Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 17 January 31, 1925 Schwalbe Quits; Rowland Will Take Reins at First National RICHARD A. ROWLAND who becomes active head oi operations for First National on retirement of Harry O. Schwalbe. Big Year in Store for Independents Bischoff Reports (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20. — A production program aggregating $2,000,000 and an unparalleled year for independent motion picture producers is predicted for the California Studios in Hollywood by Samuel Bischoff, president and general manager. “More independent productions will be made during 1925 than ever before as our rental contracts indicate that millions of dollars in outside capital is coming into Hollywood to be invested here in picture production,” Bischoff said. The California Studios on Gower street, have been completed, renovated and reequipped, Bischoff reported, and stated that contracts have been signed with eleven independent producers for an output of more than 100 feature productions in the next twelve months. Two series, by Monte Banks, and by Arthur Maude, both for Associated Exhibitors’ release, and a schedule of features by Van Pelt-Wilson, for F. B. O. release are prominent on the list. O. R. C. Honors Bowes ( special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Jan. 20.— Edward Bowes, managing director, of the Capitol theatre here, has received word of his appointment as a Major in the Officers’ Reserve Corps of the United States Army. He will act as a special officer attached to the general staff. His work will consist of giving advice as a specialist in the new department created by the war department for entertainment and motion pictures. No Recognition Is Given to Reports of Friction Samuel Spring, Chief Attorney for Company, Named Assistant Secretary by Executives (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, January 20. — Harry O. Schwalbe, secretary and treasurer of First National Pictures, Inc., since its organization, tendered his resignation on last Friday at the close of a week’s session of the executive committee. Mr. Schwalbe’s resignation was accepted and, it is understood, he has withdrawn from active association in the executive management of the company. Action Is Surprise Despite Rumors of Friction Mr. Schwalbe’s unexpected and unheralded resignation comes as a distinct surprise. While it has long been rumored that he has been the storm center of considerable friction in the home office, there had been no advance notice of his retirement from his official position. His resignation permits of a shift in the executive arrangement which places Richard A. Rowland in the position o the operation of the company. Mr. Rowland has made a conspicuous success of the work which he has undertaken since joining First National and it has been known for some time that many important factors in the organization regarded him as the logical man to direct the operations of the company. Official correspondence which has been made public cites Mr. Schwalbe’s desire to devote his time to his own business interests as the reason for his retirement and whatever friction or dissatisfaction with his services that may have existed is given no authoritative recognition by the officials of the company. Following acceptance of Schwalbe’s resignation, the executive committee elected Samuel Spring, chief attorney for the company, assistant secretary. The following statement and letters were HARRY O. SCHWALBE who has resigned as secretary-treasurer of First National. f general manager and active head of made public at the First National home office : In order that he may devote more time to his personal business interests and private affairs, H. O, Schwalbe, secretary and treasurer of First National Pictures, Inc., has tendered his resignation to take effect at the end of the fiscal year, April 1925. Mr. Schwalbe’s resignation has been accepted with the deepest regret by President Robert Lieber, Under the new arrangement, Samuel Spring, head attorney for First National Pictures, has been elected assistant secretary, and in that capacity, in cooperation with General Manager Richard A. Rowland, will take over many of the fluties heretofore performed by Mr. Schwalbe. Following is Mr. Schwalbe’s letter of resignation, and Mr. Lieber’s reply. Mr. Lieber says that he will take occasion, before long, to express in his own way his appreciation of Mr. Schwalbe’s long and faithful services to the organization. Mr. Schwalbe’s letter to President Lieber, asking that he be relieved from his official duties with the company, follows: January IS, 1925. Mr. Robert Lieber, First National Pictures, Inc., 583 Madison Avenue, New York City, N. Y. My dear Bob : It is with the deepest regret that I herewith tender my resignation, becoming effective at the next annual meeting. In writing this letter, severing my connections with the company, I am prompted by the thought that the affairs of First National are now in such shape that you will readily pardon me for feeling that I can now properly devote my entire time to looking after my personal affairs, that were more or less neglected during my seven years of .service with the company. A business doesn’t happen — it is made. A great measure of the success of the company is due primarily to the many excellent suggestions made by the original franchise holders to the officers of the company. Such advice has always been sought and freely given, based on the business experiences of the various franchise holders unselfishly and without reserve. In tendering this letter, it is only just that acknowledgement be given to every department in the home office, for the constructive work has fully kept pace with the company’s activities and expansion. My personal friendly relations with you and each individual franchise holder require no comment from me. because you all know how pleasant they are and always have been. I am certain that the mutual friendships so established between us will be permanent and lasting. In conclusion, please bear in mind that the distance as measured by time from our home to New York is only two hours, and that my time is unreservedly placed at the disposal of the company, its officers and department heads, for such aids as I may be able t« render until the (^Continued on page 22)