Exhibitor's Trade Review (Aug-Nov 1925)

EXHIBITORS CTmde REVIEW ( tyie Business Paper of the Motion ftcture Industry Editorial OF a number of important business changes in the air, the sale of Associated Exhibitors, finally closed this week after several prematurely published reports, ranks first in general interest. There is no question that Associated has made much progress since it came under the general management of J. S. Woody, who has demonstrated exceptional ability as an organizer as well as a sales executive. Passing into control of Oscar Price, Associated maintains its position as an independent organization and adds substantially to its resources. Which ought to mean that it will be an increasingly important source of good product. * * * THE rumor of a Balaban & Katz-Famous merger persists but lacks tangible confirmation. If it is a fact, it is one of those deals that will justify a lot of talk Avithout meaning much in the e very-day life of most exhibitors. The territory in which B. & K. are dominant is well enough controlled today so that no alliance will tighten the lines much. •3i& IT is not at all unlikely that the next few months will see a general realignment of theatre interests controlled by large distributing organizations. Whatever may be the eventual outcome of the Federal Trade Commission investigation and of several other state and federal investigations now under way, it is becoming steadily more evident that there are grave dangers in the endeavor to combine the various branches of the business. It is not to be assumed, however, that any such changes as may come about to head off possible punitive action will involve any real change in the underlying situation. Large business enterprises have been dissolved in many instances, by court decrees and otherwise, without materially altering their status. It is largely a matter of outward appearances. ONE of the season's surprises developed this week with the opening in New York of "The Pony Express." One of those occasional films on which the public verdict can be accurately predicted in advance^ credit is due James Cruze for another knockout. Built around a stirring period in California's history, when secession from the Union was plotting, the story is sufficiently unfamiliar to most Americans to have tremendous suspense value and the dramatic possibilities have been masterfully handled. Incidentally, Ricardo Cortez in this picture provides a characterization so unusual and so well done as to merit the highest commendation. Exhibitors who play this one will be justified in going the limit. It's a moneymaker. * * * f HERE seems to be a good deal of silence on J, the subject of reform of the uniform contract. Which, perhaps, is due to the fact that the present contract is proving rather satisfactory to the people who have the power to change it. There are indications, however, that the next few months will see judicial review of some of its provisions, which will determine definitely whether or not it is the equitable document its proponents say it is. It is not unlikely, also, that the Seider contract will have substantial bearing on the subject, since it provides a basis for a new kind of competition M'herever distributors are disposed to break away, if there are such. ife ife 3fS" WE have with us, as usual, the talk of "overproduction." And Avithout possible question there is overproduction of pictures of indifferent quality. But, thus far, there doesn't seem to be any considerable surplus of pictures that will consistently overcrowd our theatres.