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https://archive.org/details/filmindia193905unse
X2D. No. B. 351/
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R ALL YOUR IGNS, LINE & F-TONE BLOCKS
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Direction : Sjt. Phani Mazumdar
— It s his triumphant debut ! . .
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THE ENEMY
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Tin wain Lldi^.. - Tri!bhoov«m l»ontl, - Hniribin \o.
Director. DEVAKI BOS1
Introduces the Indian Fo!lc Life in
SNAKE CHARMER
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Sanyal, Kanan, Nawab, Prithviraj. K.C Dev. Beg
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The Father of the Indian Film Industry.
Mr. D. G. Phalke.
|
SuitcriplUu : Inland Rs. 5/- • Burma £r Foreign Rs. 8/- ] Single Copy As. 6 - |
|
On the Cover SHARIFA in
"MOTHER INDIA'*
Proprietors : Filmindia Publications Ltd., 104, Apollo Street, Fort, BOMBAY. Editor: BABURAO PATEL
Vol. 5 JANUARY 1939 No. 1.
LEST WE FORGET!
Our film industry has completed 25 years — ■ years of struggle and progress. It has been a hard fight, nevertheless worthwhile and neces- sary.
Those who are in the industry to-day have decided to celebrate its Silver Jubilee by orga- nizing an exhibition and convening the Indian Motion Picture Congress during the Easter Holi- days.
A distinguished patriot in Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., Deputy Leader of the Congress Party has been designated to preside over the Congress and other functions.
That is all as it should be and we wish every success to the forthcoming Congress and the Sil- ver Jubilee Celebrations.
But in the midst of all these celebrations, let us not forget the man who first gave life to our film industry. We mean Mr. D. G. Phalke, the father of the Indian film industry.
25 years back he struggled with the first camera, with the first picture and with the first enterprise.
He was not a young man then, nor is he now. But his pioneering spirit and brilliant example
FILMINDI A
January 1
will always remain as hallowed milestone in the history of our film industry.
Mr. Phalke created then, what our present, day producers can hardly imagine now. He gave to our country a new medium of entertainment and to our nation a new instrument of culture.
His lone initiative has to-day become the sole bedrock of an industry that will some day build a nation. He laid the foundation and left the younger men to build the super structure. Lakhs of rupees have been invested for an idea which this old man once created 25 years ago.
When Mr. Phalke was seriously experiment- ing with this all important instrument of films, several of our present day producers were either in the cradle or in the school.
Verily he is the father in age and in enter- prise.
But time travels fast and the old man couldn't keep pace with it. Men get old with years and age slackens their enterprise.
The father is 68 years old to-day and is for- gotten in his retirement at Poona. When lakhs of rupees are being dissipated to-day in picture production and its allied trades by the younger squad, the old man, the father, is on the verge of virtual starvation.
Thousands will be spent in mere showman- ship in the forthcoming celebrations while the grand old man will see this pile of money burn- ing from a distance on an empty stomach.
Is it not fair and necessary that the industry should honour this great man at this time by ex- pressing its gratitude towards him in a way that will make his future passage towards Eternity more comfortable?
Why not start a Phalke Purse Fund?
We are merely asking for Justice! And we cannot recommend a better deed to begin the New Year with.
It would be proper for Prabhat to give a splendid lead by opening the Purse Fund with a munificent contribution in keeping with their brilliant traditions of success.
4
A THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR
I wish all my readers a happy and prosper* New Year.
During my recent illness, I received num ous letters of sympathy and good wishes. I < not thank my unknown friends simply becausi am still unwell and I preferred to enjoy the aff> tionate warmth of their good wishes a lit longer, in the hope that my health would impro- Now, however, it is improving, but the progrc is painfully slow. Nevertheless, I thank all j their kind regard and sympathetic concern abc me.
As I go to the press, my secretary has count the large number of Christmas Cards which have received so far from my readers. They a still coming. But the number counted comes exactly 2338 and nearly 85 per cent of these a made in some foreign country. Several of the cards are expensive and may have cost my kii friends nearly a rupee each.
Calculating their cost even at a flat minimu rate of four annas each, Rs. 584-8-0 have bet spent in wishing Happy 'Xmas to one man, wl being a Hindu is hardly expected to be sen' mental about Christmas, especially when his ov religion has provided umpteen occasions in a si gle year for such luxurious expressions of senl ment.
Though I appreciate the affection and kin ness of my readers in sending me these 'Xm; Cards, I still think that it is a big waste of mone which our country cannot afford at the presei
LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE
A sensational article on Director Barua And his "Adhikar"
Written by D. F. KARAKA
the international writer who wrote that remarkable book, "I Go West" and became famous.
Mr. Karaka's article, which is exclusive for "filmindia" is brilliant, but unfortunately it annoys — and why?
DON'T MISS THE FEBRUARY 7SSUE.
I
tnuary 1939
FILM INDIA
me. And all this money goes out of our coun- y as most of these cards are imported from >reign countries.
I request my readers to look at this problem om the correct angle. On me alone over five jndred rupees have been spent — an expense hich has brought no practical benefit either to e or to my unknown friends. There are thou- nds of others in this country who are more po- dar. If all their friends choose to express their Imiration and regard by a single 'Xmas card ■sting four annas, several millions of our Indian oney will go to other countries.
Do we get anything thereby? We merely ovide more capital to foreigners which capital ey reinvest to exploit us further. While they in, we always lose. Why should we play this sing game, by attaching to our sentiment an
expression of luxury which is foreign in its very conception?
Silent good wishes backed by sincerity are always more valued than these gilded expressions of stock phrases which mean nothing and cost us so much of our hard earned money.
If every reader of mine wishes me really well, I would request him to get me a couple of his friends as subscribers for "filmindia". Nothing could be a better expression of their appreciation of my services than this and my prosperity for the New Year will be better assured, because it will then depend on the sincerity of my readers and not on the cold printed phrases on the 'Xmas and New Year Cards.
Let us all begin the New Year as more res- ponsible Indians.
BABURAO PATEL.
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5
THE JOY OF 5 MILLIONS IN 4 MONTHS
ROYAL' JEWEL No. 5. ra *
DIRECTOR-HERO: VINAYAK
Hindi: Pandit Indra * Story: P. K. Atre
4
The Record- Maker and Of course (\ Record Breaker.
"Huns Picture" in
Marathi & Hindi
*Bramhachari
Leading Lady: MEENAKSHEE
(The "It" Craze of Millions)
Daily E n ter t a i n i » g
I 18th Week
Has broken Records of ANY OTHER PICTURE AT GWALIOR
Has Broken Records of even PRABHAT'S SOCIAL PICTURES
at Poona, Nasik, Belgaum!
Thousands All Over India
India's Greatest Contribution to Humanity's Happiness! World's FIRST PICTURE on "National Celibacy"
World -Rights Purchased by the "Royal Film Circuit", Bombay -4;
A "KRISHIN"
Social Dynamite
66 Royal 99 Jewel Release No. 6
Z AM AN A
(The Times)
10 Brilliant STARS in Just ONE picture!
Epic Romance of Modern Souls
—Soul-Stirring MUSICAL! POIGNANT! MAGNIFICENT!
ZAMANA
HAVE YOU
If you have one, you can't leave the theatre UNMOVED and Deeply unmoved!
"Zamana" is in the FIELD! The Greatest Emotional Classid Mothers-in-law BEWARE! of the Indian ^
PADMA DEVI
(The Nightingale of Bengal)
with
AMIR KARNATAKI - GULAB HANSA WADKAR ■ VASANT MAJID • NAZIR - DAR - GOPE
GOT A SOUL? Directed by Ram Daryani
Creator of 'Gentleman Daku"
Running 4th Week at IMPERIAL (Bombay) - 2nd Week at (Poona) - 1st Week (Ahmedabadj
For bookings Apply to Royal Film Circuit. Bombay 4.
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To The Exhibitors for The New Year 1939
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SOUND SYSTEM
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The "Hi-Lo-PHONIC" Speakers are available in 5 models suitable for theatres with sitting accom- modations from 400 to 4000 seats and with horizontal angles from 60 to 160 degrees, and vertical angles from 35 to 60 degrees and suitable for handling continuous loads of 14 to 60 watts undistort- ed.
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Bo
mbay Calling
Ihis section is the monopoly of "JUDAS" and he it rites what he likes and about things which he likes. The views expressed here are noi necessarily ours, but still they carry weight because they are written by a man who knows his job.
WARNED AND DISCHARGED?
The Executive Committee of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association took very serious no- tice of our remarks regarding Mr. Gogtay's irrespon- sible writings in his Anglo-Indian Magazine.
The Committee at a meeting specially held for the purpose is reported to have called for an expla- nation from Mr. Gogtay.
Mr. Gogtay, of course, is reported to have fumbled out the usual stock excuses of "good intentions and bona-fide criticism" and prayed for an indulgence from the Committee on this occasion.
The Executive Committee was in a mood to dis- pense with Mr. Gogtay's services, but as Mr. Gogtay is reported to have given an undertaking to behave himself in future and not to indulge in irresponsible and unpatriotic criticism in matters of national im- portance, the members of the Committee decided to give Mr. Ram L. Gogtay, Editor of the "Motion Pic- ture Magazine" and Secretary of the Producers' Asso- ciation another chance to prove his good faith by keeping the promise.
We congratulate the Executive Committee on its magnanimous action as we always thought Gogate to be the right lad for organising things, only he is inclined to go a bit wayward at times for want of strict supervision.
What we however are pained to observe is the support which some of the members of the Produ- cers' Association, a strictly national body, is giving to the "Motion Picture Magazine" a strictly Anglo- Indian paper, perhaps because of Mr. Gogtay's com- mon tie.
In this connection the significant words of Mr. S. Satyamurti M.L.A., the Deputy Leader of the Con- gress and President-Designate of the Indian Motion Picture Congress should be borne in mind: "I want the Indian film industry to be hundred per cent In- dian in its conception, in development, in finance and in production".
Some producers and distributors seem to have allowed their nationalism to go astray goaded by the promptings of some interested people who merely pursue personal vindictiveness in misguiding them- selves and others, but the warning of Mr. Satyamurti ought to remind our people of their paramount duty to the country.
People in our industry owe it to their new Pre- sident-Designate to observe his advice sincerely and to give it a serious expression in action.
BIGGEST BOX-OFFICE HIT OF THE SEASON!
"Brahmachari" produced by Huns Pictures of Kolhapur has proved to be the best record breaker in social pictures so far in the season and from day to day it is gaining a tremendous ground in enlisting mass popularity.
14 copies are being simultaneously screened at several stations and it is worthwhile perusing their run to measure the tremendous success which really good Indian pictures enjoy in our country.
Bombay
Poona
Belgaum
Nasik
Akola
Amraoti
Dhulia
Kolhapur
Malegaon
Gwalior
Surat
Baroda
Nagpur
Ahmedabad
18th Week 18th 15th 11th
5th
5th
5th
8th
3rd 15th
7th
6th
7th
7th
Marathi Version.
Hindi Version.
No doubt Huns Pictures deserves the warmest congratulations for producing a sensible box-office hit which while it entertains proves amply instructive.
The unique success of "Brahmachari" brings Principal P. K. Atre, its talented writer to the fore- front of fame while Mr. Vinayak its director is ac- claimed to be one of our few leading directors. Inci- dentally Pandit Indra, who wrote the Hindi version of this great picture, vindicates his position as the star writer of the screen.
But the honours of success must be divided if they are to be tested by practical facts. Had it not been for the superb enterprise and clever publicity of Royal Film Circuit we doubt whether the excellent quality of this picture would ever have been vindi- cated by its immense popularity.
FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE SAVE THE SOCIETY!
One can always close his eyes and say that the world is dead. That is what the Motion Picture So- ciety of India is trying to do when it meets with cri- ticism from outside. We had written before about the mismanagement prevalent in the Society. Once
11
FILM INDIA
January 1939
again we have to write on the same subject which is very painful to us, — painful because some people in the industry, mainly those interested, choose to take the wrong view of our criticism, which, we may assure our readers is always well meant and delivered with an idea to help.
We refer to the present position of the Motion Picture Society of India. At best it is precarious. Its very existence is threatened by the menacing shadow of an economical death.
Only two years back the Motion Picture Society was doing very useful work. It had a glorious tradi- tion of solid achievements to back it up and assure it a permanent life. But, alas, to-day, it is gasping for breath.
The recent balance sheet issued to the members shows a liability of nearly Rs. 7,000 against some dubious assets of Rs. 2,000.
In the past the expenses of maintaining the office and the staff were always met from the collection of the fees. The Journal of the Society has been a pay- ing proposition, right from the beginning. In fact, a part of the profits of the Journal have been used to defray other expenses. Till this stage the Society was a prosperous institution which at the same time proved a valuable asset to the film industry.
But when they took the fateful Indian Cinema- tograph Year Book into hand for publication, all assets very soon became liabilities. The publication of the book was mismanaged right from the begin- ning. Pages were printed, cancelled and reprinted, thereby increasing the cost of printing abnormally. Unreasonable optimism ruled during the period ot preparations and a riot of disappointment took place on publication. All this was due to gross mismanage- ment— mismanagement which entails a loss of over Rs. 5,000, money which the Society hasn't got to-day
and in consequence its very existence is being threat- ened.
Members of the Executive Committee seem to be in a panic and are reported to be thinking of closing down the independent offices and hitching them on to the charity of one of the members who is only too anxious to extend his courtesy for reasons of his own.
And all this when several good and sound busi- nessmen are on the Executive Committee.
What a pity it is that the Society which was the first and premier organised body till recently repre- senting all the different interests in our film industry had to abandon all its ideas of celebrating the Silver Jubilee of our film industry, probably on grounds of finance and internal squabbles.
The Society must be saved. Our film industry needs it more to-day than ever before. If the present members in power cannot save the Society by correctly organizing it, they can at least do so by resigning in a body and allowing others to do so.
One can understand the human weakness to wield and enjoy power, but the machinery that is to generate the power must have the vital energy of life. If the Society lives and flourishes the present mem- bers can always enjoy the glow of its success but if it dies out we lose an useful institution and they lose their excuse for greatness.
Will some of the present executive committee members make the supreme sacrifice of by stepping out for a while and allow better men to step in so that the Society may live? Let us wait and see!
But in the meanwhile we recommend this mat- ter to the urgent attention of Sir Rahimtullah Chinoy, the new president of the Society, who cannot begin his new duties better than by putting his new house into order.
A shot from the Lunch given in honour of Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., Deputy Leader of the Congress Party at the Green's. From left to right: 1. Mr. D. K. Parker (Director: Filmindia), 2. Mr. K. S. Hirle- kar (Visual Education Society), 3. Rai Saheb Chuni Lall (Vice President, Motion Picture Society), 4. Mr. Baburao Patel (Editor: Filmindia), 5. Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., 6. Mr. Bhulabhai Desai M.L.A., (Leader of the Congress Party), 7. Mr. Francis Low (Editor: "Times of India"), 8. Mr. J. Wielde, (Ma- nager, Agfa Photo Co.), 9. Mr. D. F. Karaka.
12
" Filmindia's " Agitation Against Anti Indian Pictures Vindicated in the House of Commons
Sir Samuel Hoare Thinks "Siege of Lucknow " Undesirable
HE SAYS: "AT THIS TIME WE DO NOT WANT FILMS WHICH MEAN HUMILIATION EITHER
INDIANS OR BRITISHERS".
TO
BUT DIRECTOR ELVEY KICKS AT THE BAN !
The intensive agitation launched >y "filmindia" against "The Drum", i notoriously anti-Indian film pro- luced by Alexander Korda and >ther pictures like "The Siege of jucknow". "The Black Hole of Cal- ;utta". "The Rains Came", "The figer of Eschnapur" and "Gunga )in" has had its sequel in the louse of Commons, when the film 'Siege of Lucknow" was the sub- ect of an important statement by he Home Secretary when replying -o a motion by Mr. Mander "great- y deploring the action by the Gov- irnment tending to set up any orm of political censorship.
Sir Samuel Hoare said, "When ,he Secretary of State for India was shown a certain film three rears ago and his opinion there- )n asked, he requested the pro- noters not to proceed feeling ihat the film would create the vorst kind of feeling between [ndians and ourselves."
"Remembering this advice, when ie heard that another Indian film was to be produced he very natu- rally asked for information and iiscussed the question with ;he Chairman of the Board )f Film Censore. He made t quite clear that the responsibili- ;y was entirely on the Chairman )f the Board. If they decided to Droceed with the film there was lothing he could say or do. He lid make it plain, and I think rightly, that to produce a film on [ndian mutiny at a time when we ire embarking on a new chapter !n the constitutional development in India, and want to get rid of the difficulties that came between
us in the past, would be undesir- able.
Sir Samuel Hoare continued "Thereafter the Chairman of the Board of Film Censors discussed the matter with the promoters of the film who took the same view. They had no grievance whatever. I am glad to say that the film is not produced and not exhibited."
The Labour Member Mr. Shin- well asked, "Ought we to destroy every reference to the Mutiny?" Sir Samuel Hoare replied: "No. If Mr. Shinwell sees the details of this film he will come to the same con- clusion. At this moment we do not want a film of that kind recount- ing in detail mutiny incidents that may mean humiliation and defeat of one side or the other. Anyhow there is no difference on the sub- ject. The Chairman of the Cen- sors took the same view. The pro- ducers, I understand, have no cause to complain."
What "filmindia" now wants to know is when the Home Secretary would ban the other pictures which threaten to scandalise India?
In the meanwhile let us congra- tulate the British Government for their timely action in banning "The Siege of Lucknow". This time atleast the British were not "too late".
700 THROWN OUT OF WORK!
As a result of the ban imposed on the "Siege of Lucknow" 700 studio workers are reported to have been thrown out of employment. The Butcher-Rembrandt productions were on the point of shooting the
picture with Edna Best and Wil- fred Lawson in the lead when the decision of the British Board of Film Censors dropped as a bomb- shell in the midst of all their plans. The Censor announcement reads as follows : —
"The most careful consideration has been given to the question of a film dealing with the Indian Muti- ny of 1857-58. The Board have been advised by all authorities responsible for the Government of India, both Civil and Military, that In their considered opinion, such a film would revive memories of the days of conflict which it has been the honest endeavour of both countries to obliterate, with the view to promoting co-operation between the two peoples. In these circumstances the Board thought it right to intimate to the produ- cers that guided in its decision by such direct expression, of opinion, and because of consequences, 4t could hold out no hope of a film based on this period being certi- fied."
The company however, does not seem to lose much as the contracts of the stars and technicians and others become automatically void in a week "owing to an act of pub- lic authority" which is always a provision, in such contracts.
THE DIRECTOR KICKS AT THE BAN
Maurice Elvey who was to direct the said film does not seem to have liked this ban very much. Instead of taking this action of political
(Continued on page 48)
13
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COM310NSENSE CROSSWOliO" No. I3S
This month we celebrate a Triple Anniversary, that of Commonsense Crosswords. Christmas and the New Year and to commemorate Ibis combination of great occasions we are presenting this stupendous Commonsense Crosswords Offer. Even if it is not an All Correct entry if yours is the best entry submitted in this Competition your magnificent reward will be a cheque for Rs. 25,000, Return Flights to London at any time you choose and a ' Chevrolet ' de-luxe Five Seater Sedan. Should you be unable to accept either the Flights or the car, or in the event of a tie, an extra cash sum will be awarded instead. A huge sum of Rs. 12,000 has been reserved for Runners-up and there are unlimited attractive Extra Prizes for all winning solvers, including those with Four Errors. Handsome Free Presents are a further feature of this wonderful Offer. If you can read these words you are fully capable of solving the puzzle below— and if you study the Clues with sufficient care before recording your solutions you cannot fail to win a substantial share of the covetable awards offered. Take the first step towards your goal by making full use of the Practice Square below.
