THE PICTURE PARADE

Northern Advocate, 5 November 1932, Page 4

THE PICTURE PARADE

FILM FACTS AND STUDIO STORIES (By “Man in The Box.’’) Readers please note that the Picture Parade column, containing the latest news about pictures and stars, will ho published in the “Advocate” each Saturday. “The Man. in the Box” will be pleased to answer any questions in regard to coming or current film attractions, or any information in regard to stars, addresses, etc. “Communications, or inquiries on these subjects should be addressed to: —“The Man in the Box,” G/o. “Advocate,” Water Street. Answers to correspondence will be published in this column each Saturday. Those desiring a personal reply should enclose a stamped and addressed envelope. THE ROMANCE OF ELSTREE. Few enterprises have enjoyed ;; more spectacular rise than British international Pictures Ltd. .Inst five years ago the company was formed with a share capital of £50,000. Today according to John Maxwell, chairman and managing director of the concern, 8.1. P., with its subsidiary companies, represents an aggregate of share and loan capital of more than £5,000,000. Blstree Studios, the production headquarters, represent about £500,000 in plant and equipment. All that has beam brought about by the production of about 100 features. Further emphasising the growth of 8.1. P. is the statement that the company and its subsidiaries directly employ 24,700 people. “Large-scale film production is essentially an international enterprise. Although British International Pictures Ltd. now occupy the fortunate position of largely underwriting the cost of its productions by showing them at its own theatres, the greatest opportunities of expansion and a lucrative source of additional profit lie in the foreign markets,” said Mr Maxwell.

“ From its inception 8.1. P. was planned as an international enterprise which should wield its influence in, and derive its revenue from, all parts of the world. Its name was deliberately chosen to indicate the scope of its activities—while being primarily ‘British,’ it was aimed to make its products ‘lnternational’ in appeal. In conformity with this plan another subsidiary company was brought into being about five years ago: 8.1. P. (Export), Ltd.

“This company represents the first serious attempt to organise and maintain the continuous and intensive sale of British pictures all over the world. “The activities of this company, together with the work of resident representatives in Australia, Now Zealand, Canada, South America, the Middle and Par East, have had gratifying results. 8.1. P. is known in all markets today as a steady source of film supply of an invariably high standard.

“Tlie outlet obtained in Australia through the [lnion Theatres eircuit is a very valuable one, the fact that British pictures are shown In the best theatres in the big cities there has automatically increased the interest of the ‘up-country’ exhibitor. New Zealand is an enthusiastic consumer of British films. 8.1. P. arc entering upon their fourth year’s business in that territory with the most important independent exploiter there. A steady stream of business flows in from Canada, South Africa, the Straits Settlements and India while the lesser markets have also made their no Jess impoi taut contribution to that company’s revenue.

“In the non-English speaking markets which have suffered from the depression far more than has the British Empire, business has been exceedingly difficult of late, nevertheless the ability of B.f.P. (Export), Ltd., to produce versions with superimposed titles in any language has enabled it successfully to execute the available business. The editing department of the company has brought this type of work to a high level of technical excellence having regard to the complex difficulties attending it. “TJie London office is conducted by a staff: able to converse in seven languages, so that any prospective client lacking- the power (o negotiate in English is sure of a sympathel Lc reception.

"I(; will lie seen that, tins unit, of the 8.1. P. organisations is well equipped tor the serious task of exploiting the foreign markets, and it Is only natural that the results obtained have more than justified its existence.

( ‘ln addition to presenting talking picture plays which have the advantage of reproducing the English language in all its purity and charm, .British International Pictures claim the further distinction of having introduced to filmgoers the works of our most celebrated authors. Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy, P. G. Wodchouse, Thomas Hardy, Tan Hay, Dion Titheradge, John Van Druten, Sir Arthur Conan Hoyle, Edgar Wallace, J, .Tef--1 (M'son Farjeon, Eden Philpolts, Arnold Bennett and Frederick Lonsdale, are but a few of the distinguished men of letters whose talent has been transferred to the screen by Fls tree product ions. “

It is interesting to note that J. A. Lipman, Australian representative of 8.1. P., is one of the pioneers of British pictures in Australia. Before the war the London Film Company was a very important factor in screen entertainment. It was Mr Lipman who brought that company’s pictures here.

According to his force,as) 8.1. P. will turn out about 40 productions during the forthcoming year, but not all will be seen in Australia. The right of 3e-

lection lias been of distinct value to the British advance on the Australian market. Exercised wisely, it gives Empire product a status that could not be gained if, as experience with the -product of other nations lias taught, whole sale dumping were permitted.

Of the total 8.i.8. offerings, about .'!0 will lie seen here, according to Mr Lipman's reckoning. Some of the pictures already completed or in course of production :trc:

“Maid of the Mountains,” Frederick Lonsdale’s musical play, starring Nancy Browne, Harry Welchman, Hetty Stockfield, Wallace Lnpino and Garry March. “The Last Coupon,” starring Leslie Fuller, who will also he seen in “Old Spanish Customers.” “After Office Hours,” John Van Druten’s play, with Heather Angel, Frank Lawton and Viola Lvol.

“Lucky Girl,” from the popular London musical comedy, starring Gene Gerrard.

“Number 17,” .lelTerson Farjeon’s thriller, with Loon M. Lion, Ann Casson, Anno Grey and Donald Calthrop. “England Awake,” an inspiring •story of England’s progress throughout the past century. “Indiscretions of Eve,” featuring Steffi Duna, Fred Conyngham and Lester Matthews. ‘ ‘ Fires of Hate, ’ ’ by Sir Conan Doyle, -with Lester Matthews, Dorothy Bartlam, Kathleen O’.Began. “Timbuetoo,” a comedy of the African wilds, with Henrj Kendall, Victor Stanley, T?ama Tahe, Margot Graliame. “Innocents of Chicago,” a satire on gangster life in U.B.A. “Brother Alfred,” the P. G. Wodehouse comedy. “Arms and the Man,” the first fulllength picture [day by George Bernard Shaw, from which “The Chocolate Soldier” was taken. Other famous authors represented in the forthcoming 8.1. P. products are Eden Philpotts (“The Farmer’s Wife” and “Yellow Sands”); Sewell Collins (“Anne One Hundred”); Lady Eleanor Smith (“The Bed Wagon”); Will Scott (“The Hopeless Dawn”) and Boland Pertwee (“Honours Easv”).