Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

32 EXHIBITORS HERALD M. H. HOFFMAN SECURES "SILENT WITNESS" FILM FOR FOURSQUARE; IS THIRD SUPERFEATURE Picture Adapted from Noted Stage Play of New York Success, Said to Eclipse Original Drama; Has Powerful Story "The Silent Witness," the film version of the play of the same name by Otto Hauerbach, which had a long and successful run in New York, has been acquired by M. H. Hoffman, Inc., for the world, from Sanger & Jordan. This is the third superfeature secured for Foursquare publication by this organization, the other two being "The Sin Woman" and "Madame Sherry." The cast, headed by Gertrude McCoy in the stellar role, is said to be of splendid balance and strong in dramatic quality. Called Convincing Drama According to New York newspaper reviewers of the drama, "The Silent Witness"' was declared the most convincing dramatic triumph since "Madame X." "The Silent Witness" moves steadily to a climax which thrills its audience. In its photoplay form it is pronounced even more .interesting than when offered originally as a stage attraction. Mr. Hauerbach based the underlying motive of his story upon a subject which, strangely enough, formed the pre election platform of New York's district attorney, Swan — that the prosecutor is attorney for all the ART DRAMAS PICKS TRADEMARK DESIGN J. L. McCurdy of Cincinnati Wins Prize from 14,000 Competitors with Distinctive Work Harry Raver, president of Art Dramas, Inc., announced this week that the prize for the best design for an Art Dramas trademark has been won by J. L. McCurdy of Cincinnati. Mr. McCurdy's drawing was selected out of more than 14,000 submitted. The trademark is simple, distinctive and original. In general outline it is of diamond shape, with equal sides and angles. The words "Art Dramas" are inside, so constructed as to follow the lines of the sides. They arc surrounded by a chain consisting of four long links, one to each side, and inside of each link is a word descriptive of the types of dramas published on the program. The words are "mystery," "romance," "adventure" and "sentiment." people, the prisoner as well as the state. In a prologue and three acts, "The Silent Witness" has for its central theme the obstacles imposed upon a boy working his way through college and who is competing against sons of wealthy men. One of these scions, casting aspersions upon the poor boy's mother, is brought to account. In the fight which ensues Bud Morgan, the penniless youth, kills — as he fancies — his adversary. Strong Plot Material Young Morgan is held for murder, and in the capacity of district attorney his father (unaware at the time of his relationship to the prisoner) is confronted with the task of learning the facts. The ingenious manner in which the author brings together the boy's mother and father at the end, and the parts played by other important characters in the photoplay, form elements altogether worth while. "It is a Foursquare picture in the best sense," says M. H. Hoffman. "The play and the players, with our Foursquare policy, make the product a superfeature which we can offer with confidence that it will give the utmost satisfaction to exhibitors and the public." N. Y. STATE DISTRIBUTOR FOR "SUBMARINE EYE" FILM IS SELECTED Williamson Bros. Consummate Deal with Nathan Hirsh of Civilization Pioneer Film Corporation A deal has just been consummated between the Williamson Brothers, producers of "The Submarine Eye," and Nathan Hirsh, president of the Civilization Pioneer Film Corporation, whereby the latter concern will distribute this feature throughout New York state, including Greatei New York. Exhibitors need no introduction tc this corporation which has success fully handled many of the leading bo) office attractions and has recenth been in the limelight through its ac tivities with "Civilization" and "Re demption." The Civilization Pionee Film Corporation is located at 12 West Forty-sixth Street, New York FIRST THREE KING-BEE COMEDIES ARE GIVEN LONDON TRADE SHOWINI The first three King Bee Bill West comedies were this week give a trade showing in London at th Marble Arch Pavilion, and accordini to a cable received at the offices c the King-Bee Films Corporation the were enthusiastically received by tl large number of buyers present. J Billy West, it is stated, is assurtl of popularity on British screens. BLUEBIRD BILL POSTING CO. Start a BLUEBIRD DAY in your House