CLUES ACROSS
I. Alas ! how often does an apt one
occur to us too late 4. Festival
9. Turkish Commander
11. Rope used for catching wild horses
12. Portuguese India
13. It is usually less difficult for a young
man than an elderly one to regain lost this
15. Deliberate this nearly always makes the object of it keenly resentful
17. To assemble
18. Person conscious of his own this
is prone to be unduly suspicious
of other people's 21. Iniquity 23. To increase
26. Such differences between Nations
are clearly a peril to world peace
27. In favour of
28. Unmixed
30. Creasy Liquid
31. Kindly person's reprovals of offend-
ing subordinates are seldom this 32 Selfish love sometimes causes a
mother to " " the future of
her child
33. Outspoken frankness causes a candid
person to " " many a friend
involuntarily
34. We often fail to realise how striking
are some of those with which we are familiar
36. A detested rival's is apt to annoy
even the most forbearing of us
37. A drink too many often makes an
abstemious person this in a dazed state
Self-righteous people seldom judge an offender thus
CLOSING DATE JANUARY 12th.
N.B.— The Entry Fee in this Competition is Re. 1 per entry and Entry Squares will be published in the issues of Dec. 18th, 25th or Jan. 1st.
CLUES DOWK
ONLY ENTRY SQUARES CUT OUT FROM
"THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA"
38
1st
of Dec. 18th, 25th or Jan. will be accepted
COPMES A YAMLABLE EtlOM ALL
3. 5. 6.
7. 8.
10.
13
14
16.
19. 20. 21.
22.
24. 25. 27. 29. 34. 35.
Seeing anyone in " " is apt to
inspire reflective persons with pity The " I " which is conscious and thinks
Stage of change or development The whole
Weapon of attack or defence used
by Indian police Burnt tobacco
Deep in the hearts of most of us
is a desire for this Majority of us keenly wish to obtain many covetable things which we haven't been able to . . . Most of us who enjoy the theatre derive some entertainment from a stage one Protection
More often than not, extremely dangerous when actuated by sheer malice
Another form of preposition to To beat
Advice of habitual optimist is
seldom truly this Alas, how quickly the average child manages to damage a new one To lower
Jumbled spelling of admire Vote of assent in a governing body Jumbled spelling of liner Thick mist
We usually feel somewhat embarras- sed when inadvertently we " "
something shocking
NE WS A GEN TS
The Editors Mail
e
!
Headers " when you are worried " write to me. I will do my best in serving you. Serious matters will be treated seriously, ivhile flippant letters will receive like replies. — The Editor.
?rom: R. J. Gursahani (Sukkur).
Is Miss Sabita Devi married? Are her parents ilive? Has she any brothers or sisters? I hope she is i beautiful lady?
Sabita is not married. Her father died recently but her mother is alive. She has one sister and one brother. Sabita cannot be called beautiful in the sense of an Oriental beauty, but she is fairly attractive, having a good complexion.
Does Sabita Devi intend to desert Sagar Film Co.?
There have been rumours that she intends join- ing some one else or even producing her own pic- tures in association with Mr. Badami. But I don't think that Sagar will be a deserted place after her departure as there is still plenty of attractive population in the Sagar Studios. Sabita has been only one of them and certainly not the only one.
'rom: A. S. R. Krishnan (Madura).
Why are only Prabhat pictures sent to the Venice Ixhibition? Aren't New Theatres' pictures good nough?
New Theatres do not seem to care to get the for- mal seal of approval from the foreigners. They seem to have kept out of this affair with a reli- gious tenacity. Prabhat believes in publicity, even if it is coming from acress the seven seas.
The recent appearance of Shanta Apte on the tage at Madura has given a long'.ng to the fans t» ee great actors and actresses like Devika Rani, adma Devi, Kanan Ba'a, Saigal and Prithvi Raj. Vill they also start on a South Indian tour?
I doubt if they ever will. Some of the persons you mention are very busy artistes having on hand two or even three pictures at a time and they cannot possibly find any time for such recreation tours. Shanta Apte is lucky in having to work for a company which gives her only one picture in a year.
'rom: Shewnath (Kharagpur).
What has become of Prabhat's "Buddha, the ireat", Ranjit's "Sant Tulsidas" and Sagar's "Kabir- las".
"Buddha" is waiting to be conceived, "Tulsidas" is already in the cradle while "Kabirdas" was still-born.
Why the readers of "filmindia" don't like to read ny film magazine except "filmindia".
Because other magazines give very little to read, while "filmindia" primarily belongs to its rea- ders.
From: M. V. Gurunadh (Rajahmundry).
Is there any institute to coach up students as Cameramen, recordists or directors?
There is no institution at present. Some bogus institutions have taken to this profession, but they are not reliable, and I advise my readers not to be tempted into paying these fellows. But In the near future The Abdulla Fazalbhoy Institute under the control of the St. Xavier's College In- tends to start classes for training recordists and cameramen. That is the time when students should join an institute.
From: A. P. M. Sabu (Cocanada).
Shanta Apte visited Madras last month. Why has she not received a rousing reception from Ma- dras?
You are giving me some news. I thought that the Madrasis had welcomed her most warmly and crowded round her with an enthusiasm that be- trayed a suspicion that they had never before seen any film actress.
From: S. Basavaanja (Tiimkur).
I think that the Prabhat Film Company itself arranged for Shanta Apte to tour South India just to encourage their picture "Gopal Krishna" as it fail- ed at various places?
I don't think so. Shanta Apte, being free for a month and knowing that the South has several imposing temples, perhaps undertook the tour due to religious inclinations. You know she is a Brahmin and is expected to be religious. Her tour however seems to have given some good pub- licity to her and to her producers. Naturally enough, "Gopal Krishna" is bound to get a little lift in the South.
From: Y. V. Kulkarni (Bombay).
Is Mr. V. Shantaram related to Master Vinayak and how?
They are cousin? Their mothers are sisters.
From: A. V. Balakrishnan (Cuddapah).
I am a clerk in the Imperial Bank of India, but my long standing desire is to work in films. Can you help me in this matter?
17
FILMINDIA
January 193S
No! I will prove a bad friend if I do so. Your bank must be having some current accounts of film producers. See the balances and you will know the rest. You are happy where you are. It is better to be a fan than to be a star.
From: Nand (Shikarpur).
Please let me know all you know about Prithvi Raj and Leela Desai?
The first one is a man while the second is a woman. They are reported to be film artistes, but I can't tell you how far that is true. By the way, do you happen to know anything more about them?
From: A. S. P. Bhimji (Dar-es-Salaam).
In your reply to a question from me, you have writ- ten that "actors and actresses swear at filmindia". I hope you mean "by it" as your shocking reply has created a stir amongst your readers in Dar-es-Salaam. Do you mean to say that they curse it and turn away in revulsion?
Truth is often shocking. When I wrote that, I told you the truth. You forgot that "filmindia" is the only paper that criticises candidly the per- formances of our artistes. When these perform- ances are good, the artistes blush at the praise showered on them, but on the other hand, they curse the paper when bad performances are con- demned. But with all that they don't turn away. They would willingly miss a meal, but cer- tainly not "filmindia". Some of our artistes are not sporting enough to admit that they give bad performances more often than otherwise. If peo- ple of Dar-es-Salaam get upset over such a small thing, then there are many sins to our credit, a list big enough to start a small revolution. One of these days, I shall mention some and you will know what one needs to run a film paper in India.
From: Man Singh (Indore).
If you are a married man, please tell me how I should treat my wife for the first few days, because I am going to be married soon.
In the first few days, treat her with respect so that she gets a good impression of you. In later years, if perhaps you change your attitude, she will remember her first few days with an affec- tionate ache.
From: S. Kamat (Nova-Goa).
It is rumoured that Devika Rani is going to Holly- wood to appear in American pictures. Is it true?
No, it is just a rumour and like many a one has no truth in it.
From: H. N. Hallikeri (Haliyal).
Do you consider Master Vinayak of Huns as one of the best directors of India?
After seeing "Brahmachari" and "Devata" he should certainly be called one of the best directors
of India and in addition makes a bold claim tc be called the best one of Maharashtra.
From: Dinanath Vyas Visharad (Ujjain).
Why do New Theatres' pictures create a lasting' impression on the human mind while Prabhat pic- tures do nothing of the sort?
To the intellectuals New Theatres gives a big and; varied fare from time to time by providing rea- listic themes which easily find parallels in every day life. Treating these themes with a philoso- phical brush, they present an attractive canvas of entertainment with the colours in complete harmony. Prabhat, till recently, has been taking costume plays, recitation of which through ages has already impressed the minds so deeply that there is hardly any scope left for new impressions But wren Prabhat took courage in hand and pro- duced "The Unexpected" they hit it rather well considering that it was the very first attempt. ] think Prabhat will improve in future and try tc vie with New Theatres in this aspect of film en- tertainment, which so far remains the monopoly of New Theatres.
Is Kanan Bala better in both acting and singing than the best actress of Maharashtra?
In singing Ratnaprabha can beat Kanan whi/? h acting Durgabai Khote reigns supreme. Combin- ing both, Kanan is a class by herself.
From: H. L. Chadda (Jhansi).
Which is the best director from the following Kardar, Sohrab Mody, Mehboob and Jayant Desai?
Jayant Desai.
From: D. Paresnath (Natal).
What is the nationality of Yasmin — what is he real name and where is she working now?
Yasmin 's real name 'is Betty Gomes. She is ar Anglo-Indian in nationality and now works witl Paramount Film Company.
TWO PICTURES YOU MUST NOT MISS!
1. "ZAMANA" produced by Krishin Movietone starring Padmadevi, Gulab, Dar & Nazir.
2. "BHABI" produced by Bombay Talkies starring: Renuka Devi, Meera, Maya, Jairaj and Desai.
We recommend these pictures with confi- dence. Reviews appear in this issue else- where.
18
anuary 1939
'rom: A. Krishnarao (Nagpur).
Why is Master Vithal called the "Indian Douglas"?
We don't believe in whys. I know half-a-dozen girls who are occasionally called the "Greta Garbos" of India — and one particular girl was called Greta Garbo, Norma Shearer and Lupe Velez, all at the same time. Surely a freak crea- tion of the publicity manager! Don't you think that Americans should retaliate by calling Doug. Fairbanks the "Master Vithal of Hollywood"?
rom: B. Maniram (Durban).
I would be extremely glad to obtain the photos f Madhuri and Mollina! How shall I proceed?
I don't know the exact route from your place to India but I think Thos. Cook will help you in this respect, that is if you want to come over this side for the photos. After arrival you have to call on the girls, but after that I don't think you will have reason to be "extremely glad". You might probably forget to ask for the photos. Seeing them off screen is not much of an alluring pros- pect. Another simpler way is to write to these girls asking for an autographed photo, and if you manage to catch their eye with something inter- esting in your writing, you might get the photos!
FILMINDIA
From: R. ?. Melhotra (Cawnpore).
What about Mira Devi of "Vachan" fame?
What about her? She is Mira Alexander, young, attractive, bashful if necessary, a good hostess, serves tea gracefully to the guests, adds an extra spoon of sugar and punctuates her talk with an occasional glad-eye. Quite a good girl and I like her. And so will you if you meet her only once. In addition she sings and dances well and what's more, works well. But she is married, if that in- terests you! Her husband's name is Ram Nath Singh. He is at Allahabad and studying law. That sounds risky! Doesn't it?
I was vcrv much affected by the film "Vachan". Why so?
You must have broken your promise to someone and the scenes in the picture probably reminded you of "her" and your "beastly" behaviour. Now go and make up otherwise you will have a "breach-of-promise-to marry" suit on hand.
From: T. P. C. Abdul Cader (Mahe).
What are the relations between Bibbo and Prabha? Are they married?
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FILMINDIA
No, not to each other but separately. Bibbo has Sardar — (someone, I forget his name, never mind) as her husband while Mr. Satyakam is the proud husband of Prabha. Excuse me, for a moment, your question reminded me of the story of two convent girls. And now don't ask me what the story is. In any case I shouldn't have mention- ed it!
From: M. A. Khalig (Alanthur).
Who is the best known Indian comedian?
Who is he? Please tell me! I shall keep it a secret as long as you like. I have not yet come across a comedian in India,. Men who call themselves comedians are more like monkeys than men and that's truth, by all the devils in Hell! (Why get the Gods into this?)
From: S. Yeshwant Naik (Nagpur). What is the real name of Meenakshi?
What do you mean by "real name"? Is "Meenak- shi" her number plate?
From: Miss S. D. Sushila (Madras).
Is it not surprising that Shanta Apte is not given the leading role in "My Son"? Is it because Shanta Hublikar is better than Shanta Apte in music and personality? What are the real facts and how is Shanta Apte swallowing this displacement?
She seems to have gone on a tour to help her digestion if what you suspect is true. Do you really find Shanta Hublikar superior In music and personality? I don't think that there was any particular intention in Shanta Apte's displace- ment as you put it. I think, Prabhat just wanted another heroine. Shanta Apte is I think reserved for Shantaram's production.
From: Akhtar Nawaz (Calcutta).
What is this yarn about your illness? You are a fine person. Just when the industry needs you most, you slip away to a nursing home?
Yarn, indeed! Besides the place I went to was neither a home nor had it any nurses. Damn it, it was a surgical Hospital and I returned a sick man, having missed what I had looked forward to.
From: Mahomed Kamruddin (Madras).
What has happened to Nissar and Zebunissa?
What has happened to them? They were once married, but nothing happened. So there was a divorce. Now Nissar has gone his own way, Zebu- nissa her own way. Unless they meet again, no- thing is going to happen, so don't worry.
January 193
Mr. Nawab is noted, for what?
People say that he flatters the boss rather wel and keeps him in good humour. Is he known fo anything else?
Why is Kajjan not seen on the screen nowadays'.
Because she doesn't work in the studios. Simpl isn't it?
From: M. V. Dikshitulu (Cocanada).
Will you be good enough to let me know, with- out reservation, what all you know about Baburao Apte the brother of Shanta Apte.
"Without reservation" is a tall ::der. All that therefore known about him is t . it he is the bro- ther of Shanta Apte, an actres of Prabhat. And that is all we need know about -iim as otherwise he has nothing to do with our film industry.
From: S. G. Rajulu (Kurnool).
Please send photos of Motilal and Surendra in beautiful colours in post card size?
I went to Motilal and Surendra to ask for photo' graphs for you, but when they heard your name they were so flattered that they thought they would call on you personally rather than insult you with tiny photographs. You can now write to them and inquire when they intend to give you a look-up. Why not send me your photo. I want to see your face. Send it in post card size with colours.
From: P. R. Rajoo (Nagpur).
May I know why Rose and Motilal left Sagar
Movietone?
To go to Poona on the same train.
I learn that Motilal is in love with Rose. How far is this rumour true?
Absolutely true. And there are several others who are in love with her, including Chowdhary and myself. The only obstacle is that she is not in love with any of us. What about you?
What are the ages of the following: — Sabita Devi, Rose and Maya Bannerjee?
Eleven, twelve and thirteen respectively on the day you read this.
From: Bipin B. (Baroda).
Suppose the son of a well known actress were to see his own mother making love, say, to you or to me on the screen what opinion will he form about his mother?
If he saw his mother making love to me he would say: "Hullo, what a wonderful man, Mum knows ^ow to choose her man", But if he saw you with
20
January 1939
FIL M INDIA
her he might probably blurt out in disgust: "Bah. Mummy is getting old. She can't see. Couldn't she get any one better?"
From: N. V. Sastry (Tenali).
I do not for myself think that there is much «>f 'beauty" in Shanta Apte. What do you think — just between ourselves?
I do not agree with you. I have never seen a wo- man so beautiful as I saw Shanta flushed with temper during the three minutes that she was in my office. She almost hypnotized me, I am nurs- ing that impression and have thrust aside her screen appearances which perhaps account for your impressions.
''rom: M. R. Nagappa (Mysore).
Who are the Greta Garbo and the Shirley Temple India?
According to the Royal Film Circuit. Lalita Pawar is the only one who is the both of India.
•"rom: M. D. Govindrajalu (Madras).
Is it a fact that Miss Nalini Turkhud has passed he B.A. Examination?
I don't know whether it is a fact, but she says so and Keshavrao Dhaiber nods in confirmation. So let us believe them.
From: Ghafoor Ahmed (Banda).
An young educated man of 17, not knowing act- ing and singing perfectly wants to join a film com- pany as an actor. What should he do?
If this man has looks he is eminently suited for our film line seeing that he can't act and sing perfectly. These very qualifications are found in some of our big actors and your man stands a good chance. Ask him to apply to Prabhat or Sagar?
How can a man of a noble family join a film company?
Firstly by trading in his nobility, secondly by learning the tricks of the trade.
Is the life of a film actor or of an actress pleasant?
That depends on the surroundings. If the studic has plenty of attractive girls, the actor Ands life worth living. On the other hand if the producers and directors are well placed, the actress is never more happy.
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21
"Filmindia" Entertains the Deputy Leader of the Congress Party
Mr. Bhulabhai Desai M. L Av the Leader of the Congress Party
Compliments his Colleague
A LARGE AND REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING HONOURS MR. S. S ATY AMUR?. T, M.L.A.
"I want the Indian film industry to be hundred per cent Indian in its conception, in development, in finance and in production", declar- ed Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., (Central), speaking at the luncheon party given in his honour by Mr. Baburao Patel, Editor of "filmindia" at the Green's on the 18th Decem- ber 1938.
Mr. Satyamurti is the President- I Designate of the Indian Motion Picture Congress and of the Silver
Jubilee Celebrations of the Indian film industry which is to be held during the coming Easter Holidays. He referred to his deep interest in the film industry and added: "I have no use for compromises or quotas. The moment we get any- thing like power, we are going to bring the Indian film industry to its highest level and towards this end, I hope the Intellectuals, the producers and artistes will endea- vour."
A large and very representative gathering, with several journalists responded to the Invitation of Filmindia Publications Ltd. Pro- minent among those present were Mr. Bhulabhai J. Desai, M.L.A., Leader of the Congress Party, Mr. Francis Low (Editor "Times of India"), Rai Saheb Chuni Lall, (Vice President of the Motion Pic- ture Society), Mr. Satyanathan (Asst. Collector of Customs), Mr. K. S. Hirlekar (Visual Education
A group photograph taken on the occasion of the lunch given by the Direc- tors of Filmindia Publica- tions Ltd., in honour of Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., at the Green's on the 18th December 1938.
(Right) An exclusive pho- tograph of the hosts and the distinguished guest: From left to right: 1. Mr. Camer Saleh, 2. Mr. D. K. Parker. 3. Mr. S. Satya- murti, M.L.A., 4. Mr. Babu- rao Patel. 5. Mr. Gopal Swamy.
23
FILM INDIA
January 1939
Society), Mr. J. Wielde (Manager, Agfa Photo Co.) Mr. Kapurchand Mehta, (Mg. Director, Kapurchand Ltd.), Mr. Surbhai G. Desai (Secre- tary, Indian Motion Picture Distri- butors' Association), Mr. D. K. Par- ker, (Director of Filmindia Publi- cations Ltd.), and Mr. Jagannath J. Patel, ("Bauer" Representative).
MR. BHULABHAI PAYS A COMPLIMENT!
