Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

llMJiilNlJuj MARTIN J. QUIGLEY Publisher & Editor * ISSUE OF * April 15, 1922 Mr. Hays — Friend or Enemy? By MARTIN J. QUIGLEY We are of the opinion that thousands of forward-looking exhibitors throughout America are unwilling to accept the implication that simply because Mr. Will H. Hays was selected and retained by a group of producers and distributors that he will either be prevented by his principals or that he will be unwilling personally to lend a hand in the accomplishment of reforms that will redound to the benefit of theatre owners. We do not regard as either appropriate or logical the insinuation that the Hays' program is something to be looked at askance or actually feared by exhibitors; further, we cannot but hold as irrational and uncalled for the subterranean campaign that has been launched to represent Mr. Hays as aiming for the embarrassment if not the enslavement of the theatre owner. Because of Mr. Hays' demonstrated ability, because of his reputation as a man and as a prominent and important figure in the public life of this nation during recent years, we feel warranted in assuming the integrity of his declarations and that he is not permitting himself to be used as a catspaw by predatory interests which are opposed to the advancement of the exhibitor's welfare. We think we are not going too far when we credit Mr. Hays with a realization that nothing whatsoever could be accomplished were he to attempt to thwart the aspirations of the all-important exhibiting branch of this industry. * * * Hence, we view as patently questionable the drawing of the lines of battle against Mr. Hays as indicated in the current issue of the official bulletin of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America which prints several items which are obviously calculated to cast adverse reflections upon Mr. Hays and to inhibit the work he has undertaken. We plead here and now for a square deal for the Hays' program, not on account of Mr. Hays, to whom the industry as yet owes nothing, but to whom a great opportunity has been given, because at this stage of the development of the motion picture business nothing more reckless, foolhardy or illogical could be undertaken than to permit this industry to be cut adrift from the great possible advantages of the Hays' program. Directly involved in these possible advantages, we submit, there are many questions, the solution of which will mean greater prestige, greater opportunity and greater profit for the exhibitor. Shall these possible advantages be sacrificed for no better reason than a jealous apprehension that Mr. Hays may become a constructive power in the industry to the disadvantage of demi-gods who thrive on destruction and dissension? We feel that the situation is one which invites thought but affords no grounds for alarm. The exhibitors of America, having passed through the crucible of experience with the many and great unsolved problems affecting their business, are not going to be led into any snap judgment as to what their position should be on the Hays' program. We do not ask and we would not suggest that the exhibitors of America tie themselves to any program which is not under their immediate control and supervision, yet nothing could be more absurd than for them to shut the door against the representation, counsel and co-operation of a man of the reputation, demonstrated ability and enviable public record of Mr. Hays — and we assert that the fact alone that Mr. Hays has been retained by producers and distributors does not preclude his fair, just and intelligent viewpoint on any matter affecting any person or group within the confines of the industry. A case, gentlemen, for more commonsense and less politics.