Darryl F. Zanuck, Vice-President in charge of production, is the man responsible for bringing to the screens the first CinemaScope attraction less than 10 months following acquisition of the anamorphic lens process by Mr. Skouras. Mr. Zanuck viewed his first demonstration of CinemaScope on January 6, 1953. Less than a month later he began production of the first CinemaScope production, Frank Ross' picturization of "The Robe." Within the short period of six weeks Mr. Zanuck personally completed a program of re-tooling of all technical departments and the re-vamping of over-all studio plans for a prompt inauguration of the new CinemaScope era.
This is further evidence of the mixture of genius, imagination and daring that accounts for the fact that Mr. Zanuck is the sole recipient of three Irving Thalberg Memorial Awards and a three-time winner of the Academy Award. How methodically swift and complete has been conversion of this company's production activities to CinemaScope is evident by the fact that by Nov. 4, the studio had placed several CinemaScope productions in release and had filmed a dozen others for 1954 exhibition, with a score more screenplays in various stages of preparation for future "shooting."
With the most important and decisive of all acceptances-that of the ticket-buying public-the 20th Century-Fox production organization has well under way the materialization of a most ambitious and unquestionably history-making program of CinemaScope attractions. Hollywood, which already has characterized CinemaScope as "an unparalleled new vista of entertainment potentialities," has embarked on a revolutionary production undertaking that assures motion picture theatres of the world more than 50 CinemaScope super- attractions during the year 1954.
On succeeding pages are detailed almost a score of attractions to come from the 20th Century-Fox Studios alone during 1953-54. The reader is also provided with press-time facts regarding additional story properties to be converted to CinemaScope productions. The information has been carefully collated, so that exhibitors everywhere may be as fully informed as to this company's plans for CinemaScope as are its officers and technical, production and sales personnels.
The reader will observe that story themes run the gamut of human emotions. Best-selling novels dominate. However, the list includes adaptations of great plays. You will also find on the CinemaScope agenda for 1954 musicals of extraordinary scope. The roster, too, divulges original stories written by such outstanding writers as Philip Dunne, Thomas Costain, Nunnally Johnson and others.
Showmen, critics and public have lauded the musical background of "The Robe." To insure continuation of this quality of music, Mr. Zanuck has had Alfred Newman, musical director, organize a 20th Century-Fox Symphony Orchestra of 150 musicians. Mr. Newman, a two-time winner of Academy Awards for music, is not only an outstanding personality on the screen, but radio and TV as well. Mr. Newman has composed memorable theme music not only for "The Robe," "How To Marry A Millionaire" and "Beneath The 12-Mile Reef," but also for such films as "How Green Was My Valley," "Gunga Din," "Street Scene," "Pinky," "Wuthering Heights," "All About Eve," "A Letter To Three Wives," "Come To The Stable," "Song Of Bernadette" and many others.
Under the direction of Mr. Zanuck, these great producers have had or will have a supervisory hand in CinemaScope productions: Frank Ross ("The Robe" and "Demetrius And The Gladiators"), Nunnally Johnson ("How To Marry A Millionaire", "Night People" and "The Wandering Jew"), Robert Bassler ("Beneath The 12-Mile Reef"), Sol Siegel (Irving Berlin's "There's No Business Like Show Business," "We Believe In Love" "Pink Tights" and "Prince Of Players"), Julian Blaustein ("Desiree"), Frank Rosenberg ("King Of The Khyber Rifles"), Raymond A. Klune ("Hell and High Water"), Stanley Rubin ("River Of No Return"), Charles Brackett ("The Gun And The Cross"), Robert L. Jacks ("Prince Valiant"), Samuel G. Engel ("Queen Of Sheba"), and others of equal box office prominence.
Directorially, the CinemaScope productions listed in this report are entrusted to such notable hit-makers as Henry King, Howard Hawks, Jean Negulesco, Henry Hathaway, Walter Lang, Henry Koster, Samuel Fuller, Otto Preminger, Delmer Daves and others.
On several succeeding pages are pictured a few of numerous stars who will appear in 1953-54 CinemaScope productions. Indeed, these represent the pick of the histrionic field. Productions completed, those now before the cameras and others to be filmed will give employment to more than 150,000 players of both sexes, all ages and color, for scheduled stories, indeed, make the entire world a stage for CinemaScope.
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