Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

Betcmtiet 29. 1923 CxfjifaitorS l^eralb 181 THEATRE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT Two Nov Companies Chartered in Albany When it came to incorporating motion picture companies, the secretary of state's office at Albany, N. Y., did the smallest business the past week of many a month, for during the six days, exactly two motion picture companies incorporated in the Empire State. This is unusually low, and in sharp contrast to the usual number which runs anywhere from six to a dozen or more each week. The two companies, which received charters last week were the Hanlon Silhouette Film Company, with a capitalization of $20,000, and with George W. Hanlon, Pauline and M. G. Blankenburg. as principal stockholders, and the H. E. R. Studios, capitalized for $10,000, and with Grace Sheehan, John Thow and Isaac Schmal, as stockholders. Both are in New York city. (Concluded from opposite page) BAREFOOT BOY, THE (C. B. C.) John Bowers, Marjoric Daw. Sylvia Brtamer, TuUy Marshall, 5,800. Based on Whitticr's poem o( like title. Au. Wallace C. Clifton. Dir. David Kirkland. FORGIVE AND FORGET (C. B. C.) PauUne Garon, Estelle Taylor, Wyndham Standing, 5.800. Matrimonial drama. Au. Charles Furtnman. Dir. Howard M. Mitchell. HALF-A-DOLLAR BILL (Max Graf), Anna Q. Nilsson, William J. Carlton, Raymond Hatton, Mitchell Lewis, George McQuarrie. Alec B. Francis, 6. Drama with seaport background. Au. Curtis Benton. Dir. W. S. Van Dyke. Rev. 12/:/2J. HIS LAST RACE (Goldstone) Snowy Baker. Gladys Brockwell, PauUne Starke, Alec B. Francis. Robert McKim. Noah Beery, Tally Marshall, 6. "Thrill-o-drama." Dir. Reeves Eason. Howard Mitchell. Rev. 11/17/23. IN THE SPIDER'S WEB (Independent) special cast. 5. Story of chorus girl s betrayal and regeneration. Rev. 10/6/23. ISLE OF VANISHING MEN. THE (Alder), 7. A pictorial presentation of life and customs among the Kia Kias, a New Guinea cannibal tribe. Pro. W. F. Alder. Rev. 10/10/23. MASK OF LOPEZ, THE (Monogram), Fred Thompson. Wilfred Lucas, Hazel Keener, 4,900. Western drama. Au. Marion Jackson. Dir. Albert Rogell. Rev. 12/8/23. MINE TO KEEP (Grand-Ashcr), Bryant Washburn, Mabel Forrest, Wheeler Oakman, Peaches Jackson, Mickey Moore, S. Domestic problem play. Au. Evelyn Campbell. Dir. Ben Wilson. Rev. 10/10/23. WAY MEN LOVE, THE. (Grand-Asher) ElUott Dexter, Mildred Harris. Anders Randolf, Sydney Bracey, 7,500. Sociological drama. Au. Adam Hull Shirk. Dir. R. William Ncill. Rev. 11/24/23. WHITE SISTER, THE. (Inspiration) LiUian Gish, Ronald Colman. Gail Kane. J. Barney Sherry, 13. Drama with religious background, Au. F. Marion Crawford. Dir. Henry King. Rev. 9/22/23. YESTERDAY'S WIFE (C. B. C.) Irene RichEileen Percy, 5.800. Drama ot wealth ana marriage. Au. Evelyn Campbell. Dir. Edward J. LcSaint. No Interruption to Program During Extensive Remodeling ALADDIX walked into the Mark Strand theatre, New York recently and rubbed his magic lamp. Instantly a genie appeared and recreated the interior of Broadway's first motion picture palace! So it will seem to those who enter the Mark Strand theatre after to-day and discover their first love transformed, permanently rejuvenated. But it was not as simple as that. If Aladdin came, he was in the persons of Moe Mark, president, and Joseph Plunkett, managing director. The magic lamp w'as the glitter of the gold contained in $130,000 and the genie consisted of architects, builders, scenic artists, decorators and acoustic experts. The time required to affect the change was three months, during which the work had been going on secretlv and unobserved. The whole transformation was made without a single interruption of service and the rough parts undergoing changes were successfully concealed from Ifhe curious eye by long satin and velvet drapery. Noisy destruction was performed from midnight to mid-day and noiseless construction accomplished the rest of the time. Two crews of one hundred each alternated daily for the preliminary work and the combined efforts of both were necessary for the final changes last night. The directors of the Mark Strand are now fully in a position to substantiate the theory that to advance artistically we must first advance scientifically. Nearly ten years of motion picture building and operation have taught the owners many new things scientifi,c and artistic. They have duly applied them now to New York's beautiful home of the cinema. Consequently the Mark Strand again is one of the leaders in the presentation of the things which it was among the very first to foster. The orchestra platform has been lowered and enlarged to contain fifty-five musicians, necessitating the relocation of the organ console. An improvised semipit was especially built to clear the view to the screen and stage proper. The roomy stage will now permit the amplification of the ballets. George Hannan, an acoustic expert, who designed the band stand in Central Park, was taken into consultation, with the result that the improvements in acoustics surpass anything yet attempted for sound volume and scientific musical resonance. An entirely new stage set, designed by .Toseph Plunkett, painted by Gates and Morange and constructed by the Vail Co., was substituted. It is built flexibly to accommodate the proposed presentation of all artistic things which such an enlarged and very modern stage must enfold. Metal-cloth material, a curtain fabric invented by Joseph Plunkett, is made use of in the set and will afford a greater display of effects with the aid of mimense reflecting spothghts and minutely graduated dimmers. Entirely newelectrical equipment by Kliegel supplants all other lighting devices. .A sounding board has also been installed in this stage set. * * * -A Louis XV Retiring Room for the accommodation of women patrons is a noteworthy extension to the theatre and is finished in rosewood and satinwood, exquisitely furnished in gilt, with imported crystal fixtures. An exact reproduction of the Louis XV period was achieved, which is designed to predispose the patron to the enjoyment of the theatre's new artistic atmosphere and will induce the cultivation of good taste in appointments. Another extension to the theatre is the new 40 X 100 one story studio atop the building for the convenience of the Mark Strand artists. It is equipped with a miniature stage, piano, gymnasium paraphernalia, broadcasting studio and adjoining shower baths. Thus the management hopes to continue the advancement "f the professional career of its ballet dancers, vocalists and instrumentalists. Highly resplendent decorations for the auditorium causes an air of refinement and newness to pervade the theatre. Silk damask wall covering and draperies, bejevvelled with magnificent crystal chandelier and fixtures, have been used prodigally, yet with a distinct artistic taste. To Thomas \V. Lamb goes the architectural credit and to Alexander A. Brahin that of supervising architect. To (he Mark Strand theatre, or in reality to Moe .Mark and Joseph Plunkett, will ultimately go the congratulations from all quarters interested in the proficient and artistic presentation of motion pictures and music. For the Mark Strand theatre is practically reborn through their efforts and is prepared to add another decade of glorious achievements to its career. Fulton, III. — Plans are under way here for the financing and building of a modern theatre structure. * Santa Barbara, Cal. — Construction of an eight story theatre and office building, which will cost $300,000 has been started here.