Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

INCORPORATED WITH WHICH IS THE NICKELODEON VoL XIX CHICAGO, JANUARY 12, 1918 No. 2 Government Enforces Lightless Night Rule TURNS DOWN PLEAS OF VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURE THEATER MEN All theaters will be held to a strict compliance with the order issued recently by the Federal Fuel Administration putting into effect "lightless nights" on two nights of each week — Sunday and Thursday — as part of the scheme for conserving the fuel supply. This was made plain at the office of Fuel Administrator Garfield when it was announced that the requests of vaudeville managers throughout the country to allow them exemption from the order had been refused. These managers felt that since they had been doing their share for the war, allowing their stages to be used by thousands of four-minute men, Red Cross and other patriotic speakers, they might be granted exemption. Denies Vaudeville Managers' Request In denying the request of the vaudeville theater managers, Dr. Garfield stated that the refusal would apply to all other theaters of the country and that the "lightless night" order will be strictly enforced in every city. Dr. Garfield said that the only specific protest against the strict enforcement of the "lightless nights" ordered on Sundays and Thursdays that had reached the United States Fuel Administration was that which came from the Vaudeville Managers' Protective Association, which declared that the strict enforcement of such an order would work great hardship on their theaters in the various cities of the country. Patriotic Service No Excuse Asking that an exception be made in their favor, they instanced various patriotic services rendered by these theaters in various ways, specifically mentioning the fact that they had generously given up their stages to the uses of the various four-minute men and had allowed solicitations from among their audiences for Liberty bonds, Red Cross subscriptions and other patriotic endeavors. In answer to their appeal, Dr. Garfield, the fuel administrator, said : "Although appreciating the patriotic services rendered by vaudeville houses to the country, we cannot permit exception in your favor allowing excessive use of fuel-generated power. War demands for coal are largely in excess of increased production. It is unfair to the public to allow display advertising. We rely upon your patriotic co-operation to induce your members to comply loyally with our ruling." In reply to requests that motion picture theaters be exempt from the order the Fuel Administration wrote to J. L. Friedman. Moving Picture Theaters Obey "Although appreciating co-operation by motion picture houses, the shortage of fuel renders necessary its conservation by eliminating superfluous lighting. We believe that any deviation from the order would result in its purpose being defeated and consequently must advise that your compliance with the terms of the order is compulsory." Dr. Garfield announced that reports to the United States Fuel Administration from New York, Chicago, .San Francisco and other large cities indicate the "lightless nights" order will be strictly observed according to the rules. "The public utilities companies," said Dr. Garfield, "supplying electric current and gas for lighting, almost without exception, have signified their willingness to recognize the spirit of the order and go even beyond the legal requirements in conserving coal. The same thing is true of the men who provide the signs for advertising purposes and whose patriotic financial loss is self-evident. Penalty Provided for Violation "But the Fuel Administration has no intention of permitting any company or individual in any city or town anywhere in the country to burn lights in violation of the order without penalty. This is just as true of Washington as Of any other city. Thursday night will be the first week day night when the 'lightless night' order will be in effect." In Washington officials of the United States Fuel Administration and the District of Columbia Administration, accompanied by Major Raymond W. Pullman, superintendent of police, have planned ' a whirlwind tour of the city. Immediate action is expected where violations are found. Los Angeles Has Film Censor Passing an ordinance creating the position of film commissioner, without whose approval no film may be exhibited in Los Angeles, the city council of Los Angeles has re-established film censorship there. The new commissioner will receive $175 a month. A license fee of 25 cents is to be charged for each film inspected, this money to be used to defray expenses of the new department.