Exhibitors Herald World (Jan-Mar 1929)

January 5, 1929 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD 35 J Do You Remember J Photophone, Electrical Research Elected Members of Hays Body Addition of Leading Factors in Sound Picture Field Means Audiens Will Be Guided by Same Cooperative Policies as Silent Films, Says M P P D A Statement (Special to the He raid-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 2. — A special meeting of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., held here last Thursday, brought new and substantial figures into the organization. The event was signalized by gratifying remarks on the part of Will H. Hays, president of the organization, and those honored with election. RCA Photophone. Inc., and Electrical Research Products, Inc., sound apparatus manufacturer of Western Electric, became member units of the MPPD A. The old "101 Bison" westerns of fifteen or more years ago, that most always had a big Indian fight for the climax? The old cartoons which usually consisted of a half reel, and the other half reel was a socalled comedy? The old cartoons were shown as drawn by the cartoonist, his hand and pen seen in one corner of the picture. When the director desired the villain to produce a thrill all that was necessary was for the villain to carelessly cast a cigaret near some lace curtains of a shack and there was thus produced an excellent opportunity for the hero to get there just in time for the heroine's rescue. Youll remember this used to be the director** favorite stunt. And don't forget the past's favorite blood curdling vampire — Theda Bara, nor Bebe Daniels in the one-reel comedies with the goof with the walrus mustache — Snub Pollard. [You are invited to send in your own "Do You Remember.'" Those above were contributed by H. C. Mauler. Liberty Theatre, Pleasonton, 7s(eb.] Moran and Mack Signed For Paramount Audiens (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 2— Moran and Mack, known as "The Two Black Crows," have been signed by Paramount to make two feature length talking pictures at Hollywood studios. . Thomas Jefferson, son of the famous Joseph Jefferson, creator of the stage conception of Rip Van Winkle, was signed yesterday by Paramount for an important supporting role in the Paramount Special Production with Charles Rogers and Nancy Carroll titled, "Close Harmony." Flames Cost $200,000; Projectionist Injured (Special to the Herald-World) HOT SPRINGS, ARK., Jan. 2.— A fire which started in the projection room of the Lyric theatre did $200,000 damage. The three-story brick building contained the theatre, a rooming house on the third floor and several stores on the ground floor. Russell Phillips, projectionist, suffered severe burns. All in the audience were led out in safety. Bill Cody Signs for Two British World's Audiens (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 2— Bill Cody, Western star, has signed with Edward Churchill of British World's Films, Ltd., for two talking pictures to be completed on Canadian soil. Fire Destroys Theatre (Special to the Herald-World) WEST MONROE, LA., Jan. 2.— Fire of an unknown origin destroyed, among other structures, the Crystal theatre building, with an almost total loss to machines and other property. The theatre will be rebuilt and enlarged at the earliest possible date. DeMille Moves Into New Bungalow CULVER CITY— Cecil DeMille moved into his new bungalow in Culver City. The new house is built on a Spanish style and will contain many of the DeMille collections. The following statement regarding the election was made: "R C A Photophone, Inc., the subsidiary of the Radio Corporation of America engaged in the commercial development of devices for the recording and reproduction of sound pictures, and in the production of talking motion pictures with the view of further developing and improving the technical side of such pictures, joined the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., of which Will H. Hays is president. Otterson Elected Member "John E. Otterson, president of Electrical Research Products, Inc., which is the manufacturer of the synchronizing process of the Western Electric Company, was also elected a member. "The two members were admitted at a special meeting of the board of directors. David Sarnoff, president of RCA Photophone, Inc., was elected to the board. Changes in the board were made by the election of Harry M. Warner, representing Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., and Vitagraph, Inc., and Albert Warner, representing First National Pictures, Inc.; also Hiram _ S. Brown was elected a director, representing F B O Pictures Corp. "The addition of these leading factors in the sound picture field, RCA Photophone and the Western Electric subsidiary, means that talking pictures will be guided by the same cooperative policies that have accompanied the growth of silent pictures since the Hands Out Tickets to Passersby for Drawing (Special to the Herald-World) NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 26.— A new way to conduct prize drawings for the benefit of the patrons has been discovered by R. J. Brunet, manager of the Imperial theatre. Brunet's method was declared lawful by District Attorney Stanley in a letter to the superintendent of police. An employe stationed in front of the theatre hands out numbered tickets to passersby, regardless of whether they attend the show or not. Later a drawing is held. To constitute a lottery, the district attorney says, there must be present simultaneously a consideration, a prize and a chance. In Brunet's case the giving of a ticket to anyone, whether he or she pays for admission or not, eliminates the element of consideration, it m held. formation of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. "David Sarnoff, president of RCA Photophone, Inc., said: " 'After analyzing the great possibilities, present and future, of the motion picture industry, I believe that the work of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., under the leadership of Mr. Will H. Hays, and their efforts to maintain and improve the standards of the business, have resulted in important contributions to the public, as well as to the industry itself. RCA Photophone joins this association with the hope of being able to assist in the program of the latter for better pictures and a greater industry.' Effective Work, Says Otterson "John E. Otterson, president of Electrica Research Products, Inc., said: " T have been pleased to affiliate with the organized industry. The association has been doing most effective and constructive work, and in this effort it is my pleasure to participate.' "In referring to the matter, Will Hays said: " 'The organized industry is pleased, of course, with the affiliation of these two new and strong units with our association's efforts. They represent very large interests in the new phases of the motion picture industry, and their ability and constructive advice and cooperation will be most helpful in solving the problems of the industry and in the further development of its largest usefulness.' Constant Cooperation "The purposes of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., quoted from its articles of incorporation, are: 'Establishing and maintaining the highest possible moral and artistic standards of motion picture production, and developing the educational as well as the entertainment value and the general usefulness of the motion picture.' "The program of the association has included constant cooperation with responsible religious, civic and educational groups to the end that the highest possible standards of motion pictures may be assured at the source of production." Henry Hobart Appointed To Supervise F B O Studios (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, Jan. 2.— Henry Hobart, who has been connected with Richard Barthelmess's First National pictures for a number of years has been signed as a production supervisor for F B O Studios.