The Moving Picture World (June 1907)

202 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD. [ Low Priced Theatres As I have been in the amusement business for the last ten years I believe I am capable of expressing the views of a practical man regarding the agitation against cheap places of amusement, especially the 5-cent theaters. Far from being detrimental to the character of the young American, these 5-cent theaters are one of the best insti- tutions of learning and character molding we have in the city. The sensational pictures displayed in so many of these theaters, while portraying crime in all its details also portray the finish, giving the punishment of those who are guilty of wrong-doing. I fail to see where the bad impression is made on any young boy when such a moral as this is shown him. I have exhibited very mam motion pictures and can honestly say that I have never seen one that would in any way corrupt the morals of any young person who possesses the average amount of in- telligence. Can it be said that these pictures have the demoraliz- ing effect that some of the most popular productions shown at the larger theaters have ? Has any series been produced that can influence the character of the young people in the way that "Salome," "Zaza," "Cleopatra" and a dozen others of the more "refined" type, or as the "James Brothers," the "Millionaire Detective," "Biddle Brothers," "Queen of the Highway" and a hundred others ? Pictures such as are shown at 5-cent theaters always end with a decidedly good moral and show action only, while such plays as are usually produced at Certain houses on State street and Halsted street not only produce scenes as realistic but also use words which are truly demoralizing. In the thickly populated sections.around Milwaukee avenue foreigners predominate and, as a rule, these peo- ple are extremely saving and at the same time they keen- ly enjoy a trip to a theater, which is usually a 5-cent theater. Vaudeville is put "on at most of these houses patronized by the foreign element and I can say that the manager of each of these places generally tries to have something better than his competitor and consequently secures talent which is in many cases the same as, for instance, that which is shown in the Haymarket. And right there is where the shoe pinches. Managers of larger houses all over the country are complaining of the large reductions in their box-office receipts since the advent of the 5-cent theater. They raise a hue and cry against these cheap theaters. Formerly, when no vaude- ville was on the bill, they were content to smile and say: "Well, it won't last." With the introduction of real ac- tors came the howl. Now they are fighting to do away with these "dens of iniquity," even to refusing work to those who have appeared at 5-cent theaters.—A. L. Cooley, in the Chicago Daily News. NEW FILMS NOW READY QAUMO^T Perfect Nuisance . • > . • .-• 590 feet The Human Clock . . . . 534 << Buying a Ladder (Comedy) . ■ 604 « This is a very humorous subject which shows the trials and tribulations of a man who has bought a ladder and makes heroic efforts to take it home. The various difficulties that ne encounters form a chain of exciting incidents which is bound to create a great demand for this subject. Salome (Biblical) .... 534 feet The Giumont studio has made an exceptional film of this subject which is dignified in action, stately in its progress and conforms with the unities in time, place and action, all of the actors fit the parts. The climax is reached in the dance, which is made as innoffensive as possible. The dancer does not thow off any veils or other garments, and the head of John the Baptist appears but a very short period at the end of the film. An Icy Day (Comedy) .... 262 feet This is another good comedy film of medium length which shows the laughable experiences of a number of people who meet with various unfortunate accidents on an icy day, when walks are slippery. UR8A^i©U'roE Winter Amusements .... 900 feet A Trip Through the Holy Land . . 500. « Rogie Falls and Salmon fishing (Des- criptive) .- . • • 325 " A beautiful bit of photography, showing landscapes, water-falls and salmon-fishing. Beating the Landlord (Comedy) . 167 feet This is a medium length film into which are crowded many farcical incidents that happen because a muscular female refuses to pay her rent. Additional stock is received of the following Oaym@6it Films Moonlight on Sea . When Stormy Winds Blow Animated Portrait Chasing the Sausage gnitor's Tea Party ectric Belt . ... . Disturbing his Rest Take Good Care of Baby Man Monkey .... The Hundred Dollar Bill . The Village Celebration Child's Cunning .... Cup and Ball . . . . Nurse Taking Walk Two Cents Worth of Cheese subjects: . 177 feet . 367 " . 224 " . 310 - . 467 " . 667 " . 407 " . 484 " . 534 " . 800 " . 473 " . 666 " . 370 " . 285 " . 284 " Urban-Eclipse Films First Dinner at His Father-in Law's . . 320 feet Catastrophe in the Alps .... 434 '' Master's Coffee Service .... 294 " Governess Wanted Cream Eating Contest No a commissioned Officer s Honor Interesting Reading Clever Detective .' •* 52 STATE ST. CHICAGO. GU L=U J TH AVE. YORK