Films, Ltd., With and economically than would screen films on the market, neither Fox nor effectively British Instructional Films (Proprietors), case under re- M.-G.-M. has announced any further films have been the the scheme Ltd., shall be arranged. This matter is now scheduled for production on the new pro- ferred to. receiving the consideration of your directors, cesses. Winfield Sheehan, in fact, is reported " Friendly relationship has always existed and a scheme will be at an early date sub- ’ ’ to have said that wide film was definitely between your company and British Inter- mitted to the shareholders for their approval. " ” out at Fox for the present, and that national Pictures, Ltd., and from time to For editorial comment, see page 18. Grandeur would not be used until the time conferences have taken place between demand for the wide film reached a point directors of these companies with a view the FILM GOLFERS’ DINNER OFF where it warranted the added cost of its to co-operating in production and distribu- production. It is this unusual tendency tion. As a result of these conferences, terms The dinner arranged under the auspices to ” talk down ” the widies which encourages of an important provisional agreement have of the Film Golf Society to take place on in some quarters the belief that Hollywood now been arranged under Which the film Saturday next, November 15th, has now is preparing another screen surprise for productions of Pro Patria and British Instruc- been postponed until the New Year, when Europe. tional will be distributed through the renting a definite alternative date will be announced. — 12 1930 16 THE BIOSCOPE November , Latest News from Foreign Markets Production Fillip in Hollywood “Grand Coup” Expected in France Lively Studio Activity American Financial Interests at Work (By Our Own Hollywood Correspondent, ( Our French Correspondent, Georges Clarriere) From Heinrich Fraenkel). It is reported, but without official con- manufacture of apparatus for making films Production is picking up again, and, as a firmation, that Louis Aubert has resigned in natural colours. This concern, Societe from the board of Gaumont-Franco-Film- matter of fact, during the week ended Cinechromatique, starts with a million francs yesterday five pictures completed. Aubert. Whether M. Aubert will retire were capital, which is to be raised to six millions Thirty-two are in course of production and from the film trade or not is a matter of nine are in preparation, speculation. He may make a very sensa- after flotation. The directors are A. Demery, now the last stage of year tional “ come-back ” under altogether new L. Bassani, P. Obre, A. Valentin and P. in spite of the fact that this time of the is regarded as “ the slow season,” when most conditions. I have already hinted that very Massebiau. The new process is said to give of the studios usually until ready important changes may possibly take place colour direct, and a technical demonstration slow down to start on their full schedules again early in with regard to one, if not both, of the two will be given shortly. the New Year. largest concerns in the French industry. Roxy-Cinema, S.A., has been founded, American financial interests are very hard with a capital of 1,500,000 francs, as pro- F.N.-Warners Busy on Multilinguals at w-ork and something in the nature of a prietor and exploiter of the new hall of that “ ” The First National studio usually closes grand coup is expected. name. The directors are Henry Broadwater, down entirely at this time of the year (from Francis Pigueron, Auguste Taillan, Banks and the Industry Joseph October to the end of the year). This year, Several recent banking shocks have hit Lamy and Adelqui Millar. however, there is considerable activity on the film industry. The Banque Adam, older At the general meeting of the shareholders the lot. As many as eighteen foreign versions of than the Bank France, suspended payment of Pathe-Baby, under the chairmanship of are in production, six in the Spanish language, last least film firms have week. At three the president, Paul Gravier, assisted by M. six in German and six in French. Most of severely hit crisis, of them been by the one Mutignon and the representative of the these productions will be finished by the being a very w-ell-knovn concern, with offices r Societe Coloniale de Banque (the tw • end of the year, when the regular production in the Champs-Elysees. Quotations at the largest shareholders), a net profit of schedule starts again. By the way, I under- this w-eek a severe Bourse show remarkably 3,024,751 francs W'as declared. Last year’s stand that the practice of the annual “ close- in shares of of drop at least one the largest profit (1928-29) Was 2,828,880 francs. The down ” during the last three months of the public companies in the film industry. business in cameras and raw stock film has year is to be discontinued by Warner-First Foreign buyers are said to be busy. been Weaker than it Was last year, but better National next year. Financial News business has been done in projectors and A new' company has been formed for the film hire. Milestone’s Next After the big success of " All Quiet,” there has been considerable speculation out here as to what would be Lewis Milestone’s next Serious New Patents War production and, of course, there was heavy dickering for his services. Ultimately, Milestone’s former boss, Howard Hughes, Klangfilm-Tobis and Kinoton Difficulties has secured the “All Quiet” director for “ Front Page,” the famous stage success. (By Our Own German Correspondent, Fritz Mann ) Milestone, back from his European vacation, is expected to preparations As already reported, the Klangfilm-Tobis cost a round sum of RM. 1,000,000. There- here soon start on the new picture, the screen script of which group has gained its point legally in three fore, if the picture could not now be issued stage important lawsuits against the Kinoton, the the Nero-Warner group would suffer serious may be written by the authors of the play. only serious competitor of Tobis. The con- logs. The lawsuit was instigated, as is sequence of these decisions may upset the known, by the German adapter of the Sternberg Sticks To Cast entire German "talker” trade. Not only English play, who alleged that Nero has The other day Joe von Sternberg was Kinoton is affected, but also all the exhibitors spoiled their Work. good enough to show me his new picture, have installed Kinoton machines Who “ Morocco,” which has only once before been numbering over 200 exhibitors. Should the Lothar Stark Retires privately viewed, and is to be released Klangfilm-Tobis take harsh measures against shortly. The picture, which will very soon these exhibitors the whole trade might be Lothar Stark, the well-known German be presented to the British market, is cer- thrown into confusion. film importer and producer, has retired from his firm, the Lothar Stark Film tain^ one of the most interesting products It is therefore believed that drastic Company, in Berlin, the of Which of the season. Obviously the director must measures Will not be taken by the Klangfilm at head he has been have been well satisfied with his leads, as against these 200 Kinoton-wired cinemas for many years. Stark was not only a prominent importer, also both of them, Marlene Dietrich and Gary and that a special arrangement will be come but produced during the past year several pictures in Cooper, are to be co-starred in Sternberg’s to. On the other hand, it is probable that collaboration foreign firms. new production just about to start. He tells the last legal steps have not yet been taken With The firm me the picture’s tentative title is “ Dis- in this connection. of Lothar Stark is to go on under new management, honoured,” and that Vienna of 1916 provides Kinoton will go on producing and selling While Stark himself intends to the background of the story. apparatuses in spite of the lost lawsuits travel for the sake of studying foreign conditions. On his return he may perhaps above mentioned. They state that by an Britisher Opposite Marion Davies alteration in the construction of their resume his Work in Berlin. Marion Davies, just back from her Euro- machines they will guarantee the safety of * * * * pean vacation, is again on the M.-G.-M. lot, their patents. Richard Oswald, the well-known director, preparing for her new vehicle “ The Bachelor has just attained his fiftieth year, Oswald, The “ Beggar’s Opera ” Case Father.” For the title part the English Who has been connected with the German law'suit actor Austin Smith is being imported from The brought by Messrs. Brecht film for many years, produced his first London. Apart from him, Ralph Forbes is and Weill, authors, against Nero Film con- picture, " Let There Be Light,” in 1920. cerning the production of the " Beggar’s to be featured with the star. David Torrence, * * * * Opera ” has now been settled. The court by the way, is also to have a part in the May, too, also his rejected the claims of Brecht, the adapter Joe has now reached production. fiftieth birthday. is still longer con- of the old English piece. On the other hand, May nected Doug. Reaches For Moon the court decided in favour of Mr. Weill, With the German film production than Oswald. After having directed pictures the composer, W’hose music is not permitted After lengthy preparation and most of his own firm he was a supervisor for Ufa, to be used. The position now is that the ” careful rehearsals extending over several and under his " picture is almost completed with the music management Home Coming weeks, Douglas Fairbanks has at last and " The Last ” Were made. of Weill. It is expected, therefore, that Weill Company embarked on his new production, which is and Nero will come to some agreement. * * * * called “ Reaching for the Moon.” Bebe The picture, as is know'n, has been produced The Staaken Studio Company has broken Daniels has the female lead, and an important by Nero Film for Warner Bros., and has down and its bankruptcy has been announced. part has just been assigned to Jack Mulhall. — — — ” November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 17 Talk of the Trade Thanks for the Pats! —Newfoundland Wants British But . . !—Fox’s “Big Trail , in Lord Mayor’s Show— Why Not a British Tableau—Dying to Live! Faraday House, pioneer settlers opened up the Great North new erections. In this total Fox has the Thank November 12, 1930 West of America. Escorted by Red Indians highest individual figure at £5,000,000, With You, Too ! (real live ones) and others dressed to represent Paramount and First National following ” pioneers of the period, “ Big Trail With £4,000,000 and £3,400,000 respectively. First let me thank the large number who The Wagon attracted the attention of probably These are facts which give solid justification sent along their congratulations on the a million and a half of people, most of Whom to British technicians Who talk of Hollywood British Films Gala Number of The Bioscope read in the programme that it had been as their eventual goal. To them it is worth published last week. Quite frankly, I felt, fitted out and lent by the Fox Film pointing out that, even to-day, while pro- and still feel, that the occasion called for Company. publicity ! duction is Well below its normal, 10,000 something more, but our British producers What terrific people are employed in Hollywood studios. are not yet alive to the full value of pub- Roy Simmonds M.-G.-M. heads the list with 2,100 technicians licity. It is more than ever gratifying in Excels Himself of many kinds, Fox have 2,000, Paramount these circumstances to hear so many nice 1,600 and R.K.O. These figures give things about last Week’s Bioscope. It represents a magnificent stroke of 1,000. showmanship on the part of Roy Simmonds, some idea of how solidly production is And Now publicity director of Fox, to Whose credit entrenched in Hollywood and how unthinking those imagine that the World’s Newfoundland stood already some of the most brilliant people are who exploitation ideas ever launched by a film production centre can readily be shifted to Following the provocative messages sent publicist. Not only the conception of the other countries. to The Bioscope by the Premiers of Australia idea, but the restraint—Which heightened and New Zealand comes Dying another forceful the effect-—so scrupulously observed in its argument from To Live ! Sir Richard A. Squires, execution, mark the Fox publicity organisa- Prime Minister of Newfoundland, Much sympathy will go out to Reginald who says : tion as a 101 per cent. unit. I understand There is no part of Smith, managing director of P.D.C., Who the British Common- that Walter Hutchinson, Fox chief in this wealth of suffered considerable shock when Chas. B. Nations which Would extend a country, was particularly from the beginning Williams’ literary called to warmer welcome to British films than the " agent, who had keen that The Big Trail ” Wagon (literally) " Dominion of discuss the new film Dying To Live,” Newfoundland. The chief should leave nothing unpleasant behind. obstacle in the Way of handling British films expired suddenly in Mr. Smith’s office. It had to be an exhibit British enough to Mr. is to be found in our geographical situation, Williams, who Was formerly manager be fit for the London Lord Mayor’s Show. for C. B. was in early fifties, Which renders it much easier for exhibitors Cochran, the And it Was ! to make contact with United States pro- and was apparently in good health. There is a pathos attaching sudden death, which ducers. The sentimental preference of New- Why Not a British to in this case is apt to obscure the prophetic foundland would be strongly in favour of Film Tableau ? " British films, but unless the British beauty of that title Dying-—to Live.” producers I have nothing but admiration for all those place films, equally " attractive with the Who helped so to publicise The Big Trail,” Sound in American product, on a convenient com- but as I watched the procession from the Germany mercial basis for Newfoundland use, they balcony of Anderton’s Hotel—reserved for It is interesting to see what progress has will find considerable difficulty in securing the Press by the same persistent Roy been made in Germany in connection With a market in our country.” Simmonds—I could not help wondering talking pictures. There Were several factors Sir Richard takes up the argument of other Why the British Film Group had done nothing which delayed the German reception of the Dominion officials. They do not query to avail themselves of such a splendid new films and tended to perpetuate silence. Britain’s ability to make good films so much " follow-up ” to last Week’s Gala. Imagine But recently much progress has been made. as her efficiency in getting them sold when the public interest which could have been The latest official statistics available (July) they are made—a point to which I have fostered by a tableau representing a British show that 572 theatres, with a seating returned with an insistence for Which I will film in course of production—a complete set, capacity of 443,000, had been wired. Since not apologise until British producers abandon with some star artists in person, director, this rapid progress has been made and to-day their present Weak marketing tactics. camera, tracking microphone, lights and probably over a thousand theatres are now the Whole paraphernalia. Such lost oppor- equipped for sound reproduction. About Happy Days In tunities serve to emphasise the need for 600 of these are fitted With Klangfilm or Some Circs. ? that Central Film Publicity Bureau—-first Tobis sets. Production has naturally de- The dear old family mooted by The Bioscope months ago and creased. Instead of 400 or 500 pictures retainer was just ” nearing now, apparently, within " walking distance usually offered in previous years, the figure the pearly gates ; the audience Was of realisation. for the present business year is round about going into involuntary liquidation—it was 200 sound pictures only. The investment a small London suburban hall where Weepers Comfort for risk is proportionately high. and creepers are perennials. The non-sync, Small Exhibitors ! set had worked Well, when all at once into Turning on Hurrah ! scheme has been devised- this solemn scene of death burst the tonic A in U.S.A. The Evidence tones of " ’’ —which may be copied here later. Happy Days are Here Again ! in All small " darkened ” theatres, shut down Phillips are showing endless ingenuity The operator had quite sane ideas in musical “ talkie ” percentages, being discovering new uses for loud speakers. setting, but, as he afterwards explained, by are con- he “ Their latest effort is installed in a South mistook the verted into free sleeping quarters for down- dear dying retainer for some- African court room. By means of a small body’s and-outers.” So that the small exhibitor mother-in-law. amplifier, with microphone will be able to go back to his old theatre complete and loud speaker, a reluctant or nervous witness " to sleep when he hasn’t the price to sport a The Big Trail ” Wagon can be persuaded to " speak up ” by a turn doss-house bed ? In Lord Mayor’s Show of the knob. Let us hope that Phillips will It has been left to an American film The Mecca even matters up by inventing some means " ” company to get the first film ballyhoo of Technicians of tuning down an excitable K.C. barrow in the pageant of London pageants The mere passage of time has solidified Joke Over the Lord Mayor's Show. Thus with Union the position of Hollywood as the world’s Sidney Jacks fluttering in the breeze, with British production centre. Each month that passes “ I enclose herewith list of some of the gold braid and ermine splashed with the red entrenches future production there more more important guests present at the Gala and khaki of British soldiery, Monday’s long firmly by the sheer aggregation of material of British Films.” procession, representative of all our national and Wealth. It is difficult to realise the —In a letter from Sidney Rogerson, F.B.I. crafts and traditions, included an attractive figures revealed by a recent survey of the exhibit listed in the official programme as capital invested in Hollywood now. The And shining out of that formidable list “ — The Big Trail ” Wagon. There is no total of existing investments in land, building I find the name of -Sidney Rogerson. Sidney, that is question of incongruity, because this actual and studio equipment is £22,000,000, while Really, modesty complex “ ” ! covered wagon was built and used plans now in hand call for the expenditure literally getting you down 100 years ago for the big trail when British of many more millions on expansions and OBSERVER — 18 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 British Studios To-day Has Britain Got Hollywood Worried ? American’s Amazing Suggestions American journalists have recently been ventilating with characteristic vigour their newly acquired interest in British films. Some have become more vitriolic in their criticisms ; others have taken the more honest course of admitting openly that Hollywood no longer has all the plums in her pie. Tamar Lane, of the Film. Mercury, is one of them. In a lengthy article he argues that " Europe has Americans Worried.” “ Recognising that defeat is staring them in the face the Americans,” he says, “ are now working desperately to drive wedges into the foreign markets in every manner possible.” Though in some respects Mr. Lane’s outburst appears—deliberately or otherwise—to be alarmist in tendency, his “ disclosures " of America’s plans to combat the natural ascendency of the British language film make intriguing reading. According to these, America is buying surreptitiously as many European theatres as possible. “ Definite steps,” he says, " are to be taken to lure to Hollywood any player or director who appears to have the makings of a big foreign favourite.” In this direction Hollywood is inspired by the belief—-to which British producers are not yet converted—that without international screen favourites no country can make heavy headway in foreign markets. Extraordinary as it may seem, this American Writer goes on to urge that Europe which means Britain—should take full advantage of her opportunities, and (a) keep U.S.A. out of the theatre field; (6) impose heavier Quotas against American films; (c) put more money into each British picture (d) impose prohibitive tariffs upon ; American " talkie ” apparatus (e) take Government action to forbid European firms ; selling out to or merging with American concerns hold on to and build up stars and ; (/) Maisie Gay about to ride to fresh captures in directors, facing the inevitably higher salaries as a safer course than losing Edgar Wallace’s new British Lion film “ To Beaconsfield this talent to Hollywood ! Oblige a Lady,” starting at There is a streak of the fantastic in some of these suggestions and a deal of sound week warning in others. proposes retaining his services for future I’ll leave the rest for our British producers to think out for themselves. productions. The big musical number in this film, B.I.F. and B.I.P. Closing Up Lane will direct as well as star. Mr. George " Painting a Rainbow Over the Clouds,” Dewhurst, for many years associated with I imagine that quite a number of usually was shot a few days ago, the Schufftan British film productions, will act as pro- well-informed trade gossips will wonder how process being used. It is hoped that Esmond “ ” duction manager. The supporting cast they missed inside advance news of the Knight will be fit to return to the studio to includes Lola Hunt, ack Hobbs, Denis Hoey, British Instructional-British International J complete production this Week. Meantime, Wally Patch, Tom Shale, Sid Crossley and fusion. The secret has been fairly Well the delay is costing the company over £300 Wallace Lupino, Lupino Lane’s brother. It kept, but I happened to hear about the negotia- per day ! is the story of a in despair ordered tions quite a time back, and for some time man who his own death from a ” suicide monger,” and Saville Finishing past I have known H. Bruce Woolfe to be unable to find the man very partial to the idea of a working arrange- when he repented was This Week, Victor Saville will finish who was to kill him, in order to cancel the of ment between his company and John filming Gainsborough’s talking version commission. Can you imagine Lupino in “ Kings.” Leslie Henson and Maxwell’s. At the moment all that is The Sport of that part ? a minor announced definitely is a distribution agree- Gordon Harker have now only few scenes requiring daily visits to Elstree, ment between British Instructional and for Raymond Massey Films of its recent Wardour I it Which still retained something ; but have on good authority Raymond Massey, whose charming wife, “ Turf ” atmosphere when I passed there that a much bigger deal is likely to be ” Adrienne Allen, has already played in several over the week-endi A “ Silver Ring through within a few days. H. Bruce Woolfe " ” talkie successes, is, I hear, on the point being dismantled to make way was his usual cautious self when I approached enclosure was of concluding negotiations which will land him on the matter yesterday. " You may for a set representing a West End Turf him into his first screen part under a well- out well imagine,” he said, “ that having reached accountancy office, and it Was pointed known director. This in preparation for this stage of development things on the to me that the fagade of the set was actually the effects of a new contract with a leading premises of a production side will be arranged also with a replica of that gracing the British production company, under which agent in the West inevitable economies. At the moment it well-known commission Massey will devote a certain part of next means we save a tremendous amount by End. No, I hadn’t noticed it ! ! year to film work—either acting or directing. closing down one renting organisation (Pro Elsewhere in the studio—in complete Patria).” contrast—was another set representing the Hitchcock’ s Cast Complete austere home of the Puritan punter, played Economies Through Colonisation? Alfred Hitchcock commenced production by Henson. on Galsworthy’s “ Skin Game ” yesterday It is conceivable that even greater (Tuesday), with a cast including Edmund Make-Up for “ Down River” economies will be pro- effected on the Gwenn, Ursula Jeans, C. V. France, Helen Charles Laughton and Norman Shelley are duction side. Any move which tends to bring Haye, Frank Lawton, Jill Esmond, John having painful times just now. Both are individual British producers into closer Longden, Edward Chapman, Herbert Ross, working in Gaumont’s " talkie ” version of contact must make for that form of centralisa- S. Warmington and Dora Gregory. “ Down River,” Laughton as Grossman, the tion which has J. provided the bulk of the arch-villain of the story, and Shelley as muscular strength of Hollywood in the A Knight Too Bold Blind Rudley, his nefarious agent. World's film markets. " Short of monopoly, Romany Love,” the third of the Patrick Playing an oriental means that Laughton’s which is not desirable in the interests either K. Heale musical " talkies,” which should eyes have been drawn up at the corners with of the British exhibitor or the British public, have been completed at Worton Hall studios adhesive tape, while his nose has been a closer liaison between scattered units the last week, is held up pending the return of broadened out by appliances Which interfere of British production and a greater tendency Esmond Knight, Who is playing the lead. uncomfortably with his breathing. His eye- to film colonisation is, I feel, bound to Mr. Knight, While taking part in the fight lashes have been shaved almost away, and stiffen the British producing industry. scenes last Thursday, put so much realism his eyebrows specially trimmed to give him into his work, Which necessitated him leaping a most diabolical expression. He looks a Lupino’ s to “Dying Live” less from a high balcony to a table in the cafe, brute ! Shelley’s role, though a little Lupino Lane is about to start production that he broke two of the ligaments of his sinister, inflicts upon him the discomfort of of his first P.D.C. subject, which is to be a ankle and is now confined to bed under the having his real right eye sealed down so that “ full-length farcical comedy, Dying To care of a specialist. Mr. Knight, who is a it will not blink and dislodge the forbidding Live,” commissioned by P.D.C. from the newcomer to films, has made such a big ” wall-eye ” which, complete with eyebrow, Lupino Lane Production Syndicate. Mr. impression in this picture that Mr. Heale is plastered over the genuine one. A be- a ! a November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 19 draggled moustache and a prison crop com- plete Blind Rudley’s middle-aged and British Movietone it Moves menacing appearance. I find difficult to believe he is only 26. He looks at least 50. In the Shepherds Bush studio the other Aerial Dash With Ras Tafari Scoop day there was a big set representing the interior of the “ Yangtse,” Grossman’s A new landmark in screen news achieve- 6.15 p.m. Wednesday, from 3 a.m. to 6.30 floating headquarters in the story. Here ment has been placed by British Movietone p.m., was occupied in flying the 900 miles the Chinks had Baxter trapped in a Jane this Week. The British Movietone news-reel to Tunis. On Thursday he flew from cabin and Laughton’s acting was realistic of the Coronation of Ras Tafari at Addis 4.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and reached Nice— enough to make me feel genuinely sorry Ababa were shown to London audiences at journey of 800 miles—and on Friday morning, for the girl. the Movietone News Theatre, Shaftesbury at 6 a.m., he left for Croydon—700 miles Fans is Fans—Everywhere Avenue, on Saturday last. Explaining how distant—which he reached at 3 p.m. " Someone invited me to go (privately) to it was done, Norman J. Hulbert, publicity This is the first occasion," added Mr. “ the Granada, Walthamstow, last Friday manager for British Movietone News, Ltd., Hulbert, on which British Movietone News evening to judge for myself how real an said to a Bioscope representative on have chartered a machine to bring back their " interest in flesh-and-blood film stars an Monday : We chartered an airplane from sound film, and our experiment has been ordinary cinema audience feels. As I told Air Taxis which was piloted by Captain more than justified, for Captain Hope’s you last Week, John Stuart, assisted by Hope and Captain Birkett. This machine efforts enabled us to get these pictures in a Gerald Rawlinson—as funny on the stage flew from London on October 20th, and record time, while We have nothing but the as on the screen—and Sonia Bellamy, a reached Addis Ababa ten days later. Captain greatest admiration and praise for the way beautiful red-headed youngster, had been Hope, Who was present at the Coronation, he carried out a most difficult and dangerous filling a week’s engagement there in a sketch Was decorated by the Emperor with a high flight. " called “ The Bachelor Husband.” My first Order at the same time as a similar honour For about seven hours he was flying at surprise came when John Stuart took the was conferred on H.R.H. the Duke of about 200 feet over uncharted jungle by stage. He got a tumultuous reception. All Gloucester, who represented the King at the night, where machine failure would have through the audience was evidently most Coronation. meant immediate disaster. He could actually “ appreciative. I checked the audience re- Only two hours afterwards Captain Hope see the tigers and other big game, scared and actions. During the 20 minutes there Were left Addis Ababa, arriving at Khartoum— rushing Wildly about. “ 62 hearty rounds of laughter. I am not distance of 650 miles—the same evening. The pictures which Were obtained are surprised to hear that the trio are being That Was last Sunday Week. On Monday, at of exceptional interest, for owing to the asked to give the sketch at numerous London 3 a.m., he left Khartoum and arrived at great courtesy of the officials of the Court and provincial theatres—including the Metro- Cairo at 5.45 p.m., having made a further of Abyssinia, the camera and sound engineers pole, Victoria, where they will play in about hop of 1,100 miles. At 4 a.m. on Tuesday Were given unparalleled facilities for obtain- three Weeks’ time. After the show, as Stuart he was off again, and landed at Benghazi, ing a unique record of this great Ethiopian left the theatre he had to face a whole crowd North Africa—900 miles nearer home—at ceremony.” of autograph hunting fans, who considered a Wait in the pouring rain amply repaid by a hastily scribbled signature. Big Swing Towards “Human” Shows Stuart Joins “ Midnight ” Cast Meantime, John Stuart has been signed “ ” for the principal male role in George King’s Big Australian Circuit Starts Vaud Chain “ new talker, Midnight,” Which com- menced production at Walton-on-Thames on ( From Our Australian Correspondent) Monday. Ellen Pollock, as an honest-to- goodness vamp, is playing the part of a Sydney, October 6th. of Hoyts, who was relieved of these duties foreign spy who tries to get valuable plans The drop off in the popularity of all but when Fox took over control, has progressed first-grade “ talkies ” is giving from, the hero (Stuart). Somehow it doesn’t absolutely fastly on his plans to establish a local " sound exactly new as a theme, though Secret the trade plenty of worry, and, with pictures talkie ” producing industry. It is probable “ ” Service yarns are much like Christmas of the high calibre of Grumpy and that the first feature will be a version of the " ” pudding—ingredients invariably sickly, but Ladies of Leisure failing to pull as they Australian author Norman Lindsay’s novel, " results always irresistible. Others in the should, it is very apparent that something Redheap.” This book, although successful " Midnight ” cast are Eve Gray as the is radically wrong somewhere. Two important in America and England, was banned from heroine, George Bealby and Kiyoshi Takase, theatres which switched over with the first sale here, setting up a great controversy. of the sound boom have since returned the smart little Jap who did so well in “ The Wave Its censorship as a book in no way affects policies, Silent House.” I am told some exciting to vaudeville and revue and with it being turned out as a motion picture, a " night scenes are to be shot in the West End. such success that there is rumour of many case in point being All Quiet on the Western others following suit. Another very potent Front,” which Was censored in its literary Carstairs Corrective sign is the latest project of the giant exhibit- form, but passed as satisfactory in celluloid. John Carstairs, Writing from Hollywood ing circuit. Union Theatres, Ltd., Which is Another foremost man of Australian regarding my recent comments on his for formulating plans the formation of a letters, C. J. Dennis, will co-operate with previous letters, asks me to point out that, chain of variety houses throughout the Lindsay. R.C.A. Photophone recording gear quite agrees With the views while he I capital cities. has been purchased, and it is aimed to have expressed, he Would like to make it clear Hoyts and Fullers, the other two major the first picture in work by January. that he did not leave England because he circuits, are also finding it hard to get * * * * " had failed entirely to find encouragement talkies ” with profitable appeal, and in British studios. “ Herbert Wilcox, of nobody would be surprised at an early Jack Musgrove, formerly the big man of " British & Dominions,” he adds, always announcement by them of something new J. C. Williamson’s vaudeville activities, has for sees that youth gets a chance, and in three in the line of flesh-and-blood entertainment. been appointed head man the projected theatrical venture years I managed to get a pretty compre- Already there is a definite swing to stage by Union Theatres, Ltd. hensive experience from assistant cameraman presentations and every indication that, * * * * to assistant director and including cutting, within the next few months, musicians and Latest developments in the deadlock script writing, etc.” Carstairs Went to Holly- vaudevillians will again loom as important between American distributors and the New wood to get more experience and to see how factors in the picture house programmes. Zealand Government, which arose when the America makes her films. I believe, having While this condition of Weakness at the Hays office ordered the cessation of selling, taken a close view from inside, he is now box office is general, there are, of course, following the imposition of a tax of 25 per preparing to return to England. a few bright spots. " Common Clay,” cent, on all remittances to America, are that “ Song o’ My Heart,” " Manslaughter ” and “Miking Fices!” the Government will continue the levy the silent ” White Hell of Pitz Palu ” have Syd Ellery, who has played comedy parts until March, but may agree to allow all film " clicked.” in about 60 British films, is this week doing in duty free until that month. Then the There does not seem to be much offering a variety act—comedy song and facial con- position will be investigated. immediate future in the Way of big tortions—at the Trident Club, Argyle Street, in the the one exception being, per- * * * * W. He amuses me by issuing a challenge. attractions, " Holiday,” a Pathe special, which “ He defies anyone to " make as many faces haps, The Last Company ” is the first German- hailed as a potential winner following a " and as ugly ” as he. I was just going to press was made talkie ” to be screened here. It was screening last Week. when he called, and, funnily enough, he trade shown privately last week and made a very insists that I am disqualified ! Plans for Australian Production big impression. Klangfilm recording came W.H.M. F. W. Thring, former managing director in for unanimous praise. 12 1930 20 THE BIOSCOPE November , Speaking Personally P. H. Alexander has succeeded Eric E. Linsdell, who has been manager of the H. Swinburne Carr, operator at the Hippo- Finlason as manager of the Grand, Hyson York Cinema, Hulme, Manchester, has drome, North Seaton, has been spending Green, Nottingham, one of the big Gaumont- transferred to the new West End Cinema, his leisure time by carving an elaborate British houses. He has been at the Angel, Whalley Range, which is due to open early memorial reredos for the Unitarian Church Islington. next month. Mr. Linsdell, who has been at Choppington. Mr. Carr is also the church manager of the theatres of T. Royle for organist, and, following the Sunday evening Leslie Jeffreys, Who Will be musical director many years, will, it is understood, be general service, he hurries to the cinema to carry of mammoth Trocadero Cinema, Elephant the manager of the two theatres which are out his duties at the 8 o’clock performance ! and Castle, S.E., which is to open in Decem- controlled by his principal. ber, is quite a newcomer to the trade. He has for a long time, however, been a very Leslie C. Holdemess, supervisor of Para- P. Alexander, who has for some time past prominent figure in musical circles and is mount theatres, Wishes to thank the members been house manager of the Angel Cinemr, well known as a concert performer and of the trade for their messages of condolence Islington, N., has just been appointed orchestra conductor. Many of his com- upon the death of his sister, Mrs. Symmons, manager at Royal, Nottingham. positions have been published and have the Theatre Who was killed in a motor car accident at Mr. Alexander, in addition his experience been exceptionally Well received. to Braham Cross-roads between York and Leeds. in the trade. Was for many years a very Well Mrs. Symmons was the wife of E. F. E. V. Collingridge is to be in charge of known figure in West End theatrical circles. Symmons, of Debenham & Company, of the Forum, Kensington, which is to open He played many notable parts in West End York. before Christmas, and Will continue his long productions, and also served as actor- association with H. A. Yapp, the proprietor. manager at the Haymarket Theatrte, the Reginald Baker, of the firm With this theatre he will have had probably Apollo and the Criterion. After distin- F.C.A., of Baker, Todman Company, a unique experience in opening three houses guished war service in which he attained the & chartered accountants, has joined the board of for the same chief, his former appointments rank of major, he for some time was engaged Asso- ciated Talking Pictures, Ltd., his being at the Putney Palace and Royalty, on his own cocoa estate in the West Indies. where wide North Kensington. experience of the financial side of film pro- duction will doubtless prove Vic. Hornblow has been appointed South very valuable. Cecil R. Hedge, the well-known Neath, Coast representative of Universal. This Glam., exhibitor, Was successful in con- appointment follows twelve years’ successful Fred G. Bennett, who will be remembered testing the North Ward of the town in the experience of the exhibiting side, principally as musical director of the Summer Hill municipal elections. There Were two recent with the Maida Vale Picture House, the Palace, Birmingham, an appointment he contested and Mr. Hedge and the seats Scala, Wolverhampton, and in Birmingham. held for seven years, has now joined the retiring member Were returned with big Hornblow’s Wide knowledge of the renting staff of the Edgbaston Cinemas as organist, majorities over two Socialist opponents. side Was gained as Birmingham branch in addition to Which he is Records Librarian manager for Wardour and British. Screen for the A.B.C. cinemas in Barnett, who has interests on the the Birmingham Cecil Productions and Midland representative for exhibiting side of the business, was returned district. He is the composer of two musical First National. plays, under the titles of “ Clementina ” and to the Bradford City Council, representing “ The World’s Sweetheart.” the Eccleshill Ward, at the municipal elec- G. Dickson has now been appointed North tions. London representative of Universal. Pre- Harold Cross has been appointed chief Holland, who has been taking viously he acted as circuit manager and W. E. projectionist at the Forum Cinema, New temporary charge of the Silver Cinema, London manager for P.D.C. Street, Birmingham. Prior to this appoint- Worcester, has been appointed to the ment he Was chief operator at the Edgbaston assistant management of the Odeon Cinema, C. H. Bell has been appointed chief Cinema, and before coming to the Midlands Perry Barr, Birmingham. He will be remem- operator at the Edgbaston Cinema, in held offices in London and Bolton. bered as the manager of the Princes Hall, succession to H. Cross. For some time he Smethwick, prior to its closing down for has been in charge of the operating at the rebuilding earlier in the year. Elite Theatre, Bordesley Green, prior to F. Giles, who was reported in these which he was in the projection department of columns recently to be leaving the Plaza, Kenneth Jones, previously associated with the Summer Hill Palace. Before leaving the West Bromwich, to become chief projectionist renter, Ralph Solomon as an independent Elite, he was presented with a case by the at the Odeon, Perry Bar, states that he is and later in the booking department of management and staff. not now leaving the Plaza. Associated British Cinemas, has been assistant at the West appointed manager has C. as N. Hamill succeeded H. Bell Sydney Gustard, organist at the Trocadero, End Cinema, Birmingham. chief projectionist at the Elite Cinema, Liverpool, gave a lecture-recital on “ Record- Bordesley Green, Birmingham. He Was W. L. Meredith Starmer has been appointed ing, of the Cinema Organ ” at a meeting held previously on the staff of Astoria Cinema, assistant manager of the West End Cinema, the under the auspices of the Liverpool and Aston Cross, Birmingham. Birmingham, in succession to R. Knights, District Gramophone Society, on Monday, who has left to take up duties at the New November 10th. Mr. Gustard has made Gallery, London. Cyril King and Miss May Saunders, both several organ records on the Trocadero of the laboratory staff of the British Lion Wurlitzer for some of the principal gramo- E. L. Jennings, w'ho for the last three Film Corporation, were married recently phone companies. years has been branch manager for the at the Fulham Registry Office. They are Gaumont Company, at Liverpool, now fills spending their honeymoon touring. A W. C, Scott, managing director of a similar position at the Manchester branch presentation of a handsome clock was made the on Friday by A. W. Osborne, studio manager, Gainsborough Picture House, Bootle, and of the company. He succeeds J. Edwards, director of Audible Filmcraft, Ltd., success- W’ho resumes his former position as Liverpool on behalf of the staff of the British Lion fully contested the Linacre Ward of Bootle branch manager. Mr. Jennings, Who joined Film Corporation. The good wishes of the in the municipal elections. Mr. Scott was the Gaumont Company in 1916, w'as in 1921 trade will be with them both. a member of the Bootle Council for the six traveller from Manchester branch. years 1920-1926, and has a Howard Morgan, Edibell’s chief engineer been member of the Higher Education L. Hardcastle, formerly manager of the for Ireland, has been obtaining good pub- Committee for ten years. Royal Picture House, Bolton, has taken licity for his company during the past few over the management of the York Cinema, weeks. A. number of public address demon- Hulme, Manchester. Mr. Hardcastle has strations were given at the corner of J. Edwards, after having been manager of been engaged in the cinema trade for about O’Connell’s Bridge, Dublin’s busiest the Manchester branch of the Gaumont 28 years, his first position being with Levers thoroughfare, during the run of the Dublin Company for the past three years, has & Bennetts Animated Pictures at Blackpool. Radio and Gramophone Exhibition. The returned to Liverpool to supervise the affairs " ” Before he left the Royal, Bolton, the staff slogan Edibell is sound was convincingly of the local office. Mr. Edwards was Liver- presented him with a beautiful oxidised presented to the public. Mr. Morgan was one pool branch manager before going to Man- silver ink stand and calendar. of the pioneers in the British talking pictures. chester. November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE A 'T’HESE shots from Basil Dean’s new Associated Radio production, “ Birds of Prey ” (A. A. Milne’s “ Fourth A Wall”), which Radio are unreeling to trade viewers at the Piccadilly Theatre on Tuesday, November 18th, at 8.30 p.m., provide an interesting study in expressions. In the cast are Robert Loraine, W'arwick W’ard, Dorothy Boyd, Frank Lawton, David Hawthorne, Nigel Bruce, C. Aubrey Smith, Audrey Carton and Ellis Jeffreys. B THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 ORE striking pictures from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film “Our Blushing Brides,” Joan Crawford’s newest M starring vehicle, which is having a sensational exploitation at the Empire Theatre. THE BIOSCOPE c November 12 , 1930 IRST National Pathe are to distribute “ Children of Chance,” Alexander Esway’s latest British International talker, F which has an imposing cast headed by Elissa Landi, Mabel Poulton, John Stuart, John Longden, Dorothy Minto, Wallace Lupino, Gus Sharland, Gus MacNaughton and John Deverell. It is due for London trade show on Thursday. November 20th, at the Piccadilly Theatre at 3 p.m. November 12 1930 D THE BIOSCOPE , i T l picture, “ Lightnin’,” ILL ROGERS the inimitable is said to give another amazing performance in his last Fox W based on the famous stage play by Horace Hodges. Directed by Harry King, who made Stella Dallas, it affords Rogers wonderful scope in the part of Lightnin’ Bill Jones, the war veteran hotel-keeper and profit consumer ! The film will shortly be seen in London, when IH'ox executives expect it to create a terrific impression. November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 21 THURSDAY TUESDAY ” London Trade " Birds of ” Radio " Spell of the Circus Universal Prey Rialto, 11 ; Own Theatre, 2.30 and 6 Piccadilly, 8.30 “ Spell of the Circus,” Universal all- Basil Dean’s production of A. A. Milne’s talking chapter-play, starring Francis X. Show Diary " The Fourth Wall,” entitled “ Birds of Bushman, Jr., Alberta Vaughn and Bobby Prey,” will be shown by Radio at the Picca- Nelson. Second of the all-talking serials, dilly at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday, November describing the romance and adventures of a 18th. The cast includes Robert Loraine, rich man’s son in a travelling circus, Out- Warwick Ward, Frank Lawton, Dorothy standing for the wonderful panorama of Boyd, Ellis Jeffreys, C. Aubrey Smith, circus life, the myriad entertainments which Audrey Carton, Nigel Bruce, David Haw- the sawdust ring brings Withit. Threeshorts, thorne and Tom Reynolds—all of whom are “ ” ” We! We ! Marie,” One Day to Live and Well known either on the screen or the "The Detective” will also be shown. legitimate stage. “ The Modern Pirate ” B. and F. " Beyond the Cities ” Paramount Edibell Theatre, 3 In Edibell’s theatre to-morrow at 3, B. Carlton, 11 and F. will show “ The Modern Pirate,” with Next Tuesday, November 18th, at 11, at Jack Trevor and Marietta Hillner. the Carlton, Paramount Will screen “ Beyond the Cities,” a British production based on " The Decoy Countess ” B. and F. a story Written specially for the screen by Edibell Theatre, 11 Shammon. This film, which Was Elga Brink and Warwick Ward are the Noel directed and produced Carlyle Blackwell, featured players of “ The Decoy Countess,” by who also plays the leading male role, is the which B. and F. will screen in Edibell’s story of a wealthy young man who is ruined theatre to-morrow, Thursday, at 11. by an unscrupulous lawyer. The principal “ ” Moby Dick Warner supporting roles are played by Alexander Piccadilly, 3 Field (of " Journey’s End ” fame), Edna Dramatic in the extreme is the Warner Best, Laurance Hanray, Helen Haye and Brothers and Vitaphone adaptation of Eric Maturin. Herman Melville’s classic of whaling days, A short feature in sound, " Resolutions,” " Moby Dick,” which is to be trade shown will also be shown on Tuesday morning. on November 13th at the Piccadilly at 3 p.m. John Barrymore has the starring " Ridin' Law” Filmophone role, and as Captain Ahab, the whaler Cameo Theatre, 11.15 insanely bent on Wreaking vengeance the Carlyle Blackwell and Edna Best in “ Beyond the on Jack; Perrin returns to the screen in monstrous white Whale that had accounted Cities,” made by Blackwell at Twickenham, and “ Carlton Ridin’ Law," which Filmophone Will show for the lives of so many brave men, builds for trade show by Paramount at the Theatre on Tuesday next, November 18th, at 11 at the Cameo at 11.15 on Tuesday, Novem- a character that up cannot soon be for- ber 18th. gotten. " Moby Dick ” will be preceded by two “ is is WEDNESDAY Vitaphone Varieties. 3 p.m. of Such the Law,” since this not only the first Stoll " talkie,” but also " ” The Silver Horde Radio the first film to be made upon the British “ Canyon Hawks ” Filmophone Piccadilly, 8.30 " Visatone ” system, recently perfected by Cameo, 11.15 For the first time in the history of motion the technicians of these famous studios in Another Western, " Canyon Hawks,” will pictures, the salmon fishing industry of association with those of the Marconi Wire- be screened by Filmophone at the Cameo Alaska, wresting its livelihood the from less Telegraph Co. This exhibition also on Wednesday next, November 19th, at heavily laden rivers in face of grim the marks the alliance of two old-established all- 11.15 a.m. Nature itself, is to have a picture made British film organisations. Butcher’s and around it. This “ picturesque industry and Stoll, for the exploitation of this picture. The Call of the Sea Warner the colourful characters who Work in it Sinclair Hill directed, and the artists include New Gallery, 11 " have been made the basis of a story by Rex Bobby HoWes, C. Aubrey Smith, Madeleine The Call of the Sea,” a Twickenham Beach. " Silver ” is The Horde has been pro- Carroll, Anton Dolin, Bert Coote and Kate Film Studios production, which being Radio, is duced by under the direction of Cutler. distributed by Warner Brothers, to be George Archainbaud, with Louis Wolheim, trade shown at the New Gallery Kinema on Evelyn Brent, Blanche Sweet, Raymond " The Bottom of the World ” Ideal Wednesday, November 19th, at 11 a.m. Hatton, Jean Arthur and Joel McCrea. Astoria, 10.45 This production has a particular claim to *' “ The Bottom of the World,” which Ideal distinction in that it marks the talking Conspiracy ” Ideal are showing at the Astoria at 10.45 a.m. picture of two popular favourites, Astoria, 10.45 on debut those pictures region of White. In " Conspiracy,” Which Ideal will show Friday next, the ice and Henry Edwards and Chrissie at the Astoria at 10.45 a.m. to-morrow, snow which lies at the gate of the Antarctic, The feature will be preceded by two Bessie Love turns to the dramatic role of and the many creatures Which battle for a Vitaphone Varieties. an amateur detective, intent on the capture living there. There is a running commentary Dr. Three shorts also of a band of desperadoes. It Will be found, by Murphy. Will be say Ideal, a singularly live and spirited piece screened. Board, of Trade Evidence of work. " Bar L Ranch ” Filmophone Clause 32 of the Films Act provides that " Renegades ” Fox Cameo, 11.15 trade shows of films to be registered must be exhibitors their agents New Gallery, 11 Wally Wales is the star of " Bar L Ranch,” announced to or at Fox will trade show “ Renegades ” at the which Filmophone will show at the Cameo, least seven days before showing. " ” New Gallery on Thursday, November 13th, Charing Cross Road, on Friday next at 11.15. On form D applicants for registration at 11 a.m. It is said that Victor Fleming, must give the names, dates of issue, and pages who was responsible for ” Common Clay,” MONDAY of the Trade Papers in which such notification has so completely caught the atmosphere has been given. of the Will renters please note that in order to stern discipline, the rough esprit de Five Shorts Ideal with this regulation, details all corps and the undaunting courage of the Gaumont Theatre, 10.45 comply of should be sent to The Bioscope Foreign Legion in this picture that the On Monday, November 17th, at the trade shows “ ” less days spectator lives with this famous French Gaumont-British Theatre, Film House, Ideal to allow not than seven full from next issue. fighting force through the heat of Work and are arranging to screen a piquant selection date of the play under the merciless sun. Warner of five Talkomedies and Featurettes. Those Baxter, Noah Beery and Myrna Loy head to be shown are “ The Captain of His Roll,” WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 the cast. Cooke and Alberta Vaughn "Si, Call of the Sea, Believe It Or Not, and With A1 ; Si, Senor,” With Tom Patricola " The Keeping Order (Warner), New Gallery. FRIDAY ; Sleeping Cutie,” with A1 Cooke and Alberta Canyon Hawks (Filmophone), Cameo Cinema “ Such is the Law ” a Disney Silly Butcher Vaughn ; Walt Symphony, Palace, " in a Toyshop ” and “ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 3 Midnight ; Lost and Special interest attaches to Butcher’s Foundered,” With A1 Cooke and Alberta Children of Chance (F.N.P.), Piccadilly trade show next Friday at the Palace at Vaughn. Theatre. Oa> THE BIOSCOPE November 12 1930 , Legal and Financial News Alleged Sharing Terms Conspiracy Sensational Charges Against South Wales Exhibitors Members of the film trade from all parts of The third case heard was one in which Philip provided £700 and he (Swedlow) the balance. South Wales and Monmouthshire crowded the Abse, Arnold Abse, manager, Aberaman, and The cinema did fairly well until it had to compete little police court at Bridgend, Glam., last week, Alice Maud Phillips, cashier, Aberaman, were with the Broadway, Stratford. In order' to meet when an alleged conspiracy case of considerable charged with conspiring to defraud. The Bench the situation there was a family conclave, with importance to the trade was heard. There were considered there was not sufficient evidence to the result that his two daughters, Mrs. Rose and four separate cases in respect of two cinemas in send the rase for trial, and the three defendants Mrs. Hoffman, put up £1,500, and they purchased Bridgend, one in Llanelly and one in Aberainan. were discharged. the Imperial Playhouse for £5,150. The two After long legal argument between J. D. In the fourth case, Philip Abse, Miss Spiro, shows were run for six months, but were then McCluer, London, who prosecuted, and Sir Henry manageress, Palace Theatre, Bridgend, and Miss put into the market, and a buyer was found for Haddocks, K.C., who defended, it was decided Marjory Tee, cashier, were charged with con- the Stratford Cinema at £2,000; They carried, to try the cases separately, the first case being spiracy. on the Imperial Playhouse until the end of last one in which Philip Abse, Cardiff, cinema owner ; Peter Wilfred, an inspector employed by the • July, practically losing money all the time. Eli Fine, cinema manager Julia Dixon and Sound Film Renters’ Inspection Department, A resolution was for Mr. A. H. Partridge, ; passed Marjory Tee, cinema cashiers, were charged with said he visited the Palace Theatre on August accountant, to act as trustee and administer the conspiracy. 30th and inquired the price of admission. He estate in bankruptcy, assisted by the following Mr. McCluer, in opening the case, said that was told 6d., and the girl at the desk was about committee of inspection : Mr. Edward a repre- ; under the terms of contract with F.N.P. the film to tear off a 6d. ticket when Miss Spiro told her sentative of Butcher’s Film Service and the “ Paris ” was exhibited at The Cinema, Bridgend. to give him three 2d. tickets, and said she had liquidator of Celebritone, Ltd. Under th eterms of agreement it was stipulated that told her before not to sell 6d. tickets. The F.X.P. should receive 33| per cent, of the net magistrates committed Abse and Miss Spiro NO E.T. STAMPS FINES takings after entertainment tax had been for trial at the Assizes. Miss Tee was discharged. deducted. The case against the accused was At the close, Sir Henry Maddocks, defending Chas. Claud Turner and his wife, Elsie Turner, proprietors of the that they kept a ticket roll from which tickets counsel, applied for Peter Wilfred, the pro- the Scala Cinema, Stourbridge, were sold without being shown in the returns. secutor, to be bound over to appear at the Assizes were summoned on Friday last for failing to- Entertainments The result was that when a person was given a to prosecute. The magistrates granted the have Tax stamps on tickets issued at the theatre. There were four summonses to ticket off this roll the 33J per cent, was never application, and Mr. Wilfred was bound over accounted for to the film renters and was never in the sum^of £100 to appear. each of which they pleaded guilty, and fines and paid. costs totalling £17 18s. were imposed. Two persons, a Mr. Allen, of Cardiff, and a CARLTON FILMS’ MISFORTUNES Mr. Ellsnier, of London, went as ordinary visitors GANGWAYS OBSTRUCTED “ ” The statutory first meetings of the creditors to The Cinema, Bridgend, when Paris was At Castle Eden Court last week John Barton,, and shareholders of Carlton Films (1929), Ltd., being shown. Each of them was sold a ticket. Mr. manager of the Empire Theatre, Wingate,. 17, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C., were held on Ellsmer was given a Is. 2d. ticket, which would Co. Durham, was fined 5s. for having allowed November 7th at the Board of Trade Offices, be produced. About the same time a ticket was the gangways to be obstructed. The police Carey Street, W.C. The compulsory winding-up sold to Mr. Allen, which bore the number 2769. sergeant said the gangways were blocked right order was made on October 14th upon a creditor’s That ticket was not recorded at all in the returns. to the edges. The starting number of tickets sold and the petition. Mr. H. P. Naunton (Official Receiver) reported ending number were given. That showed the that the company was incorporated as a private MORTGAGES AND CHARGES number of people admitted. company on 17th, 1929, with a nominal When Mr. Holbrook, of Whitchurch, visited July Bournemouth Little Theatre, Ltd. — Regis- to carry on business as film pro- the cinema on August 30th he happened to pick capital of £100, tered October 23rd, £40- debentures part of ducers and cinematography in all its branches. up a portion of a ticket numbered 18527. Mr. £10,000; general charge. £1,397. July 3, 1930.. Guiseppe Guarino Glavany, the managing Holbrook had just prior to that been examining Associated British Cinemas, Ltd., London, director, had stated that he, an Italian, came to returns for the week ending August 30th. They W. —Registered October 23rd, £10,000 bond, this country in September, 1928, from France showed the number of people admitted and the etc., to Standard Property Investment Co., Ltd., for six years had produced films with It was alleged (where he Street, on. total amount exclusive of tax. 47, Hanover Edinburgh ; charged success) to take up an appointment with White- that when the returns were examined no tickets Ritz Picture House, Cambuslang, and shop hall Films. In February, 1929, he entered into between 18,000 and 19,000 series were shown. property attached thereto, etc. *£1,125,500. a contract with Warner Bros, to produce the September 4, 1930. silent film “ Downstream.” The contract pro- ” County Cinema, Dover, Ltd.— Registered “ Never Seen An Agreement vided, among other things, that the film should October 22nd, £200 debentures, part of £22,500 ; be registered for British Quota under the Films Brewer, Cardiff, manager, charged on lands at Dover, also general charge. Richard John Act, 1927. Under the contract Warners were employed by First National- Pathe, replying *£20,800. July 24, 1930. to pay Glavany 50 per cent, of gross rentals, Sir Henrv Haddocks, said he did not know Hippodrome (Lancaster), Ltd.—Registered to with a guarantee of £3,500 minimum, payable his firm were the prosecutors in this case. October 20th, £8,500 (not ex.) 1st mortgage, to whether on completion of the film. Glavany was financed that an amended return had been Bradford Second Equitable Benefit Building He admitted of three persons, to whom to the extent £2,600 by charged on Palace Theatre, etc., given in respect of the takings for August 19th. Society ; in May, 1929, he gave a charge on the £3,500 evidence had been called, Sir Henry Lancaster. *£8,545. February 15, 1930. After and his interest in the film. The company, for the defence, submitted that there British Lion Film Corporation, Ltd., Haddocks, Carlton Films, was incorporated to produce the no case of conspiracy made out between any London, W.C.— Registered October 22nd, £10,000 was film in order to give it British nationality. The people charged. debenture, to H. B. Judge, 317, High Holborn, two of the produced in 1929, at a cost of film was July, W.C., solicitor charged on Lion Studios, Beacon- had not been shown that either of these ; It £6,000 but the Board of Trade refused a British of the agreement. It had to be shown ; field, also general charge. *Nil. May 31, 1929. three knew Quota certificate on the ground that the initial sinister knowledge that Finchley Theatre Co., Ltd.—Registered that these people had contracts were entered into by Glavany prior act would be an act of fraud. These pro- September 1st, charge (subject, etc.) to National their to the formation of the company. Warner Bros, said, been brought on behalf of Provincial Bank Ltd., securing all moneys due ceedings, he had take delivery of the film. therefore refused to to the Bank charged on American film renters’ association, or what or to become due ; an Since the introduction of sound films the sale Renters’ Inspection Depart- certain building agreements, also general charge. was known as Sound value had further depreciated. Bury St. Edmunds Cinemas, Ltd.-—Regis- ment. In September, 1930, the landlord distrained Fine, manager of the Bridgend Cinema, tered September 16th, £15,625 mortgage to A. Eli the office furniture and effects, claiming on Bury St. Edmunds charged on pro- had never seen an agreement with First Wood, ; said he £100 for rent in arrear, but he only recovered £11. National Pathe or any of the other firms. perties at Haverhill and Bury St. Edmunds, etc. The liabilities were roughly estimated at £5,000. Philip Abse, of Cardiff, said the cinemas were United Picture Theatres, Ltd., London, The liquidation was left in the hands of the bv his mother, Mrs. L. D. Abse, of Cow- W.—Registered September 3rd, £90,000 mort- owned Official Receiver. bridge Road, Cardiff. He received £9 a week gage to Charing Cross Property Co., Ltd:, 23, the Charing Cross, S.W. charged on Savoy Cinema, for acting as booking agent. He made COMPETITION KILLS SMALLER CINEMA ; contracts. Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, etc. *£400,000. Miss Marjory Tee and Miss Julia Dixon, the The first meeting of creditors was held on May 7, 1930. two cashiers, denied any knowledge of fradulent November 5th, at the London Bankruptcy Court, Universal Gramophone & Radio Co., Ltd., intent or being parties to making a false return. under the failure of Israel Swedlow, Charles London, E.C.—Registered September 8th, sub- The magistrates, after a long retirement, Sabel, Esther Rose and Alice Hoffman, trading stituted security (supplemental to Trust Deeds decided to commit for trial Philip Abse and in partnership as the Imperial Playhouse at dated July 1st, 1930, etc., securing £15,000 F'orest Gate. The receiving and 10 per cent, premium) charged Flli Fine, and they discharged Miss 'Fee and Miss Woodgrange Road, debentures ; Julia Dixon. Abse and Fine were granted order was made on October 23rd on the petition on certain book debts. *£4,250. July 18, bail. of First National Pathe, Ltd. 1930. The case against Philip Abse, Jacob Soloinan According to the Official Receiver, Swedlow Kingston Super Cinema, Ltd., London, E.C. and Ethel Morgan, of the Hippodrome, Llanelly, some four years ago got into touch with Charles —Registered September 9th, £6,500 debentures; was then proceeded with, and on this charge Sabel (then in the employ of F'irst National general charge. *Nil. December 31, 1929. Abse and Soloinan were committed for trial. Pathe), and they purchased the Palladium Amount of debt according to last available Ethel Morgan was discharged. Cinema, Stratford, for £2,750, of which Sabel return. 6 3 —- — November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 23 SATISFACTIONS Denbigh Scala, Ltd. —Satisfaction registered etc., registered January Registered Companies October 20th, all moneys, New 21, 1927. British and Foreign Films, Ltd., London, ACOUSTIC CINEMAS (GORSEINON), LTD. SCOPHONY, LTD.-— Private company. Regis- W.—Satisfaction registered October 21st, £500, —Private company. Registered November 8th. tered November 3rd. Capital, £1,000. Objects : part of £1,000, registered June 25, 1930. Capital, £500. Objects : To construct, equip, To carry on the business of manufacturers of or Picture House (Worksop),. Ltd. —Satisfaction maintain and carry on cinemas, etc. The sub- dealers in any equipment or apparatus for use registered September 1st, all moneys, etc., regis- scribers are : Martha Richards, 31, West Street, in connection with recording, producting and/or tered June 9, 1920. Gorseinon, cinema proprietress; F. H. C. reproducing, transmitting and/or receiving by Denman (Midlands) Cinemas, Ltd., London, Richards, 31, West Street, Gorseinon, cinema electrical, photographic, magnetic or any other IV. registered September 23rd, proprietor W. A. C. Richards, 31, West Street, means any sounds, images, signals, etc. The —Satisfaction ; £25,300, part of amount registered July 9, 1928. Gorseinon, cinema proprietor. The first directors first directors are not named. Secretary : A. are to be appointed by the subscribers. Solicitors : Fletcher. Solicitors : Herbert Oppenheimer, D. Swansea. COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS. O. Thomas Williams & Jones, Nathan & Vandyk, 1, Finsburv Square, E.C.2. LIVESEY BROS. & FORSHAW, LTD.— Registered office : 1, Finsburv Square, E.C.2. The following are extracts from the Official Private company. Registered November 7th. JOHN HARVEL (PRODUCTIONS), LTD.— Register of County Court Judgments, but may Capital, £1,000. Objects : To acquire land and Private company. Registered October 27th. have been settled prior to publication, which premises known as Miners’ Hall, Platt Bridge, Capital £500. Objects : To carry on the business in any case does not imply inability to pay : near Wigan, and to carry on the business of pro- of producers of films, whether silent or talking, Grainge, Booth (male), Russell Chambers, prietors and managers of cinematograph theatres, photographers and scenic artists, etc. The Merrion Street, Leeds, film exploiter. £11 15s. lOd. concert halls, etc. The permanent directors are : directors are: A. N. Benge, Gable Cottage, October 1st. J. Livesey (managing director), 48, Scholes, Laleham-on-Thames, Middlesex; J. E. Pritchard, Bloomfield, Mr., 40, King’s Mount, Chapel Inn, Wigan ; J. W. Livesey, Friendship West- Breydon House, Hadlev Wood, Herts. Allerton, Leeds, film agent. £14 17s. (id. Septem- minster Street, Cornbrook, Manchester E. MULTI-LINGUAL PRODUCTIONS, LTD.— ; ber 30th. Forshaw, 14, Ellen Street, Higher Ince, near Private company. Registered October 27th. Yorke, (male), and Danziger, I. (male), J. Wigan. Solicitor : W. B. Vincent, 29, King Capital £100. Objects: To trade as multi-lingual Stratford, Grove Cinema, Maryland Point, cinema Street, Wigan. and other cinematograph film producers, etc. proprietors. £17 8s. 9d. September 22nd. FILMOPHONE RENTERS, LTD.—Private The first directors are not named. Secretary : Picture Ltd., 10, Dale New Premier House, company. Registered October 30th. Capital A. H. King, 12, Wellington Mansions, St. Martin’s Street, Liverpool, cinema proprietors. £14 3s. 7d. £2,500. Objects : To carry on the business of Lane, W.C.2. Registered office : 27-28, Fetter September 29th. cinematograph and film producers, film renters, Lane, E.C.4. R/O, Green Combine Theatres, Ltd., 5, theatre, music and concert hall, and cinema MAGIC ELECTRIC SOUND CORPORATION, Street, Leicester Square, W.C., theatre pro- proprietors, etc. The directors are : F. Green, LTD.—Private company. Registered October prietors. £34 11s. 2d. September 30th. “ Beamis,” Cox Green, Maidenhead (managing 29th. Capital £100. Objects : To carry on the Agar, Thos. A., Gaiety Cinema, Long Street, director Ltd.) A. Whitehead, business of sound Filmophone, ; J. dealers in cinematographic Thirsk, cinema proprietor. £22 9s. 6d. Septem- Sandringham Court, Maida Vale, W.9 (chair- installations, cinematograph machines, films, ber 25th. man of Filmophone, Ltd.). Secretary: T. C. electric organs, pianos, gramophones, etc. The Smith, Herbert, 72, Newnham Way, Kenton, Arnot, 2, Whitehall, Ray Park Avenue, Maiden- first directors are not named. Solicitor : F. W. 8d. 1st. cinema proprietor. £24 6s. October head. Registered office: Broadmead House, Perkins, 139, Oxford Street, W.l. Registered Panton Street, S.W.l. office : 139, Oxford Street, W.l. SHARE PRICES Messrs. Redway, Mann & Co., Ltd., state than the market closed on the following quotations : Name. Value. Last This Week. Week. 20/- 19/- Section P. P. ord. Scottish A. H £1 Assoc. Talking Pics. 1/6 1/9 Assoc. British Representative : James McBride, 91, Roslea Drive, Cinemas .... 4/9 5/44 Do. pref. £1 f.pd. 14/44 14/74 Dennistoun, Glasgow, E. Blunt & McCormack — ’Phones - - (Home) Bridgeton 1876 (Hall) Bridgeton 2851 Brit. Int ord. 5/- 5/9 6/14 Do. pref. £1 18/9 17/6 Stonehouse Cinema Fire was completely gutted. Damage is estimated Brit. Instr ord. 10/- 4/6 4/3 at approximately £2,000. Considerable alarm was caused in the Lanark- Do. def. 1/- /- 9 1/- shire village of Stonehouse in the early hours Brit. Lion .... def. 1/- -1 2 of Saturday morning when an outbreak of fire Bill Sikes Baffled Do. pref. £1 2/3 1/104 was discovered at the local cinema. Tenants in manager of the Brit. Filmcraft ord. 51- -1 1 — When the Salon Cinema, adjacent property were awakened and warned Brit. & Dom. def. 1/- -/6j — Baxter Place, Edinburgh, entered his sanctum out of their houses by Uarkhall Fire Brigade, Do. ord. £1 4/44 — last Wednesday morning, he discovered that promptly on the scene. Despite Brit. Screen who were burglars had been attempting to blow open the Strenuous effort the fire fighters, the building Piod. 5/- — — by safe. The safe, which weighs about 3 cwt., had been removed from its pedestal. Explosives Brit. & For ord. 5/- . — Brit. Photo- had been inserted in the keyhole and uniforms tone — — had been used to cover it to deaden the sound. French Do — — Our Luxurious Divan Tub Fortunately, instead of blowing open the safe Blattner def. 1/- — — door the explosive caused it to jam. Detectives Denman P.H. £100 7% deb. 904 — lost no time in following up certain clues, and Con — — two men have been arrested. ,, TIP-UP EASY CHAIR Gaumont Brit. ord. 10/- 12/9 11/6 Do. U% £1 18/- 17/3 FROM Cinema Club Luncheon Gainsborough ord. £1 51- 51- 25 /- Green’s Playhouse Cafe is again to be the Do def. 1/- -/ — rendezvous for the monthly luncheon of the Gen. Theatre 5,000 recently supplied to pref. £1 10/9 11/3 Glasgow Cinema Club luncheon, which takes Do. deb. — — 6*% the leading Glasgow Cinema*. place on F'riday. The speaker for the day is Met. Cinema ord. 10/- — 51- Rev. Alexander Stewart, who has quite a reputa- Do. def. I/- — tion as an orator. Movie Colour -16 — REPAIRS AND Morgan Film Masonic Matters Service — / — RENOVATIONS and election of office bearers Non- FI am ord. £1 2/3 2/3 The nomination of Lodge Anima, Glasgow, took place last Friday. Do. def. 1/- -m -/3i of all kind* carried out with- Era The only changes in the list of recommendations New N.P. ord. £1 out interfering with hucinea*. Do. def. 1/- — published in last week’s Bioscope were that Bro. P.G.S. P.T.C. Cons 7% £1 19/- 19/6 Adam Smith was elected instead of declined, and P.C.T “ B” £1 18/9 18/6 Gabriel Kean, who W. Eskdale Keenest est'maies without obligation. in place of Bro. Maloney, P.C.T 74% pr.or.,£l 17/9 17/6 was appointed J.D. who is removing to Dundee shortly. Pro Pat ord. 5/- 1,9 21- Write or ’Pbone tor *ur representative to call. Stoll Th ord. 5/- 6104 6/10J Latest “ Talkie ” News Tussaud’s £1 pref. 26/3 26/6 Do. def. 11- 8/6 8/9 Polmont Picture House has now been equipped.' United P.T £1 3/9 3/9 for “ talkies.” The installation has been made Do. 7% deb. — PATERSON’S LTD. and fitted by local tradesmen, and the results Union Cinema def. 1/- (ESTABLISHED 1832) on Monday proved very satisfactory. British Do. 10% 5/- Acoustic apparatus has been chosen for the Welsh- P'rson- 79, HOWARD ST., GLASGOW Pavilion, Girvan, and this house did record ” Elder 8% £1 1/104 1/104 Telephone CENTRAL 5289 business last week when it introduced “ talkies Do. ord. 1/- -13 — to the Ayrshire resort. 