Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1921)

46 EXHIBITORS HERALD November 19, 1921 This is copy for slide No. 29. Each week there will be printed in this space a brief message of information and argument aimed to inform the public correctly concerning the issues involved in the campaign for the freedom of the motion picture. I talk to my patrons about my bookings, etc., as often as I can and in my articles in the local paper I try to come to the point with them so they can feel that it is a heart to heart talk I am having with them. Example: I recently published a quarter column article explaining the reason for the M. P. T. O. and how the M. P. T. O. felt in regard to showing clean pictures and pointed out to them that said organization had adopted resolutions against the showing of pictures in which the following appear: Roscoe Arbuckle, Virginia Rappe and Clara Smith Hamon, and mentioned the fact that our theatre is a member of the M. P. T. O. We also have caused the editor of the local paper to become a staunch supporter of ours and he and his reasonably large family enjoy their season pass nightly. Hence, he is in a position to back us up in any of our arguments which he does through his editorial columns quite often. In my opinion the good will of an editor is one of the greatest asets an exhibitor can have. We have also been partly instrumental in the success of two musical organizations in inviting them to use our theatre Sunday afternoons for the entertainment of the public. One of the organizations is a Chorus Choir and the "Community Sings" they are having in our theater every other Sunday are becoming more popular all the time. Things of this kind are bound to bring good results through the creation of a friendlier feeling and the get-together feature. I am afraid I have said too much and occupied too much of your time. However, I do want to take this opportunity of expressing my admiration of your untiring efforts in helping the exhibitor in every way and I believe the best thing that I can say for your paper is that it is without any doubt whatever the "Exhibitors' Paper." No one can deny the effectiveness of a campaign such as Mr. Baradel is conducting. His victory in itself is ample proof that the public will support a responsible movement for the maintenance of freedom. Exhibitors should note particularly Mr. Baradel's reference to the local newspaper situation. Every theatre man should become a close friend of the editor in his community. Newspapers generally carry great weight in the com munities in which they are published and if the editorial columns of these papers are open to the industry it will present an obstacle to the furtherance of the reform campaign. Of particular interest is Mr. Baradel's statement that he did not wait until the reform activities were threatening to launch his campaign. This is an answer to those who would dilly-dally along, waiting for the reformer to strike first. This shortcoming on the part of members of the industry has permitted the reformer to gain a foothold in many places. Another factor which has entered into Mr. Baradel's success is his willingness to enter into all civic activities. Your greatest success will come if you are "just one of 'em" in the town or city in which you operate. Mr. Baradel has described his campaign of quieting the reformer. Let other exhibitors inform the industry of their activities through the medium of the PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE. PLEDGE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE OQ Freedom!. JlST '■ ^Forthe|C*$ $tMol,on C Sponsored by EXHIBITORS HERALD in the interest of the INDUSTRY and the PUBLIC "For the Freedom of Motion Pictures" I realize the existence of a concerted movement on the part of radical reformers to establish a dictatorship over the motion picture industry through the enactment of drastic and un-American laws. Knowing that immediate action must be taken to maintain the freedom of the screen, / PLEDGE MYSELF TO THE CAUSE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE, my only obligation to be that I will use, whenever conditions permit, the slide of the League, and in this manner do my part in arousing public sentiment against this radical and oppressive legislation. Sign and mail lo EXHIBITORS M HERALD. 417 South Dearborn Street, IName Chicago. You then will be enrolled as Theatre a member c/ the PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE. City Clip Out! Si ign ! And Become a Member of League