Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

58 EXHIBITORS HERALD February 18, 1922 Exhibitors Exchange Acquires "His Nibs" Thirty St. Louis Theatres to Show Charles Sale Feature Thirty theatres affiliated with the Exhibitors Direct Service Exchange of St. Louis, Mo., will show the Exceptional Pictures Corporation film, "His Nibs," being distributed by "His Nibs" Syndicate, Inc., of which L. L. Hiller is president. The transaction was consumated by Hiller and Sidney J. Baker, general manager of the exchange. Owned by Local Men. The exchange is unique in that it is owned, controlled and operated by a local body of theatre owners. The following are the theatres and owners affiliated with it: M. S. Schulter, Ashland Theatre; S. Kaimann, Baden Theatre; Rex Amusement Co., Broadway-Family Theatre; John Kirzin, Casino; Fred Wehrenberg, Cherokee; Thos. James, Comet; W. O. Reeve, Eighteenth Street; R. A. Stierlin, Fairy; Fred N. Hoelzer, Ivory; Jos. Kotnik, McNair; McKinley Amusement Co., Majestic; Frank Spero, Marquette; W. O. Reeve, Maryland; Fred Wehrenberg, Melba; Mrs. M. G. Bourne, New Liberty; Ferd Warner, North Grand; S. Kaimann, O'Fallon; L. C. Hehl, Ozark; Rex Amusement Co., Peerless; Chas. W. Werner, Queens; S. Horwich, Red Wing; John I. Gentner, Retina; C. E. Efthim, Star; S. Sigoloff, Union; Ferd Warner, Zelphia; and S. J. Baker. A special committee passes upon a picture although members of the company may vote against it. Michigan Territory Closed In addition to the contract of "His Nibs" by the Butterfield theatres in Michigan announcement is made that the remainder of the state has been disposed of to Favorite Film Company, Incorporated, of Detroit. According to Mr. Hiller the Charles Sale feature is being enthusiastically received in various theatres where it is showing. "Lorna Doone" Production To Be Completed in Month Work on the production of "Lorna Doone," under the direction of Maurice Tourneur has reached the fifth week and it is expected the picture will be completed in about a month. The film will be published by Associated First National. The prologue for the picture has been finished and the entire cast to be used throughout, engaged. The players selected are Donald MacDonald, Norris Johnson, Frank Keenan, Madge Bellamy, John Bovvers, Joan Standing, Robert Chandler and Kathleen Lewis. Move Prizma Offices To New Headquarters The New York office of Prizma, Incorporated, has been moved from 71 West 23rd street, to the World's Tower building, 110 West 40th street. C. K. D. Walsh, president, and Caroll H. Dunning and H. G. Stokes, vice-presidents, will be located at the new office. William V. D. Kelly, technical advisor; B. S. Hall, treasurer, and H. R. Le Roy, production manager, will have their offices at the Prizma Laboratory, 8191 Hudson boulevard. Jersey City, N. J. NORMA TALMADGE in a scene from her Selznick picture, "By Right of Purchase," which is being reissued. Legion Members Act In Christie Comedy Cast in "Oh Promise Me" Is Composed of Hollywood Ex-service Men Members of the Hollywood Post of the American Legion predominate in the newly completed Christie comedy, "Oh Promise Me," to be published by Educational. The film throughout, has been made in close cooperation with the American Legion post, many of the scenes being taken in and around the Legion clubhouse. Ex-service Men in Cast Virtually every member of the cast is an ex-service man. The numerous extras used in the film were selected by Christie from a list of ex-service men and disabled veterans. Neal Burns, who has the leading role was in the army, and in the supporting cast is George Burton, Distinguished Service Medal and Croix de Guerre winner, Vic Rodman, another army man, and Henry Murdock, who saw service in Siberia. The band for the parade scenes was furnished by the Legion Post. Stars Aid Post In connection with the making of the picture Neal Burns and Josephine Hill, his leading lady, were featured in several novel stunts to help the Hollywood post. Members of the post were the first to see the film when completed. The story deals with a returned soldier and his American and Parisian sweethearts. Get Leads in Fox Film Charles Richman and Barbara Castleton have been engaged to play leading parts in the forthcoming super-special Fox production, work on which Harry Millardc is ready to start at Fox studios. Second Fox Special Is Launched in Italy Harry Beaumont Is Signed to Direct Next Shirley Mason Production William Fox, president of Fox Film Corporation, announces that J. Gordon Edwards, director of the recently completed special, "Nero," which was produced in the company's Rome studio, has launched production of another big feature, "The Shepherd King." Violet Mersereau, who played the feminine lead in "Nero," returns to Italy on February 15 to play the leading feminine part in the new Edwards production. Exterior scenes will be taken along the Nile river where the Wright Lorimer story is laid. Beaumont Is Signed Mr. Fox also announces the signing of Harry Beaumont, the well-known director. Beaumont, who recently severed connection with Metro, will assume direction of Shirley Mason in her next feature, the working title of which is "Down the Back-Stairs." In the cast are John Herron, who also recently joined the Fox forces, Edwin Stevens, Cecil Van Auker, Claire MacDowell and Aggie Herring. Purchase Baxter Stories That Fox will produce two pictures from stories by George Owen Baxter, the noted author of Western tales, is a third announcement. The Baxter novel, "Free Range Lanning" will be made with Tom Mix as the star. In "When Iron Turns to Gold" — to be known on the screen as "Iron to Gold"— Dustin Farnum will play the star role. In the cast with Farnum will be Margaret Marsh, as feminine lead, and William Conklin. Mix will have Patsy Ruth Milier as his leading lady. Manner of Electing New Head of Catholic Church Shown in Fox News Film "Electing the Pope," a motion picture visualization of processes in the selection of a new Pope at Rome, is embodied as a feature of a current issue of Fox News. The film shows the methods and rites employed by the College of Cardinals in their election of a successor to the late Benedict XV. Considerable research work was carried on, to show the various steps taken, from the call to all Cardinals issued by the Papal secretary of state, to their arrival at the Sacred College where the ballot-ne is carried on. Archbishop Hayes of New York, issues the following message to American followers of the church in the Fox News: "On the day word is received of the election of the new Pontiff, church bells should ring out in joy and thanksgiving." Tiny Actress Entertains Audience in Big Theatre Baby Peggy, the 3-ycar-old star of Century comedies, appeared in person at Sid Grauman's theatre, Los Angeles, in connection with the picture "Chums," in which she is starred. The size of the theatre and the huge audience failed to dismay the little actress who went through her performance smiling and laughing.