Motion Picture News (Jan-Mar 1918)

220 Paramount Makes More Changes Executive Supervisor Greene Names Department Heads for New Year — Lichtman Looks After General Distribution IN assuming executive supervision of Paramount Pictures Corporation following the announcement of the transfer of the activities of Hiram Abrams, president, and B. P. Schulberg, general manager, to the development of a new and more intimate association between Famous-Playors-Lasky Corporation and the motion picture exhibitors, Walter E. Green, president of Artcraft, gave out last week an outline of the department heads of the Paramount organization, effective after January 1, as follows : Al Lichtman, who has been general manager of Paramount and Artcraft, will undertake the duties of general manager of the two distributing organizations. Mr. Katterjohn Denies Current Rumors Monte M. Katterjohn this week wired Motion Picture News from Los Angeles as follows : " I emphatically deny trade report I have severed connections with Paralta Plays, Inc., and not one word of truth in rumor I have signed with a former employer. Now writing for Paralta stars, Bessie Barriscale, Louise Glaum, Henry Walthall and Warren Kerrigan, besides doing big Paralto special stories such as ' Carmen of the Klondike.' " Just completing new type of Walthall story. Have long-time contract with Carl Anderson, president Paralta Plays, Inc. Reports perhaps due to recent organization of private feature corporation, plans for which cannot be announced at this date." Film Pirates Make Haul on Broadway Film pirates were busy again in the Broadway district last week, and made at least one haul that netted forty reels. Harlon P. Ross, Jr., of the Ross Film Delivery, wrote Motion Picture News this week as follows : Will you please publish in your paper the enclosed list of reels stolen with my machine at 48th Street, between 7th Avenue and Broadway, Thursday, December 27, at 10.00 A. M. The machine has been found, but the reels have not : Triangle Film Company : " Keystone Comedy," 2 reels; "Ten of Diamonds," 5 reels ; " A Fallen Star," 1 reel. World Film Corporation : " Divorce Game," 5 reels. George Klcine : " Truant Lord," 8 reels. Famous Players Exchange: "Antics of Ann," 5 reels; "Silks and Satins," G reels (^Sherry's copy); "A Comedy," 1 reel ; " Who's ' Number One,' ? " Episode No. 7, 2 reels. Pathe Exchange (Newark Branch ) : " Fatal Ring," No. 13, 2 reels. New Jersey Metro Film Company: "The Patriot," 1 reel; also one reel showing the carniv.Tl at Kcyport, N. J. Lichtman was one of the first general sales managers of the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, and also general manager of the Artcraft organization at its inception. He is one of the best known exchange men in the entire film industry. John C. Flinn will remain in charge as general director of all publicity and advertising of Paramount and Artcraft, and in addition to the other activities of the department, will continue as director of the big national advertising campaign, now so successfully under way. Frederic Gage, assistant sales manager, will become general sales manager, and J. K. Burger will assume charge as head of a new department of the organization, the Department of Supplies and Service to Exchanges. Norris Wilcox will be office manager of the organization and J. Albert Thorne will continue as general purchasing agent. Cleveland Exhibitor Draws a Fine Jacob Stein, manager of the New Palace theatre, St. Clair avenue and East Seventeenth street, Cleveland, drew a suspended sentence of $50 and costs last Friday from Municipal Judge Samuel E. Kramer. J. E. Granger, first fire assistant chief, testified that the safety locks in the theatre were barred November 29, at which time there was a fire. La Crosse Church Uses Motion Pictures The institution of the photoplay plays a big part in the life of at least one church every Sunday in La Crosse, Wis. This is St. Paul's Universalist, of which Leonard E. Blackmer, up-and-going sort of fellow is pastor. Blackmer believes that the young man and the young woman, as well as the boy and girl, is the first part of his flock to look after. He knew that their chief pastime was the motion picture theatre, for he, himself, was a member of the fan body, and so he took steps to allow his congregation to enjoy at least a part of their entertainment inside the church walls. Sabbath lessons are taught the children by the aid of the screen. This is believed to be a brand new venture in the United States. Special features, on Biblical and other subjects are frequently shown to the congregation, and the auditorium is packed on each occasion. Photoplay theatre managers co-operate with Mr. Blackmer. He was up against it for funds to begin his venture at the start. So he went to two La Crosse managers, and put his proposition. They gave threeday performances to aid the church-movie fund, and within a few days Mr. Blackmer was sending in an order for an up-to-date projection machine. It is probable that within a short time other denominations will follow the suit of the Universalists. Motion Picture News Coal Shortage Felt by Saginaw Theatres Saginaw, Mich., has been hit hard by the coal shortage. The lack of fuel closed many of the manufacturing "establishments the week before Christmas, and this did not aid the theatrical business which is never too good preceding the holidays. In addition the street illumination was dimmed and the electric display announcements in front of theatres and other places had to be extinguished. Because of tfiis serious situation it was also proposed that the motion picture houses and other amusement places be required to close, but up to this time they have been running as usual. It was sijggested that churches might conserve fuel through holding union services Sunday evening, but the Minis-, terial association replied that the theatres should close Sundays first before further conservation measures were asked of the churches. " Struggle Everlasting " Shown to Eambs On Sunday evening, December 30, through the courtesy of Harry Rapf, " The Struggle Everlasting," was shown at the Lambs' Club to the members of the Lambs. Lamb Edwin Milton Royle, who is the author; Lamb James Kirkwood, and Lamb Bennet Musson, who wrote the scenario, were present. On account of the private showing of this picture taking place the night of the Lambs Gambol all the Lambs were not able to see it. Saginaw Manager Plays Santa Claus Manager A. J. Moeller' of the Franklin theatre, Saginaw, Mich., played Santa Claus host to hundreds of poor children, who were his guests at a special performance of the feature film, " Jack and the Beanstalk," Wednesday afternoon, December 26, the day following Christmas. The children of the Home for the Friendless and St. Vincent's Orphans Home were invited, while Secretary E. E. Bishop of the Associated Charities, the Salvation Army, and police officials assisted in gathering together other poor children of the city for the show, which was given at 3 p. m. In addition to entertaining the youngsters Mr. Moeller paid the war tax on the tickets. Preceding this performance a special children's matinee was given at one o'clock, announcement of this having been made direct to the children of the city through the public schools. The production of " Jack and the Beanstalk," played a three days' engagement at the Franklin theatre, starting Christmas day. The picture was billed and advertised like a circus, and in fact the circulars which were distributed to the homes announced that the film was bigger and better than a circus, and the greatest picture on earth. Mr. Moeller also carried a picture of a scene from the play on the cover of his " Weekly Film News."