i
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Scanned from the collection of
The Museum of Modern Art Library
Coordinated by the
Media History Digital Library www.mediahistoryproject.org
Funded by a donation from David Sorochty
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/motionnew38moti
July 7, 1928
Reg. U. S. Patent Office
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''OH BOY! THE COSSACKS IS PACKING THEM IN!''
Held over 2nd Week at Capitol, N. Y.!
JOHN Gilbert in "The Cossacks" WILLIAM Haines in "Telling The World" ONE smashing hit after another — WHILE others are talking pictures
Sensational Announcement
soon on
WHITE SHADOWS
in the South Seas
-G-M KEEPS DELIVERING!
Vol. XXXVIII No. 1
Los Angeles
Entered as second-class matter April 22, 1926.
under act of March 3, 1S79
K imrMTITirtiTf :''>«■ >( Office at New York, .V.
Published Weekly — $3.00 a Year
Nezv York
PRICE 20 CEN'
Chicago
•LOVES OF AN ACTRESS" spectac-
ular story of the Parisian stage and boulevards enhanced by synchronized music score and sound effects. A gorgeous special starring Pola Negri, with Nils Asther and all star cast. Directed by Rowland V. Lee who* made "Barbed Wire." r-%»^»^A»J«»X,»X,»>?*»4-«
rc
THE CARNATION KID" stamng
one of the screen's most popular comedians, Douglas MacLean, directed by Marshall Neilan, produced by the Christie Studios on a lavish scale with big all star cast. To be made with synchronized music score and sound effects — making a big picture even bigger! r^t t^ »^ t^ »^ »J^ *^
The Whole Show In Sound
_3m PARAMOUNT NEWS, wm soon rUe to even greater heights as a box-office attraction by presenting a large portion of its service in sound. World events, epic-making happenings, scoops, special stunts, as only Paramount News can give them to you — heard as well as seen. The world's greatest news reel — on the screen in sound! *^
cj
CHRISTIE COMEDIES The
class two
reel comedy product of the screen in sound! 32 in Paramount's 1928 - 29 Whole Show Program. ''" Confessions of a Chorus Girl," Bobby Vernon Comedies, Eilly Dooley Comedies, "Sandy MacDuff " Comedies with Jack Duffy. Two big special short features in sound coming and more to be announced !
STAGE PRESENTATIONS The ..ick
of the world's stage and screen talent presented in special de luxe short reels, with sound, in the quality Paramount style — big names, big time acts, lavish novelties. Including the cream of the famous Publix Stage units, making the small town theatre the equal of the Broadway palace!
i, ' \
THE ONE QUALITY WHOLE SHOW PROGRAM
Paramount Feature Pictures — Paramount News — Christie Comedies — Stage Presentations.
Paramount Pictures
'" soui>ri>
congratulations, TOM MEIGHAN!
you have your best picture since ^^ Manslaughter^^ in your latest— ''THE RACKET'
^ Your performance as fighting ''''Captain McQuigg" ranks with the finest of your career. In Louis Wolheim, Marie Prevost and the others you have virtually an all-star supporting cast — and class tells. ^ Lewis Milestone, your director, did a great job. Howard Hughes and The Caddo Company lavished freely upon this production — and you have come through nobly. ^ Paramount is proud to distribute "The Racket" because we know it will make big money for the Exhibi- tors of America! ••■» -• i^^<^,^<
A Second Printing Was Necessary!
To supply the orders of Exhibitors, Theatre Executives and The- atre Workers for the most comprehensive and authoritative work written on the subject, the publishers, George H. Doran Company, New York, has made a second printing of —
MOTION PICTURE THEATRE MANAGEMENT
By Harold B. Franklin
(President of West Coast Theatres, Inc., and leading theatre executive)
NOW
you too may obtain a copy of this monumental work dealing with every branch of the theatre and offering a carefully considered presentation of the theories and practices, tested by years of experience, making for the successful and profitable business method of run- ning a motion picture theatre.
The author, Harold B. Franklin, is known throughout the industry as one of the most progressive and able theatre execu- tives and showmen the picture theatre has developed, and one of the leading forces contributing to the advance which the motion picture playhouse has made from its "nickelodeon" beginning to the palatial community institution which the bet- ter theatre of today represents.
DON'T DELAY
The present supply of copies is by no means large enough to supply all those who eventually will want copies of this book, so prompt action is imperative if you want to be assured of a copy.
THE PRICE IS $5.
Order Your Copy Today
35 Chapters and
26 Illustrations
Tell You How—
To train and maintain an or- ganization that will function smoothly in the running of your theatre.
To provide adequate safety methods.
To carry on systematic in- spections.
To prepare a properly bal- anced budget.
To judge the effectiveness of advertising.
To purchase equipment and to Build Good Will
I Use This Order Blank
MOTION PICTT7RE NEWS,
729 Seventh Ave., New York City.
Send me postpaid MOTION PI0TT7BB THSATSB
MANAGEMENT by Hwold B. Pr»nkUn.
I enclose (cheek) (money order) for 9S.00.
Name
Address
City
I State
I
GOOD PICTURES
Today more than ever before Good Pictures are the founda- tion on which this business must rely.
No business of any kind can be any jijreater than the quaHty of its product.
Good Pictures must be produced up to an ideal and not down to a destructive budget.
Last year the stars and producers of United Artists pledjijed themselves to produce Good Pictures ^ the best that talent, energy and money could make.
That promise was more than fulfilled.
For 1928-29 each United Artist again subscribes to our ideal^ to produce the finest attractions that each can create.
With knowledge of their sincerity I confidently endorse their personal pledge and heartily commend to you this season's United Artists Pictures in testimony of our faith in the busi- ness-building value of Good Pictures.
9)\ ^pKiiAiA^
President and Chairman Board of Directors
ffhoAiii I iJt^^
i^^2^^
'c^o— iJJLt^
k^£cx>^ (3u^«^ ^Asi^d^ U
G
COD BtlSINES
S
Good Business depends on Good Pictures ^ quality pictures.
Good pictures must be produced up to a standard, never down to a price.
United Artists Pictures are Good Pictures. They cost more. They're worth more.
By booking QuaUty, you practice soundest economy. Your patrons remember quality and quality only.
Over a period of a year, when you play Good Pictures, your cost may be higher but your returns will be much higher. That's good business.
Today thousands of exhibitors know that Good Pictures build the steady healthy ever-growing patronage. Today United Artists Pictures are being played by more showmen than ever before.
The nineteen United Artists Pictures for 1928-29 are BIG pictures produced individually. They are sold the same way^ Individually on merit*
Each picture will be backed by an individual and distinctive money-making exploitation campaign to sell your public.
In buying pictures the real showman says **Not How Cheap ^ but How Good.'*
Keep your Good dates open for the Good Pictures. That's Good Business^
Make your appointment with United Artists salesmen early, now!
'^^^C^/^z-^
Vice-President and General Manager of Distribution United States and Canada
UNITtD ARTISTS COIU>ORATION
JOSEPH M.SCHENCK.
President and Chairman Board of Directors
^Mfoy Pickford ^!A/orma Talmadge tSf Gloria Swanson -^ Charles Chaplin Douglas Fairbanks <-^ D,liCGrifflth -^ Samuel Goldwyn
Make it comfortable for the summer fans
The World Theatre, Omaha, Nebraska, depends upon its YORK air-cooling equipment to boost summer profits.
THE ranks of Fandom are diminished by the summer exodus. The movie has con- siderably fewer potential patrons. The theatre owner must use ex- traordinary means to attract the largest possible percentage of the available fans.
There is no better way to sum- mer profits than to make your house comfortable with adequate air-cool- ing and air-conditioning.
YORK air-cooling and air-con- ditioning equipment represents many years of engineering ex- perience in the theatre field. It is economical to install, is most effi- cient and can be depended upon to keep your theatre comfortable in the hottest weather, and with the minimum of attention.
Let a YORK engineer analyze your requirements and recommend the most economical type of equip- ment for your particular j^ needs. Write to us now.
.^^r-
YORK
ICE MACHINERY CORPORATION
Y
^W
E N N A
I^ECIMflLD BARKER
FECIAL PRODUeilUN
THE FIRST OF THE
REGIKALD BARKER
SPECIALS FOR 1928-1929
SUITABLE FOR
EXTE^iDED
RUA[S
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With
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
and
Jobyna Ralston
HARVEY CLARK and EVELYN SELBIE
An epic of might, brawn and love,
interwoven with the powerful
friendship of three men, \vith a
dramatic background of the coal
mines, ■where men spend their
lives in darkness so that the
^ ^^ rest of the -world may have
"^'^'"^ ^l light.
?^OW READY FOR ? If Hi SCREE>iIA[G
■~ y- ^/^ ^^^ ■^>^-- ■'^ ■
olhc lU'ttfi t-nlftUiiniiiotl
TIFFANY- STAHL P RO T) U C TI O N S,wc.
M.H.HOFFMAN, VICE PP.E5.
1540 BROADWAY NEW YORK CITY
"THE TOILECX"
was months in the nia\ing --
A realistic and enthralling mine ex- plosion with all details supervised by members of the United States mine rescue squad of the Bureau of Mines.
Reginald Barker's greatest screen masterpiece.
The New Season's Box Office Clean-up.
Get in touch with the nearest Tiffany - Stahl Exchange for further particulars.
X^
X--.-^^^
A,
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^&e
TIFFANY- STAHL P RO D U C TI O N S,wc.
M.H.HOFFMAN, VICE PP.E5.
1540 BROADWAY NEW YOR.K CITY
IN THE SEEKING
OF NAMES FOR
SILENT OR "SOUND" PICTURES
Record and Performance Is a Determining Factor
THE BLUE BOOK OF FILMDOM
Combining
The Studio Directory and Booking Guide
ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER
ON THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF
MOTION PICTURE NEWS
Is the only authentic book containing accurate biographies on Picture People
Write for Biography Blank and Make Reservation in the hook that will put your record hefore the people who are interested in it.
MOTION PICTURE NEWS
729 Seventh Avenue, Hollywood Security Bldg.,
New York City Hollywood, California
/
^^^60:)4^XAAjLAJi^ t^A^ presents \^
RpSS FAldtELL
^]f^^9r>^
!.">,
AVIATOR.
2 Reel
REED WE/:
ntw series of air ihrillers/'Tr that will their hair tnd
From the famous "Russ Fanell" flying stories in %ejlmerican hoif Magazine —
By Thomson Burtis
A
RV/SS FARRELL AVIATOR. ''
will pack as bi^ a Kick a J YOU ever ^ave an audience. Tht popularity of the stories and the star, and tie-ups that sur- pass any short feature exploitation ever be- fore attempted, will make them bi^ box- office bet/ from the take-off.
}fow being produced for I928-'M9 hu
Charles R- Rogers Productions, inc.
EDUCATIONAL FILM EXCHANGES. Inc.
President "^
Perfect Synclironization for Your Theatre
A Boon to Exhibitors Throughout the World
CORTELLAPHONE has been developed at an outlay of more than $1 ,000,000 It weighs less than 300 pounds and costs less than 500 dollars, but in every respect CORTELLAPHONE is the highest known development in synchro-sound equipment.
NOW
This remarkable device needs no ballyhoo CORTELLAPHONE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
no strong talk.
Its rich tone quality is unsurpassed. Its volume can be regulated to fill the Roxy or to adopt itself to a small projection room.
CORTELLAPHONE can be attached to any stand ard projector .
We have developed a combination device, using both disc and film incision. The incision scoring is done by hairline on the film between the picture and the sprocket holes, yet does not reduce the size of the picture. There is
ABSOLUTELY NO MECHANICAL OR SCRATCHING NOISE.
^^
SI
NO IPS NO BUTS NO MAYBES
f^^V^
CORTELLAPHONE READY NOW!
IS
The finest synchron- izing device ever de- veloped can be installed in your theatre in sixty days. We are prepared to install 2000 CORTELLA- PHONES between now and De- cember 31st.
/
NOW
We are prepared to supply two stand- ard short subject presentations weekly at small rental charges. BOX OFFICE BUILDERS FOR ANY THEATRE.
CORTELLA DISC method is interchangeable with other leading disc methods and is leased — not sold — to exhibitors.
BUCK JONES in'The BIG HOP, "and his three other big productions, will be synchronized with CORTEL- LAPHONE sound effects and musical accompaniment in our New York studios. We are prepared to synchronize pictures already finished. Producers ivrite or wire.
A BRANCH OFFICE IN EVERY FILM CENTER SOON
CORTELLA SYNCHRONIC PICTURES CORPORATION
1776 Broadway— Suite 1111 (Telephone Circle 8421) ^^^y York City
WARNER BROS.
Read thu ad hy the Mark StrandNY,
in the New York Times
Sensational
r
The MARK STRAND THEATRE has the honor to announce the World's Premier Showing of
The First 100% "All Talkie" Motion Picture
Tights of New York"
The greatest accomplishipcnt in "talking pictures" ever presented.
A Warner Bros. Vitaphone Special with HELEN COSTELLO, CULLEN LANDIS and an exceptional cast — opening with a
GALA MIDNIGHT PERFORMANCE Friday, July 6lh, at 12 p. m.
ALL SEATS RESERVED and on sale at Special Box Office beginning Monday, luly 2nd, at 10:30 A.M. Mail-orders accompanied by check or money-order filled in the order of their receipt.
Boxes and Logea $1.50 Entire Orch. $1.50 Entire Bal. $1.00
MARK STRAND THEATRE
Broadway and 47th Street
flV|i|-p • The Regular sho>vingof this remark- 71 ■'■ ' " •'^^ • able picture begins Saturday, July If 7th, at regular Mark Strand prices JJ
STORY BY HUGH HERBERT aW MURRAY ROTH DIRECTED BY BRYAN FOY
BROS.
Viw
noHK
ncV^
Coming!
* NO\H'<I ARK" /
Madetotop any picture evermade/
ttcfoin Jnumphcmt/
Jk
nost
f/f^mi
^OU SEE
^^O you MpA^^
'^'o^v/rAPwoivf.
'^m
CtfA/V
^fl/i?^
'^"ftot/c//
'^tim,
ALSO AVAILABLE NOW/
^TTIE lion and the MOUSE"— With May MoAvoy, Lionel Barrymore, William Collier, Jr.
Alec Francis. "TENDERLOIN"— Starring Dolores Costello. AVith Conrad Nagel. "GLORIOUS BETSY"— Starring- Dolores Costello. Witli Conrad Nagel. "THE JAZZ SINGER"— Starring Al Jolson.
MEMBER MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF AMERICA, INC.
BIG TIME
SHOWMANSHIP
i>oV
a
IL^
\^^^
Vi'*
N<
I'V,
S^RAIGS Wlf'
Jvo^
ItR
r^o"
of Specials and Features
JORBlOOfcN
vo^
^
'f:
swow
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Tov
>i Patlie production unit is now at Annapolis, making a big spec- ial with the colorful background of the ISaval Academy. H^atchfor ''*' Annapolis^ ^ with Jeanette Lo^ and John Mack Brown. Directed by Christy Cabanne. Original story by F. McGrew Willis.
Diversified product offering a world of exploitation possibilities
TJATHE is selling more than pictures. Pathe is selling box-oflBce results. In its great program for the new season, Pathe has dramatized factors in the public eye — and always with an eye to the box-office. Think of what the public's interest centers around — Nicaragua, aviation, the Far £a8t, the aftermath of war, royally, show folks, the prize ring, romance of the business world, the struggle for law and order. These and a score of other factors of this snappy, modern age that are talked dbout and written about are the background for Pathe 's showmanship product. These pictures are timely. They bring to a focal point tons of ready-made publicity. They ring true to box-office demands. They give the showman a running start with his campaign — something to say, something to talk about, something to exploit — and it won't fall on strange ears. The keynote of Fathers program is showmanship — pictures plus.
^
Four great Paths with the indelible of S. R. O.
They are ready for screen- ing and in their screening is the proof that they are showman's product — big names, striking background, up-to-the-minute themes, melodramatic action.
specials stamp
WILLIAM
"THE COP"
with
ALAN HALE, JACQLELLNE
LOGAN and ROBERT
ARMSTRONG
A Donald Crisp Production. Screen play by Tay Garnett. From the story by Klliott (^lawson, Produced by Kalph Block for DeMille Pictures <^or|>oratioii.
TENTH
AVENUE
tvith
PHYLLIS HAVER
VICTOR VARCONI and JOSEPH SCHILDKRAUT
A William C. DeMille Produc- tion. From the stage play by John McGowan and Lloyd Gris- com. Continuity by Douglas Doty. DeMille Studio Pro- duction.
''THE RED MARK"
with NENA QUARTARO, GASTON GLASS, GUSTAVE VON SEYF- FERTITZ AND ROSE DIONE. Adaptation and continuity by Julien Josephson from the story by John Russell. A James Cruze production Personally directed by James Cruze.
RUDOLPH SCHILDKRAUT
LOUISE DRESSER and ROBERT EDESON
Original story and adaptation by Julien Josephson. Continuity by Sonya Levien. .A William K. Howard Production. DeMille Studio Production.
n ^ Watch for amazing new R. C. A. PHOTOPHONE musical iVote *4 and effect accompaniment on certain forthcoming \ PATHE FEATURE PRODUCTIONS Season 1928-1929.
SHOWMENS
Amazinjai speed and great national unanimous
(
i! I-
men
Pathe's Floating Lab
A new apparatus called a "floating laboratory" has been perfected by lathe to hasten the development and printing of shots taken at big events by news reel cameramen. It consists of four trunks, about the size of the sample cases used by traveling men. Two men, a developer and printer, take the film from the camera boys and rush it to a hotel. The trunks have been set up in a room, where the film is at once put through the pro- cess necessary for developing and printing. It is quickly dried and prepared for a pro- jecting machine.
The pi n is adopted whenever shots of big events are taken In places any distance from the regular labratories. The time element is the one responsible for the Innovation.
X EARS of experience, years of slow building, years of studying the wants of the public, years of team work, years of thought and labor, aggressiveness and sincere endeavor combined with the instinct of the showman, have made possible today's mighty accomplishments of Pathe News. When the public thinks of a news reel, it invariably thinks of Pathe News. And the reason is that Pathe News is delivering the goods. There are news reels and there is THE NEWS REEL. That's PATHE NEWS.
f
For 1 7 Years Pathe News Has Been
CHOICE
demonstration of service in covering conventions wins
vote of smart show-
THE PATIIi: KOOSTER
is a sure ivinner as the
box-ojjice candidate.
r*--
Xt'S a race now between Pathe News and the printing presses. Other newsreels are left at the post. Pathe News pushes on, utilizing every modern factor for speed and progress. The balloting for Hoover starts at the Republican Convention. Before it is com- pleted, Pathe News flashes the message on the screen of the Main Street Theatre. (Pathe News has moved on Kansas City with its own secret portable laboratory.) An hour after the convention opened, Pathe News released prints for the immediate territory. The entire country was covered in 24 hours. Millions of theatre patrons, through Pathe News efficiency, sat in on the pictorial story almost simultaneous with the newspaper pictures. At Houston, it was the same achievement — a nation-wide beat for Pathe News. No wonder the Rooster is as well known as the elephant or the donkey. No wonder a Pathe News camera is the symbol of the cinema. Pathe News yesterday — today — tomorrow, the keynote of your program, the people's choice^ the showman's choice.
The Greatest Motion Picture
From New York down the whole country
acclaims UNIVERSAL!
J WUNDREDS of congratulatory JL M letters and telegrams from exhibitors all over the Nation, from the biggest First Run thea- tres down to the smallest, — all acclaim UniversaVs magnificent accomplishment in SHOWING IN ADVANCE, (not 26 pictures as Mr. Linet^s editorial states) but 34 pictures all done, ready to see on the screen.
On top of that wonderful ac- complishment Universal crashes Broadway with 9 feature pictures in less than 3 weeks time.
Capitol, Roxy, Rialto, Rivoli, Hippodrome, the largest theatres the world, all showing and boosting UniversaVs winners.
No company in the business has done it exceot Universal.
Added to that. Universal an- nounces 18 features to be synchro- nized, headed by UNCLE TOM'S CABIN and THE MAN WHO LAUGHS.
And not alone has no company matched Universal, but also, none shows the array of genuine box office winners that Uni- versal shows this year.
Exhibitors DAILY REVIPW .a-p, ,|, ,. . ,.
Editorial
By Hank L'tnet For Doubting Thomases
weTks'"aJJ,"7vff^l/""°""^^d ^ few wtfUKs ago that 26 of fhp r»ir>f,,v,^
scheduled for the year were comnTef
f^,T^o"iases remarked that even If Universal did have the^P 9ft VL probably weren't 'In/ -J^od''' '"'^ Universal has made its answer, and a vincing one.
weeks straight, ^.„„wwciy IS to have three Universal pictures showing simultane- ously.
rIxv'^^^LVZ ,^° ^PP^^r at the the RivJ L?''^'*^' ^^^^^ °««' and
and ^hp H^''^^. ''"^' a"d the Rialto ana the Hippodrome.
thfat^er^rf? nf "°" "^ competitive theatres. It talks well for the kind
?o.^'h """^^ ^^^' Universal has ready tor the year.
most con- For three Broadway
Mtmher of Motion Picture ProJucers and D stributors of .America, Inc., Will H. Hays, President
Help us Oeciae . . . WHICH IS THE BEST OF THE 4 GREAT SELLING ANGLES ON
For the 7 Best Answers we will give
$100 Il€ PRIZHS
"^-
Four separate selling angles in a single picture . . . Four of the fundamental elements that draw human beings to box-offices . . . That's how big "The Barker" is!
You'll clean up no matter how you play it . . . But there's a fortune in it if you play it RIGHT.
So in 4 successive trade paper advertisements we are describing "The Barker's" 4 big features.
Analyze them all and tell us, in 250 words or less, which in your opinion has the strongest appeal.
WE WILL GIVE ^25 EACH TO THE WRITERS OF THE BEST TWO LETTERS, AND ^10 EACH FOR THE NEXT FIVE!
