The New York Clipper (September 1914)

September 2* THE NEW YOEK OL.IPPEB. 15 MOTION PICTURE CENSORSHIP. nr pboc. Censorship la a question that seems des- tined to riv»l Tennyson's brook and 50 on forever. It to a certainty that toll Im- portant question now looms up more Impor- tant and more troublesome than ever de- soltc the many debates on the subjects in exhibitors' lesgues, In the press and In poli- tical campaigns. The main question has been perverted until many seem to think that the Issue Is whether censorship should be State or National, raat Is not the real issue That Is a aide Issue raised to befog the situation. The real Issue Is. "should there be any censorship?" The only answer Is that there should be censorship. But that censorship should not be such as a congress, a legislature or a city council -would give. That condition, of course. Is one which It will be hard to realize The Idea Is too far reaching for immediate assimilation. Fur- ther the exhibitor in many States Is con- fronted by a fact, not a theory. He faces tensor boards right in his own home, and the more Immediate problem which he must solve i' how to make the present censor boards na practical as possible. as Ions as censorship exists, as long as the Innate decency of the American public nnd the police force are not felt to be fluffi- e'ent guardians of the public morals In the motion picture field, though they are recog- nized as competent to watch over all other fields of activity, there Is bound to be trouble. A National Board of Censorship exists. Its findings are upheld In New York City and State. In addition the findings of Commis- sioner Bell, of licenses In New York City, and of local boards in other cities and towns are upheld. Massachusetts abides by tbe decision of the National Board plus tbe de- cision of police sergeants, club women, mayors or busybodles as tbe case may be. Chicago brings active memories of Lieuten- ant Puokhouser. The censor question in Pennsylvania Is Involved, and the situation in Ohio with its State Board is regarded by Obloans, whose oren are gored first, as al- together an irksome yoke. Think what a muddle tbe poor exhibitor is In. In Ohio the exchange men have gotten together to find out why they can not get their films passed upon. Ohio finally got a board together, after a State law was passed which procedure naturally set the Issue to be decided in the political arena. Then the censors didn't pud together. Resignations came. The Mutual Film Corporation slapped an Injunction on the censors, and the poor exhibitor doesn't know what he can do. Boston, tbe fifth city in size in tbe United States, during the theatrical season of 1913- 1014 had fewer than fifty motion picture theatres. Those that did run were liable to be upset by almost anyone in authority In the police, tire or license departments in tbe city. No wonder motion picture men in New England felt that they were Indeed bucking agnlust adverse < ircuniutances. New York City's status as regards censor- ing was simple enough until suggestions came In to bare a mayor's committee, to have other special committees and to insti- gate other forms of circumlocution. In Penn- sylvania, according to latest reports, censor- ship is to be plsced in the hands >f vsveral hundred persons, scattered all over the btate, these persons to serve without pay. ihluk of turning loose this crowd on pic- tures ni'd give them carte blanche to do as ucy please and show off to their heart's coutent by peremptory orders. A drastic step in the carrying out of the law for the censoring of moving picture film] was taken in Philadelphia last week when SuDirlntendent of Police Robinson Issued orders to policemen not to ailow any movlne picture houses to keep open unless they show Alms that have been passed by Ui»- Pennsylvania State, Board of Censors. This step has been taken as a result of a decision banded down on Aug. 6 by Judge Martin to the effect that tbe Imposing of censorship on moving pictures is constitu- tions I. No appeal has yet been taken to the State Supreme Court. Particularizing on the different ways in Which law-made censorship Is odious may bo cairled out almost to the point of distrac- tion. No one Is apt to gainsay the state- XLent that such censorship Is an unnecessary haidsbip imposed on Him men. And now a word to the censors. A fertile Cold is offered the censors In the many "war lecture" now