24 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 ” New York Premiere for Kismet _The world premiere of the screen pro- duction of Edward Knoblock's World-famous play, " Kismet,” which has been made by First National, will take place at one of the largest Broadway theatres in New York within the next few Weeks. Otis Skinner, the famous American actor, who plays the role of Hajj, and Loretta Young, who plays Marcinah, will travel from California to be present at the first performance. Otis Skinner played the role of Hajj for three years in New York and the leading cities of the United States and Canada, and the role has always been associated with him as his masterpiece. Other members of the cast are David Manners, Mary Duncan, Montagu Love, Ford Sterling and Sidney Blackmer. Kismet ” calls for extremely spectacular production, as the Whole of the action takes place in the Baghdad of the Arabian Nights, the principal scenes taking place in the bazaars of this ancient city. The whole of the dialogue is in verse. Famous Choir on Pathetone One of the most interesting issues of Pathetone Weekly since its inception will be issued next week. The famous Brantford (Ontario) Choir, which is now paying a visit to this country, and which has won such praise from front rank British music critics, will now be heard Otis Skinner and Loretta Young in “ Kismet,” and seen by a vaster audience than at one Ian Keith as Baron Valmi in Universal’s “ The a big First National to be offered shortly by First- time seemed likely. It is a feather in the cap Boudoir Diplomat,” which will be seen in this National-Pathe of Pathetone to be in the position to introduce country in the near future them exclusively on the screen, and F.N.P. state that in this item the rich and melodious Guiding Stars by Light quality of their voices will be fully appreciated. Wyler's Flying Visit Directional light rays are used for the Walter Lindrum and Tom Newman, the first time as an aid in motion picture making “ ” billiards experts, demonstrate that their Returning to Make Steel in " Inspiration,” in which Greta Garbo is wizardy is not confined to straight playing. starred. With less than 36 hours at his disposal They can perform all sorts of acrobatics, and Clarence Brown, directing the new Metro- in London, William Wyler, Universal’s; in Pathetone thejr do. Even the good player Goldwyn-Mayer ” talkie,” developed the young Swiss - American director, arrived will be amazed. One particularly astonishing light-ray method as a means of keeping in this country accompanied by Max stroke is that in which Lindrum thrusts a Miss Garbo and her leading man, Robert Laemmle, director of Latin countries for- ball up the table, and somehow induces it Montgomery, in focus throughout a novel Universal. Wyler has been spending the- to bounce back into the very hands of a " spiral close-up,” which followed them down last three months visiting the European, spectator ! a winding flight of stairs from a studio capitals, partly on holiday and partly in Another novel item which cannot but raise garret. search of a suitable story as well. He is- long and hearty laughs is titled " Unnatural Since the players were unable to watch now on his way back to Universal City on History,” “ ” the movements of camera and microphone, and in this Professor Billy the Bremen to produce “ Steel ” as a super. Bennett, the mounted on a turntable built atop a huge famous comedian, shows He hopes to have both Lew Ayres and Louis himself to be hydraulic piston. Brown had a penetrating almost an historian in his Wolheim, both of " All Quiet,” together demonstration of spotlight built, its rays filtered through a the life, ways and habits again for this production. “ Hell’s Heroes,’” of the bat and non-photographic mask of green. This the opossum. These creatures, winch created a sensation because women filmed at close directional spotlight was installed in line range, are clearly seen, while were excluded from the cast, and “The the “ Professor’s ” with the camera lens and turned upon the enlightening running Storm,” the Lupe Velez- Paul Cavanagh all- players, the green tint guiding their steps commentary on them is one of the richest talker, which ran for a season at the Dominion,., and assuring them they were within proper bits of comic business that has been done were two of Wyler’s recent successes. camera range. for a long time. Lewis Stone heads the supporting cast "TALKIES” FOR TARS of the film, which includes Marjorie Rambeau, On Monday afternoon and evening the Edwin Maxwell, Judith Vosselli and Joan James Cruze’s Next officers and men of the Fleet heard for Marsh. the first time in the British Navy a talking The next picture scheduled for production picture on board a battleship. Through the by the James Cruze organisation is entitled joint efforts of and Universal Pictures,, VOICE FOR BRITISH SCREEN NEWS “ The Command R.C. A. Performance.” It is a big performances were given on board the dramatic subject, and is being adapted from We are informed by Audible Filmcraft, Renown, the first performance starting at “ a stage play by Gordon Rigby. Ltd., the proprietors of the British Screen Walter Lang 4.30 p.m., when " All Quiet on the Western ” “ will direct, butt News and British Screen Tatler," that he cast has not yet been Front ” was shown, and the second per- selected. sound editions of both these popular screen formance starting at 8.30, when " King of " topicals will shortly be issued. Special She Got What She Wanted,” a highly Jazz” was projected through the medium recording plant is being installed in the amusing farce, with Betty Compson in the of the R.C. A. Photophone Portable Projector. company's studios. The first sound number star part, is now nearing completion. It is This is the same type of equipment that " " of the Tatler will be issued on December one of the personally directed James Cruze has been successfully used by the United “ ” 1st and that of the News will make its productions scheduled for release in this States Navy and the White Star Steamship appearance on the first day of 1931. country by Gaumont. Line. — 25 ^November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE NEWS from all PARTS WILL ROGERS AS “ LIGHTNIN’ ” Pox executives are as enthusiastic about Li ghtnin’ ” as they are over “ The Big Trail ” and " Just Imagine.” " Lightnin’ ” is the famous stage play in which Horace Hodges made such a hit in London. The inimitable Will Rogers will “ play the part of Lightnin’ Bill Jones,’’ the war veteran, hotel keeper, chronic tippler and prevaricator, who ekes out a living by conducting a country hotel most populated by divorcees. News comes from America that “ Lightnin’ ” is by far the best thing Rogers has done. Henry King, director of “ Stella Dallas,” •directed. ROYAL GUESTS AT WARNER S Because the Queen of Spain’s two daughters, the Infanta Beatrice and Maria •Christine, had expressed a desire to see the film ” Gold Diggers of Broadway,” a special show of the picture was arranged for them at Warner Bros’ private theatre on Saturday. As a surprise, the Royal guests were given a privileged view of the first of the “ Believe It or Not ” novelties, featuring Ripley, of the Sunday Express, which have not yet been shown to the trade or Press. The latter film gave the Princesses a distinct thrill, “ and they labelled it as one of the cleverest “The Big Trail” Wagon with its escort of Indians and pioneers” in Monday’s Lord Mayor’s Show things they have ever seen. Procession—a triumph in publicity achievement, on which Roy timmonds, director of Fox publicity, is to be congratulated (See comment page 17) ” PRINCE SEES " HELL S ANGELS “ Hell’s Angels ” at the London Pavilion rapid pace, announces B. M. Marks, pub- was assisted by the hon. secretary of the is evidently becoming “a social event” at licity manager for R.C.A. Fund. audience every showing. The Prince of Wales dropped To handle this increased business it has Both the Mayors addressed the in on Friday night, unconscious of the been necessary to increase the sales staff. from the stage. Referring to the question of said fact that Prince Arthur of Connaught was The head office staff has been working at Sunday opening, the Mayor of Leyton there in the dress circle as Well. Other dis- high pressure, including week-ends, and the it was a pity that such a fine theatre as the tinguished patrons of the past Week have field staff has now been increased. Savoy could not be used to better advantage, included the Duke and Duchess of York, D. W. Morphy, B.Sc., has been appointed by allowing the mam gement to give such Prince George, of Spain Gibson harmless entertainment at any time. the Queen and the for Devon, Cornwall and Dorset ; A. two Infantas. has been appointed district sales manager BLIND HEAR " ATLANTIC ” Naturally, " Hell’s Angels ” attracts the for Gloucester, Wiltshire and Somerset and Films, ; By the courtesy of Wardour airmen. Sir John Salmond, Chief of Air the following salesmen have been appointed : residents of the Royal School for the Blind Staff, was present one night, and Lieut. -Col. Messrs. Gough (Liverpool), Greenland (Man- at Leatherhead Were given a special screening ” J. T. Moore-Brabazon, the R.101 assessor, chester), Laurie (Birmingham), Tayleur of B. I. P.’s " Atlantic on Friday. Over was another distinguished visitor. Among (South Coast), Rawson (Newcastle), and 300 were present. Although the majority the air aces who have seen the film is McPherson (Southern Scotland). were not able to see the screen, they were Squadron Leader Claude Ridley, Who brought action of LEYTON able to follow very closely the down the Zeppelin L.15. MAYORS AT SAVOY, the film by way of the dialogue and effects. Advance booking, reports Robb Lawson, The Mayors of Leyton and Walthamstow It was a special pleasure to the blind to is Well ahead into December, and the West attended their last function in their official hear Donald Calthrop address a few Words End libraries have made a deal for seats. capacities on Sunday evening at the Savoy to them in person at the conclusion of the Cinema, Leyton. The occasion was a concert picture. Many well-known Surrey county R.C.A. INCREASE SALES AND STAFF in aid of Walthamstow Children’s Country people Were also present at the invitation Since the announcement of the introduction Holiday Fund. The entertainment arrange- of R. E. H. Griffiths, R.M., principal and of the Type “ C ” Reproducer, orders have ments Were under the control of Maurice secretary. " been flowing into R.C.A. Photophones at a Cheepen, general manager of the Savoy, who SCHOOLBOYS BOOST “ ALL QUIET By arrangement With the Artane School, 300 schoolboys attended the Theatre Royal, Dublin, to see Universal’s “ All Quiet on the Western Front,” and their procession through Dublin to the theatre, carrying a large banner, proved one of the best strokes of film publicity in recent years. " ' The banner read : Going to see All Quiet on the Western Front ’ at the Theatre Royal.” IDEAL SHORTS IN WEST END The following Ideal short subjects have enjoyed West End pre-releases within the past few days : Mickey Mouse in "The Chain Gang ” has been showing at the New Gallery, Tivoli, and the Astoria, Charing Road and “ Mickey’s * At Home ’ Cross ; Day ” has been delighting big audiences at the Marble Arch Pavilion. At the Tivoli, " The Chain Gang” has been supplemented with the laughable Lloyd Hamilton Talk- The Arsenal football team at the Finsbury Park Astoria, where they met Jack Raine and Micky “ Brantford, artists in B.I.P.’s “ Suspense.” which was included in the programme omedy, Prize Puppies.” 26 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 F.N.P.’s Share in British Production In addition to a powerful programme of first-class American productions, First National Pathe plays an important part in British producing affairs, through the medium of its splendid organisation for the production of news and interest reels. The five periodical productions, the Pathe Super Sound Gazette, Pathetone Weekly, Pathe Gazette, Pathe Pictorial and Eve and Everybody’s Film Review, are shown all over the World, and also bring to the British screen topics of interest gleaned from every corner of the globe. In this direction it is interesting to note that Within the last month Pathe Super Sound Gazette has included actual sound pictures from Italy, France, America, Germany, South America and Africa. The Pathe organisation boasts a highly trained and experienced staff of technical experts, under the editorial guidance of Harry Sanders, who has been connected with the Path4 Gazette since its inception, and Fred Watts, whose experience in the production of news and interest reels is second to none. The First National Pathe One of the striking scenes in Cherry Kearton’s new travel film “Dassan,” an amazing studios and travelling sound units are, in penguin pictrre now running at the Polytechnic Theatre their turn, a model of perfection. D. E. Griffiths, general sales manager of First National Pathe, forecasts man)' startling- More Radio Activity innovations and striking developments in the art of screen journalism in early editions Five Production Units Working of his firm’s periodicals. With the announcement recently made at work is Louis Brock’s latest comedy for that Douglas Maclean and Al. Boasberg have the “Broadway Headliners” series. This Screen News Reminiscences been signed as associate producers, Radio is entitled “ Trader Ginsberg,” and stars editor of the Pathe Gazette Pictures are now launching one of the Nat Carr, a famous Broadway stage star. Harry Sanders, Sound Gazette, may claim strongest production drives of its history. Productions finished, but not yet trade and Pathe Super distinction of being one of the Five units are now working either in the shown in this country, include “ Check and the unique to be associated with the studio or on the R.K.O. ranch in the San Double Check” (to be seen to-day), with very first men has served on the staff of Fernando Valley. In addition to this, “The Silver Horde,” from a story by Rex news screen. He Organisation since its several stories are in active preparation for Beach “ The Losing Game,” in which the Pathe Periodical ; years ago. early production. I,o well Sherman plays the leading role, inception 25 scenes, reveals that The units at work include “ Cimarron,” supported by Marion Nixon, as well as Mr. Sanders, in review first to present adapted from the novel by Edna Ferber, directing the picture, and “The Sin Ship,” the Pathe Gazette was the shots, in which the subject which Wesley Ruggles is directing, with which is Louis Wolheim’s first effort as an Akeley camera " ” focus lenses in ore Richard Dix in the star role “ The Devil's actor-director. is tracked With long ; Was also in the Battalion,” based upon P. C. Wren’s “ Beau Stories being prepared for production by continuous panorama. It public first saw Ideal,” the sequel to “ Beau Geste.” Herbert Radio Pictures include “ Children of the Path6 Gazette that the and this opportunity,. Brenon, who directed “ Beau Geste,” is also Streets,” an original drama by Robert sloW-motion pictures, “ star When applied to sporting subjects, proved directing The Devil’s Battalion,” whilst Milton, in which Betty Compson is to ; Ralph Forbes, who appeared in “ Beau " Kept Husbands,” a story dealing with the an instantaneous success. Geste,” plays the same role in the sequel. complications following the marriage of a The third big production is the current wealthy girl to a poor man, in which Sue ‘ Wheeler and Woolsey film, entitled “ Hook Carol will play the principal role and ‘ Sour ; Line and Sinker.” Dorothy Lee is again Grapes,” a brilliant play by Vincent Law- with the two comedians. rence. Lowell Sherman has just commenced his Another Rex Beach story has been pur- third acting-directing effort, “ The Queen’s chased by Radio. This is " Recoil,” which Husband,” adapted from a stage play of the will be released under the title of " White same name. Mary Astor plays opposite Shoulders.” Melville Brown has been Sherman in this production. The last unit selected to direct. Queer Creatures of the Arctic In Ideal's Travel Film The growing vogue of the travel picture weird creatures that battle for supremacy should promise a big success for a singularly there that form the subject of the story. The precise location of the picture is the vivid production of this type, shortly due island of South Georgia, the base for Ant- from Ideal. arctic exploration, in whose solitary town lie In this spectators are offered a peep into Shackleton. “ the remains of Sir Ernest The Bottom of the World,” under the It is an island of men. For a century and guidance of Dr. Ludwig Kohl-Larsen, the a half only one woman—the daughter of Dr. famous explorer, who took the picture, and Kohl-Larsen—has set foot on it, though with a running commentary by another thousands of men have lived and worked and explorer. Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy. died and been buried there, for it is the seat There is not, say Ideal, a dull moment in the of the world’s greatest whaling industry. picture or a dry line in Dr. Murphy’s lively One of the most marvellous and impressive talk. scenes in the film is that which depicts a " ” rival The Bottom of the World is the region battle between a sea-elephant and a Lady Tree and Janice Adair in “ Such is the Law,” of ice and snow that lies at the gate of the who tries to flirt with one of his wives-—the a Stoll production, for trade show by Butcher’s " ” at 3 p.m. Antarctic, and it is the quaint and frequently eternal triangle on the Polar ice ! on Friday next, at the Palace Theatre, : November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 27 “Check and Double ” Check Success of Amos V Andy Reports come from all over America of the outstanding success of the first Amos ’n’ " Andy talkie,” " Check and Double Check,” which Radio Pictures are showing to the trade in London and the provinces to-day (Wednesday). New York reports show that at each of the three theatres in Which the picture Was shown it broke all records. At Proctor’s Theatre, Albany, the manager reports “ Every record for receipts and attendance wiped off the bocks”; from Keith’s, " Syracuse, Manager Tubbert cables : A tremendous sensation opening to the biggest crowds we have ever handled ” while the ; third theatre, in Schenectady, reports that : “ ' Check and Double Check ’ has broken our box office record held by ‘ Rio Rita.’ ” That this record-breaking business is general is evidenced by cables which Radio has received from all parts of the United States. The same story is told in Canada where, Buddy de Sylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson, from the Tivoli, Ontario, Manager Taylor the famous musical trio who have “ written the musical numbers for the new Fox film “Just Imagine.” Tneir work in cables : Amos ’n’ Andy opened here last “ Sunny Side Up ” made box-office history Friday, Tivoli Theatre, Paramount’s Ace House, to tremendous business. Marvellous drawing power of picture best illustrated by fact that gross receipts for Friday and Satur- day Were largest house has had for over one Culver City’s T en year. Audience reaction extremely favour- able.” It is even more interesting to note the Queue of Directors Waiting gross takings in some of the theatres Where " Check and Double Check ” is playing. At As its bid of this month to retain its title a new Spanish production, " Toto,” starring the Orpheum, Los Angeles, the figure was “ the busiest studio in the film business,” Ernesto Vilches, with Chester Franklin £7,000 five times as much as the takings — held without a break since the start of directing. for the previous Week. Another Orpheum, 1930, Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer announce that Non-English productions being prepared this time in San Francisco, reports £6,000 41 productions, 23 English and 18 non for early start include French and Spanish for its first Week, breaking the gross record English, are in process of production, pre- versions of " Seeing Hollywood,” a French of the house, while at the State Lake, paration or completion at the Culver City production, " Call of the Flesh,” with Ramon Chicago, £3,600 Was taken during the first plant. Novarro as star and director, and a French two days of " Check and Double Check,” an Ten companies are now "shooting” at production of " Let Us Be Gay,” with Andre amount which is only £380 less than the Culver City. And immediately, as the crowded Luguet. entire taking's of the previous week. This stages are cleared, a procession of important theatre finished its first Week to a record new vehicles will take their place. Following figure of £10,000. f< a vacation in Europe, Marion Davies has By Special to See Song returned to the studio and is now at work ” on her newest starring picture, “ The Bachelor O' My Heart Father,” under the direction of Robert Z. The town of Thurles is boasting the first Leonard. man in Ireland ever to charter a special Particularly interesting among the coming train to bring people to see a talking picture. pictures is " Strangers May Kiss,” which Mr. Delahunty, the manager of the NeW will mark Norma Shearer’s return to the Theatre, is the man, and “ Song o’ My screen after an absence of several months. Heart ” the film. People Were brought from " Mata Hari ” is being prepared for Greta as far as Cashel, which is at least 20 miles Garbo and actual "shooting” will com- away. mence within the next few weeks. Another Irish manager recently distin- guished himself apropos this same picture. Cecil B. De Mille is nearing the start of “ Realising that the outstanding feature Was his talkie ” production of Edwin Milton McCormack's magnificent singing, R. Royle’s classic of racial inter-marriage, “The John M. Magrath, of the Palace Theatre, Cork, Squaw Man.” Much mystery is surrounding organised a special performance for the the actual title of Buster Keaton’s next. inmates of the Cork Blind Asylum. The Ramon Novarro’s next English language great Irish tenor’s golden voice W-as enthu- picture is the big best selling story success, siastically applauded. " Daybreak,” by Dr. Arthur Schnitzler. Scheduled to start as soon as it can get a " stage is Dance, Fool, Dance,” Joan Craw- Films ford’s next. A story of racketeers and gang- ‘Jimmy' Walker for ? sters, with a decided comic flavour, is Rumour has it in America that James " Gentlemen’s Fate,” which Mervvn Le Roy Walker, the popular Mayor of New York, will direct. is contemplating going into the film industry, One of the outstanding productions on and in one quarter it was definitely stated the programme will be the next starring that he would resign to join the legal depart- picture of Lawrence Tibbett, world-famous ment of Fox. Another report coupled his baritone. It is titled " The Southerner.” name with the Hays organisation. Mayor Henry Edwards and Chili Bouchier in “ o'i Call In addition to these, two non-English Walker, however, strenuously denies both the Sja,” a Twickenham Films production, for productions are in process of making. 1 hese reports. " I have no intention of resigning trade show by Warner Brothers at the New reason Gallery, on Wednesday, November 19th, at are Frank Reicher’s much discussed German the mayoralty for any whatever,’ 11 a.m. language novelty, " Seeing Hollywood,” and he says. ; 28 THE BIOSCOPE November 12 , 1930 “Strictly Business English and French Versions Planned Claudette Colbert’s forthcoming picture, tentatively titled “ Strictly Business,” will be filmed simultaneously in both English and French dialogue, announces Jesse L. Lasky, first vice-president in charge of Paramount production. This decision comes as the result of the enthusiastic Welcome which France gave to the similar production of Maurice Chevalier’s " The Big Pond,” in which Miss Colbert played the feminine lead, and " The Enigmatic Mr. Parkes,” produced in Hollywood, in which the Parisian actress was featured with Adolphe Menjou. “ Strictly Business ” will be filmed at the company’s New York studios, Where both productions of “ The Big Pond ” Were made, and the same plan of simultaneous shooting will be followed. With the excep- tion of the star, two complete casts will be assembled. Dorothy Arzner Will direct, with the aid of a French director, to be chosen later, on the French edition. It is probable that all future Claudette Colbert vehicles will be made bi-lingually, Mr. Lasky intimated. As in the case of Maurice Chevalier, Whose pictures are pro- duced in both languages, the decision will not affect Paramount’s French production at Joinville. Broadway Shots for “No Limit” Reports from the Paramount studios in Hollywood declare that Clara Bow and her company, on Broadway to film exterior scenes for “ No Limit,” her new starring picture, gave Manhattan the thrill of its life. The reports indicated that the crowds caused considerable delay in filming the scenes. After a week’s Work in New York, Miss Bow and her fellow players have returned to Hollywood to complete the balance of the picture. Norman Foster, young Broad- way leading man, has the principal role in Miss Bow’s support, while others in the cast are Stuart Erwin, Harry Green and Dixie Lee. P.D.C. Film Secret Canyon Dinosaur Canyon, situated on the almost inaccessible region of the Hopi Indian reservation in Arizona, has been photo- graphed for the first time by P.D.C. , and is the background for important parts of the action in “ The Painted Desert,” starring William Boyd. This canyon was unknown to the white pioneers of the territory until the keeper of the Cameron Trading Post was told of it by an Indian whose confidence he had gained. Not only is this remarkable section photographed in “ The Painted Desert,” but scenes in sound with dialogue were made there. It required three six-mule teams to haul the heavy machinery through the rock- ridden terrain. Supporting William Boyd in " The Painted In the new Paramonnt release programme are (1) the Four Marx Brothers in “Animal Crackers” Desert ” are Helen Twelvetrees, William (2> Rides West,” with Rosita Moreno; “Queen High,” with Charles Ruggles “The Law (3) Farnum and J. Farrell Macdonald. The “Manslaughter,” starring Claudette Colbert; and Jack Buchanan with Jeanette MacDonald (4) (5) ” picture is directed by Howard Higgin. in “ Monte Carlo ” ; November 12 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 29 , New “ Mike ” for fC To Register ” Great Heights Especially built microphones, equipped to counteract change in altitude, are being used for the first time during the filming of Paramount’s " Fighting Caravans,” Zane Grey’s novel, in which the frontiersmen of “ The Covered Wagon ” carry on. In order to record, in sound, scenes at an altitude of nearly 10,000 ft. a new type of microphone Was required, since earlier experiences had proved that the ordinary instruments Were not entirely satisfactory at such heights. As a result of the experiments made by Earl Hayman, recording engineer on ” Fight- ing Caravans,” the special microphone Was constructed for use on the production. The secret of its success lies in a tiny valve on the tube Wherein the plates are located. This valve is opened while the instrument is being carried to a higher altitude, so that the pressure is equalised inside and out. To register correctly the task of a huge freight caravan in crossing mountains, Paramount had to take its " Fighting- Caravans” troupe to the summit of the high Sierras. Locations were chosen at Sonora Pass, 63 miles above Sonora, where Gary Cooper and Lily Damita are seen in the early Western romantic leads, and Ernest Tor- rence and Tully Marshall are reunited in the characterisations they created in " The Covered Wagon." Jeanie Macpherson Writes for Paramount " ” Jeanie Macpherson, authorof Dynamite and “ The Godless Girl,” and co-author of “ Madame Satan," has just been signed by Paramount and assigned to work on the screen play for a new picture at the company’s Hollywood studios. Miss Mac- pherson originally joined Paramount several years ago, but since then has been on the staff of Cecil B. de Mille. Her most notable Paramount pictures were “Joan the Woman,” “ The Whispering Chorus,” “ Male and Female,” “ Don’t Change Your Husband,” “ For Better, for Worse,” “ The Affairs of Anatol ’’ and “ The Ten Commandments.” Prior to entering the writing department of pictures. Miss Macpherson was a screen star, first appearing With Florence Lawrence and Mary Pickford. Smart Film Competition “ Should a Doctor Tell ? ” British Lion’s problem picture, commences a pre-release run at the Empire Theatre on Friday next. In connection with this run the Sunday Dispatch, which devotes considerable space to film criticism and actually “ stars ” two well-known film writers in S. R. Little wood and W. A. Mutch (Spotlight), will run a special competition. Prizes will be offered for the best short essays upon the subject of the sanctity of the consulting room. The question " Should a Doctor Tell ? ” is to be answered by the public, and in view of the fact that the problem recently arose in connection with an actual case heard in the Other new Paramount pictures include (1) “ The Sap Abroad,” with Jack Oakie and Ginger Rogers Law Courts, public interest in this com- “ Cyril Maude (2) Clara Bow, who stars in Love Among the Millionaires,” with Fredric March ; (3) petition is likely to be exceedingly wide- “ ” “ Nancy Carroll Arlen with Fay Wray ; and (5) in Grumpy ; (4) The Sea God,” starring Richard spread. in “ Laughter,” in which the principal male roles are played by Fredric March and Frank Morgan 12 1930 30 THE BIOSCOPE November , The Trade in Parliament Gaumont Staff Changes Inquiry Into Operators’ Hours A number of staff changes and appoint- ments are announced by W. J. Gell, managing Ministry of Labour’s Promise director of Gaumont. Keith Ayling having left the employ of In the House of Commons on Monday authorities. I have not had occasion to make the company, R. S. HoWard has teen Colonel Howard-Bury asked the Minister of any representations.” appointed editor of Gaumont periodicals, - comprising the Gaumont Sound News, Labour, seeing that there Were no regulations No Change in Advisory Committee Gaumont Sound Mirror, Gaumont Graphic dealing with the hours of employment of In the House of Commons yesterday and Gaumont Mirror. Louis Behr becomes attendants or operators at cinemas, and in Harry Day asked the President of the Board editorial manager of the periodical depart- view of the fact .that on August 1st she of Trade whether there had been any changes ment, H. Parsons and W. C. Gimber are promised a comprehensive investigation into during the previous twelve months in the W. appointed associate editors, while H. this matter, whether any steps had yet been Advisory Committee appointed under the W. Bishop becomes technical adviser. taken to hold this investigation, and with Cinematograph Films Act, 1927 could he ; Mr. Gell also announces that E. L. Jen- what results ? state whether he had been asked by any nings, until latterly Gaumont branch " independent cinema exhibitors to appoint Mr. Lawson : A limited amount of infor- manager at Liverpool, is now in charge of one of their number on this committee. mation has been obtained from employers’ the Gaumont Company’s Manchester branch, Mr Graham referred the hon. member to associations and trade unions. Owing to the W. Edwards having returned as branch the answer he gave on July 11th last to a J. widespread character of the industry, pre- manager to Liverpool, Where he was for- similar question. Since that date, he added, parations for a comprehensive inquiry have merly for many years. there had been no change. The answer to taken some time. It is hoped, however, to the last part of the question was in the carry out the inquiry in the course of the negative. next few weeks.” Quota Exjmptioi Claims Captain Peter Macdonald asked the Mr. Day also asked the number of applica- L.C.C. Licensing Secretary of State for India whether he had tions for certificates of exemption that had made any representations to the Govern- been made during the previous twelve Session ment of India with a view to securing the months by exhibitors on account of their having found it impracticable to comply exclusion from India of films calculated to The Theatres and Music Halls Committee with the Quota. Could he state how man}' create a false and unsatisfactory impression of the L.C.C. held a special meeting on of such certificates had been granted ? of the lives and morals of the people of Friday last to consider the annual licensing Mr. Graham stated that 135 exhibitors Great Britain ? renewal applications from theatres and made application. After consultation with “ cinemas under their jurisdiction. The total Mr. Wedgwood Benn : The censorship the Advisory Committee certificates wert number of applications was for 1,065 licences,, of films in India is a matter for tie local granted in eight cases. comprising 251 for music, 460 for music and dancing, 318 for cinematograph exhibitions,, and 28 for stage plays. The licences were in respect of 723 places of amusement. Tiffany Studios Busy Opening the proceedings, the Chairman of the Committee (Clyde T. Wilson) pointed out that licences were subject to the con- I 0_ 93 3 I Pictures for Gaumont dition “ That the premises be not opened on Sundays, Christmas Day or Good Fridav The Tiffany Studios are working full Younger, with cast headed by June Collyer, for cinematograph entertainment,” speciaL pressure on the 1930-31 programme which James Mulhall and Dor.s Kenyon. application, of course, having to be made Gaumont are to present here in accordance The second James Cruze feature in the for any variation of this rule. with W. J. Gell’s recent announcement. programme will go into production shortly. ’’ There was no opposition to any of the The Third Alarm,” the first Gaumont- James Whale, of ” Journey’s End” and super, cinematograph applications, which, except Tiffany featuring James Hall, Anita “ Hell’s Angels ” fame, is now conferring for a few cases, were granted. The exceptions Louise, Jean Hersholt, Hobart Bosworth and Tiffany executives concerning with a big concerned mainly such theatres as had not Mary uoran, and ames Cruze’s first J new subject which he is to direct. requirements ” Special,” ” She Got What She Wanted,” complied with certain technical starring Betty Compson, Lee Tracy, Gaston The second of the series of the H C of the Council, and in these instances the ” Classics in Slang,” provisionally. Glass and Dorothy Christy, are already Witwer starring Paul licence was granted directed finished and will be seen here shortly. Hurst and by Frank Straver, with Martan and Camera work has started on “ Aloha,” a Nita Eddie Boland, is in the while South Sea story written and directed by A1 final stages, another set is occupied with “ Little Divorcee,” ” Rogell, with a cast including Ben Lyon, who The one of the “The Beggar's Opera ” ” scored heavily in " Hell’s Angels,” Raquel Gaumont-Tiffanv monkey comedies. Tprres, Robert Kdeson, Thelma Todd, Alan Of the admirable “open-air” series in News reaches Paris that the French version Hale and Otis Harlan. the schedule, “ The Midnight Stage,” starring of Pabst’s film, called " L’Opera de Quatre Production is also under way on “ The Rex Lease and directed by Richard Thorpe, Sous ” (" The Twopenny Opera ”) is practic- Single Sin,” an original story by A. P. has also just gone into production. ally finished. It Will be trade shown by Warner Bros.-First National (Paris branch) at the end of the month. In the cast are Albert Prejean, Gaston Modot, Antcnin Danish Market for Mussolini’s Drastic Artaud, Lucie de Matha and Jacques Henley. The French dialogue has been composed by British Films Measures Solange Bussy. According to a Press note, the settings represent the back streets of An opening for British films in Denmark In Berlin it is stated that the Italian Whitechapel ! There is no mention of John is revealed by M. Marinus Yde, the Danish Government has issued further decrees as Gay, nor of the special music associated to foreign languages with " The Beggar’s Opera ” as it is known Consul-General at Hamburg M Yde makes in talk films. The latest measures are explained by the fact in England. a sweeping attack on American films and the that many American pictures are running methods of their distribution, and states in Rome Which, contrary to the regulations, that comparatively few British films are contain songs and dialogue in English. shown in Denmark at present. Italian exhibitors are said to be by no means Tobis Pays 8 Per Cent Dr. Ernst Kaper, the Burgomaster of delighted at the new restrictions owing to Copenhagen and chairman of the committee great scarcity of native productions. At At the meeting of the Tobis board last controlling the city’s cinemas, supports present there are only two all-talkers in Week a dividend of 8 per cent, for the second M. Yde’s attack, and thinks some new Italian, viz., the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer year, Which terminates June 30, 1930, was arrangement for settling the film distribution picture " Sei Tu L’Amore ” and the Pitta- proposed for submission to the general problem is urgently needed. luga picture " The Last Song.” meeting. . : November 12 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 31 , “ A scene from P.D C.’s new film, Easy Money,” which heads the distinctive film successes of the week. See review below IN BRIEF : A jealous husband, to irritate his flirtatious wife, pretends Sound and Dialogue Subjects to be in love with an artist’s model. Delightful light comedy acting. Good suspense values. Superfluous coincidences. Lavish staging. “Easy Money” Suitability : Good, bright entertainment for popular halls. (R.C.A. on Film and Disc.) Selling Angles : Lilian Harvey, the glittering scenes of artists’ revelry, Offered by: P.D.C. Directed by: Russell Mack. Length: 7,669 feet. and the inoffensive spiciness. Release : Not fixed. Certificate : A Type : Comedy-drama. Cast Plot : While the artists of Paris are disporting themselves at the Four Eddie Quillan, Robert Armstrong, James Gleason, Miriam Seegar, Arts Ball a half-starved model collapses. A doctor prescribes a visit to Margaret Livingston. the South. The girl’s friend, Mascotte, after failing to raise funds by a IN BRIEF : Thoroughly entertaining story of youth who gains affluence picture sale, auctions herself as model to the highest bidder. Dardier, - through the throw of the dice. Delightful comedy and tense underworld a husband troubled with a flirtatious wife, bids and secures her services. drama. Excellent direction maintains interest at a high level. Admirable Mascotte’s daily visits lead to friendship. The girl recognises the man portrayal by Quillan and strong supporting cast. Strong love interest. loves his wife, and suggests she might be made jealous if he took his model Slick dialogue. First-class recording. about and pretended love. This he does, and wherever they go they encounter the frivolous wife and her Gaston. After a variety of adven- Suitability : First-class offering, which should prove a winner at practi- tures and complications, many of which occur on board a train while cally every hall. both couples are travelling to Nice, Dardier finds he loves Mascotte as Selling Angles : Cast, acting, comedy touches and dramatic incidents. much as she loves him. Romance. Comment : Not for a moment does this story convince. The characters 7 Plot : Eddie is a broker’s messenger, and usually manages to clean up are human butterflies, flitting about with delightful irresponsibility. when throwing the dice with his pals. The boss entrusts him with a Faithlessness irritates, but causes no deep wounds. It is all staged in a wad of dollars to place in the bank, but he arrives there after closing hours frivolous world, where dancing, drinking and love-making seem the be-all and later falls in with a set of gambling crooks. His phenomenal luck and the end-all. The spectacles dazzle and the complications amuse. induces one of the men to take him into partnership, and henceforth things Among the former must be mentioned the fancy dress ball, an absolute are easy for Eddie. The boss’s daughter, however, with whom he is in riot of merriment, with which the picture opens. The final scene, after love, objects to his mode of living, but before he can quit he is involved an amicable arrangement, shows the two couples waving adieu from in a murder. He is suspected and arrested, but bailed out by his girl. carriage windows one train bound for the South, the other returning ; During another card party, forced upon the assembly by the brother of to Paris. the murdered man, who intends paying the slayer back in his own coin, Acting : Lilian Harvey, acting with charming vivacity and spontaneity, the police intervene, and Eddie is free to marry his girl and go into partner- is the life and soul of the picture. She also poses gracefully when seen ship with his erstwhile boss. as a model at the art school. Marietta Millner is good as the flirtatious Comment : In this production Eddie Quillan has more than lived up wife. The male support is satisfactory, but more fun might be got out to the promise shown by him in “ Night Work ” and the prediction made of the parts. in these pages that he was destined to become a popular favourite will Production : The staging is artistic and the photography beautiful. now be an established fact. Here he has a clever story and one admirably Much of the action takes place in handsome apartments, but the ball suited to him. The first half, when we strike him as an effervescent, wise- and auction are the most outstanding items. cracking youth, is unadulterated comedy, while the latter half, with the cold-blooded murder and the grim atmosphere of vengeance, is worthy Sound : Much of the picture’s charm is due to the excellent musical of the best of underworld dramas. While the former is to be preferred, accompaniment. one is conscious of the fact that every foot is of the utmost interest. The romance and happy ending will serve to whet the appetite of the popular fan. “The Truth About Youth” Acting : Eddie Quillan has such a cheery personality and such a Vitaphone on Disc.) command of facia! expression that it is impossible not to like him. Second ( only to him, however, is Robert Armstrong, whose portrayal of Eddie’s Offered by: First National- Pathe. Directed by: William A. Setter. pal is superb. As a hard nut of the gaming tables, he finds it incumbent Length: 6,156 feet. Release Date: May 11, 1931. Certificate: A. “ upon him to warn his young friend of women’s wiles, but in spite of his Type : Domestic drama, based on the novel When We Were Twenty- convictions, succumbs to a beautiful widow, Dorothy Christy. James One," by Henry V. Esmond. Cast : Loretta Young, Conway Tearle, Gleason supplies some funny stuff, and excellent support comes from Myrna Loy, David Manners, J . Farrell MacDonald. the rest of the cast, including Miriam Seegar as Eddie’s beloved, and IN BRIEF : Deeply interesting story of a youth’s treachery to his sweet- Margaret Livingston. heart and his guardian’s long-suppressed love for her. Most excellent Production : A variety of settings include offices, flats, clubs and acting. Prolonged suspense. Happy ending. Some delightful character palatial residences. All are convincingly mounted. Photography is studies. excellent. Suitability : Admirable programme picture. Sound : The dialogue, though often rapid, is absolutely clear, and Selling Angles : Loretta Young’s touching performance and the strong though some is occasionally missed on account of laughter created by the appeal of the story. a preceding joke, there is no fault to find with the recording. Plot : Richard Carewe watches over Dick as though he were his own son. guardian, knowing the sweet disposition The youth is engaged ; his “Adieu, Mascotte” of Phyllis, having brought about the arrangement. But there is no real dancer Phyllis, ( Klangfilm Sound on Disc.) love on either side. Dick is infatuated with a night club ; though it not, Carewe while the middle-aged man loves Offered by: Wardour. Directed by: Wilhelm Thiele for Ufa. Length: she knows loves ; 7,845 feet. Release Date: Not fixed. Certificate A. Type: Matri- her, but successfully conceals it. Dick arrives home drunk, drops an monial comedy-drama. Cast : Lilian Harvey, Igo Sym, Marietta amorous epistle written by the dancer, which Phyllis and Carewe read. Millner, Harry Halm. Both men are named Richard, and to shield the boy the elder man pretends . v 32 THE BIOSCOPE November 12 1930 , the letter was written to himself. visits He the dancer and appeals to Comment : There is perhaps a touch of originality in the radio Romeo, her cupidity. When she finds the youth is penniless the syren flings him but the long arm of coincidence has needed a considerable stretch to off. Ultimately Phyllis and Carewe confess their mutual love. bring about the meeting of the two. However this may be, it will no doubt be overlooked by the Western fan who will revel in this latest Comment : Though there are no great emotional touches in this picture, special. villain of piece is there amorous the acting is so clever, and the director has built up the story so con- Hoot Gibson The the with one and only girl, plenty of hard riding and shooting, and a vincingly, that the onlooker has a vivid sense of watching real events. eyes on the ending. It opens well. Dick has really three guardians, who facetiously term spectacular happy themselves “ the trinity.” “ ” When we were twenty-one is the topic Acting : While Hoot Gibson hasn’t many claims in the acting line, “ of their conversation. The Imp,” as they call him, has reached that he certainly puts over the right stuff as a man of the saddle. Kathryn age. He is at once seen ringing up with an excuse that he is obliged to Crawford is good and the supporting cast adequate. attend a scientific lecture. But his instructor is the notorious Firefly Production : All interiors are convincingly mounted and exteriors have dancer (Myrna Loy). To her a splendid contrast is presented by the been well chosen. Photography is first rate and reaches the pinnacle sweetheart, Phyllis (Loretta \ oung), whose gentleness and goodness win of perfection in a series of shots depicting the rustling of the cattle at sympathy throughout, though sentiment is never unduly strained. On sundown. the whole interest is well sustained, though it sags a little in the second night club scene. But the human interest of the storv, the acting and Sound : This is extremely good. The dialogue is clear and the effects the absence of sensationalism are merits deserving strong commendation. all that are necessary. Acting : As stated, Loretta Young and Myrna Loy are excellent in the ” female roles. The latter as the Firefly sings and dances at the night " Devil club, and has a good scene when she drives the infatuated youth from A With Women her presence. Her marriage to him is nullified bv the discovery that she ( Western Electric Sound on Film.) has : a husband. The old boys are delightfully impersonated by'j. Farrell Offered by : Fox. Directed by : Irving Cummings. Length 5,660 feet. MacDonald and Flarry Stubbs. Young Dick'is played by David Manners Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate : U. Type : Comedy drama. on conventional lines. Last, but not least, is the admirable performance Cast : Victor Me Laglen, Mona Maris, Humphrey Bogart, Michael of Conway Tearle as the elder Richard. Throughout the attempts at Vavitch. self-sacrifice give this experienced actor splendid opportunities of which IN BRIEF : Typical McLaglen offering. A soldier of fortune falls in he avails himself. Especially is this the case when Phyllis is puzzled by love, but acts the gentleman on learning she loves another. Plenty of his assertion that the letter was intended for him, and for the moment comedy touches and flirtations. Good direction and realistic atmosphere. he sinks in her esteem. Excellent recording. Production : With the exception of the night club scenes, action takes Suitability : Good general booking. place in luxurious interiors. Selling Angles : Star, story, comedy, hearty action. Sound : The voices are all remarkably distinct. Plot : Jerry Maxton, a captain in the army of a Central American State, “ ” is sent up country to capture Morloff, a bandit. This man, however, The Convict of Stamboul proves a bit too astute for him, and he, together with a friendly rival, Standish, are imprisoned. The two escape, and rescue from this same ( Klangfilm Sound on Film.) bandit a beautiful girl and her chaperone. Such gallantry the girl’s father Offered by: Wardour. Directed by: G. Ucicky for Ufa. Length: 8,411 finds difficult to repay, but he is satisfied by offering the hand of the : fierce feet. : a Release Date Not fixed. Certificate A Type : Drama, based girl in marriage to Jerry. But she loves Standish, and during on the novel “ The ,” the Lady and the Oriental by F. von Zobeltitz. Cast : onslaught on the hacienda by the bandit’s company, Jerry learns Henry George, Betty Amann, Paul Horbiger. truth, and after vanquishing the attacking force he decides to leave for China. IN BRIEF : The long-drawn-out, but interesting, matrimonial affairs soldier -of a likeable swaggering ruffian. Excellent acting. Artistic production. Comment : McLaglen seems fated to appear on the films as a of fortune, and though he hands out plenty of good hearty stuff, this Suitability : Good general booking. production bears many similarities to his earlier efforts for Fox. A Selling Angles : The story’s originality, Henry George’s character study considerable amount of comedy comes from his rivalry with Standish, and the heroine’s attempted suicide. with a girl as the bone of contention, though perhaps the best is his lightning dispatch of a trio of half-starved Mexicans entrusted with the Plot : Zezi, on being released from prison for smuggling, is ordered to ladies. to this is a of fast action and romantic leave the country. His incarceration has not lessened his craving for care of the two Added welter episodes. female society, but he finds his mistress false. A young girl, trying to sell vacuum-cleaners, calls at his home. Half-starved, she collapses. The Acting : Victor McLaglen is, of course, the only one who really matters, blackleg’s heart is touched, and he befriends her. Gratitude on her side and his performance far outshines any other member of the cast. As a develops to love. Though she takes the place of the false one, she urges cocksure officer in a fourth-rate army, full of bravado and conceit, his the man to marry her. This he does, though he has a wife, from whom portrayal is exceedingly good. Mona Mavis makes a charming ornamen- he is separated. She appears and threatens the bigamist. He buys tation, and Bogart does well as Standish. Vavitch is convincing as her off with money and jewels, and a divorce is arranged. He reaches Morloff the bandit. home in time to save the life of the girl he loves, who has attempted suicide. : There is a realistic atmosphere in the wide vistas of Mexico, The couple prepare to leave the country. Production the dress of the people and the well-mounted interiors. The fight at Comment : The forceful personality of the star is this picture’s chief the hacienda is splendidly staged. -asset. Henry George presents Zezi as a grossly vigorous and bumptious Sound : Sound effects are good without being overdone, and the dialogue individual. But though he has a black record and a front of brass, when is well recorded. the girl appears and he falls under her influence his savage nature gradual! changes, and the spectator’s sympathetic interest is thoroughly aroused. . on Film.) and there are many dramatic episodes. A little humour is introduced ( R.C.A Sound by a minservant, a part cleverly played by Paul Horbiger. An under- Offered by : Ideal. Directed by : Lowell Sherman. Length : 6,327 feet. current of pathos is present in the helplessness of the girl. Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate A. Type Social drama, based on a stage play by Samuel Shipman. Cast : Bebe Daniels, Olive Tell, Acting : Though Henry George dominates the picture, Betty Amann Lowell Sherman, Kenneth Thomson, Bert Roach. has a good part as heroine, which she fills not only in a pleasing manner, : back, her but with emotional talent, especially towards the close after wife No. 1 IN BRIEF Effective story of a resourceful wife who wins has interviewed the girl and she recognises her position. A few minor husband by becoming secretary to the woman who has fleeced him. characters are introduced, and all are well played. Ingenious direction. Remarkable acting. Brilliant dialogue. : For Production : After the opening prison scene action takes place chiefly Suitability adults at good-class houses. •at a luxurious flat. The photography is excellent, and there are some Selling Angles : The emotional acting of Bebe Daniels, the story’s bizarre effects when the heroine attempts suffocation. interest, with the insincerities and infidelities of the wealthy gamblers. £< ” Plot : Dorsey confesses to his wife that he has been unfaithful and is Concentratin’ Kid a ruined man, being in the clutches of an unscrupulous woman who lives by gambling. In addition, she holds a note he is unable to meet. The ( Western F.leclric Sound on Film.) broken-hearted wife leaves him, and under her maiden name obtains Ottered by: Universal. Directed by: Arthur Rosson. Length: 5,193 the position of secretary; the syren requiring a lady to entertain her feet. Release Date : Not : : fixed. Certificate U. Type Western aristocratic guests, play cards and flirt—but not with men reserved for drama. Cast : Hoot Gibson, Kathryn Crawford, James Mason. herself. Though callous and mercenary she loves a cynical worldling IN BAIEF : A cowboy falls in love with a girl’s voice over the radio, who visits her rooms. When he shows interest in the secretary there is makes a bet he will marry her and wins. Cattle rustling episodes. De- friction. Dorsey also appears, but is enjoined to silence by his wife. lightful exteriors and admirable photography. Good recording of elemen- After leading on the cynic to propose, she gets possession of her employer’s tary dialogue. valuables, returns to her home, and reveals her identity. Ultimately husband and wife are reconciled. Suitability : A most acceptable booking where “ Westerns ” are appreciated. Comment : This picture is noteworthy for much dialogue, clever acting and dramatic situations. If the conversation is superabundant and Selling Angles : Star, story, romance. moral tone dubious, it is Daniels its certainly amusing ; the acting of Bebe Plot : A young rancher, in a moment of pique, bets his pal that he and Lowell Sherman is of a high order opening scene between ; while the will marry the girl whose voice has thrilled him over the wireless. Chance husband and wife, events at the gambling saloon, and the “ lawful brings the girl to a neighbouring township and everything goes swimmingly larceny ” are absorbing. Therefore, though the story is in essence until she discovers the bet. During the girl’s final appearance, however, novelettish, interest bites hard from start to finish, and this in spite of a bunch of rustlers commence operations, the chief of whom kidnaps the the fact that the reunion of husband and wife is a foregone conclusion. girl. Single-handed the love-sick swain follows, routs the crooks, and A little humour is introduced by two docile husbands who doze while wins, the everlasting gratitude of the girl, to say nothing of the bet. their wives are cheated at the card table by the adventuress. ” ; November 12 1930 3 , THE BIOSCOPE $ Acting : Bebe Daniels gives a strong performance as the energetic wife, Plot : The wealth of Cyrus West is left to Annabelle West, but on con- and in several scenes displays considerable emotional power. Next in dition that she is of sound mind. This fact is revealed by the lawyer at importance is the delightful impersonation of the polished drawling cynic a midnight meeting of the relatives. The conditions are such that the by Lowell Sherman. The husband is played by Kenneth Thomson whole assembly have to stay the night in the mysterious mansion, and excellent in the opening scene already mentioned. The schemer for the immediately there commences a series of weird happenings. All these love and cash of men is splendidly presented by Olive Tell. directly affect the young beneficiary. The lawyer mysteriously disappears- while in her presence, to be found dead later, and jewels are clutched Production : Action takes place in luxurious interiors. from her neck. By the intervention of her fiance the plot is laid open Sound : The voices are distinct in every case. to reveal that the man who is to benefit after her has endeavoured to create in her a state of mind which would not comply with the requirements of : : Travel Not fixed. Certificate U. Type film. panels and hand-to-hand encounters with mysteriously disguised IN BRIEF : A remarkably interesting study of Penguin life. Wonderful individuals, but it nevertheless achieves its object. The ultimate end. shots of hosts of these quaint birds. Plenty of comical touches and not a is at least well hidden, and the unmasking of the real culprit comes as a little pathos. Commentary by Kearton on facetious lines. Admirable distinct surprise. glimpses of the wild denizens of the African jungle. Acting : Helen Twelvetrees does well as the ill-used Annabelle, and Suitability : An excellent offering of its type. good support comes from Raymond Hackett as her lover, and Neil Hamilton Selling Angles : Remarkable photography, humorous bearing of bird in the role of the guilty party. Lilyan Tashman is convincing as a very actors, shots of wild animals. modern miss, but one who readily acknowledges she has nerves, and Blanche Frederici is excellent as the spiritualistic old servant who can’t The Film : Kearton takes us to the island of Dassan, situated south refrain from telling of the gruesome happenings which have taken place of South Africa, and there one of the most remarkable sights ever screened in the old house. opens up before us. Five million Jackass Penguins are said to live in an area 2£ miles by 1 mile, and a sight of what appears to be fully that Production : The whole of the action takes place in various rooms of number swarming down to the sea is truly remarkable. We follow their the house. All are well arranged and calculated to produce the maximum habits and peculiar little ways from the nest onwards, and to the student amount of mystery. of nature these very human-like specimens will prove of absorbing interest. It is said that at a particular period of the year these birds Sound : The sound effects, thunderstorms, howling wind and a variety trek to warmer climes and we are permitted to accompany northwards of noises are quite adequate. Dialogue is clear. them, and be introduced to the variety of animal life met with on the African continent. These shots are particularly fine. Kearton accom- panies the film with a spasmodic and facetious commentary in which he “ ” indulges in some puns which are almost bound to get the laughs. Treason ( Klangfilm on Disc.) c< ” Meyer. : : Johannes Length Plunder Offered by Wardour Films. Directed by : 7,751 feet. Certificate: A. Release Date: Not fixed. Type: (Western Electric on Film.) Russian melodrama. Cast : Gerda Maurus, Gustav Frohlich, Harry Hardt. Offered by: W. and F. Directed by: Tom Walls. Length: 7,300 feet approx. Certificate : U. Release Date : Not fixed. Type : Comedy. anarchy. IN BRIEF : Sombre picture of Russian oppression and Cast Ralph Lynn, Walls, Winifred Shotter, Robertson Hare, Tom Elaborate and artistic production, very well acted. The story has con- Mary Brough. siderable dramatic interest but is unduly drawn out, and the ending is IN BRIEF Effective adaptation of the successful comedy from the unconvincing. Aldwych Theatre, brilliantly played by the original cast. A certain success silent Suitability : Effective item for good class halls where a picture- with every class of audience. is acceptable. Suitability : For any house. Selling Angles : The beauty and talent of Gerda Maurus ; the acting Selling Angles : The names of Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls the great ; of Gustav Frohlich and strong company the elaborate settings. reputation of the Aldwych comedies the success of the film at the Gala ; ; Performance. Plot The Countess Vera Starshenski becomes involved in an anarchist plot to assassinate a Russian Grand Duke on his state entry into Warsaw. Plot : Fred Malone schemes to relieve Mrs. Hewlett of some valuable the ineffective explosion jewels and to carry out his plans induces D’Arcy Tuck to assist him in At the last moment her courage fails, and after crowd. She takes, a burglary, ostensibly for the benefit of D’Arcy’s fiancee, Joan Hewlett, of a bomb Vera escapes by mingling with the flying student, though Mrs. Hewlett’s step-daughter, who has been superseded in her inheritance. refuge in the room of Vassili Gurmai, a poor young and to allay their sus- D’Arcy thoroughly bungles the burglary, a hint of murder calls Scotland the house is searched by the police, Vassili manages makes an appointment to meet Yard to the scene, which all leads up to the cross-examination of D’Arcy picions. The two fall in love and Vera meantime, Vassili is visited by the- by officials of the Yard, for which scene the play was obviously written. at Zurich in a month’s time. In the police and questioned about the woman to whom he gave shelter. For : A plot so slight as hardly to give opportunities to many of Comment his refusal to give information he is sent to Siberia and Vera waits in the brilliant interprets it, and rather unnecessarily intro- company which vain at Zurich. Prince Stolin, a persistent suitor for Vera’s hand, learns- duces a suggestion of tragedy, has been so skilfully adapted and so of this love affair, and tells Vera that if she will marry him he will secure adroitly directed with the object of leading up to one gloriously funny Vassili’s pardon. She consents and he shows her a letter which he and most ingeniously contrived scene, that the result can be nothing writes to the Governor of the prison, but he treacherously adds a post- but a popular success. Compared with previous films in which this ” script directing that Vassili should be shot in attempting to escape. company has appeared under the direction of Mr. Walls, “ Plunder This note falls into Vassili’s hands and he is persuaded that Vera is plotting must take a secondary place, but there is still enough in it to please greatly his death. He manages to escape and returns to Warsaw determined, the average picture-goer. on revenge. The lovers meet in his old room and Vera has little difficulty alone. Acting : The acting honours go to Ralph Lynn, whose perfect comic in convincing Vassili that she loves him art is shown in the cross-examination scene, which is practically a mono- of a somewhat old- Comment : This is fairly effective melodrama logue with interlocutory obligato. Mary Brough, with great art, con- fashioned type, of the kind when calculated vice was personified by the trives to make herself almost disagreeable. Tom Walls, playing with Russian aristocracy and persecuted virtue suffered in the underground, polished restraint, is content with his effective work as producer, and meeting places of high-minded bomb throwers and inspired assassins. in the celebrated Aldwych Company, as usual, shows its pre-eminence It is richly illustrated with the military pageantry of the despicable perfect team work. oppressors and remarkably well played, not only by a very beautiful and noble-minded if rather indecisive hero, but particularly by Production : The settings, including convincing interiors of Scotland heroine Yard, are appropriate and effective in every way. the representatives of aristocratic villainy who realise that they have the best acting part, The story is unduly protracted by unnecessary Sound : The recording is entirely satisfactory. episodes, an instance being a frustrated attempt at escape by the hero which has no dramatic significance and weakens the effect of his successful c< escape later on. There is also a scene where the hero makes a long The Cat Creeps statement to a fellow prisoner which could only be effective in a talking picture, as it is not till some time later that the spectator learns the (Western Electric Sound on Film.) matter of which he speaks. As a non-dialogue picture it lacks dramatic Offered by : Universal. Directed by : Rupert Julian. Length: 6,707 feet. action but will satisfy many by its picturesque settings and the beauty Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate: A. Type : Mystery melodrama. and charm of the heroine. Cast: Helen Twelvetrees, Neil Hamilton, Lilyan Tashman, Montagu Maurus as Vera is enough Acting : The great beauty and charm of Gerda Love, Raymond Hackett, Hersholt. Jean to condone some weakness in the story and ensure sympathetic appre- “ IN BRIEF : Sound and dialogue version of Cat and the Canary.” ciation from her audience. She is well supported by that sterling actor Story deals with plot to become beneficiary under a will by driving a girl Gustav Frohlich, who makes an indefinite character human and con- insane. Well-mounted interiors, grotesquely made up villain and vincing. Harry Hardt gives a most polished and effective performance mysterious murder ensure thoroughly eerie atmosphere. Good direction of Count Stolin, and every minor part is admirably played. and excellent acting. Unexpected and highly dramatic climax. Good convey an air of great dis- Production : The settings and uniforms dialogue. Well recorded. tinction and the photography is excellent. Suitability : Good popular entertainment. Sound : Confused mob cries and incidental music might be better an effective orchestra. Selling Angles : Story, mystery, cast. rendered by 34 THE BIOSCOPE November 12 , 1930 her manner is boisterous and her humour crude. Not recommended for Short Features critical halls. “ HOLD THE BABY.” P.D.C .) R.C.A. sound on film and disc. ( “ SPIKE SPEAKS.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. Sound Comedy. Length: 1,624 feet. Release: February 2, 1931. Length: 965 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. Certificate : U. The tribulations of a silly-billy who attempts to amuse Frank Moulan is assisted by Bertram Peacock, Frank Croxton and Jospen his sister-in-law’s baby. The yells and facial expression of the little one Barry in a prison scene which forms a background for a series of humorous will please at houses. many song numbers. Popular halls will like this one. “ GLIDING.” {P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Grantland Rice “ Sound Sportlight. Length: 850 feet. Release: April 27, 1931. Certi- STAGE DOOR PEST.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. T Length: 960 feet. Certificate: U. Release: ficate : l . An extremely interesting demonstration and description by January, 1931, approx. “ two speakers of this important development in flying. Good for any Boyce Coombes gives a perfojmapce similar to that in Parlour Pest,” house. and equally as good. It is also a quite useful offering. • ONE NUTTY NIGHT.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Sound “A DAY OF A MAN OF AFFAIRS.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) Comedy. Length: 1,832 feet. Release : January 26, 1931. Certificate: W.E. on disc. Length : 1,135 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, U. The ridiculous antics of two acrobatic detectives who visit a lonely 1931, approx. This is an imaginative piece of work, unfolding the story capture house and a madman. Much clever burlesque work. Strong of a man’s philandering, ending at the altar. The dialogue is sung through- juvenile appeal. out, the cast including Arthur Campbell, Maurice Holland and Ethel “ SKI HIGH FROLICS. (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Grant- Dalton. Useful as a light filler. land Rice Sound Sportlight. Length : 769 feet. Release : April 13, “JAIL HOUSE BLUES.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on 1931. Certificate : U. A company of light-hearted young people ascend disc. Length: 900 feet. Certificate: Pike’s Peak, Colorado, some by donkey riding, others by the mountain U. Release: January, 1931, approx. Two negroes in jail indulge in back-chat railway. A pleasing and well-photographed scenic. with each other and a warder, and Mamie .Smith, a coloured singer, joins in. As the dialogue ‘ SELF-DEFENCE.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Grant- is almost inaudible there is little to appeal in this reel. land Rice Sound Sportlight. Length : 893 feet. Release : May 11, 1931. “ Certificate : U. Youthful boxers give demonstrations while training KID THE KIDDER.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Length : and in the ring. A speaker dwells eloquently on the value of the sport. 1,936 feet. Release: February 9, 1931. Certificate: U. A campus Juvenile appeal. story in which a swollen-headed youth gets the laugh on those who teach him a lesson. Good popular fare. ” FROZEN FROLICS.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Aesop’s Fable Sound Cartoon. Length : 661 feet. Release 1931. : July 13, “DUDE RANCHING.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Length : : Explorers encounter adventures in Certificate U. amazing regions of 828 feet. Release: May 25, 1931. A Grantland Rice Sound Sportlight. ice, while penguins and other funniosities delight with dancing. snow and Delightful scenery in a picture of a girl’s encampment on a ranch in tuneful. Exhilarating and Wyoming. Shots of bucking bronchos and occasional fireside songs “ LOVE THAT KILLS.” (P.D.C.) R.C.A. on film and disc. Vaga- make this a popular featurette. bond Adventure Series. Length : 915 feet. Release : December 15, (P.D.C.) Grantland Rice. 1930. Certificate: U. Finely photographed glimpses of a Malay village “COBB GOES FISHING.” R.C.A. on film and disc. Length: 852 feet. Release: 1931. built on piles over a brimming river, fishing in the swamps, tapping rubber June 8, This is of rather limited appeal, most of the footage being taken with a disserta- trees, and a love tragedy before an enormous statue of Buddha. up tion on the qualities of fishing as a hobby. “ HAWAHAN ROMANCE.” (W. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on “FARM FOOLERY.” (P.D.C.) Aesop’s Fable. R.C.A. on film disc. Length : 990 feet. Certificate : U. Release : Approx. January, and disc. Length : 724 feet. Release July 27, 1931. This number 1931. Holua Hawaiians in a colourful, though pointless, scena, providing : fully maintains the quality of the series. Good fill-up for most halls. a background for languorous Southern music. May attract as an atmosphere novelty. “ THE EBONY SHRINE.” (P.D.C.) Vagabond Adventure. R.C.A. on film and disc. Length : 935 feet. Release : December 29, 1930. ‘BOY WANTED.” W . and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. ( Tom Terriss takes us to Guatemala, in Central America, amid the ruins of Length: 851 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. Spanish temples, and reveals something of their past splendour. Better- Joe Phillips plays the part of a newly engaged restaurant assistant in class audiences will find this distinctly interesting. this comedy number. The humour is, however, a little overdrawn and not very convincing. “SATAN’S FURY.” (P.D.C.) Vagabond Adventure. R.C.A. on “ A CONTINENTAL EVENING.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. film and disc. Length: 953 feet. Release: January 12, 1931. Accom- on disc. Length: 1,000 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, panied by a rather melodramatic commentary, Terriss unfolds an adven- approx. Fay Marbe uses the opportunity to put over popular numbers ture among the hot springs of New Zealand. These remarkable pictures in English, French and German. She has a happy manner and succeeds should interest anywhere. in getting her personality beyond the limitations of the screen. This “ ” DISCONTENTED COWBOYS ( Universal). Comedy. Length : short should get over in almost any programme. 1,743 feet. Release: March 16, 1931. Certificate: U. The now well- known comedy team, Charles Murray and George Sidney, as two city “DO IT NOW!” ( W. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. Length: 925 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. Gladys men who proceed to a farm for rest. They start off badly with a wild Clark and Henry Bergman, Jewish comedians, meet outside the church, motor ride, but worse is to come from a tyrannous farm foreman. Good where the lady has been left stranded in her bridal robes. The occasion popular fare. song, “ Going to — demands considerable back-chat and a What You Do “GO TO BLAZES" (Universal). Comedy. Length: 1,731 feet. ” Do Now ? Of limited appeal. Release: February 16, 1931. Certificate: U. As a couple of would-be “ ON THE LEVEE.” (IT. and /•'.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. firemen, Murray and Sidney excel in the tomfoolery line. To enable a Length: 615 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. young fireman to attend a sports meeting they take charge of the station, Jules Bledsoe, a coloured singer (who appeared in Ziegfeld’s “Show and manage to create fires rather than prevent them. Their attempts Boat ”), proves himself in excellent voice, and is supported by an adequate to extinguish a fire and to save life will more than satisfy any audierlce. background. Acceptable in most halls. “THE FOWL BALL” (Universal). Oswald Cartoon. Length: “PARLOUR PEST.” (IT. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. 597 feet. Release: Not fixed. Certificate: U. This is a specially Length: 812 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. clever number of this series, and besides the inimitable rabbit, depicts a Boyce Coombes and Walter Fenner. Boyce Coombes has the lion’s share frog orchestra, each member of which finds its way inside a weird and of this short, in the part of a society bore. His facial expression in wonderful waterfowl. Quite entertaining. monologue and an amusing sneezing song are both good. An acceptable “HAPPY SALESMEN” (Universal). Oswald Cartoon. Length: booking, if only for the fact that the voices are almost English. 486 feet. Release: Not fixed. Certificate: U. Oswald has a hectic “ RADIA-TORS.” (W. and F.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. time in a in jsical instrument shop and manages to dispose of the contents. Length: 875 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx. Fair average entertainment. The Utica Jubilee Singers, a negro quartet, give a good display of harmony, “THE FRESHMAN’S GOAT.” (Ideal Talkomedy.) Length: 1,787 followed by a massed chorus singing a spiritual. Would be accepted feet. Release : Not fixed. Certificate:^ Ray Cooke, Marion Shockley. by impartial audiences. Diverting proceedings of a crowd of excitable and boisterous young people, “ SNAPPY CO-EDS.” (W. and F'.) (Victor Gem.) W.E. on disc. who on returning to a co-ed. college dispute for the ownership of a goat, Length: 807 feet. Certificate: U. Release: January, 1931, approx and settle the matter by a strenuous cross-country motor race. A picture Nan Blackstone sings some hot numbers to her college girl-friends, but full of laughs for the multitude. 