On behalf of the Directors of Filmindia Publications Ltd., Mr. Bhulabhai J. Desai, Leader of the Congress Party In the Central Le- gislative Assembly thanked the chief guest and others present at the function for their wonderful response to the invitation of Mr. Baburao Patel and observed: "At present myself and Mr. Satyamurti
Mr. Bhulabhai Desai, M.L.A., Leader of the Congress Party.
are functioning under a somewhat difficult circumstances imposed by the Government of India Act. But nevertheless, the valuable moral
assistance and intellectual equip- ment which Mr. Satyamurti is able to give is a great consolation toj me. I particularly appreciate Mr. Baburao Patel's enterprise in or- ganising this pleasant function in honour of my colleague where every one of importance in the local film industry is present, not to mention the all important mem- bers of the Press, remembering the fact that Indian film industry will eventually pay a great part in the future national life of our coun- try."
Thereafter Mr. Baburao Patel introduced the guests individually to Mr. Satyamurti and Mr. Bhula- bhai Desai and the function came to an end.
A parade of intoxicating musical compositions never before heard on the Indian Screen — composition created by that genius of music — Rafique Gaznavi in the gayest and the most thrilling production of 1939 that is
S I T A R A
How being produced and dkecled by : EZRA MIR at the Film City Studios with a scintillating array of Box Office names:
ir Ratan Bai * N a z i r * Ashique H u s e i n
★ Khurshid * Mubarak *K.N. Singh
ir Violet Cooper * Jamshedjee i Nazir Bedi
i S u n a lini ^ Fazalshah * Mirza Musharaf
and others
Fnr Boolnngs apply tcr, Everest Pictures Corporation Ltd., Lamington Road, Bombay-4
24
SHE 531 OTHERS CRmC3S31
DEVI—
This famous and beautiful artiste has given a remarkable performance in "Zamana" a Krishm picture, in which she brings tears to the eyes of the thousands who flock to see the picture daily at the Imperial Cinema, Bombay. They say, "Padmadevi
has never before been better".
. PRAMILLA— PAofo fcy 4. J. Palel
You will see her in "Mother India" a Cine-color picture coming to the Royal Opera House very shortly. The picture is released by India Cine Pictures Ltd.
Kicks and Kisses
A girl who went to California and there saw a fig tree for the first time: "Oh! she squeaked, "I thought the leaves were much larger!"
* * *
A girl who was staying at a hotel phoned the desk clerk that there was a rat in her room. ' Make him rome down and register", replied (the clerk.
• * *
A diamond is a woman's idea of a stepping stone to success.
# * *
Sometimes a girl must have a brassier or bust.
# * ♦
Girls used to try to hide their tans, but now they try to tan their hides.
• * *
Some women don't shrink from kissing gigolos, but their bank ac- counts do.
» * *
An old maid is one who has given up all hopes of giving in.
* * *
A girl who bought a book about jthe nudists read it from cover to iuncover.
"Every time I kiss you my head swims."
"Well, don't try to be a Johnny Weissmuller in one night, dear".
• # *
Some girls have eyes like stars. They wink at every passer-by.
Pajamas are masculine; the fe- minine should be majamas.
* • •
Many a girl marries a night owl in the hope that he'll turn out to be a homing pigeon.
When a girl is in a pensive mood she's thinking of things expensive.
A platinum blonde is a cool pro- position, because she is hair condi- tioned.
* * •
It's strange, but men who horse around have nothing stable about them.
* * »
When a husabnd starts playing with fire, it's his wife that burns.
* * •
A private secretary is a girl who has a high time on her overtime.
* * *
Even when a woman's life is empty, she's full of hope.
* * »
A woman is always a necessity to a man, but some men just want the bare necessities.
* » *
A girl who refuses to let a man give her a kiss on the lips, is apt to get it in the neck.
* * *
He "When I kiss you like this something seems to snap."
She: "Yes, wait a second till I fasten it."
* • »
First Cutie: "Since Harry met me, he's been trying to grow hair on his chest."
Second Cutie: "To show his man- liness."
First Cutie: "No to hide those horrid tatooed women."
» * •
When a girl wants to make a lasting impression on a fellow she uses indelible lipstick.
* • •
Just when you think your past is safely buried, some dirty dog digs it up.
Girls who go to nudist camps ought to have their heads exa- mined— instead.
* * »
If opposites attract, "yesmen" go out with girls who always say no.
* * •
A man who hid in a married woman's clothes closet so often that the moths called him by his first name.
* * *
Tight clothing doesn't impede the circulation; the tighter her clothing, the more a girl circulates.
* • *
Some of the excuses women wear for dresses are too thin to deceive
anyone.
* ♦ »
Golddiggers get the sugar by knowing how to hold their tongue.
* .* *
"Darling, I'm insane about you, mad about you, crazy about you!" "Ah, now you're talking sense!"
* * *
A smart nurse is one who hangs around the docs, waiting for her ship to come in.
* * «
Some gals use a pill to get rid of a headache, but others use a head- ache to get rid of a pill.
* • *
The iceman never calls at the Mae West home, because there's al- ways a full chest there.
» » •
"Speak up! Are you for or again- st nudist colonies?"
"Well, there's lots to De said on both sides of the fence."
» • »
Have you heard of the absent- minded cashier who rang up one of the waitresses and kissed his cash receipts goodbye?
* * •
The man who comes home as tight as a drum, should expect to be beaten.
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Notes and News-
"THE DRUM" CUT OR BANNED BY FIVE GOVERNMENTS— ANOTHER ANTI INDIAN PICTURE BANNED BEFORE PRODUCTION— HOLLYWOOD ON FIRE— BABURAO PATEL RESIGNS FROM THE CONGRESS— MRS. LEELAVATI MUNSHI COMPLIMENTS PADMA DEVI.
Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A.. the Deputy Leader of the Congress Party and President-Designate of the Indian Motion Picture Con- gress.
"THE DRUM" IS BEATEN!
The Government of Bihar has banned "The Drum", Alexander Korda's notoriously anti-Indian picture on the grounds that the Muslims of the province are likely to object to it.
BANNED IN THE PUNJAB!
The Punjab Board of Film Cen- sors has suspended the Exhibition Certificate of the film "The Drum". With this ban, the picture cannot be shown now in the whole of the Punjab.
CUT OR BANNED BY FIVE GOVERNMENTS!
With Bombay, Madras, Bihar. Bengal and Punjab Governments treating "The Drum" thus, the prospects of this picture are doom- ed in the other provinces, "film india" insists that such libellous pictures should not be allowed to land on our soil.
BANNED IN DELHI
The distributors of "The Drum" that "fateful" picture tried to re-
lease the same at Delhi. But the Government banned and disallow- ed the release of even the print censored by the Government of Bombay.
"RELIEF OF LUCKNOW" BANNED!
The British Board of Film Cen- sors has banned the picture "Re- lief of Lucknow" under production at the instance of the British Gov- ernment. Mr. Maurice Elvey the director thus loses another oppor- tunity of giving still another poli- tical Episode, which would auto- matically draw crowds without publicity.
MR. ABBAS RETURNS HOME!
Mr. K. A. Abbas, the well known local journalist, who had gone or. a world tour as the roving corres- pondent of "The Bombay Chroni- cle", returned to India in the first week of December. While tn Hollywood, he got the opportunity of visiting some of the foreign stu- dios and watching the shooting of "Gunga Din" which he calls "a scandalously anti-Indian picture".
THE CORRECT POLITICAL CENSORSHIP!
Political censorship, of the right type, for the present is being exer- cised in England. Certain parts of the Paramount newsreel showing the meeting of the British Prime Minister with Herr Hitler at Godes- burg were cut out as they were considered likely to prejudice the present political negotiations be- tween the two countries. To an assurance asked by Sir Percy Har- ris (Liberal), that the censorship would not be used in other cases, Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer said "I should have thought that the censorship meant the exercise of compulsory power. There was nothing of the sort In the present case. A representation was made to the Ambassador of a friendly Government who was good enough and thought it right to take action tending to promote European peace". Elsewhere we
■
L
Mr. Chandulal Shah, our pro- minent producer, has been unani- mously elected the Chairman of the Reception Committee of the Indian Motion Picture Congress.
have published a report of the British Government's anxiety to promote peace in India.
HOLLYWOOD FIRE!
A terrifying forest fire which the police described as the worst in the history of South California swept between Santa Monica and Malibu Beach in the last week of November.
Panic stricken men and women waded into the sea to escape the flames as the fire swept down the shore near the fashionable Malibu Beach in the heart of filmland's "Gold Coast".
One thousand men were engaged In fighting the disastrous fire and the total damage is estimated at $4,000,000. Among the palatial homes reported to have been des- troyed are those of Madeleine Car- roll, the film star. Mr. Sam Wood, the film director and Miss Laura Mathiessom, the noted painter. Al- together 300 homes and cabins have been gutted and hundreds of
34
January 1939
FILM INDIA
persons have been removed to the hospital suffering from burns.
CONGRESS AND SILVER JUBILEE IN THE EASTER WEEK!
It has been finally decided to hold the Indian Motion Picture Congress during the Easter Holi- days, 1939. During the week be- ginning from 8th April the Silver Jubilee celebrations will start with the opening of an extensive exhi- bition at one of the popular mal- dans of the city and all the pro- ducers, distributors and exhibitors and other allied tradesmen will contribute their best efforts to make this unique celebration a huge success.
Mr. Baburao Patel who was una- nimously elected as the Joint Ho- norary Secretary, had to resign his post due to illness. The Executive Committee was not in a mood to accept this resignation but at the second request of Mr. Patel the re- signation was accepted with great reluctance.
It is unfortunate that the Con- gress should lose the incomparable services of Mr. Patel at this stage due to illness.
The vacancy created thus was however immediately filled up by the nomination of Mr. Y. A. Fazal- 'jhoy 'Film City) as the Joint Ho- inorary Secretary.
I Mr. K. S. Hirlekar the other Ho- norary Secretary who is so well known in pioneering new ideas and piloting them is doing his ut- Imost to make the Silver Jubilee celebrations a grand success.
Already a neat little fund has been collected for the preliminary preparations and the Secretary is reported to have issued a country- wide appeal to all to co-operate with the organisers.
Mr. Chandulal Shah. Chairman of the Reception Committee has invited Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., (Central) to preside over the Con- gress and other national leaders will in the meanwhile be approach- ed to Inaugurate the different functions. The vigour and enthu- siasm displayed by Mr. Shah at the sacrifice of his valuable inte- rests and time are really admir- able and have already Instilled enthusiasm in the others.
We only hope that the Silver Jubilee celebrations and the Con- gress prove a great success and they will with such stalwarts at the helm.
The Indian film industry should be indebted to Mr. Hirlekar for his splendid lead in a matter of such vital interest to the industry.
MR. HntLEKAR'S NEW PAMPHLET!
The irrepressible enthusiasm of Mr. K. S. Hirlekar to promote the interests of the Indian film indus- try has found another expression in his recent publication called
Mr. .K S. Hirlekar, Honorary Sec- retary of the Indian Motion Picture Congress who has shouldered im- mense responsibility in making the Congress a success.
"Place of Film in National Plann- ing." This little pamphlet is an invaluable log of facts and figures about the Indian film industry and It will prove immensely useful to our national leaders and ministers of the different provincial govern- ments in forming a correct esti- mate of the present development of the industry and in contemplat- ing the possibilities of its future development.
MRS. LEELAVATI MUNSH1
PRAISES "ZAMANA"
On the 10th of December Mrs. Leelavati Munshi, M.L.A., presided
over the premiere of "Zamana" at the Imperial Cinema, Bombay. The picture which is produced by the Krishin Movietone is written by Mr. K. S. Daryani and directed by Mr. Ram Daryani. With the central theme revolving round the evils of the dowry system preva- lent amongst the Hindus, the pic- ture has become a pathetic argu- ment for the abolition of this none-too praiseworthy relic of the old customs.
A huge gathering of prominent citizens who graced the occasion by their presence was moved to tears as the story was unfolded on the screen leaving on their minds an Indelible impression of the mes- sage of the tale.
At the end of the show Mrs. Munshi, in a neat little speech congratulated the Daryani Bro- thers for bringing to the screen so instructive and pathetic a sub- ject and complimented Shrlmatl Padmadevi, the heroine of the pic- ture, for her superb portrayal of the principal role which was none too easy to play. With Padmadevi garlanding Mrs. Munshi, the pleasant function came to an end.
"BRAHMACHARI" VOTED TO BE THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR
The phenomenal success of "Brahmachari" a Huns picture all over the country, has attracted the attention of The Cine Goers* Association of India under the Presidentship of Mr. Laxmidas R. Tairsee, which Association by a unanimous vote has declared this picture as the best one of the year from the view point of entertain- ment, instruction and production.
At a very pleasant function held on the 7th of December Mr. Tair- see, the President of the Associa- tion declared its Award of Merit for "Brahmachari" and in the midst of a deafening applause pre- sented a gold medal to Meenakshi,, the heroine of the picture.
The success of this social pic- ture of Huns augurs a splendid future for their subsequent produc- tions.
35
FILM INDIA
January 19."
THE VICEROY OF INDIA SEES "MOTHER INDIA"!
On the 9th of November, 1938. at a command performance given at the Viceregal Lodge, Their Ex- cellencies Marquis of Linlithgow and the Marchioness of Linlith- gow saw India's second all-colour talking picture "Mother India" and they were much interested in the presentation of the story and were impressed by the act- ing, particularly of the lady who took the part of the mother. The colour process was described as "extremely effective and na- tural".
"Mother India" is coming to the screen at the Royal Opera House in Bombay.
MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY SEE "MOTHER INDIA"!
A special show was also given to the prominent members of the Central Legislative Assembly at Delhi and Mr. Bhulabhai Desai, M.L.A.. the Leader of the Congress Party in congratulating India Cine Pictures Ltd., the producers, said "apart from the technique of production, the story underlying It is exceedingly well presented."
MR. SATYAMURTI CONGRATU- LATES PADMA DEVI!
On the 18th December, 1938, Mr. S. Satyamurti, M.L.A., Deputy Leader of the Congress Party and President-Designate of the Indian Motion Picture Congress and the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, visited the Imperial Cinema. Bombay, to view the screening of "Zamana" a social picture produced by Krishin Movietone and directed by Mr. Ram Daryani. As the story un- folded itself on the screen, Mr. Satyamurti. who was accompanied by his family, was visibly moved at the incidents in the picture. All present were particularly moved with the eloquent pathos in the picture and on conclusion Mr. and Mrs. S. Satyamurti warm*.' con- gratulated Shrimati Padma Devi, the heroine of the picture for her excellent performance.
Among other invitees Mr. and Mrs. K. S. Hirlekar were promi- nent.
MR. SATYAMURTI VISITS "FILMINDIA" !
On the 17th of December, 1938. Mr. S. Satyamurti. M.L.A.. the De- puty Leader of the Congress Party and President-Designate of the Indian Motion Picture Congress visited the offices of "filmindia". Mr. Baburao Patel, the Editor and Mr. D. K. Parker, the Director or Filmindia Publication Ltd., receiv- ed him on behalf of the firm.
Mr. Satyamurti expressed a plea- sant surprise at the country-wide circulation of "filmindia" and con- gratulated the Editor on his na- tionalistic outlook in dealing with the problem of the film Industry.
After closely neruslng diverse evidence of circulation and popu- larity of the magazine. Mr. Sat- yamurti expressed his approval of the way the business was belns organised and blessed the paper by promising his full support at all times.
ONE MORE DEAD!
•
An unfortunate accident tooh. place at the Prabhakar Talkies at Dhulia on the 15th December, while screening "Brahmachari", the record-breaking Huns picture. The film suddenly caught fire and operator Narhar Kulkarnl was burnt to death.
One more man has died and by his death has provided one more argument for enfor~'ng govern- ment control in the matter of licenses for the operators and pro- viding safe and ideal conditions for their welfare.
Will the Government act or will it wait for some more to die?
LIKED BY HITLER. DISLIKED BY GOFRING AND SPURNED BY HOLLYWOOD!
Leni Riefenstahl. the Fuhrer's closest woman friend recently visi- ted Hollywood. She is today tne head of the German film indus- try.
In Hollywood, she wanted to be shown round the film studios but they refused to have her even as a visitor.
When she arrived in America's film capital the first thing she saw as she opened the newspapers was a full page advertisement.
It said "Leni Riefenstahl. hea of the Nazi film industry, has arri' ed in Hollywood. There is no roon in Hollywood for her. Let til world know that there is no nxxi In Hollywood for Nazi agents."
So dark eyed, bronze hairei Leni left Hollywood saying ths( she had come to see the scenery
Goering, Hitler's right-har< man. is reported to dislike Leu and feels worried about the inflii ence she exerts on his Fuhrer.
While Goering dislikes Leri Goebbels is reported to be Jealoij of Leni and her position in trj Nazi film industry..
"FILMINDIA" WELCOMES TH APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW COMMERCE MEMBER
On behalf of the Directors < Filmindia Publications Ltd., m| Baburao Patel. the Editor < "filmindia" has sent to LondO] the following cable on the 20tl December. 1938 to Sir A. Rams! swami Mudaliar, the new Corrl
Sir A. Ramaswamy Mudaliar \vr is appointed the new Commen Member of the Government 1 India.
merce Member of the Governmerl of India: "To Sir A. Ramaswani Mudaliar. India House. London.-4 Filmindia ha:ls your appointmei as Commerce Member with plei.l sure. Ind an film industry wil its great potentialities entertaij high hopes and support due U your keen interest in film." — Babi rao Patel.
36
January 1939
JVI.G.M. PICTURE BANNED!
I The Bombay Board of Film Cen- .jsors have banned the M.G.M. pic- ture. "The Criminal Is Born" say- |jag that "any reformative element in this film is very incidental and ~':he whole film, except for a short !;ourt scene, shows the exploits of rvoung criminals". The Board de- serves our congratulations for its iorrect and courageous action.
^ In this connection we reproduce vhat we wrote In our July issue 'egarding such pictures. "Recently ibe newspaper reported several crimes in the United Provinces. Bvith a daring and skill, that re- minded one of the sequences in he American crime pictures. Does t not occur to Congress Ministers n different provinces, that this "iew school of crime finds its pa- rent germ in the foreign crime pictures which exploit and often 'lorify crime with all its elaborate- ness with which the West is gift- ed?
"Truth and non-violence, the heet anchor of the present Con- ress Ministries, will have soon to e traded in for crime and vio- mce if we have another five ears with all the bootlegging, big ouse stories of crime from Ange- lica."
I And nowadays crime, skilful and rganlzed is reported from the pburbs of the city. Thanks to the merican crime pictures! "film- jidia" demands that every crime ticture should be banned. India las no use for crime as an indus-
fy.
ARNER PICTURE UNDER BAN
• "Garden of the Moon" produced y First National and released irough Warner Brothers has been primarily banned by the Bombay %>ard of Film Censors on the •Iround that "it contains scenes n hich are likely to offend Indian %blic sentiment." I
The story of the picture centres :>und the cunning manager of sOarden of the Moon" a cafe in ollywood. He had booked a band hich did not turn up in time to ilfil the contract. His publicity
girl books another band, but the manager quarrels with the lea- der and throws him out. Then the publicity girl realizing the weak- ness of the manager for Maha- rajas introduces a phony Indian Maharaja as a friend of the band leader to tempt the manager to continue the services of the band. The phony prince is called the "Maharajah of Sund" and it is re- ported that there are some objec- tionable references to them.
The Censor Board is likely to pass the picture for exhibition if "all references to the Maharaja are removed."
