Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

78 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 29, 1922 LETTERS From Readers A forum at which the exhibitor is invited to express his opinion on matters of current interest. Brevity adds forcefulness to any statement. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Has No Fear of Radios CHICAGO, ILL.— To the Editor: We are inclined to believe that the importance of the radiophone as a competitor of the theatre has been overestimated. We cannot view it seriously in this light, nor can we bring ourselves to believe that it will operate to keep large numbers of people away from the theatre. Has the talking machine ever been considered serious competition for the theatre? How much theatrical patronage was lost to Bert Williams or Al Jolson through the fact that nearly every owner of a talking machine in the Umted States has one or more records made by one or the other of these famous entertainers? , There are a score or more of motion picture "fan" publications that carry in every issue photographs of the celebrities or the screen and Actionized synopses of current film releases. Has anyone ever suggested the idea that the publication of such material was hurting attendance at the motion picture theatre? Frankly we are amused at the gravity with which certain gentlemen appear to be viewing the radiophone. This remarkable invention is, after all, merely another means of publishing— and to our way of thinking, publicity will always remain the life-blood of the show business. , We think it is good publicity for a singer to broadcast his voice by means of the radiophone. We believe all who hear him by wireless will want to hear him in person whenever the opportunity presents itself. We believe the motion picture "fan" magazines stimulate interest in motion pictures and help business at the theatres; and we think there is no doubt that talking machine records have been the means of popularizing many an entertainer and improving his box office appeal. Long before there was any discussion of the radiophone in connection with the theatre, we installed a radio receiving set as an attraction in one ol our theatres. This was the first installation of the sort in the United States as far as we know. The theatre was our Palace, at Peoria, 111. The date was February 15, 1922. The results have been satisfactory from every standpoint. With best wishes — Richard Robertson, advertising department, Ascher Brothers Amusement Enterprises, Chicago. Not for Commercial Purposes CHICAGO. 111.— To the Editor: I think the radio telephone is a wonderful invention but don't think it adaptable to commercial purposes. We do not intend installing any in our various theatres at this time. — Pktkr J. Sciiakfer, Jones, Linick & Schacfer Theatrical Enterprises, Chicago, III. Should Stimulate Business CHICAGO, III.— To the Editor: The radiophone or any form of amusement to entertain a home gathering has no competitive standpoint in regard to public amusements. Home dances and gatherings rather stimulate the appetite for FILM LAUGHS FROM TOPICS TH& DAT S ELECTED BY TIMELY FILMS INC. A scene from "The Pasteboard Crown." (Pathe) clean, healthy public affairs. I conduct a motion picture theatre and believe pictures as they are now produced and the promise of still further progress need no side issue for attraction. — Maurice A. Choyinskl, Newberry theatre, 856 No. Clark street, Chicago. Advises Junking Some Pictures SCRANTON, KAS.— To the Editor: The exhibitor is the goat. The producers get out some motion pictures and instead of junking them they are advertised to be something wonderful. The salesman comes to see you and tells what a wonderful picture it is and of course, we generally bite, and we also get out some big advertisements on these productions and then the public is the goat. The net result is poor business for the exhibitor and also for the producers. My opinion is that if the producers would junk these kind of pictures instead of fooling the public, they would be ahead in the long run. There is some wonderful advertising out on a new series, at present. I noted in the Herald that this picture was hissed and people walked out as it was played in New York. Why can't we get together and run pictures that will get business instead of something that will kill the business? — L. G. Isaacs, manager, Cozy theatre, Scranton, Kansas. Converted to Serials CEDAR VALE, KAS.— To the Editor : As a converted skeptic on serial pictures, I feel it is my duty to say something about the serial I am now using, "Hurricane Hutch." It's the best tonic a box office can have. Up to the time I started this serial, I had always said, "No serial for me! I wouldn't give a dime for any of them." Pathe's congenial, ruddy complected salesman tried unceasingly to sell me serials and when I say tried, I mean tried. Oh boy! He would nail me in my drug store after the show and talk serial until I could have jumped in the creek. Finally, "Red" (that's him) succeeded in getting my name on a contract for Hutch. Now I can truthfully say it's the best buy I ever made. I was a hard boiled skeptic on serials but thanks to the evangelistic tendencies of "Red" Jones, I am a happy convert. I might add that I am starting "White Eagle" at the expiration of Hutch. I have learned that a small town likes continued pictures as well as a large town. Furthermore, I have always found "Red" Jones a square shooter and we welcome him at any time. — Bill Leonard, manager, Mystic theatre, Cedar Vale, Kansas. "Papa, will you buy me a drum?" asked a little lad of his father. "But, my boy," answered papa. "I am afraid you will disturb me very much with it." "Oh, no, I won't," said the little chap "I'll only play it when you're asleep."— Toronto Evening Telegram. * "The hotel was so crowded I slept on : billiard table." "What did they charge you?" "Oh, the regular rate— 80 cents an hour. — New York Evening World. * Mrs. Peck — Do you know that you talk ii your sleep, Henry? Mr. Peck — Do you begrudge me thos few words? — Tit Bits (London). * Ray — I haven't slept for days. May — S'matter, old dear? Sick? Ray — No, I sleep nights. — "Topics of th Day" Films. * She (disgustedly) — You ought to slee well. He— Huh ? She — You lie so easily. — Carnegie Pu( pet. * Fresh — What was that noise I heard i your room last night? Soph — That was me falling asleep. Washington Sun Dodger. tta "Why, Tommy !" exclaimed the Sund« school teacher. "Don't you say your prayei every night before you go to bed?' "Not any more," explained Tommy, used to, though, when I had to sleep in folding-bed." — Judge. * J "Mr. Smith, is your son a member of ai secret fraternity?" "He thinks he is, but he talks in r sleep." — N. Y. Univ. Medley. Harry Carey to Star in Series of Big Photoplays R-C Pictures Announct Harry Carey, who was recently sign by R-C Pictures will be starred in series of big productions, says the coi pany. It is planned to give him popul stories providing plenty of thrills whi will be produced on an elaborate bas Robert Thornby, who directed Car in "The Fox," will direct him in the n< series. Will Handle Polo Serial The second sale of "Cap'n Kidd," Eddie Polo's first independently-produced serial has been made for physical distribution throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey to Ben Amsterdam of the Masterpiece Film Attraction. Kay-Bee to Handle Arrow Photoplays in Wiscons Arrow Film Corporation announces I consummation of a contract with Kay-Bee Distributing Company, h Milwaukee, Walter A. Baier, preside whereby the Baier organization secu the state of Wisconsin the films "Back' Yellow Jacket" and "A Motion to Jjourn," four Peter B. Kync productio ', a new series of six five-reel products starring Jack Hoxie; four feature prod • tions, starring Neva Gerbcr; "The In cent Cheat," and "Chain Lightning."