Exhibitor's Trade Review (Nov 1924 - Feb 1925)

January 10, 1925 UNIVERSAL PICTURES COMPANY ORGANIZED WITH the sale of a $3,000,000 preferred stock issue, the Universal Pictures Company. Inc., comes into being with Carl Laemmle as president. The company was organized to acquire the outstanding capital stock of Universal Pictures Corporation. The sale of stock was made to Dillon, Read & Co. and Shields & Co. The stock bears ^ per cent interest. In a statement issued by Carl Laemmle, he said : "Universal Pictures Company, Inc., is being formed to acquire the entire outstanding capital stock of Universal Pictures Corporation which, together with its subsidiaries, is one of the leading American companies engaged in the production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures. Since incorporation in 1912, the business has grown under the original management until, for the fiscal year ended November 10, 1923, gross revenue exceeded $20,000,000 and net profits after Federal taxes amounted to more than §1,250,000. The Universal organization produces its pictures at Universal City, California, where it has probably the largest motion picture plant in the world. Its productions include not only specialty producticjns such as its "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and feature pictures released under its well-known "Jewel" brand, but standard serials, comedies and practically every kind of picture required for motion picture theatres. Its pictures, together with the news reels produced by the International News Reel Compam*, are distributed throughout the United States, Canada and foreign countries, its foreign business probably being larger than that of any other motion picture company. "The consolidated balance sheet for Universal Pictures Company, Inc., and subsidiary companies, as of Hay 10, 1924, as certified by Messrs. Price, Waterhouse & Co., but adjusted to give effect to the organization of the company and the present financing, shows net tangible assets equivalent to §250 and net current assets equivalent to $195 a share of First Preferred Stock and current assets equivalent to 3.4 times current liabilities. * * * WARNERS ANNOUNCE JANUARY RELEASES Three releases are announced by Warner Bros, for January. These include a stirring melodrama, a Broadway drama of the bright lights, and a business drama with a hectic domestic background. They are "The Bridge of Sighs," by Ernest Hiirard who takes one of the principal roles in the new Pathe serial "Galloping Hoofs," now being released. Allene Ray and Johnny Walker are starred. Charles K. Harris ; "A Broadway Butterfly," by Darryl Francis Zanuck, and "The Man \Vithout a Conscience," from the novel by iMax Kretzer, famous Austrian writer. "The Bridge of Sighs" was directed by Phil Rosen, who made "Abraham Lincoln," and was adapted for the screen by Hope Loring and Louis Lighten. It is from the famous song by Mr. Harris, written around the famous "Bridge of Sighs" in New York Citj-, crossing from the Tombs prison to the criminal courts building, around which has been written many a story. Dorothy Mackail is featured and she is supported by Creighton Hale, Richard Tucker, Alec. B. Francis and Ralph Lewis. "A Broadway Butterfly" was directed by William Beaudine and is adapted from the story by Mr. Zanuck. It is a high speed drama of life along New York's famous Broadway, with several scenes laid back stage at the theatres, and in and about the White Light district. Willard Louis and Louise Fazenda are featured with Dorothy Devore, Cullen Landis, Lilyan Tashman, John Roche and Wilfred Lucas. "The Man Without a Conscience" was originally bought by the Ufa Company, of Germany, for the great Continental actor. CHADWICK KE ELECTED I. M. P. P. D. A. HEAD AT a meeting of the I. M. P. P. D. A., held on December 30, I. E. Chadwick, president of Chadwick Pictures Corporation, was reelected president of the organization for another year. Other officers elected were: Oscar Price, first vice-president; Joe Brandt, second vicepresident; W. E. Shallenberger, treasurer, and C. Hoy, business executive. At the next meeting, which will be held in a few days. President Chadwick will name the executive committee, which will start work immediately on the selection of a national leader for the Independents. The reelection of Mr. Chadwick comes in recognition of his faithful services in behalf of the Independents. He has been tireless in his work and every move he has suggested has been constructive and has greatly aided the Independent cause. The members showed great enthusiasm concerning the season of 1924 and without exception, they look forward to a record-breaking year in 1925. Emil Jannings, but the Ufa people were persuaded to part with it to Warner Bros, when Ernest Lubitsch recommended it as an ideal vehicle for Willard Louis. It tells the story of a man who rides rough-shod and ruthlessly to success over others, laughing at the heartaches he causes until he is brought up with a round-turn and has everything he gained through selfishness stripped from him. James Flood directed it. Supporting Mr. Louis are Irene Rich, June Marlowe, John Patrick, Helen Dunbar, Robert Agnew and William Orlamond. si' Al\/\AA AAA Ay^\AAA A AAA