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 (1914)

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2496 Petitioner's Exhibit No. 254. 1 alarmed; bide a wee in patience, and no doubt most of the difficulties that look so formidable will prove very easy after all. THE PLATFOKM OF THE ASSOCIATION. It is claimed that the motives which led to the combination of interests between the manufacturers were "ninety-nine parts commercial and one part legal, the legal aspect being only a stepping stone to accomplish the prime object of placing the business on a substantial footing for the ultimate benefit of all concerned." Be that as it may, it has long been obvious to all that certain abuses were rapidly bringing about a state of affairs which heralded ruin to the entire business. As conditions existed there was no incentive to manufacturers to put forth their best efforts to produce films that were photographically perfect as well as morally clean. Productions which should never have seen the light of day and which could not be sold at the regular price would be disposed of at any figure. On the other hand, film renters would send out films as long as a sprocket hole remained, whereas in future all film must be returned to the manufacturer after a certain date. It is readily seen that much good will come from certain of the resolutions adopted provided that they are rigidly adhered to. If the quality of the show is alone improved it will restore this form of entertainment to public favor and tend to ensure its permanence and growth. The film renters still have it in their power to work together for this end. They are not compelled to purchase all the products of the league of manufacturers and those who furnish the best selection in the best condition will get the cream of the business. What a pity it is that a resolution was not presented and adopted at the Buffalo meeting that all the renters should empty their vaults of the miles of junk they now retain, the same to be credited to them by the manufacturers at a price mutually agreed upon. What a glorious bonfire this would have made to celebrate the formation of the Film Service Association and blazon its way to success.