Exhibitors Herald (Jan-Mar 1920)

38 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 20, 1920 GONE TO THE DOGS Ml I It I, i : t tl \ -«> \ The populnr little Fox Ntnr nwikra frlrn<l» nheirver mhe Koe« lind you enn't kick her "houn* dauKN" around, not Mhen Shirley knona It. William Russell's "Slam-Bang Jim" Is American Special "Slam-Bang Jim," adapted from "Snap Judgment," with William Russell as the star, is announced as the next American Special, exact date of publication not yet being made public. The star has a dual role in the play, appearing as a "happy-go-lucky" city chap and also as an Arizona "bad man," characters said to be wholly different, indeed directly opposed, yet coordinated in the star's delineation. Francelia Billington and Adda Gleason share the position of leading lady, and Harvey Clark takes the male role of secondary importance. The story is based upon the supposition that every man has a double and strange complications may be looked for when their paths cross. The production is referred to as a Western offering many opportunities for exploitation of unusual nature. Edward Sloman had the direction in charge. Cameraman Invents "Still" Attachment (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES. March 9.— Henry Cronjager, Marshall Neilan cameraman, has invented an attachment for the picture camera which admits of stills being taken at the same time as the film. Schaffers Acquire Site LOS ANGELES.— Mrs. Mary C. and Frank L. Schaffer have acquired the property at 656-668 South Alvarado street, where they will construct a motion picture theatre. They plan a 3.000seat house. Hodkinson Plans Large Campaign to Introduce "King Spruce" to Trade Holman F. Day's story of the Maine forests, a story of love and faith with many melodramatic incidents, has been produced by Otto Bollman and Roy Clements of Los Angeles for publication on April 18th by W. W. Hodkinson Corporation. Mitchell Lewis is the star of "King Spruce." His work in this production is said to be of tremendous power and conviction. "King Spruce" has long been sought by motion picture producers as being one of the great stories of its kind still unproduced, it is declared. In the face of spirited bidding several months ago, Mr. Bollman and Mr. Clements, who control the Dial Film Company, obtained the story from Mr. Day and began production o' the story. Their finished production bears the stamp of quality and sincerity, it is said. This picture will be introduced to the trade by the Hodkinson organization with an advertising and publicity campaign that never has been equalled by the organization. Prints are being made at the Republic laboratories for immediate shipment to the Hodkinson managers in thirty-four branch cities. Trade showings will be held the latter part of March. Pre-release engagements only will be made in big first run houses as of April 18. Mitchell Lewis' leading woman in "King Spruce" is Mignon Anderson, long starred or co-starred in many popular pictures. Jans Sells Territory For Olive Tell Film Some of the best United State; territory has been sold, according to Herman F. Jans, president of Jans Pictures, Inc., for B. A. Rolfe's production, "Love Without Question," adapted from the book, "The Abandoned Room," by C. Wadsworth Camp, and starring Olive Tell. According to the announcement made by Mr. Jans, the entire states of New York and northern New Jersey have been sold to the New Jersey Rolfe Film Company. The Minter United Amusements of Detroit has purchased the Michigan rights, while Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia has been purchased by the State Right Company of Baltimore. The Royal Pictures, Inc., of Philadelphia, Pa., has purchased the film rights to "Love Without Question" for eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Film "Finders Keepers" On March 22 the Art-O-Graf Film Company, Denver, Colo., will begin production of "Finders Keepers," from the book of the same name by Robert Ames Bcnnet, with Edmund F. Cobb and Violet Merscreau in the leading roles. The production, it is announced, will be followed by a series of heavy western features. Vitagraph Claims Semon Comedy Has Established "Day and Date" Record Boston and Chicago are adding their "day and date" approval to that of New York in behalf of Vitagraph's latest Larry Semon comedy, "The Grocery Clerk." Vitagraph reports that the number of simultaneous showings of this picture establishes a record. On the basis of its advance bookings, Larry Semon comedies hereafter are likely to abandon the rule of exclusive first runs, it is said. "The Grocery Clerk" is appearing "day and date" in nine of the chief downtown theatres of Boston, and in all the theatres controlled by the two chief chains in Chicago. Nine Prints at Work The same thing happened in New York when the Loew circuit set nine prints of the comedy to work beginning on Washington's birthday in its twenty principal theatres of that city. G. W. Sawin, Vitagraph's branch manager at Boston, reports that the comedy appeared there simultaneously in the following big downtown theatres: Keith's Boston theatre, Loew's Orpheum theatre, Loew's Globe, Gordon's Scollay Square Olympia, Gordon's Washington Street Olympia, Lowrie's Modern theatre, Lowrie's Beacon theatre, the St. James and the Star theatres. Thirty Houses Secure Film In Chicago the comedy is having "day and date" first runs in the theatres controlled by Lubliner and Trinz and the Ascher circuit. Each of these two chains controls fifteen large film playhouses in Chicago. Exchange men declare that this reception of the Larry Semon comedies is reflected, so far as physically possible, in many other im portant districts. It constitutes what is said to be a record of "day and date" bookings. Percentage Discussed By Protective League SAN FRANCISCO.— The Exhibitors' Protective League, Inc., composed of motion picture theatre owners of northern California, held a meeting at Red Men's Hall in Golden Gate avenue with an attendance of 100 members. Many subjects of vital importance to the industry were brought up for discussion among which were the accessory contro« versy and the percentage booking policy. Action on the latter was suspended until the next meeting. A motion was passed to the effect that the charter be held open until April 15, after which time an initiation fee of $25 will be charged and the applicant for membership be voted upon. Manages the New Cook OKOMULGEE, OKLA.— A. C. King has resigned as manager of the Yale theatre at Muskogee, and has accepted the management of the New Cook here, a $250,000 playhouse. With First National The Special Pictures Corporation has established offices with the First National Exhibitors' Circuit, Inc., exchange in Chicago and will distribute attractions through First National channels.