flooding the country. The censors may do well to remember that there ere other things to think of besides the Im- moral. Slgmuod Lubin has taken a firm and refresblng stand on this subject. Be cad camera men In Europe, but decided to suppress the films they look. No camera man is ever permitted to take scenes of actual battles," says Mr. Lubln. "They have taken scenes of the field of action Immediately after the battles, bat they are too horrible to be shown. My Arm shell not exhibit any war pictures. "There is another reason for my stand in the matter. Tbe exhibition of pictures show- ing scenes from tbe European War would cause feeling In the cosmopolitan audiences found In this country. Then there Is nothing elevating In the sight of a man getting killed. Think what an effect war pictures will have on the children who form a large part of the spectators at motion picture theatres." Chicago's "Fnnkbousertsm" is too well known to need much comment. The "good" lieutenant hasn't cared enough for many excellent pictures shown every other place In the country to permit tbeir exhibition in Chrago. which has caused a good deal of ouanclal loss. There is the thing in a nut shell as con- cerns actual war pictures. Far worse are "fake" war pictures. They can be'made In New Jersey or on Staten Island, and are icMevements of misrepresentation. As such tbey may sway tbe feeling of the members of this great republic unjustly and to the detriment of the nations In this great war. These pictures deserve absolutely no con- sideration. Any war pictures arc bound to be un- healthy and to serve In some degree as propaganda. As such they should bo stopped. Now get busy, censors. CURRENT FILM EVENTS. BY HECTOR. BROADWAY ROSE GARDENS. The doors of tbe Broadway Rose Gardens, at 1680-1884 Broadway and 810-814 8eventh Avenue, were'thrown open for the first time on the afternoon ot Monday. Sept. 14, for en assemblage gathered by Invitation, and Broadway's newest place of amusement was formally opened the next evening for the public. The Broadway Rose* Gardens rim through Ihe short block between Broadway and Seventh Avenue Just above Fifty- third Street For the Rose Gardens the old skat- ing rink wan reconstructed. The result Is a place ot entertainment along entirely novel lines hi -that it combines the motion picture theatre with the cafe daaant. Entering from Broadway one first encounters tbe the- atre. On the Seventh Avenue aide Is the restaurant with an excellent danclrg floor and a balcony, Thus are combined two pop- ular forms of amusement The pictures shown In the theatre are the first and only submarine pictures ever made. "Thirty Leagues Under tbe Sea" Is their title. They were taken near the Bahama, Islands by the Williamson Submarine Ex- pedition. On this trip Carl L. Gregory, of the Thanhouser Film Corporation, took the pictures while enclosed in special apparatus designed by Captain CbarlcR Williamson and his sous, Ernest and George. The pictures showed all sorts of submarine life, finishing with an exciting battle between a man, armed with a knife, and a thirty foot man-eating chart. The man won. Tbo entertainment offered for the patrons of the combined Restaurant and Danse do Pierrette, as it Is named, at least equals that of any ether like place on Broadway. The entertainers are Ann Clover Morgan and Clarence Gaynor, Mile. Mone and Roy Roberts, Aline Williams and Spalding Hall, Pieirot and Pierrette Sextette, the Misses iierrdon and Alnsley Lambert, and Mile. Marcelle Albus. The music, under the gen- cr«l direction of Frank Wilson McKee, is furnished by Mr. McKee's orchestra and the imperial Russian Balalaika Orchestra. Ihe dance room is .banked in roses and presents a beautiful studv in green and red. rhe idea of the Broadway Rose Gardens originated with Mrs. A. Mclver Kerr, an organizer of note, who will be active in the manag»mcnt. The first president of the Welti! Tbeatre Corporation, the owner, was the late Charles J. Hlte. The present oflloers are: President. Dr. Wllbert Schallen- jjerger; vice president and general manager, tfforge F. Kerr; secretary and treasurer, 1 « ay Johnston, and director of program, A. B. Carpenter. The price scale will be one dollar admit- tance to alL with gradations downward If the patron wishes to see only tbe pictures or only visit tbe Restaurant and Danse de Pierrette. FAMOUS PXAYEnS STAltT IMPORTANT SUITS TO PROTECT COPYRIGHTS. The Famous Players Film Company bas D ???. .emoted an injunction on all further exhibitions of the American Film Co.'s eub- Ea 'Aftermath," by Judge Dever of the supreme Court of Illinois. The Famous 1 layers claim that this Is an infringement £ » cl r ti$'« "Aftermath," the play written 3 ! iC°f- William Addison Harvey, of Colum- ga University, and recently released by the famous Players. i„ . fu F * w ! B * Players has also succeeded ZJ*9rW tne A Pex FHm Company to aban- don the name of "Saints and Sinners," a title scheduled for forthcoming release. As ^.iT? 0 " 1 ' known, the film rights of the *°. r , Id fnmous play, "Saints and Sinners." tU?!!