Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 21 MADAME PETROYA TO MAKE SHORT STAGE APPEARANCE Will Devote Afternoons to Footlights While Making Film Productions Madam Olga Petrova is planning to make a brief appearance on the stage this season. These appearances will be held afternoons other than regular matinee days and will not in any way interfere with Petrova's activities in producing Petrova Pictures. By the arrangement existing between Petrova and Frederick L. Collins, president of the Petrova Pictures Company, the actress will be unhampered in these stage pursuits, in view of her agreement to devote herself primarily to the production of her own personally supervised films. Until her first picture has been issued, on or about October 22, Petrova cannot definitely announce the dates of her recitals, but she has already begun to formulate her program. "Bill" Hart, the Bad Man, is at it again. Here he is caught in the act of stealing a plate of ice cream from "Little Mary" CHICAGO A. E. A. BRANCH REACHES AN AGREEMENT WITH OPERATORS' UNION Men Will Run Projection Machines Four and a Half Hours Instead of Four Without Extra Charge; Non-Members Must Pay High Wage Demand AYEAYERS OF LIFE" PICKED AS TITLE OF WARREN FILM Miss Helen Hayes in Leading Role Will Have Strong Supporting Cast Union projection machine operators reached an agreement with the American Exhibitors' Association branch in Chi:ago this week, having agreed with the Exhibitors' organization to work in the heaters of its members four and onehalf hours instead of four, without extra charge. ! The Chicago A. E. A. has also entered nto an agreement with the operators' inion for a flat rate to be charged all nembers of the association. However, rxhibitors who are not members of the Ihicago A. E. A. branch will be forced to pay the higher rate originally asked >y the operators. Announcement of the consummation |>f the agreement with the union was M. L. Fulton, who has established eadquarters at the Great Northern Ho;1, Chicago, besides handling "Belgium, ie Kingdom of Grief," the stirring picire of Belgium's invasion by Germany, also handling the "French Official v'ar Pictures." This is the official French war picture, ken under the personal supervision of made at the semi-monthly meeting of the Chicago Theater Owners' Association, September 21. by Louis H. Frank. The Chicago branch now has a plan under way to form a booking club for the purpose of renting films, issuing posters, and to conduct a general exchange business for members. This will save exhibitors hundreds of dollars, it is pointed out. and also save a great deal of time, which in the past has been used in going from one exchange to another. Under the new plan, members of this^ exchange will return posters which they have used, and these will be distributed to other exhibitors using the features. It is also planned to have one printer furnish programs and hand bills for the circuit of theaters controlled by the members of this A. E. A. branch. This will be acted upon at the next session. the General Staff of the French army, and while there are a number of other war films purporting to be "official." these films should not be confused with these other war films bearing similar names. Exhibitors booking these war films will have the added advantage of securing new material, which is added from week to week, as soon as secured. "Weavers Of Life." a title which is said to be characteristic of the play, has been selected as the name of Edward Warren's forthcoming production. Miss Helen Hayes, who is cast in the star role, will be supported by Howard Hall, Kenneth Hunter, Barney Gilmore, Earl Schenck, Edna Sibbard and others. MACISTE, GIANT OF FILM NOTE, IS SLAIN IN BATTLE Star of "Cabiria" and "The Warrior" Killed in Terrific Battle on Italian Front Maciste. the giant film star, who appeared in the leading role in "Cabiria" and more recently "The Warrior." which is being distributed by General Enterprises. Inc.. of Xew York, was recently killed in action on the Italian battle front. The news of the film player's death was brought to Xew York this week by E. Matson, of John Olson & Co., prominent Scandinavian film traders. According to the information borne by Mr. Matson. the giant Italian screen player was slain during the terrific fisrhting on the Bainsizza Plateau in the recent great Italian offensive. L. FULTON HANDLES FRENCH OFFICIAL WAR FILM WITH "BELGIUM, KINGDOM OF GRIEF"