Motion Picture News (Sept-Oct 1918)

2024 Motion Picture N e w i Sherry Rejoices General Director of Sherry Exchange System Sees Much Good as Results of Chicago Convention ' of Exhibitors AMONG the New York delegation returning home from the recent Chicago convention was William L. Sherry, head of the Wm. L. Sherry Service. He arrived in New York full of optimism for the better outlook for the motion picture during the coming year, and others to follow. " The final getting together of the warring factions of exhibitors is one of the best things that has happened in the industry in quite a number of years," said Mr. Sherry, shortly after his arrival. " The loss of dignity alone has been considerable during the long drawn differences that have divided the exhibitors. But that is really nothing compared to the retarding influence these differences have had upon the practical side of the exhibition business. " Valuable time, that might better have been given to progressive measures in the betterment of film presentation, has been given over too long to profitless political squabbles that have served no purpose except to set the exhibitor back just that many years in the advancement of his particular branch of the business. And now that the perennial ghost is finally laid, we, the innocent bystanders, meaning distributors, producers, supply men, and others, breathe a sigh of relief and a prayer of thanks for the good the amalgamation will bring to all concerned. " At last there is an end of the double conventions, entailing a double expense upon manufacturers and other participants, which in itself was wrong in these times of war, when economy is one of the forms of patriotism. But that, too, is a small item as compared with the forward strides that can now be taken by the exhibitors as a harmonious whole. It means that more at Convention attention will be paid to the bigger things, the better things, that are the legitimate concern of men of high purpose. And that should include every man engaged in the exhibition of motion pictures in these United States. " The action taken at the Chicago convention has welded the exhibitors into a solid unit — first, for one great and glorious privilege — the privilege of being a substantial help to our beloved country, at a time when help of any kind counts. Another aspect of it that fills me so full of enthusiasm is the knowledge that our industry can really be of some service to our native land in its hour of need. The war has brought to us a dignity. And in accepting that dignity it is becoming that we all stand together and receive it like a benediction, and then go forth with a feeling of brotherly love — one for all and all for one — and work to win the war. " When war first came knocking at our peaceful doors and brought grim realities home to us, it was not uncommon for motion picture men to feel that their occupation was a frivolous thing in comparison with some of the serious work to be done. But in a short space of time we of the motion picture trade have learned that we are a necessary factor in the affairs of the world. We have become the world's historians, relating history more graphically and correctly than it has ever been pre'sented before. " Besides that, we have done, are doing, and will do, much to aid our country in carrying its message to the people — in gathering money for war work and in stimulating patriotism everywhere. We are essential to our country's welfare, when all along we thought ourselves out of place, like a court jester when the king is dying. And so I am enthused to see and feel that we as a trade have been recognized as a substantial part of American life. We should all enthuse and rejoice." Sherry System Prides Itsell on Methods When William L. Sherry left the Paramount Exchange system last April to organize his own exchange system, the Wm. L. Sherry Service, he put into operation a still newer and more accurate system than he had ever devised before. As might be expected of a former banking man the accounting department of the Sherry Service is practically flawless. But Mr. Sherry has given much time and thought to every other branch of his business, and the result is clock-like precision in all departments. This is particularly true of skipping schedules, so that disappointments are unknown. Mr. Sherry runs his business like a railroad. No verbal orders go around the Sherry offices. Every communication and transaction is put on paper. Responsibility is quickly determined and irresponsible employees do not last very long around there. The telegraphic touch between the home office and all the fourteen branch offices is so frequent and comprehensive that the Sherry Service resembles a railroad in its operation more than anything else. Ray Renews Ince Contract for Two Years Charles Ray, who has for many months been appearing in Paramount pictures, made under the supervision of Thomas H. Ince, has exercised his option of remaining another year with the Ince forces and has signed a contract calling for two more years under the direction of Mr. Ince, it became known here this week through a statement issued by Mr. Ince. This announcement refutes all rumors that Mr. Ray had been planning to align himself with other producing companies. Charles Ray has never appeared in any other than Ince pictures. Jack Mulhall to Paramount Jack Mulhall, who will be recalled by Paramount patrons for his work in " Wild Youth," opposite Louise Huff, has been reengaged by the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, and will probably support Lila Lee in a forthcoming Paramount film. "I am delighted to again be affiliated with Paramount pictures," said Mr. Mulhall. Edna Goodrich, Mutual Star, in " Treason "