One cannot however, under- stand why an Indian Maharaja should be introduced as a pivot to
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move the sequences in the pic- ture. Are our Maharajas so cheap? And where the hell in India is this phony "Maharaja of Sund." A joke at our expense! Is it?
THE BRITISH TO TAX THE AMERICANS
"Filmindia" understands from authoritative sources that the Bri- tish Government is seriously con- sidering a proposal of in- troducing a legislation to pre- vent the drain of capital from the country. The Ameri- can film industry will be the first one to be affected under the pro- posed legislation, as the annual turnover of the distribution of the American pictures in Great Britain will be taxed heavily with certain provisions. The tax will be in the region of 25^ or even more. The revenue thus secured will not how- ever go to the State Exchequer but will remain in the country and will be invested in the production and the exhibition branches of the indigenous film industry.
It is high time that something on these lines is thought of by our Provincial Governments. After all. the Americans are sending out nearly 70 lakhs of rupees per year as nett profits. A 25 <~r of it will be a windfall to our film industry, which it so badly needs at present.
ITALY PITS THE BRAKES ON
Italy seems to be bent upon In- troducing drastic changes, for the better of course, in their film re- lations with the Americans, lnsplte of the four major producing com- panies like M.G.M., Warners. 20th Century Fox and Paramount not co-operating with the Italian Gov- ernment.
37
FILM INDIA
January 1939
Interviewed by the Italian cor- respondent of "filmindia" His Ex- cellency Dino Alfleri, the Cultural Minister expressed the determina- tion of his government to stop the drain of huge profits collected by the foreigners, and especially by the American distributors ana compel them to invest the same in the Italian film industry.
With 200 films shown every year In Italy, the profits of the Ameri- can distributors amount to bet- ween fifty and sixty million Lire. Italy's annual requirement is about 300 films, out of which 200 are sup- plied by the Americans, 40 are lo- cally produced and the remaining 60 are imported from other Con- tinental countries.
The Italian Government has created a new concern called the
E.N.I.C. (Ente Nazionale Industrla Cinematographica) which works in co-operation with the Propaganda Ministry to buy over the foreign pictures by giving away a fixed price of one million dollars.
His Excellency Dino Alfieri stout- ly denied that the new measure was intended to strike directly at
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As we are still receiving a number of coupons for subscription, we cannot announce the winning numbers in this issue. The numbers will, however, be announced in the February issue.
the American film industry, as it was mainly enforced to support the Indigenous film industry and to prevent the flight of capital from the country. Writing in an Italian paper, Vittorio Mussolini, the eldest son of the Duce says: "Personally and politically, I am glad that American films produced in that Jewish-Communist centre of Hol- lywood will no longer enter Italy, but I should like to see the provi- sions to meet the situation put into force by our monopoly".
Cur Provincial Governments who* now enjoy the power of enforcing the quota system, should seriously consider enacting some definite legislation to prevent the foreign- ers taking away our money — a handsome annual gift — from our country.
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And This Is Hollywood!
By KHWAJA AHMED ABBAS.
(Exclusive For "filmindia".).
(Mr. K. A. Abbas the well known critic of the "Bombay Chronicle" has just returned from a world tour, during which he visited Hollywood with an extra interest as a film critic. In this interesting contribution Mr. Abbas tears off the veil of illusion and gives a petp into the real Hollywood:— The Editor.).
Hollywood: The very name spells glamour and romance to millions of film fans all over the world. Imagination, aided and abetted by the photogravure sec- tions in fan magazines, has en- dowed the movie capital with every conceivable quality of beauty and perfection. We think of it as a magical city populated by Beauty Queens and dashing He-men, be- vies of beautiful belles in elegant costumes walking about the streets displaying their physical charms In abbreviated bathing costumes on picturesque sea beaches or in marble swimming pools. In short, an all pervading atmosphere of beauty, romance and luxury. The Persian couplet inscribed in the Moghul fort of Delhi might as well have been a post-dated tribute to Hollywood.
"If there be heaven on the face of earth,
It is this, it is this, it is this."
Fed on such attractive illusions, naturally there is in each one of us a keen desire to see Hollywood for ourselves. It was, therefore, not without a certain amount of excitement that I stepped out of the train at Los Angeles. (I knew, of course, that there is no rail- way station by the name of Holly- wood). Another train had also come in just then and I noticed a small group of reporters, photo- graphers and publicity men sur- rounding a little curly-haired girl —Shirley Temple. Outside the station a few passengers and por- ters collected out of curiosity to look at the child -star who was quickly driven away in a high powered limousine. In the after-
noon papers Shirley Temple's ar- rival after a holiday was blazoned on front pages. The small group at the platform was now exaggerated into a "huge crowd of fans and admirers". Hollywood, thy name is publicity.
Soon I was to find how clever publicity men have conspired to create the world-wide illusion about Hollywood. The film colony is but a very small part of the far-stretched city of Los Angeles (about the size of Bombay) many among whose population are no more concerned with movie-mak- ing than the average resident ot Bombay. Not even two per cent of the population is engaged in film work and there are far more churches than studios, more real estate agents than actors. Even in the quarter which may be called Hollywood (once it was an inde- pendent town but to-day it is an undefined suburb of Los Angeles) it is difficult to find much of the glamorous atmosphere that is as-
Film fame is short-Uved. Clara Bow the 'it' girl, once the darling of the screen, to-day runs the 'it' cafe.
sociated with the movie capital. It Is a beautiful enough town— not unlike other towns on the West coast of America — with a prosper- ous business quarter on the Hollywood Boulevard, and long rows of bungalows with gardens. There is nothing to distinguish the
Mr. K. A. Abbas.
residences of film stars and yc would never know which is Clai Gable's house unless you went c a "conducted tour of film star houses" along with a charabar full of screen struck females, is typical of the Hollywood and lj fictitious, illusive atmosphere th;j I found no cocoanut trees in tij famous "Cocoanut Grove" and tl] Beverley Hills are no hills at a Most of the studios as well as m houses of the stars are not ]{ Hollywood but spread out far ar.j wide, removed from one anothc by as many as fifteen or twenM miles. Hollywood has no longer geographical connotation. It not a town but a tradition, ar we hear so much about Hollywoc because that tradition has a con' mercial value.
THE "STARS" ARE HUMAN
Before visiting the studios I ■ cided to have a general look ;h Hollywood, to breathe in the a mosphere which was expected be so alluring but turned out be so disillusioning. I cannot, course, vouch-safe for what got on inside the homes of the sta I but outwardly they strike one I ordinary human beings. It human enough that some of the! do crazy things and indulge
40
January 1939
f ILMINDI A
temporary fits of extravagance when suddenly sky-rocketed to fame and incredulous fortune. I saw the dancing at Trocadero or eating plebian hamburgers at the Brown Derby, swimming or tann- ing themselves on the beaches or just shopping and they did not appear to be either a super-human or a sub-human race. Being a cos- mopolitan crowd many of whom have suddenly acquired a lot of money, a sort of flamboyancy of dress and deportment, a craze for the unusual and the outlandish, is inevitable and naturally the extra- girls (many of them more beauti-
Immortality in Cement — Jean Har- low's autograph and hand and foot-prints in front of Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.
ful than the real stars) try to look like Greta Garbo and Joan Craw- ford—by using the same make-up!
I do not claim to have visited all the studios or met many of the stars. I was there only for a little over a week, and unfortunately, owing to a heat-wave most of the more prominent film personalities were out for their summer vaca- tion. Moreover, publicity chiefs of some of the studios (whose Bom- bay representatives never tire of asking me to give their pictures free publicity) were too "busy" to reply to my letters asking for faci- lities to see their studios. Anyway, others were more courteous to a visiting journalist and I went round some of the biggest studios includ- ing Warner Brothers', whose publi- city department was good enough to entertain me to a lunch in the studio. I watched films being made, studied In particular the
scenario and publicity depart- ments, met men and women repre- senting all branches of film acti- vities and even broadcast a talk from the K.M.P.C. ("the station of stars"), in the course of which I was allowed not only to pay a tribute to Hollywood's leading stars but also to utter a few home truths about the anti-Indian films that are made there. And all the time while I scoured Hollywood, 1 kept thinking of our own film in- dustry—our producers, studios and stars. What, I asked myself, is the lesson that India must learn from Hollywood? Briefly summed up below are some of my dominant impressions.
HARDLY 10% ARE "SUPERS"!
We have a tendency in India to over-rate the superiority of foreign films. About three hundred and odd foreign feature length films are shown in India every year but these are not even ten per cent, of the total produced in England and in the U.S.A. These are the selec- ted ones from the more resource- ful producers. Hundreds of the in- ferior ones are never seen in In- dia. Some of these that I happen- ed to see abroad were as bad as the crudest Indian films. I do not mean to say, however, that gene- rally the technical standard of American films is not higher than that of the average Indian film. I am not surprised at it. If we had half the resources enjoyed by Hollywood studios we could assu- redly do just as well. The best equipped of our studios do not come anywhere near even the smaller Hollywood studios. This superiority is particularly marked in the matter of sound-stage con- struction, cameras, sound-record- ing apparatus, lights, automatic laboratories and, last but not the least, make-up. They are able to afford everything of the best be- cause of their extensive produc- tion activities. Each one of the half a dozen leading Hollywood studios produces almost as many pictures as are the total output of all studios in India put together. There are 24 sound stages in War- ner Brothers' Burbank establish- ment alone. Have we got 24 sound stages in the whole of India?
THAT GLAMOROUS "HOLLY- WOOD TOUCH"
The secret of that "Hollywood Touch" of elegant technique and polished presentation seems to me to consist mostly of three factors —scenario construction, photo- graphy and publicity, each of which may be briefly touched upon here.
It is not infrequent in India to start production with half-finish- ed scenario and, in some cases, no shooting script at all. The scena- rist struggles hard with his job to keep pace with production. Dia-
Granmon's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.
Iogues are often written on the set. In Hollywood I met scenarists who were busy in August, 38 on scripts which will go into produc- tion somewhere towards the end of 1939! Not one but almost half a dozen scenarists and dialogue writers start work months in ad- vance. They write, revise, re- write, polish and re-polish until the whole thing is perfect — on pa- per. Is it any wonder that so many of our films appear amateur- ish and slip-shod when compared with the smooth and slick Holly- wood productions?
Very few people seem to rea- lize in India how important is the role of photographers in "ma- nufacturing" stars. The much boosted "personality" of so many of them is but the product of clever manipulations of lights conspiring with the camera. Some- times enamel-like glamour is pro- duced by high lights, on other oc-
r41
FILM INDIA
January 193S
casions subdued lighting is used to emphasise tragedy. The haunt- ing "mystical" beauty of certain stars is achieved by photograph- ing them slightly out of focus. Next time you see Greta Garbo or Marlene Dietrich, watch how much of their screen personality Is the work of the photographer. So far has photography advanced in Hollywood that beauty is no longer necessary for a screen career. Either the dual combination of make-up and photography trans- form a gawky female into a Ma- donna or — the publicity men con- vince the world that it Is not ugli- ness at all: but "personality" — or «ven "elusive" beauty!
THAT IS SOME PUBLICITY!
Of publicity men it has been said that if they took it into their head they could convince the world that black is white and night is day. The huge publicity organizations of Hollywood can certainly per- form such miracles. I had never any idea how completely they have perfected the technique of "boosting", until I saw how the publicity departments of the ma- jor studios work. They spend al- most as much on publicity as we do on an entire production.
On their staff they have first- rate newspaper men, gossip-writers, social columnists and fashion ex- perts, every moment on the look out for new publicity angles. Every
week each studio sends out articles, paragraphs, Hollywood letters, stu- dio news, interviews with stars, biographies (and even "autobio- graphies") of stars and dozens of stills to each of the thousand news- papers and magazines on their list. No sooner does a new artiste sign o.i the "dotted line" than the pub- licity department gets busy to Hke out the last drop of human inter- est cut of his or her life for the popular press. Romances, engage- ments, marriages, divorces- -they are all mere grist to the mill of publicity.
I was present in the office 01 a publicity manager while he tele- phoned to the press the news ol the engagement of one of the minor stars to a Director. He got in touch with about four dozen newspapers and gave them the news — to each one of them In a different way. That evening a mil- lion residents of Los Angeles had read the news and acquired a new interest in that particular actress. I am not at all sure however, that the engagement was not a publicity stunt, an excuse to crash in the news columns. It is thus that un- known persons are made into uni- versal favourites. How shall we compete with them with the hush hush policy of our studios most of which are content to issue a badly written sheet very few months an- nouncing the next "glorious, gor-
geous, magnificent golden epic of the silver screen"?
WE HAVE TALENT BUT—
I have stressed these three points to the exclusion of others because in other respects we are not so backward. Some of our directors can compare favourably with foreign directors, if some of our producers are just money-mak- ing machines, most of Hollywood executives are no better. Favou- ritism, trading in the body and mind, intrigue— these are not en- tirely absent from the movie ca- pital of the world. And yet they continue to make hundreds of im- pressive pictures every year, be- cause they have a world-wide mar- ket, their profits run into millions, they can afford to buy the best equipment and the best talent ;- while we, with our twelve hundred cinemas, have to economize on everything and be content with the second best.
We have to strive for the deve* lopment of our industry and the improvement of the general level of our films. But, meanwhile, we should not be over-awed by Holly- wood but try to analyse its me- thod and its achievements with a view to adopting them to our own conditions. I came away from Hollywood a little disillusioned, a little impressed, better informed but, above all, a greater optimist about the future of the Indian film industry.
Here you see them, these excellent artistes of the screen. Mubarak, Ratan Bai and Sunalini Devi in "Sitara" produced by Everest Pic tures and directed by Ezra Mir.
42
Pound the town
"ZAMANA"
Producers: Krishin Movietone — Story and Scenario: K. S. Daryani
— Direction: Ram S. Daryani
— Dialogues & Songs: D. N. Mad- hok — Photography: S. R. Nara- simha — Recording: J. B. Jagtap
— Music: Sunderdas -- Cast: Pad- madevi (The Colour Queen), Nazir, Bansi Karnatki, Gope, Dar, Master Vasant, Gulab, Hansa Wadker & others. Releaesd at: Imperial Cinema, Bombay. Date of Relea- se: 10th December 1938.
This is a powerful story, which provides a strong argument again- st the evils of the dowry system prevalent amongst the Hindus. The picture vividly depicts the pathetic plight of a newly wedded pair, suppressing their modernism and making it serviceable to or- thodoxy, which inspite of this ho- mage indulges in merciless persecu- tion till a once promising home is wrecked and lost in grim tragedy. This picture is an entertainment of tears, — tears which come out In sympathy and leave a soothing feeling behind.
The Story: Professor Govind, i3 a modern educated youth with rich parents who are utterly orthodox. His mother is anxious to see her son wedded, preferably to a girl whose parents can give a big dow- ry. As events turn out. however. Govind marries Sushila an educa- ted girl from a poor family of two brothers, who possess only a small house in the village as their sole wealth. But the house is sold and Sushila is married to Professor Govind. Govind's mother does not receive the new bride well and now starts a villifying campaign again- st the new comer. Govind tries his best to put some sense into his parents, but fails. Affairs soon be- come tragic and the drama ends with Sushila and her two brothers dying in the lap of tragedy and Govind becoming a wreck.
Acting: Padmadevi as Sushila has a very sympathetic role to play. She does this superbly, bringing tears to the eyes
of the onlookers with her intense- ly pathetic performance. A sharp contrast to this role is provided by Gulab as the mother of the hero. Gulab's portrayal is excellent, and certain scenes she carries to suc- cess on her shoulders. Nazir as Professor Govind is good. Dar as Mohan the elder brother of the heroine wins our sympathy with- out seeking it. With an excellent diction and suitable emotion, this clever artiste has made the story vivid. In his younger brother Gu- lab. well-played by Master Vasant, Dar gets the requisite support. The comic interludes were portrayed by
Mr. Ram Dariani, our smallest and youngest director whose recent effort "Zamana" has won the applause of all.
Gope and Amir Karnatki rather well. Hansa Wadker showed con- siderable improvement in a minor role.
Production: Ram Daryani, the Director of this picture gets our congratulations for the clever di- rection of a beautiful story which was not so easy to handle.
The scenario of the story was beautifully written with a pro- fessional eye on balancing the dra- matic values. K. S. Daryani right- ly enjoys the reputation of being called the "Shakespeare of Sindh".
(The reviews published under this section are use- ful both to the average cine-goer and the exhibi- tor. Several technical aspects which are of im- portance to the exhibitor in his bookings have been treated here in short, maintaining, at the same time, the casual interest of readers in general.)
The story of Zamana does him great credit, as Mrs. Leelavati Munshi. M.L.A. put it while open- ing the picture at the Imperial Cinema.
The photography was generally good and beautiful in outdoors. Recording called for a little more care. Dialogues are beautifully written. The music was pleasant and correct. Padmadevi's songs particularly appealed due to her melodious voice. Editing of the picture is praiseworthy.
Points of Appeal: In saying that no one should miss this excellent picture, we have said everything about it. The instruction in the picture, however, is implied in its treatment on the evils of the dow- ry system. The performances of Padmadevi, Gulab and Dar are at- tractive and worth a visit. The picture takes our vote as an excel- lent production with an intensely sensible subject.
"THE STREET SINGER"
Producers: New Theatres Ltd. — Story & Direction: Phani Mazum- dar — Photography: Dilip Gupta and Sudhish Ghatak — Recording: Loken Bose — Dialogues: A. H. Shore — Songs: Arzu — Music: R. C. Boral — Editing: Kali Raha — Cast : Saigal, Kanan, Jagadish, Bik- ram, Ramkumari and others — Re- leased at: Minerva Talkies, Bom- bay. Date of Release: 24th Novem- ber, 1938.
It is a romance of the streets. Two orphans — a boy and a girl- team together to make a living pri- marily as street singers. Their rise to fame and adventures on way are described in the story with the ultimate dis-illusionment after ac-
43
FILMINDIA
January 1931*
Quiring fame and wealth. The whole affair looks a bit amateurish.
The Story: Bhulua and Manju are two orphans whom fate has brought together in their early childhood. Bhulua who has a ta- lent for music, trains up Manju to be a good dancer and singer. They trek for the city — in this case, Cal- cutta and there by another trick of fate meet Amarnath a theatre owner. Very soon Manju becomes a star, more due to her personal charms than to her musical at- tainments. Bhulua who doesn't get his chance, consoles himself by helping Manju to her stardom. Both love each other very deeply, but circumstances had not yet helped them to give it an express- ion. In their pursuit of ambition, love remained a forgotten quanti- ty. Manju becomes a roaring suc- cess and soon finds herself recei- ving the warm attentions of her proprietors. In the midst of this new found fame, Bhulua and Man- ju are for a time estranged. After a period of misunderstanding, Bhu- lua thinking that Manju no longer wants him decides to quit. But im- mediately he is gone, Manju reali- zing the wrench of suppressed love, chases him and ultimately finds him below a tree, after a very convenient storm scene. There love expresses itself and Bhulua Manju once again go back to the streets where they had found their early happiness.
Acting: Saigal as Bhulua given a very subdued performance. His music however is a strong recom- mendation. Kanan is good in parts. In music she comes off well with her more famous partner. Jagdish as Amarnath, the theatre owner, does what he is asked to. The pity is that not much was de- manded from him. His dialogues are superbly delivered. Bikram is not much. His slapstick inter- ludes fail to convince. Ram Ku~ mari merely served as furniture. The others don't do anything worth remembering.
