Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

462 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 10. Public Flocks Back to the Theatre Result Is the Restoration of Exhibitor Confidence and Increased Booking A GREAT CHANGE for the better for exhibitors has come with suddenness in practically all sections of, the United States, according to accurate information gathered by Goldwyn Pictures Corporation. Weather conditions everywhere have relaxed and with the first break in the severities of climate throughout the northern tier of states the public has begun flocking back to the screen house's. The immediate effect has been the restoration of exhibitor confidence and the increased booking of strong productions of assured-in-advance box-office value. Goldwyn again finds itself in a fortunate and enviable position for serving the needs of exhibitors with its March .and April releases, these being four pictures of great strength, including one of the most sensational productions of the year, Mary Garden in "The Splendid Sinner," by Kate Jordan. Both the public and the industry have had a natural curiosity to know how strong a drawing card Mary Garden proved to be on her entry into pictures in Goldwyn's "Thais." Tabulation of Goldwyn contracts reveals the fact that in excess of sixty per cent of the regular Goldwyn customers who played "Thais" already have re-booked this production for repeat dates and that one-third of these repeat dates have been played at the time of this writing. of Strong Productions This can be taken as a forecast of Miss Garden's popularity in "The Splendid Sinner," which is an even bigger and more unusual picture than "Thais." Its advantage over "Thais" is found, perhaps, on the two important points of modernness of theme and dress and the fact that it is an emotional drama that gives this vital star the stormiest and most daring role of her career. "The Splendid Sinner" was completed early in December and was directed by Edwin Carewe. It will be released on April 7 and goes to all Goldwyn customers at their regular rental price, although it would make a fortune for Goldwyn if released as a special at advanced prices. Exhibitors themselves have determined Mae Marsh's newest Goldwyn production, "The Beloved Traitor," released February 24. Here again Miss Marsh is found to have an emotional role — one of those tense, heart-interest love stories which have been the basis of her world-wide popularity. Both exhibitors and the public eagerly welcome her in an occasional sweet picture of "The Cinderella Man" type, but a huge volume of correspondence constantly demands that she be given other productions calling for stronger emotional work. "The Beloved Traitor" by Frank L. Packard, comes, therefore, in direct answer to demand. Goldwyn's next release gives exhibi tors Mabel Normand in an unusual comedy-drama, "The Floor Below," and brings this popular star to the screen quickly upon the heels of the big success scored by her in "Dodging a Million." The new story is by Elaine Sterne and it is beyond question even bigger in its interest and gripping quality than "Dodging a Million." It is in popular language a comedy-drama, but it is a great deal more, for it is also rattling melodrama that gives Mabel Normand the opportunity for dramatic acting as well as for laugh-creating tricks and mannerisms. This production is released March 10. Clarence G. Badger is Miss Normand's director. As the next Goldwyn release on March 24 comes Madge Kennedy in "The Danger Game," by Roy Somerville. As its title suggests, this too, is of a melodramatic character, but with a good measure of comedy. Madge Kennedy asked Goldwyn to give her the chance for a picture that could not be termed a "bridal veil comedy." She wanted a picture with an "acting role" and Goldwyn is now glad that it acceded to her wishes. "The Danger Game" is unlike anything she has done before and it possesses novelty that no other picture can duplicate. This exciting production was directed by Edward Dillon. Goldwyn executives believe it is not saying too much to assert that these productions are the four strongest pictures they have issued in consecutive release since the organization of the company. Trapped By Chaplin Mustache Scarcely a day passes that Charlie Chaplin is not either directly or indirectly responsible for some good. His value was recognized recently even by the United States postal authorities when a country-wide search was being made for a young man who is alleged to have robbed the Cornell, Cal., post office of considerable money orders. A description of the fugitive read: "He will be recognized by his small Charlie Chaplin mustache." Not long after the police of Kansas City, Mo., arrested the young man, recognizing him by his mustache, and he has been returned to Los Angeles, where he awaits trial. An eye-opener in the newest Mack Sennett comedy, "It Pays to Exercise! Remove Tax on Operators At a meeting of the city commission of Nashville, Tenn., a few days ago, it was decided to remove the $1 license renewal tax assessed upon operators and the law governing this matter was accordingly revoked.