Only theatre owners and r.jn- agers are eligible.
Mail your answer not later than July 30th, addressed to Adver- tising Manager, First National Pictures. 383 Madison Ave., New York City.
Three executives of this company will act as judges. In case of a tie for any one of the 7 prizes, the same award will be given to both contestants.
The winning letters will be pub- lished in the trade journals at the ea,rliest possible date.
Selling Angle No. 1 appeared in the July 6ih Film Daily. No. 2 is given on this page. The next will appear in Film Daily, July lOih issue.
— Firsl Nalional Piclurei, Inc.
2nd
^^^^^^^-r
V// 1
'"'"^'T' '-
of the 4 hig selling angles on "TKe Ban
k»» • er IS
ITS FAME AS A BROADWAY STAGE-HIT
"The Barker" was one of the big theat- rical sensations of the season in New York. The critics acclaimed it. The public flocked to it. Famous reviewers called it "different," "vivid," "alive," "thrilling," "an abundant, overflowing evening in the theatre," "one of the high-lights of the present season." It ran
for months on Broadway, and road com- panies have spread its fame throughout the country. It will soon be published in book form.
You can advertise it as one of Broad- way's greatest comedy-melodrama suc- cesses. Is this the feature to play up above all others?
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.Scr lilm Daily. July lOlh iiiur. for Srllmn //ns/.- No. } 'ile m for frtr (opiti of thtsf aillfrliu
'^irAt national SDecial
Motion Picture Ne^^fS
Vol. XXXVIII
NEW YORK CITY, JULY 7, 1928
No. 1
Editorial Highlights
An Unofficial Exhibitors' Convention on the Sound Movie
By William A, Johnston
NEW YORK, last week, held an unof- ficial convention of exhibitors. The sound-movie problem brought them in from all quarters of the compass. In 'most any hotel or restaurant in the center of the city, you were pretty sure to find a knot of showmen, argumentative, but eagerly inquir- ing. A trade paper editor, as a source of pos- sible information, was unduly popular.
Here are the queries, fired point blank:
Which is the best method — disc or film?
Which is the best machine?
What attractions will be available with each?
Just what are the producers doing? What can they do this year?
What about prices — for the picture, for the synchronization, etc.?
What about music rights?
How about protection for the big theatres?
Should a theatre install now or wait for de- velopments?
And, finally, will the sensation last be- yond the novelty craze?
* * « *
COUND AND NEW PATRONS.— On
the latter point there are few dissenters. There is a quite firm almost solemn belief that the sound movie is here to stay, and that it has come in the nick of time to save a box- office situation that was anything but healthy and hopeful.
In this connection there are some im- portant things to say:
The speaking picture has within it the power to bring to the picture house that very large portion of the public which the silent picture heretofore has only occasionally at- tracted. The success of the George Bernard
Shaw specialty, its eager reception by the press critics, is proof enough of this.
There is a vast box-office possibility here which the wise producers will constantly rec- ognize. They will not, of course, cater over- much to the so-called "highbrow" public. But it does now seem as if the picture could hold its own and still greatly increase its pub- lic interest. Its new found voice embraces the spoken drama, musical comedy, vaude- ville, songs, stage novelties — the entire show
world, in fact, and all its classes of devotees.
« * ■» *
The sound movie will shorten — as it vital- izes— the picture. In fact, it would appear that at last we have ourselves lifted out of the fallacy that length makes a feature produc- tion. The features of this new era of the pic- ture business will be the attractions that put the show over, regardless of their length; maybe the words of a world celebrity, or a song hit, or an eight minute act of most any nature just so its cleverness gets the audience. Shorts, as wt have called them, will now find a foremost place in the producer's schedule, and in the exhibitors' advertising.
Of course, this year is going to be a good deal of a hodge-podge. There is now genuine confusion. The new development has come along so fast that, except for those who pio- neered, the industry finds itself unprepared —
producers and exhibitors alike.
* « * «■
As I sav. all are agreed that the business has turned sound movie. But that's the only point of agreement. You can start an argu- ment on any incidental question whatever — a heated one. There is regrettably a lack of
(Cojifiiiited 0)1 Next Page)
28
Motion Picture News
Editorial by William A. Johnston
specific information. More, from all im- portant sources, would seem in order.
One exhibitor, who is just finishing a new theatre, said: "Well, I've got my electrical conduits in. anyway. I've done that much. But I don't know where to go from there."
* * * -:t-
WHAT ABOUT PROTECTION?— R.
B. Wilby, of the Saenger forces, brings up one of the immediate questions and a most practical one. What about the sound movie in the big, first run theatre? And what about the sound movie in the later run neighbor- hood house? And how are the interests of each to be safeguarded?
You reply, of course, that the first run must have reasonable protection, just as it now has feature pictures. How, in fact, will the sound movie situation differ from the present one?
That's just the point, he retorts. It does differ. The music from the film will be just as good in one house as another. The sound movie levels your musical entertainment, thus far so important a factor in the first run's favor. The first run, with all its expense, its present contracts, its higher admission, must be protected. True. But also the secondary theatre must be protected. And how?
So here's a knotty problem.
All we can say from the editor's chair is this: that these trade problems will be ironed out — somehow. They were just as trouble- some when the feature picture butted into the nicely oiled machinery of short reel program service. The public wants the new kind of movie, and the trade will give it, even if it means a brand new trade structure.
One thing we are quite sure of is that the new show will prove the salvation of those many houses whose audiences have been mo- toring in, some distance, to the larger theatre with its pretentious bill.
« « « »
pUBLIC WANTS SOMETHING NEW. — An important director, just before he entrained for Hollywood, growled gloom- ily over the sound movie. He was not
alone, we told him, in his frame of mind. Sales managers are also having headaches. They, too, would like to kick the damn thing over in another yard.
We suggested, however — as we started do- ing twelve or more years ago — that directors ought to travel elsewhere than straight be- tween Hollywood and New York. It would be a grand thing if they even tried selling film. They would find out, for instance, that the public is not buying the standard Holly- wood product; even the high cost, satin fin- ish stuff is stale to the palate. The people
want something new.
« « » *
A BIG FIELD.— Will the novelty of the screen's voice last? Yes, undoubtedly. But quality had best come quickly to the front; and new stunts, too.
In all probability they will. There is such a wide range of material, of adaptation. Then there will be mechanical improvements upon the flat, black and white picture. Now that the screen people have human voices they must have human figures. Where are our third dimension effects? What of the Wide- scope? Why don't the color people talk about
their stuff?
* * * *
piCTURE AND SONG.— A preview of "Warming Up," the new Richard Dix baseball picture, was given at Yonkers the other night. Also it was shown to Jesse Lasky, who got a great kick out of its new sound effects. There's a love song and a baseball song, and the yelling from the bleachers, etc. Won't it be interesting to have a picture give birth to a nation-wide song hit! And to have a song hit put over
a million dollar picture!
« * » *
PROSPEROUS.— It's great to meet an ex- hibitor with a smile, these days. Abe Blank says that conditions in the corn belt are better than they have been since 1922. And his theatres are benefiting, as are also those of Finkelstein and Rubin.
Jiihf 7, 1928
29
Inside
Slants
on tne
Industry
PICTURES
AND
PEOPLE
The f^irrors
of Filmdom
EXHIBITORS abroad arr Malchiii;; ^illi <;r«'al iiilrrrst the (I('v('l«>piii«'nt «>f llu' soiin«l pirliire in Ainrrica. We fjet many ilireet in(]iiirie^ and reaelions heeause of the superior cireiihition of Motion PU-ture ISeus in for- eifjn eountries. This week, for example, Duncan Camp- liell, of the Mosspark Picture House, Glasgow, Scotland, •writes us:
"I value your publication more than the other trade organs which I get. I was much interested in your articles on talking films.'"
* * * *
A/fR. CAMPBELL ^ocs on to discuss the attitude in his country: "The feelinfr araong^ cinema people here is not to rush in for this novelty as the interest may not be a perma- nent one. The prices of the installations are mncli too liiji'li for this country. I see something- like £1300 is mentioned jis the price for a house like mine Avhich liolds 700 i)eoi)le. The admission prices in my case are roughly 18 and 24 cents and on Saturdays 24 and 30 cents, and the prices in tlie bigger liouses range from 24 cents to half a dollar. We have one house in Glasgow that holds 4,000, two that hold 2,000, and quite a niuuber with over 1,000 seats.
"In most houses in this city the progi-am consists of two features, comedy, Gazette and a short feature. Very few houses go in for vaudeville, which is expensive and not veiy good. The cost of talking installations and, I expect, the consequent increa.se of tlie cost of films woidd put many small houses out of business, for tliere is little chance of getting higher admission prices from tlie public."
* « * *
A LL the rumors in the film industry are not confined to New York. Cleveland has a few rumors of its own. One is that the Statler Hotel will take over the Stillman theatre property and convert the space into rooms. An- other is that the Hippodrome will have Vitaphone and Movietone installed during the summer and in the fall will play extended run engagements of the big pictures.
Fred Desberg, general manager of Loew's theatres in Cleveland, was out of town and could not be reached for a statement on the Stillman situation. The Stillman ad- joins the Statler Hotel, and it is understood that when the theatre was built twelve years ago, there was an arrange- ment whereby it would revert to the Statler properties after a certain number of years. The Stillman has always been a first run house. For the past few seasons it has been Cleveland's only extended-run picture house.
T^HE many friends of M. and Mme. Rene Batigne in the * industry will be interested in this item from a recent issue
of I he Paris edition of 'I'he New Voik llerahl:
"The iid'ant daughter of M. and .Mme. Kerie liatigne will he baptized Mai-guerite Ilenrietle Emilie this afternoon at Xotre-Dame des Victoires. The godmother will Ik; the l)aby's great-annt, Mme. Maurice Rouvier, wife of the former Prem- iei- of France, and acting as godfather will be M. Emile Moreaii, Governor of the Bank of France. Mme. Batigne was fonrierly Miss Clara Voiglit, of Soutli Cai'olina."
A LOWER court in Pennsylvania has deci<led that the ■^ censor board of that state has the right to pass on spoken words in sound pictures in the same manner as silent titles. The case will be appealed by \ itaphone, and, it wouhl seem, will have to go to the highest courts before it will be finally decided.
There are several interesting questions raised by this situation. In the first place, the right of free speech is guaranteed by the Fe<leral Constitution, and the Consti- tutions of the several states, including Pennsylvania. Pro- vision is, of course, made for the abuse of the right to freedom of speech, but the punishment, if any, comes after the public utterance, not before it.
If it be argued that speech as given on the screen does not come within these constitutional guarantees for the reason that it is only part of an entertainment, then we might inquire: what about the talking news reels, which are actually reports of events just as the newspapers are?
In some states, of course, news reels are not subject to censorship. This is clearly an admission that they cannot be censored, justifiably, without working an injustice on them as publications.
In any event, it is clear that the industry must know to what extent censorship is to figure in sound movies.
"PLIZABETH LONERGAN, American representative of ^-^ Kinematograph Weekly, London, has sailed for Cuba, for a short trip. She plans a series of articles on picture condi- tions in the island republic.
A IV international film meeting will be held in Berlin, "^ August 19-26, untler the auspices of the German mo- tion picture theatre owners' association. It is expected a delegation from America will be present, according to advices received this week.
July /. 1928
Motion Picture News
Vol. XX XI 'HI. No. I
Published weekly by Motion Picture News, Inc. Founded in September, 1913. Publication Office, 729 Seventh Ave., New York, N. y.: Editorial and General Offices, 729 Seventh Ave., Ne^v York City; Branch Offices, 845 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, III.; Room 616 Security Bldg., Hollywood, California. William A. Johnston, president; Kenneth M. Goode, vice-president William A. Johnston, editor; Oscar Cooper, managing editor ; Raymond E. Gallagher, advertising manager; Paul M . Abbott, manager of accessory advertising; L. H. Mason, Chicago representative ; William McCormack, Los Angeles representative. Subscription price, $3.00 per year, postpaid in United States, Mexico, Hawaii, Porto Rico, Philippine Islands and some other countries. Canada, $5.00; Foreign, $10.00. Copyright, 1928, by Motion Picture iVrrw, Inc., in United States and Great Britain. Title registered in the United States Patent Office and foreign countries. Western Union cable address is "Picknews," New York. Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office, New York, N. Y., April 22, 1926. under the Act of March 3, 1879.
30
Al o t I 0 n Picture N e
IV s
They're gone — are Marys won- derful tresses. This latest photo of Mary Pickford shows the L'nited Artists star with her first bob
Grim drama and tense feeling are embedded in the scenes of entombed miners, their struggles and danger- ous trade which form the> thematic material of "The Toilers," the special from the Tiffany-Stahl studios
All dolled up and prepared for any Utile conflagra- tion. "Big Boy," EducationaVs young star as an ambitious fire-fighter is seriouj; in his attitude. Per- haps he's ivaiting for an alarm to come in
Lee Insley, owner and manager of the Arcade, Salisbury, Md., recently entertained Fay ff'ray in honor of her marriage while working on location near his toivn. Left to right, the standees are: Mr. Insley, Rex If impe, Gnrv Cooper, Lane Chandler, Clifton Kling, Barney Hutchinson, Herman Bierstorf. Seated are: Mrs. Wray, Fay Wray, Mrs. Lee Insley and Zahrah Havens
Al Boasberg, tcise-cracking title-ivriter, is now a radio entertainer.
The above contraption, he claims, enables him to create talking
photos. Of course, he isn't serious. Al is now with M-G-M. He is
also a gag-man of vaunted ability
Bob Steele, youthful F B O star,
is noiv starring in an out-of-door,
athletic film series
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Al Jolson, whose personality shines in his songs, has no less than two leading ladies in his new'Vitaphoned vehicle for II innt'r Bros., namely, "The Singing Fool.'' The Warners are taking pains to make it more effec- tual than "The Jazz Singer"
Tim McCoy is a regular colonel of official rank. Hence his look of command for poor Lon Chancy, who is only a seiond lieutenant of the Marine Re- serve. Both of them are among the most industrious stars at the M-G-M .studio
Juljl
l!}28
31
''Talkies'' Will Revolutionize
Stage, Says Brady
Picture People Will Take Le^timate Producers' Thunder, He Declares; Broadway Mana<siers Holdin<^ Meetiiv^s
on *'Sou7id*' Situation
By CHESTER J. SMITH
WII.LIA]\I A. I5KAI)V, one of the foremost of tlio Icji^itimate stage prod lie ors on Broadway, is author- ity for the statement that sound pictures will not only revolutionize the motion pic- ture industry, but the legitimate stage as well. Mr. Brady is well qualified to dis- cuss the subject as the former president of the National Association of the Motion Pic- ture Industry and at one time one of the leading picture producers.
The legitimate jn'oducers are much con- cerned over the sound picture, according to Mr. Brady, and have already held a num- ber of meetings to discuss the situation. More are to follow and what the ultimate result will be is problematical. "But," says Mr. Brady, "only a few of the legiti- mate producers have foresight enough to see just what is going to happen and the result will be that all but a few of them will be in the same position with the big motion picture producer as the independent picture producer is today.
"The motion picture producer is surely going to step in and take all of the legiti- mate producer's thunder. It will be the same as it was when motion pictures were first introduced. At that time, the film producers entering upon a new business, sought the aid of the legitimate producer. They made propositions to many of them, but the Broadway producer was too smart. The latter had more vision behind than be- fore him. He foresaw in the picture indus- try only a flurry that would have its run and die out.
"Well, there are Broadway producers to- day who feel the same way about the sound picture. They consider them a fad that will
Copyright Kcystoiw View Co. of N. Y. William A. Brady
die out after the novelty has worn off and that meantime they will capitalize them selves on the present uprising in the dis- posal of their stage productions.
"However, there will be more money for the picture producer and more money for the legitimate producer for some time to come than has ever before materialized in either industry. What some of us are try-
iiiL' I" do oiil ol' llic^c MKicLings of tlie Icgit- iiii.iir i>r<»ad\vay [irorlncers is to get them to Ciller- upon ('(iiiital)!*! terms with the big |iicture producer on a partnership basis ;iii(l tluM-c will be plenty of revrjnue for all ul us. They need us as badly in the picture industry as we need them; in fact, they need us worse than we need them, for these xiiind pictures arc just as rlifferent from what has been produced in the i)ast as was llic feature nroduction to the r)ld two reel roincdy ol' wc.tci'n.
Legit. Stars to Talkies
"Largely as a result of tiu; sound pic- tures, and, too, becaust! of an overseating in tile legitimate Broadway hf)uses, you will see more empty houses aloner Broadway the first of the coming October than you have ever seen before. That is not necessarily because of the popularity of the sound pic- ture (and reports I have from ail over the country attest to its popularity) but rather l)ecause of the fact that the motion picture producer is just about going to deplete the ranks of the Broadway legitimate stars.
"There is hardly a star on Broadway who has not already been approached by a number of motion picture companies, and many of them have already been signed up. Why, you can't talk .$750 or a $1,000 a week to a star or good dramatic player on Broad- way at present. They won't listen to you. And you can't blame them, for they are getting about anything they demand from the motion picture producer.
"I'll give you an instance of how good players are being gobbled up by the pic- ture producers. Only a few days ago a very celebrated old actor came into my office. (Continued on Page 35)
Sound Films in Color Coming
Also, Latest Developments Permit Three as Well as Two Color Forms of Printing; New System Boon to Projection
By EDWIN SGHALLERT
Editor of The Los Angeles Times Preview and Special Correspondent of Motion Picture News
Los Angeles, July 2.
WITH the announcement of a fea- ture-length production to be made by the Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation, new impetus is to be given to this color process, which has shown an al- most revolutionary development in the past few months. This feature is titled "The Thrall of Leif Lucky," a tale of the Vik- ing days of the sea, and will be produced on an elaborate scale. The Technicolor or- ganization, which is headed by Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, has a staff including Theodore Reed, in charge of production; R. William Neill, as director, and Jack Cunningham as scenarist, who have already l)een engaged in the production of short subjects.
I talked with Dr. Kalmus today regard- ing the newer possibilities of color photog- raphy, which has already been attracting a wide interest among the producing com- panies. It is known that they have been watching closely the improvement. Atten- tion was drawn to this fact by statements of Jesse L. Lasky and S. R. Kent at the recent Paramount convention, in which they em- phasized the fascination that color holds for the public, whether this be disclosed in the varied hues of automobiles and furni- ture, or even such lesser items as fountain pens and typewriters.
The improvements in the color photog- raphy process have all tended to simplify its use, as well as to better the quality upon
the screen. As outlined by Dr. Kalmus the process not only permits a two-color form of printing such as was used in "Wanderer of the Wasteland," "The Black Pirate" and other full length features, but also a three-color reproduction.
The old form was entirely photographic — two different impressions, the one red, the other green, being printed on opposite sides of the film, which was of greater thickness than the normal celluloid strip.
The new system entirely eliminate this. Color is printed in somewhat the same fashion as on a newspaper or magazine press. All the images are on the one side of the film, which is of normal thickness. (Continued on Page 40)
32
M 0 t i 0 u Picture N e w s
Cooney Bros, in Receivership; Stock Holders Hope to Reg^ain Control
THE National Theatres Corporation of which Cooney Brothers were the promoters and executives and which operates ten theatres on Chicago's south side, including such important theatres as the Capi- tol, Avalon, Stratford. Grove, Chatham and Jeffery. was, last week, thrown into the hands of a receiver by the Guaranty Trust Company of New York City, trustee for the bond issues aggregating .82.500,000 Attorney John D. Black, representing the trust company told Federal Judge Carpenter, be- fore whom the action was brought, that the corporation had failed to make interest payments due on the bond issue. Judge Carpenter appointed the Chicago Title & Trust Company, receiver and James Coston. Avho has been in charge of the houses for the creditors the last few weeks, will continue as general manager of the circuit.
The Cooney brothers will have no further voice in the management of the corporation, although Ben Cooney has been put in as manager of the Capitol. The stockholders were unable to raise §250,000 before July 1st, which was required by the bankers to keep the properties out of receiver- ship. According to the stockholders committee, however. $75,000 has been raised and 875,000 more pledged and it is understood that the creditors committee will make further efforts, including legal moves, to have the propertv turned over to the stockholders, who charged that the bankers in making'the loan of $2,500,000 deducted 17 per cent or about $425,000 as commission, and also secured a bonus for making the loan, of fifty thou- sand shares of A stock, having the part value of $1,250,000. The stock- holders also alleged that through certain transactions with Cooney Brothers, the bankers secured two hundred thousand shares of B stock and about $77,000 in first mortgage Capitol Theatre bonds, which were forfeited to the bankers when Cooneys failed to meet their subscription for stock. All of this, according to the committee, was done without the consent or ap- proval of the stockholders, although their stock was greatly depreciated in value by the transactions.
Charles Casanave of Associated Theatres, Inc., is reported to have been called in as advisor of the stockholders committee and should the stock- holders succeed in gaining control of the theatres, will be placed in charge of the ten houses.
Seattle Policy Changes
U. A, House Re-Opens at Reduced Rate; Orpheum Goes Back to "Two-a-day" After Third Attempt
Two Seattle theatres recently under- went a change in policy because of lack of patronage and unsuccessful competition with "presentation" film houses. One is the United Artists theatre which has been closed down of late and the other, the Orpheum, a vaudeville theatre which has gone back on a two-a-day basis. After having been closed for three weeks because of lack of patronage and a weekly loss in operation during the last season, the United Artists Theatre in Seattle, Wash- ington, was reopened by the West Coast
Tiffany-Stahl Busy on Production Schedule
TIIK TifTany-Stahl studio forces are finishing production on the 1927-28 schedule and starting the 1928-2!) specials and star vehicles.
(icorse .lessell is now working in the title role of "(ieorge Washington Cohen." Eve Southern and H. IJ. Warner are now playing the leads in "The NauKhly Duchess." Olive IJorden is just completing "The Albany Night Boat."
Theatres, Inc., on a new 25c straight ad- mission policy at any time, announced as "reduced summer prices." The former scale of prices was 25c, 35e, 50e and 60c, with loge seats at 75c. This is the largest house in the Pacific Northwest ever to at- tempt a 25c general policy having 1600 seats.