*? i T 8lr Henry Arthur Jones, sre eon- panv Famous Players Film Com- LPJJ 'JiW ocMon is also being taken against lw.T' u ^! n . Company forjbelr release of "A con- Tho wZJttSmVStBf tor their release 0 w? . ra '. *■"<* thc Famous Players i.>£i , "/ an JB ,r J n ** melrt on tne tlUe ot *• Mi. Cbi ?' . tbe famous Charles Frohmsu E*tt» ? S9 tK i , . l *i. "* ,iem . xil alsp "The letter MM the title of the Cyrus Towa- ■■ S T : >' I <fT. * •.- : V < I- send Brady story which the Fnmous Players Company recently filmed; against the Ameri- can Film Company for its release of "The Crucible," also the title of the celebrated novel by Mark Lee Luther, the film rights 01 which tbe Famous Players control: against the Kalem Company for filming "Tbe Brand," which it Is claimed was also bor- rowed from the plot of "The Crucible." and against the World Film Company for Its re- lease of "Jess of the Mountain Country" as against the Famous Players' "Teas of the Storm Country." ' ... Since the earliest days of the motion pic- ture tbe evil of utilizing the titles and plots of cop/rlgi'ed subjects without acquiring the necessary rights has been. s common one. However, no concern has heretofore trade a decisive campaign to remedy or effect the elimination of this troublesome condition. The Famous Players Film Co., with its long list of copyrighted plays and books, felt it necessary to take drastic and earnest measures with a view of obtaining exemplary n-sults and a greater degree of protection for its titles than It bas heretofore been possible to receive. KLEINE LAUNCHES «NAKED TRUTH." All Klelne offices are now booking "The leaked Truth," the five part subject made from tbo French novel, ''La Fomme Nuc," fcy Henry Batllle. This was the Klelne suc- cess which opened the doors of the New Candler Theatre, New York. The picture features the famous European actress, Mile. Lvda Borelli, who duplicated In Italy Fanny Wnrde'a American success In "Madame Presi- dent." By the terms of her contract with Ceorcn Klelne, no motion pictures of her may be shown In a city at thc some time she Is playing there on the legitimate stage. HORSLEY'S DIG PLANT OPEN. In opening the new wing of Centaur Film Company building, at Boyonue, recent- & David Horsley took his position as the he'nd of one of the largest commercial motion picture plants In America, or possibly. In tbe world. The Centaur buildings now cover an acrs of ground and are of thc most modern and improved type, equlppped throughout with new machinery. A trip through the plant discloses twenty-one departments and an eoulpmint that lacks no device that might be required for absolute completeness. There are In fact several devices and Improvements on older machine patents which were In- vented br Mr Horsley, snd which, for the most part, are to be found In no other plant In existence, although two or three of them have been placed upon the market and are now In genctoil use. , Tbe new carpenter Shop, which Is In charge of Jim Horsley, Is capable of turning out any kind of prop that can be made of wood or papier macho. Tne tinting department, with the old audi new room combined, modeled after a famous German laboratory, are most capacious, and same remarkable tone effects are now being obtained. The perfonnatlon department has been don- bled In size aad rc-cquhined. It will handle vast quantities of film of any manufacture Harry Horsley Is superintendent of the laboratories and positive assembling depart- ments the last of which, with the new addi- tion, engages the constant services of eirty- ono euipioycee. The shipping room now occupies new quar- ters and Is one of the busiest in the plant. Tbe "old" psrt ot the Centaur plant which, Indeed, Is less tban a year old. Includes * colossal