FILM COMPANY SUED.
DISMISSAL OF MANAGER.
BRITISH NATIONAL PICTURES. A. and N.Z. LONDON, March 5. Some of the financial secrets of the British attempt to compete with Hollywood were revealed in a claim for damages made by Mr. J. D. Williams, who was formerly in the film business in Australia, against the British National Pictures, on the ground of wrongful dismissal.
Sir Patrick Hastings, counsel for Williams, said he was an American, and one of the founders of the First National Company. He was engaged as managing director for ten years at a salary of £SOOO a year. He set about establishing a big and prosperous business, as a rival to America. It was an expensive task, because in the film business the stars demanded exorbitant salaries, and also the best suites of rooms in the best hotels, not only for themselves but also for the mother, who generally accompanied the star.
The company alleged that Williams was extravagant. The only defence seemed to bo that be refused to obey the orders of a committee that was established to run the company. The case was adjourned.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19889, 7 March 1928, Page 11
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186FILM COMPANY SUED. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19889, 7 March 1928, Page 11
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