Exhibitor's Trade Review (Sep-Nov 1924)

September 27, 1924 Page 31 III The <BiG[ Little Feature Educational Announces Increased Program While production activity for some time has been at a fast pace at the Fine Arts Studio in Los Angeles, where Lloyd Hamilton, Juvenile and Cameo Comedies are produced for Educational, a further increase in the program of these units has just been planned. The new series of Mermaid Comedies under way for 1924-1925 was originally planned to number thirteen, but, according to a statement just issued by E. W. Hammons, president of Educational Film Exchanges, Inc., the demand for these fast-action laugh makers has been so great that it has been found advisable to increase this number to eighteen. The first of these eighteen Jack White Productions will be released the first week in September. It is called "Wild Game," and features Lige Conley in a rapid-fire comedy directed by Norman Taurog. The second subject, titled "Crime "Crushers," also directed by Taurog, is rapidly nearing completion. Leading Circuits Book Dempsey Pictures Fred C. Quimby, sales manager for Short Product for the Universal Pictures Corporation, reports exceptional success with the Jack Dempsey "Fight and Win" series of two-reelers. One of the surprising features of the sale of these unusual short subjects is the extent to which they are being booked by the largest theatre circuits in the country. On top of the recent sale of the series of ten two-reelers to the entire chain of Famous Players houses in Canada, Universal reports bookings on the Dempsey pictures by the following big circuits : Stanley Mastbaum circuit of Philadelphia; the Sanger Amusements of New Orleans ; the Pantages Vaudeville circuit of the west coast ; the Asher Brothers circuit of Chicago; the Lubliner & Trintz circuit of Chicago, and the West Coast Theatres, Inc. The fact that the big circuits have sewed up the Dempsey pictures is regarded by the Universal sales executives as proof positive of the high box-office value of the series. In "Sweet Daddy" for Pathe, Charky Chase had the delightful occupation of being chaperone to a sophisticated Miss from the city, much to Charley's chagrin. Quimby announces a large list of big theatres which have booked the Dempsey series. * * * "Uncle's Reward" for Buddy Edward I. Luddy, Century comedy director, has started production on another picture starring Buddy Messinger. This picture is tentatively titled "Uncle's Reward" and features Hilliard Karr in a supporting role. SHORTS nBSERVING exhibitors ^ have found that good shorts are as important on their programs as good features are, because there are many patrons who find the short subjects the most entertaining part of the program. Newsreels, especially in many out of the way places furnish the surrounding countryside with the news of what is going on; the comedies, their only change from the drab routine of their lives. It is equally important therefore, that careful selection be made of all short items for the screen just as it is necessary to choose big features judiciously. Watch the columns of Exhibitors Trade Review for suggestions, and read our criticisms of short subjects as released each week. New Short Product Managers Two more promotions have been made in the Universal sales department. Two new Exchange Short product managers have been created, according to the plan announced last week by Fred C. Quimby, general sales manager for Short Product. The new Short Product executives are A. L. Sugerman, of the Cincinnati Exchange, and John Mednikow, of the Chicago Exchange. Sugerman is one of the veteran employes of the Cincinnati Exchange, and is well known among the exhibitors of that territory. Mednikow has an enviable record in the film selling game, and is an authority on Short Product. * * * Wanda Wiley Falls From Horse Wanda Wiley, Century star, was thrown from her horse the other day and is now in the hospital where it is expected she will have to remain for at least two weeks. Miss Wiley was riding her mount in a scene for "Oh Duty," her latest starring vehicle for Century, when it became frightened by the noise of a big wind machine on a nearby set, and bolted, throwing the young star to the ground and injuring her so painfully it was found necessary to rush her to the hospital. * * * Comedy Star and Extra in Fistic 'Accident* Lige Conley, star in EducationalMermaid Comedies, is carrying his left hand in a bandage, and an extra is nursing a swollen jaw just because the extra was a poor judge of distance. Norman Taurog was shooting a scene for a new Mermaid Comedy titled "Crime Crushers," in which Conley takes the part of an amateur detective. Conley, entering an underworld dive to rescue his sweetheart, had "knocked out" several "thugs" and was preparing to dispose of the last one. The distance was chalked off, so that the extra could appear to take Conley's blow without being hurt. But just as Lige swung a pretty "haymaker," the extra stepped a little too close, and he caught the blow full on his jaw. When he came to, he started to explain that the next time he would be more careful and not come too close.