Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World (Apr-Jun 1930)

24 EXHIBITORS HERALD-WORLD April 5, 1930 Blind Leads Blind — To Theatre Leader of Better Opportunities Movement Appeals to Exhibitors to Permit Blind Person and Guide to Attend Show for One Admission — Complete Co-operation of E. J. Sparks in South and of Publix Managers Already Obtained, Says Charles M. Anderson, Chairman of Civic Clubs Committee of Jacksonville, Fla. By CHARLES M. ANDERSON uTT 7 AIT a minute,” said the young doorkeeper of the motion picture theVV atre. “I will get fifty cents back for you. One ticket will be enough, for you cannot see the picture.” These were the words which planted in my consciousness the desire for others to enjoy the same privilege. It is the little incidents that come up in our daily life that often plant the seed that matures into something worth-while. About six months ago, while at St. Augustine visiting the school there for the blind children, I found we had three hours to wait before train time. I suggested we take in a movie. Although blind, I get considerable pleasure out of the sound pictures, especially so when the scenes are occasionally described to me in a whisper. Sparks Indorses Plan Thinking over the above incident I came to the conclusion that all of the picture houses would be glad to grant such a privilege, if the opportunity were brought to their notice. As to how well it was received by Mr. E. J. Sparks, president of Consolidated Theatres, Inc., will be seen from the following letter which was an answer to a request to allow the blind to enter their picture houses with a guide for the price of one admission. “I am in complete sympathy with the very fine movement whereby any blind person will be admitted to any theatre that we operate upon the conditions set forth in the communication left with me by you yesterday. It is a real pleasure to cooperate in this — one of the finest progressive steps that has come to my attention. “We operate 47 theatres, a complete list of which will be sent to you from Lakeland. “I hope that the blind will come into our theatres as frequently as they can find time to do so and we will endeavor to make them happy and enjoy themselves.” Helps Blind to Become Fans All of the managers of the theatres of this company have been notified and the blind are now enjoying the privilege extended to them. This will be of mutual advantage as is shown from the following fact : I know of one blind person who has already spent three dollars and twenty-five cents under this two-for-one privilege, whereas he would not have gone to any of the shows, he says, if he had to pay for himself and guide. The district managers of Florida of the Publix Theatres Corporation are both in hearty accord with the movement and the matter has been referred to the home office in the hope and belief that they will grant this privilege in all of their houses throughout the country. It is my aim as chairman of the Civic Clubs Committee to bring this about as soon as possible in all of the theatres in this country. Through the cooperation of the readers of the Herald-World, also the Lions Clubs and The American Foundation for the blind, I feel that this aim will be accomplished within a short time. Fostering opportunities for the blind is the slogan of our committee. Vocational Training Needs At the beginning of 1928 it was brought to my attention that the school for the blind children at St. Augustine was the only educational institution in the state where vocational training was given the blind, but only to chil dren. As statistics show that 65 per cent of blindness occurs after maturity has been reached, it is obvious that there should be opportunities along these lines for the adult blind of the state. There is one blind to every thousand to twelve hundred persons in the United States. About 58 per cent of those thus handicapped are over fifty years old, according to figures gathered by the American Foundation for the Blind. It was to bring about opportunities for the adult blind of Florida that I started my work of investigation and publicity in February, 1928. To raise funds to carry on the work, I published a booklet of original poems entitled “The Garden of Eden and Other Poems.” This was sold for one dollar, all the proceeds from the sale being contributed to the work of investigation and publicity. 347 Blind in Florida It was discovered that no survey had ever been made of the blind in the state. The federal census of 1920 showed that there were 548 blind in the state of that time. In the spring of 1928 the American Legion undertook the making of a survey of the crippled children. At the request of the Civic Clubs Committee they included the blind. This was done in 36 counties out of the 67 in the state,, and showed that there were 190 blind adults and 157 blind children. On June 8, 1928 I spoke before the Lions State Convention at Daytona Beach and they passed a resolution to foster the work I had begun. I also had resolutions passed by the local post of the American Legion, the Civitans, Exchange, Kiwanis, Lions and Masonic clubs, to the end that one member from each of the clubs be selected to form the Civic Clubs Committee. Commission Is Authorized We caused to be drawn up a bill in the 1929 legislature, which passed unanimously without amendment and has been signed by Governor Doyle E. Carlton, providing for the creation of a commission for the adult blind, with an annual appropriation of $15,000. This will provide home teachers, also maintain a shop where certain trades can be taught. With this movement for admittance of the blind person and guide for one ticket at theatres, I believe that an important step is being taken in the same direction as with the other activities mentioned, and that is the providing of opportunities for the sightless. Paula Gould Opens Own Publicity Bureau in N. Y. (Special to the Herald-World) NEW YORK, April 1. — Paula Gould, popular New York newspaper and theatrical figure, has opened her own publicity bureau, which will be both commercial and theatrical and local, national and international in scope. The company’s prospectus admits of a “guarantee to make anyone or anything world famous in three months.” BRUCE GALLUP is making his first trip to the Coast this week. United Artists’ director of advertising and publicity was to arrive in Hollywood Thursday, April 3, with Al Lichtman, general manager of distribution, having left New York Monday. Extra , No Speeches Made At John Boles Luncheon, And That’s a Real Story Paul Gulick Introduces Star as Guests Eat, Drink and Shout BY HARRY TUGEND NEW YORK, April 1. — The luncheon given John Boles by Universal on his arrival here for the opening of “Captain of the Guard,” proved to be a startling innovation. There wasn’t a single bouquet slinging speech. In fact there just wasn’t any speech. We arrived, were greeted, seated and fed. And well fed. Then with unbated breath and unbuttoned vest, we settled back for the usual “unaccustomed as-I-am t. p. s.” Up spake Mr. Paul Gulick. “Friends. If you haven’t met John Boles, come up and meet him. There will be Tio speeches unless Mr. Boles wants to make one.” Well we rose to a man. To a woman, too, I think. Pandemonium broke loose. We shouted stamped and whistled. Strong men wept and embraced each other. Then above the commotion came the calm, resonant voice of John Boles. “Friends.” A hush settled over us. A very strained hush. You could hear a ceiling drop. It must have been the one right under us. “Friends,” said John Boles, “I am not a talker, I’m a singer,” and sat down. After that John Boles can have my right arm. In fact, I offered it to him but he only shook my hand and asked me to autograph his starched cuffs. Weakly emulating; his own modesty I replied, “I am not a writer, I’m a dancer,” and made my getaway. Maybe after I left, Graham McNamee, who was there delivered a stirring, course by course appreciation of a luncheon without speeches. Film Banned in Budapest Budapest has banned the showing of a film entitled “Haitang,” starring the ChineseAmerican actress Anna May Wong, because of its anti-monarchist theme.