glass-covered studio, equipped with the Coops r-Hewltt lighting system so that seven directors are able to work at ono time, night and day. An outdoor studio, paint shop, machine •hop. downs of devrlopIiM: and printing noma, 'laboratories, a title department equipped with a linotype machine and Job Dresses, twelve huge drying drums In an air- filtered room, fire and burglar-proof film storage vaults. Altering and heating plants, property room, publicity department, direc- tors offices and Mr. Horsley's private office arc also found at the plant. The entire Centaur plant has a capacity of one million and a quarter feet of dim s week, and is busy at the present time with the seven one-reel comedies that David Horsley Is turning out, and about ono hundred and fifty thousand feet ot positive and titles for cuuidc concerns. THEATRE COMPANY BANKRUPT. The Feature Picture Theatre Company of America, at Forty-eighth Street and Broad- way, has filed a petition In bankruptcy with liabilities of $20,687 and nominal assets of $40,299, consisting of a lease of the property IbO.OQO, cash in bank $244, cigars $50. and pictures $5. Felix Isman, president of the company, which was Incorporated on Aug. 2S, 1013. with capital stock of $50,000. is the largest creditor, $13,888, tor money lent. PRIVATE SHOWING OF "MONEY." Before an Invited audience, "Money." the multiple-reel production of the United Keauo- graph Film Co., of Fairfax, Cal., was riven its first official presentation In San Fran- cisco, recently, D. J. Orauman and Sid Grauman, pro- prietors of the Savoy Tbeatre. in that city. placed the theatre at Mr. Keanc's disposal for tbe morning -exhibition. The spectators were composed of repre- sentative persons, Including Judge William P. Lawlor, the famous Jurist who conducted the San Francisco graft trials; Andrew J. Gallagher, president of the San Francisco Labor Council, who said that "Money" Is the greatest labor picture ever made, and that every union man should sec it; Ned Simmons, painter ot. the mural panels at the World's Fair, who declared that tbe tint- ing and light effects are an artistic triumph, snd Sol Lesser, the widely known exchange ttan. who affirms that few pictures can even compare with it. "CABIRIA" GOING STRONG. Four months' presentation in New Tork and other Icige cities of tbe United Stales have served to emphasise the high educa- tional value of d'Annunslo's spectacle. "Ca- blrla," now being offered at the Globe The- atre, Broadway at Forty-sixth Street. This picture sets forth In striking form and with the greatest accuracy those events of Punic wars lc North Africa and Italy which served to consolidate the Roman Republic lc the third century. B. C, thus leading to the establishment of thc Roman Empire. The offering, aside of Its spectacular In- terest, is thus of considerable historical value, as it enables the public, especially young scholars, to obtain an Inalgbt by graphic suggestion into the actual happen- ings of that period of tbe world's history. The Punic sars are regarded as having had considerable Influence In shaping the des- tinies of Kuiope for many centuries. "MOTHER." WM. A. BRADY-WORLD FILM CO. Tills four reel motion picture, featuring Emma Dunn, is an adaptation of the play by the same name, in which'Miss Dunn ap- peared on the speaking stage. As may be Inferred irom tbe title, mother love la the keynote. All of tbe scenes are laid In the home of Mm. Katherlne Wether- Ill, played by Emma Dunn. Thus tbe pro- ducers are cramped, for Interior scenes are especially the precinct of the speaking stage, while motion pictures serve as a better vehicle for exterior scenes, which allow tbe camera fuller scope by their greater per- spective. Emma Dunn's motherllness Is her most £romlnent attribute on the stage, and so it 1 In pictures. She makes a very lovable character. Incidentally the picture vindicates the much abused son-in-law, for his part is (bat ot the hero Instead of tbe usual comedy- villain Mrs. Katherlne Wethertll. a widow. Is tbo mother of six children. Ardath Wethertll la working, and her younger sister, Leonora. -Is chiefly engaged In conversation. Wlllllam Howard Wetherlll, eldest son has married an eitravtsgant actress. Walter Thompson Wetherlll, the next brother, has. without the knowledge of anyone concerned, become en- gaged to Elisabeth Turhune, slater to the wife who led the elder brother from the dear old homestead. Tha