65 PUBLICATIONS for 10/6 APPLY TO “ THE BIOSCOPE” FOR FULL PARTICULARS . November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 35 At the C.E.A. Meetings What the Branches are Saying and Doing the Branch asked for information as to the rule in tograph licence and whether they conformed to all Sussex Approves other areas, adding that they had instructed their the regulations laid dow'n for the cinemas. solicitor to apply for a mandamus. The secretary Mr. Holland added that, the Oddfellow's’ Hall was Booking Inquiry (A. Daniels) stated that, he had informed the Branch built over shops, the performances being given upstairs. that, the local regulation only applied to children In his Opinion, it was not suitable for children's enter- tainments of this and if inflammable films Further complaints as to the alleged failure of unaccompanied by an adult. character, were used, the regulations ought to he complied with. certain renters to carry out their promises in regard He also questioned whether a skilled projectionist was t.o guarantees and disc charges were made at the Small Halls’ Expenses monthly meeting of the Sussex Branch of the C.E.A. employed. In connection with the inquiry being made by the The Chairman expressed considerable concern as on Tuesday. J. Van Koert presided over a good C.E.A. into the position of the small halls, which and attendance. to the possibilities of another Paisley disaster, have been asked to furnish a return of their expenses Mr. Blake commented that, if anything did happen It was stated that an adjustment had been made and standing charges, receipts, etc., a circular was it was which would get. the blame. in the case of a member of the Branch who, at tin- the cinemas received from the general secretary in which he stated Tiie to get into com- previous meeting, stated that he had been called upon Secretary was instructed that the General Council had paid special attention munication with the Clerk on the matter. to pay a guarantee although a promise had been made Town to the difficult position in which the smaller exhibitors to the contrary, but the Chairman said the position found themselves, owing to increased film rentals and was altogether unsatisfactory. He thought the also the cost of apparatus consequent upon the intro- General Council should take up the matter very duction of talking pictures. The seriousness of the strongly. Two firms who were supposed to be on the Light Meeting at situation vras fully appreciated, and one or two leading “ White List ” were still insisting upon guarantees, renters at. least were prepared to discuss ways and and a definite ruling should be asked for by the C.E.A. means of maintaining the smaller halls in business. Birmingham On the motion of the Chairman it was decided to An assurance was also given in regard to the informa- ask the General Council to approach Warner Bros, A general meeting of the Birmingham Branch w'as tion asked for, winch was confined to halls whose First National for a statement as to their policy held on Friday, October 31st. Harry Devey, in the and takings do not exceed £150 a week, that in no case with regard to guarantees. chair, was supported by 21 members. would the name of any member or his cinema be Councillor E. Hewitson reported upon the last disclosed, even to members of the committee. Booking Charges Inquiry Council meeting. A. F. S. Adams was of opinion that, the figure of A letter was received from the General Secretary £150 was rather low', and suggested that it would be to the decision of the General Council calling attention more beneficial if it. w-as placed at £200. Annual Licensing Day to appoint a committee to inquire into the question The Secretary explained that £150 should be Members were reminded that the annual Licensing of booking charges, particularly for small halls. taken as the average, and it was added by Gordon Session would be held on Monday. Councillor Harold Randolph Richards said he hoped small exhibitors Pannell that the idea was that only those under Roberts had been instructed to apply for the renewal would fill in the form which was being sent out so £150 wanted help. of the licences, and it was agreed that he should that the committee would have some data upon Mr. Adams, however, urged that the expenses of comment upon the work of the Technical Committee, which to work. The information would be absolutely the halls taking £200 w-ere in many cases as heavy to which reference w'ould be made by the Chafrman, secret, and the committee carrying out the investi- as those of some of the larger halls. also that he be asked to comment upon the increasing gations would not even have the names of the theatres The Secretary said he thought the committee number of licences being granted, and to refer generally before them. appointed by the General Council proposed to try “ to the question of Sunday opening, mentioning the The Chairman : There is no secrecy to-day. and get, the renters to provide a complete programme ” anomaly of Smethwick and Castle Bromwich being We are only one degree below the tied public-house ! at an all-in figure for the smaller halls, and he believed adjacent to Birmingham. Randolph Richards said there was frequently a that the information being sought would be very cry that the C.E.A. never helped the small man. helpful. Here was a chance for the small man to avail himself Technical Committee which he obviously could not get without of help Sunday Performances some power behind him. A. W. Rogers reported the position with regard Attention w'as drawn by the Secretary to the to the work of the Technical Committee, stating that Sunday Charity Shows recommendation of the General Council that Branches two more houses had joined the scheme, making 42 in Randolph Richards, reporting upon the meeting should give sympathetic consideration to requests to all, and expressed the hope that more members would of the General Council, called attention to an appeal support the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, join and support the efforts of the Committee. outside being issued on behalf of the Trade Benevolent Fund. particularly by means of Sunday performances. Two new inspectors had been engaged the The opinion was generally expressed that local J. Holland referred to the fact that, a new hostel industry and were doing the work satisfactorily, and Councils would accede to a request for Sunday opening for boys had recently been opened in Portsmouth, and he commented on the fact that, whereas there were fires in previous year, for the 10 in those areas where it was not already in vogue if said that he had received a letter signed by, among 22 reported the reported, ttie performances were on behalf of charity, and the others, the Bishop of Portsmouth and the Lord Mayor months of this year only 10 had been many members present agreed to a proposal by the Chairman asking whether he would be prepared to give a donation of these being very trivial. that a special effort should be made. to the hostel, provide a bed, or give a Sunday per- It was agreed that, with regard to the previous their remarkably It was decided to circularise the hall not repre- formance. inspectors, who had done work sented at the meeting, and to form a small committee Several members said they were quite willing to well, the Brandi confirm the thanks of the Technical to carry out, the necessary arrangements. give a Sunday performance and divide the proceeds Committee, which had been conveyed to them. between the hostel and the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund, and it, was eventually decided to Short Film submit an application to the City Council on these Unlicensed Children’s lines, with a copy of the letter referred to. Suggestion was made that a short film should be made to be used in view of a breakdown of the appara- tus, to explain the cause thereof, which the members Shows at Portsmouth Children's Shows should show periodically on their screens. The sug- The troubles of small exhibitors and the conditions F. B. B. Blake produced a cutting from a local gestion was approved, and it was agreed to ask W. under which children's performances were being given newspaper drawing attention to a new experiment East Smith, of the Grange, to be good enough to make at unlicensed halls, formed the two principal topics by the Entertainment Committee of the Portsmouth ' he necessary arrangements and to draft the wording of discussion at the monthly meeting of Portsmouth Welfare Association for the Young, who were now' Branch. The chairman (H. J. Cook) presided. giving cinema shows for children in place of cinema Electrical Charges lectures as hitherto, leaving the films, by their captions, Children Under 16 < to speak for themselves. It was mentioned that Members were reminded of the new rate for current In a letter from the Northern Branch reference “ Mickey Mouse ” was among the films shown, and which had been arranged with the Birmingham was made to the resolution of Liverpool justices that that hundreds of children had to be turned away. Electric Supply Department, and were advised, if in future children under 16 should not be admitted Mr. Blake pointed out that these shows were being they had not done so, to sign the agreement as soon ” to the performances of “ A films, even though given at, the Oddfellows' Hall and St. Peter's Institute, as possible, as the new rates were proving beneficial accompanied by a parent or bmw fide guardian, and and he questioned whether these places had a cinema- to the members. PDC FOR THE BEST SHORTS — 36 THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 News from the Territories “ From The Bioscope’s ” Special Representatives be shown, compared with 20 ft. 6 ins. by 15 ft. Trade Show at the Forum Manchester and Liverpool on the old screen. The size of the picture can be The first trade show at the Forum, which varied by means of control switches in the (Representative: Fred Gronback, 18, Coningsby Road opened during the past week-end, took place on Telephone: Anfielal289> operating box. Anfield, Liverpool. Tuesday last, when Wardour Films showed to D. C. Williamson, chairman of the Liverpool Midland exhibitors their film “ Compromising E. T.U. Strike Committee, announced on Friday Sunday Show for Colwyn Bay Daphne.” All present were favourably impressed that the cinema dispute on Merseyside was not In giving permission for the Cosy Cinema with the very fine acoustics appertaining to this necessarily at an end, but was at the moment in to be used for a Sunday evening performance in hall. abeyance. aid of the Earl Haig Fund, the Colwyn Bay magistrates let it be known that the decision Challenge to Exhibitors F. N.P. Carnival Ball “ must not be taken as a precedent. This is not I have been requested to offer a challenge First National- Pathe, Ltd., Manchester, are the thin end of the wedge for Sunday opening,” to the exhibiting side of the trade to a football to hold a carnival ball at the Plaza Ballroom, replied Mr. Osborn, for the Cambria and Border match against the renting section. On the “ Manchester, on November 28th. Dancing will Cinemas, Ltd., for the proprietors of the cinema renting side it is suggested that the team shall be to 2 and prizes will are not eager to open seven days a week.” confined to be from 8 p.m. a.m. , the renting managers and repre- be awarded for the best fancy dress costumes. sentatives, whilst on the exhibiting side it shall There will also be a cabaret act. Bert Bushell, Sunlight Film be confined solely to the exhibitors. Managers F.N.P.’s Manchester branch manager, is organis- British Instructional Films are at work on a desirous of accepting this challenge are asked ing the function. Tickets are 4s. each, including complete film of Port Sunlight. to get in touch with Vic Smith at the local office refreshments. of Universal Pictures. Liverpool's Clean Bill Birmingham and Midlands Ballroom for Brookville, Coventry “ No complaints have been received from the A. N. Colburn, manager of the Brookville police or any member of the public as to the (Representative: O. Fordjones, " Winona," Hugh Theatre, Coventry, writes to the effect that the character of the films shown at any of the cinemas Road, Smethwick, Birmingham. new ballroom extension has been completed Smethwick during the last 12 months,” states the annual Telephone: 289> and was opened on Saturday last. report of the Theatres and Public Entertainments The whole of the renting organisations in the Operators Not Strike Committee of the Liverpool Justices. During Birmingham district have agreed to supply free Do Want the year plans for the erection of six new cinemas programmes in connection with the suggested The Cinema Operators’ Branch of the Electrical have been approved. The number of places special Sunday concerts which, it is understood, Trades Union reported at their meetingin Birming- licensed by the City Justices for public enter- will take place during a period extending from ham that the impression had been made that tainment is as follows : January to May, the proceeds of which are to go the only action they desired to take against the- Theatres, 14 (13 theatres also hold music-hall to the Benevolent Fund. This feature last year C.E.A. was to strike. The Secretary (Councillor licences, 8 have in addition a cinematograph proved financially helpful to the Fund, and it is W. Lewis) said they were anxious for the public licence) premises holding cinematograph licences ; hoped that proprietors who have not as yet to know that this was not true, and what they and used regularly as cinemas, 68 (of these 2 hold communicated the date of their particular show wished for was to meet the representatives of music-hall licences, 31 have licences for dancing, to F. R. Dace, secretary, will do so, as an early the Association and discuss the position. They music and singing and 35 have licences for music notification will considerably facilitate the were awaiting a further letter from the C.E.A- singing) premises holding cinematograph and ; renters’ work in providing the programmes. before deciding on any further action. licences for occasional exhibitions, 2 ; premises licensed for dancing, music, singing or other Technical Committee Late Start Trade Shows public entertainment of the like kind (other There have been many complaints of late- than music halls), 156. Forty-two cinemas have joined the Technical Committee scheme which was commenced last regarding the difference between the advertised ” time of commencement of Birmingham trade Late Converts to “ Talkies year by the C.E.A., and it is interesting to note that, whereas last year 22 fires were reported, shows and the actual time of starting. During" Two Lancashire cinemas, the Empire, Bury, so far for the present year there have only been the past week instances have been cited where and the Alliance, Wigan, commenced showing the been delayed 25 ten, some of which, it is understood, were of only show has minutes and talking pictures over the British Acoustic system 28 a trivial nature. minutes, much to the annoyance of exhibitors last week. The Empire is one of the theatres of who have travelled from Coventry and other Red Rose Cinemas, Ltd., of which I. Jacobsen outlying areas. I pass Christmas Tree Fund this complaint on to renters is the principal. for their consideration. Some little time back, “ Collections in Birmingham cinemas for The renters insisted on the doors being closed at the- Remembrance Day at the Cinemas Mail Christmas Tree Fund ” (an organisation time of commencing the show, and the exhibitor Alderman Edwin Haigh and Jack Haigh, of which provides for Birmingham’s poor at finding himself on the wrong side of the door was Liverpool, have put in many hours’ work in an Christmas) will this year be taken on December 4th, left in the cold. The result was that there was endeavour to make the sale of Flanders poppies 5th and 6th. Lewin Samuel has undertaken to a general endeavour to arrive on time, but the distribution of the collection boxes, at the cinemas an independent effort on the part supervise the prolonged delays of the past week or so will do- of the trade. Last week, father and son visited as in former years. much to induce them to revert to the old method. all the Liverpool cinemas to make arrangements for the sale of the poppies by the cinema staffs. Hospital Sunday’s £3,157 Ideal Cinema To Reopen Collections from the Cinema Hospital Sunday The Ideal Cinema, King’s Heath, which has Wide Screen for Universal Theatre effort have this year so far brought in £3,157, bsen closed down for a period for the installation The New Oxford Theatre, Manchester, is now and it is hoped that other amounts outstanding of Western Electric apparatus, alterations and equipped with the Hall Giant Expanding Screen, will advance this sum to the total of £3,500 reconditioning, will reopen at the end of the by means of which a picture 32 ft. by 24 ft. can originally aimed at. present month. A group of revellers at the Birmingham Cinema Carnival at the Edgbaston Assembly Rooms. In the picture arelmany prominent exhibitors, including Messrs. Frewin, Buckley, Hewitson, C. Brettal, J. Rutter, Lewin P. Samuels, Wally RobertSxand A. G. May ! November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 37 The Threat That Failed adolescents as well. They were not asking for one of the painters, who seized a fire extinguisher State Censorship, but for a full Government and quickly put out the flames, undoubtedly To protest against an application for a licence inquiry. We are agreed some of the films are averted a big blaze. for a Sunday cinema performance on Armistice indecent, and think that is a word that is not in Sunday in aid of the funds of the British Legion, any way too strong. Pledge Atherstone clergy announced their intention of A Redeemed Dr. Newsholme, Birmingham Medical Officer .appearing in person before the local magistrates. Fred Morrison, the well-known member of the of Health, said that undoubtedly the cinema They did not appear, however, and, as there Northern Branch C.E. astounded his acquaint- industry- had been of benefit to a large number A., was no other objection, the application was ances the other day by- pulling a packet out of his of people of mature mind, by making a sub- granted. pocket containing half-a-dozen military- medals. stantial contribution to art, drama, pictorial These, it transpired, belonged to a time-expired beauty and adventure. Unfortunately, however, The Cinema Carnival soldier who, in view of the approach of Armistice to those who were not of mature mind, there were Day, had begged Mr. Morrison to redeem his Over 500 enthusiastic participants thronged three blemishes in many- of the films—a false medals from pawn, so that he could wear them the Edgbaston Assembly Rooms on Tuesday- perspective, obsession of sex and sensationalism. for the occasion. With his usual generosity and evening, the occasion being the Cinema Ball and He condemned the posters which exaggerated kindliness, Mr. Morrison had acquiesced, and to Carnival under the auspices of the Birmingham certain scenes in the films they- had the appear- ; see that the money went to the proper quarter and Midland Cinematograph Trade Benevolent ance of exploiting the low curiosity- of the public Fund. Dancing continued until the early hours mind. he took his place amongst a motley crowd of “ pledgers ” and “ redeemers ” and interviewed of the morning. There were numerous interludes, Sidney- K. Lewis, manager of the Imperial “ Uncle.” notably a grand fancy dress parade and a lucky- Cinema, Moseley- Road, said they were anxious dip made by Donald Calthrop, the well-known to show the best that could be obtained, but the British film star, who also assisted in the judging cinemas were commercial concerns, and they had P.D.C.’s New Branch Chiel distribution of the prizes for the best costumes. and got to show what the public demanded. Chatting with George Jay, who has recently- “ the latest dance step, The Midway Rhythm,” Councillor MacDonald said the picture drawn taken over command of P.D.C.’s Northern was demonstrated, whilst an exhibition of that night was greatly exaggerated, not from branch, the other day, I gathered that he likes eccentric dancing was given by A1 Fields, with insincerity on the part of the speakers, but the Northern territory very much. He is very Keppy’s Esmeralda Dance Orchestra in attend- because they were not conversant with the films. pleased with the reception exhibitors gave him, ance. A. M. Anderson officiated as M.C., whilst What had been said was not only a reflection a newcomer to the North, and intimated that he organisation was in capable hands the general the on the Censorship, but also on the Entertainments was doing very good business, especially with his of F. R. Dace, Chas. Sanders and Lewin P. Committee of the Justices, who, he thought, shorts. Samuels. would see no harm came to the children. W. Gavazzi King (London) said that in 1917 More “ Talkie ” Halls Those Unofficial Censors he was a member of a Commission appointed to The Albert Hall, Dunston-on-Tyne, is being During the past week a party of three one inquire into the question under discussion. That — equipped with B.T.-H. apparatus, and the Palace, man with two lady friends has been visiting Commission’s findings had, apparently, been of — Haswell, Co. Durham, is also having a B.T.-H. a number of Birmingham and district theatres, no avail if the circumstances were such as disclosed set installed. It is expected that both halls purporting to represent an organisation for the in that meeting. will open with “ talkies ” next month. As far as furtherance of film censorship. At one house Councillor Dempster said that from his experi- Newcastle is concerned there only remain about where they arrived, upon request for free admis- ence the deduction to which the speakers had four cinemas where “ talkies ” have not as yet sion they were referred to the manager, who in attempted to lead the meeting was non-existent. been adopted. The latest conversion in the a short conversation could obtain no satisfaction He did not think they could possibly have the city is the West Jesmond Picture House, where as to what organisation they- represented, whilst right to dictate to the public what they should Western Electric apparatus has been installed. later they admitted that they were not conversant do and see. Two more halls on the circuit controlled by with the difference between an or a censor’s A U Stanley Rogers are being wired with B.T.P., the certificates. It would be interesting to know Empire, Blaydon, Co. Durham, and the Corona, if these persons were the true representatives of Four Northern Counties Felhng-on-Tyne. The Hippodrome, Thornley, is either the Cinema Inquiry Committee or the being to “ talkie ” (Reprtientative : Thos. F. Burgess, 242, Wingrove converted a cinema, and is Adult School Organisation, who are appointing Avenue, Newcastle-on-Tyne> expected to be ready- on November 17th. themselves unofficial censors of Birmingham’s film exhibitions. The advent of trade shows during the after- Morning Opening Application Fails Another instance is of an old lady of mature noons in Newcastle is proving a very popular years, who admits of not visiting a cinema for innovation. Last Friday there was a good Last Friday- an application was made to the several y-ears, who has been calling upon house- representation of trade members at the Gaiety, Gateshead magistrates for permission to open the holders to sign a petition for the suppression of when Universal screened the first six chapters Scala Cinema, Gateshead—a Gaumont-British a certain film, because she was informed it was of their serial “ Indians are Coming.” So far the house—on Saturday morning next, at 10 a.m., “ not all that it should be ! Whilst every exhibitor Gaiety is the only cinema in the city where this for the purpose of showing The Love Parade,” is always ready and anxious to assist those with experiment has been tried. There is no doubt to meet the public demand. a legitimate claim to the censorship of entertain- that the idea is proving of benefit to those Opposition was put forward by- the Chief Con- ments, the time is fast approaching when drastic exhibitors who come into the city from outlying stable of Gateshead, who said that if a cinema steps should be taken against such imposters districts, allowing them to view two trade shows remained open from 10 o’clock in the morning and busy-bodies.- during the day instead of one only-. until 11 o’clock at night, he considered it was not in the interests of the public health. He added Birmingham Film Society Annual Benefit that the cinemas in the town were conducted on orderly lines and instructions were alway-s carried The main object of the Birmingham Film Teddy Edwards, the popular manager of the “ out. From a strictly police point of view, Society, now being formed, is stated to be to Coliseum, Morpeth, is to receive his fourth annual however, he had no objection to the extension. study the cinema as an art by showing the best benefit to-night (Wednesday). By- the kind The application was refused. films of all nations.” The general secretary, permission of the directors of the theatre he has S. G. Hawes, of Hockley Heath, states that a arranged a bumper programme for the occasion, cinema is available for the society’s use, and that which includes the special engagement of an programmes will be carried out on alternative orchestra for the evening and half-a-dozen variety- Leeds and District evenings, if the licence, which is to be applied acts. As a special attraction Teddy has intro- (Representative: H. S. Pitts, " Yorkshire Evening for, is obtained. “ Our future depends upon the duced a rather unique competition for the ladies, Post," Leeds, or Leyburn Bingley) of “ Grove, success the application,” he said, so, until and is offering a prize of £1 to the y-oung lady general we get the licence, we are making no general between 16 and 21 with the longest head of hair. Clarence H. Hurst, manager of the Majestic, arranged to hold morning matinees, appeal for members, though the provisional By last week-end all seats were booked. committee is getting into touch with people likelv opening at 11 o’clock, of “Journey’s End” to be interested. hope to begin during this week. Trade shows are already booked We by showing Death in Cinema revivals of first-class old films, selected solely on Tuesday, Wednesday- and Friday, and so the on their artistic, technical or human-interest Whilst the evening performance was in progress house can only open to the public at 11 on the value. Many- of the pictures ranking high on one at the Scala Cinema, Gateshead, last Wednesday, other three days. or all of these counts are judged bv exhibitors a woman in the audience had a sudden seizure to have no box-office pull. The purpose of our and died shortly afterwards. Attendants who Lupino Lane in Leeds collapse, found carrying society will be to give Birmingham people the saw the woman on her The cinema ball and fancy dress carnival held was aid. chance of viewing some of the best films of to the entrance that she beyond The at the Majestic ballroom on Wednesday was a incident occurred so suddenly- that the to-day and yesterday.” audience great success, and as a result something like £200 anything untoward was unaware that had will be handed over to Jewish charities in the Inquiry Committee’s Criticisms happened. city. Lupino Lane and bis wife, Violet Bly-the, present Lupino At a meeting of the Birmingham Cinema Inquiry- were ; judged the fancy dresses, Committee on I-riday, present-day- films were Nearly a Big Fire among winch were many- film characterisations, the subject of much criticism, manv being What might have resulted in a disastrous fire and Mrs. Lane presented the prizes. described as warped Lupino has long regarded Leeds as his “ other and untrue to life. F. J. but was fortunately discovered in time at the Hickinbotham, presiding, explained that the King’s Theatre, Pelton, Co. Durham, on Thursday- home,” and it is not surprising that he has become primary- object of the meeting was to draw morning, was believed to have been caused by- associated with a new film producing venture attention to a petition recording a strong protest a patron having carelessly thrown a lighted in this country, with w-hich S. Bodlender, of Leeds against the harmful and undesirable nature of cigarette end on to one of the seats. The seat and Harrogate, is connected. many- of the films shown in picture houses, and had apparently been smouldering all night, for urging the Home Secretary to appoint a Com- on the arrival of the painters, who were redecorat- Christmas Day Pictures mittee of Inquiry into the matter with the least ing the place, they were met by dense clouds of Leeds Watch Committee recommend that possible delay. They wished to focus public smoke on opening the doors. The fresh air permission be granted for picture houses to open opinion upon this matter, because they were fanned the smouldering parts into a flame, which on Christmas Day from 12 noon to 10.30 p.m., seriously disturbed about the effect some of these shot up from a seat at the back of the gallery subject to the Chief Constable being satisfied films had not only on young children, but on near the operating box. The prompt action of that the films to be shown are suitable, and also ! . 38 THE BIOSCOPE November 12,^1930 that permission be granted for skating rinks to a regulation providing that the person in charge- be open during the same hours. Northern Ireland of an operating box must be at least 21 vears of ” Deaf People and “ Talkies (Repre«entative: George Gray, Fort Garry, Cregagh age. Park, A scheme is on foot in Leeds to provide deaf Belfast) people with special performances of silent pictures. A further step has been taken in connection Peterborough A. \V. Taylor, superintendent of the Leeds Deaf with the erection of a new cinema in Enniskillen During the early hours of Thursday morning and Dumb Institution, is seriously considering by the formation of a private company with the Peterborough Police Station was rung up, the question of a small cinematograph projector £5,000 capital, the signatories to which are and a voice asked for assistance at the Palace,. for use in the Institution, and there is some W. Scott, 151, Albertbridge Road, Belfast, and Broadway, where two men had broken in. Oa likelihood that a big room at the Institution in T. Rudwick, White Lodge, Strandtown, Belfast. being asked who it was that was speaking, the “ voice replied : Albion Street will eventually be used as a private Plans are now well ahead for proceeding with One of the men ! We’ve been on picture theatre. the work almost immediately. the rotten job for five hours, and we’re sick to death trying to open the safe.” It transpired Lyric’s New Set that many things—including gelignite had been Sheffield and District The Lyric, Belfast, one of the earliest houses — tried on the safe without success. (Representative George W. Hopkinson, 42, Broom' to go “ talkie,” has undergone improvements Incidentally, the feature at the Paiace field Grove, Rotherham) and has now had R.C.A. sound equipment at tne time was “ The Love Parade,” which has Despite statements which have been published installed. In the course of the next few weeks proved such a success that it had to be retained for a to the contrary, it is not the intention of the some eight or ten other houses in N orthern Ireland second week—an unusual event in Peterborough.. Sheffield City Council to compete in any way will be going over to “ talkies.” with existing cinema proprietors in the city when the new Sheffield City Hall is completed. An Interesting Case This assurance was forthcoming from Alderman Should a corporation treat cinema refuse as Sound Proofing of household or trade refuse and make an extra A. J. Bailey, Chairman of the City Hall Com- ” mittee. The simple facts are that the Committee charge for clearing it away ? In a prosecution Studios in the Belfast Police Court, the management of has approved a suggestion that the architect be INTERESTING S.M.P.E. LECTURE asked to make provision for cinematograph the West End Picture House held that such things as orange A valuable paper on performances in the large hall, it having been peel, apple cores and cigarette the Sound Proofing pointed out to the Committee that there are some cartons were household refuse and should be of Studios was read by Mr. C. W. Glover at removed free of very valuable films which can only be exhibited charge. The Magistrate, fining the meeting of the Society of Motion Picture the management 2s. 6d. and costs, said that he if large attendances can be secured, and that the Engineers (London Section) on Monday had come to the conclusion that the refuse was existing halls in the city are too small for the night before a large attendance. not household refuse. He had misgivings as to The lecturer purpose. described in detail whether it was trade refuse, and thought it was the theoretical acoustical Alderman A. J. Bailey points out that the hall something which problems confronting the architect in is simply to be equipped with the necessary came between the two. He con- apparatus, on the same lines as any other large made an order for the abatement of the nuisance. nection with the transmission of noises modern hall. Referring to the mention of valuable Squib Throwers through structures of various types, and in films, Alderman Bailey added that, although he Squib throwers are becoming a nuisance in the second part of his paper showed the agreed that there might be such pictures in the Belfast cinemas, and the magistrates have practical measures taken to control the did not know of any at the moment. future, he announced that they intend to deal severely Resonance and Reverberation period in with any further offenders, owing to the fact that talking studios. After describing how sounds serious consequences might ensue. When two Irish Free State vary in Pitch, Loudness and Tonal young men were charged with throwing squibs Quality (From a Special Correspondent) he showed in the Gaiety Cinema, the magistrates, after how the sound of a Clarinet Warners’ Changes lecturing them severely, fined one of them 10s. differed from other sounds of similar pitch Changes have taken place in the staff of Warner and £1 costs, whilst the other was given the and loudness by reason of its harmonic Brothers’ sales organisation for Ireland, and benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act. partials, clearly shown a promotions have been made from among members by graph of the various of the staff. Tommy Hanlon has resigned and Appreciated component waves. joined Walter MacNally’s sales staff for R.K.O., Ben McDowell and the directors of the Imperial After saying that the reverberation period and Godfrey Nash, who has been handling shorts have been thanked by the Not Forgotten Associa- of a sound studio should, ideally, be zero, tion inviting large and comedies, has been promoted to fill the for a party of war-wounded he described the various methods employed soldiers from local hospitals to an afternoon at vacancy, whilst J. C. Keegan, the chief booking for lowering the period to a satisfactory- clerk, will now have charge of the shorts and their cinema, and entertaining them to tea figure. An interesting photograph of No. 7 comedies. afterwards. Studio at Savoy Hill Was given. This studio, Another Ban The Rotunda bare, had a rev. period of 7.2 secs. “ ; but the The Rotunda, Dublin, has closed down for a The latest person to condemn talkies ” is use of proper acoustic material brought it week or two so that repairs, principally to the the Rt. Rev. Quinn, P.P., Dean of Armagh, who, down to .8 when fully roof, can be carried out. addressing bis parishioners in St. Patrick’s damped. Church, Dungannon, stated that he had seen The qualities of an ideal acoustic material Censorship “ announcements that ‘ talkies ’ were coming to Were given as (1) a high coefficient of sound Censorship is once again to the fore in the Free Dungannon.” Judging by the titles, the films absorption, reasonably of relief the present constant over all State, and any hope from were certainly not productions that any decent exacting system may be abandoned. The Minister frequencies, (2) it should be fire resistant, person should attend, and he felt he would be of Justice has declared in emphatic terms that have considerable structural strength,. wanting in his duty if he failed to warn them, (3) satisfied that both the Censor and the he is quite young and old, against being present while these (4) be durable against the attack of moisture, Appeals Board are carrying out their duties very performances were being given. (5) should be a good heat insulator, (6) have well indeed, and he sees no reason why he should a high light reflection coefficient, and (7) be interfere. To make his declaration still more In Brief non-hygroscopic emphatic, he declared that the censorship was Efforts by councillors to get the Belfast being attacked from both sides. It was being Corporation to reconsider their ban on the Illustrations Were given of various British charged by one with being too severe and by the screening of “ Mother ” have proved futile. studios, With details of their acoustic pro- other with not being severe enough. Both of The Castle Cinema, Carrickfergus, has been perties. The natural period for the British them were groundless. Since the installation of sold for use as a school. and Dominions studio Was 11 secs, before “ ” Coleraine Picture House has been loaned for talkie apparatus in the Censor’s office no treatment, reduced to .96 after. The British objectionable films had slipped through. If the a special film matinee to the local branch of the Lion studio at Beaconsfield was by treat- producers of films could not produce an adequate Lifeboat Institution. reduced from 5 secs, to 1.6, With supply of decent films the fault was with the ment producers and not with the censors. .66 in the Reproducing Theatre. Isle of Man Mr. Glover described structural methods Not Satisfied A Bill to grant to applicants for cinema in as Well as principles of the this statement, the people who wish detail, the Despite licences which have been refused by the local for stricter censorship are not satisfied, and they Berliner Acoustic System, Which has been bench the right to appeal to the Licensing intend to carry on, and are passing resolutions installed in the new theatre in Leicester Appeal Court has been passed by the House of are required galore urging that drastic measures Keys. Square. Specimens of the Berliner material to cope with the evil of films, and that a new The reason for the promotion of the Bill was Were exhibited, as Well as a complete range far exacting system of censorship and more that instances have occurred where a local of acoustical materials available at the should be established. Furthermore, recourse licensing bench, with a reputation for a strong present time. As illustrating the need for is being made to denouncing films from various Sabbatarian bias, has refused applications for a buildings pulpits. careful foundation treatment of Sunday licence, in face of public demand for a from the sound angle, Mr. Glover mentioned Society Winds Up such a facility. Up to the present applicants a case Where the vibrations from a faulty The Dublin Film Society, after an existence for such licences have had to be content with the of less than a year, has decided to wind up its ruling of the local bench. engine at Brixton Were carried by under- activities. The chief cause for this, it is stated, ground water a distance of over a quarter Manx Cinema Safeguards is the fact that it is hard hit by having to pay a of a mile and made a totally unexpected The Isle of Man Local Government Board is to tax upon all films imported. Had the Society take up consideration of the regulations governing appearance in a butcher's shop, with such allowed to import the films duty free it been cinemas in the island, with a view to suggesting vigour that the sides of beef actually swung might have been able to carry on. improvements and ensuring a greater degree of to the transmitted waves ! Congratulations public safety. One proposal is that no person At the conclusion, Mr. Glover answered Congratulations to Louis Elliman, of First under 21 years of age shall enter an operating a number of questions and gave some helpful National- Pathe, on his engagement to Miss Ettie box whilst a performance is in progress. This suggestions. The Chairman, Mr. Arthur Robinson. Mr. Elliman is a member of a family will probably be strongly opposed by cinema Newman, announced that the voting for all of whom are greatly interested in the trade in proprietors, and it is suggested as an alternative 1st. Ireland, either on the renting or exhibiting side. that it would be an ample safeguard if there were officials was postponed until December THE BIOSCOPE November 12 , 1930 Technical News and Notes Tone Them Down ! Colour seems to be under a cloud for the moment, so far as American production is concerned. There is a notable falling off in the number of colour subjects proposed for the 1931 programmes. The colour output of recent months has come in for a great deal of criticism, and no one, save the colour people themselves, seems to be quite pleased with the results achieved. Commercial production has not kept abreast of laboratory practice and generally the finished product has been Well below those standards set up by earlier black-and-white subjects. Lack of definition has been a general complaint and the balance of colour itself has often been irritating and far from restful. Release prints have also been Well below the standard originally shown to the trade. Altogether it is pretty clear that existing methods are inadequate. These general results are unfor- tunate, because the public attitude to colour has been prejudiced and any future system will have a lot of extra opposition to break down. My own opinion is that, in the first productions, the colour technicians Went out of their Way to get glaring colour effects on the screen. There was too much brilliance, and at a time when the systems could only units used render certain parts of the spectrum with British lighting experts will be interested in this formidable array of lighting can be counted brilliance. Moreover, brilliant colour is a in the taking of Universal’ s “ East is West." Over a hundred spots and suns hundred need a magnifying glass l subdued tints with the unaided eye ; the second relative rarity in Nature ; are more commonly met with, and to have every detail blazing in bright colour is both box will be fitted with a 3 S-FD-NS set, Since jobs of this kind can be done by unnatural and optically tiring. If We had with manager’s announcing system. The machinery it makes one Wonder Why any seen more tints and soft tones and fewer Intransigeant has a circulation of nearly human labour is necessary at all. I don’t crude vivid reds and greens we might have half a million daily, and is owned by Leon believe labour will be necessary for manu- Welcomed colour films more amiably. Bailby, who also owns Pour Vous, a weekly factures such as this in ten years’ time. motion picture magazine. The genial C. F. Trippe, of the B.T.H. Holophane Note Sound Department, Who did so much to A Miracle Machine The Holophane Company have recently make the tour a success, has been engaged several outstanding had complaints that the name Holophane There Were moments in electrical Work for a lifetime, and takes is being used loosely to indicate any three- in the tour of the B.T.H. works at Rugby these wonders very philosophically. colour lighting system. In one sense this last Week, but one machine Which fascinated is complimentary, since it implies that technical visitors was the Dumet machine. Testing Speakers in Balk Holophane is becoming almost a generic Years ago, when electric lamps first came When big firms are putting out loud- name in technical circles by reason of its out. We Were told that it was necessary to speakers and head-phones by the hundred constant association With unusual colour use platinum as leads through the exhausted thousand the question of testing them effect lighting. But there is the obvious glass bulb, because that was the only metal individually becomes a very formidable danger of exhibitors accepting inferior and which had an expansion coefficient exactly problem indeed. Yet an individual test inefficient three-colour equipment in the the same as that of glass. Often the scrap is obviously essential. Phillips, for instance, belief that because it is three-colour lighting value of old lamps was solely that of the and one or two other large firms, insist that' it is genuine Holophane and may be expected platinum used in that way, and in my each speaker is fully tested before it leaves to function to Holophane standards. Gillespie ignorance I was not aware that platinum the works, and I was interested to discover Williams is therefore anxious to emphasise had been superseded. Fortunately my com- how this could be done. In answer to my that the real Holophane system has several panion at the moment, Captain J. W. Barber, enquiries, Messrs. Phillips say that their unique features, is the exclusive property Was equally ignorant. The new material is speakers, before they are allowed outside of Messrs. Holophane, Ltd., and that the Dumet, and the Dumet machine cuts off the premises, make a complete tour of the term “Holophane” is used quite illegally lengths of fine copper wire for lamp leads. electrical and sound departments on conveyor unless it refers to equipment manufactured Welds in a 3-16 in. length of Dumet, Welds belts. Each speaker comes in turn under the and supplied by the company. on another short length of copper for the notice of testers for all electrical, mechanical inside stay in the bulb, and drops the finished and acoustic defects, and at any point it " ” Paris Paper Goes Talkie product into a tray at the rate of a hundred may be “ sent down.” Those that survive is The Well-known nationalistic Paris paper, a minute ! Everything so adjusted that the first test come to the Audition Room for the Intransigeant, has it own cinema, and the little scrap of Dumet just falls at the their “ Finals.” This is a sound-proof has just decided to instal Western Electric precise point Where the lamp leads pass chamber, where each speaker is tested for talking equipment. The theatre is in the through the neck, and this cutting, electric tone and volume against a specially selected same building as the newspaper, and is Welding and rejoining are done by the machine model of the same type. The speakers enter known as the Theatre des Miracles, and the With an uncanny rapidity and precision. the room on another conveyor belt, and as ii CINEMA TECHNIQUE November 12 1930 THE BIOSCOPE MODERN , each enters the room through a small window' Some time ago the new Fox chief expressed has increased illumination. On the question it automatically switches itself on. The leads his willingness to fall into line With a dimen- of grain measurement, Douglas Shearer of the speaker are clamped to two contacts sion different from the Grandeur if it was states that the average negative has 25 silver on the conveyor belt, to which are connected thought generally advisable, but it was then clusters to each square thousandth of an two metal strips. As these strips travel they generally thought that the Fox standard, inch, positive emulsion having about four dip into tw-o mercury-filled grooves connected on which much pioneer w'ork had been done, times as many. to a gramophone amplifier, on Which, inci- would be adopted. dentally, only new gramophone records are Will Standard Stock Suffice ? used. The speaker is then compared w'ith The Same Lessons Again The latest contribution to the wide film its standard by a tester. In two seconds an The situation regarding wide film seems problem is reported in the current issue of expert tester can detect the slightest fault, to be degenerating into a mere clash of the American Cinematographer . The system in which case the speaker is simply lifted | opposing ideas without much co-ordinating in question has been devised by Gilbert on to another belt and returned to be dis- effort. Apparently the chaotic conditions Warrenton and C. Roy Hunter, super- mantled and re-erected. which racked the industry in the early days intendent of the Universal Laboratory. of sound are to be revived in the interests Photographically the apparatus provides for More About Wide Film of a dozen systems of wide film. It seems an aperture of reduced height, .360 in. It is a little difficult to find out exactly a pity that We should have to learn the same instead of .720 in. With the standard sound w'hat progress is being made with the wide lessons over and over again, for this lack track, this gives a picture proportion of screen in America. Estimates vary as to of uniformity and agreement means needless 3 to 6. The camera may be adjusted to a the number of houses where the W’ide screens expense and uncertainty, and, as usual, it is pull-down of tw'o perforations at a time have been installed, but the low'est figure the exhibitor who will have to foot the bill. or may be used unchanged, leaving an un- published is 300, and other figures go as high It ought not to be difficult to define What occupied film space betw'een each frame. as 1,000. Nevertheless, it is v-orth noting benefits are expected from wide film and This system calls for no change in apparatus that Publix, W'ith its 1,100 theatres, is not hoW' those benefits can be secured at the anyW-here, save in the aperture plates in taking any steps as yet to introduce the least inconvenience to the exhibitor. Not cameras and projectors, and gives every novelty. In the meantime, Fox’s “ The Big only have We suggested films of 70 mm., artistic and technical advantage damned for ” Trail w'ill be exhibited on the wide film 65 mm. and 56 mm., but noW various pro- Wide film, without any change in the size at only two theatres in the States, the Roxy posals have been made for reducing a Wide of the stock used. It can therefore be applied and the Chinese, Hollywood. Apparently negative to 35-mm. prints, for projecting at once to production conditions without the company has, at the moment, no further up the existing 35-mm. pictures to wide involving the trade in any further expense. plans scheduled for wide film production, screen size (with suitable masking on the The extra cost of wide film has been estimated though this does not by any means indicate screen or in the gate), and, finally, for at £50, 000, 000 for new apparatus and that Grandeur film is to be abandoned. taking a 6 by 3 picture on to a 35-mm. -72,000,000 yearly on release prints. Proper “ The Big Trail ” has been taken in both negative. It seems to boil down to the selection of stock is said to prevent any sizes, and there is no pressing need to force amount of magnification We can have tendency to graininess or Weaving in the it on the wide screen. Grandeur pictures Without bringing out unduly the grain of projected pictures. If this last point can call for a minimum screen width of 40 ft. the emulsion. Dr. N. M. La Porte, of Para- be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the and uses 70mm. stock. An advance report mount Publix, points out that using 35 mm. trade, the only remaining question is the says that a width of 50mm. has been adopted on a 24-ft. screen the approximate magnifica- advantage or disadvantage of using lenses tentatively by the S.M.P.E. through its tion is 90,000 to 1. With 65-mm. film to a of longer focal length. The minimum focal Committee on Standards and Nomenclature. 42-ft. screen the magnification is decreased length practicable With a genuine wide film If the producers approve this decision the to 65,000 to 1, so that the granule enlarge- is a 50 mm. and pictorial advantages have 50mm. width may be put into general use. ment is actually less, though the picture been claimed for the longer focus. F.F. 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Write for Catalogue and Price List. The Uniform Clothing & Equipment Co. Ltd. 10 & 11, Clerkenwell Green, E.C. & SONS “ Telegrams: Uniquip, London” Telephone : Clerkenwell 66S2 & 5226 Bromley - by . Bow, E. 3. and at 79-81 Paul St., B.C. a November 12, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE iii B.T.H. Manufacturing Resources Special Inspection of Rugby Works The other day a few pressmen were courteously invited by F. A. Enders, the energetic F.B.O. chief, to visit the British Thomson-Houston works at Rugby. The immediate intention Was, of course, to demonstrate the methods employed in the manufacture of the B.T.-H. talking equip- ment, but, incidentally, this involved a cursory examination of a much larger area of the British Thomson-Houston activities at Rugby. The Rugby Works, Which were originally founded nearly 30 years ago, in the days of the old Laing, Wharton & Down Company, have been steadily expanded to meet ever- growing needs, and to-day the company’s various factories cover an area of nearly 200 acres and give employment to over 13.000 people. Even the most superficial examination of the Rugby works proved to be a formidable task. Exactly how formidable Will be appreciated when it is stated that there are over 50 buildings in the Rugby branch alone and some of these buildings are over A huge turbo- alternator on test in the Rugby works. This set has an output of 10,000 kw. at 3,600 r.p.m. runs with steam at the highest used 1.000 ft. long. In other words, merely to and temperature ever Walk from one end to the other and back in some of these shops, without digressing from Specifically associated With talking In a very Well-equipped projection theatre a straight line, is a journey in each case of apparatus Were laboratories in which various and acoustical laboratory the visitors Were over a third of a mile. types of loud speakers and amplifiers are shown on the screen the actual Wave shapes tested. The testing of the loud speakers is of speech as it was transmitted from a Testing Speakers in Silence apparently done in complete silence— microphone, the name of Mr. F. A. Enders The company’s activities are of the most feature explainable by the fact that the apparently' causing considerable perturba- diverse character and have, of course, been speakers themselves are erected in a small, tion and oscillation in the visible beam of “ ” specialised in the different works at Bir- completely dead box, lined with several light. Extracts Were given from various mingham, Coventry, Willesden and Chester- inches of seaweed and felt. A microphone films and discs, all pleasingly brief and field. The research laboratories at Rugby faces the speaker under test, which is con- demonstrating the efficiency* and range of proved to be one of the most interesting of nected to a varying frequency' input, and the British Thomson-Houston sound equip- the many departments visited. Here all the results are recorded by a reflecting ment, of which we shall have more to say* kinds of experimental Work is carried out galvanometer, which gives the characteristic next week. under ideal conditions. Before a new piece curve of any speaker under test. Without After a delightful luncheon, commendably* of apparatus is put into mass production it any aural intervention at all. In this Way* light and free from rhetorical efforts, the is commonly manufactured and tested out an absolutely scientific record of the response party passed into the works and, in the here in a variety of Ways to secure useful of different speakers can be obtained. course of two brief hours, passed under data for subsequent factory production. review an astonishing variety of manu- facturing processes. construction of Photo-Electric Cell Research The metal filament lamps was in itself a study Mercury vapour rectifiers are an essential for a complete afternoon. Here everything feature of the " talkie ” amplifiers, and in has been mechanised and standardised, the a room here these rectifiers Were seen on lamps building themselves up under the life tests, and in the same Way* the power watchful eyes of girl attendants on a series output valves Were being tested for any loss of constantly rotating machines literally in emission over their life. These tests are equipped With hundreds of blowpipes and not limited to apparatus actually made in vacuum apparatus. It is difficult to realise the laboratory. In point of fact, 4 per cent, the incredible delicacy of the various opera- of all the mass output of the works is tested tions as one watches these machines at for effective life on a regular routine basis. work. The glass stem slowly rotates from In another laboratory tests in connection blowpipe to blowpipe until it is of the exact with the latest photo-electric cells were in temperature at which it can be compressed, progress. By means of a simple apparatus the bulb attached and sealed to it and the it possible to see the different air * Was response contents extracted. Finally, the lamps of the photo-electric cell to various coloured go through a series of electrical tests before lights, and this varying response Was inter- passing in a continuous stream to the packing preted via a special motor into an audible room. note. The act of striking a match Was sufficient to turn on current in a circuit Intricate Assembly Work by Girls and light lamps. There were scores of shops in which A number of ingenious uses of the P.E. delicate operations of this kind Were in cell were forecast by experiment here. As progress and in which radio sets, gramo- is well known, it is possible to arrange for phones, electric motors of all sizes and a photo-electric cell to be placed in a position various types of switch and control gear outside a garage so as to catch the light from were being manufactured and assembled. the headlamps of an incoming car, and this A particularly neat type of two-valve light can then be made to open the garage receiver Was being Wired up by a roomful doors. Similarly, arrangements are being of girls, and it seemed impossible that the made in connection With a Well-known complex wiring scheme should be carried catering firm so that, when a waitress with out at such a speed with any accuracy. View in Power Transformer Factory, showing her loaded tray walks towards the door of A few steps away, passing through the large extra high tension B.T.-H. transformers the serving kitchen, her shadow automatically doors of another shed, an impressive factory under construction opens the door before her ! revealed itself. This particular one Was a ; iv THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE November 12, 1930 shed of about one-fifth of a mile long in turned out in beautifully equipped workshops into mass production even one piece of which turbo-alternators were being manu- in bewildering numbers. A new type of organisation work apparatus ; the colossal factured and tested. The largest machine gramophone motor of particularly neat involved in maintaining ten thousand varying of this type yet made in Great Britain, design which has just been put into regular articles in regular production can be dimly namely, a 67,200 kw. machine for the new manufacture attracted attention and seems guessed at after a visit to Works such as Battersea power station of the London likely to become an extremely popular these at Rugby and Coventry. Power Company, Was in course of erection, British Thomson-Houston feature. One thing impressed itself on everyone, well as kw. turbo-alternator being as a 50,000 and that Was the care taken to see that manufactured for the West Midlands Elec- Superseding Casting nothing of inferior quality should pass out tricity authority. One of these turbines Was One interesting point about the Rugby of the works. Whether the product Was a actually under test at the highest steam casting department is the tendency to get mighty steam alternator, a nightmarish temperature which has yet been used for away from the ordinary slow and rather transformer, a tiny pick-up or pair of work of this kind. Hardly a foot of this uncertain method of making heavy machinery head ’phones, the same unvarying care, the gigantic shop was unoccupied. Enormous castings. The practice now is to build up same insistence on rigid test and inspection, castings Were being slung backwards and these large frame works of Welded steel were everywhere evident. Even When articles forwards by gigantic overhead cranes. plates. Which have the advantage of lightness are being made by the hundred thousand, as Turbines for a wide range of purposes Were and equal strength together With increased in the case of lamps and valves, a rigid being dynamically balanced. No unit in certainty in production as Well as greater system of tests ensures that nothing unworthy* construction throughout the shop appeared to speed. of bearing the familiar B.T.-H. initials finds be similar to any other unit, every job was to difficult It is obviously impossible in its Way into circulation. It Was not individual specifications. reasonable space limitations to give any impression of to realise why* purchasers regard the B.T.-H. the finer points of the enormous B.T.-H. trademark as a guarantee of quality and Transformers for 132,000 Volts dependability no one could pass through organisation. It must suffice to say that, ; feeling of In an adjacent building was the large in every detail, it impresses one as a marvel these Works Without developing a Electrical Machine Shop, equally long, Where of efficiency and administration. The Work- confidence in anything manufactured under obtain in the generators and propulsion motors for electric- ing conditions are admirable. It is evident conditions such as those which ally driven ships Were under construction that the utmost care is taken of the staff British Thomson-Houston factories. and test, as Well as an innumerable series of and their physical condition. There are alternators, motors, converters and trans- excellent canteen arrangements and elaborate W.E. OVER 1,100 formers of every size. In type and the precautions against accidents, while the Recent openings of theatres equipped with Power Transformer Section gigantic trans- social side is not neglected. sound by Western Electric bring the total formers for handling voltages of volts 132,000 The visit in itself was a triumph of organi- number of this company’s installations in for the National Electricity Grid scheme sation. Everything was arranged to a the British Isles to 1,102. Those recently Were in manufacture. Some of these trans- schedule and the schedule was strictly opened are : Splott, Cardiff ; Royalty, formers with their casings are as large as a adhered to up to the last moment Without Harborne Star, Hornsey, London ; Star, ; small house, while in other parts of the works fussiness or panic. In no other Coronet, Way could Tonbridge Walsall ; ; Imperial, other transformers, half a dozen of Which factory of these gigantic dimensions Queen’s Hall, a be Didcot ; Beech Hill, Otley ; could easily be accommodated on the palm maintained in efficient and profitable opera- Minehead Empire, Wanstead, London of ; a hand, Were being turned out by the tion. Anyone with imagination must be Theatre, Maisteg, Wales Globe, Aber- New ; hundred thousand. impressed with the formidable task of keeping House, deen ; Grand, Burnley ; Picture At the Coventry Works small power these gigantic works supplied with orders, Castleford Palace, Belper Grand, Clitheroe ; ; ; motors, materials and construction details for Hull Forum, radio apparatus, electric gramophone the Cleveland Picture House, ; ever-varying output. Few Picture motors, pick-ups, R.K. loud speakers, pro- huge and people Birmingham ; Super and Royal jector stands, magnetos, etc., are being realise how formidable a task it is to put House, Tenby, Wales. HALL & CONNOLLY ARCS THE SUPREME ILLUMINANT ” “ The Sunday Express SAYS “As a demonstration of British TAYLOR-HOBSON Studio resources, the gala occasion was more than worth while, and PROJECTION LENSES the organisers owe much to the marvellous projection efficiency at the best theatres AT THE £ TAyL0R..TAyL0I^ HQ£50 rt.lI- NEW VICTORIA CINEMA” Stoughton Street Works. Leicester London Office- 314. Regent Street. W.l J. FRANK BR0CKLISS, LTD., 58, GT. MARLBOROUGH STREET, LONDON W.l — November 12, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE V Projection Department Conducted by F. H. Richardson Author of “ The Handbook of Projection ” etc. believe I may say at least fairly well done, helped. The only thing they seriously but When you undertake to crowd an old objected to was when the show stopped An Explanation machine too much, something is more than entirely. likely to break—and the breaking point To-day, when I get up to talk, I face an wasn’t so very far away during that trip. entirely different kind of audience. The i I feel that I owe my English readers an Well, gentlemen, the trek is over, finished projectionists are fine-looking, intelligent explanation, and perhaps an apology. The and done, so now, if you will forgive me for men, save for some few exceptions. They temporary discontinuance of the department “ playing hookey,” I’ll try to give you the Were there to learn and they wanted to came about through no fault of my own. best goods I have to offer for the future. learn. They listened intently for two hours,, On the 23rd of last June, in company with applauding vigorously when the talk was my daughter, I started on a motor trip ended. There never was a sound of applause which was to cover a very large part of the 13 years ago. The managers, too. Were there United States and some of the cities of Projection Conditions by Comparison to learn. Seldom did a manager leave Canada. It Was expected that the trip until the affair was over. In very many would last for four months, and that the instances, after the talk was finished, During the late trip, friend daughter and mileage Would be about 20,000. As a matter managers came up and thanked me for the I had an unusual opportunity for estimating of fact, the trip lasted four months and one benefit they had received. What advancements have been made in day, from June 23rd until October 24th. projection during the past 13 years, and The mileage was 17,100. Projection Enormously Improved observing the results, both in sound and This trip was undertaken in the interests As to picture projection, it has pictures, in different cities and different improved of better Projection. On the Way I stopped almost immeasurably. Thirteen years ago theatres. I am quite sure my friends over and addressed something than 70 light discoloration on the screen no more in Europe will be very glad to know just Was meetings of Projectionists, Theatre unusual thing. To-day it is Managers What our conclusions Were in regard to these almost never and Exhibitors. The address, or lecture, seen, and when it is seen the discoloration various things. I say in " 13 years,” because was illustrated With both stereopticon slides is slight and lasts but a few seconds. Thirteen it is just that length of time since I made a and motion pictures. It dealt With wide years ago the picture Was very unsteady. similar trip, covering almost exactly the film, television, the damage done to the To-day the picture is very nearly rock steady, same territory. I had with me on this trip theatre box office by the use of old, out-of- and in some theatres you may watch several two sound films, both of which carried voices date projection equipment or in a minutes without seeing any unsteadiness equipment through their length. They Were Movietone, poor state of repair, and many other things. whatsoever. In some few instances I found and this gave me a peculiarly effective It was Well received everywhere, the con- rather poorly illuminated screens not method for exactly judging the relative — sensus of opinion being that a great deal enough current used—-but they Were rare. sound results in various theatres. of good was accomplished. I think I may say that in at least per To begin at the beginning, 1 found the 75 of the theatres is men themselves, both projectionists and cent, the picture brilliant, A Strenuous Lecture Tour while in per cent, it is Well illuminated, theatre managers, have improved very 20 which leaves per cent, of badly under- When I started on this trip I had forwarded greatly in every way. Thirteen years ago, 5 illuminated screens. to The Bioscope a considerable amount of When I got up to address projectionists and material. I expected to add to this during managers, I found myself facing, theatre Canadian Conditions the trip, at least in sufficient amount to save for a relatively few exceptions, men keep the department going. However, since of a decidedly mediocre class. I might even We also visited Toronto and Hamilton, it was necessary to drive distances varying add to that by saying that not a few of in Ontario, Edmonton and Calgary, in Alberta, from 50 to 400 miles each day, to be enter- them were just plain “ rough-necks.” They and Vancouver, in British Columbia. I think in articles I told you tained upon arrival by reception committees, possessed little projection knowledge and had that past have about Toronto and Hamilton, both of Which are in to look over some of the projection rooms little desire to possess more. Their idea Was and equipment, and then to deliver a lecture that projection was nothing but running the east. They are large and very much lasting from two to two and a half hours. some machines, and beyond the knowledge alive. I think I Would rather live in Toronto Which could not possibly start until 11.30 necessary to do that more or less effectively than in any city in America—North America least. projectionists of at night, and usually did not start until they had, save for the few exceptions I have at The Hamilton, as are, I believe, midnight or afterwards, it Was found to be already noted, but little desire to advance. taken a whole, the most very difficult to keep up in my work in progressive in all America. the Exhibitors’ Herald- World and the Ameri- A New Generation of Projectionists From Winnipeg to Edmonton, Alberta, can Projectionist, both important publica- The theatre manager of that day was even is a long jump, particularly in view of the tions in this country, and just about im- worse. Most of them placed little or no fact that We Went south almost a thousand * possible to supply The Bioscope with the value on high-grade projection Work. So miles before turning West. Our route between kind of matter it Wants. Your Projection long as there was a picture on the screen the two points may be traced by those who Editor Was 64 years old recently and has that was very nearly sufficient. If it was half care to do so by looking up the following not the reserve energy he once had. A obliterated at times by light discoloration- cities in their order : Minneapolis, Minnesota, Iowa, City, Missouri, certain amount of work can be done, and I Well, that Was too bad, but could not be Des Moine, Kansas * ARE BAKED FOR SHIP 22 DAYS AT 1400° CARBONS CENTIGRADE. — Vi THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE November 12, 1930 Wichita, Kansas, Pueblo, Colorado, Denver, Western Electric. All equipment was as an opening, perhaps 30 ins. wide, has been Colorado, Salt Lake City, Utah, Pocatello, clean as a new pin and in good repair. cut, just back of the right-hand projector. Idaho, Great Falls, Montana, and on up This opening is in the front wall of the right- to Calgary, Alberta. We stopped at many hand small I have been telling you Prospects for Projectionist Emigrants room more cities, of course, but the ones named about. It is covered with a sheet of trans- outline the route, which, as you may And now let me utter a word of caution parent wired glass, so that the projectionist imagine, burned up a goodly quantity of to European projectionists who may contem- in the small room will have an unobstructed “ gas,” known in England as petrol. plate locating in Canada. Let me wrarn them view of both projectors and most of the Edmonton is almost 400 miles north of the that they would be unable to work at projection room. north line of the United States of America. projection in any of the larger cities, for the on the Box It is, in fact, so far north that for two months reason that the work in such cities is under Keeping an Eye in the middle of summer it is daylight until control of the Union, to which they Would Back of this glass and even with its lower 10 p.m. and gets light again a little after have to belong before they could obtain edge is a metal-covered table top, at either ” 2 a.m. At the time of our visit, August 29th, employment, and " joining is not at all a end of which is a metal-covered wall about the sun did not set until almost 8 p.m., and simple matter. Some of the Unions have an 2£ ft. high. The opening thus formed is farmers were hustling considerably to get initiation fee as high as $500, which is roofed With a sheet of ground glass or its some of their crops in, as already on several something like /100 sterling. Also, it would equivalent, above which are suspended two nights frost had been dangerously near. be necessary to Wait the chance to get into incandescent bulbs. On the table top is a the Union, which might, or might not, cover hand rewinder. an extensive period of time. I tell you this The projectionist W’ho desires to examine Lecturing Till 2 a.m. to the end that you may know exactly what a film for faults, or to make film repairs, projectionists coming over Will have to face. and Edmonton is surrounded by a magnificent turns on the light above the glass It may sound unfair to you, but I can assure wheat belt in which a yield as high as proceeds With the Work, having an unob- you that, for several reasons, it really is not. pro- 60 bushels to the acre is not at all structed view of the projectors and the The high initiation fee is partly to discourage uncommon. Moreover, there is splendid jection room. At the right of the inspection from joining unless they really intend wheat land 400 miles north of Edmonton- men table is a door opening into the projection to make motion picture projection their 800 miles north of the United States line— room, so that should anything go wrong regular, permanent Work. Also, it is partly require his which is being successfully farmed. I am and the assistant projectionist to prevent men from dropping out once they very sure that Edmonton will one day be a help, he may be beside the projectors within have come in. great city, surrounded by millions of people. two seconds. Its population now is more than 93,000. The city has seven theatres, all very Well Novel Inspection Arrangements PICTURETONE INSTALLATIONS managed. Union has The 25 projectionist In one theatre, the Rialto, I found a Picturetone has recently been installed I addressed members. both them and the unique and most excellent arrangement for at the Empire, Talbot Workmen’s Port ; managers for two hours, after midnight, examining and inspecting film. Just back Hall, Caerphilly Cinema, Aberdare ; and have seldom had a more appreciative, ; of the rear wall of the projection room is Coliseum, Upton Park Coliseum, East attentive audience. ; room, measuring perhaps ft. Scotia, Glasgow Plaza, 6 from Dennistoun, ; another Ham ; Such Edmonton projection as front to back. This room is divided length- Newcastle, Staffs. Cosy, Hammersmith ; rooms I ; visited were found to of size, wise into two small rooms. The one to the Elite, Northfields, Ealing Palace, Ipswich. be goodly with ; well-arranged battery, motor generator and left, as one faces the projection room, is the Installations at the Plaza, Newbury ; rewind rooms. The equipment was all Simplex motor generator room. Which is small, but Select Electric Theatre, Edgware Road ; projectors, equipped With Peerless high- very Well ventilated. Palace, Braintree, and Crescent, Hulme, intensity lamps. All sound equipment was In the rear Wall of the projection room Manchester, will shortly be completed. ELIMINATE PROJECTOR TROUBLES BY INSTALLING KAMM PROJECTORS THROUGH THE POPULAR KAMM HIRE MAINTENANCE SERVICE THE COST IS SMALL 12 /- per week for One machine 18 /- „ „ „ Two machines (Used in the same hall.) AND WE SHALL SEE THAT YOUR PICTURES ARE PERFECT Write for Particular! : KAMM & CO. LTD., Telephone: 27, POWELL STREET, Tetegramt: Clerkenwtll 6595 GOSWELL RD„ LONDON, E.C.l Zerograph, Barb , London November 12, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE vii t t k ini ||2|HI 1 £ || os? ] Paramount's wonderful show theatre at Manchester has set new standards in stage effects and presentations, but the house itself has raised architectural magnificence to a new level in the Midlands. Note the vast proportions of the proscenium arch and the smooth compactness of the seating arrangements. The small bottom picture shows the mezzanine foyer, and the small upper one some detail of the mezzanine stairway Vill THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE November 12, 1930 Well Played, Finsbury Park ! Film fans and Soccer fans Were remarkably w-ell served on Wednesday evening at the Finsbury Park Astoria, when General Manager E. L. Dimmock, with a keen appreciation of the fact that his theatre is in the famous “ Arsenal ” football club area, staged a brilliant publicity stunt. For this purpose he enlisted the aid of Jack Raine and Micky Brantford, the two principal characters in " Suspense,” which w'as the principal feature of the week’s programme, to meet in the vestibule the Whole of the " Arsenal ” football team, together W'ith their famous manager, Herbert Chapman. Follow'ing this, and prior to the specially arranged stage show, General Manager Dimmock introduced Jack Raine and Micky Bradford to his patrons, and they, in their turn, introduced Manager Chapman Avoiding External Disfigurements Sever? 