Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

January 7, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 35 R-C Statement Denies Plan To Close Hollywood Studios Preparations Being Made for Increased Activity At Coast Plant— Two New Hayakawa Films Are Nearing Completion (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Dec. 27. — Reports of an impending closing of the R-C Pictures studios at Hollywood are denied vigorously by officials at the home offices. On the contrary preparations are being made for increased activity shortly after the first of the year. The following official statement was given out at R-C offices : "It has been decided not to start any new productions during the Christmas holidays because of the thoroughly human penchant of actors for seasonal enjoyments away from work at that time of the year. But the R-C organization will be expected to make up for lost time in the first few weeks of 1922. Prepares Two Pictures for Publication "Sessue Hayakawa has two productions which are now being prepared for release. 'Five Days to Live,' which was made under the name, 'In the Street of the Flying Dragon,' and in which the star is supported by his wife, Tsuru Aoki, has received the final touches of the film editors and a finished print is being awaited. Shuberts Will Play Fred Beauvais Film T. 0. C. C. Against Exhibition of Picture Passed by Censor Board (Special to Exhibitors Herald J NEW YORK, Dec. 27.— The Fred Beauvais picture, "The Lonely Trail," will open on January 2 at Shubert's Fortyfourth street theatre. To Play Entire Chain According to C. B. Price, Inc., the five-reel feature will be sent over the entire Shubert vaudeville circuit and will be presented twice daily. Rumors are current on Broadway that there is a possibility of pictures supplementing vaudeville over the Shubert circuit. Oppose Presentation While no formal resolutions opposing exhibition of the picture have been adopted by the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce, views expressed at a recent meeting were that the picture should not be presented, owing to the fact that Beauvais figured prominently in the Stillman divorce case. The picture was passed by the New York State censorship board on the ground that "it is clean and is devoid of all connection with the Stillman divorce case." , Drastic Measures Off as Smallpox Epidemic Improves in Missouri (Sfecial to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO., Dec. 27.— Motion picture men of the state welcome the improvement in the smallpox situation as it removes the danger of a general ban against motion picture shows, theatricals and other public gatherings. The Missouri state board of health has rescinded the order that was to have taken effect on December 22, requiring all passengers on trains in Missouri, outside of St. Louis, to show a certificate of vaccination. At the time the order was issued smallpox was epidemic in Kansas City, Jackson County, Jefferson City, Calloway County, Fulton and other sections of the state. No cases were reported in St. Louis, however. Ban on Shows Is Lifted at Fulton (Special to Exhibitors Herald) FULTON, MO., Dec. 27.— The ban, which had been placed on the Fulton picture shows because of the smallpox epidemic, has been ordered lifted by Dr. H. F. Owen, city health officer. 'The order prohibited children under 16 years of age attending the shows and was in effect for several days. Takes Over Territory (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO., Dec. 27.— Joe Desberger, St. Louis Associated First National manager, has announced that on January 1 the St. Louis office will take over the Southern Illinois territory of First National. This comprises the district south of Springfield, formerly served by Chicago. Feld Joins Superior (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO., Dec. 27.— Joe Feld, St. Louis auditor for Fox Films, has gone to Kansas City to become secretary and treasurer of Superior Pictures Corporation. "Final scenes in 'The Vermilion Pencil,' in which Hayakawa is supported by Bessie Love, will be completed within a few days, and the star is expected to start upon another picture about January 9. Cut Frederick Picture "Pauline Frederick is also supervising the cutting of her latest production, 'Two Kinds of Women,' adapted from Jackson Gregory's novel, 'Judith of Blue Lake Ranch.' Miss Frederick will begin work January 9 on a film presentation of William J. Locke's novel, 'The Glory of Clementina.' Two other big stories, both written directly for the screen, have been purchased for Miss Frederick. "Doris May is nearing the close of her third R-C starring vehicle, 'Boy Crazy.' She will be started upon her next picture, 'Gay and Devilish,' about the same time the Hayakawa and Frederick companies begin work again. R. C. COLE, president of Robertson-Cole Pictures Leaving for New York "R. J. Tobin, vice-president and general manager at the studios of the R-C Pictures Corporation, is expecting to leave for New York within the next few days to remain until after the first of the year, discussing future plans with officials at the home office of the company. More definite information as to the production program at the R-C studios is expected to be given out after this conference." Vitagraph Is Erecting New Building for Its Omaha Headquarters (Special to Exhibitors Herald) OMAHA, NEB., Dec. 27.— A new fireproof exchange, equipped with three standard size vaults, is being erected here for Vitagraph. C. W. Calkins is the contractor. This building project is a part of Vitagraph's plan to expand its exchange facilities. Since July of last year the company has enlarged its branches in twelve cities and has erected several new exchange buildings. Chinese Interested in New St. Louis House (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO., Dec. 27. — A motion picture theatre copied after the Tivoli, Chicago, will be erected at the southeast corner of Grand avenue and Morgan street by a syndicate headed by Herman Henning, of the Gorg Construction Company. The structure will be a combination office and theatre building. Construction will start about January 15. Henning is en route to San Francisco to confer with several wealthy Chinese merchants who are interested in the project. Delay Griffith Opening (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Dec. 27— Opening of D. W. Griffith's "Orphans of the Storm" at the Apollo theatre has been postponed until January 3 owing to the inability to get the music as the producer wishes it.