Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

48 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 22, 1922 JOHN LOWELL RUSSELL, producer and actor, of Gloversville, N. Y., and the world at large, declares a demand for personal appearances with a picture is to some extent a compliment, but asking a man to do ten of these stunts in one day is rather going some. But that's what they did with Mr. Russell last Sunday. And he did 'em. Mr. Russell is producer and star of "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" and has been making personal appearances throughout the country. Recently Sydney S. Cohen, president of the M. P. T. O. A., who also owns several picture theatres in the Bronx, decided to try collective buying and collective advertising. He gathered with him in the deal sufficient other exhibitors to bring ten theatres into the combination, and all the ten bought "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" for day and date showing, beginning Sunday. Also the ten theatres got together and purchased large space in the leading Bronx paper, the ads naming all the houses where the picture was to be shown. Then as an added attraction they asked Mr. Russell to make personal appearances with the picture and he consented, not realizing that it meant appearing at each of the ten houses. However, he went through with it, remarking afterwards: "I've heard of men leading dual lives and I've heard of dual personalities, but to do that stunt again I would want one more life than a cat is credited with. A man really ought to be built like a centipede to try more than three personal appearances in one day. However, the packed house at each theatre gave me inspiration and strength for the next." * * * Joe Weil postcards us from Kansas City that he is leaving there for Dallas, thusly : "Leaving here for Dallas. Dallas is in Texas. Texas is near Mexico. Mexico never heard of Volstead. Well and getting happier." So you can draw your own conclusions. Merritt Crawford startled the natives at the A. M. P. A. dinner last week by appearing there with his face freshly manicured, and the foliage which has parked so long on his upper lip, conspicuous by its absence. Some mean publicity hound twitted Merritt with having negotiated a business deal with Ostermoor. * * * And speaking of Merritt Crawford, everyone is trying to pronounce the name of the latest addition to the staff of his Screen Bulletin Service. Not really everyone, but everyone who has encountered the name. It is spelled F-e-u-i-l-l-e — first name Gerald. As near as we can get it from where we sit it is pronounced "Fuh-yih," but many call him "Foyay" or "Fuel." We pass and will try to get well enough acquainted with him to call him Gerald although that lias its drawbacks. * * * Frank LOOMIS, formerly of Vitagraph, has joined the Tilford Cinema Company's organization as casting director. He will also act as business manager of William Nigh's new producing organization. His engagement is in line with the Tilford policy of eliminating all commissions on work done by them, and all actors engaged will have no agents' fees deducted from salaries. * * * Harry Rapf was tendered a farewell dinner last week prior to his departure for Warner Brothers' west coast studios. During the evening he borrowed a beautifully chased gold pen from Eddie Bonns, who had received 't as a birthday present some time before. Absentmindedly Mr. Rapf put the pen in his pocket, but during the wee small hours into which the dinner extended, discovered he still had it. Standing up he extended the pen across the table to Mr. Bonns. Arising carefully, Eddie accepted the pen with a bow, and with well chosen words — they're always that — thanked all present for the token of esteem, etc., etc. Later he discovered it was his own pen. * * * Following a dinner last week of the Izaak Walton League of America, a delegation of leading sportsmen headed by the famous bass fisherman, Robert H. Davis, visited the Capitol theatre to see the "Goose Safari" picture produced by Eltinge F. Warner, publisher of Field & Stream magazine. Later the delegation called on S. L. Rothafel and conferred on him the title of "champion screen fisherman." * * * Sam E. Morris was the guest of honor last Saturday evening at a testimonial dinner given him at "La Maisonette" by his many friends within and without the Selznick organization. The piece de resistance was beefsteak with an antiVolstead flavor and those who were there assert without fear of controversion that it was some beefsteak and some dinner. The occasion was intended as a proper sendoff on the eve of Mr. Morris' departure for London, and it was. * * * Many persons in the industry were recipients last week of a neat little card, upon which, printed in blue, was the following: "Ps-s-s-t. It's a boy. Lowell Dutton Parsons. Born, April 1, 1022." The card also bore the names of P. Allen Parsons and Charle Besse Parsons, and the address, 38 Lawrence Avenue, West Orange, N. J. And that explains why P. A.'s chest expands to the extent of threatening the upper buttons on his weskil. Clarence Schottenfels, well known in the industry, has joined the forces of Craftsman, and will act as outside man for its art and title business. He assumed the new position on April 10. * * * Lotus Gardy says far be it from him to criticise his boss but he can't quite see the advisability of booking "The Rainmaker" into the Rivoli for this season. Gardv doesn't like to write nice things on a subject of that kind when A scene from "Why Not Marry," a National Exchanges, Inc., picture, with Margery Wilson in the leading role, April showers are not only threatening, but making good on the threat with daily regularity. * * * Paul Perez, the ubiquitous Universal hired man, has been elected president of the Motion Picture Base Ball League, which this season is expected to be made up of six teams, instead of eight which comprised it last year. In speaking of the change from eight to six clubs, Perez says: "We are ambitious and are expanding. We couldn't expand forwards, so we're expanding backwards." Arthur Brilant says the motion picture business is surely going to the dogs, basing his observations on the failure of producers to recognize talent. In spite of his wonderful characterization of a certain producer in Bill Yearsley's film production, Carl Laemmlc has not yet tried to tempt Brilant with a fabulous salary to star in pictures. John S. Spargo. Philadelphia Theatre Interest Is Acquired By Stanley Company (Special to Exhibitors Herald) PHILADELPHIA, PA., April 11.The l'laza theatre, one of the largest and most elaborate motion picture houses in South Philadelphia, has been acquired for the Stanley Company of America through the purchase by President Jules E. Mastbaum of the interest of Edmund J. Bamberger. Morris Spier will retain his interest in the enterprise. The present policy of exclusive photoplay showings will be continued with the added feature that lirst-run pictures and short subjects will be furnished by the Stanley Booking Company. The Plaza theatre, which today has an estimated value of $200,000, was completed and opened in 1913. Its seating capacity is 1,600. Mr. Mastbaum has announced that extensive improvements will be made in the playhouse.