The Film Daily (1927)

II 12 Seattle Campaign on Vandalism Is Sought (Continued from Page 3) jacks, crowbars and acid. Labor troubles are ascribed by Danz as the motive for the systematic attacks. Had the trade in this territory taken concerted action after the previous outrage, wrecking of the Florence would not have been attempted, contends the publication. "It's time exhibitors, exchangemen and others in the trade hold an indignation meeting and pledge a sufficient amount to go after these people who take out their vengeance by literally wrecking theaters, doing damage in each instance to the amount of several thousand dollars," the publication declares. "It is certain that the vandals are familiar with picture shows — they know the parts of the projectors on which to wield their hammer to do the most damage — they cut and slash the screen — they pour acid and water over the reels of film — they throw acid in electric motors — in the organ. "The acts of vandalism as practiced on Danz houses are planned in advance — a reign of terror to make John quit — but he will not quit! He will carry on! "Why let John Danz continue to be the goat?" Zierler Closes Deals for Three Stars by Cable Negotiations were conducted by wireless and arrangements were concluded by cable for three stars to appear in some of the 18 feature productions on the new season schedule of Excellent. The three stars are Percy Marmont, Marguerite De La Motte and Helene Chadwick. Samuel Zierler, had to go to Europe while the negotiations were in progress. They were carried on by wireless. All three stars will play in two pictures each. While Zierler is abroad, arrangements are being made for a number of other Coast stars. He intends to go to Hollywood directly upon his return late in July. Of the 18 pictures Excellent will produce and distribute, five are already completed, though the first release is not scheduled until September. It probably will be "Your Wife and Mine," with a cast including Stuart Holmes, Phvllis Haver, Barbara Tennant and Wallace MacDonald. Either "Life's Crossroads" or "The Nest" will follow. In the former appear Gladys Hulette, Mahlon Hamilton and William Conklin, while in the latter are Pauline Frederick, Holmes Herbert, Reginald Sheffield, Jean Acker, Wilfred Lucas and Thomas Holding. Will Nigh directed "The Nest." Commonwealth distributes the product in the New York territory. "U" Outing Next Wednesday Universal is giving its annual outing Wednesday. It includes a trip up the Hudson and a picnic at Indian Point. Tuesday Gradual pruning of distribution costs undertaken by various companies as compromise on proposed wage cut. Paramount establishes an emergency cabinet to effect economy in production. M-G-M lists 31 features up to Feb. 4, headed by "Ben Hur" and "The Big Parade." United Artists pays Publix $1,250,000 for one-half interest in the Rialto and Rivoli Wednesday Organizing of players continues at studios; companies abandoning reduction plan. Expansion plans of E. E. Fulton Co. call for 22 branches throughout the United States. Reports from Washington indicate long delayed Paramount decision will be handed down in a few days by the Federal Trade Commission. SurA'ey shows that producers will spend $159,600,000 on product for 1927-28. Theater building boom in progress in Detroit, with Kunsky Enterprises leading. Paul Whiteman signs with Publix for 44 weeks at a sum of $528,000 for his orchestra. Thursday T O.C.C. plans mass meeting July 14 to discuss mounting operating costs. W. A. Steffes issues attack on mounting film rentals. Universal issue of $2,500,000 notes placed on market, proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes. Will Hays protests against misbranding of pictures in India, where Austrian film, causing riot, was labeled American. Washington hears that the government's case against Paramount will be dropped. Friday Pooling of interests of Saxe Amusement Enterprises and Northwest Theaters again reported completed; final announcement expected soon_ Impending dififerences between theater owners and musicians, operators and stage hands developing in various sections. Secret meeting results in 700 players joining Actors Equity with eight-hour day heading list of demands formulated. Schine chain secures 20 Ohio theaters, as first expansion move in that state. Saturday Block booking declared illegal; Federal Trade Commission to order Paramount to quit practice. Equity proposals .discussed at studios. A. \V. Kelly, United Artists foreign head, predicts place in sun for England. Hodkinson reported to re-enter production. Seattle campaign against vandalism sought. Quebec 'Blue' Sunday Move Is Hit by Investigator (Continued from Page 3) range ourselves with the people of Ontario and the Americans whose attempts to impose purity and temperance by law have rendered them the object of world-wide ridicule?" Bertrand presented statements from various consuls which showed that Sunday shows are the custom in many foreign countries. He declared that if Sunday films were bad then picture shows on week days also were bad; that much of the criticism which leveled at pictures is exaggerated; that as a rule, the screen provided only wholesome amusement and that Sunday is the only day on which many working men and their families could find time fpr entertainment. Hodkinson to Produce for Women's Clubs (Continued from Page 3) Plans for launching of production have been under way for some time, it is understood, with formal announcement of plans expected to be made soon. Hodkinson, it is stated, will make films sponsored by women's clubs. While no distribution arrangements have been completed, it is understood negotiations have been under way with several companies. Efiforts to reach Hodkinson for a statement Friday proved unavaiHng. Equity Proposals Are Discussed at Studios (Continued from Page 3) who is in charge of the organization work here. These proposals provide that only Equity members are to appear in the same cast, eight hour day, start of salary on date stipulated in contract, amounts to be spent on costumes and arbitration of grievances. Mastbaum's Mother Dead Philadelphia — Mrs. J. E. , Mastbaum, mother of the late Jules Mastbaum, of Stanley Co., died here Friday. She was 72 years old. Vicente Injured in Auto Mishap Los Angeles — Paul Vicente, Hungarian player who has been appearing in First National pictures, was seriously injured when his car plunged down a 300-foot embankment. Griffith and De Mille Deal Culver City — Raymond Griffith will produce pictures independently for release through the Pathe-De Mille-P. D. C. organization, it is understood, following negotiations between the star and Cecil B. De Mille. The pictures are expected to be made at the De Mille studio. AS "Judge" observes, a trombone player is the only one who can make good by letting things slide. And now Gilda Gray is to have her own theater. It's to be at 130 E. 58th St. Messmore Kendall is stepping out. His most recenty realty deal gives him complete ownership between the New York Capitol on Broadway to the K. of C. building on Eighth Ave. Alexander Pantages was the hero' of a spectacular meller, as thrilling as any shown on the screen of his theaters. At his Los Angeles house, he was ordered by a bandit to throiu up his hands, but instead made a dash for the door, with the robber following. Outside, the situation was reversed, with Pantages lead-^ ing the chase for the culprit. Th ' theater owner's nerve saved th house $10,000. Edward Pitts, of the Capitol, in] looking over the attractions at I Broadway houses this week, evolved! the following: "Annie Laurie" isj "Fast and Furious" when it comes to] "The Way of All Flesh" but "Cai mille," "Dearie," also is "Naughtj but Nice." Grauman Plans Amphitheater Los Angeles — -Sid Grauman ia planning erection of a Roman amphi-l theater in Beverly Hills. He per-' sonally will present plays at the proposed theater, work on which is to start early next year. Entrance will be through a tunnel. BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL ECONOMICS 1108 Sixteenth Street Washington, D. C. Co-operating with 42 Governments and loaning films free and speakers throughout the world for the purpose of public instruction. . . Griffith Seeking La Rocque? Hollywood — D. W. Griffith is reported dickering with De Mille for the services of Rod La Rocque for "La Paiva," which is to be Griffith's first for United Artists under his new contract. He recently put finishing touches on "Topsy and Eva." Schools, Churches and Clubs using Motion Pictures Should Subscribe for THE EDUCATIONAL SCREEN and keep up-to-date with the new films and new equipment "1001 FILMS" (Fourth Edition) Complete reference booklet, listing nearly 3,000 educational films given at reduced rate with each subscription $1.50 per year 5 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, III.