Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

EXHIBl'iURS HERALD 35 Official Statistics Indicate Passing of Smaller Houses Figures Just Made Public by Chicago Exhibitors Association Confirm Opinions Expressed by Theatre Owners in Survey Conducted by the “Herald” Theatre owners interviewed by the Herald in a survey touching upon several phases of the present theatre situation expressed the opinion that there were too many theatres in this country and that there was a tendency toward elimination of the smaller houses. Evidence that the theatre men analyzed the situation correctly is contained in official figures just issued by Jack Miller, business manager of the Chicago Exhibitors Association. Trend of Theatre Situation Disclosed in Report This data, in addition to confirming the opinions of Herald readers, makes some interesting disclosures relative to the general trend of things in the exhibition field. February 28, 1925 Name one of the factors contributing to Cecil B. DeMille’s success. All right. Salesmanship ! C. B.’s talk to dis trict and branch managers of Producers Distributing Corporation at the Congress hotel on Saturday convinced us of that. We’re laying a little bet right now on the P. D. C.-DeMille combination. Any takers? * * * F. C. Munroe, president of P. D. C., who was en route West with DeMille, made a few pertinent remarks anent theatres in a talk I had with him. First, of course, was his denial that any deal was pending between P. D. C. and Warners for the acquisition of theatres. Absurd ! And then in reply to the question of whether or not P. D. C. might enter the exhibition field, Mr. Munroe replied that the theatre business was a good business. But that wasn’t all. I refer you to a news story published in this issue. * * i(: Paul Mooney also came through as a member of the P. D. C. party. Paul is outlining to the boys around the circuit the sales plans on the new season’s output, which will include, of course, several DeMille offerings. * ♦ * Dick Rowland, Mrs. Dick and May Allison came in on the Century and took the first train out over the Santa Fe for the studios last Wednesday, commuting to the Coast. Nothing significant about the trip, Dick told us. * * * I had quite a talk with Jack Warner. There’s no doubt of it. Jack had blood in his eye. He said Warner Brothers were going to get bookings or build or buy theatres or show m tents. Jack was en route back to the Coast with H. M. The brothers have been in New York arranging production, theatre and finance plans. * * Now for my good friend, Oscar Rutnore. Oscar dropped in just long enough to whisper in my ear that Mary Pickford and Thommy Meighan were going to co-star in a picture. Take it or leave it. * * We know now why Benny Leonard quit the ring. We spotted Larry Weingarten going through his daily dozen at the Claridge Hotel gym the other day and believe us or not Benny wouldn’t have a ghost of a chance in six months more. Oh, yes, Larry’s Jackie Coogan’s public service agent (or something like that). * * * Arthur S. Kane was through bound East. The Associated Exhibitors’ prexy told us in glowing terms all about A. E. product and business in general. There’s no doubt of it, business is great ! ♦ * * Kenneth Harlan returned to the Coast last week proudly displaying a new contract with Warner Brothers. . . . J. Charles Davis, 2nd, was a visitor at the office. Charley’s closing the territories on “One Thousand and One Night,” and he wants it plainly understood that that is. the title of the picture and has nothing to do with the exhibition time. — SHRECK. Film Indorsers Hold Preview INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — State legislators, with their wives and other invited guests were entertained recently at dinner and with a re-showing of “The Man Without a Country,” by members of the Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays. The comparative figures gathered by Mr. Miller show that in 1921 Chicago had 385 motion picture and combination houses, while in 1924 there were but 334, a decrease of 51 theatres. Of the total of 385 houses in 1921 376 were exclusive motion picture theatres, while nine presented combination bills. A radical change took place, however, in 1924 when there, were but 308 houses showing pictures exclusively, and 26 presenting pictures and vaudeville. The decrease in 1924, as shown in the exhibitor association statistics, was confined to houses seating 2,500 or less and to houses showing pictures exclusively. Had it not been for the increase in de luxe theatres, such as the Chicago, Riviera, Tivoli, McVickers, Senate, etc., the decrease would have, been greater by 17 houses. Many Are Circuit Members Of the total of 334 theatres in 1924 it would be safe to say that more than 200 were members of circuits or booking combines. Here are the figures supplied by Mr. Miller 1924 Seatincf. 1921 Seating 118 300 44 SOO 63 800 (Figures for 1921 giv 5n 1.000 ing the individual seat 10 1,200 ing capacities are not 14 1,500 available.) 3 1,800 4 2,000 1 2,300 1 2,500 308 205,050 Pictures only 376 244,818 4 6,100 V’dVille only 7 10,768 5 6,450 Burlesque 5 6,861 18 22,570 Dramatic 19 25,697 26 44,850 Vdvl & Petrs 9 12,202 Miller’s report states that the foregoing totals do not include theatres opened since Jan. 1, 1925, such as the (Tapitol and a few smaller houses. Lynch Theatres, Inc., Now Operating A new chain of twenty theatres is now operating in Chicago under the corporate name. Lynch Theatres, Inc., with headquarters at 910 South Michigan avenue. Officials of the new organization are: V. T. Lynch, president; Verne Langdon, secretary, and Simon Simansky, treasurer. Charles Casanave, former United Artists branch manager, is general manager of the circuit. On the board of directors are Frank G. Schaefer, William J. Mueller, Jack Miller and Arthur Sass. Comprising the circuit are these houses: Crystal, Tiffin, Lynch, Milford, Famous, Avon, Hub, Alvin, Karlov, New Home, York, Ridge, Apollo, Clifford, Plaisance, Iris, Savoy, Park, Lucille and Windsor. Charles Ray Signs for 4 Chadwick Pictures (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Feb. 17. — A telegram just received from I. E. Chadwick, president of Chadwick Pictures Corporation, states that he has just signed Charles Ray for a series of four pictures to be made this year. Several plays and newels are now under consideration for the first of the Ray pictures. It is expected that the Chadwick-Ray studios will be active immediately. The director, cast and the title of the first picture will be announced next week, the dispatch reads. All of the pictures will be made in the west. Universal Will Build Western House, Rumor (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, Feb. 17.— The long conference of Universal officials of the local exchange with Fred Gage, division manager, and Ned Marin, general sales manager from Chicago west, which was held upon ■ the arrival of these two this week enhanced the belief that consideration is current for the building of a large theatre here. Following the meeting Marin and Gage went to Los Angeles to confer with Carl Laemmle, president of Universal. A formal statement declared that Gage and Marin are conducting an inspection trip throughout the northwest. Combine of Theatres Is Organized in Ohio (Special to Exhibitors Herald) STEUBENVILLE, O., Feb. 17.— Steubenville has been selected as headquarters of the new theatre combine, TriState Amusement Company, which has been organized by A. G. Constant and J. K. Papulias. Thus far the new combination includes these houses: Strand and American in East Liverpool; Strand and Olympic in Steubenville and theatres in Weirton, Wellsburg and New Cumberland, W. Va., and two houses in Toronto, O. Savoy Cancer Victim (Special from H. E. N.) JEANETTE, LA., Feb. 17.— J. S. Savoy, owner of the Savoy theatre, here, died last week after a long illness. His trouble is said to have been caused bv cancer of the liver. He was a widely known salesman of 20 years experience.