On today's episode, "The Studio" star Ike Barinholtz discusses his tubthumping campaign to raise money for the Motion Picture and Television Fund. And we take a Vintage Variety look back at the birth of the MPTF as covered the pages of Variety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I don't know what that says about my personality, but
I have no qualm standing on a stage with the
microphone and point to someone and guilting them into giving
us a couple extra bucks.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Welcome to Daily Variety, your daily dose of news and
analysis for entertainment industry insiders. It's Wednesday, November twenty sixth,
twenty twenty five. I'm your host, Cynthia Littleton. I am
co editor in chief of Variety alongside Ramin Setuda. I'm
in LA He's in New York and Righty has reporters
around the world covering the business of entertainment. In today's episode,
(00:39):
we'll hear from Ike Barenholtz, the multi hyphenate star of
The Studio and many other TV shows and movies. He's
out tub thumping on behalf of the Motion Picture and
Television Fund. He has a personal connection to the organization
that he will share. And then we'll dive into the
wayback machine to show off just how long Variety has
been around. We've been around so long that we covered
(01:00):
the first stirrings of the MPTF when it was birthed
as the Motion Picture Relief Fund of America in the
early nineteen twenties. But before we get to that, here
are a few headlines just in this morning that you
need to know. David Zaslov isn't giving his corporate team
anytime off this weekend. The next round of bids for
Warner Brothers Discovery are due on Monday. It looks like
(01:23):
they really do want to get this decided by Christmas.
Stay tuned and check out the Warner Brothers Discovery sale
landing page on Variety dot com that my extremely talented
colleague Dan do Perelski put together. It's one stop shopping
for anything you need to know about the Warner Brothers
Discovery sale, and you can find it on Variety dot com.
Tel Avisa Univision channels are back on YouTube. The sides
(01:46):
ended a nearly two month blackout on Wednesday. That is
surely a sigh of relief for Univision. Zootopia two is
zooming out of the gate for Disney. The long awaited
animated sequel grabbed ten point two million dollars in preview
screening on Tuesday. This sequel and weekend two of Wicked
for Good is going to be the big funnel that
drives a lot of foot traffic at the Turnstiles this weekend.
(02:09):
All of these stories and so much more can be
found on Variety dot com. Right now. Now it's time
for conversations with industry leaders about news and trends and
show business. It's not news that the Motion Picture and
Television Fund needs support from the industry, especially from those
who have done well in film and television. Healthcare isn't
(02:31):
getting any cheaper. Ike Barnholtz is a firm believer in
the Motion Picture and Television Funds ethos of we take
care of our own, and he says he has no
problem being annoying and asking people for money, as you
heard in the Cold Open. So Baron Holts is out
representing the mptf's second Act campaign to sell naming or
dedication rights to apartments and cottages on the mptf's Woodland
(02:54):
Hills campus. Baron Holts is taking up this mantle a
full century after Silence Movie superstar Mary Pickford and others
started this charity. They were ahead of their time in
seeing the need, and this industry has been better for
it ever since. Here's our conversation, Barenholtz, thank you so
much for joining me today.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
It is my pleasure I have a little bit of
free time before I start prepping a lot of food,
So this is actually a joyful.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I noticed that you were involved. You were part of
a new wave of industry folks, bold face names that
are getting behind the motion picture and television fund and
doing some fundraising, doing some old fashioned backslapping. And that
really struck me because I know one thing that the
MPTF is always concerned about, is the next generation going
(03:42):
to care? Are they understand the whole we take care
of our own ethos the MPTF.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
I joined the Board of Governors this year, and right
away they told us about the Second Act, and I
told them, literally, whatever I can do for you, guys,
I am your humble servant. I really really believe in them,
and I'm so grateful for them. So I told them
anything I can do that I have very very little
(04:10):
power in this business, but whatever power I do have,
I would love to help this amazing organization which their
whole residetra is just to help our people, and our
people need help.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Does fundraising does them seeing hosting an auction? Does that
come natural to you or is that something you have
to gear yourself up to do. I'm curious.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
No, it's funny. It comes very natural for me to
be annoying and ask people for money. I don't know
what that says about my personality, but I have no
qualm standing on a stage with the microphone and pointing
to someone and guilting them into giving us a couple
extra bucks. I've done it for the MPTF, and I've
done it for some other organizations in and around town.