1 managers have recently commented on the difficulty of utilising poster positions outside their theatres without causing obstruction or spoiling the appearance of the frontage. W. Richardson, manager of the Imperial Cinema, Brooks Bar, Manchester, has overcome these handicaps by displaying The night sign devised by S. F. Lyndon, the Circuit Manager the Tivoli, Strand, W. fine of a neat hand-written linen poster over the the current run the United Artists' Technicolor picture. The display is equally for of recessed balcony above the main entrance. attractive during the daytime This is illuminated from the rear—scmetimes on Sunday nights-—and can be seen a good distance from the cirema. Better Souvenir Programmes Originality of Colour and Design No matter how' inured the trade journalist four theatres produced some of the most may be to the attacks of the publicity man effective publications possible, particularly so and his never ceasing supply of “ dope ” of in the case of the Finsbury Park Astoria. more or less penetrative calibre, he cannot Returning to the latest examples, one is have failed to remark a very obvious upward struck by the lavishness and get-up of the trend in the quality of such matter. Lay- Orpheum souvenir programme, With its out, style and—dare we say it ? —syntax seem heavily embossed gold and blue cover, to receive far more consideration than they excellent letterpress and lay-out. Making did not so many moons ago. a very strong appeal to the lay mind and One of the most noticeable improvements the prospective patron, as it does by reason is in the preparation of souvenir programmes, of its non-technical description, it gives the w'hich are now so conspicuous at the opening fullest information regarding the W'hole of of new' cinemas. These publications, although the theatre, from the policy of the proprietors only prepared for the special occasion, and of the house, the decorative scheme, pro- in many cases apparently " got up ” regard- jection, musical amenities, heating and less of cost, are now often marvels of ventilation, and so forth it even incor- ; originality of colour and design, and incor- porates full particulars of how' to get to porate every possible scrap of information the theatre. regarding the new' theatie. The " Forum ” publication, w'hilst con- Before us now we have two of the most taining in the main the same information as recent publications of this type, that of the that of the Golders Green Cinema, although Orpheum, Golders Green, and that of the presented in an entirely dissimilar manner, Forum, Birmingham. Each is distinct in is covered in a glorious silver jacket, w'ith style, “ get up,” lay-out, yet both un- the lettering carried out in blue. In keeping doubtedly strike the exact and desired note with the Roman name of the theatre there from the publicity angle. Naturally, the is embossed on the first cover the famous Not a little of the success of the recent greatest latitude is cover " lictor ” sign. little addendum, ” possible with the Roman This M.-G.-M. " All Laughter Week at the of such a publication, not in itself, is a striking and on this the greatest although much Empire, Leicester Square, was due to this efforts are apparently centred. One of the proof of the forethought expended and the effective front of the house display. Note leaders, of course, in this direction Was the care given to detail, which remove such how strongly the short comedy feature is Astoria chain, who for the openings of their publications from the ordinary rut. emphasised Releases for Monday, December i, 1930 Title. Renter. Cert. Length. Bioscope Rev. Date. Posters SOUND AND DIALOGUE Behind the Make-Up Paramount U 6,287 ft. March 12, 1930 3/6s, 2/12s, 1 48s. Dancing Feet Gaumont U 6,004 ft. June 11, 1930 2 6s, 2 12s. 1 48s. Just for a Song Ideal A 8,422 ft. March 12, 1930 2 6s, l/12s. The Man from Blankeleys Warner U 6,174 ft. May 14, 1930 2/6s, l/12s. 1 48s. 1 48s. Man Trouble Fox A 8,215 ft. July 30, 1930 2/6s, l/12s. The Medicine Man Gaumont A 6,221 ft. September 17, 1930 l/6s, l/12s. l/12s. 1 48s. Murder Will Out F.N.P. A 6,161 ft. May 17, 1930 1 / 6s, Vengeance W. and F. A 6,283 ft. April 2, 1930 2/6s, l/12s. 1 48s. SILENT 6s, 2 12s, 1 48s. Behind the Make-Up Paramount U 5,761 ft. March 12, 1930 2 / Legion of the Lost Argosy U 5,894 ft. October 1, 1930 l/6s. — November 12, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE IX Publicity for *' Murder ” in U.S. Since B.I.P. set foot on Broadway their representative, Captain Harold Auten, has been very successful in getting British pictures on the American map. His latest effort was characteristic, and helped considerably in getting the sensation-seekers into the George M. Cohan Theatre. The picture was “ Murder,” the very title of which was sensational enough to suggest to Captain Auten a screaming piece of publicity. He produced a vivid four-page sheet, styled " Talkie News,” With a bold streamer heading: ‘‘Broadway Mystery Murder.” The front page carried a series of scare “ headlines : Prominent Actress Murdered,” and so forth, and was embellished with shots from the film, topically captioned. The inside pages reviewed the whole ghastly affair fu m a news angle, cunningly dressing up the story to have the appearance of a real crime. Mickey Starred in Carnival Mickey Mouse was the central attraction of the Birmingham Students’ Hospital Carnival, and thrnks to the ready co-opera- tion of Ideal’s Shorts Publicity Depart- ment, no effort was spared to make Mickey’s Midland debut in every way notable. With a jazz band, a three-ton lorry and all the necessary accoutrements, “ you can imagine,” Wrote Theo. F. Rees (of the This effective lobby display at the Albert Hall, Sheffield, was built largely Birmingham School of Pharmacy), “ that up from the usual publicity material supplied by Universal. Mickey scored another success.” The centrepiece was enlivened by a concealed fan, to which were attached red streamers, illuminated by a 200-watt red lamp to give an excellent flame illusion Drive in Australia The extensive publicity and exploitation of the popular war songs featured in the film campaigns on British talking films in Aus- by a number of men in the audience. This tralia have done much towards establishing Was done regularly at the de luxe sessions, their popularity in that country. but it was found unnecessary after the first (With the co-operation of Union Theatres, week, the audience being only too willing to the distributors—British Dominions Films, express audible appreciation. ” Ltd.—preceded their initial British " talkie ” Rookery Nook ” was publicised as the ’ release " Splinters ” With comprehensive “ second super British ‘ talkie " Tom Press notices heralding the arrival of “ the Walls’ and Mary Brough’s names were given first British super talking film.” Most of prominence in the Press—both artists being the theatres screening “ Splinters ” linked exceedingly popular in their earlier appear- up with the Returned Soldiers’ and Sailors’ ances on the Australian stage. At each of League, special concession tickets being the premieres Tom Walls spoke to packed allowed to ex-Service men and their friends. houses by the Wireless telephone, his conversa- In Sydney and Melbourne, private screenings tion being transmitted to the theatres. ” before public premieres of “ Splinters At the present time in a number of leading were attended by prominent military and theatres, slides are displayed at intermission society personages, who Were undoubtedly exhorting Australians to patronise British induced to the previews by the careful films. publicising of the British origin of the film “ of Jazz ” Carnival Night and its military subject. King In Sydney, interesting competitions Were As a forerunner to the screening of “ King arranged through film magazines and the of Jazz ” by Universal Pictures at the Grand lay Press, persuading the public to distinguish Theatre, Birmingham, a special tie-up was ” which of the two female heads represented arranged in the form of a " King of Jazz A clever idea used by the Birmingham branch a female impersonator. These competitions carnival night at the Palais-de-Danse during of Paramount at the'recent Hospital Carnival. provided a novel advertisement for the War the previous Week. The King and Queen of The Paramount Sound News is the basis comedy’s all-male cast. Another stunt Jazz Were present, and distributed carnival of the scheme arranged in the theatre Was the joining in tokens to the happy participants. November 1930 X THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA ^TECHNIQUE 12, STAGE PRESENTATIONS THAT DRAW One of the major attractions at the Orpheum, Golder’s Green’s new 3,000-seater, is the elaborate stage show incorporated in each Week’s programme. General manager Wilson Speakman has at his disposal one of the finest stages in London, complete With a one-man counter-weighting system of 38 lines, a very fine lighting installation and an orchestra 24 strong. With these and a number of extraneous first-class vaudeville attractions he is able to build up a presenta- tion lasting about three-quarters of an hour, and he has succeeded in inducing patrons to flock to his house from a very wide area. A typical Wilson Speakman show was that given on Monday last. First of all he put his orchestra on to the stage, and for ten minutes the audience Was regaled with tuneful selections, the music being backed up by clever play with the lighting effects and draperies. This part of the programme was elaborately and very effectively put over, and the various items were enthusiastically received. The orchestra was followed by several clever turns, which gave an oppor- One of the stage attractions at the Orphenni, Golders Green, is the house orchestra, directed tunity to demonstrate the facile manner in “ by Kottaun. The elegant draperies form an effective background for this popular turn which flies and curtains could be handled. The presentation was concluded by further selections from the orchestra, playing this time from the Well, play with the lighting on the closed tableau curtains giving a happy The Life of a Valve finishing touch. By H. S. Hind SMALL BRITISH HOUSES ( Western Electric Co., Ltd.) Western Electric have equipped over 30 cinemas with seating capacities of less than The three-electrode valve is now univer- would be fatal to the results, as the operating 500 persons, the smallest so far being a house sally used for amplification purposes, and its characteristics Would be entirely’ changed. seating only 324 persons, the King George effective life is a consideration which cannot In addition, the grid bias may be obtained Cinema, Marlow. These smaller theatres are be ignored. The actual life of a valve is by employing the voltage drop across meeting with great success, being practically dependent upon various factors which go resisters in the filament circuit. packed to capacity, including standing room, hand-in-hand With the operating characteris- With regard to the filament at every performance. It can be seen tics. One valve may have a longer life than that certain requirements must be met in another, but it would order to obtain satisfactory results, and it is not be a good proposi- always the aim of the designer and manu- tion to use the long-life facturer to produce a valve which meets the valve if its operation desired requirements and yet has a long life. ALL BRITISH be inferior to that of In the early days of valves it was a very a valve with a shorter common occurrence for the filaments to life. burn out. At the present time this is a failure SYNCHROPHONE all The design of which is comparatively rare, as the valve (Moon’s Patents) valves is such that usually has to be rejected because of low operating voltages emission. That means that the active coating DOUBLE AMPLIFICATION must be fulfilled and of the filament is used up, and no matter adhered to. Excessive what filament potential be applied the (All Mains) operating potentials emission would still be low. may cause irreparable An excessive plate potential or reduction injury to the valve of the grid bias may harm a valve apart any appreci- SOUND ON FILM AND DISC without from the fact that distortion would be the able benefit. On encountered in an audio amplifier. other hand, insuffi- £550 cient filament, plate or Mistakes Which Shorten Valve Life grid potentials will DISC impair the operation When valves are connected in push-pull SOUND all valves. care must be taken ON of rectifiers, or as full wave of the plate current The rating of valves to ensure equal division between the two valves if a maximum life £350 is such as to permit obtained. To attain this condition greatest economic life, is to be Delivered and installed free. pairs of valves must be bearing in mind the the emission of require ments. The approximately equal. most valuable part of a If a valve is operating from mains whose TURNTABLES appreciable amount, valve is the filament, potential varies by an of the and its operating life the operating voltage specifications £50 will be fulfilled all the time and is limited by the de- valve not Delivered and fixed free. activation or decrease the life of the valve will be shortened. This in electronic emission. is particularly true of the filament. NATURAL TONE OF SPEECH AND MUSIC Filament current Power valves used in the last stage ratings should not be amplifiers should be warmed up prior to only. It increased, as the life use by applying filament potential Write, ’phone or wire : potential before of the valve is is harmful to apply the plate shortened without any the filaments have attained their maximum HENRY MOON & SONS, Ltd. reason being that increased ele c t r o n i c working temperature. The 'Phone : Cinematograph & Talkie Apparatus Wire: filaments will be Manufacturers emission. A reduction certain portions of the MIDLAND Moonograph, that they in filament current hotter than others, with the result 2298. 10 &. 12, Holloway Head Birmingham. electronic ratings Would increase will provide the majority of the weakening of the BIRMINGHAM the life of the valve, current with a subsequent but such a procedure filament coating at this point. November 12, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE xi Unique Exploitation East Sheen Cinema Nearly Ready Wardour’s “Loose Ends” Scheme Newest Mears House Planned by Leathart & Granger Wardour Films have arranged an excep- tionally interesting and useful tie-up With Early December will mark the opening of width of the hall. The ceiling curves up Kirby, Beard & Co., Ltd., manufacturers of an interesting addition to the cinema into these openings, thereby providing a “ Kirbigrip ” hairpins, in a novel scheme amenities of Greater London. This new ribbed effect, and special Holophane lighting for exploiting the new B.I.P. feature, amusement centre will be the East Sheen equipment has been designed to provide “ Loose Ends.” Cinema, which has been erected on a com- colour effects on the surface of those parts By this arrangement, Kirby, Beard are manding site at the junction of Upper Rich- of the ceiling which curve upwards into the distributing to all their retailers an excellent mond Road with Sheen Lane, originally openings. The result will be that there will three-colour bill for display in all shops to occupied by the East Sheen Picturedrome. be ten parallel luminous “ribs” of colour coincide With the showing of the picture ; The theatre has been planned by Leathart & running crosswise down the entire length of and, still further, they have agreed to supply Granger, AA.R.I.B.A., who designed both the auditorium ceiling. quantities of their hairpins, inserted in the Kensington and Richmond cinemas for By means of the automatic lighting con- cards, to Which exhibitors may add their Joseph T. Mears, and will be an addition to troller, these luminous troughs of colour will copy, and the only cost to the exhibitor the chain of cinemas controlled by that intermingle in different ways, providing in Will be for the printing of the cards. The gentleman. The seating capacity of the an excellent manner the exquisite beauties exceptionally reasonable charge for this house will be approximately 1,500. of contrasted hues of colour lighting. The service should result in all exhibitors playing The handsome front elevation undoubtedly intensity of this illumination will be such this picture to avail themselves of this offer. makes the new theatre a noticeable and con- that the auditorium itself will be largely The cost to the exhibitor will be : for lots spicuous addition to the architecture of the illuminated from these sources. Is. 12s. 6d. of 3,000, /I ; 5,000, £1 ; and district. Carried out in the main in red Further Holophane colour lighting equip- 10,000, £2 10s. brick, it is relieved by a white faience picked ment is being concealed The exploitation scheme put over for the out in dark green, with two picturesque beneath panels near the top of opening of the Forum (A.B.C.), New Street, semi-relief figures of centaurs in the same the auditorium walls and in a cove Birmingham, Was the first opportunity to material, one on each side of the great central underneath the balcony. At the pros- cenium end of exploit the film in connection With Wardour's window. Thus the architects have once more the building the new Holo- phane tie-up With Kirby, Beard& Co. NofeWerthan succeeded in striking an original note in prismatic plate equipment has been concealed, so that different hues coloured 10,000 cards Were obtained and distributed exterior decoration. The beauty of the front of light may be obtained on the auditorium walls door-to-door, in cafes, drapers and hair- elevation is considerably enhanced by the nearest the dressers, prior to the opening date, Novem- deep silvered steppings of the handsome proscenium opening. ber 1st. canopy, which extends well over the main The stage is illuminated with Holophane This date also coincided with the local entrance. footlight and batten, the colour circuits being municipal election, and a supply of double- controlled by the very latest type of Holo- crowns Were posted throughout the city and New Acoustical Features phane stage switchboard. This switchboard on exhibitors’ doors, outside stationers’ Careful consideration has also been ex- is of the dead front type, all live parts of “ ‘ shops, worded : Loose Ends.’ Everyone tended to the comfort of waiting patrons by switches and dimmers being at the back of Will vote for ’em, November 1st. Polling the provision of a steel and glass canopy, the panel. station, New Street, Birmingham.” extending down practically the whole of the The colour circuits in the footlight are also The song featured in the film had good side of the building. controlled by the automatic controller which displays in prominent shops in the city, In the spacious foyer the easy accessibility manipulates the whole of the auditorium and the model of the wireless set shown in to both auditorium and circle is noticeable. lighting, so that when the front curtains are the film Was used With a special card : There is, further, an abundance of exits to closed, the changing lighting effects on these “ We can supply the exact model of wireless give patrons an assured feeling of safety, curtains will work in harmony with the set, giving the same beautiful reproduction, opening direct on to the wide frontages on whole of the auditorium lighting. as seen and heard in ‘ Loose Ends ’ at the both the side and rear of the building. Forum.” The decorative scheme of the interior is of Cinephone-Simplex Equipment a most artistic nature, the walls, which are By one simple operation on the switchboard APPROVAL FOR PLYMOUTH REGENT finished in Worked plaster, being decorated of the automatic control the lighting will in a rich brown with contrasting and richly Plymouth Watch Committee has now immediately brighten into existence and plans for embellished motifs. Very special care has approved the Regent Cinema, proceed to form glorious combinations and been lavished on the interior to render it as which it is proposed to erect on a site in symphonies in colour, at the same time far as is possible acoustically perfect, several Frankfort Street and Cambridge Street, emphasising the very clever architectural Plymouth. scheme, newr features being introduced with this The it Will be remem- features planned by Leathart & Granger. bered, was delayed by a proposal of the object in view. This specialist work has been The Holophane installation at the Rich- Corporation to construct a new road which undertaken by the May Construction Com- mond Cinema may truly be said to have would encroach on the site, this project pany. revolutionised modern ideas about audi- being abandoned later. Wonderful Holophane Installation torium colour lighting, and this new cinema Plans for the theatre Were drawn by H. J. at East Sheen should augment the interest Hammick, of Plymouth, and provide for a The spacious floor level, with its gentle which has been taken in Holophane’s latest hall with a capacity of 4,000. As reported rake, and the boldly conceived circle give a developments. in The Bioscope on October 15th, the splendid feeling of roominess and blend well Simplex machines also been installed project will cost about £100,000, and has with the intimate atmosphere of the theatre. have been sponsored by a company known as The lighting installation, which is being in the projection room. The sound system Regent Cinema (Plymouth), Ltd. carried out by Holophane, Ltd., is well is British Cinephone. worthy of a detailed description as it typifies A fine Christie organ will be one of the PARAMOUNT, LEEDS, APPROVED the latest developments in theatre illumina- principal attractions at the Sheen Cinema. tion. The Richmond Cinema, which was The organ is being accommodated in two Plans for the huge super to be erected at opened in April this year, was the first specially designed chambers on the left-hand the Headrow and Briggate, Leeds, have been cinema to have the new Holophane auto- side of the proscenium, one above the other. passed by the local Watch Committee. The matic colour lighting control, whereby The lower chamber Will house the solo theatre will be controlled by Paramount, myriads of most beautiful lighting effects are organ and action machines and the upper will have a seating capacity of 2,500, and is obtained simply by the touch of one master the accompaniment organ. The blowing expected to cost about £150,000 to build. switch. In the East Sheen theatre similar plant Will occupy a separate chamber The plans were prepared by Frank T. Verity, equipment, though of an improved type, is adjacent to the organ chambers. F.R.I.B.A., Who designed the Manchester also being installed. The difference is that, The two-manual detached console, which Theatre for the same company. whereas the lighting installation for the will occupy a side position in the orchestral Richmond Cinema was planned for in an artistic ANOTHER FOR an enclosure. Will be decorated STOCKPORT atmospheric auditorium, the most attractive shade of green. With cellulose finish to har- John Knight, F.R.I.B.A., of Manchester, and novel interior of the theatre under monise with the general colour scheme. The is preparing plans for a super to be built at review necessitated a distinctive installation organ, which will comprise eight complete St. Petersgate, Stockport, With a capacity of in order that it might be in keeping with units, With a liberal array of percussions 1,700. The theatre, Which is to be known the decorative scheme. and traps, is equipped with the latest im- " as the Regal,” will cost about £27,000, One of the main features of the auditorium provements of its builders, Hill, Norman & and is to be built by J. H. Stansfield, of is the ceiling, which has been provided with Beard, including double touch action on Stockport. ten oblong openings running nearly the both manuals and pedals. — xu THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE November 12, 1930 The photograph reproduced herewith shows pretty conclusively that the Empress Electric Theatre Co., of Hackney, attach considerable importance to their Girosign display. Six frames in all are used, and no one can pass this frontage without having his attention drawn by the intermittent lighting behind the attractively coloured stills. It will be seen that these Girosigns are fully exposed to the weather, which emphasises a feature of Girosign products. The cases are all made with unusual care as to solidity and close jointing. The frames will not warp and the door fits into waterproof rebates in the woodwork. These precautions, added to the fact that the glass fronts are properly puttied into position, make the Girosigns as suitable for exposed as protected positions. The two large outer frames belong to what is known as the .Super Star Series. The centre picture in each case consists of a very large enlargement of the star in colours and over 500 subjects are available in the Giro- sign library. These 15 by 12-in. subjects are not paper enlargements, but are printed on a patented material not unlike celluloid in physical characteristics, but the photo- graphic image is built up right through the substance, so that, when skilfully coloured, some very charming and realistic effects are The entire frontage of the Empress Theatre, Hackney, is fitted with Girosign Still Frames, and produced. their constantly changing illumination makes them an extremely effective publicity aid Nearly 500 theatres now take the Girosign service regularly. The service provides for “ the supply and maintenance of well-built No one who has seen these Girosign frames wrote the other day saying, I would like- frames, complete with intermittent lighting aloug.-lde ordinary black-and-white, non- to express my appreciation of the wonderful, illuminated stills will ever have a moment’s service you have always given and main- gear of a very ingenious type. A bi-weekly ” service of coloured stills is supplied, so that doubt as to the relative publicity value of tained in connection with our sign boards. the methods. all an exhibitor has to do is to send his two The company has recently removed into- cheque and a list of his bookings to ensure The general manager of the almost historic larger and better equipped premises in a punctual advance service of coloured stills. Piccadilly Cinema, in Great Windmill Street, Wardour Street. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS SITUATIONS VACANT HALLS AND SITES PATENTS AND TRADE MARKS ualified electrician - operator, OR SALE.—Hippodrome, Woodford Halse, ING’S Patent Agency, Ltd., 146a, Queen with knowledge of R.C.A. and Power’s Q F near Rugby. Wooden structure on brick K Victoria Street, E.C.4. Free—Advice and Cinephone Installation. Capable of up-to-date piles fully licensed drama and pictures, well Handbook on patenting Inventions and register- theatre plant maintenance, required for super ; equipped. Full particulars on application. In- ing Trade Marks by Registered Agent with Cinema situated in Surrey. Write, stating past — sured. What offers ? Write Manager. 1258 43 years’ experience. experience and references, to Box 470, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, 8-10, Charing Cross ' 13.000 HANDSOME FREEHOLD CINEMA. Road, W.C.2. 1258 £ largest and best in the district, splendid SALE BY AUCTION balcony, own plants owner retiring. Excep- ALES MANAGER with really good connec- ; tional offer. Viewed with pleasure. S tion in the cinema business is required by —Box 462, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, 8-10, Charing VALUABLE first-class firm having several original channels 1258 for business. Write in first instance to Box 468, Cross Road, W.C.2. c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, 8-10, Charing CINEMA SIT Cross Road, W.C.2. FOR SALE in Liverpool, comprising the property" OR SALE, CHEAP.- Owing to installing ENGAGEMENTS WANTED — as F larger set, complete “ talkie ” equipment, now known PEMBROKE PERATOR, Western Electric, seeks situa- on film and disc. Perfect condition can to be sound ; CHAPEL, LIVERPOOL: O tion; 12 years’ experience; good worker; be heard any day by appointment.—Box No. married anywhere.— offered for auction by PATERSON abstainer ; age 24 ; ; go 466, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, 8-10, Box 454, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, Charing Cross Road, W.C.l. 1257 & THOMAS, ESTATE AGENTS 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1257 and PROPERTY AUCTIONEERS, PERATOR-ELECTRICIAN desires change, 16, COOK STREET. LIVERPOOL. O nine years’ experience, any machine or plant. from whom full particulars as to “ Talkies.” Good worker, abstainer age 24 ; ; of sale, conditions of married. Good references. £4 per week. —Box property, date No. 448, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, sal., & c. can be obtained. 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1258 OUNG MAN with 10 years’ experience in Y Cinema business desires suitable position. Proficient operator, pianist and cashier. Used to advertising and all routine work. Married, abstainer ; steady.—Box No. 446, c/o The Bioscope, Faradav House, 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. ' 1258 MISCE LLANEOUS FOUR FILM VAULTS and Cutting Rooms, k licensed L.C.C., for Letting. Low rent.— Box No. 458, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, Distributor" of 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1257 THE “ ALPHA ” TICKET ISSUING MACHINES’ 2 November 12, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE xiii Telephone: Gerrard 1192. Telegramt: “ Lennocks, London.” TIP-UP SEATS & CINEMA SPARES ARE PALMER’S CARES 50 S.H. 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Velvet with 9 in. deep Polished and Upholstered Backs, Arm Pads and Stan- dards Per Set 9/6 180 Reconditioned 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Cord with 15 in. deep Backs, Arm Pads and Standards Per Set 10/9 78 S.H. 18 in. Centre Perforated Wood Seats with 6 in. deep Polished Wood Backs and No-Arm Type Standards Per Set 4/- 42 S.H. 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Cord with 9 in. deep Backs, Arm LOAN ON MORTGAGE Pads and Standards .... Per Set 6/- 99 S.H. 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Fawn Cord with 6 in. deep Backs, Arm Pads and Standards Per Set 6/- £ 100,000 97 S.H. 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Blue Cord with 11 in. deep Backs, Arm Pads and Standards Per Set 7/- 50 S.H. 18 in. Centre Padded Counter- Seats in Red Velvet with 6 in. are in touch with a fund of weighted We deep Backs, Polished Wood Arm Pads £100,000, which it is desired to place and Standards Per Set 5/6 S.H. 18 in. Centre Seats in Red Velvet out on Mortgage on the security [of 93 with 6 in. deep Polished Wood Backs and one Cinema, or a Circuit of Cinemas. No-Arm Type Standards Per Set 5/6 30 Reconditioned 38 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Velvet with 12 in. deep Backs, The Interest required will be 7 per Arm Pads and Standards Each 17/6 in. cent, per annum : and the Capital 25 Reconditioned 40 Centre Sprung Seats in Red Velvet with 12 in. deep Backs, will be repayable within a period of Arm Pads and Standards Each 17/6 ten to fifteen years. 98 S.H. 20 in. Centre Blue Padded Seats with 7 in. deep Pincushion Backs, Arm Pads and Standards Per Set 6/- The security submitted will have to 140 Reconditioned 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Velvet with 12 in. deep Pin- be adequate : and will, of course, be cushion Backs, Arm Pads and Standards subject to rigorous survey from Per Set 12/6 every angle. 100 Reconditioned 18 in. Centre Pin- cushion Seats in Red Velvet with 6 in. deep new Polished Wood Backs and No- CLEMENT BLAKE & DAY Arm Type Standards Per Set 7/9 250 Reconditioned 20 in. Centre Sprung Seats in Red Velvet with 3-ply under Seats, with 9 in. deep Scroll Top Backs, Polished Wood Arm Pads and Arm Type Standards Per Set 10/9 Gaumont Machines .... from /10 Each Power Machines from £2Q Each Spool and Film Rewinders. Very strong, for any make of machine Each 35/- Waterloo Fire Extinguishers. 2 gall, capacity. Complete with refill. Ready for use Each 30 - Barrier Ropes, Second-hand. 4 ft. 6 in. Each 8/6 Cine Motors, £ h.p. All voltages. In excellent condition .... Each £ 10s. Od. Speed Regulators for same .... Each 18/- GEORGE PALMER Universal Cinema Supplies, Ltd. 13, GERRARD ST. LONDON, W.l Phones: Regent 1475 or 5475. 1 .. XIV THE BIOSCOPE November 12, 1930 Coming Trade Shows LONDON LEEDS—continued WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1930 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 The "Feminine Touch Ideal Astoria, 10.45 a.m. The Man from Chicago Wardour Scala, 11 a.m. Check and Double Check Radio Piccadilly Theatre, 8.30 p.m. The Silver Horde Radio Majestic, 10.45 a.m. Pardon My Gun P.D.C Cinema House, 11 a. m. The Cat Creeps Universal Rialto, 10.45 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17. 1930 Renegades Fox New Gallery, 11 a.m. Such Is the Law Butcher’s Scala, 11 a.m. Conspiracy Ideal Astoria, io.45 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 The Silver Horde Radio Piccadilly Theatre. 8.30 p.m. Conspiracy Ideal Scala, 11 a.m. Moby Dick Warner Piccadilly Theatre 3 p.m. The Middle Watch Wardour Rialto, 11 a.m. Decoy Countess B. and F Edibell Theatre, 11 a.m. Easy Money P.D.C Majestic, 10.45 a.m. Modern Pirate B. and F Edibell Theatre, 3 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 1930 Spell of the Circus (Eps. 1. 2. 3) Universal Rialto, 11 a.m. ; Birds of Prey Radio Scala, 10.45 a.m. Own Theatre, 2.30 and 6 p.m Old English Warner Rialto, 11 a.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 Pardon My Gun P.D.C Majestic. 10.45 a.m. Such is the Law Butchers Palace Theatre, 3 p.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1930 The Bottom of the World Ideal Astoria, 10.45 a.m. Six Shorts M.-G.-M Rialto, 11 a.m. Bar L. Ranch Filmophone Cameo Cinema, Bear Street. 11.15 a.m. Feminine Touch Ideal Scala, 11 a.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1930 Five Shorts Ideal Gaumont Theatre. Film House. 10.45 LIVERPOOL TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 18, 1930 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Beyond the Cities Paramount Carlton, 1 a.m. Easy Money P.D.C Futurist, 10.45 a.m. Birds of Prey Radio Piccadilly Theatre. 8.30 p.m. The Silver Horde Radio Scala, 10.45 a.m. Ridin’ Law Filmophone Cameo Cinema, Bear Street, 11.15 a.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Six Shorts M.-G.-M Palais-de-Luxe, 10.45 a.m. Call of the Sea Warner New Gallery, 11 a.m Anybody’s War Paramount Futurist. 10.45 a.m. Canyon Hawks Filmophone Cameo Cinema, Bear Street. 11.15 a.m. Conspiracy Ideal... Scala, 11 a.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1930 BELFAST A Devil with Woznen Fox Futizrist, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 Scala, a.m. A Warm Corner Ideal Classic, 10.45 a.m. Feminine Touch Ideal 11 Compromising of FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 Daphne Wardour Prince Wales, 11.15 a.m. Inside the Lines Ideal Classic, 10.45 a.m. Renegades Fox Trocadero, 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Birds of Prey Radio Scala, 10.45 a.m. BIRMINGHAM Adieu. Mascotte Wardour Prince of Wales, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 The Silver Horde Radio z Futurist, 10.45 a.m. MANCHESTER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Easy Money P.D.C Futurist, 10.45 a.m. The Silver Horde Radio Hippodrome, 10.45 a.m. Renegades Fox West End. 10.30 a.m. Conspiracy Ideal Piccadilly, 10.45 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 Five Shorts Universal Oxford, 11 a.m. Top Speed F.N.P .' Futurist, 10.30 a.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 Night Birds Wardour Forum, 10.30 a.m. Compromising Daphne Wardour Theatre Royal, 11 a.m. Six Shorts M.-G.-M Scala, 10.30 a.m. Back from Shanghai (Silent) U.K. Photoplays A Devil with Women Fox Grand, 10.30 a.m. Blakeley’s Theatre, 48. Birch Lane, 2.30 p.m. Lawful Larceny Ideal West End, 10.30 a.m. The Feminine Touch Tdeal Piccadilly, 10.45 a.iu. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Easy Money P.D.C New Oxford, 10.45 a.m. Birds of Prey Radio Futurist, 10.45 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 The Bottom of the World Ideal West End, 10.30 a.m. Anybody’s War Paramount Paramount Theatre, 10.45 a.m. Such Is the Law Butcher’s Scala, 10.30 a.m. Adieu, Mascotte Wardour Theatre Royal, 11 a.m. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 20, 1930 Birds of Prey Radio Hippodrome, 10.45 a.m. Pardon My Gun P.D.C Futurist, 10.45 a.m. Pardon My Gun P.D.C Market Street P.H., 10.45 a.m. Such Is the Law Butcher’s Piccadilly, 10.45 a.m. BRISTOL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Night Birds Wardozir Theatre Royal, 11 a.m. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Worldly Goods Ideal Regent, 11 a.m. NEWCASTLE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 1930 A Lady Surrenders Universal King's, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, Stoll, 10.45 a.m. Lawful Larceny Ideal Regent, 11 a.m. The Silver Horde Radio Universal ..Qzzeen’s, 10.30 a.zzz. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 19, 1930 The Cat Creeps 1930 Conspiracy Ideal Regent, 11 a.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, Lawful Larceny Ideal Pavilion, 10.30 a.zzz. CARDIFF The Temporary Widow Wardour .Grainger, 10.30 a.zzz. The Social Lion Paranzount . ..Queen’s, 10.30 a.zzz. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Old English Warner Stoll, 10.30 a.zzz. a.m. p.m. Lawful Larceny Ideal Own Theatre, 11 and 3 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 Capitol, 10.45 a.m. The Silver Horde Radio Birds of Prey Radio Stoll, 10.45 a.zzz. 1-6) 10.30 a.m. The Indians are Coming (Eps. Universal Queen’s, Cozispiracy Ideal ..Qzzeen’s, 10.30 a.zzz. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 Five Shorts Universal Gaiety, 2.30 p.zzz. Theatre, 11 a.m. and p.m. Worldly Goods Ideal Own 3 Wednesday, November 19, 1930 Queen’s, 11 a.m. Truth about Youth F.N.P The Bottom of the World Ideal ...Queen’s, 10.30 a.zzz. Fox Park Hall, 11 a.m. A Devil with Women Such Is the Law Butcher’s Stoll, 10.30 a.m. Her Man P.D.C Capitol, 10.45 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1930 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1930 Renegades Fox ...Qzzeen’s, 10.30 a.m. The Temporary- Widow Wardour Queen’s, 11 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 NOTTINGHAM Moby Dick Warner Queen’s, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Theatre, 11 a.m. and Conspiracy Ideal Own 3 p.m. The Silver Horde Radio Elite, 10.45 a.m. of Prey Radio Capitol, 10.45 a.m. Birds ; FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 Men of the North M.-G.-M Park Hall, 11 a.m. Detective Clive, Bart Fox.. Elite. 10.30 a.m. Scala, a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Men of the North M.-G.-M 11 Why Sailors Leave Home Wardour Queen’s, 11 a.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1930 The Cat Creeps Universal Capitol, 11 a.m. Old English Warner Elite, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 GLASGOW The Social Lion Paraznount Elite, 10.45 a.zn. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 The Bottom of the World Ideal Hippodronze, 11 a.zzz. College Lovers F.N.P Green’s Playhouse, 11 a.m. The Teznporary Widow Wardozzr Scala, 10.45 a.zn. The Silver Horde Radio La Scala, 10.45 a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 • Hippodrome, 11 a.m. A Devil with Women Fox Picture House, 10.45 a.m. Lawf ul Larceny Ideal • • • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1930 Pardon My Gun P.D.C Coliseum, 10.45 a.m. Those Three French Girls M.-G.-M Scala, 11 a.m. The Cat Creeps Universal La Scala, 11 a.m. The Bottom of the World Ideal Picture House, 11 a.m. SHEFFIELD Adieu, Mascotte Wardour Regal, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Cinema House, 10.45 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 The Silver Horde Radio Those Three French Girls M.-G.-M La Scala, 11 a.m. Truth about Youth F.N.P Sheffield P.H., 10.45 a.m. Birds of Prey Radio Picture House, 10.45 a.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1930 P.H., 10.45 a.m. The Convict of Stamboul Wardour Regal, 11 a.m. Pardon My Gun P.DC ;:••••••;• Central a.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 Those Three French Gzrls M.-G.-M Cinema House, 11 Easy Money P.D.C La Scala, 10.45 a.m. Lawfizl Larceny Ideal. •••••• Regezzt, 10.45 a.zn. Renegades Fox Picture House, 1 1 a.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1930 Ciziema House, 11 a.zzz. Treason Wardour Coliseum, 11 a.m. Men of the North M-G.-M..... Five Shorts Universal Green’s Playhouse, 11 a.m. The Man from Chicago Wardozzr Central P.H., 11 a.m. Union Street P.H., 10.45 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1930 Birds of Prey Radio... Regent, 10.45 a.m. Truth about Youth F.N.P Green's Playhouse, 11 a.m. The Bottom of the World Ideal WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1930 LEEDS Easy Money P.D.C Central P.H., 10.45 a.m. Regent, 10.45 a.zn. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930 Conspiracy Ideal Those Three French Girls M.-G.-M Rialto, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1930 Picture Palace, 11 a.zn. Lawful Larceny Ideal Scala, 11 a.m. Renegades Fox — November 12 . 1930 THE BIOSCOPE THE STANDARD BOOK ON THEATRE MANAGEMENT AND THEATRE ADVERTISING COVERS ALL PHASES OF THEATRE MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS Theatre Advertising Cut-Out Displays The Lobby Outdoor Advertising Novelty Advertisements Newspaper Advertising Legal Problems Ventilation Management Music and Colour AN ESSENTIAL TO EFFICIENCY IN YOUR THEATRE PRICE 21/6 POST FREE THE AUTHORITY ON SOUND PROJECTION OVER 1,400 PAGES 400 ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME 1. VOLUME 2. VOLUME 3. Into Volume I is in- This volume'is devoted Deals exclusively with with the subject of corporated all the almost entirely to the sound projection. It fundamentals of pro- explanation, care and takes this new complex jection, including the use of well known subject and makes it readily understandable closely allied subjects projection room to even the most of electricity and optics. equipment. uninitiated. VOLUMES 1 and 2 alone Post Free 5™ EDITION 25/6 955c* f&fuct&ook ofProiec Hot i VOLUME 3 alone - - 2 1 /6 » » SOUND RECORDING | REPRODUCTION AND 1 PROJECTION COMPLETE SET only - 47 /- SEND FOR FULL LIST OF PUBLICATIONS SOLD BY : THE BIOSCOPE BOOKSHOP, Cfafmers cPuftficafim FARADAY HOUSE, 8-10, CHARING CROSS RD., LONDON, W.C.2 THE BIOSCOPE . r LOSSES! 1396 theatres in the world— 151 in England — have already been forced to scrap unsatis- factory sound equipment, and to replace it with Western Electric i These figures, a melancholy memorial of wrecked hopes and wasted money, Will continue to soar until every exhibitor has realised finally that - ONLY WESTERN ELECTRIC -WITH ITS UNFAILING SERVICE -CAN REPRODUCE CONSISTENTLY SPEECH AND MUSIC AT THE HIGH STANDARD THE PUBLIC DEMANDS TODAY! Western Electric SOUN I) SYSTEM Western Electric Co. Ltd. Bush House, London, W.C.2 Co., Ltd., Faraday House, Printed by Harrison. .Tehring & Co.. Ltd., 11-15. Emerald Street, London, W.C.l, and Published by the Bioscope Publishing 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. DECEMBER 3, 1930 PRICE - - 6d. No. 12 6 1 Vol LXXXV Inland, Per Annum 10/6 Founded 1 908 ABROAD - 30/- Copyright Registered at the O.P.O. as a Newspaper and for postage to Canada at Magazine Rats A FULL HOUSE Three glorious Queens and a pair of splendid Kings— reigning by divine right of great talent and supported by powerful Directors. The reason behind P D C Leadership to-day. ( Produced by E . B . DERR THE BIOSCOPE December 3 , 1930 THE NEWSBOY TALKS TO THE NEW BOY MOVIETONE MIKE, M A. New Boy: What’s all this about “natural sound,” Sir? Mike, M.A. : Smith tertius, you are a new boy, so there is some excuse for you. Any box office manager will tell you. Broadly speaking, there is as much difference between natural sound and the “spoken narrative” as there is between the modern talking picture and the old fashioned silent picture All exhibitors know that it is natural sound that counts, because natural sound gives a natural atmosphere to the picture, making it live, and it is natural sound which is largely instrumental in keeping British Movietone News at the top. So stand on the form and repeat after me, “ Natural sound is the difference between BRITISH MOVIE- TONE NEWS -the acknowledged leader and BOOK all other “news” reels. British Movietone News The Established Name for Sound News with the Public Distributed by FOX FILM Co. Ltd., 13, BEriNERa STREET, LONDON, W.1 FRANK LLOYD’S MASTERFUL DIRECTION OF PHILIP GIBBS’ STORY WITH CONRAD NAGEL AND LORETTA YOUNG TRADE SHOW Thursday, Dec. 11 fi? -Jsir^ §|!mM Piccadilly Theatre " at 3 p.m. B iffy" ; Jfln 9Sr HF \ 1 t t££ v' V ; m ; A FIRST NATIONAL PICTURE DISTRIBUTED by first national pathe ltd. ViTAPHOMt is the registered trade mark of the Vitaphone Coponation designating its products 4 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 A Series of Two -Reel All -Talking Comedies Featuring the famous chimpanzees, whose hilarious performances have challenged the popularity of the cartoon character. LONDON TRADE SHOW: Gaumont’s Private Theatre at Film House, Friday, Dec* 5th, at 11.15 a.m. & 3 p.m. : December 3, 1030 THE BIOSCOPE 5 THE GAUMONT COMPANY, Ltd., presents "UNDER. MONTANA SKIES A GAUMONT. TIFFANY TALKIE PRODUCTION Featuring Directed by 'KENNETH HARLAN & DOROTHY GULLIVER RICHARD THORPE The exciting adventures of a cowboy who helps a stranded troupe of chorus girls. LONDON TRADE SHOWS Gaumont Private Theatre Film House, Wardour Street, W.l Tuesday, Dec. 9th, at 11.15 a.m. &l 3 p.m. Preceded by “ FESTIVAL OF BAGHDAD,” a Gaumont-TifFany All-Colour Symphony. 6 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 COMES THE OPPORTUNITY OF SECURING SUPERS LIKE LOOK OUT FOR RADIO’S TERRIFIC ANNOUNCEM RADIO PICTURES LTD., December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE HERBERT BRENON'S Great Sequel to “ BEAU GESTE.” (Both recorded by R C A Photophone System). ENT ON THESE AND FIVE OTHER BIG FEATURES 2, 3 & 4, DEAN STREET, LONDON, W.l. . . 8 THE BIOSCOPE December 3 1930 , ONE GOOD TRADE SHOWS FRIDAY, DEC. 5, THE BIG TRAIL PICCADILLY THEATRE, at 8.30 p.m. Denman Street, W.l. Raoul Walsh’s Epic of the Building of a Nation. MONDAY, DEC. 8, PICCADILLY THEATRE, at 8.30 p.m. JUST IMAGINE Denman Street, W.l. DeSylva, Brown and Hendersons Romantic Picture. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, NEW GALLERY KINEM A, at 1 1 OH, a.m. FOR Regent Street, A MAN W.l With Jeanette MacDonald and Reginald Denny. THURSDAY, DEC. 11, NEW GALLERY KINEMA, at 1 1 a.m. LIGHTNIN’ Regent Street, W. 1 With WILL ROGERS at his wittiest. COMING SHORTLY. PART TIME WIVES Edmund Lowe, Leila Hyams and Tommy Clifford. YOUNG SINNERS ONCEDirected Aby FrankSINNERBcrzage. WithEASTDorothy Mackaill. DirectedLYNNEby Guthrie McClintic. Ann Harding, Clive Brook and Conrad Nagel. SQUADRONSDirected by Frank Lloyd. CharlesSEASFarrell and ElissaBENEATHLandi. Directed by Al Santell A Tense Drama of Submarine Warfare. PRINCESS AND THE PLUMBER A CONNECTICUTWith Maureen O’Sullivan and Charles Farrell.YANKEE MAN Will WHORogers in a Riot of CAMEFun at King Arthur’s Court.BACK Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Directed by Raoul Walsh WOMEN OF ALL NATIONS Sergeants Flagg and Quirt Renew Their Rivalry. THE BIOSCOPE 9 December 3 , 1930 PICTURE A WEEK ! f NOW BOOKING. A DEVIL WITH WOMEN With Victor McLaglen, Mona Maris and Humphrey Bogart. CLOTHES AND THE WOMAN Irene Rich in a Tense Society Drama of Love and Ambition “DETECTIVE CLIVE,” Bart. Edmund Louce in a Baffling Dual Role ; with Joan Bennett. LAST OF THE DUANES RENEGADESGeorge O’Brien in Zane Grey s Thrilling Story. Warner Baxter in a Romance of the Foreign Legion. THE DANCERS Wiih Lois Moran, Phillips Holmes and Mae Clarke. SONG O’ MY HEART John McCormack in the Most Romantic Singing Picture of the Age THE SEA WOLF Milton Sills in Jack London’s Greatest Sea Yarn. COMMON CLAY Constance Bennett’s Great Dramatic Triumph. UP THE RIVER Spencer Tracy and Warren Hymer in a Comedy of Prison Life. OTHERS CHALLENGE, m rex ANSWERS ON THE SCREEN 10 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 hese journals will assist you to market your products economically and effectively. They put you in direct contact with current trade T developments and problems in the industries they represent, and offer expert and technical information to all their subscribers—a service which alone is worth many times the cost of the subscription. The address of any paper in this list will be furnished on request. Amateur Photographer & Electrical Times. Meat Trades’ Journal. R Cinematographer. Electrical Trading & Mechanical World & En- Architects’ Journal. Electricity. gineering Record. Architectural Review. Electrics. Men’s Wear Organiser. Art Trade Journal. Electric Vehicle&Batteries. Mining Journal, Railway \t Autocar. Empire Mail & Overseas & Commercial Gazette. m Automobile Engineer. Trade. Model Engineering & Bakers’ & Confectioners’ Engineer (The) Practical Electrician. National Association Engineering & Boiler Motor. Review. House Review. Motor Body Building. Bioscope. Experimental Wireless. Motor Cycle. Brewers' Journal & Hop Export Trader. Motor Cycling. & Malt Trades Review. Fertiliser, Feeding Stuffs Motor Transport. British & South African & Farm Supplies’ Outfitter. Export Gazette. Journal. Packing, Packaging & British Baker. Footwear Organiser. Conveying Gazette. British Engineers’ Export Freemason & Masonic Paper Box Journal. & Bag Maker. Illustrated. Paper Container. British Export Gazette. Fruit, Flower Vegetable & Paper-Maker & British British Journal of Photo- Trades’ Journal. Paper graphy. Trade Journal. Furnishing Trades’ British Paper Market. Printer. Organiser. Photographic Dealer. British Trade Review. Gas Engineer. Plumbing Broadcast & Wireless Trade Journal. Grocer & Oil Trade Review. Retailer. Rural Electrification & Grocers’ Gazette & Pro- Bus & Coach. Electro-Farming. vision Trades’ News. Chemist Sheet Metal Industries. & Druggist. Grocery. Commercial Motor. Specification. Hotel Review (The) Confectioners’ Union & Talking Machine & Wire- Ice & Cold Storage. Ice Cream & Soda less Trade News. Indian Eastern I Fountain Journal. & Textile Manufacturer. Engineer. Confectionery Journal. Textile Weekly. Indian & Eastern Motors. Contractors’ Record & Tobacco Trade Review. Indian & Eastern Railways. Municipal Engineering. Tobacco World. India-Rubber Journal. Dairy & Creamery Journal Unit. Ironmonger (The) Dairyman. Waste Trade World. Journal of Decorative Art. Drapers’ Organiser. Wine Trade Review. Kinematograph Weekly. Dyer, Calico Printer, Wireless & Gramophone Licensing World. Bleacher, Finisher & Export Trader. Textile Review. Light Car & Cyclecar. Wireless World & Radio Electrical Industries & Locomotive, Railway Car- Review. riage Investments. & Wagon Review. Yachting World PERIODICAL TRADE PRESS, & WEEKLY NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS’ ASSOCIATION, Ltd. Telephone : Central 2441. 6, BOUVERIE STREET, E.C.4. Telegrams : Weneppa. Fleet. London. itlL DlUoUUrL, uecemuer o, i?ou, Brilliant Stoll Sound Picture SUMMED UP IMPARTIAL FILM REPORT Well-made PictureZof Strong Entertainment Value GOOD FOR ALL CLASSES. Jpn x :-r MiNf t IrdppLfj'Hjj}:: < ;i -/A liiiiiBii gpjKg& psn ^HjSjKSi; " /i. i,ii . | rjjTJ Unanimous Verdict lifllii! of Exhibitors, Viewers and Press for jrinfcx! n&f&jS- bmpm the delightful acting of LADY TREE BERT COOTE, JANICE ADAIR C AUBREY SMITH, PAMELA CARME CARL. HARBORD, NANCY PRICE, WYNDHAM STANDING, REX MAURICE, FRANK GOLD- SMITH, FRANCES DAY, MIRIAM SEEGAR BUTCHER'S FILM SERVICE Ltd F. W. BAKER, Managing Director, 175, WARDOUR STREET, W.l i THE BIOSCOPE 13 Any way you looU at her WINNIE LI6HTNER the Funniest girl on the screen in ^'EIFE OF THE PARTY is the life of the Box-Office TRADE SHOW M REGAL ARCH Tuesday. December 9^ at f (am. PQECEEDED BY NA* BELIEVE IT OR NOT fl/°4 i* by ROBERT L. RIPLEY. AVAlt m; S' 14 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 Every Production can have both colour tints and sound ” EASTMAN “ Sonochrome Tinted Positive Film gives charming atmospheric tints that express the mood of every scene, or the prevailing lighting of the picture. Besides, this film reproduces sound with exceptional fidelity. Through its use every production can have both colour tints and sound, for “Sonochrome’’ costs no more than ordinary black and white positive. Kodak Limited, Kodak House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2 Use “Kodak” Black Varnish for your Sound Film Splices. DEC. 3 1730 ]UE BIOSCOPE IMPERATIVE . HOLD-OVERf RUTH CHATTBOTON m CLIVE BROOK IN Jl iOtnuffl4' 'Owfadf (JQ$ Q>aramount Gpidure pd d HieeitnL PLATA PICCADILLY CIRCUS LONDON %komL AUO. 17 mi ’• vCT' Ly mead OFFICE IOOM70 VEAHOOUH ST *Y~sr\' i2Si LONDON 1 ADOLPH ZUKOR and JESSE L. LASKY present YOUNG MAN OF MANHATTAN with CLAUDETTE COLBERT NORMAN FOSTER. CHARLES RU66LES, ONCER ROCERS A MONTA BELL PRODUCTION A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE RELEASED JUNE 22,1011 PARAMOUNT presents PARAMOUNT presents FOLLOW THRU The Celebrated International Star with CHARLES ROtfERS, CYRIL MAUDE NANCY CARROLL/ In His World-Famous Comedy Success ZELMA O’NEAL and JACK HALEY GRUMPY” A SCHWAB & MANDEL Directed by GEORGE & CYRIL CUKOR GARDNER | PRODUCTION A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. RELEASED JULY 11, IQ11 RELEASED JULY 20,1011 PARAMOUNT REGINALD FOGWELL presents presents MANILAUCHTER 6UILT with with JAMES CAREW, ANNE GREY, CLAUDETTE COLBERT and HAROLD HUTH, JAMES FENTON FREDRIC MARCH Directed by REGINALD FOGWELL A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. A PARAMOUNT TALKING RELEASE BRITISH QUOTA PICTURE. RELEASED JULY 20, 1Q11 1 RELEASED JULY 27, 1Q11 PARAMOUNT STARCRAFT LTD. presents presents A SCHWAB & MANDEL GUY NEWALL AND PRODUCTION DORIA MARCH QUEEN HIGH with THE ETERNAL STANLEY SMITH, GINGER ROGERS.| CHARLES RUGGLES FEMININE & FRANK MORGAN Directed by ARTHUR VARNEY Directed by FRED. NEWMEYER A PARAMOUNT TALKING RELEASE A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. j > RELEASED AUG* 1, 1Q11 I RELEASED AUG* 1, 1Q11 PARAMOUNT PARAMOUNT presents PARAMOUNT presents WILLIAM POWELL presents RUTH CHATTERTON in RICHARD ARLEN AND CLIVE BROOK " FOR THE DEFENSE in with THE LAW RIDES WEST S KAY FRANCIS with ANYBODY MITZI GREEN & EUGENE PALLETTEl BY OLIVER H. P. GARRETT WOMAN Directed by OTTO BROWER and EDWIN H. KNOPF Directed by JOHN CROMWELL | A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. Directed by DOROTHY ARZNER A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. RELEASED AUG* 10 1Q11 RELEASED AUG* 11, 1Q11 1 RELEASED AUG* 17 1011 PARAMOUNT PARAMOUNT presents PARAMOUNT presents CLARA BOW presents JACK OAKIE "LAUGHTER” " with in LOVE AMON6 THE MILLIONAIRES " CARROLL "THE SAP ABROAD with NANCY FREDRIC MARCH & STANLEY SMITH, MITZI GREEN, FRANK MORGAN CIN6ER ROCERS SKEETS GALLAGHER Directed by H. D'Abbadie D’Arrast Directed by A EDWARD SUTHERLAND and STUART ERWIN A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE. A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE Directed by Frank Tuttle A PARAMOUNT TALKING PICTURE RELEASED AUG. 20.1911 RELEASED AUG. 24 1911 I RELEAIED AUG. 11, 1911 PARAMOUNT PICCADILLY PICTURES presents ADOLPH ZUKOR and JESSE L. LASKY present THE SPOILERS present CARLYLE BLACKWELL An Edwin Carewe Production THE TWO BLACK CROWS with MORAN & MACK EDNA BEST aramount ervwe L/ MEAD OFFICE l6frY|70 WXRDOUR STWI^' ; LONDON ^ - - .'-l / lor AT the & 6AR.LT0N % theatre bv JACK BUCHANAN IN AN ERNST LUBITSCH Production “MONTE CARLO” k WITH A ^ JEANETTE MACDONALD^ DIRECTED BY VICTOR HEERMAN Based on the Musical play by George S. Kaufman Morrie Ryskind Bert Kalmar Harry Ruby Screen play by Morrie Ryskind Continuity by Pierre Collings TALKING 21st YEAR. Telephone : Temple Bar 7921, 7922. SUBSCRIPTION . Home “Independence and Progress” 10 '6 per annum. Telegrams : (FOUNDED BY JOHN CABOURN) Abroad “Gainsaid,Westrand 30/- per annum. Faraday House, London.” 8-10, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. 2. No. 1261. Vol. LXXXV. DECEMBER 3, 1930 PRICE 6d. In Brief Astuteness or Astigmatism ? On August 13th last The Bioscope carried exclusive news that J~iURCHASE of the Astoria chain of Sam Katz, of Paramount-Publix, concluded the preliminaries to ^ had theatres by Paramount , exclusively a deal give control of the Astoria theatre disclosed in “ The Bioscope” on August which would Paramount new 13th, is now officially announced. chain with total seating for over 12,000. Page 21 Fleet Street followed up the clue, but the Astoria executive sat A RTHUR Dent, director of Wardour tight on all information. A half-hearted denial of our story was ** and B.I.P., leaves for U.S. to-day made by that it was lacking in ’phone ; documentary confirmation to study the wide film problem. accuracy was promised. But it never came. Page 20 In September, when Eugene Zukor unostentatiously arrived in A FTER an association of 34 years with this country, The Bioscope repeated that Paramount had a hand on Walturdaw, E. G. Turner has left the Astoria theatres. Again there was no official denial. the company to start business on his own. Page 21 This week, following certain lay Press reports, a statement is issued by J. C. Graham confirming the news published in The Bioscope A T last night’s meeting of the S.M.P.E. four months ago ! ( London Section ) a resolution in favour of dissociating from the American Paramount-Astoria Theatres, Ltd., has been formed with a capital parent body was carried by 24 votes to 3. of £200,000, and with Mr. Graham as the Managing Director, to take Page 22 over the four existing Astorias from Astoria Theatres, Ltd. AJ! EMBERS of the Devon and Cornwall The official statement, with a restraint which is not uncommon to Branch of the C.E.A. have appealed documents of its kind, gives no indication of the real romance under- to the General Council to take steps lying the deal. against the threatened introduction of the wide film. Page 20 The most intriguing facts attaching to this and similar transactions —some of which are still to be heard of—are most forceful when A T the end of the year the Renters’ related in the prosaic language of figures. For it is said that figures ** Sound Inspection Department will can be made to tell any story. Certain it is beyond doubt that cease to exist, as it is felt that it is not figures could never tell a more complete or more amazing story. needed any longer. Page 40 According to the Daily Telegraph the total original cost of the four EXTENSIVE reconstruction work being Astoria Halls was in the neighbourhood of £800,000. The purchase carried out at the Gainsborough price believed to have been paid by Paramount is put at studios is described. Page 27 between £1,500,000 and £1,750,000. TRINGENT rules regarding car parks Taking these figures merely as a rough guide, it would be interesting s at cinemas have been adopted by to know exactly who gets the handy little difference of half to L.C.C. Page 24 three- quarters of a million ! However, away from the particular to the A MASS meeting of projectionists in general. ** the London area will be held at the The cinema has passed through a troublous infancy to the muscular Rialto, Coventry Street, W., on Sunday, " ” December 14th. Page 22 maturity it sports to-day. It has outlived the derision of the arty and has won recognition as an instrument of tremendous national J MPRESSIONS of the seventh annual importance both socially and commercially. * reunion of the veterans of the cine- The old warfare between art and ’apence is now less spectacular matograph industry are given by a special representative. Page 20 and less vital to Britain as a nation, than the fight between astuteness and astigmatism. JN an article on “ Modern Cinema If four British cinemas are worth a million and a-half to Design, J. R. Leathart criticises U.S. A., British theatres and the factors governing we are left with the simple little mathematical problem of how much their construction. Page v. 400 of Britain’s best theatres are worth to Britain. ! ) 20 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 cc Britain Wide ” Awake ? C.E.A. Move Against Wide Film B.I.P. Watching Screen Developments Exhibitors to Appeal to Dent for America to Investigate Government The Devon and Cornwall Branch last The first sign of active British interest in Wide Screen develop- week adopted a resolution calling on the ments comes with the announcement that Arthur Dent, director C.E.A. General Council to make representa- of Wardour Films and British International Pictures, is sailing tions to the Board of Trade to issue an order for America to-day (Wednesday) to obtain first-hand information forbidding the importation or use of any on the various systems now in advanced stages of exploitation there. foreign film exceeding the standard width “ I shall not only visit New York, but Hollywood also,” said Mr. film on the grounds of the greatly increased Dent. ‘ I shall be away for four or six weeks, and hope to view risk of fire due to the extra amperage that all the important wide film systems, including Grandeur (Fox), would be required. Realife (M.-G.-M.), Vitascope (F.N.), and the Spoor Berggen Major Ellis, moving the resolution, which system. I shall review the whole situation both from theatre and was seconded by W. Pickett, said he did studio points of view. We (B.I.P.) cannot afford to waste time. not believe exhibitors wanted wide films, what the Wide is all it is could afford them. We want to know Screen about ; what nor they going to mean to British pictures as well as to British theatres.” His view was that they should ask the This somewhat belated move will be welcomed by all who have General Council to approach the Home the interests of British films at heart. For some time past, while Office with the request that it should issue giving advance details of American Wide Screen devices, “ The a regulation under the Cinematograph Acts Bioscope ' has urged British producers not to allow themselves forbidding, on the grounds of fire risks, any to be overtaken by the wider stock innovation as they were by film other than the present standard film the “ talkie ” invasion. being exhibited in England. B.I.P., as the premier British producers, are to be congratulated If they did that they would damn this on having at last decided to move in the matter. Arthur Dent thing right away. The signs were that each of the big renters would bring out his own wide films for his own purpose. They had tried to skin exhibitors with the " talkies,” and they were trying to complete that A Youngster Among the Veterans process of skinning by offering them films for showing which they must rent or buy the necessary apparatus. Reunion of Old-Timers In his view there was no desire or demand for the wide film. (By a Special Representative To bring out the wide film necessitated the installation of new apparatus which the it nothing It was my pleasure to join the pioneers congregate there no more. It was solemn, exhibitor must hire, and was of the cinematograph industry at their too, when Will Day spoke of those who had more than a ramp which the C.E.A. should seventh annual reunion at the Holborn " fallen by the way.” And then he gave check, and show them that it runs and Restaurant on Monday. Not without controls its own business. diffidence did I accept the invitation, and I If they took no action they would be had seriously considered going along to asking for trouble with the local health Willie Clarkson’s to borrow some hirsute departments, who would come on exhibitors matter with which to conceal the callowness on the ground of eye-strain. In many cases front of my cheeks. As it turned out, I was glad out would have to come the seats now I did not. I should have been the only in use. with much that veteran present W. J. A. Bayley agreed Except for the fact that Secretary Bill Major Ellis had said, but was afraid action Blake was on a diet, that Will Day would was a little belated. They would have the keep on repeating such disconcerting dates wide film before they knew it. as 1896 and 1899 in terms of disgusting The Vice-Chairman (W. Pickett) said it familiarity, that Billy Jeapes related how was important that they should make a “ his son, " following in daddy’s footsteps,” strong effort to break down the domina- had produced the Edibell set, and that A. tion of the Yank.” Unless exhibitors took the Pearl Cross had, in mysterious fashion, some stand they were going to be at suddenly assumed a colossal walrus mercy of the American producer, and his moustache, there was little to mark this mercy would be small. function as a gathering of old-timers. When W. Farrant Gilly asked if they were likely Pearl Cross accused Will Day of having the to get the Branches to support this proposal, did not secret of perpetual youth, I could not refrain because unfortunately the circuits they casting my eye over the assembly to support the C.E.A. resolutions, and from W. N. Blake W. Day find one among them who had not. were the strongest buyers. the support of It was a real gathering of the clans. It was decided to canvass Yorkshire and Scotland struck my ears voice to his scheme for a wonderful night at other branches. brought with tuneful unison, and I have a recollection which all the oldinstruments could be raise funds of even catching a whisper of " Indeet, to out again to provide a display to gootness,” accompanied by an aroma of for benevolent purposes. in the " speechifyings,” a £1,400,000 leek. But they were all one family, never- There were other staged by theless, and from one corner would jump first-rate light entertainment, J. Charlie Mozley Till up this one to say, “ Meester Chairrman, I O’Neill Fisher, in which leading role, and would like to tak' wine wi’ Brither Mozley/’ (fra’ Bra’ford) played a 3 reminiscencing, and, . Earnings bringing the retort, “ Reet, laad, t’ pleasure’s lots of fraternising and Warner Bros and mine.” to wind up the proceedings, as hearty ” year ended August 30tli, Warner Then Dicky Dooner asked permission to sincere a rendering of “ Auld Lang Syne as In the Bros, takings amounted to $7,074,621— take wine with “ the father of his four I have ever heard. all went roughly £1,400,000. This is the nett sum children.” Quick as if it had been pre- So the party broke up. They all charges have been subtracted. Will responded, " Dicky, their ways bearing the freshened memories after arranged Day shareholders Harry ” of those pioneer days and glowing with In his report to you’re a lucky man to know him ! musing Warner says that full benefits of the newly But there were solemn moments. When good-fellowship, while I went mine unites acquired properties had not begun to show we stood to drink the toast of " Absent on the remarkably close bond that the year under review. Since September Friends ” and those who had gone before, these sturdy veterans and wishing that a in to be one of 1st, he adds, business and profits have I saw on many faces the wistful look recalling kindlier fate had allowed me turned upwards. days that had been, and old pals who would them. — December 3 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 21 , E. G. Turner Leaves Paramount-Astoria Deal—Official Walturdaw “ Bioscope ” Exclusive News Confirmed To Develop New Business More Astorias to be Built E. G. Turner, for 34 years associated with the accessory firm of Walturdaw, of which “ ” for many years he was managing director, On August 13th last The Bioscope published the exclusive information that has severed relations with the company and Paramount had completed preliminaries to their acquisition of the Astoria Theatres. has commenced business on his own as The The news is confirmed this week in an official statement issued by J. C. Graham, Patent Fireproof Rear Projection Screen Paramount chief in this country. This statement discloses that a new /200.000 Co. and the Perforated Front Projection corporation, to be known as the Paramount-Astoria Theatres, Ltd., has been formed Screen Co., with offices at Gloucester House, to purchase the Astoria chain from Astoria Theatres, Ltd. 19, Charing Cross Road. It is understood that Earl St. John, of the Plaza and Carlton, will take active control for Paramount and that Charles Penley will remain as general manager of In a conversation with a Bioscope repre- the Astorias under Paramount. sentative, Mr. Turner admitted that he had Also on August 13th “ The Bioscope ” announced exclusively that work was about finally withdrawn from the Walturdaw Co., to be commenced on a further addition to the Astoria chain in Wood Green and that but added that he had done so not because another important site in North London had also been chosen for the erection of a disruption, but simply in of any internal sixth Astoria. order to develop certain new ideas of his own It is now understood that the contract for building the new Astoria, to seat 3,500, “ There is no bad feeling at all," he said at Wood Green will be placed with Knox & Dyke, Ltd., 4, Cavendish Place, W.l. The “ Naturally, it is a great wrench to dis- building will be situate on the High Road, near Lordship Lane. associate myself with the company, which The other site to which The Bioscope referred is understood to be situated on the has been practically my life’s work, but I Holloway Road, N. have certain plans in mind, of which I will The architect for the Wood Green Astoria is E. A. Stone, F.S.I., of 20, Berkeley Street, tell you more later, and I am proposing to who planned the earlier Astorias and who is a director of the Astoria Theatres, Ltd. develop them on my own.” The seating capacity of the four theatres now acquired bv Paramount is as follows : Astoria, Brixton .... 