Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

500 Motion Picture News | Why Not Be Constructive? ! 1 | SniiaiiniiiiimuiiiiuiiuiiuiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuinmiiimiiiiiuimnmiiniiimimiiiiii? Mrs. Evelyn Snow, The Ohio Board of Censors, Columbus, Ohio. My Dear Mrs. Snow: It has just come to my notice that some opposition has arisen to the showing of Bebe Daniels in “ The Speed Girl.” It was clearly understood by everyone who took part in this picture, and by the producers, that it was to be made for laughing purposes only, and to say that any citizen of Ohio would take it seriously, and that it would tend to cause people to have less respect for the law, is an insult to the intelligence of our people. It has always been a mystery to me why some people who apparently want to serve the community, spend their time finding fault with trivial things when there are so many big, constructive things to be done. I would like to take the group of “ protestors ” on a little trip about this city. I would like to take them to the Columbus Tuberculosis Dispensary, where we treat 1,200 people a month for tuberculosis, 500 of them children. I was at the head of the organization which built this institution and it is the finest of its kind in the United States. I would like them to see the gaunt, pale-faced children that come there for treatment, and then let them ponder over the fact that 1,000,000 children in the schools of this country have tuberculosis and 80 per cent of all tuberculosis begins in childhood. Is there real constructive work to be done in this state, or should we busy ourselves trying to teach the censors the fine art of censoring pictures? Let the “protestors ” come with me to the Godman Guild, where I have the honor to be a trustee, and see how we give poor mothers, fathers and children social service ; teach them the rules of health, the girls to sew and cook, the boys useful citizenship, the foreigner the real American spirit. Is there constructive work to be done in this community and in this state? I am thankful every day that I am able to do my part. I hate suggestive, immoral and salacious pictures. I have fought them “tooth and toe-nail” for twelve years, and I think I have a thorough idea of the kind of pictures that have a bad influence. If “ The Speed Girl ” is the kind of a picture that should not be shown then I must admit that after all these years of experience with people and with pictures I am in error. In closing, if these “protestors” really want to render the community an unselfish, constructive service that is really worth while, have them get in touch with me. Half of my time is given free to serving this community. It’s a wide road I am travelling, with plenty of room. Yours for good government and good citizenship. James A. Maddox, Manager Southern Theatre, Columbus, Ohio. Rentals Rise — Admissions Fall RENTALS went up for November, and theatre admissions were down — according to tax figures from the • Treasury Department. Rentals, in fact, went up about 50 per cent over September. The tax receipts were $567,055.09 in November and $315,151.16 in September. Not only that, but rentals went up nearly 50 per cent over November 1920. The tax figures for November 1920 are $383,542.05. Receipts from admission taxes for November totalled $6,995,338.48. In September 1921 the total was $6,066,936.09. In November 1920 the total was $7,982,248 61. In other words, admissions went down around 10 per cent and rentals went up 50 per cent over September (as nearly as the admission tax figures apply to picture theatres). These figures must be analyzed, however. The big jump in rentals for November is undoubtedly due to the comparatively large numbers of big pictures played that month. Theatre admissions apparently did not respond, however, in the same manner. Despite every other point, however, it is apparent that business wasn’t bad all around in November. WM. A. JOHNSTON. Joint Arbitration Board Formed in Albany , N.Y. The film exchanges and exhibitors in the Albany (N. Y.) district have just formed what will constitute a joint board of arbitration for the adjustment of differences which may arise between the two bodies. The board will meet each Tuesday at the Pathe exchange in Albany. It is possible that later on, through an agreement with the New York and Buffalo exchanges that the board will settle matters over a widespread territory, rather than confining itself to the capital district. Kansas Exhibitors Await Step by Music Taxers The Kansas exhibitors are awaiting the nlusic-tax interests to make the first move in the music-tax fight. The exhibitors confidently believe they have a two-ply move under the Kansas anti-trust law. M. Van Praag, president of the Kansas exhibitors’ organization, has advised theatre owners not to pay tax on music and await action from the opposition. Capitol Books “His Nibs” An announcement from Alexander Beyfuss, president of the Exceptional Pictures Corporation, is to the effect that arrangements have been consummated for the showing of “ His Nibs,” the quaint comedy of which Charles (Chic) Sale is the star, at the Capitol Theatre in New York city. Survey Indicates Business Revival ( Continued from page 499) houses during a third run, November iq and 16. Charles Ray in “ Two Minutes to Go ” shattered the attendance and box office records of the New Alhambra, Canton, Ohio, November 23 to 26, and the attendance records of the Thielen’s Majestic. Bloomington, 111., December 5 to 7. It likewise met with sensational success at the New Royal, Findlay, Ohio, December 19 to 22. “ Excellent receipts ” marked the showing of “Man-Woman-Marriage” at Thielen’s Majestic, Bloomington, 111., and at the Crescent, Pontiac, 111., during November. “ Peck’s Bay Boy ” almost obliterated the attendance and box office records of the Langan, Syracuse, N. Y., December ir to 12. It ranks second on the archives of the house. “ Highly satisfactory from a box office standpoint,” characterizes its showing at the Majestic, Streator, 111., November 30 to December 1. The best attendance record of the year 1921 at the Royal, Cincinnati, was established by “ The River’s End,” with splendid receipts. Hal Roach in New York on Visit to Paul Brunet Highly encouraging reports of picture production activity arrive from the Pacific Coast with Hal Roach, who is in New York on his annual visit to Paul Brunet. Accompanying Producer Roach are Mrs. Roach, Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis and her mother. The visit will be a brief one, Mr. Roach said, owing to pressure of work involved in keeping pace with Pathe distribution. Lloyd and Hal Roach comedies and the new Ruth Roland serial are calling upon all the resources of the Hal Roach studios, although they have been much expanded during the last year and supplied throughout with the latest and best equipment and accessories. Allied Film Laboratories Hold New Year’s Ball The first grand ball and entertainment of the Allied Film Laboratories Association, Inc., held at the Twelfth Regiment Armory, New York city, New Year’s Eve,, brought out a big crowd of Allied members, employees and a host of friends and was a great success. Among those present were Miss Martann, film star; George Blair, Eastman Kodak Co., members of the Allied Film Laboratories ; L. Abraham and L. J. San of the Craftsman Laboratories, Inc. ; Mark M. Dintenfass of the National Film Laboratories ; F. Doublier of the Palisades Film Laboratoi'ies ; Ross A. Corum of the Bay State Film Sales Co. ; H. F. Rendall of Motion Picture News, and J. S. Northrup of Exhibitors Trade Review.