The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Sep-Oct 1922)

34° THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. September’ 9,°1922 ROUND THE MANCHESTER TRADE. THE WEEK’S ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTHERN CENTRE. Opening of Historic Theatre to Pictures—Clarion’s Success—Nellie Wallace—European Co.'s Offices— “Blindfolded”? Banned—Mr. P. Harrison Back—Bowling—Gilling’s Capture— ‘Creation ’’—Fuller’s Big Ones. ‘ BNHE long-awaited opening of the old Theatre Reval as a I picture house took place on Monday Jast at 2 p.m. Miss Jose Calling had promised to take part in the ceremony, but was unavoidably detained. Sir W. H. Veno, the chairman of the company, presided, and said ** We live in what might be called the age of pictures.” People who had not studied the subject thought that pictures had had their day. but it was his opinion, and the opinion of experts throughout the world. that pictures would live as Jong as the human family lived. Pictures would never die, but, as in every other enterprise, only the best would survive. Many would feel a genuine regret at the passing of the old Theatre Royal, which had become an institution which would always remain dear to Manchester people. consolation to know that the architectural features of the front elevation had been retained, so that it would still remain one of the landinarks of Manchester. The Theatre Roval, as it stood that day, was the last word in kinema construction. Mr. G. B. Samuelson, the producer of the all-British film. The Game of Life,” expressed appreciation on behalf of the British film industry that that) historie theatre should be opened by the exhibition of a British film. | During the four yeare in) which other countries were able to impreve their films England was engaged in other business. In that respect England was now coming into its own, and once they captured the screens of the It was some world they would take care to keep them. Clarion’s Success. As was anticipated, the Clarion Co.'s lateet film, ‘* Winning a Bride,”’ turned out a great success. Mr. F. Montrose tells me that he has had a very busy and prosperous time these last: few days. Further splendid subjects may be expected-shortly. Miss Seligmann, the manageress, is away on holiday for a week or two. Nellie Wallace. Mr. A. Lester tells me that the Nellie Wallace five-reel feature, ** Why Men Leave Home,” which he has secured, will be shown to the trade very shortly. Meantime he states that business ig very brisk on ** Robinson Crusoe“ and the new ‘Hank Mann "’ comedies. European Co.’s Offices. Mr. T. Preston and staff are now in possession of the offices recently secured. The address is Victoria Bridge Street, Deansgate, Manchester. These premises are to be fitted up in tasteful fashion with wood and glass partitions, ornamental railing, etc., and the scheme of decoration will be restful and pleasing. Patent composition flooring is being fitted. ‘* Blindfolded ’”’ Banned. On Friday last week the Chief Constable and Manchester Watch Committee viewed ‘' Blindfolded,’’ recently trade ehown by Provincial Productions, Ltd., and confirmed the initial police ban. It 16 expected, however, that the alteration of sub-titles ‘digging ’’ at the police will put the matter right. Salford auhorities were to view the film during the week. Mr. P. Harrison back. Mr. P. Harrison, the genial local manager of Famous-Lasky, is back from the recent conference at headquarters. He is Google hale, hearty, and full of enthusiasm for the future program. He saw three of the new productions while in town and considers them to be better than anything the company has yet put out. He was congratulated on last season's business. Hig firm are endeaveuring to get release down to six months from trade show. Very sensible this! Bowling. At the meeting of the Sports Association on Monday Mr. A. Watson, of FLB.O., was asked to became the new secretary, and To understand he act. The Millward Cup, Which is to be competed for at the Victoria Hotel, Urmston, on has consented to Wednesday next. aunty be won outright if) anyone proves Vietorious for three years in succession. = The winner on Wednesday will also take the first prize, value £2, presented by Messrs. Weisker Bros. There will be eight prizes in all. Councillor We. Millward will be present, also Mr. J. Harrison, the president. Mr. H. Hargreaves, of the Victoria Hotel, will provide a osplendid Tigh tea at 2s. 6d. per head. A splendid half day out. surely, Any metuiber may compete in the handicap. Entries to Messrs, A. Wateon, C. Baker, C. Bowmer, and J. Baines, Gilling's Capture. Mr. Gilling tells we that although there was very heavy competition for that outstanding film, ‘' Do the Dead Talk? ’’ he has secured it) fer) Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Ireland. He ie full of enthusiasm over the film and looks for big business on release, which is to be early. Millions of people every week are reading about spiritualism, and this film having a theme of that nature is obviously a redhot topical. Trade show will be announced next week. ‘* Creation.’’ Mr. Sunderland has secured the Raleigh King British production, ‘* Creation,” for this territory, and will shortly be screening it for the trade. I understand the subject is of strong interest, and, according to reports, is well produced, so it should prove a welcome addition to the many recent good homemade films. Fuller’s Big Ones. On returning from an extended visit to London, Mr. Fuller tells me that he has secured some of the biggest subjects he has ever handled. This is a strong statement for Mr. Fuller to make as no house has put out films of greater drawing power than he has done. But when I explain that *‘ Bulldog Drummond ”’ is one of the first, the rest may be taken for granted. This film should prove a tremendous euccess as the story is a highly original one, containing thrilling incidents which can only adequately be treated by meane of the film medium. Mr. J. Fuller advises me that he will commence his autumn season by screening ‘* The Sultana,” a five-part natural colour film, featuring Ruth Roland and William Conklin. This will be trade shown locally on Friday, September 15, at the Deans gate. The time is 11 a.m. This ie the first of Fuller’s strong new program.