Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1921)

November 19. 1921 EXHIBITORS HERALD 41 Frenzied Reformers Active in All Sections of Country DOLORES CASSINELLI in a scene from "Anne of Little Smoky." a Playgoers all-star production, which Pathe is distributing. Coast Labor to Launch Fight on Non-Union Films (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES. Nov. 8. — A fight against non-union made pictures will be conducted throughout the world by the Los Angeles Central Labor Council. Each of the 45,000 members will be assessed 50 cents monthly to aid 1,200 film artisans in their long drawn out fight against producers employing non-union workers. According to J. S. Horn, secretary, $20,000 monthly will be available to conduct a sympathetic boycott in every locality where unfair pictures are shown. Ramish Interests Are Bought by Loew, Inc. ( Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— Peace settled over the Hippodrome theatre this week as a result of action by Judge Hewitt in discharging Gilbert Gardner, receiver for the theatre during the litigation pending between Adolph Ramish and interests representing Loew. Inc. The latter has bought the Ramish interests here and in other cities, it was stated, thus bringing an end to factional differences. Court Ruling Is Blow To Censorship Forces (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— Censorship in California was given a body blow by Superior Judge Frank Willis when he held that the Long Beach city ordinance relating to prize fight pictures was uncertain and ambiguous and ordered Dave Leavitt, employe of the Laughlin theatre, where the Dempsey-Carpentier films were showing, released. Are Censorship and Sunday Closing Advocates Increasing Efforts to Oppress IndustryCities to Vote on Issues Frenzied reformers, as well as politicians, are heightening their efforts throughout the country to legally oppress the motion picture industry. Dispatches received this week from many states indicate that a formidable campaign is under way to foist censorship and Sunday closing upon the exhibitors. Situation Clears in Other Places Some of the dispatches, however, carry a note of optimism. In one city where censorship has been threatening for several months the proposed ordinance creating a board has been withdrawn by its sponsors. In another city it seems as though exhibition of pictures in the local churches presents itself as an obstacle to Sunday closing. To really appreciate the situation read these dispatches : This Isn't So Bad— PORTLAND. ORE.. Nov. 8.— The proposed censorship ordinance which has been before the council for some months has been withdrawn by the Portland Council of Churches which sponsored it. The Rev. Dr. Monroe G. Everett declared that the reason for withdrawing the measure was because the present board was functioning adequately. And Neither Is This — SPRINGFIELD, O., Nov. 8.— It is possible that the case against John F. Ridenour, former manager of the Colonial theatre, who is charged with operating his house on Sunday, may be dropped. Attorneys hold that if the law is enforced to the letter it will affect two local churches now exhibiting pictures on the Sabbath. But Just Read This— ROME, X. Y., Nov. 8.— It is understood that the Associated Church Council will seek an order from Supreme Court Justice Alverson which would bar the referendum on Sunday pictures. The Churches would base their action, it is said, upon the ruling Best Bet on The Market A few weeks ago, a HERALD subscriber wrote in that he did not believe the Gem theatre at Batesville, Ark., was taking the HERALD. He asked that a sample copy be sent to the Gem to give the manager "a chance to see what he was missing." The following letter from Charles J. Kern, owner of the Gem, tells the result: "To begin with, who ever asked you to send us an EXHIBITORS HERALD? Well, anyhow it came and the manager is so well taken with it that he is going to subscribe for it. Really, he claims it to be the best bet of the market when it comes to delivering the real dope. "I am enclosing the clipping for slides on the 'Public Rights League' which we will be glad to run. A little boost from all sides relieves the weight on the man in the middle." of the corporation counsel that the council action ordering a referendum is illegal. Then Consider This — INDEPENDENCE, IA., Nov. 8.— An ordinance prohibiting operation of motion picture shows on Sunday has been enacted by the city council. The question has caused considerable turmoil in the council since the election last spring. And Also This — PASADENA. CAL.. Nov. 8.— City Manager C. \Y. Koiner has appointed members of the new board of censors created by an amendment to the censorship ordinance. Mrs. Beatrice C. George, Mrs. Flora M. Turnbull, F. F. Pearse, F. M. Chapin and Frank Hawkes hereafter will review the pictures shown here. And Finally This. SPRINGFIELD, MO, Nov. 8.— The local Ministerial Alliance and various Protestant organizations are circulating petitions demanding a local option election on the question of closing motion picture shows, theatres and other amusements on Sunday. Recently Springfield had a series of revival services. A favorite subject of attack for the visiting evangelist was Sunday shows. A bill to close amusements on the first day of the week was presented to the city counciL It didn't make a huge hit with the lawmakers. It was then the advocates of the blue laws decided to circulate their election petitions. Talmadge Departments Move to New Quarters (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Nov. S.— Owing to rental of the Talmadge studios at 318 East 4Sth street to the Selznick organization the following departments of the Talmadge organizations have moved to the State Theatre building at 1540 Broadway. Booking in charge of Felix F. Feist : publicity in charge of Beulah Livingstone, and bookkeeping in charge of Alonzo Kirkpatrick. During the next twelve months Norma and Constance Talmadge will make most of their productions on the Coast. Alhambra To Feature First National Films (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8.— The Alhambra theatre, operated by West Coast Theatres, Inc., hereafter will be a firstrun house for First National and Associated Producers attractions.