Exhibitors Herald (Jan-Mar 1920)

EXHIBITORS HERALD Syndicate Proposes Erection of One Thousand Theatres This Year John M. Kantor of Chicago Finances $12,250,000 Corporation Which Will Build Chain of Playhouses of Uniform Design (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 6. — With the incorporation of the People's Theatres, Inc., in Delaware, a plan to erect one thousand theatres of uniform design in cities and towns throughout the United States has become public. John M. Kantor, well known Chicago politician and capitalist, is identified with the proposition and has subscribed the major part of the capital stock, which will be resold through Kantor's brokerage offices located in various cities throughout the" United States. Is Capitalized at Twelve Millions. The company is capitalized at $12,250,000, the total amount of which, it is claimed, is immediately available. Al Woods, prominent theatrical' figure, has been offered the presidency of the company. The directorate is to be made up of bankers in cities in which theatres will be erected. Ince's New York Visit Stirs Talk Along Film Row (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. <i.— Announcement that Thomas Ince will arrive in New York within the next few days has been siezed upon as the choicest piece of gossip offered to film row during the current week. In the Astor lobby, it is freely predicted that Ince's purpose is to close negotiations with the First National Exhibitors Circuit for the distribution of the Associated Producers' productions. Jamestown Theatre Damaged by Flames JAMESTOWN, N. Y. — Damage estimated at $10,000 was suffered in the blaze which partially destroyed the Bijou theater one hour before the afternoon performance was scheduled to begin. A pipe organ which had just been installed was seriously damaged, prompt and effectual work by the fire department saving the major portion of the structure. The origin of the fire has not been determined. Ky. Churchmen Deny Fighting Sunday Shows LOUISVILLE, KY.— Officials of the Churchmen's Federation and of the ministerial associations have emphatically denied a report from Frankfort, Ky., that abolition of Sunday motion picture shows and theatricals would be sought in a bill to be presented the coming session of the Legislature. Theatre Company Formed DAYTON, O.— L. E. Smith, A. J. Smith and James A. Beidler have formed a company capitalized at $500,000 and said to include as members several leading business and professional men to take over the East Auditorium, Garden and Japanese Open Air theatres and remodel same, a step which will place this organization in control of the motion picture situation on the East Side. Syndicate Buys Theatre DOVER, N. H.— The Strand theatre, recently erected, has been sold to a syndicate of motion picture men known in the transaction as the Dover Amusement Company of Dover, N. H. Detroit Has New House DETROIT, MICH. — The Oakman theatre, said to be equal in point of equipment and modern features any of the leading Detroit theatres, has been opened at Oakman Blvd. and Glendale Ave. Iris Theatre Opens ST.' JOHNS, MICH.— The Iris theatre, a new and up-to-date motion picture establishment, has just been opened -inder the management of Fred Tremper. Ike Schlank, well known promoter, who is also identified with the proposition, declares that the one thousand new theatres will be in operation by next fall. Seat 750 to 1,000 People The uniform plans' adopted for the theatres call for playhouses seating between 750 and 1.000 people. The buildings will contain space for two stores. With the theatres having a uniform design, it is believed that a great saving in construction can be effected. The original project calls for 1,000 theatres. Many of the cities where the buildings will be erected, are said to have already been selected. To Examine Films FALL RIVER, MASS.— A number of members of various civic, educational and social organizations have formed a body calling itself the Fall River Motion Picture Committee to investigate the motion pictures shown in the city with a view to determining their influence upon growing children. A meeting has been held but no announcement has as yet been made as to its result. Butler to Produce LOS ANGELES.— David Butler is to head his own producing company for which his father, Fred J. Butler, is arranging financial details. Gasnier on Coast LOS ANGELES.— L. J. Gasnier and Lew Cody have arrived from New York. The latter will start on a new production immediately. California Theatre Highest in Country SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.— A motion picture theatre at Big Bear Lake, up in the San Bernardino range, 175 miles from Los Angeles, is closed during the winter months on account of the impassability of the mountain roads except for one night each week, when those who are snowed in are entertained. Snow is so deep during several months of the year that it is impossible to get in or our of the Big Bear valley, where the theatre is located. The theatre is the highest motion picture house in the United States. It is situated 8,700 feet above sea level. j Blank Adds Theatre BOONE, IA.— A. H. Blank, whose chain of theatres is one of the most extensive in the Middle West, has purchased the Wells Hotel on Story street of Martin J. Lockard and will begin operations March 1 to raze the present structure and erect a motion picture theatre in keeping with his holdings in other cities. Vote On Sunday Law BOYNE CITY, MICH.— The city council has decided to submit the question of closing theatres on Sunday to popular vote at the Spring election. Premier for Herbert Hoover Film NEW YORK, Jan. 6. — "Starvation," which is described as a monumental photo drama, is to be opened Friday night at the Manhattan opera house by F. B. Warren, who controls all rights to the production. The production is being given huge advertising in New York, including full page newspaper space. "Starvation" was made in Europe under the personal supervision of Herbert Hoover. It has the endorsement of the United States and the! Allied governments. The GreatestNEWS paper of them all-EXHIBITORS HERALD 49