Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

78 MOTOGRAPHY inating artists' illustrations from popular novels. Following the release of the film it is planned to get out a limited edition of the book with the illustrations taken from stills in which John Barrymore and his supporting company will be seen. This novel edition will be distributed around among the men of the motion picture industry and of the book publishing business as a practical example of what may be expected when the two branches of business get together in marketing their wares. Billie Rhodes, Mutual-Strand comedy star, in a scene from her latest picture, "A Peach and a Pill." Novel Illustrator's Day May Be Over Film Versions of Popular Fiction Works Likely to Replace Artist's Work — "Raffles" an Example THAT the day of the illustrator for popular novels has passed is the prediction made by several men prominent in the motion picture industry. The artists will be supplanted, they declare, by the films. Releases of picturized versions of the best sellers will be put out coincident with the appearance of the latest novels and. their plan further has it, a basis of understanding between the picture producers and the book publishers will be reached to make this possible. In this way, the film men claim, the publishers will be able to dispense entirely with the artists' illustrations in their volumes, stills from the motion picture of the book being utilized instead. At the same time an extensive advertising campaign will bring before the eyes of the public the fact that films of the story they are reading may be seen at the leading motion picture theaters of the country. The first effort of this sort has already been made, in fact, it has developed, in the release of the film version of "Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman," in which John Barrymore is starring. The picture is being sold through Hiller & Wilk and it is presented by the L. Lawrence Weber Photo Dramas, Inc. Few characters in literature are as familiar to the general reading public as "Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman" and few there are that have even approached the popularity of the story. The book is to be found on the shelves of virtually every public library in this country and in England and the majority of the private homes have also included "Raffles" among their books. It was in view of these facts that the Weber organization selected "Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman" as the medium for the first experiment along the lines of elim "The Planter" Draws In Many Cities The box office value of the star has been proven effectively in the success which has been attained by "The Planter," the seven-reel Mutual special, which was released November 14 and has been scoring a spectacular hit in a score of big American cities. "The Planter" presents an unusual combination of stars. The star in the picture is Tyrone Power, celebrated American actor. The picture is built on the novel "The Planter," from the pen of Herman Whitaker, a famous novelist. . From the box office as well as an artistic angle, actor, story and author are effective drawing cards. In many places the exhibitor has secured the co-operation of book stores in exploiting the production. "The Planter" has been one of the best sellers of American fiction and the issuance of the picture brought forth a revival of popular interest in the book. Book dealers were quick to give impetus to the new demand for the Whitaker book and exhibitors have found them not only willing but anxious to CO Vol. XIX, No. 2. operate in the advertising campaign. The lobby photos and other advertising material furnished the exhibitor were found to be effective in newspaper advertising and window displays by the local book stores. There is a latent interest among the American people in the conditions among the lower classes of Mexico which has been awakened by their vivid presentation in motion pictures. Before the outbreak of international conflict, the conditions under which the Mexican peon lived was one of the subjects of wide discussion in this country and "The Planter" has done much to recall the topic. There is too, despite the fact that public attention is focused on the European battlefields, an intense interest in Central America. It is generally accepted by students of economics that South and Central America presents a wonderful commercial opportunity to the United States and this fact has been followed by a study of the Latin American countries by study clubs and social workers. "The Planter" has been pronounced the most vivid portrayal yet presented of the actual conditions under which the people of Central America live. Present Petrova Photos to Exhibitors Through the courtesy of Frederick L. Collins, president of the Petrova Picture Company, the various prominent showmen comprising the membership of the First National Exhibitors' Circuit were presented with a unique "scene album" covering the initial Petrova release, "Daughter of Destiny." The Petrova Picture Company executive conceived the idea of a de luxe edition of still pictures depicting scenes from "Daughter of Destiny" as a memento of Madame Petrova's inauguration as the star of her own company. After the pictorial album had been executed, the idea proved so attractive that Mr. Collins decided to present each member of the circuit who will distribute the Petrova pictures throughout the country with an especially autographed edition. The unique souvenir is bound in Morocco leather. Stamped on the outside cover with letters of gold is the name of the recipient of the album. The fly-leaf contains an autographed portrait of Madame Petrova herself done in colors, while the rest of the 'book is devoted to the various scenes from "Daughter of Destiny." European Shipments Are Delayed Film shipments from Europe, and particularly from Italy, are in a state closely resembling the well-known chaos. Four Italian steamers have arrived at an Atlantic port within the last three months, all with pictures which cannot be delivered because of the lack of manifests or other identification papers. Ince Picture Favored by Exhibitors Reports received by Frank Hall, president and general manager of the U. S. Exhibitors' Booking Corporation, indicate a spirited demand among exhibitors the country over for the concern's initial release, "The Zeppelin's Last Raid," produced by Thomas H. Ince as a successor to his first great spectacle, "Civilization."