Exhibitor's Trade Review (Sep-Nov 1921)

October 1, 1921 EXHIBITORS TRADE REVIEW 1232c Upstate Meetings Addressed by Berman and Pres. O'Reilly Charles L. O'Reilly, president of the State League, and Sam Berman, secretary, spoke before the western New York unit of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners at a big meeting in the Hotel Iroquois, Buffalo, Tuesday. Howard J. Smith, president of the unit, presided. Fifty-one theatres were represented. A dinner in Mr. O'Reilly's honor preceded the meeting. The organization went on record against daylight saving in Buffalo, against showing pictures on percentage and against the tax on music. Messrs. O'Reilly and Berman assured the members that they would help in bringing about the elimination of the 30-day protection clause given by Buffalo exchanges to some houses. A committee was appointed to obtain speakers to conduct a campaign of education on the motion picture industry before local business men and luncheon clubs. Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Berman spoke in Rochester, Tuesday night, before the Flower City Theatre Owners, and will visit Binghamton and Syracuse next. It is expected the next convention date will be set soon. Buffalo hopes to be the city named for the meeting. The following executive committee has been appointed by President Smith: Sid Allen, Medina; J. Kingston, Salamanca; C. A. Hayman, Niagara Falls; George Welte, Buffalo; J. H. Michael, Buffalo; Harry Marsey, Buffalo; F. M. Lally, Dunkirk, and the following officers: H. J. Smith, Samuel Carver and William Dellemuth, all of Buffalo, and Judge John W. Schatt of the Opera House, Gowanda. Jersey M. P. T. O. in Drive for 100% Membership The executive committee of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of New Jersey held an important meeting in the office of Herman Jans, 729 Seventh Avenue, New York, on September 17. President R. F. Woodhull presided. Mr. Woodhull reported that great prog ress is being made toward making Jersey 100 per cent M. P. T. 0., and in this connection praised the work of National Organizer Irvin M. Salyerds, who has been sent into Jersey by the National Organization to assist George Lederer, state or WITH the assurance that Sydney S. Cohen, national president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, Senator J. J. Walker, national counsel of that organization, and well known to every theatre owner in the country, will be present as headliners, the second annual convention of the Michigan Motion Picture Exhibitors Association, to be held at Jackson, Mich., Oct. 4 and 5, promises •to be a notable event. Added to the above speakers slated for the convention, the organization has been assured that Lieut. -Governor Thomas Reed of Lansing will be present, their former manager, A. J. Moeller of New York, who is now general manager of the national organization, and it is very probable that Governor Grossbeck of Michigan will accept the invitation extended to him. Through a new and novel idea that is being carried out in Michigan this year, every exhibitor in the state will have an Senator Walker Undergoes Operation ; Recovering Senator James J. Walker, National Counsel for the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, underwent an abdominal operation on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Broad Street Hospital in New York. The Senator was removed to the hospital from his home on Sunday. Physicians at the hospital at press time reported that he was resting comfortably and is rapidly recovering, although he will have to remain there for at least ten days more. ganizer. New members are joining every day. A committee was appointed to investigate insurance matters and report to the executive committee on means for obtaining reduction of rates. opportunity to attend the convention, for automobile parties are being formed from the various centers in the state, which the exhibitor is asked to join. If he does not drive a car, arrangements will be made to take him along in someone else's car. It is anticipated that several hundred exhibitors will turn their faces toward Jackson this year, as the convention this year is of very vital importance. The past year has been a very active one for the organization, many local as well as legislative problems having been solved. At the present time the organization has a membership of 581 theatres of the 612 in the state. A year ago the total was 275. The convention headquarters will be at the Otsego Hotel, with business session at Castle Hall and a banquet at the Jackson City Club. Through special courtesies of Warden Hulbert of the Jackson State Prison, the exhibitors and wives will be conducted on a tour through the prison and prison farm. However, Warden Hulbert is not stopping there, for he will have his prison band of forty pieces and numerous vaudeville acts from the prison to furnish entertainment for the banquet. Arrangements for the convention are in the hands of H. M. Richey, the new manager of the organization, who assumed his duties Aug. 28, succeeding Mr. Moeller and W. S. McLaren, a member of the board of directors, and in whose home city the convention will be held. Automobile trips for the ladies, luncheons, etc., will make the two days interesting. J. C. Ritter of Detroit is president of the Michigan association, and also treasurer of the M: P. T. O. A. Fred De Lodder is vice-president; H. T. Hall, secretary, and Fred R. Rumler, treasurer, all of Detroit. Big Plans for Michigan Convention President Cohen and Senator Walker Will Attend Meeting at Jackson — Prominent State Officials Slated to Be Present