Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

424 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 9. Exhibitors Report on Goldwyn Films Rialto Theater in Los Angeles Has Five Weeks' Run on "Dodging a Million" and "The Cinderella Man" AS INDICATIVE of the widespread enthusiasm with which "Dodging a Million," Mabel Normand's first Goldwyn Picture, is being received, Goldwyn cites the fact that J. A. Cjuinn of the Rialto Theatre, Los Angeles, has just finished a two-weeks' run of this film. Business in the first week was big, but in the second was even better. The approval thus expressed follows on the heels of another remarkable engagement— a three-weeks run of "The Cinderella Man," with Mae Marsh as the star. Goldwyn believes that few, if any, two program pictures can boast of five weeks at a metropolitan theatre. Exhibitor praise of Goldwyn productions old and new continues to pour into the home offices of the company in New York. A letter from C. B. Nance, who conducts the Ruth Theatre at Ruth, Nevada, is typical as well as remarkable for the fact that Mr. Nance is manager of the big mining company at Ruth and is running the theatre solely for his employes and their families. "The Goldwyn service is sure going good here," writes Mr. Nance. "I think it is the best of them all. We used 'Bab}' Mine' last night. Could you arrange to rebook this subject some time in March? This is the first time in the history of this house, it may interest you to know, that we have ever thought of rebooking a subject." Mr. Nance's enthusiasm finds a parallel, in an exhibitor's approval of the first Goldwyn Picture, Mae Marsh in "Polly of the Circus." J. P. Lannan of the Swan Theatre, Clarinda, la., says: "Splendid production, with a big race that is different. We charged 25 and 50 cents, gave 17 and 32 cents to the Red Crass, 3 and 5 cents to Uncle Sam and I kept 5 and 13 cents. This star is great." A. R. Anderson of the Orpheum Theatre, Twin Falls, Idaho, says of "The Cinderella Man": "Don't be afraid to boost this production. It can't help but please the most critical. Well directed and splendidly acted." "Dodging a Million" has created no end of enthusiasm in the Boston territory. Of it Mrs. Ayer, owner of the Exeter Theatre, which caters to an exclusive Boston clientele, says: "It was unique and entertaining. Everyone was more than pleased." J. Lourie of the Beacon and Modern theatres, Boston, says: "It is one of the most unusual, intensely mysterious and entertaining photoplays I have ever seen. It is perfect in detail, exquisite in set tings. It went over big in both of our houses, as was evidenced by the appreciative applause which greeted it." Of the same production, Charles G. Branham, manager of the Strand Theatre in Minneapolis, says: "We exhibitors say so many bad things about pictures that I think it is only fair to pass the word along when there is really something good to say. The picture I have in mind is Mabel Normand in 'Dodging a Million.' This is a high-class production. The star is delightful, the story good and the direction of George Loane Tucker splendid. 'Dodging a Million' should be a good buy for any theatre. Give us more pictures like 'The Cinderella Man' and 'Dodging a Million.' " "I went to Portland yesterday to see 'Thais,' and think it is one of the greatest pictures I ever witnessed," writes W. H. Durham of the Grand Theatre, Camas, Wash. Charles D. Cooley, owner of the Strand Theatre in Tampa, Fla., says: "We played 'Thais' yesterday and the day before. I must congratulate you on having a great box office attraction and an excellent picture. We did a splendid business to a very satisfied audience." J. F. Tompkins, manager of the Pike Theatre in Colorado Springs, says: "I cannot refrain from complimenting you on 'Thais.' To me it is one of the most elaborate productions that has ever been shown in our city, not only for magnitude, but from a photographic standpoint and in detail. My customers (by whom we must judge a picture) were more than pleased and my business was capacity during the entire engagement, which goes to show that the production advertised itself. I trust we may receive many more Goldwyns like 'Thais.' " Diando Finishes Juvenile The Diando Film Corporation, Glendale, California, has finished the five-reel feature "A Daughter of the West," with Baby Marie Osborne, supported by Frank Whitson, Marion Warner, J. Morris Foster, William Quinn, H. M. Lindley and a galaxy of medal wearing cowboys and cowgirls and atmosphere, and the negatives have 'been forwarded to the Pathe Exchange, New York, where the picture will be given a release. Barbara Castleton to World Exhibitors will be interested to learn that Miss Barbara Castleton has signed -a long-term contract with World-Pictures. Miss Castleton comes to WorldPictures with an experience and repute derived from some of the most successful productions, among them "A Daughter of the Gods," "God's Man," "Parentage," "On Trial," "For the Freedom of the World," "Sins of Ambition," "Empty Pockets" and the forthcoming "Mothers of Liberty." Shirley Mason and Matt Moore in "Aliens,1 for Thomas . the new picture Bernard Durning is making 1. Ediso)i. Inc.