3,000 Mr. Turner, who is one of the pioneers of Streatham the cinematograph industry, was one of the 1,750 Old Kent Road founders of the original Walturdaw, and was 2,400 Finsbury Park responsible, up to a few months ago, for 4,000 the controlling influence in the company’s It is said that the purchase price runs into practically a million and a half. affairs. A short time ago, owing to ill-health, Paramount have also purchased the Royal Avenue Picture House, Belfast, and he withdrew partly from active control, and propose to erect Supers in Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, and other large cities. was succeeded in the managing directorship by Mr. Armitage, but he continued until The official statement authorised by C. the last week to take an active interest in J. out this his first statement on matter Graham, managing director of Paramount for Walturdaw affairs, of which company he publication. Film Service, Ltd., announces the formation remained a director. The Astoria group will become a part of the theatre department of the Paramount Film Service, Ltd., under the direct manage- ment of Earl St. John, and will be conducted New Projection in precisely the same manner as the Plaza Theatre, the Carlton in the West End, the new Paramount Theatre at Man- Device chester, and other provincial key centre theatres. Depth Through Dual “ The taking over of these theatres,” stated Mr. Graham, “ is merely a part of Lens Paramount’s declared and established policy of providing for the due exploitation of their product in all key centres and is in A new all-British invention, known as “ The line with the known intentions of the organisa- Improved Projection Device,” is about to tion in provincial centres like Manchester be exploited by a company called I.P.D., Birmingham, Cardiff and Dublin, where Ltd., now in process of formation, with offices theatres are being operated, and other key at 26 and 27, D’Arblay Street, W.l. Joseph cities such as Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Kean, late general sales manager of New Glasgow and Belfast, where Paramount Era Pictures, Ltd., will act as general theatres are being erected or will be built manager of the company, which will have as soon as schemes of construction now in on its board Mr. Herbert Weld and Colonel Earl St. John Chas. Penley B hand are complete. Hynes. Michael Francis, well-known in the “ The rapid growth of London and Greater industry, is to act as secretary. of the new ^200,000 corporation which has London to its present size as the greatest While it is not claimed that the Improved acquired the Astoria group. metropolitan centre of population in the Projection Device will give stereoscopic The new corporation has, according to world renders it necessary for Paramount results, it is said to afford greater depth to this statement, purchased the four palatial to have a number of such ' lighthouses ’ in the projected picture. The device consists Astoria Theatres at Streatham Hill, Brixton, this area, and this group of palatial super of an attachment comprising a primary and Old Kent Road and Finsbury Park. There theatres will enable Paramount to meet this secondary lens, the whole of which can be is no word concerning other Astorias about situation.” fixed to the porthole of the projection box to be built. or built upon a stand between the porthole It was pointed out by Mr. Graham that Earl St. John in an interview said : and the projector-head. it had not been possible to give a definite " Naturally we have not set our plans yet, but By means of these two lenses two separate reply to questions as to Paramount’s inten- the Paramount theatre spirit will be infused images are projected simultaneously on to tions in regard to the purchase during the in the Astoria organisation. Mangan stage the screen, with the result, it is said, that a past few weeks, owing to the involved nature productions such as are featured at the Plaza fourth dimension is suggested. of the negotiations and the impossibility of will be put on and double-feature programmes It is also claimed that the device entirely forecasting the time at which all the legal will be run. All the Paramount product will eliminates flicker and obviates dangers of and other necessary adjustments would have find release through the Astorias and, of eye-strain. The cost is likely to be small been completed. course, certain other product of the best and payment spread over a long period. Immediately the final stage in the negotia- quality available. Personnel remains practi- An actual technical description of the in- tions, terminating in the formal handing cally undisturbed and Mr. Penley will con- vention is not yet available, but will appear over of the theatres to Mr. Graham as the tinue to act as general manager as he has in The Bioscope following a special private representative of Paramount by Mr. Segal done hitherto, with myself in control just as demonstration which, we understand, is to and his associates of the Astoria Theatres, the Astoria directorate was previously in be arranged within the next few days. Ltd., had taken place, Mr. Graham gave control. 99 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 S.M.P.E. Decision At last evening s meeting of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (London Section), of which Simon Rowson is chairman, a resolution was passed by 24 to 3 in favour of dis- sociating the Section from the parent body in U.S.A. The Executive Committee was ap- pointed to arrange the terms of dissolution by not later than January 1 and to frame proposals for a New Constitution not later than January 12. Goldwyn for England To Supervise Next Tivoli Show Samuel Goldwyn sails for England on the Aquitania to-day (Wednesday) and will arrive in London on December 9th. Mr. Goldwyn ’s 6,000 -mile journey is being undertaken largely because of his desire to have a personal hand in the arrange- ments for the Tivoli presentation of “ One Heavenly Night,” opening on Boxing Day. For this film he took Evelyn Laye to Hollywood on a contract at one of the largest salaries ever paid. As already an- nounced in The Bioscope, Mr. Goldwyn is now in Sam Goldwyn charge of the entire production activities of Art Cinema Corporation, the company producing the large majority of United Artists’ films. The roving eye of the famous producer will, it is anticipated, be even more alert on this trip than it has been on previous ones, in the never-ceasing search for new screen talent. Projectionists' Meeting December 14 A mass meeting of projectionists in the London area will be held at the Rialto Coventry Street, W.l, on Sunday, Decem- ber 14th, at 11 a.m. The theatre has been kindly loaned by J. V. Bryson, Esq., of Universal, for the purpose. Among the subjects of interest will be the “ showing of the film Strike Up Friend Ship,” the sound film describing the manufacture of Ship Carbons. The second batch of Efficiency Certificates will be presented by a representative of the Renters’ Committee. Officers of the Guild and others will speak Radio's new epic of the Foreign Legion story “Beau Ideal,’’ directed by Herbert Brenon, is a sequel on the progress of sound film presentation to the big screen success “Beau Geste,” and stars Ralph Forbes. This film is likely to be seen in during the last two years, and also on the this country in the near future, and Sol E. Newman predicts that it will score a startling aims and objects of the Guild. success It is to be hoped that all projectionists will make a special effort to attend. December 3 , 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 23 Latest Situation Overseas U.S.A. Tussle for European Renters Dictate Ad- mission Prices Theatres To Stop Price Cutting M-G-M, Fox and Paramount Competing (By Our Own Australian Correspondent.) (By Our German Correspondent, Fritz Mann.) Business being bad generally, price- In Berlin a report is current to the effect of cinema visitors as compared to normal cutting has been very prevalent of late, that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer intend to buy conditions is only about so rnuch so that film distributors have 50 per cent. German the Emelka interests of Cohan, the Parisian exhibitors to deficiency are decided to insert a clause in next year's help meet the banker. It is said, however, that Metro- continually elaborating of contracts providing that one shilling be the systems reduced Goldwyn-Mayer will not take over officially admission tickets for unemployed. minimum charge at all theatres throughout active participation in Emelka, but will use Australia and New Zealand. The move was its influence indirectly. For one thing Metro- C. P. Sheehan in Berlin made when city theatres started to drop Goldwyn-Mayer would exploit their pictures admissions down as low as sixpence and C. P. Sheehan, foreign manager of the in theatres. ninepence. Germany throughout the Emelka Fox Film Corporation, is in Berlin, where he On the other hand, Emelka is bound by a Circuit Expansion is staying at the Hotel of Adlon, the general Government contract (the German Govern- headquarters of the international film re- . The recently formed Hoyts-Fox exhibiting ment was, till lately, the chief shareholder circuit continues to expand here, and besides presentatives in Berlin. His stay in Berlin, in Emelka) to show in its theatres at least acquiring new city holdings suburban houses which is calculated to last for several weeks, 50 per cent, pictures of German origin. But are also being purchased. Stanley S. Crick, gives grounds for all kinds of rumours. It is the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer talkers avail- head of Fox, who handled the deal from the said that he will not only reorganise the able at present for the German market would American side, has returned, and with his scheme of the European Fox sale, but will scarcely reach the total number of the presence relieving his co-director, Charles also treat with German producing firms foreign pictures allowed under this Govern- Munro, free to concentrate on the theatres concerning certain Fox plans to produce a ment contract. must also regard an early end solely, further big moves are expected. We great number of pictures in Germany in agreement of a similar nature between Ufa collaboration with German firms. Tut ! Tut ! ! and Parufamet (the European representative * * * * The long-awaited decision of the judges concern of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and As already reported, the Klangfilm-Tobis of the film scenario contest, promoted by Paramount) as a practical certainty. All has the intention of suing (on the basis of the Commonwealth Government, has been portents reveal U.S.A. watching for outlets the last decisions in favour of the Klangfilm) at last announced. And of all things, the in this market by the acquisition of theatre those exhibitors who have installed Kinoton winning effort has to do with matters control. machines. Now I hear that the German biblical, carrying the title, “ Tutankhamen.” C.E.A. will appeal. It is hoped that Klang- As the idea was promoted with the object Desperate Situation Unemployment by film will give up the prosecutions and come of fostering the industry locally, the trade The situation of German cinemas in con- to some private arrangements with the 200 scoffs at the award and wonders just where sequence of the terrible want of work is Kinoton exhibitors. the judges imagine the money could be becoming more and more acute. The new * * * * secured by a producer anxious to handle official statistics show 3,500,000 unemployed The managing director of the renting this type of subject. The scenario a drew in Germany. department of the Ufa, Mr. Meydam, has prize of /400 and a similar award was made It can safely be calculated that the number been appointed on the Ufa board. for another, " Back o’ Beyond,” for being adjudged the scenario containing the best Australian sentiment. On the surface it looks as though the scenario competition has followed the Cinema Receipts Increasing same path as the film contest, when the competing efforts were so uninspir- 72^000^000 Francs Per Year for Paramount Theatre ing that it was decided to award only (From Our French Correspondent, Georges Clarriere) one prize, the third. That went to a picture which had one of the most inglorious city Louis Lynde has been nominated director- amounted to several million francs per runs on record. general of the Haik circuit, which is shortly annum, but it is averred that the profits * * * to be extended. There are five halls to date— of Kodak-Pathe have only amounted to a Sam Burger, executive of Metro-Goldwyn- Olympia and Colisee, Paris, the Empire few thousand francs. The dispute is, appar- Mayer in America, will visit Australia and the Palace at Nancy, and the Novelty ently, due to the non-fulfilment of contracts shortly as personal representative of Arthur at Nice. At the present time builders are and the consequent loss sustained by Pathe- Loew, head of the company’s overseas at work on the foundations of the large Cinema. The suit, which has been anticipated department. Boulevard Poissonniere Paris hall, to contain for a long time, is likely to be a lengthy one, * * * between 3,500 and 4,000 fauteuils. When unless the parties make terms. J. L. Cathro, managing-director of R.C.A- completed, in about eighteen months’ time, Pathe Opens a De Luxe Hall Photophone in Australia, left last week on this will be the largest hall on the Boule- Pathe-Cinema, which took over the a visit to American headquarters. He goes vards and the most up-to-date. Olympia, via fashionable dance-restaurant, L’Ermitage, in France and will also look in on London. which was opened on April 11th last, has * * * the Champs-Elysees, has turned the hall cashed-in four and a half million francs in “ into a cinema de luxe, with 1,200 fauteuils Greek Street,” the Gaumont produced months, and receipts are three on the at 20 and 25 francs. The hall, which has " talkie ” with William Freshman starred, increase. It is unfair, of course, to compare yellow, grey and gold scheme of decoration, is being handled here a by British Dominion it the Paramount, the next best hall, with is lighted by translucent pilasters. Films. is The It being put out as a special and which, in the three first months of the year, Societe Foncier des Champs-Elysees is respon- is looked forward to click in the same big cashed-in nearly eighteen million francs. way as “ Splinters ” and " Rookery Nook ” sible for the financial side of the enterprise, and Andre Arfvidson is the architect. The did. * * Pathe Against Kodak * acoustic properties of the hall have been No craze has registered so strongly in this A very complicated and interesting law- assured by the Celetex concern, and R.C.A. country as community singing. Worked by suit has just commenced in the Paris Com- Photophone sound system has been installed. the big wireless broadcasting companies, mercial Courts. It involves Kodak-Pathe The hall has been designed with a view to the idea is handled in theatres, halls and S.A., Pathe-Cinema, the Kodak French eventually introducing a wide screen. parks, many exhibitors also finding its company, and the American Kodak company. introduction profitable. It will be remembered that about three years FOX BANS SCREEN ADVERTISING The stunt is to get a good personality ago Kodak and Pathe came to terms for the Fox Theatres have launched a campaign man to lead the songs, charge an all-round joint manufacture of raw stock film (both to abolish screen advertising in cinemas. In admission of one shilling, hand around sheets Kodak emulsion and Pathe formula), and all theatres in the company’s big American carrying the words, and the people do the Societe Anonyme Kodak-Pathe was circuit managers have been ordered to dis- the rest. Why people should pay to do founded, Kodak having 51 per cent, interest continue whatever film advertisements they what they can do at home in the bathroom and Pathe 49 per cent. The Americans are now using and to turn down all future free is unexplainable, but the fact remains took control of the vast Pathe works at propositions of this nature. that they do, and throughout the land Vincennes, and the plant was modernised. The company, it is stated, is taking this massed sing-songs are making big money Before this deal the profits of Pathe-Cinema step in the belief that screen advertising for the sponsors of the idea. on the manufacture and sale of raw stock will ultimately prove a boomerang. — 24 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 Trade in Parliament L.C.C. Rule on Car Parks Banned in India such ships had been fixed up with cinema and would he give par- In the House of Commons, Harry Day operating boxes ticulars ? asked the Secretary of State for India Stringent Fire Precautions whether he could state the names of the films " Mr. Tom Shaw, replying, said : As an that had insisted that all been prohibited during the previous experiment, facilities have been granted by the The L.C.C. has recently of amuse- 12 months, giving the country of origin in Board of Trade, at the request of the Army new buildings, especially places intensi- every case. Council, to a commercial firm to instal, ment, should, in order to avoid the congestion, have A written answer from the India Office without charge to public funds, a cinemato- fication of the traffic cars. states that the exhibition of the following graph apparatus on the transport “ Nevasa,” provision for parking motor films was prohibited during the— 12 months now on a voyage to China. The arrangements In this connection such provision has ending September 30, 1930 : “ Monument provide for a frequent change of programme, been made at the new Regent Theatre of Tears ” (U.S.A.) “ Bicharak ” and the charges for each entertainment are Stamford Hill, but ; (U.S.A.) at Amhurst Park, ; “ The Charge of the Gauchos ” reasonable. Arrangements comply in all danger involved (U.S.A.) ; questions arose as to the “ Civil Disobedience at Dandi, April 6, respects with Board of Trade requirements. by reason of the exits being close to the ” " Should experiment prove a success, the 1930 (India) ; Civil Disobedience at this parking spaces. Bombay, April 7, 1930 ” (India) “ Drums question of its extension to the other trans- ; In this connection the Theatres Committee of Love (U.S.A.) “ Expiation ” (India) ports employed on trooping will receive ; ; has reported and the L.C.C. last night Gandhi’s March for Freedom ” (India) consideration.” ; adopted the following recommendations : “ Gandhi’s Historic March ” (India) “ ; Ivan the ” “ That arrangements in connection with Terrible (Russia) ; King of the Khyber Rifles ” “ ” Offensive Films car parks be entirely under the supervision (U.S.A.) ; The Letter (U.S.A.) “ Mahatma Gandhi’s ” and control of the licensee of the theatre. ; March In the House of Commons on Wednesday, (India) " ” ; Mr. Patel’s Procession (India) walls ; Sir Nicholas Grettan-Doyle asked the Secre- That incombustible imperforate fence ‘‘The Passion of Joan of Arc” (France); the tay of State for Foreign Affairs whether it or screens at least 16 ft. high separate “ The Patriot ” (U.S.A.) " ” ; The Red Dance car parks from the open exit ways of the “ was customary for British representatives (U.S.A.) ; The Red Flame ” (Britain) ”; abroad to make formal or informal complaints theatre. “ The Scarlet Lady " (U.S.A.) “ ; Shiraz " to Foreign Powers concerning the nature That petrol be not stored on the car (Britain) ; The Silent House ” (Britain) ; of films and plays detrimental to British parks that petrol tanks of cars be not “ The Terror of Chalta Purj ” (India) and ; interests if so, any such complaints ; whether filled, or repair work be undertaken, while “ The Truth About Sex ” (U.S.A.) “ The ; had been effective in securing the with- Very Idea ” (U.S.A.) and “ Volga-Volga ” the cars are in the parks. ; drawal of the offending film or play. (France). That an adequate number of chemical " fire extinguishers and pails of sand be Mr. Henderson : His Majesty’s repre- Pictures for the Troops sentatives in various countries have from provided in each car park. In the House of Commons yesterday time to time approached the competent That an experienced attendant be in (Tuesday), Harry Day asked the Secretary of authorities concerning films thought to be charge at all times when the parks are in State for War whether the Army Council had detrimental to British interests. Tire answer use. approved a series of cinema entertainments to the second part of the question is in the Although the report concerned the Regent, to be given on troopships and transports negative, though in some cases excisions or Stamford Hill, the Council’s recommenda- carrying troops and their families to stations modifications have been secured in films tions will apply to all theatres within its in the Far East. Could he say how many to which objections were taken. jurisdiction. Wynbergen Quits Radio Leon Wynbergen has resigned his position Disappointing International as joint general sales manager of Radio Pictures, says Sol. E. Newman, Radio Pictures chief. No new appointment will be Congress made, Ralph Hanbury now commencing to act as sole general sales manager. Avant Garde Dead ? Representatives from France, England, the flying cameras and freak angles, so Belgium, Spain, Holland, Germany and beloved of the French “ moderns.” Poland gathered in Brussels last week-end Belgium itself contributed “ The White for the second international Congress of the Flame,” a short abstract by Charles Dekeuke- Independent Cinema. leire, and a number of Henri Storck’s " actu- The Congress was held in the magnificent alities.” Germany’s only important offering Palais des Beaux-Arts, and several sessions consisted of extracts from Ruttman’s sound were devoted to viewing the productions of film “ La Melodie du Monde,” an interesting the European " avant garde.” Judging from experiment in sound and visual montage. the specimens shown, the advanced film In between observing and commenting movement on the Continent is losing some upon this somewhat faint-hearted programme of its brilliance. of films, the delegates considered various The most interesting film shown was the matters affecting the independent cinema Soviet film " Earth,” directed by Dovshenko. throughout the world. This has already been exhibited by the Film A resolution was passed calling for an Society in England. energetic fight in all countries against the Britain was " Borderline,” censorship an international scenario com- represented by ; Kenneth Macpherson’s film with Paul petition was launched, and an Information Robeson, and " Drifters,” Grierson’s picture Bureau established, with headquarters in of the herring fleet. Amsterdam. " Spain’s sole contribution, Poeme de As a medium for exchanging views and Madrid ” was disappointing. It is a two-reel enabling film societies and independent record of gala and festival in the Spanish city, groups to establish contact, the Congress had photographed and cut without any particular its values, but it is to be hoped that next imagination or feeling. year a more representative and up-to-date From France we had Deslaw’s new short selection of films will be secured. Valuable " Robots,” concerning which the less said experimental work, both sound and silent, is Dwight Frye has a pleasant sort of part in the better, and " Champs Elysees,” another being conducted in Europe, but far too little Universal’s thriller “Dracula,” if expressions “ of those documentaires,” complete with of it found its way to Brussels. R.B. mean anything at all ! — — December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 25 Talk of the Trade Marionettes and Maurice ! — Hush ! He's Only From Roxy—R.I.P. — Elvey Needs Cf Slimming— DORA S Cousin Ettie” To Stay? Faraday House, unfair to single out names for special mention the day were only delayed by a quarter of an —is to be congratulated, not upon the ap- hour. Less than three hours after the out- December 3, 1930 proaching end of their collective existence, but break, the stage was ready for De Groot to upon the legacy of sound organisation work make his debut with his £10,000 Strad. De " Maurice ” Becomes which they are leaving behind. Groot is to play twice daily, his contract a Marionette ! securing his services exclusively to Gaumont “ ” Maurice has arrived ! And his whirl- Oh El— British-P.T.C. at that theatre. wind season at the Dominion Theatre will Elvey ! add not only £8,000 to his earnings, but I understand it is not true that the That Slippery considerably also to his learning. He will that West End Managers and the Projectionists’ Slope learn what he owes to the screen. As I sat at organisations are to invite Maurice Elvey to the back of the stalls on Monday’s opening With one eye on the coupon admission address them on ” To Get What You performance, I found myself watching, over How idea it is interesting to pass the other over Earn.” idle started the a sea of heads, this real Chevalier singing the An gossip monger some figures from Germany this week. story after reading Mr. Elvey's Daily songs I had heard from the screen. But to Berlin and the larger towns and cities are Exprjss article, in said a West End me he was much less real than he had been on which he suffering terribly from the effects of unem- the screen a mere mirionette figure in the manager would get £1,000 a year—or more, ployment, and desperation methods of ; place of the great sunny-faced comedian who and a good operator £10 to £15 a week ! swelling theatre audiences have been resorted has made himself my screen favourite. to until extremes have been reached. One Whether at the end of his short London season Future of middle-sized theatre in a large German the film will be owing anything to the stage E.T. industrial centre supplies the following is by no means certain. I admit quite Somehow the question of Entertainments statistics : In October, 1928, of 22,240 tickets issued, 776 were at knock-out rates frankly that his personal appearance has been Tax has crept into many conversations I have for the unemployed. During the same month arranged on a scale which reflects still more had recently with exhibitors. “ What is the at the credit on the highly efficient publicity trade going to do —just throw up the sponge?” of 1929, of 22,085 issued, 2,606 were last, of organisation maintained by Paramount. All asked one bluff showman whose whole- reduced figures, while in October 21,192 tickets disposed of, no fewer than the ladies will love to meet the Maurice of hearted support was all along given to the 7,066 issued to the workless. You see their dreams. I can only hope that they will E.T. Abolition League. “ The C.E.A. is out were how the trouble spreads. From Australia, come away feeling that flesh and blood has of the League, and it looks as if very soon curiously similar story this rewarded them. Apart from a few stories each branch will be sending along disjointed enough, I have a organisations in which he was able to put over the footlights, requests for something off up to this or that. week. Certain renting Sydney are now protecting the interests of but which would certainly have been excised What is Snowden or anybody else going the industry (their own principally, I imagine) from any film by the censor, I got consider- to think about it. With the united weight of ably less kick out of seeing him on the boards the Entertainments Industry behind the by stipulating on film contracts that ad- mission prices must not be dropped below than I did out of his most recent screen move it looked tough enough, but now by “ Is. mark. performance in the Big Pond.” Which goes trying to strike bargains with the Chancellor a certain level—usually the to prove that the vaunted intimacy of the we have thrown away our main argument Cheapening admissions is as dangerous to as sitting heavily stage theatre becomes a myth in these days of against the tax. It was that as a war-time the average exhibitor on “ ” an eager toboggan right on the edge of a supers, while the close-up of the screen measure its retention for so long after the — annihilates completely the increasing acreage Armistice represented sheer political plunder.” slippery slope. of auditorium. I imagine that quite a number of exhibitors —particularly the smaller ones, who wantall Those P.D.C. Ssh ! their theatres can earn them in these days— Luncheons Something Doing ! will find a few interesting thoughts in the Reginald Smith and his publicity chief, Dead quiet about Douglas Murray, who special article appearing on another page. Clive McManus, prove to be such adepts in you will remember has been brought over Written by C. Claxton Turner, late organiser the art of hospitality that their periodical from New York, where he has been in charge for the Entertainments Tax Abolition League, P.D.C. luncheon parties are already regarded of “ Roxy’s ” stage presentations, to set going it sets out a few of the main facts as seen by those fortunate enough to be invited with a vaudeville policy in the John Maxwell from the inside. I feel Mr. Claxton Turner the satisfaction one feels in being introduced theatres. Pressmen are not allowed to get has much to say with which we must agree, to an intimate and congenial club. near Mr. Murray, and all that one can get out but there may be other points of view, and Mr. Smith mixes his guests with the skill of Mr. Maxwell’s theatre publicity organisa- I shall be glad to hear what you think of the of an expert cocktail shaker, and both he tion is that the first big stage show originated present E.T. situation. and Mr. McManus have the valuable gift of by Murray will go on at the Regal, Marble making each guest feel that he is the person " ” Arch, on December 20th, when Middle “ Dassan of chief consideration. Though film affairs ” Watch is the main film, feature. And then For Quota and golf are not barred as topics of conver- for the rest of the A.B.C. halls .... ” sation, every opportunity is given for the Cherry Kearton is in clover. “ Dassan ? ? This Scottish caution ! discussion of general subjects, and from a is not only pulling in big crowds at the small company, including leading journalists, Polytechnic, but has been accepted by the R.I.P. renters and exhibitors, the gleaned valuable Board of Trade as a Quota picture. It has R.S.I.C. hints as to the treatment of Dandie Dinmont also, I believe, been booked to a nice little puppies and the methods of pruning poly- So the Renters’ Sound Inspection Com- sum, including a useful contract with without the blend mittee is dying of antha roses. But, even senile decay ! Probably Universal. the pleasant entertainment nothing associated with sound pictures has of instruction, luncheons is such as to induce fulfilled such a silent or such a salient function of the P.D.C. Trying the New the that have his name on the as this Committee. When at the end of this hope one may Fire Fighting Appliances ! waiting list for some future occasion. month it passes out—as silently as it has wormed its way through the eighteen months Unfortunate for Jack Hanbury that slight Fires of of its useful life—it will leave behind it a outbreak of fire at the Victoria Theatre on monumental piece of Enthusiasm work. But for the Monday ! But not only Mr. Hanbury, but the Sound Inspection Committee heaven alone Gaumont British-P.C.T. executives may con- So enthusiastic is Universal over Lewis knows to what standards of sound repro- gratulate themselves on the excellent or- Ayres’ rapid strides toward film fame that duction many of the smaller British theatres ganisation existing at the Victoria to meet Carl Laemmle, Jnr., has promised the 22-year- would have aspired. There are now nearly emergencies of this kind. If the occasion old Paul Baumer of “ All Quiet on the “ 2,800 halls screening talkies,” and it is a had not arisen they’d perhaps hardly Western Front ” independent stardom in his gratifying thought that of all these the have believed it. Although fairly extensive next picture. Committee consider that only two are working damage was done in putting out the fire Tentatively, the story is called “ Fires of “ ” definitely bad talkie sets. Every member which, I should say, originated backstage Youth.” of the Inspection Committee—it would be from the fusing of a wire—performances for OBSERVER 26 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 British Studios To-day a Parliamentary Publicity— Dreyfus” Starting Soon— Why Another Cf Flying Fool” ?— Another Fogwell Appointment— Edgar Wallace and the Parson's Nose ! has had a vast experience in Germany and America, will supervise. Cedric Hardwicke is said to be under consideration for the leading role. Walter Summers’ Next Walter Summers, who will direct B. I. P.’s "The Flying Fool”—which ought to be retitled, since there is a recent P.D.C. film of the same title—is now a certified pilot, and demonstrates his flying abilities over British International Pictures' studios, much to the interest of his fellow directors and artists. Every morning—weather permitting—he is flying above the district between Hatfield and Elstree, getting real atmosphere. Sum- mers has noticed than when diving through the clouds the panorama changes three times, from clear sunlight through rolling mist into clear air with a ceiling of cloud above. This is an aspect of aerial cinematography not yet exploited, and he promises some unique examples of his point on aerial discoveries in this production, which will commence on or about December 8. Enter Mutz Greenbaum After lengthy negotiations with the Home Office, the Famous Players Guild have secured permission for Mutz Greenbaum, the famous German cameraman, to work in this country for the duration of production of the three versions—Spanish, English and French—of Seeing is Believing modesty complexes, etc., which would keep 77 Park Lane” for United Artists’ distri- back from the world any word of news which tion. Mr. Greenbaum is expected to-day British I ntemational executives are to be may help to spring a boost for B.I.P. (Wednesday), and will start at once on congratulated on the extension of the exteriors for “ 77 Park Lane.” These shots splendid idea of inviting Government and Lupino Trembles On will be taken in London streets in the early Parliamentary representatives to visit the hours of the morning. During his stay Mr. “ studios as guests. It started early this All of a Tremble," P.D.C.’s first British Greenbaum will work conjointly with Geoffrey year and the first party numbered less than offering, under the direction of Lupino Lane, Faithfull, of Nettlefold Studios, where the a dozen M.P.’s. Later a second muster of is now well under weigh at the Stoll Studios, film is being made. to Elstree more recent still over 20 went ; Cricklewood. The fault usually to be found ’’ some of the Imperial Conference Delegates with the full length feature comedy, of Congratulations, “Jim Carter including representatives of the were there which this is to be one, lies chiefly in the I happened to be out of town last Tuesday British Cabinet. Last Wednesday a further lack of sustained interest, but with this re- when the news broke concerning the changes group of M.P.’s had a look over the studios. markably versatile little comedian in the on the Twickenham Film Studios Board. : Messrs. George Middleton These included leading role, we may be hopeful. In support So I have had no previous opportunity of H. Alpass (Bristol), S. (Carlisle), J. John of Lupino Lane, who both stars and directs, offering my personal congratulations and (Maryhill), M. Marcus, Tom Williams Clarke are Irish Ashley, J ack Hobbs, W alter Patch good wishes to Jim Carter, who becomes a Longbottom (Halifax), (Dundee), Arthur and Rene Clama. Visatone recording is director of the company which he has served (Newcastle), Thurtle Wilfred Paling Ernest being employed. for so long—and so well—as art director Welsh (Paisley), G. T. (Shoreditch), James and production supervisor. I had an inkling (Romford), Walker (New- Muggeridge James Herbert Mundin for “East Lynne *’ Parody of impending changes at St. Margarets I Morley (Southampton), W. ; port), Ralph was not at all surprised to hear that Henry Hardie (Glasgow), T. A. Welsh, of Welsh-Pearson, who are’ Bennett (Battersea), George Edwards had stepped out of the chairman- T. Winterton to make “ East Lynne on the Western T. Lewis (Southampton), E. ship, and when I heard of Jas. Carter’s F. (Frome). Front ” in conjunction with Gaumont Com- (Loughborough), and Gould appointment I was no more surprised either. pany at the Shepherd’s Bush Studios, has It is to the good that those interested in His appointment is a logical expression of signed Herbert Mundin to star in the picture. legislation which may touch either directly the confidence and high esteem in which At present further negotiations are pro- or indirectly the interests of the British he is held by Julius Hagen and the rest of ceeding for the engagement of a supporting industry, should see at first hand how our the Twickenham executive. Those who cast of similarly outstanding artists, and films are made. For this reason I from the have heard Jim Carter play the piano know George Pearson, who is to direct, plans to beginning urged not only B.I.P. but other just how he can play. But the piano is not commence rehearsals at Shepherd's Bush British producers to maintain the closest all. He can play the game, too. before Christmas. possible contact, through their publicity at life. The idea Maritimes Shepherd’s Bush departments, with official “ ” could with benefit be extended to bodies Dreyfus Lining Up The Shepherd’s Bush Studios have a such as the L.C.C. and the M.C.C. The One of the most interesting stories in the distinctly nautical flavour just now, for on latter might be invited to Elstree for a B.I.P. schedule, "Dreyfus,'' will take the one stage the bows of a cargo steamer tower the other floor is Sunday ! floor very shortly. It is a powerful spy up to the roof, while on to be found the after well deck of the same It is cheering to note, by the way, that story, which has the merit of being taken vessel also, tucked away in a corner, a British Intern; tional's activities are not now from life. ; store dealer’s premises. A few odd wrapt in the deep mystery which prevailed The dialogue has been written by Captain marine rusty sections of deck rails, anchors until a month or two ago. George Ayre, Berkeley, and the film—as I was first to dinghys, directed and other things necessary to those who who is now in charge of the new Elstree announce some weeks ago—will be go down to the sea in ships, bear witness studio publicity department, is working by Milton Rosmer, well known both as ” to the Art Director’s efficient “ scrounging hard against all the anti-publicity forces. actor and producer. F. W. Kraemer, who — December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 27 in Wapping and Shadwell on behalf of “ Down River,” Peter Godfrey’s current Gaumont “ talkie.” Gainsborough’s New Studios One day this week a fine fight is to be staged on the well deck between River Police, led by Cyril McLaglen, and the Complete Reconstructions and Extensions ship's crew. Jane Baxter, the leading lady in “ Down River,” is shortly to exchange the role of a Gainsborough’s sound studios at Islington A hint of increased activity is conveyed kidnapped heroine for that of a bride, for are now undergoing extensive reconstruction by the provision of a score or so of additional she is to be married within the next fort- and remodelling, a big undertaking that is dressing rooms, not including two larger night to Clive Dunfee, the well-known not entirely an outcome of the fire, which Brooklands speed-king. Maritimes all round, did considerable damage to the plant, some chorus or assembly dressing rooms. Ample it seems. months ago. bathroom facilities are also being provided for the use of Well-known Playwright Joins Fogwell The Gainsborough directors had, in any artists. case decided to extend their production In connection with an extensive pro- In addition to the numerous staff offices facilities, expansion being necessary if the gramme of forthcoming productions to be provided for in the building plans will be company’s ambitious programme is to be announced shortly, Reginald Fogwell has two theatres, including one large and highly properly carried out. engaged the well-known playwright, Cyril perfected synchronising theatre, which alter- Campion, for the scenario department of While plans were being prepared for re- natively can be used as a supplementary Reginald Fogwell Productions, Ltd. building and modernising, the stages com- studio. New cutting rooms, carpenters, Mr. Campion, whose plays “ The Lash,” paratively undamaged by the fire were re- scenario, plaster engineers and other trade “ Ask Beccles ” and “ Dope,” were popular equipped with the latest R.C.A. sound and shops are being built, while camera and sound successes, will bring his theatrical experience film apparatus, and production proceeded equipment shops and repair rooms will form “ " ” and literary ability to bear upon the scenarios on The Stronger Sex,” P.C. Josser and a new and distinctive block. " and dialogue of the new productions. By a Third Time Lucky.” The top floor of the building accommodates freakish coincidence, Madeleine Carroll The reconstruction committee, composed well-lighted and ventilated film cutting under contract to Fogwell—will now be of the architects, Messrs. Nicholas and Dixon rooms, with heavy capacity film storage associated with the author of her first play, Spain, M. E. Balcon, Gainsborough’s manag- vaults. for her stage debut was in a touring company ing director, and H. G. Boxall, general ” The roof of the new building is to be flat, with The Lash,” and with the author of manager of the company, duly completed “ to provide an open-air studio with full her first film, Guns of Loos,” which was their development scheme. electrical equipment—-a novel departure in written by Reginald Fogwell. And about the same time that " Third British studios. Time Lucky ” started at Islington, recon- Edgar Wallace at the Studio An immense lift connects all floors, that part of Edgar Wallace visited the Beaconsfield struction work commenced on including the flat-roof studio. In the base- studios on Friday to inspect the rush prints the premises destroyed by fire. ment are situated boiler rooms and a sub- of his new film "To Oblige a Lady.” At The general aim is to provide for two generating station capable of supplying much the moment of his arrival various intricate principal studios, both using R.C.A. record- more electrical energy than is likely to be manoeuvres were in progress around a large ing and each having distinctive suites of needed by the entire plant. The buildings dining table, at which Mary Newland and recording and service rooms. throughout are being fitted with the latest Warwick Ward presided as hosts. fire prevention devices. Each studio also has its air conditioning Near at hand fingered Maisie Gay, whose and filtration plant, which provides a con- large tank is to be installed for arrangements for the dinner seemed to cause A the sistently clarified atmosphere and keeps the purpose of " water ” scenes and aquatic some concern alike to hosts and guests. studio free from fog. Large blocks of adminis- effects. restaurant for artists Maisie confesses to finding the necessary A and staff, trative offices are to be placed in a central capable of serving any number of meals waits between shots while resetting is in ” position to the “ North ” and “ South required is progress very irksome. With that vivacity that may be being provided. A studios, technical shops and workrooms. car-parking space with workshops and garage that characterises her stage work, she is are to be located at the rear of the buildings. longing to be up and at it from the moment Each studio is to be fitted with galleries she arrives at the studio. round the four walls, giving every angle and Gainsborough’s wider contribution to She upset the gravity of the party on adjustment for lighting as well as a variety London’s growing importance as a world several occasions, notably by her plaintive of camera positions, both stages being also film centre will, when finished, comprise a query when serving the fish, “ I wonder if a adequately supplied with runaway apparatus complete and self-contained film production ” haddock has a parson’s nose ? for quick and convenient handling of sets unit within 20 minutes’ journey of the City and lighting. and West End. Your Car for the Kids, Please! President Meyrick, of Pentagram, informs me that this splendid artists’ organisation is arranging a Kiddies’ Christmas Party, and on December 20th it is proposed to distribute toys and hampers to certain " little scamps ” who ought not to be overlooked by Father Christmas. Mr. Meyrick wants to hear from anyone who is sufficiently game with the youngsters to loan cars for an hour or so just to deliver these gifts. If you’ve a car drop a card to 6, Lower Park Fields, Putney, S.W.16. Michael Francis, late Secretary, points out that he is still Vice-President. Short Shots Sorry to hear that Edna Davies is suffering from a severe nervous breakdown, which has necessitated her going into a country nursing home for a long rest in complete quietude. During this year Miss Davies has done well " in talkies," her performances in " The Hateship,” " Loose Ends ” and “ Song of Soho ” marking her as an actress of con- siderable merit. * * * * Millard Webb has been engaged to direct a film at the Shepherd’s Bush Studios. At the moment a number of stories are under consideration for Mr. Webb’s first Gaumont " talkie," but nothing is definitely fixed. W.H.M. 28 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 Speaking Personally has E. H.'JBurleigh. who been promoted Frederick J. Butterworth was presented W. Gill, who for eight years has been manager at the Metropole Cinema, Victoria, with a gold wristlet watch and silver cigarette manager of the Grand Cinema, Levenshulme, in succession to case by the staff of the Luxor, Twickenham, Manchester, has been “ ” Mick Hyams, and a few outside friends at a leave-taking appointed to a simi- continues his asso- gathering in the cafe on Thursday night to lar position at the ciation with that mark his appointment as manager of the Dominion Theatre, theatre, where he has Alma, Luton. He has been interested in the Salford, which opens been assistant mana- publicity, production and exhibiting branches to-day (Wednesday). ger since its open- of the industry ever since the war, and during Before leaving the ing in December last. the last eight or nine years has managed Grand, the staff pre- Prior to taking up cinemas in London, Birmingham and Man- sented Mr. Gill with his appointment at chester. He took over the management of a handsome oak the Metropole he was the Luxor, Twickenham, for Walter Bentley, clock. for a considerable shortly after its opening 12 months ago, and time actively en- Alderman Farrar and the principal members F. Maynes, at one gaged on the sales of the staff expressed keen regret at his time technical repre- side of one of the departure. sentative for Gau- largest renting firms mont Co., is now J. B. Cooper Reade, who is succeeded by in England, and representing E. A. Mr. Butterworth after a stay of nine months possesses a very Langrish & Co., Ltd., at the Alma, Luton, was the recipient of a comprehensive in Liverpool and dis- silver epergne at a leave-taking gathering knowledge of both trict. The Lancashire of the whole staff. sides of the trade. branch of the com- An exceedingly keen Henry Lennard, manager of the West pany at 13, Great E. H. Burleigh showman with a Park Cinema, Hull, passed away at his Duc:e Street, Man- W. Gill charming persona- residence on November 26th. Mr. Lennard, chester, is in charge lity, he has taken a who went to Hull from Wales, took over the of S. Lewis. very active part with General Manager West Park Cinema from Harry Ramsay some Haydn Heard, late musical director of the R. S. Sowden in the many clever exploitation two years ago. Mr. Lennard made quite a Grange, Small Heath, Birmingham, has stunts which have been put over at the number of friends in the trade and many been appointed to a similar Metropole. of them attended his funeral on Monday. position at the New Victoria, Bradford. During his F. employed in the Accounts “ Bobby ” Howell, the popular musical W. Middleton, eight years’ association with the Grange Department of Gainsborough Pictures, was director at the New Victoria, S.W. (G.B. he has acquired a far-reaching reputation married last Saturday to Miss Eileen Driscoll, and P.C.T.’s latest and greatest theatre) for his abilities as a violinist, his broadcasts of Ealing, the happy couple leaving after- is being transferred to the New Cross through the Birmingham Station having wards for the coast, where the honeymoon Kinema, where he will renew old asso- brought a heavy correspondence. On one is being spent. On the eve of the wedding ciations. He will, it is understood, take occasion his interpretation of compositions a pleasant little function took place at the his own band to New Cross. Mr. Howell, by Paul Lincke, the German waltz composer, company’s offices, when Mr. Middleton was who has had many years’ experience on brought a congratulatory letter from the the recipient of a token of good wishes and the musical side of the trade, is equally composer and a parcel of his personal com- esteem from his colleagues and friends. well known in vaudeville circles, having positions. been in charge of orchestras in several Henry Kennedy has been appointed general F. Thacker, who has had experience in London variety halls. Amongst other posts manager of the Regent and the Plaza, the operating circles in Blackpool, has been held by him as musical director was two largest cinemas in Portsmouth, following appointed operator at the Dovedale Cinema. that at the Regent, Stamford Hill. the appointment of James Holland to the Coventry. Trocadero. Mr. Kennedy began his career Reginald Foort, the F.R.C.O., well-known in the operating box and was manager of a organist, who has been at the New Victoria L. L. Roberts, who is financially interested small East End cinema at the age of 18. in the Tivoli Cinema, Liverpool, S.W., since its opening, has, it is understood, has suc- After holding various positions at six theatres, ceeded resigned his appointment at that theatre. G. Jones as manager of the Theatre he was appointed of house manager the Royal, Oldham. Mr. Roberts is a director Terence Casey, another popular cinema Broadway, Stratford, and joined the Regent of the Theatre Royal. organist, succeeds Mr. Foort at the New management at Portsmouth in August, 192!). Victoria. For a time at the Tivoli, Strand, Among the parting gifts received at Ports- Harry Harcourt, the well-known Southern he was subsequently transferred to the mouth by Mr. Holland is a silver cigarette exhibitor, was last week presented by the Regent, Brighton. Like his immediate pre- box from the North End Business Men’s members of the staff and friends with a for decessor at Victoria, Mr. Casey is well known Association, whom he acted as hon. gold mounted umbrella and a tobacco jar for his gramophone recording efforts and assistant secretary. and pipe rack to mark the 13th anniversary of his connection broadcasting selections. Mont Gilpin has resigned the management with the Tivoli Picture of The Plaza, Crouch End, which he opened House, Devonport, as general manager. James Holland, who takes up his appoint- about a year ago, and is prepared to consider ment this week as manager of the Trocadero, Herbert Elton, the Nottingham branch offers from theatre proprietors. Elephant and Castle, S.E., returns to London manager of Ideal Films, Ltd., is desirous of after a stay of four years at the Regent, Ernest Larking, well known in the cinema thanking all those members of the trade who Portsmouth. Mr. Holland has had a most world, notably in South London and on the so kindly expressed sympathy with him in interesting career in the entertainment East Coast, where for the past 15 years he his recent bereavement, and regrets that world covering a period of over 20 years, has filled a number of responsible engage- the letters are far too numerous to answer a large part of which was devoted to the ments, is desirous of making contracts with individually. legitimate side of the business. At various exhibitors or renters requiring assistance Stuart is appearing in person at the times he has been connected with the Strand, or representation. His address is 1, Hasel- John Metropole, Victoria, this week, with Gerald Criterion and St. James’ theatres. Entering rigge Road, Clapham, S.W. 4. Rawlinson and Sonia Bellamy, in his sketch the cinema side he has amongst other posts appointed B. G. Hetherington has been entitled “ The Bachelor Husband.” been in charge at the Electric Theatre, to the of Cinema, management the Dovedale Stuart was on Thursday last the guest of Bournemouth, and the Coronet, Notting in Icke. Mr. Coventry, succession to H. honour at a dance given in his honour by Hill Gate. Hetherington has been associated with the members of his “ fan " club—the John Dovedale since its inception, and for some W. J. Smith has been appointed chief Stuart Club. Over 400 dancers were present, prior to his in charge accountant for United Artists Corporation, time present office was which gives an indication of the star’s Ltd., at Film House. Mr. Smith joined the of the operating section. popularity, as they represented only the organisation 11 years ago and formerly Vic Chauncey has left the Astoria Theatres London branch of the club. occupied position of cashier. Murray Silver- Publicity Organisation and has joined He has had a tempting offer to play the stone, managing director, in announcing the Audible Filmcraft, where he takes charge of leading part in a stage play, based on one of appointment, states this is in keeping with the advertisement department in place of his film successes, to be produced early in United Artists’ policy of promoting executive Peter Wright, who has gone over to the the New Year. He also has a definitely from the ranks of the organisation. production side. attractive film offer. December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 29 FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENTS TAX Unless the bodies interested preserve a united front it is logical to fear that it may be increased instead of decreased By C. CLAXTON TURNER (Late Organiser Entertainments I ax Abolition League) AVING due regard to the fact that the Mr. Snowden, after nearly three months of invitation that was at once accepted by the entertainment industry as a whole correspondence and argument, to receive a Portsmouth Branch. H patriotically refrained from opposing deputation from the League last April. It The President of the T.M.A., Percival the institution of a war-time necessity, it is even more certain that a continued and Selby, addressed a strongly conceived is only natural that the industry expected consistent presentation of this united policy written protest to the General Secretary of confidently that the signing of Peace would by a firm and justly resentful entertainment the C.E.A., and a very definite Resolution be followed in due course by the abolition of industry would, within the next two years, of Disclaimer was thereupon passed by the the specially imposed Entertainments Tax. have achieved its object. London and Home Counties Branch and issued to the Press. attempt the part It happens, however, that this particular Regrettably, however, the P.E.P. andM.A. An on of the of the to discuss impost brings automatic, costless and ever- elected to apply separately to the Chancellor Committee League the matter was abandoned when the C.E.A. increasing increment to the Exchequer, for relief only in regard to seats up to Is., representatives called attention to this which is probably sufficient explanation of the Association in question somewhat Resolution. the continuance of the tax to this day with- gratuitously agreeing that the financial Mr. Snowden’s Puckish twinkle must have out the slightest justification therefore, and situation of the country made it difficult for developed into a smile, however, when he with even less hope of willing adjustment of any Chancellor to do more. the grievance by any political party. learnt last month that the C.E.A. had unanimously resolved to break away from the ended, individual A Twinkle in His Eye Ever since the War League entirely and to join in the hunt for the industry have assayed associations in Mr. Snowden received the League’s deputa- the shilling bone. That smile probably the right direction, but spasmodic efforts in tion with perfect Fragsonian politeness, and, intensified into a grin of sardonic—or Snow- it was not until the five primary forces in in Entertain- addition to admitting that the denic ! joy, when last week brought the world the Society of — the entertainment — ments Tax is “ definitely a very bad one,” further tidings that the Devon and Cornwall ' ’ ’ West Theatre Managers, the Theatrical ‘ End which he would like to abolish altogether, Branch of the C.E.A. is now clamouring for Association, the Cinematograph Managers’ brushed aside all question of proportionate even a ninepenny or an eightpenny bone. Entertainments’ Exhibitors’ Association, the reduction of prices of admission if the tax Protection Association and the Provincial were rescinded, on the score that the League In Favour of Maintenance Entertainment Proprietors’ and Managers’ was justified in protesting against an iniquitous The only valid objection in the eyes of the Association banded together in an united — impost on its own demerits. public and of Parliament the fact that its League, founded on equal financial subscrip- — It was noticed, however, that a Puckish continuance twelve years after the War in tions from them all, that the first redress twinkle lurked in Mr. Snowden’s expression, any form is a gross injustice and breach of was granted by Mr. Snowden—of the first and certainty is that it good faith—has been abandoned in a way that Labour Administration—who abolished the yet another moral was inspired his knowledge that he must make it difficult, if not impossible, of tax on seats up to and including 6d. It very by united industry prosecution at any future date. Indeed, it quickly became obvious, however, that, in was no longer faced by an with a increasing and that is not stressing the actual situation too hard addition to Governmental defence of the firm and purpose, at that very moment another section of the to state that the succeeding Chancellors of Tax on the score of national financial needs, industry waiting the mat to beg for this country have now been presented by there was also a tendency to expect this was on a which, smaller, appealed to certain sections of the Entertainment In- five-headed Cerberus of the entertainment bone though it gathers the subse- dustry with a sound argument in favour of industry to be satisfied for an indefinite, but more subtly. One from M.A., maintaining this automatic and profitable certainly lengthy, period by the sop thus quent communiques of the P.E.P. and that Mr. Snowden received their particular tax in perpetuity on the score that the thrown to it. deputation with similar politeness, and re- Industry really resents it only from the Breach of Good Faith galed Mr. Broadhead and his friends with sectional profit point of view. identically the same record. Whilst one can understand and sympathise therefore, the gathered to- When, League with cinematograph exhibitors and provincial gether to tackle the situation anew im- Thus, the well-maintained policy of over a proprietors in their acute anxiety to look mediately prior to the General Election of year's hard fighting was undermined, and not after their personal interests, leaving aside 1929, it was unanimously agreed by the five only Mr. Snowden, but also all succeeding all obvious questions of loyalty to their component Associations, each of which was Chancellors received on April 6, 1930, the associates and even of advisability from the fully represented by at least three members, right to assume that the Entertainment point of view of the Cause, there seems to be a that the only practical and hopeful course Industry, in justification of its reputation for tendency to lose sight of the fact that the to would be to concentrate on the lack of cohesion, was again divided against pursue West End Theatre Managers, the Theatre palpable injustice of this tax on turnover, itself, and that it had become very probable Managers and the Entertainment Proprietors to press for its total immediate abolition on that certain sections of the industry could be each subscribed one-fifth of the money which the grounds that its continuance even in part relied upon less by each other than by their constituted the war-chest of the League. was an iniquitous breach of good faith, and mutual enemies. The struggle against the to work unitedly to that for tax as a whole, which had been developing end by pressing Lest It May Be Increased ! individual pledges against the tax from all into a crusade which was in its turn gaining The seat-prices which concern these associa- possible candidates, irrespective of Party, the sympathy of the general public and of tions, however, are practically all priced and to assist actively the candidature of Parliament, was revealed as a mere opposition over one shilling ; so that, in the event of the those who gave the desired pledge. to such portions of a tax as affected in- shilling bone being granted, the margin of dividual interests, a sublime indifference to This policy was strenuously pushed, both competition between tax-free shilling seats the evil of the continued tax as it affects at the General Election and at subsequent and eighteenpenny seats plus tax would be others being blandly evinced. bye-elections, with the fine result that the woefully broadened. The members of these present Parliament includes no less than 277 three associations must be unselfish heroes Symptoms of Individualism pledged members in all Parties—in other indeed, if they are content to realise to-day words, very nearly half of the House of The secession of the P.E.P. & M.A., though that they have unwittingly subscribed equal Commons. essentially harmful to the Cause, was not shares in order to help to prosecute a vast necessarily irremediable, for it might still campaign for the sole advantage of their Separate Action have been possible for the remaining four lower-priced rivals, with whom they have The National Press as a whole is not sections to have won through in spite of all. co-operated not only with cash but with un- sympathetic, but by dint of courses of public The C.E.A., however, next betrayed symp- swerving loyalty. action and meetings in circumstances that toms of Individualists when, in June last, In the meantime, the tax continues to could not be ignored, by reason of their news- their Manchester Branch not only flaunted function with so much profit to the Ex- value, excellent general publicity was gained the League by writing direct to the Chancellor chequer that unless opposition from a for the campaign, and there is no doubt that to beg for remission in regard to shilling seats, united industry can again be established, it this, in conjunction with the formidable and but further circularised the other Branches is only logical to fear lest it may be increased growing array of pledged members, induced of the C.E.A., asking them to do likewise, an instead of being abolished. ” 30 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 “Beau Geste ” Sequel Finished Brenon's “Beau Ideal Herbert Brenon, who has figured among the ten best directors for three years running,, has completed “ Beau Ideal." This story by Major P. C. Wren carries on the adven- ” tures of the brothers where “ Beau Geste left off. John, played by Ralph Forbes, who- starred in the previous picture, continues defending forts and overcoming thirst and desert madness. The desert scenes were shot on the same sites as in “ Beau Geste." Loretta Young plays the female lead in: " Beau Ideal,” which will, of course, be distributed by Radio Pictures. Pictures on. page 22 British Pictures for U.S.A. New Distributing Channel Opened Robert H. Kinsman, well known in the industry for a number of years as Kinsman. & Ledger, has now been joined by K. Wilkin- son, late of British Fikncraft Productions,, and they will in future trade as Film Import & Export Service. An assured market, states Mr. Kinsman,, has been secured for British films in America by this new concern, and British production companies who are interested in selling their product on the other side are asked to get in touch with Mr. Kinsman immediately. Another side of the business in which Messrs. Kinsman & Wilkinson are interesting themselves is multi-lingual production, and. for this purpose they have just registered a new company, to be known as Multi-Lingual Productions, Ltd. This company will specialise in multi- lingual versions of British films for Spain,. France and Germany, and will be prepared to arrange guaranteed contracts with British producing companies for multi-lingual ver- sions for each of the countries named. The company will also, in the near future, enter the production field on an ambitious scale it. is stated. Radio Expansion The rapidly increasing volume of business, which is being done by Radio Pictures, Ltd.,, all over the country could not be evidenced better than by the expansions which are being made at several of the provincial branches. New and large premises have been taken in Glasgow, at 8, Bothwell Street, where despatch and repairing departments and a number of film vaults are being installed. Radio’s Scottish manager, Joe Marks, expects to be installed in his new offices very early also- in the New Year. Large premises are being taken in Birmingham, and complete exchanges are being installed both at Liver- “ ” Here are some advance shots of the thrilling warfare in Anthony Asquith's newly com- pool and Newcastle-on-Tyne. tale Gallipoli. The film was pleted sound film “Tell England,’’ British Instructional’s of These expansions are necessitated by the- previewed by B.I.F. executives yesterday (Tuesday), prior to the fixing of the premiere large volume of business which is beings done in these centres. ; December 3 1930 THE BIOSCOPE , 31 London Trade Show Diary THURSDAY two-reel talking comedies. Not only do the “ Chimps ”—Simian stars of remarkable ” The Lady Who Dared F.N.P. intelligence—act in extraordinarily clever Piccadilly, 3 fashion, but human voices have been syn- D. E. Griffiths, general sales manager of chronised to the animals’ lip movements F.N.P., announces that the new F.N. pro- so skilfully that the illusion is created of duction, “ The Lady Who Dared,” will be chimpanzees being really able to talk. trade shown at the Piccadilly Theatre on Thursday, December 4th, at 3 p.m. Apart MONDAY from the importance of this event in so far as Billy Dove is the star, Conway Tearle ** Way for a Sailor ” M.-G.-M. again makes a welcome reappearance with Empire, 12.55 and 3.15 p.m. “ Sydney Blackmer. Directed by William Way for a Sailor,” which commences Beaudine, the story is a romance of the a run at the Empire on Friday next (Decem- tropics, of a society girl who is threatened ber 5th), will be available for viewing at with dishonour in the hands of unscrupulous that theatre on Monday (December 8th). men. Tuesday (December 9th), Wednesday (December 10th) and Thursday (December “ ” Shadows of Broadway Equity British 11th), at 12.55 and 3.15 each day. The film Super, 11.15 is a particularly interesting one, for it Jack Mower, Stewart Paton and Annabelle finally sets at rest the rumour that John “ ” Lee are the featured players of Shadows Gilbert's voice was unsuitable for “ talkie of Broadway,” a silent production which work. Wallace Beery, Leila Hyams, Polly equity British will present at the Super, at Moran and Doris Lloyd are in the support- 11.15 to-morrow (Thursday). ing cast. *' His Great Adventure ” Equity ‘‘Just Imagine ” Fox Who says Darwin didn’t know ? Here are the Edibell Theatre, 3 Piccadilly, 8.30 p.m. Chimps figuring in a selection of Gaumont-Tiffany Another silent production which Equity “ ‘‘Just Imagine” an imaginative peep talkies,” for trade show in the Gaumont Theatre, British have to offer is “ His Great Adven- Film House, Friday, December at 11.15 and 3 into the future, will be screened on Monday, 5, ture,” which they will screen in the Edibell December 8th, at the Piccadilly, at 8.30 p.m. Theatre at p.m. to-morrow. 3 “ Just Imagine” has a cast which includes mind of presenting the women’s side of the FRIDAY such favourites as El Brendel, John Garrick war in the same direct, accurate, realistic (the Brighton-born boy), Maureen O’Sullivan manner that made such a success of “ The ” Big Parade.” The players of the piece - The Big Trail Fox (who made such a hit in the John McCormack “ included members of an American nursing Piccadilly, 8.30 p.m. picture Song o’ My Heart ”), Frank Albert- unit in France during aviators of the On Friday, December 5th, at the Picca- son, Marjorie White and Ivan Linow. De 1915, Lafayette Escadrille, English dilly, at 8.30 p.m., Fox will present Raoul Sylva, Brown and Henderson, who wrote French and “ soldiers. The principal protagonists, two Walsh’s epic of the founding of Western the book, lyrics and music for Sunny Side ” aviators and two nurses, are played by America, ” The Big Trail.” This picture, Up and are responsible for more song hits which Fox claim to be the biggest ever made, than any other team of composers, have Robert Montgomery, Robert Ames, June Walker and Anita Page. cost them 2£ million dollars to produce performed similarly for this romance of and has a cast of 93 principals and 20,000 1980. “ ” Oh ! For A Man Fox extras and thousands of head of horses, New Gallery, 11 cattle, buffalo, etc. TUESDAY Jeanette MacDonald will make her Fox - debut in Oh ! For Man,” in which she is Talking Chimps Gaumont “ ” A The Life of the Party Warner co-featured with Reginald Denny. She Own Theatre, 11.15 and 3 Regal, 11 " plays the part of an opera star, whose On Friday, December 5th, in their private The Life of the Party,” the latest Warner artistic temperament is responsible for many theatre, at 11.15 a.m. and 3 p.m., Gaumont Brothers and Vitaphone comedy in Techni- will introduce to British laughter-making scenes. A burglar breaks exhibitors the color, in which Winnie Lightner is starred, into her home to steal her jewels. She is Gaumont-Tiffany Chimps in a series of is to be trade shown on December 9th, at the immediately attracted by and eventually Regal, at 11 a.m. In this production Miss marries him, thus sacrificing her career. Lightner returns to the type of role she Hamilton McFadden directed, and vivacious “ portrayed in Gold Diggers of Broadway,” Marjorie White, Warren Hymer and Albert and in which she first achieved fame on the Conti are in the supporting cast. talking screen. She is seen as a music-shop song-plugger who aspires to become a pro- fessional gold-digger. Her adventures take Board Trade Evidence her to Havana, where she becomes involved of with a bogus millionaire. Clause 32 of the Films Act provides that A Vitaphone Variety No. 1067, the fourth trade shows of films to be registered must be of the “ Believe It or Not ” series, will also be shown. announced to exhibitors or their agents at least seven days before showing. “ Under Montana Skies ‘‘ Gaumont Own Theatre, 11.15 and 3 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Unfortunate circumstances prevent the Oh, For a Man (Fox), New Gallery. appearance of a stock company who are No. 1034, Horse Sense ; 1050, The Wanderer ; due to perform at an up-country township The Operation 3799, Vengeance 947, ; in the West, much to the disappointment 3849, What a Life 782, The Out-Law ; of a band of cowboys, who had promised In-Law 3759, A Matter of Ethics 613, ; ; themselves an enjoyable evening. It is, Knight MacGregor 810, Oklahoma ; ; 889, however, through their instrumentality that Oakland in Murray & ; 2768, Stranded the fortunes of the company are revived, and Paris (Warner), Own Theatre. the leader of the boys, Kenneth Harlan, is Way for a Sailor (M.-G.-M.), Empire rewarded by the hand in marriage of the Theatre. leading lady, Dorothy Gulliver. War Nurse (M.-G.-M.), Cambridge Theatre. WEDNESDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 Right of Way (F.N.P. Piccadilly Theatre. “War Nurse” M.-G.-M. ), Lightnin’ (Fox), New Gallery. Grant Withers and Evalyn Cambridge, 3 p.m. Knapp in “Sinners' “ Holiday,” a Warner War Nurse,” which M.-G.-.M. will show Brothers and Vitaphone film FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 for trade show in Warners’ own theatre, Newman on Wednesday, at the Cambridge, at 3 p.m., Street, to-day (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. was made by M.-G.-M. with the thought in Riding to Win (Gaumont), Own Theatre. 32 THE BIOSCOPE December 3 1930 , N E WS from all PARTS Catlett is now penning an original comedy tentatively titled “ Stage Struck.” His subsequent assignments will be the screen adaptations of three shorts, entitled “ It Won’t be Long Now,” " Modern Christmas ” and " A Mechanical Bride.” VIENNESE 'NIGHTS G FOR [LEICESTER SQUARE “ Viennese Nights,” a Warner Brothers and Vitaphone production in Technicolor, has been selected to open the new Leicester Square Cinema on Friday, December 19th, at 8.30 p.m. The story is written round the thought that no beauty is ever wasted or dies. It is the work of Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II, Alexander Gray, Vivienne Segal, Jean Hersholt, Walter Pidgeon, Louise Fazenda and Bert Roach head the cast. Alan Crosland directed. W.E. 1,139 Here is a remarkable example of effective make-up. Irene Dunne (left) at the beginning of the Radio picture “ Cimarron,” and (right) as she appears at the end of the same story Theatres in the British Isles which opened during the past week with sound by Western RADIO AT MARBLE ARCH studios, will continue as chief executive Electric are : The Empire, Islington ; the Her Majesty the Queen of Spain was a there. Fulham Picture Palace the Ideal, King’s ; visitor to the Regal, Marble Arch, recently, Both East and West coast studios will Heath, Birmingham the Coliseum, Wolver- ; when Radio Pictures’ " Dixiana ” was the be operated to their fullest capacity. New hampton the Elysian, Cheadle Hulme the ; ; feature. This week two more Radio pictures, stages are construction at New York Stockport the under Picture House, Edgeley, ; " Hilf Shot at Sunrise,’’ the Wheeler and and will tremendously increase Paramount’s Rialto, the Royal, Bolton Theatre Darwen ; ” ; Wo >lsey comedy, and " Danger Lights production facilities. the Picture House, Stirling, Scotland the ; top the bill. They are being cordially Empire, Shirebrook ; the Grove, Stockport ; received. M.