Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1919)

E XHIBITOR S H E R A LD High Spots of the News in 1919 iiiiiiiiiiib The year just ending has not been a period of spectacular change and readjustment in the motion picture industry. An analysis of the important news developments of 1919 does not reveal the sensational developments that have been characteristic of previous years in the industry. Instead of swift and unexpected changes in the fortunes of individuals and companies that have been a part of previous years, there has been going on a gradual solidification of interests, making for definite and assured progress. Looking back over the past year the salient news developments may be summarized as follows : JANUARY Under pressure from the entire organization William A. Brady withdraws his resignation as president of the N. A. M. P. I. and continues as chief of the body. A threatened disruption due to a divergence of opinion over the proposition of admitting exhibitors into the organization was in this manner avoided. A production depicting the life and works of Theodore Roosevelt is announced by Frederick H. Collins. Restrictions brought about by the influenza epidemic are dropped and the industry returns to a normal condition. An important meeting of the directors of the First National Exhibitors Circuit, Inc., is held in Los Angeles. FEBRUARY The United Artists Distributing corporation is formed, giving first expression to the determination of certain leading stars to cut away from former associations. * * * A nationwide drive on censorship is launched by the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry. Sf, 9p 9p Fight before Congress for the elimination of the admission tax and the reel tax is commenced. MARCH Movement is undertaken by exhibitors to escape the payment of the music tax. A nationwide theatre boom starts, occasioned by the approach of prohibition. APRIL Fight against Illinois censorship bill is launched. Peter J. Schaefer, at New York meeting, is named head of affiliated exhibitors' organization. The genreal Film company retires from business, marking the passing of an organization that once threatened to dominate the film business but was forced out of the race through lack of progress and strong competition from newer companies. General announcements indicate the death of the program system, Lewis J. Selznick buys Adolph Zukor s interest in Select. MAY William Fox announces comprehensive plans for the development of the foreign market. ¥ ¥ ¥ The censorship bill is beaten at Springfield, in. • m\ Expansion plans undertaken by N. A. M. P. I. JUNE Huge building proiect in New York City announced by William Fox. The Realart Pictures corporation is formed. ¥ * ■¥ Motion Picture Exhibitors of America hold covention in St. Louis and elect Alfred S. Black to the presidency. JULY Exhibitors' coran:ff?e starts fight before 103 Congressional committees on admission tax. ¥ ¥ ¥ ■ Pennsylvania deposit bill beaten. Sfr ffi 3£ Universal sends camera expedition to Africa. AUGUST The National Association of the Motion Picture Industry holds annual meeting at Rochester as guests of George Eastman. ¥ ¥ ¥ George Eastman announces endowment of music and picture institute at Rochester. Industry assumes neutral attitude toward actors' strike. SEPTEMBER Federal statistics reveal huge increase in theatre attendance. * * * Adolph Zukor purchases block on Times Square, New York, for theatre and home office of Famous Players-Lasky corporation. OCTOBER D. W. Griffith removes production activities to the East. Sp Sfi !f> Attempt to reorganize United Picture Theatres of America is beaten. * * * "Smiling Bill" Parsons dies. 9fi 3f» if, Hulsey-Lynch forces clash in Texas theatre war compromise results. * * * Ricord Cradwell resigns from World Film corporation. * * * Manv huge theatre building plans announced. (Continued Col. 3, next page)