family has a small estate, Jointly handled by mother snd John Rufus Chase, an elderly lawyer, who has an appar- ent affection for tbe mother. Janus Bingham Wetherlll and John Walton Wetherlll twins, make up the family. Harry Lake, a young man of nigh type, love* Ardath, Williams, who has been employed by tbe Arm of which Lake's father Is head, em- bezzled $10,000 to keep up the whims of his wife, and be has brought a note to the firm to keep himself out of Jail, with the mother's forged endorsement. The mother rises to the full requirements of the situation. She tells Lake that tbo s'gnature Is hers, rights Ihe family lawyer over the proposition of making good on the declaration, Irrespective of the fact that It threatens absolute poverty. 'She ultimately yets the girls to consent to the program, and there Is a scene In which the son, absent for four years on account of the hostility of his wife. She sustains tho family honor effectually,- shows mother love, end engages herself with the task of getting rid of tne new daughter-in-law, who threatens to come into the circle. The mother has thc son bring In his in* tended wife, tells her that the family la poor, that the son has no expectance. She Is de- nounced 03 the girl along with tbe son. Ardath Is Impressed and agrees to elope with Lake. Lake tells the mother. The close shows thc mother putting the two boys to bed. The scene Includes the re- turn of tbe wayward boys, gives the mother back her entire flock, and leaves her watch- ing a brjod that Is ber only love and care. PICTURES MOST BE NEUTRAL. All moving picture firms In New York City that contemplate showing pictures of the Europesn war bnd better give a careful ear to orders Issued by Commissioner of Licenses George H. Belt' to fifty Inspectors before making any further contracts, for the Com- missioner has made It very plain thnt any pictures showing favoritism wIH not be al- lowed to run. The moving picture companies must remain absolutely neutral, he says, and any pictures that give one or the other of the contestants a shade Ihe best of the argument are not such, he declares. And neither must there be any set pictures sucb as stir up race feeling, nor demonstrations between tbe pictures. Tb* orders to sec that neutrality Is strictly maintained came after the Commissioner had heard that many moving picture theatres are already showing films which could not be classed as neutral by any stretch of the Imag- ination. The Inspectors from the License Depart- ment have also received Information that many film makers, having sounded public sentiment, are now staging mimic battles, which will be ready for the nlcolettes and the ttenlrea In a few weeks. These pictures are iappo;cd to represent actual scenes from the battle front in France, Belgium and Eastern Prussia. "From what I can learn,*' said Commis- sioner Bell, "many of these pictures promise to he very ore-sided. I cannot say Juit now which countries the film makers are giving tbe best of the bloodless conflicts. At any rate the plctutes, If shown the way they are being prepared, will stir up a lot of feeling.'' Home of the pictures referred to sro being made In this city. Others will come from Frame, England end Even Germany, UNIVERSAL ACTIVITIES NOT AFFECTED. In the past few weeks It has become quite common to see stories emanating from the offices of film companies of this country an- nouncing that it Is their opinion that the European War will have a flighting effect on the film Industry. Among those who do nut come under this category stands thc Universal Film Manufac- FILM and song SLIDES A Big Kedu u " on . 'n Film, loo reels at 1 oent ut, some Ht $a a """A hitvu Western and Indian i>. 100 Sets of "ong Slides, 60c. to $1 1. nlj rower's No. 6 Machine, %;ti ; also other oheuj, Ala- Oblnm: Model "R" Calcium Machine, *>£>. 