Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1917 - Jun 1918)

X H B R H R D Itagraph Sues L. B. Mayer, et al. In Stewart Case MISS YOUNG STARS IN "THE REASON WHY" lm Company Asks $250,000 on Conspiracy Charge Suit tor $250,000 against Louis B. ayer, Colman Levin and J. Robert ibin is the latest development in the tita Stewart-Vitagraph breach of conict litigation. The bill was filed in the iperior court at Boston last week by e Vitagraph company and Attorney miel H. Oakley, a well known lawyer the Hub city, has been engaged to sh the matter for the film company. The specific charge in the bill against e trio is that of conspiracy. The comaint charges that Mayo and his co-deidants sought to entice Miss Stewart 3m the company with whom she has 'en connected since the beginning of r motion picture career. After a statement as to the producer's jhts as far as the services of a star are ncerned and the responsibility of the oducer to the exhibitor, the bill outles briefly Miss Stewart's progress th the company since she began as an tra in 1912, playing extra parts at a ?ekly salary of $25. Made Star Popular "By reason of her extraordinary and ique ability, her personal charm and ■pularity as a motion picture actress," e complaint reads, "and by reason of e plaintiff's advertising and exploiting her and her said pictures, the plainf built up and established an exten.e good will and value for all of the otion pictures in which the said Anita ewart might thereafter appear, and by doing greatly enhanced the value of e right to engage and control her exasive services as a motion picture tress." In previous actions preceding the prest legal fight, the Vitagraph company 1st gained a temporary injunction ainst Miss Stewart and Mayer through ie supreme court of New York and this .cision was sustained when the case me up in the Appellate division. Later :stice Cohalan in the Supreme court, ade the injunction permanent, ruling at the actress must satisfy her conact obligations with Vitagraph. Mayer Forced Issue The complaint further charges that ayer, fully aware of the conditions and isting contract, had prevailed upon iss Stewart to break her contract with e Vitagraph and enter a contract with m at a greater compensation than she is receiving from the Vitagraph commy. It is also charged that the defendants used to be made public information ■■ugh the trade press and other aveles that Mayer had exclusive control the work of Miss Stewart and kept ;r by means of threats from fulfilling ■t contract with the film company. Miss Palmer Joins World [Nancy Palmer, who posed for Howard Tiandler Christy's celebrated navy re'uiting poster, has joined the forces of ie World Film Corporation. The first cture Miss Howard will be seen in for e World is entitled "Merely Players." CLARA KIMBALL YOUNG AND FRANK LOSEE IN A SCENE FROM THE ELINOR GLYN STORY OF A YOUNG WIFE'S STRUGGLE TO ESTABLISH HERSELF IN AN ARISTOCRATIC ENGLISH FAMILY. ^Select) First National Exhibitors Circuit Holds Annual Session and Elects Officers Important Business Transacted — Meeting Marks End of Successful Year — New Directors Named The first annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Exhibitors' Circuit was held at the Hotel Astor, New York, from April 15-17. The election of officers resulted in the selection of Robert Lieber of Indianapolis, as president. T. L. Tally, of Los Angeles, was re-elected vice-president; Harry O. Schwalbe. of Philadelphia, was re-elected secretary and treasurer, and J. D. Williams as manager of the circuit. Two changes were made in the .board of directors, Walter Hays of Buffalo being elected the New York representative, while J. Von Herberg was the newman chosen from the Pacific coast, succeeding Fred Dahnken of San Francisco. The five directors re-elected for the coming year, include Aaron Jones of Chicago. E. H. Hulsey of Dallas. Robert Lieber of Indianapolis. T. L. Tally of Los Angeles, and Harry O. Schwalbe of Philadelphia. From every section of the continent exhibitors brought news of the remarkable returns that are being realized on productions already issued by the circuit. It was the unanimous opinion of the membership that with three attractions of the calibre of "Tarzan of the Apes." "My Four Years in Germany." and Charlie Chaplin in "A Dog's Life." to begin the second year with, it is felt the future of the organization is one of assured prosperity. 19 Tally Thanked T. L. Tally was tendered a vote of thanks for the fine diplomacy he had displayed in carrying on the personal negotiations with Charlie Chaplin incidental to his signing the contract that gives the First National exclusive right to his $1,000,000 comedy series. As the final executive of the organization, Harry O. Schwalbe came in for sincerely expressed praise. J. D. Williams was also complimented for his unflagging zeal in promoting the things that have made the circuit a factor to be reckoned with in the future of motion picture exploitation. A complete list of the stockholders who attended the session reads as follows: Robert Lieber, Indianapolis: T. L. Tally, Los Angeles: Aaron Jones and Nathan Ascher. Chicago: H. O. Schwalbe, Philadelphia: E. H. Hulsey and S. T. McDonald. Dallas: Frank Ferrandini, Richmond: Lieut. J. P. Anderson. Atlanta; J. H. Kunsky and G. W Trendle. Detroit; C. S. Jensen and F. Y. Fisher. Seattle; H. T. Nolan and W. H. Swanson. Denver; W. P. Dewees. Vancouver; E. V. Richards. Jr.. New Orleans; Thomas Saxe. Milwaukee: Jacob Fabian. New Jersey: E. Mandelbaum. Cleveland: N. H. Gordon, Boston: E. R. Pearson, Minneapolis: A. H. Blank. Des Moines: Col. Fred Levy and L. L. Goldberg, Louisville: E. J. Church. New Jersey; William Sievers, St. Louis: Winthrop Allen and N. J. Flynn. Kansas City; H. Brouse and B. F. Stopleton. Ottawa: J. B. Clark. Pittsburgh, and J. D. Williams. New York.