Production: The scenario is far from satisfactory. The entire de- velopment of the story is weak and shows lack of experience in using dramatic values. The theme of the story had plenty of possibilities, but alas—
The direction was experimental. Photography was not satisfactory and far below the usual N. T. standard. In several shots, the lighting erred by being profuse. Kanan's glamour suffered the most due to bad photography. The re- cording of sound was also defect- ive. Sets were apologetic, particu- larly the theatre set. Rai Boral the music director could have made the picture popular by giving a number of popular tunes. Why he didn't do so remains to be explain- ed. The dialogues, though good, had too much of Urdu idioms in them. A simpler language would have been more welcome. Barring song number 11 and the 3rd and 5th lines in song No. 10, the rest of the song composition did not strike one as particularly intelli- gent.
Points of Appeal: Saigal and Kanan, teamed together for the first time, give a couple of good songs. Some outdoor village shots are praiseworthy. As an entertain- ment, the picture is quite good, though slightly boring in the early parts.
"INDUSTRIAL INDIA"
Producers: General Films Ltd., — Story, Dialogues, Songs and Direc- tion: Mohan Sinha — Photography: Gordhanbhai Patel, Date and Kukde — Music: H. C. Bali, Anil Biswas and Mushtaq Hussain — Recording: Engineer, Arora and Suraiya — Editing: Barodekar — Caste: Shobhanadevi Samarth, Prem Adib, Wasti, K. N. Singh, Aundhker, Mirza Musharaf and Shamadevi. Released at: Royal Opera House — Date of Release: 19th November 1938.
This picture has a vibrant mess- age to give to the country. It ad- vocates a complete industrializa- tion of the country from a national viewpoint. The story has a power- ful motive, being serious in design, but it is made entertaining, being light in execution. In the present day dawn of our nationalism, such a picture would have been warmly welcomed for its stirring national message had its presentation been better.
The Story: Manorama is the spi- rited daughter of a wealthy Mar-
wari speculator, who soon loses all money in gambling bringing tra- gedy into the family by his own death and by the death of his own son and wife. Manorama and Malti, her younger sister become orphans and are thrown on the streets by the creditors of her father. Manorama hunts out for a job, and finding none in the so- cially permissible vocations, she takes up to screen acting. There she meets Suresh, the son of a Marwari millionaire. Suresh is the film director of the Company and has taken the film line inspite of the opposition of his father, who has driven the son out of the house in consequence. In Suresh, Malti meets a twin soul as both have identical ideas about the emanci- pation of the country by industria- lization. Through several exciting circumstances, Suresh at last finds himself the proprietor of a film company, started with a gift from his indulgent parent, and with Manorama as the leading star. Financial difficulties soon embarass the hero, who has to put up with a general strike by the employees. Complications created by a jealous villain in Jagdish, set in and the story rushes to one concluding cli- max where Suresh's father is ask- ed to choose between jail for his son and a change of heart and opinion about the wisdom of in- dustrialization of the country. He backs up his son and Suresh and Manorama are once again reclaim- ed by the family, with a new-born child thrown in, to add the homely warmth to a delicate romance.
Acting: Shobhana Samarth as Manorama gives a beautiful per- formance. At places it is too beautiful for words. Her dialogues are forcefully and correctly deliver- ed while her actions are full of life. In giving the best performance of her screen career so far Shobhana has also ably supported Prem Adib whose role as Suresh, the hero is also a successful portrayal. Baby Indira as the younger sister prove3 piquant and lively, Vasti as Jag- dish the villain, in a rather weak role, gives a tolerably good per- formance. Singh is superb as tho Marwari father of the hero. The concluding sequences he carries to
44
MEERA —
When she bursts into a song, the theatre becomes a heaven. And she does that three times in "Bhabi" the new social picture of Bombay Talkies Ltd. now drawing crowds at the Roxy Cinema, Bombay.
ft
January 1939
FILM INDIA
success on his shoulders. Aundh- ker is utterly stagy and fails to convince with his defective and affected accent. Mirza Musharaf is at times a welcome relief as a slapstick comedian.
Production: The continuity is a jumble of ideas, and several se- quences have been unnecessarily stretched. The direction is pain- staking throughout but hardly imaginative. The dialogues being pointed and purposeful provide the high spots of the picture. The pic- ture needs some drastic editing to assemble several scattered thoughts into a thought provoking pleasant theme. The lofty conception of the central theme however covers several minor defects.
Points of Appeal: Several indus- trial problems are treated however with a touch of novelty. The light treatment while providing com- plete entertainment does not at the same time fail to be forcefully I instructive. Shobhana's perform- ance leaves behind a pleasant me- mory not to mention the superb backing up given by Prem Adib.
"DOUBLE CROSS"
Producers: Bhavnani Productions — Story, Scenario and Direction: M. Bhavnani — Music: Badri Pra- sad — Photography: Berko and Mistry — Recording: Behram Bha- rucha — Dialogues: Rai Mohan — Processing: V. S. Marathe — Cast:
' Bimla Kumari, S. B. Nayampalli, Fatty Prasad, Amina, David and
> others — Released at: Super Tal-
• kies, Bombay — Date of Release: l 24th November 1938.
A detective story fashioned after the Western "Quickies", this pic-
I ture is essentially meant to meet the box-office demand for such
1 fast pictures which appeal to the lower classes. It is unfortunate that after 25 years of film pro- duction, our producers have still to give such pictures to balance their economic existence. There is no other serious motive in this parti- cular picture except that of provi- ding entertainment with some ex- citement and a bit of laughter in
• a. plot familiar to all.
The Story: A scientist in Pro- fessor Mukerji has struck upon the formula of making artificial dia- monds. Sister Romila is overjoyed at this, but the information soon leaks out and Romila's uncle Ro- mesh Chandra, a speculator having a large number of shares in the Orient Diamond Mines is on the brink of ruin owing to the sudden reaction on the stock market cau- sed by the inventor. Romila has to choose Kapur, an ungainly as- sistant in the Orient Diamond Mines as per prospective hus- band, to save her uncle and to help her brother. And now the sequen- ces draw in a native state of Pani- pur and a villain in the shape of Sardar Mulkraj is introduced. He wants to ruin the owner of the
Renuka Devi, the star of "Bhabi" a Bombay Talkies picture.
diamond mines who is helping the young King of Panipur against the Sardar. The Sardar tries to get the formula from the Professor and in his attempt to get it, the picture becomes a detective yarn. Of course, he ultimately fails and Ro- mila and Kapur are married with everyone happy in the end.
Acting: Nayampally as the Sar- dar gives |his stock performance with a diction that needs two years more to be perfect. Bimla Kumari as Romilla is harshly treated by the camera, but she gives a couple of good songs. Fat-
ty Prased creates, a few spots of
weak laughter in association with Amina, who looks more like a man in a woman's garb. She seems to be perfectly unsuitable for the screen. A. S. Gyani gives a pretty good performance but finds it difficult to get over his Sindhi way of speaking Hindusthani.
Production: In a picture of this kind, a bit of crudeness is taken for granted. The photography is ra- ther amateurish and sound record- ing has numerous defects. The processing is also faulty. The sub- ject hardly calls for any directorial touches, and the director seems to have got rid of his responsibility as quickly as possible. The music however, is good, being popularly tuned. Song No. 2 sung by Bimla is definitely pleasant to hear. The dialogues are common but the song compositions are well rhymed, though they hardly show any flashes of intelligence.
Points of Appeal : Bimla Kuma-
n's good singing is pleasant to hear. The slapstick look of Fatty Prasad may appeal to the children. Though the mystery in the picture is too obvious, yet some peoplo might like the detective trend of the story. The speed of the picture is another selling argument.
"BHABI"
Producers: Bombay Talkies Ltd., —Screen Play: Saradindu Baner- jee — Direction: Franz Osten— Pho- tography: Wirsching & Pareenja: Recording: S. B. Vacha— Music: Saraswati Devi — Dialogues and Songs: J. S. Casshyap; Cast: Re- nuka Devi, Jairaj, Meera, Maya Devi, M. Nazir, V. H. Desai, Rama Shukal etc., Released at: Roxy Talkies, Bombay.— Date of Release 17th December, 1938.
This picture is like a beautiful perfume that does not intrude. Beautiful in conception and neat in execution the story is a mas- terly blending of soothing pathos and elevating romance. It is a harmonious poem of picturization with every sequence courting ami- ably with the other. The theme
47
FILM INDIA
is a mild satire on society but does not annoy or provoke at any stage and leaves behind a pleasant impression.
Renuka Devi is a remarkable discovery as a star of the screen. Her performance has that distinc- tive grace and poise which can only be associated with a lady of culture and education. Her per- sonality has a fragrance that we so often miss on the Indian screen. Renuka must be seen of- tener on the screen. Bombay Tal- kies owe this to their fans.
The Story: The story opens with Tirath a poor young man ly- ing on his death bed. Tirath's death would make Bimla, his young and beautiful wife an orp- han. The thought of her being left unprotected at the tender mercies of a cruel and unkind world makes the approaching death look horrible to Tirath. Ki- shore, his old college friend, rushes to his bed side and promises to look after Bimla in spite of the world. Tirath dies. Bimla is now in the charge and care of Kishore. They are staying together — she a poor and beautiful widow and he an unmarried young man. Scan- dal starts and tongues begin to talk. Kishore's father, a religious fanatic, hears of the scandal, ar- rives in town and surprises his son. A hot interlude and Kishore is disinherited and disowned. Bim- la is still with him as the sacred trust of a dear departed friend, in spite of the slandering tongues. And now by coincidence, Kishore comes across Renu the only daugh- ter of a wealthy doting father. Love sees and responds, etc., etc. But in Anupam a young waster, their love gets its acid test. Through scandal, separation and heart- burnings, the story moves to num- erous beautiful locations, till it reaches one beautiful climax where love triumphs and scandal dies. Indeed, a 'beautiful story- soothing ana suggestive.
Acting: Renuka Devi as Renu the heroine of the picture is al- most a beautiful vision of grace and charm. Her performance has to be seen to be appreciated. She
doesn't merely act, but lives her part to perfection. Stepping gracefully out of the screen, she glides charmingly into the heart of the audience to stay there as a gentle memory with a soothing ache. Bombay Talkies have found another Devika. Meera as Bela flutters well as a society butter- fly, while Maya as Bimla the young widow lives up to be a symbol of stoic resignation. Three different women but three different types and all interlinked cleverly with the life of the hero— none too much, none too less— and yet there all the time, seen or felt, that is the finesse in the art of story tell- ing, which one finds in this pic- ture. Jairaj as Kishore gives a good, vigorous portrayal punctuat- ed at times with suppressed rage or grief. Rama Shukul is a good addition to the Indian screen. As Anupam, the main obstacle in the whole scheme, he turns out to be a successful nuisance. And can we forget V. H. Desai as the ner- vous father of the heroine? In a light character portrayal, this graduate of law is superb. He may have failed in our law courts, but on the screen, No! He provides many a tickle with a humour that excites a smile but does not provoke a laughter.
Production: Photography, re- cording or other technical work is beautiful. Editing is clever. Franz Osten has excelled himself in di- rection. It is subtle and clever. The dialogues are intelligent and intriguing. The music is plea- sant. The beginning of the pic- ture is rather slow, and in between there are a couple of slow sequen- ces. But barring this, which can hardly be called a defect, the pic- ture deserves every praise that can be given.
Points of Appeal: Renuka's per- sonality and performance should not be missed under any circum- stances. Meera's songs are sung with a lilt peculiarly her own. And the story and its treatment are by themselves worth more than you may pay for. The pic- ture has entertainment and ins- truction. Make it a point to see it.
January 193{'|
"FILMINDIA" AGITATION VINDICATED
(Continued from page 13)
censure in the correct spirit in which it was meant, he is report- ed to have said as follows : —
"I would like to have an official ruling as to what episode of Bri- tish history we can now make intf a film. I made "The Life of Nel- son"— with Admiralty co-operation — and the French weren't annoyed. The Admiralty lent me H.M.SJ "Tiger" to make the "Flag Lieute- nant" about a British garrison be- sieged in the Persian gulf — and the Arabs weren't annoyed. The War Office lent me troops to make "Mademoiselle from Armentiers''— and Germany wasn't annoyed. The Residency in Lucknow is still preserved as sacred ground. The flag which flew during the sie?,c has never been lowered since 1853J My story was in memory of the birth of co-operation between the two nations. Half the troops whoj defended the white women and] children in Lucknow were Indians."!
Admitting that "that the flag which flew during the siege hasi never been lowered since 1858." thanks to the diplomatic sense of the British, we may as well point out that the danger to the flag would unnecessarily be hastened if men like Maurice Elvey start thinking loudly in the way he has done.
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For full particulars write oo:
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22, Apollo Street, Fort, Bombay. Phone No: 23315.
48
Studio Close - Ups
SAGAR MOVIETONE:
The studio has several pictures In hand just at present. Director Luhar has completed "Service Ltd.*' while Director Badami has kept "Ladies Only" ready for release. 'Director Nandlal whose services lhave been specially requisitioned ttor a big costume picture is for the present busy with a social subject to be produced during the interval, (during which time preparations will be made for that superb pro- duction "Prithvi Vallabh", a novel by the Hon. Mr. K. M. Munshi. The scenario of this story is being writ- ten by Mr. Baburao Patel, Editor iif "Filmindia".
i Director Virendra Desai has Already started shooting his pew social picture. Director .Vlehboob's social picture is now re- ceiving finishing touches and is ikely to come to the screen some- 'jime in the month of February.
itiANJIT MOVIETONE:
"Professor Waman M.Sc", direct- ed by Manibhai Vyas was released U the West End Cinema on the ' Oth of December to a very appre- ciative crowd which unanimously proclaimed it to be a good detective Harn produced efficiently.
At the studios Director Jayant |)esai is shooting the last scenes of Sant Tulsidas" while Mr. Chandu- al Shah is taking the indoors of Achhoot". Director Kardar's pic- ure has been christened "The pck" and is likely to grace the creen sometime in the month ol larch.
Chaturbhuj Doshi has taken up a |ocial subject with a theme which e says is unusual and not so far pen on the screen. Let us believe im.
.OMBAtf TALKIES:
Crowds going to the Roxy an- lounce the release of "Bhabi" the iew picture of Bombay Talkies fea- ijring Renuka, Meera, and Maya, "he change of cast and the supply
of variety in talent seem to have attracted success for this picture.
At the studios, Mr. Himansu Ral is busy with a new social subject which will go to the studio floors for shooting within a week or so.
WADIA MOVIETONE:
Director Ghadialli is giving finishing touches to "Jungle King" which is expected to come on the screen by the time this issue is in your hand. Mr. Raja Yagnik's "Vijay Kumar" is now in the edit- ing room and will be ready for the screen in the first week of this month. Other pictures under shooting are "Punjab Mail" under the direction of Mr. Homi Wadia and "Jai Swadesh" by Mr. Aspi Irani.
GENERAL FILMS:
"Industrial India" directed by Mr. Mohan Sinha proved to be po- pular at the Royal Opera Hous^, and its theme had particular at- traction for the intellectuals of the city. Director Gunjal who has taken over charge of " Pati Patni" Is now giving it the finishing touches and once again we might have the chance of seeing a really good picture featuring Sobhana Devi Samarth, who has given such an excellent performance in "In- dustrial India".
The Fazalbhoy Brothers have big plans for the future, to be cor- rect, already in hand, and some of these plans are likely to bear fruit In the near future by way of an amalgamation with another big studio in the city.
RUBY PICTURES:
"Prem-ki-Jyot" which is consi- dered to be an extraordinarily good social picture by certain cri- tics, is entirely ready and censored for the screen. It is expected to come at the Imperial Cinema in Bombay sometime in the month of February, after "Zamana". which is running at present, completes its run at the said theatre.
Mr. D. Billimoria and Madam Sulochana are now concentrating
on a new social subject to be taken in hand in the second week of January.
MINERVA MOVIETONE:
"Talaq" and "Pukar" two new pictures are fast nearing comple- tion under the able supervision of Mr. Mody. "Talaq" which will be completed in a short time is ex- pected to be released at the Krish- na Cinema in a very short time.
KRISHIN MOVIETONE:
"Zamana" a powerful social pic- ture based on the evils of the dowry system amongst the Hindus and directed by Mr. Ram Daryani was opened on the 10th December at the Imperial Cinema by Mrs. Lilavati Munshi, M.L.A., in the pre- sence of a very large crowd of edu- cated citizens of Bombay.
The picture created a big sen- sation owing to its novel treatment of a very pathetic theme in which Padmadevi has given a superb per- formance in a role full of pathos and tragedy.
The vast audience was moved to tears and the success of the pic- ture is assured at all places.
PRAKASH PICTURES:
"Mr. X" starring Ratan Bai, a picture directed by Mr. Khosla is booked for the Super Talkies and will come on the screen by the time this is in print.
EVEREST PICTURES:
Ezra Mir is now shooting "Sita- ra", a gipsy story in the interiors at the Film City. He expects to finish the picture by the end of January and it will come on the screen sometime in the month of February. The music given in this picture, by Mr. Rafique Guznavl is considered to be the best effort of this talented music director and already people are found whistling the attractive tunes.
BHAVNANI PRODUCTIONS:
"Double Cross' was released at the Super Talkies during the month and because of its being a detective thriller it received good support from the lower classes. Mr. Bhav- nani is now thinking of producing another social thriller with Bimla Kumari in the lead.
49
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January 1939
FILMINDIA
PARAMOUNT FILM CO.:
"Midnight Man" directed by Ki- kubhai Desai has brought home very good reports of succcess not only from Bombay but from Delhi and other distant places regarding its box-office merits. "Madhu Ban- sari" is the next item on the pro- gramme of releases and the picture will take about a month more to be completed. Under the capable direction of Mr. Nanubhai Vakil, Sarojini who is featuring in the picture is reported to have given a very good performance.
In addition to all these the stu- dios are busy with "Amazon" 'Golden Gang" and "Adventures of Sheik Challi".
MOHAN PICTURES:
Director K. Amarnath has com- pleted "Midnight Mail", a mystery thriller featuring Yasmin, Gulab, tfazir and Indurani. It is shortly to be released In the city and the producers expect it to be a big sue :ess. Director A. M. Khan is busy with two pictures namely "Lady Davalier" and "Ransangram". Sverything seems to be in a joyful nood in the studio, as reports keep >n coming of the huge box-office •eturns of "Cyclewali".
POONA
SARASWATI CINETONE:
Director Chowdhary is giving his final finishing touches to "It's True" a social picture with a theme centering around untouchability. The picture has some beautiful out- doors from Benares and Indian cine-goers would incidentally en- joy the privilege of a free pilgrim- age when the scenes are unfolded on the screen.
The other unit in the studio under the leadership of Mr. Nana- saheb Sarpotdar is busy with the shooting of "Bhagwa Zenda" a Ma- ratha historical full of action and costumes.
PRABHAT FILM CO:
Director Kale's "My Son" which was released during the month at the Central Cinema in Bombay did not prove such a box-office draw as was expected. Affairs therefore at the studio are being very care- fully planned for Mr. Shantaram's next picture.
Director Shantaram is taking up a social story written by Mr. A. Bhasker Rao with dialogues from Mr. Kanekar. Mr. Shantaram ex- pects to give a powerful social story to the numerous Prabhat fans.
KOLHAPUR
HUNS PICTURES:
"Brahmachari" is running like a mad riot in the city carrying every- thing before it to a huge success. Apart from the commercial profits earned by the company, Director Vinayak has become the popular hero in the eyes of the people, at- tracting attention wherever he moves in Bombay or Poona.
