The Film Daily (1919)

Friday, November 21, 1OT9 jM^^ DAILY Ban on "P ake" Schools California Authorities Rounding Up Film Employment Agencies (Special to fFID'S DAILY) Los Angeles.— H. A. Cable, deputy labor commissioner has maugurated a campaign to weed out the undesirable moving picture school. The commissioner is acting under a statute which came into effect July 21. 1919, and which provides that all agencies which purport to secure employment in studios, or to give instruction in acting, must qualify as employment agencies under State supervision. This will necessitate the posting of a surety bond of $2,000, an investigation of the personal character of the members of the firm and the issuing of a license by the State, which can be revoked by the labor commissioner for any irregularity in the conduct of the business which may develop. The roundup began last week when a number of persons conducting theatrical schools and agencies were summoned before Cable and told they must make appHcation at once for a hcense or discontinue their business. Several of them asked for the blank which must be filled out, preparatory to the granting of the license, but a number of others indicated their intention to go out of business. Cable's decision to make an investigation of all tlv se "schools" in Southern Californ.n is a result of numerous complair.ts. A few of the complainants stated they had been victimized, financially, by persons who professed to be able to get them employment at the studios, but the majority dealt with alleged immorality for which it was claimed the "school" was a mask. One young girl who answered an offer of employment was asked, the first time she appeared at the office in a downtown office building, to remove her clothing in order that the "manager" might judge her fitness to pose for films. She refused, left the office and informed her parents. Another "teacher" revealed that in reality he was a sculptor and wanted subjects to pose for him in a light and airy garb, while another said he rould not accept the applicant until her "nerve" had been tested. The test consisted of a kiss admin'stered by the "interviewer" and an inquiry if that frighteed her. It ^ did, and she was told she wouldn't do for ihe "job." . . . Criminal prosecution will be instituted when evidence of illegal acts can be secured. McDowell Leases Lexington Henry Burden McDowell has leased the Lexington Theater from G. P.. Grundy until September, 1920. McDoweH intends to devote the hov.sc to community rallies and educational pictures excepting from January to March, dur'ng which the Chicago Opera Co. will occupy the theater. Putting It Over Here is hoiv a brother exhibitor put his show over. Send along your ideas. Let the other felloiv ktio'm how you cleaned up. Grand Rapids, Mich.— A publicity stunt for exhibitors, stars and distributors which costs nothing for the full page stories and pictorial layouts required to conduct it, has just been launched by Carl M. Saunders, photoplay editor of the Grand Rapids Herald to discover what girl in Michigan most closely resembles Katherine MacDonald, of First National. Saunders seized the opportunity presented by the inauguration of a circulation campaign by the Herald to undertake what he termed the most ambitious project of his photoplay department. A prize of $25 will be awarded to th? girl who i.s chosen as winner of the contest by a board of judges consisting of Saunders, Grover Rauck, manager of the Majestic Gardens, and Heffernan of the First National Detroit exchange. A personal photograph, autographed by Miss MacDonald will be presented to each of 15 other entrants who rank next in resemblance to the star. "For exliil)itors who want to use this or. a similar idea in behalf of Miss MacDonald or any other feminine star," declares Harry Scott, manager of the Circuit's exchange in Detroit, "the chief argument to use with the newspaper selected is the big circulation possibilities to the publication. With the precedent now established by the Herald it is not difficult to prove that there is great circulation value in such a contest. "The rules are simple. All that SCENARIO WRITER WANTED Must be trained in preparing script for Educational and Industrial Films. Do not apply unless you have had experience HARRY LEVEY Universal Indus. Dpt. 7th Floor 1600 Broadway New York City CLARA KIMBALL YOUNG (.)nce r.iore demonstrates her magnificent art in "THE EYES OF YOUTH" We hava made for this production a very artistic lobby display together witli reproductions in fac-simile oil paintings from her latest poses in various sizes. KRAUS MFG. CO. 220 West 42d Street 17th Floor Tel. 3607 Bryant A KT TITLES HAND LETTERING PHONE 2329 BR^NT^JL ^ each entrant has to do is to mail photographs of themselves to the Katherine MacDonald Contest Editor of the paper. Theer is no entrance fee. There is no pecuniary consideration to run counter. to post-" office rulings. "The net result of such a contest is a direct benefit to the newspaper, a phenomenal amount of publicity for the star, and a degree of publicity for the exhibitor or theater that could not be purchased at any price." The Herald contest will continue for six weeks. The Sunday issue of the Photoplay Department each week will contain a full page layout and story about the competition. A photo of Miss MacDonald will be published in each edition, and surrounding it, for comparative purposes by the readers, will be the photos of the various entrants. Herbert K. Somborn .president of Equity Pictures, is to marry Gloria Swanson, the dainty DeMille star, who is featured in "Male and Female." Mr. Somborn sponsored "Eyes of Youth" and other big productions. CAMERAMAN WANTED Thoroughly experienced in Motion Picture Work in tropial climate with full understanding of developing and printing on the spot. Apply to HARRY LEVEY X Universal Industr. Dept. 7th Floor 1600 Broadway New York City STUDIO SPACE FOR RENT Well Equipped All Conveniences CALL COLUMBUS 489 Wales Sees "Doug" Film When the Prince of Wales a s at White Sulphur Spring, Va., bef c coming to New York, he decuTedc take a rest. During that period i| recreation he viewed Douglas F: banks in "His Majesty, the Ami can." \. They say the Prince thought^ was great. =E Ready to Shoot! We offer a new service in j thoroughly modern Studio— the efficient service of a corps of expert technical men, possessing the advantage of lonj working association together Your production, great 01 small, on our floor ready t( shoot! Let us estimate productioi cost on your script. You'll hi surprised — agreeably — bu we'll take the risk. The Hal Benedic Studios COLLEGE POINT, L. L Phone, Flushing 3142 BESS MEREDYTH and WILFRED LUCAS Writing and Directing Australian Feature Address Care Snowy Baker 84 Oxford Street Sydney, N. S. W. Australia Cable Address "Snowing Sydney" -MAKES YOU HEAR WHAT YOU SEE WHY ARE EXHIBITORS CALLING FOR FILMUSIC SERVICE MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY? FlLiSsSlUSIC-CO. LOS AN C E L ES 1729 Highland Ave. .MAKES YOU HEAR WHAT YOU SEE.