The Bioscope (Oct-Dec 1913)

THE Broscorg, NOVEMBER 27, 1913. A striking tribute to the benefit derived by a town from the opening of cinematograph halls on Sundays was paid at the annual convention of the Southwell (Notts.) Diocesan Union of the C.E.M. Society, held in Nottingham, on Saturday, the Bishop of Southwell presiding. Mr. G. E. Ashbury stated that amongst the subjects which they had considered was the opening of the cinematograph shows on Sundays in Newark. Letters were sent to the Town Clerk and the Chairman of the Watch Committee, asking if it was in the best interests of the town that such performances should be allowed on Sundays. The dele. gate stated that the replies received were that inquiries were made, and that the Chief Constable reported that since the shows had been opened on Sundays, the streets had been mucn more orderly, and that, in consequence, it had been possible to reduce by half the number of constables on duty in the principal streets. In face of such testimony, the Federation report added, further action would be futile; but members were asked to exercise all diligence, and if anything objectionable came to their notice to immediately let it be known. Here is a positive proof that the Sunday performances are a distinct benefit to a town, and the managers of the halls in Newark are to be congratulated. We have received a very interesting little book, in the latest 116 page catalogue of the house of Brockliss Cinemachinery, Limited, which deals in an explicit fashion with the many excellent lines’ to be seen at the Shaftesbury Avenue premises, and showing practically all apparatus requirements from a motor-generator to a motiograph. The catalogue is one well worth sending for. We have received a copy of a brochure, published by the Bayer Company, and dealing with the use of their non-flam film. In Berlin, we are informed, the authorities have permitted the use of this film without the stringent precautions attached to the use of celluloid film, whilst a large number of renters have expressed themselves in a very favourable way regarding it, stating that there is no difference in wear and tear between the two makes. The address of the London branch of the Bayer Company is 19, St. Dunstan’s Hill, E.C. Our Birmingham correspondent informs us that a summons has been taken out against Messrs. Gaumont’s Birmingham Branch, in John Bright Street, on the grounds that moving pictures are being shown without a_ licence. Messrs. Gaumont are fighting the case, and the solicitors of the Renters’ Assocjation will take up the mattetizeq he s¢@tpm) J@as been deferred, and will be heard on Wednesday next. 817 e A summons has also been taken out against the i:xclusive Supply Company’s Branch, at White House, in New Street, but the date of this hearing is not yet given. Great interest 1s evinced in the contest by the Birmingham Trade, as the result will affect many besides those actually concerned. We are informed that a pair of Dallmeyer projection lenses have been fitted to the Simpl=x machines used in the luxurious private theatre of the Trans-Atlantic Film Company, Limited. Mr. Bannister Merwin, whose work with the Edison Company is so widely known and appreciated, has been appointed head of the Scenario Department of the London Film Company. A further honour has been conferred upon Cherry Kearton, Limited, in a special command performance of those fine pictures, ‘With the Greeks in the Firing Line,” to be viven before the Emperor William of Germany, at the Castle of Furstenburg, on the one evening, and the films of the Schroedor Stanz Expedition, with its very stirring story of bravery and hardship, to be shown on the following evening. This command exhibition on two consecutive evenings constitutes what we believe to be a world’s record, and is a highly valued testimony of the excellence of the m: tures. ““One Round O’Brien,’’ probably the most famous farce comedy ever made, is being reissued by the Biograph Company, for release on January 13, 1914. We are informed that a cinematograph exhibition is to be held, early next year, in BudaPesth, under the auspices of the Association des Industriels Cinématographiques. Further particulars will be announced in due course. We present our compliments to Mr. Arthar Preston, the manager of the Palais Cinema. Chiswick, on his outspoken letter to the local Press, in which he criticises the obviously highhanded policy of the Chairman of the District Council (Mr. Powell) with regard to the question of Sunday opening. . We are sorry that in the notice which appeared last week relating to Mr. E. V. Barr, a statement was made regarding the dividends earned by his company which was entirely incorrect, our correspondent having been misinformed in regard thereto. We exceedingly regret having made.the statement,,and also any inconvenience occasioned to Mr. Barr thereby.