Motography (Jul-Dec 1917)

1092 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XVIII, No. 21. Woman Manager Puts Courtesy First Most Essential in Selling Amusement to the Public and Must Begin at the Box Office BY GEORGIA C. RICHARDSON Manager of the Colonial Theater Circuit, Saco, Me. GOURTESY seems to me one of the most essential things in selling amusement to the public. In the first place it should begin at the box office. The cashier should have information in regard to the day's program so that she may talk intelligently with those who ask questions. She should be taught to do this in an agreeable manner— with a smile — even though it sometimes hurts. Special attention should be given to those calling by phone, asking all the thousand and one things that we think they ought to know, but don't. Answering these questions in a short, curt manner, and slamming down the receiver will never get business, but a few pleasant words of explanation will go a good way and win friends for your house. The door man should also be taught to have a pleasant word for all, especially strangers. Rich or poor, one's dime is as good as another, and all should be shown every courtesy until they are comfortably seated. I find if you are in sight when they come out, just give them a pleasant smile, "How did you like the show?" "Hope you'll come again" and "Good night," that they will come again and they mention to others how courteously they are treated at this theater. Here are two instances that prove that old and young appreciate courtesy. On a Marguerite Clark night recently I found two tiny tots sitting in the back row of all, with hundreds of big folks ahead. It was impossible for them to see over the seat. I asked them if they didn't want to come down front. They did. I took them to a place of safety where nothing could escape their gaze, and much to my surprise the smallest one (who couldn't have been over seven summers) said, "Thank you." I already make it a point to assist elderly people to seats, especially at the matinees, when we don't have ushers. Only one day last week a woman came to me and wanted to thank me for being so kind to her mother as she always came in the afternoon and planned to get here before the lights were out, otherwise she couldn't see a thing, as she was extremely nearsighted. She had told her daughter not to worry about her for if she was late she was always taken care of. These things all help to bring you more business, for if they are treated well once they will come again, while if you pay no attention to them but just grab their money and let them get in and out the best they can, with things happening around them to disturb and detract their attention from the show, they are apt not to come again. I also believe that courtesy to your help goes a long way, for the majority of employees will do things willingly if asked to do so in a pleasant way, while if you are cranky and cross they won't do half as much for you, nor as well. As I said in the beginning, courtesy is one of the best advertisements for your house, and costs you nothing. Display it freely. Bold Bandit Robs Zukor and Lasky on Train Adolph Zukor and Jesse Lasky, moving picture magnates, while on their way to attend the opening of the new California theater, in San Francisco, were made the victims of hold-up men. Their train was stopped at Hasson, a small town south of Ventura, Cal., by a band of fifty desperadoes, who waved a red lantern. Volleys of pistol shots kept the train crew cowed while the leader of the gang entered the observation car. Frantic passengers hid their valuables in every conceivable place. Only two were molested, however, Adolph Zukor and Jesse Lasky — who were relieved of their valuables. As the train was about to start the bandit leader's identity was revealed. It was Wm. S. Hart, the noted actor, who adopted this sensational means of paying his respects to Zukor and Lasky. Hart and his company are at Hasson taking scenes for a picture. Deitrich Leaves Hearst Service Theodore C. Deitrich, for many years connected with the editorial departments of the Hearst newspapers and who during the last two years has been advertising and publicity director of Hearst's International Film Service, has tendered his resignation, effective about November 22. Mr. Deitrich, it is understood, will enter the motion picture producing field, as president and general manager of a recently incorporated film concern. A NOVELTY will be given exhibitors by Essanay December 17, when "The Dream Doll" will be released on the Perfection Picture program through the George Kleine System. Novel Idea Embraced in "The Dream Doll" The novelty is the invention of Howard S. Moss, an expert in the work of making and handling dolls. His collection of midgets, many imported, is worth thousands of dollars. When a picture calls for dolls of a type he can't find in stock he promptly makes the proper type. Mr. Moss' invention is patented and the many little secrets of the trade are closely guarded. But he does tell this much — how he animates the dolls. On the screen the dolls apparently move about without the aid of human hand as naturally as humans would move. Here is how it is done. If Mr. Moss wants the cook to walk to the kitchen door he moves one foot probably an eighth of an inch and the cameraman takes a tiny bit of film. This process is repeated until the cook reaches the door. It is tedious work, and it takes weeks to make a picture. In "The Dream Doll" both living characters and dolls are used. Marguerite Clayton plays the role of Ruby, the daughter of the Toy King, John Cossar. Bobby Bolder appears as A. Knutt, a crack-brain chemist. Rod LaRocque is Ruby's fiance. The chemist, working in the Toy King's factory, claims the discovery of a mixture that will bring dolls to life. Ruby enters the laboratory while the chemist is out. A doll the chemist has given life pours the mixture on her and she shrinks into a living doll. The dolls next bring to life a doll justice of peace and are married. Meanwhile, Ruby's father, fiance and friends are frantically searching the city. Then Ruby awakes. A scene from "The Dream Doll," an Essanay offering.