Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

mm *^ JSTMotion ^« i — Something to Read Each week the HERALD publishes numerous articles pertaining to censorship, blue laws and other reform menaces. Every exhibitor should keep a file of these stories for use when the occasion demands. PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE Screen Message No. 60 No law or set of laws can go beyond the limit of public opinion. A crystallized public sentiment opposing oppressive laws should impress this upon those legislators who are influenced by the threats of reformers. A. H. Blank, prominent exhibitor in the Middle West, has just disposed of his three theatres at Ames, la., because residents of that city at a recent election voted for Sunday closing. In a letter giving his reasons for selling his Ames interests, Mr. Blank stated that by operating only six days a week he would be unable to give his patrons the highest standard of entertainment. A. H. Blank The experience of Mr. Blank at Ames should be a warning to other exhibitors of the country. Reform ers are cond u c t i n g their des t r u ctive cam paign in every section of the count r y. Exhibitors in any town or city may b e forced to darken their houses tomorrow or dispose of their interests through the machinations of the reformers. Crystallized public sentiment, developed through a persistent campaign of education, is the one possbile means which the industry has of defeating the reformer. If this is not done, other exhibitors most likely will find themselves in a predicament similar to the Ames-Blank situation. lit In a score or more of states this next year, legislators will be urged by the reformers to enact laws closing theatres on Sunday and regulating motion pictures through legal censorship. Unless the exhibitor can create strong public support, Minnesota, or in Illinois, or in the Carolinas. Wherever they strike, theatre men should be prepared to present an impregnable defense. legislators will be swayed by the claims and misrepresentations of the reformers. The producers, through Will H. Hays, president of the M. P. P. D. A., have launched a campaign for better pictures. This movement, meritorious as it is, cannot succeed unless the theatre owners, through their screens, win the support of their patrons in the industry's fight. No exhibitor would deliberately place himself in the position of Mr. Blank. Yet, the exhibitor who fails to guard against the advance of the reformer is clearing the way for the latter's success. Each week the Plulic Rights League publishes a brief message, the purpose of which is to influence the public to support the industry in its fight" against oppressive legislation. These messages should be transcribed on to slides or published prominently in theatre advertising. In addition the League is supplying gratis to exhibitors a series of twelve slides bearing screen messages. These slides will be forwarded immediately upon request. The Ames situation should be a warning to other exhibitors. The busybody reformers are solidifying their lines. Thev mav strike next in Blue Law Exponent in Senate Will Quit Post (Washington Bureau, Exhibitors Herald) WASHINGTON, D. C, June 13.— Senator Henry L. Myers, of Hamilton, Mont., author of the Myers resolution to investigate conditions in the motion picture industry, of bills providing blue laws for the District of Columbia, and of other similar measures, is soon to step out of the spotlight. The Senator, who for "more than 11 years has tried to serve faithfuly the people of Montana and their best interests," has announced that he will not run for reelection. Addresses A. D. A. (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, June 12— Courtland Smith, secretary of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, was the speaker at the bi-monthly meeting of the Assistant Directors Association. r Order Your Slides EXHIBITORS HERALD, 417 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, III. Send me, free of charge, the series of twelve slides which the Herald is supplying to exhibitors in furtherance of the PUBLIC RIGHTS LEAGUE campaign to maintain the freedom of the motion picture. I will run each slide at every performance for one week when conditions permit of this arrangement. Name (Write name and address legibly) Ci*y