Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1922)

56 l-XHIBITORS HERALD November 4, 1922 Stage setting for "The Old Oaken Bucket" executed by Mrs. A. Lane, Jonesville theatre, Jonesville, Mich., a city of 1,000 population. Th Exhibitor Visitor By HARR Y E. NICHOLS Field Representative, EXHIBITORS HERALD SINCERITY, a willingness to work and a faith in the purpose thereof, is evident among Michigan exhibitors generally. No task seems too big, no undertaking too momentous, and no detail too trivial, if it offers business benefits. And business is showing the effects of this disposition. W. H. Peck, of the Orpheum theatre at Fowlerville, shows this earnest intent to do everything in his power for the welfare of his theatre and for motion pictures generally in his miniature newspaper, "The Runt." The front page of a recent issue carries an exhibitor rut mm uj.4li.<t HfliMAfft cotr* Mm MF/ I A — tm i«m cfmsoe TOMMY DUNN Cooperative page on "Robinson Cruioe" used by J. Bart Laughlin, Mecca theatre, Midland, Mich. editorial against censorship which indicates the general tenor of the house organ. Although the usual data, such as present and coming attractions, receives space in the publication, the general note that runs throughout is one of sincerity in the solidity of the motion picture institution and of an intent to give Fowlerville theatregoers the best in the motion picture line that it is possible to give them at all times. Under such circumstances his plea for freedom undoubtedly gains a sympathetic ear. * * * At Midland the important cooperative tendency is apparent in the newspaper advertisement for Universal 's "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," which was run by J. Bart Laughlin, Mecca theatre, in connection with the leading merchants of the city. Almost an entire page was used, the small strip across the top making the actual space probably more effective than otherwise. Into the middle of this space the Mecca representation was placed, and in the copy, directed to parents and pointing out reasons why children should be encouraged to attend the showings of the serial, the note of sincerity is again detected. * * * Mrs. A. Lane, Jonesville theatre, Jonesville, a city of 1,00(1 population, shows the disposition to do everything worth doing in the best possible manner in her presentation. The setting used with "The Old Oaken Bucket" is the fin \the Coming Events Here is a list of the excellent production booked from Roberton-CoLe: kanvl) — "The Beloved Cheater." fl— "Bottom of the World." -"Wonder Man." 6— "Arabian Knight." 12 — ' H aunting Shadows." 26— "Who's Your Servant." "So Long Letty." ril^3 — "Uocharted Channels." •813." ■"Moon Madoees." Duty is to Investigate inly natural that some of >u wh never come to the show are led lo believe by others who Jsb are conspicuous by their absence, tnat a state censorship is needed, bat before you get too enthusiastic make at least a limited investigation. We do not want you to agree with us. We ask for nothing. If it goes thro there'll be another political string to pull and several fat salaries to pay, with no maximum benefit to patrons. Home training is worth more than a carload of censors and the most of the children who come to the Fowlerville show^get that. The very best censors for the pictures at the Fowlerville show house is the Fowlerville community dwellers. How long would the rank and file of Fowlerville stand for indecent pictures? Not long, methinks, but you tolerate things ten times worse for the youngsters, only a very small percentage of whom attend the Fowlerville show. Our books are open to honest investigators. If you care to investigate you'll discover things you had no thought of. All is not gold that glitters, and there is some tobacco that does not smell like cabbage. Coming soon — "Bottom of the World," actual portrayal of Shackleton's trip to the South pole. Matinee for school children. Wh whetj atedt jacka now. On\ ers ifi know, will Just's mal. 1 a ver. in dn nals o all th the tt solvet think An: "Eve: An ar crippl and rr justifi would sensil to spr The R boost its att ery, b and a ing ot no dol so too; tudes, their* ical a: Editorial against censorship in house organ published by W. H. Peck, Orpheum theatre, Fowlerville, Mich. est bit of work I have ever seen done for that attraction. Spinning wheel, well, bucket, all combined to make the atmospherical preparation what it should be. These things, of a piece with Michigan showmanship as a whole, indicate the spirit of the community's theatre people, a spirit of progressiveness which will not be denied. No single great picture is accountable for the success of any producing company. Neither can any single great program assure the success of any theatre. Merit, to spell success in terms of prosperity, must be consistent. Time spent in program selection must be endless time, continuously spent, in selection of not one or a few but of every program.