Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

April 8, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD '81 Report First National to Distribute Coogan's Newest Feature, "Trouble" Jackie Coogan's third starring vehicle, "Trouble," has been completed at the United Studios, Hollywood. The production was adapted to the screen from an original story and contains an abundance of comedy, as well as dramatic situations. Sol Lesser, vice-president of West Coast Theatres, Inc., announces that distribution channels will be set when he confers with officials of Associated First National at ihe company's meeting scheduled for April at West Baden, Ind. Excels Previous Films While the Coogan productions are being distributed picture by picture, indications point that the First National organization will take care of the handling of "Trouble," :is it has done with "Peck's Bad Boy" and "My Boy." "Trouble" borders somewhat on the lines of the famous Peck story and contains many more laughable episodes than the "My Boy" feature. Jackie is in the role of an adopted son of a burly plumber and his wife. The many incidents that take place while Tackie acts as the plumber's helper tend to make up a five-reel feature that is said to excel "My Boy" and "Peck's Bad Boy." Predict Big Success "Trouble" was directed by Albert Austin, and Wallace Beery and Gloria Hope are seen in the two important roles supporting Jackie. According to those who have seen the completed picture in the projection rooms of the Coogan studio. "Trouble" should have no trouble in making another top-notch record via the box office for the famous little star. Advertising angles on this new Coogan presentation are said to be unlimited and it is the intention of the producers to see that every possible assistance be given exhibitors in aids and novel press books and various other means of "putting the picture over" a full 100 per cent. Lesser Going East While Mr. Lesser is East attending the First National meeting, work will be rushed along at top speed on "Oliver Twist," Jackie's next production. Frank Lloyd, director general of the "Oliver Twist" feature, will be ready to start actual filming this week. This promises to be a truly massive photoplay in every sense of the word. Mr. Lesser plans to leave for New York early next week. He will confer with his associates there prior to leaving for the meeting at West Baden. Fourth Exchange Is Opened by National Floyd Lewis Is Manager of Company's Office at St. Louis National Exchanges, Inc., has just opened the fourth distributing office directly controlled by the parent organization within a space of three weeks from the time of opening the first of its own branches, according to the statement just issued by Walter L. Johnson, president of National Exchanges, Inc. The new exchange is St. Louis National Exchanges, Inc., located at 3435 Olive street, St. Louis, Mo. Floyd Lewis is manager. Roy Dickson is associated with Mr. Lewis, who is president of the F. I. L. M. Club.. Eridences Rapid Expansion "National Exchanges, Inc., has now opened up the fourth of its own offices," said Walter L. Johnson. "The other three, recently opened, are Metropolitan • National Exchanges, Inc., at 729 Seventh avenue, New York City ; Cosmopolitan National Exchanges, Inc., at 738 South Wabash avenue, Chicago, and Buckeye National Exchanges, Inc., at 514 Film Exchange building, Cleveland, O. These exchanges will give us our own distributing offices in four important territories. Now that we have assumed control of these distributing offices, we feel that considerable significance may be attached to the statement that National Exchanges, Inc., is making rapid and substantial growth." Productions Are Listed St. Louis National Exchanges, Inc., will distribute "Why Not Marry?" a tive-reel comedy romance, featuring Margery Wilson; a Charles Ray production every other week; a single reel comedy or magazine subject every week; a two-reel comedy every other week; "The Great Reward" serial and a feature a month. Two scenes from "Trouble," Jackie Coogan's latest independent production. A. V. Wade has purchased the Queen theatre at Yoakum, Texas, from Edward Ryba. He took charge February 22. The new owner will make many improvements, including up-to-date equipment. * * * Pepper Bros, have purchased Ola theatre at Ola, Ark., from W. F. Thompson. Ray Launches Production On First United Artists Production on Birthday March 15 was a big day for Charles Ray. It was his birthday; the anniversary of Charles Ray Productions, and on that date he shot the initial scenes for his first United Artists production, "The Tailor Made Man." Beginning of production on this feature marks the first step in the star's determination to produce fewer and better pictures, a policy announced some time ago. As a part of his birthday celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Ray entertained his staff and cast at the studio. In the cast are Stanton Heck, Douglas Gerrard, Victor Potel, Frank Butler, Kate Lester, Jacqueline Logan, Nellie Sauders and Eddie Gribbon. Second National Reports Bookings in New England Territory Total $6,000 Herman Rifkin of Boston, who has charge of the distribution of the Second National product in that territory, re-ports to the home office of the company that the bookings in New England total $6,000. The Boston runs on "David and* Jonathan," he states, have brought in $800. Mr. Rifkin is president and treasurer of Eastman Feature Film Company of Boston and New Haven. Reports from other Second National exchanges, according to officials of the corporation, show that the series of pictures which began with "David and Jonathan," followed by "Her Story" and "The Night Riders," has excellent prospects of proving exceptionally popular with exhibitors and motion picture patrons in all parts of the country. The fourth picture will be announced in a few days. Sub-Divides Territory to Handle Additional Business On account of the tremendous amount of business now flowing through the New York Paramount exchange, the territory has been divided into three divisions, under the supervision of H. H. Buxbaum, district manager, and Harry Danto, exchange sales' manager. Paul Swift is placed in charge of Division No. 1, comprising Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island; Division No. 2, embracing Brooklyn and the remainder of Long Island, will be in charge of Richard Gledhill; Division No. 3, consisting of the territory of Northern New Jersey, will be in charge of John Hammel. "The great novelty of the picture lies in the fact that it was photographed in Arabia, and with the exception of a few principals, only Arabians were used in the cast." — New York Sun on "The Sheik's Wife.'.