Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1919)

I repeat — a panic can be started by a mouse. Forget the mouse; it can do no harm unless you let it throw you into a panic. There is a remedy for the whole situation — a sure curb to any attempt at monopoly. Refuse to sign any contract that ties your hands so that you cannot at all times go into the open market and buy what and where you please. Don't be frightened into selling the control of your theatre. That's all. There are more than enough good films made to supply every theatre's needs, and these films can be rented freely and fairly. No distributor has a monopoly of ^ood films and you can get all that you want in quality and quantity. United Artists Corporation is now booking the DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS' releases, "HIS MAJESTY, THE AMERICAN" and "WHEN THE CLOUDS ROLL BY" and D.W. GRIFFITH'S "BROKEN BLOSSOMS" on a single picture basis. The MARY PICKFORD PICTURES and the CHARLIE CHAPLIN PICTURES that are to come to us later on will be booked the same way, each picture on its own merits. There are many other .independent producers making films of splendid quality. As long as this supply is at your command, you have nothing to fear. Any distributor who insists on a long term contract for product that you know nothing about is imposing on you. You don't need such a contract when the market has plenty of film of superior quality, that the independent producers are not afraid to let you have on a single picture basis. Remember, to control the theatres you must be able to control productions. Look the field over; check-up the product of all distributors and see if any one company controls all the worthwhile product. Monopoly ? Control ? IT CAN'T BE DONE! United Artists Corporation