The Moving picture world (July 1922)

July 29, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 367 In the Independent^Field Encouragement of Independents Vital to Industry, Says Warner "The independent producer and distributor is today blazing a trail in real picture production that has never been equalled," says Harry M. Warner of Warner Brothers, who further states that while there seems to be a doubt in the minds of some theatre owners about the box office value of in- dependent productions, many of the greatest box office features of the past season have come from independent producers. In spite of the discouragement that independent exchanges have met in marketing their pictures, Mr. Warner believes that the sal- vation of the theatre owner is de- pendent on encouragement of the independent picture; and cites the fact that a great many exhibitors who have booked high-class in- dependent pictures have found them highly profitable. "There are still a great many theatre owners who feel that when an independent picture is offered they can book it for prac- tically nothing, but these days are over," says Mr. Warner. "Just because a picture has been inde- pendently made does not signify that it is a piece of junk to be sold at junk prices. If they are Doris Kenyan Heads Stellar Cast Supporting Johnny Mines in Burr's **Sure-Fire Flint" Confirmation of the announce- ment made exclusively in last week's issue of Moving Picture World that Doris Kenyon had been engaged to play opposite Johnny Hines in "Sure-Fire Flint" has just been made by C. C. Burr. Miss Kenyon is well known to theatre-goers, both as a stage and screen star. She has appeared in leading and stellar roles with Es- sanay, Pathe, DeLuxe and Inter- national, and her most recent ap- pearances were opposite George Equity Special Has Catchy Title That Fits the Story Arliss in "The Ruling Passion" and in an important role in "The Traveling Salesman." On the stage, Miss Kenyon was starred in "The Girl in the Limousine" an^, other plays, and just finished an extended engagement with "Up the Ladder." In announcing the cast to sup- port Johnny Hines, which includes in addition to Doris Kenyon, such players as Edmund Breese, Effie Shannon, J. Barney Sherry, Rob- ert Edeson and Charles Gerard. C. C. Burr states that the story of "Sure-Fire Flint" is even better than Hines' previous box-office success, "Burn 'Em Up Barnes." big pictures a fair and just price should be paid. "We don't attempt to dictate terms to theatre owners, but we do believe we are entitled to as much consideration in booking price as is accorded other distrib- utors. Furthermore the encour- agement of independent pictures affords exhibitors protection against exorbitant rentals. "As far as Warner Brothers is concerned," continued Mr. War- ner, "exhibitors are assured that we will do business with them only on a legitimate basis and that we have dedicated ourselves to exhibitor co-operation in ad- vertising and publicity from the time he is ready to start his cam- paign until he is through with it." "Madame Sans Gene" Is Ready Aubrey Kennedy announced the completion of the picture, "Madam Sans Gene," the character made famous by Sarah Bernhardt. Margaret Mayo, author of such world-wide successes as "Polly of the Circus," "Baby Mine" and "Twin Beds," wrote the continuity. No announcement of the medium of Distribution has been made as yet. In the campaign for "What's Wrong With the Women?" the Daniel Carson Goodman special, Equity Pictures will take every opportunity to make effective use of the catchy title. Prominent men and women will be asked to give their opinion as to what, if anything, is wrong with the fair sex of the present day. The production is now complete and it is said to live up to th^ title and to present a pertinent story, presenting the problem of women's present day unrest in a fascinating fashion. Equity announces that already many letters have been received with arguments on both sides oi the question, some suggesting that an overdose of independence is responsible for woman's dis- content. Excellent Cast The cast for this production in- cludes Montagu Love, Wilton Lackaye, Barbara Castleton, Julia Swayne Gordon, Huntley Gordon, Rod LaRocque, Hedda Hopper, Constance Bennett and Paul Mc- Allister. It was directed by R. William Neill under Dr. Good- man's supervision. [KlNIGHTHOaiD Arrow Creates New Department with J. Charles Davis at Head W. E. Shallenberger, president of Arrow Film Corporation, announces the appointment of J. Charles Davis, 2nd, to a newly created position, that of assistant to the president. Mr. Davis, who has fnr some time been director of advcrti'sing and piihlicitv. will retain supervision of that de- partment in connection with his new duties. E.rf<ansion Phtiiii~d This appnintmcn> m.irks the cul- mination of plans for the eynansion of Arrow and fhf creation of a new department which Mr. Davis will head, and it is designed to bring about an even closer relationship be- tween Arrow and its producers, ex- changes and theatres. The change becomes effective immediately and according to Dr. Shallenberger was made necessary by the plans his organization have under way for greatly increased activities during the coming season. Mr. Davis will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Shallenberger, and it is stated that it is planned to enlarge the new denartment so that every Arrow salesman will have at his service a canable exploitation man to assist him All Arrow's special represenatives have been in conference with the executives at the home office going over the plans for handling the greatly increased output of features and short subjects which the com- pany will distribute during the com- ing season. MASTODON FILMS, INC. C. C. BURR, Pres. 133-135-137 West 44th Street NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. BOOK AT EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES