Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

38 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 4, 1922 LIONEL BARRYMORE in a scene from the Cosmopolitan production, "Boomerang Bill," which was directed by Tom Terriss. Paramount is distributing it. is unknown to any of the exhibitors, he asked for a motion that the resolution be tabled without discussion, which was done. Take Rap at Papers After the session, Mr. Brandt, introducer of the resolution, stated that he did not expect it to be adopted but that he wanted to have the convention put on record in the matter. He also said that the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce would at once issue an invitation to Mr. Hays to address that body at an early meeting. Another outstanding feature of the business sessions was the determined stand taken in defense of the industry against the unfair and slanderous attacks made on the business by many newspapers and professional reformers. This was adopted in the form of the following resolution : Upholds the Industry "Be it resolved that the M. P. T. O. of N. Y. will not permit in their theatres the exhibition of pictures in which are featured any star or performer guiltily involved in any indecent, immoral or notorious action, or whose chief bid for fame is notoriety. The M. P. T. O. of N. Y. recognizes that the great majority of men and women in the motion picture industry are as honorable and law abiding a group of Americans as may be found; that great injury and acute personal suffering may be caused by indiscriminate condemnation and innuendo contained in sensational press reports and calls the attention of the public as well as all connected with the motion picture productions to the firm policy of the M. P. T. O. as expressed in previous resolutions." The delegates acknowledged receipt of a telegram from Mary Miles M inter, branding as false many statements in the press concerning her and others in connection with the Taylor tragedy. A telegram of sympathy was sent to Miss M inter. Address by Loew The receipt of the telegram brought from Marcus Loew a short address to the delegates in which he cautioned against indiscriminately condemning without cause members of the profession who are innocently involved in notorious cases. During his talk be paid high tribute to Miss Mintcr and to Mr. Taylor, both of whom Mr. I>ocw said he knew well and in both of whom he had every confidence as to their rectitude. • Other Resolutions Adopted The high lights of other resolutions adopted follow : NON-THEATRICAL EXHIBITIONS: Resolved that no theatrical film be sold or given to schools and churches or other such institutions which use the films for money making purposes as "this competition is injuring our members who pay taxes." DISTRIBUTION WASTE: The organization deplores the waste, extravagance and duplication of expenditure and resolves that the national president be empowered to bring about a more direct system of distribution. NATIONAL CONVENTION: Delegates to national convention instructed to vote as a unit, "the majority of said delegates to decide and determine the policy and purpose of our state organization to the end that the unification and entire strength of our organization be preserved and recorded. (William Brandt protested passage of the resolution, and asked that his vote be placed on record.) SPECIAL DRIVES: By unanimous vote the convention went on record as opposed to the holding of special drives, special weeks, etc., designed to limit the programs of members to one brand of pictures. ILLEGITIMATE STOCK SALES: The convention suggests that the public, before purchasing any stock in production companies or theatre promotion schemes, consult their local bankers or any member of the New York organization. Greatest Ever Held In point of attendance, social features and distinguished visitors, the Albany gathering was the greatest state convention ever held in the film industry. More than 500 exhibitors from within the state were there as delegates, and many from other states as guests. Among the guests were presidents and other officials of state organizations, prominent exhibitors and exchangemen from New England, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Many of the delegates were accompanied by their wives and the local women's entertainment spared no effort to make the occasion memorable. The Motion Picture Ball on Wednesday night was the gala event of the week, and the big armory was crowded for the event. Loew Brings Stars It had been widely announced that manystars would be in attendance, but up to Wednesday afternoon none had put in an appearance. Then Marcus Loew landed in Albany with a delegation of stars which not only saved the day, but proved the big attraction at the ball. In Mr. Loew's party were Doris Kenyon and her mother, Ann Forrest, Monte Blue. Montagu Love, Norman Kerry, Clifford Gray, Lew Cody, Reginald Denny. Among other screen celebrities present were Charlotte Walker, Grace Davidson, L. Case Russell, Evangeline Russell and John Lowell. The screen people were the center of crush all evening, and when they were not busy dancing, they were just as busy writing their names on dancing cards of youthful fans desirous of obtaining mementos to treasure. Motion pictures were taken at the ball, then rushed to the laboratories of General Electric Company at Schenectady, for development and printing. These were shown at the banquet which closed the convention on Thursday night. Brandt Declines Election With one exception all of the 1921 officers were re-elected as predicted in the 1 1 i kald of last week. The exception was William Brandt, who declined re-election as vice-president on the ground that his time was so taken up with bis duties as president of the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce, that he would be unable to serve. Bernard Edelhursf was chosen in his place. The ticket returned follows: Charles O. Reilly, New York City, president. Bernard Kdclhurst, New York City, vicc-prcsident, Samuel I. Herman, Brooklyn, secretary. W. II. [in toll, I'tica, N. V., treasurer. Vice presidents — Louis Beuttner, Cohoes; W. A. Dillon, Ithaca; Howard J. Smith, Buffalo, and Bernard Edelhurst, New York City. William Brandt, New York City, declined re election. Directors — Frank Koch, Rochester; Jules Michael, Buffalo; A. Elliott, New York City; G. A. Warren, Messura: Nate Robbins, Utica; K. Saunders, Brooklyn; Sam Suchow, Albany; J. N. Quittner, Middletown; Charles Steiner, B. Edelhurst and Sam Sheer. The executive committee is composed of the officers and directors. Walker Toastmaster The banquet, which closed the convention on Thursday night, was a brilliant affair. Senator "Jimmy" Walker was toastmaster and about 450 guests assembled and listened to a number of speeches remarkable for their brilliancy and constructive thought. Among the speakers were Former Governor Martin H. Glynn, who made the principal address of the evening; Mayor George R. Lynn of Schenectady ; President Sydney S. Cohen; President Charles L. O'Reilly: Judge Almet F. Jenks ; Former Senators George F. Thompson and J. Henry Walters ; and former Assemblyman Thaddeus Sweet. A screen had been erected at one end of the banquet hall and during the course of the evening's festivities motion pictures taken at the ball the night before were projected for the dinner guests. Julian Johnson Heads Famous PlayersLasky Editorial Department (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21.— Julian Johnson, newspaper man, and closely affiliated with the motion picture industry for years, most recently as editor of Photoplay Magazine, has been made manager of the editorial department of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. Mr. Johnson's appointment is announced by Vice-President Jessie L Lasky. The new executive will make his headquarters at the home office in New York. "Mr. Johnson's considerable experience in magazine and newspaper work and actual film production gives him the right viewpoint to judge material from the diverse angles of audience, critic and producer," said Mr. Lasky, commenting on the appointment. Plan Booking Affiliation With Exchanges (Concluded from page 35) dent, H. A. McClure, Emporia, Kan.;; second vice president, S. E. Wilhoit, Springfield, Mo.; third vice president, W. W. Wcrtenbcrger, St. Joseph, Mo.; fourth vice president, J. W. Watson, Benton theatre, Kansas City, Mo.; treasurer, R. A. Shelton, Ashland theatre, Kansas City, Mo. Names Purchasing Body The purchasing committee: J. P. Everett, Paola, Kan., chairman; S. A. Davidson, Neodcsha, Kan.; H. A. McClure, Emporia, Kan.; R. G. Liggett, Kansas City, Kan., and A. K. Doussad Kansas City, Mo. One member drops out on this com; mittee every thirty days and is replaced by another member of the association. "The Girl from Porcupine," "Hills ot Hate" and "A Motion to Adjourn," all Arrow pictures, were the first three accepted from Phoenix Film Corporation al the meeting last week.