Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

January 21, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 31 Woman's Club Would Investigate Industry Want Congressional Probe of "Political Activities" of Business A resolution urging Congress to investigate the "'political activities" of the motion picture industry . was acted upon at the General Federation of Women's Clubs, held in Chicago. Action on the resolution was taken simultaneously with the report that Postmaster General Hays had accepted the offer to head the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry at a salary of $150,000 annually. It was stated by a club member urging adoption of the resolution that the industry's participation in politics "might involve violation of anti-trust and other laws or improper relations with state boards of censorship." Charges Bribery In Censor Fight (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 10.— The New York Civil League, headed by the Rev. O. R. Miller, charges that Senator Lusk, Republican floor leader, could have sold out to the motion picture men for $100,000 by defeating the censorship measure. An inquiry of the charge may be made. Hays Announces His Decision Saturday on Proffer of Producers (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 10.— Postmaster General Hays on Saturday will announce whether or not he will accept the post of director general of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry. It is said that he has been offered an annual salary ot $150,000. Mr. Hays signature has already been penned to the contract offered him, according to current statements. It is said that nothing which may develop at the conference with his prospective clients will change his attitude. Writer in Personal Appearance at Play (Special to Exhibitors Herald) PHOENIX. Ariz., Jan. 10.— H. H. Van Loan, photo-dramatist, appeared in person at the Strand theatre here in connection with the Western premiere of one of his latest pictures, "Fightin* Mad," in which William Desmond stars. In conjunction with the appearance of the author the Arizona Republican conducted a photoplay contest, of which Van Loan judged the winners. First prize was a scholarship in the Palmer Photoplay Corporation; other prizes aggregated $150 in gold. Fire Ruins Solax Studio and Films (Special to Exhibitors Herald) FORT LEE, N. J., Jan. 10.— The Solax Studio. La Moyne avenue, was completely destroyed by fire. Loss on building and completed films which were stored in it are estimated at between $30,000 and $75,000. Cecil Hepworth Will Invade U. S. with English Pictures Negotiations Under Way for Distribution of Film Here — Production Facilities Being Enlarged — Features Promised in Six Months (Special to Exhibitors hLcrald) NEW YORK, Jan. 10. — Cecil M. Hepworth, prominent English producer who has just completed a four month's survey of motion picture conditions in this country, announces that negotiations are being conducted for the regular distribution of Hepworth productions in America. To meet what he believes will be the requirements of the American market, Mr. Hepworth is enlarging his studios so as to quardruple the present facilities. Producer Considering Two Propositions There will be a continuous supply of Hepworth pictures for the American market within the next six months. The producer is considering distribution arrangements with two companies, one a national organization and the other a state right firm. He states that both propositions are attractive but will reserve his decision until after his return to England. made, in that its chief characters are cockney, a distinctly local development in English life. Its fundamental idea, however, is as much American as it is English, and its humor is universal, as far as the two countries are concerned. Pictures "On Trial" "I realize, naturally, that the English pictures for the time being will be on trial in this country, and for that reason I have refused to enter into some arrangements that promised a rather unexpectedly large financial return, but which would bind me to deliver in this country every picture that we make. I want to be in a position where I can withhold any picture that I do not think will give 100 per cent audience satisfaction and make money for any exhibitor who books it. "Two propositions that have been made would give me the right to withhold any production that I did not deem appropriate to the American market, with the proviso that I would not release any production, so withheld, at all in the United States. Either one of the two that I have on consideration, or a similar one. is the arrangement tha. I will ultimately make, but it is very doubtful if I will take any definite action until after I have returned to England and have had the opportunity of consulting with my associates there. Believes There Is Demand "In entering the American field there i-i no desire on my part, or no expectation, that our productions are going to replace any American productions. When it is taken into consideration that English producers are only supplying about 15 per cent of the pictures shown in English theatres, it can be readily seen what a small percentage we would expect to do in America, even if we had the idea of displacing any American productions in their home markets. We simply feel that there is room for English productions here, and that there is a demand for them because they are different." Star to Give Dinner To Theatre Attaches (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10.— Mabel Normand will give a complimentary dinner to attaches of the Mission theatre on Tuesday in appreciation of the success of a six weeks' first run of "Molly O." One factor which Mr. Hepworth says has impressed him with the possibilities of success in America for English pictures is the enthusiasm with which "Alf's Button" has been received. First National is handling this feature. Hepworth Issues Statement Concerning the American market Mr. Hepworth has this to say: "French, Italian and German pictures never will acquire a permanent place in the American exhibiting field because of the racial differences that exist in the story elements. The big spectacles from these countries, that have been successful here, are not typical of the general supply that they are making, and are not a reflection of the countries themselves. "Between England and America, however, there is no racial difference. The product of English writers is as vividly gripping to the American reader as is the American novel to the Englishman. 'Alf's Button' is even more English than nearly any production we have ever A scene from "The Lane That Had No Turning," a Paramount picture with Agnes Ayres and Theodore Kosloff.