Exhibitors Herald (Mar-Apr 1924)

March 29, 1924 EXHIBITORS HERALD 43 Plans Perfected to Prosecute Film Men Engaged in Pirating (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 18. — I. E. Chadwick, president of the I. M. P. P. D. A., has perfected plans to recover prints unlawfully exhibited and do away with this menace to the industry. Numerous complaints have been turned in and the I. M. P. P. D. A. believes that the time has come for concerted action. President Chadwick, in a statement referring to the situation, believes the initial steps to be taken are: A campaign of education among the independent film men showing the evils of the practice; a firm determination on the part of the I. M. P. P. D. A. to spare neither money nor effort; an appeal to proper legislative bodies if necessary; an appeal for action on the part of the Federal Trade Commission; and complaints to the Federal district attorney with respect to possible violation of the copyright laws. Many compaints have been filed by members of the I. M. P. P. D. A. with regard to stolen prints and every effort will be made to stop this all too prevalent practice. Liberty Theatre in St. Louis Sold by Fox (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO, March 18.— William Fox has sold his lease on the William Fox Liberty theatre, Delmer boulevard just west of Grand boulevard, to Oscar Dane, well known burlesque show exhibitor, and beginning on about April 1 the Liberty will enter upon a new policy of a combination girl show with motion pictures. The price paid for the Fox lease has not been revealed, but it is said to have been very attractive to the Fox interests. While the Liberty was under the Fox regime it has been used almost exclusively for the presentation of Fox features, short subjects and comedies under the new arrangement it is said that the Fox Film will have sufficient outlet in St. Louis, especially on the bigger pictures and that the result over a period of years will be more satisfactory than the old plan. First Run Theatres Seek More Protection (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ALBANY, N. Y., March 18.— On account of the activities shown by a twentycent second-run house in the immediate neighborhood, in showing pictures soon after they are run at the first-run houses of Troy, the Lincoln theatre of that city, through its manager, Harry Symansky, is now asking for a 60-day protection. The second-run house has been making inroads on some of the first-run theatres, by advertising the fact that the picture being shown at first-run house would shortly be shown at the cheaper house. As a result, it is contended, many persons of a frugal nature waited for a few days until the picture appeared at the second-run theatre. Lasky Signs Macpherson (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18.— Jeanie Macpherson, who wrote the story and scenario for "The Ten Commandments, has been signed on a new long term contract by Lasky. Ince Buys Coast Laboratory Thomas H. Ince (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, March 18.— The Hollywood Laboratory Corporation, with its entire equipment, has been purchased by Thomas H. Ince and will be reassembled and operated in conjunction with the laboratory on the Ince lot jn Culver City, according to an announcement made by H. D. Lyman, builder of the Hollywood Laboratory. This laboratory was completed about a year ago and is said to contain the most modern machinery and paraphernalia used in the making of films. During the one year of its operation it has made titles for a number of features, including Mary Pickford's "Rosita" and "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall" and Charlie Chaplin's "A Woman of Paris." This deal, which is said to involve a quarter of a million dollars, will give to the Ince organization one of the most complete motion picture manufacturing laboratories in the industry. Ince has announced that it is not his intention to exclude other producers from the use of the patented title processes which are included in the purchase. DeForest Phonofilms Three Weeks at Rivoli (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 18.— The week of Lincoln's birthday a DeForest Phonofilm was presented at the Rivoli theatre, showing two episodes in Lincoln's life. This first week was so successful that it was followed by two more weeks of the same kind of entertainment. The second two pictures showed Egyptian dances by Lillian Powell, her movements in perfect synchronization with the music. "What I think of DeForest's talking pictures is best answered by the fact that I ran them for three successive weeks at the Rivoli," said Dr. Reisenfeld. "That my confidence was not misplaced is evidenced by the comments of approval from our patrons. The pictures have attracted great attention." Pathe Exploitation and Publicity Departments Undergo Reorganization (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 18.— A reorganization of the Pathe Exploitation and Publicity Departments was effected this week in accordance with plans recently perfected by Elmer Pearson, Vice-President and General Manager of Pathe Exchange, Inc. Under the plan or reorganization adopted, the exploitation and publicity departments, which have been amalgamated during the past two years will hereafter be conducted as distinct units, the exploitation department coming under the supervision of P. A. Parsons, advertising manager for Pathe, and the Publicity Department functioning as a separate unit. Arthur M. Brilant has been named Exploitation Manager and E. F. Supple has been appointed Publicity Manager. Mr. Brilant has been affiliated since 1916 with the publicity and exploitation staffs of Famous Players-Lasky, Associated Producers, Cosmopolitan, Mack Sennett Comedies, and Universal. Mr. Supple was engaged for several years in the trade paper field and at the time of his joining Pathe was serving as Assistant Managing Editor of Motion Picture News. LeComte Resigns as Result of III Health; Carter Made Man ager (.Special from E. A. C.) TERRE HAUTE, IND., March 18.— Fred LeComte, general manager of the Consolidated Realty and Theatres Corporation houses throughout Indiana, has resigned on account of failing health, resulting from the recent crisis through which the organization has passed. Mr. LeComte has succeeded in putting the organization on a firm financial basis once more, and the outlook for the future is said to be bright. E. Allan Carter has been made manager of the Liberty theatre, Terre Haute, and will also manage the Capitol at Clinton in addition to looking after Air. LeComte's interests during the latter's absence. Announce Delegates To Boston Gathering (Special to Exhibitors Herald) OTTAWA, ONT., Mar. 18.— Announcement has been made naming the men who will represent the Canadian division of the M. P. T. O. A. at the annual conclave to be held this year in Boston. Those who are expected to attend are: A. St. Denis, of Montreal, president of the Canadian division; Maurice West, Montreal, secretary; A. Sperdakes, Montreal; J. C. Brady, Toronto, of the Madison theatre, who is chairman of the Ontario branch, and a number of others. Sawyer En route East (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18.— Arthur Sawyer is en route to New York, accompanied by Clarence Badger in connection with the forthcoming release by Metro of "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." Bert Ennis, under contract with Sawyer who is now acting as publicity chief, will leave in a few days.