Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

30 ONCE upon a time there existed a press agent, publicity person or space hound — known in various places and under various conditions by various names — who found himself short of that stuff which buys things. The pages of history are dark as to the untoward circumstances which brought about this dire condition. The name of the victim of this tragedy is also buried in oblivion. But it is said, on what is considered good authority, such happened suchly. Hence, the case happening to be called to the attention of the powers that be in the A. M. P. A., it was deemed best for the safety of the profession and good name of the order that no member ever again should be unable to ring up a musical jingle every time he agitated his right hand trousers pocket. After seriously deliberating the disturbing question — during which deliberation many members related how strongly their sympathies went out to any member of the honorable profession who didn't have all the money he wanted, a committee was appointed to consider the matter and ways and means of prevention. The committee, which was appointed last Thursday, consists of President Bill Yearsley, P. A. Parsons and James Loughborough, and will consider the advisability of providing an emergency fund from which members in good standing in the A. M. P. A. can upon certain occasions and under certain circumstances, secure some of that useful stuff issued at Washington to defray the expenses of current maintenance. Thus may the howling of the wolf be kept in the distance. For the benefit of those publicity men who do not belong to the A. M. P. A., it might be well to state that the membership list is not closed. The line forms at the left. * * * Some times things look different when you see it in type. Recently there was printed in this column a few lines of verse rightly credited (or blamed upon) Dick Weil, the versatile and debonair Apollo of Dr. Shallenberger's publicity staff. Now comes Weil with a peeve, as witness: "Dear — in a manner of speaking — Sir; As a rising young bard with a reputation to be jealouly guarded — they speak of me as the poet that Kipling writes like — I must protest against the outrage which was perpetrated in your column last week, the blame for which was laid at my door. Know ye. Sirrah, I do not write doggerel. My poems are ever characterized by a delicacy of feeling, an extraordinary beauty of word and phrase, and. withal, a manly vigor which lift them far above the average run of present day verse. Yours 'till Niagara Falls. RICHARD WEIL." We'll give him one more chance and if he doesn't behave we'll show him up by printing another of his "poems." * * * So impregnated has David Selznick become with directorial habits while sojourning at the Hollywood studios that he appeared at the office the other day attired in a golf suit. After looking him over L. J. remarked: "David is progressing rapidly." * * * Edgar O'Brooks was in such a desperate haste to reach his objective on Labor Day that he paid $25 for a mile of transportation. He got his ticket from a Central Park cop and then said "Good morning, Judge." Edgar confesses that it was worth almost that much to get his self stopping special six advertised as being able to make 31 m. p. h. * * * I. J. Schmertz, assistant manager of the New York Fox Film exchange, is the father of a baby girl who came into the world while Mr. Schmertz was attending the opening of "A Little Child Shall Lead Them" at the Lyric theatre. On his arrival home he was informed that the little stranger whom he will now be able to perambulate during his leisure hours, had arrived safely. Louis Rosenbluh, who was holding a convention of his sales force at the exchange the following day, adjourned the meeting until Monday so that Mr. Schmertz could receive suitably the felicitations of the salesmen. * * * Kenneth Webb, who, during the past two years has directed four Lionel Barrymore features, two Betty Blythe films, three all-star specials and one Rex Beach production for the Whitman Bennett organization, has concluded his contract with that concern. After a two weeks' motor trip he will announce his future activities. * * * Charlie Steiner, generally conceded to be the sartorial model of the T. O. C. C, as well as its acting president during the absence in Europe of William Pop Landau, is keenly interested in the coal situation. He purchased a home at Long Beach early in the summer and now finds the early mornings pretty chill down by the sea. Sam Moross says Steiner finds the chill atmosphere when he is getting home, not when he is leaving. * * * Universal has bought John Colton's play, "Drifting," which was produced by William A. Brady in New York last year, and which enjoyed enviable success. Colton wrote the play while a member of the Universal City scenario staff. It will be screened by Universal as a feature production. * * * Louis Burston, producer of "Forget Me Not," which was given a long run at the Criterion theatre, left last week for the coast to begin work on a new large production, the name of which has not vet been announced. * * * The mother of Robert Vignola, the Cosmopolitan director, died on Labor Day at her home in Albany, N. Y. Mrs. Vignola had been ailing for a long time with no hope of recovery, and the end was not unexpected. The director was at her bedside as were the other members of the family. * * * Abe Warner, of Warner Brothers, left last week for the coast, where for the next month he will look over the various production activities of the firm. Eddie Bonns says Abe may look over them hut it is a cinch he will not overlook any. * * * And, by the way, Eddie Bonns and Lou Marangella are threatening to burst into Photo by Chambers, Chicago A recent picture of Hope Hampton, star of the First National production, "The Light in the Dark." song again. They really haven't written a thing in the way of a musical hit since their famous "Main Street" classic. * * * Frank V. Chamberlain, who has been general service manager of Paramount for the past five years, has resigned, leaving the service of the company last week. His future plans have not yet been definitely determined. * * * Will A. Page says Samuel Goldwyn owes him $500,000, and as he could use the money to good advantage in view of the threatened coal famine, has filed suit against the former head of Goldwyn Pictures. Page says he had an agreement to prepare Goldwyn's memoirs and share in the profits of the book, but that Goldwyn won't let him do it. * * * Captain Jim Loughborough, new managing editor of the AMPA Bulletin, celebrated his advent by starting a contest to decide which are the twelve handsomest men in the organization. Twelve nominations have been received up to date. Here they are: (1) Nat. Rothstein; (2) Paul Gulick; (3) Ned Holmes; (4) Harry Reichenbach; (5) Tom Wiley; (6) Walter Eberhardt; (7) Theodore A. Liebler; (8) Vivian Moses; (9) Julian Solomon; (10) Morris Riskind; (11) Howard Dietz; (12) Horace Judge. The winner of this contest will get a plush bath brush. The second man will receive a terra cotta manicure set and the third will be presented with one cake of "Irish confetti." Points in connection with the contest are: (a) Face. Is the candidate in the habit of shaving regularly? Are his wrinkles latitudinous or longitudinal? (b) Neck. Does it resemble leather or rubber? (c) Shoulders. Spiral or horizontal? (d) Feet. If less than 10 inches in length, candidate is barred, (e) Personality. Would the candidate kick a hungry cat or give it a piece of gefeltafish? Does he smile when the boss says the Publicity and Advertising are punk? Tout Ensemble. Can he repair a blowout without swearing? If not he's "out." He falls short of being a real man. All the candidates have accepted the nomination. * * * Moving is the moving spirit in moving pictures. Harry Graf, who does art work for Jack Meador, is thinking of forsaking his Greenwich Village fireplace and moving uptown, while Victor Beals is also looking for a studio near the central part of the city. The latter, who resides at Kew Gardens, emulates Horace Judge in his love of country surroundings. John S. Spargo