Exhibitors Herald (1926)

58 EXHIBITORS HERALD February 12, 1927 LETTERS From Readers A forum at which the exhibitor is invited to express his opinion on matters of current interest. Brevity adds forcefulness to any statement. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Warns Against Fake Solicitors SPEARVILLE, KANS.— To the Editor: Wish you would publish a short notice with reference to two crooks. One, a man about 35 years old, weighing perhaps 150 pounds, about 5 feet 7 inches, with a little touch of mustache, and of a dark complexion, wore a black suit and overcoat when here. The other was about the same height, but of light complexion, and wore a light colored overcoat, 35 years old, had a rather round face and was a very pleasant crook. Both looked anything but like crooks. They were soliciting for slides. Asked me if I run slides and how much I charged. If I would mind giving them the names of the merchants that advertised with me. Of course I did. They went to the merchants and represented that they were sent by me to call upon the merchants, which was a misrepresentation, as I had not sent them at all. They charged the merchants $54 a year for one slide a week, collected in advance, cashed their checks and beat it. As soon as I learned that they claimed I sent them to call upon the merchants I suspected them and wrote the firm they claimed to represent, and received a letter, which I am enclosing. If any exhibitor sees these men trying this on them it is time to take action ; let’s put them in the pen, where they belong. I have plenty of evidence to stick them, both for forgery and receiving money under false pretence. Thanking you in advance to publish an article on the above. — W. J. Shoup, DeLuxe theatre, Spearville, Kans. Let’s Hear the Other Side of the Story CROCKETT, TEX.— To the Editor: Have on several occasions when groups of exhibitors get together heard some discussion on the value of reports appearing in “What the Picture Did for Me.” It was the consensus of opinion that those reports that showed a grievance of some kind against an exchange or company were not worth the space occupied, on account of the bias. I wonder how the exhibiting fraternity at large are weighing the reports of those exhibitors who have started on a “photo mooching crusade.” Personally, I think their requests will be granted by the stars or their press agents, but likewise consider the report “paid for” and value it accordingly. I had occasion to read in somebody’s column, not so long ago, that a letter addressed to a star, with a request for a photo, would be complied with if 25 cents were enclosed. If true, they’re pretty cheap, and I think the “What the Picture Did for Me” department is too valuable to use for any other purpose than that intended. — E. J. Callahan, Auditorium theatre, Crockett, Tex. P. S. — Noticed Chas. Holtz of Danforth, Me., enter a squawk concerning the type of litho paper that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are putting out. You will probably hear from him again, when he finds that he has to pay Paramount 15 cents for a blank sheet of paper. Yep, that’s the price, when you buy a three sheet from them at 45 cents, two sheets in color and one blank. Dissatisfied with Arbitration Boards VANDERGRIFT, PA. — To the Editor: I see that the Northwest Arbitration Boards are arbitrating again and giving the exhibitors a wonderful shake. All is lovely, getting much better for the exhibitors. I cannot see that it is working that way in Pittsburgh. Two years ago I had a case in which I received damages because the film company sent me the wrong show. I ran my short subjects, which happened to be fairly good length, but filed claim for cancellation of that feature and damages to the amount of the cost of the film and received them. I had a similar case against P. D. C. last week and was allowed the cancellation of the film, but no damages. Getting better? Not for me! I suppose now they will go after me to make me pay back the damages awarded me two years ago. But I believe that I could prove to any fair judicial tribunal that it is a damage to be deprived of a film feature after advertising same. There is one thing I want to say about contracts, thinking it may help some exhibitor. It is this : An exhibitor, after he has signed an application for pictures, has a right to withdraw that offer anytime before acceptance. If exhibitors’ letters are registered before acceptance is mailed, exhibitor does not have a contract. It is a legal and moral right the exhibitor has, and he should use ’it. I have. — L. M. Jones, Arcadia theatre, Vandergrift, Pa. Warners Hold Records BUCHANAN, MICH.— To the Editor: Here is my record on the three Warner Bros, pictures played so far this year: Played to the best Sunday night business in three months with “My Official Wife.” “Private Izzy Murphy” established a box office record for this year, which was broken by “Across the Pacific” last night, both pictures surpassing the box office draw of Rudolph Valentino. My regards and many thanks to Warner Bros. — H. P. Morley, Princess theatre, Buchanan, Mich. “Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl," a Fox production in which Madge Bellamy is starred. Cameraman Abe Fried photographed this picture under the direction of Irving Cummings. Miss Bellamy has started work on her next production titled “Ankles Preferred.” The Film Mart ( Continued from page 57) Scully Aids Sloane William Scully has been appointed assistant director of “Turkish Delight,” which Paul Sloane is directing. “White Gold” Being Cut Garrett Fort, who adapted “White Gold,” is assisting William K. Howard and C. Gardner Sullivan in the editing of this newest Jetta Goudal starring picture. United Artists “Arabian Knights” Reddy for Work Preparations having been completed for “Two Arabian Knights,” Director Lewis Milestone is selecting a leading lady so camera work can be started. Barney McGill is chief of the camera battery. Announce Three for March Release John Barrymore’s “The Beloved JJogue” will be released nationally March 5. Gloria Swanson’s “The Love of Sunya” will be released nationally March 12, and “Resurrection” will be released nationally March 19. Louis W olheirn in “Arabian Knights ” Louis Wolheim has been signed for one of the principal roles in “Two Arabian Knights.” William Boyd is the leading player. Cosmo Hamilton Is Signed Cosmo Hamilton has been engaged to write the subtitles for Gloria Swanson’s starring picture, “The Love of Sunya.” Educational “Hot Lightning” Is Finished Stephen Roberts has completed directing “Hot Lightning.” George Davis, Phil Dunham and Clem Beauchamp have the principal roles. Complete “Chicken Feathers” Production work has been completed on “Chicken Feathers,” the Christie comedy featuring Anne Cornwall. F. B. O. J. Leo Meehan Re-Signs J. Leo Meehan has just signed a new contract with this company. American Cinema Assoc. Three of Edgar Guest Series Completed “Bill and I Went Fishin’,” “Ma and the Auto” and “The Yellow Dog” are the first three of the Edgar A. Guest Poetic Jewels to be completed. Columbia “Wreck” First February Release “The Wreck,” featuring Shirley Mason and Malcolm McGregor, and directed by William Craft, is the first picture to be released this month. Gotham Complete “Quarantined” Cast Robert Agnew and Rau Hallow are the male leads in “Quarantined Rivals.” Others in the cast are: Kathleen Collins, John Miljan, Viora Daniles, Clarissa Selwynne, George Pierce, Josephine Borie and Wm. A. O’Connor.