The Moving picture world (November 1926-December 1926)

206 MOVING PICTURE WORLD November 27, 1 •».,'( Pioneer Worker Returns to Films Film Leaders Express Grief Over Abranis' Death Alfred Wei«», new president of Red SealInkwell. Max Fleischer is vicepresident of production. Red Seal Control Passes to Alfred Weiss, Once Retired '"p'HE change in control this A week of Red Seal Pictures Corporation and Out-of-the-Inkwell Corporation brings back actively into the motion picture field a man, who is identified as one of the pioneers of the industry, and who has kept abreast of its progress. That man is Alfred Weiss, the new President of Red Seal and Inkwell. Mr. Weiss paid $218,000 of the liabilities and furthermore furnished ample working capital to carry out the forthcoming schedule of releases in addition to certain contemplated innovations in the near future. Red Seal is now operating twentyone exchanges and new ones will be added as quicklj' as possible. Back in the days of the General Film Company, he was a dominant factor, operating his own exchange under a patented company license. He was one of the originators of the Triangle Film Corporation, in its time a standard for high-class box office attractions. He did not stop there, but went further, and we see him later as vice-president of the original Goldwyn Distributing Corporation, directing its policies to the extent that almost over night they stood at the top of the list. Weiss coninued for quite a few years until his many large outside interests made it necessary for him to dispose of his large holdings in the original Goldwyn Company. Two of his many activities today are the Agfa Raw Film Corporation, of which he is president, and the American Multi-Color Corporation of which he is also president. The exhibitor at large welcomes Alfred Weiss back into the field actively. His insistance on quality of product and understanding of exhibitor's problems means that in the reorganization of Red Seal, the exhibitor will benefit by being able to obtain a class of real short subject release, not only of the highest box office values, but of a type and originality that will give the exhibitor booking them an exclusiveness that will be a great asset to him. The new organization alreadj' shows its excellent judgment in electing Max Fleischer vicepresident of both corporations putting him in charge of production. The name of Max Fleischer and his Inkwell clown with his clever antics are known all over the world. Fleischer is an artist with originality and ingenuity that has never been equalled. Elinor Glyn's "It, " With Clara Bow, Finished "It," Elinor Glyn's first production for Paramount in several years and Clara Bow's first starring vehicle, has been completed in the Paramount West Coast studio. The story, written for Miss Bow, is a romantic comedy containing a strong element of pa>fcos and human interest. Supporting the star are Antonio Moreno, William Austin and Jacqueline Gadston. Clarence Badger directed. FROM all parts of the country, the leading men of motion picture production voiced their grief on the death of Hiram .\brams. These expressions came to The Moving Picture W orld by letter and by telegraph, indicating in what esteem Mr. Abrams was held by his colleagues. Will H. Hays "Hiram Abrams was one of the pioneers in the motion picture industry— a man with a real genius for organisation. His part in the progress of the industry was an important one indeed, and his untimely death is a great loss. I mourn with his countless friends." Arthur W. Kelly "Hiram Abrams was one of the outstanding personalities in the film distribution organizations of the world. His magnetic and dynamic personality resulted in the zuelding of United Artists into the powerful concern it is today. There ■icas no man more sympathetic and more kind to his employees and this attitude ivas reflected in the loyalty of the 300 persons under his jurisdiction. Personally, I have lost a most valued and beloved friend." Al Lichtwan "The industry has lost its greatest and tnost forceful personality." Adolpli Zukor "The news of Mr. Abram-i' death was a great shock to me. The industry will mourn the loss of this man whose career was so closely interwoven zvith the history of the motion picture." Jesse L. Lasky "In the death of Mr. Abrams we have lost one of the builders of our great industry. It was with real sorroiv that we heard of his passing. Those who were associated with him have lost a real friend." Louis B. Mayer News of Hiram Abrams death comes as a distinct shock to the folk of the screen. His influence was always one for uplift and his loss is a great one to his chosen field. Marcus Loew The death of Hiram Abrams is one of the staggering losses of the screen industry. He has left behind him an influence that will long inspire those who carry on his great work. Irz'ing G. Thalberg The passing of Hiram Abrams is one of the greatest losses the tnotion picture business has suffered in many years. He was one of the screens potent influences for good and progress. Hunt Stromberg Hiram Abrams was an inspiration to every man and woman in the motion picture industry and his passing is a loss to everyone affiliated in any way with the industry. Harry Rapf The loss of Hiram Abrams is a deep grief to the whole screen industry as well as a greater ofc to 'hose who know him personally and loved him for his many wonderful accomplishments. Joseph M. Sclienck "Am inexpressibly shocked and grieved at sad news. All of us have lost not only a valued associate but a friend whose place cannot be filled. My sincerest sympathy goes out to you in your great loss." Charlie Chaplin "The death of Hiram Abrams is a very sad blow to our company as well as a great loss to the entire industry. He uw a man whose integrity and ability gained him many friends and admirers and placed him as one of the foremost executives in motion pictures." Douglas Fairbanks "Hiram Abrams was a pioneer of a great industry. Our heritage, his ideas and ideals, shall continue ahi-'ays to be our guide." Morris Gest "My heart goes out to you in your sudden bereavement and your great sorrozv. The xchole world shares your loss, for your dear husband was an unique and irreplaceable power in bringing beauty in the lives of men and n'omen." Samuel Goldwyn "I had the friendship of Hiram Abrams for sixteen years and the news of his death has been a severe shock to me as it has been to every one of us who loved and respected him. Hiram was a pioneer and the work to idiich he devoted his life will live forever." Victor M. Shapiro "Deeply sympathize with you and yours in this hour of your bereavement. I am heartbroken and with you I mourn. Everyone xvill miss his greatness and his humanity. Our heartfelt condolences."