(04:50):
And I'm just a real nud.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
That is a great skill, especially this time year. You
came up the ranks as like all things at once, writer, actor, comedian.
When did this great industry association come on your radar?
Speaker 1 (05:04):
I had heard about them a little bit throughout the years,
and then maybe about ten years ago, I think was
the first time I went to They have a couple
parties every year before the Oscars, the evening before the Emmys,
and I went to one of those parties and I
just learned a little bit more about what they do.
And then a couple of years ago, my cousin, my
much beloved cousin, Michelle Rifkin, who was a writer and
(05:26):
a member of the WGA for many years. She has
since sadly passed away towards the end, she like a
lot of people in this business, needed help, and she
reached out to the MPTF, and the MPTF was there
and she actually spent some time at the residences. And
so really, once I learned exactly what they do, I
(05:48):
said to Courtney Bailey and Bob, I said, what do
you need from me? What can I do for you guys?
And I learned that it's much more than just the residences, right.
The MPTF is there for people in our business if
you need some help, if you need some counseling, if
you need emergency financial assistance. We have a lot of
(06:09):
members who are much older, and the MPTF has people
to help them navigate things like the VA system. And
so when they came to me this year and said, hey,
we're starting our second Act program, will you join the
board of Governors, I could not have said yes quickly enough.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And really, it's just mind blowing to think about it.
Before Social Security was in place, people like Jeane Herscheldt
and Mary Pickford were thinking we need some kind of
safety in it. And your m SEEING is going to
help make people understand why giving a couple of bucks
a paycheck to the MPTF is a good idea and
supporting their telethons. They often have one on KTLA that
(06:48):
I always watch.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
I got to do that last year with my dad
and my brother and it was amazing bringing my dad
into all that. And it really is just to harp
on what you said, It really is just like a
couple of bucks, you know what I mean. Really is
a thing where it's like, and I hate to be cliche,
but it's like, instead of buying a couple coffees in
a month, just take that money and send it to
the MPTF. And if all the union members alone just
(07:12):
took a buck or two every month, we would make
our yearly budget every year and we'd be able to
do so much more. I think sometimes when people give
there's a thought, Oh, I have to give ten thousand dollars.
I have to get thousands of dollars. No, we will
take any amount.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Okay, ike, let me ask you so. Bob Betcher, one
of the leaders of MPTF, walks into sal Sepristine's office
and says, Okay, I need a capital campaign. I need
you to get out there. I need you to see
the first million. What does Sal respond well.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Sal, by his nature, is a yes man. But one
thing I will say about Seal Sepristine is despite all
of his flaws, he truly loves show business. He really
really loves it and it's a huge part of him.
And you know, there's lots of organizations out there that's
their mission statement is to help people, but the MPTF
is the biggest one that helps the show based people,
(08:05):
and not just actors. We're talking writers, We're talking costume designers,
we're talking builders, all kinds of people, and Sal understands that.
I think Sal does understand his obligation to this business.
And so Sal would say to Bob, whatever you need, Bob,
and would instantly start reaching out to his famous, rich
(08:26):
friends in the industry. You know, I could see Pedro
Pascal given fifty grand, I could see Leo given fifty grand,
I could see all the guys that Sal has worked
with and made money for. He would have no problem
reaching out to them and asking them to donate. Maybe
he takes a tiny finder's fee, but at the end
(08:48):
of the day, I think Sal loves show business so
much that he understands the importance of the MPTF.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I think I think he got the outline of a
studio episode, think of the guest star possibility.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
My god, this is how season three should open. I
believe it's an all MPTF episode.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
And oh, my god, with the residents out there in
Woodland Hills, they have stories, they have charm, they have
the anecdotes, they have the receipts as it were, such
a wealth out there. I thank you so much for
your time, and thank you for putting your energy towards
this great cause.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
I so grateful that you are entertaining me. We are
so so proud of this organization. And we just really
want people to know two things. One, if you can
donate anything, please do. And also spread the word. A
lot of people in our business don't know about the
MPTF and they're struggling right now, and so it's really
(09:42):
important for if you're listening to this and you know
someone in the business who needs help, send them our way.
That's what we're here to do.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Mpt dot org. It's not hard to find.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Wonderful Thank you so so much, Cynthia.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
And now let's look a little deeper at the roots
of the Motion Picture Television Fund, as covered in the
pages of Variety, more than ten years before FDR would
implement social security. Mary Pickford and a few others realized
that the factories that served Hollywood had an obligation to
support some form of retirement and healthcare plan for older workers. Pickford,
(10:18):
of course, was one of the founders, with Charlie Chaplin
of United Artists for the Motion Picture Fund. Pickford worked
with United Artist executive Joseph Schenk. They recognized Hollywood's need
for a collective safety net that is still greatly needed
and much used today. The MPTF dates its origins to
nineteen twenty one. The first mention in Variety of the
(10:40):
industry wide effort to set up a charitable fund came
fully one hundred years ago. On December thirtieth, nineteen twenty five,
Variety devoted two sentences to a burgeoning effort in Hollywood
to establish a charity to help the needy and the infirm.
Here's the full story.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Picture charity forming the Motion Picture Relief Fund of America,
a charitable organization for the needy among the picture colony,
has voted for the establishment of a temporary home for worthy, indigent,
and incapacitated members of the profession. It is expected that
immediate arrangements will be made to start the institution.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Another big force in the early years of the MPTF
was Gene Herscheldt. Herschelt was a Danish American actor who
was a big star and very popular in the industry
in the nineteen twenties and thirties. Herscheldt used his clout
to help the MPTF achieve a dream that was articulated
by Mary Pickford, building a retirement home for hard working
(11:41):
industry iites. Herschelt was creative in finding ways to fund
the construction of the retirement home. One very important initiative
was the radio drama series called Screen Guild Theater. It
aired on the national CBS Radio network from nineteen thirty
nine to nineteen fifty two. Actors don't do the fees
that they were to be paid for the show to
(12:03):
the capitol campaign to support the home. Herschelt was not
only a busy actor and active in the civic life
of Hollywood, but he also had a good eye for
real estate. He personally found the forty eight acre plot
that became the Woodland Hills campus of the MPTF. Here's
a story that ran in Variety On December second, nineteen forty.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Screen Guil Theater renewed by Gulf through nineteen forty to
nineteen forty one. Screen Guilt Theater has been renewed by
Gulf Oil Sure in its continuance the nineteen forty forty
one season. With a completion of the current series, the
Motion Picture Relief Fund will be used for construction of
a home for indigent industry workers. Geene Herscheldt, Prexy of
(12:43):
Relief Fund, said sites are being studied and decisions soon
will be made. It has been indicated that the institution
will be located in the San Fernando Valley.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
In that same December second, nineteen forty issue, the back
page is devoted to an advertised that has a message
for the town in giant letters, whatever you do, don't
let Louis be mayor down side Note the Community Chest
is not just a thing from Monopoly. It was a
regional and national charity structure that was a precursor to
(13:14):
the United Way. Here's the full advertisement.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Tomorrow's a red letter day in the Motion picture industry.
At twelve o'clock, a big meeting will be held at
the Biltmore Hotel and in the presence of officials of
the community, Chess City, officials, important businessmen, and executives of
the Motion picture industry. Mister Louis B. Mayor will make
his report to the Community Chess. This event will broadcast
(13:38):
through the facilities of KFWB and NBC. At this time,
the Motion Picture Committee hopes to announce the largest combined
subscriptions ever shown in a charity drive in this industry.
