Exhibitors Herald (1925)

July 11, 1925 EXHIBITORS HERALD 23 Five Rothchild Theatres in Frisco Are Purchased by Famous Players Council Formed by Reformers for “Better Pictures ” (Special to Exhibitors Herald) ALBANY, N. Y., June 30. — What appears to be another form of motion picture censorship not limited to any state, came to light during the past week with the incorporation of the Federal Motion Picture Council of America here by a number of reformers, including Canon Chase of Brooklyn. According to the papers that were filed with the secretary of state’s office, the council is formed for the purpose of devising plans to improve pictures. While the principal office will be in New York City, the council will operate throughout the United States. Outlining its purpose, the council, through the papers filed, states its intentions as follows: “To conduct investigations and research and to compile data regarding motion pictures, particularly with regard to the moral effects of motion pictures upon the public; to co-operate and seek co-operation of other organizations in the development of public sentiment favorable to wholesome screen productions.” The incorporators are: Rev. William Sheafe Chase, Brooklyn: Maude M. Aldrich, Winona Lake, Ind.; Mrs. Howard Bennett, Baltimore, Md.; Mary R. Caldwell, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Mrs. D. Leigh Colvin, New York City; Mrs. Robbins Gilman, Minneapolis; Minnie E. Kennedy, Nashville, Tenn.; Mrs. Robert Talbot-Perkins, Brooklyn; Dr. Robert Watson, Boston. Mass.; Mrs. Charles E. Merriam, Chicago, 111.; Rev. J. Foster Wilcox, Philadelphia, Pa.; Rev. Charles Scanlon, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Charles F. Chase, Jackson Heights, N. Y. Ire Aroused When Sills Film Calls Canada Maine JSpecial to Exhibitors Herald) OTTAWA, ONT., June 30. — It is charged by members of Parliament that “The Knockout” referred to the location as one of the Maine Woods when in reality the picture was made in Canada. Indignant, the Ottawa Morning Journal printed an interview with Fred Stanley, business manager for the Milton Sills company, in which he said he chose Canada for location after he found that the Maine settings were not suitable. But Stanley promised that outdoor scenes would be designated as being of Canada and not of Maine. Linton , Penniless , Plans Theatre Just the Same ( Special to Exhibitors Herald ) ALBANY, N. Y., June 30.— Although fire which destroyed the Olympic theatre in Utica, N. Y., 11 days after it was opened, swept away the life earnings of W. H. Linton of that city, another house is to be built on the same site by him, and one which will be opened about September 15. Linton has been successful in organizing a company that will finance the building of the house, his son, E. W. Linton, serving as treasurer. The construction work may proceed through the entire 24 hours of the day. Metro Denies Report of Big European Theatre Projects Butterfield Is Negotiating for Consolidated Interests in Grand Rapids — Would Control City (Special to Exhibitors Herald) SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., June 30. — Definite announcement has been made that Famous Players-Lasky Corporation has purchased the California, Granada, Imperial, Strand and Portola theatres from Herbert Rothchild. The first four are first run theatres, while the Portola is a second run house. Paramount had held a 25 per cent interest in the Rothchild chain, which is the largest for first runs in this city. Report That $4,000,000 Is Involved in Deal It is understood that papers closing the negotiations will be signed within a week or 10 days. While no price has been mentioned, it is said that the deal involves around $4,000,000. Officials, further than admitting that the deal had been completed, declined to comment. Sidney R. Kent, general manager for Paramount, and Harold B. Franklin, director of the company’s theatres, negotiated the purchase, which has caused considerable excitement in local film circles. It is said that Paramount sought to purchase West Coast Theatres, but these negotiations failed. One report is that Famous desired to purchase the Rothchild interests so that it might get a fair break with its pictures, a condition which might not exist if others controlled the chain. Officials stated that few changes would be made in the personnels of the theatres acquired. Metro Denies Report of Foreign Activities (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, June 30. — Many rumors have been afloat recently to the effect that Marcus Loew was planning to go into the theatre business in a big way abroad. The recent departure of E. A. Schiller and J. Robert Rubin for the other side has been interpreted as a furtherance of these plans. In order to make clear the policy of this company, the following official statement was issued last week by Mr. Loew: “We do not intend to build any theatres in England because our films are being properly presented there. Three years ago we arranged with the owners of the Tivoli, London, to play our films. This arrangement has proved beneficial to us and also to the British exhibitors and the industry generally in England. “We recently became associated with the Gaumont company in the operation of their exchanges and to assist in the management of their theatres in France. It was for this purpose that Mr. Schiller was sent abroad. “We have no intention of erecting theatres anywhere in the world merely for the purpose of creating a competitive situation. Our purpose in this business is to improve it, and not to undermine other interests. “We have no desire to build or own a theatre in any city which is adequately seated and properly equipped theatrically to present pictures as they reasonably should be exhibited. “Where a foreign country is devoid of adequate houses, we shall attempt to convince local exhibitors that they ought to build proper theatres and we are ready to lend our resources to help build such theatres.” Butterfield May Control Grand Rapids (Special to Exhibitors Herald) DETROIT, MICH., June 30. — The most significant news of the week in Detroit and Michigan film circles comes with the report of negotiations now under way whereby W. S. Butterfield will take over all of the theatres of Consolidated Theatres in Grand Rapids. For several weeks the smoke of battle between the Butterfield interests and Paramount building enterprises has flooded screen circles. The first blow was struck by Paramount when it invaded the Butterfield sanctum at Bay City, taking over active control of four theatres. If Butterfields are successful in obtaining the Consolidated houses in Grand Rapids, it will give them control of the Furniture City. Included in the Consolidated holdings is the Majestic Gardens, leading first run theatre of the city. The Butterfield interests recently purchased the lease to Powers theatre, a legitimate house, thus practically closing up the city for its opposition. Pontiac was also invaded by Butterfield last week, it having been announced that A. J. Kleist had sold his interests in the Oakland theatre to the chain forces. Paramount Pep Club Feeds 500 at Outing ( Special to Exhibitors Herald ) NEW YORK, June 30. — Chartering a Hudson river steamer, Paramount Pep Club staged athletic games and served supper to 500 club members and their families at the annual funfest at Indian Point.