1 alio bray Film. Slides snd Misehlnes. If good. O.F. GALLOT, 10 JOIghtb. Ave., S. f. hiring Conmrny, Judging ut least from tho dispatch with which they arc pushing for- ward the work of building nnd equipping dispatch with which they are pushing for- Picture Exhlbltora' League. In the form of their new Universal City, lur from stopping the work It waa about that time that the force of men employed was almost doubled, more animals were ordered from New York to augment tbe already wonderful collec- tion a rock crusher was bought and In- stalled for tbe crushing of thc rock neces- sary In the macadamising of thc six miles of paved streets between tbo rows of build- ings, plans for a concrete dam and bridge over universal River wero drafted nnd the work started. Draft horses and mules wero secured, together with flat top wagons, har- ness and similar equipment. In fact, tho work was pushed forward with more speed thnn had attended any ot the previous con- struction. - Tbo city Is being built with tho primary intention of adding to the comfort of the actors and employees as wells as to fnellltnto the production of tbe Universal films. Largo dressing rooms are being built, a club house erected, which will contain a huge living and lounKlug room, a dining ball, ballroom, kitchen and a number of bed rooms (or houso of the employees who do not care to rent tbe small cottages that have also been built for their company. Thcso latter arc built in different sizes to meet tbo requirements of ibe prospective tenants. There arc soma ■nlth as few as two and three rooms. Others contain as many aa ten nnd twelve rooms. A restaurant Is being constructed. In every way Universal City Is being planned nnd built to accommodate a population of 10.000. It Is modern in every respect, bas its own tower system, water mains, street depart- ment fire department, police force, and la to t< equipped with stores, shops and schools. GUY COOMRS A HERO. Although Guy Coombs Is being hailed as a read, sure-enough hero, the famous Knlcm star announces rbat tbo deed which recently won for him thc reputation of being extra- ordinarily brave, was due to an accident, puro and simple. According to Coombs, he, Anna Nllsson, tbe beautiful Kalem actress, and a number ot other players, were In a little town up New York State, where some scenes ot "The Ex- Convlct" were being filmed. The day's work over, Mr. Coombs and Miss Nllsson were on their way back to the hotel where the com- pany of players wero staying. Let Mr. Coombs tell the rest of the story: "Miss Nllsson and I heard a couple of shots, but paid no particular attention to the noise. Suddenly n man dashed nroiind tho corner of a house and came full tilt Into us, knocking Miss Nilsson to tho ground asd sending mo stnggerlng. "I strslghtencd up and, seizing hold at the Individual, lambnstcd him as nurd as I could. While we wero mixing It a number of msn enme up and seized bold of my oppo- nent. To my Intense surprise I saw tnem clap a pnlr of handcuffs on his wrists. "Then," continued Coombs with a laugh, "(bey told me that be was a man who bad committed several bomb-throwing outrages and who bad been wanted for several months. They complimented me on my bravery, especially when a revolver, wltli two loaded chambers, was picked up from the Oust and Identified as the criminal's. Neither the officers nor the reporters guesseJ that our encounter was duo to pure chunce. And I must admit that had I known at the lime who the roan was, I should have hustled Miss Ntlssnn and myself out of thc way and left tbe bomb-thrower severely alone 1" NEW SAKE OPENS. The New Bare Tbentrc. In Minneapolis, the tenth In the chain ot thentrcs controlled by tbe Ssxe Bros., of Milwaukee, was opened recently, the event being considered a very Important one in tbe history of entertain- ment In the Minnesota metropolis. Tho New Saxe Is situated on Seventh Street, between Nlcoletto and Hennepin Avenues, and is built on a lot BO by 167 feet, the total expense., exclusive of the site, being $100,000. Tha theatre was designed especially as a moving {ilcture house, and Is beautiful arcbltec- urslly and decoratlvely. KALEM TO MAKE COMEDIES. Exhibitors will be Interested to learn that Kalem Company, appreciating tho demand for good comedies, has organized two all-star comedy companies and, commencing with October, will issue two comedies every week, These companies aro tbe Kalem Hollywood comedy company, located at Hollywood, Cal., and toe Santa Monica comedy company, lo- cated at Santa Monica, Cal. The players who appear In tho new Kalem farces have won recognition In tholr peculiar lines, Among the stars in thc Hollywood company are: Ruth Roland. Lloyd V, Hamilton. Mar- shal Nellan and victor Rottman, while tho Santa Monica players Include such stars as Carrie C. Ward, Ethel and Betty Tearc, and Fred Hornby. The new Kalem comedies will range from the "straight" variety to the burlesque slap stick. Nine comedies aro to bo Issued dur- ing