Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

X H B O R H R D The Gordons, Independent Distributors Obtain U. S. Exhibitors Booking Corp. Films New England Concern to Market Special Productions and Have First Run Pictures — "Zeppelin's Last Raid" to Open in Boston American Film Stars Thanked for Aiding Liberty Loan Sales The Gordon interests comprising one of the biggest independent distributing companies in the East, and a chain of theaters girdling the New England States, have tied up with the U. S. Exhibitors' Booking Corporation, recently organized by Frank Hall and William Oldknow to market special productions by a novel system of distribution. After viewing "The Zeppelin's Lasf Raid," Thomas H. Ince's new spectacle, announced as the initial film of the booking corporation at a recent trade showing in Boston, Nathan Gordon, directing head of the New England enterprises, was so impressed with it that he immediately signed contracts by which he becomes sole distributor of the U. S. productions in New England. The U. S. subjects will be marketed through the Globe Feature Film Company, of 20 Winchester street, Boston, of which Mr. Gordon is president and general manager. Efficient Distribution The arrangement guarantees to the U. S. franchise-holders and the open market in the New England territory a most efficient distribution and promotion service, as the Globe exchanges 'Over There" Film Has Patriotic Note Brings Men to Army make a specialty of handling big features. In addition to handling the subjects of the new corporation Mr. Gordon also has won the distinction of being the first New England exhibitor to acquire a U. S. franchise and will have first run on all U. S. productions at two of his leading theaters, the Scollay Square Olympia and Gordon's Olympia, both of which are situated in the heart of the Hub theatrical district. Boston Opening Nov. 12 Arrangements have also been completed for a showing of "The Zeppelin's Last Raid," at the Scollay Square Theater, beginning November 12. Thereafter the Ince production will be issued both to franchise-holders and the open market. The Boston engagement of "The Zeppelin's Last Raid" will be under direct supervision of Mr. Gordon. The connection with the Gordon interests establishes the U. S. Exhibitors' Booking Corporation solidly in the New England territory. Nathan Gordon long has held a position in the front rank of exhibitors and exchange men and he intends to put the full force of his big organization behind the U. S. productions. The American Film Company received the following letter of thanks from the Santa Barbara Liberty Loan Committee recently, for the spirited manner in which the American stars rallied to the work, especially Miss Minter: "On behalf of the Liberty Loan Committee, I desire to thank the members of the American Film Company who through their patriotic efforts, so greatly assisted Santa Barbara in securing subscriptions to the Second Liberty Loan, which brought us up and over the maximum of $2,727,344.00 allotted us by the United States Government. "Please express this appreciation to Mary Miles Minter and to all who helped us in (his happy result." TO' Norma Talmadge Selects Cast for "Two Women" Norma Talmadge has finished selecting the cast for her screen adaptation of Rupert Hughes' drama, "Two Women," in which she will be seen following her appearance in Grace Miller White's photoplay, "The Secret of the Storm Country." The cast includes Eugene O'Brien, John Daly Murphy, Stuart Holmes and Jean Lenox. ■ 101 I I I! Il Id I ~. i Reports that have been received by Arthur S. Kane, General Manager of Select Pictures, indicate that one of the reasons why "Over There," the new Select production, starring Charles Richman and Anna Q. Xilsson, is being heavily booked throughout the country, is because of its direct appeal to men of enlisting age throughout the communities where it is shown. "Over There!" is a patriotic play built about scenes which followed our declaration of war with Germany, and concerns the lives of a small group of young people who in their various ways rise to the occasion. During the action of the story, both stars in their respective roles enter into Uncle Sam's whirlwind recruiting campaign and a number of stirring scenes are staged on the deck of the dry-land man-o-war battleship, "The Recruit." The picture was produced under the direction of James Kirkwood and its battle scenes have been especially commented on for their careful staging and attention to detail. MUTUAL'S N. Y. OFFICES MOVED The New York City offices of the Mutual Film Corporation have been moved from 71 West Twenty-third street, where they have been located for years, to 1600 Broadwav. Mrs. Augusta Jess Freuler, wife of John R. Freuler, president of the Mutual Film Corporation, died at the family residence in Milwaukee, November 7. Mrs. Freuler had been in ill health for some months, although her condition was not considered grave. On the evening before her death she met Mr. Freuler at the railway station in the evening as usual on his return from his Chicago office. She was suddenly stricken in the night and died in a few moments. Mr. Freuler and their two daughters, the Misses Loraine and Gertrude Freuler, were all at home at the time. Was Husband's Advisor Mrs. Freuler was her husband's closest advisor and associate in all of his multitude of affairs and interests. She yave him able support and co-operation through the strenuous period of his career, as one of the leaders in the founding and building of the film industry. In addition to this and the administration of the affairs of the family. Mrs. Freuler devoted a great deal of time and energy to philanthropic matter and private charities of a particularly constructive kind. Mrs. Freuler leaves, besides her husband and two daughters, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Golz of St. Francis, a suburb of Milwaukee, three brothers, Otto, Herman and Herbert Golz, all of Milwaukee, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Walter. 20 Funeral Largely Attended The funeral was held Saturday, November 10 from the residence at 615 Linwood Avenue. The services were attended by a large gathering of friends from Milwaukee and out-of-town. The services at the residence and at the grave in Forest Home Cemetery were conducted by Frank J. Hays, reader. First Church of Christ, Scientist Frederick W. Carberry sang. The pali bearers were-: John F. Harmon, Dr. Ed ward Schleif, John W. Tufts, Williair I F. Luick, William E. Jones and Samue M. Field. Among those who attended the servi ices were Mrs. Charles R. Hartmanrjj of Saegertown. Pa., and Mrs. Walter HI Stafford of Joliet, 111., sisters of Mrsl Freuler, Walter H. Stafford, Corporal Edward Orth of Camp Custer, Mr. ami Mrs. Thomas H. Cochrane of Portage] Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnson o| Beaver Dam, Wis., Paul R. Kuhn, Johil F. Cuneo, Mrs. C. J. Hite, Mr. and Mrs* Samuel Sheffield Hutchinson, Hobarl Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rl Nehls, Denis J. Sullivan and Terry Ram I saye, all of Chicago. Messages of condolence were received from friends from New York to Los An | geles. Mrs. Freuler through her clostl association with her husband in all ol his interests and their many travels to'l gether, shared his wide acquaintance Flowers of rare beauty in profusioi were sent by many friends and organ ] izations in all parts of the country.