Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

THE AMERICAN EXHIBITOR Picture Operator First Arrested in City Crusade Indianapolis — The first arrest as the result of the determination of the city authorities to round up various persons plying their trades without a license, was made here when Robert J. Gavin, 22 years old, a motion picture operator, was taken to police headquarters charged with operating a motion picture machine without a license. Gavin was brought to headquarters by an attorney representing the motion picture operators' union and was released on his own recognizance. A few days ago an announcement was made that all operators who failed to obtain a license, which was provided for by a city ordinance which went into effect July 3, were to be arrested. It is understood that this arrangement has been abandoned and that the case of Gavin will be a test case and the others will abide by the decision. St. Paul District Puts Ban on Picture Shows Texas Exhibitors Send Delegation on Tax to Washington Dallas, Texas — Due to the fact that it will send representatives to Washington to appear before Congress to seek a modification of the present tax as applied to the motion picture industry, the Texas Amusement Managers' association held its meeting December 3 instead of December 10, as originally intended. According to Robert H. Campbell, secretary of the state association, considerable confusion exists among producers, exchanges and exhibitors regarding the tax matter. "Many inequalities exist in the matter of taxation," he said in explaining the object of the delegation, ''and it is for the purpose of working out a system that will, in effect, obtain the needed revenue for the government and at the same time make the levy in such a manner as to equalize the burden that this national conference has been called." White River Theatre Destroyed by Fire White River Junction, Vt. — Fire, which might have resulted in loss of life had it not been for the coolness shown by the audience, almost destroyed the Crown theatre here recently. The blaze originated on the second floor of the building. About 150 persons were in the theatre when the fire was discovered. They made their exit to the street in orderly manner. Firemen were able to confine the blaze to the one building. The theatre was owned and operated by Harold Keegan of Windsor. St. Paul — The city council here, because of protests, has recalled two permits for the erection of motion picture theatres in the Grand avenue district. Those opposed to the grants were largely church members. The district into which the motion picture men sought entrance embraces a number of churches. There are now being circulated throughout the various congregations petitions which seek to have the granting of such permits barred for all time. Michigan Exhibitor Named as Violator of Child Labor Law Grand Rapids, Mich. — Harvey Arlington, manager of the Orpheum theatre, is facing trial for a violation of the child labor law, as the result of a crusade against the employment of girls as ushers in motion picture theatres by the Y. W. C. A. here. Following his arrest, Mr. Arlington was released on his own recognizance when he pleaded not guilty to the charge and stated that the girl, on whose age the charge is pressed, told him she was more than sixteen years of age. The next hearing in the case will be had December 11. New Colonial With Japanese Room Opens in St. Joseph, Mo. St. Joseph, Mo. — Beautiful in its appointments, chief among which is the Japanese room on the balcony, the new Colonial Theatre was opened here recently. The Japanese room is especially worthy of comment and it is the contention of Manager Hal Kelly that no rest room for women in the Middle West approaches it in magnificence. The furniture is white wicker, while the walls are decorated with Japanese designs in pink and old gold. In the theatre proper the finishings are of mahogany with a softly tinted lighting effect achieved by the blending of red and green colorings in the globes. Associated with Mr. Kelly in conducting the theatre is his wife, as well as an assistant manager, James L. Young. An orchestra of seven pieces will provide the music at the theatre under the leadership of H. D. Furse, formerly of Lincoln, Xeb. JAMES A. ESLOW DEAD Grand Rapids, Mich. — James A. Eslow. 52 years old, formerly of the Universal Film Manufacturing company, died here November 29. Death came after a short illness following a stroke of apoplexy. The remains were interred in Albion, where the deceased was born. 41 "Stink" Bombists Infest Theatres of Altoona, Pa. Altoona, Pa. — Owners of motion picture theatres in this city are much aroused over an epidemic of "stink" bomb throwing which has broken out in moving picture houses here. As there are no labor troubles it is believed that the perpetrators of the outrages are small boys. One exhibitor has offered a liberal reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the miscreants. A heavy fine is provided for such an offense by the city ordinance. Close watch of drug stores is being made by the police in an effort to run down the "gang" when they seek to replenish their "perfume" supply. Opens Theatre Sunday Arrested on Warrant Wapello, la. — Manager Herrick of the Gem theatre here, was arrested recently when he attempted to operate his motion picture theatre on Sunday. The warrant was sworn out by John A. Dickson, a prominent churchman. Mr. Herrick had been urged for some time by his patrons to conduct a Sunday show. He willingly submitted when the warrant for his arrest was served and on promise not to repeat the offense charges were dropped. Southern Town Loses Only Picture Theatre McRae. Ga. — McRae's only motion picture theatre will soon be converted into a storehouse for automobiles. The building has been purchased by the Willys-Overland Automobile company. The picture show business here was begun two years ago by C. W. Lancaster, who sold the business to Mrs. E. L. Dukes of Vidalia. For the past several months patronage has not been sufficient to finance the operating expenses. Film Introduces FourMinute Men in Detroit Theatres Detroit, Mich. — Four-Minute Men speaking at Detroit moving picture theatres, in the future, will be introduced to the audiences by having their names and the topic of their address flashed upon the screen. When the time allotted to the speaker arrives a slide will be shown bearing the words: "The government introduces," followed by the name of the Four-Minute Man who is to talk. Members of this organization will speak at least once every week in the government educational campaign to offset German propaganda.