Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

26 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS Broncho Billy" Gets Square Essanay Is a motion picture theatre a concert hall or an exhibition of pictures? It must be one or the other, as both cannot harmonize. It is very annoying when your mind is concentrated on a picture, to have your neighbor, with his eyes riveted on the ceiling as if dreaming, whistling the tune played by the orchestra or beating the time. A motion picture show cannot be a music hall, as, if the picture is played as it should be, it is impossible to execute a complete symphony from beginning to end. J. M. B. ERNEMANN PROJECTORS ON THIS MARKET The firm of Heinrich Ernemann, of Dresden, Germany, the largest manufacturers of projection machines and cameras in that country, have opened a branch office for the United States and Canada in New York under the management of Messrs. Hoffman and Bader. The name of the New York branch is the Ernemann Photo Kino Works, of 114 and 116 Fifth avenue. The company will put its new projector, the "Imperator," on this market very shortly. The Ernemann reputation should secure for this projector the attention of all motion picture exhibitors. It is popular, we read, in Europe. Now that the tariff has been reduced, it stands a chance of competing with productions on this side of the Atlantic. Winifred Kingston, who has been playing the lead in the Cort-Morosco production of "The Elixir of Youth," has been engaged by the All-Star Feature Corporation to play the role of Madame Alvarez in their forthcoming production of "The Soldiers of Fortune." WILLIAM WEST Of the Edison Co. as Silas Marner. WITH all the multiple reels that have been turned out within the past two years, it seems almost impossible that there is a producer, or even an acting company, that has not taken part in at least a two-reel subject. We find this to be the case, however, in this instance with "Broncho Billy," whose series of pictures under the Essanay brand have a wide reputation. "Broncho Billy Gets Square" is the very first multiple reel subject turned out by the Western company of the Essanay Film Mfg. Co. It, perhaps, is a great novelty because of this. Like the other Essanay "Broncho Billy" pictures, we find G. M. Anderson playing the good Samaritan to a brother in love. He also gets his revenge and rights a wrong done an Indian maiden who found favor in his eyes in the forgotten past. Appropriate settings, to give the picture a Western atmosphere, and structures correct in architectural design as well as well-chosen outdoor scenery complete the scenic effect of this photoplay. A price has been put on the heads of both "Broncho Billy" and Dave Kirkland, outlaws, by the State, also freedom to either one of the two who would turn state's evidence. The two have been brothers in crime for a long time, and when the handbill announcing the reward and offer of freedom is read by "Broncho Billy," he dismisses it with a smile. In one of their rides they come across a pretty Indian maiden carrying water from a stream to her tepee. When Dave offers his assistance she indicates that "Broncho Billy" has found favor in her eye, whom she permits to assist her. Dave, who has always considered himself a ladies' man, becomes somewhat peeved at this incident, and the more he broods over it the more enraged he becomes and determines to have revenge on "Broncho Billy." The first opportunity that presents itself he advises the sheriff where his pal can be found. The sheriff compels Dave to accompany him and the posse to the cabin occupied by the two outlaws. "Broncho Billy" hears their approach and barricades all the doors and windows, using one from which to direct his defence. He fights vigorously and bravely and is only outwitted when his cabin is set afire and is overcome by smore When placed in ja'l he learns of the part Dave -olayed in' his capture and determines to be revenged for the cowardly deed, sending Dave a note which read, "Every dog has his day." "Broncho" .has served fifteen years, growing old and gray, losing his individuality behind the grim walls of the prison atoning for his crimes. After leaving the prison walls behind him, he sets out on the mission he swore to fifteen years ago — to get square with Dave Kirkland. Afier days of travel he reaches the Indian village, where he finds White Feather, the Indian maiden, now a gray-haired, broken-down old woman. She relates to him how Dave came to her with the story of "Broncho Billy's" unfaithfulness, and that he had gone to a far distant part of the country to avoid her, and how Dave became her squaw-man and lately abandoned her, leaving the raising of two children to her care. "Billy" promises to find her husband if she will accompany him in his quest. Dave in the meantime has become an itinerant gambler. His rovings bring him to the little town of Sennet, where he ensnares the greater portion of the male populace into a game with him with the result that he secures most of their money. An especially heavy loser is Harry Todd, the postmaster and proprietor of the general store in the town, who is compelled to sign a statement deeding over his property to Kirkland if his note is not paid within thirty days from date. * Todd has a lovely young daughter who is engaged to Ned Lyle, a ranch owner. Kirkland, since meeting Grace, has been paying a good deal of attention to her. He proposes marriage to her but is refused. He then approaches her father with the threat of foreclosing on his note if he does not persuade his daughter to become h's bride. In order to save her father, Grace consents. A minister is secured to perform the ceremony and is about to pronounce the words of marriage when "Broncho Billy" arrives with White Feather and several Indians from her tribe. White Feather, in the presence of those assembled, produces evidence of her marriage to Dave, who is returned to the village at the points of guns by the Indians. "Broncho Billy" then sends for Ned, who takes advantage of the presence of the minister and is married to Grace. C. J. Ver Halen. Anna Laughlin, of "Wizard of Oz" fame, will greet her friends as a moving picture star on October 11th, when "Anna Laughlin in the Rebellious Pupil" will Se released. Miss L^utjhlin will also be seen in "The Flirt" as costar with Charles Dickson.