Exhibitors Herald (Jan-Mar 1920)

March 27, 1920 EXHIBITORS HERALD 35 'Comedyart" Will Be Published March 28 First 2,000-Foot Reel Has Been Cut and Edited by Special Pictures Editing, cutting and titling has been completed on the first "Comedyart" publication of the Special Pictures Corporation. It will be issued on March 28. The first 2,000-foot reel has been previewed by members of the motion picture press in Los Angeles. It includes comedy, novelty and scenic features. The comedy. "Uneasy Feet." is 1.400 feet, the scenic, "God's Country." is 400 feet, and the novelty, "Memories," is 200 feet. Contains Picturesque Scenes The scenic contains some very picturesque mountain and canyon views. It was taken in Zion Canyon. Utah, which is declared by many nature critics to be even more beautiful than Grand Canyon of Arizona. The film was colored by the Handschiegl process. The comedy, "Uneasy Feet." is novel among those of its class. There is not a single face shown until the end of the picture, and no subtitles are used. The story has been told by Ward Lascalle. director, simply by the use of the nether extremities. There is a surprise ending which has a decided punch. "Good Old Days" The "Memories" film of the March 28 issue pictures the barroom of the "good old days" with the boys making merry over their cups, and later shows the same barroom devitalized and dealcoholized into an ice cream parlor with the boys devouring nut sundaes and ice cream sodas. Before shipping the first picture k was shown to a number of Los Angeles exhibitors and was given enthusiastic reception. In addition, it was tried out at a small suburban theatre in Los Angeles, with an average audience which responded well. Ellis Parker Butler Story to be Filmed (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS AXGELES. March 16.— King Vidor's second production under his contract with First National will be a picturization of "The Jack Knife Man." by Ellis Parker Butler, the purchase price of which is quoted as S13.000. New York Exhibitors Prepared to Fight All Unfriendly Legislation Convention at Utica Unites Theatre Owners of the State for Coming Fight at Albany— Sydnev Cohen Reelected President By JAMES BEECROFT (By Wire to Exhibitors Herald) XEW YORK. .March 16.— With the exhibitors of the state firmly united by the recent state convention held at L'tica. officers of the New York btate Motion Picture Exhibitors' League look forward with confidence to the coming battle at Albanv, when a series of measures untnendly to the theatre owners will be introduced into the legislature. The record breaking attendance at the convention, together with enthusiasm displayed, indicates that the exhibitors of the state are thoroughly alive to the dangers of the proposed bills and will fight to the last ditch against them. Public Sentiment Being Aroused i A1i °VCI the State' the theatre owners are carrving on a carefullv planned and well executed campaign to arouse pubfic sentiment on the several questions That it is succeeding is mirrored in editorial comment and the news columns of the press. The re-election of Sydney S. Cohen as president and the other officers occasioned no surprise. The names of each of the men was the signal for prolonged applause when placed in nomination. The officers are now busily Tgaged in carrying out the expressed wish of the exhibitors of the state on many questions. Many Resolutions Adopted During the convention, the exhibitors voiced their opinion on many points. Resolutions were adopted opposing percentage booking, the advance deposit system, the so-called sex pictures, the present Ford Weekly contract, thinly disguised screen advertising and a bill before the state legislature defining minors barred from motion picture theatres as under 18 years of age. Uniform and equitable contracts, the repeal of the daylight saving law. a new national organization of exhibitors, and encouragement of independent producers and exchanges were among the movements favored in resolutions. Practically "everybody who is anybody" in the fihn business attended the session at Utica. producers, distributors and exhibitors alike. Social Features Enjoyed The banquet March 9 was one of the sparkling features of the convention. The "movie ball" was another occasion which permitted the delegates and visitors to get their minds off the more serious questions for a time. Lewis J. Selznick's organization put over a number of stunts which added greatly to the enjoyment of the delegates. One of these, the publication of a convention bulletin, made a big hit with the exhibitors. Zena Keefe. Selznick star. led off the grand march at the ball with Mayor lames Keegan O'Connor, and donated a cup as a prize in the waltz contest Ch icago Awarded 1920 Convention The 1920 convention of the Motion Picture Exhibitors of America. Inc.. originally scheduled for Ocean View. Va., will be held in Chicago On account of the many questions of vital importance which are scheduled for consideration, directors have decided to meet in Chicago so that exhibitors from all parts of the country can conveniently attend. The date has not been definitely decided. THREE SCENES FROM "THE YELLOW TYPHOON" Anita Stewart's next First National picture is being directed by Edward Jose at the Louis B. Mayer studios, Los Angeles. The story is by Harold McGrath.