Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

March 14, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 37 Paramount and “Liberty” to Offer $50,000 for Film Idea Story Need Not Fit Particular Personality of Any Famous Players Star — Magazine Will Pay Additional for Material Suitable for Publication (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 3.— Famous Players-Lasky Corporation and Liberty announce in the current issue of the publication that $50,000 will be paid to the author of an idea for a story to be produced by Paramount. Provision is made that in case of a tie the original amount will be paid to each tying contestant. Not Necessary for Stories to Fit Personalities of Stars For the next six weeks the readers of Liberty will be informed of what particular types of stories are favored by Thomas Meighan, Gloria Swanson, Pola Negri, Bebe Daniels, James Cruze, David Wark Griffith, and Jesse L. Lasky simply to acquaint fans with how these stars and directors regard story material. But, it is plainly stated in the rules that the story need not fit the particular personality of any Paramount star. Churches Could Entertain Sunday Under ^ElueLaw*^ (Special to Exhibitors Herald) JEFFERSON CITY, MO., March 3. — Further evidence that the reformers are not dead in Missouri was given here on February 26, when Dr. Richard Ray of Kansas City introduced to his fellow members in the house one of the most drastic blue measures that has ever bobbed up any where. Under its provisions every form of Sunday amusement except religious entertainments and church services would be prohibited. It bars specifically motion pictures, vaudeville, musical comedy and dramatic shows, baseball, football, soccer and other games and every entertainment where an admission is charged, except by a church or religious organization, in order “to keep holy the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.” Dr. Ray explained to members of the press that he was sore at baseball and that his bill was primarily aimed at that sport, but he threw in the other amusements for good measure. Alton Women Urge Ban on Carnival Companies {Special to Exhibitors Herald) ALTON, ILL., March 3. — committee of the Women’s Council of Alton appeared before the city council last week and suggested that the city fathers enact into ordinances three resolutions that had previously been adopted by the women’s grganization. The resolutions follow: 1. We, herewith, resolve to work for the suppression of the sale of certain periodicals, which, because of illustrations, articles, jokes and advertisement we regard as a menace to morality. 2. We resolve to take steps to prevent the sale of cigarettes to minors. 3. Lastly, we resolve to try to prevent the engagement of carnivals in Alton, as such entertainments, we feel, have a demoralizing influence on the community; especially is this true in games in which an element of chance figures. The aldermen took the matter under advisement. F. B, O. Agrees to Handle New Strongheart Film {Special to Exhibitors Herald) HOLLYWOOD, March 3.— Major H. C. S. Thomson, president and managing director of Film Booking Offices, announces that contracts have been signed whereby the releasing company will distribute “White-Fang,” starring Strongheart, throughout the United States, Canada and the continent. “White-Fang” is a story of colossal adventure by Jack London, with the scenes in the savage Northland and in Southern California. The film was produced by Laurence Trimble and Jane Murfin. ** Pampered Youth” Plays in 54 Houses at Once (Special to Exhibitors Herald) CLEVELAND, O., March 3.— Fiftyfour theatres in this city and its suburbs played Vitagraph’s “Pampered Youth,” the David Smith production, simultaneously during the week of February 15. Alice Calhoun, a local girl, who has the leading feminine role in the picture was welcomed by the News-Leader as “our own Alice.” Following is a summary of the rules of the contest: 1. Liberty and Famous Players are seeking an idea for a thrilling story of love and action suitable for Liberty and for a motion picture. It must be clean. Liberty will pay $50,000 in cash to the person or persons who submit the best suggestion in accordance with these rules. 2. The winning suggestion will be written into a novel and will be printed as a serial in Liberty. It will also be produced as a motion picture by Famous Players. 3. In addition to the $50,000 which will be paid for the winning story. Liberty, will buy for cash at standard publishing rates any other stories selected from those submitted. 4. What is wanted is an idea. Ability to write fiction is not necessary. Liberty wishes to give this opportunity to everyone regardless of ability as a writer. Therefore, the offer is divided into two parts as follows: Part One provided that you may submit your idea in brief synopsis form. For this synopsis you may use 2,500 words or less. By “synopsis” we mean, tell in your language the main features of the plot and describe the leading characters which take part in it. For the best synopsis $25,000 in cash will be paid. Part Two provides that you may submit your idea in complete story form (ready for publication). For the complete story another $25,000 in cash will be paid. Everyone who submits a synopsis will be eligible for a prize of $25,000. Requirements Are Given 5. The words “Synopsis for $50,000.00 prize story” must be written plainly at the top of each synopsis submitted. If the complete story is also submitted the words “Complete Story” must be written at the top of the first story sheet and a synopsis properly marked must be attached thereto. (A synopsis must in all cases be sent.) 6. The winning idea will be selected from the synopsis submitted and $25,000 (Part One) will be awarded for it. If the complete story shall have been sent with the synopsis that wins the prize and this complete story is acceptable to the publishers of Liberty, another $25,000 (Part Two) will be paid for such complete story. If the story sent with the winning synopsis is not acceptable to the publishers of Liberty or if no story shall have been sent with the winning synopsis, the publishers of Liberty will employ an e.xperienced author to write the complete story and will award to such author the $25,000. (Part Two). 7. Upon payment by the publishers of the $25,000 (Part One) for the synopsis and for the $25,000 (Part Two) for the complete story, the synopsis and the story and all rights to each and both of every kind and nature whatsoever, including the copyright therein and the right to secure copyright therein in all countries, shall become the absolute property of Liberty for use in any manner or for any purpose it may deem proper. 8. Through the arrangements made by Liberty with Famous Players many of the most popular stars are available to produce your story on the screen as a Paramount picture. 9. Liberty will also endeavor to make arrangements with the prominent theatrical producers— Chas. Frohman, Inc. — for the production of the winning story for the speaking stage. Liberty will also endeavor to arrange with book publishers for the publication of the story in book form. All royalties or other income received by Liberty from such speaking stage rights or book publication rights will be paid to the author of the synopsis and the author of the story. Story Must Be Clean 10. The synopsis and story must be one of love and action and must be the original thought and work of the contestant. It must be clean! 11 and 12. (These two paragraphs refer only to judges and are omitted.) 13. Contestants may submit as many synopses or as many stories as they wish. 14. All entries must be addressed “Stories,” care of Liberty, Post Office Box 1123, Chicago, 111. No entries will be received later than midnight, June 1, 1925. 15. This offer is open to everybody, everywhere, except employes of Liberty and Famous Players and their families. $60,000 Claim on Southern Theatres Filed by Oldknow for Warner Product (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ATLANTA, GA., March 3. — What is said to be the biggest individual claim ever hied with the Atlanta Film Board of Trade was lodged with that organization last week by the Southern States Film Company, through its president, Oscar Oldknow, against Southern Enterprises. The claim which the arbitration committee is asked to act upon calls for the immediate payment of $60,000 to Southern States and is based upon a special contract said to have been entered into between Southern States and Southern Enterprises, Inc., covering pictures on the 1924-1925 Warner Brothers schedule. According to the claim Southern Enterprises have failed to live up to the "play or pay” clause of the agreement to the effect that all Warner pictures bought for Southern Enterprise theatres through Southern States distribution would be played or payed for within 90 days after release.