Moving Picture World (May - Jun 1918)

862 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 11, 1918 Franklin Brings Good Reports of Provinces Halifax and St. John Exhibitor Says Men in Industry Are Prosperous — Convention in September. JM. FRANKLIN of the Strand Theater, of Halifax, X. S., and the Opera House, St. John, N. B., visiting New • York last week, reported everything in the Maritime Provinces is booming. Notwithstanding the high rate of war taxes imposed on the theaters and films, the industry is exceedingly prosperous and everybody is in excellent spirits, he declares. In reply to a question whether Halifax was still feeling the effects of the terrible explosion which occurred there on December 6 last, he said: "With the exception of a few windows still boarded up and of persons who were blinded by the explosion you would never know that the city had ever passed through such a catastrophe. It is wonderful how cheerful the people are all through the provinces. The war has made great demands for men, but all who remain at home try to preserve a calm exterior and make life as pleasant as possible by patronizing the pictures. They are their chief means of entertainment and pleasure." Asked if the Maritime provinces expected to have a convention this year, Mr. Franklin replied emphatically in the affirmative. "We are going to hold it in Halifax, sometime in September," he said. "Do you know that our association, the Maritime Exhibitors' Association, has been of great benefit to us. It is so well organized and the personnel is of such standing that there isn't a member in it who is asked to make an advance deposit. His word is his bond and his credit is unquestioned. Never before as during the war has the power of organization and co-operation been so fully realized. Not only in our direct business matters, but in securing redress and consideration in legislative affairs. Don't forget to tell those who may come to Halifax in September that they will meet a bunch of real exhibitors, who will make their visit there a red letter one." Mr. Gest appeals to the President to authorize the United States District Attorney in Chicago to investigate the matter. PUT FUNKHOUSER UP TO PRESIDENT. Morris Gest Writes to Mr. Wilson Complaining of Eliminations in "Hearts of the World." MORRIS GEST, writing on behalf of Elliott, Comstock & Gest, distributors of the Griffith film "Hearts of the World," has complained to President Wilson of the action of Major Funkhouser, Chicago censor, in eliminating two important scenes from that subject. "One shows a German soldier stabbing a wounded Frenchman with a bayonet on the battlefield," writes Mr. Gest, "an actual incident described to Mr. Griffith by a colonel of the British army. The other scene shows German officers in a dugout forcing their unwelcome attentions upon French girls, who are condemned to virtual slavery, based upon actual facts in possession of the British government." CAPITAL PLANNING TO BEGIN WORK MAY 15. The Capital Film Company, a $2,500,000 concern incorporated under the laws of Indiana, financed by Indiana bankers and business men, with its executive offices in Indianapolis, will begin active production by the middle of May. Announcement to this effect has been made by Ike Schlank, president and general manager of the new company. Mr. Schlank is now concluding negotiations for the company's new studio site, which is to be on the outskirts of Indianapolis, on a tract of thirty acres, through a portion of which runs Indiana's picturesque waterway, White River. Construction material for the studio and laboratories and other buildings to be erected is ready to be sent to the company's new location as soon as the deeds to the property have been signed. At the same time, Mr. Schlank is concluding negotiations with various players, directors, cameramen, etc., all of whom are instructed to report for actual work by May 15. HOWARD HICKMAN TO BECOME DIRECTOR. Howard Hickman, who has been prominent for a number of years as an actor on both the stage and the screen, is about to enter a new career, that of a director of motion pictures. Mr. Hickman has been appearing for some time past as a player in Paralta productions. His first picture will be "The Rainbow," in which Miss Bessie Barriscale, who in private life is Mr. Hickman's wife, will be the star. Mr. Hickman will continue as a delineator of screen characters, although it is improbable that he will be included in the cast of "The Rainbow," as it is his desire to concentrate upon the staging of the production. FRANK MAYO SIGNS CONTRACT WITH WORLD. Frank Mayo, who has appeared with success in many World Pictures as leading man for Ethel Clayton. Kitty Gordon and others, has just signed a long-time contract with the World Film Corporation. He will be featured in several important forthcoming World productions. Mr. Mayo has every reason to be the accomplished actor that he is. His grandfather was one of the leading players of the American stage. BERST PRESIDENT OF U. P. T. J. A. Berst makes the announcement that he has accepted the presidency of the United Picture Theatres of America. This is the job that was originally held by Mr. Ochs. Banquet Tendered by Toronto Operators to F. H. Richardson.