French and British Films and the U.S. in 1938.

It is true that the U.S. as a rule has seemed to prefer Hollywood movies over anything made overseas. This makes an article in Variety from 1938 especially interesting as it is predicting great things from French and British films concerning their finical success in the United States.

Here is the article:

"Outlook for French and British pictures in the U.S. is good for the coming season, according to distributors and exhibitors. Operation of the British quota probably will result in more English-made features being shown in the U.S. than at anytime since the boom period of the 20's. Prospects for French productions, of course, are not stacking up to the optimism of some foreign-language distributors who were planning 50 to 60 features earlier this year.

"Gaumont-British figures to cash in on the improved product from Great Britain. Company already has 24 for the new season set from distribution. Figures to have 10 new features and two reissues available for the American market by Dec. 1st with delivery promised on the remaining 12.

"Popularity of foreign stars has grown in the last two years but better stories and better made pictures are held responsible by Gaumont-British for the upswing in British film popularity. Fact that many major American producers are making one or more big features in England, to fulfill quota requirements, of course, has contributed to the improved attitude towards British product.

"Gaumont-British operations may be further bettered in the U.S. by the proposed arrangement whereby actual bookings in this country would be handled by 20th-Fox. Latter already handles physical distribution although selling and booking has been done by G-B."

The optimism for French features may have had to do with the surprise success  of The Grand Illusion, released in the U.S. about a month earlier. 

 -Michael J. Ruhland