EARLY BIRD

MGM, which doesn’t have a Christmas picture, is the first studio to offer its films for next summer. Last week exhibitors received letters from the newly formed MGM/UA Distribution Co. seeking theaters for a June release of Mel Brooks’ sci-fi spoof, “Spaceballs,� and the July debut of Timothy Dalton as James Bond in “The Living Daylights.�

Since summer films are usually put up for bids in March, some exhibitors think MGM/UA may be jumping the gun. Said one: “You never bid much for the first release of summer because you know there’s more product to come. I think MGM’s doing this to show the industry that it’s still alive and doing business.�

Said a company spokesman: “The studio made the move because they think they have two big hits and wanted to get the word out right away.�

A lot of foresight here--since both films are still in production.