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June 18, 1921
EXHIBITORS HERALD
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product. Thus, by wide distribution, we bring about an equalization of rental prices throughout the United States so that the smaller exhibitors will not be forced to bear more than their share.
The statement that I no longer control the policy of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, and that 1 obey Wall Street is too ridiculous to make necessary a denial.
The policies of the organization are those laid down by me and every exhibitor who knows me must appreciate that I sanction only one way of dealing, and that is the way that is fair to both sides. I never have knowingly harassed nor embarrassed an exhibitor and I stand as I have stood for the last ten years, giving every support to the exhibitor in the knowledge that I head an organization of trained picture makers trying in every way they know how to aid the exhibitor to regain his prosperity.
I feel that it is deplorable that for selfish reasons men will work to tear apart an industry and to create dissension instead of building goodwill between the component parts of our business: the exhibiting, the distributing and the producing branches. Now, of all times, too, we need a united force to fight the agitators who are attacking us from the outside.
It seems hardly necessary to state again the truth about the misstatements that have been made regarding the case of Mrs. Dodge. We had no interest with Mr. Black at the time this deal was first made, but when the question came up, Mr. Black was requested to make every •effort to help Mrs. Dodge. After an unsuccessful attempt to come to a fair
understanding with Mrs. Dodge, Mr. Black turned the theatre back to its original owner, Mr. Emmons, who now controls the property. Mr. Black has absolutely no theatre interests in Morrisville, Vermont.
Our arrangement with Mr. Black in New England was made only after a certain group gained control of so many theatres in New England that we found ourselves in a very dangerous position and the security of our distribution was threatened. We joined with Mr. Black in order that the people of New England could see Paramount Pictures. We will welcome an investigation and the publication of the facts in the New England situation by any group of disinterested exhibitors.
Never before has there been such a feeling of goodwill between Famous Players-Lasky Corporation and the exhibitors of the United States. Agitators, attempting to build themselves, are . attacking us in an effort to destroy that goodwill which,* I feel, is an asset to the exhibitor as well as to ourselves. We must work together that our industry shall prosper.
Each exhibitor is interested in his own problem and no fair-minded exhibitor has ever found me anything but a friend to him when he has sought my aid in the solution of any of his difficulties.
I feel sure that the exhibitors of the United States will recognize as false these accusations, and will agree that Famous Players-Lasky Corporation is a good influence in the industry and not a foe to the exhibitors of America.
ADOLPH ZUKOR.