Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1922 - Mar 1923)

December 30, 1922 <£xijtbitors derail) 87 Cooperation Wins Recognition For State Units Activities During Past Twelve Months Have Placed Exhibitor Leagues on Firm Foundation By JAY M. SHRECK (News Editor of Exhibitors Herald) PROMINENT IN AFFAIRS OF STATE EXHIBITOR ORGANIZATIONS C. A. Lick Al Pramer Claude E. Cady Al Steffes SIGNS of progress in state exhibitor organization have been unusually conspicuous during 1922. These marks of development denote but one thing — state exhibitor organization has found its footing after a number of years of groping about for the proper and sensible course over which to proceed. No enterprise can hope to proceed smoothly without the element of constructive forethought and operation. That alone undoubtedly has given state exhibitor organization the impetus which it has received during the year just closing. This constructive activity has been directed principally toward indusrial cooperation and coalescence. Over no period in the past have such strides been made in this direction. The militant spirit, so prevalent in years past, gradually is being superseded by the spirit of alliance. Evidence of this encouraging situation is found in the new association developing in the relationship between the exhibitor and the exchange. Once antago-nistic these two forces, by permitting the spirit of cooperation to permeate their organizations, are creating a healthier condition within the industry. This condition should carry with it normal growth and prosperitv. * * * Specific instances of this progressive relationship are found in the activities of the exhibitor organizations in New York, Kansas, Missouri. Wisconsin. California. Illinois and to a marked degree in many other commonwealths. New York — more especially the Theatre Owner? Chamber of Commerce of New York City — set the pace in this respect. Its arbitration plan is an achievement in itself. A check up of results indicates success far beyond original expectations. This in nowise means, however, that the sponsors did not realize the potential possibilities of such a movement. Although many similar plans of arbitration had met with failure, these failures had taught a lesson which, at the present writing, seems to have been the basis of a logical settlement of exhibitorexchange controversies. William Brandt was father of the T. O. C. C. plan, and although his defeat at the last election took him from the high executive post of the organization, the equity of his plan has made it endure. Missouri revised its plan of arbitration shortly after launching of the New York movement. Kansas now boasts a workable scheme, as do many other states. Solution of the arbitration difficulties perhaps is the outstanding achievement of the past year for it has created a harmonious understanding between factions and has made possible concerted action against the enemies of the industry. * * * The spirit of cooperation in fighting adverse legislation has been especially in evidence in California and Wisconsin.\ where theatre owners and exchangemen have launched cooperative associations for combating the reform forces. Announcements of these movements were made following comparatively recent conventions of the two state leagues. Constructive activities have not been confined to the few states cited in the foregoing paragraphs. Michigan continues its pace forward with the executive and business reins in the hands of W. S. McLaren and H. M. Richey. They are an unbeatable team as a five minutes chat with any member of the Michigan body will convince you. Claude E. Cady, J. C. Ritter and others have been prominent in the advance of the Michigan League. Pennsylvania with its two sectional associations is running second to none. Space limitations make it impossible to detail their activities. For Western Pennsylvania, it is enough to say that Jerome Casper is its president. New York has been unfortunate in being split into a number of units in ad Y E. M. Fay Charles H. Beafi dition to the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of New York State, the direct outcome of the Washington controversy Despite this situation, however, leaders and members of the various units have not permitted interest in organization to grow stale. Returning to Missouri, Charley Sears and "Larry" Goldman have been tireless workers in behalf of the exhibitors of that state. Word has been received this week of the resignation of "Larry" as secretary of the league to accept appointment as assistant county prosecutor. Missouri theatre men will miss him. Kansas exhibitors have returned a former president to the execJtive post. In "Dick" Liggett the members of the state organization have a man whose bulldog tenacity and watchful eye assure continued success for an association which has many achievements to its credit. Nebraska boasts the strongest organization in its history. Al Pramer, politician and exhibitor, and his enterprising co-workers have made it possible for the Mid West state to make that boast. There's Wes Fisher, familiarly known as "Father," J. C. Jenkins and others numbered among those who have placed Nebraska in an enviable position in organization circles. * * • Going back East you find C. H. Bean of New Hampshire. "C. H." also knows something about politics and a lot about exhibiting. His knowledge of affairs affecting the industry has given the theatre owners of New Hampshire a clean slate in legislative matters. California has two good exhibitor organizations because it has such leaders as Glenn Hunter. C. C. Griffin. J. S. Lustig. Thomas D. Van Osten and individual members who are ready and willing to buckle down and fight for their principles. Illinois has been unfortunate during most of this year in being without presi (Continutd on page 727)