HOLLYWOOD IN REVIEW.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18874, 18 February 1933, Page 16 (Supplement)

HOLLYWOOD IN REVIEW.

NEED FOR ECONOMY. REASONS FOR POOR BUSINESS. (From a Correspondent-) The new year finds a sobered Hollywood. A year ago the town thought it had reached the cold grey dawn, but the headache continued. A year ago the cinema industry had not been hit as hard as other businesses and producers thought that 'by shaving expenses in a temperate and gentle fashion all would be well. But the past 12 months have brought many of the concerns millions in losses. And the economies that studios solemnly resolved to make either were not as effective as had been hoped or they were not made at all. Definite plans for the year indicate a changed attitude. It is expected that economies that will be forced on the reluctant of the studios must bring Hollywood to earth or, it is conceded, there will be no Hollywood. Analysis of Troubles. At first the film concerns did what other industries did when it was believed the depression was but a pass-

ing fancy; they sat tight and waited. But with the seeming permanence of the national sorrow they analysed their troubles and started to act. They found five resaons for their condition: The Industrial depression. Too many theatres. Competition by other forms of entertainment such as radio and dog raolng. Destruction of the illusion surrounding screen personalities by too intimate revelations In the fan magazines. A la'ok of big personalities on the screen. The studios in themselves tre not in such a sad financial state. If they had only their own worries it would all be simplified. But the holding companies have saddled them with theatres and it is the show houses that have put the structures in a precarious condition. There was a somewhat frantic attempt to give these theatres back to the original owners during the past year, but it was not an unqualified su'ooess. The old operators had no desire to run them, either. It is felt that the theatre problem will be solved during the eomlng'months with reduced rents and the permanent closing of hundreds of theatres.