In place of the former 20-piece United Artists Symphony Orchestra, the house now has an eight-piece orchestra. This is a concession on the part of the musicians union, which at first demanded a niininium of 16 pieces, but later acceded to the de- mand for eight when West Coast officials announced that they would not reopen the liouiS'.* under any other conditions. The present policy calls for weekly presentii- tion of the program films from Paramount, First National and other companies. Billy Hartford, former manager of some subur- t)an Seattle theatres for Univea'sal, has been appointed house manager of the United Artists.
After' several months of unsucees,sful trying to compete with the two leading "presentation" film houses in Seattle, Washington, on an unreserved seat, 50c ad- mission policy, the Orpheum Vaudeville
Theatre in the Pacific Northwest city was scheduled to return to its old two-a-day policy with reserved seats at $1.00 top on Julyl. This marks the third policy change since the opening of the new theatre last year, as opposed to the score and more of yeai-s previously maintained by one re- sem-ed seat policy.
When the house first opened with its re- served seats at 75c and the addition of the picture, the shows were so mediocre that patronage soon fell off and the three-a-day, unreserved policy at 5()e top was tried as a remedy. The poor shows were again re- sponsible for the dismal showing of this policy, and so the coming $1.00 shows will be tlie third and final attempt. The East- ern booking offices promise stronger shows and better films for the new policy, accord- ing to local Seattle officials. It is a note- worthy fact that the Seattle Theatre, Pub- lix presentation house, has been paying moi'e per week for its stage shows than the Orpheum has for a complete vaudeville program.
Albany Charters Newly Incorporated Firms
Newly incorjiorated motion picture com- panies chartered in Albany by the Secre- tary of State during the past week to en- gage in various branches of the business in New York State, included the following:
B. and A. Theatre Corporation, $5,000, Isaac Kafke, Max Levinthal, Edith Garner, Brooklyn; Yates Productions, Inc., $20,- 000, Bernard Botein, Abraham Kaplan, Jo- seph Allentuck, New York City; P. C. Amusement Corporation, $10,000, Leon, Bernard and Abraham Greenfield, New York City; Craig Operating Corporation, capitalization not stated, A. B. Jones, E.
C. Lufkin, W. J. Farthing, New York City; R-V Theatre Corporation, Albany, $5,000, Herman S. Vineberg, Florence R. Vineberg, R. M. Rich, Albany. Brill Dis- tributing Corp., capitalization not stated, David Brill, William C. Herrmann, :\Iilton B. Kolb, New York City; Erlanger Birm- ingham Theatre Corporation, capitalization not stated, Leonard E. Bergman, ]\Iilando Pratt, Jr., Saul J. Baron, New York City; Picrites Corporation, $1,000, Clinton M. White, Glenridge, N. J.; Richard M. Suazde, Nora Y. Jarrett, N. Y. City. Werba's Jamaica Theatre, Inc., capitalization not stated, Paul J. Goldstein, Millie G. Wiener, Irving Kirschenbaum, New York City ; Ufa Eastern Division Distribution, Inc., $100,- 000, David Brill, William C. Herrmann, Milton B. Kolb, New York City; Windsor Theatre, Inc., Tenia Feraia, Benjamin Fernia, Morris Langer, capitalization $5,000.
John Monk Saunders and Fay Wray Marry
John Monk Saunders, author of "Wings" and other Paramount aviation stories, was married to Fay Wray, new Paramount actress, recently in Easton, Md., where Miss Wray was making "The First Kiss." The newly weds honeymooned in Washington, D. C, where they stayed for about ten days before visiting New York.
Gary Cooper, co-stan-ing with Miss AVray, with R.owland V. Lee, the director, Leslie Fenton and Lane Chandler, were in New York recently, leaving shorlly ;ilter- wards for Hollywood.
J till/
/!)::>8
3J
National Theatre Supply Makes Branch Changes
Four changos li;ivc hccn i-cccntly ;mi- noiiiuu'd for the ('ciitriil Districl, Hrjuich pcrsonnol of National Theatre Supi)ly Coin- puny.
Ray W. Cudniorc, salesman in tlie Cleve- land territory has heen ap])ointe(l lo suc- ceed J. C. Brown as nianaj^er of the (Meve- land Branch. Mr. Brown has heen trans- ferred to the Southern District, wliere he will in the future continue his work.
Walter E. Yeafjfer comes to the sales force of National's Kansas City Branch, with a long record of experience in the theatre supply business.
The fourth persoiniel change comes with the addition of Harry G. Brewer to the De- troit Office as sales representative. ALr. Brewer is well known to theatre men in this territory, for his active association with the projectionist union.
Pathe to Open Exchange in Jacksonville, Fla.
Definite announcement that Pathe plans to open an exchange in Jacksonville -within the next few months was made last week by Southern Division Manager Dan Michalove on his return from Dallas, where he joined Vice-President John C. Flinn, of the Pathe home office, for a regional con- vention which assembled branch managers and salesmen from the Dallas, New Orleans, Memphis, and Oklahoma City ex- changes.
Pathe has long had under advisement the question of an exchange in Jacksonville to facilitate service to Florida theatres. Shipping out of Jacksonville "will shorten the jumps and materially lessen transporta- tion charges on film shipments.
Gotham Opens Three New Canadian Exchanges
New exchanges in Montreal, Toronto and St. John have been opened by Gotham Productions as initial steps in a campaign of expansion in Canada. Another will soon be opened in Winnipeg.
Rembusch Appeals to Unaffiliated
THROUGH Frank Rembusch, W. A. Stelfes, president of the Northwest exhibitor exhibitors association, has sounded an appeal for unafKliated exhibitors to attend the July 12 convention to be held aboard a like steamer en route from Duluth to Port Arthur, Ontario.
Mr. Steffes asked that aid be given to bring at least two unaffiliated ex- hibitors from each state; that the im- portance of a national gathering be made known to them and that the Northwest is giving the independent exhibitor one of the greatest oppor- tunities in the history of the industry to get together while he yet has time. Mr. Rembusch further states that without this national cooperation the independents will never receive the privileges which should be theirs.
Zoning Plan Opposed by Kansas-Missouri
Resolution Adopted Holds Protection Would Be Un- equal; Biechele Re-elected President
FOR the lirth consecutive year K. K. Biechele, owner of the Osage thea- tre, Kansas Citv, Kas., was elected president of the M. P. T. 0. Kansas-Mis- souri at the tenth annual convention of tiiat organization Tuesday and Wednesday at I ho Broadview hotel, Wichita, Kas. A reso- lution, expressing a vote of confidence and api)roval of Mr. Biechele 's policies, was adopted unanimously. With Mr. Biechele was re-elected his entire board of directors. The convention was not all harmony, however, as the meeting had not been in progress long before a resolution was adop- ted, opposing the newly inaugurated pro- tection zoning plan of the Kansas City Film Board of Trade. Theatre owners had looked forwai-d to the convention as a fac- tor which would deterinine the attitude of exhibitors towards the zoning plan. The convention of the M. P. T. 0. Kansas-Mis- souri delegates was that no zoning plan could be arranged to have equal bearing upon all exliibitors. The resolution made it plain that no zoning plan at all was desired by exhibitors.
"No plan for zoning protection can be arranged, based upon the admission price^s, seating capacity or anything else," Mr. Biechele said. "Although the plan adopted by the Kansas City Film Board of Trade was not presumably based upon admission I)rices, it amounted to that, nothing more or less. For instance, I know of a theatre in a certain neighborhood which charges ten cents admission. Another theatre about blocks from that theatres charges fifteen cents. Under the zoning plan adopted, the 15-cent house gets prior rights over the 10-cent house, but the 10-cent
houso {)ayH morw for fllliis, advei4ising more in newsi)apers and, as a niatU-r of fact, is entitled to priority over the 15- cent theatre. There is only one way the protection situaticm can be hanrlled. That is by allowing exhibitor and distributor to continue to barter for terms. Xo theatre which pays more for films than another house, regardless of admission jtrice, should be mad(! to concede an arlventage to a com- petitor which is unfair. It is not what an exhibitor charges at the box office, but the net profit he is able to make and the amount he is able to i)ay for pictures."
Non-theatrical enterprises also were pulled upon the carpet for insjicction, but, after lengthy discussion, it was decided to leave action on that mattei- to the M. P. T. O. K-M directors.
Then there was the golf tournament in which Lawrence Bruenninger of the C'ozy theatre, Topeka, Kas., won first prize. The convention, in most respects, was among the best arranged meetings of the organization, there being no delay in the program what- ever. Various legislative problems were discussed, but those matters, also, were left for the disposition of the legislative com- mittee.
Ameranglo Will Roadshow "Battles of Goronel"
"The Battles of Conmel and Falkland Islands," the British Instructional Films, Ltd., production made with the coopera- tion of the British Admiralty and the Navy League, will be released in the United States by the Ameranglo Corporation as a roadshow.
100 Upstate Theatres Incorporate Mutual Association
MORE than 100 theatres in New York state, located outside of New York city, and operating independently of chain groups or pro- ducer distributor organizations, are behind the incorporation of the Mutual Association of Motion Picture Exhibitors. Papers incorporating the organization were filed last week with the department of state at Al- bany, by J. Myer Schine and John A. May, of the Schine chain of about 120 houses in New York state and Ohio, and A. Charles HavTnan, of Niagara Falls, who has been prominently identified for many years with exhibitor organizations in New York state.
According to S. B. Pfeifer, of Buffalo, an attorney interested in the in- corporation, the organization represents an actual buying power of more than a million dollars, and also said that within a month or so the member- ship in the association would pass the 200 mark.
According to the papers as filed with the Department of State, the as- sociation is incorporated to study, treat and handle the problems of the motion picture industry and the exhibitor: to promote, maintain and ex- tend friendly association among those engaged in the industry; to ac- complish reforms and abuses and to handle all problems of exhibitors and to reduce and minimize speculations and losses in the business. Further purposes are outlined as being the control of first run pictures and to sys- tematize distribution and credit.
V*-
34
Motion Picture N e zv s
West Coast to be Given Extensive Protection
Clearance Will Range Up to Nine Months as Means of Combating Ten Cent House Competition
As a result of what is characterized the ruinous comijetition of ten and fifteen cent houses it is likely that extensive protection will be given first run houses along the Pacific Coast. This pro- tection will extend up to a period of nine months for the larger chains operating in the big cities along the coast.
This protection is said already to have been acceded to by Paramount, M-G-M and Fox, and will be granted in the near future by other leading distributing organizations, it is said. It cpmes as the result of a com- prehensive zoning plan drawn up by West Coast Theatres, Inc., which for a long time past has seen trouble from the ten and fif- teen cent houses that have been showing pictures too soon after the first run houses.
The plan as drawn up by West Coast would give generous clearance over wide territories for all first runs out of the four coast key cities, Los Angeles, San Fran- cisco, Seattle and Portland. Out of San Francisco protection of nine months is sought over all theatres charging tw^enty cents or less.
Harold B. Franklin, president of West Coast Theatres, Inc., has for the past year been advocating more extended protection I'or the larger theatres. He has i-epeatedly expressed alarm over conditions existing around Los Angeles, where many exhibitors Avere cutting their price scales to fifteen cents.
Franklin's fii'st plea came at about the same time that B & K outlined its px'otec- tion demands for Chicago and other Illi- nois cities, when the so-called menace of the ten and fifteen centers became serious. At that time protection of one year was broached over all ten cent theatres no mat- ter in what section of the country they be located.
It is now thought that the demands of West Coast and other large coast chains will be met generally by all of the leading producers as long as Paramount, M-G-M and Fox are ready to meet the conditions.
It is thought that improved exhibition
conditions will prevail on the coast if the leading distributors yield to the request, and that the results will be more than satis- factory to the distributors. Pictures, it is argued, will move faster, coast cities will pick up product sooner and with more regu- larity, and thus the distributor will be as- sured immediate play dates, which in turn will release film for second and subsequent runs at an earlier date even with the ex- tended clearance.
As a part of the plan, as an instance, West Coast would secure the extensive pro- tection it seeks, for its San Francisco first runs only if the theatres in question pick up and play each picture within three weeks of its national release dates. If the prod- uct is not picked up in the specified time clearance is forfeited.
James Flinn Resigns Post With Pathe
James Flinn, manager of advertising accessories who tendered his resignation a few weeks ago, left the Pathe organization last Saturday, June 30. Hereafter he will be connected with a large interior decorat- ing firm with headquarters at Evanston, 111. He and his wife are driving to Glencoe, 111., where they will make their home. Mr. Flinn was with Pathe for the last three years, and with P. D. C. for the previous three years.
Julius Lewis Starts His Own Printing Company
Julius Lewis, for the past ten years con- nected with the Prospect Press, has organ- ized a new printing concern especially equipped and outfitted to take care of the printing needs of the motion picture indus- try. The name of the company is EUray Printing Company, Inc., located at 40 West 22nd St. Mr. Lewis is president.
Lewis is a veteran film man, having been in the moving picture industry for the last
Trial of Government Film Case Will Be Delayed Until Fall
OWING to the <;ongesl("il calendars of Federal courts in the New York district, it is anticipated that the Government case against the Hays organi/.alion, the Film Boards of Trade and a number of the large distributors will not be brought to trial until Va\\.
Some of the cases now on the calendar are of such importance, it is pointed out. that oUleials arc reluctant to take any steps which might result in their f»ost[)orieMient. Further, while many of the defendants in these cases might, by postponement, succeed in escaping punishment, it is pointed out that the defendants in the film equity cases are all resp<nisib]e people who have been engaged in legitimate business for years and give every in- dication of continuing in business for some time to come, regardless of the pending suit, so that there will be no difficulty in finding them when the case is brought to trial.
twenty years. He started with the old Sales Companj' and went with Universal Avhen it evolved from this original com- bination.
The new concern, centrally located, is fully equipped Arith its own composing room, bindery and presses of all kinds for rapid printing as well as for the finest color work. The Ellray Printing Co., Inc., opens for business on Monday, July 2.
5 Salesmen Added to U. A. Field Sales Staff
Following a sales conference in New- York, at which a policy of nationally sell- ing the United Artists progi-am of 19 pic- tures was adopted, the following additions to the field sales organization of United Artists were named :
William Trong, sales manager at Kansas City, effective July 2nd ; Harry Dodge, as- sistant district sales manager in Cleveland, effective July 9th; Henry Rosefield, sales- man at Washington, D. C, effective July 2nd; Matthew Sullivan, salesman at To- ronto, effective July 9th; William Chernoff, salesman at Pittsburgh, effective July 2nd.
In attendance at the sales meeting held in the New York office at which Al Lichtman, vice-president and goneral manager of dis- tribution, presided, were Cresson E. Smith, assistant general sales manager; Paul Bur- ger, assistant to Mr. Lichtman; Paul Laz- arus, sales promotion manager ; Moxlcy Hill, manager of contract department, and oth- ers.
Bob White Sells Holdings in Portland, Ore., Chain
Reports received last week from the Oregon territory indicate that Bob White, Portland exhibitor, has sold his en- tire holdings in the Multnomah Theatres Chain in the City of Roses, and plans to leave the film business. G. T. Woodlaw, of the Circle theatre in Portland; H. C. Phil- lips, of The Dalles, and Stephen Parker, of the Granada theatre in Portland, are the new owners of Mr. White's stock. The Multnomah Chain, formed by ^Ir. White, now includes the Bagdad, Bob White,. Egyptian, Gay, Granada, Lincoln, More- land and Venetian theatres in Portland. They are controlled by a group headed by Edward Fautz, and including Hugh Mc- Credie, Jr., William Cutts, F. W. Ham- burger, Bert Levy and Russell Brown.
Westwood, N. J., Forbids Sunday Movies
Members of the city cquncil of West- wood, New Jersey, unanimously passed an ordinance last week which forbids Sunday amusements. Protests were numei'ous from citizens and the only voice raised in favor of the ordinance was that of the Rev. R. A. Westgate, pastor of the Westwood Bap- tist Churcli.
Declare Against Block Booking, Percentage
Tile Xorthwcst hKh^pcndcnl lv\liihitors ' Association at their montlily meeting June 20th went on record as strictly opposed to l)lock booking and percentage. The entire membersliij) innulx'i'iug some ^'M) members were present a1 tlic hcndiiunrtcrs in Port- land, Oresron.
J Kill 7, l!);JS
34 A
Netoco Obtains ?Toiises in Boston and Dorchester
SjiiniK'l ]*iii;mski's orfjatiizntion, the Now Kiifiland Thcntrcs Opci'Mliti^- ("orporation, Boston, liais !H'(|iiir('(l cnntiiil oL' two tlicii- trc's in the New Kiij^ljind section, the Cen- tral Square in East Boston and the Liberty in Dorchester.
Tlie Central S(iuare, seating 1,800, is lo- cated in the heart of the P^ast Boston dis- trict. All entire renovation of the house and the installation of Vitaphone and Movietone has been ordered. Samuel Soul, is to have charge of the entire East Boston area. lie will be assisted in a managerial capacity by James Wall and James F. Kay.
Netoco leased the Liberty in Dorchester from the Liberty Realty Corporation. The house is to be closed immediately for reno- vation and redecorating. The date of open- inj; will be announced later.
'The
Territories Sold for Last Moment"
The North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Ohio and Kentucky riglits to Paul Fejos' titleless "The Last Moment," have been disposed of by the Zakoro Film Corporation, of which William H. Ilorne is sales manager. Previously he had sold the New England and Philadelphia territoi'ies.
Nat Royster, secretary of the N. C. T. O. A., has formed the Carolina Film Co. to liandle the picture in the Carolinas and Tennessee. Fisher Film Company will dis- tribute it in Ohio and Kentucky, and the Masterpiece P'ilni Company in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.
First National Releasing 5 Features During July
Five productions are listed for release during the current month by the First Na- tional sales department. The pictures in order of their release are :
"Code of the Scarlet," starring Ken Maynard, July 1st ; " The Good-Bye Kiss, ' ' Mack Sennett's comedy production, July 8th; "The Head Man,"' with Charlie Mur- ray, July 15th; "Heart to Heart," co- featuring Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes, July •22nd; and "Heart Trouble," Harry Langdon's latest comedv.
Laemmle to Coast to Expedite "Showboat"
IN order to expedite the production of "Showboat," Universal's special, Carl Laemmle has left New York City for Universal City where he will give his personal attention to the work of the producing unit headed by Di- rector Harry Pollard and to aid the director in everyway possible.
The colorful role of "Magnolia" in the production will be portrayed by Laura La Plante, who will assume a brunette wig for the occasion. Most of the other principals have already been engaged, Otis Harlan just having been signed for the role of Captain Andy Hawks and little Jane La Verne as Kim. Universal has purchased the steam calliope from the Golden Rod Floating Palace, a showboat.
Accompanying him on his trip to the coast are his daughter. Miss Rosabelle Laemmle, Mr. and Mrs. Maurise Fleck- les, and his secretary, J. H. Ross.
Columbia Production liudjijet for New Season Over $4,000,000
OVKK .S !..()( II I.I M 10 lia> ixin iMidgrtcil to |)r<>diirl ion Iin Coliiiiiloa Pi< lures for tlir nrw Hcasoii prodiicl. uliicli will ini-ludr Irii hpccial*^ and twcnty-Hix fratun-s, acrcordiug lo ainiouncriiirnl ii\ llic <-oiii[)aiiy this week.
riie coinpany also calleti attention to <'oniplelioii of its nationali/alion exchange |»rogram, six new excliangcs in kc\ <-itics liaving liccn opened reeenlly. riies<> serve points in Eastern Missouri. Soiitlifrn Illinois. \\ i-- eonsin. Colorado, Utah. Wyoming, New Mexi<<). Western 'Neltraska. South- ern Llalio and tlie State of New York, outside New Y <irk (^ity. The key cities are St. Louis. Milwaukee. Denver. Salt I,ake(;il\. Mlianv and IfuHalo.
Royster Suggests Plan
Decries Lack of Interest in Organize on
NL. ROYSTEK, secretary-treasurer of the Theatre Owners' Associa- tion of North Carolina decries the lack of interest on the part of exhibitors in their state and national organizations, and suggests a zoning plan- as a stimulant that would react to the benefit of all thea- tre owners.
Royster says:
' ' Some years ago, I advocated the estab- lishing of zone organizations for theatre men, to wit; Say that Charlotte, N. C, ex- changes are serving as they do. North and South Carolina tei'ritories, then there should be the Theatre Owners' Association of the Carolinas. If Atlanta, Ga., serves four states as it does, comprising Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee, then there should be a zone organization for theatre owners taking in those four states. These theatre owners' associations should be divided into what we will call 'zones.' Each zone organization would enlist as members those theatres located in those states served by the exchanges in each zone. Each zone organization should have a President, First and Second Vice-Presi- dent, a Secretary-Treasurer and a board of directors as they now have.
Exhibitor Bodies and Would New Lines
"This zoning plan of theatre owners' organizations would give us in the United States twenty-six zone organizations of theatre OAvners. Each zone should pay into its treasury a fixed percentage of dues, which should go to the upkeep of a Nation- al organization. The officers of the Na- tional oi-ganization should be elected by the majority of votes cast by the members of each individual zone organization, and the delegates are so instructed to vote when they attend the National organization con- vention.
"In this manner and along this line, there could be organized and projected, a positive and thorough organization, and each individual zone organization would constitute a solid, live, active body which would work hand in hand with the various film boards of trade for the best interests of every one. If each individual territory were organized into zones, each state and zone organization would then have a voice that would be heard in all formulating of all rules governing arbitration, as well as the drafting of new contracts, should the occasion arise, and other matters Avhich affect the exhibitors of every state, who now have but very little voice in these mat- ters, all things to the contrary."
Blank Sale to Publix?
Mid-Western Theatre Executive Reportd Disposing of Fifty Per cent Interest in Chain
ACCORDING to reports this week, ne- gotiations were about to b? closed by A. H. Blank, of Des Moines, for the sale of his theatre holdings to Publix. Mr. Blank was in New York for several days in connection with the deal, but no official statement was issued.
