Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1914)

44 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS FOX TO BOOK MANY BIG FEATURES William Fox, the well-known theatrical manager and owner of the string of theatres included in the Fox circuit, has entered the motion picture business in earnest. For several weeks his representative, Abraham Carlos, has been studying the feature film market, with a view to contracting for the best productions obtainable. These features will be exhibited in the Fox theatres and in motion picture theatres generally. Contracts were signed last week which will give the Box Office Attraction Film Rental Company, as the new concern is named, exclusive exhibitor's rights in New York and New England on the feature products of Solax, Blache American, Film Releases of America, Ramo, Eclectic, Great Northern Special Features, and Great Northern Preferred Features. In addition to a rental business the new company will also exploit and sell the feature product of three European manufacturers whose photo-plays are not now being shown in America. The directorate of the Exclusive Supply Corporation, Herbert Blache, president; Ingvald C. Oes, vice-president; Harr\ R. Raver, secretary and treasurer, and Joseph R. Miles, general manager, have had numerous conferences with both Mr. Carlos and Mr. Fox, and much of Mr. Carlos' time for several weeks past has been spent in viewing the features of many companies with the object of contracting only for the best that are available. , Vigorous advertising will characterize the campaign of the Box Office Attraction Film Rental Company. Thousands of sheets of lithographs will be taken on each release and will be distributed broadcast in the neighborhoods where the features are shown. MUSIC IN EMOTIONAL SCENES Music during the acting of highly emotional scenes as a means of attuning the actors to the intensity of the situation is being used with decided success by Director Allan Dwan, of the Universal, in his three-reel production of "Discord and Harmony." During one pathetic scene in this production, in which an old musician dies, the principals were so wrought up that they could not at once continue with other scenes, and more than one spectator of the scene gave way to t' "On the legitimate stage," says Mr. 1 >wan, "the scenes are usually long enough to afford the actor time to work himself up to the emotional pitch required, while upon the motion picture stage this condition does not obtain. scenes are short, and usually by the time the actor really begins to feel his part the scene is finished. Again the various scenes in a production are not usually taken in the order they oc cur upon the screen. The use of music which may have no place in the actual story and which is hidden tends to arouse the imagination and finer instincts of the actor if he is at all sensitive." The story of "Discord and Harmony" has to do with the life of an old composer and the joys and sorrows of his Bohemian circle of friends. M. G. MacQuarrie depicts the old musician. I i >n Chaney plays the part of a young artist, and Pauline Bush sustains the role of the old man's ward. PROJECTION IN MODERN DRESS An evidence of up-to-date methods in the motion picture industry is furnished by the projection-room of Warner*s Features, Inc.. 126 West Forty-sixth street, New York City. Here are to be found all the essentials for comfort, and the attempt to create an atmosphere dissociated from commercialism. The room measures about thirty-five feet by thirty feet and is of good height. Air is furnished by ventilators connected by pipes with the exterior. Pendant fr< >m the center is an electric chandelier enclosed in glass mosaic of green, blue and yellow hues. The light is soft and mellow and does not interfere with projection. Fluted columns of gold support the ceiling and lend an Oriental effect to the scene. The floor is carpeted with a heavy fabric, the chairs are large and individual, desks being provided at the side for the Board of Censorship. The walls are done in light blue, the trimmings being of Circassian walnut. The whole effect is one of quiet elegance. A mirror screen eight by six feet is used, the throw being twenty-six feet. The operator's booth consists of a platform with concrete floor walled off from the main room, occupying space eight by fifteen feet. Wiring is all enclosed, and ventilation is of the most approved plan; there are rewinders, and a large film tank is used for films and cases; also there is an automatic sprinkling device for fire protection. The projection is furnished by two Simplex machines with motor drives SPANISH WAR FILM WANTED A request has been received asking for information where a film showing the Seventy-first Regiment arriving in New York at the close of the Spanish War could be obtained. It is wanted for exhibition purposes at the Seventyfirst Regiment Armory at an entertainment shortly to be held to raise funds for a monument to the late Colonel Downs. Information regarding any film of this character may be sent to the Motion Picture News, 220 West Fortysecond street. HAVE YOU DECIDED TO USE BRASS LOBBY FRAMES? We are making the kind you should buy. Our Special No. 2 Easel Frame with glass front and detachable compoboard back is great (or $6.00, F. O. B. Cleveland, Ohio. THEATRE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Inc. Remember to address us at our new home office and factory. Box 8! CLEVELAND, OHIO N. Y. office for Eastern trade only Heidelberg Bldg. 42d St. & Broadway TO THE TRADE Negatives Developed, leper ft. PRINTS MADE ON Eastman Stock, 4c per ft. Including Tinting and Toning TITLES, 8c per ft. Prompt deliveries All work guaranteed Commercial Motion Pictures Co. , Inc. 102 W. 101.1 Street New York City Telephone, 0533 Riverside THEATRE SUPPLIES A Large Stock of Slightly Used Moving Picture Machines and Current Reducers (Latest Models) at about Half Prices. All Kinds Seating Always in Stock. Opera Chairs, slightly used, each $0,76 Heavy New Folding Chairs, each .40 Simplex, used three months. .. .150.00 Power's 6A, first-class condition. 140. 00 Edison Exhibitions, good condition 65.00 Don't forget. I take your old machine in trade regardless of make. All goods guaranteed in first-class condition. Will ship subject to inspection. Have many other good bargains. Send me an exact list of your wants and see why I sell more goods than all competitors combined. SAM LEAKS, 509 Chestnut It., St. Louis, Mo. In writing to advertisers please mention "THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS"