Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

□M^li__rL H I B I O R H R D Modification of Theater Tax Law Sought by Chicago Picture Men Fred J. Herrington Urges Mass Meetings and Congressional Assistance in Speech Before Local Branch of A. E. A. Mass meeting to which every exhibitor in Chicago and contiguous territory will be invited to be addressed by the several congressmen of the district in the hope of having the present war tax on admissions as it affects the motion picture theatres modified, were planned at a meeting of the Chicago Motion Picture Theatre Owners Association November 16. This action by the theatre men was taken after many of the exhibitors, at the invitation of President Krug, had detailed to those present the extent to which the tax had affected their box office receipts. The falling off in receipts reported varied from 15 to 35 per cent. Herrington Pleads Patriotism With patriotism the keynote of his address, Fred J. Herrington of Pittsburgh was the principal speaker at the session. He summed up the numerous problems confronting the industry, rebuked the exhibitors for "their spinelessness and their failure to act concertedly," gave Lee A. Ochs his customary dishonorable mention, and closed with an appeal to those present to let patriotism stand above profits and aid the government in every way in its time of need. After stating that he had listened with deep interest to the remarks of the exhibitors concerning the losses they had sustained and the reasons advanced by them as to the cause, Mr. Herrington said: "Let us not go before Congress and ask for the repeal of this tax. Let us rather ask that body to modify certain features of it. Do not ask the government to return lost profits to you, but rather show them that the people whom we serve with entertainment are not able to stand this additional drain upon their pocketbooks. Outlines Needed Action "It was not the intention of Congress to close your theatres. The government needs the money to wage this just war, and if the tax imposed is so heavy as to close the theatres it defeats the ends for which it was meant." At this point the speaker urged the exhibitors to see their congressmen while they were at home, put the situation up to them in an honest manner and appoint committees to return to Washington with them in an attempt to get a modification of the present law. "Members of Congress and the Senate are willing — yes, anxious — to do the fair thing by you," Mr. Herrington con You cannot appeal individually to Congress for a readjustment of the admission tax. You cannot expect assistance from officials of the old league because they endorsed the measure. Join the A. E. A. and let this organization represent you at Washington. tinued. "It is up to you, yourself. For 95 per cent of tlje evils confronting the industry you, the exhibitor, are responsible. Speaker Rebukes Exhibitors "Senator Boise Penrose of Pennsylvania spoke in your behalf before the Senate of the United States, and you know the favorable action of that body. Did he receive any telegrams thanking him for his effort? No! Did any organization pass resolutions showing their appreciation of his action? No! "You slumbered on. As far as any word being received by the legislature in Washington, you had no interest in the affair one way or another. And now, when the full effect of the measure is beginning to be seen by you, you wake up and howl." Mr. Herrington also told the exhibitors that sewing circles, Liberty Bond campaigns, contributions to the Red Cross, funds for the Red Triangle, and the draft itself, as well as the war tax, were contributing causes to the drop in attendance at the theatre. Following Mr. Herrington's address, the special "war" committee of the association was given cancellations of those present to present to the World Film corporation. The latter company, in letters sent out to exhibitors, has stated that unless those using the World service agreed to pay the war tax their contracts would be automatically canceled on November 19. Screen Club's Ball An Annual Affair Is Held in New York The annual ball of the Screen Club of Xew York was held Saturday night, November 17, in the Gold room of the Hotel Astor. It was largely attended by stars of the film world, manufacturers, distributors, and others allied with the industry. M. P. D. A. to Hold Ball at Biltmore New York in January Directors, Banded Together for Betterment of Industry, to Entertain At the last meeting of the Motion Picture Directors' Association, in New York, it was decided to give a ball at the Biltmore Hotel during the month of January. The M. P. D. A. is an association which has for its main idea the betterment of motion pictures as a whole. The home lodge of the association has its rooms in the Hotel Alexandria, Los Angeles, Cal., with a membership of one hundred. The New York lodge rooms are at 242 West Fifty-fifth street. The officers are: Alan Dwan, director: J. Gordon Edwards, assistant; Oscar Eagle, secretary-assistant director; J. Searle Dawley, secretary; Joseph Kaufman, treasurer. There are twenty-six registered members in New York city. The initiation fee in the association is. $50 and the annual dues are $26. From present indications, everything pertaining to the association is progressing favorably under the management of the above members and the co-operation of the regular members. Supreme Court Judge Will Make Decision In Music Tax Case The fight of the exhibitors on the music tax question was begun before Justice Goff of the Supreme Court of New York this week when the court took up the trial of the case of the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth and St. Nicholas Avenue Amusement Company 'and the American Society of Composers. Following lengthy arguments by attorneys on both sides, in which charges and counter charges flew thick and fast, Justice Goff ordered the lawyers to prepare briefs and submit them to him on which he will base his decision. SCENES FROM THREE GOLDWYN PRODUCTIONS LEFT— MARY GARDEN IN A SCENE FROM "THAIS." CENTER— A SCENE FROM "JOAN OF PLATTSBURG," WITH MABEL NORMAND. RIGHT— AN AMUSING SITUATION FROM "NEARLY MARRIED," WITH MADGE KENNEDY. (Goldwyn.) 16 •