Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

January 3, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 25 Elect James Ohio President; Cohen and O’Toole at Meet Resolution on Arbitration and Contracts Emphasizes the Viewpoint as Expressed by Former Exhibitor Chief in His Series of Articles in “Herald” {Special to Exhibitors Herald) COLUMBUS, O., Dec. 23. — Though he no longer holds the high office of president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, Sydney S. Cohen continues to influence the activities of the organized exhibitors of the country. In the resolutions adopted at the convention on December 16 and 17 of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Ohio, the exhibitors of this state emphasized the viewpoint as expressed by Mr. Cohen, in his exclusive series of articles published in the Herald, relative to arbitration and contract matters. Speakers at Banquet Urge Public Service Activities Public service was the keynote of the convention, which was held at the Fort Hayes hotel. Speakers at the banquet on the evening of December 16, stressed the value of this service, declaring that it was vital if the spirit of good will was to be maintained between the public and the theatres. Addressing the exhibitors on this phase of theatre operation were Vernon M. Riegal, head of the state department of education and censorship, and C. A. Dyer of the Ohio Grange. How to Fisjht Free Shows Exhibitors in the Northwest have been hard hit by “free movies" sponsored by business men’s organizations. A. F. Botsford of the Royal theatre, Ainsworth, Neb., urges cooperation with the merchants at all times and believes it might be possible to talk them out of sponsoring the free shows. But if the merchants can’t see the light— Turn now to page 63 and read what Mr. Botsford proposes to the theatre owners of the Northwest. Declares Advertising of Exclusive Runs Is Misleading to Public (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Dec. 23.— That presentday methods of advertising exclusive showing of pictures in a particular theatre or city are a source of confusion to the public is the contention of the national vigilance committee of the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World. The committee points out that, as in the following example : “Will not be shown again at this or any other theatre in Gopher Prairie in 1924,” ©r “for the entire season of 1924” the public is led to believe that the picture would not be shown again during the calendar year, not being familiar with what constitutes a “season” in film circles. For this reason exhibitors should tell the story to the public in “its own language,” it is recommended. This suggestion has the support of the Motion Picture Advertisers and the Hays organization. Icy Waters Claim Life of Eastern Exhibitor ALBANY, N. Y., Dec. 23.-Weighted down by heavy hunting togs in the icy waters of Lake Champlain, Bernard Whalen, associated with his father in the Strong theatre, Burlington, Vt., was drowned on SunLy, December 14. Three companions on the ill-fated trip were also drowned. Only one of the bodies has been recovered. Mr. Whalen was well known among the exhibitors of Vermont and Northern New York. After the party left in a motor boat for the hunting grounds, just what occurred will never be known, although it is thought that the boat was swamped in the furious storm that swept over the lake. Mr. Whalen was married and was about thirty-two years of age. News Reel Man Injured (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Dec. 23. — Injuries at first thought extremely serious but later failing to develop so, resulted from an automobile accident to H. D. Clofine, editor of the International News Reel last Sunday night. He is confined to the Knickerbocker hospital. The request that exhibitors, particularly those in the rural regions, give some time to the exhibition of educational and public films, and that exhibitors in general bring pressure to bear on producers to make more of these pictures was asked by Mr. Dyer. Air. Riegel declared that the screen as an educational medium was the greatest in the world, and that not until the exhibitor realized this would many william james of the trials and \ tribulations of exhibitors disappear. “Motion picture theatre owners are cooperating in public service,” M. J. O’Toole, New York, president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, declared. “The efforts of our national organization are to win official and public good will. We are selling sentiment. For many years the postoffice has been operating at a deficit. We are cooperating in the ‘wrap better’ and ‘mail early’ campaigns which will help to wipe out the deficit. Through our contract with the war department, we are helping the citizens military training camps. We are helping the navy to secure enlistments. Just as we are helping national departments, so we can help state departments.” Staab Attends Meeting “The way to get good motion pictures is to patronize the good ones,” Henry A. Staab, Milwaukee, secretary of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Wisconsin, said. “The way to defeat bad ones is with silence. The peak of production of bad pictures has been passed and they are on the down grade.” Throughout the discussion of disputed questions was a sentiment catering to the will of the majority. Officers advocated change of the national copyright laws to prevent levying of a tax on motion picture theatres using copyrighted music. The legislative committee will be instructed to attempt to prevent unfavorable legislation during the coming sessions of the state legislature, rather than to propose new measures. C. K. Weyer of the Inter-Insurance Ex change, Philadelphia, spoke on insurance. He outlined to the members assembled why his company was best fitted to serve the theatres and why the cost can be 40 per cent less, his main reason being that the company writes policies only on theatres. How results have been brought about in New York to open the theatres on Sunday was told by Sydney S. Cohen. He pointed out that time after time the theatre owners went to the appellate court and then the higher courts to get a ruling in their favor, providing that theatres may be open to the public on Sundays. In about half the counties in Ohio the law requiring theatres to be closed on the Sabbath is being enforced. Mr. Cohen recommended that the Ohio association work out some form to be submitted to the legislature that theatres in Ohio be allowed to do business on Sunday. In a form of a resolution this was adopted. Prominent Officials Speak Other speakers on the program throughout the two-day session and banquet included Robert E. Welsh, New York, Moving Picture World, who acted as toastmaster at the banquet ; Charles C. Crabbe, attorney general ; Miss Bertelle M. Lyttle, Cleveland Cinema Club; James J. Thomas, mayor of Columbus, who gave the address of welcome at the opening session and who was also present at the banquet, and the Rev. Samuel J. Swain, Columbus, pastor Interdenominational Church. Following the address of welcome by Alayor Thomas, the business was taken up. The treasurer’s report showed that the receipts for the year totaled $7,201 and disbursements $7,187. William M. James, Columbus, head of the James Theatre Enterprises, was elected president at the closing session, succeeding Alartin G. Smith of Toledo, who has served for three years, and whose name was also on the nomination list this year until he declined the nomination. J. J. Harwood, Cleveland, was re-elected vice-president at large. H. T. Palmer, Fairport Harbor; J. A. Ackerman, Cincinnati, and George R. Moore, Bucyrus, were elected first, second and third vice-presidents, respectively. C. M. Taylor of Columbus was elected secretary to succeed George Fenburg of Newark, and Martin G. Smith, the retiring president, will be the treasurer for the ensuing year, since John A. Schwalm, Hamilton, the former treas(Continued on page 87)