Twenty theatres are included in the pro- posed deal, under which Mr. Blank would sell his 50 per cent interest in the Blanks Publix circuit in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. This would not mean his retirement from the industry, as he is head of the Central States Theatre Co., a chain in Iowa, and is also a trustee and member of the execu- tive council of First Nationl. He recently joined the stock pool which assured the identity of First National, regardless of any sale of theatres by franchise holders.
The theatres which would be included in
his deal with Publix are: the Des Moines, Capitol, Strand, Palace and Garden, in Des Moines; the Riviera, Rialto and Strand in Omaha; the Broadway in Council Bluffs; the Capitol and Princes at Sioux City; Capitol and Rialto at Newton; the Riviera at Waterloo; a new theatre in Cedar Rap- ids which will be opened about September 1 ; the Columbia, Garden and Family at Davenport, and the Fort Armstrong and Spencer Square at Rock Island.
Harry David, now district manag r of the Publix circuit, acting under Mr. Blank, would be the next general manager of the lowa-Nebraska-Illinois chain if the Blank interests are sold, it is reported.
Before leaving Des Moines for New York, Mr. Blank admitted that he h;id dis- cussed such a transfer in January.
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Motion Picture N e zv s
"U" Curtailing Theatre Activity in South
Original Sparks Circuit Goes Back to Former Owner; Atlanta Deal With Loew Reported
Cl'RTAILMEXT of its theatre activi- ties by Universal in the Southeast is seen in recent developments in that territory.
The Universal circuit of Florida houses passed to the control of E. J. Sparks on July 1, but the deal does not involve the theatres in Leesburg and Lake City, where Earle Fain is a half partner, nor the Capi- tol in Miami, which is jointly owned by Universal and "Wolfson and Meyer.
According to reports from Atlanta, a
partnership deal between Universal and the
Loew circuit for the Capitol, "U" de luxe
.house there, is under way. It is said only
final details remain to be closed.
It is also reported that Universal is dick- t>ring to dispose of its three Atlanta su- burban houses, the Ponce de Leon, the
Madison and the Fairfax.
The group of houses involved in the deal with Sparks are in Orlando, Plant City, De- Land, St. Augustine, Bradenton, Sarasota, Arcadia, Kissimme and Fort Meyers. They form what was formerly known as the origi- nal Sparks circuit which was purchased from Mr. Sparks by Universal about three years ago.
It is not unlikely that these theatres Avill become a part of the Publix-Saenger- Sparks chain, because of the affiliations now existing between Mr. Sparks and the Saen- gers and Publix.
It is understood that the Universal The- atres district office in Atlanta, which has been maintained in the Norris building, will be abolished immediately as a result of the Sparks deal.
Ufa-Eastern is Formed
W. C. Herrmann Joins Fotces With Brill to Distribute Product in Over Third of U. S.
WILLIAM ('. HERRMANN, since litis ;i i)r()niinent figure in the dis- trihutioii division of the industry in the East, has joined forces with Dave Brill in the nrrchandising of the UFA product in the East.
With liis investment, the tirni reorganizes its executive structure and henceforth Avill be known as the UFA-Eastcrn Division Dis- tributicm, Inc. Messrs. Brill and Herr- mann will be in direct charge of the entire distribution in more than one-third of the entire United States (thirty-seven and one- half per cent to be exact).
Rayart Under Way on '28-29 Product
TWVj Rayart production forces in the .Metropolitan studio in Holly- wood, under the supervision of Trem ("arr, Kayart's supervising di- rector, are functioning full speed ahead on the program of pictures for the new season. The first two films have been completed and the work is now in progress on a third.
"The Divine Sinner" and "The Man from Headquarters" are the two com- pleted films; the third, on which shoot- ing has just started, is "Sweet Six- teen," from the story by Phyllis Du- ganne, published in a recent issue of I'holoplay. In the cast are Helen I'Oster, (Jerlrude Olmstead, William H. Tooker, (iladden .lames and Lydia teaman Titus. Scott I'emhroke is the director.
When "Sweet Sixteen" has been completed work will begin immediate- ly on "Sisters of P^ve," an adaptation of K. Phillip Oppenheim's "The Tempt- ing of 'I'avernake." Anita Stewart will be starred.
The new Brill and Herman combination will take full charge of distribution and all auxiliary functions such as advertising and exploitation of UFA pictures in the follow- ing states: New York, New Jersey, Penn- sylvania, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Dela- ware and the District of Columbia.
Headquarters for the entire territory will be maintained at 728 Seventh avenue. New York ; likewise exchange headcjuarters to serve Metropolitan New York and Northern NewJersey. Other regional territories Avill be serviced from branch offices maintained in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Bost<m and Buffalo.
In the season of 1928-29, the Brill and fL'rman firm will distribute 26 feature pro- ductions and 26 single reel novelties. All of them are completed. They are being ed- ited and titled in New York now. Twenty of them will l)e in shape, ready for viewing by August 1.
Among the feature productions, the ones on which August 1 delivery is assured, are the following: "The Fireman," "Thou Shalt Not Steal," "Lust for Power," "Loves of Jeanne Ney, " "Marriage Con- veniences,'' "Bondage," "Guilty," "Ai)aches of Paris," "The Revue Girl," "Marriage Vacation," "Ilis Late Excel- lency," "The Lovers Masquerade," " Trix- ie's Night Out," "Th;" Familv Reunion from Prillstein," "Dr. Monier and Ilis Women," "The Hunter Iroiu Greenland."
-Mr. llcniiKimi lor many years was in charge of activities at the New York hraiu-h of Universal. Subsequently he had charge of the PDC braiu-h in New York. Mr. Brill was associated with him at Uni- versal and later had charge of the New Vork unit of Tifl'aiiv.
Quality Dist. Corp. Lists 12 Pictures
THE program of the Quality Dis- tributing Corporation for the new season is made up of 12 feature productions, the first of which is released this month. George H. Davis is prsident of Quality.
The July release is "Black Butter- flies," from the novel by Elizabeth Jordan, with Jobyna Ralston, Lila Lee, Mas Busch and Robert Frazer in a cast directed by James W. Home. In August, "The Romance of a Rogue" will be issued. The story is a version of the novel by Ruby M. Ayres, di- rected by King Baggott and featuring Anita Stewart and H. B. Warner. The next Quality film assigned a release date is "The Lookout Girl," from the book by Alice Ross Colver.
The other pictures to come are as follows :
"The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," from an original by Wallace Ross Williams; "Wishes Come True," by Georgio Eraser; "Jazzland," by Samuel Merwin; "The Second Honey- moon," by Ruby M. Ayres; "Women at Forty," an original by Noel Thomas; "Children of Despair," an original by Myles Connolly; "The Love Hunter," from the novel "Singing Leaves" by Elizabeth Stancy Payne; "The Piper's Fee," from the novel by Samuel Hop- kins Adams; "Burned Evidence," from the novel bv Mrs. Wilson Woodrow.
First National Completes New Foreign Productions
•'Mv Girl Is In Paris," "The Shop Prince," "Two Red Roses," "The Saint and Her Fool," and "Rogue's Love," the five First National productions screened at the Defu studios in Berlin, are now ready for world-wide release. "Two Red Roses," the first picture in which Liane Haid, First National's new Defu star, plays the leading role, will l)e shown in America shortly, it is said.
Friedrich Zelnix is ready to begin shoot- ing on the new Lya Mara production "Mary Lou." Max Reichmann, director of "The Strange Case of Captain Ramper" and "Manege," will make three more j)ictures, the first of which has been tentatively titled "The Knight of Nights."
79 Films Included in Ufa 1928-29 Schedule
The release schedule of Ufa, Germany, for 1928-1929, recently announced in the trade press, included 29 long feature films, 2') short comedies, ami 25 educational and instructional filuLs. Of this total Ufa will ])roduce dii'ectly 9 features, and all of the short comedic^s and educationals, according to Trade ("ommissioner Geoi-ge R. Canty 's rej)ort to the l)e])artment of Commerce.
Jack MacDonald to Play Pilot in "Show Boat"
Jack .Maciloiiaid has, been selected to play "Windy," the pilot of "The Show Boat," in Universal's adaptation of Edna Berber's novel "The Show Boat."
Harry Pollard, the director, is raj)i(lly getting things in shape to comimmce pro- duction.
J III 1,1
n>2s
34 I
"Embarrassing Moments" New Weiss Bros. Series
A scries of 26 one-reel novelty j)ictures, entitled "Einbarrjissinj;: Moments," is un- nouneed by Weiss lirotliers' Artchiss Pic- tures Corp. The film will he niiide from ideas supjilied by motion picture audiences. The lirst reel has' already been made from an idea furnished by a Los Ang■el(^s audieiu'c The producers will be the Embarrassing;- Moment Pictures Corp., and Weiss Hrolheis will (lisli-ihnte the series.
A pi'i/.e of oO dollars will be paid tor each idea submitted and lihned, it is said. Full screen credit "will be jjiven in each case. Special cards will be fui-nished exhibitors for their patrons on which they can inscribe ideas for the contest.
J. W. Fingerlin in Charge of Eastern Production
The duties of J. W. Butler as manager of the home ofSce production department at the eastern headquarters of Paramount has been assumed by J. W. Fingerlin, re- cently appointed. Butler has been placed in charge of the Paramount Long Island studio which is now undergoing reconstruc- tion for the production of sound films.
"The Devil's Mask" Next John Gilbert Vehicle
"The Devil's Mask," a picturization of "The Masks of Erwin Reiner," Avhich with "The World's Illusion," has been pur- chased from Jacob Wasserman by Metro- Goldwyn-Mjayer, will be John Gilbert's next starring vehicle. Victor Seastrom will di- rect.
"U's" Serial Line-up in Production
UNIVERSAL has a large line-up of serials under way for next season, with " T a r z a n the Mighty," a lead-off serial, now almost half way through production. "Tar- zan," being made from the Edgar Rice Burroughs adventure stories, will, it is said, be produced on a scale and with a production value that tops "Blake of Scotland Yard." Tarzan is being played by Frank Merril while Natalie Kingston is the feminine lead. The cast includes Al Ferguson, Bobby Nelson, Monty Montague and others. Jack Nelson is directing from an adap- tation by Ian McCloskey. William Lord Wright is supervising. The pic- ture will be in 12 chapters of two-reels each and will released early next fall.
Three other 12-chaptered and two other 10-chaptered serials form the other portion of the serial line-up. Follow- ing "Tarzan" will come "The Final Reckoning," in which Newton House will star. Next will come "Pirate of Panama," on the script of which Ar- thur Henry Goodin and George Morgan are now working. Players are to be announced soon.
Then will come "The Mystery Rider," from the pen of George Morgan. Wil- liam Desmond is now on his way to Universal City to assume the leading role. The final chapter-play for the season will be "The Diamond Master," adapted from the Saturday Evening Post story by Jacques Futrelle. George H. Plympton and Carl Krusado have prepared the adaptation and continu- ity.
United Artists Will Distribute 19 New Films; 5 or More to Be Movietoned
TIIK lolai of rigliliiM lilnis rerciiliy ariiKMiiicrd \)\ I iiiii-d \rli-|H for th<' 192H-2*) season lias Itccii iii(T<-ase«l i»y <t(i<-. 'I'lic new pictiiri- is "She Goes lo War," a Henry King production for Inspiration l'i<- tures of the Rupert Hughes slory seriali/.ed in the Ked Hook Magazine.
Unilt'd Artists plans Movietone sound elfeetH, Hcores and v«»i<es for al least five of the product ions on its new line-u|». (Charlie (>liaplin has no) yet decided whether he will have a Movietone song (Or "(litv Light-. Douglas Fairhanks said in London that sound eileets would he used in liis next production. "The Man With the Iron Mask."
St. Louis Theatres Want Union Wage Cuts
Seek to Reduce Scale Paid to Musicians and Projec- tionists; Refusal Likely
WITH tbe most unseasonable sum- mer weather since 187:3 and Apial showers in June; unemployment very widespread and box office receipts far from what they should be theatre owners of St. Louis have taken the initiative in re- (juesting- substantial reductions in wages from the musicians and projectionists. The wage contracts with both organizations ex- pire Aug. 31.
In the preliminary discussions vnth the officials of the local union of the musician's relief has been sought for the small thea- tres, employing from one to three musi- cians.
The present scale provides that where but one musician is employed l>e shall be paid $63 a week for three hours of play- ing. In two-men orchestras the leader is now paid $63 and the second musician $48 and in three-men orchestras the leader is also paid $63 and the other two players $48 a week each. In the scale proposed by thea- tre owners the one-man house would pay only $53, in two-men houses the leaders' salary would be reduced to $55.50, and in three-men houses the leader would be paid $58. The wages of the other players would continue at $48. Proposed reductions for musicians would be continued to smaller houses.
The projectionists have been requested to accept a straight ten per cent reduction.
It is possible that both musicians and projectionists will flatly reject the wage reduction proposal. Under the leadership of Stephen Butler, })usiness agent, the St. Louis musicians ' local was perhaps the first in the United States to take a firm stand against any movement to discontinue orchestras in theatres where synchronized pictures are installed. When Vitaphone was first installed at the Capitol by War- ner Bros, the St. Louis musicians insisted that the theatre employ a regular orchestra. There were numerous conferences on the subject, but when the Vitaphone opened the regular orchestra was on hand and was paid in full notwithstanding the Vitaphone furnished all of the music needed.
Similary when Skouras Bros, installed the Vitaphone at the Grand Central the musi- cians insisted that a regular orchestra be
employed and these musicians are now paid the full union scale for playing but two minutes at each pt;rformance.
The St. Louis musicians have also opened a determined drive against all picture thea- tres that use mechanical organs, phono- graphs and other substitutes for human orchestras. Pickets have been placed in front of these places and in addition, auto- mobile trucks have been operated through- out the city advising the public of such substitutions.
Butler was the first union leader to utilize the radio to work up public senti- ment against Vitaphone, Movietone and mechanical organs, and regularly he takes the air via WIL, one of the St. Louis broad- casting stations, and tells listeners between Denver and Pittsburgh, Canada and the Gulf that the theatre owners who are mak- ing such substitutions are pocketing the money saved by cutting musicians off the payroll without making any reduction in admission prices.
Tlie St. Louis musicians also were among the first to raise a special fund to combat mechanical organs and one per cent of wages are contributed by members of the union. The national body will raise a simi- lar fund.
New Incandescent Lamps to Be Used for Jolson Film
As a result of the test of incandescent lighting conducted at the Warner Bros. studio in California, this type of lighting will be used exclusively in the filming of Al Jolson 's new Vitaphone vehicle, "The Singing Fool." This decision followed a series of tests made with Jolson last week in which the incandescent equipment and the new panchromatic were used.
Trinity Franchises Bought For Two Territories
Trinity Pictures franchises have been purchased by the Royal Film Exchange of Boston and the Standard Film Service Company which operates in the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit and Pittsburgh ex- changes.
34-D
M 0 t i 0 II P i c t u re N e 7t' s
T. O. G. G. and Sapiro Ask Delay in Buying
A DELAY in film buying, pending further recommendations from them, is the advice of the T. O. C. C. and the co-operation of exhibi- tors headed by Aaron Sapiro to inde- pendent exhibitors in the greater New- York territory. At a meeting of the two associations held last Tuesday the action was unanimously adopted, the conference agreeing that the new con- tract contains provisions requiring added study. Business conditions re- quire analysis on which to base rentals, the two associations agreed. It is understood that more conferences are planned.
"Man With Iron Mask" New Fairbanks Vehicle
"Douglas Fairbanks next picture will })c "The Man With the Iron Mask," a sequel of "The Three Musketeers," based on the further exploits of D'Artignan, Fairbanks' role in the former picture.
As nearly as possible, Fairbanks will re- assemble the cast of his original picture. Leon Bara}', the French actor who played the role of Athos, has arrived in Holly- wood to play the part again. Marguerite de la Motte will again be seen as Constance, the heroine. At the present time, it is not known how many players of the original "Three Musketeers" -will be seen in the new picture. George Siegmann, the original Porthos, has already passed on.
Maurice Leloir has been engaged by Fair- banks to act as art advisor on the produc- tion. The artist, who is 75 years old, ar- rived in New York last week from Paris and after a few days in the city he de- parted for Hollywood.
Fairfield Exhibitor Will Fight Gity Blue Law
Although the trial of W. F. Walsh, man- ager of Fairtiold's only moving picture the- atre, who was arrested for operating his theatre on a Sunday, has been postponed to July 7th, a fight against the recently adopted city ordinance will be cai'ried on by him.
Walsh declares he will plead not guilty when called before Mayor Pratt. Through
Three Projectionists in St. Louis Houses
THE St. Louis projectionists have applied drastic rules for houses using sound pictui'es. In the f J rand Central Theatre three projec- tionists are used on each shift instead of one man as with regular pictures, and all theatres in this territory that install the Vitaphone will have to use three projectionists.
The stagehands' union has also in- sisted on the employment of a member of that union if a phonograph or other mechanical musical instrument is used r>n the stage of a theatre. Re- cently one theatre that used some Al .lolson records in connection with a picture paid a stage hand for being present.
his attorney he will charge that the ordi- nance, under which he was arrested, is il- legal. Under the new city ordinance, he is liable to a fine of from $25 to $100 and 30 days in jail. If he is fined in Mayor Pratt's court, he will appeal to the higher court, Walsh says.
Originally Birmingham decided against Sunday shows. When Walsh opened his theatre the week following the election a fight was begun against him by churchmen, but Mayor Pratt declined to adopt a blue law ordinance. A straw vote held also de- termined against Sunday shows. The city council then adopted the ordinance pro- hibiting them. The mayor neither signed nor vetoed the bill.
12 Additions to Christie Beauty Brigade
A dozen newcomers have recently been added to the list of Christie girls at the Hollywood comedy studios.
Nancy Dover has been selected as leading lady with Bobby Vernon; Patricia Archer will be prominent in the first of the "Con- fessions of a Chorus Girl" series; Jane Laurell and Shirley Collins will be with Billy Dooley; Marguerite Calova, who danced with Dooley in vaudeville this spring, is also appearing with him; Betty Lorraine is working in "Picture My Aston- ishment," with Frances Lee; Nancy Cornelius, who was "Miss Hollywood," is a new player; Marcelle Edwards, daughter of Neely Edwards, who is just out of high school, is now playing parts; Alice Averill from "Sunny," Elsie Tarron, Helen Roche, and Winnie Law, Sally O'Neill's cousin, who recently came to Hollywood after ap- pearing on the stage in a Publix revue, are other Christie newcomers.
"Making the Varsity" Next Excellent Release
The next release from Excellent Pictures will be "Making the Varsity," starring Rex Lease, with a supporting cast including Gladys Hulette, Edith Yorke, Arthur Ran- kin, Florence Dudley, Carl Miller and Jamtes Latta.
Immediately following "Making the Varsity," "The Speed Classic," also fea- turing Lease and with Mitchell Lewis, Mil- dred Harris, Otis Harlan, Helen Jerome Eddy and Jack Richardson in support, will be issued. It is already being edited.
Excellent now has in production in Hollj'- wood "Manhattan Knights" in the cast of which are Barbara Bedford, Walter Miller, Betty Worth, Ray Hallor, Noble Joliiison and Eddie Boland.
Glive Brook Signs New Paramount Gontract
Clive Brook, English actor, has just re- newed his contract with Paramount, for whom he has starred in several recent re- leases. At present he is completing work with the unit making "Forgotten Faces." Tie is scheduled to star in a series of <lr:iinatic ]>ictures opposite Evelyn Brent.
Hays Departs in Semi- Annual Trip to Goast
Will 11. Hays left New York lliis week lor Hollywood on his semi-annual visit to the studios.
Injunction Is Sought Against School-Theatre
THE case of E. Ellingsen, manager of the theatre at Spring Grove, Minnesota, against the local school board has been taken under advisement by a judge of the district court. Ellingsen is seeking an injunc- tion to prevent the local school from showing pictures in competition with the regular theatre. Ellingsen has the aid of the Northwest T. O. A. and W. A. Stefifes, president of the associa- tion, says that the case will be car- ried to the highest court in favor of Ellingsen. The local school has been showing the pictures under the name of the Auditorium Theatre.
M-G-M Will Film ^/Trader Horn" in Africa
The original setting of the storv will form the background for M-G-M 's' "Trader Horn." An expedition will leave Califor- nia for West Africa in the near future, under the leadership of W. S. Van Dyke, who has but recently returned from Ha- waii where he made ' ' Southern Skies. ' '
The company plans to penetrate into the heart of the Congo and remain there for an inde!finite period. On their arrival in Africa, the director and his technical unit with an army of negro bearers will move portable generators, cameras, lights and a complete studio outfit to their jungle location, it is said.
L. B. Pride, New Scenarist, at Paramount Studio
A graduate of Professor George Pierce Baker's pla\T\-rigliting class at Yale wiU join the Paramount studio on the West Coast. He is Leo B. Pride who was signed by Paramount last week. Other Baker- trained Yale men will be added to the vrrii- ing and technical staffs of the Paramount studio from time to time, it is said. Among Professor Baker's former students are Eugene O'Neill, Sidney Howard, Edward Sheldon and Philip Dunning.
Free Shows Still Gonfront Minnesota Exhibitors
Exhibitors in Minnesota are still being confronted with the free picture menace. At Dover pictures are shown every Satur- day evening while at Verndale a free show was given in connection with the Farm Bu- reau Picnic dav.
Golumbia Opens 2 New Branch Offices
Two new exchanges in Albany and Buffalo, New York, have been by Columbia Pictures. The Buf- falo branch is under the management of .Joe Miller, a former representative for First National and other com- panies.
Covering the Syracuse territory is Austin Inrerraute. Walter Foster covers Uochester and surrounding towns. The All)any territory is being covered by ('. H. Halligan, with Uni- versal for 17 vears.
