Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

September 16, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 33 Eastman Opening Attracts Scores From Other Cities Distinguished Audience Attends Informal Reception and Labor Day Performances — Theatre Erected at a Cost of $5,000,000 (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ROCHESTER, N. Y., September 5. — The beautiful new Eastman theatre is in actve operation. That statement is significant for yesterday's dedicatory performances marked the opening of what is said to be the first university owned and operated motion picture house in the world. Seldom has an event of this nature attracted such a distinguished and diversified audience as attended the informal reception on Saturday and the official opening on Labor Day. People Attend from Cities Throughout State Cities and towns throughout the state were represented by exhibitors, distributors, producers, actors and laymen. They came to see this model theatre and they came to show their appreciation to George Eastman whose philanthropy placed this $5,000,000 house in the hands of the University of Rochester. Three of Paramount* s Exploitation Men Are Promoted from Ranks (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Sept. 5.— Three men an Paramount's exploitation staff have been promoted by the firm. John D. Howard, exploiteer in the Los Angeles, Albany and Detroit exchanges, has been made assistant to Harold Franklin, director of the Theatre department. Leon J. Bamberger, Toronto, has been called to the home office to assist Claud Saunders, director of exploitation. Xorman Dixon, exploiteer at Cincinnati, has been made manager of the Empire theatre, New Bedford, Mass. Barrel in Lobby Aids Fund for Ball Players (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ST. LOUIS, MO., Sept. 5.— Nathan Frank, president of the Missouri Famous Players Corporation, at the Missouri theatre, as chairman of the Citizens Testimonial Committee, presented each member of the St. Louis Browns, from Manager Lee Fohl to mascot, with a handsome gift as an appreciation of the fans and business men of St. Louis for the valiant effort they are making to win the American League flag. George Sister responded for the team. About $3,000 was raised by popular subscription to buy presents for the ball players. During Boost the Browns week at the Missouri theatre a barrel was placed in the lobby to receive contributions. It was almost filled with donations. Billy Goldman, manager of the Missouri, started the ball rolling with $100. Art Director Will Be Cited by Two Nations (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5.— For the part he took in the Italian offensive against the flower of the Austrian forces shortly before the Armistice, Norman Kennedy, 1717 Garfield place, Hollywood, has been notified that he will be decorated by the Italian government as part of the 527th unit of the U. S. A. A. S., which was attached to General Diaz's infantry. Mr. Kennedy, who is art director for Arthur Trimble Productions, will also be awarded the Italian Service Medal, as well as the American Victory Medal with four clasps. Issue Film in England And America Same Date (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Sept. 5.— Interest attaches to the fact the Goldwyn's production "The Christian," directed by Maurice Tourneur, will be published in England simultaneous with its publication in this country. December 10 has been set as the date. Prepares Lincoln Film (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5. — Frances Marion has been engaged by Rocket Lincoln Film Company of Hollywood, successors to Rockett-Naylor Productions, Inc.. to scenarioze their production of "The Life of Abraham Lincoln." Programs similar to the inaugural will be given throughout the first month of operation when the fixed policy of the house will be adopted by Charles H. Goulding, manager. This fixed policy contemplates a three-day showing of a feature picture with incidental music starting on Sunday of each week. On Wednesdays concerts of the highest order will be given. Another motion picture feature will play the balance of the week. Metro Film Opening Bill Metro's Rex Ingram production, "The Prisoner of Zenda," was the opening attraction. Supplementing the picture was the Eastman Theatre Magazine done in the new Eastman kodachrome color process; a one-reel film produced by Fox Film Corporation showing the theatre, its departments and its attendants: musical numbers by the sixty-piece orchestra under the direction of Arthur Alexander and Victor Wagner, and organ selections by Dezso d'Antalffy and John Hammond. Admission prices to the new theatre range from 30 cents to $1. Afternoon. 1 to 6 p. m.. entire orchestra 30 cents, mezzanine 50 cents, balcony 20 cents; evening, entire orchestra 50 cents, mezzanine $1, entire balcony 35 cents and loges 75 cents. The house seats 3,400. Mezzanine is Reserved One section of the mezzanine is reserved for those who contribute $150 a year for each seat desired in addition to the regular box office price. Features of the house which lend atmosphere and beauty are the box office in art bronze, the eight mural paintings illustrating various phases of music by Ezra Winter and Barry Faulkner, a painting by Maxfield Parish, and the organ which is said to be one of the finest in the world. William C. Kaelber and Lawrence Grant White were the architects who designed the elaborate structure. Would Train Public As donor of this theatre Mr. Eastman hopes to create in Rochester an appreciation of the finer motion pictures and music. Speaking of this he said: "Incidentally, in the pursuance of this ideal I should like to see Rochester become a great musical center, known throughout the world; There is no reason to prevent this city from getting the sort of fame which comes from the pos session of institutions which are foremost in developing gifted musicians and which are distinguished in the stimulation of the musical appreciation of the great body of citizens. At any rate that is the ambition to which I am now lending my energies." Bertschy to Manage Pacific Film in East (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5. — John J. Hayes of the Pacific Film Co., Inc., of Culver City, Cal., has appointed Robert Bertschy as eastern representative to succeed Julius Singer, resigned. Mr. Bertschy was formerly manager of Warner's Albany, N. Y.. branch and is well known in state right circles. Buys Rights to Film^ InWhich He Is Star (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5.— President Chapman, who, with Lillian Hall, is featured in "The Forest King," a Pacific Film Company outdoor feature, has purchased the rights for Northern California and Nevada for the production and is touring the territory with the print, making personal appearances at theatres where it is shown. Has Broadway Runs (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Sept. 5.— The Goldwyn picture "Sherlock Holmes" starring John Barrymore, playing its eleventh week at the Cameo theatre, has been booked for a week at the Broadway theatre beginning September 4, making three Broadway showings for the film. New Companies Formed (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Sept. 5.— Lafat Comedies, a New Jersey corporation, has been launched to make two-reel films in New York. It is capitalized at $150,000. A charter has also been issued to Mempico, Inc., a New York company.