The Film Daily (1924)

THE ^%^ PA DAILV Thursday, September 4, 192^ Sledding Not "Tough" (Continued from Page 1) has 59 pictures for Chicago territory — the best that the independent market affords — and told a certain salesman who is quoted in j^our article, that Renown would be lucky to get a little better than print cost out of these pictures. Jerry Abrams absolutely denied it — said it was ridiculous and preposterous; that we have enough contracts on hand now, not only to pay print cost, royalty and overhead, — but a handsome profit besides. "I knew that unless the warm weather effected Jerry Abrams, he could not possibly have made any such statement, because contracts on hand in our New York office would contradict it, and I could see no motive for his makmg such a statement to any one, especially when it is untrue. "Regardless of the views concerning the independent market as expressed by our pessimistic friend, 'one of the best known salesmen in the state rights field from Chicago,' may I express my humble views which are based on facts instead of guess work and pessimism? "Renown operates three exchanges — New York, BuflFalo and Chicago. Each office releases about one picture per week. We buy the best product available. Our greatest trouble is in choosing the right kind of product, and in meeting competition in buying. This in itself proves that the independent market must be at least reasonably good or there wouldn't be so many buyers. Outside of what is termed 'down town runs,' which although desirable, are not always absolutely necessary to make a picture successful or profitable, we have no difficulty whatever in selling the exhibitor. The exhibitor cares very little whether a picture is distributed through a national organization or through an independent exchange, providing the picture is good and has box ofifice value. A good picture doesn't care who releases it. "The two important matters the independent exchange has to contend with in selling its product to exhibitors are : First, pictures that will bring the people to the box office, and second, a sufficient number of such pictures to warrant his keeping open time for product of that exchange. "Renown not only speaks for itself, but can safely say that there are at least four groups of independent product that the exhibitor is ready to book and to make room for without even screening. He safely bases his judgment on past performances and reputation. My candid opinion about 'one of the best salesmen from Chicago' who issued a statement such as 'Tough Sledding' is that he is too good for the film business. He ought to seek fields of endeavor which require less 'pep,' enthusiasm and effort. "I know that his pity for the 'poor independent' and his so-called 'handwriting on the wall,' will not be appreciated by anybody in the business who beUeves that perserverance and enthusiasm will succeed, and that there is always room on top. If any one is inclined to call me unduly optimistic — if there are any 'doubting Thomases' and 'calamity howlers,' and if it will do them any good to be convinced, — my contract registers are open for their inspection, and this includes 'One of the best salesmen in the state rights field from Chicago.' " Baby Peggy on Coast Los Angeles — Baby Peggy is back in Hollywood after a tour of New York, Philadelphia, Boston and other Eastern cities where she made personal appearances in connection with "Captain January." George Smith Sailing (Special to THE FILM DAILY) London — A George Smith leaves for the States tomorrow. He will shortly sever connections with Goldwyn, Ltd., which will be merged with Metro-Jury. Film Salesmen to Picnic Albany, N. Y. — October 4, is the date set for the salesmen's outing. A baseball game, which Charles Sesonski of the Grand, Johnstown, will umpire, will be one of the features. Gets Wm. Fairbanks Series Pittsburgh — The S. and S. Film and Supply Co., has acquired a series of ten William Fairbanks westerns for this territory. New Reflector Arc Lamp San Francisco — What is claimed to be a new reflector type of arc lamp that gets better results for three or four times less current has been put on the market by Preddey, an equipment concern here. New $1,000,000 Theater Buffalo — It is expected that plans for the new Shea will be ready in about two weeks and bids for the 4,000 seat house will be accepted immediately. The cost is expected to reach $1,000,000. Meyers With Educational Detroit — Gerald Meyers, for some time with Metro-Goldwyn and prior to that Detroit manager for Associated Exhibitors, has been appointed city salesman for Educational. Deal Falls Through (Continued from Page 1) The picture is being offered to dis tributors. It is reported that th players who appeared in it and other are waiting for its disposition in or der to collect arrears in salaries. At the local office of Grand-Ashei no one could be reached for a state ment. Both Sam Grand and Harr; Asher were said to be in Boston. Leonard's Next Los Angeles — -"Cheaper to Marry will be Robert Z. Leonard's next pre duction for Metro-Goldwyn. Henley's Next, "Square Peg" Los Angeles — Hobart Henley next picture will be "The Squar Peg." Niagara Falls Owners Settle Niagara Falls, N. Y. — Theater owners in this city have settled their differences with the local musicians' union on the same basis as last year. Against Sunday Shows Here Superior, Mich. — At a special election held here to decide either for or against Sunday shows, the "blues" won by a majority of ll3 votes. CHROMOS TRADING COMPANY 1123 Broadway THE PERSONNEL OF THIS ORGANIZATION IS AVAILABLE IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY AT ALL TIMES. THEY KNOW THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY FROM EVERY ANGLE. WE FINANCE AND PROMOTE LEGITIMATE PROPOSITIONS. Consult With lis In Confidence Suite 1207-8 'Phone Watkins 4522 Theater Leased and Sub-Leased Muskegon, Mich. — The Jefferson was recently leased to Paul Sclossman, who turned around and subleased it to Mart Christianson, his former assistant. Christianson will inaugurate a policy of three vaudeville acts and pictures at 10, 20 and 30 cents. Bert Parker has moved to a new office at Room 904, State Bldg. "THE WISE VIRGIN" SCORES TRIUMPHANT HIT AT STRAND THEATRE, SAN ERANCISCO, CALIEORNIA Paul C. Mooney, Vice President, Sept. 1, 1924 Producers Distributing Corporation, 469— 5th Ave., New York "With seventy-five thousand people out of town for week end Labor Day holiday and opening against strongest competition including "Thief of Bagdad," "Yolanda," "Sea Hawk," "Empty Hands" and "Female"— "THE WISE VIRGIN" Played to capacity Saturday, Sunday and today. Am greatly surprised and pleased. Picture is splendid entertainment. Pleased audience one hundred percent. Daily papers all give enthusiastic praise in extended reviews. Am sure will hold up big rest of week. Congratulations. \ STRAND THEATRE, M. L. Markowitz NOW BOOKING Released by PRODUCERS DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION Foreign Distributor: Wm. Vogel Distributing Corp. SEASON 1924-1 925THIRTY FIRST-RUN PICTURES