Juhj 7, l!):JS
35
The Voice of the Screen
News and Comment on All Phases of "Sound" Pictures
William A. Brady Discusses Sound Films
Veteran Legitimate Producer Sees Many Changes for Future
(Continued from page 31)
He has starred in some of Broadway's big- gest productions, but his popularity has been on the wane for some time and he wanted to borrow some money. Immedi- ately I thought that sound pictures were just the spot for him and I mentioned it to him. 'But how can I get to the pro- ducers,' he said. I gave him a letter to four of them and within twenty-four hours every one of them wanted him and he is now signed to a year's contract.
"The motion picture industry has been a mighty fortunate one, but I think this in- novation of the sound picture is the luckiest break it ever had. It dropped right out of lieaven, as it were, just at a time when things looked anything bxit bright. Four times now the industry has had a break and there have been brains enough in it to seize upon the breaks. The first Avas in the production of shorts, whose novelty at the time would carry them over. Then came the advent of Zukor, Lasky and Fox and others and the introduction of the feature film. The feature film brought a new era of prosperity and it continued to prospn.r until it made too great demands on the lit- erary markets of the world. Good stories could not be manufactured at the terrific rate they were being consumed. There came a weakening in the stories and a cor- responding falling off: of audiences. So- called ijresentations, vaudeville acts, bur- lesque, bands and other things saved the situation.
Not a Mere Flurry
"Interest was again on the decline, when suddenly out of nowhere came Yitaphone, Movietone, Photophone and other sound re- cording and reproducing devices and as a result there is greater interest in pictures today than there ever was before. This is not just a flurry. Sound pictures are here to stay. They don't know much about them now, as they didn't know much about anything in the industry when they first started the production of short subjects, but there will be developments, and perhaps greater developments than ever before. Meantime the novelty of the sound jjictures will get them over in healthy fashion and by the time the public starts tiring a bit of the crudeness that is now displayed, there will be revolutionary measures that will again revive interest to the peak.
"And while all this is going on the le- gitimate stage is going to suffer and only the smartest of the legitimate producers are going to be able to keep up interest in
their playhouses. What is the legitimate stage going to do in the absence of its es- tablished stars? The smart legitimate pro- ducer is going to develop stars overnight. That can be done, but it takes a smart pro- ducer to do it. Never in the history of en- tertainment has there been such a chance for new talent. You will see names by the score in electric lights on Broadway in an- other year or two that you have not heard of to date. That will be just as necessary as it is for the motion picture industry to supplant present-day screen stars who can- not read lines or act with phiyers of the legitimate stage.
"I have hear it said that screen stars who have attained popularity will be instructed in voice culture and the tricks of the legiti- mate stage and that they will not be at a disadvantage Avhen they are heard on the screen. Don't let anybody fool you into thinking that is so. Some of them will get by largely because they have had legitimate stage experience, but the gi-eat majority of them will require long, hard training be- fore they become proficient in all of the little tricks, if they ever do. Why, that has been our greatest trouble on the speak- ing stage. You will see actors and actresses who have had years of experience and they don't know how to enunciate or read lines yet. Their defects will be accentuated on the screen.
Long Training Needed
"Can you imagine how some of these stars will sound by contrast when they ap- pear in a picture with a Barrymore, Ruth Chatterton, Mrs. Fiske or dozens of other stage stars I could name ? It is not a ques- tion of days or weeks, but of years to ac- quire all that is necessary to meet the re- quirements of these sound reproducing de- vices. Hear Lionel Barrymore in 'The Lion and the Mouse' and you hear absolute per- fection. Who but the greatest stars can enunicate so clearly and put the right in- flection into every line. Why, his line in that picture, "Now I'll give you another tip,' is an absolute classic. Barrymore will be about as big a star as pictures ever had as a result of these sound pictures. You can't develop Barrymores in a day, aiul as I see it it means a complete revolutionizing of the ranks of motion picture stars if the full value is to be had from talking pic- tures.
"It will be just as necessary too to have comi)etent direction from the angle of the stage as it will be to have stage talent on the screen. The motion picture director who has had no experience in stage direc- tion will hardly be qualified to produce the new type of motion picture. To my way of thinking it will l)e much more necessary for {Continued on Page 40)
Talkie Highlights
WM. A. HRADY, veteran Broadway legitimate produeer declares sound pictures will revolutionize both pictures and stage; that picture in- terests will sign all stage stars and a new crop of the latter must be developed over night.
Union problems are showing a marked increase with new ones arising daily as the result of the many installations of sound de- vices being made in the- atres.
Hollywood production plans are rapidly taking shape, with many sound pictures already in produc- tion and others being pre- pared to go into work in the immediate future.
Joseph M. Schenck warns against hysteria over sound devices and points out that intelhgent production of films will remain the sus- taining force in entertain- ment
Harold B. Franklin, pres- dent of West Coast The- atres, Inc., writes enter- tainingly and instructively on sound showmanship.
Pennsylvania jurist rules censor board has same right to censor dialogue in pic- tures as the pictures them- selves.
Exhibitor urges careful handling of film as a big factor in the success of sound pictures.
36
M 0 f i o II Picture News
Sennett Ready to Make Short Comedies with Photo phone
MACK SEXXEITT, producer of com- edies for Pathe, after months of preparation, will soon begin produc- tion of two reel comedies with RCA Photo- phone talking and sound effects. The man who produced the first one reel comedy, the first two reel comedy, the first six reel farce comedy; who orginiated the Keystone Cops and the bathing beauties, is taking another step which is destined to have a vast influence on the short subject of the future.
When Sennett began the construction of his new studios at Studio City, California, he had already begun to plan for the ap- plication of sound to his comedies. In con- sequence, sound proof rooms were included in the new plant. Now he is ready to be- gin production, and the first of the Pathe comedies with talking and sound effects will j)ro])ably be ready in early autumn.
The way in which Sennett makes use of the Photophone will not be along conven- tional and obvious lines, it is said. He
promises a surprise to the trade and the public alike. What will be the nature of this he cannot divulge at this time.
The reason for the producer's long stay of over two months in New York is di- rectly connected with these new production plans, as was also the putting of Johnny Burke and other vaudeville favorites under long term contracts.
"I consider that talking and sound Avill be the gi'eatest advance in short subjects since I made the first two reel comedy," said Mr. Sennett. "Here is a new science that lends itself marvelously to screen com- edy. We are going to give new interest to the steady patrons and we are also going to attract myriads of new pat_rons to the motion picture theatre. Presentations have imposed a heavy burden upon many exhibi- tors. If there ever has been a real need for them in motion picture theatres, which I personally doubt, these new two reel comedies will answer it. The short comedy is about to enter a period of great expan- sion and the widest influence."
Hollywood Production Plans Shaping Up for Talkies
HOLLYWOOD, .July 2. — Production activities are assuming more definite shape daily in conection with sound pictures at the Hollj-wood studios. Work is already under way on several of them in the studios where equipment has been installed, while in other studios casts are being assembled and all plans pei'fected for launching pro- duction at the earliest possible moment.
According to a reliable report current in Hollywood, Reginald Denny's next picture may be a "talkie." It is known that Carl Laemmle, ever on the alert to pioneer any- thing that will tend to further advance- ment of pictures, has been flirting with Fox' synchronizing device and the fact that several of his chief coast executives have been experimenting with Movietone during the past few weks, lends truth to the Denny report.
The selection of Denny to mark the ad- vent of Universal into the talking picture field was due to the fact that he possesses a particularly well placed stage voice. At one time Universal 's comedy star appeared
North West Resumes Arbitration
RESUMPTION of arbitration in the Northwest came about last week through the efforts of non- members of the Northwest exhibitor unit. Deliberations in the locality had been at a standstill for several weeks following the move of the board of the firm's action in serving non- theatrical accounts.
The body of Northwest exhibitors has announced that injunction pro- ceedinjis would be begun if attempts were made to arbitrate with a board on which the Northwest exhibitor is not represented.
as leading man opposite several of New- York's most prominent stage favorites.
Charles R. Condon, who wrote the scenario for the first Vitaphone picture to be made in England, Ben Hecht's "The Florentine Dagger," has been rewarded by a second Vitaphone assignment. This will be also made in England and as yet has not been titled.
Howard Bretherton has just completed the direction of Condon's story, "Caught in the Fog," which was made with Vita- phone interpolations.
William de Mille is to have the interest- ing experience of making a play of this ■\\Titing into his own talking movie. This is to be a picturization of ' ' The Man High- er Pp, ' ' a playlet in which Theodore Roberts has apeared in vaudeville during the past five years.
De Mille has signed Roberts to star in the "talking movie" in the role "the grand old man" created on the stage. The pro- duction is to be made as a two-reeler. and will be started immediately after William De Mille completes the direction of "Craig's Wife," a picture he is working on at the present time.
P\)llowing close on the heels of the an- nouiu'cment that all of the new season's Christie Comedies released by Paramount will be made with sound elfects and musical synchronization, comes the statenu-nt that the Douglas MacLean picture "The Carna- tion Kid" will be syiu-hronized with sound. Xot only will Douglas and his supporting I)iayers talk, but sound effects of a vivid nature arc j)ianne(i.
Sennett Special to Have Sound Effects
"Tiic (iood-Bye Kiss," the .Mack Sen- nett special feature production being dis- tril)uted by First National Pictures, will
be the second of the specials handled by this company to be accompanied by sound effects, according to an announcement just niade by Richard A. Rowland, general and production manager.
The first picture with sound synchroni- zation will be "Lilac Time," a special with Colleen Moore as the star, which opens for a run at the Carthay Circle, Los Angeles, Julv 12th.
Musical Comedy in Color Suggested
The ultimate value of talking motion pictures will never be completely tested until talking pictures are staged with the same care and attention to detail as is now the case with stage pi'oductions, according to Director Robert Z. Leonard.
Leonard, prior to coming to motion pic- tures had a long and varied career on the stage. He was both actor and producer. In the latter capacity he produced 140 mu- sical shows.
"I have an idea in my own mind that I would like to ti-y out in my next produc- tion," said Leonard. "An idea that is now practicable and would constitute a real test of talking motion pictures.
"What I have in mind, is, briefly, to pro- duce a full length musical comedy in color with talking motion pictures.
"Such a production, will of cour.se, re- quire a combination of the technique of the stage and screen. It will require an origi- nal book, original songs, and original lines. It could be better staged than the usual musical shows, since the motion picture would permit us to choose locations wher- ever we pleased, exterior or interior, and at the same time to have many more loca- tions than stage facilities will permit.
"Personally, I can see no reason why in the future stage productions could not be adapted from talking motion picture pro- ductions instead of vice-versa, as is now the case. It M'ould even be possible to have simultaneous release dates."
Fox Buys "Behind That Curtain" for Movietone
Fox Film Corporation has bought "Be- hind That Curtain," a mystery novel by Earl Derr Biggers. It will be done in ^lovietone.
Raoul Walsh has been assigned by Win- field Sheehan, vice-president and general manager, to produce this picture. He left Hollywood Saturday, for New York in (juest of suitable talent.
Marshall Neilan Scheduled to Direct Bebe Daniels
Marshaii Neilan will direct Bebe Daniels' next Paramount picture as yet untitled. He also was signed a few days ago to di- rect Douglas MacLean 's next Paramount- Christie pictuiT.
First National Buys Story For Charlie Murray
The purchase of an (iriginai story by Adele Comandini called "The Milkman" has been effected by First National. Char- lie' Murray, now in the east vacationing, will be the stellar player.
July
IH2S
37
Franklin on "Sound" Showmanship
Expert HandlinjI
by Exhibitors Is
Prime Necessity
By HAROLD B. FRANKLIN President of West Coast Theatres, Inc.
1u)1T()k's Notk : Mr. I^'raiiklin's vk-ws oh tlii' latest (levclopnuMits in tlu- iiuluslrv, which arc l)rintcd below, arc from ati editorial written hy liini in "Now," the West Coast Theatre nia.ua- zine.
TTlKIvK can he no question that tho motion picture iTidustry is goinjj; "laikie." The h'adiiif; producers have dcifinitely committed themselves to a recognition of the synchronization and amp- lification devices that have heen perfected. The devices now beinjj: installed in many theatres are the product of the Electrical Research Products, a subsidiary of the American Teleiihone & Telegraph Company, and the most imijortaiit producers are now making: productions Avith these devices un- der the trade name of Movietone or Vita- phone. Within a few months the RCA- Photophone, fostered by the Radio Corpo- ration and General Electric, will be mar- keted.
A Prime Necessity- It can readily be seen that sound syn- chronization has become a prime necessity to every progressive motion picture thea- tre. That motion pictures are being made with sound synchronization, however, does not in itself insure a continued public sup- port. If it is not to be a fad, quality must be the dominant objective of the producers. Sound synchronization offers a new mode of expression which will progress only to the extent that producers take advantage of the opportunities before them; they must realize that here is a new art that requires sympathetic understanding. Mis- takes will be made in the beginning, and those companies that have or are willing to gain experience will naturally make the greatest progress. That the interest of the public has been aroused is an undoubted fact, to w'hich the recent success of certain motion pictures with sound synchronization bear witness.
The industry has witliin it power to bring to the motion picture an added im- petus ... a new dimension, if you please . . . that will attract an in- creased patronage, if "quality" is the watchword of this new effort. Producers who are devoting themselves to the develop- ment of sound synchronization can prove to be a force for great progress to the entire
Canadian Theatres to Install Equipment
CANADIAN theatres of the Famous Players Canadian Corporation will be equipped with sound re- producing devices by the Fall, accord- ing to announcement made in Regina, Saskatchewan, by N. L. Nathanson, managing director of the corporation. There are 140 theatres under control of Famous Canadian and the contract has been signed for Movietone and Vitaphone equipment.
Vitaphone Signs Additional Stars for Playlets and Operatic Numbers
SI'',VMI{ M, stars (»r lilt- >l;igf ami x rrrn lia\<- Ixiii -igmii lo ap[Har in Vilaplioiic pn'snilalions an«l the iiiajorilN oi llirrii liavc alri'a<l> slartrd work. They will he seen in playlcis, skct(li<-s and opiralic immbers.
Fllu'l Grey Torry, sorroii star, and William I)avi<l8on, Kdwin Sliiryi- and Carl (irrard. all of the Icgilinialc slagr. will Ik- seen in the Willard Mack pla\ let. "Sliarp Tools." Kcnntlli Harlan. |{ol»irl Kllioll an<l .lolin '^L I'ois will have the leading roles in " llie Milti." Ity Murra\ Holh anri \d- dison Hurkliart.
Sarah Padden, noted eniolional actress, will make her third V itaplioix appearance in "Across the Border," by Colin Clements. Madame Schu- man Heink has heen signed lo make two Vitaphone presentation*, in which she will select the most popular numbers from her wide operatic reper- toire.
industry. Xcw interest will be shown by many who have been satisfied with their activities, and new talent will be attracted to this new art. A technicpic will be cre- ated that will blend motion picture action with voice and sound. Such technique will be entirely different from the methods of the spoken dranui or the motion picture . . . it will blend the best points of the stage and screen. In the expression of such a technique students of the highest ideals and intelligence w'ill be attracted to the in- dustry, and progressive producers will en- courage the development of such manpower. Some of our screen favorites will enhance their value if they keep pace with the new recjuirements, while others will be found lacking, and new personalities will be de- veloped for the spoken screen.
Has Its Rights
In musical interpretation and accompani- ment, sound synchronization has established its right to compete with most theatre or- chestras. The Movietone News, because of sound synchronization, brings to current news subjects a decided added interest to see and hear the Prince of Wales, George Bernard Shaw, Mussolini, Lloyd George, Marshall Foch and others of international interest, makes great men and events live before our very eyes. Such liv- ing records stimulate the interest of the public in motion picture theatres every- where.
It is not enough to show sound motion pictures; theatres that devote themselves to sound synchronization must give to this new showmanship understanding and sym- pathy. It is not sufficient to merely install a synchronizing device; it is quite impor- tant to insure for its operation enterprise and expert handling. Projectionists should not alone understand the mechanism, but are in a great measure responsible for its successful operation. Management must be sure that amplification is just right — not too loud nor too soft. There must be a close co-operation between the management and projectionists in maintaining just the jjrojjer degree of amplification at all times. The instruments require different adjust- ments in a crowded auditorium as compared to those periods in the day when patron- age is lighter. This makes necessary care-
fully worked out schedules, as well as con- stant supervision to insure uniform tone quality.
In advertising sound synchronization, misrepresentation must never be resorted to. The public should not be allowed to ex- pect talking motion pictures when only synchronized scores are presented ; yet,, when talking motion pictures or effects are given, clear definite advertising in this re- spect should guide the publicity and an- nouncements, and short talking or singing subjects should be advertised as such.
Short subjects should be programmed so that they blend into a smooth running en- tertainment. Two singing or dancing acts following one another would indicate the same poor judgment in sound motion pic- tures as it would be in stage entertain- ment. The tendency to give lengthy pro- grams brings to mind that quality is of greater value than quantity.
Sound synchronization is another mile- stone in the progress of the motion picture. The same progressive spirit that has built our industry into one of the greatest, is now necessary to bring this new art to its fullest expression. Those who appreciate its possibilities are destined to gain dis- tinction and prestige.
M-G-M Players Equipped for Sound Pictures
Introduction of "talking films" into the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production progi-am will have very little effect upon the personnel of the studio stock company. Seventy- five per cent of the players under contract by that organization have had considerable stage experience and are suitably equipped for the sound device innovation for the screen features.
The twenty-five per cent lacking stage training are to be coached in a studio elo- cution school and their response to the voice culture instruction probably will measure their future usefulness to the company.
John Gilbert, Lionel Barrymore, Lew Cody, Conrad Nagel, Lon Chaney and Ralph Forbes are some of the male players who came into films from the stage. ^Marion Davies, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Aileen Pringle also were on the stage.
38
M 0 t I o II P i c t It r e N e zv s
Sound Picture Reviews
"The Book Worm"
HARRY J. CONLEY, another star of the Broadway stage comes to the speaking screen m this Vitaphone playlet. He was among the luminaries of "Lemaire's Affairs" and he injects a lot of comedy into a very talkie talkie. The story is by Willard jNIack, who seems to be giving a lot of his attention to these screen playlets.
Conleys pantomime is good and his voice registers well on the screen. It is a typical old silent two-reel comedy done with dialogue and it is much more attractive in its new form. The dialogue and stage play of Conley liven the old silent comedy considerably and are bound to extract more laughs from an audience.
The story is rather crude and unlike others of the late ones seen, in that it is not as skillfully constructed, but depends more upon the lines than the situations to get it over. Conley asks tlie privilege of delivering a book from the bookstore to a beautiful young lady whom he has fallen hard for. He arrives at her house and she immediately falls in love with him. In fact her advances are so marked as to embarrass him, but he gets over tliat and is doing well when he is awakened by a subway conductor telling him he has reached the end of the line. — Chester J. Smith.
^'Celeste Aida" Giovanni Martinelli is seen and heard in the aria from Verdi's opera, "Aida." This operatic star, who was among the first to be recorded by Vitaphone in connection with the initial presentation of "Don Juan' is even more splendid in this numl)er than he was in the original record. His voice seems perfectly pitched for recording and his notes are as clear in the reproduction as though he was on the stage in person. Martinelli will undoubtedly be among the most popular of the many stars that have been signed by Vitaphone. — Chester J. Smith.
Union Problems Increase With Sound Installations
UNION problems with theatre managers threaten to become more complicated daily with the installation of sound equip- ment multiplying rapidly. From both the projection and the music angles difficulties are arising that eventually will have to be straightened out.
From the coast comes word that houses having sound pictures devices face the pros- pect of union demands that will practically double their projection overh<»ad. The unions, it is said, will demand a number of synchronization apparatus operators equal to the num})er of regular projection ma-
Noted French Comic Signed by Lasky
WITH the return from abroad of Jesse Lasky, first vice-presi- dent in charge of production of Paramount, announcement is made that included in the foreign talent signed by him is Maurice Chevalier, favorite comedian of the Paris music halls, who will be seen and heard in sound pictures.
As a feature of the first picture in which Chevalier will appear, he will sing in both French and English. The story is being prej)ared by a distin- guished French dramatist with Chevalier collaborating, Mr. Lasky said. The comedian is to appear in both sound and silent pictures. He speaks not only French, but fiuent and colloquial English.
chine operators. Exhibitors contend that the regular machine oijerators will have no trouble running the sound picture devices and that it means little or no extra labor. If they are compelled to put on the extra labor they feel that the extra revenue from the sound films will not offset the additional expense of operation. It will be necessary in some houses, it is contended, to enlarge the projection room if more help is to be accommodated.
As the first step in its campaign against the general installation of mechanical music in theatres, a national survey is being con- ducted by the American; Fedieration of IMusicians to determine public reaction to sound pictures.
Just what action will be taken by the musicians is problematical, but the federa- tion has voted an annual defense fund of $1,500,000 to prevent the general introduc- tion of mechanical sound devices into thea- tres. Joseph N. Weber, president of the federation, sties no trouble in the immediate future with theatres, but he has issued the lollowing statement on the general con- ditions :
"We are not opposed to talking movies because we realize that synchronization of words with action on the screen is a scien- tific accomplishment of value. But if ma- chines are used as a substitute for vocal and orchestral music in the nation's theatres lh(!y will become a serious menace to our cultural growth. And that just at a time when Anu^rica has achi(!ved rank as the un- doubted world center of nuisic.
"Music at best reflects the mood of the artist. You cannot mechanize an art. If synthetic harmony comes to supercede the services of musicians, the public will be the loser. The gain, if any, will be that of the theatrical enterpriser who will be of- fering cheaper and inferior music for the old price of admission. This would be espe- cially unfortunate in view of the fact that the motion picture theatre has been a great factor in promoting appreciation of fine orchestral music."
Philly, Dallas Get Vitaphone Branches
Two additional Yitapliono l)ranch offices, one in Philadelphia and one in Dallas are to be opened at once. This was announced this week by Paul Swift, general sales man- ager of the Vitaphone Corporation. The number of Vitaphone exchanges will then be six, the other offices being New York, Chicago, San Fi-ancisco and the recently established Atlanta branch.