In keeping with this new found reputation as a good director he has once again done the double by giving another sensationally good picture in "Devata" produced with a story of Mr. Khandekar. All those who saw the preliminary trials of "Devata" have indulged in unanimous praise and with excu- sable exaggeration. The next item on the production programme of Huns is called "Search for Happi- ness", the story of which is writ- ten by Khandekar again.
ARUNA PICTURES:
Researsals of "Netaji Palkar" bave now been completed and the picture has gone into shooting in the last week of the last month. The musical portion of this pic- ture is reported to be very attract- ive and adding to it the usual di-
Photo taken on the occasion of Mr. Goyder's visit to the Abdulla Fazalbhoy Institute, Bombay. From left to right: 1. Mr. M. A. Fazalbhoy, 2. Mr. C. W. Goyder (Chief Engineer, All India Radio), 3. Mr. Y. A. Fazalbhoy, 4. Rev. Father Palacios S.J., (Principal, St. Xavier's College), 5. Mr. A. G. Bhate (Secre- tary of the Institute).
51
FILMINDIA
January 193?
rectorial genius of Mr. Pendharkar "Netaji Palkar" is expected to be a roaring box-office success.
CALCUTTA
NEW THEATRES:
"Dushman" is being shot steadily and the final big scenes have Peen recently taken with plenty of In- teresting songs from Leela Desai and others. Miss Leela Desai Is re- ported to have given a wonderful dance taken in 82 different shots.
Director Mullick is busy with "Bar-Didi" while Phani Muzumdar is shooting some out-doors of "Ka- palkundala". "Snake Charmer" in Hindi and Bengali is a gipsy pic- ture and is being shot regularly in the out-doors.
FILM CORPORATION OF INDIA:
They announce the shooting of "Rise", a new picture which is sup- posed to be the successor to " Asha". We only hope that it be- comes a really good successor and does not disappoint like their maiden picture.
SOUTH INDIA
PONNAMBALAM PICTURES,
(Coimbatore) :
"Eknath" is reported to have drawn good houses when it was re-
leased in the mofussil last month. The future programme of the company is not known.
CENTRAL STUDIOS,
(Coimbatore) :
"Rambha's Love" is ready for re- lease. The next picture that will soon go into production is called "Bhaktha Prahlad" with Master Mahalingam in the lead.
JAYA FILMS, (Madras):
"Vimochan" should have been on the screen by the time this issue Is in your hand. Two telugu pictures in "Kalidas" and "Mahananda" have already gone into shooting and the producers expect a lot from them.
VAUHINI PICTURES, (Madras):
" Vande Mataram" is fast near- ing completion. From the reports that we receive and from the ad- vance publicity that the producers are giving to the picture, there is no doubt that the picture will prove a paying proposition to the produ- cers.
MADRAS UNITED ARTISTS
CORPORATION:
Director Subramaniyam is fast progressing with the shooting ot
"Thyagbhoomi". With S. D. Subba- lakshmi, Baby Saroja and Papana- sa Sivam in the lead, this one it expected to be the box-office hil| during the 1939 programme of vti leases.
MOHAN MOVIETONE, (Madura):
"Yayathi" produced at the Filn Corporation of India Studios I Calcutta and directed by Mr. Tam don was reported to be runninf rather well. Backed by good pub licity in the South, this pictun should pay back to its producer its 'cost', if everything goes on welli Let us hope so.
MAHALAKSHMI STUDIOS,
(Madras
"Inbasagaran" is now ready fo release. "Prem Sagar" in the Hin di version is now in the editini room and by the time this is ii print it ought to be ready for tto screen. The future programme o the studio is not yet announced.
JUPITER PICTURES, (Tirpur) :
"Orphan Girl" was released i; the Crown Talkies last month to very appreciative audience. Mr. M, K. Radha is reported to have ex celled himself in this picture.
A shot from "Imperial Mail" produced by Indra Movietone. The one in the centre is Gulshan
52
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Featuring: Yasmin, Nazir, S. Nazir, Miss Indurani, Miss Gulab, Master Gulam Kader, Master Shirazi etc.
Directed by: K. AMARNATH
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Starring: RAJKUMARI & VAZRE Directed by: CHUNILAL PAREKH drawing crowds at the GLOBE TALKIES: BOMBAY.
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Featuring: Miss Indurani, Yeshwant Dave, Urmilla Devi, Baby Indira, Shirazi and Haroon.
Directed by: CHUNILAL PAREKH
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Proprietors : Filmindia Publications Ltd. 104, Apollo Street, Fort, BOMBAY.
Editor: BABURAO PATEL
Vol. 5
FEBRUARY 1939
No. 2.
GIVE US A SQUARE DEAL
With the National Planning Committee plan- ning the industrial future of the country, it is necessary to define the place and purpose of the Indian film industry in the future planning of a new nation. •
The Indian film industry is 25 years old this year. Today it employs over 40,000 people in its different branches. Over 17 crores of rupees have been so far invested in the Indian film industry. We have over 1300 cinemas spread over the coun- try, including touring cinemas and over 40 regu- lar film producing companies. We have nearly 85 journals and periodicals solely devoted to the industry. Every year the Indian film industry requires raw films worth over 40 lakhs of rupees. The machinery and accessories we buy from foreigners every year cost us about 20 lakhs of rupees. And with all this material, our film in- dustry produces about 200 films per year. The industry spends every year on these pictures Rs. 2,00,00,000 at the average rate of Rs. 1,00,000 per picture.
Now let us see what the industry pays out by way of taxes, duties, interest and advertise- ment.
In 1937-38 over Rs. 2,00,000 were paid as im- port duty on machinery.
F I L M I N D I A
Over Rs. 4,66,451 were paid as import duty on raw films.
Over Rs. 15,00,000 were paid to the railways for transit.
In addition to this nearly 20 lakhs of rupees were paid out as income-tax to the Central Gov- ernment. Add to this the entertainment tax paid to the different provincial governments (which works out at 10% of the gross takings), electric tax (generally heavier for the film industry than for the others.)
In short it is assumed that the Indian film industry has been giving to the Government nearly half-a-crore of rupees every year in dif- ferent taxes and duties. Since 1929 up to now the Government must have received over 5 crores of rupees from the Indian film industry, apart from previous revenue which cannot be assessed for want of sufficient statistical information.
As against this revenue during all these years, the Government has spent exactly Rs. 1,93,900 in appointing the Cinematograph Enquiry Com- mittee in 1927, the report and recommendations of which Committee have been shelved as usual.
In addition to all these taxes and payments to public utility concerns such as the Railways and the Electric Companies and minor taxes to the local bodies like the municipalities and the Local Boards, the Indian film industry pays out nearly 45 lakhs of rupees per year to the newspapers in advertising alone.
And just because of all this, the Indian film industry ranks seventh in importance and is con- sidered a key industry.
An industry with these vast country wide pi'oportions and influence must find an important place in the scheme of national planning.
In Germany the film industry is controlled and aided by the Government. It is an all import- ant instrument of propaganda and education. In Italy, the industry is also controlled by the Gov- ernment to build a new nation, while to the Soviet the film has been one of three important planks of national propaganda — the other two being the press and the radio. The French. Government has
4
February 19:i
been spending a large amount every year to pm duce more and more educational pictures. Evt! the Government of the United Kingdom has bee providing protection to its national film industi by a Quota Act, Tariff barriers and the Cinem j tograph Act of 1927, (which has been recent', revised) .
The world and other nations have been tr; veiling fast to protect their film industry and u: it to the full for educating their people and coi solidating their national ideals.
India has been doing nothing of the sort i far. The Government has been merely pocke ing a huge revenue from year to year for the la; 25 years.
The National Planning Committee must tal this matter in hand seriously. Some of the pr< blems which should recommend themselves 1 the attention of the Committee are as follows:-
1. Quota Act — to enforce exhibition of a ce tain percentage of Indian films in all theatres- to enforce compulsory exhibition of newsreel documentary and educational films in all theatn as a side programme with the main feature.
2. State aid for the production of newsreel educational and documentary films.
3. Supplying projectors to schools, college! and industrial institutions for the spread of visu, education and the national language (Hindusth
4. Providing a Central Advisory Board f< the Indian films on the lines of the British Fil j Institute.
5. Establishing a Central Technical Institu for the training of talent and for carrying on fu ther research.
6. Grant of scholarships for technical trai ing overseas.
7. Grant of medals and awards of merit f| a certain standard of efficiency and new researi work.
8. Establishment of a State Bank for tl financial backing pf the industry.
bruary 1939
FILMINDI A
9. Preventing foreign financiers from obtain- rg control over Indian film industry. (This dan- fc is imminent now).
10. Protective tariff in imports of films and ichinery.
11. Increase of valuation and duty on ex- ;ed films.
12. Establishing a factory for manufactur- ; raw films and other photographic materials, eferably a state-aided concern.
13. Stopping the foreigners from securing teatres or a chain of theatres, as is being slowly stfne at present.
14. Banning and generally overhauling the cnsoring rules to keep out pictures ridden with sx and crime.
15. Investigating possibilities of foreign rarkets for Indian films.
16. Scrapping the entertainment tax and re- qcing electric and other charges proportionately.
17. Providing unemployment insurance.
18. Stricter enforcement of the Workmen's Gmpensation Act and the Factories Act.
vling
19. Licensing the theatre operators and pro- to them facilities and protection.
These are some of the problems which the Iitional Planning Committee must face when teparing their plans for the Indian film industry.
The object of National Planning is to improve tie life of the community, mould its economic cistence, widen its outlook on life, provide it a ijgher stake to live and compete, secure equitable retribution of the rewards of labour and last but ' it the least, create a patriotic desire for the hilding of a new nation. And for all this, what ae can be a more powerful instrument of pro- banda than a cinema film?
"Young as the industry is, the burden of its tture development rests upon the provincial fvernments whose concern it is to surround it vth conditions calculated to promote its growth ad popularity." These remarks in the recent <mmunique issued by the Government of India
while clearly defining the rights of the provin- cial governments also throws on them a great res- ponsibility.
Will our film industry get a square deal? Let us wait and see.
MR. HIRLEKAR'S PIONEERING CONTRIBUTION
Unless one finds out for himself the unfor- tunate fact that it is almost next to impossible to get any correct information and collect the vari- ous statistics about our film industry either from the different governments or from those actually working in the industry, one cannot realize the importance of the invaluable contribution of Mr. K. S. Hirlekar in publishing his new booklet "Place of Film in National Planning".
In a foreword to this all important log of reliable facts and figures about the industry, the Hon. Mr. K. M. Munshi, the Home Minister to the Government of Bombay says "Mr. K. S. Hirlekar, who has considerable experience in the subject and has taken pains to study the question from all its aspects has written a thought provok- ing pamphlet. It gives an idea to the reader as to the role, the film has played in other countries of the world and what are the difficulties in the way of its playing a similar role effectively in India."
Written in an unmercifully patriotic spirit the little book bristles with facts and figures eloquent of the apathy with which the Central and the Provincial Governments have so far looked at the Indian film industry.
We recommend the book to all serious stu- dents of our film industry, but particularly point out its significance as a practical help to the National Planning Committee.
THE PRICE OF POPULARITY
The price of a single copy of "filmindia" will be eight annas from the month of March. The annual subscription will however remain the same —that is Rs. 5 per year for inland and Rs. 8 for foreign countries.
Why has the price to be put up? Well, popu- larity has its own price. The sales of "filmindia" have been going up for the last 18 months and
FILM INDIA
February I
to-day its overwhelming popularity threatens to cut down its existence if we continue to sell the copies at the old price.
We do not want to make large profits nor do we want to lose on it. In this business of publish- ing magazines, as soon as a periodical becomes popular the cost of paper and printing increases, while the revenue from advertisements and sales practically remains the same. It does not there- fore pay to sell more copies, unless we increase the price and allow the demand to grow.
"fllmindia" being a profusely illustrated magazine with an excellent get-up becomes an expensive publication. To keep the old price would compel us to reduce the standard of pro- duction which we are sure our readers would not like.
The only alternative therefore was to raise the price, which we hope our readers will accept, with their usual spirit of friendliness.
The new price is prompted by our anxiety to give to our readers a better magazine every month.
Subscribers' Prize Scheme.
The Result
The prizes are awarded as follows to the following subscribers. Subscribers holding the winning numbers are request- ed to forward their copies, in tact without tearing the page, to our office before the 15th April 1939 and the prize amount will be remitted by M.O. After the 15th April 1939 no claims will be entertained.
1st Prize
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Copy No. 3865 2846 850 3867 961
The next 20 prizes are awarded to the following numbers: 2305, 3485, 4506, 4448, 3396, 3864, 2843, 2878, 3869, 4932, 4937, 4205, 4218, 3250, 2300, 3167, 3148, 4925, 4230, 2845.
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litis section is the monopoly of "JUDAS" and he writes what he likes and about thing's which he likes. The views expressed here are not necessarily onrs, but still they carry weight because they are written by a man who Knows his job.
RDAR OF THE INDUSTRY
We do not like to use foreign parallels when we /e in our country men who even without the luck 1 opportunities of those foreign dictators like ler, Mussolini and Stalin, have in them the power sway the nation with their utter sincerity and xiotism. One of such great men is Sardar Vallabh- li Patel a symbol of discipline and power, in grim •suit of the patriotic ideal of liberating our coun-
To us the Sardar is worth more than all those fo- >n dictators put together. The Sardar is also 3wn for quick decision and grim determination. In the last one month the industry has jumped ear ahead in activities. A month back men were ;ping and things were lg in a dull stupor. Then ne the eloquent and stir- g appeal of Mr. Chan- lal Shah to all in the lustry to wake up and JBebrate the Silver Ju- lee of the Indian film lustry. Mr. Shah want- to vindicate the pro- ss of 25 years by anising a stunning >w that would take the
ath away from our foreign competitors and open eyes of the authorities and the people by stress- the importance of the film industry in the life of ation which is still groaning under the shackles foreign bondage.
In a day things changed, and the irresistible en- siasm of Mr. Shah took the others by storm and h a submission and unity unknown to them be- they all fell in a line to make the Silver Jubilee ibrations a grand success.
Meetings upon meetings, for the first time fully ded. were convened. Complete unanimity ruled 1 decisions were taken and resolutions were passed, ss sheets went out to the papers with hot news of activities and the industry began to throb once in with new life. All under the Chairmanship ot Chandulal Shah, who ruled out objections with left gesture that would do honour to Chanakya. was some achievement to bring together the dif- nt warring elements who had constantly quar • ;d amongst themselves goaded by jealousy, under banner of a common celebration.
Sardar Chandulal Shah
The recent press communique issued by the Gov- ernment of India, right in the wake of a deputation that waited upon the Hon. Commerce Member, Sir Mahomed Zafarulla Khan under the guidance of Mr. Chandulal Shah is the direct result of the agitation and propaganda by the Indian Motion Picture Con • gress.
Let us go a little behind the scenes to give our compliments to the man who deserves them for these unique results. When the proposal of leading a de- putation to the Hon. Commerce Member came up for discussion before the Executive Committee of the. Motion Picture Congress, the majority, not realizing the far reaching importance of such propaganda, seemed definitely set up against the idea.
And for two hours the pros and the cons were discussed with no decision. It was the moment for a strong man to step in with grim determination. Mr. Chandulal Shah stepped in and in doing so stepped on the opposition, with the result that the deputa- tion was ultimately led with such significant and im- portant result as is embodied in the press commu- nique of the Government of India.
We are sure that Sardar Chandulal Shah will make the Silver Jubilee Celebrations a success, even if it comes to only one man doing it. That is grim determination and sincerity of purpose.
Are we wrong in calling him the Sardar of the Indian film industry?
HULLO! DR. GILDER?
Once again we find an unholy mess in the tim- ings of our cinema shows. Since the order of the Commissioner of Police to close down all the cinemas in the city by 12-45 a.m., the timings of the shows have become so erratic and unregulated that it is al- most next to impossible for the audiences to arrive in good time for any show.
The first matinee show on holidays starts any- where between 1-30 and 2-30. The variations in this range are 1-45, 2, 2-15. The usual first show on a week day starts between 4 and 5-15. The second show shifts between 7-15 and 8 p.m., while the last show may begin anywhere between 9-45 and 10-30 p.m.
A collection of the advertisements for the shows gives the following timings: 1-30, 1-45, 2, 2-15, 2-30; 4, 4-15, 4-30, 4-45, 5, 5-15; 7-15, 7-30, 7-45, 8; 9-30, 9-45, 10, 10-15, 10-30. It is just mere luck that they don't begin a show at 10-35i minutes.
9
FILMINDIA
February 19
The whole affair is too stupid and betrays a lack of unity in thought and action between the different departments of the film industry.
It is needless to state that the audience which never knows when the shows will really begin, soon gets tired and disgusted, with the inevitable result of a poor collection at the box-offices.
An appeal for commonsense has proved useless in the case of the distributors or the exhibitors of the city.
But there is another side to this question, which must recommend itself to the attention of the Gov- ernment.
As a general rule, Indian film programmes take 2i hours for a single show. Some programmes are even longer.
This long programme, with the present show timings rubbing against one another, compels the showman to let out the audience of one show by one door while letting in the audience of the next show by the other door. This procedure has been going on for a number of years, even before the Police Com- missioner ordered the theatres to close down at 12-45.
A visit to the theatres in the city brings to mind one paramount impression, that they have very few things in common with a modern well equipped show house. Some of the theatres, which still enjoy the indulgence of the Police Commissioner's license in- spite of protests, are no better than pig sties with- out ventilation.
The average seating capacity of a theatre is 1000 persons. The minimum admission rate is four annas. The Indian film is more popular with the poor masses
than with the other classes. The shows overlap o: another with the result that the theatre is nev empty — not even for five minutes— which means th the theatres are continuously occupied for over elevi hours. Hygiene and health are not things known the poor of the city.
With these conditions prevailing for years, is any wonder that our city cinema houses provide tl best hothouses for breeding and transferring eve disease?
No cinema in the city, with the exception of couple of English picture houses, has installed ai air purifiers.
One wonders how this vital problem of publ health has not yet struck the Hon. Dr. M. D. Gildi our Minister ior Health. We find him rushing abo in a sincere panic through the entire province, clo; ing liquor shops, opening hospitals, giving grar speeches on health and hygiene and promising heaven of health to the citizens, when these theatre which are right under his nose, continue the trag work of spreading disease in the city.
As a medical man, he will realise the necessil of clearing and purifying the air between two show
All over India, we find theatres having two shov per day, with a big interval between the two show But in Bombay, perhaps the most crowded city in tl country, the theatres have three continuous shov' without any intervals in between.
The urgent need of the hour is to fix the show, thus as to leave a minimum interval of thirty minuttj between two shows. During this interval, the a: purifiers must work full strength (provided it is mac
It is obvious that Mr. Baburao Pai's partnership in Prabhat won the popular vote. When Mr. Jagannath Patel ("Bauer" representative in India) gave a luncheon at the Taj in Mr. Pai's honour, every prominent film personality, barring of course the stars, wielding big business was present — perhaps for the first time in the history of the film industry. Sardar Chandulal Shah presided at the function.
10
*ruary 1939
mpulsory to install them), a batch of sweepers list sweep the floors, clean the seats and wash off in' and spittle.
It must be made compulsory for the cinema ;ner to maintain a menial staff of at least 12 per- ns to give the auditorium a quick cleaning rub thin half-an-hour. These men are more important the public than the well fed managers and the .lf-sleepy door keepers we see at our theatres.
Air purifiers, at least four for a theatre with ited and certified capacity of purification, should made as compulsory as the fire-extinguishers.
