FIRST OFF . . .

The State Department of Corporations last week pulled the plug on producer Bobby Fred Davis’ “Draw Sabers,” in San Jose, after finding that Davis’ financing scheme for the Civil War epic violated state securities law. In May, Davis and partner Carmen Caugill advertised for 1,600 extras, asking those who responded to pay $200--in installments--for the job. The department’s order said that their financing methods were illegal, but did not order refunds. Department attorney Edward Riordan said that at least 175 people signed the financing agreement. Davis claims to have 19 previous film credits, including “Mafia Girls” and “Barbie’s Hospital Affair.” However, the library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, when contacted by The Times, could find no reference in its files to Davis or his films. Davis could not be reached for comment.