Motography (Jul 1918)

July 13, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 61 Ohio to Shun Boston Convention EXHIBITORS VOTE NOT TO SEND DELEGATES i THE convention of the Motion Picture Exhibitors' League of America, to be held in Boston July 13 to 20, received another setback, following the decision of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry to have no active part in the exposition, when the Motion Picture Exhibitors' League of Ohio, meeting in Cleveland last week, decided not to send delegates. Exactly what was back of the action was left largely to speculation, but it is thought that the fight for Sunday shows has so engrossed the attention of Ohio men that they want to center all their activities in that direction. Following the Cleveland meeting a special session was held at Columbus, where plans were formulated for a determined state-wide fight for the seven-day week. Ohio Situation Serious Prominent at the Columbus meeting were Ernest Schwartz, Henry H. Lustig, W. J. Slimm, Sam Bullock and Fred Desberg, all of Cleveland, and all members of the committee on legislation. The situation in Ohio is said to be serious. Many small town theatres have been compelled to close for a lack of patronage and it is feared the larger cities may be affected. Meanwhile preparations for the convention in Boston are proceeding and the advance guard is expected early next week. Desperate efforts are being made to make the exposition a success, but hopes are not high now that the national association has withdrawn its support. National Association Condemned In this connection the Massachusetts and Rhode Island branch of the league severely scored ^the national association at a meeting in Boston Tuesday and Wednesday. June 25 and 26. The following resolution was passed: "By unanimous vote we condemn as an exhibition of bad faith at this late date the action of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry in withdrawing from the Boston exposition, as it will tend to undo the constructive work of the past year. We heartily support the action of the Exhibitors' League of America in carrying on the Boston exposition as originally planned and shall earnestly solicit all individual manufacturers, accessory dealers and stars to actively participate in making said exposition an enormous success. "Massachusetts and Rhode Island Exhibitors' League of America." Upon the adoption of the resolution, it was decided to send this telegram to all members of the National Association who had not taken space: "Massachusetts and Rhode Island branch of the Motion Picture Exhibitors' League of America in meeting assembled voice their condemnation of your action in refusing to co-operate with the Boston motion picture exposition. Will you not avail yourself of this single annual opportunity to do your part with us in furthering the interests of the industry? "M. J. Lydon, President." This telegram, it was decided, would be sent to all those who have taken space: "Massachusetts and Rhode Island branch of the Exhibitors' League of America in meeting assembled tender you their sincere thanks for your action in taking space at the coming exposition in Boston and for your hearty co-operation already shown. "M. J. Lydon, President." Those Who Now Have Space It was announced that the following had subscribed for space: Alice Brady, William A. Brady, William L. Sherill, president of the Frohman Amusement Corporation; William L. Sherry. Nich olas Power Company, Precision Machine Company, United Theatre Equipment Company, National Carbon Company, Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company and the World Film Corporation. As the latter was the first to sign a contract for space and as Ricord Gradwell, the president of the company, promised to have six stars attend, it was decided to make Wednesday, July 17, World Film Day. President Lee A. Ochs said he had the promise of Billie Burke, Marie Doro, June Caprice, Doris Kenyon, Katherine Calvert and Charlie Chaplin to attend, in addition to the World stars. Efforts to have the American Exhibitors' Association abandon its convention to be held in Chicago in August continue to be made, but without success. Wreck Scenes in News Reel Screen Telegram No. 35, released by Mutual June 30, contains graphic pictures of the disastrous wreck at Gary, Ind., when an empty troop train telescoped the sleepers of the WallaceHagenbeck circus, killing sixty-eight persons and injuring a hundred and fortytwo. The Screen Telegram camera-man was one of the first on the scene and got some striking pictures. A scene from the new Fox picture, "Her Price," starring Virginia Pearson.