Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1919)

EXHIBITORS HERALD Wm. Fox Entertains Prince of Wales Heir to English Throne Is the Guest of Film Magnate at Brilliant Reception Held In Famous Old Academy of Music in New York November 19 — Leaders in Social and Business Life of Nation Assembled At Historic Function In historic surroundings the Prince of Wales, on Wednesday, November 19, was entertained as the guest of William Fox, president of Fox Film Corporation, at the famous old Academy of Music in New York, where his grandfather the late Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, was feted by the city in 1860. War heroes and persons prominent in social and business life filled the Academy. They cheered the Prince to the echo as he entered the famous structure; they cheered him as he walked into the royal box, escorted by Mr. Fox, they cheered him after he had made a brief speech there; and they cheered him as he left the building. The event was one that will be long remembered; it will occupy a conspicuous place in the history of New York. Prince Enjoys Function The best feature of it all was that the Prince enjoyed himself thoroughly. He laughed at and applauded motion pictures and he appeared to take a keen interest in pictures of himself which were screened in a special showing made by Fox News, the animated screen newspaper and magazine. Sitting in the Academy were eighteen venerable men and women who attended the ball given to the then Prince of Wales in the same building in 1860. They were young folks in those days, and for one afternoon they became "young folks" again. They smiled and waved at the Prince. They laughed at the pictures. They had the time of times. Spends Hour Seeing Films For more than an hour the Prince watched the special screen showings of humorous pictures arranged at his request, and it was remarked by those in his suite that he had not laughed so heartily since his arrival in this country. Mr. Fox occupying a chair at the left of His Royal Highness was called on to answer many questions regarding motion pictures, their past, present and future. In these questions the Prince showed that he is an earnest thinker and takes a deep interest in industrial matters. The Academy was tastefully decorated for the occasion by John Zanfft, who with Manager Wuertz. had charge of the program. In the foyer were three large oil paintings of the late Edward VII, King George V and the present Prince of Wales Flowers and potted plants also were in the foyer. The royal box was draped with the colors of the United States and Great Britain, and the famous three feathers of the Prince of Wales formed an added decoration. Flags Add Color to Scene Over the stage was a cluster of British and American flags which were pleasingly illuminated. The front part of the "pit" was given over to war heroes, and behind them sat the old folks who attended the 1860 ball in the Academy, and specially invited guests. The royal box was the first on the left, while that on the right was reserved for the family of Mr. Fox. In the other boxes were prominent New Yorkers, city officials and members of the Mayor's Committee of Welcome to distinguished guests. Crowds began gathering outside the building at noon. Admission was by invitation only. By l o'clock a line stretched along Fourteenth street almost to Third avenue, although the reception was set for 2 o'clock. One hundred and fifty policemen established lines in Irving Place between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets. This was because the Prince was to enter the Academy from Irving Place. Spectacle Is Brilliant One Opposite this entrance was the United States Navy Recruiting Band and ranged on each side, from the doorway to the street, was a detachment of Marines from the battleship Pennsylvania, under Lieut. W. V. Jewett. Within the Academy was the Police Band, a splendid musical organization, which entertained the early arrivals. First of the guests of honor to reach the building were sixteen young society women, dressed in hoopskirts — the style that prevailed when the famous ball of 1860 was given. Shortly before 2 o'clock the Seventh Regiment, including members of the 27th Division who fought with the English, reached the Academy, headed by MajorGeneral Daniel Appleton and Col. Wade Hampton Hayes. The men, presenting an appearance that was most soldierly in every respect, filed into the Academy and found seats in the orchestra. Prince Arrives on Schedule Next came the Royal Air Force, headed by Scottish bagpipers. They had paraded to the Academy from uptown. Promptly at 2:15 the Prince was driven up to the Irving Place entrance in an automobile. The waiting crowds gave him a great cheer and as His Royal Highness stepped from the car the Navy band "unruffled" four ruffles and then played The King. During the playing the Prince stood at salute. THE GUEST OF HONOR PRESENTED TO HIS HOST AYilliam Fox and His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, Snapped by the Camera Just ns They Are Shaking Hands at the Famons Old Academy of Music. 61