Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

38 EXHIBITORS HERALD January 3, 1925 Sidney Allan^ Jr,, 6-year~old leading man tcho icon the coveted child role in Henry King*s forthcoming Paramount attraction^ **Sackcloth and Scarlet,** Sidney tcon against 100 entries. YeSf this is Dan Mason^ not in his New year*8 attire^ but all groomed for his role of Pops Shendorf in Colleen Moore*s **Sallyf** the First National picture. (Continued from page 36) foreseen, and they have been most carefully prepared for and as carefully met. 1 he reward for this vision and its consequent fulfillment has placed the motion picture industry solidly on its feet ready to reap the harvest of the year now at hand. “Metro-Goldwyn anticipates for itself the most successful season any film organization ever enjoyed, and vae are going ahead with plans that will surpass in scope anything before attempted in the industry. We have at present two splendid motion pictures in Broadway theatres for runs, Lillian Gish in Henry King’s Inspiration production of ‘Romola’ at the George M. Cohan theatre, and Erich von Stroheim’s ‘Greed’ at the Cosmopolitan. After the new year we zoill have another big production on Broadxvay in ‘Ben Hur,’ which I am confident will be recognized and acclaimed as the finest motion picture that has ever been made.” MAURICE TOURNEUR Sees Smaller and Better Films It is inevitable that the close of each year in the picture industry shall bring to mind expectations and predictions for the coming year. It is therefore only proper that every producer shall become a prophet and each great director a seer. Maurice Tourneur considers the year of 1925 significant enough to picture makers to express a few opinions. “If, in 1925, a director tells you he is not successful because he is artistic,” says Mr. Tourneur, “you will be privileged to laugh at him, a thing which used to be considered bad taste. At one time the reputation of being ‘artistic’ used to be injurious to a director, but in 1925 — miracle of miracles — it will actually be an asset. Why? Because the public wants artistic pictures. The same answer goes for the statement that in 1925 artistic successes will no longer be box office failures. “The ‘strictly business’ angle is slowly going out and the artistic appraisal of pictures rapidly creeping in. “The picture industry’s greatest present need is ‘smaller and better’ or ‘shorter and sweeter’ pictures, and that need will be supplied. Casts of 6,000 or more have ceased to be interesting. Huge mobs may as well be dummies for all the notice spectators take of them. The interest of a picture is invariably centered on one or two persons in the cast. And to think that fortunes have been wasted on large casts! Anyone will agree that the money might have been spent more profitably, since big casts have seldom carried a picture.” By M. C. LEVEE President of United Studios This may be the twentieth century, but motion pictures still have their hoodoos, witches and hobgoblins. They are as a matter of simple statement. Bad Pictures! With the largest winter production schedule in the history of United Studios practically assured, I do not hesitate to predict the maximum amount Do You Remember? {Continued from page 36) annual announcement sets new record for trade papers. W. C. Quimby of Fort Wayne, Ind., begins test of radio broadcasting station for moderate sized theatre, in cooperation with Exhibitors Herald and Kenyon W. Mix, vice president of the Lyradion company. Universal completes chain of first run houses in the larger key centers. John Golden and William Fox join to produce Golden plays in pictures. September Historic Binderup case is settled. Exhibitor paid $25,000 by seventeen defendants after long “black list” litigation. National Bank of Commerce issues statement that stablization of motion picture industry is gaining confidence of bankers. Michigan exhibitor organization cuts its dues 50 per cent and announces that it has $20,000 surplus. S. R. Kent is made general manager of Famous Players-Lasky. October Federal Trade investigation of Famous Players shifts to Boston. Developments in summer and early fall indicate that film company has successfully defended itself. * September edition of the “Box Office Record” prepares exhibitors for fall and winter booking. * A. M. P. A. voices protest against broadcasting of one-man reviews of motion pictures. “Barbara Frietchie” selected to open the Piccadilly, newest first run house on Broadway, New York. * Herald presents survey of exhibitor opinion on how to bring about Sunday opening in closed towns and how to fight agitation for Sunday han in open towns. * Famous Players signs Harold Lloyd and Rudolph Valentino. * Balaban & Katz announce addition of $21,000,000 in theatre properties, including new theatre in Detroit. A1 Lichtman resign post as gen