Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

42 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 7, 1925 Optimism in American Films Appeals to Norway Oslo Exhibitors, However, Object to Gun Play and Street Brawls in Attractions Imported From This Country Editor’s Note: Exhibitor’s Herald prints herewith another article in answer to a questionnaire sent broadcast to prominent exhibitors in every corner of the globe. Fifteen questions, drawn up by the foreign department of First National, make up the questionnaire, the answers to which are doing much to give the industry in America a more vivid idea of what is being done in the motion picture field in foreign countries. The following answers are sent in by H. Noble Roedy of the Paladsteatret, Oslo, Norway. By H. NOBLE ROEDY Oslo, Norway, January 12. — Since the first answers to the Herald-First National questionnaire were printed, I have followed with keen interest, each and every article sent in by exhibitors of the various countries. I have found each one very constructive and helpful in many ways to one interested in the presentation of films. I am particularly happy to know of motion picture conditions in America, England, France, Australia or any other country, for, as in every business, it keeps one abreast of the times, and it is indeed gratifying to know that I have been called on to tell the rest of the world what we are doing in our little country. We like American films mostly because we find a healthy and clean spirit throughout the greater portion of them, and because they tend to instill a thoroughly optimistic view toward life in our public. We hate to say that we dislike anything about American pictures, but we are forced to bring out one point: The Norwegians have always been of a more or less peaceful nature, and are wont to do more arbitrating than fighting. They cannot understand why almost all American pictures must have their share of gunplay, street-brawls, etc. It seems that is the only way, however, for the American producer to reach a climax in his story, and, after all, it is not such a drastic measure that it cannot be overlooked. It might be added that the commoner class do appreciate these ultra-strong dramatic incidents. * * * Yes, to question number 3. Whenever Norway or its environs are pictured, which is not very often, we find that it is usually done very well. Norway, as well as the rest of Scandinavia, seems to appreciate the romantic love drama most. Questions number 5 and 6 seem to me, in a way, about the same. It certainly can be said that the American producer gives a thought to internationalizing his product, and at the same time, does much toward creating a feeling of good fellowship between his country and our own, when he pictures either. That is as it should be, but sadly, it seems that America is the only one to come to that conclusion. It has been found that newspaper advertising is the most effective in Norway. Trailers play a big part, also, and, between the two, we have been obtaining excellent results. The newspapers are very fair in their criticism of pictures, and generous with space. Pictures are presented here merely as films. There are no prologues, but special attention is paid to the orchestrations, and considerable time is spent in arranging musical selections between the showing of the films. Yes, we have a censor, and feel sure that it serves the public welfare. In many cases, a little too much, if you know what I mean. Norway produces very few pictures, but we are naturally partial to them and use them all, however, America furnishes about 80 per cent of our picture entertainment, which puts us very nearly on a par with America. There are few of your pictures we miss. As I have said before, the newspapers are very fair in writing up our films, or should I say your films. As we have very few pictures, I cannot answer this question in full. * * * We have many film fans, and all our magazines devoted to the films carry an answer-man department. The younger element is very curious about the life of the American players, all picture players in fact, and I’m sure your stars receive considerable mail from them. The five best pictures of the past year have been: “Mighty Lak’ a Rose,” “Oliver Twist,” “Song of Love,” “Woman to Woman” and “Why Worry.” The most liked are undoubtedly the first mentioned. Norma Talmadge ranks first in the eyes of the picturegoers here, followed closely by Valentino and Harold Lloyd. Then comes Milton Sills, Richard Barthelmess, Pola Negri, Conway Tearle, Dorothy Gish, Douglas Fairbanks and Gloria Swanson. Absolutely no, the trade papers and newspaper reviews of a motion picture are certainly in no way an influence to buying film. We see the picture before we buy it — that is always the best way. According to the reports of exhibitors found in many of the American trade papers, we feel that if America would adopt that plan, there would be much less complaining. Dillon Again Handling *Chickie^ After Illness {Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Feb. 24. — John Francis Dillon is again handling the megaphone on “Chickie,” the First National special. Owing to illness it was necessary for Dillon to turn the directorial duties over to his assistant for one week. Since joining First National Dillon has had several tremendous box office successes to his credit. They are “Flaming Youth,” “Lillies of the Field,” “Flirting with Love,’’ “Single John Francis Dillon Wives,” “If I Marry Again,” and “The Perfect Flapper.” He just completed work recently on “One Way Street,” in which Anna Q. Nilsson and Ben Lyon are featured. **The Iron Horse** Is Given Brilliant Premiere in West {Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24.— “The Iron Horse” is thundering along on its first western showing at Grauman’s Egyptian theatre, Hollywood, following one of the most brilliant premieres on Saturday night that the Sid Grauman playhouse de luxe has ever known. Practically every celebrity in Hollywood turned out for a peep at John Ford’s romance of the rails, and the opening festivities even included the introduction of William Fox, the producer, and the entire cast Once again Grauman has spared no expense to build a gigantic, picturesque prologue worthy of the magnitude of the production. Two tribes of Indians were brought here from a Wyoming reservation. The original Central Pacific engine that was featured in the picture he imported from Sacramento, while the famous old stage coach of the Union Pacific was sent here from Ogden to share honors in the Egyptian forecourt with the original “Iron Horse.” Hollywood is enthusiastic over what Ford has done, and on every side the favorite argument is which is the bigger picture, “The Iron Horse” or “The Covered Wagon.” Los Angeles critics followed the lead of their New York colleagues by giving J. Farrel MacDonald first honors in the cast for his portrayal of Corporal Casey. Illinois League to Sift Higher Express Rates Illinois exhibitors are up in arms over increased express charges. At the convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of the state at Peoria on Feb. 19 a committee was appointed to take this matter up with the express company and with the federal trade commission if necessary. On this committee are Louis Frank, A. B. McCollum and Joseph Hopp. Complaints also were made by members that there had been a perceptible slowing up in parcel post service. This also will be investigated. Charles Nathan, president, announced that a carnival bill would be introduced in the state legislature this week. Attending the convention were: E. E. Alger, Colonial, Urbana; L. J. Bennett, Liberty, Mason City; Leo Yancy, Avon, Decatur; C. E. Corrington, Clintonia, Clinton; E. B. Ramsey, Central, Fairbury; Earl M. Bennett, Liberty, Delavan; Bert Norton, Kozy, Eureka; J. C. Miller, Princess, Woodstock; R. C. Williams, Majestic, Streator; A. B. McCollum, Blackstone, Dwight; Steve Bennis, Lincoln, Lincoln; John Koletis, American, Rock Island; Charles F. Carpentier, Strand, East Moline; John Koletis and Oscar Komdat, Rivoli, Monmouth; A. C. King, Grand, El Paso; Adolph W. Szold, Garden and Imperial, Peoria; Charles Nathan, Theatres Operating Company, Peoria; Myrtle M. Warren, Palace, Chillicothe; Frank Taylor, Paramount, Yates City; S. E. Schafer, Palace, Greenview; Sidney H. Selig, Gem and Cozy; Harry A. Brunhild, Brunhild Brothers; William J. Sweeney, Joseph Hopp; Louis H. Frank, Halsted; Samuel Abrahams, Gold, and Ludwig Siegel, Prairie, all of Chicago. Pomona Voters Repeal Sabbath Closing Law (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24.— Hollywood is rejoicing over the action of voters of Pomona in repealing the famous blue law prohibiting the operation of any theatre on the Sabbath. By a vote of 3,007 to 2,441 the ordinance was repealed.