Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

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. 72 The Rev. G. F. Reisner, Methodist Episcopal church, New York City, says: "I have no patience with those people who are decrying and denouncing persons connected with motion pictures. The church can work in harmony with motion pictures and should use them to greater advantage." GIVE 'EM :::::: THE HORSE LAUGH Idaho Exhibitor Gives One Solution For Menacing Blue Law Situation Many elements enter into business solidarity. Particularly is this true of motion picture theatre operation. Rapid growth in universal appeal has made the motion picture an inviting target for every type of meddler seeking restrictive legislation. Every exhibitor knows that this big problem must be solved before he mav boast of business solidaritv. It is easy to censure all ministers because of the prominence given the utterances of the intolerant. This attitude, however, is obviously wrong for numbered among the divines are some of the industry's best friends. For instance, the Rev. Christian F. Reisner of the Chelsea Methodist Episcopal church, one of the largest in New York City. He has astounded some of his brother pastors by inviting motion picture producers and actors to speak from his pulpit. In this connection he says : "Yes. I have been criticized for this, but I want my people to get in closer touch with those who furnish their entertainment. I have no patience with those people who are decrying and denouncing persons connected with motion pictures. The church can work in harmony with motion pictures and should use them to greater advantage. "I number many motion picture people among my acquaintance ; I have the highest admiration for D. W. Griffith, and I am proud to say that Richard Barthelmess is one of my dearest friends. "It is so easy to say thoughtless things about the people in the motion picture industry. The trouble with the people is that the motion picture actors are too far beyond from them and are not understood. I have spent much time in and about the studios. It was while Mr. Barthelmess was with Griffith that I met him and I was impressed by the seriousness with which he regarded his calling and it required no effort on my part to believe that here was a young man who lived clean, thought clean, because he believed in cleanliness as an unalterable law of nature." Perhaps there are many ways of solution, but an especially timely one is sugested by T. E. Edmundson, Lyric theatre, Grangeville, Idaho. If exhibitors would direct attention to this issue now, says Mr. Edmundson, "we could give these blue law reformers the horse laugh later on." Mr. Edmundson is correct in his conclusion, but too few exhibitors appreciate the situation until the menace has enveloped them. Here is some of the advice the Idaho theatre man wishes to convey to his brother exhibitors : "Now that a political campaign is on tap it might be a good idea for all exhibitors to pause in the pursuit of the almighty dollar and devote a little time to saving the country and incidentally themselves." That is good advice and advice which has been printed and reprinted in this department. But Mr. Edmundson does not stop there. He continues with this : "There are a number of stati senators and representatives to be elected this fall who will enact new laws at the state capitol and right now is the time to form their acquaintance. Get to know each one personally — by their first name — in your county or precinct. Pass out a few comps to the family. Be friends to them all. In fact do all the missionary work before November and it will save you dollars later and possibly several sleepless nights. "The above holds good with United States senators and representatives as well but they are harder to reach. "All the exhibitors in favor of the above will kindly hold up a hand." The response should be unanimous. No exhibitor can deny the sound judgment of Mr. Edmundson's advice. It is one certain means of bringing business solidaritv. Just remember what the exhibitor from Idaho says : "Do this and we could give these blue law reformers the horse laugh later on." (Mr. Edmundson's letter is published in full in "Letters from Readers," page 66.)