Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

72 EXHIBITORS HERALD September 23, 1922 AROUND THE BANQUET BOARD— Picture taken at luncheon tendered at the Congress hotel by Carter de Haven and Film Booking Offices to exhibitors and press. Between bites the comedy star kept the crowd in good humor with his jokes. — J | CHICAGO PERSONALITIES i ( i EDDIE SILVERMAN made the boys like it last week. The genial young Select manager gave a party at Aryan Grotto to a couple of hundred or so exhibitors, and if the contracts don't roll in now it isn't our fault. Owen Moore's newest comedy, "Love Is an Awful Thing," was the feature attraction. It was supplemented by an orchestra of fifty pieces (more or less). If they try to tell you they didn't like the picture, Eddie, come around and we'll sign an affidavit for we heard a majority of those present raving about it. And right here we put our stamp of approval on the comedy. It's great. * * * William J. Sweeney, generalissimo at local headquarters of the Illinois Motion Picture Theatre Owners, is having his hands full this week keeping those downstate exhibitors out of mischief. The purpose of their visit to the Row is to attend the executive board meeting on Wednesday, September 13. You've got to keep your eyes on boys like Reynolds and Berve or they'll walk off with the town. Not to be outdone by the state boys, the executive board of the Chicago league held a meeting (Tuesday, September 12). We might say that the business to be transacted is a matter of speculation, but we won't speculate. According to the latest reports the new McVickers theatre on Madison street, which is to be the first-run house for Paramount pictures, will swing open its doors on Monday, October 9. Zimmercr, the artist, is busy preparing the first stage settings ; Spitalny, who will conduct the orchestra, is preparing the music at his Congress hotel headquarters and S. Barret McCormick is chewing black cigars, working over the details of the opening week. * * * Ben Garetson, erstwhile motion picture publicity man, is leaving the galloping pictures flat and will open up a large and upto-date dance hall at Joliet, 111., about October 15. * * * I. Lesf.rman, after a record-breaking two weeks' trip through Illinois for Universal, took a week's rest, and then jumped into the game again, this time covering Indiana with one of the "U" salesmen for that territory. * * * Tom Norman, Fox salesman, has been transferred to Milwaukee, where he takes the place of Lester Sturm, who, as reported in this col. last week, has gone to Pittsburgh for Goldwyn. * * * And while we are on the subject of Tom Norman, didja know he recovered his Hudson car, which was stolen some time ago ? Yep. They found it at Pontiac, in good shape. * * * H. C. Young has been appointed Chicago manager for National Screen Service, and opened offices at 732 South Wabash avenue. Mr. Young says his concern is serving over 2,000 theatres throughout the country. * * * Joe Lyon of Fox, took a couple of days off last week to worry the fish in Lake Wisconsin, and while bowling along in his Hup he lost his gas tank, and was compelled to extend his stay twenty-four hours awaiting repairs. HOPE HAMPTON and E. K. Lincoln in a scene from "The Light in. the Dark," Miss Hampton's latest production on the First National's list of pictures. Gradwell Sears, the First National "ace," is glad he's a citizen of Missouri. For why? Gradwell has just received a check for two hundred and fifty berries, good at any bank, for twenty-five months' services in the late army of the U. S. A. * * * Sid Goldman had a postcard last week from Jos. McHenry, former advertising manager of the Herald, in which "Mac" says he's out making a survey of the N. Y. territory for a film company. He was in Olean when last heard from. * * * Why is it film stars have to pick out the hottest day of the year to hold a luncheon, and everybody who talks insists on "doing his stuff?" The Mae Murray luncheon at the Blackstone hotel last Friday will long be remembered. * * * L. A. Rozelle certainly created some interest in the star's appearance, by advertising for the best amateur photo of Mae Murray on her recent visit. * * * Everybody who passes along Film Row wants to know the meaning of the decorations at 831 South Wabash. Ask Herman Stern, he'll explain the display of two flags. I believe it's a Universal. * * * Universal loves to plan surprises. A trade showing and smoker is announced for Thursday of this week at 831 So. Wabash avenue, and a "big surprise awaits those who attend the showing," the invitation reads. The time is 1 o'clock. The picture is "The Radio King." Hum Named Hodkinson District Manager Here An announcement has been made of the appointment of H. H. Hum, formerly branch sales manager of W. W. Hodkinson Corporation at Cincinnati, to the position of Central division sales manager, and the transfer of W. F. Seymour, formerly Central division sales manager to the post of Eastern division sales manager. Mr. Hum is one of the best known film executives in the Middle West. The Hodkinson sales control board is now composed of six members: vice president and general manager, F. C. Munroe, who is personally in charge of the Western division; vice president and treasurer, Raymond Pawley; advertising manager, Foster Gilroy. Eastern division sales manager, W. F. Seymour, Central division sales manager, H. H. Hurn, and Southern division sales manager, L. W. Kinskern. Thomas Meighan Here Thomas Meighan, Paramount star, together with Mrs. Meighan, known professionally as Frances Ring, were registered at the Blackstone on August 8. They were en route to New York where Mr. Meighan will make his next picture. Hayden Films Scenes Here Edward H. Hayden made his headquarters at the Rothacker laboratory while in Chicago obtaining atmosphere scenes for the Irving Cummings production, "Chicago Sail," an original story by Harvey Gates who wrote "Hurricane's Gal." Russell Goes West W. D. Russell of Russell Productions, has gone to Los Angeles to supervise the production of his next picture. He has several features in preparation, one an adaptation of the stage success "Smooth as Silk."