Have you contributed? If you haven't, do it today mediately
so we may add to the gross and you will
be proud of the industry you are a part of. Remember,
(14:01):
the Motion Picture Relief fund gets ten percent of the
first three hundred thousand collected and twenty percent of the
amount over this sum So be liberal and give in.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Some variety has been there every step of the way
to chronicle the MPTF. It is one of this industry's
most substantial charitable endeavors, and truly, as Louis B. Meher said,
something for the picture colony to be proud of. As
we close out today's episode, here's a few things we're
(14:31):
watching for On Thursday, We'll be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving
Day Parade on a loop in the morning of course,
but at some point we'll zoom over to zee for
a bit to watch that company's experiment with an alternate
parade cast hosted by comedian Mike Young and some of
his touring comedian friends as they also try to make
a meal in a Times Square studio. It'll be streaming
(14:52):
live from eight thirty am to noon Eastern Time on
zeem dot com. That's zea m. Next week comes Variety's
annual Hitmaker's Issue and celebration. We highlight the people behind
the biggest songs with the most spins. In twenty twenty five,
Sabrina Carpenter is our cover star. She's been Variety's best
(15:13):
friend for a while, readily available and gained to do
fun things with us. She's a pro and it shows.
Happy Thanksgiving listeners. We hope the holiday finds you well
and well fed and enjoying some rest. It's surely going
to be a busy December for this business. We love
to hear from our listeners, so please send thoughts, scripes,
and other feedback about Daily Variety to Podcastsatvariety dot com
(15:36):
before we go. Congrats to VJ. Carbone. He's joined Muby
as VP of communications in the US. Carbone is going
to steer us campaigns for the French film distributor that
is on the Move. Before Moby, he was a consultant
to Amazon MGM Studios and he spent fourteen years at
Focus Features. My colleague Elsa Casassi has the scoop. Thanks
(15:57):
for listening. This episode was written in report sworded by
me Cynthia Littleton, with contributions from Clayton Davis, Stick Snicks
hick Picks. Please leave us a review at the podcast
platform of your choice, and please tune in tomorrow for
a special Thanksgiving Day episode of Daily Variety.
I don't know what that says about my personality, but
I have no qualm standing on a stage with the
microphone and point to someone and guilting them into giving
us a couple extra bucks.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Welcome to Daily Variety, your daily dose of news and
analysis for entertainment industry insiders. It's Wednesday, November twenty sixth,
twenty twenty five. I'm your host, Cynthia Littleton. I am
co editor in chief of Variety alongside Ramin Setuda. I'm
in LA He's in New York and Righty has reporters
around the world covering the business of entertainment. In today's episode,
(00:39):
we'll hear from Ike Barenholtz, the multi hyphenate star of
The Studio and many other TV shows and movies. He's
out tub thumping on behalf of the Motion Picture and
Television Fund. He has a personal connection to the organization
that he will share. And then we'll dive into the
wayback machine to show off just how long Variety has
been around. We've been around so long that we covered
(01:00):
the first stirrings of the MPTF when it was birthed
as the Motion Picture Relief Fund of America in the
early nineteen twenties. But before we get to that, here
are a few headlines just in this morning that you
need to know. David Zaslov isn't giving his corporate team
anytime off this weekend. The next round of bids for
Warner Brothers Discovery are due on Monday. It looks like
(01:23):
they really do want to get this decided by Christmas.
Stay tuned and check out the Warner Brothers Discovery sale
landing page on Variety dot com that my extremely talented
colleague Dan do Perelski put together. It's one stop shopping
for anything you need to know about the Warner Brothers
Discovery sale, and you can find it on Variety dot com.
Tel Avisa Univision channels are back on YouTube. The sides
(01:46):
ended a nearly two month blackout on Wednesday. That is
surely a sigh of relief for Univision. Zootopia two is
zooming out of the gate for Disney. The long awaited
animated sequel grabbed ten point two million dollars in preview
screening on Tuesday. This sequel and weekend two of Wicked
for Good is going to be the big funnel that
drives a lot of foot traffic at the Turnstiles this weekend.