-G.-M. S.C. DANCE the Star, Stockport the Silver, Barry. ; It all started with the Western Electric These openings bring Western Electric’s total NEW POST FOR LUBITSCH Swimming gala, when certain swimming number of equipped theatres in the British Ernst Lubitsch has been appointed to the enthusiasts in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Isles to 1,139. post of supervising director at Paramount’s company decided that it would never do to New York studios and will remain in the have that firm’s name missing from the list GOVERNMENT FINANCE FOR FILM East for at least some months. According of contestants. No member of that band CO-OP. to an announcement from B. P. Schulberg, appeared on the scroll of victory, but with A Motion Picture Co-operative Society of Lubitsch will at once commence production. defeat, a great resolve was born—that never Directors and Artists called Cafid is to be Hector Turnbull, associate producer at again would M.-G.-M. know the ignominy the Czecho-Slovakian Govern- Hollywood, w 11 be transferred to New York financed by of defeat ! So the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ment. The Society hopes to sponsor films to take charge of the production of new Swimming Club was born. For the last few in English and Czech. Information is vehicles starring Clara Bow, Ruth Chatterton weeks the Club has been getting stronger obtainable at Prague II Spalena ul. 26- and Claudette Colbert. James R. Cowan, and stronger. Sam Eckman, Junr., has Czecho-Slovakia. general manager at Paramount’s New York already given the Club his blessing by presenting it with two trophies and by becoming its President. Now comes the news that the M.-G.-M. S.C. intends bursting in on the social side of the trade, for on J anuary 6th a dance will be held at the Victory Rooms, in Leicester Square. Full details are not yet available, ” but it would appear that a “large evening is in active preparation. NEW AGENCY BYE-LAWS ? New employment agency bye-laws drawn up by the Middlesex County Council propose that an agent other than a theatrical, concert, variety or cinema agent, shall not arrange for the employment abroad of any female person, unless he is in possession of written information (to be produced on demand up to 12 months after) obtained from a responsible person or society testifying to the satisfactory nature of the proposed employment. CATLETT JOINS P.D.C/* The latest addition to the P.D.C. West Coast Comedy staff, which is being enlarged preliminary to an imminent heavy production schedule, is Walter Catlett, veteran writer and actor, who has been signed by this , company to write two-reel comedies. Catlett is the third to join the P.D.C. Theatre, There’s a definite suggestion of Monte Carlo in Maurice Chevalier, now at the Dominion short-subject department within the last two singing songs from his Paramount this caricature of Ernst Lubitsch, director of the where he is Harry Frazer, been recorded Paramount picture “ Monte Carlo.” Maybe it’s in weeks, the other two being repertoire, many of which have already for H.M.V. ! writer, and Ralph Ceder, director. L the eye ; maybe in the cigar December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 33 Liane Haid and Gustav Froehlich in the new Ufa picture “ The Immortal Vagabond,” just presented by Wardour and reviewed below Towards the close there is a lack of explanatory detail, but it affords Sound and Dialogue Subjects the spectator opportunities to interpret events as his imagination may dictate. Acting : Gustav Frohlich gives an impressive performance as the young ‘ f The Immortal Vagabond” musician and the unshaven vagabond, Liane Haid plays Anna with innocent frankness, and has some deeply moving love scenes.' Karl (Klangfilm Sound on Film.) Gerhardt presents a convincing study of the crafty father, and H. A. Schlettow plays the jovial farmer. Offered by : Wardour. Directed by : G. Ucicky for Ufa. Length : 5,798 Production : The scenes, chiefly in the village, are effective and feet. Releas; Date: Not fixed. Certificate: U. Type: Romantic picturesque ; while the Opera House interior is lavish. drama, based on the opera of the same name. Cast : Liane Haid, Gustav Sound : The voices are distinct and the musical effects delightful. Froehlich, H. A. Schlettow, Karl Gerhardt. IN BRIEF : Tender romance of separated lovers, told with quite irresistible cc ” charm and sincerity. Artistic production, with stage spectacles, rustic Borrowed Wives revelry, singing, dancing and humorous chsracterisations. (R.C. A. on Film) Suitability : Admirable for good-class halls. Offered by : Gaumont Co. Directed by : Frank Strayer. Length : 5,889 feet. Certificate : U. Release Date : April 13, 1931. Type : Comedy. Selling Angles : The pathos of the story, acting, staging and photo- graphy. Cast : Rex Lease, Nita Martan, Vera Reynolds, Paul Hurst, Paul Hardy, Charles Sellon. Plot : Between Anna, daughter of the postman in a small Alpine town, IN BRIEF : Brisk and amusing farcical comedy with spirited action and and Hans, the school-teacher, a deep attachment exists. The young man mystifying complications. Well acted anl capably produced. is a fine musician, but the girl’s father, outspoken in his contempt for him, upbraids his daughter for rejecting the advances of a prosperous Suitability : Good programme picture for any house. cattle-breeder. Hans, having sent an opera he has composed to Vienna, Selling Angles : The humour of the story the clever work of a strong receives a favourable report and starts for capital. Letters to his ; the cast. sweetheart are intercepted by the unscrupulous father, and, worn down in spirit, the girl marries the farmer. The opera is received with enthu- Plot : Peter Foley’s grandfather, who believes him to be married, leaves siasm, but Hans, demented by grief, creates a scene. His disappearance a large fortune to his wife with the condition that proof of the marriage and the announcement of his death follows. In a few years a big sum is shown to Peter’s Uncle Henry by midnight on a given date'. Peter accumulates from the opera’s acting rights, and the town becomes the hurries off to marry Alice, the girl he loves, and is held up by a policeman legatee. It is decided to erect a statue to the dead composer. The for speeding, and then meets Parker, who has advanced him money and unveiling ceremony takes place. Anna, now a widow, recognises among who insists on him presenting Julia, Parker’s secretary, as his wife, in order the throng the man she has never ceased to love. A rapturous reunion to gain the inheritance and pay off his debt. He is also pursued by the follows. policeman, who happens to be in love with ulia and so various characters J , get together in Uncle Henry’s house, where many strange things happen Comment : This is a simple story beautifully told, with romance and before the young hosts earn their inheritance on the stroke of midnight. realism admirably combined. It is another proof that a conventional plot in capable hands is quite sufficient as the basis of sound entertain- Comment : A bright, rapid action farce on somewhat familiar lines; for is extremely well played by a company of well-known and approved ment ; here there is as much romantic glamour as though the hero were a knight of far-off times and the heroine a maiden persecuted by players, though the cast is mainly composed of character comedians who a tyrannical father in a castle tower. From the outset the onlooker is are not quite seen to their best advantage in somewhat inconsequent deeply interested, and there are no dull moments, for the spectacular farce. The best is made of conventional material and the result is a film values of the film are considerable, and the director has skilfully used these of considerable entertainment value. to alternate with scenes of domestic interest. them must be Among Acting : Rex Lease as Peter, and Vera Reynolds as Alice, makeja mentioned the stock-breeding contest held in the market place, when pleasant pair of lovers. Paul Hurst as Bull Morgan, the police cop, is the farmer carries off the first prize of a loving cup for his enormous responsible for most of the comedy, and good support is given by Charles bull, and is Anna forced on to the platform to represent it to him. This Sellon, Sam Hardy and others. is followed by a dance of villagers. Later on there are the wedding Production : settings are adequate and the photography festivities, the finely staged scenes at the Opera House, and the unveiling The of good of the statue, with amusing speeches by prominent townsmen. Much quality. music is introduced, for Hans plays and sings to the girl he loves, and it Sound : The voices are well recorded, though not all are of the most is hearing in the opera songs composed for her which drives him frantic. pleasing quality. . . : THE BIOSCOPE 34 December 3 , 1930 cc ” The Widow From Chicago lumber camps of Canada. Good direction and acting. Thrilling climax in rescue of girl from swirling timbers. ( Vitaphone on Disc) Suitability : Good programme picture for silent halls. Offered by : F.N.P. Directed by : Edward 'Cline. Length: 5,707 feet, Selling Angles : Story, cast, scenery. approx. Release Date: July 20, 1931. Certificate: A. Type: Drama of Gang Warfare. Cast : Edward G. Robinson, Neil Hamilton, The Film : There is plenty of action and romance in the film to satisfy Frank McHugh, I.u Shumway, Alice White. popular audiences, and exhibitors who have not yet wired may book it with confidence. The opening scene shows the lumberjacks at their IN BRIEF : Colourful story of girl’s revenge on gang leader who took dangerous work felling the giant trees of the Canadian forest, and thence- her brother's life. E vcellent direction and remarkably able portrayal by forward the story deals with a treacherous trapper who has designs on a Edward G. Robinson. Commendable support. Plenty of action from young girl, but whose intentions are eventually frustrated by the hero. opening scene to thrilling climax in clash with police. Occasional comedy The final scenes of the men and girl struggling among the floating timbers relief. Well-mounted sets. First rate recording. are decidedly impressive. The acting is good and the background of the Suitability : Excellent offering of its type. story supplies some delightful scenery. Selling Angles : Story, action, star’s characterisation. : avenge herself Dominic, who murdered Plot To on the gang leader, cc ” her brother, Polly obtains a job in his dance hall, posing as the widow of The Isle of Forbidden Kisses Dorgan, a gangster, believed dead. This man is, however, alive and turns up to complicate matters for Polly, but to save her from the sinister Offered by : Britivox. Directed by : Georg Jacoby. Length : 6,000 feet. off Dorgan arranges Dominic, he allows her to pass him as her husband. Release Date: Immediate. Type: Comedy Drama. Cast: Elga apparently a raid on a rival gang, and a detective who confronts him, is Brink, Stewart Rome, Jack Trevor, Georg Alexander. shot by Polly. Back in Dominic’s office the three discuss the shooting, and a subsequent conversation between the girl and Dominic, in which the IN BRIEF : Complicated and absurd story dealing with the law of an latter confesses unwittingly to the murder of her brother, is overheard on island which decrees that a kiss shall be followed by marriage within the telephone by the police, with whom Polly has been working. Before 24 hours. Lengthy and frejuent sub titles. Mild comedy, and uninspired the police arrive, Dominic learns the truth, but Polly’s life is saved by portrayals. Good exteriors aboard ship and convincing tropical settings. Dorgan, who this time has fallen in love with her. by Suitability : For uncritical audiences. : Edward Cline has told us what to expect in the first few Comment Selling Angles : Comedy, cast. feet which reveal the cold-blooded murder of the brother, and thereafter Plot : An inventor of a sea-sickness cure, his secretary Nell, whom he the action is maintained, and realism invested in the superb performance hopes to marry, Jack Maxwell going abroad to make a fortune, Pablo by Robinson. Though, as may be expected, there is much of familiarity in a fortune hunter, and Julia, who wants to marry the inventor, all find the story, it is quite a good one, splendidly interpreted, and in spite of its themselves aboard a vessel bound for San Equilador, an island where the viciousness, should make a strong appeal. A high light is the thrilling to a kiss have to marry. inventor, already under an obligation climax supplied by the cornering of the gangster in the dance hall, lighted parties The to Julia, spends his time dodging her, what time Jack successfully only by the flash lamps of the police officers, and the desperate efforts of marry to Nell. Complications arise on the arrival of the party on the the man to escape the fate which awaits him. makes up island, but the hero and heroine, after a hectic time in the flood waters of a Acting : The performance of Robinson is head and shoulders above that jungle stream, bring about the looked-for happy ending. of any other member of the cast, carrying conviction in his every movement. : The entertainment of this film is such that few patrons wall Alice White hardly convinces as the girl likely to attempt such a hazardous Comment be at pains to conjure up sufficient interest to differentiate between the pilgrimage, and Neil Hamilton’s gangster role is a rather milk and water various couples, and bad editing offers further complications. Jacoby’s one. McHugh dispenses a little tomfoolery and others do quite well. direction is poor and the efforts of a likely cast of players utterly fail to Production : The dance hall and caf j headquarters of the rival gangs, carry conviction. The comedy comes from the supposed inventor, who the girl’s flat and Dominic’s office are all well arranged and assist materially ambles about the ship with a blackened face and eventually escapes in conveying the right atmosphere. disguised as a black woman, afterwards acting as maid to the girl who intends to marry him, but it is the sort of humour only likely to appeal Sound : The dialogue is perfectly recorded and the various sounds most effective. to the juvenile. Acting : Elga Brink has a colourless role as the heiress secretary, and Jack Trevor, who plays opposite her, makes a fair show in an equally colourless part. Georg Alexander’s abilities are absolutely wasted as the Silent Features inventor, while Stewart Rome hardly enhances his reputation as the villain of the piece. cc ” Production : The sets aboard ship with several good shots of an angry One Embarrassing Night sea, and the tropical island exteriors are the film’s chief assets. Offered by : Equity British. Length : 4,560 feet. Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate : A Type : Comedy drama. Cast : Pauline Garon, Vivian Rich, Bud Shaw. “The Lone Bandit” IN BRIEF : The mildly amusing manoeuvres of two girls, anxious to secure a rich young man as husband. Pleasing production. Average Offered by : Equity British. Directed by : Charles R. Seeling. Length acting. 4,550 feet. Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate : U. Type : Western drama. Cast : Rudy Hathaway, George Barry, Big Boy Williams, Suitability : For minor halls. Larry Fisher, Kathleen Collins. Selling Angles : Pauline Garon’s vivacity, an abduction from the : story of mysterious bandit, and imputations altar and bedroom scenes. IN BRIEF Conventional a against an innocent man. Fine scenery, with riding, fighting, and love- Plot: Young Kenneth, rich and a favourite with girls, is attentive making. to two, but does not propose. Damsel No. 1 has a mercenary mother. : industrial patrons at minor halls. Damsel No. 2 a masculine landlady equally anxious, for she wants her Suitability For rent. The latter and her tenant score a success, and a marriage is arranged. Selling Angles : The horsemanship, and small boy humour. But the ceremony is interrupted by an energetic lover, who carries the Plot : The men of a small mining camp suffer from the depredations of girl off and she proves a willing captive. Damsel No. 1 seizes her chance, a mysterious bandit. One of their number is suspected, and the girl who and, after an accident, undresses in Kenneth’s rooms. Unwillingly he loves him has her doubts. A small boy undertakes to drive the waggon, proposes, but promises a divorce. The couple sleep apart in the same but is abducted. A decoy convoy is sent out. Ultimately the mine- bedroom. The young husband tests his wife by a bogus accident, and finds manager is found to be “ The Lone Bandit.” he loves her as much as she does him. Comment : This picture appeals by virtue of the magnificent scenery, Comment Though the rivalry of the two girls may to some be mildle ; the rushing horsemen, and the proceedings of little “ Buddy ” (cleverly amusing, to others their unblushing pursuit of the young millionairy played by George Barry). Extremely picturesque are the long lines of may appear too brazen to be convincing. The picture suffers from a horses winding through the mountain paths, and over the vast stretches repetition of the same incident, namely, the undressing by the two girls of open country. Though there is absolutely nothing fresh in the story in the young man’s rooms. Neither of these nor the bedroom episode are or its treatment (for the discerning onlooker can easily spot the criminal), likely to shock present-day patrons. The open-air scenery, with motors the picture may please patrons at rural halls. and motor-boats, is picturesque, and some humour is introduced by the masculine and energetic landlady. The picture may amuse patrons at Acting : There are several pleasing love scenes played by Big Boy small unwired halls. Williams and Kathleen Collins. This young lady is attractive and appealing. There are some satisfactory character studies. Acting : Pauline Garon makes Betty a fascinating little creature and succeeds in letting the girl display a real affection for the man she pursues. Production : The rock scenery is well photographed. The support is fairly good. Production : The film is staged in a pleasing manner. Short Features ” “Rough Romance “HOT LIPS” (Britivox). 1,800 feet. Release Date: Not fixed. Certificate : U. A young husband, Harry Delf, with the best intentions, Offered by: Fox. Directed by: A. F. Erickson. Length: 5,054 feet. buys stock with his wife’s savings. The market falls appreciably, the Release Date : Not fixed. Certificate : U Type : Drama of the North wife tries to sell, but, fortunately, a hitch in the negotiations prevents her West. Cast: George O’Brien, Helen Chandler, Antonio Moreno, and the two make a small fortune. Recording is indifferent, but otherwise David Hartford. this is fair popular entertainment. “ IN BRIEF : Silent version of sound film favourably reviewed in The “ SEEING THINGS.” (Warners.) Certificate : U. W. Demarest. A ” Bioscope of July 9th last. Sentimental story of love and treachery.'in the nephew inherits his uncle’s bouse, provided he occupies it. j Scheming ; December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 35 relatives frantic. “ ” stage hocus pocus horrors, which drive him Rush- THE LEGACY (Warner. Vitaphone). Length : Two reels. Certifi- about business, which may please juveniles. cate : U. Betty Compson makes a decided hit with her dancing, in a “ THE HEART-BREAKER.” (Warners.) Certificate : U. Olive Shea, story in which she and her stage partners take over a derelict hotel and Eddie Foy, junr. A musical drug store waiter becomes such a favourite make it pay. Sound addition for popular house programmes. with the girls that his sweetheart develops jealousy. Tuneful duets “ THE NIGHTINGALE ” Warner. Vitaphone). Length : Two reels. and smart witticisms. Good popular house appeal. ( “ Certificate : U. A racketeer turns soft for the love of a beautiful cabaret COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON.” (Warners.) Certificate : U. singer, but has to give her up to another. Vivienne Osborne’s singing is Eric Dressier, Lenita Lane. A young crock prevents a girl’s suicide, not particularly good, but the sentiment will be sufficient to ensure accidentally her lover, and determines to go straight. Moderate discovers success. appeal. “ “ THE SONG PLUGGER ” (Warner. Vitaphone). Length : Two MANY HAPPY RETURNS.” (Warners.) Certificate : U. Walter Connely, Madge Evans. A worldly wife and pleasure-mad daughter reels. Certificate: U. Joe Frisco gives an impersonation of a country forget Dad’s birthday. Original and pathetic. Excellent acting. For town fakir, but is seen to better advantage when trying out a song com- good-class halls. posed by a blind friend. Average popular appeal. “ “ THE VARSITY SHOW." (Warners.) Certificate : U. Olive Shea, FIVE MINUTES FROM THE STATION ” (Warner. Vitaphone). Joey Ray, Billy Taylor. Stage performance by students, many males Length : Two reels. Certificate : U. This depicts an American miracle in female attire. Hilarious nonsense and singing. Clever acting. Good in which a hard-bitten boss, invited home to dine by one of his clerks, production. Acceptable anywhere. realises the man’s worth, gives him a big job and a very welcome and HIS PUBLIC. (Warners.) Certificate : U. Joe Morris, Flo Campbell. substantial “raise.” For those who like the sentiment thickly spread, Ex-actor takes his overgrown and precocious boy to a theatre. Smart this is the goods. “ but unrefined dialogue. Popular house appeal. THE COLLEGIATE MODEL ” (Warner. Vitaphone). Length : THE PLAY BOY. (Warners.) Certificate : U. Harry Fox. A young Two reels. With Ona Munsen, Harry Rosenthal and Roger Pryer. A hustler afflicted with kleptomania deprives guests of their jewellery at college youth, through the instrumentality of his girl friend, does some a ball. Much whistling and comedy work. Moderate appeal. extraordinary strokes of business. Will please youthful audiences. ‘‘RENO OR BUST” (Warner. Vitaphone). Length: Two reels. “ ROSELAND ” (Warner. Vitaphone). Length: Two reels. Certifi- Certificate : U. A satire on Reno, the American divorce exchange. An cate : U. Ruth Etting sings a couple of songs in a little night club story. unhappy couple make plans to secure a divorce, but happily for them A trifle vulgar, partially redeemed by the singing of “ Dancing With they misfire and they are brought to their senses. Fair general booking. Tears in My Eyes.” are invariably marked “ Not for Publica- point the differences between the modern New Books Reviewed ’’ tion —for Heaven’s sake and mine ! and the Victorian and Georgian academicians. “ STAR-DUST IN HOLLYWOOD.” It is just this feeling that the veneer is In matters of taste there are four things, ” being stripped off and we are being taken he says, which, in the opinion of the present HOLLYWOOD STAR : I can’t say round to examine for ourselves what this a thing see, when : about my next film. You ‘ age, the last most consistently failed to be Hollywood really is that should make ' Star- I am working on a picture 1 make a rule These dust in Hollywood ” as popular as can be sincere, sober, elegant and flippant. never to think of the next. I have to sink expected at its price. In other words, it is are the very qualities that modernist archi- my whole personality in the one I am well worth 12s. 6d., but it is a thousand tects consciously acting. I have got to psychologise my and decorators are most pities that the same information cannot be character completely, get under his skin, striving to achieve. The author tries to given in a 5s. volume. It is brim full of the if you understand me,” etc., etc. define the cinema’s function in modern life kind of humour at u'hich even Hollywood “ LADY VISITOR : Such single- as compared with that of the theatre. The ” itself ahvays finds time to chuckle. minded devotion to part ! your ( FADE theatre has a certain civic dignity. It is a OUT). “ MODERN THEATRES AND CINEMAS ” “ public edifice,” whereas the cinema is an FADE IN (Same star, same day, with undress, optical, workaday sort of lucky dip. In “Modern Theatres and Cinemas,” by Director : — The theatre has traditions, on the whole “ P. Morton Shand (B. T. Batsford, Ltd., Now, look here. Von Sternberg, formal ones the cinema has as yet as good 15s.), we have what is perhaps the first ; what’s my next part going to be ? I’ve definite attempt to invest cinema architecture as none. It is a symptom and symbol of the just bought a house and I got to keep on with the importance it deserves. Although social go-as-you-please age we live in. paying for it, and here we are within a we cannot subscribe to the author’s vitriolic fortnight of finishing up this darned story Gradually cinemas are developing, especi- condemnation of cinema architects in this and no new one in sight yet. I tell you I’m ally in Germany, on functionalistic and funda- country in its entirety, he has undoubtedly getting worried. I just don’t hear of any- truth on his side when he asserts that, in mentalists lines that promise well for the body who’s got a part that will suit me,” the main, English cinemas have fallen far immediate future. This book, with its large etc., etc. short of their architectural possibilities. He number of beautifully reproduced photo- This is just one of many little cameos to is keenly insistent on a complete severance “ graphs, is proof in itself of how thoroughly be found in Star-dust in Hollywood,” from classic convention and sharpens to a described as “ The Truth about the Film the Continental cinema architect, in par- City by the Famous Vagabond Travellers,” ticular, has broken away from theatrical Jan and Cora Gordon, and is published by tradition. No architect can fail to find Harrap, 39-41, Parker Street, Kingsway, something stimulating and suggestive in this price 12s. 6d. wealth of illustration, whatever opinions he It is a book which will amuse and instruct may form on Mr. Morton Shand’s diatribes. not only the wider public but those who The author’s comments are suggestive and figure they know all there is to know about provocative, though we hope he will not the American film Colony. One gets to feel think us unkind if we say that his literary throughout that the authors have been right style betrays the faults of the bygone archi- inside and with tongue in cheek have filled tecture he criticises so warmly. It is over- their notebooks to the cover with mysterious decorated, over-coloured and over-emphasised. hieroglyphics with which they would never But, none the less, the book is one worthy have been allowed to escape had anyone in of study as constituting one of the few older Hollywood been able to read them ! properly co-ordinated attacks on the style of theatre architecture. It is unfor- Here is a story not of a city of gold so was unable to include much as a city of gold-dust, a place where tunate that the author reference to the new Cambridge everybody is swinging his elbow's into the some Dials or the Whitehall way of his next-door neighbour, in order to Theatre in Seven date of publication probably scrape together as much of that precious Theatre, but the this. It is unfortunate, too, that dust as is possible. precluded in his haste to express himself emphatically, The ruthlessness, hardness and the humour he should occasionally become inaccurate in of this film city, as “ revealed in Star-dust form and fact. When he tells us that the in Hollyw’ood,” differs totally in pictorial “ screen is quite a different thing to a stage values from what we have been taught by and that it requires width and height without the film publicity men who vie with each depth,” he makes a statement which calls other in creating a worthy impression of a for correction in more than one way. The heavenly or hellish Hollywood—according modern cinema stage does emphatically to which angle fits best on the tail of their require depth, as every sound technician and latest film. production manager knows. But in spite RuthChatterton as seen in “ Anybody’s Woman,” has us a The story reads much like the letters one Paramount’s sensational Plaza success, which of minor flaws, Mr. Shand given gets from one’s friends in Hollywood, which had to be retained for a third week book which must be read and will be kept. 30 THE BIOSCOPE December 3 1930 , Vitascope Tried Out “ Kismet ” on First National Wide Stock Vitascope, the wide film invention, de- A number of advantages are anticipated veloped by the technical staff of First from the use of Vitascope. One of them is National, was shown to the public for the increased visibility, and another is a greater ” first time at the opening night of “ Kismet variety and depth in close shots. With the at the Hollywood Theatre, New York. use of the Vitascope camera, it is claimed Vitascope is 65 mm. in width as compared that the players can move about with perfect with 35 mm. of the ordinary standard films. freedom in close shots, and the camera's It is also one-fifth deeper, and is projected depth of focus is said to preserve the back- to a screen twice the usual size it does not, grounds clearly ; and sharply. however, call for the employment of a new An important advance has also been made projection machine. All that is necessary, in in the construction of the Vitascope camera addition to a larger screen, is an attachment by enclosing the motor completely in the to the ordinary projector, which can be camera case, where all the gears and sprocket installed in half an hour. are run in oil and are practically noiseless. C. M. Woolf’s Confidence in British Films Inspiring Messages to W. and F. Sales Force Following a conference at Film House in the support they were receiving. It was the the morning, the executive of W. and F. duty of such a sales force as that of W. and F. head office staff, branch managers, and to give them all the assistance they could. representatives were entertained to lunch at the Trocadero. C. M. Woolf, managing British and Dominions Production Plans director of W. and F. and deputy-chairman Mr. Wilcox said British and Dominions of the Gaumont British Corporation, pre- had that morning begun the production sided, and was supported by Jeffrey Bernerd, of “ The Speckled Band,” with the actor of F. general manager and director W. and ; in the cast who played the original part. secretary Maurice Woolf, director ; H. Rogers, Next they would be making a picture from and director Hubert T. Marsh and Herbert in which ; an original story by Ben Travers, “ S. Wilcox, of British and Dominions ; Ralph Lynn would play his first talkie M. E. Balcon, of Gainsborough, S. Bodlender, part outside the Walls and Lynn com- David Tebbitt, and Sam Phillips, bination. general sales manager. Others present Then they proposed doing “ The Blue included Messrs. Wilfred Phillips, J. Lagoon,” with possibly a section in colour, Marks, S. Taylor, John Woolf, J. Myers, and also Matheson Lang in “Carnival.” George Stone (Leeds), Mott Cowan (Liver- They hoped to have these pictures completed 7 pool), E. Pyser (Glasgow ), Ben Rose (New- in May, with possibly another picture for castle), P. C. Balcon (Birmingham), H. Owen which they were negotiating at the moment . (Cardiff) and Alec J. Braid, W. and F. Without the sympathy, advice and assist- publicity manager. ance of Mr. C. M. Woolf he would not have After lunch Mr. C. M. Woolf expressed been able to talk to them that afternoon the pleasure it gave him to meet them all. as he had done. It struck him that during the short space of time the company had been in existence Gainsborough Plans probably more changes than they had seen Mr. Balcon, having paid a tribute to the other firm in the industry. any great assistance Mr. Woolf had been, said had handled films from all parts of “ They the Gainsborough programme included The the world, and had continued to progress. Hound of the Baskervilles,” “ The Ghost He just been telling Herbert Wilcox, had Train,” a Leslie Henson play, and others who greatly assisted in the welfare of the " which they were at the moment negotiating. company to-day, that when “ talkies In all they expected to make eight or ten 7 first introduced he had little faith in w ere pictures during the year. them. But since his conversion to the idea Mr. Jeffrey Bernerd said although he was they had done more than a million pounds’ one of the younger members in the W. and F. worth of business, and their customers had association he could endorse all that had been satisfied with the pictures they had been said of their chief. shown. Mr. Tebbitt said he felt sure that whatever Mr. Balcon and Mr. Wilcox had paid them had been the success of the past, one result the compliment of attending their little of that day’s conference would be to make producing function. These gentlemen were them more ambitious and aim at even the pictures the and F. sales force were W. greater success in the future. Mr. Woolf handling it was a product that held its ; briefly replied. own not only with the average American picture, but with the very best of them. (Applause.) Mr. Woolf said he was in the ” position to know this because he was “Full Up • acquainted with the figures from hundreds t-- British compared more Taylor, secretary of the I.ondon of theatres ; pictures Arthur than favourably with any others. and Home Counties Branch of the C.E.A., He was quite convinced that, unless some- announces that every available ticket for “ and Ball, at from ! the thing very extraordinary happened, within the Annual Branch Dinner Scenes Under i Montana Skies,” Gaumont-Tiffany “ talkie,” featuring Kenneth six months British pictures would not only the Savoy, on Tuesday next, has been Harlan and Nita Martan, to be trade shown at be holding their own with the American issued, and the Dinner Committee instructs Gaumont s Private Theatre,! Tuesday, December product, but getting right in front of it. He him to express their regrets to those desirous 9th, at 11.15 a.m.£and 3 p.m. knew what w7 ere the programmes both of of attending but who cannot be accom- Gainsborough and British and Dominions and modated. December 3 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 37 , cc ” Fox’s Big Four Many Stars on Contract Clayton P. Sheehan, the Fox Foreign Man ” is to be shown at the New Gallery at Manager, has arrived in London with prints 11 a.m. “ " “ lltli, of the Fox Big Four : The Big Trail,” On the following day, December “Just Imagine,” “ Lightnin’ ” and “Oh! there is “ Lightnin’,” with Will Rogers, For a Man,” and trade shows have already Helen Cohan, Joel 1 McCrea and J. M. been fixed. Kerrigan in the leading parts. Rogers plays proprietress, On Friday. December 5th, “ The Big the lazy husband of the hotel this country by Trail ” will be shown at the Piccadilly created on the stage in Gallery is again Theatre at 8.30 p.m. This picture, which Horace Hodges. The New Fox claim to be the biggest ever made, cost the theatre, and the time 11 a.m. the Fox Film them 21 million dollars to produce. Mar- At a dinner given to him by November 23rd, Mr. guerite Churchill, John Wayne (a discovery Company on Sunday, actresses of Walsh), El Brendel, David Rollins, Tully Sheehan said that only talented pro- Marshall, Tyrone Power and Ian Keith have have been signed on for forthcoming has been the principal roles. ductions. Jeanette MacDonald signed on a contract Ann Harding will On Monday, December 8th, David Butler’s ; appear in “East Lynne,” while Constance “ Just Imagine,” an imaginative peep into Bennett has been signed for two more the future, will screened. “ Im- be Just pictures. The English actress, Elissa Landi agine ” cast includes has a which such has also joined Fox, and will appear in favourites as El Brendel, John Garrick (the “ Squadrons ” opposite Charles Farrell. Brighton-born boy), Maureen O’Sullivan, Will Rogers has contracted to appear in Frank Albertson, Marjorie White, Ivan and six more pictures, for which this great Linow. De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, philosopher and comedian will receive who wrote the book, lyrics and music for picture. “ £70,000 per Sunny Side Up,” have performed similarly Forthcoming Fox productions include for this romance of 1980. The film is to be “ The Princess and The Plumber,” starring shown at the Piccadilly Theatre, p.m. at 8.30 Charles Farrell, Maureen O’Sullivan and On the following Wednesday, December H. B. Warner Raoul Walsh’s “ The Man ; 10th, Jeanette MacDonald will make her Who Came Back,” with Janet Gaynor and Fox " " Fair Warning,” debut in Oh! For a Man,” in which she Charles Farrell re-united ; “ Part Time is co-featured with Reginald Denny. Hamil- a George O’Brien Westerner ; ton McFadden directed, and vivacious Wives,” with Edmund Lowe. Dorothy Marjorie White, Warren Hymer and Albert Mackaill will make “ Once A Sinner,” and “ Conti are in the supporting cast. Oh ! For a Victor McLaglen “Women of All Nations.” Ruth Chatterton Re-signs With Paramount Success of “Anybody’s Woman” Ruth Chatterton has signed a new con- house is holding a picture over for a third tract, which will retain her services for week. Since its opening over a fortnight Paramount Pictures for an extended period. ago, the film has played to capacity at She is at present starring in “ The Right to practically every performance. Every record Love,” in which she portrays the dual role of the house has been broken and the second of a mother and her daughter—a unique week’s business was even greater than the example of doubling for the sound-recording opening week. camera. The story takes Ruth Chatterton Plaza audiences usually consist of some- from a girl of twenty to the middle-aged what more women than men, but during the mother of an over-emotional girl of eighteen last couple of weeks the predominance of the Paul Lukas has the principal male role. fair sex has been particularly noticeable. “ Meanwhile, Ruth Chatterton ’s latest pic- " Anybody’s Woman ” is a great woman’s ture to reach Britain, " Anybody’s Woman,” picture,” having been directed by Para- is creating a furore at the Plaza, W., where mount’s only woman director, Dorothy for the first time for twelve months the Arzner. F.N.’s Dual Personality Picture Conrad Nagel With Loretta Young “ Right of Way,” the new First National falls in love with her—a pretty psychological picture, which is to be trade shown at the problem. The lawyer reforms but, of course, Piccadilly Theatre on December lltli, at his past is not entirely obliterated, and there 3 p.m., is adapted from the celebrated novel follows a series of intensely dramatic incidents by the English writer Sir Gilbert Parker, culminating in a big climax. The whole classed as one of the five greatest love point of the picture is the “ Dr. Jekyll and stories of modern times. The story is laid Mr. Hyde ” nature of the lawyer's character. in old Quebec, and it is said that few pictures Conrad Nagel portrays the role of Steele, have presented a more picturesque setting. the lawyer. Rosalie’s part is played by The chief stars are Conrad Nagel, Loretta Loretta Young, while the murderer is Young and Fred Kohler, all of whom are old enacted by Fred Kohler. William Janney favourites on the screen. takes the part of Bill}' Wantage, the dis- The plot concerns a brilliant Canadian solute young brother-in-law, and others in Scenes from the First National Pathe film “ Right lawyer who is also notorious for his heavy] the long cast include George Pearce, Emmett of Way,” starring Conrad Nagel and Loretta Young. drinking and cruelty to his wife. In a fight King, Olive Tell, Harry Cording, Brandon It is due for trade presentation at the Piccadilly he is knocked unconscious, resulting in his] Hurst, Holliwell Hobbes, Yola D’Avril and j_, Theatre on December 11th complete loss of memory. In consequence, Snitz Edwards. The picture was directed when he meets the pretty Rosalie he instantly by Frank Lloyd. , .38 THE [BIOSCOPE December 3 , 1930 Legal and Financial News Carey Street Kept Busy Phonofilms : London and Countries Cinema : Syd Chaplin Piccadilly, Manchester, Declares 8 Per Cent. Under the compulsory liquidation of De A statement of affair^ showed total liabilities, the defender obtained payment from the com- first assets, and relation Forest Phonofilms, Ltd., the statutory £2,772 ; £87 ; a deficiency of £2,257. pany of a price for his land which bore no meetings of the creditors and shareholders were The liquidation was left in the hands of the to the value of the ground. held on December 1st, at the Board of Trade Official Receiver. Lord Moncrieff held that on various separate Offices, Carey Street, W.C. and individual grounds the pursuer was entitled Mr. J. Barwick Thompson, Official Receiver, SYDNEY CHAPLIN’S AFFAIRS to decree. reported that the company was registered on The statutory first meeting of creditors was nominal capital of £50,000, July 7, 1923, with a held on November 27th at London Bankruptcy WIVENHOE CINEMA FAILURE formed to acquire certain letters patent and was Buildings, Carey Street, W.C., under the failure from inventions connected with Phonofilms. The statutory first meetings of the creditors ot Sydney Chaplin, film actor, lately of Oddenino’s Between 1923 and 1926 the business of the and shareholders under the liquidation of the Hotel, Regent Street, W. experimental work Wivenhoe Cinema Co., Ltd., The Avenue, company was in the nature of The Receiving Order was made on November in connection with Phonofilms, but in April, Wivenhoe, were held on November 26th at the 14th upon the petition of British International 1927, the company was converted into a public Board of Trade Offices, Carey Street, W.C. Pictures, Ltd., of Film House, Wardour Street, and the capital was increased to The Official Receiver reported that the company W., on whose behalf was lodged a proof of debt £100,000. The trading accounts showed losses company was incorporated in April, 1929, with for £12,782, being the amount recovered against amounting to £38,000 in three years. a nominal capital of £2,000, to acquire from the debtor on July 31 last under a final judgment In a resolution was carried for the Albert Edward Parkins a cinema carried on by July, 1928, in respect of damages for breach of contract sale of the company’s assets to a new company. him as the Foresters’ Hall, at Wivenhoe. The awarded under arbitration proceedings. Accordingly on August 1928, British Talking directors were Parkins, Arthur Albert Finch and 3, The Official Receiver reported that the debtor Pictures, Ltd., was registered with a nominal Frederick George Gillespie. Early in 1930 had not attended under the proceedings, nor had capital of £500,000, and that company purchased several creditors pressed for payment and the any statement of affairs been filed on his behalf. the good will, patent rights and full benefit of hall was closed down in September. It was understood that there might be assets in Failure was attributed to insufficient capital, all inventions held by this company for £170,000. America. The vendor company was to discharge all of its lack of supervision, and to the railway company No resolution was passed and the estate was to existing liabilities up to June 30, 1928, but having reduced the fare from Wivenhoe left in the hands of the Official Receiver as certain of those liabilities were discharged by Colchester. trustee. British Talking Pictures, Ltd., who now claimed The liquidation was left in the hands of the Official Receiver, the only assets being some to be creditors of this company for £5,623. B.T.P. CLAIM AGAINST KINGSTOWN HALL The failure of the company was attributed loose furniture and fittings, the freehold and to depreciation in the British Talking Pictures, In the Dublin High Court, British Talking fixtures having already been sold. The Labilities Ltd., shares, brought about by the difficulties Pictures claimed an injunction against the are returned at £540. experienced by that company owing to American Kingstown Picture House, Ltd., Upper George’s competition and a fire at its Wembley studios. Street, Kingstown, restraining them from using FINES AFTER FIREWORKS The accounts filed under the liquidation the Company’s apparatus and equipment, pay- Two young Swansea men, James Clement and showed Labilities £5,861 (which included the ment of £1,048 9s. 3d. balance alleged to be due Lewis PhLlips, were charged before the Swansea £5,623 claimed by the B.T.P., Ltd.), the only to plaintiffs for work done, etc., under an Stipendiary (Sir Morlay Sampson) last week agreement, for the return of the appara- assets were 463,376 shares in British Talking an order with setting fire to fireworks in Swansea cinemas, tus and damages for alleged wrongful detention Pictures, Ltd., against which no present value Clement ' t the Landore Cinema and Philhps at was placed. The Chairman added that the of apparatus and equipment. the TivoL Cinema, Mumbles. Clement was prospect of any dividend being paid to the It was contended by the plaintiffs that ordered to pay costs, while Phillips was fined carried the terms of their creditors or any return being made to the share- defendants had not out 20s. The Stipendiary commented sharply upon holders depended upon whether those shares licence and, therefore, plaintiffs had the right to the serious dangers of panic arising from the possessed or would possess any marketable terminate it. For the defence it was contended practice of setting off explosives in a place value. It was stated that the shares were now that the plaintiffs had not completed the equip- where a large number of people congregated. qouted at 41 d. each. ment as was stated in the agreement. They had The meeting of creditors was adjourned for not yet received the No. 2 amplifier for which MANCHESTER COMPANY MEETING one week, but the shareholders decided to leave they bad been clamouring, and the one they did Speaking at the tenth annual meeting of liquidation of Official get was so bad that when it was switched on the the in the hands the PiccadiLy Picture Theatre public got up and left the theatre. They had shareholders in Receiver. R. A. Cowtan, pressed plaintiffs to send an engineer to the (Manchester), Ltd., the chairman, of competition MIDLAND CINEMA FAILURE theatre to attend to matters but be did not come. commented on the intensity dividend of per The hearing was adjourned until December 5th. amongst picture theatres. A 8 The statutory first meetings of the creditors cent, was declared on the participating deferred and shareholders of London and Countries shares, £7,000 was voted to reserve and renewals TO £210 Cinema, Ltd. (in liquidation), were held on PROMOTER RETURN fund and nearly £6,000 was carried forward. November 27th at the Board of Trade Offices, A case in which the methods of a cmema Although receipts were good throughout the in were criticised was Carey Street, W.C. promotion Edinburgh year, it was becoming more and more evident The company was formed as a private company settled in the Court of Session, Edinburgh, on that people had less money to spend. To the in October, 1929, to acquire a cinema at Linslade, Wednesday, when Lord Moncrieff gave his shareholder who suggested the instaUation of an Bell Leighton Buzzard, and had a nominal capital of judgment in an action brought by David orchestra, Mr. Cowtan replied it was now a £1,000, but only two of the shares were issued. Blake, 2, Craigleith Drive, Edinburgh, against costly business to have an orchestra, furthermore Street, Edin- The directors throughout were Reginald Albert Robert A. Craig, C.A., 12, Queen there was very little time in the programme for interest from Tomes and Charles Edwin Le Grice, and the burgh, for payment of £200, with the rendering of orchestral music. latter gentleman acted as manager at £5 a week May, 1928. 1 to 1930. took was granted for the return of the £200 from March October 25, Tomes Decree , FILM DIRECTOR’S DISCHARGE a lease of the Grand Cinema, Linslade, financed with interest, as sued for, and Lord Moncrieff apphcation was made to Mr. Registrar the company, the cinema was opened on March 1, also held that pursuer was entitled to expenses, An 26th at the London 1930, and was run by the company until October modified by the deduction of one-third. Warmington on November Court for an order of discharge on 25, 1930, when it was taken over by Tomes. The Lord Moncrieff, in a note to his judgment, Bankruptcy film director, late gross receipts totalled £2,523 and the trading said that in 1928 the defender was the proprietor behalf of Percy Alfred Adams, Hampstead, and Exeter. accounts showed a gross profit of £273, but a net of a site in the neighbourhood of Piershill large of NetheraU Gardens, reported that the appli- loss of £2,257. enough for a picture house. The prospects of the The Official Receiver provable claims £3,363, When the petition was presented on October success of a picture house were reasonably good. cant faded last April with bank balance of 7s. 6d. 9th efforts were made by the directors to obtain With the object of disposing of this site, the and the only asset was a recorded against the fresh capital, and a friend agreed to guarantee a defender adopted the expedient so familiar to A previous failure was from which proceedings he had further bank overdraft to the extent of £300, vendors, who left all questions of actual value debtor in 1901, In 1915 he acquired a number which it was calculated would be sufficient to to prospective shareholders, and determined to been discharged. Hippodrome, Exeter, Ltd., of which he pay the creditors a composition of 2s. 3d. in the float a limited company. of shares in £. became the The Kinema Renters’ Society was approached In June, 1929, the company was floated, was a director. Subsequently he Hippodrome and with the object of ascertaining whether the adopted an agreement which had been made nominal purchaser of the with £40,000 proposed composition would be acceptable to the between the defender and a trustee for the adjoining properties bought another person. Film Renters, but the proposal was rejected and projected company and acquired the site at a provided by his sohcitor and was sold for was thereupon withdrawn. price of £5,500. This price was paid to the Part of the adjoining property to seL the Hippo- The failure of the company was attributed by defender, £3,000 in cash and the balance by the £23,000, and be then arranged of the adjoining the directors to bad booking of films and to the issue of 2,500 fully-paid £1 shares in the company. drome and what was left Properties, Ltd., fact that the opposition cinema at Leighton These shares the defender subsequently sold at properties to Northernhay In or about March Buzzard had double the capacity and was one par. formed by him in July, 1926. second mortgagees took of a circuit which could obtain bookings on His Lordship held it proved that the actual of last year, however, the a Receiver, who sold perferential terms. value of the site did not exceed £600 and that possession and appointed —— . —; December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 39 the property for sufficient to cover the first and second mortgages. The debtor attributed bis New Companies Registered failure and insolvency to the collapse of the Hippodrome Company, to ill-health, and interest on borrowed money. ASSOCIATED PORTABLE SOUNDJEQUIP- PRINCES (OPENSHAW), LTD.—Private The Official Receiver opposed the application MENTS, LTD.—Private company. Registered company. Registered November 28th. Capital on statutory grounds, one of which was disputed November 26th. Capital £11,000. Objects: To £12,000. Objects : To carry on the business of by the debtor. carry on the business of manufacturers, importers proprietors and managers of cinematograph After some discussion the case was adjourned and exporters of and dealers in apparatus of all theatres, concert and music halls, etc. The till next sittings. kinds for the recording and reproduction of sound subscribers are : H. D. Moorhouse, Sedgley Lodge, C.A. H. in synchronisation with cinematograph films, Heaton Moor, Stockport, ; Lee, RECEIVERSHIPS (APPOINTMENT gramophones, loud speakers, amplifiers, and “ Gairloch,” Blackley, Manchester, provision- OR RELEASE) amplification systems, microphones, gramophone merchant ; J. A. Hibbs, 5, Albany Avenue, PARK AMUSEMENT COMPANY (MAC- records, electric lamps, high tension protective Higher Openshaw, Manchester, musical instru- (each with one ment dealer G. Hall, 146, Mottram New Road, CLESFIELD), LTD.—Two notices of the appoint- apparatus, etc. The subscribers ; Richmond Hyde, Cheshire, cinema proprietor. The first ment of E. W. Johnson, of Arcade Chambers, ordinary share) are: J. P. Kemp, 11, H. directors are not named. Solicitors G. engineer; C. : Wigan, was appointed Receiver on November 25, Buildings, Dean Street, W.l, J. W.l, cinema Mahaffy, 29, Blackfriars Street, Manchester. 1930, under powers contained in mortgage Davies, 15, Charlotte Street, debentures, dated November 27 and December 12 technical expert. The first directors (to number JACKSON, LESLIE & CO., LTD.—Private 1929. not less than two nor more than seven) are to be company. Registered November 28th. Capital appointed by the subscribers. Solicitors • Bul- NORTH EASTERN THEATRES, LTD.— £600. Objects : To carry on the business of song, Norfolk Street, T. P. Parmeter, of 31, Mosley Street, Newcastle- craig & Davis, Amberley House, music, play, programme and general publishers on-Tyne, ceased to act as Receiver on November W.C. 2. and printers, scene proscenium and general 25, 1930. SWINDON ENTERTAINMENTS, LTD.— painters and decorators, theatrical agents, PORT TALBOT SUPER CINEMAS, LTD.— film renters and distributors, etc. The sub- Private company. Registered, November 22nd. : G. G. Mullens, of 49, Station Road, Port Talbot, ' scribers are D. K. Leslie, 22, Cliveden. Capital, £300. Objects : To carry on the ceased to act as Receiver on November 21, 1930. Place, Sloane Square, S.W. 1, artist; F. Jack- business of theatre, music hall and cinema pro- COLISEUM (WATFORD), LTD.—R. W. son, 22, Cliveden Place, Sloane Square, S.W.l, prietors, etc. The directors are : M. Dent, 13, West, C.A., of 6, Broad Street Place, E.C., was author. The first directors are not named. Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham ; J. appointed Receiver and Manager by Order of Secretary : D. K. Leslie. Solicitors : Glynn, Collins, 14, Bramcote Road, Putney Park, S.W. Court, dated November 4, 1930. Barton & Pocock, 36, Red Lion Square, W.C.l. Secretary : V. F. Collins. Solicitors : Taylor, Registered office : 22, Cliveden Place, Sloane Willcocks & Co., Bank Chambers, 218, Strand, MORTGAGES AND CHARGES Square, S.W.l. W.C. Registered Office : 69-70, Albion House, REEDEAN, LTD. Private company. Regis- London & Southern Super Cinemas, Ltd. New Oxford Street, W.C. — tered November 25th. Capital £50. Objects : To- Registered November 14 th, debenture, to carry on the business of theatre, music and Barclays Bank Ltd., securing all moneys due NEW CLARENCE CINEMA, LTD.—Private concert hall and cinematograph proprietors, or to become due to the Bank (providing that company. Registered, November 21st. Capital, managers or agents, producers of plays, dramas,, the amount shall not at any time exceed twice £100. Objects : To carry on the business of etc. The subscribers are : Basil Dean, Victoria the amount of company’s capital for the time cinema and other theatre proprietors, lessees, 15, licensees and managers, etc. The subscribers Square, S.W.l, theatrical manager; Roger F. being) ; general charge. *£70,000. July 24, 1930. Goldhawk Road, Ould, 4, Montagu Street, Portman Square, W.l, Hippodromes (Chesterfield), Ltd.—Regis- are : M. Bemey, Park Cinema, proprietor S. barrister ; M. Basil Dean (director of Associated. tered November 14th, £2,000 second mortgage, Shepherd’s Bush. W., cinema ; Talking Pictures, Ltd.) is a director for life and to E. B. Cooke, The Moorlands, Froggatt Edge, Jarrett, 17, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.l, solicitor. chairman of the board. Solicitors : Burton and others charged on properties in Corporation The first directors are to be appointed by the & ; Co., Ramsden, 30, Clarges Street, W.l. Registered, Street, Chesterfield. *£12,380. July 3, 1930. subscribers. Solicitors: Stanley Jarrett & office : 5, John Street, Adelphi, W.C.2. Silver Cinemas, Ltd., Worcester.—Regis- 17, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.l. WILLIAM MARLOWE, LTD.—Private com- tered November 17th, £11,000 Land Registry pany. Registered November 24th. Capital charge, to Sir A. Carlton, Bathwick Grange, T. R. M., LTD. — Private company. £10.. Objects : To carry on the business of proprietors- Bath charged on land and cinema theatre in Registered, November 18th. Capital, £35,000. ; acquire the Theatre Royal, of theatres, opera houses, music halls and cine- Uxbridge Road, Hammersmith. *£3,000. March Objects : To Manchester, and to carry matograph theatres, etc. The first directors are 14, 1929. Peter Street, not named. Solicitors : Bulcraig Princes (Leicester), Ltd., theatre pro- on the business of theatre, music hall and cinema & Davis,. etc. The first directors Amberlev House, Norfolk Street, W.C. 2. prietors.—Registered November 14th, £300 de- proprietors or agents, : L.' DIXON’S ENTERPRISES, LTD. bentures, part of £25,000 charged on The are not named. Secretary H. C. Dodds, 7, J. ; W.l 4. Private company. Registered November Princes, Leicester, also general charge. *£18,000 Evelyn Mansions, Queen’s Club Gardens, 22nd. : Rehder Higgs, 29, Mincing Lane, Capital £500. Objects : To erect and equip- June 17, 1930. Solicitors & theatres, music halls, Marina Theatre, Ltd., Great Yarmouth. E.C.3. picture palaces, etc. The permanent directors are : L. Dixon, Breeze- Registered November 12th, £20,000 debenture, J. GLENDALE PICTURES, LTD.—Private mount, Woodhill Estate, Prestwich, cinema to F. H. Cooper, Red Cliff, Brundall charged ; company. Registered, November 17th. Capital, proprietor Mrs. Mary Dixon, Breezemount,, on Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, also general ; £1,000. Objects : To acquire all or part of the Woodhill Estate, Solicitor Prestwich. : J. H. S_ charge. business Drill Hall, Wooler, and to carry on the Aitken, 14, Carr Road, Nelson, Lancs. Registered, M.B.C. Cinemas, Ltd., Workington.—Regis- lessees or managers of theatres, of proprietors, office : Rialto, Bury New' Road, Salford. tered November 12th, mortgage, to National palaces and halls, cinematographic shows, etc. BRADFORD-ON-AVON CINEMA CO., LTD. Provincial Bank Ltd., securing all moneys due Ossulston, The directors are : The Rt. Hon. Lord Private company. Registered or to become due to the Bank charged on — November 24th. ; Estate House, Chillingham, Chatton, Northum- Capital £1,000. Objects: to carry on the business Palladium Cinema, St. George’s Road, Millom, E. Hoyle, Bank Top, Chillingham. berland ; J. of theatre, ballroom, cinema proprietors, etc. etc. *£6,132. October 6, 1930. : Peacock & Goddard, 3, South Square, Solicitors The directors are : G. G. Stamper, The British Riviera Cinedromes, Ltd., Torquay. Bungalow,. Gray’s Inn, W.C. Registered Office : The Bradford -on-Avon H. F. Rossiter (chairman), —Registered November 12th, mortgage, to ; Drill Hall Cinema, Wooler, Northumberland. Manor Farm, Winsley, nr. Bradford-on-Avon Midland Bank Ltd., securing all moneys due W. H. Rossiter, Winsley Road, Bradford-on- or to become due to the Bank charged on ELITE CINEMA COMPANY (CARDIFF), ; Avon A. Hunt, 12, Frome Road, Bradford-on- Camborne Town Hall Buildings, Camborne, etc. LTD.—Private company. Registered, November ; Avon C. Solomon, : carry ; 11, Grosvenor Place, Bath; *£5,500. November 21, 1929. 17th. Capital, £500. Objects To on L. H. Blackmore, 48b, Trowbridge Road Altrincham Picture Theatre, Ltd.— Regis- the business of proprietors, lessees or managers of r Bradford-on-Avon. Secretary : C. Solomon.. tered November 12th, £700 debenture, to H. B. theatres, cinemas, palaces and halls, etc. The Registered office : 49a, St. Margaret Street, Rosen, 145, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, first directors are not named. Secretary (pro Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. estate agent general charge (subject to first tern.), M. Roberts. Solicitors : Phoenix, Levinson ; GEM CINEMAS (BOLTON), : LTD.—Private debenture). *£3,000 (bankers). March 18, 1929. & Walters, Cardiff. Registered Office 8, company. Registered November 28th. * Amount of debt according to last available Dumfries Place, Cardiff. Capital £10,000. Objects : To acquire the business of return. —-Private company. Registered, DENE, LTD. cinematograph proprietors and exhibitors carried, SATISFACTIONS 22nd. Capital, £500. Objects : To November on at the Gem Picturedrome, Darley Street, premises, to alter, rebuild, London & Southern Super Cinemas, Ltd.— acquire lands and Bolton. The directors are Greenhalgh, picture houses, : J. Satisfaction registered November 13 th, all refurnish, maintain and carry on Road, Bolton 148, Church ; J. Brearley, 21, halls, etc. The first directors monevs, etc. (five mortgages), registered Julv theatres, music Bridge Street, Manchester (joint managing Acting Secretary 19, 1929. are not named. : J. W. directors). Solicitors : Winder & Holden, 20, : Keenlyside & Forster, Lloyds Gosport Theatre, Ltd.—Satisfaction regis- Croft. Solicitors Mawdsley Street, Bolton. Collingwood Street, Newcastle- tered November 15th, £4,150 (not ex.), registered Bank Chambers, BIMBELOTIER SYNDICATE LTD.— December 18, 1926. on-Tyne. Private company. Registered November 28th. PHOTOGRAPHIC ELECTRICAL CO., LTD. Capital £200. Objects : To carry on the business COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS —Private company. Registered, November 21st. of theatre, music hall and cinematograph theatre The following are extracts from the Official Capital, £100. Objects : To acquire patents proprietors, etc. The first directors are not Register of County Court Judgments, but may and rights in connection with inventions relating named. Solicitors : R. C. Leach, Sims & Co., have been settled prior to publication, which to the photographic method of recording sound 18, Bedford Square, W.C.l. other material and of projecting A.S. CINEMAS, LTD. in any case does not imply inability to pay : on celluloid or —Private company. so recorded to carry Registered September 18th. Agar, Thos. Arthur, 101, High Street, or translating sound ; and Capital, £100. Redcar, cinema proprietor. £54 16s. October on the business of producers and manufacturers Objects : To carry on business as cinema and 20th. of and dealers in cinematograph films, cinemato- other theatre, music and concert hall proprietors, Watts, Mr. C. H., Gem Cinema, Newport, graph and photographic machines, etc. The cinematograph film exhibitors, renters and film hirer. £22 4s. 9d. October 14th. first directors are not named. Solicitors : Last, agents, etc. The first directors are to be appointed World Wide Talking Picturfs, Ltd., 317, Riches & Fitton, 18, Bolton Street, Piccadilly, by the subscribers. Solicitors : Stanley Jarrett & High Holbom, W.C. £18 13s. 5d. October 25th. W.l. Co., 17, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.l. . 40 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 Renters' Sound Com- (C " Scottish Section mittee Expiring Representative : James McBride, Roslea Drive, 91, “Not Needed Any Longer Dennistoun, Glasgow, E. In July, 1929, the Renters’ Sound Inspec- Phones - - (Home) Bridgeton 1876 (Hall) Bridgeton 2851 tion Department was formed with the object Edinburgh is to follow Glaj£ ow’s lead ni action were discussed, the tenor of which cannot of ensuring that the reproduction of sound promoting cinema Sundays for charitable be divulged. in this country should be as good as was purposes. This is the outcome of a deputation Cinemas Aid Charity humanly possible. who laid before the magistrates on Friday the La Scala, Glasgow, was packed to desirability of enabling exhibitors in the Scottish the doors During the past sixteen months inspectors on Sunday evening, when a picture and capital to help deserving causes by means of orchestra] of the Sound Department have travelled programme was submitted, in aid of the Funds Sunday cinema shows. In the licence terms throughout the country making reports on of the Glasgow Royal Cancer Hospital. Manager under the Act there is a clause which specifically reproduction. William Harper, of the Central Picture The object of these inspec- forbids the holding of cinema shows on Sundays. House, Broxburn, received his meed of praise tions was not to put the smaller equipments This clause had to be varied before the magis- at the conclusion of a concert he arranged in out of action but to help the manufacturers trates gave their consent. his hall in aid of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, of No sooner had the announcement been made which them to bring their equipment to a benefited to the extent of on Saturday than the Committee of the Lord’s £81. sufficiently high standard as to make talking Day Observance Association held an emergency Merry Masons pictures popular and profitable, both for the meeting and passed a resolution protesting Friday will be a busy day and evening for Renter and the Exhibitor. against the action of the magistrates, and a members of Lodge Anima, Glasgow. In the The so-called “ bootleg ” equipments are telegram to this effect was dispatched to Lord afternoon the new office-bearers are to be installed now rapidly being replaced with adequate Provost T. B. Whitson. at a regular meeting of the Lodge, with two equipments. There are only two theatres In intimating their decision, the Magistrates Past Masters of Anima, J. M. Kissel] and William in of stated that the power to grant special Sunday Carlas, as the installing Masters. Harmony the whole the United Kingdom and the performances for charity “ would be used is to follow, after which the brethren will pick Irish Free State that, in the opinion of the sparingly.” The exhibitors had indicated, up their lady friends and proceed to Norwood Sound Department, are not reproducing incidentally, that their desire was to be allowed House for the dance and cabaret which they are sound satisfactorily. to open each cinema on one Sunday of the year, running conjointly with the Cinema Club. The method adopted to deal with unsatis- the total proceeds to go to charity, the staffs Film Guild Supports “ Talkies ” factory sound reproduction has always been giving their services freely, the films being Edinburgh Film Guild has solemnly debated that the Sound Department did not complain supplied by the renters, and the use of the houses the subject, “ That the addition of dialogue has being given without cost. On the present occasion to the exhibitor but took the matter up direct meant no progress in the art of the film.” The 75 per cent, of the proceeds will go to Edinburgh with the manufacturer of the equipment. discussion ended in the majority adopting the Royal Infirmary’s special £500,000 extension It is pleasing to report that the manufacturers other point of view—that “ talkies ” have appeal fund and the remaining 25 per cent, will of equipment were in every single stimulated the cinema and been beneficial in the case to be devoted the Scottish Cinema Trade Benevo- their effects. only too ready and anxious to respond to the lent Fund. “ ” suggestions made to them by the technicians The deputation was headed by T. Ormiston, Exit ” or “ Out of this Department, so that the equipment chairman of the Scottish Branch, and included Musselburgh Dean of Guild Court has passed plans for alterations at was brought to a satisfactory standard A. S. Albin, chairman, J. S. Dunbar and George the Central Picture Salmon. Mr. Ormiston informed the magistrates House, Musselburgh. When Councillor Paton without even the exhibitor having any know- that since Cinema Sunday was introduced in suggested that the word “ Out ” should be used ledge that the Sound Department had visited “ Glasgow eight years ago the total sum raised for on signs instead of Exit,” as children might his theatre. not understand “ Exit,” the Town Clerk charity amounted to £20,973. Another assurance said A school for projectionists was formed in, “ Exit ” was the word required by the which the deputation gave was that this move- Act. London twelve months ago and 277 students ment did not represent the thin edge of the wedge George Renouf, manager of the picture house, have attended the classes, 111 certificates of for Sunday opening, as Edinburgh exhibitors said few children who went to cinemas did not were against such a policy. know the meaning of “ Exit.” He agreed, proficiency having been issued. however, to hand on to his directors the sugges- There are now 2,765 cinemas operating Staff Dance Sensation tion that both words should be displayed on with sound equipment, and during the period To suit the convenience of the staffs of the notices. Gaumont British cinemas outside the city their that the Sound Department has been confreres in the Glasgow houses made the daring Uncensored Film Screened in Edinburgh functioning no less than 3,456 inspections innovation for Scotland of running the Glasgow Although it has not been submitted to the have been carried out. The country has “ and West of Scotland staff dance last Sunday in Censor, Earth,” the Soviet’s film of pastoral been covered from top to bottom, and the life in the Ukraine, was screened by the Edin- the Charing Cross Halls. Over 300 were present, inspectors’ reports go to show that bad or and everything was going sweetly when several burgh Workers’ Progressive Film Society on indifferent reproduction is the exception and police officers entered the hall and, after some Sunday. The magistrates had intimated that rule. preliminary investigations, took the names of the they would not raise any objection provided not the responsible for committee and other members of the company. the attendance was restricted to actual members Those companies who were An infringement of licensing law is alleged to of the Society and their guests. the cost and maintenance of these sound be the reason for the police intervention. No inspections and the Projectionists’ School are indication has been given yet as to what action more than satisfied with the results obtained, is to be taken by the authorities in the matter. Our Luxurious Divan Tub but now feel that the time has come when the Clydeside Managers Go North maintenance of a special department for the That old-timer, Charles King, who has filled inspection of sound is no longer necessary, the bill as projectionist-manager and traveller TIP-UP EASY CHAIR and the Renters’ Sound Inspection Depart- in Glasgow and elsewhere, has been appointed ment will, therefore, cease to exist at the end resident manager at the Northern Star Cinema, FROM 25 /- of the year. Lerwick, Shetland, and Digby Mills, late of intention of the companies Grand Central, Rutherglen, has also gone North, It is not the 5,000 recently supplied to take up the managerial reins at the Lyceum, to which formed the Sound Department to Forres. Their trade friends will wish both gentle- the leading Glasgow Cinemas. allow their films to be reproduced in the men every success in their new niches in the future over inadequate equipments, but they industry. feel that the overriding conditions for the Cinematograph Act Contravention REPAIRS AND reproduction of sound contained in the con- Charged with having allowed 80 persons to tracts will be sufficient safeguard. stand in the passages leading to the exits in the RENOVATIONS Picture House, Bellshill, on October Alhambra of all kinds carried oat with- 4th, George Palmer, manager, pleaded guilty Kissing Cup ” for in Airgrie Sheriff Court on Friday. He also out interfering with business. admitted a previous conviction. His agent Derby Week explained that the crowding of the passages “ Kissing Cup s was due to patrons passing in and out for the Keenest estimates without obligation. Butcher’s success with second house. Sheriff King Murray imposed a Race ” has prompted the suggestion that Write sr ’Pbene for snr representative to call “ " fine of £4. this first British racing talkie should be attraction Glasgow Exhibitors and City Assessor released in Derby Week as a big In view of the Glasgow Assessor’s statement likely to catch the public in a sporting at the recent Valuation Appeal Courts regarding PATERSON’S LTD. mood. The idea has been promptly adopted the valuation of cinemas, which was reported and the London release definitely settled to in The Bioscope at the time, a private meeting (ESTABLISHED 18S2) correspond with this big sporting event. of exhibitors was held in Glasgow yesterday is reported that the film (Tuesday) to consider the position. The meeting 79, HOWARD ST., GLASGOW Unofficially it has been booked to the Gaumont-P.C.T. was called by the Executive of the Scottish Branch, Telephone . CENTRAL 5289 and Tom Ormiston presided. Certain lines of circuit. . December 3 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 41 , At the C.E.A. Meetings What the Branches are Saying and Doing certain film, immediately pointed out to the renter that meeting and that ballot papers be sent to all members West Lancs it was a bad copy because of the insertion of blank returnable before the annual meeting in January. spacings on one reel. He warned them to have in and Wide Film reserve a new copy in case it was wanted Finding be Major Ellis Wants to Retire could manage with the print delivered, he showed it Several requests M’ere made that Major Ellis should Some of the of the West Lancashire for seven or eight days. Five days after returning it to members Brandi remain in the chair for another year, and that gentle- wide film the renter, he received from the branch office a letter are apprehensive of the becoming popular man replied that he would prefer a change so that stating that he held to be responsible for its before they have had the opportunity of recouping was other members might have the opportunity of holding outlays “ talkie ” apparatus. damaged condition and would be expected to foot the their on The subject was the chair. He appreciated the kindmess of members discussed at the Branch meeting held last Wednesday, bill for £300 as the cost of a new print. Mho wished him to continue. If, however, they felt at Lancaster, when a resolution was adopted The Branch decided to take up the matter on behalf expressing tie could be of any real service to them by going on t he opinion that the wide film should not be of its member, by writing to the firm of renters introduced he would leave himself in their hands. for at least two years. James Atroy concerned, to ask for an apology and the withdrawal presided. Notice of motion was given to rescind the resolution of the claim. at the next meeting, “ that, the vice-chairman must Exhibitors' Dilemma automatically succeed the chairman.” Press Notices J. Howson said that hardly was one innovation made but another was contemplated. Exhibitors had been Recently the Branch suggested to the proprietors of Is Wide Film Wanted ? put to a lot of expense in adapting their the Preston daily newspaper that exhibitors were of theatres for There was a long discussion on the question of the presentation of talking pictures, the opinion that the show reports appearing in the and the con- wide films introduced by the Chairman, who said sequence, were wide films immediately to become the Tuesday paper were of little benefit, because the film that his object in raising the question was to ask : vogue, would be serious. Small exhibitors particularly programmes were changed on the Wednesday. The “ Do M'e M'ant wide films, and even if we want them, must be given the chance of recovering what they had Branch suggested that the paragraphs relating to the can we afford them ? ” A summary of the discussion spent on “ talkie ” apparatus. If there was unity performances should appear in the issues of Monday which folloM'ed is on an earlier page. amongst exhibitors, it would not be commercial for and Thursday. The newspaper proprietors replied that manufacturers to turn out wide films to sell there did not appear to be any general desire for a simply to What About E.T. ? the large syndicates. change, but, if they were convinced otherwise, they The Chairman said he understood that the manu- would give the matter further consideration. Harry Harcourt asked for information regarding facturers of wide films also made a film negative of A . W ILES undertook to call on Preston exhibitors to the entertainment tax. He said that the removal standard size and exhibitors would have the option ascertain their views as to the best day for the of the tax up to 6d. was a Godsend, but since then of booking whichever they wanted. According to his appearance of notices in the Preston newspaper. expenses had gone up and if they could get the tax information, wide films had been shown in America Mr. Simpson said that in Barrow-in-Furness the of up to Is. it M'ould be the salvation of the small and they had not been a success. theatre paragraphs appeared in the Saturday night exhibitors. “ ” J. Howson : We were caught napping on talkies papers. That, in his opinion, was a most useful W. Bayley said the question was discussed at the and we don't, want to be caught napping by vide films. arrangement. last meeting of the General Council, but referred back He was of the opinion that the situation should be because there MT as lack of agreement upon the policy. discussed by all branches. Reels by Weight Some members wanted the tax off up to Is. and It was agreed that a letter should be sent to head- others thought it Mrould be a substantial step forM'ard H. Hargreaves said the Chairman and he inter' quarters, expressing the opinion that wide films should to get the tax off up to 8d. viewed one of the motor transport companies engaged not be introduced in this country for the next two R. E. Eady suggested that the Tax Committee in the distribution of films to put forward a suggestion years on the ground of expense. should try to get one penny off the shilling. If they that charges should be based on a standard reel of could not get the 2d. off that would he a real help. ft. At the present, time, exhibitors paid their Sharing Terms 1,000 The Chairman regarded Mr. Eady’s suggestion transport costs on the basis of per reel of undetermined as good, and suggested also that the Entertainment A short discussion took place inequitable some- on the question of length, which was felt to be when Tax Committee and the General Council should sharing terms. One member said he times there was only 500 ft. of film on the reel. On paid to the obtain figures shoMing the losses that exhibitors renter £78 for a week’s showing of a certain film, the other hand, there was often 2,000 ft. The carrier his had suffered. Those losses Mould he reflected in actual profit being only 9s. Such cases was asked to accept the registered length of the film as that the income tax on returns. deserved to be looked into, he said, and as the basis of his charge. adjustments Mr. Bayley was asked to submit these points to made to ensure a more equitable deal for the Tiie Chairman reported that the carrier declined to exhibitor. the General Council. Sharing terms of 50 per cent, for second runs were fall in with that proposition, but if the Branch preferred much too high. to pay by weight, he was willing to give them that The Chairman commented that in the old days he option. Speaking for himself, he found that, the costs could take £100 on £25 expenses. To-day he would on the weight basis were less than the costs per reel, be more than satisfied if he could take £100 with £75 and lie had therefore chosen the former arrangement. Edinburgh Discusses expenses. No meeting of the Branch will he held this month (December), but the next meeting, which Mill probably C.T.B.F. be held at Preston in January, Mill be the annual Restricted Advertising In reply to a communication from meeting. H. Hargreaves Advertising costs, the burdens of running a Mr. Viveash explained in a letter the work that was “ talkie ” film for a M’eek, and the possibility of being done by the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Bund. arranging Sunday charity shows, M’ere among the Devon Move subjects discussed at the November meeting of the The Chairman, after studying the report and Edinburgh Branch. A. S. Alisin presided at the financial statement of the C.T.B.F., said he had not noticed any reference meeting, which Mas held in the Princes Cinema, last to relief having been granted to Against “Widies” Wednesday. any old cinema proprietor, but assistance had been given to many managers. Questions of railway rates for the carriage of films, Limitation of Advertising The Secretary having explained the financial block-booking and Mide films and entertainment tax all of resources of the Branch and the amount of money in were discussed at the meeting the Devon and On the question of advertising, a discussion initiated the bank, it Cornwall Branch of the C.E.A., held at the Savoy was decided, on the motion of J.