A marked increase in the number of Vitaphone installations in the Philadelphia and Dallas territories is given as the rea- son for the establishment of the new offices. More than 100 Vitaphone exhibitors in the Philadelphia territory are now serviced by the New York branch it is said. The rap- idly increasing number of Vitaphone in- stallations both in the New York and Phila- delphia territories has made a division of the territory necessary.
Locations for the two new branches are now being selected and it is expected that both offices will be equipped and ready to service accounts within the next three or four weeks.
The service department of the New York branch hitherto located at the old Vitagraph studios in Brooklyn, will be moved within the next week to the new building now oc- cupied by the Vitaphone and Warner Bros, home offices at 321 West 44th Street. One entire floor of this building will be taken over by the Vitaphone New York branch.
Warners Purchase "Home Towners" for Vitaphone
Warner Bros, have purchased from George M. Cohan the screen rights to "The Home Towners," which was produced on Broadway and had a run at George M. Cohan's Theatre there. Robert McWade, who played the leading role in the Broad- way production has been engaged for the same part in the picture.
"The Home Towners" will l)e one of Vitaphone 's specials for the coming season and will be an all-talking i)icture. The cast, apart from Mr. McWade, is in process of selection by J. L. Warner.
25 Vitaphone Theatres in Philadelphia
Two more theatres in Pliiladelpliia join the list in that city showing Vitaphone at- tractions. The Cross Keys theatre begins its Vitaphone career this week and the Kent starts the week following. Both are Stanley circuit houses.
With the installation of Vitaphone in the Cross Keys and Kent, the number of Vitaphone equipped theatres in Pliiladel- pliia is raised to twenty-five.
July 7, 1928
39
Condition of Film Will Be Big Factor
Improvement Becomes Prime Necessity Now,
Exhibitor Declares
SI'KAKING oi' the siiiiillcr lioiiso, wliich is to be a voi'y iiiiporlaiit factor in the new sound movie era, \Villiani II. Me.Laujililiii, of the Stoneliain 'I'heiitre ("o., Stoiieiiani, Mass., has somk- praetical aiul pertinent thinofs to say: "Mr. William A. Johnston, *' Motion I'icture News, "New York City, N. Y. "Dear Sir:
"I have been readinj^' witli interest your editorials of late in whicli the talking mov- ies have been the paramount subject. We might say that they are a reality, but it will he six months to a year before they will l)e operating in a majority of theatres.
"My suggestion at the present time is, 'Why not get a firm foundation on which to build for them in the coming months?'
"The talk the exhibitor hears from a big percentage of his patrons in the subui'ban and smaller theatres is, 'If we wait until the picture comes here we won't see the whole of it, because they cut them when the smaller theatres get them.' In these days when ninety per cent of the public are travelling in autos they don't wait, but go to the cities.
"As I have explained to my patrons many times in editorials, it is not the story cut, but sometimes we get film in poor con- dition after it has been run through many other picture machines. You cannot con- tinually make excuses to your patrons. If this is the case now, Avhat will it be after the smaller theatres have invested $4,000 to $18,000 in equipment for the talking movies ? The public will then claim that they don't get all the talking and musical end of the program as well as the picture, with the result that it will be hard to get the investment back.
Care of Film Necessary
"As I suggested, now is the time to build a foundation, and I do not wish to criticise without making it constructive. The one big fault lies with the exhibitor. It is just human nature not to respect the other fel- low's property as much as you would your own. It is the same the world over. A man who hires a tenement does not take the same care of it as he would if he owned a house. Too many exhibitors feel that as long as the film is not their property, they should not be over zealous in its care. The result is that the person they hurt the most is the small exhibitor that follows after them in the use of the film. If the exhibi- tors outside the key cities, would put as much effort into helping the other exhibi- tors in maintaining a good condition of film, as they do against block booking, etc., the evil would be stopped to a certain ex- tent.
"The distributors are wrong also. It is true in their inspection departments they look for scratches, holes and patches, but how many ever look for the continuity of the story which is more essential than the other things, when today the public is com- paring the pictures seen in the palaces and cathedrals, with what the suburban houses
oiler. TIktc^ should be sonic man in lliis industry smart enough to invent a meter attaehnu'iit I'or the rewind iiiacliiti((s in the inspection dejiartment, thai i-ciiild tell how many feet of film were senL to an exhibitor and how many returned, and eventually we would not be having the continuity ol' the story shot to pieces.
"By this method the exhibitor who has to cut poor film out of a picture, would be more apt to i)ut it back in the ease instead of in the waste barrel. The distributor then could tell what part of the story was cut, and either fix up that footage or sub- stitute new. If that did not improve mat- ters, a charge for the missing amount of film after being measured would lieli).
Must Help Small Exhibitor
"IVom a small exhibitor's standi)oint, there must be something done to improve the condition of film before an exhibitor of
this clas.-i 1^ Hiiir/tiilcd lo ^piml a l>m amount of iimney for talking movie e()uii>- ment. Our film should bcr just as good aH the $1,000,000 house receives. Our invest- ment is as riuudi in |>roi»orlion lo the in- habitants in our commnnitieH and tlie Kcata in our tlieatr(,'S as the big fellows. Tlir-y get I he |>ictur(! preferencf!, and art; in the days of easy travel by auto, getting a big pro- portion of f)ur patrons which is not figured when the price of pictures is made to them. Therefore it is very essential botli to the existeiKie of the smalh^r exhibitor and the revenue of the; large producers, that they start now to build for a better cf)ndition of film, so that when the talking movies are installed the public will have the confi- dence that in their own community they are getting all for their money it is po.ssible to give.
"Yours sincerely, (Signed) Willi.iiii II. McLaughlin."
Schenck Warns Against Hysteria Over Scientific Devices
JOSEPH M. SCHENCK, president of United Artists, warns against hysteria over scientific motion picture devices and points out that good story-telling pictures, well produced and intelligently made, will continue to be the sustaining force in film entertainment. He says he does not under- estimate the importance of scientific aids, but that "good pictures are the things that count."
Regarding the present-day stars and their ability to successfully meet the new con- ditions, Mr. Schenck says :
"People will continue to go to see them; they will continue to be the great magnet for box-ofiSces. Patrons will be drawn by personalities and not by any device that
simply enhances the mode of expression of their art. United Artists will continue to devote itself to distribution of big, ambi- tious screen productions aimed at enter- tainment of masses of people.
"I believe that people go to a moving picture theatre to be entertained by good moving pictures. Music, effects, the fine art of presentation — these things help like the setting of a jewel to place the audience in a receptive frame of mind so that they will view the picture itself properly. Ex- tiianeous presentations are like prelimi- naries to a championship prize fight in that they prepare the way for a climactic event. They are not and never have been the show itself: thev will not become the show now."
Court Ruling^ Upholds Penn. Board's Right to Censor ''Talkies"
THE words to accompany "talking movies" must be submitted to the State Board of Censors before they can be exhibited in Pennsylvania, according to a decision handed down by Judge Martin in Common Pleas Court No. 2 on June 30th. This ruling was made by Judge Martin in denying an appeal of Vitagraph, Inc., distributing corporation for Vita- phone, from the State Board's order that a record of spoken words to be reproduced during the showing of a film must be submitted to the censors. Vitagraph contended that the censors' powers applied only to pictures and not to spoken words. Upon the refusal of Vitagraph to submit the disc accompanying the film to the Board of Censors they refused to allow the picture to be shown.
Judge Martin held that the Board has as much right to rule on the spoken words as on the wording of the film titles used and in commenting on the obvious intention of the law, said: '"To construe the Act as vesting the Board of Censors with power to prevent the exhibition of films which corrupt public morals when exhibited with printed titles, and to hold the Board powerless to prevent the exhibition of films when the same debasing features as published as part of the picture by a machine would result in neutralizing and destroying tlie Act of Assembly. ... A construction which would permit so palpable an evasion of the law would result in an absurdity." An appeal is to be taken.
40
AI o t i o II Picture N c zv s
Three Harrisburg Theatres in Race to Install Talking Picture Device
So rapidly is the demand gcrowing for motion pictures with talking and musical accompaniments, that three Harrisburg theatres are in an apparent race to get them installed first in that city. Several weeks ago the Colonial and Victoria theatres, leading downtown first run picture houses of the Wihner & Vincent chain, announced plans to install the Vitaphone and Movietone devices in both houses, and at that time it was stated they would be ready about Labor Day.
Ahnost immediately afterward, however. John P. McCarthy, mana- ger of Loew's Regent theatre, the Wihner & Vincent Company's chief rival in Harrisburg, announced plans for installing the '"talkies" in his house "at the earliest possible date."
This was followed by a revision of the plans of the Colonial and Vic- toria, whose manager. Lee Levy, said he would speed up installation so that it was probable his theatres would be equipped with the "talkies" be- fore the end of July.
Harrisburg movie fans, on the sidelines, are keenly interested to see which of the rivals will be the first to have the "talkies" in operation.
Brady Discusses Sound Films
I Continued fri
the director to have had experience in stage direction than in picture directing if he is to get full valne out of his situations.
"The question of road shows has been much discussed by both legitimate and pic- ture producers, but that would involve a great expense in equipping houses with the necessary apparatus. I would be more in favor of having the pictures of Broadway productions shown in straight motion pic- ture houses, where you can keep the prices within reach of all and thereby derive a niuch greater revenue. The only drawback to that on the part of the legitimate pro- ducer is that he would not want a picture of his big hit shown in a large city before he has played the city himself. For in- stance, Ziegfcld would never permit his 'Follies' to be shown in such cities as Chi- cago, Detroit, Pittsburgh and three or four others, before his company has played there. And when you reduce proiits by later showing in such cities as those you are cutting in materially to the gross a pic- ture can do.
For Partnership Basis
"The question of arrjitigciiionts to be made between legitimate and picture pro- ducers is one that will have to be given a lot of consideration. T would like to see it put on a straight partnersliip basis that could be made agreeable to all parties.
oin Page 35)
I think this would be fairer to all than the payment of a set price for picture rights to a stage hit. Both parties should be will- ing to gamble on the attractiveness of a stage hit as a motion picture.
"Here's an angle that is going to mean a lot to the legitimate producer, the resale for sound accompaniment of stage plays that have already been produced on the screen. I sold 'Way Down East' to Grif- tith and now it should be more valuable even with sound effects and dialogue. It Avill undoubtedly be done over and will mean the signing of an equitable contract for the spoken picture rights. The fact that picture rights to a stage production were once sold to a producer does not mean that that producer by the purchase of those rights can now make the picture with sound effects or dialogue. He bought the rights only for the purpose of the one picture. I have twenty-four plays made by the old World Film Company and all of them will make good pictures with sound.
"There is one thing that the motion pic- ture industry cannot be warned too strongly against, and that is the question of over- seating. Maybe these sound pictures will prove so popular that new houses will be springing up everywhere. That will be a great mistake. It is the mistake legitimate producers have made along Broadway and it will surely bring disaster."
Sound Films Coming in Color
(Continued fr One of the distinct benefits is in the realm of motion picture projection. The color film can now be handled practically as the black and wliite film is handled. If it buckles or bulges it is in exactly the same way.
Under the old system, unless the operator was continually on watch, the film was likely to go slightly out of focus, because of eccentricities it might develop while in the projection machine — eccentricities, at least, from his vi(;wpoint.
Blending Sound and Color
Dr. Kalmus believes that the ultimate de-
nu Page 31)
velopment in motion picture entertainment will be a blending of sound an color pho- tography, which will bring the fullest and most complete satisfaction to the spectator. Naturally this development will be very gradual, as the company's capacity would not permit of any sudden or widespread use of the color system. There will undoubtedly be a steady expansion of their facilities, however, regulated by the demand, which has suddenly grown to decided proportions. It is a question that can be only de- termined by time whether the two- or the three-color process will come into the great- est favor, although the latter is naturally
by far the better. Of course, it is also more costly. It would be possil)le nnder the new system to have a four-color reproduction, but this is hardly necessary or practical.
Pictures which now have or will have the new color type of inserts include "Re- venge," directed by Edwin Carewe, and starring Dolores Del Rio; Dorothy Arz- ner's film, "The Follies;" "The' Water Hole," which Richard Jones is to direct, and "Redskin" (all color), with Richard Dix. All of these are Paramount produc- tions. The Dix film is to be started early in August. Other films, which include color in their scope, are "The Play Must Go On" (Universal), and "None But the Brave" (Fox); also an independently made Buck Jones film. Technicolor itself has made six tM'o-reel subjects now being released by ]\Ietro-Goldwyn-Mayer, as a means of dem- onstrating the advantages of the newer in- novations in the process. Another series is following this. "The Thrall of L-if the Lucky" will be their biggest independent undertaking.
Certain colors that were thought com- pletely beyond the range of Technicolor in the past, or exceedingly difficult to photo- graph, have now been brought within its sphere. There is a softer blending, and clearer definition of objects. The results for the eye will be so immensely more satis- fying that there is no comparison. The company has spent fully $ir)0,()OU on the improvement, and this does not include all the money invested over a period of years.
Sound Picture For Use in Army
The first sound ])ictnre especially de- signed for military instruction purposes has been completed and privately shown in Washington before a selected group of military officials. The film was made at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., through the joint efforts of Electrical Re- search Products, Inc., subsidiary of the Western Electric Company, and the Fox Case Corporation, producers of Movietone features, with the co-operation of the War Department.
The film as shown to the officials, who in- eluded nearly 300 representatives of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Army Reserves, depicts three training units. Members of the 29th Infantry, U. S. A. at Fort Benning were the participants in the scenes photographed. The opening portions of the film were given over to ex- cerpts showing the organization of medical and other units and to the use of sound pictures in describing the assembly and disassembly of weapons.
The latter portion shows an infantry l)a1talion on the defense, with a lecture de- scribing the various troop movements given in conjunction with the film. Troops are shown in jiction under simulated war con- ditions.
"Tenderloin" Closes Big Run in Oklahoma City
"Tenderloin," reatnriiig Dolores Cos- tello and Conrad Nagel has just closed a most successful two-weeks run at the Capi- tol Theatre in Oklalioma City. This is the second synchronized picture the Capitol has run since the insfallation of its new Vita- phone.
•Iiihl 7, 1928
41
•••Schubert's
Songs'
I^'irst
for Paramount
The first Piiraiuouiii sound picliifc! will 1)0 "Schulx'i't 's Koiifi's." Tlic rccordiiiy- has Ix'oii coinplclcd under tlic supervision of .lauu's A. Fil/J'a(ri(dv, wiio pioneered with his "Famous Music Masters" series. The reeord is by Ww Vietor sound on disc, met liod.
In discussing' liie picture, Kil/.l'ati'ick said: "For tlie past four years 1 have been obliged to limit my 'Famous Music Masters' to the largo presentation theatres in the key cities because of the smaller theatre's iiuibility to present pictures that called for a particular treatment in presentation. Xi)\v the advent of the sound picture makes it ])ossible to control music, voice and presentation and thereby automatically broadens my field to any and all theatres ('(juipped with the necessary apparatus for sound pictures."
All St. Louis Houses to Equip for Sound
With the Vitaphone playing the Grand Central theatre, St. Louis, Mo., and build- ing up a bigger following for sound pictures daily it is reported along the Picture Rialto in St. Louis that every first run picture palace in St. Louis and its immediate vi- cinity will install the equipment needed for the presentation of the most modern motion pictures.
5 Features from FBO in Month of August
During August, FBO exchanges will dis- tribute five full-l;ngth productions. In the order of their release thev are as follows :
On August 19th, "The*Bantam Cowboy," starring Buzz Barton ; on August 19th, ' ' The- Perfect Crime," co-starring Clive Brook and Irene Rich; also on August 19th, "Ter- ror Mountain," starring Tom Tvler; on August 26th, "Danger Street," with War- ner Baxter and Martha Sleeper; also on August 26th, "Lightning Speed," the first of the adventure films, starring Bob Steele.
Chesterfield Closes for Canadian Distribution
Chesterfield Motion Picture Corporation and Film de Luxe Ltd. of Toronto and -Montreal last week sigiaed contracts whereby the Canadian corijoration will dis- tribute the Chesterfield program of ten pic- tures throughout the Dominion. George R. Batcheller, ^jresident of Chesterfield, rep- resented his company, while "H. E. Feldstein signed for Film de Luxe. An advance sell- ing and advertising camj^aign is planned by the Canadian company.
Burr Completes Filming of New Hines Vehicle
C. C. Burr has completed actual camera work on ' ' The Wright Idea, ' ' his new com- edy production, starring Johnny Hines, which First National will soon release. The l)icture is now undergoing cutting and edit- ing. Paul Perez is writing the titles.
Exhibitor Installs Own Sound Reproducing De v ice
OOUXI) rc|ii-iMliii-i nu drviccs ;ire bccomlMg ^^ so noniil;! I- .iiid ~ii niiinerons that, ex-
hibitors .-iir liiMiiiil lii li;i\c them under aliiiiisl ;iiiy I'onili I ion--, even it t !ic.\' have to iiiaiiiii'aci lire lliem ( liciii^clvcs. VA. Ci'ane, maruiger id' Ww C.-ipilol Tlii'.-ilrc in Jacksonville, i''liirid.i, w.-mlcd uiic, so he devised an origiii;il ihcIIhuI cil' providing ;i sytudironized score I'lir his leiilin'e fticture. lie calls it the "Kilmtone."
As the feature picture starts, music swells i'orth from the orchestra pit and the vari- ous scoi-es follow closely the action of the feature. First it is a symphony oi-fdiestra followed by a jazz baiul, pofjular music, classical music and numy of the old favor- ites of yesterday.
The e(iui])ment used by Manager Crane is a loud s2)eaker in the orchestra ])it. This equipment is wired to a special booth in the rear of the theatre, just off the [)i'ojec- tion room. Here the enterprising numager luKS utilized two discarded portable phono- graphs, nuiking a double turntable. Ordi nary steel needles are used, soft or loud as the picture action demands. The double turntable assures no break in the music.
Tlic j)ic|iire is ciircrully ciied li'oin llii- usual cue sheet sent with i-iich feature and, if there is difdculty in gf-ttin;,' the seledion designated, a substilulioii is niadi'. A prr- view of tli(! j)icture is run and neccHsary changes niadi; befort; its opening. "'I'Ik; Country Doctor" was synchronized in this way and patrons personally went to Man- ager Crane arul told liitn the musical effects added fifty per cent to the jticturr-.
Another novelty of the e(|uipment is in the use of a "microphone" installed in tlu' projection room and by use (jf th(' saiin' e(pii|)ment, a voice from the pit is heard:
"Ihdlo, Everybody," (-'rane speaking.
And tiniidy bits of inif)ortant news are given to the theatre patrons. The voice holds their attention and it is seldom a l)ati'on leaves after the main picture with- out hearing what is to be said. Th(!y are afraid they are going to miss something and are curious to fiiul out what it is all about. The nianagement is able to make talks to the audience about the- coming at- tractions aiul any changes in policy that might come up. This is effective in patriri'/ doctors and in announcing national atwl local events of unusual importance.
Cortellaphone Latest Device for Sound Synchronization
CORTELLA SYNCHRONIC PIC- TI'RES CORPORATION of New York is ready to market a new sound device, which is a combination of the disc and sound-on-film methods. It is interchangeable in the reproduction of sound only with the disc methods. The new device is known as the Cortellaphone and equipment will be installed in theatres at a price under $500.
The new company claims to be in a posi- tion now to synchronize sound pictures already made and to equip theatres order- ing noAV within the next ninety days. The eciuipment is leased to theatres, and in ad-
Sound Devices for All Stanley Houses
THE talking picture will unques- tionably be the vogue in the new season. Irving D. Rossh3im, president of the Stanley Company of America, is among those who predict great things for the new development of the motion picture. He said:
"Stanley theatres are rapidly install- ing necessary apparatus and in the Fall practically every Stanley house will be equipped to give some form of picture with accompaniment synchron- ized speech or music. Inventors have perfected their devices so that Vita- phone and Photophone. and similar mediums are giving marvelous results. Stanley arrangements are such that the very latest devices will be put into operation and all that is newest in the field of the talking picture will be presented at our company's theatres."
dition to the installation charge there is a small weekly fee for service. The company is also preparing to furnish at least tw-o standard short subject presentations weekly that will be released through a national distributing organization not yet decided upon.
The basic patents under which Cortidla- jihone operates were ap2)lied for in 191.3 and were granted in 1917, according to Ed. D. Turner, distribution manager. They were recorded in the name of Alphonso Cortella, the inventor of the process. W. J. Heffernan, New England nuinufacturer and capitalist is head of the Cortella Synchronic Pictures Corporation.
Under this new system of sound record- ing the sound is done by incision and is projected by an attachment to the projec- tor, which it is claimed can be installed within a few hours. The incision scoring is done by harline on the film between the picture and sprocket holes and it is claimed does not reduce the size of the picture. It is said the process is so simjjle it can be handled without trouble by any projection- ist using any standard projection machine.
The disc method employed is similar to other disc methods in that phonograph syn- chronization is obtained thi-ough the use of a universal joint attached to the projec- tor and phonograph. An automatic change- over prevents any stop, it is claimed. Non- synchronous music, it is said may be re- produced from any standard make of records.
42
M o t i
o ;/
P i c I u r c .Y c zc s
Classified Ads
RATES- 10 cents a word for each insertion, in advance except Employment Wanted, on which rate is 5 cents
Situations Wanted
ORGANISTS and SING ERS, thoroughly trained and experienced in theatre work. Men and women now ready for good positions. Union or nonunion. Write salary, and other data. Address, Chicago Musical College, 64 E. Van BnrPD. Chif-acf)
VITAPHONE - MOVIE- TONE Projectionist. 18 years' experience. Steady and reliable. Box 361, care of Motion Picture News, 729 Seventli Ave.. New York City.
POSTER ARTIST — Can make attractive lobby dis- plays, po.sters, lettering, spe- eialixjiiig in heads. Young lady, single, ambitious. Box 362, care of Motion Picture New.s, 729 Seventh Ave., New York City.