(02:09):
All of these stories and so much more can be
found on Variety dot com. Right now. Now it's time
for conversations with industry leaders about news and trends and
show business. It's not news that the Motion Picture and
Television Fund needs support from the industry, especially from those
who have done well in film and television. Healthcare isn't
(02:31):
getting any cheaper. Ike Barnholtz is a firm believer in
the Motion Picture and Television Funds ethos of we take
care of our own, and he says he has no
problem being annoying and asking people for money, as you
heard in the Cold Open. So Baron Holts is out
representing the mptf's second Act campaign to sell naming or
dedication rights to apartments and cottages on the mptf's Woodland
(02:54):
Hills campus. Baron Holts is taking up this mantle a
full century after Silence Movie superstar Mary Pickford and others
started this charity. They were ahead of their time in
seeing the need, and this industry has been better for
it ever since. Here's our conversation, Barenholtz, thank you so
much for joining me today.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
It is my pleasure I have a little bit of
free time before I start prepping a lot of food,
So this is actually a joyful.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
I noticed that you were involved. You were part of
a new wave of industry folks, bold face names that
are getting behind the motion picture and television fund and
doing some fundraising, doing some old fashioned backslapping. And that
really struck me because I know one thing that the
MPTF is always concerned about, is the next generation going
(03:42):
to care? Are they understand the whole we take care
of our own ethos the MPTF.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
I joined the Board of Governors this year, and right
away they told us about the Second Act, and I
told them, literally, whatever I can do for you, guys,
I am your humble servant. I really really believe in them,
and I'm so grateful for them. So I told them
anything I can do that I have very very little
(04:10):
power in this business, but whatever power I do have,
I would love to help this amazing organization which their
whole residetra is just to help our people, and our
people need help.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Does fundraising does them seeing hosting an auction? Does that
come natural to you or is that something you have
to gear yourself up to do. I'm curious.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
No, it's funny. It comes very natural for me to
be annoying and ask people for money. I don't know
what that says about my personality, but I have no
qualm standing on a stage with the microphone and pointing
to someone and guilting them into giving us a couple
extra bucks. I've done it for the MPTF, and I've
done it for some other organizations in and around town.
(04:50):
And I'm just a real nud.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
That is a great skill, especially this time year. You
came up the ranks as like all things at once, writer, actor, comedian.
When did this great industry association come on your radar?
Speaker 1 (05:04):
I had heard about them a little bit throughout the years,
and then maybe about ten years ago, I think was
the first time I went to They have a couple
parties every year before the Oscars, the evening before the Emmys,
and I went to one of those parties and I
just learned a little bit more about what they do.
And then a couple of years ago, my cousin, my
much beloved cousin, Michelle Rifkin, who was a writer and
(05:26):
a member of the WGA for many years. She has
since sadly passed away towards the end, she like a
lot of people in this business, needed help, and she
reached out to the MPTF, and the MPTF was there
and she actually spent some time at the residences. And
so really, once I learned exactly what they do, I
(05:48):
said to Courtney Bailey and Bob, I said, what do
you need from me? What can I do for you guys?
And I learned that it's much more than just the residences, right.
The MPTF is there for people in our business if
you need some help, if you need some counseling, if
you need emergency financial assistance. We have a lot of
(06:09):
members who are much older, and the MPTF has people
to help them navigate things like the VA system. And
so when they came to me this year and said, hey,
we're starting our second Act program, will you join the
board of Governors, I could not have said yes quickly enough.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And really, it's just mind blowing to think about it.
Before Social Security was in place, people like Jeane Herscheldt
and Mary Pickford were thinking we need some kind of
safety in it. And your m SEEING is going to
help make people understand why giving a couple of bucks
a paycheck to the MPTF is a good idea and
supporting their telethons. They often have one on KTLA that
(06:48):
I always watch.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
I got to do that last year with my dad
and my brother and it was amazing bringing my dad
into all that. And it really is just to harp
on what you said, It really is just like a
couple of bucks, you know what I mean. Really is
a thing where it's like, and I hate to be cliche,
but it's like, instead of buying a couple coffees in
a month, just take that money and send it to
the MPTF. And if all the union members alone just
(07:12):
took a buck or two every month, we would make
our yearly budget every year and we'd be able to
do so much more. I think sometimes when people give
there's a thought, Oh, I have to give ten thousand dollars.
