Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

January 3, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 39 Do You Remember? (Continued on page 38) eral manager of Universal on account of ill health. * Herald begins publication of “The Exhibitor’s Place in the Sun” by Sydney S. Cohen November Katz and Kunsky combine in Detroit, averting threatened theatre war between two First National franchise holders. Herald survey shows that nearly half of the motion picture theatres in the country do not operate Sundays. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks sign agreement with Joseph M. Schenck, whereby Schenck organization is merged with United Artists. Publication of income taxes of various prominent people in the film industry creates mild sensation. * “What the Picture Did for Me” reports name Sabatini as logical winner of Zukor award. T. 0. C. C. wants federal trade investigation of Marcus Loew, Inc. Will H. Hays names Charles L. O’Reilly, R, R, Biechele and Charles C. Pettijohn on committee to consider changes in uniform contract. -X John Hamrick elected president of M. P. T. O. Washington (state) with membership of 126. * Selznick Pictures Corporation forced into bankruptcy. Feature pictures acquired by Associated Exhibitors and short subjects by F. B. O. Thomas H. Ince, one of industry’s leading producers, dies of heart trouble at his home in California. December San Diego, Cal., stirred by “fake bomb” used to exploit picture. Responsible executives of industry condemn stunt and urge perpetrators be discharged. Announcement is made that Mrs. Ince takes charge of the affairs of Thomas H. Ince Corporation. « Joseph M. Schenck, on way to take charge of United Artists, announces roadshowing will be discontinued and Three bright lights in Century comedies. Left to rights Edna Marian^ fane Shirley^ Arthur Lake. They evidently figure Christmas is a good time to make a New Year*s pledge. oi activity for the coming year — and a maximum amount of quality. Contracts have been signed for practically capacity production at this plant during the months of December, January and February. I believe the progress of the United Studios can be taken as a fair example of production in Los Angeles this winter. In the past, production had been either curtailed at this time of the year or discontinued entirely in a number of studios. But, if other studios are to be judged by United, it is exactly the opposite this year and promises to continue along these lines into next year. It argues particularly well for West Coast picture production that in a number of specific instances producers who were bent on making pictures in New York have returned without even shooting a scene there. In pointing out that maximum production will be reached at United Studios, I have failed to call attention to the greatest factor which makes such a thing possible. It is the minimum cost. The noticeable trend of the producers here is toward the best that modern literature has to offer. This is the only way the producer has of overcoming the demand for good box office titles. Box office titles have been coined indiscriminately and without regard to the contents and merit of a photoplay. The producers on the United lot have done the rational thing of joining hands with the picturization of plays, novels and short stories with which the public is well acquainted. Moreover, this will enable them to retain the original titles of their subject matter. I might mention that the forthcoming year will see many radical steps taken to develop new acting personalities. Limiting the field to a comparatively few stars is stifling the much needed introduction of new faces on the screen. Speaking for my own producing company, I shall endeavor to make the coming year one of the most prolific in the presentation of new stars. Let the old stars shine where they may — new ones are ever so much more interesting, and sometimes better! B. P. SCHULBERG Expects Readjustments Present indications forecast that 1925 will be a year of sane readjustments in studio as in distributing office. Studios where over-production has been the rule are cutting down their output while others, like our organization, who can with facility increase their program, are doing so. In other words, 1925 will see consistent activity throughout its twelve months rather than the usual alternating periods of over production and shutdowns. This will have a stabilizing and prosperous effect upon conditions on the Coast. It will do much to right the profiteering of certain stars who demand exorbitant salaries because so few players are available. On the other hand, it will give hundreds of actors steady employment without long weeks of inactivity. The question of the star picture has been settled in favor of the all-star cast and 1925 will see the successful picture cast with able players down to the most minor roles. The “bigger and better” picture will be well represented during the coming year. Practically every company is planning one or two special productions to which they are giving more than ordinary care.