October. These ore: "Tbe Slavery of Foxlcus," Oct. 2; "For tho Lovo of Mike." Oct. «; "Tha Tattered Duke," Oct. 0; "Percy Pimpernkkel-Soubrotte/ Oct. 13; "Hi's Wonderful Mineral Spring," Oct. 10; "A Wlso Rube," Oct. 20; "Micky Flynn's Escapade," Oct. 28: "The No-Account Count," Oct. 27, and "Ham, tho Villain Factory." LVRIN ON WAR SITUATION. Slgmund Lubln, head of tho LnMn Film Manufacturing Company, In an Interview, said that the war in Europe so far n* lip could see, had not affectta the attendance at moving picture theatres In American to any great extent. He declared the picture business to be In excellent condition. Be- cause of the cessation In the importing «f goods from Germany and other European countries. Mr. Lubln said his firm had pro- cured supplies enough to Inst It a year snd four months. He was of the opinion that the war would last at least a year or more. Ho said that Ihe matter of carbons need not worry American film people. "Ihe American carbon Is goo.1 enough, but doesn't Inst so long ss that made in Uer- many." said Mr. Lubln. "However, we can get along nicely with American-made car- ons." Mr. Lubln r.ald that very soon he expected to see tbe actual film widened. Larger Alms, as be expressed It, will enable camera operators to take pictures *hrce times the size of those now shown. In other words, instead of taking a third of a regiment of soldiers, the camera man will bo able to In- clude tbo wliole regiment In the picture. Thus pictures thrown on the screen will oc- cupy about three times tbo space they now take up. In tne opinion of tbe Philadelphia picture magnate the film business Is not only In a healthy condition, but It has a great future. Tho war, he thinks, will tend to develop tho topularity of the American made film, and tbe result will be a decrease In the number of films imported. He thinks the play In firm form has come to stay. "The regular play shown In films, will rever die If done welt," sold Mr. Lubln In conclusion. OPPOSES WAR TAX ON TICKETS. The suggestion that a war tax be Imposed upon fliniis< u.ent tickets brings forth a pro- test from President I'earcc, of tho Motion a request to tho presidents of all State leagues requesting them to urge representa- tives In Congress to oppose thc measure should It bo offered. President I'esrco's letter reads as follows: "I thought it well to wrlto you at this tlino regarding the fact that Congress is now cor.sldet lu-f placing a war tax on amuse- ment tickets, ai.it as you realise that nt tho Eresent time tic exhibitors have a creutcr urricn than they can bear without this ad- ditional taxation, and It you will set In touch with every member possible of your branch and request them to write their rep- resentatives at Washington, opposing tlil.i taxation In ac strong terms aa possible. It will be a big help In preventing same from being lneludcl In thc taxation list. "I have every reason to believe tlint If this tax Is placed upon the moving picture exhibitor It will be a long thun heroro It will be removed, and I cannot urge you too rtrougly to get every member possible In youy State to act on this mutter promptly." N. Y. F.XIIIIHTnilS' BALL. Tho Motion Picture Kxhlhltors' Associa- tion of (.renter New York has hired the four floors of Ornud Central l'alaco for tho Fourth Annual Entertainment nnd Ball to be held on Monday night. Dec. 7, 1014. No program will be Issued for this ball. This ball Is bolug held for the purpose of getting together tho manufacturers, the photoptayers, the exhibitors and fifty thoiis- end photoplay fans, and ono gala time is assured. PARI9 UNIVERSAL UNDER FIRE. Ono of tho -bombs which was dropped from a German aeroplane! nearly wrecked the Paris headquarters of tho Uiilvcrnnl Film Company. It fell In tho Rue de llanovrr. damaging a houso adjacent to the Universal Company a offices. James Downlo and William Macarthy an- nounce their Intention of stopping In Paris "no matter what happens.'' Thoy aro pre- paring to take pictures. Half an hour bi<foic the order prohibiting private automobiles from leaving the city was lKMicd, Joseph Menchcn ana his wife left In their seven seator, "Sunbeam," on route tor Havre. Menchcn took with him many miles of valuable negative. «DELOVEII ADVENTURER" AS A HOOK. For tho first time In tho history of tha film business a story In hook form Is Issued slmultnncou-ily with '.ho release of Its screened original. lOmmolt Campbell Hall, iiivnsrlo writer on tho Lubln stair, has pub- lished as a novel "Tho llotaved Adventurer," the serial subject In which Arthur Johnson and Lot tip llrhtcoo nro being featured by tbe l.u'iln Company. Tho book contains one hundred nnd llfty-llvo iingss. Tiers are seventeen Illustrations of scenes from tho piny ns well as of the players, "The Un- loved Adventurer" will !