WEST END THEATRES

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 April 1929, Page 5

WEST END THEATRES

HARD HIT BY FILMS

PRODUCER’S HEAVY LOSS

(United Service.) (By Cable—Press Assn—Copyright.)

(Recd.- April 22, 10 a.m.) '•LONDON, April 21.

That the talkies will be the final knockout to the majority of the hardhit London West End theatres, is the opinion of some leading managers, according to an article in the “Sunday Dispatch,” which says:—

“It is estimated at present i. that about 15 per cent, of the theatres show a profit which is often the barest. Managers point out that while prices are only slightly raised, compared with pre-war costs, everything connected with production has doubled. It is useless to attempt to raise prices because it only aggravates mischief, namely cinema competition. The silent films are bad enough, but now the talkies threaten much greater mischief.”

Basil Dean, at present the foremost producer, has given up the fight, and decided to enlist for the .talkies. He recently lost £7,000 on a short lived play. Mr Dean added that only three per cent, of the West End plays show a profit. The big musical comedies will live while prices are low, but drama comedy and farce are doomed. Other theatrical managers scout pessimism, and are expressing the opinion that people still want good shows, but star salaries must be reduced.