Gloucestershire Echo (19/Apr/1938) - New Film Held Up

Details

• article: New Film Held Up
• newspaper: Gloucestershire Echo (19/Apr/1938)
• keywords: Alfred Hitchcock, Gainsborough Pictures, Islington Studios, London, Paul Lukas, The Lady Vanishes (1938)

Article

NEW FILM HELD UP

Cinema Strike Spreads To Studios

The cinema strike spread to-day to the Gainsborough Film Studios, Islington, and held up the production of the new Alfred Hitchcock spy drama, "Lost Lady."

Nearly 50 electricians ceased work in sympathy with the strikers, and prominent actors, including Mr. Paul Lukas, who had come specially from America to take part in the film, had a day of enforced idleness in consequence. Two hundred people were affected.

The Electrical Trades Union claim that 1,500 projectionists are on strike, but this figure is disputed both by the Exhibitors' Association and by the National Association of Theatrical and Kine Employees, the organisation which is recognised by the employers.

In spite of the strike of projectionists, London cinemas report that they are carrying on as usual and doing normal business.

The strikers are members of the Electrical Trades Union, and demand recognition of their union by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association so that their claim for a wage scale ranging up to £6 10s. a week and a 45-hour week may be discussed. The Exhibitors' Association insists that the claim should be submitted to the Joint Conciliation Board.

The E.T.U. have asked London electricians not to change illuminated signs at cinemas giving changes of programme. They have also asked all electricians in London to refuse to carry out work, particularly maintenance or repair, in any cinema while the strike lasts.

The position in the provinces is much the same as in London. Strikes are in progress at Manchester and Hull, but in neither place have they had much effect, according to exhibitors.