Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

E XHIBITORS HERALD February 18, 1922 Suggestions in the Stills The Leather Pushers "The Leather Pushers," a series of twelve complete hut related two-reel features produced by Universal from H. C. Witwer's stories in Collier'.'; Weekly offer unusual exploitation possibilities. Stills presented herewith give the general atmosphere of the pictures, although the actual ring in which a fiveround bout is staged in the first of the series is not shown. The star is Reginald Denny, cast as a young pugilist. Each of the episodes (called "Rounds" in this case) deals with one of his ring encounters, a love story running through all. The current interest in pugilism, arising from discussion of a possible match for Dempsey, adds to the timeliness of the series and emphasizes the advisability of staging an actual ring bout in connection with the pictures. This can be managed in various ways. Exhibitors seeking to adopt the suggestion should first familiarize themselves with state and local boxing regulations. In almost every city it will be found permissible to arrange contests between amateurs, in some places pro fessionals. A challenge may be issued prior to the first screening. It should not be difficult to sustain marked interest thereafter. If there is possibility of interference from "reformers" it may be advisable to connect the presentation with the local branch of the Y. M. C. A. or a similar organization through a co-operative arrangement which could not have other than beneficial results. To diagram in detail a general method of exploiting the series is to cramp the initiative of showmen who will use it. The purpose of this article is to point out what appears to be an exceptional opportunity for making money consistently over a period of twelve weeks.