The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jul-Aug 1922)

2). THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. August 26, 1922. ROUND THE MANCHESTER TRADE. THE WEEK’S ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTHERN CENTRE. Macclesfield Affairs — Famous Lasky Preparing — Provincial’s ‘Blindfolded ’? — ‘* Winning a Bride’? — “A Bill of Divorcement.’’ OST people on the renting side tell me that business has improved considerably this last week. The previous fortnight was permeated with the lioliday ‘spirit, ‘und eontracts were scarce, whereas most exhibiters had nothing to grumble at. There certainly scems to be a genuine optimism abroad in relation to the coming autumn season. Work on the new Royal Picture House is proceeding apace and a definite opening date will be aunounced shortly. . Macclesfield Affairs. Mr. A. Diggle, of the Super Cinema, has uot becn content with absorbing the Jocal picturedrome into his company, but has practically completed arrangements to incorporate several other halls in adjacent towns. A circuit in that area will prove an advantage, not only to the picture house company, but also to the local renting houses. Mr. Digele, one of the outstanding showmen of the North, had a deal of experience in advertising before entering the kinema business. I shall announce the complete circuit later. Famous-Lasky Preparing. Mr. Phil. Harrison was full of enthusiasm when I called the other day. He has always been a firm believer in the output of his firm, but understands from the advance notices received’ that their next twelve-months’ releases, commencing September, will eclipse anything they have done before. Not only will the quality of production, for which the firm is noted, be maintained, but the stories will be better and stronger than ever. Mr. Hurrison goes to London for the sales’ staff conference in a few days, and will supply detailed interesting information on his return. The Tennis Film. Stoll’s have now released their Suzanne Lenglen film locally, and it is meeting with great success. Expectation runs high in reference to the ‘‘ Dick Turpin "’ film, and the trade show is eagerly awaited. The recent scries of American productions put out have more than filled a gap. Their own intrinsic value has brought in much business. Provincial’s ‘‘ Blindfolded.’ I happened to be present at this firm's trade show of the above film, which features Bessie Barriscale and Joseph J. Dowling. It is not my province to review films in this column, but I happen to know that the picture was snapped up by several prominent discerning exhibitors. It is certainly an unique film of its type, and will undoubtedly bring big business. “‘ Winning a Bride.”’ This is a title that will appeal to everyone, but there is much more in this film than an attractive title. Apart from its pleasant human story, there are two exciting horse races and a big motor smash. Surely these are the ingredients of a popular success. I am assured that the acting, photography, and settings are. superb, The Clarion Film Agency show the subject locally next week. This is the first eubject of this concern’s Google winter program, which Miss Seliginan assures me will be of such a nature that many new clients will be attracted to this house. Kalce Projectors. Since being installed at the new VPiccadilly, Manchester, Mr. Claughton, of Weisker’s Manchester branch, assures me that fourteen of the latest model projectors have been sold, while Inany ure under cousideration. “* A Bill of Divorcement.”’ It wili be well to remind exhibitors that the Ideal Co. present this film at the Deanseate on August 29. There is no doubt about the fact that this subjeet has been welcomed with open arins ba all who have already geen it, and keen showmen should not miss viewing it. eine Gilling’s Goods. Time and time again films, which when trade shown received but a moderate reception, have turned out popular successes on release. 1 remember months ago attending the trade show of Gilling’s Kinema Enterprises when ‘* The Love Slave,’ featuring Lucy Doraine, was screened. I classed it as a sure big attraction. Many bookings were made, but not easily. On release, however, the film has gone so well that even circuits have offered bookings. When will the bulk of exhibitors sink thcir prejudices and contract for a film when it is really good, no matter whether they consider the location popular or not! Gilling still has several districts open on this film, and has a series of six featuring this beautiful and clever actress. In addition this house has several other exccllent subjects and eightcen one-recel comedies that are real ‘* laughs,’’ without being absolutely absurd. Fox’s Futures. Mary Carr, of ‘* Over the Hill’’ fame, is to star in a screen version of the novel, ‘* The Custard Cup.”’ It is claimed that this film will be as big a magnet as ‘‘ Over the Hill."" Tom Mix and Shirley Mason are busy on new characteristic produetions. ‘If Winter Comes "’ is well away by this, Aylesbury having experienced several fine clear days lately. Burnley’s New Kinema. Mr. W. Randle Kay is to manage the Grand Super Kinema at Burnley, which is to open on September 18 with ‘* The Queen of Sheba as the chief attraction. This hall has cost upwards of £40,000, and will be by fur the finest house in the district. Mr. Kay is a showman through and through, and thorough exploitation will undoubtedly be the rule. Hank Mann Comedies. Mr. Lester has experienced a very big demand for the new two-rcel Hank Mann comedies recently trade shown, Exhibitors should get in touch right away for first runs. “The Storm.”’ ‘Mr. Preston, of European, is doing very big business with “The Storm" and ‘‘ The Leather Pushers,”’