Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

February 18. 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 5i CHARLES RAY (yes, it's Charlie) in a scene from his next First National picture "The Barnstormer." Demand Prevails for Arrow's New Serial President Cites Wide Range of Appeal in Wilson Chapterplay That an unusual interest prevails in Arrow's serial, "Nan of the North," is indicated in word received from exchanges and exhibitors by President W. E. Shallenberger of the distributing company. This chapterplay was produced by Ben Wilson and stars Ann. Little. Has General Appeal . President Shallenberger points to the unusual appeal in this serial. The fact 'that a greater portion of the action takes 1 place in the Yellowstone Park has proved a drawing card, he says, educators having requested special presentations for school children. The company points out that endorsement by teachers and schools is an angle which no exhibitor should overlook in playing the production. Is Successful Serial McConville & Patten of Boston, who are distributing the serial in their terriI tory, state that "Nan of the North" is the most successful chapterplay thev have ever handled. Cast in Fourth Doris May Picture for R-C Selected The cast for "Gay and Devilish," a comedy drama starring Doris Mav, has been completed. This will be Miss May's fourth R-C picture produced by Hunt Stromberg and directed bv William A. Seiter. The play was written bv Charles Logue. which Garrett Elsden Fort adapted for the screen. The members of the cast supporting Miss May are Cullen Landis. Otis Harlan. Jacqueline Logan, Bull Montana, Lila Leslie, and others. "Prodigal Judge" Receives Plaudits Of First Nighters at N. Y. Theatre Next Production Starring Jean Paige Announced By President Smith of Vitagraph — Will Be Version of "Magnificent Ambersons" Immediately following the successful opening of the pre-release showing of "The Prodigal Judge" at the Cameo theatre in New York, President Albert E. Smith of Vitagraph announced that production would begin shortly on another starring vehicle for Jean Paige. This picture will be a version of "The Magnificent Ambersons." "The Prodigal Judge" will have a stay of at least two weeks at the B. S. Moss house in New York. The opening night was a gala occasion despite inclement weather. The theatre was packed at the evening performances and a distinctly first night atmosphere prevailed. Prominent Players Attend Praise was heard on all sides and the press acclaimed it "eminently successful because it is a clean, wholesome American story, and earned the applause the capacity audience gave it." Attending the initial performance were the star. President Smith, B. S. Moss. Maclyn Arbuckle. who plays the role of the judge; Ernest Torrence, Earle Fox. Horace Braham and numerous members of the Lambs' club. Press Lauds Picture The New York Sun commented upon its excellent casting, direction and faithfulness to scenic and costuming details. The Mail called the picture the best of any bill which has been presented thus far at the Cameo, describing it as "a really excellent example of how a written novel should be screened." The New York Tribune praised the authentic atmosphere of the original and the reflection of "that whimsicality in Kester's work which is too often apt to shrivel under the glare of studio lights." Edward Jose, director of this special, also will direct "The Magnificent Ambersons." He is selecting the players for the supporting parts. Is Tarkington Story "The Magnificent Ambersons" was written by Booth Tarkington. It is considered bv many as one of the strongest pieces of characterizations that ever came from the pen of the famous Indiana novelist, and is American to the core. Lite in the Middle West is delineated as only Tarkington can do it. Many scenes in the picture will be filmed in that section of the country. Attractive Lobby Display Draws Crowds to Theatre The Capitol theatre of Elizabeth, N. J., is credited with having inaugurated one of the most attractive lobby displays in connection with "Lavender and Old Lace" since it was published by Hodkinson. Ten days before the week's run of the picture Manager Henry P. Nelson artistically draped the theatre lobby, using more than one hundred yards of lavender ribbon and an equal amount of white lace. The effect not only proved its value at the box office, but resulted in considerable publicity in the local paper for the picture and the theatre. Denver Puts Stamp o Action of First More than two dozen franchise holders of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., comprising the Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming territory, endorsed the action of the First National Get-Together at Chicago last October and elected an advisory board of four members for the region, in conformity with the new policy outlined in Chicago. The convention held at the Brown Palace hotel, Denver, makes the endorsement of the Chicago Get-Together unanimous, First National states. The Denver meeting was characterized by the interest that prevailed as evinced by the numerous questions asked of H. T. Nolan, original franchise holder of the Rex theatre. Greeley, Colo., who presided. Elected by States The advisory committee of four members was elected by states, two going to Colorado and one each to New Mexico and Wyoming. The members elected to the board were Alvah G. Talbot of Denver; M. G. Gerhart of Collins, Colo.: Tames F. Lynch of Laramie. Wyo.. and Gus Kohn of Las Vegas, N. M. Of these Messrs. Talbot and Lynch had served as delegates to the Chicago Get-Together and were urged to serve on the advisory board because of their close contact with the national officers and their familiarity with conditions. In asking the cooperation of an advis f Approval on National at Chicago ory board. Mr. Talbot expressed the hope that any differences that might arise with franchise holders could be satisfactorily adjusted by Mr. Nolan and Mr. Ashby. Considerable time was spent in going over the minutes of the Chicago-Get-Together and discussing and approving the action taken by the delegates. Those in Attendance Among those who attended the Denver convention were: A. G. Talbot, American theatre, Colo., and Casper. Wyo. ; Ole M. Nelson, Majestic theatre, Grand Junction, Colo.; E. C. King, representing Mr. Wonderly of the Rourke, La Junta. Colo.; A. G. Talbot, America, Sterling. Colo.; H. T. Nolan, Rex, Greeley, Colo.; E. R. Hardwick, Lyceum, Clovis, N. M.; Mrs. G. Yaeger, Schuler Auditorium, Raton, N. M. ; J. F. Lynch, Empress, Laramie, Wyo.; V. W. Footman, Burns, Colorado Springs, Colo.: Paul Turgeon, Green River, Wyo., and Max Schuback, Ft. Morgan and Sterling, Colo. Mr. Nolan cited several instances in whi-h the organization had protected frai -hise holders against commercial interests that wanted to buy the franchise by offering more money for the service than was being paid by the present holder. In each instance, he declared, the offer had been turned down.