Motography (Jan-Jun 1914)

28 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XI, No. I ing from $10,000 to $50,000 together with substantial royalties on the gross receipts, were offered the committee. Pathe Freres secured the concession without the payment of any cash bonus, the committee and exposition officials being convinced that none of the other bidders could give the exposition the world distribution for the pictures that they were assured of receiving under the contract with Pathe. I'athe Freres were represented throughout the negotiations by J. W. Binder who spent six weeks in San Francisco. Mr. Binder is a specialist in business organization, who for nearly a year has been making a study of the motion picture art, with a view of developing its use along industrial, educational and commercial lines. As a direct outcome of the Pathe contract, Mr. Binder has set apart one day out of thirteen to be covered by the World Congress on Education which will commence in San Francisco in July, 1915. The entire day is to be devoted to a practical exposition of methods of applyinig the motion picture to educational work from the primary school to the university. Mr. Binder will represent Pathe Freres at San Francisco working out the details of the contract. He left for there January first. Private Showing of "A Good Little Devil" It was by arrangement with David Belasco that Daniel Frohman gave a presentation of "A Good Little Devil" to Mr. Belasco's theatrical friends, on the afternoon of December 16 at Belasco theater. With the exception of this modern fairy tale's showing during exposition week, at the Famous Players studio where the story was filmed, its showing at a Belasco afternoon, was its first public one, and it delighted the large though select attendance which viewed it. David Belasco and Adolph Zukor were among those present. It was fitting that the first showing of so well produced and so widely heralded a film should have had its screening directed by S. L. Rothapfel, the peer of producers. The stage with its banking of ferns, the orchestra of twenty-five pieces — known to theater-goers as the Boston Fadettes with Mrs. Nichols as leader — and the vocal soloists who assisted, all were typical of a Rothapfel management. Mary Pickford as Juliet, playmate of "the good little devil," Ernest Truex, was delightful and the work of William Norris as Mrs. MacMiche was remarked as being exceptionally good. The fairies, who influence the trend of the story, were real people and not merely shadowy, mythical ones, to "the good little devil," and the blind Juliet, and as such they came and went. The restoration of Juliet's sight and the love of her, resurrected in the heart of Charles, form the pleasing end of a fairy tale that is sure to be interesting to old and young, alike. First Griffith Picture Paul Armstrong's sensational drama "The Escape" will soon be seen as a four-part motion picture. It is being produced by the famous director D. W. Griffith for presentation on the Mutual program. The appearance of this pretentious picture will be of special interest, as it will not only mark the first appearance of Blanch Sweet as a Mutual star, but it Avill also be the first Mutual picture presented under the direction of Mr. Griffith. The cast is made up of such familiar favorites as Mae Marsh, Robert Harron, Donald Crisp, Earl Foxe, C. S. Abbey and Spottiswood Aitken. Five Exposures in One Scene A remarkable piece of photography has been accomplished at the West Coast studios of the Universal in Francis Ford's production, "The Return of the Twins' Double," In one scene a double-exposed vision is seen in a triple exposure. In other words, five separate exposures are made on the same piece of film. The story was written by Grace Cunard, Mr. Ford's leading woman, and is a sequel to "The Twins' Double." The female crook is on her way to prison when the last named story closes. In the sequel she escapes and the thrilling story is continued. Mr. Ford plays the part of a great detective. The camera work is by Al. Siegler. Letter of Appreciation Clarence J. Harris, Oklahoma City, Okla., wrote the scenario of "The Trail of the Lost Chord," a recent two-reel "Flying A" subject, which met with universal approval and is still drawing full houses. When the picture was run in an Oklahoma house Mr. Harris was so well pleased with the production that he wrote at considerable length to Ed. Coxen, who played the lead. We quote but the first paragraph, which reads as follows : Permit me to express to you my sincerest appreciation for your masterly and artistic work in my drama, "The Trail of the Lost Chord." Naturally I went to the theater with no little anxiety and expectancy. To say I was charmed with your work is slightly expressing it; the drama and its lesson depended on you; it all lay with you and you lifted it to most exalted altitudes and gave to it such a stamp of your own personality that it thrilled me as I felt the strength of your high ideals and magnificent individuality. The letter is much appreciated by Mr. Coxen. Ohio League Convention At the Ohio state convention of the Motion Picture Exhibitors' League, which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Sinton Hotel on January 27, 28 and 29, 1914, the question of censorship and the number of reels to constitute a program will be two of the very important subjects discussed. Other matters pertaining to the league will come up in their regular form and definite action will be taken. A strong effort will be made to secure the attendance of every member in the state of Ohio. Letters are being received from many states, stating that the writer will be at the convention. A complimentary ticket will be reserved for every visiting exhibitor, manufacturer, film exchange man and all interested in cinematography to the big banquet on the night of the 28th, and the ball on the night of the 29th. Banquet, ball and all entertainment will be free for the visitors. The national executive board will meet on the 26th and all grievances or suggestions should be presented in writing to the board before it meets. A full set of state officers for Ohio will be elected and a new treasurer, as Mr. Rieder has resigned. Chicago Censorship Attacked Attorney Henry J. Toner, representing the Mutual Film Corporation, the World's Special Feature Film Company, the H. and H. Film Service, and August Zilligen has begun a suit attacking the validity of the film censorship ordinances of Chicago, action having been started on Saturday, December 20 in the United States District Court. The complainants asked to restrain the city from enforcing it, until its constitutionality shall be passed upon.