Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1921)

40 EXHIBITORS HERALD November 19, 1921 Burke Contends That Producers Subdue the Authors W riter of " Limehouse Nights" Raps Motion Picture Men in His Latest Book t IT THAT does an author think about?" (with apologies to Briggs) V\r when he views a screen version of one of his stories. Although Thomas Burke, author of "Limehouse Nights," undoubtedly does not voice the universal opinion of writers, it is interesting to note views as expressed in words and in illustrations in his latest book, "Outer Circle," published by George H. Doran Company. MR. BURKE'S ironical comment follows: "I have lately, like most modern authors, had the doubtful pleasure of seeing a film version of one of my stories. I have always regarded this story as invented and told by me, and again (like most modern authors) I was surprised when a certain skilled workman, called a producer, claimed it as his. I expressed this surprise in one or two quarters and was told not to be silly. "Well it does lacerate one's vanity to see this kind of thing: 'D. VV. Griffith's great film tragedy will shortly be seen at — Cinema. In creating this tragic story D. W. Griffith hopes to strike out a new line. D. W. Griffith presents his poignant Limehouse drama.' "I want to know the reason for this. Perhaps it is good for the author to be knocked off his perch now and then, but MESSERS. MIDDLEMEN & CO. Present Their Great New Work of Humor "The PICKWICK PAPERS" Printed by Messers. Long, Primer &Co. Comp-ing by Fred Jones, Arthur Brown, Harry Robinson and Jack Smith Machined by Messers. Stereo, Matrix, Mould and C'otype On Paper manufactured by White, Ragg & Co. Bound by Messers. Straw, Bord & Co. From a mantueript by Charles Dickent is it good that pedestrian mechanics claim what is not theirs?" Perhaps it Mr. Burke had been present at a premiere of "Broken Blossoms" and heard D. W. Griffith's praise of the author he would not have written the foregoing comment. Mr. Griffith said at that time: * * * "For whatever is good in this little picture of ours credit must be given to Thomas Burke from whose "Limehouse Nights' this story was taken." Also in the program the name of Thomas Burke was much in evidence, so much so in fact that the authorship of the story could not be mistaken. Second Presentation Of Foreign Photoplay Stirs Up No Protest (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— The successful run of "Gypsy Blood," the First National picture starring Pola Negri, at Tally's Broadway theatre, would seem to indicate that the feeling against foreign productions is being dissipated. The Kinema, according to David Bershon. general manager of the First National exchange here, shortly will present "One Arabian Night." It will be remembered that the presentation of "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" at Miller's theatre some months ago aroused such protestations that it was necessary to take the picture off. No Demonstration As German Picture Opens (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," the German picture which Goldwyn is distributing and which was stopped by protest of the American Legion when Miller's theatre attempted to show it some time ago, reopened at that house Sunday without opposition. Jack Hoxie to Wed (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— Marin Sais and Jack Hoxie, both serial stars, have taken out a marriage license at Santa Ana. Reproduction of Thomas Burke's illustration of how an author may be successfully subdued. Universal Gets Walsh (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES. Nov. 8.— George Walsh has been signed by Universal Film Manufacturing Company. A Statement i ... j by C. C. Griffin, vice-president of M. P. T. O. A., and president ol M. P. T. O. of Northern California, and W. D. Burford, director of M. P. T. O. A. and vicepresident of Illinois Exhibitors Alliance. We wish to state to the exhibitors of the country, that despite all rumors to the contrary, published or conveyed through devious channels, that there is no dissension in the ranks of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, and that the organization still stands for what it was created: The protection of the individual independent motion picture theatre owner of the country. While Mr. C. C. Griffin, whose signature is subscribed to this statement, introduced a resolution at the get-together convention in Chicago, expressing confidence in the officials of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., it is also true that the officials of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., pledged themselves to withhold publication of said resolution until it became apparent that no adjustment of the grievances between Associated First National Pictures, Inc., and the members of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America could be accomplished. As every effort is now being made by the undersigned to arrive at a constructive solution of the problem whereby the interests of those exhibitors who complain of unfair treatment will be safeguarded and adequate adjustments made, we therefore deplore the fact that certain persons, and particularly certain trade papers, have distorted the facts and attempted to circumscribe our efforts by throwing over us a cloud of disloyalty to the organization of which we are both officers. We wish to state also that as a result of our activities, we have succeeded in arranging an open meeting at the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce, between officials of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., and of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, at which time the specific complaints of members of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America who are subfranchise holders as well as those members in territories where there are no subfranchises, will be aired in the hope that this procedure will result in immediate adjustments of complaints and a better understanding between the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America and the officials of Associated First National Pictures. Inc. (Signed) C. C. GRIFFIN. W. D. BURFORD. Fox Is Discontinuing 20th Centuries for Featured Cast Films (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— Announcement is made that the Fox organization is discontinuing the Twentieth Century brand pictures and will use the stars who formerly worked in these films in big productions calling for featured casts. The stars affected are Lefty Flynn, Eileen Percv, Barbara Bedford and Johnny Walker. The players retained in stellar capacity are Tom Mix. Shirlev Mason, William and Dustin Farnum, William Russell and Charles (Buck) Jones.