I have to get thousands of dollars. No, we will
take any amount.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Okay, ike, let me ask you so. Bob Betcher, one
of the leaders of MPTF, walks into sal Sepristine's office
and says, Okay, I need a capital campaign. I need
you to get out there. I need you to see
the first million. What does Sal respond well.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Sal, by his nature, is a yes man. But one
thing I will say about Seal Sepristine is despite all
of his flaws, he truly loves show business. He really
really loves it and it's a huge part of him.
And you know, there's lots of organizations out there that's
their mission statement is to help people, but the MPTF
is the biggest one that helps the show based people,
(08:05):
and not just actors. We're talking writers, We're talking costume designers,
we're talking builders, all kinds of people, and Sal understands that.
I think Sal does understand his obligation to this business.
And so Sal would say to Bob, whatever you need, Bob,
and would instantly start reaching out to his famous, rich
(08:26):
friends in the industry. You know, I could see Pedro
Pascal given fifty grand, I could see Leo given fifty grand,
I could see all the guys that Sal has worked
with and made money for. He would have no problem
reaching out to them and asking them to donate. Maybe
he takes a tiny finder's fee, but at the end
(08:48):
of the day, I think Sal loves show business so
much that he understands the importance of the MPTF.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I think I think he got the outline of a
studio episode, think of the guest star possibility.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
My god, this is how season three should open. I
believe it's an all MPTF episode.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
And oh, my god, with the residents out there in
Woodland Hills, they have stories, they have charm, they have
the anecdotes, they have the receipts as it were, such
a wealth out there. I thank you so much for
your time, and thank you for putting your energy towards
this great cause.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
I so grateful that you are entertaining me. We are
so so proud of this organization. And we just really
want people to know two things. One, if you can
donate anything, please do. And also spread the word. A
lot of people in our business don't know about the
MPTF and they're struggling right now, and so it's really
(09:42):
important for if you're listening to this and you know
someone in the business who needs help, send them our way.
That's what we're here to do.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
Mpt dot org. It's not hard to find.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Wonderful Thank you so so much, Cynthia.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
And now let's look a little deeper at the roots
of the Motion Picture Television Fund, as covered in the
pages of Variety, more than ten years before FDR would
implement social security. Mary Pickford and a few others realized
that the factories that served Hollywood had an obligation to
support some form of retirement and healthcare plan for older workers. Pickford,
(10:18):
of course, was one of the founders, with Charlie Chaplin
of United Artists for the Motion Picture Fund. Pickford worked
with United Artist executive Joseph Schenk. They recognized Hollywood's need
for a collective safety net that is still greatly needed
and much used today. The MPTF dates its origins to
nineteen twenty one. The first mention in Variety of the
(10:40):
industry wide effort to set up a charitable fund came
fully one hundred years ago. On December thirtieth, nineteen twenty five,
Variety devoted two sentences to a burgeoning effort in Hollywood
to establish a charity to help the needy and the infirm.