A-1 Male Organist at liber- ty. Wurlitzer specialist. Or- ganist, 1112 Lee St., Charles- ton-Ka., W. Va.
MANAGER 9 years in last position. Broad experience, married, best references, wants position in motion pic- ture theatre. Can make good anywhere. Address Box 349, care Motion Picture News, 729 Se\'enth Ave., New York.
YOUNG MAN, five years' experience as moving picture theatre assistant manager de- sires position in that capacity or opportunity as manager of small house. Experienced pub- licity and ballyhoo man and in the compiling of programs, etc. Address Box 336, care of Motion rictuic Ncw^
For Sale
FOR SALE— 700 fine up- bolstered opera chairs from first-class theatre, $2.75 per chair. Also 1,000 strong and durable veneer chairs at $1.10. Can be seen upon re quest. Box 425, care of Mo- tion Picture News, 729 7tl: Ave., New York City.
748 shares of tlie capital ftock of the J. G. Carlson Realty Co., Inc., represent- ing all of the stock of that company excepting two Di- rectors' qualifying shai-es. The biLsines.s is repi'esented by a two-story business block at the N. W. corner of Main and Portege Streets, in West- field, N. Y., containing the Grand Theatre (moving pic- ture house) thirteen public rooms, a five-room apartment and four stores. The gross income is approximately $10,000 a year. This stock represents the owners equity and will be offei-ed at public sale at 10 A. M. on July 30, 1928, at the office of the Gi'ape Belt National Bank, Westfield, N. Y.
FOR SALE — 700 seat neighborhood fireproof thea- ti'e, Buffalo, New York, $41,- 000. For particulars David Krieger, 1346 Jefferson, Buf- falo, New York.
AmeiMcan Portable Pro.jec tor, iiiotoi- driven, for AC o ■ DC current. Will stand the keenest inspection. First $65.00 takes it. Address, Box 360, care of Motion Pic- ture News, 729 Seventh Ave., New York City.
Bi-and New veneei- and spring cushion ui)liolstere(l cliairs at prices below factory <'Ost. Kindly state your re- (luiremeiits. C. G. Deniel. 845 Soutli State Street, Chi- cago, 111.
= ThursdaV -'^"""'P« "•'» '"" "" '">'l vaudeville gives us =
= ' "UTSaay ,^^ baDquet of Ibe year— » carnival of Broad =
— ■ way night life In IB gorgeous (Irenes wlih ■ =
company of 30 rlever Rroarlwjy enlerlalnT* =s
ra "sW^NK moon;:
NOW PUYING-
~ RMW*101*iT PRtSENTS .
5^ .
m .rrEND MMIN*:»-ALt SEATS 3.. J
A Startling Drama at Past ion and Hatef
ADDED ATTRACTIONS
M-C-M H>l Roach "Our G.ni" Con.dy COLUMBIA CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Reproductious of neivspaper di.splays shoivng how sotne of ihv first run theatres adapted press book ideas to their onm uses in exploiting "^The Street of Sin.''"' The ads illustrated were featured in campaigns by the folloniiifi theatres: Loew^s Columbia^ Washinffton^ D. C; PitWs Palace, Worcester, Mass,; Allen, Cleveland, and Mosque, JSetvark, IS. J.
J III II
l/K'JS
4.1
HOLL\'WOOD
Lillian Qa\e
S\aff gpfrespondenl
"Win McCormacK
Wea1ernR»pr«»SBn1ativ«
Roy Murrdv
Hollywood Offiee — 6581 HolVwood BlVd^ — Phon e O ra m 1 e 5 9ft 2^.
Studios Launch Summer Production Schedules
Stars, Players and Directors Begin Work on Programs
For New Film Season
HOlJiVWOOI). June 30, 1928.— With iii.iny of tilt' stars and featured |)l;i.\crs lioiue after vacation tours to Euroj)e and wooded regions of Ignited States, an unusually heavy production schedule has been .•iiuiounced by executives of the Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
Marshall Neilan will direct Bebe Daniels in "Take Me Home" and "The Docks of Xew York," starring Greorge Bancroft, is being launched by director Josef von Stern- berg. Four others are under way and a fifth, "Just Married," has been sent to the editing rooms. Those now in produc- tion are "Beggars of Life," "The Fleet's In" and "The Water Hole." Technicolor work is now being done on several sequences of the latter.
Esther Ralston, Adolphe Menjou nnd Florence Vidor are soon to start their new vehicles. "The Case of Lena Smith" is now in preparation for ^liss Ralston, "Di- vorce Bound" for Miss Vidor and Menjou 's latest lias been written by Ernest Vajda.
Besides these, five more new pictures, all about ready for production, include "In- terference," which will star Evelyn Brent; Richard Dix in "Moran of the Marines"; Emil Jannings "latest"; the next Ban- croft, "The Wolf of Wall Street," and "The Canary Murder Case."
Bebe Daniels who was taken seriously ill on the set at Paramount studios and rushed to Hollywood Hospital last Friday, is out of danger and recovering from in- testinal inlluenza. Dr. Phillip Ayer is at- tending the star.
Cornerstone Laying
With impressive ceremonies the corner stone of the Fox Film Corporation's new laboratory was laid last Friday at noon. Among the speakers were: Milton Sills, Dr. Rufus B. Von Kleinsinid, John P. Coneybear, Henry Lehrman, Fred Beetson, Mr. Beetson acted as master of ceremonies. A luncheon was served following the cor- nerstone laying.
Schrock Leaves T-S
Raymond L. Schrock, prominent film executive, following an association with Tiffany-Stahl, over a period of six months, has severed connections with the company, effective immediately. According to this ex- ecutive himself, his dissolving of associa- tion witli the T-S oro-anization was on the
G. C. Duffy, Writer, Dies Suddenly
FUNERAL services were held last Thursday for (ierald C. Duffy, 82, muKazine and scenario writer, who died suddenly in his home in Rockledge Road, June 2."). Duffy had been suffering from heart trouble for many months. He was preparing a story for First National at the time of his death. He was the author of many plays produced by the various film companies.
friendliest basis and while he has no defi- nite announcement to make as to his next affiliation, he expects to issue an announce- ment upon return from a vacation which he plans to extend for about a month.
Delaney Cast
Charles Delaney has been selected by di- rector Alfred Santell for the juvenile lead in the screen version of ' ' Show Girl, ' ' First Xational.
Loaned
Howard Esta})rook has been loaned to Inspiration Pictures, Inc., by Paramount. He will confine his efforts to the adaptation and continuity of Rupert Hughes' "»She Goes to War.'"'
"The Wrecking Boss"
Eddie Cliiie is .lirecting Milton Sills' current First National starring vehicle, "The Wrecking Boss." Much of his work will be done in the High Sierras on the railroad and wreck scenes will fur- nish new thrills in the story about a show- girl who marries the wrecking boss and at- tempts to settle down to a quiet, small-town existence.
Paramount Notes
Emil Jannings' next Paramount feature will be "The Sins of the Father." Story is by Norman Burnstine, E. Lloyd Sheldon is working on the adaptation and continuity. . . . Clarence Badger has left for a New York vacation. . . . Esther Rals- ton, after a vacation sjient in Hawaii, is back again at the Paramount plant. . . . Douglas MacLean and Al Christie are searching for a leading woman for "The Carnation Kid."
IJuck t>n-l\\c-ij()
\\\irk .loncs, who is workin'^ on "The Hu llo|i." Iii'^ first independcnl produc- tion al liiis rr-al City, established a |)rr;f;(;- dent right at the jump when he shot a big Technicolor se()uence with three hundred persons. The scenes defjict happenings at an elaborate ban(|uet anrl it is said that I his is the first time that a picture has been made in color for the State Rights market. •lames Horn is directing.
Attractive Sue Carrol
Sue Carrol, one of the screen's most flaming flappers, will again be featured in an iiiii)ortant role in a Lew Cody-Aileen I'ringle production. She will play the gold- digging ingenue in "The Single Man," for ]\Ietro-Gold\\yii-. Mayer.
Newnieyer Retained
Fred Newnieyer, borrowed from Harold Lloyd by Universal to direct Reginald Denny in "The Man Disturber," has been asked by the Carl Laemmle company to re- main to direct Glenn Tryon in a feature pic- ture.
The Browning-Ghaney Team
Tod Browning is to direct Lon Chaney's next starring vehicle, "West of Zanzibar." Mary Nolan has been selected by Browning for the leading feminine role, and the sup- port includes Lionel Barrymore, Warner Baxter and Kalla Pasha.
Technicolor and Pulchritude
One of the most eye-appealing sequences to be shot on the Fox lot in many moons took place when Albert Ray put into Tech- nicolor film a bathing beauty pageant as a highlight in "None but the Brave," his latest Fox i)roduetion. Numerous beauties who have won contests throughout the world took jtart.
Silver King Recovering
Silver King, one of the best-known equine stars in pictures, is recovering from an attack of pleurisy at Flaggstaff, Ari- zona, where he has had every care possible from a veterinarian and the constant atten- tion of his pal and owner, Fred Thomson.
Location
Thomas ]\Ieighan, star and James Cruze, director, of "The Mating Call," with Renee Adoree, Gardner James and Evelyn Brent, are in San Diego, on location and will also go to Fall Brook, where sequences of the picture will be filmed.
Audrey Ferris
Audrey Ferris, who recently attained stardom at the Warner Bros, studio, is about to work on the initial scenes of "The Little Wildcat."
(Continued on foUoxi'ing page)
44
Motion P i c t u r c .V c tc ^
When Elsie J<inis visited the Paramount Hollytvood studio, her escorts tvere Malcolm St. Clair and Richard Dix, Paramount star and director tvho are soon to start uork on a new picture
Finis
J. G. Bly.stone's pictiir-ization of Edna Ferber's famous story "Motlior Knows Best" is completed. Louise Dressei- and Madge Bellamy played the two most im- portant roles.
On the Radio
Al Boasberg, who is collaborating with Carey Wilson and Sam Wood on a new M-G-M vehicle, is now broadcasting his comical quibs for an hour each week over KFWB. Al gets so many radio fan letters he has to have two secretaries to oj^en the darn things.
Completes Picture
Bruce Mitchel has completed "The Dan- ger Line," one of Universal 's Forest Ran- ger series starring Edmund Cobb. Lola D. Moore wrote the story and continuity.
Speedy Service
First National studios has inaugurated a daily airplane service between Burbank and San Francisco during the filming of "Waterfront," to enable Director William Seiter to view the "rushes" within 48 hours after being recorded by the camera.
Prival in Two Roles
Lucien Prival has been expounding his versatility by playing two distinctly differ- ent types of roles at the same time. In "Hell's Angels," Prival played the heavy role, that of the Prussian General, and in "The Racket," he delineated the part of an underworld crook, both Caddo produc- tions with wliicli ('oiiip;niy Prival is under contract.
"Cohen-Kelly" Sequel
"The Coliens and Kcllys in Atlantic City," will be directed by William James Craft, and the assignment of this Univer- sal special is in the nature of a reward to Craft for his exceptional direction of the Glenn Tryon starring vehicles, including "Painting tho Town," which scored a marked success.
"The River Pirate"
William K. Howard, Fox Films director, is putting finishing touches to his first pro- duction for ¥ox since his recent return to the scene of his earlier endeavors aiS a di-
rector. This picture is "The River Pi- rate."
Lloyd's Best Work
From all indications Frank Lloyd's pro- duction, "The Divine Lady," First Na- tional, promises to be his most important contribution to the screen. Corinne Griffith appears in the stellar role of Lady Hamil- ton. It is said, also, to be her most spec- tacular production.
A Futuristic Theme
"The World Tomorrow," a romance based on time one hundred years hence, is to be produced by Universal. The aero- ]ilane, which is playing so prominent a part in the whirl of the world today, is to be conceived in its perfected and advanced stage. We wonder if the progress of "talkies" will be depicted — that would be a thrill.
Tryon and Graft to Separate
With the Glenn Tryon comedy, ' * The Kid's Clever," the star-director combina- tion of Tryon and William Craft will be no more, at least for a while. The principal reason for this is "The Cohens and the Kellys in Atlantic City," which Universal wants Craft to direct. Tryon 's next, "It Can Be Done," will be handled by Fred Newnieyer.
Shallenberger Producing
Dr. W. Vj. SliaHcnberger, former iiule- p(>ndent distributor, has turned producer. His first i)ieture, now in production, will be "South of Heaven."
Titling
Paul Perez is now busy titling "The Grain of Dust," a Tiffany-Stahl produc- tion. This is his fourth assignment in titl- ing Tiffany-Stahl pictures.
Educational Comedies
Anita (iarvin and Estelle Bradley arc the featured leading ladies in current Educa- tional comedies. Anita appears with Lu- j)ino Lane in "Roaming Romeo" and Es- telle with George Davis and Monty Collins in "Leaping Luck."
Gotham Finishes
"The Man Higher Up" and "The River Woman" are two productions that were
tini>h('d the other day on the Gotham lot. Scott Dunlap directed the foriuer and Jo- seph Henabery the latter.
William Boyd
When the male lead in "The Flying Fool" has been completed by William Boyd, that actor will be loaned to Feature Pro- ductions by De Mille to appear opposite Ijupe Velez in "The Love Song." In recent I'oles, Boyd has appeared as cadet, railway fireman, riveter, police officer and dam rig- ger. In "The Love Song" he will again tie a "he-man" toiler.
Sennett Producing
Production has started on each of tli» three series to be produced by Mack Sen- nett for Pathe "Taxi Scandal" is the first subject in the Taxicab Series in which Jack Cooper will be starred. Johnny Burke is stan-ing in "A Dumb Waiter," of the Handy Andy series. Billy Bevan is working in "Caught in the Kitchen," the initial comedy of the Tired Businessmen Series.
Lois Wilson Unhurt
A narrow escape from injury was Lois Wilson's luck in an automobile accident recently. This star has been very busy of late. She is starring in FBO's "Sally's Shoulders" and is playing the feminine lead in a comedy drama in a Los Aiiieles legitimate theatre.
"Redskin" Postponed
"Redskin," listed as Richard Dix' n.-xt vehicle for Paramount, has been postponed: a revised production schedule at the studio replaces it with "Moran of the Mounted," for which Ruth Elder has been announced as the feminine lead. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Pickett, who wrote the original story of "Redskin," has been engaged to do the continuity.
"Smitty" Unit at Tec-Art
Amedee J. Van Beuren, president of the Van Beuren Enterprises, has appointed Harry Weber his general production man- ager. He is now at Hollywood and has established offices at the Tec-Art studios where he has engaged as director of "Smitty" comedies George E. Marshall, former supervising director of Fox conu'- dies and James Meehan as camera man and Janu^s Tynan as story man.
Denny's Next Opus
"Red Hot Speed," an origiiuil by filadys Lehman and Faith Thomas, has been dclinitely chosen by Edward J. JMontagiu', scenario editor-in-chief of Universal, as RegiiKild Denny's next starring vehicle, ('urrent gossip has it that Nick Bai'rows, former director associated with Edward Everett Horton is being seriously consid- ered as Denny's next megaphonist. •
Fox Begins 2 Features
Two new features on the Fox Films Pi'o- gram— "The River" and "Dry Martini" — were begun the other week at the Fox studio. Tlie first, based on the Tri.stam Tu])i)er story which is winning favorable notices from literary critics, will have Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan. Frank Borzage is directing. "Dry Martini," from the novel by John Thomas, will have Alhcrl Gran, Matt Moore and Jocelyn Lee. {Conlimted on page 72)
Jiihl 7, 192H
45
Conducted by
AnEiihibilor forE^hihilors'
MANAGERS ROUND TABLE CLUB The C^leaping House for Box Office Pj^oBLEMSAvdTnEATRE Operation
By (^harle$E. Lewis
Mana^in^Direcfor, 6hpjiol JheafreMiddletown, Conn., and Palace lhea1re,NormehCbnn.
'Ilicrc WW Inday Danger of Having theatres in m a ,. v ,- ^^, . . parts 01 the couiiirv
No tompelitioii .vitliout any opposi- tion and they are permitting a condition to exist which, un- less they Avatcli tlieir step and their busi- ness, is going to give them many a bad night's sleep with the coming of opposition. We were dismayed to find many such ex- hibitors so nicely situated without other theatres close by and they seemed to be closing their eyes to the way their thea- tres are being run and the dissatisfaction very evident among their patrons. These men are neglecting their theatres in appear- ance, in maintenance and entertainment. They make very little or no effort at all to cater to their public, and the only apparent reason for their present success is because there is no i:)lace else for their patronage to go.
It is cur humble Opposition Is opinion that these
J , men are making a
the Answer terrible mistake
since it is conceded that every progressive town or community will, sooner or later, have opposition; and such opposition is rather invited by reason of poor management, etc. New theatres generally bring more modern buildings, better equipment, new and up-to-date ex- ploitation and advertising methods, big city operating tactics and general all-around better showmanship ; in fact, everything that the average theatre-goer looks for to- day.
The writer spent a little time with a friend who was connected with a circuit and who was on his way to visit two towns with a view of building theatres for his circuit. The first town we visited was about 15,000 population and had a fine theatre, as modern and up-tc-date as one could ex- pect in a town of this size, and running on a par with the bigger city theatres. My friend, after spending the better part of the afternoon and evening in the theatre and around the town, decided that we would move on. He passed the remark that this town with a theatre so well managed and presenting shows as we had seen cculd not stand opposition.
The next town we
Conditions Just visited was about
25 miles away and
the Reverse perhaps a little
larger in population
than the other. Here we found a condition
just the reverse of the one described above.
The theatre in this town was not quite as
old as the oilier, liUi was badly run down and showed neglect wherever we looked. W(! found the owner-manager lounging aiound the lobby with a l)ig, black cigar in his mouth, an old dei"by on his head and .several days' growth on his chin. His suit was sadly in need of pressing and his shoes apparently had not made the acquaintance of a boot black for weeks. If we were to sum up this desci-iption by merely saying that the manager reflected the condition of his theatre, then we believe that you have an accurate description of this so-called playhouse.
Needless to say, opposition was invited by such conditions and at this writing a new theatre is only a few months off.
The moral of this story is — "Don't Think That Because You Are Alone in Your Couiniunity That You Can Get Away With Murder. Good Abe Lincoln Had the Rigid hlca About rooling Folks."
We Beg Your Pardon
MEMBERS who have sent in their applications as well as those who submitted ideas for pub- lication are earnestly requested to pardon the short delay in publishing them.
Between running two theatres and handling the club, your Chairman has been "rushed to death." But we are rapidly catching up and all the ideas and suggestions submitted will have our close attention.
Please keep on .sending in those ap- plications and ideas for improving both box office receipts and theatre operation. C. E. L.
Wherever kiddies Exploit the Local ^% concerned ycu ' . oil ^"^^ most generally Dancing bchool find that the adults show a keen inter- est. This holds good whether they have kiddies of their own or not.
One of the best tie-ups, as a means of stimulating business, as well as interest in the tiheatre itself, is the local dancing school, or the dancing classes of the public schools. At least twice a season you should present, in cooperation with these schools, a dance review or carnival. The kiddies themselves are always keen to show their ability upon the stage of a local theatre, and the adults are always glad of an oppor- tunity of seeing these kiddies perform on
tl'c stage. Practically every youngster who appears will draw ten to twenty relatives or friends to see him.
If you have never done this before, we suggest that you look into this angle, and see if you do not find it a good box-o.hce bet.
j^ . ,. , , Many of us, un-
Doil t Uvcrlook fortunately, o v e r-
Value of look the value of
Short Suhjects ll'\ ^^''^^ ^^^J'^'^^** •* that are so necessary
in putting together a good, entertaining
progi-am.
For many j-ears past, most managers have paid very little, or no attention, to this important part of the show. They would generally tell the exchange to "book me a comedy" and other such instructions.
Short subjects today are being produced, in most cases, with as much care as many big features, and unquestionably they can be built into box-office boosters if they are played up properly.
Taking a glance through the announce- ment of Educational in the issue of May 'Jfith, you will find information about their short subjects that could easily be utilized for program coj)y or for newspaper adver- tising. Make the different types of come- dies interesting to your patrons and play up the featured stars in them.
We tried this not only on "Our Gang" comedies, which always were good box- office bets, but on Max Davidson, Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chase and others, and we heard plenty of comment whenever those names appeared in the program.
The same might be said of the various novelty reels that are becoming so popular wherever well-balanced shows are asssem- bled. There are always little angles that lift a short subject out of the ordinary class and make it stand out.
We are great believers in exercising as nuich care in the selection of our short subjects as we do with our features and most managers who watch every angle of their business are doing the same.
Harping back Ways to Develop ^gain to Harold B. ^ ,, Franklin's article in
bhow-bense the NEWS of May
5th, we find a por- tion that reads — "The successful manager must have a 'show-sense' or instinct as to the public's amusement appetite, and should himself be a man of taste"
In discussing this phase of Mr. Frank- Un's article with half a dozen managers one morning in New Haven, many advanced {Continued on follozving page)
46
M o t i 0 ii P i c t u r c X c w s
the argument — "How can you develop such a 'Show-Sense'?"
Of course, a discussion along these lines must naturally be based primarily on sup- positions; it's just another case of depend- ing on the condition surrounding both the manager and the theatre. But it is easy to develop such a sense if you are really anxious to feel the public's pulse.
Note the reaction to certain types of pictures. To the manner in which your show is presented. Whether the musical accompaniment makes the show more en- joyable or makes it a trial to sit through. You don't have to be a musician to know good music. Just because you pay the or- chestra is no reasc-n why your interest should stop there.
All these, and many more of the "little" things, if carefully watched, and comment from the patrons is heeded, will soon start to develop that "show-sense" that makes catering to the public a pleasure.
If YOU know of other ways that man- agers can develop this "sense" teil us and we wiU publish them.
Manager A. Z.
