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1001 FILMS
HOW TO USE THIS FILM DIRECTORY
MANY film users have had experience in obtaining films for their school and church work, and so are familiar with the operation of a film distributor and his branch exchanges. For those who have not, a word or two on how the exchange operates may be of assistance. Film distribution is not a complex business process, although to the uninitiated it may seem so. First, films are produced (photographed) by a company called the producer. Sometimes the producer is also the distributor, but generally the distribution is handled by another company called the distributor. The user rents the films from the distributor and not the producer, unless they are the same concern. The distributor often has branches, called exchanges (local distributing offices), scattered over the country.
With this outline of the method of operation the description of any film is made clear. Take, for example, the following film listed on page 112, under the classification "Literary":
The White Silence.* Reel, 1; producer, Burton Holmes; exchange, Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. Remarks: A scenic illustrating Whittier's poem, "Snow Bound/'
This indicates that the film was produced by Burton Holmes, but is distributed by Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. Turning now to the index we find that the distributors are listed on page 12, and that Famous Players-Lasky Corporation is found on page 13. This gives the exchanges handling this picture. Write to the one nearest you. If the local exchanges are not listed write to the home office. Occasionally a film is listed and distributed by two or more distributors. It may be obtained from either. When writing to any exchange for a film, please say, "As listed in 1001 Films."
When a film is listed as "States Rights Dist." it is somewhat more difficult to obtain. This means that the film rights have been sold to a local distributor in each state. In such a case it is generally easiest to take up the obtaining of this film with any local branch exchange with which you do business. They can more easily locate it and may be able to rent it for you. In case they cannot do anything for you, write to Moving Picture Age, Film Service Department, and it will endeavor to locate your state distributor.
It is well to speak for films well in advance of the date wanted. In many cases the local exchange has only one print of a particular film. It would be hazardous to wait until a few days before wanted and expect to obtain the film. In case of an emergency it is well to list several choices.
As indicated on the title page, this list is made up for all users of non-theatrical film. For this reason it is not to be expected that all films are suitable for any purpose or can be used in church or school. Those films marked with an asterisk (*) are reviewed and approved by the National Motion Picture League, which has executive offices in New York City. Moving Picture Age can vouch for the suitability of these films if the cuts indicated are made.
Practically every successful theater manager balances his film program, that is, he mixes comedy, drama, instructional or news reels so that the spectators do not go away feeling that
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