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

October 21, 1922. IMPRESSIONS OF THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 33 THE BLACKPOOL CONVENTION. (By WM. HY. HUISH.) URING the holding of the trade convention at Blackpool I was asked on several the trade was represented, and had to admit that the organisers were disappointed in the attendance; yet, at the same time, those present representing the exhibiting end of the business, though comparatively small in numbers, directly and indirectly represented a large number of exhibitors and very large interests. oceasions how Where Was the Renter? There is no doubt, however, that in spite of the apathy displayed by such a large number of those connected with the industry, those who did attend have expressed themselves not only perfectly satisfied with the arrangements, but they consider the functions were in.every way a great success. The many impressions expressed to me by some of the prominent members of the trade may be of interest to my readers, and to judge from what I have heard, the paper by Mr. Reginald Yorke and the talk by Mr. Barrington Hooper were generally considered by those who had heard these gentlemen as the case for the exhibitor, and the very strong arguments put forward by both of them were arguments for the renter and not the exhibitor to answer. The question, therefore, put to me the renter? on all sides was, Where is Why is he not here to answer for himself? Mr. Lapworth’s Paper. The talk by Mr. Charles Lapworth was very much appreciated by everyone I spoke to, and this gentleman made a lasting impression on all of us, and there is not the least doubt that his talk was most interesting; but those who had met Mr. Lapworth for the first time were more impressed with the man than with what he said, not because what he said was uninteresting, but because, as one exhibitor put it to me, his.talk did not seem to lead you anywhere, and at its conclusion left you feeling like Oliver Twist. I look upon Mr. Charles Lapworth as one of the most learned and able men in our business at the present moment, and I am disappointed when I know, if he had chosen to do so, he could have made his talk far more convincing to the exhibitor. I would be the last in the world to hurt the feelings of Mr. Lapworth, knowing that I was responsible for bringing him to Blackpool to talk to the trade, but I would be failing in my duty if I did not let Mr. Lapworth know what is in the other fellow’s mind. Indifference of the London Trade. There was a very strong feeling expressed by many of the exhibitors that the reason so few renters had put in an appearance was in consequence of the Convention being organised by the C.P.M.A. I am not in a position to say if this is so or not, but it was remarked to me many times during the Convention that there was not a single member of the K.R.S. present, and I was asked if they had been invited. My reply was that this organisation had been officially invited through their chairman to be represented at the Convention, and also several prominent anembers had been personally invited. It is regrettable that any section of the industry should not desire to co-operate on an occasion such as this, and I sincerely hope there is no truth in the rumour that was very prevalent during the two days of the Convention, viz., that a section of the trade in London had thrown cold water on the effort that was being made to organise this Convention.. In fact, one gentleman who had journeyed from London to be present at the Convention admitted that he Digitized by Co gle had been approached before he left London and had been told that it would be interests not to be present at the Convention. This gentleman, however, having a mind of his own, desired to see for himself, and therefore made his first visit to Lancashire in order to judge the Lancastrian on his native heath, and before this gentleman returned to the South he oxpressed himself as perfectly convinced that the powers that be in London either do not or will understand the temperament of the men in the North. to his not A ‘ Worth While ’’ Convention. What is the general impression, I will be asked, of those attending the Convention? Well, there is only one answer, ‘ It was certainly worth while,’’ and there is a very strong feeling that in the very near future, Lancashire and Yorkshire, so far as our industry is concerned, will become more consolidated, and when those gentlemen in London who control the renting end of the business have time to read the very full and exhaustive reports of the proceedings at the Convention which appeared in last week’s Fitm Renrer, and they consider further that Lancashire and Yorkshire between them represent 55 per cent. at least of the U.K. rights, they will realise that, as a business proposition, it would have been worth their while to have been represented at what has been acknowledged to be (by those outside the Association who were responsible for its organisation) the most successful and business-like Conference the trade has ever experienced in this country. ” RENE GUISSART JOINS GRAHAM WILCOX. Celebrated Cameraman to turn for ‘‘ Paddy the Next Best Thing.”’ RAHAM WILCOX G Productions are to be congratu lated upon their capture in securing the services of René the celebrated = cameraman who is now engaged in turning for ‘‘ Paddy the Next Best Thing.”’ Guissart is a genius, and his wonderful work in connection with ‘‘The Bohemian Girl ’” will be remembered by the trade. Seldom, if ever, better photography Been seen on the screen, end in securing the services of such an expert, the Graham Wileox Co. have for them. selves the perfect photo; graphy they are making a feature of in this production Guissart, has assured RENE GUISSART. Original from NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY