Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1917 - Jun 1918)

X H B R H First National Circuit Buys "My Four Years in Germany Gerard Feature Purchased After Several Days Negotiation— P r i c e Not Divulged — Distribution to Begin April 29 The First National Exhibitors' Circuit has obtained distribution rights for the United States and Canada to Ambassador James W Gerard's authorized film version of "My Four Years In Germany," which has been running at the Knickerbocker Theatre on Broadway to crowded houses since March 10th. Prior to the acquisition of the big feature, negotiations were carried on for several days between Mark M. Dintenfass and H. M. Warner, representing My Four Years in Germany, Inc., and Harry O. Schwalbe and James D. Williams, representing the First National. When the final papers in the transaction were signed last Wednesday afternoon, it was stated by both parties to the contract that Ambassador Gerard and his associates had been presented with the largest check ever drawn as an advance payment in a motion picture deal. The amount will probably not be divulged, but is said to have run well into six figures. The First National officials are credited with having achieved a signal victory in landing the Gerard picture for their circuit, as the rivalry among numerous competing organizations desirous of handling the feature, it is said, we're undoubtedly the keenest that has been displayed within recent years. This was due to the fact that Ambassador Gerard's story is an explanation of the actual motive power behind the tremendous events nowtranspiring on the western battle front, and a graphic unfolding of the international plot, conceived and executed by the rulers of Imperial Germany. Several important figures in the legitimate and vaudeville fields made flattering offers to take over the exploitation of the film, but after serious delibera tion, the executives of the producing corporation decided that the proposition offered by the First National officials was the best from every point of view, it is said. This is taken as a striking endorsement of the co-operative idea upon which the circuit is based that has been given up to date, and indicates that the First National is now a force to be reckoned with in the future of the film industry. In the distribution of features with the guaranteed box-office appeal of "My Four Years in Germany" on the liberal terms that the First National makes, officials see another important move in the direction of open market booking. The Gerard picture will be published on April 29th, although earlier bookings can be arranged if necessary, prior to that date. In the larger cities the film will first be shown in legitimate houses, wherever available, at advanced prices. Judging from the remarkable drawing power that it is now displaying at the Knickerbocker Theatre, the expose of German political and military intrigue will be good for an extensive run in any large city where the English language is spoken without a Teutonic accent, it is asserted. "My Four Years in Germany" must be projected in its full ten-reel form wherever booked, as Ambassador Gerard has expressly stipulated in his contract with the distributors that the film is not to be cut or changed in any particular without his consent. Practically every amusement circuit in the United States has put in a bid for the picture since it has been taken over by the First National. A definite announcement of the first-run houses that will show the big feature will be made within the course of a few days. OFFICIALS OF MY FOUR YEARS IN GERMANY, INC. SIGNING CONTRACT WITH FIRST NATIONAL EXHIBITORS CIRCUIT. LEFT TO RIGHT— JAMES D. WILLIAMS, H. M. WARNER, MARK M. DINTENFASS AND HARRY O. SCHWALBE. R D I Exhibitors to Meet Michigan Capitalists Discuss Booking Plans As stated in last week's Herald, a meeting of exhibitors, irrespective of any national organization affiliations, will be held in the Hotel Astor, New York City, April 8 and 9. At this meeting a proposition from a group of prominent business men of the State of Michigan will be presented, in which they offer to finance ' a practical co-operative booking plan for the exhibitors of the country providing a practical and feasible scheme is presented. Various plans have been advanced, each having good and bad points, it is said, but with the proper financial backing it is thought the best can readily be decided upon by the exhibitors and put into effect within a very short time. Producers who are willing to make pictures under such a plan are invited to attend the meeting of exhibitors at the Hotel Astor on April 9, at which time it is expected a workable plan will have been completed and can be laid before them. Bessie Love Leaves Pathe Fold May 1 The Pathe Company has secured the screen rights to Ruth Belmore Endicott's novel, "Carolyn of the Corners," from Dodd, Mead Company, the book publishers, and will present Bessie Love in the stellar role. This will be Miss Love's final production with the Pathe Company. Work on the picture will start this week, and it is expected the final scenes will have been made May 1, on which date Miss Love's contract expires. The little star has been approached by two producing companies, it is said, but before accepting either offer she is considering the advisability of forming her own company, in order to secure the highest quality of stories, direction and production. It is announced that Miss Love holds an option on a Los Angeles studio at the present time. Fox Addresses Theatre Club William Fox, the film producer, and Virginia Pearson, screen star, were the guests of honor at a meeting of the New York Theater Club, of which Mrs. Belle de Riviera is president, in the Hotel Astor last week. Mr. Fox was the principal speaker. Jane and Katherine Lee, the Fox "Baby Grands," presented an original skit. Miss Ainee Abbott, exponent of oriental art, talked on obtaining a position in photoplays and Baby Love Simmons sang and danced. Mrs. J. W. Loeb presided as chairman. 14