Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1919)

EXHIBITORS HERALD Realart Reports Exhibitors Are Enthusiastic Over Its New Star Telegrams Carry Messages of Congratulations on Constance Binney's Premier in "Erstwhile Susan" From All Parts of Country After showing one Realart picture in his big Oklahoma Theatre, Glenn Condon, the Tulsa exhibitor, has signed up for an entire year's program of Realart productions at an advance in rental of $50 over a previous contract for the first three Realart Pictures. Constance Binney's "Erstwhile Susan" is the picture which has not only broken records at Mr. Condon's theatre, but has induced the owner to sign a contract with Realart's Kansas City manager, John N. MacMeekin, for a sum which the exhibitor says is larger than was ever given to any other concern in the history of his theatre. Wires Bring Congratulations Realart officials say they are overwhelmed by the flood of appreciation accorded their first contributions to motion pictures. Telegraph wires were humming last week, it is stated, with enthusiastic messages from exhibitors all over the country to President Arthur S. Kane, telling him that their first acquaintance with the new producing company points to a happy and prosperous future. "Our fondest hopes have been fully realized in this talented and beautiful star," said John S. Woody, general manager of Realart, in commenting on Constance Binney's work in "Erstwhile Susan." "I have no doubt that the enthusiastic predictions of discerning exhibitors will come true and that by next year Constance Binney, under the Real art banner, will rank with the greatest stars of the screen." Praise From Tulsa Exhibitor On the night of the opening of "Erstwhile Susan" at his Majestic Theatre, Tulsa, Mr. Condon wired the following telegram to President Kane: "Constance Binney opened four-day run our Majesty Theatre, Tulsa, today to season's record business in number of admissions and box office receipts. Binney is a sensation. Her future as star assured from unanimous favorable comment of patrons today. Some of Sunday openings beaten today were Nazimova in "The Brat," Farrar in "World and Its Woman," and "Lombardi Limited." Congratulations on such a meritorious first release. Oppositions "Male and Female" and "Virtuous Vamp." Glenn Condon Four days after the receipt by Mr. Kane of the foregoing enthusiastic telegram from Exhibitor Condon there came a second one, which was even more gratifying than the first. The message follows: "Your Kansas City Managetr, Mr. MacMeekin, and his representative, Mr. Fox, last night screened "Soldiers of Fortune" in this theatre for benefit of large crowd of exhibitors from this territory. After seeing this wonderful production immediately signed a contract on Mr. MacMekin's own terms. This will be the first picture ever to play the Majestic Theatre one week at advance prices. We have also contracted for the entire season's Realart program after having played the first release, "Erstwhile Susan," at an advance in rental on the subsequent eleven pictures of* fifty dollars each over what we paid for first three releases contracted for. Total amount of contract signed with Mr. MacMeekin today more than five thousand dollars, the largest contract we ever gave to any one concern in history of this theatre. Constance Binney's picture has drawn tributes from many other exhibitors who have shown it during the past week. The consensus of exhibitor opinion seems to be that "Erstwhile Susan" is a particularly fitting vehicle for the initial Real art presentation of this young actress, and that, given more of such appealing stories to interpret, the star's continued popularity is assured. Says Warning Is Justified President Kane feels that the response to Miss Binney's first picture already has justified his admonition to exhibitors: "Warn your audiences to leave their hearts at home for safekeeping when they go to see Constance Binney." Mr. Kane thinks that not even the exhibitors (Continued on page 76) Weather Interrupts Latest Morey Film In the Adirondacks Wind, rain, snow and a few other drawbacks having arrived at the Adirondack mountains in Northern New York before Harry T. Morey could get fairly started on his next feature, "The Mightier Strength," the Vitagraph star is getting ready to transfer his activities to North and South Carolina. A couple of Vitagraph's location men are now in the South seeking a new location for the picture where the elements, unless it be an occasional shower, will not interfere. If either is successful the picture will be made before the Christmas holidays. If they are not "The Mightier Strength" will have to wait over until next summer. Excellent locations had been found in the Adirondacks in the vicinity of Lake Placid and Lake Tupper. Mr. Morey now has two Vitagraph features awaiting publication. They are "The Darkest Hour," which had its scenes laid in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and "The Birth of a Soul," which was made in the mountains of North Carolina. In both Mr. Morey appears as a rugged mountaineer. Jean Paige, who is now playing opposite Earle Williams in "The Fortune Hunter," was Mr. Morey's leading lady in each picture. George Randolph Chester, production editor of Vitagraph, and Mrs. Chester edited "The Birth of a Soul." New Edition of "Spoilers" Purchased for Manhattan The Sol Lesser Exchange reports the purchase of the new edition of Col. Selig's "The Spoilers" for distribution in Greater New York. "The Spoilers" is lauded by many as the best vehicle in which William Farnum has ever appeared. It is probably the best exponent of thrilling fights, and the forerunner of subsequent pictures of this nature. A complete supply of new posters, photographs, cuts and other accessories will be available, and the picture is expected to be ready for release within the next month. Mr. Lesser also controls this picture for California, Nevada and Arizona, where it is enjoying a tremendous success. Gloria Swanson, De Mille Star, to Wed H. K. Somborn Herbert K. Somborn, president of Equity Pictures Corporation, is to marry Gloria Swanson, the dainty De Mille star, who is featured in "Male and Female." Mr. Somborn sponsored "Eyes of Youth" and other big productions. 66