The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Nov-Dec 1922)

November 11, 1922. that some exhibitors put on old films as they put on bad old films. There is nothing necessarily wrong about a picture that was made five years ago—unless, of course, it shows the ‘‘ rain ’’ tco prominently. And, in any case, I would rather see a worthy specimen of screen art born in 1917 than a shoddy example of the art of 1922. Suppose, for instance (to go even further back), the exhibitor puts on ‘‘ Cabiria ’’ or ‘‘ The Birth of a Nation ”’ —both created in the first years of the war. They may be “‘ old stuff,’’ but only in the sense of age, not of merit. Some patrons might not go to see them for the reason that they had seen them before. But the presentation of such classics of the screen would certainly ccnstitute no fraud on the patrons who did go to see them. Proposed ‘ All-British ’ Week. MEETING was held on Wednesday of the British Film League, to which other British manufacturers who are not at the moment members were invited, to discuss the pronwtion of an all-British film week on September 10 of next year. An interesting discussion took place, and it was ultimately decided to xdjourn the meeting to Wednesday, November 22, at the Film League’s offices, 43, Leicester Square, when it is hoped that every British manufacturer will be present. The scheme is a very laudable one. having as its main object the desirability of showing Britain’s best pictures to the public and letting kincma-goers sce the great progress that: ° has been made in their home product. It is the duty of every manufacturer, therefore, to be present at this meeting, the object of which must. be to the good of the entire British film trade. Instant Success of ‘‘ Pay Day.’’ HE drawing power of Charlie Chaplin was never more evidenced than this week, when ‘‘ Pay Day "’ was released. The kinemas showing this produc tion have been literally packed cut, and when I looked in at the Stoll Picture House last Monday evening it was a sight to see people standing in every part of this vast theatre waiting to sec the screen’s greatest comedian in one of his drollest productions. This should be sufficient answer to those stupid busybodies whe wanted to get the Chaplin film banned because in their opinion Pearl Films were asking too great a price. Every showman that I have met who. is sereening ‘‘ Pay Day’’ is very well satisfied with his bargain, despite the big price he has had to pay. Albert Clavering, M.P.? I* was with very great pleasure that I heard the news on Friday last that Mr. Albert Clavering had been nominated as a Llovd George candidate for Hampstead, and Film Bceoking Offices were kept very busy with congratulations from his numerous friends in the industry wishing him the best success in the coming fight. Albert Clavering is popular with renter and exhibitor alike, and his campaign, which is now in full swing, is showing excellent results. His return to Parliament would be exceedingly popular in the film trade, and with his young and forceful personality undoubtedly would be a great asset to the industry. Children and ‘‘ Sex’ Films. “7 * HE justices at Liverpeol and Birmingham are taking keen notice just at present of the kind of films ‘shown at children’s matinees, and it behoves exhibitors not only in those cities, but all over the country, to keep a careful watch on this branch of their entertain ments. It. seems to be now generally agreed among all types of showmen that children are not so much perverted Go gle THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 5 by so-called sex films as profoundly uninterested in them. We think this is a true bill. In fact, it is very doubtful -even if the adult publie is so hugely impressed and excited by ‘* sex stuff ’’ on the pictures as some producers seem to suppose. In any case it is nearly always this type of picture which needs the most publicity—eulogistic or the reverse—in order to attract attention to it. But whatever their popularity with the grown-up public, we doubt very much if the sex films make any appeal to children. But on the chance they might unduly stimulate the curiosity of precocious youth we sugvest that they be given a wide berth in programs devised fer youngsters. ‘* Remember! Remember !’’ EFFERY BERNERD has conceived a really novel idea, and one that he is to be heartily congratulated upon. The Stoll Film Co. are, I understand from him, about to make a picture of Guy Fawkes, which will be released next year, on November 5. Apart altogether from the novelty of such a picture released on Guy Fawkes day, there should be a really fine story to work upon, and one that presents gny amount. of. thrilling incidents sufficient to make a really big picture. I understand that a great actor has been approached to play the leading réle and I hope to announce his decision next week. George Clarke in Trouble with Agent. EORGE CLARKE PICTURES in the United States G appear to be in trouble, for I notice that an attachment has been granted against them in the Supreme Court on the application of Harry Reichenbach. Tt will be remembered that the latter gentleman acted as their publicity agent in the United States following some work he put in on ‘* The Bigamist ’* when it was shown over here. With some knowledge of the situation it rather looks as if George Clarke’s will be tied up fer some considerable time with their pictures in the United States. New Super at the Oxford. NDOUBTEDLY the outstanding feature of the U week is the presentation of the big British super production, ‘* Flames of Passion,’”? which was shown to the trade and the public last night at the New Oxford Theatre. Keen curiosity has been rife amongst the trade for many weeks concerning this production, and its premiere has been awaited with the greatest interest. I hope to give a full report of this picture in next week's issue. A Screen at the R.A.C. Y the sereening this week in the Great Gallery of the Roval Automobile Club, in Pall Mall, of Goldwyn’s fascinating film, ‘‘ The Elements of the Automobile,’’ an event has taken place by which the prestige of the industry has been greatly increased. The Finm Renter was the first trade paper to realise the excellence of this film as a means of explaining in a most simple manner the anatomy of the motor car and the reasons for the shape of the various parts and their peculiar functions. This point has been seized upon by the Royal Automobile Club, and the decision to screen this film during motor show week for the benefit of the many members present in London for the show, has been keenly appreciated on all sides. Motorists cf many years experience have declared that the film has taught them manv things about the mechanism of a ear that they have never realised before, and the Club's decision to use the film on this oceasion and on their own ettat= premises was a stroke of real genius.