Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

i« THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS The Toll of the Marshes Essanay A PHASE of life which is every day experienced by many unfortunates whose love of nature has compelled them to answer the "Back to the Land" call, but through the evil schemings of land agents are victims to unscrupulous money grabbers. "The Toll of the Marshes" hits a human strain and makes an interesting story. John Hammond, a young man whose activities in a commercial way have been confined to the city, but whose remuneration was not big, determines to take his mother south to buy a small piece of property, work a piece of farm land, and be independent. Mrs. Hammond, who knows more of the world than her son, pleads with him to continue where he is, arguing that the future would probably be brighter. John, however, like most sons, prevails upon his mother and wins out. He secures her permission to invest their savings, a few hundred dollars, into some land in the Southern states. Enthused over their new acquisition, they leave for the farm country immediately. Their confidence in men and the good things in life are shattered when they discover that their farm is nothing more or less than swamp land. Without funds they are forced to remain there until they can earn enough to take them back to the North. We are taken back to the office of the land president, where we see him gloating over his victims and furnish ing his wife with the hard sweat and blood-stained money his investors had so willingly given up to him. John and his mother manage to make a bare living harvesting flags, but this does not last long, as Mrs. Hammond is gradually becoming a victim of malaria. The swindling land agents think little of their suffering victims, of those little ones death is claiming because of the terrible disease that so easily is bred in the low, swampy marsh land. Rogers, the president of the land company, takes a trip to the South. He secures accommodations in the best hotel the town affords. Rogers' wife and child have accompanied him. The daughter, at a time she is not being watched, wanders off and gets lost in the marshes. Mrs. Hammond, completely worn out from her hard work and the ravages of the on-creeping fever, is compelled to have medical attention. John goes in search of a doctor. On his return from the doctor's house he finds Josephine stuck fast in the treacherous marsh, clinging to the weeds for her life. Rogers is notified that his child is lost. The man who had robbed the poor for his own selfish sake, forgets his wealth and risks his life in Swampville, searching for his daughter. His land victims try to shoot him. He offers reimbursement to all in case his child is restored to him. Hammond carries the child to his tent, where the doctor is attending his mother. Medical attention is given her. Mrs. Hammond pulls through all right. Rogers returns the money for the land to Hammond?' Mother and son agree to return to the North and Josephine is returned to her father. §3 THE GENERAL FILM GO'S EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM The General Film Company has announced the addition of two more reels to its Exclusive Service program. The original idea was to furnish twelve reels a week, divided into three programs of one multiple and two singles every second day. The first release of the "Exclusive Service twelve-reel plan was made on October 13th and proved a success, so great that the General Film Company wizards who had, in solving the Exclusive Service problem, accomplished a feat that has been considered impossible, were driven at top speed to keep pace with the progress of their idea. Three months' hard work had been put in by the committee in working out the details of the new service, and it was thought that every wrinkle had been so well smoothed out that their plans would slide along without a jolt. But even the most confident of the wizards had not looked for the rush of bids which came in from all parts of the country the first week the service was turned loose. Next week Exclusive Service program will be made up of fourteen reels, and it will be possible for any exhibitor whose business requires it, to secure a complete exclusive entertainment without resorting to a single "filler." The General Film Company has received, in addition to orders, many letters expressing the gratification of the exhibitor over the assurance that the Exclusive program is not being prepared at the expense of the regular program, which will continue to be made up of the best quality films that the ten licensed manufacturers are able to produce. Most of the letters express satisfaction with the statement made that Exclusive Service would not be furnished in any locality where its use might work a hardship on the exhibitor who is already using licensed service. Mason Hopper, director, has been engaged by the Universal Company to produce comedies. Mr. Hopper's experience as a director has been extensive, having been associated for the past three years with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company in the same capacity. Prior to entering the film game he started in vaudeville.