Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

MARTIN J. QUIGLEY Publisher & Editor * ISSUE OF * January 28. 1922 Will H. Hays — and His Job By MARTIN J. QUIGLEY THE acceptance by Will H. Hays of an invitation to head an association of motion picture interests carried into realization a plan that was first launched several years ago and has been steadily gaining in favor since. The plan, essentially, from the very start, was identified with the idea of obtaining the services of a man of eminent standing with a record of achievement outside the industry with a view to placing at the head of certain activities necessary to the business an individual who could be depended upon for real executive ability and who could, under no circumstances, he charged with favoritism toward any group, taction or firm within the industry. Mr. Hays leaves the exalted office in the President's cabinet to associate himself with a work which, although not carrying with it the honor and preferment of the postmaster generalship, actually opens up for an executive of tact, vision and aggressiveness a far wider opportunity. # * * "pYEX a casual observer of the problems and possibilities of the motion picture industry must realize that once this business is organized into a smooth-working machine, developing to its fullest the marvelous possibilities of the medium with which it is concerned and then directing this medium toward the accomplishment of its higher aims there will have been accomplished a work which will add a lasting glamor to the name of the man responsible for it. Such is the opportunity confronting Mr. Hays. Even in the face of the demonstrated ability of Mr. Hays it must not be expected that this herculean task is going to be accomplished in any short time but only that a long period and the fullest cooperation of every factor of the industry will enable material progress to be made. Unfortunately. Mr. Havs enters his new work at a moment when the work that is to be done is enshrouded with misunderstanding and suspicion. Due to much rash talk that has been uttered about the industry going into politics it is only natural that Mr. Hays, a big factor in the Republican party, should have attributed to him some political motive in his new undertaking — an implication which is at once untrue and absurd, I 'cc ause Mr. Hays has been active politically there will be some who will assume, and others — who are nurturing malice — will charge, that the motion picture interests which have retained Mr. Hays are chasing some political fancy — which is likewise i ntrue and absurd. * * * X/TK. Hays' activities will be concerned expressly with those matters which would naturally come under the supervision of the executive head of the producers' and distributors' association— and nothing more. This industry wants nothing in politics but wants to keep as far away from politics of every description as it will be permitted to do so by the radical reformer and the covetous politician. This is the only sound business code; it is the one being followed by every successful industry and it, doubtlessly, is the one which Mr. Hays will be very strict in enforcing. If Mr. Hays pursues the line of activity which he is expected to pursue — and doubtlessly will, he should from the start be regarded as an ally of the exhibitors' organization and of every exhibitor individually. A solution of those problems which will fall within his province is calculated to serve the best interests of the industry generally and, consequently, the best interests of every group in the industry. We congratulate the industry upon its good fortune in obtaining the services of Mr. Hays and we congratulate Mr. Hays upon the opportunity for a great constructive work that lies before him.