Complete compulsory disinfection about 3 times jtweek should be insisted upon, preferably under the tfidance and supervision of the municipal authori- t s.
I These are some of the things which our Minister ur Health should start doing first. We do not want lerely a minister for health. We want Health. Kherwise we get the other one who ministers at lath.
fcrcw AIR PURIFIERS
That brings to mind a new invention which gave d a bit of a pleasant surprise the other day. We refer U "Lumitra" Ozone generators. It is an attractive
fdget which gives a violet glow of light when work- k|g and while doing so spreads ozone in the room to
rrify. In science, Ozone is known as a more active flite of oxygen which destroys bacilli. Ozone which ■Inature's medium for purifying, deodorizing and re- Utivating the air is formed by the passing of rays « the sun through the atmosphere.
These "Lumitra" Ozone generators seemed to do Itjs job of purifying the air rather well and a bit mickly. We tried a generator at the office and :tpught it a marvellous improvement over the exist- •ig purifiers.
If these "Lumitra" people only had a bigger tfeatre model, then the problem of purifying the air
I our theatres would soon be solved!
Beg your pardon, they have. These fellows must , we us a free demonstration at one of our theatres.
(SECRETARY FOR THE CENSOR BOARD, PLEASE!
The Bombay Board of Film Censors needs a lit- t re-organizing if the department is ever to be real-
I I useful to our film industry in addition to merely • anting a paper certificate for films.
I The British Board of Film Censors is a very use- if. institution. It is organized suitably to meet all jt; demands of the film industry and the film critics. Illmaintains complete statistics of the industry, peru- w scenarios, passes posters and publicity and all Us in addition to censoring features, educational and d;umentary films. The British Board is a well orga- ned institution.
I We can't say that of the Bombay Board of Film fchsors. The Bombay Board has hardly got a secre- cy of its own.
FILM INDIA
1
With a alnr, ,Nst,tute
^PloytTy/Uture a»* COrner> I am r°Und the Parent will „ SUre- every
should be^rZf young men
Engineers to Z„ 03 Radio careers. Wln successful
My advice i* u !*V own exopwl based °n last 20 yea?s )en°e, f°r the a»d allied*! tke Ra^ Cause I find & Und be-
s°'bed jn * bo ab-
, hate r-r,™ ' Ration. i0™mercialiSed
sca e loses athpr°fit making »ell as the dealPUrP°Se °s er"ment charnL No G°v- countrys edVatf With the ; f°r Profit. eaucatlon does it
^%GOtra^DlO IN- | I? Radio, TaL- Students f p\0ne and ' allien I' Tet*- . banned buff. fieIds. fessoriate, stud?l?ent Pr<>-
theoretical side °nr the them practical' t d 1 Ohe ?K extensZ Zf^ *nd workshops biiiTatories experience of 20 , 1 °n an "ot for profil hutVrarS- 1 am
aappSrUercPiateeVefl Parent Point andm^fl ?hls view
"'"are oHhTlT f°r ^ Voung men present~daij
Sernf01DlSrospectus to- n;^/^!rr 80, 459
5: .. iif '
11
FILMINDIA
Some months back when Mr. J. O. Bartley, who was acting as the Secretary left, Mr. Pai, one of the inspectors took over his duties. Mr. Pai's first job is to peruse and pass films. After he finishes this job, he begins acting as a Secretary.
A very queer procedure for a permanent depart- ment. Isn't it?
Mr. Bartley was a part time man as others, pre- vious to him, have also been. His principal job was in the Elphinstone College, so he attended the Cen- sor office for 2 hours every day. And for these two hours, he got Rs. 350 a month, a salary at which the Government can get a well qualified man for full time work.
The Censor department is self-maintained. The Government has not to spend on it. And yet no ef- fort is being made to organize this department on modern lines to meet the demands of the industry.
Men in the industry want statistics for guidance and information about contemporary institutions in the other parts of the world. Who else should sup- ply this information but the Censor Board? The British Board of Censors does. Why shouldn't our Board do it?
A whole time Secretary, of course a qualified In- dian, can certainly do all this and make Mr. Pai free to examine films, which is his main job.
MOTION PICTURE SOCIETY AND ITS NEW PRESIDENT
A communique issued by the Government of India states that the Motion Picture Society of India has been granted recognition by the Government by in- cluding it in the list of other recognised commercial bodies.
This should have been done long before. But even at this stage it is welcome as the Official recog- nition of the Society as the only representative body in the Indian film industry goes to prove that the agitation of the Society in the past has had its full effect cn the authorities.
The official communique bristles with results achieved by the Society by agitation on different
12
February 1:
fronts. Reduction of duty on raw films, increase i assessment value and duty on exposed films, abfl tion of drawback in duty on exposed films, grant concession in railway fares, revision of censoring n thods, supply of statistics to the Society and mail taining statistics of the import of cinema equipmei are some of the results achieved by the Motion P ture Society.
But all this is the result of an intensive agitati which was going on prior to two years. For duri the last two years, different jealous elements in t Society have been warring with one another with t result that no further useful work or propaganda h been done.
The Motion Picture Society is the only body wi a background of experience and achievements to r present thoroughly the motion picture industry India. All that the Society now needs after the r cognition by Government is an annual grant from t| Government to defray a part of its expenses for £ spread of educational and documentary films.
The annual grant can be justified on the groui that the Motion Picture Society apart from being body representative of all the different interests the industry, is primarily an institution for further ing the progress of educational and documentary filr in the country. Fashioned after the British Film Ii stitute in its objects and ideals, the Motion Pictu Society certainly deserves an annual monetary gra: from the Government. Of course, for the corre organization of its affairs, the Society may have accept a little official supervision, but such supel vision, if enforced, is bound to do it more good tha bad.
Who could ultimately achieve those objects A the Society as originally planned, but Sir Rahimtullsj Chinoy its present President? Sir Rahimtullah hai pens to be a commercial magnate in the city. S reorganize the Society on new lines, or even to juvenate it, will not be a difficult task for him. The: is no glory in being a President of an institution whi is heavily involved in debts, as the Society is at pn sent. Will Sir Rahimtullah take this work in har immediately?
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If you had to choose between 12 monthly payments of Rs. 1,350 and a lump sum of Rs. 15,000 which wouh you prefer ? This is not merely a pleasant abstract problem, but one which you may actually have to decide ven soon if you enter for this Competition. Apart from that covetable alternative First Prize there is a large sum reservec for Runners-up and unlimited attractive Extra Awards for all solvers who commit jour errors or less. As usual, thos< who solve the Clues with the greatest care will reap the largest rewards — so do not fail to make full use of th< Practice Square below :
CLUES ACROSS
1. Solving the Clues of these puzzles
is not a difficult one 4. Of a pale j ellowish colour
8. Not transparent
9. Sharp blow
10. A stimulating one often helps to cheer up a person who is depressed
12. Vain and conceited people are apt
to take this too seriously
14. Withered
15. To cast amorous glances
16. Sooner or later most philanderers
find themselves in difficulties through these
13. In most countries a vast amount of
money is recklessly wasted on . , . 20. As before, or in like manner 22. Spell of enforced economy is apt to
make many a former spendthrift
this
24. Average man's is seldom proof against an attractive woman's wiles
26. Sensitive youngster is much more
easily this than one who is self- assured
27. Child's plaything
29. Australian running bird
30. External covering of fruit
32. A notion
33. SucS persons are notoriously mere
often good-natured than otherwise
34. It is apt to upset a wife when her
husband is this in presence of strangers
CLOSING DATE FEBRUARY 10th.
N.B. — The Entry Fee in this Competition is Re. 1 per entry and Entry Squares will be published in the issues of January 22nd and 29th.
|
26^ s |
H |
A |
|
*E |
||
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1 |
4 |
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ONLY ENTRY SQUARES CUT OUT FROM "THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA"
of January 22nd or 29th will be accepted
COI'iES AVAiLARLE I ROM ALL
CLUES DOWN
1. Most young mothers find thai
having a baby to look after is i big this
2. Commonplace
3. Desire to attract attention make;
many a spoilt child this in grown- up company
5. To ascend
6. Ornamental fabrics
7. Most Commonsense Crossword
solvers are keenly appreciative of this
11. Bashfulness causes many a youth to be this in his manner with young women
13. Flesh of edible animals
15. Middle-aged women who try to make themselves look young some* times make themselves look this instead
17. To hear that a friend is in trouble usually makes a warm-hearted person this
19. A poor one seldom evokes much sympathy
21. Reversed spelling of word meaning
an idler or shirker
22. Such remonstrances seldom have
restraining effect on wilful youngster
23. Jumbled spelling of stayed
25. Farewell
26. Frequently rouses feelings of extra*
vagant pity in most of us 28. Anything borrowed is, until repaid 31. To bend the head in assent
NEWSAGENTS
7L EDITOR'S IMIIb
1 •
! Headers "when you are worried " write to me. I will do my best
j in serving you. Serious matters ivill be treated seriously, wliile
i tiijijiant letters will receive Mice replies. — The Editor.
'rom: Bipin B. (Baroda).
I am starting on a foreign tour this year. Will ananbala accompany me if I pay all her expenses?
Why do you particularly insist on Kanan. She gets plenty of fun and excitement here without having to go to any foreign country. Why. I will accompany you, if you pay for all the expenses. But if you insist on taking a film artiste, then why don't you submit your proposal to Shanta Apte? She has been thinking, loudly enough, of going across and might accept your offer.
^rom: C. L. Victor Lazarus (Bangalore).
How many Indian film actresses have been to lollywood?
None so far, but one can never say. So many of them are nowadays threatening to visit Holly- wood. I think Hollywood should be warned.
''rom: R. Ramana Murthy (Vizagapatam).
Why did Nitin Bose introduce only two girls in ,'Dharatimata"?
Because he hadn't more stuff on hand just then. Is Pankaj Mullick superior to Saigal in singing? Yes! Miles superior.
?rom: S. Karecm (Nellore).
On the screen we see our Anglo-Indian screen |?ir!s in saries. Do they wear the same dress in real life?
Yes, sometimes when they go out with the Indian directors. At ether times, the sari is an obstacle especially in motor cars.
From: R. Dookie (Durban).
If I become an actor in one of our film companies what shall I do?
Everything else but act. You will begin by dress- ing well, swank and looking wise. And with this the average career of an actor begins and ends.
From: Nanoobhai B. Patcl (Bombay).
I saw the December issue of your paper very care- fully but I could not find any advertisement from Pra- bhat. What has happened to these Prabhat people?
If you miss the Prabhat advertisement in "filmindia", you will find it in another Anglo-Indian film magazine, with a message from Shantaram thrown in for grace. And after all done and said. Prabhat proprietors are pro-
ducers, and as such they must maintain the tra- ditions of their competitors in the country.
Several people are in the habit of singing film songs in their bath. Why do they do so? Why don't they sing these songs in the open?
If they dare to sing them in the open, our pro- ducers would chase them and rush them into their films. Some of these amateurs sing better than our film stars and naturally enough, they must take precautions against our enterprising producers, by straining their vocal muscles in the confines of a bath. There is however another side to this problem. Most of these bathroom singers are nervous people, who unconsciously burst out into a song thinking that they are alone in the world. They hardly have any consideration for those outside.
From: Barindra Krishna (Chupra).
Please let me know why Mr. Shantaram or the authorities concerned at the Prabhat Film Co., do not allow their employees to let the public know their respective salaries?
There is probably not much to know. It is a well known fact that Prabhat does not believe in big salaries as producers in Bombay and in Calcutta do.
From: K. Krishnamurty (Tenali).
My friends tell me that Mr. Shantaram directs all Prabhat pictures but puts other names like Damle, Fatehlal and Kale for a change?
I don't think so. though Mr. Shantaram is report- ed to be helping his colleagues rather generously. After all Mr. Shantaram is the senior director and if he places his services at the disposal of his other directors to express his sympathy in their work, he is merely improving the pictures of his own company. Several common friends however state that Mr. Shantaram was largely responsible for the unique success of "Tukaram".
What has become of "The Unexpected" which was sent to the International Exhibition in Venice?
The picture was very well received by the judges and even Czechoslovakia offered to buy it, but Prabhat didn't fancy exploiting the foreign field just yet.
15
FILM INDIA
Some think that the last portion of "Gopal Krishna" is bad because Mr. Shantaram poked his nose in it?
Even producers have to maintain mythological traditions and they could not avoid the last scene. As regards the other point, Mr. Shanta- ram would always improve it by his suggestions and not spoil it as some people choose to think.
From: Vipin H. Jhaveri (Surat).
It is said that the intellectual development of a person depends on individual diet. What sort of a diet do our film stars take to develop their intellec- tual capacity?
Seeing some of our stars and their physical pro- portions, it is obvious that they have never wor- ried about intellectual attainments. The "diet" which they must be swallowing only seems to add to their weight. At present the only persons who need exercise any intelligence in their work are the publicity men of the studios. They have to add glamour and beauty to the stars — sometimes even sex — justify the criminal waste of money and energy by the directors — and prolong as far as possible the ultimate end of the producer. All this needs intelligence and these publicity boys are kept on real "diet" — starvation diet it is call- ed.
Suppose you are asked to act with Shanta Apte. Will you do so willingly or unwillingly?
Willingly of course! But I am not much good at acting. But this is all a supposition as you have put it, so why worry?
From: H. V. Gowd (Bellary).
Please name some of the prominent Mahomedan actors, actresses, directors and producers.
Actors: Kumar, Nawab and Mazhar Khan
Actresses: Ratan Bai, Khursheed and Anwari
Directors: S. Fatehlal, Mehboob and Kardar
Producers: M. and Y. A. Fazalbhoy of General Films Ltd.
From: A. V. Ramakrishna Rao (Tumkur).
I want you to recommend me a couple of books on Cine Photography and where I could get them?
"Handbook for Motion Picture Photographers", by H. C. McKay and "Film" by Sieveking & Mor- row are two useful books for the students. You can order them through the New Book Company, Hornby Road, Fort, Bombay.
From: M. S. Ramachandran (Madras).
Why arc you not publishing photos from the new productions of Prabhat?
Where are the productions and where are the photos? You shall have to wait a bit longer.
Which is the better picture — Manzil or Mukti?
I liked "Manzil" better. Didn't you?
February 19
From: Krishna Rao Kisri (Cocanada).
Can you tell me something about Trilok Kapu How has he done in the "Secretary"?
He is the younger brother of the famous act Prithviraj Kapur. Trilok shows signs of becor ing a really useful artiste. He is enthusiastic ai modest and is willing to learn. Quite a good be he will someday be a top liner if he remains modest devotee of art. His work in the "Seer tary" was good and enterprising.
From: Govind (Bangalore).
How is that no pictures have been produced c incidents in our two epics — the Mahabharata and tl Ramayana?
Where have you been all these days? Not oni have our producers produced every incident froi! these two epics but they have added some moi and thus improved on the works of Vyas an Valmiki. Seeing some of these additions, on wonders why the spirits of these two poets di not strike down the offending producers. Perhap they thought, like me, that things would neve improve. Poor poets!
From: T. M. Hamsa (Madras).
Who stands foremost among the cinema critics o India?
This is an important question and you shoulc answer it as a reader. In fact, all readers shouli answer it. Why don't you all answer it — min< you, truthfully and frankly? I invite all my rea ders to drop me a postcard with their opinion i about the best critic in our film industry.
- , ■ m
From: Shyam Sunder Bhatnagar (Santa Cruz).
How would you like if "Gandhiji" were to ac as "Villain" in a national picture called "India Strug gles" along with "Miss Mayo" as the heroine, "Nevilh Chamberlain" as the hero, Bank of England to finance and "Jawaharlal Nehru" to direct?
What about Mahomcdally Jinnah acting the blind singer?
From: A. Purshottama Rao (Ponnur).
Compare Shanta Hublikar with Shanta Apte in points of singing and acting?
Is a comparison necessary, now that the famous Prabhat director Shantaram has chosen Shanta Hublikar to star in his new picture? Both the girls are in the permanent employment of Pra- bhat and who could assess their talents better than Shantaram? Surely Shantaram would not take a lesser artiste for his picture when a suitablB one is available. Shantaram's decision to take up Shanta Hublikar should be a pointer for yoni judgment. Besides, with Prabhat correct casting is more important than mere star value. Pro- bably Shanta Apte did not have a suitable role.
February 1939
FILMINDI A
From: Ghafoor Ahmed (Banda).
I want to know something about Wadia Movie- tone?
There is not much to know in this company. They produce pictures which in utter modesty they label as "stunt" pictures. Even Nadia getting down a staircase is expected to be taken as a "stunt". See the "Flying Ranee" and you will know both the past and the future of Wadia's.
From: B. K. Chaudhury (Cawnpore).
Which of the following pictures contributed to- wards film technique and art this year: "Dharati- nata", "My Son", "Adhikar", "Jailor", "Baghban", 'Industrial India", "Asha", "Poornima", "Brahma- •hari" and "We Three".
"Adhikar" proved a high water mark in film craft. "Brahmachari" proved that film comedies if cor- rectly produced could be big successes. "Dharati Mata" pointed out that even classic subjects could be considered for film production. "Baghban" proved by its huge success, that luck plays a great part in film production. "Jailor" provided Sohrab Mody with an excuse to tour the Punjab. "Industrial India" provoked the thought that film producers can think of moulding public opinion to develop our industries. "Asha" pro-
vided an object lesson to those who have money but lack experience in production. "Poornima" proved that dogs and horses were not absolutely necessary to make a picture a success. "My Son" brought home the fact to us that even Prabhat can sometimes produce weak pictures.
A Lahore magazine called "Adhikar" 'good', and "Jailor" 'very good', while you call "Adhikar" very good. How do you explain this?
What do you think of it yourself? If you think "Adhikar" to be very good, you have only to fol- low "filmindia" for your future guidance. Don't believe these Lahore papers — they are sentimen- tal and affectionate. When they praise they be- lieve in extremes. Sohrab Mody must have been 'very good' to the man who called "Jailor" 'very good'. There is another way of being 'very good'. It begins with a two page advertisement.
From: C. S. Reddy (Kurnool).
Who is Leela Chitnis and what is her screen career?
Leela Chitnis is a young Bene-Israel girl. Till a year back she was a married woman with child- ren. The children she has still got, but the hus- band is divorced. She is one of our few good
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17
FILMINDIA
artistes and has worked in several pictures, pro- minent being "Beyond the Horizon" and "Gen- tleman Daku". She will soon be seen in "Sant Tulsidas" produced by Ranjit Movietone.
From: S. M. Syed Ahmed (Galle — Ceylon). Who are the proprietors — of Ruby Pictures?
It is a partnership concern between Miss Ruby Myers (Sulochana) and Mr. D. Billimoria.
What about East India Film Coy? What about them? They probably discovered that picture production did not suit their tem- perament.
From: P. M. Maya (Cochin).
Do Shanta Apte and Sabita Devi subscribe to "filmindia"? .
I know, rather we all know, that they do not fail to read it. Why should they subscribe when over a thousand bookstalls all over India sell the paper and they can always buy it on the quiet without my knowing it. The trouble however is that they don't keep quiet after reading.
From: V. Hanumantha Rao (Rajahmundry).
Who is the better artiste: Shanta Apte or Devika Rani?
Devika Rani.
From: Manick Lall Ghose (Calcutta).
Whom do you think to be the better dancer bet- ween Lila Desai and Sadhona Bose? Sadhona Bose.
From: Chiman N. (Surat).
Why does the Ranjit studio produce a lot of pic- tures?
To maintain a large staff and to feed a large number of theatres. The Ranjit studio has a greater national importance to our country and industry owing to its big annual production pro- gramme than those studios who produce only a few pictures a year under the guise of quality.