‘ H at the October meeting M’as continued, the object Plymouth, 25th, shackleton, seconded by A. Wiles, to make a Picture House, on November Major being to produce a scheme for restricting costs in contribution of five guineas. A. O. Ellis in the chair. this connection. Previous attempts to provide a The Secretary, C. H. Rundle, reported that scheme of this kind acceptable to all exhibitors have “ Talkie ” Apparatus Maintenance following the last meeting of the Branch, H. Watkins always broken doM’n in Edinburgh because a few (St. Austell) sent him details regarding the renters declined to bind themselves to accept Correspondence which had passed between th members who had been insisting on block booking. He had limitation of the possibilities of advertising. The Secretary and British Thomson-Houston on th question of forwarded those particulars to the general secretary neM’ effort has been stimulated by the success of a renewals for B.T.-H. apparatus was rea< lor of the Association. These showed that Mr. Watkins similar scheme in Glasgow. the information .of members. The Secretary hat pointed wanted to book five or six films and the renters of several of the representatives of out to the firm that members were under th In the absence insisted as a condition of booking that he should principally concerned those at, present impression that no charge would be made for air the houses — renewals take several other films. The General Secretary had taking large advertisement space the meeting tenta- required in the first twelve months, as th‘ — contract since taken up the matter with the renters. tively agreed that, a policy of limited advertising stated that any defects arising from fault’ to all design or workmanship would be made good. Railway Deputation Thursday would be advantageous interests. A committee >Lr. comprising A. S. Albin, George Salmon (secretary) and Hargreaves said members had complained o The General Secretary notified that the Railway being charged appointed to intervieM' the representa- with the cost of valves which had beei Clearing House Mould meet the deputation from file A. Black Mas houses. ;l few weeks British Thomson-Houstoi General Council on Thursday, December 4th, at tives of the larger replied that they all The basis of the scheme proposed is that first, -run met their obligations in regard tc 12 noon, at Seymour Street, Euston Square, on the 11 1." *f°0 Six Day Booking Demand that considerable attention was being paid to the question of the pre-release of films, and Mr. The question of renters insisting on a week’s run Anderton " commented that pre-release a far more serious Tell England. for the bigger “ talkie ” attractions was raised by was thing with “ talkies ” it silents. Mr. Webster, who said that the district houses could than was with not afford to retain a film for a week. They lost, on the deal. Ready Guarantees and Disc Charges Mr. Al.BIN', agreeing, said that in Edinburgh, with it’s too great seating capacity, very few films could Regarding guarantees and disc charges, there was draw the crowd for a week except at first-run houses. only one firm that was standing out, and it could not Trade Show Expected Members had the remedy in their own hands. They be long before they fell into line with the rest. It could stop booking films for which a week’s run was seemed, he said, that Vitaphone insisted that where demanded. Some had tried that and had nothing a film was recorded under their system there must be Shortly to regret. some charge made for the disc. It appeared to be ” an essential point in their agreement. Personally, “ “ Some Members Not Loyal he was convinced that they had got as far as they Tell England," which has taken British; could get on this subject. The firms concerned were Instructional On the question of guarantees, Bailie Timmins Films more than twelve months First National and Warner Brothers. alleged that, a number of renting concerns were still to make, is to be trade shown shortly. It insisting on guarantees in their contracts. These Mr. Anderton moved, and Mr. Hopkins seconded, has already been previewed by the B.I.F. firms, he said, were disposing of their product, so it that the names of these two firms Warner Bros, — directorate. was obvious that some members were not being loyal and First National should be placed on the white H. Bruce Woolfe commented,. — “ to the C.E.A. agreement. list, and that it should be made known that all We are proud of it.” Mr. Dickson, who pointed out that Warner Bros, exhibitors were at liberty to do business with them. For the Gallipoli landing scenes the pro- and First National had both dropped guarantees and The meeting unanimously passed a resolution introduced a graded scale of disc charges, replied duction unit, including five cameramen and reaffirming the Blackpool resolution, and requesting that only Paramount still called for a guarantee, and ten tons of explosives, travelled to Malta,, exhibitors to abide by it and refuse to give guarantees. in their case it was very small. There was certainly where suitable locations had been found. no need for an exhibitor to give guarantees. Here the producers, Anthony Asquith and Advisory Committee Representatives Geoffrey Barcas, had the co-operation of Sir. Metcalfe raised the question of the repre- the British Mediterranean Fleet. sentation of the C.E.A. on the Advisory Committee The famous troopships, River Clyde Leeds and in connection with the Films Act. He noticed, he and said, that the London and Home Counties Branch had Rangoon, as well as dreadnoughts, cruisers,, nominated Major Gale and R. V. Crow to fill the destroyers, monitors, pinnaces and lighters, Guarantees positions which had been occupied by Victor Davis and E. Hewitson. If these retiring members, he said, took part in the landing sequences. Naval! giving The position with regard to the of guarantees were prepared to accept the positions for another year personnel, gunners, bluejackets and marines and the payment of disc charges in the light of the he was strongly of the opinion that they ought to also assisted. In fact, in addition to the report of the special committee of the C.E.A. was have the support of members of the Leeds Branch, again reviewed by the November meeting of the Leeds because both these gentlemen would look after the principal players, headed by Fay Compton,. Branch. interests of the independent exhibitors, and that was Carl Harbord and Tony Bruce, over 9,000 The Chairman (John Claughton) remarked that what was wanted. people appear in the production. they had now reached the closing stage of one of the Mr. Hopkins expressed the opinion that to lose the exhibitors ever fought. biggest battles which the had services, particularly, of Victor Davis from the As well as the battle scenes, which are- that they Personally, he felt more than pleased in Advisory Committee would be a very serious thing said to be remarkable for their realism, there Leeds had been very loyal—more loyal than anybody for the Association. is a good sprinkling of comedy in “ Tell else in the country, perhaps, with the exception of The meeting unanimously decided to instruct the members of the Newcastle Branch. their delegates to support the re-election of Mr. Victor England.” The dialogue for one such “ “ ” It almost breaks your heart,” he added, to Davis and Mr. Hewitson. sequence, in which a squad of " rookies think that we have been so loyal and that, other people who were at Blackpool, and voted for the resolution, are undergoing bayonet practice, has been- Immediately broke away from it. I am happy to say written by A. P. Herbert, the noted con- that the conditions are such now that it is possible NEWS FROM THE TERRITORIES tributor to Punch. for us to resume business with firms whom we have been avoiding. Uniforms, rifles, machine guns and other “ However, we have done good work, and we ( Continued from page 44) equipment was loaned by the War Office- have done a great deal better if there had been should and the Australian Government, and it is- more loyalty within the Association. I am satisfied Cardiff there would be an overwhelming majority all together we should by now said that Anthony Asquith has imparted that if we had stuck in favour of opening places of amusement. . . . conditions. As it is, what be back to normal booking Why should something like 250,000 people be several deft touches by means of mobile- are faced with is normal takings in our theatres we dictated to as to what they should do by a few cameras and the ingenious use of sound. and abnormal film hire expenses.” narrow-minded views ? ” above C. P. Metcalfe said that the position that had come who bold The about, although it had been influenced, doubtless, excerpt is taken from a letter in the Western by their attitude, was due also to the fact that supplies Mail last week, commenting upon the proposal of “ talkies ” were much better than they were. He of Councillor Ferguson, deputy Lord Mayor of P.D.C. Not Lending Stars it really a question of supply and demand. believed was the city, that an application by the Splott Co. Awarn ing ought to go out from the Association that for permission to give a Sunday performance in Perhaps the most striking tribute to the what obtained to-day was really a falling market, judgment of E. B. Derr in choosing stars- and that exhibitors ought to exercise great care in aid of the Cardiff Royal Infirmary should be forward booking. refused. — for P.D.C. has been the anxiety of other If a vote were taken — ! Personally, I do producers to borrow them. Unfair and Discouraging not think there is any doubt about what the Ann Harding, after her triumph in “ The Chairman : The bitter thing, to my mind, answer of Cardiff would be. Some time ago, as “ Holiday,” has been in particular demand ; is that if there is anything of any advantage to be a test, I tackled 40 people I know in the city to the meeting, but she has been lent only once. Constance obtained, members of the C.E.A. come about Sunday opening. Among those I ques- ask some sacrifice of them they but immediately you tioned were two councillors, one minister, over Bennett and Helen Twelvetrees, whose all the work to the officials and a few faithful leave tradesmen, four professional men and reputation has increased with each new to fight their battles for them. It is extremely a dozen ones - disheartening. Almost throughout this fight we have manual workers of various kinds. Thirty of film, have appeared several times for other had appallingly small meetings.” them were in favour of Sunday opening, six companies. were against, while the other four “ didn’t care ” ” Mr. Derr does not intend to continue this- Bottom Out of Talkie Boom there was Sunday opening or not.” whether policy of lending P.D.C. stars, even for the be obvious to all of them H. Hopkins said that it must ” dropped out of the “ talkie very handsome consideration involved, after that the bottom had now Another Swansea Super ? boom, and that they were practically back to normal existing obligations are satisfied. “ so far as business in the cinema theatres was con- There is an old saw which states that There cerned. They were, all of them, taking very little is no smoke without a fire.” Does it apply, I they used to more money with talking pictures than wonder, to a trade rumour in Swansea that a silent, and very shortly it must mean that take with London syndicate is endeavouring to obtain a the position would be righted simply by the law of Marilyn Miller's Next for a super cinema in Oxford Street, Swansea ? supply and demand. site I have personally failed to find confirmation Marilyn Miller’s latest picture, ‘‘Sunny,’ Yorkshire and C.E.A. Vice-Presidency of the rumour, but it is persistent and leading which First National will be trade showing personalities in the town believe it. The Chairman called the attention of the meeting trade at an early date, is yet another adaptation supporting a nomination for the to the question of of a highly successful musical comedy stage- Vice-Presidency of the C.E.A. It was up to them, he W.E. at Castle, Swansea has said, to recommend anybody whom they thought success in which the star appeared. ” suitable. There was, apparently, nobody in the The Castle Cinema, Swansea., is to be wired “ Sunny is described as a dramatic comedy cared to allow himself to be Leeds Branch who for “ talkies ” by Western Electric. with music rather than a screen musicalt nominated, but they had discussed the matter in committee, and they were of opinion that it would comedy, but the production is not produced be a graceful act on their part to support Alderman as a mere transcription of the original stage if that gentleman could he per- Wheeldon, of Hull, show. Throughout the picture there is a suaded to allow himself to be nominated. Alderman Exeter Wheeldon, he said, was eminently fitted for the musical accompaniment especially written position of Vice-President, and President in the Kern, and of the song successes It was announced on Wednesday, November by Jerome following year, of the Association. He had recently local associations which were so popular in the original stage Sheriff of Hull, and he was a man who 26th, that a syndicate with been elected " ” was widely respected throughout the cinema trade had purchased the Hippodrome at Exeter from show the famous Who ? has been retained. in the North. W. G. and E. J. Vickery, who acquired it less Marilyn Miller is supported by a long list Brookes it was unani- On the proposition of Owen than a year ago, and that as soon as the change important players, including Lawrence approach the Hull Branch with a of mously decided to over could be effected it would be adapted for of Alderman Wheeldon. Gray, Joe Donahue (younger brother of the- view to securing the nomination Exeter Hippodrome, which was talking films. Donahue), O. P. Heggie, Inez is an late Jack Pre-Release of Films originally known as the Public Rooms, block of property in New London Courtney, Clyde Cook, Barbara Bedford and. meeting of the imposing In presenting the report of the last Judith Vesselli. General Council, Mr. Hopkins informed the meeting Inn Square. December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE A VV7INNIE LIGHTNER’S latest Warner picture is due for London presentation. A Vitaphone and natural W colour production, “ The Life of the Party,” it is to be unreeled for the trade at the Regal, Marble Arch, on Tuesday, December 9th, at 11 a.m. With Miss Lightner in the cast are Irene Delroy and John Davidson. h THE BIOSCOPE December 3 , 1930 mmt- A $• ' w&i 'k. - \u \* v m wL IrV - o jpEir " OX are starting off a terrific trade show programme which will include “ Just Imagine,” The Big Trail,” F “Lightnin’,” and ‘‘Oh! for a Man.” Above are a trio of the amazing scenes in “Just Imagine,” David Butters imaginative peep into the future. The cast includes El Brendel, John Garrick and Maureen O’Sullivan. The London presentation is arranged for Monday, December 8th, at the Piccadilly theatre, at 8 p.m. December 3 1930 , THE BIOSCOPE c OR presentation at the Piccadilly Theatre on Friday next, December 5th, at 8 p.m., Fox have their much F discussed and keenly awaited pioneering film, “ The Big Trail.’’ With a cast of 93 principals and 20,000 extras, it stars Marguerite Churchill with John Wayne, El Brendel and David Rollins, under the direction of Raoul Walsh. “ The Big Trail ” has been made on wider film as well as on standard stock. D THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 OHN GILBERT and Wallace Beery are the principals in " Way for a Sailor,” new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film J which goes into the Empire programme next Friday, December 5th. With them in the cast are Leila Hyams and Jim Tully. — 1930 THE BIOSCOPE 43 December 3 , News from the Territories From cc The Bioscope’s ” Special Representatives these methods that the number of patrons each A film of the recent Auto Cycle Union Trial Manchester and Liverpool afternoon will be more than doubled. Similar was also shown last week at the Annual Whist prices will obtain at the Prince of Wales, but the Drive and Dance of the Newcastle Motor Club. Fred Gronback, 18, Coningsby Road, Representative: time of opening will be 2 p.m. Anfield, Liverpool. Telephone: Anfield 1289> Distress Warrant Issued Owing to the resignation of H. A. Brown, At Wigton Police Court last week the Magis- Warner Bros, have rearranged their outdoor Four Northern Counties trates decided to issue a distress warrant against staff at Liverpool. The North Wales territory, George Duncan, White Horse Hotel, Newcastle, (Representative : Thos. F. Burgess, 242, Wingrove which was previously served by C. Turner, is Avenue, Newcastle-on-Tyne> for the non-payment of rates due in respect to Rutherford. Mr. Turner the Temple Cinema, Aspatria, Cumberland. The now covered by A. The Empire, West Hartlepool, which has been is now travelling in the Liverpool and North- Bench were informed that the hall had not been a legitimate theatre for many years, is being his district extending as used for four or five years, but that the place still West Lancashire area, equipped with Western Electric talking appa- far north as Barrow. Gordon Dartnell, Liverpool contained furniture. ratus. It is expected that the equipment will branch manager, points out that his travellers be completely installed in the early part of the are booking Vitaphone variety subjects in ” Film Star to Visit Newcastle now New Year. Both stage plays and “ talkie addition to features. “ Viennese Nights ” will programmes will be submitted. It is also During his lightning visit to England it is trade shown at Liverpool shortly after the be understood that the Empire, Sunderland, another understood that Maurice Chevalier will make a London presentation (on December 19th), and legitimate theatre, will shortly be installing one-night appearance in Newcastle-on-Tyne. will probably be available in Technicolor and “ talkie ” equipment. The cities which he intends to visit only number black-and-white. four and include Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester Rink Opened on Wearside and Liverpool. Lower Prices Sunderland’s new dance hall, which is the Owing to the depression in local trade, the Stink Bomb Bye-law for Gateshead first part of the large scheme embracing a Super management of the Futurist, Warrington, Cinema, was opened on Wednesday. The Dance There appears every likelihood that the efforts announce that at all matinees there will be a Hall, which is one of the finest in the country, of the Northern Branch C.E.A., as far as Gates- reduction in the prices of admission to all parts measures 120 ft. by 140 ft. Decoration work has head is concerned, will be crowned with success of the house. been very tastefully carried out and the ball- in respect to the Branch’s endeavours to obtain room is brilliantly lighted. The building has the adoption of a Bye-law by the authorities I.O.M. Cinematograph Bill been erected on the sight of the old Rink in making the dropping of stink bombs, fireworks, The Isle of Man Cinematograph Amendment Holmside. George and Alfred Black, who are sneezing and itching powders in cinemas an Bill, which passsed the second reading recently well-known in the cinema industry in the North, offence. So far, overtures have only taken place by 14 votes to 9, failed to get the requisite are closely connected with the scheme. with the Newcastle and Gateshead authorities, 13 votes on the third reading in the House of and in respect to Gateshead it is understood that Keys, and, therefore, fell. The Bill proposed More “ Talkie ” Halls the Licensing Justices have recommended to the to give the right of appeal to any person who has Council the adoption of a Bye-law to stop the Western Electric apparatus is being installed been refused a cinema licence and to anyone nuisance on the following lines : at the Grand, Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham, who has unsuccessfully opposed the granting “ No person shall, with intent to cause which is expected to open as a “ talkie ” house of a licence. annoyance or inconvenience to any person in any on December 15th. Both this cinema and the place of entertainment, throw or let off any Coliseum, Houghton-le-Spring, where Western Golden Silence firework, or stink bomb, or squirt any offensive Electric apparatus has already been installed, “ ” liquid or powder. Notwithstanding the potent appeal of talkie are controlled by John Lishman, the well-known “ Any person convicted of committing such an pictures, silent features are by no means Northern exhibitor. “ offence shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £5.” dammed, doomed and done for.” Listen to The Northern Picture House, West Hartlepool, No definite action on the matter has yet taken what Harry Wilson, manager of the Roscommon is being equipped with B.T.H. apparatus, and — place in Newcastle. Picture House, Liverpool, says : “ My bookings will be ready by the 15th or 22nd December. of silent films go well into next year my takings ; It is expected that early in the New Year the for the last eleven months are greatly in excess Picture House, High Street, Sunderland, will of those of the corresponding period of last year “ ” Birmingham and Midlands ; open as a talkie theatre ; Western Electric and we have even become the prey of burglars, ” is being installed. (Representative: O. Ford-Jones, " Winona," Hugh who recently got away with about £50 ! Road, Smethwick, Birmingham. Christmas Day Licences Telephone: Smethwick 289> New Circuit Theatre Last week the Newcastle magistrates granted The British School of Sound Projectionists Cheshire County Cinemas, Ltd., proprietors permission on the application of T. H. Smirk, and Technicians has certainly been busy during of the King’s and Empress Theatres, Runcorn, solicitor, for twenty-four cinemas in the city to the past month in the Birmingham area. Recently just to have acquired Scala Theatre, Runcorn. open on Christmas Day from 2 o’clock till a special lecture on Western Electric equipment It is intended to make certain alterations and 10.30 p.m. was given at the Robin Hood Theatre by H. improvements to the Scala. At Wallsend the Bench last week granted Holback, and a similar discourse on the R.C.A. licences for Christmas Day periormances between equipment was delivered at the Birchfield Stockport Exhibitors’ Association 6.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m., in respect of The Cinema by W. H. Waterhouse. Last Friday, at Stockport Exhibitors’ Association, a local Royal, Tyne, Queen’s, and Borough Theatres, the Malt Shovel Hotel, W. E. Lee gave a treatise organisation, all of whose members are also and the Pearl, Willington Quay. on transformers and condensers. on the roll of the Manchester Branch of the will Another Bedlington Burglary C.E.A., hold its annual meeting in January. Another for Birmingham ? Wally Baker, general manager of the Palladium, week’s notes I referred to a burglary In my last Birmingham will have yet another cinema Stockport, and the Palladium, Oldham, is the Bedlington. Since then at the Palace, another should the authorities look favourably upon the secretary. Bedlington cinema, the Prince of Wales, has been application of William Salt, who is applying thieves. In this case the thieves Charity Shows visited by to the Entertainments Justices of Birmingham contrived to gain admittance by breaking a pane Three Liverpool cinemas gave charity enter- on December 15th with regard to premises to be of glass and uncatching a window. They found tainments on Sunday evening last. Film erected on a site known as the Beeches, Yardley pro- nothing of value, however. grammes were presented at the Futurist and the Road, Acocks Green. a vocal and Gem, and orchestral concert at the Cinema Visited by Civic Heads Trocadero. The latter was in aid of the Mersey- Help for Distressed Musicians the of side unemployed musicians. Another picture On Monday, Mayor Gateshead, accom- members of the Council, A special programme of music was given at show, in aid of a local Christmas fund, will take panied by Town visited “ the Salters Hall, Droitwich, last Sunday by the place at the Scala, Liverpool, on Sunday, Decem- the Scala, Gateshead, to see Journey’s End.” Orchestral Association of British Musicians, ber 14th. Children’s Boot Fund Benefits under the baton of Gilbert Dowell, A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M. (licensee of the hall), the proceeds Lower Prices for Early Doors By the kind permission of H. Harrison, pro- being devoted to the fund for distressed musicians. Several theatres in the central area of Liverpool prietor of the Palace, Wingate, Co. Durham, a in the theatre last adopted earlier hours of opening and lower prices concert took place week,when Good Business at Walsall of admission on Monday. The Palais de Luxe £23 12s. was realised in aid of the Poor Children’s has been opening for nearly a month at 12. 15 p.m., Boot Fund. A. Griffiths, manager of the Imperial, Walsall, with prices for the stalls and circle of 6d. and Is. told me last week that, despite local trade Shows Film respectively. The Scala and Futurist perform- Motor Firm depression, wonderful business was being done “ ances now start at 1 p.m. instead of 2 p.m., and About 200 people were present at the Morris with King of Jazz.” Friend Griffiths has gone the price of admission to the whole of the stalls Oxford Motor Depot of the C. G. S. Buist, Ltd., all out on the exploitation of this picture, having at both theatres is 6d. instead of Is. 3d., and garage last week, to see a film illustrating the no less than 40 tie-ups with shopkeepers in the ” admission to the circle Is. 3d. instead of 2s. 4d. manufacture of Morris Cars, and their achieve- town. The Imperial went over to “ talkies This big cut in admission charges continues each ments. The garage had been transformed into only recently (with W.E.), which leaves only •day until 5 p.m., as the management hope by a gaily decorated and unofficial cinema. one silent hall in the town. To mark the change- 44 THE BIOSCOPE December 3, 1930 over, the Imperial has been tastefully redecorated The majority of the 6 o’clock audience were so that the compensation offer could be consider- and reseated. unaware that firemen were fighting a w'ool blaze ably increased, said that £300 damages W'ere next door, Christmas Opening Sanctioned and there was the curious spectacle of being claimed from the Corporation, and he people stepping over lines of hose-pipe in action thought the defence wr as particularly mean, as Tipton given permission for the r Council has to book seats and enter the cinema. it w as suggested that the prosecution’s evidence local picture house to open on Christmas Day, was not straight. subject to suitable films benig exhibited. Sound Scoops Finding Their Voices Northern Ireland The various sound representatives (Representative : George Gray, Fort Garry, Cregagh budget have Quite a number of Midland houses have ” Park, Belfast) been very active in Ireland of late, and, in changed over from silent films to “ talkies meeting addition to securing pictures of the Free State during the past week-end. The Palace Cinema, The between the Minister of Home Affairs and the committee of exhibitors in regard Sweep, Path ' Sound New's have, amongst other Nuneaton, where the new Film Industries set to safety regulations has not yet taken place, items, obtained exclusive interviews with the has been installed, gave a special demonstration Free State Cabinet while British Movietone but it will probably be arranged for the coming ; to the trade on Sunday, and opens to the general News have been able, after lots of trouble, w'eek. In the meantime, the Ministry is not to public on December loth. The Empire, Lough- divulging of its proposals. secure interviews with the winners of the sweep. borough, opened on Monday with B.T-H. equip- any ” ment, the Cape Hill Electric Theatre at Smeth- “ Juno and the Paycock wick became “ talkie,” with British Acoustic Bristol and District apparatus, while the Princes End Cinema, Tipton, Other towns in Ireland may ban “ Juno and Bristol magistrates have granted permission for opened on Monday last with B.T.-H. Further the Paycock,” but as far as Belfast is concerned the opening of three local cinemas on Christmas silent houses which have been surveyed of late exhibitors do not intend to allow themselves to night. Pictures will be shown from 6 to 10. are the Elite, Handsworth, where W.E. is to be be intimidated. Those who have booked it The Wiltshire authorities, however, refused the installed, while it is stated that B.T.-H. equip- declare that they wall show it and will not allow application of Mr. Pilkington, of the Palace ment is to installed at the Model Cinema, anybody except the authorities themselves to be Cinema, Devizes, for a Christmas performance. Small Heath, Birmingham, the Hill Top Cinema, interfere. The first screening at Belfast is to be West Bromwich, and the Savoy, Bilston. at the Lyric. Barrow-in-Furness Wedding Bells A New Cinema Barrow will for My post on Thursday included a package Dublin and London are stated to be interested cinemas open both afternoon and evening performances on Christmas containing wedding cake from G. Almond -Jones, in the acquisition of a block of property in Belfast, Day, magistrates manager of the Arcade Cinema, Worcester, and right in the centre of the city, for the erection the having granted licences from 2 to p.m. from 6 to p.m. his wife. The wedding took place on November of a super cinema. Negotiations have been re- 5 and 11 22nd, following which a reception was held at opened for the purchase of the site, but the parties Orchestra Disbanded their flat at 61, Sidburv, Worcester. The bride concerned state that they have nothing to is Miss Annie Walker, who hails from the Leeds divulge for the Press until they have completed Jack Dearlove, who has been musical director district. the deal, which, if it does (go through, will entail at the Palace for the last four years, bas ter- the pulling down of the present set of buildings. minated his engagement as the theatre has been Wolverhampton Coliseum Reopened The cost of the new super cinema would, it is closed for the installation of “ talkies.” Mr. said, run into six figures. Dearlove popular The New Coliseum, Wolverhampton, which introduced many musical entertainments during his directorship, which has been closed for a short time for complete A False Alarm were greatly appreciated the public, his reconditioning and the installation of Western by own violin solos always being attractive numbers. Electric apparatus, opened on Monday last. During a children’s matin?e at the Picture The whole of the orchestra of the Palace has The hall was recently acquired by Miss Madge House, Coleraine, a false alarm of fire was raised been disbanded. Quigley (Fan Appleby), the daughter of Mr. and and there was an immediate rush for the exits. now Mrs. Quigley, proprietors of the Olympia, The attendants were, however, well able to Visit from Frank Slater Wolverhampton. control the excited little ones, only one of whom was slightly hurt. Efforts are being made to Frank Slater, formerly organist at the Gaiety An Added Attraction trace the culprit. and now employed at the Marble Arch Pavilion, London, paid a flying visit to the Furness town H. N. Collan, manager of the Brookville For Charity last week-end and gave a delightful organ recital Picture House, Foleshill, Coventry, was con- benefit to a large and appreciative audience at the local gratulating himself when I called last week on The funds of the British Legion should Baptist Church, the proceeds going in aid of the success of the dance hall at his theatre, as the result of a special performance at the the church. which was opened only ten days ago. The hall Picture House, Antrim, which was placed at the has a capacity for approximately 150 dancers, disposal of the local branch of the Legion by Village Hall Cinema possesses a very nice floor, and is decorated the management. throughout in mural atmospheric style, to convey The new village hall at Burn Banks, Mardale, the impression of being on an island in the centre No Risks which has been provided by the Manchester of a river. There is a five-piece band, and an One experience is enough for the authorities Corporation for workers engaged on the Hawes- excellent caf is a further adjunct. who are now receiving complaints at frequent water scheme, has now been completed, a feature intervals that uncensored films are being shown being that it has its own cinematograph. It in Belfast. The plan of action seems to be that will also be used for various entertainments District some interfering set of persons wait until they and meetings. Leeds and see a film which has been banned by the Free " an Ulster picture (Representative : H. S. Pitts, Yorkshire Evening State Censor advertised at Post," Leeds, or Leyburn Grove, Bingley) house, and they immediately ask the authorities South Wales to take action. Whilst this worked on one occa- The first week’s running of the Savoy Cinema An outbreak of fire practically gutted the sion, the policy followed now' is to ask the exhibitor in Boar Lane as a news-reel theatre was an rear portion of the Palladium, Newport, last to state when the film was passed by the British unqualified success. Audiences have been week, the stage, screen and orchestra well being Board of Film Censors. This is quickly done and doubled, and from noon to 11 o’clock at night completely destroyed. The fire was discovered trouble avoided. there has been a steady flow' of patrons, who at just after midnight by a patrol policeman, but 6d. a time just popped in and seemed to enjoy a it had obtained a strong hold before the fire Temporary Closings good hour’s entertainment. brigade was on the scene. The lessee of the The Picture Houses at Larne and Bangor Palladium, A. S. Waters, believes that the fire A Librarian and Films have been closed down, but only temporarily, was caused by the fusing of an electric light in order to enable the houses to be redecorated The Leeds City Librarian (R. J. Gordon), or a cigarette end carelessly discarded. Only speaking to a gathering of educationists at and refurnished, as well as to have B.T.-H. last week Mr. Waters received an offer for the “ installed. They are to reopen under their new Shipley the other day, said : I regard the cinema. or so. cinema as one of the most dangerous things for management in the course of a week “ Legit.” House to be Wired children.” Later, when interviewed on this ” “ Cairo observation, Mr. Gordon said his remarks were Cape to Another Welsh repertory theatre may shortly not intended as a wholesale indictment of the The silent film, “ Cape to Cairo,” is having be transformed into a “ talkie ” house. The screen, but merely had relation to a point raised a long run in different parts of Ireland, and, hail concerned is the Theatre Royal, Pontypool, in discussion that the attractiveness and popu- following a run of one week at the Belfast Empire one of the oldest theatres of its kind in the larity of the cinema acted as a deterrent to and other parts, it is soon to return to Belfast, country. No definite statement has been made, reading by school-children. where it is to have a week’s run at the Grosvenor but I am informed from a reliable source that John Claughton, the Chairman of the Leeds Hall. one of the big circuits is anxious to obtain Branch of the C.E.A., when his attention was control. “ drawn to these remarks, said : The cinema is Irish Free State not open to abuse in these days as it was, not Passing of Jack Jones (From a Special Correspondent) many years ago. Really, the onus as to what Swansea exhibitor telephoned me the news Not Enough A films the children see rests upon the parents, who of death at of ’ the other day the Swansea Jack ‘ ought to know by this time that there are U There has been a sequel to the recent burning Jones, one of the best-known cinema musicians (Universal) ‘ ’ ” and A films.” of “ Juno and the Paycock at Limerick, when, in Wales. Mr. Jones was a ’cellist with a Welsh in the Circuit Court, Stephen Kennedy pleaded national reputation, and his passing unquestion- Realism Next Door guilty to the larceny of two parts of the film. ably means a loss to cinema music and setting. The Picture House, Thornton Road, Bradford, In his defence it was contended that the film was threatened by an outbreak of fire last had been the subject of protests at Derry, Sunday Opening it Waterford and Dublin, and compensation was Wednesday evening, but, happily, escaped “ If a vote were taken of the population of damage, the fire being confined to the adjoining offered to the persons who had suffered, to the building where it originated. extent of £40. The judge, in adjourning the case ( Continued on page 42) ; 3 1930 December , THE BIOSCOPE 1 Technical News and Notes Crabtree on Good Negatives In the course of an interesting communica- tion by J. I. Crabtree, of Eastman Kodak, on the importance of correct development for the making of good negatives, the Writer stresses the importance of avoiding dilution of developer. The ability of the borax developer to produce fine grained images is largely due to the high concentration of sodium sulphite (about 10 per cent.) which has a decided solvent action on the emulsion grains. If the developer is diluted the solvent action of the sulphite is reduced, and, therefore, its fine grain producing properties fall off very rapidly. If a slower working developer is required, the quantity of the other constituents should be reduced, but the concentration of the sulphite should be maintained constant. After pointing out that the process of reducing the size of the emulsion grains by solvent action requires time, Mr. Crabtree emphasises the importance of not attempting to speed up development of negatives in the borax developer so that development is complete in less than about 10 minutes. Such practices as adding carbonate to speed up development are to be deplored. Fine-grained negatives cannot be made in a hurry they require time. The ; author refers to the practice, known by some There are nine fully equipped sound stages at Movietone City, of which this illustration shows old laboratory hands, of developing the Stage No. 6. Early in 1931 all Fox's production activities will he transferred to these studios. emulsion for a short time in a fresh developer They cover 140 acres and cost /1 ,600.000 and then continuing development in a partially exhausted developer. Very little loss in speed results. same way the speed of the sound record easily be translated into words. This in- could be run up to 130 or 140 ft. per minute creased brightness was accompanied with a Separate Sound Tracks Coming ? if necessary, since increased speed here has sharper definition, because the surface is There is one technical development on the been found to improve the quality and smooth and has a high reflecting coefficient. way which does not seem to be attracting range of the recording. Also if a separate If this visual gain had been accompanied as much attention as it should. The first sound record is being made, there seems no by a slight loss in sound it would have been presentations of wide film have raised again reason why tw'o simultaneous recordings almost worth while, but, in fact, the sound the question of running independent sound should not be made on the same film, with is immensely improved. systems. The general feeling seems to be two light pick-ups in the head, since two The older type of screen consisted of a hardening against the cost that Would be tracks have been found to give a better triple layer of porous material, and the involved in scrapping existing projector- effect than one. It is well known that the perforations in each layer are staggered heads and converting them to 65 or 70 mm. British Acoustic system originally employed there is no clear passage through all three film. Why, exhibitors ask, should we be a separate sound track the full width of the layers for the sound waves. In the case of expected to face this cost, when a very second film, but two tracks of 100 or 120 mils, the new screen, over a third of the entire similar result can be obtained, as in the would probably be preferred from every area consists of perforations offering an un- “ ” Realife system, by taking the picture on point of view. interrupted path for the sound waves. A 65 mm. stock and issuing it to exhibitors on feature of the utmost importance is the Sound Screen the standard 35 mm. There is only one A New ability to keep the screen up to its first difficulty. The new wide film when reduced Last week a new sound screen was demon- level of whiteness. A vacuum cleaner can takes up the entire width of the 35 mm. strated at the Stoll Theatre, which certainly be run over the surface to remove fluff from stock there is no available ; room for a showed marked improvement over the the perforations and then the surface can be “ sound track. Realife ” provides a separate previous screen employed. The new material sponged down monthly, reasonable precau- film for the sound track and four projectors consists of a single layer of rubber-like tions being taken not to stretch the fabric are necessary, two mute and two silent. texture, perforated with about 100 holes to unduly. The same film run through both In the case of the recent Pavilion installation the square inch. The material itself is quite screens in succession showed, even to un- “ for showing Hell's Angels " the extra fireproof, startingly white, and can be trained ears, a marked difference in crispness heads were mounted on the same stands, washed as easily as American cloth. A and sharpness of sounds, particularly those one behind the other. If the system of number of films were shown, half of the in the upper registers. The cost is a good deal running an independent sound track comes picture being on the old and half on the higher than that for standard makes of into force other things may follow. We new screen, and the difference in visual screen, but most critical exhibitors would may, for instance, go back to the 60 ft. brilliance was quite remarkable. By contrast, think the extra expenditure fully justified. per minute speed for the picture, since the the whites on the old screen seemed a muddy The demonstration was admirably and con- increased speed brought no visual benefit the new screen gave the picture vincingly Miss grey ; a arranged by Kathleen Mason, and merely involved extra footage. In the brightness and a “ kick ” which cannot MA. THE BIOSCOPE CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3 1930 MODERN , Reducing Ground Noise processes. The first is the reproduction over up the line to the scene of action. As might the theatre horn of a speech by M. Warner, be expected, one day someone Was not as A 'writer in the Herald World, discussing H. for its clear enunciation. careful as he might been in fielding the ground noises, insists that the greatest source notable The speech have is photographed as it comes out of the horn flying camera and it disappeared to the of these is nearby motors or mains. In cases and simultaneously photographed at scattered bottom of the Atlantic, but not before a large where the machine itself is not at fault, it is standard quality, imperative that the motor, generator, com- spots in the theatre by means of micro- quantity of film. Well up to phones. The photographs are later used for had been secured. mutating rectifier or Whatever is causing the static, be kept entirely clean. The micas comparison to determine how the quality of ‘ ’ ’ should be under-cut to the right depth and reception varies in the different locations. Travelling ‘ Talkies In a reverberation test single tones are brushes properly bedded down and positioned Shell-Mex, in co-operation with R.C.A. projected and suddenly interrupted electri- to prevent sparking. Any residual sparking Photophone, Ltd., have just completed a cally. A third test is even more delicate. can sometimes be cured by using a pair of travelling cinema, mounted on a 2| ton van, A single syllable is projected so that its path large condensers connecting one pole of each which will shortly be sent on a tour of the can followed completely around the of these to one of the brushes and the other to be country. Films of a general educational theatre and photographed through every the earth. Referring to vibration as a cause of character will be shown, but the main reflection. Schlenker foresees brilliant ground noise, he mentions a new anti- purpose of the venture will, of course, be possibilities in the development of new microphonic valve device in which the valve to advertise Shell-Mex activities. A day- methods of correcting theatre acoustics. itself is enclosed in a large evacuated bulb. light screen is stretched across the rear of This prevents the conduction of mechanical the van with a standard type of loud and sound vibration to the valve. Speaking Using an Eyemo for Standard Production speaker behind it, the necessary electrical of optical and mechanical ground- noise causes, To the achievements of the amateur power for the outfit coming from a special a low frequency hum (96 cycles) affects the camera must now be added that an Eyemo generator driven from the car engine. photo-electric cell When edges of the has just been used for taking part of a perforations protrude into the light beam. regular production which will shortly be Next S.M.P.E. Meeting The operator can do nothing to control the Paramount. This production is issued by The next meeting of the London Section graininess of emulsion, but he can do some- based on the lives of the North Atlantic of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers thing about dirty film which forms an fishermen engaged in the sealing industry. 8th, important cause of ground noise. A surprising Their work is done on the arctic ice floes will take place on Monday, December amount of needle scratch can sometimes be drifting south. These floes consist of broken at the Royal Photographic Society, 35, transmitted to speakers. A quick cure is a chunks of ice, heaving and twisting as the Russell Square, at 7.45 p.m. The paper to scratch filter which has, however, the draw- Atlantic swells roll under them, and steadily be read at this meeting is by Mr. J. R. back of cutting out those higher frequencies separating, so that progress is only possible Leathart, F.R.I.B.A., on “ Planning a New so important in musical reproduction. Pick- by leaping from floe to floe. The sealers Leathart will ups themselves are frequently over-weighted approach their objective—often a black spot Motion Picture Theatre.” Mr. and a surprising number of needles have been almost as far as the eye can see—-on the run, talk about the various technical problems found, on careful examination, to be im- and members of the producing company had encountered in building a " talkie ” theatre perfect and give rise to noise. to follow on this perilous course as quickly as from the architect’s point of view. The possible. It was quickly discovered that to Testing Theatre paper to be read at the January meeting is Acoustics leap about with a 35 mm. standard camera by Mr. Lance, of the Research Laboratories Vesper A. Schlenker, acoustical engineer and sound equipment in this Way was im- “ of the Vitaphone Corporation, but a light Eyemo could of G.E.C., on Photo-Electric Cells,” with has devised practicable ; be special apparatus for testing the acoustic thrown from one floe and caught by someone illustrations and demonstrations. qualities of theatres. There are three main on another and in this way quickly be relayed F. F. ATTRACT ATTENTION UNIFORMS of DISTINCTION INSTAL GilROSIGN ^ IIIIIIIIIIIIIIWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ^ Illuminated Sti II Service. Attendants' Overcoats, Frock Coats or Jacket Uniforms at prices and of quality which defy competition. GIROSIGN LTD., Page*’ Uniforms and Girl 90, WARDOUR STRIEET, W.l Attendants’ Uniform Frocks of studied smartness. Modern 'Phones : Gerrard 3526/7. and , Ultra-modem designs. We can match your colour scheme. in Cinema ! We have specialised Uniforms for years and our complete organisation is at SERVICE TO THE your disposal. We study keen EXHIBITOR prices too. Coloured Plates, Patterns and THAT IS Price List immediately upon receipt of a Postcard. “THE BIOSCOPE” mimimiiiiimmmiiiiiiiiiiiniiimiiimiHmmiiiiiiiiui THE INDEPENDENT JOURNAL The Uniform Clothing & Equipment Co. Ltd. OF THE FILM TRADE 10 & 11, Clerkenwell Green, E.C. “ Telegrams: Uniquip, London." Telephone : Clerkenwell 6682 & 5226 : December 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE iii 3 , J. M. Burnett, M.A.E.M.S., Here Tells You How Choose Paints * Paint may be described as a solid pigment faster than the other, so that a rubbing Finishing Coats with drying liquid used for decora- movement is imparted to the surfaces wherec n mixed a It will have been perceived that a good preservative purposes. Every form the pigment lies. tive and stout undercoating paint of great obscuring of paint, from printer’s ink to limewash, is in The particles get spread out, amalgamated power must be extremely hard and liable universal use, but what mainly distinguishes with the oil, and the resultant paste has no to chip. There is not enough oil in the dried the types is not the pigments, which give more texture than butter. This is the basic film to give it the elasticity necessary for \ paints their decorative range, but the liquid paint, known as paste paint, or colour in durability, and the surface is necessarily, due or which the pigments are oil, from which all prepared paints, under- medium with to the evaporation of a large proportion of mixed. coating, glossy, hard gloss or enamels, are volatile solvent, more or less porous. If the Despite the popularity of the new cellulose prepared by simply mixing with the medium pigment is dark, a single coat of varnish paints and the increasing use of water paints necessary to provide certain specific surfaces. will be satisfactory as a finish for an interior or oil paint is still the washable distempers, job such as a passageway, though the surface standard decorative and protective covering Reason for Differing Oil Paints will not be so perfect as if a coat of for most exposed surfaces, and some practical The reason for the drying of linseed oil finishing oil paint was applied. information regarding it is useful to those and oil varnishes is that they are oxidised The object of the pigment in the last coat who have to pay for its application. into another material by the oxygen in the is to fill the “ key ” pores in the underneath air. Liquid linseed oil is soluble in paraffin ; coat with solid pigment and medium, instead The Importance of the Medium dried linseed oil is not. Therefore there is of with a medium that is partly volatile A pigment and a medium such as whiting always the possibility that if paint is applied and must therefore carry some of the and water will make a paint. When dry a in too thick a coat the outside may dry when impress of the pores to the new surface and coat can easily be rubbed off any smooth the inside is this is quite soft ; a condition lessen the gloss. surface to which it has been applied : it is detrimental to the life of the paint. not as readily rubbed off rough wood. But Therefore paint must be applied in thin The Function of Linseed Oil if we mix with water a little glue or size, so coats, and few paints have sufficient covering Over this coat may be run a coat of hard that every particle of the pigment becomes power to hide the underneath surface in one gloss paint. This finishing coat paint has thoroughly coated with the glue mixture, the coat so undercoating and finishing paints ; the turpentine and part of the oil replaced paint, when dry, consists of an extremely must needs be applied build an effective to up by varnish. Its merit is that of the old fine sheet of glue imprisoning solid particles porcelain-like body. quick-drying enamels—that is, it dries of whiting. The sheet has to be broken before Now when two, three, four, or even more, quickly and hard, with a higher gloss than it can be wiped off a surface, and the finer coats of paint are it is obvious that required, oil. But the varnish content is not nearly the pigment the better the surface of the the hardest must be at the bottom and the so high as in the old enamels, and with a paint coat and the less readily is it spoiled. most elastic at the top. When the converse greater proportion of the elastic medium, Where this paint is used inside a building is the case, last coats of paint rapidly split the linseed oil, it has a longer life. free from wet and damp, such a paint or and powders. Undercoating paint must be Finally, there are the modern enamels. whitewash will last for years. But if the harder, therefore, finishing than coats, and the It is not possible, even with these, to get pigment should be mixed with linseed oil, colour should be more solid. the wonderful depth and intensity of colour a seed oil which has the property of drying that the old coach body builder got with his or hardening in the air into a tough trans- Undercoatings 30 coats of undercoating and half-a-dozen parent waterproof and enduring skin, we have This requirement is easily attained coats of rubbed-down varnish. But they give a paint that will not only stand the weather even the softest pigment is harder than the the nearest approach to that perfection that but will stand washing. strongest dried medium, and all that needs the paint maker has attained. Linseed oil when boiled has not only a be done is to have a greater proportion of They are made entirely with a medium greater lustre on its dried film than has raw, pigment in the dried paint for undercoating of linseed oil boiled at a high temperature but it dries in a shorter time, so we can than is used in the finishing coats. This until it thickens to the consistency of syrup : regulate the drying time of our paint by a result is obtained by using less oil in the this mixed with the basic paint and with as judicious mixture of the two and ; gum medium and making the paint workable little turpentine as possible gives a product resins dissolved in hot linseed oil and thinned under the brush by the addition of a suitable that, though working hard under the brush, out to working consistency with turpentine amount of a volatile thinner, such as turpen- keeps “ open ” a long time and flows by give us varnishes which provide a still greater tine. itself, so that even a rough brush will often lustre. Obscuring power and colour are In this way, although there might be leave a fine surface. It is highly elastic provided by the pigments, but surface, twice as much pigment in the dry undercoat, and durable, is easily kept clean, has a spreading power, gloss, permanency, working it can be so thin that it can be more easily porcelain-like depth of colour, but must, quality and drying speed are furnished by the applied with the brush. If necessary, varnish as all other paints should, have the under- medium. may be used instead of linseed oil in mixing, coats thoroughly hard before it is applied. Grinding Basic Paint and the proportion of medium again reduced The British paint manufacturers are second It will be seen now that the better by 40 per cent. to none. There are many reputable firms description of a paint is a medium totally But the use of turpentine has an effect whose whole resources are at the disposal enclosing fine particles of pigment. Within on the surface of the paint. The evaporation of even the smallest buyer, and as the cost limits the finer the pigment the better is the of the spirit opens pores in the paint surface of painting is mainly the cost of the labour paint. Even the very finest powdered of and so spoils the gloss. This, however, is of putting it on, any cinema proprietor pigments will never become incorporated with advantageous when it is the groundwork considering repainting would be advised to an oil medium by mere mixing. Grinding is for a coat of glossier paint, as the pitted obtain information and samples from the necessary for th rough amalgamation, and surface gives a “ key ” that affixes the next big makers before even giving a small this is accomplished by mixing the pigment coat to it. It is to attain this keying effect painting job out. with the smallest possible quantity of linseed that a coat of glossy paint is rubbed down I hope in the near future to touch on oil and passing the mass through crushing with glasspaper or pumice before another washable distempers and interior paints in rollers where one of each pair is travelling is applied to it. a further article. The Musical Magnet that draws thousands of patrons to Progressive Cinemas Represented in Europe by WALTER PEARCE . 