«• released In single reels for .1 period of fifteen weeks. SCREEN CLUB OUYS COTTON. Following tho example set by tho President of thc United States, tho rkreen Club bas arranged for tho purchase of one of the bales m cotton piled up In tbe South because, of the war. At a special meeting of the Hoard of flov- (mors of tho Screen Club, Treasurer Jake Cerhardt was authorized to buy a bale of rotton for tho club, which hat a large South- ern membership. OLD FILM OASES STILL LEGAL, On account of tho fart that many manu- facturers of- motion pictures havn nn hand large quantities of film containers for ship- ping by express that do not conform to tho recent regulations governing express ship- ments of film.' but which were authorised by tho previous regulations governing such shipments, the Interstate Commence Com- fission has granted an extension of time on Paragraph 48, of the reiulatlovg. SELIG MAKING DIG SUFFRAGE PICTURE. An eight-reel suffrage picturo Is being pro- duces at Ibe Chicago studio of the Belli Polyscope Company. The production Is being made under the direction of Olios Warren, formerly eon- rcctcd with Lubin, tbo Imp and other menu- facturers, who was specially selected by Wm. N, Hcllg for tbo work, before silling for Europe. Over three hundred pcoplo aro used In tha cast. No expense has been spared to secure tho very best possible tal-mt for tho prin- cipal roles. Olive Wlndom was brought spe- cially from Ihe Little Theatre. Now York City, to take the leading part, while Kath- erlne Kellard, the leading woman of "Joseph and Ills Brethren," was secured for tbo leading heavy character, draco Nonnand plays the spirit of Kqual Hiitfraiie, II. II. Warner, who played tho lead In ''Tho Lost Paradise" for the Famous Players Film Co., has a minor part. This photoplay is .being produced by Mr. 6cllg, In co-operation with tho Congressional Committee of tho National American Woman's Suffrage Association, of which Mrs. Medlll WcCormlck, of Chicago, Is chairwoman. Other members of tho committee nro: Jane Addams (of Hull Houso fame), vlco prcil- dent of the association, and Dr. Anna Shaw, ptesldent of tho association. Thcso women panted on tho manuscript of tho scenario and approved it highly. About two weeks ago Dr. Anna Shaw came out to tho Hcllg studio nnd appeared in several of tho scones, Ono of these scenes showed a theatre III which Dr. BllBW ad- dressed the multitude. Tho audience, com- prised of many supers, was addressed In dead earnest by Dr. Shnw on three separate occasions, auo. tbo effect of her telling speeches huvo been caught In admlrabls manner by tho camera man. Mrs. Medlll McCormlck Is tbo leading spirit among the suffragists In this novel movement. Ever since work was begun s'le has given her strong personal Interest to Ihe production. Shn personally engaged some of the leading members of tho cast, bringing tlicm on from New York or else- where. She Is tireless In her work to make tbo big suffrage photoplay a success, and con be found almost dallv at the Seltg studio, In conference with Director Wnrrcn. It Is understood that the suffrage feature will b« handled by tho National American Woman's Suffrage Association along original lines. The ninn has not been ascertained, but It Is known (list It will be of such na- ture as to insure that the pictures will bo viewed by women of every station In life throughout tbe entire country. COLEMAN'S PLYING WESTERN TRIP. John J. Coleman, late studio manager and director for tbo dene (Jauntier Feature Play- ers, went to Chicago to attend a meeting of tbe Supremo Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Hlte Masons, held la that city Sept. 1S-18. Mr. Coleman, whoso fnme ns a motion picture director has grnw/i with each succeeding Oauntlor production, Is one of tbe three theatrical men In tho world who has ever attained the high honor of the thirty-third degree In Masonry—nn honor that cannot be bought or secured In iny way except as an award for faithful work In Masonry, . • Having resigned his position ss studio •> < 1 III