Here's the full story.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Picture charity forming the Motion Picture Relief Fund of America,
a charitable organization for the needy among the picture colony,
has voted for the establishment of a temporary home for worthy, indigent,
and incapacitated members of the profession. It is expected that
immediate arrangements will be made to start the institution.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Another big force in the early years of the MPTF
was Gene Herscheldt. Herschelt was a Danish American actor who
was a big star and very popular in the industry
in the nineteen twenties and thirties. Herscheldt used his clout
to help the MPTF achieve a dream that was articulated
by Mary Pickford, building a retirement home for hard working
(11:41):
industry iites. Herschelt was creative in finding ways to fund
the construction of the retirement home. One very important initiative
was the radio drama series called Screen Guild Theater. It
aired on the national CBS Radio network from nineteen thirty
nine to nineteen fifty two. Actors don't do the fees
that they were to be paid for the show to
(12:03):
the capitol campaign to support the home. Herschelt was not
only a busy actor and active in the civic life
of Hollywood, but he also had a good eye for
real estate. He personally found the forty eight acre plot
that became the Woodland Hills campus of the MPTF. Here's
a story that ran in Variety On December second, nineteen forty.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Screen Guil Theater renewed by Gulf through nineteen forty to
nineteen forty one. Screen Guilt Theater has been renewed by
Gulf Oil Sure in its continuance the nineteen forty forty
one season. With a completion of the current series, the
Motion Picture Relief Fund will be used for construction of
a home for indigent industry workers. Geene Herscheldt, Prexy of
(12:43):
Relief Fund, said sites are being studied and decisions soon
will be made. It has been indicated that the institution
will be located in the San Fernando Valley.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
In that same December second, nineteen forty issue, the back
page is devoted to an advertised that has a message
for the town in giant letters, whatever you do, don't
let Louis be mayor down side Note the Community Chest
is not just a thing from Monopoly. It was a
regional and national charity structure that was a precursor to
(13:14):
the United Way. Here's the full advertisement.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
Tomorrow's a red letter day in the Motion picture industry.
At twelve o'clock, a big meeting will be held at
the Biltmore Hotel and in the presence of officials of
the community, Chess City, officials, important businessmen, and executives of
the Motion picture industry. Mister Louis B. Mayor will make
his report to the Community Chess. This event will broadcast
(13:38):
through the facilities of KFWB and NBC. At this time,
the Motion Picture Committee hopes to announce the largest combined
subscriptions ever shown in a charity drive in this industry.
Have you contributed? If you haven't, do it today mediately
so we may add to the gross and you will
be proud of the industry you are a part of. Remember,
(14:01):
the Motion Picture Relief fund gets ten percent of the
first three hundred thousand collected and twenty percent of the
amount over this sum So be liberal and give in.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Some variety has been there every step of the way
to chronicle the MPTF. It is one of this industry's
most substantial charitable endeavors, and truly, as Louis B. Meher said,
something for the picture colony to be proud of. As
we close out today's episode, here's a few things we're
(14:31):
watching for On Thursday, We'll be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving
Day Parade on a loop in the morning of course,
but at some point we'll zoom over to zee for
a bit to watch that company's experiment with an alternate
parade cast hosted by comedian Mike Young and some of
his touring comedian friends as they also try to make
a meal in a Times Square studio. It'll be streaming
(14:52):
live from eight thirty am to noon Eastern Time on
zeem dot com. That's zea m. Next week comes Variety's
annual Hitmaker's Issue and celebration. We highlight the people behind
the biggest songs with the most spins. In twenty twenty five,
Sabrina Carpenter is our cover star. She's been Variety's best
(15:13):
friend for a while, readily available and gained to do
fun things with us. She's a pro and it shows.
Happy Thanksgiving listeners. We hope the holiday finds you well
and well fed and enjoying some rest. It's surely going
to be a busy December for this business. We love
to hear from our listeners, so please send thoughts, scripes,
and other feedback about Daily Variety to Podcastsatvariety dot com
(15:36):
before we go. Congrats to VJ. Carbone. He's joined Muby
as VP of communications in the US. Carbone is going
to steer us campaigns for the French film distributor that
is on the Move. Before Moby, he was a consultant
to Amazon MGM Studios and he spent fourteen years at
Focus Features. My colleague Elsa Casassi has the scoop. Thanks
(15:57):
for listening. This episode was written in report sworded by
me Cynthia Littleton, with contributions from Clayton Davis, Stick Snicks
hick Picks. Please leave us a review at the podcast
platform of your choice, and please tune in tomorrow for
a special Thanksgiving Day episode of Daily Variety.
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