33, King Street , Covent Garden, W.C.2. The Snowman’s Organ, 199 IV thi: n iosco pi: MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3, 1930 Lisfhtm A With Unique Storage batteries have a particular im- sputtering or spitting and with the minimum by the lead-acid man. Moreover the Edison portance to the exhibitor in connection with wastage of voltage in resistance. The show nickel-iron battery' has certain advantages his schemes of emergency lighting. He uses could therefore be carried, if necessary, for for such a job. storage batteries also for his projection room, 1 an hour or so with complete dependability, The electrolyte is alkaline : it does not but usually here he has no choice, for the and long before that any' breakdown in the corrode and calls for no special precautions. batteries are supplied the storage by makers regular supply’ of current should have been The battery itself is impervious to insults. his equipment. Moreover, it is of other remedied. Nothing can shock it. A dead short-circuit fairly certain that in this direction the to exhaustion does nothing save exhaust storage battery will slowly be ousted by A Stand-by for a Stand-by the current ! A lead battery, if short- motor generators and rectifiers. But nothing circuited, would in most cases fuse But here the regulations imposed in most its bus offers quite the same advantage in con- bar lugs and certainly its plates districts provide a barrier. These regula- would nection with emergency lighting. If an writhe in protest. The active material tions insist that, no matter what source of of exhibitor is fortunate enough to occupy a the plates would be released in a hurry and power is being used for running the show, site served by two different generating would find their way to the bottom of the simply solved there must be an additional and separate stations, then his troubles are containing cell. But the Edison cell is source of power for the emergency lighting. so by a double service and a change-over constructed that a short-circuit cannot If the main service breaks down and the switching arrangement. Other exhibitors loosen the active material and does not show is continued from the storage battery, have installed power generating sets as a buckle the plates. That is one of the reasons it is necessary', therefore, in order to comply stand-by for emergencies, but the first cost why Edison batteries are sold with a with these regulations, to provide still of these is high, and the fact that they are guarantee of from ten to sixteen years, another emergency' service to come into only called on to run one or two hours per according to their working conditions. force if the storage battery' service breaks year is against them as an economical down ! proposition. The better plan, of course, is This is one of those Extraordinary Mechanical Strength to rim one’s own generating plant, with the regulations which results rather from clumsy It company’s service as a stand-by for emer- wording than is not possible this week to go into from a really technical consideration of the details regarding the gency lighting but this is not a practice manufacture of the ; problem. Undoubtedly is which has been extensively adopted in this when a show Edison battery', though its method of manu- being run public country'. It introduces plant which calls from a supply some emer- facture is unique and the finished job is an gency service is necessary. There are engineering product of for skilled labour in its operation and which a the highest precision hundred and one things which may inter- and mechanical strength. Individual cells is certainly a good deal more troublesome vene than using the public supply. to cause a breakdown of supply, from have been made to fall from a height of a breakdown at the generators at the main half an inch over two million times without station to trouble in the local street dis- any sign of the plates coming to pieces. The Ideal Emergency Supply tributing box. But when the show is running Another test has been to bump a battery' Granted, then, that one is using a public from a well-serviced storage battery installa- up against a brick wall at a speed of fifteen supply, there is nothing quite so con- tion in the theatre itself, the possibility' of miles per hour over a thousand times without venient for emergency lighting as a battery' breakdown is really negligible. any resultant damage. The Edison cell of storage batteries. These can be charged No architect or consulting engineer could does not make any fuss if it is charged in during non-peak periods of supply' at specially justify the provision of a second emergency the reverse direction, and generally it can low rates and constitute an entirely reliable service in such a case. He could not point be treated with about the same amount of ” source of current for the " police lights in to a case during the past 30 y'ears of a well- care as one extends to a pipe-wrench. So the event of any' disturbance to the main tended storage battery’ failing to function confident are the makers as to the subsequent supply'. Given reasonable attention, nothing when called on. There is, of course, the risk behaviour of the plates that the containing ever goes wrong with storage batteries : of a main fuse going in the event of a short cells themselves, which are of steel, are their dependability’ is absolute. Anything circuit, but that risk applies also to the spot-welded into one complete box—the only involving the introduction of moving appa- supply for the emergency police lights and aperture into which is a small hole for the ratus is liable to a variety' of temporary is one of those improbable contingencies admission of electrolyte. faults and breakdowns, but, given ordinary' against which the utmost precautions can attention, storage batteries can be depended only be “ contingent.” It is to exhibitors’ 17 Years Old—and Still Working ! on to function instantly and with, on the interests that they themselves should press The result of all this care in manufacture whole, a very high efficiency. for a modification of these “ emergency’ ” and this unusual mechanical strength is a In a recent article in these pages, Mr. stand-by for an emergency’ stand-by' cell with many unique properties. It will Burnett pointed out how extremely efficient regulations where they exist. If the battery' retain its charge, for instance, almost the modern storage battery' was. It does in is capable of supplying power to run the indefinitely. We were told of a battery- many ways represent a theoretical and show, there is no fear of it failing to provide installed on a yacht which had been laid technical ideal of power storage, but when current for the police lights. up for three y'ears but which still, at the end the exhibitor is considering this problem he of that period, retained a large proportion is often faced with another situation which Features of Unique Nickel-Steel Battery of its original charge, sufficient to light the constitutes a very' real hardship on the stor- shall have occasion to refer to this boat and to start the petrol generating set. age battery’ manufacturer. So far as supply- We problem again in the near future, but our In addition to this, the batteries have ing the police lights is concerned, that is the remarks on it have been stimulated phenomenal life. demonstration Arrol- essential minimum illumination necessary' to by an A examination this nickel- electric car rtn from Dumfries to enable the audience to leave the premises week of the Edison Johnston steel storage battery. This Edison battery' London—a distance of 350 miles—with without panic, the problem is simple. But has certain qualities which match its dis- occasional boosting charges en route (the the exhibitor wants more than this. In the tinction as the highest priced storage battery Edison battery can be charged at its full event of a temporary' breakdown, he wants in existence. If you were to ask a lead acid capacity without injury). This was 17 years to avoid, if possible, the necessity of turning battery maker to quote for a battery capable ago and the saloon remained in active his audience into the street in a dissatisfied of running the projectors for an hour, not service until 1929, when it was taken out frame of mind with a promise of tickets on forgetting the temporary heavy load and employed to run a half-ton bread van at a future occasion or a refund of money. when the new projector was being struck and Southport—a job on which it is still engaged ! more than double current was being taken, Obviously' a battery' which can show Storage Batteries To Run Arcs ? he would need to give the problem a good features such as this has something to offer There is really no reason, given the installa- deal of consideration. He might ultimately which is a substantial offset against its tion of a battery of storage batteries of refuse to qoute for such a battery, but he rather high first cost, and those who are sufficient power, why the show should be would certainly in any case be very careful solely concerned in securing results irre- interrupted for more than a few seconds. of any guarantees he gave as to .its life, and spective of first cost will undoubtedly study The storage batteries can supply power he would require a good deal of space in the possibilities of the Edison steel-alkaline necessary for running the projector arcs as his storage battery room. storage batteries. Over a period of years, the well as the police lighting. In point of fact, But the Edison battery, by reason of the Edison storage battery would probably' show the use of storage batteries for running arcs new principles it embodies, could deal with an actual saving over its cheaper lead-acid of reasonable size is particularly satisfactory, this problem in about a third of the space competitor, particularly in its second hand since it enables the arc to run without and with about a third of the weight required value. - December 3 1930 TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE V , MODERN CINEMA Modem Cinema Design By J. R. Leathartj F.RXB.A, HE modern cinema in all its complexity fault, the front is better polygonal on plan, The cost of providing a cinema in which of planning and equipment has been with three or more straight facets and inclined to produce this dismal banality was T aptly described as the architecture backwards on section. $4,221,951. The seating capacity is just of pleasure. It is therefore important in The increasing tendency for cinemas to under 6,000, and the volume capacity is forming a critical opinion of this type of function equally as theatres must serve as 531 cubic feet per seat. No wonder the building to regard its appeal as being essen- a warning that too many absorbent surfaces volume of chords filled the theatre ! tially directed to the great majority of in an auditorium will render the natural average people who find in their picture human voice and the orchestra somewhat “Tottenham Court Road Style theatres stimulation and pleasure in the lifeless in effect and create a tendency to Consider for a moment the tendencies of atmosphere of warmth and comfort, of flatten the tone thereof. It is therefore recent English interior design. Since the colour and decoration—exotic in many imperative that expert acoustical advice Armistice there have been three definite — : 2nd, what may cases, it is true -as a contrast to the drab should be obtained by the architect in the phases 1st, the Neo-Grec ; monotony of their daily routine. initial stages of his design, so that the be termed the umbrella period, under which The outstanding development of the necessary compromise can be effected between were sheltered and nurtured the Chinese, Tottenham modern cinema is in its mechanical equip- the requirements of the cinema and those Egyptian, Spanish, Italain and of the theatre. Court Road styles and 3rd, the infiltration ment, both as regards heating and ventila- ; tion, and electrical installation. The science The safety of the public in places of enter- of Continental ideas, largely from French of acoustics is now realised to be of greater tainment must obviously be the first con- sources. sideration, not only of the licensing authorities importance as a basis upon which the Such diversity is, I venture to submit, but of the architect himself. auditorium is to be shaped than the selection quite to be expected from those so of the style for the interior decoration. Nevertheless, it has to be admitted inarticulate in individual expression as are that the English The introduction of the talking film has made regulations considerably most of the English designers. this consideration of greater importance than impede the imaginative and spacious This confusion of thought, this inability hitherto. planning we are accustomed to find in standard of achieve- modern Continental work. to produce a reasonable extent to the It is not permissible, for instance, to sweep ment, has been due to a great Limits of Volume of theatre archi- the gallery front down to the area floor, as prevailing habit English Experience and research have proved that in the Deli Kinema at Breslau, as a com- tects of considering the decorative scheme as then of requesting the volume of an auditorium must be kept munication one with the other neither is it an afterthought, and ; within certain defined limits if excessive possible to arrange the proud unbroken sweep firms who deal in everything from frocks to prices for reverberation is to be avoided, and as low of the seats without intersecting gangways, furniture to submit schemes and lowest a figure as 120 to 130 cubic ft. per seat has as in the Universum Kinema, Berlin. fibrous plaster and paint. The been suggested as a maximum. In practice, tender is invariably chosen, irrespective of however, it is somewhat difficult to confine Cramping the Architect's Style creative merit. As a result, our theatres the volume to this figure, especially in Communication between auditorium and are swamped with waves of fashion of cinemas with large balconies where the foyer, and foyer and entrance hall, without miserable mediocrity. height must be sufficient to prevent a cut-off fire-resisting doors, are tolerated on In but few instances are theatre architects crushing effect being given to the topmost the Continent, and this spaciousness and individually responsible for the complete seats. unity of the intercommunicating component design and ensemble of their cinemas. My The talking film produces primary rever- parts are denied our designers by the English examples of English interiors, therefore, berations set up in the recording studio, regulations. will be concerned only with examples of of which are in turn augmented by the rever- Perforce must the English cinema be authentic authorship on the part the berations set up within the auditorium itself. separated into compartments by means architects concerned. To reproduce the sound as originally taken, of cut-off fire resisting doors and screens, Difference of Five Years it is therefore desirable to eliminate these and the cramped effect of passing through secondary or house reverberations as much numerous doors to reach the balcony is Chronologically, the Kensington Cinema as possible. This can be satisfactorily apparent in all instances. belongs to the first post-war phase mentioned accomplished by the use of directional loud- It can thus be demonstrated that the previously. It has all the paraphernalia of speaker horns behind the screen—the most theatre regulations control the general the Neo-Grec—coffers, entablatures, frets, common form adopted for talking apparatus disposition of the plan as regards cinemas in rondels and the rest of the characteristic installations—which can be adjusted to England, and the acoustical and sighting features of this style. It was opened five all considerations control the auditorium shape. ago, and, together with the recently cover seats ; by the use of absorbents in years the rear auditorium walls, and by thick Provision of adequate accommodation for opened New Victoria, demonstrates the carpeting on all floors with heavily uphol- the mechanical equipment is too often over- extreme ends of the gamut of styles. stered seats. looked in the commercial obsession to It would be just as impossible to accommodate the maximum number of imagine a Kensington interior as suit- seats on a given site. Shape of Gallery Front able to-day as it would be for the Victoria In cinema design the outstanding current to have been designed five years ago. In addition to these precautions, care tendency is to internationalise decorative flood should be exercised to eliminate the risk of forms. That is to say, the recognised The development of lighting in parallel side-wall inter-reflection or flutter architectural characteristics of each parti- changing colours from concealed sources has by absorbents either in the form of acoustic cular country are being gradually abandoned. enabled the architects of this cinema to de- of wall covering or by draping the walls with Hitherto it has been possible broadly to place sign a scheme of decoration imaginative decorative banners or hangings. The fan- national tendencies with a certain amount of possibility. Here the emotional effect of shaped auditorium, both in plan and section, surety. For instance, the American passion colour produced by concealed light is ex- counteracts to a great extent the tendency is for expressing architecture in terms of ploited with great effect. At Kensington the to acoustical imperfection, providing that Roman orders, influenced by an almost painted architecture is illuminated from the ratio of the rear auditorium width to the unlimited expenditure of the dollar. visible points. proscenium width is not too excessive. It has found expression in the Roxy, New Somewhere in the middle scale, between the and the Victoria, is the New Important attention should be paid to York, of which an eminent American film Kensington there is no fundamental difference the shape of the gallery front, both on plan critic has written :— Savoy. As " between modern theatres and cinemas, this and section. Usually the gallery front is This building is quite overdone, and may be included in the present on a level with the loud-speaker horns, and in size and appointment it is appalling. illustration survey. There is the echo of the classic motif particularly if it is struck from a centre While the organist was in action at the in the coffers flanking the proscenium open- situated at the back of the stage there is a keyboard, and producing what seemed otherwise the severance with tra- great risk of the gallery front returning the to be sound enough to fill the Chicago ing, but ditional form is just as noticeable as in the sound falling upon it in a concentrated form auditorium up from the floor arose two last two examples are note- upon the loud speakers. This may cause more consoles, each with its own Victoria. These as expressing the approach to the echoes or stationary waves. To avoid this organist-like pups to help their mother. worthy And such a volume of mighty chords modern movement in interior decoration by filled that great auditorium, with what ? different English architects. * -t Lecture ilelirered at the Royal Institute of ” ’ ‘ finality in elimination of decorative British Architects, an Monday, December 1st. Why—with Yes-sir, She’s My Baby ! The VI THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3, 193n motifs and the possibilities of the integral use enthusiasts for revolution in architec- lights, by crudely painted scenic effects of light as definite elements in the treatment tural form modelled on German lines, spread across the facade, perforated only) to of the interior are vigorously demonstrated but there would seem to be more affinity allow access to the entrance doors, and by in the Universum, Berlin. It is virile and in this country for traditionalism so 48-sheet posters printed in the most flam- stark, indicative of the passion of the German exquisitely developed by Asplund in his boyant colours known, before he can be for mechanical forms. It is interesting to Skandia Theatre than for the stark, un- enticed within the cinema. It is, in fact, speculate, given another Universum in emotional work of Mendelssohn in entirely unnecessary to over-advertise, but Leicester Square, as a counter-attraction to Germany. We are as a race too humane American boosting methods in the film the New Empire, which of the two the to tolerate the ruthlessness of this form trade are accepted as the apotheosis of English public would prefer. of Continental modernity in our cinemas. publicity in this country. The important aspect of the appearance Beauty of the Skandia of the cinema exterior at nightfall has only Ornate Bill-Posting Stations The outstanding point of difficulty in comparatively recently been appreciated to In the New Victoria Theatre the central interior design is the treatment of the junction its full extent. The necessity of the noc- entrance features have succumbed to the of the balcony front with the side walls of turnal effect of the front cannot be too dictates of the promoters, and their clean the auditorium. The spandrel-shaped wall highly emphasised. The usual expedient of vertical lines have been obliterated by the surfaces formed by the rake of the balcony throwing light on an elevation from flood Neon lettering at the top and the sprawling are only emphasised by elaboration. light units on projecting arms is rudimentary, advertising frames below this despite ; the In the Alexandra Kinema, Copenhagen, the but one which has been almost universal in fact that reasonably adequate space has been balcony front is continued along the side adoption. provided by the architect for advertising purposes at eye level. This clash of wills walls to the proscenium opening as a frieze There are three types of external illumina- between client and architect usually results upon which is set the intriguing figure motif tion. The first where the light units are in a victory for the former. of the balcony front. The balcony does not part of the structure of the design in which appear to float from wall to wall as in the they are interwoven, as in the Titania-Palast, In practice, an architect must realise numerous instances where it is allowed to Berlin. In this case, except for the con- at the outset that his employer cares not finish abruptly at the wall ends. centrated cornice lighting, the front is not for his architecture, and would prefer his The Skandia, Stockholm, has been de- flooded. The effect is obtained by con- cinema facade to be a bill-posting station. in scribed as the most beautiful theatre the trasting horizontal illuminated panels with A by-law is urgently necessary to control world. It is therefore interesting to observe dark wall surfaces. The possibilities of this cinema front advertising in our towns the influence of the atmospheric type of original treatment are apparent, and point and cities ; with the growth of a sense interior of its treatment. As in all modern to a profitable field of invention in this of civic dignity on the part of the public, Scandinavian work, there is an extraordinary direction. this must assuredly come to pass. quality of aloofness of a clear, cold beauty, There are some outstanding tendencies in which is as national in expression as the music Illumination from Within of these northern races. the best modern cinema design which should The second type of night architecture is be briefly recorded. The simplification of The side balconies are treated with the illustrated in the New Sheen Kinema. Up- decorative form, together with greater use utmost delicacy of touch as external court- ward flooding of wall surfaces from con- of illumination as an ' integral part of the yards. There is a suggestion of the tented cealed sources is combined with concentrated design, is the most important. The illumina- canopies of the mediaeval tourney in the visible illumination in the cone-shaped urn tion of painted traditional form and decora- treatment of this box feature. The wraith- of feature, at the top the central bay together tion is being superseded by the creation of like echo of Greek forms and detail through- with the Neon sign title panel. Three distinct colour derived solely from light concealed out are intensely poetic in their appeal the ; locations of light are arranged for—one at or semi-concealed. The cargo of orthodox tradition of the past is not ruthlessly aban- its the top of the bay, one at base, and one traditional inspiration is being jettisoned and doned in the Skandia as in the Universum, on the canopy top. In addition, the canopy replaced by either a fresh and imaginative but it is an expression of classicism essentially soffit is flooded and the light reflected from interpretation of accepted classic forms, as modern in character and flavour. Both “ ” a Staybrite steel surface under. The in modern Scandinavian work, or by the examples demonstrate the fundamental effect of these light sources can be accentu- creation of new forms as in Germany. differences in the temperaments of the ated by using colour media in the flood Swedes and the Germans. lamps. There is as yet no articulate expression of modernity in England. We are in The third type of illumination is from Only a Museum Piece this country going through a form of within the building, through decorative “ Rake s Progress ” that is, the Con- The creation here of a sense of infinity has windows or perforated grilles, as in The ; tinental scrap-heap is being raked for hitherto never been achieved with greater Piccadilly, Berlin, but the possibilities for ideas every passing fashion and whim fidelity and effect. The neutral grey colour conspicuous effect are somewhat restricted ; is being seized upon, and there is much of the sharply-coved ceiling conceals the by this method. The Haus Vaterland Kinema wandering into the wilderness of modern suspension cords of the multi-coloured and Restaurant, Berlin, has a pleasantly design without the sheet-anchor of archi- lighting globes, which appear to float in fenestrated front, with emphasis on the tectural propriety—the classic order. space, and the light from them accentuates entrance to the cinema. There is less harsh- Periods of tribulation usually precede the void above. ness of treatment here than usual, and the those of happiness, and our travail will result is therefore more urbane. Yet this lovely cinema is but a museum be worth while if we emerge therefrom piece ; as a building planned and with a national characteristic modern Need for a Purgative shaped for the showing of films it is a expression of English cinema architecture. comparative failure. The question of The economy of method employed in these The cinema is an excellent field for sighting has been given but the most German examples is attributed to the result experimental work in this direction, and it perfunctory consideration, and it is of post-war financial stringency. This is to be hoped that greater opportunity will impossible to see the screen without purgative has had a good effect on the given to the younger members of the experiencing extreme discomfort and architecture of the Continent during the be profession by promoters, so that they may irritation. The area floor has only the past decade. If from a less distressing cause give expression to the new force in architec- slightest inclination ; the side loggias are we could experience a simplification of ture which is growing daily and which will horizontal, and the obstruction of vision design, the process would be of benefit to not be denied by the criticisms of the from the seats is consequently accen- our own modern cinemas. tuated. traditionalists. There is the utmost conflict of opinion There is a very vital appreciation in all between cinema owners and their architects this work of the existence of artists and crafts- as to the amount of space on the front of G.-B.J SUPER FOR REDDITCHJ men of the arts, and the spirit imbuing the the building which must be allocated to A scheme is afoot to erect a super cinema architect has communicated itself to them. advertising matter. On the one hand, the on the site of the Public Hall, Redditcb. Underlying all this work is an innate scholar- claim is made that the man who runs a W. E. Trent, F.S.I., staff architect to ship—a manifest culture that makes Swedish picture house is selling a film entertainment, Gaumont-British, who are sponsoring the work the vital and refreshing force it is in and this fact must be allowed to advertise scheme, told The Bioscope that the plans modern architecture. There is nothing his building. stand- on From the architect’s would be prepared by Wm. T. Benslyn, approaching it in any other country. The principle, point this necessity is admitted on F.R.I.B.A., of Birmingham, who has planned extraordinary diversity of treatment in the but he knows from bitter experience that several halls in that area for the circuit. examples illustrated indicates that there is the extent of the activities of the owner in It is understood that the plans will embrace a general reluctance to adopt the German this direction are limited. by no means many novel features, but Mr. Trent was pattern interior internationally. It is an ironic commentary upon the whole unable to give any confirmation on this Rapturous appeals have from of holds appeared ] question publicity that the prospective point. The Redditch Hall at present time to time from the pens of functional picture patron must be stunned by flashing a temporary cinematograph licence. December 3, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE vii Another 2,000-Seater for Manchester Fred Gronback Simplicity of the West End, Whalley Raoge 1 Manchester’s claim to some of the finest theatres in the North of England is strength- ened by the completion of the West End Cinema, Whalley Range, which opened on “ \ Monday with All Quiet on the Western Front.” The proprietors of the new theatre are T. Royle and J. T. Wells, two well- known Manchester exhibitors. The general manager is E. Linsdell. Built to plans prepared by John Knight> F.R.I.B.A., Manchester, the West End Cinema is an imposing structure at the corner of Withington Road and Dudley Road, with facades distinguished by fine simplicity and quiet strength. It is a plain businesslike job, unrelieved by any touches of grotesquerie or “ showiness,” though it has none the less a commanding presence. Grey and Gold Scheme The entrance block has been executed in cream glazed terra-cotta, the details of which are picked out at night by a battery of floodlights. Marble steps lead to the main entrance hall, which is octagonal in shape (about 27 ft. across flats) and has a flooring of black and white marble. The walls are lined with tiles in pastel shades of grey , In this elevation Mr. Knight has shown no inclination to be influenced by the modern German relieved with touches of gold. movement towards severity, rigid coherence of design and what is aptly called "fundamentalism.’’' In the centre of the entrance nail is the The object here is apparently to secure by liberal fenestration an air of warmth and activity, pay kiosk, equipped with Automaticket which might have been lost by a more sober and co-ordinated treatment of the masses involved machines, whilst archways to the rear and on one side lead to the marble staircase to of warm tints, contrasted against a charming lighting arrangements both inside and outside the balcony and to the auditorium lounge blend of turquoise blue and gold leaf. The the theatre. On the main ceiling there are respectively. The latter is a comfortable large decorative proscenium panels are eight 5-ft. 3-in. tier fittings, and under the room, about 38 by 17 ft., tastefully fur- relieved by ornamental grilles finished in balcony four 2-ft. 6-in. fittings of similar nished, the walls being lined to dado gold and overlook balconets. The arch of design. The front of the auditorium has- height with figured walnut. the proscenium is coved and the surface Holophane lighting, some of the lamps being Seating is provided in the theatre for just reeded and picked out in gold. Thus the concealed in the balconet under the prosce- in the mouldings over 2,000 persons—about 1,400 in the stalls concealed lighting the outer and inner nium panels. In of the pro- and the remainder in the balcony. In the extremities of the cove are reflected into scenium front there are 400 lamps, whilst a the auditorium. further lamps are for the stage auditorium, which measures 140 ft. long by 250 used the 76 ft. 6 in. wide, the floor is entirely covered floats and 550 lamps for concealed Effective Holophane Installation with super Wilton patterned carpet, and lighting about the hall. Demi-coupe wall this is also laid in the lounge and balcony. A stage and four dressing rooms are pro- brackets are fitted. All the seats are of inlaid mahogany, up- vided for the presentation of variety acts. One distinctive feature is the exterior holstered in flame coloured plush, those in There are three stage curtains, including the lighting. The cinema boundary is marked three-light standards, linked the stalls being 2 ft. 9 in. from back to back Holophane curtain, the front one being in by 16 lamp up 9 with festoons. Between these standards at and those in the balcony 3 ft. 3 in., thus gold mohair. All of them are controlled allowing plenty of leg-room. from the operating box. the main and side entrances respectively Over the frontage on the first floor is have been erected two large trellis work archways, which carry a total of 800 lamps. Getting Away From Formalism the cafe, which extends under the balcony to a depth of nearly 21 ft. and accommodates There has been a complete Extensive Parking Accommodation breakaway from aDout 40 tables. Here the walls are lined the formal and atmospheric in the decoration * to a height of 8 ft. with figured walnut. Altogether 2,500 lamps are used for the of the auditorium, where a combination of In the well-equipped kitchen a Frigidaire exterior illumination, in addition to which bright colourings, delicate fibrous plaster has been installed. Retiring rooms for both are six powerful floodlights focused on the work and subtle lighting effects make a sexes are located on this floor. terra-cotta work to emphasise the archi- nicely balanced picture of easy comfort. Up The operating suite of rooms, behind the tectural beauty of the building. The three- to dado height the walls are tiled in grey. rear balcony on the third floor, houses two light standards, incidentally, enclose the The side walls are relieved with sun-ray Kalee machines adapted to Western Electric parking ground for 150 cars at the side of panels over ornamental plaster bowls, which talking picture mechanisms, with Hahn the cinema. Altogether the lighting load, conceal lights focussed on the raised plaster Goerz high intensity arcs. Crompton Parkin- exclusive of projector lamps, is 300 k.w. ribs, gilded to represent rays. son generators are installed. For heating the theatre, radiators are The colour scheme depends on the use Special attention has been given to the fitted in recesses in the auditorium walls. STRAIGHT TO THE POIHT I 1 CARBONS — ; viii THE BIOSCOPE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3 , 1930 In addition, plant has been installed for washing and heating or cooling the air before it is forced into the theatre. Foul air is extracted from the auditorium by means of ducts and fans. There is a 2-in. fire main in the building and six fire hoses, besides a full equipment of hand appliances. The main building contract for the West End Cinema lias been executed by direct labour. The sub-contractors included : Plaster, plain and fibrous, J. J. Alberte, Ltd.. .Manchester ; steelwork, Redpath, Brown & Co.. Ltd.. Manchester : terra-cotta, Hathern Station Brick & Terra Cotta Co., Loughboro' ; tiles (glazed), S. F. Knowlson, Manchester ; ventilating and heating plant, E. Fitton metal work, Brookes & Co.. Ltd.. Manchester ; vacuum cleaners, Sturtevant Engineering Co., Manchester floor covering (carpet), draperies and cafe furniture, Kendal, Milne ,v Co., Manchester ; marble, Hilton Marble Works, Manchester ; door and window fur- niture, J. W Duncan, Manchester ; fire hydrants, John Morris Son. Salford ; box-office equipment, Automaticket ; seating, Beck & Windibank, Ltd., Birmingham ; illuminated signs. Austin Walters A Son. Manchester ; interior decoration, G. F. Holding, Ltd., Manchester ; stage battens, Holophane ; talking picture equipment, Western Electric ; projectors, Kershaw Projector Co.. Leeds arc lamps, Walturdaw ; Cinema Supply Co., Manchester. BARROW’S LAST SILENT HALL The Palace, Barrow, is about to undergo reconstruction at a cost of £10,000 and has closed for three months to enable the work to be carried out. It is the only remaining silent picture house in Barrow, and will re-open with “ talkies.” The whole of the interior is to be pulled down and rebuilt, and the holding accommo- dation increased to 1,300. Every seat in the theatre will be of the tip-up variety. A new front entrance is to be a feature of the scheme, and the alterations will be carried out on the most modern lines. The cinema will continue under its present ownership, with A. E. Drennan as manager. PROPOSED CINEMAS FOR NEWCASTLE It is a simple matter for an author or a The engineers constructed a huge syphon Newcastle-on-Tyne Housing Committee scenario writer to write scenes into a script system, by means of which 90 tons of water calling for sea locations and in the old were stored in a series of dump tanks con- has recently received an inquiry as to the ; silent days it didn’t give the technicians trolled from the director’s platform by possibilities of a site on the Cowgate Estate a great deal of trouble to carry out the shots push-button releases. as the site of a cinema. The Committee has as specified. But sound has made a big not yet given a definite decision, but is to An exact reproduction of a portion of the difference. pictures have been taken give further consideration to the proposal. Many ship’s deck was built on hydraulic rockers showing storms at sea, but a storm at sea A site has already been reserved for some beneath the tanks, which were built about taken with sound brings a whole string of time for a cinema on the West Road, near 80 ft. below the tanks. The fall of the water troubles calculated to break the heart of the Fox and Hounds Hotel, not far from presented an awe-inspiring spectacle, for it a director. the Cowgate Estate, which is a growing naturally thundered down with terrific district. If you are recording the storm you can’t violence. In fact, care had to be taken to get voices if you are recording voices in secure the canvas and recording microphones DALMUIR HALL TO REOPEN ; what is obviously and visually a storm at in water-tight housing to preserve them from Closed for extensive reco istruction in sea it is foolish not to convey some suggestion damage. -May last, the Dalmuir Picture House—now of the violence of the wind and waves to the renamed the —is "Regal” expected to ears as well. But how is it to be done ? A Voice from Five Directions reopen next Monday. The improvements How are we to record a voice against a have increased the capacity of the house to howling storm how protect the micro- ; Another minor trouble was the fact that while 1,100, the hall has also been wired phone from the sudden roaring impact of wind and waves combined to render voices for sound. unexpected waves and at the same time almost inaudible. Here the solution was Fairweather, John F.R.I.B.A., of Glasgow, retain its sensitivity to spoken or shouted wind-proof microphones, such as have is the architect, and the contract has been words ? Finally, ordinary recording equip- already been described in The Bioscope. executed by Cowieson’s, Ltd., also of Glasgow. ment objects to being shaken about violently. Though the recital of the storms problems The proprietors of the theatre are Dalmuir It simply refuses to behave nicely in such is ended, there were other little pleasures Cinema House, Ltd. conditions, and ships have a habit of pitching in store for the engineers. We have already in rough weather. IMPROVEMENTS AT SHERWOOD indicated how fog can affect sound, and they realised this to the full, for as well as trouble C. Woodward has under consideration Keeping the Camera on an Even Keel with Gilbert s voice, experiments with proposals for the improvement of The John a ship’s whistle resulted in five separate Kinema, Haydn Road, Sherwood, Notts. The means by which the excessive rolling recordings of a single blast (this does not and staggering of the ship were finally include the remarks of the technicians). BALCONY FOR ELY THEATRE overcome consisted of installing special Special sounding boards eventually solved The directors of the Rex Theatre, Ely, equalised housing below decks to keep the this. propose to erect a balcony providing ac- recorders on an even keel, whatever the commodation for about 300 persons. Pre- position of the boat. Gyroscopic cameras Incidentally, studio fog was manufactured liminary drawings have been shown the Isle had also to be employed, otherwise the by means of a mixture of vaporised oil and of Ely County Surveyor. rolling was so exaggerated in some scenes glycerine, which, when spread on to the set, that it was feared the audience might feel gave a perfect illusion of a typical moisture FORUM THEATRE sea-sick. blanket. I he luminous signs at the Forum, Fulham, An attempt was made to film the whole Voice recording at the docks was at first S.W , described in The Bioscope last week, of the shipwreck and storm scenes at sea, hampered because iron horseshoes on stone are being installed by Electrolumination but the necessary close-ups were prevented made too much clatter, but when the horses In our last issue brief reference was made When we published our paragraph on the to a commercial film which has just been new smokeless flash lamp in last week’s made for Charles H. Champion, the well- Bioscope, we were quite unaware that the known carbon manufacturers. It was lamp was already being marketed on this side impossible in the limited space at our ; but Mr. Alex Stuart, whose many disposal to indicate fully what a clever activities are carried on behind the well-known piece of work this is. Therefore we make name of Sasha, and whom We know to be inter- no apology for returning to the subject. ested in the idea, corrects us. Mr. Stuart has Actual publicity for the makers of Ship acquired the entire rights to this important Carbons is kept down to a minimum. There invention for Great Britain and the British is a brief mention of the firm at the start and Empire, the lamps are being manufactured again at the end, but, generally speaking, in this country, and, what is more important, the picture could almost be classed as an substantial improvements have already been educational subject. For an education it made on the models at present available in certainly is. the United States. There, it will be remem- The processes in the manufacture of high bered, the lamp needed a voltage of 150 for grade carbons are many and varied. This ignition purposes Mr. ; Stuart has devised a film gives intimate glimpses of each process, type that will ignite at 1 £ volts ! but it weaves them into a compact and The new invention is fascinatingly simple. interesting story. It consists of a lamp bulb with a screw cap Mr. Champion gives a most interesting fitting of the same size as the small lamps in running commentary throughout the picture. pocket batteries. Inside the bulb, which is His voice is always clear, but the recording about five inches long, there is a mass of is not perfect. At the trade show the crumpled aluminium foil and a tiny ignition sound was often badly out of step. As the capsule in place of the usual filament. speaker only appears on the screen for a Instead of a vacuum the bulb has a small few moments at beginning and end this is proportion of oxygen at a low pressure. not of vital consequence. Still it is a point The foil is so thin (.0005 mm) that, as soon as which calls for attention. the capsule is ignited by the passing of a tiny It was suggested last week that pictures current, the whole mass of metal disappears This illustration shows the new illuminant of various types arcs the of with flames instantly in a soft noiseless, smokeless flash fitted to a Press camera so that the shutter burning correctly and otherwise would be of astonishing actinic value. operates the flash as well. The crumpled foil instructive. A few words explaining exactly in its bulb can be seen inside the reflector how and why a carbon arc burns would Ousting Expensive Lighting Equipment also prove interesting. It is difficult to credit the illuminating For cinematography the lamps will be These suggestions, if followed out, might value of these flashes unless one sees the invaluable. Mr. Stuart has already completed well mean the addition of some footage to results obtained. The most intricate move- a Press camera on which the lamp, with its the film, which in itself is a recommendation. ments of toe dancers are caught brilliantly, light aluminium reflector, is mounted, so There are many films which could be im- for the flash only lasts 1/75 of a second. that the release of the shutter sets off the proved by cutting, but the number which Large groups of people in movement are flash at the same time. With this noiseless, will actually benefit from a little extra caught with astounding detail, a foot poised smokeless camera, cinema-stills can be taken footage is strictly limited. This is un- in mid-air here, a ribbon fluttering there. while the scene is actually being shot, without questionably one of them. And in these photographs there is nothing of the need of re-posing the actors. The extra If we might add a final but minor criticism the hard, sharp shadow effect hitherto in- flash of light is too brief to be recognisable it is that the diagram of the Ship factory evitable with flash light. These pictures are by the eye. In the same way, stage plays can with which one is introduced to the works as smooth, as well modelled as studio be photographed at a moment’s notice, is rather crude. We feel that an aerial portraits. We saw a picture of a well-known during a dress-rehearsal, without disturbing photograph would have been more im- film man snapped on a murky staircase, and the actors and without altering a single scrap pressive. no studio lighting could have given a rounder, of wiring Under the older system, photo- more pleasing rendering. graphing a stage show often meant two or LANGHAM, HULL, MAKING PROGRESS uses of flashes are endless The these new ; three van-loads of equipment and four or five Hull's new cinema, the Langham Theatre, there seems no limit to what they can do. men to fix up a temporary installation. The is scheduled to open on August Bank One cause of their success is the quality of Sasha man simply walks in with his camera Holiday of next year. The foundations and light emitted. A spectroscope shows that the and takes snaps at any angle and from any piling have already been carried out by light covers a band of wave lengths at least position he desires. F. Bilton, of Hull, and the structural steel- four times as long as that of the ordinary work is nearing completion. This is being powder flash. For studio work they elimin- Filming With One Flash Fer Frame ! erected by Archibald D. Dawnay & Sons, ate entirely the old incandescent outfit with If necessary a number of these lamps can Ltd., of London. The contract for the half a score of lamps of heavy wattage. In easily be arranged for simultaneous ignition. superstructure has just been placed with Sasha’s own studios the lighting equipment We have seen a photograph of a banquet in a Con Greenwood & Sons, Ltd., of Hull. included two lamps of 1,000 watts, and room over 200 ft. long and the illumination The cinema, which is being built for the 12 lamps of 1,500 watts, or a total of 20,000 was quite equal to that of brilliant diffused Hull Picture Playhouses, Ltd., will stand watts in all. Even with this huge array the sunshine out of doors. Six lamps were used, on the site of the present Hessle Road quickest exposure possible was about half a but rarely are more than two needed. It is Picture Palace and the Magnet Cinema. second. The whole of this equipment has obvious this invention will revolutionise The latter hall has been demolished and been scrapped in favour of the new Sashalite domestic amateur photography during the work is steadily progressing on this land, bulbs with the occasional reinforcement of a winter months. where the auditorium will be situate. 100-watt lamp for back-lighting. There is no Scenes for a film are at the present moment The new entrance and crush halls will reason why every studio in the world should being made in an extremely difficult situation occupy the ground on which stands the not in 1931 effect the same economy. The by synchronising one flash lamp to go off Hessle Road Picture Palace, amd will on only source of power required under the new with each single frame exposed on the film. completion give waiting accommodation for system is a 4 Id. flash-lamp battery. Although this sounds expensive at first 1,000 people. glance, it has worked out at less than a third There will be a seating capacity of 1,751 Taking “Stills” Without Stillness of the cost of transporting a generating set on the ground floor of the theatre and of The flash is entirely contained in the bulb, and lighting equipment. Scenes can be taken 865 in the balcony. The balcony will be and there is no danger of fire. Hence, in confined places where lighting equipment approached from the crush hall by two photographs can be taken in inflammable could not possibly be erected. If there is broad staircases and an electric lift. There atmospheres, such as in a gas-laden mine, an room for the camera, that is all that is will be no fewer than eleven exits from the oil-tanker or a submarine. Brilliant results necessary. Obviously this illuminant will theatre. have already been obtained in all these work as well under water as anywhere else, No expense has been spared in planning locations. The bulbs already in use are and storms of wind or rain have no effect on the building and it is claimed that hall for ordinary it. Altogether the invention may con- the really too powerful purposes ; will be the finest and most comfortable in tbe final bulb wiil probalby be no larger than servatively be called a revolutionary one, and Hull. Balckmore, Sykes & Co., of Hull, a pocket-watch. The cost of the present large the longer it is studied the wider its field of are the architects. models is 2s. each. possible application becomes. : : ; THE BIOSCOPE X MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3, 1930 Official Reports Should be Accurate by Articles Every Theatre Man Should Read F. H. Richardson The Measurement of Density in Variable Density Although Mr. Richardson has a mild tilt at the S M P.E. Reports for minor Sound Records. Sound-Proofing and Acoustic Treatment of R K O inaccuracies, he is quick to point out that they contain invaluable material Stages. A Modified Wax Machine.* not for proprietors merely the technical reader, but for managers and He The Processing of Variable Density Sound Records. October issue : Factors Governing Power Capacity of has tabulated some of this material in the present article. Sound Reproducing Equipment in Theatres.* Galvanometers for Variable Area Recording. Progress in Micro Cinematography. The Society of Motion Picture Engineers engaged in laboratory and other scientific Television System.* is a great, important and respected scientific work. Such men would hardly be led astray Modern Practice in Incandescent Cinema Studio Lighting. body. It is represented before both the through the publication of articles containing Production Aspects of a Technical Lecture Sound technical world and the public by an official inaccuracies. However, the Society is making Picture. monthly journal known as the Journal of some effort to secure for the Journal a Some Considerations Affecting the Design of Phono- graph the Society of Motion Picture Engineers. circulation among theatre men, who, for the Needles.* Improved Synchronizing Apparatus for Sixteen This monthly magazine is, for the most most part, are not engineers and who would Millimeter Films with Disc Records. part, made up of papers read before the not always be able to differentiate between The Maintenance of Sound Film in Exchange Society of Motion Picture Engineers at its correct and incorrect statements. The Operation and the Degree that Sound Reproduction is Affected by the Continued Use of Sound Track Film.** various meetings. It also contains committee warning to them that the Society does not The Soviet Cinematography. reports and other official matter concerning vouch for the scientific correctness of articles Conditions Under Which Residual Sound in Re- the Society. published in the Journal should, in common verberant Rooms May Have More Than One Rate of Decay. fairness, be made very conspicuous. : Please understand clearly that A General Disclaimer Not Enough Nomenclature should, I repeat, be made to Important conform to that approved by the Society the asterisk markings represent my own Now when we see articles in a journal before its publication in the Journal. Such opinions only. I am doing this because of the put out by and representing a scientific change could not possibly alter the meaning many inquiries received from theatre people, body, we accept them as being as nearly as expressed by any author, hence the value both exhibitors and projectionist, as to what correct as it is possible to make them. We of articles thus corrected would remain un- value they may expect to receive in return expect that if there is an inaccuracy pub- impaired. To publish nomenclature in the for the relative very high subscription price lished in anything in such a journal, there Official Organ of the Society which the asked for the S.M.P.E. Journal, and the high will be an editorial comment to that effect. Society has disapproved of and in effect individual copy price as well. This price The Editor should state that such inaccuracies declared to be wrong, is something perhaps is none too high, mind you, when the class of and wrong statements of fact exist. Yet in a bit worse than bad practice. the Journal and the fact that it carries no the S.M.P.E. journal we find a great many advertising is considered. Still the theatre things which are, to one who understands if subscribes or Contributions of Special Value man wants to know that he the subject being treated of, obviously far buys an individual copy at $1.50, he will be And now, following my promise made from right. Some of these articles contain able to get real value from it. That is only before starting upon my trip last spring, I matter which would lead the uninitiated to natural, and he is entitled to that information, will give you a list of the articles published wrong conclusions, and that, too, without or so it seems to me. any editorial comment whatsoever, except in the Journal of the Society of Motion Then, too, it must be clearly understood for the following single line printed in Picture Engineers from June to October, " inclusive. One * indicates that the article that the articles I have not marked may have ordinary type on the title page : The very high value, but not to theatre men save Society is not responsible for statements may be read to advantage by theatre men. exception here and there. made by authors.” ** Means the article has considerable value for a possible to theatre folks, and *** indicates that Their value is for laboratory men, studio men Now that is all very well, but I very much articles could not possibly theatre people should by all means read this etc. Many of the doubt if one in ten of the journal readers trained engineers, one. No * means the article has little or no be understood by any but would ever read that line, or if having read value to theatre men. hence they would have no value to the it. It is in no it they would remember way June issue Loud. Speakers and Theatre Sound average theatre man. conspicuous. And not having read that line, Reproduction.*** The subscription price of the Journal is or not having remembered having read it, Apparatus Developed to Simplify Manufacture of Lens Wheels for Continuous Projectors. $12.00 per year. Individual copies may be the average non-engineer reader of an article Photographic Treatment of Variable Area Sound had at $1.50 each. Where an article is would accept what he read as “ gospel Films. marked ***, that means I would consider it truth,” because of its presence in the medium The Aperture Effect. Curved Gates in Optical Printers. as well worth the price of the individual copy, which contains it. Some Properties of Chrome Alum Stop Baths and and, maybe, even more. Fixing Baths. London Section The Question of Correct Terminology Meetings. July issue : Technical Activities of the Academy of Another thing, the S.M.P.E. has, in solemn Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.* Talking Pictures.* conclave, approved certain nomenclature. It The Revolving Wheel Lens Projector.** Batteries or M.G. Bets ? is only reasonable to presume and expect The Microphone Boom. that this nomenclature will, in the official Tilt Heads and Boling Tripods for Camera Blimps. Volume Control by the Squeeze Track.** journal of the Society, be treated with The Measurement of Light Value Resonance by the Your editor is receiving many inquiries as proper respect. To suppose otherwise would Absorption Method. to the matter of substituting motor genera- not be very complimentary to the Society. Progress in the Motion Picture Industry.** August Issue Some Aspects of the Rational tor sets for batteries in sound apparatus. To permit writers of papers to be read before Electric Code as Applied to the Motion Picture I presume some five hundred North American the Society, and afterward to be broadcast Industry.** exhibitors have asked information along through its official journal, to disregard the Reports of Standard and Nomenclature Committee. Some Considerations in the Design of Soimd Proof these lines. approved nomenclature of the Society is Camera Housings. I not prepared to certainly not either good practice or common Some Experiments in Motion Photography of the Up to this time am sense. Vocal Cords.* make any recommendation. Undoubtedly A Proposed New Method of “ Timing ” Negatives. the motor generator sets will do the work If the Society declares the correct title to A Comparative Study of Sound on Disc and Film.** also undoubtedly they will require very be applied to a certain thing to be " X,” and Some Experiments in Medical Motion Pictures in Colour. careful expert attention. The slightest then in its own official Journal we find it Apparatus for the Analysis of Photographic Sound sparking or other fault at the armature repeatedly referred to as " Y,” such pro- Records. cannot possibly fail to affect the sound cedure lends neither dignity or authority to Progress in Industrial and Scientific Cinematography in France. adversely. The cost of motor generators is the dictums of the Society. I have repeatedly Applied and Scientific Cinematography in Austria. considerable, too, which must be taken into directed the attention of the officers of the September issue : A Proposed New Series of Standard consideration. Society to this matter, but without the least Focal Lengths for Motion Picture Projection Ob- result. jectives.** On the other hand, such sets take up The Becquerel Effect and Its Adaptation to Talking Now please do not assume from this that Picture Systems. relatively but little room. There is no acid I am attacking either the Journal of the The Storage of Valuable Motion Picture Films.** to spatter over things. There is no re- Wide Film Shrinkage and Its Effect As a Factor in Society or the Society itself. Most em- charging. No gas or danger of flame or Determining Proper Dimensional Specifications for a phatically I am not. I am directing attention New Standard! explosion. On the whole I want a bit more to a wrong practice which has no real excuse Considerations in the Design and Testing of Motion time to get reports from projectionists now Picture Screens for Sound Picture Work.*** for existence. The Journal is a fine publica- using the motor generator sets before com- Recent and Future Economic Changes in the Motion especially myself. » tion, for engineers and those Picture Field.** mitting . . — — , December 3, 1930 MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE THE BIOSCOPE XI Radboume’s Jungle— Cuckoo ! —Another “Journey’s End”—Milk-o ! —A Clever Prologue—Pushing “The Troc.”—Musical Car—Bread Wrapper Retort Jungle Publicity hibited, placarded with humorous lines. A of painted different colours Patrons entering the main entrance hall at number eggs were ; the red, white blue was labelled the the Queen’s, Newcastle-on-Tyne, last week and egg " French cuckoo’s egg ” the green egg, were confronted with a veritable African ; " Irish cuckoo’s egg,” and so on. This, to- jungle, for Manager J. R. Radbourne had humorous little made an unusual departure from orthodox gether with many other in creating a great publicity methods in connection with the film touches, was instrumental proved an excellent " Mamba,” which was to be presented the deal of attention, and picture. following week. Right round the sides of medium of publicity for the the hall were stacked tall rushes, palms and •evergreens, some of which were of the faded Metropole’s Birthday Number type, conveying the impression of having That “ Admirable Crichton ” of house been scorched under a tropical sun. Native organs, the Metropole Magazine, appears this of war, such as spears, shields, weapons tom- month in the form of an anniversary number, toms and other implements, were very much the theatre having been opened last Decem- in evidence, the whole completing a most ber. The publication, in its dignified silver realistic picture, which certainly attracted and black cover, is always a joy to handle, the necessary attention. The film title and the current issue is, if possible, more ” displayed, Mamba was prominently each artistically laid out than ever. An additional The striking night display at the Globe letter being in the form of the winding body feature takes the form of a double page of a snake. New York, during the run of “ Her Man," " spread ” of illustrations, showing some of which is being distributed by P.D.C. the celebrities who have looked in on the More Cuckoo Publicity Metropole during the year. In a recent issue of The Bioscope we drew ” interesting note appears on one of the “ attention to a clever idea worked in the U.S. An Publicity for The Big Trail in the meaning of the word for “Cuckoos,” later pages, which publicity campaign the Radio picture featuring ” As a prelude to a big " pre-release is explained for the benefit of “ Wheeler and Woolsey. Here is another piece “ for The Big Trail,” comes from Fox a big patrons. The note concludes : We are of good work for the same film, put in this brochure. As London’s premiere of Raoul announce that of our future time by Louis Wilson, pleased to most takes place at the Piccadilly exploiteer in Australia ” Walsh’s picture presentations will be ‘ pre-release,’ thus for R.K.O. Theatre on Friday, the circulation of this advising patrons of the preferential , treat- To exploit the film in Melbourne he piece of literature is well timed. ment that the house can offer them. secured a number of good tie-ups with big A front cover, measuring about 17 in. by stores, arranging for windows to be dressed Once again General Manager R. S. Sowden 11 in., in bold orange and black, prefaces a in a novel manner. The displays were done and James C. W. Wood, the publisher of the series of pictorial pages each conveying “ Gn what might be termed cuckoo ” lines, magazine, are to be congratulated on this something of the essential bigness of the film. grotesque papier mache birds were ex- distinctive and tasteful business-puller. The centre page “ spread ” is especially an impressive display. Text matter, which is kept down to a minimum, gives some of the Free Seats Bring facts which show the vastness of the enter- Publicity prise—which is said to have cost over half a For the showing of million pounds to produce. The slr " Journey’s End ” at If this effort is a foretaste of what is to the Arcade, Worcester, follow, we can look forward to some more . Fi«* 1 Manager G. Almond- big publicity from Fox on this score. Distinct* e Jones issued 12 free ^ passes to the bus con- The Milky Way ductors on the various Another domestic publicity stunt is re- routes coming into to ported this week. It was undertaken by the city, in return, on Manager A. C. Harris, of the Stoll, New- reaching the terminus, castle-on-Tyne, who makes certain that his shouted to the they latest form of advertising will not only get passengers, "Journey’s right into the home, but will also be handled End.” This brain- by members of the family. The advertise- wave, reports Mr. ment appears on the round cardboard discs was responsible Jones, fixed in the top of milk bottles, and is on for attracting many the following lines : u ’ patrons to the box V° FIRST and still the BEST ;d be office. The STOLL, Newcastle Mr. Almond -Jones Tyneside’s TALKIE Theatre - also acquainted the As there appears to be a greater chance 8 officers and men of the of this announcement being noticed by »* Worcester Regiment, householders than that on bread wrappers, vo at the adjacent which has already been referred to in these barracks, of the times pages, it is one that might be commended cotovlt 4 to of screening, with the to those who have milked themselves dry of 9 *e result that for the ideas. ’-“.'o*•wit Monday matinee a the party of 50 men and Holland’s Farewell “ officers marched to James Holland, whose clever prologues to deC ' 6 the cinema, whilst for big films have been such a feature of the b^'° the special Saturday programmes at the Regent, Portsmouth, 1'| morning matinee a gave a capital stage presentation to “ The further contingent Vagabond King ” as the last for which he i ' ALFRED arrived. The presence will be responsible in that city before taking 1' HAROLD of the military element up his new appointment at the Trocadero. (UNIFORMS LTD.), outside the house The setting represented an old-world castle, 1 •< Uniform Makers to all Leading: Cinemas & Theatres for they arrived and guarded by pikemen, and heralds preceded ’Phone: in true of i 22, Wardour St., London, . Gerrard departed the entrance Miss Irene Selwood, a pleasing . 1 — 6311 2 . Serv ice manne r mezzo-soprano, who, as Katherine, gave a Glasgow : W. J. Beatue, Renfield St. ’Phone: Douz. 4545 attracted a further fine rendering of the theme song, " Only a patronage to the hall. Rose.” T. J. Douglas, a popular elocutionist, — !—; BIOSCOPE THE MODERN CINEMA TECHNIQUE December 3, 1930 appeared as Frang ais Villon and recited a progresses to further imaginative musings, up and placed in a gaily decorated motor few lines appropriate to the film. Ports- then to more concrete material—“ figures car, with which a tour cf the town was ” made mouth’s cinema patrons will miss the original that are facts —-the architect’s introductory periodically and the song hits of the film stage presentations conceived by Mr. Holland. note, a spread showing views of the building, played by gramophone records. Their loss will be the Trocadero’s gain. notes about the personalities concerned, and finally a map showing the exact location of Those Bread Wrapper Ads. “ ” Trocadero’s Reveille the theatre and a list of bus and under- Referring to a paragraph in The Bioscope Fifty thousand people in South-East ground routes that serve it. The back cover last week regarding the use of bread wrappers London received a surprise in their morning is artistically designed with two panels laud- for advertising “ All Quiet on the Western ing glories this mail the other day. And the cause ? Just the of new show house. A Front,” Hugh C. Ryder, manager of the in " an idea of Billie Bristow’s, who is handling number of drawings lighter vein on odd Peterborough houses concerned, writes : — I the publicity for the new Trocadero Theatre, pages add to the attractiveness of the should like to point out that there was no Elephant and Castle, S.E., the big 5,000- booklet. question of any attempt to tie-up the picture seater, which is scheduled to open on As a relatively cheap piece of printing, the with the loaf. The Co-op. Bakery supplies December 22 nd. brochure is a great success. Miss Bristow a district surrounding Peterborough within The surprise was a brightly produced tells us that she tried to make it “ just a little a radius of 20 miles. As 200,000 loaves were different ” has so, to excellent brochure, with a gay red and green cover ; she done sold during the week prior to the showing ” carrying the “ title “ Trumpeting for the effect. There will, no doubt, be about and as every delivery man had instructions Trocadero,” accompanied by a freak of 45,000 people turned away the first night to advise the local housewives to be careful fauna— a red elephant, and a futuristic device to examine their loaves before opening, you Musical Car at Willenhall which will undoubtedly be the theatre’s will appreciate the enormous value of the heraldic device. The interior is full of C. Ashworth, sound engineer of the stunt as an advertisement and not a tie-up. interesting matter. Starting with a colourful Picture House, Willenhall, used his ingenuity “ I might add that when the first day’s description of the district in the old days to exploit the showing of " Rio Rita.” A supply had been delivered, Peterborough contrasted with its now palatial aspect, it special sound amplifying outfit was built ‘went wild.”’ Releases for Mooday, December 15, 1930 Title. Renter. Cert. Length Bioscope Rev. Date. Posters SOUND AND DIALOGUE Applause Paramount A 7,165 ft. March 26, 1930 3 /6s, 2/12s, l/48s Be Yourself United Artists A 6,110 ft. March 26, 1930 2 /6s, 1 /12s, 148s. The Flirting Widow F.N.P U 6,631 ft May 28, 1930 l/6s, l/12s, l/48s. Redemption M.-G.-M. A 6,015 ft. April 30, 1930 2 /6s, l/12s, l/48s. Second Wife Ideal U 6,060 ft. May 17, 1930 2/6s, l/12s, l/48s. So This Is London Fox U 8,298 ft. July 2, 1930 l/6s, 1 12s, 1,48s. SILENT Applause Paramount A 6,851 ft March 26, 1930 2/6s, l/12s, l/48s. The Lone Wagon Argosy U 5,280 ft September 17, 1930 1 /6s, l/12s. No Exit Warner U 6,875 ft July 9, 1930 l/6s, l/12s, l/48s. Redemption M.-G.-M A 5,872 ft April 30, 1930 2/6s, 1 12s, l/48s. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS SITUATIONS VACANT HALLS AND SITES PATENTS AND TRADE MARKS AGNIFICENT Freehold Site for Sale, HIEF PROJECTIONIST Wanted. Thorough ING’S Patent Agency, Ltd., 146a, Queen M measuring 242 feet frontage, 245 feet depth, C knowledge of Western Electric Sound Victoria Street, E.C.4. in the principal position of the ever-expanding K Free—Advice and System and Kalee machines essential. Apply Handbook on patenting Inventions — Borough of Southend-on-Sea, suitable for the and register- at once, enclosing references and salary required, ing Trade Marks by erection of a Super Cinema, Theatre, Music Hall, Registered Agent with etc., to R. H. Godfrey, Empress Kinema, 43 years’ experience. Skating Rink, or other place of entertainment Runcorn, Cheshire. 1261 appointment to view.—50, Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea. 1261 HE Proprietor of British Patent No. 108621, PERATOR-ELECTRICIAN with Talkie ex- T dated December 5, 1916, relating to O perience for North London Cinema. Full WANTED TO BUY “ Improvements in a Film Magazine for Cine- particulars, stating age and salary expected. 2 matograph Cameras,” is desirous of entering Box 476, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, ANTED, Second-hand Hans Goerz Mirror W Arcs, complete also a quantity of stage into arrangements by way of a licence or other- 8 10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1261 ; lighting effects, including spot. Cheap for cash. wise on reasonable terms for the purpose of Box 480, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday 8-10, exploiting the above patent and ensuring its | House, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1261 practical working in Great Britain.—All inquiries ENGAGEMENTS WANTED to be addressed to B. Singer, Steger Building, ARTICLES FOR SALE Chicago, Illinois. 1262 ILM or Accessory Salesman 12 years’ experi- ; NE COOKE LENS, F.2.5, 108 m/m Parvo F ence with the largest distributors. South O mount, also One Cooke Lens, F.2.5, Coast preferred, but not afraid of any territory. 162 m/m Parvo mount ; both brand new. Good connections. c/o The Bioscope, your —Box 478, Offers to Box 905, U.K. Advertising Co., 25, I Send sma 4 advertise- Faradav House, 8-10, Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.l. 1261 W.C.2. 1261 ments to “THE BIOSCOPE” and be satisfied. ANAGER, with long and varied experience, FIRE ESCAPES desires engagement absolutely reliable, M ; FIRE LADDERS hard-working and conscientious ; good publicity and stunt man. Highest references.—Mont FIRE EXTINGTORS Gilpin (Flat 31), 26, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1261 FIRE HYDRANTS FIRE HOSE PERATOR-ELECTRICIAN desires change, O nine years’ experience, any machine or plant. Price Lists Free “ Talkies.” Good worker, abstainer ; age 24 ; married. Good references. £4 per week.—Box No. 448, c/o The Bioscope, Faraday House, J. H. HEATHMAN 8-10, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. 1261 51, Fulham High Street, OUNG ex-Musical Director, smart, desires London, S.W.6 Y post as Assistant Manager. Knowledge of managing. Phone Brix. 6332.—H. Walker, 50 Years’ Experience. Advice Given Distributor' of 40, Milton Road, Heme Hill, S.E.24. 1261 THE** ALPHA” TICKET ISSUING MACHINES December 3, 1930 THE BIOSCOPE xiii Gerrard 1192, Telegrams: “ Lennocks, London.” Telephone : KNOWLEDGE. AT LEAST ONE OF THESE BOOKS SHOULD BE IN YOUR POSSESSION. RICHARDSON’S HANDBOOK OF PROJECTION. Vols. 1 and 2. Known as the “ Blue Book of Pro- jection,” this work is undoubtedly the last word on this subject. Every phase of this branch of the business is dealt with in minute detail, and is absolutely up to date. (Eth Edition.) Many illustrations. Post free 25/9. Voi. 3. Deals exclusively with the subject of Sound Projection. It makes this new complex subject readily understand- able to even the most uninitiated. Post Free 21/6. LOAN ON MORTGAGE (Vols. 1, 2 and 3 Post Free 47/-.) “SOUND PROJECTION.” Rudolph Miehling. £ 100,000 A detailed exposition of sound picture production and reproduction by an acknowledged authority on the art. This book is crammed with information for the projectionist. Post Free 25/6. are in touch with a fund of We “BUILDING THEATRE £100,000, which it is desired to place PATRONAGE.” security of Barry and Sargent. out on Mortgage on the The standard book on Theatre Manage- one Cinema, or a Circuit of Cinemas. ment and Theatre Advertising. Covers all the following subjects : Theatre Advertising, The Lobby, Novelty Ads., Legal Problems, Management, Cut- The Interest required will be 7 per Outs, Outdoor Advertising, Newspaper Advertising, Ventilation, Music and cent, per annum : and the Capital Colour. Post Free 21/6. will be repayable within a period of “THE MOTION PICTURE ten to fifteen years. CAMERAMAN.” E. G. Leitz. will to In this volume the author answers The security submitted have almost every conceivable question on course, the actual mechanics of taking the be adequate: and will, of be picture, as well as developing, cutting survey from . etc., etc. subject to rigorous 250 pp. every angle. Post Free 11/-. “ ELECTRIC LIGHTING & WIRING.” CLEMENT BLAKE & DAY W. S. IBBETSON, B.Sc., A.M.I.E.E. Electric Circuits and Installations Diagrams. For the use of ail engaged in the operation and control of all kinds of Power and lighting Plants and Illustration Work generally. 198 pp. 177 illustrations. Post Free 11/-. “MODERN PICTURE THEATRE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND PROJECTION.” R. V. JOHNSON. An important book of grsat interest to Operators, Electricians, Theatre Managers, and all who are in any way connected with the Cinema industry. Post Free 11/-. “WHO’S WHO IN FILMLAND.” Langford Reed and Hetty Spiers. A biographical year book of over 1,750 men and women of the Screen. Post Free 2/9. Publications Manager : BIOSCOPE BOOKSHOP, FARADAY HOUSE, 8-10, CHARING CROSS ROAD, LONDON, W.C. 2. XIV THE BIOSCOPE December 1930 3 , Coming Trade Shows LONDON LEEDS •WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1930 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 Remote Control M.-O.-M Empire, 10.15 a.m. Moby Dick Warner Tower, 11 a.m. Sinners’ Holiday Warner Own Theatre, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 The Danger Zone (Silent) Equity British Super Cinema. 11.15 a.m. For the Defence Paramount Rialto, 10.45 a a Flaming Justice (Silent) Equity British Edibell Theatre. p.m. 3 Treason Wardour Tower, 11 a a THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1930 Just Imagine Fox Scala, 11 a a The Lady Who Dared F.N.P Piccadilly Theatre, 3 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Shadows of Broadway (Silent) Equity British Super Cinema, 11.15 a.m. Chimp Comedies Gaumont Majestic, 11 a a His Great Adventure (Silent) Equity British Edibell Theatre, 3 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 LIVERPOOL Talking Clumps Gaumont Own Theatre, 11.15 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Big Trail Fox Piccadilly Theatre, 8.30 p.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1930 Kissing Cup’s Race Butchers Futurist, 11 a a" MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1930 Just Imagine Fox Piccadilly Theatre, 8.30 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Way for a Sailor M-G-M Empire, 12.55 and 3.15 p.m. Remote Control M.-G.-M Palais-de-Luxe, 10.30 i - e Borrowed Wives Gaumont Trocadero, 11 a TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1930 a 9, Call of the Sea Warner Futurist, 11 a a Under Montana Skies Gaumont Own Theatre, 11.15 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Life of the Party Warner Regal, 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Way for a Sailor M-G-M Empire, 12.55 and 3.15 p.m. Chimp Comedies Gaumont Trocadero, 11 a a WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Oh, For a Man Fox New Gallery, 11 a.m. MANCHESTER Warner Own Theatre, 11 a.m. and p.m. Eleven Shorts 3 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 Sailor ....Empire, 12.55 p.m. Way for a M-G-M and 3.15 Sinners’ Holiday Warner Deansgate, 11 a a War Nurse M-G-M Cambridge Theatre, 3 p.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Borrowed Wives Gaumont Market Street P.H., 11 a a BELFAST Just Imagine Fox Piccadilly, 11 a a TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Such Is the Law Butcher’s Classic, 11 a.m. Chimp Comedies Gaumont Piccadilly, 11 a a WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Kissing Cup’s Race Butcher’s Classic, 11 a.m. NEWCASTLE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 BIRMINGHAM The Middle Watch Wardour Grainger, 10.30 a a Thread o’ Scarlet Gaumont Queen’s, 10.30 a a FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 For the Defence Paramount Futurist, 10.45 a.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Call of the Sea Warner Forum, 10.30 a.m. The Convict of Stamboul Wardour Empire, 10.30 a a The Big Trail Fox Queen’s, 10.30 a a TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Chimp Comedies Gaumont,... 'West End, 10.30 am. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Children of Chance F.N.P Forum, 10.30 a.m. Just Imagine Fox Queen’s, 10.30 a a Treason Wardour Empire, 10.30 a a BRISTOL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930 Call of the Sea Warner Stoll, 10.30 a a THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1930 The Feminine Touch Ideal Regent, 11 a.m. NOTTINGHAM CARDIFF FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 Pardon My Gun Elite, 11 a a FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1930 The Feminine Touch Ideal Own Theatre, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 7, Kissing Cup’s Race Butcher’s Hippodrome, 7 Beyond the Cities. (....Paramount Capitol, 11 a.m. p a Remote Control M.-G.-.M Park Hall, 11 a.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1930 Night Birds Wardour Scala, 10.45 a a Adieu, Mascotte Wardour Queen’s, 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 Moby Dick Warner Elite, 11 a a The Big Trail..:. ..Fox Park Hall, 11 a.m. Chimp Comedies Gaumont Hippodrome, 11 a a WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 The (Middle Watch Wardour Queen’s, 11 a.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930 Just Imagine Fox Elite, 10.30 a a* The Convict of Stamboul Wardour Queen’s, 11 a.m. PLYMOUTH GLASGOW SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1930 Easy Money P.D.C Grand, 2.15 a THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1930 p Children of Chance F.N.P Coliseum, 1 1 a.m. SHEFFIELD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1930 Kissing Cup’s Race Butcher’s La Scala, 11 a.m. East is West Universal Union Street P.H., 11 a a 1930 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, Anybody’s War Paramount Central, 10.45 a a Picture House, a.m. Borrowed Wives Gaumont 11 Kissing Cup’s Race Butcher’s Regent, 11 a a WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1930 Beyond the Cities Paramount Green’s Playhouse, 11 a.m. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1930 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930 Borrowed Wives Gaumont Regent, 11 a a The Big Trail Fox Picture House, 11 a.m. Moby Dick Warner Central, 11 a a PDC FOR THE BEST SHORTS December 3, 19S0 THE BIOSCOPE THE STANDARD BOOK ON THEATRE MANAGEMENT AND THEATRE ADVERTISING COVERS ALL PHASES OF THEATRE MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS Theatre Advertising Cut-Out Displays The Lobby Outdoor Advertising Novelty Advertisements Newspaper Advertising Legal Problems Ventilation Management Music and Colour AN ESSENTIAL TO EFFICIENCY IN YOUR THEATRE PRICE 21/6 POST FREE THE AUTHORITY ON SOUND PROJECTION OVER 1,400 PAGES 400 ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME 1. VOLUME 2. VOLUME 3. Into Volume I is in- This volume is devoted Deals exclusively with with the subject of corporated all the almost entirely to the sound projection. It fundamentals of pro- explanation, care and takes this new complex jection, including the use of well known subject and makes it readilv understandable closely allied subjects projection room to even the most of electricity and optics equipment. uninitiated. VOLUMES 1 and 2 alone 25/6 Post Free ST" EDITION ffifucttiook ofVrojechon - - VOLUME 3 alone 21/6 ** » f SOUND RECORDING I 1 REPRODUCTION ANDl I COMPLETE SET only - /- PROJECTION I 47 SEND FOR FULL LIST OF PUBLICATIONS SOLD BY:— THE BIOSCOPE BOOKSHOP, £4 CHafmers 1PuCficafiott FARADAY HOUSE, 8-10, CHARING CROSS RD., LONDON, W.C.2 Printed by Harrison, .Tehrjng & Co., Ltd. 11-15, Emerald Street. London, VV.C.l and Published by the Bioscope Publishing Co., Ltd., Faraday House, S-1U, Charing Cross Road, W.C.2. THE BIOSCOPE, December 3. 1930. FIRST TALKIE B.I.P ’s GREATEST ACHIEVEMEK The securing of the First Talkie Play from the pen the Greatest Literary Genius the world has ever kno> The cast selected by Mr. Shaw INCLUDES ROBERT HARRIS VERA LENNOX EDMUND GWENN Directed by CECIL LEWIS A BRITISH INTERNATIONAL PICTURE THE world’s most outstanding genius, Bernard Shaw, will sweep you along with his rapier digs, his satire, his charming wit and his irresistible appeal. This Bernard Shaw talkie will not only bring thousands to your cinemas, but will help to make them regular patrons through their being able to experience a new joy in talking pictures. ifliKi : i n i i m : mi Bteeisf sceep m the numt Scanned from the collection of Marc Wanamaker / Bison Archives Coordinated by the Media History Digital Library www.mediahistoryproject.org Funded by a donation from University of South Carolina Libraries and College of Arts and Sciences t