Motography (Jul-Dec 1917)

812 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XVIII, No. 16. Distribute American Films in Europe President Wilson, Through National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, to Appoint Overseers of Exported Films ONE of the industry's greatest contributions to the war is the volunteer offer of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, through its War Co-operation Committee, to appoint several of the best known film company executives in this country to have entire charge of the distribution of American films in Russia, France and Italy during the period of the war. European war pictures will also be included in the plan, which is to be worked out in conjunction with the National War Work Council of the Young Men's Christian Association, which is erecting hundreds of buildings in these European countries for the entertainment and recreation of the soldiers. American Cinema Commission In response to a personal request made by President Wilson during a conference with President Brady, Arthur S. Friend, P. A. Powers and J. A. Berst, at the White House, President Brady called a general meeting of the industry. It was decided to organize the American Cinema Commission in Europe under the supervision of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry. President Brady then called for volunteers for the commission. P. A. Powers, president of the Universal Filrn Manufacturing Company, was unanimously chosen as the commissioner for France. Walter W. Irwin, general manager of the Vitagraph V. L. S. E., was requested to take the commissionership for Russia. J. A. Berst, vice-president and general manager of the Pathe Exchange, Inc., was chosen for the Italian commissionership. It was the consensus of opinion that an American commissioner should be chosen who will have under his sole jurisdiction the selection of all the films to go to these countries, as well as the appointment of assistants and a staff which will be immediately organized for this purpose. Jules E. Brulatour, representing the Eastman Films and treasurer of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry, was the unanimous selection for the head of the American Cinema Commission, with headquarters in the United States. Mr. Brulatour reported that he had talked over the long distance telephone with George Eastman, president of the Eastman Kodak Company, at Rochester, N. Y., who volunteered the fullest co-operation possible from the company's organization in France in connection with the distribution of films in that country. Select Millions of Feet of Film In connection with the great task which is placed before the American Cinema Commission is the selection of millions of feet of film which is to be sent abroad. There were several volunteers to assist Commissioner Brulatour in this country, among them being Samuel R. Rothapfel of the Rialto Theater; Adolph Zukor, Famous Players-Lasky Corporation; Samuel Goldfish, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation; B. N. Busch, World Film Corporation, and Al Kauf man of the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. President William A. Brady presided at the meeting which was attended by the following: William L. Shcrrill, Frohman Amusement Corporation; W. W. Irwin, Vitagraph V. L. S. E.; Lewis J. Selznick, Lewis J. Selznick Enterprises; Arthur S. Friend, Famous Players-Lasky Corporation; Adolph Zukor, Famous PlayersLasky Corporation; Samuel Goldfish, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation; Ricord Gradwell, World Film Corporation; W. R. Rothacker, Rothacker Film Mfg. Co.. of Chicago; P. A. Powers, Universal Film Manufacturing Company; Samuel R. Rothapfel, Rialto Theater; J. E. Brulatour, Eastman Films; Lee A. Ochs, National Exhibitors' League of America; Louis E. Blumenthal, Exhibitors' Trade Review; William Wright, Kalem Company; Al Kaufman, Famous PlayersLasky Corporation ; Fred Beecrof t, Motion Picture News; Peter Jeup, Detroit, Michigan; R. R. A. Mosher of Buffalo; Charles C. Pettijohn, American Exhibitors' Association; Alfred S. Black, Rockland, Maine; Robert W. Priest; Mark Vance of Variety; Sam Spedon and George Blaisdell of the Moving Picture World, and Executive Secretary Frederick H. Elliott. President Brady is to arrange for an appointment through Secretary Tumulty so that he may present the members of the American Cinema Commission to President Wilson very soon. Three Authors Added to Universal Forces During the past fortnight, Universal has added three authors of considerable note to the scenario department on the coast. They are Charles Kenyon, J. Edward Hungerford and Captain Leslie T. Peacocke. Charles Kenyon, who has recently completed several photoplays of note for Paramount, is the author of "Kindling," the play in which Margaret Illington created a furore on Broadway some seasons ago. He is a native of San Francisco, and worked on newspapers in that city before winning success in the dramatic field. Mr. Kenyon is now engaged upon a story which will run to five or more reels. For the past ten years, J. Edward Hungerford has been one of the best known magazine writers in the country, and has also had books published and feature photoplays produced during that time. He has been assigned to the creative branch of the scenario department, under Col. Jasper ^wing Brady, and it is safe to predict that he will furnish many striking new ideas during the months to come. Captain Leslie T. Peacocke is already well known to Universal patrons, having been connected with the organization twice in the past. He is probably best known as the author of "Neptune's Daughter," the first great Annette Kellermann spectacle. Captain Peacocke is said to have completed the outline of another big marine story which has been O. K.'d for early production. Frank Campeau Re-engaged by Fairbanks Frank Campeau, who plays the part of "30-30" Madden in "The Man from Painted Post," the forthcoming Artcraft release, has been re-engaged by Douglas Fairbanks to appear in the next production under the direction of John Emerson. As a portrayer of heavy dra Douglas Fairbanks and Frank Campeau, powerful character men. matic roles, Frank has few rivals, and because of his unusual ability was selected for the new cast, as contrast to the Fairbanks' smile and light comedy characterization. On the speaking stage Campeau was known as "the villain with the eyes of fire." In addition to creating the character of "Trampus" in "The Virginian" he played important parts in a number of the Augustus Thomas, A. H. Woods and Charles Frohman productions. It is very likely that Campeau will be permanently identified with the Douglas Fairbanks-Artcraft photoplays. Herbert Lubin Undergoes Operation OERBERT LUBIN of General En•*■ •*■ terprises, Inc., was removed from his home to the Stern Hospital, New York, last week, suffering from an acute case of appendicitis. An immediate operation was necessary, owing to the advanced stage of the disease. A touch of sentiment was loaned to the affair through the presence of Dr. Engel as officiating surgeon, inasmuch as he is a brother of Joe Engel of the Metro organization and was called in at the urgent solicitation of Herbert Lubin, who was formerly associated with Metro as holder of the Canadian franchise. Dr. Engel, who is just in receipt of a commission as lieutenant in the United States army, left for his post after delaying his departure to superintend the operation of his friend. Owing to the weakness of Mr. Lubin's present condition, caused by the unusual duration of the operation, no visitors will be permitted to see him until after Friday of this week, after which time he will be glad to greet his friends during his period of convalescence. Mr. Sawyer will handle Mr. Lubin's affairs during his enforced absence from his desk at the offices of General Enterprises, Inc.