Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

February 21, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 23 Hays Declines to Comment on Vitagraph Withdrawal {Special to Exhibitors Herald) HOLLYWOOD, CAL., Feb. 10. — Will Hays declined an opportunity to “speak his mind’’ concerning the withdrawal of Vitagraph from the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America of which he is president upon his arrival here for a ten-day conference. Although he talked at length on the industry he turned to his companions, Maurice M. Kinzie and James M. Connery, with an expressive look when asked to make a statement about Vitagraph. Then he called attention to the fact that the films are promoting international harmony by advancing understanding among nations. In quality of product and extent of business the 1925 film outlook is the best in history, he went on. He pointed out encouraging factors in the determination of responsible producers to improve the quality of their pictures. Pettijohn Likewise Demurs KANSAS CITY, MO., Feb. 10.— C. C. Pettijohn, general counsel for the Hays organization, replied when questioned about the Vitagraph situation, that “Vitagraph withdrew in 1922, but came back in. Now that organization has resigned for the second time. We started with nine members; now we have 26. Only two besides Vitagraph have ever withdrawn. Isn’t that enough to say!’’’ Booking Combine Movement Growing in Face of Opposition Others Favor Drive to Curb High Film Rentals Majority of Exhibitors Say Theatre Alliances Are Not Affecting Their Business (Undoubtedly there is more significance attached to the theatre today than to any other factor in the motion picture industry. In all quarters theatre booking combines are practically the sole topic of discussion. What attitude are exhibitors of the country assuming toward the present developments in the theatre field? In an effort to supply an ansiver to that question the Herald conducted a survey among theatre owners. The hiitial findings in that investigation were published last week. The disclosures made in the follozving article conclude the survey.) By JAY M. SHRECK The combining of theatres for the purpose of booking presents a paradoxical situation. A majority of those exhibitors discussing this question during the Herald survey expressed themselves in opposition to the movement. Yet, despite that attitude on the part of the majority the movement is spreading throughout the country. An explanation of this seemingly contradictory situation possibly may be found in the contention of C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont theatre, Oakland, Cal. He says: “I think the practice wrong in principle hut don’t see any other way for theatre owners to protect their business against the unscrupulous and continual raise in film rental when there seems to be no justification for it.” Report *'Ben Hur'' Hit Unusual Woes Denied by Niblo {Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Feb. 10. — Back from Rome where he, directed “Ben Hur’’ for Metro-Goldwyn, Fred Niblo last week denied emphatically the report that the Italian government and the. Italian people had interfered substantially with the production. “The only troubles,” he said, “were those to be expected in making such a massive production with such great numbers of people in a country where we had to take with us or build all our equipment and facilities.” Nicholas Schenck, who seldom enthuses over anything in the picture line, was almost demonstrative in congratulating Niblo and commending him for the work he has done. He said: “‘Ben Hur’ has taken longer in the making and cost already more money than we expected, but the picture is greater than we expected and we are more than satisfied with results so far.” Officials of Metro-Goldwyn are enthusiastic over the progress made. Niblo and his company have departed for Culver City, where a lot of the close ups and interiors will be taken. The long shots of the chariot race, which is the big punch, were taken in Rome, but the actual race itself will be staged in Culver City. Council May Canvass City on Show Question A debate at the Evanston Woman’s club one the question of Sunday Motion pictures developed into a discussion at the city council that evening when it was decided that a referendum will be taken to determine the will of the people. J. D. Alliance, a contractor, protested that Sunday shows will deteriorate property values. Dempsey Weds Estelle (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SAN DIEGO, CAL., Feb. 10.— Jack Dempsey was married to Estelle Taylor, film star, February 7 here in a semisecret ceremony. Only the invited guests had knowledge of the affair. Later it was everybody’s secret. Rev. Wallace M. Hamilton officiated. Briefly, that would seem to express the sentiment generally among theatre men. Though they discussed the subject freely, exhibitors were w'ary of predicting tbe eventual outcome of the present movement in the theatre field. There are too many factors to be considered to permit of an accurate forecast, they contend. Discuss Three Questions In making this survey the Herald requested exhibitors to give their opinions on these three questions: 1. Do you favor the combining of theatres for the purpose of booking pictures? 2. Are booking combinations affecting your business? 3. Do you believe any action should be taken against booking combinations? We will take question No. 1, under consideration first. Fifty-eight per cent of the exhibitors participating in the Herald survey answered this question in the negative, while 42 per cent answered in the affirmative. Among those opposing booking combines were these exhibitors: J. A. Housey, Calhoun theatre, Calhoun, Mo.; Mrs. A. Hall, Dupo, Dupo, 111.; Joseph Walters, Temple, Sanford, N. C. ; Benjamin William Fey, Renton, Renton, Wash.; D. M. Mangane, Rex, Newport, Wash.; Frank Joslin, Empress, Belding, Mich.; L. B. Monroe, Columbia, Shinnston, West Va.; William F. Laycock, Durrell, Cambridge, Mass.; W. E. Elkin, Temple, Aberdeen, Miss.; Roy A. Fuhrer, Temple, Yates Center, Kan.; Theodore Charles, Moon, Vincennes, Ind. ; F. J. O’Hara, Community, Elgin, Neb.; R. A. Vander Bil, Royal, Lime Springs, la.; W. J. Nieuwland, Ord, Ord, Neb.; L. D. Metcalf, Grand, Ash Grove, Mo.; Congdon and Weidensee, Janel, Pentwater, Mich.; Arista theatre, Lebanon, Ky. ; F. H. Harris, Amuse, Hart, Mich.; N. Frye, Fischer, Terrace and Palace, Danville, 111.; J. A. MacDonald, I. O. O. F., Carnduff, Sask.; J. P. Allen, Liberty, Holly, Mich.; Bert Silver, Silver Family, Greenville, Mich.; Jack Garrett, Rex, Gallup, N. M.; C. A. Harper, Whiteway, Selma, N. C. ; H. K. Timms, Orpheum, Green Bay, Wis.; W. J. Shoup, DeLuxe, Spearville, Kan.; N. A. Cazanis, Lord Nelson Amusement Company, Montreal, Que. Approve Combinations Among the 42 per cent approving the combining of theatres, their reasons for which will be cited later, are: J. C. Brady, Madison, Toronto, Ont. ; H, M. Retz, Strand, Lamont, la.; F. J. McWilliams, Madison, Madison, Wis.; O. M. Dunn, Lane and Rose, CleElum and Roslyn, Wash.; Weakley & Walden, Odeon and Royal, Nardin and Norborne, Mo.; C. E. Corrington, Clintonia, Clinton, 111.; John A. Schwalm, Rialto, Flamilton, O.; F. M. Edgett, Lyric, Earlville, 111.; Quality theatre, Cullom, III.; J. H. Peterson, New, East Palestine, O. ; Earle Eveland, Twin City Opera House, McConnelsville, O.; John C. Kearle, State, Jersey City, N. J.; W. Paul Marsh, Community, Winamac, Ind.; R. H. Klock, Klock, Pittsburg, Kan.; J. R. Burford, Burford and Rex, Arkansas City, Kan.; J. B. Wallis, Main Street, Russell, Kan.; C. C. Griffin, New Piedmont, Oakland, Cal.; Stanley Chambers, Miller, Wichita, Kan.; Charles