Exhibitors Herald (Mar-Apr 1924)

44 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 29, 1924 SCENE from "Discontented Husbands," featuring James Kirkwood. A C. B. C.Columbia production. Prominent Stars in Principal Attractions Demand for Big 5 Reported By Independent Exchanges (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 18.— Principal Pictures Corporation is now marketing through the state right field its "Big Five for 1924," a group of pictures featuring such prominent players as Bebe Daniels, Norman Kerry, Harry Myers, Eva Novak, Louise Fazenda, Helene Chadwick, Lowell Sherman, Monte Blue, Marie Prevost and others. Territories Report Demand According to reports to Irving M. Lesser from the independenfexchanges handling this product there is a big demand throughout the territories for these attractions. Four of the "Big Five" are "Daring Youth," and "The Good Bad Boy," both of which were produced by B. F. Zeidman; "Listen Lester," which is from the studio of Sacramento Pictures Corporation, and "The Masked Dancer," which was made by Eastern Productions under the direction of Burton King. Features Blue and Prevost Zeidman also contributes the fifth attraction to the state right schedule. This picture, "Beggars on Horseback," features Monte Blue and Marie Prevost, with Clara Bow also in the cast. William Beaudine directed. "Daring Youth" has Bebe Daniels and Norman Kerry in its cast; "The Good Bad Boy," features Joe Butterworth and Mary Jane Irving; "Listen Lester" is cast with such players as Louise Fazenda, Eva Novak, Harry Myers and others; while in the cast of "The Masked Dancer" are Helene Chadwick and Lowell Sherman. Hold New Hearings on Mileage Ticket Question (Washington Bureau, Exhibitors Herald) WASHINGTON, D. C, Mar. 18.— The Interstate Commerce Commission has announced that new hearings will be held in the near future on the question of interchangeable mileage tickets. The reopening of this investigation is a result of the widespread demand for further action by the commission since the decision of the United States Supreme Court, holding invalid the order issued March 6, 1923, under which the railroads were to use interchangeable script coupon tickets. This demand has been heard from all sections and from the moving picture and other industries having men who travel steadily. Lichtman Goes East (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18.— Al Lichtman is en route East after an extended conference with Carl Laemmle, Julius Bernheim and William Koenig at University City. Ricksen to Free Lance LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18.— Following the expiration of her contract with Ince, comes the announcement that Lucille Ricksen will not make any further contracts, but will free lance. Cohen Retirement May Not Alter Stand of Insurgents (Continued from page 27) has no further political asperations, he feels at liberty to indulge in just this little bit of boasting. * Varner Doubts Cohen Mr. Varner, when advised of Sydney Cohen's determination to retire as national president, said : I hope this is true. It will be better for Mr. Cohen and better for the industry. Personally, I don't believe Mr. Cohen will retire as long as he thinks he can be reelected on account of his love for the limelight. His present organization doesn't amount to anything much and it is a great expense to Mr. Cohen personally to maintain it, as it is not doing him any good, or anybody else. The North Carolina exhibitors are anxious for a national organization and we would be delighted to become affiliated with an honest national organization that sincerely wanted to serve the best interest of the theatre owners of this country as well as the industry at large. If the exhibitors knew that Cohen was going to retire they could go to Boston and select who they wanted for president, but who knows he's going to quit on that occasion? Reviews Washington Case I remember very well at the Washington meeting that Mr. Cohen proclaimed from the rostrum that he would never again be a candidate for president, and he encouraged men to become candidates at the Chicago convention, then proceeded to have himself reelected. T don't think that the exhibitors of the country will have much faith in this announcement. They will likely believe that the announcement was made for the purpose of inducing .the exhibitors of the country to go to Boston to have a great attendance and make a great show. Griffin Doubts Affiliation Mr. Griffin expressed the attitude of the Northern California theatre men in the subjoined statement: First, let me tell you that the M. P. T. O. of Northern California is no longer active here because all the members of the organization have affiliated with the Allied Amusement Industry which was done for the purpose of coordinating the efforts of all exhibitors both large and small in this territory. The Allied Amusement Industry embraces all theatrical enterprises — movie, vaudeville and legitimate houses. We have a very strong organization and so far as I know it is the intention of same to confine their activities to local and state problems and not affiliate with any national organization, at least that is the prevailing sentiment. We, of course, would support a national or ganization if it were well organized and officered in any worthy movement. I believe a great deal depends, however, upon whom the officers of the national organization are as to the measure of cooperation and support accorded them. Personally, I am hopeful that a national organization can be built that will be effective enough to warrant our affiliation, but since Cohen made such a mess of the M. P. T. O. A., I believe it will take considerable inducement to change the minds of the exhibitors here regarding the efficacy of a national organization. I am expressing only my personal opinion but it is, I believe, pretty well shared by the principal exhibitors out here. Financial Statement Of Loew's Theatres Is Issued in Canada (Special to Exhibitors Herald) TORONTO, ONT., March 18.— A substantial showing is made in the financial statement for the year ending January 5, 1924, for Marcus Loew's Theatres, Ltd., Toronto. Revenues from the operation of the two theatres in Toronto — Loew's Yonge Street and Loew's Uptown — during the year totaled $289,094. Of this total, the Yonge Street Theatre contributed $237,111, while the Uptown gave $49,598. Similar revenues during 1922 amounted to $228,664, so that a considerable improvement has been noted. Total assets are shown as $2,284,191 and include the following: Good will and booking rights, $750,000; organization expenses, $30,000; discount on bonds, $22,474; real estate leaseholds, equipment, $1,431,569, and current assets, $46,401. Bank loans of $73,785 were liquidated during the year, this amount having been shown as an outstanding obligation at the end of 1922. Cash on hand amounted to $36,483. Current liabilities are listed at $83,893 and include municipal taxes for 1923, $41,788, and accounts payable, $10,242. Other Loew theatres in Canada are located at London, Ottawa and Montreal. The Loew house at Montreal is now a subsidiary of the Famous Players Canadian Corporation. The theatres at London and Ottawa are locally owned, it is stated.