Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1923)

2546 Motion Picture News Motion Picture Day Is Big Success M. P. T. O. A. Reports Splendid Co-operation and Most Gratifying Results THE results of National Motion Picture Day last Monday are of a most gratifying character, with respect to puolic enthusiasm in the event and the reports to the National Office, from leading theatre owners and organizations throughout the country, according to the M. P. T. 0. A. offices. Because of the interest aroused in this movement, Governors of states, high officials of the Federal Government, Mayors of important cities and other public men and women gave their endorsements and joined with the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of America, and the theatre owners generally in National Motion Picture Day in all parts of the United States. In many sections of the country, the theatre owners joined in extensive advertising campaigns which served to considerably augment public interest in the event. In Hartford, Conn., twelve of the leading theatre owners of that city had page advertisements of National Motion Picture Day printed in the newspapers. In the Western Pennsylvania district where the theatre owners had inaugurated a very extensive campaign there were a number of added attractions in the theatres, one notable supplementation of the program being the addition of the Musical Club Choral Society with 80 feminine voices under the direction of Charles N. Boyd. A special form of exploitation indicative of the enterprise of the western theatre owners was presented in Denver, Col., under the direction of H. E. Huffman, President of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners of Colorado. In the Central West, especially in Ohio and Kentucky, great impetus was given to the observance of the day through special lines of exploitation in newspapers, billboards and direct contact by letters from the theatre owner to his patrons. New York brought to the front one of the most unique evidences of official and public The Ten Command ments DE MILLE'S Ten Commandments is a splendid accomplishment. It has been, openly, the duty of the motion picture to make to the world just such a contribution; and we have waited long for it. Here is truly the motion picture's triumph, a realization of its unparalleled resources and inimitable power of appeal. This picture will do more good to humanity, especially in these days of social and political disorder, than any human agency of expression ever employed. It was a daring effort. Any weakness might have wrecked so sublime a theme; a lack of sustained tempo would have confused its effect. As it is the picture moves with might and clarity, with power and smoothness. The prelude is magnificent; the modern story clever, convincing and sustaining; a remarkable co-ordination indeed! Not merely those responsible for this picture but the industry, as one man, may be proud of and thankful for what is from all standpoints unquestionably the high point of production to date. William A. Johnston. approval of this event in a large parade which was headed by the New York City Police Band. This procession moved up Broadway, Saturday afternoon, November 17th, from 23rd street to 59th street and then into Central Park where a number of band selections was given. A large detachment of Girl Scouts headed by the Girl Scout Band and others mutually interested in the development of public service work in the theatres of the Greater City, participated in the parade. The newspapers published extensive accounts. The New York campaign was under the direction of a special committee from the Theatre Owners Chamber of Commerce, under the chairmanship of J. Arthur Hirsch, Charles Schwartz, Hy Gainsboro, Joseph Jame, Henry Suchman, J. Alton Bradbury, Sol Raives and Clarence Cohen. Picture Directors to Give Annual Ball The Seventh Annual Ball of the Motion Picture Directors' association will be held at the Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles, on Thanksgiving Eve, November 28th, according to announcements being sent broadcast by Chairman of the Ball Committee, George L. Sarsrent. It is the first costume ball ever undertaken by the M. P. D. A. Fred Niblo will act as the official pacemaker of the evening. The ball committee, headed by Mr. Sargent, includes Fred Niblo, Joseph De Grasse, William Beaudine. William P. S. Earle, William Seiter, Harrv Franklin, Phil Rosen, Douglas Gerrard. Wally Van, William Duncan, Jack Ford and James Hogan. Swiss First National Is Chartered in Delaware Recent Delaware charters include: The Adelphi Theatre Ticket Service, Inc., to establish and maintain a theatre ticket service, capital $5,000. The Regent Finance Corporation, to produce and ° present motion pictures, capital $100,000. " The Swiss First National Pictures, Inc., distributers of Motion Pictures, capital $5 000. This indicates the beginning ot JJirst National's plan of organizing its own distribution service in Europe and elsewhere in the foreign film field. The Brockwav Laboratories, Inc., of New York City and the Oranees, N. J., conducting laboratories, etc., capital $450,000. New District Supervisor for First National Harry H. Buxbaum, who has been district supervisor for Paramount for a period of four years, has joined First National forces in a similar capacity. Mr. Buxbaum's new .duties become effective immediately. Bill Will Further Protect U. S. Copyrights ANEW copyright bill prepared by Register of Copyrights Solberg will be presented to the next Congress, according to word from Washington. By the measure the United States would become a party to the International Copyright Union and American product would have instantaneous protection in England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and all other countries in the world that are members of the Berne convention. The United States has been barred from the convention in the past by the socalled " Manufacturers' clause," which refuses authority for copyright of any work not printed in type set or plates set in this country. " Bird " and Mabel Condon Wedded on Coast Russell Juarez Birdwell, known widely in theatrical and film circles as " Bird," and magazine writer for Mary Pickt'ord, has taken Mabel Condon, manager for a group of motion picture luminaries, as his bride, according to word from the Coast. The young couple were married at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood, the Rev. Father Stack officiating. Attendants were Cherie Valentine, sister of the groom and noted Kosloff dancer, and Charles R. Condon, the bride's brother and well-known writer on film subjects. Reisman General Manager of Canadian Paramount P. H. Reisman, formerly of Minneapolis, has been appointed Canadian general manager of Famous-Lasky Paramount and has taken charge of the Canadian headquarters of the company at 206 Victoria street, Toronto. The Canadian company operates under the title of Famous-Lasky Film Service, Limited, and has branches in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, St. John and Vancouver. Mr. Reisman was formerly district manager for Paramount in Minnesota. He has succeeded G. Akers, formerly Canadian general manager at Toronto, who has gone to New York. Kansas M. P. T. O. Aiding Anti-Cancer Fight As a first step towards the plan of the public service bureau of the M. P. T. O. Kansas, exhibitors of Kansas City, Kas.. between November 15 and 25 will contribute the use of their screens for the showing of a special film in the interest of the National AntiCancer campaign. The United States department of health is distributing these films through Dr. L. B. Glovne, health commissioner of Kansas City, Kas. New York Journal Running "Black Oxen" Serial The New York Evening Journal lias started to publish Gertrude Atherton's " Black Oxen " in serial form. This best-selling novel has been pieturized by Frank Lloyd for First National distribution with Corinne Griffith and Conway Tearle in the featured roles.