Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

January 28, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 53 States Endorsement Boosts Rental Price Indiana Board Tells Exhibitor Some Action Will Be Taken Later (Special to Exhibitors Herald) INDIANAPOLIS, IND., Jan. 17.— hi ^oine instances exchanges have charged exorbitant prices for pictures approved by the Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays, according to Charles R. Metzger, an exhibitor who spoke recently before this organization. Will Take Action Mrs. David Ross, chairman of the board of indorsers, said that while the matter requires consideration undoubtedly some action would be taken later. Continuing Mr. Metzger said: "The producers are playing 'mother' pictures and 'Northern' pictures because they are safe bets. The word has gone out that these two types of pictures will get over, but the chances are that following the success of 'The Sheik' there will be a flood of Oriental pictures." Endorses Twenty-Three The picture committee of the board reported that out of thirty-six new pictures seen in December, twenty-three were endorsed. They included seven adult, eleven family pictures and five comedies. Pictures mentioned as being especially worth v were: "The Sheik," "The White Oak?' "The Serenade," "The Way of a Maid," "My Boy," "The Boat," and "Get Rich Quick Wallingford." Kane Says Closing of F. P.-L. London Plant Is Not Retrenchment (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 17.— When Robert Kane, production manager of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, was shown the report that the company's London studio was being closed, he stated that . "this is in no way a retrenchment." "We merely want to get all our peopje under one tent," Mr. Kane said. "We are working full blast in Hollywood now without any sign of a let-down." He denied that work was being suspended at the London studio because the pictures made there were unsuccessful. He said that it was impracticable to have the companies so far away from the home office. Boom San Diego As Production Center (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SAN DIEGO, CAL., Jan. 17.— San Diego plans to bid heavily for film production. A syndicate of San Diego bankers are reported to be raising funds to build studios. Grauman to Observe Theatre Anniversary (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17.— Sid Grauman will observe the fourth anniversary of the founding of his theatre with Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky collaborating. Reduce Rentals or Houses Must Close, Warns Brandt Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce in New York Launches Campaign to Obtain Lower Prices on Service (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 17. — The Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce has started a campaign to obtain a reduction in the rentals of pictures. Statistics are being compiled showing how non-employment and the recent business depression has cut into the box office receipts to such an extent as to make a reduction in cost of programs necessary to the keeping of the houses open. These figures are to be presented to the producers and distributors as soon as compiled. President William Brandt Issues Statement The Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce has a membership of about 250 and these control theatres to the number of more than 600 in and about New York City. The following statement has been issued by William Brandt, president of the organization : prices for the best attractions they could obtain, hoping thereby, to stimulate and improve business, and while in some instances business was stimulating, yet the general run was far below the average house expense. The New York territory in its various component parts, represents practically every territory of the country. "We have our manufacturing district, where the manufacturers have been closed by the score. We have in Brooklyn, the navy yards who have laid off 14,000 men. The sugar refineries have dispensed with the services of 4,000 men within the last two weeks. The ship repair yards of South Brooklyn have laid off 24,000 men. The cloak and suit industry is in the throes of a general strike with 50.000 or more people out of employment. Reflect True Condition "These are only items at random, which reflect the true economic condition in this territory. "I am serving notice upon the whole industry, that a change must come at once. We are skating on thin ice and if we don't want to fall through, we must readjust our conditions just *he same as every other industry has been obliged to do." To Return Admissions Should Price Be Cut At Succeeding Shows (Special to Exhibitors Herald) MINNEAPOLIS. MINN., Jan. 17.— J. F. Lee, American representative for Swedish Biograph Company, announces that he has insured patrons who attend performances of "Sir Arnes Treasure" at the Metropolitan theatre against a reduction in admission price should the picture be presented here at a later date. If at any future time the picture plays here, patrons may present their ticket stubs and the admission price will be refunded, according to Lee. The unique insurance policy was written by Behrendt Levy Company of Los Angeles, the premium being $400. Order Theatre Closed (Special to Exhibitors Herald) EVANSVILLE, IND., Jan. 17.— The Ohio theatre, 19 Main street, has been ordered closed by fire officials until repairs are made to make the house conform with state fire laws. "I am not an alarmist, but unless something radical is done and done real soon in reducing film prices to exhibitors. I predict before the first day of summer arrives, that over 75 per cent of the theatres in this territory will be obliged to close. Losses Can't Continue "The difference in the present exhibition values which the exhibitors are obliged to pay in their respective territories and the receipts at the box office are so far apart and their losses so heavy, that unless some change is made real soon, he will not be able to continue to lose the huge amount of money which he is obliged to do at present. "The tremendous depression in this business started when the exhibitors of this territory had the poorest summer of their existence. The season opened in September with very slight gains over the summer business, but the film rentals, instead of decreasing in accordance with the decrease at the box office, in practically every instance, was increased. Is Representative Territory "Many exhibitors paid exorbitant JACKIE COOGAN learns from John Philip Sousa, famous band leader, how to play a horn and now Jackie wants to become a musician and wear gold braid, instead of being a poor, downtrodden film star.