In the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States of America, petitioner, vs. Motion Picture Patents Company, et al., defendants (1913)

Record Details:

Title:
In the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States of America, petitioner, vs. Motion Picture Patents Company, et al., defendants
Date:
1913
Publisher:
New York, Appeal Printing Co.
Volume:
In the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States of America, petitioner, vs. Motion Picture Patents Company, et al., defendants : record volume 3
Leaf #:
000179
Language:
English
Collection:
Early Cinema and Government & Law
Format:
Periodicals
Contributor:
The Museum of Modern Art Library, New York
Sponsor:
Media History Digital Library
Coordinator:
Media History Digital Library
Description:
These seven volumes contain the testimonies and supporting documents from the U.S. District Court's antitrust lawsuit against the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC). Formed in 1908, the MPPC (sometimes referred to asœ"the Edison Trust" or just "the Trust") sought to control the American film industry through pooling patents and demanding that producers and exhibitors acquire licenses to those patents. Independent producers and exhibitors, who refused to license the patents, argued that the MPPC was an unlawful monopoly. In 1912 and 1913, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania heard testimonies from both MPPC members, such as Siegmund Lubin, and "Independents" who later became Hollywood moguls, such as William Fox. Ultimately, in 1915, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which found the MPPC in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and spelled the end for the already weakening MPPC. -- Eric Hoyt, 2012
Date Added:
September 21, 2023
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H. N. Marvin, Direct Examination. 1405 case. Being a novice at the motion picture game it is rather difficult to understand the intricacies attending the distribution of this service by the different exchanges throughout the country. I did not anticipate having any trouble securing a desirable service when I entered the business, but experience has proved my mistake. I came to Athens expecting to install a plant and engage in a legitimate business, deal with honest and reliable men in this line of work, and carry out the plans I had formed. I built a small theatre, costing $5500.00, and it is the most up to date playhouse of its kind in the State, though rather small. Before completing my house I corresponded with a film exchange in Birmingham, whom I understood handled only licensed films, and observation had taught me that no other films were the equal of these, therefore I contracted with this concern to furnish me 2nd run stuff at a given price. Instead of carrying out their end of the contract, I have received only 4 pictures to date that permitted exhibition, and they were, not the run promised. I have endeavored in every way to adjust the matter, so as to get the service my competitors are receiving at a lower figure, but in some way they have prevented me from receiving same. I understand perfectly that so many films are released per week, and the exchanges buy so many of these, and of course if they attempt to furnish more theatres than they buy films for, some of their customers suffer in consequence thereof. They promise everything and deliver nothing. I stand ready and willing to pay for the service I contract for, and what I wish to know is they any way that I can run licensed films without having to depend on so unreliable men as seem to have control of the film business in the South. There is absolutely no recourse open to me except buy independent stuff, and I candidly believe these films are inferior to the licensed ones. I would appreciate an explanatory letter concerning the details I have inquired about, also the names of any other licensed dealers in a near enough town as to permit me receiving films that at least gives me an opportunity to con! pete with the other shows in town. Thanking you for the information, and trusting to receive an immediate reply, beg to remain, Yours truly, A. W. RHORER.