The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

soo Cfje Cfteatre of the heaviest investors in motion picture theatres and has usually allowed his representative to pose as the head of each enterprise. This is so true that it is doubtful if one in a hundred, even in the profession, know that Isman was the real power behind Archie L. Shepard when that pioneer started the first exclusively motion picture theatre in New York (Standard Theatre). After Shepard retired William J. Gane became manager, but he was an employe of Isman's, and unless I am mistaken is still one, for Isman never was so actively interested in motion picture houses as now. The Broadway and Republic Theatres are operated under his direction — at least two new houses are about to be dedicated in New York, but it is not likely the name of Isman will be revealed to the public. In Philadelphia Mr. Isman's interests are almost beyond calculation. This is the city of wondrous photoplay houses, and Isman owns or controls the lease of so many that I doubt if he could present an accurate list off-hand himself. Besides possessing a genius for real estate operations Isman has always shown a preference for "discounting futures," and his judgment as to the future of the motion picture was never so accurate as at that period when the theatrical producers forecasted its decline. It was at this period that Isman affiliated himself right and left with film men and reduced his investments in theatrical enterprises. In this respect he stands as a unique figure in the amusement world, and that he has prospered amazingly is but a just return for what his influence has been when it was most needed. In June, 1914, Mr. Isman in association with Henry Russell, of Boston, and Henry Higgins, of Lon