AMERICAN FILMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1930, Page 5

AMERICAN FILMS

THE FINIS TAX. AMERICAN CORPORATIONS’ ACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, August 29. Representatives of certain American film corporations have been instructed to cease selling pictures in NeAV Zealand as from noon on Thursday. Most people connected with the film industry in Wellington Avere thrown into a state of excitement to-day when they learned of the receipt of cable messages by the American Picture Corporation’s representatiA'es here ordering the immediate cessation of the sale of films in New Zealand. Endorse-, ment of the disturbing news Avas received through other channels during the day. This move, which practically means a boycott of New Zealand as far as American film is concerned, is believed to be an attempt at retaliation against the action of the NeAv Zealand Government in imposing additional taxation on the industry in the Do* minion, including 25 per cent, tax on the het profit made by tile exhibitor of all foreigh-ntade pictures. A “Dominion* 1 reporter Waited oil Ml* R, Stewart, secertary of the Motion Picture Distributors Association, and sought particulars of the reported disturbance in the industry,

Mr Stewart said it was true that some members of the association hacl met that afternoon, but it Avas not an “official” meeting of the association and there Avas nothing to say AvhateA r er.

HoAA r ever, neAvs of the proposed boycott Avas in free circulation in other quarters. It Avas known to the Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association, the secretary of which Mr J. Robertson, Avas not inclined to take the news very seriously, as there Avere .“.such things as contracts to be fulfilled with picture theatre companies, that some members of his association might become panicky, so he sent out the folloAving telegram to members: “Please advise exhibitors to disregard alarmist statement regarding film boycott. The conflict is one of Exchange versus Government. The: association is Avatching position. Expect all Avill be Avell very soon. (Official.)' Robertson.” BOYCOTT COMMENT DEPRECATED. WELLINGTON, Sept. l. Hasty comment on the alleged • American film: boycott is deprecated by prominent theatre and film men. It is pointed out that no official intarnation of such a step had ibeen made. It is said that even if put into operation the attempt Avoliid he exceedingly doubtful of success, because (1) All theatre mvtiers in New Zealand laid ample film supplies uiu dor their firm contract for approximately eight months ahead, (2) American agencies trading in Noav Zealand do not control all or even all the best 'films produced in America, “in this business of rapid change in methods,” he said, “it Avould be foolish to predict six months ahead. The real point for consideration is to find out Avhat serious trouble lay at the bottom of such a statement. Even if it Avere only a rumour it could, if persisted in, become a matter of Imperial concern. 1 ’ A DIFFERENT STORY. NEW YORK, Aug. 29. The motion picture producers and distributors here, are commenting on the cessation of the sale of American films in New Zealand. They admitted that “consternation Avas felt by the American companies,” but said they “Avould not pull out of the country,” because of the tax. The hope is also expressed that the Government will reconsider its heavy impost on gross film rentals.