Exhibitors Herald (Jan-Mar 1920)

March 20; 1920 EXHIBITORS HERALD 49 "Big Four" Will 'Publish in April Mack Sennett's "Down on the Farm" Hiram Abrams and E. M. Asher Complete Distribution Plans in New York — New Production Contains Five Reels of Comedy Hiram Abrams has announced that Mack Sennett's new rive-reel comedy, "Down On the Farm," regarding the distribution of which there has been much speculation, will be published in April by United Artists Corporation. Arrangements for distribution, according to Mr. Abrams, have been completed in New York with E. M. Asher, personal representative for Mr. Sennett. Arthur Butler Graham was attorney for the producer in the transactions. Have Elastic Policy It has been known that United Artists would not confine itself to the distribution of Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks and D. W. Griffith productions exclusively, but would distribute an occasional big picture that came to the open market for specialization in distribution. The announcement of the release of "Down On the Farm," following so closely on the announcement of the Doris Keane picture, "Romance." indicates, according to United Artists officials, that the corporation will have a publication list of wide variety in addition to the productions of its four principles. All Resources Contribute Every resource of the Sennett studios and farm in the suburbs of Los Angeles contributed to the results achieved in "Down On the Farm." The picture opens when the champion rooster of the ranch puts the sun to work early in the morning of what proves to be the busiest LOUIS FAZEXD.V Who has the leading role in Mack Sennett's 4ve part comedy "Down on the Farm," takes life very seriously as viewed behind one of those new fangled weeders. day ever experienced on any farm, with results that are said to be thrilling, comic, hilarious, farcical and funny. Thrills are divided by laughter, suspense is relaxed in grins, and dramatic action of grave significance is interrupted by comedy episodes. The picture has been viewed by a number of executives and they declare that it is Mr. Sennett's genius in fullest revealment. Though the plot is melodramatic and concerns the romance of a pretty maiden of rustic life, a menacing mortgage, a villainous landlord and a harassed and beautiful wife, the ment will be found as new as it freshing and different, it is said. treatis re Doris Kenyon Cables Felicitations to Hunt Doris Kenyon, star of the new Augustus Thomas-Gibraltar picture. "The Harvest Moon," just completed by DeitrichBeck, Inc., for W. W. Hodkinson distribution, has sent a cable of congratulations to Frazier Hunt, the newspaper correspondent who wras credited in a recent dispatch to the New York Herald from Vladivostock with having rescued five Japanese soldiers from the Bolshevist forces. Mr. Hunt is a boyhood friend of Miss Kenyon, who says he is a habitual life saver, having rescued her from drowning when she went through the ice while skating. Quebec Exhibitors to Have Own Exchange Showman Say It Is Necessary As Protective Measure — Now Sell Stock MONTREAL, CANADA.— The exhibitors in the province of Quebec will open their own film exchange as a protective measure. The showmen contend that their action was made necessary because of the opening of theatres in opposition to them by manufacturers, producers and distributors. A dominion charter has been taken out, and the company will be known as the Amalgamated Exhibitors' Circuit, Ltd. Stock is being offered for sale at $100 a share, preferred stock bearing 7 per cent interest. One share of common stock is given to each subscriber as a bonus with every share of preferred. Over 30 per cent of the theatres here are shareholders, while several throughout the province have subscribed. It is the intention of the organization to open a chain of exchanges throughout the dominion. Competent exchange men who realize the exhibitors' wants will be placed in charge. Harry Pulos, Midway theatre, Montreal, is president. Jens Hansen Will Erect Combination Playhouse DEER LODGE, MONT.— Jens Hansen, manager of the Orpheum, is to build a new playhouse in Main street, which will function as a motion picture and vaudeville theatre. The house will cost $100,000. and will cover a site seventy by 130 feet. The side and rear walls will be of brick construction, while the front will be of enameled tile. Exonerated! Health Service Says Pictures Not Injurious To Eyes (Special to Exhibitors Herald) WASHINGTON. — Investigation by the public health service of the effect of motion pictures upon the eyes has resulted in exonerating the films from the charge of causing eye trouble. "The fact that millions of people go to moving picture shows throughout the United States daily without experiencing any discomfort to their eyes, or that such eye trouble as is found is not traceable to 'over indulgence' in the movies, would seem to indicate that moving pictures are not injurious to the vision," declares the service in a recent report. Due to Ocular Defect "It is true, of course, that some people do experience a certain amount of eye strain at a motion picture, but in these cases the trouble appears to be due to an ocular defect rather than to the motion picture. Such persons should therefore have the eyes examined by a competent eye specialist, for it is quite certain that the same person would find even more discomfort in the same period of concentrated reading. "In this connection it may be pointed out that employes of motion picture playhouses, who spend a large part of the day looking at the pictures, do not seem to be troubled with their eyes any more than the average individual. This is largely a personal observation since no extensive investigations have been made of the eyes of motion picture theatre employes. "It is safe to say a person may witness a picture play lasting about an hour and a half each day without straining the eyes or experiencing any discomfort, provided the eyes are good and there are no hidden defects to the vision. Indeed it is not unlikely that a motion picture show might be the means of advising one of a faulty vision. Might Be An Aid "In case of eye trouble coming on after concentrating the eyes on the printed pages of a book for a long period one does not blame the book, but thinks at once of the eyes and the probable need of glasses. "Eye discomfort in the movies should therefore be regarded as a danger signal and should lead the sufferer to the doctor's office for an examination." Scenic Added To Showing Of "Burlesque On Carmen" Several hundred feet of film showing the picturesque parts of Spain have been obtained by Victor Kremcr rilm Features. Inc., to enhance the presentation of the combination road sliow, Chaplin's "A Burlesque on Carmen," with the Carmen Beauties revue. A special picture also has been made which shows the members of the revue arriving at the theatre and members of the company in their various changes of costume.