Cinema News and Property Gazette (1913)

THE CINEMA. January i, 1913. "THE CINEMAS'* NEW MOVE. THE TRADE'S BRIGHTEST AND BEST PAPER BECOMES A WEEKLY. r^^KOM the moment ol its inception just eleven m months ago evidence lias not been wanting I J that The Cinema fulfilled a long-felt want, ItfWhl and even at the risk of being accused of sounding our own praises we cannot refrain from saving that the success which has attended this journal has been phenomenal. Our first number, issued in February last, consisted of only 34 pages ; to-day we present our readers with 104 pages, our policy from the first having been that as the number of our advertising pages increased so also has the quantity of readmg matter been multiplied. It was never our idea that The Cinema should become a mere advertising sheet. \\'e recognise that we have a duty to perform, that our advertisers are worthy of consideration, and that our readers have also to be catered for in the matter of special articles, film descriptions, and the exclusive information which we alone are able to give them. As it has been in the past so it will be in the future. For every page of advertisements we receive we on our part guarantee an increase of reading matter, in order that we may maintain the reputation that The Cinema enjoys of being not only the most artistically produced paper connected with the cinema industry, but the brightest and best of the bunch. Our December issue, with which we presented a 44-page souvenir of picture players, created quite a furore, and from members of all sections of the trade, in addition to many outside it, we have been the recipients of the heartiest of congratulations upon having given them something quite unique. The number of copies printed was treble that of any preceding issue, but despite this fact The Cinema was out of print within a few days of publication, and many repeat orders had to be refused. The souvenir was appreciated on all hands, and is now being ordered in thousands by cinema theatre proprietors throughout the length and breadth of the land, who recognise what a splendid medium it is for creating interest in the pictures, besides which it can also be made a profit-earner. During the year we have introduced mam new features into our journal, and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we are entitled to tleem ourselves highly flattered, for our new features have been copied by those who, ban en of ideas of their own, promptly annex those ot others without the slightest acknowledgment, though they themselves are the first to complain when any of their own pet schemes are copied. This wholesale lilting on their part compels us to refrain from disclosing the innovations we propose to introduce as time progresses, but we can assure our readers that we intend The Cinema to lead the way in cinematographic journalism. One word we must add. In becoming a weekly newspaper we do not enter the field in any spirit of antagonism towards our contemporaries. We believe there is room enough for all, and we recognise that it is merit alone which tells. On our part no effort will be lacking to merit the support w hich up to the present we have received, and which we art pleased to find is increasing in every direction. To paraphrase the immortal bard, whilst in these days of competition no newspaper can command success, we intend, by each week giving our readers something bitter than the preceding week, to at least endeavour to deserve success. OUR VIEW OF THINGS. Where Were the Authorities ? What a pity it is that those who see so much evil in the Sundaj cinema theatre do not keep their eyes more open to what is going on in the outside world ! We have no desire to place ourselves amongst the unco guid, but we must confess to having been somewhat astounded on Sundax last when we found a fair in full progress at Cambcrwell Green. A roundabout, with its attendant organ, a shooting gallery, cocoanut shies, quoit-throwing lor cigarettes, and all the fun of the fair were going on merrily, and were patronised by people ol all ages and classes. The noise made was such as could be heard for some distance, yet no one interfered. And this in a borough in which the local Councillors have passed resolutions condemning Sunday picture shows ! We fail to understand why it should be derogator) to the Sabbath in show moving pictures on Sunday whilst such a gathering as that which we have mentioned is allowed with impunity. Verily, there is no accounting tor tastes. Cinema Redivivus. Evident!) there is one manager in London who makes a point of filing I'm Omnia, and putting t>> good use the information it imparts. During the Yuletide season we observed outside his theatre the following notice : — " Let us take charge of your children while you attend to your shopping." Judging from the good business he did, many must have followed his advice. Mav we point out that this notice may be used with advantage not only during the season ol festivities, but throughout the year, lor somehow or other women always seem to have some shopping to do. An Example Worth Following. In our last issue we drew attention to a resolution passed by the Brighton Town Council in regard to Sunday opening of cinema theatres which we described as illegal and illogical. Our contention was borne out 1>\ counsel, who advised the powers that be that the) had exceeded their duty. Having had the error of their ways pointed out to them, the members of the Brighton Town Council did the best thing possible. They set their house in order by rescinding their former resolution, and then passed another giving an unrestricted seven days' licence. When will the Middlesex County Council and other local authorities come to their senses and do likewise?