From: L. S. Kumar (Nagpur).
Who is the best character actor on the Indian screen?
Mr. Baburao Pendharkar.
From: R. P. Mehotra (Cawnpore).
Mira Devi of "Vachan" seems to be a promising lady?
Promising? Yes! But only promising l From: S. L. N. Murty (Karimnagar).
Two days back I had the of seeing Prabhat's
"The Unexpected", the so much exaggerated film. I do not somehow or other, find it at all to be a nice picture. What do you say for it?
February l!i|
Opinions differ and one has every right to enti.B tain his own. I liked "The Unexpected" for sevB ral reasons. Vide my review in October 1937 iss I if you have the copy.
From: K. L. Narasimha Rao (Masulipatam).
Does Meenakshi of "Brahmachari" fame ex* Kanan of "Vidyapati" in acting?
No.
From: J. R. Mantha (Parvatipur).
Are cinema actresses advocates of birth-contrc
I think they favour the other productions. Wi the film industry in such a precarious financ: position how can the poor actresses indulge in t luxury of a motherhood. And yet several of the are happy mummies.
From: W. C. Varma (Benares).
I want the photos of Leela Desai, Mollina, Gre Garbo, Kanan and ail other girls of the screen. W you send them to me?
What do you take me for, a frame maker match maker? Write to the girls directly.
From: P. H. Basava Raju (Bangalore).
What is your object in publishing "Kicks Kisses" in "filmindia"?
I get both in the industry. The surplus I pai on to my readers. I hope you don't mind.
From: V. Narayan (Madras). Can you define "film tecnic"?
I shall try to when you learn to spell it.
What was Phani Mazumdar before he direct* "Street Singer"?
An assistant director under Mr. P. C. Barua.
From: V. Ramadurai (Erode).
May I know why Sabita Devi and Director Badan left Sagar?
We shall soon know why? Have a little patienc
Will Mr. Saigal give me an interview if I go ov« to Calcutta?
Oh yes! He will even receive you at the statioi But I wonder what Mr. Saigal will talk to you!
From: K. Gopalkrishnan (Vellore).
How many graduates are there among the India
screen actresses?
If you mean the University product, there are tw registered ones. Mrs. Enakshi Ramrao and Mis Nalini Turkhud.
Who is the actress on the cover of your Decern
ber issue?
Sunita Devi of Ranjit Movietone.
18
notes and news—
RANJIT & ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Ranjit Movietone who usually produce the largest number of pic- tures in a single year, have secur- ed the release right for a period of one year at the Royal Opera House. This popular theatre will of course remain under the manage- ment of Ideal Pictures Ltd., but the programmes will be arranged by the Ranjit Movietone. This brings two theatres in the city under the Ranjit control. "Sant l| Tulsidas" will be the first Ranjit i picture to grace the Royal Opera i House.
FILM PRODUCERS AND THE COMMERCE MEMBER
On the 10th January a deputa- I tion of the leading film producers of the city led by Sir Rahimtullah ; Chinoy, the President of the Mo- tion Picture Society of India wait- ■ ed on the Hon. Sir Mahomed Za- farullah Khan, the Commerce Member of the Government of India, during his short visit to the city.
Consequent upon the lead given by "filmindia" with regard to the huge profits made by the distri- butors of the foreign films, the de- putation pointed out to the Hon. Commerce Member that over 55 lakhs of rupees a year were sent out as nett profits to foreign pro- ducers. The Hon. Commerce Mem- ber was urged upon to increase the assessment value of the exposed films coming into the country and raise the import duty thereon suitably when the Ottawa Agree- ment terminates in the near fu- ture, while maintaining the pre- sent duty on the raw films.
The deputationists further stres- sed the necessity of establishing a Central Body to guide and advise the Indian film industry in the same way as the British Film In- stitute in England or the Federal Department of Visual Instruction in Germany.
FILM STARS BOYCOTT GERMANY ?
"A declaration of Independence" calling upon President Roosevelt
to sever economic relations with Germany, has been drawn up by a group of prominent film stars and motion picture executives.
Some of the prominent signa- tories are: Edward G. Robinson, Fred Astaire, Bob Montgomery, Miriam Hopkins, Joan Bennett, Claudette Colbert, Paul Muni, G. Marx, Ginger Rogers and Bette Davis.
Copies of the declaration will be presented to the theatre-goers for endorsement and it is hoped to obtain 30,000,000 signatories in sup- port.
That will be something for Hitler to think of.
UNITY IS STRENGTH !
Paris Cinema owners recently ex- pressed their dislike for new taxa- tion on them by the authorities by closing down all the cinemas for three days. The new taxation which was proposed to be imposed on them would have necessitated their increasing the prices of the seats by 50^. The cinema owners refus- ed to penalise the public thus.
For three continuous days Paris the city of lights and pleasure had all the picture houses closed.
The Deputy Premier, M. Chau- temps agreed to the new tax being suspended pending an inquiry into the grievances provided the cinema owners agreed to re-open imme- diately. But the cmema-owners had no use for compromises.
AMERICANS FINANCE THE BRITISH !
20th Century-Fox the American firm will invest £1,000,000 in a pro- duction programme at the Gains- borough studios at Islington. This means that the future Gains- borough productions will be finan- ced by the American firm. In this connection, it is significant to re- call that early last year Gaumont- British closed down their £300,000 studios at Shepherd's Bush.
Now the problem of financing Gaumont-Britlsh and Gains- borough is automatically solved.
NOW NO VACANCY! Mr. Baburao Pai for years associated with the remarkable success of Pra- bhat pictures has now accepted a fifth partnership in the Prabhat Film Company of Poona. Mr. Pai being of course the most enterprising among the partners of Prabhat, we expect that studio to give us more and better pictures in future.
Production will continue under the control of Maurice Ostrer and Edward Black, with Robert T. Kane of 20th Century-Fox working in liaison.
In India also, we are threatened with an early invasion from the foreigners.
BOYS MUST NOT SEE CRIME PICTURES
On account of the serious in- crease of juvenile crime in the dis- trict, Sittingbourne and Milton Council have decided to ban the showing of horrific films to child- ren under the age of 16.
Mr. A. J. Bedelle, the Chairman of the Council said that the boys brought before the magistrates for shop breaking had not only copied film gangsters but improved on their methods.
The British Board of Film Cen- sors at the suggestion of the Lon- don County Council classified these films as "H" to provide guidance to the exhibitors.
What about the crime pictures coming to India with a tragic re-
r~ 121
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2 8 NOV 1938
We have great pleasure to inform you that we are entirely- satisfied with the picture as well as sound reproduction of tne BAUER Double "Standard 5" projectors with the "DELUX" Panel type amplifier and the "Hi-Lo-PHONlC" Combination speakers supplied to us for our Nishat Talkies, Bombay.
We are not waiting this as novices because we were importers and distributors of high class American & German sound reproducing equipments in the infant stage of talkie industry in India and also own other theatre fitted with other costliest equipment. We really find that the BAUER sound reproduction is the best it has been our pleasure to hear so far.
Wishing you all success,
For Aboooafiie/ Aidulrehmin & Co-
• A Machine with this Imputa- tion can Alone Guarantee Satisfaction to Every Exhibitor.
M.L.A.; J.p.
International Talkie Equipment C j
Roxy Chambers, New Queen's Road, BOMIY
Sub-Agents :
Saraswati Stores, Famous Pictures, Desai & Co.,
Sonpal Talkie Film Service Central Talkies
MADI - BHUSA^jI DELHI & LAHCE CALCUH JETP8
■bruary 1939
FILMINDIA
Clarity? Can't the Censors do Lything about it?
i GAR PICTURES IX "PATHE"
, Right in the wake of Ranjit Mo- Ivtone securing the release mono- '•/ly at the Royal Opera House, {gar Movietone, rather Mr. Su- ndra C. Desai, the eldest son of I\ Chimanlal Desai, the proprie- t: of Sagar, has secured the • athe", which is perhaps the most rpular and well equipped cinema ,c the Lamington Road and in the •lart of the city, for the first re- l.se of all Sagar pictures. With pducers having more and more cect control over our cinemas, t? exhibition side of the film in- dstry will in future be consider- aly influenced by the production i erests. In a way, this is good, as pducers will realize from their On experience the causes of the p?carious existence of several of o: exhibitors and will not insist o the pernicious practice of ask- minimum guarantees for pic- tres which are no better than bily made sausages.
rhe cinemas in the city are at ppsent controlled as follows: Cen- tl Talkies (Prabhati, Minerva (pw Theatres) West End and Ryal Opera House (Ranjit). Pathe ikgar) Lamington (Wadia) and tt Krishna, the Imperial, the Sper and the Majestic for small ppducers, — 4 first run houses for Mr 12 small and independent Pro- cters.
IK. A. NARAYANAN" HITS OUT !
jpeaking as the President of the Iftrd Madras Provincial Film Chference held on the 22nd De- shber 1938 at Madras. Mr. A. *ayanan said: "It is a pity that Men less important industries tu/e officially recognised councils ap associations to voice their revances and further their in- tests, an important growing ria- siial industry like the cinema in Mich crores of rupees have been nested which affects the outlook ilife of crores of people and with W great future potentialities Jluld be without an officially re- vised central organization." facing the history of the South tyian film industry Mr. Nara-
yanan said: "A limited market heavier initial investment, without corresponding increase in the field of exhibition, a greater supply of pictures than what the market could hold and less of thought for the production of pictures that will sustain audience interest by a varied, novel treatment of subjects with timely topical appeal and a complete lack of general improve- ment in technique, have brought the film industry in South India at
Khan Bah.adur Gulam Hoosein Dossani, the senior partner of Dos- sani Film Corporation is the first Khoja gentleman of Calcutta to be honoured with the title of the Khan Bahadur.
the end of 1938 to a state of which we could not be proud."
UNJUSTIFIABLE DISCRIMINA- TION !
Condemning the discrimination shown by the Government and the public utility concerns, Mr. Nara- yanan said "The help we are get- ting from our government (in these days of subsidized industries in other countries'! for which we are paying by way of income-tax and the other usual taxes and cus- toms duty on imported raw films and recording and reproducing equipments to the tune of lakhs of rupees and for all this the cinema industry does not get a return of even one pie's worth of service, is
the continued imposition of the entertainment tax first imposed as a temporary war-time measure. In principle no more unjust or in- equitable tax could be found than this tax based on income and not on profits.
"The latest addition is the Im- position of a tax on bills and hoardings by the municipalities that has definitely throttled not only the film industry, but also the stage, throwing the stage wor- kers on the streets and adversely many other allied industries like printing etc.
"It is unfortunate that the
cinema industry alone should be
singled out for special discrimina- tory charging.
"The same is the case with the Railways with their discrimination in rates for film parcels and their withholding the concessions for film producing units, while grant- ing such concessions to others, and the electric supply companies with their unequal rates for the supply of energy for the cinema companies as compared with their rates for a few of the major industries."
Every word of Mr. Narayanan is unfortunately too true but does he forget that the ascetic popular ministers with their peculiar "Gan- dhian Hue" are not so fond of the Indian film industry?
The Hon. Mr. C. Rajagopala- chariar, the Premier of Madras, would do well to study the Presi- dential address of Mr. A. Nara- yanan during his spare time. And so should the other ministers in other provinces, because grie- vances of our film industry else- where are identically the same.
WE MOURN WITH DISNEY !
Walt Disney the famous screen cartoonist is in mourning. On De- cember 12. Disney's 80 year old father and 71 year old mother were found dead in their Holly- wood home, poisoned by coal gas from a furnace.
Disney adored his parents and only two years back he presented them their new house next to his own. India sympathises with this great artist in his grief,
23
L M I N D I A
February 193»
Mr. Chhotubhai Desai goes to Delhi as the manager of the new booking office of Paramount Film Company of Bombay.
THE CHEEKY ANGLO-INDIANS !
The 1st Class Magistrate of Bllas- pur has convicted five Anglo-In- dians and sentenced them to pay fines ranging from Rs. 50/- to Rs. 75/-. They were charged with committing a riot in the Nadam Cinema Talkie House and pre- venting an Indian gentleman, Mr. D. P. Ray, Pleader, from occupying a seat in the cinema house.
An instance of class hatred, per- haps ?
FILM INDUSTRY AS THE
8TH KEY INDUSTRY
The members of the National Planning Committee were enter- tained to tea on the 19th Decem- ber by the leading members of the Indian Motion Picture Congress.
Several aspects of the film indus- try and the role the films would play in the scheme of industrialization of the country, provided proper support was forthcoming from the different Provincial Governments, were discussed at the gathering.
The attention of the National Planning Committee was drawn to the fact that the Indian film in-
24::
dustry ranked eighth in import- ance as a key industry.
DAYLIGHT SCREEN
Dr. Takeo Shimizu of the Scien- tific and Chemical Institute of Tokyo has invented a new daylight screen which enables pictures to be shown in lighted rooms or in broad daylight after six years of intensive research. The screen is made of celluloid.
The first public projection on this new screen proved a splendid success and the new invention will soon be manufactured on com- mercial basis.
What a boon to the Educational authorities and to those who cla- mour for open air cinemas!
HONOURED AT THE TAJ
On the 20th January, Mr. Jagan- nath J. Patel, "Bauer" representa- tive for India gave a grand lun- cheon at the Taj in honour of Mr. Baburao Pai, the new partner of the Prabhat Film Co. Sardar Chandulal Shah, Chairman of the Reception Committee of the In- dian Motion Picture Congress pre- sided. All the producers, journalists and film celebrities were present for the occasion.
GUNGA DIN STOP PRESS
Ram Bagai, "filmindia's"
Hollywood Correspondent !
cables : — j
t
"Your correspondent was j
the only one invited for a J
sneak preview of R.K.O.'s J
film "Gungadin". It may j
be good entertainment for j
the rest of the world but i
for India, it resembles the j
usual Occidental idea of }
India — seen through the }
eyes of British Imperial- {
ism." !
MR. BILLIMORIA'S FATHER
Mr. M. B. Billimoria's revered father Mr. Burjorji Nusserwanji Mengushi, a retired contractor and journalist died at Billimoria on the 19th January at the age of 73. Our condolences to Mr. M. B. Billimoria.
HER TRAGIC PART
Hardly a year has passed after the unfortunate death of her husband, cruel fate has again dealt another blow to Mrs. Durga Khote. Her father Mr. Pandu- rang S. Laud passed away on the 9th January 1939 at the age of 69. Mr. Laud was an eminent solicitor and left behind one son and three daughters to mourn his death. Our sympathies go with Mrs. Laud and her family. Durga Bai is the youngest daughter in the family.
The Industrial & Agricultural Engineering Co.
NO. 9. FORBES STREET. FORT. BOMBAY.
(Plune: 25740. ♦
ALSO AT : BANGALORE, HYDERABAD AND CAWNPOKE
"Gunga Din" Rnother Sea
American
Indians Portrayed i
Ingenuity Provides
Indians N o Better than Dogs?
By KHWAJA AHMAD ABBAS
(Specially written for "filmindia")
(This famous film critic of "The Bombay Chronicle" writes this arti- cle after obtaining first hand know- ledge of the subject during his re- cent visit to Hollywood. Having had the chance of perusing care- fully the actual shooting script of "Gunga Din", no one would be better qualified to write on the subject than Mr. Abbas). — (The Editor).
It began with "India Speaks." Then came, in quick succession, "Lives of a Bengal Lancer", "Clive of India", "Wee Willie Winkie", "Tiger of Eschnapur" and only too recently, "The Drum", the Alexan- der Korda film which was banned in several Indian provinces and raised a storm of protest all over India due to the excellent lead given by "filmindia." But in none of these films has our country been libelled so grotesquely as in "Gunga Din", the R.K.O. Radio picture which is shortly to be released. It is an Imperialist propaganda of the crudest, the most vulgar sort and depicts Indians as nothing better than sadistic barbarians. It will make the stomach of every Indian — and every fair-minded foreigner — turn with disgust. Some of the scenes in it are revolting, nauseating.
I am in a position to say this because I have read the script of this infamous photoplay, visited the studio where it is being made, saw work in progress on the "sets" for this film. The memory of my brief stay in Hollywood where I made many friends and received
26
courteous treatment at many stu- dios including the R.K.O. Radio studios will for ever be embittered by the thought that in that beauti- ful sunny city they are producing such an atrocious libel on my country and my people.
INDIANS— NO BETTER THAN DOGS !
Who and what was "Gunga Din" that he should be "immortalized" by this picture? Those who are familiar with the works of that greatest of all Imperialist propa- gandist poets. Rudyard Kipling, will recall a poem by this name.
It is not a long poem and tells the simple story of "Gunga Din", a regimental water-carrier on the North Western Frontier, who dies in an attempt to save the lives of British soldiers who are being at- tacked by marauding Pathans. The purpose is obvious: to impress the world with the devotion of Indians and to teach the "natives" that the highest ambition in their lives must be such an opportunity to serve their White masters. When Gunga Din dies. Kipling makes one of the Tommies say, "Gunga Din. he was a better man than I am." That one sentence. I am sure, will be exploited to prove that the mo- tive of the story is not anti- Indian.
But the sacrifice of Gunga Din, as sublimated by Kipling, was not the sacrifice of a friend, an equal, but that ot a faithful servant. He served his masters with dog-like devotion and if a dog dies in such circumstances the noble master
Mr. K. A. Abbas.
may be moved to utter these words of patronizing gratitude, "Oh. Jack, you may have been a dog but you were a better being than us"! Those who have read Kipling and his works know the exact sta- tus which the Indian characters enjoy in his stories and poems and "Gungadin" is certainly no ex- ception.
When Kipling wrote that poem he had not heard of Hollywood. Therefore, while he turned out an excellent piece of imperialist pro- paganda, he forgot to include in the poem sufficient elements ofj romance, sex-appeal, etc., without which one cannot produce a box- office hit. But Hollywood scenarists are the most resourceful literary carpenters in the world. If it came to it they could produce a screen adaptation of Karl Marx's "Das Kapital" complete with Irving Ber- lin's "scintilating songs" and a couple of Ginger Rogers-cum-Fred
usly flnti - Indian Picture!
istic Barbarians !
:ology for British Imperialism.
itaire "streamlined dances" irown in. They have been known
have bought a novel of Upton nclair exposing the capitalist so- ety and turned it into a gangster 'hriller." To import into "Gunga in" the stock situations of regi- ental romance, Hollywood version
British-Tommy humour, "timi- ng" fight scenes and pseudo- riental hocus pocus was like jnld's play to them. They have )ne it, true to type, and the re- |ilt is the R.K.O. Radio version of >unga Din."
.DIANS CRINGING BEFORE (THE WHITE MASTERS
I Somewhere in the archives of plywood I suspect there is a sa- ed formula which must be fol- wed every time they decide to oduce a film about India. Take ky of these films — "Wee rillie Winkie", "Lives of a engal Lancer" or "The Drum", — pd you find the unvarying pat- rn. "Gunga Din" scrupulously lllows the same tradition. A Bri- ph regiment is stationed "some- pere on the tumultuous Indian brth West Frontier." The same d jokes are exchanged between pe Tommies (Cary Grant, Douglas airbanks, Jnr., Victor Maclaeglen I , pe smart subaltern inevitably Llls in love with his superior's aughter, the regimental dance is bid under the "languorous" Orien- Ll moon and is followed, in due purse, by fighting between th? jathans and the British in which od, justice and fairplay are all h the British side while the Pa- nans (called "Thugs" in this pic- ire!) are all, of course, a gang