Take Advantage ^^f'i''''''\,''\ ^^' . . Marl)oro Theatre in
of Opportunities Brooklyn, strikes us as being very much on the jo.b. Many of us will recall the recent nation-wide tie-up of broadcasting stations featuring Paul Whiteman and sponsored by the Columbia Phonograph Com])any. Having a huge voice-amplifier in his theatre he so arranged his schedule that there would be a break about the time that ^Yhitl'luan was to go on the air. Ap- pearing personally before the audience, Mr. Friedman explained the idea to his patrons and then Paul Whiteman and his band were heard in the theatre.
While every theatre is not fortunate enough to have an amplifying device, the iuij)ortant point we want to bring out is that Mr. Friedman having one, did take ad- vantage of the situation and made the most out of it. Do you watch every little thing about you and are you ready to make the most of anything that offers itself that might make your theatre a more popular place to go to?
From Canada, Manager J. E. Bes- ler writes to tell us that he is an en- thusiastic member our members feel the about the Manager's
Canada Man Likes Round Table
and we hope aU of same as he does Round Table Club.
Mr. Besler tried the Carnival tie-up we suggested some time ago with great suc- cess and like a good member he does not keep it a secret. We are still in the ho1> weather Carnival time, so if you have not read it or forgotten about it, then we sug- gest that you go back to the issue of May 19th, and look it over again.
Thank you, brother Besler, we are de- lighted that ycu have tried our suggestions and found them good. But don't forget we want our other members to read about some of your own ideas, so send them in.
MANAGER'S ROUND TABLE CLUB
We were beginning to think that the West was asleep when, Lo and behold, from 'out of the Avest' came a flock of a])plications for the CLUB.
The flood of ajjplications and letters have com])letely swamj)ed your Chairman, so PLEASE overlook his delay in acknowledging them. We are trying to catch up and prepare the various ideas and box office problems that were submitted by the members.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND
^^USE THE NEWS^^
And don't forget i/our photo, either with your application or box office idea. We want everyone to see, as well as hear about j^ou.
If you have not already done so — sign the membership application NOW and send it in at once.
"USE THE NEWS"
Best of all the uses that we can recommend is the knowledge that by reading your NEWS you can always know what the other fellow is doing. But never forget that the other fellow wants to know what ijou are doing. So make the XE^^^S the clearing house for everybody's ideas and very soon we will all reap the benefit of this advice.
(APPLICATION BLANK)
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN '^MANAGER'S ROUND TABLE CLUB"
I hereby apply for membership in the club and promise to send in, for publication, a complete description of every successful advertising campaign or exploitation that I put
across.
N
ame
Address Policy
Theatre Capacity
City State
Honorary Chairman Chairman Wm. A. Johnston
Charles E. Lewis
I
Jllljl
U>^S
47
E^ibitoits Service Bureau ^^jlri z-p
IM
Theatre Convention Stunt Gets National Publicity
Burros As Living Emhlems of Democracy Presented to Houston Delegates by Will Horwitz
Showmanship
■Uripft
TIIK lli)r\vit/ Theatres in Houston, Texas, were projected into tlie cen- ter of the i)iil)lieity sjiotlig'ht at the recent Democratic convention as a result of an exploitation stunt in which 48 hurros played the leadin-j; roles. Will Horwitz, head of the oi-fjanization, assembled a herd (,f the "desert canaries" and dedicated .me to each state dele<yation at the convention. This was done by ecjuippina' the burros with blankets bearing the name of a State, the number of electoral votes it commands, and a Hnal liiu' readin-;' ''Courtesy Horwitz Theatres. "
The stunt brought the Horwitz Theatres national as well as local publicity through news reel views taken by all of the tibu news people and a prominent place in news accounts of the demonstration which fol- lowed the nonnnation of Governor Smith, because one of the highlights of the demon- stration on the floor of Sam Houston Hall was the delivery of one of the burros to the box oecujjied by Mrs. Smith and members of her family. The majority of the news- paper rej)()rts included the fact that the living endilem of Democracy was presented to the wife of the party candidate by the Horwitz Theatre.
So favorable was the city's re-action to the donkeys that the committee in charge of the Convention's alfairs granted the showman right to parade his donkeys with all political demonstrations and to prome- nade them abont the convention hall grounds jit all times.
Donation to City
It is the intention of Mr. Horwitz to turn over a number of the gentle animals to the municipal jjark for a donkey path and which, incidentally, will represent a jjer- petual advertisement of the Horwitz Thea- tres as donors of the desert canaries.
In addition to the donkey stunt, the Horwitz Theatres placed about the city more than 10, UUU red cardboard arrows bearing the legend, "Follow the Horwitz Theatres Arrow to the Convention Coli- seum" and also the names, Texan, Iris, ls;s, Ritz, the four theatres forming the Will HorAvitz interests in the city.
Postcard size guidecards were placed in each room, of each local hotel — one side of the card bearing a short description of places of interest and the other side calling attention to the outdoor arrows and car- rying a miniature I'cpi'int of one of the street markers.
Mr. Horwitz is generally conceded to have originated some of the most startling stunts ever attempted in the show business in recent years. His Iris was the first the- atre in the country to be equipped with a full power radio station and his "Country
Store Nighl " aH'air has devejojx'd into the "Hoi-witz Theatres Save way Store," a complete grocery and drug sundry coiu'ciii which sells only to patrons of his theatres and to which admittiuice is gained onlv through coupons given at the iio\ oftice of his theati'cs.
Daylight Time Schedule is Adopted by Canada House
Another Canadian exhii)it()i' to change his program timetable as a method to beat the daylight saving nuisance is Charles Querric, manager of the Palace Theatre, a handsome suburban house on Danforth Avenue, To- ronto. The sununer time at the Palace calls for the opening of the doors at 7 P. M., a half hour later than at other seasons of the year. The picttires are started at 7.:i(f, which means that the last showing of tiie feature is after 9.30 o'clock.
"The patrons seem to like it," is the comment from Mr. Querrie.
On the other hand, Manager A. E. Cauley of the Capitol Theatre, Cobourg, reports that he has lost out in his fight against day- light saving at Cobourg after a real argu- ment with the civic officials.
To make matters worse, after the adop- tion of changed time and the inauguration of a series of free band concerts under civic auspices, a chea]) medicine show struck town and proceeded to draw quite a number from the theatre. "They can't last for- ever," Mr. Cauley says, however.
Using Radio to Advertise Vitaphone Presentations
The chain of britadcasting stations that exploit Vitaphone pictures in various terri- tories, is being expanded through the activ- ities of Allen S. Glenn, who is traveling for Warner Bros, in the interest of radio hook- ups and serializations in newspapers.
Thus far the hook-ups attained for ex- ploitation of public interest in Warners ])ic- tures embraces these stations : KFWB, Hol- Ivwood; WRXY, New York City, WOK, Buffalo; WLW, Cincinnati; KOIL, Council Bluffs; KOIN, Portland, and KOMO, Se- attle.
Drohan's Tieup Results in Good Display for Show
Manager A. P. Drohan of the (iriffin the- atre, Chatham, Ontario, arranged a tie-up with a local mtisic store which produced effective exploitation for his presentation of "Ramona" at the Griffin.
The tie-up featured the Domino Record reproducing the popular "Ramona" song.
1^^ E. WHITAKER, manager of the Rex -i' theatre, Spartanburg, S. C, introJuced a novel ballyhoo for his presentation of "Skirts" at that house r;cently. Whitaker engaged twelve newsbr^ys, put a skirt on each one of them and hrd them parade through the town headed by a boy carrying a banner on which the following message appeared: "We are on our way to see Syd Chaplin in Skirts now playing at the Rex." On the back of each boy in the skirt parade were letters in the title and the boys lined up in two flanks in proper position to spell cut the title.
JOHN' R. CARROLL of Consr.lidatcd .'\mu.scments in Tampa, Fla., widely noted for his liberality and consideration for the poor, the orphans and the cripples of the city — all of whom have enjoyed free shows and benefits realized from special showings — turned his at- tention to fathers on the recent celebration of "Fathers Day." All theatres controlled by Con- solidated Amusements on that day gave shows at which fathers that could be rounded up at the Seamen's institute and the Old Peojile's home were the guests of the management. Fol- lowing the show refreshments and cigars were served, the latter being donated by local busi- ness houses.
EA'. ROGERS, of the Tivoli theatre, Chat- ' tanooga, Tenn., produced a hu/hly attrac- tive display to feature "Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come" in his lobby. I sing large stoties cemented ivith pine ticigs and branches, a fac-simile of a ivell Zivs built. Resting on top of the zvheel ivas a cutout showing a lo</ cabin. A background of evergreen branches and a floor of sand made the display very realistic. The door of the cabin formed a fram^ for various stills, mounted on a turntable.
THE Broadvue theatre in Cleveland was the scene of a wedding ceremony re- cently. B. Z. Levine and Ernest Schwartz, owners and operators of the theatre ar- ranged the event, which took on the flavor of a community celebration. Merchants co- operated with the theatre in presenting gif.s for the newly married couple. The stunt gave business a good boost and awakened interest in picture presentations during the summer season.
FRED JOHNSON, manager of the Colonial Theatre, Cambridge, Ohio, won the ap- proval and admiration of his fellow citizens with his recent exploitation of "The Legion of the Condemned." Johnson staged a special morning show for children at which a bou(|uet of flowers was accejjtcd for admission fee. Be- tween 700 and 800 children attended. .A.t the end of the show, Johnson put the flowers in taxicabs and distributed them among the dif- ferent local hospitals where they were thor- oughly appreciated.
C.-i. CLINCH, manager of the Columbia • Theatre, Brookiille. Pa., conducted a bathing beauty contest in his theatre on June 16. the zvinner of which zvill represent Brook- T'ille in an elimination contest at Conneaut Lake ill August. The winner at Conneaut Lake z\.-ill go to Hollyzvood to star in a film picture that zi'ill feature bathing beauties.
48
.1/ o t i .
P i c t li r <■ A"
(' w s
Stag^es Six Weeks Campaign for Short Subject at Cleveland Palace
FURTHER evidence that the short subject is beginning to come into its own as an advertised feature of programs at the larger theatres is supplied bv the intensive drive which is being carried on in Cleve- land for the showing of "Pieces of China," a two-reel special, at Keith's Palace theatre in that city.
The advertising, which was started during the week of June 10 will be carried on for six weeks. "Pieces of China" is receiving space in the regular theatre advertising. It is also being screened for three shows dailv, whereas the usual practice is to confine the short subjects to the supper hour program. And it is given the place of honor, just preceding the feature. So, while "Pieces of China" is shown on the screen for the two afternoon and the supper hour performances, it will be seen by many who attend the first evening show. Never before has a short suli- ject been given such prominence at the Palace.
The exploitation of this short subject is equal to the exploitation of any feature. Manager Frank R. Hines, and publicity manager David Nolan arranged a tie-up with the Cleveland Public Library in which the Library has on display book lists on Chinese literature.
Word from Title Basis of Plan for Tie-ups With Merchants
ASIMPLK .systoin of in;ikiiij4- appropriate tie-ups on "Diaiiioiul Handcuffs," was devised by a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer ex- ploiteer aa'Ho assisted the publicity staff of the West Coast Theatres in putting over a campaign on this photoplay when it played at the Granada Theatre, San Francisco.
The exploiteer searched through the San Francisco 'phone director for all mercan- tile firms bearing the name Diamond, and then called personally on the merchants and arranged tie-ups.
The following tie-ups were secured :
Diamond Laundry Company, 3840 18th St. "Let the Diamond Laundry do your washing and then you will have time to see 'Diamond Handcuffs' at the Granada The- atre."
Diamond Palace (Jewelry Store) 797 Market St. "One gem is missing from this
collection. You can see it in 'Diamond Handcuffs' at the Granada Theatre."
Diamond Grocery, Geary and Polk Streets. "Do your shopping early at the Diamond Grocery and then go to see 'Dia- mond Handcuff's ' at the Granada Theatre, opening Friday."
Piet^onni's Drug Store, 442 Columbus Ave. The following card was used with a window display of Diamond Dyes. "As full of life and color as Diamond Dyes — 'Diamond Handcuffs,' a great romance of Love, Diamonds and the Underworld, open- ing Friday at the Gi-anada Theatre."
Diamond Sweet Shop, 2786 Diamond St., ' ' Two sure ways to win your sweetheart ! A box of Diamond Sweets and two tickets to 'Diamond Handcuffs' opening J^riday at the Granada Theatre."
Spelling Turtle Stunt Revived to Exploit "Hellship Bronson"
THE "spelling turtles," which, according to the best knowledge and information of this department were first introduced to picture exploitation as a stunt for "Tol- 'able David" by Jack Fuld — a veteran ex- ploiteer and one of the most imaginative of the craft — was revived in New York as a leading item of a campaign to feature the showing of "Hellship Bronson" at the New Yoi'k Hippodrome.
The stunt, used as a window display in a Broadway shop of the Photomaton Corpo- ration, operating slot photography ma- chines, teatni-ed fifteen live turtles, each with a letter of the title "Hellship Bron- son" painted on its shell, and made the at- tractive offer of an award of $500 to any person who saw the turtles line up in such mannei- that the title of the picture was correctly spelled out. The dis2)lay attracted a great deal of notice, and according to re- port Michael L. Sinnnons, director of pub-
licity and advertising for Gotham, distri- butors of the picture, and the Photonuiton Corporation have arranged to travel a troupe of turtles, similarly inscribed to other cities for use in local campaigns. By way of throwing an anchor to windward, the sponsors of the stunt place food entic- ing to the turtles in corners of the window, thus to make it a bit more difficult for a jKTson on the outside of the window to see the name of the picture spelled out.
Kids Safety Club Members Admitted at Gut Rate
As a tii'-iip with the Kdmontoii, Alhcrta, Journal, which is sponsoring a "Just Kids Safety Club," Manager Sam liindei' of the Empress Theatre made arrangements for a sjx'cial admission price to all children wearing the club button. There was a big resi)onse.
Syracuse House Reopened With World Premier
The new Empire Theatre in Syracuse. New York, was reopened after a period of darkness, during which extensive renova- tion was done, with a "world premier" showing of "The Good-Bye Kiss" on Sat- urday .June 16.
Howard Liehey, advertising and i^ublicity director of the theati-e, and Bert Perkins, First National exploitation representative, executed a powerful campaign featuring the reopening and the presentation of "Good-Bye Kiss." The campaign was fea- tured by several tie-iips, including a news- paper stunt based on a Gag Contest which ran for eight days, an arrangement M'ith l^ S. Army recruiting station where sjiecial posters on the picture were posted, and a tie-up with the Colonial xVirways whereby upon the arrival of the airmail plane at the Syracuse airport, a print of "The Good- Bye Kiss ' ' was delivered to the head of the Syracuse Post-office and representatives of the theatre — the latter stunt accounting for a large amount of newspaper iiublicity.
"Eat and See" Ad Line for Theatre-Restaurant Tieup
To exploit his showing of "Chicken a la King," Manager E. E. Whitaker of the Rrx theatre in Spartanburg, turned the line "Hear and See," popularized by the grow- ing interest in sound pictures, to "Eat and See." The line was based on a tie-up which Whitaker made with a local sandwich shop to exploit "Chicken a la King."
M-G-M Lion, on Tour. Pays Visit to Broadway
Leo, the star actor in the M-G-IM tradn mark, entered his de luxe cage, in which he will make a tour of the world, in New York this week. The red and gold cage, mounted on rubber tired wheels, was drawn up Broadway last Monday and parked for a while outside the Capitol Theatre, where Leo attracted a crowd large and enthusi- astic enough to satisfy any screen star that he or she had "it" and "these" and "those" and "them" in the liars'ain.
Gelebrate Kunsky's 20th Anniversary July 21
JOHN H. Kl'NSKY, owner and operator of several large motion picture theatres in Detroit, will celebrate his 20th anniversary as an exhibitor during July. He is among the first picture theatre owners in the world and his cpreer reads like an Alger story. During the 20 years he has maintained maior cDutrol of the first run situation in Detroit. The first house owned by Mr. Kunsky was ope- rated entirely by himself. He olliciated at that time in the capacity of cashier, projectionist, and caretaker. Since then his theatres have proved the most profitable theatrical enterprises in his section of the country. Kla- borate plans are being made so that all moving picture fans of Detroit may join in the celebration which will take the form of special jjrogranis in all of the 12 Kunskv houses, beginning July 21.
I
July 7, 1928
■49
Key City Reports
New York City
THAT sonic of the producers have 1)een holding back on current releases has been the suljject of conversation ahmg tlie street for some time; this vvouUl seem to he borne out l)y the jugglinK of certain p'c- tures which appear to be irregular at some theatres. Now comes word that some of the boys arc l)laming it all on the talkies: that owing to demonstrated pulling strength of sound i)ictures the ones most adaplable are being diverted to the synchronizing de- vices for voice culture, whence they will emerge at a slightly later release date— at least, it is so reported.
That's all well enough but llie fact re- mains that under the continued inlUiencc of the warm weather and dearth of real streu'-'th among the new-comer^, Broadway again registered just another week of Sum- mer trade — with the exception of the Capi- tol where John Gilbert, a prime favorite at this house, had a good picture. The week's business was excellent — 'way above C=pitol average and the picture, "The Cossacks" (M-G-M) was held for another week.
The Paramount, after its very good wesk with the C'ara 3ow picture, fell ofT a bit with "The Magnificent Flirt" (Par.) and the big Roxy again was under a mark that means real profit wnth "The Foreign Legion" (U) the added attraction of excellent stage shows at both houses not being enough to compete with existing condition>.
A brighter spot was at the Strand, in com- parison to what this house has been doing in the past, and ' The Hawk's Nest" (F. N.), the new talkie policy of Vitaphone and Movietone continued, gave this theatre a very good week. As mentioned before in this column, the talkies are being given a good portion of credit for better business liere.
At the Rialto and RivoH business showed a falling off from previous weeks, the former with "The Drag Net" ( Par.) just getting by and the latter with "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (U) in after a considerable two-a-day run at another house, did not do well at all. U's "The Alan Who Laughs" will go into the Rialto and the Rivoli will replace Uncle "Tom with "King of Kings," to which sound effects have been added.
The Criterion with "Wings" (Par) con- tinues to creep up towards a year's run and still can be rated one of the best pullers among the two-a-days. I^ocal conditions 'Cause it to fluctuate from time to time but not enough to hurt to any great extent nor show any red figures. Considerable action is reported at the Globe where Fox's "The Red Dance" and the Bernard Shaw Movie- tone reel are in evidence. Shaw is claimed to have caused most of the commotion. .Another Imix special. "Fazil" still shows at the Gaiety but this one is due to go out about the middle of the month.
The Cameo went along about the same as usual with "The Station Master" and while the weather let things down slightly at the Embassy, where "Tempest" (U. A.) is stay- ing, there can be no real complaint registered here. At the A^or, "The Trail of '98" (M- G-M) had just another fair week and "Dawn" is playing its last two weeks at the Times .S(|uare. As mentioned. "The Man Who Laughs" (U) departs from the Central to enter the Rialto for a few weeks' stay. The showing being made by "The Lion and ;the Mouse" (W. B.) at Warner's is good, in
view of the prevailing conditions, and the same can be said far "The End of St. Peters- burg" (Hammersteiii) at 1 1 ammerslein's theatre.
Tampa
THE daily rains didn't iiil the show shops very iiard last week, as they came early or held ofif until the crowds iiad decided to lake a chance. Clara Bow led the field, as usual, and pulled excellent business for the Tampa the first half, in her latist, "Ladies of The Mob." Tiie ])usiiiess was not a> strong as some of her otiur picture- l)ul it was very .good. "The Vanishing Pioneer" was the feature of the last half and it drew nicely.
"Powder My Back" was the feature of the Victory program and it, with the usual tiuar- tette of Vitaphone presentations and Movie- tone News, kept the business up nicely, ihough not as big as the talking features.
The Strand didn't click very strongly.
They had the hard luck to be tiie weak sis- ter of the week as none of tiie pictures fea- tured seemed to have tlie "pull. "Golf Wid- ows" and "Broadway Daddies" were each used two days and "Jaws of Steel" was used three.
The Franklin went over fine. ' Ramona,'' a second run, pulled like a plaster. Looked like winter time to see a line half a block long. This second run did better than the frst runs u>ed. which were "Clothes Make the Woman" and "The Desert Pirate."
San Francisco
E\'EN though cold weather conditions during the past week injured most of he first run San 'Francisco motion picture theatres in the afternoon, the evenings were nut So bad, considering everything.
Of all the theatres, Loew's Warfield did the best by all odds. Here was shown the picture "Happiness Ahead," which, together with the ONeill Sisters Kiddie Revue, crowded that theatre both evenings and aft- ernoons, even to a greater extent than Man- ager Lou Golden contemplated. The Golden Gate theatre reported good business with the picture "Thanks for the Buggy Ride" and where vaudevile acts also were shown.
"Four Sons," held over for another week at the St. Francis theare, did a fairly good business in the evenings. .\t the Granada theatre, only fair business was done writh the showing of "The Hawk's Head," to- gether with Publix Revue acts and musical and other acts.
The Union Square theatre did a good business for this time of year with "Dead Man's Curve" and "The Wild West" on the
screen and special acts on the stage. "The Lion and the Mouse," while considered a very good first run, did not draw so well at the Embassy theatre where it was shown a third time.
The residential theatres did a wonderful business, considering weather conditions. The Coliseum and Alexandria theatres being the ones. At the Alexandria "The Noose" drew very well as did "Flying Romeos," to- gether with acts at the Coliseum.
Seattle
WITH warm weather here in earnest and a group of only average films at the picture houses to counteract the attractions
of nature, I)usiiicss in the theatrical line con- tinued below par last week.
The Fifth Avenue theatre probably was the league leader, with "Happiness Ahead"
on tlie screen anrj I'anejion .Marco's "Op- portunity Idea" on the stage. The tdin demonsi rated Colleen Moore's flrawiiig I)ower at the box office, and I lerniie KiuR as master of ceremonies with Emma Echt, Seattle girl, featured in the stage show, put that end of the program over in strong style. An average week.
At the Seattle theatre,