Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1921)

August 13, 1921 EXHIBITORS HERALD 47 Studio Established in Columbia Falls, Mont., By Flathead Producers Flathead Producers, Inc., has established a studio at Columbia Falls, Mont. Glacier Park, Flathead and the Blackfoot Indian country will be used as the locale for the Western dramas. Art Staton is featured in these productions. The first story is temporarily titled "Rough Bark le Xoir" and is from the pen of James Dayton. Actual production started on July 4 and the first picture will be ready for distribution on August 15. Tom E. Linden is president and general manager of the new organization, and the distribution will be handled through C. O'D. Blanchfield. Van Riper Opens House EAU GALLIF. FLA.— C. A. Van Riper and C. F. Hansen have opened a theatre in Ninth street. SSJ Albei t E Smith hex,,* \i 'the silver car wikEARLE WILLIAMS iy Wyndbam Maily Dtirct*d VITAGRAPH // you want action you'll find it here. "Earle Williams' best picture since 'The Fortune Hunter' " has been the verdict everywhere. Marshall Neilan's "Bits of Life" Will Be Published in September Producers Attending Private Showing Declare Film Will Establish New Type of Motion Picture Entertainment Marshall Xeilan announces that "Bits of Life," his newest First National picture following "Boh Hampton of Placer," will be distributed in September. The film recently was shown to a gathering of prominent motion picture producers in Los Angeles. These men were unanimous in their prediction, it is said, that the picture will establish a new type of motion picture entertainment. Offers Four Stories Offering as it does, four separate and distinct stories, "Bits of Life" presents the short story magazine idea on the screen in a manner which it is claimed has never before been attempted. Each story presents a different type of plot, the first episode disclosing a satire, the second a comedy drama, the third a melodrama and the fourth a farce which is expected to send the patrons away with a laugh. In selecting his four stories, Mr. Xeilan drew from the works of writers who were prominently identified with the respective type of plot they offer in this picture. This type of picture, it is pointed out, taps the reservoir of short stories that have been available to producers and which offer exceptional motion picture material but which for years have been discarded by producers because they would not come up to the necessary footage for feature production. Selects Prominent Cast The problem of overcoming the complaint of the late arrival in the theatre who comes in at the middle of a feature and is compelled to guess what the story is all about for five or six reels, it is pointed out, will be materially lessened in the presentation of "Bits of Life" due to the fact that each of these stories require only from one to two reels to tell before another complete plot is started. The cast includes Wesley Barry, John Bowers, Lon Chaney, Rockliffe Fellows, James Bradbury, Jr., Harriett Hammond, Fred Burton, Anna May Wong, Xoah Beery and many other actors and actresses of similar popularity. Synchronized Music Is Called Great Aid Chicago Orchestra Leader Praises Development of System "To have a properly drawn musical score, pre-arranged by experts who devote zealous care to each score, conforming the musical equipment to the precise movements of the pictured story, means the fulfillment of the average orchestra leader's most cherished dreams," says George Senescy, musical director for the Madison Square theatre, a Lubliner & Trinz house in Chicago. Continuing Mr. Senescy said : "I am sure that if synchronized music means half as much to other musical directors as it does to me, it will soon be used by every theatre catering to exacting amusement lovers. The time is not far distant when music which is really the screen's co-art of expression, will take its rightful place on all programs. "My personal experience as musical director for the Madison Square theatre has convinced me without a doublt that synchronized music scores are the solution of the major problem confronting orchestra leaders in motion picture theatres everywhere." Synchronized Scenerio Music Company, of 64 East Jackson boulevard, Chicago, is in receipt of hundreds of such letters from enthusiastc users of its music score service. Xothing has been left undone by the publishers of synchronized music scores to assure their complete success. Educational Backing Independence Month Branches Throughout Country are Cooperating with Exhibitors Headquarters and branches of Educational Film Exchanges, Inc., all over the country are cooperating with the independent theatre owners in their plans for making September "Independence Month." Friends of Independence "We are friends of the independent exhibitor," said E. W. Hammons, president of Educational, "and are glad to cooperate in making Independence Month all that it should mean to this class of theatre owners. "Expressions from leader-, among the independent exhibitors make us believe that we will have virtually every print in our branches working during the month of September." A letter sent from Educational's Xew York headquarters to each branch says: Is Neutral Organization "The month of September has been designated by the independent theatre owners of the country as Independence Month. Our policies are in keeping with the objectives of the independent theatre. Educational Film Exchanges is a neutral distributing organization, free from any entangling alliance, and handles only those pictures made by independent producers. "Cooperate with the independent theatres to the fullest extent in making Independence Month a real achievement for them." Prima Donna Has Joined Realart as Scenarioist Grace Drew, who sprang into fame some years ago as prima donna in "The Chocolate Soldier" and "Alma, Where Do You Live?" has joined the Realart editorial staff under the direction of Elmer Harris. In collaboration with Katherine Pinkerton she wrote "Spring Fever," which will be a forthcoming Bebe Daniels vehicle.