Exhibitors Herald (Jan-Mar 1920)

EXHIBITORS HERALD MOLLIE KING IS STAR IN NEW FILM One of the Tense Moments from "Women Men Forget," a Forthcoming United Picture Theatres of America, Inc., Production Review Board Catalogues Suitable Productions for Use By Churches The National Board of Review announces that it has ready for distribution a new catalog entitled "The Best Motion Pictures for Church and Semi-Religious Entertainments." The issuance of this catalog is undertaken by the board in line with its other constructive work in the field of selection of motion pictures, the theory of the board being, "Selection — not censorship • — the solution." Church Is Growing The use of motion pictures in churches is growing, to judge from the number of appeals for assistance which the board has been receiving from ministers and church workers. It is in response to such need that the present catalog has been compiled. Far from being opposed to the church use of motion pictures, exhibitors should welcome it, in the opinion of the board, for by its means converts to the great educational, inspirational and clean entertainment value of the screen are made among ranks of people who are more or less in doubt regarding its general influence and in some cases opposed to the motion picture for any but strictly educational purposes. With these the, bonds of prejudice and misinformation may be broken down by witnessing motion pictures under church auspices. Price Is 25 Cents The entire field of motion picture production has been combed for suitable material with the result that the catalog lists 900 dramatic, Americanization, comic, missionary and instructional pictures. It can be obtained for 25 cents by communicating with The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, 70 Fifth avenue. New York. Exhibitors would do well to commend this catalog to ministers and church workers of their acquaintance. Pathe Will Publish February 29 Keenan's "Smoldering Embers" Described as a drama glowing with the love of the heart, "Smoldering Embers," next in line of Frank Keenan's publications through Pathe, will be issued on February 29. Pathe executives say they expect this latest production to surpass Mr. Keenan's "Brothers Divided" in point of popularity. Supporting Mr. Keenan are Jay Belasco, Kate Van Buren, Hardie Kirkland, Lucille Ward, Frances Raymond, Thomas Guise, Burwick Hamrick, Russ Powell and Graham Pettie. During the last year Mr. Keenan has made such productions as "The World Aflame," "Brothers Divided," "The False Code," "Gates of Brass" and "The Master Man," and, according to Pathe, each has been received warmly by exhibitors and their patrons. Miss Young in Pageant Clara Kimball Young is to play the leading role in a dramatic pageant at Riverside, Calif., Easter Sunday, following religious services atop Mount Rubidoux, at the foot of Miller's Cross. Miss Young will play the principal role in "The Soul of Rafael," from the story by Marah Ellis Ryan. Two thousand persons will participate, including two hundred Indians. 102 Manager of Theatre in Omaha Now Champion Of Serial Productions R. S. Ballantyne, manager of the Muse theatre, Farnam and Twenty-fourth streets, Omaha, Nebr., has come forward as a champion of the serial picture as an attraction for high class houses according to Pathe. "I confess," Mr. Ballantyne told Pathe officials, "that I was not so long ago a rather vehement scoffer of the serial for patronage of the so-called first class. But I have changed with the time= and now the Muse shows two serials each week. "I frequently was approached by serial salesmen, but they found me a fairly tough proposition. But finally, H. D Graham of the Pathe Exchange here wheedled me into signing a contract foi The Black Secret,' with Pearl White We now are showing both 'The Black Secret' and 'The Adventures of Ruth, with Ruth Roland. "In exploiting 'The Adventures o! Ruth,' I tried a little advertising stum and realized surprisingly well on tht idea suggested to me. We took a key from the picture as it were, and put oui one hundred and fifty keys to whicr were attached a card reading, 'If Lost Return to Muse Theatre and Receive Reward,' the reward consisting of twe tickets to the opening chapter of this serial. In my opinion there is no reasor why, if an exhibitor will get back oi these serials and boost them to the limit they will not make money regardless ol the class of people he may cater to." Realart Aids are Shifted Melville E. Maxwell has been ap pointed special representative of Realar Pictures corporation in the west. Hi! Omaha post will be filled by Cornelius G Kingsley, now Detroit manager. Ralpr Quive will leave San Francisco to fil the vacancy in the Michigan city. Ber F. Simpson, field manager of Realart, wil return to San Francisco. Bars Advertising Slides SANTA CRUZ, CAL.— The new Santa Cruz theatre, which is neanng completion, will have a change of pictures everv Sunday, Monday. Wednesday and Friday. Louis R. Greenfield one of the directors of the house, said that no advertising slides would be used Berst Buys English Play The English melodrama, "The Mayfair Mystery," has been purchased b> United Picture Productions Corporation J. A. Berst, president of the company said that he now was selecting the cast which includes eighteen leading charac ters. Moffatt Aids Vitagraph Cleveland Moffatt, author and playwright, is engaged in touching up sonu of the scenes of "The Vanishing Mask,' the title chosen for the forthcominf Vitagraph serial. Joe Ryan and Jear Paige are starring in the production, twe i\ episodes of which have been completed I