The Moving picture world (December 1920)

December 18, 1920 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 849 Pathe Gets Favorable Views for the Future from Middle West Exchanges AFTER a three weeks trip through the Central West, where conditions have been considerably upset by the readjustment of economic conditions, Elmer R. Pearson, director of exchanges of Pathe, has given to President Paul Brunet a comprehensive survey of the situation. While at many places, present conditions, it is said, are not all they have been, Mr. Pearson's report indicates an early return to normal during the coming year. In his report to Mr. Brunet, the Director of Exchanges said : "After several months in the New York atmosphere surcharged as it has been with impending financial disorder, it is positively refreshing to get out among the people and industries that really have to bear the brunt of the frequent readjustments and admire the stoical manner in which they weather each such surprise. There seems no alternative to a quick return to 'normalcy' and while most of us will have to content ourselves with a few less dollars, we have the consolation of knowing they will buy more except in the paying of taxes and debts. Movie Business Good "How frequently we have been told that investments in the motion picture business were of the most hazardous, yet we have witnessed a slump in every other line of business for six or eight months, the motion picture box office has only been affected during the last few weeks, and less than half of the theatres have felt anv slump, even for that short period. "Everywhere I went I made it my business to talk with all exhibitors and was particularly impressed with the extraordinary fairness manifested especially with the smaller exhibitor toward the producer, the exchange and a comprehensive recognition of their problems. They all seem to know that they had been the chief beneficiary of the wonderful box office conditions of the past two or three years, and of their items of expense the film rental had actually increased the least of any, consequently they were inclined to a feeling of co-operativeness. Nowhere was the erany sign of antagonism. Receives Compliments "I received many compliments on the quality of Pathe's past and present output. 'The Pathe News' is an especial favorite everywhere, and the tenth anniversary series of special stunts and local editions were in many instances the chief box office attraction on the bill. "Although there were 90,000 unemployed at Detroit, the downtown theatres were always packed, and I was assured that no falling off in receipts had been experienced. Some of the other Michigan towns reported a small falling off. Lansing, however, was holding up well. "Chicago had noticed no falling off at the large theatres. Small towns and suburban houses seemed to be off only slightly. The same condition prevailed at Des Moines, Minneapolis and Omaha. The Liberty Theatre at Kansas City was holding people out. Only a few of the small towns and small theatres reported any falling off at all, and those only slight. "In St. Louis the large theatres were all doing a big business. They claimed that St. Louis had 42,000 unemployed and that it was hurting business at their smaller theatres. "I am happy to add that exhibitors are more and more coming to look upon the Pathe Exchange, Inc., as the one dependable independent exchange where ample service can always be had to fill if need be their entire weekly requirements." Real Stars Have Survived Popularity of Special Production, Says A. S. Kane THE real stars have survived the popularity of the special production and are stronger in their hold on the public than ever. The personality picture has never lost an inch, where there has been a real personality in the picture." These declarations were made by Arthur S. Kane, president of Arthur S. Kane Pictures Corporation, in the course of an interview in the Los Angeles Times a few days ago. Mr. Kane, according to the article, deplored the loss of personality in many recent films, but expressed the belief that there will be a great revival of interest in star pictures in the near future. "It must be recognized, however, that it is the public and not the producer who makes the stars," he said, in speaking of past weaknesses in the so-called system. Continuing, Mr. Kane said: "The trouble with pictures has always been that there are too many amateurs seeking opportunity in the business. Men have come to it without any fore knowledge or experience. They have essayed to make pictures not only without these requisites, but also without ability. Five Elements of Success "I believe I can say that in my own experience I have never known any film concern founded on sound principles that hasn't finally succeeded. Even some of the companies that were tottering a few years ago are now sounder than they ever were. "Perspicacity, acumen and ability are as essential to the welfare of pictures as any other business. The public will discover what it wants quicker than any producer and it rests with the exhibitor and the producer to find out that demand. When they couldn't hear Sarah Bernhardt in the theatre they went to see her in tents. You can't crowd out what the public wants. "There are five elements on which suc cess depends — first, money; second, star; third, director ; fourth, story, and fifth, scenario writer. You have to have all of these right to make a picture's success. You cannot neglect any one of them. In addition to that there must be experience." Mr. Kane's advocacy of the star system is consistent with the position he has long taken. In the course of an article printed over his signature several months ago he said, among other things: "In motion pictures seeing is believing, and those who are in the limelight of success 'steal' the imagination and attention of spectators from those who are merely heard of or read about. WANNA KNOW JUST HOW OLD ELAINE HA MMERS TEI N IS? Well, just go ahead and count the candles on the cake and the secret luill be yours. This Selznick star's latest picture is "The Daughter Pays"