Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

32 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 29, 1922 have existed long ago. He could not have done it in a million years if the exhibitors had not been impressed with his bigness and his sincerity and had not known that he was dealing on the level with them. And if Mr. Hays impressed the exhibitors, I want to say that Senator Walker was just as big in the impression he made upon producers and distributors. His speech came straight from the heart. Is Blow at Reform "Both men were right when they said there must be no yesterdays. Imagine what glee it has brought to the would-be reformers to know that two vital branches of this industry were working against each other instead of with each other. Imagine the chagrin they will feel when they know that the whole industry has at last risen above its petty spites and has taken the first step toward making a united battle against oppression in any form. (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, April 18— Apparently Will Hays is perfectly willing to be "smoked out" as to his attitude towards the industry generally. In a speech at the Minneapolis convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Minnesota, Al Steffes, president of the organization, announced that he would appoint a committee to draft a series of questions which would be forwarded to Mr. Hays to "smoke him out so the public will know just what his attitude towards us and the rest of the industry really is." When his attention was called to this Mr. Hays said: "My attitude towards the exhibitors and the rest of the industry was made pretty clear in my talk to the exhibitors at the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce last week, every word of which I reiterate. Evidently Mr. Steffes had not seen an account of that meeting." Wires Minnesota Meeting Mr. Hays sent the following wire to the exhibitors at the Minnesota convention: "Alinnesota Division, Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America: "Having sincerely at heart the progress and development of the motion picture industry, it is my pleasure to extend to you my felicitations and sincerest best wishes, with the hope we may have complete confidence and fullest co-operation between all branches of the industry. The advancement of our industry demands this closest co-operation and confidence between the exhibitor, the producer and the distributor, all to the end that the fullest success may come to those interested and that the public may be more wholesomely served." Exhibitor leaders here deplore Steffes attitude and arc outspoken in condemning it as ill-advised, especially in view of the T. O. C. C. meeting. One of the officials of the New York state organization said: Can Answer Satisfactorily "Let Steffes send along his questionnaire. Hays will answer it and answer it satisfactorily. We are as anxious for co "I can't help admiring a big thing when it is done in a big way and I congratulate everyone who had any hand in this wonderfully important get-together movement. After the exhibitors and producers have worked shoulder to shoulder for a short time, both sides will discover that the other fellow hasn't any horns after all.", "I know nothing of the meeting of the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce at which Mr. Hays spoke," said Adolph Zukor, president of Famous PlayersLasky Corporation, "except what I have read in the trade papers. "I am very much gratified, however, to see evidence of a splendid get-together spirit, and I am looking forward to a time, which I hope is in the very near future, when the same forces which showed such mutual good will last Tuesday will sit at the same table and settle the industry's difficulties in the same spirit of cooperation and amity. It was a big step in the right direction." operation and harmony as is Mr. Hays and his organization and we need it just as badly. Mr. Hays' clear statement of his attitude convinces us that through confidence in him and cooperation with his association we can reach this badly needed harmony. We are going to take him at par value and give him our confidence, and there is small doubt but what the exnibitors of the entire country will look upon the matter in the same light as we do here." Following are the series of questions drafted by Steffes: "1. Do you represent the producer, and the exhibitor, or the producer alone? "2. Do you intend to make an effort to bring about a curtailment of picture production? "3. Do you intend to make an effort to eliminate extravagant competition on Have Absolute Faith in Hays NEW YORK, April 18.— The following telegram has been received at the offices of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors of America: "Indianapolis, Ind., April 17, 1922. "We have noted with the greatest appreciation the enthusiastic reception of the exhibitors of the country of Will H.* Hays' plea for confidence and co-operation within our industry. We in Indiana have recognized for years this is the solution of all our difficulties and only because Will Hays is an Indiana man have we delayed in forwarding our congratulations on his broad aims for the good of us all, preferring to let our fellow exhibitors catch his splendid special first and give their expression of opinion of our big brained champion of right. We have absolute faith in Will Hays and his certain ability to establish thorough business principles heretofore so sadly lacking, that every honest exhibitor, producer and distributor can subscribe to and we will give him our whole hearted support in his effort. Indiana exhibitors arc absolutely lor the movement." The wire was signed by E. H. Bingham, a state and national official of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners. the part of the producers in the bidding for stars, and the curtailment of waste that reflect greater rentals for exhibitors? "4. Why have you so long deferred a public statement setting forth your position as related to the exhibitor? "5. Do you represent all recognized producers? If not, what percentage and what companies do you represent? "6. Do you propose to function for the producers as a whole or for a selected tew? "7. What constructive measures have you in mind to stabilize production, distribution and the industry? "8. Have you the authority to relieve motion picture theatre owners from showing alleged objectionable pictures for which they have innocently contracted? "9. Do you intend to cooperate with the national exhibitors' organization — the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America— in a united movement to improve conditions and bring about advancement of the industry?" Miller Is Easing Up On Censorship Issue New York Governor Puts HisVeto on Bill Giving More Power (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEVV YORK, April 18.— That Governor Miller is changing his views on censorship is evidenced by his veto of the Lusk bill which provided for enlarged powers for the New York censorship board. This at least is the view of the governor's action taken by those members of the industry most conversant with affairs at Albany. The veto, which came as a surprise to the film world, is regarded as one of the signal victories of the year. Was Organization Bill The measure which was looked upon generally as an organization bill, in so> much as it was introduced by Senator Clayton Lusk, had caused consternation among officials of the film producing and distributing companies, as it seemed to indicate a tremendous expansion of the commission's powers — to an extent in fact which would have enabled the commission to issue subpoenas and examine witnesses under oath and to inspect and require the production of any books, records, papers or documents from the film companies for the purpose of investigating any matter relating to the licensing or granting of permits for films. Assigns No Reason Governor Miller made no explanation of his reasons for vetoing the measure. The most drastic phase of the Lusk amendment was that provision which would have enabled the censorship board to investigate the internal affairs of the motion picture companies in connection with its enforcement of the rules and regulations of the commission. Film interests believed that a law of this character would be an unwarranted invasion of the business secrets of the companies making and distributing pictures and that the pictures themselves when presented to the board for license when self-explanatory and that the commission, in arriving at its decision to license or not to license such films, was fully able to judge them at their face value. Ross Made Director (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, April 18.— Nat Ross, former secretary to Carl Lacminlc and more recently assistant director for King Iiaggott, has been made a director. Steffejs Attitude Is Deplored by Leaders -J