OBSERVATORY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 229, 22 March 1928, Page 1

OBSERVATORY.

British Films. While rhe Empire was engaged in a life and death struggle with the Central Powers, America seized the opportunity’ to build up a wonderful business in the making of motion pictures, at the same time entrenching herself, not in the battle-fields of France, but in the commercial arena by means of block-booking, long contracts, and control of hundreds of film houses. For some years following the declaration of peace she had means for consolidating her position without opposition, because this period was necessary for England to demobilise her workshops and men, and to reorganise them for commercial pursuits. Some three years ago, however, she set herself to recover the trade filched from her in wartime, and despite the enormous handicaps she was up against, the latest returns show clearly that the days of the American film octopi are numbered. At the present moment there are no fewer than 106 British feature films awaiting trade exhibition or in course of preparation. This figure compares most satisfactorily with that of last year, when the output was 60, and with 1926, when British firms resumed in earnest, when the total was 26. Gaining Ground.

To reach the highest possible standard is the aim of those behind the business, for it is realised that one of the finest assets of American trade has been the American film. Young men full of enthusiasm are being drafted into the studios from the universities, while business men of proven ability and constructive genius are responsible for the organisation. Amongst .hose who are now behind the film business in England are such well-known names as Colonel John Buchan, Mr. Edgar Wallace, Captain Reginald Berkeley, Mr. Basil Dean and Mr. Nelson Keys. In the West End of London where a few months ago it was almost impossible to witness a British film, they are now holding their own against keen competition ani this before the recently passed “ quota ” law has come into operation. Slowly but surely Britain is regaining the ground lost, ana to those who realise the tremendous power of the motion picture, especially amongst native races, this will be glad news. An Ambitious Project.

Some idea of the magnitude of the fight entailed in this commercial battle may be gained from the fact that as part of the campaign it was necessary’ to secure the control of many theatres in England so that British pictures would get a fair run. One of the men behind this phase of the fight is Sir Walter Gibbons who has got control of 60 music halls, theatres and cinemas throughout the land at a cost of £5 000,000. The syndicate with Sir Walter intended to secure 100 theatres altogether. T) e seats will be cheapened and three of" four variety “ turns ’’ incorporated • in each programme, while so far as j i_ ; possible British films will be featured. In any case “ blind ” booking of foreign films will not be indulged in In securing so many theatre palaces, Sir Walter Gibbons has alveadv broken the stranglehold which the American film industry had on England. A £33,000 Fee.

What is believed to be a record fee to be paid to a member of the legal profession is that earned by Sir Leslie Scott, K.C., M.P., for work which he has undertaken in India. The fee is £53,000, with a refresher of £2OO a day during the three months he will be there. His total earnings will therefore be more than £70,000 for this short period. Among other large fees paid to English barristers fer work in Asia was the £10,500 received by Mr. Barrington Ward, K.C., in 1921 for successfully defending *i Bagdad merchant accused of in. • gating a murder. In 1875 Sergeant Ballantine received a similar fee for defending the Gaekwar of Baroda on a charge of attempting to poison Colonel Phayre, the Resident.