Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

March 14, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 39 **Man Without a Country** Shown to U. S. Officials (Washington Bureau, Exhibitors Herald) WASHINGTON, March 3. — Members of President Coolidge’s cabinet, members of congress, representatives of foreign governments and members of Washington’s “400” attended a pre-release showing of the new William Fox epic, “The Man Without a Country,” in the ballroom of the New Willard hotel here the night of February 28. The screening was sponsored by the Junior League, composed of society girls, who sold tickets for charity. Miss Virginia Livington Hunt, Miss Ailsa Mellon, daughter of Secretary Mellon, Miss Natalie Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, and other prominent debutantes were on the arrangements committee. Many prominent exhibitors from the Washington territory were present as guests of Mr. Fox. Arrangements were made by Earle A. Meyer of the Fox exploitation staff. Coming as it did on the eve of the presidential inauguration the preview was one of the smartest social events of the season. The boxes were occupied by Secretary Wilbur of the Navy, and Mrs. Wilbur, Secretary and Mrs. Herbert Hoover, Secretary and Mrs. James L. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. John Hays Hammond, and many other prominent government officials. Many national organizations were represented. Chadwick Begins Last T wo of Series in West; Ray Starts 1st Picture (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, March 3. — Having started production on two of the remaining series of nine pictures, I. E. Chadwick, president of the Chadwick company, supervising the production, will remain at the Coast indefinitely, it was announced today. The two that have been started on the series are “The Rorhance of an Actress,” directed by Hunt Stromberg; and “Sunshine of Paradise Alley.” The first picture to be made by Charles Ray under his new contract has been begun under the title, “Some Pumpkins,” directed by Jerome Storm. It is a typical old fashioned Ray picture set in the rural communities in which he made his greatest impressions a few years back. Radio Pleases Patrons Who ‘'WaiP* in Forum {Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, March 3. — The radio has become a valuable ally of the management of the Forum theatre, here, which, at the instance of Julius K. Johnson, manager, has installed a long distance receiving set in the foyer for the entertainment of patrons waiting for seats. Johnson accredits the picture, “The Wizard of Oz,” as the Chadwick film has attracted crowds, in its long run, which gave rise to the need. Pauline Garon Signs With Warners HOLLYWOOD, CAL. — Work has been started on “Rose of the World” following the signing of a contract between Warner Brothers and Pauline Garon whereby the latter will fill a flapper role in the Kathleen Norris story. Think Milwaukee Meet May Unite Independent Branches “They’re Coming From All Over the World,” Is the Slogan Adopted by Wisconsin Convention Committee — Fare and One-half Is Promised (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 3. — Just how far-reaching the Milwaukee convention of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, May 12 to 14, will be is a speculative matter at this time, yet, those who are in constant touch with developments would not be surprised to see those branches of the industry known as the independents uniting in a closer association than heretofore. Those who recall the Minneapolis convention will remember that steps were taken at that time toward some sort of an affiliation between the independent producers and distributors and the exhibitor organization. M. P. T. O. A. Statement Hints at Possible Action Whether or not those efforts will be renewed can only be conjectured. A hint of what may transpire is contained in an official statement issued this week from headquarters of the M. P. T. O. A., which says that “independent producers and distributors are paying much attention to this Milwaukee meeting.” Concerning transportation, the statement says : “Clarence A. Cohen of the transportation committee has established headquarters in Suite 1110 at 25 West 43rd street. New York City, where he is prepared to give every possible assistance to theatre owners in arranging for their trip to and from the convention. Mr. Cohen has associated with him on the committee the representatives of the trunk line railroads of the United States. “Fare and one-half has been definitely agreed upon which means a saving of 25 per cent in transportation charges and the convention section of the Twentieth Century Limited and other fast trains will go directly to Milwaukee. “All theatre owners and others interested who desire to attend the convention can have train and hotel reservations made for them by writing or otherwise communicating with the national headquarters.” Slogan Broadcast Over United States _ MILWAUKEE, WIS., March 3.— “They’re coming from all over the world.” That slogan is printed on thousands of gummed labels being sent throughout the nation by the committee arranging for the national convention of the M. P. T. O. of America, which will be held in Milwaukee in May. The labels bear other information concerning the three-day session which is expected to break all records for convention attendance. Further plans of the Milwaukee committee working to make the 1925 gathering the greatest in the history of the organiza Johnson and His Mother Plan Picture to Immortalize Newspaper Profession (Special to Exhibitors Herald) LOS ANGELES, March 3. — The theme chosen by Emory Johnson lor his next picture is predicted to make the profession of the newspaper man immortal. The producer who made “In the Name of the Law,” “The Third Alarm,” “The Mailman” and other productions for Film Booking Offices, all of which made box office history, has completed the story of his newspaper play in company with his mother, Emilie Johnson. The leading character will be an assistant foreman in the press room of a big metropolitan daily. A national exploitation campaign, designed to outdo any drive ever put behind a Johnson production in the past, will be devised by Nat. G. Rothstein and his publicity experts of F. B. O. Casting for the picture will shortly begin and the picture will be made at the F. B. O. studios in Hollywood. tion are expected to be revealed following a general meeting of all committee men this week. Among the arrangements concluded during the last week was one which places the entire Hotel Wisconsin at the disposal of delegates. Although the convention proper will be held in Milwaukee’s famous municipal auditorium, the Hotel Wisconsin will be reserved for national headquarters and for members of the Eastern delegation, according to announcement of Henry Staab, executive secretary of the M. P. T. O. of Wisconsin. The entertainment program is still in the nebulous state, but certain it is that one of the three nights will find all of the delegates making merry at the monster Wisconsin theatre roof garden through the courtesy of Thomas Saxe, of the Saxe theatre chain. To Discuss Screen Ads (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, March 3.— The interdependence of screen advertising will be discussed at a meeting of the Screen Advertisers’ Association, a department of the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, at a meeting in Cleveland, March 12 and 13. Douglas D. Rothacker, of Chicago, will preside. Speakers are Charles Barrell, president of the Motion Picture Chamber of Commerce ; J. Homer Platten, treasurer of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors’ Association, and Earle Pearson, educational director of the Associated Advertising Clubs.